bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An epidemic of parvovirus B19 in a population of 3596 pregnant women: a study of sociodemographic and medical risk factors
Authors: Jensen Inge Panum , Thorsen Poul , Jeune Bernard , Møller Birger R. , Vestergaard Bent F. 
Published: August 2005

Objectives
To estimate the incidence of human parvovirus B19 among pregnant women before and during an epidemic, to elucidate possible sociodemographic and medical risk factors during pregnancy and to estimate the association between parvovirus B19 infection and negative pregnancy outcome.Design
Prospective study among pregnant women followed from their first antenatal visit before 24 full weeks of gestation until delivery.Setting
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark, November 1992 to February 1994.Methods
3596 pregnant women were invited to participate. The women were examined at first antenatal visit in the period from November 1992 to February 1994 and at delivery. The last delivery was in August 1994 and samples were thus collected before and during a large parvovirus B19 epidemic in Denmark January to September 1994. A blood sample for parvovirus B19 serology was taken at enrolment and from the umbilical cord at delivery. Three questionnaires were completed during 2nd and 3rd trimesters and a registration form at delivery. In total, 3174 (87.6%) were enrolled and 79.5% completed the study.Results
The prevalence of B19 IgG seropositivity at the first antenatal visit before 24 full weeks of gestation was 66%. The cumulative prevalence proportion of acute parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy among IgG negative women was found to be 10.3% (IgM seropositivity and/or IgG sero‐conversion). The IgG seroconversion incidence increased significantly from 1.0% to 13.5% among 932 seronegative pregnant women before and during the epidemic, respectively (P < 0.001). Independent risk factors related to increased risk of B19 infection during pregnancy, adjusted for other sociodemographic and medical factors, were: children at home (adjusted OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.2); serious medical disease (adjusted OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0–8.5); and a stressful job (adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0–3.3). Parvovirus B19 IgM seropositivity was associated with events of late spontaneous abortions and stillbirths (crude OR 9.9; 95% CI 3.3–29.4).Conclusion
Before and during an epidemic of acute B19 infection incidences were measured among pregnant women to be 1.0% and 13.5%, respectively. Three factors, significantly increasing the risk of acute B19, were identified as: having children at home; suffering from serious medical diseases; and having a stressful job. IgM positivity for parvovirus B19 was associated with negative outcome of pregnancy.
Fetal haemodynamic changes in fetuses during fetal development evaluated by arterial pressure pulse and blood flow velocity waveforms
Authors: Mori Akira , Iwabuchi Michiko , Makino Tunehisa 
Published: August 2005

Objective
To study the relation between diameter pulse (pressure pulse) and flow velocity waveforms in the fetal descending aorta in fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation and acceleration.Design
Blood flow through a tubular system can be expressed by the ratio of blood pressure to vascular resistance. Doppler ultrasound and a phase locked loop echo tracking system coupled to a B‐mode ultrasonic imager (central frequency 3.5 MHz) were used to assess downstream resistance and change in blood pressure, respectively.Setting
Tertiary referral unit in a teaching hospitalParticipants
Serial study between 21 and 40 weeks of 22 women with normally grown fetuses at intervals of four weeks; 25 women with small for gestational age fetuses with uteroplacental insufficiency (high umbilical artery pulsatility index); and six women with large for gestational age fetuses.Main outcome measures
We measured the maximum systolic and minimum diastolic diameter of the fetal descending aorta (the pulse amplitude) and then calculated the pulsatile waveform time integral above the least diastolic diameter (pulsatile area) and total waveform time integral (perfusion area).Results
Normal fetal growth was associated with an increase in systolic and diastolic diameters in the fetal descending aorta with advancing gestational age. Pulse amplitude, pulsatile and perfusion areas increased with gestational age. The increased pulse amplitude and increased pulsatile area in association with a decrease of the pulsatility index in the descending aorta during the second trimester suggested that pulse pressure and stroke volume were increased. In the group with intrauterine growth retardation, systolic and diastolic diameters of the descending aorta and perfusion area were within the normal range. Moreover, there was an increase in the diastolic diameter per unit fetal weight and a decrease in the pulsatile area. In the large for gestational age fetuses, there was an increase in the pulse amplitude and pulsatile area.Conclusion
These findings suggest that in growth restricted fetuses there is an increase in diastolic pressure and a reduction in stroke volume, while in large for gestational age fetuses there is an increase in the pulse pressure and stroke volume. It is possible that measurement of pressure pulse waveform in relation to Doppler velocity waveform may be used to infer changes of blood flow.
A population study of birth weight and the risk of caesarean section: Scotland 1980–1996
Authors: Smith Gordon C. S. 
Published: August 2005

Objectives
1. To describe the relation between birthweight and risk of emergency caesarean section at term; 2. to determine whether the relation between birthweight and caesarean section differed between male and female babies; and 3. to determine what proportion of the increased rates of caesarean section could be related to greater birthweights.Design
Retrospective population study.Setting
Data collected from Scottish Morbidity Record 1980 to 1996.Population
All first singleton deliveries by emergency caesarean section and non‐elective vaginal birth of live babies at 40 weeks of gestation (n= 120,854).Main outcome measure
Delivery by emergency caesarean section.Results
There was a U‐shaped relation between birthweight and the risk of caesarean section, with the lowest risk associated with weights in the range 3000–3500 g. Overall, males were more likely to be delivered by caesarean section (relative risk = 1.2, 95% CI 1.2–1.3). The association between male sex and increased risk of caesarean section persisted after adjusting for birthweight, but only males weighing < 4000 g were at increased risk of caesarean section compared with similarly sized females. Between 1980 and 1996, there were linear increases in the rate of caesarean section (from 7.1% to 10.7%, r2= 0.8, P < 0.001) and median birthweight (from 3360 g in 1980 to 3420 g in 1996, r2= 0.8, P < 0.001). The population attributable fraction of caesarean sections related to year of delivery 1981–1996 was not significantly altered by adjusting for birthweight (22.3%vs 21.6%).Conclusions
There is no evidence to suggest that increasing birthweights have contributed to increasing rates of caesarean section in Scotland between 1980 and 1996 among singleton first births non‐elec‐tively delivered at 40 weeks of gestation.
The relationship between intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery: an empirical approach using data from a European case‐control study
Authors: Zeitlin J. , Ancel P. Y. , Saurel‐Cubizolles M. J. , Papiernik E. 
Published: August 2005

Objective
To test whether being small for gestational age, defined as having a birthweight less than the 10th centile of intrauterine growth references, is a risk factor for preterm delivery for singleton live births.Design
A case‐control study.Setting
Maternity hospitals in 16 European countries.Sample
Four thousand and seven hundred preterm infants between 22 and 36 completed weeks of gestation and 6460 control infants between 37 and 40 weeks of gestation.Methods
Newborn babies are identified as being small for gestational age using customised reference standards derived from models of fetal growth. The impact of being small for gestational age on preterm delivery is estimated using logistic regression.Main outcome measure
Spontaneous or induced preterm delivery.Results
Being small for gestational age is significantly associated with preterm birth, although the magnitude of this association differs greatly by type of delivery and gestational age. Over 40% of induced preterm births for reasons other than the premature rupture of membranes are small for gestational age compared with 10.7% of control infants (OR 6.41). For spontaneous or premature rupture of membranes related preterm births, the association is also significant, but weaker (OR 1.51). The relationship between growth restriction and preterm delivery is strongest for preterm births before 34 weeks of gestation.Conclusions
These findings highlight the phenomenon of abnormal fetal growth in all premature infants and, in particular, infants delivered by medical decision for reasons other than premature rupture of membranes. The observed association between being small for gestational age and preterm delivery among spontaneous preterm births merits further attention because the causal mechanisms are not well understood.
Managerial Opportunism during Corporate Litigation
Authors: HASLEM BRUCE 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTUsing a large sample of litigation events involving publicly listed defendants, we document a surprising fact. The resolution of litigation through a court's decision dominates settlement of litigation from the shareholders' point of view, even when the firm loses. We develop a model using agency costs within the firm to explain why the market views settlement as a negative outcome on average and find empirical evidence supporting the implications of the model. Specifically, firms with weak corporate governance settle litigation more quickly, and the market reacts more negatively to settlements involving firms with higher agency costs.
FUNCTIONAL APPROACH FOR THE ANALYSIS OF TIME INTENSITY CURVES USING B‐SPLINES
Authors: LEDAUPHIN STÉPHANIE , VIGNEAU EVELYNE , CAUSEUR DAVID 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT This article deals with a functional approach based on the projection upon a B‐spline basis in order to analyze Time Intensity curves. The modelization is followed, on the one hand, by the assessment of the repeatability and the discrimination ability of the panelists, and on the other hand, by the determination of a good compromise over repetitions. Finally, a multidimensional analysis enables the comparison of the shapes of the curves associated with the assessors (assessors’ signature) and the characterization of the products. The properties of this functional approach are illustrated with TI curves describing sweetness variations of drinks.
THE STATE OF DATA MANAGEMENT IN SENSORY EVALUATION: RESULTS FROM A WEB‐BASED SURVEY
Authors: URIYO MARIA , OTTO EDWIN R. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT Sensory evaluation departments (SEDs) in most companies underutilize the expertise of the internal information technology departments (ITDs). This research reports on the state of sensory evaluation data management practices (SEDMP) and the level of interaction with the ITD. An Internet‐based survey was distributed to sensory evaluation professionals (n = 378) and 21.4% responded. About half (50.6%) of the respondents were satisfied with SEDMP while 40.7% were not. Inadequate data storage systems and the lack of resources negatively influenced their satisfaction with SEDMP, while interaction with the ITD had a positive effect. Excel, MS Access and Oracle were used by 67.9%, 38.2% and 2.4% of the respondents, respectively. Most sensory professionals (86.4%) reported not having training in data management. Although 48.2% of the SEDs had the ability to develop relational databases, this skill was not reflected in how data were being managed.
A Stabilized Mixed
Finite Element Method for Nearly Incompressible
Elasticity
Authors: Masud Arif , Xia Kaiming 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
We present a new multiscale/stabilized finite element method for compressible and incompressible elasticity. The multiscale method arises from a decomposition of the displacement field into coarse (resolved) and fine (unresolved) scales. The resulting stabilized-mixed form consistently represents the fine computational scales in the solution and thus possesses higher coarse mesh accuracy. The ensuing finite element formulation allows arbitrary combinations of interpolation functions for the displacement and stress fields. Specifically, equal order interpolations that are easy to implement but violate the celebrated Babushka-Brezzi inf-sup condition, become stable and convergent. Since the proposed framework is based on sound variational foundations, it provides a basis for a priori error analysis of the system. Numerical simulations pass various element patch tests and confirm optimal convergence in the norms considered.
The genomic environment around the Aromatase gene: evolutionary insights
Authors: Castro L Filipe C , Santos Miguel M , Reis-Henriques Maria A 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
The cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19), catalyses the aromatisation of androgens to estrogens, a key mechanism in vertebrate reproductive physiology. A current evolutionary hypothesis suggests that CYP19 gene arose at the origin of vertebrates, given that it has not been found outside this clade. The human CYP19 gene is located in one of the proposed MHC-paralogon regions (HSA15q). At present it is unclear whether this genomic location is ancestral (which would suggest an invertebrate origin for CYP19) or derived (genomic location with no evolutionary meaning). The distinction between these possibilities should help to clarify the timing of the CYP19 emergence and which taxa should be investigated.

Results
Here we determine the "genomic environment" around CYP19 in three vertebrate species Homo sapiens, Tetraodon nigroviridis and Xenopus tropicalis. Paralogy studies and phylogenetic analysis of six gene families suggests that the CYP19 gene region was structured through "en bloc" genomic duplication (as part of the MHC-paralogon formation). Four gene families have specifically duplicated in the vertebrate lineage. Moreover, the mapping location of the different paralogues is consistent with a model of "en bloc" duplication. Furthermore, we also determine that this region has retained the same gene content since the divergence of Actinopterygii and Tetrapods. A single inversion in gene order has taken place, probably in the mammalian lineage. Finally, we describe the first invertebrate CYP19 sequence, from Branchiostoma floridae.

Conclusion
Contrary to previous suggestions, our data indicates an invertebrate origin for the aromatase gene, given the striking conservation pattern in both gene order and gene content, and the presence of aromatase in amphioxus. We propose that CYP19 duplicated in the vertebrate lineage to yield four paralogues, followed by the subsequent loss of all but one gene in vertebrate evolution. Finally, we suggest that agnathans and lophotrocozoan protostomes should be investigated for the presence of aromatase.
Transcribed Tc1-like transposons in salmonid fish
Authors: Krasnov Aleksei , Koskinen Heikki , Afanasyev Sergey , Mölsä Hannu 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Mobile genetic elements comprise a substantial fraction of vertebrate genomes. These genes are considered to be deleterious, and in vertebrates they are usually inactive. High throughput sequencing of salmonid fish cDNA libraries has revealed a large number of transposons, which remain transcribed despite inactivation of translation. This article reports on the structure and potential role of these genes.

Results
A search of EST showed the ratio of transcribed transposons in salmonid fish (i.e., 0.5% of all unique cDNA sequences) to be 2.4–32 times greater than in other vertebrate species, and 68% of these genes belonged to the Tc1-family of DNA transposons. A phylogenetic analysis of reading frames indicate repeated transposition of distantly related genes into the fish genome over protracted intervals of evolutionary time. Several copies of two new DNA transposons were cloned. These copies showed relatively little divergence (11.4% and 1.9%). The latter gene was transcribed at a high level in rainbow trout tissues, and was present in genomes of many phylogenetically remote fish species. A comparison of synonymous and non-synonymous divergence revealed remnants of divergent evolution in the younger gene, while the older gene evolved in a neutral mode. From a 1.2 MB fragment of genomic DNA, the salmonid genome contains approximately 105 Tc1-like sequences, the major fraction of which is not transcribed. Our microarray studies showed that transcription of rainbow trout transposons is activated by external stimuli, such as toxicity, stress and bacterial antigens. The expression profiles of Tc1-like transposons gave a strong correlation (r2 = 0.63–0.88) with a group of genes implicated in defense response, signal transduction and regulation of transcription.

Conclusion
Salmonid genomes contain a large quantity of transcribed mobile genetic elements. Divergent or neutral evolution within genomes and lateral transmission can account for the diversity and sustained persistence of Tc1-like transposons in lower vertebrates. A small part of transposons remain transcribed and their transcription is enhanced by responses to acute conditions.
A nested-PCR with an Internal Amplification Control for the detection and differentiation of Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae: An examination of cats in Trinidad
Authors: Rampersad Joanne N , Watkins John D , Samlal Michael S , Deonanan Raymond , Ramsubeik Shalini , Ammons David R 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background

Bartonella species are bacterial blood parasites of animals capable of causing disease in both animals and man. Cat-Scratch Disease (CSD) in humans is caused mainly by Bartonella henselae and is acquired from the cat, which serves as a reservoir for the bacteria. A second species, B. clarridgeiae is also implicated in the disease. Diagnosis of Bartonellosis by culture requires a week or more of incubation on enriched media containing blood, and recovery is often complicated by faster growing contaminating bacteria and fungi. PCR has been explored as an alternative to culture for both the detection and species identification of Bartonella, however sensitivity problems have been reported and false negative reactions due to blood inhibitors have not generally been addressed in test design.

Methods
A novel, nested-PCR was designed for the detection of Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae based on the strategy of targeting species-specific size differences in the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic regions. An Internal Amplification Control was used for detecting PCR inhibition. The nested-PCR was utilized in a study on 103 blood samples from pet and stray cats in Trinidad.

Results
None of the samples were positive by primary PCR, but the Nested-PCR detected Bartonella in 32/103 (31%) cats where 16 were infected with only B. henselae, 13 with only B. clarridgeiae and 3 with both species. Of 22 stray cats housed at an animal shelter, 13 (59%) were positive for either or both species, supporting the reported increased incidence of Bartonella among feral cats.

Conclusion
The usefulness of a single PCR for the detection of Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae in the blood of cats is questionable. A nested-PCR offers increased sensitivity over a primary PCR and should be evaluated with currently used methods for the routine detection and speciation of Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae. In Trinidad, B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae are the predominant species in cats and infection appears highest with stray cats, however B. clarridgeiae may be present at levels similar to that of B. henselae in the pet population.
DNA index determination with Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS) in Barrett's esophagus: Comparison with CAS 200
Authors: Huang Qin , Yu Chenggong , Klein Michael , Fang James , Goyal Raj K 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
For solid tumors, image cytometry has been shown to be more sensitive for diagnosing DNA content abnormalities (aneuploidy) than flow cytometry. Image cytometry has often been performed using the semi-automated CAS 200 system. Recently, an Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS) was introduced to determine DNA content (DNA index), but it has not been validated.

Methods
Using the CAS 200 system and ACIS, we compared the DNA index (DI) obtained from the same archived formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded tissue samples from Barrett's esophagus related lesions, including samples with specialized intestinal metaplasia without dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.

Results
Although there was a very good correlation between the DI values determined by ACIS and CAS 200, the former was 25% more sensitive in detecting aneuploidy. ACIS yielded a mean DI value 18% higher than that obtained by CAS 200 (p < 0.001; paired t test). In addition, the average time required to perform a DNA ploidy analysis was shorter with the ACIS (30–40 min) than with the CAS 200 (40–70 min). Results obtained by ACIS gave excellent inter-and intra-observer variability (coefficient of correlation >0.9 for both, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
Compared with the CAS 200, the ACIS is a more sensitive and less time consuming technique for determining DNA ploidy. Results obtained by ACIS are also highly reproducible.