bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suicide prevention in Uruguay
Authors: Pelaez Remigio Silvia 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The suicide rate in Uruguay is very high in comparison with other Latin American countries, and ranks only second to Cuba (WHO 2000a, b). There are multiple reasons for this, however, the main ones concerning economic aspects are high unemployment rates, a poor economy (very low incomes and high debts), forced retirement, and the emigration of young people and professionals, etc. Other reasons include domestic violence, sexual abuse, alcoholism, isolation, and the insufficient treatment of psychiatric patients.
First Report of Root Rot of Chicory Caused by Phytophthora cryptogea in Chile
Authors: Vargas M. , Loyola C. , Zapata N. , Rivera V. , Secor G. , Bolton M. , France A. 
Published: January 2012

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var sativum Bisch.), a relatively new high-value crop in Chile, was introduced for commercial production of inulin. Inulins are polysaccharides extracted from chicory tap roots that are used in processed foods because of their beneficial gastrointestinal properties. Approximately 3,000 ha of chicory are grown for local processing in the BioBio Region near Chillan in south central Chile. Recently, a severe rot of 1 to 3% of mature roots in the field and after harvest has been observed in most fields, which caused yield and quality losses. Typical symptoms include a brown discoloration and a soft, watery decay of the root. Tissue pieces from symptomatic roots were placed on water agar and clarified V8 juice agar medium amended with antibiotics (1) for isolation of the causal pathogen. A Phytopthora sp. had been consistently isolated from root lesions, and axenic cultures were obtained using single-hypha transfers. The species was provisionally identified as Phytopthora cryptogea (Pethybridge and Lafferty, 1919) on the basis of morphological and cultural characteristics (1). Mycelia grew between 5 and 30°C with optimal growth at 20 to 25°C and no growth at 35°C. All isolates produced hyphal swellings and nonpapillate, persistent, internally proliferating, and ovoid to obpyriform sporangia with mean dimensions of 45 × 31 μm in sterile soil extract. The isolates were of A1 mating type because they produced oospores only when paired with reference isolates of P. cinnamomi A2 on clarified V8 juice agar amended with thiamine, tryptophan, and β-sitosterol (1) after 20 days at 20°C in the dark. On the basis of morphological and sequence data from cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 2, internal transcribed spacer 2, and β-tubulin (GenBank Accession Nos. JQ037796 to JQ037798, respectively), the pathogen was identified as P. cryptogea. Pathogenicity tests were conducted using three isolates of P. cryptogea by placing a 7-mm-diameter disk from a 1-week-old V8 agar culture on 10 wounded and nonwounded healthy chicory roots (2). Control roots were mock inoculated with agar plugs. The inoculated roots were incubated at 20°C in a moist chamber. Root rot symptoms, identical to those observed both in field and storage, developed after 4 to 6 days only on wounded sites inoculated with the pathogen, and P. cryptogea was reisolated from these inoculated plants. Mock-inoculated roots remained healthy. This experiment was completed twice and similar results were obtained. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Phytophthora root rot of chicory caused by P. cryptogea in Chile. References: (1) D. C. Erwin and O. K. Ribeiro. Phytophthora Diseases Worldwide. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 1996. (2) M. E. Stanghellini and W. C. Kronland. Plant Dis. 66:262, 1982.
Testing for Plant-parasitic Nematodes that Feed on Corn in Iowa 2000-2010
Authors: Tylka Gregory L. , Sisson Adam J. , Jesse Laura C. , Kennicker John , Marett Christopher C. 
Published: January 2012

The Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic analyzes soil and root samples for plant-parasitic nematodes. The results of samples associated with corn that were submitted from 2000 through 2010 were summarized. One or more genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were found in 92% of the samples. Spiral nematode and root-lesion nematode were most commonly found. Other nematodes recovered were dagger, lance, needle, pin, ring, and stunt nematodes. Nematodes recovered at damaging population densities were dagger, needle, ring, and spiral nematodes. An average of 15 samples were submitted per year from 2000 to 2004. Sample numbers increased nearly threefold since 2005, but overall sample numbers were low every year from 2000 through 2010. Samples were received from 53 of the 99 Iowa counties, and most samples were received in June and July, which is the recommended sampling time. Nematodes that have been associated with corn in Iowa in the past that were not recovered from the samples were sheath, sting, and stubby-root nematodes. The methods used to extract the nematodes from soil and roots and how the samples were handled during collection and processing may have affected the species and population densities recovered. Much more frequent and widespread sampling is needed in Iowa for plant-parasitic nematodes that feed on corn. Accepted for publication 28 October 2011. Published 5 December 2011.
The cardioprotective association of average alcohol consumption and ischaemic heart disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Roerecke Michael , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTAims  Most, but not all, epidemiological studies suggest a cardioprotective association for low to moderate average alcohol consumption. The objective was to quantify the dose–response relationship between average alcohol consumption and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) stratified by sex and IHD end‐point (mortality versus morbidity).Methods  A systematic search of published studies using electronic databases (1980–2010) identified 44 observational studies (case–control or cohort) reporting a relative risk measure for average alcohol intake in relation to IHD risk. Generalized least‐squares trend models were used to derive the best‐fitting dose–response curves in stratified continuous meta‐analyses. Categorical meta‐analyses were used to verify uncertainty for low to moderate levels of consumption in comparison to long‐term abstainers.Results  The analyses used 38 627 IHD events (mortality or morbidity) among 957 684 participants. Differential risk curves were found by sex and end‐point. Although some form of a cardioprotective association was confirmed in all strata, substantial heterogeneity across studies remained unexplained and confidence intervals were relatively wide, in particular for average consumption of one to two drinks/day.Conclusions  A cardioprotective association between alcohol use and ischaemic heart disease cannot be assumed for all drinkers, even at low levels of intake. More evidence on the overall benefit–risk ratio of average alcohol consumption in relation to ischaemic heart disease and other diseases is needed in order to inform the general public or physicians about safe or low‐risk drinking levels.
Randomised clinical trial: efficacy of Lactobacillus paracasei‐enriched artichokes in the treatment of patients with functional constipation – a double‐blind, controlled, crossover study
Authors: Riezzo G. , Orlando A. , D'Attoma B. , Guerra V. , Valerio F. , Lavermicocca P. , De Candia S. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe role of probiotics in the management of constipation is uncertain.AimsTo evaluate the effects of probiotic‐enriched artichokes on treatment preference, symptom profile and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in constipated subjects when compared with ordinary artichokes.MethodsTwenty constipated patients (3M/17F; 38.8 ± 14.4 years) were studied using a double‐blind method and a computer‐generated randomisation list. Each patient consumed 180 g per day of ordinary artichokes or artichokes enriched with Lactobacillus paracasei IMPC 2.1 for 15 days (daily dose of 2 × 1010 CFU). Relief of symptoms was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. The stool consistency and symptom profile of patients were investigated using the Bristol stool form chart and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire (GSRS). SCFA production in faecal samples was evaluated using HPLC.ResultsEighty per cent of patients preferred probiotic‐enriched artichokes to ordinary ones (P = 0.011). Satisfactory relief of symptoms was significantly higher (P = 0.0014) during the probiotic‐enriched artichoke period. Bristol chart cluster scores were significantly higher (3.3 ± 1.2, 2.9 ± 1.3 2.2 ± 1.2, baseline, ordinary artichokes and probiotic‐enriched ones, respectively; P = 0.009) and GSRS constipation was significantly lower (13.9 ± 0.9, 10.2 ± 0.8, 8.3 ± 0.9; P = 0.032) in the probiotic group compared with the baseline. As for SCFA production, propionic acid was significantly higher (2.2 ± 1.4, 2.1 ± 1.53, 1.5 ± 1.2; P = 0.035) in the probiotic group compared with baseline.ConclusionThis trial shows a positive effect on symptoms in constipated patients after intake of probiotic‐enriched artichokes (clinical trial NCT01212146).
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with 17p deletion: a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors and therapy results
Authors: Delgado Julio , Espinet Blanca , Oliveira Ana C. , Abrisqueta Pau , de la Serna Javier , Collado Rosa , Loscertales Javier , Lopez Montserrat , Hernandez‐Rivas Jose A. , Ferra Christelle , Ramirez Angel , Roncero Josep M. , Lopez Cristina , Aventin Anna , Puiggros Anna , Abella Eugenia , Carbonell Felix , Costa Dolors , Carrio Anna , Gonzalez Marcos ,   on behalf of the Grupo Español de Leucemia Linfatica Cronica (GELLC) y Grupo Español de Citogenetica Hematologica (GECGH)
Published: January 2012

SummaryPatients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) whose tumour cells harbour a 17p deletion (17p‐) are universally considered to have a poor prognosis. The deletion can be detected at diagnosis or during the evolution of the disease, particularly in patients who have received chemotherapy. We sought to evaluate the natural history of patients with 17p‐ CLL, identify predictive factors within this prognostic subgroup, and evaluate the results of different therapeutic approaches. Data from 294 patients with 17p‐ CLL followed up at 20 different institutions was retrospectively collected and analysed. Median age was 68 (range 27–98) years at the time of fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. After 17p‐ documentation, 52% received treatment, achieving an overall response rate of 50%. Median overall survival was 41 months, and was significantly shorter in patients with elevated beta2‐microglobulin concentration (P < 0·001), B symptoms (P = 0·016), higher percentage of cells with deletion (P < 0·001), and acquired deletions (P = 0·012). These findings suggest that patients with 17p‐ CLL have a variable prognosis that can be refined using simple clinical and laboratory features, including 17p‐ clone size, beta2‐microglobulin concentration, presence of B symptoms and type of deletion (de novo versus acquired).
Prospects for primary stroke prevention in children with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Jordan Lori C. , Casella James F. , DeBaun Michael R. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThis review will focus on the strengths and limitations associated with the current standard of care for primary prevention of ischaemic strokes in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) ‐ transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) screening followed by regular blood transfusion therapy when TCD measurement is above a threshold defined by a randomized clinical trial (RCT). The theoretical basis for potential alternative strategies for primary prevention of neurological injury in SCA is also discussed. These strategies will include, but will not be limited to: immunizations to prevent bacterial infections, particularly in low income countries; management of elevated blood pressure; and targeted strategies to increase baseline haemoglobin levels with therapies such as hyroxycarbamide or potentially definitive haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Objective assessment of internal stress in children during dental treatment by analysis of autonomic nervous activity
Authors: UEHARA NAOKO , TAKAGI YUZO , MIWA ZENZO , SUGIMOTO KUMIKO 
Published: January 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 331–341
Aims.  The aim of this study was to assess the internal stress of children during dental treatment based on autonomic nerve activity and facial muscle activity.Methods.  We recorded the electrocardiogram of children during the treatment of composite resin restoration and analysed autonomic nerve activity by means of power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Simultaneously, electromyography (EMG) activity of the corrugator muscle was recorded in children during dental treatment, and the relationship between sympathetic nerve activity and corrugator EMG activity was analysed.Results.  In all subjects, the mean sympathetic nerve activity was significantly higher during oral examination and after treatment compared with pre‐treatment. Depending on the sympathetic nerve responses to the other treatment procedures, the subjects could be classified into two groups: the stress group and the nonstress group. Sympathetic nerve activity was significantly higher during infiltration anaesthesia and cavity preparation compared with pre‐treatment activity in the stress group, whereas it was consistently lower than the pre‐treatment levels during most treatment procedures in the nonstress group. The mean amplitudes of the averaged corrugator muscle EMG during dental treatment did not differ between the stress and nonstress groups.Conclusion.  The present results suggest that the measurement of autonomic nervous activity, especially sympathetic nervous activity, is quite useful in assessing the internal stress of children, even when no expressed sign of unease are present during dental treatment.
The Online Parent Information and Support project, meeting parents’ information and support needs for home‐based management of childhood chronic kidney disease: research protocol
Authors: Swallow Veronica , Knafl Kathleen , Sanatacroce Sheila , Hall Andrew , Smith Trish , Campbell Malcolm , Webb Nicholas J.A. 
Published: January 2012

swallow v., knafl k., sanatacroce s., hall a., smith t., campbell m. & webb n.j.a. (2012) The Online Parent Information and Support project, meeting parents’ information and support needs for home‐based management of childhood chronic kidney disease: research protocol. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(9), 2095–2102.AbstractAim.  This article is a report of a protocol for studying the development and evaluation of an online parent information and support package for home‐based care of children with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5. The study is funded by a National Institute of Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit Grant awarded (December 2010). Approval to undetake the study was obtained from the Department of Health National Research Ethics Service (June 2011).Background.  Children with chronic kidney disease require skilled, home‐based care by parents, supported by professionals. Parents have identified a need for continuously available online resources to supplement professional support, and structured resources tailored to parents’ needs are highlighted by policy makers as key to optimizing care; yet, online resource provision is patchy with little evidence base.Methods.  Using mixed methods, we will (i) conduct parent/child/young person/professional/patient and parent volunteer focus groups to explore views on existing resources, (ii) collaboratively define gaps in provision, identify desirable components, develop/test resources and conduct a feasibility randomized controlled trial, and (iii) of usual professional support versus usual support supplemented by the package. Eighty parents of children with chronic kidney disease will be randomized. Primary outcomes will assess parents’ self‐efficacy and views of resources, using standardized measures at entry and 24 weeks, and semi‐structured interviews at 24 weeks. We will finalize trial components for a later definitive trial.Discussion.  By working collaboratively, we will derive a detailed insight into parents’ information and support needs and experiences of using the package, and should see improved parental self‐efficacy.
A survey of issues of ethnicity and culture in nursing homes in an English region: nurse managers’ perspectives
Authors: Badger Frances , Clarke Laura , Pumphrey Rachel , Clifford Collette 
Published: January 2012

Aims.  This survey explored issues of ethnicity and culture in nursing homes in one English region.Background.  The older black and minority ethnic population in the UK is increasing, and this is the first detailed study of numbers of black and minority ethnic residents in nursing homes and of managers’ perceptions of their abilities to respond to residents’ needs.Design.  Mixed methods.Methods.  Date were collected in 2008. A postal survey was sent to all nursing homes in the region. A sub‐sample of managers participated in semi‐structured telephone interviews.Results.  A hundred and one homes responded to the survey, and 13 managers were interviewed. One‐third of homes had black and minority ethnic residents, and 95% had staff from these groups. Managers’ underlying philosophies of care were to treat each resident individually and not by category. It was felt that individualised care plans resulted in residents’ needs being met appropriately. Culturally sensitive care delivery varied. Some homes had established systems that were responsive to residents’ diversity, while others responded to the needs of black and minority ethnic residents on an ‘as‐required’ basis. Managers’ identified advantages in having staff from diverse backgrounds, although prejudice from residents towards staff emerged as a theme and managers’ responses varied. Staff training in the provision of appropriate end‐of‐life care was identified as a need.Conclusion.  Black and minority ethnic residents form a small but growing minority of nursing home residents. Predicted increases in this resident group mean that managers must consider the delivery of culturally sensitive services. Future research is needed to explore the perspectives of black and minority ethnic residents.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nursing homes in England are increasingly diverse communities, and staff training needs must be addressed to promote quality care for all residents.
Adaptive strategies of Parietaria diffusa (M.&K.) to calcareous habitat with limited iron availability*
Authors: DONNINI SILVIA , DE NISI PATRIZIA , GABOTTI DAMIANO , TATO LILIANA , ZOCCHI GRAZIANO 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe study of native plants growing in hostile environments is useful to understand how these species respond to stress conditions. Parietaria diffusa (M.&K.) is able to survive in highly calcareous soils and extreme environments, such as house walls, without displaying any chlorotic symptoms. Here, we have investigated the existence of Strategy I complementary/alternative mechanism(s) involved in Fe solubilization and uptake and responsible for Parietaria's extraordinary efficiency. After assessing the specific traits involved in a calcicole‐behaviour in the field, we have grown plants in conditions of Fe deficiency, either direct (−Fe) or induced by the presence of bicarbonate (+FeBic). Then, the growth performance, physiological and biochemical responses of the plants were investigated. The study shows that in Parietaria+FeBic, the classical responses of Strategy I plants are activated to a lower extent than in −Fe. In addition, there is a greater production of phenolics and organic acids that are both exuded and accumulated in the roots, which in turn show structures similar to ‘proteoid‐like roots’. We suggest that in the presence of this constraint, Parietaria undergoes some metabolic rearrangements that involve PEP‐consuming reactions and an enhancement of the shikimate pathway.
Development of a quantitative real‐time PCR assay for Phytophthora infestans and its applicability to leaf, tuber and soil samples
Authors: Lees A. K. , Sullivan L. , Lynott J. S. , Cullen D. W. 
Published: January 2012

A sensitive real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for the quantification of Phytophthora infestans, the cause of foliar and tuber late blight in potato. A primer pair (PinfTQF/PinfTQR) and a fluorogenic probe (PinfTQPR) were designed to perform a quantitative assay for the detection of P. infestans in leaves, tubers and soils. The assay was shown to be specific to P. infestans and the very closely taxonomically related non‐potato pathogen species P. mirabilis, P. phaseoli and P. ipomoea, but did not detect the potato pathogens P. erythroseptica and P. nicotianae. The assay was able to reliably detect P. infestans DNA at 100 fg per reaction and was effective in quantifying P. infestans in infected leaf tissue from 24 h after inoculation and also in infected symptomless tubers and diseased tubers. Attempts to detect oospores of P. infestans in naturally and artificially infested soil samples are described and compared with baiting tests and previous literature. It was not possible to detect oospores in soil samples due to problems with DNA extraction from the oospores themselves. However, the assay was shown to detect even very low levels of asexual inoculum (sporangia and mycelium) in soil. This work assembles all the necessary features of a quantitative P. infestans assay, which have previously been somewhat disparate: the sensitivity, specificity and quantitation are fully validated, the assay is shown to work in common applications in leaf and tuber tissue and the problems with P. infestans oospore detection are explored and tested experimentally.
Component‐resolved diagnosis of vespid venom‐allergic individuals: phospholipases and antigen 5s are necessary to identify Vespula or Polistes sensitization
Authors: Monsalve R. I. , Vega A. , Marqués L. , Miranda A. , Fernández J. , Soriano V. , Cruz S. , Domínguez‐Noche C. , Sánchez‐Morillas L. , Armisen‐Gil M. , Guspí R. , Barber D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundCross‐reactivity between hymenoptera species varies according to the different allergenic components of the venom. The true source of sensitization must therefore be established to ensure the efficacy of venom immunotherapy.ObjectiveIn the Mediterranean region, Polistes dominulus and Vespula spp. are clinically relevant cohabitating wasps. A panel of major vespid venom allergens was used to investigate whether serum‐specific IgE (sIgE) could be used to distinguish sensitization to either vespid.MethodsFifty‐nine individuals with allergic reactions to vespid stings and positive ImmunoCAP and/or intradermal tests to vespid venoms were studied. sIgE against recombinant and natural venom components from each wasp species was determined using the ADVIA Centaur® system.ResultssIgE against recombinant antigen 5s sensitization to be detected in 52% of the patients tested (13/25). The sensitivity increased to 80% (20/25), when using natural antigen 5s, and to 100% with the complete panel of purified natural components, because the sIgE was positive to either the antigen 5s (Pol d 5/Ves v 5) or to the phospholipases (Pol d 1/Ves v 1) of the two vespids, or to both components at the same time. In 69% of cases, it was possible to define the most probable sensitizing insect, and in the rest, possible double sensitization could not be excluded. Vespula hyaluronidase was shown to have no additional value as regards the specificity of the assay.ConclusionsThe major allergens of P. dominulus’ and Vespula vulgaris’ venom, namely phoshpholipases and antigen 5s, are required to discriminate the probable sensitizing species in vespid‐allergic patients.