bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for developmental problems at primary care level: a field programme in San Isidro, Argentina
Authors: Lejarraga Horacio , Menendez Ana Maria , Menzano Enrique , Guerra Lucìa , Biancato Silvia , Pianelli Patricia , Del Pino Mariana , Fattore Marìa José , Contreras Maria M. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryInformation on prevalence and type of problems of psychomotor development (PPD) is necessary for implementation of specific care programmes at field level. With the purpose of obtaining this information, a screening test, the Prueba Nacional de Pesquisa (PRUNAPE) for PPD was implemented in three health centres in San Isidro, a city near Buenos Aires, attended by different socio‐economic groups: centres A and B were located in the inner city, and C in a middle‐class area. The test was administered by three previously trained paediatricians to 839 apparently healthy children aged 0–5 years. The failure rates were 24%, 19% and 16% in centres A, B and C respectively (20% in total). Out of the 170 children failing the test and referred to hospital for diagnosis and treatment, only 96 complied and went through a series of studies carried out by a previously prepared multidisciplinary team.With the exception of children who failed the Battelle test [classified as Global Developmental Delay (GDD)], final diagnoses were classified according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition: GDD (60 children), pervasive developmental disorders (11), communication disorders (10), motor disorders (6, of whom 2 were with cerebral palsy), attention deficit disorders (5), attachment disorders (2), normal children (3). Co‐morbidity was present in 22 affected children. Forty‐three per cent of children failing the test did not attend hospital or did not complete studies because of major social and family problems, the family not living in the area, or the parents preferring to consult their own paediatrician. Health centres and children not selected in a randomised way, and a significant proportion of them not complying with the indication of hospital referral were major sources of bias, so that PPD prevalences, positive and negative predictive values should be interpreted with great caution. Further studies accounting for these sources of bias are needed to confirm the observed prevalence of PPD.Training of health personnel, at hospital and health centre level, priority settings, and operational research to evaluate effectiveness of treatments and care delivery systems at field level are necessary in Argentina for optimal use of limited healthcare resources.
Mortality risk of small infants varies with their mother's birthweight and race
Authors: Owusu‐Ansah Albert K. , David Richard J. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryWe analysed a transgenerational linked birth file to investigate the relationship between maternal birthweight and infant birthweight‐specific mortality risk for white and African American infants. Birth records of 267 303 infants born between 1989 and 1991 were linked to records of their mothers, born between 1956 and 1976, and to their own death certificates for those dying in the first year. The means, standard deviations and z‐scores were calculated for each race‐ and generation‐specific birthweight distribution. Investigators then analysed the mortality of very small infants (birthweight at least two standard deviations below their mean) for three maternal birthweight categories.Over half of the infant deaths involved births with weights more than two standard deviations below the relevant population mean birthweight (comprising 4.2% of white and 6.9% of African American births respectively). African American infants experienced higher mortality rates at all levels of standardised birthweight, from z‐scores of −3 to +3. The relative risk of mortality associated with very small infant size was less for infants delivered to smaller birthweight mothers when compared with those whose mothers were average sized or large at birth. This differential effect was confined to neonatal deaths and was more prominent in the white subpopulation.
Active and passive maternal smoking during pregnancy and the risks of low birthweight and preterm birth: the Generation R Study
Authors: Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Troe Ernst‐Jan W. M. , Hofman Albert , Mackenbach Johan P. , Moll Henriette A. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Witteman Jacqueline C. M. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe objective of this study was to examine the associations between active and passive smoking in different periods of pregnancy and changing smoking habits during pregnancy, with low birthweight and preterm birth. The study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population‐based prospective cohort study from early fetal life onwards in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Active and passive smoking were assessed by questionnaires in early, mid‐ and late pregnancy. Analyses were based on 7098 pregnant women and their children.Active smoking until pregnancy was ascertained and was not associated with low birthweight and preterm birth. Continued active smoking after pregnancy was also recorded and was associated with low birthweight (adjusted odds ratio 1.75 [95% CI 1.20, 2.56]) and preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio 1.36 [95% CI 1.04, 1.78]). The strongest associations were found for active maternal smoking in late pregnancy. Passive maternal smoking in late pregnancy was associated with continuously measured birthweight (P for trend <0.001). For all active smoking categories in early pregnancy, quitting smoking was associated with a higher birthweight than continuing to smoke. Tendencies towards smaller non‐significant beneficial effects on mean birthweight were found for reducing the number of cigarettes without quitting completely. This study shows that active and passive smoking in late pregnancy are associated with adverse effects on weight and gestational age at birth. Smoking in early pregnancy only, seems not to affect fetal growth adversely. Health care strategies for pregnant women should be aimed at quitting smoking completely rather than reducing the number of cigarettes.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy: a comparison between concurrent and retrospective self‐reports
Authors: Post Ann , Gilljam Hans , Bremberg Sven , Galanti Maria R. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryRetrospective reports of smoking in pregnancy are of importance for clinical or scientific purposes. Careful analyses of stability and accuracy of recalled behaviour are, therefore, needed. In 1998, the mothers of 2369 pre‐teens born in Sweden retrospectively reported their smoking behaviour during the first trimester of the index pregnancy. We matched these reports with those recorded by midwives at the beginning of the index pregnancy, using information from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry. Using this registry as gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the retrospective reports containing any smoking were 83.9% and 92.8% respectively, but the sensitivity was low for daily smoking, 56.0%.Of the 222 discordant reports, 19.0% were due to mothers recalling daily smoking which was not reported at the time of pregnancy, and 42% were due to failure to recall smoking reported at the time of pregnancy, while the remaining 39% retrospectively reported occasional smoking, whereas they were registered as non‐daily smokers when pregnant. Retrospective recall of pregnancy smoking is fairly stable over time.
Determinants of caesarean section in Lebanon: geographical differences
Authors: Carayol Marion , Zein Ali , Ghosn Nada , Du Mazaubrun Christiane , Breart Gérard 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThis study, based on the Lebanese National Perinatal Survey which included 5231 women, examined the relations between the caesarean section (CS) rate and the characteristics of mothers, children, antenatal care and maternity units in two geographical zones of Lebanon (Beirut–Mount Lebanon and the rest of the country) and then looked at geographical variations. This analysis concerned 3846 women with singleton pregnancies and livebirths at low risk of CS, after exclusion of women with a previous CS, non‐cephalic fetal presentations, or delivery before 37 weeks' gestation. The principal end point was caesarean delivery. The relations between the factors studied and CS were estimated by odds ratios (OR), both crude and adjusted, using logistic regression.The rate of CS was higher in the Beirut–Mount Lebanon zone than elsewhere (13.4% vs. 7.6%). After adjustment, several factors remained associated with caesarean delivery in each zone. Common factors were primiparity, gestational age ≥41 weeks and antenatal hospitalisation. Factors identified only in the Beirut–Mount Lebanon zone were obstetric history and insurance coverage, whereas for the other zones we only found major risk factors for obstetric disease: maternal age ≥35 years, number of antenatal consultations ≥4 and birthweight ≤2500 g. The multivariable analysis of the overall population, adjusting for zone of delivery and other variables, shows that zone was one of the principal factors associated with the risk of caesarean delivery in Lebanon (OR = 1.80 [95% CI 1.09, 2.95]). In conclusion, the CS rates in Lebanon were high, with geographical differences that were associated with access to care and with obstetric practices.
Risk factors for not delivering in a level III unit before 32 weeks of gestation: results from a population‐based study in Paris and surrounding districts in 2003
Authors: Zeitlin Jennifer , Gwanfogbe Cletus D. , Delmas Dominique , Pilkington Hugo , Jarreau Pierre‐Henri , Chabernaud Jean‐Louis , Bréart Gérard , Papiernik Emile 
Published: February 2008

SummaryDelivery of very preterm babies in maternity units with on‐site neonatal intensive care (level III units) is associated with lower mortality and morbidity. This analysis explores risk factors for not delivering in a level III unit, using data from a population‐based study of very preterm births in Paris and surrounding districts in 2003. The sample for analysis included resident women with a fetus alive at the onset of labour between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation (n = 641). Characteristics of women delivering in and those not in level III units were compared using logistic regression. Further analysis was carried out for the subgroup of women not already scheduled to deliver in a level III unit.Twenty‐nine per cent of women did not deliver in level III units; in the subgroup scheduled to deliver in level I or II units, 43% were not transferred. Women were less likely to deliver in a level III unit if they had a singleton pregnancy, a gestation of <26 weeks or at 31 weeks, experienced antenatal haemorrhaging, lived in socially deprived neighbourhoods or at a greater distance from the nearest level III. Women scheduled to deliver in a maternity unit with a special care nursery were also less likely to deliver in a level III unit. In contrast, preterm rupture of membranes and fetal growth restriction increased the likelihood of a level III delivery. These results underline the importance of controlling for clinical characteristics when analysing perinatal outcome by place of delivery and show how socioe‐conomic factors, known to impact on the risk of having a preterm birth, can also affect access to appropriate care.
Susceptibility to Heterobasidion parviporum in Picea abies clones grown in different environments
Authors: Karlsson B. , Tsopelas P. , Zamponi L. , Capretti P. , Soulioti N. , Swedjemark G. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThirty‐five Norway spruce, Picea abies, clones from Sweden were tested for resistance to Heterobasidion parviporum. Rooted cuttings of the clones were planted in Italy and Greece and cultivated for two growing seasons before inoculation with H. parviporum. Extent of infection was determined 6 weeks later. The results were compared to those of earlier inoculations in Sweden. Plant growth traits were under strong genetic control in all locations with broad sense heritability estimates between 0.14 and 0.54. Lesion and fungal extension heritabilities were moderate, H2 ranged from 0.09 to 0.20, and exhibited rather large genetic variation. There was significant genotypic correlation between Italy and Greece with respect to both lesions and fungal extension. No such correlations were found between Sweden and the two other countries. The lack of repeatability in testing susceptibility is unsatisfactory. It could be explained by C‐effects associated with propagation of the host plants. Height growth correlated significantly and positively among all countries.
Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase of Boar Seminal Plasma
Authors: Kowalowka M , Wysocki P , Fraser L , Strzezek J 
Published: February 2008

ContentsSuperoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzymatic component of the antioxidant defense system that protects spermatozoa by catalysing the dismutation of superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. Age and season effects on SOD activity in the seminal plasma were measured in boars at the onset of 8 months through a 35‐month period. It was found that age‐related changes in SOD activity in the seminal plasma were markedly higher in boars less than 2 years of age. However, it appeared that SOD activity was established at the early sexual maturity age (8–12 months). There were variations in SOD activity throughout the season, being significantly higher in spring and autumn than in summer. A secretory extracellular form of SOD (EC‐SOD) was purified to homogeneity (350‐fold) from boar seminal plasma, using a three‐step purification protocol (affinity chromatography followed by ion exchange and ceramic hydroxyapatite chromatography). The molecular properties and specificity of SOD (molecular mass, isoelectric point, optimum pH, thermostability and susceptibility to inhibitors) confirmed that the purified enzyme is an extracellular form of Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase occurring in boar seminal plasma. The results of this study indicate that EC‐SOD is an important antioxidant enzyme of boar seminal plasma, which plays an important physiological role in counteracting oxidative stress in spermatozoa.
Testing Usability of Butylated Hydroxytoluene in Conservation of Goat Semen
Authors: Khalifa TAA , Lymberopoulos AG , El‐Saidy BE 
Published: February 2008

ContentsThe objective of this study was to investigate whether butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) could be used as a suitable supporter or alternative of egg yolk during preservation of goat spermatozoa. Three in vitro experiments and a fertility test were conducted to evaluate the effect of BHT on viability of chilled‐stored semen as well as motility and kidding rate of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. In the first two experiments, ejaculates (n = 30/experiment) were collected from 10 bucks, split, diluted with egg yolk‐based and egg yolk‐free extenders supplemented with or without 0.3, 0.6, 2, 5 and 8 mm BHT and stored at 5°C for 168 h. In the third experiment, 30 ejaculates were collected from the above‐mentioned bucks, split and diluted with egg yolk‐free extenders supplemented with or without 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mm BHT and egg yolk‐based extenders supplemented with or without 5 mm BHT. Diluted semen was cooled to 5°C over a period of 4 h, frozen and thawed in the form of 0.3‐ml pellets. In the fertility test, 75 ejaculates were collected from two proven fertile bucks, split, diluted with egg yolk‐free extenders containing 0.6 mm BHT and egg yolk‐based extenders supplemented with or without 5 mm BHT, frozen and thawed as described above. An insemination volume of 0.6 ml containing 120–140 × 106 progressively motile spermatozoa was used for a single cervical insemination of cloprostenol‐synchronized does (n = 230). The results showed that addition of 5 mm BHT to egg yolk‐deficient (2.5%) extenders significantly improved viability of chilled‐stored semen together with motility (48.5%) and fertility (62.5%) of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. Replacement of egg yolk in semen extenders by 0.6 mm BHT could sustain not only viability of chilled‐stored semen but also post‐thaw motility (47.5%) and fertility (53.75%) of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. In conclusion, supplementation of semen diluents with BHT can ameliorate preservability of goat sperm.
Effect of eviprostat on bladder overactivity in an experimental cystitis rat model
Authors: Kobayashi Mizuki , Nomura Masayoshi , Nishii Hisae , Matsumoto Seiji , Fujimoto Naohiro , Matsumoto Tetsuro 
Published: February 2008

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eviprostat, a phytotherapeutic drug, on bladder overactivity and inflammation in a cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced cystitis rat model.Methods:  Female Sprague‐Dawley rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of CYP (200 mg/kg) or saline. After the CYP injection, eviprostat (9, 18 or 54 mg/kg per day) or a vehicle was orally given twice each day. Four days after the CYP injection, bladder function was evaluated by cystometrograms under urethane anesthesia. In a separate group, bladder inflammation was compared between the eviprostat‐ or vehicle‐treated animals. Furthermore, the effects of eviprostat on carbachol‐induced muscle contraction were evaluated by an in vitro experiment.Results:  The intercontraction interval (ICI) significantly decreased in the CYP‐injected rats in comparison to the saline‐injected rats. In the CYP‐injected group, 18 and 54 mg/kg per day of eviprostat treatment significantly increased the ICI, but did not change the maximum voiding pressure in comparison to the vehicle treatment. In the saline‐injected group, no significant changes of any parameters in the cystometrograms were observed between the eviprostat‐ and vehicle‐treated groups. CYP‐induced bladder inflammation tended to be lower in the eviprostat‐treated group in comparison to the vehicle‐treated group. An in vitro experiment revealed that eviprostat failed to inhibit carbachol‐induced muscle contraction.Conclusion:  The oral administration of eviprostat suppressed CYP‐induced bladder overactivity. The effects of eviprostat on the micturition reflex may be irrespective of antimuscarinic action. The present findings raise the possibility that eviprostat could be an effective treatment for bladder overactivity associated with inflammation.
Prospective comparative study of single dose versus 3‐day administration of antimicrobial prophylaxis in minimum incision endoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sakura Mizuaki , Kawakami Satoru , Yoshida Souichiro , Masuda Hitoshi , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kihara Kazunori 
Published: February 2008

Objective:  From the critical stand point against the overuse of antimicrobial agents, appropriate reduction of antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) should be considered. We have prospectively reduced AMP and evaluated the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) by minimum incision endoscopic surgery (MIES).Methods:  A total of 101 consecutive patients who underwent MIES‐RRP for prostate carcinoma were classified into two groups according to AMP dose. The 3‐day group of 52 patients received tazobactam sodium/piperacillin sodium (TAZ/PIPC) 2.5 g intravenously before the operation and continued twice daily until postoperative day 2, and the single dose group of 49 patients received TAZ/PIPC 2.5 g intravenously only once before the operation. Additional antimicrobial agents were given only when SSI occurred. The occurrence of SSI and remote infection (RI) were analyzed.Results:  There was no significant difference in the rate of SSI occurrence between the 3‐day group (3.8%) and single dose group (6.1%) (P = 0.6). RI did not increase in the single dose group.Conclusion:  Antimicrobial prophylaxis dose was successfully reduced without increasing SSI or RI. A single dose of AMP is feasible to prevent SSI and RI and would be a standard regimen in MIES‐RRP. Active surveillance of postoperative infection is mandatory to promptly administer antimicrobial treatment as the need arises.
Scaling up the functional response for spatially heterogeneous systems
Authors: Englund Göran , Leonardsson Kjell 
Published: February 2008

AbstractScale transition theory is a framework for predicting regional population dynamics from local process functions and estimates of spatial heterogeneity. Using this framework, we estimated regional scale functional responses for a benthic predator–prey system in the Baltic Sea. Functional responses were based on laboratory experiments or field observations of stomach contents, and prey densities measured at a local scale (0.1 m2) or a regional scale (300 km2). Laboratory data overestimated consumption at high prey densities, whereas predictions based on local scale data tallied closely with consumption observed at the regional scale. The predicted regional functional response was different for increasing and decreasing prey densities, reflecting that predator and prey densities, as well as the covariance between them, exhibit oscillatory dynamics. We conclude that it is important to validate laboratory data with small‐scale field observations and that scale transition is a powerful tool for scaling‐up process functions in heterogeneous systems.
Are family factors universally related to metabolic outcomes in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes?
Authors: Cameron F. J. , Skinner T. C. , De Beaufort C. E. , Hoey H. , Swift P. G. F. , Aanstoot H. , Åman J. , Martul P. , Chiarelli F. , Daneman D. , Danne T. , Dorchy H. , Kaprio E. A. , Kaufman F. , Kocova M. , Mortensen H. B. , Njølstad P. R. , Phillip M. , Robertson K. J. , Schoenle E. J. , Urakami T. , Vanelli M. , Ackermann R. W. , Skovlund S. E. ,   on behalf of the Hvidoere Study Group on Childhood Diabetes
Published: February 2008

AbstractAims  To assess the importance of family factors in determining metabolic outcomes in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes in 19 countries.Methods  Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes aged 11–18 years, from 21 paediatric diabetes care centres, in 19 countries, and their parents were invited to participate. Questionnaires were administered recording demographic data, details of insulin regimens, severe hypoglycaemic events and number of episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Adolescents completed the parental involvement scale from the Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth—Short Form (DQOLY‐SF) and the Diabetes Family Responsibility Questionnaire (DFRQ). Parents completed the DFRQ and a Parental Burden of Diabetes score. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was analysed centrally on capillary blood.Results  A total of 2062 adolescents completed a questionnaire, with 2036 providing a blood sample; 1994 parents also completed a questionnaire. Family demographic factors that were associated with metabolic outcomes included: parents living together (t = 4.1; P < 0.001), paternal employment status (F = 7.2; d.f. = 3; P < 0.001), parents perceived to be over‐involved in diabetes care (r = 0.11; P < 0.001) and adolescent–parent disagreement on responsibility for diabetes care practices (F = 8.46; d.f. = 2; P < 0.001). Although these factors differed between centres, they did not account for centre differences in metabolic outcomes, but were stronger predictors of metabolic control than age, gender or insulin treatment regimen.Conclusions  Family factors, particularly dynamic and communication factors such as parental over‐involvement and adolescent–parent concordance on responsibility for diabetes care appear be important determinants of metabolic outcomes in adolescents with diabetes. However, family dynamic factors do not account for the substantial differences in metabolic outcomes between centres.