bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of electronic education on metabolic control indicators in patients with diabetes who need insulin: a randomised clinical control trial
Authors: Moattari Marzieh , Hashemi Maryam , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad H 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To determine the impact of electronic education on metabolic control indicators in patients with diabetes who were insulin dependent.Background.  Education can play an important role in controlling diabetes. Electronic (web‐based, telehealth) education may be an efficient way to improve the patients’ ability to control this disease.Design.  Randomised clinical control study.Methods.  The participants in this clinical study were 48 insulin‐dependent patients referred to diabetes centres in Shiraz, Iran. Serum concentrations of haemoglobin A1C, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and high‐density and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured. Then the participants were divided randomly into control and experimental groups (n = 24). Participants in the experimental group received a specially designed electronic education programme for twelve weeks. The main components of the programme were a consultation service, quick answers to patients’ questions, contact with the healthcare team and educational materials. At the end of the intervention period, all serum values were measured again in both groups. The data were compared using spss v 13·5 software.Results.  Serum concentrations of haemoglobin A1C (p < 0·001) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0·002) were significantly lower in the intervention group.Conclusion.  The electronic education programme was useful in lowering two metabolic indicators of diabetes.Relevance to clinical practice.  Electronic education can be associated with increased health and patient satisfaction, and can eliminate the need to train personnel.
Sixteen years of winter stress: an assessment of cold hardiness, growth performance and survival of hybrid poplar clones at a boreal planting site
Authors: SCHREIBER STEFAN G. , HAMANN ANDREAS , HACKE UWE G. , THOMAS BARB R. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn recent years, thousands of hectares of hybrid poplar plantations have been established in Canada for the purpose of carbon sequestration and wood production. However, boreal planting environments pose special challenges that may compromise the long‐term survival and productivity of such plantations. In this study, we evaluated the effect of winter stress, that is, frequent freeze‐thaw and extreme cold events, on growth and survival of 47 hybrid poplar clones in a long‐term field experiment. We further assessed physiological and structural traits that are potentially important for cold tolerance for a selected set of seven clones. We found that trees with narrow xylem vessels showed reduced freezing‐induced embolism and showed superior productivity after 16 growing seasons. With respect to cold hardiness of living tissues, we only observed small differences among clones in early autumn, which were nonetheless significantly correlated to growth. Maximum winter cold hardiness and the timing of leaf senescence and budbreak were not related to growth or survival. In conclusion, our data suggest that reduction of freezing‐induced embolism due to small vessel diameters is an essential adaptive trait to ensure long‐term productivity of hybrid poplar plantations in boreal planting environments.
Field comparison of thermal and non‐thermal ultra‐low‐volume applications using water and diesel as solvents for managing dengue vector, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Harburguer Laura , Lucia Alejandro , Licastro Susana , Zerba Eduardo , Masuh Héctor 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives  To compare the effectiveness on Aedes aegypti (Linneo) (Diptera: Culicidae) of a larvicide‐adulticide ULV formulation applied by a thermal or a cold fogger using different solvents.Methods  We applied, in field conditions, a ULV formulation containing pyriproxyfen and permethrin, using a thermal and a cold fogger and water or diesel as solvent. We determined the effectiveness of these applications on Ae. aegypti adults and larvae by different bioassays and measuring Breteau, house and adult indices.Results  When water was used as solvent, the treatments applied with the cold or the thermal foggers were equally effective on adult mortality (close to 90%) and adult emergence inhibition (% EI) (close to 70%). When the thermal fogger was used with water as solvent, the adult mortality outside the houses (85%) was higher, but not significantly different, than with diesel (65%). The contrary happens inside (22%vs. 58%), while there were no differences in %EI. Adult and larval indices behaved similarly in all areas, with a slight tendency for the treatments applied using water as solvent to be more effective.Conclusions  Water‐based formulations are equally or more effective than the one applied with diesel as solvent. The use of water as solvent will not only improve the effectiveness of this formulation but also reduce the environmental impact and costs of spraying compared to the use of diesel.
Optimising stroke volume and oxygen delivery in abdominal aortic surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: BISGAARD J. , GILSAA T. , RØNHOLM E. , TOFT P. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundPost‐operative complications after open elective abdominal aortic surgery are common, and individualised goal‐directed therapy may improve outcome in high‐risk surgery. We hypothesised that individualised goal‐directed therapy, targeting stroke volume and oxygen delivery, can reduce complications and minimise length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital following open elective abdominal aortic surgery.MethodsSeventy patients scheduled for open elective abdominal aortic surgery were randomised to individualised goal‐directed therapy or conventional therapy. In the intervention group, stroke volume was optimised by 250 ml colloid boluses intraoperatively and for the first 6 h post‐operatively. The optimisation aimed at an oxygen delivery of 600 ml/min/m2 in the post‐operative period. Haemodynamic data were collected at pre‐defined time points, including baseline, intraoperatively and post‐operatively. Patients were followed up for 30 days.ResultsStroke volume index and oxygen delivery index were both higher in the post‐operative period in the intervention group. In this group, 27 of 32 achieved the post‐operative oxygen delivery index target vs. 18 of 32 in the control group (P = 0.01). However, the number of complications per patient or length of stay in the intensive care unit or hospital did not differ between the groups.ConclusionPerioperative individualised goal‐directed therapy targeting stroke volume and oxygen delivery did not affect post‐operative complications, intensive care unit or hospital length of stay in open elective abdominal aortic surgery.
Refractory cardiac arrest in a rural area: mechanical chest compression during helicopter transport
Authors: TAZAROURTE K. , SAPIR D. , LABORNE F. X. , BRIOLE N. , LETARNEC J. Y. , ATCHABAHIAN A. , CORNU J. F. , MONCHI M. , JABRE P. , COMBES X. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundOut‐of‐hospital refractory cardiac arrest patients can be transported to a hospital for extracorporeal life support (ECLS), which can be either therapeutic or performed for organ donation. Early initiation is of vital importance and the main limitation when considering ECLS. This explains that all reported series of cardiac arrest patients referred for ECLS were urban ones. We report a series of rural out‐of‐hospital non‐heart‐beating patients transported by helicopter.MethodsThis observational study was performed in two rural districts in France. Data on patients with pre‐hospital criteria for ECLS who were transported to the hospital by helicopter, maintained by mechanical chest compression, were recorded over a 2‐year period.ResultsDuring the study period, 27 patients were referred for ECLS, of which 14 for therapeutic ECLS and 13 for organ preservation. The median transport distance was 37 km (25th and 75th percentiles: 31–58; range 25 to 94 km). Among the therapeutic ECLS patients, one survived to discharge from the hospital. Liver and kidneys were retrieved in another patient after brain death was ascertained. In the 13 patients referred for organ donation, four were excluded for medical reasons; 18 kidneys were retrieved in nine patients, of which six kidneys were successfully transplanted.ConclusionIn this preliminary study, we report the feasibility and the interest of helicopter transport of refractory cardiac arrest patients maintained by mechanical chest compression. Patients with refractory cardiac arrest occurring in rural areas, even at distance from a referral centre, can be candidates for ECLS.
Digging through model complexity: using hierarchical models to uncover evolutionary processes in the wild
Authors: Buoro M. , Prévost E. , Gimenez O. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe growing interest for studying questions in the wild requires acknowledging that eco‐evolutionary processes are complex, hierarchically structured and often partially observed or with measurement error. These issues have long been ignored in evolutionary biology, which might have led to flawed inference when addressing evolutionary questions. Hierarchical modelling (HM) has been proposed as a generic statistical framework to deal with complexity in ecological data and account for uncertainty. However, to date, HM has seldom been used to investigate evolutionary mechanisms possibly underlying observed patterns. Here, we contend the HM approach offers a relevant approach for the study of eco‐evolutionary processes in the wild by confronting formal theories to empirical data through proper statistical inference. Studying eco‐evolutionary processes requires considering the complete and often complex life histories of organisms. We show how this can be achieved by combining sequentially all life‐history components and all available sources of information through HM. We demonstrate how eco‐evolutionary processes may be poorly inferred or even missed without using the full potential of HM. As a case study, we use the Atlantic salmon and data on wild marked juveniles. We assess a reaction norm for migration and two potential trade‐offs for survival. Overall, HM has a great potential to address evolutionary questions and investigate important processes that could not previously be assessed in laboratory or short time‐scale studies.
AA genotype of IL‐8 −251A/T is associated with low PaO2/FiO2 in critically ill patients and with increased IL‐8 expression
Authors: WACHARASINT PETCH , NAKADA TAKA‐AKI , BOYD JOHN H. , RUSSELL JAMES A. , WALLEY KEITH R. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and Objective:  Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) is a central chemokine in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the IL‐8 gene contains a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) −251A/T in its promoter region. We hypothesized that IL‐8 −251A/T SNP is associated with PaO2/FiO2 in critically ill patients.Methods:  We conducted genetic‐association studies in intensive care units at academic teaching centres using a derivation septic shock cohort (vasopressin and septic shock trial (VASST), n = 467) and a validation post‐cardiopulmonary bypass surgery cohort (CPB, n = 739) of Caucasian patients. Patients in both cohorts were genotyped for IL‐8 −251A/T. The primary outcome variable in both cohorts was the fraction of patients who had a PaO2/FiO2 < 200. IL‐8 mRNA expression was measured in genotyped lymphoblastoid cells in vitro.Results:  The frequency of the patients with PaO2/FiO2 <200 was significantly greater in patients who had the AA genotype of −251A/T than in patients who had the AT or TT genotypes in both VASST (AA = 60.8% vs AT and TT = 53.8% and 48.0%, P = 0.038) and the CPB cohort (AA = 37.0% vs AT and TT = 27.0% and 26.0%, P = 0.039). Patients having the AA genotype had a higher probability to remain on mechanical ventilation (P = 0.047) in the first 14 days. Lymphoblastoid cells having the AA genotype had significantly higher IL‐8 mRNA expression than cells having the AT or TT genotype (P = 0.022).Conclusions:  Critically ill Caucasian patients who had the AA genotype of IL‐8 −251A/T had an increased risk of PaO2/FiO2 <200. The AA genotype was associated with greater IL‐8 mRNA expression than the AT or TT genotypes.
Interpreting a rising prostate‐specific antigen after brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Gaztañaga Miren , Crook Juanita 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to review the English language literature on the topic of prostate‐specific antigen bounce after brachytherapy and present a summary of the current knowledge. Although ultimately prostate‐specific antigen is a reliable measure of success after prostate brachytherapy, it can be very misleading in the first 3 years because of the frequency with which temporary benign rises in prostate‐specific antigen occur. We have reviewed the English language literature on the topic of prostate‐specific antigen bounce under the following headings: prostate neoplasms, brachytherapy, biochemical definition of prostate‐specific antigen failure, “benign prostate‐specific antigen bounce” and “prostate‐specific antigen spike”. We included brachytherapy delivered as either low dose rate or high dose rate, and either as monotherapy or as a boost combined with external beam radiotherapy. A benign self‐limited rise in prostate‐specific antigen after prostate brachytherapy is seen in an average of 35% of patients, but increases in frequency with younger age. In patients aged less than 55 years, it is observed in up to 68%. Other factors, such as sexual activity, dose, prostate volume and the use of high dose rate versus low dose rate have been implicated in affecting the frequency of the benign bounce. Benign increases in prostate‐specific antigen are frequent after prostate brachytherapy. It is important to recognize and correctly diagnose this phenomenon in order to avoid unnecessary salvage treatment.
The relevance of globalization to nursing: a concept analysis
Authors: Grootjans J. , Newman S. 
Published: August 2012

GROOTJANS J. & NEWMAN S. (2013) The relevance of globalization to nursing: a concept analysis. International Nursing Review60, 78–85Background:  This paper emerged alongside the development of learning materials for a new unit of study on global health and nursing. The proposed unit was for inclusion in a graduate entry master of nursing course leading to registration. It became evident that there has been growing attention within the nursing literature to the demands of an increasingly globalized world and the subsequent challenges confronting nursing as a profession. At the same time, the literature is inconsistent and contains mixed messages with regard to how nurses and nursing might respond to these challenges.Aim:  This paper aims to (i) present the findings of a narrative analysis of the current nursing discourse on globalization, and (ii) to identify directional cohesiveness for the nursing profession in the seemingly disparate literature.Method:  Concept analysis following extensive literature review.Findings:  Several nursing authors argue that nurses globally are increasingly sharing concerns expressed by nurses at a local level. Concerns such as the future sustainability of the profession and more specifically practice concerns such as the continuing failure of nurses to adequately deal with social justice issues requires careful consideration by every nurse. While strategies recommended for dealing with these concerns lack a cohesive thread, some interesting themes and innovative recommendations have emerged. For example, the need for nurses to consider replacing environmental considerations with ecological considerations and that nurses consider preventative nursing practice beyond the immediate needs of clients and from a more global perspective.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN QUANTITATIVE MODELS OF SOVEREIGN DEFAULT
Authors: Stähler Nikolai 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe current crisis and discussions, in the euro area in particular, show that sovereign debt crises/defaults are no longer confined to developing economies. Following crises in many Latin American countries, the literature on quantitative dynamic macro models of sovereign default has been advancing rapidly. Current debate should take note of the findings of this literature – an extensive overview of which has been provided in this paper. This paper also discusses the inherent difficulties as well as possibilities of integrating this type of model into standard business cycle models (RBC and DSGE models). This is likely to be particularly helpful when using models to analyse upcoming issues in the euro area, such as a suitable sovereign insolvency law or the assumption of joint liability.
ESTIMATING BAYESIAN NETWORKS FOR HIGH‐DIMENSIONAL DATA WITH COMPLEX MEAN STRUCTURE AND RANDOM EFFECTS
Authors: Kasza Jessica , Glonek Gary , Solomon Patty 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe estimation of Bayesian networks given high‐dimensional data, in particular gene expression data, has been the focus of much recent research. Whilst there are several methods available for the estimation of such networks, these typically assume that the data consist of independent and identically distributed samples. It is often the case, however, that the available data have a more complex mean structure, plus additional components of variance, which must then be accounted for in the estimation of a Bayesian network. In this paper, score metrics that take account of such complexities are proposed for use in conjunction with score‐based methods for the estimation of Bayesian networks. We propose first, a fully Bayesian score metric, and second, a metric inspired by the notion of restricted maximum likelihood. We demonstrate the performance of these new metrics for the estimation of Bayesian networks using simulated data with known complex mean structures. We then present the analysis of expression levels of grape‐berry genes adjusting for exogenous variables believed to affect the expression levels of the genes. Demonstrable biological effects can be inferred from the estimated conditional independence relationships and correlations amongst the grape‐berry genes.
HAMMER TIME
Authors: Fay Brian 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTEspen Hammer's exceptionally fine book explores modern temporality, its problems and prospects. Hammer claims that how people experience time is a cultural/historical phenomenon, and that there is a peculiarly modern way of experiencing time as a series of present moments each indefinitely leading to the next in an ordered way. Time as measured by the clock is the paradigmatic instance of this sense of time. In this perspective time is quantifiable and forward‐looking, and the present is dominated by the future. Hammer argues that this manner of experiencing time provides a way of living that brings with it not only the basis for great successes in technology, but also great costs—specifically, what he calls the problems of transience and of meaning.Hammer goes about his task by considering the ways some of the great modern philosophers have characterized present‐day temporality and have responded to the problems he has identified. Specifically, he considers what Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, (early) Heidegger, Habermas, Bloch, and Adorno provide in response to our peculiarly modern predicaments. The book is remarkable for its clarity and perceptiveness, but in the process in crucial places it simplifies the matters at hand or fails to push its insights as far as it ought, and in the end promises more than it can deliver. In this it betrays a rationalist confidence in the power of reason that founders on what in many ways remains a mystery.
The hot house and the politics of production: Piecework Bargaining in retrospect
Authors: Edwards Paul 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTBrown's studies of piecework bargaining are reviewed in light of later research and changing conditions. Some extensions are needed, for example, in relation to the definition of custom and practice. And some neglected themes, notably the role of gender in workplace bargaining, need attention. But the analytical framework is essentially robust. Its theoretical pay‐off is elaborated, and arguments that industrial relations lacks an adequate theory of pay are disputed. Its current relevance is illustrated in relation to the explosion of pay at the top of the earnings distribution.
Interrogation of brain miRNA and mRNA expression profiles reveals a molecular regulatory network that is perturbed by mutant huntingtin
Authors: Jin Jing , Cheng Yong , Zhang Yongqing , Wood William , Peng Qi , Hutchison Emmette , Mattson Mark P. , Becker Kevin G. , Duan Wenzhen 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEmerging evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD). To identify the individual miRNAs that are altered in HD and may therefore regulate a gene network underlying mutant huntingtin‐induced neuronal dysfunction in HD, we performed miRNA array analysis combined with mRNA profiling in the cerebral cortex from N171‐82Q HD mice. Expression profiles of miRNAs as well as mRNAs in HD mouse cerebral cortex were analyzed and confirmed at different stages of disease progression; the most significant changes of miRNAs in the cerebral cortex were also detected in the striatum of HD mice. Our results revealed a significant alteration of miR‐200 family members, miR‐200a, and miR‐200c in the cerebral cortex and the striatum, at the early stage of disease progression in N171‐82Q HD mice. We used a coordinated approach to integrate miRNA and mRNA profiling, and applied bioinformatics to predict a target gene network potentially regulated by these significantly altered miRNAs that might be involved in HD disease progression. Interestingly, miR‐200a and miR‐200c are predicted to target genes regulating synaptic function, neurodevelopment, and neuronal survival. Our results suggest that altered expression of miR‐200a and miR‐200c may interrupt the production of proteins involved in neuronal plasticity and survival, and further investigation of the involvement of perturbed miRNA expression in HD pathogenesis is warranted, and may lead to reveal novel approaches for HD therapy.
Outcome of mentalization‐based and supportive psychotherapy in patients with borderline personality disorder: a randomized trial
Authors: Jørgensen C. R. , Freund C. , Bøye R. , Jordet H. , Andersen D. , Kjølbye M. 
Published: August 2012

Objective:  This study presents data from a randomized outcome study comparing mentalization‐based and supportive psychotherapy for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD).Method:  Eighty‐five SCID‐II diagnosed borderline patients were randomized to either i) 2 years of intensive (twice weekly) combined (individual and group), mentalization‐based psychotherapy (MBT) or ii) 2 years of less‐intensive (biweekly) supportive group therapy. Treatment outcome was assessed using a battery of self‐report questionnaires, SCID‐II interviews and therapist‐rated global assessment of functioning (GAF).Results:  Fifty‐eight patients completed 2 years of treatment. Significant changes in both treatment groups were identified for several outcome measures, including self‐reported measures of general functioning, depression, social functioning and number of diagnostic criteria met for BPD, as outlined by the SCID‐II interview. General linear modelling was used to compare treatment outcome in the two groups. Only GAF showed a significantly higher outcome in the MBT group. A trend was found for a higher rate of recovery from BPD in the MBT group. Pre‐post effect sizes were high (0.5–2.1) and for the most part highly significant in both groups.Conclusion:  The study indicates that both MBT and supportive treatment are highly effective in treating BPD when conducted by a well‐trained and experienced psychodynamic staff in a well‐organized clinic.