bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of several techniques for the detection of apoptotic astrocytes in vitro
Authors: Micoud F. , Mandrand B. , Malcus‐Vocanson C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.Implication of apoptosis in numerous physiological and pathological processes has resulted in the development of numerous methods to detect apoptosis, but none of them is adapted to all cell types. In this study, we induced apoptosis on murine immortalized astrocytes with urine from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Among techniques allowing the detection of apoptotic cells, only a few are adapted to adherent cells such as astrocytes. We compared several techniques (propidium iodide labelling and flow cytometry analysis, TUNEL and annexin V labelling in immunofluorescence, DNA ladder, ELISA tests to detect nucleosomes) in order to choose the method best adapted to our adherent cellular model and to discuss their practicability for the detection of apoptosis on adherent cells.For technical course, propidium iodide labelling followed by flow cytometry analysis as a quantitative technique, and TUNEL in IF (easier and quicker than propidium iodide) as a semiquantitative test were both retained as best adapted to our case.Moreover, in our model, we have observed that phosphatydilserine externalization and DNA fragmentation were concomittant after induction of apoptosis.Techniques studied in this article would allow an enlarged study of the apoptotic mechanism in several pathologies by culture of adherent cells sensitive to apoptosis in vitro.
Differential mitogenic responses of human macrovascular and microvascular endothelial cells to cytokines underline their phenotypic heterogeneity
Authors: Lang I. , Hoffmann C. , Olip H. , Pabst M.‐A. , Hahn T. , Dohr G. , Desoye G. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.A variety of growth factors promote the complex multistep process of angiogenesis. The mitogenic activity of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and placental growth factors (PlGFs), known as cytokines acting predominantly on endothelial cells, was tested on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and microvascular endothelial cells (MIEC) and compared with the potency of the universally acting basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2). The cells were seeded at different cell numbers and incubated with various doses of growth factors for a period of 24–72 h in culture medium ± serum. Proliferation was determined by measuring the optical density after staining the cells with the tetrazolium salt WST‐1.VEGF121 and VEGF165 increased the number of HUVEC and MIEC at low and high seeding densities various doses and incubation times. The efficiency of FGF‐2 was less pronounced at high seeding densities of the cells under serum‐free conditions. PlGF‐1 and PlGF‐2 stimulated mitogenesis on HUVEC only at low cell numbers and after a short incubation time by 125 ± 3% and 102 ± 5% (P < 0.001), respectively. Longer incubation times with the lower seeding density in the absence of FCS did not induce a significant stimulatory effect of the PlGFs. MIEC responded stronger to all growth factors. In particular under serum free conditions, PlGF‐1 and PlGF‐2 effectively stimulated cell proliferation by 247 ± 54% (P < 0.01) and 288 ± 40% (P < 0.05) at low cell numbers, and by 81 ± 13% (P < 0.05) and 49 ± 13% (P < 0.01), respectively, at high cell numbers. The addition of fetal calf serum caused a reduced proliferative response of all growth factors on both cell types related to the controls. In conclusion, MIEC and HUVEC differ in their proliferative response to VEGFs, PlGFs and FGF‐2.
Defining the boundaries: social worker assessment of sexual abuse in a cultural context – multivariate analysis of personal and professional factors influencing social workers' labelling of intimacy behaviour
Authors: Carstens Carol A. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTTo explore personal and professional factors influencing social worker assessment of family intimacy behaviour in diverse cultural groups, a 27‐item questionnaire was mailed to a random, stratified sample of MSW‐level social workers. The instrument measured rank‐order responses to 10 questions about attitudes towards public exposure to sexual stimuli and rank‐order responses to questions about three vignettes depicting culturally informed family intimacy behaviour. The instrument also measured sample characteristics such as area of social work practice and per cent of caseload involving sexually abused as well as diverse clients. Completed questionnaires (n=387) were analysed for association between respondents' definition of intimacy behaviour (dependent variable), attitude towards sexual stimuli, and intervening variables thought to explain variance in the dependent measure. Labelling theory provided a basis for hypotheses testing.When mean attitude scores were correlated with mean definition scores, Pearson'srreturned a significant low, positive association between conservative attitudes towards exposure to sexual stimuli and definitions of cross‐cultural scenarios as sexual abuse. Holding attitude scores constant, regression modelling of the sample's definition of scenarios indicated that practice area, minority status, and per cent of caseload with sexual abuse clients were significant predictors ofR2change in the dependent variable. Further analysis of data through regression tree modelling showed that a small group of conservative practitioners with ethnically diverse caseloads were more likely to label culturally influenced behaviours as deviant. Among conservative practitioners with less diverse caseloads, number of hours in sexuality training had a moderating influence on deviancy labelling. Tree modelling of the data also indicated that an ethnic minority subgroup within the sample accounted for the lowest ranking of scenarios as sexual abuse.Results support earlier work on social worker assessment of child maltreatment as a function of agency setting. Another implication for social work is the need for practitioners to understand their attitudes towards human sexuality in relation to assessment of diverse patterns of childhood sexual socialization.
‘Health assessment’ at school entry: performance of a system based on school nurse interviews
Authors: Laing G. J. , Rossor E. B. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives To describe the performance of a school entry ‘health assessment’ based on school nurse interviews.Background Universal medical examination at school entry has largely been replaced by a ‘health assessment’ led by the school nurse, based on screening tests, a health interview, eliciting parental and professional concern and past history. As a result children with possible problems are selected for school medicals, reviewed in school or referred to a range of health professionals and other agencies.Setting Inner city south‐east London.Subjects Children born between 1/3/89 and 31/8/89 who were on the class lists of 21 randomly selected primary schools.Data collection A form for each subject was distributed to the school nurse and completed as children were invited for screening, school health interviews and medical examinations.Main outcome measures Proportion of subjects attending, patterns and proportions of reviews and referrals.Results 426 children were eligible for inclusion and 419 (98%) forms were returned. 232 children were seen for a health interview and a further 50 were screened for vision, hearing and growth problems only. 124 had no contact with the school nurse or doctor. Following health interview or screening, 180 children were reviewed and/or discussed with other health professionals. 71 external referrals were made.Conclusion Adequate coverage at school entry is difficult to obtain. The objectives of school entry health assessment and the relationship between selection criteria and health needs require clarification.
Disclosure of diagnosis and planning for the future in HIV‐affected families in Europe
Authors: Thorne C , Newell M‐L , Peckham C S 
Published: March 2003

SummaryInformation relating to disclosure of infection status in families affected by HIV and the existence of plans for the future social care of children with infected parents was collected as part of a larger survey on clinical and psychosocial service use of these families. Parents and alternative carers of HIV‐affected children in follow‐up in 10 paediatric centres from seven European countries were surveyed. A total of 182 questionnaires were returned: most (73%) were completed by parents, of whom 92% were HIV‐infected. Of the 226 children cared for by the respondents, most (62%) were HIV‐infected. Disclosure of both the child’s and the parent’s infection status was rare and found to be associated with child’s age in both cases. Infected children living with their parents were less likely to know their diagnosis than those living in alternative care. Uninfected parents and carers were significantly more likely to want professional help with disclosing to an infected child than infected parents. Infected parents also face difficult decisions regarding the issue of who will care for their children when they are unable to. Half of the infected parents had made long‐term plans for their children’s future social care. European parents were more likely to have made such plans than those from elsewhere (mainly Africa) and parents with plans had known about their HIV infection for significantly longer than those without. Increasing numbers of vertically infected children are reaching adolescence as a result of improvements in the management of paediatric HIV infection. As both disclosure and planning for the future social care of HIV‐affected children have been found to be strongly associated with child’s age, the changing epidemiology of paediatric HIV highlights the need for more information on these issues in order to support families more effectively.
Biological, social, and environmental correlates of preschool development
Authors: To T , Cadarette S M , Liu Y 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBaseline data from the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY, a population‐based study of child health, development and well‐being), were used to determine biological, social and environmental correlates of poor development among preschool children. A total weighted sample of 1233 500 (n= 6982 unweighted) children aged from birth to 3 years were studied. Developmental attainment was measured by the motor, social and development (MSD) scale. Children scoring amongst the lowest 15% for their age group were categorized as having poor developmental attainment (PDA). Correlates of PDA were determined using logistic regression.The MSD scale may not be discriminatory enough to identify PDA in children aged < 1 years. Among children aged between 1 and 3 years, biological factors remain important correlates of PDA, whereas the timing of social and environmental factors appears important to their effects on developmental attainment. The findings suggest a complex relationship between risk factors and developmental outcomes. Correlates of PDA vary according to the age of a child. Social and environmental factors appear to play a larger role among older children. Prospective studies are required to determine the effect of change in risk factor profiles on child development.
The care and health needs of children in residential care in the Maltese Islands1
Authors: Baron A. Muscat , Baron Y Muscat , Spencer N.J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryObjectives To survey the health needs of children in residential care in the Mediterranean Islands of Malta and Gozo.Setting Thirteen children's Residential Homes in the Maltese Islands.Study design Cross‐sectional interview survey.Methods Carers at the Residential Homes were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire between June and November 1996. Data related to all the children resident in the homes at the time of the interview were collected including socio‐demographic factors, reasons for admission to care, medical needs and medical services received.Results In all, 309 children, aged birth–16 years—equivalent to 4.2/1000 Maltese children—were in residential care at the time of the study. Fifty‐three per cent were boys and 52% were < 8 years of age. The most common reasons for admission into residential care were single parenthood (25%), separated parents and parents unable to offer adequate care (19% each). Admission ‘medicals’ rarely included a developmental assessment or use of growth charts. Medical and developmental examinations were not carried out on a regular basis and children were medically examined only when required. Dental check‐ups were performed more regularly; 30% of the children had a dental check‐up every 6 months. Behavioural problems were common affecting 20.7% of all children, followed by chronic bronchial asthma which was present in 7.4%. Developmental delay (global or specific) was reported in 23.3% of children under the age of 4.Conclusions Residential care is the predominant form of substitute care for disadvantaged children in Malta and Gozo. The demography of the child population in Residential Homes in these Islands is different from that in other countries, in that 52% of children in residential care are < 8 years of age compared to proportionately more adolescents in other countries. Medical supervision is minimal. A standardised medical and developmental assessment should be established as an essential part of this form of substitute care.
Can parents accurately perceive hyperactivity in their child?
Authors: Hutchinson E , Pearson D , Fitzgerald C , Bateman B , Gant C , Grundy J , Stevenson J , Warner J , Dean T , Matthews S , Arshad H , Rowlandson P 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn all, 1872 children were recruited as part of a larger study concerning food additives and behaviours in preschool children. This figure represented 70% of the whole population of ‐year‐old children resident on the Isle of Wight, UK. Parents completed an assessment concerning their perceptions of their child's behaviour. The results of this assessment were compared with scores on two validated parental questionnaires, the Weiss Werry Peters (WWP) hyperactivity scale and the Emotionality, Activity and Sociability Temperament Questionnaire (EAS), which were used to assess hyperactivity. The accuracy of parents in perceiving hyperactivity in their children was found to be around 50% if the child was hyperactive, and 89% if the child was not hyperactive. The implications of these findings for services are discussed. Frequencies of potential risk groups for future Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Conduct Disorder were also suggested.
Use of chopsticks in Chinese children
Authors: Wong Sheila , Chan Kingsley , Wong Virginia , Wong Wilfred 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective There has been no study on the developmental stage of acquiring the skill of using chopsticks, which is a common eating tool of the Orientals. We aimed to obtain a developmental profile for achieving the skills of chopsticks manipulation in Chinese children and to assess the correlation between chopsticks manipulation and the level of achieving independence in ‘eating’ item in the Functional Independence Measure of children (WeeFIM). We also studied the relationship between demographic and environmental factors and the age of achieving chopstick manipulation.Methods Direct interview with the mothers of 445 non‐disabled children who were randomly selected from the community. A chopsticks score (CS) of 1 was defined as children who could use chopsticks to finish more than half the meal, and a CS of 0 as failure to do so.Results The mean age of achieving a CS of 1 was 4.6 years. At 6.7 years, all these children achieved this skill. There was a significant relationship between age of achieving the skills of chopsticks and the level of attaining independence in ‘WeeFIM eating’ score. (P < 0.001) However, there was no correlation of age of achieving CS of 1 with sex, social class or the presence of a domestic helper.Conclusion Most non‐disabled Chinese children can achieve the visual motor skill of using chopsticks at 4.6 years. There was also a correlation with the age of achieving independence in the WeeFIM eating score. The skill of using chopsticks should be added as part of the tools, apart from spoons or forks, for scoring WeeFIM in Chinese children.
Parenting behaviour described by mothers in a general population sample
Authors: Thompson Margaret J. J. , Raynor Alex , Cornah Deborah , Stevenson Jim , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectives To collect mothers’ reports of the range of behaviours used by them in the management of their children’s difficult behaviour.Design A cross‐sectional study using an interview with both semi‐structured and open‐ended question routes.Sampling frame The population of mothers with 10‐year‐old children living in the New Forest region of Hampshire, UK.Methods Mothers (n = 67), selected from the sampling frame, were interviewed about the range of parenting behaviours they used in the management of their children’s difficult behaviour.Results Mothers reported a wide range of behaviours. Both authoritative (e.g. reasoning was mentioned by 42%) and authoritarian (e.g. the use of physical punishment was mentioned by 37%) behaviours were mentioned frequently. Although the different behaviours within these domains were intercorrelated, there was little overlap between the two domains. The use of praise for good behaviour seemed to be independent of other behaviours. There was no association between mothers’ parenting behaviours and the behaviour problems of their children.Conclusions These data suggest that parenting takes many forms, with variations of behaviour across the ‘normal’ range being unlikely to represent a significant risk to children’s development. Public funding for parenting education should be targeted at those children who are at significant risk from extreme forms of parenting.
The role of Disability Living Allowance in the management of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Steyn B. J. , Schneider J. , McArdle P. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Objective To explore the use of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) by families of children and adolescents with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and to discuss the implications for clinicians involved in their treatment. Study design Opportunistic survey of patients attending ADHD clinic. Setting Urban area in the north‐east of England. Subjects A total of 32 carers of children being treated for ADHD with methylphenidate. Intervention Semi‐structured telephone interviews about receipt and use of DLA. This involved open and closed questions and a multiple‐choice section. Results In total, 19 out of the 32 families were receiving DLA. They chose to use it mainly to replace clothes and furniture and to provide diversions and activities for the children concerned. Some families were unaware of potential eligibility for DLA, whereas a few had chosen not to apply. Only one family's application for DLA had been unsuccessful. Carers were unanimously positive about the extra income. Conclusions Families view DLA as an important means to replace damaged items and to fund recreational activities to contain over‐activity. Families receive little formal guidance on ways of using DLA money to support children with ADHD. Virtually no specific training in benefits awareness is provided to general practitioners and child health specialists, who are often asked to judge the child's level of impairment or incapacity. Applying for DLA may affect the therapeutic relationship for good or ill. There is a need for professionals in contact with children with ADHD to inform families of the possibility of receiving DLA and support them in applications. As diagnosis and treatment of ADHD becomes more commonplace, more families are likely to be entitled to claim DLA. This has definite implications for the social security budget.
Histamine and tryptase in nasal lavage fluid following challenge with methacholine and allergen
Authors: Jacobi  , Skov  , Kampen  , Poulsen  , Reimert  , Bindslev‐Jensen  , PRÆtorius  , Malling  , Mygind  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe level of histamine in nasal lavage fluid has been used as an index of mast cell/basophil activation in a number of studies. Obviously, such an index can only be valid if changes in the secretory activity of nasal glands do not affect the level of histamine in lavage fluid (i.e. hypersecretion, without a simultaneous activation of mast cells/basophils in the nasal mucosa, must not increase the level of histamine).ObjectivesTo asses the effect of nasal hypersecretion on histamine levels in lavage fluid.MethodsNasal challenges were performed with methacholine and allergen in grass pollen‐allergic patients and non‐allergic controls. Nasal lavage fluid was collected before and repeatedly for nine hours after nasal challenge, and the level of histamine was compared with that of a specific mast cell‐derived enzyme, tryptase. In addition, the effect of methacholine on basophils was examined in vitro.ResultsAllergen challenge of allergic patients produced sneezing and a significant increase in histamine and tryptase levels, whereas challenge of non‐allergic subjects produced no such response. Interestingly, challenge with methacholine also induced a significant increase in histamine levels. This increase was seen in both allergic and non‐allergic subjects and it was not associated with any sneezing or increase in tryptase levels, indicating that mast cells were not activated. Furthermore, stimulation of basophils with methacholine did not induce any histamine release in vitro.ConclusionsApparently, there exists a pool of histamine in the human nose that can be transferred to lavage fluid during glandular hypersecretion. The source of this histamine is yet to be identified. As the level of histamine seems to be affected by the secretory activity of nasal glands, we question the use of this single mediator as an index of mast cell/basophil activation in nasal lavage studies.
Limited genetic control of specific IgE responses to rye grass pollen allergens in Australian twins
Authors: Sluyter  , Tovey  , Duffy  , Britton  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundBoth genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to specific IgE responses, however, the relative contribution of each in the responses to individual ryegrass pollen allergens is largely unknown even though some responses to allergens have been linked to certain HLA complexes.ObjectiveUsing a large group of monozygotic and dizygotic twins, this study was designed to investigate the IgE binding profiles of individual ryegrass pollen (Lolium perenne) components to assess the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors in determining IgE responses to specific allergens.MethodsRyegrass pollen proteins were separated by electrophoresis and immunoblotted with sera from 191 pairs of twins where at least one sibling had a SPT > 2 mm to perennial ryegrass. Concordance levels for individual ryegrass pollen components were compared between monozygotic and dizygotic twins in a subset group where both twins had SPT > 3 mm to perennial ryegrass.ResultsImmunoblotting revealed 23 individual IgE‐binding components from ryegrass pollen. Although there was a significantly greater proportion of monozygotic twins with SPT wheals greater than 3 mm when compared with the dizygotic twins, the mean case‐wise concordance for the immunoblot components was similar for both groups of twins. The mean case‐wise concordance when at least four pairs of sera were involved was 44% for the MZ twins (n = 11 components) and 45% for the DZ twins (n = 12 components). We found no significant differences in concordance levels for any of the 23 individual components including allergens previously associated with HLA.ConclusionEvidence for genetic control of allergen‐specific IgE responses in a large population sample of twins to individual ryegrass allergens is limited, indicating that the IgE responses to specific ryegrass pollen allergens are determined largely by environmental factors.