bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of the urge‐to‐smoke following smoking cessation via pharmacotherapy
Authors: Javitz Harold S. , Swan Gary E. , Lerman Caryn 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTAims  To examine person‐specific urge‐to‐smoke trajectories during the first 7 days of abstinence and the relationship of trajectory parameters to continuous abstinence, demographics, medication and smoking history.Design  Hierarchical linear modeling was used to model person‐specific trajectories for urge‐to‐smoke.Setting  Two university‐based smoking cessation trials.Participants  Treatment‐seeking smokers in a clinical trial of transdermal nicotine (n = 275) versus nicotine spray (n = 239) and of bupropion (n = 223) versus placebo (n = 198).Measurements  Self‐reported urge‐to‐smoke for 7 days after the planned quit date, and 7‐day point prevalence and continuous abstinence at end of treatment (EOT) and 6 months.Findings  Urge‐to‐smoke trajectory parameters (average level, slope, curvature and volatility) varied substantially among individuals, had modest intercorrelations and predicted continuous and point prevalence abstinence at EOT and at 6 months. Higher trajectory level, slope and volatility were all significantly (P ≤ 0.001) associated with a reduced likelihood of abstinence at EOT (odds ratios 0.44–0.75) and at 6‐month follow‐up (odds ratios from 0.63 to 0.78), controlling for demographic, medication and smoking use variables.Conclusion  Higher urge‐to‐smoke trajectory parameters of level, slope and volatility (measured over 7 days) predict continuous and 7‐day point prevalence at EOT and 6 months. Although there were some associations of trajectory parameters with demographics and smoking history, the associations of trajectory parameters with relapse were relatively uninfluenced by demographics and smoking history.
Preservation of fertility in females with haematological malignancy
Authors: Donnez Jacques , Dolmans Marie‐Madeleine 
Published: May 2011

SummarySeveral options are currently available for the preservation of fertility in cancer patients: embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The choice of the most suitable strategy for preserving fertility depends on different parameters: the type and timing of chemotherapy, the type of cancer, the patient’s age and the partner status. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is the only option available for prepubertal girls and woman who cannot delay the start of chemotherapy. So far, 15 live births have been obtained after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue.
The influence of gender and atopy on the natural history of rhinitis in the first 18 years of life
Authors: Kurukulaaratchy R. J. , Karmaus W. , Raza A. , Matthews S. , Roberts G. , Arshad S. H. 
Published: May 2011

Cite this as: R. J. Kurukulaaratchy, W. Karmaus, A. Raza, S. Matthews, G. Roberts and S. H. Arshad, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 851–859.SummaryBackground
Longitudinal studies of the natural history of childhood and adolescent rhinitis are lacking.Objectives
To investigate the natural history of rhinitis up to 18 years of age, and how that is influenced by gender and atopy.Methods
The Isle of Wight birth cohort was recruited in 1989 (n=1456). Questionnaire data on nasal symptoms (rhinitis) were collected at 1, 2, 4, 10 and 18 years of age. To define atopy, skin prick tests were conducted at 4, 10 and 18 years. The 12‐month period prevalence plus positive and negative transitions (defined as change in disease status in two consecutive study assessments) were stratified by gender and atopic status.Results
Overall rhinitis prevalence increased from 5.4% at 4 years to 35.8% at 18 years (P<0.001), without gender difference. Atopic rhinitis prevalence increased steadily from 3.4% at 4 years to 27.3% at 18 years (P<0.001), was commoner in boys at 18 years (P=0.02) and associated with greater positive transition in boys from 10 to 18 years (P=0.01). Prevalence of non‐atopic rhinitis also increased from 4 to 18 years (P=0.003) and was greater in girls at 18 years (P<0.001) reflecting higher female positive transition from 10 to 18 years (P<0.001). Non‐atopic rhinitis negative transition (remission) was highest in early life and reduced in later childhood/adolescence.Conclusion
Atopic rhinitis becomes increasingly common as children grow into adolescents, with stronger associations to male gender. Non‐atopic rhinitis shows a female predominance at 18 years as girls ‘grow into’ it more during adolescence. Our findings suggest differential gender effects on the increasing prevalence of both atopic and non‐atopic rhinitis in adolescence.Clinical Relevance
A better understanding of how gender and atopic status influence rhinitis during adolescence emerges from this study. Application of such knowledge could help to improve clinical recognition, judge prognosis and ultimately improve management of this common condition.
In vitro fermentation patterns and methane production of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) hay with different condensed tannin contents
Authors: Guglielmelli A. , Calabro` S. , Primi R. , Carone F. , Cutrignelli M. I. , Tudisco R. , Piccolo G. , Ronchi B. , Danieli P. P. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractSainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial legume recently reappraised for some positive characteristics leading to highly satisfactory animal performance. Sainfoin’s characteristics may be partly explained by the presence of moderate levels of condensed tannins (CTs) able to protect dietary protein from microbial degradation in the rumen. Decreased CH4 emissions have been reported for ruminants consuming CT‐containing forage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CT content on the in vitro fermentation characteristics and kinetics and methane production of four samples of O. viciifolia cut at different phenological stages. Sainfoin hays and one sample of alfalfa hay were incubated at 39°C in anaerobiosis using the in vitro gas production technique. The chemical composition, tannin content and fermentation characteristics and kinetics of sainfoin samples were significantly affected by phenological stage. After 48 h, the CH4 production in sainfoin hays showed a tendency to increase with the advancement of phenological stage [from 38·6 to 49·8 mL g−1 of degraded organic matter (OM)]. The best period to cut sainfoin for hay making is between early and late flowering, when the forage combines high OM digestibility, low CH4 production and more efficient microbial fermentation.
The use of hermeneutic interpretation statements in EPR documentation to capture qualities of caring
Authors: von Krogh Gunn , Nåden Dagfinn 
Published: May 2011

Aims and objectives.  To present an examination of hermeneutic interpretations statements in documentation; occurrences, nature and significant patterns, before and after the implementation of an electronic patient record and the documentation model quality assurance, problem solving and caring.Background.  The problem‐solving and caring model facilitates the systematisation and formatting of nursing documenting in electronic patient record. Text formats are designed for record notes to indicate how the text is to be presented and organised. A narrative text format is designed to facilitate a caring perspective in nursing report notes. This format allows the inclusion of hermeneutic interpretations statements to visualise the understanding of the patient.Design.  Documentation material was examined in a pretest–post‐test design.Method.  Report notes were analysed with the aid of Gadamer’s hermeneutic interpretation process. The horizon of interpretation was formed by qualities of caring described in caring philosophy and caring theory.Results.  One hundred and six reports containing hermeneutic interpretation statements reflecting caring were identified. The finding shows that the number of such information is small and decreases during the project.Conclusion.  The result may indicate that hermeneutic interpretation statements in documentation may diminish with the introduction of electronic patient records. This can lead to incomplete information exchange if face‐to‐face reporting is discontinued. For that reason, electronic patient records need an information structure facilitating information formatted to reflect caring. The use of such a format requires training to a larger extent that was offered during this project.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study might enhance the clinician’s awareness of materialising both analytical and hermeneutical thinking processes in clinical reasoning when documenting nursing care. New documentation tools and routines might favour documentation based on analytical thinking processes with the consequence that essential information of importance for the individual patient’s care might be lost.
Occupational social class, coping responses and infertility‐related stress of women undergoing infertility treatment
Authors: Lykeridou Katerina , Gourounti Kleanthi , Sarantaki Antigoni , Loutradis Dimitrios , Vaslamatzis Grigorios , Deltsidou Anna 
Published: May 2011

Aim and objectives.  The aims of this study were to examine the association between (1) occupational social class and coping responses, (2) coping responses and infertility‐related stress and (3) occupational social class and infertility‐related distress.Background.  The coping strategies that individuals use in most of the stressful situations vary according to certain factors, such as, the appraised characteristics of the stressful condition, personality dispositions and social resources.Design.  This study was a cross‐sectional survey.Methods.  The study involved 404 women undergoing infertility treatment at a public clinic in Athens, Greece. State and trait anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory), infertility‐related stress (Copenhagen Multi‐centre Psychosocial Infertility) and coping strategies (Copenhagen Multi‐centre Psychosocial Infertility) were measured.Results.  Women of low/very low social class reported higher levels of active‐confronting coping compared with women of higher social class (p < 0·001). A positive correlation between active‐avoidance coping and both state and trait anxiety (r = 0·278 and 0·233, respectively, p < 0·01) was observed. The passive‐avoidance coping scale was positively correlated with marital and personal stress (r = 0·186 and 0·146, respectively, p < 0·01). All three kinds of stress (marital, personal and social) were positively correlated with both active‐avoidance (r = 0·302, 0·423 and 0·211, respectively, p < 0·01) and active‐confronting scale (r = 0·150, 0·211 and 0·141, respectively, p < 0·01).Conclusions.  Infertile women of the lowest social class used more active‐confronting coping and more passive‐avoidance coping than women of the highest social class. Factors such as low social class and maladaptive coping strategies might contribute to infertility‐related stress and anxiety.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses and midwives who work in infertility clinics should aim to identify individuals who are at high risk for infertility stress and adjustment difficulties and they should minimise the identified risk factors for infertility‐related stress and strengthen the protective factors.
A two‐component system, an anti‐sigma factor and two paralogous ECF sigma factors are involved in the control of general stress response in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Lourenço Rogério F. , Kohler Christian , Gomes Suely L. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe extracytoplasmic function sigma factor σT is the master regulator of general stress response in Caulobacter crescentus and controls the expression of its paralogue σU. In this work we showed that PhyR and NepR act, respectively, as positive and negative regulators of σT expression and function. Biochemical data also demonstrated that NepR directly binds σT and the phosphorylated form of PhyR. We also described the essential role of the histidine kinase gene CC3474, here denominated phyK, for expression of σT‐dependent genes and for resistance to stress conditions. Additionally, in vivo evidence of PhyK‐dependent phosphorylation of PhyR is presented. This study also identified a conserved cysteine residue (C95) located in the periplasmic portion of PhyK that is crucial for the function of the protein. Furthermore, we showed that PhyK, PhyR and σT regulate the same set of genes and that σT apparently directly controls most of its regulon. In contrast, σU seems to have a very modest contribution to the expression of a subset of σT‐dependent genes. In conclusion, this report describes the molecular mechanism involved in the control of general stress response in C. crescentus.
Mutational analysis of glucose transport regulation and glucose‐mediated virulence gene repression in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Aké Francine M. D. , Joyet Philippe , Deutscher Josef , Milohanic Eliane 
Published: May 2011

Summary Listeria monocytogenes transports glucose/mannose via non‐PTS permeases and phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase systems (PTS). Two mannose class PTS are encoded by the constitutively expressed mpoABCD and the inducible manLMN operons. The man operon encodes the main glucose transporter because manL or manM deletion significantly slows glucose utilization, whereas mpoA deletion has no effect. The PTSMpo mainly functions as a constitutively synthesized glucose sensor controlling man operon expression by phosphorylating and interacting with ManR, a LevR‐like transcription activator. EIIBMpo plays a dual role in ManR regulation: P∼EIIBMpo prevailing in the absence of glucose phosphorylates and thereby inhibits ManR activity, whereas unphosphorylated EIIBMpo prevailing during glucose uptake is needed to render ManR active. In contrast to mpoA, deletion of mpoB therefore strongly inhibits man operon expression and glucose consumption. A ΔptsI (EI) mutant consumes glucose at an even slower rate probably via GlcU‐like non‐PTS transporters. Interestingly, deletion of ptsI, manL, manM or mpoB causes elevated PrfA‐mediated virulence gene expression. The PTSMan is the major player in glucose‐mediated PrfA inhibition because the ΔmpoA mutant showed normal PrfA activity. The four mutants showing PrfA derepression contain no or only little unphosphorylated EIIABMan (ManL), which probably plays a central role in glucose‐mediated PrfA regulation.
Retracted: Maf acts downstream of ComGA to arrest cell division in competent cells of B. subtilis
Authors: Briley Jr Kenneth , Prepiak Peter , Dias Miguel J. , Hahn Jeanette , Dubnau David 
Published: May 2011

SummaryTransformable (competent) cells of Bacillus subtilis are blocked in cell division because the traffic ATPase ComGA prevents the formation of FtsZ rings. Although ComGA‐deficient cells elongate and form FtsZ rings, cell division remains blocked at a later stage and the cells become mildly filamented. Here we show that the highly conserved protein Maf is synthesized predominantly in competent cells under the direct control of the transcription factor ComK and is solely responsible for the later block in cell division. In vivo and in vitro data show that Maf binds to both ComGA and DivIVA. A point mutation in maf that interferes with Maf binding to DivIVA also interferes with the ability of Maf to inhibit cell division. Based on these findings, we propose that Maf and ComGA mediate mechanisms for the inhibition of cell division in competent cells with Maf acting downstream of ComGA. We further suggest that Maf must interact with DivIVA to inhibit cell division.
A phage protein that binds φC31 integrase to switch its directionality
Authors: Khaleel Thanafez , Younger Ellen , McEwan Andrew R. , Varghese Anpu S. , Smith Margaret C. M. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe serine integrase, Int, from the Streptomyces phage φC31 mediates the integration and excision of the phage genome into and out of the host chromosome. Integrases usually require a recombination directionality factor (RDF) or Xis to control integration and excision and, as φC31 Int only mediates integration in the absence of other phage proteins, we sought to identify a φC31 RDF. Here we report that the φC31 early protein, gp3 activated attL x attR recombination and inhibited attP x attB recombination. Gp3 binds to Int in solution and when Int is bound to the attachment sites. Kinetic analysis of the excision reaction suggested that gp3 modifies the interactions between Int and the substrates to form an active recombinase. In the presence of gp3, Int assembles an excision synaptic complex and the accumulation of the integration complex is inhibited. The structure of the excision synaptic complex, like that of the hyperactive mutant of Int, IntE449K, appeared to be biased towards one that favours the production of correctly joined products. The functional properties of φC31 gp3 resemble those of the evolutionarily unrelated RDF from phage Bxb1, suggesting that these two RDFs have arisen through convergent evolution.
Use of spray‐dried porcine blood by‐products in diets for young chickens
Authors: Jamroz D. , Wiliczkiewicz A. , Orda J. , Kuryszko J. , Stefaniak T. 
Published: May 2011

SummarySpray‐dried porcine blood plasma (SDBP) or blood cells (SDBC) at amounts of 20 or 40 g/kg were included to the feed mixtures that were given to young chickens within 1–28 (Exp. 1) or 1–30 (Exp. 2) days post‐hatch. In comparison with the group fed mixtures containing plant components, chickens fed mixtures supplemented with 40 g/kg of SDBP significantly (p < 0.01) increased the body weight estimated on 14 day of life (Exp. 1). At the age of 28 or 30 days post‐hatch, the body weight was improved significantly (p < 0.01 or 0.05) in both experiments. Significant differences (one‐factorial anova) in feed conversion among particular feeding groups were stated in Exp. 1 only; however, calculations using two‐factorial anova show insignificant differences depending on the used animal meal. In selected blood parameters (IgG, Ht, Hb), insignificant differences between feeding groups were stated. The use of SDBP in feed mixture significantly increased the Na retention in both experiments, and K accretion in Exp. 1 only. Application of SDBC and 40 g/kg of SDBP significantly or insignificantly improved Fe retention. Insignificant diversification of apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients was stated; the crude fat was significantly better digested in treatments fed mixtures with animal meals but kind of animal meal was without any significant effect. Significant differences in digestibility of amino acids were recorded for Pro, Cys, Val, His, Lys and Arg. In chickens fed mixture with SDBC, higher coefficients of apparent digestibility of Cys, Val and His (Exp. 1) and Cys and His (Exp. 2) than in other feeding groups were obtained. The kind of used blood by‐products has not affected the histological structure of intestine wall.
Prospective audit of patients with haemophilia: Bleeding episodes and management
Authors: Alexander Matthew , Barnes Chris , Barnett Peter 
Published: May 2011

Background:  Haemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder that requires replacement of factor VIII (haemophilia A) or factor IX (haemophilia B) via intravenous infusions. Children can either be treated with prophylactic treatment to prevent bleeding or be managed with on‐demand therapy and treat specific bleeding episodes.Aims:  The aim of this paper was to prospectively follow a cohort of haemophilia patients to determine the incidence of bleeding, re‐bleeding, re‐treatment and adjunct management over a period of 5 months.Methods:  Sixty‐six boys with haemophilia were followed. Age range was 10 months to 19 years; 70% of patients had severe haemophilia and 38 (58%) of all patients were on prophylaxis.Results:  Twenty‐nine patients experienced at least one episode of bleeding during study period which included 70 home bleeding episodes and 20 emergency department (ED) presentations. Secondary treatments occurred in 38% of all bleeding episodes. The incidence of re‐bleeds occurring within 3 weeks of the initial bleeding episode was 11%.Conclusions:  Further study focusing on optimising treatment regimes for patients with haemophilia presenting with bleeding episodes is necessary.
Photosynthetic response ofNereocystis luetkeana(Phaeophyta) to high light
Authors: Poulson Mary E. , McNeil Andrew J. , Donahue Raymon A. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYPhotosynthetic response to high light was determined for Bull kelp,Nereocystis luetkeana(K. Mertens) Postels and Ruprecht in order to understand how this species is affected by short‐term fluctuations in irradiance. Exposure ofN. luetkeanablades to high intensity photosynthetically active radiation (1000 µmol photons m−2s–1) caused increased non‐photochemical quenching of fluorescence and higher de‐epoxidation ratios for xanthophyll pigments indicating that energy‐quenching xanthophylls were used to protect blades against photoinhibition. Despite initiation of these photoprotective mechanisms, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) decreased 40% in response to a 60 min exposure to 1000 µmol photons m−2s–1photosynthetically active radiation indicating that photoinhibition had occurred. Light‐saturated rates of oxygen evolution were not changed significantly by the high light treatment. Recovery of maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II to within 8% of initial values occurred after a 300‐min dim light period. Younger sections of the blades were slightly more susceptible to high light damage than older sections. Middle sections of the blades were more prone to light‐induced damage at water temperatures of 7°C or 18°C, as compared to 13°C. Exposure to biologically effective ultraviolet‐B radiation (UV‐Bbe) (up to 4.5 kJ m–2 day–1) in photoinhibitory light conditions did not significantly affect light‐induced damage to photosystem II.
Incidental small renal mass: current management
Authors: Nalavenkata Sunny , Jarvis Thomas R. , Rashid Prem 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground:  To review options for minimally invasive urological surgery in the management of incidental small renal masses (<4 cm in size).Methods:  The National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and MEDLINE databases were accessed to specifically search the available literature on minimally invasive urological surgery. Identified articles were then selected based on their contribution to the current evidence base.Results:  There has been an influx of articles pertaining to the management of small renal masses. Treatment options continue to evolve and thus, the scope of articles was reduced to the last ten years. All data are observational statistics, and as such, are subject to selection bias and other problems inherent in non‐randomized retrospective designs.Conclusion:  Selected cases of small renal masses can be observed with low risk of metastases, but this does not equate to zero risk. Nephron sparing surgery such as laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy offers optimal oncological outcomes, nephron preservation and improved general prognosis. While there are no ‘gold standards’ in the management of the small renal mass, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has demonstrated improving outcomes and minimal complications in the hands of an experienced surgeon. The challenge will be to encourage adoption of this technique, to ensure proficiency, but also be cognisant of the potential risks for lower volume surgeons. The role of ablative procedures is limited to the poor surgical candidate, and as an alternative to the technically difficult laparoscopic procedure. Until long‐term data is available, this position is unlikely to change.