bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can contrast-enhanced MR imaging predict survival in breast cancer?
Authors: Boné B. , Szabó B. K. , Perbeck L. G. , Veress B. , Aspelin P.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To investigate the value of pre-operative contrast-enhanced MR imaging (CE-MRI) in predicting the disease-free and overall survival in breast cancer.

Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 50 consecutive patients with histopathologically verified primary breast cancer who pre-operatively underwent CE-MRI examination between 1992 and 1993. A three-time point MR examination was performed where the enhancement rates (C1 and C2), signal enhancement ratio (SER = C1/C2) and washout (W = C1–C2) were calculated. The relation of these MR parameters to disease-free and overall survival was investigated. The median follow-up for surviving patients was 95 months. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of different factors on prediction of survival.

Results: Of the MR parameters examined at univariate analysis, increased C1 ( p = 0.029), W ( p = 0.0081) and SER values ( p = 0.0081) were significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival, and only C1 ( p = 0.016) was related significantly to overall survival. Multivariate analysis for disease-free survival showed that the SER ( p = 0.014) and tumor size ( p = 0.001) were significant and independent predictors. Age ( p = 0.003), lymph node status ( p = 0.014), tumor size ( p = 0.039) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen index ( p = 0.053) remained independently associated with overall survival at multivariate analysis. C1 was not confirmed as an independent predictor of overall survival.

Conclusion: Our findings support the presumption that CE-MRI is useful in predicting the disease-free survival in patients with breast cancer.
Asthmatic bronchitis for 2 years: A case report
Authors: Starakis I. , Mylona M. , Spyropoulos K. , Dimopoulos P.A.
Published: December 2009

Longstanding asthmatic bronchitis, without evidence of underlying disease, occurring in middle-aged patients, is usually attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is treated appropriately.

We report a case of 2-year asthmatic bronchitis with recurrent attacks of wheezing, in a 60-year-old patient. He had three repeated hospitalizations, in different institutions, where he was treated for exacerbations of chronic bronchitis complicated by lower respiratory tract infections. During his final hospitalization, a tracheal hamartoma was found and removed, releasing him from his symptoms.
Color doppler us findings in the diagnosis of arterial occlusive disease of the lower limb
Authors: Trusen A. , Beissert M. , Hahn D.
Published: December 2009

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) of the lower limb is a widely spread disease at the present time. After clinical examination, which includes a comprehensive history of the patient, different imaging modalities are competitive in the exact assessment of PAOD. Besides digital subtraction angiography and MR -angiography, color Doppler US is an established imaging modality in the diagnosis of PAOD.

This article illustrates the typical color Doppler US findings in PAOD of the lower limb. Duplex images of normal and pathological findings are presented, and the limitations of the method are pointed out. Color Doppler US examination strategies in patients suffering of PAOD are outlined.
Camurati-engelmann disease: Review of radioclinical features
Authors: Vanhoenacker F. M. , Janssens K. , Van Hul W. , Gershoni-Baruch R. , Brik R. , De Schepper A. M.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To present a retrospective overview of the clinical and radiological features of Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED) in a large family with genetically proven CED.

Material and Methods: Clinical features and imaging studies were available in 8 affected patients out of a large Jewish-Iraqi family with 21 affected members in four generations. The patients' ages ranged between 7 and 44 years.

Results and Conclusions: The most frequent symptoms were pain and muscle weakness accompanied by waddling gait. Two patients were asymptomatic. Radiologically, the disease can be classified as a craniotubular hyperostosis. Typically, fusiform thickening of the diaphyseal portions of the long bones was seen in all 8 patients, but in 1 patient, metaphyseal involvement was observed as well. Radioclinical abnormalities were most often detected before the age of 30, and were usually more extensive at older age. Radiological abnormalities may precede the clinical signs. Concomitant broadening of the diaphyses of long bones and narrowing of the medullary canal suggest that both an excessive periosteal apposition of bone and a defective resorption of bone at the endosteal side of the long bones exist.
Comparison of contrast-enhanced CT angiography and gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography in the detection of subsegmental-sized pulmonary embolism: An experimental study in a pig model
Authors: Seo J. B. , Im J.-G. , Goo J. M. , Chung M. J. , Moon W. K. , Lee K. H. , Kim I.-O.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To compare contrast-enhanced CT angiography (CTA) and gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) for the detection of subsegmental-sized pulmonary emboli in a pig model.

Material and Methods: In 5 anesthetized pigs, 3-mm diameter embolic materials made of Konjac, a semisolid food, were introduced through the internal jugular vein into pulmonary arteries. After embolization, CTA and MRA images were obtained. Respiration was suspended during CTA and MRA image acquisition. Two readers reviewed the CTA and MRA images to detect emboli. The pigs were sacrificed, and sliced specimens of inflated lung served as the gold standard.

Results: Thirty-six emboli were detected within peripheral arteries. The sensitivity (and 95% confidence intervals) of CTA for the two readers were 57% (39–74%) and 66% (48–81%), and 88% (69–98%) and 92% (74–94%) for MRA. The specificity of CTA was 95% (91–97%) and 98% (96–99%), and that of MRA was 85% (74–93%) and 90% (80–96%). Interobserver agreement was higher for MRA (kappa 0.898) than CTA (kappa 0.574).

Conclusion: For the detection of subsegmental pulmonary emboli, MRA was superior to CTA, with a higher sensitivity and interobserver agreement by demonstrating perfusion deficits.
Comparison of stereotactic fine needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsy in 522 non-palpable breast lesions
Authors: Leifland K. , Lagerstedt U. , Svane G.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of stereotactic fine needle aspiration cytologies (S-FNAC) and stereotactic core needle biopsies (S-CNB) in non-palpable breast lesions.

Material and Methods: Between May 1993 and December 2000, 696 patients with mammographically detected lesions were biopsied both with S-FNAC and S-CNB. S-FNAC was performed with spinal needle 22- or 20-gauge and S-CNB with an automated 14-gauge gun.

Results: Of the 696 patients, 522 (75%) underwent breast surgery with postoperative histopathology. In all, 448 of these 522 women (86%) had malignant and 74 (14%) had benign lesions. S-FNAC revealed cancer in 254 (57%) and probable cancer in 48 (11%) (sensitivity 68%, specificity 99.6%) and S-CNB revealed cancer in 388 (87%) and probable cancer in 18 (4%) (sensitivity 90%, specificity 98.8%) of these 448 patients.

Conclusion: S-CNB was more accurate than S-FNAC in the diagnosis of non-palpable breast cancer.
Optimization of ecg gating in quantitative femoral angiography
Authors: Nilsson S. , Berglund I. , Erikson U. , Johansson J. , Walldius G.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To determine which phase of the heart cycle would yield the highest reproducibility in measuring atherosclerosis-related variables such as arterial lumen volume and edge roughness.

Material and Methods: 35 patients with hypercholesterolemia underwent select‐ ive femoral angiography, repeated four times at 10-min intervals. The angiographies were performed with ECG-gated exposures. In angiographies 1 and 2 the delay from R-wave maximum to each exposure was 0.1 s, in angiographies 3 and 4 the delay was 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 s or the exposures were performed 1/s without ECG gating. Arterial lumen volume and edge roughness were measured in a 20-cm segment of the superficial femoral artery using a computer-based densitometric method. Measurement reproducibility was determined by comparing angiographies 1–2 and angiographies 3–4.

Results: When measuring arterial lumen volume and edge roughness of a 20-cm segment of the femoral artery, reproducibility was not dependent on ECG gating. In measuring single arterial diameters and cross-sectional areas, the reproducibility was better when exposures were made 0.1 s after the R-wave maximum than when using other settings of the ECG gating device or without ECG gating.

Conclusion: The influence of pulsatile flow upon quantitative measurement in femoral angiograms seems to be the smallest possible in early systole, as can be demonstrated when measuring single diameters and cross-sectional areas. In variables based on integration over longer segments, measurement reproducibility seems to be independent of phase.
Utility of color duplex sonography in the assessment of efficacy of the stellate ganglion blockade
Authors: Çeliktas M. , Birbiçer H. , Aikimbaev K. , Özbek H. , Akgül E. , Binokay F.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To assess the hemodynamic changes in the upper extremity arteries after sympathetic ganglion blockade (SGB) by using spectral Doppler parameters and to determine the applicability of these parameters for the evaluation of SGB efficacy.

Material and Methods: Spectral Doppler parameters (peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), mean velocity (mean V), flow volume, resistive and pulsatility indices (RI, PI), inner arterial diameters (intima to intima) (D) with simultaneous recordings of heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressures and upper extremity surface temperature changes) were recorded before and 5 min after during the first, fifth and tenth SGB procedures.

Results: SGB induced an increase in skin temperature in the ipsilateral hand and persistent dilatation of the radial diameter accompanied by reduction of RI and PI in the radial and third digital arteries in all patients.

Conclusion: Hemodynamic changes assessed by spectral Doppler parameters could be used as sensitive and objective measurements of peripheral sympathetic nervous activity and vascular tonus, and may confirm a successfully performed SGB.
Metastases to the breast from small-cell lung cancer: MR findings: A case report
Authors: Jakovljević B. , Stevanović O. , Bačić G.
Published: December 2009

We report a case of blood-borne metastatic breast disease of small-cell lung cancer in a 44-year-old patient with no previous history of malignancy. The possibilities of MR in the early detection of breast metastases and their appearance on MR images are discussed.

Metastases to the breast should be considered when MR mammography of the breast reveals multiple, bilateral, well-defined lesions with ring enhancement and wash-out pattern.
Radiologic diagnosis and management of complications related to central venous access
Authors: Knutstad K. , Hager B. , Hauser M.
Published: December 2009

Central venous access is an important aspect of medical treatment. There are different designs of access devices for different purposes. In essence, they can be classified as short- and long-term devices. Insertion procedures vary for different devices. There is a risk for both acute and delayed complications. Radiology plays a central role both in placement and in device management. Image-guided insertion increases technical success and reduces the rate of acute complications. The diagnostic approach to long-term complications includes radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, and ultrasound. Treatment by interventional procedures is possible for a number of these conditions. These interventions increase device lifespan and reduce the number of necessary reinsertions.
Isolated spinal neurobehçet disease MR imaging findings: A case report
Authors: Cakirer S.
Published: December 2009

MR imaging findings of a patient with isolated cervical spinal cord involvement of neurobehçet disease is presented. To our knowledge this will be the sixth case reported in the literature.
Ultrafast MR imaging in pediatric neuroradiology
Authors: Singh R. K. , Smith J. T. , Wilkinson I. D. , Griffiths P. D.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic information obtained from ultrafast MR imaging with standard MR imaging techniques in pediatric neuroradiology. The goal was to judge whether ultrafast methods can be used to replace standard methods and reduce the need for sedation or general anesthesia as a result of the considerably shorter scan times.

Material and Methods: Our prospective study involved 125 patients. Routine clinical imaging was performed along with two ultrafast methods. Single shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) was used to give T2-weighted images and an echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence to provide a T1-weighted images.

The ultrafast images were presented to an experienced neuroradiologist who was also given the information present on the initial referral card. These reports based on the ultrafast images were then compared with the formal radiologic report made solely on the basis of the standard imaging.

Results: The overall sensitivity and specificity for ultrafast imaging when compared to the reference standard were 78% and 98% with positive and negative predictive values of 98% and 76%. Pathologies characterized by small areas of subtle T2 prolongation were difficult or impossible to see on the ultrafast images but otherwise they provided reliable information.

Conclusions: This paper demonstrates that ultrafast MR imaging can diagnose many pediatric intracranial abnormalities as well as standard methods. Anatomic resolution limits its capacity to define subtle developmental anomalies and contrast resolution limitations of the ultrafast methods reduce the detection of pathology characterized by subtle T2 prolongation.
Inflammatory markers increase following exposure to radiographic contrast media
Authors: Laskey W. K. , Gellman J.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Increased levels of markers of systemic inflammation have been noted in patients following coronary angiographic procedures. The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of the type of the angiographic procedure as well as the type of radiographic contrast media (RCM) on markers of inflammation.

Material and Methods: Thirty-seven patients undergoing diagnostic or interventional coronary angiographic procedures were randomly assigned to receive one of three RCM − an ionic low osmolar agent; a non-ionic, iso-osmotic agent; or a non-ionic, low osmolar agent. Sera were analyzed at baseline (prior to receiving RCM), and at 2, 6 and 24 h thereafter for interleukin (IL)-6 and soluble receptors for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-1 and TNFα- 2.

Results: Statistically significant increases over time in each RCM group were noted for IL-6 and both TNFα receptors. Comparable increases in inflammatory markers were observed in patients undergoing diagnostic angiography and in patients undergoing an associated coronary intervention. While these markers increased following exposure to both ionic and non-ionic RCM, there was a consistent trend towards lessened marker release with non-ionic RCM.

Conclusion: Both diagnostic and interventional coronary angiographic procedures are associated with an increase in serum inflammatory markers. While both ionic and non-ionic RCM are associated with increases in serum inflammatory markers, this increase may be attenuated with non-ionic RCM.
Angiosarcoma of the pulmonary trunk mimicking pulmonary thromboembolic disease: A case report
Authors: Tschirch F. T. C. , Del Grande F. , Marincek B. , Huisman T. A. G. M.
Published: December 2009

We report on a 59-year-old male patient who suffered from dyspnea, cough and hemoptysis. Initial chest X-ray revealed a prominent right pulmonary artery (RPA) and MR imaging showed a “filling defect” within the main pulmonary trunk and RPA indicating pulmonary thromboembolic disease. Despite systemic anticoagulation, symptoms progressed. Follow-up CT showed an enlarging “filling defect” with additional extension into the left pulmonary artery as well as multiple intrapulmonary nodules. Lesion biopsy revealed a pulmonary artery angiosarcoma. Imaging findings are presented. Our case illustrates that pulmonary artery angiosarcoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolic disease in cases where a) symptoms do not respond to anticoagulation, b) no source of thrombi/emboli can be detected and c) pulmonary nodules/metastases develop on follow-up.
A new gene selection procedure based on the covariance distance
Authors: Hu Rui , Qiu Xing , Glazko Galina
Published: December 2009

Motivation: Very little attention has been given to gene selection procedures based on intergene correlation structure, which is often neglected in the context of differential gene expression analysis. We propose a statistical procedure to select genes that have different associations with others across different phenotypes. This procedure is based on a new gene association score, called the covariance distance.

Results: We apply the proposed method, along with two alternative methods, to several simulated datasets and find out that our method is much more powerful than the other two. For biological data, we demonstrate that the analysis of differentially associated genes complements the analysis of differentially expressed genes. Combining both procedures provides a more comprehensive functional interpretation of the experimental results.

Availability: The code is downloadable from http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/biostat/people/faculty/hu.cfm

Contact:  huruizg@hotmail.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Temporal clustering by affinity propagation reveals transcriptional modules in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kiddle Steven J. , Windram Oliver P. F. , McHattie Stuart , Mead Andrew , Beynon Jim , Buchanan-Wollaston Vicky , Denby Katherine J. , Mukherjee Sach
Published: December 2009

Motivation: Identifying regulatory modules is an important task in the exploratory analysis of gene expression time series data. Clustering algorithms are often used for this purpose. However, gene regulatory events may induce complex temporal features in a gene expression profile, including time delays, inversions and transient correlations, which are not well accounted for by current clustering methods. As the cost of microarray experiments continues to fall, the temporal resolution of time course studies is increasing. This has led to a need to take account of detailed temporal features of this kind. Thus, while standard clustering methods are both widely used and much studied, their shared shortcomings with respect to such temporal features motivates the work presented here.

Results: Here, we introduce a temporal clustering approach for high-dimensional gene expression data which takes account of time delays, inversions and transient correlations. We do so by exploiting a recently introduced, message-passing-based algorithm called Affinity Propagation (AP). We take account of temporal features of interest following an approximate but efficient dynamic programming approach due to Qian et al. The resulting approach is demonstrably effective in its ability to discern non-obvious temporal features, yet efficient and robust enough for routine use as an exploratory tool. We show results on validated transcription factor–target pairs in yeast and on gene expression data from a study of Arabidopsis thaliana under pathogen infection. The latter reveals a number of biologically striking findings.

Availability: Matlab code for our method is available at http://www.wsbc.warwick.ac.uk/stevenkiddle/tcap.html.

Contact:  s.j.kiddle@warwick.ac.uk; s.n.mukherjee@warwick.ac.uk
Extensive Functional Diversification of thePopulusGlutathioneS-Transferase Supergene Family
Authors: Lan Ting , Yang Zhi-Ling , Yang Xue , Liu Yan-Jing , Wang Xiao-Ru , Zeng Qing-Yin
Published: December 2009

Identifying how genes and their functions evolve after duplication is central to understanding gene family radiation. In this study, we systematically examined the functional diversification of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene family in Populus trichocarpa by integrating phylogeny, expression, substrate specificity, and enzyme kinetic data. GSTs are ubiquitous proteins in plants that play important roles in stress tolerance and detoxification metabolism. Genome annotation identified 81 GST genes in Populus that were divided into eight classes with distinct divergence in their evolutionary rate, gene structure, expression responses to abiotic stressors, and enzymatic properties of encoded proteins. In addition, when all the functional parameters were examined, clear divergence was observed within tandem clusters and between paralogous gene pairs, suggesting that subfunctionalization has taken place among duplicate genes. The two domains of GST proteins appear to have evolved under differential selective pressures. The C-terminal domain seems to have been subject to more relaxed functional constraints or divergent directional selection, which may have allowed rapid changes in substrate specificity, affinity, and activity, while maintaining the primary function of the enzyme. Our findings shed light on mechanisms that facilitate the retention of duplicate genes, which can result in a large gene family with a broad substrate spectrum and a wide range of reactivity toward different substrates.
The cardiovascular effects of normobaric hyperoxia in patients with heart rate fixed by permanent pacemaker
Authors: Anderson K. J. , Harten J. M. , Booth M. G. , Berry C. , McConnachie A. , Rankin A. C. , Kinsella J.
Published: December 2009

To investigate whether the established reductions in heart rate and cardiac output with hyperoxia in humans are primary effects or secondary to increases in systemic vascular resistance, we paced the hearts of nine patients with permanent pacemakers at a fixed rate when breathing either medical air (inspired O2 fraction 0.21) or oxygen (inspired O2 fraction 0.80) in a randomised, double‐blind fashion. A thoracic bio‐impedance machine was used to measure heart rate, stroke volume and blood pressure and calculate cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance index. Oxygen caused no change in cardiac index (p = 0.18), stroke index (p = 0.44) or blood pressure (p = 0.52) but caused a small (5.5%) increase in systemic vascular resistance index (p = 0.03). This suggests that hyperoxia has no direct myocardial depressant effects, but that the changes in cardiac output reported in previous studies are secondary to changes in systemic vascular resistance.
Synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research: an example using Critical Interpretive Synthesis
Authors: Flemming Kate
Published: December 2009

flemming k. (2010) Synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research: an example using Critical Interpretive Synthesis. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 201–217.

Title.  Synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research: an example using CriticalInterpretive Synthesis.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a Critical Interpretive Synthesis to synthesize quantitative research, in the form of an effectiveness review and a guideline, with qualitative research to examine the use of morphine to treat cancer‐related pain.

Background.  Critical Interpretive Synthesis is a new method of reviewing, developed from meta‐ethnography, which integrates systematic review methodology with a qualitative tradition of enquiry. It has not previously been used specifically to synthesize effectiveness and qualitative literature.

Data sources.  An existing systematic review of quantitative research and a guideline examining the effectiveness of oral morphine to treat cancer pain were identified. Electronic searches of Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO, Health Management Information Consortium database and the Social Science Citation Index to identify qualitative research were carried out in May 2008.

Review methods.  Qualitative research papers reporting on the use of morphine to treat cancer pain were identified. The findings of the effectiveness research were used as a framework to guide the translation of findings from qualitative research using an integrative grid. A secondary translation of findings from the qualitative research, not specifically mapped to the effectiveness literature, was guided by the framework.

Results.  Nineteen qualitative papers were synthesized with the quantitative effectiveness literature, producing 14 synthetic constructs. These were developed into four synthesizing arguments which drew on patients’, carers’ and healthcare professionals’ interpretations of the meaning and context of the use of morphine to treat cancer pain.

Conclusion.  Critical Interpretive Synthesis can be adapted to synthesize reviews of quantitative research into effectiveness with qualitative research and fits into an existing typology of approaches to synthesizing qualitative and quantitative research.
How nurses seek and evaluate clinical guidelines on the Internet
Authors: Verhoeven Fenne , Steehouder Michaël F. , Hendrix Ron M.G. , van Gemert‐Pijnen Julia E.W.C.
Published: December 2009

verhoeven f., steehouder m.f.,
Hendrix r.m.g. & van gemert‐pijnen j.e.w.c. (2010) How nurses seek and evaluate clinical guidelines on the Internet. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 114–127.

Title.  How nurses seek and evaluate clinical guidelines on the Internet.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to assess nurses’ information‐seeking strategies and problems encountered when seeking clinical guidelines on the Internet, and to investigate the criteria they apply when evaluating the guidelines and the websites communicating the guidelines.

Background.  As nurses are increasingly taking on clinical responsibilities, they should be able to use the Internet to access up‐to‐date clinical guidelines. Currently, nurses’ information‐seeking skills remain rather limited.

Method.  In 2008, a convenience sample of 20 nurses solved scenario‐based tasks using the Internet to seek clinical guidelines regarding methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus while thinking aloud.

Results.  General background information and universal precautions were successfully identified by participants, in contrast to more specific precautions. Nurses’ information‐seeking skills appeared rather basic, as they employed a limited number of search terms and consulted a limited number of websites. Ineffective searches were mainly caused by a mismatch between the guidelines and nurses’ tacit knowledge. Perceived practical relevance and information completeness were the most frequently applied quality criteria. Accuracy and disclosures, which are emphasized in existing e‐health literature, were considered less important. As long as information matched nurses’ practical and experiential wisdom, they were satisfied.

Conclusion.  Nurses appeared to rely predominantly on tacit knowledge during the search process and while evaluating the retrieved guidelines. This is dangerous because nurses’ reliance on inaccurate information might result in inadequate behaviour. It is therefore essential to expand nurses’ current information base by tailoring both navigation structure and the guideline communication to dovetail with nurses’ tacit knowledge.
Chinese Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire: development and psychometric testing with Chinese‐Australian women
Authors: Kwok Cannas , Fethney Judith , White Kate
Published: December 2009

kwok c., fethney j. & white k. (2010) Chinese Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire: development and psychometric testing with Chinese‐Australian women.Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 191–200.

Title. Chinese Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire: development andpsychometric testing with Chinese‐Australian women.

Aim. This paper is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the Chinese Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire, a culturally sensitive questionnaire for measuring Chinese‐Australian women’s beliefs, knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer and breast screening practices.

Background. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity among Chinese‐Australian women. They are, however, 50% less likely to participate in all types of breast examination. A valid and reliable instrument to explore the breast cancer beliefs is essential for the development of interventions to promote breast cancer screening practices.

Method. Items for the questionnaire were drawn from a literature review and in‐depth interviews. A panel of professional experts and lay women evaluated face and content validity. The instrument was translated from English to Chinese using back‐translation. In 2008, a total of 292 Chinese‐Australian women aged 22–78 years who were resident of Australia were included in testing the instrument. Multi‐trait analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were used to assess internal consistency reliability and exploratory factor analysis assessed construct validity.

Results. The final 13‐item questionnaire had satisfactory validity and internal consistency. Cronbach’s alpha for the total scale was 0·76, and for the three subscales ranged from 0·70 to 0·79. Exploratory factor analysis showed that the scale reduced to three factors.

Conclusion. Preliminary data suggest that the Chinese Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire is a valid, reliable and culturally sensitive instrument for the measurement of Chinese‐Australian women’s beliefs, knowledge and attitudes about breast cancer and breast cancer screening.
Building dynamic models and theories to advance the science of symptom management research
Authors: Brant Jeannine M. , Beck Susan , Miaskowski Christine
Published: December 2009

brant j.m., beck s. & miaskowski c. (2010) Building dynamic models and theories to advance the science of symptom management research.Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 228–240.

Title. Building dynamic models and theories to advance the science of symptommanagement research.

Aim. This paper is a description, comparison, and critique of two models and two theories used to guide symptom management research, and a proposal of directions for new theory or model development.

Background. Symptom management research has undergone a paradigmatic shift to include symptom clusters, longitudinal studies that examine symptom trajectories, and the effects of interventions on patient outcomes. Models and theories are used to guide descriptive and intervention research. Over the past 15 years, four conceptual models or theories (i.e. Theory of Symptom Management, the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms, the Symptoms Experience Model and the Symptoms Experience in Time Model) were used in a variety of symptom management studies.

Data sources. Literature searches were performed in Medline and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature between 1990 and 2008 for models and theories that guide symptom management research. Related papers and book chapters were used as supporting documentation.

Discussion. Comparison and critique of the models and theories revealed important gaps including lack of consideration of symptom clusters, failure to incorporate temporal aspects of the symptom experience and failure to incorporate the impact of interventions on patient outcomes.

Conclusion. New models and theories should incorporate current trends in symptom management research, capture the dynamic nature of symptoms and incorporate concepts that will facilitate transdisciplinary research in symptom management. Researchers and clinicians need to build more expansive and dynamic symptom management models and theories that parallel advances in symptom research and practice.
Intimate male partner violence in the migration process: intersections of gender, race and class
Authors: Guruge Sepali , Khanlou Nazilla , Gastaldo Denise
Published: December 2009

guruge s., khanlou n. & gastaldo d. (2010) Intimate male partner violence in the migration process: intersections of gender, race and class. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 103–113.

Title.  Intimate male partner violence in the migration process: intersections ofgender, race and class.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a s tudy of Sri Lankan Tamil Canadian immigrants’ perspectives on factors that contribute to intimate male partner violence in the postmigration context.

Background.  Increasing evidence illustrates the extent and nature of intimate male partner violence and its links to a range of physical and mental health problems for women around the world. However, there has been little health sciences research on intimate male partner violence in the postmigration context in Canada.

Methods.  Data were collected for this qualitative descriptive study in 2004 and 2005, through individual interviews with community leaders (n = 16), four focus groups with women and four with men from the general community (n = 41), and individual interviews with women who had experienced intimate male partner violence (n = 6). The research was informed by a postcolonial feminist perspective and an ecosystemic framework.

Findings.  Participants’ conceptualization of the production of intimate male partner violence in the postmigration context involved (a) experiences of violence in the premigration context and during border crossing; (b) gender inequity in the marital institution; (c) changes in social networks and supports; and (d) changes in socioeconomic status and privilege.

Conclusion.  Increasing immigration requires that nurses pay attention to and respond appropriately to women’s unique needs, based on complex and interrelated factors that produce intimate male partner violence in the postmigration context.
Simulation‐based learning in nurse education: systematic review
Authors: Cant Robyn P. , Cooper Simon J.
Published: December 2009

cant r.p. & cooper s.j. (2010) Simulation‐based learning in nurse education: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 3–15.

Title.  Simulation‐based learning in nurse education: systematic review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a review of the quantitative evidence for medium to high fidelity simulation using manikins in nursing, in comparison to other educational strategies.

Background.  Human simulation is an educational process that can replicate clinical practices in a safe environment. Although endorsed in nursing curricula, its effectiveness is largely unknown.

Review methods.  A systematic review of quantitative studies published between 1999 and January 2009 was undertaken using the following databases: CINAHL Plus, ERIC, Embase, Medline, SCOPUS, ProQuest and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Database. The primary search terms were ‘simulation’ and ‘human simulation’. Reference lists from relevant papers and the websites of relevant nursing organizations were also searched. The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria.

Results.  Twelve studies were included in the review. These used experimental or quasi‐experimental designs. All reported simulation as a valid teaching/learning strategy. Six of the studies showed additional gains in knowledge, critical thinking ability, satisfaction or confidence compared with a control group (range 7–11%). The validity and reliability of the studies varied due to differences in design and assessment methods.

Conclusion.  Medium and/or high fidelity simulation using manikins is an effective teaching and learning method when best practice guidelines are adhered to. Simulation may have some advantage over other teaching methods, depending on the context, topic and method. Further exploration is needed to determine the effect of team size on learning and to develop a universal method of outcome measurement.
Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the shorter form of the gagging problem assessment questionnaire
Authors: AKARSLAN Z. Z. , ERTEN H.
Published: December 2009

Summary  The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the shorter form of the gagging problem assessment questionnaire. Forty‐three patients with gagging problems and 89 patients who showed no signs of gagging during dental examination were included in the study. The patients completed the patient portion of the gagging problem assessment questionnaire, as well as the modified dental anxiety scale, dental fear scale and Spielberger trait anxiety scale for comparison. Two experienced dentists subsequently completed the dentist portion of the gagging problem assessment questionnaire by performing clinical examinations with a dental mirror. The results indicate that patients with gagging problems had significantly higher mean scores than the control group (P < 0·001). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was found to be adequate, and good intra‐ and inter‐observer reliability was present. Patients with a gagging reflex had significantly higher anxiety scores, indicating the validity of the questionnaire. The Turkish translation of the shorter form of the gagging problem assessment questionnaire was found to be reliable and valid for distinguishing among patients with and without a gagging reflex.
Reassessment of histopathology and dermoscopy findings in 145 Japanese cases of melanocytic nevus of the sole: Toward a pathological diagnosis of early‐stage malignant melanoma in situ
Authors: Jin Ling , Arai Eiichi , Anzai Shinichi , Kimura Tetsunori , Tsuchida Tetsuya , Nagata Koji , Shimizu Michio
Published: December 2009

Recently, dermoscopic visualization has been improved, allowing for the identification of malignant melanoma (MM) of the sole in situ. When the parallel ridge pattern is evident on dermoscopy, the proliferation of solitarily arranged melanocytes in the crista profunda intermedia should be examined histologically, since this may be a clue to the early diagnosis of MM in situ. We reviewed 145 Japanese cases of melanocytic nevus on the sole, and investigated several useful histological features for the diagnosis of MM in situ using a recent proposal as well as several standard histological criteria of MM in situ. Five cases were considered to be an early‐stage MM in situ out of 145 cases previously diagnosed as melanocytic nevi of the sole. These cases showed several specific features, including solitarily arranged melanocytes or melanocyte nests comprising fewer than four cells. Our findings indicate that early‐stage MM of the sole in situ can be diagnosed by using new dermoscopy‐related histological findings. They are (i) irregular distribution of solitary melanocytes at the crista profunda intermedia with or without small nests (up to three melanocytes) on the slope of rete ridges; and (ii) larger melanocytes with a halo around the nucleus.
Colloid carcinoma of the intestinal type in the uterine cervix: Mucin immunohistochemistry
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Kushima Ryoji , Abiko Kaoru
Published: December 2009

A case of colloid carcinoma (gelatinous carcinoma) of the intestinal type in the uterine cervix is reported along with the findings of an immunohistochemical study of intracytoplasmic mucus of the neoplastic cells. The patient was a 69‐year‐old woman with a circumferential uterine cervical tumor measuring about 4 cm. Histopathological examination of the hysterectomy specimen demonstrated typical features of colloid carcinoma. The tumor consisted of numerous mucous nodules, and low‐columnar or cuboidal cells with intracytoplasmic mucus lined the margins of the mucous nodules or floated within them. The cytoplasm of neoplastic cells was immunoreactive for both cytokeratins 7 and 20, and the intracytoplasmic mucus was immunoreactive for MUC2 but negative for MUC5AC and MUC6. Nuclei of tumor cells were immunoreactive for CDX2. Colloid carcinoma is a very rare variant of mucus‐producing adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix and probably a heterogeneous group that consists of neoplasms of different histogeneses, that is, neoplasms of endocervical, gastric, and intestinal origins. Results of the immunohistochemical studies in the present case showed that neoplastic cells produced mucus of the large intestine type, thus verifying the presence of a distinct subtype of colloid carcinoma of the cervix that shows the intestinal phenotype.
Significant high expression of cytokeratins 7, 8, 18, 19 in pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, compared to small cell lung carcinomas
Authors: Nagashio Ryo , Sato Yuichi , Matsumoto Toshihide , Kageyama Taihei , Satoh Yukitoshi , Ryuge Shinichiro , Masuda Noriyuki , Jiang Shi‐Xu , Okayasu Isao
Published: December 2009

The aim of the present study was to clarify protein profiling in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). The proteomic approach was used, and involved cell lysate from two cell lines (N231 derived from SCLC and LCN1 derived from LCNEC), with 2‐D gel electrophoresis (2‐DE). In the present study, 25 protein spots with greater than twofold quantitative differences between LCN1 and N231 cells on 2‐DE gels were confirmed. Within the 25 identified proteins, cytokeratins (CK) 7, 8, 18 and 19 were upregulated in LCN1 cells compared with N231 cells. The expression of CK7, 8, 18, and 19 was further studied on immunohistochemistry with 81 formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded pulmonary carcinomas, which included 27 SCLC, 30 LCNEC, 14 adenocarcinomas, and 10 squamous cell carcinomas. Although the expression of CK7, 8, 18, and 19 was observed in all histological types, the mean immunostaining scores of CK7, 8, 18, and 19 were significantly higher in LCNEC than in SCLC (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). These data suggest that the biological characteristics of LCNEC and SCLC may be different and the expression of CK may serve as differential diagnostic markers.
Rectal administration of tranilast ameliorated acute colitis in mice through increased expression of heme oxygenase‐1
Authors: Sun Xiaomei , Suzuki Kenji , Nagata Masaki , Kawauchi Yusuke , Yano Masahiko , Ohkoshi Shogo , Matsuda Yasunobu , Kawachi Hiroshi , Watanabe Kenichi , Asakura Hitoshi , Aoyagi Yutaka
Published: December 2009

Mast cells play a key role in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Tranilast, a mast cell stabilizer, has been empirically used for IBD in Japan, but its precise role in the treatment of IBD is largely unknown. To investigate the role of tranilast for the treatment of IBD, tranilast was administered intrarectally to mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis. Tranilast ameliorated DSS colitis clinically and pathologically, as demonstrated by decreased number and degranulation of mast cells in the colon. mRNA expression was increased for tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐6, and decreased for IL‐10 in the colon of DSS colitis mice. In contrast, tranilast markedly decreased expression of mRNAs for the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and increased that of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, tranilast increased heme oxygenase (HO)‐1 expression on colonic epithelial cells as well as on colon‐infiltrating cells of DSS colitis. In conclusion, tranilast ameliorated DSS colitis by regulating mast cell degranulation, decreasing inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Tranilast might exert these effects partly through enhanced HO‐1 expression in the colon, suggesting a potential adjunctive therapy for IBD.
The Effects of Family Firm Specific Sources of TMT Diversity: The Moderating Role of Information Exchange Frequency
Authors: Ling Yan , Kellermanns Franz W.
Published: December 2009

abstract

We examine the relationships among three family firm specific sources of top management team (TMT) diversity (the generation in charge of the family firm, the number of family employees, and the number of employed generations) and family firm performance. By integrating upper‐echelons and team process research, we hypothesize that these TMT diversity sources interact with information exchange frequency among TMT members to affect family firm performance. Multisource survey data with lagged performance measurement, including CEOs and TMT members from 86 family firms, support our hypotheses. We discuss the implications of our findings and develop avenues for future research.
Expression quantitative trait loci analysis in plants
Authors: Druka Arnis , Potokina Elena , Luo Zewei , Jiang Ning , Chen Xinwei , Kearsey Mike , Waugh Robbie
Published: December 2009

An expression Quantitative Trait Locus or eQTL is a chromosomal region that accounts for a proportion of the variation in abundance of a mRNA transcript observed between individuals in a genetic mapping population. A single gene can have one or multiple eQTLs. Large scale mRNA profiling technologies advanced genome‐wide eQTL mapping in a diverse range of organisms allowing thousands of eQTLs to be detected in a single experiment. When combined with classical or trait QTLs, correlation analyses can directly suggest candidates for genes underlying these traits. Furthermore, eQTL mapping data enables genetic regulatory networks to be modelled and potentially provide a better understanding of the underlying phenotypic variation. The mRNA profiling data sets can also be used to infer the chromosomal positions of thousands of genes, an outcome that is particularly valuable for species with unsequenced genomes where the chromosomal location of the majority of genes remains unknown. In this review we focus on eQTL studies in plants, addressing conceptual and technical aspects that include experimental design, genetic polymorphism prediction and candidate gene identification.
Expression of pigeonpea hybrid‐proline‐rich protein encoding gene (CcHyPRP) in yeast and Arabidopsis affords multiple abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Priyanka Bhyri , Sekhar Kambakam , Reddy Vudem Dashavantha , Rao Khareedu Venkateswara
Published: December 2009

A hybrid‐proline‐rich protein encoding gene (CcHyPRP) has been isolated and characterized, for the first time, from the subtracted cDNA library of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) plants subjected to drought stress. Functionality of CcHyPRP has been validated for abiotic stress tolerance using the heterologous yeast and Arabidopsis systems. The CcHyPRP contained a repetitive proline‐rich (PR) N‐terminal domain and a conserved eight cysteine motif (8CM) at the C‐terminus. Southern analysis disclosed single‐copy nature of CcHyPRP gene in the pigeonpea genome. Northern analysis revealed higher levels of CcHyPRP transcripts in PEG, NaCl, heat (42°C), cold and ABA‐treated plants compared with the weak signals observed in the untreated plants, suggesting stress‐responsive nature of the CcHyPRP gene. In yeast, expression of CcHyPRP imparted marked tolerance against abiotic stresses exerted by PEG, high temperature, NaCl and LiCl. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines, expressing CcHyPRP under the control of CaMV35S and rd29A promoters, when subjected to PEG, mannitol, NaCl, LiCl and heat (42 °C) stress, developed into healthy plants with profuse root system and increased biomass in contrast to the weak‐stunted wild‐type plants. The CcHyPRP‐transgenics driven by stress‐inducible rd29A exhibited similar stress‐tolerance as that of CaMV35S‐lines without any negative effects on plant morphology, implying that stress‐inducible promoters are preferable for production of stress tolerant transgenics. The overall results amply demonstrate the profound effect of CcHyPRP in bestowing multiple abiotic stress tolerance at cellular and whole plant levels. Accordingly, the multipotent CcHyPRP seems promising as a prime candidate gene to fortify crop plants with abiotic stress tolerance.