bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The experience of mothers caring for a child with a brain tumour
Authors: Shortman R. I. , Beringer A. , Penn A. , Malson H. , Lowis S. P. , Sharples P. M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundBrain tumours are the second most common form of childhood cancer, accounting for over 20% of all cases in European children. Understanding the impact of diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumour on the family is an essential pre‐requisite to identifying ways to provide effective support.Aim(1) To explore the impact of having a child with a brain tumour on the main caregiver in the family; (2) to describe mothers' experiences of coping with their child's illness, including personal barriers and strengths; and (3) to identify causes of stress and sources of support to inform improvements in care delivery.MethodParticipants were drawn from a group of caregivers enrolled in a longitudinal study of outcome following diagnosis of a childhood brain tumour. Six caregivers took part, two from each of the high‐, medium‐ and low‐impact groups based on their Impact on Families Scale scores. Semi‐structured interviews were used, with questions covering: (1) impact of the diagnosis on main caregiver and family; (2) personal barriers and strengths; and (3) causes of stress and sources of support. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded manually into five themes, which comprised 19 subthemes.FindingsCoping methods and provision of help and support were major preoccupations for main caregivers from all impact groups. Caregivers in the high‐impact group reported less conflict. High‐ and medium‐impact group caregivers had experienced less ‘hindrance and heartache’, than those with low impact scores, suggesting that the stress associated with diagnosis and treatment of the tumour may have increased cohesion and acceptance within these families.ConclusionFamilies of children diagnosed with a brain tumour experience considerable negative impact and may perceive themselves as struggling to cope. Provision of help and support, within and outside the extended family, including from health, education and other services, is perceived as helpful.
Neuroprotective Effects of Flax Lignan Against NMDA‐Induced Neurotoxicity In Vitro
Authors: Li Xu‐Bo , Yang Zhao‐Xu , Yang Le , Chen Xiao‐Li , Zhang Kun , Yang Qi , Wu Yu‐Mei , Liu Shui‐Bing , Tao Kai‐Shan , Zhao Ming‐Gao 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAimsFlax Lignan (FLL), a chemical widespread within the plant and animal kingdoms, has antioxidant, antiinfectious, and antitumor activities. However, little is known about the effects of FLL on the central nervous system (CNS).MethodsThe neuroprotective actions of FLL against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) are investigated in primary cultured cortical neurons by MTT assay. The expression levels of proteins related to apoptosis and GluN2‐containing receptor were detected by Western blot analysis. Intracellular Ca2+ was measured under a confocal laser scanning microscope.ResultsAfter challenged with 100 μM NMDA for 30 min, loss of cell viability and excessive apoptotic cell death were observed in cultured cortical neurons. FLL protected the neurons against the NMDA‐induced cell loss in a concentration‐dependent manner. FLL also significantly inhibited the neuronal apoptosis induced by NMDA exposure through reversing intracellular concentration of Ca2+ overload and balancing of Bcl‐2 and Bax expression. Furthermore, FLL significantly reversed the upregulation of GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors by exposure to NMDA, but did not affect the expression of GluN2A‐containing NMDA receptor.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that FLL protects cortical neurons by inhibiting the expression of GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptor and regulating the Bcl‐2 family.
Closure of defunctioning loop ileostomy is associated with considerable morbidity
Authors: Sharma A. , Deeb A.‐P. , Rickles A. S. , Iannuzzi J. C. , Monson J. R. T. , Fleming F. J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAim  An elective defunctioning ileostomy is commonly employed to attenuate the morbidity that may arise from distal anastomotic leakage. The magnitude of risk associated with subsequent ileostomy closure is difficult to estimate as many of the data arise from small series. This study looked at the rate of complications and predictive factors in a large series of patients.Methods  The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients who had an elective closure of ileostomy between 2005 and 2010. Patient demographics, preoperative risk factors and operative variables were recorded. The primary outcome was occurrence of major (mortality, sepsis, return to the operating room, renal failure, major cardiac, neurological or respiratory episode) or minor (wound infection, urinary tract infection) complications within 30 days. Univariate and multivariate regression was used to evaluate the effect of these clinical factors on the complication rate.Results  In total, 5401 patients underwent closure of ileostomy, of whom 502 (9.3%) patients had major complications. The incidence of minor complications was 8.4% (452 patients). There were 32 (0.6%) deaths. American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, functional status, prolonged operative time, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dialysis and disseminated cancer were independent predictors of major complications. There was no significant increase in complication rates in patients over the age of 80. Major complications were associated with a significant increase in postoperative stay (13.9 vs 4.7 days, P < 0.0001).Conclusion  Closure of ileostomy is associated with a significant complication rate. It may use as many resources as the primary surgery and is not a minor follow‐up operation.
The source of autumn and spring downstream migrating juvenile Atlantic salmon in a small lowland river
Authors: Ibbotson Anton T. , Riley William D. , Beaumont William R.C. , Cook Alastair C. , Ives Mark J. , Pinder Adrian C. , Scott Luke J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractOver 3 years, 32,444 age‐0 group Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr tagged with passive integrated transponder tags throughout the River Frome catchment were assigned to one of three groups, nonmigrants, autumn migrants and spring smolts, depending on the detection and the timing of detection at downstream tag readers (situated 8.6 km above the tidal limit). We examined the effect of density at the time of tagging (n·m−2), distance upstream from the tidal limit (km), fish length (mm), Fulton condition index, habitat type (divided into two types, main river and carrier), days after 1 September that each fish was tagged and year (replication) on the proportions of fish in each of the migration groups. Distance upstream from tidal limit was strongly negatively related to the proportion of autumn migrants and positively related to the proportion of spring smolts. Nonmigrants had a lower average body size than migrants, although there were no differences in the sizes of autumn migrants and spring smolts in September prior to migration. Fish density had no effect on migration strategy. A lower proportion of fish migrated as autumn migrants from the smaller carrier habitats than the main river channel. There is some evidence that those parr destined to become autumn migrants underwent a lower mortality rate during September before tagging than those destined to become spring migrants indicating possible physiological or behavioural differences between these two groups of fish at that time. More research into the factors responsible for initiating the autumn migration is required.
Does the use of a visualised decision board by undergraduate students during shared decision‐making enhance patients' knowledge and satisfaction? – A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kupke J. , Wicht M. J. , Stützer H. , Derman S. H. M. , Lichtenstein N. V. , Noack M. J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesAim of this RCT was to evaluate whether the added use of a decision board (DB) during shared decision‐making improves patients' knowledge as for different treatment options and overall satisfaction with the consultation.MethodsForty‐nine undergraduate students were trained in shared decision‐making (SDM) and evaluated by an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). According to their test results, all participants were randomly allocated to either the test‐ (DB) or the control‐group (Non‐DB). Both groups performed SDM with patients showing a defect in a posterior tooth (Class‐II defect). Prior to the interview, patients of the DB group were given the decision aid for review. In the Non‐DB group, patients were consulted without additional aids. After treatment decision, a questionnaire was completed by all patients to measure knowledge (costs, survival rate, characteristics and treatment time) and overall satisfaction with the consultation. Fifty DB patients and 31 Non‐DB patients completed the questionnaire.ResultsDB patients (n = 50) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge compared to the Non‐DB group (n = 31) (Mann–Whitney U‐test; DB group = 10.04; Non‐DB group = 4.16; P = 0.004). There was no significant difference between groups regarding satisfaction with the consultation (t‐test; P > 0.05).ConclusionsDuring the shared decision‐making process, the use of a decision board yielding information about Class‐II treatment options leads to a significantly higher patient knowledge compared to knowledge gained through consultation alone. It is therefore desirable to provide DBs for dental diagnoses with several treatment options to increase transparency for the patient.
Differentiated hamster sebocytes exhibit apoptosis‐resistant phenotype by the augmentation of intracellular calcium level in vitro
Authors: Kurihara Hirokazu , Sato Takashi , Akimoto Noriko , Ito Akira 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSebaceous glands play important roles in the maintenance of the skin barrier function by secreting sebum onto the skin surface. In our study, we demonstrated that differentiated hamster sebocytes (DHS) exhibited apoptosis resistance and the loss of Ca2+ influx against a calcium ionophore, A23187 treatment, which induced both apoptosis and Ca2+ influx in undifferentiated hamster sebocytes (unDHS). The Fluo‐3‐related signal of intracellular Ca2+ in the DHS was higher than that in unDHS and was sustained even though there was a depletion of Ca2+ from the culture medium. Furthermore, the intracellular Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA‐AM, was found to decrease the Ca2+ signal in the DHS, which induced apoptosis. Thus, these results provide novel evidence that the cell differentiation‐dependent increase in store‐operated Ca2+ release is associated with apoptosis resistance in the DHS. Moreover, these findings should accelerate the understanding of the mechanisms of sebogenesis and/or sebum production and secretion under physiological conditions.
Orthopaedic co‐morbidities in the elderly haemophilia population: a review
Authors: Stephensen D. , Rodriguez‐Merchan E. C. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryDue to improvements in the treatment and medical care of haemophilia, the life expectancy of individuals with haemophilia has approached that of the general population. To review the main co‐morbidities of the musculoskeletal system in elderly persons with haemophilia, we have performed a review of the literature on the musculoskeletal problems of elderly haemophiliacs. Chronic arthropathy is the main co‐morbidity in the ageing person with haemophilia. Age‐related orthopaedic co‐morbidities include degenerative joint changes, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy or sarcopenia, muscle weakness and disturbance of gait and balance. Increased pain, muscle weakness and atrophy along with an increased risk of falling are key features of advanced haemophilic arthropathy and ageing. An ageing haemophilia population in which arthropathy continues to be the primary co‐morbidity is a current challenge for those responsible for their care. Exercise programmes undertaken two to three times per week for at least 12 weeks seem most effective in reducing the impact of age‐related changes on the musculoskeletal system. Establishing effective exercise programmes and strategies to identify individuals who would benefit from early surgical intervention together with presurgical physiotherapy prehabilitation is a priority for future research.
Physical and mechanical properties of twisted or ground nickel–titanium instruments
Authors: Braga L. C. , Magalhães R. R. S. , Nakagawa R. K. L. , Puente C. G. , Buono V. T. L. , Bahia M. G. A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo compare the flexibility, torsional resistance and structural and dimensional characteristics of instruments produced by twisting with those of a geometrically similar nickel–titanium (NiTi) system produced by a grinding process.MethodologyThe mean diameters along the flute and the pitch length of size 25, .04 taper, size 25, .06 taper, and size 25, .08 taper Twisted File (TF) (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA), and size 25, .04 taper, and size 25, .06 taper RaCe instruments (FKG, La Chaux‐de‐Fonds, Switzerland) (n = 10 each) were measured according to ANSI/ADA specification No. 101. Two pairs of instruments were found to have similar diameters at 3 mm from the tip: TF size 25, .06 taper and RaCe size 25, .04 taper, and TF size 25, .08 taper and RaCe size 25, .06 taper. The cross‐sectional areas at 3 mm from the tip were determined. These instruments were then submitted to energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Vickers microhardness measurements. Bending moment at 45° and maximum torque at fracture were measured (n = 10) according to specification ISO 3630‐1. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (α = 0.05).ResultsThe two types of instruments had approximately the same chemical composition, phase constitution, and austenite finishing temperatures. TF instruments had significantly (P ≤ 0.001) lower Vickers microhardness values and were more flexible than RaCe instruments (P = 0.016), but had similar (TF size 25, .08 taper and RaCe size 25, .06 taper, P = 0.916) or significantly higher (TF size 25, .06 taper and RaCe size 25, .04 taper, P ≤ 0.001) torsional resistance.ConclusionsComparison of TF and RaCe instruments of similar measured dimensions revealed that the different manufacturing methods employed for producing these instruments gave rise to different mechanical behaviours.
Racial differences in the relationship between tobacco dependence and nicotine and carcinogen exposure
Authors: St.Helen Gideon , Dempsey Delia , Wilson Margaret , Jacob Peyton , Benowitz Neal L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsTo investigate the relationships between tobacco dependence, biomarkers of nicotine and carcinogen exposure and biomarkers of nicotine and carcinogen exposure per cigarette in back and white smokers.Design, setting and participantsA total of 204 healthy black (n = 69) and white (n = 135) smokers were enrolled into two clinical studies.MeasurementNicotine equivalents (nicotine and its metabolites), 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3)pyridyl‐1‐butanol (NNAL) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites were measured in urine. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and time to first cigarette (TFC) measured tobacco dependence.FindingsAverage TFC and FTND for blacks and whites were not significantly different. Urine NNAL and nicotine equivalents increased with increasing FTND in whites but did not increase in blacks (race × FTND interaction, both P < 0.031). The interaction term was not significant for PAHs. An inverse relationship was seen between FTND and nicotine equivalents, NNAL and PAH metabolites per cigarette in blacks but remained flat in whites (race × FTND interaction, all P ≤ 0.039). Regardless of dependence (low dependence, TFC >15 minutes; high dependence, TFC ≤15 minutes), FTND and TFC were not correlated significantly with urine nicotine equivalents and carcinogen exposure in blacks. We found moderate correlations between FTND and TFC and nicotine equivalents and carcinogen exposure among whites of low dependence and non‐significant correlations among whites of high dependence.ConclusionIn the United States, tobacco dependence measures were related linearly to nicotine intake and carcinogen exposure in white but not in black smokers. The relationship between dependence measures and tobacco biomarkers in black smokers regardless of level of dependence resembled highly dependent white smokers.
Half‐life prolongation of therapeutic proteins by conjugation to ATIII‐binding pentasaccharides: a first‐in‐human study of CarboCarrier® insulin
Authors: Miltenburg André M. M. , Prohn Marita , van Kuijk Jacqueline H. M. , Tiessen Renger G. , de Kort Martin , Berg Rob J. W. 
Published: September 2012

AimConjugation to antithrombin III ATIII‐binding pentasaccharides has been proposed as a novel method to extend the half‐life of therapeutic proteins. We aim to validate this technological concept in man by performing a first‐in‐human study using CarboCarrier® insulin (SCH 900948) as an example. A rising single dose phase 1 study was performed assessing safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and relative bioactivity of CarboCarrier® insulin. Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of single doses of CarboCarrier® insulin in healthy volunteers were explored, and the dose–response relationship and relative bioactivity of CarboCarrier® insulin in subjects with type 2 diabetes were investigated.MethodsAfter an overnight fast, subjects were randomized to a treatment sequence. PK and pharmacodynamic (glucose, insulin and C‐peptide) samples were obtained for up to 72 h post‐dose. Effects of CarboCarrier® insulin were compared with those of NPH‐insulin.ResultsCarboCarrier® insulin was safe and well‐tolerated and no consistent pattern of adverse events occurred. CarboCarrier® insulin exposure (Cmax and AUC) increased proportionally with dose. The mean terminal elimination half‐life ranged between 3.11 and 5.28 h. All CarboCarrier® insulin dose groups showed decreases in the mean change from baseline of plasma glucose concentrations compared with the placebo group.ConclusionsCarboCarrier® insulin is pharmacologically active showing features of insulin action in man. The elimination half‐life of the molecule was clearly extended compared with endogenous insulin, indicating that conjugation to ATIII‐binding pentasaccharides is a viable approach to extend the half‐life of therapeutic proteins in humans. This is an important step towards validation of the CarboCarrier® technology by making use of CarboCarrier® insulin as an example.
A methodology for characterization and analysis of plant functional composition in grassland‐based farms
Authors: Duru M. , Hossard L. , Martin G. , Theau J. P. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractUnderstanding the relationships between farmers' land‐use and management decisions, and plant diversity is a challenge. It requires characterization of plant diversity within and between fields and investigation of land‐use allocation to fields. To analyse how grassland functional composition [mean plant trait and functional diversity index (FD)] varies according to scale (field, land‐use type: cutting, grazing, farm), grasslands were characterized according to leaf dry‐matter content (leaf DM) and FD computed from leaf DM values. A leaf DM‐αFD framework was used to analyse how leaf DM‐based plant strategies were distributed at land‐use type and farm scales (βFD). The study was conducted on eight dairy and beef farms (169 grasslands) differing in their stocking rate. At field and land‐use type scales, leaf DM was significantly decreased and increased with N fertilizer rate and field elevation respectively. It was significantly higher for grazing than for cutting. At the farm scale, the main differences between farms resulted from differences in plant strategy distribution between land‐use types within a farm and among farms for a given land‐use type in relation to management intensity. Farms that contributed the most to αFD had the highest stocking rate, and those which had the most contrasting grasslands for management intensity had the highest βFD. Management practices need to be examined at a land‐use type scale for evaluating the within‐ and between‐field plant functional compositions. By contrast, the value of the analysis was reduced if data were collected and averaged at the farm scale.
Hepatoprotective effect of Bathysa cuspidata in a murine model of severe toxic liver injury
Authors: Gonçalves Reggiani V. , Novaes Rômulo D. , Leite João P. V. , Vilela Emerson F. , Cupertino Marli C. , Nunes Líria G. , Matta Sérgio L. P. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of a bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata extract (BCE) in a murine model of severe liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Forty‐two Wistar rats were randomized into six groups of seven animals each: Group 1(G1): CCl4; Group 2 (G2): dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + CCl4; Group 3 (G3): BCE 400 mg/kg alone; Group 4 (G4): BCE 200 mg/kg + CCl4; Group 5 (G5): BCE 400 mg/kg + CCl4; Group 6 (G6): DMSO alone. The extract was administered by gavage for 18 days beginning 6 days prior to the first application of CCl4. After completing CCl4 administration, the animals were euthanized. The animals in G1, G2, G4 and G5 experienced significant body weight loss and had an increased liver somatic index compared with G3 and G6 (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in serum aspartate and alanine transaminase and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (P < 0.05) and a significant increase in the activity of the anti‐oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase were found in G5 (P < 0.05). Lower proportions of cellular necrosis and lipid droplets were found in the livers of animals in G4 and G5 compared with G1 and G2 (P < 0.05). These results confirm the marked hepatoprotective activity of the bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata in severe injuries induced by CCl4 in rats and suggest that this effect may be associated with the inhibition of oxidative damage.
Spatial analysis of ectomycorrhizal fungi reveals that root tip communities are structured by competitive interactions
Authors: Pickles Brian J. , Genney David R. , Anderson Ian C. , Alexander Ian J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMicrobial ecology has made large advances over the last decade, mostly because of improvements in molecular analysis techniques that have enabled the detection and identification of progressively larger numbers of microbial species. However, determining the ecological patterns and processes taking place in communities of microbes remains a significant challenge. Are communities randomly assembled through dispersal and priority effects, or do species interact with each other leading to positive and negative associations? For mycorrhizal fungi, evidence is accumulating that stochastic and competitive interactions between species may both have a role in shaping community structure. Could the methodological approach, which is often incidence based, impact the outcomes detected? Here, we applied an incidence‐basedTerminalRestrictionFragmentLengthPolymorphism (T‐RFLP) database approach to examine species diversity and ecological interactions within a community of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. Co‐occurrence analysis revealed that theECMcommunity colonizing root tips was strongly structured by competitive interactions, or ecological processes generating a similar spatial pattern, rather than neutral processes. Analysis of β‐diversity indicated that community structure was significantly more similar (spatially autocorrelated) at distances equal to or <3.41 m. The eight most frequently encountered species in the root tip community ofECMfungi displayed significant competitive interactions with at least one other species, showing that the incidence‐based approach was capable of detecting this sort of ecological information.