bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of vitamin A supplementation on infant and childhood mortality
Authors: Imdad Aamer , Yakoob Mohammad Yawar , Sudfeld Christopher , Haider Batool A , Black Robert E , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Vitamin A is important for the integrity and regeneration of respiratory and gastrointestinal epithelia and is involved in regulating human immune function. It has been shown previously that vitamin A has a preventive effect on all-cause and disease specific mortality in children under five. The purpose of this paper was to get a point estimate of efficacy of vitamin A supplementation in reducing cause specific mortality by using Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) guidelines.

Methods
A literature search was done on PubMed, Cochrane Library and WHO regional data bases using various free and Mesh terms for vitamin A and mortality. Data were abstracted into standardized forms and quality of studies was assessed according to standardized guidelines. Pooled estimates were generated for preventive effect of vitamin A supplementation on all-cause and disease specific mortality of diarrhea, measles, pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. We did a subgroup analysis for vitamin A supplementation in neonates, infants 1-6 months and children aged 6-59 months. In this paper we have focused on estimation of efficacy of vitamin A supplementation in children 6-59 months of age. Results for neonatal vitamin A supplementation have been presented, however no recommendations are made as more evidence on it would be available soon.

Results
There were 21 studies evaluating preventive effect of vitamin A supplementation in community settings which reported all-cause mortality. Twelve of these also reported cause specific mortality for diarrhea and pneumonia and six reported measles specific mortality. Combined results from six studies showed that neonatal vitamin A supplementation reduced all-cause mortality by 12 % [Relative risk (RR) 0.88; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.79-0.98]. There was no effect of vitamin A supplementation in reducing all-cause mortality in infants 1-6 months of age [RR 1.05; 95 % CI 0.88-1.26]. Pooled results for preventive vitamin A supplementation showed that it reduced all-cause mortality by 25% [RR 0.75; 95 % CI 0.64-0.88] in children 6-59 months of age. Vitamin A supplementation also reduced diarrhea specific mortality by 30% [RR 0.70; 95 % CI 0.58-0.86] in children 6-59 months. This effect has been recommended for inclusion in the Lives Saved Tool. Vitamin A supplementation had no effect on measles [RR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.43-1.16], meningitis [RR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.22-2.48] and pneumonia [RR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.67-1.30] specific mortality.

Conclusion
Preventive vitamin A supplementation reduces all-cause and diarrhea specific mortality in children 6-59 months of age in community settings in developing countries.
The effect of providing skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care in preventing stillbirths
Authors: Yakoob Mohammad Yawar , Ali Mahrukh Ayesha , Ali Mohammad Usman , Imdad Aamer , Lawn Joy E , Van Den Broek Nynke , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Of the global burden of 2.6 million stillbirths, around 1.2 million occur during labour i.e. are intrapartum deaths. In low-/middle-income countries, a significant proportion of women give birth at home, usually in the absence of a skilled birth attendant. This review discusses the impact of skilled birth attendance (SBA) and the provision of Emergency Obstetric Care (EOC) on stillbirths and perinatal mortality.

Methods
A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Database and the WHO regional libraries. Data of all eligible studies were extracted into a standardized Excel sheet containing variables such as participants’ characteristics, sample size, location, setting, blinding, allocation concealment, intervention and control details and limitations. We undertook a meta-analysis of the impact of SBA on stillbirths. Given the paucity of data from randomized trials or robust quasi-experimental designs, we undertook an expert Delphi consultation to determine impact estimates of provision of Basic and Comprehensive EOC on reducing stillbirths if there would be universal coverage (99%).

Results
The literature search yielded 871 hits. A total of 21 studies were selected for data abstraction. Our meta-analysis on community-based skilled birth attendance based on two before-after studies showed a 23% significant reduction in stillbirths (RR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.69 – 0.85). The overall quality grade of available evidence for this intervention on stillbirths was ‘moderate’. The Delphi process supported the estimated reduction in stillbirths by skilled attendance and experts further suggested that the provision of Basic EOC had the potential to avert intrapartum stillbirths by 45% and with provision of Comprehensive EOC this could be reduced by 75%. These estimates are conservative, consistent with historical trends in maternal and perinatal mortality from both developed and developing countries, and are recommended for inclusion in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model.

Conclusions
Both Skilled Birth Attendance and Emergency/or Essential Obstetric Care have the potential to reduce the number of stillbirths seen globally. Further evidence is needed to be able to calculate an effect size.
N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide is decreased in insulin dependent gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort trial
Authors: Andreas Martin , Zeisler Harald , Handisurya Ammon , Franz Maximilian B , Gottsauner-Wolf Michael , Wolzt Michael , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is elevated in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. This trial aimed to generate data for gestational diabetes mellitus patients, who are at risk to develop these complications.

Methods
We have measured NT-proBNP in 223 otherwise healthy women between gestational week 24 and 32 referred to the outpatient diabetes unit in a cross-sectional study.

Results
88 control subjects, 45 patients with indication for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) alone and 90 patients who required insulin therapy were included. Groups of women were comparable regarding gestational week. Body mass index before pregnancy and at blood draw was significantly higher in subjects with insulin dependent gestational diabetes mellitus compared to MNT controlled gestational diabetes mellitus. NT-proBNP was significantly lower in patients with insulin dependent gestational diabetes mellitus (35 ± 25 pg/ml) compared to controls (53 ± 43 pg/ml, p = 0.012).

Conclusions
NT-proBNP is within the reference range of normal subjects in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Differences in body mass index, changes in glomerular filtration rate and haemodynamics may explain lower NT-proBNP concentrations in insulin dependent gestational diabetes mellitus. A false negative interpretation needs to be considered in these women.
Anisotropic Ti
x
Sn1-

x
O2 nanostructures prepared by magnetron sputter deposition
Authors: Chen Shutian , Li Zhengcao , Zhang Zhengjun 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRegular arrays of Ti
x
Sn1-
x
O2 nanoflakes were fabricated through glancing angle sputter deposition onto self-assembled close-packed arrays of 200-nm-diameter polystyrene spheres. The morphology of nanostructures could be controlled by simply adjusting the sputtering power of the Ti target. The reflectance measurements showed that the melon seed-shaped nanoflakes exhibited optimal properties of antireflection in the entire visible and ultraviolet region. In addition, we determined their anisotropic reflectance in the direction parallel to the surface of nanoflakes and perpendicular to it, arising from the anisotropic morphology.
A comparative study of non-covalent encapsulation methods for organic dyes into silica nanoparticles
Authors: Auger Aurélien , Samuel Jorice , Poncelet Olivier , Raccurt Olivier 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNumerous luminophores may be encapsulated into silica nanoparticles (< 100 nm) using the reverse microemulsion process. Nevertheless, the behaviour and effect of such luminescent molecules appear to have been much less studied and may possibly prevent the encapsulation process from occurring. Such nanospheres represent attractive nanoplatforms for the development of biotargeted biocompatible luminescent tracers. Physical and chemical properties of the encapsulated molecules may be affected by the nanomatrix. This study examines the synthesis of different types of dispersed silica nanoparticles, the ability of the selected luminophores towards incorporation into the silica matrix of those nanoobjects as well as the photophysical properties of the produced dye-doped silica nanoparticles. The nanoparticles present mean diameters between 40 and 60 nm as shown by TEM analysis. Mainly, the photophysical characteristics of the dyes are retained upon their encapsulation into the silica matrix, leading to fluorescent silica nanoparticles. This feature article surveys recent research progress on the fabrication strategies of these dye-doped silica nanoparticles.
Fabrication of complete titania nanoporous structures via electrochemical anodization of Ti
Authors: Ali Ghafar , Chen Chong , Yoo Seung Hwa , Kum Jong Min , Cho Sung Oh 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe present a novel method to fabricate complete and highly oriented anodic titanium oxide (ATO) nano-porous structures with uniform and parallel nanochannels. ATO nano-porous structures are fabricated by anodizing a Ti-foil in two different organic viscous electrolytes at room temperature using a two-step anodizing method. TiO2nanotubes covered with a few nanometer thin nano-porous layer is produced when the first and the second anodization are carried out in the same electrolyte. However, a complete titania nano-porous (TNP) structures are obtained when the second anodization is conducted in a viscous electrolyte when compared to the first one. TNP structure was attributed to the suppression of F-rich layer dissolution between the cell boundaries in the viscous electrolyte. The structural morphologies were examined by field emission scanning electron microscope. The average pore diameter is approximately 70 nm, while the average inter-pore distance is approximately 130 nm. These TNP structures are useful to fabricate other nanostructure materials and nanodevices.
Sensitive and molecular size-selective detection of proteins using a chip-based and heteroliganded gold nanoisland by localized surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Hong Surin , Lee Suseung , Yi Jongheop 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA highly sensitive and molecular size-selective method for the detection of proteins using heteroliganded gold nanoislands and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is described. Two different heteroligands with different chain lengths (3-mercaptopionicacid and decanethiol) were used in fabricating nanoholes for the size-dependent separation of a protein in comparison with its aggregate. Their ratios on gold nanoisland were optimized for the sensitive detection of superoxide dismutase (SOD1). This protein has been implicated in the pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Upon exposure of the optimized gold nanoisland to a solution of SOD1 and aggregates thereof, changes in the LSPR spectra were observed which are attributed to the size-selective and covalent chemical binding of SOD1 to the nanoholes. With a lower detection limit of 1.0 ng/ml, the method can be used to selectively detect SOD1 in the presence of aggregates at the molecular level.
Protein synthesis of the pro-inflammatory S100A8/A9 complex in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and cell surface S100A8/A9 on leukocyte subpopulations in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lood Christian , Stenström Martin , Tydén Helena , Gullstrand Birgitta , Källberg Eva , Leanderson Tomas , Truedsson Lennart , Sturfelt Gunnar , Ivars Fredrik , Bengtsson Anders A 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with chronic or episodic inflammation in many different organ systems, activation of leukocytes and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The heterodimer of the cytosolic calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9 (S100A8/A9) is secreted by activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes and serves as a serum marker for several inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, S100A8 and S100A9 have many pro-inflammatory properties such as binding to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In this study we investigated if aberrant cell surface S100A8/A9 could be seen in SLE and if plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) could synthesize S100A8/A9.

Methods
Flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and real-time PCR of flow cytometry-sorted cells were used to measure cell surface S100A8/A9, intracellular S100A8/A9 and mRNA levels of S100A8 and S100A9, respectively.

Results
Cell surface S100A8/A9 was detected on all leukocyte subpopulations investigated except for T cells. By confocal microscopy, real-time PCR and stimulation assays, we could demonstrate that pDCs, monocytes and PMNs could synthesize S100A8/A9. Furthermore, pDC cell surface S100A8/A9 was higher in patients with active disease as compared to patients with inactive disease. Upon immune complex stimulation, pDCs up-regulated the cell surface S100A8/A9. SLE patients had also increased serum levels of S100A8/A9.

Conclusions
Patients with SLE had increased cell surface S100A8/A9, which could be important in amplification and persistence of inflammation. Importantly, pDCs were able to synthesize S100A8/A9 proteins and up-regulate the cell surface expression upon immune complex-stimulation. Thus, S100A8/A9 may be a potent target for treatment of inflammatory diseases such as SLE.
A quantitative literature-curated gold standard for kinase-substrate pairs
Authors: Sharifpoor Sara , Nguyen Ba Alex N , Young Ji-Young , van Dyk Dewald , Friesen Helena , Douglas Alison C , Kurat Christoph F , Chong Yolanda T , Founk Karen , Moses Alan M , Andrews Brenda J 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe describe the Yeast Kinase Interaction Database (KID, http://www.moseslab.csb.utoronto.ca/KID/), which contains high- and low-throughput data relevant to phosphorylation events. KID includes 6,225 low-throughput and 21,990 high-throughput interactions, from greater than 35,000 experiments. By quantitatively integrating these data, we identified 517 high-confidence kinase-substrate pairs that we consider a gold standard. We show that this gold standard can be used to assess published high-throughput datasets, suggesting that it will enable similar rigorous assessments in the future.
Listening to the Self: The Shawshank Redemption and the Technology of Music
Authors: Chua Daniel K. L. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Music has often been used to symbolize and express ontological experiences. This article explores a mode of nineteenth-century self-audition where music captures a glimpse of the freedom that lies at the core of the subject. This mode of listening has intensified with the development of modern technology and is still prevalent in constructing the identity of the self. The opera scene from the Shawshank Redemption not only is an example of this special effect, but provides a narrative of how music achieves this affect, creating an ideal and virtual self through sound technology.
Thyroid hormone and recovery of cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a strong association?
Authors: Lymvaios Ioannis , Mourouzis Iordanis , Cokkinos Dennis V , Dimopoulos Meletios A , Toumanidis Savvas T , Pantos Constantinos 
Published: April 2011

ObjectiveThis study investigated whether changes in thyroid hormone (TH) in plasma are associated with the recovery of cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Previous experimental studies have provided evidence of potential implication of TH signaling in post-ischemic recovery of cardiac function.MethodsA total of 47 patients with AMI and early reperfusion therapy were included in this study. Myocardial injury was analyzed by peak creatinine kinase–MB (CKMB) and cardiac function was assessed by echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%). Recovery of function (ΔEF%) was estimated as the difference of LVEF% between 48 h and 6 months (6 mo) after AMI. Total triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and TSH were measured in plasma at different time points (24 h, 48 h, 5 d, and 6 mo).ResultsA significant correlation between LVEF% and T3 (r=0.5, P=0.0004) was found early after AMI (48 h), whereas no correlation was observed between CKMB and T3 (r=−0.04, P=0.81). A strong correlation was found between ΔEF% and total T3 (r=0.64, P=10−6) at 6 mo after AMI. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis revealed that T3 at 6 mo (r=0.64, r2=0.41, P=10−6) was an independent determinant of ΔEF%.ConclusionChanges in T3 levels in plasma are closely correlated with the early and late recovery of cardiac function after AMI. T3 levels at 6 mo appear to be an independent predictor of late functional recovery.
The Role of Bisphosphonates in Multiple Myeloma: Mechanisms, Side Effects, and the Future
Authors: Pozzi Samantha , Raje Noopur 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Zoledronic acid and pamidronate are two potent anticatabolic nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (BPs) used extensively in diseases with high bone turnover such as multiple myeloma (MM). In this review we focus on their biology and their current and future use in MM, and highlight some of the most common and emerging side effects. Although the primary target cells for BPs are osteoclasts, new insights suggest other cell types of the bone microenvironment as possible targets, including osteoblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and cancer cells. Here, we focus on the current guidelines for the use of BPs in MM and address side effects such as renal toxicity, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and low-energy fractures. Finally, we approach the future of BP use in MM in the context of other bone-targeted agents, evaluating ongoing clinical trials addressing alternate dosing and schedules of BP administration in MM patients.
Impact of Business Cycles on US Suicide Rates, 1928–2007
Authors: Luo Feijun , Florence Curtis S. , Quispe-Agnoli Myriam , Ouyang Lijing , Crosby Alexander E. 
Published: April 2011

Objectives. We examined the associations of overall and age-specific suicide rates with business cycles from 1928 to 2007 in the United States.Methods. We conducted a graphical analysis of changes in suicide rates during business cycles, used nonparametric analyses to test associations between business cycles and suicide rates, and calculated correlations between the national unemployment rate and suicide rates.Results. Graphical analyses showed that the overall suicide rate generally rose during recessions and fell during expansions. Age-specific suicide rates responded differently to recessions and expansions. Nonparametric tests indicated that the overall suicide rate and the suicide rates of the groups aged 25 to 34 years, 35 to 44 years, 45 to 54 years, and 55 to 64 years rose during contractions and fell during expansions. Suicide rates of the groups aged 15 to 24 years, 65 to 74 years, and 75 years and older did not exhibit this behavior. Correlation results were concordant with all nonparametric results except for the group aged 65 to 74 years.Conclusions. Business cycles may affect suicide rates, although different age groups responded differently. Our findings suggest that public health responses are a necessary component of suicide prevention during recessions.
Facilitating HIV Disclosure Across Diverse Settings: A Review
Authors: Obermeyer Carla Makhlouf , Baijal Parijat , Pegurri Elisabetta 
Published: April 2011

HIV status disclosure is central to debates about HIV because of its potential for HIV prevention and its links to privacy and confidentiality as human-rights issues. Our review of the HIV-disclosure literature found that few people keep their status completely secret; disclosure tends to be iterative and to be higher in high-income countries; gender shapes disclosure motivations and reactions; involuntary disclosure and low levels of partner disclosure highlight the difficulties faced by health workers; the meaning and process of disclosure differ across settings; stigmatization increases fears of disclosure; and the ethical dilemmas resulting from competing values concerning confidentiality influence the extent to which disclosure can be facilitated. Our results suggest that structural changes, including making more services available, could facilitate HIV disclosure as much as individual approaches and counseling do.
Low-Intensity Adjusted-Dose Warfarin for the Prevention of Hemodialysis Catheter Failure
Authors: Wilkieson Trevor J. , Ingram Alistair J. , Crowther Mark A. , Soroka Steven D. , Nagai Ryuta , Jindal Kailash K. , Clase Catherine M. 
Published: April 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
To determine whether warfarin prolongs the time to first mechanical-catheter failure.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This was a multicenter parallel-group randomized controlled trial with blinding of participants, trial staff, clinical staff, outcome assessors, and data analysts. Randomization was in a 1:1 ratio in blocks of four and was concealed by use of fax to a central pharmacy. Hemodialysis patients with newly-placed catheters received low-intensity monitored-dose warfarin, target international normalized ratio (INR) 1.5 to 1.9, or placebo, adjusted according to schedule of sham INR results. The primary outcome was time to first mechanical-catheter failure (inability to establish a circuit or blood flow less than 200 ml/min).

Results
We randomized 174 patients: 87 to warfarin and 87 to placebo. Warfarin was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.90 (P = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57, 1.38) for time to first mechanical-catheter failure. Secondary analyses were: time to first guidewire exchange or catheter removal for mechanical failure (HR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.37, 1.6); time to catheter removal for mechanical failure (HR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.19, 2.37); and time to catheter removal for any cause (HR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.42, 1.81). Major bleeding occurred in 10 participants assigned to warfarin and seven on placebo (relative risk, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.57, 3.58; P = 0.61).

Conclusions
We found no evidence for efficacy of low-intensity, monitored-dose warfarin in preventing mechanical-catheter failure.