bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delirium and use of sedation agents in intensive care
Authors: Bourne Richard S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of the review was to consider the relationship between delirium and aspects of sedative and analgesic drug use in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. The basis for routine delirium screening and the implications for nurses are discussed along with a brief outline of the treatment of delirium.Background and context:  Delirium is common in intensive care patients and like other markers of organ failure is associated with worse outcomes. The risk of developing delirium is dependent on the patients’ individual vulnerability and on the burden of precipitating factors they are exposed to. Detection of delirium in intensive care patients is often difficult and requires the regular use of a validated screening tool. Intensive care patients are exposed to multiple delirium risk factors, and sedative and analgesic agents present an important subgroup, which we can attempt to control. Sedative and analgesic drug choice, their mode of administration, monitoring and titration have consequences for delirium development.Method:  Literature review.Conclusions:  Sedative and analgesic drugs have an important role in the prevention and treatment of delirium in intensive care patients. Routine delirium screening should be included as part of sedation monitoring practice. When detected, treatment is focused on the prompt correction of precipitating factors, non‐pharmacological interventions and appropriate drug therapy for symptom control.
Density of Familial Alcoholism and Its Effects on Alcohol Use and Problems in College Students
Authors: Capone Christy , Wood Mark D. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Previous studies of family history of alcoholism (FHA) in college students have typically relied on dichotomous indices of paternal drinking. This study examined the prevalence of FHA and its effects on alcohol use and problems using a density measure in a sample (n = 408) of college students.Methods:  Undergraduate students completed an anonymous survey in exchange for course credit. Data was collected between 2005 and 2006.Results:  Using a density measure of FHA, we observed an overall prevalence rate of 65.9% and a rate of 29.1% for FHA in both first and second‐degree relatives. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate relations among FHA, alcohol use/problems and previously identified etiological risk factors for alcohol use disorders (AUD). Results indicated a significant positive association between FHA and alcohol‐related problems and this relationship was mediated by age of onset of drinking, behavioral undercontrol and current cigarette use. Behavioral undercontrol also mediated the relationship between gender and alcohol problems. Additionally, FHA was associated with an earlier age of onset of drinking and this was related to greater alcohol use.Conclusions:  Assessing density of FHA in future trajectory research may capture a greater number of students at risk for acute alcohol‐related problems and/or future development of AUDs. Future preventive interventions with this population, which should begin well before the college years, may benefit from considering personality factors and incorporating smoking cessation to help identify at‐risk students and assist those who wish to cut down on their alcohol use but find that smoking acts as a trigger for increased drinking.
Lies, Damned Lies and Befuddlement
Authors: Giles Chris 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Why does a lawyer putting up his hourly rate increase our national productivity? Why does £83 billion of our GDP apparently come from rents that are never actually paid, or even demanded? This article, by Chris Giles, was the award-winner in the Print category of the 2007 RSS Statistical Excellence in Journalism competition. It first appeared in the Financial Times on July 27th, 2007.
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationships of Cognitive and Psychomotor Effects of Intravenous Buprenorphine Infusion in Human Volunteers
Authors: Jensen Mette L. , Sjøgren Per , Upton Richard N. , Foster David J. R. , Bonde Peter , Graae Christian , Skram Ulrik , Stevner Lene , Christrup Lona L. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract: The main objective of the present study was to characterize the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship of the effects of buprenorphine on cognitive functioning in healthy volunteers. Twenty‐three male volunteers received 0.6 mg buprenorphine as an intravenous infusion over 150 min. The cognitive and psychomotor performance was evaluated before and at various times after drug administration by a test battery consisting of trail‐making test for visual information processing, finger‐tapping test for psychomotor speed, and continuous reaction time for attention. Non‐linear mixed effect modelling was used in the analysis of the PK/PD relationships. Buprenorphine caused significant deficits in cognitive and psychomotor functioning. The time course of cognitive and psychomotor impairment was found to have a slow distribution to the biophase from plasma with PK/PD models involving an effect compartment providing the best descriptions of the time course of the data. The values for half‐life of biophase equilibration were consistent between the neuropsychological tests in the range of 66.6–84.9 min. The time to onset and duration of the cognitive and psychomotor impairment of buprenorphine was determined by a slow distribution to the biophase.
Differential mRNA expression levels and gene sequences of carboxylesterase in both deltamethrin resistant and susceptible strains of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii
Authors: Cao Chuan‐Wang , Zhang Jing , Gao Xi‐Wu , Liang Pei , Guo Hui‐Lin 
Published: June 2008

AbstractExtensive use of insecticides on cotton has prompted resistance development in the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) in China. A deltamethrin‐selected population of cotton aphids from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China with 228.59‐fold higher resistance to deltamethrin was used to examine how carboxylesterase conferred resistance to this pyrethroid insecticide. The carboxylesterase activity in the deltamethrin‐resistant strain was 3.67‐, 2.02‐ and 1.16‐fold of the susceptible strain when using α‐naphthyl acetate (α‐NA), β‐naphthyl acetate (β‐NA) and α‐naphthyl butyrate (α‐NB) as substrates, respectively. Carboxylesterase cDNA was cloned and sequenced from both deltamethrin‐resistant and susceptible strains. The cDNA contained 1581 bp open reading frames (ORFs) coding a 526 amino acid protein. Only one amino acid substitution (Val87‐Ala) was observed between deltamethrin‐resistant and susceptible strains but it is not genetically linked to resistance by the catalytic triad and signature motif analysis. The real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the resistant strain had a 6.61‐fold higher level of carboxylesterase mRNA than the susceptible strain. The results revealed that up‐regulation of the carboxylesterase gene, not modified gene structure, may be responsible for the development of resistance in cotton aphids to deltamethrin.
Bamboo stumps as mosquito larval habitats in Darjeeling Himalayas, India: A spatial scale analysis
Authors: Aditya Gautam , Tamang Rakesh , Sharma Dipendra , Subba Francis , Saha Goutam K. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBamboo stumps can be a congenial breeding habitat of the mosquitoes. In view of this, a preliminary assessment of the dipteran immatures inhabiting the stumps of bamboo groves in the Darjeeling Himalayas was carried out at a spatial scale. Of the 104 stumps of Dendrocalamus hamiltoni surveyed, 70 were found to host immatures of three dipteran species, the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus and the midges Chironomus sp. in varying densities. Though the stumps varied in diameter, in each stump on average 12. 1 immatures were found. The abundance of the immatures was positively correlated with the diameter of the stumps (r=+0.382; P < 0.001) but negatively with the pH of the water present in the stumps (r=–0.336; P < 0.01). The coefficient of association was found to be +8.4 for the Ae. aegypti and Chironomus immatures, while in the rest of the species pair the association seemed to be independent. Thus it can be concluded that the stumps in the bamboo groves of Darjeeling Himalayas provides a favourable habitat for the mosquito and chironomid immatures.
Population suppression of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) using yellow sticky traps and Eretmocerus nr. rajasthanicus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on tomato plants in greenhouses
Authors: Gu Xi‐Shu , Bu Wen‐Jun , Xu Wei‐Hong , Bai Yi‐Chuan , Liu Bai‐Ming , Liu Tong‐Xian 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe conducted three experiments for management of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype ‘B’ on tomatoes under greenhouse conditions: (i) vertically placing yellow sticky cards either parallel or perpendicular to tomato rows at a rate of 1 per 3‐m row; (ii) releasing Eretmocerus sp. nr. rajasthanicus once at 30 adults/m2 in the high whitefly density greenhouses (> 10 adults/plant), or twice at 15 adults/m2 at a 5‐day interval in the low whitefly density greenhouses (< 10 adults/plant); and (iii) using combinations of yellow sticky cards that were placed vertically parallel to tomato rows and parasitoids released once at 30/m2 in high whitefly density greenhouses or twice at 15/m2 at a 5‐day interval in low whitefly density greenhouses. Our data show that yellow sticky cards trapped B. tabaci adults and significantly reduced whitefly populations on tomato. The yellow sticky cards that were placed parallel to tomato rows caught significantly more whitefly adults than those placed perpendicular to tomato rows on every sampling date. In the treatment where parasitoids were released once at 30/m2 in high whitefly density greenhouses, the number of live whitefly nymphs were reduced from 4.6/leaf to 2.9/leaf in 40 days as compared with those on untreated plants on which live whitefly nymphs increased from 4.4/leaf to 8.9/leaf. In the treatment where parasitoids were released twice at 15/m2 in low whitefly density greenhouses, the numbers of live nymphs of B. tabaci on tomato leaves were reduced from 2.1/leaf to 1.7/leaf in 20 days as compared with those on untreated plants on which numbers of live nymphs of B. tabaci increased from 2.2/leaf to 4.5/leaf. In the treatment of yellow sticky cards and parasitoid release once at 30/m2 in high whitefly density greenhouses, the numbers of live nymphs of B. tabaci on tomato leaves were reduced from 7.2/leaf to 1.9/leaf, and in the treatment of yellow sticky cards and parasitoid release twice at 15/m2 at a 5‐day interval at low whitefly density, the numbers of live nymphs of B. tabaci on tomato leaves were reduced from 2.5/leaf to 0.8/leaf; whereas the numbers of live nymphs of B. tabaci on untreated plants increased from 4.4/leaf to 8.9/leaf. An integrated program for management of B. tabaci on greenhouse vegetables by using yellow sticky cards, parasitoids and biorational insecticides is discussed.
Testing reionization with gamma-ray burst absorption spectra
Authors: Gallerani S. , Salvaterra R. , Ferrara A. , Choudhury T. Roy 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
We propose to study cosmic reionization using absorption-line spectra of high-redshift gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows. We show that the statistics of the dark portions (gaps) in GRB absorption spectra represent exquisite tools to discriminate among different reionization models. We then compute the probability to find the largest gap in a given width range [Wmax, Wmax+ dW] at a flux threshold Fth for burst afterglows at redshifts 6.3 ≤z≤ 6.7. We show that different reionization scenarios populate the (Wmax, Fth) plane in a very different way, allowing to distinguish among different reionization histories. We provide here useful plots that allow a very simple and direct comparison between observations and model results. Finally, we apply our methods to GRB 050904 detected at z= 6.29. We show that the observation of this burst strongly favours reionization models which predict a highly ionized intergalactic medium at z∼ 6, with an estimated mean neutral hydrogen fraction xH i= 6.4 ± 0.3 × 10-5 along the line of sight towards GRB 050904.
Genital herpes in older women: A silent epidemic
Authors: Hoff Janice 
Published: June 2008

AbstractPurpose: To present an overview of the prevalence of genital herpes in older women and to present case studies of older women diagnosed with genital herpes in a geriatric practice in the southeastern United States.Data sources: Review of current scientific literature and treatment/practice guidelines. Specific descriptive cases are reviewed to illustrate the clinical problem.Conclusions: Genital herpes is an important differential diagnosis to include when assessing and treating older women for recurrent genital symptoms.Implications for practice: Given the large numbers of older individuals potentially infected with genital herpes, the nurse practitioner (NP) is well positioned to accurately diagnose and initiate treatment that can improve quality of life. The NP’s skill in education and counseling is essential to the ongoing management of genital herpes infections.
Postgenomics of Tribolium: Targeting the endocrine regulation of diuresis
Authors: PARK Yoonseong , BEEMAN Richard W. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractColeopteran insects comprise a highly successful taxon, representing more than 25% of eukaryotic species, many of which are economically important. One of these, the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum H.), is a major pest of stored grain and cereal products and is also an excellent genetic model for the Coleoptera. The Tribolium genome sequencing project was recently completed, the first for an agricultural insect pest species. This genome sequence and annotation, in combination with the tractability of Tribolium for genetic dissection and functional genomic analysis, makes it one of the most useful subjects for studies of insect development, genetics and physiology. Tribolium has a number of interesting physiological adaptations, including desiccation tolerance associated with specialized cryptonephridial organs for active rectal absorption of atmospheric water. The study of endocrine regulation of diuresis in this species has led to the identification of a number of osmoregulatory peptides, including the novel arginine‐vasopressin‐like peptide.
Oviposition deterrent, ovicidal and gravid mortality effects of ethanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata Nees against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: CHENNIAPPAN Kuppusamy , KADARKARAI Murugan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOviposition is an important phenomenon of mosquitoes and has recently become the focus in the concept of integrated vector control management. In the present study, we evaluated oviposition deterrent, ovicidal and mortality effects of ethanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata Nees against gravid and oviposited females of Anopheles stephensi Liston. Water treated with the ethanolic extract had a high deterrent activity in ovipositing females: oviposition activity index values for the test species were –0.28, –0.45, –0.49 and –0.59 for extract concentrations of 29, 35, 41 and 46 p.p.m., respectively. High degrees of mortality were observed with various concentrations of extract: 1.12 (control) to 11.70 for gravid females, and 0.65 (control) to 10.25 for oviposited females. The highest mortality in both gravid and oviposited females was observed soon after they came in contact with oviposition medium treated with the extract, and this was found to be significant at doses higher than 35 p.p.m., suggesting possible contact toxicity of the extract. The extract caused moderate ovicidal activity against various age groups of A. stephensi, but it inflicted delayed effects such as high larval, pupal and adult mortality. The age of the eggs and the duration of the extract treatment influenced the ovicidal activity observed. It is clear that ethanolic extract of A. paniculata Nees can affect the oviposition cycle of A. stephensi Liston, thereby suppressing the vector population and adversely influencing transmission of the disease pathogen.
Major ectoparasites of cattle in and around Mekelle, northern Ethiopia
Authors: YACOB H.T. , ATAKLTY H. , KUMSA B. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractStudies on the identification of major ectoparasites of cattle in and around Mekelle in northern Ethiopia were carried out from November 2006 to June 2007. Ectoparasite prevalence, infestation, and the possible risks associated with ectoparasites were investigated. Data collected were analyzed using the χ2‐test. A total of 849 cattle were examined: 40.2% (341), 53.2% (452) and 5.9% (50) were infested with ticks, lice and Demodex, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between prevalence and production system and breed of cattle. The results also revealed widespread occurrence of ectoparasites that have affected the general health and productivity of cattle in the study area. Seven different species of ticks were found on the cattle, with some capable of transmitting pathogens harmful to both cattle and humans.
Graphium agamemnon Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), a pest of soursop (Annona muricata Linnaeus), in Vietnam: Biology and a novel method of control
Authors: VU Nga Thi , EASTWOOD Rod , NGUYEN Chat Thi , PHAM Lam Van 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFew butterflies are pests of economic significance, but some may be locally destructive, such as the papilionid Graphium agamemnon Linnaeus, which is known to feed on the commercially important soursop (Annona muricata Linnaeus) in Vietnam. This paper documents the life history and ecology of G. agamemnon and investigates commonly used control measures in south‐east Vietnam. A novel method of controlling G. agamemnon infestation is described. If soursop basal rootstock (Annona glabra Linnaeus) is encouraged to shoot during times of peak butterfly activity, ovipositing G. agamemnon females are preferentially attracted to the new growth where the resulting early stages may be easily detected and removed by hand.
Relative Bioavailability of Fentanyl Following Various Dosing Regimens of Fentanyl Buccal Tablet in Healthy Japanese Volunteers
Authors: Darwish Mona , Tempero Kenneth , Jiang John G. , Simonson Philip G. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTBackground.  Fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT; FENTORA®, Cephalon, Inc., Frazer, PA, USA) is indicated in the US for breakthrough pain in patients with cancer who are already receiving and are tolerant to around‐the‐clock opioid therapy for underlying persistent cancer pain. For each individual patient, FBT should be titrated to the effective dose.Objective.  The primary objective was to characterize the pharmacokinetic parameters of FBT 400 µg administered as a single 400 µg tablet (regimen A) or as two 200 µg tablets given simultaneously (regimen B) and determine whether these are bioequivalent in healthy Japanese volunteers. Regimen C (two 200 µg tablets 30 minutes apart) was also compared as a secondary objective.Methods.  Healthy Japanese adults received regimens A, B, and C in a crossover fashion. Naltrexone was given to minimize the opioid effects of fentanyl. Serum fentanyl concentrations were determined in venous blood collected through 36 hours post dose. Regimens were declared bioequivalent with respect to bioavailability (as reflected by AUC0–∞, AUC0–last, and Cmax) if the 90% confidence interval (CI) of the regimens' ratio fell within 0.80–1.25 (80%–125%).Results.  Twenty‐nine volunteers (13 men, 16 women) were enrolled; 24 completed the study. Regimens A and B had bioequivalent systemic exposure parameters (B/A [90% CI]: AUC0–∞108.4 [103.4, 113.7], AUC0–last 106.1 [100.7, 111.7], and Cmax 92.3 [83.2, 102.4]). Regimen C was bioequivalent to both A and B for AUCs, but only to B for Cmax. Median time to Cmax was 45 minutes for regimen A and 60 minutes for regimens B and C. The most frequent AEs were dizziness, application‐site erythema, headache, somnolence, nausea, and vomiting. All AEs were mild or moderate.Conclusions.  Bioavailability of fentanyl after FBT 400 µg administered as a single tablet was bioequivalent to that after 2 simultaneously administered 200 µg tablets in healthy Japanese volunteers. AEs were mild or moderate.
JNK supports survival in melanoma cells by controlling cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Alexaki Vasileia‐Ismini , Javelaud Delphine , Mauviel Alain 
Published: June 2008

SummaryJNK1/2 proteins belong to the family of stress‐activated protein kinases. They play a complex role in growth regulation, inducing either cell death or growth support. In this report, we provide evidence that, in human melanoma cells, JNK inhibition with the small molecule inhibitor SP600125 induces either predominantly a G2/M arrest or apoptosis depending on the cell line. In 1205Lu cells, JNK inhibition induced cell cycle arrest through p53‐dependent induction of p21Cip1/Waf1 expression, while in WM983B cells, induction of apoptosis by JNK inhibition was accompanied by p53, Bad and Bax induction, not p21Cip1/Waf1. JNK inhibition with the small molecule inhibitor SP600125 slowed growth of all cell lines, although the effect was markedly greater in cells exhibiting high phospho‐ (P‐)JNK1 levels. Specific gene knockdown of JNK1 by means of siRNA oligonucleotides inhibited cell growth only in melanoma cell lines exhibiting high P‐JNK1 levels. siRNAs directed against JNK2 did not reduce cell growth in any of the cell lines tested. Together, our findings demonstrate that JNK, and in particular the JNK1 isoform, support the growth of melanoma cells, by controlling either cell cycle progression or apoptosis depending on the cellular context.
The location of heart melanocytes is specified and the level of pigmentation in the heart may correlate with coat color
Authors: Yajima Ichiro , Larue Lionel 
Published: June 2008

SummaryMelanocytes are mainly found in the skin and more rarely in other parts of the body, including the heart. We analyzed the localization of heart melanocytes and their levels of pigmentation in a series of mutant mice presenting different numbers of melanocytes and pigmentation in the skin. We found that melanocytes were localized in the valves (mitral, tricuspid, and aortic) and septa (ventricular and atrial). Moreover, the numbers of melanocytes in the heart appears to reflect that of the skin. Mice having a high or low level of pigmented cells and/or melanin in valves and septa have similar lifespan. In this respect, melanocytes found in the valves and septa of the heart are probably not essential in a healthy and non‐stressful environment.