bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterisation of novel phospholipid cationic liposomes to improve the alkaline hydrolysis and dyeability of polyester fabric
Authors: El‐Zawahry Manal M , Abdelghaffar Fatma 
Published: March 2013

Three novel cationic liposomes were prepared from commercial soybean lecithin (neutral liposome) and stearylamine (cationic liposome) as a catalyst or accelerating agent for the alkaline hydrolysis of polyester fabric. The formation of 1:1, 1:6 and 1:12 cationic liposomes was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen content and Fourier Transform‐infrared spectroscopy. Factors affecting the alkaline hydrolysis performance of polyester fabric in the presence and absence of cationic liposomes were investigated. Size measurements of the three cationic liposomes showed that the vesicle size was 27.88 nm for the 1:1 cationic liposome, 15.57 nm for 1:6 and 10 nm for 1:12, in comparison with 50 nm for neutral liposome. The results showed that alkaline hydrolysis in the presence of cationic liposomes improves the hydrophilicity and dyeability of polyester fabric and creates more carboxylic groups on the fabric. The silky polyester fabric was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, tensile strength, elongation at break, crease recovery angle and surface roughness to prove the success of the cationic liposomes as accelerating agents in the alkaline hydrolysis process. The results also indicate that the colour strength of hydrolysed polyester fabric in the presence of cationic liposomes dyed with disperse dye was slightly higher than that obtained in the absence of cationic liposomes and with unhydrolysed fabric. Furthermore, the fastness properties of hydrolysed polyester in the absence and presence of cationic liposomes do not vary.
Intermediate‐term outcome of single kidney grafts from pediatric donors weighing 10–14 kg in adult recipients
Authors: Gröschl Isabel , Wolff Thomas , Gürke Lorenz , Eugster Thomas , Hopfer Helmut , Steiger Jürg , Schaub Stefan , Burkhalter Felix 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundKidneys from pediatric donors weighing <10 kg are preferably transplanted en bloc, while kidneys from donors weighing >15 kg can be safely transplanted as single kidneys. However, single kidney transplantation from donors weighing 10–14 kg is controversial and has not been well investigated.MethodsWe analyzed the outcome of 15 recipients of single kidneys from donors weighing 10–14 kg (study group) with 40 recipients receiving an allograft from ideal deceased donors (control group).ResultsAfter a follow‐up of three yr, death‐censored graft survival was 100% in both groups. The calculated creatinine clearance was lower in the study group at six months (53 vs. 71 mL/min; p = 0.01) and similar at 12 months (68 vs. 68 mL/min; p = 0.48), 24 months (81 vs. 70 mL/min; p = 0.58), and 36 months (74 vs. 69 mL/min; p = 0.59). Urinary albumin/creatinine ratios were comparable between the two groups up to two yr. At three yr, urinary albumin/creatinine ratios were higher in the study group than the control group (10.5 vs. 0.9 mg/mmol; p = 0.007). Surveillance biopsies at three and six months post‐transplant revealed no evidence for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in the study group.ConclusionsTransplantation of single pediatric kidneys from donors weighing 10–14 kg into adult recipients provides excellent intermediate‐term outcomes. Low‐grade albuminuria, three yr post‐transplant, might indicate late‐onset hyperfiltration injury.
Alogliptin versus glipizide monotherapy in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with mild hyperglycaemia: a prospective, double‐blind, randomized, 1‐year study
Authors: Rosenstock J. , Wilson C. , Fleck P. 
Published: March 2013

AimTo prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of alogliptin versus glipizide in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over 1 year of treatment.MethodsThis was a randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled study of elderly T2DM patients (aged 65–90 years) with mild hyperglycaemia on diet/exercise therapy alone [glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 6.5–9.0%] or plus oral antidiabetic monotherapy (HbA1c 6.5–8.0%). Patients were randomized to once‐daily alogliptin 25 mg or glipizide 5 mg titrated to 10 mg, if needed. Hypoglycaemic episodes were systematically captured under predefined criteria.ResultsIn the primary analysis, HbA1c mean changes from a baseline of 7.5% were −0.14% with alogliptin (n = 222) and −0.09% with glipizide (n = 219) at the end of the study, demonstrating non‐inferiority of alogliptin to glipizide [least squares (LS) mean difference = −0.05%; one‐sided 97.5% confidence interval (CI): −∞, 0.13%]. More clinically relevant HbA1c reductions occurred among patients who completed the study: −0.42 and −0.33% with alogliptin and glipizide, with non‐inferiority again confirmed (LS mean difference = −0.09%; one‐sided 97.5% CI: −∞, 0.07%). Overall, alogliptin was safe and well tolerated, with notably fewer hypoglycaemic episodes than glipizide [5.4% (31 episodes) vs. 26.0% (232 episodes), respectively]; three patients experienced severe hypoglycaemia, all with glipizide. Alogliptin also resulted in favourable weight changes versus glipizide (−0.62 vs. 0.60 kg at week 52; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAlogliptin monotherapy maintained glycaemic control comparable to that of glipizide in elderly patients with T2DM over 1 year of treatment, with substantially lower risk of hypoglycaemia and without weight gain.
Identifying inter‐ and intra‐guild feeding activity of an arthropod predator assemblage
Authors: HAGLER JAMES R. , BLACKMER FELISA 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Understanding predator–prey interactions of the arthropod community in any given ecosystem is essential in pinpointing the biological control services provided by natural enemies.
Hence, four prey‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed to analyse the gut contents of the cotton predator community. The four targeted prey included a herbivore/pest, omnivore/pest, omnivore/beneficial, and carnivore/beneficial.
First, prey retention tests were conducted to determine how long a prey item of each target species could be detected in a predator after ingestion. The assays yielded highly variable inter‐assay and intra‐assay prey detection efficiencies.
Then, a multifaceted field study was conducted to quantify the population dynamics of the cotton predator assemblage and to assess the frequencies of predation that each predator species exhibited on the targeted prey. In total, 1794 predators, representing 17 arthropod families, were collected over two seasons using both sweep net and whole plant sampling procedures.
The predator gut assays showed that there was substantial inter‐guild predation occurring on the herbivore/pest, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius); moderate intra‐guild predation on the omnivore/pest, Lygus spp. (Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), L. hesperus Knight, and L. elisus Van Duzee) and the omnivore/beneficial, Geocoris spp. (Geocoris punctipes (Say), and G. pallens Stål); and very little intra‐guild predation on the carnivore/beneficial, Collops vittatus (Say).
The gut assays also revealed that DNA of the targeted pests, B. tabaci and Lygus spp., were found more frequently in insect predators than spiders; whereas there were no significant differences in predation between the predatory insects and spiders for the beneficial insects, Geocoris spp. and C. vittatus.
Finally, there was a significantly higher frequency of predation events recorded for B. tabaci, Lygus spp., and Geocoris spp. in the sweep net samples. This indicates that the method of collection might influence the interpretation of the gut assay results.
Parathyroid hormone ablation alters erythrocyte parameters that are rescued by calcium‐sensing receptor gene deletion
Authors: Romero Jose R. , Youte Rodeler , Brown Edward M. , Pollak Martin R. , Goltzman David , Karaplis Andrew , Pong Lie‐Chin , Chien Lawrence , Chattopadhyay Naibedya , Rivera Alicia 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe mechanisms by which parathyroid hormone (PTH) produces anemia are unclear. Parathyroid hormone secretion is regulated by the extracellular Ca2+‐sensing receptor. We investigated the effects of ablating PTH on hematological indices and erythrocytes volume regulation in wild‐type, PTH‐null, and Ca2+‐sensing receptor‐null/PTH‐null mice. The erythrocyte parameters were measured in whole mouse blood, and volume regulatory systems were determined by plasma membrane K+ fluxes, and osmotic fragility was measured by hemoglobin determination at varying osmolarities. We observed that the absence of PTH significantly increases mean erythrocyte volume and reticulocyte counts, while decreasing erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. These changes were accompanied by increases in erythrocyte cation content, a denser cell population, and increased K+ permeability, which were in part mediated by activation of the K+/Cl− cotransporter and Gardos channel. In addition we observed that erythrocyte osmotic fragility in PTH‐null compared with wild‐type mice was enhanced. When Ca2+‐sensing receptor gene was deleted on the background of PTH‐null mice, we observed that several of the alterations in erythrocyte parameters of PTH‐null mice were largely rescued, particularly those related to erythrocyte volume, K+ fluxes and osmotic fragility, and became similar to those observed in wild‐type mice. Our results demonstrate that Ca2+‐sensing receptor and parathyroid hormone are functionally coupled to maintain erythrocyte homeostasis.
The Philosophical Aspects of IRT Equating: Modeling Drift to Evaluate Cohort Growth in Large‐Scale Assessments
Authors: Taherbhai Husein , Seo Daeryong 
Published: March 2013

Calibration and equating is the quintessential necessity for most large‐scale educational assessments. However, there are instances when no consideration is given to the equating process in terms of context and substantive realization, and the methods used in its execution.In the view of the authors, equating is not merely an exhibit of the statistical methodology, but it is also a reflection of the thought process undertaken in its execution. For example, there is hardly any discussion in literature of the ideological differences in the selection of an equating method. Furthermore, there is little evidence of modeling cohort growth through an identification and use of construct‐relevant linking items’ drift, using the common item nonequivalent group equating design. In this article, the authors philosophically justify the use of Huynh's statistical method for the identification of construct‐relevant outliers in the linking pool. The article also dispels the perception of scale instability associated with the inclusion of construct‐relevant outliers in the linking item pool and concludes that an appreciation of the rationale used in the selection of the equating method, together with the use of linking items in modeling cohort growth, can be beneficial to the practitioners.
Effect of Kampo extracts on urinary stone formation: An experimental investigation
Authors: Nishihata Masaya , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Hara Isao 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of Kampo extracts on the process of urinary stone formation.MethodsA total of 14 Kampo extracts (10 μg/mL) were examined in vitro by assessing whether they could inhibit two critical steps in the early process of calcium oxalate stone formation, namely crystal aggregation and crystal adhesion to the renal tubular epithelium of Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. The inhibitory effect of the extracts on stone formation was examined by using a rat model.ResultsSanshishi and Takusha showed a strong inhibitory effect on the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal aggregation (84.5% and 64.2%, respectively) and on the crystal adhesion to Madin–Darby canine kidney cells (88.2% and 54.6%, respectively). As pretreatment of Madin–Darby canine kidney cells with these two Kampo extracts did not show any inhibitory effect on crystal adhesion, they were considered to mainly affect the crystal surface to block crystal adhesion to Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. Gorin‐san, containing both Sanshishi and Takusha, showed significantly stronger inhibitory activities at lower concentrations compared with Chorei‐to, which contains Takusha. Finally, Sanshishi showed a prophylactic effect on calcium oxalate crystal deposition in the rat model.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Gorin‐san, which contains Sanshishi and Takusha, might be used for the prophylaxis of urolithiasis in humans.
Economic growth and inequality in Singapore: The case for a minimum wage
Authors: Hui Weng Tat 
Published: March 2013

Abstract.In the context of Singapore's ageing population, the employment of large numbers of low‐skilled foreign workers is proving to be a major challenge to inclusive growth because of the stagnation of low‐wage workers' incomes. In order to address this problem, the author makes the case for introducing a minimum wage to complement existing in‐work benefit schemes. After addressing the commonly voiced objections to a minimum wage system, he suggests ways in which a minimum wage could be implemented in Singapore. New measures to enhance the social safety net and foster more sustainable economic growth are also proposed.
Adjuvant breast radiotherapy using a simultaneous integrated boost: Clinical and dosimetric perspectives
Authors: Alford Simone L. , Prassas Georgina N. , Vogelesang Cathy R. , Leggett Heather J. , Hamilton Chris S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionWe sought to assess the cosmetic outcomes and the proportion of patients with late radiotherapy toxicity in a group of women with early‐stage breast cancer treated with breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) and adjuvant radiotherapy using a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique.Methods and MaterialsFemale patients with early‐stage breast cancer (pT1‐2 N0‐1) treated with BCS and radiotherapy using an SIB technique were identified retrospectively from the departmental database. Radiotherapy consisted of 45 Gy in 25 fractions delivered to the whole breast with a simultaneous forward‐planned conformal boost to the tumour bed of 60 Gy in 25 fractions. Demographic data, as well as prospectively collected measures of toxicity and cosmesis, were recorded and analysed.ResultsFifty‐five eligible patients were treated between 2009 and 2011. The median age was 61 years (range, 31 to 81 years). Median follow‐up was 13.3 months. Late toxicities (including oedema, pigmentation, telangiectasia, fibrosis, osteonecrosis and pain) were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0 criteria. Grade 0, 1 and 2 toxicities were assigned to 52.8%, 43.4% and 3.8% of patients, respectively. There were no cases of grade 3 or greater toxicity. Ninety‐eight per cent had a good or excellent cosmetic outcome based on independent assessment by both the patient and physician. One patient developed a second primary contralateral breast cancer. There were no cases of local recurrence.ConclusionThe use of a conformal SIB technique is proposed as a mode of delivering adjuvant radiotherapy in early‐stage breast cancer. This schedule is convenient for the patient given the shortened overall treatment time. Additionally, the SIB technique seems to be well tolerated, with minimal toxicity and acceptable cosmetic outcomes. Finally, there are dosimetric benefits with respect to target coverage and reduction of dose and dose per fraction to organs at risk.
A randomized controlled trial of a self‐management psychosocial intervention for men with prostate cancer and their partners: a study protocol
Authors: McCaughan Eilis , Prue Gillian , McSorley Oonagh , Northouse Laurel , Schafenacker Ann , Parahoo Kader 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about interventions to help men and their partners cope with the after effects of prostate cancer treatment. The lack of in‐depth descriptions of the intervention content is hindering the identification of which intervention (or component of an intervention) works.AimTo describe the development and evaluation of the content of a self‐management psychosocial intervention for men with prostate cancer and their partners.DesignA feasibility randomized controlled trial including structure, process, and outcome analysis.MethodsThis 9‐week intervention commences on completion of treatment and consists of three group and two telephone sessions. The intervention focuses on symptom management, sexual dysfunction, uncertainty management, positive thinking and couple communication. Forty‐eight couples will be assigned to either the intervention or a control group receiving usual care. Participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately postintervention and at 1 and 6 months postintervention. Outcome measures for patients and caregivers include self‐efficacy, quality of life, symptom distress, uncertainty, benefits of illness, health behaviour, and measures of couple communication and support. An additional caregiver assessment will be completed by the partner.DiscussionThe main purpose of this feasibility study is to investigate the acceptability of the CONNECT programme to men with prostate cancer and their partners and to gain feedback from the participants and facilitators to make changes to and enhance the programme. Reasons why men do not want to participate will be collated to enhance recruitment in the future. We will also test recruitment strategies, randomization procedures, and the acceptability of the questionnaires. Ethical approval granted December 2010.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of advanced practice nurses in long‐term care
Authors: Donald Faith , Martin‐Misener Ruth , Carter Nancy , Donald Erin E. , Kaasalainen Sharon , Wickson‐Griffiths Abigail , Lloyd Monique , Akhtar‐Danesh Noori , DiCenso Alba 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo report quantitative evidence of the effectiveness of advanced practice nursing roles, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, in meeting the healthcare needs of older adults living in long‐term care residential settings.BackgroundAlthough studies have examined the effectiveness of advanced practice nurses in this setting, a systematic review of this evidence has not been conducted.DesignQuantitative systematic review.Data sourcesTwelve electronic databases were searched (1966–2010); leaders in the field were contacted; and personal files, reference lists, pertinent journals, and websites were searched for prospective studies with a comparison group.Review methodsStudies that met inclusion criteria were reviewed for quality, using a modified version of the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Review Group risk of bias assessment criteria.ResultsFour prospective studies conducted in the USA and reported in 15 papers were included. Long‐term care settings with advanced practice nurses had lower rates of depression, urinary incontinence, pressure ulcers, restraint use, and aggressive behaviours; more residents who experienced improvements in meeting personal goals; and family members who expressed more satisfaction with medical services.ConclusionAdvanced practice nurses are associated with improvements in several measures of health status and behaviours of older adults in long‐term care settings and in family satisfaction. Further exploration is needed to determine the effect of advanced practice nurses on health services use; resident satisfaction with care and quality of life; and the skills, quality of care, and job satisfaction of healthcare staff.
A Prospective Randomized Single‐Center Study on the Risk of Asymptomatic Cerebral Lesions Comparing Irrigated Radiofrequency Current Ablation with the Cryoballoon and the Laser Balloon
Authors: SCHMIDT BORIS , GUNAWARDENE MELANIE , KRIEG DETLEF , BORDIGNON STEFANO , FÜRNKRANZ ALEXANDER , KULIKOGLU MEHMET , HERRMANN WILFRIED , CHUN K.R. JULIAN 
Published: March 2013

Asymptomatic Cerebral Lesions in AF AblationBackgroundAsymptomatic cerebral lesions (ACL) may occur during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We sought to compare the ACL incidence between 3 contemporary technologies: (1) irrigated radiofrequency current (RFC), (2) the single big cryoballoon (CB), and (3) the endoscopic laser‐balloon (LB) in a prospective randomized pilot study.Methods and ResultsNinety‐nine patients were treated in 3 groups. Diffusion weighted MRI was acquired pre‐ (n = 20) and 24–48 h postablation (n = 99).After ablation, new ACL were detected in 22% of patients without significant differences between groups (RFC 8/33; CB 6/33; LB 8/33; P = 0.8). The presence of hypertension was identified as the only independent predictor of ACL by univariate regression analysis.During LB ablation, more ablation lesions (140 ± 19 vs 119 ± 18; P = 0.007) were applied during longer procedures (166 ± 36 vs 143 ± 32 min; P = 0.05) in patients with ACL. Univariate analysis revealed that a higher number of ablation lesions predicted ACL (P = 0.02).ConclusionIn this prospective, randomized, single‐center pilot study, ablation technology did not influence the occurrence of ACL during AF ablation.
Four factor Research Awareness Scale for Nurses in Japanese: Instrument development study
Authors: Watanabe Yoshino , Oe Makoto , Takemura Yukie , Sasaki Minako , Onishi Mami , Kanda Katsuya , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimResearch awareness is an important consideration necessary for providing superior nursing care. However, a gap exists between research and clinical practice. A major obstacle to integrating research into clinical practice is the absence of research awareness among nurses. Studies on research awareness have focused primarily on three factors: attitude, competence, and encouragement for conducting research. The Research Awareness Scale for Nurses (RASN) in Japanese incorporates a critical, yet generally overlooked fourth factor of flexible structure for research. The aim of this study was to develop a nursing research awareness scale that could be used to determine the reasons for the lack of interest in research among nurses and to help nursing administrators take steps to integrate research into clinical practice.MethodsThe RASN was developed and tested in three stages. An item pool for the scale was generated from a published work review and focus group interviews. The scale was then tested in a pilot study, and finally in a main study. Reliability and validity were examined by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, one‐way anova and correlation analysis.ResultsThe RASN exhibited good validity in the four factor structure (“attitude”, “competence”, “encouragement”, and “flexible structure”). Cronbach's alpha exhibited good internal consistency. The RASN was significantly and positively correlated with research‐related education and activities.ConclusionThe RASN had good internal consistency, content validity, discriminant validity, and construct validity. These findings demonstrate that the RASN is a useful instrument for evaluating approaches toward the integration of research into clinical practice.