bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of maternity support belts in reducing low back pain during pregnancy: a review
Authors: Ho Simone SM , Yu Winnie WM , Lao Terence T , Chow Daniel HK , Chung Joanne WY , Li Yi 
Published: May 2009

Aims.  This article aims to review the literature published to date on the types, current use, the biomechanical effects and adverse effects of maternity support belts for low back pain during pregnancy, to identify future research directions.Background.  Lumbar/pelvic support belts are frequently recommended for the prevention and treatment of low back pain during pregnancy.Design.  Systematic review.Methods.  MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and patents databases were electronically searched.Results.  Maternity support belts belong to one of the four main types of maternity support garments, which are widely commercially‐available. Current research showed limited evidence in support of the commercial maternity products regarding the effectiveness in the prevention and/or treatment of low back pain during pregnancy, other than that from the manufacturers. However, potential stabilisation effect of maternity support belt was demonstrated in some studies. Adverse effects reported include increased pain, fetal heart rate changes, skin irritation and discomfort.Conclusions.  There is insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that wearing maternity support belts reduces pregnancy‐related low back pain and/or pelvic girdle pain. Future research directions in the area of biomechanics and physiology are recommended.Relevance to clinical practice.  This review provides comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of maternity support belts for the relief of low back pain during pregnancy which will facilitate healthcare professionals in providing evidence‐based advice to their patients.
Placental position and late stillbirth: a case‐control study
Authors: Warland Jane , McCutcheon Helen , Baghurst Peter 
Published: May 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between placental position and stillbirth with the objective of establishing if placental position impacted on stillbirth risk.Background.  Whilst there has been extensive research on low placental implantation because of the importance of detecting placenta praevia, little research has been undertaken on other aspects of placental position and possible impact on pregnancy outcome.Design.  A matched case‐control study of stillbirth and placental position was conducted using case‐notes from two tertiary obstetric referral centres.Methods.  Notes were retrospectively examined and Placental position as documented in the case‐notes at the routine mid‐trimester (20 week) ultrasound was identified. Placental position for a total of 124 pregnancies culminating in stillbirth was compared with placental position in 243 (matched) pregnancies resulting in a live born baby.Results.  Women who had a posterior located placenta were statistically more likely to suffer a stillbirth than women who had a placenta in any other position OR 1·64 (95%CI 1·02–2·65 p = 0·04).Conclusion.  Posterior located placenta may be a contributory risk factor for stillbirth. Further research is warranted.Implications for practice.  Nurses and midwives should be aware of this potential risk factor to monitor foetal well‐being closely.
Intracellular excision and reintegration dynamics of the ICEclc genomic island of Pseudomonas knackmussii sp. strain B13
Authors: Sentchilo Vladimir , Czechowska Kamila , Pradervand Nicolas , Minoia Marco , Miyazaki Ryo , Van Der Meer Jan Roelof 
Published: May 2009

SummaryGenomic islands are DNA elements acquired by horizontal gene transfer that are common to a large number of bacterial genomes, which can contribute specific adaptive functions, e.g. virulence, metabolic capacities or antibiotic resistances. Some genomic islands are still self‐transferable and display an intricate life‐style, reminiscent of both bacteriophages and conjugative plasmids. Here we studied the dynamical process of genomic island excision and intracellular reintegration using the integrative and conjugative element ICEclc from Pseudomonas knackmussii B13 as model. By using self‐transfer of ICEclc from strain B13 to Pseudomonas putida and Cupriavidus necator as recipients, we show that ICEclc can target a number of different tRNAGly genes in a bacterial genome, but only those which carry the GCC anticodon. Two conditional traps were designed for ICEclc based on the attR sequence, and we could show that ICEclc will insert with different frequencies in such traps producing brightly fluorescent cells. Starting from clonal primary transconjugants we demonstrate that ICEclc is excising and reintegrating at detectable frequencies, even in the absence of recipient. Recombination site analysis provided evidence to explain the characteristics of a larger number of genomic island insertions observed in a variety of strains, including Bordetella petri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia.
Dimerization of the quorum‐sensing transcription factor TraR enhances resistance to cytoplasmic proteolysis
Authors: Pinto Uelinton M. , Winans Stephen C. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryTraR is a LuxR‐type quorum‐sensing protein encoded by the tumour‐inducing plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. TraR requires the pheromone N‐3‐oxooctanoyl‐l‐homoserine lactone (OOHL) for biological activity, and is dimeric both in solution and when bound to DNA. Dimerization is mediated primarily by two α‐helices, one in the N‐terminal OOHL binding domain, and the other in the C‐terminal DNA binding domain. Each of these helices forms a parallel coiled coil with the identical helix of the opposite subunit. We have previously shown that OOHL is essential for resistance to proteolysis, and here we asked whether dimerization is also required for protease resistance. We constructed a series of site‐directed mutations at the dimer interface, and tested these mutants for activity in vivo. Alteration of residues A149, A150, A153, A222 and I229 completely abolished activity, while alteration of three other residues also caused significant defects. All mutants were tested for dimerization as well as for specific DNA binding. The cellular abundance of these proteins in A. tumefaciens was measured using Western immunoblots and OOHL sequestration, while the half‐life was measured by pulse‐chase radiolabelling. We found a correlation between defects in in vivo activity, in vitro dimerization, DNA binding and protein half‐life. We conclude that dimerization of TraR enhances resistance to cellular proteases.
Mid‐Cretaceous hydrothermal vents and authigenic carbonates in a transform margin, Basque‐Cantabrian Basin (western Pyrenees): a multidisciplinary study
Authors: AGIRREZABALA LUIS M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA comprehensive study of authigenic carbonates and associated fauna in Late Albian organic‐rich, deep‐water deposits (the Black Flysch Group) reveals that carbonate precipitation was a by‐product of the anaerobic oxidation of hydrocarbon‐rich hydrothermal fluids. The authigenic carbonates are exposed along the Kardala and Alkolea sea cliffs in the western Pyrenees. The two vent carbonates occur 1 km apart adjacent to the synsedimentary, right‐reverse Mutriku fault, but in contrasting structural domains: the Kardala carbonates occur on a structural ridge (hangingwall) and the Alkolea carbonates are positioned at the base of an erosional scarp (folded downward footwall). The similarity in pattern of the carbonate phases and complex paragenetic events for both vent precipitates implies that hydrothermal fluid generation processes and pore‐water evolution during early and late diagenesis were similar. Nevertheless, a comparison of the geochemistry, fossil fauna and morphology of carbonate structures of both precipitates suggests that the vented hydrocarbon type, flow intensity and temperature of hydrothermal fluids were different. At the Kardala vent, intense focused flow of hot (up to 109 °C), oil‐rich fluids were generated, allowing the development of a relatively abundant chemosynthesis‐based fauna. In contrast, at the Alkolea vent, diffuse flows of warm, thermogenic methane‐rich fluids were expelled to the sea floor and no chemosynthetic fauna developed. These differences are related to the contrasting structural setting of each locality. Similar δ13Corg values for both pyrobitumen‐fills and host unit organic matter suggest that the hydrocarbon source was the Black Flysch Group. Contact alteration of these organic‐rich sediments by syndepositional hydrothermal fluids generated hydrothermal petroleum (oil and gas hydrocarbons) which probably migrated updip to the sea floor by contemporary compression tectonics.
The German version of the chronic urticaria quality‐of‐life questionnaire: factor analysis, validation, and initial clinical findings
Authors: Młynek A. , Magerl M. , Hanna M. , Lhachimi S. , Baiardini I. , Canonica G. W. , Brzoza Z. , Kasperska‐Zajac A. , Rogala B. , Zalewska‐Janowska A. , Zuberbier T. , Maurer M. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder that causes a substantial burden on patients’ quality‐of‐life (QoL). The aim of this work was to generate and validate a German version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU‐Q2oL) and to provide reference assessments of QoL.Methods:  The Italian CU‐Q2oL was translated into German and administered to 157 CU patients. They also completed two well‐established general dermatology QoL questionnaires, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex‐29. Factor analysis was used to identify scales of the German CU‐Q2oL. Correlation to the DLQI and Skindex‐29 was used for validation. Multiple linear regression was used to determine which patient characteristics were associated with which dimensions of QoL.Results:  The factor analysis identified six scales of the German CU‐Q2oL: functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, mental status, swelling/eating, and limits looks, which accounted for 70% of the data variance. Five of these six scales showed good internal consistency, and another five demonstrated convergent validity. On a percentile scale, they had these median CU‐Q2oL scores: 29 functioning, 44 sleep, 50 itching/embarrassment, 50 mental status, 31 swelling/eating, 31 limits looks. Disease severity significantly predicted scores on all scales. Age predicted functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, and swelling/eating. Sex predicted itching/embarrassment and limits looks.Conclusion:  This study yielded a robust validation of the German version of the CU‐Q2oL. It confirmed previous studies that CU has a clinically meaningful burden on QoL, especially for sleep and mental health, and that women are more severely affected by pruritus. The German CU‐Q2oL should be widely adopted in clinical research on the treatment of CU.
A Study on the Occurrence of Polyovular Follicles in Porcine Ovaries with Particular Reference to Intrafollicular Hormone Concentrations, Quality of Oocytes and their in vitro Fertilization
Authors: Stankiewicz T. , Błaszczyk B. , Udała J. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of polyovular follicles in porcine ovaries. We investigated the presence of such follicles in relation to age, and compared the intrafollicular concentrations of steroid hormones between poly‐ and uniovular follicles. Then we measured the size, viability and the in vitro fertilizing ability of the oocytes from polyovular follicles. Histological examinations documented the occurrence of polyovular follicles in pigs at various stages of follicular growth. Within antral follicles, the number of polyovular follicles was higher in the ovaries of gilts than in sows (P < 0.01). We noticed differences in the viability and size of oocytes recovered from the same follicles. We noted a higher concentration of oestradiol‐17β and a lower concentration of progesterone in polyovular follicles as compared with uniovular follicles (P < 0.01). The amount of embryos after in vitro‐fertilization of oocytes from polyovular follicles was significantly lower than that from uniovular ones. Nevertheless, we found that some oocytes from polyovular follicles also have the capacity to be fertilized in vitro and be developed to the blastocyst stage.
Routine use of humidification with nasal continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Worsnop C. J. , Miseski S. , Rochford P. D. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground: Heated humidification can reduce nasal symptoms caused by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, but its routine use has not been studied over the medium term in a randomized controlled trial. The aim of this study is to determine if heated humidification would reduce nasal symptoms and improve adherence with CPAP treatment in all patients with sleep apnoea irrespective of whether they had nasal symptoms initially.Methods: A randomized, parallel group design. Patients were treated for 3 months with a Fisher & Paykel HC201 pump with built‐in heated humidification, or with the heater disabled and without water. Adherence was measured with a timer built into the pumps. Nasal symptoms were measured with a 10‐cm visual analogue scale.Results: There were 25 in the humidification group and 29 in the non‐humidification group. After 12 weeks mean (standard deviation) adherence with CPAP was 4.7 (2.4) and 4.5 (2.2) hours per night respectively. Nasal symptoms that were reduced were nose blocked* 6 (12), 18 (26); sneezing* 4 (8), 15 (25); dry nose* 8 (12), 24 (33); stuffy nose* 7 (14), 22(31); dry mouth* 13 (18), 33(36); and runny nose* 6 (17), 14 (29). Parameters marked with an asterisk ‘*’ had P < 0.05 with t‐tests.Conclusion: The routine use of heated humidification with CPAP in all patients with sleep apnoea reduced nasal symptoms, but did not improve adherence.
Exploring contrary trends in bladder cancer incidence, mortality and survival: implications for research and cancer control
Authors: Luke C. , Tracey E. , Stapleton A. , Roder D. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim: To investigate trends in bladder cancer incidence, mortality and survival, and cancer–control implications.Methods: South Australian Registry data were used to calculate age‐standardized incidence and mortality rates from 1980 to 2004. Sociodemographic predictors of invasive as opposed to in situ disease were examined. Determinants of disease‐specific survival were investigated using Kaplan–Meier estimates and proportional hazards regression.Results: Incidence rates for invasive cancers decreased by 21% between 1980–84 and 2000–04, similarly affecting men and women. Meanwhile increases occurred for combined in situ and invasive disease. While mortality rates decreased by approximately a third in men and women less than 70 years of age after the early 1990s, no changes were evident for older residents. The proportion of cancers found at an in situ stage was higher in younger ages and more recent diagnostic periods. Five‐year survivals of invasive cases decreased from 64% for 1980–84 diagnoses to 58% for 1995–2004. Multivariable analysis showed that diagnostic period was not predictive of survival after age adjustment (P= 0.719), with lower survival relating to older age, transitional compared with papillary transitional cancers, female sex, indigenous status and a country as opposed to metropolitan residence.Conclusions: Reductions in invasive disease incidence may be due to increased detection at an in situ stage. The decline in survival from invasive disease in more recent periods is explained by increased age at diagnosis. Poorer outcomes of invasive cases remain for women after adjusting for age, histology, indigenous status and residential location.
Clinical audit: virological and immunological response to combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV patients at a Sydney sexual health clinic
Authors: Hsu D. C. , Quin J. W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim: Bigge Park Centre (BPC) is a sexual health clinic located in a socially disadvantaged area in Southwest Sydney. This served as a retrospective clinical audit, documenting patient demographics, identifying factors associated with virological, immunological and discordant responses, evaluating the centre's ability in HIV control and investigating changes in practice from 1996 to 2007.Method: Data including age, gender, ethnicity, mode of transmission, hepatitis co‐infection, prior acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐defining‐illness, HIV‐1 RNA and CD4+cell counts of patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) for treatment of HIV with at least 1‐year follow up at the BPC were analysed. Results were compared with other cohorts in medical literature.Results: BPC manages HIV patients from diverse backgrounds. Sequential monotherapy was associated with poor virological control, lower CD4+cell recovery and discordant response. When patients who had sequential monotherapy were excluded, Caucasian race, high viral load at 1 month and triple‐NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) regimen were associated with lack of virological control. Lower baseline viral load and triple‐NRTI regimen were associated with lower CD4+cell recovery. Lower baseline CD4+cell count and prior diagnosis of AIDS were associated with discordant response. Virological control and CD4+cell recovery achieved were comparable to that documented in medical literature. There was no significant change over time in terms of timing of CART initiation, attainment of immunological response or virological control since the late 1990s.Conclusion: HIV control achieved at the BPC was comparable to that reported in medical literature. Enhancement of strategies to promote screening and improve adherence as well as performance of HIV resistance assessment and avoidance of triple‐NRTI therapy will likely improve patient care.
Ventrolateral prefrontal cortex is required for performance of a strategy implementation task but not reinforcer devaluation effects in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Baxter Mark G. , Gaffan David , Kyriazis Diana A. , Mitchell Anna S. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe ability to apply behavioral strategies to obtain rewards efficiently and make choices based on changes in the value of rewards is fundamental to the adaptive control of behavior. The extent to which different regions of the prefrontal cortex are required for specific kinds of decisions is not well understood. We tested rhesus monkeys with bilateral ablations of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex on tasks that required the use of behavioral strategies to optimize the rate with which rewards were accumulated, or to modify choice behavior in response to changes in the value of particular rewards. Monkeys with ventrolateral prefrontal lesions were impaired in performing the strategy‐based task, but not on value‐based decision‐making. In contrast, orbital prefrontal ablations produced the opposite impairments in the same tasks. These findings support the conclusion that independent neural systems within the prefrontal cortex are necessary for control of choice behavior based on strategies or on stimulus value.
Endogenous rhythmicity of Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα in the hamster pineal gland is not driven by norepinephrine
Authors: Wongchitrat Prapimpun , Felder‐Schmittbuhl Marie‐Paule , Phansuwan‐Pujito Pansiri , Pévet Paul , Simonneaux Valérie 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPineal melatonin is synthesized with daily and seasonal rhythms following the hypothalamic clock‐driven release of norepinephrine (NE). The pineal gland of rats and mice, like the biological clock, expresses a number of clock genes. However, the role of pineal clock elements in pineal physiology is still unknown. We examined the expression and regulation of several clock genes (Per1, Cry2, Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα) under different lighting conditions or following adrenergic treatments in the Syrian hamster, a seasonal rodent. We found that Per1 and Cry2 genes were similarly regulated by the nocturnal release of NE: levels of Per1 and Cry2 mRNA displayed a nocturnal increase that was maintained after 2 days in constant darkness (DD) but abolished after 2 days under constant light (LL), a condition that suppresses endogenous NE release, or after an early night administration of the adrenergic antagonist propranolol. In contrast, Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα exhibited a different pattern of expression and regulation. mRNA levels of both clock genes displayed a marked daily variation, maintained in DD, with higher values at midday for Bmal1 and at day/night transition for Rev‐erbα. Remarkably, the daily variation of both Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα mRNA was maintained in LL conditions and was not affected by propranolol. This study confirms the daily regulation of Per1 and Cry2 gene expression by NE in the pineal gland of rodents and shows for the first time that a second set of clock genes, Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα are expressed with a circadian rhythm independent of the hypothalamic clock‐driven noradrenergic signal.
Different neural systems mediate morphine reward and its spontaneous withdrawal aversion
Authors: Vargas‐Perez Hector , Ting‐A‐Kee Ryan , Van Der Kooy Derek 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe opponent‐process theory posits that the aversive state of acute opiate withdrawal is a consequence of, and depends on, the previous rewarding state evoked by acute morphine reward. Although the brainstem tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP) is crucial for the rewarding component of morphine, the source of the later aversive component is not known. It is possible that (i) the second aversive process takes place within the TPP itself or (ii) morphine reward in the TPP activates an unconditioned opponent motivational process in another region of the brain. The effects of reversible inactivation of the TPP on the motivational properties of acute morphine and its spontaneous withdrawal effects in non‐drug‐dependent rats were examined using a place‐conditioning paradigm. Reversible inactivation of the TPP with lidocaine or bupivacaine immediately before the morphine injection blocked the rewarding properties of morphine in non‐dependent rats. Blocking the rewarding effects of morphine also blocked the opponent aversive effects of acute morphine withdrawal. In contrast, reversible inactivation of the TPP during the acute morphine withdrawal did not block this opponent aversive process. Our results confirm that the TPP is a critical neural substrate underlying the acute rewarding effects of morphine in non‐dependent rats. Furthermore, the opponent aversive process of acute morphine withdrawal is induced by the acute rewarding effects of morphine. However, the TPP does not directly mediate the spontaneous withdrawal aversion (the opponent process), suggesting that a different system, triggered by the changes in the TPP after the primary drug response, produces the aversion itself.