bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstituting the affective labour of Filipinos as care workers in Japan
Authors: LOPEZ MARIO 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAs Japan has started to come to terms with the emergence of an ageing society with a low birth rate, it has also had to face a shortage of care labour. Both the state and individuals have mobilized new sources of care work, and in so doing have transformed relations between Asian countries. Within this context, there has been a change in that long‐term Filipina residents in Japan are now seen as an alternative source of care workers. Previous relations between Japan and the Philippines were structured through the experience of Filipina entertainers and hostesses. Yet, a shift to Filipina migrant care workers in response to labour market demands has been accompanied by a discursive transformation that affect long‐term Filipina residents in Japan. Based on ethnographic observation of a course run for caregivers, in this article I examine how foreign nationals' affective labour can be perceived. I further propose locating care within a broader transnational sphere, a ‘curo‐scape’ that is to say, a transnational sphere of administering and managing care at not just a transregional and global level but also at a local state one.
The prevalence of urinary incontinence 20 years after childbirth: a national cohort study in singleton primiparae after vaginal or caesarean delivery
Authors: Gyhagen M , Bullarbo M , Nielsen TF , Milsom I 
Published: March 2012

Objective  To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) 20 years after one vaginal delivery or one caesarean section.Design  Registry‐based national cohort study.Setting  Women who returned postal questionnaires (response rate 65.2%) in 2008.Population  Singleton primiparae who delivered in the period 1985–1988 with no further births (n = 5236).Methods  The Swedish Pregnancy, Obesity and Pelvic Floor (SWEPOP) study linked Medical Birth Register (MBR) data to a questionnaire about UI.Main outcome measures  Prevalence of UI and UI for more than 10 years (UI > 10 years) were assessed 20 years after childbirth.Results  The prevalence of UI (40.3 versus 28.8%; OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.45–1.92) and UI > 10 years (10.1 versus 3.9%; OR 2.75; 95% CI 2.02–3.75) was higher in women after vaginal delivery than after caesarean section. There was no difference in the prevalence of UI or UI > 10 years after an acute caesarean section or an elective caesarean section. We found an 8% increased risk of UI per current body mass index (BMI) unit, and age at delivery increased the UI risk by 3% annually.Conclusions  Two decades after one birth, vaginal delivery was associated with a 67% increased risk of UI, and UI > 10 years increased by 275% compared with caesarean section. Our data indicate that it is necessary to perform eight or nine caesarean sections to avoid one case of UI. Weight control is an important prophylactic measure to reduce UI. Current BMI was the most important BMI‐determinant for UI, which is important, as BMI is modifiable.
A simplified method to generate serotonergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Shimada Takeshi , Takai Yoshihiro , Shinohara Kikuko , Yamasaki Atsushi , Tominaga‐Yoshino Keiko , Ogura Akihiko , Toi Akihiro , Asano Kouji , Shintani Norihito , Hayata‐Takano Atsuko , Baba Akemichi , Hashimoto Hitoshi 
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 81–93.AbstractWe have developed a new simple method to induce serotonergic neurons from embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem cells. When ES or induced pluripotent stem cells were cultured on a thick gel layer of Matrigel, most colonies extended TuJ1‐positive neurites. We found that noggin, a known antagonist of bone morphogenic protein, induces ES cells to express genes involved in serotonergic differentiation, such as Nkx2.2, Pet‐1, Sonic hedgehog, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, and serotonin transporter, as well as increases high potassium‐induced release of serotonin. To concentrate serotonergic neurons, ES cells carrying Pet‐1‐enhancer‐driven enhanced green fluorescent protein were differentiated and sorted into about 80% pure cultures of serotonergic neurons. Whole cell voltage‐clamp recordings showed a voltage‐dependent current in dissociated neurons. This simplified method provides an alternative option for serotonergic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and will likely contribute a deeper understanding regarding the nature of serotonergic neurons and open new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Innovations in Practice: The impact of the development of a CAMH Intensive Treatment Service and service redesign on psychiatric admissions
Authors: Duffy Fiona , Skeldon Joanne 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundIn 2006, the Scottish Government made a commitment to reduce admissions of young people to adult psychiatric wards. This study investigates the impact of a Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) Intensive Treatment Service (ITS) and service redesign on psychiatric admission rates.MethodReferral data were obtained for the first year of the ITS, between 23 April 2010 and 1 April 2011. Data on psychiatric admission rates were obtained up until 30 June 2011.ResultsMedian length of adolescent inpatient stay reduced from 28 to 15 days and admissions of young people to adult wards significantly reduced by 65%. The number of admissions and readmissions to the adolescent inpatient unit increased.ConclusionsA CAMH ITS and accompanying service redesign can reduce length of adolescent inpatient stay and significantly reduce the number of young people admitted to adult psychiatric wards.
Ecstasy cannot be assumed to be 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA)
Authors: Green AR , King MV , Shortall SE , Fone KCF 
Published: March 2012

LINKED ARTICLESThis is a rebuttal by the authors (Green et al., pp. 1523–1536 of this issue) to a commentary by Parrott, pp. 1518–1520 of this issue. To view the article by Green et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01819.x. To view the commentary by Parrott visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.01941.x
Allosteric modulation of the group III mGlu4 receptor provides functional neuroprotection in the 6‐hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Betts Matthew J , O'Neill Michael J , Duty Susan 
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We recently reported that broad spectrum agonist‐induced activation of presynaptic group III metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors within the substantia nigra pars compacta using L‐2‐amino‐4‐phosphonobutyrate provided functional neuroprotection in the 6‐hydroxydopamine lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease. The aim of this study was to establish whether selective activation of the mGlu4 receptor alone could afford similar functional neuroprotection.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The neuroprotective effects of 8 days of supranigral treatment with a positive allosteric modulator of mGlu4 receptors, (+/−)‐cis‐2‐(3,5‐dichlorphenylcarbamoyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (VU0155041), were investigated in rats with unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine lesions. The effects of VU0155041 treatment on motor function were assessed using both habitual (cylinder test) and forced (adjusted stepping, amphetamine‐induced rotations) behavioural tests. Nigrostriatal tract integrity was examined by analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopa decarboxylase or dopamine levels in the striatum and tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive cell counts in the substantia nigra pars compacta.KEY RESULTS VU0155041 provided around 40% histological protection against a unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine lesion as well as significant preservation of motor function. These effects were inhibited by pre‐treatment with (RS)‐α‐cyclopropyl‐4‐phosphonophenylglycine, confirming a receptor‐mediated response. Reduced levels of inflammatory markers were also evident in the brains of VU0155041‐treated animals.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Allosteric potentiation of mGlu4 receptors in the substantia nigra pars compacta provided neuroprotective effects in the 6‐hydroxydopamine rat model A reduced inflammatory response may contribute, in part, to this action. In addition to the reported symptomatic effects, activation of mGlu4 receptors may also offer a novel approach for slowing the progressive degeneration observed in Parkinson's disease.
A dose‐finding study with a novel water‐soluble formulation of paclitaxel for the treatment of malignant high‐grade solid tumours in dogs
Authors: von Euler H. , Rivera P. , Nyman H. , Häggström J. , Borgå O. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA new formulation of water‐soluble paclitaxel (Paccal®Vet) has been developed for canine cancer patients, without the need for pre‐medication (traditionally required in non‐water‐soluble paclitaxel formulations). The objective of the study was to determine a clinically safe and efficacious dose ofPaccalVet and to estimate progression‐free and overall survival and to evaluate single‐dose pharmacokinetics in tumour‐bearing dogs. A positive risk:benefit ratio was established forPaccalVet administered at 150 mg m–2intravenous (IV) for three or more treatment cycles. Preliminary efficacy was demonstrated by best objective response rate (86%), median time to response (14 days) and median progression‐free survival (131 days).PaccalVet was associated with expected adverse events (AE) (e.g. myelosuppression), however the majority were transient, clinically silent and manageable. This is the first clinical report of a water‐soluble formulation of paclitaxel suggesting successful administration and being safely used without pre‐medication in dogs.
Complications and risk factors in 2731 diagnostic mini‐laparoscopies in patients with liver disease
Authors: Frenzel Christian , Koch Johannes , Lorenzen Victoria , Werner Tobias , Lohse Ansgar W. , Denzer Ulrike W. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground/AimsMini‐laparoscopy (ML) allows macroscopic assessment and biopsy under direct vision and therefore is a valuable technique in the diagnosis of liver disease. Herein we report procedure‐related complications and risk factors.MethodsA total of 2731 consecutive patients underwent diagnostic ML at two university hospitals (June 1996–December 2007). ML was performed using standard technique with a 1.9mm optical instrument. Coagulation of the liver biopsy site was performed with APC. The following variables were analysed as risk factors for complications: platelet count (<50/nL), international normalized ratio (INR) (>1.5), Cirrhosis, signs of portal hypertension, prior abdominal surgery.ResultsMajor complications occurred in 1.0% (n=27) of patients and these were, delayed bleeding from the liver biopsy site or abdominal wall (in 0.7% of patients) and intestinal perforation (in 0.3% of patients). Two patients died after severe haemorrhage (mortality 0.07%); the other patients recovered without sequelae. Bleeding risk was increased in patients with low platelets (OR=6.1), increased INR (OR=8.9), cirrhosis (OR=1.9) and portal hypertension (OR=2.1). Logistic regression showed a significant correlation only for the concurrence of low platelets and increased INR (P = 0.001; OR=14.1); bootstrap analysis identified INR >1.5 as significant predictor (P = 0.0002). Prior abdominal surgery did not carry a significant risk for intestinal perforation (OR=1.1; P = 0.142), unless abdominal adhesions were present (OR=9.5; P = 0.0002). None of the patients required surgery for intestinal perforation.ConclusionMini‐laparoscopy is a diagnostic technique with a low complication rate. However, in patients with increased INR, low platelets or after extensive abdominal surgery, complications may occur in up to 5%.
Major element distribution in Archean banded iron formation (BIF): influence of metamorphic differentiation
Authors: KATSUTA N. , SHIMIZU I. , HELMSTAEDT H. , TAKANO M. , KAWAKAMI S. , KUMAZAWA M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe Archean (2.8 Ga) Banded Iron Formation (BIF) of the Bell Lake region of Yellowknife greenstone belt, Canada is recrystallized to metamorphic assemblages of the amphibolite facies. This BIF is characterized by centimetre‐scale Fe‐rich and Si‐rich mesobands. In the Si‐rich mesobands, thin layers of magnetite microbands are developed in a quartz matrix. The Fe‐rich mesobands are composed mainly of Ca‐amphibole (hornblende), Fe–Mg amphibole (grunerite), and magnetite. The metamorphic foliation locally cuts across the mesoband boundaries, indicating the mesobanding was formed prior to peak metamorphism. Variations in mineral modal proportions between Fe‐rich mesobands and microbands are diagnostic of depositional compositional differences between beds. Micro‐X‐ray fluorescence imaging reveals metamorphic differentiation within Fe‐rich mesobands, with segregation of Fe–Mg amphibole, and the incompatible element Mn is concentrated at the margins of the Fe‐rich mesobands during the amphibole‐forming reactions. Ti was relatively immobile during metamorphic segregation and its distribution provides a record of the original structures in the Fe‐rich mesobands.
Potential Health Effects Related to Pesticide Use on Athletic Fields
Authors: Gilden Robyn , Friedmann Erika , Sattler Barbara , Squibb Katherine , McPhaul Kathleen 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectivesChildren come in contact with athletic fields on a daily basis. How these fields are maintained may have an impact on children's potential exposure to pesticides and associated health effects.Design and SampleThis is a cross‐sectional, descriptive study that utilized a survey to assess playing field maintenance practices regarding the use of pesticides. Athletic fields (N = 101) in Maryland were stratified by population density and randomly selected.MeasuresA survey was administered to field managers (n = 33) to assess maintenance practices, including the use of pesticides. Analysis included descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations.ResultsManagers of 66 fields (65.3%) reported applying pesticides, mainly herbicides (57.4%). Managers of urban and suburban fields were less likely to apply pesticides than managers of rural fields. Combined cultivation practice was also a significant predictor of increased pesticide use.ConclusionsThe use of pesticides on athletic fields presents many possible health hazards. Results indicate that there is a significant risk of exposure to pesticide for children engaged in sports activities. Given that children are also often concurrently exposed to pesticides as food residues and from home pest management, we need to examine opportunities to reduce their exposures. Both policy and practice questions are raised.
Apoptosis in seborrheic keratoses: an open door to a new dermoscopic score
Authors: Simionescu Olga , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu , Costache Mariana , Manole Emilia , Spulber Stefan , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Blum Andreas 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe aetiology of seborrheic keratoses (SK), the most common benign epithelial tumours, and any relationship with malignancy are not yet known. As a protective anti‐cancer mechanism, apoptosis reflects cellular loss as a reaction to proliferative activity. The objective of this study was to quantify apoptosis in different SK types (acanthotic, hyperkeratotic, reticulated, irritated and clonal) and correlate the dermoscopic picture with apoptosis rate. After a qualitative and quantitative analysis of dermoscopic images, we defined a new quantitative dermoscopic score (C3V2F, crypts, millia cysts, colours, hairpin vessels, irregular vessels, fissures) from 0 to 22, which enabled us to establish cut‐offs correlating with apoptosis rates. All five SK forms were associated with lower apoptosis rates compared with normal skin. A C3V2F score >10 and greater number of crypts and colours reflected a higher apoptosis rate, which implies a benign character of evolution. In contrast, the presence of irregular vessels on more than 50% of the lesion surface implied a lower rate of apoptosis and probably associated with a risk of malignant transformation. On the basis of dermoscopic information, we used multiple regression to establish a model for estimating the rate of apoptosis with a 0.7 prediction interval (approximately 1S.D.). The new C3V2F score could be valuable for the clinical evaluation of possible SK prognosis and decisions regarding excision.
Maternal near‐miss among women with a migrant background in Germany
Authors: REIME BIRGIT , JANSSEN PATRICIA A. , FARRIS LILY , BORDE THEDA , HELLMERS CLAUDIA , MYEZWA HELLEN , WENZLAFF PAUL 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjective. To examine the association between region of origin and severe illness bringing a mother close to death (near‐miss). Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Maternity units in Lower Saxony, Germany. Population. 441 199 mothers of singleton newborns in 2001–2007. Methods. Using chi‐squared tests, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression we examined the association between maternal region of origin and near‐miss outcomes with prospectively collected perinatal data up to seven days postpartum. Main outcome measures. Hysterectomy, hemorrhage, eclampsia and sepsis rates. Results. Eclampsia was not associated with region of origin. Compared to women from Germany, women from the Middle East (OR 2.24; 95%CI 1.60–3.12) and Africa/Latin America/other countries (OR 2.17; 95%CI 1.15–4.07) had higher risks of sepsis. Women from Asia (OR 3.37; 95%CI 1.66–6.83) and from Africa/Latin America/other countries had higher risks of hysterectomy (OR 2.65; 95%CI 1.36–5.17). Compared to German women, the risk of hemorrhage was higher among women from Asia (OR 1.55; 95%CI 1.19–2.01) and lower among women from the Middle East (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.55–0.78). Adjusting for maternal age, parity, occupation, partner status, smoking, obesity, prenatal care, chronic conditions and infertility showed no association between country of origin and risk of sepsis. Conclusion. Region of origin was a strong predictor for near‐miss among women from the Middle East, Asia and Africa/Latin America/other countries. Confounders mostly did not explain the higher risks for maternal near‐miss in these groups of origin. Clinical studies and audits are required to examine the underlying causes for these risks.
Maternal lipids at mid‐pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery
Authors: MUDD LANAY M. , HOLZMAN CLAUDIA B. , CATOV JANET M. , SENAGORE PATRICIA K. , EVANS RHOBERT W. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract Objective. This study examined associations between maternal lipid levels at mid‐pregnancy and preterm delivery, medically indicated or spontaneous. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting. Women were recruited from 52 clinics in five Michigan, USA communities (1998–2004). Population. Pregnant women were enrolled at 15–27 weeks’ gestation and followed to delivery (n=3019). Methods. A single blood sample was obtained at study enrollment. Blood lipids, i.e. total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDLc), low‐density lipoprotein (LDLc) cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG), were measured on a sub‐cohort (n=1309). Main outcome measures. There were 221 spontaneous, 100 medically indicated preterm deliveries and 988 term deliveries. Polytomous logistic regression models examined relationships among cholesterol levels (Low: <10th percentile, Referent: 10th–<70th percentile, High: ≥70th percentile), quartiles of TG (Referent: first quartile) and delivery outcome (Referent: term). Results. Odds of medically indicated preterm delivery were increased among women with low TC (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12, 3.72), low HDLc (aOR=1.89, 95%CI: 1.04, 3.42) or low LDLc (aOR=1.96, 95%CI: 1.09, 3.54). Odds of spontaneous preterm delivery were increased among women with high TC (aOR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.06, 2.15), high LDLc (aOR=1.42, 95%CI: 0.99, 2.04) or high TG (aOR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.21, 2.97 and aOR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.06, 2.78 for third and fourth quartiles, respectively). Conclusions. Extremely low TC, HDLc, and LDLc were associated with a modest increase in risk of medically indicated preterm delivery, whereas high TC, LDLc and TG modestly increased the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery. Further research is needed to uncover explanations for these associations and to identify optimal ranges for maternal lipids.
Sexual functioning, quality of life and pelvic pain 12 months after endometriosis surgery including vaginal resection
Authors: SETÄLÄ MARJALEENA , HÄRKKI PÄIVI , MATOMÄKI JAAKKO , MÄKINEN JUHA , KÖSSI JYRKI 
Published: March 2012

Abstract Objective. To evaluate sexual function, quality of life and pelvic pain after endometriosis surgery including vaginal resection. Design. Prospective observational study with 12 months follow up. Setting. Regional central hospital and university hospital. Population. Twenty‐two patients with deep endometriotic nodules in the posterior fornix of the vagina undergoing complete excision of endometriosis, including vaginal resection. Methods. Sexual functioning was measured with the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire, quality of life with a generic questionnaire (15D) and pain with a 10‐point visual analog scale. Questionnaires were completed before and 12 months after the surgery. Main outcome measures. Changes in sexual function scores, quality‐of‐life scores and pain. Results. Twelve months after surgery, the sexual satisfaction score was higher (p= 0.03) and the sexual problems score lower (p= 0.04) compared with baseline values. Health‐related quality‐of‐life scores for discomfort and symptoms (p= 0.001), distress (p= 0.04), vitality (p= 0.03) and sexual activity (p= 0.001), and the overall 15D score (p < 0.001), were significantly improved. The severity of all studied types of pain was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Complete excision of endometriosis, including vaginal resection, seems to offer a significant improvement in sexual functioning, quality of life and pelvic pain in symptomatic patients with deeply infiltrating endometriotic nodules in the posterior fornix of the vagina. This surgery may be associated with complications and adverse new‐onset symptoms, and should be performed only after thorough consultation with the patient.
A decision analysis of long‐term lithium treatment and the risk of renal failure
Authors: Werneke U. , Ott M. , Renberg E. Salander , Taylor D. , Stegmayr B. 
Published: March 2012

Werneke U, Ott M, Salander Renberg E, Taylor D, Stegmayr B. A decision analysis of long‐term lithium treatment and the risk of renal failure.Objective:  To establish whether lithium or anticonvulsant should be used for maintenance treatment for bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) if the risks of suicide and relapse were traded off against the risk of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).Method:  Decision analysis based on a systematic literature review with two main decisions: (1) use of lithium or at treatment initiation and (2) the potential discontinuation of lithium in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) after 20 years of lithium treatment. The final endpoint was 30 years of treatment with five outcomes to consider: death from suicide, alive with stable or unstable BPAD, alive with or without ESRD.Results:  At the start of treatment, the model identified lithium as the treatment of choice. The risks of developing CKD or ESRD were not relevant at the starting point. Twenty years into treatment, lithium still remained treatment of choice. If CKD had occurred at this point, stopping lithium would only be an option if the likelihood of progression to ESRD exceeded 41.3% or if anticonvulsants always outperformed lithium regarding relapse prevention.Conclusion:  At the current state of knowledge, lithium initiation and continuation even in the presence of long‐term adverse renal effects should be recommended in most cases.