bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decision Making Following a Prenatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome: An Integrative Review
Authors: Choi Hyunkyung , Van Riper Marcia , Thoyre Suzanne 
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Prenatal screening for Down syndrome (DS) is a routine part of prenatal care in many countries, and there is growing interest in the choices women make following a prenatal diagnosis of DS. This review describes what is known about actual and hypothetical decision making following a prenatal diagnosis of DS and adds understanding about the factors that influence women's decision making.Methods: A search of empirical studies was conducted through electronic databases, major journals, and reference lists that were published in English between January 1999 and September 2010. Inclusion criteria were that the research explored attitudes toward continuation of pregnancy or induced abortion for DS and included at least 1 variable that explored factors influencing women's decision making following a prenatal diagnosis of DS. Studies that did not specify DS, unpublished manuscripts, review articles, and book chapters were excluded.Results: A total of 11 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The decision to undergo an induced abortion varied depending on whether participants were prospective parents recruited from the general population (23%‐33% would terminate), pregnant women at increased risk for having a child with DS (46%‐86% would terminate), or women who received a positive diagnosis of DS during the prenatal period (89%‐97% terminated). Multiple factors influence women's decision making following a diagnosis of DS, including demographic factors such as religion, maternal age, gestational age, number of existing children, and history of induced abortion. Psychosocial factors including perceived parenting burden/reward, quality of life for a child with DS, attitudes toward and comfort with individuals with disabilities, and support from others also are important influences.Discussion: Multiple factors influence the decisions pregnant women make following the diagnosis of fetal DS. Therefore, it is critical that health care providers who work with pregnant women are aware of these factors.
The Level of Importance and Level of Confidence that Midwives in the United States Attach to Using Genetics in Practice
Authors: Crane Marilyn J. , Quinn Griffin Mary T. , Andrews Claire M. , Fitzpatrick Joyce J. 
Published: February 2012

Introduction: The clinical application of genetic advances has the potential to transform preconception and pregnancy care and improve pregnancy outcomes. The study aim was to evaluate the level of importance and level of confidence that midwives in the United States attach to using genetics in practice.Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross‐sectional, online survey with a convenience sample of certified nurse‐midwives who were active members of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives (ACNM) and provided midwifery care in the United States. The survey contained genetic case studies and questions related to genetic activities that occur in clinical practice. Participants were asked to rate how important each genetic activity is to midwifery practice generally and their personal level of confidence in carrying out the stated activity at the present time; questions were rated on a Likert‐type scale of 1 (not at all important, not at all confident) to 4 (essential, confident to teach).Results: There were 612 survey responses from among the 4244 active members of ACNM (14.42%). Most midwives believed that genetics‐related activities were very important or essential to their clinical practices, but they were only moderately confident in their abilities to perform these activities. The average importance survey score was 88%, and the average confidence survey score was 70%. Some midwives (17.5%) thought that taking a 3‐generation family history was essential, and some midwives (20.9%) were extremely confident in their abilities to perform this activity. Almost all midwives (98.5%) indicated that they wanted to learn more about genetics and genomics.Discussion: Genetics education programs need to be developed and made available to midwives to increase their confidence levels in using genetics in clinical practice.
Necrotizing fasciitis of thigh associated with EscherichiaColi bacteremia in a patient on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Liu Chung‐Te , Chen Yen‐Cheng , Chen Tso‐Hsiao , Ou Tsong‐Yih 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNecrotizing fasciitis is a lethal soft tissue infection for its rapid progression to septic shock. We present a 59‐year‐old male on chronic hemodialysis (HD). We made the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis of the right thigh due to the crepitus from physical examination and subcutaneous emphysema from an X film. He was successfully treated with antibiotics and surgical debridement. The blood and surgical drainage cultures showed Escherichia coli, which is less commonly seen in cutaneous infection. The colonoscopic finding revealed adenomatous polyps. Necrotizing fasciitis in patients on HD requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to ensure the favorable clinical outcomes.
Conventional Wisdom: Negotiating Conventions of Reference Enhances Category Learning
Authors: Voiklis John , Corter James E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCollaborators generally coordinate their activities through communication, during which they readily negotiate a shared lexicon for activity‐related objects. This social‐pragmatic activity both recruits and affects cognitive and social‐cognitive processes ranging from selective attention to perspective taking. We ask whether negotiating reference also facilitates category learning or might private verbalization yield comparable facilitation? Participants in three referential conditions learned to classify imaginary creatures according to combinations of functional features—nutritive and destructive—that implicitly defined four categories. Remote partners communicated in the Dialogue condition. In the Monologue condition, participants recorded audio descriptions for their own later use. Controls worked silently. Dialogue yielded better category learning, with wider distribution of attention. Monologue offered no benefits over working silently. We conclude that negotiating reference compels collaborators to find communicable structure in their shared activity; this social‐pragmatic constraint accelerates category learning and likely provides much of the benefit recently ascribed to learning labeled categories.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Amygdala Enlargement: A Morphologic and Functional Study
Authors: Takaya Shigetoshi , Ikeda Akio , Mitsueda‐Ono Takahiro , Matsumoto Riki , Inouchi Morito , Namiki Chihiro , Oishi Naoya , Mikuni Nobuhiro , Ishizu Koichi , Takahashi Ryosuke , Fukuyama Hidenao 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSETemporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with nontumoral amygdala enlargement (AE) has been reported to be a possible subtype of TLE without hippocampal sclerosis (HS). The purpose of this study was to clarify morphologic and functional characteristics of TLE with AE (TLE + AE).METHODSWe evaluated gray matter volume and cerebral glucose hypometabolism using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and voxel‐based statistical analysis of [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) images in 9 patients with TLE + AE as compared with controls. For VBM analysis, we recruited 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers as controls. For the comparison of FDG‐PET analysis, 9 patients with definite mesial TLE with HS (MTLE + HS), and 16 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were recruited.RESULTSIn patients with TLE + AE, a significant increase in gray matter volume was found only in the affected amygdala, and no significant decrease in gray matter volume was detected. In addition, significant glucose hypometabolism was observed in the affected amygdala, whereas significant glucose hypometabolism in the hippocampus, a prominent feature of definite MTLE+HS, was not observed.CONCLUSIONSTLE + AE is different from MTLE + HS from morphologic and functional points of view, and the enlarged amygdala per se is potentially an epileptic focus in patients with partial epilepsy.
Neuroimaging of Pediatric Intracranial Infection—Part 1: Techniques and Bacterial Infections
Authors: Nickerson Joshua P. , Richner Beat , Santy Ky , Lequin Maarten H. , Poretti Andrea , Filippi Christopher G. , Huisman Thierry A.G.M. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTConventional and advanced neuroimaging have become central to the diagnosis of infectious diseases of the pediatric central nervous system. Imaging modalities used by (pediatric) neuroradiologists include cranial ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, including advanced techniques such as diffusion weighted or tensor imaging, perfusion weighted imaging, susceptibility weighted imaging, and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In this first of a two part review, imaging techniques in general and the imaging findings of bacterial infections of the intracranial compartment including epidural empyema, subdural empyema, meningitis, cerebritis, cerebral abscess, and pyogenic intraventricular empyema (ventriculitis) are discussed. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:e42–e51.
A logistic model for the detection of circulating tumour cells in human metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Barbazán Jorge , Vieito María , Abalo Alicia , Alonso‐Alconada Lorena , Muinelo‐Romay Laura , Alonso‐Nocelo Marta , León Luís , Candamio Sonia , Gallardo Elena , Anido Urbano , Doll Andreas , de los Ángeles Casares María , Gómez‐Tato Antonio , Abal Miguel , López‐López Rafael 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe accuracy in the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) represents one of the challenges in the clinical management of patients. The detection of circulating tumour cells (CTC) is becoming a promising alternative to current detection techniques, as it focuses on one of the players of the metastatic disease and it should provide with more specific and sensitive detection rates. Here, we describe an improved method of detection of CTC from mCRC patients by combining immune‐enrichment, optimal purification of RNA from very low cell numbers, and the selection of accurate PCR probes. As a result, we obtained a logistic model that combines GAPDH and VIL1 normalized to CD45 rendering powerful results in the detection of CTC from mCRC patients (AUROC value 0.8599). We further demonstrated the utility of this model at the clinical setting, as a reliable prognosis tool to determine progression‐free survival in mCRC patients. Overall, we developed a strategy that ameliorates the specificity and sensitivity in the detection of CTC, resulting in a robust and promising logistic model for the clinical management of metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
The views of Nigerian teachers in public and private primary schools on the teaching of early literacy in English
Authors: Okebukola Foluso 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDrawing on the bilingual policies and biliteracy programmes of African nations, this paper discusses the context of literacy education in Nigeria and examines Nigerian early literacy teachers’ attitudes to teaching literacy and literacy teaching practices as informed by the National Policy on Education, Primary English Language Curriculum and the teaching–learning milieu. The paper also reports the findings of a survey in which respondents to a questionnaire expressed their views and understanding of the primary English curriculum and their own relations and experiences with it, as well as their own competencies and self‐concept as literacy teachers. Results indicated the need to train Nigerian teachers to adopt a much wider perspective in literacy, which recognises the opportunities for developing the interrelated strands of literacy. Governments should also consider practising teachers’ professional identities and growth in decision‐making and curriculum development. This will enhance their understanding of ideologies in policy and practice.
“Poetry is happening but I don't exactly know how”: Literacy Subject Leaders’ perceptions of poetry in their primary schools
Authors: Lambirth Andrew , Smith Sarah , Steele Susanna 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEvidence suggests (Ofsted, 2007) that the role of the Subject Leader is crucial in how well poetry is taught in schools. This paper attempts to provide some insights on “what it is like” to coordinate poetry teaching in a primary school. Some of the data confirm elements of the findings from earlier research on the state of poetry in schools, particularly concerning space in the curriculum, teacher subject knowledge and personal interest in poetry. However, we attempt to show that, much to the surprise of some of the Subject Leaders, where poetry teaching in the participants’ schools was perceived to be successful it was often nourished by the combined enthusiasm and ‘zeal’ of the teachers and children experiencing poetry together, which in turn was maintained by an empowering synergy of professional/personal pleasure and engagement with poetic texts experienced by some of the teachers while in school.
Unfolding lives in digital worlds: digikid teachers revisited
Authors: Graham Lynda 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this paper, I describe ongoing research exploring ways in which young teachers’ digital lives unfold inside and outside classrooms. I first interviewed teachers in 2006, and identified three different routes into digital worlds: serious solitary self‐taught, serious solitary school‐taught and playful social. A number of teachers agreed to be interviewed again in 2010. I outline ways in which I compare and contrast interviews over time, using analytic markers developed in ‘Inventing Adulthoods’, a Qualitative Longitudinal Research project. I also describe ways in which I set my analysis in Adam's concepts of time: ‘biographical time, generational time and historical time’. Case studies are outlined of three teachers, one serious solitary and two playful social. All three were language coordinators in 2006, and already experienced, innovative teachers of literacy. I argue that in 2010, the serious solitary teacher is able to bring new competences to the classroom, but fitting existing ways of teaching. In contrast, the playful social teachers bring new ways of knowing about digital worlds into classrooms, but these new ways are realised only if competences are recognised, communities are supportive and traditional ways of knowing about teaching and the curriculum do not block new ways of thinking.
Oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome in a Japanese female population
Authors: Kotani Kazuhiko , Yamada Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2012

Aim:  One of the methods to evaluate oxidative stress in clinical medical settings is the reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs) test. While metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered an oxidative condition, the oxidative status in MetS has not been fully examined using this test. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between oxidative stress as evaluated by the d‐ROMs test and the MetS component number, in a Japanese female population.Methods:  The serum oxidant capacity (measured by the d‐ROMs test) was cross‐sectionally determined in cardiovascular disease‐free and non‐smoking women who were not taking medications (n= 180; mean age, 60 ± 10 (standard deviation) years). Their MetS state was determined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel recommendations with minor modifications for a Japanese population.Results:  Patients with MetS (n= 60, 362 ± 53 CARR U) showed a significantly higher oxidant capacity by d‐ROMs than those without MetS (n= 120, 324 ± 55 CARR U, P < 0.01). Moreover, the significant increase in the oxidant capacity by d‐ROMs was closely associated with an increase in the MetS component number (trend P < 0.01).Conclusions:  These results showed a significantly positive association between the oxidant capacity (by d‐ROMs) and the MetS component number in this population. Further studies are required to establish the clinical applications of this test to MetS practice and clarify the biological mechanisms of the observed relationships.
Mineralocorticoid Receptors Mediate Cardiac Remodelling in Morphine‐Dependent Rats
Authors: Mesripour Azadeh , Iyer Abishek , Brown Lindsay 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAcute morphine administration decreases cardiac responses to ischaemic injury. This project has determined whether induction of morphine dependence in rats by gradually increasing morphine doses for 21 days induces structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system because of mineralocorticoid receptor activation, as morphine increases plasma corticosterone concentrations. Morphine‐dependent rats showed ventricular hypertrophy, increased collagen deposition in the left ventricle together with an increased ventricular stiffness and increased plasma malondialdehyde concentrations without changes in systolic blood pressure or thoracic aortic responsiveness. These parameters were attenuated or normalised in morphine‐dependent rats treated with spironolactone (50 mg/kg/day) from days 14–21. These results suggest that morphine dependence induces ventricular remodelling and increased oxidative stress that can be prevented by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, spironolactone.
The Association of eNOS G894T Polymorphism with Metabolic Syndrome and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Lee Yung-Chin , Huang Shu-Pin , Liu Chia-Chu , Yang Yi-Hsin , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Li Wei-Ming , Wu Wen-Jeng , Wang Chii-Jye , Juan Yung-Shun , Huang Chun-Nung , Hour Tzyh-Chyuan , Chang Chu-Fen , Huang Chun-Hsiung 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Accumulated evidences have outlined the potential relation between insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. The impaired ability of endothelium to synthesize or release nitric oxide may provide a common pathophysiological mechanism in the development of metabolic syndrome (MtS) and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
The aim of this article was to investigate the genetic susceptibility of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T polymorphism underlying the development of both disorders.

Methods
A total of 590 subjects with a mean (standard deviation) age of 55.3 years (4.1) were enrolled during a free health screening. Complete clinical data and questionnaires were taken for all subjects. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of MtS and ED. The eNOS G894T polymorphism was determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Main Outcome Measures
The definition of MtS was according to the modified criteria developed by the Bureau of Health Promotion in Taiwan. Patients with ED were defined as those having a five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) &lt;21.

Results
Our results showed that the eNOS 894T allele carriers had significantly higher prevalence of MtS and ED (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05∼2.56, P = 0.02 and OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.11∼2.80, P = 0.01, respectively) after adjustment for each other and age. Also the T allele carriers had significantly lower IIEF-5 score and more MtS components than G allele carriers (P &lt; 0.01 and P &lt; 0.01, respectively), which were significantly associated with an increment of the T allele number (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
The eNOS 894T allele carriers are at greater risk for both MtS and ED, suggesting that eNOS G894T gene polymorphism might play an implication as a common genetic susceptibility factor to develop both disorders.
The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Psychological Distress Among Women in New Zealand
Authors: Flett Ross A. , Kazantzis Nikolaos , Long Nigel R. , MacDonald Carol , Millar Michelle , Clark Bronwyn , Edwards Howard , Petrik Alexandra M. 
Published: February 2012

PROBLEMS:  In order to better understand the long‐term impact of child sex abuse, this study examined the association between women's experience of abuse, health symptoms, and psychological distress in adulthood. There is limited information about child abuse outside the United States.METHODS:  Nine hundred sixty‐one women participated in a structured interview.RESULTS:  Participants who had experienced abuse (13%) were significantly more vulnerable to psychological distress in adulthood if they were younger, less satisfied with their standard of living, and resided in urban areas.CONCLUSION:  Dissemination and evaluation of therapies for the treatment of sex abuse in the New Zealand context is warranted.
The Driving Forces of Agricultural Decline:A Panel‐Data Approach to the Italian Regional Growth
Authors: Esposti Roberto 
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates the causes of the long‐run decline of agriculture during economic growth. Within a two‐sector model, agricultural decline is explained by three basic driving forces (relative price change, Rybczynski effect, and technological gap). In a dynamic (vector autoregression) specification the share of agriculture on gross domestic product the agricultural relative price and the capital intensity are simultaneously determined. The model allows for short‐run adjustments with respect to long‐run equilibrium and for cross‐sectional dependence taking into account interregional linkages. The approach is applied to the panel data set of 20 Italian regions over the period 1951–2002 of intense economic development but still persistent regional disparities. Regularities and differences of decline patterns across regions are investigated.Le présent article examine les causes du déclin à long terme de l’agriculture en période de croissance économique. Dans un modèle à deux secteurs, trois éléments fondamentaux (le changement dans les prix relatifs, l’effet de Rybczynski et l’écart technologique) expliquent le déclin de l’agriculture. Dans une spécification dynamique (VAR), la part de l’agriculture dans le PIB, le prix relatif agricole et l’intensité du capital sont simultanément déterminés. Le modèle permet des ajustements à court terme par rapport à l’équilibre à long terme et permet une dépendance transversale qui tient compte des liens interrégionaux. Ce modèle a été appliquéà un ensemble de données de panel regroupant 20 régions de l’Italie, durant la période de développement économique intense de 1951 à 2002, qui présentait des disparités régionales persistantes. Nous avons examiné les similitudes et les différences des déclins observés à l’échelle des régions.