bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fitness, daily activity and body composition in children with newly diagnosed, untreated asthma
Authors: Vahlkvist S. , Pedersen S. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Information about how the asthma disease affects the life style and health in children is sparse.Aim:  To measure fitness, daily physical activity and body composition in children with newly diagnosed, untreated asthma and healthy controls, and to assess the association between the level of asthma control and these parameters.Methods:  Daily physical activity measured using accelerometry, cardiovascular fitness and body composition (per cent fat, per cent lean tissue and bone mineral density) were measured in 57 children with newly diagnosed, untreated asthma and in 157 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The level of asthma control was assessed by measurements of a variety of asthma outcomes.Results:  Children with asthma were less fit (35.1 vs 39.3 ml O2/min/kg) (P < 0.001), had a higher body per cent fat (22.8 vs 19.5%) (P < 0.01) and a higher frequency of overweight (24.6 vs 14.2%) (P < 0.05) than healthy controls. Per cent body fat correlated negativly to overall daily activity (P < 0.001) and to time spent in high or vigorous activity (P < 0.001). Fitness corrrelated positively to time spent in high and vigorous activity (P < 0.001). Within the asthma group, the level of asthma control, fitness and the time spent in vigorous activity correlated positively (P < 0.02).Conclusion:  Children with untreated asthma are less fit and have a higher body per cent fat and frequency of obesity than their healthy peers. Uncontrolled asthma is associated with a reduced fitness and daytime spent in intensive activity. Overweight children are physically less active than normal weight children.
High‐frequency stimulation of the nucleus accumbens core and shell reduces quinpirole‐induced compulsive checking in rats
Authors: Mundt Adrian , Klein Julia , Joel Daphna , Heinz Andreas , Djodari‐Irani Anais , Harnack Daniel , Kupsch Andreas , Orawa Helmut , Juckel Georg , Morgenstern Rudolf , Winter Christine 
Published: May 2009

AbstractElectrical deep brain stimulation (DBS) is currently studied in the treatment of therapy‐refractory obsessive compulsive disorders (OCDs). The variety of targeted brain areas and the inconsistency in demonstrating anti‐compulsive effects, however, highlight the need for better mapping of brain regions in which stimulation may produce beneficial effects in OCD. Such a goal may be advanced by the assessment of DBS in appropriate animal models of OCD. Currently available data on DBS of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) on OCD‐like behavior in rat models of OCD are contradictory and partly in contrast to clinical data and theoretical hypotheses about how the NAc might be pathophysiologically involved in the manifestation of OCD. Consequently, the present study investigates the effects of DBS of the NAc core and shell in a quinpirole rat model of OCD. The study demonstrates that electrical modulation of NAc core and shell activity via DBS reduces quinpirole‐induced compulsive checking behavior in rats. We therefore conclude that both, the NAc core and shell constitute potential target structures in the treatment of OCD.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 activity generates persistent, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor‐dependent depression of hippocampal pyramidal cell excitability
Authors: Clement J. P. , Randall A. D. , Brown J. T. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMetabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are involved in many forms of neuronal plasticity. In the hippocampus, they have well‐defined roles in long‐lasting forms of both synaptic and intrinsic plasticity. Here, we describe a novel form of long‐lasting intrinsic plasticity that we call (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)‐mediated long‐term depression of excitability (DHPG‐LDE), and which is generated following transient pharmacological activation of group I mGluRs. In extracellular recordings from hippocampal slices, DHPG‐LDE was expressed as a long‐lasting depression of antidromic compound action potentials (cAPs) in CA1 or CA3 cells following a 4‐min exposure to the group I mGluR agonist (S)‐DHPG. A similar phenomenon was also seen for orthodromic fibre volleys evoked in CA3 axons. In single‐cell recordings from CA1 pyramids, DHPG‐LDE was manifest as persistent failures in antidromic action potential generation. DHPG‐LDE was blocked by (S)‐(+)‐a‐amino‐4‐carboxy‐2‐methylbenzeneacetic acid (LY367385), an antagonist of mGluR1, but not 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP), an mGluR5 inhibitor. Although insensitive to antagonists of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionate/kainate and γ‐aminobutyric acidA receptors, DHPG‐LDE was blocked by antagonists of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Similarly, in single‐cell recordings, DHPG‐mediated antidromic spike failures were eliminated by NMDA receptor antagonism. Long after (S)‐DHPG washout, DHPG‐LDE was reversed by mGluR1 antagonism. A 4‐min application of (S)‐DHPG also produced an NMDA receptor‐dependent persistent depolarization of CA1 pyramidal cells. This depolarization was not solely responsible for DHPG‐LDE, because a similar level of depolarization elicited by raising extracellular K+ increased the amplitude of the cAP. DHPG‐LDE did not involve HCN channels or protein synthesis, but was eliminated by blockers of protein kinase C or tyrosine phosphatases.
Which do students prefer to evaluate their essays: Peers or computer program
Authors: Lai Yi‐hsiu 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate problems and potentials of new technologies in English writing education. The effectiveness of automated writing evaluation (AWE) (MY Access) and of peer evaluation (PE) was compared. Twenty‐two English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in Taiwan participated in this study. They submitted their draft toMY Access, received feedback from this automated grading system and then made some revision. In addition to the AWE, they also had peer revision in writing class. Three issues, including how writers used the feedback from these two kinds of evaluation, what progress they made in writing and how they perceived these two kinds of evaluation, are discussed. Results showed that EFL learners in Taiwan generally opted for PE over AWE. These findings raise several relevant issues, including social learning, feedback strategies, computer anxiety and cultural impact.
Working with primary care practices to improve service delivery for people with learning disabilities – a pilot study
Authors: Webb Jenny , Stanton Melanie 
Published: May 2009

Accessible summary

People with learning disability have worse health than other people
General practitioners and other people working with them were offered training on different topics such as communication and the work of the community team.
Afterwards all the GP practices introduced changes which made it easier for people with learning disability to use their local surgery.

SummaryThe relatively poor health of people with learning disability reflects the failure of primary care practitioners to improve the accessibility of the service they offer. This North Essex study involved evaluation of a project to work with three primary care practices to raise staff awareness, improve their training, and adapt their working practice. While GPs and other practice staff recognised their training needs, only one practice released all staff for a one day training course. Nevertheless, all practices worked to produce Practice Development Plans which resulted in improved accessibility for People with Learning Disability. The project also opened up a channel of communication between the practices and the Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities (CTPLD). This study forms one strand of a three‐part project to improve access to primary care.
Notch receptor and Notch ligand expression in developing avian cartilage
Authors: Williams Rebecca , Nelson Larissa , Dowthwaite Gary P. , Evans Darrell J. R , Archer Charles W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe development of limb cartilage involves complex signalling pathways allowing the formation of distinct segments of cartilage that are maintained in the fully developed joint. In this study, we investigated the Notch signalling pathway and its role in cartilage development. The differential distribution of the Notch signalling family of receptors and their corresponding ligands in developing avian (gallus gallus) cartilage revealed expression of Notch 1, Delta 1, Jagged 1 and Jagged 2 in all limb mesenchyme cells at the early stages of cartilage anlagen development, which were subsequently restricted to the developing cartilage element. Expression of both Notch 1 and Jagged 1 became increasingly restricted to the surface cartilage once joint cavity formation had occurred. Delta 1 and Jagged 1 were restricted to a layer of cells underneath the surface cartilage and were also observed in the hypertrophic chondrocytes, where Notch 1 expression was evident in stage 40–44 limbs. Notch 2, Notch 3 and Notch 4 were not evident in early stage limbs but were present after cavitation, although expression was lost in late stage limbs (stage 40–44). We also demonstrated that inhibition of the Notch pathway leads to altered Notch receptor expression, disrupting cartilage differentiation. From these data it is clear that Notch signalling is a necessary and critical factor in regulating cell fate decisions allowing controlled chondrogenesis, elongation and subsequent maintenance of limb cartilage.
Art and brain: insights from neuropsychology, biology and evolution
Authors: Zaidel Dahlia W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractArt is a uniquely human activity associated fundamentally with symbolic and abstract cognition. Its practice in human societies throughout the world, coupled with seeming non‐functionality, has led to three major brain theories of art. (1) The localized brain regions and pathways theory links art to multiple neural regions. (2) The display of art and its aesthetics theory is tied to the biological motivation of courtship signals and mate selection strategies in animals. (3) The evolutionary theory links the symbolic nature of art to critical pivotal brain changes in Homo sapiens supporting increased development of language and hierarchical social grouping. Collectively, these theories point to art as a multi‐process cognition dependent on diverse brain regions and on redundancy in art‐related functional representation.
Antibiotic lock: In vitro stability of vancomycin and four percent sodium citrate stored in dialysis catheters at 37°C
Authors: BATTISTELLA Marisa , WALKER Scott , LAW Shirley , LOK Charmaine 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCatheter‐related bacteremia (CRB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). Antibiotic lock therapy represents a promising technique in the treatment of CRB. Several studies have evaluated antibiotics in combination with heparin as an interdialytic locking solution as adjunctive therapy for CRB. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical stability of the vancomycin in 4% sodium citrate in HD catheters as an interdialytic lock. Vancomycin was prepared and diluted with sodium citrate 4% and stored in polyvinyl chloride syringes, 2 carbothane dialysis catheters (Hemostar®) and 2 dual floating HD catheters (CardioMed®). Syringes were stored at 4 °C or 23 °C and the catheters were stored in an incubator at 37 °C for 72 hours. Samples underwent daily chromatographic analysis and the luminal concentration of vancomycn was determined on study days 0, 1, and 3. When vancomycin is reconstituted with normal saline to achieve a concentration of 50 mg/mL, and then further diluted in 4% sodium citrate, to achieve concentrations of either 1 or 3 mg/mL, and then stored at 4 °C, room temperature, or 37 °C, solutions were observed to retain >92% of the initial concentration for the study period of 3 days. Based on the fastest degradation rate determined with 95% confidence interval, >90% is retained for 6.53 days. We conclude that vancomycin—4% citrate solutions stored in polyvinyl chloride syringes or HD catheters are not significantly affected by temperature or concentration within the 72 hours storage period. Therefore, these solutions can be anticipated to be suitable as a HD interdialytic antibiotic lock in standard HD catheters.
Hypoparathyroidism associated with severe mineral bone disease postrenal transplantation, treated successfully with recombinant PTH
Authors: MAHAJAN Ashutosh , NARAYANAN Mohanram , JAFFERS Gregory , CONCEPCION Luis 
Published: May 2009

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly, if not universally, associated with derangements in bone and mineral metabolism, characterized by hyperphosphatemia, low calcitriol levels, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The spectrum of these disorders is termed renal osteodystrophy or chronic kidney disease‐mineral bone disease complex. Aggressive phosphorus control is the cornerstone of management to prevent debilitating complications. Dietary control, phosphate binders, and administration of active vitamin D analogues is the most common initial therapy. Frequently parathyroidectomy is required to reverse or slow the pathological changes when medical management fails. The most common adverse effect of parathyroidectomy is hypocalcemia. We describe a case report of severe hypocalcemia (secondary to surgical hypoparathyroidism) and “hungry bone syndrome,” treated successfully with teriparatide (Forteo®) in a patient who underwent renal transplantation following subtotal parathyroidectomy.
Blue‐yellow perimetry in patients with ocular hypertone
Authors: Serra A. , Zucca I. , Tanda A. , Piras V. , Fossarello M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe authors report the data of the blue‐yellow (B‐Y) perimetry compared with the Standard perimetry in normal subjects with endocular hypertension or with initial glaucoma. With the aim of evaluating the relationship with chromatic sense deficits, precociously found in glaucoma, the F‐M 100 Hue test and Lanthony D 15 Desaturé test were done. Checks were made of refraction, visual acuity, pupil diameter and assumption of medications. Sensitivity reduction in eyes with initial glaucoma is highly significant with the B‐Y perimetry. Pupil diameter reduction is quite uninfluential while the chromatic sense shows some quantitative and qualitative deficits.
Theory of mind impairment: a distinct trait‐marker for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder?
Authors: Bora E. , Yücel M. , Pantelis C. 
Published: May 2009

Objective:  The aim of this study was to critically review the literature in order to determine if Theory of Mind (ToM) impairment can be considered a trait‐marker for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder (BD).Method:  After a thorough literature search, we reviewed the empirical studies investigating ToM impairments in remitted schizophrenia patients, first episode patients, subjects at high‐risk (HR) for psychosis and first‐degree relatives of schizophrenia patients. Studies investigating ToM impairment in other schizophrenia spectrum conditions, affective psychosis and BD were also reviewed.Results:  ToM abnormalities exist at onset and continue throughout the course of schizophrenia, persist into remission, and while less severe, are apparent in HR populations. Mentalizing impairments are also observed in other forms of psychotic illness and BD.Conclusion:  Mentalizing impairment in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and BD might reflect underlying general cognitive deficits and residual symptom expression, rather than representing a specific trait‐marker.
White matter lesions in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Lloyd A. J. , Moore P. B. , Cousins D. A. , Thompson J. M. , McAllister V. L. , Hughes J. H. , Ferrier I. N. , Young A. H. 
Published: May 2009

Objective:  We aimed to quantify both load and regional distributions of hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in prospectively verified euthymic bipolar patients and matched controls.Method:  Cerebral hyperintensities on T2, proton density and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI were compared between 48 bipolar and 47 control subjects using semi‐quantitative rating scales.Results:  Bipolar subjects had more severe frontal deep white matter lesions (DWML). Hyperintensity load was independent of age in bipolar patients but increased with age in controls. Global prevalence and severity of hyperintensities did not differ between groups. Exploratory analysis showed DWML in excess in the left hemisphere in bipolar subjects but not in controls.Conclusion:  Findings are consistent with clinical, particularly some neurocognitive, features of bipolar disorder and implicate fronto‐subcortical circuits in its neurobiology. They more probably reflect a trait abnormality or illness scar rather than a mood state‐dependent finding. Processes other than ageing and vascular factors may underlie their development.
Using occupancy models to determine mammalian responses to landscape changes
Authors: NICHOLSON Jeremy M. , VAN MANEN Frank T. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDetermining impacts of anthropogenic landscape changes on wildlife populations is difficult. Besides the challenges of designing field studies to document conditions before and after landscape changes occur, assessment of population responses (e.g. changes in population density) often provide poor inference because of sampling limitations. Estimation of occupancy, however, only requires data on detection or non‐detection of a species and might provide better inference. To demonstrate the utility of occupancy models, we used data from an American black bear (Ursus americanusPallas) population in North Carolina, USA to test our research hypothesis that documented declines in site occupancy of black bears would be greater near a new four‐lane highway. We used multi‐season occupancy models to estimate site occupancy based on bear visitation to survey sites before and after completion of the new highway and as a function of distance to the highway. Site occupancy declined from 0.81 to 0.35 between the two study phases, but was not a function of distance to the highway. Therefore, the impact of the new highway on occupancy extended to the entire study area. Our case study demonstrates that occupancy models can provide powerful inference regarding the potential impacts of landscape changes on species occupancy. As urban areas and transportation infrastructure are rapidly expanding in developing regions of the world, the need to determine how these changes affect mammal populations and how they might be mitigated increases accordingly. Because field sampling for occupancy models only requires detection data, surveys can be conducted for extensive geographic areas, thus making these surveys particularly applicable to studies of large mammals.
Phase report of medical treatment in Sichuan Province, China after the Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Dai Xiaozhou , Shen Ji , Zhao Wanhua , Jiao Yunzhi , Jiang Hong 
Published: May 2009

Abstract Objective To retrospectively analyze medical treatment during the Wenchuan earthquake and evaluate the emergency medical response. Method On the basis of the data reported to the provincial disaster relief headquarters by cities and counties in Sichuan Province, we established a database for data processing by using SPSS v11.0. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results The emergency response of Sichuan health system was quick, effective, and powerful. Conclusion In the face of extraordinary disaster, Sichuan Province effectively completed emergency medical treatment despite the enormous workload and associated difficulties achieving initial success in earthquake relief.
Can paying for results help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals? Overview of the effectiveness of results‐based financing
Authors: Oxman Andrew D , Fretheim Atle 
Published: May 2009

Abstract Objective Results‐based financing and pay‐for‐performance refer to the transfer of money or material goods conditional on taking a measurable action or achieving a predetermined performance target. Results‐based financing is widely advocated for achieving health goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. Methods We undertook an overview of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of RBF. We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE (up to August 2007). We also searched for related articles in PubMed, checked the reference lists of retrieved articles, and contacted key informants. We included reviews with a methods section that addressed the effects of any results‐based financing in the health sector targeted at patients, providers, organizations, or governments. We summarized the characteristics and findings of each review using a structured format. Results We found 12 systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria. Based on the findings of these reviews, financial incentives targeting recipients of health care and individual healthcare professionals are effective in the short run for simple and distinct, well‐defined behavioral goals. There is less evidence that financial incentives can sustain long‐term changes. Conditional cash transfers to poor and disadvantaged groups in Latin America are effective at increasing the uptake of some preventive services. There is otherwise very limited evidence of the effects of results‐based financing in low‐ or middle‐income countries. Results‐based financing can have undesirable effects, including motivating unintended behaviors, distortions (ignoring important tasks that are not rewarded with incentives), gaming (improving or cheating on reporting rather than improving performance), widening the resource gap between rich and poor, and dependency on financial incentives. Conclusion There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of results‐based financing and almost no evidence of the cost‐effectiveness of results‐based financing. Based on the available evidence and likely mechanisms through which financial incentives work, they are more likely to influence discrete individual behaviors in the short run and less likely to create sustained changes.