bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of oral iron supplementation on cognition in older children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Falkingham Martin , Abdelhamid Asmaa , Curtis Peter , Fairweather-Tait Susan , Dye Louise , Hooper Lee
Published: January 2010

Background

In observational studies anaemia and iron deficiency are associated with cognitive deficits, suggesting that iron supplementation may improve cognitive function. However, due to the potential for confounding by socio-economic status in observational studies, this needs to be verified in data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Aim

To assess whether iron supplementation improved cognitive domains: concentration, intelligence, memory, psychomotor skills and scholastic achievement.

Methodology

Searches included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL and bibliographies (to November 2008). Inclusion, data extraction and validity assessment were duplicated, and the meta-analysis used the standardised mean difference (SMD). Subgrouping, sensitivity analysis, assessment of publication bias and heterogeneity were employed.

Results

Fourteen RCTs of children aged 6+, adolescents and women were included; no RCTs in men or older people were found. Iron supplementation improved attention and concentration irrespective of baseline iron status (SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.90) without heterogeneity. In anaemic groups supplementation improved intelligence quotient (IQ) by 2.5 points (95% CI 1.24 to 3.76), but had no effect on non-anaemic participants, or on memory, psychomotor skills or scholastic achievement. However, the funnel plot suggested modest publication bias. The limited number of included studies were generally small, short and methodologically weak.

Conclusions

There was some evidence that iron supplementation improved attention, concentration and IQ, but this requires confirmation with well-powered, blinded, independently funded RCTs of at least one year's duration in different age groups including children, adolescents, adults and older people, and across all levels of baseline iron status.
Controlling for race/ethnicity: a comparison of California commercial health plans CAHPS scores to NCBD benchmarks
Authors: Zweifler John , Hughes Susan , Lopez Rebeca A
Published: January 2010

Background

Because California has higher managed care penetration and the race/ethnicity of Californians differs from the rest of the United States, we tested the hypothesis that California's lower health plan Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) survey results are attributable to the state's racial/ethnic composition.

Methods

California CAHPS survey responses for commercial health plans were compared to national responses for five selected measures: three global ratings of doctor, health plan and health care, and two composite scores regarding doctor communication and staff courtesy, respect, and helpfulness. We used the 2005 National CAHPS 3.0 Benchmarking Database to assess patient experiences of care. Multiple stepwise logistic regression was used to see if patient experience ratings based on CAHPS responses in California commercial health plans differed from all other states combined.

Results

CAHPS patient experience responses in California were not significantly different than the rest of the nation after adjusting for age, general health rating, individual health plan, education, time in health plan, race/ethnicity, and gender. Both California and national patient experience scores varied by race/ethnicity. In both California and the rest of the nation Blacks tended to be more satisfied, while Asians were less satisfied.

Conclusions

California commercial health plan enrollees rate their experiences of care similarly to enrollees in the rest of the nation when seven different variables including race/ethnicity are considered. These findings support accounting for more than just age, gender and general health rating before comparing health plans from one state to another. Reporting on race/ethnicity disparities in member experiences of care could raise awareness and increase accountability for reducing these racial and ethnic disparities.
Gene expression profiling of cholangiocarcinoma-derived fibroblast reveals alterations related to tumor progression and indicates periostin as a poor prognostic marker
Authors: Utispan Kusumawadee , Thuwajit Peti , Abiko Yoshimitsu , Charngkaew Komgrid , Paupairoj Anucha , Chau-in Siri , Thuwajit Chanitra
Published: January 2010

Background

Fibroblasts play important roles in several cancers. It was hypothesized that cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)-associated fibroblasts (Cfs) differ from non-tumorigenic liver fibroblasts (Lfs) in their gene expression profiles resulting in the capability to promote cancer. Periostin (PN) is a multi-functional protein and has emerged as a promising marker for tumor progression. The role of PN in CCA, however, has not yet been explored.

Results

In this study, the gene expression profile of Cfs in comparison to Lfs was performed using oligonucleotide microarrays. The common- and unique-expressed genes in Cfs and the promising roles in cancer promotion and progression were determined. PN was markedly over-expressed in Cfs confirmed by real time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry examination of a number of patients with intrahepatic CCA showed the expression of PN solely in stromal fibroblasts, but was expressed neither in cancer cells nor immune cells. Low to no expression of PN was observed in tissues of benign liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. CCA patients with high levels of PN had significantly shorter survival time than those with low levels (P = 0.026). Multivariate analysis revealed high levels of PN (P = 0.045) and presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.002) as independent poor prognostic factors. The in vitro study revealed that recombinant PN induced CCA cell proliferation and invasion. Interestingly, interference RNA against integrin α5 significantly reduced the cellular response to PN-stimulated proliferation and invasion.

Conclusion

The gene expression profile of fibroblasts in CCA is apparently explored for the first time and has determined the genes involving in induction of this cancer progression. High PN can be used to distinguish CCA from other related liver diseases and is proposed as a prognostic factor of poor survival. Regulation of fibroblast-derived PN in CCA proliferation and invasion may be considered as an alternative therapeutic approach.
The effectiveness of the McKenzie method in addition to first-line care for acute low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Machado Luciana AC , Maher Chris G , Herbert Rob D , Clare Helen , McAuley James H
Published: January 2010

Background

Low back pain is a highly prevalent and disabling condition worldwide. Clinical guidelines for the management of patients with acute low back pain recommend first-line treatment consisting of advice, reassurance and simple analgesics. Exercise is also commonly prescribed to these patients. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of adding the McKenzie method to the first-line care of patients with acute low back pain.

Methods

A multi-centre randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up was conducted between September 2005 and June 2008. Patients seeking care for acute non-specific low back pain from primary care medical practices were screened. Eligible participants were assigned to receive a treatment programme based on the McKenzie method and first-line care (advice, reassurance and time-contingent acetaminophen) or first-line care alone, for 3 weeks. Primary outcome measures included pain (0-10 Numeric Rating Scale) over the first seven days, pain at 1 week, pain at 3 weeks and global perceived effect (-5 to 5 scale) at 3 weeks. Treatment effects were estimated using linear mixed models.

Results

One hundred and forty-eight participants were randomized into study groups, of whom 138 (93%) completed the last follow-up. The addition of the McKenzie method to first-line care produced statistically significant but small reductions in pain when compared to first-line care alone: mean of -0.4 points (95% confidence interval, -0.8 to -0.1) at 1 week, -0.7 points (95% confidence interval, -1.2 to -0.1) at 3 weeks, and -0.3 points (95% confidence interval, -0.5 to -0.0) over the first 7 days. Patients receiving the McKenzie method did not show additional effects on global perceived effect, disability, function or on the risk of persistent symptoms. These patients sought less additional health care than those receiving only first-line care (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

When added to the currently recommended first-line care of acute low back pain, a treatment programme based on the McKenzie method does not produce appreciable additional short-term improvements in pain, disability, function or global perceived effect. However, the McKenzie method seems to reduce health utilization although it does not reduce patient's risk of developing persistent symptoms.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12605000032651
Age-related changes in plasma levels of BDNF in Down syndrome patients
Authors: Dogliotti Giada , Galliera Emanuela , Licastro Federico , Corsi Massimiliano M
Published: January 2010

Background

The prevalence of coronary artery diseases is low among Down Syndrome (DS) patients and they rarely die of atherosclerotic complications. Histopathological investigations showed no increase in atherosclerosis, or even a total lack of atherosclerotic changes, in DS

Aim

The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between age and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in Down Syndrome (DS).

Subjects and methods

Three groups of DS patients were studied: the first consisted of 23 children (age 2-14 years); the second of 14 adults (age 20-50 years), the third group of 13 elderly persons (>60 years) and a controls group of 20 healthy patients (age 15-60 years).

The analytes of interest were quantified using a biochip array analyzer (Evidence®, Randox Ltd., Crumlin, UK).

Results

Plasma BDNF was higher in DS patients than in controls and there was a significant age-related increase. Serum levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 were also higher in DS children and adults, but not in older patients, than in healthy control. High levels of circulating BDNF may protect DS patients from the clinical complications of atherosclerosis. However, the striking drop in peripheral BDNF levels with age might predispose these patients to clinical manifestations of dementia in later life.
Hepatitis C virus infection in blood donors from the state of Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Sosa-Jurado Francisca , Santos-López Gerardo , Guzmán-Flores Belinda , Ruiz-Conde Julia I , Meléndez-Mena Daniel , Vargas-Maldonado Martín T , Martínez-Laguna Ygnacio , Contreras-Mioni Laura , Vallejo-Ruiz Verónica , Reyes-Leyva Julio
Published: January 2010

Background

Worldwide, 130 million persons are estimated to be infected with HCV. Puebla is the Mexican state with the highest mortality due to hepatic cirrhosis. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain epidemiological data on HCV infection in asymptomatic people of this region. The objective of present study was to analyze the prevalence of antibodies and genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors from Puebla, Mexico.

Results

The overall prevalence was 0.84% (515/61553). Distribution by region was: North, 0.86% (54/6270); Southeast, 1.04% (75/7197); Southwest, 0.93% (36/3852); and Central, 0.79% (350/44234). Ninety-six donors were enrolled for detection and genotyping of virus, from which 37 (38.5%) were HCV-RNA positive. Detected subtypes were: 1a (40.5%), 1b (27.0%), mixed 1a/1b (18.9%), undetermined genotype 1 (5.4%), 2a (2.7%), 2b (2.7%), and mixed 1a/2a (2.7%). All recovered donors with S/CO > 39 were HCV-RNA positive (11/11) and presented elevated ALT; in donors with S/CO < 39 HCV-RNA, positivity was of 30.4%; and 70% had normal values of ALT. The main risk factors associated with HCV infection were blood transfusion and surgery.

Conclusions

HCV prevalence of donors in Puebla is similar to other Mexican states. The most prevalent genotype is 1, of which subtype 1a is the most frequent.
NEATTILL: A simplified procedure for nucleic acid extraction from arrayed tissue for TILLING and other high-throughput reverse genetic applications
Authors: Sreelakshmi Yellamaraju , Gupta Soni , Bodanapu Reddaiah , Chauhan Vineeta Singh , Hanjabam Mickey , Thomas Sherinmol , Mohan Vijee , Sharma Sulabha , Srinivasan Rajeswari , Sharma Rameshwar
Published: January 2010

Background

TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes) is a reverse genetics procedure for identifying point mutations in selected gene(s) amplified from a mutagenized population using high-throughput detection platforms such as slab gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis or dHPLC. One essential pre-requisite for TILLING is genomic DNA isolation from a large population for PCR amplification of selected target genes. It also requires multiplexing of genomic DNA isolated from different individuals (pooling) in typically 8-fold pools, for mutation scanning, and to minimize the number of PCR amplifications, which is a strenuous and long-drawn-out work. We describe here a simplified procedure of multiplexing, NEATTILL (Nucleic acid Extraction from Arrayed Tissue for TILLING), which is rapid and equally efficient in assisting mutation detection.

Results

The NEATTILL procedure was evaluated for the tomato TILLING platform and was found to be simpler and more efficient than previously available methods. The procedure consisted of pooling tissue samples, instead of nucleic acid, from individual plants in 96-well plates, followed by DNA isolation from the arrayed samples by a novel protocol. The three variants of the NEATTILL procedure (vast, in-depth and intermediate) can be applied across various genomes depending upon the population size of the TILLING platform. The 2-D pooling ensures the precise confirmation of the coordinates of the positive mutant line while scanning complementary plates. Choice of tissue for arraying and nucleic acid isolation is discussed in detail with reference to tomato.

Conclusion

NEATTILL is a convenient procedure that can be applied to all organisms, the genomes of which have been mutagenized and are being scanned for multiple alleles of various genes by TILLING for understanding gene-to-phenotype relationships. It is a time-saving, less labour intensive and reasonably cost-effective method. Tissue arraying can cut costs by up to 90% and minimizes the risk of exposing the DNA to nucleases. Before arraying, different tissues should be evaluated for DNA quality, as the case study in tomato showed that cotyledons rather than leaves are better suited for DNA isolation. The protocol described here for nucleic acid isolation can be generally adapted for large-scale projects such as insertional mutagenesis, transgenic confirmation, mapping and fingerprinting which require isolation of DNA from large populations.
Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Cisplatin in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Silver Daniel P. , Richardson Andrea L. , Eklund Aron C. , Wang Zhigang C. , Szallasi Zoltan , Li Qiyuan , Juul Nicolai , Leong Chee-Onn , Calogrias Diana , Buraimoh Ayodele , Fatima Aquila , Gelman Rebecca S. , Ryan Paula D. , Tung Nadine M. , De Nicolo Arcangela , Ganesan Shridar , Miron Alexander , Colin Christian , Sgroi Dennis C. , Ellisen Leif W. , Winer Eric P. , Garber Judy E.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent not used routinely for breast cancer treatment. As a DNA cross-linking agent, cisplatin may be effective treatment for hereditary BRCA1-mutated breast cancers. Because sporadic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and BRCA1-associated breast cancer share features suggesting common pathogenesis, we conducted a neoadjuvant trial of cisplatin in TNBC and explored specific biomarkers to identify predictors of response.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-eight women with stage II or III breast cancers lacking estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2/Neu (TNBC) were enrolled and treated with four cycles of cisplatin at 75 mg/m2 every 21 days. After definitive surgery, patients received standard adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy per their treating physicians. Clinical and pathologic treatment response were assessed, and pretreatment tumor samples were evaluated for selected biomarkers.

Results

Six (22%) of 28 patients achieved pathologic complete responses, including both patients with BRCA1 germline mutations;18 (64%) patients had a clinical complete or partial response. Fourteen (50%) patients showed good pathologic responses (Miller-Payne score of 3, 4, or 5), 10 had minor responses (Miller-Payne score of 1 or 2), and four (14%) progressed. All TNBCs clustered with reference basal-like tumors by hierarchical clustering. Factors associated with good cisplatin response include young age (P = .001), low BRCA1 mRNA expression (P = .03), BRCA1 promoter methylation (P = .04), p53 nonsense or frameshift mutations (P = .01), and a gene expression signature of E2F3 activation (P = .03).

Conclusion

Single-agent cisplatin induced response in a subset of patients with TNBC. Decreased BRCA1 expression may identify subsets of TNBCs that are cisplatin sensitive. Other biomarkers show promise in predicting cisplatin response.
Pharmacogenomic and Pharmacoproteomic Studies of Cetuximab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Biomarker Analysis of a Phase I Dose-Escalation Study
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Cervantes Andres , Rivera Fernando , Martinelli Erika , Rojo Federico , von Heydebreck Anja , Macarulla Teresa , Rodriguez-Braun Edith , Eugenia Vega-Villegas Maria , Senger Stefanie , Ramos Francisco Javier , Roselló Susana , Celik Ilhan , Stroh Christopher , Baselga José , Ciardiello Fortunato
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This study assessed biomarkers for cetuximab efficacy in tissue samples collected during a phase I dose-escalation study exploring every second week administration of cetuximab as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Patients and Methods

Sixty-two patients received cetuximab monotherapy for 6 weeks, followed by cetuximab plus infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan until disease progression. Patients in the control arm received cetuximab as a 400 mg/m2 initial dose then 250 mg/m2 per week; patients in the dose-escalation arms received 400 to 700 mg/m2 every second week. Tumor and skin biopsies were taken for immunohistochemical and microarray expression analyses (tumor only) at baseline and week 4. Plasma was collected for proteomic analysis at baseline and week 4. KRAS tumor mutation status was assessed.

Results

In subsets of paired skin samples from 35 patients, cetuximab treatment was associated with substantial downregulation of phospho(p)-EGFR, p-MAPK and proliferation and substantial upregulation of p27Kip1 and p-STAT3 levels. No marked difference in these effects was noted for different schedules of administration and dose levels. In the cetuximab monotherapy phase, responses were seen only in patients whose tumors were wild-type for KRAS (eight of 29 v zero of 19 for KRAS mutant tumors; P = .015). Progression-free survival was longer for patients with KRAS wild-type compared with KRAS mutant tumors (log-rank P = .048). Genomics/proteomics analyses (42 and 45 patients, respectively) identified candidate biomarkers associated with response.

Conclusion

Biomarker analysis supported the functional equivalence of weekly and every second week administration of cetuximab and provided further confirmation that patients with KRAS wild-type mCRC were those most likely to benefit from cetuximab treatment.
Randomized, Blinded, Sham-Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for the Management of Aromatase Inhibitor–Associated Joint Symptoms in Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Crew Katherine D. , Capodice Jillian L. , Greenlee Heather , Brafman Lois , Fuentes Deborah , Awad Danielle , Yann Tsai Wei , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Women with breast cancer (BC) treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) may experience joint symptoms that can lead to discontinuation of effective therapy. We examined whether acupuncture improves AI-induced arthralgias in women with early-stage BC.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, controlled, blinded study comparing true acupuncture (TA) versus sham acupuncture (SA) twice weekly for 6 weeks in postmenopuasal women with BC who had self-reported musculoskeletal pain related to AIs. TA included full body/auricular acupuncture and joint-specific point prescriptions, whereas SA involved superficial needle insertion at nonacupoint locations. Outcome measures included the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form (BPI-SF), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Modified Score for the Assessment of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (M-SACRAH) obtained at baseline and at 3 and 6 weeks.

Results

Of 51 women enrolled, 43 women were randomly assigned and 38 were evaluable. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Our primary end point was the difference in mean BPI-SF worst pain scores at 6 weeks, which was lower for TA compared with SA (3.0 v 5.5; P < .001). We also found differences between TA and SA in pain severity (2.6 v 4.5; P = .003) and pain-related interference (2.5 v 4.5; P = .002) at 6 weeks. Similar findings were seen for the WOMAC and M-SACRAH scores. The acupuncture intervention was well-tolerated.

Conclusion

Women with AI-induced arthralgias treated with TA had significant improvement of joint pain and stiffness, which was not seen with SA. Acupuncture is an effective and well-tolerated strategy for managing this common treatment-related side effect.
Migraine History and Breast Cancer Risk Among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Li Christopher I. , Mathes Robert W. , Bluhm Elizabeth C. , Caan Bette , Cavanagh Mary F. , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Michael Yvonne , O'Sullivan Mary Jo , Stefanick Marcia L. , Prentice Ross
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Both migraine and breast cancer are hormonally mediated. Two recent reports indicate that women with a migraine history may have a lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer than those who never suffered migraines. This finding requires confirmation; in particular, an assessment of the influence of use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is needed, because many studies indicate that NSAID use also may confer a reduction in breast cancer risk.

Methods

We assessed the relationship between self-reported history of migraine and incidence of postmenopausal breast cancer in 91,116 women enrolled on the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study prospective cohort from 1993 to 1998 at ages 50 to 79 years. Through September 15, 2005, there were 4,006 eligible patients with breast cancer diagnosed.

Results

Women with a history of migraine had a lower risk of breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80 to 98) than women without a migraine history. This risk did not vary by recent NSAID use. The lower risk was somewhat more pronounced for invasive estrogen-receptor–positive and progesterone-receptor–positive tumors (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.97), as no reduction in risk was observed for invasive ER-negative/PR-negative tumors (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.57), and this difference in risk estimates was borderline statistically significant (P = .06).

Conclusion

This study supports the hypothesis that a history of migraine is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer and that this relationship is independent of recent NSAID use.
Analysis of Potential Predictive Markers of Cetuximab Benefit in BMS099, a Phase III Study of Cetuximab and First-Line Taxane/Carboplatin in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Khambata-Ford Shirin , Harbison Christopher T. , Hart Lowell L. , Awad Melissa , Xu Li-An , Horak Christine E. , Dakhil Shaker , Hermann Robert C. , Lynch Thomas J. , Weber Martin R.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody cetuximab is efficacious in multiple tumor types. Patient selection with markers predictive of benefit may enhance its therapeutic index. This retrospective, correlative analysis of the phase III trial BMS099 of cetuximab in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was conducted to identify molecular markers for the selection of patients most likely to benefit from cetuximab.

Methods

In BMS099, 676 chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IIIB (pleural effusion) or stage IV NSCLC of any histology or EGFR expression status were randomly assigned to taxane/carboplatin (T/C) with or without cetuximab. Biomarkers analyzed included K-Ras and EGFR mutations by direct sequencing, EGFR protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and EGFR gene copy number by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Relationships between biomarker status and progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and overall response rate (ORR) were assessed by log-rank tests per treatment arm for treatment-specific effects and across the total evaluable population.

Results

Tumor samples were available from 225 randomly assigned patients. K-Ras mutations were found in 17% of evaluable patients (35 of 202 patients), EGFR mutations were found in 10% (17 of 166 patients), EGFR positivity by IHC was found in 89% (131 of 148 patients), and FISH positivity was found in 52% (54 of 104 patients). No significant associations were found between biomarker status and PFS, OS, and ORR in the treatment-specific analyses.

Conclusion

In contrast with colorectal cancer, and within the limitations of the data set, efficacy parameters did not appear to correlate with K-Ras mutation status or with any of the EGFR-related biomarkers evaluated. Additional exploratory analyses are essential to identify predictive markers and to optimize patient selection for cetuximab therapy in NSCLC.
Rapid, nondenaturing RNA purification using weak anion-exchange fast performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Easton Laura E. , Shibata Yoko , Lukavsky Peter J.
Published: January 2010

We present a simple and fast method for large-scale purification of RNA oligonucleotides suitable for biochemical and structural studies. RNAs are transcribed in vitro with T7 RNA polymerase using linearized plasmid DNA templates. After addition of EDTA, the crude transcription reaction is subjected directly to weak anion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-sepharose to separate the T7 RNA polymerase, unincorporated rNTPs, small abortive transcripts, and the plasmid DNA template from the desired RNA product. The novel method does neither require tedious phenol/chloroform extraction of the T7 RNA polymerase nor denaturation of the RNA, which is desirable especially for larger RNAs. In addition, isotopically labeled rNTPs can be easily recycled from the column flow-through and oligomeric RNA aggregates can be separated from the natively folded monomeric RNA product.
Children's strategic regulation, metacognitive monitoring, and control processes during test taking
Authors: Krebs Saskia S. , Roebers Claudia M.
Published: January 2010

Background

From the perspective of self‐regulated learning, the interplay between learners' individual characteristics and the context of testing have been emphasized for assessing learning outcomes.

Aims

The present study examined metacognitive processes in children's test‐taking behaviour and explored their impacts on performance. Further, it was investigated whether differences in retrieval processes (operationalized through item difficulty) contribute to performance in strategic regulation skills.

Sample and methods

A total of 107 participants (8‐/9‐ and 11‐/12‐year‐olds) solved a cloze test including answerable (easy, medium, and difficult questions) and unanswerable questions about an earlier presented educational film, gave confidence judgments to every answer, and were then allowed to withdraw answers if they wished. Two different scoring schemes for test performance were compared to a control group.

Results

Analyses revealed relatively adequate monitoring processes when metacognitively distinguishing easy, difficult, and unanswerable items and correct and incorrect answers. At the same time, there was developmental progression in the ability to accurately monitor uncertainty. As to control processes, all children proved to be able to adjust their test‐taking behaviour to the benefit of test accuracy by withdrawing mainly incorrect answers. Controlling was more efficient for easy than for difficult and unanswerable items.

Conclusion

The study offers evidence for the impact of metacognitive skills in children's learning outcomes and documents strategic behaviour during test taking, as well as developmental progression in the involved skills. Further, findings underline the importance of memory retrieval for subsequent metacognitive processes.
Ecoregion Prioritization Suggests an Armoury Not a Silver Bullet for Conservation Planning
Authors: Funk Stephan M. , Fa Julia E.
Published: January 2010

In the face of accelerating species extinctions, map-based prioritization systems are increasingly useful to decide where to pursue conservation action most effectively. However, a number of seemingly inconsistent schemes have emerged, mostly focussing on endemism. Here we use global vertebrate distributions in terrestrial ecoregions to evaluate how continuous and categorical ranking schemes target and accumulate endangered taxa within the IUCN Red List, Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), and EDGE of Existence programme. We employed total, endemic and threatened species richness and an estimator for richness-adjusted endemism as metrics in continuous prioritization, and WWF's Global200 and Conservation International's (CI) Hotspots in categorical prioritization. Our results demonstrate that all metrics target endangerment more efficiently than by chance, but each selects unique sets of top-ranking ecoregions, which overlap only partially, and include different sets of threatened species. Using the top 100 ecoregions as defined by continuous prioritization metrics, we develop an inclusive map for global vertebrate conservation that incorporates important areas for endemism, richness, and threat. Finally, we assess human footprint and protection levels within these areas to reveal that endemism sites are more impacted but have more protection, in contrast to high richness and threat ones. Given such contrasts, major efforts to protect global biodiversity must involve complementary conservation approaches in areas of unique species as well as those with highest diversity and threat.
On the Equation ax ≡ x (mod b)
Authors: Germain Jam
Published: January 2010

Recently Jiménez-Urroz and Yebra [On the Equation
On Rainbow Solutions to an Equation with a Quadratic Term
Authors: Zhan Tong
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we prove that every 3-coloring of the positive integers such that the upper density of each color is greater than
A Short Note on the Difference Between Inverses of Consecutive Integers Modulo p
Authors: Chan Tsz Ho
Published: January 2010

In a previous paper, the author studied the distribution of differences between the multiplicative inverses of consecutive integers modulo
Epigenetic Contribution to Covariance Between Relatives
Authors: Tal Omri , Kisdi Eva , Jablonka Eva
Published: January 2010

Recent research has pointed to the ubiquity and abundance of between-generation epigenetic inheritance. This research has implications for assessing disease risk and the responses to ecological stresses and also for understanding evolutionary dynamics. An important step toward a general evaluation of these implications is the identification and estimation of the amount of heritable, epigenetic variation in populations. While methods for modeling the phenotypic heritable variance contributed by culture have already been developed, there are no comparable methods for nonbehavioral epigenetic inheritance systems. By introducing a model that takes epigenetic transmissibility (the probability of transmission of ancestral phenotypes) and environmental induction into account, we provide novel expressions for covariances between relatives. We have combined a classical quantitative genetics approach with information about the number of opportunities for epigenetic reset between generations and assumptions about environmental induction to estimate the heritable epigenetic variance and epigenetic transmissibility for both asexual and sexual populations. This assists us in the identification of phenotypes and populations in which epigenetic transmission occurs and enables a preliminary quantification of their transmissibility, which could then be followed by genomewide association and QTL studies.
A Genomewide RNA Interference Screen for Modifiers of Aggregates Formation by Mutant Huntingtin in Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Binari Richard , Zhou Rui , Perrimon Norbert
Published: January 2010

Protein aggregates are a common pathological feature of most neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Understanding their formation and regulation will help clarify their controversial roles in disease pathogenesis. To date, there have been few systematic studies of aggregates formation in Drosophila, a model organism that has been applied extensively in modeling NDs and screening for toxicity modifiers. We generated transgenic fly lines that express enhanced-GFP-tagged mutant Huntingtin (Htt) fragments with different lengths of polyglutamine (polyQ) tract and showed that these Htt mutants develop protein aggregates in a polyQ-length- and age-dependent manner in Drosophila. To identify central regulators of protein aggregation, we further generated stable Drosophila cell lines expressing these Htt mutants and also established a cell-based quantitative assay that allows automated measurement of aggregates within cells. We then performed a genomewide RNA interference screen for regulators of mutant Htt aggregation and isolated 126 genes involved in diverse cellular processes. Interestingly, although our screen focused only on mutant Htt aggregation, several of the identified candidates were known previously as toxicity modifiers of NDs. Moreover, modulating the in vivo activity of hsp110 (CG6603) or tra1, two hits from the screen, affects neurodegeneration in a dose-dependent manner in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease. Thus, other aggregates regulators isolated in our screen may identify additional genes involved in the protein-folding pathway and neurotoxicity.
The Impact of Whole Genome Sequencing on Model System Genetics: Get Ready for the Ride
Authors: Hobert Oliver
Published: January 2010

Much of our understanding of how organisms develop and function is derived from the extraordinarily powerful, classic approach of screening for mutant organisms in which a specific biological process is disrupted. Reaping the fruits of such forward genetic screens in metazoan model systems like Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, or zebrafish traditionally involves time-consuming positional cloning strategies that result in the identification of the mutant locus. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has begun to provide an effective alternative to this approach through direct pinpointing of the molecular lesion in a mutated strain isolated from a genetic screen. Apart from significantly altering the pace and costs of genetic analysis, WGS also provides new perspectives on solving genetic problems that are difficult to tackle with conventional approaches, such as identifying the molecular basis of multigenic and complex traits.
Redefining Urinary Tract Infections by Bacterial Colony Counts
Authors: Coulthard Malcolm G. , Kalra Monika , Lambert Heather J. , Nelson Andrew , Smith Terry , Perry John D.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the best urinary bacterial concentration to diagnose urine infections.

METHODS:

We studied a quantitative culture of paired urine samples from children that were promptly tested together after serial dilution. The initial diagnosis of urinary tract infection made from the result of the first urine culture and subsequently modified according to the second sample result, and then the ratio of their colony counts was considered. A total of 203 children (aged 2.0 weeks to 17.7 years) were screened for urine infection in a hospital setting.

RESULTS:

The 36 children who had a urinary tract infection, defined as having the same uropathogen in both urine samples at concentrations within 25-fold of each other, had a mean colony count of 1.7 × 107 colony-forming units/mL. Among the 167 children who did not have a urinary tract infection, 12 (7.2%) would have had a false-positive diagnosis made on the first sample, which was revealed because the second sample result was different (n = 7) or had a ≥25-fold different colony count (n = 5). Raising the threshold from 105 to 106 colony-forming units/mL reduces the false-positive rate 4.8%. If 2 samples are cultured, the false-positive rates fall to 3.6% and 0.6%, respectively. All 9 children (5.4% of those without a urinary tract infection) who had a mixed culture with ≥105 colony-forming units/mL of a uropathogen (heavy mixed growth) in the first sample had a urine infection excluded by the second sample result.

CONCLUSION:

The minimum urinary bacterial concentration that is used to diagnose a urine infection should be increased from ≥105 to ≥106 colony-forming units/mL, because that would reduce the false-positive rate from 7.2% to 4.8% if 1 sample was cultured and from 3.6% to 0.6% if 2 samples were cultured. Urine samples with heavy mixed growths should be considered contaminated.
Parenting Behaviors, Perceptions, and Psychosocial Risk: Impacts on Young Children's Development
Authors: Glascoe Frances Page , Leew Shirley
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to assess which parenting behaviors, perceptions, and risk factors were associated with optimal versus delayed development.

METHODS:

A total of 382 families from the national Brigance Infant and Toddler Screens standardization and validation study participated. Data sources included parent questionnaires, child testing, and examiner observations of parent-child interactions. Parenting styles research was operationalized with the Brigance Parent-Child Interactions Scale, a brief measure of parenting behaviors and perceptions.

RESULTS:

Six positive parenting behaviors and perceptions predicted average to above-average development on the Brigance screens. Conversely, <2 positive parenting behaviors and negative perceptions of children indicated child performance nearly 2 SDs below the mean on Brigance screens. Psychosocial risk factors associated with fewer positive parenting behaviors and with negative perceptions included >3 children in the home, multiple moves, limited English, and parental depression.

CONCLUSIONS:

A dearth of positive parenting behaviors plus negative perceptions of children, with or without psychosocial risk factors, negatively affect child development, which is apparent as early as 6 months of age. The older the child is, the greater the performance gaps are. Language development is particularly at risk when parenting is problematic. Findings underscore the importance of early development promotion with parents, focusing on their talking, playing, and reading with children, and the need for interventions regarding psychosocial risk factors.
Mild Controlled Hypothermia in Preterm Neonates With Advanced Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Hall Nigel J. , Eaton Simon , Peters Mark J. , Hiorns Melanie P. , Alexander Nicholas , Azzopardi Denis V. , Pierro Agostino
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) carries significant morbidity and mortality. There is extensive experimental evidence to support investigation of therapeutic hypothermia in infants with these conditions. We aimed to establish the feasibility and safety of mild hypothermia in preterm neonates with NEC and MODS as a prelude to a randomized trial.

METHODS:

This was a prospective, nonrandomized pilot study of 15 preterm infants who were referred for surgical intervention of advanced NEC and failure of at least 3 organs. Whole-body cooling was achieved by ambient temperature adjustment with or without cooling mattress. Three groups (n = 5 per group) were cooled to core temperatures of 35.5°C (±0.5°C), 34.5°C, and 33.5°C, respectively, for 48 hours before rewarming to 37°C. Infants were carefully assessed to identify adverse effects that potentially were related to cooling and rewarming. A noncooled group (n = 10) with advanced surgical NEC and MODS was used for comparison. Data are medians (interquartile range).

RESULTS:

Gestational age at birth was 27 weeks (26–30), admission weight was 1.1 kg (1.0–1.7), and admission age was 31 days (12–45). Core temperature was maintained within target range for 90% (88%–97%) of the intended time. Statistically significant relationships were identified between core temperature and heart rate (P < .0001), pH (P < .0001), base excess (P = .003), and blood clot dynamics (longer time to initial clot formation, slower rate of clot formation, and decrease in clot strength; all P < .001) as assessed by thromboelastography. No major clinical problems or adverse events were noted during cooling or rewarming. Comparison with the noncooled group revealed no increase in mortality, bleeding, infection, or need for inotropes in infants who were cooled.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mild hypothermia for 48 hours in preterm neonates with severe NEC seems both feasible and safe. Additional investigation of the efficacy of this therapeutic intervention in this population is warranted.
Effect of Treatment of Subclinical Neonatal Seizures Detected With aEEG: Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: van Rooij Linda G. M. , Toet Mona C. , van Huffelen Alexander C. , Groenendaal Floris , Laan Wijnand , Zecic Alexandra , de Haan Timo , van Straaten Irma L. M. , Vrancken Sabine , van Wezel Gerda , van der Sluijs Jaqueline , ter Horst Henk , Gavilanes Danilo , Laroche Sabrina , Naulaers Gunnar , de Vries Linda S.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES:

The goals were to investigate how many subclinical seizures in full-term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) would be missed without continuous amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and whether immediate treatment of both clinical and subclinical seizures would result in a reduction in the total duration of seizures and a decrease in brain injury, as seen on MRI scans.

METHODS:

In this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, term infants with moderate to severe HIE and subclinical seizures were assigned randomly to either treatment of both clinical seizures and subclinical seizure patterns (group A) or blinding of the aEEG registration and treatment of clinical seizures only (group B). All recordings were reviewed with respect to the duration of seizure patterns and the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). MRI scans were scored for the severity of brain injury.

RESULTS:

Nineteen infants in group A and 14 infants in group B were available for comparison. The median duration of seizure patterns in group A was 196 minutes, compared with 503 minutes in group B (not statistically significant). No significant differences in the number of AEDs were seen. Five infants in group B received AEDs when no seizure discharges were seen on aEEG traces. Six of 19 infants in group A and 7 of 14 infants in group B died during the neonatal period. A significant correlation between the duration of seizure patterns and the severity of brain injury in the blinded group, as well as in the whole group, was found.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this small group of infants with neonatal HIE and seizures, there was a trend for a reduction in seizure duration when clinical and subclinical seizures were treated. The severity of brain injury seen on MRI scans was associated with a longer duration of seizure patterns.
Implementing Developmental Screening and Referrals: Lessons Learned From a National Project
Authors: King Tracy M. , Tandon S. Darius , Macias Michelle M. , Healy Jill A. , Duncan Paula M. , Swigonski Nancy L. , Skipper Stephanie M. , Lipkin Paul H.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the degree to which a national sample of pediatric practices could implement American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for developmental screening and referrals, and to identify factors that contributed to the successes and shortcomings of these efforts.

BACKGROUND:

In 2006, the AAP released a policy statement on developmental surveillance and screening that included an algorithm to aid practices in implementation. Simultaneously, the AAP launched a 9-month pilot project in which 17 diverse practices sought to implement the policy statement's recommendations.

METHODS:

Quantitative data from chart reviews were used to calculate rates of screening and referral. Qualitative data on practices' implementation efforts were collected through semistructured telephone interviews and inductively analyzed to generate key themes.

RESULTS:

Nearly all practices selected parent-completed screening instruments. Instrument selection was frequently driven by concerns regarding clinic flow. At the project's conclusion, practices reported screening more than 85% of patients presenting at recommended screening ages. They achieved this by dividing responsibilities among staff and actively monitoring implementation. Despite these efforts, many practices struggled during busy periods and times of staff turnover. Most practices were unable or unwilling to adhere to 3 specific AAP recommendations: to implement a 30-month visit; to administer a screen after surveillance suggested concern; and to submit simultaneous referrals both to medical subspecialists and local early-intervention programs. Overall, practices reported referring only 61% of children with failed screens. Many practices also struggled to track their referrals. Those that did found that many families did not follow through with recommended referrals.

CONCLUSIONS:

A diverse sample of practices successfully implemented developmental screening as recommended by the AAP. Practices were less successful in placing referrals and tracking those referrals. More attention needs to be paid to the referral process, and many practices may require separate implementation systems for screening and referrals.
Bronchiolitis: Recent Evidence on Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Zorc Joseph J. , Hall Caroline Breese
Published: January 2010

Viral bronchiolitis is a leading cause of acute illness and hospitalization of young children. Research into the variation in treatment and outcomes for bronchiolitis across different settings has led to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Ongoing investigation continues to expand this body of evidence. Authors of recent surveillance studies have defined the presence of coinfections with multiple viruses in some cases of bronchiolitis. Underlying comorbidities and young age remain the most important predictors for severe bronchiolitis. Pulse oximetry plays an important role in driving use of health care resources. Evidence-based reviews have suggested a limited role for diagnostic laboratory or radiographic tests in typical cases of bronchiolitis. Several large, recent trials have revealed a lack of efficacy for routine use of either bronchodilators or corticosteroids for treatment of bronchiolitis. Preliminary evidence suggests a potential future role for a combination of these therapies and other novel treatments such as nebulized hypertonic saline.