bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Goal‐directed arm movements in children with fetal alcohol syndrome: a kinematic approach
Authors: Domellöf E. , Fagard J. , Jacquet A.‐Y. , Rönnqvist L. 
Published: July 2010

Background:  Although many studies have documented deficits in general motor functioning in children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), few have employed detailed measurements to explore the specific nature of such disabilities. This pilot study explores whether three‐dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis may generate increased knowledge of the effect of intrauterine alcohol exposure on motor control processes by detecting atypical upper‐limb movement pattern specificity in children with FAS relative to typically developing (TD) children.Methods:  Left and right arm and head movements during a sequential unimanual goal‐directed precision task in a sample of children with FAS and in TD children were registered by an optoelectronic tracking system (ProReflex, Qualisys Inc.).Results:  Children with FAS demonstrated evidently poorer task performance compared with TD children. Additionally, analyses of arm movement kinematics revealed atypical spatio‐temporal organization in the children with FAS. In general, they exhibited longer arm movement trajectories at both the proximal and distal level, faster velocities at the proximal level but slower at the distal level, and more segmented distal movements. Children with FAS also showed atypically augmented and fast head movements during the task performance.Conclusions:  Findings indicate neuromotor deficits and developmental delay in goal‐directed arm movements because of prenatal alcohol exposure. It is suggested that 3D kinematic analysis is a valid technique for furthering the understanding of motor control processes in children with FAS/fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. A combination with relevant neuroimaging techniques in future studies would enable a more clear‐cut interpretation of how atypical movement patterns relate to underlying brain abnormalities.
Expression of stem cell markers nestin and cytokeratin 15 and 19 in cutaneous malignancies
Authors: Abbas O , Bhawan J 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Emerging evidence is implicating stem cells in the pathogenesis of different cutaneous neoplasms. The immunohistochemical use of stem cell markers has facilitated stem cell identification. While few studies have examined the expression of cytokertatin (CK)15 and cytokeratin (CK)19 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), only rarely have nestin expression been examined in these two malignancies. Furthermore, stem cell marker expression, to the best of our knowledge, has not been examined in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).Methods  In this study, we examined the expression of stem cell markers CK15, CK19 and nestin in 51 overall cases (11 cases of MCC and 20 cases each of BCC and SCC) retrieved from the pathology files of Skin Pathology Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine.Results  Cytokeratin 15 immunoreactivity was observed in 30% of BCC cases and only a single (5%) SCC case, while all MCC cases were negative. While 60% of BCC cases and 30% of SCC cases stained positively with CK19, all MCC cases showed positive immunostaining in a dot‐like pattern. While negative in BCC and MCC, nestin expression was interestingly seen in 45% of SCC cases.Conclusions  Our study described the expression profiles of stem cell markers CK15, CK19 and nestin in BCC, SCC and MCC. In addition to confirming results of the previous reports, our study also showed positive nestin expression in around half of SCC cases, which adds this malignancy to the cutaneous tumours that have been so far reported to exhibit nestin expression.
Energy advice service as perceived by Swedish homeowners
Authors: Mahapatra Krushna , Nair Gireesh , Gustavsson Leif 
Published: July 2010

AbstractExternal actors can influence potential adopters to adopt energy efficiency measures. In Sweden municipality energy advisers are one such actor group who provides energy advice and information to the end users. The success of energy advice service for improvement of energy efficiency of detached houses depends on homeowners' perception towards it. In this context, we conducted a national survey of about 3000 owners of detached houses through stratified random sampling method in the summer of 2008. We found that majority of owners of detached houses consider energy advisers as an important source of information. Furthermore, many homeowners who contacted energy advisers for advice had implemented the suggestions. However, only a few homeowners had contacted an energy adviser. Our findings suggest that it is beneficial to continue the energy advice service, but more efforts are needed to increase homeowners' awareness of and satisfaction with such services.
Effects of a Novel Cognition‐Enhancing Agent on Fetal Ethanol‐Induced Learning Deficits
Authors: Savage Daniel D. , Rosenberg Martina J. , Wolff Christina R. , Akers Katherine G. , El‐Emawy Ahmed , Staples Miranda C. , Varaschin Rafael K. , Wright Carrie A. , Seidel Jessica L. , Caldwell Kevin K. , Hamilton Derek A. 
Published: July 2010

Background:  Drinking during pregnancy has been associated with learning disabilities in affected offspring. At present, there are no clinically effective pharmacotherapeutic interventions for these learning deficits. Here, we examined the effects of ABT‐239, a histamine H3 receptor antagonist, on fetal ethanol‐induced fear conditioning and spatial memory deficits.Methods and Results:  Long‐Evans rat dams stably consumed a mean of 2.82 g ethanol/kg during a 4‐hour period each day during pregnancy. This voluntary drinking pattern produced a mean peak serum ethanol level of 84 mg/dl. Maternal weight gain, litter size and birth weights were not different between the ethanol‐consuming and control groups. Female adult offspring from the control and fetal alcohol‐exposed (FAE) groups received saline or 1 mg ABT‐239/kg 30 minutes prior to fear conditioning training. Three days later, freezing time to the context was significantly reduced in saline‐treated FAE rats compared to control. Freezing time in ABT‐239‐treated FAE rats was not different than that in controls. In the spatial navigation study, adult male offspring received a single injection of saline or ABT‐239 30 minutes prior to 12 training trials on a fixed platform version of the Morris Water Task. All rats reached the same performance asymptote on Trials 9 to 12 on Day 1. However, 4 days later, first‐trial retention of platform location was significantly worse in the saline‐treated FAE rats compared control offspring. Retention by ABT‐239‐treated FAE rats was similar to that by controls. ABT‐239’s effect on spatial memory retention in FAE rats was dose dependent.Conclusions:  These results suggest that ABT‐239 administered prior to training can improve retention of acquired information by FAE offspring on more challenging versions of hippocampal‐sensitive learning tasks. Further, the differential effects of ABT‐239 in FAE offspring compared to controls raises questions about the impact of fetal ethanol exposure on histaminergic neurotransmission in affected offspring.
Implementation of NIAAA College Drinking Task Force Recommendations: How Are Colleges Doing 6 Years Later?
Authors: Nelson Toben F. , Toomey Traci L. , Lenk Kathleen M. , Erickson Darin J. , Winters Ken C. 
Published: July 2010

Background:  In 2002, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) College Drinking Task Force issued recommendations to reduce heavy drinking by college students, but little is known about implementation of these recommendations. Current discussion about best strategies to reduce student drinking has focused more on lowering the minimum legal drinking age as advocated by a group of college and university presidents called the Amethyst Initiative than the NIAAA recommendations.Methods:  A nationally representative survey of administrators was conducted at 351 4‐year colleges in the United States to ascertain familiarity with and progress toward implementation of NIAAA recommendations. Implementation was compared by enrollment size, public or private status, and whether the school president signed the Amethyst Initiative.Results:  Administrators at most colleges were familiar with NIAAA recommendations, although more than 1 in 5 (22%) were not. Nearly all colleges use educational programs to address student drinking (98%). Half the colleges (50%) offered intervention programs with documented efficacy for students at high risk for alcohol problems. Few colleges reported that empirically supported, community‐based alcohol control strategies including conducting compliance checks to monitor illegal alcohol sales (33%), instituting mandatory responsible beverage service (RBS) training (15%), restricting alcohol outlet density (7%), or increasing the price of alcohol (2%) were operating in their community. Less than half the colleges with RBS training and compliance checks in their communities actively participated in these interventions. Large colleges were more likely to have RBS training and compliance checks, but no differences in implementation were found across public/private status or whether the college president signed the Amethyst Initiative.Conclusions:  Many colleges offer empirically supported programs for high‐risk drinkers, but few have implemented other strategies recommended by NIAAA to address student drinking. Opportunities exist to reduce student drinking through implementation of existing, empirically based strategies.
A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study With Quetiapine as Adjunct Therapy With Lithium or Divalproex in Bipolar I Patients With Coexisting Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Stedman Mary , Pettinati Helen M. , Brown E. Sherwood , Kotz Margaret , Calabrese Joseph R. , Raines Shane 
Published: July 2010

Background:  This study evaluated the efficacy of quetiapine versus placebo as an adjunct to lithium or divalproex in reducing alcohol consumption in patients with bipolar I disorder and coexisting alcohol dependence.Methods:  Male and female outpatients (21 to 60 years) with a history of bipolar I disorder and alcohol dependence were included in this 12‐week, placebo‐controlled study. Patients treated with lithium or divalproex (ongoing or assigned at screening) were randomized to receive quetiapine (dosed up to 400 mg/d over 7 days, followed by 300 to 800 mg/d flexible dosing until study end) or placebo. The primary outcome measure was the change in the proportion of heavy drinking days from baseline to Week 12 (as derived from the Timeline Followback method). Secondary outcome measures included time to the first consecutive 2 weeks of abstinence, changes from baseline to Week 12 in the proportion of nondrinking days, mean number of standardized drinks per day, and Clinical Global Impressions‐Severity of Illness score.Results:  Of 362 enrolled patients (mean 38.6 years), 176 were randomized to receive quetiapine and 186 to placebo. The mean proportion of heavy drinking days at baseline was 0.66 in the quetiapine group and 0.67 in the placebo group. At Week 12, the mean change in the proportion of heavy drinking days was −0.36 with quetiapine and −0.36 with placebo (p = 0.93). No statistically significant differences in any of the secondary outcome measures were noted between the quetiapine and placebo groups. The incidence of adverse events was consistent with the previously known tolerability profile of quetiapine.Conclusions:  The efficacy of quetiapine in the treatment of bipolar disorder is already well established. In this study, however, quetiapine added to lithium or divalproex did not result in significantly greater improvement compared with placebo in measures of alcohol use and dependence in patients with bipolar I disorder and alcohol dependence.
U.S. Health‐care Reform: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Harrington Scott E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis short article provides an overview of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was approved by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in March 2010, with an emphasis on provisions related to the expansion of health insurance. It highlights key provisions concerning coverage expansion, insurance market reforms, and the projected costs and financing of the legislation.
Transplantation of expanded bone marrow‐derived very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSEL‐SCs) improves left ventricular function and remodelling after myocardial infarction
Authors: Zuba‐Surma Ewa K. , Guo Yiru , Taher Hisham , Sanganalmath Santosh K. , Hunt Greg , Vincent Robert J. , Kucia Magda , Abdel‐Latif Ahmed , Tang Xian‐Liang , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. , Dawn Buddhadeb , Bolli Roberto 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAdult bone marrow‐derived very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSEL‐SCs) exhibit a Sca‐1+/Lin–/CD45– phenotype and can differentiate into various cell types, including cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. We have previously reported that transplantation of a small number (1 × 106) of freshly isolated, non‐expanded VSEL‐SCs into infarcted mouse hearts resulted in improved left ventricular (LV) function and anatomy. Clinical translation, however, will require large numbers of cells. Because the frequency of VSEL‐SCs in the marrow is very low, we examined whether VSEL‐SCs can be expanded in culture without loss of therapeutic efficacy. Mice underwent a 30 min. coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion and, 48 hrs later, received an intramyocardial injection of vehicle (group I, n= 11), 1 × 105 enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐labelled expanded untreated VSEL‐SCs (group II, n= 7), or 1 × 105 EGFP‐labelled expanded VSEL‐SCs pre‐incubated in a cardiogenic medium (group III, n= 8). At 35 days after myocardial infarction (MI), mice treated with pre‐incubated VSEL‐SCs exhibited better global and regional LV systolic function and less LV hypertrophy compared with vehicle‐treated controls. In contrast, transplantation of expanded but untreated VSEL‐SCs did not produce appreciable reparative benefits. Scattered EGFP+ cells expressing α‐sarcomeric actin, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)‐1, or von Willebrand factor were present in VSEL‐SC‐treated mice, but their numbers were very small. No tumour formation was observed. We conclude that VSEL‐SCs expanded in culture retain the ability to alleviate LV dysfunction and remodelling after a reperfused MI provided that they are exposed to a combination of cardiomyogenic growth factors and cytokines prior to transplantation. Counter intuitively, the mechanism whereby such pre‐incubation confers therapeutic efficacy does not involve differentiation into new cardiac cells. These results support the potential therapeutic utility of VSEL‐SCs for cardiac repair.
Attention among very low birth weight infants following early supplementation with docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid
Authors: Westerberg Ane C , Schei Ragnhild , Henriksen Christine , Smith Lars , Veierød Marit B , Drevon Christian A , Iversen Per O 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim:  To investigate the effect of supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in early neonatal life on cognitive functions among human milk fed very low birth weight infants (<1500 g) at 20 months chronological age.Methods:  Randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled intervention supplementing human milk with 0.5 mL oil (containing 32 mg DHA and 31 mg AA or placebo) per 100 mL milk from 1 week after birth until discharge from hospital (9 weeks on average). The intervention and control group included 44 and 48 children, respectively. Attention capacity was evaluated by two ‘free‐play’ sessions. General cognitive functions were evaluated by the Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) and an Ages and Stages Questionnaire.Results:  The results from the free‐play sessions suggested positive effects from supplementation on functions related to attention. Neither the Bayley MDI nor the Ages and Stages Questionnaire showed significant difference between the intervention and control group. Plasma DHA concentration at discharge was positively correlated with both ‘Sustained Attention’ and the Bayley MDI according to chronological age.Conclusion:  A positive effect of early supplementation with DHA and AA on 20 months attention capacity was indicated. These findings need further investigation.
The New Atheism: Its Virtues and its Vices
Authors: Davies Brian 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWhat follows is the text of the 2010 Aquinas Lecture delivered at the church of St Vincent Ferrer, New York. The lecture indicates what makes the so‐called new atheism new. It then offers some defense and critique of three authors: Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens. The chief criticism leveled against them is that their dismissal of theism is based on an ignorance of classical theistic thinking and the mistaken impression that ‘theism’ and ‘creationism’ are equivalent.
Protein and mRNA content of TcDHH1‐containing mRNPs in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Holetz Fabíola B. , Alves Lysangela R. , Probst Christian M. , Dallagiovanna Bruno , Marchini Fabricio K. , Manque Patricio , Buck Gregory , Krieger Marco A. , Correa Alejandro , Goldenberg Samuel 
Published: July 2010

In trypanosomatids, the regulation of gene expression occurs mainly at the post‐transcriptional level. Previous studies have revealed nontranslated mRNA in the Trypanosoma cruzi cytoplasm. Previously, we have identified and cloned the TcDHH1 protein, a DEAD box RNA helicase. It has been reported that Dhh1 is involved in multiple RNA‐related processes in various eukaryotes. It has also been reported to accumulate in stress granules and processing bodies of yeast, animal cells, Trypanosoma brucei and T. cruzi. TcDHH1 is localized to discrete cytoplasmic foci that vary depending on the life cycle status and nutritional conditions. To study the composition of mRNPs containing TcDHH1, we carried out immunoprecipitation assays with anti‐TcDHH1 using epimastigote lysates. The protein content of mRNPs was determined by MS and pre‐immune serum was used as control. We also carried out a ribonomic approach to identify the mRNAs present within the TcDHH1 immunoprecipitated complexes. For this purpose, competitive microarray hybridizations were performed against negative controls, the nonprecipitated fraction. Our results showed that mRNAs associated with TcDHH1 in the epimastigote stage are those mainly expressed in the other forms of the T. cruzi life cycle. These data suggest that mRNPs containing TcDHH1 are involved in mRNA metabolism, regulating the expression of at least epimastigote‐specific genes.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7909478: DHH1 (uniprotkb:Q4DIE1) physically interacts (MI:0915) with PABP2 (uniprotkb:Q27335) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
MINT‐7909338: DHH1 (uniprotkb:Q4DIE1) physically interacts (MI:0914) with ATP‐dependent DEAD/H RNA helicase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4DIE1), Actin, putative (uniprotkb:Q4D7A6), Actin, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CLA9), Chaperonin HSP60, mitochondrial (uniprotkb:Q4DYP6), ATP‐dependent Clp protease subunit, heat shock protein 100 (HSP100), putative (uniprotkb:Q4CNM5), Elongation factor 2, putative (uniprotkb:Q4D5X0), Elongation factor 1‐alpha (EF‐1‐alpha), putative (uniprotkb:Q4CU73), Heat shock protein 85, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CQS6), Glutamate dehydrogenase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4DWV8), Putative uncharacterized protein (uniprotkb:Q4CNI8), 40S ribosomal protein S11, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CRH9), Sterol 24‐c‐methyltransferase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CMB7), Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), putative (uniprotkb:Q4DTM9), Glutamate dehydrogenase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4D5C2) and Calpain‐like cysteine peptidase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CYU3) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
MINT‐7909469: DHH1 (uniprotkb:Q4DIE1) physically interacts (MI:0915) with PABP1 (uniprotkb:Q4E4I9) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Blood withdrawn through a cannula valve connector does not result in clinically significant haemolysis
Authors: Paoloni Richard , Taghizadeh Mehrdad , Kouzios Dorothy , Janu Margaret 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjective:  To assess the impact of cannula valve connectors on haemolysis of blood samples drawn from newly inserted cannulae.Methods:  In a semi‐blinded, randomized study paired blood samples, with and without cannula valve connector, were obtained from patients within the ED and tested for haemolysis, defined as haemolysis index of greater than 120 mg/dL. Patients were randomized as to which sample was collected first. Cannula size was standardized and vacutainer systems provided consistent draw pressures. Time taken for the tube to fill was recorded as a measure of blood flow.Results:  Two hundred and ninety patients were randomized, with six subsequently excluded from analysis because of samples being lost or insufficient for testing. Average patient age was 60.8 years and 52.5% were male. There were no significant differences between the randomization groups. The overall rate of haemolysis was 2.6%, being 2.8% in the valve first group and 2.5% in the no valve first group (P= 1.0). Time for collection averaged 7.7 s in the valve first group and 7.5 s in the no‐valve first group (P= 0.22). Mean serum potassium level was 4.4 mmol/L in both groups (P= 0.46). The rate of hyperkalaemia was not different between valve first and no‐valve first groups (12.7% and 13.7%, respectively, P= 1.0).Conclusion:  The attachment of a cannula connector valve to a peripheral cannula prior to blood sampling is not associated with an increase in the rate of haemolysis or hyperkalaemia.
Western Households’ Water Knowledge, Preferences, and Willingness to Pay
Authors: Thorvaldson Jennifer , Pritchett James , Goemans Christopher 
Published: July 2010

Water conflicts are intensifying as the population grows in the American West. Stakeholders seek a better understanding of households’ water knowledge, preferences, and willingness to pay (WTP) as they contemplate various water allocation initiatives. An Internet survey provides insight into western households’ perceptions and preferences regarding water use and management, their familiarity with water terminology, and their WTP a fee in support of eight potential water initiatives regarding water acquisition, conservation, and reallocation. Further analysis identifies factors that influence the decision. Just over half of all respondents express a WTP the fee, with an estimated median WTP among survey respondents of $15.65 per summer month. Respondents with higher self‐reported water knowledge are more likely to support the fee. The probability of supporting the fee is also influenced by respondents’ demographic characteristics and attitudes toward water scarcity and management. Les conflits liés à l’eau s’intensifient à mesure que la population s’accroît dans l’Ouest américain. Les parties prenantes cherchent à découvrir les connaissances sur l’eau, les préférences et le consentement à payer des ménages étant donné qu’elles envisagent divers schémas d’allocation de l’eau. Un sondage en ligne a donné un aperçu des perceptions et des préférences des ménages de l’Ouest américain concernant l’utilisation et la gestion de l’eau, de leur degré de connaissance de la terminologie de l’eau et de leur consentement à payer une taxe pour appuyer huit projets éventuels d’acquisition, de conservation et de réallocation de l’eau. Une analyse plus détaillée a déterminé les facteurs qui influençaient les décisions. Un peu plus de la moitié des répondants ont indiquéêtre prêts à payer une taxe. Chez les répondants, le consentement à payer médian s’élevait à 15,65 $ par mois durant la saison estivale. Les répondants qui ont indiqué avoir de bonnes connaissances sur l’eau sont plus susceptibles d’appuyer l’imposition d’une taxe. Les caractéristiques démographiques et les attitudes des répondants envers la rareté et la gestion de l’eau influencent la probabilité d’appuyer l’imposition d’une taxe.