bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Factors and Susceptibility to Falls in Older Women
Authors: Pajala Satu , Era Pertti , Koskenvuo Markku , Kaprio Jaakko , Viljanen Anne , Rantanen Taina 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether genetic influences account for individual differences in susceptibility to falls in older women.DESIGN: Prospective twin cohort study.SETTING: Research laboratory and residential environment.PARTICIPANTS: Ninety‐nine monozygotic (MZ) and 114 dizygotic (DZ) female twin pairs aged 63 to 76 from the Finnish Twin Cohort study.MEASUREMENTS: The participants recorded their falls on a calendar for an average±standard deviation of 344±41 days. Reported falls were verified via telephone interview, and circumstances, causes, and consequences of the fall were asked about.RESULTS: The total number of falls was 434, of which 188 were injurious; 91 participants had two or more falls. Casewise concordance was 0.61 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.49–0.72) for MZ twins and 0.49 (95% CI=0.37–0.62) for DZ twins for at least one fall, 0.38 (95% CI=0.23–0.53) for MZ and 0.33 (95% CI=0.17–0.50) for DZ twins for at least one injurious fall, and 0.43 (95% CI=0.26–0.60) for MZ and 0.36 (95% CI=0.17–0.55) for DZ twins for recurrent falls. On average, the proportion of familial influences accounting for the individual differences in susceptibility to at least one fall was 30% and to recurrent falls was 40%; nongenetic familial and nonfamilial factors alone accounted for susceptibility to at least one injurious fall.CONCLUSION: In community‐dwelling older women, familial factors underlie the risk of falling but not the risk of injurious falls.
Depressive Symptoms in Older People Predict Nursing Home Admission
Authors: Harris Yael , Cooper James K. 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the power of several self‐reported depressive symptoms to predict nursing home admission (NHA).DESIGN: A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the risk of NHA.SETTING: Data were from the Health Outcomes Survey (a national random sample of 137,000 Medicare + Choice enrollees aged 65 and older), the Nursing Home Minimum Data Set, and the Medicare Enrollment Database.PARTICIPANTS: Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older enrolled in a Medicare Managed Care Plan who were self‐respondents to the questionnaire and were not institutionalized at the time of the survey.MEASUREMENTS: Variables were self‐reported functional status, chronic health conditions, demographics, and several mood‐related questions.RESULTS: After controlling for age, race, sex, marital status, home ownership, functional status, and comorbid conditions, individuals who identified themselves as feeling sad or depressed much of the time over the previous year were at significantly higher risk of NHA.CONCLUSION: A single question about depressive symptoms can be used to identify individuals at higher risk of NHA. There may be benefit from better screening and treatment of depression in community‐based older people. Depression and social support may be linked. This study was targeted and did not attempt to explain everything that affects NHA. Investigation of the relationship between social support, depression, and NHA should be considered in future research.
Storage of buffy coat–derived platelets in additive solutions: in vitro effects of storage at 4°C
Authors: Sandgren Per , Shanwell Agneta , Gulliksson Hans 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  The aims of this in vitro study were to compare the storage of platelets (PLTs) at 4°C with those stored at 22°C and to determine the in vitro effects of preincubation at 37°C for 1 hour before the analysis on the basis of the maintenance of PLT metabolic and cellular integrity.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  PLT concentrates (PCs) were prepared from pooled buffy coats (BCs) for paired studies (total eight pools from 160 BCs). Each pool was divided into four PCs and stored under different conditions: at 20 to 24°C on a flatbed agitator, at 20 to 24°C on a flatbed agitator and with incubation of the samples at 37°C for 1 hour before the analysis, at 4°C, and at 4°C and with incubation of the samples at 37°C for 1 hour before the analysis.RESULTS:  Storage of PLTs at 4°C resulted in reductions in the rate of glycolysis and better retention of pH after Day 10 than in PCs stored at 22°C (Day 14, 7.003 ± 0.047 vs. 7.201 ± 0.146). Hypotonic shock response and extent of shape change were higher at 22°C than at 4°C and in preincubated PCs stored at 22°C than in reference PCs stored at the same temperature (Day 5, 45.6 ± 2.7 vs. 36.5 ± 3.9 and 24.1 ± 2.0 vs. 15.5 ± 1.8). The concentration of RANTES was higher in PCs stored at 22°C than at 4°C (Day 7, 179 ± 25 vs. 79 ± 32).CONCLUSION:  PLTs stored at 4°C without agitation maintain metabolic and cellular characteristics to a great extent during 21 days of storage. These studies confirm the view that PLTs lose their discoid shape and that this loss with storage at 4°C is associated with reductions in metabolic rate and in their release of α‐granule content.
A national sample of US paternity tests: do demographics predict test outcomes?
Authors: Bishai David , Astone Nan , Argys Laura , Gutendorf Robert , Filidoro Chris 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  Nearly 300,000 paternity tests are performed in the United States annually to include or exclude a male as the biological father of a child. Little is known about how well the test outcomes could be predicted simply on the basis of the subjects’ social background. Our objective is to document the demographic composition of test subjects and to determine how well ethnic background and age predict paternity inclusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A national database of 9999 paternity test results was formed weighted to represent the population of paternity establishment cases for the United States. Multiple regression determined the odds ratio of a paternity inclusion based on demographic variables such as race and age.RESULTS:  The test results indicated paternity inclusions in 72 percent of cases, overall. The percent included varied little across racial and/or ethnic categories with a low of 67 percent in African Americans and a high of 82 percent among Native Americans, but these differences were not significant in multivariate analysis. The likelihood of inclusion showed a modest but significant correlation with increased maternal age. Mothers of European origin who nominated non‐Europeans as fathers were less likely to identify the correct man as father.CONCLUSION:  For any subject receiving a genetic test in a child support office, predicting a 72 percent probability that the test will show paternity inclusion offers as good an estimate of the test outcome as a subgroup estimate based on a subject’s age, race, and child characteristics.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Continuous Flow Nitrous Oxide and Nalbuphine Infusion for Sedation of Patients During Radiofrequency Atrial Flutter Ablation
Authors: LAURENT GABRIEL , BERTAUX GÉRALDINE , MARTEL ALEXANDRA , FRAISON MICHEL , FROMENTIN STÉPHANE , GONZALEZ STÉPHANIE , PIERRE FRANÇOIS SAINT , WOLF JEAN ERIC 
Published: April 2006

Background: In patients with common atrial flutter (CAF), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) causes discomfort. Patients undergoing RFA often feel pain which is difficult to control as the mechanisms are unclear.
Hypothesis: Inhaled nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent sedative‐analgesic‐anxiolytic agent that may relieve anxiety and discomfort during CAF ablation.
Methods and Results: In a prospective randomized study, the effect of Inhaled N2O was compared with that of intravenous sedation with Nalbuphine during CAF ablation in 76 patients (64 ± 13 years, 56 men). We used a 24 pole mapping catheter around the tricuspid annulus and a 8‐mm tip ablation catheter for each patient. Forty‐two patients (group 1) underwent radiofrequency (RF) application to the cavotricuspid isthmus 5 minutes after the beginning of inhalation of a (50% N2O/50% O2) mixture. Thirty‐four patients (group 2), underwent the first RF application 15 minutes after the end of an infusion of Nalbuphine (20 mg delivered over 15 minutes). Ablation‐related anxiety and discomfort were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 100 mm, with 0 correlating to the statement “no pain at all” and 100 with “the worst possible pain.” The VAS score was determined at the end of each application.The number of RF applications (group 1; 10 ± 8 vs group 2; 11 ± 6, P = NS) and procedure duration (group 1; 75 ± 53 minutes vs group 2; 72 ± 45 minutes, P = NS), were similar for the two groups. N2O sedation compared with nalbuphine infusion reduced VAS for anxiety (10 mm ± 8 vs 58 mm ± 22, P < 0.05) and for discomfort (18 mm ± 9 vs 45 mm ± 34, P < 0.01), respectively. Although there was more frequent vomiting in group 1; 7 of 42 (17%) than in group 2; 3 of 34 (9%), P < 0.05, patients were less likely to have hypotension during the procedure 1 of 42 (2.5%) versus 4 of 34 (12%), P < 0.05, respectively.
Conclusion: Inhalation of a (50% N2O/50% O2) mixture during RF ablation for atrial flutter is a safe and efficient way to reduce anxiety and discomfort caused by RF applications.
Excitation of the Intrinsic Conduction System Through His and Interventricular Septal Pacing
Authors: LASKE TIMOTHY G , SKADSBERG NICHOLAS D , HILL ALEXANDER J , KLEIN GEORGE J , IAIZZO PAUL A 
Published: April 2006

Background: Direct His bundle pacing results in rapid synchronous ventricular activation. However, clinical experiences with such pacing have been associated with long procedure times and compromised pacing and sensing performance.
Methods: We evaluated myocardial activation sequences (AS) for pacing of the His bundle and peri‐His region and assessed acute pacing performance using custom‐designed plunge electrodes. Unipolar pacing was performed in isolated swine hearts (n = 10) using four quadripolar stimulation/sensing electrodes implanted into the interventricular septum and equally spaced between the membranous septum and the coronary sinus ostium (zones 1–4, respectively; electrode depth (ED) 1 = most distal, ED 4 = most proximal). Optimal pacing sites were defined as: pacing thresholds ≤1.5 V, a P‐R ratio of ≤0.5, and ≥50% occurrence of an intrinsic midseptal left ventricular (LV) endocardial electrical breakout (BO) and activation pattern.
Results: Pacing thresholds improved with greater depth of electrode location within the septum (ED 1: 1.51 ± 0.8 V vs ED 4: 5.2 ± 3.8 V, P < 0.001), as did the P‐R ratio (0.34 ± 0.6 vs 0.78 ± 1.0, P < 0.05). His potentials were only observed in zone 1 and 2 electrodes (0.12 and 0.02 mV, respectively). Only electrodes in zones 1 and 2 produced LV endocardial electrical BOs in the midseptal region that demonstrated an intrinsic‐like endocardial AS. Depth 1 and 2 electrodes (11.75 and 8.75 mm, respectively) in zone 1 satisfied all three optimal pacing site requirements.
Conclusions: This study has shown that LV activation patterns similar to sinus rhythm may be achieved without direct activation of the His bundle, while maintaining acceptable pacing and sensing performance. These data indicate that pacing systems designed to stimulate the tissues below the point at which the His bundle penetrates the central fibrous body may provide improved system efficiency and LV performance in comparison to both direct His bundle pacing and traditional pacing sites.
Reduction of RV Pacing by Continuous Optimization of the AV Interval
Authors: MILASINOVIC GORAN , SPERZEL JOHANNES , SMITH TIMOTHY W. , MEAD HARDWIN , BRANDT JOHAN , HAISTY WESLEY K. , BAILEY J. RUSSELL , ROELKE MARC , SIMONSON JAY , GERRITSE BART , ENGLUND JENNIFER , COMPTON STEVEN J. ,   on Behalf of The Worldwide EnPulse Investigators )
Published: April 2006

Background: In patients requiring permanent pacing, preservation of intrinsic ventricular activation is preferred whenever possible. The Search AV+ (SAV+) algorithm in Medtronic EnPulse™ dual‐chamber pacemakers can increase atrioventricular (AV) intervals to 320 ms in patients with intact or intermittent AV conduction. This prospective, multicenter study compared the percentage of ventricular pacing with and without AV interval extension.
Methods: Among 197 patients enrolled in the study, the percentage of ventricular‐paced beats was evaluated via device diagnostics at the 1‐month follow‐up. Patient cohorts were defined by clinician assessment of conduction via a 1:1 AV conduction test at the 2‐week follow‐up. The observed percentage of ventricular pacing with SAV + ON and the predicted percentage of ventricular pacing with SAV + OFF were determined from the SAV + histogram data for the period between the 2‐week and 1‐month follow‐up visits.
Results: Of 197 patients, 110 (55.8%) had intact 1:1 AV conduction, of which 109 had 1‐month data. SAV + remained ON in 99/109 patients; 10 patients had intrinsic A‐V conduction intervals beyond SAV + nominal and therefore SAV + disabled. The mean percentage of ventricular pacing in the 109 patients was SAV+ ON = 23.1% (median 3.7%) versus SAV + OFF = 97.2% (median 99.7%). In 87 patients without 1:1 AV conduction, SAV + was programmed OFF in 6, automatically disabled in 52, and remained ON in 29. In 8 of these patients, 80–100% reduction in ventricular pacing was observed with SAV + ON.
Conclusion: The Search AV+ algorithm in the EnPulse pacemaker effectively promotes intrinsic ventricular activation and substantially reduces unnecessary ventricular pacing.
Development of molecular diagnostic markers for sharpshooters Homalodisca coagulata and Homalodisca liturata for use in predator gut content examinations
Authors: De León Jesse H. , Fournier Valerie , Hagler James R. , Daane Kent M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTo aid in identifying key predators of Proconiini sharpshooter species present in California, we developed and tested molecular diagnostic markers for the glassy‐winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata (Say), and smoke‐tree sharpshooter, Homalodisca liturata (Ball) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae). Two different types of markers were compared, those targeting single‐copy sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) and mitochondrial markers targeting the multicopy cytochrome oxidase subunit genes I (COI) and II (COII). A total of six markers were developed, two SCAR and four mitochondrial COI or COII markers. Specificity assays demonstrated that SCAR marker HcF5/HcR7 was H. coagulata specific and HcF6/HcR9 was H. coagulata/H. liturata specific. COI (HcCOI‐F/R) and COII (HcCOII‐F4/R4) markers were H. coagulata specific, COII (G/S‐COII‐F/R) marker was H. coagulata/H. liturata specific, and lastly, COII marker (Hl‐COII‐F/R) was H. liturata specific. Sensitivity assays using genomic DNA showed the COI marker to be the most sensitive marker with a detection limit of 6 pg of DNA. This marker was 66‐fold more sensitive than marker Hl‐COII‐F/R that showed a detection limit of 400 pg of DNA. In addition, the COI marker was 4.2‐fold more sensitive than the COII marker. In predator gut assays, the COI and COII markers demonstrated significantly higher detection efficiency than the SCAR markers. Furthermore, the COI marker demonstrated slightly higher detection efficiency over the COII marker. Lastly, we describe the inclusion of an internal control (28S amplification) for predation studies performing predator gut analyses utilizing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This control was critical in order to monitor reactions for PCR failures, PCR inhibitors, and for the presence of DNA.
Pheromone‐binding protein and general odorant‐binding protein of Sesamia nonagrioides: sex‐ and diel‐dependent expression
Authors: Konstantopoulou M.A. , Pratsinis H. , Kletsas D. , Mazomenos B.E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe expression of a pheromone‐binding protein (PBP) and a general odorant‐binding protein (GOBP) in Sesamia nonagrioides (Lef.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was studied. Lymantria dispar's PBP1 antibody yielded an immunoreactive band with an apparent MW of approximately 14.8 kDa, present specifically in the antennae of both sexes, with males having approximately three‐fold the quantity found in females. Furthermore, Manduca sexta's odorant‐binding protein‐2 (GOBP2) antibody recognized a band at approximately 14.5 kDa in the antennae of both sexes. Levels of both proteins were compared between scotophase and photophase periods in insects that were raised under L16:D8 or under constant light. The level of GOPB2 was significantly lower in both sexes during photophase and continuous light; whereas the level of the PBP was significantly lower in females’ antennae, in males’ antennae it remained at the same level as that found during the scotophase.
Attraction and oviposition of Ephestia kuehniella induced by volatiles identified from chocolate products
Authors: Christian Olsson P.‐O. , Anderbrant Olle , Löfstedt Christer 
Published: April 2006

AbstractHost‐plant volatiles or other volatiles that attract moths, especially females, could be useful as trap baits or as a complement to pheromones in pest management. Three chocolate products, which had previously been found to be attractive to other pyralid moths, were screened by combined gas chromatography‐electrophysiology for compounds that could be used for trapping of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) moths. Nine compounds were identified as electrophysiologically active using the antennae of both sexes of E. kuehniella. Three of them, namely, benzyl alcohol, nonanal, and phenylacetaldehyde (PAA), showed a clear dose‐dependent electroantennogram (EAG) response on both female and male antennae. In addition, vanillin and ethyl vanillin were electrophysiologically active on male antennae. A blend of benzyl alcohol, nonanal, and PAA was found to trap males in a small‐scale tent experiment. Females were not trapped, but oviposition was induced by each of the three volatiles individually. The results indicate that the volatiles show potential to be used in monitoring of E. kuehniella.
Metabolite mobilization in the stem galls of Parthenium hysterophorus induced by Epiblema strenuana inferred from the signatures of isotopic carbon and nitrogen and concentrations of total non‐structural carbohydrates
Authors: Raman A. , Madhavan S. , Florentine S.K. , Dhileepan K. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) is a weed of national significance in Australia. Among the several arthropod agents introduced into Australia to control populations of P. hysterophorus biologically, Epiblema strenuana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is the most widespread and abundant agent. By intercepting the normal transport mechanisms of P. hysterophorus, the larvae of E. strenuana drain nutrients, other metabolic products, and energy, and place the host plant under intense metabolic stress. In this study, determinations of total non‐structural carbohydrates (TNC) levels and carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of fixed products in different parts of the plant tissue, including the gall, have been made to establish the function of gall as a sink for the nutrients.Values of δ13C and δ15N in galls were significantly different than those in proximal and distal stems, whereas the TNC levels were insignificant, when measured in the total population of P. hysterophorus, regardless of plant age. However, carbon, nitrogen, and TNC signatures presented significant results, when assayed in different developmental stages of P. hysterophorus. Carbon isotope ratios in galls were consistently more negative than those from the compared plant organs. Nitrogen isotope ratios in galls, on the contrary, were either similar to or less negative than the compared plant organs, especially within a single host‐plant stage population (i.e., either rosette, preflowering, or flowering stage). TNC levels varied within compared plant populations. The stem distal to the gall functioned more efficiently as a nodal channel than the stem proximal to the gall, especially in the translocation of nitrogenous nutrients. Our findings indicate that the gall induced by E. strenuana functions as a sink for the assayed nutrients, although some variations have been observed in the patterns of nutrient mobilization. By creating a sink for the nutrients in the gall, E. strenuana is able to place the overall plant metabolism under stress, and this ability indicates E. strenuana has the necessary potential for use as a biological‐control agent.
Distributions and interactions of the stem miners Psylliodes chrysocephala and Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus and their parasitoids in a crop of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Ferguson Andrew W. , Barari Hassan , Warner Douglas J. , Campbell James M. , Smith Emma T. , Watts Nigel P. , Williams Ingrid H. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe within‐field spatio‐temporal distributions and relationships of two pest insects with stem‐mining larvae, Psylliodes chrysocephala (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus (Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and their larval endoparasitoids, Tersilochus microgaster (Szépligeti) and Tersilochus obscurator Aubert (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), respectively, were studied in a crop of winter oilseed rape [Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae)]. The insects were sampled, at different life stages, at 40 spatially referenced points within the oilseed rape in 1998–99 and in the following crop of winter wheat. Distributions were analysed and compared using SADIE (Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs) and by tests of edge distribution. Tersilochus microgaster emerged from overwintering by the end of March and T. obscurator from mid April to mid May 2000. Tersilochus microgaster parasitized 10.8% of P. chrysocephala larvae, peak parasitism occurring in May. The distribution of each species was patchy and irregular. Psylliodes chrysocephala and its parasitoid were closely associated, but new generation C. pallidactylus and T. obscurator were less so, probably because of host mortality caused by the parasitoid. The two host–parasitoid pairs showed distributions that were polarized with respect to each other. The genesis of these spatial patterns is discussed in relation to the influence of wind direction, plant size, and interspecific interactions. The potential of these parasitoids as biocontrol agents in integrated pest management is discussed. Opportunities for conservation biocontrol in oilseed rape offered by spatio‐temporal targeting of insecticides to avoid parasitoids and by reduced soil tillage are examined.