bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Alcohol Consumption on CpG Methylation in the Differentially Methylated Regions of H19 and IG‐DMR in Male Gametes—Implications for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ouko Lillian A. , Shantikumar Katpaham , Knezovich Jaysen , Haycock Philip , Schnugh Desmond J. , Ramsay Michèle 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Exposure to alcohol in utero is the main attributable cause of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) which in its most severe form is characterized by irreversible behavioral and cognitive disability. Paternal preconception drinking is not considered to be a significant risk factor, even though animal studies have demonstrated that chronic paternal alcohol consumption has a detrimental effect on the physical and mental development of offspring even in the absence of in utero alcohol exposure. It has been documented that alcohol can reduce the levels and activity of DNA methyltransferases resulting in DNA hypomethylation and that reduced methyltransferase activity can cause activation of normally silenced genes. The aim of this study was to establish a link between alcohol use in men and hypomethylation of paternally imprinted loci in sperm DNA in genomic regions critical for embryonic development, thus providing a mechanism for paternal effects in the aetiology of FASD.Methods:  Sperm DNA from male volunteers was bisulfite treated and the methylation patterns of 2 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), H19 and IG‐DMR, analyzed following sequencing of individual clones. The methylation patterns were correlated with the alcohol consumption levels of the volunteer males.Results:  There was a pattern of increased demethylation with alcohol consumption at the 2 imprinted loci with a significant difference observed at the IG‐DMR between the nondrinking and heavy alcohol consuming groups. Greater inter‐individual variation in average methylation was observed at the H19 DMR and individual clones were more extensively demethylated than those of the IG‐DMR. CpG site #4 in the IG‐DMR was preferentially demethylated among all individuals and along with the H19 DMR CpG site #7 located within the CTCF binding site 6 showed significant demethylation in the alcohol consuming groups compared with the control group.Conclusion:  This study demonstrates a correlation between chronic alcohol use and demethylation of normally hypermethylated imprinted regions in sperm DNA. We hypothesize that, should these epigenetic changes in imprinted genes be transmitted through fertilization, they would alter the critical gene expression dosages required for normal prenatal development resulting in offspring with features of FASD.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Interhemispheric Transfer of Tactile Information: Detroit and Cape Town Findings
Authors: Dodge Neil C. , Jacobson Joseph L. , Molteno Christopher D. , Meintjes Ernesta M. , Bangalore Sumana , Diwadkar Vaibhav , Hoyme Eugene H. , Robinson Luther K. , Khaole Nathaniel , Avison Malcolm J. , Jacobson Sandra W. 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Previous research has demonstrated that heavy prenatal alcohol exposure affects the size and shape of the corpus callosum (CC) and compromises interhemispheric transfer of information. The aim of this study was to confirm the previous reports of poorer performance on a finger localization test (FLT) of interhemispheric transfer in a cohort of heavily exposed children and to extend these findings to a cohort of moderately exposed young adults.Methods:  In Study 1, the FLT was administered to 40 heavily exposed and 23 nonexposed children from the Cape Coloured community of Cape Town, South Africa, who were evaluated for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) dysmorphology and growth. Anatomical images of the CC were obtained using structural MRI on a subset of these children. In Study 2, the FLT was administered to a cohort of 85 moderate‐to‐heavily exposed young adults participating in a 19‐year follow‐up assessment of the Detroit Prenatal Alcohol Exposure cohort, whose alcohol exposure had been ascertained prospectively during gestation.Results:  In Study 1, children with FAS showed more transfer‐related errors than controls after adjustment for confounding, and increased transfer‐related errors were associated with volume reductions in the isthmus and splenium of the CC. In Study 2, transfer‐related errors were associated with quantity of alcohol consumed per occasion during pregnancy. More errors were made if the mother reported binge drinking (≥5 standard drinks) during pregnancy than if she drank regularly (M ≥ 1 drink/day) without binge drinking.Conclusions:  These findings confirm a previous report of impaired interhemispheric transfer of tactile information in children heavily exposed to alcohol in utero and extend these findings to show that these deficits are also seen in more moderately exposed individuals, particularly those exposed to binge‐like pregnancy drinking.
The in vitro effect of recombinant factor VIIa on coated platelet formation and clot dynamics of stored platelet concentrates
Authors: Svendsen Mette S. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Bochsen Louise , Salado‐Jimena José A. , Johansson Pär I. 
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Storage can negatively impact the hemostatic potential of platelet concentrates (PCs) used for transfusion. At the site of vascular injury, normal platelets (PLTs) are hypothesized to change into highly procoagulant‐coated PLTs upon costimulation with collagen and thrombin. We investigated whether activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk A/S) could improve the ability of stored PLTs to support coagulation under conditions that promote the formation of coated PLTs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PCs stored for 1, 4, 6, and 8 days were costimulated with thrombin and with convulxin, a collagen glycoprotein VI receptor agonist, to create coated PLTs. The effect of rFVIIa on the ability of stored PCs to form coated PLTs, generate thrombin, and impact clot dynamics was evaluated by flow cytometry, a plasma‐based assay, and thrombelastography, respectively.RESULTS: Coated PLT formation decreased significantly with increasing storage time (80% vs. 50%‐55%, p < 0.05), and this was not affected by the addition of rFVIIa. rFVIIa accelerated thrombin generation (p < 0.001) and clot formation (p < 0.001) and significantly increased thrombin generation throughout the storage period (p < 0.001). Resistance to fibrinolysis was impaired at the end of storage, and this was not affected by the addition of rFVIIa.CONCLUSION: rFVIIa accelerated thrombin and clot formation throughout storage, with the most pronounced effect observed in the PCs that had been stored for the shortest length of time (Day 1). Resistance to fibrinolysis was gradually impaired throughout the storage period and was not affected by the addition of rFVIIa.
Prevalence and trends of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus among blood donors in Iran, 2004 through 2007
Authors: Amini Kafi‐abad Sedigheh , Rezvan Houri , Abolghasemi Hassan , Talebian Ali 
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:Evaluation and monitoring the prevalence of transfusion‐transmissible viral infections in blood donors is a valuable index of donor selection and blood safety. This study analyzed the trends of blood‐borne infections among Iranian blood donations during 4 years.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Viral screening results of 6,499,851 allogeneic donations from 2004 through 2007 were analyzed. All donations were screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections per 100,000 donations and 95% confidence interval was calculated. The p value was estimated by chi‐square test.RESULTS:The prevalences of HBV, HCV, and HIV decreased during the 4‐year study from 2004 through 2007. The overall prevalence was 0.56% for HBV, 0.004% for HIV, and 0.13% for HCV. There was a significant and impressive decrease in hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence from 0.73% in 2004 to 0.41% in 2007. The prevalence of HIV appeared to have decreased from 0.005% in 2004 to 0.004% in 2007 although the decrease was not significant. HCV prevalence showed a slight decline in blood donations from 0.14% in 2005 to 0.12% in 2007.CONCLUSION:The trends of transfusion‐transmitted infection prevalence in Iranian blood donations suggest that most of the safety measures employed in recent years in Iran have been effective.
2008 Emily Cooley Memorial Lecture: lessons learned from pediatric transfusion medicine clinical trials . . . a little child shall lead them
Authors: Strauss Ronald G. 
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Many clinical practices in transfusion medicine are controversial and/or lack definitive guidelines established by sound clinical trials. Although recommendations based on results of clinical trials performed using infants and children may not always be applied directly to adults—and vice versa—lessons learned from pediatric trials can be useful when critically assessing the design/results/conclusions of adult trials.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) studying pediatric patients were critically reviewed. They addressed two red blood cell (RBC) transfusion issues: 1) transfusion guidelines by which RBC transfusions are “triggered” by liberal (LIB; high pretransfusion patient hematocrit [Hct] levels) versus being “triggered” by restricted (RES; low pretransfusion Hct levels) and 2) transfusion of fresh RBCs (≤7 days' storage) versus RBCs (up to 42 days' storage).RESULTS: Findings established by primary outcomes generally were firm (e.g., fewer RBC transfusions were given to infants/children managed by RES guidelines; transfusing small volumes of RBCs stored up to 42 days to preterm infants diminished allogeneic donor exposures and were equally efficacious and safe as fresh RBCs stored ≤7 days). Findings based on secondary outcomes, subset, and post hoc analyses were inconsistent (e.g., clinical outcomes were equivalent after LIB or RES transfusions in only two of three RCTs; in the third, more neurologic problems were found in neonates given RES transfusions).CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practices should be based on data pertaining to the primary outcomes of RCTs, because trials are designed and statistically powered to address these issues. Clinical practices suggested by analysis of secondary outcomes, subsets of patients, and post hoc analyses should be applied cautiously until studied further—ideally, as primary outcomes in subsequent RCTs.
The Anatomic Relationship Between the Common Femoral Artery and Common Femoral Vein in Frog Leg Position Versus Straight Leg Position in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Hopkins Jennifer W. , Warkentine Fred , Gracely Edward , Kim In K. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  Overlap of the femoral artery (FA) on the femoral vein (FV) has been shown to occur in pediatric patients. This overlap may increase complications such as arterial puncture and failed insertions of central venous lines (CVLs). Knowledge of the anatomic relationship between the FV and FA may be important in avoiding these complications.Objectives:  The objective was to evaluate the anatomic relationship of the FA and FV in straight leg position and frog leg position.Methods:  This was a prospective, descriptive study of a convenience sample of 80 total subjects (16 subjects from each of five predetermined stratified age groups). Each subject underwent a standardized ultrasound examination in both the straight and the frog leg positions. The location of the FA in relation to the FV was measured at three locations: immediately distal, 1 cm distal, and 3 cm distal to the inguinal ligament. Overlap of the FA on the FV and the diameter of the FV was noted at each location. Measurements were repeated in both the straight leg and the frog leg positions.Results:  For the left leg, immediately distal to the inguinal ligament, the FV was overlapped by the FA in 36% of patients in straight leg position and by 45% of patients in frog leg position. At 1 cm distal to the ligament, overlap was observed in 75% of patients in straight leg position and 88% of patients in the frog leg position. At 3 cm distal to the ligament, overlap was observed in 93% of patients in straight leg position and 86% of patients in the frog leg position. The percentage of vessels with overlap was similar in the right leg at each location for both the straight and the frog leg positions. Pooled mean (±SD) FV diameters for the left leg immediately distal to the inguinal ligament were 0.64 (±0.23) cm in the straight leg position and 0.76 (±0.28) cm in the frog leg position; at 1 cm distal to the ligament, 0.66 (±0.23) and 0.78 (±0.29) cm; and at 3 cm distal to the ligament, 0.65 (±0.27) and 0.69 (±0.29) cm. FV diameters for the right leg were similar to the left.Conclusions:  A significant percentage of children have FAs that overlap their FVs. This overlap may be responsible for complications such as FA puncture with CVL placement. Ultrasound‐guided techniques may decrease these risks. Placing children in the frog leg position increases the diameter of the FV visualized on ultrasound.
Accuracy of a computerized tomography‐guided template‐assisted implant placement system: an in vitro study
Authors: Horwitz Jacob , Zuabi Otman , Machtei Eli E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the accuracy of computer‐assisted 3D planning and implant insertion using computerized tomography (CT).Materials and methods: Nine implants were planned on pre‐operative CTs of six resin models, which were acquired with radiographic templates, using a planning software (E implants). Each resin model contained three pre‐existing control implants (C implants). Radiographic templates were converted into operative guides containing 4.8‐mm‐diameter titanium sleeves. A single set of insertable sleeves was used for consecutively drilling the six models, followed by implant insertion through the guide sleeves. Models were further divided into group A (the first three models) and group B (the last three models). Post‐operative CTs were used to compare implant positions with pre‐operative planned positions. Statistical analysis included the Mann–Whitney U test for E and C implants and the Wilcoxon's signed ranks test for groups A and B.Results: The mean apex depth deviations for E and C implants [0.49 mm±0.36 standard deviation (SD) and 0.32 mm±0.21 SD, respectively], and the mean apex radial deviations (0.63 mm±0.38 SD and 0.49 mm±0.17 SD, respectively) were similar (P>0.05). The mean angulation deviations for E and C implants were 2.17±1.06°SD and 1.33±0.69°SD, P<0.05. E implant deviations of all the parameters in group A were significantly smaller than E implant deviations in group B.Conclusions: Computer‐assisted implant planning and insertion provides good accuracy. Deviations are mainly related to system and reproducibility errors. Multiple use of drills and titanium sleeves significantly reduces system accuracy.
Oral health behavior among  25‐year‐old‐Norwegian adults: factor structure, factorial invariance over time and trends
Authors: Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug 
Published: June 2009

Abstract –  Background:  Exploratory factor‐analytical studies suggest that health behaviors are multidimensional, leading to hypotheses that such behaviors are bi‐ or tri‐dimensional. This study applies confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), to semi‐longitudinal data and provides new information about the factor structure of oral health‐related behaviors among 25‐year‐old Norwegians. The purposes of the study were to (1) evaluate the factor structure of oral health behaviors and its invariance over time, (2) assess temporal changes in patterns of oral health behaviors and in their socioeconomic distribution between 1997 and 2007.Methods:  Simple random samples of 1190 residents born in 1972 and 8000 residents born in 1982 were drawn from the populations of three counties in Western Norway in 1997 and 2007. Structured questionnaires were mailed to the eligible participants. After one reminder, 735 (58% women, response rate 62%) and 1509 (63.3% women, response rate 19%) replied.Results:  A correlated three‐factor model with cross‐loadings showed a better fit than a two‐factor model to both the 1997 sample: χ2/df = 2.1, CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.03 and the 2007 sample: χ2/df = 3.1, CFA = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.04. Multiple‐group CFA showed an acceptable fit for the unconstrained model, CFA = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.03, and no statistically significant difference in fit between the unconstrained and constrained models (P = 0.739). Multiple binary logistic regression with three sum scores based on the behavioral factors sugar intake, drug use and oral health‐enhancing behavior revealed that the odds ratios for frequent sugar intake (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5–0.8) and oral health‐enhancing behavior (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5–0.7) were less in 2007 than in 1997. Drug use remained stable over time (OR = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.7–1.1). Educational differences in sugar intake observed in 1997 had leveled off in 2007.Conclusion:  A three‐factor structure fitted the data in 1997 and 2007 and the factor structure was invariant over time. This suggests that oral health behaviors should be addressed jointly in oral health promotion programs.
Fluoride ingestion from food items and dentifrice in 2–6‐year‐old Brazilian children living in a fluoridated area using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire
Authors: Miziara Ana Paula Borges , Philippi Sonia Tucunduva , Levy Flávia Mauad , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo 
Published: June 2009

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride intake of 2–6‐year‐old Brazilian children using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which also estimated fluoride intake from dentifrice.Methods:  The FFQ was previously validated through application to 78 2–6‐year‐old Brazilian children and then administered to 379 children residing in an optimally fluoridated community in Brazil (Bauru, State of São Paulo). The FFQ was applied to the parents and used to estimate the food intake of the children. The constituents of the diet were divided into solids, water and other beverages. The fluoride content of the diet items was analyzed with the fluoride electrode. The questionnaire also estimated fluoride intake from dentifrice.Results:  The average (±SD) fluoride intake from solids, water, other beverages and dentifrice was 0.008 ± 0.005; 0.011 ± 0.004; 0.009 ± 0.014 and 0.036 ± 0.028 mg F/kg body weight/day, respectively, totalizing 0.064 ± 0.035 mg F/kg body weight/day. The dentifrice and the diet contributed with 56.3% and 43.7% of the daily fluoride intake, respectively. Among the children evaluated, 31.2% are estimated to have risk to develop dental fluorosis (intake>0.07 mg F/kg body weight/day).Conclusions:  The dentifrice was the main source of fluoride intake by the children evaluated. However, the fluoride concentration in food items also significantly contributed to the daily ingestion by 2–6‐year‐old children. The questionnaire used seems to be a promising alternative to duplicate diet to estimate the fluoride intake at this age range and may have potential to be used in broad epidemiological surveys.
Skin from various ethnic origins and aging: an in vivo cross‐sectional multimodality imaging study
Authors: Querleux Bernard , Baldeweck Thérèse , Diridollou Stéphane , De Rigal Jean , Huguet Etienne , Leroy Frédéric , Holloway Barbosa Victoria 
Published: June 2009

Background: Ethnic differences in skin structural features have not been thoroughly investigated, and the few reported studies are contradictory. Thus, we have carried out a set of in vivo measurements on the skin of about 400 volunteers from various ethnic origins living in the same environment.Methods: Female subjects were distributed into four ethnic groups: African Americans, Mexicans, Caucasians, and Chinese. Inter‐ and intra‐ethnic skin structural differences, according to age and anatomic site, were investigated using three non‐invasive skin‐imaging methods: ultrasound (US) at 25 and 150 MHz, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).Results: The thickness of the skin is higher on the cheek compared with the dorsal and ventral forearm, with no ethnic or age‐related specificity. We confirm that the sub‐epidermal non‐echogenic band is a sensitive marker of skin aging, and reveal for the first time that it is less pronounced in African Americans. From OCT images, we bring out evidence that the thickness of the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ) decreased with age, and was higher in African Americans than in Caucasians. Finally, by comparing US images at 150 MHz with OCT images, we show that papillary dermis thickness can be measured and appears to be quite constant irrespective of age or ethnic group.Conclusion: Our study confirms that skin imaging is very attractive to further our knowledge of the morphology of skin from various ethnic origins. Regarding age effects, quantitative parameters have shown that they would be delayed in African Americans compared with all other ethnic populations.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: HLA‐G Expression Is Up‐Regulated by Progesterone in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ivanova‐Todorova Ekaterina , Mourdjeva Milena , Kyurkchiev Dobroslav , Bochev Ivan , Stoyanova Elena , Dimitrov Rumen , Timeva Tanya , Yunakova Maria , Bukarev Dimitar , Shterev Atanas , Tivchev Petar , Kyurkchiev Stanimir 
Published: June 2009

Problem  Maternal immune response to fetal tissues is modified in such way that it favors the development of pregnancy. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G, progesterone and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as potent immunomodulatory agents in different experimental systems and the interactions between these three factors are studies in this paper.Method of study  Human MSCs are isolated from human adipose tissue, bone marrow and decidua are cultured in the presence of progesterone and the expression of HLA‐G is followed‐up at protein and mRNA levels.Results  The MSCs cultured in the presence of progesterone express increased levels of both cell surface and cytoplasmic HLA‐G when compared with the control MSCs.Conclusion  Progesterone up‐regulates the expression by MSCs of HLA‐G which is a major player in maintenance of the immune balance between the mother and the fetus. MSCs are newly detected targets of progesterone with well documented immunomodulatory activity.