bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging Onset and Propagation of ECT‐induced Seizures
Authors: Enev Miro , McNally Kelly A. , Varghese George , Zubal I. George , Ostroff Robert B. , Blumenfeld Hal 
Published: January 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Regions of seizure onset and propagation in human generalized tonic–clonic seizures are not well understood. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)‐induced seizures provide a unique opportunity to investigate seizure onset and propagation under controlled conditions. Methods: ECT stimulation induces a typical generalized tonic–clonic seizure, resembling spontaneous generalized seizures in both clinical and electroencephalogram (EEG) manifestations. Patients were divided into two groups based on timing of ictal (during seizure) SPECT tracer injections: 0 s after ECT stimulation (early group), and 30 s after ECT (late group). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to determine regions of significant CBF changes between ictal and interictal scans on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis. Results: In the early injection group, we saw increases near the regions of the bitemporal stimulating electrodes as well as some thalamic and basal ganglia activation. With late injections, we observed increases mainly in the parietal and occipital lobes, regions that were quiescent 30 s prior. Significant decreases occurred only at the later injection time, and these were localized to the bilateral cingulate gyrus and left dorsolateral frontal cortex. Conclusions: Activations in distinct regions at the two time points, as well as sparing of intermediary brain structures, suggest that ECT‐induced seizures propagate from the site of initiation to other specific brain regions. Further work will be needed to determine if this propagation occurs through cortical–cortical or cortico‐thalamo‐cortical networks. A better understanding of seizure propagation mechanisms may lead to improved treatments aimed at preventing seizure generalization.
Genetic Polymorphisms Related to Delirium Tremens: A Systematic Review
Authors: Van Munster Barbara C. , Korevaar Johanna C. , De Rooij Sophia E. , Levi Marcel , Zwinderman Aeilko H. 
Published: January 2007

Background: Delirium tremens (DT) is one of the more severe complications of alcohol withdrawal (AW), with a 5 to 10% lifetime risk for alcohol‐dependent patients. The 2 most important neurosystems involved in AW are γ‐aminobutyric acid and glutamate. It is unknown whether these neurosystems are involved in the pathophysiology of DT as well. The candidate gene approach in DT could contribute to this knowledge and demonstrate a possible genetic predisposition for DT. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of all studied genetic polymorphisms in the diverse candidate genes related to DT and to summarize what these studies contribute to insights into the pathophysiology of DT.Methods: The inclusion criteria for this literature study were articles in English analyzing the association between a genetic polymorphism and DT without other AW syndromes. Studies were identified until February 2006 in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.Results: We found 25 studies dealing with 30 polymorphisms, located in 19 different genes. Positive associations were found in 3 different candidate genes involved in the dopamine transmission, 1 gene involved in the glutamate pathway, 1 neuropeptide gene, and 1 cannabinoid gene. Two candidate genes involved in the dopamine transmission, dopamine receptor D3, and solute carrier family 6, were each associated with DT in 2 different study populations. The other 4 positive associations were not replicated in other studies.Conclusions: A total of 8 positive associations out of 30 polymorphisms makes a genetic base for DT plausible. Understanding the pathophysiological process of the development of DT has, indeed, been augmented by the reviewed genetic association studies. These studies suggest that the regulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission may play an important role.
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: An Update of Research Findings
Authors: Reinert Duane F. , Allen John P. 
Published: January 2007

Background: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) has been extensively researched to determine its capability to accurately and practically screen for alcohol problems.Methods: During the 5 years since our previous review of the literature, a large number of additional studies have been published on the AUDIT, abbreviated versions of it, its psychometric properties, and the applicability of the AUDIT for a diverse array of populations. The current article summarizes new findings and integrates them with results of previous research. It also suggests some issues that we believe are particularly in need of further study.Results: A growing body of research evidence supports the criterion validity of English version of the AUDIT as a screen for alcohol dependence as well as for less severe alcohol problems. Nevertheless, the cut‐points for effective detection of hazardous drinking as well as identification of alcohol dependence or harmful use in women need to be lowered from the originally recommended value of 8 points. The AUDIT‐C, the most popular short version of the AUDIT consisting solely of its 3 consumption items, is approximately equal in accuracy to the full AUDIT. Psychometric properties of the AUDIT, such as test–retest reliability and internal consistency, are quite favorable. Continued research is urged to establish the psychometric properties of non‐English versions of the AUDIT, use of the AUDIT with adolescents and with older adults, and selective inclusion of alcohol biomarkers with the AUDIT in some instances.Conclusions: Research continues to support use of the AUDIT as a means of screening for the spectrum of alcohol use disorders in various settings and with diverse populations.
Initial Clinical Experience with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Utilizing a Magnetic Navigation System
Authors: GALLAGHER PETER , MARTIN LAURA , ANGEL LORI , TOMASSONI GERY 
Published: January 2007

Introduction: The placement of left ventricular (LV) leads during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) involves many technical difficulties. These difficulties increase procedural times and decrease procedural success rates. Methods and Results: A total of 50 patients with severe cardiomyopathy (mean LV ejection fraction was 21 ± 6%) and a wide QRS underwent CRT implantation. Magnetic navigation (Stereotaxis, Inc.) was used to position a magnet‐tipped 0.014″ guidewire (Cronus™ guidewire) within the coronary sinus (CS) vasculature. LV leads were placed in a lateral CS branch, either using a standard CS delivery sheath or using a “bare‐wire” approach without a CS delivery sheath. The mean total procedure time was 98.1 ± 29.1 minutes with a mean fluoroscopy time of 22.7 ± 15.1 minutes. The mean LV lead positioning time was 10.4 ± 7.6 minutes. The use of a delivery sheath was associated with longer procedure times 98 ± 32 minutes vs 80 ± 18 minutes (P = 0.029), fluoroscopy times 23 ± 15 minutes vs 13 ± 4 minutes (P = 0.0007) and LV lead positioning times 10 ± 6 minutes vs 4 ± 2 minutes (P = 0.015) when compared to a “bare‐wire” approach. When compared with 52 nonmagnetic‐assisted control CRT cases, magnetic navigation reduced total LV lead positioning times (10.4 ± 7.6 minutes vs 18.6 ± 18.9 minutes; P = 0.005). If more than one CS branch vessel was tested, magnetic navigation was associated with significantly shorter times for LV lead placement (16.2 ± 7.7 minutes vs 36.4 ± 23.4 minutes; P = 0.004). Conclusions: Magnetic navigation is a safe, feasible, and efficient tool for lateral LV lead placement during CRT. Magnetic navigation during CRT allows for control of the tip direction of the Cronus™ 0.014″ guidewire using either a standard CS delivery sheath or “bare‐wire” approach. Although there are some important limitations to the 0.014″ Cronus™ magnetic navigation can decrease LV lead placement times compared with nonmagnetic‐assisted control CRT cases, particularly if multiple CS branches are to be tested.
True Bipolar Defibrillator Leads Have Increased Sensing Latency and Threshold Compared with the Integrated Bipolar Configuration
Authors: FRAIN BRYAN H. , ELLISON KRISTIN E. , MICHAUD GREGORY F. , KOO CHARLES H. , BUXTON ALFRED E. , KIRK MALCOLM M. 
Published: January 2007

Background: Dual‐coil implantable defibrillator (ICD) leads with true bipolar pacing and sensing (quadripolar leads) have been introduced to provide improved sensing characteristics without sacrificing defibrillation efficacy. Electrode configuration has been shown to have little effect on the amplitude or slew rate of the intracardiac electrogram, but does have an effect on the duration of the sensed electrogram. Closer spacing of the electrodes and smaller surface area of the anode may, therefore, result in a different latency of sensing relative to the onset of the QRS complex. Methods: We tested the difference in ventricular sensing latency between integrated bipolar and true bipolar electrode configurations in 40 patients undergoing ICD implantation for standard indications (Medtronic Sprint Quattro lead in 26 and St. Jude Riata in 16). In addition, we compared R wave amplitude, pacing threshold, impedance, and slew rate. Results: Sensing latency was significantly longer in the true bipolar configuration (Medtronic Sprint Quattro 45.2 ± 14.7 msec in the true bipolar configuration, vs 37.4 ± 18.2 msec in the integrated bipolar configuration, and St. Jude Riata, 43.5 ± 9.8 msec true bipolar, vs 33.8 ± 10.1 msec integrated bipolar, P < 0.01). There was no difference in R wave amplitude or slew rate. Pacing threshold and impedance were also greater in the true bipolar configuration than in the integrated bipolar configuration. Conclusion: The true bipolar configuration has a longer sensing latency than the integrated bipolar configuration. In some patients, this may require a longer programmed AV delay to avoid ventricular pseudofusion.
Stabilization of the Coronary Sinus Electrode Position with Coronary Stent Implantation to Prevent and Treat Dislocation
Authors: SZILAGYI SZABOLCS , MERKELY BELA , ROKA ATTILA , ZIMA ENDRE , FULOP GABOR , KUTYIFA VALENTINA , SZUCS GABOR , BECKER DAVID , APOR ASTRID , GELLER LASZLO 
Published: January 2007

Introduction: Coronary sinus (CS) leads used for cardiac resynchronization have undergone development in the last years. However, dislocation rate remained high (5–9%). The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of stent implantation in a CS side vein to stabilize the left ventricular lead position after postoperative or intraoperative dislocation of the electrode. Methods and Results: Thirty‐six patients (age: 64 ± 9.7 years, 19 primary, 17 ischemic cardiomyopathy, NYHA class III: 30, IV: 6) were treated with stenting. The procedure was performed because of postoperative dislocation in seven patients, while dislocation was observed during the implantation in 29 cases. The electrode was repositioned into the desired position and a bare metal coronary stent was introduced via another guide wire. The stent was deposited at 5‐ to 15‐mm proximal to the tip of the electrode with a pressure of 6 to 14 atmospheres. Control angiography showed no blood flow compromise in any of the side branches or in the coronary sinus. Control echocardiography did not show pericardial effusion due to stenting. During follow‐up (11.5 ± 5.5, 2–23 months), left ventricular pacing threshold increased from 2.2 to 5.6 V in one patient, but dislocation was not found by fluoroscopy. Clinically important pacing threshold increase was not detected in the other cases. Impedance measurements did not suggest lead insulation failure. Conclusion: Stent implantation to stabilize the left ventricular lead position seems to be a useful and safe procedure in the treatment of patients with complicated coronary sinus anatomy or lead instability.
Caregiver knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding vitamin A intake by Dominican children
Authors: Mills Jordan P. , Mills Timothy A. , Reicks Marla 
Published: January 2007

AbstractVitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major concern in the Dominican Republic. Successful educational interventions are based on needs assessment data specific to the population for which behavioural change is desired. The purpose of this study was to establish a foundation for nutrition education efforts for caregivers of young children to prevent VAD in the Dominican Republic. A cross‐sectional survey was administered to caregivers (N = 151) from rural/peri‐urban villages in five provinces to assess vitamin A knowledge and attitudes, frequency of consumption of foods rich in vitamin A by an index child (age range 3–9 years), and food‐related practices contributing to vitamin A intake. Caregiver knowledge regarding vitamin A was low in all villages regardless of differences in socio‐economic status and level of education. A majority of the caregivers (67%) reported having a garden, but produce from the garden was thought mainly to provide a financial benefit vs. a nutritional benefit for the family. Several vegetables rich in vitamin A used as seasoning, mango, and unripe banana and plantain were commonly consumed by children as reported by caregivers. Educational interventions should focus on basic vitamin A knowledge regarding sources as well as symptoms of deficiency. Education should also emphasize increasing the variety of foods rich in provitamin A carotenoids grown in home gardens.
Buddhist nuns on the move: an innovative approach to improving breastfeeding practices in Cambodia
Authors: Crookston Benjamin T. , Dearden Kirk A. , Chan Ketsana , Chan Theary , Stoker David D. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe benefits of initiating breastfeeding in the first hour of life and exclusively breastfeeding thereafter are well documented. However, little is known about how best to promote these practices. In this study, we assess the impact of Buddhist nuns and wat (pagoda) grannies on optimal breastfeeding behaviours in rural Cambodia. We did so by interviewing randomly selected mothers of infants less than 6 months of age. A total of 440 mothers in programme and control communities completed the baseline survey (before programme start‐up), and 467 mothers responded 1 year later. Mothers’ exposure to breastfeeding promotion activities was high. At follow‐up, 76% of mothers in programme communities indicated that nuns had advised them about breastfeeding, 73% received a home visit and 72% reported attending an educational session. At baseline, mothers in programme communities were 11% more likely (RR = 1.11, CI: 0.74–1.68) than mothers in control communities to initiate breastfeeding in the first hour of life. At follow‐up, they were 62% more likely (RR = 1.62, CI: 1.30–2.01) to do so. Similarly, at baseline, mothers in programme communities were 54% more likely (RR = 1.54, CI: 1.21–1.96) than mothers in control communities to breastfeed exclusively in the previous 24 h. At follow‐up, they were 81% more likely (RR = 1.81, CI: 1.49–2.21) to do so. Programme planners may consider using community‐based volunteers as one strategy to improve breastfeeding practices and child survival.
Injection‐Salting of pre rigor Fillets of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Birkeland Sveinung , Akse Leif , Joensen Sjurdur , Tobiassen Torbjørn , Skåra Torstein 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT:  The effects of temperature (−1, 4, and 10 °C), brine concentration (12% and 25% NaCl), injection volumes, and needle densities were investigated on fillet weight gain (%), salt content (%), fillet contraction (%), and muscle gaping in pre rigor brine‐injected fillets of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Increased brine concentration (12% to 25%) significantly increased the initial (< 5 min after injection) and final contraction (24 h after injection) of pre rigor fillets. Increased brine concentration significantly reduced weight gain and increased salt content but had no significant effect on muscle gaping. The temperatures tested did not significantly affect weight gain, fillet contraction, or gaping score. Significant regressions (P < 0.01) between the injection volume and weight gain (range: 2.5% to 15.5%) and salt content (range: 1.7% to 6.5%) were observed for injections of pre rigor fillets. Double injections significantly increased the weight gain and salt content compared to single injections. Initial fillet contraction measured 30 min after brine injection increased significantly (P < 0.01) with increasing brine injection volume but no significant difference in the fillet contraction was observed 12 h after brine injection (range: 7.9% to 8.9%). Brine‐injected post rigor control fillets obtained higher weight gain, higher salt content, more muscle gaping, and significantly lower fillet contraction compared to the pre rigor injected fillets.Injection‐salting is an applicable technology as a means to obtain satisfactory salt contents and homogenously distribute the salt into the muscle of pre rigor fillets of Atlantic salmon before further processing steps such as drying and smoking.
Molecular View by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of the Relationship between Lactocin 705 and Membranes: Speculations on Antimicrobial Mechanism
Authors: Castellano Patricia , Vignolo Graciela , Farías Ricardo Norberto , Arrondo José Luis , Chehín Rosana 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT
Lactocin 705 is a bacteriocin whose activity depends upon the complementation of two peptides, termed Lac705α and Lac705β. Neither Lac705α nor Lac705β displayed bacteriocin activity by itself when the growth of sensitive cells was monitored. To obtain molecular insights into the lactocin 705 mechanism of action, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the interactions of each peptide (Lac705α and Lac705β) with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomal membranes. Both peptides show the ability to interact with the zwitterionic membrane but at different bilayer levels. While Lac705α interacts with the interfacial region inducing dehydration, Lac705β peptide interacts with only the hydrophobic core. This paper presents the first experimental evidence that supports the hypothesis that Lac705α and Lac705β peptides could form a transmembrane oligomer. From the obtained results, a mechanism of action of lactocin 705 on membrane systems is proposed. The component Lac705α could induce the dehydration of the bilayer interfacial region, and the Lac705β peptide could insert in the hydrophobic region of the membrane where the peptide has adequate conditions to achieve the oligomerization.
Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Granules at the Early Stages of Formation Are Localized Close to the Cytoplasmic Membrane in
Caryophanon latum
Authors: Jendrossek Dieter , Selchow Olaf , Hoppert Michael 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Localization of newly synthesized poly(3hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) granules was determined by confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy of Nile red-stained cells and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PHB granules of Nile red-stained living cells of
Caryophanon latum
at the early stages of PHB accumulation were frequently found at or close to the cytoplasmic membrane. TEM analysis of the same culture revealed electron-translucent globular structures resembling PHB granules that were nonrandomly distributed in the cell lumen but were frequently found at or close to the cytoplasmic membrane. Immunogold labeling using PHB-specific antiserum confirmed that the electron-translucent structures represented PHB granules. Electron microscopy examination of PHB granules after cell lysis revealed that PHB granules were often associated with membrane vesicles. Nonrandom localization of PHB granules was also found in
Beijerinckia indica
. Cells of this species harbored one PHB granule at each cell pole. Our results show that newly synthesized PHB granules often are close to or even in physical contact with the cytoplasmic membrane. Possible explanations for this unexpected finding and a hypothetical model of PHB granule formation in
C. latum
are discussed.
Longitudinal Changes in the Bacterial Community Composition of the Danube River: a Whole-River Approach
Authors: Winter Christian , Hein Thomas , Kavka Gerhard , Mach Robert L. , Farnleitner Andreas H. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe, and its bacterial community composition has never been studied before over its entire length. In this study, bacterial community composition was determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of PCR-amplified portions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from a total of 98 stations on the Danube River (73 stations) and its major tributaries (25 stations), covering a distance of 2,581 km. Shifts in the bacterial community composition were related to changes in environmental conditions found by comparison with physicochemical parameters (e.g., temperature and concentration of nutrients) and the concentration of chlorophyll
a
(Chl
a
). In total, 43 distinct DGGE bands were detected. Sequencing of selected bands revealed that the phylotypes were associated with typical freshwater bacteria. Apparent bacterial richness in the Danube varied between 18 and 32 bands and correlated positively with the concentration of P-PO
4
(
r
= 0.56) and negatively with Chl
a
(
r
= −0.52). An artificial neural network-based model explained 90% of the variation of apparent bacterial richness using the concentrations of N-NO
2
and P-PO
4
and the distance to the Black Sea as input parameters. Between the cities of Budapest and Belgrade, apparent bacterial richness was significantly lower than that of other regions of the river, and Chl
a
showed a pronounced peak. Generally, the bacterial community composition developed gradually; however, an abrupt and clear shift was detected in the section of the phytoplankton bloom. Large impoundments did not have a discernible effect on the bacterial community of the water column. In conclusion, the riverine bacterial community was largely influenced by intrinsic factors.
Network Modeling of Adult Neurogenesis: Shifting Rates of Neuronal Turnover Optimally Gears Network Learning according to Novelty Gradient
Authors: Chambers R. Andrew , Conroy Susan K. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Apoptotic and neurogenic events in the adult hippocampus are hypothesized to play a role in cognitive responses to new contexts. Corticosteroid-mediated stress responses and other neural processes invoked by substantially novel contextual changes may regulate these processes. Using elementary three-layer neural networks that learn by incremental synaptic plasticity, we explored whether the cognitive effects of differential regimens of neuronal turnover depend on the environmental context in terms of the degree of novelty in the new information to be learned. In “adult” networks that had achieved mature synaptic connectivity upon prior learning of the Roman alphabet, imposition of apoptosis/neurogenesis before learning increasingly novel information (alternate Roman &lt; Russian &lt; Hebrew) reveals optimality of informatic cost benefits when rates of turnover are geared in proportion to the degree of novelty. These findings predict that flexible control of rates of apoptosis-neurogenesis within plastic, mature neural systems optimizes learning attributes under varying degrees of contextual change, and that failures in this regulation may define a role for adult hippocampal neurogenesis in novelty- and stress-responsive psychiatric disorders.