bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concomitant degradation of β‐catenin and GSK‐3β potently contributes to glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Lee Jee Hee , Lee Eun Ok , Kang JiHee Lee , Chong Young Hae 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIncreasingly, published evidence links glutamate with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated the molecular mechanism underlying glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity in hippocampus, which is primarily linked to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. Acute exposure of rat hippocampal slices to glutamate significantly induced cell death, as determined by media lactate dehydrogenase levels and PI staining. Moreover, this was accompanied by Ca2+ influx and calpain‐1 activation, as confirmed by the proteolytic pattern of spectrin. Notably, glutamate‐induced calpain‐1 activation decreased the level of β‐catenin, and this process appeared to be independent of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK‐3β), since glutamate also led to loss of GSK‐3β. Calpeptin, a calpain inhibitor, attenuated the glutamate‐mediated degradations of spectrin, synaptophysin, and β‐catenin except GSK‐3β and modestly increased cell survival. In contrast, the NMDA receptor antagonist 2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (APV) effectively reduced all glutamate‐evoked responses, i.e., the breakdowns of spectrin, synaptophysin, β‐catenin and GSK‐3β, and cell death. Pharmacological studies and in vitro calpain‐1 proteolysis confirmed that in the glutamate‐treated hippocampus, calpain‐1‐mediated decrease of β‐catenin could occur independently of GSK‐3β and of proteasome, and that GSK‐3β degradation is independent of calpain‐1. These findings together provide the first direct evidence that glutamate promotes the down‐regulations of β‐catenin and GSK‐3β, which potently contribute to neurotoxicity in hippocampus during excitotoxic cell death, and a molecular basis for the protection afforded by calpeptin and APV from the neurotoxic effect of glutamate.
Cultured human periodontal ligament cells constitutively express multiple osteotropic cytokines and growth factors, several of which are responsive to mechanical deformation
Authors: Pinkerton Mark N. , Wescott David C. , Gaffey Benjamin J. , Beggs Kyle T. , Milne Trudy J. , Meikle Murray C. 
Published: April 2008

Background and Objective: A role for cytokines and growth factors in mediating the cellular and molecular events involved in orthodontic tooth movement is well established. The focus to date, however, has been largely on individual mediators, rather than to study cytokines in terms of complex interacting networks. Our objective was to expand our knowledge of the cytokines and growth factors expressed by human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and to identify new genes that are responsive to mechanical deformation.Material and Methods: Human PDL cells were strained with a cyclic deformation of 12% for 6–24 h, and the differential expression of 79 cytokine and growth factor genes was quantified using real‐time RT‐PCR arrays. For statistical comparison,t‐tests were used with mean critical threshold (CT) values derived from triplicate samples.Results: Forty‐one genes were detected at CT values < 35 and, of these, 15 showed a significant change in relative expression. These included seven interleukins (IL):IL1A,IL1F7,IL6andIL7(down),IL8,IL11andIL12A(up). Eight genes representing other cytokine and growth factor families showed comparable mechanical sensitivity, includingVEGFDandOPG(down) andPDGFA,INHBA,GDF8and two transforming growth factor β genes,TGFB1andTGFB3(up). The genesCSF2/GMCSF and IL11were found to be consistently stimulated across all three time points. Genes that were not expressed included: (1) the immunoregulatory lymphokines (IL2–IL5),IL17andIL17B; (2) IL10and other members of the IL‐10 family of anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL19,IL20,IL22andIL24); and (3)TNFandRANKL.Conclusion: Human PDL cells constitutively express numerous osteotropic cytokines and growth factors, many of which are mechanoresponsive.
Regulating physician‐assisted dying for minors in the Netherlands: views of paediatricians and other physicians
Authors: Vrakking Astrid M. , Van Der Heide Agnes , Onwuteaka‐Philipsen Bregje D. , Van Der Maas Paul J. , Van Der Wal Gerrit 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: In 2002, the Dutch Euthanasia Act came into effect, which made euthanasia available to individuals from the age of 12 and above. The objective of our study was to gain insight into how Dutch paediatricians and other physicians treating children feel about the regulation of physician‐assisted dying.Methods: We interviewed 63 paediatricians, 125 general practitioners and 208 clinical specialists about their views on physician‐assisted dying and the Euthanasia Act.Results: Of the paediatricians, 44% agreed with the age limit of 12 years, and 52% agreed with the requirement that parents be involved. Somewhat more than half thought the Act could contribute to the disclosure of end‐of‐life practices (52%), the quality of the review procedure (61%), careful decision making (54%) and the reporting rate (65%). These percentages were comparable for other physicians. A minority of the physicians in all groups indicated that, with this Act in place, they would be more willing to report such practices. The most optimistic in this respect were the paediatricians, of whom 39% expected such an effect.Conclusions: About half of Dutch paediatricians support the Euthanasia Act and expect it to achieve its aims, which is the same percentage as was found for other clinical specialists and general practitioners. However, most physicians do not foresee an increase in willingness to report cases of physician‐assisted dying.
A new method for the treatment of recurrent abdominal pain of prolonged negative stress origin
Authors: Alfvén G , Lindstrom A 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To test the hypothesis that psychological treatment given in combination with somatic treatment can relieve recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) of psychosomatic origin in childhood.Study design: Stomach Pain Clinic Group A, comprising 25 children receiving a combination of psychological treatment and physiotherapy given by two different persons and Stomach Pain Clinic Group B, comprising 23 children receiving physiotherapy only, were constituted in a randomized manner. Stomach Pain Clinic Group C, including 35 children receiving an integrated combination of psychological treatment and somatic treatment given by the same person was also constituted, as well as a reference group. Treatment outcome was measured by calculating a pain score and tender points (TP) score at inclusion and after 1 year.Results: The pain score after 1 year improved significantly in all four groups. Stomach Pain Clinic Groups A and B did not show any significant difference, but Stomach Pain Clinic C had a significantly better outcome than Stomach Pain Clinic Group B. Stomach Pain Clinic Groups A and C had a significant decrease in the TP score after 1 year. Pain scores and TP scores calculated for all Stomach Pain Clinic groups correlated significantly at follow‐up after 1 year.Conclusion: For children with psychosomatic RAP, a special method for integrated psychological and somatic treatment is probably effective. The results have to be confirmed in a randomized controlled study. These children have a special pattern of TPs related to their disorder, which diminishes with improvement in the disorder.
Agreement between Cochrane Neonatal Group reviews and clinical guidelines for newborns at a Copenhagen University Hospital—a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Brok Jesper , Greisen Gorm , Jacobsen Thorkild , Gluud Lise L , Gluud Christian 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: To assess the agreement between Cochrane Neonatal Group reviews and clinical guidelines of a University Neonatology Department, to evaluate the reasons for potential disagreements and to ascertain whether Cochrane reviews were considered for the guidelines development.Methods: The recommendations in the reviews and guidelines were compared and classified as being in ‘agreement’, ‘partial agreement’ or ‘disagreement’. The guideline authors were interviewed for reasons about disagreement and whether Cochrane reviews were considered during the guideline development.Results: Agreement between reviews and guidelines was found for 133 interventions (77%), partial agreement for 31 interventions (18%) and disagreement for nine interventions (5%). Six interventions were recommended in the guidelines, but not in the reviews. Three interventions were recommended in the reviews, but not in the guidelines. Use of consensus statements, evidence on surrogate markers, observational studies, basic immunology and pathophysiological knowledge, expert opinion, economical constraints, reservations about the external validity and unawareness of reviews were reasons for disagreement. Cochrane reviews were rarely (22%) used during the guideline development.Conclusion: We found agreement between more than three quarters of Cochrane reviews and neonatal guidelines. However, few important disagreements occurred. Reviews were only used for guideline development in about a fifth of cases.
Medical problems in adolescents with myelomeningocele (MMC): an inventory of the Swedish MMC population born during 1986–1989
Authors: Olsson I , Dahl M , Mattsson S , Wendelius M , Åström E , Westbom L 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: To describe the prevalence of myelomeningocele (MMC) and the medical needs of adolescents, 15–18 years, with MMC in Sweden, at a time when they are on the threshold of adulthood, leaving paediatrics.Methods: In a retrospective study, we identified all adolescents with MMC, born during 1986–1989 and living in Sweden on July 1, 2004. An inventory was agreed upon with questions concerning their medical problems and need for medical care.Results: There were 175 persons 15–18 years of age, born with MMC or lipoMMC (prevalence 3.8 per 10 000). Hydrocephalus was seen in 86%, 31% had been operated because of tethered cord syndrome, and 6% for Chiari malformation symptoms. The majority had motor impairments. Clean intermittent catheterisation for bladder emptying was used by 85%, and 59% used enemas on a regular basis because of the neurogenic bowel dysfunction. Renal dysfunction was seen in 1.7% of the adolescents.Conclusion: Lifelong follow‐up by many specialists, among others neurologists and neurosurgeons, urotherapists and urologists, orthopaedic surgeons and orthotists, is necessary for individuals with MMC. The complex medical situation, often in combination with cognitive difficulties, makes it necessary to coordinate medical services for this increasing group of adults with multiple impairments.
Scrotal involvement in childhood Henoch‐Schönlein purpura
Authors: Ha Tae‐Sun , Lee Jin‐Seok 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common childhood systemic vasculitis involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, joint, kidneys and even scrotum.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and laboratory data of 120 male patients with HSP and also evaluated the risk factors for scrotal involvement and the relation between scrotal involvement and other clinical features. Twenty‐six out of 120 boys (21.7%) diagnosed with HSP had scrotal involvement.Results: Scrotal symptoms manifested as swelling in 88.5% and pain (or tenderness) in 69.2% of HSP patients with scrotal involvement. Neurologic symptoms, mainly headache and localized edema among various manifestations and high serum C3 level of laboratory profiles were more frequently observed in scrotal‐involved group than in those of non‐involved group. However, there was no difference in the outcomes of scrotal symptoms according to therapeutic modalities and the occurrence of scrotal involvement had no correlation with renal involvement from acute to chronic phase.Conclusions: We found that neurologic symptoms, localized edema and high serum C3 level show a significant relation with scrotal involvement in male HSP patients. Because scrotal involvement in male HSP patients is not rare, the accurate early diagnosis of HSP is mandatory by the early notification of purpura and imaging evaluations in order to avoid unnecessary procedures.
Identification of a novel compound heterozygote SCO2 mutation in cytochrome c oxidase deficient fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy
Authors: Knuf M , Faber J , Huth R G , Freisinger P , Zepp F , Kampmann C 
Published: April 2008

Abstract Fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy (OMIM No. 604377) is a disorder of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and is characterised by neonatal progressive muscular hypotonia and cardiomyopathy because of severe Cytochrome c oxidase deficiency. Here we report a novel mutation in the Cytochrome c oxidase assembly gene SCO2 in an infant with fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy despite normal initial metabolic screening.Conclusion: In newborns with unexplained muscular hypotonia and cardiomyopathy genetic testing of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders might be helpful to establish a final diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
Geographic variations in outcome of very low birth weight infants in Italy
Authors: Corchia Carlo , Orzalesi Marcello 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: A number of social and health aspects in Italy show remarkable geographic dishomogeneity. We investigated if this phenomenon involves the outcome of very low birth‐weight infants (VLBWI).Methods: This is a multi‐centre nation‐based survey among all Italian NICUs. The number of VLBWI admitted to each NICU in 2001 by birth‐weight classes of 250 g, their inborn/outborn status and survival at discharge were registered through ad hoc questionnaires. The data were analysed for the whole country and for three geographic areas (North, Centre and South).Results: A total of 4679 VLBWI in 125 units were surveyed (0.88% of live births in Italy in 2001). The median number of infants admitted was 34 per NICU (interquartile range 16,52), without significant differences among the three geographic areas. The inborn rate was 80.7% (86.5% in the North, 83.7% in the Centre and 74.6% in the South). The mortality rate was 19.6% (15.6% in the North, 19.3% in the Centre and 23.4% in the South). Adjusted relative risk of death between Southern and Northern regions was 1.48 (95% CI 1.30–1.68), and that between outborn and inborn infants was 1.20 (95% CI 1.04–1.37).Conclusions: The differences in mortality among geographic areas suggest a state of socio‐sanitary deprivation in the Southern regions, as well as different models of organisation and quality of perinatal care.
Noninvasive treatment of bronchomalacia, successful ventilation of a severely ill infant
Authors: Aaseboe K , Berstad A K H , Skadberg B T 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNoninvasive treatment of bronchomalacia. Successful ventilation of a severely ill infant.Aim: To describe an effective treatment of a boy with bronchomalacia by noninvasive mechanical ventilation support.Methods: We describe a case of a severely ill patient with bronchomalacia from the time he was born and until the age of five. Bi‐level positive airway pressure given through a specially adapted full face mask was used to treat his respiratory condition.Result: Our patient responded well to the noninvasive treatment of bronchomalacia.Conclusion: We found that noninvasive mechanical ventilation support is a low risk and highly effective treatment of infants and children with respiratory distress caused by bronchomalacia.
Resuscitation and ventilation strategies for extremely preterm infants: a comparison study between two neonatal centers in Boston and Stockholm
Authors: Vanpée Mireille , Walfridsson‐Schultz Ulrika , Katz‐Salamon Miriam , Zupancic John A.F. , Pursley DeWayne , Jónsson Baldvin 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: To evaluate if different resuscitation and ventilatory styles exist between two neonatal units, and if the less aggressive approach has a beneficiary effect on BPD outcome.Method: Inborn infants delivered at a gestational age <28 weeks were retrospectively studied (Boston = 70 and Stockholm = 102). Data were collected from birth to discharge or to 40 weeks.Results: The study groups were similar with regard to gestational age, birth weight, gender and CRIB score, whereas SNAPPE‐II score was greater in Stockholm and prenatal steroids were given less frequently in Boston. In Stockholm, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was applied in the delivery room for 56% of the infants and the prevalence of infants not requiring intubation or mechanical ventilation (MV) during the first week of life was 22%. In Boston all infants were initially intubated. Subsequently, CPAP was used less often, and higher mean airway pressures (MAWPs) were applied during the first 4 weeks of life. Mortality and moderate/severe BPD at 36 weeks were similar; however, at 40 weeks oxygen supplementation was more frequent in Boston. Site was a predictor for moderate/severe BPD or death at 40 weeks.Conclusion: Practice style differences exist and the less aggressive approach with more CPAP administration was successful. It did not decrease the risk for BPD at 36 weeks; however, at 40 weeks, fewer infants were on oxygen support, and a strong association was found between site, MAWP or MV with pulmonary morbidity indicating that CPAP could have a beneficiary role in outcome.
Iron status at 1 and 6 years versus developmental scores at 6 years in a well‐nourished affluent population
Authors: Gunnarsson B. S. , Thorsdottir I. , Palsson G. , Gretarsson S. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: To examine the association between iron status at 1 and 6 years with development at 6 years.Methods: In a longitudinal study of children (n = 77), iron status was measured at 1 and 6 years and the Icelandic Developmental Inventory, which evaluates children's motor and verbal development, was filled in by mothers near the children's sixth birthday.Results: Children, iron‐deficient at 1 year (n = 10), had lower fine motor development scores at 6 years than non–iron‐deficient (n = 56) (46.7 ± 4.1 vs. 49.3 ± 2.0; p = 0.011). Fine motor scores were also lower in children with depleted iron stores at 1 year (n = 26) than non–iron‐depleted children (n = 40) (48.0 ± 3.3 vs. 49.5 ± 1.8; p = 0.045). Multiple regression analyses, with iron status indices at 6 years, showed that mean corpuscular volume along with male gender predicted significantly positively for expression (adj. R2= 0.15; p = 0.018; n = 73), while regression analyses, including iron status at 1 and 6 years, showed that haemoglobin at 6 years was positively associated with gross motor (adj. R2= 0.05; p = 0.038; n = 63).Conclusions: In an affluent society, iron deficiency and depleted iron stores at 1 year may contribute to worse fine motor developmental scores at 6 years, while low mean corpuscular volume and haemoglobin at 6 years might affect subsequent expression and gross motor scores negatively.Sponsorship: The Icelandic Research Council.
Swedish pre‐school children eat too much junk food and sucrose
Authors: Garemo M. , Lenner R. Arvidsson , Strandvik B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: To analyze dietary intake in healthy 4‐year‐old children.Methods: Families from three Paediatric Health Care Centres in different socio‐economic areas in Göteborg completed 7‐day food records and questionnaires about socio‐economy.Results: One hundred thirty two/153 completed the study, 49% of parents were university educated. Eighteen percent of children were overweight/obese. Energy intake was high; 67% had sucrose intake exceeding Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) but 36% had n‐3 fatty acid intake <0.5 energy percent. Significant negative correlations were found between sucrose and fat and between BMI and fat intake. Junk food supplied 24% of energy. Ninety‐two percent had low vitamin D intake, 70% low iron and 21% low calcium intake. Gruel, which was consumed by 28%, had a positive impact on micronutrient intake. Child care and mother's origin seemed to influence dietary intake.Conclusion: In 4‐year olds from well‐educated urban families, 18% was overweight/obese. Total energy intake was above present NNR but lower than 20 years ago, when overweight was rare. Fat energy intake was negatively associated with BMI, and low n‐3 fatty acid intake was associated with higher body weight. In several aspects dietary intake was not optimal in the children.
The effects of smoking in pregnancy on factors influencing fetal growth
Authors: Ingvarsson Ragnar F , Bjarnason Anton O , Dagbjartsson Atli , Hardardottir Hildur , Haraldsson Asgeir , Thorkelsson Thordur 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: To evaluate the influence of maternal smoking during pregnancy on factors influencing fetal growth.Methods: Thirty newborns of smoking mothers were prospectively compared with 60 newborns of non‐smoking mothers. Pre‐albumin, albumin, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, insulin‐like growth factor I, IGF binding protein 3, pH, lactic acid, erythropoietin and hemoglobin concentrations were measured in umbilical cord blood.Results: Infants of smoking mothers had a significantly lower birth weight (3418 ± 533 vs. 3863 ± 503 g; p < 0.001), length (50.5 ± 2,6 vs. 52.3 ± 1.9 cm; p < 0.001) and head circumference (34.6 ± 1.8 vs. 35.8 ± 1.1 cm; p < 0.001) than controls. They also had significantly lower insulin (3.2 (2.0–4.9) vs. 5.8 (4.6–7.1) mU/L; p = 0.008), insulin‐like growth factor I (54.4 ± 32.5 vs. 93.8 ± 54.5 μg/L; p = 0.001) and IGF binding protein 3 (1664 ± 432 vs. 1943 ± 421 μg/L; p = 0.01) concentrations, than controls. Infants of smoking mothers also had significantly higher hemoglobin (167 ± 14 vs. 157 ± 13 g/L; p = 0.002) and erythropoietin (42.3 (25.1–72.4) vs. 26.3 (21.9–30.9) U/L; p = 0.03) than controls, but not pH or lactate concentrations. There was no significant difference in pre‐albumin, albumin, triglycerides and glucose concentrations.Conclusions: Smoking during pregnancy causes symmetrical fetal growth impairment, possibly due to decreased oxygen transport to the fetus and decreased concentrations of fetal insulin, insulin‐like growth factor I and IGF binding protein 3.