bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic resolution, ecotypes and the biogeography of Prochlorococcus
Authors: Martiny Adam C. , Tai Amos P. K. , Veneziano Daniele , Primeau François , Chisholm Sallie W. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryIn order to expand our understanding of the diversity and biogeography of Prochlorococcus ribotypes, we PCR‐amplified, cloned and sequenced the 16S/23S rRNA ITS region from sites in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Ninety‐three per cent of the ITS sequences could be assigned to existing Prochlorococcus clades, although many novel subclades were detected. We assigned the sequences to operational taxonomic units using a graduated scale of sequence identity from 80% to 99.5% and correlated Prochlorococcus diversity with respect to environmental variables and dispersal time between the sites. Dispersal time was estimated using a global ocean circulation model. The significance of specific environmental variables was dependent on the degree of sequence identity used to define a taxon: light correlates with broad‐scale diversity (90% cut‐off), temperature with intermediate scale (95%) whereas no correlation with phosphate was observed. Community structure was correlated with dispersal time between sample sites only when taxa were defined using the finest sequence similarity cut‐off. Surprisingly, the concentration of nitrate, which cannot be used as N source by the Prochlorococcus strains in culture, explains some variation in community structure for some definitions of taxa. This study suggests that the spatial distribution of Prochlorococcus ecotypes is shaped by a hierarchy of environmental factors as well dispersal limitation.
The prognostic value of peritumoral regulatory T cells and its correlation with intratumoral cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Jin F. , Chu Yi W. , Wang Guo M. , Zhu Tong Y. , Rong Rui M. , Hou Jun , Xu Ming 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prognostic value of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and its correlation with cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).PATIENTS AND METHODSCD4+, Foxp3+ tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour COX‐2 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays containing RCC from 125 patients. Prognostic effects of low and high expression were evaluated by Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis using the median values as thresholds. The expression of Tregs and COX‐2 were compared with the clinicopathological variables. In addition, Tregs and its correlation with COX‐2 expression was also analysed.RESULTSPeritumoral Tregs were positively correlated with intratumoral COX‐2 expression (Spearman rank correlation 0.336, P < 0.001). Peritumoral Tregs were associated with TNM stage (P = 0.001) and tumour size (P = 0.002), while intratumoral COX‐2 expression was associated with TNM stage (P = 0.018) and grade (P = 0.013). Using multivariate analysis, increased peritumoral Tregs, higher TNM stage (III + IV), larger tumour size (≥7 cm) and higher nuclear grade (III + IV) were independent predictors for significantly shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival.CONCLUSIONSIncreased peritumoral Tregs are associated with worse prognosis in clear cell RCC. The high intratumoral COX‐2 expression may be the underlying reason for the aberrant gathering of Tregs. These results suggest that clinical application of COX‐2 inhibitors may benefit those patients with higher intratumoral COX‐2 immunostaining by reducing the transformation of Tregs in RCC.
Evaluating the evidence: the methodological and reporting quality of comparative observational studies of surgical interventions in urological publications
Authors: Tseng Timothy Y. , Breau Rodney H. , Fesperman Susan F. , Vieweg Johannes , Dahm Philipp 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo develop and apply a standardized evaluation form for assessing the methodological and reporting quality of observational studies of surgical interventions in urology.METHODSAn evaluation standard was developed using the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials statement and previously reported surgical reporting quality instruments. Consensus scoring among three reviewers was developed using two distinct sets of studies. All comparative observational trials involving therapeutic surgical procedures published in four major urological journals in 1995 and 2005 were randomly assigned to each reviewer. Categories of reporting adequacy included background, intervention, statistical analysis, results and discussion.RESULTSTwenty‐seven articles in 1995 and 62 in 2005 met the inclusion criteria; 90% of studies were retrospective. From 1995 to 2005, the overall reporting quality score increased by 3.9 points (95% confidence interval, CI, 2.7–5.9; P = 0.001), from a mean (sd) of 19.1 (3.9) to 23.0 (4.2) on a scale of 0–42. There were significant improvements in the reporting categories of study background (+0.7 points, 95% CI 0.1–1.3, P = 0.043, 0–8‐point scale), intervention (+1.6 points, 0.8–2.3, P = 0.001, 0–9‐point scale), and statistical analysis (+0.8 points, 0.2–1.4, P = 0.006, 0–9‐point scale). There were smaller and statistically insignificant improvements for results (+0.5 points, −0.3 to 1.2, P = 0.217, 0–10‐point scale) and discussion reporting (+0.4 points, −0.1 to 0.8, P = 0.106, 0–6‐point scale).CONCLUSIONSThere have been minor improvements in the reporting of observational studies of surgical intervention between 1995 and 2005. However, reporting quality remains suboptimal. Clinical investigators, reviewers and journal editors should continue to strive for transparent reporting of the observational studies representing the bulk of the clinical evidence for urological procedures.
An update on experience with the single‐instrument port laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Msezane Lambda P. , Mushtaq Imran , Gundeti Mohan S. 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo describe a modification of the posterior prone retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy, which allows the entire operation to be performed through a single instrument port.PATIENTS AND METHODSWith the patient prone, a retroperitoneal working space is created using a custom‐made balloon lateral to the sacrospinalis muscle. One instrument port is placed at the tip of the 11th rib under direct vision. The laparoscope and working instrument can both be held by the operating surgeon. Gerota’s fascia is incised and the kidney reflected anteriorly. The vessels are identified and divided. The remaining dissection is completed with a harmonic scalpel and the specimen is placed in an endo‐catch bag. Care must be taken to avoid even minor bleeding, to keep the operating field clear.RESULTSThe technique was successful in 54 children with a mean (range) age of 4.5 (0.25–14) years; the mean operative duration was 52 (35–96) min. Blood loss was minimal and there were no open conversions. Most children (51) were discharged the day after surgery, and the cosmetic outcome has been excellent in all cases.CONCLUSIONSCompared with the traditional approach, the single‐instrument port laparoscopic (SImPL) nephrectomy approach avoids instrument crowding and maximizes the restricted retroperitoneal working space. Avoiding the second port might improve cosmesis and reduce cost. The technique is quickly mastered by both the experienced laparoscopist and trainee, and is feasible and safe.
The importance of health belief models in determining self‐care behaviour in diabetes
Authors: Harvey J. N. , Lawson V. L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPatients’ self‐care behaviours have a major role in diabetes management. Diabetes education provides the required knowledge, but despite this, self‐care is often suboptimal. The degree to which patients follow advice as regards the various self‐care behaviours is determined by their health beliefs (Illness Representations or Personal Models) of diabetes. Psychometric studies have tried to categorize and measure the beliefs about illness that influence patients to adhere to treatment recommendations in diabetes. Various models have been proposed to explain the relationship between beliefs and behaviour. Leventhal's Self‐Regulatory Model, which takes account of the emotional as well as the objective rational response to illness, currently seems to offer the best system for identifying the determinants of patient self‐care behaviour. A review of interventions indicates those based on psychological theory offer professionals the best chance of maximizing their patients’ contribution to diabetes self‐management and achieving improved outcomes, both glycaemic and psychosocial. Studies designed specifically to modify illness representations are now being undertaken. This brief review aims to summarize developments in this area of psychological theory over the last 20 years and the implications for promoting better self‐care behaviour in diabetes.
Biopsy of the posterior interosseous nerve: a low morbidity method for assessment of peripheral nerve disorders
Authors: Thomsen N. O. B. , Mojaddidi M. , Malik R. A. , Dahlin L. B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAims  The sural nerve is the commonest peripheral nerve biopsied to help in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of unknown cause. However, associated complications limit its use. The aim was, as an alternative, to asses biopsy of the terminal branch of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) in the forearm.Methods  PIN pathology was morphometrically quantified in 10 male patients with Type 2 diabetes and compared with six PIN biopsy specimens taken post mortem from male cadavers with no history of neuropathy or trauma.Results  The PIN biopsy procedure provides a long (approximately 3 cm) mono‐ or bifascicular nerve biopsy with generous epineurial tissue and adjacent vessels. Our results show a significantly lower myelinated fibre density in subjects with diabetes [5782 (3332–9060)/mm2] compared with autopsy control material [9256 (6593–12 935)/mm2, P < 0.007]. No postoperative discomfort or complications were encountered.Conclusions  A reduction in myelinated fibre density has previously been shown to be a clinically meaningful measure of neuropathy in diabetic patients. We demonstrate similar findings using the PIN biopsy. The PIN biopsy procedure fulfils the criteria for nerve biopsy and was well tolerated by the patients. It may be a possible alternative to sural nerve biopsy to allow for diagnosis of neuropathy.
Evaluation of plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations in cats with and without oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fulmer A. K. , Mauldin G. E. , Mauldin G. N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFeline oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a devastating disease with an extremely poor long‐term prognosis even with aggressive therapy. Folate and homocysteine derangements are identified in people diagnosed with head and neck SCC. The purpose of this study was to measure plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations in cats diagnosed with oral SCC (n = 13) and to compare these concentrations with those found in cats diagnosed with other tumour types (n = 25), cats with oral, non‐neoplastic disease (n = 6) and healthy cats (n = 24). The median plasma folate concentration in cats diagnosed with oral SCC was 14.7 ng mL−1, while the median plasma homocysteine concentration was 2.61 μg mL−1. These concentrations did not differ significantly from those of cats in the other groups. This suggests that different factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of this tumour in cats when compared with people, although evaluation of larger numbers of cats may still identify a difference between groups.
Research on aging using brain imaging and cognitive tests over 6 years in 145 healthy elderly subjects
Authors: KADA Hirohide 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  Changes over a period of 10 years in the cognitive function, head magnetic resonance imaging findings, and daily life of approximately 300 healthy elderly subjects were determined. As part of the larger 10‐year study, changes are reported herein over a period of 6 years for 145 individuals.Methods:  One hundred and forty‐five healthy elderly subjects were divided into two groups: (i) those who were 69 years of age or younger at the start of the study (Group A); and (ii) those who were 70 years of age or older (Group B).Results:  Changes over time in Benton's visual retention test (BVRT) and enhanced cued recall (ECR), both of which rely mainly on subjects memorizing figures, were seen in Group B. With the coding test, the results from the second phase (initial test) showed differences according to initial age; in addition, the differences became greater with aging. It appears that work speed is reduced with increasing age.Conclusion:  The results of the BVRT and ECR suggest that enlargement of the Sylvian fissure and atrophy of the temporal lobe are indicators of deterioration of memory.
Association between activity level and changes in bodyweight in dementia patients
Authors: MIYOSHI Rumiko , YAMAKAWA Miyae , SHIGENOBU Kazue , MAKIMOTO Kiyoko , ZHU Canqun , SEGAWA Nanae , ASHIDA Nobuyuki , TABUSHI Kaoru 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIntroduction:  Bodyweight is routinely used as an important health assessment measure in care facilities. Recently, the integrated circuit (IC) tag monitoring system became available for measuring the distance walked by patients with dementia (PsWD) over an extended period. The main objective of the present study was to examine an association between the distance walked and changes in bodyweight in PsWD.Methods:  Monitoring was conducted in a semi‐acute dementia care unit in Japan between November 2006 and March 2007. All patients had been diagnosed with dementia and were able to walk independently. Demographic and food intake data were obtained from medical records. Bodyweight was measured weekly. The monitoring system calculated the distance walked. The study was approved by the Ethics Committees of Osaka University and Asakayama Hospital and written informed consent was obtained from authorized proxies.Results:  In total, 23 patients were monitored. The median distance walked per day for all subjects was 1042.7 m (range 136–7781m) and the mean rate of weight change per month was −0.1 kg (range −1.5 to 2.4 kg). The mean food intake per day was 97 ± 5% (range 79–100%). There was a significant negative correlation between median distance walked per day and rate of weight change per month (r = −0.52; P < 0.05). Distance walked per day was divided into three groups (<1 km, 1–2 km and ≥ 2 km), but there was no change in mean food intake between the three groups. However, PsWD who walked ≥ 2 km/day tended to have higher total Neuropsychiatric Inventory–Nursing Home Version (NPI‐NH) scores and a higher number of symptoms than those who walked < 2 km/day. The former tended to have aberrant motor activity compared with the latter.Conclusion:  The present study shows that the distance walked per day seems to play a major role in weight change. Because the IC tag monitoring system can measure the distance walked accurately over an extended period, it could be used to estimate the calorie expenditure for each patient and to reduce the various risks related to weight loss.
Clinical utility of the Boston Naming Test in predicting ultimate side of surgery in patients with medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy: A double cross‐validation study
Authors: Busch Robyn M. , Frazier Thomas W. , Iampietro Mary C. , Chapin Jessica S. , Kubu Cynthia S. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe Boston Naming Test (BNT) is often used in the evaluation of surgical epilepsy patients to assess left temporal lobe function. In 2005, Busch et al. demonstrated the diagnostic utility of the BNT in predicting ultimate side of surgery in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. BNT raw score significantly predicted ultimate side of surgery, moderated by Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), age at seizure onset, and duration of epilepsy. The final regression equation correctly predicted side of surgery in 69.5% of the sample. The current study demonstrated excellent cross‐validation of this equation in an independent sample of 104 patients who eventually underwent temporal lobectomies, correctly predicting side of surgery in 67.3% of patients. The combination of the two samples resulted in a new, more‐stable regression equation that correctly predicted side of surgery in 68.8% of the combined sample. These results further support the clinical utility of the BNT in predicting side of surgery.
Epilepsy and neurocysticercosis in rural Tanzania—An imaging study
Authors: Winkler Andrea Sylvia , Blocher Joachim , Auer Herbert , Gotwald Thaddaeus , Matuja William , Schmutzhard Erich 
Published: November 2008

SummaryPurpose:  In developing countries, neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common cause of epilepsy. Most of the work on NCC and epilepsy has been compiled in Latin America. To date, comprehensive neuroimaging studies are missing in sub‐Saharan Africa.Methods:  In our study, we interviewed 212 people with epilepsy (PWE) and performed cerebral computed tomography (CT) at the Haydom Lutheran Hospital in northern Tanzania. Control cerebral CT scans were selected from 198 consecutive individuals without epilepsy. Sera of PWE with lesions indicating NCC (n = 20), PWE without NCC lesions (n = 20), and healthy individuals (n = 20), as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of PWE with NCC lesions (n = 11) were investigated for anticysticercal antibodies.Results:  Definite NCC lesions were present in five (2.4%), lesions highly suggestive of NCC in 24 (11.3%), and lesions compatible with NCC in nine (4.2%) PWE. This compares to two (1.0%) people with definite NCC lesions, two (1.0%) with lesions highly suggestive of, and six (2.9%) with lesions compatible with NCC in the control group. NCC lesions were significantly more frequent in PWE compared to controls (p < 0.0001). CT results, and serum and CSF analysis taken together, we diagnosed 22 (10.4%) individuals with probable and 7 (3.3%) with definitive NCC in our cohort of PWE.Conclusion:  For the first time in sub‐Saharan Africa, we give evidence within a large‐scale neuroimaging study that NCC, a so far neglected infectious disease, represents a major cause of epilepsy.
Temporal lobe epilepsy, depression, and hippocampal volume
Authors: Shamim Sadat , Hasler Gregor , Liew Clarissa , Sato Susumu , Theodore William H. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective:  To evaluate the relationship between hippocampal volume loss, depression, and epilepsy.Background:  There is a significantly increased incidence of depression and suicide in patients with epilepsy. Both epilepsy and depression are associated with reduced hippocampal volumes, but it is uncertain whether patients with both conditions have greater atrophy than those with epilepsy alone. Previous studies used depression measures strongly weighted to current state, and did not necessarily assess the influence of chronic major depressive disorder (“trait”), which could have a greater impact on hippocampal volume.Methods:  Fifty‐five epilepsy patients with complex partial seizures (CPS) confirmed by electroencephalography (EEG) had three‐dimensional (3D)‐spoiled gradient recall (SPGR) acquisition magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for hippocampal volumetric analysis. Depression screening was performed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI, 51 patients) and with the structured clinical inventory for DSM‐IV (SCID, 34 patients). For the BDI, a score above 10 was considered mild to moderate, above 20 moderate to severe, and above 30 severe depression. MRI and clinical analysis were performed blinded to other data. Statistical analysis was performed with Systat using Student’s t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results:  There was a significant interaction between depression detected on SCID, side of focus, and left hippocampal volume. Patients with a diagnosis of depression and a right temporal seizure focus had significantly lower left hippocampal volume. A similar trend for an effect of depression on right hippocampal volume in patients with a right temporal focus did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that patients with right temporal lobe epilepsy and depression have hippocampal atrophy that cannot be explained by epilepsy alone.
Anticonvulsant effects of the BK‐channel antagonist paxilline
Authors: Sheehan Jesse J. , Benedetti Brett L. , Barth Alison L. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryPurpose:  Mutations that enhance currents through the Ca2+‐ and voltage‐gated K+ channel BK (Slo, maxiK, KCNMA1) have been associated with seizure disorders in both rodent models and humans. Previously we have found that seizures themselves induce a gain‐of‐function in BK channels that is associated with elevated excitability in neocortical neurons. In this study, we sought to examine whether administration of BK‐channel antagonists possess anticonvulsant activity in vivo.Methods:  Seizures were induced in animals by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A antagonists picrotoxin or pentylenetetrazole. Twenty‐four hours following induction of the initial seizure episode, animals were reinjected with chemoconvulsant in the presence of the BK‐channel antagonist paxilline or saline. The presence and duration of tonic–clonic seizures were evaluated.Results:  Intraperitoneal injection of paxilline was sufficient to eliminate tonic–clonic seizures in picrotoxin‐treated animals. Paxilline reduced seizure duration and intensity in pentylenetetrazole‐injected animals.Discussion:  The BK‐channel antagonist paxilline possesses significant anticonvulsant activity in both picrotoxin and pentylenetetrazole seizure models, an effect that may be related to the seizure‐dependent gain‐of‐function in BK channel previously observed in neocortical neurons in vitro.
Osteoporosis Risk in Frail Older Adults in Assisted Living
Authors: Kenny Anne M. , Smith JoAnne , Noteroglu Emre , Waynik Ilana Y. , Ellis Cynthia , Kleppinger Alison , Annis Kristen , Dauser Debrorah , Walsh Stephen 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare osteoporosis risk in residents of assisted living (AL) with that of age‐ and sex‐matched community‐dwelling adults.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Community and AL facilities in Connecticut.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seven individuals (77 control, 37 AL).ASSESSMENTS: Fracture and osteoporosis evaluation history, qualitative heel ultrasound (QUS), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and physical function measures, including walking speed, chair rise time, 6‐minute walk, Berg Balance Scale, Get Up and Go, and handgrip strength.RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 82.7±5.7. There were no group differences in reported fracture, diagnosis of osteoporosis, or previous bone mineral density (BMD) assessment. QUS T‐scores were −1.0±1.5 for community living and −1.9±1.3 for AL (P=.002), 25OHD levels were 113.0±40.1 nnmol/L for community living and 81.8±36.9 for AL (P<.001), and PTH levels were 50.8±29.8 pg/mL for community living and 58.8±32.8 pg/mL for AL (P=.22). Physical performance was more impaired in AL (P<.05), except for single leg stance (P=.16). In linear regression analysis, age, sex, and site of residence were significant predictors of heel T‐score, explaining 53.7% of the variance.CONCLUSION: Residents of AL did not report less fracture or osteoporosis than those from the community, but risk factors measured directly were significantly different, including lower BMD and 25OHD and more impairment in measures of physical function. These data suggest that residents of AL are at greater risk for osteoporotic fracture and that measures to diminish risk (optimizing vitamin D status, implementing fall prevention strategies, incorporating exercise to improve physical performance) should be considered and studied for benefit.