bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal obesity and risk of cesarean delivery: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Chu S. Y. , Kim S. Y. , Schmid C. H. , Dietz P. M. , Callaghan W. M. , Lau J. , Curtis K. M. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryDespite numerous studies reporting an increased risk of cesarean delivery among overweight or obese compared with normal weight women, the magnitude of the association remains uncertain. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis of the current literature to provide a quantitative estimate of this association. We identified studies from three sources: (i) a PubMed search of relevant articles published between January 1980 and September 2005; (ii) reference lists of publications selected from the search; and (iii) reference lists of review articles published between 2000 and 2005. We included cohort designed studies that reported obesity measures reflecting pregnancy body mass, had a normal weight comparison group, and presented data allowing a quantitative measurement of risk. We used a Bayesian random effects model to perform the meta‐analysis and meta‐regression. Thirty‐three studies were included. The unadjusted odd ratios of a cesarean delivery were 1.46 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–1.60], 2.05 (95% CI: 1.86–2.27) and 2.89 (95% CI: 2.28–3.79) among overweight, obese and severely obese women, respectively, compared with normal weight pregnant women. The meta‐regression found no evidence that these estimates were affected by selected study characteristics. Our findings provide a quantitative estimate of the risk of cesarean delivery associated with high maternal body mass.
VOM WARNSPRUCH ZUR ELEGISCHEN INSCHRIFT. EPIGRAMMATISCHE FORMEN IN DER WESTDEUTSCHEN LYRIK NACH 1945
Authors: Korte Hermann 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTDas Epigramm hatte in der westdeutschen Lyrik unterschiedliche Konjunkturen. Erst in den 1960er Jahren, als im Zuge der verspäteten Brecht‐Rezeption auch der lakonisch‐knappe Ton der Buckower Elegien entdeckt wurde, begannen Autoren mit epigrammatischen Formen zu experimentieren. Einer der Ersten war Erich Fried, dessen Warngedichte den Auftakt zu einer Lyrik bildeten, die mit scharfsinnigen Pointen, satirischen Spitzen und aufklärerischen Denkanstößen zur Literatur der ‘68er‐Bewegung’ gehörte. In den Siebzigern verlor das Epigramm für kurze Zeit an Bedeutung, bevor es in den 1980er Jahren bei Autoren wie Rainer Malkowski und Peter Härtling wiederkehrte – im veränderten, leisen, elegischen Duktus. Im Kontrast zwischen den Sechzigern und den Achtzigern – so der überraschende Befund – erneuert sich die Spannweite des traditionsreichen, kleinen Gedichts, das Lessing mit Blick auf das römische Vorbild Martial als eine pointierte, satirisch‐zugespitzte Form definierte, während Herder sich mit seiner Option für die griechische Epigrammatik eher den mitempfindenden, reflektierten, zurückgenommenen Ton wünschte.
STOCKENDE BOTSCHAFTEN, GEWUNDENE MITTEILUNGEN. ‘UND NUN IST KRIEG’: BRECHTS LETZTES SONETT AN MARGARETE STEFFIN
Authors: Kindt Tom , Müller Hans‐Harald 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTDie deutschsprachige Liebeslyrik des 20. Jahrhunderts ist durch einen antitraditionalistischen Grundzug charakterisiert; ihm werden gemeinhin auch Brechts Liebesgedichte zugerechnet. Wir vertreten hingegen die These, dass das Charakteristikum von Brechts Liebeslyrik gerade ihre idiosynkratische Zwischenstellung zwischen Tradition und Antitraditionalismus ist. Diese Zusammenhänge erläutern wir genauer im Rahmen einer Interpretation von Brechts Sonett ‘Und nun ist Krieg’, dem letzten der Sonette, die Brecht zwischen Ende 1932 und 1939 an seine Geliebte und Mitarbeiterin Margarete Steffin schrieb. Unsere Interpretation untersucht den lyrischen Kontext, Aufbau und Stil des Gedichts, das einen markanten intertextuellen Bezug zu Brechts ‘Terzinen über die Liebe’ enthält. Abschließend gehen wir auf die Liebesauffassung des Sonetts im größeren Kontext von Brechts Liebeslyrik ein.
ISMENE AT THE CROSSROADS: GENDER AND POETIC INFLUENCE
Authors: Paul Georgina 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis essay departs from Harold Bloom's male‐oriented theorisation of poetic influence as the ‘battle between strong equals, […] Laius and Oedipus at the crossroads’ (The Anxiety of Influence, 1973) to proceed both to a generalised consideration of the position of the woman poet vis‐à‐vis the male‐authored poetic tradition and, further, to more specific observations of relations of poetic influence in evidence in the work of contemporary women poets in German. I first propose a theory of the historical woman poet via an interpretation of the figure of Antigone, then, turning to her sister Ismene as the figuration of the contemporary woman poet, analyse traces of poetic influence in works by Anne Duden, Barbara Köhler, Elke Erb, and Ulrike Draesner.
Desmoglein 1 and 3 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in Iranian patients with pemphigus vulgaris: correlation with phenotype, severity, and disease activity
Authors: Daneshpazhooh M , Chams‐Davatchi C , Khamesipour A , Mansoori P , Taheri A , Firooz A , Mortazavi H , Esmaili N , Dowlati Y 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune blistering disorder of the skin and mucosa characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against desmoglein3 (Dsg3). Some patients also have antibodies against desmoglein1 (Dsg1). The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic value of Dsg enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Iranian PV patients, to assess its correlation with the clinical phenotype and severity of disease and to investigate the changes of these antibodies after treatment.Methods  Seventy‐three patients with PV (29 men, 44 women) presenting to the Pemphigus Research Unit at Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran were enrolled. ELISAs were used to detect IgG autoantibodies reactive with the ectodomains of Dsg1 and Dsg3, and the correlation of antibodies with the clinical phenotype as well as oral and skin disease severity was assessed. In addition, the tests were repeated in 18 patients after treatment and the resulting remission.Results  Anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 were detected in 56 (76.7%) and 69 (94.5%) patients, respectively. Anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 antibodies were present in 48 (94.1%) and 50 (98%) patients with mucocutaneous type, in 2 (12.5%) and 15 (93.7%) patients with mucosal type, and in 6 (100%) and 4 (66.7%) patients with cutaneous PV, respectively. The mean anti‐Dsg1 index values were significantly higher in cutaneous and mucocutaneous phenotypes than mucosal PV (P < 0.001). The mean anti‐Dsg3 index values were significantly lower in cutaneous and mucosal phenotypes than mucocutaneous PV (P < 0.01). The severity of skin lesions (but not oral lesions) was correlated with anti‐Dsg1 antibody level (P < 0.001); on the other hand, the severity of oral lesions (P < 0.01) as well as skin lesions (P < 0.001) was significantly correlated with anti‐Dsg3 antibody levels. Both anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 levels were significantly reduced after treatment and clinical remission (P < 0.001).Conclusion   Dsg ELISA is not only a sensitive tool for the diagnosis of PV, it can also serve as a predictive means for assessing the severity as well as for monitoring the disease activity. Although, in general, the clinical phenotype is related to the antibody profile, there are occasional cases with discordant phenotype and antibody profile. These discrepancies might be explained by genetic variations or the presence of possible minor antigens involved in the pathogenesis of pemphigus.
Magnesium supplementation and perinatal hypoxia: outcome of a parallel group randomised trial in pregnancy
Authors: Harrison V , Fawcus S , Jordaan E 
Published: June 2007

Objective To determine the effects of magnesium supplementation in pregnancy on the incidence of hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Design A randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. Setting A Midwife Obstetric Unit and its two referral hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa. Population A group of 4494 black pregnant women of low socio‐economic status. Method Mothers, from the time of booking until delivery, were randomised to receive two identical tablets daily, containing either 128 mg slow‐release magnesium stearate or lactose sugar. Main outcome measures Primary: The incidence of HIE. Secondary: The incidence of fetal heart rate decelerations, term Stillbirths, Low Apgar Scores, Meconium Aspiration Pneumonia. Results The incidence of HIE (0.9%) was considerably less than anticipated (2%). There were 22 infants in the placebo group and 15 infants in the supplemented group (P= 0.279). The difference was not significant.Secondary outcomes such as late fetal heart rate decelerations (P= 0.002) and term stillbirths (P= 0.016) were reduced significantly in the supplemented group, but this finding needs further substantiation. Conclusions Magnesium supplementation did not reduce the incidence of HIE significantly, probably because the study was underpowered and compliance was relatively poor.
New microsatellite markers for the bush rat, Rattus fuscipes greyii: characterization and cross‐species amplification
Authors: HINTEN G. N. , ROSSETTO M. , BAVERSTOCK P. R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe describe here 16 new microsatellite markers for the bush rat, Rattus fuscipes greyii, and characterize their cross‐species amplification within the Australian Rattus and at a greater level of divergence in Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus. Within R. f. greyii, all of the loci are highly polymorphic, with six to 24 alleles per locus across the species range and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.90 per locus within a sample of 24 rats from a large population on Kangaroo Island. Cross‐species amplification rates were approximately 87% within the Australian Rattus and approximately 50% within R. rattus and R. norvegicus. These loci are highly polymorphic with a high success rate of cross‐species amplification, making them potentially useful for a wide range of genetic studies.
Aging enhances a mechanically‐induced reduction in tendon strength by an active process involving matrix metalloproteinase activity
Authors: Dudhia Jayesh , Scott Charlotte M. , Draper Edward R. C. , Heinegård Dick , Pitsillides Andrew A. , Smith Roger K. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryAge‐associated and degenerative loss of functional integrity in soft tissues develops from effects of cumulative and subtle changes in their extracellular matrix (ECM). The highly ordered tendon ECM provides the tissue with its tensile strength during loading. As age and exercise collude in the high incidence of tendinopathies, we hypothesized that aged tendons fail due to cumulative damage resulting from a combination of diminished matrix repair and fragmentation of ECM proteins induced by prolonged cyclical loading, and that this is an active cell‐mediated process. We developed an equine tendon explant model to examine the effect of age on the influence of prolonged cyclical loading at physiologically relevant strain rates (5% strain, 1 Hz for 24 h) on tissue mechanical properties, loss of ECM protein and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. We show significantly diminished mechanical strength of cyclically loaded tissue compared to controls (39.7 ± 12%,P ≤ 0.05) this reduction was dependent on the presence of both viable cells and metalloproteinase activity. Furthermore, tendon from older specimens was more susceptible to weakening (11–30 years, 50%P ≤ 0.05) compared to immature and young mature tissue (1–3 years, 34%; 4–10 years, 35%, respectively). Cyclical load also induced release of degraded cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, an integral ECM protein, an effect that could be mimicked by culture with fibronectin fragments. These findings indicate prolonged cyclical loading of physiological magnitude decreases tendon tensile strength by an active process, and that MMPs may contribute to loss of functional competence, exaggerated by age, via load‐induced proteolytic disruption of the ECM.
Ultraviolet radiation exposure accelerates the accumulation of the aging‐dependent T414G mitochondrial DNA mutation in human skin
Authors: Birket Matthew J. , Birch‐Machin Mark A. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations has been proposed as an underlying cause of the aging process. Such mutations are thought to be generated principally through mechanisms involving oxidative stress. Skin is frequently exposed to a potent mutagen in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and mtDNA deletion mutations have previously been shown to accumulate with photoaging. Here we report that the age‐related T414G point mutation originally identified in skin fibroblasts from donors over 65 years also accumulates with age in skin tissue. Moreover, there is a significantly greater incidence of this mutation in skin from sun‐exposed sites (χ2= 6.8, P < 0.01). Identification and quantification of the T414G mutation in dermal skin tissue from 108 donors ranging from 8 to 97 years demonstrated both increased occurrence with photoaging as well as an increase in the proportion of molecules affected. In addition, we have discovered frequent genetic linkage between a common photoaging‐associated mtDNA deletion and the T414G mutation. This linkage indicates that mtDNA mutations such as these are unlikely to be distributed equally across the mtDNA population within the skin tissue, increasing their likelihood of exerting focal effects at the cellular level. Taken together, these data significantly contribute to our understanding of the DNA damaging effects of UV exposure and how resultant mutations may ultimately contribute towards premature aging.
An aging Interventions Testing Program: study design and interim report
Authors: Miller Richard A. , Harrison David E. , Astle Clinton M. , Floyd Robert A. , Flurkey Kevin , Hensley Kenneth L. , Javors Martin A. , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Nelson James F. , Ongini Ennio , Nadon Nancy L. , Warner Huber R. , Strong Randy 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe National Institute on Aging's Interventions Testing Program (ITP) has developed a plan to evaluate agents that are considered plausible candidates for delaying rates of aging. Key features include: (i) use of genetically heterogeneous mice (a standardized four‐way cross), (ii) replication at three test sites (the Jackson Laboratory, TJL; University of Michigan, UM; and University of Texas, UT), (iii) sufficient statistical power to detect 10% changes in lifespan, (iv) tests for age‐dependent changes in T cell subsets and physical activity, and (v) an annual solicitation for collaborators who wish to suggest new interventions for evaluation. Mice in the first cohort were exposed to one of four agents: aspirin, nitroflurbiprofen (NFP), 4‐OH‐α‐phenyl‐N‐tert‐butyl nitrone (4‐OH‐PBN), or nordihydroguiaretic acid (NDGA). An interim analysis was conducted using survival data available on the date at which at least 50% of the male control mice had died at each test site. Survival of control males was significantly higher, at the interim time‐point, at UM than at UT or TJL; all three sites had similar survival of control females. Males in the NDGA group had significantly improved survival (P = 0.0004), with significant effects noted at TJL (P < 0.01) and UT (P < 0.04). None of the other agents altered survival, although there was a suggestion (P = 0.07) of a beneficial effect of aspirin in males. More data will be needed to determine if any of these compounds can extend maximal lifespan, but the current data show that NDGA reduces early life mortality risks in genetically heterogeneous mice at multiple test sites.
Attitudes of community optometrists to smoking cessation: an untapped opportunity overlooked?
Authors: Thompson C. , Harrison R. A. , Wilkinson S. C. , Scott‐Samuel A. , Hemmerdinger C. , Kelly S. P. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim: To assess community optometrists’ attitudes and current behaviour regarding provision of smoking cessation advice in their practice.Methods: A self‐completion postal questionnaire was sent to community optometrists in north‐west England identified from the General Optical Council's practice lists.Results: Of 709 optometrists identified, 71.8% (509/709) returned the completed questionnaire. Few community optometrists routinely asked about smoking habits: only 6.2% (95% CI: 4.1–8.3) (n = 31) at new patient consultations, and 2.2% (95% CI: 0.9–3.5) (n = 11) at follow‐up visits. Reasons for optometrists not routinely providing smoking cessation advice included: not their role (35.4%,n = 180), lack of time (22.0%,n = 112) and forgetting to ask (21.4%,n = 109). Overall 67.6% (95% CI: 63.5–71.7) (n = 344) of community optometrists wanted to improve their knowledge of smoking and visual impairment with 56.2% (95% CI: 51.9–60.5) (n = 286) requesting further training.Conclusion: Despite low levels of current involvement, many optometrists were keen to receive training on smoking cessation topics. We suggest that there are untapped opportunities to develop brief interventions to promote smoking cessation services in community optometry settings.
Management of ophthalmology referral letters in the United Kingdom: are traditional methods the best?
Authors: Hodi Samara 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  Traditionally referrals to ophthalmic units have been read and prioritised by a senior ophthalmologist. This has been seen as necessary due to the complex nature of the information contained within the referral, and to ensure that patients with sight threatening conditions are seen with appropriate speed. This well‐established system is in the process of being challenged with the introduction of electronic booking in England (Choose and Book). This study undertook to establish whether non‐consultant ophthalmic practitioners working in an eye clinic could grade referrals with an efficacy priority rating compatible with that of a consultant ophthalmologist.Method:  A total of 138 ophthalmic referral letters were read and prioritised using a 4 point scale by the consultant to whom they were addressed. They were then prioritised by three test readers, without knowledge of the consultant's decision. Agreement was evaluated using unweighted and linear weighted kappa analysis. A selection of the more controversial referrals (i.e. where agreement was equivocal) were also prioritised by four consultants.Results:  Weighted kappa analysis showed only a fair agreement between the scores given by the three test readers [Senior House Officer (SHO), Optometrist and Nurse Practitioner] and the consultant of 0.45, 0.48 and 0.37, respectively. However, in all cases, over 90% of scores were within one point of agreement with the Consultant score. Some letters were particularly difficult to interpret, leading to poor inter‐consultant agreement on the more controversial letters (κ = 0.30).Conclusions:  Agreed clinical guidelines would make the prioritisation of most referral letters straightforward by a trained ophthalmic practitioner. However, traditional methods are inherently variable. To assist the untrained prioritiser there may need to be a priority scoring system, or availability of a triage assessment clinic.
Calculating the power of toric phakic intraocular lenses
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Seitz Berthold 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and purpose:  A toric phakic intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye has the potential to correct high or excessive ametropia and astigmatism with high predictability of the postoperative refraction and preservation of phakic accommodation. The calculation of spherical phakic lenses has been described previously, but a formalism for estimating the power of toric phakic lenses has not yet been published. The purpose of this study is to describe a mathematical strategy for calculating toric phakic IOLs.Methods:  The method presented in this paper is based on vergence transformation in the paraxial Gaussian space. Parameters used for the calculations are the spherocylindrical spectacle refraction before implantation, corneal power (sphere and astigmatism) and (spherocylindrical) target refraction, together with the vertex distance and the predicted position of the phakic IOL. The lens power is determined as the difference in vergences between the spectacle‐corrected eye and the uncorrected eye at the reference plane of the predicted lens position. The axes of the preoperative refraction, the target refraction and the corneal astigmatism are at random (not necessarily aligned).Results:  The method was applied to two clinical examples. In example 1 we calculate the power of a phakic lens for the simple case, when the target refraction is plano and the axis of the preoperative refraction is aligned to the axis of the corneal astigmatism. In example 2, the cylindrical axis of the preoperative refraction is not aligned to the corneal astigmatism and the target refraction is spherocylindrical (and the axis of the target refraction is not aligned to the preoperative refractive cylinder or the corneal astigmatism). The calculations for both examples are described step‐by‐step and illustrated in a table.Conclusions:  The calculation scheme can be generalized to an unlimited number of crossed cylinders in the optical pathway. Based on paraxial raytracing, the spherical and cylindrical power as well as the orientation of the cylinder are determined from the preoperative refraction (including vertex distance), the corneal power, the intended target refraction (including vertex distance) and the predicted position of the phakic lens implant provided by the lens manufacturer. This calculation scheme can be easily implemented in a simple computer program (i.e. in Microsoft excel or matlab).
Static accommodative responses following adaptation to differential levels of blur
Authors: Cufflin Matthew P. , Hazel Charlotte A. , Mallen Edward A. H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate the effects of two levels of blur adaptation on visual resolution and steady‐state accommodation responses in emmetropes and myopes.Methods:  Eleven emmetropes (mean refractive error +0.01 ± 0.31 DS) and 11 early‐onset myopes (EOM, mean refractive error −4.44 ± 1.64 DS) fixated monocularly at 4 m in three trials of 45 min duration with either: optimal refractive correction, +1 DS defocus, or +3 DS defocus. Monocular logMAR visual acuity (VA) was measured at 10 min intervals during each trial, and immediately following completion of the trial. Accommodative stimulus‐response function (ASRF), refractive error and pupil size were measured before and after each trial.Results:  Blur adaptation was found to have no effect on pupil size or baseline refraction, irrespective of the power of the blurring lens. Adaptation to +1 DS of defocus yielded an improvement in VA of −0.16 ± 0.07 logMAR and −0.17 ± 0.11 logMAR in the emmetropes and myopes respectively. An improvement in VA of −0.20 ± 0.18 logMAR in the emmetropes and −0.26 ± 0.17 logMAR in the myopes was observed following adaptation to +3 DS of defocus. The changes in acuity became significant following 30 min of exposure to defocus. Blur adaptation was found to have no effect on the ASRF gradient or individual steady‐state accommodative responses.Conclusions:  Following blur adaptation, visual resolution was found to increase in both emmetropes and myopes. The magnitude of the blur level did not produce significantly different increases in resolution. Blur adaptation failed to affect either the steady‐state responses to an accommodative stimulus or ASRF gradient.