bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hormonal induction of spermiation, courting behavior and spawning in the southern bell frog, Litoria raniformis
Authors: Mann Reinier M. , Hyne Ross V. , Choung Catherine B. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractWe trialled the efficacy of various exogenous hormones to induce spermiation, courtship behavior, and spawning in the “endangered” southern bell frog, Litoria raniformis. Intralymphatic administration of Lucrin®, a synthetic nonapeptide luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), was used successfully to induce courting behaviors and ejaculation of spermatozoa in males. Various hormones, including Lucrin®, another synthetic LHRH analog ([des‐Gly10, D‐Ala6]‐LHRH), human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, and a dopamine receptor antagonist failed to promote oviposition and spawning in females. This and earlier studies indicate that in the efficacy of hormonal induction in amphibians varies between taxa, hormones, and genders. The lack of response in females may limit the use of reproduction technology in the southern bell frog and closely related species of Australian bell frogs. Zoo Biol 29:774–782, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The molecular landscape of propionic acidemia and methylmalonic aciduria in Latin America
Authors: Pérez Belén , Angaroni Celia , Sánchez‐Alcudia Rocio , Merinero Begoña , Pérez‐Cerdá Celia , Specola N. , Rodríguez‐Pombo P. , Wajner Moacir , de Kremer Raquel Dodelson , Cornejo Verónica , Desviat Lourdes R. , Ugarte Magdalena 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn this work, we review the clinical and genetic data in 14 Latin American propionic acidemia (PA) and 15 methylmalonic aciduria (MMAuria) patients. In the PA patients, we have identified four different changes in the PCCA gene, including one novel one (c.414+5G>A) affecting the splicing process. The PCCB mutational spectrum included two prevalent changes accounting for close to 60% of the mutant alleles studied and one novel change (c.494G>C) which by functional analysis is clearly pathogenic. We have also identified the deep intronic change c.654+462A>G, and the results of the antisense treatment in the patient's cell line confirmed the functional recovery of PCC activity. All PA patients bearing out‐of‐frame mutations presented the disease earlier while patients bearing in hemizygous fashion p.E168K and p.R165W presented the disease later. Regarding the MMAuria patients, we have found three novel mutations in the MUT gene (c.1068G>A, c.1587_1594del8 and c.593delA) and one in the MMAB gene (c.349‐1 G>C). Two patients with MMAuria with homocystinuria cblC type are carriers of the frequent c.271dupA mutation. All mut0, cblB and cblC patients presented the symptoms early and in general had more neurological complications, while cblA and mut‐ patients exhibited a late‐onset presentation, and in general the long‐term outcome was better. The results presented in this work emphasize the importance of the genetic analysis of the patients not only for diagnostic purposes but also to research into novel therapies based on the genotype.
Comminuted Radial Head Fractures Treated with Pyrocarbon Prosthetic Replacement
Authors: Lamas Claudia , Castellanos Juan , Proubasta Ignacio , Dominguez Enrique 
Published: June 2010

Purpose We had evaluated our experience in the treatment of displaced and comminuted radial head fractures with pyrocarbon radial head prosthesis. Methods From May 2003 to July 2008, radial head prostheses were performed in 47 patients. There were 29 female and 18 male with mean age 51 (34–70 years). The follow-up was a mean of 48 (12–60 months). Fractures of the radial head have been classified by Hotchkiss. The indications for a radial head replacement were type III fractures in 27 cases, type IV fractures in ten cases, comminuted radial fracture associated with disruption of the medial collateral ligament in three cases, Monteggia variant in five cases, and Essex-Lopresti in two cases. Functional outcomes were assessed by visual analog scales (VAS) of pain, joint motion and stability, and using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index. Results The mean VAS score for elbow pain was 1 (0.5–2.1). Patients showed an average arc of motion from 6° to 140°, with 75° of pronation and 67° of supination. By using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, 42 patients had good/excellent results, with three fair and two poor outcomes. Complications were two implant dislocations, one elbow stiffness, one dissociation of the implant, one stem rupture, and two posterior interosseous nerve palsy that recovered from 5 to 8 weeks. We had not seen persistent instability, infection, synostosis, severe degenerative changes, or impingement. Conclusions The treatment of comminuted radial head fracture with pyrocarbon implant usually gives an optimal result depending on the severity of the initial injury and the presence of associated lesions. The size of the prosthesis is often overestimated, causing restriction in motion due to impingement, overstuffing, or dislocations.
Virtual guidance: a new technique to empower point-of-care ultrasound in remote or extreme environments
Authors: Mercado-Young R. , Martin D. S. , Caine T. , O’Connell K. , Garcia K. , Sargsyan A. , Platts S. , Dulchavsky S. A. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Purpose
Remote guidance techniques have been developed by NASA researchers to allow non-clinicians to perform complex ultrasound examinations on the International Space Station to increase clinical diagnostic capabilities. Real-time or near real-time communication will not be an option for missions beyond the Earth and Moon; non-experts will have to scan autonomously. We investigated the ability of non-experts to perform point-of-care ultrasound in a remote location using “virtual guidance”, consisting of a video-based training and troubleshooting guide to acquire cardiac ultrasound images.

Methods
Non-expert operators (n = 4) reviewed a short (<15 min) cardiac ultrasound examination training video using dedicated video glasses and an iPod. They then acquired echocardiography scansets on normal, volunteer subjects at Resolute Bay, Canada using a portable ultrasound device. Image quality was evaluated using a scoring system by two experts in echocardiography.

Results
Cardiac ultrasound examinations were autonomously completed by four non-expert operators using virtual guidance in under 30 min and judged to be adequate for clinical interpretation. Virtual guidance with the video glasses and streaming examination guide was accepted by all operators as an effective guidance technique for this purpose.

Conclusions
Virtual guidance is a novel technique that may allow data acquisition by non-expert operators autonomously when on-site expertise or real time support is not available. Further refinement of the technique should be explored to enhance autonomous medical capabilities in isolated or underserved settings, either on or off the planet.
The DeKalb mounds of northeastern Illinois as archives of deglacial history and postglacial environments
Authors: Curry B. Brandon , Konen Michael E. , Larson Timothy H. , Yansa Catherine H. , Hackley Keith C. , Alexanderson Helena , Lowell Thomas V. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe “type” DeKalb mounds of northeastern Illinois, USA (42.0°N, −88.7°W), are formed of basal sand and gravel overlain by rhythmically bedded fines, and weathered sand and gravel. Generally from 2 to 7 m thick, the fines include abundant fossils of ostracodes and uncommon leaves and stems of tundra plants. Rare chironomid head capsules, pillclam shells, and aquatic plant macrofossils also have been observed.Radiocarbon ages on the tundra plant fossils from the “type” region range from 20,420 to 18,560 cal yr BP. Comparison of radiocarbon ages of terrestrial plants from type area ice-walled lake plains and adjacent kettle basins indicate that the topographic inversion to ice-free conditions occurred from 18,560 and 16,650 cal yr BP. Outside the “type” area, the oldest reliable age of tundra plant fossils in DeKalb mound sediment is 21,680 cal yr BP; the mound occurs on the northern arm of the Ransom Moraine (−88.5436°W, 41.5028°N). The youngest age, 16,250 cal yr BP, is associated with a mound on the Deerfield Moraine (−87.9102°W, 42.4260°N) located about 9 km east of Lake Michigan. The chronology of individual successions indicates the lakes persisted on the periglacial landscape for about 300 to 1500 yr.
Apoptosis-inducing factor and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways triggered by different grape seed extracts on human colon cancer cell line Caco-2
Authors: Dinicola Simona , Cucina Alessandra , Pasqualato Alessia , Proietti Sara , D'Anselmi Fabrizio , Pasqua Gabriella , Rita Santamaria Anna , Coluccia Pierpaolo , Laganà Aldo , Antonacci Donato , Giuliani Alessandro , Bizzarri Mariano 
Published: June 2010

Consumption of grape seed extract (GSE) is widely marketed as a dietary supplement and is considered safe for human health. Nevertheless, the analytical composition of GSE from different grape cultivars, growing in special agronomic constraints, differs greatly in flavan-3-ols content. The major concern with GSE studies is a lack of availability of uniformly standardised preparations, which raises an important question whether different GSE samples have comparable activity and trigger the same mechanisms of action on a given biological system. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that GSE, obtained from different cultivars, could exert differentiated anticancer effects. The focus of the present study is to determine the selective biological efficacy of GSE obtained from three different sources on the human colon cancer cell line Caco-2. Irrespective of its source, high doses of GSE induced a significant inhibition on Caco-2 cell growth. Moreover, apoptosis was enhanced through both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent mechanisms, leading to an early apoptosis-inducing factor release and, further, to a dramatic increase in caspase 7 and 3 activity. However, a significant difference in apoptotic rates induced by the three grape sources clearly emerged when treating cancer cells with low and intermediate GSE concentrations (25 and 50 μg/ml).
In vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of elatol isolated from red seaweed Laurencia dendroidea
Authors: VEIGA-SANTOS P. , PELIZZARO-ROCHA K. J. , SANTOS A. O. , UEDA-NAKAMURA T. , FILHO B. P. DIAS , SILVA S. O. , SUDATTI D. B. , BIANCO E. M. , PEREIRA R. C. , NAKAMURA C. V. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYChagas' disease is a debilitating but comparatively neglected illness that affects about 15 million people. There is an urgent need to develop new, more effective, and less-toxic compounds. In this study, we assessed the in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of the sesquiterpene elatol from the Brazilian red seaweed Laurencia dendroidea. We used electron microscopy to evaluate the effect of elatol on the morphology and ultrastructure of the parasite. Elatol showed a dose-dependent effect against the epimastigote, trypomastigote, and amastigote forms, with IC50 values of 45·4, 1·38, and 1·01 μm, respectively. Observation of treated intracellular amastigotes by light microscopy demonstrated a total elimination of the infection at a dose of 3·0 μm. In addition, the compound did not affect the red blood cells, and the CC50 value for LLCMK2 cells was 27·0 μm. Transmission and scanning electron micrographs showed aberrant-shaped cells and breaks in the plasma membrane, prominent swollen mitochondria, and extensive formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles in all the forms. This is the first report of the anti-trypanosomal effect of the sesquiterpene elatol.
Reproductive ratio for the local spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild bird populations of Europe, 2005–2008
Authors: IGLESIAS I. , PEREZ A. M. , SÁNCHEZ-VIZCAÍNO J. M. , MUÑOZ M. J. , MARTÍNEZ M. , DE LA TORRE A. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has devastating consequences for the poultry industry of affected countries. Control of HPAI has been impaired by the role of wildlife species that act as disease reservoirs and as a potential source of infection for domestic populations. The reproductive ratio (R0) of HPAI was quantified in nine clusters of outbreaks detected in wild birds in Europe (2005–2008) for which population data were not available. The median value ofR0was similar (1·1–3·4) for the nine clusters and it was about tenfold smaller than the value estimated for poultry in The Netherlands in 2003. Results presented here will be useful to parameterize models for spread of HPAI in wild birds and to design effective prevention programmes for the European poultry sector. The method is suitable to estimateR0in the absence of population data, which is a condition typically observed for many wildlife and certain domestic species and systems.
Vibrio illness in Florida, 1998–2007
Authors: WEIS K. E. , HAMMOND R. M. , HUTCHINSON R. , BLACKMORE C. G. M. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYThis study characterized the current epidemiology of vibrio infections in Florida and examined cases reported from 1998 to 2007. Logistic regression was used to determine risk of death. There were 834 vibrio infections in 825 individuals (average annual incidence rate 4·8/1 000 000). Common Vibrio species reported were Vibrio vulnificus (33%), V. parahaemolyticus (29%), and V. alginolyticus (16%). Most exposures were attributed to wounds (42%), and the most common clinical syndromes were wound infections (45%) and gastroenteritis (42%). Almost half of individuals reported an underlying health condition. Risk of death was associated with any underlying condition and increased with the number of conditions (P<0·0001). In Florida, incidence of vibriosis associated with raw oyster consumption has decreased while incidence associated with wound infections has increased. Most prevention efforts to date have focused on oyster consumption. New educational messages focusing on the risk of vibriosis from wound infections should target high-risk populations.
Adverse drug reactions in older people
Authors: Tangiisuran B , Gozzoli MP , Davies JG , Rajkumar C 
Published: June 2010

SummaryAdverse drug reactions (ADR) pose significant health-related problems for the older person. Many studies from around the world report a significant incidence of ADR in general and in elderly people in particular, resulting in an increase in drug-related morbidity and mortality. Older people appear to be particularly at risk of experiencing an ADR due to a range of factors, which include polypharmacy, altered drug pharmacokinetic profiles and pharmacodynamic responses, drug interactions and cognitive problems that increase the risk in this patient group. Certain drug classes, such as hypoglycaemic agents and cardiovascular active medicines, have been identified as common causes of ADR. Many studies suggest that the majority of ADR are preventable, so that several different approaches have been tried in an attempt to limit this problem, such as the use of computerized systems to communicate routine issues of patient care, interventions made by pharmacists, spontaneous reporting and continuous education of health care professionals. Whilst all have been shown to reduce drug-related events, identifying individuals at high risk of developing ADR at the point of prescribing by using a risk stratification model could improve the identification and prevention of ADR. This article discusses the clinical impact of ADR in older people and the relative merits of the various approaches tested to date before suggesting areas that require further research.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of subcutaneous immune globulin (human), 10% caprylate/chromatography purified in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease
Authors: Wasserman R L , Irani A-M , Tracy J , Tsoukas C , Stark D , Levy R , Chen J , Sorrells S , Roberts R , Gupta S 
Published: June 2010

Summary
Subcutaneous administration of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparations provides an additional level of patient convenience and more options for patients with poor venous access or a history of intravenous IgG reactions. An open-label, pharmacokinetic trial (n = 32) determined the non-inferiority of the subcutaneous versus intravenous route of 10% caprylate/chromatography purified human immune globulin intravenous (IGIV-C; Gamunex®) administration by comparing the steady-state area under the concentration-versus-time curve (AUC) of total plasma IgG in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease. Patients on stable IGIV-C received two intravenous infusions (administered 3 or 4 weeks apart). Seven to 10 days after the second intravenous infusion, all patients switched to a weekly infusion of subcutaneous IGIV-C, with the dose equal to 137% of the previous weekly equivalent intravenous dose, for up to 24 weeks. Samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected during steady state for intravenous and subcutaneous IGIV-C treatments. The AUC0-τ geometric least-squares mean ratio was 0·89 (90% confidence interval, 0·86–0·92) and met the criteria for non-inferiority. The overall mean steady-state trough concentration of plasma total IgG with subcutaneous IGIV-C was 11·4 mg/ml, 18·8% higher than intravenous IGIV-C (9·6 mg/ml). Subcutaneous IGIV-C was safe and well tolerated. Subcutaneous IGIV-C infusion-site reactions were generally mild/moderate and the incidence decreased over time. No serious bacterial infections were reported. Weekly subcutaneous IGIV-C infusion using 137% of the weekly equivalent intravenous immunoglobulin dose provides an AUC comparable to intravenous administration, thus allowing patients to maintain the same IgG preparation/formulation if switching between intravenous and subcutaneous infusions.
Micro‐anatomical variation in cellular proliferation in endometrial adenocarcinoma, and inverse correlation between Ki67 and cytokeratin 7 expression
Authors: Stewart Colin J R , Crook Maxine L , Doherty Dorota A 
Published: June 2010

Stewart C J R, Crook M L & Doherty D A (2010) Histopathology 57, 46–54 Micro‐anatomical variation in cellular proliferation in endometrial adenocarcinoma, and inverse correlation between Ki67 and cytokeratin 7 expressionAims:  To investigate micro‐anatomical variations in proliferative activity within uterine endometrioid adenocarcinoma with particular emphasis on tumour areas comprising microcystic, elongated and fragmented (‘MELF’) glands.Methods and results:  Ki67 immunoreactivity was assessed in 29 low‐grade endometrial adenocarcinomas specifically comparing conventional tumour glands and areas exhibiting MELF‐type alteration. Furthermore, since Ki67 expression differed between the peripheral and central aspects of larger neoplastic glands, these micro‐anatomical compartments were assessed separately using a semiquantitative scoring system. Most MELF‐type tumour elements were negative for Ki67 or showed only rare (<5% cells) positivity. In contrast, peripheral conventional tumour glands showed prominent Ki67 labelling, but this was significantly reduced in central glandular areas. An inverse correlation between Ki67 and cytokeratin (CK) 7 expression was noted in many tumours.Conclusions:  Endometrial adenocarcinomas show micro‐anatomical variations in Ki67 expression and this is often inversely correlated with CK7 immunoreactivity. MELF‐type tumour elements show minimal proliferative activity, a finding that initially appears unexpected for areas of purported active invasion. However, an inverse correlation between cell division and local invasion has been demonstrated in other malignancies, notably during epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and this may reflect a reversible alteration in cellular activity during neoplastic progression.
User involvement in in‐patient mental health services: operationalisation, empirical testing, and validation
Authors: Storm Marianne , Hausken Kjell , Mikkelsen Aslaug 
Published: June 2010

Aims.  This study presents development, empirical testing and validation of an instrument measuring service user involvement in in‐patient mental health from the mental health professionals’ perspective.Background.  Service user involvement is high on the agenda in European mental health policies. In Norway, focus is on enhanced service user involvement at both the individual and organisational levels of in‐patient mental health services. Mental health professionals are in an important position to ensure opportunities for real user involvement in in‐patient mental health care. However, there is a need for more empirical knowledge on how mental health professionals attend to service user involvement.Design.  Survey.Methods.  A self‐report questionnaire was designed and administered to 121 mental health professionals, with 98 responses, working in a community‐based mental health centre in western Norway. Factor analysis procedures together with reliability testing were performed.Results.  A 30‐items instrument was developed. The instrument contains four components/subscales: (1) Democratic patient involvement (mean score 3·74, Cronbach’s alpha 0·81), (2) Carer involvement (mean score 3·67, Cronbach’s alpha 0·82), (3) Assisted patient involvement (mean score 4·05, Cronbach’s alpha 0·78) and (4) Management support (mean score 4·10, Cronbach’s alpha 0·75). These subscales were found to be essential to service user involvement in the context of in‐patient mental health care. The total mean score for the instrument was 3·88, Cronbach’s alpha 0·88.Conclusion.  Empirical testing of the instrument demonstrates that the measurement of mental health professionals’ perception of service user involvement has a reasonable level of construct validity and reliability.Relevance to clinical practice.  We have developed a measurement instrument with items reflecting essential characteristics to user involvement in in‐patient mental health services. We believe that answering this questionnaire on the subject user involvement can act as one step towards enhancing awareness of this issue and to assess user‐oriented practices in treatment and services.
Reliability and validity of the scale of patient perception of hospital experience with nursing care in a Turkish population
Authors: Ipek Coban Gulay , Kasikci Magfiret 
Published: June 2010

Aim and objectives.  This study aimed to adapt an English version of the survey tool Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing Care for Turkish patients and to evaluate its psychometric properties.Background.  Patient satisfaction is used as an important indicator of care quality and frequently included in health care planning and evaluation. In Turkey, although a review of the literature identified several tests that measured patient satisfaction with hospitalisation services, there are few studies that measured both patients’ satisfaction and patients’ perceptions.Design.  This study was conducted at the Research and Application Hospital of Ataturk University in Erzurum, Turkey with a convenience sample of 150 patients who were discharged from medical and surgical clinical units.Methods.  Experts’ viewpoints were used to determine language validity of the scale, and factor analysis was used to determine the structural validity of the scale. Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient, item analysis, test–retest analysis were conducted to evaluate the reliability of the scale. Data were collected using the Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing Care Scale and Socio‐demographic form.Results.  It was determined that Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing Care showed a one‐factor structure, Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient was 0·92 and item–total point correlations were between 0·36–0·74. In addition, it was found that the test–retest correlation value was 0·90, which was found to be statistically significant (p < 0·001).Conclusions.  The validity and the reliability of the Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing Care Scale are extremely high, and it is an adequate measurement scale to determine patients’ satisfaction with nursing care.Relevance to clinical practice.  We suggest that the scale can be used in nursing research projects to evaluate the patient satisfaction and the quality of nursing care.