bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among Hong Kong Chinese women: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Ku Ching‐Man , Chow Susan KY 
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this article is to explore the relationships between breastfeeding knowledge, self‐efficacy and demographic factors on breastfeeding patterns among Hong Kong Chinese primiparous women.Background.  There is substantial evidence showing that maternal education, social class, ethnic background and religion are related to the decision to initiate as well as continue breastfeeding. Nevertheless, not much is known about how the controllable factors are able to influence the practice with the Hong Kong Chinese population.Design.  A cross‐sectional and correlational design.Methods.  A convenience sample of 82 subjects who had normal vaginal delivery in the maternity unit of a regional hospital in Hong Kong was recruited.Results.  Linear regression analysis showed that subjects who lived with their mothers‐in‐law, had higher household income and higher gravida would be associated with a higher score in the Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale. On the other hand, decisions to breastfeed made later in the pregnancy, father‐in‐law to ‘pei‐yue’ (the Chinese practice whereby the new mother is expected to stay at home and to avoid all household chores and social activities during the first month after giving birth) and older in age would be associated with a lower score. Pei‐yue is Chinese ritual of which the woman who has delivered should stay at home for one month and being taken care by others (this Chinese term is used throughout the article to indicate the time period described). Generalised estimating equations model revealed that women who had searched through the Internet for breastfeeding information, who had husbands to ‘pei yue’, lived in private housing, were married, had a domestic helper to ‘pei yue’ and who had attained higher education were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion.  The social support from the family and breastfeeding self‐efficacy have implications for continuing the practice of breastfeeding for primiparous women.Relevance to clinical practice.  Future efforts aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding could include the modifiable factors into consideration to better tailor interventions for successful, exclusive breastfeeding.
Using VLAD scores to have a look insight ICU performance: towards a modelling of the errors
Authors: Foltran Francesca , Berchialla Paola , Giunta Francesco , Malacarne Paolo , Merletti Franco , Gregori Dario 
Published: August 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Mortality prediction models using logistic regression analysis play a pivotal role in intensive care quality evaluation, allowing a hospital's performance to be compared with a standard. However, when a difference between predicted and observed mortality exists, that is, the numerator of the Variable Life Adjusted Display (VLAD) score, the investigation for a possible explanation could be arduous. In this article we tested the ability of Bayesian Network (BN) to identify factors determining the negative discrepancy between expected and actual outcomes recorded in four Italian intensive care units (ICUs).Methods  A BN was implemented to predict the extent of the expected‐observed distance quantified by the VLAD score. BN performance was compared with those of a set of tools including Linear Model, Random Forest Regression Tree analysis, Artificial Neural Networks and Support Vector Machine.Results  BN allows the identification of critical areas responsible for bad performance. Compared with other techniques, BN always explains a higher variance percentage and it shows similar or superior discrimination ability.Conclusions  BN, being able to guide interpretation of covariates role by means of a graphic representation of relationships, confirms its utility particularly where many interactions between predictors exist and when a coherent set of theories regarding which variables are related and how is not available.
The use and reporting of multiple imputation in medical research – a review
Authors: Mackinnon A. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract.  Mackinnon A (Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia) The use and reporting of multiple imputation in medical research – a review. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 586–593.Background.  Multiple imputation (MI) is an advanced, principled method of dealing with missing data in statistical analyses, a common problem in medical research. This paper sought to document the use of MI in general medical journals and to evaluate the information provided to readers about the application of the procedure in studies.Methods.  Research articles using MI in analyses published in JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, BMJ and the Lancet were identified using full text searches from the earliest date each journal offered such searches until the end of 2008. Ninety‐nine articles were found. Studies were classified according to their design.Results.  Multiple imputation was used in 49 RCTs and 50 other types of studies. A third of the articles (n = 33) reported no details of the procedure used. In a third of these (n = 11), it was not possible to infer the approach used from references cited or software used. The nature of the imputation model was rarely reported. MI was frequently used as a secondary analysis (n = 40) either to justify reporting a simpler approach or as a form of sensitivity analysis.Conclusions.  Whilst still relatively uncommon, the use of MI has risen substantially, particularly in trials. MI is rarely adequately reported, leading to doubt about its appropriateness in some cases. This gives rise to uncertainty about conclusions reached and poses a barrier to attempts to replicate analyses. Guidelines for the reporting of MI should be developed.
Regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase expression in Pseudomonas putida results from its direct repression by NtrC under nitrogen‐limiting conditions
Authors: Hervás Ana B. , Canosa Inés , Santero Eduardo 
Published: August 2010

SummaryNitrogen‐regulated genes in enterobacteria are positively controlled by the transcriptional activator of σN‐dependent promoters NtrC, either directly or indirectly, through the dual regulator Nac. Similar to enterobacteria, gdhA encoding glutamate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas putida is one of the few genes that is induced by excess nitrogen. In P. putida, the binding of NtrC to the gdhA promoter region and in vitro transcription suggest that, unlike its enterobacterial homologue that is repressed by Nac, gdhA is directly repressed by NtrC. Footprinting analyses demonstrated that NtrC binds to four distinct sites in the gdhA promoter. NtrC dimers bind cooperatively, and those bound closer to the promoter interact with the dimers bound further upstream, thus producing a proposed repressor loop in the DNA. The formation of the higher‐order complex and the repressor loop appears to be important for repression but not absolutely essential. Both the phosphorylated and the non‐phosphorylated forms of NtrC efficiently repressed gdhA transcription in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, NtrC repression of gdhA under nitrogen‐limiting conditions does not depend on the phosphorylation of the regulator; rather, it relies on an increase in the repressor concentration under these conditions.
Stress and gastrointestinal motility in animals: a review of the literature
Authors: ENCK P. , HOLTMANN G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn the last decade an increasing number of studies have been published dealing with the effects of experimental stress on gastrointestinal functions in animals and humans. Initial interest in gastrointestinal stress responses in the late 1940s and early 1950s1 was followed by continued interest only in experimental ulcer research.2 The recent ‘revival’ of interest in stress is due to some methodological progress: first, our understanding of gastrointestinal functions, specifically gastrointestinal motility has grown after new measurement techniques became widely available to enable gastrointestinal stress effects to be determined directly‐instead of its indirect outcome such as stool frequency or gastrointestinal symptoms. Second, interest has grown in functional abdominal disorders such as the irritable bowel syndrome or non‐ulcer dyspepsia, which are often believed to be, at least in part, stress related.3 Finally, stress has become a major paradigm by which to investigate brain‐gut interactions, specifically with respect to the yet unanswered question of the extent of autonomy or CNS control to regulate gastrointestinal functions.4Our review is split into two parts. The first part focused on clinical aspects in human studies.1 This part will deal with animal studies and discusses their relevance with respect to basic research questions.
Involvement of peripheral and central motor and secretory components in the action of a prostaglandin E2analogue on colonic transit in rats
Authors: THEODOROU V. , FIORAMONTI J. , BUENO L. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe effects of central and peripheral administration of a prostaglandin E2analogue (enprostil) on colonic transit time, faecal dry matter and colonic myoelectrical activity, were examined in rats chronically fitted with a cannula in a lateral ventricle of the brain and a catheter inserted in the lumen of the proximal colon, or nichrome electrodes implanted on the proximal colon. In control studies, the mean retention time (MRT) of a marker ([51Cr] sodium chromate) administered into the proximal colon and determined in the faeces collected at hourly intervals was 7.3 ± 1.7 h, the frequency of colonic long spike bursts was 59.1 ± 9.1/h and faecal dry matter (DM) 65.4 ± 3.4%. Enprostil administered orally (350 μg/kg) decreased colonic MRT (4.9 ± 0.6 h) and faecal DM (50.1 ± 3.2%) and increased by 68% the colonic myoelectric index. Administered intracerebroventricularly enprostil (12 μg/kg) also accelerated colonic transit (MRT = 5.1 ± 1.6 h) and decreased faecal DM (48.7 ± 3.4%) but did not modify colonic spiking activity. Intraperitonal administration of the PG receptor antagonist SC‐19220 (1 mg/kg) did not affect the effects of enprostil administered centrally on MRT and DM but blocked the action of oral enprostil on colonic transit time, DM and colonic spiking activity. Centrally administered, SC‐19220 (100 μg/kg) antagonized the effects of oral enprostil on colonic transit and faecal DM but not on colonic spiking activity. It is concluded that in rats the enprostil‐induced acceleration of colonic transit involves a peripheral action on colonic motility and a secretory component which is centrally mediated. Moreover these results show that colonic hypersecretion, but not hypermotility, can alone accelerate colonic transit.
Characteristic motor patterns of phase II and behaviour of phase III in the fed state
Authors: EHRLEIN H. J. , SCHMID H. R. , FEINLE C. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe motor pattern of the phase II of the migration motor complex (MMC) is poorly characterized and it remains to be determined whether it differs from the fed motor‐pattern. Furthermore, discrepancy exists on the disruption of ongoing MMCs by feeding, and finally, the understanding of the behaviour of phase Ills during enteral nutrition is incomplete. Therefore, canine intestinal motility was studied after meal and during enteral infusion of nutrients (elemental diet, glucose, maltose, amino acids) or of hypertonic saline (300–1520 mosmol kg−1). Motility of the proximal, mid‐ and distal jejunum was recorded with strain‐gauge transducers. The motor patterns of the interdigestive phase II, after feeding and during enteral nutrition were analysed by a computer. Additionally, the disruption of the MMC by food and by enteral infusion of nutrients or hypertonic saline was investigated. The inter digestive phase II consisted of three different contractile patterns, clustered contractions, a mixed contractile pattern and non‐migrating bursts of propagated contractions (NBPCs). NBPCs differed significantly from the phase III activity in several motility parameters and by the lack of aboral migration. Only small differences existed between the motor patterns of phase II and of the fed state, whereas the motor pattern induced by enteral infusion of an elemental diet differed significantly from that of phase II. Ongoing MMCs of the proximal jejunum often continued to migrate to the mid‐ and distal jejunum. During enteral infusion of nutrients or of hypertonic saline, phase Ills recurred. The migration of ongoing phase Ills and the recurrence of subsequent phase Ills decreased with increasing caloric or osmotic loads. The following conclusions were reached, (a) The phase II of the MMC is a complex motor‐pattern. NBPCs represent a new contractile pattern, (b) The MMC is a characteristic feature of the empty gut. After meal and during enteral nutrition, phase Ills are usually suppressed but they can recur during the digestive period.
Myoelectric pattern and effects on small bowel transit induced by the tachykinins neurokinin A, neurokinin B, substance P and neuropeptide K in the rat
Authors: LÖRDAL M. , JOHANSSON C. , HELLSTRÖM P. M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractEffects of neurokinin A, neurokinin B, substance P and neuropeptide K on myoelectric activity in the small intestine were related to intestinal transit of a radioactive marker in fasted conscious rats. Myoelectric activity was recorded using bipolar electrodes implanted at 5, 20 and 35 cm distal to pylorus. Intravenous infusions of neurokinin A, neurokinin B and neuropeptide K at doses of 50–200 pmol kg−1min−1and substance P at doses of 100–300pmol kg−1min−1, disrupted migrating myoelectric complexes and induced irregular spiking. These effects were not prevented by atropine, hexamethonium or mepyramine. However, the effect of neurokinin A was attenuated by spantide. The irregular spiking induced by the tachykinins was associated with increased transit of the marker in animals receiving neurokinin A and neurokinin B, but not substance P and neuropeptide K. We conclude that the tachykinins activate the smooth muscle layers of the small intestine in the rat by mechanisms involving neurokinin receptors, but not muscarinic, nicotinic or H1‐receptors. Our results suggest a role for tachykinins in regulation of motility by induction of irregular spiking, which may stimulate transit through the small intestine.
Regurgitant reflux, vs non‐regurgitant reflux, is preceded by rectus abdominis contraction in infants
Authors: ORENSTEIN S. R. , DENT J. , DENEAULT L. G. , LUTZ J. W. , WESSEL H. B. , KELSEY S. F. , SHALABY T. M. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Infants commonly regurgitate during some, but not all, gastro‐oesophageal reflux episodes. As several different mechanisms for reflux episodes have been identified, it was hypothesized that the mechanisms for regurgitant and non‐regurgitant reflux differ. To test whether regurgitant episodes are associated with, and perhaps propelled by, rectus abdominis contraction, ten infants, aged 9–30 weeks (median 16.5 weeks), with regurgitant reflux and no other cause for their regurgitation, were studied with concurrent distal oesophageal pH probe monitoring and surface electromyography of the rectus abdominis muscles. Reflux episodes with material emanating from the mouth (regurgitant reflux) were distinguished from those without visible regurgitation, and were characterized as being, or not being, temporally associated with rectus abdominis activity.During 80 h of monitoring of the ten infants, 279 reflux episodes were identified. Electromyographic activity was observed with 58% of 24 regurgitant reflux episodes compared to only 32% of 255 non‐regurgitant reflux episodes (Mantel Haenzel P = 0.006, common odds ratio = 4.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.5–11.3). Among the 95 reflux episodes that were positive for rectus abdominis activity (whether regurgitant or not), 25% of those in the first 42 min following feeding were regurgitant, whereas only 6% of those occurring beyond 42 min were regurgitant (Mantel Haenzel P = 0.03, common odds ratio = 4.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–17.6). It was concluded that rectus abdominis contraction is one of the propulsive mechanisms that contribute to regurgitant reflux. Further, rectus abdominis contraction is more likely to result in regurgitation in the early period after a meal, suggesting that intragastric volume is a factor which influences whether reflux will be regurgitant.
Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of canine zinc‐responsive dermatosis
Authors: Romanucci Mariarita , Bongiovanni Laura , Russo Anita , Capuccini Silvia , Mechelli Luca , Ordeix Laura , Della Salda Leonardo 
Published: August 2010

AbstractZinc deficiency causes skin diseases both in humans and in animals. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, but a growing body of evidence indicates a role for zinc in skin protection against free radical‐induced oxidative damage. The immunohistochemical expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs; Hsp27, Hsp72, Hsp73 and Hsp90), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), metallothionein (MT), Ki‐67 antigen and active caspase‐3 were evaluated in normal canine skin and in samples from eight dogs with zinc‐responsive dermatosis. All investigated HSPs showed intense cytoplasmic immunostaining in the affected epidermis. Focal nuclear positivity of Hsp72 was also detected in keratinocytes. Although Cu/Zn SOD expression was similar to that observed in normal skin, MT immunoreactivity occurred in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of basal cells in normal skin but was absent from the affected epidermis. Caspase‐3 activation was also absent in the involved epidermis, which revealed a high Ki‐67 index (a 3.5‐ to 9‐fold increase compared with normal skin). These results support the hypothesis that cellular response to stress, particularly oxidative stress, is involved in the pathogenesis of skin lesions in canine zinc‐responsive dermatosis. The lack of MT immunoreactivity in the affected epidermis may be indicative of low zinc levels, thus resulting in vulnerability to oxidative damage. In contrast, high expression levels of HSPs in skin during zinc deficiency may confer protection against a variety of dangerous stimuli, contributing to inhibition of apoptosis and to cell cycle regulation of proliferating keratinocytes.
Compliance with topical nasal medication – An evaluation in children with rhinitis
Authors: Wong Ivy Y. Z. , Soh S. E. , Chng Seo Y. , Shek Lynette P.‐C. , Goh Daniel Y. T. , Van Bever Hugo P. S. , Lee B. W. 
Published: August 2010

Wong IYZ, Soh SE, Chng SY, Shek LP‐C, Goh DYT, Van Bever HPS, Lee BW. Compliance with topical nasal medication – An evaluation in children with rhinitis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 1146–1150. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/SIt is our impression that children with rhinitis often dislike or struggle with the administration of topical nasal sprays and drops. This study aims to investigate children’s acceptance of topical nasal sprays/drops, and to identify patient factors that may affect their acceptance. An interview (by WYZI) questionnaire survey was carried out on parents/guardians of children aged 1–15 with rhinitis, where information on the diagnosis and treatment, patients’ use and responses to these medications, and their preferred treatment routes were collected. Two hundred questionnaires were completed, of which 194 were valid for analysis. The mean age of patients was 7.54 yr; male to female ratio was 1:1.6, and Chinese made up the majority (62.4%). About one quarter (24.7%) of children disliked the use of topical nasal sprays/drops sufficiently to affect compliance with the medication. Furthermore, of those who could indicate their preferred route of drug administration (n = 75), 73% indicated a preference for oral medication, while only 11% preferred the nasal route. Topical nasal sprays/drops were more acceptable in older children (7–15 yr) compared to the younger ones (1–6 yr) (OR = 2.383, CI 1.223–4.644). The acceptance of nasal sprays/drops was not associated with gender, ethnic group, concurrent use by other family members, length and amount of usage, and the response to therapy. A substantial proportion of children prescribed topical nasal sprays/drops did not find it acceptable. Age played a significant factor to the acceptance of the use of topical nasal sprays/drops.
Assessing oxidative pathway genes as risk factors for bipolar disorder
Authors: Fullerton Janice M , Tiwari Yash , Agahi Giti , Heath Anna , Berk Michael , Mitchell Philip B , Schofield Peter R 
Published: August 2010

Fullerton JM, Tiwari Y, Agahi G, Heath A, Berk M, Mitchell PB, Schofield PR. Assessing oxidative pathway genes as risk factors for bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 550–556. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objectives:  There is a growing body of evidence implicating oxidative stress and the glutathione system in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Here we investigate whether genes involved in oxidative stress regulation are associated with increased risk for bipolar disorder.Methods:  Four candidate genes were selected a priori from two different steps in the oxidative stress pathway, specifically the synthesis of glutathione [catalytic subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLC) and regulatory subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLM)] and the removal of reactive oxygen species [superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3)]. Haplotype tagging and functional nucleotide polymorphisms were selected in each gene and tested for association with bipolar disorder under narrow (n = 240) and broad (n = 325) phenotypic models, compared to healthy controls (n = 392, comprising 166 psychiatrically assessed unaffected controls plus 226 healthy individuals).Results:  Single marker association analysis did not reveal significant association with bipolar disorder; however, haplotypes in the SOD2 gene showed nominal association (global χ2 = 8.94, p = 0.03; broad model). Interaction analysis revealed a significant interaction between SOD2 and GPX3 haplotypes, which further increases risk for bipolar disorder (odds ratio = 2.247, χ2 = 9.526, p = 0.002, corrected p = 0.029).Conclusions:  Further characterization of the SOD2 and GPX3 interaction using larger cohorts is required to determine the role of these oxidative pathway genes as risk factors for bipolar disorder.