bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidation as a crucial reaction for cholesterol to induce tissue degeneration: CD36 overexpression in human promonocytic cells treated with a biologically relevant oxysterol mixture
Authors: Leonarduzzi Gabriella , Gamba Paola , Gargiulo Simona , Sottero Barbara , Kadl Alexandra , Biasi Fiorella , Chiarpotto Elena , Leitinger Norbert , Vendemiale Gianluigi , Serviddio Gaetano , Poli Giuseppe 
Published: March 2008

SummaryOxidative stress, inflammation and altered cholesterol metabolism and levels are among the pathogenetic mechanisms of cognitive impairment that may accompany aging. Within the research area of hypercholesterolemia and age‐related disease processes, the molecular mechanisms of cholesterol interaction with the inflammatory cells of the macrophage lineage are yet to be elucidated. We thus investigated the effect of both non‐oxidized and oxidized cholesterol on monocytic cell differentiation and foam cell formation, as it occurs within vascular lesions during progression of atherosclerosis. In vitro experiments performed on human U937 promonocytic cells showed that a biologically representative mixture of oxysterols markedly stimulated CD36 expression and synthesis. In contrast, non‐oxidized cholesterol did not exert any effect on CD36 mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, the oxysterol‐induced up‐regulation of CD36 appeared to be based on the subsequent activation of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Cells overexpressing CD36 were indeed able to actively take up oxidized low‐density lipoproteins, and become foam cells. The essential role of ERK pathway and CD36 receptor in oxysterol‐induced foam cell formation was proved by the prevention of the latter event when monocytic cells were incubated in the presence of MEK1/2 selective inhibitor or anti‐CD36 specific antibody. These experimental findings point to cholesterol oxidation as an essential reaction for this sterol to exert cellular stress and tissue damage in age‐related diseases in which inflammation represents a main driving force.
Association Between Colonic Symptoms and Inattention/Hyperactivity in British Children
Authors: Ryan Christopher W. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Functional faecal retention and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common in childhood. There is some evidence, mostly from clinical samples, of an association between them.Methods:  The association between parental reports of inattention/hyperactivity and colonic symptoms in children between four and ten years of age was examined using the Health Survey for England 2000.Results:  Boys were about twice as likely to be rated by their parents as inattentive/hyperactive if they had colon symptoms.Conclusions:  This study adds to existing evidence associating bowel function and behavioural symptoms, especially in boys. Given the high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in general, and the increasing personal and societal impact of childhood behavioural problems, further exploration of the relationship is warranted, with particular attention to causal pathways.
Assessing Validity of ICD‐9‐CM and ICD‐10 Administrative Data in Recording Clinical Conditions in a Unique Dually Coded Database
Authors: Quan Hude , Li Bing , Duncan Saunders L. , Parsons Gerry A. , Nilsson Carolyn I. , Alibhai Arif , Ghali William A. ,   for the IMECCHI Investigators
Published: March 2008

Objective. The goal of this study was to assess the validity of the International Classification of Disease, 10th Version (ICD‐10) administrative hospital discharge data and to determine whether there were improvements in the validity of coding for clinical conditions compared with ICD‐9 Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) data.Methods. We reviewed 4,008 randomly selected charts for patients admitted from January 1 to June 30, 2003 at four teaching hospitals in Alberta, Canada to determine the presence or absence of 32 clinical conditions and to assess the agreement between ICD‐10 data and chart data. We then recoded the same charts using ICD‐9‐CM and determined the agreement between the ICD‐9‐CM data and chart data for recording those same conditions. The accuracy of ICD‐10 data relative to chart data was compared with the accuracy of ICD‐9‐CM data relative to chart data.Results. Sensitivity values ranged from 9.3 to 83.1 percent for ICD‐9‐CM and from 12.7 to 80.8 percent for ICD‐10 data. Positive predictive values ranged from 23.1 to 100 percent for ICD‐9‐CM and from 32.0 to 100 percent for ICD‐10 data. Specificity and negative predictive values were consistently high for both ICD‐9‐CM and ICD‐10 databases. Of the 32 conditions assessed, ICD‐10 data had significantly higher sensitivity for one condition and lower sensitivity for seven conditions relative to ICD‐9‐CM data. The two databases had similar sensitivity values for the remaining 24 conditions.Conclusions. The validity of ICD‐9‐CM and ICD‐10 administrative data in recording clinical conditions was generally similar though validity differed between coding versions for some conditions. The implementation of ICD‐10 coding has not significantly improved the quality of administrative data relative to ICD‐9‐CM. Future assessments like this one are needed because the validity of ICD‐10 data may get better as coders gain experience with the new coding system.
Anal incontinence in women with third or fourth degree perineal tears and subsequent vaginal deliveries
Authors: Sangalli M. R. , Floris L. , Faltin D. , Weil A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYWe contacted 208 women 13 years after they suffered an obstetrical anal sphincter tear in order to estimate the effect of subsequent vaginal deliveries on anal continence. Among the 177 eligible responders, 129 sustained a partial or complete 3rd degree and 48 a 4th degree tear; 114 women had subsequent vaginal deliveries. Anal incontinence was more common in women with 4th (25.0%) than with 3rd degree tears (11.5%, p = 0.049). Subsequent vaginal deliveries were associated with a higher prevalence of severe incontinence in women with 4th degree tears (p = 0.023). No aggravation or increase in prevalence of incontinence was observed in women with 3rd degree tears. These results suggest that in a subsequent pregnancy, careful evaluation is necessary and an abdominal delivery may be advisable for women with previous major sphincter trauma.
Occipital posterior and occipital transverse positions: reappraisal of the obstetric risks
Authors: To William WK , Li Ivy CF 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYMalpositions in labour in a vertex‐presenting fetus are known to be associated with increased risks of operative delivery. A retrospective analysis of all deliveries over 4 years in a university teaching obstetric unit was performed using the available obstetric database. All cases of live births with cephalic presenting babies after 36 completed gestational weeks were analysed, and included 17,533 out of 20,533 total deliveries over the study period. The study group included those cases with occipital posterior and transverse positions, based on the documentation of the position of the vertex at the time of delivery, or at the last clinical examination before obstetric intervention, while occipital anterior cases constituted the control group. The overall incidence of malpositions was 14%, and operative delivery rate in the study group was 82.5% versus 20.7% in the control group. After excluding cases of operative delivery for non‐mechanical indications, such as fetal distress, the adjusted odds ratio for the malposition group was 9.8 (95% CI 8.91–10.8) for total assisted delivery and 30.2 (95% CI 25.6–35.5) for Caesarean section compared to the occipital anterior group. Malpositions are definitely associated with a marked increase in the risk of operative delivery including Caesarean section. Labour complicated by malposition should be considered high risk, and should warrant due preparation for obstetric intervention.
Pregnancy outcome in women with reflux nephropathy and the inheritance of vesico‐ureteric reflux
Authors: North Robyn A. , Taylor Rennae S. , Gunn Tania R. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYIn women with reflux nephropathy, we investigated whether pre‐existing hypertension and impaired renal function influence the rates of preeclampsia, renal function deterioration and preterm birth. The infants were investigated for vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR). A prospective audit of 54 pregnancies in 46 women with reflux nephropathy was performed. Preeclampsia complicated 24% of pregnancies and was increased in women with pre‐existing hypertension (42%) compared with normotensive women (14%), (RR 3.0 (95% CI 1.1–7.8)). Nine (18%) women experienced deterioration in renal function during pregnancy. Women with mild or moderate renal impairment were at increased risk of renal function deterioration (RR 12.7 (95% CI 1.6–98.5); RR 19.8 (95% CI 2.6–155)), respectively. A third of infants were delivered preterm. The risk of preterm birth was increased if the mother had pre‐existing hypertension (p = 0.01) or moderate renal impairment (p = 0.002). Seventeen (43%) of the 40 infants who underwent micturating cystourethrography had VUR, consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance with reduced penetrance. In reflux nephropathy, pre‐existing hypertension was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and pre‐existing renal impairment with deterioration in renal function. Infants of women with reflux nephropathy should be screened for VUR.
Haematopoietic indicators of fetal metabolic acidosis
Authors: Spencer Michael K. , Khong T Yee , Matthews Brian L. , MacLennan Alastair H. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYWe aimed to study the haematopoietic response in normal and acidotic deliveries following vaginal and abdominal delivery and to compare this to the surrogate markers of perinatal acidosis.Blood gas analyses, complete blood pictures and erythropoietin assays were performed on umbilical or early neonatal blood samples. Placental sections were examined for the presence of nucleated red blood cells. Perinatal clinical risk factors and major neonatal outcomes were collected.The control population was 78 deliveries where the cord arterial pH was > 7.10. Controls born after labour were compared to those born prior to the onset of labour and to 14 acidotic infants born after labour.Nucleated red blood cells did not increase with labour in the control groups but were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the acidotic group. Erythropoietin did not significantly change with either labour or acidosis. The predictive values from nucleated red blood cell counts were higher than those from low Apgar scores, atypical cardiotocograph traces, meconium‐stained amniotic fluid, erythropoietin and the presence of nucleated red blood cells in placental sections.Nucleated red blood cell counts may be a useful surrogate marker of acidosis where blood gas analysis is unavailable. Further studies are required to examine the timing of the increase of erythropoiesis to help define the onset of the stimulus.
The management of pulsion enterocoele with the Zacharin abdominoperineal technique (and mesh sacrocolpopexy)
Authors: Kuah SES , Lee Kai‐Wan , Houghton CRS , Korda AR 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYOur aim was to evaluate the technique, results and complications in 126 women with pulsion enterocoele treated with the combined abdominoperineal repair. Mean follow‐up was 25 months with a range of 0–83 months. Operative morbidity included bladder trauma (0.7%), bowel injury (3.1%), wound breakdown (0.7%), infection (10%), pulmonary embolus (0.7%) and blood transfusion (40%). Long‐term complications included prolonged urinary retention (11%), incisional hernia (4.7%) and constipation (40.4%). 92.4% of women were cured.
Sarcomas and the conservative management of uterine fibroids: a cause for concern?
Authors: Dover Richard W. , Ferrier Alan J. , Torode Hugh W. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe introduction of conservative management options has further increased the choices available to clinicians treating women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. However, in the absence of a tissue diagnosis, the possibility of mismanaging an underlying uterine sarcoma is still present, placing these patients at potential risk of a delayed diagnosis of this serious pathology. Evidence suggests that 1 in 250–400 women presenting with what are thought to be symptomatic fibroids, will in fact have an underlying sarcoma, making this an important clinical issue. This paper therefore reviews the methods currently available for the assessment of women in whom conservative management of symptomatic fibroids is contemplated.
Universal antenatal group B streptococcus screening? The opinions of obstetricians and neonatologists within Australia
Authors: McLaughlin Kristin , Crowther Caroline 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYGroup B streptococcus (GBS) is the leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality in Australian newborns. Although intrapartum chemoprophylaxis is recommended to reduce the risk of neonatal GBS transmission and disease, controversy exists as to the best method to select women ‘at risk’ for this treatment. Our study aimed to survey the opinions of obstetricians and neonatologists currently in practice in Australia on GBS screening and treatment. Of the 488 obstetricians and 68 neonatologists currently in practice who responded to the survey, 271 obstetricians (56%) and 40 neonatologists (61%) supported universal antenatal screening. Of those respondents who did not support a universal antenatal screening policy, 196 (93%) and 24 (92%) of the obstetricians and neonatologists respectively, supported antenatal screening based on risk factors. This diversity in practitioner opinion highlights the lack of certainty in the literature as to the best management strategy to prevent neonatal GBS sepsis.
An Integrated Framework for the Instrumental Valuation of Nature
Authors: Weesie Peter D. M. , Van Andel Jelte 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Nature is most often valued in terms of its provision of ecosystem goods and services to meet human needs. However, such instrumental valuations, informed by ecological economics, are limited by the mainly anthropocentric orientation. We present a framework to assess anthropocentric and nonanthropocentric instrumental values of nature in a balanced way, in association with sustainability science. Particular attention is paid to ecosystem functions, to be valued both for their benefits to human beings and for their importance to the ecological and evolutionary functioning of the global ecosystem.
Rethinking Avian Response toTamarixon the Lower Colorado River: A Threshold Hypothesis
Authors: Van Riper Charles , Paxton Kristina L. , O’Brien Chris , Shafroth Patrick B. , McGrath Laura J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMany of the world’s large river systems have been greatly altered in the past century due to river regulation, agriculture, and invasion of introducedTamarixspp. (saltcedar, tamarisk). These riverine ecosystems are known to provide important habitat for avian communities, but information on responses of birds to differing levels ofTamarixis not known. Past research on birds along the Colorado River has shown that avian abundance in general is greater in native than in non‐native habitat. In this article, we address habitat restoration on the lower Colorado River by comparing abundance and diversity of avian communities at a matrix of different amounts of native and non‐native habitats at National Wildlife Refuges in Arizona. Two major patterns emerged from this study: (1) Not all bird species responded toTamarixin a similar fashion, and for many bird species, abundance was highest at intermediateTamarixlevels (40–60%), suggesting a response threshold. (2) InTamarix‐dominated habitats, the greatest increase in bird abundance occurred when small amounts of native vegetation were present as a component of that habitat. In fact,Tamarixwas the best vegetation predictor of avian abundance when compared to vegetation density and canopy cover. Our results suggest that to positively benefit avian abundance and diversity, one cost‐effective way to rehabilitate larger monocultureTamarixstands would be to add relatively low levels of native vegetation (∼20–40%) within homogenousTamarixhabitat. In addition, this could be much more cost effective and feasible than attempting to replace allTamarixwith native vegetation.
Riparian Butterfly (Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) Assemblages Associated with Tamarix‐Dominated, Native Vegetation–Dominated, and Tamarix Removal Sites along the Arkansas River, Colorado, U.S.A.
Authors: Nelson S. Mark , Wydoski Rick 
Published: March 2008

Abstract We studied butterfly assemblages at eight riparian sites over five years. Sites included Tamarix spp.–dominated riparian areas; sites where mechanical means or biological control agents (Diorhabda elongata deserticola) were used to limit Tamarix; sites that were mixtures of native woody vegetation (e.g., Populus and Salix) and Tamarix; and native vegetation sites. We identified a gradient in butterfly community composition that changed from treated Tamarix sites, through mixed vegetation, to native vegetation sites. Tamarix sites had lower butterfly metric (riparian butterfly index [RBI]) values than did native vegetation sites. The RBI is based on a combination of richness measures and the presence of specific species and groups of butterflies. There was no significant change in the RBI over sampling periods at any sites, including both Tamarix eradication sites. The RBI at sites where Tamarix control took place did not approach restoration goals based on values at unimpacted sites. Positive effects on riparian butterfly assemblages were not linked to any Tamarix control efforts, nor did we detect a decline from initial butterfly metrics at Tamarix sites. Direct ordination provided information on environmental variables, such as amount of nectar and herbaceous plant richness, which may be important in riparian restoration efforts.
Seizures in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Koch Marcus , Uyttenboogaart Maarten , Polman Susan , De Keyser Jacques 
Published: March 2008

Summary Seizures have long been recognized to be part of the disease spectrum of multiple sclerosis (MS). While they occur in only a minority of patients with MS, epileptic seizures can have serious consequences. The treatment of MS can be epileptogenic, and antiepileptic treatment can conversely worsen the symptoms of MS. In this article we present an overview of the current literature on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathology, imaging, prognosis and treatment of epileptic seizures in MS.
Cancer incidence in patients with schizophrenia and their first‐degree relatives – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Catts V. S. , Catts S. V. , O’Toole B. I. , Frost A. D. J. 
Published: March 2008

Objective:  Controversy concerning cancer incidence in schizophrenia exists because of heterogeneous study findings.Method:  A meta‐analysis was performed on standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of cancer in patients with schizophrenia and first‐degree relatives and compared with general population samples.Results:  The pooled overall cancer incidence in patients was not significantly increased (SIR = 1.05, CI 0.95–1.15). Lung cancer incidence was slightly increased (SIR = 1.31, CI 1.01–1.71), but was reduced after adjusting for smoking prevalence. The incidence of several cancers unrelated to smoking was reduced in patients. Breast cancer rates were significantly increased in female patients. The pooled overall cancer incidence in siblings (SIR = 0.89, CI 0.84–0.94) and parents (SIR = 0.90, CI 0.88–0.93) was significantly reduced. A meta‐regression detected a significant relationship between cancer risk in the general population and relative risk in patients.Conclusion:  The meta‐analysis aided exploration of inconsistent study findings. There is a discrepancy between cancer risk exposure and cancer incidence in schizophrenia consistent with a protective effect.
Applicants for stereotactic neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders: role of the Flemish advisory board
Authors: Gabriëls L. , Nuttin B. , Cosyns P. 
Published: March 2008

Objective:  Research on stereotactic neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders (SNPD) is rapidly evolving. Knowledge on patients undergoing SNPD is of crucial importance. We describe applicants for SNPD and examine the necessity for a multidisciplinary advisory board.Method:  Summary of the current practice of the Flemish advisory board (SNPD committee) and analysis of a questionnaire investigating the attitude of clinicians on SNPD.Results:  In 7 years, 91 applications were submitted, nine patients did not fulfill diagnostic criteria for OCD, 65 patients received a positive recommendation, 50 SNPD procedures were performed. The prevalence of SNPD in the current year in Belgium is 0.6/million inhabitants. Ninety‐seven per cent of clinicians consider the expertise and advice of the SNPD committee essential for indication setting. Forty‐four percent of clinicians consider referral of a patient for capsulotomy, 82% for electrical brain stimulation.Conclusion:  Neurosurgery is exclusively considered for severe, treatment‐refractory psychiatric disorders. Clinicians consider the SNPD committee essential in the decision‐making process prior to intervention.
Oligodipsia and dissociative experiences in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Hoeschel K. , Guba K. , Kleindienst N. , Limberger M. F. , Schmahl C. , Bohus M. 
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To test the frequency of attenuated fluid intake behavior (oligodipsia) in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and to test if there is an inverse correlation between oligodipsia and the intensity of current dissociative experience in a pilot study.Method:  Analyses were based on a sample of 15 BPD patients and 15 healthy controls. Fluid intake per diem and intensity of dissociative experience were measured by standardized self‐reports daily for 7 days.Results:  The BPD patients ingested a significantly lower fluid volume per diem when compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). We found a strong correlation between intensity of co‐occurring dissociative experience and fluid intake or urine osmolality (r = 0.762 and 0.665), independently of sleep quality and general BPD symptom severity.Conclusion:  The results indicate that oligodipsia may constitute a serious problem at least for a subgroup of BPD patients, and may be correlated with some of the most problematic symptoms of BPD.
Clinical case management of revolving door patients – a semi‐randomized study
Authors: Lichtenberg P. , Levinson D. , Sharshevsky Y. , Feldman D. , Lachman M. 
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To assess the effectiveness of psychiatric clinical case management.Method:  Subjects with at least three admissions in the previous 2 years were randomized into a clinical case management group (CMG; n = 122) and a standard care group (SCG; n = 95). Individuals who refused or were not located were included in a third, non‐randomized no‐treatment group (NTG; n = 153). Parameters assessed included utilization of in‐patient services and psychosocial functioning.Results:  We found no difference between the CMG and the SCG in psychosocial functioning as evaluated by interviewers, and no difference between the three groups in hospitalization. In subjects’ self‐ratings, the CMG showed slight improvement in psychosocial functioning.Conclusion:  Clinical case management did not prove itself superior to standard care in a revolving door population.