bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epididymal protease inhibitor (EPPIN) is differentially expressed in the male rat reproductive tract and immunolocalized in maturing spermatozoa
Authors: Silva Erick J.R. , Patrão Marília T.C.C. , Tsuruta James K. , O'Rand Michael G. , Avellar Maria Christina W. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEPPIN (epididymal protease inhibitor; SPINLW1), an antimicrobial cysteine‐rich protein containing both Kunitz and whey acidic protein (WAP)‐type four disulfide core protease inhibitor consensus sequences, is a target for male contraception because of its critical role in sperm motility. Here, we characterized EPPIN's expression and cellular distribution in rat tissues and its in vivo regulation by androgens in the epididymis. EPPIN (mRNA and protein) was abundantly expressed in the rat testis and epididymis; we also found that the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and brain were novel sites of EPPIN expression. PCR studies demonstrated that in addition to Sertoli cells, spermatogenic cells expressed Eppin mRNA. EPPIN was immunolocalized in Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells (pachytene spermatocytes and round and elongated spermatids) and in epithelial cells and spermatozoa from efferent ductules and epididymis. EPPIN staining was observed on the middle and principal pieces of the flagellum of testicular spermatozoa. Epididymal spermatozoa had more intense EPPIN staining on the flagellum, and the EPPIN staining became apparent on the head and neck regions. This suggested that the EPPIN found on maturing spermatozoa was secreted primarily by the epithelial cells of the epididymis. Surgical castration down‐regulated EPPIN expression levels (mRNA and protein) in the caput and cauda epididymis, an effect reversed by testosterone replacement. Altogether, our data suggested that EPPIN expression in rats is more widespread than in humans and mice, and is androgen‐dependent in the epididymis. This species could be used as an experimental model to further study EPPIN's role in male fertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 832–842, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNA uptake in swine sperm: Effect of plasmid topology and methyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin‐mediated cholesterol depletion
Authors: Oddi Sergio , Bernabò Nicola , Di Tommaso Monia , Angelucci Clotilde Beatrice , Bisicchia Elisa , Mattioli Mauro , Maccarrone Mauro 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSperm‐mediated gene transfer (SMGT), the ability of sperm cells to spontaneously incorporate exogenous DNA and to deliver it to oocytes during fertilization, has been proposed as an easy and efficient method for producing transgenic animals. SMGT is still undergoing development and optimization to improve the uptake efficiency of foreign DNA by sperm cells, which is a preliminary, yet critical, step for successful SMGT. Towards this aim, we developed a quantitative, real‐time PCR‐based assay to assess the absolute number of exogenous plasmids internalized into the spermatozoon. Using this technique, we found that the circular form of the DNA is more efficiently taken up than the linearized form. We also found that DNA internalization into the nucleus of porcine sperm cells is better under specific methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MCD)‐treated conditions, where the plasma membrane properties were altered without significantly compromising sperm physiology. These results provide the first evidence that membrane cholesterol depletion by MCD might represent a novel strategy for enhancing the ability of sperm to take up heterologous DNA. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 853–860, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of ABCB1 and ABCC1 transporters in sea urchin Echinometra lucunter fertilization
Authors: Silva‐Neta Helena Lima , Torrezan Elis , de Araújo Leite Jocelmo Cássio , Santi‐Gadelha Tatiane , Marques‐Santos Luis Fernando 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFertilization is an ordered sequence of cellular interactions that promotes gamete fusion to form a new individual. Since the pioneering work of Oskar Hertwig conducted on sea urchins, echinoderms have contributed to the understanding of cellular and molecular aspects of the fertilization processes. Studies on sea urchin spermatozoa reported the involvement of a plasma membrane protein that belongs to the ABC proteins superfamily in the acrosome reaction. ABC transporters are expressed in membranes of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and are associated with the transport of several compounds or ions across biomembranes. We aimed to investigate ABCB1 and ABCC1 transporter activity in sea urchin spermatozoa and their involvement in fertilization. Our results indicate that Echinometra lucunter spermatozoa exhibit a low intracellular calcein accumulation (18.5% stained cells); however, the ABC blockers reversin205, verapamil, and MK571 increased dye accumulation (93.0–96.6% stained cells). We also demonstrated that pharmacologically blocking ABCB1 and ABCC1 decreased spermatozoa fertilizing capacity (70% inhibition), and this phenotype was independent of extracellular calcium. These data suggest that functional spermatozoa ABCB1 and ABCC1 transporters are crucial for a successful fertilization. Additional studies must be performed to investigate the involvement of membrane lipid homeostasis in the fertilization process. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 861–869, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Educational Needs of Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals Caring for People with Arthritis: Results from a Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: Lillie Kate , Ryan Sarah , Adams Jo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThe purpose of the present study was to identify the educational needs of rheumatology nurses and allied healthcare professionals (AHPs) working with people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA cross‐sectional national online survey was carried out.ResultsThe survey was completed by 162 health care practitioners. Seventy‐one per cent of respondents had the knowledge and skills to manage the care of a person with RA. The elements of care for which the respondents were either unsure or did not have the necessary knowledge and skills related to providing advice on exercise (37%) and pain medication (30%) to people with RA. There was a consistent tendency for respondents to be less confident in their knowledge and skills when caring for people with OA, with respondents reporting that they were either unsure or did not have the necessary knowledge and skills to advise on appropriate exercise (61%), or medication for the management of pain (45%) or the management of ongoing care (51%).ConclusionsCurrent and future educational programmes on RA and OA management should provide nurses and AHPs with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in providing advice on exercise and pain medication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urgent‐SQ implant in treatment of overactive bladder syndrome: 9‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Janssen Dick A. , Farag Fawzy , Heesakkers John P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsElectrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) is an established therapy for the treatment of refractory overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). The Urgent‐SQ™ is an implant that is surgically placed near the PTN and activated by an external pulse generator, allowing for “on demand” PTN stimulation, without the need for needle insertion. The current study presents results of a 9‐year, open‐label, follow‐up of eight patients to address the long term safety and efficacy of the implant.MethodsIn 2003, eight patients with refractory OAB received a Urgent‐SQ™ implant and were systematically followed up for 1 year. After that, the follow up continued as open‐label study. The seven patients who still had the implant were contacted after 9 years and evaluated with an interview, physical exam, ankle X‐ray, voiding diaries, and completed questionnaires about adverse events, performance, efficacy, safety, and quality of life (validated iQoL).ResultsSix of the seven patients still had sensory and loco‐motor responses on stimulation at 9‐year follow‐up. Three of four patients who had a successful treatment response at 1 year, still use the device. The fourth patient restarted therapy. The implants are intact with no migration and/or displacement. All patients reported easy handling of the Urgent‐SQ™. One patient reported sporadic spontaneous sensory responses. One patient reported occasional localized ankle discomfort.ConclusionsAfter 9 years of clinical experience, we demonstrated that implant driven PTNS with the Urgent‐SQ™ is a safe therapy for OAB. The implant has a long lifespan and is well tolerated by patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 472–475, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dielectric elastomers – numerical modeling of nonlinear visco‐electroelasticity
Authors: Büschel A. , Klinkel S. , Wagner W. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYDielectric elastomer actuators that can directly turn electrical energy into mechanical energy belong to the group of electroactive polymers. This type of electroelastic material exhibits large displacement characteristics and is able to change its mechanical behavior in response to the application of an electric field. Dielectric actuators are made out of elastomers which in general show viscoelastic behavior. To take this time dependent effect into account, the deformation gradient is multiplicatively decomposed. The paper is focused on the numerical modeling of soft dielectric elastomers. The theoretical foundation and the consistent finite element implementation is outlined based on the laws of electricity and elasticity. Furthermore, numerical examples of the nonlinear visco‐electroelasticity model are shown. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Older homebound women's perceived risk of being unable to reach help quickly: Influence of situations involving age‐peers
Authors: Porter Eileen J. , Lasiter Sue 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this facet of a longitudinal descriptive phenomenological study of the experience of reaching help quickly for older homebound women was to explore the personal–social context (life‐world) of situations when age‐peers had needed to reach help quickly (RHQ). Twenty‐five women aged 85–95 (13 subscribers to a personal emergency response system and 12 non‐subscribers) reported 80 peer situations. Life‐world was characterized by sharing with peers the risk of being unable to RHQ. Knowledge of peer situations had varying degrees of influence on participants' decisions to adopt and use RHQ devices. Findings support the need for healthcare professionals to explore the influences of age‐peer RHQ situations upon adoption and use of devices to RHQ by older homebound women. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:624–633, 2012
Is there still gender bias in nursing research? An update
Authors: Polit Denise F. , Beck Cheryl Tatano 
Published: October 2012

AbstractData from 300 studies published in four research journals in 2010–2011 were analyzed to assess whether nurse researchers continue to oversample females. One‐third of the studies had samples that were 100% female and, on average, 74% of all study participants were female. As was found for studies published 5 years earlier, the bias against male participants was consistent across studies differing in methods, specialty areas, funding, and sample characteristics. Studies with male first authors, however, were significantly less likely to have biased samples. Authors of only 23.6% of studies with mixed‐sex samples provided information about sex differences in outcomes. Because of gender bias, the evidence base for nursing practice may suffer from problems with generalizability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36:75–83, 2013
The Categorisation of Occupation in Identified Skeletal Collections: A Source of Bias?
Authors: Cardoso F. Alves , Henderson C. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTIdentified skeletal collections, that is, skeletons for which sex, age at death and occupation at death are known, have been used to test methods for recording entheseal changes (EC). By testing methods on identified collections, the sensitivity of EC for recording activity levels can be ascertained prior to applying the methods to test hypotheses in archaeological contexts. However, the definition of occupational categories used for this research may, in itself, be a source of bias. The aim in this study was to test how categorising occupation affected the interpretation of EC. Male skeletons (n = 211) from two Portuguese identified skeletal collections were used. Three methods for categorising occupations, all of which have been previously published, were used each dividing occupations into five, three and two categories, respectively. Fibrocartilaginous entheses were recorded and EC scored as present/absent. Results showed that the method for categorising occupation affected the frequencies of EC found in occupational categories for specific entheses. Frequencies that were significantly different between occupational categories for one method were not necessarily significant for others. This demonstrates that the sensitivity of the occupational categorisation does affect the results. However, using logistic regression, we found age to have a greater effect than occupation. These results demonstrate the need for standardised occupational categories, as well as the importance of considering age. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occupational Mobility in 19th Century Rural England: The Interpretation of Entheseal Changes
Authors: Henderson C. Y. , Craps D. D. , Caffell A. C. , Millard A. R. , Gowland R. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTIdentified skeletal collections have been widely used to test methods for recording entheseal changes (EC). These studies have all used the occupation provided with the death certificate or equivalent as the occupation during life. However, the variety of tasks undertaken within occupations, the range of occupational tasks and how these changed over the life course is rarely discussed. The aim of this paper is to highlight the value of using historical data to improve the interpretation of skeletal data.Materials and methods: Identified adult skeletons (n = 18) from the churchyard of St. Michael and St. Lawrence, Fewston, North Yorkshire, England, were recorded for EC and degenerative joint changes (DJC). The individuals were born and died between 1791 and 1921 (only one individual was buried after the churchyard's closure in 1896). All individuals have at least one census record that includes their occupation. Published sections of a diary coinciding with the cemetery's use and written by the son of two of the identified individuals were used to record the frequency and range of activities.Results: Men (54.5% of them) and women (29% of them) changed their occupations, and those who changed occupation were found to be older than those who did not. The latter were found to have a lower frequency of DJC and EC, but this is likely due to the difference in age profile between the two groups. However, the detailed pattern of EC did not match that of DJC for the three occupation categories used. The diary demonstrated that a stonemason undertook a wide variety of occupational tasks as well as enjoying hobbies.Discussion: The results demonstrate that occupations in 19th century rural England were not stable and demonstrated a wide variety of everyday and infrequent activities. This demonstrates that using occupation listed at death does not provide sufficiently detailed information for testing methods of recording EC or for interpreting the relationship between occupation and health. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the aspect ratio and waviness of carbon nanotubes on the vibrational behavior of functionally graded nanocomposite cylindrical panels
Authors: Jam J.E. , Pourasghar A. , Kamarian S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this study, based on the three‐dimensional theory of elasticity, free vibration characteristics of nanocomposite cylindrical panels reinforced by single‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered. The carbon nanotube‐reinforced (CNTRC) cylindrical panel has smooth variation of CNT fraction in the radial direction, and the material properties are estimated by the extended rule of mixture. In this work, the classical theory concerning the mechanical efficiency of a matrix embedding finite length fibers has been modified by introducing the tube‐to‐tube random contact, which explicitly accounts for the progressive reduction of the tubes' effective aspect ratio as the filler content increases. Symmetric and asymmetric volume fraction profiles are provided in this work for comparison. Suitable displacement functions that identically satisfy the boundary conditions at the simply supported edges are used to reduce the equilibrium equations to a set of coupled ordinary differential equation with variable coefficients, which can be solved by a generalized differential quadrature method. The results show that the kind of distribution and volume fraction of CNT have a significant effect on normalized natural frequency.POLYM. COMPOS., 33:2036–2044, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Shear and elongational flow properties of peroxide‐modified wood/low‐density polyethylene composite melts
Authors: Harnnarongchai Wanlop , Kaschta Joachim , Schubert Dirk W. , Sombatsompop Narongrit 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAdding fillers to a polymer melt may result in a strain softening behavior in elongational flow in long‐chain branched materials, showing strain‐hardening behavior when compared with unfilled one. To improve the strain‐hardening properties in wood/LDPE composites, the effect of peroxide concentration on both the molecular architecture and molar mass distribution, and the rheological quantities in shear and elongation is studied. Addition of wood flour increases the viscosity according to a logarithmic mixing rule, as expected from the large particle size and the filler fractions used. The peroxide has multiple effects on the molar architecture of the polymer. First, a gel fraction of cross‐linked material is formed, the concentration of gel being dependent of the amount of peroxide used. Second, a higher molar mass component is detected, leading to higher value of Mw and to a broader molar mass distribution. Finally, the degree of long‐chain branching unexpectedly decreases with increasing peroxide content. The changes in molecular architecture are hardly influenced by addition of the wood flour. The peroxide treatment leads to an improved strain‐hardening behavior, detected by elongational viscosity and melt strength measurements. However, the addition of wood flour decreases the amount of strain hardening.POLYM. COMPOS., 33:2084–2094, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improving end of life care for people with diabetes
Authors: Tapley Michael , Needham Elizabeth 
Published: October 2012

Abstract‘End of life care involves providing support to allow people to die with dignity, keeping them as comfortable as possible until the end, and assisting families to manage this often distressing experience. In view of its high prevalence and associated complications and co‐morbidities, diabetes is often present in those patients at the end of life.’1
The NHS Diabetes Safe Use of Insulin e‐learning module: is it making a difference to health care professionals?
Authors: Eyres Gavin , Richards Louise , James June , Morton Anna , Sweeney Grace 
Published: October 2012

AbstractNHS Diabetes, along with clinical colleagues, established a ‘Safe Use of Insulin’ e‐learning course in response to an alert from the National Patient Safety Agency and supporting data from the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit which demonstrated a worrying scale of insulin errors for in‐patients with diabetes in England. The e‐learning course has been offered freely to all health care professionals across England from June 2010. As of 16 August 2012 (26 months from module launch), there have been 83 986 health care professionals registered, with 58 188 (69%) of these having completed the module.A three‐month follow‐up evaluation was conducted inviting 8142 people who had completed the module to participate in a short web‐based survey, with responses received from 1246 (15.3%). Evaluation data showed that the course led to increased staff confidence in prescribing, handling, or administering insulin. Changes in individuals' working practice, and departmental or trust policies or procedures at NHS trusts across England were also identified. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Preventing amputations in patients with diabetes and renal disease
Authors: Game Fran 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDiabetes remains the single most common cause of both end stage renal disease and non‐traumatic amputation of the lower limb. The available literature confirms a close association between renal disease, peripheral symmetrical neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, foot ulcers, amputation and survival in patients with diabetes, and suggests that the risk accelerates soon after the start of renal replacement therapy. There are multiple possible mechanisms underlying the association, including the effects of dialysis on tissue hypoxia. At present there are no specific interventions known to improve these pathogenic mechanisms; however, there is evidence to suggest that the organisation of care could have an impact on the onset of foot disease. These patients therefore should have regular foot surveillance, education, and support from appropriate specialists to manage their foot care. All professionals involved in the care of patients with diabetes and renal disease should be aware of the extent to which the patient's feet are at risk. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Association between anti‐TNF‐α therapy and all‐cause mortality
Authors: Herrinton Lisa J. , Liu Liyan , Chen Lang , Harrold Leslie R. , Raebel Marsha A. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Griffin Marie R. , Solomon Daniel H. , Saag Kenneth G. , Lewis James D. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTPurposeTo compare mortality among patients with selected autoimmune diseases treated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) agents with similar patients treated with non‐biologic therapies.MethodsCohort study set within several large health care programs, 1998–2007. Autoimmune disease patients were identified using diagnoses from computerized healthcare data. Use of anti‐TNF‐α agents and comparison of non‐biologic therapies were identified from pharmacy data, and mortality was identified from vital records and other sources. We compared new users of anti‐TNF‐α agents to new users of non‐biologic therapies using propensity scores and Cox proportional hazards analysis to adjust for baseline differences. We also made head‐to‐head comparisons among anti‐TNF‐α agents.ResultsAmong the 46 424 persons included in the analysis, 2924 (6.3%) had died by the end of follow‐up, including 1754 (6.1%) of the 28 941 with a dispensing of anti‐TNF‐α agent and 1170 (6.7%) of the 17 483 who used non‐biologic treatment alone. Compared to use of non‐biologic therapies, use of anti‐TNF‐α therapy was not associated with an increased mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.93 with 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.85–1.03); psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis (combined aHR 0.81 with CI 0.61–1.06; or inflammatory bowel disease (aHR 1.12 with CI 0.85–1.46). Mortality rates did not differ to an important degree between patients treated with etanercept, adalimumab, or infliximab.ConclusionAnti‐TNF‐α therapy was not associated with increased mortality among patients with autoimmune diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.