bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the CHOP cardiovascular score as a prognostic predictor of outcome in twin–twin transfusion syndrome after laser coagulation of placental vessels in a prospective cohort
Authors: Stirnemann J. J. , Nasr B. , Proulx F. , Essaoui M. , Ville Y. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prognostic value of cardiac function assessment by the previously reported CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) cardiovascular score in twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).MethodsAll consecutive monochorionic pregnancies presenting with TTTS over a 24‐month period were evaluated by preoperative echocardiography before percutaneous laser coagulation of chorionic vessels. Each of the 12 items of the CHOP score was evaluated prospectively and the cardiovascular score was categorized into stages using previously published cut‐offs. The outcome considered for this study was neonatal survival of neither, one or both twins.ResultsIn total, 215 pregnancies were enrolled. Due to technical issues, CHOP evaluation was incomplete in 16% of cases and follow‐up was unavailable in 12%. Overall, there was a significant relationship between the CHOP score and the Quintero staging system, although this relationship was significantly reduced when parameters used in the Quintero system were removed from the CHOP score. Based upon neonatal survival, the CHOP score did not show any prognostic value regarding overall pregnancy outcome or individual recipient survival.ConclusionCardiac function assessment using the CHOP score is not of clinical use as a prognostic marker in TTTS. This suggests that cardiac function may not be of interest for preoperative staging when laser coagulation is the first‐line treatment, other than to confirm the diagnosis of TTTS requiring surgery. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods of Emulsifying Linoleic Acid in Biohydrogenation Studies In Vitro May Bias the Resulting Fatty Acid Profiles
Authors: Khiaosa‐ard Ratchaneewan , Leiber Florian , Soliva Carla R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe effects of three emulsifying methods on ruminal fatty acid biohydrogenation (BH) in vitro were compared. Using a static in‐vitro gas test system, four replicates of each treatment were incubated in buffered ruminal fluid. Hemicellulose (300 mg dry matter) was supplemented either with or without linoleic acid (9c12c‐18:2, 5% in diet dry matter) and incubated for 4 and 24 h. Three methods of emulsifying 9c12c‐18:2 were tested: (1) ethanol, (2) Tween® 80, and (3) sonication. The products were then compared to non‐emulsified 9c12c‐18:2. Out of the three emulsifying methods tested, ethanol and sonication resulted in stable 9c12c‐18:2 emulsions, indicating good 9c12c‐18:2 distribution, while the Tween® 80 emulsion was less stable. BH was strongly inhibited by treating 9c12c‐18:2 with ethanol and sonication at different steps of the BH‐pathway, resulting in changed concentrations of certain BH intermediates. The fatty acid profile generated from the major BH‐pathways of 9c12c‐18:2 with Tween® 80 was comparable to that without emulsification after 24 h of incubation. We conclude that it is not recommended to emulsify lipids before incubating them in vitro when investigating fatty acid BH. If emulsification of 9c12c‐18:2 is necessary, Tween® 80 seems to be the method that interferes least with BH.
Microscale Surface Roughening of Chocolate Viewed with Optical Profilometry
Authors: Rousseau Dérick , Sonwai Sopark , Khan Rizwan 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMicrotopographical roughening and fat phase melting of milk chocolate subjected to three temperature cycles between 20 and 28, 30, 32, or 34 °C were examined using optical profilometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Cycling to any of these temperatures did not lead to immediate visual bloom, though significant effects on microstructure and fat phase melting behavior were noted. The initial chocolate topography was lightly mottled and consisted of small asperities. DSC indicated the presence of form V crystals in control chocolates kept isothermally, with form VI crystals appearing with cycling to 30 and 32 °C. The fat phase of the chocolates cycled to 34 °C existed only in the form IV polymorph. As a result of cycling, the surface roughness of all samples increased, with the smallest rise seen with cycling to 28 °C. Decomposition of the roughness into low and high‐frequency components revealed a significant contribution of waviness (the low‐frequency component) to overall roughness, particularly with cycling to 34 °C. Furthermore, with the fat phase fully molten, the backbone structure consisting of the dispersed particulates also contributed to overall roughness. This study demonstrated that significant microstructural changes and deformation take place within chocolate as a result of temperature fluctuations prior to the onset of visible surface fat bloom.
Solvent inhalation (toluene and n‐hexane) during the brain growth spurt impairs the maturation of frontal, parietal and occipital cerebrocortical neurons in rats
Authors: Pascual Rodrigo , Aedo Luz , Meneses Juan Carlos , Vergara Daniela , Reyes Álvaro , Bustamante Carlos 
Published: June 2010

AbstractSolvent abuse during pregnancy may cause “fetal solvent syndrome”, which is characterized by mild brain atrophy and associated with behavioral, cognitive, and emotional abnormalities. The present study investigated whether solvent inhalation during the preweaning period (P2–P21) alters the morphological maturation of frontal, parietal, and occipital cortical neurons. Twelve hours after delivery (postnatal day 0, P0), litters were cross‐fostered, culled to 8 pups/dam and housed together with a dam in standard laboratory cages. Litters were randomly assigned to the “air‐only” group (n = 64, 8 litters) and to the “solvent‐sniffer” group (n = 72, 9 litters). During P2–P21, each animal was exposed daily to either organic solvent vapors (75% toluene and 18% n‐hexane, a solvent mixture commonly found in glues and adhesives) or clean air. To determine the impact of early solvent inhalation on cortical neuronal differentiation, brains were stained using the Golgi‐Cox‐Sholl procedure to quantitatively assess neocortical pyramidal cell dendrogenesis. Preweaning, solvent‐exposed animals displayed dramatic impairments in dendritic growth as well as significant reductions in brain weight and size.
Characterization of developing rat cortical neurons after epileptiform discharges
Authors: Jiang Qian , Wu Ye , Wang Jingmin , Wu Xiru , Qin Jiong , Jiang Yuwu 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe developing brain undergoes major reorganization in response to early environmental changes. The elevated excitation that allows the neonatal brain to develop quickly also makes it highly vulnerable to age‐specific seizures that can cause lifelong cognitive and neurological disability. However, it is not yet clear how seizures interfere with the developmental program and how epileptogenesis actualize. Here, by using anin vitromodel, we report a global abnormal status of cortical cells after epileptiform activity was induced: more NR2B is targeted on the neuronal surface with less NR2A. Dendrotoxicity including dendritic beading, distortion and simplification of dendritic branching patterns were observed. Early‐life seizure‐like insults also exert effects on the excitatory synaptic size and interactions between PSD‐95 and NR2A or NR2B receptor subunits. Our findings support an abnormal development or, worse, cellular degeneration that resembles immature cells, which may enlighten better understanding of the pathological mechanism of early‐life seizures and its related injury.
Guanidino compounds inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities: Effect neuroprotector of vitamins E plus C
Authors: Delwing‐de Lima Daniela , Wollinger Luiz Felipe , Casagrande Ana Carolina Mesquita , Delwing Fábio , da Cruz José Geraldo Pereira , Wyse Angela T.S. , Delwing‐Dal Magro Débora 
Published: June 2010

AbstractHyperargininemia is a metabolic disorder biochemically characterized by tissue accumulating of arginine and other guanidino compounds. Convulsions, lethargy and psychomotor delay or cognitive deterioration are predominant clinical features of this disease. Although neurologic symptoms predominate in this disorder, their pathophysiology is still unknown. In the present study we initially investigated the in vitro effect of arginine, homoarginine, N‐acetylarginine and argininic acid on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in hippocampus and serum of 15‐, 30‐ and 60‐day‐old rats. Results showed that arginine in vitro significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase activity in hippocampus of 15‐day‐old rats and increased this enzyme activity in hippocampus of 60‐day‐old rats, homoarginine and N‐acetylarginine significantly increased acetylcholinesterase activity both in hippocampus of 15‐ and 30‐day‐old rats. On the other hand, butyrylcholinesterase was inhibited by homoarginine in serum of 15‐day‐old rats. The influence of the antioxidants trolox and ascorbic acid on the effects elicited by arginine, homoarginine and N‐acetylarginine was also studied. Results showed that these antioxidants were able to prevent the alteration on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities caused by guanidine compounds studied, suggesting that alterations on these cholinesterases were probably mediated by free radicals. It is presumed that these results might be associated, at least in part, with the neuronal dysfunction of patients affected by hyperargininemia.
ISFM and AAFP Consensus Guidelines: Long-Term use of NSAIDs in Cats
Authors: Sparkes Andrew H , Heiene Reidun , Lascelles B Duncan X , Malik Richard , Real Llibertat , Robertson Sheilah , Scherk Margie , Taylor Polly 
Published: June 2010

NSAIDs and cats Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an important class of drug in feline medicine, having analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity. While most published data on their use in this species relate to short-term (often perioperative) therapy, there is increasing evidence of the value of these drugs in treating chronic pain in cats (for example, that associated with degenerative joint disease), and some NSAIDs have now become licensed for long-term use in cats in some geographies. Most of our knowledge of therapeutic mechanisms or adverse drug reactions associated with NSAIDs is extrapolated from work in other species, and there is a paucity of published data relating to cats. Guidelines These guidelines have been drawn together by an expert panel, which have reviewed the current literature on long-term NSAID use in cats and other species, and developed guidance on their use based on this information. The aim is to provide practical information for veterinarians to encourage appropriate NSAID therapy whenever cats will benefit from the use of these drugs.
Reproduction Control in Cats: New Developments in Non-Surgical Methods
Authors: Goericke-Pesch Sandra 
Published: June 2010

Practical relevance Reproduction control is an area of feline medicine that is assuming increasing importance in companion animal practice. Signs of oestrus such as increased vocalisation, rolling on the ground and a very short interoestrous interval may negatively influence the relationship between cat and owner, and prompt the owner to seek a method of reproduction control. In breeding catteries, control of reproduction may be needed as part of a planned breeding programme. Clinical challenges Surgical contraception is not always the owner's wish — especially when a cat may be intended for future breeding. Besides, ethical principles and animal welfare legislation in an increasing number of countries are imposing restrictions on this ‘classical approach’ to reproduction control. Progestins are routinely used as non-surgical alternatives in cases where fertility is to be preserved, but the associated risks of uterine disease, mammary tumours, fibroadenomatosis or diabetes mellitus have to be taken into account — especially in predisposed animals. Modern, effective pharmacological alternatives are available for managing oestrous suppression and unwanted pregnancy. Detailed knowledge of the physiology of the oestrous cycle in the cat is necessary to ensure that the appropriate treatment is chosen for the individual animal and its owner. Audience This article presents an update for small animal practitioners on these alternative methods; specifically, the use of slow-release GnRH agonists or melatonin implants for hormonal contraception, and the antiprogestin aglepristone for pregnancy termination. Evidence base Several studies have documented the mode of action and risk of side effects of the traditional alternative to surgical castration — treatment with progestins. Evidence underpinning the safety and efficacy of GnRH agonists and melatonin implants for suppression of fertility in queens and toms is reviewed.
Snots and Snuffles: Rational Approach to Chronic Feline Upper Respiratory Syndromes
Authors: Scherk Margie 
Published: June 2010

Practical relevance While the most common cause of chronic upper respiratory disease signs in cats is viral disease, with subsequent, self-perpetuating inflammation, other, more discrete causes need to be ruled out. These include foreign bodies, bacterial or fungal infections, oral-dental diseases and neoplasia. Any factors contributing to alterations in the structure or function of the upper airways, including inflammation of any cause, will compromise normal function and predispose to chronic damage if the cat is unable to resolve the underlying factors. Clinical challenges The chronic feline snuffler is a frustrating patient to treat. The longer the course of disease, the more severe the consequences to affected tissues, and the more debilitated the patient becomes. A logical diagnostic plan to differentiate probable etiologies and to rule out non-viral causes results in appropriate therapeutic choices. Even with a viral etiology, therapies to reduce the pathological consequences of infection may modulate and help control the clinical signs. Some novel choices and drug combinations are discussed in this review. Patient group Cats of all ages may be affected. Cats with conformational (breed or malformation) characteristics, such as short or convoluted nasal passages or very small nostrils, are predisposed to unresolving inflammation. Fungal disease is more relevant in specific geographic regions, making inclusion of a travel history important in history collection. Older cats are more likely to have neoplasia-induced signs. Audience This review is directed at all veterinarians who see cats with chronic, recurrent upper respiratory disease.
Clinical Effectiveness: What does it Mean for Practitioners — and Cats?
Authors: Viner Bradley 
Published: June 2010

Practical relevance Optimising the clinical outcome for the cases we treat has to be of primary importance to every practitioner wherever they are working and whatever their sphere of practice, yet it requires much more than just clinical knowledge. This review discusses how a system of good clinical governance can help to achieve this goal. It focuses on clinical effectiveness, which in part involves the application of evidence-based veterinary medicine to formulate protocols or guidelines to help standardise and improve the quality of care given. Benefits Once such guidance is in place, the measurement of clinical outcomes using the process of clinical audit can be of great assistance in ensuring that best practice is effectively applied. Both the theory and practical application of the so-called ‘clinical audit cycle’ within feline practice are illustrated in this review. Prerequisites The use of such clinical management tools requires development of the necessary skills and protected time to apply them, but, as discussed, they can bring a broad range of benefits to the practice and its patients.
Developing an Innovative Care Delivery Model: Interprofessional Practice Teams
Authors: Poochikian-Sarkissian Sonia , Hunter JoAnne , Tully Sandra , Lazar Neil M. , Sabo Kathy , Cursio Christine 
Published: June 2010

An interprofessional project team at the University Health Network (UHN) completed a project to develop an Interprofessional Patient-Centred Practice (IPCP) Framework, explore enablers and barriers to collaborative practice and recommend a model of care delivery and interprofessional practice. The following recommendations were made: adopt proposed IPCP Framework as the basis for developing interprofessional teams, implement an IPCP tool kit as a resource, develop evidence-based interventions across health care teams, and educate health professionals on IPCP.
La conception d'un modèle novateur de prestation des soins: Les équipes de pratique interprofessionnelle
Authors: Poochikian-Sarkissian Sonia , Hunter JoAnne , Tully Sandra , Lazar Neil M. , Sabo Kathy , Cursio Christine 
Published: June 2010

Une équipe de projet interprofessionnelle de l' University Health Network (UHN) a terminé un projet visant à élaborer une structure de pratique interprofessionnelle axée sur le patient (PIAP), à explorer les catalyseurs et les obstacles à une pratique coopérative et à recommander un modèle de prestation des soins et de pratique interprofessionnelle. L'équipe a fait les recommandations suivantes: adopter un projet de structure de PIAP pour mettre sur pied des équipes interprofessionnelles, implanter une trousse de PIAP qui servira de ressource, élaborer des interventions probantes au sein des équipes de soins et informer les professionnels de la santé de la PIAP.
Predicting Personal Loyalty to a Service Worker
Authors: Bove Liliana L. , Johnson Lester W. 
Published: June 2010

The role of trust and commitment in the prediction of a customer's personal loyalty to an individual service worker was investigated. Personal loyalty was defined as a customer's level of attachment to and exclusive use of a service individual. It was measured by the customer's attitude or relative attitude towards the service worker (relative to other service workers he/she is aware of, or has experienced in the service delivery), and the customer's level of exclusive use of the service worker over a defined period of time. The hairdressing context provided a research setting in which personal loyalty could exist. Multiple linear regression found that customer commitment to the hair stylist and the dimensions of trust (perceived credibility and benevolence of the hair stylist) were significant indicators of personal loyalty when attitude was used to derive the personal loyalty index. In contrast, when relative attitude was used to construct the personal loyalty index, only commitment and the credibility dimension of trust were significant indicators. The two personal loyalty indices were found to be significantly different from each other. Both personal loyalty indices were effective in predicting customer loss in the event that the hair stylist was to move to another nearby salon
E-Mail Customer Service by Australian Educational Institutions
Authors: Murphy Jamie , Gomes Liza 
Published: June 2010

This research used an e-mail from mock Chinese consumers to investigate how Australian educational institutions use e-mail for overseas marketing and customer service. Less than two out of three of the 212 institutions sampled replied to a simple e-mail asking about fees and entry requirements. Even less institutions answered the questions promptly, politely, personally, professionally and promotionally. Despite e-mail's widespread use, these results highlight implementation issues with this new marketing and customer service tool. The study gives institutions benchmarks and insights for improving e-mail marketing and online customer service. Academically, this paper supports past organisational research that size and industry sector relate to adopting innovations, suggests new metrics for measuring Internet adoption and proposes future research agendas.
Stationäre Verhaltenstherapie bei Jugendlichen mit emotional bedingtem Schulabsentismus
Authors: Walter Daniel , Hautmann Christopher , Ziegert Ingrid , Glaser Alexandra , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Döpfner Manfred 
Published: June 2010

Die vorliegende Studie überprüft an einer klinischen Inanspruchnahmepopulation von Jugendlichen mit chronifiziertem, primär ängstlich-depressivem Schulabsentismus mit oder ohne begleitende expansive Auffälligkeiten die Effektivität stationärer, kognitiv-behavioraler Therapie. 82 Jugendliche im Alter zwischen 12 und 18 Jahren, die den Schulbesuch komplett eingestellt hatten oder ausgeprägte Fehlzeiten aufwiesen wurden offen stationär kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutisch behandelt. Die Therapie erfolgte manualgeleitet unter Einschluss der Eltern. Zwei Monate nach Entlassung erfolgte eine ausführliche katamnestische Untersuchung. Zu Behandlungsabschluss besuchten 91.46 %, zwei Monate nach Entlassung 73.2 % der Jugendlichen eine Schule. 37.8 % benötigen zwei Monate nach Entlassung weiterhin einen geschützten schulischen Rahmen (Förder-/ Klinikschule). Psychische Auffälligkeiten konnten im Selbst- und Fremdurteil gesenkt werden und blieben im Katamnesezeitraum weitgehend stabil. Diese erste große Studie zur Effektivität stationärer, kognitiv-behavioraler Therapie bei stark beeinträchtigten Jugendlichen mit Schulabsentismus erscheint vielversprechend. Aufgrund der mangelnden experimentellen Kontrolle ist die Aussagekraft eingeschränkt.
NON-GAUSSIANITIES IN THE LOCAL CURVATURE OF THE FIVE-YEAR WMAP DATA
Authors: Rudjord Øystein , Groeneboom Nicolaas E. , Hansen Frode K. , Cabella Paolo 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
Using the five-year WMAP data, we re-investigate claims of non-Gaussianities and asymmetries detected in local curvature statistics of the one-year WMAP data. In Hansen et al., it was found that the northern ecliptic hemisphere was non-Gaussian at the ∼1% level testing the densities of hill, lake, and saddle points based on the second derivatives of the cosmic microwave background temperature map. The five-year WMAP data have a much lower noise level and better control of systematics. Using these, we find that the anomalies are still present at a consistent level. Also the direction of maximum non-Gaussianity remains. Due to limited availability of computer resources, Hansen et al. were unable to calculate the full covariance matrix for the χ2-test used. Here, we apply the full covariance matrix instead of the diagonal approximation and find that the non-Gaussianities disappear and there is no preferred non-Gaussian direction. We compare with simulations of weak lensing to see if this may cause the observed non-Gaussianity when using a diagonal covariance matrix. We conclude that weak lensing does not produce non-Gaussianity in the local curvature statistics at the scales investigated in this paper. The cause of the non-Gaussian detection in the case of a diagonal matrix remains unclear.