bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The 14‐item Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test: translation and validation study of the Malaysian version
Authors: Al‐Qazaz HK , Hassali MA , Shafie AA , Sulaiman SAS , Sundram S 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe aims of this study were to translate the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test (MDKT) into the Malaysian language, and to examine the psychometric properties of the Malaysian version.A standard translation procedure was used to create the Malaysian version of the MDKT from the original English version. A convenience sample of 307 outpatients with type 2 diabetes was identified between May and October 2009. All data were collected from the Penang General Hospital, Penang, Malaysia. Instruments consisted of the Malaysian version of the MDKT and a socio‐demographic questionnaire. Medical records were reviewed for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and other clinical data. Reliability was tested for internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.Employing the recommended scoring method, the mean±SD of MDKT scores was 7.88±3.01. Good internal consistency was found (Cronbach's alpha = 0.702); the test‐retest reliability value was 0.894 (p<0.001). For known group validity, a significant relationship between MDKT categories and HbA1c categories (chi‐square = 21.626; p≥0.001) was found.The findings of this validation study indicate that the Malaysian version of the MDKT is a reliable and valid measure of diabetes knowledge which can now be used in clinical and research practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Effectiveness of staged diabetes management on the quality of diabetes care in Mexico
Authors: Rodriguez‐Saldana J , Morales de Teresa MA , Rosales‐Campos AC , Clark CM , Mazze RS , Strock E 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of staged diabetes management, a structured programme developed by the International Diabetes Center in Minneapolis, USA, on the quality of outpatient diabetes care at the primary level in Mexico.A prospective study was conducted in patients treated at outpatient diabetes clinics established in public health centres in 2001–2007 in Hidalgo, Mexico. Diabetes care was provided by multidisciplinary teams which included general physicians and nurses as a minimum. Organisational arrangements were made to reduce waiting times, avoid rotation of staff, and provide adequate time for baseline and follow‐up visits. Process and outcomes indicators of quality of diabetes care included body mass index, blood pressure, fasting/casual blood glucose, lipoprotein measurement, haemoglobin A1c, and foot examination.Analysis of 4393 patients showed increases in the percentage of recorded process indicators of quality of diabetes care between baseline and the fifth visit: body mass index 85.5 vs 95.9%; blood pressure measurement 74.4 vs 95.6%; HbA1c 12.9 vs 17.7%; total cholesterol 18.3 vs 55.9%; and foot examination 19.1 vs 94.9%. Significant differences were noted by a decrease in fasting blood glucose (185.75±79.01 vs 162.89±72.53mg/dl, p<0.001), and a 3.6 percentage point decrease in HbA1c (12.05±4.47 vs 8.45±1.89%, p<0.001).These results suggest that it is possible to improve the quality of diabetes care at the primary level; this can be done through the implementation of a programme that integrates: changes in the structure and in the process of care, customised clinical guidelines, and a standardised system of information that enables measuring clinical results with very limited resources. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes specialist nursing in the UK: the judgement call? A review of existing literature
Authors: James J 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe role of the diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) has evolved since its inception over 70 years ago. Now, 1363 DSNs work in the UK, in various health care settings. The need to work within a culture of evidence‐based practice and clinical and cost effectiveness, along with a perceived lack of evidence within diabetes specialist nursing, has prompted investigation into the role and efficacy of UK‐based DSNs.This review discusses the workforce demographics of DSNs employed in the UK, the evolving specialist nurse role and the clinical and cost effectiveness of specialist nursing. The DSNs' roles and workforce issues were assessed using existing surveys and reports. Clinical and cost effectiveness of DSNs were explored using a systematic literature review. This article is based on the Janet Kinson Lecture given at the 2010 Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference in Liverpool, which gave an overview of specialist nursing, current literature supporting DSN practice and insights into challenges facing the profession in the current NHS culture of efficiency savings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
“Save 30% if you buy today”. Online pharmacies and the enhancement of peripheral thinking in consumers
Authors: Orizio Grazia , Rubinelli Sara , Schulz Peter J. , Domenighini Serena , Bressanelli Maura , Caimi Luigi , Gelatti Umberto 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPurposeOnline pharmacies (OPs) are recognized as a potential threat to public health. The growth of an unregulated global drugs market risks increasing the spread of counterfeit medicines which are often delivered to consumers without a medical prescription. The aim of the study was to assess the strategies of argumentation that OPs adopt in their marketing.MethodsA sample of 175 OPs was analyzed using the content‐analysis method, and evaluated by relying on the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasion.ResultsAlmost 80% of the sample of OPs did not ask for a medical prescription by the consumer's physician. The selling arguments used included privacy policy, economic, quality, and service issues. About one‐third of the OPs did not declare any side‐effects regarding the drugs offered.ConclusionOur results show that OPs advertise their products in an argumentative fashion that enhances consumers' peripheral reflection: by analogically playing with the selling of other commodities, they magnify aspects of the online trade that consumers might find convenient, but overshadow the nature and risks of the actual products they sell. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prescribed duration algorithm: utilising ‘free text’ from multiple primary care electronic systems
Authors: Brooks Caroline J. , Lyons Ronan A. , Jones Kerina H. , Hutton Andrew J. , Walker Roger , Evans Karen A. , Lloyd Keith , Ford David V 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPurposeTo develop and test an algorithm that translates total dose and daily regimen, inputted as ‘free text’ on a prescription, into numerical values to calculate the prescribed treatment duration.MethodThe algorithm was developed using antibiotic prescriptions (n = 711 714) from multiple primary care computer systems. For validation, the prescribed treatment duration of an independent sample of antibiotic scripts was calculated in two ways: (a) computer algorithm, (b) manually reviewed by a researcher blinded to the results of (a). The outputs of the two methods were compared and the level of agreement assessed, using confidence intervals for differences in proportions. This was repeated on sample of antidepressant scripts to test generalisabilty of the algorithm.ResultsFor the antibiotic prescriptions, the algorithm processed 98.5% with an accuracy of 99.8% and the manual review processed 98.5% with 98.9% accuracy. The differences between these proportions are 0.0% (95%CI of −0.9, 0.9%) and 1.0% (95%CI of −0.1, 2.3%), respectively. For the antidepressant prescriptions, the algorithm processed 91.5% with an accuracy of 96.6% compared to the manual review with 96.4% processed and 99.8% accuracy; difference between these proportions is 4.9% (95%CI of 2.0, 8.0%) and 3.2% (95%CI of 1.6, 5.3%), respectively.ConclusionThe algorithm proved to be applicable and efficient for assessing prescribed duration, with sensitivity and specificity values close to the manual review, but with the added advantage that the computer can process large volume of scripts rapidly and automatically. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver nanoparticles formation within unsaturated polyester/styrene resins induced by UV irradiation and thermal treatment
Authors: Brito‐Silva Antonio M. , de Araújo Cid B. , Brayner Fábio A. , Santos Sergio S. , Galembeck André , Milet Edwin R.C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis article describes the formation of silver nanoparticles (NPs) within preformed unsaturated polyester/styrene resins in which the resulting color could be tuned by changing the silver load, time, and method used to grow the NPs. NP size and aggregation are responsible for the resulting sample color, and the samples present very good optical transparency. The silver ions were first added to the prepolymer that was crosslinked by free radical polymerization in the absence of light. NP formation was subsequently induced by submitting the transparent and colorless samples to heat or UV irradiation. Within the heated samples, isolated spherical particles ranging from 3 to 40 nm were observed. UV irradiation led to the formation of particle aggregates; however, as the exposure time was increased, silver NPs became well dispersed within the matrix within a particle diameter range of 9 to 24 nm. The particle formation is faster when induced by UV irradiation. Samples were also prepared by first dissolving rhodamine 6G in the resin. The emission bandwidth of samples prepared in this way showed a dependence on the silver particles amount and size. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Degradation of individual cells in a module measured with differentialIVanalysis
Authors: Alers G.B. , Zhou J. , Deline C. , Hacke P. , Kurtz S.R. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTA methodology is developed for the extraction of cell‐level properties from the analysis of differentialIVresponse in a solar module with series connected cells. Through a combination of simulation and experimental verification we show that the shunt resistance and short circuit current of individual cells can be determined from a peak in the module differential resistance with cells that are partially shaded. The magnitude of the peak is equal to the shunt resistance of the cell for small values of shunt resistance. The current at which the peak occurs is proportional to the product of the short circuit current and the shading factor of the particular cell. With this methodology, we are able to measure degradation of 72 individual cells in a single commercial module after a high temperature/high humidity/high voltage stress test. Therefore, the statistics of degradation in this test were improved 72‐fold. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of a dual endothelin converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase inhibitor on the development of pulmonary hypertension secondary to cardiac dysfunction in the rat
Authors: Dai Zen‐Kong , Hsieh Chong‐Chao , Chai Chee‐Yin , Wu Jiunn‐Ren , Jeng Arco Y. , Chou Shah‐Hwa , Wu Bin‐Nan , Yeh Jwu‐Lai , Chen Ing‐Jun , Tan Mian‐Shin 
Published: July 2010

AbstractEndothelium‐derived nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)‐1 interact to regulate the vascular tone in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We investigated the protective effects of an orally active, dual endothelin converting enzyme (ECE)/neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor/CGS 26393 on pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary expressions of ET‐1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) during the development of PH secondary to cardiac dysfunction. Significant increases in the mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary arteriolar medial thickness, and pulmonary expression of ET‐1 were seen in rats subjected to aortic banding for 4 weeks, compared with sham‐operated rats. Treatment with CGS 26393 (30 mg/kg, twice daily, p.o.) began on 1 day after aortic banding. CGS 26393 treated rats had lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure (15 ± 1 mmHg, mean ± SEM,P < 0.05) compared to vehicle‐treated rats (37 ± 1 mmHg). It also normalized pulmonary arteriolar medial thickness and reduced the levels of pulmonary ET‐1 and big ET‐1 by 55% (P < 0.05) and 28% (P < 0.01), respectively, when compared with vehicle‐treated animals. Meanwhile, the expressions of eNOS mRNA and eNOS protein and cGMP levels in the lung of CGS 26393‐treated rats were increased by 62% (P < 0.05), 100% (P < 0.05), and 32% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared to the vehicle‐treated rats. These results suggest that CGS 26393 could offer preventive effects on the development of PH by ameliorating pulmonary remodeling, decreasing ET‐1 production, and up‐regulating eNOS and cGMP in aorta‐banded rats. However, the molecular mechanisms by which treatment with CGS 26393 results in altered expressions of eNOS and cGMP awaits further investigation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010;45:1076–1085. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studying submicrosecond protein folding kinetics using a photolabile caging strategy and time‐resolved photoacoustic calorimetry
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Liang , Hsu Jack C.‐C. , Viet Man Hoang , Li Mai Suan , Hu Chin‐Kun , Liu Chia‐Hsun , Luh Frederick Y. , Chen Silvia S.‐W. , Chang Evan S.‐H. , Wang Andrew H.‐J. , Hsu Min‐Feng , Fann Wunshain , Chen Rita P.‐Y. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractKinetic measurement of protein folding is limited by the method used to trigger folding. Traditional methods, such as stopped flow, have a long mixing dead time and cannot be used to monitor fast folding processes. Here, we report a compound, 4‐(bromomethyl)‐6,7‐dimethoxycoumarin, that can be used as a “photolabile cage” to study the early stages of protein folding. The folding process of a protein, RD1, including kinetics, enthalpy, and volume change, was studied by the combined use of a phototriggered caging strategy and time‐resolved photoacoustic calorimetry. The cage caused unfolding of the photolabile protein, and then a pulse UV laser (∼10−9 s) was used to break the cage, leaving the protein free to refold and allowing the resolving of two folding events on a nanosecond time scale. This strategy is especially good for monitoring fast folding proteins that cannot be studied by traditional methods. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flexibility and inhibitor binding in cdc25 phosphatases
Authors: Arantes Guilherme Menegon 
Published: July 2010

AbstractCdc25 phosphatases involved in cell cycle checkpoints are now active targets for the development of anti‐cancer therapies. Rational drug design would certainly benefit from detailed structural information for Cdc25s. However, only apo‐ or sulfate‐bound crystal structures of the Cdc25 catalytic domain have been described so far. Together with previously available crystalographic data, results from molecular dynamics simulations, bioinformatic analysis, and computer‐generated conformational ensembles shown here indicate that the last 30–40 residues in the C‐terminus of Cdc25B are partially unfolded or disordered in solution. The effect of C‐terminal flexibility upon binding of two potent small molecule inhibitors to Cdc25B is then analyzed by using three structural models with variable levels of flexibility, including an equilibrium distributed ensemble of Cdc25B backbone conformations. The three Cdc25B structural models are used in combination with flexible docking, clustering, and calculation of binding free energies by the linear interaction energy approximation to construct and validate Cdc25B‐inhibitor complexes. Two binding sites are identified on top and beside the Cdc25B active site. The diversity of interaction modes found increases with receptor flexibility. Backbone flexibility allows the formation of transient cavities or compact hydrophobic units on the surface of the stable, folded protein core that are unexposed or unavailable for ligand binding in rigid and densely packed crystal structures. The present results may help to speculate on the mechanisms of small molecule complexation to partially unfolded or locally disordered proteins. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Beta‐barrel models of soluble amyloid beta oligomers and annular protofibrils
Authors: Shafrir Yinon , Durell Stewart R. , Anishkin Andriy , Guy H. Robert 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBoth soluble and membrane‐bound prefibrillar assemblies of Abeta (Aβ) peptides have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The size and nature of these assemblies vary greatly and are affected by many factors. Here, we present models of soluble hexameric assemblies of Aβ42 and suggest how they can lead to larger assemblies and eventually to fibrils. The common element in most of these assemblies is a six‐stranded β‐barrel formed by the last third of Aβ42, which is composed of hydrophobic residues and glycines. The hydrophobic core β‐barrels of the hexameric models are shielded from water by the N‐terminus and central segments. These more hydrophilic segments were modeled to have either predominantly β or predominantly α secondary structure. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze stabilities of the models. The hexameric models were used as starting points from which larger soluble assemblies of 12 and 36 subunits were modeled. These models were developed to be consistent with numerous experimental results. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FRS2α Regulates Erk Levels to Control a Self-Renewal Target Hes1 and Proliferation of FGF-Responsive Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Sato Takuya , Shimazaki Takuya , Naka Hayato , Fukami Shin-Ichi , Satoh Yasushi , Okano Hideyuki , Lax Irit , Schlessinger Joseph , Gotoh Noriko 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is among the most common growth factors used in cultures to maintain self-renewal and proliferative capabilities of a variety of stem cells, including neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the control by FGF have remained elusive. Studies on mutant mice of FGF receptor substrate 2α (FRS2α), a central mediator for FGF signaling, combined with FRS2α knockdown or gain-of-function experiments, allowed us to dissect the role of FGF signaling for the self-renewal and proliferation of NSCs and to provide novel molecular mechanisms for them. We identified Hes1 as a novel self-renewal target of FGF-signaling. Quantitatively different levels of Erk activation mediated by FRS2α may regulate self-renewal of NSCs and proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs); low levels of Erk activation are sufficient for the former, however, higher levels are required for maximum activity of the latter. Thus, FRS2α fine-tunes the FGF-signaling to control qualitatively different biological activities, self-renewal at least partly through Hes1 versus proliferation of NSPCs.
Endocervical hyaluronan and ultrasound‐indicated cerclage
Authors: Eglinton G. S. , Herway C. , Skupski D. W. , Bongiovanni A. M. , Witkin S. S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether, at the time of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage, the endocervical concentration of hyaluronan (HA), 27‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP‐27) and/or interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) would predict pregnancy outcome.MethodsEndocervical samples, obtained from 40 women undergoing ultrasound‐indicated cerclage at 15 + 3 to 25 + 0 weeks' gestation, were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for HA, HSP‐27 and IL‐8. All subjects had a cervical length of < 1.5 cm or dramatic cervical length change on serial endovaginal ultrasound, no uterine contractions or tenderness, no fever and intact membranes and underwent a modified Shirodkar cerclage.ResultsThe median HA level was 10.0 ng/mL in the 12 women who delivered at < 37 weeks' gestation as opposed to 39.7 ng/mL in the 28 women delivering at 37–41 weeks (P = 0.017). Median HSP‐27 and IL‐8 concentrations were not significantly different in these groups.ConclusionA higher endocervical HA level at the time of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage is associated with a longer interval before birth. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue‐specific mechanisms of alternative polyadenylation: testis, brain, and beyond
Authors: MacDonald Clinton C. , McMahon K. Wyatt 
Published: July 2010

AbstractChanging the position of the poly(A) tail in an mRNA—alternative polyadenylation—is an important mechanism to increase the diversity of gene expression, especially in metazoans. Alternative polyadenylation often occurs in a tissue‐ or developmental stage‐specific manner and can significantly affect gene activity by changing the protein product generated, the stability of the transcript, its localization, or its translatability. Despite the important regulatory effects that alternative polyadenylation have on gene expression, only a sparse few examples have been mechanistically characterized. Here, we review the known mechanisms for the control of alternative polyadenylation, catalog the tissues that demonstrate a propensity for alternative polyadenylation, and focus on the proteins that are known to regulate alternative polyadenylation in specific tissues. We conclude that the field of alternative polyadenylation remains in its infancy, with possibilities for future investigation on the horizon. Given the profound effect alternative polyadenylation can have on gene expression and human health, improved understanding of alternative polyadenylation could lead to numerous advances in control of gene activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Increased Platelet Counts after Transthoracic En Bloc Resection for Esophageal Cancer is Associated with Significantly Improved Survival
Authors: Ling Frederike C. , Vallböhmer Daniel , Hoelscher Arnulf H. , Schmidt Daniel , Bollschweiler Elfriede , Schneider Paul M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundWe analyzed perioperative platelet counts as a potential clinical marker for survival after transthoracic en bloc resection for esophageal cancer. Recent data described preoperative thrombocytosis in malignancies to be associated with poor prognosis.MethodsA retrospective analysis from a prospective database (1997–2006) was performed for 291 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy and extended lymphadenectomy. Squamous cell cancer was found in 47.0% and adenocarcinoma in 50.9% (2.1% had rare histologies). Neoadjuvant chemoradiation was performed in 152 (52%) patients. Platelet counts before surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 10, and 30 were evaluated. We used the published cutoff value of 293 × 109/l (mean of 80 healthy controls ± standard deviation) for platelet counts.ResultsHigh platelet counts before surgery missed significance for poorer survival (p = 0.054). Following a perioperative fall in thrombocytes, a significant rise at POD 10 after surgery was evident. Platelet counts of more than 293 × 109/l at this time correlated with a significantly improved survival rate (p = 0.027). Patients with no increase in thrombocytes until POD 10 had significantly poorer survival (p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a thrombocyte increase between the preoperative count and that on POD 10 is an independent prognostic indicator (p = 0.035) for patients with completely (R0) resected tumors.ConclusionsAn increase in platelet counts measured on POD 10 following transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy and extended lymphadenectomy is an independent prognostic indicator for improved survival in patients with esophageal cancer.