bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life activities improve heart rate variability in patients with mild hypertension and/or the initial stage of heart failure
Authors: Nakayama Natsuki , Negi Koji , Watanabe Koji , Hirai Makoto 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo determine the effects on heart rate variability of home‐based daily activity in patients with mild hypertension and/or stable angina pectoris and to clarify the relationship between daily activity and sympathovagal balance.BackgroundSeveral prior studies have assessed the ability of exercise training to improve functional capacity and produce beneficial effects on mortality and physical capacity in patients with cardiovascular disease.DesignA non‐randomised six‐month prospective longitudinal study.MethodsThis study consisted of 41 patients (59–83 years old) with mild hypertension and/or stable angina pectoris. The home‐based daily activity and heart rate variability were measured at the start of the study (BASE) and six months after the start of the study (6MoA). At 6MoA, the active mass increased in 23 patients (the IC group), while it decreased in the remaining 18 patients (the DC group).ResultsThere were significant increases in the high‐frequency component in the IC group between the data at BASE and 6MoA. There were significant decreases in the low frequency to high‐frequency ratio (low frequency/high‐frequency) during sleep in the IC group between the data at BASE and 6MoA. The active mass was classified into life activities and walk activities in terms of intensity of activity. In a multivariate model, increased life activitiesrevealed a trend towards an association with increased high‐frequency.ConclusionsIn patients with mild hypertension and/or stable angina pectoris, an increase in active mass improved heart rate variability outcomes with increased high‐frequency and decreased low frequency/high‐frequency during sleep. To increase life activitiesmight improve heart rate variability and prognosis in patients.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study demonstrated that the potential importance of low‐intensity daily activities in patients with mild hypertension and/or stable angina pectoris.
How do nurse practitioners in acute care affect perceptions of team effectiveness?
Authors: Kilpatrick Kelley 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo describe how acute care nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness.BackgroundAcute care nurse practitioners provide safe and effective care to patients. There is limited evidence of the effects of acute care nurse practitioner roles on healthcare teams, and many of the findings are contradictory. Research is lacking to describe how nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness.DesignA descriptive multiple‐case study undertaken in two university‐affiliated teaching hospitals in Canada.MethodsData were collected from March–May 2009. Data sources included interviews (n = 59), time and motion study, non‐participant observations, documents and field notes. Interviews were conducted individually or in groups using a semi‐structured interview guide. Data were analysed within and across the cases to identify similarities and differences in perceptions of team effectiveness.ResultsTeam members believed the nurse practitioners improved the team's effectiveness. They identified six team processes they believed were improved by the addition of the nurse practitioners to the teams. The processes included decision‐making, communication, cohesion, care coordination, problem‐solving and focus on patients and families.DiscussionThe study contributes to our understanding of how nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness. Improved team communication and care coordination were believed to be particularly important. Nurse practitioner can facilitate patient‐ and family‐centred care in healthcare teams.ConclusionNurse practitioners improve perceptions of team effectiveness. Further work is needed in different contexts and with patients and families to determine their perceptions of team effectiveness.Relevance to clinical practiceThe nurse practitioner role was believed to be particularly important to improve team communication and care coordination. This constitutes an added value of acute care nurse practitioners roles in healthcare teams. Nurse practitioner roles contribute to patient‐centred care and can improve the quality and safety of the care provided to patients and families.
Systematic reviews of surgical procedures in children: Quantity, coverage and quality
Authors: McGee Richard G , Craig Jonathan C , Rogerson Thomas E , Webster Angela C 
Published: March 2013

AimSystematic reviews have the potential to map those areas where children are under‐represented in surgical research. We aimed to describe and evaluate the quantity, coverage and the quality of conduct and reporting of systematic reviews of surgical procedures in children.MethodsWe searched four biomedical databases, a systematic review register, reference lists and conducted hand searching to identify relevant reviews. Two reviewers worked independently to critically appraise included studies and abstract data. We assessed reporting quality using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis statement and methodological quality using the Assessment of Multiple SysTemAtic Reviews tool.ResultsFifteen systematic reviews were identified, representing 0.01% of all paediatric surgical citations in MEDLINE and Embase. Thirteen of the reviews were Cochrane reviews, and most reviews (12/15) addressed subspecialty interests such as otorhinolaryngology. The median number of included trials per systematic review was four (interquartile range 1 to 9.5), the median number of primary outcomes was 5.5 (interquartile range 3.5 to 7.5). In general, reporting and methodological quality was good although there were several omissions, particularly around completeness of reporting of statistical methods used, and utilisation of quality assessments in analyses. Outcomes were often not clearly defined and descriptions of procedures lacked sufficient detail to determine the similarities and differences among surgical procedures within the contributing trials.ConclusionSystematic reviews of surgical procedures in children are rarely published. To improve the evidence base and guide research agendas, more systematic reviews should be conducted, using standard guidelines for conduct and reporting.
Vaginal Lubrication After Cervicovaginal Stimulation is Facilitated by Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibition in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Gamé Xavier , Roumiguié Mathieu , Bouali Ourdia , Allard Julien , Gourdy Pierre , Mazerolles Catherine , Rischmann Pascal , Arnal JeanFrançois , Malavaud Bernard 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and estrogen receptors are expressed in the vagina.

Aim
We aimed to assess the impact of sildenafil on vaginal lubrication according to the hormonal status and to determine the role of the neuronal isoform of NOS (nNOS).

Methods
Fourweekold C57/BL6 female mice were sham operated or ovariectomized. At 10 weeks of age, they were injected intraperitoneally by any combination of sildenafil, 7nitroindazole (7NI)—a potent selective nNOS inhibitor—or the corresponding vehicles. Vaginal lubrication was induced in a physiological manner by cervical vaginal probing and quantified depending on the hormonal and pharmacological conditions. The animals were then sacrificed for vaginal histomorphometry.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measure is the quantification of vaginal transudate after cervicovaginal stimulation and vaginal histomorphometry.

Results
Sildenafil increased cervicovaginal probinginduced vaginal lubrication in ovariectomized and shamoperated animals. Ovariectomized mice exhibited decreased vaginal lubrication as compared with shamoperated mice. When taking into account the presence of severe vaginal atrophy, a threefold increase in transudate per gram of vagina wet weight was revealed in ovariectomized animals. Castration markedly reduced the thickness of the vaginal wall. nNOS inhibition by 7NI had no impact on vaginal lubrication.

Conclusions
Irrespective of the hormonal status, sildenafil increased vaginal lubrication. The vaginal effect of sildenafil was independent of the nNOS pathway and more pronounced in ovariectomized animals.
Effects of Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shin Hyun-Woo , Park Ju-Hyun , Park Jong-Wan , Rhee Chae-Seo , Lee Chul Hee , Min Yang-Gi , Kim Dong-Young 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). The improvement of ED after medical therapy including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) is still controversial. Furthermore, the efficacy of surgical treatment has been little investigated.

Aim
The aim of this nonrandomized prospective study was to evaluate the effects of surgical (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP]) and nonsurgical approaches (CPAP and MAD) on ED and quality of life (QOL) in OSAS.

Methods
OSAS patients underwent UPPP (N = 30), CPAP (N = 16), or MAD (N = 10) and completed the Korean versions of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (KIIEF-5) and the Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) before and after a median of 7 months of treatment (interquartile range, 4–15 months). All patients underwent a full-night in-laboratory polysomnography at baseline and follow-up.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcome measures are the KIIEF-5 and SAQLI scores.

Results
CPAP group showed older age, higher body mass index, and more severe OSAS than other groups. Apnea–hypopnea index and lowest oxygen saturation level improved significantly in all groups, but Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased significantly in UPPP and MAD groups. Significant increase of KIIEF-5 was observed in patients who underwent UPPP (P = 0.039, paired t-test), but not in nonsurgical treatment group. All groups had the tendency of better QOL after treatment, but statistical significance was found only in MAD group. Neck circumference (r = 0.360, P = 0.006) and KIIEF-5 score (r = −0.484, P &lt; 0.001) at baseline were significantly related to the improvement of KIIEF-5.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that ED in OSAS may improve following UPPP. Better disease-specific QOL was observed after both surgical and nonsurgical therapies in OSAS. These findings suggest that interventions for OSAS can provide the alleviation of ED and increase QOL in OSAS patients with ED, especially if they had pronounced complaints of ED and wide neck circumferences.
Accessibility of blood affects the attractiveness of cattle to horn flies
Authors: BREIJO M. , ROCHA S. , URES X. , PEDRANA G. , ALONZO P. , MEIKLE A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe burden of infestation of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae), differs among bovines within the same herd. We hypothesized that these differences might be related to the epidermal thickness of the cattle and the blood intake capacity of the fly. Results showed that dark animals carried more flies and had a thinner epidermis than light‐coloured animals, which was consistent with the greater haemoglobin content found in flies caught on darker cattle. Similarly, epidermal thickness increased with body weight, whereas haemoglobin content decreased. Overall, we suggest that accessibility of blood is a factor that partially explains cattle attractiveness to flies.
Does parental anxiety cause biases in the processing of child‐relevant threat material?
Authors: Cartwright‐Hatton Sam , Abeles Paul , Dixon Clare , Holliday Christine , Hills Becky 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesAnxiety leads to biases in processing personally relevant information. This study set out to examine whether anxious parents also experience biases in processing child‐relevant material.Design and MethodsNinety parents acted as a control condition, or received a social anxiety or child‐related anxiety induction. They completed a task examining attentional biases in relation to child‐threat words and social‐threat words, and a task examining ability to categorize emotion in children's faces and voices.ResultsThere was a trend indicating group differences in attentional bias towards social‐threat words, and this appears to have been only in the social anxiety condition, but not the child anxiety or control conditions. For child‐threat words, attentional bias was present in the child anxiety condition, but not the social anxiety or control conditions. In the emotion recognition task, there was no difference between the control and child anxiety conditions, but the social anxiety condition were more likely to erroneously label children's faces and voices as sad.ConclusionsParents' anxious biases may spill over into their child's world.Practitioner points

Parents' anxious biases may spill over into their child's world.

Anxious parents may have attentional biases towards threats in their children's environment.

Anxious parents may over‐attribute negative emotion to children.
Contingent Identity
Authors: Schwarz Wolfgang 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIt is widely held that if an object a is identical (or non‐identical) to an object b, then it is necessary that a is identical (non‐identical) to b. This view is supported an argument from Leibniz's Law and a popular conception of de re modality. On the other hand, there are good reasons to allow for contingent identity. Various alternative accounts of de re modality have been developed to achieve this kind of generality, and to explain what is wrong with the argument from Leibniz's Law.
Jian ai and the Mohist attack of Early Confucianism
Authors: Chiu Wai Wai 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn Chinese pre‐Qin period, Mohism was the first school that challenged Confucianism. A common view is that Mohists attacked Confucianism by proposing jian ai, often translated as “universal love,” that opposes Confucian “graded love”. The Confucian‐Mohist debate on ethics is often regarded as a debate between Mohist “universal love,” on the one hand; and Confucian emphasis on family and kinship, on the other. However, it is misleading to translate jian ai as “universal love,” as it distorts our understanding of the debate. The word jian in classical Chinese means “inclusive,” not “impartial”. The Jian Ai chapters in the Mozi do not object to the idea that our moral practices ought to vary according to our relationship with others and their social positions. Furthermore, Mohist jian ai was not proposed in the first instance to refute Confucian ideas. The Confucian‐Mohist debate should not be understood as a battle between nepotism and excessive insistence on impartiality, because both of them advocate that we should care for people in general and that we should maintain close relational ties.
The Incompatibility Problem and Religious Pluralism Beyond Hick
Authors: Ruhmkorff Samuel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractReligious pluralism is the view that more than one religion is correct, and that no religion enjoys a special status in relation to the ultimate. Yet the world religions appear to be incompatible. How, then, can more than one be correct? Discussions and critiques of religious pluralism usually focus on the work of John Hick, yet there are a number of other pluralists whose responses to this incompatibility problem are importantly different from Hick’s. This article surveys the solutions of Hick, Harrison, Heim, Byrne, and Knitter to the incompatibility problem. I conclude that, while none of these views is without weakness, there are several promising pluralist solutions to this problem. Moreover, confessionalists (i.e. exclusivists and inclusivists) must also address issues related to incompatibility.
Correlation Analysis of Camera Self‐Calibration in Close Range Photogrammetry
Authors: Tang Rongfu , Fritsch Dieter 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWhile the Brown self‐calibration model has been widely used in close range photogrammetry for over 40 years, the negative effects of the well‐known high correlations between parameters are not clear. This paper presents a novel view and study of these correlations, which are shown to be inherent in the Brown model due to its polynomial nature; they occur exactly as with additional parameters in aerial photogrammetry. Although it has high correlations with the decentring distortion parameters, the principal point can be located precisely (up to a few pixels) in self‐calibration with an appropriate image configuration. An alternative model of the in‐plane distortion is proposed, which helps to reduce the correlation with principal distance.
Ore‐forming Ages and Sulfur Isotope Study of Hydrothermal Deposits in Kamchatka, Russia
Authors: Takahashi Ryohei , Matsueda Hiroharu , Okrugin Victor M. , Shikazono Naotatsu , Ono Shuji , Imai Akira , Andreeva Elena D. , Watanabe Koichiro 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn Kamchatka, Central Koryak, Central Kamchatka and East Kamchatka metallogenic belts are distributed from northwest to southeast. K–Ar age, sulfur isotopic composition of sulfide minerals, and bulk chemical compositions of ores were analyzed for 13 ore deposits including hydrothermal gold‐silver and base metal, in order to elucidate the geological time periods of ore formation, relationship to regional volcanic belts, type of mineralization, and origin of sulfur in sulfides. The dating yielded ore‐forming ages of 41 Ma for the Ametistovoe deposit in the Central Koryak, 17.1 Ma for the Zolotoe deposit and 6.9 Ma for the Aginskoe deposit in the Central Kamchatka, and 7.4 Ma for the Porozhistoe deposit and 5.1 Ma for the Vilyuchinskoe deposit in the East Kamchatka metallogenic belt. The data combined with previous data of ore‐forming ages indicate that the time periods of ore formation in these metallogenic belts become young towards the southeast. The averaged δ34SCDT of sulfides are −2.8‰ for the Ametistovoe deposit in Central Koryak, −1.8‰ to +2.0‰ (av. −0.1‰) for the Zolotoe, Aginskoe, Baranievskoe and Ozernovskoe deposits in Central Kamchatka, and −0.7 to +3.8‰ (av. +1.7‰) for Bolshe‐Bannoe, Kumroch, Vilyuchinskoe, Bystrinskoe, Asachinskoe, Rodnikovoe, and Mutnovskoe deposits in East Kamchatka. The negative δ34SCDT value from the Ametistovoe deposit in Central Koryak is ascribed to the contamination of 32S‐enriched sedimentary sulfur in the Ukelayat‐Lesnaya River trough of basement rock. Comparison of the sulfur isotope compositions of the mineral deposits shows similarity between the Central Koryak and Magadan metallogenic belts, and East Kamchatka and Kuril Islands belts. The Central Kamchatka belt is intermediate between these two groups in term of sulfur isotopic composition.
Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer method for NKG2D and NKG2F single‐nucleotide polymorphism typing using isothermal multiple displacement amplification products
Authors: Kaewmanee M. , Phoksawat W. , Romphruk A. , Romphruk A. V. , Jumnainsong A. , Leelayuwat C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNatural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) on immune effector cells recognizes multiple stress‐inducible ligands. NKG2D single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes were related to the levels of cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Indeed, these polymorphisms were also located in NKG2F. Isothermal multiple displacement amplification (IMDA) is used for whole genome amplification (WGA) that can amplify very small genomic DNA templates into microgram with whole genome coverage. This is particularly useful in the cases of limited amount of valuable DNA samples requiring multi‐locus genotyping. In this study, we evaluated the quality and applicability of IMDA to genetic studies in terms of sensitivity, efficiency of IMDA re‐amplification and stability of IMDA products. The smallest amount of DNA to be effectively amplified by IMDA was 200 pg yielding final DNA of approximately 16 µg within 1.5 h. IMDA could be re‐amplified only once (second round of amplification), and could be kept for 5 months at 4°C and more than a year at −20°C without loosing genome coverage. The amplified products were used successfully to setup a multiplex polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer for SNP typing of the NKG2D/F genes. The NKG2D/F multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) contained six PCR mixtures for detecting 10 selected SNPs, including 8 NKG2D/F SNP haplotypes and 2 additional NKG2D coding SNPs. This typing procedure will be applicable in both clinical and research laboratories. Thus, our data provide useful information and limitations for utilization of genome‐wide amplification using IMDA and its application for multiplex NKG2D/F typing.
Involvement of nuclear factor of activated T cells in granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor production in canine keratinocytes stimulated with a cysteine protease
Authors: Kimura Tsuyoshi , Sekido Machiko , Iio Aki , Chimura Naoki , Shibata Sanae , Kamishina Harumi , Kamishina Hiroaki , Maeda Sadatoshi 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundA previous study demonstrated that the cysteine protease of Dermatophagoides farinae induced production of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in a canine epidermal keratinocyte progenitor cell line (CPEK); however, the molecular mechanism has not been elucidated.Hypothesis/ObjectivesGiven that the transcription of GM‐CSF mRNA in human lymphocytes is mainly regulated by the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), it is hypothesized that NFAT also contributes to GM‐CSF production in canine keratinocytes stimulated with a cysteine protease.MethodsNuclear translocation of NFAT was evaluated in CPEK cells in the absence or presence of the cysteine protease papain. We also investigated whether blockade of NFAT could inhibit GM‐CSF production.ResultsPapain‐induced nuclear translocation of NFAT, producing GM‐CSF, was partly inhibited by ciclosporin.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe results suggest that GM‐CSF production mediated by the cysteine protease is regulated not only by NFAT but also by unknown signalling pathways in canine keratinocytes.