bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Prediction of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Dependence in Patients Referred for Catheter Ablation of “Typical” Atrial Flutter
Authors: LICKFETT LARS , CALKINS HUGH , NASIR KHURRAM , DICKFELD TIMM , ELDADAH ZAYD , JAYAM VINOD , LENG CHARLES , TOMASELLI GORDON , DONAHUE KEVIN , HALPERIN HENRY , LÜDERITZ BERNDT , BERGER RONALD 
Published: August 2005

Introduction: Typical atrial flutter (AFL) can be cured by catheter ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI). The surface electrocardiogram (ECG) is not always diagnostic of isthmus dependence of AFL. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical parameters for the prediction of isthmus‐dependent AFL. Methods and Results: Sixty consecutive adult patients without suspected atriotomy‐related AFL, congenital heart disease, or previous AFL ablation, referred for catheter ablation of presumed typical AFL were studied. All patients had distinct flutter waves in the inferior leads, suggestive of CTI‐dependent AFL, either on presentation to the electrophysiology (EP) lab or documented on prior ECG. Electrophysiology study was performed in the standard fashion. Patients who presented to the EP laboratory not in AFL underwent arrhythmia induction with a burst pacing protocol.A clinical history of persistent AFL (P = 0.0001) and existence of AFL on presentation to the EP laboratory (P = 0.0001) were strong predictors of CTI dependence. History of atrial fibrillation (P = 0.19), structural heart disease (P = 0.6), hypertension (P = 0.4), and previous cardiac surgery (P = 0.5), as well as the nature of AFL‐related symptoms (P = 0.5), were not predictors of CTI‐dependent AFL documented during EP study. Conclusion: In patients with ECG suggestive of typical AFL, the presence of persistent rather than paroxysmal AFL and presentation to the EP laboratory in AFL are strong predictors of CTI‐dependent AFL. A paroxysmal pattern of AFL predicts noninducibility of CTI‐dependent AFL during EP study. CTI ablation may therefore be less effective in these patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Cryoenergy in the Ablation of Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia Substrates in Children and Adolescents
Authors: KRIEBEL THOMAS , BROISTEDT CLAUDIA , KROLL MAJA , SIGLER MATTHIAS , PAUL THOMAS 
Published: August 2005

Introduction: Cryoenergy has evolved as a safe and effective alternative for ablation of arrhythmia substrates in adult patients. Due to two specific features, cryomapping and cryoadhesion, this technique appears very attractive for pediatric patients minimizing complications and fluoroscopy time. The aim of the study was to investigate efficacy and safety of cryoenergy in the ablation of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) substrates in pediatric patients. Patients and Methods: Thirty‐two patients (mean age: 10.1 ± 3.5 years) with SVT (accessory pathways: n = 19; atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT): n = 13) underwent electrophysiological study under the guidance of the LocaLisa® system. Cryomapping at −30°C was performed to predict cryoablation outcome and to ascertain AV conduction. Cryoenergy was delivered subsequently at the same spot (cryoablation at −70°C) as verified by the LocaLisa® system. Results: Successful cryoablation was achieved in 24 of 32 patients (75%). A median of two (1–10) cryoablations were delivered. In the remaining 8 patients, radiofrequency (RF) current application was effective in 5 resulting in an overall success rate of 90.6%. In 4 patients with an accessory pathway cryomapping was not predictive for successful cryoablation (negative predictive value 66.6%). In 3 additional patients with AVNRT transient high‐grade AV block occurred during cryoablation despite previous “safe” cryomapping at the same location. No other major complications were noted. Conclusion: Cryoablation of SVT substrates in pediatric patients was associated with a lower success rate compared to RF catheter ablation. Cryomapping decreased the number of permanent lesions but did not predict cryoablation outcome in all tachycardia substrates.
Association between apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele and apathy in probable Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Monastero R. , Mariani E. , Camarda C. , Ingegni T. , Averna M. R. , Senin U. , Camarda R. , Mecocci P. 
Published: August 2005

Objective:  There have been inconclusive results to date on the association between the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether ApoE ɛ4 allele is associated with NPS in probable AD.Method:  Data for 197 subjects with probable AD were analysed. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to evaluate the frequency and severity of NPS. Multiple logistic regression models were used to test the association between ApoE genotype and NPS in AD.Results:  The ApoE ɛ3/3 genotype was present in 52.3%, ɛ3/4 in 44.1%, and ɛ4/4 in 3.6% of patients. ApoE ɛ4 carriers showed a higher frequency of apathy than non‐carriers. After multiple adjustments, the ApoE ɛ4 allele was significantly associated with apathy.Conclusion:  Our results suggest a relationship between the ApoE ɛ4 allele and apathy in patients with AD.
The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Cat: A Model for Lentivirus‐induced Placental Immunopathology and Reproductive Failure (Mini‐Review)
Authors: Coats Karen S. 
Published: August 2005

ProblemPediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is largely a result of transplacental transmission, and pregnancy perturbation is more frequent in HIV‐infected women. Dysregulation of placental immunology may occur during HIV infection, possibly facilitating HIV vertical transfer and miscarriage. The (FIV)‐infected cat is a useful small‐animal model for HIV pathogenesis because the viruses share common biological and clinical features. Transplacental transmission is readily achieved experimentally, resulting in a high proportion of infected offspring and frequent reproductive failure.Method of studyWe are using this model to examine lentivirus‐induced placental immunopathology to determine the role aberrant immunology plays in intrauterine transmission and pregnancy perturbation.ResultsKittens were cesarean delivered from FIV‐B‐2542‐infected and control queens at week 8 gestation (1 week short of term), and placental and fetal specimens were collected. On average, control queens delivered 3.8 kittens/litter, and 1 of 31 kittens (3.2%) was non‐viable. FIV‐infected queens produced 2.7 kittens/litter with 15 of 25 fetuses (60%) non‐viable. The virus was detected in 14 of 15 placentas (93%) and 21 of 22 fetuses (95%) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using a one‐step, real time reverse transcriptase (RT)–PCR, we measured expression of representative placental T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐1βand interferon (IFN)‐γ, a Th2 cytokine, IL‐10, and chemokine receptor CXCR4. A comparison of placental cytokine expression between infected and control queens did not reveal differences between the two groups. However, elevated expression of Th1 cytokines and increased Th1/Th2 ratios (IL‐1β/IL‐10) occurred in placentas from resorptions, indicating that increased placental Th1 cytokine expression was associated with pregnancy failure in the FIV‐infected cat.ConclusionThe potential to establish efficient FIVin uterotransmission, coupled with the parallels in immunopathology between FIV‐infected cats and HIV‐infected humans, suggests the usefulness of the FIV‐infected cat as a cost‐effective, small‐animal model to study lentivirus‐induced immunopathology, transplacental infection, and reproductive failure.
Migration Inhibitory Factor Secretion by Polarized Uterine Epithelial Cells is Enhanced in Response to the TLR3 Agonist Poly (I:C)
Authors: Schaefer Todd M , Fahey John V. , Wright Jacqueline A. , Wira Charles R. 
Published: August 2005

ProblemUterine epithelial cells produce cytokines that stimulate leukocytes in response to a microbial insult. The goals of this study were to determine if uterine epithelial cells produce the pro‐inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and to see if toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists stimulate MIF secretion.Methods of studyHuman uterine epithelial cells were isolated and grown in cell culture inserts. Levels of MIF secretion were examined by ELISA and MIF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was examined using real time RT‐PCR.ResultsUterine epithelial cells constitutively secrete MIF and exposure to the TLR3 agonist poly (I:C) resulted in enhanced apical secretion of MIF. MIF secretion appeared to be from pre‐formed intracellular stores, since exposure of epithelial cells to poly (I:C) had little effect on the expression of MIF–mRNA.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that uterine epithelial cells constitutively produce MIF and stimulation with poly (I:C) results in enhanced MIF production. This suggests that MIF secretion by uterine epithelial cells may play a critical role in innate immune responses against viral pathogens mediated through TLR3.
Reduced Uterine Indoleamine 2,3‐Dioxygenase Versus Increased Th1/Th2 Cytokine Ratios as a Basis for Occult and Clinical Pregnancy Failure in Mice and Humans
Authors: Clark David A. , Blois Sandra , Kandil Judith , Handjiski Bori , Manuel Justin , Arck Petra C. 
Published: August 2005

ProblemIndoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) expression in fetal trophoblast and decidual antigen‐presenting cells has been proposed to inactivate maternal T cells and thereby prevent rejection of the ‘fetal allograft’ in early pregnancy. Psychic stress has been proposed to cause miscarriages as well as infertility, at the same time in pregnancy when blockade of IDO causes loss, but the suggested mechanism of stress‐triggered loss has been an increased ratio of pro‐rejection Th1‐type cytokines to anti‐rejection Th2/3 cytokines. Could stress act by reducing IDO expression?MethodsUsing DBA/2‐mated A/J mice where stress causes early pregnancy failure, we examined the role of stress in reducing IDO versus increasing Th1/Th2 ratio in deciduas. IDO loss was also examined in human decidua associated with pregnancy failure.ResultsA post‐implantation sonic stress increased the pregnancy failure rate, increased the Th1/Th2 ratio, but did not reduce IDO. IDO was reduced, and Th1/Th2 ratios increased in A/J mice pre‐immunized against paternal DBA/2 antigens, and concomitant stress increased these effects. The rate of pregnancy failure was not further increased consistent with recent discoveries of factors that limit the impact of Th1 cytokines at the feto‐maternal interface. In deciduas from spontaneous miscarriage patients, IDO+ cell frequencies were low in only 30% of patients. CD3+ T‐cell numbers and percentage terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP‐digoxigenin nick end‐labelling (TUNEL)+ apoptotic T cells were increased, but the level of IDO did not correlate with likelihood of apoptosis.ConclusionsLoss of an allogeneic embryo in early pregnancy is more likely to be due to a high Th1/Th2 ratio than loss of putative protection by IDO.
Difference in Cytokine Production and Cell Activation between Adenoidal Lymphocytes and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Children with Otitis Media
Authors: Harimaya Atsushi , Tarkkanen Jussi , Mattila Petri , Fujii Nobuhiro , Ylikoski Jukka , Himi Tetsuo 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT
We evaluated the immunological potential of adenoidal lymphocytes from children with recurrent otitis media. Interleukin-4 release and CD69 expression were lower in adenoidal lymphocytes than in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Our results suggest that there may be a difference between the immunological potential of adenoidal lymphocytes and that of PBL in children with otitis.
Responses of nematode community structure to pesticide treatments in an arid ecosystem of the Negev Desert
Authors:   Pen-Mouratov, Steinberger Yosef 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of pesticides on free-living soil nematodes in a desert system. Spatial and temporal distributions as well as changes in nematode community structure were investigated. Soil samples were collected monthly between November 2000 and November 2001 from four plots: one treated with Nemacur, one with Edigan, one with water and one untreated plot as control. The nematode population as well as spatial distribution was found to be affected by treatments on a temporal basis. The different treatments applied led to a significant difference in the abundance of nematode trophic groups, where the fungivores and bacterivores were found to decrease in the pesticide-treated samples. A total of 31 genera were found in the samples, with 21 in the Nemacur-treated sample and 16 in the Edigan-treated sample. Ecological indices such as trophic diversity, maturity index and Shannon index elucidated the effect of pesticides on density, diversity and trophic group composition.
Distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes in an Irish sand dune system
Authors: Griffin Christine , Rolston Alec , Downes Martin 
Published: August 2005

AbstractA 100 × 800 m section of the sand dune system at North Bull Island, Dublin Bay, Ireland, was surveyed for entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) by baiting soil cores with Galleria mellonella in July and August of 2001 and 2002. Two species were found: Steinernema feltiae (2.5 and 3.2% of cores) and Heterorhabditis downesi (1.9 and 3.8% of cores in 2001 and 2002, respectively). In each year, two colour variants of the G. mellonella cadavers containing H. downesi were found: purple and yellow. In both 2001 and 2002, H. downesi was most prevalent in the front 20 m of the dune system. Steinernema feltiae occurrence generally increased with distance into the dunes. In 2002, H. downesi was recovered most often in sandy paths than any other habitat surveyed but there was no habitat differentiation for S. feltiae. Human traffic may be an important factor in the distribution of both EPN and their insect hosts on Bull Island.
Life cycle duration of Meloidogyne incognita and host status of Brassicaceae and Capparaceae selected for glucosinate content
Authors: Dallavalle Elisabetta , Lazzeri Luca , Curto Giovanna 
Published: August 2005

AbstractDifferent plant species in the families Brassicaceae and Capparaceae were evaluated for their potential use in management of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Preliminary tests on host suitability were carried out for toxic effects on the nematode in small field plots of soil naturally infested with M. incognita. Afterwards, the best accessions and a susceptible tomato cultivar (UC82) were tested in pots to collect more complete observations of the nematode life cycle on the selected plant roots. Plants were cultivated in the glasshouse for 14–15 weeks and evaluated every 2 weeks. Root gall rating, population reproduction factor and life cycle duration showed wide differences amongst the different accessions and indicated two distinct approaches for control of M. incognita: catch crops or green manure. At 14–15 weeks after sowing, Rapistrum rugosum sel. ISCI 15, Eruca sativa cv. Nemat, Barbarea verna sel. ISCI 50 and Raphanus sativus cv. Boss were considered 'poor to nonhost' species; Brassica juncea sel. ISCI 99 was classified as 'maintenance host'; Lepidium campestre sel. ISCI 103 and Erucastrum gallicum were 'good hosts'. At 10 weeks after sowing, B. juncea sel. ISCI 20 was classified as a good host, so it could be grown for fewer than 8–10 weeks in a cropping system. The presence of galls and the identification of juveniles, females and egg masses, confirmed that second-stage juveniles had penetrated into the root of the tested accessions and completed their life cycle. However, in R. rugosum sel. ISCI 15, M. incognita did not complete its life cycle, even after 15 weeks.
Multiple displacement amplification of DNA for ITS-RFLP analysis of individual juveniles of Bursaphelenchus
Authors: Burgermeister Wolfgang , Metge Kai 
Published: August 2005

AbstractDifferentiation of the plant-pathogenic pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, from non-pathogenic Bursaphelenchus species is difficult because of high morphological similarities among closely related species. In recent years, ITS-RFLP analysis has become a useful tool for Bursaphelenchus species identification. Analysis of individual nematodes is hampered by the fact that sufficient template DNA for ITS-PCR cannot be extracted reliably. We have employed a whole genome amplification method, termed multiple displacement amplification (MDA), to 26 DNA extracts from individual juveniles to increase the amount of template DNA. Preamplification of the whole genomic DNA by MDA provided sufficient amounts of PCR product for ITS-RFLP analysis with 12 out of 20 B. xylophilus, two B. mucronatus, two B. fraudulentus and two B. eggersi samples tested. The introduction of MDA to ITS-RFLP analysis of nematodes may improve the reliability of diagnostic testing for limited samples and permit verification of analytical results.
Species distribution of free-living nematodes and other meiofauna in littoral periphyton communities of lakes
Authors: Peters Lars , Traunspurger Walter 
Published: August 2005

AbstractRecent studies on meiofaunal and nematode communities have focused on soft sediments in streams, lakes and marine environments. Despite a large number of studies dealing with periphyton, meiofaunal and nematode communities, on littoral hard substrates in lakes have not yet been investigated in detail. Therefore, epilithic communities with particular emphasis on nematode species composition, were analysed in 17 Swedish lakes differing greatly in size, depth, trophic status and epilithic biomass. Nematode abundance ranged from 2.3 to 161.5 cm−2, and the abundance of nematodes relative to total meiofauna ranged from 20 to 77% (mean 53%). Fifty-eight nematode species were identified; species numbers varied from eight to 34 species per lake. The dominant species were Rhabdolaimus aquaticus, Punctodora ratzeburgensis, Eumonhystera dispar and Crocodorylaimus flavomaculatus. Deposit feeders dominated (71% of total fauna), followed by suction feeders (14%), epistrate feeders (12%) and chewers (3%). Of 3624 nematodes examined, 54% were juveniles, 35% females, 6% males and 5% gravid females. Multivariate analysis of the nematode species composition revealed significant differences in the community structures among lakes. This is the first study to show that meiofauna is a numerically abundant group within littoral periphyton communities in lakes, with nematodes representing the dominant group.
Effect of blue-stain fungi on the number of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) carried by Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Maehara Noritoshi , Hata Kunihiko , Futai Kazuyoshi 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBlue-stain fungi were mainly isolated from the wood of pine wilt-killed Pinus densiflora. Intense blue-stain on the pupal chamber walls of the Japanese pine sawyer (Monochamus alternatus) increased the number of pinewood nematodes (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) aggregating around such chambers and the number carried by the beetles that emerged from the chambers. There were differences in the numbers of nematodes carried by beetles among individual trees from which the beetles emerged. The beetles emerging from dry chambers carried relatively few nematodes.
Genetics and phenotypic characterisation of the hypersensitive resistance of Solanum sparsipilum to Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Kouassi Abou Bakari , Dantec Jean-Paul , Rouaux Claudia , Kerlan Marie-Claire , Sobczak Miroslaw , Ellissèche Daniel , Mugniéry Didier 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe hypersensitive resistance of the genotype '385.484.13' of Solanum sparsipilum to Meloidogyne incognita, one of the southern root-knot nematodes and their Mi virulent populations was analysed. Genetic control of the hypersensitive reaction was assessed based on segregation of the necrotic reaction in infected roots of diploid F1 plants obtained from the cross of the genotype '385.484.13' with the dihaploid susceptible potato genotype 'Keltia H12'. Two distinct tests showed a distorted segregation compared to the hypothetical ratio expected for a monogenic control. We hypothesised that the resistance is based on one dominant gene designated Mh and linked to the self incompatibility locus-S. Hypersensitive plants prevented juveniles from feeding, developing and reproducing. Ninety percent of invading juveniles remained undeveloped 6 weeks after inoculation. Almost all the adults were males and only very rarely were females observed. Inhibition of the development of juveniles into females showed a bimodal distribution of the genotypes: hypersensitive ones allowed almost no development of females whilst all the juveniles became females in non-hypersensitive plants. That result supports the hypothesis of a monogenic control of the resistance. The resistance was broken when plants were grown at 30°C. The histology of the hypersensitive reaction was very similar to that of the Mi gene of tomato and of some Me genes of pepper. Necrotic cells were localised not only around the head of the juveniles but also surrounding their bodies. In addition, healthy cells adjacent to necrotised ones underwent divisions parallel to the juveniles. Intercellular spaces between these cells and necrotised ones enlarged markedly, which is consistent with a process leading to isolation of the necrotic area from healthy tissue.
Phasmids in Tylenchulidae (Tylenchida: Criconematoidea)
Authors: Geraert Etienne , Sturhan Dieter 
Published: August 2005

AbstractLight-microscope studies revealed the presence of phasmids in the mid-tail region in species of the genera Tylenchulus, Trophotylenchulus (syn. Trophonema), Sphaeronema and Meloidoderita in Tylenchulidae. Scanning electron microscopy studies on Sphaeronema species verified these observations. Absence of phasmids or phasmid-like structures was confirmed for genera placed in Paratylenchinae and Tylenchocriconematinae in the same family, and for other taxa of Criconematoidea. This first record of phasmids in the superfamily Criconematoidea requires reconsideration of the systematic position of Tylenchulidae and of the relationships of the genera currently placed in this family. Presence of phasmids, deirids and other morphological characters place Tylenchulidae in a basal position in Criconematoidea.
Steinernema silvaticum sp. n. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from Europe
Authors: Spiridonov Sergei , Sturhan Dieter , Mráček Zdeněk 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSteinernema silvaticum sp. n. is described from woodland soil near Berlin, Germany. The species is quite common in European woodlands, being found in forest soil all over Germany, in Belgium, the Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Sweden and the UK. It was previously reported as Steinernema sp. 'B' in Germany and the Czech Republic, and as Steinernema sp. 'B3' in UK, Belgian and Dutch surveys. Third-stage infective juveniles are mainly characterised by a straight body of medium length (means = 700–900 μm), lateral fields with eight equal ridges (with appearance of nine parallel, equally spaced lines under light microscope), rather broad, flatly rounded and continuous cephalic region, excretory pore at level of mid-pharynx and average hyaline tail portion constituting ca half total tail length; males with mucronate tail, yellowish spicules of ca 50 μm length and wide manubria; females with short conoid tail with pointed non-mucronate tip. According to the ITS rDNA sequences, S. silvaticum sp. n. belongs to the 'feltiae-kraussei-oregonense' group of Steinernema species, although it is closest to S. kraussei. The new species shows a high level of nucleotide differences in ITS rDNA sequences from other steinernematid species and can be easily distinguished from S. kraussei, S. feltiae, S. oregonense, S. weiseri and S. jollieti by morphological characters of the infective juveniles and males.