bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The olfactory sense: a developmental and lifespan perspective
Authors: Wittmann‐Price Ruth A 
Published: May 2012

Aim and objective.  The objective of this literature review is to discuss human olfactory development, function and assessment through the lifespan. This article will highlight the importance of accurate olfactory function assessment.Background.  Olfactory function in humans is an understudied sense and may contribute significantly to patient safety and quality of life. Studies related to olfactory function are presented for different life stages. Olfactory development is reviewed as is terminology used to describe functionality. This article highlights the need for nursing assessment of olfactory function to develop holistic nursing interventions since there are implications for patient safety, quality of life issues related to respiratory function, bonding and nutrition.Design.  Literature review.Method.  Articles were searched in CINAHL, PsychInfo and PubMed limited to those published in English to 2010 with the key terms ‘olfactory and nursing’. The search yielded 47 articles that were clinically based on patient care. Those articles that dealt specifically with traumatic brain syndrome were excluded. However, peer reviewed and research article were both specified.Results.  There is evidence that olfactory assessment should be completed by nurses on high risk populations to ensure patent safety and enhance quality of life.Conclusions.  More studies are needed to improve clinical knowledge about the role of olfactory function.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses are in a prime position to assess olfactory function for patients at high risk for deficits to provide holistic nursing care.
Long‐term demographic consequences of eavesdropping for sagebrush
Authors: Karban Richard , Ishizaki Satomi , Shiojiri Kaori 
Published: May 2012

Summary1. There are now approximately 10 examples of plants that use volatile cues emitted by damaged neighbours to adjust their defences against herbivores. For two of these examples, preliminary evidence suggested that plants may experience net benefits from such eavesdropping, although eavesdropping was uncommon in one case and estimates of plant fitness were ambiguous in the other case.2. In the current study, we examined the long‐term consequences of exposure to cues emitted by experimentally clipped sagebrush neighbours. In this sagebrush system we have repeatedly found that sagebrush plants that have experimentally clipped neighbours experience less herbivore damage over the season than plants with unclipped control neighbours under field conditions. We followed a cohort of young sagebrush plants from emergence in 1999 for 12 years. Neighbours of half of these plants were artificially clipped every spring from 2004–08 and survival and flowering was measured in each autumn from 1999–2011.3. Survival of marked branches of young plants was not consistently affected by whether its neighbour was clipped. Plants near clipped neighbours produced more branches during this period than those near unclipped neighbours. There were no measurable treatment effects on plant survival over the 12 years. Branches near clipped neighbours produced more inflorescences than branches near unclipped neighbours.4. Seedlings were more likely to survive to the end of their first dry season in two different years near clipped neighbours compared to unclipped neighbours.5. Synthesis. The results suggest different effects of clipped neighbours that depend on plant age. Responding to the cues of experimental clipping may provide a slight net benefit, considering these results and other published studies, even though these cues provided little predictive value about actual risk of herbivory. Responding to reliable cues may be even more beneficial and may favour plants that eavesdrop on neighbours.
Emotional and behavioural problems in children with visual impairment, intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Alimovic S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground  Children with multiple impairments have more complex developmental problems than children with a single impairment.Method  We compared children, aged 4 to 11 years, with intellectual disability (ID) and visual impairment to children with single ID, single visual impairment and typical development on ‘Child Behavior Check List/4–18’ (CBCL/4–18), Parent Report.Results  Children with ID and visual impairment had more emotional and behavioural problems than other groups of children: with single impairment and with typical development (F = 23.81; d.f.1/d.f.2 = 3/156; P < 0.001). All children with special needs had more emotional and behavioural problems than children with typical development. The highest difference was found in attention problems syndrome (F = 30.45; d.f.1/d.f.2 = 3/156; P < 0.001) where all groups of children with impairments had more problems. Children with visual impairment, with and without ID, had more somatic complaints than children with normal vision.Conclusion  Intellectual disability had greater influence on prevalence and kind of emotional and behavioural problems in children than visual impairment.
What qualities are valued in residential direct care workers from the perspective of people with an intellectual disability and managers of accommodation services?
Authors: Dodevska G. A. , Vassos M. V. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground  To date, the descriptions of a ‘good’ direct care worker used to recruit workers for disability services have largely been drawn up by managerial professionals in charge of hiring supports for people with disabilities. However, previous research highlights that these professionals conceptualise a ‘good’ direct care worker differently from service users with an intellectual disability (ID), with professionals placing an emphasis on describing workers with a range of practical skills and knowledge and service users placing an emphasis on describing workers with interpersonal skills. The aim of this research was to replicate this finding using a methodological approach that rectifies some of the weaknesses of previous research in this field.Method  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore the qualities that are valued in residential direct care workers (RDCWs) from the perspective of seven residents with ID and seven managers of accommodation services located in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.Results  Thematic and chi‐squared analysis confirmed the findings of previous research with residents with an ID placing more of an emphasis on the interpersonal behaviours of RDCWs in their descriptions compared to the managers.Conclusions  The interpersonal skills of a potential worker along with their practical skills and knowledge must be considered when recruiting RDCWs. It is also implied that given the different conceptualisation of a ‘good’ direct care worker across service users and professionals, increased service user participation in the organisation of appropriate supports is warranted.
Cadmium impairs ion homeostasis by altering K+ and Ca2+ channel activities in rice root hair cells
Authors: LI SUN , YU JINGLING , ZHU MINJIE , ZHAO FUGENG , LUAN SHENG 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTCadmium (Cd2+) interferes with the uptake, transport and utilization of several macro‐ and micronutrients, which accounts, at least in part, for Cd2+ toxicity in plants. However, the mechanisms underlying Cd2+ interference of ionic homeostasis is not understood. Using biophysical techniques including membrane potential measurements, scanning ion‐selective electrode technique for non‐invasive ion flux assays and patch clamp, we monitored the effect of Cd2+ on calcium (Ca2+) and potassium (K+) transport in root hair cells of rice. Our results showed that K+ and Ca2+ contents in both roots and shoots were significantly reduced when treated with exogenous Cd2+. Further studies revealed that three cellular processes may be affected by Cd2+, leading to changes in ionic homeostasis. First, Cd2+‐induced depolarization of the membrane potential was observed in root hair cells, attenuating the driving force for cation uptake. Second, the inward conductance of Ca2+ and K+ was partially blocked by Cd2+, decreasing uptake of K+ and Ca2+. Third, the outward K+ conductance was Cd2+‐inducible, decreasing the net content of K+ in roots. These results provide direct evidence that Cd2+ impairs uptake of Ca2+ and K+, thereby disturbing ion homeostasis in plants.
DNA methylation levels within the CD14 promoter region are lower in placentas of mothers living on a farm
Authors: Slaats Gisela G.G. , Reinius Lovisa E. , Alm Johan , Kere Juha , Scheynius Annika , Joerink Maaike 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundEpigenetic regulation has been suggested to be a link between environmental intrauterine exposures and development of asthma and allergy. The placenta is an essential part of the intrauterine environment. We have previously found the innate immune receptor CD14 to be differentially expressed on the mRNA level in placentas in relation to lifestyle and parental allergen sensitization. We here hypothesized that the promoter region of CD14 may be subject to differential DNA methylation and therefore a link between intrauterine exposure and mRNA expression.MethodsNinety‐four placentas from the ALADDIN (Assessment of Lifestyle and Allergic Disease During Infancy) study were investigated. We used methylation‐sensitive high‐resolution melting (MS‐HRM) analysis to semi‐quantitatively analyze the DNA methylation of the promoter region of CD14 in 36 placentas known to have different CD14 mRNA expression. EpiTYPER was used to validate the MS‐HRM data and to analyze an additional 58 placentas selected on mothers living on a farm or not.ResultsMS‐HRM analysis on 36 placenta samples revealed a relation between methylation of the CD14 promoter region with the level of CD14 mRNA expression. The MS‐HRM and EpiTYPER data correlated highly significantly. EpiTYPER analysis of the additional 58 placentas demonstrated that DNA methylation in the CD14 promoter was significantly lower in placentas of mothers living on a farm compared with mothers not living on a farm.ConclusionOur data suggest that epigenetic regulation of CD14 in placenta might be involved in the protective effect of ‘living on a farm’, with regard to allergy development.
Therapeutic efficacy of platelet components treated with amotosalen and ultraviolet A pathogen inactivation method: results of a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cid J. , Escolar G. , Lozano M. 
Published: May 2012

Background and Objectives  There are conflicting data regarding the therapeutic efficacy of platelets inactivated using amotosalen and ultraviolet A light. We have performed a meta‐analysis to summarize the results of different randomized controlled trials (RCT).Materials and Methods  Five RCTs reported through March 2011 met the criteria for meta‐analysis. Weighted mean difference (WMD) in corrected count increment (CCI) at 1 h, CCI‐24 h, and transfusion interval (days) and summary odds ratio (OR) of bleeding in inactivated platelet (I‐P) group vs. noninactivated platelet (C‐P) group were calculated across studies.Results  Randomized controlled trials were statistically homogeneous when we analysed CCI‐24 h, and the transfusion of C‐P was associated with a higher CCI‐24 h when compared with the transfusion of I‐P (WMD, 3 × 103; 95% CI, 2·32 × 103–3·69 × 103; P < 0·00001). RCTs were statistically heterogeneous when we analysed CCI‐1 h, transfusion interval and OR of bleeding. Regarding the OR of bleeding in the I‐P and C‐P groups, it varied by as much as a multiple of four among the trials, from 0·66 to 2·66. When we combined double‐blinded and high methodologic quality score RCTs, the use of I‐P was not statistically associated with an increase in the OR of bleeding when compared with the use of C‐P (OR, 0·97; 95% CI, 0·75–1·27; P = 0·84).Conclusion  Although the transfusion of I‐P was associated with lower CCI‐24 h when compared with the transfusion of C‐P, this was not associated with differences in the OR of bleeding between I‐P and C‐P.
Cross sectional survey on the concerns and anxiety of patients waiting for organ transplants
Authors: LI PHILIP KAM‐TAO , CHU KWOK HONG , CHOW KAI MING , LAU MIU FONG , LEUNG CHI BON , KWAN BONNIE CHING HA , TONG YUEN FAN , SZETO CHEUK CHUN , NG MAGGIE MIU MAN 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTAim:  We aimed to gain an understanding of patient concerns while on a transplantation waiting list in areas with long transplant waiting time.Methods:  The study population comprised patients with organ failure on the transplant waiting list in Hong Kong. They were invited to complete a questionnaire survey. Demographic data and waiting time were collected. Respondents rated their chance of getting transplanted, their subjective concerns and feelings, level of happiness and support received.Results:  A total of 442 patients on the waiting list for kidney, liver, lung and heart‐lung transplants completed the questionnaire survey. The majority of patients (93.0%) were waiting for kidney transplantation. More than half of the respondents (63.3%) had been waiting for more than 3 years. Patients with longer transplant waiting times had lower self‐estimated chance of receiving a transplant (P = 0.004). Self‐estimated chance of getting transplanted was positively associated with the happiness score (P < 0.0001). Issues of most concerns to the patients waiting for organ transplants were: inconvenience of therapy (48.2%), disease progression (47.9%), burden to family (59.5%) and financial difficulties (52.3%). More female patients on the waiting list (50.0% vs 25.7% in male) reported concerns about suffering associated with the illnesses. 21.7% of patients considered the level of support received inadequate.Conclusions:  Our patients had long waiting time for transplantation, which is associated with a lower perceived chance of getting a transplant. Attention to more psychosocial support to these patients waiting for organ transplant is important. Promoting and improving organ donation would be the ultimate way to help these patients.
Depression, but not sleep disorder, is an independent factor affecting exacerbations and hospitalization in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: ITO KOSUKE , KAWAYAMA TOMOTAKA , SHOJI YOSHIHISA , FUKUSHIMA NORIKO , MATSUNAGA KAZUKO , EDAKUNI NOBUTAKA , UCHIMURA NAOHISA , HOSHINO TOMOAKI 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience depression and sleep disorders, which can adversely affect their health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study was to investigate depression and sleep disorders among 85 COPD patients and 46 control subjects, aged 40 years and over.Methods:  Patients underwent spirometry and arterial blood gas analysis, self‐completed St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and were assessed on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The frequency of exacerbations among COPD patients was prospectively monitored for 12 months.Results:  The prevalence of depression and sleep disorders was significantly higher among COPD patients than control subjects. The relative risks (95% confidence interval) of depression and sleep disorders were 7.58 (1.03 to 55.8) and 1.82 (1.03 to 3.22), respectively, in COPD patients compared with control subjects. Among COPD patients, there was a correlation between CES‐D and PSQI. Lower body mass index, more severe dyspnoea, poorer HRQOL, lower partial pressure of arterial oxygen and higher partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide were significantly associated with the incidence of depression and sleep disorders. Exacerbations and hospitalizations were more frequent among COPD patients with depression than those with sleep disorders alone or those without depression or sleep disorders.Conclusions:  Depression and sleep disorders are very common co‐morbidities among COPD patients and significantly reduce activities and HRQOL among these patients. Depression, but not sleep disorder, is an independent risk factor for exacerbations and hospitalization among COPD patients.
Is it useful to perform carbon monoxide diffusion capacity and respiratory muscle function tests in patients with multiple sclerosis without disability?
Authors: CARVALHO SONIA REGINA S. , ALVARENGA FILHO HELCIO , PAPAIS‐ALVARENGA REGINA M. , CHACUR FERNANDO H. , DIAS RICARDO M. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Impairment of respiratory function has been described in end‐stage multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as in patients with mild to severe disability. No data are available regarding the respiratory function of MS patients without disability. The objective of this study was to assess the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity of the lungs (DLCO) in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) without disability.Methods:  Twenty‐seven RRMS patients and 25 healthy control subjects were recruited. All subjects underwent clinical and neurological examination, and spirometry; lung volumes, DLCO and maximal respiratory pressures were measured. All subjects were rated on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale scales.Results:  There were no significant differences in age, gender, height, weight or body mass index between the groups. The mean duration of illness in the MS group was 5.44 ± 3.74 years, and the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale was 0.62 ± 0.65. The mean values for total lung capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC were normal in both groups. Fifteen RRMS patients exhibited a reduction in maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), but only one patient exhibited a reduction in maximal inspiratory pressure. The mean values for DLCO were lower in RRMS patients (P = 0.0004) than in the control group. DLCO was decreased in 15 (55.55%), out of 27 RRMS patients. The fatigue scale results were not correlated with pulmonary function test resultsConclusions:  DLCO and MEP may be impaired in RRMS patients without disability.
Predicting the current distribution and potential spread of the exotic grass Eragrostis plana Nees in South America and identifying a bioclimatic niche shift during invasion
Authors: BARBOSA FABIANA G. , PILLAR VALÉRIO D. , PALMER ANTHONY R. , MELO ADRIANO S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractEragrostis plana (Poaceae) is a perennial grass introduced from South Africa to the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Currently, it is considered an invasive grass in several regions of the world, including South America, where it has caused negative ecological and socio‐economic impacts. Ecological niche models, using bioclimatic variables, are often used to predict the potential distribution of invasive species. In this study we prepared two bioclimatic models for E. plana using the Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐set Production, the first based on data from its native region (South Africa) and the second on data from both the native and invaded (South America) regions. We then projected each model onto South America to identify regions vulnerable to invasion by the species, and compared our results with available records of the species in South America. Finally, we explored the model's predictions for the existence of a bioclimatic niche shift during the invasion process of E. plana in South America, using multivariate statistical analysis. The model created with native distribution data was only able to predict (with highly suitable habitat) the region of introduction of E. plana in South America. However, the current distribution, as well as the region of introduction of the species, was reliably predicted by the model created with data from both native and invaded regions. Our multivariate analysis supports a hypothesis of bioclimatic niche shift during the invasion process of E. plana in South America.
Antioxidant supplementation in pregnant women with low antioxidant status
Authors: Wibowo Noroyono , Purwosunu Yuditiya , Sekizawa Akihiko , Farina Antonio , Idriansyah Liana , Fitriana Ika 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of antioxidant supplementation in a cohort of women with low antioxidant status and determine the changes in cell‐free mRNA.Material and Methods:  This study was a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of 8–12 weeks' pregnant women who had low antioxidant status treated with either antioxidants or control diets daily until 2 weeks' postpartum. The primary end‐point was the risk of pre‐eclampsia and the secondary end‐point was the changes of angiogenic and anti‐oxidant mRNA markers related to the outcome (ClinicalTrial.gov, number NCT01232205).Results:  There were 110 women enrolled in the study, randomly assigned to the supplementation (n = 52) and control group (n = 58). The overall rate of pre‐eclampsia was 8.7% (nine subjects). There were significant differences (P = 0.034) between the supplementation and control group in the incidence of pre‐eclampsia (2.0% [one case] and 14.5% [eight cases], respectively) and mRNA level of superoxide‐dismutase, heme oxygenase‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1, endoglin and placental growth factor after supplementation.Conclusion:  Supplementation of women with low antioxidant status with micronutrients containing antioxidants during early gestation might reduce the risk of pre‐eclampsia.
Perceived helplessness is associated with individual differences in the central motor output system
Authors: Salomons Tim V. , Moayedi Massieh , Weissman‐Fogel Irit , Goldberg Michael B. , Freeman Bruce V. , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Davis Karen D. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractLearned helplessness is a maladaptive response to uncontrollable stress characterized by impaired motor escape responses, reduced motivation and learning deficits. There are important individual differences in the likelihood of becoming helpless following exposure to uncontrollable stress but little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying these individual differences. Here we used structural MRI to measure gray and white matter in individuals with chronic pain, a population at high risk for helplessness due to prolonged exposure to a poorly controlled stressor (pain). Given that self‐reported helplessness is predictive of treatment outcomes in chronic pain, understanding such differences might provide valuable clinical insight. We found that the magnitude of self‐reported helplessness correlated with cortical thickness in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and midcingulate cortex, regions implicated in cognitive aspects of motor behavior. We then examined the white matter connectivity of these regions and found that fractional anisotropy of connected white matter tracts along the corticospinal tract was associated with helplessness and mediated the relationship between SMA cortical thickness and helplessness. These data provide novel evidence that links individual differences in the motor output pathway with perceived helplessness over a chronic and poorly controlled stressor.