bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabidiol, extracted fromCannabis sativa, selectively inhibits inflammatory hypermotility in mice
Authors: Capasso R , Borrelli F , Aviello G , Romano B , Scalisi C , Capasso F , Izzo A A 
Published: May 2008

Background and purpose:Cannabidiol is aCannabis‐derived non‐psychotropic compound that exerts a plethora of pharmacological actions, including anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective and antitumour effects, with potential therapeutic interest. However, the actions of cannabidiol in the digestive tract are largely unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cannabidiol on intestinal motility in normal (control) mice and in mice with intestinal inflammation.Experimental approach:Motilityin vivowas measured by evaluating the distribution of an orally administered fluorescent marker along the small intestine; intestinal inflammation was induced by the irritant croton oil; contractilityin vitrowas evaluated by stimulating the isolated ileum, in an organ bath, with ACh.Key results:In vivo, cannabidiol did not affect motility in control mice, but normalized croton oil‐induced hypermotility. The inhibitory effect of cannabidiol was counteracted by the cannabinoid CB1receptor antagonist rimonabant, but not by the cannabinoid CB2receptor antagonist SR144528 (N‐[‐1S‐endo‐1,3,3‐trimethyl bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan‐2‐yl]‐5‐(4‐chloro‐3‐methylphenyl)‐1‐(4‐methylbenzyl)‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide), by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone or by the α2‐adrenergic antagonist yohimbine. Cannabidiol did not reduce motility in animals treated with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitorN‐arachidonoyl‐5‐hydroxytryptamine, whereas loperamide was still effective.In vitro, cannabidiol inhibited ACh‐induced contractions in the isolated ileum from both control and croton oil‐treated mice.Conclusions and implications:Cannabidiol selectively reduces croton oil‐induced hypermotility in micein vivoand this effect involves cannabinoid CB1receptors and FAAH. In view of its low toxicity in humans, cannabidiol may represent a good candidate to normalize motility in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)154, 1001–1008; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.177; published online 12 May 2008
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in patients attending an Early Pregnancy Unit: Prevalence, symptoms, pregnancy location and viability
Authors: KIRK EMMA , BORA SHABANA , VAN CALSTER BEN , CONDOUS GEORGE , VAN HUFFEL SABINE , TIMMERMAN DIRK , BOURNE TOM 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective. To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and its relationship to age, ethnicity, symptomatology, pregnancy location and viability in women attending an Early Pregnancy Unit. Method. Women were offered screening for Chlamydia over a 4‐month period. Presenting complaints, maternal age, ethnic origin, gestational age, pregnancy location, pregnancy viability and swab results were recorded. Results. One thousand, one hundred and one women were offered screening. Nine hundred and sixteen (83.2%) agreed to participate. Eight hundred and six (88.0%) had readable swabs. The prevalence of Chlamydia was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.4–3.5) (18/806). The prevalence in those <25 years of age was 8.7% (95% CI: 5.1–14.3). Prevalence was higher in black women compared to Asian or Caucasian women. The prevalence of Chlamydia in symptomatic and asymptomatic women was 2.3% (12/521) and 2.1% (6/285), respectively, p>0.166. There was no significant difference in the final early pregnancy outcome in women with or without Chlamydia. Conclusion. Currently Chlamydia screening is not advised in Early Pregnancy Units as the women are thought to be of low risk; however, there are subgroups that are at relatively high risk. Screening this population is therefore important. There is, however, no difference in pregnancy location and viability in women with or without Chlamydia.
Placenta weight in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: DAHLSTRØM BERIT , ROMUNDSTAD PÅL , ØIAN PÅL , VATTEN LARS J. , ESKILD ANNE 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective. Preterm and term pre‐eclampsia may differ in etiology. This could be reflected in differences in placenta weight. Therefore, we compared placenta weight in pregnancies with preterm or term pre‐eclampsia to placenta weight in pregnancies without pre‐eclampsia. Design. Population study. Setting. Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Population. All singleton pregnancies in Norway from 1999 through 2004 delivered at or after 21 weeks’ gestation (n = 317,688). Methods. Placenta weight in pregnancies without pre‐eclampsia (n = 304,875) was compared to placenta weight in pregnancies with preterm pre‐eclampsia (delivery before week 37 of pregnancy, n = 3,070) and term pre‐eclampsia (delivery on or after week 37 of pregnancy, n = 9,743). Placenta weight z‐scores were calculated to adjust for offspring sex and length of gestation, and grouped in tenths. Placenta weight according to pre‐eclampsia status is presented as proportions within each tenth. Main outcome measures. Pre‐eclampsia status. Results. In preterm pre‐eclampsia, placentas were over‐represented in the two lowest (33.8%; 95% CI 32.1–35.5) and under‐represented in the two highest (13.1%; 95% CI 11.9–14.3) tenths of placenta weight compared to pregnancies without pre‐eclampsia (20%). In term pre‐eclampsia, placentas were over‐represented in the two lowest (22.0%; 95% CI 21.2–22.8) and the two highest (22.7%; 95% CI 21.9–23.6) placenta weight groups. Mean placenta weight z‐score was higher in term pre‐eclampsia compared to pregnancies without pre‐eclampsia. Conclusions. Small placentas were associated with pre‐eclampsia, and more strongly with preterm than term pre‐eclampsia. In term pre‐eclampsia, the association with placenta weight was u‐shaped, yielding higher proportions of both low and high placenta weight compared to pregnancies without pre‐eclampsia.
Dietary and lifestyle interventions to limit weight gain during pregnancy for obese or overweight women: A systematic review
Authors: DODD JODIE M. , CROWTHER CAROLINE A. , ROBINSON JEFFREY S. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground. To assess the benefits and harm of dietary and lifestyle interventions during pregnancy to improve maternal and infant outcomes for pregnant women who are overweight or obese. Methods. Randomized controlled trials comparing any form of dietary or lifestyle intervention during pregnancy for women who are overweight or obese with no treatment to improve maternal and infant health were considered. The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL), PUBMED and the Australian and International Clinical Trials Registry were searched (date of last search November 2007). Results. Two published trials were identified with no statistically significant differences identified between the intervention and standard care groups for maternal or infant health outcomes. Conclusion. There is limited information available assessing the benefits and harm associated with dietary and lifestyle interventions for overweight and obese pregnant women. Further evaluation through randomized trials with adequate power is required.
Placenta previa: Its relationship with race and the country of origin among Asian women
Authors: YANG QIUYING , WEN SHI WU , CAUGHEY SHARON , KREWSKI DANIEL , SUN LUMING , WALKER MARK C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectives. To examine the association between placenta previa with maternal race and its variations by country of origin among Asian women. Study design. Retrospective cohort study. Methods. We analyzed data from a population‐based retrospective cohort study of 16,751,627 pregnancies in the US. The data were derived from the national linked birth/infant mortality database for the period 1995–2000. Multiple logistic regressions were used to describe the relationship between placenta previa and race as well as country of origin among Asian women. Results. About 3.3 per 1,000 pregnancies were complicated with placenta previa among white women, while the corresponding figures for black women and women of other races were 3.0 and 4.5 per 1,000 pregnancies, respectively. The excess risk remained substantial and significant after adjustment for confounders for women of other races compared to white women. The frequencies of placenta previa among Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Korean, Vietnamese and other Asian or Pacific Islander were 5.6, 5.1, 7.6, 4.5, 5.9, 4.4 and 4.4 per 1,000 pregnancies, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.39 to 2.15 among Asian women by country of origin, with the lowest for Japanese and Vietnamese and the highest for Filipino women in our study. Conclusion. Asian women have excess risk of placenta previa compared with white women. Major variation exists in placenta previa risk among Asian women, with the lowest risk in Japanese and Vietnamese women and the highest risk in Filipino women.
Risk factors and interventions associated with major primary postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to first‐line conventional therapy
Authors: MOUSA HATEM A. , CORDING VICKY , ALFIREVIC ZARKO 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground. To examine risk factors and interventions associated with major primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) unresponsive to first‐line conventional therapy. Methods. From computerized maternity database, we identified women with major primary PPH defined as blood loss ≥1,000 ml and/or the need for a blood transfusion within 24 h of delivery beyond 24 weeks’ gestation. Cases were assigned according to the mode of delivery and response to the first‐line therapy (responders and non‐responders). Results. Between 1998 and 2002, 20,610 women delivered after 24 weeks’ gestation. A total of 306 women developed primary PPH (14.8/1,000 deliveries) including 103 vaginal and 203 caesarean (CS) births. Out of 103 women with PPH following vaginal birth, 22 (21%) failed to respond to first‐line therapy. Following CS, 20 of 203 (10%) failed first line treatment and required examination under anesthesia (EUA) and other interventions to control bleeding. Irrespective of the mode of delivery, antepartum risk factors did not differ between responders and non‐responders to first‐line therapy. In the vaginal group, non‐responders were treated with required bimanual compression and intra‐myometrial PGF2α (49%), repair of cervical tear (14%), vaginal packing (9%), and uterine packing (5%). In the CS group, hysterectomy was the most common surgical intervention (54%) after other methods including uterine packing, B‐Lynch procedure, uterine tamponade, and intra‐myometrial prostaglandin were ineffective. Conclusions. The currently known risk factors for primary PPH are not useful in the identification of patients who continue to bleed after first‐line therapy. Emergency hysterectomy was the most common surgical intervention used to control major PPH unresponsive to conventional therapy following CS birth.
Three‐dimensional endoanal ultrasound assessment of the anal sphincters during rest and squeeze
Authors: OLSEN INGRID P. , AUGENSEN KÅRE , WILSGAARD TOM , KISERUD TORVID 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground. Current ultrasound assessment of the anal sphincter is based on measurements during rest. However, active constriction plays a role in maintaining continence. Here we assess female anal dimensions during rest and squeeze. Methods. Thirty women were recruited for a cross‐sectional endoanal ultrasound study after written consent according to an ethically approved protocol: nine 0‐gravida, 10 with normal vaginal delivery, and 11 with complicated vaginal delivery (babies >4,500 g, operative vaginal delivery or perineal rupture). Endoanal three‐dimensional (3D)‐ultrasound volume was obtained during rest and squeeze. Length of anal canal and volume of the external and internal sphincters were determined. Results. In the 0‐gravida group, the mean anal canal at rest was 3.28 cm (SD: ±0.63) compared with 2.30 (±0.77) in those who had given birth (p =0.002). Correspondingly, the volume of the external sphincter was 7.61 cm3 (±2.63) versus 4.80 (±2.02) (p =0.004), and for the internal sphincter 2.63 (±1.18) versus 2.68 (±1.30) (p =0.98). There were no differences between rest and squeeze within the 0‐gravida, but after a traumatic vaginal delivery the internal sphincter was smaller during squeeze (p =0.01), and the overlap between external and internal sphincter was 0.76 cm (±0.41), insignificantly shorter (p =0.09) than in the 0‐gravida group at 1.21 (±0.62). Conclusions. Women with vaginal delivery had a shorter anal canal and smaller external sphincter than 0‐gravida. Active squeeze had no effect on the dimensions of the sphincter apart from a reduction of the internal sphincter in those who had undergone a complicated delivery, possibly due to a dislodging upwards during squeeze.
Severe maternal morbidity and the mode of delivery
Authors: PALLASMAA NANNELI , EKBLAD ULLA , GISSLER MIKA 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective. To define the rate of severe maternal morbidity in different modes of delivery and to find out if the rate of severe morbidity has changed over a 5‐year time span. Design. Retrospective register‐based study. Setting. Finnish Medical Birth Registry and Hospital Discharge Registry. Population. All singleton deliveries in Finland in 1997 and 2002 (n = 110,717). Methods. Diagnoses and operative interventions recorded in the Hospital Discharge Registry indicating a severe maternal complication were linked with Birth Register data and compared by mode of delivery: spontaneous vaginal delivery (VD), instrumental VD, elective cesarean section and non‐elective cesarean section. Main outcome measures were severe maternal morbidity: deep venous thromboembolism and amniotic fluid embolism, major puerperal infection, severe hemorrhage, events requiring operative intervention after delivery, uterine rupture and inversion, and intestinal obstruction. Results. Severe maternal morbidity was more frequent in cesarean than vaginal deliveries (p<0.001), and more frequent in non‐elective than in elective operations (p<0.001). The rate of severe maternal morbidity increased considerably from 1997 to 2002; from 5.9 to 7.6 per 1,000 in all deliveries (p<0.001), from 4.0 per 1,000 to 5.2 per 1,000 in spontaneous vaginal deliveries (p = 0.005), from 9.9 per 1,000 to 12.1 per 1,000 in elective cesarean sections (CSs) (p = 0.164), and from 19.6 per 1,000 to 27.2 per 1,000 in non‐elective CSs (p = 0.090), respectively. Conclusions. Severe maternal morbidity has increased both in cesarean and vaginal deliveries from 1997 to 2002. Cesarean delivery, even an elective one, carries a significantly higher risk of life‐threatening maternal complications than VD.
Confidence judgments in real classroom settings: Monitoring performance in different types of tests
Authors: de Carvalho Filho Moisés Kirk 
Published: May 2008

During testing, students have a valuable opportunity to exercise and improve their self‐regulatory skills. However, the extent to which they profit from those experiences may vary according to some personal, test‐related, and environmental factors. This study investigated the effects of metacognitive skills and test types on students' test performances, confidence judgments, and on the accuracy of those judgments. A sample of 129 psychology undergraduate students (50 men and 79 women, mean age = 18.9 years) were categorized according to their metacognitive skills (high vs average vs low) and had their test performances and monitoring processes in two different types of tests (i.e., multiple‐choice and short‐answer tests) compared throughout one academic term. Their test preparation practices, along with their attributional and regulatory processes during test‐taking, were also compared by using open‐ended questions. The results showed that: (1) high‐metacognitive students presented more effective test preparation practices, better test performances, and superior attributional, regulatory, and monitoring processes than their counterparts; (2) differences in performance and judgment accuracy were significantly larger in the short‐answer tests than in the multiple‐choice tests; and (3) over time, students' performances and confidence levels varied in specific patterns according to the type of test being taken. The results are discussed, focusing on the educational implications of the interactions observed and on how they may determine what students can learn from test‐taking experiences. In addition, based on the results obtained, specific suggestions on how to increase the metacognitive awareness of university students through instruction and on how to improve their academic assessment are provided.
Personal investment, culture and learning: Insights into school achievement across Anglo, Aboriginal, Asian and Lebanese students in Australia
Authors: McInerney Dennis M. 
Published: May 2008

Personal investment theory is a multifaceted theory of motivation, in which three key components: achievement goals (mastery, performance, social, and extrinsic), sense of self (sense of purpose, self‐reliance, negative self‐concept, positive self‐concept), and facilitating conditions (parent support, teacher support, peer support), engage students in the process of learning. Four cultural groups (Anglo Australian, n = 852, Aboriginal Australian, n = 343, Lebanese Australian, n = 372, and Asian Australian, n = 283) of students were compared on these personal investment components and on several outcome measures (engagement, affect, achievement, participation). A series of MANOVAs, followed up by univariate tests, indicated ethnic differences and similarities in the endorsement of the personal investment theory components as well as in the outcome measures. Multiple regression analyses showed that each of the three sets of predictors (achievement goals, sense of self, facilitating conditions) explained a significant amount of the variance in almost all of the outcome measures. Across cultural groups, students' mastery goal and sense of purpose were consistently found to be significant predictors of their intention for further education, positive affect for schooling, and valuing of schooling.
Socially oriented achievement goals of Chinese university students in Singapore: Structure and relationships with achievement motives, goals and affective outcomes
Authors: Chang Weining C. , Wong Kaishi 
Published: May 2008

Contemporary literature on culture, self, and motivations (Markus & Kitayama, 1991) suggests that in collectivistic cultures, individual achievement is interdependent of one's social others. We proposed that this cultural characteristic could be exemplified in the achievement goal orientation and tested the notion with university students in a collectivistic community—Singapore. A socially oriented achievement goal construct was developed by taking into consideration the significant social others in the students' lives. A measuring instrument was established with a sample of Singaporean Chinese university students (N = 196; 144 females and 52 males); its relationships to achievement motives, goals, and consequences were examined. Although the socially oriented achievement goal items were originally constructed from four categories of social others, confirmatory factor analysis suggested a unifactor structure. Results showed that the socially oriented goal was related positively with students' performance goal, mastery goal, and competitive motive; it bore no relationship to mastery motive, work ethic, and interest in learning; and it predicted negatively future engagement. After the effects of mastery and performance goals were controlled for, the socially oriented goal did not predict test anxiety.
White matter abnormalities in children with idiopathic developmental delay
Authors: Widjaja E. , Nilsson D. , Blaser S. , Raybaud C. 
Published: May 2008

Background: The underlying cause of developmental delay (DD) often remains unclear despite extensive clinical examination and investigations. Interference in normal development of the brain may result in DD. Purpose: To identify the prevalence of abnormalities on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in idiopathic developmental delay. Material and Methods: Of the 124 children referred for MR imaging with DD, 34 were excluded due to known history of progressive neurodevelopmental disorders, birth asphyxia, congenital CNS infections, metabolic disorder, chromosomal anomalies, and severe epileptic syndromes. The following structures were systematically reviewed: ventricles, corpus callosum, gray and white matter, limbic system, basal ganglia, brainstem, and cerebellum. Results: Ten out of 90 (11%) were referred with DD only, whilst 80/90 (89%) were referred with DD and additional clinical findings, such as seizures, neurological deficit, and abnormal head size. Of the 90 patients, 14 (16%) had normal MR and 76 (84%) had abnormal MR findings. Abnormal ventricles were seen in 43/90 (48%); abnormal corpus callosum was identified in 40/90 (44%). Other MR findings included abnormalities in the white matter (23/90, 26%), hippocampi (5/90, 6%), cerebellum (5/90, 6%), and brainstem (4/90, 4%). Conclusion: Abnormalities of the ventricles and corpus callosum were identified in a large proportion of patients with idiopathic DD, indicative of changes in the white matter. Further studies using quantitative methods and diffusion tensor imaging are required to evaluate the white matter in these children.
Magnetic resonance imaging results can affect therapy decisions in hyperacute stroke care
Authors: Heidenreich J. O. , Hsu D. , Wang G. , Jesberger J. A. , Tarr R. W. , Zaidat O. O. , Sunshine J. L. 
Published: May 2008

Background: Despite some limitations, a perfusion/diffusion mismatch can provide a working estimate of the ischemic penumbra in hyperacute stroke and has successfully been used to triage patients. Purpose: To evaluate whether the addition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to clinical and non-contrast computed tomography (CT) data alters diagnosis and choice of therapy. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical records, and CT and MRI data fully available in 97 of 117 patients. Upon clinical examination and CT, a diagnosis and treatment path was scored and compared to treatment path after addition of MRI data. The MRI protocol included T2-weighted images, diffusion-weighted images (DWI), and perfusion-weighted images (PWI), and MR angiography (MRA). Results: MRI data were acquired in less than 15 min. In 20 of 97 patients (21%), the diagnosis changed after MRI. In 25 of 97 patients (26%), the presumptive treatment plan was changed after MRI evaluation. Thirteen patients had their treatment changed from thrombolytic to nonthrombolytic therapy. Three patients were changed from nonthrombolytic to intraarterial (IA) thrombolysis. In one patient, treatment was changed from intravenous (IV) to IA thrombolysis, and in five patients it was changed from IA to IV thrombolysis. In two patients, systemic heparin was added to antiplatelet therapy. Conclusion: The expansion of the acute stroke protocol to include MRI altered the therapy plan in 26% of our patients. The utility of MRI, shown here to improve patient stratification into best-treatment options, demonstrates the value of using MRI to optimize care in hyperacute stroke patients.