bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of health problems at 18 months of age – a task for physicians or child health nurses?
Authors: Magnusson M. , Sundelin C. , Westerlund M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground Several studies have questioned the rationality of repeated routine health examinations by physicians during the first years of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the population‐based 18‐month health examination and compare the yield of new health problems identified by physicians in 1994 with the yield identified by child health centre (CHC) nurses in 2000.Methods Two populations of children were invited to their 18‐month health examination during one year, the first in 1994 and the second in 2000. In 1994 the population consisted of 4075 and in 2000 of 2968 children who were registered in Uppsala county, Sweden, for census purposes in December 31 each year. Data from a county health register as well as child health records and information regarding referrals were analysed to categorize the health problems by type, severity and action taken.Results On the whole few new verified health problems were detected by the health examinations at the 18 month health examinations: 2.3% in 1994 and 1.7% in 2000. In 1994, when the physicians carried out the examinations, the most common health problems were somatic problems, particularly moderate transient infections. In 2000, when the nurses carried out the examinations, the dominant problems were speech problems. Peculiarly enough a couple of children with the same severe health problems, gluten allergy and problems in the autistic spectrum, were identified both in 1994 and in 2000. In addition the nurses in 2000 identified seven children with severe speech problems. No additional severe health problems were identified by the physicians in 1994.Conclusions According to the present study, there is no evidence that health examinations carried out by nurses are of lower quality in detecting health problems than those carried out by physicians. The organization and content of the health surveillance programme ought to be reconsidered with respect to available resources and importance of the close relationship established between nurse and family already in the newborn period.
Post‐partum depression and infant growth in a South African peri‐urban settlement
Authors: Tomlinson M. , Cooper P. J. , Stein A. , Swartz L. , Molteno C. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim To examine the association between maternal post‐natal depression and infant growth.Background Infant growth has recently been shown, in two studies from South Asia, to be adversely affected by maternal depression in the early post‐partum period. It is uncertain whether a similar association obtains in developing countries outside Asia.Method A sample of 147 mother–infant dyads was recruited from a peri‐urban settlement outside Cape Town and seen at 2 and 18 months post partum.Results No clear effect of post‐partum depression on infant growth was found. Although maternal depression at 2 months was found to be associated with lower infant weight at 18 months, when birthweight was considered this effect disappeared.Conclusions Possible explanations for the non‐replication of the South Asian findings are considered.
Patients and nurses’ perceptions of ward environmental factors and support systems in the care of suicidal patients
Authors: Sun Fan‐Ko , Long Ann , Boore Jennifer , Tsao Lee‐Ing 
Published: January 2006

Aims.  The aims of this paper are to present and discuss the findings that emerged from a qualitative study exploring nurses and patients’ views of the acute psychiatric ward (the context) and the type of care received (the intervening conditions).Background.  The phenomenon of suicide and the nursing care of people who are suicidal have previously been investigated. However, literature demonstrates that there is a dearth of information exploring the importance of the ward context in the care of suicidal patients and the intervening conditions that are used by professionals in the care of suicidal patients.Method.  Qualitative research using the grounded theory approach.Data collection and analysis.  Fifteen patients who had either suicidal ideas or had attempted suicide and 15 psychiatric nurses were interviewed and observed. Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding.Findings.  A substantive theory of suicide‐nursing care was developed. For the purpose of this paper, the two categories that emerged in the ‘context’ element of the paradigm model are explored. They were: team working and the psychiatric ward environment. In addition, the four categories from the ‘intervening conditions’ are discussed. They were: nurses’ attitudes and beliefs have an effect on caring, barriers to caring, patients’ negative thoughts and feelings about the care provided and support systems.Conclusion.  The findings indicated that the context of the ward environment and the intervening conditions used by nurses in the nursing care of suicidal patients helped to define some of the complex dynamics that impacted on the development of a therapeutic relationship within the practice of suicide‐nursing care.Relevance to clinical practice.  Environmental factors as well as the nurses’ knowledge and skills and the type of support patients receive impact on the care of suicidal patients. These findings could help to enhance and advance suicide‐nursing care.
Wolbachia and other endosymbiont infections in spiders
Authors: GOODACRE SARA L. , MARTIN OLIVER Y. , THOMAS C. F. GEORGE , HEWITT GODFREY M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMaternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria, such as Wolbachia, Rickettsia and Spiroplasma, have been shown to have wide‐ranging effects on the reproduction of their hosts. We present data on the presence of each of these sorts of bacteria in spiders, a group for which there are currently few data, but where such infections could explain many observed reproductive characteristics, such as sex ratio skew. The Wolbachia and Spiroplasma variants that we find in spiders belong to the same clades previously found to infect other arthropods, but many of the rickettsias belong to two, novel, hitherto spider‐specific bacterial lineages. We find evidence for coexistence of different bacterial types within species, and in some cases, within individuals. We suggest that spiders present a useful opportunity for studying the effect of these sorts of bacteria on the evolution of host traits, such as those that are under sexual selection.
Screening for allergic respiratory disease in the general population with the ADVIA Centaur® Allergy Screen Assay
Authors: Linneberg A. , Husemoen L. L. N. , Nielsen N. H. , Madsen F. , Frølund L. , Johansen N. 
Published: January 2006

Background:  In patients in whom the clinical indication for immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated allergic respiratory disease is weak, a single qualitative multiallergen‐screening assay for IgE antibody to multiple allergen specificities may support the absence of IgE‐mediated allergic respiratory disease. The aim was to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of a new multiallergen‐screening assay in relation to skin prick test (SPT) reactivity and objective diagnoses of allergic respiratory disease in a general population setting.Methods:  A total of 709 participants in a population‐based study were examined by questionnaire and SPT. Serum was analysed by using a multiallergen‐screening assay: the ADVIA Centaur® Allergy Screen (AS) assay. The dichotomized result of the AS assay was compared with SPT reactivity, specific IgE positivity, and a clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma defined by the presence of relevant symptoms and positive SPTs.Results:  Sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of the AS against SPT reactivity were 86%, 96%, 94%, and 89%, respectively. A negative AS assay test was able to exclude allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma with a probability of more than 96% and 98% (NPV), respectively. The AS assay was able to identify more than 92% and 92% (sensitivity) of cases of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, respectively.Conclusions:  The AS assay proved to be a valid measure of allergic respiratory disease and may be used as a screening tool to rule out allergic respiratory disease, and as an objective measure of allergic respiratory disease in epidemiological studies.
Are basophil histamine release and high affinity IgE receptor expression involved in asymptomatic skin sensitization?
Authors: Jensen B. M. , Assing K. , Hummelshoj L. , Glue C. , Skov P. S. , Poulsen L. K. 
Published: January 2006

Background:  Immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐sensitized persons with positive skin prick test, but no allergy symptoms, are classified as being asymptomatic skin sensitized (AS). The allergic type 1 disease is dependant on IgE binding to the high affinity IgE‐receptor (FcɛRI) expressed on basophils and mast cells. However, a relationship between the AS status and FcɛRI has not been investigated. We aimed to characterize basophils from AS by looking at histamine release (HR) (sensitivity and reactivity) and the FcɛRI molecule, and compare it with nonatopic (NA) or allergic (A) persons.Methods:  Blood was obtained from NA (n = 14), grass and/or birch A persons (n = 17) and mono‐sensitized grass or birch pollen AS (n = 12). The basophil sensitivity and reactivity were examined by anti‐IgE triggered HR. Surface expression of FcɛRI and IgE were measured by flow cytometry, FcɛRIα protein was identified using a radioimmunoassay and Western blot. mRNA coding for the classic FcɛRIβ‐chain and the truncated form (FcɛRIβT) were determined by real‐time PCR.Results:  The AS group was less reactive than NA or A persons when triggered by anti‐IgE and had a significant higher number of nonresponders. However, there was no difference in sensitivity among the three groups and furthermore; the groups did not vary in FcɛRI‐ and IgE‐surface expression, FcɛRIα‐protein level or β/βT ratio.Conclusion:  Basophils from AS persons are less reactive and include more nonresponders than basophils from NA and A persons, but do not differ regarding the FcɛRI molecule.
Effects of various statins on cytokine‐dependent growth and IgE‐dependent release of histamine in human mast cells
Authors: Krauth M. T. , Majlesi Y. , Sonneck K. , Samorapoompichit P. , Ghannadan M. , Hauswirth A. W. , Baghestanian M. , Schernthaner G. H. , Worda C. , Müller M. R. , Sperr W. R. , Valent P. 
Published: January 2006

Background:  Statins are inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, a key enzyme in mevalonic acid (MVA)‐dependent signaling. Recent data suggest that statins exhibit profound inhibitory effects on growth and function of various immune cells. In the present study, we examined the in vitro effects of five different statins on primary human mast cells (MCs), MC progenitors, and the human MC line HMC‐1.Methods:  Histamine release experiments were conducted on isolated MCs using statins and an anti‐immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody. Culture experiments were performed with stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin (IL)‐6, and cord blood‐derived progenitors.Results:  Preincubation of primary lung MCs with cerivastatin or atorvastatin (1–50 μM) for 24 h resulted in inhibition of anti‐IgE‐induced release of histamine. The effects of both statins were dose‐dependent. Moreover, both statins, and to a lesser degree lovastatin, were found to inhibit the SCF‐induced differentiation of MCs from their progenitors. The other statins tested (simvastatin, pravastatin) did not affect mediator release or growth of MCs.Conclusions:  Cerivastatin and atorvastatin act as inhibitors of growth and function of human MCs.
Intrinsic reproductive isolation between Trinidadian populations of the guppy, Poecilia reticulata
Authors: Russell S. T. , Magurran A. E. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Although Trinidadian populations of the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, show considerable adaptive genetic differentiation, they have been assumed to show little or no reproductive isolation. We tested this assumption by crossing Caroni (Tacarigua River) and Oropuche (Oropuche R.) drainage populations from Trinidad's Northern Range, and by examining multiple aspects of reproductive compatibility in the F1, F2 and BC1 generations. In open-aquarium experiments, F1 males performed fewer numbers of mating behaviours relative to parental population controls. This is the first documentation of hybrid behavioural sterility within a species, and it suggests that such sterility may feasibly be involved in causing speciation. The crosses also uncovered hybrid breakdown for embryo viability, brood size and sperm counts. In contrast, no reductions in female fertility were detected, indicating that guppies obey Haldane's rule for sterility. Intrinsic isolation currently presents a much stronger obstacle to gene flow than behavioural isolation, and our results indicate that Trinidadian populations constitute a useful model for investigating incipient speciation.
Dispersal and rapid evolution in brown trout colonizing virgin Subantarctic ecosystems
Authors: Ayllon F. , Davaine P. , Beall E. , Garcia-vazquez E. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Two brown trout Salmo trutta stocks of different origin (wild Polish, domestic commercial) came into secondary contact after deliberate releases conducted in virgin rivers systems of the Subantarctic Kerguelen Islands (70° E 49° S). Samples obtained in 2001–2003 and a historical sample from 1993 were analysed for genetic variation at seven microsatellite loci and one allozyme locus (LDH-C1*). Bayesian clustering analysis demonstrated that rapid genetic differentiation formed separate genetic units in neighbouring rivers in less than 20 years. These genetic units were characterized by a large proportion of Polish genotypes mixed with some genomes of domestic origin (up to 30%). A different colonization strategy of the naturalized stocks, likely related with differential performance, was identified as a cause of rapid population differentiation in this area.
Serum from heifer calves treated with bovine growth hormone affects the rate of proliferation of C2C12 myogenic cells dependent on the plane of nutrition: the role of insulin‐like growth factor‐I and IGF‐binding proteins‐2 and ‐3
Authors: Oksbjerg N. , Nissen P. M. , Vestergaard M. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe present in vitro experiments were carried out in order to study whether variations in the bovine growth hormone (bGH)/insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I axis induced by plane of nutrition and bGH treatment of heifer calves caused variations in serum‐induced proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts. Serum was obtained from two groups each of six heifer calves (195 ± 8 kg) before (d −1) and after treatment with 15 mg/day of bGH for 6 days (d 6) fed either a low (GHL) or a high plane (GHH) of nutrition. Preceding the experiment all 12 heifer calves were fed at the low plane of nutrition. At d 6, serum concentrations of insulin and IGF‐I were increased while that of IGF‐binding proteins (IGFBP)‐2 was decreased in GHH, but unchanged in GHL calves. Serum‐induced proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts, was elevated at d 6 by GHH treatment. Especially human IGFBP‐3 but also bovine IGFBP‐2 added to cell cultures inhibited the rate of proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts stimulated by human IGF‐I. The present results showed that GH treatment causes changes in the GH/IGF axis, which leads to changes in serum‐induced growth of C2C12 muscle cells dependent on the plane of nutrition that mimic in vivo effects of GH treatment, which indicate an endocrine contribution of the IGF system. However, drawbacks of this suggestion are discussed.
Renal disease in the Aboriginal community of Woorabinda
Authors: Hazel Teresa J. , Hill Peter S. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective:  An apparent increase in the incidence of end‐stage renal disease had been observed in the Australian Aboriginal community of Woorabinda. This study documents the incidence of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in Woorabinda, and correlates this with predictors of renal disease. Design:  The methodology included a retrospective audit of deaths from, and cases commencing treatment for ESRD between 1999 and 2001 in Woorabinda, and a cross‐sectional study. Participants:  The 183 participants were Aboriginal residents over 15 years of age. Females numbered 102 (55.7%) and males 81 (44.3%). Main outcome measure:  The incidence of ESRD was comparable to other recognised high incidence Indigenous communities in Australia. This was corroborated by a high prevalence of predictors of renal disease. Results:  Audit: the year 2001 age‐ and sex‐standardised incidence ratio for commencement of renal replacement therapy is 93.18 (95% CI, 25.34–238.53). Clinical Study: the prevalence of overt albuminuria was 7.6%; 11.7% had an albumin : creatinine ratio >3.4–33.9 g mol−1; 33.3% had microalbuminuria of ≥20 mg L−1; and 67.8% prevalence of proteinuria was found. The prevalence of diabetes was 18.6%, with another 13.2% having impaired fasting glucose. There was a 19.7% prevalence of hypertension. Of those with hypertension 22.2% had overt albuminuria.Conclusions:  Although Woorabinda was previously placed in a region of low end‐stage renal disease incidence, further investigation has identified a high incidence of renal disease, not exclusively due to diabetes. The finding raises questions regarding the current trajectory of the epidemic in other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Going home from hospital: The postdischarge experience of patients and carers in rural and remote Queensland
Authors: Williams Chris , Thorpe Rosamund , Harris Nonie , Dickinson Hilary , Barrett Chris , Rorison Francine 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective:  This paper reports on a study of the experiences of patients and carers discharged from the Townsville General Hospital into rural and remote communities in North Queensland.Design:  The findings presented in this paper are drawn from post‐discharge in‐depth, qualitative interviews of both patients and carers.Results:  The findings indicate the importance of examining the lived experience of both patients and carers in attempting to understand the impact of current discharge practices.Conclusion:  We conclude that carers are providing the bulk of post‐discharge care of patients – a difficult role in which the difficulties are exacerbated when the patient or the carer or both is a long way from the home community.
Characteristics of Australian after‐hours emergency endoscopy services
Authors: Gibson Robert , Hitchcock Karen , Duggan Anne E 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Early endoscopic intervention reduces morbidity and mortality for patients with high‐risk gastrointestinal hemorrhage and gallstones causing pancreatitis or ascending cholangitis. For low‐risk bleeds ‘after‐hours’ endoscopy services allow risk stratification and early, safe discharge leading to reduced length of stay. Recognized standards for these services include availability of endoscopically trained medical and nursing staff, access to a specialized endoscopy unit and full availability of the service. The aim of the present study was to assess ‘after‐hours’ endoscopy services at Australian teaching hospitals using the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) criteria.Methods:  A standardized questionnaire based on the BSG guidelines was developed. The Gastroenterology Society of Australia provided a list of accredited sites for gastroenterology training. An advanced gastroenterology trainee at each hospital was interviewed by telephone.Results:  Thirty‐four centers (100%) provided complete data. Gastroscopy, colonoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were provided in 100, 58 and 84% of centers, respectively. The operation suite followed by endoscopy unit was the most frequently used site. However, one‐third of centers performed procedures at the bedside, including the emergency department or ward. Support staff were not consistently trained endoscopically and, in 15 centers (44%), the advanced trainees participated in the ‘on call’ roster with a consultant present for the procedure, although this was not consistently the case.Conclusions:  Most Australian hospitals offer comprehensive emergency endoscopy services. However, few centers fulfill all BSG recommendations. The registrar training and patient safety implications of emergency endoscopic services need to be considered in the light of these findings.
Multiple main pancreatic duct stones in tropical pancreatitis: Safe clearance with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
Authors: Ong Wai Choung , Tandan Manu , Reddy Venkat , Rao Guduru V , Reddy Nageshwar 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) has an established role in the management of pancreatic ductal stones. Its efficacy in management of multiple stones in tropical pancreatitis is unknown. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate: (i) the efficacy of main pancreatic duct stone clearance; and (ii) associated complications with ESWL therapy in tropical pancreatitis.Methods:  Consecutively recruited patients with tropical pancreatitis underwent fragmentation of main pancreatic duct stones using ESWL. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using standard techniques was performed to manage residual stones. Complete, partial and unsatisfactory clearance was defined as >90%, 50–90% and <50% of stone clearance, respectively. Clinical and technical data were collected on a pre‐formatted data sheet. Statistical analysis was performed on an intention‐to‐treat basis.Results:  A total of 250 patients (mean ± SD age 35.2 ± 11.9 years; 66% men), 86.8% with multiple radio‐opaque stones, underwent ESWL between February 2004 and May 2005. Of the 250 patients, 149 (59.6%) achieved complete clearance and 59 (23.6%) achieved partial clearance of pancreatic calculi. Main pancreatic ductal decompression was achieved in 70.0% (175/250) of patients. Complications occurred in 5.6% (14/250) during ESWL and in 1.2% (3/250) during ERCP. A mean of 1.3 sessions, with mean ± SD 5.5 ± 0.7 intensity setting, 85.8 ± 13.5 pulses per minute and 3862 ± 1426 shocks per session were required.Conclusion:  Clearance of multiple main pancreatic duct stones in patients with tropical pancreatitis is safely performed via ESWL followed by ERCP ductal drainage.
Magnetic resonance images of the globus pallidus in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension: A quantitative analysis of the relationship between signal intensity and the grade of portosystemic shunt
Authors: Fukuzawa Takeshi , Matsutani Shoichi , Maruyama Hitoshi , Akiike Taro , Saisho Hiromitsu , Hattori Takamichi 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To elucidate a quantitative relationship between hyperintensity of the globus pallidus on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) and portosystemic shunt (PSS) in portal hypertension.Methods:  Fifteen patients with idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) and 44 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) underwent brain MRI to asses signal intensity at the globus pallidus and Doppler sonography to examine the blood flow volume of PSS. Blood manganese (Mn) levels were examined in 36 patients and neuropsychological tests were performed in 15 patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy.Results:  Pallidal hyperintensity on MRI was more prominent in patients with IPH than in patients with LC. There was no correlation between MRI pallidal hyperintensity and the severity of liver dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy. The grade of hyperintensity correlated well with the grade of PSS. The correlation was stronger in patients with IPH than in patients with LC. The plasma ammonia level and whole blood Mn level significantly correlated with MRI pallidal hyperintensity, but blood Mn level showed a stronger correlation than plasma ammonia.Conclusion:  Hyperintensity of the globus pallidus on T1‐weighted MRI correlated with the development of PSS independent of liver cell function. This brain image should be an index of the grade of PSS rather than a landmark of chronic liver failure.