bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Induces DNA Damage and the Fanconi Anemia D2 Protein Implicating FANCD2 in the DNA Damage Response Pathways in Brain
Authors: Rulten S. L. , Hodder E. , Ripley T. L. , Stephens D. N. , Mayne L. V. 
Published: May 2008

Background:  The largest cause of neurological damage to children is prenatal exposure to alcohol and chronic alcohol use in adults is associated with neurodegeneration, dementia and long‐term behavioral changes. Microarray analysis identified the DNA damage response (DDR) gene, Fanconi anemia (Fanc) D2, to be robustly upregulated in mouse midbrain following 24‐hour in vivo exposure to ethanol. In this study, we investigate the ability of ethanol to generate DNA strand breaks, predicted substrates for the Fanc pathway and the potential role of FANCD2 in the DDR to ethanol in brain.Methods:  The effect of ethanol on FANCD2 mRNA levels was measured by quantitative real time PCR using mouse brain and human neuronal cells. FANCD2 protein levels and ubiquitination were measured by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. DNA damage induction by ethanol/acetaldehyde was measured using the Comet assay and γH2AX immunocytochemistry. Levels of DNA and RNA synthesis were measured in cell strains using 3H‐thymidine or 3H‐uridine up‐take.Results:  Chronic exposure to ethanol induced FANCD2 in mouse midbrain in vivo and in the nucleus of human neuronal cells in culture. However, there was no concomitant increase in the amount of ubiquitinated FANCD2. Acetaldehyde also induced nonubiquitinated FANCD2 protein, and we were able to demonstrate the ability of acetaldehyde to generate DNA double strand breaks, lesions which normally induce ubiquitination of FANCD2. Ethanol also inhibited both RNA and DNA synthesis in proliferating cells consistent with effects on transcription and replication.Conclusion:  In contrast to other DNA damaging agents, ethanol/acetaldehyde generated DNA strand breaks without inducing ubiquitination of FANCD2, despite increasing protein levels in the nucleus. These data are consistent with recent reports that suggest the Fanconi anemia pathway plays an important role in the adult brain in response to DNA damage. Further work is required to establish what this role is, in particular the potential function of nonubiquitinated FANCD2 and its role in the DNA damage response in postmitotic neurons and neural precursor cells.
Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality and Aging in the Sleep Heart Health Study
Authors: Unruh Mark L. , Redline Susan , An Ming‐Wen , Buysse Daniel J. , Nieto F. Javier , Yeh Jeun‐Liang , Newman Anne B. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the extent to which subjective and objective sleep quality are related to age independent of chronic health conditions.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.SETTING: The Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) is a multicenter study designed to determine the cardiovascular consequences and the natural history of sleep disordered breathing.PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand four hundred seven community‐dwelling adults who participated in the SHHS (mean age 63, range 45–99; 52% women).MEASUREMENTS: Unattended home polysomnography (PSG) and sleep questionnaires.RESULTS: Older age was associated with shorter sleep time, diminished sleep efficiency, and more arousals in men and women. In men, age was independently associated with more Stage 1 and Stage 2 sleep and less slow‐wave (Stage 3 to 4) and rapid eye movement sleep. In women, older age was less strongly associated according to linear trend with sleep stage. Conversely, poor subjective sleep quality was not associated with older age in men, but older women had more trouble falling asleep, and there was a trend toward older women having more problems with waking up during the night and waking up too early. Associations between self‐report and directly measured sleep time and sleep latency were low to moderate across age groups (correlation coefficient=0.06–0.32).CONCLUSION: Older age was more strongly associated with poorer sleep according to PSG in men than women, yet the subjective report of poor sleep with older age was stronger in women. The higher prevalence of chronic health conditions, including sleep apnea, in older adults did not explain changes of sleep parameters with aging and age–sex differences in these relationships.
Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life: The DHEA and Well‐Ness (DAWN) Trial
Authors: Kritz‐Silverstein Donna , Von Mühlen Denise , Laughlin Gail A. , Bettencourt Ricki 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on cognitive function and quality of life in healthy older adults.DESIGN: Double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.SETTING: Clinical research facility.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ten men and 115 women aged 55 to 85 (mean ± standard deviation 68 ± 8).INTERVENTION: Fifty milligrams daily oral DHEA versus placebo for 1 year.MEASUREMENTS: Six cognitive function tests at baseline and 12 months, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey (SF‐36), the Life Satisfaction Index‐Z, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index (in women), and the 15‐item International Index of Erectile Function (in men) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months.RESULTS: There were no differences between the DHEA and placebo groups in change over time in cognitive function (P>.10). Over time, BDI scores decreased for men (P=.006) and women (P=.02), and Satisfaction with Life Scale scores increased for women (P=.004), but there were no differences between the DHEA and placebo groups over time on these measures or the SF‐36, Life Satisfaction Index‐Z scale, or sexual function scales (P>.10).CONCLUSION: DHEA supplementation has no benefit on cognitive performance or well‐being in healthy older adults, and it should not be recommended for that purpose in the general population.
Faint and prefaint reactions in whole‐blood donors: an analysis of predonation measurements and their predictive value
Authors: Wiltbank Thomas B. , Giordano Gerald F. , Kamel Hany , Tomasulo Peter , Custer Brian 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: A small proportion of blood donors have adverse reactions. The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of faint and significant hypotensive reactions that could serve as targets for interventions to reduce reactions, thus improving the blood donation experience for those at higher risk of reactions and reducing the risk of serious adverse events.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The records of 422,231 allogeneic whole‐blood donations from a 9‐month period were assessed for adverse reactions. Incidents related to needle insertion, such as hematoma, were excluded. Demographic, biometric, and clinical measurements were collected. Reactions were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing donors with any adverse reaction to donors without reactions and by stratified rates according to reaction severity.RESULTS: The overall reaction prevalence was 1.43 percent. Of the reactions, 63, 29, and 8 percent were classified as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. Markers of reactions were age, sex, race, blood volume, blood pressure, pulse, and body mass index. Compared to donors without reactions, the strongest predictor of a reaction was a donor's blood volume of less than 3500 mL (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.57‐3.23). Age and first‐time status were also associated with a significantly higher risk of reaction with 17‐ to 18‐year‐olds (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.59‐2.98) and 19‐ to 24‐year‐olds (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 2.23‐2.56) at higher risk compared to 25‐ to 65‐year‐olds and first‐time donors at higher risk compared to repeat donors (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 2.07‐2.33).CONCLUSION: The results of this study are helpful in identifying donors at risk for adverse reactions and in understanding the contributors to reactions. Donor blood volume was an unexpectedly strong predictor of reaction. Potential interventions to reduce the frequency of reaction are discussed.
Epoetin‐associated pure red cell aplasia: past, present, and future considerations
Authors: McKoy June M. , Stonecash Robin E. , Cournoyer Denis , Rossert Jerome , Nissenson Allen R. , Raisch Dennis W. , Casadevall Nicole , Bennett Charles L. 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: Since 1988, millions of patients have received epoetin products intravenously (IV) and subcutaneously. In 1998, epoetin‐associated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) was first reported and causation was attributed to formulations without human serum albumin (HSA), subcutaneous administration, and uncoated rubber stoppers.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data on erythropoietin (EPO)‐associated PRCA were obtained from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulatory authorities in other countries, and the manufacturers of epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, and darbepoetin. The data included information on numbers of PRCA cases and estimated exposure‐adjusted incidence rates by EPO product, anemia etiology, administration route, country of PRCA identification, and date reported.RESULTS: In 1999, academicians in Paris identified 12 EPO‐treated patients with antibody‐mediated PRCA; 11 of these patients were on hemodialysis and had received subcutaneous Eprex (Johnson & Johnson). In 2002, authorities in Europe, Australia, Singapore, and Canada mandated Eprex by IV route to hemodialysis patients, and the relevant manufacturers added Teflon coating to prefilled syringes of Eprex; PRCA cases subsequently decreased by 90 percent. By 2003, 180 Eprex‐associated PRCA cases were identified in Europe, Canada, Australia, and Asia, despite improvements in handling. Since 2002, FDA safety databases include information on 59 new cases of antibody‐associated PRCA, primarily associated with subcutaneous epoetin alfa and darbepoetin that does not contain HSA.CONCLUSION: Independent actions by regulatory authorities, manufacturers, and academic researchers identified significant numbers of PRCA cases between 1998 and 2003 and characterized the probable etiology. Today, antibody‐mediated PRCA is an infrequent class toxicity occurring among some hemodialysis patients on EPOs.
A method for estimating incidence rate of infectious diseases among first‐time blood donors
Authors: Zou Shimian , Fang Chyang T. , Dodd Roger Y. 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: In certain circumstances, there is no method for estimating incidence based on testing results on a single blood sample from first‐time blood donors, severely limiting the ability to assess the residual risk of blood‐borne infections among this donor subpopulation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Incidence rates were estimated for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among first‐time donors using the formula (P2 − P1)/D, where P1 is the prevalence among blood donations from first‐time donors of the minimum eligible ages for donation, P2 is the prevalence among donations from first‐time donors of an older age group, and D is the age difference (in years) between the older and younger donor groups.RESULTS: Estimating incidence among first‐time donors using the proposed method based on a single test for anti‐HCV produced similar results to those based on HCV nucleic acid test (NAT) yield cases, by sex and in different periods. Comparison of the proposed method with HIV NAT yield also showed similar results although the small number of HIV NAT yield cases limits interpretation.CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method provides an alternative way for estimating incidence of certain blood‐borne infections among first‐time donors, provided that our assumptions are met. It helps residual risk assessment in donor populations where first‐time donors account for most of the donations and only one test result is available for each donor.
Facial features in children with the 22q11 deletion syndrome
Authors: Óskarsdóttir S , Holmberg E , Fasth A , Strömland K 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To find a pattern of the most typical facial features in children with the 22q11 deletion syndrome, which could serve as an aid in identifying patients with the syndrome.Methods: In 80 children and adolescents with the 22q11 deletion syndrome, three investigators evaluated the facial features separately using frontal and profile photographs. A patient was considered to have a given feature if at least two of the evaluators agreed.Results: The most common facial features found in at least 50% of the patients were malar flatness, fullness of eyelids (hooded eyelids), broad nasal bridge/tubular nose, broad/round nasal tip, round ears, thick/overfolded helix and slightly low‐set ears. These were also the most common features when all agreed, although a considerable variation in the assessment by the three evaluators was observed.Conclusions: The 22q11 deletion syndrome is a differential diagnosis in children with a variety of symptoms and signs including congenital malformations, developmental delay and speech abnormalities. Almost all children with the syndrome show a characteristic pattern of minor facial variants, which can be difficult to recognise, unless specifically looked for. A systematic evaluation of facial features might help in identifying children with the syndrome.
Very early neonatal apparent life‐threatening events and sudden unexpected deaths: incidence and risk factors
Authors: Dageville C , Pignol J , De Smet S 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To evaluate the incidence of neonatal apparent life‐threatening events and sudden unexpected deaths during the first 2 h after birth.Methods: A prospective study was conducted over a 1‐year period in all the maternities of the French region of Provence, Alpes, Côte d'Azur, which included all presumably healthy full‐term neonates. Twenty‐three previously published cases were also studied in order to identify possible risk factors.Results: Sixty two thousand nine hundred sixty‐eight live births were recorded over the study period. There were two neonatal apparent life‐threatening events and no neonatal sudden unexpected death. The overall rate of neonatal apparent life‐threatening events and unexpected deaths was thus 0.032 per 1000 live births. Three potential risk factors were identified: skin‐to‐skin contact, primiparous mother and mother and baby alone in the delivery room.Conclusion: A neonatal apparent life‐threatening event or sudden unexpected death during the first 2 h of life is very uncommon. Skin‐to‐skin contact between mother and infant left alone in the delivery room may constitute the main risk situation. This must not lead to reconsider skin‐to‐skin contact that has been proven beneficial and seems per se almost safe, but must induce maternity staff to pay particular attention to a skin‐to skin infant when left alone with its mother.
Early nasal continuous positive airway pressure and low threshold for intubation in very preterm infants
Authors: Te Pas Arjan B , Spaans Vivian M , Rijken Monique , Morley Colin J , Walther Frans J 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To determine if selective intubation, use of early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) at birth with a low threshold for early surfactant treatment, reduces the need for intubation in very preterm infants in the first days after birth.Methods: Two cohorts of very preterm infants ≤ 32 weeks, born at the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, were compared retrospectively before (1996–1997) and after (2003–2004) introducing selective intubation and use of early NCPAP. A FiO2≥ 0.40 was used as criterion for intubation. Primary outcome measure was intubation < 72 h of age. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was a secondary outcome.Results: The rate of intubation in the delivery room (69% vs. 46%, p < 0.001) and within 72 h of age (73% vs. 57%, p < 0.001) was lower following the change in policy. Early NCPAP was, in 2003–2004, increasingly used as primary treatment (10% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) with higher maximum NCPAP levels (4.0 (0.9) vs. 5.8 (1.5), p < 0.001). There was no change in BPD (14.3% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.82).Conclusion: Avoiding intubation by using early NCPAP while maintaining a low‐threshold for surfactant treatment decreased the need for intubation.
Surveillance of extreme hyperbilirubinaemia in Denmark. A method to identify the newborn infants
Authors: Bjerre Jesper Vandborg , Petersen Jes Reinholdt , Ebbesen Finn 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To describe the incidence of infants born at term or near‐term with extreme hyperbilirubinaemia.Methods: The study period was between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2005, and included all infants born alive at term or near‐term in Denmark. Medical reports on all newborn infants with a total serum bilirubin concentration (TSB) ≥ 450 μmol/L were obtained by linking laboratory data to the unique Danish personal identification number.Results: In total, 113 infants were included, that is, an incidence of 45/100 000 live births. Thirty‐seven infants presented in hospital, 2 after home birth and the others after having been discharged. The maximum TSB was 485 (450–734) μmol/L (median [range]) and appeared latest amongst those infants admitted from home, but was not different from the maximum TSB of the nondischarged infants. Forty‐three infants had symptoms of early‐phase acute bilirubin encephalopathy; one infant had advanced‐phase symptoms. Four infants received an exchange transfusion. ABO blood group incompatibility was present in 52 infants. Thirty‐seven infants were of non‐Caucasian descent.Conclusion: A method to obtain the national epidemiological data is presented. The observed incidence of extreme hyperbilirubinaemia is higher than previously reported in Denmark. This is mainly due to a very sensitive method of identifying the study group.
Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects ofCyathea phalerataMart. (Cyatheaceae)
Authors: Hort Mariana Appel , DalBó Silvia , Brighente Inês Maria Costa , Pizzolatti Moacir Geraldo , Pedrosa Rozangela Curi , Ribeiro‐do‐Valle Rosa Maria 
Published: May 2008

Abstract: The present study investigated the antioxidant properties ofCyathea phalerataMart. (Cyatheaceae) usingin vitroandin vivoassays. Thein vitroantioxidant potential of the crude extract (CE), precipitate (PPT), aqueous fraction (AQF), n‐butanolic fraction (BUF) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) fromC. phaleratawas evaluated through the scavenging of diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate (DPPH), superoxide anion (O2•−) (nitroblue tetrazolium assay) and hydroxyl radicals (OH•) (deoxyribose assay), and lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate. In these assays, it was observed that EAF had marked antioxidant potential, especially as a scavenger of the OH•radical and in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Thein vivoevaluation of oxidative stress (DNA fragmentation, membrane lipoperoxidation and carbonyl protein formation) and the antioxidant defenses (concentration of reduced glutathione, as well as catalase and glutathione S‐transferase activities) were measured in mice pre‐treated with EAF (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg, orally) and later exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The EAF decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels, DNA damage and carbonyl protein contents, and increased catalase and glutathione S‐transferase activities. Based on these results, it is concluded that the EAF fromC. phalerataprotects liver from oxidative stress induced by CCl4in mice and these effects are probably related to the antioxidant activity associated with the free radical scavenging property of this fraction.
Egr‐1 mRNA induction by medium flow involves mRNA stabilization and is enhanced by the p38 inhibitor SB203580 in osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Ogata T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim:  Mechanical stimuli are important for maintaining organ structure and tissue function. To elucidate signalling pathways activated by mechanical stimuli, the contribution of mRNA stabilization to induction of egr‐1 mRNA by medium flow was examined and the mechanisms responsible for stabilization were analysed. An early‐response gene that encodes a transcription factor, egr‐1, activates transcription of several genes in response to mechanical stimuli, and was therefore selected to resolve how early‐induced signals are integrated and connected to subsequent response.Methods:  Mouse osteoblast‐like MC3T3E1 cells were stably transfected with the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene linked to the egr‐1 promoter, and inductions of endogenous egr‐1 and transfected CAT mRNA following medium flow were compared using real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR. The mechanism of induction was examined using a transcription inhibitor and mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitors. Activation of MAP kinases by medium flow was investigated using western blotting.Results:  Induction of egr‐1 mRNA by medium flow was twofold higher than CAT mRNA induction. Induction of egr‐1 mRNA was also observed in cells pre‐treated with transcription inhibitor. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 enhanced induction of egr‐1 mRNA by medium flow. Extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) were activated by medium flow.Conclusion:  A considerable part of egr‐1 mRNA induction by medium flow may be due to mRNA stabilization. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 enhances induction.
Best practice for the management of older people with dementia in the acute care setting: a review of the literature
Authors: Moyle Wendy , Olorenshaw Rachel , Wallis Marianne , Borbasi Sally 
Published: May 2008

Aim. This paper reviews the theoretical and research‐based literature related to the management of people with chronic confusion as a consequence of dementia in the acute care setting.Background. People aged 65 years and over are at increased risk of poor outcomes when admitted to the acute care setting as a result of comorbity and mismanagement of their chronic confusion. The challenge of caring for people with dementia in acute care is one that requires special attention.Results. The theoretical literature outlines a number of principles of care necessary for best practice in the care of people with dementia. A number of different models of care are reported in the literature and some evaluative research has been undertaken to assess the benefits of the different models.Conclusion. There are a number of interventions that if put into place in acute care may improve care of people with dementia and reduce the burden of care. There is emerging evidence that interventions such as staff education, skilled expertise, standardized care protocols and environmental modification help to meet the needs of people with dementia in acute hospital settings. This paper adds to our current understanding of management of dementia in the acute care setting, an area that demonstrates the need to move from descriptive to intervention studies to ensure evidence for care of persons with a dementing condition.