bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental and perinatal factors affecting childhood anthropometry of very‐low‐birth‐weight premature infants: a population‐based survey
Authors: Makhoul Imad R , Awad Eman , Tamir Ada , Weintraub Zalman , Rotschild Avi , Bader David , Yurman Shmuel , Reich Dan , Bental Yoram , Jammalieh Jeryes , Smolkin Tatiana , Sujov Polo , Hochberg Ze'ev 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground: The perinatal–neonatal course of very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants might affect their childhood growth. We evaluated the effect of parental anthropometry and perinatal and neonatal morbidity of VLBW neonates on their childhood growth.Methods: We obtained parental anthropometry, height and weight at age 6–10.5 years of 334 children born as VLBW infants. Parental, perinatal and neonatal data of these children were tested for association with childhood anthropometry.Results: (1) Maternal and paternal weight standard deviation score (SDS) and discharge weight (DW) SDS were associated with childhood weight SDS (R2= 0.111, p < 0.00001); (2) Maternal and paternal height SDS, corrected gestational age (GA) at discharge, maternal assisted reproduction and SGA status were associated with childhood height SDS (R2= 0.208, p < 0.00001); (3) paternal weight SDS, DW SDS and surfactant therapy were associated with childhood body mass index (BMI) SDS (R2= 0.096, p < 0.00001). 31.1% of VLBW infants had DW SDS < −1.88, and are to be considered small for gestational age (‘SGA’). One quarter of these infants did not catch up by age 6–10.5 years.Conclusion: Childhood anthropometry of VLBW infants depends on parental anthropometry, postnatal respiratory morbidity and growth parameters at birth and at discharge. Almost one‐third of VLBW premature infants had growth restriction at discharge from neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a quarter of whom did not catch up by age 6–10.5 years.
Left‐sided gastroschisis with meromelia of the limbs: A rare association
Authors: Punia Raj Pal Singh , Dhingra Neerja , Chopra Rajan , Mohan Harsh , Huria Anju 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTGastroschisis is a malformation of the anterior abdominal wall that presents as herniation of abdominal contents through a paramedian abdominal defect, usually to the right side of the midline. The defect involves all the layers of the abdominal wall and there is no membranous covering. In newborns with isolated gastroschisis, the overall prognosis is very good. In rare cases, gastroschisis is associated with other congenital malformations, making the prognosis worse. We herein report a rare case of left‐sided gastroschisis associated with meromelia of the limbs.
Heart changes in 17‐day‐old fetuses of diabetic ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mothers: Improvement with maternal immune stimulation
Authors: Claudio Gutierrez Juan , Prater Mary Renee , Hrubec Theresa C. , Smith Bonnie J. , Freeman Larry E. , Holladay Steven D. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTMaternal diabetes mellitus is associated with increased fetal teratogenesis, including cardiovascular defects. Non‐specific maternal immune stimulation with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) or interferon gamma (IFNγ) has been associated with protection against birth malformations. Using a diabetic mouse model, late‐gestation fetal heart and great vessel morphology were analyzed. Four groups of mice were used: non‐diabetic females as a control group, hyperglycemic females induced by streptozotocin as a diabetic group, and diabetic females injected either with FCA or IFNγ. At day 17 of gestation, females were euthanized and one fetus was arbitrarily selected per litter for fixation and sectioning. Treatment‐induced changes in cardiac development were assessed from digital images of serial sections taken at standardized levels in the thorax. One‐way parametric and non‐parametric ANOVA and ordinal logistic regression were performed to compare the difference among groups (P < 0.05). Maternal hyperglycemia altered morphology of the late‐gestation fetal mouse heart by causing ventricular chamber dilation, sectional myocardial reduction, and an increase in transversal aortic area. FCA protected the fetal heart from cavitary dilation in diabetic mothers. FCA and IFNγ protected the fetal heart against reduction of myocardial area, and ascending thoracic aorta dilation. Consequences of late gestation heart chamber dilation and myocardial reduction are not yet known. Maternal immune stimulation partially protected against these developmental defects by mechanisms that remain unclear.
Critical periods for the teratogenicity of immune‐suppressant Leflunomide in mice
Authors: Fukushima Ryou , Kanamori Susumu , Hirashiba Masahiro , Hishikawa Atsuko , Muranaka Ri‐ichi , Kaneto Masako , Kitagawa Hiroshi 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTLeflunomide has inhibitory effects on dihydroorotate‐dehydrogenase activity and protein tyrosine kinase activity. In the present study, a single dose of 50 mg/kg Leflunomide was administered to pregnant mice on one of gestation days (GD)6–11. Characteristic external malformations were craniofacial defects following dosing on GD7, cleft palate on GD9, cleft palate and limb and tail deformities on GD10, and limb deformities on GD11. Skeletal examination revealed cervical to caudal vertebral malformations after treatment on GD7, GD8, GD9 or GD10. In the viscera, cardiovascular deformities were observed in the GD7 and GD9 Leflunomide‐treated groups. These results demonstrate that multiple malformations were seen in various organs and most of the malformations observed appeared to be developmental stage‐specific responses to Leflunomide treatment.
Association between access block and time to parenteral opioid analgesia in renal colic: A pilot study
Authors: Chu Kevin , Brown Anthony 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:  To seek an association between access block and time to parenteral opioid analgesia (POA) in ED patients presenting with renal colic.Methods:  Renal colic patients given POA were retrospectively identified over 3 months. Time of administration of POA was abstracted from patients' charts. Access block data, time of arrival and demographics were retrieved electronically. A logistic regression was used to seek an association between time to POA (dichotomized into <1 h and >1 h of arrival) with daily access block (proportion of patients requiring hospital admission in a 24 h period who have a total ED time >8 h, dichotomized at its median), time of administration of POA (00.00–07.59 hours [T1], 08.00–15.59 hours [T2], 16.00–23.59 hours [T3] ), age and sex.Results:  Of 69 patients, 42 (60.1%, 95% CI 51–70%) received POA within 1 h. Access block occurred daily (median 28.8%, range 6.8–53.1%). Mean hourly ED attendance rates for all patients during T1, T2 and T3 were 4.0, 11.7 and 7.8 patients/h respectively. As predictors of time to POA (>1 h vs≤1 h), the adjusted OR for access block (≥29% vs <29%) was 1.0 (95% CI 0.4–2.9), T3 versus T2 was 5.0 (95% CI 1.4–17.7), T1 versus T2 was 1.0 (95% CI 0.3–23.8), age (≥47 years vs <47 years) was 0.8 (95% CI 0.3–2.3) and for sex (female vs male) was 0.4 (95% CI 0.1–1.6).Conclusion:  Time to POA was related to time of administration, but not to access block. Access block might be too crude a measure to quantify ED overcrowding, and so its influence on time to POA may not be exhibited.
Procedural sedation in children in the emergency department: A PREDICT study
Authors: Borland Meredith , Esson Amanda , Babl Franz , Krieser David 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective: To investigate current procedural sedation practice and compare clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for procedural sedation at Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) sites. This will determine areas for improvement and provide baseline data for future multicentre studies.Methods: A questionnaire of specialist emergency physicians regarding demographics, general procedural sedation practice and specific sedation agents given to children. CPG for general sedation and sedation agents were obtained for each site.Results: Seventy‐five (71%) useable surveys returned from 105 potential respondents. Most commonly used agents were nitrous oxide (N2O) (75, 100%), ketamine (total 72, 96%; i.v. 59, 83% and i.m. 22, 31%) and midazolam (total 68, 91%; i.v. 52, 81%, oral 47, 73%, intranasal 26, 41% and i.m. 6, 9%). Sedation was used for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Forty‐three (57%) used formal sedation records and sedation checklists and thirty‐one (41%) respondents reported auditing sedations. Four sites ran staff education and competency programmes. Nine sites had general sedation CPG, eight for ketamine, nine for N2O, eight for midazolam (four parenteral, five oral and six intranasal) and three for fentanyl. No site had a guideline for propofol administration.Conclusion: Procedural sedation in this research network commonly uses N2O, ketamine and midazolam for a wide range of procedures. Areas of improvement are the lack of guidelines for certain agents, documentation, staff competency training and auditing processes. Multicentre research could close gaps in terms of age cut‐offs, fasting times and optimal indications for various agents.
National Differences in Patient–Clinician Communication Regarding Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Goldstein Irwin , Lines Carol , Pyke Robert , Scheld Jan Stefan 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Despite greater awareness and openness about sexual problems among women, many patients remain reserved about discussing such problems with their doctor. Clinicians are often reluctant to ask about sexual dysfunction.

Aim
To learn how clinicians can communicate more effectively with patients who have hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) by exploring the language used by patients and clinicians in the United States, France, and Germany when describing the symptoms, causes, and correlates of HSDD.

Methods
Independently conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interview with 127 clinicians involved in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and 95 women with FSD who were screened for HSDD using a brief adaptation of the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female®.

Main Outcome Measure
Language used by clinicians and patients.

Results
Clinicians and patients found FSD a difficult subject to discuss. Recognition of the term HSDD was low, with “decrease in sexual desire” preferred. Distress, currently integral to the diagnosis of HSDD, was an unpopular term. It implied to participants a state of fear or anxiety and a degree of severity not reflected by their feelings about the condition. Key feelings conveyed by patients included low self-esteem, frustration, confusion, dissatisfaction/discontent, concern, anger, embarrassment, stress, depression, and a sense of being incomplete. Clinicians were frustrated by the lack of effective treatment options for HSDD, which contributed to reluctance in discussing sexual health with patients. Patients were increasingly motivated to seek treatment, with an “improvement in level of desire” identified as the most meaningful treatment outcome, rather than an increase in satisfying sexual events.

Conclusions
More carefully constructed definitions, based on understanding the common language between clinicians and patients, would improve doctor–patient communications and set common expectations for treatment of HSDD. Defining HSDD in simpler, non-psychiatric terms such as “decreased sexual desire” illustrates how HSDD can be translated into more patient-friendly language.
Dynamical constraints on the neutron star mass in EXO 0748-676
Authors: Muñoz-Darias T. , Casares J. , O'Brien K. , Steeghs D. , Martínez-Pais I. G. , Cornelisse R. , Charles P. A. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
We present Very Large Telescope (VLT) intermediate resolution spectroscopy of UY Vol, the optical counterpart of the low mass X-ray binary (LMXB) X-ray burster EXO 0748-676. By using Doppler tomography we detect narrow components within the broad He iiλ4542, λ4686 and λ5412 emission lines. The phase, velocity and narrowness of these lines are consistent with their arising from the irradiated hemisphere of the donor star, as has been observed in a number of LMXBs. Under this assumption, we provide the first dynamical constraints on the stellar masses in this system. In particular, we measure K2 &gt; Kem= 300 ± 10 km s-1. Using this value, we derive 1 M⊙≤M1≤ 2.4 M⊙ and 0.11 ≤q≤ 0.28. We find M1≥ 1.5 M⊙ for the case of a main sequence companion star. Our results are consistent with the presence of a massive neutron star as has been suggested by Özel (2006), although we cannot discard the canonical value of ∼1.4 M⊙.
CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF FISH OIL ON ISOPROTERENOL‐INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN RATS
Authors: PADMA V.V. , DEVI C.S.S. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT Epidemiological studies indicate a low incidence of cardiac diseases in populations that consume large amounts of seafood. This effect is attributed to the presence of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil. In this study, the protective effect of fish oil against isoproterenol induced changes in histopathology; hematology and lysosomal membrane integrity were evaluated in male wistar rats. The rats were fed fish oil for 45 days prior to isoproterenol treatment. The animals were sacrificed by cervical decapitation method 12 h after the second injection of isoproterenol hydrochloride. The results suggest that pretreatment with fish oil prevented isoproterenol‐induced hematological changes. Lysosomal membrane integrity was also protected in fish oil pretreated rats, as indicated by significantly lowered activities of lysosomal hydrolases in serum and concomitant increase in their activity in the lysosomal fraction of heart. The histopathology studies further confirmed the cardioprotective effect of fish oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFish oil consumption offers cardioprotection by its ability to modulate biological membranes. This study demonstrates the ability of fish oil to modulate hematological parameters and maintain lysosomal membrane integrity, thereby offering multifaceted protection to the heart. Hence, fish oils, especially those of marine origin, have excellent potential as cardioprotective agents.
SUITABILITY OF CRANK'S SOLUTIONS TO FICK'S SECOND LAW FOR WATER DIFFUSIVITY CALCULATION AND MOISTURE LOSS PREDICTION IN OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION OF FRUITS
Authors: OCHOA‐MARTÍNEZ C.I. , RAMASWAMY H.S. , AYALA‐APONTE A.A. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT Various solutions (Crank's) of Fick's law of diffusion have been used to predict moisture loss (ML) in osmotic dehydration, by correlating experimental data. Selection of a particular solution should depend on the sample geometry and the fulfillment of a number of assumptions made to obtain that solution. Crank developed solutions for long‐time, short‐time, and a solution for diffusion into a sample from a well‐stirred tank for sheets, cylinders and spheres. This work was carried out to find the most suitable Crank's solution to predict ML for a wide range of published data. The long‐time solution and the solution for a well‐agitated tank, for plane sheets, satisfactorily predicted ML of semi‐infinite sheets and semi‐infinite cylinders.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCrank's solutions of Fick's law for various geometric shapes are used in practice to determine the diffusivity from experimental data for unit operations governed by mass transfer. Once the diffusivity is known, those solutions can be used to predict the kinetics of mass transfer. One of the specific cases where this information is useful is in determining the loss of water for the process of osmotic dehydration. Crank developed solutions for several sets of initial and boundary conditions and for various product geometries. This article evaluates the suitability of Crank's solutions for a wide range of experimental data and indicates the most appropriate solution form to be used for each geometric shape.
The regulation and function of mammalian AMPK‐related kinases
Authors: Bright N. J. , Thornton C. , Carling D. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular and whole‐body energy homeostasis. Recently, 12 AMPK‐related kinases (BRSK1, BRSK2, NUAK1, NUAK2, QIK, QSK, SIK, MARK1, MARK2, MARK3, MARK4 and MELK) were identified that are closely related by sequence homology to the catalytic domain of AMPK. The protein kinase LKB1 acts as a master upstream kinase activating AMPK and 11 of the AMPK‐related kinases by phosphorylation of a conserved threonine residue in their T‐loop region. Further sequence analyses have identified the eight‐member SNRK kinase family as distant relatives of AMPK. However, only one of these is phosphorylated and activated by LKB1. Although much is known about AMPK, many of the AMPK‐related kinases remain largely uncharacterized. This review outlines the general similarities in structure and function of the AMPK‐related kinases before examining the specific characteristics of each, including a brief discussion of the SNRK family.
Survival rate, abundance, and residency of long‐finned pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: Verborgh P. , De Stephanis R. , Pérez S. , Jaget Y. , Barbraud C. , Guinet C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractLong‐finned pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar are distributed over the main shipping routes. This exposes them to risks of collisions and probable acoustic and physical disturbance. This species is also the target of whale‐watching operations. The aim of this study was to estimate the annual population size, survival rate, and population growth rate of pilot whales occurring in the Strait and their inter‐annual variation using photo‐identification. A robust design was used to estimate all three parameters. A total of 10,784 individual pilot whale fins were photographed and analyzed. The population size estimation in summer ranged from a low of 147 individuals in 1999 to a high of 265 individuals in 2003. The annual population growth rate was estimated from mark recapture models to be 5.5%. The survival rate of adults was estimated at 0.982 (95% CI: 0.955–0.993). The same individuals have been observed between years. This suggests that this population is resident in the Strait, at least during summer. This study provides baseline knowledge prior to a predicted increase in shipping traffic throughout the main foraging area due to the opening in 2007 of a major shipping harbor along the Moroccan coast of the Strait.
A pilot study of the immune response to whole inactivated avian influenza H7N1 virus vaccine in mice
Authors: Hovden Arnt‐Ove , Brokstad Karl A. , Major Diane , Wood John , Haaheim Lars R. , Cox Rebecca J. 
Published: February 2009

Background Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in domestic poultry bring humans into close contact with new influenza subtypes and represent a threat to human health. In 1999, an HPAI outbreak of H7N1 virus occurred in domestic poultry in Italy, and a wild‐type virus isolate from this outbreak was chosen as a pandemic vaccine candidate.Objectives We conducted a pilot study to investigate the kinetics of the humoral immune response induced after immunisation with an egg grown whole inactivated H7N1 virus vaccine in BALB/c mice.Methods Mice were vaccinated with one or two doses of H7N1 vaccine (15 μg total protein) to investigate the influenza specific antibody secreting cell (IS‐ASC) and serum antibody responses.Results After the first dose of vaccine, only IgM IS‐ASC were detected in the spleen and bone marrow, whereas IgG, IgA and IgM IS‐ASC were found after the second dose. Low antibody titres were detected after the first immunisation, whilst the second dose of vaccine significantly boosted the HI (range 128–512), neutralising and IgG antibody titres. The IgG subclass response was dominated by IgG2a indicating a dominant Th1 response after the first vaccination, whereas a more mixed Th1/Th2 profile was observed after the second dose.Conclusions This pilot study shows the value of using a number of immunological methods to evaluate the quality of the immune response to potential pandemic candidate vaccines.
Bioremediation of marine oil spills: when and when not – theExxon Valdezexperience
Authors: Atlas Ronald , Bragg James 
Published: February 2009

SummaryIn this article we consider what we have learned from theExxon Valdezoil spill (EVOS) in terms of when bioremediation should be considered and what it can accomplish. We present data on the state of oiling of Prince William Sound shorelines 18 years after the spill, including the concentration and composition of subsurface oil residues (SSOR) sampled by systematic shoreline surveys conducted between 2002 and 2007. Over this period, 346 sediment samples were analysed by GC‐MS and extents of hydrocarbon depletion were quantified. In 2007 alone, 744 sediment samples were collected and extracted, and 222 were analysed. Most sediment samples from sites that were heavily oiled by the spill and physically cleaned and bioremediated between 1989 and 1991 show no remaining SSOR. Where SSOR does remain, it is for the most part highly weathered, with 82% of 2007 samples indicating depletion of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (Total PAH) of > 70% relative to EVOS oil. This SSOR is sequestered in patchy deposits under boulder/cobble armour, generally in the mid‐to‐upper intertidal zone. The relatively high nutrient concentrations measured at these sites, the patchy distribution and the weathering state of the SSOR suggest that it is in a form and location where bioremediation likely would be ineffective at increasing the rate of hydrocarbon removal.
Application of nitroarene dioxygenases in the design of novel strains that degrade chloronitrobenzenes
Authors: Ju Kou‐San , Parales Rebecca E. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryWidespread application of chloronitrobenzenes as feedstocks for the production of industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals has resulted in extensive environmental contamination with these toxic compounds, where they pose significant risks to the health of humans and wildlife. While biotreatment in general is an attractive solution for remediation, its effectiveness is limited with chloronitrobenzenes due to the small number of strains that can effectively mineralize these compounds and their ability to degrade only select isomers. To address this need, we created engineered strains with a novel degradation pathway that reduces the total number of steps required to convert chloronitrobenzenes into compounds of central metabolism. We examined the ability of 2‐nitrotoluene 2,3‐dioxygenase from Acidovorax sp. strain JS42, nitrobenzene 1,2‐dioxygenase (NBDO) from Comamonas sp. strain JS765, as well as active‐site mutants of NBDO to generate chlorocatechols from chloronitrobenzenes, and identified the most efficient enzymes. Introduction of the wild‐type NBDO and the F293Q variant into Ralstonia sp. strain JS705, a strain carrying the modified ortho pathway for chlorocatechol metabolism, resulted in bacterial strains that were able to sustainably grow on all three chloronitrobenzene isomers without addition of co‐substrates or co‐inducers. These first‐generation engineered strains demonstrate the utility of nitroarene dioxygenases in expanding the metabolic capabilities of bacteria and provide new options for improved biotreatment of chloronitrobenzene‐contaminated sites.