bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paediatricians' knowledge, attitudes and practice following provision of educational resources about prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Payne Janet M , France Kathryn E , Henley Nadine , D'Antoine Heather A , Bartu Anne E , Mutch Raewyn C , Elliott Elizabeth J , Bower Carol 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The study aims to provide paediatricians in Western Australia (WA) with educational resources (http://www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/alcoholandpregnancy) about the prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and assess changes in their knowledge, attitudes and practice about fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and alcohol consumption in pregnancy.Methods:  Following our 2004 survey of paediatricians, we developed and distributed educational resources to 159 paediatricians in WA in 2007. Six months later, we surveyed these paediatricians and compared their responses with results from 2004 using prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results:  Of 133 eligible paediatricians, 82 (61.7%) responded: 65.9% had seen the resources, of these 66.7% had used them and 29.6% said the resources had helped them change, or influenced their intent to change, their practice. There was no change in the proportion that knew all the essential features of FAS (18.3% in 2007; 20.0% in 2004) or had diagnosed FAS (58.5% in 2007; 58.9% in 2004). An increased proportion (75.6% in 2007; 48.9% in 2004) agreed that pregnant women should completely abstain from consuming alcohol (PRR 1.55, 95% CI 1.21–1.97). Only 21.7% (no increase from 2004) routinely asked about alcohol use when taking a pregnancy history.Conclusions:  We recommend that asking about alcohol use during pregnancy should be emphasised in paediatric training. Unless paediatricians' capacity to ask about alcohol consumption when taking a pregnancy history and to diagnose FAS is increased, FAS will remain under‐diagnosed in Australia and opportunities for management, early intervention and prevention will be overlooked.
Clinical features of nine patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood
Authors: Tatlı Burak , Aydınlı Nur , Çalışkan Mine , Özmen Meral , Kara Bülent , Yaramış Ahmet , Dilber Cengiz , Yılmaz Kutluhan , Küçükuğurluoğlu Yasemin , Ekici Barış 
Published: March 2011

Aim: To define clinical features of patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentation and course of the disease in patients diagnosed between January 2003 and December 2008 at the Pediatric Neurology Department of the Istanbul Medical Faculty.Results: The nine patients had a mean age of 6.6 months (2–15 months) at the onset of symptoms. Paroxysmal eye movements were the early symptom of five patients. All patients had recurrent alternating hemiplegic episodes and relief of symptoms while sleeping. Duration of events varied widely from few minutes to several days and was associated with slowly progressive neurological deterioration. Flunarizine might decrease frequency of events but is not effective to neurological deterioration. Amantadine as an alternative agent is used in add‐on therapy, but epileptogenic side effect prevented the evaluation of long‐term efficacy.Conclusion: Trials on new agents like amantadine are necessary for more effective control of the disease.
Increased iron and oxidative stress are separately related to cognitive decline in elderly
Authors: Umur Elcin E , Oktenli Cagatay , Celik Serkan , Tangi Fatih , Sayan Ozkan , Sanisoglu Yavuz S , Ipcioglu Osman , Terekeci Hakan M , Top Cihan , Nalbant Selim , Kucukardali Yasar 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study is to examine the relation between body iron, oxidative stress and cognitive function in elderly.Methods:  Eighty‐seven elderly residents from nursing homes were the subjects of our study. Cognitive status was screened by the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Of the 87 eligible subjects, 46 patients who obtained 24 or fewer points on the MMSE scale were considered as subjects with cognitive dysfunction. The control group consisted of 41 subjects who obtained more than 24 points on the MMSE. Routine biochemical analyses, parameters of iron metabolism, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) were determined in all subjects.Results:  There were statistically significant increases in serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin and MDA levels; whereas there was a statistically significant decrease in serum GSH‐Px enzyme activity and serum sodium levels in subjects with cognitive dysfunction. A significant negative correlation was found between serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin and MMSE score. There was a negative correlation between MMSE score and serum MDA; however, a positive significant correlation was found between MMSE score and both GSH‐Px enzyme activity and serum sodium.Conclusion:  Our study provides evidence of increased markers of iron deposition and oxidative stress in patients with cognitive dysfunction. It seems likely that these markers negatively affect the MMSE score. Interestingly, we did not find any correlation between the markers of iron deposition and oxidative stress. Future studies will be required to demonstrate whether diminishing iron and oxidative stress will enhance MMSE score and thereby ameliorate cognitive impairment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 504–509.
Peroxisomal polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis is a promising strategy for bioplastic production in high biomass crops
Authors: Tilbrook Kimberley , Gebbie Leigh , Schenk Peer M. , Poirier Yves , Brumbley Stevens M. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryPolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bacterial carbon storage polymers with diverse plastic‐like properties. PHA biosynthesis in transgenic plants is being developed as a way to reduce the cost and increase the sustainability of industrial PHA production. The homopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the simplest form of these biodegradable polyesters. Plant peroxisomes contain the substrate molecules and necessary reducing power for PHB biosynthesis, but peroxisomal PHB production has not been explored in whole soil‐grown transgenic plants to date. We generated transgenic sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) with the three‐enzyme Ralstonia eutropha PHA biosynthetic pathway targeted to peroxisomes. We also introduced the pathway into Arabidopsis thaliana, as a model system for studying and manipulating peroxisomal PHB production. PHB, at levels up to 1.6%–1.8% dry weight, accumulated in sugarcane leaves and A. thaliana seedlings, respectively. In sugarcane, PHB accumulated throughout most leaf cell types in both peroxisomes and vacuoles. A small percentage of total polymer was also identified as the copolymer poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) in both plant species. No obvious deleterious effect was observed on plant growth because of peroxisomal PHA biosynthesis at these levels. This study highlights how using peroxisomal metabolism for PHA biosynthesis could significantly contribute to reaching commercial production levels of PHAs in crop plants.
Review and meta‐analysis of the short‐term effects of a vegetable oil emulsion on food intake
Authors: Appleton K. M. , Smit H. J. , Rogers P. J. 
Published: March 2011

SummarySeveral short‐term studies have investigated the effects of a vegetable oil emulsion on subsequent food intake, although findings have been inconsistent. This work aimed to review all studies, and investigate differences in study outcomes based on methodology. All known studies were identified. Data were abstracted from published studies (n = 7). Details of unpublished studies were gained from investigators/sponsors (n = 5), or were unavailable for reasons of confidentiality (n = 4). Available data were combined using meta‐analyses. A combined appetite suppressant effect of the emulsion compared with control was found for test meal intake at approximately 4, 12 and 36 h post‐treatment: smallest combined mean difference (random effects model) = 0.53 MJ (95% confidence interval 0.20, 0.86), P < 0.01. However, considerable heterogeneity (variability) between study results was also found (smallest I2 = 94%, P < 0.01), questioning the predictive validity of the above findings. Meta‐regression suggested this heterogeneity to be related to differences in the processed nature of the product, treatment dose and in particular year of study (smallest B = 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.06, 1.03, P = 0.04), although again heterogeneity was found. The only consistent finding was a lack of effect on food intake 4 h post‐preload in studies conducted after 2003. These results suggest a small but inconsistent appetite suppressant effect of the vegetable oil emulsion. However, due to the large heterogeneity, no definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Controlling anger in self‐reported sober and alcohol intoxicated states: Moderating effects of trait anger and alcohol consumption
Authors: JOHANSSON ADA , SANTTILA PEKKA , CORANDER JUKKA , JERN PATRICK , PAHLEN BETTINA VON DER , VARJONEN MARKUS , SANDNABBA KENNETH 
Published: March 2011

Johansson, A., Santtila, P., Corander, J., Jern, P., von der Pahlen, B., Varjonen, M. & Sandnabba, K. (2011). Controlling anger in self‐reported sober and alcohol intoxicated states: Moderating effects of trait anger and alcohol consumption. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 382–388.Retrospective self‐reports about prior sober and alcohol intoxicated states were explored to reveal moderating effects of trait anger and alcohol consumption on anger control. The analyses were based on self‐reports of trait anger and alcohol consumption as well as self‐reports of the participants’ typical levels of anger control in sober and alcohol intoxicated states in a population based sample of Finnish twins and their siblings (N = 4,852). The reported levels of anger control were lower regarding prior alcohol intoxicated states than sober states. A three‐way interaction between alcohol consumption, trait anger and anger control was found. Whereas no interaction between alcohol consumption and trait anger was found in the self‐reported sober state, there was an interactive effect of trait anger and alcohol consumption on anger control in the intoxicated state, indicating that the difference in anger control between those with high levels of alcohol consumption and those with low levels, was greater at higher levels of trait anger. Women had lower levels of anger control than men, but the relationship between trait anger, alcohol consumption and anger control was similar for both genders. In conclusion, the results showed that those with high levels of trait anger and alcohol consumption showed the lowest levels of anger control in self‐reported alcohol intoxicated states, and indicate the importance of separating between anger control when sober and intoxicated since anger control seems to be differently related to at least trait anger and alcohol consumption in these states.
How German Labor Courts Decide: An Econometric Case Study
Authors: Berger Helge , Neugart Michael 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Courts are an important element in the institutional framework of labor markets, often determining the degree of employment protection. German labor courts provide a vivid example in this regard. However, we know relatively little about court behavior. A unique dataset on German labor court verdicts reveals that social and other criteria like employee characteristics, the type of job, local labor market conditions and court composition influence court decisions. At least as striking is that workers’ chances to win depend on where and when their cases are filed. This generates considerable ex ante uncertainty about outcomes.
Developing a geographic search filter to identify randomised controlled trials in Africa: finding the optimal balance between sensitivity and precision
Authors: Pienaar Elizabeth , Grobler Liesl , Busgeeth Karishma , Eisinga Anne , Siegfried Nandi 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  Research on identifying trials using geographic filters is limited.Objectives: To test the sensitivity and precision of a filter to identify African randomised controlled trials (RCTs).Methods:  We searched medline and embase for RCTs published in 2004 using a Cochrane filter for RCTs. The search was limited to HIV/AIDS but irrespective of location. Two investigators independently identified African RCTs from the retrieved records forming a reference set. We then repeated the search using an African geographic filter comprising country and regional terms forming the filter set. We compared the sensitivity and precision of the sets.Results:  The medline reference set comprised 1799 records with 23 African RCTs; for embase, the reference set comprised 763 records with 37 African RCTs. The medline filter set comprised 180 records with 17 African RCTs; the embase filter set comprised 98 records with 27 African RCTs. Sensitivity of the filter was 74% (medline) and 73% (embase). Addition of the filter improved precision from 1.3% to 9.4% (medline) and from 5% to 28% (embase).Conclusion:  The African filter improved precision with some loss in sensitivity. Incomplete reporting of trial location in electronic bibliographic records restricts efficiency of geographic filters. Prospective trial registration should alleviate this.
Preoperative vs. Postoperative Bilateral Paravertebral Blocks for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Naja Zoher M. , El‐Rajab Mariam , Ziade Fouad , Al‐Tannir Mohamad , Itani Taha 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this clinical trial was to determine the potential analgesic effect of preoperative paravertebral blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods:  Sixty patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to one of two groups with 30 patients each: bilateral nerve stimulator guided paravertebral blockade at the T5 to T6 level either prior to induction of general anesthesia (Group 1) or blockade immediately postoperatively (Group 2).Results:  The preoperative paravertebral block group had significantly lower visual analog scale scores compared with the postoperative paravertebral block group both at rest 12 hours postoperatively (1.06 vs. 1.89; P < 0.05), on movement 12 hours postoperatively (1.89 vs. 3.00; P < 0.001) and on coughing 12 hours postoperatively (2.24 vs. 3.17; P < 0.01). The consumption of analgesics as well as the duration of hospital stay was significantly reduced in patients receiving preoperative paravertebral blocks (P < 0.05). [Correction added after online publication 27th May 2011: visual analog scores were amended]Conclusion:  Bilateral paravertebral blockade performed prior to general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy can provide early discharge and better postoperative pain management.
22. Traumatic Plexus Lesion
Authors: van Dongen Robert , Cohen Steven P. , van Kleef Maarten , Mekhail Nagy , Huygen Frank 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Pain, motor, and sensory deficits characterize patients with a traumatic lesion of the brachial plexus. Frequently, more severe injuries co‐exist that require immediate surgical attention.Early rehabilitation and physical therapy are the cornerstones of treatment. Pharmacological management can be difficult. Surgical reconstruction is frequently advised when nerves are disrupted. The results, mostly from small historical reports, vary greatly. Neurostimulation may have an additional beneficial effect, especially if the pathophysiology of nociception and neuropathic pain becomes evident in these complex patients.
The role of WNT10B in physiology and disease
Authors: Wend P. , Wend K. , Krum S. A. , Miranda‐Carboni G. A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWnt10b is a member of the Wnt ligand gene family that encodes for secreted proteins, which activate the ancient and highly conserved Wnt signalling cascade. The Wnt pathway has been shown to be essential for embryonic development, tissue integrity, and stem cell activity, but if deregulated, also causes disease such as cancer. Although the 19 different Wnt ligands found in both human and mouse can activate several branches of the Wnt pathway, WNT10B specifically activates canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and thus triggers β‐catenin/LEF/TCF‐mediated transcriptional programs. In this review, we highlight the unique functions of WNT10B and mechanisms of how WNT10B acts in the immune system, mammary gland, adipose tissue, bone and skin. In these organs, WNT10B has been well established to be involved in signalling networks controlling stemness, pluripotency and cell fate decisions. Deregulation of these processes causes diseases such as breast cancer, obesity and osteoporosis. Compelling evidence suggests that WNT10B is a valuable candidate for the development of therapeutic regimens for human diseases.
PHOTOCHEMICAL LINKAGE OF ANTIBODIES TO SILICON CHIPS
Authors: Sundarababu Gajendran , Gao Hui , Sigrist Hans 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAntibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof were photochemically immobilized on surface‐modified silicon chips of 5 × 5 mm size. Silicon surface‐grafted diazirines and benzophenones formed covalent bonds with the immunoreagents on light activation. Photolithographic immobilization of monoclonal antibodies in aqueous media was achieved on silicon chips by activating surface‐grafted benzophenones. The presence of bovine serum albumin during irradiation reduced nonspecific adsorption of the immunoreagents and retained the immunoactivity of the photoimmobilized molecules.
KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF PHOTOCYCLOADDITION OF DEOXYURIDINES TO 2,3‐DIMETHYL‐2‐BUTENE
Authors: Haga Naoki , Takayanagi Hiroaki , Ogura Haruo , Kuriyama Yasunao , Tokumaru Katsumi 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe mechanism of photocycloaddition of 2′‐deoxyuridine (1a) and thymidine (1b) to 2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐butene (Bu) in acetonitrile by UV irradiation has been studied. The reciprocal quantum yield for the cycloaddition increased linearly with reciprocal concentrations of Bu in acetonitrile to give limiting quantum yields at infinite concentration of Bu as 0.030 and 0.0096 for 1a and 1b, respectively. This shows that the cycloaddition proceeds in a two‐step mechanism between the triplet state of 1 and Bu through biradical intermediates. Addition of cis‐1,3‐pentadiene quenched the reaction obeying the Stern–Volmer equation. The above quenching experiments and laser transient spectroscopy revealed that the triplet state of 1a reacts with Bu with much larger rate constant (1.3–1.6 × 109 M−1 s−1) than that of 1b (4–5 × 107 M−1 s−1) reflecting larger steric hindrance exerted in the reaction of 1b than that of 1a.
PHOTOLUMINESCENT PROPERTIES OF OCTADECYLRHODAMINE B IN MICELLES OF LOW‐MOLECULAR‐WEIGHT DETERGENTS AND WATER‐SOLUBLE TRIBLOCK COPOLYMERS
Authors: Nakashima Kenichi , Fujimoto Yoshinori , Anzai Takayuki 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe fluorescence intensity, lifetime and degree of polarization of octadecylrhodamine B (ORB) have been measured in order to examine the usefulness of this molecule as a probe of micelle properties for low‐molecular‐weight detergents and water‐soluble triblock copolymers. The surfactants examined are hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (HTAC), Triton X‐100 (TX‐100), sodium dode‐cylsulfate (SDS), sodium tetradecylsulfate (STS), and Pluronic L64 (ethylene oxide [EO]13 propylene oxide30 EO13, L64). The fluorescence intensity and degree of polarization of ORB show drastic increases at the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of HTAC, TX‐100 and L64, indicating that ORB is cooperatively incorporated into the micelles upon micellization. This feature demonstrates the validity of ORB as a probe for detecting micelle formation of these surfactants. However, in the case of SDS and STS, the fluorescence intensity starts to rise at concentrations far below the CMC, and the degree of polarization does not show significant changes at the CMC. The details of the interactions between ORB and the anionic surfactants have been unclear. These facts imply that some caution is needed for the applications of ORB to the systems containing anionic surfactants. The local viscosity of L64 micelles has been determined by polarization and lifetime measurements. The structure of the block copolymer micelles and the locations of the probe in the micelles are discussed in terms of the viscosity data.
GENETIC AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES OF UV RADIATION‐INDUCED MUTATIONS IN THE FEM‐3 GENE OF CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS
Authors: Hartman Phil S. , De Wilde Daniel , Dwarakanath Vangipuram N. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe utility of a new target gene (fem‐3) is described for investigating the molecular nature of mutagenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. As a principal attribute, this system allows for the selection, maintenance and molecular analysis of any type of mutation that disrupts the gene, including deletions. In this study, 86 mutant strains were isolated, of which 79 proved to have mutations in fem‐3. Twenty of these originally tested as homozygous inviable. Homozygous inviability was expected, as Stewart and coworkers had previously observed that, unlike in other organisms, most UV radiation‐induced mutations in C. elegans are chromosomal rearrangements of deficiencies (Mutat. Res. 249, 37–54, 1991). However, additional data, including Southern blot analyses on 48 of the strains, indicated that most of the UV radiation‐induced fem‐3 mutations were not deficiencies, as originally inferred from their homozygous inviability. Instead, the lethals were most likely “coincident mutations” in linked, essential genes that were concomitantly induced. As such, they were lost owing to genetic recombination during stock maintenance. As in mammalian cells, yeast and bacteria, the frequency of coincident mutations was much higher than would be predicted by chance.
AUTOMATED MECHANICAL STIMULATION AND MEASUREMENT OF BIOLUMINESCENCE IN MARINE DINOFLAGELLATES
Authors: Stolzenberg Hans‐Christian , Kalnowski Gunther , Dott Wolfgang 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA new integrated system for reproducible, automated mechanical stimulation and measurement of bioluminescence (BL) in multiple samples of marine dinoflagellate cell suspensions is described. The system was designed to allow the application of standardized experimental routines to parallel test vials for the purpose of toxicity testing. A sample tray delivered test vials to the position of mechanical stimulation and BL measurement. Mechanical stimulation of BL was applied as sharp rotation‐onset of the test vial about its vertical axis. Thus, any direct chemical or physical perturbation of the cell suspension was avoided. A silicon photovoltaic cell measured the emitted light. Stimulation, measurement and recording of BL were integrated and controlled by specially developed software, which runs on a personal computer in the graphic environment of MS‐Windows. Precise scheduling, flexible programming and identical repetition of experimental routines are possible in practice. For Gonyaulax polyedra, details of BL, as stimulated and measured with the new system, are presented and discussed. We conclude that the system exhibits specific features that offer wide potential of application in several fields of research on dinoflagellate BL, particularly for toxicity testing.