bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D status of mothers and their neonates in Kuwait
Authors: Molla Abdul Majid , Al Badawi Mona , Hammoud Majeda Sabri , Molla Ayesha Majid , Shukkur Mumtaz , Thalib Lukman , Eliwa Mahmoud S. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: There has been a resurgence of nutritional rickets in children in many developing countries and some of the developed countries. Children between 6 and 18 months old are commonly affected. In order to find out the association between vitamin D and rickets we studied the vitamin D status of the neonates and their mothers in Kuwait.
Methods
: Two hundred and fourteen full‐term pregnant mothers and their neonates were selected from two hospitals in Kuwait. All mothers had normal vaginal delivery. On the day of delivery 2.5 mL of maternal blood and 2.5 mL of cord blood samples were withdrawn. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was determined in duplicate by radioimmunoassay using an Incstar kit. Quality control analyses were done using several between and within run experiments.
Results
: A total of 128 mother–neonate pairs were selected from the Al‐Adan hospital and 86 from the Maternity Hospital. The mean age and parity of the mothers were similar in both hospitals. The mean (± SD) 25OHD levels of the mothers and the neonates in the Adan hospital were 13.3 (6.5) ng/mL and 8.2 (6.5) ng/mL, respectively. The corresponding values in the Maternity Hospital were 17.6 (12.4) and 8.1 (7.3) ng/mL for the mothers and the neonate, respectively. Serum 25OHD of the mothers and their newborn infants were highly correlated (r = 0.790, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
: Results demonstrate that 40% of the mothers and 60% of the neonates are vitamin D deficient on the day of delivery. The vitamin D of the mothers and neonates are highly correlated (r = 0.790, P < 0.001).
Oxidative stress in infants born to preeclamptic mothers
Authors: Tastekin Ayhan , Ors Rahmi , Demircan Berna , Saricam Zeki , Ingec Metin , Akcay Fatih 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. An increase in lipid peroxidation products and a decrease in antioxidant activity in preeclamptic women have been reported in many papers. The objective of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress in infants born to preeclamptic mothers.
Methods
: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in cord plasma of infants born to preeclamptic (n = 18) or normotensive (n = 9) mothers.
Results
: Gestational age was similar in both groups. The mean birth weight was significantly lower in the preeclamptic group (P = 0.007). Maternal age, primigravidity, antenatal steroid use, premature rupture of the membranes, clinical chorioamnionitis and adverse neonatal outcomes including sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal mortality did not differ between groups. Cesarean delivery was significantly higher in the preeclamptic group. There was no significant difference in cord plasma levels of MDA and GSH, and activity of GPx between the preeclamptic and control groups. SOD was found to be increased in preeclamptic group (P = 0.03).
Conclusions
: We concluded that although cord plasma MDA levels were similar in both the preeclamptic and control groups, increased SOD activity might be an indicator of increased oxidative stress in infants born to preeclamptic mothers.
Correlates of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children, adolescents and young adults in north India: a multisite collaborative case‐control study
Authors: Vikram N. K. , Tandon N. , Misra A. , Srivastava M. C. , Pandey R. M. , Mithal A. , Sharma S. , Ajmani A. , Madhu S. V. , Batra C. M. , Gupta N. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAims  In this study we describe the clinical, anthropometric and biochemical characteristics of patients with early onset Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (< 30 years of age) and compare them with healthy, non‐diabetic individuals.Methods  In this multisite collaborative study, 51 patients with T2DM (40 male, 11 female) and 69 non‐diabetic individuals of similar age and gender distribution (controls) as the cases (46 male and 23 female) were investigated. The following parameters were measured; anthropometry [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist–hip ratio (WHR) and skin‐fold thickness at four sites], percentage body fat (%BF) and lipid profile.Results  The mean (sd) age of diagnosis of T2DM was 21.4 (6.1) years. A significantly higher number of cases had a history of T2DM in first‐degree relatives as compared with controls (82.3 vs. 23.2%, P < 0.001). The mean values and the prevalence of abnormal values of measures of generalized obesity (BMI and %BF) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference and WHR) were significantly higher in cases as compared with controls. Hypertriglyceridaemia [OR (95% CI): 4.6 (1.1–20.0)], high WHR [7.9 (2.5–24.4)] and family history of T2DM [7.3 (2.3–23.0)] were independently associated with T2DM. Age and gender adjusted odds ratios of T2DM were 23.3 (5.2–103.6), 37.7 (9.0–158.5) and 86.4 (17.0–438.5), respectively, with the following set of risk factors; hypertriglyceridaemia and high WHR, hypertriglyceridaemia and family history of T2DM, and high WHR and family history of T2DM. Finally, the presence of all three risk factors increased the odds of T2DM to 112.1 (10.8–1164.7).Conclusions  Early identification of the simple clinical, anthropometric and biochemical parameters which are strongly associated with early onset T2DM in young Asian Indians may be useful for primary prevention.
Stability, correlates, and outcome of adolescent suicidal risk
Authors: Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , Bösiger Ruth , Metzke Christa Winkler 
Published: November 2005

Background:  The goal of this study was to investigate the stability and correlates of adolescent suicidal risk across adolescence.Methods:  Suicidal risk was studied longitudinally in N = 593 subjects in 1994, 1997, and 2001 at mean ages of 13, 16, and 20 years. Three partly overlapping suicidal risk groups were compared to three control groups matched by age and gender regarding behavioural and emotional problems, number and impact of life events, coping capacities, self‐related cognitions, and the size and efficiency of the social network. Psychiatric diagnoses were obtained in young adulthood.Results:  The group stability of suicidal risk was 43% from time 1 to time 2 and 18% from time 1 to time 3. Intra‐individual stability of suicidal risks across adolescence was significantly higher than expected. At all three times of assessment, there was a clear excess of abnormal psychosocial findings in the suicidal risk groups as compared to the matched controls. Substance abuse disorders, depressive disorders, phobias and any psychiatric disorders in young adulthood were predicted by suicidal risk in preadolescence irrespective of behavioural and emotional disorders.Conclusions:  Suicidal risk individuals are remarkably stable across adolescence and show a very consistent pattern of associated behavioural and emotional problems and psychosocial variables across time from preadolescence to young adulthood. They also display an increased risk for some mental disorders in young adulthood.
c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase mediates interleukin‐1β‐induced inhibition of lacrimal gland secretion
Authors: Zoukhri Driss , Macari Elizabeth , Choi Sun H. , Kublin Claire L. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractSjögren's syndrome, an inflammatory disease affecting the lacrimal and salivary glands, is the leading cause of aqueous tear‐deficient type of dry eye. We previously showed that interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) protein is up regulated in the lacrimal gland of a murine model of Sjögren's syndrome and that exogenous addition of this cytokine inhibits neurotransmitter release and lacrimal gland protein secretion. In the present study we investigated the role of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) in IL‐1β‐mediated inhibition of lacrimal gland secretion and tear production.In vitro, IL‐1β induced a time‐dependent activation of JNK with a maximum 7.5‐fold at 30 min. SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, inhibited, in a concentration‐dependent manner, IL‐1β‐induced activation of JNK with a maximum of 87% at 10−4 m.In vivo, IL‐1β stimulated JNK and the expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). IL‐1β inhibited high KCl and adrenergic agonist induced protein secretion by 85% and 66%, respectively. SP600125 alleviated the inhibitory effect of IL‐1β on KCl‐ and agonist‐induced protein secretion by 79% and 47%, respectively, and completely blocked the expression of iNOS. Treatment for 7 days with SP600125 increased tear production in a murine model of Sjögren's syndrome dry eye. We conclude that JNK plays a pivotal role in IL‐1β‐mediated inhibition of lacrimal gland secretion and subsequent dry eye.
Analysis of transmembrane domain mutants is consistent with sequential cleavage of Notch by γ‐secretase
Authors: Chandu Dilip , Huppert Stacey S. , Kopan Raphael 
Published: November 2005

Abstractγ‐Secretase is a lipid‐embedded, intramembrane‐cleaving aspartyl protease that cleaves its substrates twice within their transmembrane domains (TMD): once near the cytosolic leaflet (at S3/ɛ) and again in the middle of the TMD (at S4/γ). To address whether this unusual process occurs in two independent or interdependent steps, we investigated how mutations at the S3/ɛ site in Notch1‐based substrates impact proteolysis. We demonstrate that such mutations greatly inhibit not only γ‐secretase‐mediated cleavage at S3 but also at S4, independent of their impact on NICD stability. These results, together with our previous observations, suggest that hydrolysis at the center of the Notch transmembrane domain (S4/γ) is dependent on the S3/ɛ cleavage. Notch (and perhaps all γ‐secretase substrates) may be cleaved by sequential proteolysis starting at S3.
Transient changes in nucleus accumbens amino acid concentrations correlate with individual responsivity to the predator fox odor 2,5‐dihydro‐2,4,5‐trimethylthiazoline
Authors: Venton B. Jill , Robinson Terry E. , Kennedy Robert T. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractPredator odors elicit fear and defensive behavioral responses in rats, but a wide range of individual responsivity exists. The aim of this study was to examine whether individual differences in behavioral responsivity correlate with differences in amino acid neurotransmission to a predator fox odor, 2,5‐dihydro‐2,4,5‐trimethylthiazoline (TMT). We investigated the time course of behaviorally evoked amino acid neurotransmitter changes in the nucleus accumbens using on‐line microdialysis coupled to capillary electrophoresis with 14‐s temporal resolution. One subset of animals (high responders) showed a large, biphasic increase in amino acids, such as glutamate and GABA, which lasted about 3 min. These neurochemical changes were highly correlated with increases in locomotion and burrowing, but lagged behind the behavioral changes by 2 min. A second subset of rats (low responders) showed neither behavioral activation nor changes in amino acid neurotransmission. As a positive control, rats were subjected to tail pinch, which evoked transient changes in amino acids in all animals. Cocaine (2 mg/kg, i.v.) increased locomotion but not amino acid levels. This work demonstrates that rapid and transient increases in amino acid neurotransmitters correlate with behavioral reactivity to salient stimuli.
Evidence that serotonin reuptake modulators increase the density of serotonin innervation in the forebrain
Authors: Zhou Lijun , Huang Kai‐Xing , Kecojevic Alexsandar , Welsh Annie M. , Koliatsos Vassilis E. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe mechanism of action of commonly used antidepressants remains an issue of debate. In the experiments reported here we studied the effects of three representative compounds, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, the selective serotonin reuptake enhancer tianeptine and the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desipramine on the structure of central serotonin pathways after a 4‐week administration. We found that the serotonin modulators fluoxetine and tianeptine, but not desipramine, increase the density of 5‐HT and serotonin transporter (SERT)‐immunoreactive axons in the neocortical layer IV and certain forebrain limbic areas, such as piriform cortex and the shell region of nucleus accumbens. These changes were noted in the absence of a significant effect of serotonin antidepressants on the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH‐2), i.e. the rate‐limiting enzyme for 5‐HT biosynthesis and of SERT at the mRNA level. In addition, we found that anterogradely filled terminal axons from injections of biotinylated dextran amine into the dorsal raphe showed significantly more branching in animals treated with fluoxetine compared with animals treated with liposyn vehicle. Our findings suggest that antidepressants may exert very selective structural effects on their cognate monoamine systems in normal animals and raise the possibility that neurotrophic mechanisms may play a role in their clinical efficacy.
Apoptosis resistance of senescent human fibroblasts is correlated with the absence of nuclear IGFBP‐3
Authors: Hampel Barbara , Wagner Mechthild , Teis David , Zwerschke Werner , Huber Lukas A. , Jansen‐Dürr Pidder 
Published: November 2005

SummarySignaling through the insulin/IGF axis plays a major role in determining the rate of aging in many species. IGF‐binding proteins (IGFBPs) modulate the IGF pathway in higher organisms. IGFBP‐3 accumulates in conditioned medium of senescent human fibroblasts, suggesting that it may contribute to the senescent phenotype. IGFBP‐3 can enhance apoptotic cell death in tumor cells due to its ability to target intracellular regulators of apoptosis, including nuclear transcription factors. Senescent fibroblasts are highly resistant to apoptosis, suggesting that IGFBP‐3 fails to induce apoptosis in this cell type; however, mechanisms of apoptosis resistance in senescent cells are poorly understood. To address this question, we studied the production and intracellular localization of IGFBP‐3 in senescent fibroblasts. Whereas IGFBP‐3 is highly overexpressed by senescent fibroblasts, IGFBP‐3 was not detectable in the nucleus of senescent fibroblasts. In tumor cells, IGFBP‐3 can be internalized by endocytosis, which is considered as a prerequisite for the intracellular functions of IGFBP‐3 and probably also for its transport to the nucleus; we show here that endocytotic uptake of IGFBP‐3 does not occur in senescent human fibroblasts. This is correlated with a generally decreased endocytotic activity of these cells, as shown with the model substrate transferrin. The data are consistent with a model where IGFBP‐3 accumulation in conditioned medium of senescent fibroblasts contributes to growth arrest of these cells, whereas the failure to endocytose IGFBP‐3 and the absence of nuclear IGFBP‐3 may contribute to the well‐established apoptosis resistance of senescent human fibroblasts.
Parenting Practices of Mothers of Children with ADHD: The Role of Maternal and Child Factors
Authors: McLaughlin Deirdre P. , Harrison Christine A. 
Published: November 2005

Background:  We examined the relationships among child behavioural and demographic characteristics and parent characteristics in understanding the effectiveness of parenting practices used by mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD.Method:  One hundred and fifty Australian mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD were interviewed and asked to assess the severity of their child's disruptive behaviour, their own parenting sense of competence, perceptions of social isolation and parenting practices. The hypothesis was that severity of child disruptive behaviour, higher child age, ‘only’ child status, lower parental sense of competence and greater social isolation would be associated with the use of less effective parenting practices.Results:  The regression analysis indicated that the combination of these variables was significantly associated with parenting practices, accounting for 32% of the variance. Unique contributions were evident for severity of overall behavioural disturbance and parental sense of competence.Conclusions:  Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed together with methodological limitations of the study.
Children and Sun Exposure in the Northeast of Italy
Authors: Stinco Giuseppe , Favot Francesca , Quinkenstein Eva , Zanchi Malvina , Valent Francesca , Patrone Pasquale 
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Excessive, incorrect exposure to the sun at a young age can be a risk factor for skin cancer at a later age. In this study we have investigated the exposure and protection habits of a group of children to see whether there are behavioral errors that should and possibly could be corrected. We handed out a multiple‐choice questionnaire to 310 subjects, 212 boys and 98 girls between the ages of 6 and 14, all residents in the province of Udine in the northeastern part of Italy. Of these children, 24% had sunburn on several occasions; boys were four times more at risk than girls (OR = 0.4) and the frequency reduced by 30% for each skin phototype class higher. In children between 11 and 14 years of age, exposure was prolonged (43% for 2–4 hours, 38% for 4–8 hours) and 30% preferred peak hours. Eighty percent of the children, mostly girls, younger children (6–10), and the lower skin phototypes used sunscreens, but only 38% used them on a regular basis, whereas 20% applied them after sunbathing and 42% used a single daily application. Two percent of the children used sunglasses and 5% wore a T‐shirt regularly. The dermatologist and pediatrician play an important role in advising parents that the sun is good for children, but appropriate measures must be taken to reduce any risks, both immediately and in the long term.
Valve Replacement Surgery in Patients With End‐stage Renal Disease: Long‐term Results
Authors: Gultekin Bahadir , Ozkan Suleyman , Uguz Emrah , Atalay Hakan , Akay Tankut , Arslan Ahmet , Sezgin Atilla , Ozdemir Nurhan , Tasdelen Atilay , Aslamaci Sait 
Published: November 2005

Abstract:Background:  The life expectancy of patients with chronic renal failure who are dependent on dialysis is very poor. This study was undertaken to determine time‐related outcomes in dialysis patients requiring cardiac valve replacement.Methods:  From 1994 to 2001, 29 end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) program underwent 30 valve replacement operations: 29 received mechanical valves (97%), and one received bioprosthetic valves. The sites of valve replacement were 11 aortic (36.7%), 18 mitral (60%), and one both aortic and mitral (3.3%). Mean age was 42.46 ± 14.26 years (range 17–75 years). Follow‐up was completed in 28 patients (96.5%).Results:  Early postoperative mortality (in the first 30 days) was 3.4% (n = 1). The overall estimated Kaplan–Meier survival was 56.7% at 36 months, 46.7% at 60 months, and 43.3% at 96 months. HD program was discontinued for two patients after renal transplantation in the follow‐up period. All patients, except the one with bioprosthesis, used warfarin sodium for anticoagulation and none of them had bleeding. One of the patients had a major cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and another one had a minor CVA at the follow‐up (6.7%).Conclusions:  Life quality is better and life expectancy is longer after valve replacement in ESRD patients who have valvular disease. Also, longer life expectancy increases the probability for finding donors for kidney transplantation.
A Model to Estimate Potential Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Habitat Based on Studies in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana
Authors: Cho Hyun J. , Poirrier Michael A. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract The depth distribution of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) was studied in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, to develop a model to predict changes in SAV abundance from changes in environmental quality. We conducted annual line‐intercept surveys from 1997 through 2001 and monitored monthly photosynthetically active radiation at four sites with different shoreface slopes. The following relationships between SAV distribution and environmental factors were used as model parameters: (1) water clarity controls SAV colonization depth; (2) fluctuation in annual mean water level and wave mixing determines SAV minimum colonization depth; and (3) site differences in SAV areal coverage under the comparable water quality conditions are due to shoreface slope differences. These parameters expressed as mathematical components of the model are as follows: mean water clarity determines SAV colonization depth (Zmax= 2.3/Kd); mean water level and wave mixing controls SAV minimum depth (Zmin= 0.3 m); and shoreface slope angle (θ) determines the distance from Zmin to Zmax. The equation developed for the potential SAV habitat (PSAV) model is PSAV = (2.3 − 0.3 ×Kd)/(sinθ×Kd). The model was validated by comparing empirical values from the dataset to values predicted by the model. Although the model was developed to predict the PSAV in Lake Pontchartrain, it can be applied to other coastal habitats if local SAV light requirements are substituted for Lake Pontchartrain values. This model is a useful tool in selecting potential restoration sites and in predicting the extent of SAV habitat gain after restoration.
Effect of Planting Season, Bunchgrass Species, and Neighbor Control on the Success of Transplants for Grassland Restoration
Authors: Page Hillary N. , Bork Edward W. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractConstraints to grassland and open forest restoration (e.g., poor seed sources, yearly variation in establishment, and the persistence of weeds) necessitate the development of innovative methods to restore bunchgrass communities. We assessed the use of two native bunchgrass transplants, Bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Spreading needlegrass (Achnatherum richardsonii), for restoration within thinned montane forest communities of southeastern British Columbia, Canada. Fall and spring plantings were examined, either with or without glyphosate treatments to Pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens) neighbors.Calamagrostis rubescensis abundant in grassland affected by tree encroachment and may limit transplant establishment. Bunchgrass survival was positively associated (p< 0.05) with transplant size. AlthoughP. spicatasurvival was greater (p< 0.01) with fall (81%) than with spring (44%) planting, survival ofA. richardsoniiwas greater (p< 0.01) when planted in the spring (68 vs. 23%). Reduction ofC. rubescensled to a relatively small but significant increase (p< 0.05) in bunchgrass survival by 7%. The summer after planting, changes in transplant tiller number varied by bunchgrass species, planting season, and treatment of neighboringC. rubescens. Removal of neighboringC. rubescensgenerally increased the number of tillers (or reduced tiller loss) but only within fall‐plantedA. richardsoniiand spring‐plantedP. spicata. BothA. richardsoniiandP. spicatatransplants have potential for understory restoration within thinned montane forests, particularly using larger individuals, although to maximize survival, these species should be planted in the spring and fall, respectively. Reduction ofC. rubescensmay also enhance transplant survival and in some cases growth.