bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the annealing treatments on the electroluminescence efficiency of SiO2 layers doped with Si and Er
Authors: Jambois O , Ramírez J M , Berencén Y , Navarro-Urrios D , Anopchenko A , Marconi A , Prtljaga N , Tengattini A , Pellegrino P , Daldosso N , Pavesi L , Colonna J-P , Fedeli J-M , Garrido B 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
We studied the effect of rapid thermal processing and furnace annealing on the transport properties and electroluminescence (EL) of SiO2 layers doped with Si and Er ions. The results show that for the same annealing temperature, furnace annealing decreases the electrical conductivity and increases the probability of impact excitation, which leads to an improved external quantum efficiency. Correlations between predictions from phenomenological transport models, annealing regimes and erbium EL are observed and discussed.
CYP701A8: A Rice ent-Kaurene Oxidase Paralog Diverted to More Specialized Diterpenoid Metabolism
Authors: Wang Qiang , Hillwig Matthew L. , Wu Yisheng , Peters Reuben J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
All higher plants contain an ent-kaurene oxidase (KO), as such a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 701 family member is required for gibberellin (GA) phytohormone biosynthesis. While gene expansion and functional diversification of GA-biosynthesis-derived diterpene synthases into more specialized metabolism has been demonstrated, no functionally divergent KO/CYP701 homologs have been previously identified. Rice (Oryza sativa) contains five CYP701A subfamily members in its genome, despite the fact that only one (OsKO2/CYP701A6) is required for GA biosynthesis. Here we demonstrate that one of the other rice CYP701A subfamily members, OsKOL4/CYP701A8, does not catalyze the prototypical conversion of the ent-kaurene C4α-methyl to a carboxylic acid, but instead carries out hydroxylation at the nearby C3α position in a number of related diterpenes. In particular, under conditions where OsKO2 catalyzes the expected conversion of ent-kaurene to ent-kaurenoic acid required for GA biosynthesis, OsKOL4 instead efficiently reacts with ent-sandaracopimaradiene and ent-cassadiene to produce the corresponding C3α-hydroxylated diterpenoids. These compounds are expected intermediates in biosynthesis of the oryzalexin and phytocassane families of rice antifungal phytoalexins, respectively, and can be detected in rice plants under the appropriate conditions. Thus, it appears that OsKOL4 plays a role in the more specialized diterpenoid metabolism of rice, and our results provide evidence for divergence of a KO/CYP701 family member from GA biosynthesis. This further expands the range of enzymes recruited from the ancestral GA primary pathway to the more complex and specialized labdane-related diterpenoid metabolic network found in rice.
Meta‐analysis: coeliac disease and the risk of all‐cause mortality, any malignancy and lymphoid malignancy
Authors: Tio M. , Cox M. R. , Eslick G. D. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundCoeliac disease has been associated with an increased risk of mortality and malignancy. However, the strength of this association is conflicting among different studies.AimTo perform a systematic review and quantitative meta‐analysis to determine the risk of all‐cause mortality, any malignancy and lymphoid malignancy in coeliac disease patients.MethodsFour electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase and Current Contents Connect) were searched to 4 January 2012, with no language restrictions. From 8698 citations identified, a total of 17 studies met our inclusion criteria.ResultsThe all‐cause mortality meta‐analysis showed an increased risk for all‐cause mortality in coeliac patients [odds ratio (OR) 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–1.30]. A subgroup analysis showed that patients identified by positive serology alone were also at an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.02–1.31). The non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) meta‐analysis showed an increased risk for NHL in coeliac patients (OR 2.61; 95% CI 2.04–3.33). A subgroup analysis showed that patients identified by positive serology alone were also at an increased risk of NHL (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.02–6.36). The T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (TNHL) meta‐analysis showed an increased risk of TNHL (OR 15.84; 95% CI 7.85–31.94). The any malignancy meta‐analysis showed no increased risk (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.89–1.29).ConclusionsPatients with coeliac disease are at an increased risk of mortality and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma; they do not have an increased risk of any malignancy overall. Serologically defined patients with coeliac disease have an elevated risk of mortality and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.
Meta‐analysis: diagnostic medical radiation exposure in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chatu S. , Subramanian V. , Pollok R. C. G. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundDiagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, increasing use has led to concerns about the malignant potential of ionising radiation. Several studies have demonstrated that diagnostic imaging can result in exposure to potentially harmful levels of ionising radiation in IBD patients.AimTo determine the pooled prevalence of increased exposure and pooled odds ratio of risk factors associated with exposure to potentially harmful levels of diagnostic medical radiation.MethodsWe searched Medline, EMBASE, CINHAL and reference lists of identified articles, without language restrictions in October 2011.ResultsSix studies with 1704 participants provided data on the proportion of patients receiving potentially harmful levels of radiation defined as ≥50 milli‐sieverts (mSv)‐equivalent to 5 CT abdomen scans. The pooled prevalence was 8.8% (95% CI 4.4–16.8) for IBD patients and 11.1% (95% CI 5.7–20.5%) and 2% (95% CI 0.8–4.9%) for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients respectively. Five studies involving 2627 participants provided data for risk factors. IBD‐related surgery and corticosteroid use were significant with pooled adjusted odds ratio of 5.4 (95% CI 2.6–11.2) and 2.4 (95% CI 1.7–3.4) respectively.ConclusionsAbout 1 in 10 patients may be exposed to potentially harmful levels of diagnostic medical radiation. Corticosteroid use and IBD related surgery increased this risk. Strategies to reduce radiation exposure while assessing disease activity need to be considered.
Systematic review: the treatment of noncardiac chest pain with antidepressants
Authors: Nguyen T. M. T. , Eslick G. D. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundNoncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a common condition, affecting approximately 25% of the general population. The cause of NCCP can be classified as gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)‐related NCCP, where antireflux therapy is the main treatment modality or alternatively as non‐GERD‐related NCCP, where pain modulators, including antidepressants, are utilised.AimTo provide a systematic review evaluating the evidence for the use of antidepressants in the treatment of non‐GERD‐related NCCP.MethodsA computerised literature and manual search was conducted to identify relevant randomised, placebo‐controlled studies, published in any language for the evaluation of the effectiveness of antidepressant as a therapeutic intervention for NCCP.ResultsSix randomised placebo‐controlled trials of antidepressant treatment for NCCP were identified. The medications included were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [paroxetine (n = 2), sertraline (n = 1)], tricyclic antidepressant [impramine (n = 1)], serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [venlafaxine (n = 1)] and a triazolopyridine [trazodone (n = 1)]. The percentage reduction in chest pain was statistically significant with venlafaxine (50% vs. 10%; P < 0.001), sertraline (63% vs. 15%; P = 0.02) and imipramine (52% vs. 1%; P = 0.03). The improvement in chest pain symptoms was independent of improvement in depression scores. Clinical global improvement also significantly improved in patients on venlafaxine, sertraline, paroxetine and trazodone. The percentage of patients in treatment groups reporting adverse effects were relatively high compared with those in placebo groups, although majority were statistically insignificant or significance was not reported. Nonetheless, adverse events were the reported reason for discontinuation of trials in 53% of patients from the antidepressant groups compared with 29% from the placebo group.ConclusionsThere is modest evidence for the benefit of antidepressants in reducing NCCP and improving patients’ general health. However, there is significant heterogeneity amongst the studies with several study limitations to warrant more rigorous trials and to assess the usefulness of low‐dose antidepressants in non‐GERD NCCP.
Pharmacokinetic predictions for patients with renal impairment: focus on peptides and protein drugs
Authors: Czock David , Keller Frieder , Seidling Hanna M. 
Published: January 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Renal impairment may affect the pharmacokinetics of peptide and protein drugs.• Molecular size is a predictor. Small molecules are eliminated by the kidneys, whereas large molecules (>67 kDa) are not.• Urinary recovery of peptide and protein drugs in healthy volunteers is not predictive for pharmacokinetic changes in patients with renal impairment.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• An apparently continuous non‐linear relationship between molecular weight and pharmacokinetic alterations as observed in patients with severe renal impairment or end‐stage renal disease is described.• Potentially relevant pharmacokinetic changes were found for drugs with a molecular weight below 50 kDa.• Analysis of observed pharmacokinetics in patients with severe renal impairment may be a useful approach, especially when urinary recovery in healthy volunteers is not predictive.AIM Drug dosage adjustments in renal impairment are usually based on estimated individual pharmacokinetics. The extent of pharmacokinetic changes in patients with renal impairment must be known for this estimation. If measured data are not available, an estimate based on drug elimination in urine of healthy subjects or patients with normal renal function is commonly made. This is not reliable, however, if renal drug metabolism is involved, as is presumably the case for many peptide and protein drugs. In the present study a new method to predict pharmacokinetic changes for such drugs based on molecular weight was derived.METHODS Articles reporting measured pharmacokinetics of peptide and protein drugs in patients with severe renal impairment or end‐stage renal disease were identified from the scientific literature, the pharmacokinetic parameter values were extracted and a statistical data synthesis was performed. A sigmoid Emax model was applied and fitted to the data and the prediction error was analyzed.RESULTS Overall, 98 peptide and protein drugs were identified. Relevant pharmacokinetic data in patients with renal impairment were found for 21 of these drugs. The average drug clearance was 30% and the average prolongation in half‐life was 3.1‐fold for low molecular weight peptides or proteins. The median root squared percentage of the prediction error was 18% (drug clearance) and 12% (half‐life).CONCLUSION An apparently continuous non‐linear relationship between molecular weight and pharmacokinetic alterations in patients with severe renal impairment was found. The derived equations could be used as a rough guide for decisions on drug dosage adjustments in such patients.
The effects of febuxostat on the pharmacokinetic parameters of rosiglitazone, a CYP2C8 substrate
Authors: Naik Himanshu , Wu Jing‐tao , Palmer Robert , McLean Lachy 
Published: January 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Febuxostat is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor approved for lowering serum urate levels in hyperuricaemic gout patients. It is extensively metabolized both by conjugation via uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase enzymes and by oxidation via cytochrome P450 enzymes.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• Using rosiglitazone as a CYP2C8 substrate, we have demonstrated that febuxostat does not impede CYP2C8 metabolic activity, because febuxostat had no impact on rosiglitazone pharmacokinetic parameters. We therefore suggest that febuxostat can be safely co‐administered with CYP2C8‐metabolized drugs.AIMS To determine the effect of febuxostat on cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) activity using rosiglitazone as a CYP2C8 substrate.METHODS Healthy subjects received febuxostat 120 mg daily (regimen A) or matching placebo (regimen B) for 9 days along with a single oral dose of rosiglitazone 4 mg on day 5 in a double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over fashion (≥7 day washout between periods). Plasma samples for analysis of the impact of febuxostat on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of rosiglitazone and its metabolite, N‐desmethylrosiglitazone, were collected for 120 h after co‐administration.RESULTS Of the 39 subjects enrolled, 36 completed the study and were included in the PK analyses. Rosiglitazone PK parameters were comparable between regimens A and B. Median time to maximal plasma concentration, mean maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–tlqc), AUC from time zero to infinity (AUC0–∞), and terminal elimination half‐life for regimen A were 0.50 h, 308.6 ng ml−1, 1594.9 ng h ml−1, 1616.0 ng h ml−1 and 4.1 h, respectively, and for regimen B they were 0.50 h, 327.6 ng ml−1, 1564.5 ng h ml−1, 1584.2 ng h ml−1 and 4.0 h, respectively. Point estimates for the ratio of regimen A to regimen B (90% confidence intervals) for rosiglitazone Cmax, AUC0–tlqc and AUC0–∞ central values were 0.94 (0.89–1.00), 1.02 (1.00–1.04) and 1.02 (1.00–1.04), respectively.CONCLUSIONS Co‐administration of febuxostat had no effect on rosiglitazone or N‐desmethylrosiglitazone PK parameters, suggesting that febuxostat can be given safely with drugs metabolized through CYP2C8.
Construct validation of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale: a hierarchy of abilities
Authors: Perng Shoa‐Jen , Watson Roger 
Published: January 2012

Aim.  The aim of this study was to describe the development of a Nurse Cultural Competence Scale using Mokken scaling.Background.  The psychometrics of the present cultural competence assessment tools has been questioned. The levels of competence measured by existing tools are not capable of indicating individual differences.Design.  This study employed a cross‐sectional design. A convenience sample of 172 on‐the‐job nursing students in a college of technology in Taiwan was recruited.Methods.  Based on previous literature, the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale comprising 41 items was developed to measure the concept of cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural sensitivity and cultural skill. Mokken scaling analysis was conducted to investigate the unidimensionality and hierarchical nature of the scale.Results.  From the 41 items entered into the Mokken scaling procedure, 20 form a strong Mokken scale. The 20 items form a reliable and statistically significant scale which is negatively skewed. The ordering of the items from lowest to highest difficulty shows a hierarchy.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nursing managers and educators may use this scale to assess the levels of cultural competence of their members or students and then provide the education according to individual needs.
Role of p53‐dependent placental apoptosis in the reproductive and developmental toxicities of caffeine in rodents
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhou Shu , Ping Jie , Pan Xiaoliang , Liang Gai , Xu Dan , Kou Hao , Bao Chong , Wang Hui 
Published: January 2012

Summary

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of placental apoptosis in mediating the reproductive and developmental toxicity of caffeine in rodents.
Female Kunming mice were treated with caffeine (60, 120 and 240 mg/kg per day) before and during pregnancy. The conception rate, maternal bodyweight gain, placental weight and indices of fetal developmental, including the rate of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR; i.e. the actual number of fetuses exhibiting IUGR as a percentage of the total number of fetuses), were determined on gestational day (GD) 18.
Female Wistar rats were treated with caffeine (20, 60 and 180 mg/kg per day) from GD11 to GD20. The IUGR rate, maternal plasma angiotensin (Ang) II and prolactin concentrations, placental pathology, expression of angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors and apoptosis‐related proteins were measured on GD20.
In mice, caffeine treatment dose‐dependently reduced the total conception rate, delayed conception and decreased maternal bodyweight gain, placental weight, fetal bodyweight and fetal body and tail lengths, whereas the IUGR rate was increased.
In rats, caffeine treatment dose‐dependently decreased placental weight and fetal bodyweight and increased the IUGR rate. Abnormal placental structures and decreased maternal plasma prolactin concentrations were observed following 180 mg/kg per day caffeine treatment, which resulted in increases in renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activity, including maternal plasma AngII concentrations and placental AT1B and AT2 receptor expression, and Bax and p53 expression, but decreases in placental Bcl‐2 expression.
On the basis of the results of the present study, it appears that caffeine ingestion has detrimental effects on the reproductive system and fetal development in rodents that are associated with chronic activation of the maternal and placental RAS, and induction of p53‐dependent placental apoptosis.
Ecological implications of behavioural syndromes
Authors: Sih Andrew , Cote Julien , Evans Mara , Fogarty Sean , Pruitt Jonathan 
Published: January 2012

Ecology Letters (2012)AbstractInterspecific trait variation has long served as a conceptual foundation for our understanding of ecological patterns and dynamics. In particular, ecologists recognise the important role that animal behaviour plays in shaping ecological processes. An emerging area of interest in animal behaviour, the study of behavioural syndromes (animal personalities) considers how limited behavioural plasticity, as well as behavioural correlations affects an individual’s fitness in diverse ecological contexts. In this article we explore how insights from the concept and study of behavioural syndromes provide fresh understanding of major issues in population ecology. We identify several general mechanisms for how population ecology phenomena can be influenced by a species or population’s average behavioural type, by within‐species variation in behavioural type, or by behavioural correlations across time or across ecological contexts. We note, in particular, the importance of behavioural type‐dependent dispersal in spatial ecology. We then review recent literature and provide new syntheses for how these general mechanisms produce novel insights on five major issues in population ecology: (1) limits to species’ distribution and abundance; (2) species interactions; (3) population dynamics; (4) relative responses to human‐induced rapid environmental change; and (5) ecological invasions.
Central obesity as measured by waist circumference is predictive of severity of lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Lee Richard K. , Chung Doreen , Chughtai Bilal , Te Alexis E. , Kaplan Steven A. 
Published: January 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort)Level of Evidence 2aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The metabolic syndrome, or Syndrome X, has traditionally been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and sexual dysfunction. Emerging data however now suggest that the metabolic syndrome may also have a heretofore unrecognized negative effect on voiding function as well. Weight loss through either behavioural modification or bariatric surgery has been shown to lead to improvement in stress and urge incontinence as well as LUTS. A potential relationship may be drawn between obesity and BPH.This study adds the knowledge that WC can represent a simple metric not only for elements of the metabolic syndrome but also for worsened voiding. These obese men may be at high risk of male pelvic dysfunction.OBJECTIVES
To determine if central obesity as measured by waist circumference (WC) is a risk factor in metabolic dysfunction, which includes hypertension, dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes (DM2).
To test the hypothesis that central obesity and WC are associated with and predictive of the severity of voiding dysfunction.
METHODS
Men aged ≥40 years with moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS, International Prostate Symptom Score ≥ 8) with no previous treatment were included for study.
Subjects were divided into three groups according to WC (<90, 90–99 and ≥100 cm).
Baseline parameters including International Prostate Symptom Score, prostate volume, serum prostate‐specific antigen, presence of erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction, and the prevalence of hypertension, coronary artery disease and DM2 were compared among the three WC categories.
The association between WC and all parameters assessed was tested using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
In the 409 consecutive men analysed, WC was significantly and positively associated with prostate volume, serum prostate‐specific antigen and International Prostate Symptom Score.
Higher WCs were also significantly associated with a greater prevalence of hypertension, coronary artery disease, DM2 and obesity as well as the presence of erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS
Increased WC is associated with worsened voiding.
There was a significantly increased prevalence of components of the metabolic syndrome in patients with higher WC.
Obese men, in particular those with other features of the metabolic syndrome, are at increased risk of male pelvic dysfunction and can be easily recognized by measurement of WC.
A taxonomy of virtual worlds usage in education
Authors: Duncan Ishbel , Miller Alan , Jiang Shangyi 
Published: January 2012

AbstractVirtual worlds are an important tool in modern education practices as well as providing socialisation, entertainment and a laboratory for collaborative work. This paper focuses on the uses of virtual worlds for education and synthesises over 100 published academic papers, reports and educational websites from around the world. A taxonomy is then derived from these papers, delineating current theoretical and practical work on virtual world usage, specifically in the field of education. The taxonomy identifies rich veins of current research and practice in associated educational theory and in simulated worlds or environments, yet it also demonstrates the paucity of work in important areas such as evaluation, grading and accessibility.Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic
The use of virtual worlds for supporting education is widespread and increasing.
There are numerous studies on virtual worlds usage in education.
Virtual worlds are mainly used for collaborative‐ or simulation‐based education.
What this paper adds
An analysis and synthesis of over 100 academic papers and virtual worlds, multi‐user virtual environments and virtual learning environments.
A taxonomic differentiation based upon population, educational activity and learning theory.
A balance sheet of the disadvantages and advantages of using virtual worlds in education.
Identification of under developed areas of research into virtual worlds in education.
Implications for practice and/or policy
Motivates the use of virtual worlds to support experiential learning, where real world experiential learning is difficult to achieve due to barriers of time, cost and place.
Identification of difficulties and challenges in the educational use of virtual worlds. These may be overcome through future work or help identify where the use of virtual worlds is not appropriate.
Identification of where the current development or research focus is: pedagogy, collaboration, enquiry‐based learning and identity, etc.