bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of apathy on health‐related quality of life in recently diagnosed Parkinson's disease: The ANIMO study
Authors: Benito‐León Julián , Cubo Esther , Coronell Carlos ,   on behalf of the ANIMO Study Group
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe impact of apathy on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in recently diagnosed Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been systematically investigated. The objective of this cross‐sectional survey (ANIMO study) was to examine the contribution of apathy to HRQOL in a Spanish sample of recently diagnosed PD patients. PD patients, diagnosed within 2 years of inclusion, were recruited at 102 outpatient clinics in 82 communities throughout Spain. Apathy was quantified using the Lille Apathy Rating Scale and HRQOL with the EuroQol‐5D questionnaire. A mean EuroQol‐5D index score of 0.89 obtained from population references in Spain was used as the cutoff for this study. The relationship between apathy and the dichotomized EuroQol‐5D index score (<0.89 [lower HRQOL] vs ≥0.89 [reference]) was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. We consecutively recruited 557 patients (60.3% men) with a mean age of 68.8 ± 9.7 years. Apathy was diagnosed in 291 (52.2%) and was related to problems in each of the EuroQoL dimensions. Apathetic PD patients showed EuroQol‐5D index scores significantly lower than those without apathy (0.64 vs 0.83). In an adjusted model, apathetic PD patients were 2.49 times more likely to have lower HRQOL than nonapathetic patients (odds ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.49–4.15, P < 0.01). Apathy is very common in those with recently diagnosed PD and is one of the major clinical determinants of HRQOL in this disease. It should be one of the primary concerns among clinicians who provide treatment to individuals affected by PD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Output power characteristics of C+L‐band erbium‐doped superfluorescent fiber source
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhao Yong 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA new type double‐stage double‐pass configuration of the erbium‐doped superfluorescence fiber source (EDSFS) is designed and realized experimentally based on the numerical simulation and theoretical analysis.The principle of L‐band superfluorescence of erbium‐doped fiber (EDF) is investigated. Numerical simulation and theoretical analysis of the L‐band output spectrum of double‐pass forward EDSFS is carried out. In this configuration, the first stage of the EDSFS emits L‐band superfluorescence through high‐doped Er3+ concentration, and the backward pumping generates C‐band superfluorescence by low‐doped Er3+ concentration. By optimizing the configuration parameters such as the length of two different concentrations of EDF and the forward and backward pump power, the output power of 9.2 mW, spectrum bandwidth of 65 nm with flatness of 2.5 dBm, and mean wavelength of 1565.253 nm have been achieved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2212–2216, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26231
Photovoltaic panel as metamaterial antenna radome for dual‐band application
Authors: Pu Ta‐Chun , Lin Hung‐Hsuan , Wu Chun‐Yih , Chen Jui‐Hung 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA novel planar dual‐band antenna is presented by using a panel of photovoltaic (PV) cells as a metamaterial layer for dual‐band operation. A 10‐Watt, 72‐cell unmodified commercial PV panel is applied as a transparent layer in the first operation band and as a semitransparent layer for λ/2 Fabry‐Pérot cavity in the second operation band to achieve high antenna gain. Unit‐cell transmission analysis is adopted to determine the frequency point of operation. And the screen impedance technique is utilized to increase simulation efficiency. The proposed prototype, measured as 360 × 320 × 44 mm, achieves remarkable 17.3 and 6.6 dBi antenna gain at 3.50 and 1.23 GHz, respectively, by a dual‐band dipole feeding. With the aid of PV panel, the antenna can support an upper band at about 3550 MHz to cover the WiMAX (3400–3600 MHz) operation and a lower band at about 1185 MHz to cover the 70 MHz operation bandwidth. The very combination of PV cell and antenna exhibits high fill factor, high‐gain, and simple construction characteristics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2382–2388, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26234
UV laser photofabrication of waveguide couplers using self‐patterning organic–inorganic hybrids
Authors: Xavier Lionnel R. , Fernandes Vasco R. , Vicente Carlos M. S. , Pécoraro Édison , Carlos Luis D. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , André Paulo S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPlanar waveguides with controlled refractive index were produced using thin films of sol‐gel derived organic–inorganic hybrids, so called di‐ureasils. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to characterize the films thickness and refractive index. UV‐laser direct‐writing method was used to produce Y‐splitter structures with coupling ratio of 50 % without the need of photoinitiators. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2304–2307, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26256
Direct six‐port modulator using polyphase networks
Authors: Lee Wang‐Sang , Oh Kyoung‐Sub , Kim Dong‐Zo , Yu Jong‐Won 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn this article, a novel six‐port modulator is proposed and experimentally verified.The six‐port modulator circuit is realized by using power dividers/combiners and polyphase networks for the first time. A prototype operating in 2.4‐GHz instruments, scientifice and measurement (ISM) band has been fabricated and experimentally verified, to show its performance as vector modulator. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2321–2324, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26288
The influence of ejaculation and abstinence on urinary flow rates
Authors: Cindolo Luca , De Nunzio Cosimo , Sountoulides Petros , Bantis Athanasios , Tubaro Andrea , Schips Luigi 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAimsTo investigate the relationship between urinary flow rate and ejaculation in healthy young men.MethodsYoung men were voluntarily enrolled in the study. All subjects were healthy, and sexually active, without neurological diseases, genital, or urethral surgery and they were not under any medications. Subjects were evaluated with ultrasound, uroflowmetry, and post‐void residual urine (PVR) measurement. All subjects were followed for 22 days (T) with daily uroflowmetry, and were instructed to ejaculate only on specific days (0, 6 and 22) during the study period. On days 0, 6 and 22 uroflow measurements were performed between 2 and 6 hr following ejaculation. Uroflowmetry parameters before and after ejaculation and during abstinence were compared. Data presented a non‐normal distribution and the non‐parametric Wilcoxon‐match‐paired test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for statistical analysis.Results18 subjects (mean age 27.4years) completed the study. A total of 414 uroflow charts were collected. A statistical significant increase in Qmax was observed after ejaculation (T‐1 Qmax: 22.7 ± 5.4 vs. T0 Qmax: 25.7± 8, P = 0.002; T5 Qmax 23.2 ± 5.4 vs. T6 Qmax 25.4 ± 8, P = 0.031; T21 Qmax 21 ± 4.8 vs. T22 Qmax 24.5 ± 7.9, P = 0.031). Sexual abstinence resulted in a progressive, statistically significant decline in Qmax rates (T0 Qmax 25.7 ± 8 vs. T5 23.2 ± 5.4 P = 0.035; T6 Qmax 25.4 ± 8 vs. T21 Qmax 21 ± 4.8, P = 0.01). PVR did not change during the study period.ConclusionsOur results suggest that in young healthy men micturition might be influenced by ejaculation. Our findings, if confirmed in larger series of patients with LUTS, should support that sexual status and activity could represent an important confounding factor in the interpretation of uroflowmetry traces. Neurourol. Urodynam. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1571–1575, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prescription drug use during pregnancy in developed countries: a systematic review
Authors: Daw Jamie R. , Hanley Gillian E. , Greyson Devon L. , Morgan Steven G. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeTo review the literature describing patterns of outpatient prescription drug use during pregnancy by therapeutic category, potential for fetal harm, and overall.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature published from 1989 to 2010. We included studies evaluating individual‐level exposures to prescription medicines during pregnancy. We selected only studies conducted in developed (Organization of Economic Co‐operation and Development) countries and published in English.ResultsPublished drug utilization studies reveal wide variation in estimates of overall prescription drug use in pregnancy (27–93% of pregnant women filling at least one prescription excluding vitamins and minerals). Among studies of similar design, estimates were lowest in Northern European countries (44–47%) and highest in France (93%) and Germany (85%). Measured rates of use of contraindicated medicines in pregnancy ranged from 0.9% (Denmark, 1991–1996) to 4.6% (USA, 1996–2000). The use of medicines with positive evidence of risk ranged from 2.0% (Italy, 2004) to 59.3% (France, 1996).ConclusionAvoidable inconsistencies in study design and reporting attenuate conclusions that can be drawn from the literature on antenatal drug utilization. Nevertheless, the body of published research shows that antenatal prescription drug use is common, with many studies finding that a majority of women use one or more prescription medicine during pregnancy. Similarly, studies consistently report the use of drugs recognized as having potential risks in pregnancy. Given this widespread use, it is particularly important to develop standards for calculating and reporting antenatal exposures to improve the value of future research in this area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Is Dispensable for Proliferation and Differentiation of Epidermal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Baris Olivier R. , Klose Anke , Kloepper Jennifer E. , Weiland Daniela , Neuhaus Johannes F.G. , Schauen Matthias , Wille Anna , Müller Alexander , Merkwirth Carsten , Langer Thomas , Larsson Nils-Göran , Krieg Thomas , Tobin Desmond J. , Paus Ralf , Wiesner Rudolf J. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Tissue stem cells and germ line or embryonic stem cells were shown to have reduced oxidative metabolism, which was proposed to be an adaptive mechanism to reduce damage accumulation caused by reactive oxygen species. However, an alternate explanation is that stem cells are less dependent on specialized cytoplasmic functions compared with differentiated cells, therefore, having a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic volume ratio and consequently a low mitochondrial content. To determine whether stem cells rely or not on mitochondrial respiration, we selectively ablated the electron transport chain in the basal layer of the epidermis, which includes the epidermal progenitor/stem cells (EPSCs). This was achieved using a loxP-flanked mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) allele in conjunction with a keratin 14 Cre transgene. The epidermis of these animals (TfamEKO) showed a profound depletion of mitochondrial DNA and complete absence of respiratory chain complexes. However, despite a short lifespan due to malnutrition, epidermal development and skin barrier function were not impaired. Differentiation of epidermal layers was normal and no proliferation defect or major increase of apoptosis could be observed. In contrast, mice with an epidermal ablation of prohibitin-2, a scaffold protein in the inner mitochondrial membrane, displayed a dramatic phenotype observable already in utero, with severely impaired skin architecture and barrier function, ultimately causing death from dehydration shortly after birth. In conclusion, we here provide unequivocal evidence that EPSCs, and probably tissue stem cells in general, are independent of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, but still require a functional dynamic mitochondrial compartment.
Nursing in general practice: organizational possibilities for decision latitude, created skill, social support and identity derived from role
Authors: Merrick Eamon , Duffield Christine , Baldwin Richard , Fry Margaret 
Published: July 2011

merrick e., duffield c., baldwin r. & fry m. (2012) Nursing in general practice: organizational possibilities for decision latitude, created skill, social support, and identity derived from role. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(3), 614–624.AbstractAim.  This article is a report of a study to describe the factors that support organizational opportunities for practice nurse decision‐making and skill development for nurses employed in general practice in New South Wales, Australia.Background.  Corresponding to the availability of subsidies from the Australian universal health insurer (Medicare), there has been an increase in the number of nurses employed in general practice. Currently, there is no Australian evidence as to the organizational possibilities for these practice nurses to make decisions, develop their own skills and abilities, derive identity from their role or how their role is influenced by social support.Methods.  Over a 8‐month period in 2008 practice, nurses employed in general practice in the State of New South Wales were invited to complete a 26‐item self‐administered online questionnaire utilizing constructs from Karaseks (1998) Job Content Questionnaire (valid n = 160).Results.  Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that all scales demonstrated acceptable levels of internal consistency. Sequential regression models revealed that social support exerts a weak influence on decision latitude (R2 = 0·07); the addition of self‐identity through work significantly improved the predictive ability of the model (R2 = 0·16). Social support and self‐identity through work exerted a negative influence on created skill (R2 = 0·347), whereas social support was effective in predicting self‐identity through work (R2 = 0·148).Conclusions.  Collegial and supervisory support in the work environment predicts organizational possibilities for practice nurse decision‐making.
Increased lung clearance of isoflurane shortens emergence in obesity: a prospective randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: KATZNELSON R. , NAUGHTON F. , FRIEDMAN Z. , LEI D. , DUFFIN J. , FEDORKO L. , WASOWICZ M. , VAN RENSBURG A. , MURPHY J. , FISHER J. A. 
Published: July 2011

Background: There is a concern that obesity may play a role in prolonging emergence from fat‐soluble inhalational anaesthetics. We hypothesized that increased pulmonary clearance of isoflurane will shorten immediate recovery from anaesthesia and post‐anaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay in obese patients.
Methods: After Ethics Review Board approval, 44 ASA I–III patients with BMI>30 kg/m2 undergoing elective gynaecological or urological surgery were randomized after completion of surgery to either an isocapnic hyperpnoea (IH) or a conventional recovery (C) group. The anaesthesia protocol included propofol, fentanyl, morphine, rocuronium and isoflurane in air/O2. Groups were compared using unpaired t‐test and ANOVA.
Results: Minute ventilation in the IH group before extubation was 22.6±2.7 vs. 6.3±1.8 l/min in the C group. Compared with C, the IH group had a shorter time to extubation (5.4±2.7 vs. 15.8±2.7 min, P<0.01), initiation of spontaneous ventilation (2.7±2.3 vs. 6.5±4.5 min, P<0.01), BIS recovery >75 (3.2±2.3 vs. 8.9±5.8 min, P<0.01), eye opening (4.6±2.9 vs. 13.6±7.1 min, P<0.01) and eligibility for leaving the operating room (7.1±2.9 vs. 19.9±11.9 min, P<0.01). There was no difference in time for eligibility for PACU discharge.
Conclusion: Increasing alveolar ventilation enhances anaesthetic elimination and accelerates short‐term recovery in obese patients.
Use of acid suppressive therapy more than 10 years after the endoscopic diagnosis of reflux esophagitis with specific emphasis to trademark and generic proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Dackus Gwen HE , Loffeld Susan MLA , Loffeld Ruud JLF 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Reflux esophagitis needs maintenance therapy. Data on comparison between trademark and generic medications are not available. Complaints and use of acid‐suppressive therapy 10 years after diagnosis were determined.Methods:  A total of 672 patients with esophagitis between 1998 and 2000 were reviewed. Patients received a questionnaire regarding the use of acid‐suppressive therapy, dosage, compliance and satisfaction. The use of trademark and generic medications was assessed. The presence of reflux complaints was assessed via a questionnaire, and a symptom score was calculated using a five‐point Likert scale.Results:  A total of 208 patients returned the questionnaire, of whom 161 (78%) used acid‐suppressive therapy. Of the patients still on therapy, 72% (n = 116, group 1) had reflux complaints, while the remaining 45 patients (28%, group 2) were in remission. There was no difference in sex, age, or severity of the initially diagnosed reflux esophagitis. Patients in group 1 were significantly less compliant and satisfied compared to patients from group 2 (73% vs 96% and 83% vs 100%, P < 0.001, respectively). An equal number of patients in both groups used trademark and generic medications (P = not significant). The presence of reflux complaints, as well as the symptom score, showed no difference between users of trademark or generic medication.Conclusion:  More than 10 years after the diagnosis, 22% of patients stopped using acid‐suppressive therapy. Only a minority (28%) were in clinical remission, associated with significantly higher satisfaction and compliance to therapy, as compared to their symptomatic counterparts. There was no difference in effect and usage of trademark versus generic medication preparations.
Life expectancy of Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease without dialysis
Authors: SZETO CHEUK‐CHUN , KWAN BONNIE CHING‐HA , CHOW KAI‐MING , PANG WING‐FAI , KWONG VICKIE WAI‐KI , LEUNG CHI‐BON , LI PHILIP KAM‐TAO 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Long term dialysis is life‐saving for patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, in ESRD patients with multiple comorbid conditions, dialysis may actually be futile, and conservative management is advisable. We studied the life expectancy of Chinese ESRD patients treated conservatively.Methods:  We reviewed 63 consecutive ESRD patients who were treated conservatively in our centre. Duration of survival was calculated from the date of initial assessment for dialysis, as well as the expected date of needing dialysis based on previous trend of renal function decline.Results:  At the end of the observation period, 55 patients died. Twelve patients died before the expected date of needing dialysis because of unrelated reasons, while 36 deaths were directly attributed to uraemia. The median overall survival after initial assessment for dialysis was 41.3 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 33.2 to 49.4 months). The median overall survival was 6.58 months (inter‐quartile range, 0.92 to 9.33 months) from the theoretical date of needing dialysis. The survival from the theoretical date of needing dialysis did not correlate with patient age, sex, diabetic status, or baseline renal function.Conclusions:  In Chinese ESRD patients treated conservatively, the median survival is around 6 months after the theoretical date of needing dialysis. Our result provides an important piece of information for the decision of dialysis and patient counselling.
Influence of obesity on tumour volume in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Capitanio Umberto , Suardi Nazareno , Briganti Alberto , Gallina Andrea , Abdollah Firas , Lughezzani Giovanni , Salonia Andrea , Freschi Massimo , Montorsi Francesco 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (individual cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Obesity is associated with more aggressive prostate cancer.Prostate cancer tumour volume is affected by excess weight, after adjustment for all possible clinical and pathological confounders.OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between body mass index and tumour volume at radical prostatectomy in a large European population.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Recent data support the hypothesis that the hormonal environment in overweight and obese men may alter androgen‐dependent prostate growth. Body mass index (BMI) has been implicated in prostate cancer pathophysiology.
We analysed 1275 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy at a single tertiary care institution. Mean tumour volume (TV) was evaluated according to BMI WHO categories (normal <25 kg/m2 vs overweight 25–30 kg/m2 vs obese 30–35 kg/m2 vs severely obese >35 kg/m2).
Univariable linear regression analyses targeted the association between BMI and TV at radical prostatectomy. Multivariable analyses were adjusted for age, prostate‐specific antigen value, biopsy Gleason sum, clinical stage and prostate volume.
RESULTS
Mean BMI was 26.3 kg/m2 (median 26; range 16.7–42.0). Mean TV was 5.6 mL (median 3.3; range 0.1–61.2). The mean prostate‐specific antigen value was 10.3 ng/dL (median 6.6; range 0.3–327).
The mean TV was 5.0, 5.8, 6.3 and 9.2 mL in normal, overweight, obese and severely obese patients, respectively (P= 0.03). TVs in men with a normal BMI were 84% smaller than in severely obese men (5.0 vs 9.2 mL).
On univariable analysis, BMI was correlated with TV at radical prostatectomy (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, BMI reached the independent predictor status after adjustment for age, prostate‐specific antigen value, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage and prostate volume (P= 0.03).
CONCLUSION
We showed that BMI is independently associated with prostate cancer volume at radical prostatectomy. The present results confirm that obesity may play a key role in prostate cancer pathophysiology.
Poverty Effects of Higher Food Prices: A Global Perspective
Authors: de Hoyos Rafael E. , Medvedev Denis 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe spike in international food prices between 2005 and the first half of 2008 drew much attention to the vulnerability of the poor to such shocks. This paper provides a formal assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of higher prices of agricultural goods on global poverty using a representative sample of 63–93% of the developing world's population. To assess the direct effects, the paper uses domestic food price data between January 2005 and December 2007—when the relative price of food staples rose by an average of 5.6%—to find that the number of individuals living under the extreme poverty line increased by 155 million, with almost three‐quarters of this increase taking place in East Asia. To take the second‐order effects into account, the paper links household survey data with a global general equilibrium model, finding that the same increase in consumer prices of agricultural goods (modeled by increasing demand for first‐generation biofuels) would raise the number of individuals living under extreme poverty by 32 million, with nearly the entire increase occurring in South Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Home Bias, Border Effect and Internal Market Integration in China: Evidence from Inter‐provincial Value‐added Tax Statistics
Authors: Xing Weibo , Li Shantong 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the home bias in regional trade and the integration of the internal market in China using inter‐provincial value‐added tax statistics. The administrative border between regions is an important trade barrier that results in home bias. Using a border effect model, we find evidence of home bias in provincial trade and relatively low border effects in domestic‐products trade in China. Moreover, the multilateral resistance model, based on a microeconomic foundation, also has strong power in explaining border effects in provincial trade. The empirical results imply that in accordance with some developed economies, China's market integration appears to have reached a high level.