bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of voltage‐gated sodium channels in the Insecta: implications for pyrethroid resistance in Anopheline and other Neopteran species
Authors: Davies T. G. E. , Field L. M. , Usherwood P. N. R. , Williamson M. S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe report the complete cDNA sequence of the Anopheles gambiae voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) α‐subunit isolated from mature adult mosquitoes. The genomic DNA contains 35 deduced exons with a predicted translation of ≤ 2139 amino acid cDNAs. The transcription of the gene is, however, complex, alternate splicing being evident for at least five optional exons (or exon segments) and two sets of mutually exclusive exons. Overall gene organization was also compared with that of other VGSCs within the Insecta. Several insecticides used in mosquito control (including DDT and synthetic pyrethroids) target the VGSC. Isolation of the sodium channel cDNA for An. gambiae: (1) allows prediction of likely single nucleotide polymorphisms that may arise at residue L1014 to cause resistance to insecticides; (2) defines An. gambiae exon usage in key areas of the VGSC protein that are known (from previous studies in a range of different pest species) to have roles in altering insecticide susceptibility and in generating resistance; and (3) is a critical first step towards development of refined malarial control strategies and of new diagnostics for resistance monitoring.
Nature and the economy*
Authors: DASGUPTA PARTHA 
Published: April 2007

Summary

In this lecture I first offer what one could call the World Bank view of the recent macroeconomic history of a number of countries in the poor and rich worlds. Secondly, I demonstrate how our view of macroeconomic history changes if Nature is included as a capital asset in production activities.
I conclude that high population growth in the world's poorest regions (South Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa) has been an obstacle to the achievement of sustainable economic development in those areas. It is believed that people in those regions are, on average, less wealthy now than they were 35 years ago.
When population growth is taken into account, the accumulation of manufactured capital, knowledge and human capital (health and education) has not compensated for the degradation of natural capital in South Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa and, in all probability, even in the United Kingdom and the United States.
It is possible that China is an exception to the economic forces experienced in other areas of the world.
Synthesis and applications. The conclusions drawn here are very tentative and there is much further work to be conducted in understanding how ecological concerns can be incorporated into economic theory. It is important, therefore, that growth economists, demographers, governments and international agencies take this approach.
Infant sleep position, head shape concerns, and sleep positioning devices
Authors: Hutchison Lynne , Stewart Alistair , Mitchell Edwin 
Published: April 2007

Aim:  The Back To Sleep campaign has successfully promoted the use of the supine sleep position for infants, with a corresponding decrease in sudden infant death syndrome death rates around the world. The aim of this study was to survey current infant sleep position practices, concerns about plagiocephaly, and the use of sleep positioning devices.Methods:  A postal survey of 400 mothers of infants aged 6 weeks to 4 months was carried out in Auckland, New Zealand.Results:  Of the 278 (69.5%) respondents, the supine position was usually used in 64.8%, the prone position in 2.9%, with 32.3% using the side position or a combination of side and back positions. Approximately one‐third had a concern about their infant’s head shape, and 80% described practices to help prevent head deformation. Thirty per cent reported they had changed their infant’s sleep position because of head shape concerns. A third of the mothers used some sort of positioning system to maintain the infant’s sleep position.Conclusions:  Anxieties about plagiocephaly, aspiration of vomit, and poor quality sleep are the main concerns that parents have about sleeping their infants on their backs. Further education is needed to inform mothers about these issues and to alleviate their fears.
Relationship between fluid management, changes in serum sodium and outcome in hypernatraemia associated with gastroenteritis
Authors: Robertson Gillian , Carrihill Michelle , Hatherill Mark , Waggie Zainab , Reynolds Louis , Argent Andrew 
Published: April 2007

Objective:  To describe the relationship between fluid management, serum sodium and outcome in critically ill children with hypernatraemic gastroenteritis.Methods:  A retrospective study of 57 children with hypernatraemic gastroenteritis admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were collected on fluid management, serum electrolytes and adverse outcome (seizures, new neurological deficit and mortality) and analysed using univariate and multivariate statistics.Results:  Median admission sodium was 165 mmol/L (145–199). Median volume of intravenous rehydration fluid was 6 mL/kg/h (144 mL/kg/day), with sodium concentration of 61 mmol/L (0–154 mmol/L), resulting in a median fall in sodium of 0.6 mmol/L/h (14.4 mmol/L/day). Fourteen children (25%) had seizures during rehydration, four children (7%) died and five children (9%) developed neurological deficit. Median admission sodium in children with adverse outcome was 172 mmol/L, with rate of fall of 0.63 mmol/L/h, compared with median admission sodium of 163 mmol/L and rate of fall of 0.48 mmol/L/h, in children with good outcome (P = 0.068 and P = 0.08, respectively). Median sodium content of intravenous solution was 61 mmol/L in both groups (P = 0.68). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that neither sodium content of intravenous solution (P = 0.59), nor rate of fall of sodium (P = 0.31), was independently associated with adverse outcome.Conclusions:  Rehydration in hypernatraemic gastroenteritis using intravenous solutions containing 61 mmol/L sodium would be expected to correct serum sodium at a rate of approximately 0.6 mmol/L/h. Neither sodium content of the intravenous solution, nor rate of correction of sodium, was independently associated with adverse outcome.
Increasing rate of childhood tuberculosis in a region of east Croatia
Authors: ABERLE NEDA , BUBLIĆ JOŠKO , FERIĆ MONIKA , BUKVIĆ BLAŽENKA , ŠIMIĆ ANDREA , TRTICA BOJANA , BLAŽEVIĆ VIOLETA , BORANIĆ MILIVOJ 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: The incidence of childhood tuberculosis as well as the number of children being in contact with persons having tuberculosis has increased in the region of Slavonski Brod during the past decade (1993–2003). The region is located in east Croatia along the border with Bosnia and close to the besieged and destroyed town of Vukovar. The region was heavily involved in recent military activities and migrations in Croatia and Bosnia (1991–1995). Before the war, the population was reasonably well situated, educated and provided with health services.Methods: Routine clinical and epidemiological methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis were used.Results: A total of 225 cases of tuberculosis were discovered among 271 suspected cases in a total number of 19 623 children below 18 years of age admitted during the last decade to the county hospital (1.38%). The number increased from three patients with tuberculosis in 1993 to 59 in 2003. Discharge diagnoses were: latent infection 40.1%, specific hilar lymphadenopathy 22.1%, primary lung tuberculosis 18.0%, postprimary tuberculosis 3.0%, and contact with infected person but otherwise normal findings 16.9%. The infection was usualy (53.1%) acquired within the family, more often so in younger patients. Bacteriological cultures were positive in 19 of 117 patients with tuberculosis (16.4%). Antituberculosis drug treatment was carried out to completion in all children. Resistance was not encountered.Conclusion: The authors attribute high incidence of childhood tuberculosis in the region of Slavonski Brod, the second highest incidence in Croatia, to the sequellae of migrations during military activities in Croatia and Bosnia (1991–1995) and to the post‐war recession.
Usefulness of an age‐adjusted body shape index in Korean children and adolescents
Authors: KWON JINWON , KIM HO , SOHN YEOJIN , CHO SUNG‐IL 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: The aim of the present paper was to determine the usefulness of an age‐adjusted anthropometric index of body shape for the assessment of obesity in Korean children and adolescents aged 10–15 yearsMethods: The population sample was composed of 556 boys and 489 girls who completed an interview survey, anthropometry, and medical examination for the Korean National Health and Nutritional Survey conducted in 1998. An age‐adjusted anthropometric index, body shape index standard deviation score (BSI‐SDS), was derived from waist‐to‐hip ratio divided by height (WHR/Ht) and its common standard deviation according to Asayama et al. (1997). Serum levels of lipids, glucose, and liver function markers were defined as abnormal if they were above the 90th percentile of the study population. Using logistic regression analysis, the odds ratios of having a lipidemic, diabetic, or liver complication on increasing BSI‐SDS were estimated.Results: For both boys and girls, lipidemic and liver complications had statistically significant odds ratios associated with increasing BSI‐SDS. With 1 unit increase in BSI‐SDS, the odds ratios of lipidemic complications were 1.5 and 1.3, respectively, for boys and girls, and the odds ratios of liver complications were 1.3 and 1.4, respectively, for boys and girls.Conclusions: A new measure developed by Asayama et al., BSI‐SDS, is a useful marker of obesity in addition to body mass index among Korean children and adolescents aged 10–15 years.
Adult asthma after non‐respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in infancy: Subgroup analysis of the 20‐year prospective follow‐up study
Authors: PIIPPO‐SAVOLAINEN EIJA , KORPPI MATTI , KORHONEN KAJ , REMES SAMI 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: Recent studies have stressed the influence of other viruses than respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the development of asthma in later childhood after bronchiolitis in infancy. However, the virus‐specific prognosis until adulthood has remained obscure, due to lack of sufficiently long follow‐up studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate adult respiratory morbidity after bronchiolitis in infancy, focused on cases not caused by RSV.Methods: A total of 54 children hospitalized for bronchiolitis at age <2 years were re‐studied at median age 19 years; 22 with RSV bronchiolitis and 22 with non‐RSV bronchiolitis outside RSV epidemic were included. RSV etiology was studied by antigen and antibody assays on admission. Adult asthma was defined by two ways, based on written questionnaire, clinical examination and home peak expiratory flow monitoring. Lung function was evaluated by flow‐volume spirometry (FVS), bronchial reactivity by methacholine inhalation challenge (MIC), and atopy by skin prick tests (SPT).Results: In the non‐RSV group, asthma by two definitions was present in 41–50% (vs 18–27% in RSV group). In logistic regression, adjusted for gender, age on admission, current atopy and smoking, non‐RSV etiology of bronchiolitis, compared with RSV etiology, increased asthma risk by both strict (odds ratio [OR], 8.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–58.69) and less strict (OR, 7.93; 95% CI, 1.14–55.41) criteria. An abnormal result in FVS was present in 32–41% and in MIC in 48–52% of cases in non‐RSV and RSV groups, respectively.Conclusions: Infants with non‐RSV bronchiolitis requiring treatment in hospital are at an increased risk for subsequent asthma in adulthood.
Lipid profile in children with acute viral hepatitis A
Authors: SELIMOGLU MUKADDER AYSE , CANER IBRAHIM , YILDIZ LEYLA 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: Most of the knowledge about lipid parameters in acute hepatitis is originated from adult studies. In this study, the authors investigated lipid profile of children with acute hepatitis A (AVH) at diagnosis and recovery in order to observe the behavior of lipid parameters in such children.Methods: A total of 28 children (mean age, 8.2 ± 2.7 years) with AVH and 20 gender and age‐matched healthy children were included. In addition to the routine tests, triglyceride, cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), plasma apo A‐I and apo B were studied at diagnosis and recovery.Results: Serum triglyceride and apo B level was higher, and apo A‐I level was lower in patients compared to healthy children (P < 0.01, <0.05 and <0.01, respectively). On admission, three children had fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Serum lipid parameters were evaluated in respect with the presence of icterus and FHF, and found that apo A‐I level was lower in icteric children and LDL and apo A‐I were lower in FHF compared to others (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). At recovery, while triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, and apo B decreased (P < 0.01), HDL and apo A‐I increased (P < 0.01). Serum apo A‐I level was inversely correlated with serum ammonia level but was positively correlated with serum albumin (P < 0.05).Conclusions: It was shown that serum triglyceride and apo B level increased, but apo A‐I level decreased in patients with AVH. While cholestasis lowers apo A‐I level, severe hepatic damage lowers both apo A‐I and LDL. These parameters return to normal levels within 30 days. An interesting relationship between ammonia and apo A‐I deserves further investigations, speculatively focused on hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha.
Postoperative anorectal manometric evaluation of patients with anorectal malformation
Authors: SENEL EMRAH , DEMIRBAG SUZI , TIRYAKI TUGRUL , ERDOGAN DERYA , CETINKURSUN SALIH , CAKMAK OZDEN 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: Fecal incontinence is a common problem after reconstructive surgery for anorectal malformations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of clinical scores and anorectal manometry in patients, who have been operated on for anorectal malformations.Methods: In total, 18 patients who underwent surgery for anorectal malformation between 1999 and 2004 were investigated for anal continence. For the assessment of the patients’ continence, Kelly’s clinical scoring, Kiesewetter–Chang scoring, and anorectal manometry were used.Results: In the intermediate level anorectal malformations, average anal resting pressure was found as 58.16 ± 8.14 cmH2O and in high level anorectal malformations was found as 40.16 ± 17.4 cmH2O. In the continence score, good according to Kelly and Kiesewetter–Chang scoring systems was an average anal resting pressure value of 57.92 ± 8.57 cmH2O and in fair or bad was found as 32 ± 12.83 cmH2O. There were significant differences between the scoring systems anorectal malformation level, and average anal resting pressure values (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Anorectal manometric evaluation of the patients in postoperative period with anorectal malformation can give more realistic information about the patient continence status in anorectal malformations.
Normal values for KL‐6 in cord venous plasma of neonates
Authors: UCHIDA YUMIKO , MINOWA HIDEKI , EBISU REIKO , NISHIKUBO TOSHIYA , TAKAHASHI YUKIHIRO , YOSHIOKA AKIRA 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: KL‐6 in umbilical cord blood, including from premature infants, and perinatal factors that may affect these values have not yet been adequately discussed. The authors investigated factors affecting cord venous plasma levels of KL‐6 in neonates, and to establish a normal range of values for KL‐6 in neonatal cord blood.Methods: Cord plasma levels of KL‐6 were measured in 75 neonates, and statistical analysis of factors affecting these levels was performed. A normal range for cord plasma KL‐6 levels was calculated by statistical analysis methods based on guidelines by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.Results: Data from a total of 75 neonates was analyzed. Gestational age ranged from 25 to 40 weeks (median, 33.4 weeks), and birthweight ranged from 776 to 3760 g (median, 1944 g). There was no statistically significant correlation between cord plasma KL‐6 levels with gender, gestational age, birthweight, method of delivery, Apgar score 1 min, and postnatal respiratory distress. The normal range of values for cord plasma KL‐6 was 44.3–148.2 U/mL (median, 73.0 U/mL).Conclusion: The cord plasma levels of KL‐6 were about half the normal values reported in children and healthy adults and were not affected by various perinatal factors. The authors’ findings suggest that plasma KL‐6 levels rise when respiratory function is established after birth and tend to further increase with age.
Moderate–vigorous physical activity and body fatness in Chinese urban school children
Authors: LI LIUBAI , LI KEJI , USHIJIMA HIROSHI 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: The exact relation between moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and body fatness in children has yet to be fully defined. This study examined the relationship between MVPA and body fatness in Chinese urban school children aged 9–11 years, in an 8 month longitudinal study.Methods: Two hundred and ten children (aged 9–11 years; 97 boys and 113 girls) were recruited from two public primary schools in the Beijing urban area. The baseline and the 8 month follow‐up percent body fat (fat%), fat mass (FM), body mass index (BMI), waist size, hip size and the waist : hip ratio were investigated as measures of body fatness. Habitual MVPA level (activity‐related energy expenditure, AEE) was measured using a validated self‐report questionnaire recall.Results: Nine‐year‐old girls who were in the top quartile for MVPA had significantly lower fat% than other girls at the same age (P < 0.05); 10–11‐years girls who were in the top quartile for MVPA had significantly less increase in all of the indices of body fatness (P < 0.05). There was no difference in fat% between the highly physically active (top quartile for MVPA) and less active 9–11 year boys in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal statistical analyses.Conclusions: Highly physically active girls had lower fat% and less increase in body fatness. In light of world trends showing increasing childhood obesity, this study supports the hypothesis that MVPA might be effective in fighting excess body fat gain in Chinese school‐age girls.
Cord blood cortisol level is lower in growth‐restricted newborns
Authors: Strinic Tomislav , Roje Damir , Marusic Jelena , Capkun Vesna 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim:  To establish the difference in plasma cortisol concentrations between newborns with intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) birthweights.Subjects and Methods:  We measured plasma cortisol concentrations in the umbilical venous cord blood of 68 IUGR newborns and 71 AGA birthweight newborns. All newborns were delivered in term, vaginally, in the morning, within 8 hours and had APGAR scores greater or equal to eight.Results:  There was no significant difference between compared groups according to maternal age, parity, gestational age and neonatal gender. Neonatal plasma cortisol levels were significantly lower in the IUGR (median: 312.3 mmol/L, min‐max: 158.9–588.1 mmol/L) compared to the AGA group (median: 458.7 mmol/L, min‐max: 314.5–718.5 mmol/L) (Mann–Whitney U‐test; P < 0000). The probability of having a cortisol plasma level greater than or equal to 458.7 mmol/L for IUGR newborns was only 1:12, and to have cortisol plasma level less than or equal to 312.3 mmol/L for AGA newborns was much lower (0:34). In the range of plasma cortisol level between 312.3 mmol/L and 458.7 mmol/L, no statistically significant difference in the plasma cortisol level between IUGR and AGA newborns was found.Conclusions:  Neonatal plasma cortisol level is lower in the IUGR compared to the AGA group. Our results suggest that endocrine relationships seem to be lost in a specific group of the IUGR newborns. Although we usually tend to simplify the problem and declare only one cause, this time it is impossible. It is probable that the cause is hidden in small and insufficient placenta with deranged auto‐regulation of placental 11β‐HSD‐2 mechanism.
Appendiceal adenocarcinoma presenting with bilateral Krukenberg tumors
Authors: Uharcek Peter , Mlyncek Miloš , Durcanský Dušan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPrimary appendiceal malignancy metastatic to the ovaries is a condition that may mimic advanced stage ovarian cancer. This condition is rarely diagnosed preoperatively. A 52‐year‐old woman referred to our institution for presumed advanced stage of ovarian cancer was found to have primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma metastatic to ovaries at laparotomy. We describe the clinical course of the patient. It is important for the gynecologist‐oncologist to include tumors of the appendix into the differential diagnosis of any case of ovarian tumor.
Effect of vitrification method on survivability, follicular growth and ovulation of preantral follicles in mice
Authors: Choi Won‐Jun , Yeo Hyun‐Jin , Shin Jeong‐Kyu , Lee Soon‐Ae , Lee Jong‐Hak , Paik Won‐Young 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim:  This study was designed to compare the survival rates, follicular growth rates, and ovulation rates of vitrified preantral follicles (PF) from ovaries with those isolated from a vitrified ovarian cortical strip.Methods:  Mouse ovaries were divided into three groups: those not treated by vitrification of the PF (control), those treated by vitrification of the PF isolated from the ovaries (group I), and those treated by vitrification of ovarian tissue followed by PF isolation (group II). The group I samples were exposed to equilibration solution (EG‐20) for 5.0 min plus vitrification solution (EFS‐40) for 0.5 min, while the group II samples were exposed to EG‐20 for 10.0 min plus EFS‐40 for 2.0 min, before vitrification. They were subsequently placed on an electron microscope grid, and submerged immediately in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, the survival rate and the growth rate of the follicles were evaluated every 2 days.Results:  In the in vitro condition, the follicles grew and developed into antral follicles in groups I and II. The survival rate of the group I samples was higher than that of the group II samples during the in vitro culture (P < 0.05). The growth rates of the follicles in group I were higher than those in group II after day 6 (P < 0.05). The ovulation rate of the samples in group I was higher than that of group II (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  These results demonstrated that direct PF vitrification appeared to be better than vitrification of the PF isolated from ovarian tissue.
FINANCIAL LIBERALISATION, CONSUMPTION AND WEALTH EFFECTS IN SEVEN OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: Barrell Ray , Philip Davis E. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTWe estimate the impact of financial liberalisation on consumption in seven major industrial countries, and find a marked shift in behaviour, notably a decline in short‐run income elasticities and a rise in short‐run wealth and interest rate elasticities. A corollary is that consumption equations estimated over both pre‐ and post‐liberalisation regimes may be misleading, and either a form of testing as presented here or a shortening of the sample period may be appropriate for accurate forecasting and simulation.