bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Full spectrum filterless fluorescence microscopy
Authors: BOOTH M.J. , JESACHER A. , JUŠKAITIS R. , WILSON T. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryIn conventional microscopes, fluorescence emission is separated from the backscattered illumination using the Stokes shift, whereby the emission occurs at a longer wavelength to the excitation. Such separation is usually achieved through a combination of wavelength filters that divide the spectrum into mutually exclusive excitation and emission bands. It is therefore impossible in these microscopes to access the full excitation/emission spectrum of the specimen in a single image. We report on a microscope that acquired fluorescence images using illumination across the spectral range 450–680 nm; the full emission spectrum was detected simultaneously across the same range. The microscope was also combined with structured illumination optical sectioning to give three‐dimensionally resolved images with improved background rejection. Full spectrum fluorescence images of biological specimens are demonstrated. As this system is more versatile than the standard fluorescence microscope, it could be of benefit in many fluorescence imaging applications.
Trait anxiety in pregnant women predicts offspring birth outcomes
Authors: Hosseini Shahla M. , Biglan Minhnoi W. , Larkby Cynthia , Brooks Maria M. , Gorin Michael B. , Day Nancy L. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe goal of our study was to characterise the relationships between trait anxiety symptoms of women during their pregnancies and birth outcomes of their offspring using a longitudinal cohort from the Maternal Health Practices and Child Development Project. We used the State‐Trait Personality Index anxiety measure that is based on Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory to measure self‐reported trait anxiety at two gestational assessments (fourth and seventh months, representing the first and second trimesters, respectively) and at a third assessment shortly after delivery (representing the third trimester). Demographic, social, psychological, substance use and medical factors were assessed prenatally, and outcomes of the 763 live, singleton births were determined at delivery.In regression models, trait anxiety at the second and third trimesters predicted lower birthweight and shorter birth length, controlling for confounders. Anxiety reported at the third trimester predicted shortened gestational age, controlling for confounders. At the first and second trimesters, the relationship of birthweight and birth length to maternal trait anxiety was only significant for severe anxiety. Women whose anxiety reached severe levels for at least two trimesters were significantly more likely to deliver offspring of lower birthweight and shorter birth length than those women who reported severe anxiety at none or only one of the trimesters. Additionally, offspring of women who experienced severe anxiety during all three trimesters had shorter mean gestational age than offspring of women who did not report severe anxiety at any trimester. Women who report chronic, severe trait anxiety are at the highest risk of having shorter gestations and delivering smaller babies.
The upstream open reading frame of the Arabidopsis AtMHX gene has a strong impact on transcript accumulation through the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay pathway
Authors: Saul Helen , Elharrar Einat , Gaash Rachel , Eliaz Dror , Valenci Meital , Akua Tsofit , Avramov Meital , Frankel Neta , Berezin Irina , Gottlieb Dror , Elazar Meirav , David‐Assael Ora , Tcherkas Vered , Mizrachi Keren , Shaul Orit 
Published: September 2009

SummaryApproximately 20% of plant genes possess upstream open‐reading frames (uORFs). The effect of uORFs on gene expression has mainly been studied at the translational level. Very little is known about the impact of plant uORFs on transcript content through the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway, which degrades transcripts bearing premature termination codons (PTCs). Here we examine the impact of the uORF of the Arabidopsis AtMHX gene on transcript accumulation. The suggestion that this uORF exposes transcripts containing it to NMD is supported by (i) the increase in transcript levels upon eliminating the uORF from constructs containing it, (ii) experiments with a modified uORF‐peptide, which excluded peptide‐specific degradation mechanisms, (iii) the increase in levels of the native AtMHX transcript upon treatment with cycloheximide, which inhibits translation and blocks NMD, and (iv) the sensitivity of transcripts containing the uORF of AtMHX to the presence of introns. We also showed that introns can increase NMD efficiency not only in transcripts having relatively short 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs), but also in uORF‐containing transcripts. AtMHX transcript levels were almost unaltered in mutants of the NMD factors UPF3 and UPF1. Possible reasons, including the existence of a NMD‐compensatory mechanism, are discussed. Interestingly, the levels of UPF3 transcript were higher in upf1 mutants, suggesting a compensatory mechanism that links weak function of the NMD machinery to increased expression of UPF3. Our findings highlight that uORFs, which are abundant in plants, can not only inhibit translation but also strongly affect transcript accumulation.
Epidemiology and burden of disease from Japanese encephalitis in Cambodia: results from two years of sentinel surveillance
Authors: Touch Sok , Hills Susan , Sokhal Buth , Samnang Chham , Sovann Ly , Khieu Virak , Soeung Sann Chan , Toda Kohei , Robinson Jaimie , Grundy John 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjectives  To describe the results from two years of Japanese encephalitis (JE) sentinel surveillance in Cambodia.Methods  Sentinel site surveillance for JE in children aged 15 years and under was implemented in Cambodia in mid‐2006. It was integrated into the routine meningoencephalitis surveillance system. Six hospitals were selected as sentinel sites. Epidemiological information and diagnostic specimens were collected from each patient presenting with meningoencephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid and sera were tested for presence of immunoglobulin M antibodies against JE and dengue viruses by an ELISA. Surveillance data from 2006 to 2008 were analysed.Results  Of 586 patients presenting with meningoencephalitis, 110 (19%) were confirmed to have JE. The percentage of confirmed JE cases at individual sentinel sites ranged from 13% to 35% of all meningoencephalitis cases. Mean age was 6.2 years, with 95% of JE cases in children aged 12 years and under. Cases occurred year‐round in both 12‐month reporting periods.Conclusions  JE is an important cause of meningoencephalitis in Cambodian children. As JE is a vaccine‐preventable disease, an immunization programme could result in a considerable reduction in morbidity and mortality from JE among children in Cambodia.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridge to adult heart transplantation
Authors: Chung Jennifer Chia‐Ying , Tsai Pi‐Ru , Chou Nai‐Kuan , Chi Nai‐Hsin , Wang Shoei‐Shen , Ko Wen‐Je 
Published: September 2009

Chung JC, Tsai PR, Chou NK, Chi NH, Wang SS, Ko WJ. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridge to adult heart transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 375–380. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can rescue some critical patients with circulatory collapse when intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) and ventricular assist devices (VAD) are not suitable. A subset of these patients can use ECMO for direct bridging, or indirect double bridging via VAD to heart transplantation (HTx). For these patients, we identified risk factors for unsuccessful ECMO bridging, with survival to receiving either HTx or VAD as the measure of success. The characteristics evaluated were age, sex, body mass index, pre‐ECMO cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), IABP use, dialysis use, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and the etiology of cardiomyopathy. From January 1995 to August 2007, there were 70 adult ECMO patients with the intent to bridge to HTx (male: 55, age: 46 ± 14 yr). Thirty‐one patients (44%) were successful in bridging. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis found that age > 50 yr (p = 0.003), pre‐ECMO CPR (p = 0.001) and SOFA score > 10 at ECMO initiation (p = 0.018) were significant independent predictors of unsuccessful bridging. Direct VAD implantation, if possible, is preferable to double bridging in patients over 50 yr. Also, elective ECMO support before hemodynamic deterioration to cardiac arrest or multiple organ dysfunction would improve rates of successful ECMO bridging.
Recurrent selection for physiological resistance to white mould in dry bean
Authors: Terán H. , Singh S. P. 
Published: September 2009

With 1 figure and 5 tables AbstractWhite mould (WM) [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary] is a widespread disease of dry and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in North America and elsewhere. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of recurrent selection (RS) for pyramiding WM resistance from Andean, Middle American and inter‐specific breeding lines. Two double‐cross populations, Pop I = USPT‐WM‐1/CORNELL 601//USPT‐CBB‐1/92BG‐7 and Pop II = ‘Chase’/I 9365–25//ABL 15/A 195 were developed. Each double‐cross comprised 848 F1 plants for RS cycle one (C1). Twenty six WM‐resistant plants from each double‐cross were used to produce RS cycle two (C2). To measure the gain for WM resistance, 13 selected S2 families from each of C1 and C2 of each population and their four parents (C0) were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replicates in two greenhouse environments in 2008. Two separate inoculations on each plant one week apart using a cut‐stem method were made. The WM reaction was scored at 16, 23 and 33 days post inoculation (DPI) using a 1 (no disease symptoms) to 9 (severely diseased or dead plants) scale. The effects of environment were significant (P = 0.05), but replicate and population effects were not significant (P > 0.05). The RS was effective in changing the mean WM score of selected families from C0 to C1 and C2, but the gain between C1 and C2 was not significant in Pop I. The gain in WM resistance for Pop I was 12%. Selection gain in Pop II was 5%, but no significant differences in mean WM scores of C0, C1 and C2 were found. However, selected S2 families had WM scores similar to those of the best parent and selected families from Pop I. Thus, one cycle of RS applied to double‐cross populations was adequate for improving WM resistance in common bean.
Consulting parents on childhood obesity and implications for medical student learning
Authors: O'Keefe Maree , Coat Suzette 
Published: September 2009

Aim:  It is important that medical schools take some account of community expectations for health care when planning curricula. This is particularly important for emerging public health problems such as childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to explore parent attitudes to the role of the doctor in childhood obesity and implications for medical student learning.Methods:  The views of eight mothers and one father were explored through interview. Transcripts were analysed using an iterative process of theme identification and testing against transcript data. A range of recruitment strategies were used in an attempt to increase participant numbers.Results:  Participants believed doctors should support parent decisions about children's diet and life‐style and be prepared to ‘step‐in’ with a more active role when, in the parent's view, this was needed. Participants wanted doctors to provide advice on healthy nutrition, be proficient in child physical assessment and be able to communicate sensitively with both children and parents.Conclusion:  Although the parents who agreed to be interviewed expressed views demonstrating their commitment to preventing and reducing childhood obesity, many other parents declined the invitation to contribute. It may be that parent concern within the broader community that childhood obesity is a real and significant health risk does not reflect the level of concern of the medical profession. The most likely implications for the teaching of medical students are a need for more comprehensive teaching around healthy diet and activity for all children, improved recognition of overweight and obesity and ongoing communication skills development.
Cigarette smoking accelerates progression of renal failure in primary renal disease. A prospective study in parallel group design with matched groups
Authors: Schiffl Helmut , Lang Susanne M , Fischer Rainald , Bergner Albrecht 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYThere is substantial evidence for the adverse impact of smoking on deterioration of renal function in diabetic nephropathy but very little information is available concerning effects of smoking on the evolution of other renal diseases. In a prospective study in parallel group design with matched groups, 45 cigarette smoking patients (≥ 1 pack/day) with glomerular or tubulointerstitial lesions were compared with 45 non‐smoking patients matched for age, gender, cause and severity of renal disease as well as presence of hypertension. The monthly decline of creatinine clearance was significantly faster in smoking patients than in non‐smoking patients (follow‐up period 2 years) (1.25 mL/min vs 0.67 mL/min, P < 0.001). Smoking promoted progression of both glomerular and tubulointerstitial nephropathy. This effect occurred independently of changes in blood pressure, proteinuria or lipid concentration. The results of this investigation indicate that cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor not only for diabetic but also for non‐diabetic nephropathies.
PREDICTIVE VALUE OF ENDOSCOPY AND ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR REGRESSION OF GASTRIC DIFFUSE LARGE B‐CELL LYMPHOMAS AFTER HELICOBACTER PYLORI ERADICATION
Authors: Tari Akira , Asaoku Hideki , Kashiwado Kozo , Yoshino Tadashi , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Tanaka Shinji , Fujihara Megumu 
Published: September 2009

Background:  Some gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas have been reported to regress completely after the successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas without any detectable mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma that went into complete remission after successful H. pylori eradication.Patients and Methods:  We examined the effect of H. pylori eradication in 15 H. pylori‐positive gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients without any evidence of an associated MALT lymphoma (clinical stage I by the Lugano classification) by endoscopic examination including biopsies, endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and bone marrow aspiration.Results:  H. pylori eradication was successful in all the patients and complete remission was achieved in four patients whose clinical stage was I. By endoscopic examination, these gastric lesions appeared to be superficial. The depth by endoscopic ultrasonography was restricted to the mucosa in two patients and to the shallow portion of the submucosa in the other two patients. All four patients remained in complete remission for 7–100 months.Conclusion:  In gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas without a concomitant MALT lymphoma but associated with H. pylori infection, only superficial cases and lesions limited to the shallow portion of the submucosa regressed completely after successful H. pylori eradication. The endoscopic appearance and the rating of the depth of invasion by endosonography are both valuable for predicting the efficacy of H. pylori eradication in treating gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas.
PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY AND VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNTS: A DANGEROUS COMBINATION?
Authors: Cairns Alastair , Geraghty Joseph , Al‐Rifai Ahmed , Babbs Christopher 
Published: September 2009

Background:  We report the largest European series of patients in whom both ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEG) have been inserted with the aim of determining if this combination is safe or if there is an increased risk of VPS infection.Patients and Methods:  The paper and electronic records of 302 patients who had a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt inserted in the regional Neurosciences unit at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed.Results:  A total of 24 patients with VP shunts had 26 PEG inserted. Thirteen PEG were inserted in 11 patients with a pre‐existing VP shunt. The median age was 58 years (21–77 Yrs) with seven male and 17 female patients. In total, five patients developed a shunt infection (20.8%) compared to the overall rate of VP shunt infection for Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust of 7% (P = 0.017). The increase in number of VP shunt infections when the procedures were done more than 10 days apart (2/14) was not significant (P = 0.25).Conclusion:  In patients who need long‐term enteral feeding following a VP shunt insertion it may be prudent to delay insertion of a PEG for at least 10 days to reduce VPS infection. In stable patients who have had a VP shunt inserted on previous hospital admissions PEG insertion need not be avoided because of concern regarding cerebrospinal fluid or shunt infection.
Urinary nerve growth factor but not prostaglandin E2 increases in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and detrusor overactivity
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Tyagi Pradeep , Chancellor Michael B. , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Aetiology (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo compare urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels among patients with detrusor overactivity (DO), increased bladder sensation (ISB), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS) and controls.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSUrine samples were collected from 40 women with IC/BPS, 54 with overactive bladder (OAB) and 27 normal women as controls, all with a full bladder. Patients with OAB were further classified into subgroups of DO or IBS by urodynamic results. Urinary NGF and PGE2 levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Urinary NGF and PGE2 levels were normalized by urinary creatinine (Cr) levels and compared among all subgroups.RESULTSUrinary NGF levels were increased in the 40 women with IC/BPS and 23 with DO but not in 31 with IBS and the 27 controls. Mean (sd) urinary NGF/Cr levels were not significantly different between patients with IC/BPS, at 1.35 (0.36), and DO, at 1.93 (0.77). Urinary NGF/Cr levels were significantly higher in women with IC/BPS than in women with IBS, at 0.25 (0.10) (P = 0.01). Using receiver operating characteristic curves for assessing urinary NGF/Cr levels in patients with IC/BPS and IBS, IC/BPS was diagnosed with a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 65.5%, respectively, based on a urinary NGF/Cr threshold of 0.015. However, urinary PGE2/Cr levels were not significantly different among all subgroups.CONCLUSIONSUrinary NGF/Cr levels are elevated in women with IC/BPS or DO, but not in those with IBS. The differential diagnosis of women with IC/BPS from those with frequency‐urgency syndrome is possible based on urinary NGF/Cr levels but not urinary PGE2/Cr level.
Employment integration after therapeutic community treatment: a case study from Spain
Authors: López‐Goni José Javier , Fernández‐Montalvo Javier , Menéndez Juan Carlos , Yudego Fausto , García Angel Rico , Esarte Sonia 
Published: September 2009

López‐Goni JJ, Fernández‐Montalvo J, Menéndez JC, Yudego F, García AR, Esarte S. Employment integration after therapeutic community treatment: a case study from SpainInt J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: 292–297 © 2009 The Author(s), International Journal of Social Welfare © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.This article describes the employment evolution from pre‐ to post‐treatment of 112 patients in two therapeutic communities of Proyecto Hombre (Spain). Moreover, an analysis was made using the composite scores of the EuropASI in order to evaluate the secondary outcomes in work status, beyond drug consumption. The results show that nearly half of the patients (46 per cent of the sample) changed their employment status after treatment. Specifically, 78.6 per cent of the men (N= 77) and 64.3 per cent of the women (N= 9) were working after treatment; there were no statistically significant differences between them. Although the unemployment figures after treatment remained high, the residents were satisfied with their work integration. No statistically significant differences were observed between those who completed the treatment and those who did not. Implications of these results for further research and clinical practice are discussed.
Adnexal tumours of the skin as markers of cancer‐prone syndromes
Authors: Kanitakis J 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAdnexal tumours of the skin are benign, more rarely malignant, primary skin tumours that originate from, or differentiate towards, hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands. Although they are usually encountered as single, sporadic tumours, they may occasionally be multiple, hereditary; in that case, they may herald complex genetic syndromes that comprise visceral cancers. Dermatologists should be aware of these adnexal skin tumours, the diagnosis of which may contribute to an early detection of a cancer‐prone syndrome with a potentially lethal outcome. The main tumours falling into this category and their associated syndromes are reviewed here.
Paediatric psoriasis – narrowband UVB treatment
Authors: Zamberk P , Velázquez D , Campos M , Hernanz JM , Lázaro P 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNarrowband UV‐B is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of adult psoriasis. However, the use of this therapy has been limited in children due to its long‐term carcinogenic potential. It has proven to be an adequate alternative in patients whose condition is refractory to topical treatment.Aims  To evaluate the efficacy and short‐term safety of narrowband UV‐B in the treatment of paediatric psoriasis, and to compare our results with those obtained in other studies on paediatric psoriasis.Materials and methods  Over a period of 2 years and 4 months, we administered narrowband UV‐B to 20 children diagnosed with psoriasis that was refractory to topical therapy. The therapeutic response was measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).Results  Between August 2005 and December 2007, 20 children received narrowband UV‐B. Their median age was 13 years (range, 5–17 years), and the median initial PASI score was 8.25 (2.7–22.2). A median of 28 (10–59) sessions was required to achieve clearance, reaching almost complete or total remission (median final PASI) in all but two patients. Six patients required a new therapeutic course because of relapse, and the mean duration of remission was 8 months (4–18). No patients experienced severe adverse events during therapy, and only one discontinued treatment, for unrelated reasons.Discussion and conclusion  Narrowband UV‐B for the treatment of paediatric psoriasis has received little attention in the literature. This treatment has been limited in children because of its potential long‐term carcinogenic effects, and most information has been extrapolated from adults. Nevertheless, narrowband UV‐B phototherapy is an effective and well‐tolerated therapeutic alternative in paediatric patients with severe psoriasis.