bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obstetric outcome after intervention for severe fear of childbirth in nulliparous women – randomised trial
Authors: Rouhe H , Salmela‐Aro K , Toivanen R , Tokola M , Halmesmäki E , Saisto T 
Published: November 2012

Objective  To compare the numbers of vaginal deliveries and delivery satisfaction among women with fear of childbirth randomised to either psychoeducation or conventional surveillance during pregnancy.Design  Randomised controlled trial.Setting  Maternity unit of Helsinki University Central Hospital.Population  Fear of childbirth was screened during early pregnancy by the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W‐DEQ‐A). Of 4575 screened nulliparous women, 371 (8.1%) scored ≥100, showing severe fear of childbirth.Methods  Women with W‐DEQ‐A ≥100 were randomised to intervention (n = 131) (psychoeducative group therapy, six sessions during pregnancy and one after childbirth) or control (n = 240) (care by community nurses and referral if necessary) groups. Obstetric data were collected from patient records and delivery satisfaction was examined by questionnaire.Main outcome measures  Delivery mode and satisfaction.Results  Women randomised to the intervention group more often had spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) than did controls (63.4% versus 47.5%, P = 0.005) and fewer caesarean sections (CSs) (22.9% versus 32.5%, P = 0.05). SVD was more frequent and CSs were less frequent among those who actually participated in intervention (n = 90) compared with controls who had been referred to consultation (n = 106) (SVD: 65.6% versus 47.2%, P = 0.014; CS: 23.3% versus 38.7%, P = 0.031). Women in intervention more often had a very positive delivery experience (36.1% versus 22.8%, P = 0.04, n = 219).Conclusions  To decrease the number of CSs, appropriate treatment for fear of childbirth is important. This study shows positive effects of psychoeducative group therapy in nulliparous women with severe fear of childbirth in terms of fewer CSs and more satisfactory delivery experiences relative to control women with a similar severe fear of childbirth.
Characteristics of HPV infection over time in European women who are HIV‐1 positive
Authors: Heard I , Cubie HA , Mesher D , Sasieni P ,   for the MACH‐1 Study Group
Published: November 2012

Objective  The objectives of the study were to investigate high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection and type distribution in women infected with HIV‐1, and to determine the relevance of HR‐HPV positivity and persistence/loss to the development of high‐grade cervical disease.Design  A total of 518 European women infected with HIV attending for routine gynaecological care consented to 6‐monthly follow‐up visits over 3 years, with surveillance of cytology, colposcopy and histopathology, where relevant, and longer follow‐up, where possible.Setting  European women infected with HIV attending for routine gynaecological care.Population or sample  518 European women infected with HIV attending for gynaecological care in 6 hospital‐based European centres ‐ Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Milan, Paris, and Warsaw.Methods  Cervical screening was achieved by liquid‐based cytology (LBC) of brush samples in PreservCyt® medium. The HPV testing of residual samples was performed by Hybrid‐Capture II, with genotyping of positives using the HPV Line Blot Assay. Histology results were accessed where available.Main outcome measures  Description of high risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection and type distribution in HIV‐1 infected women.Results  The estimated prevalence at baseline of any HR‐HPV type was 49.5% (46.3–52.8%): 10.2% for HPV 16 and 4.3% for HPV 18. The prevalence increased with increasing immunosuppression. Multiple infections were detected in 26.8%. HR‐HPV genotypes were detected in 34.9% of cases with normal cytology, in 77.2% of cases with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASCUS/LSIL) and in 90.8% of cases with high‐grade SIL (HSIL). The prevalence of HPV 16 in HSIL was 38.5%, with the three most common types thereafter having prevalence rates of 19.2% (HPV 58), 19.2% (HPV 53) and 16.6% (HPV 52). The overall persistence of any high‐risk type was 55.8%. We found that 6 months persistence of HPV 16 occurred in 24 women. Seven cases of high‐grade cervical disease developed, and all were associated with initial/persistent HR‐HPV positivity.Conclusions  A wide diversity of HPV types was evident, and multiple infections were common. Detection or persistence of any HR‐HPV was associated with a very low incidence of subsequent high‐grade disease.
Derivatives use and financial instrument disclosure in the extractives industry
Authors: Birt Jacqueline , Rankin Michaela , Song Chen L. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article documents the use and disclosure of derivatives in the Australian extractives industry. We find that derivatives are used by 23 per cent of our sample, with mitigation of commodity risk and foreign exchange risk being the most common purposes for which derivatives are used. The most common types of derivatives used in the sector for hedging purposes are forward rate agreements and options. Results indicate that derivative use is positively associated with financial risk and firm size. We also examine the relation between firm characteristics and the extent of financial instrument disclosure, using a disclosure index based on the additional requirements in IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. Empirical results reveal that large firms with higher leverage, which use derivatives, and are audited by a Big 4 auditor provide more extensive disclosure of financial instruments.
Child and family factors associated with teacher‐reported behavior problems in young children of substance abusers
Authors: Conners‐Burrow Nicola A. , Kyzer Angela , Pemberton Joy , McKelvey Lorraine , Whiteside‐Mansell Leanne , Fulmer James 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundWe examined child and family factors associated with teacher‐reported behavior problems in 79 children of substance abusers (COSAs).MethodUsing regression models, we examined the impact of four family risk factors, cumulatively and individually, on children's behavior and explored children's engagement of adults as a protective factor.ResultsMore than half (55%) of children had clinically elevated behavior problems. Cumulative family risks were associated with increased problems, whereas the presence of a father in the home and the child's ability to engage adults were protective.ConclusionsThese findings may help explain the variation in behavioral outcomes of COSAs.
Changes in B cell immunophenotype in common variable immunodeficiency: cause or effect – is bronchiectasis indicative of undiagnosed immunodeficiency?
Authors: Bright P , Grigoriadou S , Kamperidis P , Buckland M , Hickey A , Longhurst H J 
Published: November 2012

Summary
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common severe primary immunodeficiency, but the pathology of this condition is poorly understood. CVID involves a defect in the production of immunoglobulin from B cells, with a subsequent predisposition to infections. Approximately 10–20% of cases are inherited, but even in families with a genetic defect the penetrance is far from complete. A classification system for CVID has been suggested (EUROclass) based on B cell immunophenotyping, but it has not been shown that altered B cell immunophenotype is not a consequence of the complications and treatment of CVID. This study compares the EUROclass B cell immunophenotype of CVID patients (n = 30) with suitable disease controls with bronchiectasis (n = 11), granulomatous disease (Crohn’s disease) (n = 9) and neurological patients on immunoglobulin treatment (n = 6). The results of this study correlate with previous literature, that alterations in B cell immunophenotype are associated strongly with CVID. Interestingly, three of the 11 bronchiectasis patients without known immunodeficiency had an altered B cell immunophenotype, suggesting the possibility of undiagnosed immunodeficiency, or that bronchiectasis may cause a secondary alteration in B cell immunophenotype. This study showed a significant difference in B cell immunophenotype between CVID patients compared to disease control groups of granulomatous disease and immunoglobulin treatment. This suggests that granulomatous disease (in Crohn’s disease) and immunoglobulin treatment (for chronic neurological conditions) are not causal of an altered B cell immunophenotype in these control populations.
Cell-based interventions to halt autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Barcala Tabarrozzi A E , Castro C N , Dewey R A , Sogayar M C , Labriola L , Perone M J 
Published: November 2012

SummaryType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from death of insulin-secreting β cells mediated by self-immune cells, and the consequent inability of the body to maintain insulin levels for appropriate glucose homeostasis. Probably initiated by environmental factors, this disease takes place in genetically predisposed individuals. Given the autoimmune nature of T1DM, therapeutics targeting immune cells involved in disease progress have been explored over the last decade. Several high-cost trials have been attempted to prevent and/or reverse T1DM. Although a definitive solution to cure T1DM is not yet available, a large amount of information about its nature and development has contributed greatly to both the improvement of patient’s health care and design of new treatments. In this study, we discuss the role of different types of immune cells involved in T1DM pathogenesis and their therapeutic potential as targets and/or modified tools to treat patients. Recently, encouraging results and new approaches to sustain remnant β cell mass and to increase β cell proliferation by different cell-based means have emerged. Results coming from ongoing clinical trials employing cell therapy designed to arrest T1DM will probably proliferate in the next few years. Strategies under consideration include infusion of several types of stem cells, dendritic cells and regulatory T cells, either manipulated genetically ex vivo or non-manipulated. Their use in combination approaches is another therapeutic alternative. Cell-based interventions, without undesirable side effects, directed to block the uncontrollable autoimmune response may become a clinical reality in the next few years for the treatment of patients with T1DM.
Terlipressin in brain‐death donors
Authors: Piazza Ornella , Scarpati Giuliana , Rispoli Fabio , Iannuzzi Michele , Tufano Rosalba , De Robertis Edoardo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundMetabolic management of brain‐death organ donors includes correction of the hormonal perturbations that occur after cerebral death and impair circulatory function. Vasopressin is a hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, which contributes to maintain systemic blood pressure by regulating urine secretion and small arteriole tonus. During brain death, the pituitary gland is damaged and hormone secretion rapidly ceases. Low‐dose vasopressin increases systemic blood pressure and decreases the need for catecholamines in brain‐dead organ donors but it is not available in many countries. Terlipressin is a synthetic analog of vasopressin characterized by greater selectivity for the V1 receptor than vasopressin. To date, the efficacy of terlipressin as a pressor agent in humans has been reported in a few studies.MethodPharmacology and literature about the use of terlipressin in shock and in particularly in neurogenic shock following brain death is summarized and our personal experience is reported.Results and conclusionTerlipressin is helpful in controlling severe hypotension; its use allowed to reduce the infusion rate of norepinephrine about 50% in two of three brain‐death organ donors, but there are not yet enough data to define its therapeutic range and incidence of collateral effects on the grafts.
A cross‐sectional study of hand sensation in adults with conservatively treated obstetric brachial plexus lesion
Authors: ANGUELOVA GALIA V , MALESSY MARTIJN J A , VAN DIJK J GERT 
Published: November 2012

Aim  Sensory function is assumed to recover almost completely in obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL), and is reported to recover much better than motor function. However, there is no obvious physiological reason why this should be so. Any persistent problems with sensory innervation might contribute to disability, therefore we aimed to assess sensory dysfunction in adults resulting from OBPL.Method  Adults with conservatively treated OBPL (n=17; 12 females, five males; median age 38y; lesion levels: C5–C6, n=7; C5–C7, n=7; C5–C8, n=2; C5–Th1, n=1) and 19 healthy comparison persons (10 females, nine males; median age 23y) were investigated. Sensory function was measured using Semmes‐Weinstein monofilaments, two‐point discrimination, object recognition, and a locognosia test.Results  Scores of the Semmes‐Weinstein monofilaments and two‐point discrimination, but not object recognition or locognosia, were significantly worse in those with OBPL than in those without OBPL.Interpretation  There may be systematic abnormalities in sensory function in adults with conservatively treated OBPL. The existence of these impairments and their contribution to functional impairment needs to be acknowledged.
Drug interactions between antihypertensive drugs and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents: a descriptive study using the French Pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Fournier Jean‐Pascal , Sommet Agnès , Durrieu Geneviève , Poutrain Jean‐Christophe , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Montastruc Jean‐Louis 
Published: November 2012

AbstractDrug–drug interactions (DDIs) between antihypertensive drugs and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Guidelines are available to help prescribers deal with these drug associations, but their implementation is not well evaluated. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of NSAIDs exposure in patients treated with antihypertensive drugs, using the French Pharmacovigilance database, and explore the ADRs related to DDIs between antihypertensive drugs and NSAIDs. Over the 11, 442 notifications of ADRs recorded in this database in patients treated with oral antihypertensive drugs between 2008 and 2010, 517 (4.5 and 95% CI: 4.1–4.9) also included exposure to NSAIDs. These subjects were more frequently women, took more drugs in general, and were younger and less frequently treated with antiplatelet drugs. In 24.2% of them (125 patients), a DDI between NSAIDs and antihypertensive drugs was potentially the cause of the reported ADR. Acute renal failure caused by DDIs between NSAIDs and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or diuretics was the most frequently reported ADR (20.7%). Finally, in the French Pharmacovigilance database, around one‐fourth of associations NSAIDs + antihypertensive drugs are associated with a ‘serious’ ADR (mainly acute renal failure), suggesting that this well‐known DDI is not enough taken into account by prescribers.
Joint X‐ray crystallographic and molecular dynamics study of cellobiohydrolase I from Trichoderma harzianum: deciphering the structural features of cellobiohydrolase catalytic activity
Authors: Textor Larissa C. , Colussi Francieli , Silveira Rodrigo L. , Serpa Viviane , de Mello Bruno L. , Muniz João Renato C. , Squina Fabio M. , Pereira Nei , Skaf Munir S. , Polikarpov Igor 
Published: October 2012

Aiming to contribute toward the characterization of new, biotechnologically relevant cellulolytic enzymes, we report here the first crystal structure of the catalytic core domain of Cel7A (cellobiohydrolase I) from the filamentous fungus Trichoderma harzianum IOC 3844. Our structural studies and molecular dynamics simulations show that the flexibility of Tyr260, in comparison with Tyr247 from the homologous Trichoderma reesei Cel7A, is enhanced as a result of the short side‐chains of adjacent Val216 and Ala384 residues and creates an additional gap at the side face of the catalytic tunnel. T. harzianum cellobiohydrolase I also has a shortened loop at the entrance of the cellulose‐binding tunnel, which has been described to interact with the substrate in T. reesei Cel7A. These structural features might explain why T. harzianum Cel7A displays higher kcat and Km values, and lower product inhibition on both glucoside and lactoside substrates, compared with T. reesei Cel7A.
Increasing influence of heat stress on French maize yields from the 1960s to the 2030s
Authors: Hawkins Ed , Fricker Thomas E. , Challinor Andrew J. , Ferro Christopher A. T. , Ho Chun Kit , Osborne Tom M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractImproved crop yield forecasts could enable more effective adaptation to climate variability and change. Here, we explore how to combine historical observations of crop yields and weather with climate model simulations to produce crop yield projections for decision relevant timescales. Firstly, the effects on historical crop yields of improved technology, precipitation and daily maximum temperatures are modelled empirically, accounting for a nonlinear technology trend and interactions between temperature and precipitation, and applied specifically for a case study of maize in France. The relative importance of precipitation variability for maize yields in France has decreased significantly since the 1960s, likely due to increased irrigation. In addition, heat stress is found to be as important for yield as precipitation since around 2000. A significant reduction in maize yield is found for each day with a maximum temperature above 32 °C, in broad agreement with previous estimates. The recent increase in such hot days has likely contributed to the observed yield stagnation. Furthermore, a general method for producing near‐term crop yield projections, based on climate model simulations, is developed and utilized. We use projections of future daily maximum temperatures to assess the likely change in yields due to variations in climate. Importantly, we calibrate the climate model projections using observed data to ensure both reliable temperature mean and daily variability characteristics, and demonstrate that these methods work using retrospective predictions. We conclude that, to offset the projected increased daily maximum temperatures over France, improved technology will need to increase base level yields by 12% to be confident about maintaining current levels of yield for the period 2016–2035; the current rate of yield technology increase is not sufficient to meet this target.
Stream isotherm shifts from climate change and implications for distributions of ectothermic organisms
Authors: Isaak Daniel J. , Rieman Bruce E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractStream ecosystems are especially vulnerable to climate warming because most aquatic organisms are ectothermic and live in dendritic networks that are easily fragmented. Many bioclimatic models predict significant range contractions in stream biotas, but subsequent biological assessments have rarely been done to determine the accuracy of these predictions. Assessments are difficult because model predictions are either untestable or so imprecise that definitive answers may not be obtained within timespans relevant for effective conservation. Here, we develop the equations for calculating isotherm shift rates (ISRs) in streams that can be used to represent historic or future warming scenarios and be calibrated to individual streams using local measurements of stream temperature and slope. A set of reference equations and formulas are provided for application to most streams. Example calculations for streams with lapse rates of 0.8 °C/100 m and long‐term warming rates of 0.1–0.2 °C decade−1 indicate that isotherms shift upstream at 0.13–1.3 km decade−1 in steep streams (2–10% slope) and 1.3–25 km decade−1 in flat streams (0.1–1% slope). Used more generally with global scenarios, the equations predict isotherms shifted 1.5–43 km in many streams during the 20th Century as air temperatures increased by 0.6 °C and would shift another 5–143 km in the first half of the 21st Century if midrange projections of a 2 °C air temperature increase occur. Variability analysis suggests that short‐term variation associated with interannual stream temperature changes will mask long‐term isotherm shifts for several decades in most locations, so extended biological monitoring efforts are required to document anticipated distribution shifts. Resampling of historical sites could yield estimates of biological responses in the short term and should be prioritized to validate bioclimatic models and develop a better understanding about the effects of temperature increases on stream biotas.
Complement 5a stimulates hepatic stellate cells in vitro, and is increased in the plasma of patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Xu Ruonan , Lin Fang , He Jin , Jin Lei , Zhang Ji‐yuan , Fu Junliang , Liu Honghong , Wang Siyu , Zhang Zheng , Wang Fu‐Sheng 
Published: October 2012

SummaryComplement 5a (C5a) is a critical modulator of liver immunity. In this study, we investigated the role of C5a and its receptor in liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B virus infection. We found that plasma C5a concentration was significantly increased in patients with chronic hepatitis B, particularly in those patients with higher grade and stage scores. Further analysis indicated that the increased C5a concentration was positively correlated with clinical parameters reflecting liver fibrosis severity, including type IV collagen and procollagen type III N‐terminal peptide. Our in vitro data indicated that the C5a receptor is highly expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Addition of C5a significantly activated HSCs and up‐regulated α‐smooth muscle actin, hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen expression. Also, addition of C5a could inhibit the spontaneous and soluble tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐induced apoptosis of HSCs. These findings highlight the potential role of C5a in the regulation of liver fibrosis.
CD26‐mediated co‐stimulation in human CD8+T cells provokes effector function via pro‐inflammatory cytokine production
Authors: Hatano Ryo , Ohnuma Kei , Yamamoto Junpei , Dang Nam H. , Morimoto Chikao 
Published: October 2012

SummaryCD26 is an activation marker of human CD4+ T cells, and is associated with T‐cell signal transduction processes as a co‐stimulatory molecule. We have previously demonstrated that high CD26 cell surface expression on CD4+ T cells is correlated with the production of T helper type 1 cytokines, whereas CD26+ T helper cells stimulate antibody synthesis in B cells. Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in CD26‐mediated CD4+ T‐cell activation have been extensively evaluated by our group and others, the role of CD26 in CD8+ T cells has not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, we examine the effector function of CD8+ T cells via CD26‐mediated co‐stimulation in comparison with CD28‐mediated co‐stimulation. We found that CD26high CD8+ T cells belong to the early effector memory T‐cell subset, and that CD26‐mediated co‐stimulation of CD8+ T cells exerts a cytotoxic effect preferentially via granzyme B, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ and Fas ligand. The effector function associated with CD26‐mediated co‐stimulation is enhanced compared with that obtained through CD28‐mediated co‐stimulation, suggesting that the CD26 co‐stimulation pathway in CD8+ T cells is distinct from the CD28 co‐stimulation pathway. Targeting CD26 in CD8+ T cells therefore has the potential to be useful in studies of immune responses to new vaccine candidates as well as innovative therapy for immune‐mediated diseases.