bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topographic Bone Density of the Radius and Ulna in Greyhounds and Labrador Retrievers With and Without Medial Coronoid Process Disease
Authors: Phillips Andrew , Burton Neil J. , Warren‐Smith Chris Mark Robert , Kulendra Elvin R. , Parsons Kevin J. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo quantify, using computed tomography (CT), cross‐sectional ulnar bone density (UBD), and regional radial bone density (RRBD) at the level of the medial coronoid process (MCP) in elbows with and without medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) and with and without fragmentation of MCP (FCP).Study DesignRetrospective clinical case‐control andex vivostudy.Sample PopulationLabrador Retriever elbows (n = 54) and normal cadaveric Greyhound elbows (11) undergoing elbow CT.Materials and MethodsLabrador Retriever elbows were divided into 2 groups: (1) clinically unaffected and (2) MCPD‐affected elbows. This 2nd group was subdivided based on the presence of a displaced FCP. UBD was measured linearly, in Hounsfield units (HU) across the widest part of the ulna incorporating the MCP. The radial head was divided into 6 zones, with mean RRBD (HU) calculated for each group.ResultsMCPD‐affected Labrador Retriever elbows had significantly lower UBD within the MCP with a higher UBD in the cranial ulnar medulla. Lower RRBD was also seen in the radial head adjacent to the MCP in MCPD‐affected Labrador Retriever elbows with FCP compared with Labrador Retriever elbows without FCP. Greyhounds had consistently lower RRBD and UBD at the apex of the MCP compared with clinically unaffected Labrador Retriever elbows.ConclusionsOur results suggest a caudolateral load‐transfer shift through the ulna in MCPD‐affected elbow joints, unloading the MCP. Changes in regional radial head bone density suggest that the radial head is involved in the pathogenesis of MCPD.
Non‐linear relationships between nurse staffing and patients’ length of stay in acute care units: Bayesian dependence modelling
Authors: Pitkäaho Taina , Partanen Pirjo , Miettinen Merja , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimsThis study sought to analyse relationships between nurse staffing and patients’ length of stay in acute care units and to determine whether non‐linear relationships exist between variables.BackgroundHealthcare systems are complex and it could be assumed that they comprise non‐linear associations. However, current planning and evaluation of nurse staffing are based primary on linear reasoning.DesignThis quantitative study adopted a retrospective longitudinal design.MethodRetrospective register data, consisting of information relating to 35,306 patient episodes and administrative information concerning 381 nurses, were used. Data were collected in 2009 from 20 somatic inpatient units at a university hospital in Finland as a monthly time series of 2008 data and analysed using Bayesian dependency modelling.ResultsPatients’ acuity was the most important agent that connected all eleven variables in the dependency network of nurse staffing and short length of stay. Non‐linear associations were found between short length of stay and the proportion of Registered Nurses. Skill mix consisting of an average proportion of Registered Nurses (65–80%) was conducive to a short length of stay and predicted a 66% likelihood of short length of stay. Higher and lower percentages of Registered Nurses predicted lower likelihood of short length of stay.ConclusionFlexible nurse staffing is preferable to fixed staffing to provide patients with shorter length of stay in acute care units. In the present research, the Bayesian method revealed non‐linear relationships between nurse staffing and patient and care outcomes.
Parent training for preschool ADHD: a randomized controlled trial of specialized and generic programs
Authors: Abikoff Howard B. , Thompson Margaret , Laver‐Bradbury Cathy , Long Nicholas , Forehand Rex L. , Miller Brotman Laurie , Klein Rachel G. , Reiss Philip , Huo Lan , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundThe ‘New Forest Parenting Package’ (NFPP), an 8‐week home‐based intervention for parents of preschoolers with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fosters constructive parenting to target ADHD‐related dysfunctions in attention and impulse control. Although NFPP has improved parent and laboratory measures of ADHD in community samples of children with ADHD‐like problems, its efficacy in a clinical sample, and relative to an active treatment comparator, is unknown. The aims are to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term efficacy and generalization effects of NFPP compared to an established clinic‐based parenting intervention for treating noncompliant behavior [‘Helping the Noncompliant Child’ (HNC)] in young children with ADHD.MethodsA randomized controlled trial with three parallel arms was the design for this study. A total of 164 3–4‐year‐olds, 73.8% male, meeting DSM‐IV ADHD diagnostic criteria were randomized to NFPP (N = 67), HNC (N = 63), or wait‐list control (WL, N = 34). All participants were assessed at post‐treatment. NFPP and HNC participants were assessed at follow‐up in the next school year. Primary outcomes were ADHD ratings by teachers blind to and uninvolved in treatment, and by parents. Secondary ADHD outcomes included clinician assessments, and laboratory measures of on‐task behavior and delay of gratification. Other outcomes included parent and teacher ratings of oppositional behavior, and parenting measures. (Trial name: Home‐Based Parent Training in ADHD Preschoolers; Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01320098; URL: http://www/clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01320098).ResultsIn both treatment groups, children's ADHD and ODD behaviors, as well as aspects of parenting, were rated improved by parents at the end of treatment compared to controls. Most of these gains in the children's behavior and in some parenting practices were sustained at follow‐up. However, these parent‐reported improvements were not corroborated by teacher ratings or objective observations. NFPP was not significantly better, and on a few outcomes significantly less effective, than HNC.ConclusionsThe results do not support the claim that NFPP addresses putative dysfunctions underlying ADHD, bringing about generalized change in ADHD, and its underpinning self‐regulatory processes. The findings support documented difficulties in achieving generalization across nontargeted settings, and the importance of using blinded measures to provide meaningful assessments of treatment effects.
Examining the preparation and ongoing support of adults to take their medications as prescribed in kidney transplantation
Authors: Williams Allison , Crawford Kimberley , Manias Elizabeth , Ellis Christine , Mullins Kim , Howe Kathy , Kennedy Elaine , Maney Orla , Mark Tia , Gregory Debbie , Van Hardeveld Emma , Yip Doris , Low Jac Kee 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe shortage of kidney donors and benefits of kidney transplantation make graft success imperative. Medication adherence is critical to prevent the risk of graft rejection. This paper examines how adults are prepared and supported by renal transplant co‐ordinators and pharmacists to take their medications as prescribed in kidney transplantation.MethodsRenal transplant co‐ordinators and pharmacists of all five hospitals offering adult kidney transplantation in Victoria, Australia, were interviewed between November 2013 and February 2014. All data underwent qualitative descriptive analysis.ResultsNine renal transplant co‐ordinators and six pharmacists were interviewed. Although there was no standardized approach to education or other evidence‐based strategies to facilitate medication adherence, there were similarities between sites. These similarities included printed information, pre‐transplant education sessions, the use of medication lists and medication administration aids, intensive education in hospital and ensuring an adequate supply of medications post‐discharge.ConclusionsRenal transplant co‐ordinators and pharmacists recognized the importance of early patient education concerning immunosuppressant medication. However, each site had developed their own way of preparing a patient for kidney transplantation and follow‐up in the acute hospital setting based on experience and practice. Other non‐educational strategies involving behavioural and emotional aspects were less common. Differences in usual care reinforce the necessity for evidence‐based health care for best patient outcomes.
Incidence of natural resistance mutations in naïve chronic hepatitis B patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liao Yun , Cai Bei , Li Yi , Li Lixin , Zhang Junlong , An Yunfei , Wang Lanlan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimStudies focused on the naturally occurring resistance mutation rate in treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients have set off a furious dispute. We conduct this meta‐analysis to appraise the pooled incidence of spontaneous hepatitis B virus resistance mutations worldwide and its distribution.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure until December 31, 2013. Cross‐sectional or case‐control studies reporting incidence of natural resistance mutations in untreated CHB patients were included. Pooled incidence was performed in fixed‐ or random‐effects models, and heterogeneity among studies was assessed.ResultsA total of 106 studies were included involving 12 212 naive CHB patients. The summarized incidence of natural mutations worldwide was 5.73% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.85–6.61%), primary mutation rate 5.39% (95%CI: 4.54–6.24%), and secondary mutation rate 2.94% (95%CI: 1.59–4.29%). The pooled incidence reached up to 8.00% (95%CI: 6.63–9.38%) in China, higher than that in other countries (1.88% [95%CI: 1.06–2.69%]). Mutation rtM204V/I had the highest incidence of 4.89% (95%CI: 4.13–5.65%), and other primary mutations seldom spontaneously occurred. In subgroup analysis, genotype C hepatitis B virus infection, male, and hepatitis B antigen (HBeAg) negative patients had a slightly higher natural mutation rate.ConclusionThe resistance mutations occurred frequently in untreated CHB patients, especially in China. The lamivudine resistance had the highest natural prevalence rate, while other nucleos(t)ide analogues showed rarely spontaneous resistance. Detecting the spontaneous resistance mutations will benefit the clinical management of CHB patients.
Association between serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Korean population
Authors: Shin Ju Young , Kim Min Ji , Kim Eun Sook , Mo Eun Young , Moon Sung Dae , Han Je Ho , Cha Bong Yeon 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimGrowing evidence suggests that non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is interrelated with renal dysfunction and disturbed bone metabolism, both of which play a key role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. We investigated the association between NAFLD and serum calcium and phosphorus levels in Korean subjects.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 16 592 subjects undergoing a general health checkup. NAFLD was assessed based on ultrasonographically detected fatty liver in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption and other causes of liver disease.ResultsThe proportion of the population with fatty liver detected by ultrasonography was 43.2% for males and 17.6% for females. We observed that a higher serum albumin‐corrected calcium (Cac) level was associated with smoking, hypertension, and unfavorable metabolic parameters in both genders, but the serum phosphorus levels showed an inconsistent correlation with metabolic abnormalities. After adjusting for age, gender, waist circumference, body mass index, smoking status, exercise, diabetes, hypertension, lipid profiles, and renal function, serum Cac, phosphorus, and Cac‐phosphorus products were independent risk factors for fatty liver (odds ratio [OR]: 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–1.95, P < 0.001; OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.22–1.48, P < 0.001; and OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14–1.26, P < 0.001, respectively), and the risk of fatty liver increased in a graded manner over the quartiles.ConclusionSerum calcium and phosphorus levels are significantly associated with NAFLD. Further investigation is needed to verify whether calcium and phosphorus levels indicate a higher risk of NAFLD.
CRISPR Primer Designer: Design primers for knockout and chromosome imaging CRISPR‐Cas system
Authors: Yan Meng , Zhou Shi‐Rong , Xue Hong‐Wei 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐associated system enables biologists to edit genomes precisely and provides a powerful tool for perturbing endogenous gene regulation, modulation of epigenetic markers, and genome architecture. However, there are concerns about the specificity of the system, especially the usages of knocking out a gene. Previous designing tools either were mostly built‐in websites or ran as command‐line programs, and none of them ran locally and acquired a user‐friendly interface. In addition, with the development of CRISPR‐derived systems, such as chromosome imaging, there were still no tools helping users to generate specific end‐user spacers. We herein present CRISPR Primer Designer for researchers to design primers for CRISPR applications. The program has a user‐friendly interface, can analyze the BLAST results by using multiple parameters, score for each candidate spacer, and generate the primers when using a certain plasmid. In addition, CRISPR Primer Designer runs locally and can be used to search spacer clusters, and exports primers for the CRISPR‐Cas system‐based chromosome imaging system.
Selective silencing of 2Cys and type‐IIB Peroxiredoxins discloses their roles in cell redox state and stress signaling
Authors: Vidigal Patrícia , Martin‐Hernandez Ana Montserrat , Guiu‐Aragonés Cèlia , Amâncio Sara , Carvalho Luísa 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPeroxiredoxins (Prx) catalyse the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and, in association with catalases and other peroxidases, may participate in signal transduction by regulating intercellular H2O2 concentration that in turn can control gene transcription and cell signaling. Using virus‐induced‐gene‐silencing (VIGS), 2‐Cys Peroxiredoxin (2CysPrx) family and type‐II Peroxiredoxin B (PrxIIB) gene were silenced in Nicotiana benthamiana, to study the impact that the loss of function of each Prx would have in the antioxidant system under control (22 °C) and severe heat stress conditions (48 °C). The results showed that both Prxs, although in different organelles, influence the regeneration of ascorbate to a significant extent, but with different purposes. 2CysPrx affects abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis through ascorbate, while PrxIIB does it probably through the xanthophyll cycle. Moreover, 2CysPrx is key in H2O2 scavenging and in consequence in the regulation of ABA signaling downstream of reactive oxygen species and PrxIIB provides an important assistance for H2O2 peroxisome scavenges.
Nitric oxide alleviates aluminum‐induced oxidative damage through regulating the ascorbate‐glutathione cycle in roots of wheat
Authors: Sun Chengliang , Liu Lijuan , Yu Yan , Liu Wenjing , Lu Lingli , Jin Chongwei , Lin Xianyong 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe possible association with nitric oxide (NO) and ascorbate‐glutathione (AsA‐GSH) cycle in regulating aluminum (Al) tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was investigated using two genotypes with different Al resistance. Exposure to Al inhibited root elongation, and triggered lipid peroxidation and oxidation of AsA to dehydroascorbate and GSH to glutathione disulfide in wheat roots. Exogenous NO significantly increased endogenous NO levels, and subsequently alleviated Al‐induced inhibition of root elongation and oxidation of AsA and GSH to maintain the redox molecules in the reduced form in both wheat genotypes. Under Al stress, significantly increased activities and gene transcriptional levels of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase, were observed in the root tips of the Al‐tolerant genotype Jian‐864. Nitric oxide application enhanced the activity and gene transcriptional level of these enzymes in both wheat genotypes. γ‐Glutamylcysteine synthetase was not significantly affected by Al or NO, but NO treatments increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferase to a greater extent than the Al‐treated wheat seedlings. Proline was significantly decreased by Al, while it was not affected by NO. These results clearly suggest that NO protects wheat root against Al‐induced oxidative stress, possibly through its regulation of the AsA‐GSH cycle.
Infection of Ustilaginoidea virens intercepts rice seed formation but activates grain‐filling‐related genes
Authors: Fan Jing , Guo Xiao‐Yi , Li Liang , Huang Fu , Sun Wen‐Xian , Li Yan , Huang Yan‐Yan , Xu Yong‐Ju , Shi Jun , Lei Yang , Zheng Ai‐Ping , Wang Wen‐Ming 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRice false smut has become an increasingly serious disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production worldwide. The typical feature of this disease is that the fungal pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens (Uv) specifically infects rice flower and forms false smut ball, the ustiloxin‐containing ball‐like fungal colony, of which the size is usually several times larger than that of a mature rice seed. However, the underlying mechanisms of Uv‐rice interaction are poorly understood. Here, we applied time‐course microscopic and transcriptional approaches to investigate rice responses to Uv infection. The results demonstrated that the flower‐opening process and expression of associated transcription factors, including ARF6 and ARF8, were inhibited in Uv‐infected spikelets. The ovaries in infected spikelets were interrupted in fertilization and thus were unable to set seeds. However, a number of grain‐filling‐related genes, including seed storage protein genes, starch anabolism genes and endosperm‐specific transcription factors (RISBZ1 and RPBF), were highly transcribed as if the ovaries were fertilized. In addition, critical defense‐related genes like NPR1 and PR1 were downregulated by Uv infection. Our data imply that Uv may hijack host nutrient reservoir by activation of the grain‐filling network because of growth and formation of false smut balls.
Nursing bedside clinical handover – an integrated review of issues and tools
Authors: Anderson Judith , Malone Linda , Shanahan Kerry , Manning Jennifer 
Published: October 2014

Aims and objectivesThis article reviews the available literature that supports implementing bedside clinical handover in nursing clinical practice and then seeks to identify key issues if any.BackgroundClinical handover practices are recognised as being an essential component in the effective transfer of clinical care between health practitioners. It is recognised that the point where a patient is ‘handed over’ from one clinician to another is significant in maintaining continuity of care and that doing this poorly can have significant safety issues for the patient.DesignAn integrated literature review.MethodA literature review of 45 articles was undertaken to understand bedside clinical handover and the issues related to the implementation of this process.ResultsIt was identified that there are a number of clinical handover mnemonics available that provide structure to the process and that areas such as confidentiality, inclusion of the patient/carer and involving the multidisciplinary team remain topical issues for practitioners in implementing good clinical handover practices.ConclusionsThis literature review identified a lack of literature available about the transfer of responsibility and accountability during clinical handover and auditing practices of the clinical handover process. The nurses were more concerned about confidentiality issues than were patients. The use of a structured tool was strongly supported; however, no one singular tool was considered suitable for all clinical areas.Relevance to clinical practiceNursing clinicians seeking to implement best practice within their professional speciality should consider some of the issues raised within this article and seek to address these issues by developing strategies to overcome them.
Diffuse and Focal Corticospinal Tract Disease and Its Impact on Patient Disability in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tovar‐Moll Fernanda , Evangelou Iordanis E. , Chiu Annie W. , Auh Sungyoung , Chen Christina , Ehrmantraut Mary , Ohayon Joan M. , Richert Nancy , Bagnato Francesca 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEWe investigated the impact of focal and diffuse corticospinal tracts damage on sensory‐motor disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.METHODSTwenty‐five MS patients underwent 3.0 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Timed 25‐Foot Walk test (T25FW) quantified patient physical disability. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of the corticospinal tracts, whole brain and corticospinal tracts lesion volume were also computed. Spearman rank correlation analyses measured the associations between DTI‐derived metrics and other measures of disease. Partial correlation analyses between DTI and disability measures were performed and corrected for lesion volumes as appropriate.RESULTSSignificant associations were seen between FA of the corticospinal tracts and EDSS (r = −.500, P = .0011), motor‐EDSS (r = −.519, P = .008), and T25WF (r = −.637, P = .001) scores and MD of the corticospinal tracts and motor‐EDSS (r = .469, P = .018) and T25WF (r = .428, P = .033) scores. When correcting for lesion volumes, only the association between FA of the corticospinal tracts and EDSS (r ≤ −.516, p ≤ .01) or motor‐EDSS score (r ≤ −.516, p ≤ .01) persisted.CONCLUSIONSDTI at 3T shows that the impact of diffuse corticospinal tracts disease on sensory‐motor disability is greatly mediated by focal lesions in MS.
The Hearts and Guts of White People
Authors: Sullivan Shannon 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBeginning with the experience of a white woman's stomach seizing up in fear of a black man, this essay examines some of the ethical and epistemological issues connected to white ignorance. In conversation with Charles Mills on the epistemology of ignorance, I argue that white ignorance primarily operates physiologically, not cognitively. Drawing critically from psychology, neurocardiology, and other medical sciences, I examine some of the biological effects of racism on white people's stomachs and hearts. I argue for a nonideal medical theory focused on improving wellness in a society that systematically has damaged the health of people of color. The essay concludes that to be fully successful, critical philosophy of race must examine not just the financial, legal, political, and other forms of racism, but also its biological and physiological operations.