bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17: Report of a family with reduced penetrance of an unstable Gln49TBP allele, haplotype analysis supporting a founder effect for unstable alleles and comparative analysis of SCA17 genotypes
Authors: Zühlke Christine , Dalski Andreas , Schwinger Eberhard , Finckh Ulrich 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17), a neurodegenerative disorder in man, is caused by an expanded polymorphic polyglutamine-encoding trinucleotide repeat in the gene for TATA-box binding protein (TBP), a main transcription factor. Observed pathogenic expansions ranged from 43 – 63 glutamine (Gln) codons (Gln43–63). Reduced penetrance is known for Gln43–48 alleles. In the vast majority of families with SCA17 an expanded CAG repeat interrupted by a CAA CAG CAA element is inherited stably.

Results
Here, we report the first pedigree with a Gln49 allele that is a) not interrupted, b) unstable upon transmission, and c) associated with reduced penetrance or very late age of onset. The 76-year-old father of two SCA17 patients carries the Gln49 TBP allele but presents without obvious neurological symptoms. His children with Gln53 and Gln52 developed ataxia at the age of 41 and 50. Haplotype analysis of this and a second family both with uninterrupted expanded and unstable pathological SCA17 alleles revealed a common core genotype not present in the interrupted expansion of an unrelated SCA17 patient. Review of the literature did not present instability in SCA17 families with expanded alleles interrupted by the CAA CAG CAA element.

Conclusion
The presence of a Gln49 SCA17 allele in an asymptomatic 76-year-old male reams the discussion of reduced penetrance and genotypes producing very late disease onset. In SCA17, uninterrupted expanded alleles of TBP are associated with repeat instability and a common founder haplotype. This suggests for uninterrupted expanded alleles a mutation mechanism and some clinical genetic features distinct from those alleles interrupted by a CAA CAG CAA element.
Lumbar position sense acuity during an electrical shock stressor
Authors: Hjortskov Nis , Hye-Knudsen Christian , Fallentin Nils 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
Optimal motor control of the spine depends on proprioceptive input as a prerequisite for co-ordination and the stability of the spine. Muscle spindles are known to play an important role in proprioception. Animal experiments suggest that an increase in sympathetic outflow can depress muscle spindle sensitivity. As the muscle spindle may be influenced by sympathetic modulation, we hypothesized that a state of high sympathetic activity as during mental stress would affect the proprioceptive output from the muscle spindles in the back muscles leading to alterations in proprioception and position sense acuity. The aim was to investigate the effect of mental stress, in this study the response to an electrical shock stressor, on position sense acuity in the rotational axis of the lumbar spine.

Methods
Passive and active position sense acuity in the rotational plane of the lumbar spine was investigated in the presence and absence of an electrical shock stressor in 14 healthy participants. An electrical shock-threat stressor lasting for approximately 12 minutes was used as imposed stressor to build up a strong anticipatory arousal: The participants were told that they were going to receive 8 painful electrical shocks however the participants never received the shocks. To quantify the level of physiological arousal and the level of sympathetic outflow continuous beat-to-beat changes in heart rate (beats*min-1) and systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (mmHg) were measured. To quantify position sense acuity absolute error (AE) expressed in degrees was measured. Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measurements (subjects as random factor and treatments as fixed factors) was used to compare the different treatments.

Results
Significant increases were observed in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate during the stress sessions indicating elevated sympathetic activity (15, 14 and 10%, respectively). Despite pronounced changes in the sympathetic activity and subjective experiences of stress no changes were found in position sense acuity in the rotational plane of the lumbar spine in the presence of the electrical shock stressor compared to the control period.

Conclusion
The present findings indicate that position sense acuity in the rotational plane of the spine was unaffected by the electrical shock stressor.
Geographical variation in rates of common mental disorders in Britain: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Weich Scott , Twigg Liz , Lewis Glyn , Jones Kelvyn 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundThere is little geographical variation in the prevalence of the common mental disorders. However, there is little longitudinal research.AimsTo estimate variance in rates of common mental disorders at individual, household and electoral ward levels prospectively.MethodA 12-month cohort study of 7659 adults aged 16–74 years in 4338 private households, in 626 electoral wards. Data were collected as part of the British Household Panel Survey. Common mental disorders were assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Ward-level socio-economic deprivation was measured using the Carstairs index.ResultsLess than 1% of total variance, in onset and maintenance of common mental disorders and change in GHQ score between waves, occurred at ward level. However, 12% of variance, which is a statistically significant difference, was found at household level (a much smaller geographical unit) and this difference remained after further analyses.ConclusionsWard level socio-economic deprivation does not influence the onset and maintenance of common mental disorders in Britain but local factors at the household level do. Reasons for this remain unclear.
Synthesis of 3-Alkynyl-2,5-dibromothiophene and 3,3′-Dialkynyl-5,5′-dibromo-2,2′-bithiophene as the Starting Compounds for π-Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Sato Takao , Kokubo Hisashi , Fukumoto Hiroki , Yamamoto Takakazu 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
3-Alkynyl-2,5-dibromothiophene 2 and 3,3′-dialkynyl-5,5′-dibromo-2,2′-bithiophene have been prepared. Pd-catalyzed polycondensation between 2 and 2,2′-p-[2,5-bis(dodecyloxy)-1,4-phenylene]bis(5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborinane) gave a novel soluble red π-conjugated polymer.
A Survey of Self-Perceived Educational Needs of General Dental Practitioners in the Merseyside Region
Authors: Sutton Finlay , Ellituv Zvi N , Seed Rachel 
Published: July 2005

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-perceived educational needs of a randomly selected group of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the Merseyside region (UK). Materials and Methods Eighty-seven GDPs were randomly selected from 850 in the region and asked to complete a self-evaluation questionnaire regarding their self-perceived educational needs. Results Seventy-five (86%) responded, of which 52 (69.3%) were male and 23 (30.7%) female. There was no significant difference in self-perceived knowledge in any of the dental disciplines when gender and period of time since qualification were used as predictor variables. The majority of the GDPs felt they had a good knowledge of restorative dentistry and dental radiography. Some of the GDPs felt they had poor knowledge in implant dentistry, oral medicine, orthodontics, dental sedation techniques, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics and dental radiography. None of the respondents felt they had poor knowledge in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and paediatric dentistry. Seventy-four (98.7%) of the responding GDPs were motivated to attend continuing professional development (CPD) courses because of an interest in a particular dental discipline and only one reported attending out of personal learning needs. Implant dentistry was indicated by 30 (40.0%) of the respondents as their training programme of choice. Conclusions The respondents had high self-perceived knowledge of restorative dentistry, dental radiography, periodontics, endodontics, paediatric dentistry and prosthodontics. The respondents had low self-perceived knowledge of implant dentistry, orthodontics, oral medicine and dental sedation techniques. Of GDPs surveyed, 98.7% applied for courses they liked to attend, rather than needed to attend. Fifty-two per cent of male GDPs surveyed expressed a desire for training in implant dentistry.
Orofacial Piercings: Perceptions of Dental Practitioners and Piercing Parlours
Authors: Chadwick Barbara L , Groves Gemma , Dransfield Kathryn 
Published: July 2005

Objectives To identify the advice given by piercing parlours prior to orofacial piercing and to determine how many dental practitioners see complications from orofacial piercings. Method Administered questionnaire to 19 piercing parlours and postal questionnaire to 400 dental practitioners in southeast Wales. Results Ninety-nine per cent of 227 dental practitioners in south-east Wales had treated patients with orofacial piercings, over three-quarters had seen a patient for a complication caused by the piercing, and over half (N=120) had treated a patient for a complication of piercing. Tongue (N=225) and lip (N=209) piercings were most frequently seen and the most commonly occurring complication was fractured or cracked teeth (N=176). Almost all practitioners wanted more information on orofacial piercing and its sequelae. All 19 piercing parlours in south-east Wales warned clients about pain following piercing and 18 mentioned swelling; only four discussed possible damage to teeth and none discussed the risk of airway obstruction. Conclusions Despite the concerns of dental and medical professionals orofacial piercing remains popular and the complications it causes are frequently seen by dental practitioners. There is a need for literature to assist both dental practitioners and piercers in advising and safeguarding patients.
“This beats a cake stall!”: farm women's shifting encounters with the Australian state
Authors: Panelli Ruth , Pini Barbara 
Published: July 2005

English
The mid-1990s saw Australian farm women benefit from affirmative government policies at both state and federal levels. Numerous avenues developed for the increased recognition and participation of women in rural industries and policy circles. This article traces the subsequent decade, noting the political and gender relations that have seen the policy climate cool. It analyses the discursive shift in policy from affirmative action to mainstreaming and diversity, and critiques the effects on farm women of this shift. The article concludes by speculating on the future paths and positions farm women might take.
A decade of social policy under John Howard: social policy in Australia
Authors: Ryan Neal 
Published: July 2005

English
This paper provides an analysis of the broad policy agenda pursued by governments led by John Howard during the period 1996–2004. During this period, market economics has tended to dominate social policy. The paper provides a brief history of social policy during these governments, especially in relation to education, Indigenous affairs, retirement policy, women and regional issues, and social services. The paper concludes that social policy during this period has been characterised by an emphasis on conservative social values, control of the policy process, mainstreaming, market models of service delivery and individual responsibility over government provision.
Social expenditure in the 1990s: data and determinants
Authors: Bonoli Giuliano 
Published: July 2005

English
This article examines patterns of social expenditure change in 21 OECD countries in the period 1990-2001 and seeks to uncover their determinants. Key trends identified include an overall stability of spending patterns, a marginal shift from transfers to inkind service provision and emergent signs of increased control of age-related spending. Important conclusions derived from a multivariate analysis include the major impact of economic growth, a marked programme maturation effect in fields other than age-related spending and confirmation of the central relevance of policy reform initiatives in the age-spending arena. Although in this period, unlike earlier ones, there is no sign that party ideology influences expenditure patterns, the findings concerning reform initiatives underscore the continuing impact of policy choices on policy outcomes.
The politics of the new social policies: providing coverage against new social risks in mature welfare states
Authors: Bonoli Giuliano 
Published: July 2005

English
Current socioeconomic transformations that have brought into existence postindustrial labour market and family structures are generating new social needs and demands, labelled new social risks (NSRs). These include reconciling work and family life, lone parenthood, long-term unemployment, being among the working poor, or having insufficient social security coverage. These new risks tend to be concentrated among women, the young and the low skilled. This article shows that these groups have little mobilising capacity and that if policies covering their needs are to be adopted, this is likely to happen as a result of alliances and political exchange with other political actors pursuing different policy objectives.
Circulating ghrelin in thyroid dysfunction is related to insulin resistance and not to hunger, food intake or anthropometric changes
Authors: Giménez-Palop Olga , Giménez-Pérez Gabriel , Mauricio Dídac , Berlanga Eugenio , Potau Neus , Vilardell Carme , Arroyo Jaume , González-Clemente José-Miguel , Caixàs Assumpta 
Published: July 2005

Objective: Ghrelin is a gastric peptide that plays a role in appetite stimulation, energy balance and possibly in insulin resistance. Hyperthyroidism is a situation where negative energy balance and insulin resistance coexist, while in hypothyroidism a positive energy balance and normal insulin sensitivity predominate. We investigated ghrelin levels and their relationship with hunger, food intake and both anthropometric and insulin resistance parameters in patients with thyroid dysfunction.
Design and methods:We studied 24 hyperthyroid and 17 hypothyroid patients before and after normalisation of thyroid hormone levels and their respective body mass index (BMI)-matched control group. We measured plasma ghrelin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, a hunger score, mean three-day calorie intake and anthropometric parameters.
Results: In hyperthyroidism, HOMA-IR index was higher (3.21 ± 0.60 vs 1.67 ± 0.15mMmU/l; P = 0.014, t test for independent data) and ghrelin levels were lower (463.6 ± 36.4 vs 561.1 ± 32.1 pg/ml; P = 0.041, Mann–Whitney U-test) than in its control group and both normalised after treatment (HOMA-IR: 2.28 ± 0.38mMmU/l; P = 0.106, t test for independent data, and ghrelin: 539.7 ± 45.4 pg/ml; P = 0.549, Mann–Whitney U-test). Glucose, as a component of HOMA-IR index was the only predictor for ghrelin levels (β = −0.415, P = 0.044, stepwise multiple regression analysis). In hypothyroidism, HOMA-IR index and ghrelin levels were similar to those in its control group both before and after treatment. In both thyroid dysfunction states, no correlations were observed between changes in ghrelin levels and in free T4, free T3, anthropometric parameters, total calorie intake and hunger score.
Conclusions: In thyroid dysfunction states, ghrelin levels seemed to be in relation to insulin resistance and not to energy balance and food intake regulation, as seen in other physiological and pathological states.
Intravenously Administered Immunoglobulin in the Treatment of Childhood Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Korinthenberg Rudolf , Schessl Joachim , Kirschner Janbernd , Mönting Jürgen Schulte 
Published: July 2005

Objective. To determine the optimal treatment for childhood Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
Methods. We performed a randomized, multicenter study of GBS according to international diagnostic criteria. In study 1 (early treatment), children able to walk unaided for 5 meters were randomized for 1 g/kg intravenously administered immunoglobulin (IVIG) over 2 days or no treatment. The primary outcome measure was the degree of disability at nadir. In study 2 (treatment for severe GBS), children unable to walk 5 meters unaided were randomized for 1 g/kg IVIG over 2 days or 0.4 g/kg IVIG over 5 days. The primary outcome measure was the number of days needed to regain the ability to walk unaided. Children randomized for no treatment in study 1 could enter study 2 if loss of unaided walking occurred.
Results. Ninety-five children with GBS were registered in 40 months. Twenty-one children were randomized in study 1 and 51 in study 2 (5 after deterioration in study 1). Twenty-eight children were not randomized for various reasons. Eleven of 21 patients in study 1 lost the ability to walk unassisted and 6 were bedridden, with no statistically significant difference between the children initially randomized for treatment versus no treatment. Recovery occurred faster in the group randomized for early treatment. In study 2, recovery did not differ significantly between the children treated for 2 days versus 5 days (median time to unaided walking: 19 days vs 13 days). Secondary transient deterioration in the disability score occurred more frequently in the group with the 2-day regimen than in the group treated for 5 days (5 of 23 patients vs 0 of 23 patients). Multivariate analysis with Cox regression showed that disease severity at the nadir was the only prognostic factor for recovery.
Conclusions. Treatment with IVIG before loss of unaided walking did not give rise to a less severe course, but recovery occurred somewhat faster. However, given the small number of patients, the power of this conclusion is low. For treatment after loss of unaided walking, there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of 2 g/kg IVIG administered over 2 days versus 5 days. Early “relapses” occurred more frequently after the shorter treatment regimen.
Comparison of Mothers' and Counselors' Perceptions of Predelivery Counseling for Extremely Premature Infants
Authors: Keenan Heather T. , Doron Mia W. , Seyda Beth A. 
Published: July 2005

Objective. To understand mothers' and counselors' perceptions of their roles in decision-making about resuscitation of extremely premature infants at delivery and to assess mothers' and counselors' satisfaction with the counseling and decision-making process.Methods. Mothers who delivered an infant between 22 and 27 completed weeks of gestation and their self-identified counselor were interviewed using a structured interview format. Mothers' and counselors' perceptions of the content, tone, and directiveness of predelivery counseling and their satisfaction with the decision-making process were compared. Demographic data were collected for the mothers, infants, and counselors. Simple descriptive statistics described demographic characteristics of mothers, counselors, and infants. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine agreement within individual mother-counselor pairs about the content and directiveness of counseling.Results. Thirty-three counselors and 15 mother-counselor pairs were interviewed. The majority (66.7%) of mothers stated that the counselor had made a treatment recommendation, and 60% stated that they had no choice in how their infant would be treated. Only 27.3% of counselors stated that they had made a recommendation, saying instead that they had described the treatment plan or offered options. Counselors believed that mothers were given a treatment choice in 57.6% of encounters. Specific mother-counselor pairs showed little correlation in their perceptions of whether a treatment recommendation had been made (R = 0.0) or a choice had been given about resuscitation (R = 0.07). Despite a lack of perceived choice, mothers generally believed that they were included in treatment decisions (66.7%) and were satisfied with the amount of influence that they had in the decision-making process (73.3%).Conclusions. The decision-making process in this study conforms most closely to a model of informed assent. Mothers may have been satisfied with this type of counseling because they felt informed and included in the decision-making process. Physicians and nurses need to elicit mothers' preferences to incorporate them into the treatment plan, as counseling about the resuscitation of extremely premature infants at delivery is considered directive by mothers even when it is not intended to be directive.
Lactobacillus paracasei Strain ST11 Has No Effect on Rotavirus but Ameliorates the Outcome of Nonrotavirus Diarrhea in Children From Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Shafiqul A. , Sultana Shamima , Fuchs George J. , Alam Nur H. , Azim Tasnim , Brüssow Harald , Hammarström Lennart 
Published: July 2005

Background. Previous studies have shown that selected strains of lactobacilli that are administered orally result in a modest reduction of diarrhea duration. However, duration alone is not considered optimal for therapeutic evaluation of any agent in diarrhea.
Objective. To examine the effect of a new probiotic, Lactobacillus paracasei strain ST11 (ST11), in acute childhood diarrhea by using evaluation criteria recommended by the World Health Organization.
Methods. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 230 male infants and young children, 4 to 24 months of age, presenting with diarrhea of &lt;2 days' duration were admitted to the metabolic research ward of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, and fed 1010 colony-forming units of lyophilized ST11 or placebo daily for 5 days. Stool output and frequency, oral rehydration solution intake, and excretion of rotavirus were monitored daily.
Results. No effect of ST11 treatment on severe rotavirus diarrhea was observed. However, the probiotic treatment did significantly reduce cumulative stool output (225 ± 218 vs 381 ± 240 mL/kg), stool frequency (27.9 ± 17 vs 42.5 ± 26), and oral rehydration solution intake (180 ± 207 vs 331 ± 236 mL/kg) in children with less-severe nonrotavirus diarrhea compared with those receiving placebo treatment. A significantly higher proportion of nonrotavirus children receiving ST11 had their diarrhea resolve within 6 days of therapy (ST11 versus placebo: 76% vs 49%).
Conclusions. ST11 has a clinically significant benefit in the management of children with nonrotavirus-induced diarrhea, but it is ineffective in those with rotavirus diarrhea.