bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The contribution of Toll‐like receptor 2 to the innate recognition of a Leishmania infantum silent information regulator 2 protein
Authors: Silvestre Ricardo , Silva Ana M. , Cordeiro‐da‐Silva Anabela , Ouaissi Ali 
Published: June 2009

SummaryWe have characterized a Leishmania protein belonging to the silent information regulator 2 (SIR2) family [SIR2 related protein 1 (SIR2RP1)] that might play an immunoregulatory role during infection through its capacity to trigger B‐cell effector functions. We report here that SIR2RP1 leads to the proliferation of activated B cells, causing increased expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II and the costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86, which are critical ligands for T‐cell cross‐talk during the development of adaptive immune responses. In contrast, B cells isolated from Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) knockout mice were unable to respond to the SIR2RP1 stimulus. Similarly, SIR2RP1 induced the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) in a TLR2‐dependent manner with the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐12 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α] and enhanced the costimulatory properties of DCs. Nevertheless, immunization assays demonstrated that TLR2‐deficient mice were able to mount a specific humoral response to SIR2RP1. Interestingly, further investigations showed that macrophages were activated by SIR2RP1 even in the absence of TLR2. Therefore, a different type of interplay between SIR2RP1 and the major antigen‐presenting cells in vivo could explain the immune response observed in TLR2‐deficient mice. Together, these results demonstrate that TLR2 signalling contributes to SIR2RP1 recognition by innate immune host cells.
Childhood trauma as a predictor of eating psychopathology and its mediating variables in patients with eating disorders
Authors: Kong Seongsook , Bernstein Kunsook 
Published: June 2009

Aim.  The aims of this study were to determine whether specific forms of childhood trauma predict eating psychopathologies and to investigate the mediating effects of the psychological symptoms of depression and obsessive‐compulsion between childhood trauma and eating psychopathologies in patients with eating disorders.Background.  The highest probability of poor treatment outcomes in patients with eating disorders has been observed in those who experienced childhood trauma. Therefore, researchers are now examining whether childhood trauma should be considered a risk factor for eating psychopathology, but childhood traumatic experiences as predictors of eating psychopathology and their mediating variables has not been investigated sufficiently with this clinical population.Design.  Survey.Methods.  The subjects were 73 Korean patients with eating disorders. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Inventory‐2, Beck Depression Inventory and Maudsley Obsessional‐Compulsive Inventory were used to assess self‐reported childhood trauma in five domains (emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect), eating psychopathology, depression and obsessive‐compulsion. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to explore whether these childhood traumatic experiences predict eating psychopathology and mediation analyses were conducted according to Baron and Kenny’s guidelines.Results.  Emotional abuse, physical neglect and sexual abuse were found to be significant predictors of eating psychopathology. We also found that depression fully mediated the association between some forms of childhood trauma and eating psychopathology, while obsessive‐compulsion did not mediate this association.Conclusions.  Future interventions for patients with eating disorders should focus on assessing the possibility of childhood trauma, especially in those patients with poor treatment outcomes. In addition, whether or not traumatised individuals exhibit depression is a more important predictor of eating psychopathology than the traumatic experience itself.Relevance to clinical practice.  Early intervention for childhood trauma and depression might contribute to preventing eating disorders in traumatised individuals.
Impact of nurses clothing on anxiety of hospitalised children
Authors: Roohafza Hamidreza , Pirnia Afsaneh , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Toghianifar Nafiseh , Talaei Mohammad , Ashrafi Mahmood 
Published: June 2009

Aim.  To investigate anxiety levels in two groups of children exposed to nurses with white vs. coloured clothing in a university hospital in Iran.Background.  Hospitalisation causes anxiety in children and it is documented that nurses have an important role in alleviating children’s distress and anxiety. Nurses characteristics, including their clothing is a factor that affects quality of care through child–nurse relationship.Design.  Clinical trial.Methods.  Children (n = 92) aged 7–15 years old hospitalised for 3–5 days in paediatric surgery ward were exposed to nurses in white or coloured clothing. Children’s anxiety was assessed on admission and at discharge using Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale.Results.  Children exposed to white nursing uniforms showed higher anxiety levels compared with children exposed to coloured nursing clothing (p ≤ 0·05). Besides coloured nursing clothing, female sex, age >11 years old (guidance school) and living in families with more than four members were predictors of lower global anxiety scores.Conclusion.  Providing a child‐friendly environment through colourful nursing clothing can promote nurses’ relationship with hospitalised children. This can satisfy children’s expectations of the nursing care and alleviates the need for meeting ideals of nursing care through wearing a white nursing uniform provided that standards of nursing care are favoured.Relevance to clinical practice.  Using colourful nursing clothing in paediatric wards reduces anxiety as a psychological parameter which delays improvement and provides a child‐friendly environment that helps promotion of quality of nursing care.
Case fatality of SARS in mainland China and associated risk factors
Authors: Jia Na , Feng Dan , Fang Li‐Qun , Richardus Jan Hendrik , Han Xiao‐Na , Cao Wu‐Chun , De Vlas Sake J. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryObjective To analyse the case fatality ratio (CFR) and its risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in mainland China by using a comprehensive dataset of all probable cases.Methods The data of all probable SARS cases were derived from the Infectious Disease Reporting System of the Center of Diseases Control and Hospital Information Systems, during the 2003 epidemic in mainland China. The definition of probable SARS case was consistent with the definition for clinically confirmed SARS issued by the Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the association of CFR with age, sex, residence location, occupation, the period of the epidemic and the duration from symptom onset to admission into hospital.Results The overall CFR was 6.4% among 5327 probable SARS cases in mainland China. Old age, being a patient during the early period of a local outbreak, and being from Tianjin led to a relatively higher CFR than young age, late stage of a local outbreak and cases from Beijing. Guangdong Province resulted in an even lower CFR compared with Beijing.Conclusions Because of their deteriorated health status and apparent complications, SARS patients aged >60 years had a much higher risk of dying than younger patients. At the early stage of local outbreaks, lack of experience in patient care and perhaps treatment also led to a relatively higher CFR. The Tianjin SARS outbreak happened mainly within a hospital, leading to a high impact of co‐morbidity. The relatively young age of the cases partly explains the low CFR in mainland China compared with other countries and areas affected by SARS.
Geographical spread of SARS in mainland China
Authors: Fang Li‐Qun , De Vlas Sake J. , Feng Dan , Liang Song , Xu You‐Fu , Zhou Jie‐Ping , Richardus Jan Hendrik , Cao Wu‐Chun 
Published: June 2009

SummaryObjectives  To describe the spatiotemporal diffusion of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in mainland China, and to analyse the spatial pattern of SARS transmission from the Beijing epicentre to its neighbouring areas.Methods  Probable SARS cases occurring between November 2002 and May 2003 in mainland China were compiled from different sources and geo‐coded into a geographical information database based on onset location. Spatial analyses including kernel density estimation, and spatial statistical and tracking analyses were performed to characterise the spatiotemporal distribution of SARS cases based on onset location/date. SARS cases that got infected in Beijing but were reported in three provinces surrounding Beijing were mapped, and logistic regression using a ‘case–control’ design at the county level was performed to analyse the impact of travel‐related risk factors in the diffusion pattern.Results  The SARS epidemic in mainland China spanned a large geographical extent but clustered in two areas: first in Guangdong Province, and about 3 months later in Beijing with its surrounding areas in Shanxi Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomic Region, Hebei Province and Tianjin. Counties in the neighbourhood of Beijing that were crossed by a national highway or inter‐provincial freeway showed the highest risk of acquiring SARS infections, even after correction for population density and medical staff density. Being intersected by a railway did not significantly associate with risk of SARS.Conclusions  This study provides the first complete documentation of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the SARS epidemic in mainland China. Our analyses confirmed that SARS had benefited from national highways and inter‐provincial freeways for its spread from epicentres to neighbouring areas, whereas trains showed no significant association. This knowledge may be important for the control of re‐emerging SARS, or other future emerging human‐to‐human transmittable infections.
The extent and prevailing shape of spatial relationships in Polish variety testing trials on wheat
Authors: Pilarczyk W. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIndependence of observations is one of the basic assumptions of the analysis of variance. Performed randomizations prevent results from being biased in cases when independence is violated. The objective of the present paper is to find out the predominant shape of spatial relationships in Polish wheat variety testing trials. One of the possibilities is to apply some geo‐statistical method (Cressie Noel 1993, Grondona and Cressie 1991). Such an approach is used in this paper. Using the results of nearly 200 trials on wheat varieties, conducted either in generalized lattice (GL) designs (Patterson and Hunter 1983) or in incomplete split‐block designs, the empirical values of semivariance have been calculated. Residuals were computed from a model with fixed effects for varieties and replicates, ignoring incomplete blocks, then 10 different geo‐statistical models have been fitted to empirical semivariances. With spatial models convergence problems occurred in some cases. The linear and bounded‐linear models were the ones most often successfully fitted. Inclusion of revealed relationships into classical models for incomplete blocks did not improve substantially the effectiveness of analyses.
‘Fullness of the Spirit’ and ‘Fullness of Catholicity’ in Ecclesial Communion
Authors: KUEHN EVAN F. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this article I will consider two terms central to post‐conciliar ecclesiology, both of which express different aspects of the ‘fullness’ of the church. The ‘fullness of the Spirit’ is a biblical concept describing the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost and in the historical sacrament of confirmation, while the ‘fullness of catholicity’ is a more recent term employed in conciliar and post‐conciliar discourse to clarify the status of churches and ecclesial communities within the church of Christ. After analyzing the origin and development of each form of fullness, constructive interaction between the two will allow for a critique of post‐conciliar ecclesiological and ecumenical statements.
The Spirit in the Church: The Universal Christ, Particular Spirit and Christian Unity
Authors: WEEDMAN MARK 
Published: June 2009

AbstractModern theology has had difficulty in producing an ecclesiology that makes the full visible unity of the church an essential aspect of the church's nature. One reason for this is that important modern ecclesiologies are built on a trinitarian model that either subordinates the Spirit to the Son, or reduces the Spirit to a vague, invisible ‘domain of resonance’, with the result that the church itself is either subordinated or rendered invisible. A new trinitarian model is needed, one that shows how the Spirit cooperates with the Son to produce a visibly united church.
Fluorescence remission spectroscopy of psoriatic lesions and the effect of topical anthralin therapy
Authors: Wollina U , Schmidt W‐D , Koch A , Scheibe A , Erfurth F , Fassler D 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Psoriatic lesions are characterized by induration, scaling and erythema. Erythema is a result of inflammation and increased microvascular blood flow. Anthralin is the strongest topical antipsoriatic drug that causes clearing of psoriatic lesions and temporary remission.Objective  The objective evaluation of skin perfusion might be a suitable way to gain a better insight in the pathophysiological process of this disease and to evaluate the response to antipsoriatic anthralin therapy.Methods  We evaluated 21 psoriatic lesions (plaques, patches and pinpoint lesions) including 4 lesions in remission with anthralin induced erythema and 4 controls of healthy, uninvolved skin. We performed the measurements with a combined fluorescence and remission imaging (FRIS). The FRIS sensor is coupled with a touch screen industrial computer. The equipment consists of a white‐light halogen lamp (20 W), two VIS‐spectrometer modules (Zeiss) for remission detection and references. Imaging is realized by CCD‐colour camera module and white light ring‐lighting. Fluorescence emission was realized using an ultraviolet LED with a wavelength of 370 nm. The fluorescence detector is a highly sensitive MCS CCD (Zeiss) with an integration time of 2.5 sec.Results  Spectral remission of psoriatic skin is characterized by a pronounced decrease (60–80%) of the haemoglobin double‐peak compared to uninvolved skin. The NADH‐fluorescence is diminished in lesional psoriatic skin including anthralin‐treated areas with clinical remission.Conclusions  Vascular perfusion is increased in psoriatic lesions as demonstrated by remission spectroscopy. NADH‐fluorescence is reduced in lesional psoriatic skin and in anthralin‐induced erythema. FRIS is a suitable tool for objective evaluation of the cutaneous response to antipsoriatic treatment.
Epidemiology of firesetting in adolescents: mental health and substance use correlates
Authors: MacKay Sherri , Paglia‐Boak Angela , Henderson Joanna , Marton Peter , Adlaf Edward 
Published: June 2009

Objective:  Despite high rates of firesetting among community adolescents, little is known about its correlates. This study identifies the mental health and substance use correlates of four firesetting levels in an epidemiological sample of adolescents.Methods:  Three thousand, nine hundred and sixty‐five (3,965) students in grades 7 to 12 were surveyed. Multinomial analyses were used to compare non‐firesetters; desisters (lifetime, but no past‐year firesetting); low frequency firesetters (once or twice in the past 12 months); and high frequency firesetters (3 + times) on measures of mental health and substance use.Results:  Twenty‐seven percent of youth reported firesetting during the past year. Of these, 13.7% reported one or two episodes, and 13.5% reported 3 or more episodes. Firesetting was more prevalent among males and among those in high school. Youth who began firesetting before age 10 were more likely to report frequent firesetting during the past year. Compared to non‐firesetters, the firesetting groups had elevated risk profiles. Desisters and low frequency firesetters were more likely to report psychological distress, binge drinking, frequent cannabis use, and sensation seeking. Low frequency firesetters also reported higher rates of delinquent behavior, suicidal intent, and low parental monitoring than non‐firesetters. High frequency firesetters reported elevated risk ratios for all of these risk indicators plus other illicit drug use. The cumulative number of risk indicators was positively associated with firesetting severity.Conclusions:  Firesetting is associated with psychopathology and substance use during adolescence. Findings highlight the need for programs to address the mental health and substance use problems that co‐occur with firesetting.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of the Surfaces of Artificial Hearts
Authors: Coleman Dennis , Lawson John , Kolff Willem J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThis Report summarizes the surface changes seen in artificial hearts implanted in calves for periods up to four months. Fabrication defects as well as degradation resulting from wear are identified. SEM evaluation of the blood contacting surface as well as the surface of the diaphragm associated with the drive mechanism has revealed potential problems with current heart designs and methods of fabrication. Materials evaluation of implanted hearts is crucial for a clinically useful system to evolve.
Use of the Bovine with an Artificial Heart as an Experimental Pharmacologic Model Peripheral Vascular and Direct Cardiac Effects of a Large Dose of Dopamine
Authors: Stanley Theodore H. , English John B. , Lunn Judd K. , Olseny Donald B. , Kolff Willem J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTPeripheral vascular and direct cardiac effects of a single intravenous injection of a large dose of dopamine (50μg/Kg) were determined in ten unanesthetized calves before and after replacement of their natural hearts (NH) with pneumatically driven artificial hearts (AH). Data were recorded before and three minutes after injection of dopamine, when alpha adrenergic effects were maximal. Dopamine markedly increased systemic vascular resistance (from 919 to 1490 dyne ˙ sec/cm5in NH calves and 896 to 1420 dyne ˙ sec/cm5in AH calves), mean aortic pressure (from 105 to 144 torr in NH calves and 109 to 129 torr in AH calves), mean pulmonary artery pressure (from 20 to 25 torr in NH calves and 18 to 30 torr in AH calves), and mean right atrial pressure (from 5 to 8 torr in NH calves and 6 to 10 torr in AH calves). Dopamine significantly decreased stroke volume (from 100 to 90 ml in NH calves and 101 to 74 ml in AH calves) and cardiac output (from 8.7 to 7.3 L/min in NH calves and 9.2 to 6.7 L/min in AH calves). Heart rate was significantly reduced by dopamine in NH calves (from 87 to 81 beats/min) but was fixed (91 beats/min) in AH animals. Changes in stroke volume, cardiac output and mean pulmonary artery pressure were significantly greater in AH calves while mean aortic pressure was increased significantly more in NH calves. Increases in right atrial pressure and systemic vascular resistance after dopamine were similar in both groups of animals.Dopamine also produced marked changes in respiratory dynamics. The compound significantly decreased tidal volume (from 612 to 344 ml in NH calves and 582 to 236 ml in AH calves), minute volume (from 19.6 to 10.3 L/min in NH calves and 20.4 to 6.6 L/min in AH calves) and minute oxygen uptake (from 488 to 430 ml in NH calves and 507 to 355 ml in AH calves). Dopamine also reduced respiratory rate, but only in AH calves (from 35 to 28 breaths/min). Changes in respiratory rate, minute ventilation and oxygen uptake were significantly greater in AH than NH animals. These data demonstrate that large bolus injections of dopamine can produce significant decreases in cardiac output and respiratory dynamics. They also indicate that an animal with an artificial heart, or at least an artificial heart which is unable to respond to the positive inotropic effect of dopamine, will experience a more marked reduction in cardiac output and minute ventilation than an animal with its natural heart.
Albumin‐Coated Amberlite XAD‐7 Resin for Hemoperfusion in Acute Liver Failure: Part I: Adsorption Studies
Authors: Ton Hsueh Yen , Hughes Robin D. , Silk David B. A. , Williams Roger 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTPlatelets adhere to most foreign surfaces. As a result, polymers and albumin have been suggested as possible coatings to improve the blood compatibility of such surfaces. Amberlite XAD‐7 has a high affinity for human serum albumin (HSA) and several protein‐bound toxic metabolites.In the present study it is shown that HSA can be tightly bound to Amberlite XAD‐7 without. the use of chemical coupling agents. Optimal binding was achieved at pH 5.0 and the adsorption conforms to Langmuir's isotherm. Theoretical analysis of data and absence of a residual surface coating visible with scanning electron microscopy suggest a monolayer of albumin. The amount of HSA eluted from the resin under severe flow conditions was negligible (˜1%). Furthermore, in stirred batch studies with human plasma, the HSA coating did not decrease the adsorptive capacity of XAD‐7 for bile acids and bilirubin.
Inequalities in maternity care and newborn outcomes: one-year surveillance of births in vulnerable slum communities in Mumbai
Authors: More Neena Shah , Bapat Ujwala , Das Sushmita , Barnett Sarah , Costello Anthony , Fernandez Armida , Osrin David 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Aggregate urban health statistics mask inequalities. We described maternity care in vulnerable slum communities in Mumbai, and examined differences in care and outcomes between more and less deprived groups.

Methods
We collected information through a birth surveillance system covering a population of over 280 000 in 48 vulnerable slum localities. Resident women identified births in their own localities and mothers and families were interviewed at 6 weeks after delivery. We analysed data on 5687 births over one year to September 2006. Socioeconomic status was classified using quartiles of standardized asset scores.

Results
Women in higher socioeconomic quartile groups were less likely to have married and conceived in their teens (Odds ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.79, and 0.82, 0.78–0.87, respectively). There was a socioeconomic gradient away from public sector maternity care with increasing socioeconomic status (0.75, 0.70–0.79 for antenatal care and 0.66, 0.61–0.71 for institutional delivery). Women in the least poor group were five times less likely to deliver at home (0.17, 0.10–0.27) as women in the poorest group and about four times less likely to deliver in the public sector (0.27, 0.21–0.35). Rising socioeconomic status was associated with a lower prevalence of low birth weight (0.91, 0.85–0.97). Stillbirth rates did not vary, but neonatal mortality rates fell non-significantly as socioeconomic status increased (0.88, 0.71–1.08).

Conclusion
Analyses of this type have usually been applied across the population spectrum from richest to poorest, and we were struck by the regularly stepped picture of inequalities within the urban poor, a group that might inadvertently be considered relatively homogeneous. The poorest slum residents are more dependent upon public sector health care, but the regular progression towards the private sector raises questions about its quality and regulation. It also underlines the need for healthcare provision strategies to take account of both sectors.