bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of halo-orthoses application in children less than three years old
Authors: Arkader Alexandre , Hosalkar Harish S. , Drummond Denis S. , Dormans John P. 
Published: November 2007

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of halo immobilization in children younger than 3 years. Methods All children less than 3 years of age who were placed in a halo-orthosis at a tertiary pediatric center were reviewed to determine the indications, safety, and efficacy of this method. Adequacy of immobilization and correct technique was established considering the chronology of maturation (skull and brain development). The functional outcome was analyzed. Results Ten patients (<3 years old) were identified from a total of 150 where halo ring/vest immobilization was used. There were six boys and four girls, with an average age of 2 years (range 10 months to 2 years and 10 months). The average time of immobilization in the halo-orthosis was 75 days (range 33–168 days), and the average follow-up time was 5 years and 2 months (range 1–12 years). There were two halo-related problems and four related to the index procedure. Halo-related problems included pin-site infection in one patient, and three pins loosening in another. There were four complications associated with the index procedure, all early in the series, including three cases of pseudarthrosis and one patient that had an insufficient decompression of basilar invagination. Two of the three failed fusions occurred at the occipito-cervical junction, which prompted us to develop new techniques for fusion at this level. Conclusions Halo-orthosis is a relatively safe and reliable device for immobilization of the upper cervical spine in children less than 3 years old. Understanding the developmental anatomy and a limited CT scan are helpful in pin placement. We recommend the use of a multiple pin construct, perpendicular insertion, and precise tightening with good pin-site care and frequent follow-up. The benefits seem to outweigh the risks in this population, considering the mechanical advantages of the halo-orthosis.
The association between serum copper and anaemia in the adult Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) population
Authors: Knovich Mary Ann , Il'yasova Dora , Ivanova Anastasia , Molnár István 
Published: November 2007

Though common in older adults, anaemia is unexplained in about one-third of cases. As a rare cause of anaemia and neutropenia, Cu deficiency could account for some cases of unexplained anaemia. We examined the relationship between serum Cu and unexplained anaemia among 11 240 participants in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II): 638 (5·7 % of all adults) were anaemic; 421 (3·7 %) were not explained by deficiencies of vitamin B12, folate or Fe, chronic illness or renal disease. Spline regression showed a U-shaped relationship between serum Cu levels and unexplained anaemia, indicating that both high and low serum Cu levels are associated with unexplained anaemia in adults. Chronic inflammation and mild Fe deficiency could account for the association between unexplained anaemia and elevated Cu levels. On the other hand, the finding of hypocupraemia in a subset of adults with unexplained anaemia suggests that Cu deficiency may be a common reversible cause of anaemia in adults.
Long-term strict raw food diet is associated with favourable plasma β-carotene and low plasma lycopene concentrations in Germans
Authors: Garcia Ada L. , Koebnick Corinna , Dagnelie Peter C. , Strassner Carola , Elmadfa Ibrahim , Katz Norbert , Leitzmann Claus , Hoffmann Ingrid 
Published: November 2007

Dietary carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Raw food diets are predominantly plant-based diets that are practised with the intention of preventing chronic diseases by virtue of their high content of beneficial nutritive substances such as carotenoids. However, the benefit of a long-term adherence to these diets is controversial since little is known about their adequacy. Therefore, we investigated vitamin A and carotenoid status and related food sources in raw food diet adherents in Germany. Dietary vitamin A, carotenoid intake, plasma retinol and plasma carotenoids were determined in 198 (ninety-two male and 106 female) strict raw food diet adherents in a cross-sectional study. Raw food diet adherents consumed on average 95 weight% of their total food intake as raw food (approximately 1800 g/d), mainly fruits. Raw food diet adherents had an intake of 1301 retinol activity equivalents/d and 16·7 mg/d carotenoids. Plasma vitamin A status was normal in 82 % of the subjects ( ≥ 1·05 μmol/l) and 63 % had β-carotene concentrations associated with chronic disease prevention ( ≥ 0·88 μmol/l). In 77 % of subjects the lycopene status was below the reference values for average healthy populations ( < 0·45 μmol/l). Fat contained in fruits, vegetables and nuts and oil consumption was a significant dietary determinant of plasma carotenoid concentrations (β-carotene r 0·284; P < 0·05; lycopene r 0·168; P = 0·024). Long-term raw food diet adherents showed normal vitamin A status and achieve favourable plasma β-carotene concentrations as recommended for chronic disease prevention, but showed low plasma lycopene levels. Plasma carotenoids in raw food adherents are predicted mainly by fat intake.
Forging New Labor Activism in Global Commodity Chains in Latin America
Authors: Anner Mark 
Published: November 2007

AbstractInternational industrial restructuring has fomented a decline in unionization in Latin America and has forced labor organizations to pursue new forms of activism. Due to the segmentation of the production process and the dispersion of the locations of production sites, the coordination of collective action has become more difficult. At the same time, labor law reforms have failed to respond to the challenges presented by market-oriented industrial reforms. As a result, labor activists are resorting to new or modified forms of labor organizing, ranging from domestic cross-class collaboration to international alliances and sporadic campaigns with labor and nongovernmental organizations. The sources of this variation in new labor actions can be found not only in contemporary political and economic contexts, but also in labor histories and ideational influences. An exploration of labor actions in the Salvadoran export apparel sector and the Brazilian automobile industry illustrates these processes.
Brazil's Telecom Unions Confront the Future: Privatization, Technological Change, and Globalization1
Authors: Guimarães Sonia M.K. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe article presents a narrative of technological change, privatization, and globalization as they have affected Brazil's telecommunications industry. It is divided into three parts: A) A brief account of process of privatization in the telecom industry in Brazil; B) An analysis of the changes in work and employment relations in the industry; and C) A discussion of the implications of these changes for unions, focusing on problems they face and the strategies they are adopting to overcome their difficulties. A final section presents the implications of the article's findings, which are based on semistructured interviews with industry managers and workers and published company and union documents.
Globalization, Labor, and Violence in Colombia's Banana Zone
Authors: Chomsky Aviva 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis article examines how globalization and violence have shaped workers' organizations in the Urabá banana zone in northern Colombia from the 1960s to the present. Early unions found allies in leftist political and guerilla organizations. The banana growers relied on the neoliberal state and rightist paramilitaries to unleash an extraordinary wave of violence to crush the leftist unions. They also wooed the right within the unions by pleading a set of common interests in reforming the global banana trade to the benefit of Colombian producers. By the 1990s, a newly right-dominated union in Urabá proved adept at labor-management collaboration in the interest of their joint regional stake in the industry, but it also promoted international labor unity aimed at pressuring banana transnationals to accept minimum labor standards.
“If Business and the Country Will Be Run Right:” The Business Challenge to the Liberal Consensus, 1945–1964
Authors: Phillips-Fein Kim 
Published: November 2007

Abstract“‘If Business and the Country Will Be Run Right:’ The Business Challenge to the Liberal Consensus, 1945–1964,” by Kim Phillips-Fein, looks at the mobilization of conservative businessmen against the liberal political economy that emerged from the New Deal and the Second World War. These businessmen were sharply critical of the expanded federal government and strong labor unions throughout the postwar period. They sought to challenge the liberal economic order by helping to build think tanks critical of liberalism, by fighting labor unions, and ultimately by participating in political activities like the right-to-work campaigns of 1958, the gubernatorial bid of William F. Knowland in California that same year, and the presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater. By demonstrating the development of a network of conservative businessmen during this period, the article challenges the idea that “consensus” is the appropriate framework for thinking about postwar political economy. It also suggests the centrality of issues of political economy in the rise of conservatism in the postwar United States.
Wide geographical distribution of internationally rareCampylobacterclones within New Zealand
Authors: McTAVISH S. M. , POPE C. E. , NICOL C. , SEXTON K. , FRENCH N. , CARTER P. E. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYDuring the southern hemisphere winter of 2006 New Zealand experienced a significant increase in the number of reported cases ofCampylobacterinfection. In total, 112Campylobacterisolates from eight district health boards (DHBs) located across New Zealand were submitted for PFGE, MLST and Penner serotyping analysis. Distinct clusters ofCampylobacterisolates were identified, several of which were composed of isolates from up to five different DHBs located on both the North and South islands of New Zealand. One sequence type, ST-474, was identified in 32 of the 112 isolates and may represent an endemic sequence type present in New Zealand. The spatial pattern of genotypes, combined with the generalized increase in notifications throughout the country is consistent with a common source epidemic, most likely from a source contaminated with the dominant sequence types ST-474 and ST-190 and may also represent widely distributed stable clones present in New Zealand.
Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, frequency of attendance and substance use outcomes after residential treatment for drug dependence: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Gossop Michael , Stewart Duncan , Marsden John 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTAims  This study investigates the relationship between frequency of attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous (NA/AA) meetings and substance use outcomes after residential treatment of drug dependence. It was predicted that post‐treatment NA/AA attendance would be related to improved substance use outcomes.Methods  Using a longitudinal, prospective cohort design, interviews were conducted with drug‐dependent clients (n = 142) at intake to residential treatment, and at 1 year, 2 years and 4–5 years follow‐up. Data were collected by structured interviews. All follow‐up interviews were carried out by independent professional interviewers.Findings  Abstinence from opiates was increased throughout the 5‐year follow‐up period compared to pre‐treatment levels. Clients who attended NA/AA after treatment were more likely to be abstinent from opiates at follow‐up. Abstinence from stimulants increased at follow‐up but (except at 1‐year follow‐up) no additional benefit was found for NA/AA attendance. There was no overall change in alcohol abstinence after treatment but clients who attended NA/AA were more likely to be abstinent from alcohol at all follow‐up points. More frequent NA/AA attenders were more likely to be abstinent from opiates and alcohol when compared both to non‐attenders and to infrequent (less than weekly) attenders.Conclusions  NA/AA can support and supplement residential addiction treatment as an aftercare resource. In view of the generally poor alcohol use outcomes achieved by drug‐dependent patients after treatment, the improved alcohol outcomes of NA/AA attenders suggests that the effectiveness of existing treatment services may be improved by initiatives that lead to increased involvement and engagement with such groups.
Dry wildebeest carcasses in the African savannah: the utilization of a unique resource
Authors: Wambuguh Oscar 
Published: November 2007

AbstractUtilization of dry wildebeest carcasses by spotted hyaena in an African savannah setting is investigated. Four transects of varying length (3–10 km) were located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Measuring carcass weight changes biweekly over a period of 9 months monitored hyaena use of dry wildebeest carcasses. Nutrient quality of dry carcasses (skin and bone) and of flesh was analysed in the laboratory using the material collected in the field. Contrary to common expectation, carcass weight change was significantly higher when the migrants were present in the Reserve than when they were absent in all transects monitored. This is thought to indicate greater carcass utilization during periods of relative prey scarcity caused by the migratory herd movements within the Reserve, and perhaps, the territorial nature of spotted hyaenas. Nutrient analysis indicated that dry carcasses contain significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates and minerals, although lacking in fats compared with flesh. The opportunistic nature and evolution of a digestive physiology in this species capable of utilizing dry carcasses appears to have important adaptive value in an environment frequented by thousands of migrant herbivores for short periods every year.
Trade‐offs between melanisation and life‐history traits inHelicoverpa armigera
Authors: MA WEIHUA , CHEN LIZHEN , WANG MO , LI XIANCHUN 
Published: November 2007

Abstract1. Previously we established a homozygous melanic strain (JBM) with 16 black pupae spontaneously occurring within a laboratory population (JBW) ofHelicoverpa armigeraand demonstrated that the melanisation is controlled by a single recessive autosomal gene.2. Data obtained indicate that the melanisation is globally expressed in the pupal and adult stages (except for the body hairs of adults) but not in the egg and larval stages. No differences in body colour can be found between the melanic JBM and the wild‐type JBW strains before the metamorphic pupation moult. After pupation, the JBM pupae gradually blacken, whereas the wild‐type JBW pupae gradually turn brown, indicating that the biosynthetic steps leading to brown pigments are shut off in the JBM strain. In the adult stage, wings are darker and hairs on the abdomen and tergum are lighter in the melanic moths than in the wild‐type individuals.3. Life‐table experiments reveal that the melanism is associated with slower development in all life stages, smaller body weight, lower mating rate and fecundity, less mating time, and accordingly, lower net reproduction rate and population trend index.4. Single pair inbreeding and reciprocal crosses show that the mating rate is much lower in the inter‐strain crosses than in the intra‐strain crosses, indicating the presence of mating preference for its own colour morph and the presence to some degree of reproductive isolation between the two colour morphs.
Cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin: mechanisms in allo‐immune responsein vitro
Authors: Hoetzenecker K. , Hacker S. , Hoetzenecker W. , Sadeghi K. , Sachet M. , Pollreisz A. , Mangold A. , Wliszczak T. , Bielek E. , Muehlbacher F. , Klepetko W. , Ankersmit H. J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground Cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin (CMVIg) containing drugs are routinely administered in cardiac transplantation for prophylaxis against CMV disease. Yet little is known about their influence on transplant relevant immune functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CMVIg on cellular immunity inin vitroexperiments and to define their role in tolerance inducing mechanisms.Materials and methods/results CMVIg reduces proliferation in mixed lymphocyte reactions and anti‐CD3 blastogenesis assays and is related to decreased production of immune modulating cytokines interleukin (IL)‐2, interferonr (IFNγ), IL‐10. This antiproliferative effect is associated with a cell‐cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and induction of apoptosis in CD8+ and natural killer cells. Co‐incubation with CMVIg causes down‐regulation of cell bound immunoglobulin and FcγRIII surface expression on natural killer cells and leads to attenuation of antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity effector functions.Conclusions We conclude that CMVIg induces immunological features on leukocytesin vitrothat are known to be related to tolerance induction. Our observations extend the current concept of CMVIg as passive CMV prophylaxis to a therapeutic drug compound capable of reducing allogeneic immune response.
Risk management of renal biopsy: 1387 cases over 30 years in a single centre
Authors: Stratta P. , Canavese C. , Marengo M. , Mesiano P. , Besso L. , Quaglia M. , Bergamo D. , Monga G. , Mazzucco G. , Ciccone G. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Although renal biopsy is largely employed, even in old patients with systemic diseases, few clinical studies have addressed its risk management. We aimed to obtain a comprehensive assessment of safety/utility ratio of percutaneous renal biopsy.Patients and methods  Retrospective review of all the 1387 patients who consecutively underwent renal biopsy in a single centre over three decades (1973–2002) was made, with calculation of complications, multivariate logistical analyses to evaluate risk factors of complications, and rate of alteration of clinical hypotheses by pathological diagnosis.Results  There were no deaths and five major complications, (0·36%). One nephrectomy (0·07%), two surgical revisions (0·1%) and two arterial‐venous fistulae (0·1%). There were also 337 minor bleeding complications (24·2%) (16·4% gross haematuria and 7·8% clinically relevant haematomas needing at least prolonged bed rest). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the risk for complications was significantly increased by systemic autoimmune diseases with odds ratio (OR) 2·06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·40–3·01, end‐stage kidney/acute‐tubular necrosis (OR 2·96, 95% CI = 1·19–7·30), and prolonged bleeding time test (BTT) (OR 1·87, 95% CI = 1·17–2·83). Among the 1288 cases in which a clinical hypothesis before renal biopsy was recorded, renal pathology changed previous diagnoses in 423/1,288 (32·8%) of cases.Conclusions  Risk assessment demonstrates that renal biopsy is a useful procedure with a low incidence of serious complications. Platelet function is the only modifiable factor significantly related to bleeding complications, suggesting the need for a more standardized alternative to the BTT. Platelet function should be evaluated to select low‐risk patients for renal biopsy as ‘a day case procedure’, in order to build adequate risk management strategies.
Haemodialysis induces mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis
Authors: Raj D. S. C. , Boivin M. A. , Dominic E. A. , Boyd A. , Roy P. K. , Rihani T. , Tzamaloukas A. H. , Shah V. O. , Moseley P. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Mitochondria play a crucial role in the regulation of the endogenous pathways of apoptosis activated by oxidant stress. Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is a central integration site for pro‐inflammatory signals and oxidative stress.Materials and methods  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from eight end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients before haemodialysis (Pre‐HD) and during the last 10 min of HD (End‐HD). A new polysulfone membrane (F70, Fresenius) was used for dialysis. Intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial redox potential (Δψm) and PBMC apoptosis were determined by flow‐cytometry.Results  Plasma levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (24·9 ± 7·0 vs. 17·4 ± 5·5 pg dL−1, P < 0·05), IL‐6 soluble receptor (52·2 ± 4·9 vs. 37·6 ± 3·2 ng dL−1, P < 0·02) and IL‐6 gp130 (405·7 ± 41·0 vs. 235·1 ± 38·4 ng dL−1, P < 0·02) were higher end‐HD compared to pre‐HD. IL‐6 secretion by the isolated PBMC (24·0 ± 2·3 vs. 19·3 ± 3·5 pg dL−1, P < 0·02) increased end‐HD. Percentage of lymphocytes exhibiting collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (43·4 ± 4·6% vs. 32·6 ± 2·9%, P < 0·01), apoptosis (33·4 ± 7·1% vs. 23·7 ± 7·7%, P < 0·01), and generation of superoxide (20·7 ± 5·2% vs. 12·5 ± 2·9%, P < 0·02) and hydrogen peroxide (51·1 ± 7·8% vs.38·2 ± 5·9%, P < 0·04) were higher at end‐HD than pre‐HD. NF‐κB activation (3144·1 ± 208·1 vs. 2033·4 ± 454·6 pg well−1, P < 0·02), expression of B‐cell lymphoma protein‐2 (6494·6 ± 1461 vs. 3501·5 ± 796·5 ng mL−1, P < 0·03) and heat shock protein‐70 (9·81 ± 1·47 vs. 6·38 ± 1·0 ng mL−1, P < 0·05) increased during HD.Conclusions  Intra‐dialytic activation of cytokines, together with impaired mitochondrial function, promotes generation of ROS culminating in augmented PBMC apoptosis. There is concomitant activation of pathways aimed at attenuation of cell stress and apoptosis during HD.
Autonomic cardiovascular regulation in quiescent ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Authors: Coruzzi P. , Castiglioni P. , Parati G. , Brambilla V. , Brambilla L. , Gualerzi M. , Cademartiri F. , Franzè A. , De Angelis G. , Di Rienzo M. , Di Mario F. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  In inflammatory bowel diseases, changes in autonomic enteric regulation may also affect neural cardiovascular control. However, while cardiac autonomic modulation has been shown to be impaired in active ulcerative colitis, the occurrence of cardiovascular autonomic alterations, also in the quiescent phase of inflammatory bowel diseases, is still a matter of debate. The aim of our study was thus to explore the features of cardiovascular autonomic regulation in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease during their remission phase.Materials and methods  Autonomic cardiovascular control was evaluated by time‐ and frequency‐domain indexes of spontaneous heart rate and blood pressure variability and by assessing the baroreflex heart rate control (sequence technique) in 26 patients with ulcerative colitis, in 26 patients with Crohn's disease and in 23 healthy controls.Results  The groups were matched for age, gender and body mass index. They had similar blood pressure mean levels and variability. By contrast, mean heart rate, its overall variability (standard deviation), and baroreflex sensitivity were lower in ulcerative colitis patients than in controls. Moreover, all indexes related to cardiac vagal control were significantly lower in ulcerative colitis patients with respect not only to controls but also to Crohn's disease patients.Conclusions  Cardiac vagal control is impaired in quiescent ulcerative colitis only, and not in Crohn's disease, while in both bowel diseases vascular control appears preserved. Since cardiovagal modulation seems related to anti‐inflammatory mechanisms, the reduced parasympathetic cardiac regulation in apparently quiescent ulcerative colitis suggests that such systemic derangement is accompanied by local subclinical inflammations, even in the absence of clinically active inflammatory processes.