bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic reviews of psychosocial interventions for autism: an umbrella review
Authors: SEIDA JENNIFER KREBS , OSPINA MARIA B , KARKHANEH MOHAMMAD , HARTLING LISA , SMITH VERONICA , CLARK BRENDA 
Published: June 2009

Aim  A wide range of psychosocial interventions for the treatment of individuals with autism‐spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been evaluated in systematic reviews. We conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for ASD.Method  Comprehensive searches were conducted in 25 bibliographic databases, relevant journals and reference lists up to May 2007. Studies included were systematic reviews on any psychosocial intervention for individuals with ASDs. Two reviewers independently assessed study relevance and quality.Results  Thirty systematic reviews were included. The majority of reviews evaluated interventions based on behavioural theory (n=9) or communication‐focused (n=7) therapies. Positive intervention outcomes were reported in the majority of the reviews. Methodological quality of the reviews was generally poor.Interpretation  The reviews reported positive outcomes for many of the interventions, suggesting that some form of treatment is favourable over no treatment. However, there is little evidence for the relative effectiveness of these treatment options. Many of the systematic reviews had methodological weaknesses that make them vulnerable to bias. There is a need for further systematic reviews that adhere to strict scientific methods and for primary studies that make direct comparisons between different treatment options.
Manganese induces sustained Ser40 phosphorylation and activation of tyrosine hydroxylase in PC12 cells
Authors: Posser Thaís , Franco Jeferson L. , Bobrovskaya Larisa , Leal Rodrigo B. , Dickson Phillip W. , Dunkley Peter R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractManganese (Mn2+) is an essential metal involved in normal functioning of a range of physiological processes. However, occupational overexposure to Mn2+ causes neurotoxicity. The dopaminergic system is a particular target for Mn2+ neurotoxicity. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate limiting enzyme for dopamine synthesis and is regulated acutely by phosphorylation at Ser40 and chronically by protein synthesis. In this study we used pheochromocytoma 12 cells to investigate the effects of Mn2+ exposure on the phosphorylation and activity of TH. Mn2+ treatment for 24 h caused a sustained increase in Ser40 phosphorylation and TH activity at a concentration of 100 μM, without altering the level of TH protein or PC12 cell viability. Inhibition of protein kinase A and protein kinase C and protein kinases known to be involved in sustained phosphorylation of TH in response to other stimuli did not block the effects of Mn2+ on Ser40 phosphorylation. A substantial increase in H2O2 production occurred in response to 100 μM Mn2+. The antioxidant TroloxTM completely inhibited H2O2 production but did not block TH phosphorylation at Ser40, indicating that oxidative stress was not involved. Sustained TH phosphorylation at Ser40 and the consequent activation of TH both occurred at low concentrations of Mn2+ and this provides a potential new mechanism for Mn2+‐induced neuronal action that does not involve H2O2‐mediated cell death.
Medicaid Managed Care and Health Care Access for Adult Beneficiaries with Disabilities
Authors: Burns Marguerite E. 
Published: June 2009

Objective. To evaluate the impact of Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) on health care access for adults with disabilities (AWDs).Data Sources. Mandatory and voluntary enrollment data for AWDs in Medicaid MCOs in each county were merged with the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the Area Resource File for 1996–2004.Study Design. I use logit regression and two evaluation perspectives to compare access and preventive care for AWDs in Medicaid MCOs with FFS. From the state's perspective, I compare AWDs in counties with mandatory, voluntary, and no MCOs. From the enrollee's perspective, I compare AWDs who must enroll in an MCO or FFS to those who may choose between them.Principal Findings. Mandatory MCO enrollees are 24.9 percent more likely to wait >30 minutes to see a provider, 32 percent more likely to report a problem accessing a specialist, and 10 percent less likely to receive a flu shot within the past year. These differences persist from the state evaluation perspective.Conclusions. States should not expect a dramatic change in health care access when they implement Medicaid MCOs to deliver care to the adult disabled population. However, continued attention to specialty care access is warranted for mandatory MCO enrollees.
Comparative life history and fecundity of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on different soybean varieties
Authors: NASERI Bahram , FATHIPOUR Yaghoub , MOHARRAMIPOUR Saeid , HOSSEININAVEH Vahid 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe effect of different soybean varieties (Glycine max 356, M4, M7, M9, Clark, Sahar, JK, BP, Williams, L17, Zane, Gorgan3 and DPX) on the life history and fecundity of the gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (synonym Heliothis armigera (Hubner), also known as the American or African bollworm) was determined at 25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% r.h. and a light : dark cycle of 16:8 h. The larval period ranged 17.30 to 26.20 days on M7 and L17, respectively. The longest development time was on L17, BP and Sahar (42.71, 40.29 and 39.20 days, respectively) and the shortest was on M7, M9, Williams and Clark (34.21, 36.06, 36.60 and 36.82 days, respectively). The development index of overall immature stages varied from 1.39 to 2.41, with the minimum on L17 and BP and the maximum on M7. The highest daily fecundity and total fecundity (118.92 and 582.70 eggs, respectively) and the lowest (37.88 and 177.10 eggs, respectively) were observed on DPX and 356, respectively. Cluster analysis of the biological parameters of H. armigera on different soybean varieties demonstrated that BP, Sahar and L17 were partially resistant to H. armigera. Knowledge of the extent of susceptibility or resistance of crop varieties and biology of a pest on that crop are fundamental components of integrated pest management (IPM) programs for many crops. Such information can help to detect and monitor pest infestation, variety selection and crop breeding.
Habitat expansion of an exotic lace bug, Corythucha marmorata (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), on the Kii Peninsula and Shikoku Island in western Japan
Authors: KATO Atsushi , OHBAYASHI Nobuo 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHabitat expansion of an exotic lace bug Corythucha marmorata (Uhler) was observed on the Kii Peninsula in 2003–2004, and on Shikoku Island between 2004 and 2007. The bug was first sighted in Nishinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture in 2000, and then further south in central Kii Peninsula in 2003 before reaching the southern tip of the peninsula by 2004. The bug was first observed in the Tokushima and Ehime Prefectures of Shikoku Island in 2004, after which the range expanded and extended across the entire island by 2007. In this study, six wild Asteraceae species were identified as the host plants to the lace bug.
Unintentional Fall Injuries Associated with Walkers and Canes in Older Adults Treated in U.S. Emergency Departments
Authors: Stevens Judy A. , Thomas Karen , Teh Leesia , Greenspan Arlene I. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES: To characterize nonfatal, unintentional, fall‐related injuries associated with walkers and canes in older adults.DESIGN: Surveillance data of injuries treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs), January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2006.SETTING: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program, which collects data from a nationally representative stratified probability sample of 66 U.S. hospital EDs.PARTICIPANTS: People aged 65 and older treated in EDs for 3,932 nonfatal unintentional fall injuries and whose records indicated that a cane or a walker was involved in the fall.MEASUREMENTS: Sex, age, whether the fall involved a cane or walker, primary diagnosis, part of the body injured, disposition, and location and circumstances of the fall.RESULTS: An estimated 47,312 older adult fall injuries associated with walking aids were treated annually in U.S. EDs: 87.3% with walkers, 12.3% with canes, and 0.4% with both. Walkers were associated with seven times as many injuries as canes. Women's injury rates exceeded those for men (rate ratios=2.6 for walkers, 1.4 for canes.) The most prevalent injuries were fractures and contusions or abrasions. Approximately one‐third of subjects were hospitalized for their injuries.CONCLUSION: Injuries and hospital admissions for falls associated with walking aids were frequent in this highly vulnerable population. The results suggest that more research is needed to improve the design of walking aids. More information also is needed about the circumstances preceding falls, both to better understand the contributing fall risk factors and to develop specific and effective fall prevention strategies.
Maintenance of in vitro properties of leukoreduced whole blood–derived pooled platelets after a 24‐hour interruption of agitation
Authors: Vassallo Ralph R. , Wagner Stephen J. , Einarson Mindy , Nixon Janice , Ziegler Diana , Moroff Gary 
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Continuous agitation during platelet concentrate (PC) storage is frequently interrupted during shipping. Studies have evaluated the effects of interrupted agitation in apheresis and single whole blood–derived PCs, but not PC pools. This study evaluated in vitro properties of pooled whole blood–derived platelets (PLTs) after a 24‐hour interruption of agitation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eleven ABO‐identical leukoreduced whole blood–derived PCs (Leukotrap RC‐PL, Pall), pooled in a transfer container, were equally divided into each of two CLX‐HP containers (Acrodose PL, Pall). One pool (test) was held in a shipping container unagitated for 24 hours between Day 2 and Day 3, while the other (control) was continuously agitated.RESULTS: Ten pairs underwent in vitro assays after 5 and 7 days' storage. Pools contained a mean (±SD) of 5.0 × 1011 ± 0.4 × 1011 PLTs. Interrupting agitation for 24 hours reduced test pool pH versus control after 5 days' storage (6.77 ± 0.15 vs. 6.98 ± 0.06, p = 0.0005). Test and control pH differences were greater after 7 days' storage (6.17 ± 0.29 vs. 6.65 ± 0.14, p < 0.0001); 5 of 10 test pool pHs were less than 6.2 (vs. 0 of 10 controls). Other test pool key in vitro variables were reduced compared with controls after 5 days' storage, with greater differences after 7 days.CONCLUSION: After 5 days' storage, pooled leukoreduced whole blood–derived‐PCs in CLX‐HP containers adequately maintained pH and other key in vitro variables after a 24‐hour interruption of agitation. After 7 days' storage, 5 of 10 pools did not maintain a pH value of 6.2 or greater while matched continuously agitated units did.
Quantitation of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) antibody in patients transfused with HHV‐8–seropositive blood
Authors: Fowlkes Ashley L. , Brown Cedric , Amin Minal M. , Roback John D. , Downing Robert , Nzaro Esau , Mermin Jonathan , Hladik Wolfgang , Dollard Sheila C. 
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) is endemic in Uganda where seroprevalence is approximately 40%. In a previous study, Ugandan patients receiving blood transfusions had multiple serum specimens collected for 6 months after transfusion to monitor for HHV‐8 infection. It was observed that several HHV‐8–seronegative patients were unexpectedly HHV‐8 seropositive after blood transfusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study measured HHV‐8 antibody in serially collected serum specimens from 542 patients who received transfusions and evaluated the risk of HHV‐8 infection as a function of HHV‐8 antibody levels in the donors.RESULTS: HHV‐8 antibody was observed in 52% of patients transfused with HHV‐8–seropositive blood in amounts that corresponded with their donor's antibody titer and waned within 40 days. Higher levels of passive HHV‐8 antibody in patients who received transfusions appeared to be associated with a lower risk of HHV‐8 infection.CONCLUSION: The source of transient antibody in patients who received transfusions was determined to be the transfused blood. Donors with higher HHV‐8 antibody titers may have been less likely to have infectious virus in the blood.
Comparison of frozen versus desiccated reference human red blood cells for hemagglutination assays
Authors: Ho David , Schierts Jennifer , Zimmerman Zea , Gadsden Isaac , Bruttig Stephen 
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Red blood cells (RBCs) are commonly used fresh or stored in frozen format for identification of patients' antibodies and serologic specificity of such antibodies at reference laboratories. However, maintaining a large pool of fresh RBCs is impossible in a blood‐banking environment and blood in frozen format poses a logistic disadvantage in terms of accessibility, maintenance cost, safety, and sample recovery. This study explores an alternative, desiccation storage method for RBCs to provide a reagent that supports greater utilization and flexibility for reference laboratories.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBCs from five donors were used in the study. RBCs were processed and kept in either frozen or desiccated format. Study variables for either the frozen or the desiccated cells included cell recovery as quantified by cell counts, gross microscopic examination, and hemagglutination assays.RESULTS: The mean percentage of cell recovery for thawed and washed frozen RBCs was 20% versus 50% for rehydrated and washed desiccated RBCs. Microscopic examination of thawed cells from the frozen preparation showed cells with irregular shapes, a sharp contrast when compared with rehydrated cells from the desiccated preparation, where cells are mostly intact, smooth surface, and biconcave in structure. Cells in both preparations performed well in manual agglutination tests.CONCLUSION: Desiccation preservation of RBCs provides a somewhat better RBC recovery and cell structure stability, while maintaining the necessary antigen‐antibody reactions for cell surface markers, which will allow desiccated RBCs to be archived in blood collecting and processing reference laboratories.
Pathogen reduction of fresh plasma using riboflavin and ultraviolet light: effects on plasma coagulation proteins
Authors: Hornsey Valerie S. , Drummond Olive , Morrison Alex , McMillan Loraine , MacGregor Ian R. , Prowse Chris V. 
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Treatment with riboflavin and ultraviolet (UV) light reduces the pathogens present in blood components. This study assessed changes to the coagulation proteins that had occurred during this treatment of fresh plasma units before freezing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty fresh plasma units (230 ± 30 mL) were treated by the Mirasol process (CaridianBCT Biotechnologies) and frozen within 8 hours of donation. Plasma units were combined with 35 mL of a 500 µmol/L riboflavin solution in an illumination bag to achieve a final concentration of approximately 60 µmol/L riboflavin. The bag was placed in the Mirasol illuminator and exposed to UV light (6.24 J/mL). Samples were frozen before and after treatment.RESULTS: Recoveries observed were 67.7 ± 3.9% Factor (F)XI, 68.5 ± 3.3% FVIII:C, 78.8 ± 4.5% fibrinogen, 78.9 ± 4.1% FV, 79.0 ± 4.2% FVII, 79.0 ± 8.6% F IX, 79.7 ± 2.6% FX, and 85.0 ± 3.7% FII. Von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen, VWF:ristocetin cofactor, and ADAMTS13 recoveries were 87.0 ± 7.1, 85.5 ± 6.6, and 73.3 ± 15.2%, respectively, while that of protein C was 83.6 ± 2.6%. A loss of high‐molecular‐weight VWF multimers was observed in most units. Recoveries for protein S, antithrombin, and plasmin inhibitor were greater than 90%. The mean FVIII:C concentration, after treatment, was 0.76 ± 0.17 IU/mL.CONCLUSIONS: As with other pathogen reduction technologies, the Mirasol process resulted in some loss of coagulation factor activity. For most Mirasol‐treated units and for most of the tested factors this is unlikely to have clinical impact, but trials are required to demonstrate this.
Further evidence of genetic heterogeneity segregating with hereditary gingival fibromatosis
Authors: Ye Xiaoqian , Shi Lisong , Yin Wei , Meng Liuyan , Wang Qing Kenneth , Bian Zhuan 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim: To clinically characterize and map the disease‐associated locus in a five‐generation Chinese family with autosomal dominant early‐onset hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF).Material and Methods: A complete oral examination was conducted. Genomic DNA samples were obtained from 14 individuals. Short tandem repeats markers, which encompass four previously known loci related to HGF, were genotyped. Two‐point log of the odds (LOD) scores were calculated using MLINK program of the LINKAGE software, multipoint and non‐parametric linkage (NPL) analysis were performed using the GENEHUNTER software.Results: Clinical evaluation and histological examination of this family suggested typical features of HGF. The onset age was early in the generations, ranging between 1 and 2 years. None of the tested markers showed cosegregation among affected individuals. Genotyping data from four putative regions yielded significant negative two‐point LOD scores (<−2.0) at θ=0. The maximum multipoint LOD scores and NPL analysis revealed exclusion of these loci as well.Conclusions: Exclusion of linkage in this family to any of the known HGF loci proved the existence of a novel locus for autosomal dominant HGF and showed that this rare disorder is far more heterogeneous than previously expected.
Congenital myofibroma of the skin mimicking a piloleiomyoma
Authors: Inoue Takuya , Sada Asuka , Mori Toru , Misago Noriyuki , Narisawa Yutaka 
Published: June 2009

Myofibroma is an uncommon benign soft tissue disorder, which is usually congenital or present in early infancy. Myofibroma usually manifests as a single mass. When there are multiple lesions, the term myofibromatosis is used. The characteristic histopathological feature of the myofibroma is the coexistence of two distinct areas. One area mainly contains plump spindle cells with thin blunt‐ended nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm, thus indicating myoid characteristics. The other area contains either round or polygonal cells with slightly pleomorphic, hyperchromatic nuclei or small spindle cells typically arranged around a distinct hemangiopericytoma‐like vascular pattern. In the present case, the majority of the tumor was composed of the plump myoid spindle cells. This led to an initial diagnosis of a piloleiomyoma. However, the tumor cells were not immunohistochemically positive for desmin. Moreover, careful examination revealed a hemangiopericytoma‐like vascular pattern characterized by the presence of high cellular areas with irregular vascular spaces. These features led to the final diagnosis of the myofibroma. It is therefore important to recognize the leiomyoma‐like variants of myofibromas.Inoue T, Sada A, Mori T, Misago N, Narisawa Y. Congenital myofibroma of the skin mimicking a piloleiomyoma.
Proliferative defects in dyskeratosis congenita skin keratinocytes are corrected by expression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase, TERT, or by activation of endogenous telomerase through expression of papillomavirus E6/E7 or the telomerase RNA component, TERC
Authors: Gourronc Francoise A. , Robertson Mckaylee M. , Herrig Annie K. , Lansdorp Peter M. , Goldman Frederick D. , Klingelhutz Aloysius J. 
Published: June 2009

Please cite this paper as: Proliferative defects in dyskeratosis congenita skin keratinocytes are corrected by expression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase, TERT, or by activation of endogenous telomerase through expression of papillomavirus E6/E7 or the telomerase RNA component, TERC. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 279–288.Abstract:  Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is characterized by the triad of reticulate skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy and leukoplakia. Epidermal atrophy, hair growth defects, bone marrow failure and increased risk of cancer are also common in DC patients. DC is caused by mutations in genes encoding for telomerase complex factors. Although there is an association of epidermal abnormalities with DC, epidermal cells from DC donors have not been previously characterized. We have isolated skin keratinocytes from affected members of a family with an autosomal dominant form of DC that is caused by a mutation in the RNA component of telomerase, TERC. Here, we demonstrate that, similar to DC fibroblasts from these donors, DC keratinocytes have short telomeres and a short lifespan. DC keratinocytes also exhibited impaired colony forming efficiency (CFE) and migration capacity. Exogenous expression of the reverse transcriptase (RT) component of telomerase, TERT, activated telomerase levels to half that of TERT expressing normal cells and maintained telomeres at a short length with concomitant extension of lifespan. Unlike fibroblasts, transduction of human papillomavirus type 16 E6/E7 genes into DC keratinocytes activated telomerase to half that of E6/E7 expressing normal cells, and robust proliferation was observed. While expression of TERC has no measurable effect on telomerase in fibroblasts, expression of TERC in keratinocytes upregulated telomerase activity and, rarely, allowed rescue of proliferative defects. Our results point to important differences between DC fibroblasts and keratinocytes and show, for the first time, that expression of TERC can increase the lifespan of primary human epithelial cells.
Validation of a protocol for the assessment of skin temperature and blood flow in childhood localised scleroderma
Authors: Howell Kevin J. , Lavorato Antonia , Visentin María Teresa , Smith Roy E. , Schaefer Gerald , Jones Carl D. , Weibel Lisa , Denton Christopher P. , Harper John I. , Woo Patricia 
Published: June 2009

Background/purpose: Localised scleroderma (LS) is the most common form of scleroderma seen in children, and usually presents unilaterally. Infrared thermography (IRT) and laser Doppler (LD) have both been reported to be useful in assessing the active, inflammatory stage of LS. We developed and validated a protocol using these techniques for the assessment of unilateral LS activity in children.Method: We investigated the spatial variability and repeatability of LD measurements from adult control forearm skin, and the inter‐ and intra‐operator reproducibility of both LD blood flow trace analysis and IRT skin temperature analysis. Software was developed to produce overlay images of thermograms onto digital photographs of skin sites. In a group of seven adult control subjects, we established the normal range for skin temperature and LD blood flow at six standardised sites (forehead, cheek, abdomen, back, arm and leg), and measured contralateral differences in readings. In a group of 34 children with LS, we investigated the skin temperature and LD blood flow in unaffected skin at the same six sites.Results: In adults, physiological variability in LD blood flow and skin temperature between the two sides of the body was found to be greater than the uncertainty introduced into the measurements by (inter alia) limited intra‐ or inter‐operator reproducibility. The cheek displayed the highest mean asymmetry in both skin temperature (0.5 °C) and LD blood flow (40%).Conclusion: Our protocol combines IRT, LD and photography for LS assessment in children, and establishes a normal range of readings in line with other authors.