bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional NMR analysis reveals truncated lignin structures in wood decayed by the brown rot basidiomycete Postia placenta
Authors: Yelle Daniel J. , Wei Dongsheng , Ralph John , Hammel Kenneth E. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryLignocellulose biodegradation, an essential step in terrestrial carbon cycling, generally involves removal of the recalcitrant lignin barrier that otherwise prevents infiltration by microbial polysaccharide hydrolases. However, fungi that cause brown rot of wood, a major route for biomass recycling in coniferous forests, utilize wood polysaccharides efficiently while removing little of the lignin. The mechanism by which these basidiomycetes breach the lignin remains unclear. We used recently developed methods for solubilization and multidimensional 1H–13C solution‐state NMR spectroscopy of ball‐milled lignocellulose to analyse aspen wood degraded by Postia placenta. The results showed that decay decreased the content of the principal arylglycerol‐β‐aryl ether interunit linkage in the lignin by more than half, while increasing the frequency of several truncated lignin structures roughly fourfold over the level found in sound aspen. These new end‐groups, consisting of benzaldehydes, benzoic acids and phenylglycerols, accounted for 6–7% of all original lignin subunits. Our results provide evidence that brown rot by P. placenta results in significant ligninolysis, which might enable infiltration of the wood by polysaccharide hydrolases even though the partially degraded lignin remains in situ. Recent work has revealed that the P. placenta genome encodes no ligninolytic peroxidases, but has also shown that this fungus produces an extracellular Fenton system. It is accordingly likely that P. placenta employs electrophilic reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals to disrupt lignin in wood.
Economic evaluation of new targeted therapies for the first‐line treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Benedict Ágnes , Figlin Robert A. , Sandström Per , Harmenberg Ulrika , Ullén Anders , Charbonneau Claudie , Sandin Rickard , Remák Edit , Hariharan Subramanian , Négrier Sylvie 
Published: January 2011

Study Type – Therapy (economic)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Cost‐effectiveness of new targeted molecular therapies in patients with mRCC have been examined compared to interferon‐α.This study compares cost‐effectiveness of three new targeted therapies in mRCC head‐to‐head based on indirect comparison of clinical efficacy. The study shows that sunitinib is a cost‐effective therapy in first line treatment for patients with mRCC in the USA and Sweden compared to sorafenib and bevacizumab+interferon‐α.OBJECTIVE• To assess the economic value of targeted therapies as first‐line metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment in the US and Sweden by indirect comparison of survival data.METHODS• A Markov model simulated disease progression, adverse events and survival with sunitinib vs sorafenib in the US and bevacizumab plus interferon‐α (IFN‐α) in both countries.• Results, in life‐years (LYs), progression‐free LYs (PFLYs), quality‐adjusted LYs (QALYs) gained and treatment costs (2008 USD) were obtained through deterministic and probabilistic analyses over the patient’s lifetime.RESULTS• Sunitinib was more effective and less costly than sorafenib (gains of 0.52 PFLYs, 0.16 LYs and 0.17 QALYs and savings/patient of $13 576 in the US) and bevacizumab plus IFN‐α (gains of 0.19 PFLYs, 0.23 LYs and 0.16 QALYs in both countries and savings/patient of $67 798 and $47 264 in the US and Sweden, respectively).• Results were most influenced by hazard ratios for progression‐free and overall survival and treatment costs, making results generalizable across other countries if relative costs were to fall within the ranges of those in the US and Sweden.CONCLUSION• The present analyses suggest that first‐line mRCC treatment with sunitinib is a cost‐effective alternative to sorafenib and bevacizumab plus IFN‐α.
Risk stratification for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment
Authors: Emberton Mark , Fitzpatrick John M. , Rees Jon 
Published: January 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Patients with BPH have traditionally been managed with ‘sequential monotherapy’ or effectively an intent to treat to failure. Thus watchful waiting strategies, α‐blockers, 5α‐reductase inhibitors and surgical intervention have been seen as a stepwise progression based on failure of symptom control at each level.This paper reviews the evidence from large randomized trials which suggest a new approach of risk stratification, allowing the identification of higher risk patients for whom medical management can be optimised at an early stage. If this can be done at a primary care level, this could lead to a dramatic improvement in outcomes in men with BPH.• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. In the past, the aim of drug treatment was to relieve symptoms until surgery became necessary, predominantly using an α‐blocker or a 5α‐reductase inhibitor (5ARI) as monotherapy.• Together with improving knowledge about the pathogenesis of BPH, there is now strong evidence from large randomized trials that risk stratification and appropriate treatment with combined α‐blocker/5ARI therapy can significantly reduce the risk of disease progression and avoid long‐term complications such as acute urinary retention and surgery.• BPH will increasingly be managed in primary care in the future and, if new management strategies based on this evidence are to be implemented cost effectively, there is a need to introduce shared care between the primary and secondary care sectors to optimise use of resources and expertise.
Skin ageing
Authors: Kohl E. , Steinbauer J. , Landthaler M. , Szeimies R.‐M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractSimilar to the entire organism, skin is subject to an unpreventable intrinsic ageing process. Additionally, skin ageing is also influenced by exogenous factors. Ultraviolet radiation in particular results in premature skin ageing, also referred to as extrinsic skin ageing or photoageing, which is the main cause of the changes associated with the ageing process in sun‐exposed areas. Despite their morphological and pathophysiological differences, intrinsic and extrinsic ageing share several molecular similarities. The formation of reactive oxygen species and the induction of matrix metalloproteinases reflect the central aspects of skin ageing. Accumulation of fragmented collagen fibrils prevents neocollagenesis and accounts for the further degradation of the extracellular matrix by means of positive feedback regulation. The importance of extrinsic factors in skin ageing and the detection of its mechanisms have furthered the development of various therapeutic and preventive strategies.
Teaching staff knowledge, attributions and confidence in relation to working with children with an intellectual disability and challenging behaviour
Authors: Rae Helen , Murray George , McKenzie Karen 
Published: January 2011

Accessible summaryWe looked at how much teachers knew about helping children with a learning disability who had behaviour that was challenging in school. We found that: Some teachers knew very little about challenging behaviour and all the different ways to help children with this. Some teachers had beliefs about challenging behaviour that can be unhelpful.We need to find ways to help teachers find out more about challenging behaviour  and to think about it in different ways. One way to do this could be to give them  training about it.SummaryThe present study examined Scottish teaching staff knowledge about the definition and management of challenging behaviour displayed by children with an intellectual disability. Knowledge levels were relatively low, and participants were most likely to define challenging behaviour by function or topography. Teaching staff were largely unaware of positive programming strategies, suggesting that they may not be properly equipped to manage challenging behaviour effectively in the longer term. The teaching staff were found to hold attributions which research suggests are associated with reduced helping behaviour and increased anger. This indicates a continuing need to identify effective ways of promoting more accurate knowledge and positive attributions in teaching staff.
Assessment of mental health problems in people with Down syndrome: key considerations
Authors: Spendelow Jason S. 
Published: January 2011

Accessible summary
People with Down syndrome can have problems with the way they think, feel, and act.
Those who help people understand these difficulties need to have information about the factors that can contribute to such problems.
This knowledge is important so difficulties can be found early, and help given.
SummaryThe dual disability literature is marked by a lack of reviews with respect to assessment of specific aetiological groups. The current review summarises the wide body of literature relevant to the assessment of psychiatric and behavioural problems in people with Down syndrome. Adequate assessment within this population requires knowledge, not only of epidemiological findings with respect to psychiatric and behavioural problems, but also an understanding of other important areas including psychometrics, neurocognitive functioning, dementia and other medical issues. These areas are reviewed, and directions for future research are proposed.
Mechanisms underlying the left visual‐field advantage in the dual stream RSVP task: Evidence from N2pc, P3, and distractor‐evoked VEPs
Authors: Verleger Rolf , Śmigasiewicz Kamila , Möller Friderike 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWhen two letter streams containing two targets (T1 and T2) are presented left and right, T2 is better identified in the left hemifield. This study on 16 healthy participants used evidence from ERPs to decide whether this advantage is due to better processing in the right hemisphere or to overload of the left one. N2pc and P3 components evoked by T1 and T2 were measured, as well as the VEPs evoked by the stream of distractor stimuli. Already at the onset of the stream, these VEPs peaked earlier at the right than at the left hemisphere. N2pc was evoked earlier and P3 amplitudes were larger with left than with right T2. Previously reported side differences in T1‐evoked N2pc were no longer obtained after correcting for constant hemispheric differences. The faster VEP latencies at the right hemisphere from the very beginning of the stimulus series may reflect an advantage in structuring fast sequences, which may cause the left visual‐field advantage.
Distinct cognitive mechanisms in a gambling task share neural mechanisms
Authors: Steffen Astrid , Rockstroh Brigitte , Wienbruch Christian , Miller Gregory A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDistinct psychological processes have been proposed to unfold in decision‐making. The time course of neural mechanisms supporting these processes has not been fully identified. The present MEG study examined spatio‐temporal activity related to components of decision‐making proposed to support reward valuation, reward prediction, and outcome evaluation. Each trial presented information on reward value (10 or 50 cents) and reward probability (10%, 50%, or 90%). Brain activity related to those inputs and to outcome feedback was evaluated via electromagnetic responses in source space. Distributed dipole activity reflected reward value and reward probability 150–350 ms after information arrival. Neural responses to reward‐value information peaked earlier than those to reward‐probability information. Results suggest that valuation, prediction, and outcome evaluation share neural structures and mechanisms even on a relatively fine time scale.
Embedded spirituality: gardening in daily life and stressful life experiences
Authors: Unruh Anita , Hutchinson Susan 
Published: January 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 567–574

Embedded spirituality: gardening in daily life and stressful life experiences Background:  There is a limited body of research examining the relationship between spirituality and leisure, or the impact of leisure in the context of daily life, and life with stressful events.Aim:  To examine the meaning of gardens and gardening across different life experiences using hermeneutic phenomenology to focus on the lived experience of leisure gardening.Methods:  Most participants were interviewed once in each season over a 1 year period usually in their home. There were 42 participants (27 women and 15 men) in this study. Fifteen individuals had been diagnosed with cancer and were in varying stages of diagnosis and treatment. Three people had a chronic and progressive disease. Four women were grieving the death of their spouse. Participants ranged in age from 32 to 80 years.Results:  In this paper, we focus on the spirituality‐related themes in this study: spirituality as connectedness; spirituality as an expression of inner being; the garden as a spiritual place and gardening as spiritual activity; gardening as a spiritual journey; and, stewardship. Participants with religious views saw their garden as an extension of their spirituality and a confirmation of their beliefs. Participants with secular or sacred views of spirituality that was not related to any religious beliefs were more likely to embed their spirituality in their relationship with nature as manifested in their garden.Conclusion:  This study extends current theory regarding leisure and its contribution to meaning focused coping, and spirituality as a significant component of leisure in living with stressful health and life events.
Peer Group Intervention Reduces Personal HIV Risk for Malawian Health Workers
Authors: Mbeba Mary M. , Kaponda Chrissie P. N. , Jere Diana L. , Kachingwe Sitingawawo I. , Crittenden Kathleen S. , McCreary Linda L. , Norr James L. , Norr Kathleen F. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract Purpose: To test a peer group intervention to address personal HIV prevention needs of rural health workers in Malawi. Design: Using a quasi‐experimental design, we compared district health workers in two districts of Malawi that were randomly assigned to either the intervention or delayed control condition. We used independent sample surveys at baseline, 15 months, and 30 months postintervention. Intervention district workers received a peer group intervention after the baseline; control district workers received the delayed intervention after final data collection. Methods: The 10‐session intervention for primary prevention of HIV infection was based on the primary healthcare model, behavioral change theory, and contextual tailoring based on formative evaluation. Differences in HIV‐related knowledge, attitudes, self‐efficacy, and behaviors were analyzed using t tests and multiple regression controlling for baseline differences. Findings: Health workers in the intervention district had higher general HIV knowledge, more positive attitudes about condoms, higher self‐efficacy for safer sex, and more involvement in community HIV prevention at both the 15‐month and 30‐month postintervention survey. At 30 months, intervention district workers also reported less stigmatizing attitudes toward persons living with AIDS, more HIV tests, and lower risky sexual behaviors. Conclusion: The intervention should be sustained in current sites and scaled up for health workers throughout Malawi as part of a multisectoral response to HIV prevention. Clinical Relevance: Incorporating a peer group intervention focused on personal as well as work‐related HIV prevention can reduce health workers’ risky behaviors in their personal lives, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality and enhancing workforce retention. Reducing stigmatizing attitudes may also improve the quality of health services.
Periodontal disease in gestational and type 1 diabetes mellitus pregnant women
Authors: Ruiz DR , Romito GA , Dib SA 
Published: January 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 515–521Objective:  The present study evaluated the relationship between periodontal disease and its clinical variables in Brazilian non‐diabetic pregnant women (C), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Subjects and methods:  A periodontal exam was performed in one hundred and sixty‐one pregnant women (GDM:80; T1DM:31; C:50) by a single‐blinded calibrated examiner who recorded plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding index (BI), gingival margin location (GM), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and tooth mobility index (MI). The medical variables were age, pregestational body mass index (pre‐BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).Results:  The GI, GM, PD, CAL, BOP, and MI were significantly higher (P < 0.01) among GDM and T1DM than for C. The PI was higher in GDM and similar between C and T1DM. The Adjusted Final Model for medical variables to evaluate the effects of groups on periodontal parameters confirmed these results.Conclusions:  The presence of periodontal disease was significantly higher in Brazilian diabetic pregnancies (GDM and T1DM) when compared to non‐diabetic pregnant women (C). The degree of periodontal disease was similar between the GDM and T1DM groups. Age, pregestational BMI, and HbA1c were factors related to CAL development in these two types of diabetes mellitus.
Factors related to the continuation of employment during pregnancy among Japanese women
Authors: MATSUZAKI Masayo , HARUNA Megumi , OTA Erika , MURAYAMA Ryoko , MURASHIMA Sachiyo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAim:  To determine the relationship between the working situation (full‐time housewife, stopped working during pregnancy, or currently employed) and the lifestyle factors, reasons for stopping work during pregnancy, and effects of working conditions in order to identify the factors that are related to the continuation of employment among pregnant Japanese women.Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, a questionnaire was administered to pregnant women who visited an obstetrics clinic in a Tokyo suburb for an outpatient medical check‐up during July and August 2004.Results:  The data of 530 healthy pregnant women were analyzed. The pregnant women who stopped working during their pregnancy had lower mental health scores than the full‐time housewives and employed pregnant women. In each trimester, the employed pregnant women reported a shorter daytime sleep duration than the pregnant women who stopped working during their pregnancy and the full‐time housewives. The reasons for stopping work during pregnancy were categorized as somatic symptoms due to pregnancy, working conditions, and a sense of values or social reasons. The employed women in the third trimester more often reported the availability of, and access to, a rest area in their company, compared to those in the first and second trimesters.Conclusion:  The lifestyle factors of the pregnant women were different, based on their work situation. In particular, the employed pregnant women had a shorter daytime sleep duration. The pregnant women who stopped working during their pregnancy could have benefited from mental health support. In addition, the reasons for stopping work during pregnancy were different in the three trimesters. A flexible system is needed for working women that adapts to the physical changes that occur during pregnancy.
Decrease in Reduced‐Form Albumin Among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: New Insights in Cardiovascular Complications
Authors: Terawaki Hiroyuki , Era Seiichi , Nakayama Masaaki , Hosoya Tatsuo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractFrom the perspective of free cysteine residue (Cys‐34), human serum albumin (HSA) comprises a mixture of human mercaptoalbumin (HMA), in which the Cys‐34 is not oxidized, human non‐mercaptoalbumin (HNA)‐1, which has a disulfide bond that can be reversibly oxidized, mainly by cysteine, and HNA‐2, which is strongly oxidized to form sulfinic (‐SO2H) or sulfonic (‐SO3H) species. We have developed a convenient high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system for the clear separation of HSA into HMA, HNA‐1 and HNA‐2, and we have studied the dynamic changes of HSA‐redox under various states of chronic kidney disease, in both a clinical and an experimental setting. In this article, we discuss the relationship between HSA‐redox (especially the decrease of the reduced form), dialyzable uremic toxins and incident cardiovascular disease based on our recent investigations.
Vitamin D Receptor Activator Reduces Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Tanaka Motoko , Tokunaga Koki , Komaba Hirotaka , Itoh Kazuko , Matsushita Kazutaka , Watanabe Hiroshi , Kadowaki Daisuke , Maruyama Toru , Otagiri Masaki , Fukagawa Masafumi 
Published: January 2011

AbstractTreatment with a vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA) has survival benefits probably related to its effects beyond the traditional role in mineral metabolism. We hypothesized that VDRA reduces oxidative stress in hemodialysis (HD) patients. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of VDRA on the oxidative status of albumin in HD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Eleven HD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism were treated with calcitriol at an intravenous dose of 1.5 µg/week for four weeks. Serum intact parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus were monitored and we measured the amount of oxidized albumin and albumin hydroperoxides form before and after calcitriol treatment. The ratio of oxidized to un‐oxidized albumin was determined as a representative marker of oxidative stress. The radical scavenging activity of albumin was also evaluated. After four weeks of calcitriol therapy, there were no significant changes in serum intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, or phosphorus levels; however, the ratio of oxidized to un‐oxidized albumin was markedly decreased and serum thiol content was significantly increased after calcitriol treatment. Furthermore, the radical scavenging activity of albumin was greater after calcitriol treatment compared with that of untreated albumin. Our data suggest that intravenous calcitriol treatment reduces oxidative stress and strengthens antioxidant defenses by inhibiting albumin oxidation in HD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Claudin‐6 is of Limited Sensitivity and Specificity for the Diagnosis of Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumors
Authors: Antonelli Manila , Hasselblatt Martin , Haberler Christine , Di Giannatale Angela , Garrè Maria L. , Donofrio Vittoria , Lauriola Libero , Ridola Vita , Arcella Antonella , Frühwald Michael , Giangaspero Felice 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRecent gene expression microarray analyses have indicated that claudin‐6 is specifically expressed in atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs), suggesting a role as a positive diagnostic marker in addition to SMARCB1 (INI1) loss, which is encountered in the majority of AT/RTs. In order to investigate the potential of claudin‐6 as a diagnostic marker, expression was investigated in 59 AT/RTs and 60 other primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, including primitive neuroectodermal tumors, medulloblastomas, choroid plexus tumors, and both pediatric and adult low‐ and high‐grade gliomas using immunohistochemistry. Claudin‐6 was expressed in 17/59 AT/RTs (29%), but also in a variety of other primary CNS tumors, including 60% of medulloblastomas and 21% of malignant gliomas. Even though high staining scores (2+ or 3+) were more often encountered in AT/RTs (Chi‐square 4.177; P = 0.041), the overall frequency of claudin‐6 staining was not significantly higher in AT/RTs as compared with the other tumors (17/59 vs. 16/60; Chi‐square = 0.328; P = 0.567). In a subgroup of 43 AT/RT patients, of which follow‐up data were available, claudin‐6 expression did not show any correlation with survival. In conclusion, claudin‐6 immunohistochemistry is of limited sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AT/RT and does not correlate with clinical behavior.