bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Lacrosse Injuries in High School-Aged Girls and Boys
Authors: Hinton Richard Y. , Lincoln Andrew E. , Almquist Jon L. , Douoguih Wiemi A. , Sharma Krishn M.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To report the types, mechanisms, and circumstances of lacrosse injuries incurred by high school-aged girls and boys during organized interscholastic and summer camp games.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

For 3 years, the authors gathered data on girls’ and boys’ lacrosse injuries for 359 040 high school and 28 318 summer camp athletic exposures using a lacrosse-specific computerized injury surveillance system. The most prevalent injuries were organized into multifactorial injury scenarios.

Results

In high school play, the injury rate for adolescent boys (2.89 per 1000 athletic exposures) was slightly higher than that for girls (2.54 per 1000 athletic exposures) (incidence rate ratio = 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.30). The most prevalent injuries for adolescent girls and boys were knee and ankle sprains resulting from noncontact mechanisms. Male players had significantly higher rates of shoulder, neck, trunk, and back injuries and higher game-to-practice injury ratios. In addition, they had higher rates of concussive events from player-to-player contact. Female players had higher rates of overall head injuries, many involving contusions and abrasions from stick and ball contact.

Conclusions

The overall injury rates for boys’ and girls’ high school lacrosse were significantly lower than those for collegiate play. Significant differences existed between adolescent boys and girls with respect to injury mechanisms, body parts injured, and player and team activity at the time of injury.
One Hundred Dollars and a Dead Man
Authors: Vanderstaay Steven L.
Published: July 2005

This article provides a narrative of the author’s research on Clay, a teenage cocaine dealer, the author’s efforts to help Clay’s family, and of events that culminate in Clay’s murder of his mother’s friend. Following the narrative, the author reflects on the relationship of this case study to questions and concerns raised in previous discussions of ethical decision making during fieldwork. These include the extent of responsibility researchers have for the safety and well-being of research subjects, the emotional costs of researching drug users and sellers, and fear of exploiting research subjects. The author concludes that, while no recipe for ethical fieldwork can be written, a review of dilemmas faced by previous ethnographers can enable researchers to anticipate difficulties and to establish useful guidelines before entering the field.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Grandparent Support Scale for Teenage Mothers
Authors: Borcherding Kathy , SmithBattle Lee , Schneider Joanne Kraenzle
Published: July 2005

Although numerous instruments are available to assess the teen mother’s social support, an instrument that is more narrowly focused on the support teen mothers receive from their parents (the grandparents) is lacking. To remedy this gap, the Grandparent Support Scale for Teenage Mothers (GSSTM) was developed. The purpose of this article is to review what is known about grandparent support and describe the initial psychometric testing of the teen version of the GSSTM. Four questionnaires were completed by 72 teen mothers. Factor analysis of the GSSTM resulted in reduction of the questionnaire from 22 to 16 items and yielded three factors: Grandparent Responsiveness (α = .90), Grandparent as Decision Maker (α = .76), and Grandparent as Actor (α = .72). GSSTM subscales significantly correlated with the other measures, supporting their validity. Although further psychometric testing is needed with a larger sample, the GSSTM shows promise in assessing teen mothers’ perceptions of family support.
Beliefs About the Controllability of Pain: Congruence Between Older Adults With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Riley-Doucet Cheryl
Published: July 2005

Family dyadic beliefs about pain controllability were examined to determine what influence they had on patient symptom distress and subjective caregiver burden. The Calgary Family Assessment and Intervention Models and Illness Beliefs Model guided this investigation. Self-report questionnaires were administered to a sample of 81 family dyads that consisted of ambulatory cancer care older adult outpatients and their family caregivers. Inferential statistics indicated that family dyads were congruent in their beliefs about pain controllability. Descriptive statistics showed that family dyads with beliefs that the pain was controllable had less symptom distress and caregiver burden than dyads with beliefs that pain was not controllable. Results suggest that family dyadic beliefs that cancer-related pain is controllable have a positive influence on family pain control outcomes. Findings also support the need for nurses to include family members when developing pain management interventions for older adults.
A phase 1/2 trial of high-dose yttrium-90-ibritumomab tiuxetan in combination with high-dose etoposide and cyclophosphamide followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with poor-risk or relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Nademanee Auayporn , Forman Stephen , Molina Arturo , Fung Henry , Smith David , Dagis Andy , Kwok Cheuk , Yamauchi Dave , Anderson Anne-Line , Falk Peter , Krishnan Amrita , Kirschbaum Mark , Kogut Neil , Nakamura Ryotaro , O'Donnell Margaret , Parker Pablo , Popplewell Leslie , Pullarkat Vinod , Rodriguez Roberto , Sahebi Firoozeh , Smith Eileen , Snyder David , Stein Anthony , Spielberger Ricardo , Zain Jasmine , White Christine , Raubitschek Andrew
Published: July 2005

We conducted a phase 1/2 trial of high-dose 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan in combination with high-dose etoposide (VP-16) 40 to 60 mg/kg (day -4) and cyclophosphamide 100 mg/kg (day -2) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in 31 patients with CD20+ non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Patients underwent dosimetry (day -21) with 5 mCi (185 MBq) 111In-ibritumomab tiuxetan following 250 mg/m2 rituximab, followed a week later by 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan to deliver a target dose of 1000 cGy to highest normal organ. Bone marrow biopsy was done on day -7 to estimate radiation dose and stem cells were reinfused when the radiation dose was estimated to be less than 5 cGy. The median 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan dose was 71.6 mCi (2649.2 MBq; range, 36.6-105 mCi; range, 1354.2-3885 MBq). Histology included follicular lymphoma (n = 12), diffuse large B-cell (n = 14), and mantle cell (n = 5). The median number of prior chemo-therapy treatments was 2. The treatment was well tolerated. The median times to reach an absolute neutrophil count greater than 500/μL and platelet count more than 20 000/μL were 10 days and 12 days, respectively. There were 2 deaths and 5 relapses. At a median follow-up of 22 months, the 2-year estimated overall survival and relapse-free survival rates are 92% and 78%, respectively. We conclude that high-dose 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan can be combined safely with high-dose etoposide and cyclophosphamide without an increase in transplant-related toxicity or delayed engraftment. (Blood. 2005;106:2896-2902)
Subclinical iron deficiency is a strong predictor of bacterial vaginosis in early pregnancy
Authors: Verstraelen Hans , Delanghe Joris , Roelens Kristien , Blot Stijn , Claeys Geert , Temmerman Marleen
Published: July 2005

Background

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the single most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age and associated with a sizeable infectious disease burden among both non-pregnant and pregnant women, including a significantly elevated risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. Overall, little progress has been made in identifying causal factors involved in BV acquisition and persistence. We sought to evaluate maternal iron status in early pregnancy as a putative risk factor for BV, considering that micronutrients, and iron deficiency in particular, affect the host response against bacterial colonization, even in the setting of mild micronutrient deficiencies.

Methods

In a nested case-control study, we compared maternal iron status at entry to prenatal care (mean gestational age 9.2 ± 2.6 weeks) between eighty women with healthy vaginal microflora and eighteen women with vaginosis-like microflora. Vaginal microflora status was assessed by assigning a modified Nugent score to a Gram-stained vaginal smear. Maternal iron status was assayed by an array of conventional erythrocyte and serum indicators for iron status assessment, but also by more sensitive and more specific indicators of iron deficiency, including soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) as an accurate measure of cellular and tissue iron deficiency and the iron deficiency log10[sTfR/ferritin] index as the presently most accurate measure of body storage iron available.

Results

We found no statistically significant correlation between vaginal microflora status and routinely assessed iron parameters. In contrast, a highly significant difference between the healthy and vaginosis-like microflora groups of women was shown in mean values of sTfR concentrations (1.15 ± 0.30 mg/L versus 1.37 ± 0.38 mg/L, p = 0.008) and in mean iron deficiency log10[sTfR/ferritin] index values (1.57 ± 0.30 versus 1.08 ± 0.56, p = 0.003), indicating a strong association between iron deficiency and vaginosis-like microflora. An sTfR concentration >1.45 mg/L was associated with a 3-fold increased risk (95%CI: 1.4–6.7) of vaginosis-like microflora and after controlling for maternal age, gestational length, body mass, parity, and smoking habits with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.5 (95%CI: 1.4–14.2).

Conclusion

We conclude that subclinical iron deficiency, presumably resulting from inadequate preconceptional iron supplies, is strongly and independently associated with vaginosis-like microflora during early pregnancy.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis A infection in a low endemicity country: a systematic review
Authors: Pham Ba' , Duval Bernard , De Serres Gaston , Gilca Vladimir , Tricco Andrea C , Ochnio Jan , Scheifele David W
Published: July 2005

Background

In Canada – a low endemicity country, vaccines for hepatitis A virus (HAV) are currently recommended to individuals at increased risk for infection or its complications. Applying these recommendations is difficult because the epidemiology of HAV infection is poorly defined, complex, and changing. This systematic review aimed to 1) estimate age-specific prevalence of HAV antibody in Canada and 2) evaluate infection-associated risk factors.

Methods

MEDLINE (1966–2005) and EMBASE (1980–2005) were searched to identify relevant studies for the systematic review. Archives for the Canada Diseases Weekly Report (1975–1991) and Canada Communicable Disease Report (1992–2005) were searched for relevant public health reports. Data were abstracted for study and participants' characteristics, age-specific prevalence, and risk factors.

Results

A total of 36 reports describing 34 unique studies were included.

The seroprevalence in Canadian-born children was approximately 1% in ages 8–13, 1–6% in 20–24, 10% in 25–29, 17% in 30–39, and increased subsequently. In age groups below 20 and 20–29, age-specific seroprevalence generally remained constant for studies conducted across geographic areas and over time.

Compared to Canadian-born individuals, subjects born outside Canada were approximately 6 times more likely to be seropositive (relative risk: 5.7 [95% CI 3.6, 9.0]). Travel to high risk areas in individuals aged 20–39 was associated with a significant increase in anti-HAV seropositivity (RR 2.8 [1.4, 5.5]). Compared to heterosexuals, men having sex with men were only at a marginally higher risk (adjusted odds ratio 2.4 [0.9, 6.1]). High risk for seropositivity was also observed for Canadian First Nations and Inuit populations.

Conclusion

Results from the current systematic review show that in this low endemicity country, disease acquisition occurs in adulthood rather than childhood. The burden of disease is high; approximately 1 in 10 Canadians had been infected by ages 24–29. The increase in prevalence in young adults coincides with disease importation and increasing frequency of risk factors, most likely behavioral-related ones.

Gaps in seroprevalence data were identified rendering the application of current immunization recommendations difficult. A nationwide prevalence survey for all Canadians is needed. This is essential to quantify the effectiveness of current recommendations and conduct cost-effectiveness evaluations of alternative immunization programs, if necessary.
HLA-A2 down-regulation on primary human macrophages infected with an M-tropic EGFP-tagged HIV-1 reporter virus
Authors: Brown Amanda , Gartner Suzanne , Kawano Thomas , Benoit Nicole , Cheng-Mayer Cecilia
Published: July 2005

Multiple mechanisms are used by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to interfere with host-cell immune effector functions. The 27-kD Nef protein has been shown to down-modulate specific genes of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) on the surface of infected pimary T cells, facilitating their escape from lysis by cytolytic T lymphocytes. Macrophages, as the other major immune cell type targeted by the virus, also contribute to the transmission, persistence, and pathogenesis of HIV-1. Yet, whether Nef modulates MHC-I expression on HIV-infected primary macrophages remains unclear. Currently available infectious HIV-1 molecular clones, which express a reporter gene, only infect T cells and/or do not express Nef. To overcome these limitations, we generated macrophage-tropic green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged HIV-1 viruses, which express the complete viral genome, and used these to assess the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 on the surface of productively infected macrophages. The reporter viral genomes were replication-competent and stable, as Nef, p24 antigen, and GFP expression could be detected by immunostaining of infected, monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) after more than 2 months postinfection. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analyses of infected macrophages and T cells revealed that although wild-type reporter virus infection induced a statistically significant decrease in the density of surface HLA-A2, down-regulation of HLA-A2 was not seen in cells infected with reporter viruses encoding a frameshift or a single point mutation in Nef at prolines 74P and P80. The impact of Nef on HLA-A2 surface expression in MDM was also confirmed by confocal microscopy. These results suggest that the mechanisms of HLA-A2 down-modulation are similar in primary T cells and macrophages.
Development of Cell Cycle Active Drugs for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers: A New Approach to Cancer Therapy
Authors: Schwartz Gary K.
Published: July 2005

The cell cycle represents a series of tightly integrated events that allow the cell to grow and proliferate. An essential part of the cell cycle machinery is the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). When activated, the CDKs provide a means for the cell to move from one phase of the cell cycle to the next (G1 to S or G2 to M). The cell cycle serves to protect the cell from genotoxic stress. In the setting of DNA damage, the CDKs are inhibited and the cell undergoes cell-cycle arrest. This provides the cell the opportunity to repair its own damaged DNA before it resumes cell proliferation. If a cell continues to cycle with its damaged DNA intact, the apoptotic machinery is triggered and the cell will undergo apoptosis. In essence, cell cycle arrest at these critical checkpoints represents a survival mechanism, which provides the tumor cell the opportunity to escape the effects of lethal DNA damage induced by chemotherapy. Over the past several years, a series of new targeted agents has been developed that promote apoptosis of DNA damaged tumor cells either during cell cycle arrest or following premature cell cycle checkpoint exit, such that tumor cells re-enter the cell cycle before DNA repair is complete. An understanding of the cell cycle and its relationship to p53 are critical for the successful clinical development of these agents for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Optimal Locoregional Treatment in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Jansen Edwin P.M. , Boot Henk , Verheij Marcel , van de Velde Cornelis J.H.
Published: July 2005

Worldwide, gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. The mainstay of curative treatment is radical surgery. But even with optimal surgical resection, the prognosis remains modest in the Western world. Numerous attempts have been undertaken to improve clinical outcome. More extensive lymph node dissection, adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy did not result in a survival benefit in randomized trials. Only postoperative chemoradiotherapy has proven to be valuable in prospective randomized trials. Questions are to be answered about optimization of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and fine tuning of the three modalities. One of the key issues that should be addressed is whether pre- or postoperative chemoradiotherapy will benefit survival or locoregional control in the case of optimal surgery with an “over-D1” lymphadenectomy and without splenectomy. In this article the most relevant literature on locoregional treatment in operable gastric cancer will be reviewed and future strategies will be discussed.
The Science of Infancy: Academic, Social, and Political Agendas
Authors: Sameroff Arnold J.
Published: July 2005

The effectiveness of researchers in infancy is conditioned by their participation in 3 agendas. The academic agenda is devoted to the question of understanding infants, the social agenda is devoted to the question of how to improve the life of infants, and the political agenda is devoted to finding the resources for both understanding and improvement. Amplification is provided for each agenda with attention to the evolution of theoretical frameworks used by infancy researchers.
Retrieval Protracts Deferred Imitation by 6‐Month‐Olds
Authors: Barr Rachel , Rovee‐Collier Carolyn , Campanella Jennifer
Published: July 2005

Past research using a deferred imitation task has shown that 6‐month‐olds remember a 3‐part action sequence for only 1 day. The concept of a time window suggests that there is a limited period within which additional information can be integrated with a prior memory. Its width tracks the forgetting function of the memory. This study asked if retrieving the memory of the modeled actions at the end of the time window protracts its retention, if the type of retrieval (active or passive) differentially influences retention, and if the retrieval delay influences its specificity. In Experiment 1, 6‐month‐olds either imitated the modeled actions (active retrieval group) or merely watched them modeled again (passive retrieval group) 1 day after the original demonstration. Both groups showed deferred imitation after 10 days. In Experiment 2, 6‐month‐olds who repeatedly retrieved the memory at or near the end of the time window deferred imitation for 2.5 months. In Experiment 3,6‐month‐olds spontaneously generalized imitation late in the time window after 1 prior retrieval, whether it was active or passive. These studies reveal that the retention benefit of multiple retrievals late in the time window is huge. Because most retrievals are undoubtedly latent, the contribution of repeated events to the growth of the knowledge base early in infancy has been greatly underestimated.
The Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome in a Danish Population of Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Is Three-Fold Higher than in the General Population
Authors: Lauenborg Jeannet , Mathiesen Elisabeth , Hansen Torben , Glümer Charlotte , Jørgensen Torben , Borch-Johnsen Knut , Hornnes Peter , Pedersen Oluf , Damm Peter
Published: July 2005

Context: Diabetes and obesity, components of the metabolic syndrome, are common characteristics of women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Due to increasing incidence of diabetes and obesity, the metabolic syndrome might comprise a major health problem among these women.

Objective: The objective was to estimate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome by three different criteria [World Health Organization 1999 (WHO), The National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults 2001, and European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance 2002] among women with previous GDM.

Design: We conducted a follow-up study of a Danish cohort of women admitted in 1978–1996 to the Diabetes and Pregnancy Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, with diet-treated GDM. The follow-up took place in 2000–2002 at median 9.8 yr (interquartile range 6.4–17.2) after pregnancy. Results were compared with a control group of 1000 age-matched women from a population-based sample (Inter99).

Participants: Four hundred eighty-one women at median age 43 yr (interquartile range 38–48) participated.

Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were body mass index (BMI), glucose tolerance, blood pressure, lipid profile, and insulin resistance.

Results: Independent of the criteria, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was three times higher in the prior GDM group, compared with the control group (e.g. WHO: 38.4 vs. 13.4%, P < 0.0005). Age- and BMI-adjusted odds ratio for having the WHO-defined metabolic syndrome was 3.4 (95% confidence interval 2.5–4.8) for the prior GDM group vs. the control group. Obese women (BMI > 30 kg/m2) with previous GDM had a more than 7-fold increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (WHO), compared with normal-weight prior GDM women (BMI < 25 kg/m2). In glucose-tolerant women, the prevalence was doubled in the prior GDM group, compared with control group.

Conclusion: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was three times as high in women with prior diet-treated GDM, compared with age-matched control subjects.
Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome with Osteoporosis and Secondary Adrenal Failure in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients Receiving Inhaled Corticosteroids and Ritonavir-Boosted Protease Inhibitors: Six Cases
Authors: Samaras Katherine , Pett Sarah , Gowers Andrew , McMurchie Marilyn , Cooper David A.
Published: July 2005

Ritonavir, a protease inhibitor (PI), is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4. This pharmacological effect, even at low doses (≤200 mg/d), is used to “boost” levels of other PIs in the treatment of HIV infection and facilitate once or twice daily dosing with reduced pill burden. Six patients with preexisting HIV-lipodystrophy developed symptomatic Cushing’s syndrome when treated with inhaled fluticasone at varying doses for asthma while concurrently treated with low-dose ritonavir-boosted PI antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens for HIV infection. There was evidence of adrenal suppression in all patients on stimulation studies. After the withdrawal of inhaled fluticasone, four patients became symptomatic of hypocortisolism, and three required oral corticosteroid support for several months. Other complications included evidence of osteoporosis (n = 3), crush fractures (n = 1), and exacerbation of preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 1). In part, the diagnosis of fluticasone-induced Cushing’s syndrome was delayed because all patients had preexisting body composition changes of ART-associated lipodystrophy, masking the Cushing’s features. Practitioners should be aware of the impact on the adrenal axis of coadministration of PI-based ART regimens with inhaled corticosteroids and the potential for exacerbating or even inducing other metabolic conditions, such as osteoporosis or diabetes.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase Deficiency: Identification of the First Mutation in Two Brothers and Restoration of Activity by Protein Complementation
Authors: Maj Mary C. , MacKay Neviana , Levandovskiy Valeriy , Addis Jane , Baumgartner E. Regula , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Robinson Brian H. , Cameron Jessie M.
Published: July 2005

Context: Pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDP) deficiency has been previously reported as an enzymopathy, but the genetic basis for such a defect has never been established.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the cause of the defect in two patients who presented with PDP deficiency.

Patients: We studied two brothers of consanguineous parents who presented with neonatal hypotonia, elevated lactate, and less than 25% native pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) activity in skin fibroblasts compared with controls. The activity of the complex could be restored to normal values by preincubation of the cells with dichloroacetate or by treating cell extracts with calcium.

Results: These two individuals were found to be homozygous for a 3-bp deletion in the coding sequence of the PDP isoform 1 (PDP1), which removes the amino acid residue leucine from position 213 of the protein. A recombinant version of this protein was synthesized and found to have a very reduced (<5%) ability to activate purified PDHc. Reduced steady-state levels of PDP1 in the patient’s fibroblasts coupled with the low catalytic activity of the mutant PDP1 resulted in native PDHc activity being reduced, but this could be corrected by the addition of recombinant PDP1 (wild type).

Conclusion: We have identified mutations in PDP1 in two brothers with PDP deficiency and have proven that the mutation is disease-causing. This is the first demonstration of human disease due to a mutation in PDP1.
An ‘experiment’ in Indigenous social policy: the rise and fall of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC)
Authors: Cunningham Joan , Baeza Juan I.
Published: July 2005

English

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) was established in 1990 as part of the Australian government's attempts to address the extensive disadvantages faced by Indigenous Australians. ATSIC was described as a “path-breaking experiment” in indigenous affairs, combining administrative and representative functions in one statutory body. By 2004, however, ATSIC was all but dead. This article describes the short life history of ATSIC and examines the major conflicts, tensions and criticisms that have led to its demise.
The not-so-hidden politics of fluoridation
Authors: Winstanley Ann
Published: July 2005

English

Fluoridation of public drinking water supplies has been an ongoing source of debate involving numerous actors including central and local governments, both internationally and in New Zealand. This article outlines the impact of restructuring on the political and health sector, and critiques the arguments used by political actors to justify certain processes of public participation and decision-making practices within the wider context of increasing distrust of science and political authority. The empirical material is drawn from a research project for the Ministry of Health, New Zealand, that explored and assessed factors affecting council decision making in relation to fluoridation.
Immediate Postoperative Evaluation of the Surgical Wound and Nutritional Evolution after Cheiloplasty
Authors: Assunção Antônio Guedes Alcoforado , Pinto Maria Alice Farha , Peres Suely Prietode Barros Almeida , Tristão Maria Teresa Cazal
Published: July 2005

Objective

To evaluate the nutritional status and behavior of the surgical wound following cheiloplasty.

Setting

Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo (HRAC/USP), Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants

Forty-five nursing children aged 3 to 13 months old, either bottle-fed or spoon-fed, submitted to cheiloplasty during the study period.

Results

The results did not demonstrate significant differences between the study groups regarding gender, age, nutritional status, and condition of the surgical wound. Upon completion of the study, the infants of both groups were eutrophic, presenting increase in growth and development, with no hematoma, significant edema, sutural dehiscence, bleeding, or infection at the operated area.

Conclusions

Both kinds of nursing, spoon- and bottle-feeding, had the same influence on nutritional status and wound condition in both study groups. We suggest that bottle-feeding should be tried in patients in the postoperative period of cheiloplasty, because this method was used after surgery without causing any damage to the lip surgical wound.
Treatment of Osseous Cleft Palate Defects: A Preliminary Evaluation of Novel Treatment Modalities
Authors: Peled Micha , Aizenbud Dror , Horwitz Jacob , Machtei Eli E.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To compare the use of autogenous iliac bone graft (ABG) alone with nonresorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene Gore-Tex TR membrane (GTM) and with ABG plus resorbable Resolut XT membrane barriers for the secondary closure of alveolar cleft defects.

Study Design

Fifteen patients aged 9 to 17 years with unilateral cleft palate were included in this study. All patients had primary closure of the soft tissues at infancy. Presurgical orthodontics and scaling preceded the surgery. The patients were randomized to one of three surgical treatment groups: (1) ABG, (2) GTM, or (3) autogenous bone plus resorbable membrane (ABM). Periapical radiographs were taken pretreatment and 2 to 6 years later and were used to measure changes in size (linear and area) of the osseous defect.

Results

Significant decreases were observed in mean initial defect width (9.8 to 6.7 mm; p = .0263), mean initial defect height (20.7 to 15.1 mm), and overall mean defect size (223.6 to 143.9 mm2). Greater improvement in mean defect width was observed for the ABM group (6.42 mm) compared with the ABG (1.22 mm) and GTM (1.38 mm) groups. The reduction in overall mean defect size was significantly greater in the ABM group (177 mm2) compared with the GTM (20.51 mm2) and ABG (41.69 mm2) groups.

Conclusion

Guided bone regeneration was found potentially useful for the treatment of osseous cleft palate defects. The combined approach yielded significantly greater defect fill. If further substantiated in larger independent studies, the adjunctive use of barrier membranes could improve the management of secondary closure of cleft palate defects.
Parental Satisfaction with the CranioCap: A New Cranial Orthosis for Deformational Plagiocephaly
Authors: Elwood Eric T. , Petronio Joseph , Wood Robert J.
Published: July 2005

Objective

This study evaluates the safety and parent satisfaction of a new cranial orthosis designed to treat deformational plagiocephaly.

Design

A retrospective phone survey of parental satisfaction of a new cranial orthosis that has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for treatment of deformational plagiocephaly.

Setting

A tertiary referral center for children with craniofacial anomalies.

Patients

The first 232 consecutive infants enrolled in this program were retrospectively reviewed.

Interventions

Infants were entered in the cranial orthosis program if they had been diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly and were less than 1 year of age, and if the infant's parents were interested in enrolling in a monitored cranial orthosis program.

Main Outcome Measure

After completing therapy, a random sample of 81 parents (half completing treatment) was surveyed. Parents rated the improvement in their infant's head shape from 1 (least) to 5 (most). They were asked if they would repeat the program with a subsequent child. To date, 70% (162/ 232) have completed treatment.

Results

The orthosis was worn an average of 89 days. On average, parents rated head shape improvement 4.06 out of 5 (range, 3 to 5). Of parents surveyed, 81 (100%) would repeat the program with a subsequent child. There were three (3/232 or 1.3%) minor complications: one child with a persistent rash that resolved with termination of orthosis use, one child with a skin irritation that resolved with orthosis recontouring, and one child who could not be successfully fit.

Conclusions

The CranioCap, a new cranial orthosis with clearance for treatment of deformational plagiocephaly, appears to be safe, well tolerated, and has excellent parent satisfaction.
Dermatoglyphic Pattern Types in Subjects with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate (CL/P) and Their Unaffected Relatives in the Philippines
Authors: Scott Nicole M. , Weinberg Seth M. , Neiswanger Katherine , Daack-Hirsch Sandra , O'Brien Sarah , Murray Jeffrey C. , Marazita Mary L.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To investigate dermatoglyphic patterns in 95 nonsyndromic Filipino subjects with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and 90 of their unaffected relatives.

Design

Retrospective study of dermatoglyphic pattern types.

Setting

Negros Occidental and Cavite in the Philippines.

Participants

Nonsyndromic subjects with CL/P and their unaffected relatives.

Methods

Dermatoglyphic patterns were categorized as arch, ulnar loop, radial loop, whorl, or other by three independent raters. Pattern data from the subjects, the unaffected relatives, and an unaffected control population (from the literature) were compared using chi-square tests. As a measure of asymmetry, dissimilarity between pattern types on homologous fingers was quantified and compared using Student's t tests.

Results

The frequency of arches (p = .016) and ulnar loops (p = .04) were significantly increased, and whorls decreased in the affected group (p = .0015), compared with the unaffected group. Affected female subjects had significantly more ulnar loops and arches (p = .009 and p = .023, respectively) and fewer whorls (p < .0001) than the unaffected female subjects. There were no significant differences between affected and unaffected male subjects. Dissimilarity scores were significantly different between male and female subjects and between subjects with CL/P and unaffected relatives. Additionally, pattern type frequencies for the relatives fell in between the frequencies for the CL/P group and the controls.

Conclusions

In this Filipino population, differences in frequency of dermatoglyphic pattern types and pattern dissimilarity exist between individuals with orofacial clefts and their unaffected relatives and between both groups and controls, with the major effect seen in female subjects.
Androgen regulation of satellite cell function
Authors: Chen Yue , Zajac Jeffrey D , MacLean Helen E
Published: July 2005

Androgen treatment can enhance the size and strength of muscle. However, the mechanisms of androgen action in skeletal muscle are poorly understood. This review discusses potential mechanisms by which androgens regulate satellite cell activation and function. Studies have demonstrated that androgen administration increases satellite cell numbers in animals and humans in a dose–dependent manner. Moreover, androgens increase androgen receptor levels in satellite cells. In vitro, the results are contradictory as to whether androgens regulate satellite cell proliferation or differentiation. IGF-I is one major target of androgen action in satellite cells. In addition, the possibility of non-genomic actions of androgens on satellite cells is discussed. In summary, this review focuses on exploring potential mechanisms through which androgens regulate satellite cells, by analyzing developments from research in this area.
Differential expression and seasonal modulation of VGF peptides in sheep pituitary
Authors: Brancia Carla , Nicolussi Paola , Cappai Pietro , La Corte Giorgio , Possenti Roberta , Ferri Gian-Luca
Published: July 2005

The inducible gene vgf and its peptide products are relevant to the neuroendocrine regulation of homeostasis and reproduction in rodents. We show here that in the anterior pituitary of female sheep the somatotrope, gonadotrope, and lactotrope/thyrotrope cell populations each expressed vgf mRNA, but displayed a distinct profile of VGF immunoreactive peptides. ProVGF C-terminus and VGF443–588 immunoreactivities were found in lactotropes and thyrotropes, often in a subcellular location restricted to the Golgi area and suggestive of rapid peptide (or proVGF) release upon biosynthesis, while high molecular weight bands consistent with proVGF were shown in pituitary extracts. Distinct seasonal changes were revealed, proVGF C-terminus immunoreactive cells being largely identified as lactotropes during the summer (83.7 ± 2.1% (mean ±s.e.m.) versus 27.0 ± 1.9% during the winter), as opposed to thyrotropes during the winter (73.0 ± 1.9% versus 16.3 ± 2.1% during the summer). Conversely, antisera to peptides adjacent to the ‘Arg-Pro-Arg’ cleavage site, and to the VGF553–555 N-terminus of the proVGF-derived peptide V, selectively labeled gonadotropes, indicating processing to small peptides not retaining the proVGF C-terminus in such cells. Finally, a peptide related to the VGF4–240 region was immunostained in somatotropes, shown in a Western blot as a band of relative molecular mass of approximately 16 000. In conclusion, a complex, endocrine cell-type-specific processing of proVGF was revealed. Further to the known inducibility of vgf mRNA upon a range of stimuli, discreet, selective modulations of VGF-peptide profile/s are suggested, possibly involved in specific neuro/endocrine or modulatory mechanisms.
Growth plate senescence is associated with loss of DNA methylation
Authors: Nilsson Ola , Mitchum Robert D , Schrier Lenneke , Ferns Sandra P , Barnes Kevin M , Troendle James F , Baron Jeffrey
Published: July 2005

The overall body size of vertebrates is primarily determined by longitudinal bone growth at the growth plate. With age, the growth plate undergoes programmed senescence, causing longitudinal bone growth to slow and eventually cease. Indirect evidence suggests that growth plate senescence occurs because stem-like cells in the growth plate resting zone have a finite proliferative capacity that is gradually exhausted. Similar limits on replication have been observed when many types of animal cells are placed in cell culture, an effect known as the Hayflick phenomenon. However, we found that the number of population doublings of rabbit resting zone chondrocytes in culture did not depend on the age of the animal from which the cells were harvested, suggesting that the mechanisms limiting replicative capacity of growth plate chondrocytes in vivo are distinct from those in vitro. We also observed that the level of DNA methylation in resting zone chondrocytes decreased with age in vivo. This loss of methylation appeared to occur specifically with the slow proliferation of resting zone chondrocytes in vivo and was not observed with the rapid proliferation of proliferative zone chondrocytes in vivo (i.e. the level of DNA methylation did not change from the resting zone to the hypertrophic zone), with proliferation of chondrocytes in vitro, or with growth of the liver in vivo. Thus, the overall level of DNA methylation decreases during growth plate senescence. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that the mechanism limiting replication of growth plate chondrocytes in vivo involves loss of DNA methylation and, thus, loss of DNA methylation might be a fundamental biological mechanism that limits longitudinal bone growth in mammals, thereby determining the overall adult size of the organism.
Characteristics of salivary profiles of oestradiol and progesterone in premenopausal women
Authors: Chatterton Robert T , Mateo Esnar T , Hou Nanjiang , Rademaker Alfred W , Acharya Simbi , Jordan V Craig , Morrow Monica
Published: July 2005

The objective of the study was to characterize salivary sex steroid levels in 56 women undergoing annual mammography who were participating in a breast density study at the Lynn Sage Breast Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and to determine the predictability of the patterns within women. Saliva was collected daily by the women at home for one complete menstrual cycle and then again at approximately 6-month intervals. The occurrence of sporadic anovulatory cycles was identified in 12 subjects, and persistent oestradiol (OE2) elevation in all three cycles without significant progesterone levels occurred in another five subjects. In addition, both OE2 and progesterone were significantly lower in initial menstrual cycles than in subsequent cycles, suggestive of an effect of participation in the study on hormone levels. Initial salivary OE2 levels were not good predictors of corresponding levels in either follicular or luteal phases of the menstrual cycles at the 6-month intervals. However, after the initial cycle, progesterone levels were highly predictable within individuals over a period of 6 months (r=0.78, P< 0.001). The study emphasizes the natural variation among and within women in the absence of any intervention, and indicates the need for properly controlled studies before attributing changes in hormonal levels to therapy. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of sampling at multiple time points when examining the relationship between hormones and risk.
The cytoplasmic domain close to the transmembrane region of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor contains sequence elements that regulate agonist-dependent internalisation
Authors: Vázquez Patricia , Roncero Isabel , Blázquez Enrique , Alvarez Elvira
Published: July 2005

In order to gain better insight into the molecular events involved in the signal transduction generated through glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, we tested the effect of deletions and point mutations within the cytoplasmic tail of this receptor with a view to establishing relationships between signal transduction desensitisation and receptor internalisation. Wild-type and truncated (deletion of the last 27 amino acids (GLPR 435R) and deletion of 44 amino acids (GLPR 418R)) GLP-1 receptors bound the agonist with similar affinity. Deletion of the last 27 amino acids decreased the internalisation rate by 78%, while deletion of 44 amino acids containing all the phosphorylation sites hitherto described in this receptor decreased the internalisation rate by only 47%. Binding of the ligand to both receptors stimulated adenylyl cyclase. In contrast, deletion of the region containing amino acids 419 to 435 (GLPR 419Δ435) increased the internalisation rate by 268%, and the replacement of EVQ408–410 by alanine (GLPR A408–410) increased this process to 296%. In both receptors, the efficacy in stimulating adenylate cyclase was decreased. All the receptors studied were internalised by coated pits, except for the receptor with a deletion of the last 44 amino acids, which also had a faster resensitisation rate. Our findings indicate that the neighbouring trans-membrane domain of the carboxyl-terminal tail of the GLP-1 receptor contains sequence elements that regulate agonist-dependent internalisation and transmembrane signalling.
Schottky Effect‐Enabled High Unit‐Area Capacitive Interface for Flexible Pressure Sensors
Authors: Yang Guoqing , Zheng Xianggao , Li Jianzheng , Chen Chao , Zhu Juntong , Yi Haokun , Dong Xiaoru , Zhao Jun , Shi Lan , Zhang Xiaoxu , Qin Yajie , Gu Zongquan , Li Zhuo
Published: February 2024

Flexible capacitive pressure sensors play a crucial role in wearable electronics and robotics. However, their susceptibility to environmental noise poses challenges to sensing precision. To mitigate the impact of environmental influences, a sensor capable of producing signals orders of magnitudes larger than the noise becomes essential. One straightforward method to enhance capacitance values involves reducing the thickness of the dielectric layer. Yet, when this reduction reaches nanometer scale, the dielectric layer may become mechanically vulnerable and more importantly, their charge storage capability is compromised due to electron tunneling. To address these challenges, here the naturally formed alumina (Al2O3) on aluminum (Al) surface is employed as a stable and ultra‐thin dielectric layer. Simultaneously, the Schottky effect at the Al‐Al2O3‐carbon black (CB) interface is harnessed to prevent electron tunneling. These strategies collectively yielded a large unit‐area capacitance (UAC) of 50 nF cm−2 and demonstrated high electrical and environmental stability. Furthermore, hollow hemispherical microstructures are incorporated at the interface, resulting in a flexible pressure sensor with high sensitivity (8.6 kPa−1) and a linear response up to 50 kPa. With its simple two‐layer structure, this sensor can be seamlessly integrated in situ and offers commercial‐grade resolution at mN‐level for monitoring human biomechanical signals.
A Giant Stokes Shift in Wide‐Band Red Phosphor [Ca0.33(Sr1‐xBax)0.67]7(SiO3)6Cl2: Eu2+
Authors: Liu Guihong , Wang Yuhua , Seto Takatoshi
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates a wide‐band emitting red phosphor, an advancement that solves shortcomings including the re‐absorption of the yellow phosphor in the blue light area and a lack of red spectrum components which result in low color rendering and an uneven white light tone. An examination through femtosecond, Raman, and low‐temperature spectroscopy demonstrates why this phosphor has large Stokes shift (SS = 7.5×103 cm−1) and wide half‐peak width with a full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) of more than 170 nm. In these samples, it is importantly observed that larger lattice causes smaller electron–phonon coupling of Eu2+ activator, and meanwhile leads to less temperature dependency of emission peak width. The obtained sample, after cation replacement in (Ca1‐xSrx)7(SiO3)6Cl2: Eu2+ (CSSC: Eu2+), exhibits an emission spectrum covers the range from 450 to 800 nm while its excitation range is below 450 nm, in which not reabsorb the blue light. This matches well with blue phosphors that can also be excited by near‐ultraviolet chips. The fabricated white light‐emitting diode (w‐LED) device has an ideal color rendering index and correlated color temperature (Ra = 90.5, CCT = 3894 K), making it an excellent candidate material for white LED illumination.
High‐Entropy Perovskite Oxide Photonic Synapses
Authors: Bai Zhongwei , Luo Bingcheng , Peng Tao , Wang Jianyuan
Published: February 2024

High‐entropy oxides are garnering increased attention due to their unique properties engineered by chemical disorders. Chemical disorders can cause random potential spatial fluctuations and the resulting anomalous photoconductivity, while they have not yet been exploited in high‐entropy oxides for usefulness. In this work, persistent photoconductivity (PPC) behavior in high‐entropy perovskite Ba(Zr0.2Sn0.2Ti0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2)O3 thin films is reported and used it as a basis to develop artificial photonic synapses. This photonic synapse can emulate distinctive biological synaptic features such as excitatory postsynaptic current, paired‐pulse facilitation, transition from short‐term memory to long‐term memory, and learning‐forgetting processes. This photonic synapse can also implement the basic “AND” and “OR” logic operations. In addition, a 5×5 photonic synaptic array is built to mimic the spatiotemporal sensing and memory functions of a visual sensing‐memory system, exhibiting the improved accuracy of dynamic machine vision classification tasks as compared to traditional visual sensing systems. This study highlights the potential of high‐entropy oxides for application in neuromorphic computing and dynamic machine vision systems.
Hybrid‐triggered predictive control of cyber‐physical‐systems under cyber‐attacks
Authors: Li Hengqian , Zhan Xisheng , Wu Bo , Wu Jie , Yan Huaicheng
Published: February 2024

In this article, the hybrid‐triggered predictive control of cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) under cyber‐attacks is researched. Firstly, considering the unpredictable state of the CPSs, an observer‐based model is constructed, and the predictor is put forward to predict state. Secondly, a hybrid‐triggered scheme is adopted to avoid unnecessary‐data transmission by introducing a hybrid switch mode. Thirdly, the deception attacks and DoS attacks are existed in sensor‐to‐observer (S‐O) and observer‐to‐controller (O‐C), separately. Two types of attack modeling are established based on their characteristics. With the proposed control method, some sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the input‐to‐state stability (ISS) of CPSs. Finally, the results of simulation examples are received to testify the advantage of developed control strategy.