bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communicative and linguistic development in preterm children: a longitudinal study from 12 to 24 months
Authors: Cattani Allegra , Bonifacio Serena , Fertz Mariacristina , Iverson Jana M. , Zocconi Elisabetta , Caselli M. Cristina 
Published: February 2010

Background: Research conducted on preterm children's linguistic skills has provided varying pictures, and the question of whether and to what extent preterm children are delayed in early language acquisition remains largely unresolved.Aims: To examine communicative and linguistic development during the second year in a group of Italian children born prematurely using the ‘Primo Vocabolario del Bambino’ (PVB), the Italian version of the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventory. The primary goal was to compare action/gesture production, word comprehension, and word production, and the relationship between these three domains in preterm children and to normative data obtained from a large sample of Italian children born at term. A second aim was to address the longstanding debate regarding the use of chronological versus corrected gestational age in the assessment of preterm children's abilities.Methods & Procedures: Parents of twelve preterm children completed the PVB questionnaire at five age points during the children's second year, and scores were compared with those from a normative sample of full‐term children and those of 59 full‐term children selected as a control group from the normative sample for the PVB.Outcomes & Results: Preterm children exhibited a delay in all three aspects of communication and language. In particular, communicative–linguistic age tended to lag approximately 3 months behind chronological age when children were between the ages of 12 and 24 months. When chronological age was used, preterm children's percentile scores for all three components of communication and language fell within the lower limits of the normal range, while scores calculated using corrected age either fell at or above the 50th percentile.Conclusions & Implications: Findings suggest that despite the significant biological risk engendered by premature birth, early communicative and linguistic development appears to proceed in a relatively robust fashion among preterm children, with tight relations across communicative domains as in full‐term children. Employing both chronological and corrected gestational age criteria in the evaluation of preterm children's abilities may provide important information about their progress in language acquisition. This may be especially important during the initial stages of communicative and linguistic development, inasmuch as comparisons of the two sets of scores may provide clinicians with a way to distinguish children who may be at risk for language problems from those who may be expected to progress normally.
Speech and language therapy in Sure Start Local Programmes: a survey‐based analysis of practice and innovation
Authors: Fuller Alison 
Published: February 2010

Background: Sure Start has been a flagship policy for the UK Labour Government since 1998. Its aim was to improve the life chances of children under five years of age who live in areas of socio‐economic disadvantage by means of multi‐agency, multidisciplinary Sure Start Local Programmes (SSLPs). Speech and language therapists have played a key part in many SSLPs, and have had the opportunity to extend their roles. Despite the scrutiny paid to Sure Start, there has been no comprehensive analysis of speech and language therapists' contribution to date. Studies have focused on individual programmes or small samples: there has been no attempt to collate the full range of practice. As Sure Start evolved and Children's Centres emerged, it became vital to learn from the Sure Start experience and inform the mainstreaming of practice, before the window of opportunity closed.Aims: The survey aims were, firstly, to identify the range of practice amongst speech and language therapists working in SSLPs, highlighting new practice, and, secondly, to categorize the practices according to the tiered model of UK health and social services of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT 2006).Methods & Procedures: An online mixed‐method, semi‐structured survey was designed to elicit primarily quantitative and categorical data. A total of 501 Sure Start Local Programmes were invited to take part. A total of 128 speech and language therapists responded, giving a response rate of 26%. A descriptive analysis of the response data was undertaken.Outcomes & Results: A total of 103 respondents (80%) reported maintaining a clinical role as well as extending their roles to include preventative services. Of those 103 respondents, 69% were able to see referred children at a younger average age and 80% saw them more quickly than before Sure Start. A wide variety of preventative practice was identified. A widening of access to speech and language therapist was reported in terms of venues used and hours offered. Respondents reported on their use of evaluation or outcome measures, which was at a higher rate for new practice than for established practice. A total of 121 respondents (95%) reported at least one example of new practice; 103 (80%) reported at least one use of evaluation or outcome measures. The tiered model of UK health and social services provided an effective way of categorizing practice.Conclusions & Implications: A categorized record of Sure Start speech and language therapist is presented that may contribute to establishing a broad curriculum of practice for speech and language therapist in the early years. The effectiveness of the practices is not investigated: suggestions are made for further research to develop the evidence base.
Aphasia and text writing
Authors: Behrns Ingrid , Ahlsén Elisabeth , Wengelin Åsa 
Published: February 2010

Background: Good writing skills are needed in almost every aspect of life today, and there is a growing interest in research into acquired writing difficulties. Most of the findings reported so far, however, are based on words produced in isolation. The present study deals with the production of entire texts.Aims: The aim was to characterize written narratives produced by a group of participants with aphasia.Methods & Procedures: Eight persons aged 28–63 years with aphasia took part in the study. They were compared with a reference group consisting of ten participants aged 21–30 years. All participants were asked to write a personal narrative titled ‘I have never been so afraid’ and to perform a picture‐based story‐generation task called the ‘Frog Story’. The texts were written on a computer.Outcome & Results: The group could be divided into participants with low, moderate, and high general performance, respectively. The texts written by the participants in the group with moderate and high writing performance had comparatively good narrative structure despite indications of difficulties on other linguistic levels.Conclusions & Implications: Aphasia appeared to influence text writing on different linguistic levels. The impact on overall structure and coherence was in line with earlier findings from the analysis of spoken and written discourse and the implication of this is that the written modality should also be included in language rehabilitation.
Legal decision‐making by people with aphasia: critical incidents for speech pathologists
Authors: Ferguson Alison , Duffield Gemma , Worrall Linda 
Published: February 2010

Background: The assessment and management of a person with aphasia for whom decision‐making capacity is queried represents a highly complex clinical issue. In addition, there are few published guidelines and even fewer published accounts of empirical research to assist.Aims: The research presented in this paper aimed to identify the main issues for speech pathologists when decision‐making capacity for legal and related matters arose for their clients with aphasia, and to describe qualitatively the nature of these issues and the practices of the speech pathologists in these situations.Methods: & Procedures: The methodology was informed by the qualitative research paradigm and made use of the semi‐structured interview methods developed for the Critical Incident Technique. Nine speech pathologists, with a range of clinical experience between three and 27 years, were interviewed by telephone, with verbatim notes being taken on‐line by the interviewer. The speech pathologists described a total of 21 clients (15 male, six female) with acquired neurological communication disorders (including cerebral vascular accident, traumatic brain injury, and tumour) whose care had raised critical incidents for the speech pathologist in relation to legal and related matters. These verbatim notes were qualitatively analysed using NVivo qualitative analysis software.Outcomes & Results: The main incidents related to legal decisions (for example, power of attorney, will‐making), as well as decisions involving consent for medical treatment, discharge, accommodation, and business/financial decisions. In all but one of the incidents recounted, the issues centred on a situation of conflict between the person with aphasia and their family, friends or with the multidisciplinary team. The roles taken by the speech pathologists ranged from those expected within a speech pathology scope of practice, such as that of assessor and consultant, to those which arguably present dilemmas and conflict of interest, for example, interpreter, advocate. The assessment practices involved some standardized testing, but this was stressed by all participants to be of lesser importance than informal observations of function. Speech pathologists emphasized the importance of multiple observations, and multimodal means of communication.Conclusions: & Implications: The findings indicate that speech pathologists are currently playing an active role when questions arise regarding capacity for legal and related decision‐making by people with aphasia. At the same time, the findings support the need for further research to develop guidelines for practice and to build educational experiences for students and novice clinicians to assist them when they engage with the complex case management issues in this area.
Effect of flyer speed on yarn breakages in production of jute yarn
Authors: Mahabubuzzaman AKM , Miazi Md Osman Ghani , Khan Ayub Nabi 
Published: February 2010

In Bangladesh, jute mills are producing conventional yarns heavier than 275 tex. These are used as hessian, sacking, carpet backing cloth etc. For diversified uses of jute it is most essential to produce medium count yarn of 241 to 275 tex. In this regard, slip draft spinning machine has been studied. This machine is capable to produce yarn of 241 to 280 tex at flyer speed of 2900 rpm to 4850 rpm. But there is a relation between flyer speed and yarn breakages of the machine. In addition spinning efficiency of the machine also depends on the yarn breakages. Through a series of experiment, a relation has been established between flyer speed and yarn breakages of the experimental machine for production of jute yarn. From the experimental observation, it shows that for production of 241 tex jute yarn 4700 rpm flyer speed is the most suitable speed and 4800 rpm flyer speed is the most suitable speed for production of 275 tex jute yarn. In addition productivity of the machine also maximum at that flyer speed of the machine. In this experimental study, it was found that at 4850 rpm it was very difficult to spin yarn due to its random breakages. That consequently lowered the productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to select proper flyer speed for the production of yarn of particular linear density (tex). It was also observed that the number of breakages increased with the increase of flyer speed. At 2900-rpm flyer speed, the yarn breakage was 0.8/ spindle-hr and at 4850 rpm the yarn breakages is 3.5/spindle-hr. for producing 241 tex jute yarn. Almost all jute mills of Bangladesh have been slip draft spinning machine. Using proper flyer speed, which was found from the experiment, can use the machine in production of medium count jute yarn. The produced yarn can replace the synthetic/manmade fibre in the world textile market. Key Words: Spinning, Tex, Productivity, yarn and Breakages. DOI: 10.3329/diujst.v4i2.4364 Daffodil International University Journal of Science and Technology Vol.4(2) 2009 pp.23-27
Intragraft Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Randomized Trial of Valacyclovir Prophylaxis versus Pre-Emptive Therapy in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Reischig Tomáš , Němcová Jana , Vaněček Tomáš , Jindra Pavel , Hes Ondřej , Bouda Mirko , Třeška Vladislav 
Published: February 2010

Background In a randomized study, we observed a higher incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection with preemptive valganciclovir therapy as compared with valacyclovir prophylaxis for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after renal transplantation (RTx). Persistence of the virus within the allograft could stimulate the alloimmune response. The aim of our study was to evaluate intragraft CMV infection in patients randomized to the trial. Methods RTx recipients at risk of CMV were randomized to pre-emptive therapy with valganciclovir ( n=36) for significant CMV viraemia (≥2,000 copies/ml by quantitative PCR in whole blood samples) or 3-month prophylaxis with valacyclovir ( n=34). Renal biopsies performed during 12 months post-RTx were analysed for the presence of CMV by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Results A total of 35 patients (59 biopsies) in the pre-emptive group and 31 patients (57 biopsies) with valacyclovir prophylaxis had ≥1 biopsy specimen with sufficient material for intragraft CMV determination. Cumulative incidence of intragraft CMV infection was 14% and 7% ( P=0.315) with pre-emptive therapy and prophylaxis, respectively. Patients at risk for primary CMV infection (CMV serological donor-positive and recipient-negative) were at higher risk for intragraft CMV infection (40% versus 5%; P=0.008). CMV viraemia at the time of biopsy was associated with the presence of CMV within the allograft ( P<0.001). Conclusions During the first year after RTx, the incidence of intragraft CMV infection was relatively low with comparable rates in patients managed by pre-emptive valganciclovir therapy and valacyclovir prophylaxis.
Retrospective characterization of the S open reading frame of HBV isolated from children with membranous nephropathy treated with interferon-α2b
Authors: Gous Natasha , Bhimma Rajendra , Kew Michael , Kramvis Anna 
Published: February 2010

Background A causal relationship exists between HBV infection and membranous nephropathy. The association is especially close in Black children in sub-Saharan Africa. Interferon-α2b is commonly used to treat this condition, but is effective in only 30–40% of patients. The reason for the poor response is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if mutations in the surface gene of HBV isolated from Black children with HBV-associated membranous nephropathy before, during and after interferon treatment, have any effect on treatment response and vice versa. Methods HBV DNA was extracted from a responder, a reverter and a non-responder before and after initiation of 16 weeks of interferon-α2b treatment. The preS1/ preS2/S region was amplified, cloned and sequenced. Results The preS2 region was the most variable in the reverter and the non-responder, and the S region was the most variable in the non-responder. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the viral population dynamics between the responder and the reverter/non-responder strains differed as a result of mutations in the surface gene. Conclusions The presence of mutations in the S region of HBV could be used as predictive markers to differentiate interferon-α2b responders from non-responders provided that detailed analysis of further genomes confirms our findings.
Endothelial function is impaired in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy
Authors: Masiá Mar , Padilla Sergio , García Natalia , Jarrin Inmaculada , Bernal Enrique , López Natividad , Hernández Ildefonso , Gutiérrez Félix 
Published: February 2010

Background Data supporting a link between body-fat distribution changes and cardiovascular disease risk in HIV- infected patients are scarce and contradictory. We evaluated endothelial dysfunction, an early event in the development of atherosclerosis, and pro- atherosclerotic plasma biomarkers in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Methods HIV-infected patients with and without lipodystrophy were prospectively enrolled. Endothelial function was measured through flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Plasma levels of several biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial activation and coagulation associated with adipose tissue and endothelial dysfunction were determined. Results The study included 110 patients, 55 of them with lipodystrophy. FMD was significantly lower in patients with lipodystrophy than in those without lipodystrophy (median [IQR] 3.1% [0.4–8.9] versus 6.3% [3.3–10.7]; P=0.004). Patients with isolated lipoatrophy exhibited the lowest FMD (2.6% [0–6.6]; PKruskal–Wallis=0.02). Lipodystrophy was associated with significantly higher plasma levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and lower levels of adiponectin; severe lipodystrophy was associated with higher concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1). There was an inverse correlation between FMD and IL-6 (Spearman's rho =-0.26; P=0.007). In a multivariate regression model with the lowest quartile of FMD as the dependent variable and lipodystrophy, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, 10-year Framingham risk score, pro- atherosclerotic biomarkers and HIV-related variables as predictors, the only independent predictor of endothelial dysfunction was lipodystrophy (odds ratio 5.22, 95% confidence interval 1.76–15.46; P=0.003). Conclusions Lipodystrophy is associated with endothelial dysfunction, independently of the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This finding and the accompanying profile of pro-atherosclerotic biomarkers support an increased cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.
The influence of abacavir and other antiretroviral agents on virological response to HCV therapy among antiretroviral-treated HIV-infected patients
Authors: Amorosa Valerianna K , Slim Jihad , Mounzer Karam , Bruno Christopher , Hoffman-Terry Margaret , Dorey-Stein Zachariah , Ferrara Thomas , Kostman Jay R , Lo Re Vincent 
Published: February 2010

Background It remains unclear if certain antiretroviral medications, particularly abacavir, compromise response to HCV therapy. Such data could inform the selection of appropriate antiretrovirals in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. The aim of this study was to determine if use of abacavir, as well as other antiretrovirals, was associated with reduced response to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin. Methods A cohort study was performed among antiretroviral- treated HIV/HCV-coinfected patients initiating PEG-IFN plus ribavirin between January 2001 and June 2007 at six sites in the United States. Abacavir and other antiretrovirals represented exposures of interest. Study outcomes included an early virological response (≥2 log IU/ml decrease in HCV viral load at 12 weeks) and sustained virological response (undetectable HCV viral load 24 weeks after treatment discontinuation). Results Among 212 patients, 74 (35%) received abacavir. For patients infected with HCV genotype 1 or 4, no differences were observed between abacavir users and non-users in early virological response (26 [40%] versus 53 [44%]; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–2.00) or sustained virological response (8 [13%] versus 13 [12%]; adjusted OR 1.34; 95% CI 0.50–3.62). Among genotype 2 and 3 patients, rates of early virological response (7 [78%] versus 16 [89%]; OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.05–3.76) and sustained virological response (3 [33%] versus 8 [44%]; OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.12–3.32) were also similar between abacavir users and non-users. No association was found between other antiretrovirals and a lack of early or sustained response. Conclusions Use of abacavir or other antiretroviral medications was not associated with reduced early or sustained virological response rates.
THE FAMILIES OF DIPTERA
Authors: Walker Francis 
Published: February 2010

The two-winged flies are more important in nature than any other order of insects because of their number and diffusion, and the families may be briefly traced in succession previous to a more extended notice of each of them, in case the subject should become rnore interesting.In the following arrangement the first manifestation of Dipterous. existence is associated with the inmost recesses of man's habitation. and a few beasts and birds aiso partake of its presence in their dwellings.
MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA
Authors: Chambers V. T. 
Published: February 2010

(This is a section of Tinea having the wings tufted and narrower than in Tinea.)Head and face rough (as in Tinea), tongue very short. Maxillary palpi folded; labial palpi drooping, with the terminal joint more than half as long as the second, which has a few bristles beneath ; eyes globose; no ocelli. Antennae two-thirds as long as wings, filliform. Anterior wings with raised tufts of scales, the tufts generally rather brightly coloured ; lanceolate, narrower than in Tinea; the costal vein attains the margin before the middle; discal cell closed by a straight distinct discal vein, which gives off four branches, two of them to the costal and two to the dorsal margin, one of the latter near the apex.
A BALLOON SPIDER
Authors: Couper William 
Published: February 2010

“The American Naturalist” for May, 1871, contains an interesting article on “Flying Spiders,” by J. H. Emerton. The species noticed by him are, no doubt, allied to the gossamer of Europe, and the phenomenon occurs early in autumn on the Islands of the St. Lawrence.During the month of July, 1871, while trout-fishing on a large lake near the Upper Assumption, about one hundred miles north of Montreal, my attention was drawn to an inflated transparent substance of an oblong cocoon shape, passing about fifty yards over my head.
NOTES ON COLLECTING
Authors: Andrews W. V. 
Published: February 2010

I can endorse (not necessary, of course) Mr. Mead's “Notes on Collecting,” pub. p. 78, vol. 5 of the “Entomologist,” with right good will, having used similar methods myself for several years. I think I got my idea from H. Guard Knaggs.A little improvement, However, may be made. If the collector, instead of putting in his “Cyanide of Potassinm” in “lumps,” will pound it to a fine powder, intimately mix it with the necessary amount of Plaster of Paris, and then pour in water till the mixture has by stirring assumed the consistency of cream, he will have a more efficacious, as well as a more lasting box (or bottle).
SOME REMARKS ON ENTOMOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE
Authors: Edwards W. H. 
Published: February 2010

The papers on Nomenclature, letely published in the Canadian Entomologist, have much interested me, and doubtless many others, and as the subject is one that just now, for reasons well known, appeals especially to Lepidopterists, I beg to be allowed a little of your space to give my views thereupon, and to state what I believe is a practicable remedy for the evils complained of.I am glad that this matter of Nomenclature was brought so prominently forward by the Entomologists present at the Meeting of the American Association for 1872, and that a Committee was appointed by the Entomological section to report a series of Rules for consideration at the next Meeting.