bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Body Mass Index on Outcome of Pediatric Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Delgado‐Borrego Aymin , Healey David , Negre Betania , Christofi Marielle , Sabharwal Sabina , Ludwig David A , Chung Raymond T , Jonas Maureen M 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:Evidence demonstrates that obesity is associated with progression of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and poor response to interferon therapy among HCV‐infected adults. However, this evidence has been confounded by multiple comorbidities present in adult cohorts and the use of single adult doses.Patients and Methods:We performed a retrospective investigation to evaluate the role of body mass index (BMI) in chronic HCV progression and response to therapy in the children. One hundred twenty‐three children and teenagers studied at Children's Hospital Boston for HCV infection between 1998 and 2007 were included. Patients' weight and height at the time of liver biopsy or before and after HCV therapy were obtained and BMI was calculated.Results:The presence of steatosis was statistically associated with higher mean (±SE) BMI percentiles (72nd ± 5.8 vs 58th ± 3.5) percentile; F(1,101) = 4.2,P= 0.04. Nonresponders to treatment had a higher mean (±SE) BMI percentile (70th ± 7.4) when compared with responders (50th ± 6.5) in univariate and multivariate analyses (P= 0.04,P= 0.02, respectively). Using a multivariate model, it was calculated that 1 standard deviation (1z‐score unit) increase in baseline BMIzscore is associated with a 12% decrease in the probability of sustained virologic response.Conclusions:Overweight adversely affects the progression of chronic HCV liver disease and is associated with diminished response to antiviral therapy using weight‐based dosing in a cohort with minimal comorbidities.
MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 and Their Tissue Inhibitor in Preterm Human Milk
Authors: Lubetzky Ronit , Mandel Dror , Mimouni Francis B , Herman Lea , Reich Reuven , Reif Shimon 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of endopeptidases that play a key role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The natural inhibitors of MMPs are the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). It has been shown that several MMPs may be major factors in tissue destruction and remodeling in necrotizing enterocolitis. We designed the present prospective observational study to determine whether specific MMPs activity and expression of their inhibitors are similar in the milk fed to preterm and term infants.Methods:We compared specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) and 1 MMP inhibitor (TIMP‐1) activities or expression in human milk (HM) fed to 18 preterm infants and 13 full‐term infants, obtained at 72 hours and 1 and 2 weeks postpartum.Results:MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activities were similar in both groups and did not vary over time. TIMP‐1 was significantly higher in preterm HM. TIMP‐1 expression increased significantly over time exclusively in the preterm group.Conclusions:There are differences in the expression of TIMP‐1 between colostrum and mature milk in preterm HM and differences in the expression of TIMP‐1 between preterm and term milk.
Assessment of Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis by Aspartate Aminotransferase‐to‐Platelet Ratio Index in Children With Biliary Atresia
Authors: Kim Sang Yong , Seok Jae Yeon , Han Seok Joo , Koh Hong 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTBackground:In patients with biliary atresia (BA), liver fibrosis and cirrhosis commonly occur even after Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy. Although liver biopsy is the gold standard to evaluate liver fibrosis, it is invasive and may result in life‐threatening complications. The aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) is a safe and simple method to assess liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases. To use APRI as a postoperative follow‐up tool, we validated the diagnostic power of APRI for the degree of liver fibrosis in postoperative patients with BA.Patients and Methods:Patients with newly diagnosed BA who underwent the Kasai procedure between March 2006 and May 2009 were analyzed. Several laboratory tests including APRI were performed. Liver wedge biopsy specimens were obtained during the surgical procedure, and histopathologic analyses were performed using the Metavir classification.Results:Thirty‐five patients (12 boys, median age of 1.9 months) were enrolled. Metavir scores were F1 in 0, F2 in 11, F3 in 11, and F4 in 13 patients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves for F ≥ 3 and F = 4 were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively. Distinct optimal cutoff values of APRI for F ≥ 3 and F = 4 were obtained (1.01 and 1.41, respectively). Clinical outcomes of patients were significantly different between 2 groups (noncirrhosis vs cirrhosis) based on APRI before and 3 months after the Kasai procedure.Conclusion:APRI may be used as a simple and readily available tool for assessing liver fibrosis without additional risks in patients with BA during postoperative follow‐up care.
Familial Resemblance of Bone Mineral Density in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Schmidt Susanne , Mellström Dan , Norjavaara Ensio , Sundh Valter , Saalman Robert 
Published: June 2010

Background and Aim:Low bone mineral density (BMD) has recently been recognized as a potential health problem in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our aim was to investigate the familial resemblance of BMD in pediatric patients with IBD.Patients and Methods:In this population‐based study from western Sweden, we assessed 144 children with IBD, 83 with ulcerative colitis, 45 with Crohn disease, 16 with indeterminate colitis, and their parents (136 mothers and 130 fathers) with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). After adjustment for sex, age, weight, height, and parental IBD, we correlated the BMD of the patients to the BMD of their mothers, fathers, and the midparent value ([mother's BMD + father's BMD]/2) at different skeletal sites and calculated the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) to evaluate the extent of familial resemblance.Results:The BMD of the children with IBD was clearly related to the BMD of their parents. The strongest correlation was found in the femoral neck with r = 0.55 (P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.41–0.66) between BMD of the children and the midparent value. The group of children with IBD had an odds ratio of 5.96 for decreased BMD (lumbar spine z score < −1 standard deviation) given that decreased BMD was diagnosed in both parents.Conclusions:We conclude that BMD in children and adolescents with IBD is significantly related to that of their parents. In a clinical setting, it may be helpful to assess the parents of children with IBD with DEXA to interpret the children's DEXA measurements.
Safety and Efficacy of a Lipid Emulsion Containing a Mixture of Soybean Oil, Medium‐chain Triglycerides, Olive Oil, and Fish Oil: A Randomised, Double‐blind Clinical Trial in Premature Infants Requiring Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Tomsits Erika , Pataki Margit , Tölgyesi Andrea , Fekete György , Rischak Katalin , Szollár Lajos 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTObjectives:Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a novel lipid emulsion containing a mixture of soybean oil, medium‐chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil (SMOFlipid 20%) with reduced n‐6 fatty acids (FA), increased monounsaturated and n‐3 FA, and enriched in vitamin E were evaluated in premature infants compared with a soybean oil–based emulsion.Patients and Methods:Sixty (30/30) premature neonates (age 3–7 days, gestational age ≤34 weeks, birth weights 1000–2500 g) received parenteral nutrition (PN) with either SMOFlipid 20% (study group) or a conventional lipid emulsion (Intralipid 20%, control group) for a minimum of 7 up to 14 days. Lipid supply started at 0.5 g · kg body weight−1 · day−1 on day 1 and increased stepwise (by 0.5 g) up to 2 g · kg body weight−1 · day−1 on days 4 to 14. Safety and efficacy parameters were assessed on days 0, 8, and 15 if PN was continued.Results:Adverse events, serum triglycerides, vital signs, local tolerance, and clinical laboratory did not show noticeable group differences, confirming the safety of study treatment. At study end, γ‐glutamyl transferase was lower in the study versus the control group (107.8 ± 81.7 vs 188.8 ± 176.7 IU/L, P < 0.05). The relative increase in body weight (day 8 vs baseline) was 5.0% ± 6.5% versus 5.1% ± 6.6% (study vs control, not significant). In the study group, an increase in n‐3 FA in red blood cell phospholipids and n‐3:n‐6 FA ratio was observed. Plasma α‐tocopherol (study vs control) was increased versus baseline on day 8 (26.35 ± 10.03 vs 3.67 ± 8.06 μmol/L, P < 0.05) and at study termination (26.97 ± 18.32 vs 8.73 ± 11.41 μmol/L, P < 0.05).Conclusions:Parenteral infusion of SMOFlipid was safe and well tolerated and showed a potential beneficial influence on cholestasis, n‐3 FA, and vitamin E status in premature infants requiring PN.
Arabidopsis Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier Paralogs Have Distinct Functions in Development and Defense
Authors: van den Burg Harrold A. , Kini Ramachandra K. , Schuurink Robert C. , Takken Frank L.W. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Posttranslational modifications allow dynamic and reversible changes to protein function. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a small gene family encodes paralogs of the small ubiquitin-like posttranslational modifier. We studied the function of these paralogs. Single mutants of the SUM1 and SUM2 paralogs do not exhibit a clear phenotype. However, the corresponding double knockdown mutant revealed that SUM1 and SUM2 are essential for plant development, floral transition, and suppression of salicylic acid (SA)–dependent defense responses. The SUM1 and SUM2 genes are constitutively expressed, but their spatial expression patterns do not overlap. Tight transcriptional regulation of these two SUM genes appears to be important, as overexpression of either wild-type or conjugation-deficient mutants resulted in activation of SA-dependent defense responses, as did the sum1 sum2 knockdown mutant. Interestingly, expression of the paralog SUM3 is strongly and widely induced by SA and by the defense elicitor Flg22, whereas its expression is otherwise low and restricted to a few specific cell types. Loss of SUM3 does not result in an aberrant developmental phenotype except for late flowering, while SUM3 overexpression causes early flowering and activates plant defense. Apparently, SUM3 promotes plant defense downstream of SA, while SUM1 and SUM2 together prevent SA accumulation in noninfected plants.
Internalization of Flax Rust Avirulence Proteins into Flax and Tobacco Cells Can Occur in the Absence of the Pathogen
Authors: Rafiqi Maryam , Gan Pamela H.P. , Ravensdale Michael , Lawrence Gregory J. , Ellis Jeffrey G. , Jones David A. , Hardham Adrienne R. , Dodds Peter N. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Translocation of pathogen effector proteins into the host cell cytoplasm is a key determinant for the pathogenicity of many bacterial and oomycete plant pathogens. A number of secreted fungal avirulence (Avr) proteins are also inferred to be delivered into host cells, based on their intracellular recognition by host resistance proteins, including those of flax rust (Melampsora lini). Here, we show by immunolocalization that the flax rust AvrM protein is secreted from haustoria during infection and accumulates in the haustorial wall. Five days after inoculation, the AvrM protein was also detected within the cytoplasm of a proportion of plant cells containing haustoria, confirming its delivery into host cells during infection. Transient expression of secreted AvrL567 and AvrM proteins fused to cerulean fluorescent protein in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and flax cells resulted in intracellular accumulation of the fusion proteins. The rust Avr protein signal peptides were functional in plants and efficiently directed fused cerulean into the secretory pathway. Thus, these secreted effectors are internalized into the plant cell cytosol in the absence of the pathogen, suggesting that they do not require a pathogen-encoded transport mechanism. Uptake of these proteins is dependent on signals in their N-terminal regions, but the primary sequence features of these uptake regions are not conserved between different rust effectors.
Corporate social responsibility: a strategic issue or a wasteful distraction?
Authors: Holme Charles 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a rigorous practitioner review of the concept of CSR. The paper presents a comprehensive and sometimes challenging overview of the subject. It is about the practice and ethics of a topic of current interest.Design/methodology/approachTaking a representative selection of recently published papers, the article explores the concept. Questions are raised about whether CSR is just corporate window dressing – or greenwash. Can it be a tool for business development? Is CSR for organizations big and small? Does it apply to government and NGOs or is it only for commercial businesses? Has the current economic climate forced companies to abandon CSR in the face of the harsh realities of the recession?FindingsThe findings start with the variation in the subject and how the words corporate social responsibility are ill defined. A structure for examining CSR in practice is suggested by using two examples. Benefits of CSR in profit based organizations are identified and compared with an example in a not for profit organization. An argument is put forward that SMEs may not relate comfortably to a corporate concept. The strategic role of CSR is outlined, as is the limited role of government. Directors' responsibility and CSR lead on to the competitive advantage opportunities of CSR. The article ends with a key indicator of whether businesses see CSR as a distraction or a strategic issue by looking at evidence of whether CSR activity has declined in the current recession.Practical implicationsThis is essential reading for strategic leaders reviewing their CSR activity, whether it is from a position of early implementation or after some development. The comparisons and examples are thought provoking. By raising the variations in practise senior managers will be able to clarify their own position, formulate a way forward and communicate their objectives.Originality/valueThis paper is aimed at directors and strategic leaders with an interest in linking CSR, ethics and competitive advantage. The article will also help senior managers to reflect upon their own management style. HR practitioners will find this review indispensible if they wish to lead or contribute to the development of CSR in their own organizations.
Using meaningful coaching for maximum results
Authors: Mertel Tina 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper is for coaches (or those who coach) to consider: how their own values affect the coaching interaction; and how customizing their communication to align with the client's values can create better results. The paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper references the strength deployment inventory and relationship awareness theory as the suggested methodology in understanding one's values.FindingsThe paper advocates that, no matter which coaching system or methodology is used, that a focus on values is important to the success of the coaching interaction. Values are integral to the coach and the client, and should be given attention in the coaching process.Originality/valueThis paper looks at the impact of values on the coaching process.
Smoothing the path of integration
Authors: Hawthorne Michael 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to underline the importance of the training and communications process in implementing business integration solutions, securing employee commitment and building a customer‐centric culture. Also, to demonstrate how the benefits of a systematic based approach can help organizations by improving customer service skills and building effective teams.Design/methodology/approachThese points are illustrated through the use of a supporting case study example that describes the process. Initial research and consultation with management and staff was used to understand issues and anxieties and identify skills gap. Results are used to inform the strategy development and to agree how the required information needs to be presented to achieve maximum buy‐in. In the case of Trend, the training and communications process commenced with an introductory letter from the managing director to introduce the aims of the program. The program was delivered in two streams which were cascaded down through the organizations: managers attended a two day workshop to build coaching skills and reinforce service skills. The rest of the company attended a two day interactive workshop focusing on the service excellence and looking at customer/employee integration.FindingsTangible and measurable results from training initiatives can sometimes take a long time, but at Trend there was an immediate impact in staff morale, motivation and departmental communications with a plethora of glowing internally referenced e‐mails supporting the increase in service standards. More importantly, the difference has been recognized by Trend's customers and acknowledged in a series of congratulatory testimonials.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates the value of a strategic approach to learning and managing change – increasing motivation, improving departmental communications and raising service standards.
Don't just read it, live it!
Authors: Ladd Everett , Ladd Antigoni 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper is based on actual teaching experience and aims to demonstrate the value of using historic role models, events, visits, and story telling to help students retain leadership concepts.Design/methodology/approachExamples from leadership programs based on Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clara Barton, and Fredrick Douglass, illustrate how powerful stories and site visits drive home key concepts and ensure the message stays with the audience over time.FindingsColorful stories not only make learning interesting, they drive home key concepts in a way that is easy to grasp and twice as likely to be retained. Programs based on historic role models gain added poignancy by being held in historic sites, near museums, battlefields, and historic homes. Add a visit by a reenactor, and participants find themselves drawn into the case study emotionally, as they “re‐live” historic events and discover the relevance to the contemporary workplace and its challenges. These tools of “active learning” demonstrate how individuals who experience a lesson have greater understanding of the material presented, longer‐term recall, and greater problem‐solving skills than is the norm with traditional, passive learning.Practical implicationsWhile some organizations balk at the cost of “field trips” for training, others recognize the long‐term benefits of engaging participants in active (vs passive) learning. Teaching through historical analogy should be encouraged for its longer‐term lesson retention.Originality/valueAt a time when organizations are increasing the use of “distance learning” or computer‐based training, it is important to evaluate the use of off‐site programs in terms of learning retention – particularly in the field of leadership development, an area of critical need in many organizations.
Increasing productivity with social learning
Authors: Emelo Randy 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine e‐mentoring's impact on productivity and introduce readers to social learning.Design/methodology/approachResearchers used a ten‐question survey to determine e‐mentoring's impact on personal productivity/effectiveness and organizational success, as well as to identify specific areas of impact.FindingsA total of 88 percent said mentoring contributed to their increased productivity. A total of 31 percent said their productivity/effectiveness improved by 30 percent or more. The top three ways of mentoring contributed to increased productivity: expanding my network, interpersonal effectiveness, and confidence in role.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on social learning would be valuable.Practical implicationsSupporting social learning will help capture and formalize informal learning and will impact productivity.Originality/valueAll content is new. Readers will access latest research and trends in e‐mentoring.
Means and ends: effective training evaluation
Authors: Paul Griffin Richard 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to briefly review the current state of and rationale for workplace training evaluation, explain the barriers that prevent wide scale and effective evaluation and provide practitioners with a novel training evaluation approach.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a critical review of current approaches to and literature on training evaluation and the author's own research into the impact of learning on NHS productivity.FindingsWhilst national governments stress the importance of workplace skills development as a central element of economic growth and organizations invest substantial amounts in training, very few private firms or public sector organizations actually review learning's impact on individuals, teams or organizational results.Practical implicationsThis paper proposes that a range of factors inhibit effective training evaluation. These include the complexity of workplace learning and, crucially, weaknesses in current evaluation processes and tools. In response, the author sets out a novel systematic evaluation process aimed at assisting practitioners in meeting these challenges.Originality/valueThe approach builds on the economic theory of productivity to create a metric of costs and benefits to allow organizations to assess the impact of learning. It is hoped the approach will firstly, contribute to the debate about how training should be evaluated; secondly, bridge the gap between academic research and practitioner needs and finally, provide a scientifically robust but practitioner friendly means of evaluation.
Children's understandings of mediated health campaigns for childhood obesity
Authors: Babooram Melanie , Mullan Barbara Ann , Sharpe Louise 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate children's understandings of the intent and importance of current media initiatives designed to target childhood obesity. Semi‐structured interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis, for the responses of overweight and normal weight children.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 33 children were interviewed, 24 of normal weight and nine overweight. They were shown two print and four television advertisements from the New South Wales Health Department web site that were popularly broadcast between 2003 and 2007. Children were then asked if they had seen the advertisement prior to the interview, and their understanding of the intent and importance of the advertisements.FindingsMost children in both weight groups recalled seeing five out of the six presented advertisements prior to interview. The main themes identified were “Health Maintenance” and “Illness Prevention” for five of the six advertisements. Overweight children were more numerous in their detection of a health message as opposed to normal weight children, who mostly commented on the safety aspect of advertisement six.Practical implicationsFuture evaluations of mediated health campaigns should go beyond recording simple recall of campaign material and investigate instead the understandings of target groups. Mediated health campaigns should also specify messages to particular target groups, as they appear to be most likely to facilitate behaviour change.Originality/valueMediated health campaigns are mostly evaluated quantitatively rather than by qualitative means. In addition, no study has evaluated the views of overweight and normal weight children with regards to these health campaigns.