bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical partitioning of evolutionary and ecological patterns in the organization of phylogenetically‐structured species assemblages: application to rockfish (genus: Sebastes) in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Pavoine Sandrine , Love Milton S. , Bonsall Michael B. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPhylogenetic divergences have recently been included in analyses that aim to elucidate patterns of biodiversity in space and time. We introduce a generalized framework for two widely used phylogenetic diversity (PD) indices: Rao’s quadratic entropy (QE) and Faith’s PD. We demonstrate how this framework can be used to partition diversity simultaneously across evolutionary periods and spatial (e.g. local communities in a region) and/or time units (e.g. a community investigated yearly). From a study of rockfish hotspot diversity from the Southern California Bight, the analysis of PD revealed a recent decrease in the amount of fish caught from six evolutionary deep lineages, with implications for the community structure of this speciose group. This approach, which can also be applied to trees assembled from functional traits, contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms that underpin community organization and to the description of the consequences of human‐driven impacts in the environment.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of polyethylene glycol effects on fasting and postprandial rectal sensitivity and symptoms in hypersensitive constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Awad R. A. , Camacho S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim  To assess the effect of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG) on fasting and postprandial (PP) perception of rectal distension and symptoms in hypersensitive constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐C).Methods  Forty‐two patients meeting Rome II criteria for IBS‐C and with a pain threshold of < 32 mmHg were included in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Patients received either oral PEG, 3.45 g t.i.d. orally for 30 days or placebo. Rectal sensitivity was assessed before and after treatment with a barostat using the ascending method of limits, during basal and PP periods.Results  No changes in fasting and PP rectal tone and thresholds for first sensation, gas sensation, urge to defecate, and pain was observed with PEG in relation to placebo. In both groups, pressure at which patients crossed the thresholds for noxious (PEG: from 28 ± 8.8 to 22 ± 6.9 mmHg) and non noxious (PEG: from 16 ± 4.9 to 12 ± 3.6 mmHg) stimuli decreased compared with pretreatment values. PEG improved consistency of faeces and showed a trend to diminish blood in faeces. PEG and placebo increased bowel movements per week (P < 0.001), and relieved symptoms without significant side‐effects.Conclusions  Both PEG 3350 and placebo were clinically useful in patients with IBS‐C, an effect that cannot be explained by changes in rectal tone and sensation. The results support the concept that visceral sensitivity is not stable and has a heterogeneous response to drugs, and suggest the existence of a post healing hypersensitivity state.
There is no increased risk for colorectal cancer and adenomas in patients with diverticulitis: a retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Lam T. J. , Meurs‐Szojda M. M. , Gundlach L. , Belien J. A. M. , Meijer G. A. , Mulder C. J. , Felt‐Bersma R. J. F. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim  This study was designed to assess the relationship between diverticulitis and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colonic adenomas.Method  A retrospective study was longitudinally conducted. Patients who had been admitted to the hospital between 1990 and 2000 with diverticulitis were retrieved and the incidence of CRC and prevalence of colonic adenomas in these patients was determined. Data were collected from the electronic clinical and pathology records. The incidence of CRC and prevalence of adenomas in this patient cohort was compared with the general population. The patients were followed until 2008.Results  A total of 288 patients with diverticulitis were included (167 of whom were female patients [58%]). The mean age of patients at admittance for diverticulitis was 66 years (range: 27–92). CRC was detected in five patients (1.7%) (95% CI 0.8–3.5) with a mean age of  77 years; colonic adenomas were found in 18 patients (6.3%) (95% CI 4.3–9.0) with a mean age of  62 years. The lifetime risks of developing CRC and adenomas were presumed to be 4% and 20% respectively. Expected rates for CRC and adenomas in our patients were calculated as 17 (95% CI 4.0–8.6) and 69 patients (95% CI 20.1–28.3) respectively.Conclusion  This study showed a lower prevalence of CRC and colonic adenomas in patients with diverticulitis compared with the lifetime risk which means that diverticulitis is not a risk factor for development of CRC and adenomas. Long‐term colonic screening after a negative colonoscopy for diverticulitis (generally performed several weeks after recovery) does not seem to be justified.
The survival effect of E‐cadherin and catenins in colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Filiz A. I. , Senol Z. , Sucullu I. , Kurt Y. , Demirbas S. , Akin M. L. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim  The E‐cadherin/catenin complex plays an important role in epithelial tissue architecture. Decreased expression of cell adhesion molecules (E‐cadherin, α‐, β‐ and γ‐catenin) have been reported to correlate with invasive behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the expression of adhesion molecules and clinicopathological characteristics and survival in colorectal carcinoma.Method  The expression of adhesion molecules were studied by immunohistochemistry in 138 colorectal carcinomas.Results  The mean age of the patients was 65 years (range: 21–89 years). In primary carcinomas, a reduction in membranous expression of E‐cadherin, α‐catenin, β‐catenin, γ‐catenin was demonstrated (70%, 68%, 73%, 77%, respectively). Nuclear expression of β‐catenin was found in eight (5%) patients. Decreased membranous β‐ and γ‐catenin expression significantly correlated with tumour differentiation  (P = 0.013, P = 0.03, respectively). There was a significant association between advanced stage of the tumour and decreased membranous α‐catenin expression (P = 0.012). Decreased E‐cadherin and β‐catenin membranous expression correlated with short survival following curative resection of the primary tumour (P = 0.04, P = 0.03, respectively).Conclusion  The decreased membranous expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin and increased cytoplasmic expression of β‐catenin might be used as a prognostic marker to monitor patients with colorectal cancer.
Marking essays on screen: An investigation into the reliability of marking extended subjective texts
Authors: Johnson Martin , Nádas Rita , Bell John F. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThere is a growing body of research literature that considers how the mode of assessment, either computer‐based or paper‐based, might affect candidates' performances. Despite this, there is a fairly narrow literature that shifts the focus of attention to those making assessment judgements and which considers issues of assessor consistency when dealing with extended textual answers in different modes. This research project explored whether the mode in which a set of extended essay texts were accessed and read systematically influenced the assessment judgements made about them. During the project, 12 experienced English literature assessors marked two matched samples of 90 essay exam scripts on screen and on paper. A variety of statistical methods were used to compare the reliability of the essay marks given by the assessors across modes. It was found that mode did not present a systematic influence on marking reliability. The analyses also compared examiners' marks with a gold standard mark for each essay and found no shifts in the location of the standard of recognised attainment across modes.
Skilled Labour Migration and Positive Externality: The Case of Turkish Engineers Working Abroad
Authors: Gökbayrak Şenay 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis study aims at exploring potential positive externalities of skilled labour migration from Turkey and highlighting social policies targeting “brain drain to brain gain” strategies in the case of Turkish engineers living abroad. Based on case study and further investigations, the skilled labour migration among Turkish engineers can be defined as a “brain over‐flow.” The main structural reason of this situation is discrepancy between educational and employment policies. Data indicate that it can be obtain positive externalities from skilled labour migration under certain conditions. Ninety per cent of all participants intended to give support to development practices in Turkey, even if they were not returning (n‐130). Only 10 per cent of all participants didn’t intend to give any kind of support. Cooperative projects, establishment of networks, forums and consultancy services to Turkish companies, were the most mentioned support manners. To realize these proposals, it is essential to develop active public policies aiming at a “brain drain to brain gain” approach, for short‐ and long‐term periods.
Development and validation of nail psoriasis quality of life scale (NPQ10)
Authors: Ortonne JP , Baran R , Corvest M , Schmitt C , Voisard JJ , Taieb C 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  The chronic and treatment‐resistant nature of nail psoriasis affects patients’ lives not only physically but also psychologically. Although there are scoring systems available for disease severity, there is as yet no scale to evaluate the impact of this condition upon the patients’ quality of life.Objectives  This study aims to develop and validate a quality of life scale specifically for nail psoriasis.Methods  A questionnaire was developed during a study conducted in France between 2004 and 2005. With the cooperation of l’Association Pour la Lutte Contre le Psoriasis, the questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 4000 of its 17 000 members.Results  The response rate was 33%. Of the 1309 questionnaires returned, 795 showed the presence of nail psoriasis and these were eligible. The scale score is obtained by adding together the responses to the 10 questionnaire items and the result is expressed as a percentage. The value of the score obtained is proportional to the functional difficulty experienced. The determination of Cronbach's α coefficient and a Principal Component Factor Analysis show, respectively, very good internal consistency and the unidimensional nature of the scale. Test–retest results on 15 patients showed good reproducibility. Results were validated with reference to the Dermatology Life Quality Index.In this study, the NPQ10 score is significantly influenced by gender (women have a higher score) and by the duration of psoriasis (recent onset implies greater functional difficulty). Finally, the score is much higher when the nail psoriasis affects both the hands and the feet.Conclusion  This study confirms a change in the quality of life of patients who have nail psoriasis. The NPQ10 scale, specific to this condition, is simple to use and has the attributes needed in a quality of life scale. The scale must now be tested in longitudinal studies (such as clinical trials) to confirm its ability to measure a change in status.
Repeat botulinum toxin‐A injections in the upper limb of children with hemiplegia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: OLESCH CHRISTINE A , GREAVES SUSAN , IMMS CHRISTINE , REID SUSAN M , GRAHAM H KERR 
Published: July 2009

Aim To test the effectiveness of repeat botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) injections in the affected arm of 22 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (19 males, three females), aged 1 year 10 months to 4 years 10 months (mean 3y 8mo, SD 9mo) in a randomized controlled trial.Method Children received either three series of BoNT‐A injections plus twice‐weekly occupational therapy (OT) or OT alone in 16‐week cycles. Muscles targeted at each injection cycle in the 11 children receiving BoNT‐A+OT were the adductor pollicis (n=9), flexor pollicis longus (n=5), flexor digitorum superficialis (n=8), flexor digitorum profundus (n=8), flexor carpi radialis (n=2), flexor carpi ulnaris (n=6), pronator teres (n=10), and biceps brachii (n=11). Parental perception of treatment efficacy was assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), quality of movement using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), fine motor skills using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale – Fine Motor (PDMS‐FM), and spasticity using the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). Between‐group differences at 12 months were analysed using independent‐sample t‐tests.Results All children were at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I (BoNT‐A+OT n=6; OT n=8) or II (n=5 and n=3 respectively) and were too young to be classified using the Manual Ability Classification System. The BoNT‐A+OT group had higher COPM performance scores (mean difference −0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.5–0.0) and higher GAS T scores (mean difference −6.9, 95% CI −13.8 to −0.1]). No significant difference was found for the COPM satisfaction, PDMS‐FM, or QUEST scores. The BoNT‐A+OT group showed progressive reduction in spasticity compared with the OT group. At study completion MTS mean difference was 50.0° (95% CI 22.4–77.6) for pronators and 20.9° (95% CI 2.4–39.4) for wrist flexors.Interpretation Repeat BoNT‐A injections in the upper limb combined with OT resulted in progressively reduced spasticity and improved parental perception of performance.
Hypothyroidism in neonates post‐iodinated contrast media: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmet Alexandra , Lawson Margaret L , Babyn Paul , Tricco Andrea C 
Published: July 2009

Abstract Aim:  To determine if neonates exposed to iodinated contrast media are at risk of hypothyroidism.Methods:  A systematic review was conducted by searching electronic databases (e.g. MEDLINE), contacting experts and scanning reference lists. Studies examining the effects of contrast media on neonatal thyroid function were included. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and assessed the risk of bias, while one reviewer abstracted data.Results:  Eleven studies were included; nine studies directly examined the risk of hypothyroidism (n = 182 neonates exposed to contrast media). All were highly affected by bias. In the three studies including term infants, one showed a trend towards increased thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and decreased free thyroxine (FT4) among exposed groups. Six of 72 (8.3%) term infants exposed were treated for hypothyroidism. In studies of premature infants, there was a trend towards increased TSH (n = 3/7 studies), lower total thyroxine (n = 1), decreased triidothyronine and FT4 (n = 3) and hypothyroidism (n = 5). Twenty of 110 (18.2%) premature infants exposed were treated for hypothyroidism.Conclusion:  Hospitalized neonates exposed to iodinated contrast media are at risk for abnormal thyroid function and development of hypothyroidism. Premature infants might be at increased risk. Well‐controlled studies are required to replicate our findings because the included studies were highly affected by bias.
Oral health and access to dental care: a qualitative investigation among older people in the community
Authors: Slack‐Smith Linda , Lange Andrea , Paley Glenys , O’Grady Martin , French Davina , Short Leonie 
Published: July 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00320.x

Oral health and access to dental care: a qualitative investigation among older people in the community Objective:  The aim of this study was to explore older persons’ beliefs and attitudes towards oral health and access to and use of dental care services.Background:  As the proportion of dentate older people increases, the need and demand for dental services will rise (J Public Health Dent, 60, 2000, 276).Design:  Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were used for data collection.Setting and subjects:  The study participants included 63 older people in Perth, WA.Results:  Five major themes emerged from the interviews – the need for information and knowledge; accessibility of services; cost and affordability of oral care; fear and anxiety regarding dental visits and relationships with dentists. Attitudes and behaviours were slow to change in this group.Conclusion:  This investigation provided important perspectives regarding oral health and dental access for older people residing in the community and demonstrated the importance of understanding this group when considering provision and use of services.
Assessment of changes in oral health‐related quality of life among patients with complete denture before and 1 month post‐insertion using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index
Authors: Shigli Kamal , Hebbal Mamata 
Published: July 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00323.x

Assessment of changes in oral health‐related quality of life among patients with complete denture before and 1 month post‐insertion using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index Objective:  Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) is a 12‐item measure of “patient‐reported oral functional problems” intended for use in the assessment of the effectiveness of dental treatment.Design and Setting:  As there is scanty literature available on GOHAI in the Indian population, the present study was undertaken to assess the changes in GOHAI before and 1 month after placement of dentures in completely edentulous patients reporting to a dental hospital at Indore, India.Measurements:  The GOHAI questionnaire was completed by the examiner who interviewed the patients (n = 35) before placement of complete dentures and 1 month later. Mean, median values were calculated and the data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.Results:  When overall mean was considered, the GOHAI scores increased from 27.48 to 30.19 (p = 0.002; highly significant).Conclusion:  Patients reported improvement in functional changes after placement of complete dentures.
CTLA‐4 gene polymorphism of exon 1(+49 A/G) in Turkish systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Ulker M. , Yazisiz V. , Sallakci N. , Avci A. B. , Sanlioglu S. , Yegin O. , Terzioglu E. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryCytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 is a cell‐surface molecule providing a negative signal for T cell activation. CTLA‐4 gene polymorphisms are known to be related with genetic susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the effects of this polymorphism on clinical features of SLE have not been defined. We analysed the CTLA‐4 gene +49 A/G polymorphisms in patients with SLE by using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) and investigated the effect of polymorphisms on clinical outcomes. Blood was collected from 47 unrelated Turkish SLE patients, all fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE, and 100 ethnically matched healthy volunteers. The AA genotype was a predominant genotype in the Turkish population and genotype frequencies of CTLA‐4 AA were significantly higher in SLE patients (70%) than healthy controls (47%) (P = 0.015). There was a statistically significant difference in the AA genotype [odds ratio (OR): 2.66, confidence interval (CI) 95%: 1.27–5.56, P = 0.014] distribution among patients and controls. There was also an increase in A allele frequency in SLE and controls, but the difference was not statistically significant (81% vs. 70%, P = 0.068, OR = 1.8, CI 95%: 0.99–3.28). Interestingly, mean age and mean age of onset disease was higher in AA homozygote SLE patients compared to non‐AA (39.2 ± 11.5 vs. 31.6 ± 10.6, P = 0.044; 32.38 vs. 24.31, P = 0.046, respectively). There was no association between genotype and the other clinical features of SLE. Our results suggested that CTLA‐4 +49 AA genotype might be a risk factor for the development of SLE in Turkish population and G allele might be involved in early development of SLE. No association with clinical features was found for polymorphism of the promoter region in CTLA‐4 +49.
Variation in genes of the epidermal differentiation complex in German atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Stemmler S. , Nothnagel M. , Parwez Q. , Petrasch‐Parwez E. , Epplen J. T. , Hoffjan S. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe filaggrin (FLG) gene is one of the most widely replicated susceptibility genes for atopic dermatitis (AD) so far. Yet, FLG mutations cannot fully account for the original linkage peak on chromosome 1q21, a region comprising the so‐called epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). Since the EDC contains numerous genes relevant for epidermal differentiation, we sought to evaluate variation in other genes located in this region in a German AD case–control cohort. Thirty‐two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 21 genes across the EDC were genotyped in 402 unrelated AD patients and 325 non‐atopic controls by means of restriction enzyme digestion or TaqMan assays. Allele and genotype frequencies were tested for differences between patients and controls by logistic regression. Haplotype frequencies were evaluated using the famhap software. Except for the already known association with FLG, we did not identify any additional significant associations of EDC genes with AD.Thus, in this German cohort, there is no evidence that additional genes in the EDC region apart from FLG contribute substantially to AD pathogenesis.
Prediction of heavy metal concentrations in urban stormwater
Authors: May Daniel B. , Sivakumar Muttucumaru 
Published: July 2009

AbstractHeavy metals in urban stormwater runoff can adversely impact aquatic ecosystems. Successful management of such systems requires the accurate prediction of contaminant concentrations. This has created the need for simplistic statistical models. In this study, models were constructed to predict three of the most prevalent heavy metal constituents in urban stormwater: copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). Data from the United States, obtained during the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (NURP), were used to calibrate and verify the models. A comparison of the models revealed that regression models were more accurate than the landuse‐based or metropolitan area averages of event mean concentration (EMC). The regression models also provided insight into important stormwater processes. It was found that pollutant accumulation on the catchment surface was essentially supply limited, and that significant portions of heavy metals originate from highly impervious areas.
Quantifying six decades of fishery selection for size and age at maturity in sockeye salmon
Authors: Kendall Neala W. , Hard Jeffrey J. , Quinn Thomas P. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractLife history traits of wild animals can be strongly influenced, both phenotypically and evolutionarily, by hunting and fishing. However, few studies have quantified fishery selection over long time periods. We used 57 years of catch and escapement data to document the magnitude of and trends in gillnet selection on age and size at maturity of a commercially and biologically important sockeye salmon stock. Overall, the fishery has caught larger fish than have escaped to spawn, but selection has varied over time, becoming weaker and less consistent recently. Selection patterns were strongly affected by fish age and sex, in addition to extrinsic factors including fish abundance, mesh size regulations, and fish length variability. These results revealed a more complex and changing pattern of selective harvest than the ‘larger is more vulnerable’ model, emphasizing the need for quantified, multi‐year studies before conclusions can be drawn about potential evolutionary and ecological effects of fishery selection. Furthermore, the results indicate that biologically robust escapement goals and prevention of harvest of the largest individuals may help prevent negative effects of size‐selective harvest.