bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐sectional study of bone density in asthmatic children
Authors: Hopp Russell J. , Degan Janice A. , Phelan James , Lappe Joan , Gallagher G. Chris 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe emphasis in treatment of asthma in children has shifted from bronchodilators to inhaled anti‐inflammatory medications, including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Children with chronic asthma and moderate to severe symptoms have been targeted as particularly deserving of maintenance therapy with ICS. We have previously reported a cross‐sectional study of bone density in children treated with ICS. There was no significant difference between the total bone density of asthmatic patients and controls. We sought to extend the information available on bone density in asthmatic children by evaluating 15 asthmatic subjects taking daily ICS (beclo‐methasone dipropionate) and comparing them with age‐ and sex‐matched controls. We compared total and regional bone density, bone age, and calcium intakes in these subjects. Asthmatic subjects were on ICS for 4–60 months, with doses ranging from 200 to 450 μg/day. There was no significant difference between asthmatics and matched controls for height, weight, % RDA Ca2+, or bone age. The asthmatic subjects had bone density (total and regional measurements) equivalent to their controls. These results provide additional support for the safety of low‐dose ICS on bone density in asthmatic children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1995; 20:189–192. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term pulmonary functional outcome of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and premature birth
Authors: Parat Sophie , Moriette Guy , Delaperche Marie‐Francoise , Escourrou Pierre , Denjean André , Gaultier Claude 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPulmonary function and exercise tolerance were evaluated in late childhood in two groups of prematurely born children: one group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) [n] = 15; gestational age at birth (GA): 29.6 ± 2.8 weeks; birth weight (BW): 1,367 ± 548 g; age at test: 7.9 ± 0.6 years, and a second group without significant neonatal lung disease [pre‐term (PT)] (n = 9; GA: 30.3 ± 1.7 weeks; BW: 1,440 ± 376 g; age at test: 7.8 ± 0.22 years). The results were compared with a control group of children of similar ages and heights, born at term [term born (TB)]. We observed that total lung resistance (RL) was significantly higher in BPD (11 ± 3 cmH2O/L/s), and in PT (9 ± 2) than in TB [5 ± 1; (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively)]. In BPD RL was higher than in PT (P < 0.05). Dynamic lung compliance (CLdY) was decreased in BPD (43 ± 11 mL/cmH2O) and in PT (56 ± 17) compared with TB (76 ± 20) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05), and also in BPD compared with PT (P < 0.05). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) were lower in BPD (1.07 ± 0.15 L and 72 ± 7%) than in PT (1.29 ± 0.23 L, and 80 ± 7%) (P < 0.05). Exercise tests were performed in six boys with BPD. The ratio between minute ventilation at maximal workload (VEmax ) and the predicted value of maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was elevated in the six BPD boys tested, compared with five boys of Group 2 and five TB boys (87 ± 15% vs. 62 ± 14% and 65 ± 13%) (P < 0.05). We conclude that: (1) prematurity and BPD is followed by long‐term airway obstruction and a mild degree of exercise intolerance and; (2) premature birth without BPD may be followed by a milder degree of airway obstruction in childhood than in infants who developed BPD during the neonatal period. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1995; 20:289–296. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral and inhaled steroids in croup: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Geelhoed G. C. , Macdonald W. B. G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIt was the objective of this study to compare the efficacy of oral dexamethasone and inhaled budesonide in children hospitalized with croup, using a three‐way, double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial design. The trial was carried out in the Emergency Department Observation Ward of a tertiary pediatric hospital. The subjects for the study were 80 children (age range 5 to 158 months) who were hospitalized with croup. Children received either 2 mg of nebulised budesonide, dexamethasone syrup (0.6 mg/kg) or a placebo. Median duration of hospitalization was shorter for children treated with dexamethasone (12 hr) and budesonide (13 hr) compared to placebo (20 hr) (P < 0.03). There was no significant difference in hospitalization time between children treated with dexamethasone and budesonide. Median time to a croup score of ⩽1 was shorter for children treated with dexamethasone (2 hr) or budesonide (3 hr) compared to those who received placebo (8 hr) (P < 0.01). Croup scores for both steroid groups were significantly lower than the placebo group by 1 hr and remained so subsequently. The croup scores did not differ significantly in the 2 steroid treated groups. Six of the 30 children (20%) in the placebo group required adrenaline after the first hour compared to none of the 50 children in the steroid treated groups (P < 0.02). We conclude that oral dexamethasone and inhaled budesonide are both effective in reducing symptoms and duration of hospitalization in children with croup. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1995; 20:355–361. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory inductive plethysmography in the evaluation of lower airway obstruction during methacholine challenge in infants
Authors: Rusconi Franca , Gagliardi Luigi , Aston Hazel , Silverman Michael 
Published: March 2007

AbstractRespiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) is a simple technique for an objective, noninvasive assessment of thoracoabdominal asynchrony, which in turn is an indirect measure of airway obstruction. We evaluated different indices of asynchrony obtained by RIP before and after methacholine‐induced airway obstruction. Bronchial obstruction was elicited by progressive doubling concentrations of methacholine until a > 15% fall in the transcutaneous oxygen tension (PIcO2) had developed. Maximal expiratory flow rates at functional residual capacity (FRC) (VmaxFRC) was obtained by the squeeze technique before and after the challenge. Fifteen infants with a history of wheezing were studied after sedation. Thoracoabdominal movements were recorded with RIP bands placed around either the upper or the lower ribcage (RC) and around the abdomen (AB). An inspiratory asynchrony index (IAI) and an expiratory asynchrony index (EAI) were calculated as determined by the lag of RC relative to AB at start of inspiration and of expiration, respectively. The total time in asynchrony (TTA: the percentage of time in which the RC and the AB signals were in opposite direction) and Φ (an angle derived from a Lissajous loop) were also calculated. All subjects responded to the challenge. The median fall in PIcO2 following methacholine challenge was 23.6% and in VmaxFRC was 43%. A large scatter of baseline values was found for all indices with the exception of TTA. There was no correlation between TTA and age, length, or VmaxFRC. The IAI and EAI with the RC band in the upper position were the most sensitive indices, both within subjects (65% of the subjects had a significant change in IAI and 80% in EAI) and for the group as a whole (median values increased for IAI, P = 0.007, and for EAI, P = 0.017). TTA and Φ were less sensitive, and a great discrepancy was observed between the two measurements. Poor results were obtained with the RC band in the lower position. No correlations were found between the changes in IAI and EAI, with the RC band around the lower chest and VmaxFRC. We conclude that IAI and EAI, measured with the RC band in the upper position and another band around the abdomen, can detect changes in thoracoabdominal asynchrony in most infants. The usefulness of assessing IAI and EAI in infants with acute lower airway obstruction needs to be determined. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1995; 20:396–402. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RASSF1A promoter methylation is frequently detected in both pre‐malignant and non‐malignant microdissected prostatic epithelial tissues
Authors: Aitchison Alan , Warren Anne , Neal David , Rabbitts Pamela 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe RASSF1A gene is a tumor suppressor gene inactivated by hypermethylation in a very wide variety of malignant tumors including prostate cancer.MethodsIn this study we have used laser capture microdissection to provide pure cell populations to investigate the methylation status of 16 CpG sites in the promoter region of this gene in prostatic intra‐epithelial neoplasia, in histologically normal epithelial cells associated with these lesions and in epithelial cells from benign prostatic hyperplasia.ResultsUnexpectedly, frequent methylation, detected by sequence analysis following bisulphite treatment, was observed in benign epithelium as well as in the lesions associated with prostatic intra‐epithelial neoplasia and at high risk of cancer formation. Fifty percent or more CpG sites were methylated in 7/14 prostatic intra‐epithelial neoplasms, 8/11 histologically normal epithelial cells and 8/12 specimens of benign prostatic tissue.ConclusionThese observations suggest that methylation of the RASSF1A gene is present in both pre‐malignant and benign epithelia and suggests quantitation is required for it to be an effective marker of early prostate cancer. Prostate 67: 638–644, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identity development as a lens to science teacher preparation
Authors: Luehmann April Lynn 
Published: March 2007

AbstractConcepts and findings from research on identity development are employed to better understand why current science teacher preparation programs are failing to prepare teachers who are able and choose to implement the vision for science education articulated in professional standards. Identity theory is used as a theoretical lens to make sense of and better address some of the unique challenges of becoming a reform‐minded science teacher, a professional identity that does not reflect the common norm in the profession; these challenges include the emotional risk and possible need for “repair work,” lack of familiarity with and buy‐in into complex practices of inquiry, and the need for opportunities to participate in competent practice and have this participation acknowledged. Two basic design principles for science teacher preparation are identified as a result of this analysis: (a) the need to create safe places and scaffolded ways for beginning science teachers to try on and develop their identities as reform‐minded science teachers, which may include capitalizing on the unique opportunities of practice teaching in out‐of‐school contexts; and (b) the need to offer opportunities to be recognized, by self and others, as reform‐minded teachers through ongoing, structured, and supported reflection. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 91:822–839, 2007
Threep‐value consistent procedures for multiple comparisons with a control in direction‐mixed families
Authors: Kwong Koon Shing , Cheung Siu Hung , Holland Burt , Wang Yanhui 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn clinical studies, it is common to compare several treatments with a control. In such cases, the most popular statistical technique is the Dunnett procedure. However, the Dunnett procedure is designed to deal with particular families of inferences in which all hypotheses are either one sided or two sided. Recently, based on the minimization of average simultaneous confidence interval width, a single‐step procedure was derived to handle more general inferential families that contained a mixture of one‐ and two‐sided inferences. But that single‐step procedure is unable to guarantee the condition ofp‐value consistency which means that when a hypothesis with a certainp‐value is rejected, all other hypotheses with smallerp‐values are also rejected. In this paper, we present a single‐step procedure and two stepwise procedures which arep‐value consistent. The two proposed stepwise procedures provide more powerful testing methods when compared with single‐step procedures. The extent of their superiority is demonstrated with a simulation study of average power. Selected critical values are tabulated for the implementation of the three proposed procedures. Additional simulation studies provide evidence that the new stepwise procedures are robust to moderate changes in the underlying probability distributions, and the proposed step‐up procedure is uniformly more powerful than the resampling‐based Hochberg step‐up approach in all considered distribution models. Finally, we provide a practical example with sample data extracted from a medical experiment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Desensitization of Lipolysis in the Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipocytes of Rats
Authors: Mori Shinobu , Nojiri Hiroshi , Yoshizuka Naonobu , Takema Yoshinori 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn adipocytes, short and long term stimulation of β adrenergic receptors (βAR) induces the desensitization to catecholamines, leading to a decrease in the intracellular accumulation of cAMP, but the roles played by this in lipolysis is not clear. In this study, we assessed the catecholamine‐induced desensitization of lipolysis and compared this in adipocytes isolated from visceral and subcutaneous fat tissues of rats. When adipocytes were pretreated with isoproterenol (ISO), the norepinephrine (NE)‐induced lipolysis was significantly reduced dose‐ and time‐dependently. A similar reduction of the lipolytic response was also found in NE‐, dobutamine‐, terbutaline‐ or BRL37344‐induced lipolysis. The ISO‐ and each βAR agonist‐induced lipolysis in the visceral fat was not only higher than in the subcutaneous fat, but also markedly reduced by ISO‐ or NE‐pretreatment. These results showed that short‐term treatment of three subtypes of βAR by each agonist induces a rapid reduction in the lipolytic response to βAR stimulation. This suggests some common mechanism for the rapid desensitization of βAR‐agonist‐induced lipolysis, in contrast with previous reports on the characteristics of βAR subtypes. In addition, the regional difference of adipose tissue not only in inducing lipolysis but also in rapid desensitization was also apparent.
Free-flying robots in space: an overview of dynamics modeling, planning and control
Authors: Moosavian S. Ali A. , Papadopoulos Evangelos 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARYFree-flying space manipulator systems, in which robotic manipulators are mounted on a free-flying spacecraft, are envisioned for assembling, maintenance, repair, and contingency operations in space. Nevertheless, even for fixed-base systems, control of mechanical manipulators is a challenging task. This is due to strong nonlinearities in the equations of motion, and consequently different algorithms have been suggested to control end-effector motion or force, since the early research in robotic systems. In this paper, first a brief review of basic concepts of various algorithms in controlling robotic manipulators is introduced. Then, specific problems related to application of such systems in space and a microgravity environment is highlighted. Basic issues of kinematics and dynamics modeling of such systems, trajectory planning and control strategies, cooperation of multiple arm space free-flying robots, and finally, experimental studies and technological aspects of such systems with their specific limitations are discussed.
Molecular microbial community structure of the Regenerative Enclosed Life Support Module Simulator air system
Authors: Moissl Christine , Hosoya Naofumi , Bruckner James , Stuecker Tara , Roman Monsi , Venkateswaran Kasthuri 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe Regenerative Enclosed Life Support Module Simulator (REMS) was designed to simulate the conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This unique terrestrial, encapsulated environment for humans and their associated organisms allowed investigations into the microbial communities within an enclosed habitat system, primarily with respect to diversity, phylogeny and the possible impact on human health. To assess time- and/or condition-dependent changes in microbial diversity within REMS, a total of 27 air samples were collected during three consecutive months. The microbial burden and diversity were elucidated using culture-dependent and culture-independent molecular methods. The results indicate that during controlled conditions the total microbial burden detected by culture-dependent techniques (below a detectable level to 102 cells m−3of air) and intracellular ATP assay was significantly low (102–103 cells m−3of air), but increased during the uncontrolled post-operation phase (∼104 cells m−3of air). Only Gram-positive and α-proteobacteria grew under tested culture conditions, with a predominant occurrence ofMethylobacterium radiotolerans, andSphingomonas yanoikuyae. Direct DNA extraction and 16S rDNA sequencing methodology revealed a broader diversity of microbes present in the REMS air (51 species). Unlike culture-dependent analysis, both Gram-positive and proteobacteria were equally represented, while members of a few proteobaterial groups dominated (Rhodopseudomonas,Sphingomonas,Acidovorax,Ralstonia,Acinetobacter,Pseudomonas, andPsychrobacter). Although the presence of several opportunistic pathogens warrants further investigation, the results demonstrated that routine maintenance such as controlling the humidity, crew’s daily cleaning, and air filtration were effective in reducing the microbial burden in the REMS.
A reovirus disease in cultured mud crab, Scylla serrata, in southern China
Authors: Weng S‐P , Guo Z‐X , Sun J‐J , Chan S‐M , He J‐G 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA reovirus, designated mud crab reovirus (MCRV), associated with large economic losses was recently isolated from marine cultured mud crab, Scylla serrata, in southern China. The complete viral particle is 70 nm in diameter, icosahedral and non‐enveloped. The virus infects connective tissue cells of the hepatopancreas, gills and intestine in mud crab and develops in the cytoplasm. Hundred per cent mortality was observed in mud crab experimentally infected by intramuscular injection, bath inoculation and oral inoculation, while cohabitation infection caused 80% mortality. The viral genome consists of 13 linear dsRNA segments, with an electrophoretic pattern 1/5/7. The results of this study suggest that the virus is highly pathogenic and can be transmitted enterically as well as via the body surface of mud crab. Although the genomic organization of this virus is different from that of the other crab reoviruses, CcRV‐W2 and DpPV, all three of these reoviruses have similar electrophoresis patterns. Therefore, MCRV may be a new member of the DpPV and CcRV‐W2 group.
Survival of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis in Balkan endemic nephropathy and non‐endemic areas of Serbia
Authors: Dragicevic Dejan , Djokic Milan , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Micic Sava , Hadzi‐Djokic Jovan , Vuksanovic Aleksandar , Simic Tatjana 
Published: March 2007

An interesting reminder about TCC of the ureter and renal pelvis in Serbia is presented, comparing endemic and non‐endemic areas. The authors found similarities between the areas, but also that survival was influenced by female sex, and tumour size, grade and stage.Several papers in this section describe the value of imaging in urological cancer, not least the importance of PET in prostate cancer. Other articles are presented dealing with other aspects of prostate cancer.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the characteristics and survival of patients with upper urinary tract (UUT) transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in Serbia, followed for ≥5 years or until death.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom 1998 to 2005 we analysed 114 cases of pathologically confirmed UUT TCC, divided into two groups according to topographical characteristics, and compared their demographic, clinical and pathological characteristics. The influence of various factors on overall 5‐year survival of patients with UUT TCC was also tested. The prognostic value of different variables was assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional‐hazard models.RESULTSThe most important change in demographic characteristics of the patients with UUT TCC in Serbia was a similar proportion of patients residing in areas of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) and non‐endemic areas. The median (range) follow‐up was 67 (46–88) months. The 5‐year probability of survival was 51.2 ± 5.8%. There was a significantly lower probability of 5‐year survival for patients with a higher histological grade (P = 0.001), higher T stage (P < 0.001) and tumour size >3 cm (P = 0.001) at diagnosis. In this cohort of patients the independent predictors of a poorer outcome of the disease were being female (hazard ratio, HR, 2.2,P = 0.010), tumour size >3 cm (HR 2.8,P = 0.001) and T3 or T4 stages (HR 3.1,P = 0.001).CONCLUSIONComparative analysis of the characteristics of UUT TCC between patients from BEN and non‐endemic areas of Serbia showed similarities in demographic, clinical and pathological features. Factors that significantly influenced survival of patients with UUT TCC were being female, tumour size and tumour grade and stage.
Nitric oxide produced in the testis is involved in dilatation of the internal spermatic vein that compromises spermatogenesis in infertile men with varicocele
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Naito Katsusuke 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVETo determine the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and the location and change in the expression of NO synthase (NOS) isoforms in the testes of subfertile men with varicocele, and to compare the NO concentration or NOS expression with clinical variables, to determine the role of NO on the pathophysiology of varicocele.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 27 men who had a left varicocelectomy and five with ‘normal’ spermatogenesis (controls) who had scrotal surgery for other reasons were enrolled. Intratesticular fluid was taken from the men and the NO concentration determined colorimetrically. The expression and location of NOS isoforms were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, using testicular biopsy specimens, and NADPH‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d) staining used to identify NO‐producing cells. The relationship between the NO concentration and the expression of NOS isoforms or clinicopathological variables was investigated.RESULTSIn testes with grade 2 and 3 varicoceles there were significant increases in the concentration of NO or the expression of inducible NOS. There was no change in the expressions of endothelial NOS, which is located in vascular endothelial cells, while NADPH‐d activity was mainly located in these cells. The concentration of NO was significantly correlated with the maximum and total vein diameter (both P < 0.01). In patients aged >35 years, the concentration of NO significantly correlated with a deterioration in total motile sperm count (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSIncreased production of NO in the testis is involved in the enlargement of varicocele and indirectly deteriorates spermatogenesis.