bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of novel endophytes in perennial ryegrass on herbage production and insect pests from pastures under dairy cow grazing in northern New Zealand
Authors: Thom E. R. , Popay A. J. , Waugh C. D. , Minneé E. M. K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) infected with a novel endophyte (AR37 or AR1), Wild‐type endophyte or no endophyte (Nil) was sown with white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in autumn 2005. The pastures were rotationally grazed by dairy cows from 2005–2009. Annual dry matter (DM) yield did not differ but AR37 pastures had a higher ryegrass tiller density, especially after the 2008 summer drought (+130%), and less white clover than did AR1 pastures. Concentrations of alkaloids produced by the Wild‐type association (lolitrem B, ergovaline) followed the same seasonal trends as did the AR37 alkaloids (epoxy‐janthitrems) but summer drought reduced concentrations of lolitrem B and epoxy‐janthitrems to less than half the mid‐summer (February) peak concentrations in the other years. Insect pests were monitored annually between 2006 and 2009. Tiller damage by Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel)) was significantly reduced by all endophyte treatments. African black beetle (Heteronychus arator (F.)) populations in soil samples increased during the experiment with Nil > AR1 > Wild‐type = AR37. Root aphid (Aploneura lentisci (Pass.)) infestations followed the pattern AR1 > Nil > Wild‐type = AR37. A lower pest pressure from all insect pests in AR37 pastures is likely to have contributed to this treatment having the highest ryegrass tiller densities.
HBME‐1 expression in hyalinizing trabecular tumours of the thyroid gland
Authors: Lenggenhager Daniela , Maggio Ewerton M , Moch Holger , Rössle Matthias 
Published: March 2013

AimsHyalinizing trabecular tumour (HTT) is a rare thyroid neoplasm with a trabecular growth pattern, marked intratrabecular hyalinization and nuclear features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Immunohistochemical HBME‐1 expression was reported recently in PTC, but not in HTT. To clarify further the value of HBME‐1 expression as a tool in differential diagnosis, we investigated the immunophenotype of HTT.Methods and resultsEight HTT diagnosed from 1997 to 2012 were reviewed on H&E‐stained tissue sections and analysed for HBME‐1, galectin‐3, CK19 and Ki67 expression by immunohistochemistry. Three of eight HTTs (37.5%) were HBME‐1 positive, with staining of tumour cells as well as of intratrabecular hyaline matrix material. All cases were CK19 negative. Galectin‐3 was expressed weakly in four of eight cases (50%). Five of eight cases (62.5%) showed weak‐to‐moderate cytoplasmic Ki67 positivity.ConclusionsImmunohistochemical HBME‐1 expression is present in HTT and may not serve as a reliable marker in differentiating HTT from PTC. The HBME‐1 positivity of the hyaline matrix suggests that this material is partly of cytoplasmic origin.
Trends in the surgical management of localized renal masses: thermal ablation, partial and radical nephrectomy in the USA, 1998–2008
Authors: Woldrich Jeffrey M. , Palazzi Kerrin , Stroup Sean P. , Sur Roger L. , Parsons J. Kellogg , Chang David , Derweesh Ithaar H. 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Treatment options for small renal masses include radical nephrectomy (RN), and nephron sparing modalities (NSM) such as partial nephrectomy (PN), and thermal ablation (Cryo‐ and radiofrequency ablation, C/RFA). Prior studies had demonstrated gross underutilization of PN; however overall treatment trends for C/RFA had not been well studied using a population‐based cohort. In this study, which examined management trends of localized renal masses in the USA, we identified an increased prevalence of RN, PN and C/RFA over the study period, with PN increasing the most rapidly, and with RN continuing to account for the vast majority of procedures.
This is the first study to examine surgical management of renal masses in patients with non‐dialysis dependent chronic renal insufficiency. Although nephron sparing modalities were increasingly utilized over the study period, it is particularly concerning that patients with pre‐existing non‐dialysis dependent chronic renal insufficiency are receiving less nephron sparing approaches. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings and to identify impediments to the dissemination of nephron sparing modalities.
Objective
To evaluate the diffusion of nephron‐sparing modalities (NSM) for the treatment of renal neoplasms in the USA over the last decade and to identify the factors associated with renal procedure selection.
Patients and Methods
The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was utlized to identify patients undergoing cryo/radiofrequency ablation (C/RFA), radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) from 1998 to 2008.
Annual trends in procedure prevalence were determined.
Multivariate analyses were performed to query the influence of age, race, sex and comorbid disease on surgery selection.
Results
We identified 443 853 procedures performed during the study period: 25 599 C/RFA, 79 568 PN and 338 687 RN.
The prevalence per 100 000 hospital admissions in 1998 was 3.7 for C/RFA, nine for PN and 87.1 for RN. All procedures increased over the study period, by 1.05, 3.1 and 2.2/100 000 admissions per year, respectively (all P < 0.001).
Diabetes, urban, teaching and large capacity hospitals were associated with NSM (either C/RFA or PN) compared to RN (all P ≤ 0.011). Age ≥70 years, female, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and region outside the Northeast favoured C/RFA over PN (all P ≤ 0.026).
Compared to those without CKD, patients with CKD had an almost twofold higher probability of undergoing RN than NSM (odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–2.1). Despite increasing NSM utilization over the study period, most patients with CKD still received RN.
Conclusions
Although the prevalence of NSM is increasing, RN is more common.
The low utilization of NSM in patients with pre‐existing CKD warrants further investigation.
Tumour expression of bladder cancer‐associated urinary proteins
Authors: Lindén Mårten , Segersten Ulrika , Runeson Marcus , Wester Kenneth , Busch Christer , Pettersson Ulf , Lind Sara Bergström , Malmström Per‐Uno 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
The current basis for diagnosis and prognosis in urinary bladder cancer is based on the pathologists' assessment of a biopsy of the tumour. Urinary biomarkers are preferable as they can be non‐invasively sampled. Urinary cytology is the only test with widespread use but is hampered by poor reproducibility and low sensitivity.
By studying the protein expression in bladder tumour tissue samples of proteins previously found in elevated levels in the urine of patients with bladder cancer, we have been able to show that these proteins originate from the tumour. The immunoreactivity of three of the investigated proteins increased with higher stage. Also a serine peptidase inhibitor was found to be predictive of progression from non‐muscle‐invasive to muscle‐invasive tumours.
Objectives
To analyse the expression of five bladder cancer‐associated urinary proteins and investigate if expression is related to the malignant phenotype of the tumour.
To explore the possible prognostic value of these proteins.
Patients and Methods
Urine samples, 16 from patients with bladder cancer and 26 from controls, were used in Western Blotting experiments.
Tissue microarrays with bladder tissue from 344 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer between 1984 and 2005 was used in immunohistochemistry experiments.
The proteins apolipoprotein E (APOE), fibrinogen β chain precursor (FGB), leucine‐rich α2‐glycoprotein (LRG1), polymerase (RNA) I polypeptide E (POLR1E), α1‐antitrypsin (SERPINA1) and topoisomerase 2A (TOP2A) were probed with antibodies validated by the Human Protein Atlas.
Results
Increased expressions of APOE, FGB and POLR1E were correlated with increased tumour stage (P < 0.001).
Expression of SERPINA1 in Ta and T1 tumours was found to increase the risk of tumour progression (hazard ratio 2.57, 95% confidence interval 1.13–5.87; P = 0.025)
Conclusions
All proteins previously detected in urine from patients with bladder cancer were also expressed in bladder cancer tissue.
The expression of APOE, FGB and POLR1E increased with stage and they are potential diagnostic markers.
SERPINA1 was identified as a prognostic marker candidate.
Predictors of biochemical failure in patients undergoing prostate whole‐gland salvage cryotherapy: a novel risk stratification model
Authors: Spiess Philippe E. , Levy David A. , Mouraviev Vladimir , Pisters Louis L. , Jones J. Stephen 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Previous studies have identified the most important prognostic factors of the likely outcomes of salvage prostate whole‐gland ablation, including initial clinical stage, biopsyGleason score, andPSA(total and doubling time). There is potential for further optimization of candidate selection for salvage cryoablation with curative intent and nadirPSAachieved after whole‐gland cryotherapy may provide additional prognostic value.The study shows that the most important prognostic factors of biochemical progression‐free survival for patients who have undergone whole‐gland salvage prostate cryotherapy are nadirPSAachieved after therapy and pre‐therapy biopsyGleason score. Based on these two prognostic variables, we have identified risk stratification groups (low, intermediate and high) which help predict the expected outcomes of salvage whole‐gland prostate cryotherapy in a given patient. This risk stratification constitutes a useful clinical tool in defining which patients maybe best suited for this local salvage treatment method.ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic variables predicting the risk of biochemical progression‐free survival (bPFS) after salvage prostate whole‐gland cryotherapy using thePhoenix definition ofbPFS.Patients and MethodsA total of 132 patients underwent prostate whole‐gland salvage cryotherapy with curative intent. No patient underwent neoadjuvant/adjuvant hormonal ablative therapy, and all had extended post‐salvage prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) follow‐up data.Cox univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of potential predictors ofbPFSwere conducted.Kaplan–Meier analyses of bPFSwas also performed.ResultsAt a mean (range) follow‐up of 4.3 (0.9–12.7) years, the median (range) post‐cryotherapy nadirPSAachieved was 0.17 (0–33.9) ng/mL.On multivariate analysis, predictors ofbPFSwere nadirPSApost‐cryotherapy and pre‐salvage biopsyGleason score (P< 0.001 and 0.009, respectively).Risk stratification groups (low, intermediate and high) were developed based on the presence of zero, one or two adverse risk factors, the risk factors being either a nadirPSA>2.5 ng/mLor biopsyGleason score ≥7, with theKaplan–MeierbPFScurves of these risk groups being significantly different (P =0.02 and <0.001, respectively).ConclusionsPost‐salvage nadirPSAand pre‐salvage biopsyGleason score are important predictors of outcome in this patient cohort.Low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups can be determined based on these variables and can define patients best suited for prostate cryotherapy.
SUCCESSFUL VASCULAR ACCESS MANAGEMENT FOR HOME HAEMODIALYSIS: A PRACTICAL APPROACH
Authors: Verhallen Annemarie 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundThe literature in the field of access management in relation to home haemodialysis (HHD) was reviewed.FindingsOne of the greatest benefits of HHD is the possibility for high dose dialysis. There is, however, concern about its adverse effects on access survival. Furthermore, for the patients, self‐cannulation is often the biggest obstacle for HHD. Both problems might be resolved by applying a single needle dialysis technique or, in case of arterio‐venous fistulae, using the buttonhole (BH) method. As for the BH method there is one limitation—the elevated risk of life‐threatening infections. However, in none of the trials referred to in this paper, the BH method was abandoned, probably due to the implementation of successful, problem‐tackling measures.ConclusionContinued training and re‐training of staff and patients is vital to gain and maintain a wide understanding of successful vascular access management.
SHARED CARE, HOME HAEMODIALYSIS AND THE EXPERT PATIENT
Authors: Appleby Sharon 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundThe key emphasis for health care is to increase patient choice whilst improving effectiveness. Our Haemodialysis Unit in the UK improved standards and patient choice by introducing a ‘shared‐care’ programme—a programme that enabled our patients to manage their own care with nursing support.AimThe main aims of the programme were to increase efficiency by reviewing home haemodialysis (HHD) processes, reduce waiting times (mean six months), increase patient choice and implement a self‐management programme which could be adapted for any patient.MethodA training package was developed using audit results and consultation with patients. All aspects of renal failure and dialysis were included and a training aid was developed to support the package.ResultsForty‐eight percent (69/145) of patients in the unit expressed an interest in taking part in shared care. Thirty‐five patients were involved in the pilot, 7 have transferred to HHD, 18 wish to remain in the unit. After training, all patients were able to choose more convenient haemodialysis times. The waiting time for HHD reduced to 10–12 weeks following a seamless transfer from shared care.
THE HOME NETWORK: AN AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR HOME THERAPIES
Authors: Chow Josephine , Fortnum Debbie , Moodie Jo‐Anne , Simmonds Rosemary , Tomlins Melinda 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundLonger, more frequent dialysis at home can improve life expectancy for patients with chronic kidney disease. Increased use of home dialysis therapies also benefits the hospital system, allowing for more efficient allocation of clinic resources. However, the Australian and New Zealand Data Registry statistics highlight the low uptake of home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis across Australia.ObjectiveIn August 2009, the Australia's HOME Network was established as a national initiative to engage and empower healthcare professionals working in the home dialysis specialty. The aim was to develop solutions to advocate for and ultimately increase the use of home therapies. This paper describes the development, achievement and future plan of the Australian HOME Network.AchievementsAchievements to date include: a survey of HOME Network members to assess the current state of patient and healthcare professional‐targeted education resources; development of two patient case studies and activities addressing how to overcome the financial burden experienced by patients on home dialysis. Future projects aim to improve patient and healthcare professional education, and advocacy for home dialysis therapies.ConclusionThe HOME Network is supporting healthcare professionals working in the home dialysis specialty to develop solutions and tools that will help to facilitate greater utilisation of home dialysis therapies.
HOME HAEMODIALYSIS DOSE: HOW MUCH OF A GOOD THING?
Authors: Pickering Warren 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundHome dialysis (peritoneal or haemodialysis) in any reasonable guise offers potential benefits compared with in‐centre dialysis. Benefits may be overtly patient centred (independence, quality of life), outcome oriented (survival, resolution of left ventricular hypertrophy) or resource friendly (savings on staff costs). The priority placed on each of these areas is likely to vary from patient to patient, and possibly provider to provider. This is the one strength of home haemodialysis (HHD) rather than being viewed as a weakness, as it can offer different benefits to different people. Intuitively, more haemodialysis is better than less, and this is most realistically achieved at home. Indications are that both long nocturnal dialysis and short daily dialysis can offer real objective benefits.Literature reviewCritics argue correctly that there is a paucity of robust randomised controlled study data. The complexity of HHD regimens and practice and in‐homogeneity of patients means such firm data are unlikely to be forthcoming. However, the positive reports both subjective and objective of patients dialysing at home, and results from the available research suggest that advantages may be seen purely with changing the location of dialysis to home, and independently with enhancing dialysis schedules.ConclusionThe logical conclusion is that patients undertaking haemodialysis at home should have at least the recommended minimum of four hours three times per week (or equivalent), preferably avoiding the long inter‐dialytic interval, but beyond that rigid adherence to a schedule as dogma should be subjugated to patient choice and flexibility, albeit by prior agreement with supervising medical and nursing staff.
PURCHASING POWER PARITY IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES: FURTHER EVIDENCE FROM FOURIER UNIT ROOT TESTS BASED ON LINEAR AND NONLINEAR MODELS
Authors: YILANCI VELI , ERIS ZEHRA AYCA 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the validity of purchasing power parity hypothesis for 33 African countries using recently developed Fourier unit root tests by Christopoulos and León‐Ledesma that account for the existence of multiple breaks in the real exchange rates. The results support the evidence of the PPP in 20 countries, showing that most of the real exchange rates in the selected countries are characterised by linear or nonlinear stationary around multiple temporary mean changes.
Spiritual Distress—Proposing a New Definition and Defining Characteristics
Authors: Caldeira Sílvia , Carvalho Emília Campos , Vieira Margarida 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo identify the definition and defining characteristics (DCs) of spiritual distress (00066).MethodIntegrative literature review.ResultsThirty‐seven articles and 35 DCs were identified. Spiritual distress as a response to health problems in the context of nursing care is different from an impaired ability to experience and integrate meaning in life.ConclusionsThe diagnosis misses some DCs that emerged from the literature review and lacks comprehensiveness. The domain and the class are reductionist toward its meaning. The taxonomy lacks a spiritual domain to include this and other diagnoses currently dispersed in other domains.Implications for PracticeFurther content and clinical validation is needed, as well as an assessment, to determine the diagnosis' class and domain.ObjectivoIdentificar o conceito e as características definidoras (CDs) de angústia espiritual (00066).MétodoRevisão integrativa de literatura.ResultadosA amostra é constituída por 37 artigos e foram identificadas 35 CDs. Como resposta a problemas de saúde no contexto de cuidados de enfermagem, a angústia espiritual é diferente de uma capacidade prejudicada de integrar sentido à vida.ConclusõesO diagnóstico não inclui características definidoras que foram identificadas na revisão integrativa de literatura e é subjetivo. O domínio e a classe são reducionistas perante seu significado.A taxonomia carece de um domínio espiritual que integre este e outros diagnósticos dispersos em outros domínios.Implicações para a PráticaNovos estudos de validação de conteúdo e clínica devem ser realizados bem como uma avaliação da classe e domínio do diagnóstico.
Antihypertensive Effects of Statins: A Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Controlled Studies
Authors: Briasoulis Alexandros , Agarwal Vikram , Valachis Antonis , Messerli Franz H. 
Published: March 2013

In experimental studies, statins have been shown to lower blood pressure through increased nitric oxide bioavailability and improved arterial compliance. The clinical significance of this effect remains poorly documented. The authors performed a meta‐analysis of the effect of statins on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) including prospective randomized, controlled trials of statin therapy. EMBASE and MEDLINE searches for studies in which patients were randomized to treatment with a statin plus standard treatment (or placebo) vs standard treatment (or placebo) were conducted. Studies that provided data on SBP and DBP values before the initiation of the treatment and at the end of the follow‐up period were included. A total of 40 studies with 51 comparison groups examining 22,511 controls and 22,602 patients taking statins were examined. Mean SBP in the statin group decreased by 2.62 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], −3.41 to −1.84; P<.001) and DBP by 0.94 mm Hg (95% CI, −1.31 to −0.57; P<.001). In studies including hypertensive patients, the decrease in blood pressures with statins was slightly greater (SBP, −3.07 mm Hg; 95% CI, −4.00 to −2.15 and DBP, 1.04; 95% CI, −1.47 to −0.61). Similarly, statins effectively reduced SBP in diabetic patients. In this large meta‐analysis of prospective controlled studies, the authors found a small but statistically significant reduction of SBP in patients taking statins. The decrease in blood pressure may contribute to the pleiotropic effect of statins in reducing cardiovascular risk.
A comparison of teeth and implants during maintenance therapy in terms of the number of disease‐free years and costs ‐ an in vivo internal control study
Authors: Fardal Øystein , Grytten Jostein 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the cost minimization and cost effectiveness involved in maintaining teeth and implants for patients treated for periodontal disease.Materials & MethodsA retrospective study was carried out encompassing all patients who had initial periodontal treatment followed by implant placement and maintenance therapy in a specialist practice in Norway. The neighbouring tooth and the contra‐lateral tooth were used as controls. The number of disease‐free years and the extra cost over and above maintenance treatment for both teeth and implants were recorded.ResultsThe sample consisted of 43 patients with an average age of 67.4 years. The patients had 847 teeth at the initial examination and received 119 implants. Two implants were removed 13 and 22 years after insertion. The prevalence of peri‐implantitis was 53.5% at the patient level and 31.1% at the implant level. The prevalence of periodontitis was 53.4% at the patient level and 7.6% at the tooth level. The mean number of disease‐free years was: implants: 8.66; neighbouring tooth: 9.08; contra‐lateral teeth: 9.93. These mean values were not statistically significantly different from each other. The extra cost of maintaining the implants was about five times higher for implants than for teeth.ConclusionThe number of disease‐free years was the same for neighbouring teeth, contra‐lateral teeth and implants. However, due to the high prevalence of peri‐implantitis, the cost of maintaining implants was much higher than the cost of maintaining teeth.