bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of the essence of play experience to children living in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Authors: Berinstein Stephany , Magalhaes Lilian 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis study aimed to gain an understanding of the essence of play experience to children in Zanzibar, Tanzania. A phenomenological approach using the photovoice method was adopted. The study was carried out over 4 weeks, with 12 boys and 4 girls. Four key themes emerged from the analysis of 116 photographs: creative play, physical play/games, football and equipment play. The findings suggest that play experience in Zanzibar has aspects of creativity and resourcefulness, and influences from tradition, culture and poverty. Furthermore, that opportunity for play may differ for children in Tanzania, compared with children in Western countries. Unequal boy and girl participants, and the lack of representation of children with a disability were some limitations of this study. The occupational therapy profession may want to further investigate the opportunities for play for children living in developing countries. Additionally, it may be valuable to look at different aspects of play, such as its meaning to children from different cultures and its potential restorative value for children who have experienced traumatic events. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Murine “Cardiospheres” Are Not a Source of Stem Cells with Cardiomyogenic Potential
Authors: Andersen Ditte Caroline , Andersen Peter , Schneider Mikael , Jensen Hasse Brønnum , Sheikh Søren Paludan 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Recent remarkable studies have reported that clonogenic putative cardiac stem cells (CSCs) with cardiomyogenic potential migrate from heart tissue biopsies during ex vivo culture, and that these CSCs self-organize into spontaneously beating cardiospheres (CSs). Such data have provided clear promise that injured heart tissue may be repaired by stem cell therapy using autologous CS-derived cells. By further examining CSs from the original CS protocol using immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and microscopic analysis, we here report a more mundane result: that spontaneously beating CSs from neonatal rats likely consist of contaminating myocardial tissue fragments. Thus, filtering away these tissue fragments resulted in CSs without cardiomyogenic potential. Similar data were obtained with CSs derived from neonatal mice as wells as adult rats/mice. Additionally, using in vitro culture, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and immunofluorescence, we demonstrate that these CSs are generated by cellular aggregation of GATA-4+/collagen I+/α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)+/CD45− cells rather than by clonal cell growth. In contrast, we found that the previously proposed CS-forming cells, dubbed phase bright cells, were GATA-4−/collagen I−/α-SMA−/CD45+ and unable to form CSs by themselves. Phenotypically, the CS cells largely resembled fibroblasts, and they lacked cardiomyogenic as well as endothelial differentiation potential. Our data imply that the murine CS model is unsuitable as a source of CSCs with cardiomyogenic potential, a result that is in contrast to previously published data. We therefore suggest, that human CSs should be further characterized with respect to phenotype and differentiation potential before initiating human trials.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Laryngeal function after supracricoid laryngectomy
Authors: Saito Koichiro , Araki Koji , Ogawa Kaoru , Shiotani Akihiro 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess laryngeal function after supracricoid laryngectomy.Study DesignCase series.Subjects and MethodsSupracricoid laryngectomy (SCL) has been performed in our institution for 24 selected patients with laryngeal cancer since December 2000. Reconstruction was performed through cricohyoidoepiglottopexy for 23 patients and cricohyoidopexy for 1 patient. Seven patients had ipsilateral arytenoid removal, and 15 patients underwent SCL as salvage surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess postoperative speech and swallowing function. Stroboscopy and/or fiberscopy of the neoglottis were used to assess postoperative speech kinetics. Acoustic parameters were measured to evaluate vocal function, and several questionnaires were used to evaluate postoperative quality of life (QOL).ResultsIn the absence of postoperative complications, stoma closure and normal diet intake were achieved 1 month after surgery. The neoglottis comprises the arytenoid(s), epiglottis, and pyriform sinus mucosa. Several different combinations of vibrating regions were observed among patients during phonation. Although vocalization sounded rough and breathy, vocal communication was possible with little inconvenience.ConclusionAcceptable functional recovery and tolerable QOL can be achieved after SCL.
Reconstruction of the through‐and‐through oral cavity defect with the fibula free flap
Authors: Gal T.J. , Jones Kristin A. , Valentino Joseph 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveTo evaluate our experience with reconstruction of anterior and lateral through‐and‐through defects of the oral cavity using the fibula osteocutaneous flap.Study DesignCase series with chart review.MethodsReview of patients undergoing reconstruction of through‐and‐through oral cavity defects between August 2006 and July 2008. Defect size, complications, and need for additional reconstruction were examined.ResultsTwelve patients were identified with through‐and‐through oromandibular defects reconstructed with the fibula. Soft tissue defects were successfully closed using a de‐epithelialized segment to create two skin paddles. Four patients required additional pectoralis major flap reconstruction for secondary fibula skin loss (1), neck skin breakdown (1), delayed flap loss (1), and need for additional tissue for closure (1).ConclusionThe versatility of the fibula for through‐and‐through defects of the oral cavity is underestimated, and in most cases it is appropriate to reserve second flaps for salvage reconstruction.
Inheritance of a weeping character and the low frequency of rooting from cuttings of the mulberry variety ‘Shidareguwa’
Authors: Yamanouchi H. , Koyama A. , Machii H. , Takyu T. , Muramatsu N. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA mulberry variety, Morus alba‘Shidareguwa’, has a weeping habit and is used as an ornamental and landscape plant. This variety is known for being difficult to propagate by hardwood cuttings. To clarify the mode of inheritance of the weeping character and its relationship to the difficulty in cutting propagation, we crossed ‘Shidareguwa’ with a non‐weeping variety ‘Noi’ that has a very high rooting ability. The phenotypic segregations exhibited by the F1 and F2 plants suggested that the weeping habit is controlled by a single recessive gene. In tests of the F2 plants for cutting propagation, no obvious correlation was recognized between the weeping trait and the rooting ability of cuttings. As a result, we were able to develop new weeping mulberry strains with improved high rooting ability.
The physiology of colonic hydrotherapy
Authors: Seow‐Choen F. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective  Colonic hydrotherapy is widely used and many of its practitioners are medically qualified. Nonetheless, the basis of many of their practices requires physiological scrutiny.Method  The claims of colonic hydrotherapy are examined against known physiological facts.Results  Hydrotherapy is not entirely physiological.Conclusion  Colonic hydrotherapy may increase the dissemination and absorption of toxins and bacteria into the body.
Benign rectal strictures managed with transanal resection – A novel application for transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Authors: Baatrup G. , Svensen R. , Ellensen V. S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective  Six cases of management of rectal strictures by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) are described.Method  Patients are placed in the lithotomy – Trendelenburg position and the stricture is resected from 4–8 o’clock through the entire thickness of the fibrosis. The upper resection edge is mobilized including all layers of the rectal wall and the defect is sutured along the circumference.Results  Satisfactory anatomical and functional long‐term results were obtained in 5 of 6 patients.Conclusion  TEM resection of benign strictures is feasible in some patients and should be tested in a randomized study against known procedures.
Persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients: the role of steatosis
Authors: Bani‐Sadr F , Barange K , Daoud F , Jacomet C , Bicart‐See A , Rosenthal E , Cacoub P , Pol S , Perronne C , Carrat F ,   the ANRS HC02 – Ribavic Study Team
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveThe frequency and significance of, and liver biopsy findings associated with, a persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐coinfected patients are poorly characterized. We analysed factors associated with persistently normal ALT levels, defined as at least three consecutive normal ALT values over a 6‐month period, in a group of 381 HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients.MethodsPatients were categorized into two groups according to ALT values: group 1, patients with persistently normal ALT levels; and group 2, patients with elevated ALT values. Possible interactions with host factors, HIV and HCV viral factors, antiretroviral treatment and histological features were examined.ResultsThirty‐six patients (9.4%) had persistently normal ALT levels. None of the 36 patients had cirrhosis. Seven patients (19.4%) had a METAVIR fibrosis score of F3. In multivariate analysis, a lower mean METAVIR inflammation score [odds ratio (OR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.89; P=0.017], the absence of steatosis (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.90; P=0.026) and HCV genotype 4 infection (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.15–6.68; P=0.023) were associated with persistently normal ALT levels.ConclusionThe slower progression of chronic hepatitis in patients with persistently normal ALT levels could be related, in part, to a lower frequency of steatosis
Effects of aging on behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: KONISHI Kimiko , HORI Koji , ODA Tatsuro , TOMINAGA Itaru , ASAOKA Toshiyasu , HACHISU Mitsugu , SHIBASAKI Toshiaki 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between aging and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods:  Eligible subjects were consecutively referred AD patients with BPSD. According to patient age at the time of the test, the AD patient group (n = 79, whole AD group (WADG)) was divided into two groups: a relative older group (OG) in the whole AD group (WAD) (age at the time of test was 81 years or more, n = 40) and a relative younger group (YG) in the WAD (age at the time of test was below 81 years, n = 39). A comparison was made of the demographic data (sex difference, educational level and severity of dementia), cognitive functions and BPSD between the groups. BPSD was evaluated using the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE‐AD). The factor analysis of BPSD was conducted in the WADG as well as in the OG and YG.Results:  Sex difference, educational level, severity of dementia and cognitive functions were not different; however, the total score of the BEHAVE‐AD symptom domain in diurnal rhythm was significantly higher in the OG than in the YG (Student's t‐test: P < 0.05). Factor analysis showed that psychosis was the first factor in the OG, but was the third factor in the YG and that the psychotic symptoms were caused by anxieties and phobias in the OG.Conclusion:  From these results, we found that the effects of aging on the BPSD in AD were characterized by diurnal rhythm disturbance and psychosis.
Implant micromotion is related to peak insertion torque and bone density
Authors: Trisi Paolo , Perfetti Giorgio , Baldoni Edoardo , Berardi Davide , Colagiovanni Marco , Scogna Giuseppe 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives: Measuring peak insertion torque in relation to different bone densities, the present study seeks to determine whether micromotion at the interface is related to primary stability achieved by increasing insertion torque.Material and methods: A total of 120 Ti‐Bone implants were placed in fresh bovine bone samples representing three density categories: hard, normal and soft (HNS). Five groups of peak insertion torque (20, 35, 45, 70 and 100 N/cm) were evaluated in the three bone density categories noted. Customized electronic equipment connected to a PC was used to register the peak and other insertion torque data. A loading device, consisting of a digital force gauge and a digital micrometer, was used to measure the micromovements of the implant during the application of 20, 25 and 30 N lateral forces. The data were analyzed for statistical significance by ANOVA and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests.Results: A statistically significant difference between implant micromobility placed with different levels of torque and in different bone densities was demonstrated by ANOVA. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed a high dependency between the peak insertion torque and the observed micromovement. Particularly, in soft bone, it was not possible to achieve more than 35 N/cm of peak insertion torque.Conclusions: Results showed that increasing the peak insertion torque reduces the level of implant micromotion. In addition, micromotion in soft bone was found to be consistently high, which could lead to the failure of osseointegration. Thus, immediate functional loading of implants in soft bone should be considered with caution.
Separating pygmy and Antarctic blue whales using long‐forgotten ovarian data
Authors: Branch T. A. , Mikhalev Y. A. , Kato H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) are ≤24.1 m and are generally found north of 52°S in summer, whereas the more southerly Antarctic blue whales (B. m. intermedia) may exceed 30 m. Previous assessments have assumed that catches and recent surveys south of 60°S recorded Antarctic blue whales, but these may have included pygmy blue whales. Here, we use ovarian corpora, which accumulate with ovulations and hence with length, to separate these subspecies. The resulting Bayesian mixture model, applied to 1,380 Northern Region (north of 52°S and 35°–180°E) and 3,844 Southern Ocean (south of 52°S) blue whales, estimated that only 0.1% (95% credibility intervals 0.0%–0.4%) of the Antarctic region blue whales were pygmy blue whales and, unexpectedly, found significantly lower lifetime ovulation counts for pygmy blue whales than for Antarctic blue whales (7.6 vs. 13.6). Over four decades, despite substantial depletion of Antarctic blue whales, there was no trend in the estimated proportion of pygmy blue whales in the Antarctic. Several lines of investigation found no evidence for sizeable numbers of pygmy blue whales in ovarian corpora data collected in the 1930s, as was previously hypothesized.
A Novel Role for the Forkhead Transcription Factor FOXL2 in Activin A-Regulated Follicle-Stimulating Hormone β Subunit Transcription
Authors: Lamba Pankaj , Fortin Jérôme , Tran Stella , Wang Ying , Bernard Daniel J. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Selective synthesis and release of FSH from pituitary gonadotropes is regulated by activins. Activins directly stimulate murine FSHβ (Fshb) subunit gene transcription through a consensus 8-bp Sma- and Mad-related protein-binding element (SBE) in the proximal promoter. In contrast, the human FSHB promoter is relatively insensitive to the direct effects of activins and lacks this SBE. The proximal porcine Fshb promoter, which is highly conserved with human, similarly lacks the 8-bp SBE, but is nonetheless highly sensitive to activins. We used a comparative approach to determine mechanisms mediating differential activin induction of human, porcine, and murine Fshb/FSHB promoters. We mapped an activin response element in the proximal porcine promoter and identified interspecies variation in a single base pair in close proximity that conferred strong binding of the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2 to the porcine, but not human or murine, promoters. Introduction of the human base pair into the porcine promoter abolished FOXL2 binding and activin A induction. FOXL2 conferred activin A induction to the porcine promoter in heterologous cells, whereas knockdown of the endogenous protein in gonadotropes inhibited the activin A response. The murine Fshb promoter lacks the high-affinity FOXL2-binding site, but its activin induction is FOXL2 sensitive. We identified a more proximal FOXL2-binding element in the murine promoter, which is conserved across species. Mutation of this site attenuated activin A induction of both the porcine and murine promoters. Collectively, the data indicate a novel role for FOXL2 in activin A-regulated Fshb transcription.
Association of SSTR2 Polymorphisms and Glucose Homeostasis Phenotypes
Authors: Sutton Beth S. , Palmer Nicholette D. , Langefeld Carl D. , Xue Bingzhong , Proctor Alexandria , Ziegler Julie T. , Haffner Steven M. , Norris Jill M. , Bowden Donald W. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the influence of somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) polymorphisms on measures of glucose homeostasis in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study (IRASFS). SSTR2 is a G-protein–coupled receptor that, in response to somatostatin, mediates inhibition of insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone release and thus may affect glucose homeostasis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the gene were chosen using a SNP density selection algorithm and genotyped on 1,425 Hispanic-American individuals from 90 families in the IRASFS. These families comprised two samples (set 1 and set 2), which were analyzed individually and as a combined set. Single SNP tests of association were performed for four glucose homeostasis measures—insulin sensitivity (SI), acute insulin response (AIR), disposition index (DI), and fasting blood glucose (FBG)—using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS
The SSTR2 locus was encompassed by a single linkage disequilibrium (LD) block (D′ = 0.91–1.00; r2 = 0.09–0.97) that contained four of the ten SNPs evaluated. Within the SSTR2-containing LD block, evidence of association was observed in each of the two sets and in a combined analysis with decreased SI(βhomozygous = −0.16; Pmeta-analysis = 0.0024–0.0030), decreased DI (βhomozygous = −0.35 to −5.16; Pmeta-analysis = 0.0075–0.027), and increased FBG (βhomozygous = 2.30; Pmeta-analysis = 0.045). SNPs outside the SSTR2-containing LD block were not associated with measures of glucose homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS
We observed evidence for association of SSTR2 polymorphisms with measures of glucose homeostasis. Thus, variants in SSTR2 may influence pathways of SIto modulate glucose homeostasis.
Myocardial perfusion after one year of spinal cord stimulation in patients with refractory angina
Authors: Eckert S. , Dongas A. , Fricke H. , Preuss R. , Lindner O. , Horstkotte D. , Burchert W. , Fricke E. 
Published: March 2009

Summary
Aim: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is recommended for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and refractory angina. We used positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate the long-term effect of SCS on regional myocardial perfusion in patients suffering from angina pectoris refractory to medical treatment and without option for coronary intervention. Patients, methods: We analyzed data of 44 patients with stable CAD (91% three vessel disease). At baseline, we determined coronary flow reserve (CFR) using 13N-ammonia-PET and myocardial viability with 18F-FDG. SCS was performed for one year (Medtronic Itrell III or Synergy, Düsseldorf, Germany). During follow-up, no cardiac interventions were necessary and no myocardial infarctions occurred. At one year follow-up, CFR was measured again. Results: In the majority of patients (77%), SCS led to an improvement of clinical symptoms. CFR did not change significantly during follow-up. Subjective improvement did not correlate with an increase of CFR. Conclusions: Despite its clinical effect, SCS does not have a direct impact on CFR in patients with stable CAD. According to our results, the pain relief is not due to an improvement of the myocardial blood supply.
Gas flow distribution in conical‐base spouted beds
Authors: Rovero G. , Brereton C. M. H. , Epstein N. , Grace J. R. , Casalegno L. , Piccinini N. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTwo models have been applied to predict the variation of annulus gas velocities in beds of cylindrical geometry with a conical base, and these models have been compared with experimental data obtained in two different columns. Both the cone‐modified Mamuro‐Hattori model and the vector Ergun equation model predict a maximum velocity in the cone region and a minimum at the cone‐cylinder junction, in agreement with experimental measurements. Quantitative differences between the measured and predicted annulus velocities appear to result from the assumption of constant spout diameter, neglect of solids motion, and inadequate knowledge of behaviour at the inlet.
Entrance effects at a multi‐orifice distributor in gas‐fluidised beds
Authors: Fakhimi S. , Sohrabi S. , Harrison D. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe behaviour of multi‐orifice distributors in gas‐solids fluidised beds has been studied with particular regard to the height of the entrance effect and the mechanics of gas‐solids flow in the region immediately above the distributor plate.A model is proposed to predict the height of the entrance effect for a given distributor and gas‐solids system at various fluidising flow‐rates, and good agreement has been found with experiment. Experiments have been carried out with (a) a two‐dimensional air‐fluidised bed using three sizes of sand particles (dp: 137, 263, and 350 μm) and four distributors (orifice diameters: 0.001 m, 0.002 m; orifice spacings: 0.025 m, 0.05 m); and (b) a three‐dimensional air‐fluidised bed, 0.3 m square in cross‐section, using 350 μm sand particles on a distributor with 0.003 m diameter orifices at a spacing of 0.04 m.The principal factors influencing the height of the entrance effect were found to be the incipient fluidising velocity, mean particle size, orifice spacing and gas flow‐rate. The model has been used to estimate the minimum ratio of distributor pressure drop to bed pressure drop to bring about an even distribution of gas at the bottom of the bed.
Processibility of athabasca oil sand: Interrelationship between oil sand fine solids, process aids, mechanical energy and oil sand age after mining
Authors: Sanford E. C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractProcessibility curves have shown that strong inorganic bases or anionic surfactants are effective as process aids in the hot water extraction of bitumen from oil sand, but maximum bitumen recovery for each oil sand type is the same for both types of aid. Nonionic surfactants were not useful and there was no general relationship between recovery and surface tension or pH. Bitumen recovery could be correlated with the fine solids component of oil sand. The amount of NaOH required to reach maximum recovery and the rate of aging of oil sand were also functions of the fine solids content. Shear during slurrying was also found to be important, and it was shown that, without a certain amount of mechanical energy, good bitumen recovery could not be achieved, regardless of how much process aid was used. A theory of processibility is proposed to explain the interactions among process aids, mechanical energy, oil sand fines, and age of oil sand after mining.