bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of the GerdQ, a tool for the diagnosis and management of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in primary care
Authors: JONES R. , JUNGHARD O. , DENT J. , VAKIL N. , HALLING K. , WERNERSSON B. , LIND T. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground  Accurate diagnosis and effective management of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be challenging for clinicians and other health care professionals.Aim  To develop a patient‐centred, self‐assessment questionnaire to assist health care professionals in the diagnosis and effective management of patients with GERD.Methods  Questions from patient‐reported GERD instruments, previously documented in terms of content validity and psychometric properties (RDQ, GSRS and GIS) and data on the diagnosis of GERD in primary and secondary care were used in the formal development of a diagnostic and management tool, the GerdQ, involving psychometric validation and piloting in patient focus groups.Results  Analyses of data from over 300 primary care patients, moderated by patient input from qualitative interviews, were used to select specific items from the existing instruments to create a new six‐item diagnostic and management tool (GerdQ). ROC analysis indicated a sensitivity for GerdQ of 65% and a specificity of 71% for the diagnosis of GERD, similar to that achieved by gastroenterologists.Conclusion  The GerdQ is a potentially useful tool for family practitioners and other health care professionals in diagnosing and managing GERD without initial specialist referral or endoscopy.
A Phase I/II study of the safety and efficacy of the addition of sirolimus to tacrolimus/methotrexate graft versus host disease prophylaxis after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
Authors: Pulsipher Michael A. , Wall Donna A. , Grimley Michael , Goyal Rakesh K. , Boucher Kenneth M. , Hankins Patricia , Grupp Stephan A. , Bunin Nancy 
Published: September 2009

SummarySirolimus has been shown to have activity against human acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at serum levels used for immunosuppression. We hypothesized that the addition of sirolimus to a tacrolimus/methotrexate graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis regimen would decrease relapse after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and initiated a phase I/II study to demonstrate safety, feasibility, and efficacy. The study cohort included 18 patients in high‐risk (HR) first complete remission (CR1), 16 in HR CR2, 17 in intermediate risk (IR) CR2, and 12 in CR3+. The 2‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of the cohort was 66% (standard error 6·4). EFS of risk groups was 74%, 81%, 44% and 46% for CR1, IR CR2, HR CR2 and CR3+ patients respectively, and did not differ by stem cell source. Cumulative incidence of acute GVHD grade II–IV and III–IV was 38% and 21% respectively, while the cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 32%. Cumulative incidence of transplant‐related mortality and relapse was 10% and 25% respectively. Significant toxicities included veno‐occlusive disease [seven patients (11%)], transplant‐associated microangiopathy (three patients), and idiopathic pneumonitis (one patient). In summary, sirolimus‐based GVHD prophylaxis can be given safely in this population and early survival results are promising. A phase III trial to test whether sirolimus decreases relapse and improves outcome after transplantation for ALL is ongoing.
Assessing pollution of toxic sediment in streams using bio‐ecological traits of benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: ARCHAIMBAULT VIRGINIE , USSEGLIO‐POLATERA PHILIPPE , GARRIC JEANNE , WASSON JEAN‐GABRIEL , BABUT MARC 
Published: September 2009

Summary1. We examined the accuracy of a multimetric approach based on 22 biological and ecological traits of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to assess toxic sediment pollution in streams.2. Faunal and chemical data from sites located on 150 medium‐sized mountain streams in France were analysed. We used 18 additional sites, not included in the multimetric tool development as a test data set. A toxic quality class (from ‘high’ to ‘poor/bad’) was pre‐assigned to each site using the French water quality assessment system (SEQ‐Eau) based on toxic substances (metals, PAH and PCB) in sediment.3. Each trait was described in multiple categories. The affinity of macroinvertebrate taxa for the different categories of a trait was described using a fuzzy coding procedure. The relative abundance of trait categories was calculated for communities at each site.4. A nonparametric multiple comparison statistical procedure was used to compare relative abundances of trait categories between groups of sites assigned to different quality classes (e.g. high versus good; good versus moderate, etc.), to identify the combinations of trait categories that best separated sites between adjacent toxic quality classes. Based on such sets of trait categories, we propose a statistical procedure to allocate sites to toxic quality classes from the attributes of its benthic macroinvertebrate community.5. Predictions from the trait‐based functional tool achieved approximately 73% of correct site post‐assignments to toxic quality classes pre‐assigned using chemical criteria. All of the sites pre‐assigned to the ‘high’ quality class, were post‐classified into the same quality class using benthic community attributes. From 0–90% of sites from other quality classes were classified identically using both chemistry‐ and trait‐based criteria, the observed biological impact being often lower than expected. We suggest that the rapid decline of sensitive species could lead to both low taxonomic richness and low diversity of adaptations, giving communities a less diverse range of potential functional responses to increasing toxic pressure.6. Biological criteria based on macroinvertebrate traits could provide new methods for biological assessment. This study is the first step towards an in situ functional tool of stream sediment contamination assessment at community level. However, we need to increase the number of sites included in the development data set to improve the tool’s precision, extend the procedure to additional stream types and validate the design at a larger spatial scale.
Effects of variations in carbonate chemistry on the calcification rates of Madracis auretenra (= Madracis mirabilis sensu Wells, 1973): bicarbonate concentrations best predict calcification rates
Authors: JURY CHRISTOPHER P. , WHITEHEAD ROBERT F. , SZMANT ALINA M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPhysiological data and models of coral calcification indicate that corals utilize a combination of seawater bicarbonate and (mainly) respiratory CO2 for calcification, not seawater carbonate. However, a number of investigators are attributing observed negative effects of experimental seawater acidification by CO2 or hydrochloric acid additions to a reduction in seawater carbonate ion concentration and thus aragonite saturation state. Thus, there is a discrepancy between the physiological and geochemical views of coral biomineralization. Furthermore, not all calcifying organisms respond negatively to decreased pH or saturation state. Together, these discrepancies suggest that other physiological mechanisms, such as a direct effect of reduced pH on calcium or bicarbonate ion transport and/or variable ability to regulate internal pH, are responsible for the variability in reported experimental effects of acidification on calcification. To distinguish the effects of pH, carbonate concentration and bicarbonate concentration on coral calcification, incubations were performed with the coral Madracis auretenra (= Madracis mirabilis sensu Wells, 1973) in modified seawater chemistries. Carbonate parameters were manipulated to isolate the effects of each parameter more effectively than in previous studies, with a total of six different chemistries. Among treatment differences were highly significant. The corals responded strongly to variation in bicarbonate concentration, but not consistently to carbonate concentration, aragonite saturation state or pH. Corals calcified at normal or elevated rates under low pH (7.6–7.8) when the seawater bicarbonate concentrations were above 1800 μm. Conversely, corals incubated at normal pH had low calcification rates if the bicarbonate concentration was lowered. These results demonstrate that coral responses to ocean acidification are more diverse than currently thought, and question the reliability of using carbonate concentration or aragonite saturation state as the sole predictor of the effects of ocean acidification on coral calcification.
Climate, plankton and cod
Authors: BEAUGRAND GRÉGORY , KIRBY RICHARD R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWhile a few North Atlantic cod stocks are stable, none have increased and many have declined in recent years. Although overfishing is the main cause of most observed declines, this study shows that in some regions, climate by its influence on plankton may exert a strong control on cod stocks, complicating the management of this species that often assumes a constant carrying capacity. First, we investigate the likely drivers of changes in the cod stock in the North Sea by evaluating the potential relationships between climate, plankton and cod. We do this by deriving a Plankton Index that reflects the quality and quantity of plankton food available for larval cod. We show that this Plankton Index explains 46.24% of the total variance in cod recruitment and 68.89% of the variance in total cod biomass. Because the effects of climate act predominantly through plankton during the larval stage of cod development, our results indicate a pronounced sensitivity of cod stocks to climate at the warmer, southern edge of their distribution, for example in the North Sea. Our analyses also reveal for the first time, that at a large basin scale, the abundance of Calanus finmarchicus is associated with a high probability of cod occurrence, whereas the genus Pseudocalanus appears less important. Ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) generally considers the effect of fishing on the ecosystem and not the effect of climate‐induced changes in the ecosystem state for the living resources. These results suggest that EBFM must consider the position of a stock within its ecological niche, the direct effects of climate and the influence of climate on the trophodynamics of the ecosystem.
Asynchronicity in root and shoot phenology in grasses and woody plants
Authors: STEINAKER DIEGO F. , WILSON SCOTT D. , PELTZER DUANE A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPhenology is central to understanding vegetation response to climate change, as well as vegetation effects on plant resources, but most temporal production data is based on shoots, especially those of trees. In contrast, most production in temperate and colder regions is belowground, and is frequently dominated by grasses. We report root and shoot phenology in 7‐year old monocultures of 10 dominant species (five woody species, five grasses) in southern Canada. Woody shoot production was greatest about 8 weeks before the peak of root production, whereas grass shoot maxima preceded root maxima by 2–4 weeks. Over the growing season, woody root, and grass root and shoot production increased significantly with soil temperature. In contrast, the timing of woody shoot production was not related to soil temperature (r=0.01). The duration of root production was significantly greater than that of shoot production (grasses: 22%, woody species: 54%). Woody species produced cooler and moister soils than grasses, but growth forms did not affect seasonal patterns of soil conditions. Although woody shoots are the current benchmark for phenology studies, the other three components examined here (woody plant roots, grass shoots and roots) differed greatly in peak production time, as well as production duration. These results highlight that shoot and root phenology is not coincident, and further, that major plant growth forms differ in their timing of above‐ and belowground production. Thus, considering total plant phenology instead of only tree shoot phenology should provide a better understanding of ecosystem response to climate change.
Long‐term sealing ability of Resilon apical root‐end fillings
Authors: De Bruyne M. A. A. , De Moor R. J. G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim  To evaluate ex vivo the long‐term sealing ability of the SE Resilon Epiphany system as an apical root‐end filling material.Methodology  A total of 60 standardized horizontal bovine root sections were divided into three groups filled with either gutta‐percha with AH 26, tooth‐coloured mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or Resilon pellets with Epiphany SE, and submitted to capillary flow porometry at 48 h, 1 and 6 months to assess the minimum, mean flow and maximum pore diameters. Results of the different materials and results by material and time were analysed statistically using nonparametric tests; the level of significance was set at 0.05.Results  Resilon had smaller pore diameters than gutta‐percha and MTA at 48 h and smaller mean flow and maximum pore diameters than gutta‐percha and MTA at 1 month. At 6 months Resilon had larger minimum pore diameters than gutta‐percha. Although not always statistically significant, the minimum, mean flow and maximum pore diameters of gutta‐percha and MTA diminished with time. This was not the case for Resilon, where the same parameters increased.Conclusions  All materials leaked at all times. Resilon performed better than gutta‐percha and MTA in the short‐term, but the seal of MTA and gutta‐percha improved over time whereas the seal of Resilon deteriorated. It is critical to evaluate the performance of materials in the long‐term contrary to most studies which are short‐term.
Torsional behaviour of rotary NiTi ProTaper Universal instruments after multiple clinical use
Authors: Vieira E. P. , Nakagawa R. K. L. , Buono V. T. L. , Bahia M. G. A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim  To assess the influence of multiple clinical uses on the torsional behaviour of ProTaper Universal rotary NiTi instruments.Methodology  Root canal treatments were performed on patients using the ProTaper Universal rotary system to prepare canals. Ten sets of instruments were used by an experienced endodontist, each set being used in five molar teeth. After clinical use, S1, S2, F1 and F2 instruments were analysed for damage by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The used sets, along with a control group of 10 sets of new instruments, were then torsion tested based on the ISO 3630‐1 specification. Data obtained were subjected to a one‐way analysis of variance (anova) with α = 0.05.Results  The use of the ProTaper Universal rotary instruments by an experienced endodontist allowed for the cleaning and shaping of the root canal system of five molar teeth without fracture. The maximum torque for instruments S2, F1 and F2, and the angular deflection at fracture for instruments S2 and F1 were significantly lower following clinical use. The largest decrease in maximum torque was 18.6% (P = 0.014) for S2 instruments. The same maximum percent decrease was found for angular deflection at fracture for F1 instruments (P = 0.009).Conclusions  Torsional resistance and angular deflection of used instruments, as compared to that of new instruments, were reduced following clinical use.
Heteronormative communication with lesbian families in antenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care
Authors: Röndahl Gerd , Bruhner Elisabeth , Lindhe Jenny 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTitle.  Heteronormative communication with lesbian families in antenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of lesbian parents’ experience of antenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care.Background.  In a strictly heteronormative‐based care system, ‘parents’ naturally implies a man and a woman, and all communication and routines are based on heterosexual couples.Method.  A qualitative interview study was carried out in 2008. Ten mothers, eight of whom were in a relationship with another woman, participated. The participants had experience from several care facilities from three different cities in central Sweden.Findings.  Most participants had positive experiences but also complained that the focus was not always on the pregnancy and that no parenthood education had been offered. Heteronormativity was communicated by midwives and nursing staff throughout the process – from antenatal care to postnatal care, via forms, journals, verbal communication and orientation visits. This was experienced as embarrassing for the participant parents, and they also described encountering what they interpreted as embarrassment on the part of care providers. Participants called for increased knowledge about lesbian parenting, since they believed this would influence and facilitate communication, not least with midwives in antenatal care.Conclusion.  Midwives educated in lesbian issues could ask questions and communicate in a more neutral way at the first meeting, and thereby make prospective parents feel less insecure. Special parenthood education groups for lesbians are recommended so that lesbian couple can meet others with similar experiences and so that the focus will be on prospective parenthood and not on their sexual orientation.
Coping experiences of adolescents with cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Wu Li‐Min , Chin Chi‐Chun , Haase Joan E. , Chen Chung‐Hey 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTitle.  Coping experiences of adolescents with cancer: a qualitative study. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the coping experiences of Taiwanese adolescents with cancer.Background.  Cancer treatments have adverse effects and negatively affect adolescents’ lives. Psychological coping strategies are antecedents to adjustment. Little is known about the essential structure of the coping experience in adolescents with cancer.Method.  Ten adolescents aged 12–18 years who were receiving chemotherapy were interviewed in 2007. Open‐ended interviews were conducted in a quiet in‐hospital setting. Interview data were analysed using Giorgi’s four‐step procedures.Findings.  The essential structures of the coping experience were losing confidence and rebuilding hope. Losing confidence included sub‐themes of physical and psychological suffering; rebuilding hope included sub‐themes of thought restructuring, revaluing what I have, and envisioning hopeful images of the future. Interviewees vacillated between moving on and giving up, depending on the strength of their hope. A focus on rebuilding hope helped the adolescents to move on in the midst of many distressful events.Conclusion.  Understanding adolescents’ coping processes relative to cancer can facilitate the establishment of a more supportive milieu. The findings can provide guidance for instrument development on coping for adolescents with cancer and be useful in guiding intervention development to promote positive psychological adjustment.
Effects of thermal therapy on uremic pruritus and biochemical parameters in patients having haemodialysis
Authors: Hsu Mei‐Chi , Chen Hsiu‐Wen , Hwu Yueh‐Juen , Chanc Chin‐Mu , Liu Chi‐Feng 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTitle.  Effects of thermal therapy on uremic pruritus and biochemical parameters in patients having haemodialysis. Aim.  This paper is a report of a trial to identify the effect of thermal therapy with far‐infrared rays in comparison with non‐thermal therapy on uremic pruritus and biochemical parameters.Background.  Uremic pruritus remains one of the most frustrating, common, and potentially disabling symptoms in patients undergoing haemodialysis. The mechanism underlying uremic pruritus is poorly understood. Although enough is known to determine a reasonable treatment approach, more research is needed to evaluate more reliable treatments.Methods.  A randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial was conducted in 2005 using questionnaires and measurement of blood biochemical parameters. A total of 41 uremic patients on maintenance haemodialysis were randomly assigned either to the thermal therapy group or the control group. The thermal therapy group was treated with 40°C thermal therapy with far‐infrared rays at the Sanyinjiao acupoint for 15 minutes once a day on two days a week for a total of 18 sessions. The control group received a plain adhesive patch placed on the same acupoint.Findings.  Both groups showed statistically significant improvements but there were no differences between groups, while a relatively large decrease in pruritus scores was found in the thermal therapy group (P < 0·001) as compared with the non‐thermal therapy group. Serum calcium level decreased statistically significantly in the thermal therapy group and was statistically significantly different from that of the control group.Conclusion.  The lack of effect does not necessarily demonstrate that thermal therapy is not effective or has no therapeutic benefits for uremic pruritus in patients having haemodialysis. Further investigation is warranted, with larger samples and longer intervention.
Fitness support group for organ transplant recipients: self‐management, self‐efficacy and health status
Authors: Gentry Amy C. S. , Belza Basia , Simpson Terri 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTitle.  Fitness support group for organ transplant recipients: self‐management, self‐efficacy and health status. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe postoperative self‐management behaviours, perceived self‐efficacy and health outcomes in adult organ transplant recipients who participated in a fitness support group.Background.  Self‐management behaviours designed to promote patient autonomy contribute to positive health outcomes after therapeutic interventions. Despite an increase in organ transplantation, little is known about the impact of self‐management on health outcomes after adult organ transplantation. Even less has been investigated regarding nursing interventions in the organ transplantation patient demographic to promote positive outcomes.Method.  Using a cross‐sectional descriptive design, 20 participants completed a questionnaire that included measures of self‐management, self‐efficacy and health status during the 2006 training season.Findings.  Participants were, on average, 55 years of age and 6 years since transplantation. Their results were compared to mean values as reported in the literature, and revealed consistently superior scores for the outcome variables. The mean amount of weekly aerobic exercise in the transplant group was 3·2 hours (sd 1·4). Participants demonstrated impressively high amounts of self‐efficacy. Confidence was inversely related to extent of illness interference in activities of daily life (r = −0·772, P = 0·01). Health status scores also exceeded the norms, with all participants reporting at least ‘good’ health. Seventeen participants reported zero emergency department visits in the last 6 months. Nursing interventions geared toward maximizing patient self‐efficacy may improve health outcomes for adults after solid organ transplantation.Conclusion.  Group participation in a fitness programme may support achievement of self‐management activities and feelings of self‐efficacy in maintaining disease management.