bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and preliminary validation of an indirect screener for drug use in the perinatal period
Authors: Ondersma Steven J. , Svikis Dace S. , LeBreton James M. , Streiner David L. , Grekin Emily R. , Lam Phebe K. , Connors‐Burge Veronica 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimsThis study sought to develop and begin validation of an indirect screener for identification of drug use during pregnancy, without reliance on direct disclosure.DesignWomen were recruited from their hospital rooms after giving birth. Participation involved (i) completing a computerized assessment battery containing three types of items: direct (asking directly about drug use), semi‐indirect (asking only about drug use prior to pregnancy) and indirect (with no mention of drug use), and (ii) providing urine and hair samples. An optimal subset of indirect items was developed and cross‐validated based on ability to predict urine/hair test results.SettingObstetric unit of a university‐affiliated hospital in Detroit.ParticipantsFour hundred low‐income, African American, post‐partum women (300 in the developmental sample and 100 in the cross‐validation sample); all available women were recruited without consideration of substance abuse risk or other characteristics.MeasurementsWomen first completed the series of direct and indirect items using a Tablet PC; they were then asked for separate consent to obtain urine and hair samples that were tested for evidence of illicit drug use.FindingsIn the cross‐validation sample, the brief screener consisting of six indirect items predicted toxicology results more accurately than direct questions about drug use (area under the ROC curve = 0.74, P < 0.001). Traditional direct screening questions were highly specific, but identified only a small minority of women who used drugs during the last trimester of pregnancy.ConclusionsIndirect screening may increase the accuracy of mothers' self‐reports of prenatal drug use.
Exenatide at therapeutic and supratherapeutic concentrations does not prolong the QTc interval in healthy subjects
Authors: Darpö Börje , Philip Sager , MacConell Leigh , Cirincione Brenda , Mitchell Malcolm , Han Jenny , Huang Wenying , Malloy Jaret , Schulteis Christine , Shen Larry , Porter Lisa 
Published: August 2012

AimsExenatide has been demonstrated to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, with no effect on heart rate corrected QT (QTc) at therapeutic concentrations. This randomized, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled, crossover, thorough QT study evaluated the effects of therapeutic and supratherapeutic exenatide concentrations on QTc.MethodsIntravenous infusion was employed to achieve steady‐state supratherapeutic concentrations in healthy subjects within a reasonable duration (i.e. days). Subjects received exenatide, placebo and moxifloxacin, with ECGs recorded pre‐therapy and during treatment. Intravenous exenatide was expected to increase heart rate to a greater extent than subcutaneous twice daily or once weekly formulations. To assure proper heart rate correction, a wide range of baseline heart rates was assessed and prospectively defined methodology was applied to determine the optimal QT correction.ResultsTargeted steady‐state plasma exenatide concentrations were exceeded (geometric mean ± SEM 253 ± 8.5 pg ml−1, 399 ± 11.9 pg ml−1 and 627 ± 21.2 pg ml−1). QTcP, a population‐based method, was identified as the most appropriate heart rate correction and was prespecified for primary analysis. The upper bound of the two‐sided 90% confidence interval for placebo‐corrected, baseline‐adjusted QTcP (ΔΔQTcP) was <10 ms at all time points and exenatide concentrations. The mean of three measures assessed at the highest steady‐state plasma exenatide concentration of ∼500 pg ml−1 (ΔΔQTcPavg) was −1.13 [−2.11, −0.15). No correlation was observed between ΔΔQTcP and exenatide concentration. Assay sensitivity was confirmed with moxifloxacin.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that exenatide, at supratherapeutic concentrations, does not prolong QTc and provide an example of methodology for QT assessment of drugs with an inherent heart rate effect.
Syndecan‐2 can promote clearance of T‐cell receptor/CD3 from the cell surface
Authors: Rovira‐Clavé Xavier , Angulo‐Ibáñez Maria , Noguer Oriol , Espel Enric , Reina Manuel 
Published: August 2012

SummaryT cells express the heparan sulphate proteoglycans syndecan‐2 and syndecan‐4. Syndecan‐4 plays a T‐cell inhibitory role; however, the function of syndecan‐2 is unknown. In an attempt to examine this function, syndecan‐2 was expressed constitutively in Jurkat T cells. Interestingly, the expression of syndecan‐2 decreased the surface levels of T‐cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex, concomitant with intracellular retention of CD3ε and partial degradation of the TCR‐ζ chain. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that intracellular CD3ε co‐located with Rab‐4 endosomes. However, the intracellular pool of CD3ε did not recycle to the cell surface. The lower TCR/CD3 surface levels caused by syndecan‐2 led to reduced TCR/CD3 responsiveness. We show that the cytosolic PDZ‐binding domain of syndecan‐2 is not necessary to elicit TCR/CD3 down‐regulation. These results identify a previously unrecognized means of controlling surface TCR/CD3 expression by syndecan‐2.
Instruments for assessing the risk of falls in acute hospitalized patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Aranda‐Gallardo Marta , Morales Asencio Jose Miguel , Canca‐Sanchez Jose Carlos , Mora‐Banderas Ana Maria , Moya‐Suarez Ana Belen 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimThe purpose of this article is to present the research protocol of a systematic review about fall risk assessment tools in acute hospitalized patients.BackgroundVarious risk assessment tools for falls have been developed, but with uncertainties derived from validation in heterogeneous environments and variations in their sensitivity, specificity and predictive validity.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsTwo independent reviewers will extract data in a blinded process. Quality of studies will be assessed using various standardized instruments. A meta‐analysis will be performed if applicable. For all studies, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, together with the positive and negative likelihood ratios and Youden index will be calculated. The diagnostic odds ratio of the studies and the hierarchical summary Relative Operating Characteristic curve and bivariate model will be applied. Calculations will be made from random effects models. Forest‐plot diagrams for sensitivity and specificity and likelihood ratios, in addition to Cochrane's Q test and the I2 statistic, will be calculated. Funding of the review was confirmed in December 2010.DiscussionThe results of this review will help to clarify some uncertainties provoked by earlier research findings and enable informed choice of a validated, reproducible instrument for assessing the risk of falls by hospital patients, so that preventive action may be taken to minimize this risk.
Evidence‐based practice models for organizational change: overview and practical applications
Authors: Schaffer Marjorie A. , Sandau Kristin E. , Diedrick Lee 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimTo provide an overview, summary of key features and evaluation of usefulness of six evidence‐based practice models frequently discussed in the literature.BackgroundThe variety of evidence‐based practice models and frameworks, complex terminology and organizational culture challenges nurses in selecting the model that best fits their practice setting.Data sourcesThe authors: (1) initially identified models described in a predominant nursing text; (2) searched the literature through CINAHL from 1998 to current year, using combinations of ‘evidence’, ‘evidence‐based practice’, ‘models’, ‘nursing’ and ‘research’; (3) refined the list of selected models based on the initial literature review; and (4) conducted a second search of the literature on the selected models for all available years to locate both historical and recent articles on their use in nursing practice.DiscussionAuthors described model key features and provided an evaluation of model usefulness based on specific criteria, which focused on facilitating the evidence‐based practice process and guiding practice change.Implications for nursingThe evaluation of model usefulness can be used to determine the best fit of the models to the practice setting.ConclusionThe Johns Hopkins Model and the Academic Center for Evidence‐Based Practice Star Model emphasize the processes of finding and evaluating evidence that is likely to appeal to nursing educators. Organizations may prefer the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services Framework, Advancing Research and Clinical Practice Through Close Collaboration, or Iowa models for their emphasis on team decision‐making. An evidence‐based practice model that is clear to the clinician and fits the organization will guide a systematic approach to evidence review and practice change.
Effects of photoperiod and temperature on the termination of diapause in the univoltine seed wasp Eurytoma plotnikovi
Authors: TZANAKAKIS M. E. , VEENENDAAL R. L. , VEERMAN A. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract Mummified pistachios containing fully grown diapause larvae of Eurytoma plotnikovi Nikol'skaya (Hym., Eurytomidae) were collected in early August and late September in coastal northern Greece and subjected to various photoperiod and temperature treatments, then maintained at 19 or 26°C and a long‐day (LD 16:8 h), a changing, or a short‐day (LD 10:14 h) photoperiod until pupation.In larvae of early August (beginning of diapause) subjected for 20 weeks to 19°C under a long, a changing, or a short photophase, followed by 19°C and a long photophase, 50% of the larvae pupated after 24, 18 and 13 weeks respectively. After exposure for 20 or even 12 weeks to a short photophase and low temperatures (10 or 4°C), pupation occurred after only 7–8 weeks and was more synchronous. The ranges of temperature for diapause development and post‐diapause morphogenesis overlap. After exposure for 12 weeks to short days and low temperature, larvae of late September pupated much sooner under long days than under short days and sooner at 26° than at 19°C.E.plotnikovi depends on both temperature and photoperiod for diapause development, low temperature having a strong favourable effect on the earlier part and long day on the later part of diapause.In a few larvae of another pistachio seed wasp, Megastigmus pistaciae Walker, after a long enough period of low temperatures, diapause was terminated normally at 26°C and long days, or at 19°C and long or short days.
Liver graft volumetric changes after living donor liver transplantation with segment 2 graft for small infants
Authors: Urahashi Taizen , Mizuta Koichi , Sanada Yukihiro , Wakiya Taiichi , Yasuda Yoshikazu , Kawarasaki Hideo 
Published: August 2012

Urahashi T, Mizuta K, Sanada Y, Wakiya T, Yasuda Y, Kawarasaki H. Liver graft volumetric changes after living donor liver transplantation with segment 2 graft for small infants.Abstract:  LT for small infants weighing <5 kg with liver failure might require innovative techniques for size reduction and transplantation of small grafts to avoid large‐for‐size graft, but little is known about post‐transplant graft volumetric changes. Five of 172 children who underwent LDLT received monosegment or reduced monosegment grafts using a modified Couinaud’s segment II (S2) graft for LDLT. Serial CT was used to evaluate the changes in the GV and other factors before LDLT and one and three months after LDLT. The shape of these grafts was classified into an OL type and an LL type. The GV increased in all patients one month after LDLT, whereas the GV decreased three months after LDLT in OL in comparison with one month after LDLT. The GRWR of the OL type has tended to decrease at three months, whereas the LL type showed a continuous increase with time, but finally they had adapted graft size for their body size. In conclusion, the volume of S2 grafts after LDLT had unique changes toward the ideal volume for the child weight when they received the appropriate liver volume.
Aggressiveness, Boldness and Parental Food Provisioning in Male House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon)
Authors: Barnett Craig A. , Thompson Charles F. , Sakaluk Scott K. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBehavioural syndromes have been identified in a large number of species, yet our understanding of them in an ecological context remains poor. Specifically, there are few data that relate behavioural syndromes to other biologically important behaviours and, ultimately, to reproductive success. In this field study, we examined the aggressiveness and boldness of free‐living male house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) and found a statistically significant positive relationship between these two behaviours (i.e. a behavioural syndrome). When we examined the two axes of this behavioural syndrome in relation to the male's share of provisioning, we found a negative relation between a male's aggressiveness and his provisioning rate, but no relationship between male boldness and provisioning behaviour. These differences in provisioning behaviour among males with different levels of aggression may reflect differences in reproductive strategies or different life‐history trade‐offs among males. Moreover, these results indicate that while some behavioural traits may be correlated, this does not mean that traits that compose the behavioural syndrome cannot evolve independently of one another.
Influence of hypercapnia on the synthesis of neuropeptides and their receptors in murine brain
Authors: WANG WEI , LI QINGYI , PAN YONGCHU , ZHU DONGLIN , WANG LIN 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Sleep disorders are a complicated and major public health concern affecting millions of individuals. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common but still under‐recognized disease which can cause intermittent nocturnal hypercapnia. Neuropeptides play critical roles in neurotransmission, acting as transmitters or modulators. Results from recent studies have implicated several neuropeptides in sleep and breathing regulation, including orexin, neuropeptides Y and galanin. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of hypercapnia on these neuropeptides and their receptors in order to assess their potential role in the pathogenesis of OSA.Methods:  Fifteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups and exposed to moderate hypercapnia (5% CO2 with balanced room air), or severe hypercapnia (10% CO2 with balanced room air) or room air for 3 h (9:00–12:00 h), respectively. Immediately following exposure the brainstem and hypothalamus were excised for real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses.Results:  In the hypothalamus gene expression including galanin, orexin and neuropeptide Y receptor 1 (NPYR1) was downregulated by hypercapnia. However, protein and mRNA levels of orexin‐A receptor were upregulated by severe hypercapnia. In the brainstem only NPYR1 mRNA expression was decreased in moderate hypercapnia compared with that in severe hypercapnia.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that hypercapnia can affect these neuropeptides and their receptors, especially the orexin and orexin‐A receptor. The potential relationships between these peptides and OSA are worthy of further investigation.
Clinical impact of liquid‐based cytology test on diagnostic yields from transbronchial needle aspiration
Authors: HOU GANG , YIN YAN , WANG WEI , WANG QIU‐YUE , HU XUE‐JUN , KANG JIAN , WU GUANG‐PING 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a well‐established diagnostic method that is underutilized due to the relatively high percentage of non‐diagnostic samples and low success rates. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of liquid‐based cytology test (LBC) on the diagnostic yield from TBNA.Methods:  Ninety‐seven consecutive patients who underwent TBNA due to significant mediastinal adenopathy were enrolled in the study. Each target site was aspirated four times, with the first and third aspirates being prepared for LBC and the second and fourth aspirates being reserved for conventional pick‐and‐smear (CPS) cytology.Results:  Paired aspirates were obtained from 114 target sites, giving a total of 228 test samples from 97 consecutive patients. The overall diagnostic sensitivity of TBNA was 63.6% (56/88). The yields from small cell lung cancers were better than those from non‐small cell lung cancers (P < 0.05), and TBNA of subcarinal nodes provided better diagnostic yields (P < 0.05). Nodal diameters > 20 mm on computed tomography were also associated with better yields than nodes with diameters of 10–20 mm (P = 0.001). The diagnostic sensitivity of TBNA was similar for each processing method—59.8% (61/102) for LBC and 64.7% (65/102) for CPS.Conclusions:  LBC was not inferior to CPS with respect to diagnostic yields from TBNA, and enabled efficient pathological evaluation.
Ratcheting assessment of steel alloys under uniaxial loading: a parametric model versus hardening rule of Bower
Authors: AHMADZADEH G. R. , VARVANI‐FARAHANI A. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThis study intends to compare ratcheting response of 42CrMo, 1020, SA333 and SS304 steel alloys over uniaxial stress cycles evaluated by a parametric ratcheting model and Bower's hardening rule. The parametric ratcheting equation was formulated to describe triphasic stages of ratcheting deformation over stress cycles. Mechanistic parameters of mean stress, stress amplitude, material properties and cyclic softening/hardening response of materials were employed to calibrate parametric equation. Based on the framework of cyclic plasticity theory, the modified Armstrong–Frederick nonlinear hardening rule of Bower was employed to assess ratcheting response of steel alloys under uniaxial stress cycles. Bower's model was chosen mainly due to simplicity of the model and its lower number of constants required to predict ratcheting strain over stress cycles as compared with other hardening rules. Ratcheting strain values predicted by Bower's model showed good agreements over stage I of stress cycles as compared with experimental values of ratcheting strain. Beyond of stage I stress cycles, Bower ratcheting strain rate stayed constant resulting in an arrest in ratcheting process. The predicted ratcheting strains based on the parametric equation were found in good agreements over three stages of ratcheting as compared with those of experimentally obtained.
Novel biological strategies in the management of anal fistula
Authors: Lewis R. , Lunniss P. J. , Hammond T. M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  The mostly widely studied biomaterials for the sphincter sparing treatment of anal fistulas are fibrin glue and the anal fistula plug (AFP). However their overall mean clinical success is only 50–60%. As the understanding of the pathology of anal fistula, wound healing and the host response to materials has improved, so new biological sphincter‐sparing strategies have been developed. The aim of this review is to assess the safety and efficacy of these novel techniques.Method  PubMed, the Cochrane database and EMBASE were independently searched. All studies that investigated the potential of a biomaterial (defined as any synthetic or biologically derived substance in contact with host tissue) to augment the healing of anal fistula without sphincter division were included. Studies solely describing the role of fibrin glue or an AFP were excluded. Data extraction included type of material, fistula aetiology, treatment of the primary tract, fistula healing, incontinence, duration of follow‐up and any specific complications. Systematic quality assessment of the included articles was performed.Results  Twenty‐three articles were finally selected for review. These included a variety of biological and synthetic systems that were employed to deliver selected components of the extracellular matrix, growth factors, cytokines, stem cells or drugs to the fistula tract.Conclusion  To date no study matches fistulotomy with regard to long‐term fistula eradication rate. This is probably due to implant extrusion, inadequate track preparation or an unsuitable material. Future techniques need to address all these issues to ensure success. Success should be validated by MRI or long‐term follow‐up.
Fluorescence diagnosis of bladder cancer: a novel in vivo approach using 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dendrimers
Authors: François Aurélie , Battah Sinan , MacRobert Alexander J. , Bezdetnaya Lina , Guillemin François , D'Hallewin Marie‐Ange 
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Fluorescence cystoscopy with hexylaminolevulinate (h‐ALA, Hexvix®) is known to improve tumour detection in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. However, specificity is relatively low and the intensity of the observed fluorescence signal decreases over time due to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) efflux.This study evaluates in an in vivo model the use of a dendritic 5‐aminolevulinic acid compound for fluorescence diagnosis. Fluorescence ratios between tumour and urothelium as well as muscle were significantly better as compared with h‐ALA. Sustained synthesis of PpIX accounts for preservation of fluorescence for >24 h.OBJECTIVE
To overcome the relative lack of tumour selectivity of fluorescence‐guided cystoscopy using 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or its ester derivative (e.g. hexylaminolevulinate, h‐ALA; Hexvix®), we evaluated the use of dendrimers bearing different ALA loads in rats bearing orthotopic bladder tumours.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Rat bladders were instilled with h‐ALA or ALA dendrimers and fluorescence ratio between tumour and normal urothelium, as well as tumour and muscle and depth of fluorescence were determined with Image J software.
Quantification of ALA and/or esters systemic reabsorption was evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography.
RESULTS
Slow hydrolysis of ALA from dendrimers as observed in vitro implies a higher initial ALA load and longer resting times in vivo. Sustained synthesis of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) explains persistence of fluorescence for >24 h.
There were significantly better fluorescence ratios with dendrimers, as well as higher penetration depths and absence of systemic reabsorption.
CONCLUSION
The prolonged and sustained PpIX synthesis, the improved tumour selectivity with a deeper penetration and the absence of systemic reabsorption are primary indicators that ALA dendrimers could be an alternative to h‐ALA in fluorescence‐guided cystoscopy.