bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of psychosocial stimulation on cognition and behaviour at 6 years in a cohort of term, low‐birthweight Jamaican children
Authors: WALKER SUSAN P , CHANG SUSAN M , YOUNGER NOVIE , GRANTHAM‐MCGREGOR SALLY M 
Published: February 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine whether psychosocial stimulation up to the age of 2 years benefits cognition and behaviour at age 6 years in low‐birthweight, term‐born (LBW‐T) children (gestational age ≥37wk, birthweight <2500g), and to compare LBW‐T and normal‐birthweight (NBW) children.Method  LBW‐T Jamaican infants were randomized at birth to a control group or an intervention group. Children in the intervention group received psychosocial stimulation for 2 years. LBW‐T infants were also compared with NBW infants born in the same hospital. IQ, cognitive function, and behaviour were measured at age 6 years in 109 LBW‐T infants. The LBW‐T group were divided into the intervention group (55 out of 70 enrolled, 32 females, 23 males; mean birthweight 2190g, SD 200g; and the control group (54 out of 70 enrolled, 33 females, 21 males; birthweight 2240g, SD 180g]. These were compared with 73 out of 94 enrolled NBW infants (38 females 35 males; birthweight 3130g, SD 330g).Results  Among the LBW‐T children performance IQ scores were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (regression coefficient [B] 4.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01–7.98) as were visual–spatial memory scores (B 1.12, 95% CI 0.45–1.87). Children in the intervention group also exhibited fewer behavioural difficulties (B −2.21, 95% CI −4.13 to −0.10) than children in the control group. Compared with NBW children, LBW‐T children in the control group had poorer selective attention (B=−3.35, 95% CI −5.59 to −1.26) and visual–spatial memory (B=−0.76, 95% CI −1.54 to 0.00), but there were no differences in IQ, language, or behaviour.Interpretation  Stimulation had sustained benefits in LBW‐T infants. Finding few differences between LBW‐T and NBW school‐aged children concurs with results from other developing countries.
Antifibrotic activity of an inhibitor of histone deacetylases in DOCA‐salt hypertensive rats
Authors: Iyer Abishek , Fenning Andrew , Lim Junxian , Le Giang T , Reid Robert C , Halili Maria A , Fairlie David P , Brown Lindsay 
Published: February 2010

Background and purpose:  Histone deacetylases (HDACs) silence genes by deacetylating lysine residues in histones and other proteins. HDAC inhibitors represent a new class of compounds with anti‐inflammatory activity. This study investigated whether treatment with a broad spectrum HDAC inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), would prevent cardiac fibrosis, part of the cardiovascular remodelling in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt rats.Experimental approach:  Control and DOCA‐salt rats were treated with SAHA (25 mg·kg−1·day−1 s.c.) for 32 days. Changes in cardiovascular structure and function were assessed by blood pressure in vivo and in Langendorff perfused hearts, ventricular papillary muscle and in aortic rings in vitro. Left ventricular collagen deposition was assessed by histology.Key results:  Administration of SAHA to DOCA‐salt rats attenuated the following parameters: the increased concentration of over 20 pro‐inflammatory cytokines in plasma, increased inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial collagen deposition, increased passive diastolic stiffness in perfused hearts, prolongation of action potential duration at 20% and 90% of repolarization in papillary muscle, development of left ventricular hypertrophy, systolic hypertension and changes in vascular dysfunction.Conclusions and implications:  The HDAC inhibitor, SAHA, attenuated the cardiovascular remodelling associated with DOCA‐salt hypertensive rats and improved cardiovascular structure and function, especially fibrosis, in the heart and blood vessels, possibly by suppressing inflammation. Control of cardiac histone or non‐histone protein acetylation is a potential therapeutic approach to preventing cardiac remodelling, especially cardiac fibrosis.
Inconsistent Evidence: Analysis of Six National Guidelines for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section
Authors: Foureur Maralyn , Ryan Clare L. , Nicholl Michael , Homer Caroline 
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Background:  Guidelines are increasingly used to direct clinical practice, with the expectation that they improve clinical outcomes and minimize health care expenditure. Several national guidelines for vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) have been released or updated recently, and their range has created dilemmas for clinicians and women. The purpose of this study was to summarize the recommendations of existing guidelines and assess their quality using a standardized and validated instrument to determine which guidelines, if any, are best able to guide clinical practice.Methods:  English language guidelines on VBAC were purposively selected from national and professional organizations in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument was applied to each guideline, and each was analyzed to determine the range and level of evidence on which it was based and the recommendations made.Results:  Six guidelines published or updated between 2004 and 2007 were examined. Only two of the six guidelines scored well overall using the AGREE instrument, and the evidence used demonstrated great variety. Most guidelines cited expert opinion and consensus as evidence for some recommendations. Reported success rates for VBAC ranged from 30 to 85 percent, and reported rates of uterine rupture ranged from 0 to 2.8 percent.Conclusions:  VBAC guidelines are characterized by quasi‐experimental evidence and consensus‐based recommendations, which lead to wide variability in recommendations and undermine their usefulness in clinical practice. (BIRTH 37:1 March 2010)
Time of Pregnancy Recognition and Prenatal Care Use: A Population‐based Study in the United States
Authors: Ayoola Adejoke B. , Nettleman Mary D. , Stommel Manfred , Canady Renee B. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract:Background:  A woman who does not recognize her pregnancy early may not initiate prenatal care early. This study examined the relationship between the time of pregnancy recognition and the time of initiation of prenatal care, and the number of prenatal visits among women of childbearing age.Methods:  This study analyzed the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) data for the United States. The analysis sample was representative of resident women of childbearing age in 29 U.S. states who had live births within 2 to 6 months before being contacted. The data were weighed to reflect the complex survey design of the PRAMS, and binary and multinomial logistic regressions were used for the analyses.Results:  Most (92.5%) of the 136,373 women in the study had recognized their pregnancy by  12 weeks of gestation, and 80 percent initiated prenatal care within the first trimester. Early pregnancy recognition was associated with significantly increased odds of initiating prenatal care early (OR = 6.05, p < 0.01), after controlling for sociodemographic and prior birth outcome data, and was also associated with lower odds of having fewer than the recommended number of prenatal visits and higher odds of having more than the recommended prenatal visits (OR: <11 visits = 0.71 and >15 visits = 1.17, p < 0.01).Conclusions:  Early pregnancy recognition was associated with improved timing and number of prenatal care visits. Promotion of early pregnancy recognition could be a means of improving birth outcomes by encouraging and empowering women to access prenatal care at a critical point in fetal development. (BIRTH 37:1 March 2010)
The Fetal Occiput Posterior Position: State of the Science and a New Perspective
Authors: Simkin Penny 
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Background:  The fetal occiput posterior position poses challenges in every aspect of intrapartum care—prevention, diagnosis, correction, supportive care, labor management, and delivery. Maternal and newborn outcomes are often worse and both physical and psychological traumas are more common than with fetal occiput anterior positions. The purpose of this paper is to describe nine prevailing concepts that guide labor and birth management with an occiput posterior fetus, and summarize evidence to clarify the state of the science.Methods:  A search was conducted of the databases of PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Additional valuable information was obtained from obstetric and midwifery textbooks, books and websites for the public, conversations with maternity care professionals, and years of experience as a doula.Results:  Nine prevailing concepts are as follows: (1) prenatal maneuvers rotate the occiput posterior fetus to occiput anterior; (2) it is possible to detect the occiput posterior fetus prenatally; (3) a fetus who is occiput anterior at the onset of labor will remain in that position throughout labor; (4) back pain in labor is a reliable sign of an occiput posterior fetus; (5) the occiput posterior fetus can be identified during labor by digital vaginal examination; (6) an ultrasound scan is a reliable way to detect fetal position; (7) maternal positions facilitate rotation of the occiput posterior fetus; (8) epidural analgesia facilitates rotation; (9) manual rotation of the fetal head to occiput anterior improves the rate of occiput anterior deliveries. Concepts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 have little scientific support whereas concepts 6, 7, and 9 are supported by promising evidence.Conclusions:  Many current obstetric practices with respect to the occiput posterior position are unsatisfactory, resulting in failure to identify and correct the problem and thus contributing to high surgical delivery rates and traumatic births. The use of ultrasound examination to identify fetal position is a method that is far superior to other methods, and has the potential to improve outcomes. Research studies are needed to examine the efficacy of midwifery methods of identification, and the effect of promising methods to rotate the fetus (simple positional methods and digital or manual rotation). Based on the findings of this review, a practical approach to care is suggested. (BIRTH 37:1 March 2010)
Use of Incinerator Bottom Ash for Frit Production
Authors: Barberio Grazia , Buttol Patrizia , Masoni Paolo , Scalbi Simona , Andreola Fernanda , Barbieri Luisa , Lancellotti Isabella 
Published: February 2010

SummaryThis article presents the results of an experimental activity aimed at investigating the technical feasibility and the environmental performance of using municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash to produce glass frit for ceramic glaze (glaze frit). The process includes an industrial pretreatment of bottom ash that renders the material suitable for use in glaze frit production and allows recovery of aluminum and iron. The environmental performance of this treatment option is assessed with the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The goal of the LCA study is to assess and compare the environmental impacts of two scenarios of end of life of bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI): landfill disposal (conventional scenario) and bottom ash recovery for glaze frit production (innovative scenario). The main results of the laboratory tests, industrial simulations, and LCA study are presented and discussed, and the environmental advantages of recycling versus landfill disposal are highlighted.
Functions of ICC‐like cells in the urinary tract and male genital organs
Authors: Hashitani Hikaru , Lang Richard J. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Overview
Individual organs
Future of ICC‐LCs research in urogenital organs
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)‐like cells (ICC‐LCs) have been identified in many regions of the urinary tract and male genital organs by immunohistochemical studies and electron microscopy. ICC‐LCs are characterized by their spontaneous electrical and Ca2+ signalling and the cellular mechanisms of their generation have been extensively investigated. Spontaneous activity in ICC‐LCs rises from the release of internally stored Ca2+ and the opening of Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels to generate spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs) in a manner not fundamentally dependent on Ca2+ influx through L‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. Since urogenital ICC‐LCs have been identified by their immunoreactivity to Kit (CD117) antibodies, the often‐used specific marker for ICC in the gastrointestinal tract, their functions have been thought likely to be similar. Thus ICC‐LCs in the urogenital tract might be expected to act as either electrical pacemaker cells to drive the smooth muscle wall or as intermediaries in neuromuscular transmission. However, present knowledge of the functions of ICC‐LCs suggests that their functions are not so predetermined, that their functions may be very region specific, particularly under pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the location and function of ICC‐LCs in various organs of the urogenital system. We also discuss several unsolved issues regarding the identification, properties and functions of ICC‐LCs in various urogenital regions in health and disease.
Measurement of a possible patch‐testing outcome indicator
Authors: Gallo Rosella , Baldari Manuela , Fausti Valentina , Montinari Martina , Santoro Francesca , Christana Konstantina , Rosso Rita , Cozzani Emanuele , Parodi Aurora 
Published: February 2010

Background: Clinical performance measurements often employ outcome indicators to express the extent to which health services achieve a given clinical result. Objective: The objective of our study was to develop an outcome indicator of patch testing. We identified and measured as a possible indicator the ratio of patients with allergic and/or photo‐allergic contact dermatitis clinically cured/improved as a result of identification of relevant allergens. Patients/Methods: Patients with positive reactions considered relevant to their current dermatitis were interviewed by telephone 2 months after patch/photo‐patch testing in order to assess their clinical outcome in relation to the recommended elimination of supposedly relevant allergens. Results: Over a 4‐year period positive reactions were seen in 1397 out of 2857 tested patients. Relevance was considered current in 578 subjects, and 506 of them were interviewed.Remission/significant improvement following allergen(s) contact avoidance was reported by 431 patients, the outcome indicator (431/506) thus scoring 85.2%. Among the 75 patients who reported no improvement, 41 had not avoided contact with the offending substance(s), 17 had other persistent concomitant skin conditions, and 17 were unchanged despite elimination of the alleged relevant allergens. Conclusions: The ratio of relevantly patch‐test‐positive patients resolved/improved after allergen avoidance is a useful patch‐testing outcome indicator.
Interlaboratory studies with a proposed patch test design to evaluate the irritation potential of surfactants
Authors: Mehling Annette , Chkarnat Catherine , Degwert Joachim , Ennen Joachim , Fink Ernst , Matthies Wolfgang , Roethlisberger Rudolf , Rossow Uwe , Schnitker Jörg , Tronnier Hagen , Wigger‐Alberti Walter , Wilhelm Klaus‐Peter 
Published: February 2010

Background: Development of cosmetic products and household detergents necessitates comparative study designs to assess the skin tolerance of products. In initial tests, the epicutaneous patch test for irritation is widely used. Objectives: This study was conducted to develop a protocol that would facilitate a comparison of results obtained when tests are conducted by different laboratories. Methods:‘In‐house’ and standardized patch test protocols were used to assess irritation potentials of surfactant‐based products in intra‐ and interlaboratory studies using defined surfactant samples. Results: The various in‐house protocols tested did not consistently produce equivalent results. In order to develop a study design that yields comparable results, various factors were identified and adjusted. The standardized study protocol includes occlusive application of 70 µl of the test substance to the back of 30 subjects, defined reading times and schemes, assessments based mainly on erythema, and inclusion of sodium laureth sulfate and sodium dodecyl sulfate as positive controls as well as water as a negative control. Conclusions: Use of the standardized protocol and training of assessors improved the reliability and consistency of results whereby the irritation potentials of the references and test samples were ranked similarly by the laboratories.
Quantitative analysis of argyrophilic nuclear organizer regions in giant cell lesions of jaws
Authors: Sadri Donia , Hejazi Massoud , Jahanbani Jahanfar , Forouzandeh Aghdas 
Published: February 2010

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39: 431–434Background:  Giant cell lesions of the jaws are considerably similar according to histopathologic characteristics yet show different clinical behaviors. These lesions include central giant cell granuloma (CGCG), aneurysmal bone cyst, Cherubism, and Brown tumor associated with hyperparathyroidism. The present study aimed to investigate AgNORs count in these lesions as a proliferative marker and to determine whether it can be used to discriminate between them or not.Methods:  Forty‐one cases of giant cell lesions of jaws were retrived from Oral Pathology Department (1987–2007). They included 21 cases of CGCG, eight cases of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), six cases of Cherubism, six cases of Brown tumor. The mean AgNORs count was calculated for all cases. To compare mean AgNORs in groups of lesions, ANOVA test was performed.Results:  Mean AgNOR counts were: (0/85 ± 0/29) in CGCG, (0/76 ± 0/32) in ABC (0/87 ± 0/10) in Cherubism and (0/82 ± 0/16) in Brown tumor. A significant difference was not observed in AgNOR counts among these groups of lesions.Conclusions:  Jaws giant cell containing lesions have no acceptable differences in mean AgNORs.
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF RICE–SOYBEAN PROTEIN COMPOSITE FLOURS ASSESSED BY MIXOLAB AND ULTRASOUND
Authors: ROSELL C.M. , MARCO C. , GARCÍA‐ALVÁREZ J. , SALAZAR J. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTThe rheological behavior of gluten‐free composite flours formulated with rice flour and increasing amounts of soybean protein (SP) isolate (0–2%, w/w, flour blend basis) in the presence and absence of transglutaminase (1%, w/w) was assessed using two complementary approaches, the Mixolab device and ultrasonic measurements. Dough was subjected to dual mechanical and thermal constraints, namely mechanical changes due to mixing and heating in the Mixolab and in parallel measurements of ultrasonic attenuation and velocity were performed at two different temperatures (25 and 65C). Main differences were observed during the mixing process, where SPs and transglutaminase induced an important increase of the dough consistency. Results from ultrasonic measurements were in accordance with those obtained with the Mixolab device, both approaches being able to assess the empirical rheological behavior of gluten‐free matrixes and even to detect the effects induced by protein ingredients and processing aid.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSTwo complementary approaches, the Mixolab device and ultrasonic measurements, are proposed for assessing rheological behavior of gluten‐free doughs. Mixolab provides information of gluten‐free dough empirical rheology following the dough physicochemical changes associated with dual mechanical shear stress and temperature constraint. Ultrasound also may be used to determine consistency changes in gluten‐free dough, resulting in an interesting potential for future development of a quality control system intended for the industrial production process of dough. Consequently, Mixolab and ultrasounds could be regarded as promising tools in order to investigate rice flour dough properties and the changes induced by other ingredients and processing aids.
Dynamic Changes in Lymphocyte GRK2 Levels in Cardiac Transplant Patients: A Biomarker for Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Bonita Raphael E. , Raake Philip W. , Otis Nicholas J. , Chuprun J. Kurt , Spivack Talya , Dasgupta Abhijit , Whellan David J. , Mather Paul J. , Koch Walter J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractG protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), which is upregulated in the failing human myocardium, appears to have a role in heart failure (HF) pathogenesis. In peripheral lymphocytes, GRK2 expression has been shown to reflect myocardial levels. This study represents an attempt to define the role for GRK2 as a potential biomarker of left ventricular function in HF patients. We obtained blood from 24 HF patients before and after heart transplantation and followed them for up to 1 year, also recording hemodynamic data and histological results from endomyocardial biopsies. We determined blood GRK2 protein by Western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. GRK2 levels were obtained before transplant and at first posttransplant biopsy. GRK2 levels significantly declined after transplant and remained low over the course of the study period. After transplantation, we found that blood GRK2 signifi cantly dropped and remained low consistent with improved cardiac function in the transplanted heart. Blood GRK2 has potential as a biomarker for myocardial function in end‐stage HF. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume #: 1–5
Cyclin D1/Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 Interacts with Filamin A and Affects the Migration and Invasion Potential of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhong Zhijiu , Yeow Wen-Shuz , Zou Chunhua , Wassell Richard , Wang Chenguang , Pestell Richard G. , Quong Judy N. , Quong Andrew A. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Cyclin D1 belongs to a family of proteins that regulate progression through the G1-S phase of the cell cycle by binding to cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)-4 to phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein and release E2F transcription factors for progression through cell cycle. Several cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate, overexpress the cyclin D1 gene. However, the correlation of cyclin D1 overexpression with E2F target gene regulation or of cdk-dependent cyclin D1 activity with tumor development has not been identified. This suggests that the role of cyclin D1 in oncogenesis may be independent of its function as a cell cycle regulator. One such function is the role of cyclin D1 in cell adhesion and motility. Filamin A (FLNa), a member of the actin-binding filamin protein family, regulates signaling events involved in cell motility and invasion. FLNa has also been associated with a variety of cancers including lung cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, human bladder cancer, and neuroblastoma. We hypothesized that elevated cyclin D1 facilitates motility in the invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. We show that MDA-MB-231 motility is affected by disturbing cyclin D1 levels or cyclin D1-cdk4/6 kinase activity. Using mass spectrometry, we find that cyclin D1 and FLNa coimmunoprecipitate and that lower levels of cyclin D1 are associated with decreased phosphorylation of FLNa at Ser2152 and Ser1459. We also identify many proteins related to cytoskeletal function, biomolecular synthesis, organelle biogenesis, and calcium regulation whose levels of expression change concomitant with decreased cell motility induced by decreased cyclin D1 and cyclin D1-cdk4/6 activities. Cancer Res; 70(5); 2105–14