bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Public Health Nurse‐Delivered Asthma Program to Elementary Schools
Authors: Cicutto Lisa , To Teresa , Murphy Suzanne 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDChildhood asthma is a serious and common chronic disease that requires the attention of nurses and other school personnel. Schools are often the first setting that children take the lead in managing their asthma. Often, children are ill prepared for this role. Our study evaluated a school‐based, multifaceted asthma program that targeted students with asthma and the broader school community.METHODSA randomized trial involving 130 schools with grades 1‐5 and 1316 children with asthma and their families was conducted. Outcomes of interest for the child, at 1 year, were urgent care use and school absenteeism for asthma, inhaler technique, and quality of life, and for the school, at 14 months, were indicators of a supportive school environment.RESULTSImprovements were observed at the child and school level for the intervention group. Fewer children in the intervention group had a school absence (50% vs 60%; p < .01), required urgent care for asthma (41% vs 51%; p < .0001), or reported a day of interrupted activity (51% vs 63%; p < .01), and had improved quality of life (5.8 ± 1.2 vs 5.4 ± 1.4; p < .0001). Schools in the intervention group were more likely to have practices supporting an asthma‐friendly environment.CONCLUSIONSImplementation of a multifaceted school‐based asthma program can lead to asthma‐friendly schools that support children with asthma to be successful managers of their asthma and experience improved quality of life and decreased disease associated burden.
Increasing Availability to and Ascertaining Value of Asthma Action Plans in Schools Through Use of Technology and Community Collaboration
Authors: Hanson Tabitha K. , Aleman Martha , Hart Lacey , Yawn Barbara 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDApproximately 9% of school‐aged children in the United States have asthma. Since 1997, the Asthma Action Plan (AAP) has been recommended as an asthma self‐management tool for individuals with asthma. In the school setting, the use of the AAP has been primarily dependent on communication between the family and the school through a paper process.METHODSTo address the limited availability of AAPs, the Southeast Minnesota Beacon Project developed and implemented a secure portal designed for the electronic exchange of the AAP between providers and schools. This project was designed to assess school nurses' responses to the portal and the perceived value of AAPs, efficiency, self‐efficacy, and project impact.RESULTSSchool nurses perceive that the AAP enables more efficient management of the care of students with asthma and increases school nurse self‐efficacy in regard to asthma management. Overall, school nurses felt the AAP portal was useful and they reported satisfaction with its function as a school health office resource.CONCLUSIONElectronic sharing of the AAP has the potential to increase efficiency and enhance effective communication among health care providers, families, and schools.
Adolescent Asthma Self‐Management: Patient and Parent‐Caregiver Perspectives on Using Social Media to Improve Care
Authors: Panzera Anthony D. , Schneider Tali K. , Martinasek Mary P. , Lindenberger James H. , Couluris Marisa , Bryant Carol A. , McDermott Robert J. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSelf‐management of asthma can now leverage new media technologies. To optimize implementation they must employ a consumer‐oriented developmental approach. This study explored benefits of and barriers to improved asthma self‐management and identified key elements for the development of a digital media tool to enhance asthma control.METHODSBetween August 2010 and January 2011, 18 teens with asthma and 18 parent‐caregivers participated in semistructured in‐depth interviews to identify mechanisms for improving asthma self‐management and propose characteristics for developing a digital media tool to aid such efforts.RESULTSTeens and caregivers enumerated physician‐recommended strategies for asthma management as well as currently employed strategies. Both groups thought of a potential digital media solution as positive, but indicated specific design requirements for such a solution to have utility. Whereas most participants perceived mobile platforms to be viable modes to improve asthma self‐management, interest in having social networking capabilities was mixed.CONCLUSIONSA digital media product capable of tracking conditions, triggers, and related asthma activities can be a core element of improved asthma control for youth. Improved asthma control will help decrease school absenteeism.
Lack of Sexual Privacy Affects Psychological and Marital Domains of Male Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Boddi Valentina , Fisher Alessandra Daphne , Maseroli Elisa , Rastrelli Giulia , Corona Giovanni , Jannini Emmanuele , Ricca Valdo , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) are dictated by predisposing, precipitating, maintaining, and contextual factors, the latter of which can help sexual problems to emerge. Even if the lack of sexual privacy is one of the most common contextual issues, it has not been extensively studied.

Aim
Investigation of sexual privacy in a large sample of men consulting for SD was the aim of this study.

Methods
A consecutive series of 3,736 men, attending the outpatient clinic for SD for the first time, was retrospectively studied. Privacy during sexual intercourse was investigated with the following question, “During the last three months, have you had enough privacy during your sexual activity?” and rated 0 = yes, 1 = sometimes, 2 = rarely, and 3 = never.

Main Outcome Measures
Several clinical, biochemical, and psychological (Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire [MHQ]) parameters were studied.

Results
Among the 3,736 patients studied, 83.9% reported enough privacy during sexual intercourse, while 8.6%, 5.7%, and 1.7% declared a decrease of sexual privacy of increasing severity. Lack of sexual privacy was associated with ejaculatory dysfunctions and with the inability to maintain an erection during intercourse. Subjects reporting lack of sexual privacy had a higher risk of relational and intrapsychic impairments, as well as psychopathology at MHQ questionnaire, even after adjusting for confounders. Fatherhood was associated with sexual privacy issues only in the lowest quartiles. In subjects without children, the absence of cohabitation with the partner was associated with an increasing risk of not having enough privacy (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.837 [1.269–2.659], P = 0.001); data confirmed, after stratification for age, only in the youngest subjects (I quartile HR = 2.159 [1.211–3.848], P = 0.009).

Conclusions
This study indicates that sexual privacy is often a poorly investigated item, which is important to evaluate in male SD.
Penile Sonoelastography for the Localization of a Non-Palpable, Non-Sonographically Visualized Lesion in a Patient with Penile Curvature from Peyronie's Disease
Authors: Richards Gideon , Goldenberg Etai , Pek Henry , Gilbert Bruce R. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Sonoelastography is an emerging ultrasound-based technique that allows characterization of tissue stiffness.

Aim
The aim of this report is to present a case of significant penile curvature with a non-palpable, non-sonographically visualized plaque that was demonstrable with sonoelastography.

Methods
A 60-year-old male presented with significant left penile curvature during erections. The penis was evaluated with physical exam followed by B-mode and color Doppler ultrasound. No evidence of plaque was identified with these modalities. Shear wave sonoelastography was pursued to further characterize the patient's Peyronie's disease.

Results
An area of increased tissue stiffness that correlated with the site of maximum curvature was identified with shear wave sonoelastography and used to target intralesional injection therapy.

Conclusion
Sonoelastography provides an additional way to characterize, localize, and deliver therapy to a lesion in patients with Peyronie's disease and is particularly useful when palpation and B-mode ultrasonography have failed to demonstrate a plaque.
Specific Organizational Citizenship Behaviours and Organizational Effectiveness: The Development of a Conceptual Heuristic Device
Authors: Coldwell David Alastair Lindsay , Callaghan Chris William 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOrganizational citizenship behaviour has generally been associated with organizational effectiveness. However, recent research has shown that this may not always be the case and that certain types of organizational citizenship behaviour such as compulsory citizenship behaviour, may be inimical to the fulfillment of formal goals and organizational effectiveness. Using military historical and business organizational secondary data, the paper maintains that extreme variance in either organizational (task) or personal (social psychological) support organizational citizenship behaviour generates entropic citizenship behaviour which derails completely the effective accomplishment of formal organizational goals. A general model of organizational citizenship behaviour with entropic citizenship behavior as its novel conceptual boundary is developed in the paper, and four specific propositions with implications for future empirical research are delineated.
A sporulation‐specific, sigF‐dependent protein, SspA, affects septum positioning in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Tzanis Angelos , Dalton Kate A. , Hesketh Andrew , den Hengst Chris D. , Buttner Mark J. , Thibessard Annabelle , Kelemen Gabriella H. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe RNA polymerase sigma factor SigF controls late development during sporulation in the filamentous bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor. The only known SigF‐dependent gene identified so far, SCO5321, is found in the biosynthetic cluster encoding spore pigment synthesis. Here we identify the first direct target for SigF, the gene sspA, encoding a sporulation‐specific protein. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that SspA is a secreted lipoprotein with two PepSY signature domains. The sspA deletion mutant exhibits irregular sporulation septation and altered spore shape, suggesting that SspA plays a role in septum formation and spore maturation. The fluorescent translational fusion protein SspA–mCherry localized first to septum sites, then subsequently around the surface of the spores. Both SspA protein and sspA transcription are absent from the sigF null mutant. Moreover, in vitro transcription assay confirmed that RNA polymerase holoenzyme containing SigF is sufficient for initiation of transcription from a single sspA promoter. In addition, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that sspA is a direct target of BldD, which functions to repress sporulation genes, including whiG, ftsZ and ssgB, during vegetative growth, co‐ordinating their expression during sporulation septation.
An early cytoplasmic step of peptidoglycan synthesis is associated to MreB in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Rueff Anne‐Stéphanie , Chastanet Arnaud , Domínguez‐Escobar Julia , Yao Zhizhong , Yates James , Prejean Maria‐Victoria , Delumeau Olivier , Noirot Philippe , Wedlich‐Söldner Roland , Filipe Sergio R. , Carballido‐López Rut 
Published: November 2013

SummaryMreB proteins play a major role during morphogenesis of rod‐shaped bacteria by organizing biosynthesis of the peptidoglycan cell wall. However, the mechanisms underlying this process are not well understood. In Bacillus subtilis, membrane‐associated MreB polymers have been shown to be associated to elongation‐specific complexes containing transmembrane morphogenetic factors and extracellular cell wall assembly proteins. We have now found that an early intracellular step of cell wall synthesis is also associated to MreB. We show that the previously uncharacterized protein YkuR (renamed DapI) is required for synthesis of meso‐diaminopimelate (m‐DAP), an essential constituent of the peptidoglycan precursor, and that it physically interacts with MreB. Highly inclined laminated optical sheet microscopy revealed that YkuR forms uniformly distributed foci that exhibit fast motion in the cytoplasm, and are not detected in cells lacking MreB. We propose a model in which soluble MreB organizes intracellular steps of peptidoglycan synthesis in the cytoplasm to feed the membrane‐associated cell wall synthesizing machineries.
Native–Exotic Species Richness Relationships Across Spatial Scales in a Prairie Restoration Matrix
Authors: Hill Kathryn C. , Fischer Dylan G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn highly invaded ecosystems, restoration of native plant communities is dependent upon reducing exotic species relative to native species. Even so, in monitoring, the native–exotic species richness ratio has been shown to be scale‐dependent. Measurement at small spatial scales (<1 m2) can reveal a negative native–exotic richness relationship, where niche occupation may prevent invasion. Conversely, at larger scales, a positive correlation may exist, where environmental heterogeneity and equally favorable conditions may drive native–exotic relationships. Here, we compare slopes of native–exotic relationships across spatial scales in a prairie undergoing active restoration. The observed native–exotic richness ratios varied considerably over scales ranging from 1 to 1,000 m2, emphasizing the importance of choosing a measurement scale that is most pertinent to the treatment and ecological mechanism used to evaluate restoration success. Our native–exotic richness slopes were positive over all scales, but lower than would be expected in a random community assembly, suggesting the influence of niche‐based competition. Correspondingly, our native–exotic cover slope was more negative than a null model; however, areas of frequent fire treatments showed a significant deviation from null only for richness, indicating that burning may enhance native–exotic competitive dynamics for number of species but not cover. The negative native–exotic cover relationships appear to be driven in this system mainly by exotic graminoids, across burn treatments and native functional groups, supporting the concept that frequent burning can alter the dominant competitive mechanism from coverage of these exotic grasses to an improved environment for germination and dispersal of more native species.
Genetic Structure of Remnant Populations and Cultivars of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the Context of Prairie Conservation and Restoration
Authors: Mutegi Evans , Stottlemyer Amy L. , Snow Allison A. , Sweeney Patricia M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a dominant, perennial C4 grass of North American tallgrass prairies with cultivars that are widely used in grassland restoration, pastures, and landscaping. However, these cultivars may be genetically dissimilar to small, remnant populations, raising concerns about altered genetic composition of native populations through gene flow. To address this issue on a local scale in Ohio and Illinois, we used microsatellite markers to characterize genetic diversity and differentiation of 10 remnant prairie populations (5 in each state) and 8 common cultivars. The bulk of genetic variation was found to reside within rather than among wild populations, consistent with the outcrossing breeding system of switchgrass. Genetic diversity was similar among the remnant populations despite large differences in area (approximately 2–2,590 ha), highlighting the importance of small native populations as reservoirs of variation and potential seed sources for prairie restoration. Cultivars generally had similar levels of variation to the wild populations, but we found clear genetic dissimilarity between wild and cultivated gene pools (especially for Kanlow, but also Trailblazer, Blackwell, Dacotah, Summer, and Sunburst cultivars). This suggests that using cultivars in local prairie restoration efforts may alter the genetic composition of wild populations. Whether such changes are deemed as negative depends on the cultivar under consideration and specific conservation goals for preserving native switchgrass populations. Patterns of genetic variation in remnant prairie populations and potential cultivar sources can be used to develop guidelines for restoration as well as future planting of cultivars for biofuels.
Oyster Reef Restoration in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Effect of Artificial Substrate and Age on Nekton and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage Use
Authors: Brown Laura A. , Furlong Jessica N. , Brown Kenneth M. , La Peyre Megan K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM), reefs built by eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, provide critical habitat within shallow estuaries, and recent efforts have focused on restoring reefs to benefit nekton and benthic macroinvertebrates. We compared nekton and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages at historic, newly created (<5 years) and old (>6 years) shell and rock substrate reefs. Using crab traps, gill‐nets, otter trawls, cast nets, and benthic macroinvertebrate collectors, 20 shallow reefs (<5 m) in the northern GOM were sampled throughout the summer of 2011. We compared nekton and benthic assemblage abundance, diversity and composition across reef types. Except for benthic macroinvertebrate abundance, which was significantly higher on old rock reefs as compared to historic reefs, all reefs were similar to historic reefs, suggesting created reefs provide similar support of nekton and benthic assemblages as historic reefs. To determine refuge value of oyster structure for benthic macroinvertebrates compared to bare bottom, we tested preferences of juvenile crabs across depth and refuge complexity in the presence and absence of adult blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Juveniles were more likely to use deep water with predators present only when provided oyster structure. Provision of structural material to support and sustain development of benthic and mobile reef communities may be the most important factor in determining reef value to these assemblages, with biophysical characteristics related to reef location influencing assemblage patterns in areas with structure; if so, appropriately locating created reefs is critical.
Comparable improvements achieved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through pulmonary rehabilitation with and without a structured educational intervention: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Blackstock Felicity C. , Webster Kate E. , McDonald Christine F. , Hill Catherine J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivePulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and typically includes exercise and disease‐specific education components. However, the benefits directly attributable to the education component remain unclear. This trial sought to determine whether the addition of education to exercise training resulted in greater improvements in health outcomes than pulmonary rehabilitation where education has been omitted.MethodsA randomized trial with allocation concealment, assessor blinded to group allocation and intention‐to‐treat analysis was conducted. Two hundred and sixty‐seven people with COPD (mean age 72(9) years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 59(23)% predicted) were allocated to receive either 8 weeks of twice weekly group exercise training plus education or exercise training alone. Education was disease specific with a self‐management focus. Primary outcome measures included 6‐min walk distance and Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included dyspnoea, health behaviours, generic health‐related quality of life, self‐efficacy and healthcare usage with measurements taken immediately following completion and at 6 and 12 months.ResultsThere were no significant differences that indicated greater improvement in any health outcome with the addition of education. The two intervention groups had similar significant improvements immediately following intervention, and these were maintained comparably in the subsequent 12 months.ConclusionsThe results of this investigation suggest that disease‐specific group education is not an essential component of pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation based on exercise training is an effective option in the management of patients with COPD if multidisciplinary education cannot be offered.
Comparison Between the Fixation of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters to the Peritoneal Wall and the Conventional Placement Technique: Clinical Experience and Follow‐Up of a New Implant Technique for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Io Hiroaki , Maeda Kunimi , Sekiguchi Yoshimi , Shimaoka Tetsutaro , Aruga Seiki , Nakata Junichiro , Nakamoto Hirotaka , Hotta Yoko , Koyanagi Ichiro , Inaba Masanori , Kanda Reo , Nakano Takanori , Wakabayashi Keiichi , Sasaki Yuu , Inuma Jiro , Kaneko Kayo , Hamada Chieko , Fukui Mitsumine , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPeritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters often become severely dislocated, which may lead to malfunction. With the aim of preventing this complication, we have developed a simple method of fixing the catheter downwards in the peritoneal cavity (fixation technique), a technique that does not require a laparoscope. Sixteen patients were implanted using the conventional placement technique and 25 patients were implanted using the fixation technique. The location of the catheter tip was classified from grade 1 (downward, normal) to 5 (dislocated). The frequency of dislocation (defined as the extended time and/or decrease in volume when draining the PD solution) was measured for both the fixation technique and conventional placement technique. There was a significant difference in grade between the fixation technique (2.72 ± 1.01) and conventional technique (3.92 ± 1.31). The time until first dislocation was significantly different between the fixation technique (59.3 ± 48.1 days) and conventional technique (8.8 ± 14.6 days). The time until any dislocation was significantly different between the fixation technique (69.2 ± 41.9 days) and conventional technique (12.9 ± 13.7 days). Complications were not significantly different between the fixation technique and conventional technique. The fixation technique appears to be simple, safe, and useful for preventing severe dislocation and for lengthening the time until dislocation in PD patients.
No evidence of association between functional polymorphisms located within IL6R and IL6ST genes and Henoch–Schönlein purpura
Authors: López‐Mejías R. , Sevilla Pérez B. , Genre F. , Castañeda S. , Ortego‐Centeno N. , Llorca J. , Ubilla B. , Ochoa R. , Pina T. , Marquez A. , Sala‐Icardo L. , Miranda‐Filloy J. A. , Rueda‐Gotor J. , Martín J. , Blanco R. , González‐Gay M. A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHenoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common type of primary small‐sized blood vessel vasculitis in children and an uncommon condition in adults. Interleukin (IL)‐6 is a proinflammatory cytokine whose effect is controlled by the IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R). IL‐6 transducer (IL‐6ST/gp130) is the signal‐transducing subunit of the IL‐6R. Two hundred and eighty five Spanish HSP patients and 877 sex and ethnically matched controls were genotyped for the IL6R rs2228145 and IL6ST/gp130 rs2228044 functional polymorphisms. No significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between HSP patients and controls were observed. Moreover, there were no differences between HSP patients according to the age at disease onset, presence of nephritis or gastrointestinal manifestations. Our results do not confirm association of IL6R rs2228145 and IL6ST/gp130 rs2228044 polymorphisms with HSP.