bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer education in secondary schools: an electronic survey
Authors: Wellington J. J.
Published: April 2008

Abstract This paper describes a survey of computer use in secondary education carried out through the Times Network for Schools using a form of electronic questionnaire. The survey was a small part of a much larger project, the ‘Skills for the Future’ project, which is investigating the links between information technology (IT) in education and in employment. Although the nature of the sample inevitably means that the results are biased towards schools whose involvement in IT is above average, the survey does pose some interesting questions — particularly when its findings are compared and contrasted with those of the DES survey of 500 secondary schools at the end of 1985. The results of the survey indicated that Computer Studies is still dominant within the secondary curriculum, although many schools see the use of IT across the curriculum as their main goal. This paper highlights some of the factors preventing the diffusion of IT into the areas of the secondary curriculum it has seldom reached.
Computers and curriculum change: an action research perspective
Authors: Candy L.
Published: April 2008

Abstract This paper raises general issues about the way computer systems are developed and relates them to education, in particular the role of teachers in research into classroom applications. The views expressed arise from research into the use of wordprocessors in secondary schools. The broad framework of the research work undertaken has been the relationship between the introduction of computers, the perception of users and the conditions for genuine change in practice. Curriculum research is a necessary part of the process of change but it must address the practical context through those most directly involved in it. The introduction of computers across the curriculum has raised questions about their impact on learning and teaching. The key question is how teachers might be active participants in such a process. Using a simplified representation of the innovation process, issues are raised about the development and evaluation of computer systems, the context into which they are introduced, the people who use them and the interrelationship between those elements.
Learning with new information technologies in schools: perspectives from the psychology of learning and instruction
Authors: De Corte E.
Published: April 2008

Abstract  The starting point of the present paper is that the New Information Technologies can only contribute substantially to the improvement of schooling, if they are appropriately embedded in powerful learning environments. The realization of this embedding requires that inquiry and development relating to educational computing are more explicitly based on recent research on learning and instruction, because this domain of investigation has produced an empirically underpinned knowledge base that can guide and orient the design of rich and powerful computer‐supported learning environments. In that perspective a series of important and relevant findings of research on learning and instruction are reviewed; they relate to the three major components of a theory of learning from instruction, namely a theory of expertise describing skilled performance in a domain, a theory of the acquisition processes required to achieve competence, and a theory of intervention strategies that are appropriate for eliciting those acquisition processes.
Computer‐based spelling remediation for dyslexic children
Authors: Fawcett A. J. , Nicolson R. I. , Morris S.
Published: April 2008

Abstract The SelfSpell programs provide a multi‐media environment for dyslexic children which uses synthesised speech to augment the written text. In earlier research we established that by encouraging users to enter a rule to help them remember how to spell each word, SelfSpell was very effective in improving spelling ability. The evaluation study reported here confirmed the efficacy of the rule‐based approach using a group of 11‐year‐old dyslexic children with severe impairments in spelling. Of particular theoretical significance, however, was the finding that use of a mastery learning technique for learning spellings was just as effective as the rule‐based approach. These findings are interpreted in the light of Frith's influential framework for the development of reading and spelling ability. It is suggested that the multimedia presentation approach may provide a uniquely effective method for helping dyslexic children to acquire the ‘alphabetic’ stage of linguistic processing.
A perspective on learning for Intelligent Educational Systems
Authors: Cumming G.
Published: April 2008

Abstract In this paper two observations are the starting points for a proposal as to how learning, rather than computing considerations, can be made the main focus in the development of Intelligent Educational Systems (IESs). These observations are: a) the predominant use of computers in education is for the running of general tool software; and b) the symbolic approach to Artificial Intelligence is being questioned from a situated cognition perspective.

Learning interactions are seen as consisting of a Task Level, and a higher‐level Discussion Level comprising planning and evaluation of, and reflection about, Task Level activity. It is proposed that IESs should be developed by adding a module to support Discussion Level interaction with the learner. The Mayday project is described, in which expert human teachers are being studied as they support Discussion Level with a learner working at computer‐based lexical activities. It is argued that such studies of human learning is a necessary step towards the development of the proposed IESs.
Towards the architecture of an instructional multimedia database
Authors: Verhagen P. W. , Bestebreurtje R.
Published: April 2008

Abstract  The applicability of multimedia databases in education may be extended if they can serve multiple target groups, leading to affordable costs per unit for the user. In this contribution, an approach is described to build generic multimedia databases to serve that purpose. This approach is elaborated within the ODB Project (‘Instructional Design of an Optical DataBase’); the term optical refers to the use of optical storage media to hold the audiovisual components. The project aims at developing a database in which a hypermedia encyclopedia is combined with instructional multimedia applications for different target groups at different educational levels. The architecture of the Optical Database will allow for switching between application types while working (for instance from tutorial instruction via the encyclopedia to a simulation and back). For instruction, the content of the database is thereby organized around so‐called standard instruction routes: one route per target group. In the project, the teacher is regarded as the manager of instruction.

From that perspective, the database is primarily organized as a teaching facility. Central to the research is the condition that the architecture of the Optical Database has to enable teachers to select and tailor instruction routes to their needs in a way that is perceived as logical and easy to use.
Computer mediated communication in distance education
Authors: Gregor S.D. , Cuskelly E.F.
Published: April 2008

Abstract  This paper describes experiences with computer mediated communication (CMC) in a postgraduate information systems module over two successive years. CMC was introduced primarily for pedagogical reasons, although a further aim was to carry out an exploratory investigation into factors affecting its successful adoption and the benefits to students. Students participated in a case study discussion through a bulletin board. Student participation, though not compulsory, was high at 82%. Over 80% of students surveyed thought their experience with electronic mail assisted learning, that the case study discussion was more useful than a conventional assignment, that the instructor seemed more accessible and that further use of electronic mail in their studies was desirable. Problems encountered included difficulties in learning to use the communications software and inadequacies in documentation. Social interaction amongst students and between students and the instructor was relatively low. Recommendations are that future work should concentrate on the quality of documentation and technical support, the ease of use of software chosen and the integration of technology across the organization.
Pupils, teachers & Palmtop computers
Authors: Robertson S.I. , Calder J. , Fungi P. , Jonest A. , O'Shea T. , Lambrechtst G.
Published: April 2008

Abstract This paper presents a snapshot of the IT skills of staff and Year 8 students in a secondary school prior to their receiving personal palmtop computers and after a short acquaintance with them. Previously, most staff made relatively little use of the knowledge they had of ‘content‐free’ computer applications in their school work, whereas students had little knowledge of such applications. Access to the palmtop, however, increased the staff's use of such applications in their work, particularly for administration (e.g. class registers and assessment scores). A minority of staff remained unconvinced about the potential of the computer and many were dissatisfied with the amount and quality of INSET in the use of the palmtop and in IT in general. The students learned about the main content‐free applications relatively quickly and used them frequently. The report highlights the need for adequate and careful training so that teachers become aware of the range of uses and possible benefits of IT.
Hepatotropic viruses and autoimmunity 1997
Authors: Manns M. P.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Autoimune hepatitis is a disease of unknown cause. Apart from genetic markers such as HLA DR3 and HLA DR4, female predominance, hypergamma‐globulinaemia and characteristic autoantibodies are diagnostic, hallmarks. Several viruses have been discussed to induce autoimmune hepatitis, among them all major hepatotropic viruses, Epstein‐Barr virus and herpes simplex virus. It seems that herpes viruses may be responsible in at least some cases of patients with autoimmune hepatitis type 2. Furthermore, hepatotropic viruses like hepatitis C and hepatitis D virus may cause autoimmune phenomena which are similar to those in idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis. LKM‐1 antibodies in hepatitis C and LKM‐3 antibodies in hepatitis D may cause diagnostic problems. LKM‐1 antibodies in hepatitis C are directed either against cytochrome P450 2D6 or other yet unidentified microsomal antigens. As in hepatitis C the antimicrosomal autoantibody response in hepatitis D is more heterogeneous. These LKM‐3 antibodies react with several epitopes on proteins of family 1 and 2 UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGT). Additional autoantibodies are seen in hepatitis D virus infection. Liver diseases are models to study autoimmune disease, drug‐induced and virus‐induced autoimmunity in humans.
Development of a quantitative PCR assay for monitoring HCV viraemia levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Colucci G. , Gutekunst K.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The need to improve the efficacy of anti‐viral agents directed against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has prompted the development of quantitative tests to monitor viraemia levels in relation to therapy. In this respect, we have produced a non‐competitive, quantitative PCR assay (Amplicor HCV Monitor1M) which is based on the single, combined, reverse transcription and amplification of the 5′ non‐coding region of HCV RNA as well as of an internal standard which serves to assess the overall efficiency of the system. The dynamic range of the assay and its precision allows for an accurate quantification between 1000 and 1000 000 copies of the viral genome per ml. The results of the first clinical evaluation of the test indicated that determination of viraemia may have predictive value when assessed prior to treatment, as patients with less than 50 000 HCV RNA copies per ml tend to show a longterm response to interferon‐α (IFN‐α) treatment. Moreover, a decrease of more than 1.5‐2 logarithms occurring at 1 month post‐initiation of therapy predicts response in a more timely and accurate fashion than ALT measurement. This may help in a better selection of patients to treat, therapy approaches and schedules and in the optimization of the cost‐benefit balance.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon: how long should a lasting response last if a lasting response could last?
Authors: Ryff J.‐C.
Published: April 2008

Summary. In chronic hepatitis C infection to document spontaneous remission or response to treatment, more than one parameter is required. Both the activity of liver disease and of viral replication need to be recorded. The former is most accurately done by liver biopsy. The number of such biopsies which a patient or physician are willing to have performed is necessarily limited, such that serum‐ALT has traditionally been used as surrogate marker. Viral replication can be quantified using a standardized and validated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test system. Drawing on a database of over 2300 patients with documented chronic hepatitis C for whom data were recorded longitudinally for up to 5 years, a proposal is presented on how to document more precisely quality of response and its duration. Using both biochemical and virological parameters quantified repeatedly at regular intervals, three response patterns can be described, and less frequent histological assessments are used for confirmation:

non‐response, where no relevant changes are seen in either parameter;

transient response that consists of a response induction, usually biochemical in nature, accompanied by a transient decrease in viral replication only. This response is subsequently lost either during (breakthrough) or after the end of treatment (relapse);

finally, a durable response is defined by a rapid return to normal or fall to undetectable levels, as a rule within 2 weeks to 3 months, of serum ALT and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA that is sustained until the end of the follow‐up period (up to 5 years).
Studies of interleukin‐12 in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Naoumov N. V. , Rossol S.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Interleukin‐12 is produced by antigen‐presenting cells and regulates the balance between TH1/TH2 lymphocyte subsets, promoting cell‐mediated immune reactions. Amongst patients with chronic hepatitis B undergoing interferon‐alpha treatment, only those who clear hepatitis B virus show a substantial increase in the production of biologically active IL‐12 and an inverse ratio between serum levels of IL‐12p40 subunit and IL‐12. The peak of serum IL‐12 occurs after the hepatitis flare and precedes or coincides with the time of HBe seroconversion. These data indicate that IL‐12 is an important element for establishing the host immune control on hepatitis B virus replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
The Greek national perinatal survey: I: Design, methodology, case ascertainment
Authors: Tzoumaka‐Bakoula Chryssa
Published: April 2008

Summary. A nationwide cross‐sectional survey covering the perinatal period was attempted throughout Greece for the 30 consecutive days of April 1983. It aimed to determine the perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) and the way it varied in the country in relation to underlying demographic, biological, socioeconomic and medical factors.

For this purpose a coded questionnaire was completed by the obstetrician and/or the midwife responsible for (or, at least, present at) the delivery for every mother giving birth either to a livebirth or a stillborn infant weighing at least 500 g. All livebirths were followed until 7 days of age.

The survey was administered centrally through a network of county‐based co‐ordinators. It resulted in the coverage of all state and private maternity hospitals, rural health centres and newborn units. In all 11 048 completed questionnaires were returned and 264 perinatal deaths reported, 42% of which had had a post‐mortem examination.

The crude PNMR was 23.8 per 1 000 births, with a stillbirth rate of 11.5 per 1 000 births and early neonatal mortality rate of 12.5 per 1000 livebirths. This rate was substantially higher than would have been calculated from registration rates.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in late pregnancy: a prospective study
Authors: Preece P.M. , Ades A. , Thompson R.G. , Brooks J.H.
Published: April 2008

During a 1‐year period, 3309 women were screened in pregnancy for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. A cervical swab was taken and chlamydial antigen was detected, using a monoclonal antibody ELISA technique, in 198 women (6%). The prevalence of chlamydial infection was high in women under 20 years (14.5%), single women (14.2%) and black women (16.8%). Binomial regression of these data estimates a relative risk of 2.9 for women under 20 years compared with women aged 25 and over. There was an interaction between race and marital status with a high risk in single white and single asian women (2.3, 4.5 respectively) but a similar risk in black single and black married women (3.0, 4.0 respectively). Parity and social class did not effect the prevalance of antigen carriage. There was no demonstrable effect of maternal antigen carriage on outcome of pregnancy, gestation or admission to neonatal unit. Infants of 174 antigen‐positive mothers were followed‐up. Tissue culture for Chlamydia trachomatis was positive in 43 (24%) infants. Complications occurred in 23 (53%): 17 had conjunctivitis, three had lower respiratory tract infection and three both complications. Amongst 131 chlamydia‐negative infants, complications occurred in 21 (16%). Since this infection, in infants, responds promptly to erythromycin therapy, screening and treatment in pregnancy will convey little benefit in prevention of perinatal morbidity or perinatal mortality.
Low blood manganese levels in Liverpool children with Perthes' disease
Authors: Hall A.J. , Margetts B.M. , Barker D.J.P. , Walsh H.P.J. , Redfern T.R. , Taylor J.F. , Dangerfield P. , Delves H.T. , Shuttler I.L.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The aetiology of Perthes' disease of the hip, avascular necrosis of the head of the femur, is unknown. Children with the disease have a generalised abnormality of growth. A similar disproportionate growth is found in chicks given a diet deficient in manganese. In Liverpool, which has the highest incidence of Perthes' disease reported anywhere in the world, children with the disease were shown to have lower blood manganese levels than controls. This is evidence that manganese deficiency around the time of birth may be a cause of Perthes' disease, but the results require confirmation.
The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study: a 15 year longitudinal study
Authors: Silva Phil A.
Published: April 2008

Summary. This article describes the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a longitudinal study of 1037 children studied at birth and followed‐up at age 3, with the majority being followed up every 2 years thereafter, to age l.5. The paper includes a description of the setting for the study, the historical background, establishment of the study, the sample, follow‐up rates, changes in sample characteristics over time, the procedures, the data gathered at each phase and the investigators responsible. Some of the topics studied over the years are set out in a table of descriptors which includes references to refereed journal articles that include results relating to the topics. Plans for the future are also described. Reflections on some of the reasons why the study has been successful are noted. The article concludes with a full list of publications and reports (1–328), current as at 1 July 1989.
Work‐related physical exertion and risk of preterm, low birthweight delivery
Authors: Homer Charles J. , Beresford Shirley A.A. , Jarnes Sherman A. , Siegel Earl , Wilcox Steven
Published: April 2008

Summary. Although many women work during pregnancy, the effect of maternal job experience on pregnancy outcome is controversial. We investigated whether work‐related physical exertion increases a woman's risk of delivering a preterm, low birthweight infant. We studied 773 employed, pregnant women included in the National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Market Experience, Youth Cohort (NLSY), a nationally representative sample of young adults. Data concerning work status, job title during pregnancy, and other factors affecting the outcome of pregnancy were obtained from the NLSY. Assessment of physical exertion was based on job title, using an established catalogue of occupational characteristics. Women in jobs characterised by high physical exertion experienced a higher rate of preterm, low birthweight delivery, defined as maternal report of delivery more than 3 weeks early and birthweight under 2 500 g (adjusted RR=5.1, 95% CI=1.5, 17.7). These findings support a policy of limiting work‐related physical exertion during pregnancy.
Childhood risk factors for ischaemic heart disease and stroke
Authors: Coggon David , Margetts Barrie , Barker DAVID J.P. , Carson PETER H.M. , Mann JONATHAN S. , Oldroyd KEITH G. , Wickham Carol
Published: April 2008

Summary. To explore the relation between environmental influences in early life and risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, case‐control comparisons were made on 99 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 55 patients with recent hemisphere stroke. After allowance for smoking habits and current social class, risk of myocardial infarction was higher in subjects of lower social class at birth, smaller stature, and with a history of infant and especially perinatal death in a sibling. Stroke was also associated with infant or perinatal death in a sibling. Although none of these associations was statistically significant at a 5% level, they support other evidence that implicates the pre and early postnatal environment in the aetiology of cardiovascular disease.
Infants with single umbilical artery studied in a national registry. General epidemiological characteristics
Authors: Lilja Monica
Published: April 2008

Summary. In this paper, registry data on infants born in Sweden between 1983 and 1986 are reviewed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of infants with single umbilical artery (SUA). During this period 372 066 births were registered with information on the number of umbilical vessels. Our data set contains 1782 SUA infants. The incidence at birth was: in multiple births 0.8%, in infants with chromosome anomalies 6.1% and in singletons without a known chromosome anomaly 0.46%. Incidence was higher in girls than in boys. There were no consistent seasonal variations in the date of presumed conception. Low birthweight (<2500 g) and preterm birth (<37 weeks) were seen more frequently in SUA singleton infants than in infants with three vessels. At any given gestation, SUA infants had a lower mean birthweight than infants with three vessels. The risk of having a SUA infant was increased in women over 40 years, and slightly increased at or above parity of three.
The relation of fetal length, ponderal index and head circumference to blood pressure and the risk of hypertension in adult life
Authors: Barker D.J.P. , Godfrey K.M. , Osmond C. , Bull A.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The blood pressure of 327 men and women aged 46 to 54 years was related to birthweight, placental weight, length, ponderal index and head circumference at birth. All the subjects were born after 38 completed weeks of gestation. There were strong trends of higher blood pressure in adult life with lower birthweight (P= 0.04) and greater placental weight (P= 0.002). In subjects with placental weights of 1.25 lb or less, mean blood pressure, and the risk of hypertension, rose as ponderal index at birth fell (P= 0.0001). Mean systolic pressure rose by 13 mm Hg as ponderal index fell from > 14.75 to 12 or less. In those with placental weights above 1.25 lb, mean blood pressure, and the risk of hypertension, rose as length decreased and as the ratio of head circumference to length increased (P= 0.02). Mean systolic pressure rose by 14 mm Hg as the head circumference to length ratio increased from < 0.65 to ≥ 0.7. These findings characterise the birth measurements of two groups of babies who are at increased risk of hypertension in adult life.
Epidemiology and taxonomy in mental retardation
Authors: Fryers Tom
Published: April 2008

Summary. The present state of epidemiological research in relation to mental retardation is described, with particular respect to taxonomic issues. A comprehensive taxonomy is proposed, and the problems of establishing it discussed.
Cause and course of psychopathology: some lessons from longitudinal data
Authors: Rutter Michael
Published: April 2008

Summary. Case‐control studies of clinic samples constitute the usual research method for the investigation of the causes and course of psychiatric disorder. However, they carry substantial disadvantages and if causal hypotheses are to be tested in rigorous fashion, it is necessary to use longitudinal research strategies applied to epidemiologically based samples. Their advantages are reviewed with respect to the use of ‘experiments of nature’ for testing causal mechanisms through the study of within‐individual change over time in relation to some prospectively measured alteration in the risk variable. Attention is drawn to the value of longitudinal data in studying the processes involved in ‘escape’ from risk; in examining differential vulnerability to risk experiences; in validating diagnostic categories; in investigating the timing of disorders; and in evaluating the role of variables that cannot be recalled. The data from a range of longitudinal studies are used to note some of the key implications for developmental and psychopathological concepts.
Antenatal cystic fibrosis carrier screening—whether, when and how?
Authors: Miedzybrodzka Zofia , Haites Neva , Hall Marion , Templeton Allan , Marteau Theresa , Dean John , Kelly Kevin , Russell Ian
Published: April 2008

Summary. Population screening for carriers of cystic fibrosis (CF) is now possible. Such screening may have both advantages and disadvantages and hence must be evaluated before it becomes routine practice. As the potential benefits of screening are wide and the drawbacks may include psychological effects, a combination of approaches is needed to assess screening thoroughly instead of only counting numbers of terminations or carrier tests. We describe the issues concerned and our methodology for a rigorous evaluation of population antenatal carrier screening for cystic fibrosis.
Age at neonatal death in Ontario, 1979–1987: implications for the interpretation of mortality markers
Authors: Campbell M. Karen , Webster Karen M.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Recent evidence concerning time trends in infant mortality rates suggests faster falls in early compared with late deaths. This may be due to rapid advances in neonatal care. This study was undertaken to examine the timing of neonatal death in Ontario between 1979 and 1987. Trends with time, gestational age and type of birth hospital were examined. Evidence suggests that, controlling for level of birth hospital and gestational age, there was a time trend of an increasing proportion of late neonatal deaths. This suggests that early neonatal mortality was decreasing more rapidly than late neonatal mortality. Controlling for year of birth and gestational age, it was observed that the proportion of late neonatal deaths was higher for those born in a tertiary rather than community hospital. In combination, these findings suggest that, due to advances in neonatal care, a disproportionately high number of early neonatal deaths are increasingly being prevented. The findings have implications for the interpretation of routinely available mortality markers. The authors conclude that early neonatal death rate may be becoming a less useful marker and that a measure of perinatal mortality which includes late neonatal deaths would be a useful addition to the currently collected mortality markers.
Second generation follow‐up of the Danish perinatal study women: Study design and factors affecting response
Authors: Klebanoff Mark A. , Mednickt Birgitte R. , Schulsinger Charlotte , Secher Niels J. , Teasdale Thomas W. , Baker Robert L. , Berendes Heinz W.
Published: April 2008

Summary. To study the mother‐infant correlation of fetal growth and duration of pregnancy, women who were born as subjects in the Danish Perinatal Study (1959–61) were traced and interviewed, and the pregnancy and birth records of their children were abstracted. The study population consisted of 159 women who were small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) at birth, 162 who were preterm, 38 who were both preterm and SGA, and 939 term, appropriately‐grown control women. Methods for sample selection, measuring gestational age and fetal growth in both generations, locating and interviewing the women, abstracting the records of their children, and obtaining paternal birth and adult stature are described. A total of 84.5% of the selected women were successfully interviewed; the fraction interviewed did not differ by maternal birth status. The medical records of over 98% of pregnancies to the study women were abstracted, making it possible to study various factors associated with completion of an interview. By a variety of measures, women of higher socio‐economic status were more likely to be interviewed. Birthweight and adult weights were available for 63 and 73% of the children's fathers.
Maternal age and cognitive and behavioural outcomes in middle childhood
Authors: Fergusson D.M. , Lynskey M.T.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The relationships between maternal age and childhood cognitive and behavioural outcomes were analysed in a birth cohort of New Zealand children studied until the age of 13 years. Increasing maternal age was associated with increasing scores on tests of cognitive ability and achievement and with decreasing reports of conduct problems. The correlations between maternal age and childhood cognitive/behavioural outcomes ranged from 0.11 to 0.21 with a median value of 0.18. These associations were adjusted statistically for the effects of maternal social background at the time of birth and for childhood history subsequent to birth. This analysis suggested that the poorer outcomes for children born to younger mothers reflected the cumulative effects of two sets of factors which placed these children at a disadvantage. Firstly, the offspring of younger mothers tended to be born into relatively poorly educated, socially disadvantaged families and secondly, these children were exposed to less nurturant and more changeable home environments. The net effects of differences in social background at birth and childrearing environments subsequent to birth were sufficient to explain most of the apparent correlation between maternal age and childhood cognitive/behavioural outcomes.
Maternal carriage and neonatal colonisation of Group B streptococci in labour are uncommon in Turkey
Authors: Ayata Ali , Güvenç Hüseyin , Felek Süleyman , Aygün A. Denizmen , Kocabay Kenan , Bektas Sirri
Published: April 2008

Summary. Group B streptococcus infection is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. We studied 114 women and their newborns to determine the relationship between maternal carriage and neonatal group B streptococcal colonisation. Rectal, cervical and vaginal swabs were taken at delivery. Within a few minutes of birth, swab specimens were also taken from throat, ear, umbilicus, conjuctiva and skin of the newborns.

Group B streptococcus was isolated in 10 (8.7%) of the 114 pregnant women studied and in five (4.3%) of the 114 newborns. Vertical transmission rate was found to be 50%. Neonatal group B streptococcus colonisation has not reached a high level in Turkey, and consequently does not warrant intrapartum screening at the moment.
Electric iron contact burns in an Australian paediatric population
Authors: Hollyoak Maureen A. , Muller Michael J. , Pegg Stuart P.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Accidental burn injury is common among children. Contact burns are the second most frequent cause of burns in children and electric iron contact burns constitute a substantial proportion of this group.

A prospective analysis of electric iron burns presenting from 1988 to 1991 was conducted. The 38 iron burns treated during this period represented 19% of contact burns treated. The mean age of injury was 19 months. The male to female ratio was 1.1:1 and 80% involved the upper limb. Twenty‐five per cent required operation. All burns occurred in the child's own home with the majority (74%) occurring in the central living areas while the child was supervised (45%). The child was most likely to be injured by touching the iron directly or pulling the cord. A substantial number of burns occurred even after the iron was switched off.

Education should be directed towards the caregivers of young children emphasizing the need to use and store irons in areas to which children do not have free access. Powerpoints should be placed so that children cannot reach the cord. Manufacturers should provide insulated pads in which to store the iron and a retracting cord to help prevent the cord being within a child's reach.
Malformations in children with soft tissue sarcoma and in their parents and siblings
Authors: Hartley Ann L. , Birch Jillian M. , Blair Valerie , Kelsey Anna M.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The presence of malformations in a population‐based series of 181 children diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma and in the majority of their parents and siblings was ascertained from family interviews and medical records. Five index children (2.8%) had serious anomalies, a figure not in excess of that derived from general population data. Fourteen siblings (4%) were affected, and higher rates of malformations were seen in siblings of female case children (P=0.06) and siblings of children with visceral tumours (P= 0.03). There was no correlation between site of tumour in the index and specific organ system anomalies in the index or in their respective siblings. The survey indicated that there are unlikely to be strong associations between childhood soft tissue sarcoma and major malformations, a situation distinct from that found in Wilms' tumour.
Maternal Lyme disease and congenital malformations: a cord blood serosurvey in endemic and control areas
Authors: Williams C. L. , Strobino B. , Weinstein A. , Spierling P. , Medici F.
Published: April 2008

Summary. This report describes a cohort study of over 5000 infants and their mothers who participated in a cord blood serosurvey designed to examine the relationship between maternal exposure to Lyme disease and adverse pregnancy outcome. Based on serology and reported clinical history, mothers of infants in an endemic hospital cohort are 5 to 20 times more likely to have been exposed to B. burgdorferi as compared with mothers of infants in a control hospital cohort. The incidence of total congenital malformations was not significantly different in the endemic cohort compared with the control cohort, but the rate of cardiac malformations was significantly higher in the endemic cohort [odds ratio (OR) 2.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25,4.59] and the frequencies of certain minor malformations (haemangiomas, Polydactyly, and hydrocele), were significantly increased in the control group. Demographic variations could only account for differences in the frequency of Polydactyly. Within the endemic cohort, there were no differences in the rate of major or minor malformations or mean birthweight by category of possible maternal exposure to Lyme disease or cord blood serology. The disparity between observations at the population and individual levels requires further investigation. The absence of association at the individual level in the endemic area could be because of the small number of women who were actually exposed either in terms of serology or clinical history. The reason for the findings at the population level is not known but could be because of artifact or population differences.
Epidemiology of Down's syndrome in a Scottish city
Authors: Lopez Pilar Martin , Stone David , Gilmour Harper
Published: April 2008

Summary. The aim of the study was to investigate aspects of the epidemiology of Down's syndrome (DS) in a population subjected to continuous surveillance. Data were obtained from the Glasgow Register of Congenital Anomalies. Over the period 1980‐90, 173 cases of DS were identified (1.2 per 1000 births), of which 135 (78.1%) were livebirths, five (2.9%) were stillbirths and 33 (19.1%) were terminations following prenatal diagnosis. The increasing risk of DS with advancing maternal age was confirmed, although most DS pregnancies occurred in women aged under 35. While the birth prevalence of DS did not vary significantly over time, there was a significant increase in DS pregnancy prevalence. The proportion of all DS pregnancies terminated showed a statistically significant rise from 14% in 1980‐87 to 31% in 1988‐90 following the introduction of a new screening marker for DS risk. Almost half of DS pregnancies in women aged 35 and over ended in termination following prenatal diagnosis compared with only 7% in women under 35. There was a statistically significant excess risk of DS pregnancy in the more prosperous areas of the city; this excess persisted, but was not statistically significant, after standardising the rates for maternal age. These findings suggest that there is no scope for reducing service provision for DS children on the basis of the epidemiological trends, that the antenatal screening programme, while benefiting from the recent introduction of serum markers of risk, continues to have a greater impact on older women, and that further aetiological research using population based registries is required.
Two novel alleles HLA‐B*9536 and B*4612 were identified in a healthy Chinese individual
Authors: Yan L.‐X. , Zhu F.‐M. , Zhang W. , He J.
Published: April 2008

The novel HLA‐B*9536 and B*4612 alleles were identified by sequence‐based typing in China.
Egg allergy
Authors: Kemp Andrew S.
Published: April 2008

Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in infants and young children. The great majority is not life‐threatening and management involves exclusion of egg from the diet and regular review with the expectation that the majority of children will outgrow the allergy by school age. Judgment is required as to when the dietary elimination of egg is no longer required. This decision may be helped by demonstrating loss of sensitivity by skin prick or specific IgE testing and in some cases a supervised food challenge. Particular issues in management arise with more severe, potentially life‐threatening reactions, with immunization with vaccines prepared in eggs, with the diagnosis of egg hypersensitivity as a cause of delayed exacerbations of eczema which can be non‐IgE mediated, and in deciding whether a child can be allowed to ingest small amounts of cooked egg through egg‐containing foods while continuing to avoid raw egg or larger amounts of whole egg. Cases which illustrate these issues are presented.
Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis in a pediatric liver transplant recipient: Favorable outcome without cardiac surgery
Authors: Mourier Olivia , Durand Philippe , Lambert Virginie , Bretagne Stéphane , Maurage Chantal , Branchereau Sophie , Bernard Olivier , Jacquemin Emmanuel
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Transplant recipients are very susceptible to invasive aspergillosis, which increases mortality rate. Disseminated aspergillosis in the liver transplant recipient can affect virtually any organ and endocarditis is often lethal despite cardiac surgery and antifungal therapy. We report the case of a eight‐month‐old girl who presented with Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis 18 days after liver transplantation that was successfully treated by a combination of antifungal drugs associated to a low dosage of immunosuppressive therapy.
An Analysis of Independent Power Projects in Africa: Understanding Development and Investment Outcomes
Authors: Gratwick Katharine Nawaal , Eberhard Anton
Published: April 2008

This study analyses the outcomes of African independent power projects (IPPs). Nearly 40 such projects have taken root to date, concentrated mainly in 8 countries. More balanced outcomes are perceived in North Africa than across sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), for reasons linked to more attractive investment environments, more robust policy frameworks, fewer planning mishaps, abundant low‐cost fuel and secure fuel contracts as well as credit enhancements such as sovereign guarantees. With few exceptions, these elements were absent in SSA, where the role of development finance institutions and the strategic management of projects seem more important.
Japan's ‘Research Whaling’ in the Antarctic Southern Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean in the Face of the Endangered Species Convention (CITES)
Authors: Sand Peter H.
Published: April 2008

Over the past 20 years, Japanese whalers have taken more than 10,000 whales from the Antarctic Southern Ocean and the north Pacific Ocean for ‘scientific purposes’, under a controversial exemption clause in the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW). After analyzing the relationship of the ICRW regime with other applicable multilateral agreements, this article concludes that Japan's current pelagic ‘research whaling’ programmes are not only a growing embarrassment for the country's meritorious ongoing research in both polar regions; they are also in open breach of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In light of different options for international legal action, the author recommends the initiation of ‘compliance procedures’– potentially leading to a collective trade embargo – in accordance with CITES Conference Resolution 14.3 (2007).
Spreading Depression Enhances Human Neocortical Excitability in vitro
Authors: Berger M , Speckmann E-J , Pape HC , Gorji A
Published: April 2008

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) plays a role in migraine with aura. However, studies of the neuronal effects of CSD in human cortex are scarce. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of CSD on the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) and the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) were investigated in human neocortical slices obtained during epilepsy surgery. CSD significantly enhanced the amplitude of fEPSP following a transient suppressive period and increased the induction of LTP in the third layer of neocortical tissues. These results indicate that CSD facilitates synaptic excitability and efficacy in human neocortical tissues, which can be assumed to contribute to hyperexcitability of neocortical tissues in patients suffering from migraine.
Three‐dimensional description and mathematical characterization of the parasellar internal carotid artery in human infants
Authors: Meng Stefan , Costa Luciano da F. , Geyer Stefan H. , Viana Matheus P. , Reiter Christian , Müller Gerd B. , Weninger Wolfgang J.
Published: April 2008

Inside the ‘cavernous sinus’ or ‘parasellar region’ the human internal carotid artery takes the shape of a siphon that is twisted and torqued in three dimensions and surrounded by a network of veins. The parasellar section of the internal carotid artery is of broad biological and medical interest, as its peculiar shape is associated with temperature regulation in the brain and correlated with the occurrence of vascular pathologies. The present study aims to provide anatomical descriptions and objective mathematical characterizations of the shape of the parasellar section of the internal carotid artery in human infants and its modifications during ontogeny. Three‐dimensional (3D) computer models of the parasellar section of the internal carotid artery of infants were generated with a state‐of‐the‐art 3D reconstruction method and analysed using both traditional morphometric methods and novel mathematical algorithms. We show that four constant, demarcated bends can be described along the infant parasellar section of the internal carotid artery, and we provide measurements of their angles. We further provide calculations of the curvature and torsion energy, and the total complexity of the 3D skeleton of the parasellar section of the internal carotid artery, and compare the complexity of this in infants and adults. Finally, we examine the relationship between shape parameters of the parasellar section of the internal carotid artery in infants, and the occurrence of intima cushions, and evaluate the reliability of subjective angle measurements for characterizing the complexity of the parasellar section of the internal carotid artery in infants. The results can serve as objective reference data for comparative studies and for medical imaging diagnostics. They also form the basis for a new hypothesis that explains the mechanisms responsible for the ontogenetic transformation in the shape of the parasellar section of the internal carotid artery.
Suitability of whey and buttermilk for the growth and frozen storage of probiotic lactobacilli
Authors: BURNS PATRICIA , VINDEROLA GABRIEL , MOLINARI FERNANDO , REINHEIMER JORGE
Published: April 2008

The growth of six probiotic commercial strains of lactobacilli was assessed in reconstituted dried whey and buttermilk supplemented with yeast extract, meat peptone, soy peptone, tryptone or casein acid hydrolysate at 0.3%, 0.6% or 1%. The addition of 1% glucose was also tested. Growth and acidification kinetics were determined at 37°C using MRS broth and a commercial culture medium as references. The suitability of whey and buttermilk as cryoprotectants at –20°C and –70°C was also assessed. Whey and buttermilk with 0.3% yeast extract were chosen for the growth of probiotic lactobacilli, since no satisfactory growth was observed without an external nitrogen source, whereas glucose did not improve the growth of any of the strains assayed. In general, buttermilk performed as satisfactorily as the reference media. The effectiveness of these media as cryoprotectants was strain dependent: skimmed milk and whey were the most suitable ones, especially for long‐term storage at –20°C. However, at –70°C, no significant differences were observed between the culture media assessed. The use of whey or buttermilk as culture media for the production of probiotic lactic acid bacteria and for their cryopreservation implies a novel use of these low‐cost products, offering an alternative way of utilizing the by‐products of the dairy industry, helping to minimize their negative impact on the environment.
Cross‐reactivity between pollen allergens from common Pooideae grasses and cultivated cereals
Authors: Hrabina M. , Jain K. , Gouyon B.
Published: April 2008

In Europe, one‐third of desensitization treatments for grass pollen allergy are supplemented with a mixture of cereal pollen extracts (Triticum sativum, Avena sativa, Zea mais and Hordeum vulgare). We have re‐evaluated this practice in light of the recent availability of a desensitization tablet prepared from a mixture of pollen from five common grass species (Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense) from the Pooideae subfamily. Common grasses and cultivated cereals are very closely related phylogenetically, and as a consequence, their pollen exhibit a similar molecular composition. The latter is confirmed by ELISA inhibition and immunobloting experiments. Thus, immunotherapy based on a mixture of five grass pollen allows to treat patients sensitized with pollen allergens from cultivated cereals, without a need for additional cereal pollen extracts.