bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional cerebral blood flow patterns of change following the own body image exposure in eating disorders: A longitudinal study
Authors: Rodriguez-Cano Teresa , Beato-Fernandez Luis , Garcia-Vilches Inmaculada , Garcia-Vicente Ana , Poblete-Garcia Victor , Soriano-Castrejon Angel 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to see if the changes in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) experienced by restrictive anorexia nervosa (AR) and bulimia nervosa (BN) patients, following the exposure to their own body image, persist at follow-up.MethodsThree single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were performed on nine patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of AR, 13 with BP, and 12 controls: at rest, following a neutral stimulus, and after exposure to their previously filmed whole body image. Body dissatisfaction was measured by means of the Body Dissatisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ). One year later the same assessment was repeated.ResultsFollowing the exposure to their own body image, BN showed an increase in body dissatisfaction, which was associated with the increase in the rCBF of the Right Temporal Area. Those changes persisted at follow-up.DiscussionMore specific long term therapies are needed for the treatment of the averse response showed by ED patients to their own body image exposure that is associated with the hyperactivation of the right temporal area when they are confronted with their whole body image.
Potential mechanism of cell death in the developing rat brain induced by propofol anesthesia
Authors: Pešić Vesna , Milanović Desanka , Tanić Nikola , Popić Jelena , Kanazir Selma , Jevtović‐Todorović Vesna , Ruždijić Sabera 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCommonly used general anesthetics can have adverse effects on the developing brain by triggering apoptotic neurodegeneration, as has been documented in the rat. The rational of our study was to examine the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the apoptotic action of propofol anesthesia in the brain of 7‐day‐old (P7) rats. The down‐regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA and protein expression in the cortex and thalamus at defined time points between 1 and 24 h after the propofol treatment, as well as a decrease of phosphorylated Akt were observed. The extrinsic apoptotic pathway was induced by over‐expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) which led to the activation of caspase‐3 in both examined structures. Neurodegeneration was confirmed by Fluoro‐Jade B staining. Our findings provide direct experimental evidence that the anesthetic dose (25 mg/kg) of propofol induces complex changes that are accompanied by cell death in the cortex and thalamus of the developing rat brain.
The Phospholipid Vesicle-Based Drug Permeability Assay: 5. Development toward an Automated Procedure for High-Throughput Permeability Screening
Authors: Flaten Gøril Eide , Awoyemi Opeyemi , Luthman Kristina , Brandl Martin , Massing Ulrich 
Published: December 2008

In vitro screening for oral absorption has become an essential part of drug discovery and development. Recently, a new phospholipid vesicle-based permeation assay was developed which has shown to satisfyingly predict passive absorption of drugs in humans. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether the assay may be further developed into a high-throughput tool by automating its most time-consuming steps. The following challenges were addressed: (1) to design, build, and test a heat-sealing machine for mounting of the desired type of filter support onto both single wells and 24-well titer plate inserts and (2) to transfer the permeability assay to a robotic workstation with attached ultraviolet (UV) reader. The workstation is able to pipette and transport both plates and filter inserts and perform on-line photometric quantification of the amount of drug permeated. To enable the robot to move single (Standard Transwell; Corning Inc, Lowell, MA) filter inserts, an extension of the gripping arm was designed, built, and tested. Furthermore, in an alternative approach 24-well filter plates (Millicell; Millipore, Billerica, MA) were used instead of single filter inserts. The latter turned out to be more suitable in terms of error-free high-throughput robotic handling. The permeability values of drugs gained by the two automated procedures were compared with those measured by manual handling of the assay. Only neglectable differences in permeability values were seen. In conclusion, the most time-consuming steps of the assay were shown to be eligible for automation. This represents an interesting addition to the toolbox of in vitro permeability screening assays running in a medium- to high-throughput format due to its easiness, its transferability to other laboratories, and its good correlation with in vivo data on fraction absorbed of drugs in humans.
Immediate and delayed effects of cognitive interventions in healthy elderly: A review of current literature and future directions
Authors: Papp Kathryn V. , Walsh Stephen J. , Snyder Peter J. 
Published: December 2008

BackgroundResearch on the potential effects of cognitive intervention in healthy elderly has been motivated by (1) the apparent effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients; (2) the face validity of bolstering skills eventually burdened by disease; (3) interest in low‐cost/noninvasive methods of preventing or delaying onset of disease; (4) the epidemiologic research suggesting protective effects of educational attainment and lifelong participation in cognitively stimulating activities; (5) the burgeoning industry of brain training products and requisite media attention; and (6) the aging world population.MethodsWe performed a systematic review with meta‐analytic techniques to analyze randomized controlled trials of cognitive interventions in healthy elderly.ResultsThe weighted mean effect size (Cohen's d) of cognitive intervention across all outcome measures after training was .16 (95% confidence interval, .138 to .186). The existing literature is limited by a lack of consensus on what constitutes the most effective type of cognitive training, insufficient follow‐up times, a lack of matched active controls, and few outcome measures showing changes in daily functioning, global cognitive skills, or progression to early AD.ConclusionsOur review was limited by a small, heterogeneous, and methodologically limited literature. Within this literature, we found no evidence that structured cognitive intervention programs delay or slow progression to AD in healthy elderly. Further work that accounts for the limitations of past efforts and subsequent clear and unbiased reporting to the public of the state and progress of research on this topic will help the elderly make informed decisions about a range of potential preventive lifestyle measures including cognitive intervention.
Clinical Decision‐Making for Repair of Spontaneous Childbirth Trauma: Validation of Cues and Related Factors
Authors: Cioffi Jane M. , Arundell Fiona , Swain Julie 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTFrom recalled childbirth cases, a series of cues and related factors were previously identified that were used by midwives when making decisions to suture or not suture perineal and associated trauma incurred during spontaneous vaginal delivery. This study aimed to determine the validity of these cues and related factors. A panel of 18 experienced midwives evaluated their content validity using the criteria of “necessity” and “sufficiency.” The two main cue categories—“bleeding” and “birth trauma”—were considered by 18 (100%) of the panel members to be necessary to assess. At least 16 (89%) panel members considered the following specific cues necessary to assess: in the bleeding category—type, flow, amount, and effect of application of pressure or ice; in the birth trauma category—trauma sites, trauma types, dimensions of trauma, types of tissue, alignment of tissue, edema, and bruising. Seventeen (94%) panel members considered seven woman‐centred related factors that were necessary to assess and 14 (78%) considered the combination of all cues in bleeding, birth trauma, and related factors sufficient for making the decision to suture or not. The availability of these validated cues and related factors has the potential to guide a comprehensive assessment on which the decision to suture or not suture depends. This addition to the domain of midwifery knowledge enables educational preparation of midwives who will have the capacity to more adequately support women in childbirth.
Delivering Diversity: Newly Regulated Midwifery Returns to Manitoba, Canada, One Community at A Time
Authors: Kreiner Meta 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThrough its publicly funded health care system, Canada is committed to offering accessible, quality maternity health services to all its citizens, yet this remains a challenge in its First Nations, rural and immigrant communities. With the implementation of midwifery as a self‐regulating health profession in Manitoba, Canada, in 2000, initiatives were incorporated into the structure of the profession to try to address this issue. This qualitative investigation documents and explores these initiatives through a case study combining semistructured interviews and documentary sources. The innovations discussed include the development of an Aboriginal midwifery degree program, the supports put in place to assist rural midwifery practices, and the efforts to increase ethnic diversity and cultural competence within the midwifery profession. What unites these efforts is a community building approach which attempts to strengthen communities through local midwifery services and midwives drawn from community members.
Postpartum Depression and Help‐Seeking Behavior
Authors: McGarry Joanne , Kim Han , Sheng Xiaoming , Egger Marlene , Baksh Laurie 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThe objective of this analysis was to investigate the demographic differences between women who report postpartum depression symptoms (PPDS) and seek help versus those who report symptoms but who do not seek help, using data from the Utah Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) 2004 dataset. Overall, 14.7% of Utah women reported experiencing PPDS in 2004. Sixty percent of the women who reported having PPDS did not seek help Seeking help for depression during pregnancy was associated with help‐seeking behavior postpartum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04–0.2). Other factors associated with seeking help included having an infant admitted to the intensive care unit (aOR = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2–0.9) and rural residency (aOR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2–0.7). Nonwhite women were 12.1 times (95% CI, 3.0–48.5) more likely to not seek help for depression compared to white women. Further, Hispanic women (aOR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3–8.1) and women who experienced emotional abuse had increased odds of not seeking help (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3–6.2). Nearly 15% of Utah women in this study reported PPDS, yet fewer than half sought help. Target populations, such as nonwhite, Hispanic, emotionally abused, and urban women, have been identified for public health interventions.
Nutrition and Mental Health in Early Pregnancy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fowles Eileen R. , Murphey Christina 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTA pilot study was conducted to explore the dietary quality and maternal psychosocial status during the early weeks of pregnancy in a convenience sample of women (N = 13) recruited from two Planned Parenthood Clinics. Women were between 19 and 31 years of age, having their first pregnancy, and were on average 7 weeks pregnant. Average caloric intake was 2653 kcal/day consisting of 34% fat. Six of the women had inadequate intake of calcium (x = 800 mg) and 11 had low iron intake (x = 20 mg). Dietary Quality Index‐Pregnancy scores were below recommendations and six women had scores indicating a major depression. Dietary intakes of these low‐income women early in pregnancy did not meet recommendations for pregnancy. Identifying factors that are related to poor dietary intake, such as low‐income and the presence of depression, in early pregnancy may promote timely recognition of women in need of comprehensive monitoring throughout the pregnancy.
Hearing Screening for Newborns: The Midwife's Role in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
Authors: Biernath Krista , Holstrum W. June , Eichwald John 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTUniversal newborn hearing screening is becoming the standard of care in the United States. However, there has been some controversy around this pediatric preventive health care practice. In 2001, the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), the leading independent panel of experts on prevention and primary care in the United States, reviewed the scientific literature and found inconclusive evidence to recommend for or against universal newborn hearing screening. As a result of this lack of recommendation, some pediatric providers were not screening the hearing of all newborn infants. The USPSTF released an update in July 2008 concluding there is scientific evidence to recommend newborn hearing screening for all infants. Universal newborn hearing screening is the first step in the national Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program. EHDI includes not only universal newborn hearing screening but also diagnostic evaluation for any infant failing the initial hearing screen and intervention services for any infant diagnosed with hearing loss. During the prenatal and postnatal periods, obstetric care providers can play a vital role in the EHDI process through education, screening, referral, and assistance with follow‐up. Through these services, clinicians can work with parents and pediatric care providers to help newborns and infants develop communication and language skills that will last a lifetime.
Frequency, Severity, and Effect on Life of Physical Symptoms Experienced During Pregnancy
Authors: Kamysheva Ekaterina , Wertheim Eleanor H. , Skouteris Helen , Paxton Susan J. , Milgrom Jeannette 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to: 1) describe the number, frequency, severity of discomfort and effect of symptoms on life of 29 physical symptoms women experienced at 15 to 25 weeks of gestation; 2) explore whether experiencing this group of physical symptoms more frequently and intensely was associated with a higher score of depressive symptoms and lower self‐esteem; (3) examine whether discomfort and effect ratings aided prediction of well being over and above symptom frequency; and (4) investigate which individual physical symptoms contributed most to predicting depressive symptoms and self‐esteem. Pregnant women (n = 215) completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, and a physical symptoms questionnaire. Frequency, discomfort, and the effect of physical symptoms all consistently correlated with higher scores for depressive symptoms, but less consistently with lower self‐esteem. Discomfort and the effect of symptoms predicted variance in depressive symptoms after accounting for symptom frequency. Higher frequency, more discomfort, and the effect of fatigue and effect of flatulence were related to depressive symptoms. Relationships between pregnancy‐related physical symptoms, depressive symptoms, and low self‐esteem suggest that when women report any of these constellation of factors, further screening is indicated. A comprehensive assessment of physical symptoms includes frequency, discomfort, and effect on life.
Midwifery and Health Disparities: Theories and Intersections
Authors: Cox Kim J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIn the past decade, the reduction of health disparities has become an important policy agenda in the United States. Clinicians in practice, however, may be unfamiliar with the prevailing causal theories and uncertain about what they can do to help to reduce inequalities in health. The purpose of this article is to provide women's health care clinicians with an overview of the definitions, measurement issues, and theories that fall under the rubric of health disparities. The intersecting roles of genetics, race/ethnicity, environment, and gender are discussed. The article also provides practical suggestions for interventions and health policy change that can be implemented by clinicians in practice.
Racial Disparities in Biopsychosocial Factors and Spontaneous Preterm Birth Among Rural Low‐Income Women
Authors: Jesse D. Elizabeth , Swanson Melvin S. , Newton Edward R. , Morrow John 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIn this descriptive prospective study, 269 African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian women from rural prenatal clinics were interviewed once between 16 and 28 weeks'gestation. Associations between biopsychosocial risk factors and preterm birth (PTB) were examined. African American women with spontaneous PTB were more likely to be older, and to have higher Bowman Gray Risk Index scores and hypertensive diseases of pregnancy than African American women who did not have a spontaneous PTB. There were significant differences in bacterial vaginosis, hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, smoking, social support from others, and self‐esteem among the three racial groups. In the total sample after adjustment for sociodemographic and biopsychosocial factors, women with spontaneous PTB were three times more likely to be African American, to have oligohydramnios, hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, and had higher Bowman Gray Risk Index scores than the total sample of women without spontaneous PTB. Understanding the risks associated with spontaneous PTBs that are unique to African American women and why biopsychosocial risk factors vary by racial/ethnic group may lead to tailored interventions.
The Inter‐Tester Reliability of Physical Therapists Classifying Low Back Pain Problems Based on the Movement System Impairment Classification System
Authors: Harris‐Hayes Marcie , Van Dillen Linda R. 
Published: December 2008

ObjectiveThe classification of patients with low back pain (LBP) may be important for improving clinical outcomes and research efficiency. The purpose of this study was to examine the inter‐tester reliability of 2 trained physical therapists to classify patients with LBP by using the standardized Movement System Impairment (MSI) classification system. The 5 proposed MSI classifications are based on the most consistent patterns of movement and alignment observed throughout the examination that correlate with the patient's symptom behavior.DesignTest‐retest to assess reliabilitySettingAcademic healthcare center outpatient facilityParticipantsThirty subjects (21 women and 9 men) with chronic, recurrent LBP (mean age 31.1 ± 12.9 years) were examined independently by 2 experienced physical therapists.MethodsTraining consisted of self‐study of a procedure manual, a supervised practice of examination procedures and classification rules, and discussion. Subjects were examined independently by each therapist using a test‐retest design. Each therapist assigned a LBP classification upon completion of the examination. Both therapists were blinded to the other therapist's findings.Main Outcome MeasuresInter‐tester reliability of therapists classifying the LBP problems was indexed by the percent agreement and kappa coefficient.ResultsOverall percent agreement on the classification assigned was 83% with kappa = 0.75 (95% confidence interval = 0.51‐0.99; P < .0001).ConclusionInter‐tester reliability of classification of patients with LBP when therapists use a standardized clinical examination based on the MSI classification system is substantial.
Immediate Effects of Contralateral and Ipsilateral Cane Use On Normal Adult Gait
Authors: Aragaki Dixie R. , Nasmyth Mary C. , Schultz Scott C. , Nguyen Gretchen M. , Yentes Jennifer M. , Kao Kaly , Perell Karen , Fang Meika A. 
Published: December 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of ipsilateral and contralateral cane use on gait kinematics and peak vertical force in young healthy adults.DesignProspective observational study.SettingVeterans Affairs Healthcare Center.ParticipantsFifteen healthy adults of aged 26 to 52 years (mean age 31 years) with no gait impairment and minimal experience using single‐point canes.MethodsThe Pedar‐X Mobile System plantar pressure measurement system was used to collect kinematic data from subjects walking in 3 different conditions (relative to a randomly “assigned” limb): contralateral cane (C), ipsilateral cane (I), and no cane (N).Main Outcome MeasuresPeak vertical force, cadence, percentage swing phase and double limb support, and regional plantar pressure ratios.ResultsPeak vertical force (normalized for body weight) was reduced during both cane use conditions on the randomly assigned limb when compared to walking unaided (P<.001). The peak vertical force was 7% to 11% lower for the assigned limb than the opposite limb when a cane was used on either side (P<.016). Mean cadence was higher when participants ambulated without a cane (113 steps/min) than with a cane used on either the contralateral (98 steps/min) or ipsilateral (98 steps/min) side (P<.0001). Mean cadence did not significantly differ between the cane use conditions (P=.93). Regional plantar pressure ratios did not significantly change on either limb in any of the tested conditions. Double limb support slightly increased with cane use (P<.016).ConclusionBoth ipsilateral and contralateral cane use reduced cadence and mean peak vertical plantar force on the limb advanced with the cane in healthy young adults. Double limb support increased with cane use likely due to the reduced cadence and initial unfamiliarity with using an assistive device. A clinical implication of these findings is that prescription of canes for either ipsilateral or contralateral use effectively offloads a designated lower limb.
Junction lasers
Authors: D'Asaro L. A. , Ripper José E. 
Published: December 2008

Junction lasers are devices in which laser action is produced by a high, nonequilibrium concentration of electrons and holes within the same small region of a semiconductor. Why do we want junction lasers? They are interesting not only from the viewpoint of the physics involved; their properties suit them for industrial application as well. The advantages include:
▸ Smallness: Dimensions of the active region are typically one to two microns, with the largest dimension usually no more than a fraction of a millimeter.
▸ Mechanical stability: The mirrors are an integral part of the laser structure, and are usually formed by cleaving the crystal.
▸ High efficiency: Pulsed junction lasers have operated at as much as 40% external quantum efficiency.
▸ Reasonable power: Continuous output of 40 mW has been obtained at room temperature, with much higher powers at low temperatures. The record peakpower output in a 100-nanosec pulse is about 100 watts.
▸ Versatility: Junction lasers are conveniently pumped with direct current, and their output can be amplitude, frequency or pulse-position modulated into the GHz range. They can lase at wavelengths from 20 to 0.75 microns with the proper choice of semiconductor alloy, and can operate in a single mode. Within the last year, junction lasers have been operated continuously at room temperature.