bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between reduced testosterone, stimulated growth hormone secretion and increased carotid intima‐media thickness in obese men
Authors: Makimura Hideo , Stanley Takara L. , Sun Noelle , Connelly Jean M. , Hemphill Linda C. , Grinspoon Steven K. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjective  Obesity is associated with reduced testosterone and growth hormone (GH). However, the interrelationship between these axes and their independent contributions to cardiovascular risk is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the association between testosterone and GH in obesity, (2) whether excess adiposity mediates this association and (3) the relative contribution of reduced testosterone and GH to increased carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) in obesity.Design  Fifty obese men were studied with GH‐releasing hormone–arginine testing, and morning free testosterone (FT) was measured by equilibrium dialysis. Metabolic, anthropometric and cardiovascular risk indices, including cIMT were measured. Twenty‐six normal weight men served as controls.Results  Obese subjects demonstrated lower mean (±SEM) peak stimulated GH (5·9 ± 0·6 vs 36·4 ± 3·9 μg/l; P < 0·0001) and FT (0·41 ± 0·03 vs 0·56 ± 0·03 nmol/l; P = 0·0005) compared to controls. GH was significantly associated with FT (r = +0·44; P < 0·0001) and both were inversely related to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (GH: r = −0·65; P < 0·0001; FT: r = −0·51; P < 0·0001). In multivariate regression analysis controlling for VAT, FT was no longer related to GH. Both GH and FT were associated with cIMT in univariate analysis. However, in multivariate modelling including traditional cardiovascular risk markers, GH (β = 0·003; P = 0·04) but not FT (P = 0·35) was associated with cIMT.Conclusions  These results demonstrate a strong relationship between FT and GH in obesity and suggest that this relationship is more a function of excess adiposity rather than a direct relationship. While reduced FT and GH are both related to increased cIMT, the relationship with reduced GH remains significant controlling for reduced FT and traditional cardiovascular disease risk markers.
The effect of seasonal variation in abiotic factors on fish community structure in temporary and permanent pools in a tropical wetland
Authors: ESCALERA‐VÁZQUEZ LUIS H. , ZAMBRANO LUIS 
Published: August 2010

Summary1. Fish community structure depends on biotic interactions and abiotic variables. Abiotic variables appear to gain importance in highly variable freshwater systems, such as tropical wetlands where a marked seasonal hydroperiod (dry and wet seasons) modifies water quality and quantity, differentially affecting fish survival and, consequently, modifying species richness and abundance.2. We evaluated the relationship between abiotic variables and fish community structure in variable (temporary) and stable (permanent) pools that were interconnected in a tropical wetland with marked annual dry and wet seasons.3. All fish species were able to occupy any of the studied pools, but our results showed distinctive fish community structures in permanent and temporary pools. Community structure was related to temperature, depth, pH and macrophyte coverage. Total fish abundance in the wetland was negatively related to water depth and positively related to macrophyte coverage.4. Null models of co‐occurrence indicated a non‐random pattern at the wetland scale and a random pattern within groups of pools with similar characteristics, suggesting that fish communities are structured according to habitat features. We conclude that seasonal abiotic variation and habitat characteristics in this highly variable pristine wetland play major roles in structuring fish communities.
Biomechanical behaviour of a fractured maxillary incisor restored with direct composite resin only or with different post systems
Authors: Garbin C. A. , Spazzin A. O. , Meira‐Júnior A. D. , Loretto S. C. , Lyra A. M. V. C. , Braz R. 
Published: August 2010

Garbin CA, Spazzin AO, Meira‐Júnior AD, Loretto SC, Lyra AMVC, Braz R. Biomechanical behaviour of a fractured maxillary incisor restored with direct composite resin only or with different post systems. International Endodontic Journal.AbstractAim  To compare stress distribution between a fractured maxillary central incisor restored with direct composite resin only (CR) or associated with different post materials, using finite element analysis.Methodology  A three‐dimensional model of a sound maxillary central incisor and supporting structures was constructed, using data from the dental literature. Changes were made in the crown region to create a tooth with a restored crown fracture. A composite resin restoration only and restorations associated with different tapered post systems (glass fibre, carbon fibre, titanium and zirconia ceramic) were also evaluated, resulting in six experimental models. A static chewing pressure of 2.16 N mm−2 was applied to two areas of the palatal surface of the tooth. Stress distribution was analysed under a general condition and in the structures of the models separately.Results  The maximum stresses were concentrated as follows: at the cemento‐enamel junction in the model with a sound maxillary central incisor, restored with CR and with a composite resin restoration associated with fibre posts; in the enamel at the post–enamel interface on the palatal surface of the model with a titanium post; and in the post of the model with zirconia ceramic post.Conclusions  None of the restorations evaluated was able to recover the stress distribution of the sound tooth. The models restored with composite resin associated with a glass or carbon fibre post had similar stress distributions to that of the model restored with CR. The different post materials were shown to have a substantial influence on stress distribution, with less stress concentration when fibre posts were used.
Factors predicting blood pressure control in older Chinese immigrants to the United States of America
Authors: Li Wen‐Wen , Wallhagen Margaret I. , Froelicher Erika S. 
Published: August 2010

li w.‐w., wallhagen m.i. & froelicher e.s. (2010) Factors predicting blood pressure control in older Chinese immigrants to the United States of America. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2202–2212.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study of the extent to which demographic characteristics, medication‐related factors, hypertension‐related knowledge and medication adherence predict systolic and diastolic blood pressure.Background.  Little is known about predictors of hypertension control in Chinese elders.Methods.  A longitudinal study with a 3‐month follow‐up was conducted with 90 Chinese immigrants to the United States of America aged ≥65 years and recruited from 2006 to 2007. The independent variables were measured at baseline. Blood pressure was measured at 3 months. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent effects of seven variables on change in blood pressure at 3 months.Results.  Participants ranged in age from 66 to 92 years (Mean 76·7, sd 6·6). The overall regression model for systolic blood pressure was statistically significant (R2 = 0·32, F = 4·37, P < 0·01). A higher number of prescribed oral medications (sr2 = 0·06, t = 2·42, P = 0·02) and lower medication adherence (sr2 = 0·07, t = −2·60, P = 0·01) were statistically significant determinants of an increased systolic blood pressure. The overall regression model for diastolic blood pressure was statistically significant (R2 = 0·21, F = 2·39, P = 0·03). Male gender (sr2 = 0·06, t = 2·26, P = 0·03) and lower medication adherence (sr2 = 0·11, t = −3·03, P < 0·01) were statistically significant determinants of an increased diastolic blood pressure.Conclusion.  A greater number of prescribed medications and lower adherence predicted higher level of systolic blood pressure. Male gender and lower adherence were significantly associated with higher level of diastolic blood pressure. These predictors should be considered when designing interventions to help Chinese elders achieve better hypertension management.
Responses of stream macroinvertebrates and ecosystem function to conventional, integrated and organic farming
Authors: Magbanua Francis S. , Townsend Colin R. , Blackwell Grant L. , Phillips Ngaire , Matthaei Christoph D. 
Published: August 2010

Summary 1. Organic farming practices can benefit a wide range of terrestrial biota in comparison to conventional farming but we do not know whether this benefit extends to streams flowing through farmed landscapes. 2. We measured the impacts of organic, integrated management and conventional farming on the taxonomic and trait composition of macroinvertebrate communities and on stream ecosystem functioning (algal accrual on tiles and leaf breakdown). Our study design included five replicates of each farming practice, arranged in blocks, in agricultural land dedicated to the farming of sheep and beef cattle on pasture in southern New Zealand. In each farm stream, we studied both upstream and downstream reaches within the farm’s boundaries. 3. The different farming practices were reflected in contrasting stream physicochemistry (total dissolved nitrogen, fine sediment on the bed and glyphosate concentrations in the bed sediment) and in differences in both the taxonomic organization and trait representation of stream invertebrate communities. Conventional farm streams showed the strongest negative responses, whilst the condition of organic and integrated farm streams was similar. 4. Invertebrate trait measures proved as effective as taxonomic measures in their response to agricultural intensity, whereas ecosystem function measures were least sensitive. 5. There were no overall physicochemical differences between upstream and downstream sites within the farms and few notable longitudinal patterns in ecological response variables. 6. Synthesis and applications. Conventional farming had the strongest adverse consequences for stream condition in our study. In contrast, an integrated management system (aimed at reducing pesticide use, increasing beneficial pest predators and encouraging environmentally responsible soil, water and energy management) proved at least as effective as organic farming and, together with organic farming, can be considered better practice.
Relationship between diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity, and health‐related quality of life in Gaziantep, a central south‐eastern city in Turkey
Authors: Ucan Ozlem , Ovayolu Nimet 
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  The main goal of nursing care should be to increase health‐related quality of life as well as improve the medical status of patients with chronic disease. For this reason, this study aims to evaluate and compare the health‐related quality of life of patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity in Gaziantep, a south‐eastern city in Turkey.Background.  Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity are the most decisive factors in terms of adversely affecting health‐related quality of life.Design.  A cross‐sectional, descriptive design was used.Method.  In this study, the research population included a total of 1601 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity patients. To evaluate health‐related quality of life of patients, Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) was used. Student’s t‐test, one‐way anova and chi‐square analyses were used for comparisons between groups.Results.  In total, 18·1% of patients had combined obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus; 16·1% had hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Approximately 16·1% had only hypertension; 15·4% had obesity and hypertension; 13·3% had diabetes mellitus; 12·7% had obesity and diabetes mellitus; and 8·4% had obesity. The health‐related quality of life physical component mean scores of patients with combined obesity and hypertension were lower than that of the other groups (p < 0·05). Health‐related quality of life physical component mean scores were determined as 34·5 (SD 0·4), and mental component mean scores were determined as 43·9 (SD 4·4). Health‐related quality of life physical component mean scores of moderately active patients were higher, while older age and lower educational and income levels had a negative effect on health‐related quality of life (p < 0·05).Conclusion.  Diabetes, hypertension and obesity decrease patient health‐related quality of life while physical activity increases it. The coexistence of obesity and hypertension, in particular, has a more negative effect on health‐related quality of life.Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients with hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus need professional support from nurse. Frequent health‐related quality of life evaluation and support is required for chronic patients, especially for those who are older, have lower educational and income levels and those with more than one chronic disease.
Exploratory cross‐sectional study of factors associated with pre‐hospital management of pain
Authors: Siriwardena A Niroshan , Shaw Deborah , Bouliotis George 
Published: August 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Improving pain management is important in pre‐hospital settings. We aimed to investigate how pain was managed in pre‐hospital suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or fracture and how this could be improved.Method  We conducted a cross‐sectional study in Lincolnshire using recorded suspected AMI and fracture between April 2005 and March 2006. Outcomes included pain assessment, improvement in pain scores and administration of Entonox, opiates or GTN (in AMI).Results  We accessed 3654 patients with suspected AMI or fracture. Pain was assessed in over three quarters of patients but analgesics administered in under two‐fifths. Assessment was more likely in patients with suspected AMI (OR 2.05, 95% CI [1.70, 2.47]), and who were alert (OR 3.55, 95% CI [2.32, 5.43]). Entonox was less likely to be administered for suspected AMI (OR 0.11, 95% CI [0.087, 0.15]) or by paramedic crews (OR 0.56, 95% CI [0.45, 0.68]) but more likely to be given when pain had been assessed (OR 3.54, 95% CI [2.77, 4.52]). Opiates were more likely to be prescribed for suspected AMI (OR 1.30, 95% CI [1.07, 1.57]), in alert patients (OR 1.35, 95% CI [0.71, 2.56]) assessed for pain (OR 2.20, 95% CI [1.73, 2.80]) by paramedic crews.Conclusions  This exploratory study showed shortfalls in assessment and treatment of pain, but also demonstrated that assessment of pain was associated with more effective treatment. Further research is needed to understand barriers to pre‐hospital pain management and investigate mechanisms to overcome these.
Evaluation of email alerts in practice: Part 2 – validation of the information assessment method
Authors: Pluye Pierre , Grad Roland M. , Johnson‐Lafleur Janique , Bambrick Tara , Burnand Bernard , Mercer Jay , Marlow Bernard , Campbell Craig 
Published: August 2010

AbstractRationale and objective  The information assessment method (IAM) permits health professionals to systematically document the relevance, cognitive impact, use and health outcomes of information objects delivered by or retrieved from electronic knowledge resources. The companion review paper (Part 1) critically examined the literature, and proposed a ‘Push‐Pull‐Acquisition‐Cognition‐Application’ evaluation framework, which is operationalized by IAM. The purpose of the present paper (Part 2) is to examine the content validity of the IAM cognitive checklist when linked to email alerts.Methods  A qualitative component of a mixed methods study was conducted with 46 doctors reading and rating research‐based synopses sent on email. The unit of analysis was a doctor's explanation of a rating of one item regarding one synopsis. Interviews with participants provided 253 units that were analysed to assess concordance with item definitions.Results and conclusion  The content relevance of seven items was supported. For three items, revisions were needed. Interviews suggested one new item. This study has yielded a 2008 version of IAM.
Histopathological studies on Vibrio harveyi– infected tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes (Temminck et Schlegel), cultured in Japan
Authors: Mohi M M , Kuratani M , Miyazaki T , Yoshida T 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Vibrio harveyi infection occurred with a moderate mortality in tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes (Temminck et Schlegel), in autumn 2007, at a mariculture farm in western Japan. The diseased fish showed nodular lesions in the branchial chamber and the inner surface of the operculum. Histopathologically, the lesions comprised granulation tissue containing many suppurative foci allowing propagation of the bacteria and granuloma encapsulating abscesses with a decrease in bacteria. The bacteria were disseminated in visceral organs including the spleen, kidney, liver, and myocardium, resulting in the formation of granulomatous lesions. Two groups of tiger puffer juveniles were artificially infected by an intramuscular injection with an isolate (1.0_108 CFU/fish). During the experimental period, 20% mortality occurred within 4–6 days post‐infection (d.p.i). The fish sampled on 4 d.p.i showed abscesses in the lateral musculature at the injection site. The fish sampled 5 d.p.i. displayed the production of granulation tissue containing many suppurative foci, which replaced the necrotic dermis and lateral musculature. Surviving fish (15 d.p.i.) had granulomatous lesions in the lateral musculature at the injection site. Pyogranulomatosis is pathognomonic in V. harveyi infection of tiger puffer.
Obesity worsens cardiovascular risk profiles independently of hyperinsulinaemia
Authors: BONORA E. , TARGHER G. , ZENERE M. B. , SAGGIANI F. , ALBERICHE M. P. , BRANZI P. , MUGGEO M. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Bonora E, Targher G, Zenere MB, Saggiani F, Alberiche MP, Branzi P, Muggeo M. (University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy). Obesity worsens cardiovascular risk profiles independently of hyperinsulinaemia. Objective: To investigate whether human obesity is characterized by a worse cardiovascular risk profile (than no obesity) even in the absence of hyperinsulinaemia. Subjects and design: A total of 367 healthy subjects (247 nonobese and 120 obese) with normal glucose tolerance and without family history of diabetes mellitus. Interventions: A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed in all participants. Main outcome measures: Anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting plasma lipids and urate, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations at fasting, 1 h and 2 h after oral glucose load. Results: In a multivariate linear regression analysis, body mass index was strongly related to all cardiovascular risk factors, independently of sex, age and plasma insulin. When risk factors were compared in 37 normoinsulinaemic obese subjects (plasma insulin within one standard deviation of the mean values observed in the 247 nonobese subjects), and in 37 sex‐ and age‐matched normoinsulinaemic nonobese subjects, we found that plasma glucose levels were similar in the two groups, whereas plasma triglyceride (1.50pL0.13 vs. 1.13pL0.08 mmol L‐1; mean pL SE). low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.42pL0.25 vs. 2.77pL0.18 mmol L‐1) and urate (290pL12 vs. 255pL12 umol L‐1) levels were significantly higher, and plasma high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were lower (1.27pL0.04 vs. 1.46pL0.06 mmol L‐1) in obese than in nonobese subjects with normal plasma insulin levels (P<0.01). Also systolic (132pL2 vs. 124pL2 mmHg) and diastolic (86pL1 vs. 81pL1 mmHg) blood pressure values were significantly higher in normoinsulinaemic obese subjects than in normoinsulinaemic nonobese individuals (P<0.001). Conclusions: These results suggest that in human obesity a worse cardiovascular risk profile is found (than in the nonobese) independently of the presence of hyperinsulinaemia.
Schilling and protein‐bound cobalamin absorption tests are poor instruments for diagnosing cobalamin malabsorption
Authors: LINDGREN A. , BAGGE E. , CEDERBLAD Å. , NILSSON O. , PERSSON H. , KILANDER A. F. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Lindgren A, Bagge E, Cederblad A, Nilsson 0, Persson H, Kilander AF (Boris Central Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and Molndal Hospital, Sweden). Schilling and protein‐bound cobalamin absorption tests are poor instruments for diagnosing cobalamin malabsorption. Objectives: To assess the advantage of a protein‐bound cobalamin absorption test (PBAT) over the Schilling test in patients with suspeded cobalamin (vitamin B12) malabsorption. Design: Clinical study of consecutive patients referred from primary care units, medical and neurological clinics. Setting: The catchment area of Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg. Subjects. Referred patients (n = 155) with suspected cobalamin deficiency and at least one serum cobalamin value < 200 pmol L‐l. Interventions: All patients were investigated with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies taken upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies taken methylmalonic acid (h4MA) and homocysteine (Hcy) were determined in all 109 patients not on cobalamin substitution. A dual isotope cobalamin absorption test was then performed with the concomitant administration of crystalline (Schilling) and proteinbound cobalamin (PBAT). Main outcome measures: Number of patients with gastric body atrophy diagnosed with each absorption gastric body atrophy diagnosed with each absorption test and the relation between these results and functional cobalamin deficiency defined as elevated MMA and Hcy, that normalized after cobalamin substitution treatment. Results: The majority of patients with abnormal absorption tests had already developed elevated MMA and/or Hcy. PBAT was more sensitive than the Schilling test in identifyiog patients with gastric body atrophy but the sensitivity was too low for clinical use. About f of the patients with gastric body atrophy and normal absorption tests had already developed elevated MMA and/or Hcy. PBAT was more sensitive than the Schilling test in identifyiog patients with gastric body atrophy but the sensitivity was too low for clinical use. About f of the patients with gastric body atrophy and normal absorption tests had elevated MMA and/or Hcy, indicating cobalamin deficiency. Conclusion: PBAT may be somewhat more sensitive than the Schilling test but neither test is sensitive enough for diagnosing cobalamin malabsorption at an early stage.