bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of very-low density lipoprotein particle diameter dynamics in relation to egg production in a passerine bird
Authors: Salvante Katrina G. , Lin Gina , Walzem Rosemary L. , Williams Tony D. 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARYDuring avian egg production, oestrogen mediates marked increases in hepatic lipid production and changes in the diameter of assembled very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL). A nearly complete shift from generic VLDL (∼70 nm in diameter), which transports lipids to peripheral tissues, to yolk-targeted VLDL (VLDLy) (∼30 nm), which supplies the yolk with energy-rich lipid, has been observed in the plasma of laying domestic fowl. We validated an established dynamic laser scattering technique for a passerine songbird Taeniopygia guttata, the zebra finch, to characterize the dynamics of VLDL particle diameter distribution in relation to egg production. We predicted that non-gallinaceous avian species that have not been selected for maximum egg production would exhibit less dramatic shifts in lipid metabolism during egg production. As predicted, there was considerable overlap between the VLDL particle diameter distributions of laying and non-laying zebra finches. But unexpectedly, non-laying zebra finches had VLDL diameter distributions that peaked at small particles and had relatively few large VLDL particles. As a result, laying zebra finches, in comparison, had diameter distributions that were shifted towards larger VLDL particles. Nevertheless,laying zebra finches, like laying chickens, had larger proportions of particles within proposed VLDLy particle diameter ranges than non-laying zebra finches (e.g. sVLDLy: 50% vs 37%). Furthermore, zebra finches and chickens had similar modal (29.7 nm in both species) and median (32.7 nm vs 29.6 nm) VLDL particle diameters during egg production. Therefore,although zebra finches and chickens exhibited opposing directional shifts in VLDL particle diameter distribution during egg production, the modifications to VLDL particle structure in both species resulted in the realization of a common goal, i.e. to produce and maintain a large proportion of small VLDL particles of specific diameters that are capable of being incorporated into newly forming egg yolks.)
How important are skeletal muscle mechanics in setting limits on jumping performance?
Authors: James Rob S. , Navas Carlos A. , Herrel Anthony 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARYJumping is an important locomotor behaviour used by many animals. The power required to perform a jump is supplied by skeletal muscle. The mechanical properties of skeletal muscle, including the power it can produce, are determined by its composition, which in turn reflects trade-offs between the differing tasks performed by the muscle. Recent studies suggest that muscles used for jumping are relatively fast compared with other limb muscles. As animals get bigger absolute jump performance tends to increase, but recent evidence suggests that adult jump performance may be relatively independent of body size. As body size increases the relative shortening velocity of muscle decreases, whereas normalised power output remains relatively constant. However, the relative shortening velocity of the fastest muscle fibre types appears to remain relatively constant over a large body size range of species. It appears likely that in many species during jumping, other factors are compensating for, or allowing for, uncoupling of jumping performance from size-related changes in the mechanical properties of muscle. In some species smaller absolute body size is compensated for by rapid development of locomotor morphology to attain high locomotor performance early in life. Smaller animal species also appear to rely more heavily on elastic storage mechanisms to amplify the power output available from skeletal muscle. Adaptations involving increased relative hindlimb length and relative mass of jumping muscles, and beneficial alteration of the origin and/or insertion of jumping muscles, have all been found to improve animal jump performance. However, further integrative studies are needed to provide conclusive evidence of which morphological and physiological adaptations are the most important in enhancing jump performance.
Changing salinity induces alterations in hemolymph ion concentrations and Na+ and Cl– transport kinetics of the anal papillae in the larval mosquito,Aedes aegypti
Authors: Donini Andrew , Gaidhu Mandeep P. , Strasberg Dana R. , O'Donnell Michael J. 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARYMosquito larvae are found in diverse aquatic habitats ranging from freshwater to hypersaline water and must often deal with rapid changes in habitat salinity. We transferred larvae of Aedes aegypti from freshwater to 30% seawater, or vice versa, and measured the time course of changes in their hemolymph ion concentrations, using ion-selective microelectrodes. We also reported the Michaelis–Menten kinetics of Na+ and Cl– transport by the anal papillae for the first time using the scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET). Hemolymph concentrations of Na+, Cl– and H+ increased within 6 h, when larvae were transferred from freshwater to seawater and decreased within 6 h, when transferred from seawater to freshwater. Kinetic parameters for Na+ and Cl– transport by the anal papillae were altered after only 5 h following transfer between freshwater (FW) and 30% seawater (30%SW). The Jmax (maximum transport rate) for both ions decreased when larvae were transferred to 30%SW, whereas the Kt (a measure of transporter affinity) increased for Na+ transport but was unaltered for Cl– transport, suggesting that Na+ and Cl– uptake are independent. Data reveal significant changes in ion transport by the anal papillae of mosquito larvae when they are faced with changes in external salinity such that Na+and Cl– uptake decrease in higher salinity. The alterations in Na+ and Cl– uptake may be a consequence of changes in hemolymph ion levels when larvae encounter altered salinity. The rapid changes in ion transport described here compliment the previously observed long term alterations in the morphology and ultrastructure of the anal papillae.
The role of resilience on psychological adjustment and physical health in patients with diabetes
Authors: Yi Joyce P. , Vitaliano Peter P. , Smith Ronald E. , Yi Jean C. , Weinger Katie 
Published: March 2007

Objective. This study used a longitudinal design to investigate the buffering role of resilience on worsening HbA1c and self‐care behaviours in the face of rising diabetes‐related distress.Method. A total of 111 patients with diabetes completed surveys and had their glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) assessed at baseline and at 1‐year follow‐up. Resilience was defined by a factor score of self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, self‐mastery and optimism. Diabetes‐related distress and self‐care behaviours were also assessed.Results. Baseline resilience, diabetes‐related distress and their interaction predicted physical health (HbA1c) at 1 year. Patients with low, moderate and high resilience were identified. Those with low or moderate resilience levels showed a strong association between rising distress and worsening HbA1c across time (r = .57, .56, respectively). However, those with high resilience scores did not show the same associations (r = .08). Low resilience was also associated with fewer self‐care behaviours when faced with increasing distress (r = −.55). These correlation coefficients remained significant after controlling for starting‐points.Conclusion. In patients with diabetes, resilience resources predicted future HbA1c and buffered worsening HbA1c and self‐care behaviours in the face of rising distress levels.
Postterm Delivery and Risk for Epilepsy in Childhood
Authors: Ehrenstein Vera , Pedersen Lars , Holsteen Vibeke , Larsen Helle , Rothman Kenneth J. , Sørensen Henrik T. 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE. Postterm delivery is a risk factor for perinatal complications, some of which increase risk for neurologic morbidity. We aimed to examine the association between postterm delivery and risk for epilepsy in childhood.METHODS. We conducted a cohort study of singleton children who were born in 3 Danish counties from 1980 to 2001. Birth registry data were linked with hospital records to identify cases of epilepsy in the first 12 years of life. We included children who were born at ≥39 gestational weeks and computed crude, age-specific, and birth weight standardized incidence rates of epilepsy. We estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios according to mode of delivery by Poisson regression.RESULTS. Among the 277435 nonpreterm births, 32557 were at ≥42 weeks, including 3396 at ≥43 weeks. Nearly one fourth of the 2805 epilepsy cases occurred in the first year of life. In that period, birth weight standardized incidence rate ratios for epilepsy were 1.3 for birth at 42 weeks and 2.0 for birth at ≥43 weeks, compared with birth at 39 to 41 weeks. Among children who were delivered by cesarean section, incidence rate ratios adjusted for birth weight, presentation, malformations, and county were 1.4 for birth at 42 completed weeks and 4.9 for birth at ≥43 weeks, compared with term vaginal births. There was a similar tendency among children who were delivered with the assistance of instruments. We found no evidence for the association between postterm delivery and risk for epilepsy beyond the first year of life.CONCLUSIONS. Prolonged gestation is a risk factor for early epilepsy; the added increase in risk for instrument-assisted and cesarean deliveries could be attributable to factors that are related to both birth complications and epilepsy.
Lead Exposure, IQ, and Behavior in Urban 5- to 7-Year-Olds: Does Lead Affect Behavior Only by Lowering IQ?
Authors: Chen Aimin , Cai Bo , Dietrich Kim N. , Radcliffe Jerilynn , Rogan Walter J. 
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND. Lead exposure in childhood lowers IQ scores, but its effect on children's behavior is less clear. Because IQ, per se, affects behavior, measuring the direct effect of lead requires measuring and then adjusting for IQ. In addition, either peak blood lead concentration, usually at 2 years old, or the lower blood lead level measured at school age may be the most relevant. Few studies have all of this information.OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to differentiate the direct effect of lead on behavior and the indirect effect through IQ and to examine the strength of the association for peak and concurrent blood lead concentration.METHODS. Data come from a clinical trial of the chelating drug succimer to prevent cognitive impairment in 780 urban 12- to 33-month-olds with blood lead concentrations of 20 to 44 μg/dL. The children were followed from ages 2 to 7 years. The trial data were analyzed as a prospective observational study.RESULTS. Blood lead concentration at 2 years old was not associated with Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised scores at 5 years of age or Behavioral Assessment Systems for Children scores at 7 years of age. Blood lead level at 7 years of age had direct effects on the Behavioral Assessment Systems for Children behavioral symptoms index, externalizing, and school problems at age 7.CONCLUSIONS. Concurrent blood lead concentration was associated with externalizing and school problems scales at 7 years of age, and the effect was not entirely mediated through the effect of lead on IQ.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Varicella Vaccine Responses in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: D'Angio Carl T. , Boohene Paulina A. , Mowrer Anne , Audet Susette , Menegus Marilyn A. , Schmid D. Scott , Beeler Judy A. 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE. Extremely preterm infants mount lower antibody responses than term infants to several vaccines. The objective of this study was to measure the immunogenicity of measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines in preterm and term children.METHODS. Immune status before immunization and immune response after immunization with measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines at 15 months of age were compared in 32 infants, 16 of whom were preterm (&lt;29 weeks' gestation) and 16 of whom were term (≥37 weeks' gestation) at birth. Blood was drawn before vaccination and 3 to 6 weeks thereafter. Measles antibody was measured by plaque reduction neutralization assay. Mumps and rubella immunoglobulin G were measured in available sera by enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay. Varicella immunoglobulin G was measured in available sera by glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Values that were above or below the assay limits were assigned values double or half those limits, respectively. The primary outcome was the geometric mean antibody titer.RESULTS. Preterm children had lower mumps and rubella geometric mean titers than did term children before vaccine, and nearly all children were seronegative for each of the 4 vaccine antigens before immunization. Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella geometric mean titers were similar between groups after vaccine. All children were seropositive for measles after vaccine, whereas 13 of 14 preterm and 11 of 13 term children were seropositive for mumps, 13 of 14 preterm and 13 of 13 term children were seropositive for rubella, and 11 of 16 preterm and 9 of 15 term children were seropositive for varicella.CONCLUSIONS. Preterm children mounted antibody responses that were similar to those of term children after measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines at 15 months of age.
Parent Use of Touchscreen Computer Kiosks for Child Health Promotion in Community Settings
Authors: Thompson Darcy A. , Lozano Paula , Christakis Dimitri A. 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVES. The goals were to evaluate the use of touchscreen computer kiosks, containing only child health–promoting information, in urban, low-income, community settings and to characterize the users of these kiosks.METHODS. Three user-driven touchscreen computer kiosks were placed in low-income urban locations in Seattle, Washington, from March 2005 to October 2005. The locations included a public library, a Department of Motor Vehicles office, and a McDonald's restaurant. Users selected age-appropriate modules with prevention information and screening tools. Users entered the age of the child and were presented with age-appropriate modules. On exiting, users were asked to rate their experience and to provide basic demographic data.RESULTS. In total, there were 1846 kiosk sessions. Almost one half occurred at McDonald's. Seventy-eight percent of users identified themselves as first-time users. Users sought information for children of all ages. Sixty-one percent of first-time users explored 1 module. First-time users were most interested in television/media use (16%), smoke exposure (14%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder screening (12%), and asthma assessment (11%). At-risk children were identified in 52% of sessions. Eighty-seven percent of first-time users who completed the asthma assessment had children whose asthma was uncontrolled. Twenty-eight percent of users responded to ≥1 question on the exit survey. Of those, 48% had less than a high school education, and 26% had never used the Internet. Approximately one half found the kiosk easy to use (57%) and the information easy to understand (55%); 66% said there was at least some new information. Fifty-five percent planned to try some of the things they had learned, and 49% intended to talk to their child's doctor about what they had learned.CONCLUSIONS. User-driven computer kiosks were used in community settings to obtain child health information. Users found the kiosks easy to use. Additional study on improving use and understanding the impact is needed.
Comparison of Proliferative and Multilineage Differentiation Potential of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Umbilical Cord and Bone Marrow
Authors: Baksh Dolores , Yao Raphael , Tuan Rocky S. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs) have been shown to have a high proliferative potential and the capacity to differentiate into an osteogenic phenotype. HUCPVCs have thus been considered a possible extra-embryonic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) source for cell-based therapies. To assess this potential, we compared HUCPVCs to the “gold standard” bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) with respect to their proliferation, differentiation, and transfection capacities. HUCPVCs showed a higher proliferative potential than BMSCs and were capable of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. Interestingly, osteogenic differentiation of HUCPVCs proceeded more rapidly than BMSCs. Additionally, HUCPVCs expressed higher levels of CD146, a putative MSC marker, relative to BMSCs. HUCPVCs showed comparable transfection efficiency as BMSCs using a nucleofection method but were more amenable to transfection with liposomal methods (FuGENE). Gene array analysis showed that HUCPVCs also expressed Wnt signaling pathway genes that have been implicated in the regulation of MSCs. The similar characteristics between HUCPVCs and MSCs support the applicability of HUCPVCs for cell-based therapies.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Subgingival Chlorhexidine Varnish Administration as an Adjunct to Same‐Day Full‐Mouth Root Planing. II. Microbiological Observations
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Sabzevar Mehran Moradi 
Published: March 2007

Background: Recently, the clinical additive value of a highly concentrated chlorhexidine (CHX) varnish, when applied subgingivally as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, was described. The objective of the present study was to investigate the microbiological impact of a treatment strategy for chronic periodontitis based on a combination of same‐day full‐mouth root planing and subgingival CHX varnish administration.Methods: A randomized, controlled, single‐blind, parallel trial was conducted on 33 non‐smoking chronic periodontitis patients. The control group received oral hygiene instructions and same‐day full‐mouth root planing. The test group received the same instructions and treatment; however, all pockets also were disinfected using a supersaturated CHX varnish. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the deepest site per quadrant in each patient at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months. Pooled sample analysis was performed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction–based method for the identification of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythensis (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td), and Prevotella intermedia (Pi).Results: In terms of detection frequency and bacterial levels, significant, mainly temporary, reductions from baseline were found in both groups. When a comparison was made between the control and the test group, significant differences in the detection frequency of Tf (P = 0.024) and Td (P = 0.024), which favored the test group, were found at 1 month. A similar phenomenon was seen for Td (P = 0.031) based on bacterial levels. An important trend toward lower Tf levels in the test group also was found at 1 month (P = 0.052). Compared to baseline levels, microbiological benefits in the test group seemed to be maintained, at least in part, over a 6‐month period. In contrast, all microbial levels had relapsed in the control group at study termination.Conclusion: The microbiological results of the present study promote the subgingival administration of a highly concentrated CHX varnish as an adjunct to same‐day full‐mouth root planing.
Treatment of Glenohumeral Arthritis with a Hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Wirth Michael A. , Tapscott R. Stacy , Southworth Carleton , Rockwood Charles A. 
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND:
Glenohumeral hemiarthroplasty is well established as a method to treat glenohumeral arthritis. This study was designed to report longer-term results and to provide a decision model to assist surgeons in achieving successful outcomes. Our selection strategy for hemiarthroplasty included shoulders with (1) a concentric glenoid with eburnated bone, (2) a nonconcentric glenoid that could be converted to a smooth concentric surface, and (3) a humeral head centered within the glenoid after soft-tissue balancing.
METHODS:
Fifty-seven consecutive patients (sixty-four shoulders) who had osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, without advanced disease in the glenoid, were treated with hemiarthroplasty. In each instance, a modular prosthesis was implanted. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and at one-year intervals postoperatively for at least five years with use of patient self-assessment instruments, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire, the Simple Shoulder Test, and a visual analog pain scale. A detailed radiographic analysis was performed to determine the presence of glenohumeral subluxation, periprosthetic radiolucency, and glenoid bone loss.
RESULTS:
Forty-three patients (fifty shoulders) were followed for a minimum of five years (mean, 7.5 years). Of the remaining fourteen patients (fourteen shoulders), ten were lost to follow-up, three had died, and one was excluded. For the Simple Shoulder Test, and for every visual analog scale measure, the results at the final follow-up evaluation were significantly better than the preoperative results (p < 0.0001 for each). The mean Simple Shoulder Test score at the time of the final follow-up was 9.4 positive responses compared with 9.7 positive responses at the two-year evaluation (p = 0.32), and the mean visual analog scale score for pain was 18.6 points compared with 14.9 points at two years (p = 0.45). Radiographic analysis showed the majority of stems had either no lucency or lucencies only near the tip of the stem. Glenoid bone loss and subluxation improved postoperatively, and the results were maintained at the final follow-up evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS:
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty provides sustained good-to-excellent pain relief and functional improvement at five to ten years postoperatively in carefully selected patients with osteoarthritis.