bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute exposure of mice to high-dose ultrafine carbon black decreases susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Tellabati Ananth , Fernandes Vitor E , Teichert Friederike , Singh Rajinder , Rylance Jamie , Gordon Stephen , Andrew Peter W , Grigg Jonathan
Published: October 2010

Background

Epidemiological studies suggest that inhalation of carbonaceous particulate matter from biomass combustion increases susceptibility to bacterial pneumonia. In vitro studies report that phagocytosis of carbon black by alveolar macrophages (AM) impairs killing of Streptococcus pneumoniae. We have previously reported high levels of black carbon in AM from biomass smoke-exposed children and adults. We therefore aimed to use a mouse model to test the hypothesis that high levels of carbon loading of AM in vivo increases susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia.

Methods

Female outbred mice were treated with either intranasal phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or ultrafine carbon black (UF-CB in PBS; 500 μg on day 1 and day 4), and then infected with S. pneumoniae strain D39 on day 5. Survival was assessed over 72 h. The effect of UF-CB on AM carbon loading, airway inflammation, and a urinary marker of pulmonary oxidative stress was assessed in uninfected animals.

Results

Instillation of UF-CB in mice resulted a pattern of AM carbon loading similar to that of biomass-smoke exposed humans. In uninfected animals, UF-CB treated animals had increased urinary 8-oxodG (P = 0.055), and an increased airway neutrophil differential count (P < 0.01). All PBS-treated mice died within 72 h after infection with S. pneumoniae, whereas morbidity and mortality after infection was reduced in UF-CB treated animals (median survival 48 h vs. 30 h, P < 0.001). At 24 hr post-infection, UF-CB treated mice had lower lung and the blood S. pneumoniae colony forming unit counts, and lower airway levels of keratinocyte-derived chemokine/growth-related oncogene (KC/GRO), and interferon gamma.

Conclusion

Acute high level loading of AM with ultrafine carbon black particles per se does not increase the susceptibility of mice to pneumococcal infection in vivo.
Biological changes in auditory function following training in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Russo Nicole M , Hornickel Jane , Nicol Trent , Zecker Steven , Kraus Nina
Published: October 2010

Background

Children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), such as children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), often show auditory processing deficits related to their overarching language impairment. Auditory training programs such as Fast ForWord Language may potentially alleviate these deficits through training-induced improvements in auditory processing.

Methods

To assess the impact of auditory training on auditory function in children with ASD, brainstem and cortical responses to speech sounds presented in quiet and noise were collected from five children with ASD who completed Fast ForWord training.

Results

Relative to six control children with ASD who did not complete Fast ForWord, training-related changes were found in brainstem response timing (three children) and pitch-tracking (one child), and cortical response timing (all five children) after Fast ForWord use.

Conclusions

These results provide an objective indication of the benefit of training on auditory function for some children with ASD.
Protective effect of extract of Cordyceps sinensis in middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats
Authors: Liu Zhenquan , Li Pengtao , Zhao Dan , Tang Huiling , Guo Jianyou
Published: October 2010

Background

Ischemic hypoxic brain injury often causes irreversible brain damage. The lack of effective and widely applicable pharmacological treatments for ischemic stroke patients may explain a growing interest in traditional medicines. From the point of view of "self-medication" or "preventive medicine,"Cordyceps sinensiswas used in the prevention of cerebral ischemia in this paper.

Methods

The right middle cerebral artery occlusion model was used in the study. The effects ofCordyceps sinensis(Caterpillar fungus) extract on mortality rate, neurobehavior, grip strength, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione content, Lipid Peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione reductase activity, catalase activity, Na+K+ATPase activity and glutathione S transferase activity in a rat model were studied respectively.

Results

Cordyceps sinensisextract significantly improved the outcome in rats after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in terms of neurobehavioral function. At the same time, supplementation ofCordyceps sinensisextract significantly boosted the defense mechanism against cerebral ischemia by increasing antioxidants activity related to lesion pathogenesis. Restoration of the antioxidant homeostasis in the brain after reperfusion may have helped the brain recover from ischemic injury.

Conclusions

These experimental results suggest that complementCordyceps sinensisextract is protective after cerebral ischemia in specific way. The administration ofCordyceps sinensisextract significantly reduced focal cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury. The defense mechanism against cerebral ischemia was by increasing antioxidants activity related to lesion pathogenesis.
A simple, rapid method to isolate salt glands for three-dimensional visualization, fluorescence imaging and cytological studies
Authors: Tan Wee-Kee , Lim Tit-Meng , Loh Chiang-Shiong
Published: October 2010

Background

Some plants inhabiting saline environment remove salts via the salt glands embedded in the epidermal tissues. Cytological studies of salt glands will provide valuable information to our understanding of the secretory process. Previous studies on salt gland histology relied mainly on two-dimensional microscopic observations of microtome sections. Optical sectioning properties of confocal laser scanning microscope offer alternative approach for obtaining three-dimensional structural information of salt glands. Difficulty in light penetration through intact leaves and interference from neighbouring leaf cells, however, impede the acquiring of good optical salt gland sections and limit its applications in salt gland imaging. Freeing the glands from adjacent leaf tissues will allow better manipulations for three-dimensional imaging through confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results

Here, we present a simple and fast method for the isolation of individual salt glands released from the interference of neighbouring cells. About 100-200 salt glands could be isolated from just one cm2ofAvicenniaofficinalisleaf within hours and microscopic visualization of isolated salt glands was made possible within a day. Using these isolated glands, confocal laser scanning microscopic techniques could be applied and better resolution salt gland images could be achieved. By making use of their intrinsic fluorescent properties, optical sections of the gland cells could be acquired without the use of fluorescent probes and the corresponding three-dimensional images constructed. Useful cytological information of the salt gland cells could also be obtained through the applications of fluorescent dyes (e.g., LysoTracker®Red, FM®4-64, Texas Red®).

Conclusions

The study of salt glands directly at the glandular level are made possible with the successful isolation of these specialized structures. Preparation of materials for subsequent microscopic observations of salt glands could be achieved within a day. Potential applications of confocal fluorescence microscopic techniques could also be performed using these isolated glands. Experiments designed and targeted directly at the salt glands were explored and cytological information obtained herein could be further incorporated towards the understanding of the mechanism underlying secretion in plant salt glands.
Radiation induced apoptosis and initial DNA damage are inversely related in locally advanced breast cancer patients
Authors: Pinar Beatriz , Henríquez-Hernández Luis Alberto , Lara Pedro C , Bordon Elisa , Rodriguez-Gallego Carlos , Lloret Marta , Nuñez Maria Isabel , De Almodovar Mariano Ruiz
Published: October 2010

Background

DNA-damage assays, quantifying the initial number of DNA double-strand breaks induced by radiation, have been proposed as a predictive test for radiation-induced toxicity. Determination of radiation-induced apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry analysis has also been proposed as an approach for predicting normal tissue responses following radiotherapy. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between initial DNA damage, estimated by the number of double-strand breaks induced by a given radiation dose, and the radio-induced apoptosis rates observed.

Methods

Peripheral blood lymphocytes were taken from 26 consecutive patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma. Radiosensitivity of lymphocytes was quantified as the initial number of DNA double-strand breaks induced per Gy and per DNA unit (200 Mbp). Radio-induced apoptosis at 1, 2 and 8 Gy was measured by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide.

Results

Radiation-induced apoptosis increased in order to radiation dose and data fitted to a semi logarithmic mathematical model. A positive correlation was found among radio-induced apoptosis values at different radiation doses: 1, 2 and 8 Gy (p < 0.0001 in all cases). Mean DSB/Gy/DNA unit obtained was 1.70 ± 0.83 (range 0.63-4.08; median, 1.46). A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between initial damage to DNA and radio-induced apoptosis at 1 Gy (p = 0.034). A trend toward 2 Gy (p = 0.057) and 8 Gy (p = 0.067) was observed after 24 hours of incubation.

Conclusions

An inverse association was observed for the first time between these variables, both considered as predictive factors to radiation toxicity.
A detailed genome-wide reconstruction of mouse metabolism based on human Recon 1
Authors: Sigurdsson Martin I , Jamshidi Neema , Steingrimsson Eirikur , Thiele Ines , Palsson Bernhard Ø
Published: October 2010

Background

Well-curated and validated network reconstructions are extremely valuable tools in systems biology. Detailed metabolic reconstructions of mammals have recently emerged, including human reconstructions. They raise the question if the various successful applications of microbial reconstructions can be replicated in complex organisms.

Results

We mapped the published, detailed reconstruction of human metabolism (Recon 1) to other mammals. By searching for genes homologous to Recon 1 genes within mammalian genomes, we were able to create draft metabolic reconstructions of five mammals, including the mouse. Each draft reconstruction was created in compartmentalized and non-compartmentalized version via two different approaches. Using gap-filling algorithms, we were able to produce all cellular components with three out of four versions of the mouse metabolic reconstruction. We finalized a functional model by iterative testing until it passed a predefined set of 260 validation tests. The reconstruction is the largest, most comprehensive mouse reconstruction to-date, accounting for 1,415 genes coding for 2,212 gene-associated reactions and 1,514 non-gene-associated reactions.

We tested the mouse model for phenotype prediction capabilities. The majority of predicted essential genes were also essential in vivo. However, our non-tissue specific model was unable to predict gene essentiality for many of the metabolic genes shown to be essential in vivo. Our knockout simulation of the lipoprotein lipase gene correlated well with experimental results, suggesting that softer phenotypes can also be simulated.

Conclusions

We have created a high-quality mouse genome-scale metabolic reconstruction, iMM1415 (Mus Musculus, 1415 genes). We demonstrate that the mouse model can be used to perform phenotype simulations, similar to models of microbe metabolism. Since the mouse is an important experimental organism, this model should become an essential tool for studying metabolic phenotypes in mice, including outcomes from drug screening.
Successful management of refractory pleural effusion due to systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis by vincristine adriamycin dexamethasone chemotherapy: a case report
Authors: Araoka Toshikazu , Takeoka Hiroya , Nishioka Keisuke , Ikeda Masaki , Kondo Makiko , Hoshina Azusa , Kishi Seiji , Araki Makoto , Mimura Rokuro , Murakami Taichi , Mima Akira , Nagai Kojiro , Abe Hideharu , Doi Toshio
Published: October 2010

Introduction

Refractory pleural effusion in systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis without cardiac decompensation is rarely reported and has a poor prognosis in general (a median survival of 1.6 months). Moreover, the optimum treatment for this condition is still undecided. This is the first report on the successful use of vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone chemotherapy for refractory pleural effusion due to systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis without cardiac decompensation.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 68-year old Japanese male with systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis presenting with bilateral pleural effusion (more severe on the right side) in the absence of cardiac decompensation that was refractory to diuretic therapy. The patient was admitted for fatigue, exertional dyspnea, and bilateral lower extremity edema. He had been receiving intermittent melphalan and prednisone chemotherapy for seven years. One month before admission, his dyspnea had got worse, and his chest radiograph showed bilateral pleural effusion; the pleural effusion was ascertained to be a transudate. The conventionally used therapeutic measures, including diuretics and thoracocentesis, failed to control pleural effusion. Administration of vincristine, adriamycin, and dexamethasone chemotherapy led to successful resolution of the effusion.

Conclusion

Treatment with vincristine, adriamycin, and dexamethasone chemotherapy was effective for the refractory pleural effusion in systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis without cardiac decompensation and appears to be associated with improvement in our patient's prognosis.
Granulomatous pyoderma preceding chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis triggered by vaccinations in a two-year-old boy: a case report
Authors: Karaca Neslihan , Aksu Guzide , Ozturk Can , Gulez Nesrin , Kutukculer Necil
Published: October 2010

Introduction

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare, systemic, aseptic, inflammatory disorder that involves different sites. Pathogenesis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is currently unknown.

Case presentation

A two-year-old Caucasian boy, diagnosed with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis with granulomatous pyoderma following routine vaccinations is presented for the first time in the literature.

Conclusion

We conclude that antigen exposures might have provoked this inflammatory condition for our case. Skin and/or bone lesions following vaccinations should raise suspicion of an inflammatory response such as chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis only after thorough evaluation for chronic infection, autoimmune, immunodeficiency or vasculitic diseases.
Change in condom and other barrier method use during and after an HIV prevention trial in Zimbabwe
Authors: van der Straten Ariane , Cheng Helen , Minnis Alexandra M
Published: October 2010

Background

We examined the use of male condoms and the diaphragm following completion of a clinical trial of the diaphragm's HIV prevention effectiveness. In the trial, called Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa (MIRA), women were randomized to a diaphragm group (diaphragm, gel and condoms) or a condom‐only control group. At trial exit, all women were offered the diaphragm and condoms.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 801 Zimbabwean MIRA participants who completed one post‐trial visit (median lapse: nine months; range two to 20 months). We assessed condom, diaphragm and any barrier method use at last sex act at enrolment, final MIRA and post‐trial visits. We used multivariable random effects logistic regression to examine changes in method use between these three time points.

Results and discussion

In the condom group, condom use decreased from 86% at the final trial visit to 67% post trial (AOR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.33). In the diaphragm group, condom use was 61% at the final trial visit, and did not decrease significantly post trial (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.55 to 1.09), while diaphragm use decreased from 79% to 50% post trial (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.28). Condom use significantly decreased between the enrolment and post‐trial visits in both groups. Use of any barrier method was similar in both groups: it significantly decreased between the final trial and the post‐trial visits, but did not change between enrolment and the post‐trial visits.

Conclusions

High condom use levels achieved during the trial were not sustained post trial in the condom group. Post‐trial diaphragm use remained relatively high in the diaphragm group (given its unknown effectiveness), but was very low in the condom group. Introducing “new” methods for HIV prevention may require time and user skills before they get adopted. Our findings underscore the potential benefit of providing a mix of methods to women as it may encourage more protected acts.
Malignant head and neck paragangliomas: Is there an optimal treatment strategy?
Authors: Moskovic Daniel J , Smolarz Joseph R , Stanley Douglas , Jimenez Camilo , Williams Michelle D , Hanna Ehab Y , Kupferman Michael E
Published: October 2010

Background

Little is known about management and prognosis for malignant head & neck paragangliomas. We reviewed records of these patients to determine optimal treatment strategies.

Methods

We reviewed 113 cases of head & neck paragangliomas treated at our institution from 1970 to 2005. Nineteen patients were included in the study. All had primary surgical treatment at another institution. Metastatic disease was treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Survival and complications were evaluated. P values were determined by Fischer's exact test.

Results

All patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation age ≥ 40 years had disease progression. Of the patients < 40, two had stable disease; one had regression of disease with treatment. Patients without disease progression had better prognosis and were alive at last follow-up.

Conclusions

Clinical benefit was derived from aggressive treatment. However, careful consideration of the risks of observation versus intensive therapy should be undertaken when managing these patients.
Silencing of the IKKε gene by siRNA inhibits invasiveness and growth of breast cancer cells
Authors: Qin Bin , Cheng Kun
Published: October 2010

Introduction

IκB kinase ε (IKKε) is a member of the IKK family that plays an important role in the activation of NF-κB. Overexpressed in more than 30% of breast cancers, IKKε has been recently identified as a potential breast cancer oncogene. The purpose of the present study is to examine the therapeutic potential of IKKε siRNA on human breast cancer cells.

Methods

Eight siRNAs targeting different regions of the IKKε mRNA were designed, and the silencing effect was screened by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The biological effects of synthetic siRNAs on human breast cancer cells were investigated by examining the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, focus formation, anchorage-independent growth (via soft agar assay), cell cycle arrest, apoptosis (via annexing binding), NF-κB basal level, and NF-κB-related gene expressions upon the IKKε silencing.

Results

Silencing of IKKε in human breast cancer cells resulted in a decrease of focus formation potential and clonogenicity as well as in vitro cell migration/invasion capabilities. Moreover, knockdown of IKKε suppressed cell proliferation. Cell cycle assay showed that the anti-proliferation effect of IKKε siRNA was mediated by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase, which was caused by downregulation of cyclin D1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that silencing of IKKε inhibited the NF-κB basal activity as well as the Bcl-2 expression. Significant apoptosis was not observed in breast cancer cells upon the silencing of IKKε. The present study provided the first evidence that silencing IKKε using synthetic siRNA can inhibit the invasiveness properties and proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that silencing IKKε using synthetic siRNA may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
Severe burn injury in europe: a systematic review of the incidence, etiology, morbidity, and mortality
Authors: Brusselaers Nele , Monstrey Stan , Vogelaers Dirk , Hoste Eric , Blot Stijn
Published: October 2010

Introduction

Burn injury is a serious pathology, potentially leading to severe morbidity and significant mortality, but it also has a considerable health-economic impact. The aim of this study was to describe the European hospitalized population with severe burn injury, including the incidence, etiology, risk factors, mortality, and causes of death.

Methods

The systematic literature search (1985 to 2009) involved PubMed, the Web of Science, and the search engine Google. The reference lists and the Science Citation Index were used for hand searching (snowballing). Only studies dealing with epidemiologic issues (for example, incidence and outcome) as their major topic, on hospitalized populations with severe burn injury (in secondary and tertiary care) in Europe were included. Language restrictions were set on English, French, and Dutch.

Results

The search led to 76 eligible studies, including more than 186,500 patients in total. The annual incidence of severe burns was 0.2 to 2.9/10,000 inhabitants with a decreasing trend in time. Almost 50% of patients were younger than 16 years, and ~60% were male patients. Flames, scalds, and contact burns were the most prevalent causes in the total population, but in children, scalds clearly dominated. Mortality was usually between 1.4% and 18% and is decreasing in time. Major risk factors for death were older age and a higher total percentage of burned surface area, as well as chronic diseases. (Multi) organ failure and sepsis were the most frequently reported causes of death. The main causes of early death (<48 hours) were burn shock and inhalation injury.

Conclusions

Despite the lack of a large-scale European registration of burn injury, more epidemiologic information is available about the hospitalized population with severe burn injury than is generally presumed. National and international registration systems nevertheless remain necessary to allow better targeting of prevention campaigns and further improvement of cost-effectiveness in total burn care.
Infrequent Tumor Initiative of the Children's Oncology Group: Initial Lessons Learned and Their Impact on Future Plans
Authors: Pappo Alberto S. , Krailo Mark , Chen Zhengjia , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Reaman Gregory
Published: October 2010

The merger of the Pediatric Oncology Group, Children's Cancer Group, the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group, and the National Wilms Tumor Study Group in 2000 offered the newly formed Children's Oncology Group (COG), an opportunity to study rare cancers that had not been the subject of organized evaluation within the context of a cooperative group. In 2002, the COG formed the rare tumor committee which is comprised of four subcommittees. This article details the experience of the infrequent tumor subcommittee for the period of 2002 to 2007. During the initial implementation of this strategy, we have observed low rates of registration within the COG registry and low levels of participation in open banking, biology, and first-line therapeutic studies. This initial experience has allowed us to develop alternative strategies to increase registration rates and clinical trial enrollments. It is hoped that these new plans will allow us to increase our ability to better understand the biology and improve the treatment outcome of young patients with infrequent cancers. Furthermore, our initial experience has demonstrated to us the potential power of expanded cooperation and collaboration at a global level.
New records and geographic distribution of the rare Glironia venusta (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae)
Authors: Rossi Rogério V. , Miranda Cleuton L. , Santos Júnior Tarcísio S. , Semedo Thiago B.F.
Published: October 2010

No abstract available
Data on the distribution of mammals from Mauritania, West Africa
Authors: Brito José C. , Álvares Francisco , Martínez-Freiría Fernando , Sierra Pablo , Sillero Neftalí , Tarroso Pedro
Published: October 2010

No abstract available
The Association Between Developmental Coordination Disorder and Other Developmental Traits
Authors: Lingam Raghu , Golding Jean , Jongmans Marian J. , Hunt Linda P. , Ellis Matthew , Emond Alan
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To explore associations between developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and attention, language, social skills, and academic ability in a population-based cohort.

METHODS:

We analyzed data (N = 6902) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Probable DCD was defined as children below the 15th centile of the ALSPAC Coordination Test aged 7 years with functional impairment in activities of daily living or handwriting, excluding children with neurologic difficulties or an IQ of <70. Four developmental domains were assessed by using standardized tests between the ages of 7.5 and 9 years: attention; language skills (expressive language, comprehension, short-term memory); social skills (nonverbal skills and social communication); and academic ability (reading and spelling). The worst 5% of each trait was used to define impairment. We used multiple logistic regression models to assess the association between probable DCD and each trait. Our final model controlled for IQ, socioeconomic factors, and other developmental traits not in the domain assessed.

RESULTS:

A total of 346 (5.0%) children met criteria for probable DCD. Probable DCD was associated with difficulties in attention (odds ratio [OR]: 1.94 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–3.24]), nonword repetition (OR: 1.83 [95% CI: 1.26–2.66]), social communication (OR: 1.87 [95% CI: 1.15–3.04]), reading (OR: 3.35 [95% CI: 2.36–4.77]), and spelling (OR: 2.81 [95% CI: 2.03–3.90]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with probable DCD had an increased risk of difficulties in attention, social skills, reading, and spelling. These additional difficulties need to be screened for during assessment and considered when formulating interventions.
Highly Variable Clinical Phenotypes of Hypomorphic RAG1 Mutations
Authors: Avila Elizabeth Mannino , Uzel Gulbu , Hsu Amy , Milner Joshua D. , Turner Maria L. , Pittaluga Stefania , Freeman Alexandra F. , Holland Steven M.
Published: October 2010

Hypomorphic mutations that lead to “leaky” severe combined immunodeficiency presentation with partial protein function are increasingly being identified. Mutations in recombination-activating genes (RAGs) 1 and 2 cause immunodeficiency and dysregulation ranging from severe combined immunodeficiency to Omenn syndrome to more mild immunodeficiencies. We report here the cases of 3 patients with hypomorphic RAG1 mutations with distinct presentations. One patient had granulomatous skin disease and disseminated nontuberculous mycobacteria; the second patient presented with predominantly autoimmune manifestations; and the third patient presented with relatively late onset of infections and had isolated T-cell lymphopenia. These disparate and atypical presentations of hypomorphic RAG1 mutations highlight the role of RAG1 in immune function and autoimmunity and expand the disease spectrum linked to these genes.
Costs and Consequences of Universal Sibling Screening for Vesicoureteral Reflux: Decision Analysis
Authors: Routh Jonathan C. , Grant Frederick D. , Kokorowski Paul , Lee Richard S. , Fahey Frederic H. , Treves S. Ted , Nelson Caleb P.
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Our objective was to evaluate screening for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) among siblings of patients with VUR, in terms of cost, radiation exposure, and number of febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs) averted.

METHODS:

We constructed a Markov model to evaluate 2 competing management options, that is, universal screening (cystographic evaluation of all siblings without symptoms) and usual care (cystographic evaluation of siblings only after fUTIs). Published data were used to inform all model inputs. Costs were estimated by using a societal perspective.

RESULTS:

Universal screening yielded 2980 fUTIs, whereas usual care yielded 6330. Therefore, universal screening for VUR in a cohort of 100 000 siblings 1 year of age without symptoms resulted in the prevention of 1 initial fUTI per 3360 siblings, at an excess cost of $55 600 per averted fUTI, in comparison with usual care. These estimates were heavily dependent on screening age and the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis; prevention of a single fUTI would require screening of 166 siblings 5 years of age and 694 siblings 10 years of age. Similarly, if prophylaxis was ineffective in preventing fUTIs, then up to 10 000 siblings would need to be screened for prevention of a single fUTI.

CONCLUSIONS:

Prevention of a single fUTI would require screening of 30 to 430 siblings 1 year of age without symptoms, at an estimated excess cost of $56 000 to $820 000 per averted fUTI. These estimates are heavily dependent on screening age and the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis.
Physiologic and Clinical Benefits of Noninvasive Ventilation in Infants With Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Leboulanger Nicolas , Picard Arnaud , Soupre Véronique , Aubertin Guillaume , Denoyelle Françoise , Galliani Eva , Roger Gilles , Garabedian Eréa-Noël , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the study was to determine the clinical and physiologic benefits of noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) (continuous positive airway pressure or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation) for infants with a Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).

METHODS:

Breathing patterns, respiratory efforts, and gas exchange were analyzed for 7 infants with a PRS during spontaneous breathing and during NRS. Clinical outcomes with duration of NRS and need for a tracheotomy and/or nutritional support was evaluated.

RESULTS:

Compared with spontaneous breathing, breathing patterns, respiratory efforts, and transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressures improved during NRS; the mean respiratory rate decreased from 55 ± 9 to 37 ± 7 breaths per minute (P = .063), the mean inspiratory time/total duty cycle decreased from 59 ± 9% to 40 ± 7% (P = .018), the mean esophageal pressure swing decreased from 29 ± 13 to 9 ± 4 cm H2O (P = .017), the diaphragmatic pressure-time product decreased from 844 ± 308 to 245 ± 126 cm H2O-second per minute (P = .018), and the mean transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure during sleep decreased from 57 ± 7 to 31 ± 7 mm Hg (P = .043). All of the patients could be discharged successfully from the hospital with NRS. The mean duration of NRS was 16.7 ± 12.2 months. Six patients could be weaned from nutritional support, and none required a tracheotomy.

CONCLUSIONS:

NRS is able to improve breathing patterns and respiratory outcomes for infants with severe upper airway obstruction attributable to a PRS, which supports its use as a first-line treatment.
Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth Study: 2-Year Outcomes
Authors: Asztalos Elizabeth V. , Murphy Kellie E. , Hannah Mary E. , Willan Andrew R. , Matthews Stephen G. , Ohlsson Arne , Kelly Edmond N. , Saigal Saroj , Ross Susan , Delisle Marie-France , Amankwah Kofi , Guselle Patricia , Gafni Amiram , Lee Shoo K. , Armson B. Anthony , Sananes Renee , Tomat Laura ,   for the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth Study Collaborative Group
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of repeated courses of prenatal corticosteroid therapy versus placebo on death or neurologic impairment among the children enrolled in the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth Study, at 18 to 24 months of age.

METHODS:

A total of 2305 infants were eligible for follow-up evaluation; 2104 infants (1069 in the prenatal corticosteroid therapy group and 1035 in the placebo group) were monitored. The primary outcome was death or neurologic impairment, defined as either cerebral palsy or cognitive delay, at 18 to 24 months of age. The secondary outcomes were measurements of growth (height, weight, and head circumference).

RESULTS:

Children exposed to multiple courses of prenatal corticosteroid therapy had similar rates of death or neurologic impairment, compared with children exposed to placebo (148 children [13.8%] vs 142 children [13.7%]; odds ratio: 1.001[95% confidence interval: 0.75–1.30]; P = .95). They had a mean weight of 11.94 kg, compared with 12.14 kg in the placebo group (P = .04), a mean height of 85.51 cm, compared with 85.46 cm (P = .87), and a mean head circumference of 48.18 cm, compared with 48.25 cm (P = .45).

CONCLUSIONS:

Multiple courses of prenatal corticosteroid therapy, given every 14 days, did not increase or decrease the risk of death or neurologic impairment at 18 to 24 months of age, compared with a single course of prenatal corticosteroid therapy. Continued follow-up monitoring of these children is necessary to assess neurobehavioral function, school performance, and possible susceptibility to disease.
Maternal or Paternal Suicide and Offspring's Psychiatric and Suicide-Attempt Hospitalization Risk
Authors: Kuramoto S. Janet , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Runeson Bo , Lichtenstein Paul , Långström Niklas , Wilcox Holly C.
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE:

We examined whether the risk for psychiatric morbidity requiring inpatient care was higher for offspring who experienced parental suicide, compared with offspring of fatal accident decedents, and whether the association varied according to the deceased parent's gender.

METHODS:

Children and adolescents (0–17 years of age) who experienced maternal (N = 5600) or paternal (N = 17 847) suicide in 1973–2003 in Sweden were identified by using national, longitudinal, population-based registries. Cox regression modeling was used to compare psychiatric hospitalization risks among offspring of suicide decedents and propensity score–matched offspring of accident decedents.

RESULTS:

Offspring of maternal suicide decedents had increased risk of suicide-attempt hospitalization, after controlling for psychiatric hospitalization for decedents and surviving parents, compared with offspring of maternal accidental decedents. Offspring of paternal suicide decedents had similar risk of suicide-attempt hospitalization, compared with offspring of accident decedents, but had increased risk of hospitalization attributable to depressive and anxiety disorders. The magnitude of risks for offspring suicide-attempt hospitalization was greater for those who experienced maternal versus paternal suicide, compared with their respective control offspring (interaction P = .05; offspring of maternal decedents, adjusted hazard ratio: 1.80 [95% confidence interval: 1.19–2.74]; offspring of paternal decedents, adjusted hazard ratio: 1.14 [95% confidence interval: 0.96–1.35]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Maternal suicide is associated with increased risk of suicide-attempt hospitalization for offspring, beyond the risk associated with maternal accidental death. However, paternal suicide is not associated with suicide-attempt hospitalization. Future studies should examine factors that might differ between offspring who experience maternal versus paternal suicide, including genetic or early environmental determinants.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners: Distribution, Roles and Scope of Practice
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. , Lamarand Kara E. , Loveland-Cherry Carol , Martyn Kristy K. ,   the American Board of Pediatrics Research Advisory Committee
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE:

We sought to determine the distribution and scope of practice of the neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) workforce across the United States.

METHODS:

To determine distribution, we used counts of certified NNPs from the National Certification Corp (Chicago, IL). We calculated state NNP/child population ratios as the number of NNPs divided by the state population 0 to 17 years of age. We calculated NNP/NICU bed ratios as the number of NNPs divided by the total number of NICU beds per state. To characterize roles and scope of practice, we conducted a mail survey of a random national sample of 300 NNPs in states that license nurse practitioners to practice independently and 350 NNPs in states that require physician involvement.

RESULTS:

The greatest concentrations of NNPs per capita were in the Midwest, South, and Mid-Atlantic region. Thirty-one states had <100 total NNPs. The survey response rate was 77.1%. More than one-half of NNP respondents (54% [n = 211]) reported that they spent the majority of their time in a community hospital, whereas more than one-third (37% [n = 144]) were in an academic health center. Only 2% (n = 7) reported that they engaged in independent practice.

CONCLUSIONS:

As with many health care professionals, the supply of NNPs may not be distributed according to need. With increasing concern regarding the availability of NNPs, comprehensive studies that examine the demand for NNPs and the roles of other clinicians in the NICU should provide a greater understanding of appropriate NICU workforce capacity and needs.
Family Nurse Practitioners: Roles and Scope of Practice in the Care of Pediatric Patients
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. , Loveland-Cherry Carol , Martyn Kristy K. ,   the American Board of Pediatrics Research Advisory Committee
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal was to characterize the pediatric role and scope of practice of family nurse practitioners (FNPs).

METHODS:

A mail survey of a random national sample of 1000 FNPs, stratified according to states that license nurse practitioners to practice independently, was performed. Frequencies were calculated and bivariate analyses were performed to determine the level of association between practice characteristics and practice state, practice location (urban versus rural), and type of care provided (primary versus specialty).

RESULTS:

The overall response rate was 75.9%. Sixty-six percent of respondents (n = 416) reported that they currently provided care to children, and 18% (n = 110) reported that they had never provided care to children. Fifty-four percent of FNPs who provided care to children (n = 222) reported that children represented ≤25% of their current patient populations. Few FNPs (9% [n = 39]) reported that children represented >75% of their total patient populations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among FNPs who provide care to children, pediatric patients represent only a small fraction of their patient populations. FNPs are unlikely to have a significant impact on the availability of either primary or subspecialty care for children in the near future.
Reconnecting to Nursing through Reiki
Authors: Natale Glenda Watson
Published: October 2010

Reiki and other energy modalities are included in the scope of nursing standards in many states and could address issues of stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Nurses are increasingly vulnerable to these conditions; Reiki could assist them in healing themselves and helping others.
The Why of it All
Authors: Bull Susan Ray
Published: October 2010

In a rapidly changing world, it serves us to revisit the past in order to connect with the parts of ourselves that chose nursing in the first place. Often it is the subtle, momentary communications that define who we are and remind us of why we do what we do. It is exactly these moments that make up the stories of our professional lives.
Student standpoints relevant for future reproductive behavior
Authors: Kuburovic Ankica
Published: October 2010

This paper deals with the various standpoints of students on their motivation for parenthood, planning and deciding on birth giving, influence between marriage and parenthood, parent role complexity and responsibility, on the knowledge of effect and consequences of the problem of insufficient birth giving, with an aim of getting to know the main characteristics of their possible reproductive behavior. The analyzed standpoints are part of a more comprehensive and inclusive research, carried out on a sample of 1494 surveyed persons (1000 secondary-school pupils and 494 students) in four biggest regional centers - Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac and Nis. The orientation only to student?s standpoints had an aim to more completely analyze the already abundant empirical material, which is acceptable due to the fact that students are closer to beginning of birth giving according to their age-situation characteristic. The willingness and desire of the students to become parents is significant, but this is only one of their varied life aspirations (importance of partnership, professional engagement?). The intention is to bring into accordance the realization of the most important roles, which actually indicates to a fairly uniform importance in satisfying the basic individual needs. Apart from that, the need for parenthood is dominantly emotional and altruistic, which can be satisfied by having only one child. Possible reproductive norms - which are directed to having two children, whereby they are higher than the current fertility rates, but also somewhat lower normatively determined expectations in relation to the desired number of children, as well as a significant orientation towards marriage and parenthood and the existence of the knowledge on the problem of the impossibility of simple reproduction and conscience of social need for population reproduction - represent a gap for realization of measures for motivating birth giving and parenthood rehabilitation. The possible reproduction model is not significantly determined by gender, because the noted differentiation in frequency of certain standpoints does not indicate to formation of "female" and "male" reproductive models. On the other hand, possible qualitative changes in relations between partners are noted which are manifested in more uniform engagement in birth control and decision making, as well as a more uniform representation of motherhood and fatherhood in realizing the basic needs of the child.
Dominant perceptions on the age
Authors: Komatina Slavica
Published: October 2010

Contemporary developed society, despite the fact that it is constantly and intensively ageing, is characterized by deeply rooted numerous negative stereotypes on old people and old age as a life period. The study of dominant perceptions on the age of Belgrade population takes not only the universal character of negative connotation of old age into consideration, but also the concrete unfavorable social context. The delicate problematic of stereotypes on old age and old people has been analyzed mostly indirectly, through questions on the beginning of old age, advantages and difficulties which we experience during ageing, the first subjective conscious encounter with one?s own ageing, the concept of ideal old age, changes in the persons traits and directly through questions on dominant negative perceptions which prevail on old people in our surrounding. Ageing in the Belgrade milieu is most commonly identified with illness and with the decline of physical potentials, and at the same time a number of other negative qualifications of old age as well. Research results indicate to a pronounced ambivalent standpoint towards ageing, to different observation of one?s own to old age of other people, to different consideration of old age among the sexes and to obvious aversion towards old people. This is expected, taking into consideration that living and ageing are developing nowadays under aggressive influence of contemporary mass culture which affirms youth, beauty, physical strength, health as dominant values, namely everything that is contrary to ageing and old age. On the other hand, our society is today confronted with, as well as in the near past, exceptional political, economic and cultural difficulties which cause specific problems with various age groups, as well as the lowering of the level of mutual endurance and tolerance. The atmosphere of straining the old people and emergence of new antagonisms causes the intensification of misunderstandings and distancing among generations as well and creates a favorable climate for maintaining different prejudices, even those towards ageing. While prejudices are by themselves a universal social-psychological category, prejudices on old age differ from the rest by one special and very significant characteristic - some primal fears are subconsciously hidden and some basic questions on the meaning of human existence are held back, so negative connotation of old age is precisely collective running away from these problems.
Fertility trends in Serbia during the 1990s
Authors: Rasevic Mirjana
Published: October 2010

The 1990s represent an exceptionally complex period for the population of Serbia. In addition to the impact of long-term factors, various tumultuous events affected its demographic development, such as breaking apart of former Yugoslavia, armed conflicts in the neighboring countries, sanctions imposed by the international community, social changes (transition transformation or regression), deep economic crisis, collapse of social stratification political problems, institutional crisis, and NATO military intervention. Maladjustment to the changed system of values and norms, lower level of personal attainment, feeling of insecurity, and living under permanent stress are the main features of life at an individual psychological level. Deprivation or living at the subsistence level are the main elements of the economic cost sustained by the majority of the population. How have these changes affected an individual's decision to have children? The analysis of futility indicators points to an obvious decline in the number of births across low fertility regions of Serbia. Also, the analysis has raised the question why the decline in population fertility in the low fertility regions was not even higher, bearing in mind the experiences undergone by the countries with economy in transition as well as the depth of the crisis in society. In that sense several factors come to mind. The most important are the universality of marriage socio-psychological investigations confirmed domination of the traditional character or mentality in Serbia during the 1990s, and the government?s approach to the issue of fertility improved during this time. Besides demographic needs were carefully taken into account in all amendments to the old and formulation of the new measures in the area of social policy. Mention should be made of measures ensuring employment rights of women and their entitlement to maternity leave, maternity pay, and provision of institutionalized care for the children. On the other hand under-reporting of live births, lack of knowledge on the size and characteristics of emigration flows limited the analysis of population fertility in Kosovo and Metohia. But, registered data as well as survey results show to the perseverance of the fertility model of transitional type displaying obvious traditional elements.