bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of reported paternal attitudes on the decision to breast‐feed
Authors: SCOTT JA , BINNS CW , ARONI RA 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To identify factors that influence a woman's decision to breast‐feed. Methodology: Five hundred and fifty‐six women were recruited from the maternity wards of two Perth hospitals. Data were collected from a self‐administered questionnaire completed by participants prior to discharge. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors influencing the initiation of breast‐feeding. Results: At discharge from hospital 83.8% of women were breast‐feeding, including 6% who were giving complementary formula feeds. After controlling for potentially confounding demographic and biomedical factors, the father's reported preference for breast‐feeding was found to be the most important factor influencing a woman's decision to breast‐feed (OR 10.18). Conclusion: Fathers participate in and influence the choice of infant feeding method and should be included in breast‐feeding discussions.
Delayed umbilical cord clamping in preterm infants: A feasibility study
Authors: McDONNELL M , HENDERSON‐SMART DJ 
Published: March 2008

Objectives: To assess: (i) the size of placental transfusion following a 30 s delay in cord clamping following vaginal and Caesarean births; and (ii) the feasibility of delaying cord clamping in the labour ward and particularly in the operating theatre. Methods: Fourty‐six infants born at 26–33 weeks gestation were randomized to having the umbilical cord clamped either immediately or 30 s after birth. The venous haematocrit was measured at 1 and at 4 h of age. Results: There were trends towards higher mean haematocrits in the infants following delayed clamping, but these were not significant either at 1 h (55±7.7 vs 52.9±7) or at 4 h of age (55±7 vs 52.5±7). The trends were more marked in the infants born by Caesarean section, and in those born at 26–29 weeks gestation. Conclusions: A 30 s delay in cord clamping is feasible at both vaginal and Caesarean births, but does not lead to the predicted difference in infant haematocrit. Although physiological studies suggest that a placental transfusion of 15–20 mL/kg occurs within 30 s of delivery, these data suggest that future trials should either delay cord clamping for more than 30 s, or should alter the position of the infant in relation to the uterus in order to facilitate the transfusion. Delayed cord clamping is feasible at Caesarean section.
Comparing sulindac with indomethacin for closure of ductus arteriosus in preterm infants
Authors: NG PC , SO KW , FOK TF , YAM MC , WONG MY , WONG W 
Published: March 2008

Objectives: A prospective study comparing the efficiacy and side‐effects of oral sulindac with intravenous indomethacin in clinically stable preterm infants (<1750 g) requiring non‐invasive closure of haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus. Methodology: As maturity and birthweight are the two major determinants of ductal closure, infants were matched as closely as possible for these parameters. An eligible patient was first assigned to the sulindac group and a subsequent patient with similar gestational age (± 1 week) and birthweight (±100 g) to the previously recruited infant would automatically receive indomethacin. A total of eight infants were enrolled in each group. Results: The ductus arteriosus was successfully closed in all eight infants receiving indomethacin, and in seven of eight infants receiving sulindac. No significant differences were found with regards to the ductal size between the two groups at diagnosis or on each of the consecutive days of treatment (P>0.25). More renal adverse effects were encountered in the indomethacin group. Significant differences in changes from baseline value for urine output, plasma sodium, urea and creatinine concentrations were noted at 24, 48 and 72 h after commencement of treatment between the two groups (P<0.05). All the parameters returned to normal or pre‐treatment levels 48 h after stopping therapy. Unexpectedly, severe gastrointestinal complications were encountered in the sulindac group. Conclusions: Sulindac is capable of promoting ductal constriction in clinically stable preterm infants without compromising the renal function. The spectrum of gastrointestinal complications observed in sulindac treated infants were similar to those described for indomethacin. The use of sulindac for ductal closure in the preterm infant should remain experimental.
Obstetric and perinatal factors as predictors of child behaviour at 5 years
Authors: O'CALLAGHAN MJ , WILLIAMS GM , ANDERSEN MJ , BOR W , NAJMAN JM 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To identify whether obstetric and perinatal factors are independent predictors of child behaviour at 5 years. Methodology: The Mater University Study of Pregnancy (MUSP) is a prospective cohort study of 8556 mothers enrolled in early pregnancy. The relationship of obstetric and perinatal factors, maternal lifestyle, age and gender of the child, and social disadvantage were examined as predictors of child behaviour in 5005 children completing a modified child behaviour checklist at 5 years. This checklist contained three independent groups of behaviour: externalizng, internalizing and SAT (social, attentional and thought problems). Results: In the initial analysis a limited number of associations were present. After adjusting for measures of social disadvantage, only number of antenatal admissions was associated with child behaviour in all three scales, while maternal cigarette smoking in pregnancy and male gender were associated with externalising and SAT behaviours. Conclusions: Most common epidemiologic obstetric and perinatal risk factors were not independent predictors of behaviour problems in children at 5 years.
A prospective randomized study of wound approximation with tissue glue in circumcision in children
Authors: CHENG W , SAING H 
Published: March 2008

Objective: Bleeding and wound infection are the most common complications of circumcision. Cyanoacrylate tissue glue has been claimed to have the advantage of being haemostatic, bacteriostatic and easy to use. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using the tissue glue in approximation of circumcision wound in children. Methodology: A prospective randomized trial was carried out on 86 boys consecutively admitted into the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, Hong Kong. The results of wound approximation with cyanoacrylate tissue glue and suturing with interrupted 4/0 plain catgut were compared. The operations were carried out by the same surgeon using identical technique except for the wound approximation. The wound was assessed 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the rates of wound inflammation, infection, bleeding, dehiscence and cosmetic appearance, but the duration of operation was longer using tissue glue (19.8 min vs 16.5 min, P= 0.002). Conclusions: We conclude that tissue glue approximation of circumcision wounds in children is a feasible alternative, but it offers no extra advantage when compared to suturing.
Association between waist‐to‐hip ratio and chronic kidney disease in the elderly
Authors: Chou C.‐Y. , Lin C.‐H. , Lin C.‐C. , Huang C.‐C. , Liu C.‐S. , Lai S.‐W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  To compare the anthropometric indices of obesity and identify which index serves as a better discriminator in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) for the elderly.Methods:  Participants of a 1‐day health check, older than 60 years, in our hospital from 2003 to 2005 were enrolled. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate by modification of diet in renal disease formula less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Indices of obesity include body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) and waist‐to‐height ratio. Traditional risk factors including diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were also taken into consideration. The accuracy of indices of obesity in predicting CKD was measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Association between risk factors was estimated by multivariate logistic regression.Results:  We studied 984 participants (537 men and 447 women) with a mean age of 66.7 ± 5.3 years. A total of 161 (16.4%) participants was found having CKD. In the indices of obesity, WHR showed best diagnostic accuracy in predicting CKD (AUC: 0.58). A WHR cut‐off value of 0.88 had a sensitivity of 68.9% and a specificity of 45.4%. The odds ratios were significant for WHR, hypertension and diabetes (P = 0.025, P < 0.001 and P = 0.033).Conclusion:  In indices of obesity, WHR is better than body mass index, bodyweight and waist circumferences in predicting CKD in elder Taiwanese. Furthermore, the association of WHR and CKD is independent of hypertension and diabetes.
Provision of information on regulatory authorities’ websites
Authors: Vitry A. , Lexchin J. , Sasich L. , Dupin‐Spriet T. , Reed T. , Bertele V. , Garattini S. , Toop L. , Hurley E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  Several organizations have raised concerns about the excessive secrecy maintained by regulatory authorities around the world, in particular in the European Union, France, UK, Canada and Australia. However, limited research has assessed the provision of information by regulatory authorities. This study aimed to assess the type and availability of information provided on the regulatory authorities’ websites.Methods:  Regulatory authorities’ websites in six countries (USA, Canada, UK, France, Australia and New Zealand) and at the European level (European Medicines Evaluation Agency) were surveyed by two reviewers between October 2005 and March 2006. The survey instrument included 16 criteria organized in 3 domains: information on marketed drugs, information on assessment of drugs and information on drug safety.Results:  There was a great variability in the level of information provided. Several medicine agencies did not provide basic information on marketed drugs, such as the summary of products’ characteristics. Information on registration dossiers was scant on most websites except that of the US Food and Drug Administration. The European Medicines Evaluation Agency, the French agency and the Canadian agency released public assessment reports that contained only summarized information of registration data. Only one country, Canada, provided full access to pharmacovigilance data. The periodic safety update reports that companies have to provide regularly to regulatory authorities were not available in any country.Conclusion:  Information on which regulatory authorities base their decisions for licensing new drugs and the rationales behind these decisions were often not publicly available.
Prevalence of the JAK2‐V617F mutation in Taiwanese patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Lieu C.‐H. , Wu H.‐S. , Hon Y.‐C. , Tsai W.‐H. , Yang C.‐F. , Wang C.‐C. , Lin Y.‐C. , Shih C.‐H. , Hsu H.‐C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  The Janus kinase‐2 (JAK‐2) V617F mutation has been recently reported in patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), which is believed to underlie growth factor hypersensitivity displayed by haematopoietic progenitors in these disorders. However, its frequency has been rarely determined in Taiwanese patients.Methods:  The frequency of JAK2‐V617F mutation in patients with polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia and idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) was determined in the DNA from the peripheral blood leucocytes of 108 patients by genomic polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme‐based assay.Results:  The JAK2‐V617F mutation could be detected in 28 of 33 polycythaemia vera patients (85%), 29 of 49 essential thrombocythaemia patients (59%) and 2 of 6 IMF patients (33%), but was not detected in 11 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or another 10 with other haematological diseases. The presence of the JAK2 mutation was associated with specific MPD disease subtypes (P = 0.007), longer disease duration (P = 0.005), splenomegaly (P = 0.019), a higher white blood cell count (P = 0.002) and a higher haemoglobin level (P = 0.036). However, the overall risk of thrombosis or bleeding was not affected by the presence of the JAK2 mutation (32 vs 17%; P = 0.22).Conclusion:  The JAK2‐V617F mutation can be frequently detected in the Taiwanese patients with MPD disorders and therefore should be incorporated into the initial evaluation of patients suspected of MPD.
Psychophysiological responses to drug‐associated stimuli in chronic heavy cannabis use
Authors: Wölfling Klaus , Flor Herta , Grüsser Sabine M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDue to learning processes originally neutral stimuli become drug‐associated and can activate an implicit drug memory, which leads to a conditioned arousing ‘drug‐seeking’ state. This condition is accompanied by specific psychophysiological responses. The goal of the present study was the analysis of changes in cortical and peripheral reactivity to cannabis as well as alcohol‐associated pictures compared with emotionally significant drug‐unrelated and neutral pictures in long‐term heavy cannabis users. Participants were 15 chronic heavy cannabis users and 15 healthy controls. Verbal reports as well as event‐related potentials of the electroencephalogram and skin conductance responses were assessed in a cue‐reactivity paradigm to determine the psychophysiological effects caused by drug‐related visual stimulus material. The evaluation of self‐reported craving and emotional processing showed that cannabis stimuli were perceived as more arousing and pleasant and elicited significantly more cannabis craving in cannabis users than in healthy controls. Cannabis users also demonstrated higher cannabis stimulus‐induced arousal, as indicated by significantly increased skin conductance and a larger late positivity of the visual event‐related brain potential. These findings support the assumption that drug‐associated stimuli acquire increased incentive salience in addiction history and induce conditioned physiological patterns, which lead to craving and potentially to drug intake. The potency of visual drug‐associated cues to capture attention and to activate drug‐specific memory traces and accompanying physiological symptoms embedded in a cycle of abstinence and relapse – even in a ‘so‐called’ soft drug – was assessed for the first time.
Dissociation of the morphological correlates of stress‐induced anxiety and fear
Authors: Pêgo J. M. , Morgado P. , Pinto L. G. , Cerqueira J. J. , Almeida O. F. X. , Sousa N. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractChronic stress is a powerful modulator of emotional behaviour. Previous studies have shown that distinct neuronal pathways modulate different emotional behaviours: while the amygdala plays a key role in fear‐conditioned‐to‐cue stimuli, the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) is implicated in anxiety behaviour and responses to contextual stimuli. In addition, the BNST is directly involved in the regulation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. In the present study, we assessed anxiety (measured in the elevated‐plus maze and acoustic startle apparatus) and fear‐conditioned responses to light stimuli in rats that had been exposed to either chronic unpredictable stress or corticosterone for 28 days; thereafter, stereological estimates of the BNST and amygdaloid complex were performed, followed by three‐dimensional morphometric dendritic analysis. Results show that chronic stress induces hyperanxiety without influencing fear conditioning or locomotion and exploratory activity. Stress‐induced hyperanxiety was correlated with increased volumes of the BNST but not of the amygdala. Dendritic remodelling was found to make a significant contribution to the stress‐induced increase in BNST volume, primarily due to changes in the anteromedial area of the BNST, an area strongly implicated in emotional behaviour and in the neuroendocrine control of the stress response. Importantly, all of the effects of stress were recapitulated by exogenous corticosterone. In conclusion, this study shows that chronic stress impacts on BNST structure and function; its findings pertain to the modulation of emotional behaviour and the maladaptive response to stress.
Study of the adhesiveness of medical tapes when wet, dry or following application of Friars’ balsam
Authors: BERINGER R.M. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryBackground:  Adhesive tapes are routinely used during anesthesia for vital roles such as securing tracheal tubes or intravascular access devices. There are currently very few experimental data available to guide the choice of tape for a particular indication.Methods:  The performance of four medical adhesive tapes (Sleek™, Elastoplast™, Mefix™ and Leukoplast™ zinc oxide) was evaluated under three different conditions (wet, dry and following prior application of Friars’ balsam). A strain gauge was used to determine the force required to detach each tape from the skin of the inner forearm. The test was repeated 20 times under each standardized condition. Statistical analysis was performed using two way anova and the Scheffe posthoc test.Results:  Leukoplast was the most adhesive tape overall (P < 0.001); Sleek was more adhesive than Mefix and Elastoplast (P < 0.001); and Mefix was more adhesive than Elastoplast (P = 0.018). Under wet conditions, Elastoplast and Mefix were less adhesive than when dry (P < 0.001), whereas the adhesiveness of Sleek and zinc oxide was unchanged. Friars’ balsam significantly increased the adhesiveness of Elastoplast and Sleek (P = 0.02 for both).Conclusions:  There is a dramatic variation in performance between different adhesive tapes and between different conditions, which has implications for the choice of tape for a particular clinical application.
The dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor PHX1149 improves blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Garcia‐Soria G. , Gonzalez‐Galvez G. , Argoud G. M. , Gerstman M. , Littlejohn T. W. , Schwartz S. L. , O’Farrell A.‐M. , Li X. , Cherrington J. M. , Bennett C. , Guler H.‐P. 
Published: March 2008

Aim:  To determine the efficacy and tolerability of PHX1149, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods:  This is a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 4‐week study in patients with type 2 diabetes with suboptimal metabolic control. Patients with a baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.3 to 11.0% were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 to receive once‐daily oral therapy with either PHX1149 (100, 200 or 400 mg) or placebo; patients were on a constant background therapy of either metformin alone or metformin plus a glitazone.Results:  Treatment with 100, 200 or 400 mg of PHX1149 significantly decreased postprandial glucose area under the curve AUC0–2 h by approximately 20% (+0.11 ± 0.50, −2.08 ± 0.51, −1.73 ± 0.49 and −1.88 ± 0.48 mmol/l × h, respectively, for placebo and 100, 200 and 400 mg (p = 0.002, 0.008 and 0.004 vs. placebo). Postprandial AUC0–2 h of intact glucagon‐like peptide‐1, the principal mediator of the biological effects of DPP4 inhibitors, was increased by 3.90 ± 2.83, 11.63 ± 2.86, 16.42 ± 2.72 and 15.75 ± 2.71 pmol/l × h, respectively, for placebo and 100, 200 and 400 mg (p = 0.053, 0.001 and 0.002 vs. placebo). Mean HbA1c was lower in all dose groups; the placebo‐corrected change in the groups receiving 400 mg PHX1149 was −0.28% (p = 0.02). DPP4 inhibition on day 28 was 53, 73 and 78% at 24 h postdose in the groups receiving 100, 200 and 400 mg PHX1149, respectively. There were no differences in adverse events between PHX1149‐treated and placebo subjects.Conclusions:  Addition of the DPP4 inhibitor PHX1149 to a stable regimen of metformin or metformin plus a glitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes was well tolerated and improved blood glucose control.
The Influence of Regulatory Focus on Risky Decision‐Making
Authors: Bryant Peter , Dunford Richard 
Published: March 2008

Although studies show that regulatory focus influences decision making and risk taking, theories of risky decision making typically conflate different regulatory orientations and the related distinctions between the positive and negative risks associated with acts of omission and commission. In contrast, we argue that different regulatory orientations influence risk perception and risk propensity in different ways and underpin complex emotional responses in risky decision making. We propose a new model of these processes and suggest that regulatory focus may be important in priming and managing risk taking behavior. We conclude by discussing implications for research and practice.Bien que des recherches montrent que le centre de régulation influence la prise de décision et la prise de risque, les théories de la prise décision risquée regroupent habituellement différentes formes de régulation et les distinctions connexes entre les risques positifs et négatifs associés au passage à l’acte ou non. Contrairement à ces théories, nous avançons que les différentes formes de régulation influencent la perception et la propension au risque selon différentes modalités et sous‐tendent les réponses émotionnelles complexes dans la prise de décision risquée. Nous proposons un nouveau modèle de ces processus et suggérons que le centre de régulation peut être important dans l’amorce et la gestion du comportement de prise de risque. Nous concluons en discutant des implications de ces résultats pour la recherche et la pratique.
Components of the plasminogen activator system and their complexes in renal cell and bladder cancer: comparison between normal and matched cancerous tissues
Authors: Span Paul N. , Witjes Johannes A. , Grebenchtchikov Nicolai , Geurts‐Moespot Anneke , Moonen Paula M.J. , Aalders Tilly W. , Vriesema Jessica L.J. , Kiemeney Lambertus A.L.M. , Schalken Jack A. , Sweep Fred C.G.J. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo analyse and compare the concentration of plasminogen activator (PA), urokinase‐type PA (uPA), tissue‐type PA (tPA), PA inhibitor (PAI)‐1 and PAI‐2, and the complexes uPA‐PAI‐1 and tPA‐PAI‐1 and calculated uPA and tPA uncomplexed with PAI‐1 (‘free’) in urothelial cell carcinoma and matched benign urothelium, and in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and matched benign renal tissue.PATIENTS AND METHODSTissue samples were obtained during cystectomy (33 patients) and nephrectomy (55), and specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess the PA components in extracts of these tissues.RESULTSTissue levels of uPA‐PAI‐1 and tPA‐PAI‐1, but also PAI‐1 itself, were greater in tumorous bladder and kidney tissue than in matched normal tissue (by 1.5–7.8 times). Free tPA was clearly lower in tumour tissue (by 0–0.12‐fold). In bladder cancer, but not in RCC, levels of uPA (15.8‐fold) and free uPA (16.4‐fold) were greater in tumour tissue. Free uPA levels were less in RCC (0.41‐fold). For both normal bladder and kidney tissue, there was no clear correlation between uPA‐PAI‐1 complex and either component. However, the formation of tPA‐PAI‐1 complexes in normal bladder and kidney tissue was primarily determined by PAI‐1. Interestingly, in tumour tissues there was a strong, significant correlation between complex levels and both components.CONCLUSIONRCC and bladder cancer show distinct profiles of components of the PA system. This study provides a basis for further studies into both the (patho)physiological role of the PA system in these tumours, and into a possible relation with tumour progression and prognosis, and as target for therapy.