bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological adjustment and quality of life in children and adolescents following open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease: a systematic review
Authors: Latal Beatrice , Helfricht Susanne , Fischer Joachim E , Bauersfeld Urs , Landolt Markus A 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Children with congenital heart defects (CHD) requiring open-heart surgery are a group at high risk for health-related sequelae. Little consensus exists regarding their long-term psychological adjustment (PA) and health-related quality of life (QoL). Thus, we conducted a systematic review to determine the current knowledge on long-term outcome in this population.

Methods
We included randomized controlled trials, case control, or cohort studies published between 1990–2008 evaluating self- and proxy-reported PA and QoL in patients aged between two and 17 years with a follow-up of at least two years after open heart surgery for CHD.

Results
Twenty-three studies assessing psychological parameters and 12 studies assessing QoL were included. Methodological quality of the studies varied greatly with most studies showing a moderate quality. Results were as follows: (a) A considerable proportion of children experienced psychological maladjustment according to their parents; (b) studies on self-reported PA indicate a good outcome; (c) the studies on QoL suggest an impaired QoL for some children in particular for those with more severe cardiac disease; (d) parental reports of psychological maladjustment were related to severity of CHD and developmental delay.

Conclusion
A significant proportion of survivors of open-heart surgery for CHD are at risk for psychological maladjustment and impaired QoL. Future research needs to focus on self-reports, QoL data and adolescents.
HCV-related burden of disease in Europe: a systematic assessment of incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality
Authors: Mühlberger Nikolai , Schwarzer Ruth , Lettmeier Beate , Sroczynski Gaby , Zeuzem Stefan , Siebert Uwe 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, end-stage cirrhosis, and liver cancer, but little is known about the burden of disease caused by the virus. We summarised burden of disease data presently available for Europe, compared the data to current expert estimates, and identified areas in which better data are needed.

Methods
Literature and international health databases were systematically searched for HCV-specific burden of disease data, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and liver transplantation. Data were collected for the WHO European region with emphasis on 22 countries. If HCV-specific data were unavailable, these were calculated via HCV-attributable fractions.

Results
HCV-specific burden of disease data for Europe are scarce. Incidence data provided by national surveillance are not fully comparable and need to be standardised. HCV prevalence data are often inconclusive. According to available data, an estimated 7.3–8.8 million people (1.1–1.3%) are infected in our 22 focus countries. HCV-specific mortality, DALY, and transplantation data are unavailable. Estimations via HCV-attributable fractions indicate that HCV caused more than 86000 deaths and 1.2 million DALYs in the WHO European region in 2002. Most of the DALYs (95%) were accumulated by patients in preventable disease stages. About one-quarter of the liver transplants performed in 25 European countries in 2004 were attributable to HCV.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that hepatitis C is a major health problem and highlight the importance of timely antiviral treatment. However, data on the burden of disease of hepatitis C in Europe are scarce, outdated or inconclusive, which indicates that hepatitis C is still a neglected disease in many countries. What is needed are public awareness, co-ordinated action plans, and better data. European physicians should be aware that many infections are still undetected, provide timely testing and antiviral treatment, and avoid iatrogenic transmission.
Up-regulation and clinical relevance of novel helicase homologue DHX32 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Chunling , Liang Xianming , Huang Ruxin , Zhang Zhongying 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to find novel biomarkers for colorectal cancer.

Methods
Fluorescent mRNA differential display PCR (DD-PCR) was used to screen the genes differentially expressed in colorectal cancer tissues and their adjacent tissues. The differentially expressed genes were confirmed by real-time PCR and then their clinical relevance (such as association with tumor location and lymph gland metastasis) was further investigated.

Results
We identified by DD-PCR a novel RNA helicase, DHX32, which showed higher expression in colorectal cancer tissues than their adjacent tissues, and this result was confirmed by real time RT-PCR. In addition, we found that the level of DHX32 gene expression in colorectal cancer was significantly associated with cancer location, lymph gland metastasis, cancer nodal status, differentiation grade, and Dukes, stage.

Conclusion

DHX32 may play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer and could serve as a novel biomarker for colorectal cancer after additional investigation.
TLR7 and TLR8 agonists trigger different signaling pathways for human dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Larangé Alexandre , Antonios Diane , Pallardy Marc , Kerdine-Römer Saadia 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. These APCs have the ability to recognize specific molecular signatures of pathogens through TLRs. In particular, the intracellular TLR7 and TLR8, mediating the recognition of ssRNA by DCs, play a major role in the immune response during viral infection. Although differences have been identified between TLR7 and TLR8, in terms of cellular expression and functions, the signaling pathways that lead to DC maturation following TLR7 or TLR8 engagement are largely unknown. We compared the signaling pathways involved in human CD34-DC maturation induced by agonists selective for TLR7 (imiquimod) or TLR8 (3M002). TLR7 and TLR8 activation up-regulated CCR7, CD40, CD86, and CD83 expression and IL-6 and IL-12p40 production. However, only TLR8 activation led to IL-12p70 production and il-12p35 mRNA expression. We found that upon TLR7 and TLR8 activation, JNK and NF-κB positively regulated the expression of CCR7, CD86, CD83, and CD40 and the production of IL-6 and IL-12p40. However, although p38MAPK participated in the up-regulation of maturation markers in response to TLR7 activation, this kinase exerted an inhibitory effect on CD40 expression and IL-12 production in TLR8-stimulated DCs. We also showed that the Jak/STAT signaling pathway was involved in CD40 expression and cytokine production in TLR7-stimulated DCs but negatively regulated CD83 expression and cytokine secretion in DCs activated through TLR8. This study showed that TLR7 and TLR8 activate similar signaling pathways that play different roles in DC maturation, depending on which TLR is triggered.
Genetic Variations in the PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR Pathway Are Associated With Clinical Outcomes in Esophageal Cancer Patients Treated With Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Hildebrandt Michelle A.T. , Yang Hushan , Hung Mien-Chie , Izzo Julie G. , Huang Maosheng , Lin Jie , Ajani Jaffer A. , Wu Xifeng 
Published: January 2009

Purpose The phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been implicated in resistance to several chemotherapeutic agents. In this retrospective study, we determined whether common genetic variations in this pathway are associated with clinical outcomes in esophageal cancer patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma who have undergone chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Patients and Methods Sixteen tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT1, AKT2, and FRAP1 (encoding mTOR) were genotyped in these patients and analyzed for associations with response to therapy, survival, and recurrence. Results We observed an increased recurrence risk with genetic variations in AKT1 and AKT2 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 4.60; and HR, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.64 to 6.66, respectively). This effect was magnified with an increasing number of AKT adverse genotypes. In contrast, a predictable protective effect by PTEN genetic variants on recurrence was evident. Survival tree analysis identified higher-order interactions that resulted in variation in recurrence-free survival from 12 to 42 months, depending on the combination of SNPs. Genetic variations in AKT1, AKT2, and FRAP1 were associated with survival. Patients homozygous for either of the FRAP1 SNPs assayed had a more than three-fold increased risk of death. Two genes—AKT2 and FRAP1—were associated with a poor treatment response, while a better response was associated with heterozygosity for AKT1:rs3803304 (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.99). Conclusion These results suggest that common genetic variations in this pathway modulate clinical outcomes in patients who undergo chemoradiotherapy. With further validation, these results may be used to build a model of individualized therapy for the selection of the optimal chemotherapeutic regimen.
An Investigation on Quenching Performance of Hot Alkaline Bath
Authors: Raygan S. , Rassizadehghani J. , Askari M. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
An investigation was done on understanding the cooling affect of alkaline salt bath medium on microstructure, mechanical and surface properties of AISI 1045 steel in comparison with oil. Salt bath medium used in this research contained 40 % NaOH and 60 % KOH with addition of 5 wt. % water at 205°C. H-value of the medium was determined by the Rushman Lamont method. This value was found to be 0.4. Hardening of 1045 steel in salt bath resulted in higher hardness and improved hardenability in comparison with oil quenching. Strength and ductility was also increased by this treatment. This was found to be a direct result of different microstructures evolved during quenching treatments. Hardening of 1045 steel in this medium resulted in an almost uniform microstructure which consisted of fine martensite and bainite. In comparison the microstructure of oil quenched sample was martensite, ferrite, widmanestatten ferrite and pearlite. Surface properties also improved by decrease in surface roughness and a good bearing area curve.
Acute inversion of the uterus
Authors: Bhalla Rita , Wuntakal Rekha , Odejinmi Funlayo , Khan Rehan U 
Published: January 2009

Acute uterine inversion is a rare and unpredictable obstetric emergency.
Mortality and morbidity are reduced by early recognition and management.
Shock and uterine replacement must be addressed simultaneously.
The importance of teamwork cannot be overemphasised.
There is a need for skills and drills training because of the rarity of acute inversion.

Learning objectives:

To understand the pathophysiology.
To understand and to be able to evaluate critically the general management principles.

Ethical issues:

Management of uterine inversion is guided by a relatively small evidence base, resulting in treatment modalities being used without proper evaluation.

Please cite this article as: Bhalla R, Wuntakal R, Odejinmi F, Khan RU. Acute inversion of the uterus. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:13–18.
Automatic Synchronization as the Element of a Power System's Anti-Collapse Complex
Authors: Barkāns J. , Žalostība D. 
Published: January 2009

Automatic Synchronization as the Element of a Power System's Anti-Collapse Complex
In the work, a new universal technical solution is proposed for blackout prevention in a power system, which combines the means for its optimal short-term sectioning and automatic self-restoration to normal conditions. The key element of self-restoration is automatic synchronization. The authors show that for this purpose it is possible to use automatic re-closing with a device for synchronism-check. The results of computations, with simplified formulas and a relevant mathematical model employed, indicate the area of application for this approach. The proposed solution has been created based on many-year experience in the liquidation of emergencies and on the potentialities of equipment, taking into account new features of blackout development that have come into being recently.
Comparison of Avifauna at the Edges of Contrasting Forest Patches in Western Ghat Hills of India
Authors: Aich Anulipi , Mukhopadhyay Subhra 
Published: January 2009

Comparison of Avifauna at the Edges of Contrasting Forest Patches in Western Ghat Hills of India
Avifauna of shola and semi-evergreen forest patches belonging to three different sanctuaries and National Parks in the southern part of Western Ghat range of Tamil Nadu and Kerala was studied. Altogether 36 species from 17 families were recorded. One globally threatened species (A1), two restricted range species (A2) and one Palearctic-Asian migrant species have been recorded from forest edges during the relatively short study period. The highest population density of 47.59 ind./ha at Varagaliar Shola was followed by 43.69 ind./ha at Anapaddy, 27.53 ind./ha at Karian Shola, and 23.25 ind./ha at Punnumalai Shola. As Punnumalai Shola is least disturbed by human activity it got the highest number of avian families (15) and was followed by Karian Shola (9) and Vargaliar Shola and Anapaddy - 8 in both cases. Punnumalai Shola having varied bird families showed lower dominance (0.075) and higher evenness value (0.957). In contrast, the edge of semi-evergreen forest at Anapaddy, although very much disturbed by various human activities, showed almost comparable diversity value (2.890) to that of Punnumalai Shola (2.913). More open canopy and much vegetational intergradations at the ecotone of semi-evergreen biotope inherently shelter avian community of high diversity. Conversely, the edges of Karian Shola and Varagaliar Shola having much anthropogenic interferences and with edges showing much lower intergradations of vegetations, exhibited a low avian diversity.
Some Characteristics of Daytime Bird Migration in Israel: Radar Monitoring Data
Authors: Dinevich Leonid , Leshem Yossi 
Published: January 2009

Some Characteristics of Daytime Bird Migration in Israel: Radar Monitoring Data
In addition, it is of high importance to have statistics on seasonal transcontinental bird migrations in order to perform long-term planning of air traffic, especially in the areas crowded with aircraft.
We analysed the radar data collected over several years, and on this basis determined the main statistical characteristics of daytime bird flights over central Israel, including: (1) average and maximum flight altitudes, (2) time of the day and the season when bird migration is especially intensive, (3) dominating directions and velocities of flights.
It was found that average daily altitude maximums of bird flights (in relation to the sea level) were within the range of 1200-3500 m in autumn, and within the range of 1000-2700 m in spring. The absolute flight maximum reached 4300 m in autumn and 3700 m in spring. In autumn, flight altitudes were higher than in spring.
The altitudes of maximum bird concentrations reached 600 m in autumn, and only in rare cases rose to 650 m, while in spring the corresponding figures were 500 and 600 m. Both in spring and in autumn, the average altitude of maximum bird concentration was located within the range of 250-400 m.
The dominant flight direction for day migration was 190-220° in autumn and 10-50° in spring.
In our study, we did not observe any pronounced impact of wind direction on the direction of bird flights, neither close to the ground level nor at the height of 600 m. In Israel, both in autumn and in spring, the winds have a distinct occidental component, and at the height of 600 m the dominant wind directions are W-NW in autumn and W-SW in spring, i.e. at the angle of approximately 90° in relation to the directions of seasonal bird migrations.
The average ground-speed of seasonal migrations was found to be 14 m/s in spring and 15 m/s in autumn, the minimum and maximum ground-speed values of 8 and 18 m/s, respectively. At the same time, average monthly grounds-speed values at the altitude of 600 m, at 11.00 a.m. local time, were found to be within the range of 4-7 m/s in autumn and 3-6 m/s in spring.
The peak of day migration intensity was observed within the time interval from 12.00 to 1.00 p.m. The spring migration started at the beginning of March, reached its monthly peak in April and came to the end in late May. The autumn migration started at the middle of August, reached its monthly peak in September and came to the end in November.
The results obtained in the present study should be applied for ensuring air-traffic safety in periods of bird migration and also can be of special interest for ornithologists.
La santé en péril: répercussions de la communication âgiste sur le désengagement psychologique et l'estime de soi des infirmiers de 45 ans et plus
Authors: Lagacé Martine , Tougas Francine , Laplante Joelle , Neveu Jean-François 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThese two studies are designed to evaluate the reactions of male nurses aged 45 years and older toward ageism. The goal of the first study is to test theprestigious work domain model of psychological disengagementresulting from a previous study conducted among female nurses. This model has been confirmed through path analyses conducted on a sample of 236 male nurse technicians; by the same token, it has been shown to apply in the case of lower-status employees working in a prestigious field. In particular, the more a male nurse aged 45 and older experiences relative personal deprivation, the more he discredits feedback from his co-workers and superiors; such discrediting, in turn, leads to devaluation of the domain of work, which in turn lowers self-esteem. The goal of the second study is three-fold, namely: (a) testing the disengagement model among 419 male nurse clinicians; (b) extending this model through the addition ofageist communicationas a variable triggering personal relative deprivation; and (c) constructing a scale of ageist communication. Path analyses have again confirmed that the way a domain is appreciated influences the negative impact that devaluation can produce on self-esteem, regardless of the gender or status of the employee working in that field. In addition, these results demonstrate the central role played by communication in the workplace as a vehicle of ageism and as a precursor of ageing employees' discomfort. The discussion covers the implications of ageing employees' reactions toward ageism as well as the consequences of depreciatory language and exclusionary communication practices in the workplace.
Iconic Sign Comprehension in Older Adults: The Role of Cognitive Impairment and Text Enhancement
Authors: Scialfa Charles , Spadafora Pat , Klein Marianne , Lesnik Agata , Dial Lindsay , Heinrich Antje 
Published: January 2009

RÉSUMÉBien comprendre les panneaux de signalisation est critique pour bien conduire aun véhicule, réagir aux avertissements, et s'orienter. Les aînés qui comprennent mal un panneau routier risquent davantage de subir un accident et de voir leur indépendance compromise. La présente étude visait à déterminer le degré de compréhension des pictogrammes par des aînés en bonne santé et des aînés souffrant de déficience. De plus, nous nous sommes demandé si l'ajout de texte aux pictogrammes permettrait aux aînés de les mieux comprendre. Lors de l'Expérience 1, nous avons demandé à des jeunes adultes, à des adultes plus âgés en bonne santé et aussi à des aînés souffrant de déficience cognitive à divers degrés, la signification de 65 panneaux routiers visant la conduite, les avertissements, et l'orientation. Les adultes plus âgés en bonne santé comprenaient bien la signalisation en général, mais avaient de la difficulté à déterminer ce que signifiait le panneau d'orientation. Les aînés souffrant de déficience cognitive comprenaient en général moins bien les panneaux routiers et en particulier les icônes d'orientation et les panneaux avec seulement un pictogramme. Au cours de l'Expérience 2, nous avons demandé à des aînés en bonne santé la signification de panneaux comportant seulement des icônes ou des icônes avec du texte. La compréhension était améliorée de façon importante lorsque le panneau comportait du texte. Ce travail a démontré que l'évaluation de la compréhension des panneaux de signalisation doit porter sur un vaste échantillon hétérogène d'adultes plus âgés dans l'échelle de capacités perceptuelles et cognitives représentées dans la population.
Aspects contractuels dans la gestion des interactions plurilingues en contexte universitaire
Authors: Bono Mariana , Melo-Pfeifer Sílvia 
Published: January 2009

Résumé Dans cette contribution, nous nous pencherons sur la négociation des aspects contractuels dans deux modalités d'interaction exolingue : des interactions plurilingues romanophones dans le cadre de séances de clavardage et des interactions monolingues issues de conversations informelles en espagnol langue tierce (L3). Notre objectif sera d'analyser, dans ces interactions, les négociations de sens, de forme, de l'activité, des langues de communication et des rôles des locuteurs dans une perspective plurilingue et interactionniste de l'enseignement et de l'apprentissage des langues en milieu universitaire. On fera l'hypothèse que ces activités langagières originales et innovatrices offrent un potentiel considérable pour le développement de la compétence plurilingue des apprenants, compétence que nous envisagerons non pas comme étant un atout individuel mais comme une ressource collective et partagée.
Ordered Mesoporous Silica Derived from Layered Silicates
Authors: Kimura Tatsuo , Kuroda Kazuyuki 
Published: January 2009

AbstractHere, the development of ordered mesoporous silica prepared by the reaction of layered silicates with organoammonium surfactants is reviewed. The specific features of mesoporous silica are discussed with relation to the probable formation mechanisms. The recent understanding of the unusual structural changes from the 2D structure to periodic 3D mesostructures is presented. The formation of mesophase silicates from layered silicates with single silicate sheets depends on combined factors including the reactivity of layered silicates, the presence of layered intermediates, the variation of the silicate sheets, and the assemblies of surfactant molecules in the interlayer spaces. FSM‐16‐type (p6mm) mesoporous silica is formed via layered intermediates composed of fragmented silicate sheets and alkyltrimethylammonium (CnTMA) cations. KSW‐2‐type (c2mm) mesoporous silica can be prepared through the bending of the individual silicate sheets with intralayer and interlayer condensation. Although the structure of the silicate sheets changes during the reactions with CnTMA cations in a complex manner, the structural units caused by kanemite in the frameworks are retained. Recent development of the structural design in the silicate framework is very important for obtaining KSW‐2‐based mesoporous silica with molecularly ordered frameworks. The structural units originating from layered silicates are chemically designed and structurally stabilized by direct silylation of as‐synthesized KSW‐2. Some proposed applications using these mesoporous silica are also summarized with some remarks on the uniqueness of the use of layered silicates by comparison with MCM‐type mesoporous silica.