bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular risk factors in healthy women with previous small for gestational age infants
Authors: Paradisi Giancarlo , Mattoli Maria Vittoria , Tomei Claudia , Zuppi Cecilia , Lulli Paola , Quagliozzi Lorena , Caruso Alessandro 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAim:  To investigate whether healthy women with a previous pregnancy complicated by a small for gestational age (SGA) infant have normal endothelial function, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and normal inflammation parameters.Material and Methods:  Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD, endothelium‐dependent) was measured in 16 subjects with previous SGA, and in 15 controls (CTR) with previous normal pregnancies. Lipid panel, glucose, insulin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐alpha), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (s‐ICAM), soluble vascular (s‐VCAM‐1) adhesion molecule‐1 (s‐VCAM‐1), and androgens were also measured.Results:  FMD was reduced in women with previous SGA compared to controls (P < 0.0001). SGA women showed increased insulin resistance (P < 0.0001), s‐ICAM‐1 (P = 0.008), TNF‐alpha (P = 0.02), testosterone (P = 0.03), and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.01) than CTR.Conclusion:  Endothelial dysfunction, reduced insulin sensitivity and subclinical inflammation are present in otherwise healthy women with previous SGA. These abnormalities show that the presence of a SGA infant in the obstetric history should be considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease later in life.
Increases in bone turnover marker levels at an early phase after starting zoledronic acid predicts skeletal‐related events in patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis
Authors: Izumi Kouji , Mizokami Atsushi , Itai Shingo , Shima Takashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Miwa Sotaro , Maeda Yuji , Konaka Hiroyuki , Koh Eitetsu , Namiki Mikio 
Published: May 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Bone turnover markers such as BAP and 1CTP in patients with SRE or metastatic bone progression were significantly higher at a later phase after starting treatment with zoledronic acid compared with those without SRE or progression. However, there are no evident biomarkers predicting SRE or survival at an early phase after starting zoledronic acid treatment.
The increase in serum 1CTP and BAP levels at an early phase after starting zoledronic acid treatment predicts short SRE‐free survival and overall survival. The measurement of bone turnover markers may be useful for physicians to inform patients of their prognosis and to determine the subsequent treatment plan.
OBJECTIVE• To examine whether bone turnover markers could be predictive markers of the probability of newly arising skeletal‐related events (SRE) after the start of zoledronic acid treatment in patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis.PATIENTS AND METHODS• In all, 30 patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis were treated with zoledronic acid infusion every 4 weeks.• Serum C‐terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (1CTP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels were measured at the start of zoledronic acid treatment to establish baseline values, and every 4 weeks thereafter.• To judge in the early phase whether zoledronic acid is effective in these patients, we retrospectively compared 1CTP, BAP, and PSA levels at 1, 3, and 6 months after starting zoledronic acid treatment with those at baseline.RESULTS• SRE‐free survival of patients with increases of 1CTP levels at 1 and 3 months and BAP levels at 3 months were significantly poorer than those of patients with decreases in 1CTP or BAP levels (P = 0.001, P = 0.042, and P = 0.004, respectively).• Overall survival of patients with increases of 1CTP levels at 1 and 3 months and of BAP levels at 6 months were significantly poorer than those of patients with decreases of 1CTP or BAP levels (P = 0.013, P = 0.027, and P = 0.035, respectively).CONCLUSION• The measurement of 1CTP and BAP levels at an early phase after starting zoledronic acid treatment may be useful for physicians to inform patients of their prognosis and to determine the subsequent treatment plan.
Intratesticular pressure after testicular torsion as a predictor of subsequent spermatogenesis: a rat model
Authors: Moritoki Yoshinobu , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Mizuno Kentaro , Kamisawa Hideyuki , Kohri Kenjiro , Hayashi Yutaro 
Published: May 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Testicular torsion results in atrophy rates of more than 25% despite prompt surgical management, and there is no reliable intraoperative critieria to judge the viability of the testis, except the testicular appearance after scrotal incision. We demonstrated that less reduction of ITP after detorsion correlated with worse subsequent spermatogenesis. This result suggests that ITP can be the index to determine removal of the affected testis during surgery.OBJECTIVE• To assess the correlation between intratesticular pressure (ITP) after testicular torsion and subsequent testicular function using a rat model and to show that ITP at surgery is a useful predictor of future spermatogenesis.MATERIALS AND METHODS• Fourteen rats were divided into a torsion group (n= 7) and a control group with sham operation (n= 7).• Torsion was created by 720° rotation of the left testis in a counter‐clockwise direction.• Using a handheld compartment monitor, the ITP of the torsed testes was measured three times: before torsion (pre‐torsion), just before torsion repair (pre‐detorsion) and 5 min after torsion repair (post‐detorsion).• We evaluated the correlation between ITP and testicular weight, epididymal sperm count or pathological findings, such as the seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and the modified Johnsen’s score, 4 weeks after surgery.RESULTS• Mean (se) pre‐torsion, pre‐detorsion and post‐detorsion ITP values in the torsion group were 5.9 (2.5), 19.7 (10.7) and 8.2 (4.8) cm H2O, respectively.• The ITP in torsed testes significantly increased after torsion (P < 0.01) and decreased after detorsion (P < 0.01).• Strong correlations were observed between the reduction of ITP after detorsion and testicular weight (r= 0.87, P < 0.05), epididymal sperm count (r= 0.94, P < 0.05), STD (r= 0.87, P < 0.05) or the Johnsen’s score (r= 0.99, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION• A smaller reduction in ITP after detorsion can be a risk factor for subsequent disturbance of spermatogenesis, suggesting that ITP can be an index for determining whether the affected testis should be removed after testicular torsion.
Patient safety: nursing students' perspectives and the role of nursing education to provide safe care
Authors: Vaismoradi M. , Salsali M. , Marck P. 
Published: May 2011

VAISMORADI M., SALSALI M. & MARCK P. (2011) Patient safety: nursing students' perspectives and the role of nursing education to provide safe care. International Nursing Review58, 434–442Background and Aim:  Nurses as the largest group of healthcare providers are in the best position to improve patient safety. In preparing future nurses, nurse educators have an important role in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes among nursing students related to patient safety. The aim of this study was to explore Iranian nursing students' perspectives regarding patient safety and the role of nursing education in developing their capabilities to provide safe care.Methods:  A purposeful sampling strategy was used to recruit 17 junior and senior nursing students for qualitative, semi‐structured interviews. Content analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted to identify several relevant themes.Findings:  Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: ‘safety as patient comfort’, ‘not being knowledgeable or experienced enough’ and ‘being helped to internalise the principles and values of patient safety’. The third theme consisted of two categories: ‘adopting a humanistic approach towards patients’ and ‘practising conscientiously in the workplace’.Conclusion:  The present study adds insights on how nursing students understand and may be helped to internalise concepts of patient safety within their practice. Nursing education curriculum designers need to go beyond theoretical concepts of patient safety education and devise strategies to increase the application of safety knowledge and competencies in nursing practice.
A survey of psychiatrists' and registered nurses' levels of mental health literacy in a Chinese general hospital
Authors: Liu W. , Gerdtz M.F. , Liu T.Q. 
Published: May 2011

LIU W., GERDTZ M.F. & LIU T.Q. (2011) A survey of psychiatrists' and registered nurses' levels of mental health literacy in a Chinese general hospital. International Nursing Review58, 361–369Background:  Mental health literacy (MHL) is the term used to describe people's knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid in the recognition, management or the prevention of illness. Health professionals' levels of MHL will shape the therapeutic relationship in which they work in partnership with patients. Studies have been conducted in Australia and Singapore to determine levels of MHL among members of the general public and health professionals. To date, no such studies have been published in Chinese populations.Aim:  The study aims to compare levels of MHL between registered nurses and psychiatrists in a Chinese general hospital. The paper reports participants' diagnosis and beliefs about interventions used to manage depression and schizophrenia.Methods:  A descriptive cross‐sectional survey was undertaken among a group of psychiatrists and registered nurses in the psychiatric department of one large teaching hospital in China (n = 70). Participants completed the survey by rating written vignettes related to depression and schizophrenia.Results:  The psychiatrists were highly accurate in correctly diagnosing both depression and schizophrenia; the registered nurses were less so for diagnosing depression. In terms of treatment options, the two groups reached a broad agreement on beliefs about the use of mental health interventions, but differed significantly in the use of some specific mental health interventions.Conclusions:  This study provides preliminary information about levels of MHL among Chinese mental health professionals and describes their attitudes towards the helpfulness of interventions used to restore mental health and well‐being. Future large‐scale studies are required to identify factors that influence beliefs about the use of mental health interventions. The findings have implications for further education of registered nurses in the specialization of mental health nursing in China.
Strategies to develop the nursing process and nursing care plans in the health system in Bolivia
Authors: Fernández‐Sola C. , Granero‐Molina J. , Aguilera‐Manrique G. , Peredo‐de Gonzales M.H. , Castro‐Sánchez A.M. , Pérez Galdeano A. 
Published: May 2011

FERNÁNDEZ‐SOLA C., GRANERO‐MOLINA J., AGUILERA‐MANRIQUE G., PEREDO‐DE GONZALES M.H., CASTRO‐SÁNCHEZ A.M. & PÉREZ GALDEANO A. (2011) Strategies to develop the nursing process and nursing care plans in the health system in Bolivia. International Nursing Review58, 392–399Background:  Care plans provide guidelines to offer all patients the same quality assistance. Care plans constitute a base where every stage of the nursing process can be recorded, which will save time when handling documentation. Bolivian nurses are very keen to participate in this global trend in order to grasp the opportunity offered by the international cooperation programmes carried out between Spain and South America.Aims:  To identify obstacles and enablers encountered when implementing the nursing process and to set clear strategies and actions so as to develop the nursing process and care plans in Santa Cruz department (Bolivia) both in hospitals and universities.Methods:  The participatory action research was conducted between the Autonomous University of Gabriel René Moreno (Bolivia) and the University of Almería (Spain). The procedure for data collection included meetings with key informants, interviews, observation and workshops. Data were analysed using the constant comparison and categorized by common themes.Results:  Lack of time and instruments, shortage of resources and the need for continuous training came up as obstacles, whereas enablers were the nurses' involvement, the university–hospital coordination and the support given by institutions. Actions taken were the creation of a care plan unit, the implementation of a training programme, design of instruments and meetings held with authorities and institutional representatives.Conclusions:  Conducting action research schemes within international cooperation programmes signifies an excellent opportunity for the nursing system in less‐developed countries to be included in international plans with the aim of standardizing the nursing practice.
Global patterns of stream detritivore distribution: implications for biodiversity loss in changing climates
Authors: Boyero Luz , Pearson Richard G. , Dudgeon David , Ferreira Verónica , Graça Manuel A. S. , Gessner Mark O. , Boulton Andrew J. , Chauvet Eric , Yule Catherine M. , Albariño Ricardo J. , Ramírez Alonso , Helson Julie E. , Callisto Marcos , Arunachalam Muthukumarasamy , Chará Julián , Figueroa Ricardo , Mathooko Jude M. , Gonçalves Jr José F. , Moretti Marcelo S. , Chará‐Serna Ana Marcela , Davies Judy N. , Encalada Andrea , Lamothe Sylvain , Buria Leonardo M. , Castela José , Cornejo Aydeé , Li Aggie O. Y. , M'Erimba Charles , Villanueva Verónica Díaz , del Carmen Zúñiga María , Swan Christopher M. , Barmuta Leon A. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTAim  We tested the hypothesis that shredder detritivores, a key trophic guild in stream ecosystems, are more diverse at higher latitudes, which has important ecological implications in the face of potential biodiversity losses that are expected as a result of climate change. We also explored the dependence of local shredder diversity on the regional species pool across latitudes, and examined the influence of environmental factors on shredder diversity.Location  World‐wide (156 sites from 17 regions located in all inhabited continents at latitudes ranging from 67° N to 41° S).Methods  We used linear regression to examine the latitudinal variation in shredder diversity at different spatial scales: alpha (α), gamma (γ) and beta (β) diversity. We also explored the effect of γ‐diversity on α‐diversity across latitudes with regression analysis, and the possible influence of local environmental factors on shredder diversity with simple correlations.Results  Alpha diversity increased with latitude, while γ‐ and β‐diversity showed no clear latitudinal pattern. Temperate sites showed a linear relationship between γ‐ and α‐diversity; in contrast, tropical sites showed evidence of local species saturation, which may explain why the latitudinal gradient in α‐diversity is not accompanied by a gradient in γ‐diversity. Alpha diversity was related to several local habitat characteristics, but γ‐ and β‐diversity were not related to any of the environmental factors measured.Main conclusions  Our results indicate that global patterns of shredder diversity are complex and depend on spatial scale. However, we can draw several conclusions that have important ecological implications. Alpha diversity is limited at tropical sites by local factors, implying a higher risk of loss of key species or the whole shredder guild (the latter implying the loss of trophic diversity). Even if regional species pools are not particularly species poor in the tropics, colonization from adjacent sites may be limited. Moreover, many shredder species belong to cool‐adapted taxa that may be close to their thermal maxima in the tropics, which makes them more vulnerable to climate warming. Our results suggest that tropical streams require specific scientific attention and conservation efforts to prevent loss of shredder biodiversity and serious alteration of ecosystem processes.
Effects of Chinese Imports on Relative Wages: Microevidence from Chile*
Authors: Álvarez Roberto , Opazo Luis 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe increasing prominence of China in world trade raises important questions about the impact of this on importer countries. In this paper, we address the issue of how import competition from China has affected relative wages in the Chilean manufacturing industry. Using plant‐level data for the period 1996–2005, we find that increasing imports from China have depressed relative wages in sectors with higher Chinese‐import penetration. Our results show a significant reduction of relative wages, between 4 and 25 percent, for those sectors that have experienced the largest increases in Chinese imports. We also find that this effect is particularly strong for small firms, while large firms are unaffected.
Identity, Utility, and Cooperative Behaviour: An Evolutionary Perspective*†
Authors: Wichardt Philipp C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis paper provides an argument for the advantage of a preference for identity‐consistent behaviour from an evolutionary point of view. Within a stylized model of social interaction, it is shown that the development of cooperative social norms is greatly facilitated if the agents possess a preference for identity‐consistent behaviour. As compliance with cooperative norms (in the long run) has a positive effect on the agents’ pay‐offs, it is argued that such a preference is evolutionarily advantageous. Notably, the argument, which assumes that agents always act in accordance with their preferences, also accounts for the cost of those features that are crucial for the selection process.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ is inhibited by histone deacetylase 4 in cortical neurons under oxidative stress
Authors: Yang Yang , Qin Xiaocui , Liu Shuhu , Li Jianjun , Zhu Xinhong , Gao Tianming , Wang Xuemin 
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 429–439.AbstractPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) serves an essential protective function in neurons. Although PPARγ activation is known to reduce brain tissue damage in distinct models of brain diseases, the regulation of PPARγ activity in neurons is unclear. Here, we report that histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) mediates PPARγ inhibition in cultured cortical neurons under oxidative stress. Our data indicate that HDAC4 physically interacts with PPARγ and represses PPARγ transcription activity in cultured cortical neurons. Upon H2O2 treatment, HDAC4 translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it inhibits PPARγ transcription. This inhibition rendered neurons more vulnerable to H2O2 insult. In contrast, knockdown of HDAC4 by introduction of a specific microRNA abolishes the oxidative stress‐induced repression of PPARγ in neurons and also reduces the number of dead neurons induced by H2O2. Furthermore, over‐expression of PPARγ protects neurons from either HDAC4 over‐expression‐ or H2O2‐induced damage. These data suggest that HDAC4 works to repress PPARγ transcription and regulates neuronal death by inhibiting PPARγ pro‐survival activity.
Potential Mechanisms for Muscle‐Powered Cardiac Support
Authors: Trumble Dennis R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBiomechanical actuation of an implanted ventricular assist device (VAD) is an attractive means of providing long‐term circulatory support. Studies show that energy from electrically stimulated skeletal muscle can, in principle, be used to provide tether‐free cardiac assistance without the need for percutaneous drivelines or bulky energy transmission hardware. A mechanical prosthesis designed to harness the contractile power of in situ skeletal muscle has been developed in this laboratory that collects energy from the latissimus dorsi muscle and transmits it in the form of hydraulic power. In order to use this technique to pump blood however, a practical means to deliver this energy to the bloodstream must be devised. Presented here are six prospective mechanisms designed to accomplish this task, five of which also eliminate blood contacting surfaces that often lead to thromboembolic complications in chronic VAD patients.
Prognostic Significance of Atrial Arrhythmias in a Primary Prevention ICD Population
Authors: VAN GELDER ISABELLE C. , PHAN HUY M. , WILKOFF BRUCE L. , BROWN MARK L. , ROGERS TYSON , PETERSON BRETT J. , BIRGERSDOTTER‐GREEN ULRIKA M. 
Published: May 2011

Introduction
: We investigated whether primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients with atrial arrhythmias are at higher risk for ICD shocks and mortality compared to patients without atrial arrhythmias in a subanalysis of the PREPARE study.
Methods and Results
: Details of the PREPARE study design and results have been previously reported. We now included 537 of the 700 patients enrolled in PREPARE. These patients had a dual or biventricular device and at least one device follow‐up after implantation. Continuously collected device diagnostics data were used to classify patients into two groups during follow‐up: with (n = 133) or without (n = 404) atrial tachycardia/atrial fibrillation (AT/AF). The primary outcomes were ICD shocks and mortality. Subjects were followed for a mean of 333 ± 73 (range 5–365) days. During a follow‐up of 1 year, ICD shocks occurred in 44 (8%) patients. Significantly, more patients with AT/AF received a shock (13.0% vs 6.9%, P = 0.03), with inappropriate shocks accounting for the majority of the difference (6.9% vs 2.6%, P = 0.02). There was no difference in prevalence of shocks between patients with and without a history of AF. Mortality was similar in patients with and without AT/AF, whether detected during the study or prior to the study. In addition, the 34 subjects with high average ventricular rate (≥110 beats per minute) during AT/AF had a higher risk of an inappropriate shock (21.0% vs 2.1%, P < 0.01).
Conclusion
: Primary prevention ICD patients with AT/AF are more likely to receive shocks, especially inappropriate shocks. Mortality was not higher in AT/AF patients. (PACE 2011; 34:1070–1079)
Marked QT Prolongation and Ventricular Tachycardia of a Transient Nature in Young Children with Cardiomyopathy
Authors: MAH DOUGLAS , WANG ALICIA , WU AMY , ALEXANDER MARK E. , WALSH EDWARD P. 
Published: May 2011

Significant prolongation of the QT interval in pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy is rare. We report two cases of dilated myopathy with transient and dramatic QT prolongation. Both had associated ventricular arrhythmias, with one having torsade de pointes, and the other nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Normalization of their QTc occurred as their ventricular function improved.(PACE 2012; 35:247–250)