bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximal explosive muscle power in obese and non‐obese prepubertal children
Authors: Lazzer Stefano , Pozzo Renzo , Rejc Enrico , Antonutto Guglielmo , Francescato Maria Pia 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjective:  The objectives of the present study was to compare the maximal explosive muscle power developed by the lower limbs in obese and non‐obese prepubertal children.Design:  Twenty‐five obese [mean body mass index (BMI) z‐score: 2·4] and 30 non‐obese (mean BMI z‐score: 0) children aged 8–12 years, participated in this study. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and the maximal explosive power of the lower limbs was assessed by the Exercise‐Ergometer (a sledge dynamometer).Results:  Absolute peak force (Fpeak) was higher in obese than in non‐obese children by 18·2% (P<0·001). Peak speed (vpeak) was not significantly different between groups (P = 0·504). Consequently, absolute peak power (W′peak) was higher in obese than in non‐obese children (+19·3%, P = 0·021). Considering gender differences, absolute Fpeak and vpeak were higher in boys than in girls by +12·3 and +17·4% (P<0·05), respectively, thus yielding higher absolute W′peak values in boys as compared to girls (+26·1%, P<0·001). Finally, W′peak normalized for fat‐free mass (FFM) was not different between obese and non‐obese children but higher in boys than in girls (+24·5%, P<0·001).Conclusions:  Power generation capability per unit of FFM was similar between obese and non‐obese children but was significantly higher in boys than girls. On the clinical practice it seems important to devote supplementary care to sustain and improve the motor function of obese and non‐obese girls.
Test–retest reliability of the IDEEA system in the quantification of step parameters during walking and stair climbing
Authors: Gorelick Mark L. , Bizzini Mario , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Munzinger Jeannette Petrich , Munzinger Urs 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe aim of this investigation was to evaluate the inter‐ and intra‐session reliability of spatio‐temporal gait variables collected during walking and stair climbing with the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and physical Activity (IDEEA) accelerometer‐based system. Eighteen healthy subjects (10 men, 8 women) completed a standardized indoor circuit comprised of walking and stair climbing. Intra‐and inter‐session reliability was investigated for several pertinent spatio‐temporal gait variables using intraclass correlations [ICC (3,1)]. Intra‐session reliability during walking showed a high reliability of the IDEEA with ICCs ranging between 0·84 (number of steps) and 0·97 (single limb support/double limb support). The ICCs for stair climbing were slightly lower than those during walking with values ranging between 0·74 (step duration) and 0·92 (number of steps). Inter‐session reliability during walking showed a high reliability of the IDEEA between all trials, with values ranging between 0·87 (speed) to 0·98 (step duration). The ICCs of stair climbing were again lower than those during walking with values ranging from 0·64 (swing duration) to 0·79 (number of steps). The IDEEA accelerometer‐based system provided a highly reliable measurement of spatio‐temporal variables, in healthy subjects, during walking with moderately reduced correlations during stair climbing.
The lament of the Swedish language: Sweden's Gothic Renaissance
Authors: Hansson Stina 
Published: March 2009

This article argues that just two aspects of the Renaissance became essential to seventeenth‐century Sweden. The first was, of course, Latin Renaissance humanism, which became influential in Sweden from the sixteenth century onwards and was led by a group of scholars who saw themselves as the custodians of literary culture. The second was governed by the Royal Office in Stockholm, and although it was to prove less influential, its scope was ambitiously wide. It wanted to show the rest of Europe that Sweden was the country of the Ancient Goths but not, as one might expect from such origins, a barbarian country on the fringes of the continent, but rather a nation whose cultural history was as long as – and perhaps even more illustrious than – that of other countries. It also wanted to cultivate the native language and literature. This endeavour was closely tied to Sweden's status as a major power that the country had begun to attain in the 1610s and 1620s by virtue of its military exploits.This article sketches the history of these two Renaissances, the initial incompatability between them, and how they came to merge in the 1660s into a Renaissance that was both learned and nationalistic.
Impaired liver regeneration with humoral and genetic disturbances in urinary trypsin inhibitor‐deficient mice
Authors: Nobuoka Takayuki , Mizuguchi Toru , Oshima Hideki , Shibata Toshihito , Kaji Shinsuke , Nagayama Minoru , Meguro Makoto , Mitaka Toshihiro , Hirata Koichi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground/Aims: Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) is an innate anti‐inflammatory regulator. It can block the release of inflammatory factors, prevent the cascade reaction of cytokines and inhibit excessive activation of leukocytes. Liver regeneration (LR) is a dynamic molecular phenomenon without inflammation. Many cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), have been implicated in regulating LR. However, the role of UTI in LR is totally unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of UTI in LR using genetically UTI‐deficient mice.Methods: We performed 68% hepatectomy, comparing UTI (−/−) and UTI (+/+) mice. Recovery of liver weight was recorded and we calculated labelling indices after 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. A DNA microarray was used to examine gene expression followed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Serum IL‐6, IL‐10, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β (MIP‐1β) were measured.Results: LR in UTI (−/−) mice was delayed at 36 h after hepatectomy, at which time the DNA profile was different. One hundred and fourteen genes were upregulated and 100 genes were downregulated in UTI (−/−) mice at 36 h after hepatectomy among the 21, 977 mRNAs examined. Furthermore, serum IL‐6, IL‐10, MCP‐1 and MIP‐1β levels at 36 h after hepatectomy in the UTI (−/−) mice were significantly higher than in the UTI (+/+) mice.Conclusion: UTI appears to important cytokine and chemokine regulation in normal liver regeneration.
Primary cultures of human hepatocytes isolated from hepatitis C virus‐infected cirrhotic livers as a model to study hepatitis C infection
Authors: Raymond Valérie‐Ann , Selliah Subajini , Éthier Chantal , Houle Robert , Jouan Loubna , Maniere Thibaut , Lamarre Daniel , Willems Bernard , Bilodeau Marc 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground/Aim:Since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV), researchers have encountered difficulties within vitromodels. The aim of this study was to determine whether HCV‐infected human primary hepatocytes, isolated from cirrhotic livers at liver transplantation, can be used as a model to study HCV infection.Methods:Hepatocytes were isolated with collagenase and cultured over a 20‐day period on different matrices. Viral kinetics was monitored with/without treatment by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:Cell yield and viability were higher with uninfected/non‐cirrhotic livers (77.2±1.8%) in comparison with HCV‐infected cirrhotic livers (68.8±12%). HCV‐infected hepatocytes behaved similar to non‐infected cells and expressed albumin and cytochrome P4502E1. HCV‐positive strand was identified in supernatants and cell lysates. HCV‐negative strand was only found inside cells and correlated with viral RNA recovery in the medium. Improvement in the degree of hepatocyte differentiation was associated with better HCV recovery. Antiviral treatment with interferon‐α, EX4 and cyclosporine A induced significant reductions in HCV RNA.Conclusion:Primary cultures of HCV‐infected human hepatocytes from end‐stage cirrhotic livers is feasible, represents an excellent model to study specific virus–host interactions and can be used to assess viral replication.
Clinical predictive factors for preterm birth in women with threatened preterm labour or preterm premature ruptured membranes?
Authors: YONEYAMA Keiichiro , KIMURA Aiko , KOGO Mari , KIUCHI Yuji , MORIMOTO Taro , OKAI Takashi 
Published: March 2009

Background: Independent predictive factors of preterm delivery were evaluated using clinical data at hospitalisation by multivariate analysis.Aim: The aim of this study was to clarify independent predictive factors related to preterm delivery by multivariate analysis of clinical data at hospitalisation of patients with threatened preterm delivery or premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and to realise the early and highly reliable prediction of preterm delivery in pregnant women at risk.Methods: The subjects were 200 patients, which diagnosed with threatened preterm delivery or PROM and admitted at gestational ages of 22–35 weeks. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed; 20 factors were evaluated concerning clinical data, and we extracted prognostic factors using logistic regression analysis.Results: The mean age of the patients was 30.5 years, and the mean gestational age at admission was 30.0 weeks. Preterm delivery was observed in 55 (27.5%), and term delivery in 145 (72.5%). On multivariate analysis, haemorrhage, prepregnancy body mass index, fetal fibronectin and cervical length were extracted as independent predictive factors related to preterm delivery.Conclusions: If the reliable and reproducible prediction of preterm delivery becomes possible using the four factors extracted in this study, further evaluation of these factors may lead to clarification of the mechanism of preterm delivery.
Low‐dose mifepristone in treatment of uterine leiomyoma: A randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: BAGARIA Madhu , SUNEJA Amita , VAID Neelam B. , GULERIA Kiran , MISHRA Kiran 
Published: March 2009

Aims: To evaluate the effect of low‐dose mifepristone on leiomyoma‐related symptoms, uterine and leiomyoma in women with symptomatic leiomyomata.Methods: In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, 40 patients with symptomatic leiomyoma and normal endometrial histology were randomised to receive 10 mg mifepristone (group 1) or placebo (group 2) daily for three months. Leiomyoma‐related symptoms, uterine, leiomyoma and largest leiomyoma volumes were assessed at baseline and every month for three months. Endometrial biopsy was repeated at the end of therapy.Results: Significant change was noticed between the two groups for mean menstrual blood loss (MBL) by first month. Menstrual blood loss declined by 94.8% in group 1 at three months and 84.2% patients attained amenorrhoea in this group. In group 1 complete relief of dysmenorrhoea occurred in significant number of women (80%) but only 33% patients got rid of pelvic pain. There was no change in these symptoms in group 1 Backache, urinary complaints and dyspareunia were not relieved in either group. Uterine, leiomyoma and largest leiomyoma volume declined by 26–32% in group 1 as compared to none in group 2, and this difference was statistically significant only by the end of the third month of therapy. Mean haemoglobin increased from 9.5 to 11.2 g/dL in group 1. In group 1, at the end of therapy, 63.1% of patients had endometrial hyperplasia without atypia.Conclusions: Ten milligrams mifepristone for three months is effective in reducing MBL, increasing haemoglobin and reducing uterine and leiomyoma volume with side‐effect of endometrial hyperplasia.
Body fat composition and weight changes during pregnancy and 6–8 months post‐partum in primiparous and multiparous women
Authors: TO William W. K. , WONG Margaret W. N. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:  To compare changes in maternal weight and body fat composition from early to late pregnancy and 6–8 months postnatally between primiparous and multiparous patientsMethods:  Maternal weight and body fat percentage were assessed in a cohort of low‐risk uncomplicated women in a general antenatal clinic at 14–20 weeks gestation, after 36 weeks, and around six to eight months after delivery using a Tanita TBF 105 Fat Analyser. Maternal epidemiological and anthropometric data, as well as pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcome, were derived from standard antenatal records after delivery. The cohort was stratified into primiparous and multiparous women for comparison.Results:  In a cohort of 104 women, 55 (52.8%) were primiparous and 49 (47.1%) were multiparous. A relatively good overall correlation between body fat percentage gain and weight gain was observed (correlation coefficient 0.33) from early to late pregnancy. Primiparous women had higher weight gain (12 kg) and higher body fat gain (7.7%) during the pregnancy compared to multiparous women (10.8 kg and 6%, respectively), and they also retained more of the fat accumulated during pregnancy (1.92% vs – 0.44%, P < 0.001) when assessed over six months after their delivery.Conclusion:  The findings could represent more exaggerated physiological responses to the pregnant state in the primiparous woman as compared to multiparous women.
Early onset, severe fetal growth restriction with absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow velocity waveform in the umbilical artery: Perinatal and long‐term outcomes
Authors: PETERSEN Scott G. , WONG Shell F. , URS Prashanth , GRAY Peter H. , GARDENER Glenn J. 
Published: March 2009

Objective: To assess perinatal and long‐term outcomes for pregnancies complicated by early onset, severe fetal growth restriction with absent or reverse end‐diastolic flow velocity waveform (AREDF) in the umbilical artery.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 36 singleton pregnancies with AREDF when the estimated fetal weight (EFW) is less than 501 g at presentation.Results: At presentation, the median gestational age and EFW were 24 (18–29) weeks and 364 (167–496) g, respectively. The median interval between presentation and live birth or diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) was 13 (0–60) days. Delivery was for IUFD in 19 cases (53%), fetal indications in 13 cases (36%) and maternal indications in four cases (11%). Caesarean section (CS) was performed for the 17 live births of which 10 (59%) were by classical CS. Of the total cohort, five infants survived to hospital discharge giving an overall perinatal survival rate of 14%. All survivors had short‐term morbidity. The cognitive function in four children was assessed as normal at two years of age. One survivor had developmental delay. None of the surviving children had any evidence of cerebral palsy.Conclusion: The overall perinatal survival rate for pregnancies complicated by early onset, severe growth restriction with an EFW of < 501 g and AREDF is low. When delivery occurs for fetal indications, the majority of these women require classical CS. Short‐term neonatal morbidity is high though none of the survivors had cerebral palsy.
The selective use of rapid aneuploidy screening in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: DICKINSON Jan E. , HARCOURT Emma , MURCH Ashleigh 
Published: March 2009

Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic utility and costing of the selective use of rapid aneuploidy screening (RAS) for chorion villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis specimens.Methods: CVS and amniocenteses performed between 2000 and 2006 were identified. Cases were subdivided into two groups: (i) RAS in addition to long‐term culture and (ii) long‐term chromosome culture alone. The frequency of RAS, the proportion of abnormal results and the cytogenetic costings were reviewed.Results: A total of 3315 procedures were performed: 730 CVS and 2585 amniocenteses. An abnormal karyotype culture was present in 366 of 3315 (11%). For CVS an abnormal culture was present in 164 (22.5%). RAS (short‐term culture/direct preparation) was selectively used in 399 cases (54.6%) with an abnormal result in 128 (32% of RAS).For amniocentesis, 206 chromosome abnormalities were present (8.0% of specimens). RAS (interphase FISH) was selectively used in 580 amniocenteses (22.4%). FISH was requested in 95 (66.4%) of the 143 abnormal cases potentially detectable with standard probes.There was a progressive increase in utilisation of RAS for amniocentesis (8.9% in 2000 to 43.3% of cases in 2006, P < 0.001). CVS RAS was stable. This liberalisation resulted in a fourfold increase in expenditure for FISH and cost/abnormality detected ($A970 per abnormal result in 2000 to $A4015 per abnormal result in 2006).Conclusion: The selective use of prenatal RAS results in a reasonably high detection rate for chromosomal anomalies. Liberalisation of RAS, however, is an expensive cytogenetic model. An approach based on some predictive level of risk combined with resource funding levels may be a more pragmatic approach.
Small for gestational age preterm infants and relationship of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler blood flow to perinatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: SHAND Antonia W. , HORNBUCKLE Janet , NATHAN Elizabeth , DICKINSON Jan E. , FRENCH Noel P. 
Published: March 2009

Aim: To determine the outcomes of preterm small for gestational age (SGA) infants with abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler studies.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of SGA singleton infants delivered between 24 and 32 weeks gestation at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, who had UA Doppler studies performed within seven days of birth. Main outcomes assessed were perinatal mortality and morbidity, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at ≥ 1 year of age. Outcomes were compared by normality of UA blood flow.Results: There were 119 infants in the study: 49 (41%) had normal UA Doppler studies, 31 (26%) had an increased systolic–diastolic ratio ≥ 95th centile, 19 (16%) had absent end diastolic blood flow (AEDF) and 20 (17%) had reversed end‐diastolic flow (REDF). Infants in the AEDF and REDF groups were delivered significantly more preterm (P = 0.006) and had lower birthweights (P < 0.001). Ninety four per cent (110 of 117) of live born infants survived. Neurodevelopmental follow‐up at 12 months of age or more (median 24 months) was available on 87 of 108 (81%) of live children. Twenty‐eight per cent (11 of 39) of fetuses who had had AEDF or REDF died or were classified with moderate or severe disability. There was no significant association between abnormality of UA blood flow, perinatal morbidity, perinatal mortality and neurodevelopmental disability after correction for gestational age.Conclusion: Fetuses that are SGA with abnormal UA Doppler studies remain at significant risk of perinatal death, perinatal morbidity and long‐term neurodevelopmental disability, associated with their increased risk of preterm birth.
Hereditary angioedema and pregnancy
Authors: CHINNIAH Niranthari , KATELARIS Constance H. 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a quantitative or functional defect in C1‐esterase inhibitor (C1‐INH). Patients with this deficiency present with episodes of angioedema which can be life‐threatening. Studies examining HAE and pregnancy are scarce with little known about the interrelationship between the two.Objective:  To examine the effect, and evaluate the clinical manifestations of HAE in pregnancy using retrospective interviews of affected women.Methods:  Women with HAE who have undergone one of more pregnancies were identified throughout Australia using the national Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy immunodeficiency database. Following informed consent, identified women were interviewed regarding their HAE status during pregnancy and the perinatal period using a questionnaire.Results:  Seven women with a total of 16 pregnancies were identified. During the first trimester of pregnancy, more than ten attacks of angioedema were experienced in six of 16 pregnancies. During the second trimester only in three of 16 pregnancies did women experience greater than ten attacks. During the post‐partum period, four of seven women experienced increased frequency and severity of attacks as compared to the pre‐pregnancy state. For two of four patients, this impacted on their breast‐feeding routine.Conclusion:  Our study showed that women with HAE have greatly reduced or absent attacks in the last two trimesters of pregnancy, although, during the post‐partum period, the majority of women experienced increased frequency and severity of attacks.
A comparison of tramadol and pethidine analgesia on the duration of labour: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: KHOOSHIDEH Maryam , SHAHRIARI Ali 
Published: March 2009

Background: The ideal obstetric analgesia should provide analgesic efficacy without attenuation of uterine contractions.Aims: To compare the outcome of intramuscular administration of pethidine and tramadol in labour analgesia.Methods: One hundred and sixty full‐term parturients were randomly assigned to two equal groups in active labour. Group P received 50 mg pethidine; and group T, 100 mg tramadol intramuscularly.Primary outcome measure was the duration of the labour. The analgesic efficacy, maternal side‐effects, mode of delivery, maternal satisfaction and Apgar score as the secondary outcome were assessed.Results: The duration of labour was shorter in group T, for first stage (190 vs 140 min; P < 0.0001) and for second stage (33 vs 25 min; P = 0.001). There were no differences in Groups P and T with respect to median (7 vs 8) and maximum (7.5 vs 8) visual analog scores (VAS) for pain at 10 min and one hour after drug administration. Women in group P had lower VAS pain scores than those in group T in the second stage of labour (8 vs 9; P = 0/009). There was a significantly higher incidence of nausea and vomiting (35% vs 15%; P = 0.003) and drowsiness (80% vs 29%; P < 0.0001) in group P.Conclusion: Both 100 mg tramadol and 50 mg pethidine provide moderate analgesia in first stage of labour. Tramadol seems to cause a shorter duration of labour and lower incidence of maternal side‐effects. However, its analgesic efficacy was not found to be as effective as pethidine, especially in the second stage of labour.
Comparison of TVT and TVT‐O in patients with stress urinary incontinence: Short‐term cure rates and factors influencing the outcome. A prospective randomised study
Authors: KARATEKE Ates , HALILOGLU Berna , CAM Cetin , SAKALLI Mustafa 
Published: March 2009

Background: Recently, mid‐urethral slings have been commonly used in treatment of patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Aims: To investigate tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) and tension‐free obturator tape (TVT‐O) for surgical treatment of SUI for cure rates (primary endpoint), complications and factors influencing cure rate (secondary endpoints).Methods: One‐hundred and sixty‐four patients were included in the study (n = 81 for TVT, n = 83 for TVT‐O). The cure rates, complications, preoperative and postoperative urodynamic evaluation, Q‐tip test, the Turkish version of Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) scores were recorded. At three and 12 months, the patients were evaluated regarding outcome measures.Results: The cure rates were similar in TVT and TVT‐O groups, 88.9% versus 86.7% respectively. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in TVT‐O group (P = 0.001). The cure rate was significantly higher in both groups in patients with urethral hypermobility when compared with those with no hypermobility (P = 0.001).Conclusions: The TVT and TVT‐O procedures appear to be equally effective for the treatment of SUI. Also, urethral hypermobility seems to be a factor influencing cure rate of mid‐urethral slings.