bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic Ventricular Threshold Measurement in Children with Epicardial Pacing Leads
Authors: HIIPPALA ANITA , CLAUSSON EVA , EKBLAD HENRIK , LESKINEN MARKKU , HAPPONEN JUHA‐MATTI 
Published: January 2006

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and reliability of automatic ventricular pacing threshold measurement, the Medtronic Capture Management™ (CM), in children with epicardial pacing leads. CM has not been recommended for use with epicardial leads due to lack of pertinent data.
Methods: During a 2‐year study period, 34 children (mean age 6.1 years, range 0 days to 17.7 years) with epicardial leads were prospectively enrolled. The CM measurements were compared with in‐office ventricular pacing threshold measurements. Thirty bipolar and five unipolar epicardial leads were assessed.
Results: CM measurements were successful and reliable in 30 out of 35 leads (86%). The mean threshold with CM was 1.16 V (95% CI 1.07–1.26 V), and with standard measurement was 1.18 V (95% CI 1.09–1.28 V), at a pulse width of 0.40 ms. The reasons for failure were evoked response undersensing in two cases (5.7%), and high intrinsic rate in one case. High pacing thresholds prevented accurate CM measurements in two cases.
Conclusions: CM automatic threshold measurements are consistent with standard ventricular pacing threshold measurements in children with epicardial leads. We recommend a period of monitoring CM performance before programming it to adjust output according to automatic threshold measurements, in order to find the patients in whom it does not work. The CM feature provides increased pacing safety when it measures well (86% of leads). A larger study is needed to prove the tendency for extending battery life in children with epicardial leads.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis with a Single Dose of Cefazolin During Pacemaker Implantation: Incidence of Long‐Term Infective Complications
Authors: BERTAGLIA EMANUELE , ZERBO FRANCESCA , ZARDO SUSANNA , BARZAN DANIELA , ZOPPO FRANCO , PASCOTTO PIETRO 
Published: January 2006

Objective:Systemic and localized infections related to permanent pacemaker implantation are not common, but are serious and potentially life‐threatening complications. The aims of this prospective observational study were: (1) to assess the safety and long‐term efficacy of a simplified scheme of antibiotic prophylaxis, and (2) to identify the predictors of long‐term infective complications, in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation or replacement.Methods and Results:From October 1998 to July 2001, 852 patients (mean age 77.0 ± 9.2 years; 474 men) who underwent new permanent pacemaker implantation (69.6%) or pulse generator replacement (30.4%) received a mini‐bag of 2 g of cefazolin diluted in 50 mL of saline solution, administered intravenously in 20 minutes before the beginning of the procedure. Early (within 2 months of implantation) and late major and minor infective complications were recorded. During the earlier phase, minor complications were observed in 9 patients (1%). During the long‐term phase of the surveillance (mean 25.6 ± 11.0 months, range 12–55 months) major infective complications were observed in 6 patients (0.7%). On multivariate analysis, no clinical or procedural variable predicted the occurrence of long‐term infective complications.Conclusions:Our data indicate the safety and efficacy of a single, intravenous 2 g dose of cefazolin in preventing infective complications related to pacemaker implantation or replacement. No clinical or procedural variable predicted the occurrence of long‐term infective complications.
Short‐Term Responses of Birds to Forest Gaps and Understory: An Assessment of Reduced‐Impact Logging in a Lowland Amazon Forest1
Authors: Wunderle Joseph M. , Henriques Luiza Magalli Pinto , Willig Michael R. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTWe studied physiognomy‐specific (i.e., gaps vs. understory) responses of birds to low harvest (18.7 m3/ha), reduced‐impact logging by comparing 3500 mist net captures in control and cut blocks of an Amazonian terra firme forest in Brazil at 20–42 mo postharvest. Species richness did not differ significantly between control (92 species) and cut (85) forest based on rarefaction to 1200 captures. Fifty‐six percent of all species were shared between control and cut forest, compared to the 64 percent shared between control blocks. Higher captures of nectarivores and frugivores in cut forest likely occurred as a consequence of postharvest resource blooms. Higher captures of some insectivores in cut as compared to control forest were unexpected, attributable to increased wandering or shifts from association with midstory to understory as a consequence of habitat alteration. Logging influenced capture rates for 21 species, either consistently, or via positive interaction with physiognomy or time (13 species higher in cut forest and 8 species higher in control forest). Cut understory sites had lower diversity (H′) and scaled dominance than understory and gap sites in control forest. Temporal changes in captures may have resulted from successional dynamics in cut forest: two guilds and three species increased in abundance. Increases in abundances of guilds and particular species were more prevalent in control than in cut forest, suggesting that logging displaced birds to control forest. In general, the effects of logging were relatively minor; low harvest rates and reduced‐impact methods may help to retain aspects of avian biodiversity in Amazon forest understories.
Descriptive and Prognostic Value of Patient-Reported Outcomes: The Bortezomib Experience in Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Dubois Dominique , Dhawan Ravinder , van de Velde Helgi , Esseltine Dixie , Gupta Sanjay , Viala Muriel , de la Loge Christine 
Published: January 2006

Purpose Bortezomib, a boronic acid dipeptide, has been recently introduced as a new approach to treating multiple myeloma (MM). The goal of this work was to evaluate the added value of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in the interpretation of bortezomib clinical trial outcomes. Patients and Methods Two hundred two patients with relapsed, refractory MM were treated with bortezomib as part of the SUMMIT (Study of Uncontrolled Multiple Myeloma Managed with Proteasome Inhibition Therapy) study. Patients were administered the following four PRO measures at several time points: the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the myeloma-specific module (QLQ-MY24), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) Fatigue scale, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)/Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Neurotoxicity (Ntx) scale. Minimal important difference (MID) thresholds were used to define patients as improved, stable, or worsened. A survival analysis was conducted to assess the predictive power of PRO data. Results For the total population, there was a positive change between baseline and best end point. Consistent with the clinical responses, change in PRO scores showed statistically significant differences between response groups with PRO improvement in patients with complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), mostly stable scores in patients with minor response or no change, and deterioration in most scores for patients with progressive disease. Change in scores for neuropathy-related symptoms was reasonably stable. In contrast, fatigue scores significantly improved for patients with CR or PR. When various MID thresholds were applied, the proportion of improved patients exceeded 35% for several domains within all change group definitions. Moreover, survival analysis results demonstrated the additional prognostic information PRO data can provide to supplement clinical data. Conclusion This study demonstrated the complementary value for PRO assessments in further interpreting clinical response, the impact of adverse effects, and patient prognosis in clinical trials.
Treatment of multiple hereditary osteochondromas of the forearm in children
Authors: Shin E. K. , Jones N. F. , Lawrence J. F. 
Published: January 2006

We have evaluated the clinical outcomes of simple excision, ulnar lengthening and the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure in the treatment of deformities of the forearm in patients with multiple hereditary osteochondromas. The medical records of 29 patients (33 forearms) were reviewed; 22 patients (22 forearms) underwent simple excision (four with ulnar lengthening) and seven the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. Simple excision increased the mean supination of the forearm from 63.2° to 75.0° (p = 0.049). Ulnar lengthening did not significantly affect the clinical outcome. The Sauvé-Kapandji technique improved the mean pronation from 33.6° to 55.0° (p = 0.047) and supination from 70.0° to 81.4° (p = 0.045). Simple excision may improve the range of movement of the forearm but will not halt the progression of disease, particularly in younger patients. No discernable clinical or radiological improvement was noted with ulnar lengthening. The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure combined with simple excision of osteochondromas can improve stability of the wrist, movement of the forearm and the radiological appearance.
The use of immunomodulators as an adjunct to antituberculous chemotherapy in non-responsive patients with osteo-articular tuberculosis
Authors: Arora A. , Nadkarni B. , Dev G. , Chattopadhya D. , Jain A. K. , Tuli S. M. , Kumar S. 
Published: January 2006

We studied 51 patients with osteo-articular tuberculosis who were divided into two groups. Group I comprised 31 newly-diagnosed patients who were given first-line antituberculous treatment consisting of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. Group II (non-responders) consisted of 20 patients with a history of clinical non-responsiveness to supervised uninterrupted antituberculous treatment for a minimum of three months or a recurrence of a previous lesion which on clinical observation had healed. No patient in either group was HIV-positive. Group II were treated with an immunomodulation regime of intradermal BCG, oral levamisole and intramuscular diphtheria and tetanus vaccines as an adjunct for eight weeks in addition to antituberculous treatment. We gave antituberculous treatment for a total of 12 to 18 months in both groups and they were followed up for a mean of 30.2 months (24 to 49). A series of 20 healthy blood donors served as a control group.Twenty-nine (93.6%) of the 31 patients in group I and 14 of the 20 (70%) in group II had a clinicoradiological healing response to treatment by five months.The CD4 cell count in both groups was depressed at the time of enrolment, with a greater degree of depression in the group-II patients (686 cells/mm3(sd 261) and 545 cells/mm3(sd 137), respectively; p < 0.05). After treatment for three months both groups showed significant elevation of the CD4 cell count, reaching a level comparable with the control group. However, the mean CD4 cell count of group II (945 cells/mm3(sd 343)) still remained lower than that of group I (1071 cells/mm3(sd 290)), but the difference was not significant. Our study has shown encouraging results after immunomodulation and antituberculous treatment in non-responsive patients. The pattern of change in the CD4 cell count in response to treatment may be a reliable clinical indicator.
Uptake of platinum-group elements with the diet: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Frazzoli Chiara , Cammarone Roberta , Caroli Sergio 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Over the past decade, the increasing use of car catalytic converters based on platinum-group elements (PGEs) has been raising more and more concern. Human exposure to these metals occurs indirectly also through the diet. Thus, a pilot investigation was undertaken in order to ascertain the actual intake of PGEs through bread and cow milk. All manipulations were performed in a Class-100 clean room so as to minimize the risk of sample contamination. Digestion of samples was achieved by means of a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2 with the assistance of microwave irradiation.
Determinations were performed by sector field inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) to quantify Pd, Pt, and Rh. The isotopes 105Pd+, 103Rh+, and 195Pt+ were used for the quantification. Major interferences were caused by 40Ar65Cu+ on 105Pd+, 179Hf16O+ on 195Pt+, and 87Rb16O+ and 87Sr16O+ on 103Rh+. Both physical and mathematical approaches for the interference correction were used. The mean values for PGEs were found to be as follows (in ng kg-1): full-cream milk: Pd, 3790; Pt, 83.2; Rh, 1680; skim milk: Pd, 12 400; Pt, 83.6; Rh, 1090; wholemeal bread: Pd, 3210; Pt, 171; Rh, 139; white bread: Pd, 27 400; Pt, 257; Rh, 2230. The preliminary data obtained in this study are probative of the significant portion of the total exposure to PGEs, which is due to the diet.
Trace element speciation in human milk
Authors: Michalke Bernhard 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
This paper summarizes speciation results in human milk samples. Information is presented about why these elements were speciated, which techniques were applied, and which speciation results were gained in human milk. We focus on a few selected elements, such as Zn, Se, I, and Mn. Each of these elements is regarded as an "essential" element and of specific importance for newborns. At the end of each element section, we attempt to extract the overall speciation information from the different literature sources. In short, for Zn it can be concluded that this element is bound predominantly to low-molecular-weight (LMW) compounds. Several papers identify the major Zn species as Zn-citrate. A few minor species are identified as well. The pattern of Se speciation seems to be dependent on the nutritional intake. Selenium speciation in milk from slightly Se-depleted regions shows Se bound in the LMW range, ligands were partly identified. In Se-rich regions, Se seems to be associated with proteins, e.g., glutathione peroxidase. The major I species in human milk is iodide, as found by several groups. Other I species, however, were seen as well. The results of Mn speciation from different groups agreed that Mn is to a considerable amount in the LMW fraction. Again, citrate seems to play an important role as ligand.
Capabilities and limitations of gel electrophoresis for elemental speciation: A laboratory's experience
Authors: Chéry Cyrille C. , Moens Luc , Cornelis Rita , Vanhaecke Frank 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Gel electrophoresis is a fractionation/separation technique that yields valuable information in the field of metalloproteomics, often referred to as metallomics. This paper is based on four years of practical experience of the authors' lab in this domain and highlights the capabilities and limitations of gel electrophoresis. Pitfalls of the technique were recognized by identifying the origin of artefacts in the separation, species degradation being the most important. Gel electrophoresis can be accomplished under either native or denaturing conditions. The speciation of vanadium and selenium among serum and yeast proteins, respectively, is used to illustrate these two major modes. The most powerful approach is two-dimensional denaturing gel electrophoresis. This review of the methods used in our laboratory also describes the application of the two major detection techniques, autoradiography on the one hand and electrothermal vaporization - or laser ablation (LA) - inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) on the other.
A Logical Pozzolanic Index and Its Use in Concrete Proportioning
Authors: Dunstan ER , A Zayed 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
A new approach to pozzolanic index is proposed. The proposed index (from 0 to 1) is based on the percentage of the pozzolan that reacts with lime. The index is logical in that it is a description of the level of reactivity of the pozzolan. The optimum pozzolan percentage for use with cement can be calculated using the index. An index can be estimated from pozzolanic reactions with lime or based on its contribution to the strength of concrete or mortar. A model for concrete strength incorporating the index is proposed that can be used to estimate concrete strength.
Recent Advances in Chemical Synthesis, Self‐Assembly, and Applications of FePt Nanoparticles
Authors: Sun S. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis paper reviews recent advances in chemical synthesis, self‐assembly, and potential applications of monodisperse binary FePt nanoparticles. After a brief introduction to nanomagnetism and conventional processes of fabricating FePt nanoparticles, the paper focuses on recent developments in solution‐phase syntheses of monodisperse FePt nanoparticles and their self‐assembly into nanoparticle superlattices. The paper further outlines the surface, structural, and magnetic properties of the FePt nanoparticles and gives examples of three potential applications in data storage, permanent magnetic nanocomposites, and biomedicine.
Kinetic modeling of slurry propylene polymerization using rac‐ET(Ind)2ZrCl2/MAO
Authors: Gonzalez‐Ruiz Ramon A. , Quevedo‐Sanchez Bernabe , Laurence Robert L. , Henson Michael A. , Coughlin E. Bryan 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe slurry homopolymerization of propylene catalyzed by the isospecific metallocene rac‐Et(Ind)2ZrCl2/MAO was investigated using a semi‐batch reactor. A full factorial design with three temperatures (50, 65 and 75°C) and four monomer partial pressures (1.5, 2.5, 3.2, and 3.8 atm) was performed. Analysis by 1H NMR revealed the formation of vinylidene, cis‐2‐butenyl and 4‐butenyl end‐groups. A kinetic model based on a coordination‐insertion mechanism was developed to predict instantaneous reaction rate, molecular weights and polymer chain ends. The kinetic rate constants were estimated using a systematic optimization strategy. The model predicts that the insertion of the first propylene molecule is rate limiting with respect to propagation. Molecular weight decreases with temperature due to the high activation energy of the main chain transfer reaction (101 kJ/mol) relative to propagation (52 kJ/mol). The percentage of butenyl end‐groups with respect to vinylidene decreases with temperature, thus predicting a lower activation energy for the β‐hydride elimination after secondary insertion (27 kJ/mol). © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Habitat‐specific ranging patterns of Dian's tarsiers (Tarsius dianae) as revealed by radiotracking
Authors: Merker Stefan 
Published: January 2006

AbstractDian's tarsier Tarsius dianae, one of the smallest primates on earth, is endemic to the central regions of Sulawesi, Indonesia. To evaluate the effects of increasing land use by humans on the ranging patterns of this nocturnal insect hunter, four study plots along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance were selected for this study. In these plots, 71 tarsiers were captured with mist nets, and 30 of these were fitted with 3.9 g radiotransmitters and subsequently tracked over the course of 2 weeks per animal. The average home ranges were 1.1–1.8 ha in size, with the smallest ranges in slightly disturbed habitat and the largest ranges in a heavily disturbed plantation. These findings coincide with different estimates of insect abundance in the study plots. Nightly travel distances were smallest in undisturbed old‐growth forest and slightly increased along a gradient of human disturbance. The tarsiers were most active shortly after dusk and just before dawn. The results of this comprehensive radiotracking study on tarsiers show that T. dianae adapts its ranging behavior to the degree and type of human land use. Integrated data on home range size and travel distance indicate that slightly disturbed forest is as favorable to these animals as undisturbed habitat. However, with increasing anthropogenic effects, the living conditions of the tarsiers appear to deteriorate, resulting in the necessity for larger home and night ranges. The results of this study provide an important tool for directing conservation efforts targeted at the survival of this primate in central Sulawesi. Am. J. Primatol. 68:111–125, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Randomized controlled trial of intraputamenal glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor infusion in Parkinson disease
Authors: Lang Anthony E. , Gill Steven , Patel Nik K. , Lozano Andres , Nutt John G. , Penn Richard , Brooks David J. , Hotton Gary , Moro Elena , Heywood Peter , Brodsky Matthew A. , Burchiel Kim , Kelly Patrick , Dalvi Arif , Scott Burton , Stacy Mark , Turner Dennis , Wooten V. G. Frederich , Elias William J. , Laws Edward R. , Dhawan Vijay , Stoessl A. Jon , Matcham James , Coffey Robert J. , Traub Michael 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjectiveGlial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) exerts potent trophic influence on midbrain dopaminergic neurons. This randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to confirm initial clinical benefits observed in a small, open‐label trial using intraputamenal (Ipu) infusion of recombinant human GDNF (liatermin).MethodsThirty‐four PD patients were randomized 1 to 1 to receive bilateral continuous Ipu infusion of liatermin 15μg/putamen/day or placebo. The primary end point was the change in Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score in the practically defined off condition at 6 months. Secondary end points included other UPDRS scores, motor tests, dyskinesia ratings, patient diaries, and 18F‐dopa uptake.ResultsAt 6 months, mean percentage changes in “off” UPDRS motor score were −10.0% and −4.5% in the liatermin and placebo groups, respectively. This treatment difference was not significant (95% confidence interval, −23.0 to 12.0, p = 0.53). Secondary end point results were similar between the groups. A 32.5% treatment difference favoring liatermin in mean 18F‐dopa influx constant (p = 0.019) was observed. Serious, device‐related adverse events required surgical repositioning of catheters in two patients and removal of devices in another. Neutralizing antiliatermin antibodies were detected in three patients (one on‐study and two in the open‐label extension).InterpretationLiatermin did not confer the predetermined level of clinical benefit to patients with PD despite increased 18F‐dopa uptake. It is uncertain whether technical differences between this trial and positive open‐label studies contributed in any way this negative outcome. Ann Neurol 2006
Signal Amplification by Allosteric Catalysis
Authors: Zhu Lei , Anslyn Eric V. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIn this article we unify a series of recent studies on bio‐ and chemosensors under a single signaling strategy: signal amplification by allosteric catalysis (SAAC). The SAAC strategy mimics biological signal transduction processes, where molecular recognition between an external signal and a protein receptor is allosterically transduced into catalytically amplified chemical information (usually second messengers). Several recent biosensing and chemosensing studies apply this nature‐inspired strategy by using engineered allosteric enzymes, ribozymes, or regulatable organic catalysts. The factors pertinent to achieving high sensitivity and specificity in SAAC strategies are analyzed. The authors believe that these early studies from a variety of research groups have opened up a new venue for the development of sensing technologies where molecular recognition and catalysis can be coupled for practical purposes.