bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mirror Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Fetal Associated Conditions, Maternal Presentation and Perinatal Outcome
Authors: Braun Thorsten , Brauer Martin , Fuchs Ilka , Czernik Christoph , Dudenhausen Joachim Wolfram , Henrich Wolfgang , Sarioglu Nanette
Published: July 2010

Introduction: Mirror syndrome, also referred to as Ballantyne’s syndrome, is normally defined as the development of maternal edema in association with fetal hydrops. The incidence of mirror syndrome is low and few cases have been published. We describe a case report in association with fetal Ebstein anomaly and provide a systematic review on the fetal associated conditions, maternal presentation and perinatal outcome reported for mirror syndrome. Data Sources: A PubMed database search was done until December 2008 (English, French or German) without any restriction of publication date or journal, using the following key words: Ballantyne syndrome, Mirror syndrome, Triple edema, Pseudotoxemia, Maternal hydrops syndrome, Pregnancy toxemia, Acute second trimester gestosis, and Early onset preeclampsia. Reported cases were considered eligible when fetal associated conditions, maternal symptoms and fetal outcome were clearly described. Results: Among 151 publications a total of 56 reported cases satisfying all inclusion criteria were identified. Mirror syndrome was associated with rhesus isoimmunization (29%), twin-twin transfusion syndrome (18%), viral infection (16%) and fetal malformations, fetal or placental tumors (37.5%). Gestational age at diagnosis ranged from 22.5 to 27.8 weeks of gestation. Maternal key signs were edema (80–100%), hypertension (57–78%) and proteinuria (20–56%). The overall rate of intrauterine death was 56%. Severe maternal complications including pulmonary edema occurred in 21.4%. Maternal symptoms disappeared 4.8–13.5 days after delivery. Discussion: Mirror syndrome is associated with a substantial increase in fetal mortality and maternal morbidity.
Analysis of the Serum Levels of Fungi-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Allergic Diseases
Authors: Chang Feng-Ying , Lee Jyh-Hong , Yang Yao-Hsu , Yu Hsin-Hui , Wang Li-Chieh , Lin Yu-Tsan , Chiang Bor-Luen
Published: July 2010

Background: Atopic patients are exceptionally sensitive to airborne allergens. Sensitization to fungal allergens may be associated with respiratory allergic disease (RAD) and atopic dermatitis (AD). This study investigates the relationship between sensitization to different fungal allergens and the clinical manifestations of atopic disease. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of atopic patients from the National Taiwan University Hospital from 2004 to 2009. A total of 133 atopic patients were found who were sensitive to at least 1 of the 3 most common fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum) in Taiwan and were enrolled in the study. These patients were further divided into subgroups of isolated AD, isolated RAD and AD + RAD. The association between sensitization to fungi and allergic disease was analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results: The sensitization rate to Candida-specific IgE was 81.2%, followed closely by Aspergillus at 69.2% and Penicillium at 63.2%. Isolated AD was the most common diagnosis. The levels of specific IgE antibodies against Aspergillus, Candida and Penicillium were highest in patients with isolated AD. Logistic regression revealed that isolated AD was highly associated with sensitization to Candida [odds ratio (OR) 10.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.37–45.9]. In contrast, sensitization to Penicillium (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13–0.87)and Candida (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10–0.92) showed a negative association with isolated RAD. Conclusions: Fungal sensitization is more closely associated with AD than RAD. Our results suggest that specific sensitization to fungal allergensplays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atopic disease.
Differences Between Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Residential and Public Locations and Implications for Public-Access Defibrillation
Authors: Folke Fredrik , Gislason Gunnar H. , Lippert Freddy K. , Nielsen Søren L. , Weeke Peter , Hansen Morten L. , Fosbøl Emil L. , Andersen Søren S. , Rasmussen Søren , Schramm Tina K. , Køber Lars , Torp-Pedersen Christian
Published: July 2010

Background—

The majority of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) occur in residential locations, but knowledge about strategic placement of automated external defibrillators in residential areas is lacking. We examined whether residential OHCA areas suitable for placement of automated external defibrillators could be identified on the basis of demographic characteristics and characterized individuals with OHCA in residential locations.

Methods and Results—

We studied 4828 OHCAs in Copenhagen between 1994 and 2005. The incidence and characteristics of OHCA were examined in every 100×100-m (109.4×109.4-yd) residential area according to its underlying demographic characteristics. By combining ≥2 demographic characteristics, it was possible to identify 100×100-m (109.4×109.4-yd) areas with at least 1 arrest every 5.6 years (characterized by >300 persons per area and lowest income) to 1 arrest every 4.3 years (characterized by >300 persons per area, lowest income, low education, and highest age). These areas covered 9.0% and 0.8% of all residential OHCAs, respectively. Individuals with OHCA in residential locations differed from public ones in that the patients were older (70.6 versus 60.6 years;
P
<0.0001), the ambulance response interval was longer (6.0 versus 5.0 minutes;
P
<0.0001), arrests occurred more often at night (21.2% versus 11.2%;
P
<0.0001), the patients had ventricular fibrillation less often (12.8% versus 38.1%;
P
<0.0001), and the patients had a worse 30-day survival rate (3.2% versus 13.9%;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

On the basis of simple demographic characteristics of a city center, we could identify residential areas suitable for automated external defibrillator placement. Individuals with OHCA in residential locations were more likely to have characteristics associated with poor outcome compared with public arrests.
Correlates of Echocardiographic Indices of Cardiac Remodeling Over the Adult Life Course
Authors: Cheng Susan , Xanthakis Vanessa , Sullivan Lisa M. , Lieb Wolfgang , Massaro Joseph , Aragam Jayashri , Benjamin Emelia J. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: July 2010

Background—

The heart progressively remodels over the life course, yet longitudinal data characterizing such remodeling in the community are limited.

Methods and Results—

Using multilevel modeling, we analyzed up to 4 serial echocardiographic observations obtained over a 16-year period in 4062 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age 45 years, 54% women; 11 485 person-observations). We related left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, LV systolic and diastolic dimensions, and fractional shortening to age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure (including antihypertensive medication use), smoking, and diabetes mellitus (separate analyses for each echocardiographic measure). With advancing age, LV dimensions decreased, whereas fractional shortening and LV wall thickness increased concomitantly. Male sex, body mass index, and blood pressure indices/hypertension treatment were significantly related to both greater LV dimensions and LV wall thickness. The effect of age on cardiac remodeling was influenced by key covariates (
P
<0.05 for all interactions): Women and individuals with diabetes mellitus experienced greater age-associated increases in LV wall thickness; presence of diabetes or a higher blood pressure was associated with a lesser decrease in LV diastolic dimensions with increasing age; and antihypertensive medication use was a marker of an attenuated increase in fractional shortening with aging.

Conclusions—

Cardiac remodeling over the adult life course is characterized by a distinct pattern of increasing LV wall thickness, decreasing LV dimensions, and increasing fractional shortening with advancing age. Overall, female sex, greater blood pressure load, and presence of diabetes mellitus serve to attenuate this remodeling pattern. These observations suggest a mechanism for the preponderance of women with hypertension and individuals with diabetes among patients with diastolic heart failure.
Community Health Nursing Vision for 2020
Authors: Schofield Ruth , Ganann Rebecca , Brooks Sandy , McGugan Jennifer , Dalla Bona Kim , Betker Claire , Dilworth Katie , Parton Laurie , Reid-Haughian Cheryl , Slepkov Marlene , Watson Cori
Published: July 2010

As health care is shifting from hospital to community, community health nurses (CHNs) are directly affected. This descriptive qualitative study sought to understand priority issues currently facing CHNs, explore development of a national vision for community health nursing, and develop recommendations to shape the future of the profession moving toward the year 2020. Focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted across Canada. Five key themes were identified: community health nursing in crisis now, a flawed health care system, responding to the public, vision for the future, and CHNs as solution makers. Key recommendations include developing a common definition and vision of community health nursing, collaborating on an aggressive plan to shift to a primary health care system, developing a comprehensive social marketing strategy, refocusing basic baccalaureate education, enhancing the capacity of community health researchers and knowledge in community health nursing, and establishing a community health nursing center of excellence.
Indian Indentured Labourers in Mauritius
Authors: Mishra Amit Kumar
Published: July 2010

Immigration of Indian indentured labourers to work on various overseas destinations began over the debris of slavery and this led to a never ending debate over the nature of indenture labour regime in terms of the freedom and unfreedom of the labour. This article attempts to argue that the problematic of this incessant debate lies in referring to ‘classic’ slavery as the closed model of reference for all forms of labour servitude. By studying the historical experiences of Indian in-dentured labourers in Mauritius, this article attempts to shift the core of this debate from institu-tional definitions to the decisive role of circumstantial necessities and perspectives culminating in multiple forms of labour servitude. This article examines the question of freedom and unfreedom in the indentured labour regime at two levels of ascendency—the physical and the moral—being exemplified through the regulation of vagrancy among the Indian indentured labourers, the language of command and the colonial lexicon while referring to the Indian labourers; and it concludes that the indenture labour regime was a form of servitude, though not essentially a new system of slavery, as the labour was denied of its economic freedom and occupational and ter-ritorial mobility in the indenture system.
What one hand giveth the other taketh away: some unpredicted effects of enantiomers in psychopharmacology
Authors: Nutt David J , Feetam Celia L
Published: July 2010

It is well known that many medicines are a mixture of two enantiomers, or mirror-image molecules. Two enantiomers occur when a molecule has a single chiral centre and the two mirror images, called S or L (left handed) and R or D (right handed), are usually found in equal amounts in the parent (racemic) mixture. While for many compounds used in clinical practice the active moiety is found in one of the two enantiomers with the other being seen as an unnecessary and redundant component of the racemic mixture, the difference between enantiomers can mean a difference between therapeutic and adverse effects, as well as in beneficial pharmacological effect and potency.
Almotriptan 12.5 mg in menstrually related migraine: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Allais Gianni , Bussone Gennaro , D’Andrea Giovanni , Moschiano Franca , d’Onofrio Florindo , Valguarnera Fabio , Manzoni Gian Camillo , Grazzi Licia , Allais Rita , Benedetto Chiara , Acuto Giancarlo
Published: July 2010

Background: Menstrually related migraine (MRM) affects more than half of female migraineurs. Because such migraines are often predictable, they provide a suitable target for treatment in the mild pain phase. The present study was designed to provide prospective data on the efficacy of almotriptan for treatment of MRM.

Methods: Premenopausal women with MRM were randomized to almotriptan ( N = 74) or placebo ( N = 73), taken at onset of the first perimenstrual migraine. Patients crossed over to the other treatment for the first perimenstrual migraine of their second cycle, followed by a two-month open-label almotriptan treatment period.

Results: Significantly more patients were pain-free at two hours (risk ratio [RR] = 1.81; p = .0008), pain-free from 2–24 hours with no rescue medication (RR = 1.99; p = .0022), and pain-free from 2–24 hours with no rescue medication or adverse events (RR = 1.94; p = .0061) with almotriptan versus placebo. Nausea ( p = .0007) and photophobia ( p = .0083) at two hours were significantly less frequent with almotriptan. Almotriptan efficacy was consistent between three attacks, with 56.2% of patients pain-free at two hours at least twice. Adverse events were similar with almotriptan and placebo.

Conclusion: Almotriptan was significantly more effective than placebo in women with MRM attacks, with consistent efficacy in longer-term follow-up.
Aggregate Demand-Supply Analysis and Its Critics: An Evaluation of the Controversy
Authors: Scarth William
Published: July 2010

While acknowledging that the AD-AS model is sometimes applied carelessly, this note defends this analytical framework against charges that it is internally inconsistent, empirically unrealistic, and unable to clarify major controversies in macroeconomic theory and policy.

JEL classification: A22, B22, E10
The Institutional Barriers to Heterodox Pluralism
Authors: Hopkins Barbara E.
Published: July 2010

This paper applies the feminist concept of epistemological communities to the project of promoting pluralism in the economics discipline. It argues that the review process should require that reviewers are part of the same epistemological community. It argues that a political conception of pluralism based on tolerance is more appropriate than methodological pluralism.

JEL classification: A11, B40, B50
The Role of Sociodemographic Factors and Chronic Illness in Functional Disability of Older Kuwaitis
Authors: Shah Nasra M. , Badr Hanan E. , Shah Makhdoom A.
Published: July 2010

A cross-sectional interview survey of 2,487 Kuwaiti individuals aged 50 and above was conducted to identify the background factors and chronic diseases that exacerbate functional disability among older Kuwaitis. Functional disability was measured as physical ability, ability for self-care, and ability to perform daily routine activities. Association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, depressive symptoms, and five chronic illnesses with disability was analyzed. A quarter of respondents ( n = 607) reported to suffer from functional disability and 33% of them from severe disability. Logistic regression indicated that stroke, arthritis, and heart disease were positively associated with functional disability. Older age, unmarried status, non-Bedouin background, lower education, and lower income were significant positive correlates. Stroke was significantly associated with severe disability, as were older age, unmarried status, lower socioeconomic status (SES), higher depression level, and lack of coresident children. Thus, several sociodemographic factors, chronic illnesses, and depressive symptom experience are significant correlates of disability.
Nightingale Theory and Intentional Comfort Touch in Management of Tinea Pedis in Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Howett Maeve , Connor Ann , Downes Elizabeth
Published: July 2010

Vulnerable populations, specifically migrant farm workers and persons experiencing homelessness, are often at an increased risk for foot infections. This risk is related to their working and living conditions, socioeconomic status, limited access to health care, frequent exposure to wet environments, limited access to clean and dry socks and shoes, bathing or laundry facilities, and daily routines that requires them to be on their feet for long periods of time. After years of caring for these populations and hundreds of clinical encounters, an evidence-based, effective method of foot care that incorporates intentional comfort touch has been developed. This article describes methods for mitigating the severity of fungal growth, decreasing the risk of secondary infections, and improving skin integrity by manipulating the micro-environment of the patients’ feet. This includes fundamental aspects of hygiene as described by Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory that suggests that direct sunlight, fresh air, and cleanliness improves health.
Healing
Authors: McElligott Deborah
Published: July 2010

Purpose: To build on current knowledge and definitions of healing to further analyze and clarify the concepts as it relates to nursing practice and care of the conscious adult patient. Methods: Literature surrounding previous concept analyses and definitions of healing were reviewed. Using the process outlined by Walker and Avant, model, borderline, related, and contrary patient case examples with brief rationale are presented. Findings: Theoretical definition: Healing is as a positive, subjective, unpredictable process involving transformation to new sense of wholeness, spiritual transcendence, and reinterpretation of life. Operational Definition: Healing is the personal experience of transcending suffering and transforming to wholeness. Conclusions: Nurses, through transpersonal caring, and patients, through beliefs and their innate healing abilities/nature/God, may mediate the healing process. As nurses focus on the International Year of the Nurse and global health, it is paramount that healing, a major tenet of nursing, be explored and analyzed to increase understanding for both nurses and patients.
Development of and Recovery From Difficulty With Activities of Daily Living: An Analysis of National Data
Authors: Federman Alex D. , Penrod Joan D. , Livote Elayne , Hebert Paul , Keyhani Salomeh , Doucette John , Siu Albert L.
Published: July 2010

Background: National-level data are needed on predictors of mild physical impairment among older adults to assist policy makers with resource allocation. Method: We analyzed data on adults above age 64 from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) with no activity of daily living (ADL) difficulties at baseline ( n = 14,226). Five ADLs were measured annually and recovery was defined as regaining complete ADL function at follow-up. Results: The strongest correlates of ADL difficulty were use of antipsychotic medications (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44 to 2.58), instrumental ADL difficulty (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.74 to 2.07), and fair-poor general health (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.42 to 1.78). Only the number of incident ADL difficulties was associated with recovery (AOR = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.02). Conclusion: Identifying factors associated with development of mild physical impairment could help direct patients toward preventive care programs to preempt decline in physical function.
The Characteristics of Online Sex Offenders: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Babchishin Kelly M. , Karl Hanson R. , Hermann Chantal A.
Published: July 2010

There is much debate as to whether online offenders are a distinct group of sex offenders or if they are simply typical sex offenders using a new technology. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which online and offline offenders differ on demographic and psychological variables. Online offenders were more likely to be Caucasian and were slightly younger than offline offenders. In terms of psychological variables, online offenders had greater victim empathy, greater sexual deviancy, and lower impression management than offline offenders. Both online and offline offenders reported greater rates of childhood physical and sexual abuse than the general population. Additionally, online offenders were more likely to be Caucasian, younger, single, and unemployed compared with the general population. Many of the observed differences can be explained by assuming that online offenders, compared with offline offenders, have greater self-control and more psychological barriers to acting on their deviant interests.
Predictors of Short- and Long-Term Adherence to a Daily Walking Program in Persons With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: McCurry Susan M. , Pike Kenneth C. , Logsdon Rebecca G. , Vitiello Michael V. , Larson Eric B. , Teri Linda
Published: July 2010

Objective: To examine factors associated with adherence to a walking program in community-dwelling individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Data were analyzed for 66 participants with AD asked to walk 30 continuous minutes per day. Adherence data (number of days walked, minutes walked, days walked 30+ minutes) were obtained from daily logs. Predictor variables included age, spousal relationship, health limitations, depression, participant dementia severity and behavioral disturbance, and caregiver stress and dementia management style. Results: During week 1, participants significantly (P < .0001) increased number of days walked/week compared to baseline. However, walking frequency and duration declined over 6 months. Nonwalkers had higher behavioral disruption scores. Regression analyses indicated that participants who walked more were less depressed. Caregivers of walking participants tended to be spouses, and reported less stress. Conclusions: Both participant and caregiver factors (participant behavioral disruption and depression; caregiver stress and spousal relationship) impacted whether community-dwelling individuals with AD adhered to a walking program.
Review: Therapeutic potential of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 inhibitors
Authors: Brown Nancy J.
Published: July 2010

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is the major physiological inhibitor of fibrinolysis and regulates cell migration and fibrosis. Preclinical studies using genetically altered mice and biological or small molecule inhibitors have elucidated a role for PAI-1 in the pathogenesis of thrombosis, vascular remodeling, renal injury, and initiation of diabetes. Inhibition of PAI-1 is a potential therapeutic strategy in these diseases.
X-linked lymphoproliferative syndromes: brothers or distant cousins?
Authors: Filipovich Alexandra H. , Zhang Kejian , Snow Andrew L. , Marsh Rebecca A.
Published: July 2010

X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP1), described in the mid-1970s and molecularly defined in 1998, and XLP2, reported in 2006, are prematurely lethal genetic immunodeficiencies that share susceptibility to overwhelming inflammatory responses to certain infectious triggers. Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP; encoded by SH2D1A) is mutated in XLP1, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP; encoded by BIRC4) is mutated in XLP2. XLP1 is a disease with multiple and variable clinical consequences, including fatal hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) triggered predominantly by Epstein-Barr virus, lymphomas, antibody deficiency, and rarer consequences of immune dysregulation. To date, XLP2 has been found to cause HLH with and without exposure to Epstein-Barr virus, and HLH is commonly recurrent in these patients. For both forms of XLP, the only curative therapy at present is allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Beyond their common X-linked locus and their requirement for normal immune responses to certain viral infections, SAP and XIAP demonstrate no obvious structural or functional similarity, are not coordinately regulated with respect to their expression, and do not appear to directly interact. In this review, we describe the genetic, clinical, and immunopathologic features of these 2 disorders and discuss current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Targeted deletion of the tachykinin 4 gene (TAC4−/−) influences the early stages of B lymphocyte development
Authors: Berger Alexandra , Benveniste Patricia , Corfe Steven A. , Tran Anne H. , Barbara Mary , Wakeham Andrew , Mak Tak W. , Iscove Norman N. , Paige Christopher J.
Published: July 2010

Hemokinin-1 (HK-1), encoded by the TAC4 gene, is a tachykinin peptide that is predominantly expressed in non-neuronal cells, such as immune cells. We have disrupted the mouse TAC4 gene to obtain a better understanding of the actions of HK-1 during hematopoiesis. We demonstrate here that TAC4−/− mice exhibit an increase of CD19+CD117+HSA+BP.1− “fraction B” pro-B cells in the bone marrow, whereas pre-B, immature, and mature B cells are within the normal range. We show that in vitro cultures derived from TAC4−/− bone marrow, sorted “fraction B” pro-B cells or purified long-term reconstituting stem cells, contain significantly higher numbers of pro-B cells compared with controls, suggesting an inhibitory role for HK-1 on developing B cells. Supporting this idea, we show that addition of HK-1 to cultures established from long-term reconstituting stem cells and the newly described intermediate-term reconstituting stem cells leads to a significant decrease of de novo generated pro-B cells. Based on our studies, we postulate that HK-1 plays an inhibitory role in hematopoiesis, and we hypothesize that it may be part of the bone marrow microenvironment that supports and regulates the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells.
Quantized correlation coefficient for measuring reproducibility of ChIP-chip data
Authors: Peng Shouyong , Kuroda Mitzi I , Park Peter J
Published: July 2010

Background

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by microarray hybridization (ChIP-chip) is used to study protein-DNA interactions and histone modifications on a genome-scale. To ensure data quality, these experiments are usually performed in replicates, and a correlation coefficient between replicates is used often to assess reproducibility. However, the correlation coefficient can be misleading because it is affected not only by the reproducibility of the signal but also by the amount of binding signal present in the data.

Results

We develop the Quantized correlation coefficient (QCC) that is much less dependent on the amount of signal. This involves discretization of data into set of quantiles (quantization), a merging procedure to group the background probes, and recalculation of the Pearson correlation coefficient. This procedure reduces the influence of the background noise on the statistic, which then properly focuses more on the reproducibility of the signal. The performance of this procedure is tested in both simulated and real ChIP-chip data. For replicates with different levels of enrichment over background and coverage, we find that QCC reflects reproducibility more accurately and is more robust than the standard Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients. The quantization and the merging procedure can also suggest a proper quantile threshold for separating signal from background for further analysis.

Conclusions

To measure reproducibility of ChIP-chip data correctly, a correlation coefficient that is robust to the amount of signal present should be used. QCC is one such measure. The QCC statistic can also be applied in a variety of other contexts for measuring reproducibility, including analysis of array CGH data for DNA copy number and gene expression data.
Intensity dependent estimation of noise in microarrays improves detection of differentially expressed genes
Authors: Zeisel Amit , Amir Amnon , Köstler Wolfgang J , Domany Eytan
Published: July 2010

Background

In many microarray experiments, analysis is severely hindered by a major difficulty: the small number of samples for which expression data has been measured. When one searches for differentially expressed genes, the small number of samples gives rise to an inaccurate estimation of the experimental noise. This, in turn, leads to loss of statistical power.

Results

We show that the measurement noise of genes with similar expression levels (intensity) is identically and independently distributed, and that this (intensity dependent) distribution is approximately normal. Our method can be easily adapted and used to test whether these statement hold for data from any particular microarray experiment. We propose a method that provides an accurate estimation of the intensity-dependent variance of the noise distribution, and demonstrate that using this estimation we can detect differential expression with much better statistical power than that of standard t-test, and can compare the noise levels of different experiments and platforms.

Conclusions

When the number of samples is small, the simple method we propose improves significantly the statistical power in identifying differentially expressed genes.
Developing guidelines for school closure interventions to be used during a future influenza pandemic
Authors: Halder Nilimesh , Kelso Joel K , Milne George J
Published: July 2010

Background

The A/H1N1 2009 influenza pandemic revealed that operational issues of school closure interventions, such as when school closure should be initiated (activation trigger), how long schools should be closed (duration) and what type of school closure should be adopted, varied greatly between and within countries. Computer simulation can be used to examine school closure intervention strategies in order to inform public health authorities as they refine school closure guidelines in light of experience with the A/H1N1 2009 pandemic.

Methods

An individual-based simulation model was used to investigate the effectiveness of school closure interventions for influenza pandemics with R0 of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5. The effectiveness of individual school closure and simultaneous school closure were analyzed for 2, 4 and 8 weeks closure duration, with a daily diagnosed case based intervention activation trigger scheme. The effectiveness of combining antiviral drug treatment and household prophyaxis with school closure was also investigated.

Results

Illness attack rate was reduced from 33% to 19% (14% reduction in overall attack rate) by 8 weeks school closure activating at 30 daily diagnosed cases in the community for an influenza pandemic with R0 = 1.5; when combined with antivirals a 19% (from 33% to 14%) reduction in attack rate was obtained. For R0 >= 2.0, school closure would be less effective. An 8 weeks school closure strategy gives 9% (from 50% to 41%) and 4% (from 59% to 55%) reduction in attack rate for R0 = 2.0 and 2.5 respectively; however, school closure plus antivirals would give a significant reduction (~15%) in over all attack rate. The results also suggest that an individual school closure strategy would be more effective than simultaneous school closure.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the particular school closure strategy to be adopted depends both on the disease severity, which will determine the duration of school closure deemed acceptable, and its transmissibility. For epidemics with a low transmissibility (R0 < 2.0) and/or mild severity, individual school closures should begin once a daily community case count is exceeded. For a severe, highly transmissible epidemic (R0 >= 2.0), long duration school closure should begin as soon as possible and be combined with other interventions.
White matter fractional anisotropy is related to processing speed in metabolic syndrome patients: a case-control study
Authors: Segura Bàrbara , Jurado María Ángeles , Freixenet Núria , Bargalló Núria , Junqué Carme , Arboix Adrià
Published: July 2010

Background

Metabolic Syndrome (MetSd) is a cluster of vascular risk factors that may influence cerebrovascular pathology during aging. Recently, microstructural white matter (WM) changes detected by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and processing speed deficits have been reported in MetSd patients. We aimed to test the relationship between WM alteration and cognitive impairment in these patients.

Methods

The sample comprised 38 subjects (19 patients aged between 50 and 80 years old, and 19 controls). All patients fulfilled National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III) criteria for MetSd. Speed of information processing was measured by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and reaction time (RT) on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II) and the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT). DTI images were acquired in a 3 Tesla Siemens Trio scanner. Voxelwise statistical analysis of the fractional anisotropy (FA) data was performed using the Tract-Based Spatial Statistics part of the FMRIB Software Library. A correlation analysis was performed between processing speed variables and FA values.

Results

There was a larger proportion of slow subjects (percentile below 25th) in the patient group (Chi2= 7.125 p = 0.008). FA values correlated positively with SDMT in anterior and posterior parts of the corpus callosum, and RT CPT-II correlated negatively with FA values in the anterior corpus callosum (p < 0.05 corrected) in the patient group.

Conclusion

We found significant correlations between WM alterations and cognitive impairment in MetSd patients, especially in the frontal lobe. These findings highlight the importance of MetSd prevention and control due to its association with structural and functional damage in the central nervous system.
Predictors of mortality among elderly people living in a south Indian urban community; a 10/66 Dementia Research Group prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Jotheeswaran AT , Williams Joseph D , Prince Martin J
Published: July 2010

Background

Eighty percent of deaths occur in low and middle income countries (LMIC), where chronic diseases are the leading cause. Most of these deaths are of older people, but there is little information on the extent, pattern and predictors of their mortality. We studied these among people aged 65 years and over living in urban catchment areas in Chennai, south India.

Methods

In a prospective population cohort study, 1005 participants were followed-up after three years. Baseline assessment included sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health behaviours, physical, mental and cognitive disorders, disability and subjective global health.

Results

At follow-up, 257 (25.6%) were not traced. Baseline characteristics were similar to the 748 whose vital status was ascertained; 154 (20.6%) had died. The mortality rate was 92.5/1000 per annum for men and 51.0/1000 per annum for women. Adjusting for age and sex, mortality was associated with older age, male sex, having no friends, physical inactivity, smaller arm circumference, dementia, depression, poor self-rated health and disability. A parsimonious model included, in order of aetiologic force, male sex, smaller arm circumference, age, disability, and dementia. The total population attributable risk fraction was 0.90.

Conclusion

A balanced approach to prevention of chronic disease deaths requires some attention to proximal risk factors in older people. Smoking and obesity seem much less relevant than in younger people. Undernutrition is preventable. While dementia makes the largest contribution to disability and dependency, comorbidity is the rule, and more attention should be given to the chronic care needs of those affected, and their carers.
In vitro antibacterial activity and acute toxicity studies of aqueous-methanol extract of Sida rhombifolia Linn. (Malvaceae)
Authors: Assam JP Assam , Dzoyem JP , Pieme CA , Penlap VB
Published: July 2010

Background

Many bacteria among the Enterobacteria family are involved in infectious diseases and diarrhoea. Most of these bacteria become resistant to the most commonly used synthetic drugs in Cameroon. Natural substances seem to be an alternative to this problem. Thus the aim of this research was to investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity of the methanol and aqueous-methanol extracts of Sida rhombifolia Linn (Malvaceae) against seven pathogenic bacteria involved in diarrhoea. Acute toxicity of the most active extract was determined and major bioactive components were screened.

Methods

The agar disc diffusion and the agar dilution method were used for the determination of inhibition diameters and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) respectively. The acute toxicity study was performed according WHO protocol.

Results

The aqueous-methanol extract (1v:4v) was the most active with diameters of inhibition zones ranging from 8.7 - 23.6 mm, however at 200 μg/dic this activity was relatively weak compared to gentamycin. The MICs of the aqueous-methanol extract (1v:4v) varied from 49.40 to 78.30 μg/ml. Salmonella dysenteriae was the most sensitive (49.40 μg/ml). For the acute toxicity study, no deaths of rats were recorded. However, significant increase of some biochemical parameters such as aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine (CRT) were found. The phytochemical analysis of the aqueous methanol extract indicated the presence of tannins, polyphenols, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and saponins

Conclusion

The results showed that the aqueous-methanol extract of S. rhombifolia exhibited moderate antibacterial activity. Some toxic effects were found when rats received more than 8 g/kg bw of extract.

Antibacterial; Enterobacteria; Acute toxicity; Phytochemical analysis
BioModels Database: An enhanced, curated and annotated resource for published quantitative kinetic models
Authors: Li Chen , Donizelli Marco , Rodriguez Nicolas , Dharuri Harish , Endler Lukas , Chelliah Vijayalakshmi , Li Lu , He Enuo , Henry Arnaud , Stefan Melanie I , Snoep Jacky L , Hucka Michael , Le Novère Nicolas , Laibe Camille
Published: July 2010

Background

Quantitative models of biochemical and cellular systems are used to answer a variety of questions in the biological sciences. The number of published quantitative models is growing steadily thanks to increasing interest in the use of models as well as the development of improved software systems and the availability of better, cheaper computer hardware. To maximise the benefits of this growing body of models, the field needs centralised model repositories that will encourage, facilitate and promote model dissemination and reuse. Ideally, the models stored in these repositories should be extensively tested and encoded in community-supported and standardised formats. In addition, the models and their components should be cross-referenced with other resources in order to allow their unambiguous identification.

Description

BioModels Database http://www.ebi.ac.uk/biomodels/ is aimed at addressing exactly these needs. It is a freely-accessible online resource for storing, viewing, retrieving, and analysing published, peer-reviewed quantitative models of biochemical and cellular systems. The structure and behaviour of each simulation model distributed by BioModels Database are thoroughly checked; in addition, model elements are annotated with terms from controlled vocabularies as well as linked to relevant data resources. Models can be examined online or downloaded in various formats. Reaction network diagrams generated from the models are also available in several formats. BioModels Database also provides features such as online simulation and the extraction of components from large scale models into smaller submodels. Finally, the system provides a range of web services that external software systems can use to access up-to-date data from the database.

Conclusions

BioModels Database has become a recognised reference resource for systems biology. It is being used by the community in a variety of ways; for example, it is used to benchmark different simulation systems, and to study the clustering of models based upon their annotations. Model deposition to the database today is advised by several publishers of scientific journals. The models in BioModels Database are freely distributed and reusable; the underlying software infrastructure is also available from SourceForge https://sourceforge.net/projects/biomodels/ under the GNU General Public License.
Phase II Randomized Comparison of Topotecan Plus Cyclophosphamide Versus Topotecan Alone in Children With Recurrent or Refractory Neuroblastoma: A Children's Oncology Group Study
Authors: London Wendy B. , Frantz Christopher N. , Campbell Laura A. , Seeger Robert C. , Brumback Babette A. , Cohn Susan L. , Matthay Katherine K. , Castleberry Robert P. , Diller Lisa
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Single-agent topotecan (TOPO) and combination topotecan and cyclophosphamide (TOPO/CTX) were compared in a phase II randomized trial in relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. Because responders often underwent further therapies, novel statistical methods were required to compare the long-term outcome of the two treatments.

Patients and Methods

Children with refractory/recurrent neuroblastoma (only one prior aggressive chemotherapy regimen) were randomly assigned to daily 5-day topotecan (2 mg/m2) or combination topotecan (0.75 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m2). A randomized two-stage group sequential design enrolled 119 eligible patients. Toxicity and response were estimated. Long-term outcome of protocol therapy was assessed using novel methods—causal inference—which allowed adjustment for the confounding effect of off-study therapies.

Results

Seven more responses were observed for TOPO/CTX (complete response [CR] plus partial response [PR], 18 [32%] of 57) than TOPO (CR+PR, 11 [19%] of 59;P = .081); toxicity was similar. At 3 years, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 4% ± 2% and 15% ± 4%, respectively. PFS was significantly better for TOPO/CTX (P = .029); there was no difference in OS. Older age at diagnosis and lack of MYCN amplification predicted increased OS (P < .05). Adjusting for randomized treatment effect and subsequent autologous stem-cell transplantation, there was no difference between TOPO and TOPO/CTX in terms of the proportion alive at 2 years.

Conclusion

TOPO/CTX was superior to TOPO in terms of PFS, but there was no OS difference. After adjustment for subsequent therapies, no difference was detected in the proportion alive at 2 years. Causal inference methods for assessing long-term outcomes of phase II therapies after subsequent treatment can elucidate effects of initial therapies.
Molecular mechanisms of cranial neural crest cell migration and patterning in craniofacial development
Authors: Minoux Maryline , Rijli Filippo M.
Published: July 2010

During vertebrate craniofacial development, neural crest cells (NCCs) contribute much of the cartilage, bone and connective tissue that make up the developing head. Although the initial patterns of NCC segmentation and migration are conserved between species, the variety of vertebrate facial morphologies that exist indicates that a complex interplay occurs between intrinsic genetic NCC programs and extrinsic environmental signals during morphogenesis. Here, we review recent work that has begun to shed light on the molecular mechanisms that govern the spatiotemporal patterning of NCC-derived skeletal structures – advances that are central to understanding craniofacial development and its evolution.
Dance with time: Movement, when all is said and done
Authors: Green Debbie , Park Clare , Williams Buz
Published: July 2010

The unique collaboration of fifteen years between Buz Williams, a sufferer of Parkinson's disease, his wife Debbie Green, a specialist in movement, and photographer Clare Park has produced Breaking Form, photography and text depicting living with Parkinson's. This article explores
and interprets each of their viewpoints, their experience and understanding of both this chronic illness and of health.
Embryonic gene activation in in vitro produced embryos of the domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Waurich R , Ringleb J , Braun B C , Jewgenow K
Published: July 2010

Accurate embryonic gene activation (EGA) is essential for the embryo's developmental potency and reflects the quality ofin vitroproduced embryos. To describe the dynamic and temporal patterns of EGA in the cat, the mRNA expression of developmentally important genes (DNA methyltransferases 1 and 3A,DNMT1andDNMT3A; gap junction protein α 1,GJA1; transcription factor octamer 4,POU5F1(OCT4); insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 and 2 receptors,IGF1RandIGF2R) was examined by RT-PCR techniques in preimplantation embryos obtained afterin vitromaturation and IVF. Furthermore, influences of ICSI and sperm cryopreservation on the relative mRNA abundance in 4–5-days-old morulae were analyzed. Total RNA was obtained from immature and matured oocytes, 2-cell embryos, 4-cell embryos, and 8–16-cell embryos, morulae, and blastocysts. RNA was transcribed into single-stranded cDNA by reverse transcriptase. After amplification, a nonfelid standard RNA was used for semiquantitative analysis. Our results showed an increase in transcript abundance from the matured oocyte to the 2-cell embryo for all examined genes except forIGF2R, indicating that,in vitro, the embryonic genome is activated shortly after fertilization. However, the activation pattern varied markedly between the different genes. We also found different patterns of mRNA expression for the examined genes in morulae produced either by IVF or ICSI, and using fresh or cryopreserved sperm. Owing to high variations within the single groups of compared morulae, we were able to observe only a tendency toward higher relative mRNA expression in embryos derived by IVF with fresh sperm in comparison to all other groups.
Retrogenes Reveal the Direction of Sex-Chromosome Evolution in Mosquitoes
Authors: Toups Melissa A , Hahn Matthew W
Published: July 2010

The mosquito Anopheles gambiae has heteromorphic sex chromosomes, while the mosquito Aedes aegypti has homomorphic sex chromosomes. We use retrotransposed gene duplicates to show an excess of movement off the An. gambiae X chromosome only after the split with Ae. aegypti, suggesting that their ancestor had homomorphic sex chromosomes.
Nature of Auditory Processing Disorder in Children
Authors: Moore David R. , Ferguson Melanie A. , Edmondson-Jones A. Mark , Ratib Sonia , Riley Alison
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE:

We tested the specific hypothesis that the presentation of auditory processing disorder (APD) is related to a sensory processing deficit.

METHODS:

Randomly chosen, 6- to 11-year-old children with normal hearing (N = 1469) were tested in schools in 4 regional centers across the United Kingdom. Caregivers completed questionnaires regarding their participating children's listening and communication skills. Children completed a battery of audiometric, auditory processing (AP), speech-in-noise, cognitive (IQ, memory, language, and literacy), and attention (auditory and visual) tests. AP measures separated the sensory and nonsensory contributions to spectral and temporal perception.

RESULTS:

AP improved with age. Poor-for-age AP was significantly related to poor cognitive, communication, and speech-in-noise performance (P < .001). However, sensory elements of perception were only weakly related to those performance measures (r < 0.1), and correlations between auditory perception and cognitive scores were generally low (r = 0.1–0.3). Multivariate regression analysis showed that response variability in the AP tests, reflecting attention, and cognitive scores were the best predictors of listening, communication, and speech-in-noise skills.

CONCLUSIONS:

Presenting symptoms of APD were largely unrelated to auditory sensory processing. Response variability and cognitive performance were the best predictors of poor communication and listening. We suggest that APD is primarily an attention problem and that clinical diagnosis and management, as well as further research, should be based on that premise.