bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What "best practice" could be in Palliative Care: an analysis of statements on practice and ethics expressed by the main Health Organizations
Authors: Barazzetti Gaia , Borreani Claudia , Miccinesi Guido , Toscani Franco 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
In palliative care it would be necessary to refer to a model. Nevertheless it seems that there are no official statements which state and describe that model. We carried out an analysis of the statements on practice and ethics of palliative care expressed by the main health organizations to show which dimensions of end-of-life care are taken into consideration.

Methods
The official documents by the most representative health organisations committed to the definition of policies and guidelines for palliative and end-of-life care had been considered. The documents were analysed through a framework of the components of end-of-life care derived from literature, which was composed of 4 main "areas" and of 12 "sub-areas".

Results
Overall, 34 organizations were identified, 7 international organisations, and 27 organisations operating on the national level in four different countries (Australia, Canada, UK and United States). Up to 56 documents were selected and analysed. Most of them (38) are position statements. Relevant quotations from the documents were presented by "areas" and "sub-areas". In general, the "sub-areas" of symptoms control as well as those referring to relational and social issues are more widely covered by the documents than the "sub-areas" related to "preparation" and to "existential condition". Indeed, the consistency of end-of-life choices with the patient's wishes, as well as completion and meaningfulness at the end of life is given only a minor relevance.

Conclusions
An integrated model of the best palliative care practice is generally lacking in the documents. It might be argued that the lack of a fixed and coherent model is due to the relevance of unavoidable context issues in palliative care, such as specific cultural settings, patient-centred variables, and family specificity. The implication is that palliative care staff have continuously to adapt their model of caring to the specific needs and values of each patient, more than applying a fixed, although maybe comprehensive, care model.
Does the process map influence the outcome of quality improvement work? A comparison of a sequential flow diagram and a hierarchical task analysis diagram
Authors: Colligan Lacey , Anderson Janet E , Potts Henry WW , Berman Jonathan 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Many quality and safety improvement methods in healthcare rely on a complete and accurate map of the process. Process mapping in healthcare is often achieved using a sequential flow diagram, but there is little guidance available in the literature about the most effective type of process map to use. Moreover there is evidence that the organisation of information in an external representation affects reasoning and decision making. This exploratory study examined whether the type of process map - sequential or hierarchical - affects healthcare practitioners' judgments.

Methods
A sequential and a hierarchical process map of a community-based anti coagulation clinic were produced based on data obtained from interviews, talk-throughs, attendance at a training session and examination of protocols and policies. Clinic practitioners were asked to specify the parts of the process that they judged to contain quality and safety concerns. The process maps were then shown to them in counter-balanced order and they were asked to circle on the diagrams the parts of the process where they had the greatest quality and safety concerns. A structured interview was then conducted, in which they were asked about various aspects of the diagrams.

Results
Quality and safety concerns cited by practitioners differed depending on whether they were or were not looking at a process map, and whether they were looking at a sequential diagram or a hierarchical diagram. More concerns were identified using the hierarchical diagram compared with the sequential diagram and more concerns were identified in relation to clinical work than administrative work. Participants' preference for the sequential or hierarchical diagram depended on the context in which they would be using it. The difficulties of determining the boundaries for the analysis and the granularity required were highlighted.

Conclusions
The results indicated that the layout of a process map does influence perceptions of quality and safety problems in a process. In quality improvement work it is important to carefully consider the type of process map to be used and to consider using more than one map to ensure that different aspects of the process are captured.
Frequent aberrant DNA methylation of ABCB1, FOXC1, PPP2R2B and PTEN in ductal carcinoma in situ and early invasive breast cancer
Authors: Muggerud Aslaug Aa , Rønneberg Jo Anders , Wärnberg Fredrik , Botling Johan , Busato Florence , Jovanovic Jovana , Solvang Hiroko , Bukholm Ida , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Kristensen Vessela N , Sørlie Therese , Tost Jörg 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive lesion of the breast that is frequently detected by mammography and subsequently removed by surgery. However, it is estimated that about half of the detected lesions would never have progressed into invasive cancer. Identifying DCIS and invasive cancer specific epigenetic lesions and understanding how these epigenetic changes are involved in triggering tumour progression is important for a better understanding of which lesions are at risk of becoming invasive.

Methods
Quantitative DNA methylation analysis of ABCB1, CDKN2A/p16
INK4a
, ESR1, FOXC1, GSTP1, IGF2, MGMT, MLH1, PPP2R2B, PTEN and RASSF1A was performed by pyrosequencing in a series of 27 pure DCIS, 28 small invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs), 34 IDCs with a DCIS component and 5 normal breast tissue samples. FOXC1, ABCB1, PPP2R2B and PTEN were analyzed in 23 additional normal breast tissue samples. Real-Time PCR expression analysis was performed for FOXC1.

Results
Aberrant DNA methylation was observed in all three diagnosis groups for the following genes: ABCB1, FOXC1, GSTP1, MGMT, MLH1, PPP2R2B, PTEN and RASSF1A. For most of these genes, methylation was already present at the DCIS level with the same frequency as within IDCs. For FOXC1 significant differences in methylation levels were observed between normal breast tissue and invasive tumours (P < 0.001). The average DNA methylation levels were significantly higher in the pure IDCs and IDCs with DCIS compared to pure DCIS (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively). Real-time PCR analysis of FOXC1 expression from 25 DCIS, 23 IDCs and 28 normal tissue samples showed lower gene expression levels of FOXC1 in both methylated and unmethylated tumours compared to normal tissue (P < 0.001). DNA methylation levels of FOXC1, GSTP1, ABCB1 and RASSF1A were higher in oestrogen receptor (ER) positive vs. ER negative tumours; whereas methylation levels of FOXC1, ABCB1, PPP2R2B and PTEN were lower in tumours with a TP53 mutation.

Conclusions
Quantitative methylation analysis identified ABCB1, FOXC1, PPP2R2B and PTEN as novel genes to be methylated in DCIS. In particular, FOXC1 showed a significant increase in the methylation frequency in invasive tumours. Low FOXC1 gene expression in both methylated and unmethylated DCIS and IDCs indicates that the loss of its expression is an early event during breast cancer progression.
The Estrogen Receptor-α in Osteoclasts Mediates the Protective Effects of Estrogens on Cancellous But Not Cortical Bone
Authors: Martin-Millan Marta , Almeida Maria , Ambrogini Elena , Han Li , Zhao Haibo , Weinstein Robert S. , Jilka Robert L. , O'Brien Charles A. , Manolagas Stavros C. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractEstrogens attenuate osteoclastogenesis and stimulate osteoclast apoptosis, but the molecular mechanism and contribution of these effects to the overall antiosteoporotic efficacy of estrogens remain controversial. We selectively deleted the estrogen receptor (ER)α from the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage in mice (ERαLysM−/−) and found a 2-fold increase in osteoclast progenitors in the marrow and the number of osteoclasts in cancellous bone, along with a decrease in cancellous bone mass. After loss of estrogens these mice failed to exhibit the expected increase in osteoclast progenitors, the number of osteoclasts in bone, and further loss of cancellous bone. However, they lost cortical bone indistinguishably from their littermate controls. Mature osteoclasts from ERαLysM−/− were resistant to the proapoptotic effect of 17β-estradiol. Nonetheless, the effects of estrogens on osteoclasts were unhindered in mice bearing an ERα knock-in mutation that prevented binding to DNA. Moreover, a polymeric form of estrogen that is not capable of stimulating the nuclear-initiated actions of ERα was as effective as 17β-estradiol in inducing osteoclast apoptosis in cells with the wild-type ERα. We conclude that estrogens attenuate osteoclast generation and life span via cell autonomous effects mediated by DNA-binding-independent actions of ERα. Elimination of these effects is sufficient for loss of bone in the cancellous compartment in which complete perforation of trabeculae by osteoclastic resorption precludes subsequent refilling of the cavities by the bone-forming osteoblasts. However, additional effects of estrogens on osteoblasts, osteocytes, and perhaps other cell types are required for their protective effects on the cortical compartment, which constitutes 80% of the skeleton.
An audit of the precipitating factors for haemolytic crisis among glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient paediatric patients
Authors: Al-Azzam Sayer I , Al-Ajlony Mohammad J , Al-Khateeb Taqwa , Alzoubi Karem H , Mhaidat Nizar , Ayoub Abeer 
Published: January 2010

Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common genetic enzyme deficiencies leading to haemolytic anaemia. This study aimed to investigate the precipitating factors for haemolytic crisis in G6PD-deficient paediatric patients in Jordan. Method A retrospective study of data from the records of 258 paediatric patients admitted to a major paediatric hospital in North Jordan from January 2001 until April 2007. Patients included were G6PD-deficient children who were admitted to the hospital secondary to an episode of haemolytic anaemia. Results Of 258 paediatric patients, 244 (94.2%) had developed a haemolytic episode secondary to ingestion of fava beans. The remaining 14 children (5.8%) developed a haemolytic episode triggered by other factors, such as drugs and upper respiratory infections. Conclusion Fava bean ingestion is the major precipitating factor for haemolytic anaemia episodes among G6PD-deficient children in Jordan.
The profile of newborn screening coverage in China
Authors: Cao Y , Yuan P , Wang Y P , Mao M , Zhu J 
Published: January 2010

Objective To estimate provincial, regional and national newborn screening coverage throughout China. Method Information about newborn screening was collected using a survey questionnaire from neonatal screening laboratories in China in 2006–2007. The total number of live births at the provincial and national levels was obtained from the Maternal and Child Health Information System (MCHIS) and the State Statistics Bureau (SSB), respectively, and was used to calculate the neonatal screening coverage at the provincial, regional and national levels. Results There were 185 laboratories providing neonatal screening services in China in 2007. The rates of national screening coverage in 2006 and 2007 were 31.27% and 39.96%, respectively, based on live birth numbers reported by the SSB. Both of these estimates are lower than those calculated from live birth numbers reported by the MCHIS. The rates of coverage in the Eastern, Middle and Western regions were about 84.90%, 30.41% and 19.82%, respectively, based on the live birth numbers reported by the MCHIS. Conclusion There are disparities in screening coverage between regions and between provinces throughout China, but the extent of this is difficult to ascertain because of the different systems of reporting live births. To calculate nationwide screening coverage it is probably appropriate to use the SSB data on live births. However, for provincial screening coverage the calculation is probably best based on the number of live births reported by the MCHIS once the validity of the MCHIS data is verified.
Precession electron diffraction and its advantages for structural fingerprinting in the transmission electron microscope
Authors: Moeck Peter , Rouvimov Sergei 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The foundations of precession electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope are outlined. A brief illustration of the fact that laboratory-based powder X-ray diffraction fingerprinting is not feasible for nanocrystals is given. A procedure for structural fingerprinting of nanocrystals on the basis of structural data that can be extracted from precession electron diffraction spot patterns is proposed.
Structure determination of the intermediate tin oxide Sn3O4 by precession electron diffraction
Authors: White Thomas A. , Moreno M. Sergio , Midgley Paul A. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The structure of an intermediate form of tin oxide was investigated by precession electron diffraction. The results support a revised version of a layered, vacancy-ordered structure for Sn3O4 proposed in the preceding literature. The lattice parameters were found to be consistent with a monoclinic cell which is a distorted superlattice of the cassiterite structure. Zero-order Laue zone (ZOLZ) Patterson maps, phased projections and phases measured from a [001] first-order Laue zone (FOLZ) conditional Patterson map all support the proposed modification to the tin coordinates over the unmodified form. The results of kinematical refinement were not satisfactory, although weak features found in the Patterson maps were consistent with the oxygen atoms being located close to the previously proposed positions.
Effects of Nitrogen and Potassium on Wear Mechanisms in Perennial Ryegrass: I. Wear Tolerance and Recovery
Authors: Hoffman L. , Ebdon J. S. , Dest W. M. , DaCosta M. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTFertility may influence wear tolerance and recovery, but its effects on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) are unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) on wear tolerance and recovery in perennial ryegrass. Field studies were conducted in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate five rate levels of N (49, 147, 245, 343, and 441 kg ha−1 yr−1) with three rate levels of K (49, 245, and 441 kg ha−1 yr−1). Wear was applied using differential slip wear (DSW) and grooming brush wear (GBW). Injury was assessed using visual ratings and a relative chlorophyll index from spectral readings measured on wear‐treated and nontreated plots. Grooming brush wear was ineffective for assessing recovery. Wear tolerance ratings between GBW and DSW were correlated with r‐values as high as 0.93 (P ≤ 0.001). Reflectance readings were correlated with GBW and DSW ratings. Nitrogen influenced wear tolerance and recovery. Wear tolerance decreased linearly as N increased, and N accounted for as much as 95% of the treatment variation. Reductions in wear tolerance with increasing K were observed with GBW, while significant gains in recovery from DSW were observed with K at 2 wk after treatment (2WAT). Nitrogen in excess of 245 kg ha−1 yr−1 promoted reductions in wear tolerance but faster recovery. The 245 kg N ha−1 yr−1 rate afforded full recovery in the shortest interval as early as 8WAT. Optimum N for maximum wear tolerance and recovery for perennial ryegrass is 245 kg N ha−1 yr−1
Fatty Acid Profiles of Orchardgrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Alfalfa
Authors: Dierking R. M. , Kallenbach R. L. , Roberts C. A. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTRecent research shows that the meat from beef animals finished on pasture has greater concentrations of omega‐3 fatty acid (FA) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) compared with animals finished on high‐concentrate diets. However, little is known about the FA concentrations in forage that might alter these FA in the meat of pasture‐finished beef. The objective was to determine the FA variation between and within forage species commonly grown in pastures in the Midwest. A secondary objective was to identify phenotypic characteristics that may be associated with individual FA. The forages analyzed included multiple cultivars of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire = Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub], perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and alfalfa [Medicago sativa L. ssp. sativa and falcata (L.) Arcang.]. Grasses had higher amounts of α‐linolenic (C18:3) acid compared with alfalfa. Conversely, alfalfa had larger amounts of linoleic acid (C18:2) than did the grasses. Correlations between phenotypic traits and specific FA were found; plant total chlorophyll had the greatest correlation to total FA concentration. Overall, there is not a large amount of within‐species variation that breeders could use to make large changes in FA concentrations.
Hierarchical Multiple‐Factor Analysis for Classifying Genotypes Based on Phenotypic and Genetic Data
Authors: Franco Jorge , Crossa José , Desphande Santosh 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTA numerical classification problem encountered by breeders and gene‐bank curators is how to partition the original heterogeneous population of genotypes into non‐overlapping homogeneous subpopulations. The measure of distance that may be defined depends on the type of variables measured (i.e., continuous and/or discrete). The key points are whether and how a distance may be defined using all types of variables to achieve effective classification. The objective of this research was to propose an approach that combines the use of hierarchical multiple‐factor analysis (HMFA) and the two‐stage Ward Modified Location Model (Ward‐MLM) classification strategy that allows (i) combining different types of phenotypic and genetic data simultaneously; (ii) balancing out the effects of the different phenotypic, genetic, continuous, and discrete variables; and (iii) measuring the contribution of each original variable to the new principal axes (PAs). Of the two strategies applied for developing PA scores to be used for clustering genotypes, the strategy that used the first few PA scores to which phenotypic and genetic variables each contributed 50% (i.e., a balanced contribution) formed better groups than those formed by the strategy that used a large number of PA scores explaining 95% of total variability. Phenotypic variables account for much variability in the initial PA; then their contributions decrease. The importance of genetic variables increases in later PAs. Results showed that various phenotypic and genetic variables made important contributions to the new PA. The HMFA uses all phenotypic and genetic variables simultaneously and, in conjunction with the Ward‐MLM method, it offers an effective unifying approach for the classification of breeding genotypes into homogeneous groups and for the formation of core subsets for genetic resource conservation.
Late Planting of Short‐Season Cotton in Saline Fields of the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Dong Hezhong , Li Weijiang , Xin Chengsong , Tang Wei , Zhang Dongmei 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTNormal planting of full‐season cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (NPF) in saline fields of the Yellow River valley, China, is currently faced with poor stand establishment, late maturity, and increasing cost of inputs. Our objective was to determine if late planting of short‐season cotton (LPS) may alleviate these problems. In the first experiment, the effects of cultivar, planting date, seeding rate, and their interactions on stand establishment and seedling Na+ and malondialdehyde concentrations were studied. We also compared varietal effects, input costs, and gross economic returns under NPF and LPS. Late planting improved stand establishment due to increased temperature and reduced Na+ and malondialdehyde concentrations in cotton tissues. The LPS at 21 kg seeds ha−1 (LPSM) and NPF at 30 kg seeds ha−1 (NPFH) yielded better than other treatment combinations. Varietal effects on lint yield were not significant. The output value of both systems was comparable; however, the net revenue from LPSM was 32% greater than that from NPFH due to lower material cost and labor inputs. Late planting of short‐season cotton is a promising option for cotton production in saline areas of the Yellow River delta and probably in other cotton‐growing areas with similar ecologies.
Putative Seedling Ferulate Ester (sfe) Maize Mutant: Morphology, Biomass Yield, and Stover Cell Wall Composition and Rumen Degradability
Authors: Jung H. G. , Phillips R. L. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTFerulate cross‐linking of lignin to arabinoxylan contributes to poor cell wall degradability of grass forages. We hypothesized that reduced ferulate ester deposition will result in formation of fewer ferulate cross links and improved degradability. Objectives were to determine if the putative seedling ferulate ester (sfe) maize (Zea mays L.) mutant, selected for reduced ferulate esters in seedling leaves, (i) exhibits reduced ferulate ethers; (ii) alters morphology, yield, and cell wall concentration and composition; and (iii) changes degradability. Four near‐isogenic sfe lines and backcrosses to W23 were compared with the inbred W23 in replicated field trials. Leaf blade, sheath, and stem of immature (1‐m plant height) and mature (silage) growth stages were analyzed for ferulate esters and ethers, cell wall concentration and composition, and in vitro rumen degradability. The sfe lines were taller and had greater internode cross‐sectional area than W23. Plant yield was greater at silage maturity for sfe lines and backcross lines yielded more than sfe Mature plant parts of sfe lines had lower ferulate ester concentrations than W23. At silage stage sfe lines had less ferulate ethers, small reductions in cell wall concentration, and shifts in composition. Immature samples were inconsistent for cell wall traits and backcross lines were generally intermediate, regardless of maturity. Cell wall degradability was higher for the sfe mutant as hypothesized. Reducing ferulate‐mediated cross‐linking of lignin to arabinoxylan in the cell walls of maize stover appears to be an effective strategy for improving cell wall degradability, and the sfe mutant may offer an opportunity to identify a gene controlling ferulate deposition in grasses.