bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses to Revolution: the November Crisis of 1792
Authors: Mori Jennifer
Published: October 2007

This article examines the British government's domestic policies during the last two months of 1792, when the arrival of domestic popular radicalism and the success of the French army against opposing Austro-Prussian forces in the Low Countries suggested that Britain and other neighbouring states of France would follow it into revolution. Based on official and private papers, it is claimed that the decisions of the Younger Pitt's ministry vis-à-vis war and revolution were not determined by simple panic or ‘tory’ intellectual and social considerations, but rather by long-established patterns of eighteenth-century official action and the strength of traditional ‘whig’ convictions.
The Lisbon Letter of the Second Crusade
Authors: Edgington Susan B.
Published: October 2007

The basis of the article is a collation and comparison of three extant versions of a letter sent by participants in the siege of Lisbon, 1147; entries in annals from Cologne and Magdeburg, and a recently discovered manuscript fragment. It is concluded that the original letter was sent by a priest, Winand, to the archbishop of Cologne. The medieval transmission of the text is further shown to be revealing of politics in mid twelfth-century Cologne and of Rhineland participation in the second crusade. An edition of Winand's letter, with variants from the Trier fragment, is appended.
Mary Tudor, Parliament and the Renunciation of First Fruits, 1555
Authors: Carter Patrick
Published: October 2007

First fruits levied by the Crown since the Reformation presented serious problems for Mary Tudor and her government. The queen and Cardinal Pole were determined to restore these profits of schism to the church, while parliament and some councillors opposed such a move because of the Crown's fiscal difficulties and the precedent the action might set for a later compulsory resumption of former monastic property now in lay hands. It now appears that Mary did not wait for parliamentary sanction, but moved on her own to release all clergy from payment of first fruits in the summer of 1555. With difficulty Pole sought confirmation of the grant by statute, forcing Mary to intervene and make an unusual personal appeal to her parliament. The episode offers further evidence of Mary's direct role in shaping royal policy, and of the tensions which her actions could create.
Staff‐Averse Challenging Behaviour in Older Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Hartley Sigan L. , MacLean William E.
Published: October 2007

Background  People with intellectual disabilities are increasingly reaching older adulthood. Little is known about age‐related change in the prevalence of challenging behaviours among older adults with intellectual disabilities.

Materials and method  The frequency and severity of staff‐averse challenging behaviours of 132 older adults with intellectual disabilities was assessed through informant ratings on the Inventory of Client and Agency Planning at two time points 8–10 years apart.

Results  There was an intraindividual decline in the frequency and severity of challenging behaviour using both lenient and more restricted definitions of challenging behaviour. There was a low prevalence but high comorbidity of severe challenging behaviour. Level of mental retardation and adaptive behaviour were related to the frequency and severity of challenging behaviour.

Conclusions  An understanding of age‐related intraindividual change in challenging behaviour has implications for staff wellbeing and optimizing the care of older adults with intellectual disabilities.
The Prevalence, Incidence, and Factors Predictive of Mental Ill‐Health in Adults with Profound Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Cooper Sally‐Ann , Smiley Elita , Finlayson Janet , Jackson Alison , Allan Linda , Williamson Andrew , Mantry Dipali , Morrison Jillian
Published: October 2007

Background  There are no previous studies of the prevalence and incidence of mental ill‐health in adults with profound intellectual disabilities.

Method  In this population‐based prospective cohort study, adults with profound intellectual disabilities underwent psychiatric assessment (n = 184), with further assessment after 2 years (n = 131).

Results  Point prevalence of mental ill‐health was 52.2% by clinical, 45.1% by Diagnostic Criteria for Psychiatric Disorders for use with Adults with Learning Disabilities (DC‐LD), 10.9% by the ICD‐10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders Diagnostic Criteria for Research (1993) (DCR‐ICD‐10) and 11.4% by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (2004) (DSM‐IV‐TR) criteria. The highest 2‐year incidence rates were for affective disorders (6.1%) and problem behaviours (6.1%). Type of accommodation/support, and the number of preceding life events were predictive of incidents of mental ill‐health, but age, gender, living in areas of greatest deprivation, and having special communication needs were not.

Conclusions  Mental ill‐health is more commonly experienced by adults with profound intellectual disabilities than the general population, or other adults with intellectual disabilities, warranting proactive supports/interventions. Predictive factors differ, compared with the general population.
Resilience in Families with Children and Adult Members with Intellectual Disabilities: Tracing Elements of A Psycho‐Social Model
Authors: Grant Gordon , Ramcharan Paul , Flynn Margaret
Published: October 2007

Aim  This paper seeks to illumine how families with children and adult members with intellectual disabilities manage to manifest a buoyant and durable capacity over time. It is therefore concerned centrally with the idea of resilience.

Method  Drawing from diverse theoretical literatures from child development and protection and gerontology, the paper begins with a review of constructions of resilience. In an attempt to assess where there seems to be support for resilience in families, the core of the paper tests empirical evidence about positive experiences of families supporting children and adults with intellectual disabilities against the theoretical literature on resilience.

Result and Conclusions  The findings are used to suggest conditions under which resilience is produced and maintained, and to identify emergent elements of a psycho‐social model of resilience in families with children and adult members with intellectual disabilities.
The geochemical evolution of very dilute CO2‐rich water in Chungcheong Province, Korea: processes and pathways
Authors: KIM K. , JEONG D. H. , KIM Y. , KOH Y.‐K. , KIM S.‐H. , PARK E.
Published: October 2007

A geochemical study was carried out on the CO2‐rich water occurring in granite areas of Chungcheong Province, Korea. In this area, very dilute and acidic CO2‐rich waters [62–242 mg l−1 in total dissolved solid (TDS), 4.0–5.3 in pH; group I) occur together with normal CO2‐rich waters (317–988 mg l−1 in TDS, 5.5–6.0 in pH; group II). The concentration levels and ages of group I water are similar to those of recently recharged and low‐mineralized groundwater (group III). Calculation of reaction pathways suggests that group I waters are produced by direct influx of CO2 gas into group III type waters. When the groundwater is injected with CO2, it develops the capacity to accept dissolved solids and it can evolve into water with very high solute concentrations. Whether the water is open or closed to the CO2 gases becomes less important in controlling the reaction pathway of the CO2‐rich groundwater when the initial pco2 is high. Our data show that most of the solutes are dissolved in the CO2‐rich groundwater at pH > 5 where the weathering rates of silicates are very slow or independent of pH. Thus, groundwater age is likely more important in developing high solute concentrations in the CO2‐rich groundwaters than accelerated weathering kinetics because of acidic pH caused by high pco2.
Dementia and Medicare at Life's End
Authors: Lamb Vicki L. , Sloan Frank A. , Nathan Anil S.
Published: October 2007

Objective. To determine the effect of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD), and the timing of first ADRD diagnosis, on Medicare expenditures at end of life.

Data Sources. Monthly Medicare payment data for the 5 years before death linked to the National Long‐Term Care Survey (NLTCS) for decedents between 1996 and 2000 (N=4,899).

Data Extraction Methods. Medicare payment data for the 5 years before death were used to compare 5‐year and 6‐month intervals of expenditures (total and six subcategories of services) for persons with and without a diagnosis of ADRD during the last 5 years of life, controlling for age, gender, race, education, comorbidities, and nursing home status. Covariate matching was used.

Principal Findings. On average, ADRD diagnosis was not significantly associated with excess Medicare payments over the last 5 years of life. Regarding the timing of ADRD diagnosis, there were no significant 5‐year total expenditure differences for persons diagnosed with dementia more than 1 year before death. Payment differences by 6‐month intervals were highly sensitive to timing of ADRD diagnosis, with the highest differences occurring around the time of diagnosis. There were reduced, non‐significant, or negative total payment differences after the initial diagnosis for those diagnosed at least 1 year before death. Only those diagnosed with ADRD in the last year of life had significantly higher Medicare payments during the last 12 months of life, primarily for acute care services.

Conclusions. ADRD has a smaller impact on total Medicare expenditures than previously reported in controlled studies. The significant differences occur primarily around the time of diagnosis. Although rates of dementia are increasing per se, our results suggest that long‐term (1+ year) ADRD diagnoses do not contribute to greater total Medicare costs at the end of life.
Physician Characteristics and the Reported Effect of Evidence‐Based Practice Guidelines
Authors: Sammer Christine E. , Lykens Kristine , Singh Karan P.
Published: October 2007

Objective. To explore characteristics that may contribute to the effect practice guidelines have on the practice of medicine.

Data Sources. From the third round of the Community Tracking Study, Physician Survey, 2000–2001.

Study Design. An ordinal logistic regression model was estimated to capture the full range of responses.

Principal Findings. Recent medical school graduates, women, minorities, ob‐gyn specialists, physicians who use computers for information in their practices, and physicians in nonsolo practice types were significantly more likely to state practice guidelines had an effect on their practice.

Conclusions. Many barriers have prevented wide acceptance of practice guidelines among the medical community. Our findings suggest there will be positive results on guideline effects as recent graduates, women, and minorities enter the physician workforce.
Test–retest variability for standard automated perimetry and short‐wavelength automated perimetry in diabetic patients
Authors: Bengtsson Boel , Hellgren Karl‐Johan , Agardh Elisabet
Published: October 2007

Purpose:  To assess limits for significant improvement or deterioration of visual fields in diabetic patients based on short‐term test–retest variability in subjects with different degrees of retinopathy.

Methods:  Fifty patients with diabetic retinopathy ranging from level 10 to 75 [according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) severity scale] were tested repeatedly with both standard automated perimetry (SAP) and short‐wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) with short intervals. The association between visual field loss and degree of retinopathy outside fovea was analysed. Test–retest variability of global and local visual field indices and prediction limits for significant change were calculated.

Results:  The amount of visual field loss was significantly associated to the degree of retinopathy, with a correlation coefficient of −0.51 for SAP (P = 0.0003) and −0.45 for SWAP (P = 0.002). Global test–retest variability was smaller with SAP than with SWAP (P < 0.0001). For both SAP and SWAP, local test–retest variability was considerably smaller at test points with normal sensitivity than at test points with reduced sensitivity (P < 0.0001). Paracentral test points within 10° of eccentricity had less variability than peripheral points (P < 0.0001), implying that smaller change is required to reach statistically significant improvement or deterioration at initially normal and paracentral points than at depressed points and peripherally located test points.

Conclusion:  Our results propose that SAP, as well as SWAP, can be useful for monitoring visual function outside fovea in diabetic patients with various degrees of retinopathy. We report a preference for SAP because of less variability generally. Limits for significant improvement or deterioration have been assessed but need future validation in a longitudinal study.
Pesticide contact dermatitis in fruit and vegetable farmers of Himachal Pradesh (India)
Authors: Verma Ghanshyam , Sharma Nand Lal , Shanker Vinay , Mahajan Vikram K. , Tegta Gita Ram
Published: October 2007

Background:  Not many studies on pesticide allergic contact dermatitis are available from Himachal Pradesh (India).

Objective:  We studied the role of commonly used pesticides in causing allergic contact dermatitis in fruit and vegetable farmers in the region.

Methods:  30 fruit and vegetable farmer patients having dermatitis involving face, neck, hands, and feet and 20 controls comprising 2 groups of 10 subjects each: Group‐1 had history of exposure to pesticides but no dermatitis and Group‐2 having neither dermatitis nor history of exposure to pesticides, were patch tested with 10 most common pesticides used in the region.

Results and Conclusion:  These 30 patients (M : F 21 : 9) were between 22–81 years of age having dermatitis for 4 days to 20 years with relapses and remissions. 21 patients had seasonal exacerbation. 10 patients attributed exacerbation of dermatitis to exposure to pesticides. Positive patch test reactions from pesticides were observed in 8 patients only. Captan was the most common sensitizer (5 patients), 2 patients were sensitive to propargite. Chlorpyrifos, tree spray oil and thiuram gave positive reaction in 1 patient each. 3 controls from Group‐1 showed positive reactions to multiple pesticides. Pesticide related contact dermatitis appears more common than expected.
Cellular dynamics in the draining lymph nodes during sensitization and elicitation phases of contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Larsen Jeppe Madura , Geisler Carsten , Nielsen Martin Weiss , Boding Lasse , Von Essen Marina , Hansen Ann Kathrine , Skov Lone , Bonefeld Charlotte Menné
Published: October 2007

Background:  The different role of various immunological effector cells in contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is receiving increased attention. During the past decade, the involvement of different cell types in CHS has been investigated by the use of antibody‐induced depletion of specific subtypes of immunological cells and by studying knockout mice lacking one or more of these immunological cell populations.

Objectives:  To develop a method for studying the collective cellular dynamics of immune cells in the draining lymph nodes during CHS in intact animals.

Patients/Methods:  Mice were sensitized and/or challenged with 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene or oxazolone. Using multi‐parameter flow cytometry we determined the proliferation, activation state, and absolute number of helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells in the draining lymph nodes.

Results:  The presented method can be applied to evaluate the effect of different contact allergens on various cell populations of the immune system.

Conclusions:  Our study support recent findings that several cell types seem to be involved in CHS.
Are material safety data sheets (MSDS) useful in the diagnosis and management of occupational contact dermatitis?
Authors: Keegel Tessa , Saunders Helen , LaMontagne Anthony D. , Nixon Rosemary
Published: October 2007

Objectives:  This study assesses both the success of medical practitioners in accessing hazardous substances’ information from product manufacturers and the accuracy and clinical usefulness of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) presented by workers with suspected occupational contact dermatitis (OCD).

Patients/Methods:  100 consecutively presented MSDS were collected from 42 workers attending an occupational dermatology clinic. Product manufacturers were contacted to verify ingredients. MSDS were evaluated for compliance with the Australian criteria for listing of OCD relevant information (sensitizers present at a concentration ≥1%, irritants present at a concentration ≥20%), and for clinical usefulness. All sensitizers were checked for clinical relevance to the worker’s dermatitis.

Results:  Manufacturers supplied product constituents for 77/100 MSDS. 58 MSDS satisfied the Australian standard. 57/58 MSDS were deemed clinically useful. Irritants were listed for 19/23 MSDS and sensitizers were listed for 30/68 MSDS (P = 0.001). 3 MSDS contained sensitizers, which were clinically relevant to the presenting worker’s dermatitis, 1 appropriately listed, 1 present at ≥1% but not listed, and 1 present at <1% in the product and therefore, not required to be listed.

Conclusions:  Sensitizers are frequently omitted from MSDS and clinicians are often unsuccessful in obtaining crucial information from manufacturers. MSDS are inadequate for the protection and diagnosis of workers with suspected OCD.
Tumour necrotizing factor‐α promoter and GST‐T1 genotype predict skin allergy to chromate in cement workers in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Bour‐Jr , Shiao Judith‐Sc , Chen Chiou‐Jong , Lee Yeu‐Chin , Guo Yue‐Liang
Published: October 2007

Background:  Construction workers exposed to cement are known to suffer from occupational contact dermatitis because of chromate sensitization. It is not clear whether certain genotypes are associated with increased susceptibility of chromate sensitization in those workers regularly exposed to cement.

Objective:  The objective of this study was to determine the genotypes predisposing workers to cement‐induced contact dermatitis.

Methods:  A total of 153 current cement workers who had regular contact with cement were telephone interviewed for skin problems in the past 12 months, work exposure, and personal protection. A dermatologist examined their skin and conducted patch test with common skin allergens. Blood samples were donated for genotypic determination by polymerase chain reaction‐based assays for GST‐T1, GST‐M1 (null/non‐null), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha promoter‐308G/A, and interleukin (IL) 4‐590C/T.

Result:  High percentage of dermatitis was noted in the 153 workers examined, which was correlated with reported skin problems. By patch testing, construction workers had a high‐prevalence rate (12%) of sensitivity to chromate. Sensitivity to chromate was significantly associated with TNF alpha promoter‐308 heterozygous (GA) as compared with GG genotype (odds ratio 3.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1–13.2), as well as with GST‐T1 null genotype (odds ratio 5.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4–36.2), but neither the GST‐M1 nor the IL‐4 genotypes.

Conclusion:  It is concluded that among workers frequently exposed to cement in Southern Taiwan, those with TNF alpha promoter‐308 heterozygous (GA) genotype or GST‐T1 null genotype had increased risk of chromate sensitization.
Allergic contact dermatitis to methyl aminolevulinate after photodynamic therapy in 9 patients
Authors: Hohwy Thomas , Andersen Klaus Ejner , Sølvsten Henrik , Sommerlund Mette
Published: October 2007

This report describes 9 patients who developed allergic contact dermatitis to methyl aminolevulinate used for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The risk of developing contact allergy to methyl aminolevulinate in PDT treated patients was calculated to 1% after an average of 7 treatments (range 2–21).
The Value of MRI in Imaging Malignant Head and Neck Tumours
Authors: Schneider Astrid , Forstner Rosemarie
Published: October 2007

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in pre‐treatment assessment of tumours of the head and neck region. Because of its excellent soft tissue contrast it renders pivotal information in staging and serves as a basis for surgery planning or primary chemo‐ and/or radiotherapy. Primary tumours are best seen on T2WI with fat saturation or contrast‐enhanced images. Morphologic criteria used for lymph node imaging depend on size and shape, and thus MRI is limited in differentiation of normal size malignant nodes or hyperplastic benign nodes. Necrosis is a more specific sign of malignancy.

In this review, imaging technique and imaging of tumours in the head and neck region in general and for specific areas are covered with the emphasis on MR imaging features of the primary tumours and their spread including perineural and lymphatic dissemination. Uncooperative or claustrophobic patients, however, should undergo staging by computerized tomography instead of MRI.
Image Fusion of Positron Emission Tomographic Scan with Radiotherapy Planning CT in a Patient with Parotid Gland Cancer
Authors: Kopp M. , Deutschmann H. , Rettenbacher L. , Pirich C. , Sedlmayer F.
Published: October 2007

This case report shows that fusion of positron emission tomography (PET)/computerized tomography (CT) with radiotherapy planning CT offers the possibility to give high total doses with minimized morbidity specifically in patients with head and neck cancer.
Increasing incidence of respiratory distress in neonates
Authors: Ersch Joerg , Roth‐Kleiner Matthias , Baeckert Peter , Bucher Hans Ulrich
Published: October 2007

Aim: To document the change in the incidence of respiratory distress (RD), related interventions and mortality in neonates admitted to primary, secondary and tertiary neonatal units within a geographically defined population over a period of 30 years.

Methods: RD was defined as a clinical picture irrespective of the etiology. Information was collected retrospectively for 1974, 1984, 1994 and 2004 from all neonatal units in Switzerland.

Results: In the 30 years studied the proportion of infants hospitalized with RD increased from 1.9% to 3.8% of the whole neonatal population and from 30% to 53% of all infants admitted to a neonatal unit. Treatment of RD changed significantly. Mechanical ventilation decreased from 31% to 16%, nasal CPAP increased from almost 0% to 26% and surfactant administration increased from 0% to 53% in infants with hyaline membrane disease. Overall mortality decreased in infants with RD from 15.5% to 3.5%.

Conclusions: The incidence of RD in infants admitted to neonatal units doubled over the last 30 years in a geographically defined neonatal population. This rise can predominantly be ascribed to infants with birth weight >2500 g and may reflect the corresponding increase in the rate of caesarean section.
Risk factors for out‐of‐home custody child care among families with alcohol and substance abuse problems
Authors: Sarkola Taisto , Kahila Hanna , Gissler Mika , Halmesmäki Erja
Published: October 2007

Aim: To study the risk of children to mothers with alcohol and/or substance abuse related problems for early childhood out‐of‐home care in Finland.

Methods: A population‐based cross‐sectional retrospective analysis of 526 pregnant women attending special outpatient clinics during 1992–2001 and their 626 offspring, with out‐of‐home care data until 2003 provided by the National Child Welfare Register.

Results: Fifty percent (95% confidence interval 46–54%) were at some point and 38% (34–42%) by the age of two years, in out‐of‐home care. Out‐of‐home care was associated with maternal care for substance abuse after delivery, nonemployment, housing, daily smoking during pregnancy, increasing number of previous births, mother in custody in her childhood, maternal education, previous child in custody, drug in urine during pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, partner with significant abuse, regular health‐care contact for abuse, daily alcohol consumption before and/or during pregnancy, newborn not discharged with mother, neonatal abstinence symptoms (NAS), intensified perinatal surveillance or NICU, and delayed discharge from hospital.

Conclusions: There is a substantial risk of children born to mothers with significant alcohol and/or substance abuse related problems for out‐of‐home care during early childhood. Factors identified during the pre‐ and perinatal period are associated with this risk.
Ligurian experience on neonatal hearing screening: clinical and epidemiological aspects
Authors: Calevo MG , Mezzano P , Zullino E , Padovani P , Serra G ,   and the STERN Group
Published: October 2007

Aim: Early identification and rehabilitation of newborns with congenital hearing impairment (HI) by Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (UNHS).

Methods: The neonatal population was divided into two groups: babies with No Audiological Risk (NAR), and babies With Audiological Risk (WAR). NAR neonates underwent OAE testing, and in case of a doubtful (Refer) result, ABR testing was carried out. All WAR newborns underwent ABR testing within the third month of life.

Results: Between February 1, 2002 and December 31, 2004, UNHS was carried out on 32 502 newborns at the 13 regional birth centres, representing 98.7% of the whole regional neonatal population. The prevalence of HI in the population we tested was estimated at about 1‰, while Bilateral Hearing Impairment (BHI) was estimated at 0.65‰.

A 3.7% prevalence of HI and a 2.8% prevalence of BHI was observed among the WAR population.

Median age at the end of the diagnostic procedures was 6.7 months in the WAR population and 6.9 months in the NAR population.

Conclusions: Our project is based on two levels of testing, which resulted in a 0.28% false‐positive rate with 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity. Our screening is the first Italian experience that has been extended to a whole region and the results prove that regional neonatal hearing screening is feasible.
Fatty acid composition in breast milk and serum phospholipids of healthy term Chinese infants during first 6 weeks of life
Authors: Peng YM , Zhang TY , Wang Q , Zetterström R , Strandvik B
Published: October 2007

Aim: To compare the fatty acid (FA) pattern in early and mature breast milk with that in plasma phospholipids of cord blood and breast‐fed infants.

Methods: Forty‐five mother–infant pairs from western Shanghai were studied. All infants, born at term with normal weight and length, were examined at birth and days 5 and 42. FA was analyzed by capillary gas–liquid chromatography.

Results: Cord blood showed higher concentration of long‐chain polyunsaturated FA (LCPUFA) but lower saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) FA than postnatal infants' plasma. SFA decreased with age in the infants, but MUFA and linoleic acid (LA, 18:2ω6) increased. LCPUFA were lower in the plasma of 5‐day‐old infants than in cord blood, but LA was 80%, α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3ω3) 33% and the ratio ω‐6/ω‐3 42% higher. At day 42, LA increased further, LCPUFA remained similar, and was in breast milk lower than at day 5, while ALA and γ‐linolenic acid (18:3ω6) were higher. The activity index of desaturases indicated high Δ9 activity in breast milk and high activity of Δ5 desaturase in the infants.

Conclusion: Breast milk FA composition changed markedly from day 5 to 42 with increasing correlation to infants' plasma. Calculation of desaturase activities suggested high capacity of LCPUFA synthesis.
Severe HPA‐15b related neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Moncharmont P , Courvoisier S , Pagnier A , Cotta L , Debillon T , Rigal D
Published: October 2007

The HPA‐15 platelet (PLT) group was recently described. Severe neonatal thrombocytopenia due to alloimmunization by HPA‐15b has very rarely been observed. A 22‐year‐old mother, gravida 1/para 1, gave birth to a male infant who presented with a severe thrombocytopenia, the PLT count recorded to be 3 ×109/L. A few hours after birth, he developed purpura with extensive haematomas but without visceral or intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). Two PLT transfusions were given including one using maternal PLTs. The infant's PLT count was 267 × 109/L on day 6. The maternal platelet group was HPA‐15a/a and her infant was HPA‐15a/b. Anti‐HPA‐15b antibodies was found in maternal serum.

Conclusion: HPA‐15b maternal alloimmunization may induce severe neonatal thrombocytopenia. In order to establish the frequency of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) due to anti‐HPA‐15b antibodies, an improved detection method is necessary.
Parental experiences during the first period at the neonatal unit after two developmental care interventions
Authors: Van Der Pal SM , Maguire CM , Le Cessie S , Wit JM , Walther FJ , Bruil J
Published: October 2007

Aim: Developmental care has gained increased attention in the individualized care for preterm infants. This study was designed to explore the effect of a basic form of developmental care and the more extended Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) on parental stress, confidence and perceived nursing support.

Methods: Two consecutive randomized controlled trials (RCT's) comparing (1) standard care versus basic developmental care (standardized nests and incubator covers) (n = 133) and (2) basic developmental care versus NIDCAP, including behavioural observations (n = 150). Parents of infants born <32 weeks gestational age (GA) received questionnaires after the first week of admission in the neonatal unit and on average these 2 weeks after the birth of their infant.

Results: No significant differences were found in confidence, perceived nursing support or parental stress. The difference in parental stress between mother and father was less in the NIDCAP intervention group (p = .03), although not significant.

Conclusion: Both basic developmental care and NIDCAP had little effect on parental experiences during the first period at the neonatal unit. As a result of increased paternal stress, the NIDCAP intervention tended to decrease the difference in parental stress levels of fathers and mothers, possibly because of the increased involvement of father during the NIDCAP intervention.
Myocardial substrates in children with congenital heart disease: relationship to substrate supply, age, growth and desaturation
Authors: Åmark Kerstin , Ekroth Rolf , Nilsson Krister , Sunnegårdh Jan , Söderberg Björn
Published: October 2007

Aim: The myocardial uptake of substrates in children has only been investigated on a small scale. The purpose of this study was to define myocardial substrate uptake in relation to the arterial supply of substrates, age, growth and oxygen saturation.

Methods: Thirty patients with congenital heart disease, aged 3 months to 16 years, were studied during cardiac catheterization. Arterial and coronary sinus blood was analyzed for the major fuel metabolites and amino acids.

Results: The uptake of all major substrates correlated significantly with the arterial supply: free fatty acids (r = 0.52, p = 0.004), β‐hydroxybutyrate (r = 0.74, p < 0.0001), lactate (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001) and glucose (r = 0.48, p = 0.01). Free fatty acids were the dominant substrate, irrespective of age, growth and saturation. With age, there was an increase in the uptake of lactate (r = 0.61, p = 0.0004) and a decrease in the uptake of β‐hydroxybutyrate (r =–0.41, p = 0.02). In multivariate analyses, these changes were explained by the arterial supply of the substrates, while age per se did not contribute significantly.

Conclusion: The uptake of myocardial metabolites correlated with the arterial supply. Free fatty acids were the dominant substrate at all ages. The uptake of lactate and β‐hydroxybutyrate, although varying with age, was also determined by the arterial supply.
Paediatric diabetes: achieving practical, effective insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Danne T , Becker D
Published: October 2007

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can occur in children and adolescents. Type 1 diabetes is the most common chronic disease in children in the developed countries and the number of adolescents with type 2 diabetes is rising as a consequence of the obesity epidemic. As they grow, children and adolescents with diabetes have special and changing needs; these must be recognized and addressed as there are major physiological, medical, psychological, social and emotional differences in adults with diabetes. Glycaemic control is important to prevent or delay long‐term complications also in the paediatric age group. This goal is often achieved using insulin. However, practical issues associated with insulin use in paediatric patients include attainment of target glycaemic levels without increased risk of hypoglycaemia, hormone‐driven fluctuations in insulin requirements, and the psychological and social impacts of weight gain and puberty. This article reviews the advances that are helping to overcome these issues and enable paediatric patients to achieve their treatment goals.

Conclusion: Advanced insulin formulations, particularly insulin analogues, tailored insulin regimens and delivery systems combined with age‐appropriate education, patient/carer involvement and ongoing support from the wider diabetes team will assist in the effective management of diabetes among children and adolescents.
C‐reactive protein in the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome
Authors: Førsvoll Jostein A , Øymar Knut
Published: October 2007

Aims: To evaluate levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) during febrile episodes in children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA).

Methods: All CRP values during typical episodes of fever in children diagnosed with PFAPA during a 3 years period were retrospectively registered.

Results: In 16 children with PFAPA, a total of 87 CRP values were registered during 38 episodes of fever. The mean of the maximum CRP during each episode was 185 mg/L (SD: 69.4, range: 45–322). Values of CRP were elevated throughout the whole period of fever, with higher values on days 2–4 compared to day 1.

Conclusion: Levels of CRP are substantially increased during febrile episodes in children with PFAPA. High levels of CRP may suggest a role for immunological mechanisms in PFAPA, and may raise the suspicion of PFAPA when measured in children with periodic fever of unknown origin.
The CUPDAY Study: prebiotic‐probiotic milk product in 1–3‐year‐old children attending childcare centres
Authors: Binns CW , Lee AH , Harding H , Gracey M , Barclay DV
Published: October 2007

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a milk product containing probiotics and prebiotics (CUPDAY Milk) on the incidence of diarrhoea in children attending daycare centres.

Methods: The study was undertaken in a randomized controlled trial with 496 children aged 1–3 years attending 29 childcare centres in Perth, Australia. The endpoint for the study was the number of days in which children were recorded as having four or more stools. The diarrhoeal rates were analyzed by Poisson regression using ‘intention to treat’ (all children) and ‘reduced’ (children enrolled for more than 10 days) data sets.

Results: There was no difference in demographic characteristics between the case and control groups. In the ‘intention to treat’ analysis, a total of 41 745 child‐days were included in the study. The adjusted risk ratio for those consuming the ‘Cupday’ milk drink was 0.82 (95% CI 0.73–0.94) for the intention to treat sample (n = 496) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.70–0.91) for the reduced sample (n = 315). The children consuming the ‘Cupday’ drink had a 20% reduction in the number of days experiencing four or more stools per day.

Conclusion: A milk containing probiotics and prebiotics reduced the number of days children attending child care who had four or more stools by 20%.
Blood sampling via umbilical vein catheters decreases cerebral oxygenation and blood volume in preterm infants
Authors: Hüning Britta M. , Horsch Sandra , Roll Claudia
Published: October 2007

Aim: We have shown previously that blood sampling via umbilical artery catheters decreases cerebral oxygenation and cerebral blood volume in preterm infants. To evaluate alternative methods, we assessed the effects of blood sampling via umbilical vein catheters in a cohort of preterm infants.

Methods: Twenty neonates (median birth weight 900 g [range 410–1900 g], median gestational age 27 weeks [24–31 weeks]) were studied during routine blood sampling via umbilical vein catheters by near‐infrared spectroscopy. Tissue oxygenation index and changes in concentrations of cerebral oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin were measured and changes in cerebral oxygenation and cerebral blood volume were calculated. Oxygen saturation and heart rate were recorded simultaneously.

Results: There was a significant drop of cerebral oxygenation (−2.135 ± 0.532 μmol/L) and cerebral blood volume (−0.037 ± 0.019 mL/100 g tissue) during umbilical vein blood sampling. Although peripheral arterial oxygen saturation remained unchanged, cerebral tissue oxygenation index decreased from 64.8 ± 2.5% to 62.4 ± 2.6% (p < 0.01), accompanied by a slight increase in heart rate (from 140 ± 2.9 to 144 ± 2.9 beats/min, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Umbilical vein blood sampling reduces cerebral oxygenation and cerebral blood volume. The magnitude of the effects is similar to those during umbilical artery blood sampling.
Sodium Stress in the Halophyte Thellungiella halophila and Transcriptional Changes in a thsos1‐RNA Interference Line
Authors: Oh Dong‐Ha , Gong Qingqiu , Ulanov Alex , Zhang Quan , Li Youzhi , Ma Wenying , Yun Dae‐Jin , Bressan Ray A. , Bohnert Hans J.
Published: October 2007

The plasma membrane Na+/H+‐antiporter salt overly sensitive1 (SOS1) from the halophytic Arabidopsis‐relative Thellungiella halophila (ThSOS1) shows conserved sequence and domain structure with the orthologous genes from Arabidopsis thaliana and other plants. When expression of ThSOS1 was reduced by RNA interference (RNAi), pronounced characteristics of salt‐sensitivity were observed. We were interested in monitoring altered transcriptional responses between Thellungiella wild type and thsos1‐4, a representative RNAi line with particular emphasis on root responses to salt stress at 350 mmol/L NaCl, a concentration that is only moderately stressful for mature wild type plants. Transcript profiling revealed several functional categories of genes that were differently affected in wild‐type and RNAi plants. Down‐regulation of SOS1 resulted in different gene expression even in the absence of stress. The pattern of gene induction in the RNAi plant under salt stress was similar to that of glycophytic Arabidopsis rather than that of wild type Thellungiella. The RNAi plants failed to down‐regulate functions that are normally reduced in wild type Thellungiella upon stress and did not up‐regulate functions that characterize the Thellungiella salt stress response. Metabolite changes observed in wild type Thellungiella after salt stress were less pronounced or absent in RNAi plants. Transcript and metabolite behavior suggested SOS1 functions including but also extending its established function as a sodium transporter. The down‐regulation of ThSOS1 converted the halophyte Thellungiella into a salt‐sensitive plant.
Modulation of Root Signals in Relation to Stomatal Sensitivity to Root‐sourced Abscisic Acid in Drought‐affected Plants
Authors: Ren Huibo , Wei Kaifa , Jia Wensuo , Davies William John , Zhang Jianhua
Published: October 2007

Stomatal sensitivity to root signals induced by soil drying may vary between environments and plant species. This is likely to be a result of the interactions and modulations among root signals. As a stress signal, abscisic acid (ABA) plays a central role in root to shoot signaling. pH and hydraulic signals may interact with ABA signals and thus, jointly regulate stomatal responses to changed soil water status. pH itself can be modified by several factors, among which the chemical compositions in the xylem stream and the live cells surrounding the vessels play crucial roles. In addition to the xylem pH, more attention should be paid to the direct modulation of leaf apoplastic pH, because many chemical compositions might strongly modify the leaf apoplastic pH while having no significant effect on the xylem pH. The direct modulation of the ABA signal intensity may be more important for the regulation of stomatal responses to soil drying than the ABA signal per se. The ABA signal is also regulated by the ABA catabolism and the supply of precursors to the roots if a sustained root to shoot communication of soil drying operates at the whole plant level. More importantly, ABA catabolism could play crucial roles in the determination of the fate of the ABA signal and thereby control the stomatal behavior of the root‐sourced ABA signal.
Panicle Water Potential, a Physiological Trait to Identify Drought Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Liu Guo‐Lan , Mei Han‐Wei , Yu Xin‐Qiao , Zou Gui‐Hua , Liu Hong‐Yan , Li Ming‐Shou , Chen Liang , Wu Jin‐Hong , Luo Li‐Jun
Published: October 2007

Two upland rice varieties (IRAT109, IAPAR9) and one lowland rice variety (Zhenshan 97B) were planted in summer and treated with both normal (full water) and drought stress in the reproductive stage. Panicle water potential (PWP) and leaf water potential (LWP) were measured every 1.0–1.5 h over 24 h on sunny days. Both PWP and LWP of upland varieties started to decrease later, maintained a higher level and recovered more quickly than that of the lowland variety. The results show that PWP can be used as an indicator of plant water status based on the parallel daily changes, and the high correlation between PWP and LWP. Similar correlations were also observed between PWP, LWP and eight traits related to plant growth and grain yield formation. PWP seemed to be more effective for distinguishing the upland rice varieties with different drought‐tolerant ability. Differences in PWP and LWP between upland and lowland rice varieties were also observed at noon even under normal water conditions, implying the incorporation of the drought‐tolerant mechanism to improve the photosynthesis and yield of traditional paddy rice.
Analysis of Gene Expression Profile Induced by Water Stress in Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L. var. IRAT109) Seedlings using Subtractive Expressed Sequence Tags Library
Authors: Wang Haiguang , Zhang Hongliang , Li Zichao
Published: October 2007

To identify the water stress induced genes of upland rice cultivar IRAT109, which is resistant to drought, a subtractive cDNA library was developed from polyethylene glycol‐ (PEG) treated and non‐treated seedlings by suppression subtractive hybridization, from which 2 112 recombinant colonies were obtained. Eight hundred clones were selected randomly for sequencing analysis, and 384 unique expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were obtained. They were found to be involved in diverse biological processes, such as metabolism, transcription, signal transduction, protein synthesis and others. Notably a number of known functional genes in drought tolerance, including genes related to biosynthesis of osmoprotectants, defense against active oxygen, removal of toxic compounds, recovery of proteins and reinforcement of cell wall were also found in the study. Several genes related to deleterious responses were upregulated by PEG stress. The differential expression patterns of 11 SSH‐derived ESTs were confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.
Water‐Saving and High‐Yielding Irrigation for Lowland Rice by Controlling Limiting Values of Soil Water Potential
Authors: Yang Jianchang , Liu Kai , Wang Zhiqin , Du Yong , Zhang Jianhua
Published: October 2007

The present study investigated whether an irrigation system could be established to save water and increase grain yield to enhance water productivity by proper water management at the field level in irrigated lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.). Using two field‐grown rice cultivars, two irrigation systems; conventional irrigation and water‐saving irrigation, were conducted. In the water‐saving irrigation system, limiting values of soil water potential related to specific growth stages were proposed as irrigation indices. Compared with conventional irrigation where drainage was in mid‐season and flooded at other times, the water‐saving irrigation increased grain yield by 7.4% to 11.3%, reduced irrigation water by 24.5% to 29.2%, and increased water productivity (grain yield per cubic meter of irrigation water) by 43.1% to 50.3%. The water‐saving irrigation significantly increased harvest index, improved milling and appearance qualities, elevated zeatin + zeatin riboside concentrations in root bleedings and enhanced activities of sucrose synthase, adenosine diphosphateglucose pyrophosphorylase, starch synthase and starch branching enzyme in grains. Our results indicate that water‐saving irrigation by controlling limiting values of soil water potential related to specific growth stages can enhance physiological activities of roots and grains, reduce water input, and increase grain yield.
Deficit Irrigation as a Strategy to Save Water: Physiology and Potential Application to Horticulture
Authors: Costa J. Miguel , Ortuño Maria F. , Chaves M. Manuela
Published: October 2007

Water is an increasingly scarce resource worldwide and irrigated agriculture remains one of the largest and most inefficient users of this resource. Low water use efficiency (WUE) together with an increased competition for water resources with other sectors (e.g. tourism or industry) are forcing growers to adopt new irrigation and cultivation practices that use water more judiciously. In areas with dry and hot climates, drip irrigation and protected cultivation have improved WUE mainly by reducing runoff and evapotranspiration losses. However, complementary approaches are still needed to increase WUE in irrigated agriculture. Deficit irrigation strategies like regulated deficit irrigation or partial root drying have emerged as potential ways to increase water savings in agriculture by allowing crops to withstand mild water stress with no or only marginal decreases of yield and quality. Grapevine and several fruit tree crops seem to be well adapted to deficit irrigation, but other crops like vegetables tend not to cope so well due to losses in yield and quality. This paper aims at providing an overview of the physiological basis of deficit irrigation strategies and their potential for horticulture by describing the major consequences of their use to vegetative growth, yield and quality of different crops (fruits, vegetables and ornamentals).
Carbon Isotope Discrimination is not Correlated with Transpiration Efficiency in Three Cool‐Season Grain Legumes (Pulses)
Authors: Turner Neil C. , Palta Jairo A. , Shrestha Renuka , Ludwig Christiane , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Turner David W.
Published: October 2007

The carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C) of leaves has been shown to be correlated with the transpiration efficiency of leaves in a wide range of species. This has led to δ13C being used in breeding programs to select for improved transpiration efficiency. The correlation between δ13C and transpiration efficiency was determined under well‐watered conditions during the vegetative phase in six genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), six genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and 10 cultivars of narrow‐leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.). Biomass (dry matter) accumulation and water use (transpiration) varied among the genotypes in all three species and transpiration efficiency was 40% to 75% higher in the most efficient compared with the least efficient genotypes. However, δ13C and transpiration efficiency were not significantly correlated in any of the species. This suggests that the δ13C technique cannot be used in selection for transpiration efficiency in the three grain legumes (pulses) studied.