bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing spatiotemporal patterns of multidrug-resistant and drug-sensitive tuberculosis in a South American setting
Authors: LIN H. , SHIN S. , BLAYA J. A. , ZHANG Z. , CEGIELSKI P. , CONTRERAS C. , ASENCIOS L. , BONILLA C. , BAYONA J. , PACIOREK C. J. , COHEN T. 
Published: January 2011

SUMMARYWe examined the spatiotemporal distribution of laboratory-confirmed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) cases and that of other TB cases in Lima, Peru with the aim of identifying mechanisms responsible for the rise of MDR TB in an urban setting. All incident cases of TB in two districts of Lima, Peru during 2005–2007 were included. The spatiotemporal distributions of MDR cases and other TB cases were compared with Ripley'sKstatistic. Of 11 711 notified cases, 1187 received drug susceptibility testing and 376 were found to be MDR. Spatial aggregation of patients with confirmed MDR disease appeared similar to that of other patients in 2005 and 2006; however, in 2007, cases with confirmed MDR disease were found to be more tightly grouped. Subgroup analysis suggests the appearance of resistance may be driven by increased transmission. Interventions should aim to reduce the infectious duration for those with drug-resistant disease and improve infection control.
On the effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Lee Sungjin , Noh Hyungjong , Lee Jonghoon , Lee Kyusong , Lee Gary Geunbae , Sagong Seongdae , Kim Munsang 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis study introduces the educational assistant robots that we developed for foreign language learning and explores the effectiveness of robot-assisted language learning (RALL) which is in its early stages. To achieve this purpose, a course was designed in which students have meaningful interactions with intelligent robots in an immersive environment. A total of 24 elementary students, ranging in age from ten to twelve, were enrolled in English lessons. A pre-test/post-test design was used to investigate the cognitive effects of the RALL approach on the students’ oral skills. No significant difference in the listening skill was found, but the speaking skills improved with a large effect size at the significance level of 0.01. Descriptive statistics and the pre-test/post-test design were used to investigate the affective effects of RALL approach. The result showed that RALL promoted and improved students’ satisfaction, interest, confidence, and motivation at the significance level of 0.01.
The ageing immune system and its clinical implications
Authors: Wordsworth DTHJ , Dunn-Walters DK 
Published: January 2011

SummaryAgeing is associated with multiple changes in many different components of the immune system. A healthy immune system exists in a state of balance between efficient effector responses against pathogens and tolerance to self antigens. This balance is changed with age; functions such as antigen recognition, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, chemotaxis, cytokine secretion and killing ability are all compromised. Aberrant cellular responses lead to an altered cytokine network with increases in inflammatory cytokines and decreases in anti-inflammatory cytokines leading to a pro-inflammatory state. Consequently older patients require extra care in diagnosis of infections as symptoms may be perturbed, resulting in unusual presentations of common conditions. The defects in immunity due to immunosenescence also mean that older patients require more care and screening than other patients in the same disease cohort. Though it is generally understood by clinicians that older patients are more at risk from multiple infections, the wider clinical effects of immunosenescence are less understood. The immune system is involved in several neurodegenerative conditions and the inflammatory conditions of immunosenescence may be a key factor in pathogenesis. Similarly, there is reason to believe that immunosenescence might be a key factor explaining the increased incidence of cancer in older age. With increasing understanding of the immune system's involvement in many of these pathological processes, and the contribution that immunosenescence makes to these, more efficient vaccines and novel therapies may be developed to prevent/treat these conditions.
Carotid artery disease in older people: clinical features and management
Authors: Naylor A Ross 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThe ‘take home’ messages for managing elderly patients with symptomatic carotid disease are that they need to be investigated as soon as possible after onset of the index event and that someone has to take active responsibility for ensuring that risk factor control and best medical therapy is started as soon as possible. In this modern era, patients suffering a transient ischaemic attack/minor stroke should be seen in dedicated, rapidly accessible single visit clinics, and those found to have significant carotid disease should generally be admitted and undergo expedited carotid endarterectomy (CEA) unless contra-indicated. Every centre should now aim to be performing carotid surgery within 14 days of onset of symptoms, with this threshold likely to become even shorter in the future. The current culture of allowing delays to treatment should be considered unacceptable. Evidence suggests that the risk of procedural stroke is lower in higher volume centres and this should be considered when planning referrals. Recently symptomatic elderly patients deemed unfit for CEA should be considered for carotid artery stenting (CAS), but with the caveat that this may be associated with an increased risk of procedural stroke. In this situation, every patient should be considered on an individual basis and no symptomatic patient should be denied access to surgery simply on the grounds of age. Meta-analyses of data from the international trials have clearly shown that patients aged >75 years gain considerably more benefit from CEA than any other age group. In contrast, there is no compelling evidence that patients aged >75 years with asymptomatic carotid artery disease benefit from CEA or CAS. For this category of patients, risk factor control and best medical therapy should remain the first line of management.
What is resilience? A review and concept analysis
Authors: Windle Gill 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThe complexities of defining what appears to be the relatively simple concept of resilience are widely recognized. This paper analyses the concept of resilience from a range of disciplinary perspectives and clarifies a definition in order to inform research, policy and practice. The work takes a life course approach to resilience, examining evidence derived from research across the lifespan. It incorporates the methods of systematic review, concept analysis and consultation through face-to-face meetings. The synthesis of methodological approaches enables a clear identification of the antecedents, defining attributes and consequences of resilience, validated with stakeholder partners. Through this process, resilience is defined as the process of effectively negotiating, adapting to, or managing significant sources of stress or trauma. Assets and resources within the individual, their life and environment facilitate this capacity for adaptation and ‘bouncing back’ in the face of adversity. Across the life course, the experience of resilience will vary. A large proportion of resilience research is routed within the discipline of developmental psychology, and has mainly been developed with children and adolescents. A major contribution to resilience research could be made through more multi-disciplinary studies that examine the dynamics of resilience across the lifespan, its role in healthy ageing and in managing loss, such as changes in cognitive functioning.
Accelerated modification of the zona pellucida is the primary cause of decreased fertilizability of oocytes in the 129 inbred mouse strain
Authors: Hino Toshiaki , Oda Kanako , Nakamura Kenji , Tateno Hiroyuki , Toyoda Yutaka , Yokoyama Minesuke 
Published: January 2011

SummaryWe investigated whether the small litter size in the 129 inbred mouse strain results from a reduction in oocyte fertilizability. Sensitivity of the zona pellucida to α-chymotrypsin was examined for oocytes collected at 14 h (shortly after ovulation), 17 h, and 20 h after hCG injection. Passage of spermatozoa through the zona pellucida (using anin vitrofertilization (IVF) technique) and the density of cortical granules were examined for oocytes collected at 14 and 17 h after hCG injection. The capability of the oolemma to fuse with the sperm plasma membrane was also evaluated by IVF using zona-free eggs. The zona pellucida became markedly resistant to the enzyme 17 h after hCG injection. IVF rates significantly decreased at this time. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the density of cortical granules. When zona-free oocytes were inseminated, high fertilization rates were obtained at both 17 and 14 h after hCG injection. These results indicate that accelerated modification of the zona pellucida primarily causes a decreased fertilizability of oocytes in 129 mice, resulting in the low reproductive performance of this strain.
Equine bone marrow mesenchymal or amniotic epithelial stem cells as feeder in a model for thein vitroculture of bovine embryos
Authors: Lange-Consiglio Anna , Maggio Valentina , Pellegrino Laura , Cremonesi Fausto 
Published: January 2011

SummaryVarious studies have shown that thein vitroculture environment is one of the key determinants of the blastocyst output. In the present study we investigated the effects of co-culturing bovine embryos with equine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) or equine amniotic epithelial stem cells (AE-SCs) onin vitroblastocysts development. BM specimens were obtained aseptically from sternal aspirates of horses under local anaesthesia and the isolated cells were resuspended in Dulbecco Modified Earle's Medium supplemented with 10 ng/ml of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Amniotic membranes were obtained from fresh placentas and, to release the AE cells, amniotic fragments were incubated with 0.05% trypsin for 45 min. Separated AE cells were plated in standard culture medium containing 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor (EGF). Seven hundred and five cumulus–oocyte complexes were used and, after IVM and IVF, cumulus-free presumptive zygotes were randomly transferred into one of three co-culture systems in which they were cultured up to day 7: (1) co-culture with cumulus cells (control); (2) co-culture with BM-MSCs; and (3) co-culture with AE-SCs. Statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA. Blastocyst developmental rates were significantly different (p< 0.001) between control, AE-SCs and BM-MSCs (respectively 35.45, 41.84 and 30.09%). In conclusion, the AE-SC monolayer create a more suitable microenvironment necessary for inducing local cell activation and proliferation of the growing embryos in comparison with BM-MSCs and cumulus cells. It can be suggested that these cells secrete biologically active substances, including signalling molecules and growth factors of epithelial nature, different to those of the BM cells of mesenchymal origin.
Expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in goat ovarian follicles and the impact of sequential culture medium on in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles
Authors: Saraiva M.V.A. , Celestino J.J.H. , Araújo V.R. , Chaves R.N. , Almeida A.P. , Lima-Verde I.B. , Duarte A.B.G. , Silva G.M. , Martins F.S. , Bruno J.B. , Matos M.H.T. , Campello C.C. , Silva J.R.V. , Figueiredo J.R. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThis study evaluated the expression of FSH receptors (FSHR) in the different stages of goat follicle development and investigated whether the addition of increasing concentrations of FSH throughout the culture period influences the survival, growth and antral formation of in vitro-cultured caprine preantral follicles. The expression of FSHR was analysed before and after culturing follicles using real-time RT-PCR. For the culture, preantral follicles (≥150 μm) were isolated from ovarian fragments and cultured for 18 days in α-MEM+ alone or associated with recombinant FSH (rFSH: 100 or 1000 ng/ml), or in α-MEM+ supplemented with increasing concentrations of FSH throughout culture periods as follows: (a) sequential medium 1: FSH 100 ng/ml (from day 0 to 6), FSH 500 ng/ml (from day 6 to 12) and FSH 1000 ng/ml (from day 12 to 18); and (b) sequential medium 2: FSH 500 ng/ml (from day 0 to 9) and 1000 ng/ml (from day 9 to 18). Follicle development was evaluated on the basis of antral cavity formation, follicular and oocyte growth, and cumulus–oocyte complex health. The expression of FSHR in isolated caprine follicles increased from the preantral to antral phase. Regarding the culture, after 18 days, sequential medium 1 promoted follicular survival, antrum formation and a reduction in oocyte extrusion. Both sequential media promoted a higher rate of meiotic resumption compared with the other treatments. In conclusion, the addition of increased concentrations of FSH (sequential medium) has a significant impact on the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles.
LEFTY2 expression and localization in rat oviduct during early pregnancy
Authors: Argañaraz Martin Eduardo , Apichela Silvana Andrea , Miceli Dora Cristina 
Published: January 2011

SummaryIn mammals, fertilization and preimplantation embryo development occurs in the oviduct. Cross-talk between the developing embryos and the maternal reproductive tract has been described in such a way as to show that the embryos modulate the physiology and gene expression of the oviduct. Different studies have indicated that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) can modulate the oviductal microenvironment and act as an autocrine/paracrine factor on embryo development. LEFTY2, a novel member of the TGF-β superfamily is involved in the negative regulation of other cytokines in this family such as nodal, activin, BMPs, TGF-β1 and Vg1. In previous studies, we have reported that LEFTY2 is differentially expressed in the rat oviduct during pregnancy. In this study, we describe the temporal pattern of LEFTY2 in pregnant and non-pregnant rat oviduct by western blotting, which showed higher levels of LEFTY2 on day 4 of pregnancy, a time at which the embryos are ending their journey along the oviduct. The cellular location of LEFTY2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry, which showed immunolabelling in the cytoplasm and at the apical surface of the oviductal epithelial cells. The oviductal fluid also presented a 26 kDa band, which corresponds to the biologically active form of this protein, at the preimplantation period of pregnancy, indicating LEFTY2 secretion to the lumen. As LEFTY2 is expressed at a high level just before the embryos pass to the uterus, its biological effect might be relevant and significant for the preimplantation stage of embryo development in the oviduct. The fact that embryos do not express LEFTY2 at this stage of development supports this hypothesis.
Congenital tricuspid regurgitation: review and a proposed new classification
Authors: Gupta Anubhav , Grover Vijay , Gupta Vijay K. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground and aimCongenital tricuspid regurgitation is an extremely rare condition. The morphologic heterogeneity makes it difficult to derive any conclusions regarding the best strategy for management of this condition.MethodsWe analysed the published literature on “congenital tricuspid regurgitation” using MEDLINE. In addition, the reference sections of all relevant articles were searched to identify additional cases. Studies published till June 2009 are included.ResultsAs far as we could establish, there were 123 cases of congenital tricuspid regurgitation. Of these, 63 were documented during surgery, 38 during autopsy, and 22 were diagnosed by echocardiography or cardiac catheterisation. The mean age was 22.57 years, with a standard deviation of 23.42 years, and the age ranged from 1 day to 80 years, with a median of 16 years. There was a male predominance, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:2.ConclusionCongenital tricuspid regurgitation is an uncommon clinical entity with wide anatomical variations. The severity of disease dictates the presentation in infancy, childhood, or adulthood. Tricuspid valve repair is the ideal treatment whenever feasible, especially in children. We propose a new classification for congenital tricuspid regurgitation, which not only includes the anatomical variations, but can also help the surgeon in deciding on the best strategy for management.
Sudden death in a patient with Noonan syndrome
Authors: Aydin Alper , Yilmazer Mustafa S. , Gurol Tayfun 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe report here the case of a 27-year-old woman with Noonan syndrome presenting with ventricular fibrillation. After successful defibrillation, echocardiography revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Normal echocardiographic cardiac structure and function were reported 11 years ago. This case emphasises the importance of regular follow-up in patients with congenital disorders in which cardiac manifestations might develop in early adulthood or later.
Microembolic signals measured by transcranial Doppler during transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using the Amplatzer septal occluder
Authors: Itoh Shinich , Suda Kenji , Kishimoto Shintaro , Nishino Hiroshi , Kudo Yoshiyuki , Iemura Motofumi , Teramachi Yozo , Matsuishi Toyojiro , Yasunaga Hiroshi 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPurposeTo determine the frequency and factors associated with increase in microembolic signals during transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using the Amplatzer septal occluder.MethodsDuring the procedure in 16 patients, we measured microembolic signals using transcranial Doppler. Procedure time was divided into five periods: right cardiac catheterisation; left cardiac catheterisation; left cardiac angiocardiography; sizing and long sheath placement; device placement and release. We compared numbers of microembolic signals among the five periods and identified factors associated with them.ResultsMean size of septal occluder was 16 millimetres in diameter. Total number of microembolic signals was a median of 31.5, ranging from 3 to 113. Microembolic signals in three periods, left cardiac catheterisation; sizing, and long sheath placement; and device placement and release, were not significantly different from one another, but were significantly higher than those in the remaining two periods, right cardiac catheterisation and left cardiac angiocardiography (median was 9 in left cardiac catheterisation; 6 in sizing and long sheath placement; 6.5 in device placement and release, versus 0 in right cardiac catheterisation and 1 in left cardiac angiocardiography, p less than 0.05, respectively). Importantly, the time for device manipulation positively correlated with total number of microembolic signals (r equals 0.77, p less than 0.001), although fluoroscopic time, age, or size of septal occluder did not.ConclusionsTranscatheter closure of atrial septal defect using the Amplatzer septal occluder produces microemboli, especially during device placement. To minimise the risk of systemic embolism, we must decrease the time for device manipulation.
Early diagnosis and screening of congenital cardiac anomalies
Authors: Dastgiri Saeed , Taghizadeh Mahdieh , Heidarzadeh Mohammad 
Published: January 2011

AbstractConsiderable numbers of congenital cardiac anomalies are missed at the time of delivery. Study reports show that congenital cardiac anomalies are the second most common birth defect in many countries. Despite this fact, our previous study showed that the prevalence of congenital cardiac anomalies is the fifth most common one, indicating that many of these defects might not be properly diagnosed at the time of delivery and birth. The aim of this study was to estimate the missing frequency of congenital cardiac anomalies at the time of delivery and birth. The population of the study was 185,650 births in the Northwest region of Iran covered by the Tabriz Registry of Congenital Anomalies. A total of 451 children with congenital cardiac anomalies were studied in the region from 2000 to 2009. The expected prevalence of congenital cardiac anomalies at birth was estimated to be 24.2 per 10,000 births while a prevalence of 9.2 per 10,000 births was observed at the same time and place. This indicated that 59.1% of children with congenital cardiac anomalies were not identified at birth (p-value less than 0.05). This proportion increased by 13% over the study period from 2000 to 2009 (p-value greater than 0.1). Our findings indicated that a remarkable frequency of congenital cardiac anomalies was not diagnosed at birth because there was no paediatric cardiologist available at the time of birth in the gynaecology and obstetrics wards.
Heritability of Response Inhibition in Children
Authors: Schachar Russell J. , Forget-Dubois Nadine , Dionne Ginette , Boivin Michel , Robaey Philippe 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe report the heritability of response inhibition, latency, and variability, which are potential markers of genetic risk in neuropsychiatric conditions. Genetic and environmental influences on cancellation and restraint, response latency, and variability measured in a novel variant of the stop signal task were studied in 139 eight-year-old twin pairs from a birth cohort. Cancellation (50%), restraint (27%), and response latency (41%) showed significant heritability, the balance being non-shared environmental influences and/or error. Response variability was not heritable, with 23% of the variance attributable to shared environmental influences and 77% to non-shared environmental risk or error. The phenotypic correlation between response cancellation and restraint was −.44 and between response latency and restraint was .21. These phenotypic correlations were entirely genetic in origin. The phenotypic correlation between response variability and % successful inhibition was .27, but was not genetic. Cancellation and restraint were heritable and shared genetic influences, indicating that they may be influenced by a common gene or genes. Response latency was moderately heritable and shared genetic influences with restraint, but was not correlated with cancellation. Response variability was not heritable. These results support the potential of response inhibition and latency as endophenotypes in genetic research. (JINS, 2011,17, 238–247)