bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total viable molds and fungal DNA in classrooms and association with respiratory health and pulmonary function of European schoolchildren
Authors: Simoni Marzia , Cai Gui‐Hong , Norback Dan , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Lavaud François , Sigsgaard Torben , Wieslander Gunilla , Nystad Wenche , Canciani Mario , Viegi Giovanni , Sestini Piersante 
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Simoni M, Cai G‐H, Norback D, Annesi‐Maesano I, Lavaud F, Sigsgaard T, Wieslander G, Nystad W, Canciani M, Viegi G, Sestini P. Total viable molds and fungal DNA in classrooms and association with respiratory health and pulmonary function of European schoolchildren. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011: 22: 843–852.AbstractIndoor molds are associated with adverse respiratory effects in children. Although schools are important exposure sources of molds, objective measurements were more often taken in homes. Our aim was to assess indoor molds in schools and related effects on schoolchildren health. The Health Effects of the School Environment study (HESE) included 21 schools (46 classrooms) in Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and France and 654 schoolchildren (mean age 10 yr). Information on schoolchildren was collected by standardized questionnaires. Measurements of total viable molds (VM, colony‐forming units, cfu/m3) and total/specific fungal DNA (cell equivalents, CE/g dust) were taken inside all classrooms in the cold season during normal activities, using the same standardized methodology. Pulmonary function tests were performed on 244 pupils. VM (mean, 320 cfu/m3) and total fungal DNA (geometric mean, 2.2 × 105 ± 2.1 CE/g dust) were detectable in all classrooms. The levels were significantly higher in buildings with mold/dampness problems. VM, but not fungal DNA, were inversely related to ventilation rate. VM exceeded the maximum standard of 300 cfu/m3 in 33% of the classrooms. In the past 12 months, dry cough at night (34%) and rhinitis (32%) were the mostly reported. Children exposed to VM levels ≥300 cfu/m3, compared with those exposed to lower levels, showed higher risk for past year dry cough at night (odds ratio, OR: 3.10, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.61–5.98) and rhinitis (OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.65–4.95), as well as for persistent cough (OR: 3.79, 95% CI: 2.40–5.60). Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA was significantly positively associated with wheeze, and Aspergillus versicolor DNA with wheeze, rhinitis, and cough. There were significant inverse associations of Aspergillus versicolor DNA with forced vitality capacity (FVC) and Streptomyces DNA with both FEV1 and FVC. In conclusion, indoor VM and fungal DNA were commonly found in monitored European schools and adversely related to respiratory health. Schools should be routinely tested through both culturable and non‐culturable methods for global indoor molds’ evaluation.
Exposure to hypergravity during specific developmental periods differentially affects metabolism and vestibular reactions in adult C57BL /6j mice
Authors: Bojados Mickael , Jamon Marc 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe development of the posturo‐motor control of movement is conditioned by Earth’s gravity. Missing or altered gravity during the critical periods of development delays development and induces durable changes in the vestibular, cerebellar, or muscular structures, but these are not consistently mirrored at a functional level. The differences in the time schedule of vestibular and motor development could contribute to this inconstancy. To investigate the influence of gravity on the development of vestibular and locomotor functions, we analysed the performance of adult mice subjected to hypergravity during the time covering either the vestibular or locomotor development. The mice were centrifuged at 2 g from embryonic day (E) 0 to postnatal day (P) 10 (PRE), from P10 to P30 (POST), from E0 to P30 (FULL), and from E7 to P21. Their muscular force, anxiety level, vestibular reactions, and aerobic capacity during treadmill training were then evaluated at the age of 2 and 6 months. The performance of young adults varied in relation to the period of exposure to hypergravity. The mice that acquired locomotion in hypergravity (POST and FULL) showed a lower forelimb force and delayed vestibular reactions. The mice centrifuged from conception to P10 (PRE) showed a higher aerobic capacity during treadmill training. The differences in muscular force and vestibular reactions regressed with age, but the metabolic changes persisted. These results confirmed that early exposure to hypergravity induces qualitative changes depending on the period of exposure. They validated, at a functional level, the existence of several critical periods for adaptation to gravity.
Intracorneal hemorrhage in 19 dogs (22 eyes) from 2000 to 2010: a retrospective study
Authors: Matas Màrian , Donaldson David , Newton Richard J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjective  The aim of this retrospective study is to review clinical data on patients that suffered intracorneal hemorrhage (ICH), and the veterinary and human literature available for this condition.Animal Studied  A search for ICH was performed within the clinical database of the Animal Health Trust. Nineteen cases were identified (22 eyes).Procedures  The patient’s age, breed, and gender were reviewed, together with etiology, location, treatment, and follow‐up. The relevant data were compared with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) ophthalmology referral population for the same period of time (n = 5555).Results  Twenty‐two eyes were affected. No breed or sex predisposition could be identified. Patients aged 10 years and above were more frequently affected when compared with the AHT ophthalmology referral population. ICH was recorded in all corneal quadrants, with the mid‐peripheral cornea more often affected. Areas of corneas affected by the ICH showed long‐term loss of transparency. Ocular diseases as a source of neovascularization varied from ocular surface to intraocular disease. Systemic diseases were investigated in some patients, and no concomitant disease could be linked to the development of ICH.Conclusions  Intracorneal hemorrhage is a rare condition associated with corneal neovasculature. As in the human ophthalmology literature, ICH could not be linked to a specific ocular or systemic disease. Severe complications described in humans with this condition, such as pupillary block or corneal perforation, were not seen in any of these canine patients. Canine ICH seem to reabsorb with time, with or without medical treatment. Surgical treatment was not required in any of our patients.
Pharmacological activity of a Bv8 analogue modified in position 24
Authors: Lattanzi R , Sacerdote P , Franchi S , Canestrelli M , Miele R , Barra D , Visentin S , DeNuccio C , Porreca F , De Felice M , Guida F , Luongo L , de Novellis V , Maione S , Negri L 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe amphibian peptide Bv8 induces potent nociceptive sensitization in rodents. Its mammalian homologue, prokineticin 2 (PROK2), is strongly up‐regulated in inflamed tissues and is a major determinant in triggering inflammatory pain. Bv8 and PROK2 activate two closely related GPCRs, PK1 and PK2, in a relatively non‐selective fashion. To characterize better the roles of the two receptors in hyperalgesia and to obtain ligands whose binding affinity and efficacy differed for the two receptors, we modified the Bv8 molecule in regions essential for receptor recognition and activation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe modified the Bv8 molecule by substituting Trp in position 24 with Ala (A‐24) and compared it with Bv8 for binding and activating PK1 and PK2 receptors in cell preparations and in affecting nociceptive thresholds in rodents.KEY RESULTSA‐24 preferentially bound to PK2 receptors and activated them with a lower potency (5‐fold) than Bv8. When systemically injected, A‐24 induced Bv8‐like hyperalgesia in rats and in mice, at doses 100 times higher than Bv8. Locally and systemically injected at inactive doses, A‐24 antagonized Bv8‐induced hyperalgesia. In rat and mouse models of inflammatory and post‐surgical pain, A‐24 showed potent and long‐lasting anti‐hyperalgesic activity. Unlike Bv8, A‐24 increased β‐endorphin levels in mouse brain.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSA‐24 induced its anti‐hyperalgesic effect in rodents by directly blocking nociceptor PK1 receptors and by activating the central opioid system and the descending pain control pathway through brain PK2 receptors.
Service user involvement in research
Authors: Szmukler George , Staley Kristina , Kabir Thomas 
Published: November 2011

AbstractInvolving service users as research partners is likely to be one of themajor developments in research management and conduct in thetwenty‐first century. We outline the reasons why we believe this willmake for better research, citing examples. Some of the many waysin which service users can be involved are described, but thereremains plenty of scope for innovation and creativity. There aresignificant challenges, but the evidence from experience in this fieldindicates they can be overcome.
Course‐dependent response of brain functional alterations in men with acute and chronic post‐traumatic stress disorder: A follow‐up functional magnetic imaging study
Authors: Zhang Li , Zheng Huirong , Li Lingjiang , Li Weihui , Zhang Yan , Hou Cailan , Li Zexuan , Zhou Jiansong , He Zhong , Liu Jun , Yin Yan , Jiang Tianzi , Shan Baoci , Zhang Zhijun 
Published: November 2011

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the neurofunctional alterations in both acute and chronic post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the same stress experience.MethodsBrain responses to emotional trauma‐related and neutral pictures with a symptom provocation task were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Twenty‐four PTSD patients resulting from a mining accident and 14 controls exposed to the same accident without PTSD two months post‐trauma were recruited. In the follow‐up study 20 PTSD patients and 14 controls were also recruited after 24 months post‐trauma. Correlations were conducted in PTSD between altered fMRI blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signals of areas extracted as regions of interest and three Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) subscores respectively.ResultsIn response to picture stimulus (traumatic negative pictures versus neutral pictures), the acute PTSD group showed greater activation in the bilateral posterior cingulate gyri, left precuneus, right fusiform and left parahippocampal gyrus than the chronic PTSD group (P < 0.001, cluster size > 20 voxels). In the acute PTSD group, BOLD signals of either posterior cingulate gyrus correlated positively with CAPS intrusion subscores. There was also no significant correlation between BOLD signals of five regions mentioned above in the chronic PTSD group and three CAPS subscores.DiscussionThese findings suggested that brain circuits affected in acute PTSD may be more extended than chronic PTSD. The reason may due to the formation of traumatic memory in the acute phase of PTSD.
Postnatal depression and associated parenting indicators among Vietnamese women
Authors: Suzuki Yuriko , Goto Aya , Vinh Nguyen Quang , Van Nguyen Thi Tu , Minh Pham Nghiem , Thuy Chung Thi Mong , Phuc Trinh Huu , Thanh Pham Viet , Yasumura Seiji 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroductionPostnatal depression is a serious mental health problem. In low‐income countries, there has been only limited research investigating the direct link between childrearing attitude and maternal mood. The present study sought to determine the prevalence of probable depressive state among mothers in Vietnam, and to examine its risk factors with respect to social support and maternal childrearing attitude.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted in 299 consecutive mothers who visited Tu Du Obstetrical and Gynecological Hospital, a tertiary hospital, for regular check‐up between one and three months postpartum. The questionnaire was administered by trained pediatricians in October through December 2007. Depression was assessed using a two‐question case‐finding instrument for depression.ResultsSixty‐eight of the 294 (23.1%) mothers of singletons were assessed as having probable depressive state. Parental and familial conflict and recent moving was strongly associated with probable depressive state. In terms of childrearing attitude, the following factors increased risk of probable depressive state of mothers; lack of confidence (adjusted odds ratio = 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.40–5.38), and less relaxed feeing (adjusted odds ratio = 2.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–6.71) after controlling for subjective health.DiscussionMothers who felt unconfident and were less relaxed in childrearing were more likely to report a probable depressive state. Social support factors may have played a role in the depression. A brief screening tool for depression is useful to identify mothers in need of additional support in childrearing.
It Is Time to Dance with Dragons
Authors: Niles Damayanthi M.A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractHow can we live today between what is unknown (the dragon) and what is known or familiar, between comprehension and mystery? Three concepts that have figured prominently in the IRM are critically examined here – “ecumenical,” “salvation history” and missio Dei. Originally richly open terms pointing to God and God's whole world, through the years they have been domesticated in order to fit with what is known, thereby reducing their fullness and mystery. They need to be creatively and dialogically expanded amid the plurality in which we live today.
God's Mission as Praxis for Healing and Reconciliation
Authors: Isaak Paul John 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn the first part I address the missional church and its praxis: what God in Jesus Christ together with the Holy Spirit is doing in the world to bring about healing, reconciliation, wholeness, liberation and salvation. In the second section I address the issue of healing from contextual and holistic perspectives. The third part is on reconciling mission and mission as reconciliation. Mission as reconciliation should continually seek to correspond to the specifics of a given context. In short, God's mission as praxis for healing and reconciliation means serving, healing, and reconciling a wounded and broken humanity.
Commissioning a small‐field biological irradiator using point, 2D, and 3D dosimetry techniques
Authors: Newton Joseph , Oldham Mark , Thomas Andrew , Li Yifan , Adamovics John , Kirsch David G. , Das Shiva 
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To commission a small‐field biological irradiator, the XRad225Cx from Precision x‐Ray, Inc., for research use. The system produces a 225 kVp x‐ray beam and is equipped with collimating cones that produce both square and circular radiation fields ranging in size from 1 to 40 mm. This work incorporates point, 2D, and 3D measurements to determine output factors (OF), percent‐depth‐dose (PDD) and dose profiles at multiple depths.Methods: Three independent dosimetry systems were used: ion‐chambers (a farmer chamber and a micro‐ionisation chamber), 2D EBT2 radiochromic film, and a novel 3D dosimetry system (DLOS/PRESAGE®). Reference point dose rates and output factors were determined from in‐air ionization chamber measurements for fields down to ∼13 mm using the formalism of TG61. PDD, profiles, and output factors at three separate depths (0, 0.5, and 2 cm), were determined for all field sizes from EBT2 film measurements in solid water. Several film PDD curves required a scaling correction, reflecting the challenge of accurate film alignment in very small fields. PDDs, profiles, and output factors were also determined with the 3D DLOS/PRESAGE® system which generated isotropic 0.2 mm data, in scan times of 20 min.Results:Surface output factors determined by ion‐chamber were observed to gradually drop by ∼9% when the field size was reduced from 40 to 13 mm. More dramatic drops were observed for the smallest fields as determined by EBT∼18% and ∼42% for the 2.5 mm and 1 mm fields, respectively. PRESAGE® and film output factors agreed well for fields <20 mm (where 3D data were available) with mean deviation of 2.2% (range 1%–4%). PDD values at 2 cm depth varied from ∼72% for the 40 mm field, down to ∼55% for the 1 mm field. EBT and PRESAGE® PDDs agreed within ∼3% in the typical therapy region (1–4 cm). At deeper depths the EBT curves were slightly steeper (2.5% at 5 cm). These results indicate good overall consistency between ion‐chamber, EBT2 and PRESAGE® measured OFs, PDDs, and profiles.Conclusions:The combination of independent 2D and 3D measurements was found to be valuable to ensure accurate and comprehensive commissioning. Film measurements were time consuming and challenging due to the difficulty of film alignment in small fields. PRESAGE® 3D measurements were comprehensive and efficient, because alignment errors are negligible, and all parameters for multiple fields could be obtained from a single dosimeter and scan. However, achieving accurate superficial data (within 4 mm) is not yet feasible due to optical surface artifacts.
Role of Intracellular Proteases in the Antibiotic Resistance, Motility, and Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Fernández Lucía , Breidenstein Elena B. M. , Song Diana , Hancock Robert E. W. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
possesses complex regulatory networks controlling virulence and survival under adverse conditions, including antibiotic pressure, which are interconnected and share common regulatory proteins. Here, we screen a panel of 13 mutants defective in intracellular proteases and demonstrate that, in addition to the known alterations in Lon and AsrA mutants, mutation of three protease-related proteins PfpI, ClpS, and ClpP differentially affected antibiotic resistance, swarming motility, and biofilm formation.
Changes in the Use of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics after Cefepime Shortage: a Time Series Analysis
Authors: Plüss-Suard C. , Pannatier A. , Ruffieux C. , Kronenberg A. , Mühlemann K. , Zanetti G. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

The original cefepime product was withdrawn from the Swiss market in January 2007 and replaced by a generic 10 months later. The goals of the study were to assess the impact of this cefepime shortage on the use and costs of alternative broad-spectrum antibiotics, on antibiotic policy, and on resistance of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
toward carbapenems, ceftazidime, and piperacillin-tazobactam. A generalized regression-based interrupted time series model assessed how much the shortage changed the monthly use and costs of cefepime and of selected alternative broad-spectrum antibiotics (ceftazidime, imipenem-cilastatin, meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam) in 15 Swiss acute care hospitals from January 2005 to December 2008. Resistance of
P. aeruginosa
was compared before and after the cefepime shortage. There was a statistically significant increase in the consumption of piperacillin-tazobactam in hospitals with definitive interruption of cefepime supply and of meropenem in hospitals with transient interruption of cefepime supply. Consumption of each alternative antibiotic tended to increase during the cefepime shortage and to decrease when the cefepime generic was released. These shifts were associated with significantly higher overall costs. There was no significant change in hospitals with uninterrupted cefepime supply. The alternative antibiotics for which an increase in consumption showed the strongest association with a progression of resistance were the carbapenems. The use of alternative antibiotics after cefepime withdrawal was associated with a significant increase in piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem use and in overall costs and with a decrease in susceptibility of
P. aeruginosa
in hospitals. This warrants caution with regard to shortages and withdrawals of antibiotics.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SURFACE RUPTURE AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE IN HONGKOU TOWN DURING WENCHUAN EARTHQUAKE
Authors: TAI J. J. , DENG J. H. , CHEN F. , WEI J. B. 
Published: November 2011

Hongkou Town is located north of Dujiangyan City, around 27 km away to the northeast of the epicenter of Wenchuan Earthquake on May 12, 2008. The middle segment of the central fault, that is the Yingxiu-Beichuan Fault of the Longmenshan Fault belt, passes through the town, along which almost every form of surface ruptures is developed. The quake also resulted in 73 of the town's residents dead or missing and 95% of its buildings or infrastructures damaged, including the collapse of Gaoyuan Bridge. Its estimated intensity was around XI. On the other hand, in Shenxigou Village and Gaoyuan Village, many houses successfully withstood the quake. In this paper, the authors examine why the latter houses withstood the earthquake well. Based on field investigation and local geology, especially fault configuration in the area, a detailed description is given on the characteristics of surface rupture and structural damage in the two villages and an attempt is made to correlate fault movement with structural damage. The results show that: (1) Fault movement or surface rupture may be affected by local geological configuration and topography. Compression can lead to local strike-slip movement. (2) Structural damage is associated with fault movement. Strike-slip movement causes less damage to structures, while in the adjacent area of fault with thrust movement, the structures in the hanging-wall can be more easily damaged than the ones on the footwall, i.e. hanging-wall effects. An area located on the footwalls of two nearly parallel faults may result in a "safer island," where structural damage is much lighter that those outside the island. (3) Apart from shaking effect, site effects should also be considered in structural design.
The anisotropy of surface roughness measured using a digital photogrammetric technique
Authors: Jessell Mark W. , Cox Simon J. D. , Schwarze Phillip , Power William L. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The characterization of fracture surface morphology is important for the understanding of shear and normal deformation behaviour of rock masses, and for their transport properties. It has been suggested that natural fracture surfaces might be fractal. If true, this would have dramatic implications for these rock properties and would provide a sound basis for future modelling.
Evaluating this hypothesis requires measurement of fracture surface morphology over a large range of scales. A software package has been developed that can automatically reconstruct surface morphology information from stereo pairs at any scale, using edge correlation and point matching.
The data derived using this technique compare favourably with results generated from a traditional surface profilometer survey, and results are presented from the analysis of the anisotropy of blasting-induced tensile fractures in granite from Mt Alexander Quarry, Harcourt, Victoria, Australia.