bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Does Preference for Natural Childbirth Relate to the Actual Mode of Delivery? A Population‐based Cohort Study from Norway
Authors: Kringeland Tone , Daltveit Anne Kjersti , Møller Anders 
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Background:  In Norway, intervention in childbirth has increased from 3 percent in 1967 to 37 percent in 2006. The objectives of this study were, first, to estimate to which extent women who expressed a preference for natural birth actually were delivered vaginally without interventions, and second, to estimate the influence that emotions and maternal background factors have on the mode of delivery.Methods:  We used data from 39,475 pregnancies of participants in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study in which the pregnant woman had expressed a preference for natural birth, and linked these data with the pregnancy outcome as registered in the population‐based Medical Birth Registry of Norway during 2000 to 2006. The influence of maternal factors on the mode of delivery was estimated with log‐binomial regression models, stratified by parity.Results:  Among primiparas, 29.3 percent delivered vaginally without interventions (natural birth), 56.1 percent gave birth vaginally with interventions, and 14.5 percent had a cesarean section. The strongest predictor for actually having a natural birth was age below 25 years, having more than 12 years’ education, carrying a single fetus, and having a low score for anxiety and depression. Among multiparas, 61.1 percent gave birth vaginally without interventions, 30.6 percent vaginally with interventions, and only 8.3 percent had a cesarean section. The effects of maternal age, education, and anxiety or depression on the outcome were smaller for multiparas than for primiparas.Conclusions:  The chance of actually having a natural birth for women with a preference for a natural birth is much greater for multiparas than for primiparas. The factors that influence the chance of having a natural birth are different for primiparas and multiparas. (BIRTH 37:1 March 2010)
Effect of Chronic Ethanol on Enkephalin in the Hypothalamus and Extra‐Hypothalamic Areas
Authors: Chang Guo‐Qing , Barson Jessica R. , Karatayev Olga , Chang Si‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Wei , Leibowitz Sarah F. 
Published: February 2010

Background: Ethanol may be consumed for reasons such as reward, anxiety reduction, or caloric content, and the opioid enkephalin (ENK) appears to be involved in many of these functions. Previous studies in Sprague–Dawley rats have demonstrated that ENK in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is stimulated by voluntary consumption of ethanol. This suggests that this opioid peptide may be involved in promoting the drinking of ethanol, consistent with our recent findings that PVN injections of ENK analogs stimulate ethanol intake. To broaden our understanding of how this peptide functions throughout the brain to promote ethanol intake, we measured, in rats trained to drink 9% ethanol, the expression of the ENK gene in additional brain areas outside the hypothalamus, namely, the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) and core (NAcC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA).Methods: In the first experiment, the brains of rats chronically drinking 1 g/kg/d ethanol, 3 g/kg/d ethanol, or water were examined using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). In the second experiment, a more detailed, anatomic analysis of changes in gene expression, in rats chronically drinking 3 g/kg/d ethanol compared to water, was performed using radiolabeled in situ hybridization (ISH). The third experiment employed digoxigenin‐labeled ISH (DIG) to examine changes in the density of cells expressing ENK and, for comparison, dynorphin (DYN) in rats chronically drinking 3 g/kg/d ethanol versus water.Results: With qRT‐PCR, the rats chronically drinking ethanol plus water compared to water alone showed significantly higher levels of ENK mRNA, not only in the PVN but also in the VTA, NAcSh, NAcC, and mPFC, although not in the CeA. Using radiolabeled ISH, levels of ENK mRNA in rats drinking ethanol were found to be elevated in all areas examined, including the CeA. The experiment using DIG confirmed this effect of ethanol, showing an increase in density of ENK‐expressing cells in all areas studied. It additionally revealed a similar change in DYN mRNA in the PVN, mPFC, and CeA, although not in the NAcSh or NAcC.Conclusions: While distinguishing the NAc as a site where ENK and DYN respond differentially, these findings lead us to propose that these opioids, in response to voluntary ethanol consumption, are generally elevated in extra‐hypothalamic as well as hypothalamic areas, possibly to carry out specific area‐related functions that, in turn, drive animals to further consume ethanol. These functions include calorie ingestion in the PVN, reward and motivation in the VTA and NAcSh, response‐reinforcement learning in the NAcC, stress reduction in the CeA, and behavioral control in the mPFC.
Effect of a Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification Program on the Bone Density of Male Heavy Drinkers
Authors: Matsui Toshifumi , Yokoyama Akira , Matsushita Sachio , Ogawa Ryuichi , Mori Shuka , Hayashi Emiko , Roh Sungwon , Higuchi Susumu , Arai Hiroyuki , Maruyama Katsuya 
Published: February 2010

Background:  Heavy alcohol drinking is implicated in osteoporosis. Although abstinence is rapidly followed by a restoration of osteoblastic activity, little is known about the contributions of alcohol‐related factors or the effectiveness of a lifestyle modification program (LMP) on bone density.Methods:  We conducted a study of 138 male alcoholic patients to investigate whether drinking history and concurrent factors were associated with the bone density of the calcaneus. A 2.5‐months LMP in an institutionalized setting was completed by 20 of them, and its effect on bone density, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1.25‐(OH)2 vitamin D levels were assessed.Results:  The patients had a high prevalence of daytime drinking (93.5%), continuous drinking (84.1%), and current smoking (82.0%) with mean duration of alcohol abuse of 30.0 ± 12.8 years. The patients had lower bone density than a reference control group (Z‐scores: −0.45 ± 1.02). Multiple stepwise regression analysis identified age, poor activities of daily living (ADL), continuous drinking, absence of liver cirrhosis, depression, and dementia as determinants of low bone density. The bone density of the 20 participants in the LMP improved 2.3% (p = 0.0003) with a more ameliorating effect on bone density than a conventional abstinence therapy (p = 0.014 for interventional effect). The upper normal range of PTH levels at baseline were significantly decreased, and 1.25‐(OH)2 vitamin D levels also had a trend toward decrease during the abstinence.Conclusions:  Alcoholic patients may have many complications such as poor ADL and dementia, which are independently associated with decreased bone density. The results of this study support the idea that comprehensive approach to lifestyle factors to minimize risk of osteoporosis is the best way to improve bone density.
Explanations of Risk in Families Without Identified Mutations for Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ersig Anne L. , Ayres Lioness , Hadley Donald W. , Koehly Laura M. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract Purpose: Genetic testing for hereditary forms of cancer does not always identify a causative mutation. Little is known about personal or family response to these indeterminate results when a hereditary form of cancer is suspected. This study explored thoughts about and responses to risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) when a family member has received indeterminate genetic test results. Design: In this qualitative study, data were gathered from index cases who received indeterminate genetic test results through a longitudinal study offering genetic counseling and testing for HNPCC. First‐degree relatives of these indeterminate index cases were also invited to participate in the qualitative interview. Methods: Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with index cases and their at‐risk first‐degree relatives. Data were analyzed using the within‐ and across‐case method. Findings: The across‐case analysis led to the development of the Awareness and Surveillance Trajectory, which describes individual interpretations of and responses to risk, based on personal and family history. Explanations of risk addressed the meaning of cancer in the family and provided context for individual interpretations. They were identified using within‐case analysis and organized into a typology: innate, exceptional, idiosyncratic, and undeveloped explanations. Conclusions: Members of families without identified HNPCC mutations vary in their explanations for, interpretations of, and responses to indeterminate genetic test results. Clinical Relevance: Explanations of family risk and interpretations of individual risk offer healthcare providers valuable information. In combination with the Awareness and Surveillance Trajectory, assessment of these beliefs can facilitate development of individualized recommendations and strategies for possible preventive actions.
Patch testing in patients treated with systemic immunosuppression and cytokine inhibitors
Authors: Wee Jamie S. , White Jonathan M. L. , McFadden John P. , White Ian R. 
Published: February 2010

Background: Currently, there is little data available on the reliability of patch testing in patients taking immunosuppressive agents other than systemic corticosteroids. Objectives: We present data from 38 patients who were patch tested whilst taking various immunomodulating agents to determine if positive reactions can be elicited. Patient/materials/methods: Between September 2006 and May 2009, 38 patients attending the St John's Institute of Dermatology were patch tested whilst taking immunosuppressive agents including azathioprine, ciclosporin, infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus. Results: Positive patch test reactions of varying degrees and significance were elicited in: 2 of 10 patients on azathioprine; 5 of 11 patients on ciclosporin; 1 patient on ciclosporin and Fumaderm®; 1 patient on infliximab; 1 patient on infliximab and methotrexate; 1 of 2 patients on adalimumab; 1 patient on etanercept and methotrexate; 3 of 4 patients on methotrexate; 1 of 3 patients on mycophenolate mofetil; and 1 patient on mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus. Negative patch test reactions occurred in 1 patient on azathioprine and ciclosporin; 1 patient on infliximab and azathioprine; and 1 patient on mycophenolate and ciclosporin. Conclusions: Positive patch test reactions can be elicited in patients taking azathioprine, ciclosporin, infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus. However, it remains unclear what effect these immunosuppressive drugs may have on suppressing allergic patch test reactions and further studies should be carried out to determine the reliability of testing in these circumstances.
Hairdressers with dermatitis should always be patch tested regardless of atopy status
Authors: O’Connell Rachel L. , White Ian R. , Mc Fadden John P. , White Jonathan M. L. 
Published: February 2010

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis is common in hairdressers because of their exposure to chemicals used in hair dyes and permanent wave solutions. Atopic individuals are known to have a higher prevalence of leaving the profession due to morbidity associated with hand eczema. Objectives: To assess which chemicals are responsible for allergic contact dermatitis in hairdressers and whether the prevalence is the same according to atopy status. Methods: A total of 729 hairdressers who had been patch tested were retrospectively identified. Allergic reactions to relevant allergens from the extended European baseline series and hairdressing series were analysed against history of atopic eczema. Results: Of the total, 29.9% of patients had a current or past history of atopic eczema. The most frequent positive allergens from the European baseline series were nickel sulfate (32.1%) and p‐phenylenediamine (19.0%) and from the hairdressing series were glyceryl monothioglycolate (21.4%) and ammonium persulfate (10.6%). There was no significant difference between people with or without a history of atopic eczema, except for fragrance mix I and nickel sulfate. Conclusions: We present findings from the largest cohort of hairdressers patch tested from a single centre. It is necessary to patch test hairdressers with dermatitis, regardless of a history of atopy. Strategies to reduce prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis are required.
Improving venous ulcer healing: designing and reporting randomised controlled trials
Authors: Weller Carolina D , McNeil John , Evans Sue , Reid Christopher 
Published: February 2010

The randomised controlled trial (RCT) is often considered the gold standard for judging the benefits of treatments. The application of randomised controlled clinical trials to treatments of venous ulcer healing has lagged behind that of other areas of medicine. To interpret the results of an RCT, readers must understand a variety of aspects of their design, analysis and interpretation.Venous ulcer disease has a high prevalence and has a significant socioeconomic impact in most parts of the world. The management of venous ulcers causes a considerable strain on the health system and is likely to worsen in future. The multi‐layer high compression system is described as the current gold standard for treating venous ulcers. A recent meta‐analysis of bandaging systems found that multi‐layer compression bandages appeared to be superior to single‐layer bandages in promoting venous ulcer healing. However, it was noted that many of the studies had small sample sizes and the quality of research in the area was poor.The consolidating standards of reporting trials (CONSORT) statement can help clinicians to discern high‐quality studies from ones of poorer quality. This paper discusses how CONSORT can help clinicians and researchers to design and report quality studies to contribute to evidence‐based venous ulcer healing.
The European and American Use of Exploratory Approaches for First‐in‐Human Studies*
Authors: Silva‐Lima Beatriz , Carlson David , Jones David R. , Laurie David , Stahl Elke , Maria Vasco , Janssens Walter , Robinson William T. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractExploratory approaches for first‐in‐human clinical studies have evolved over the last few years and have stimulated the issuance of national regulatory guidances in some European countries as well as the United States. With the increasing implementation of these approaches and the recent preparation of a multiregional regulatory guidance (ICH M3 rev2), an exchange of experiences on the opportunities and challenges of exploratory clinical trials was desirable; thus, a workshop focusing on the use of this clinical approach was planned and conducted in Lisbon, Portugal, March 18–19, 2009 sponsored by the Portuguese Health Authority (INFARMED) and DIA. The structure of the workshop focused in three main areas. Regulatory representatives from Portugal, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States formally reviewed their experiences. This was followed by a discussion on issues from an ethics review perspective as well as an insight to the opportunities in the area of biologics. The industry perspective was presented by representatives from Merck, Pfizer, J&J, Novartis, Speedel, AstraZeneca, GSK, and Roche. Finally, through break out sessions, issues were identified to be addressed moving forward. It is the purpose of this paper to report on the outcome of this workshop. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume #: 1–4
Principles of Human Subjects Protections Applied in an Opt‐Out, De‐identified Biobank
Authors: Pulley Jill , Clayton Ellen , Bernard Gordon R. , Roden Dan M. , Masys Daniel R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBioVU, the Vanderbilt DNA Databank, is one of few biobanks that qualifies as non‐human subjects research as determined by the local IRB and the federal Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP). BioVU accrues DNA samples extracted from leftover blood remaining from routine clinical testing. The resource is linked to a de‐identified version of data extracted from an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, termed the Synthetic Device (SD), in which all personal identifiers have been removed. Thus, there is no identifiable private information attached to the records. The Belmont Report enumerates the importance of the boundary between practice and research, and three principles: Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice, which constitute the essential ethical framework by which IRBs and ethics committees judge the risks and benefi ts of research involving human subjects. BioVU was developed by designing and implementing new procedures, for which there were no previously established methods, which are consistent with the principles of the Belmont Report. These included special oversight and governance, new informatics technologies, provisions to accommodate patients’ preferences, as well as an extensive public education and communications component. Considerations of core principles and protections in the practical implementation of BioVU is the focus of this paper. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume #: 1–7
Survey of Community Engagement in NIH‐Funded Research
Authors: Hood Nancy E. , Brewer Tracy , Jackson Rebecca , Wewers Mary Ellen 
Published: February 2010

AbstractCommunity engagement is an innovative and required component for Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, the extent of community engagement in NIH‐funded research has not been previously examined. This study assessed baseline prevalence of community engagement activities among NIH‐funded studies at a large Midwestern university with a CTSA. An online survey was e‐mailed to principal investigators of recent NIH‐funded studies (N = 480). Investigators were asked to identify what types of community engagement activities had occurred for each study. Responses were received for 40.4% (194/480) of studies. Overall, 42.6% reported any community engagement activities. More collaborative types of engagement (e.g., community advisory board) were less common than activities requiring less engagement (e.g., sharing study results with community members). Studies with more collaborative community engagement were less likely to be described as basic or preclinical research compared to all other studies. Given NIH's inclusive call for community engagement in research, relatively few NIH‐funded studies reported community engagement activities, although this study used a broad definition of community and a wide range of types of engagement. These findings may be used to inform the goals of CTSA community engagement programs. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume *: 1–4
On Some Properties of Hyperconvex Spaces
Authors: Borkowski Marcin , Bugajewski Dariusz , Phulara Dev 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe are going to answer some open questions in the theory of hyperconvex metric spaces. We prove that in complete "Equation missing"-trees hyperconvex hulls are uniquely determined. Next we show that hyperconvexity of subsets of normed spaces implies their convexity if and only if the space under consideration is strictly convex. Moreover, we prove a Krein-Milman type theorem for "Equation missing"-trees. Finally, we discuss a general construction of certain complete metric spaces. We analyse its particular cases to investigate hyperconvexity via measures of noncompactness.
New Hybrid Iterative Schemes for an Infinite Family of Nonexpansive Mappings in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Guo Baohua , Wang Shenghua 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe propose some new iterative schemes for finding common fixed point of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space and prove the strong convergence of the proposed schemes. Our results extend and improve ones of Nakajo and Takahashi (2003).
Regulation of the MicroRNA Processor DGCR8 by the Tumor Suppressor ING1
Authors: Gómez-Cabello Daniel , Callejas Sergio , Benguría Alberto , Moreno Alberto , Alonso Javier , Palmero Ignacio 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The ING family of tumor suppressor proteins controls several cellular functions relevant to antitumor protection, such as cell cycle control, apoptosis, senescence, or migration. ING proteins are functionally linked to the p53 pathway, and they participate in transcriptional control via the recognition of histone marks and recruitment of protein complexes with chromatin-modifying activity to specific promoters. Here, we have investigated the global effect of ING1 in gene regulation through genome-wide analysis of expression profiles in primary embryonic fibroblasts deficient for the Ing1 locus. We find that Ing1 has a predominant role as transcriptional repressor in this setting, affecting the expression of genes involved in a variety of cellular functions. Within the subset of genes showing differential expression, we have identified DGCR8, a protein involved in the early steps of microRNA biogenesis. We show that ING1 binds to the DGCR8 promoter and controls its transcription through chromatin regulation. We also find that ING1 and DGCR8 can cooperate in restraining proliferation. In summary, this study reveals a novel connection between ING1 and a regulator of microRNA biogenesis and identifies new links between tumor suppressor proteins and the microRNA machinery. Cancer Res; 70(5); 1866–74
Atm-Deficient Mice Exhibit Increased Sensitivity to Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colitis Characterized by Elevated DNA Damage and Persistent Immune Activation
Authors: Westbrook Aya M. , Schiestl Robert H. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The role of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a DNA double-strand break recognition and response protein, in inflammation and inflammatory diseases is unclear. We have previously shown that high levels of systemic DNA damage are induced by intestinal inflammation in wild-type mice. To determine the effect of Atm deficiency in inflammation, we induced experimental colitis in Atm−/−, Atm+/−, and wild-type mice via dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration. Atm−/− mice had higher disease activity indices and rates of mortality compared with heterozygous and wild-type mice. Systemic DNA damage and immune response were characterized in peripheral blood throughout and after three cycles of treatment. Atm−/− mice showed increased sensitivity to levels of DNA strand breaks in peripheral leukocytes, as well as micronucleus formation in erythroblasts, compared with heterozygous and wild-type mice, especially during remission periods and after the end of treatment. Markers of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species–mediated damage, including 8-oxoguanine and nitrotyrosine, were present both in the distal colon and in peripheral leukocytes, with Atm−/− mice manifesting more 8-oxoguanine formation than wild-type mice. Atm−/− mice showed greater upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and significantly higher percentages of activated CD69+ and CD44+ T cells in the peripheral blood throughout treatment. ATM, therefore, may be a critical immunoregulatory factor dampening the deleterious effects of chronic DSS-induced inflammation, necessary for systemic genomic stability and homeostasis of the gut epithelial barrier. Cancer Res; 70(5); 1875–84