bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative Distribution of Folate Species Is Associated with Global DNA Methylation in Human Colorectal Mucosa
Authors: Liu Jia , Hesson Luke B. , Meagher Alan P. , Bourke Michael J. , Hawkins Nicholas J. , Rand Keith N. , Molloy Peter L. , Pimanda John E. , Ward Robyn L. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFolate exists as functionally diverse species within cells. Although folate deficiency may contribute to DNA hypomethylation in colorectal cancer, findings on the association between total folate concentration and global DNA methylation have been inconsistent. This study determined global, LINE-1, and Alu DNA methylation in blood and colon of healthy and colorectal cancer patients and their relationship to folate distribution. Blood and normal mucosa from 112 colorectal cancer patients and 114 healthy people were analyzed for global DNA methylation and folate species distribution using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Repeat element methylation was determined using end-specific PCR. Colorectal mucosa had lower global and repeat element DNA methylation compared with peripheral blood (P &lt; 0.0001). After adjusting for age, sex and smoking history, global but not repeat element methylation was marginally higher in normal mucosa from colorectal cancer patients compared with healthy individuals. Colorectal mucosa from colorectal cancer subjects had lower 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and higher tetrahydrofolate and formyltetrahydrofolate levels than blood from the same individual. Blood folate levels should not be used as a surrogate for the levels in colorectal mucosa because there are marked differences in folate species distribution between the two tissues. Similarly, repeat element methylation is not a good surrogate measure of global DNA methylation in both blood and colonic mucosa. There was no evidence that mucosal global DNA methylation or folate distribution was related to the presence of cancer per se, suggesting that if abnormalities exist, they are confined to individual cells rather than the entire colon. Cancer Prev Res; 5(7); 921–9. ©2012 AACR.
Obesity and Ovarian Cancer Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Protani Melinda M. , Nagle Christina M. , Webb Penelope M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractStudies that have examined the association between obesity and ovarian cancer survival have provided conflicting results. We reviewed and quantitatively summarized existing evidence, exploring potentially important sources of variability, such as the timing of body mass index (BMI) assessment and different cutpoints used to categorize BMI. A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted to identify original data evaluating the association between obesity and survival in women with ovarian cancer. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) from studies were pooled using a random-effects model. The meta-analysis of 14 studies showed slightly poorer survival among obese than in non-obese women [pooled HR, 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.34]. This estimate did not vary appreciably when BMI was measured before diagnosis (1.13; 0.95–1.35), at the time of diagnosis (1.13; 0.81–1.57) or at the commencement of chemotherapy (1.12; 0.96–1.31). We found a slightly stronger association in studies that only included women with a BMI ≥ 30 in their "obese" group (1.20) than in studies that also included overweight women (BMI ≥ 25; 1.14). Women with ovarian cancer who are obese appear to have slightly worse survival than non-obese women. However, there is a large amount of inter-study variation, which means that no solid conclusions can be drawn. Cancer Prev Res; 5(7); 901–10. ©2012 AACR.
Afrocentric Cultural Values and Beliefs
Authors: Scollan-Koliopoulos Melissa , Rapp Kenneth J. , Bleich David 
Published: May 2012

Purpose The purpose of this study was to estimate the benefit of using a cultural characteristics scale to help diabetes educators understand how African Americans cope with diabetes. Illness representations are influenced by culture. Race and ethnicity as a proxy for culture provides an incomplete understanding of the mechanism by which cultural values influence representations of diabetes. Methods A descriptive correlational design was employed by recruiting hospitalized adults with type 2 diabetes at 3 metropolitan northeast coast sites. The TRIOS Afrocentric cultural characteristics measure and the Illness Perception Questionnaire were administered by paper-and-pencil to a diverse sample. Black race and African American ethnicity was used as a proxy for culture and compared to levels of agreement on an Afrocentric cultural scale to determine the relative ability to explain variance in illness representations of diabetes. Conclusion The TRIOS measure adapted to diabetes care explained variance in illness representations of diabetes, while African American ethnicity/black race was not able to explain variance in illness representations. Clinicians would benefit from considering the degree to which a patient identifies with particular cultural characteristics when tailoring interventions to manipulate illness representations that are not concordant with biomedical representations.
Parenting Children Living With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Nurmi Mary Anne , Stieber-Roger Kerstin 
Published: May 2012

Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore a parent’s sense of meaning in relation to the parenting of a child with type 1diabetes. Methods A qualitative collective case study design was used and 10 interviews conducted with parents of children with type 1 diabetes. Recruitment took place through the Winnipeg Diabetes Education and Resource for Children and Adolescents and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Categories were identified using qualitative content analysis. Findings Two major categories identified include being like everyone else and protecting the children. Implications Findings indicate that there is a need for greater diabetes education in schools. Diabetes educators can play a more proactive role in leading school based discussions with children, parents, and school staff.
Training Peers to Deliver a Church-Based Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Tang Tricia S. , Nwankwo Robin , Whiten Yolanda , Oney Christina 
Published: May 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of training peers to function as lifestyle coaches and to deliver a church-based lifestyle modification program. Methods: We recruited 6 African-American adults to participate in an 8-hour peer lifestyle coach (PLC) training program followed by a subsequent 2-hour booster session. The PLC training program addressed several key areas, including: (1) developing empowerment-based facilitation, active listening, and behavior change skills; (2) learning self-management strategies (eg, reading food labels, counting calories); (3) practicing session delivery; and (4) interpreting clinical lab results. Training evaluation was conducted retrospectively (immediately following the delivery of the diabetes prevention intervention rather than after the 8-hour training session) and measured program satisfaction and efficacy from the perspective of participants. Results: Peer lifestyle coaches’ confidence levels for performing core skills (eg, asking open-ended questions, 5-step behavioral goal-setting process) and advanced skills (eg, addressing resistance, discussing sensitive topics) were uniformly high. Similarly, PLCs were very satisfied with the length of training, balance between content and skills development, and preparation for leading group- and individual-based support activities. Conclusions: Findings suggest that it is feasible to customize a PLC training program that is acceptable to participants and that equips participants with the knowledge and skills to facilitate a church-based diabetes prevention intervention.
Perceptions and reflections of music teacher education in Kenya
Authors: Akuno Emily Achieng’ 
Published: May 2012

This article builds on enquiry aimed to discover Kenyan music teachers’ perceptions and expectations of their role; their view of the training they received; head teachers’ perceptions and expectations of the role of the music teacher; and the expectations of both music teachers and head teachers of a music teacher education programme in Kenya. The findings have steered a discussion towards suggestions for an improved framework to guide teacher education for music at all levels of education in Kenya. Through questionnaires, a sample of 16 music teachers and 11 head teachers recorded their opinion that teachers were not adequately prepared to implement the music programmes; that the role of the music teacher covered in and out of class activities; and that this expectation could only be accomplished with proper academic and professional training. Guided by principles of indigenous African education and learning conceptual orientations, the discussions led to recommendations that call for better grounding of music teachers in the processes of music and ability to facilitate music learning.
Early changes in cerebral oxidative stress and apoptotic neuronal injury after various flows for selective cerebral perfusion in piglets
Authors: Chen Y , Liu J , Wang S , Ji B , Tang Y , Wu A , Zhou C , Long C 
Published: May 2012

Background: The impact of various flows for selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) on cerebral oxidative stress in the immature brain is unknown. We examined early changes in cerebral markers of oxidative damage, apoptotic protein activation and histological outcome after different flows for SCP in a piglet model of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Methods: Twenty piglets, randomly divided into four groups (each n = 5), were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at 20°C, then underwent DHCA for 60 minutes. SCP was conducted at flow rates of 0, 25, 50 and 80 ml·kg-1·min-1 through the innominate artery in the DHCA, SCP 25, SCP 50, and SCP 80 groups, respectively. The animals were killed at 2 hours off CPB. Brain tissues were examined for the activity of SOD, MDA and caspase-3, and histological damage was quantitatively assayed by light microscopic examinations. Results: There were no significant differences in the activities of SOD, MDA and the SOD/MDA index between the groups. Caspase-3 activity significantly decreased in the SCP 25, SCP 50 and SCP 80 groups compared with the DHCA group. However, the caspase-3 level was higher in the SCP 80 group than in the SCP 25 and SCP 50 group. There were no significant correlations between MDA, SOD, SOD/MDA index and caspase-3. Conclusions: In this acute model, under different flows for SCP, cerebral MDA and SOD activities show no change, whereas activated caspase-3 has a marked change. There was no relationship between oxidative stress, indicated by MDA and SOD, and apoptotic protein activation in the early phase after DHCA.
The Epidemiology, Morbidity, and Outcome of Soccer-Related Fractures in a Standard Population
Authors: Robertson Gregory A.J. , Wood Alexander M. , Bakker-Dyos Joshua , Aitken Stuart A. , Keenan Andre C.M. , Court-Brown Charles M. 
Published: May 2012

Background: Soccer is the most common cause of sporting fracture, but little is known about patient outcome after such fractures. Purpose: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of soccer-related fractures, their outcomes, and the likelihood of return to soccer after injury in a known United Kingdom population at all skill levels. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: All soccer fractures during 2007-2008 in the Lothian population were prospectively collected, with the diagnosis confirmed by an orthopaedic surgeon when patients attended the only adult orthopaedic service in Lothian. Patients living outside the region were excluded from the study. Patients were contacted in August 2010 to ascertain their progress in returning to soccer. Results: A total of 367 fractures were recorded over the study period in 357 patients; 312 fractures (85%) in 303 patients (85%) were followed up, with a mean interval of 30 months (range, 24-36 months). The mean time for return to soccer from injury was 15 ± 17 weeks (range, 0-104 weeks). For patients with lower limb injuries, the mean time was 26 ± 22 weeks (range, 4-104 weeks) compared with 9 ± 8 weeks for patients with upper limb injuries (range, 0-64 weeks). Fourteen percent of the whole cohort did not return to soccer; 83% returned to soccer at the same level or higher. Thirty-nine percent had ongoing related problems; however, only 8% had impaired soccer ability because of these problems. Fractures with the highest morbidity in not returning to soccer were to the clavicle (24%), distal radius (21%), and tibial diaphysis (20%). Conclusion: Most patients sustaining a fracture while playing soccer will return to soccer at a similar level. While over one third of them will have persisting symptoms 2 years after injury, for the majority, this will not impair their soccer ability.
Invitro biomonitoring of the genotoxic and oxidative potentials of two commonly eaten insects in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Memiş Eray , Türkez Hasan , İncekara Ümit , Banjo Adedoyin Davies , Fasunwon Bamidele Temitope , Toğar Başak 
Published: May 2012

In this study, the cytogenetic and oxidative effects of water soluble extracts of two commonly eaten insects, Zonocerus variegatus (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) and Oryctes boas (Solanales: Solanaceae), in southwestern Nigeria were evaluated on cultured human blood cells. The extracts were added to the cultures at various concentrations (0–2000 ppm). The chromosome aberration and micronucleus tests were used to find out the DNA and chromosomal damage potentials in vitro by aqueous insect extracts. To assess the oxidative effects of these insect extracts, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were also measured. Our results indicated that these extracts did not show genotoxic effects at the tested concentrations. However, the extracts caused dose-dependent alterations in both TAC and TOS levels. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the studied insects can be consumed safely, but it is necessary to consider the cellular damages that are likely to appear depending on the oxidative stress. We also suggest that this in vitro approach for oxidative and genotoxicity assessments may be useful to compare the potential health risks of edible insects.
Clinical Experience With Low-Dose Continuous Infusion of Furosemide in Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Ng Tien M. H. , Hshieh Shenche , Chan Cynthia Y. , Elkayam Uri 
Published: May 2012

Introduction: Clinical data are scarce for furosemide administered as a low-dose (<160 mg/24 hours) continuous intravenous infusion in acute heart failure (HF). Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose continuous infusion of furosemide on diuretic response, renal function, and patient outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of patients with acute HF who received furosemide administered as a continuous infusion after initial therapy with intermittent boluses (usually 40-80 mg every 12 hours). End points included mean hourly urine output, incidence of acute renal injury, and outcome disparities of patients who developed acute renal injury. Comparison of patients with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was also performed. Results: The study included 150 patients (age 57 ± 13 years, male gender 61%, admission weight 87 ± 32 kg, LVEF 37 ± 15%, 28% preserved LVEF). Mean initial and maximum furosemide doses were 5.1 ± 1.1 mg/h and 6.2 ± 2.2 mg/h, respectively. Mean duration of therapy was 51.4 ± 67.5 hours. Continuous infusion of furosemide was associated with a significant increase in mean hourly urine output compared to baseline (150 ± 77 mL/h vs 116 ± 69 mL/h, P < .001). Acute renal injury developed in 19% of patients, with 70% of those occurring within the first 48 hours of therapy. Mean serum creatinine (baseline 1.55 ± 1.50 mg/dL vs at discharge 1.64 ± 1.61 mg/dL, P = .20) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (baseline 67 ± 39 mL/min vs at discharge 67 ± 43 mL/min, P = .89) did not significantly change over the course of the hospitalization. Development of acute renal injury was associated with poorer outcomes, higher furosemide dose, and longer duration of furosemide therapy. Diuretic response and safety were not different between patients with preserved or reduced LVEF. Conclusions: In patients with acute HF, furosemide administered as a low-dose continuous infusion was effective in achieving diuresis and was not associated with a detectable effect on renal function. This diuretic approach appeared to be similarly effective and safe in patients with preserved LVEF.
Societal Development Through Human Resource Development
Authors: Kim Namhee 
Published: May 2012

The Problem. Recently, human resource development (HRD) scholars and practitioners have reported the usefulness and effectiveness of an HRD framework to address emerging problems and issues to bring about meaningful and lasting change for the public good at multiple levels. However, basic expectations inherent in traditional HRD theory and practice that pursue organizational interests often do not fit numerous projects and programs designed for community development, nation building, or international development. The Solution. To understand the use of HRD for the purpose of societal development (SD), this article presents typical contextual characteristics of HRD in a community, a nation, and the world, along with the key change agents, such as governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and international agencies. The Stakeholders. This article is addressed to the many HRD practitioners who work for SD without broader scope of theoretical background by providing principles, concepts, and methods that are currently used or have potential for advancing the practice.
HRD for Societal Development
Authors: Wang Jia 
Published: May 2012

The Problem. Human resource development (HRD) in developing countries has scopes and applications beyond economic interests; it often involves addressing social issues. Furthermore, the continuing trend of population growth in the developing world, coupled with limited or unavailable resources and infrastructure, has created additional challenges. As a result, HRD practitioners in the developing world must become more innovative change agents. The Solution. This article introduces the concept of “social entrepreneurship” into HRD and urges HRD practitioners to partner with social entrepreneurs in their mission of promoting community and national development. Specifically, I draw details from four well-known case examples in two emerging economics—India and China—to demonstrate how social entrepreneurs have used HRD and organization development strategies to address societal problems in these two countries. The Stakeholders. Findings of this research will not only benefit HRD professionals and social entrepreneurs but also other stakeholders including central and local government agencies, policy makers, local communities, local business organizations, and the individuals directly affected by societal change.
Capacity Building for Societal Development
Authors: McLean Gary N. , Kuo Min-Hsin (Christine) , Budhwani Nadir N. , Yamnill Siriporn , Virakul Busaya 
Published: May 2012

The Problem. Traditionally, the core of human resource development (HRD) has focused on corporate settings and emerged primarily in the United States. The Solution. As the concept has evolved and moved around the world in response to factors supporting globalization, and as academics and practitioners have argued about its definition, HRD has begun to be applied much more broadly, including with geographically dispersed communities and nations. This article presents case studies in which HRD principles and theories have been used for societal development—the general improvement of the welfare of people usually outside of the workplace, primarily in communities. At least one of the coauthors, and usually two or more, have been either involved in or reported on all of the cases included. The Stakeholders. It is critical for HRD academics and practitioners to understand this evolving, broad-based perspective of HRD and participate in its practice, theory development, and research.
An adaptive design to bridge the gap between Phase 2b/3 microbicide effectiveness trials and evidence required for licensure
Authors: Taylor Douglas J , Grobler Anneke , Abdool Karim Salim S 
Published: May 2012

Background Vaginally and rectally applied microbicides are being developed to help prevent sexual acquisition of HIV. Due to the lack of surrogate outcomes, the path toward licensure typically moves directly from expanded safety studies to expensive Phase 2b/3 trials with rare incident infection outcomes. The need to confirm an initial trial’s significant finding can lead to serious delays in implementing essential programs to reduce the spread of HIV. Purpose To propose an adaptive design where a Phase 2b/3 study powered to detect a clinically meaningful effect with evidence of one trial (observing one-sided p < 0.025) is allowed to expand by a prespecified, feasible amount if interim data suggest the chance of further achieving a more robust evidence threshold ( p < 0.001, potentially sufficient for licensure from a single trial) is promising. Methods As an example, prespecified conditional power criteria are used to determine whether a 90-event trial with 90% power to detect a 50% reduction in risk should be expanded to 130 events. Asymptotic results and simulations are used to assess false-positive error rates and other operating characteristics of the design. Results False-positive error rates can be controlled at the desired 0.025 and 0.001 levels with appropriate choice of critical values or expansion criteria. The chance of achieving robust evidence can approach that of a 130-event trial with traditional stopping boundaries (controlling a = 0.001) but with substantially lower expected size for plausible effectiveness levels. Limitations Conditional power calculations assume the interim estimate of effect is an unbiased estimate for the remainder of the trial, an assumption which may not hold if product adherence varies over time. Observing a measure of effect with p < 0.001 may not be sufficient for licensure. A decision to expand the trial would be informative to investigators regarding the interim effect size. Conclusions A moderate increase in trial size can make the difference between a study with good power to detect a clinically meaningful effect and one which may reasonably obtain the robust evidence required for regulatory bodies and public health programs to consider making a new microbicide available to persons at risk of HIV infection. The proposed design allows for this possibility while not requiring investigators to make an up-front commitment to a prohibitively large trial.