bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are children attending child play areas at risk of infectious diseases? What can be done?
Authors: Gauci Charmaine , Borg Doreen 
Published: January 2007

Aims: Child play areas can pose a risk to children of infectious diseases. The prolonged presence of micro-organisms in the environment has already been established. In order to quantify this risk, specific studies are required when carrying out a risk assessment. Methods: In order to assess the microbiological hazard in play areas in Malta, a study was performed during 2005, which consisted of an examination of the hygienic practices carried out in play areas by means of face-to-face interviews; inspections of the premises; environmental sampling and testing, and a study on the awareness and attitudes of parents to risk factors (face-to-face interviews). Follow up studies were performed after recommendations on risk management were provided. Results: Overall, the hygienic practices in play areas were satisfactory. Of the premises 66% were licensed, 55% of the food handlers were registered, appropriate cooking and cooling facilities were available for most of the premises, temperature control records were available at 80% of premises, 60% were using disinfectant for cleaning play area surfaces and monitoring of refrigerated vehicles was carried out by 60%. There was an overall improvement after recommendations were given. At the first inspection, 67% of the premises were categorized as being fair and 33% as being good. On repeat inspection, after recommendations were made, the grading of the premises were: excellent 7%, satisfactory 33%, good 53% and fair 7%. The results of the environmental swabs taken had low counts of indicator organisms indicating a good overall hygienic condition. Parents stated that 58% of the areas were in good hygienic condition but lacked adequate hand-washing facilities for children. All parents agreed with the importance of hand hygiene and that infectious diseases can be transmitted via contaminated objects and from one person to another. Conclusion: An effective control strategy needs to be implemented involving all stakeholders to ensure that effective hygienic practices in play areas are available to protect children from infectious diseases.
Protocol for the Smoking, Nicotine and Pregnancy (SNAP) trial: double-blind, placebo-randomised, controlled trial of nicotine replacement therapy in pregnancy
Authors: Coleman Tim , Thornton Jim , Britton John , Lewis Sarah , Watts Kim , Coughtrie Michael WH , Mannion Clare , Marlow Neil , Godfrey Christine 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Background
Smoking in pregnancy remains a public health challenge. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is effective for smoking cessation in non-pregnant people, but because women metabolise nicotine and cotinine much faster in pregnancy, it is unclear whether this will be effective for smoking cessation in pregnancy. The NHS Health Technology Assessment Programme (HTA)-funded smoking, nicotine and pregnancy (SNAP) trial will investigate whether or not nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is effective, cost-effective and safe when used for smoking cessation by pregnant women.

Methods/Design
Over two years, in 5 trial centres, 1050 pregnant women who are between 12 and 24 weeks pregnant will be randomised as they attend hospital for ante-natal ultrasound scans. Women will receive either nicotine or placebo transdermal patches with behavioural support. The primary outcome measure is biochemically-validated, self-reported, prolonged and total abstinence from smoking between a quit date (defined before randomisation and set within two weeks of this) and delivery. At six months after childbirth self-reported maternal smoking status will be ascertained and two years after childbirth, self-reported maternal smoking status and the behaviour, cognitive development and respiratory symptoms of children born in the trial will be compared in both groups.

Discussion
This trial is designed to ascertain whether or not standard doses of NRT (as transdermal patches) are effective and safe when used for smoking cessation during pregnancy.
All-trans retinoic acid induces COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 synthesis in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells: involvement of retinoic acid receptors and extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2
Authors: Alique Matilde , Herrero Juan F , Lucio-Cazana Francisco Javier 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
Our recent results show that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an active metabolite of vitamin A, induces COX-dependent hyperalgesia and allodynia in rats. This effect was mediated by retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and was associated with increased COX-2 expression in the spinal cord. Since ATRA also up-regulated COX-2 expression in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, the current study was undertaken to analyze in these cells the mechanism through which ATRA increases COX activity.

Methods
Cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were treated with ATRA. COX expression and kinase activity were analyzed by western blot. Transcriptional mechanisms were analyzed by RT-PCR and promoter assays. Pharmacological inhibitors of kinase activity and pan-antagonists of RAR or RXR were used to assess the relevance of these signaling pathways. Production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was quantified by enzyme immunoabsorbent assay. Statistical significance between individual groups was tested using the non-parametric unpaired Mann-Whitney U test.

Results
ATRA induced a significant increase of COX-2 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, while COX-1 expression remained unchanged. Morphological features of differentiation were not observed in ATRA-treated cells. Up-regulation of COX-2 protein expression was followed by increased production of PGE2. ATRA also up-regulated COX-2 mRNA expression and increased the activity of a human COX-2 promoter construct. We next explored the participation of RARs and mitogen-activated peptide kinases (MAPK). Pre-incubation of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with either RAR-pan-antagonist LE540 or MAP kinase kinase 1 (MEK-1) inhibitor PD98059 resulted in the abolition of ATRA-induced COX-2 promoter activity, COX-2 protein expression and PGE2 production whereas the retinoid X receptor pan-antagonist HX531, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or the c-Jun kinase inhibitor SP600125 did not have any effect. The increase in RAR-β expression and extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) phosphorylation in ATRA-incubated cells suggested that RARs and ERK1/2 were in fact activated by ATRA in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

Conclusion
These results highlight the importance of RAR-dependent and kinase-dependent mechanisms for ATRA-induced COX-2 expression and activity.
Periodontal Disease in Kuna Albinism: A Comparative Study
Authors: Champsaur Andre 
Published: January 2007

Background: In classic albinism, all parts of the body are normal except for the absence of melanin. It is believed that lack of this pigment in periodontal tissues might influence periodontal disease progression. This study was designed to determine the relationship between periodontal diseases and albinism by comparing the clinical periodontal status of a group of native Panamanian Kuna albinos (from San Blas, Panama) to Kuna non‐albinos of the same communities.Methods: An experimental group of 30 subjects (Kuna albinos aged ≥12 years) was selected and divided into three subgroups according to age. Likewise, a control group of 30 subjects (Kuna non‐albinos) was selected and divided in subgroups.Results: Assessment of oral hygiene and gingival inflammation in albinos by the Silness and Löe plaque index and Löe and Silness gingival index, respectively, was unremarkable compared to control groups. No statistically significant differences were found for number of teeth present, gingival index, plaque index, clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth, or gingival recession. As expected, age was a factor in the severity of the periodontal disease; 58% of individuals aged ≥36 years had at least one site with CAL ≥7 mm.Conclusion: Based on the overwhelming similarity of results found between experimental and control groups, albinism does not represent a clinical risk factor in the pathogenesis or exacerbation of periodontal diseases for these individuals.
Influence of the Period After Ovariectomy on Femoral and Mandibular Bone Density and on Induced Periodontal Disease
Authors: Orrico Silvana R.P. , Giro Gabriela , Gonçalves Daniela , Takayama Lilian , Pereira Rosa M.R. 
Published: January 2007

Background: This study investigated the influence of the period after ovariectomy on femoral and mandibular bone mineral density (BMD) and on induced periodontal disease.Methods: One hundred and twenty‐six female Holtzman rats were divided into nine groups: control, sham surgery (SHAM) with and without induction of periodontal disease for 51 and 150 days, and ovariectomy (OVX) with and without induction of periodontal disease for 51 and 150 days. Periodontal disease was induced by placing ligatures on the first lower molars during the last 30 days of each period. BMD was measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Vertical bone loss was determined by measuring the distance from the alveolar bone crest to the cemento‐enamel junction on the mesial side of the first lower molar.Results: Statistical analyses (Kruskal‐Wallis test) revealed a significant difference between the OVX and SHAM groups' global and femoral proximal epiphysis BMD (P <0.001) for 150 days and in the global evaluation for 51 days. For mandibular BMD, no difference was found between the groups of each period. Influence of the period on femoral BMD was found only for the SHAM groups, with lower BMD for the 51‐day period compared to the 150‐day period (P <0.05). In the global evaluation of the mandible, a lower BMD was found after 51 days. The period was a contributing factor for the vertical bone loss, and it resulted in higher values for the 51‐day period (P <0.05).Conclusion: The period influenced the femoral BMD and the vertical bone loss in induced periodontal disease.
A preliminary analysis of the DNA and diet of the extinct Beothuk: A systematic approach to ancient human DNA
Authors: Kuch Melanie , Gröcke Darren R. , Knyf Martin C. , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Younghusband Ban , Young Terry , Marshall Ingeborg , Willerslev Eske , Stoneking Mark , Poinar Hendrik 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe have used a systematic protocol for extracting, quantitating, sexing and validating ancient human mitochondrial and nuclear DNA of one male and one female Beothuk, a Native American population from Newfoundland, which became extinct ∼180 years ago. They carried mtDNA haplotypes, which fall within haplogroups X and C, consistent with Northeastern Native populations today. In addition we have sexed the male using a novel‐sexing assay and confirmed the authenticity of his Y chromosome with the presence of the Native American specific Y‐QM3 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). This is the first ancient nuclear SNP typed from a Native population in the Americas. In addition, using the same teeth we conducted a stable isotopes analysis of collagen and dentine to show that both individuals relied on marine sources (fresh and salt water fish, seals) with no hierarchy seen between them, and that their water sources were pooled or stored water. Both mtDNA sequence data and Y SNP data hint at possible gene flow or a common ancestral population for both the Beothuk and the current day Mikmaq, but more importantly the data do not lend credence to the proposed idea that the Beothuk (specifically, Nonosabasut) were of admixed (European‐Native American) descent. We also analyzed patterns of DNA damage in the clones of authentic mtDNA sequences; there is no tendency for DNA damage to occur preferentially at previously defined mutational hotspots, suggesting that such mutational hotspots are not hypervariable because they are more prone to damage. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Ulcerated Leg Severity Assessment score for prediction of venous leg ulcer healing
Authors: Kulkarni S R , Gohel M S , Wakely C , Minor J , Poskitt K R , Whyman M R 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
The aim of the study was to create a reliable scoring system for the prediction of venous ulcer healing in patients treated with compression.

Methods
A prospective baseline study to identify risk factors for venous ulcer healing was undertaken between March 1999 and August 2001. All patients were treated with multilayer compression. A number of variables were related to 24-week healing rates. A Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors that predicted ulcer healing, from which a scoring system was developed and validated prospectively between February 2004 and March 2005.

Results
In the baseline study of 229 patients, patient age, ulcer chronicity and venous refill time (VRT) of 20 s or less were identified as risk factors. Using these factors and hazard ratios from the Cox regression analysis, the following formula was devised: Ulcerated Leg Severity Assessment (ULSA) score = age + chronicity − 50 (when VRT is greater than 20 s). Patients with an ULSA score of 50 or less had higher 24-week ulcer healing rates than those with higher scores in both the baseline study (P &lt; 0·001, log rank test) and the validation study performed in 86 patients (P = 0·007, log rank test).

Conclusion
The ULSA score may help to identify patients with venous ulcers unlikely to respond to conventional treatment who could be offered alternative therapy.
Nerve management during open hernia repair
Authors: Wijsmuller A R , van Veen R N , Bosch J L , Lange J F M , Kleinrensink G J , Jeekel J , Lange J F 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
Peroperative identification and subsequent division or preservation of the inguinal nerves during open hernia repair may influence the incidence of chronic postoperative pain.

Methods
A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies investigating the influence of different types of nerve management.

Results
Based on three randomized studies the pooled mean percentage of patients with chronic pain after identification and division of the ilioinguinal nerve was similar to that after identification and preservation of the ilioinguinal nerve. Two cohort studies suggested that the incidence of chronic pain was significantly lower after identification of all inguinal nerves compared with no identification of any nerve. Another cohort study reported a significant difference in the incidence of chronic pain in favour of identification and facultative pragmatic division of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve compared with no identification at all.

Conclusion
The nerves should probably be identified during open hernia repair. Division of and preservation of the ilioinguinal nerve show similar results.
Hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplant, managed with percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement
Authors: Shaikh Fareed , Solis Joaquin , Bajwa Tanvir 
Published: January 2007

AbstractHepatic artery stenosis is a recognized vascular complication of orthotropic liver transplant that carries significant morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of hepatic artery stenosis in a 50‐year‐old female successfully treated with balloon angioplasty and stent. This case report highlights the importance of percutaneous intervention as a preferred treatment option in patients with hepatic artery stenosis postorthotropic liver transplant. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Forecasting the recent behavior of US business fixed investment spending: an analysis of competing models
Authors: Rapach David E. , Wohar Mark E. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe evaluate forecasting models of US business fixed investment spending growth over the recent 1995:1–2004:2 out‐of‐sample period. The forecasting models are based on the conventional Accelerator, Neoclassical, Average Q, and Cash‐Flow models of investment spending, as well as real stock prices and excess stock return predictors. The real stock price model typically generates the most accurate forecasts, and forecast‐encompassing tests indicate that this model contains most of the information useful for forecasting investment spending growth relative to the other models at longer horizons. In a robustness check, we also evaluate the forecasting performance of the models over two alternative out‐of‐sample periods: 1975:1–1984:4 and 1985:1–1994:4. A number of different models produce the most accurate forecasts over these alternative out‐of‐sample periods, indicating that while the real stock price model appears particularly useful for forecasting the recent behavior of investment spending growth, it may not continue to perform well in future periods.  Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skin‐derived stem cells transplanted into resorbable guides provide functional nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve resection
Authors: Marchesi C. , Pluderi M. , Colleoni F. , Belicchi M. , Meregalli M. , Farini A. , Parolini D. , Draghi L. , Fruguglietti M. E. , Gavina M. , Porretti L. , Cattaneo A. , Battistelli M. , Prelle A. , Moggio M. , Borsa S. , Bello L. , Spagnoli D. , Gaini S. M. , Tanzi M. C. , Bresolin N. , Grimoldi N. , Torrente Y. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe regeneration in the peripheral nervous system is often incomplete and the treatment of severe lesions with nerve tissue loss is primarily aimed at recreating nerve continuity. Guide tubes of various types, filled with Schwann cells, stem cells, or nerve growth factors are attractive as an alternative therapy to nerve grafts. In this study, we evaluated whether skin‐derived stem cells (SDSCs) can improve peripheral nerve regeneration after transplantation into nerve guides. We compared peripheral nerve regeneration in adult rats with sciatic nerve gaps of 16 mm after autologous transplantation of GFP‐labeled SDSCs into two different types of guides: a synthetic guide, obtained by dip coating with a L‐lactide and trimethylene carbonate (PLA‐TMC) copolymer and a collagen‐based guide. The sciatic function index and the recovery rates of the compound muscle action potential were significantly higher in the animals that received SDSCs transplantation, in particular, into the collagen guide, compared to the control guides filled only with PBS. For these guides the morphological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an increased number of myelinated axons expressing S100 and Neurofilament 70, suggesting the presence of regenerating nerve fibers along the gap. GFP positive cells were found around regenerating nerve fibers and few of them were positive for the expression of glial markers as S‐100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. RT‐PCR analysis confirmed the expression of S100 and myelin basic protein in the animals treated with the collagen guide filled with SDSCs. These data support the hypothesis that SDSCs could represent a tool for future cell therapy applications in peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Astroglia‐mediated effects of uric acid to protect spinal cord neurons from glutamate toxicity
Authors: Du Yangzhou , Chen Christopher P. , Tseng Chia‐Yi , Eisenberg Yuval , Firestein Bonnie L. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractUric acid (UA) has been demonstrated to reduce damage to neurons elicited by oxidative stress. However, our studies utilizing cultures derived from embryonic rat spinal cord indicate that an astroglia‐mediated mechanism is involved in the effects of UA to protect neurons from glutamate toxicity. The damage elicted by glutamate to neurons in a mixed culture of spinal cord cells can be reversed by UA. Furthermore, addition of UA after the termination of glutamate exposure suggests that UA plays an active role in mediating neuroprotection rather than purely binding peroxynitrite, as previously thought. Importantly, in pure neuron cultures from the same tissue, UA does not protect against glutamate toxicity. Addition of astroglia to the pure neuron cultures restores the ability of UA to protect the neurons from glutamate‐induced toxicity. Our results also suggest that glia provide EAAT‐1 and EAAT‐2 glutamate transporters to protect neurons from glutamate, that functional EAATs may be necessary to mediate the effects of UA, and that treatment with UA results in upregulation of EAAT‐1 protein. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that astroglia in mixed cultures are essential for mediating the effects of UA, revealing a novel mechanism by which UA, a naturally produced substance in the body, may act to protect neurons from damage during insults such as spinal cord injury. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CD133 positive hepatocellular carcinoma cells possess high capacity for tumorigenicity
Authors: Yin Shengyong , Li Jinjun , Hu Chen , Chen Xinhua , Yao Ming , Yan Mingxia , Jiang Guoping , Ge Chao , Xie Haiyang , Wan Dafang , Yang Shengli , Zheng Shusen , Gu Jianren 
Published: January 2007

AbstractRecently increasing reported data have suggested that only a small subset of cancer cells possess capability to initiate malignancies including leukemia and solid tumors, which was based on investigation in these cells displaying a distinct surface marker pattern within the primary cancers. CD133 is a putative hematopoietic and neuronal stem‐cell marker, which was also considered as a tumorigenic marker in brain and prostate cancer. We hypothesized that CD133 was a marker closely correlated with tumorigenicity, since it was reported that CD133 expressed in human fetal liver and repairing liver tissues, which tightly associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Our findings showed that a small population of CD133 positive cells indeed exists in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and primary HCC tissues. From SMMC‐7721 cell line, CD133+ cells isolated by MACS manifested high tumorigenecity and clonogenicity as compared with CD133− HCC cells. The implication that CD133 might be one of the markers for HCC cancer stem‐like cells needed further investigation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and polymerization of first‐generation dendritic methacrylate macromonomers
Authors: Reemers Sandra , Mela Petra , Mourran Ahmed , Magonov Sergei , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin 
Published: January 2007

AbstractFirst‐generation dendritic macromonomers with a methacryloyl end group on one side, long alkyl chains on the other side, and a biuret system with two urethane groups in the core have been synthesized. The synthesis comprises three steps with hexamethylene diisocyanate uretdione as the starting material. The branching points were introduced via biuret groups and the prepared macromonomers were polymerized by free and controlled radical polymerization. Depending on the reaction conditions linear dendronized polymers as well as branched dendronized polymers and microgels with long alkyl chains were obtained. Scanning force microscopy was used to visualize high molecular weight molecules spincoated on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 614–628, 2007