bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term cognitive outcomes of extremely low‐birth‐weight infants: the influence of the maternal educational background
Authors: Voss W , Jungmann T , Wachtendorf M , Neubauer AP 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim:  The purpose of the present contribution is to analyse the relationships between perinatal risk factors, social parameters and neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely low‐birth‐weight (ELBW) children up to the age of 10–13 years.Methods:  Of 200 live‐born ELBW infants, 148 were enrolled in the high‐risk infant follow‐up programme. Each follow‐up visit included a neurodevelopmental examination and an interview with the infant’s parents. Multivariate analyses using SPSS (version 17.0, Chicago, IL, USA) were conducted, and a p‐value of <0.05 indicated a statistically significant result.Results:  The results of the logistic regression analysis of the biological and sociodemographic risk factors illustrated that a low maternal educational background is the most important factor (OR, 21.9) associated with a decreased composite intelligence quotient (IQ) in children between 10 and 13 years old. A Grade III or Grade IV intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) or periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) were also associated with decreased IQ at the age of 10–13 years (OR, 6.9). These results were confirmed by ANOVAs with repeated measurements.Conclusion:  Maternal educational background is the strongest predictor of long‐term neurodevelopment in ELBW children. The findings emphasize the need for special support and follow‐up care services for poorly educated parents.
Sprint exercise enhances skeletal muscle p70S6k phosphorylation and more so in women than in men
Authors: Esbjörnsson M. , Rundqvist H. C. , Mascher H. , Österlund T. , Rooyackers O. , Blomstrand E. , Jansson E. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim:Sprint exercise is characterized by repeated sessions of brief intermittent exercise at a high relative workload. However, little is known about the effect on mTOR pathway, an important link in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. An earlier training study showed a greater increase in muscle fibre cross‐sectional area in women than men. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the activation of mTOR signalling is more pronounced in women than in men. Healthy men (n = 9) and women (n = 8) performed three bouts of 30‐s sprint exercise with 20‐min rest in between.Methods:Multiple blood samples were collected over time, and muscle biopsy specimens were obtained at rest and 140 min after the last sprint.Results:Serum insulin increased by sprint exercise and more so in women than in men [gender (g) × time (t)]: P = 0.04. In skeletal muscle, phosphorylation of Akt increased by 50% (t, P = 0.001) and mTOR by 120% (t, P = 0.002) independent of gender. The elevation in p70S6k phosphorylation was larger in women (g × t, P = 0.03) and averaged 230% (P = 0.006) as compared to 60% in men (P = 0.04). Phosphorylation rpS6 increased by 660% over time independent of gender (t, P = 0.003). Increase in the phosphorylation of p70S6k was directly related to increase in serum insulin (r = 0.68, P = 0.004).Conclusion:It is concluded that repeated 30‐s all‐out bouts of sprint exercise separated by 20 min of rest increases Akt/mTOR signalling in skeletal muscle. Secondly, signalling downstream of mTOR was stronger in women than in men after sprint exercise indicated by the increased phosphorylation of p70S6k.
Genetic structure and rabies spread potential in raccoons: the role of landscape barriers and sex‐biased dispersal
Authors: Côté Héloïse , Garant Dany , Robert Karine , Mainguy Julien , Pelletier Fanie 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIdentifying natural barriers to movements of hosts associated with infectious diseases is essential for developing effective control strategies. Raccoon rabies variant (RRV) is a zoonosis of concern for humans because its main vector, the raccoon (Procyon lotor), is found near residential areas. In Québec, Canada, all cases of RRV found in raccoons since 2006 were detected on the eastern side of the Richelieu River, suggesting that this river acts as a barrier to gene flow and thus the potential for RRV to spread. The objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic structure of raccoon populations and assess the effect of the Richelieu River on the population structure in southern Québec, Canada. We also evaluated whether RRV spread potential differed between sex and at a larger spatial scale. Our analyses revealed a weak signal of genetic differentiation among individuals located on each side of the Richelieu River. At a larger spatial scale, genetic structuring was weak. Our results suggest that rivers might not always efficiently restrain raccoon movements and spread of RRV. We suggest that the difference in genetic structure found between sexes can be partly explained by male movements during the breeding season in winter, when ice bridges allow passage over most rivers in Québec.
Topical drug delivery to the eye: dorzolamide
Authors: Loftsson Thorsteinn , Jansook Phatsawee , Stefánsson Einar 
Published: January 2012

Abstract.Topically applied carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) in eye drop solutions are commonly used to treat glaucoma. However, local eye irritation and multiple daily administrations may hamper their clinical usefulness. Aqueous eye drop formulations that improve their topical bioavailability and reduce their eye irritation can improve their clinical efficacy. Earlier studies showed that dorzolamide and closely related CAIs are more effectively delivered into the eye from acidic eye drop solutions than from comparable neutral solutions. Consequently, dorzolamide was marketed as an aqueous pH 5.6 eye drop solution (Trusopt®, Merck). Later, it was shown that increasing the pH of the eye drops from pH 5.6 to physiologic pH significantly reduced their local irritation. Earlier attempts to use cyclodextrins (CDs) as ocular penetration enhancers in dorzolamide eye drop solutions failed since; although the CDs were able to enhance the aqueous solubility of dorzolamide, increasing the pH from 5.6 to physiologic pH reduced the ability of the drug to permeate into the eye. Later, it was discovered that formulating the drug as aqueous dorzolamide/γCD eye drop microparticle suspension resulted in significant bioavailability enhancement. The solid dorzolamide/γCD microparticles are mucoadhesive and release dorzolamide into the aqueous tear fluid for extended time period. Consequently, sustained high dorzolamide concentrations in aqueous humour and various eye tissues were observed after single administration of the aqueous dorzolamide/γCD eye drop microsuspension. The microsuspension has a potential of being developed into a once‐a‐day eye drop product. This article reviews the physicochemical properties of dorzolamide, its permeation characteristics and topical bioavailability.
FromL-series of elliptic curves to Mahler measures
Authors: Rogers Mathew , Zudilin Wadim 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe prove the conjectural relations between Mahler measures andL-values of elliptic curves of conductors 20 and 24. We also present new hypergeometric expressions forL-values of elliptic curves of conductors 27 and 36. Furthermore, we prove a new functional equation for the Mahler measure of the polynomial family (1+X) (1+Y)(X+Y)−αXY,α∈ℝ.
Oral ingestion of a topical benzydamine hydrochloride-containing gynaecological preparation in association with television advertising in Italy: analysis of cases managed by a National Poison Control Centre
Authors: Settimi Laura , Davanzo Franca , Lauria Laura , Casini Maria Luisa , Ferrazin Fernanda 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of a television advertising campaign on the risk of oral ingestion of a topical non-prescription gynaecological preparation containing benzydamine hydrochloride.DesignAn interrupted time series design with data routinely collected.SettingA National Poison Control Centre.Participants215 cases of hazardous exposure to the preparation under study occurred in Italy from January 2005 to December 2010.Primary and secondary outcome measuresMean daily rate of cases of exposure by gender in three different periods, that is,pre-advertisementperiod, before the advertisement was broadcast (from 1 January 2005 to 19 December 2009),advertisementperiod, when the advertisement was repeatedly launched (from 20 December 2009 to 27 February 2010),post-advertisement period(from 28 February 2010 to 6 March 2010); observed/expected ratios of cases, with expected cases based on data from thepre-advertisementperiod, adjusted for estimated variations in the number of users. Comparison of the distribution of the main characteristics of cases in the three different periods by means of Pearson's χ2test or Fisher's exact test.ResultsThe adjusted observed/expected ratio of cases in women was 7.48 (95% CI 5.76 to 9.56) in theadvertisementperiod and 2.97 (95% CI 2.24 to 3.85) in thepost-advertisement period. Regarding the characteristics of cases, there was an increased proportion of cases of exposure due to confusion about the correct administration route in theadvertisementandpost-advertisementperiods (81% and 55%, respectively, compared to 16% for thepre-advertisementperiod.) and of individuals with clinical effects (55%, 52% and 27%, respectively).ConclusionsIn Italy, an advertisement for a non-prescription medicine seems to have confused consumers regarding the administration route. This effect was observed even after the advertisement had stopped being broadcast. These results highlight the need for the monitoring of medication errors and adverse effects before, during and after advertising.
A cross-sectional study of breast cancer biomarkers among shift working nurses
Authors: Langley Annie R , Graham Charles H , Grundy Anne L , Tranmer Joan E , Richardson Harriet , Aronson Kristan J 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesIn 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified long-term shift work as a probable carcinogen, with the strongest evidence for breast cancer. One proposed mechanism involves night-time light exposure and decreases in melatonin, a circadian rhythmic hormone. It is hypothesised that melatonin influences patterns of sex hormone production that in turn influence breast cancer risk. This study sought to investigate the relationships of shift work history, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMTs-6, the primary melatonin metabolite) and sex hormone levels among shift working nurses.DesignThis is a cross-sectional biomarker study.Setting94 premenopausal nurses who work a full-time rotating shift schedule at one Ontario hospital were recruited for this study; 82 completed follow-up.Primary and secondary outcome measuresStudy participants provided morning void urine and fasting blood samples for the assessment of aMTs-6 and sex hormone (oestradiol, oestrone, progesterone, prolactin) levels, respectively. These data were collected at two time points (summer and winter) such that relationships between melatonin and sex hormones could be assessed with respect to two time frames of interest (acute and cross-seasonal).ResultsAn inverse relationship between aMTs-6 and oestradiol was suggested in the winter (β=−0.18, p=0.04), but this result was not statistically significant in multivariate modelling that adjusted for age, body mass index and menstrual cycle. Likewise, while oestradiol, oestrone and progesterone levels increased with greater years of shift work history (all p<0.05), these associations were attenuated after confounder adjustment.ConclusionsThese results do not support the proposed relationship between melatonin and sex hormone levels as biomarkers on the pathway of shift work and breast cancer but emphasise the importance of adjusting for confounders in modelling.
Protocol for a qualitative study exploring the roles of ‘Diffusion Fellows’ in bridging the research to practice gap in the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC-NDL)
Authors: Rowley Emma 
Published: January 2012

IntroductionEvidence produced by researchers is not comprehensibly used in practice. National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire's strategy for closing the research to practice gap relies on the use of ‘Diffusion Fellows’ (DFs). DFs are seconded from the local healthcare economy to act as champions for change, translating and disseminating knowledge from practice into the research studies and vice versa, taking the knowledge developed by academics back into their own practice environments. This paper outlines the rationale and design of a qualitative evaluation study of the DF role.Methods and analysisThe evaluation responds to the research question: what are the barriers and facilitators to DFs acting as knowledge brokers and boundary spanners? Interviews will be carried out annually with DFs, the research team they work with and their line managers in the employing organisations. Interviews with DFs will be supplemented with a creative mapping component, offering them the opportunity to construct a 3D model to creatively illustrate some of the barriers precluding them from successfully carrying out their role. This method is popular for problem solving and is valuable for both introducing an issue that might be difficult to initially verbalise and to reflect upon experiences.Ethics and disseminationDFs have an important role within the CLAHRC and are central to our implementation and knowledge mobilisation strategies. It is important to understand as much about their activities as possible in order for the CLAHRC to support the DFs in the most appropriate way. Dissemination will occur through presentations and publications in order that learning from the use of DFs can be shared as widely as possible. The study has received ethical approval from Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee and has all appropriate NHS governance clearances.
TLR-4 expression and decrease in chronic inflammation: indicators of aggressive follicular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Hagström Jaana , Heikkilä Annukka , Siironen Päivi , Louhimo Johanna , Heiskanen Ilkka , Mäenpää Hanna , Arola Johanna , Haglund Caj 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundWell-differentiated follicular thyroid carcinoma usually has a favourable prognosis and metastases are rare. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that take part in adaptive and innate immunity have, in many tumours, both apoptotic and antiapoptotic effects, making their role in tumourigenesis controversial. Chronic inflammation is involved in many cancers.AimsTo examine the clinical relevance of TLR-2, TLR-4, and CD45 in follicular thyroid neoplasias.MethodsThe authors studied the immunohistochemical expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 in 127 follicular thyroid neoplasms, both in adenomas and in carcinomas including oxyphilic tumours. Their degree of chronic inflammation was evaluated by a count of CD45-positive lymphocytes within and adjacent to the tumourous tissue.ResultsBoth high TLR-4 expression and lack of TLR-4 expression in carcinomas were associated with metastatic and aggressive disease. In oxyphilic tumours, both in adenomas and in carcinomas, TLR-4 expression was significantly stronger. TLR-2 expression was stronger in adenomas than in carcinomas but without any correlation with clinical variables. Degree of chronic inflammation outside the primary tumour was lower for metastasized carcinomas than for non-metastasised carcinomas.ConclusionsVarying expression of TLR-4 and lack of inflammation are indicators of aggressive disease among follicular thyroid cancer.
Transorbital direct puncture of the posterior cavernous sinus through the internal carotid artery for embolization of isolated cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Luo Chao-Bao , Teng Michael M H , Chang Feng-Chi , Guo Wan-Yuo , Chang Cheng-Yen 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundMost cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CSDAVFs) present with benign ocular symptoms; isolated CSDAVFs with aggressive behavior are extremely rare. The treatment goal is to occlude the fistula totally. However, transarterial or venous access may not be possible because of complex angioarchitecture.Case descriptionA woman in her late 70s presented with progressive respiratory failure and rapid deterioration of limb muscle power. Imaging studies showed an isolated CSDAVF with exclusive venous drainage to the deep venous system leading to venous hypertension as well as ischemic changes in the brain stem, left thalamus and basal ganglia. Transvascular access of the cavernous sinus (CS) failed. The fistula was eventually occluded by transorbital direct puncture of the posterior CS through the internal carotid artery (ICA) with coils delivered into the CS. The holes in the walls of the ICA created by the puncture needle were sealed by detachable coils and the patient was discharged with mild paresis.ConclusionAlthough more invasive than the transvascular route and possibly associated with the risk of loss of visual acuity and occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, transorbital direct puncture of the posterior CS through the ICA is an alternative and feasible method to treat isolated aggressive CSDAVFs when access by the transvascular route fails.
Imaging in pulmonary hypertension, part 1: clinical perspectives, classification, imaging techniques and imaging algorithm
Authors: McCann Caroline , Gopalan Deepa , Sheares Karen , Screaton Nicholas 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an uncommon condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It has diverse aetiology with differing clinical presentations, imaging features and treatments that range from surgical treatment of proximal chronic thromboembolic disease to targeted medical therapies in small vessel disease. Current classification of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is clinically based and groups diseases with similar pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Groupings include conditions characterised by diffuse small vessel diseases such as idiopathic PAH, PH secondary to chronic hypoxic lung disease, left sided cardiac disease, chronic large vessel obstruction such as chronic thromboembolic disease and a miscellaneous group of diseases. The physiological manifestation of all of these diseases is increased pulmonary vascular resistance and PAH and while clinical features may provide a clue to diagnosis imaging plays a fundamental role in establishing a precise diagnosis and therefore guides therapy. A broad range of imaging modalities is available for the patient with suspected PH including chest radiograph, echocardiography, ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy, catheter pulmonary angiography as well as cross-sectional CT and MRI. Each modality has its strengths and limitations and different techniques may be used at different stages of diagnostic investigation and frequently complement each other. For example, while MRI and echocardiography permit cardiac structural and functional assessment, CT pulmonary angiography provides exquisite morphological information about the proximal pulmonary vasculature and lung parenchyma but little functional information. Modern cross-sectional imaging techniques (CT and MRI) hold the promise of a comprehensive evaluation of the heart, circulation and lung parenchyma in PH. The authors present a multimodality-imaging algorithm for the investigation of patients with suspected PH though it is acknowledged that there is some variation in practice depending on availability of resources and expertise.
Tropical Cyclone Genesis Factors in Simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Korty Robert L. , Camargo Suzana J. , Galewsky Joseph 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Large-scale environmental factors that favor tropical cyclogenesis are calculated and examined in simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) from the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project Phase 2 (PMIP2). Despite universally colder conditions at the LGM, values of tropical cyclone potential intensity, which both serves as an upper bound on thermodynamically achievable intensity and indicates regions supportive of the deep convection required, are broadly similar in magnitude to those in preindustrial era control simulation. Some regions, including large areas of the central and western North Pacific, feature higher potential intensities at the LGM than they do in the control runs, while other regions including much of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are lower. Changes in potential intensity are strongly correlated with the degree of surface cooling during the LGM. Additionally, two thermodynamic parameters—one that measures midtropospheric entropy deficits relevant for tropical cyclogenesis and another related to the time required for genesis—are broadly more favorable in the LGM simulation than in the preindustrial era control. A genesis potential index yields higher values for the LGM in much of the western Pacific, a feature common to nearly all of the individual models examined.
Human Papillomavirus Outcomes in an Access‐to‐Care Laryngeal Cancer Cohort
Authors: Stephen Josena K. , Chen Kang Mei , Shah Veena , Havard Shaleta , Lu Mei , Schweitzer Vanessa P. , Gardner Glendon , Worsham Maria J. 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveHuman papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV16, is a causative agent for 25% of head and neck squamous cell cancer, including laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC). HPV‐positive (HPV+ve) patients, particularly those with oropharyngeal SCC, have improved prognosis. For LSCC patients, this remains to be established. The goal was to determine stage and survival outcomes in LSCC in the context of HPV infection.Study DesignHistorical cohort study.SettingPrimary care academic health system.Subjects and MethodsIn 79 patients with primary LSCC, HPV was determined using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. χ2 or Fisher exact test was used to test the association of HPV+ve with 21 risk factors including race, stage, gender, age, smoking, alcohol, treatment, and health insurance. Kaplan‐Meier and log‐rank tests were used to study the association of HPV and LSCC survival outcome.ResultsHPV16 was detected in 27% of LSCC patients. Caucasian American (CA) patients had higher HPV prevalence (33%) than did African American (AA) LSCC patients (16%; P =. 058). HPV was significantly associated with gender (P =. 016) and insurance type (P =. 001). There were no differences in survival between HPV+ve and HPV‐negative (HPV‐ve) patients. There was no association with HPV and other risk factors including stage (early vs late).ConclusionWe found a high prevalence of HPV in men and a lower prevalence of HPV infection in AA compared with CA. Despite the strikingly better survival of patients with HPV+ve oropharyngeal tumors, even when adjusted for smoking, this correlation does not seem to hold true in the larynx. Larger multiethnic LSCC cohorts are needed to more clearly delineate HPV‐related survival across ethnicities.