bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Submarine slope failure primed and triggered by silica and its diagenesis
Authors: Davies Richard J. , Clark Ian R. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThree‐dimensional seismic analysis of a submarine palaeo‐translational slope failure on the northeast Atlantic margin indicates that it was ‘primed’ and probably ‘triggered’ as a result of diagenesis at a silica chemical reaction front, where biogenic silica (opal A) is being converted to opal CT (Cristobalite/Tridymite). Conversion of opal A to opal CT is a thermochemical dehydration reaction that causes rapid compaction. It therefore is a potential overpressure generation mechanism, usually once sediment has been buried to depths of 300–800 m below the contemporaneous seabed. The overpressure reduces the sediment shear strength, making it susceptible to failure. In this example, the translated succession (volume of 25 km3 and area of 110 km2) was coherent and rigid but the detachment unit was a liquified sediment mass. After failure, the translated succession broke up into a series of faulted‐bounded blocks, which differentially subsided into this underlying sediment‐fluid mass. Sediment‐fluid intrusions utilized the faults bounding the blocks, intruding 200–400 m of the overburden stratigraphy to expel a fluid–sediment mix into the water column and onto the palaeoseabed. Pore pressure decreased and sediment strength within the detachment unit was re‐established. Key factors for the initiation of this failure mechanism are (a) the rate of the reaction front advancement (ROFA), (b) the magnitude of the porosity reduction at the reaction front, (c) the sealing capabilities of the overburden and (d) the low shear strength of opal A. Given that the reaction front normally forms at depths of 300–800 m, the mechanism is more likely to induce deep and therefore large volume detachments, which should be more common in high latitude and equatorial regions where biogenic silica production is high.
announcement: Non‐malignant haematology research in the UK: looking forward to new opportunities
Authors: Collins P. W. , Baglin T. P. , Dang R. , Evans G. , Greaves M. , Laffan M. , Pasi K. J. , Rose P. , Stanworth S. , Toh C. H. , Gower J. ,   on behalf of the UK Non‐Malignant Haematology Speciality Group
Published: September 2010

SummaryOver the last few years there has been rapid and radical change in the way clinical research in the UK is funded and supported within the NHS. This has resulted from restructuring and major new investment in research infrastructure, co‐ordinated through Clinical Local Research Networks (CLRNs) and equivalent organisations in the devolved nations. CLRNs have resources to support local researchers undertake studies that have been adopted on to the national research portfolio. For example, CLRNs can help with gaining local approvals or provide research nurses to recruit patients, undertake study procedures and perform data entry. CLRNs can establish Local Speciality Groups in a number of areas of medicine, including non‐malignant haematology. These new networks offer non‐malignant haematology access to significant new resources and a major opportunity to support clinical research for the benefit of our patients.
Changes In the Dna Labelling Index After β Irradiation of the Mouse Epidermis
Authors: Hansen L. S. , Coggle J. E. , Wells J. , Charles M. W. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis study looked at the changes in the interfollicular DNA labelling index (LI) with time after strontium‐90/yttrium‐90 β irradiation of approximately 100 mm2 of mouse flank skin, after a dose of 100 Gy which produces transitory moist desquamation. Within 24 hr of such a dose the LI of the irradiated area was essentionally zero (0.07 ± 0.03%), whilst those of the side area and of the control area were 15.0 ± 2.6% and 21.4 ± 2.7%, respectively. the LI of the side and the control areas then fell within 3–5 days to approximately 4% and approximately 2% respectively, whilst that of the irradiated area rose rapidly to a peak value of 30.2 ± 1.7% at 10 days post‐irradiation. There was a 20% reduction in the diameter of the area with detectable radiation damage within 5 days, and this is primarily due to cell proliferation and migration from the unirradiated margins of the field. In contrast, between days 10 and 20 the major source of repopulation is probably derived from local migration and proliferation of surviving hair follicle basal cells within the irradiated field.
Differential Calcium Requirements For Growth of Mouse Skin Epithelial and Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Kulesz‐Martin M. F. , Fabian D. , Bertram J. S. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractConcentrations of extracellular Ca++ optimum for growth of cell types of mesodermal origin have been reported to be up to 100‐fold higher than concentrations optimal for epidermal or other epithelial lining cells. In order to examine Ca++ requirements of epithelial v. fibroblastic cells derived from a common tissue source, prior to prolonged culture, freshly isolated mouse epidermal keratinocytes, hair follicle cells and dermal fibroblasts were plated at high density or at clonal density in medium ranging from 0.014 to 1.4 mM Ca++. Epithelial skin cells grew best at Ca++ levels below 0.1 mM while dermal fibroblasts grew best at a Ca++ concentration of 1.4 mM. the epithelial cell types exhibited marked morphologic changes in response to Ca++, while the fibroblasts did not. These results suggest that the variations in Ca++ response between lining epithelium and mesenchymal cells resulted from inherent differences in these cell types, but a mechanism for such differential effects has not yet been defined.
Melatonin and vitamin C administration ameliorate diazepam‐induced oxidative stress and cell proliferation in the liver of rats
Authors: El‐Sokkary G. H. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Objective: Oxidative stress is a likely molecular mechanism in long‐term diazepam administration. The benefits of antioxidants (melatonin and vitamin C) against diazepam‐induced cell proliferation, DNA synthesis and oxidative damage were investigated in this study.Materials & methods: Four equal‐sized groups of male rats [control, diazepam (3 mg/kg), diazepam plus melatonin (5 mg/kg) and diazepam plus vitamin C (50 mg/kg)] were used. Levels of lipid peroxides (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) concentration were measured in tissue homogenates. Cell proliferation and rate of DNA synthesis were detected by autoradiography.Results: Results documented increased labelling index,3H‐thymidine incorporation (DNA synthesis), LPO plus decrease in GSH levels and SOD activity in livers of diazepam‐administered rats versus those of controls. When melatonin and vitamin C were given to diazepam‐administered rats, they almost attenuated the increase of labelling index, DNA synthesis and LPO, and restored the levels of GSH and SOD activity.Conclusion: These results suggest long‐term hazard in use of drugs such as diazepam; they may be toxic and damage terminates in complex liver damage. Furthermore, melatonin and vitamin C may be useful in combating free radical‐induced liver injury resulting from hazard and/or repeated diazepam administration.
Inhibition of transient receptor potential canonical channels impairs cytokinesis in human malignant gliomas
Authors: Bomben V. C. , Sontheimer H. W. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  Objectives: Glial‐derived primary brain tumours, gliomas, are among the fastest growing malignancies and present a huge clinical challenge. Research suggests an important, yet poorly understood, role of ion channels in growth control of normal and malignant cells. In this study, we sought to functionally characterize Transient Receptor Potential Canoncial (TRPC) channels in glioma cell proliferation. TRPC channels form non‐selective cation channels that have been suggested to represent a Ca2+ influx pathway impacting cellular growth. Materials and Methods: Employing a combination of molecular, biochemical and biophysical techniques, we characterized TRPC channels in glioma cells. Results: We showed consistent expression of four channel family members (TRPC‐1, ‐3, ‐5, ‐6) in glioma cell lines and acute patient‐derived tissues. These channels gave rise to small, non‐voltage‐dependent cation currents that were blocked by the TRPC inhibitors GdCl3, 2‐APB, or SKF96365. Importantly, TRPC channels contributed to the resting conductance of glioma cells and their acute pharmacological inhibition caused an ~10 mV hyperpolarization of the cells’ resting potential. Additionally, chronic application of the TRPC inhibitor SKF96365 caused near complete growth arrest. A detailed analysis, by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and time‐lapse microscopy, showed that growth inhibition occurred at the G2+ M phase of the cell cycle with cytokinesis defects. Cells underwent incomplete cell divisions and became multinucleate, enlarged cells. Conclusions: Nuclear atypia and enlarged cells are histopathological hallmarks for glioblastoma multiforme, the highest grade glioma, suggesting that a defect in TRPC channel function may contribute to cellular abnormalities in these tumours.
Source of cell injected is a critical factors for short and long engraftment in xeno‐transplantation
Authors: Noia G. , Ligato M. S. , Cesari E. , Visconti D. , Fortunato G. , Tintoni M. , Mappa I. , Greco C. , Caristo M. E. , Bonanno G. , Corallo M. , Minafra L. , Perillo A. , Terzano M. , Rutella S. , Leone G. , Scambia G. , Michejda M. , Mancuso S. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract. This study aims to investigate engraftment of human cord blood and foetal bone marrow stem cells after in utero transplantation via the intracoelomic route in the sheep. Here, we performed transplantation in 14 single and 1 twin sheep foetuses at 40–47 days of development, using a novel schedule for injection. (i) Single injection of CD34+ human cord blood stem cells via the coelomic route (from 10 to 50 × 104) in seven single foetuses. (ii) Single injection of CD34+ foetal bone marrow stem cells via the intracoelomic route with further numbers of cells (20 × 105 and 8 × 105, respectively) in three single and in one twin foetuses. (iii) Double fractioned injection (20–30 × 106) via the coelomic route and 20 × 106 postnatally, intravenously, shortly after birth of CD3‐depleted cord blood stem cells in four single foetuses. In the first group, three single foetuses showed human/sheep chimaerism at 1, 8 and 14 months after birth. In the second group, the twin foetuses showed human/sheep chimaerism at 1 month after birth. In the third group, only two out of four single foetuses that underwent transplantation showed chimaerism at 1 month. While foetal bone marrow stem cells showed good short‐term engraftment (1 month after birth), cord blood stem cells were able to persist longer in the ovine recipients (at 1, 8 and 14 months after birth).
Long‐term clinical results of autologous infusion of mobilized adult bone marrow derived CD34+ cells in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Levičar N. , Pai M. , Habib N. A. , Tait P. , Jiao L. R. , Marley S. B. , Davis J. , Dazzi F. , Smadja C. , Jensen S. L. , Nicholls J. P. , Apperley J. F. , Gordon M. Y. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  Evidence is growing in support of the role of stem cells as an attractive alternative in treatment of liver diseases. Recently, we have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of infusing CD34+ adult stem cells; this was performed on five patients with chronic liver disease. Here, we present the results of long‐term follow‐up of these patients. Between 1 × 106 and 2 × 108 CD34+ cells were isolated and injected into the portal vein or hepatic artery. The patients were monitored for side effects, toxicity and changes in clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters; they were followed up for 12–18 months. All patients tolerated the treatment protocol well without any complications or side effects related to the procedure, also there were no side effects noted on long‐term follow‐up. Four patients showed an initial improvement in serum bilirubin level, which was maintained for up to 6 months. There was marginal increase in serum bilirubin in three of the patients at 12 months, while the fourth patient's serum bilirubin increased only at 18 months post‐infusion. Computed tomography scan and serum α‐foetoprotein monitoring showed absence of focal lesions. The study indicated that the stem cell product used was safe in the short and over long term, by absence of tumour formation. The investigation also illustrated that the beneficial effect seemed to last for around 12 months. This trial shows that stem cell therapy may have potential as a possible future therapeutic protocol in liver regeneration.
Do we care? Adult mental health professionals' attitudes towards supporting service users' children
Authors: Slack Karin , Webber Martin 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe impact of parental mental health is well known, but children's very existence may fail to be recognized by adult mental‐health services. This study aimed to explore attitudes of mental‐health professionals in one outer London borough regarding support needs of mental‐health service users' children to highlight potential barriers to identifying or meeting their support needs. All statutory mental‐health teams in the borough participated in a cross‐sectional survey. The response rate was 62.8% (n = 94) out of 150. The sample consisted of a diverse range of professionals from both inpatient and community settings. The main finding was that practitioners were overwhelmingly in favour of supporting children. However, attitudes and practices were significantly associated with profession, setting and whether the respondent was a care coordinator. Demographic characteristics or experience was not associated with attitudes. Perceived barriers to supporting children are highlighted. In particular, the mental‐health professionals in our sample considered supporting children important but did not necessarily consider it their role to do so. Training is required to raise awareness about this issue.
Strengthening the parent–child relationship: a review of family interventions and their use in medical settings
Authors: Johnson G. , Kent G. , Leather J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe quality of family functioning is important for both psychological well‐being and physical health. This review describes family interventions that aim to improve the strength of the parent–child relationship and considers ways in which these approaches can be applied to physical health care. This review first describes the development of family therapy in dealing with children's behavioural and emotional difficulties. As shown in psychotherapeutic settings, parenting skills can affect children's emotional well‐being and ability to control their own conduct. Intervention strategies that focus on developing the ability of parents to provide a benign and nurturing parenting style are considered. The review then considers how the principles of family therapy can be applied to settings where physical health is the central issue. In medical settings, families are not only affected by medical interventions but they can also serve to facilitate or hinder clinical effectiveness. Illustrations of how these interventions can be applied in medical settings are provided. Although a practising clinician will need training in using family therapy techniques, it may be possible to recruit a family therapist to help in particular cases.
One month after diagnosis: quality of life, coping and previous functioning in siblings of children with cancer1
Authors: Houtzager B. A. , Grootenhuis M. A. , Hoekstra‐Weebers J. E. H. M. , Last B. F. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground  The aim of the present study is to describe the quality of life (QoL) of siblings of children with cancer and to predict it according to their health before the diagnosis of cancer in the ill child and their ways of coping with the illness.Methods  Participants were 83 siblings from 56 families – 46 girls and 37 boys, aged 7–18. The assessment took place 1 month to 8 weeks after the diagnosis of cancer in the ill child. The siblings’ QoL was assessed with the TNO‐AZL children's quality of life questionnaire (TACQOL). Coping strategies were assessed with the Cognitive Coping Strategies Scale for siblings (CCSS‐s). Physical problems and eating and sleeping problems that existed before the ill child was diagnosed were determined in a structured interview with the parents.Results  A substantial number of siblings reported impaired cognitive and emotional QoL compared to the reference group. School‐aged siblings (7–11 years) reported more trouble with motor functioning than peers. The coping strategy ‘predictive control’ (maintaining positive expectations regarding the illness) positively predicted siblings’ QoL. The presence of health problems before diagnosis was negatively associated with siblings’ QoL. Older siblings reported more negative emotions, while girls reported lower social QoL and reliance on ‘interpretative control’ (trying to understand the illness) was associated with fewer positive emotions.Conclusions  During the first 2 months after the diagnosis of cancer in a brother or sister, siblings have relatively lower QoL than peers. Health problems that existed before diagnosis may be a predictor of later adjustment problems. Positive expectations about the course of the illness appear to protect siblings from distress. Information about the illness is a delicate issue that requires parental guidance.
The relationship between maternal self‐efficacy and parenting practices: implications for parent training
Authors: Sanders M. R. , Woolley M. L. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe present study examined the relationship between maternal self‐efficacy, dysfunctional discipline practices and child conduct problems. Specifically, three levels of self‐efficacy, global, domain and task‐specific self‐efficacy, were assessed in mothers of 2‐ to 8‐year‐old children with conduct problems (clinic group, n = 45) and non‐clinic mothers from the community (non‐clinic group, n = 79). Measures of global, domain and task‐specific self‐efficacy were completed by mothers. Clinic mothers reported significantly lower self‐efficacy than non‐clinic mothers for all but one of the parenting tasks assessed. Both groups of mothers reported lowest self‐efficacy for similar parenting tasks. In the sample as a whole self‐efficacy measures were significant predictors of maternal discipline style after controlling for other parent, child and risk factors. Of the self‐efficacy variables behavioural self‐efficacy was the best predictor of mothers discipline style. The findings support the importance of developing parenting strategies that enable parents to generalize their parenting skills to a diverse range of diverse parenting contexts both in the home and in the community.
The impact of childhood chronic neurological diseases on Greek families
Authors: Tzoufi M. , Mantas Ch. , Pappa S. , Kateri M , Hyphantis T. , Pavlou M. , Mavreas V. , Siamopoulou‐Mavridou A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground  Although the impact of childhood chronic neurological diseases (CND) on patients’ psychological well‐being has been increasingly addressed, little attention has been given to the influence of these conditions on family members and family functioning. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the family characteristics of Greek children suffering from CND.Methods  A total of 52 parents of children with CND were studied by using the Family Environmental Scale (FES), the Family Burden Scale, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28) and a questionnaire on the knowledge of their children's illness, their coping strategies and their satisfaction with our services. During the same period, 30 parents of hospitalized children for common paediatric illnesses completed the FES. In both groups social and demographic features were registered. Appropriate statistical processes were applied to compare the above‐mentioned family groups and to study the differences between the families of children with epilepsy (n = 37) and the families of children with other CND (n = 15).Results  Parents of children with CND discuss their problems less freely, talk less openly around home, score highly on FES subscale of Conflict and, pay more attention to ethical and religious issues and values. Furthermore, the families of children with other CND were more burdened regarding the financial state and the health status of other family members in comparison with families of children with epilepsy. In addition, families of children with epilepsy were more involved in social and recreational activities, appeared to be more knowledgeable on the availability of help in critical conditions and were more satisfied with rendered medical services, in comparison with families of children with other CND.Conclusion  These preliminary findings provide important information concerning the special characteristics of Greek families of children suffering from CND, which may prove especially helpful in organizing specific support services.
Motor skills in adolescents with low birthweight
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: September 2010

Background  Minor motor problems have been reported in low birthweight children, but few studies have assessed motor skills in adolescents.Objective  To examine the prevalence of motor problems in adolescents with low birthweight.Methods  Fifty‐four very low birthweight (VLBW: birth weight ≤1500 g), 59 term small for gestational age (SGA: birthweight <10th centile), and 83 control (birthweight ≥10th centile at term) children were assessed with the movement assessment battery for children (Movement ABC) at the age of 14 in a population‐based study.Results  One in four VLBW children [odds ratio (OR) 9.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5–34.5] and one in six SGA children (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.2–18.4) had motor problems compared with controls (3.7%). There were no sex differences in motor problems in the VLBW group, and the increased risk was consistent across the continuum of the Movement ABC. For SGA children, the increased risk of motor problems was particularly in manual dexterity in boys.Conclusion  VLBW and SGA adolescents have increased risk of motor problems compared with control children.
Open‐label use of placebos in the treatment of ADHD: a pilot study
Authors: Sandler A. D. , Bodfish J. W. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground This study examined short‐term efficacy, side effects and acceptability of a placebo treatment procedure designed to maintain children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on 50% of their usual stimulant dose.Methods An open‐label prospective crossover trial was conducted in 26 children with ADHD, ages 7–15 years, stable on stimulant therapy, followed at a community‐based developmental paediatrics ADHD clinic. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two orders of experimental conditions: (1) baseline (100%) dose (1 week), then 50% dose (1 week), then 50% dose + placebo (1 week), or (2) baseline (100%), then 50% dose + placebo, then 50% dose. The inert nature of the placebo was fully disclosed to parent and child. Treatment was open‐label for child, parents and physician, but single blind for teachers. Main outcome measures included weekly IOWA Conners parent and teacher rating scales, the Pittsburgh side effects rating scale (PSERS) and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale.Results Parent IOWA showed ADHD behaviour tended to remain the same when the dose of stimulant medication was reduced with placebo but to deteriorate when the dose was reduced without placebo. There were no significant differences between conditions on the Teacher IOWA. PSERS scores were higher at baseline than on 50% dose. On the CGI, there was a significant difference (P = 0.004) between the 50% dose and the 50% + placebo conditions. Individual subject analysis showed that eight subjects met criteria for responder.Conclusions Results indicate that the open‐label placebo treatment was acceptable and efficacious in the short term for some children.