bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peer education for advance care planning: volunteers’ perspectives on training and community engagement activities
Authors: Seymour Jane E. , Almack Kathryn , Kennedy Sheila , Froggatt Katherine 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  Peer education by volunteers may aid attitudinal change, but there is little understanding of factors assisting the preparation of peer educators. This study contributes to conceptual understandings of how volunteers may be prepared to work as peer educators by drawing on an evaluation of a training programme for peer education for advance care planning (ACP).Objectives  To report on volunteers’ perspectives on the peer education training programme, their feelings about assuming the role of volunteer peer educators and the community engagement activities with which they engaged during the year after training. To examine broader implications for peer education.Design  Participatory action research employing mixed methods of data collection.Participants  Twenty‐four older volunteers and eight health and social care staff.Data collection methods  Evaluative data were gathered from information provided during and at the end of training, a follow‐up survey 4 months post‐training; interviews and focus groups 6 and 12 months post‐training.Findings  Volunteers’ personal aims ranged from working within their communities to using what they had learnt within their own families. The personal impact of peer education was considerable. Two‐thirds of volunteers reported community peer education activities 1 year after the training. Those who identified strongly with a community group had the most success.Conclusion  We reflect on the extent to which the programme aided the development of ‘critical consciousness’ among the volunteers: a key factor in successful peer education programmes. More research is needed about the impact on uptake of ACP in communities.
Consequences for diversity when prioritizing animals for conservation with pedigree or genomic information
Authors: Engelsma K.A. , Veerkamp R.F. , Calus M.P.L. , Windig J.J. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryUp to now, prioritization of animals for conservation has been mainly based on pedigree information; however, genomic information may improve prioritization. In this study, we used two Holstein populations to investigate the consequences for genetic diversity when animals are prioritized with optimal contributions based on pedigree or genomic data and whether consequences are different at the chromosomal level. Selection with genomic kinships resulted in a higher conserved diversity, but differences were small. Largest differences were found when few animals were prioritized and when pedigree errors were present. We found more differences at the chromosomal level, where selection based on genomic kinships resulted in a higher conserved diversity for most chromosomes, but for some chromosomes, pedigree‐based selection resulted in a higher conserved diversity. To optimize conservation strategies, genomic information can help to improve the selection of animals for conservation in those situations where pedigree information is unreliable or absent or when we want to conserve diversity at specific genome regions.
Real‐time PCR Assay with SNP‐specific Primers for the Detection of a G143A Mutation Level in Venturia inaequalis Field Populations
Authors: Michalecka Monika , Malinowski Tadeusz , Broniarek‐Niemiec Agata , Bielenin Anna 
Published: May 2011

AbstractFourteen primers were designed specific to SNP (G→C mutation) in the cytochrome b gene of Venturia inaequalis, corresponding to G143A substitution related to strobilurin resistance. Specificity of the primers and amplification efficiency were preliminarily tested in conventional PCR at different annealing temperatures. The performance of several preselected primer sets was verified in real‐time PCR with SYBR Green I dye. Finally, two primer sets (‘2Wt’ and ‘5Mt’) were successfully applied for discrimination between wild‐type and mutated allele. Different sensitivity of the detection of homologous and non‐homologous DNA corresponded to the difference in Ct values equalled 10.5 for ‘2Wt’ and 12.0 for ‘5Mt’ primer set. Primers specific to Mycosphaerella fijensis cytochrome b sequence (Wille et al. 2002) were applied for additional control of PCR inhibitors. The reliability of the new method was evaluated and verified using two series of reference DNA dilutions and artificial mixtures of both types of DNA. Developed real‐time PCR assay was applied to measure the ratio of mutated to non‐mutated allele in field samples, collected in Poland in 2009, using two series of reference DNA in every run. The measured mutation level for the samples derived from orchards with conventional chemical control was very high (50–100%). For two populations originating from one organic orchard, the measured level of mutation was 1% and 46%. The combination of molecular and traditional tests for the evaluation of mutation level and monitoring of resistance levels in orchards is recommended.
Cough predicts prognosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: RYERSON CHRISTOPHER J. , ABBRITTI MARTA , LEY BRETT , ELICKER BRETT M. , JONES KIRK D. , COLLARD HAROLD R. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The clinical associations and prognostic value of cough in IPF have not been adequately described. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and prognostic value of cough in IPF.Methods:  Subjects with IPF were identified from an ongoing longitudinal database. Cough and other clinical variables were recorded prospectively. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of cough and predictors of disease progression, defined as 10% decline in FVC, 15% decline in DLCO, lung transplantation or death within 6 months of clinic visit. The relationship of cough with time to death or lung transplantation was analysed using Cox proportional hazards analysis.Results:  Two hundred and forty‐two subjects were included. Cough was reported in 84% of subjects. On multivariate analysis, cough was less likely in previous smokers (OR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.55, P = 0.01), and more likely in subjects with exertional desaturation (OR 2.56, 95% CI: 1.15–5.72, P = 0.02) and lower FVC (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60–0.96, P = 0.02). Cough predicted disease progression (OR 4.97, 95% CI: 1.25–19.80, P = 0.02) independent of disease severity, and may predict time to death or lung transplantation (HR 1.78, 95% CI: 0.94–3.35, P = 0.08).Conclusions:  Cough in IPF is more prevalent in never‐smokers and patients with more advanced disease. Cough is an independent predictor of disease progression and may predict time to death or lung transplantation.
Aphallia in an adult male with 46,XY karyotype
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Guo Kaimin , Wang Jiping , Liu Lingyun , Li Fubiao 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAphallia is a rare urogenital anomaly with an estimated incidence of 1 in 10–30 million. We report a case of aphallia in a male, who had two well‐developed testicles, but lacked a penis. Digital rectal examination revealed the urethral meatus was opening to the anterior wall of the rectum posterior to the sphincter. Magnetic resonance imaging showed complete absence of penile development with normal testis and scrotum, as well as the urethra running posterior to the prostatic apex and corpus spongiosum in sagittal and coronal T2‐weighted images. Chromosome karyotype confirmed 46,XY, and the polymerase chain reaction method tested no azoospermic factor (AZF) or sex‐determining region Y (SRY) gene deletion. Taking into account the physical and psychosocial conditions, seeking a female without sexual desire as his wife was recommended.
Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans regulate astrocyte‐dependent synaptogenesis and modulate synaptic activity in primary embryonic hippocampal neurons
Authors: Pyka Martin , Wetzel Christian , Aguado Ainhara , Geissler Maren , Hatt Hanns , Faissner Andreas 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIt has been shown that astrocyte‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) is important for formation and maintenance of CNS synapses. In order to study the effects of glial‐derived ECM on synaptogenesis, E18 rat hippocampal neurons and primary astrocytes were co‐cultivated using a cell‐insert system. Under these conditions, neurons differentiated under low density conditions (3500 cells/cm2) in defined, serum‐free medium and in the absence of direct, membrane‐mediated neuron–astrocyte interactions. Astrocytes promoted the formation of structurally intact synapses, as documented by the co‐localisation of bassoon‐ and ProSAP1/Shank2‐positive puncta, markers of the pre‐ and postsynapse, respectively. The development of synapses was paralleled by the emergence of perineuronal net (PNN)‐like structures that contained various ECM components such as hyaluronic acid, brevican and neurocan. In order to assess potential functions for synaptogenesis, the ECM was removed by treatment with hyaluronidase or chondroitinase ABC. Both enzymes significantly enhanced the number of synaptic puncta. Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings of control and enzyme‐treated hippocampal neurons revealed that chondroitinase ABC treatment led to a significant decrease in amplitude and a reduced charge of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, whereas inhibitory postsynaptic currents were not affected. When the response to the application of glutamate was measured, a reduced sensitivity could be detected and resulted in decreased currents in response to the excitatory neurotransmitter. These findings are consistent with the interpretation that the ECM partakes in the regulation of the density of glutamate receptors in subsynaptic sites.
Induction and expression of abnormal involuntary movements is related to the duration of dopaminergic stimulation in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats
Authors: Papathanou Maria , Rose Sarah , McCreary Andrew , Jenner Peter 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDyskinesia induction in Parkinson’s disease (PD) appears less marked with long‐acting dopamine agonists than with short‐acting L‐Dopa, but the relationship to duration of drug action is unknown. It is also unclear whether the duration of drug action affects the expression of established dyskinesia. This study compared the ability of L‐Dopa and four dopamine agonists of different duration of action to induce abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats, and their ability to express established AIMs following prior exposure to L‐Dopa. 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats were treated with saline, L‐Dopa/benserazide, apomorphine, ropinirole, pramipexole or pergolide once daily for 15 days. Repeated administration of the short‐acting dopamine agonists, apomorphine (duration 80 min) and ropinirole (duration 90 min) induced marked axial, limb and orolingual AIMs at peak effect. L‐Dopa (duration 100 min) produced moderate AIMs at peak effect, while administration of the long‐acting dopamine agonists, pramipexole (duration 150 min) and pergolide (duration 240 min) resulted in mild AIMs. In rats primed to exhibit severe AIMs following repeated L‐Dopa administration, acute administration of apomorphine, ropinirole and L‐Dopa induced severe AIMs. By contrast, pramipexole and pergolide evoked only mild–moderate AIMs. Again, there was a negative correlation between duration of effect and the severity of AIMs expressed. These studies show that both the induction and expression of AIMs in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats are related to the duration of action of dopaminergic drugs. These findings suggest that continuous dopaminergic stimulation could be used both to avoid dyskinesia induction and to improve motor function in late‐stage PD when troublesome dyskinesia is evident.
Management of urolithiasis in patients after urinary diversions
Authors: Okhunov Zhamshid , Duty Brian , Smith Arthur D. , Okeke Zeph 
Published: May 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Patients undergoing urinary diversion are at increased risk of stone formation in the upper urinary tract and within the pouch. Several studies have reported wide ranging outcomes of the various surgical and non‐surgical management options.In this article we reviewed risk factors, etiology, and outcomes of surgical and medical management of diversion‐associated urolithiasis. A surgical management algorithm was developed based on the known literature to serve as a guide to treatment stones in these patients. The relative effectiveness of various preventive management strategies are reviewed and summarized.After urinary diversion patients are at increased risk of long‐term complications, including stones of the upper urinary tract and reservoir or conduit. Advances in instrumentation and techniques have expanded treatment options, while minimizing morbidity. Minimally invasive treatment methods include shockwave lithotripsy, antegrade and retrograde ureteroscopic lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Percutaneous and laparoscopic techniques are applicable to stones within urinary diversions. Medical management is crucial for avoiding recurrent stones in these patients.
Rapamycin and other longevity‐promoting compounds enhance the generation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Chen Taotao , Shen Li , Yu Jie , Wan Hongjiang , Guo Ao , Chen Jiekai , Long Yuan , Zhao Jian , Pei Gang 
Published: May 2011

SummaryReprogramming of somatic cells to a pluripotent state was first accomplished using retroviral vectors for transient expression of pluripotency‐associated transcription factors. This seminal work was followed by numerous studies reporting alternative (noninsertional) reprogramming methods and various conditions to improve the efficiency of reprogramming. These studies have contributed little to an understanding of global mechanisms underlying reprogramming efficiency. Here we report that inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by rapamycin or PP242 enhances the efficiency of reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Inhibition of the insulin/IGF‐1 signaling pathway, which like mTOR is involved in control of longevity, also enhances reprogramming efficiency. In addition, the small molecules used to inhibit these pathways also significantly improved longevity in Drosophila melanogaster. We further tested the potential effects of six other longevity‐promoting compounds on iPSC induction, including two sirtuin activators (resveratrol and fisetin), an autophagy inducer (spermidine), a PI3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase) inhibitor (LY294002), an antioxidant (curcumin), and an activating adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase activator (metformin). With the exception of metformin, all of these chemicals promoted somatic cell reprogramming, though to different extents. Our results show that the controllers of somatic cell reprogramming and organismal lifespan share some common regulatory pathways, which suggests a new approach for studying aging and longevity based on the regulation of cellular reprogramming.
Reduced preload elicits increased LV twist in healthy humans
Authors: Hodt Anders , Hisdal Jonny , Stugaard Marie , Stranden Einar , Atar Dan , Steine Kjetil 
Published: May 2011

SummaryBackground:  In normal left ventricles (LV), counterclockwise rotation (CCR) and net twist angle (NTA) have shown important roles during ejection. We investigated the effect of reduced preload by lower body negative pressure (LBNP) on CCR and NTA.Methods and Results:  Twelve healthy men were examined at rest, LBNP −20 and −40 mmHg. By two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking imaging, we measured rotation at four short‐axis levels: basal, papillary, sub‐papillary and apical. LV NTA was calculated as apex‐to‐base difference in rotation. Additionally, regional end‐diastolic (EDA) and end‐systolic area (ESA) were measured and regional area fraction (RAF) calculated [(EDA‐ESA)/EDA] × 100). From rest to LBNP −40 mmHg, rotation at basal and papillary levels was unchanged. At sub‐papillary level, rotation increased from 3·2 ± 3·6 to 5·8 ± 4·7° (P<0·05), while apical rotation increased from 9·3 ± 3·4 to 12·8 ± 4·7° (P<0·05). Correspondingly, LV NTA increased for each load reduction by 1·6 ± 1·8° (P<0·05) and 4·2 ± 2·3° (P<0·05). RAF increased at sub‐papillary and apical levels from 57·6 ± 3·7 to 64·7 ± 8·8% and from 63·4 ± 8·8 to 74·8 ± 10·1%, respectively (P<0·05). From rest to LBNP −40 mmHg, changes in rotation and RAF correlated significantly at sub‐papillary and apical levels (r = 0·94, P<0·01, and r = 0·63, P<0·05, respectively).Conclusions:  Preload reduction in normal LV elicits increased systolic CCR and regional area fraction at sub‐papillary and apical levels as well as net twist angle. These findings might be of physiological importance to minimize reduction in stroke volume and maintain arterial blood pressure.
20th century tree‐line advance and vegetation changes along an altitudinal transect in the Putorana Mountains, northern Siberia
Authors: KIRDYANOV ALEXANDER V. , HAGEDORN FRANK , KNORRE ANASTASIA A. , FEDOTOVA ELENA V. , VAGANOV EUGENE A. , NAURZBAEV MUHTAR M. , MOISEEV PAVEL A. , RIGLING ANDREAS 
Published: May 2011

Kirdyanov, A. V., Hagedorn, F., Knorre, A. A., Fedotova, E. V., Vaganov, E. A., Naurzbaev, M. M., Moiseev, P. A. & Rigling, A. 2012 (January): 20th century tree‐line advance and vegetation changes along an altitudinal transect in the Putorana Mountains, northern Siberia. Boreas, Vol. 41, pp. 56–67. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2011.00214.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.Ongoing climatic changes potentially affect tree‐line ecosystems, but in many regions the observed changes are superimposed by human activities. We assessed how the forest‐tundra ecotone has changed during the last century in the Putorana Mountains, northern Siberia, an extremely remote and untouched area in Eurasia. A space‐for‐time approach was used to determine the spatio‐temporal dynamics of forest structure and biomass along an altitudinal transect. From the closed larch forest to the upper tree line, the mean age of Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) decreased considerably from 220 to 50 years ago. At the current upper species line, there is a strong and successful germination of larch, with 1500 saplings per hectare, indicating an ongoing filling‐in, a densification of a formerly open forest and an upslope shift of the tree‐line position (approximately 30 to 50 m in altitude during the last century). The forest expansion coincided with large increases in winter precipitation during the 20th century. In contrast, tree growth rates were significantly positively related to summer temperatures, neither of which increased markedly. The total aboveground biomass decreased from approximately 40 t ha−1 in the closed larch forest to 5 t ha−1 at the tree line. Our study demonstrates that ongoing climatic changes lead to an upslope expansion of forests in the remote Putorana Mountains, which alters the stand structure and productivity of the forest‐tundra ecotone. These vegetation changes are very probably of minor importance for aboveground carbon sequestration, but soil carbon data are needed to estimate the impact of the forest expansion on the total ecosystem carbon storage.
Benefits, Barriers, Sources of Influence, and Prostate Cancer Screening Among Rural Men
Authors: Oliver JoAnn S. , Grindel Cecelia G. , DeCoster Jamie , Ford Cassandra D. , Martin Michelle Y. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to explore 3 research questions: (1) What are the perceived benefits of screening for prostate cancer (PC)? (2) What are the perceived barriers to screening for PC? and (3) Is there an association with perceived benefits or perceived barriers and participants' reported source of influence related to prostate cancer screening (PCS) decisions?
Design and Sample: A nonexperimental exploratory design was used for the study. Sample included 94 rural‐dwelling male participants aged 40 and older.
Measures: The instruments used included an adapted version of Champion's (1999) revised Health Belief Model scale and a researcher‐developed demographic and PCS patterns form.
Results: Both benefits and barriers were significantly associated with PCS and sources of influence. Health care providers and family were highly reported, at 81.8% and 59.5%, respectively, as sources of influence regarding PCS decisions.
Conclusions: In this primarily African American sample, significant barriers to PCS among rural men were indentifed. PC health education may need to include family, whom study participants highly reported as a source of influence regarding their PCS decisions.
Should we recommend hysterectomy more often to premenopausal and climacteric women?
Authors: QVIGSTAD ERIK , LANGEBREKKE ANTON 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn developed countries, women live on average over 30 years as postmenopausal. In the premenopausal and climacteric period, abnormal uterine bleeding and other symptoms may occur. In addition, endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy, and possible hormone replacement therapy is much more beneficial among women with prior hysterectomy. With this background and the recommended use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, we argue in favor of more liberal hysterectomy practice before and around the menopause. Many will disagree, because for many years we have argued to save the uterus, but considering pros and cons with the patient in focus, we discuss the topic and advertise for studies to support our view.
Implants with an Oxidized Surface Placed Predominately in Soft Bone Quality and Subjected to Immediate Occlusal Loading: Results from a 7‐Year Clinical Follow‐Up
Authors: Glauser Roland 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTPurpose: The purpose of this clinical follow‐up was to document the 7‐year outcome of immediately loaded implants exhibiting an oxidized surface.Material and Methods: Thirty‐eight patients received a total of 51 implant‐supported fixed prostheses. The restorations were supported by 102 implants, the majority of which were placed in posterior regions (88%) and primarily in soft bone quality (76%). Radiographic examinations were performed at prosthesis insertion, at 1‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups, and annually at the 1‐ through 5‐year follow‐up visits. Marginal peri‐implant soft tissue evaluations were conducted at all these follow‐ups. This report presents the results after at least 7 years of loading.Results: After 7 years of prosthetic loading, the cumulative implant survival rate was 97.1% and the mean marginal bone remodeling was −1.51 mm (SD 1.00, n = 73) with significantly more initial remodeling at sites having received marginal guided bone regeneration procedures. A low rate of biological and technical complications was detected after 7 years of function. The quantification of intrasulcular plaque sampling showed no significant difference between teeth and implants.Conclusion: The 7‐year follow‐up data indicate that the introduced immediate loading protocol is a successful treatment alternative also including regions exhibiting soft bone conditions.