bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of intestinal permeability in healthy dogs using the contrast medium iohexol
Authors: Klenner Stefanie , Coenen Manfred , Failing Klaus , Hewicker‐Trautwein Marion , Ternes Waldemar , Verspohl Jutta , Spillmann Thomas 
Published: March 2009

Background:Iohexol is a nonradioactive marker that has been used successfully to test intestinal permeability in humans with inflammatory bowel disease. There is evidence in dogs that iohexol shares a similar permeability pathway as51chromium‐EDTA, the gold standard marker.Objective:The objective of this study was to determine an optimal oral iohexol dosage for an intestinal permeability serum test (IPST) and to use the test to estimate intestinal permeability in healthy dogs.Methods:Eight clinically healthy dogs free of gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic disease were used in the study. Dosages of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mL/kg of Omnipaque‐350 (iohexol) were administered to 2 dogs at weekly intervals. Iohexol concentration was determined in serum samples obtained hourly for 6 hours after administration by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Using the optimal dosage, iohexol was administered to 8 dogs twice, 6–36 days (mean 10 days) apart, and coefficients of variation (CVs) for iohexol concentration were calculated.Results:A dosage of 2.0 mL/kg was chosen as optimal for the IPST, based on ease of iohexol detection in serum, intestinal contrast, and clinical effects of iohexol. Following administration of this dose to healthy dogs, mean (±SD) serum iohexol concentrations were 8.74±4.38, 11.89±5.67, 12.40±5.47, 9.23±5.54, 7.61±5.13, and 5.27±2.67 μg/mL at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours after iohexol administration, respectively. CVs between the 2 test days were 28–45%.Conclusions:Using the iohexol dosage established in this study, the iohexol IPST was easy to perform as a marker for intestinal permeability in dogs. Further studies to establish reference intervals and evaluate the diagnostic value of the iohexol IPST in dogs with gastrointestinal disease are warranted.
Different immunophenotypical apoptotic profiles characterise megakaryocytes of essential thrombocythaemia and primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Florena A M , Tripodo C , Di Bernardo A , Iannitto E , Guarnotta C , Porcasi R , Ingrao S , Abbadessa V , Franco V 
Published: March 2009

Aims:Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) share some clinical and pathological features, but show different biological behaviour and prognosis. The latest contributions to understanding the nature of these disorders have focused on bone marrow microenvironment remodelling and proliferative stress, recognising megakaryocytes (MKCs) as “key-cells”. The aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic profile of ET and PMF MKCs in order to further characterise the biology of these disorders.Methods:Bone marrow biopsy samples from 30 patients with ET, and 30 patients with PMF, were immunophenotypically studied for the expression of pro-apoptotic (Fas, Fas-L, Bax, Bad) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase)) molecules and the “executioner” molecule caspase-3. The fraction of MKCs undergoing apoptosis was assessed by deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling.Results:Only the mitochondrial pathway seemed to be involved in MKC apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-XL was predominantly found in ET MKCs (50.5% of ET MKCs versus 35% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.036), while pro-apoptotic molecules Bax and Bad showed a prevalent expression in PMF MKCs (30.5% of ET MKCs versus 55% of PMF MKCs; 41% of ET MKCs versus 52% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.001 and p = 0.068, respectively). A significant fraction of PMF MKCs were committed to apoptosis according to caspase-3 expression and TUNEL, while only few ET cells were committed to apoptosis. hTERT was significantly more expressed in PMF (32% of ET MKCs versus 46% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.022), in agreement with the proliferative nature of this disease.Conclusions:It was found that ET and PMF MKCs, which barely differ in terms of morphology and aggregation, are characterised by markedly different apoptotic profiles. The rather high apoptotic fraction of PMF was able to support the fibrotic nature of this process, while the anti-apoptotic profile of ET cells fits well with their “steady” maturative state.
Autonomy, religion and clinical decisions: findings from a national physician survey
Authors: Lawrence R E , Curlin F A 
Published: March 2009

Background:Patient autonomy has been promoted as the most important principle to guide difficult clinical decisions. To examine whether practising physicians indeed value patient autonomy above other considerations, physicians were asked to weight patient autonomy against three other criteria that often influence doctors’ decisions. Associations between physicians’ religious characteristics and their weighting of the criteria were also examined.Methods:Mailed survey in 2007 of a stratified random sample of 1000 US primary care physicians, selected from the American Medical Association masterfile. Physicians were asked how much weight should be given to the following: (1) the patient’s expressed wishes and values, (2) the physician’s own judgment about what is in the patient’s best interest, (3) standards and recommendations from professional medical bodies and (4) moral guidelines from religious traditions.Results:Response rate 51% (446/879). Half of physicians (55%) gave the patient’s expressed wishes and values “the highest possible weight”. In comparative analysis, 40% gave patient wishes more weight than the other three factors, and 13% ranked patient wishes behind some other factor. Religious doctors tended to give less weight to the patient’s expressed wishes. For example, 47% of doctors with high intrinsic religious motivation gave patient wishes the “highest possible weight”, versus 67% of those with low (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.8).Conclusions:Doctors believe patient wishes and values are important, but other considerations are often equally or more important. This suggests that patient autonomy does not guide physicians’ decisions as much as is often recommended in the ethics literature.
A randomised clinical trial of transnasal endoscopy versus fluoroscopy for the placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes in patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhihui T , Wenkui Y , Weiqin L , Zhiming W , Xianghong Y , Ning L , Jieshou L 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Objectives
To compare transnasal endoscopy with fluoroscopy for the placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes (NJTs) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Methods
100 patients were randomised to receive NJTs by transnasal endoscopy or fluoroscopy. Successful placement was confirmed by abdominal radiograph.

Results
The success rate was 96% using transnasal endoscopy and 94% using fluoroscopy (p&gt;0.05). The mean (SEM) time to perform a successful procedure was 12.7 (5.1) min for transnasal endoscopy and 7.9 (5.9) min for fluoroscopy (p&lt;0.05). No complications were reported using fluoroscopy, whereas there was one case of tachypnoea and four cases of abdominal distension related to transnasal endoscopy (p&lt;0.05). For transnasal endoscopy, the mean (SEM) visual analogue scale comfort score was 3.2 (1.3) before, 8.7 (1.5) during, and 3.6 (1.3) after a successful procedure. The corresponding values for fluoroscopy were 3.1 (1.2), 5.4 (1.6) and 3.7 (1.4). The difference in scores during the procedure was significant (p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions
Transnasal endoscopic and fluoroscopic placement of NJTs can safely and accurately be performed in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. The results of this study show no significant difference in success and complication rates between the two procedures. However, the procedure time for fluoroscopic placement was shorter than for transnasal endoscopic placement, and patients experienced less discomfort.
Hyperamylasaemia in ureteric colic
Authors: Al-Abed Y A , Ghani K R , Carr T W , Young A J , Ball A J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Hyperamylasaemia is classically associated with acute pancreatitis. Hyperamylasaemia may be associated with many other clinical conditions. However, ureteric colic has never been reported to cause hyperamylasaemia. We describe a 47-year-old woman who presented with an atypical history of left ureteric colic. Radiological investigations confirmed an upper ureteric stone with urinary extravasation. At presentation, the serum amylase was elevated but normalised after 24 h. In conclusion, ureteric colic may cause hyperamylasaemia and this is likely a result of pancreatic irritation due to urinary extravasation. Patients presenting with ureteric colic and elevated concentrations of serum amylase should raise the clinical suspicion of urinary extravasation.
Psalm 144: Hope of Davidic Welfare
Authors:   Booij
Published: March 2009

AbstractPsalm 144 is a late, markedly 'anthological' text. On account of the use made in it of Psalm 33, vv. 12-15 can be assumed to be an integral part of the psalm; they are the 'new song' which is announced in v. 9. The deliverance from foreign rule, prayed for in the middle part of the psalm, is a condition for the welfare pictured in the final verses and linked with David in prophetic texts (see esp. Ez 34:23f.). In this deliverance the speaker, presumably of Davidic descent, credits himself with a central role.
Ephraim and Treachery, Loyalty and (the House of) David: The Meaning of a Structural Parallel in Psalm 78
Authors: Frisch Amos 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe parallel between the first and last units (vv. 1-8, 68-72) of the concentric structure that Zakovitch discovered in Psalm 78 is interpreted differently than he does: we should not infer from the first unit that David's election, mentioned in the last unit, is conditional. Rather, in light of language common to both two units [vv. 5, 71], the parallel actually involves the Lord's two gifts to Israel: the Torah and the Davidic kingdom. That is, here David is an object. The emphasis that Ephraim violates the Torah is significant, because that tribe constituted the opposition and alternative to the House of David. It is possible that through the parallel with the first unit the last unit suggests the duty of loyalty to the Lord's second gift—the Davidic monarchy. Similar ideas can be found in 2 Chronicles xiii 5-11 and xxx 7-8.
Inhibition of endothelial progenitor cell differentiation by VEGI
Authors: Tian Fang , Liang Paulina H. , Li Lu-Yuan 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in postnatal and tumor vasculogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI; TNFSF15) has been shown to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. We report here that VEGI inhibits the differentiation of EPCs from mouse bone marrow–derived Sca1+ mononuclear cells. Analysis of EPC markers indicates a significant decline of the expression of endothelial cell markers, but not stem cell markers, on VEGI-treated cells. Consistently, the VEGI-treated cells exhibit a decreased capability to adhere, migrate, and form capillary-like structures on Matrigel. In addition, VEGI induces apoptosis of differentiated EPCs but not early-stage EPCs. When treated with VEGI, an increase of phospho-Erk and a decrease of phospho-Akt are detected in early-stage EPCs, whereas activation of nuclear factor-κB, jun N-terminal kinase, and caspase-3 is seen in differentiated EPCs. Furthermore, VEGI-induced apoptosis of differentiated EPC is, at least partly, mediated by death receptor-3 (DR3), which is detected on differentiated EPC only. VEGI-induced apoptosis signals can be inhibited by neutralizing antibodies against DR3 or recombinant extracellular domain of DR3. These findings indicate that VEGI may participate in the modulation of postnatal vasculogenesis by inhibiting EPC differentiation.
Photocatalytic Reduction of Nitrobenzene to Aniline in an Aqueous Suspension of Titanium(IV) Oxide Particles in the Presence of Oxalic Acid as a Hole Scavenger and Promotive Effect of Dioxygen in the System
Authors: Kominami Hiroshi , Iwasaki Shin-ichi , Maeda Tsuyoshi , Imamura Kazuya , Hashimoto Keiji , Kera Yoshiya , Ohtani Bunsho 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Nitrobenzene was effectively and selectively reduced to aniline in an acidic aqueous suspension of titanium(IV) oxide photocatalyst in the presence of oxalic acid as a hole scavenger and the aniline yield was improved in the presence of a small amount of dioxygen.
Early School-Age Outcomes of Late Preterm Infants
Authors: Morse Steven Benjamin , Zheng Hao , Tang Yiwei , Roth Jeffrey 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Late preterm infants represent a significant portion of preterm deliveries. Until recently, these infants have received little attention because of assumptions that they carry minimal risk for long-term morbidities. The purpose of this study was to compare prekindergarten and kindergarten outcomes among healthy late preterm infants, 34 to 36 weeks' gestation at birth, and healthy term infants, 37 to 41 weeks' gestation at birth.METHODS. The study sample consisted of singleton infants who were born in Florida between January 1, 1996, and August 31, 1997, with a gestational age between 34 and 41 weeks (N = 161804) with a length of stay ≤72 hours. Seven early school-age outcomes were analyzed. Outcomes were adjusted for 15 potential confounding maternal and infant variables. Unadjusted and adjusted relative risk with 95% confidence interval was estimated for each outcome by using Poisson regression modeling.RESULTS. Risk for developmental delay or disability was 36% higher among late preterm infants compared with term infants. Risk for suspension in kindergarten was 19% higher for late preterm infants. The remaining 4 outcomes, disability in prekindergarten at 3 and 4 years of age, exceptional student education, and retention in kindergarten, all carried a 10% to 13% increased risk among late preterm infants. The assessment “not ready to start school” was borderline significant.CONCLUSIONS. This study suggests that healthy late preterm infants compared with healthy term infants face a greater risk for developmental delay and school-related problems up through the first 5 years of life.
Multiple Births Are a Risk Factor for Postpartum Maternal Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Choi Yoonjoung , Bishai David , Minkovitz Cynthia S. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between multiple births and maternal depressive symptoms measured 9 months after delivery.
METHODS. Data were derived from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, a longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of children born in 2001. Depressive symptoms were measured at 9 months by using an abbreviated version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to study the association between multiple births and maternal depressive symptoms, with adjustment for demographic and household socioeconomic characteristics and maternal history of mental health problems. A total of 8069 mothers were included for analyses.
RESULTS. The prevalence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms at 9 months after delivery was estimated to be 16.0% and 19.0% among mothers of singletons and multiple births, respectively. Only 27.0% of women who had moderate/severe depressive symptoms reported talking about emotional or psychological problems with a mental health specialist or a general medical provider within the 12 months before the interview. The proportions of women with depressive symptoms who were receiving mental health services did not vary according to plurality status.
CONCLUSIONS. Mothers of multiple births had 43% greater odds of having moderate/severe, 9-month postpartum, depressive symptoms, compared with mothers of singletons. Greater attention is needed in pediatric settings to address maternal depression in families with multiple births.
Screening and Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
Authors:   US Preventive Services Task Force
Published: March 2009

DESCRIPTION. This is an update of the 2002 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation on screening for child and adolescent major depressive disorder.
METHODS. The US Preventive Services Task Force weighed the benefits and harms of screening and treatment for major depressive disorder in children and adolescents, incorporating new evidence addressing gaps in the 2002 recommendation statement. Evidence examined included the benefits and harms of screening, the accuracy of primary care–feasible screening tests, and the benefits and risks of treating depression by using psychotherapy and/or medications in patients aged 7 to 18 years.
RECOMMENDATIONS. Screen adolescents (12–18 years of age) for major depressive disorder when systems are in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal), and follow-up (B recommendation). Evidence is insufficient to warrant a recommendation to screen children (7–11 years of age) for major depressive disorder (I statement).
Effects of Maternal Multimicronutrient Supplementation on the Mental Development of Infants in Rural Western China: Follow-up Evaluation of a Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Qiang , Yan Hong , Zeng Lingxia , Cheng Yue , Liang Weifeng , Dang Shaonong , Wang Quanli , Tsuji Ichiro 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. We investigated the benefits of maternal multimicronutrient supplementation during gestation on the mental and psychomotor development of infants.
METHODS. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, pregnant women (N = 5828) in 2 rural counties in western China were assigned randomly to receive multimicronutrient (5 minerals and 10 vitamins at levels approximating the recommended daily allowance), folic acid plus iron, or folic acid supplementation daily from ∼14 weeks of gestation until delivery. We assessed a subset of the newborns (N = 1305) from the 3 supplementation groups by measuring their mental and psychomotor development with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Multilevel analyses were used to compare the mental development and psychomotor development raw scores at 3, 6, and 12 months.
RESULTS. Multimicronutrient supplementation was associated with mean increases in mental development raw scores for infants at 1 year of age of 1.00 and 1.22 points, compared with folic acid only and folic acid plus iron supplementation, respectively. However, supplementation did not increase significantly the psychomotor development raw scores up to 1 year of age.
CONCLUSION. Compared with iron and folic acid supplementation, the administration of multimicronutrients to pregnant women improved the mental development of their children at 1 year of age.
Total Occupational Exposure During Characterisation, Conditioning, and Securing of Radioactive Sealed Sources: A New Dosimetric Concept Using Active Electronic Dosimeters
Authors: Prlić Ivica , Mihić Marija , Marović Gordana , Meštrović Tomislav 
Published: March 2009

Total Occupational Exposure During Characterisation, Conditioning, and Securing of Radioactive Sealed Sources: A New Dosimetric Concept Using Active Electronic Dosimeters
Radiation dosimetry in protection against ionising radiation involves research of all possible pathways through which natural or man-made radioactive materials can contaminate a habitat and actually harm its biota. It also takes into account natural and artificial (man-made) electromagnetic ionizing radiation (γ and x radiation). This article presents a dosimetric study assessing exposure to man-made ionising radiation of local environment and total occupational exposure of two professional workers involved in characterisation, conditioning, and securing of unused radioactive sealed sources. The purpose of the study was to validate a new active electronic dosimeter (AED) of type ALARA OD and to develop a new monitoring method by tracing the external occupational exposure over real time. This method is used to continuously measure and record external radiation doses and, which is a novelty, establish dose rates receiving pattern as a function of real time. Occupational whole body dosimetric results obtained with AED were compared with results obtained with passive dosimetry (film badge and thermoluminiscence). Air, dust, and silicon sand samples were analysed by gamma-spectrometry to estimate internal exposure of the two workers to 222Rn due to inhalation or ingestion of dust and sand in indoor air. In order to establish total occupational exposure, control radon measurement was performed in the immediate environment and the external Hazard index (Hex) was calculated.
The Odivelas Limestone: evidence for a Middle Devonian reef system in western Ossa-Morena Zone (Portugal)
Authors: Machado Gil , Hladil Jindřich , Koptíková Leona , Fonseca Paulo , Rocha Fernando , Galle Arnošt 
Published: March 2009

The Odivelas Limestone: evidence for a Middle Devonian reef system in western Ossa-Morena Zone (Portugal)The Odivelas Limestone constitutes one of the few records of Middle Devonian sedimentation in the western Ossa-Morena Zone. Although deformed and metamorphosed the limestones have an abundant fossil content which allows their positioning as late Eifelian/early Givetian in age and to relate the reef fauna with the typical Rhenish facies for the same time period. Magnetic susceptibility analysis was attempted and is in agreement with the biostratigraphy, but the limited extent of sections and the metamorphism precludes firm correlations. The field evidence, petrographic and geochemical analysis point to a close paleogeographical relation and dependence of the reef system on volcanic structures which are included in the Beja Igneous Complex. The age of part of the volcanic and sub-volcanic suite of this complex is thus constrained.
Climate change at the Triassic/Jurassic boundary: palynological evidence from the Furkaska section (Tatra Mountains, Slovakia)
Authors: Ruckwied Katrin , Götz Annette 
Published: March 2009

Climate change at the Triassic/Jurassic boundary: palynological evidence from the Furkaska section (Tatra Mountains, Slovakia)The palynology of the Triassic/Jurassic boundary interval of the Furkaska section (Tatra Mts, Slovakia) was studied with respect to a major climatic change during that period. The palynofacies is dominated by terrestrial particles, indicating a shallow marine depositional environment. The palynomorphs are fairly well-preserved and the assemblage shows characteristic changes within the Triassic/Jurassic boundary interval: the lower part of the section is characterized by high abundance ofRicciisporites tuberculatus.The sudden increase in abundance of trilete spores, the decrease in the abundance ofOvalipollisspp., the last appearance ofAlisporites minimusandCorollinaspp., and the first appearance ofConcavisporites rhaetoliassicus, Cyatidites australis, Callialasporites dampieri, Pinuspollenites minimus, Platysaccusspp. andZebrasporites fimbriatusare striking features for a subdivision of two palynomorph assemblages. The detected spore shift is interpreted to display a sudden increase in humidity most probably caused by the volcanic activity of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) associated with the onset of rifting of Pangaea during early Mesozoic times.