bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of oral l-carnitine supplementation in racing Greyhounds
Authors: Epp T S , Erickson H H , Woodworth J , Poole D C 
Published: January 2008

Abstractl-Carnitine supplementation can stimulate erythropoiesis, reduce exercise-induced plasma lactate concentrations and decrease post-exercise muscle damage. Next to horses, Greyhounds represent the premier animal racing species and perform short-duration, very high-intensity exercise that has the potential to incur substantial muscle damage. Under resting and standard racing conditions (5/16 mile), we tested the novel hypotheses that l-carnitine supplementation in Greyhounds would: (1) elevate haematocrit at rest and immediately post-exercise; (2) reduce peak post-exercise plasma lactate; and (3) reduce indices of muscle damage (plasma creatine phosphokinase, CPK and aspartate aminotransferase, AST). Six conditioned Greyhounds (30.1 ± 1.6 kg) underwent a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study to determine the effects of 6 weeks of l-carnitine supplementation (100 mg kg− 1 of body weight/day) at rest and following a maximal speed 5/16 mile race. In accordance with our hypotheses, l-carnitine elevated resting and immediately post-race haematocrit (control, 60.1 ± 1.7, l-carnitine, 63.6 ± 1.7; P < 0.05) and reduced peak post-race plasma CPK and AST concentrations (both P < 0.05). Those dogs with the highest peak post-exercise plasma CPK concentrations under placebo conditions evidenced the greatest reduction with l-carnitine supplementation (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). However, contrary to our hypotheses, l-carnitine did not change peak post-exercise plasma lactate concentrations (control, 27.0 ± 2.1, l-carnitine, 27.7 ± 1.3; P>0.05). We conclude that l-carnitine supplementation increases the potential for oxygen transport and reduces plasma indicators of muscle damage, CPK and AST in racing Greyhounds.
Profiling young massive stars
Authors: Hill Tracey , Burton M. G. , Cunningham M. R. , Minier V. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe present the results of spectral energy distribution analysis for 162 of the 405 sources reported in the SIMBA survey of Hill et al. (2005). The fits reveal source specific parameters including: the luminosity, mass, temperature, H2 number density, the surface density and the luminosity-to-mass ratio. Each of these parameters are examined with respect to the four classes of source present in the sample. Obvious luminosity and temperature distinctions exist between the mm-only cores and those cores with methanol maser and/or radio continuum emission, with the former cooler and less luminous than the latter. The evidence suggests that the mm-only cores are a precursor to the methanol maser in the formation of massive stars. The mm-only cores comprise two distinct populations distinguished by temperature. Analysis and conclusions about the nature of the cool-mm and warm-mm cores comprising the mm-only population are drawn.
The molecular environment of massive star forming cores associated with Class II methanol maser emission
Authors: Longmore S. N. , Burton M. G. , Barnes P. J. , Wong T. , Purcell C. R. , Ott J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMethanol maser emission has proven to be an excellent signpost of regions undergoing massive star formation (MSF). To investigate their role as an evolutionary tracer, we have recently completed a large observing program with the ATCA to derive the dynamical and physical properties of molecular/ionised gas towards a sample of MSF regions traced by 6.7GHz methanol maser emission. We find that the molecular gas in many of these regions breaks up into multiple sub-clumps which we separate into groups based on their association with/without methanol maser and cm continuum emission. The temperature and dynamic state of the molecular gas is markedly different between the groups. Based on these differences, we attempt to assess the evolutionary state of the cores in the groups and thus investigate the role of class II methanol masers as a tracer of MSF.
The variability of 6.7 and 12.2 GHz methanol masers
Authors: Błaszkiewicz Leszek P. , Mikuć A. , Kus A. J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractEight strong methanol masers were monitored using the 32-m Torun radio telescope at 6.7 and 12.2 GHz. The observations were taken in the period 2003 December to 2005 July at 1–2 week intervals. We have noted strong variability of single features but did not notice spectacular spectral shape changes. From our results we designated two groups of variability for corresponding features: Those where the 12.2 GHz flux density variations follow those at 6.7 GHz, and those where the 12.2 GHz flux density variations are opposite to 6.7 GHz.
Detection of Escherichia coli with Fluorescent Labeled Phages That Have a Broad Host Range to E. coli in Sewage Water
Authors: Namura Mariko , Hijikata Tomonori , Miyanaga Kazuhiko , Tanji Yasunori 
Published: January 2008

AbstractEscherichia coli is used as an indicator microorganism in public health. The conventional way to detect E. coli requires several days to produce a result, because it requires incubation of cells. Therefore a rapid and sensitive detection method is needed. T4e‐/GFP phage, characterized by suppression of lysozyme and fusion of GFP (green fluorescent protein) to its SOC (small outer capsid) protein, was constructed, and it was shown to be able to detect E. coli K12 sensitively within several hours. However, because the host range of T4 phage to E. coli present in sewage water and sea water is narrow, this phage cannot be used to detect E. coli in environmental water. Two phages named IP008 and IP052, which have a broad host range to E. coli present in sewage influent, were screened from sewage influent. Mixture of these two phages produced clear plaques on 50% of E. coli screened from sewage influent. To use these phages as a tool for detection of E. coli, gfp was inserted into gene e, which encodes a lytic enzyme, and thus lytic‐activity‐suppressed phages were constructed (IP008e‐/GFP and IP052e‐/GFP). However, the fluorescent intensity of E. coli cells infected with IP008e‐/GFP and IP052e‐/GFP was not enough for visualization of the cell. Therefore, in addition to the insertion of gfp into gene e, fusion of GFP to SOC of IP008e‐/GFP and IP052e‐/GFP was conducted to produce IP008e‐/2xGFP and IP052e‐/2xGFP. E. coli cells infected with IP008e‐/2xGFP and IP052e‐/2xGFP showed much stronger fluorescence intensity than E. coli cells infected by IP008e‐/GFP and IP052e‐/GFP. It is anticipated that, using these GFP‐labeled phages, a broad range of E. coli present in sewage influent water can be detected rapidly.
Computerized Script Training for Aphasia: Preliminary Results
Authors: Cherney Leora R. , Halper Anita S. , Holland Audrey L. , Cole Ron 
Published: January 2008

Purpose
This article describes computer software that was developed specifically for training conversational scripts and illustrates its use with 3 individuals with aphasia.

Method
Three participants with chronic aphasia (Broca’s, Wernicke’s, and anomic) were assessed before and after 9 weeks of a computer script training program. For each participant, 3 individualized scripts were developed, recorded on the software, and practiced sequentially at home. Weekly meetings with the speech-language pathologist occurred to monitor practice and assess progress. Baseline and posttreatment scripts were audiotaped, transcribed, and compared to the target scripts for content, grammatical productivity, and rate of production of script-related words. Interviews with the person with aphasia and his or her significant other were conducted at the conclusion of treatment.

Results
All measures (content, grammatical productivity, and rate of production of script-related words) improved for each participant on every script. Two participants gained more than 5 points on the Aphasia Quotient of the Western Aphasia Battery. Five positive themes were consistently identified from the exit interviews—increased verbal communication, improvements in other modalities and situations, communication changes noticed by others, increased confidence, and satisfaction with the software.

Conclusion
Computer-based script training potentially may be an effective intervention for persons with chronic aphasia.
A Randomized Study of Three Interventions for Aspiration of Thin Liquids in Patients With Dementia or Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Logemann Jeri A. , Gensler Gary , Robbins JoAnne , Lindblad Anne S. , Brandt Diane , Hind Jacqueline A. , Kosek Steven , Dikeman Karen , Kazandjian Marta , Gramigna Gary D. , Lundy Donna , McGarvey-Toler Susan , Miller Gardner Patricia J. 
Published: January 2008

Purpose
This study was designed to identify which of 3 treatments for aspiration on thin liquids—chin-down posture, nectar-thickened liquids, or honey-thickened liquids—results in the most successful immediate elimination of aspiration on thin liquids during the videofluorographic swallow study in patients with dementia and/or Parkinson’s disease.

Method
This randomized clinical trial included 711 patients ages 50 to 95 years who aspirated on thin liquids as assessed videofluorographically. All patients received all 3 interventions in a randomly assigned order during the videofluorographic swallow study.

Results
Immediate elimination of aspiration on thin liquids occurred most often with honey-thickened liquids for patients in each diagnostic category, followed by nectar-thickened liquids and chin-down posture. Patients with most severe dementia exhibited least effectiveness on all interventions. Patient preference was best for chin-down posture followed closely by nectar-thickened liquids.

Conclusion
To identify best short-term intervention to prevent aspiration of thin liquid in patients with dementia and/or Parkinson’s disease, a videofluorographic swallow assessment is needed. Evidence-based practice requires taking patient preference into account when designing a dysphagic patient’s management plan. The longer-term impact of short-term prevention of aspiration requires further study.
Articulatory Changes Following Treatment of Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Preliminary Acoustic Evidence
Authors: Dromey Christopher , Nissen Shawn L. , Roy Nelson , Merrill Ray M. 
Published: January 2008

PurposePrimary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), a voice disturbance that occurs in the absence of structural or neurological pathology, may respond to manual circumlaryngeal techniques, which ostensibly alter the posture of the larynx and/or the configuration of the vocal folds without directly targeting supralaryngeal articulatory structures. Although the phonatory benefits of these techniques have been documented previously, this investigation examined whether acoustic evidence exists for articulatory changes accompanying successful management.MethodIn this retrospective study of a clinical database, pre- and post-treatment speech samples from 111 women with MTD were analyzed for acoustic evidence of supraglottal vocal tract changes associated with voice improvement, which was confirmed by perceptual ratings of dysphonia severity. The slopes of the first and second formants in diphthongs, as well as global measures of speech timing were acquired. Twenty younger females with normal voices were recorded twice, across a similar time-span to the disordered speakers, to allow comparisons in performance.ResultsRepeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate changes accompanying treatment. Significant time by group interactions for /ɑI/ F2 slope, /eI/ F2 slope, sample duration, and speaking time ratio were observed. As compared to the controls, diphthong second formant transitions increased in slope, and timing measures showed increases in speech continuity for the speakers with MTD.ConclusionsCollectively, these preliminary findings suggest that individuals with MTD experience changes in both articulatory and phonatory behavior following successful treatment that targets the larynx.
Translating Principles of Neural Plasticity Into Research on Speech Motor Control Recovery and Rehabilitation
Authors: Ludlow Christy L. , Hoit Jeannette , Kent Raymond , Ramig Lorraine O. , Shrivastav Rahul , Strand Edythe , Yorkston Kathryn , Sapienza Christine M. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeTo review the principles of neural plasticity and make recommendations for research on the neural bases for rehabilitation of neurogenic speech disorders.MethodA working group in speech motor control and disorders developed this report, which examines the potential relevance of basic research on the brain mechanisms involved in neural plasticity and discusses possible similarities and differences for application to speech motor control disorders. The possible involvement of neural plasticity in changes in speech production in normalcy, development, aging, and neurological diseases and disorders was considered. This report focuses on the appropriate use of functional and structural neuroimaging and the design of feasibility studies aimed at understanding how brain mechanisms are altered by environmental manipulations such as training and stimulation and how these changes might enhance the future development of rehabilitative methods for persons with speech motor control disorders.ConclusionsIncreased collaboration with neuroscientists working in clinical research centers addressing human communication disorders might foster research in this area. It is hoped that this article will encourage future research on speech motor control disorders to address the principles of neural plasticity and their application for rehabilitation.
Vascular mechanical properties and endothelial function in pre‐eclampsia with special reference to bilateral uterine artery notch
Authors: BRODSZKI J. , LÄNNE T. , LAURINI R. , STREVENS H. , WIDE‐SWENSSON D. , MARŠÁL K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectives. To assess whether women with pre‐eclampsia (PE) have different properties of the blood vessel wall compared to healthy pregnant controls. Further, to evaluate endothelial function and vascular mechanical properties in women with PE with special regard to its association with bilateral uterine artery notch and placental histopathology. Participants. Some 57 Caucasian pregnant women: 23 with uncomplicated pregnancies and normal uterine artery Doppler, and 34 with PE, the PE group comprising 2 subgroups according to the presence (n = 20) or absence (n = 14) of bilateral uterine artery notches. Methods. Ultrasonic echo‐tracking assessed the elastic properties of the common carotid artery, abdominal aorta and popliteal artery. Flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured by ultrasonography. Histopathological examination of the placenta was carried out in 46 pregnancies: 18 uncomplicated pregnancies, 15 with PE with bilateral notch, and 13 with PE without bilateral notch. Results. There were no significant differences in carotid, aortic or popliteal vessel wall stiffness either between women with PE and controls or within the PE group. FMD was significantly lower in women with PE than in controls (p = 0.03). The lowest FMD was observed in pre‐eclamptic women with bilateral uterine artery notches 9.5% (SD: 5.3) compared to 11.6% (SD: 5.4) in pre‐eclamptic women without bilateral uterine artery notch, and 13.4% (SD: 4.0) in controls (p = 0.01). Bilateral uterine artery notching was significantly associated with a lower FMD (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77–0.98). There were significantly more placentas with high ischaemic score in the bilateral notch group than in the group with PE and normal circulation. Conclusions. There were no differences in vessel wall stiffness between women with PE and healthy controls. Women with PE showed signs of endothelial dysfunction, significantly more pronounced in women with bilateral uterine artery notch. Bilateral uterine artery notch was associated with ischaemic pathology of the placenta. Notwithstanding, a significant number of placentas in the PE group failed to show noteworthy ischaemic or other morphological changes that could explain the role of the placenta in the development of PE.
Effects of antepartum electronic fetal monitoring on maternal emotional state
Authors: MANCUSO ALFREDO , DE VIVO ANTONIO , FANARA GIUSI , DENARO ANTONIO , LAGANÀ DAVIDE , MARIA ACCARDO FRANCO 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground. To evaluate the emotional state of pregnant women undergoing computerised cardiotocography (cCTG). Methods. A questionnaire including questions about socio‐demographic background, personal obstetric history and physician‐patient relationship was given to 204 pregnant women about to undergo cCTG. The Edinburgh Post‐natal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess patients’ mood state before CTG, while the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to evaluate anxiety levels before and after this examination. Results. Mean STAI T‐anxiety score did not differ before and after CTG (p = 0.38), but higher levels of basal anxiety were found in women who had undergone only occasional prenatal controls (p = 0.04), as well as smokers (p = 0.01), and women preferring a vaginal delivery (p = 0.01). The mean STAI S‐anxiety score of 43.6±4.03 before the cardiotographic examination, increased to 45.2±5.4 after this test with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001). This increase was found to be correlated with the presence of obstetric complications during the current pregnancy (p = 0.036) and a lower number of fetal active movements (p = 0.029). Based on the EPDS, 22 patients (14.1%) were found to be depressed, but this condition was not correlated with significant increases in anxiety levels. Conclusions. Anxiety levels in pregnant women who undergo routine CTG are increased, and this emotional reaction seems to be influenced by the perception of fetal movement during the examination, and is more evident in pregnancies affected by obstetric complications.
Regression of pelvic girdle pain after delivery: follow‐up of a randomised single blind controlled trial with different treatment modalities
Authors: ELDEN H. , HAGBERG H. , FAGEVIK OLSEN M. , LADFORS L. , OSTGAARD H.C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjective. An earlier publication showed that acupuncture and stabilising exercises as an adjunct to standard treatment was effective for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, but the post‐pregnancy effects of these treatment modalities are unknown. The aim of this follow‐up study was to describe regression of pelvic girdle pain after delivery in these women. Design. A randomised, single blind, controlled trial. Setting. East Hospital and 27 maternity care centres in Göteborg, Sweden. Population. Some 386 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. Methods. Participants were randomly assigned to standard treatment plus acupuncture (n = 125), standard treatment plus specific stabilising exercises (n = 131) or to standard treatment alone (n = 130). Main outcome measures. Primary outcome measures: pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale). Secondary outcome measure: assessment of the severity of pelvic girdle pain by an independent examiner 12 weeks after delivery. Results. Approximately three‐quarters of all the women were free of pain 3 weeks after delivery. There were no differences in recovery between the 3 treatment groups. According to the detailed physical examination, pelvic girdle pain had resolved in 99% of the women 12 weeks after delivery. Conclusions. This study shows that irrespective of treatment modality, regression of pelvic girdle pain occurs in the great majority of women within 12 weeks after delivery.
Alteration of peripheral CD4+CD25+ regulatory T lymphocytes in pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: HU DONGXIAO , CHEN YAN , ZHANG WUWEN , WANG HANZHI , WANG ZHENGPING , DONG MINYUE 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectives. To clarify the change of peripheral CD4+CD25+ regulatory T lymphocytes in normal pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia and to explore its role in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia. Methods. Twenty‐seven women with pre‐eclampsia, 27 with normal third trimester pregnancy and 27 healthy non‐pregnant women were recruited. Blood samples were taken and surface antigen CD4 and CD25 were labelled with fluorescence‐conjugated antibodies. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells were analysed by flow cytometry, and the proportion in T cells and the amount of regulatory T lymphocytes were calculated. Results. The amount and the proportion of regulatory T cells were not significantly different among non‐pregnant, normal pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia groups (p>0.05 for both). There were no significant differences in the proportion and the amount of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells between mild and severe pre‐eclampsia subgroups (p>0.05 for both). Conclusions. No significant change of peripheral regulatory T cells was observed in the current investigation, suggesting other mechanisms rather than CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells were involved in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia.
Dystocia in labour – risk factors, management and outcome: a retrospective observational study in a Swedish setting
Authors: SELIN LOTTA , WALLIN GUNNAR , BERG MARIE 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground. Labour dystocia (LD) is associated with adverse maternal and child outcomes. This study investigated obstetric risk factors, frequency of interventions and delivery outcomes for LD. Methods. A retrospective, observational, study of 1,480 deliveries was undertaken in a Swedish district hospital during 2000 and 2001. Results. LD was identified in 21% of deliveries, 16.7% of which ended in caesarean section (CS) compared to 1.7% of deliveries without LD. Multiparity with no previous vaginal delivery (OR = 6.0), epidural analgesia (EDA) at cervical dilation ≤5 cm (OR = 4.6), primiparity (OR = 4.5), gestational age ≥42 weeks (OR = 3.1), birth weight >4,000 g (OR = 2.7) and EDA at cervical dilation >5 cm (OR = 2.0) were major independent risk factors for LD. Conclusions. In delivery management, special attention should be directed to primiparous women and multiparous women with no previous vaginal delivery. Women given EDA, especially at cervical dilation ≤5 cm are also of particular interest. Furthermore, rigorous routines for LD diagnosis and oxytocin augmentation are important.
Sublingual nitroglycerin seems to be effective in the management of retained placenta
Authors: EKERHOVD ERLING , BULLARBO MARIA 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground. A common approach in the management of retained placenta is administration of oxytocin followed by controlled cord traction. Previously it has also been demonstrated that intravenously administered nitroglycerin facilitates manual extraction of retained placenta. The purpose of the present trial was to examine the success rate and safety of sequential administration of intravenous oxytocin in combination with sublingual nitroglycerin for the delivery of retained placenta. Methods. The report is a chart review of 24 women with retained placenta despite intravenously administered oxytocin. The women were given sublingual nitroglycerin (1 mg) to promote detachment of the placenta. Some 5 min after resorption of the tablets, controlled cord traction was carried out for a maximum of 5 min. In addition, changes in blood pressure following treatment with nitroglycerin and total blood loss during delivery were registered. Results. Twenty‐one of the women delivered the placenta successfully following sublingual administration of nitroglycerin. The procedure failed in 3 women and operative manual removal under regional or general anesthesia was undertaken. No complications due to nitroglycerin were registered. Conclusions. Sequential administration of oxytocin and nitroglycerin seems to be an effective and safe procedure in the management of retained placenta. However, larger studies are needed to confirm the encouraging results of the present trial.