bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced maternal serum concentrations of angiopoietin‐2 in the first trimester precede intrauterine growth restriction associated with placental insufficiency
Authors: Wang Y , Tasevski V , Wallace EM , Gallery ED , Morris JM
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal serum levels of angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) are associated with subsequent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Ang‐2 was measured in 29 nonpregnant and 44 pregnant women at 10–13 weeks of gestation. The median concentration of Ang‐2 was 26.61 ng/ml in normal pregnant women compared with 1.71 ng/ml in nonpregnant controls (P < 0.01). Women who subsequently developed severe IUGR had lower levels of Ang‐2 compared with normal pregnant controls (P < 0.01). PAPP‐A levels were similar in all pregnant groups. These findings suggest that Ang‐2 should be evaluated for its ability to predict pregnancies that later are affected by IUGR.
Learning from adverse clinical outcomes: major obstetric haemorrhage in Scotland, 2003–05
Authors: Brace V , Kernaghan D , Penney G
Published: October 2007

Objective  To describe a system for learning from cases of major obstetric haemorrhage.

Design  Prospective critical incident audit.

Setting  All consultant‐led maternity units in Scotland, between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2005.

Population  Women suffering from major obstetric haemorrhage (estimated blood loss ≥2500 ml or transfused ≥5 units of blood or received treatment for coagulopathy during the acute event).

Methods  Hospital clinical risk management teams reviewed local cases using a standard, national assessment pro forma.

Main outcome measures  Standard of care provided and learning points identified.

Results  Rate of major haemorrhage was 3.7 (3.4–4.0) per 1000 births. Pro formas returned for 517 of 581 reported cases (89%); 41% were delivered by emergency caesarean section (compared with 15% of all Scottish births). Uterine atony was the most common cause (250 women, 48%); 32% had multiple causes. A consultant obstetrician gave hands‐on care to 368 (71%) and a consultant anaesthetist to 262 (50%). Placenta praevia as a cause was independently associated with consultant presence. Central venous pressure monitoring was used in 164 (31%) women, and 108 (21%) women were admitted to intensive care. Parity, blood loss, and placenta praevia as a cause were independently associated with peripartum hysterectomy (performed in 62 women, 12%). Balloon tamponade and haemostatic uterine suturing were successful in 92 of 116 women (79%). Most cases were assessed as well managed, with ‘major suboptimal’ care identified in only 14 cases (3%).

Conclusions  It is feasible to identify and assess cases of major obstetric haemorrhage prospectively on a national basis. Most women received appropriate care, but many learning points and action plans were identified.
Desperately seeking data: methodological complications in researching ‘hard to find’ young people
Authors: Macnab Natasha , Visser John , Daniels Harry
Published: October 2007

This paper explores challenges arising from research (Daniels & Macnab, 2004), which sought to identify young people aged 14–16 years who were emotionally vulnerable and not in receipt of educational provision within two local UK authorities. Two particular challenges are identified in this research. The first was the challenge of defining the term used to identify the young people. Second, the research faced an almost insurmountable challenge in finding and obtaining data on a sample for which the outcomes of the research may pose a threat to those holding the data. Discussion focuses upon possible ways in which research can address these issues.
Usefulness of cognitive intervention programmes for socio‐emotional and behaviour problems in children with learning disabilities
Authors: Schnitzer Gila , Andries Caroline , Lebeer Jo
Published: October 2007

Behavioural and emotional problems occur more frequently in children with learning problems than in a cross‐section of the general population, both at home and at school. While behaviour problems reportedly are a key obstructive factor impeding inclusive education, children with both behavioural and learning disabilities carry a high risk of social exclusion and school dropout when they are in mainstream environments. Meta‐analyses indicated only a moderate impact of social skills training. To see what kind of intervention programme would be effective in modifying cognitive as well as socio‐emotional behaviour and at the same time focusing on contextual interaction and intervention, a pilot study has been carried out in Belgium with 11–13‐year‐old students with learning disability and behaviour problems in special schools. A total of 24 children in the experimental group were matched against a control group of 24. Children in the experimental group, after having received 14 lessons of FIE (Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment Programme), showed a marked increase in some cognitive functions (hypothetical thinking, perception and understanding of humour) but not in others. A significant effect on socio‐emotional behaviour could not be shown quantitatively, but was evident from qualitative interviewing. The mediating attitude of the teachers was a key influencing factor in producing lasting changes. Programmes such as FIE, provided they address children as well as teachers in a comprehensive way, focusing on cognitive as well as socio‐emotional behavioural changes, may become powerful instruments to help children as well as teachers in a highly differentiated inclusive school environment.
Neurotoxic species in prion disease: a role for PrP isoforms?
Authors: Harrison Christopher F. , Barnham Kevin J. , Hill Andrew F.
Published: October 2007

Prion diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle and Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in humans are associated with the misfolding and accumulation of an abnormal conformation of the host‐encoded prion protein (PrP). Despite intensive research efforts conducted on PrP, the toxic agent involved in neurodegeneration is as yet unidentified. Several potential candidates have been proposed, each of which may be relevant to subsets of the broad array of prion diseases. In this study, we review current knowledge on neurotoxic PrP species, including the importance of a central hydrophobic domain for mediating neurotoxicty.
Activation of post‐synaptic dopamine D1 receptors promotes the release of tissue plasminogen activator in the nucleus accumbens via PKA signaling
Authors: Ito Mina , Nagai Taku , Mizoguchi Hiroyuki , Sato Kosuke , Hayase Minoru , Otsuka Noboru , Fukakusa Ayumi , Kumagai Nozomi , Kim Hyoung‐Chun , Nabeshima Toshitaka , Takuma Kazuhiro , Yamada Kiyofumi
Published: October 2007

We have previously demonstrated that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) plays an important role through the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin in the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) evoked by depolarization or the systemic administration of drugs of abuse such as morphine and nicotine. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms by which drugs of abuse increase extracellular tPA activity in the NAc in vivo using in situ zymography. The dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) agonist SKF38393, but not D2 receptor agonist quinpirole, significantly increased extracellular tPA activity in the NAc. The effect of SKF38393 was blocked by pre‐treatment with the dopamine D1R antagonist SCH23390. Microinjection of Rp‐cAMPs, a protein kinase A inhibitor, into the NAc completely blocked the effect of SKF38393. Systemic administration of morphine and methamphetamine increased extracellular tPA activity in the NAc, and these effects were completely blocked by pre‐treatment with SCH23390 and raclopride. The results suggest that activation of post‐synaptic dopamine D1Rs in the NAc leads to an increase in extracellular tPA activity via protein kinase A signaling. Furthermore, dopamine D2 receptors are also involved in the release of tPA induced by morphine and methamphetamine.
Manipulation of fatty acid amide hydrolase functional activity alters sensitivity and dependence to ethanol
Authors: Vinod K. Yaragudri , Sanguino Elena , Yalamanchili Ratnakumar , Manzanares Jorge , Hungund Basalingappa L.
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to examine the role of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) on ethanol sensitivity, preference, and dependence. The deletion of FAAH gene or the inhibition of FAAH by carbamoyl‐biphenyl‐3‐yl‐cyclohexylcarbamate (URB597) (0.1 mg/kg) markedly increased the preference for ethanol. The study further reveals that URB597 specifically acts through FAAH and that cannabinoid‐1 (CB1) receptor is critical forN‐arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA) mediated ethanol‐reinforced behavior as revealed by lack of URB597 effect in both FAAH and CB1−/− mice compared with vehicle‐treated −/− mice. The FAAH −/− mice displayed a lower sensitivity to hypothermic and sedative effects to acute ethanol challenge. The FAAH −/− mice also exhibited a reduction in the severity of handling‐induced convulsions following withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure. The CB1receptor and proenkephalin gene expressions, and CB1receptor and μ‐opioid (MO) receptor‐mediated G‐protein activation were found to be significantly lower in the caudate‐putamen, nucleus accumbens core and shell of FAAH −/− than +/+ mice. Interestingly, the MO receptor‐stimulated G‐protein signaling was greater in the striatum of FAAH −/− than +/+ mice following voluntary ethanol consumption. These findings suggest that an elevation in the AEA content and its action on the limbic CB1receptor and MO receptor might contribute to ethanol‐reinforced behavior. Treatment with drugs that decrease AEA tone might prove useful in reducing excessive ethanol consumption.
Association between alloantibody specificity and autoantibodies to red blood cells
Authors: Ahrens Norbert , Pruss Axel , Mayer Beate , Genth Ramona , Kiesewetter Holger , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Alloantibodies (ALLOs) to red blood cells (RBCs) are frequently associated with autoantibodies (AABs). An association between ALLO specificity and AABs has not yet been described.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All patients and healthy blood donors screened for RBC antibodies between 2000 and 2006 were included. The odds ratio (OR) for ALLOs in patients with AABs compared to those without AABs was correlated with the OR of general ALLO prevalence in patients with AABs (normalized OR).

RESULTS: ALLOs were found in 4,626 of 204,330 patients and healthy blood donors (2.3%). The ALLOs were associated with AABs in 413 cases (8.9%). Among the specificities, anti‐S with a normalized OR of 2.9 was overrepresented. This was most evident in pregnant women who showed a normalized OR of 15.1 for anti‐S and AABs. The normalized OR revealed an additional association between Rh antibodies and AABs. No association was found between ALLOs to the Kell glycoprotein, Duffy protein, Lewis, or glycophorin A (M/N) and AABs.

CONCLUSION: The majority of associated ALLOs and AABs are directed against neighboring antigens of the Rh complex and glycophorin B.
The Occurrence of Bullying in Global Organizations: A Model and Issues Associated With Social/Emotional Contagion
Authors: Harvey Michael , Treadway Darren C. , Heames Joyce T.
Published: October 2007

Workplace bullying in global organizations occurs for several reasons, including growing diversity, increased dispersion of employees in geographic locations, lack of experience of managers with new environments, and varying requirements. To gain insight into the bullying phenomenon, one must examine the characteristics of the bully, the target of bullying activities (e.g., the victim or the bullied), observers of the bullying (e.g., bystanders), and resulting changes in the organizational culture because of the bullying. One additional element to be assessed is the means by which bullying activities are embodied in an organization's culture (i.e., social/emotional contagion). This paper proposes a model of bullying in global organizations and examines the potential of social/emotional contagion developing in global organizations’ cultures.
Nonverbal Emotion Recognition and Salespersons: Linking Ability to Perceived and Actual Success
Authors: Byron Kristin , Terranova Sophia , Nowicki Stephen
Published: October 2007

The present studies examined whether salespersons who more accurately read nonverbal emotional expressions were more successful. We used multiple measures of job success, consistent with prior research. In Study 1, building‐supply salespersons who were better at nonverbal emotion recognition earned higher average annual salary increases, but did not rate themselves as more successful. Similarly, in Study 2, we found that automobile salespersons who were better at nonverbal emotion recognition sold more cars per month, but did not rate themselves as more successful. The results speak to the need for further exploration of skill‐based assessments in the selection and development of salespersons.
Predictors of Helping Behavior Toward Coworkers With Disabilities
Authors: Miller Brian K. , Werner Steve
Published: October 2007

We partially test and extend Stone & Colella's (1996) model of factors affecting the treatment of persons with disabilities. We conducted a laboratory experiment designed to predict helping behavior toward a coworker with a disability on a reward‐independent task. Data were collected in a survey designed to measure some of our predictors. The experiment included a confederate, in whom we manipulated the presence and type of a disability (no disability, mental disability, and physical disability) and 133 participants. We ran a manipulation check on 84 participants in a holdout sample. Results indicate that impression management, equity preference, and type of disability were significantly related to helping behavior, but presence of disability and feminine gender‐role identity were not.
A Comparison of Batterers to Nonbatterers on Behavioral and Self‐Reports Measures of Control
Authors: Ogle Richard L. , Clements Caroline M.
Published: October 2007

This study compared batterers to nonbatterers on self‐report and behavioral measures of perceived control and desire for control. Differences were found for perceived control over general life events (batterers greater than nonbatterers), but not perceived control over relationship conflict or desire for control. Batterers low in desire for control and in perceived control over relationship conflicts reported higher levels of physical abuse. Perceived control was manipulated using Burger, Brown, & Allen's (1983) behavioral choice task. Batterers who were given no choice reported increased negative affect. Batterers appear to respond to loss of control with negative affect, which may be a factor contributing to abuse perpetration. These results highlight the complexity of the relationship of perceived control and intimate partner violence.
Dynamics in Self‐Regulation: Plan Execution Self‐Efficacy and Mastery of Action Plans
Authors: Scholz Urte , Sniehotta Falko F. , Schüz Benjamin , Oeberst Andries
Published: October 2007

This study investigated whether an individual's plan execution self‐efficacy precedes mastery of the respective action plan or vice versa. Study participants were 122 cardiac rehabilitation patients. Plan execution self‐efficacy and mastery of a personal action plan on physical activity were assessed each week for 6 weeks after discharge from rehabilitation. Physical exercise was assessed 2 months after discharge. Multilevel cross‐lagged panel analyses resulted in a positive effect of mastery on subsequent self‐efficacy, whereas self‐efficacy did not predict subsequent mastery at the within‐person level. At the between‐person level, however, self‐efficacy predicted following physical exercise. Thus, the predictive power of self‐efficacy was developed in relation to mastery of personal action plans over time. Implications for behavior change interventions are discussed.
N‐Nitrosomelatonin outcompetes S‐Nitrosocysteine in inhibiting Glyceraldehyde 3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase: first evidence that N‐Nitrosomelatonin can modify protein function
Authors: Kirsch Michael , De Groot Herbert
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Low‐molecular‐weight S‐nitrosothiols (RSNOs) are well known for their capability to transnitrosate cysteine residues of enzymes thereby altering their catalytic activity. It is unknown, however, whether N‐nitrosomelatonin (NOMela) which is highly effective in transnitrosating low‐molecular‐weight thiols (RSHs) can also alter protein function. In the present study, we report on such a capability with glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as a target enzyme. Reaction of NOMela with GAPDH resulted in an increase of RSNOs at the expense of RSHs. Somewhat surprisingly, NOMela was about 10‐fold more effective than S‐nitrosocysteine in inhibiting GAPDH. Vitamin C and glutathione increased the NOMela‐dependent inhibition of the enzyme by accelerating the intermediacy of nitroxyl which is also highly effective in nitrosating RSHs. The occurrence of this intermediate during the NOMela–vitamin C reaction was verified by using Mn(III)‐tetrakis(1‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)porphorin pentachloride as nitroxyl scavenger. The NOMela‐dependent inactivation of GAPDH was so effective that this reaction can be used to quantify NOMela with high sensitivity.
Atopy in children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Cakir Murat , Karakas Taner , Orhan Fazil , Okten Aysenur , Gedik Yusuf
Published: October 2007

Aim: To investigate whether immune responses against chronic HBV infection in children have an effect on prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy.

Methods: Children with chronic HBV infection [HBV carriage (group 1) and chronic hepatitis (group 2)] were screened for allergic diseases. The results were compared with age‐matched controls (group 3).

Results: The frequencies of doctor‐diagnosed ‘asthma’, ‘allergic rhinitis’ and ‘eczema’ were 29.4%, 7.8% and 7.8% in group 1; 7.8%, 5.2% and 5.2% in group 2 and 12.4%, 9% and 2.8% in group 3, respectively. ‘History of ever wheezing’, doctor‐diagnosed ‘asthma’ and ‘eczema’ were more common in group 1 than group 3 (p < 0.05 for all parameters), and ‘history of ever wheezing’ and ‘doctor‐diagnosed asthma’ were more common in group 1 than group 2 (p < 0.05 for al parameters). Atopy was more common in group 1 (35.2%) than both groups 2 (15.7%) and 3 (18%) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Vertical transmission was more common in patients with versus without atopy in HBV carrier group (33.3% vs. 9%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Immune responses in chronic HBV infection associated with carrier state may also lead to allergic diseases, which suggests the necessity of following these patients for the allergic diseases along with their viral reactivation.
Differential trends in breastfeeding according to maternal and hospital characteristics: results from the French National Perinatal Surveys
Authors: Bonet Mercedes , Kaminski Monique , Blondel Béatrice
Published: October 2007

Aim: To assess breastfeeding trends in hospital, between 1998 and 2003, according to several characteristics of mothers and maternity units.

Methods: Two representative national samples of births, comprising 13,600 live births in 1998 and 14,580 in 2003 were used. Data were collected during hospital stay. All newborns fed entirely or partly on breast milk were considered ‘breastfed’. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the results for the 2 years.

Results: Breastfeeding increased in all groups, but this increase varied slightly according to maternal age and the size of the maternity unit. For example, high rates of breastfeeding tended to be concentrated in large maternity units (≥1500 deliveries per year) in 1998, but were also found in middle‐size units (1000–1499 deliveries per year) in 2003. In 2003, women were more likely to breastfeed if they were at least 25 years old, primiparous, non‐French or from a highly qualified occupational group, or if they gave birth in a university hospital or in a maternity unit with more than 1000 deliveries per year.

Conclusion: Despite recent efforts to increase the breastfeeding rate, clear social disparities persist and further efforts are required, targeting particular groups of mothers less likely to breastfeed.
Peak expiratory flow in Afro‐Caribbean children with and without sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Sylvester KP , Patey RA , Rafferty GF , Rees D , Thein SL , Greenough A
Published: October 2007

Aims: To create a reference range of peak expiratory flow (PEF) results of Afro‐Caribbean children and determine whether interpretation of PEF results in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) differed according to whether comparison was made of results obtained from children of similar age or height.

Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in two specialist sickle cell disease clinics. Seventy‐eight nonasthmatic African and Caribbean (AC) controls (age range 2.6–17.8 years), and 99 nonasthmatic SCA children (age range 3.4–17.3 years) were recruited. PEF was measured using a dry rolling sealed spirometer before and after bronchodilator therapy.

Results: PEF results in the AC controls correlated with height (r = 0.88, p< 0.0001). Comparison of similarly aged children demonstrated that pre‐ (p = 0.02) and post‐ (p = 0.04) bronchodilator PEF results were lower in the SCA children, but comparison of children of similar height revealed no statistically significant differences in PEF results between children with SCA and controls. The SCA children tended to be shorter than the controls.

Conclusion: The results suggest PEF measurements are not a useful method of monitoring the respiratory status of children with sickle cell disease.
Cardiopulmonary adaptation in large for gestational age infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers
Authors: Vela‐Huerta M , Aguilera‐López A , Alarcón‐Santos S , Amador N , Aldana‐Valenzuela C , Heredia A
Published: October 2007

Aim: To compare cardiopulmonary adaptation in large for gestational age infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers.

Methods: Color Doppler echocardiography was performed in 113 (22 large for gestational age infants of diabetic mothers, 21 of nondiabetic mothers and 70 adequate for gestational age newborns) full‐term infants.

Results: Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly higher in infants of diabetic mothers than in those of nondiabetic mothers and normal infants at 24 h (38.5 vs. 32.5, and 35.5 mmHg, respectively). However, slow fall in this parameter was shown in all large for gestational age infants. Open ductus arteriosus was frequent in all large for gestational age infants, but its closure was significantly delayed in infants of diabetic mothers. Septal hypertrophy was higher in infants of diabetic mothers than in large for gestational age infants of nondiabetic mothers.

Conclusion: Large for gestational age infants born from nondiabetic mothers showed delayed fall in pulmonary arterial pressure similar to those born from diabetic mothers but showed lower proportion of septal hypertrophy. Patent ductus arteriosus persisted for longer period of time in all large for gestational age infants than in normal infants, but its closure was significantly delayed in infants of diabetic mothers.
Efficiency of oxygen cost during exercise in patients with symptoms of fatigue during physical activities
Authors: Reybrouck T , Vangesselen S , Mertens L , Gewillig M
Published: October 2007

Background: With growing age, values for oxygen uptake decrease for the same level of exercise. However, some children with normal heart and normal maximal oxygen uptake complain of exertional fatigue.

Aim: To evaluate the energy expenditure during submaximal treadmill exercise.

Subjects and Methods: In 20 children with exertional fatigue (mean age at testing: 7.9 ± 1.8 years), oxygen uptake and respiratory gas exchange were assessed breath by breath. A graded exercise test was performed until exhaustion. Patients were compared to an age‐ and gender‐matched control group (8.4 ± 1.9 years, p = 0.45).

Results: Maximal oxygen uptake in patients (48.6 ± 7.1 mL O2/min/kg) was similar to normal controls (47.4 ± 5.2 mL/min/kg, p > 0.25). The inclination of the treadmill at maximal exercise was significantly (p = 0.02) lower in patients (12.6 ± 4.9%) versus controls (16.0 ± 3.5%). During submaximal exercise, oxygen uptake (expressed as mL/min/kg or as a percent of maximal oxygen uptake) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients compared to normal controls.

Conclusion: Children with exertional fatigue as compared to healthy controls, have a higher oxygen uptake for the same level of exercise and therefore perform at each level of exercise closer to their maximal exercise capacity. This may in part explain subjective complaints of poor exercise tolerance.
Acute child poisonings in Oslo: a 2‐year prospective study
Authors: Rajka Thomas , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Hovda Knut Erik , Stiksrud Birgitte , Jacobsen Dag
Published: October 2007

Aim: To study the current epidemiology, clinical course and outcome of poisonings among children in Oslo and compare findings to a similar study from 1980.

Methods: Observational study with prospective inclusion of all children (<15 years of age) with a main diagnosis of acute poisoning treated in hospital or outpatient clinic in Oslo for 2 years.

Results: One hundred seventy‐five episodes of acute poisoning were included at the outpatient clinic only (n = 65), the paediatric department only (n = 82) or both (n = 28 referrals). Annual incidence was 97 per 100 000, significantly lower than in 1980 (230 per 100 000). Highest incidence was in 1‐year‐old males (576 per 100 000). In children <8 years of age, the most common toxic agents were pharmaceuticals (39%) and household products (32%); children ≥8 years ingested mainly ethanol (46%) or pharmaceuticals (36%). Five percent of all children were comatose, and complications were seen in 13%. All children survived without sequelae. Half of the admissions needed treatment; most commonly used treatments were activated charcoal (33%), gastric lavage (9%) and emetics (9%).

Conclusion: The incidence of child poisonings in Oslo has significantly reduced since 1980. Only half of the poisonings needed treatment, most of the poisonings were mild and the clinical outcome was good.
Overweight and obesity in Norwegian children: Secular trends in weight‐for‐height and skinfolds
Authors: Júlíusson PB , Roelants M , Eide GE , Hauspie R , Waaler PE , Bjerknes R
Published: October 2007

Aim: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in paediatric populations has been rapidly increasing in many countries over the past decades. The aims of the present study were to provide new data on weight‐for‐height and skinfolds, and to compare these to growth references for children between 3 and 17 years, collected in the same city between 1971 and 1974.

Material: The present study is based on cross‐sectional data of 4115 children (2086 boys and 2029 girls) aged 4–15 years measured in 2003–6.

Results: Overall, 18.0% of the boys and 20.1% of the girls were above the 90th weight‐for‐height percentile of the 1971–1974 references, 8.0% and 7.2% were above the 97.5th percentile, indicating an upward shift in weight‐for‐height. An even more prominent increase was observed for skinfold thicknesses; for triceps skinfolds about 30% of the boys and 28% of the girls were above the 90th percentile of the 1971–1974 references, and corresponding values for subscapular skinfolds were 26.5% and 25.9%. Using international cut‐off values for body mass index, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 12.5% and 2.1% in boys, and 14.8% and 2.9% in girls.

Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated a significant increase in weight‐for‐height in Norwegian children over the last 30 years, and that these changes are caused by an increase in fat tissue, as shown by skinfold measurements. The current prevalence of overweight and obesity is comparable to recent estimates from most Western and Northern European countries.
Infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit: parental psychological status at 9 months
Authors: Carter Janet D , Mulder Roger T , Frampton Christopher M A , Darlow Brian A
Published: October 2007

Aim: This paper reports on the 9‐month follow‐up of parents who had an infant admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared to parents of full‐term health infants. The psychological status of the parent groups is compared and factors associated with status change are examined.

Methods: Prospective longitudinal study of random sample of 447 parents (mother and father with an infant admitted to the NICU and 189 parents (mother and father) with term infant not requiring NICU admission. Parents' depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed at infant birth and 9 months later.

Results: The increased levels of depression and anxiety symptoms evident in NICU parents after their infant's birth were no longer apparent by 9 months. Higher initial symptom severity and perceived quality of the couple relationship were most commonly associated with improvement. Other factors related to symptoms change were number of baby hospitalizations for fathers and being in the NICU, age and living with the infant's father or mother.

Conclusion: For the majority of parents having an infant admitted to the NICU does not result in ongoing psychological distress.
Liver dysfunction in paediatric obesity: a randomized, controlled trial of metformin
Authors: Freemark Michael
Published: October 2007

Aim: In a previous study we showed that metformin reduced BMI z‐scores and fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, and increased whole body insulin sensitivity in obese adolescents with fasting hyperinsulinemia and a family history of type 2 diabetes. We analyzed the data from this study to determine (a) if metformin reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations during the 6‐month trial, and (b) if the response to pharmacotherapy varied along gender or ethnic lines.

Methods: The 6‐month trial was randomized, double blinded and placebo controlled; a total of 14 metformin‐treated (500 mg bid) and 15 placebo‐treated subjects completed the study. There were no dietary restrictions.

Results: In obese adolescents fed ad libitum, metformin (a) prevented the rise in ALT concentrations that were observed in placebo‐treated subjects at the 3 to 5 month time‐points (p < 0.05); (b) reduced (p < 0.01) the percentage of all ALT values exceeding 40 U/L; and (c) caused a modest (10%) but statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum ALT in Caucasian subjects. Metformin had no effect on ALT levels or the ALT to AST ratio in the five African American adolescents enrolled in the study but reduced their fasting insulin concentrations from 26.1 to 19.5 μU/mL (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that metformin might reduce the rates or severity of liver dysfunction in selected high‐risk adolescents.
Dynamics driving function − new insights from electron transferring flavoproteins and partner complexes
Authors: Toogood Helen S. , Leys David , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: October 2007

Electron transferring flavoproteins (ETFs) are soluble heterodimeric FAD‐containing proteins that function primarily as soluble electron carriers between various flavoprotein dehydrogenases. ETF is positioned at a key metabolic branch point, responsible for transferring electrons from up to 10 primary dehydrogenases to the membrane‐bound respiratory chain. Clinical mutations of ETF result in the often fatal disease glutaric aciduria type II. Structural and biophysical studies of ETF in complex with partner proteins have shown that ETF partitions the functions of partner binding and electron transfer between (a) a ‘recognition loop’, which acts as a static anchor at the ETF–partner interface, and (b) a highly mobile redox‐active FAD domain. Together, this enables the FAD domain of ETF to sample a range of conformations, some compatible with fast interprotein electron transfer. This ‘conformational sampling’ enables ETF to recognize structurally distinct partners, whilst also maintaining a degree of specificity. Complex formation triggers mobility of the FAD domain, an ‘induced disorder’ mechanism contrasting with the more generally accepted models of protein–protein interaction by induced fit mechanisms. We discuss the implications of the highly dynamic nature of ETFs in biological interprotein electron transfer. ETF complexes point to mechanisms of electron transfer in which ‘dynamics drive function’, a feature that is probably widespread in biology given the modular assembly and flexible nature of biological electron transfer systems.
Chemical Structure and Physical Properties of Mung Bean Starches Isolated from 5 Domestic Cultivars
Authors: Kim S.‐H. , Lee B.‐H. , Baik M.‐Y. , Joo M.‐H. , Yoo S.‐H.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Chemical structure and physical properties of starches isolated from 5 domestic mung bean cultivars (Gyungsun, Geumsung, Sunhwa, Eohul, and Jangan) were examined. The granules were jelly bean like in shape and smooth on surface, and the size was within 10 to 30 μm. Mung bean starches displayed a CA‐type crystalline structure when judged by the X‐ray diffraction patterns. Branch chain‐length distribution patterns of amylopectin (AP) revealed that peak chain length of APs was at either DP (degree of polymerization) 12 or DP13. Apparent amylose contents of 5 cultivars by iodine affinity test were 31.7% to 33.8%. Mung bean APs showed a unique molecular size distribution that has not been observed from other plant‐derived starches. Two distinct peaks of AP fraction were identified on the size‐exclusion chromatogram, and the ratios of these 2 peaks were different depending on the mung bean cultivars. Weight‐average chain length (CLavg) of APs was in the range of 16.9 (Eohul) and 17.5 (Geumsung). The onset temperature (To) and enthalpy change (ΔHgel) of starch gelatinization were 54.6 to 60.2 °C and 11.6 to 13.2 J/g. The ΔH of the retrograded mung bean starches was 5.5 to 6.6 J/g, which indicated 44.5% to 52.7% of recrystallization. The pasting temperature, peak viscosity, and setback were 66.1 to 69.2 °C, 510 to 579 Rapid Visco Unit (RVU), and 66 to 90 RVU, respectively.
The Sensory Interactions of Organic Acids and Various Flavors in Ramen Soup Systems
Authors: Kang M.‐W. , Chung S.‐J. , Lee H.‐S. , Kim Y. , Kim K.‐O.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  This study was conducted to investigate the sensory interactions between various organic acids and flavorants in 3 types of ramen soup (‘beef,’ seafood, and ‘kimchi’) when types and levels of organic acids (citric, malic, and lactic) varied. For ‘beef’ and seafood ramen soup, weak suprathreshold levels of acids (0.0039% to 0.0071%) were applied to the system and medium suprathreshold of acids (0.0128% to 0.0299%) were applied to the kimchi ramen soup. The amount of acid applied to each system was chosen based on the equiweight level. Descriptive analyses were performed separately for each ramen soup system using 8 trained panelists. A total of 11, 13, and 12 flavor descriptors were generated for ‘beef,’ seafood, and ‘kimchi’ soup, respectively. Analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic acid on the sensory characteristics of ramen soup. Principal component analysis was conducted to summarize the relationship between the soup samples and attributes. The effect of organic acids on the flavor attributes of ramen soup was dependent on the soup system as well as adding levels of acid. Addition of lactic acid power (at 0.0066%) in ‘beef’ramen soup showed enhancement effect on the sour, salty, beefy, ‘mushroom’ flavor, and fermented soybean paste soup flavor, whereas lactic acid powder (at 0.0071%) showed enhancement effect only on the sour and fermented soybean paste soup flavor in seafood ramen soup due to the strong ‘hot’ flavor characteristics of the soup. In kimchi ramen soup, flavor attributes congruent to sourness were enhanced by the addition of organic acids to the system.
Major Phenolic Acids and Total Antioxidant Activity in Mamaki Leaves, Pipturus albidus
Authors: Kartika H. , Li Q.X. , Wall M.M. , Nakamoto S.T. , Iwaoka W.T.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Three phenolic acids, (+)catechins, chlorogenic acid, and rutin, were identified and quantified in Mamaki leaves using a liquid chromatograph‐mass spectrometer technique. Concentrations of (+)catechins, chlorogenic acid, and rutin varied from 1.1 to 5.0 mg/g of Mamaki leaves as determined in the extract using 0.5% acetic acid in 90% aqueous methanol. This study also quantified total antioxidant capacity using the photochemiluminescence method, which was expressed in equivalents to ascorbic acid (AA). Mamaki teas brewed for 30 min contained total antioxidant activity (TAA) between 238 and 259 mg AA/g of tea. Mamaki teas brewed for 1 h and stored at 4 h, 1 d, and 3 d at 4 °C had available TAA 293, 271, 172, and 163 mg AA/g of tea leaves, respectively. The concentrations of (+)catechins and rutin in Mamaki leaves are compared to other types of popular teas. Mamaki teas contained relatively low amounts of TAA compared to green teas and Lipton teas.
Antimicrobial Effect of Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on Fresh Strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa)
Authors: Udompijitkul P. , Daeschel M.A. , Zhao Y.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Antibacterial activity of electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water prepared from 0.05% or 0.10% (w/v) sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions against indigenous bacteria associated with fresh strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa) was evaluated. The efficacy of EO water and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution in eliminating and controlling the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated onto strawberries stored at 4 ± 1 °C up to 15 d was investigated at exposure time of 1, 5, or 10 min. Posttreatment neutralization of fruit surfaces was also determined. More than 2 log10 CFU/g reductions of aerobic mesophiles were obtained in fruits washed for 10 or 15 min in EO water prepared from 0.10% (w/v) NaCl solution. Bactericidal activity of the disinfectants against L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 was not affected by posttreatment neutralization, and increasing exposure time did not significantly increase the antibacterial efficacy against both pathogens. While washing fruit surfaces with distilled water resulted in 1.90 and 1.27 log10 CFU/mL of rinse fluid reduction of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, respectively, ≥ 2.60 log10 CFU/mL of rinse fluid reduction of L. monocytogenes and up to 2.35 and 3.12 log10 CFU/mL of rinse fluid reduction of E. coli O157:H7 were observed on fruit surfaces washed with EO water and NaOCl solution, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 populations decreased over storage regardless of prior treatment. However, EO water and aqueous NaOCl did not show higher antimicrobial potential than water treatment during refrigeration storage.
Acceleration of Thai Fish Sauce Fermentation Using Proteinases and Bacterial Starter Cultures
Authors: Yongsawatdigul J. , Rodtong S. , Raksakulthai N.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  A means to accelerate fish sauce fermentation without adversely affecting fish sauce quality was investigated. Starter cultures prepared from Virgibacillus sp. SK33, Virgibacillus sp. SK37, and Staphylococcus sp. SK1‐1‐5 were added separately to anchovy that was hydrolyzed by 0.25% Alcalase at 60 °C for 2 h followed by 0.5% Flavourzyme at 50 °C for 4 h. The mixtures were then adjusted to contain 25% solar salt and incubated at 35 °C for 4 mo. α‐Amino contents of all inoculated samples were higher than the control (without the addition of starter culture) during the course of fermentation. After 4‐mo fermentation, the samples inoculated with Staphylococcus sp. SK1‐1‐5 contained the highest α‐amino content of 733.37 ± 13.89 mM while that of the control was 682.67 ± 3.33 mM. Amino acid profiles of inoculated samples showed similar patterns to that of commercial product fermented for 12 mo, with glutamic, aspartic, and lysine being predominant amino acids. Virgibacillus sp. SK33 appeared to decrease histamine content of fish sauce by 50% when compared to the control. Volatile compounds analyzed by GC–MS of all inoculated samples fermented for 4 mo exhibited a similar pattern to those of the 12‐mo‐old commercial product. Samples inoculated with Staphylococcus sp. SK1‐1‐5 produced higher levels of volatile fatty acids and showed similar sensory characteristics to the commercial fish sauce fermented for 12 mo. Staphylococcus sp. SK1‐1‐5 is a potential strain that can be applied to produce fish sauce with overall sensory characteristics of traditional fish sauce in shorter time.
Antibacterial Activity Directed Isolation of Compounds from Punica granatum
Authors: Naz S. , Siddiqi R. , Ahmad S. , Rasool S.A. , Sayeed S.A.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Chemical investigation of the methanolic extract of pomegranate fruit following antibacterial activity directed isolation led to the isolation of pelargonidin‐3‐galactose, cyanidin‐3‐glucose, gallic acid, quercetin, and myricetin. All these compounds exhibited substantial activity against species of corynebacteria, staphylococci, streptococci, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella, Salmonella, Vibrio cholera, and Escherichia coli. However, all these compounds were more active against Gram‐positive species. On comparing the activity of all the isolated pure compounds, it was found that gallic acid showed the highest antibacterial activity against all the tested sensitive strains and the activity of the remaining pure compounds was almost same due to the structural similarities of the compounds. The reason for antibacterial activity of all pure compounds was attributed to their phenolic structure.
Process-Efficiency Prediction in High Power Diode Laser Forming
Authors: Casamichele L. , Quadrini F. , Tagliaferri V.
Published: October 2007

The present work is an experimental investigation on the laser forming process of aluminum alloy and stainless-steel thin sheets. A high-power diode laser (HPDL) with a nonsymmetric spot configuration was employed at medium and low scanning rates. The tests were performed at different operating conditions: scanning rate, laser spot orientation, and laser beam power. The experimental results revealed the great influence of the laser spot orientation on the total bending angle and the harmful effect of the surface melting during heating. Spot orientation significantly affects the treated area extension during laser scanning. Employing an analytical thermo-mechanical model, a dimensionless processing map can be presented that allows the prediction of the sheet bending angle depending on the material properties and machining parameters. Dimensional terms of the processing map can be associated to efficiency terms for heat transfer and bending.
Automatic Stripping of Dielectric-Encased Wire Tool Electrode Used in Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Kumagai Seiji , Sato Naoki , Takeda Koichi
Published: October 2007

A new electrical discharge machining (EDM) system using a wire encased in a dielectric jacket is proposed as an alternative to conventional hole-fabrication EDM systems. The jacket suppresses secondary discharges occurring between the sidewalls of the wire and the fabricated hole, which allows fabrication of holes with higher aspect ratios compared to those formed by a conventional EDM system using naked pipe electrodes. In this new system, the tip of the wire electrode is stripped by displacing the jacket, which produces continuous sparks for workpiece erosion and keeps the bore and shape of the fabricated holes constant. In the present study, we developed a control system to maintain the exposed length of the tip without the need for visual observation and without the assumption that wear is constant over time. The exposed length of the tip of the wire electrode is related to the feed speed (toward the workpiece) of the electrode system. The jacket was displaced when the feed speed of the electrode system exceeded a threshold value, which resulted in slowing of the electrode system feed. The feed speed was kept within the specified range by determining a threshold value, which led to maintenance of a constant exposed length of the tip. This control system was validated in actual drilling tests. Optimizing the threshold feed speed contributed to a higher machining speed.
Advanced Computer Aided Design Simulation of Gear Hobbing by Means of Three-Dimensional Kinematics Modeling
Authors: Vasilis Dimitriou , Nectarios Vidakis , Aristomenis Antoniadis
Published: October 2007

Gear hobbing, as any cutting process based on the rolling principle, is a signally multiparametric and complicated gear fabrication method. Although a variety of simulating methods has been proposed, each of them somehow reduces the actual three-dimensional (3D) process to planar models, primarily for simplification reasons. The paper describes an effective and factual simulation of gear hobbing, based on virtual kinematics of solid models representing the cutting tool and the work gear. The selected approach, in contrast to former modeling efforts, is primitively realistic, since the produced gear and chips geometry are normal results of successive penetrations and material removal of cutting teeth into a solid cutting piece. The algorithm has been developed and embedded in a commercial CAD environment, by exploiting its modeling and graphics capabilities. To generate the produced chip and gear volumes, the hobbing kinematics is directly applied in one 3D gear gap. The cutting surface of each generating position (successive cutting teeth) formulates a 3D spatial surface, which bounds its penetrating volume into the workpiece. This surface is produced combining the relative rotations and displacements of the two engaged parts (hob and work gear). Such 3D surface “paths” are used to split the subjected volume, creating concurrently the chip and the remaining work gear solid geometries. This algorithm is supported by a universal and modular code as well as by a user friendly graphical interface, for pre- and postprocessing user interactions. The resulting 3D data allow the effective utilization for further research such as prediction of the cutting forces course, tool stresses, and wear development as well as the optimization of the gear hobbing process.
Study of Internal Finishing of Austenitic Stainless Steel Capillary Tubes by Magnetic Abrasive Finishing
Authors: Yamaguchi Hitomi , Shinmura Takeo , Ikeda Ryota
Published: October 2007

This paper studies the internal finishing of capillary tubes using a magnetic abrasive finishing process. Such tubes are used with nanoscale technologies and meet the demands of the present age in medical and chemical equipment. The finishing characteristics are influenced by the magnetic abrasive behavior against the inner surface of the capillary, which is controlled by the supplied amount of magnetic abrasive and the magnetic force acting on it. The development of the finishing unit identifies the characteristics of the magnetic field, which controls the magnetic force, required for the necessary magnetic abrasive behavior. Finishing experiments using SUS304 austenitic stainless steel capillary tube with 800μm inner diameter demonstrate the effects of the supplied amount of the magnetic abrasive on the finishing characteristics, and the results suggest a standard method to determine the amount to achieve sufficient finishing. The run-out of the capillary while rotating at high speed under the cantilever tube support method causes instability of the magnetic abrasive behavior. The effects on the finishing characteristics are discussed, and a method to diminish the run-out is applied. Accordingly, this paper presents the conditions required for the internal finishing of capillary tubes and proposes methods to realize them. The internal finishing of 400μm inner diameter capillary tubes conveys an understanding of the mechanisms involved and demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed methods.