bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental age as a risk factor for isolated congenital malformations in a Polish population
Authors: Materna‐Kiryluk Anna , Wiśniewska Katarzyna , Badura‐Stronka Magdalena , Mejnartowicz Jan , Wiȩckowska Barbara , Balcar‐Boroń Anna , Czerwionka‐Szaflarska Mieczyslawa , Gajewska Elzbieta , Godula‐Stuglik Urszula , Krawczyński Marian , Limon Janusz , Rusin Jozef , Sawulicka‐Oleszczuk Henryka , Szwalkiewicz‐Warowicka Ewa , Walczak Mieczyslaw , Latos‐Bieleńska Anna 
Published: November 2008

SummaryCurrently available data on the relationship between the prevalence of isolated congenital malformations and parental age are inconsistent and frequently divergent. We utilised the data from the Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations (PRCM) to accurately assess the interplay between maternal and paternal age in the risk of isolated non‐syndromic congenital malformations.Out of 902 452 livebirths we studied 8683 children aged 0–2 years registered in the PRCM. Logistic regression was used to simultaneously adjust the risk estimates for maternal and paternal age. Our data indicated that paternal and maternal age were independently associated with several congenital malformations. Based on our data, young maternal and paternal ages were independently associated with gastroschisis. In addition, young maternal age, but not young paternal age, carried a higher risk of neural tube defects. Advanced maternal and paternal ages were both independently associated with congenital heart defects. Moreover, there was a positive association between advanced paternal age and hypospadias, cleft palate, and cleft lip (with or without cleft palate).No significant relationships between parental age and the following congenital malformations were detected: microcephaly, hydrocephaly, oesophageal atresia, atresia or stenosis of small and/or large intestine, ano‐rectal atresia or stenosis, renal agenesis or hypoplasia, cystic kidney disease, congenital hydronephrosis, diaphragmatic hernia and omphalocele.
Determinants of unplanned antiretroviral treatment interruptions among people living with HIV in Yaoundé, Cameroon (EVAL survey, ANRS 12‐116)
Authors: Marcellin Fabienne , Boyer Sylvie , Protopopescu Camelia , Dia Aissata , Ongolo‐Zogo Pierre , Koulla‐Shiro Sinata , Abega Séverin‐Cécile , Abé Claude , Moatti Jean‐Paul , Spire Bruno , Carrieri Maria Patrizia ,   the EVAL Study Group
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective  To identify correlates of self‐reported antiretroviral therapies (ART) interruptions among people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Cameroon.Methods  Analyses were based on data collected in the national survey EVAL (ANRS 12‐116) among 533 ART‐treated PLWHA in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon, and its neighbourhood. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with self‐reported ART interruptions longer than two consecutive days during the previous 4 weeks.Results  ART interruptions were reported by 68 patients (12.8%). After adjustment for gender, education and household income, characteristics independently associated with interruptions were pharmacy stock shortages [OR (95%CI):3.25 (1.78–5.90)], binge drinking [2.87 (1.39–5.91)] and the number of self‐reported slimming symptoms [1.23 (1.02–1.48)].Conclusion  In poor‐resource settings where access to second and third‐line regimens is still limited, food supply programs and interventions to minimise ART shortage may reduce the risk of ART interruptions.
Across‐arc geochemical variation of Quaternary lavas in West Java, Indonesia: Mass‐balance elucidation using arc basalt simulator model
Authors: Sendjaja Yoga A. , Kimura Jun‐Ichi , Sunardi Edy 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe Sunda Arc of Indonesia developed along the convergent margin between the Eurasian and the Australian Plates. More than 100 Quaternary volcanic centers occur along the arc. The West Java Arc is a segment of the Sunda Arc in which more than 10 volcanic centers are located, corresponding to the 120 to 200 km depth contours of the Wadati–Benioff zone. The geochemistry of 207 Quaternary lavas from six centers across the arc was investigated. The lavas range from basalt to dacite. Incompatible element abundances increase from the volcanic front to the rear‐arc in response to a change from low‐K to high‐K suites. Nd–Sr isotope compositions of the basalts scatter between mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) source mantle and Indian Ocean sediment (SED) compositions, with volcanic front low‐K basalts having more radiogenic Nd than the rear‐arc basalts. It is suggested that mixing between slab‐derived fluids mainly from the SED and melt from MORB source mantle played a significant role in determining the geochemistry of the West Java basalts. Incompatible element patterns in primitive mantle normalized multi‐element plots are almost identical across the arc, except for greater inclination and weaker positive Sr spikes in the rear‐arc basalts. This suggests a lower degree of partial melting in the rear‐arc mantle, accompanied by change in SED fluid composition between the volcanic front and the rear‐arc. The latter is confirmed by fluid‐fluxed melting model calculations using multiple trace elements and Nd and Sr isotopes. All the West Java Arc lavas require deficit of Sr from the slab SED. This may occur due to selective breakdown of Sr‐rich hydrous silicate minerals, such as zoisite, at shallower depths before the SED component reaches the depth of dehydration effective for magma genesis. The rear‐arc basalts need further Sr deficits along with lesser fluid. These features are commonly observed in many arc basalts, and are likely attributable to the same mechanism.
Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the Andaman–Sumatra subduction margin: Current understanding
Authors: Chakraborty Partha P. , Khan Prosanta K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe Andaman–Sumatra margin displays a unique set‐up of extensional subduction–accretion complexes, which are the Java Trench, a tectonic (outer arc) prism, a sliver plate, a forearc, oceanic rises, inner‐arc volcanoes, and an extensional back‐arc with active spreading. Existing knowledge is reviewed in this paper, and some new data on the surface and subsurface signatures for operative geotectonics of this margin is analyzed. Subduction‐related deformation along the trench has been operating either continuously or intermittently since the Cretaceous. The oblique subduction has initiated strike–slip motion in the northern Sumatra–Andaman sector, and has formed a sliver plate between the subduction zone and a complex, right‐lateral fault system. The sliver fault, initiated in the Eocene, extended through the outer‐arc ridge offshore from Sumatra, and continued through the Andaman Sea connecting the Sagaing Fault in the north. Dominance of regional plate dynamics over simple subduction‐related accretionary processes led to the development and evolution of sedimentary basins of widely varied tectonic character along this margin. A number of north–south‐trending dismembered ophiolite slices of Cretaceous age, occurring at different structural levels with Eocene trench‐slope sediments, were uplifted and emplaced by a series of east‐dipping thrusts to shape the outer‐arc prism. North–south and east–west strike–slip faults controlled the subsidence, resulting in the development of a forearc basins and record Oligocene to Miocene–Pliocene sedimentation within mixed siliciclastic–carbonate systems. The opening of the Andaman Sea back‐arc occurred in two phases: an early (∼11 Ma) stretching and rifting, followed by spreading since 4–5 Ma. The history of inner‐arc volcanic activity in the Andaman region extends to the early Miocene, and since the Miocene arc volcanism has been associated with an evolution from felsic to basaltic composition.
Geological relationship between Anyui Metamorphic Complex and Samarka terrane, Far East Russia
Authors: Kojima Satoru , Tsukada Kazuhiro , Otoh Shigeru , Yamakita Satoshi , Ehiro Masayuki , Dia Cheikhna , Kirillova Galina Leontievna , Dymovich Vladimir Akimovich , Eichwald Lyudmila Petrovna 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe Anyui Metamorphic Complex (AMC) of Cretaceous age is composed of metachert, schist, gneiss, migmatite and ultramafic rocks, and forms a dome structure within the northernmost part of the Jurassic accretionary complex of the Samarka terrane. The two adjacent geological units are bounded by a fault, but the gradual changes of grain size and crystallinity index of quartz in chert and metachert of the Samarka terrane and the AMC, together with the gradual lithological change, indicate that at least parts of the AMC are metamorphic equivalents of the Samarka rocks. Radiolarian fossils from siliceous mudstone of the Samarka terrane indicates Tithonian age (uppermost Jurassic), and hence, form a slightly later accretion. This signifies that the accretionary complex in the study area is one of the youngest tectonostratigraphic units of the Samarka terrane. The relationship between the Samarka terrane and AMC, as well as their ages and lithologies, are similar to those of the Tamba–Mino–Ashio terrane and Ryoke Metamorphic Complex in southwest Japan. In both areas the lower (younger) part of the Jurassic accretionary complexes were intruded and metamorphosed by Late Cretaceous granitic magma. Crustal development of the Pacific‐type orogen has been achieved by the cycle of: (i) accretion of oceanic materials and turbidites derived from the continent; and (ii) granitic intrusion by the next subduction and accretion events, accompanied by formation of high T/P metamorphic complexes.
Effects of combination treatment with famotidine and methylmethionine sulfonium chloride on the mucus barrier of rat gastric mucosa
Authors: Ichikawa Takafumi , Ito Yuko , Saegusa Yoichi , Iwai Tomohisa , Goso Yukinobu , Ikezawa Tomoaki , Ishihara Kazuhiko 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  In Japan, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is treated clinically with a combination of a mucosal protectant and acid suppressants, but there is scant information regarding the effects of these drugs on normal gastric mucus cells. In the present study, the effects of co‐administration of methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC) and famotidine on rat gastric mucus cells were investigated using both biochemical and histological methods.Methods:  Rats were divided into four groups: controls were given carboxymethylcellulose orally once daily for 7 days and the second, third and fourth groups were treated similarly with famotidine (famotidine group), MMSC (MMSC group) or famotidine plus MMSC (combination group). After killing the rats on the 8th day, the stomachs were removed and the biosynthesis and amount of mucin in different areas of the gastric mucosa were compared among groups. Using anti‐mucin monoclonal antibodies, the mucin content and immunoreactivity were also compared.Results:  Both the biosynthesis and accumulation of mucin were significantly decreased in the famotidine group, but increased in the MMSC and combination groups. The amount and immunoreactivity of surface mucus cell‐derived mucin were both reduced in the famotidine group, and increased in the MMSC and combination groups. There was no difference among the groups in the content and immunoreactivity of gland mucus cell‐derived mucin.Conclusion:  Famotidine‐induced suppression of gastric surface mucus cell function is prevented by combined treatment with MMSC, raising the possibility of a more effective cure of PUD.
STAT3 expression in gastric cancer indicates a poor prognosis
Authors: Kim Dae‐Young , Cha Sung‐Tae , Ahn Dae‐Ho , Kang Hae‐Yoon , Kwon Chang‐Il , Ko Kwang‐Hyun , Hwang Seong‐Gyu , Park Pil‐Won , Rim Kyu‐Sung , Hong Sung‐Pyo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) behave as signal transducers in the cytoplasm and as transcription factors in the nucleus. In the current study, we analyzed the immunohistochemical staining patterns of gastrectomy tissue specimens. We investigated the expression of STAT3 and STAT5 and estimated the relationship between STAT and cancer prognosis.Methods:  One hundred patients who underwent gastrectomy due to gastric adenocarcinoma at Bundang CHA hospital between January 2000 and May 2005 were studied. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using antibodies against STAT3 and STAT5. The interpretation of the immunohistochemical staining was based on the proportion of stained cells in the field: positive, > 10% stained cells; and negative, < 10% stained cells.Results:  The longest diameter of tumor was 4.67 cm in the positive group and 3.76 cm in the negative group, and these results were not statistically different (P‐value = 0.112). Higher T (primary tumor) value (P‐value = 0.05), more regional lymph node invasion (P‐value = 0.008) and higher TNM staging (P‐value = 0.069) were significantly related to STAT3 positivity, but Helicobacter pylori infection or atrophic gastritis were not related. A lower survival rate was observed in the STAT3‐positive group (P‐value = 0.001). The results of STAT5 were not statistically different with respect to TNM staging and survival (P‐value = 0.958). We thus report that the immunohistochemical results of STAT3 revealed a significant association with TNM staging and survival.Conclusion:  We anticipate that STAT3 may be used as a molecular staging biomarker predicting poor prognosis of gastric cancer.
Palliative chemotherapy for patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Ok , Kim Dae‐Young , Lim Joo Han , Seo Myung‐Deok , Yi Hyeon Gyu , Oh Do‐Youn , Im Seock‐Ah , Kim Tae‐You , Bang Yung‐Jue 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The majority of patients with post‐transplantation recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have extrahepatic metastases and multifocal lesions. Therefore, they have few treatment options and may not be amenable for local therapy. The safety and efficacy of palliative chemotherapy in this population has not been reported.Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed 24 patients who received palliative chemotherapy for recurrent HCC after liver transplantation between January 2000 and December 2006 at the Seoul National University Hospital.Results:  The mean age of patients was 55 years (range 42–70 years). The most commonly used chemotherapeutic regimens were 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)/cisplatin (n = 9), which was followed by capecitabine/cisplatin (n = 4), 5‐FU/mitomycin (n = 3), 5‐FU/oxaliplatin (n = 1), S‐1 (n = 1), capecitabine (n = 1), gemcitabine/oxaliplatin (n = 1), gemcitabine/cisplatin (n = 1), 5‐FU/interferon (n = 1) and sorafenib (n = 2). The Grade 3/4 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (29.1%), thrombocytopenia (20.9%) and anemia (20.9%). There were no cases of neutropenic fever or bleeding events. The Grade 3/4 non‐hematological toxicity included elevation of liver transaminase (8.4%) and jaundice (16.7%). No patient showed an objective response and four patients (16.7%) demonstrated stable disease. The median time to progression was 7.0 weeks (95% CI 5.8–8.2) and the median overall survival was 16.6 weeks (95% CI 10.1–23.1).Conclusion:  Palliative chemotherapy can be delivered to patients with recurrent HCC after liver transplantation with tolerable toxicity. However, the efficacy to date is not satisfactory. Therefore, more effective systemic chemotherapy is needed for this group of patients.
Irish nursing students’ experiences of service learning
Authors: Casey Dympna , Murphy Kathy 
Published: November 2008

AbstractService learning is a teaching tool that facilitates students’ ability to link theory to practice while simultaneously providing a needed service to the community. This paper describes Irish nursing students’ experiences of a service learning placement undertaken in a developing country. The students complete 30 h of theoretical content, which includes lectures and workshops on such topics as personal safety, health, and human rights, as well as the preparation of students for the emotional impact of the experience. All the content is underpinned by a commitment to developing reciprocal relationships with the service learning communities. To explore these students’ experiences, a descriptive qualitative study was conducted. The data were collected using interviews and were analyzed by thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: developing cultural sensitivity, caring for people in different cultures, learning/knowing more, and the potential impact on nursing practice. The findings suggest that the students are more culturally aware and are becoming more responsible citizens.
What we have here is a failure to communicate! Improving communication between tertiary to primary care for chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Shakib S. , Philpott H. , Clark R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  The aims of this study were to determine the documentation of pharmacotherapy optimization goals in the discharge letters of patients with the principal diagnosis of chronic heart failure.Methods:  A retrospective practice audit of 212 patients discharged to the care of their local general practitioner from general medical units of a large tertiary hospital. Details of recommendations regarding ongoing pharmacological and non‐pharmacological management were reviewed. The doses of medications on discharge were noted and whether they met current guidelines recommending titration of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and beta‐blockers. Ongoing arrangements for specialist follow up were also reviewed.Results:  The mean age of patients whose letters were reviewed was 78.4 years (standard deviation ± 8.6); 50% were men. Patients had an overall median of six comorbidities and eight regular medications on discharge. Mean length of stay for each admission was 6 days. Discharge letters were posted a median of 4 days after discharge, with 25% not posted at 10 days. No discharge letter was sent in 9.4% (20) of the cases. Only six (2.8%) letters had any recommendations regarding future titration of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and 6.6% (14) for beta‐blockers. Recommendations for future non‐pharmacological management, for example, diuretic action plans, regular weight monitoring and exercise plans were not found in the letters in this audit.Conclusion:  Hospital discharge is an opportunity to communicate management plans for treatment optimization effectively, and while this opportunity is spurned, implementation gaps in the management of cardiac failure will probably remain.
Patterns of glycaemic control in Australian primary care (NEFRON 8)
Authors: MacIsaac R. J. , Jerums G. , Weekes A. J. , Thomas M. C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: Intensive glycaemic control delays the onset and progression of diabetes‐related complications, especially microvascular complications. However, only limited information is available regarding glucose‐lowering treatment practices in Australian primary care. The aim of the study was to describe patterns of glycaemic control in subjects participating in the National Evaluation of the Frequency of Renal Impairment co‐existing with Non‐Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus study.Methods: Expressions of interest were invited from all registered general practitioners in Australia, from which 500 investigators were randomly selected and asked to provide data on 10–15 consecutive adults with type 2 diabetes presenting to their practice.Results: Just less than half of the 3893 enrolled patients had a haemoglobin (Hb)A1c <7.0% (47.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 46.1–49.3%) and quarter had an HbA1c≥8.0% (24.3%, 95%CI 22.9–25.9%. For patients using lifestyle alone, one or two oral glucose‐lowering agents or insulin there was a progressive decline in the proportion achieving an HbA1c <7.0%, that is, 81, 55, 31 and 24%, respectively. There was a very good concordance between general practitioners' perception of optimal control (HbA1c <7.0%) and the actual glycaemic levels achieved in this study.Conclusion: Current targets for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes have generally been followed in Australian general practice, but there is still a significant gap in the achievement of recommended glycaemic goals. A quarter of the patients clearly have poor glycaemic control. The immediate steps that can be taken to improve glycaemic control include the early use of combination oral glucose‐lowering therapies and the increased use of insulin.
Prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in an Australian scleroderma population: screening allows for earlier diagnosis
Authors: Phung S. , Strange G. , Chung L. P. , Leong J. , Dalton B. , Roddy J. , Deague J. , Playford D. , Musk M. , Gabbay E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  We sought to determine the prevalence of pulmonary complications and especially pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in an Australian scleroderma population.Methods:  Between July 2005 and June 2007, physicians in Western Australia were asked to refer patients with scleroderma specifically for pulmonary hypertension screening. All patients were assessed for PAH and other respiratory conditions using echocardiography, lung function testing and clinical assessments. Right heart catheterization was carried out in patients with evidence of increased right ventricular systolic pressure.Results:  Of the 184 patients analysed, 44 had possible PAH on echocardiography. Right heart catheterization confirmed the diagnosis in 24 (13%). Diffuse interstitial lung disease was found in 32 patients representing a point prevalence of 17.4%. The severity of PAH at diagnosis varied according to whether the patients were referred for screening (group A) or for diagnostic (group B) purposes. The 6‐min‐walk test distance and median pulmonary vascular resistance were significantly worse in group B versus group A (324 vs 402 m; P= 0.02 and 884 dynes/s per cm−5 vs 486 dynes/s per cm−5; P < 0.01, respectively).Conclusion:  Screening may result in earlier diagnosis of PAH with, in general more mild disease. This is important, given that early treatment for PAH while patients are less symptomatic is associated with improved exercise tolerance and pulmonary haemodynamics: indices indicative of disease progression and clinical worsening.
Understanding organ donation in the collaborative era: a qualitative study of staff and family experiences
Authors: Thomas S. L. , Milnes S. , Komesaroff P. A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  Despite the success of the Breakthrough Collaborative Methodology (BCM) in increasing organ donation rates there has been little published evidence on the effect of the BCM on the wider attitudes and experiences of those involved in organ donation. This study sought to identify whether the National Organ Donation Collaborative in Australia had any additional influence on improving the experiences of staff and family members in the organ donation process.Methods:  In‐depth qualitative interviews with 17 family members from 13 families who had agreed to the organ donation of a deceased relative and 25 nurses and intensive care specialists at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria were carried out.Results:  The key factor in family members' decision to donate was prior knowledge of the deceased's donation wish. Although most family members did not regret their decision to donate, many were deeply dissatistified and, at times, confused by the technical and administrative nature of the donation process. Most staff members commented that the key community message about donation should be to encourage people to discuss donation rather than urging people to sign donor registers.Conclusion:  This study identified valuable insights into the processes by which family members and intensive care unit staff deal with the actual processes of donation. Findings suggest that the process for families is far more complex than a simple agreement or refusal to donate. This study suggests that we should not assume that ‘rates’ of donation in Australia would increase merely through administrative programmes or marketing campaigns.