bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning of the apoptosis‐related calcium‐binding protein AsALG‐2 in Avena sativa
Authors: Hoat Trinh Xuan , Nakayashiki Hitoshi , Yang Qian , Tosa Yukio , Mayama Shigeyuki 
Published: October 2012

SummaryVictorin, the host‐selective toxin produced by the fungus Cochliobolus victoriae, induces programmed cell death (PCD) in victorin‐sensitive oat lines with characteristic features of animal apoptosis, such as mitochondrial permeability transition, chromatin condensation, nuclear DNA laddering and rRNA/mRNA degradation. In this study, we characterized a calcium‐binding protein, namely AsALG‐2, which might have a role in the victorin‐induced PCD. AsALG‐2 is homologous to the Apoptosis‐Linked Gene ALG‐2 identified in mammalian cells. Northern blot analysis revealed that the accumulation of AsALG‐2 transcripts increased during victorin‐induced PCD, but not during necrotic cell death. Salicylic acid, chitosan and chitin strongly activated the expression of general defence response genes, such as PR‐10; however, neither induced cell death nor the accumulation of AsALG‐2 mRNA. Pharmacological studies indicated that victorin‐induced DNA laddering and AsALG‐2 expression were regulated through similar pathways. The calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, moderately inhibited the accumulation of AsALG‐2 mRNA during cell death. Trifluoperazine (calmodulin antagonist) and K252a (serine‐threonine kinase inhibitor) reduced the victorin‐induced phytoalexin accumulation, but did not prevent the victorin‐induced DNA laddering or accumulation of AsALG‐2 mRNA. Taken together, our investigations suggest that there is a calcium‐mediated signalling pathway in animal and plant PCD in common.
Effect of propofol on hypoxia re‐oxygenation induced neuronal cell damage in vitro*
Authors: Huang Y. , Zitta K. , Bein B. , Scholz J. , Steinfath M. , Albrecht M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryPropofol may protect neuronal cells from hypoxia re‐oxygenation injury, possibly via an antioxidant actions under hypoxic conditions. This study investigated the molecular effects of propofol on hypoxia‐induced cell damage using a neuronal cell line. Cultured human IMR‐32 cells were exposed to propofol (30 μm) and biochemical and molecular approaches were used to assess cellular effects. Propofol significantly reduced hypoxia‐mediated increases in lactate dehydrogenase, a marker of cell damage (mean (SD) for normoxia: 0.39 (0.07) a.u.; hypoxia: 0.78 (0.21) a.u.; hypoxia + propofol: 0.44 (0.17) a.u.; normoxia vs hypoxia, p < 0.05; hypoxia vs hypoxia + propofol, p < 0.05), reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide. Propofol also diminished the morphological signs of cell damage. Increased amounts of catalase, which degrades hydrogen peroxide, were detected under hypoxic conditions. Propofol decreased the amount of catalase produced, but increased its enzymatic activity. Propofol protects neuronal cells from hypoxia re‐oxygenation injury, possibly via a combined direct antioxidant effect along with induced cellular antioxidant mechanisms.
Monoamine oxidase enzymes and oxidative stress in the rat optic nerve: age‐related changes
Authors: Nebbioso Marcella , Pascarella Antonia , Cavallotti Carlo , Pescosolido Nicola 
Published: October 2012

SummaryIn this study, age‐related changes in the monoamine oxidases (MAO) were studied in the optic nerve (ON) of both young and aged male rats. The aim of the study was to assess the role of MAO in age‐related changes in the rat ON and explain the mechanisms of neuroprotection mediated by MAO‐B‐specific inhibitors. Fifteen three month old and fifteen 26 month old Sprague–Dawley rats were used. The animals were killed by terminal anaesthesia. Staining of MAO, quantitative analysis of images, biochemical assays and statistical analysis of data were carried out. Samples of the ON were washed in water, fixed in Bowen fluid, dehydrated and embedded in Entellan. Histological sections were stained for MAO‐enzymatic activities. The specificity of the reaction was evaluated by incubating control sections in a medium either without substrate or without dye. The quantitative analysis of images was carried out at the same magnification and the same lighting using a Zeiss photomicroscope. The histochemical findings were compared with the biochemical results. After enzymatic staining, MAO could be demonstrated in the ON fibres of both young and aged animals; however, MAO were increased in the nerve fibres of the elderly rats. These morphological findings were confirmed biochemically. The possibility that age‐related changes in MAO levels may be attributed to impaired energy production mechanisms and/or represent the consequence of reduced energy needs is discussed.
A survey of parental self‐efficacy experiences: maximising potential through health visiting and universal parenting support
Authors: Whittaker Karen A , Cowley Sarah 
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives.  To examine parental self‐efficacy experiences for users of a parenting support programme and consider the pertinence of self‐efficacy theory to health visiting (public health nursing) practice.Background.  Commonly, successful parenting training programmes are underpinned by social learning principles and aim to strengthen parental self‐efficacy. However, research examining programme effectiveness rarely discusses how self‐efficacy outcomes are achieved.Design.  A descriptive survey was completed as the first part of a realistic evaluation study examining how a UK parenting support programme worked.Methods.  The first part of the realistic evaluation involved validating outcome measures (the Parenting Self‐Agency Measure and Self‐Efficacy for Parenting Tasks Index subscales) and administering a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was completed by adults accessing a parenting support programme during a 10‐month period (n = 168). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results.  Women were the main users of the programme, which included informal drop‐in groups as well as more formalised health visiting services and parenting training courses. The Parenting Self‐Agency Measure results indicated good general parental self‐efficacy; however, the task‐specific Self‐Efficacy for Parenting Tasks Indexes scales suggested that parents were less self‐efficacious in disciplining children. Lower self‐efficacy scores correlated with high ratings for ‘feeling tired’, ‘receiving negative comments’ and ‘giving‐in to a child’s demands’.Conclusions.  Study results indicate that the domain general and task‐specific measures provide different, but helpful, insights into parental self‐efficacy experiences. By identifying factors associated with the levels of general and task‐specific parental self‐efficacy, health visitors can gain a fuller appreciation of support needs.Relevance to practice.  To maximise potential through parenting support, attention should be given to addressing factors associated with poorer self‐efficacy experiences, including parental tiredness. Equally, practice should be directed at developing community environments that offer exposure to positive praise and the opportunity to practice new skills without facing criticism.
Validation of the NOSCA – nurses’ observation scale of cognitive abilities
Authors: Persoon Anke , Schoonhoven Lisette , Melis Rene JF , van Achterberg Theo , Kessels Roy PC , Rikkert Marcel GM Olde 
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives. To examine the psychometric properties of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities.Background. Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities is a behavioural rating scale comprising eight subscales that represent different cognitive domains. It is based on observations during contact between nurse and patient.Design. Observational study.Methods. A total of 50 patients from two geriatric wards in acute care hospitals participated in this study. Reliability was examined via internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability. Construct validity of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities and its subscales were explored by means of convergent and divergent validity and post hoc analyses for group differences.Results. Cronbach’s αs of the total Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities and its subscales were 0·98 and 0·66–0·93, respectively. The item–total correlations were satisfactory (overall > 0·4). The intra‐class coefficients were good (37 of 39 items > 0·4). The convergent validity of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities against cognitive ratings (MMSE, NOSGER) and severity of dementia (Clinical Dementia Rating) demonstrated satisfactory correlations (0·59–0·70,p < 0·01), except for IQCODE (0·30,p > 0·05). The divergent validity of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities against depressive symptoms was low (0·12,p > 0·05). The construct validity of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities subscales against 13 specific neuropsychological tests showed correlations varying from poor to fair (0·18–0·74; 10 of 13 correlationsp < 0·05).Conclusions. Validity and reliability of the total Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities are excellent. The correlations between the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities subscales and standard neuropsychological tests were moderate. More conclusive results may be found if the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities subscales were to be validated using more ecologically valid tests and in a patient population with less cognitive impairment.Relevance to clinical practice. Use of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities yields standardised, reliable and valid information about patient’s cognitive behaviour in daily practice. The Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities aids in tailoring nursing interventions to patients’ specific cognitive needs. We advocate the implementation of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities both in research and at geriatric units in acute care hospitals.
Talking in triads: communication with Turkish and Moroccan immigrants in the palliative phase of cancer
Authors: De Graaff Fuusje M , Francke Anneke L , Van den Muijsenbergh Maria ETC , van der Geest Sjaak 
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectivesTo gain insight into the factors that influence communication between health professionals and Turkish and Moroccan immigrants in the palliative phase of cancer.BackgroundIn palliative care, communication is crucial. The question, however, is whether Dutch healthcare providers, on the one hand, and Turkish and Moroccan patients and their family members, on the other, agree on what is constituted by good communication.DesignA descriptive qualitative method is used.MethodsData of semi‐structured interviews with 83 persons (six patients, 30 relatives and 47 professional care providers) were analysed to determine perceptual communication differences about care and treatment during the palliative phase of 33 cases.ResultsAs many patients with a Turkish or Moroccan background speak little Dutch, conversations often take place in triads, which makes it difficult for the actors to understand and resolve communication problems arising from diverging perceptions of ‘good communication’.ConclusionMiscommunication around palliative care cannot solely be explained by the different cultural backgrounds of patients and their care providers. The multilingual communication triangle of patient – family – care provider often also complicates the bridging of differences in care perceptions.Relevance to clinical practiceProfessional care providers should develop adequate strategies to handle triads, explore their own conventions and those of patients and relatives.
The 75‐year‐old persons' self‐reported health conditions: a knowledge base in the field of preventive home visits
Authors: Sherman Helena , Forsberg Christina , Karp Anita , Törnkvist Lena 
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectivesTo describe and analyse 75‐year‐old persons′ health conditions and how they were associated with socio‐demographic status and sense of coherence to produce a knowledge base for district nurse's preventive home visits.BackgroundAction plans are needed to promote health and to prevent diseases amongst older people. One action plan is preventive home visits to 75‐year‐old persons by the district nurse. Though the district nurse has a broad knowledge in the field of preventive health work, preventive home visits to 75‐year‐old persons was a new responsibility. Although aging and older persons health have been investigated in many varied studies, it was difficult to find a comprehensive view, in general and from a district nursing perspective, of 75‐year olds' health conditions.DesignCross‐sectional.MethodsIn total 583, 75‐year‐olds (74%) answered a questionnaire regarding health and well‐being, health problems, health behaviour and sense of coherence.ResultsMost 75‐year‐old persons reported their health as good or very good, but they also reported health problems such as: pain, sleeping problems, memory failure, fatigue, poor understanding of their own health and illnesses, problems with elimination patterns and underweight and overweight. 75‐year‐old persons living alone, those with elementary school education and women reported worse health and well‐being than other groups.ConclusionThis study contributes to the knowledge about health issues that concern persons of 75 years of age. It gives a suggestion as to what the district nurses should be aware of when performing preventive home visits.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study raises the importance of preventive health work regarding 75‐year‐old persons. It suggests how to educate district nurses in how to perform preventive home visits to older persons.
Frequency of positive patch test reactions to preservatives: The Australian experience
Authors: Chow Elizabeth T , Avolio Andrea M , Lee Adriene , Nixon Rosemary 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesPreservatives are important causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The frequency of allergy to preservatives in Australia has been unknown to date. Our objectives are to report the frequency of positive preservative patch test reactions in Australia, comparing them to the published international data, as well as exploring the current regulations in place for preservative use in Australia.MethodsThis was the first retrospective study of patch testing results, aggregated from four patch test clinics in three centres in Melbourne and Sydney.ResultsIn all, 6845 patients were patch‐tested during 1993–2006 and in this period the five most frequent preservative allergens were formaldehyde (4.6%), Euxyl K400 (containing methyldibromo glutaronitrile and phenoxyethanol) (3.3%), quaternium‐15 (2.9%), diazolidinyl urea (2.4%), and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (2.3%). These were followed by dimethylol dimethyl DMDM hydantoin (2.1%), chloroacetamide (2.1%) and imidazolidinyl urea (1.9%). The least frequent sensitisers were parabens (1.1%), 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1, 3‐diol (0.9%) and benzyl alcohol (0.4%).ConclusionsFormaldehyde was the most prevalent preservative allergen. Chloroacetamide allergy was more commonly seen in Australia. Parabens, 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol and benzyl alcohol were the least frequent sensitisers. Household products in Australia are not required to list all ingredients preventing sensitised individuals from properly assessing their exposure.
Venous malformations: Clinical course and management of vascular birthmark clinic cases
Authors: McRae Michelle Y , Adams Susan , Pereira, John , Parsi Kurosh , Wargon Orli 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesVenous malformations (VM) are an uncommon vascular malformation with an estimated incidence of 1–2 per 10 000 births. The aim was to define the clinical characteristics and management of children with VM and develop a database for future research.MethodsA retrospective chart review of all children presenting to the Vascular Birth Mark clinic with VM from 2000 to 2011.ResultsIn total 128 patients were included, of whom 59.4% were female, 78.1% were Caucasian and 56.3% resided in a metropolitan area. Most lesions were noted at birth (64.1%) with an average age when VM was first noticed of 17.1 months. The average age of definitive diagnosis was 65.9 months. Locations most frequently involved were the lower limb (41.4%), face (21.1%), trunk (17.2%) and upper limb (15.6%). The most commonly associated conditions were capillary malformation (28.9%) and lymphatic malformation (28.1%). Magnetic resonance imaging was used in the majority of patients (86.7%) to assess tissue distribution of the lesions. Skin and subcutaneous tissue (61.3%), muscle (49.5%) and joints (11.7%) were most commonly involved. Complications of VM resulted in morbidity in 68.8% of cases, most commonly pain (52.3%), thrombophlebitis (17.2%), bleeding (13.3%) and limb length discrepancy (13.3%). Intervention was employed in 68.0%, most often with sclerotherapy (61.8%), compression garments (43.0%), and endovascular laser (17.2%) and surgical management (13.3%).ConclusionsGiven the frequent association of VM with other vascular lesions, considerable morbidity, and specialised treatment, a multidisciplinary approach to their management in childhood is important and should include dermatology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, haematology, paediatric surgery, physiotherapy and social services.
Direct incision versus submucosal tunneling as a method of creating transgastric accesses for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) peritoneoscopy: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Teoh Anthony Yuen Bun , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Chan Shannon Melissa , Wong Tiffany Cho Lam , Lau James Yun Wong , Ng Enders Kwok Wai 
Published: October 2012

AimThe optimal approach for creating accesses for transgastric peritoneoscopy is still uncertain. The present study aims to assess the feasibility of carrying out transgastric submucosal tunnel (SMT) peritoneoscopy and to determine whether this approach improves or restricts access to various sectors within the peritoneal cavity.MethodsThis was a randomized comparative study carried out in an in‐vivo survival porcine model. Sixty‐six beads in six swine were visualized and touched via gastrotomies created by either direct incision (DI) or SMT. The influence of the type of gastrotomy on improving or restricting access to particular sites within the peritoneal cavity for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) peritoneoscopy was compared. The main outcome measurements were localization score of beads, overall procedural time, morbidities and mortalities.ResultsA significantly higher mean (SD) localization score was observed in peritoneoscopies carried out in the DI group (P < 0.001). Both the visualization and the touching scores were significantly better with the DI technique, and the overall yield of NOTES peritoneoscopy with DI and SMT were 72.73% and 60.6%, respectively (P = 0.043). Significantly more beads that were not touched in the SMT group were located in the sub‐phrenic area (P = 0.013). The overall procedural time was significantly shorter in the DI group (P = 0.004). No major morbidities or mortalities occurred in any procedures.ConclusionsSMT resulted in lower visualization and touching scores for transgastric NOTES peritoneoscopy. Alternate methods to improve the diagnostic yield to the sub‐phrenic area are required.
Handedness, Health and Cognitive Development: Evidence from Children in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth
Authors: Johnston David W. , Nicholls Michael E. R. , Shah Manisha , Shields Michael A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryUsing data from the child supplement of the US National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, and fitting three-level random-effects models of child health and cognitive development, we test whether left-handed children have different outcomes from those of their right-handed counterparts. The health measures cover both physical health and mental health, and the cognitive development test scores span vocabulary, mathematics, reading and comprehension. Overall we find little evidence to suggest that left-handed children have a significantly higher probability of experiencing injury, illness or behavioural problems. In contrast, we find that left-handed children have significantly lower cognitive development test scores than right-handed children for all areas of development with the exception of reading. Moreover, we find no strong evidence that the left-handedness effect differs by gender or age.
Does High Involvement Management Lead to Higher Pay?
Authors: Böckerman Petri , Bryson Alex , Ilmakunnas Pekka 
Published: October 2012

SummaryUsing nationally representative survey data for Finnish employees linked to register data on their wages and work histories we find that wage effects of high involvement management (HIM) practices are generally positive and significant. However, employees with better wage and work histories are more likely to enter HIM jobs. The wage premium falls substantially having accounted for employees’ work histories, which suggests that existing studies’ estimates are upwardly biased owing to positive selection into HIM. Results using standard regression techniques are robust to propensity score matching and instrumental variables estimation. The premium also rises with the number of HIM practices and differs markedly across different types of HIM practice.
Land rights in Darfur: Institutional flexibility, policy and adaptation to environmental change
Authors: Unruh Jon , Abdul‐Jalil Musa Adam 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWith environmental change set to affect the developing world in significant ways, examination of the process of adaptation is increasingly being brought to the fore. Common to all forms of adaptation in rural livelihoods will be a process of change in resource use and the resource rights that will either facilitate or subvert adaptation. This paper looks at Darfur and the repercussions from the multi‐year drought and land degradation that led to forms of adaptation that involved change in relationships between groups over land resources. The analysis looks at how changes in land resource rights relationships have been dealt with historically, as adaptation developed. Approaches involving highly flexible customary institutions were used to effectively manage the change in land resource rights relationships inherent in adaptation, and considerable opportunity existed for positive interaction between customary and statutory law. Initial success at adaptation was followed by interventions by the Sudanese government to manage these relationships for specific objectives that worked against adaptation. This resulted in competition, animosity, confrontation and the subsequent collapse of the institutions, legitimacy, and trust necessary for successful management of land resource rights change. These national policies debilitated the adaptation opportunities and instead led to profoundly negative repercussions in relationships about land in Darfur, eventually becoming a primary driver in the current war. This highlights both the importance of land resource rights relationships to adaptation and how these relationships can be changed (positively and negatively) by specific practices and policies.