bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practitioners’ accounts for treatment actions and recommendations in physiotherapy: when do they occur, how are they structured, what do they do?
Authors: Parry Ruth 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper examines healthcare communication between physiotherapists and patients during treatment sessions, using the perspectives and methods of conversation analysis. In particular, it examines communication about reasons and rationale for treatment actions by analysing physiotherapists’ accounts (explanations) for these actions during treatment sessions. Circumstances in which accounts arise are identified, structural aspects described and their functions demonstrated. These accounts can be persuasive, can foster mutuality, minimise resistance and provide education. They contribute to sensitive handling of patients’ physical failures and of removing clothing. Questions arising, but as yet unanswered, include whether clinicians’ accounts impact on patients’ perceptions and their long‐term outcomes. Analysis sheds some light on why observers have found accounts are uncommon in actual consultations. It thereby contributes to sociological understandings about why certain matters are and are not communicated during healthcare encounters, demonstrating the significance of practical and interactional constraints. The findings also provide clinically relevant information about when and how accounts can be provided, and what accounting can achieve in terms of both local procedures and the overall character of the consultation and relationship.
Free insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 and IGF‐binding proteins‐2 and ‐3 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Authors: Corbo M. , Lunetta C. , Magni P. , Dozio E. , Ruscica M. , Adobbati L. , Silani V. 
Published: October 2009

Background:  The insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) signaling system is regulated by many factors which interact in regulating the bioavailability of IGF‐I. In this context, little information is available on free IGF‐1, the bioactive form of IGF‐1, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Methods:  We investigated the endogenous expression of IGF‐1, and two related binding proteins (IGF‐binding proteins, IGFBP‐2 and BP‐3) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 54 sporadic ALS (sALS) patients. Twenty‐five healthy individuals and 25 with other neurological diseases (OND) were used as controls. Total and free IGF‐1, and IGFBP‐3 levels were detected by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA); IGFBP‐2 levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA).Results:  Total and free IGF‐1, IGFBP‐2 and BP‐3 serum levels were not significantly different between patients and controls, although in sALS patients free IGF‐1 was negatively correlated with ALS‐Functional Rating Scale‐revised (ALS‐FRS‐R) score (r = −0.4; P = 0.046) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = −0.55; P < 0.04). In CSF, free IGF‐1 was significantly increased in sALS patients compared with OND (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  Though in the serum we did not find significant differences amongst the three groups, IGF‐1 bioavailability, represented by the free IGF‐1 levels, correlated with disease severity. In the CSF, the significant increment of the free fraction of IGF‐1 suggests an up‐regulation of the IGF‐1 system in the intrathecal compartment of sALS patients. Since IGF‐1 is a trophic factor for different tissues, we speculate that high levels of the free IGF‐1 in sALS might reflect a physiological defensive mechanism promoted in response to neural degeneration and/or muscle atrophy.
Treatment of scalp psoriasis with clobetasol‐17 propionate 0.05% shampoo: a study on daily clinical practice
Authors: Bovenschen HJ , Van de Kerkhof PCM 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground  Safety and clinical effectiveness of clobetasol‐17 propionate 0.05% shampoo have been shown in patients with scalp psoriasis.Aim  First, to evaluate treatment satisfaction, user convenience safety and effectiveness of clobetasol‐17 propionate 0.05% shampoo treatment in daily clinical practice. Second, to identify subgroup variables that may predict treatment success or failure.Methods  A total of 56 patients with scalp psoriasis were treated with short‐contact clobetasol‐17 propionate 0.05% shampoo once daily for 4 weeks. Data on treatment satisfaction, user convenience, safety and effectiveness were assessed on a 7‐point Likert scale using postal questionnaires. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify variables that may predict treatment outcome.Results  A total of 41 patients returned both questionnaires (73%). Positive treatment satisfaction and user convenience were reported by 66% and 79% of patients respectively. Patient‐rated indicators for disease severity improved by 39–46% (P < 0.05%). No major side‐effects were reported. Subgroup analyses did not reveal any statistically significant patient variable that may predict treatment outcome. However, a tendency towards improved treatment satisfaction was observed in patients who had received fewer topical antipsoriatic treatments previously (P > 0.05).Conclusions  Short‐contact treatment with clobetasol‐17 propionate 0.05% shampoo has high user convenience and patient satisfaction rates. Moreover, the treatment is well‐tolerated and efficacious from patients’ perspective. Subgroup analyses did not reveal factors predicting treatment outcome, although treatment success tended to be more evident in patients who had received fewer treatments previously.
Internet‐supported gathering of treatment data and patient benefits in psoriasis
Authors: Langenbruch AK , Schäfer I , Franzke N , Augustin M 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground  Studies about health care of psoriasis patients in Germany are predominantly carried out in dermatological centres, which results in a certain selection bias. To collect data from other sources of patients, the German Centre of Health Services Research in Dermatology conducted a series of web‐based studies. The extent of how data on health care on psoriasis gathered online vary from paper and pencil data is yet to be explored.Objective

To collect reliable treatment and benefit online data from psoriasis patients in Germany.
To compare these with data gathered at dermatological centres.

Methods  On the ‘psoriasis‐hilfe.de’ web portal, psoriasis patients were asked to complete the online version of a questionnaire, which has already been used as a paper and pencil version in the national psoriasis study ‘PsoHealth’. Subsequently, difference analyses were conducted between the two data sets.Results  The PsoWeb sample (n = 1071) varies to a high extent from the PsoHealth sample (n = 2009) regarding the achievement of treatment goals and treatment satisfaction. Irrespective of age, sex and duration of disease, the online sample showed lower treatment satisfaction and fewer patient‐defined benefits.Conclusion  The findings suggest that patients in the online sample are less satisfied with their health care, which also could have been their motive for participating online.It is important to gather data online because it increases the data pool and permits inclusion of people who are not incorporated in clinical settings. However, online data cannot directly replace data collected in clinics because they are also subject to selections.
Need vs. opportunity recognition in household car replacements
Authors: Marell Agneta , Gärling Tommy , Laitila Thomas 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIt is hypothesized that an intention to replace the owned car initiated by need recognition (a decrease in perceived current quality level of the old car) or opportunity recognition (an increase in aspired quality level of the new car) will result in purchases of different new cars. A sample of 1083 car owners were interviewed over telephone every fourth month during 2.5 years. The results showed that replacement intentions were not affected by how the intention was formed but that the choice of model year of the new car was. A younger car was chosen if the aspired quality level increased faster across interview waves than the current quality level decreased, and an older car was chosen if the current quality level decreased faster than the aspired quality level increased. As a consequence, if replacement intentions are the result of opportunity recognition, rejuvenation of the car fleet will be faster than if replacement intentions are the result of need recognition.
Anti‐arthritic effect of scopoletin, a coumarin compound occurring in Erycibe obtusifolia Benth stems, is associated with decreased angiogenesis in synovium
Authors: Pan Rong , Gao Xing‐Hua , Li Ying , Xia Yu‐Feng , Dai Yue 
Published: October 2009

AbstractScopoletin is the main constituent of coumarin found in the stems of Erycibe obtusifolia Benth, a traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We have previously demonstrated that scopoletin is able to decrease the serum level of uric acid in hyperuricemic mice induced by potassium oxonate, and attenuate croton oil‐induced inflammation. In the present study, we evaluated the anti‐arthritic effects of scopoletin in rat adjuvant‐induced arthritis by assessing paw swelling, pathology, and synovial angiogenesis. It was found that scopoletin, injected intraperitoneally at doses of 50, 100 mg/kg, reduced both inoculated and non‐inoculated paw swelling as well as articular index scores, and elevated the mean body weight of adjuvant‐induced arthritic rats. Rats treated with higher dose of scopoletin showed a near‐normal histological architecture of the joints and a reduced new blood vessel formation in the synovial tissues. Furthermore, scopoletin downregulated the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and interleukin 6 in the synovial tissues of adjuvant‐induced arthritic rats. In conclusion, scopoletin is capable of ameliorating clinical symptoms of rat adjuvant‐induced arthritis, by reducing numbers of new blood vessels in the synovium and the production of important endogenous angiogenic inducers. Therefore, this compound may be a potential agent for angiogenesis‐related diseases and could serve as a structural base for screening more potent synthetic analogs.
Reduced elimination clearance of micafungin in rats with cholestatic hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Konishi Hiroki , Fukushima Keizo , Sudo Masatomo , Sumi Masaki , Minouchi Tokuzo , Iga Ikumi , Shibata Nobuhito , Takada Kanji , Yamaji Akira 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe examined whether the pharmacokinetic disposition of micafungin (MCFG), an echinocandin class antifungal agent, is altered in hyperbilirubinemia using a rat model prepared by bile duct ligation (BDL). Serum bilirubin levels were increased depending upon the duration of BDL. The elimination rate constant and total body clearance (CLtot) of MCFG were reduced by 24% and 16%, respectively, after BDL for 1 h, but there was no significant change in the apparent volume of distribution at steady‐state. The degree of reduction in the CLtot was much greater 7 days after BDL as compared with that 1 h after BDL (44% vs. 16%). However, the proportion of the biliary clearance in the CLtot was about 10%. This is similar to the extent of decrease in the CLtot by occlusion of the bile duct, demonstrating that decreased biliary excretion of MCFG makes only a minor contribution to its pharmacokinetic change. These findings suggest that the metabolic capacity of MCFG is markedly impaired in hepatic hypofunction secondary to hyperbilirubinemia, providing a fundamental explanation for the previous clinical report that there is a significant correlation between dose‐adjusted plasma MCFG concentration and serum bilirubin levels.
Life‐threatening hemolytic anemia due to an autoanti‐Pr cold agglutinin: evidence that glycophorin A antibodies may induce lipid bilayer exposure and cation permeability independent of agglutination
Authors: Brain Michael , Ruether Bernard , Valentine Karen , Brown Christopher , Ter Keurs Henk 
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: The hemoglobin of a 29‐year‐old man fell below 35 g/L over 5 days, despite 14 units of red blood cells (RBCs), due to an anti‐Pr cold agglutinin (CA). His hemolytic anemia necessitated respiratory support in intensive care for 4 weeks.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The hemolysis was investigated by the effects on blood group–compatible RBCs of this anti‐Pr and an anti‐I CA and of a rabbit anti‐human glycophorin A (GPA) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody on Ca2+ permeability and of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) exposure. 1) The anti‐Pr CA (in a plasmapheresis product from the patient) was absorbed and eluted from RBC ghosts and its immunophenotype was determined by agarose electrophoresis and immunofixation. 2) Ca2+ permeability was measured by the response of Fluo‐3–labeled RBCs to addition of external Ca2+. 3) Exposed PE was measured with streptavidin‐labeled biotinylated peptide Ro 09‐0198 (cinnamycin).RESULTS: 1) The patient's anti‐Pr CA was a polyclonal IgG. 2) The anti‐Pr and the rabbit anti‐human glycophorin IgG, but not an anti‐I CA, rapidly increased Ca2+‐dependent fluorescence upon addition of external Ca2+ in a fraction (15%‐25%) of RBCs that also became positive for cinnamycin. 3) Trypsin treatment of RBCs reduced the Ca2+ influx due to the anti‐Pr IgG, but neither trypsin nor neuraminidase changed the responses to the rabbit anti‐human GPA IgG.CONCLUSIONS: The anti‐Pr CA and rabbit anti‐human GPA increased exposure of PE and increased membrane Ca2+ permeability that may have caused hemolysis. The difference in the responses to these antibodies to enzyme treatment of RBCs suggests that they react with different epitopes on GPA.
Applying Andersen’s behavioural model to oral health: what are the contextual factors shaping perceived oral health outcomes?
Authors: Baker S. R. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract –  Objectives:  Andersen’s revised behavioural model provides a framework for understanding the factors which influence utilization of health services and key health outcomes. To date, there have been few studies that have explicitly tested the model in relation to oral health. The aim of this study was to test the model and to examine the direct and mediated pathways between social, attitudinal and behavioural factors and perceived oral health outcomes.Methods:  The model was tested in a general population sample with data from the UK adult dental health survey (N = 3815) using the two‐stage process of structural equation modelling.Results:  Structural equation modelling indicated support in line with the hypotheses within the model; enabling resources (oral health education advice, type of dental service, finding NHS treatment expensive, dental anxiety) predicted need (number of decayed or unsound teeth and perceived treatment need); enabling resources and need predicted personal health practices and use of services (frequency of toothbrushing, recent dental attendance, attendance orientation) which, in turn, predicted perceived oral health outcomes (oral health quality of life). Both enabling resources and need also predicted perceived oral health outcomes. The impact of predisposing factors (social class, qualifications, income) on need, personal health practices and use of services, and oral health outcomes was indirect; that is, mediated by intervening factors. In the final model, 26%, 37%, 49% and 21% of the variance was accounted for in enabling resources, treatment need, personal health practices and use of services and perceived oral health outcomes respectively.Conclusion:  The results provide support for Andersen’s behavioural model as applied to perceived oral health. Further conceptual development of the model is discussed.
What statistical method should be used to evaluate risk factors associated with dmfs index? Evidence from the National Pathfinder Survey of 4‐year‐old Italian children
Authors: Solinas Giuliana , Campus Guglielmo , Maida Carmelo , Sotgiu Giovanni , Cagetti Maria Grazia , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Castiglia Paolo 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Traditional approaches to the analysis of dmfs/DMFS count data pose analytical challenges, considering the increasing proportion of zeroes in the distribution. The aim of this paper was to predict the probability of ‘caries‐free’ subjects and the dependence of dmfs index on the influence of childhood sociodemographic factors, through the application of regression models.Methods:  Data were gathered as part of the National Pathfinder Survey of 4‐year‐old Italian children. Clinical data on caries disease (dmfs) and childhood sociodemographic factors were collected. The predicted probability for Poisson, negative binomial and zero‐inflated models (Poisson and negative binomial) were estimated using STATA commands for count outcomes. The outcome variable in the regression models was the severity of the disease (dmfs index), while statistically significant variables on bivariate analysis were considered as covariates.Results:  Out of 5538 children, 4344 (78.44%) had a dmfs = 0. The mean dmfs index was 1.36 (range: 0–104). The statistical significance of the dispersion parameter (O = 141.6, P < 0.0001) showed the inappropriateness of the Poisson model when compared with the negative binomial model. Vuong’s test indicated that the zero‐inflated models (ZIP and ZINB) fitted the data significantly better than the others (P < 0.001). A significative likelihood ratio statistic indicates that the ZINB regression model fitted better than ZIP model (P < 0.0001). The father’s educational level was significant in both parts of the ZINB regression model (P < 0.05), implying that the degree of caries experience increases in children whose fathers have a low level of education, while the excess of caries‐free children decreases. Moreover, the increase of coefficients in the zero‐inflated part of ZINB regression model implies that the excess of caries‐free subjects increases with the later age of tooth eruption. The observed underestimation of the frequencies of zero dmfs counts by the Poisson model is a common result when a dual‐group process is not taken into account.Conclusions:  These regression models provide a useful approach to handling count outcomes as dmfs/DMFS index in caries epidemiology.
Embryo development of porcine oocytes after injection with miniature pig sperm and their extracts
Authors: MATSUURA Daizou , MAEDA Teruo 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThis study examined embryo development of porcine oocytes after microinjection of sperm extracts (SE) in porcine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). SE was prepared from miniature pig sperm by a nonionic surfactant, and various concentrations (0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mg/mL) of SE were injected into the matured oocytes with a first polar body. In the pronuclear stage, the rate of oocytes with two pronuclei and a second polar body (21.4%) in the sperm and SE (0.04 mg/mL) injection group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to other groups. The rate of 2–4‐cell stage in sperm and SE (0.04 mg/mL) injection group was 38.1%, and it was significantly higher than that in the sperm injection group (22.9%). The rate of blastocyst stage in sperm and SE (0.04 mg/mL) injection group was 21.4%, the value was significantly higher than those in SE (0.08 mg/mL) injection group (0%), sperm injection group (5.7%), and sperm and SE (0.08 mg/mL) injection group (2.6%). These results suggest that SE induces activation of porcine oocytes and their further embryonic development, and that SE is effective for porcine ICSI.
Duration of estrus induced after GnRH‐PGF2α protocol in dairy heifer
Authors: YOSHIDA Chikako , YUSUF Muhammad , NAKAO Toshihiko 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTEstrous expressions in dairy cows have been shortened and weakened. Dairy heifers, on the other hand, may not have had such changes in estrous signs as observed in cows, since they have less stresses than cows. The aim of this study was to describe the duration of estrus in a herd of dairy heifers. A total of 56 Holstein Friesian heifers estrus was synchronized using two different hormonal protocols. They were checked for primary and secondary estrous signs with the help of heat detection devices for 48 h at an interval of 4 h starting at 16.00 hour, one day after PGF2α treatment. Onset and end of standing estrus during 48 h observation period was recorded in 35 of the 44 heifers coming into estrus within 5 days after PGF2α treatment during the observation period. The duration of standing estrus on the average (±SD) was 9.7 ± 5.3 h. Percentage of heifers with standing estrus longer than 12 h was 40%, and 53% showed standing estrus only for 4–8 h. It is indicated that duration of estrus in dairy heifers has been shortened recently.
Expression and Distribution of Cyclic AMP- and Cyclic GMP-Binding Protein Kinases in the Human Vagina— An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Ückert Stefan , Waldkirch Eginhard S. , Albrecht Knut , Sonnenberg Julia , Langnäse Kristina , Richter Karin , Hedlund Petter , Kuczyk Markus A. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In contrast to research findings describing the localization of nitric oxide synthases (NOS), guanylyl cyclases, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)- and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-degrading phosphodiesterase isoenzymes in the human vagina, the distribution of proteins known as major targets for cyclic nucleotides has not yet been evaluated. cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases (cAK, cGKI) have been identified as important receptors for cyclic nucleotides downstream the signaling cascades.

Aim
To investigate, by means of immunohistochemistry, the expression of cAK and cGKI in relation to endothelial NOS (eNOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) in the human vagina.

Main Outcome Measures
Expression and distribution of cAK and cGKI(α,β) in relation to eNOS, VIP, and PGP 9.5 in human vaginal tissue.

Methods
Immunohistochemical techniques were applied to sections of human vaginal full wall specimens in order to evaluate the presence of cAK and cGKI(α,β) in relation to VIP, PGP 9.5, and eNOS, respectively. Western blot analyses were conducted using cytosolic supernatants of homogenized specimens of the vaginal wall and epithelium.

Results
Immunostaining specific for cGKIβ was observed in vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle of the vagina. In the endothelial layer, cGKIβ was found colocalized with eNOS. In contrast, no signals indicating cGKIα were registered. cAK-positive subepithelial vessels were found to be innervated by a dense meshwork of PGP-containing varicose nerve fibers, some of which presented expression of VIP. The expression of cAK and cGKIβ was confirmed by Western blotting.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate the expression of cAK and cGKIβ in the human vagina. The colocalization with VIP and eNOS underlines the significance of both the cAMP and GMP pathway in the control of human vaginal vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle.