bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Danish version of ‘The COPD self‐efficacy scale’: translation and psychometric properties
Authors: Emme Christina , Mortensen Erik L. , Rydahl‐Hansen Susan , Østergaard Birte , Phanareth Klaus 
Published: January 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 615–623Danish version of ‘The COPD self‐efficacy scale’: translation and psychometric propertiesThe aim of the study was to translate ‘The COPD self‐efficacy scale’ (CSES) into Danish and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Danish version (CSES‐DK). CSES enables assessment of self‐efficacy in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The scale consists of 34 items, describing situations which may cause dyspnoea in patients with COPD. The CSES was translated into Danish using a standard forward–backward translation procedure. To estimate the reliability, measurements of internal consistency and repeatability were applied. The validity of the Danish version was evaluated by examining the associations between the CSES‐DK score and socio‐demographic variables (age, gender, education, disease severity and self‐rated health). Factor analysis was conducted to compare the internal structure of the Danish version and the American source version. The study included 151 patients with COPD, recruited from three outpatient clinics. Estimates of reliability were in accordance with the original version of CSES (Cronbach’s α = 0.97, test‐retestr = 0.82, p < 0.001). Significant correlations were obtained between the CSES‐DK total score and vocational training and education (r = 0.27, p = 0.001), disease severity (r = −0.27, p = 0.001) and self‐rated health (r = −0.41, p < 0.001), indicating construct validity. Five factors were extracted from both versions of CSES. However, in the CSES‐DK, only one factor concerns emotions, whereas two factors describing emotions were obtained for the original scale. Furthermore, important discrepancies exist with respect to the direction of the scoring of CSES. In some studies, a high score indicates high self‐efficacy, whereas it indicates low self‐efficacy in other studies, which complicates the comparison of studies. The Danish version of CSES showed acceptable measurements of reliability and validity. Potential limitations of the scale were identified, and discrepancies exist between the factor structure of the original and Danish version. Consequently, more studies of the factor structure should be conducted on both the original CSES and the translated versions of the instrument.
The patient satisfaction with nursing care quality: the psychometric study of the Serbian version of PSNCQ questionnaire
Authors: Milutinović Dragana , Simin Dragana , Brkić Nina , Brkić Silvija 
Published: January 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 598–606The patient satisfaction with nursing care quality: the psychometric study of the Serbian version of PSNCQ questionnaireIntroduction:  Patient satisfaction with nursing is the most important predictor of patients’ overall satisfaction with their hospital care. According to the Law of Health Care of Republic of Serbia monitoring of patients’ satisfaction with hospital service is mandatory; however, the questionnaire applied to that purpose includes only several questions directly addressing the nursing care issue.Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Serbian version Patient Satisfaction Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ) and explore patients’ satisfaction of nursing care they received and assess the relationship between patient satisfaction and patient characteristics.Methods:  This cross‐sectional study included a sample population of 240 patients who were discharged from surgical clinics of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. The PSNCQQ was translated into Serbian according to standard procedures for forward and backward translation. Factor analysis was used to determine the construct validity, and predictive validity of the questionnaire was previously assessed. Cronbach’s α coefficient and item analysis was conducted to evaluate reliability of the scale.Results:  The Serbian version Patient Satisfaction Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ) showed a one‐factor structure, Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient was excellent 0.94 and was similar across hospital categories. The correlation coefficient between 19 items and the total scale was high, and ranged from 0.56 to 0.76. Patients’ age, educational level and previous hospitalization period were important factors that affected their satisfaction with nursing care.Conclusion:  The study provides a new tool for measuring patient satisfaction with nursing care in Serbia that may present a useful instrument for nursing care managers in improving the nursing care process.
Brachial artery hyperaemic blood flow velocity in relation to established indices of vascular function and global atherosclerosis
Authors: Järhult Susann J. , Hansen Tomas , Ahlström Håkan , Johansson Lars , Sundström Johan , Lind Lars 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackground:  Systolic to diastolic blood flow velocity (SDFV) ratio in the brachial artery recently proved to be related to cardiovascular risk and carotid atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that the SDFV ratio was related to established markers of vascular function and global atherosclerosis.Methods:  Established markers of endothelial function in forearm resistance vessels, flow‐mediated vasodilation and arterial stiffness were assessed in the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study including 1016 individuals aged 70. Whole‐body magnetic resonance angiography was performed in a random 306 of the participants. Atherosclerotic lesions were summarized in a total atherosclerotic score (TAS). Before and during hyperaemia of the brachial artery, systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities were measured by Doppler.Results:  The SDFV ratio was positively related to endothelium‐independent vasodilatation, while inverse relations were found to flow‐mediated dilation, common carotid artery distensibility and the stroke volume to pulse pressure ratio. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation and total peripheral resistance index were not significantly related to the SDFV ratio. The SDFV ratio (P = 0·015) and the blood flow increase (BFI) during hyperaemia (P = 0·020) were both significantly related to TAS after gender adjustment. When adjusted for the Framingham risk score, both the SDFV ratio (P = 0·057) and BFI (P = 0·078) lost somewhat in significance.Conclusion:  The SDFV ratio was related to established markers of both vasodilation and arterial compliance, and to global atherosclerosis. Future larger studies have to evaluate whether the SDFV ratio is related to global atherosclerosis independently of traditional risk factors.
Identification of endometriosis‐related genes by representational difference analysis of cDNA
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhang ChiYuan , Chen YingHan , Lou Jie , Wang DanBo 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundAccumulated evidence reveals that abnormally expressed genes in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis play a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.AimsIdentification of endometriosis‐related genes for further revealing the pathogenesis of endometriosis and offering the basis for developing the molecular‐targeted diagnosis and therapy of endometriosis.MethodsForty women with endometriosis and forty control women without endometriosis during their secretory phase were selected for this study. cDNA representational difference analysis (cDNA‐RDA) was performed to screen the up‐regulated genes in eutopic endometrium samples of endometriosis (n = 10) compared with the controls (n = 10). To validate the results, MAT2A, the most abundantly expressed gene, was selected to detect mRNA and protein levels between eutopic endometrium of endometriosis (n = 40) and controls (n = 40) using immunohistochemistry, real‐time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting.ResultsTen up‐regulated genes were identified in eutopic endometria of endometriosis compared with controls. Among these genes, COX‐2, BRAF, NRAS and CFL1 have already been reported to be associated with the endometriosis in previous studies. MAT2A, SEPT9, ATAD3A and CADM2 have been reported to be involved in other diseases but not in endometriosis. NAA15 and CCDC21 have not reported in any diseases. Further study showed that MAT2A protein was localised in both endometrial glandular and stromal cells. Compared with controls, the mRNA and protein levels of MAT2A were significantly higher in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis (P < 0.05).ConclusionscDNA‐RDA can be used to effectively identify the endometriosis‐related genes, which can provide novel experimental data and further understand the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
SkinExplorerTM: a new high‐tech platform to interact inside the skin by immersive virtual 3D cutaneous environment
Authors: Vazquez‐Duchêne M. D. , Kraemer P. , Saugnier N. , Levy B. , Mine S. , Jeanmaire C. , Freis O. , Pauly G. , Rathjens A. 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundThe confocal laser scanning microscope allows performing acquisition of several histological sections with precise visual morphological landmarks and their reconstruction. A powerful and modern confocal microscope enables to quickly reconstruct virtual 3D models.ObjectiveThe main goal was to develop a new platform to reconstruct complex mosaic serial data, interact with it in an immersive 3D environment, and give to the observers a feeling of ‘presence’ inside the skin.MethodWe have developed novel methods that transform the data into alternative representation, well‐suited to explore cutaneous structures in detail and to observe fields of data from different points of view. This new way of data reconstruction in volume requires optimization of intensities, automatic matching algorithms and depth alignment.Results and conclusionThe new platform – SkinExplorerTM evolves as a 3D exploration prototype. This technology provides an immersive virtual environment to explore cutaneous microstructures. Several serial histological sections can be matched by stacks, aligned in depth by sections and merged together to be visualized as a whole. All these time‐consuming steps have been dramatically speed‐up using rapid image processing. The advantages of using virtual reality technologies such as the ones used in the SkinExplorerTM platform are automatic matching, precise alignment, better data perception, lower memory requirement, and higher quantity of simultaneously displayed data. This platform can render volumetric data and isosurfaces, separately or both at the same time. Lighting and depth perception are enhanced using ‘Sphere Mapping’, ‘Ambient Occlusion’, and ‘Halo’ methods when displaying iso‐surfacic volume models with high complexity depth. The assets of the platform are to interpret complex three‐dimensional data, to observe and explore 3D virtual models, and to show effects of cosmetic treatments.
Correlation of serum procalcitonin with the severity of skin and skin structure infections – a pilot study
Authors: Eder Johanna , Hlavin Gerald , Haushofer Alexander , Trubert‐Exinger Doris , Trautinger Franz 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackground: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a specific biomarker for early detection of bacterial infections. While the usefulness of procalcitonin in severe conditions such as sepsis is well established, its relevance in the diagnosis and prognosis of localized cutaneous bacterial infections is unknown. Our aim was to initially evaluate if PCT is a useful parameter for predicting the severity of skin and skin structure infections (SSSI). Furthermore, the correlation of PCT levels with C‐reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and body temperature was investigated.Patients and Methods: Serum PCT, routine laboratory parameters, and body temperature were regularly examined in 50 consecutive patients with SSSI requiring inpatient intravenous antibiotic treatment. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the guidelines developed by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as having either an uncomplicated (SSSI) or a complicated skin and skin structure infection (cSSSI).Results: No significant correlation could be detected between the length of inpatient antibiotic treatment and PCT on days 1, 2, 3, and the maximum value on these days. The same result was found when uncomplicated SSSI and complicated SSSI (cSSSI) were evaluated separately. However, PCT levels were significantly higher in the latter. Furthermore, PCT levels showed a significant correlation with CRP, leukocyte count, ESR, and body temperature.Conclusion: PCT might be a useful additional tool for initial diagnosis and monitoring of patients with SSSI.
Follow‐up of a child with congenital chloride diarrhoea caused by a novel mutation
Authors: Dechant Markus‐Johann , Wedenoja Satu , Höglund Pia , Prange‐Schmidt Susanne , Zimmer Klaus‐Peter , Heckmann Matthias 
Published: January 2012

AbstractCongenital chloride diarrhoea (CLD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease with chronic secretory diarrhoea and a need for lifelong salt replacement therapy. We describe a male newborn of consanguineous parents with CLD. Postnatally, frequent watery diarrhoea and electrolyte disturbances were noted from the day 8 of his life. At molecular level, a homozygous mutation was detected in the solute carrier family 26 member A3 gene (SLC26A3), confirming the clinical diagnosis of CLD.Conclusion: The relatively late onset of persistent clinical and laboratory signs may demonstrate a new clinical course of CLD. These findings support the need of a tight follow‐up and monitoring if such a diagnosis is considered.
Auto‐immune cholangiopathy in a juvenile patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Noble‐Jamieson Gabriele , Jayne David , Hook Elizabeth 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi‐system inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of auto‐antibodies. Liver enzyme abnormalities are common but clinical liver dysfunction with jaundice is rare. We report a juvenile female patient with SLE who developed jaundice 9 months after her initial presentation. Further investigations including liver biopsy and magnetic resonance cholangio‐pancreatography revealed two likely pathologies for her liver dysfunction; amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid induced cholestasis and auto‐immune cholangiopathy. The hyperbilirubinaemia resolved spontaneously 3 months after exposure to amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid; however, the elevation in Alanine transaminase and Gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase persisted until intensive immunosuppressive therapy achieved complete remission.Conclusion:  We report a rare case of a juvenile patient with SLE and auto‐immune cholangiopathy. The use of cholangio‐pancreatography as part of the diagnostic work‐up achieved the final diagnosis.
The Costs and Consequences of Multi‐lateral Policies Against Price Spikes  Kosten und Folgen multilateraler Politikmaßnahmen zur Bekämpfung von Preisspitzen  Les coûts et conséquences des politiques multilatérales contre les haux niveaux de prix
Authors: Thompson Wyatt , Matthey Holger , Tallard Gregoire 
Published: January 2012

summaryThe Costs and Consequences of Multi‐lateral Policies Against Price SpikesStartling volatility in food commodity prices leads policymakers to reconsider their policy options, with widespread interest in buffer stocks and targeted consumer subsidies, including among G8 and G20 leaders who committed themselves to action. Stored grains would be released in the event of severe price increases, thus relieving pressure on commodity markets and decreasing prices. As we show, the downside of stocks large enough to temper a surge in world rice prices are high prices during the stock building phase. Direct and targeted aid to affected consumers is very effective at helping selected consumers. Any consumer subsidy encourages demand by lowering prices for its beneficiaries, but their ability to sustain their commodity purchases drives prices even higher so other consumers suffer even more. In choosing between these two options, the decision is whether to shift the burden of a price spike to other years, or to other consumers – at taxpayer cost. Additional challenges are to identify targeted consumers, set public stock rules and avoid displacement of private stocks. Current discussions about how to mitigate price surges should weigh the benefits of alternative policies against their budgetary costs and unintended consequences to design optimal responses to potential price surges.
Genome Sequence of Benzo(a)pyrene-Degrading Bacterium Novosphingobium pentaromativorans US6-1
Authors: Luo Yuan Rong , Kang Sung Gyun , Kim Sang-Jin , Kim Mi-Ree , Li Nan , Lee Jung-Hyun , Kwon Kae Kyoung 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Novosphingobium pentaromativorans
US6-1 showed a good ability to degrade high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We report the draft genome sequence of strain US6-1, which contains a main chromosome (5,096,413 bp, G+C content of 63.1%) and two plasmids (188,476 and 60,085 bp). The majority of the aromatic-hydrocarbon-degrading genes are encoded in the larger plasmid.
ARN-509: A Novel Antiandrogen for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Clegg Nicola J. , Wongvipat John , Joseph James D. , Tran Chris , Ouk Samedy , Dilhas Anna , Chen Yu , Grillot Kate , Bischoff Eric D. , Cai Ling , Aparicio Anna , Dorow Steven , Arora Vivek , Shao Gang , Qian Jing , Zhao Hong , Yang Guangbin , Cao Chunyan , Sensintaffar John , Wasielewska Teresa , Herbert Mark R. , Bonnefous Celine , Darimont Beatrice , Scher Howard I. , Smith-Jones Peter , Klang Mark , Smith Nicholas D. , De Stanchina Elisa , Wu Nian , Ouerfelli Ouathek , Rix Peter J. , Heyman Richard A. , Jung Michael E. , Sawyers Charles L. , Hager Jeffrey H. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Continued reliance on the androgen receptor (AR) is now understood as a core mechanism in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the most advanced form of this disease. While established and novel AR pathway–targeting agents display clinical efficacy in metastatic CRPC, dose-limiting side effects remain problematic for all current agents. In this study, we report the discovery and development of ARN-509, a competitive AR inhibitor that is fully antagonistic to AR overexpression, a common and important feature of CRPC. ARN-509 was optimized for inhibition of AR transcriptional activity and prostate cancer cell proliferation, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy. In contrast to bicalutamide, ARN-509 lacked significant agonist activity in preclinical models of CRPC. Moreover, ARN-509 lacked inducing activity for AR nuclear localization or DNA binding. In a clinically valid murine xenograft model of human CRPC, ARN-509 showed greater efficacy than MDV3100. Maximal therapeutic response in this model was achieved at 30 mg/kg/d of ARN-509, whereas the same response required 100 mg/kg/d of MDV3100 and higher steady-state plasma concentrations. Thus, ARN-509 exhibits characteristics predicting a higher therapeutic index with a greater potential to reach maximally efficacious doses in man than current AR antagonists. Our findings offer preclinical proof of principle for ARN-509 as a promising therapeutic in both castration-sensitive and castration-resistant forms of prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1494–503. ©2012 AACR.
A history of early stent thrombosis is associated with prolonged clot lysis time
Authors: Pankiw-Bembenek Oksana , Zalewski Jaroslaw , Goralczyk Tadeusz , Undas Anetta 
Published: January 2012

SummaryIt has been demonstrated that formation of compact plasma fibrin clots resistant to plasmin-mediated lysis characterises patients following instent thrombosis (IST). The relationship between defective fibrinolysis, reflected as prolonged clot lysis time (CLT) and IST is unclear. We sought to investigate whether patients with acute and subacute IST have impaired fibrinolytic capacity. We studied 41 definite IST patients, including 15 with acute and 26 with subacute IST experienced 2–73 months prior to enrollment, versus 41 controls matched for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, concomitant treatment and angiographic/stent parameters. CLT, reflecting lysis of a tissue factor-induced plasma clot by exogenous tissue plasminogen activator, together with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antigen and activity, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen and activity, thrombomodulin (TM), plasminogen and α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) were measured. There were no inter-group differences in angiographic parameters, indication to the first PCI, culprit vessel or a type of stent. Patients with IST had 11% longer CLT (p=0.005) and 13% higher PAI-1 antigen (p=0.04) compared to controls. There were positive correlations in both groups between CLT and PAI-1 antigen and TAFI activity (all p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that CLT (odds ratio [OR]=1.04 per 1 minute, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, p=0.02) and platelet count (OR=1.01 per 1,000/μl, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, p=0.034) were independent predictors of IST (R2=0.28, p<0.05). Concluding, impaired fibrinolytic potential, that is in part determined by plasma PAI-1 antigen and TAFI activity, characterises patients with a history of acute and subacute IST, which might help identify patients at higher risk of IST.
Molecular imaging of matrix metalloproteinases in atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Lenglet Sébastien , Thomas Aurélien , Chaurand Pierre , Galan Katia , Mach François , Montecucco Fabrizio 
Published: January 2012

SummaryIschaemic stroke and myocardial infarction often result from the sudden rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. The subsequent arterial thrombosis occluding the vessel lumen has been widely indicated as the crucial acute event causing peripheral tissue ischaemia. A complex cross-talk between systemic and intraplaque inflammatory mediators has been shown to regulate maturation, remodeling and final rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes (released by several cell subsets within atherosclerotic plaques), which favour atherogenesis and increase plaque vulnerability. Thus, the assessment of intraplaque levels and activity of MMP might be of pivotal relevance in the evaluation of the risk of rupture. New imaging approaches, focused on the visualisation of inflammation in the vessel wall and plaque, may emerge as tools for individualised risk assessment and prevention of events. In this review, we summarize experimental findings of the currently available invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques, used to detect the presence and activity of MMPs in atherosclerotic plaques.
The Ganthārambhakathās of Upasena's Saddhammapajjotikā and Vajirabuddhi's Vajirabuddhitīkā
Authors: Kieffer-Pülz Petra 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe introduction to the oldest Vinaya subcommentary of the Theravādins, Vajirabuddhi's undated Vajirabuddhitīkā (after the 7th, before the 12th centuries) has a parallel in Upasena's Saddhammapajjotikā, a commentary on the Niddesa (877 AD). A detailed comparison of this otherwise not transmitted passage that describes and defines a perfect speaker (vatta) makes it plain that the text of the Saddhammapajjotikā as it has come down to us is heavily corrupted. It, furthermore, made probable that the Vajirabuddhitīkā borrowed this passage from the Saddhammapajjotikā before the corruption of the latter. Thus we have the 9th century AD as a terminus post quem for the origin of the Vajirabuddhitīkā.