bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discharged after stroke – important factors for health‐related quality of life
Authors: Almborg Ann‐Helene , Ulander Kerstin , Thulin Anders , Berg Stig 
Published: September 2010

Aims.  This study examines different correlates to health‐related quality (HRQoL) of life after discharge in patients with stroke.Background.  HRQoL is an important aspect of life after suffering a stroke. Previous research has revealed several variables associated with poststroke quality of life, including age, gender, depression, fatigue, length of hospital stay, functional status and amount of social participation. However, the time span after stroke varies greatly in the different studies. Although the multiple factors that contribute to short‐term postdischarge HRQoL have potential importance for discharge planning, to our knowledge, these factors have not been systematically investigated during the earlier days following discharge.Design.  Cross‐sectional study.Methods.  The sample consisted of 188 consecutively included individuals (mean age 74 years, 56% men) from a stroke unit in southern Sweden. The interviews were performed two to three weeks after discharge and included use of the SF‐36, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Barthel Index, the Frenchay Activities Index, performance of interests and survey of patients’ perceived participation in discharge planning. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify variables associated with HRQoL.Results.  Multiple regression analyses with the eight scales of SF‐36 as dependent variables revealed eight models, one for each scale, which were statistically significant. Depressive symptoms were associated with lower HRQoL. Ability to perform personal and social activities, interests, younger age, education (elementary school) and shorter hospital stay were related to higher HRQoL. Patients’ perceived participation in discharge planning was both positively and negatively associated with HRQoL.Conclusions.  Several variables were related to good HRQoL two to three weeks post‐discharge, particularly fewer depressive symptoms, participation in social activities such as outdoor activities and performance of interests.Relevance to clinical practice.  These results can be used to design needs assessment forms of discharge planning to promote adaptation and recovery after stroke.
Metabolic syndrome and its components are underdiagnosed in cardiology clinics
Authors: Fujiyoshi Akira , Murad Mohammad H , Luna Max , Rosario Adriana , Ali Shamsa , Paniagua David , Molina Joanna , Lopez Marcos , Jacobs Sarah , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground  Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important clinical condition, evidence is scarce on how often doctors successfully diagnose this syndrome.Aims  To assess the extent of doctors' diagnosis of MetS and its components in cardiology outpatient setting and whether such diagnosis affects the way patients are counselled on lifestyle modification.Methods  This is a multicentre cross‐sectional study on randomly selected clinical notes at ambulatory cardiology clinics in three academic centres in the USA. We abstracted data on cardiovascular risk factors, and examined whether doctors documented a diagnosis of MetS and its components.Results  Of 511 participants who satisfied our inclusion criteria, the MetS was present in 246 participants (48%). The proportions with which a doctor correctly documented diagnoses were: MetS 9.3% (23/246), obesity 60% (119/197), elevated blood pressure 74% (305/412), elevated fasting glucose 17% (49/291), reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol 10% (18/190) and elevated triglycerides 20% (32/164). This pattern of diagnoses, less frequent with dyslipidaemia and elevated fasting glucose compared with the rest, was persistently observed regardless of sex, age, and presence or absence of MetS. Those diagnosed were more likely to receive a recommendation of weight loss or increase in physical activity than those undiagnosed: 91% (21/23) versus 37% (82/223) for weight loss, and 83% (19/23) versus 26% (58/223) for increase in physical activity (P < 0.001 for both).Conclusions  Our data indicate that MetS and its components are commonly underdiagnosed in cardiology outpatient setting. Better diagnosis may lead to better counselling on lifestyle changes and improvement in the quality of care.
Association of doctor specialty with diabetic patient risk of hospitalization due to diabetic ketoacidosis: a national population‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Chih‐Ching , Chen Kai‐Ren , Chen Hua‐Fen , Huang Shiu‐Li , Chen Chu‐Chieh , Lee Ming‐Der , Ko Ming‐Chung , Li Chung‐Yi 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjectives  Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life‐threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, and its risks can be largely reduced by adequate and high‐quality ambulatory diabetic care. The aim of this study is to assess the risk and frequency of developing DKA in relation to the specialty of doctors who provide diabetes cares.Methods  In searching for possible episodes of hospitalization due to DKA (ICD‐9‐CM: 250.1), we used a prospective cohort design in which 500 867 diabetic patients identified in the 1997 National Health Insurance (NHI) ambulatory care data set of Taiwan were linked to the 1997–2006 NHI inpatient claims data. The study subjects were categorized into four groups according to doctor specialty. A logistic regression model was used to assess the risk and frequency of DKA admission in relation to doctor's specialty.Results  Compared with the patients routinely cared by endocrinologists, those not consistently cared by endocrinologists had significantly increased odds ratios (ORs) of DKA admission, ranging between 1.51 and 2.12. Moreover, the adjusted OR of the higher DKA admission frequency (≥0.133 times/person‐year) for the patients not regularly cared by endocrinologists was also significantly increased, between 4.45 and 6.93.Conclusions  Doctor specialty significantly influenced the risk and frequency of DKA admission in diabetes patients in Taiwan. Local health care administrators and policy makers should therefore consider promoting the quality of diabetes care provided by non‐endocrinologists.
Identification and function of the RNA chaperone Hfq in the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Lybecker Meghan C. , Abel Cassandra A. , Feig Andrew L. , Samuels D. Scott 
Published: September 2010

SummaryHfq is a global regulatory RNA‐binding protein. We have identified and characterized an atypical Hfq required for gene regulation and infectivity in the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Sequence analyses of the putative B. burgdorferi Hfq protein revealed only a modest level of similarity with the Hfq from Escherichia coli, although a few key residues are retained and the predicted tertiary structure is similar. Several lines of evidence suggest that the B. burgdorferi bb0268 gene encodes a functional Hfq homologue. First, the hfqBb gene (bb0268) restores the efficient translation of an rpoS::lacZ fusion in an E. coli hfq null mutant. Second, the Hfq from B. burgdorferi binds to the small RNA DsrABb and the rpoS mRNA. Third, a B. burgdorferi hfq null mutant was generated and has a pleiotropic phenotype that includes increased cell length and decreased growth rate, as found in hfq mutants in other bacteria. The hfqBb mutant phenotype is complemented in trans with the hfq gene from either B. burgdorferi or, surprisingly, E. coli. This is the first example of a heterologous bacterial gene complementing a B. burgdorferi mutant. The alternative sigma factor RpoS and the outer membrane lipoprotein OspC, which are induced by increased temperature and required for mammalian infection, are not upregulated in the hfq mutant. Consequently, the hfq mutant is not infectious by needle inoculation in the murine model. These data suggest that Hfq plays a key role in the regulation of pathogenicity factors in B. burgdorferi and we hypothesize that the spirochete has a complex Hfq‐dependent sRNA network.
Mutualism variation in the nodulation response to nitrate
Authors: HEATH K. D. , STOCK A. J. , STINCHCOMBE J. R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe evolution of mutualisms under novel selective pressures will play a key role in ecosystem responses to environmental change. Because fixed nitrogen is traded in plant–rhizobium mutualisms, increasing N availability in the soil is predicted to alter coevolution of these interactions. Legumes typically decrease the number of associations (nodules) with rhizobia in response to nitrate, but the evolutionary dynamics of this response remain unknown. We grew plant and rhizobium genotype combinations in three N environments to assess the coevolutionary potential of the nodule nitrate response in natural communities of plants and rhizobia. We found evidence for coevolutionary genetic variation for nodulation in response to nitrate (G × G × E interaction), suggesting that the mutualism response to N deposition will depend on the combination of partner genotypes. Thus, the nitrate response is not a fixed mechanism in plant–rhizobium symbioses, but instead is potentially subject to natural selection and dynamic coevolution.
Current health issues and management strategies for white pines in the western United States and Canada
Authors: Schwandt J. W. , Lockman I. B. , Kliejunas J. T. , Muir J. A. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe introduced pathogenCronartium ribicola, cause of white pine blister rust, has spread across much of western North America and established known infestations within all but one species of white pine endemic to western Canada and the United States. Blister rust damage to severely diseased trees reduces reproduction and survival. Severe losses in white pine populations have resulted in site conversions to other species and seriously impacted resource values for timber, wildlife, watershed, recreation, aesthetic and other ecosystem services. In addition to blister rust, other major forest health threats and challenges to sustaining or restoring white pine populations are infestations of other pathogens, insects, fire, management practices that favour other tree species, and climatic change. Recent, large‐scale outbreaks of mountain pine beetle have raised concerns for the viability of some white pine populations. In the 1960s, forest disease management for western white pine and sugar pine shifted fromRibeseradication to planting seedlings selected for better survival and resistance to blister rust. Seed orchards for producing improved white pines have been established, but deployment of that improved stock is hampered by a lack of planting opportunities. The inheritance and mechanisms of resistance are best known for western white pine and sugar pine; but new work is extending an understanding of genetics to all the western species of white pine. Current management efforts are focused on locating and protecting individual trees resistant to blister rust and assessing their disease resistance and other adaptive traits. In response to the threats from blister rust, the strategic goal is to sustain or restore viable white pine populations in western forest ecosystems. The four action components of the strategy are: (1) conserve genetic resistance toC. ribicola; (2) reduce the risk of adverse impact in stands currently uninfested; (3) restore and maintain white pines where blister rust is causing impacts and (4) assess and monitor the health and management of white pines. Successful implementation requires long‐term support for coordinated efforts of management and research agencies, forest industry and an informed public.
Biology and pathology ofRibesand their implications for management of white pine blister rust
Authors: Zambino P. J. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryRibes(currants and gooseberries) are telial hosts for the introduced and invasive white pine blister rust fungus,Cronartium ribicola. Knowledge of wild and introducedRibeshelps us understand the epidemiology of blister rust on its aecial hosts, white pines, and develop disease control and management strategies.Ribesdiffer by species in their contribution to initial establishment and subsequent intensification of blister rust. Their significance to pine infection depends on their inherent capacities to become infected and support spore production, their abundance and environmental interactions.Ribesand white pines are adapted to disturbance and frequently co‐occur in forest and woodland ecosystems. Differences in light and moisture requirements affect how long various species ofRibesoccupy a site. Natural or artificial selection increases rust resistance in white pines,Ribes, and other host genera; but selection also affects virulence and aggressiveness ofC. ribicola. Blister rust pathosystems evolve. Local pathosystems wherein the rust and its hosts coexist with reduced damage could arise by several processes.
Silvicultural management of white pines in western North America
Authors: Zeglen S. , Pronos J. , Merler H. 
Published: September 2010

SummarySince the introduction prior to 1915 of white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) into the forests of western North America, many populations of native white pine species have seriously declined. Because western white pine (Pinus monticola) and sugar pine (P. lambertiana) are highly valued timber species, their silviculture under intensive management is well‐documented. The silviculture of other white pine species has received less attention but is no less important. For all western species, silvicultural management is a key component for sustaining and restoring viable white pine populations. This review examines approaches for assessing and reducing blister rust hazard, regenerating white pine stands, and tending established stands to reduce damage and impact from blister rust. Hazard and risk ratings provide means for assessing the potential severity of blister rust infestation and its probable impacts on management. An epidemiological simulation model is available for describing complex pathosystem interactions, their consequences on white pine growth and survival, and likely outcomes of silvicultural activities. Until the 1960s,Ribeseradication was the principal method for blister rust control; it is now rarely used except for high‐value trees. The choices of harvest and site preparation methods are critical for successful white pine regeneration. As host responses to blister rust infection are inherited, regeneration is an opportunity to increase seedling survival and disease resistance. For artificial regeneration, the western genetics programmes provide improved planting stock. For natural regeneration, the selection and retention of well‐adapted white pines as seed sources can enhance stand genetics. Thinning and pruning are common silvicultural activities for tending stands and are readily modified for blister rust‐infested stands. Although biological and chemical agents have been used, their performance has been less than satisfactory. Likewise, genetics and other silvicultural practices have also demonstrated limited success in blister rust control. An alternative, adaptive approach could use both silvicultural and genetic techniques to mitigate impacts and maintain white pines.
Activation of Zona‐Free Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes by Chemical or Electrical stimulation, and Subsequent Parthenogenetic Embryo Development
Authors: George A , Shah RA , Sharma R , Palta P , Singla SK , Manik RS , Chauhan MS 
Published: September 2010

ContentsParthenogenetic activation using zona‐free oocytes offers an alternative model that could be applied to develop protocols for the activation of reconstructed embryos for cloning. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different methods for the activation of zona‐free buffalo oocytes in terms of their effects on the developmental competence of parthenogenetic embryos. The effects of zona removal on parthenogenetic activation and in vitro developmental competence of metaphase II oocytes were also examined. All activation methods were followed by incubation of 2 mm 6‐dimethylaminopurine (6‐DMAP) for 4 h. Out of three different pulse strengths (1.2, 2.1 or 3.3 kV/cm) used, 2.1 kV/cm resulted in the highest blastocyst rate (25.3%). On comparing different chemical agents and electric pulse, highest blastocyst rate was observed for calcium ionophore (CaI) (28.6%) followed by ethanol (25.0%), electric pulse (22.5%) and combined CaI and ethanol treatment (16.7%) although differences among them were not significant. Furthermore, a significantly reduced developmental potential was observed in zona‐free oocytes when compared to zona‐intact ones up to the blastocyst stage (44.3% vs 27.1%). In conclusion, zona‐free buffalo oocytes can be successfully activated for parthenogenetic development using chemical or electrical stimulation. Out of different agents examined, CaI followed by 6‐DMAP resulted in the highest blastocyst rate.
Cough challenge tests involving mechanical stimulation of the cervical trachea in patients with cough as a leading symptom
Authors: KAMIMURA Mitsuhiro , MOURI Atsuto , TAKAYAMA Kazuo , MIZUTANI Tomonori , HAMAMOTO Yoichiro , IIKURA Motoyasu , FURIHATA Kaneyuki 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Challenge tests involving chemical stimulation by inhalation of capsaicin or citric acid are currently used to assess cough sensitivity. We investigated the clinical usefulness of cough challenge tests based on mechanical stimulation.Methods:  A total of 347 patients (126 men and 221 women) were enrolled in the study, including 161 patients with asthma, 116 with cough‐variant asthma, 27 with acute upper respiratory tract viral infections, 25 with acute bronchitis, four with pneumonia, three with chronic bronchitis and 11 with cough of unknown aetiology. Three modes of mechanical stimulation were assessed: the cervical trachea was compressed softly with the fingers several times (tracheal compression test); the trachea was stretched by retroflexion of the neck for 5 s (tracheal stretch test); and a vibrating tuning fork was placed on the cervical trachea for 20 s (tuning fork test). The relationships between phonation‐induced cough and the results of these tests were assessed.Results:  The cough detection rate was 27.7% with the tracheal compression test, 39.8% with the tracheal stretch test and 36.9% with the tuning fork test. An itchy sensation with or without cough was noted by about 50% of subjects undergoing each of the tests. Provocation of cough and an itchy sensation during each test was significantly more frequent in subjects with phonation‐induced cough. Tests were usually negative after improvement of the cough with treatment.Conclusions:  Mechanical stimulation of the cervical trachea is a feasible cough challenge test that may be useful for evaluating disease activity.
Updated Japanese Urological Association Guidelines on prostate‐specific antigen‐based screening for prostate cancer in 2010
Authors:   The Committee for Establishment of the Guidelines on Screening for Prostate Cancer,   Japanese Urological Association
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe exposure rate of screening for prostate cancer using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) in Japan is still very low compared with that in the USA or western Europe. The mortality rate of prostate cancer will increase in the future and in 2020 it will be 2.8‐fold higher than in 2000. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine the best available countermeasures to decrease the rate of prostate cancer death. PSA screening, which can reduce the risk of death as a result of prostate cancer, should be offered to all men at risk of developing prostate cancer with fact sheets showing updated benefits and drawbacks of screening for prostate cancer.
Change in habitat resources and structure near urban edges and its influence on the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) in southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: BREARLEY GRANT , BRADLEY ADRIAN , BELL SARAH , MCALPINE CLIVE 
Published: September 2010

AbstractUrban landscapes often expose wildlife populations to enhanced edge effects where the biotic and abiotic attributes of native ecosystems have been significantly altered. While some species may respond favourably to edges, there are likely to be varying negative consequences for many forest‐dependent species. In particular, marsupial gliders are influenced by changes in forest composition and structure near edges due to highly specific feeding and nesting requirements, and a high reliance on tree cover to traverse a landscape. We addressed this problem using the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) in the fragmented urban landscape of southeast Queensland, Australia. Analysis of variance was applied to determine differences in habitat resources and structure in relation to glider presence and trap success rates in forest fragment interiors compared with road (minor & major) and residential edge habitats. We postulate that an increased presence of squirrel gliders in sites adjacent to minor road and residential edges may be due to the availability of additional resources and/or varying dispersal opportunities. Conversely, forest fragment interiors contain a higher abundance of nest hollows and large trees, together with a greater floristic species richness providing more reliable seasonal foraging sources, which may explain the greater trap success rates of squirrel gliders in these sites. We conclude that while forest fragment interiors provide habitat suitable for year‐round use by greater numbers of squirrel gliders, the conservation value of some edge habitats that provide additional resources and dispersal opportunities should not be underestimated for forest‐dependent mammals; however, each edge type must be assessed individually.
Are cloud forest tree structure and environment related in the Venezuelan Andes?
Authors: SCHWARZKOPF TERESA , RIHA SUSAN J. , FAHEY TIMOTHY J. , DEGLORIA STEPHEN 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCloud forest vegetation structure and composition were studied in the Venezuelan Andes at three sites in Mérida State. Although the sites are within 10 to 30 km of each other, climatic, geologic and topographic differences are remarkable. The main purpose of the study was to determine the relationship of specific environmental variables to forest vegetation characteristics, including basal area, tree height, density and diversity, and leaf area index (LAI). At 51 plots, all trees' diameter at breast height >10 cm were recorded and identified. Although the environment at the three sites is distinctive, the tree species composition of the most abundant species was very similar. None of the measured environment variables were significantly correlated with the measured vegetation structure variables, except LAI, which was correlated with slope orientation; LAI showed higher values at south‐facing plots. Tree height was relatively uniform, while basal area was highly variable and reached very high values. Stem densities were in the range reported elsewhere in cloud forests. Multivariate analysis using structure or composition data shows segregation of the plots by site. Principal component analyses by site indicate a minor impact of environmental factors on forest variables. At each site, a particular group of species are correlated with the ordination axes. We conclude that species pools and forest dynamics add to the complexity of the structure of the studied cloud forests.