bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐cultural validity of the Individualised Care Scale – a Rasch model analysis
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Schmidt Lee A , Katajisto Jouko , Berg Agneta , Idvall Ewa , Kalafati Maria , Land Lucy , Lemonidou Chryssoula , Välimäki Maritta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to investigate, using Rasch model analysis, the measurement invariance of the item ratings of the Individualised Care Scale.Background.  Evidence of reliability is needed in cross‐cultural comparative studies. To be used in different cultures and languages, the items must function the same way.Design.  A methodological and comparative design.Methods.  Secondary analysis of data, gathered in 2005–2006 from a cross‐cultural survey using the Individualised Care Scale from Finnish, Greek, Swedish and English predischarge hospitalised orthopaedic and trauma patients (n = 1093), was used. The Rasch model, which produces calibrations (item locations and rank) and item fit statistics, was computed using the Winstep program.Results.  The rank of average Individualised Care Scale item calibrations (−2·26–1·52) followed a generally similar trend (Infit ≤ 1·3), but slight differences in the item rank by country were found and some item misfit was identified within the same items. There was some variation in the order and location of some Individualised Care Scale items for individual countries, but the overall pattern of item calibration was generally corresponding.Conclusions.  The Rasch model provided information about the appropriateness, sensitivity and item function in different cultures providing more in‐depth information about the psychometric properties of the Individualised Care Scale instrument. Comparison of the four versions of the Individualised Care Scale – patient revealed general correspondence in the item calibration patterns although slight differences in the rank order of the items were found. Some items showed also a slight misfit. Based on these results, the phrasing and targeting of some items should be considered.Relevance to clinical practice.  The Individualised Care Scale – Patient version can be used in cross‐cultural studies for the measurement of patients’ perceptions of individualised care. Information obtained with the use of the Individualised Care Scale in clinical nursing practice is important, and valid measures are needed in evaluating patients’ assessment of individualised care, one indicator of care quality.
Genetic isolation within the malaria mosquitoAnopheles melas
Authors: Deitz Kevin C. , Athrey Giri , Reddy Michael R. , Overgaard Hans J. , Matias Abrahan , Jawara Musa , della Torre Alessandra , Petrarca Vincenzo , Pinto João , E. Kiszewski Anthony , Kengne Pierre , Costantini Carlo , Caccone Adalgisa , Slotman Michel A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAnopheles melasis a brackish water–breeding member of theAnopheles gambiaecomplex that is distributed along the coast of West Africa and is a major malaria vector within its range. Because little is known about the population structure of this species, we analysed 15 microsatellite markers and 1161 bp of mtDNAin 11A. melaspopulations collected throughout its range. Compared with its sibling speciesA. gambiae,A. melaspopulations have a high level of genetic differentiation between them, representing its patchy distribution due to its fragmented larval habitat that is associated with mangroves and salt marsh grass. Populations clustered into three distinct groups representing Western Africa, Southern Africa and Bioko Island populations that appear to be mostly isolated. Fixed differences in the mtDNAare present between all three clusters, and a Bayesian clustering analysis of the microsatellite data found no evidence for migration from mainland to Bioko Island populations, and little migration was evident between the Southern to the Western cluster. Surprisingly, mtDNAdivergence between the threeA. melasclusters is on par with levels of divergence between other species of theA. gambiaecomplex, and no support for monophyly was observed in a maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic analysis. Finally, an approximate Bayesian analysis of microsatellite data indicates that Bioko IslandA. melaspopulations were connected to the mainland populations in the past, but became isolated, presumably when sea levels rose after the last glaciation period (≥10 000–11 000 bp). This study has exposed species‐level genetic divergence withinA. melasand also has implications for control of this malaria vector.
Functional control of the Candida albicans cell wall by catalytic protein kinase A subunit Tpk1
Authors: Fanning S. , Xu W. , Beaurepaire C. , Suhan J. P. , Nantel A. , Mitchell A. P. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe cyclic AMP protein kinase A pathway governs numerous biological features of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The catalytic protein kinase A subunits, Tpk1 (orf19.4892) and Tpk2 (orf19.2277), have divergent roles, and most studies indicate a more pronounced role for Tpk2. Here we dissect two Tpk1‐responsive properties: adherence and cell wall integrity. Homozygous tpk1/tpk1 mutants are hyperadherent, and a Tpk1 defect enables biofilm formation in the absence of Bcr1, a transcriptional regulator of biofilm adhesins. A quantitative gene expression‐based assay reveals that tpk1/tpk1 and bcr1/bcr1 genotypes show mixed epistasis, as expected if Tpk1 and Bcr1 act mainly in distinct pathways. Overexpression of individual Tpk1‐repressed genes indicates that cell surface proteins Als1, Als2, Als4, Csh1 and Csp37 contribute to Tpk1‐regulated adherence. Tpk1 is also required for cell wall integrity, but has no role in the gene expression response to cell wall inhibition by caspofungin. Interestingly, increased expression of the adhesin gene ALS2 confers a cell wall defect, as manifested in hypersensitivity to the cell wall inhibitor caspofungin and a shallow cell wall structure. Our findings indicate that Tpk1 governs C. albicans cell wall properties through repression of select cell surface protein genes.
International reference reagents to standardise blood group genotyping: evaluation of candidate preparations in an international collaborative study
Authors: Boyle J. , Thorpe S. J. , Hawkins J. R. , Lockie C. , Fox B. , Matejtschuk P. , Halls C. , Metcalfe P. , Rigsby P. , Armstrong‐Fisher S. , Varzi A. M. , Urbaniak S. , Daniels G. 
Published: August 2012

Background and Objectives  The aim of the study was to evaluate, in an international collaboration, four lyophilised genomic DNA preparations, selected from genotyped and phenotyped donors by the study organisers, for their suitability to standardise and control blood group genotyping procedures for common ancestral Caucasian and Black African alleles.Materials and Methods  Twenty‐nine laboratories performed ‘blind’ testing of replicated ampoules of the candidate reference reagents, RBC1 (10/232), RBC4 (10/236), RBC5 (10/238) and RBC12 (10/234), using a range of genotyping procedures, most commonly classical PCR using allele or sequence specific primers.Results  The majority of laboratories reported blood group genotypes in accordance with those determined by the study organisers and the serological phenotypes. Despite an overall high level of accuracy in genotyping, the identified errors and inconsistencies, and the limited genotyping capabilities of many laboratories, confirmed the need for validated reference materials to control test procedures.Conclusions  The establishment of RBC1, RBC4, RBC5 and RBC12 as World Health Organization Reference Reagents will facilitate international standardisation of blood group genotyping and ensure that such tests are sufficiently sensitive and specific.
Australian consumer perspectives on dialysis: First national census
Authors: LUDLOW MARIE J , LAUDER LYDIA A , MATHEW TIMOTHY H , HAWLEY CARMEL M , FORTNUM DEBBIE 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT:Aim:  The percentage of people in Australia who undertake home dialysis has steadily decreased over the past 40 years and varies within Australia. Consumer factors related to this decline have not previously been determined.Methods:  A 78‐question survey was developed and piloted in 2008 and 2009. Survey forms were distributed to all adult routine dialysis patients in all Australian states and territories (except Northern Territory) between 2009 and 2010. Of 9223 distributed surveys, 3250 were completed and returned.Results:  49% of respondents indicated they had no choice in the type of dialysis and 48% had no choice in dialysis location. Respondents were twice as likely to receive information about haemodialysis (85%) than APD (39%) or CAPD (41%). The provision of education regarding home modalities differed significantly between states, and decreased with increasing patient age. Additional nursing support and reimbursement of expenses increased the proportion of those willing to commence dialysis at home, from 13% to 34%. State differences in the willingness to consider home dialysis, the degree of choice in dialysis location, the desire to change current dialysis type and/or location, and the provision of information about dialysis were identified.Conclusion:  The delivery of pre‐dialysis education is variable, and does not support all options of dialysis for all individuals. State variances indicate that local policy and health professional teams significantly influence the operation of dialysis programs.
Insulin aspart has a shorter duration of action than human insulin over a wide dose‐range
Authors: Nosek L. , Roggen K. , Heinemann L. , Gottschalk C. , Kaiser M. , Arnolds S. , Heise T. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimsRegular human insulin (RHI) at high doses shows prolongation of its duration of action potentially leading to late postprandial hypoglycaemia. This study compared late metabolic activity (4–12 and 6–12 h post‐dosing) and duration of action (time to reach late half‐maximal activity) over a range of doses between insulin aspart (IAsp) and RHI.MethodsPharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of subcutaneous IAsp and RHI (6, 12 and 24 (I)U) were compared in 16 healthy subjects in this double‐blind, randomized, six‐way crossover glucose clamp study.ResultsWith increasing doses of both insulins, metabolic activity, insulin exposure, maximum metabolic effect and maximum serum insulin concentration increased linearly. Late metabolic activity was lower for IAsp than RHI at all doses, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05) for 12 and 24 (I)U. Likewise, IAsp had a shorter duration of action at all doses (p < 0.01) and reached time to 80% of total metabolic activity earlier at doses of 12 and 24 (I)U (p < 0.05). IAsp, compared with RHI, showed a higher maximum metabolic effect at 12 and 24 (I)U (p < 0.0001) and a stronger early metabolic activity for all three doses (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIAsp showed a shorter duration of action and, particularly with doses of 12 and 24 (I)U, less late metabolic activity than RHI. These properties might contribute to the lower incidence of hypoglycaemia observed with IAsp versus RHI in clinical trials as lower late metabolic activity should decrease the risk of late postprandial hypoglycaemia.
Studies in rodents with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor vildagliptin to evaluate possible drug‐induced pancreatic histological changes that are predictive of pancreatitis and cancer development in man
Authors: Busch S. J. , Hoffmann P. , Sahota P. , Johnson R. , Kothny W. , Meyer F. , Foley J. E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimThe present report summarizes rodent studies with vildagliptin, relevant to predicting pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer in man.MethodsAs part of the regulatory development program for vildagliptin, a rodent toxicity program included two 104‐week rodent (mouse and rat) carcinogenicity studies that were conducted according to guidelines assigned in Food and Drug Administration's Draft Guidance for Industry.ResultsVildagliptin exposure in animals was evaluated for its effects on endocrine and exocrine pancreas. Two‐year carcinogenicity studies were conducted in rats at oral doses up to 900 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended dose) and in mice at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg (up to 240 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended dose). The results from these studies show the expected preservation and growth of the endocrine β‐cells with no significant findings in the exocrine acinar pancreas. There was no evidence of inflammatory infiltrates characteristic of pancreatitis, no palpable mass detection based on gross examination or any microscopic findings indicative of pancreatic islet cell (endocrine), acinar cell (exocrine) or ductal (exocrine) neoplasia in rat or mouse.ConclusionsEvaluation of vildagliptin in 2‐year preclinical carcinogenicity studies in both rats and mice indicates that while vildagliptin results in pharmacological benefits to the endocrine pancreas, this was not associated with any evidence of pancreatitis, pancreatic islet cell, acinar cell or ductal neoplasia. These data predict no increased risk of pancreatic cancer in man.
Malignant transformation of a putative eyelid papilloma to squamous cell carcinoma in a dog
Authors: Wiggans K. Tomo , Hoover Clare E. , Ehrhart E. J. , Wobeser Bruce K. , Cohen Loren B. , Gionfriddo Juliet R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA 6‐year‐old female spayed Chihuahua was presented for the evaluation of generalized pigmented cutaneous masses, one of which was present on the lower right eyelid. The dog was not on immunosuppressive medications and did not have historical or laboratory evidence of underlying endocrine disease, including hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction of a cutaneous biopsy from the left antebrachium containing representative lesions confirmed viral papillomatosis. Additionally, histopathology of the antebrachial mass revealed regions of epithelial dysplasia suggestive of possible early transformation to malignancy. Over the course of 5 months, the mass on the right lower eyelid progressed to encompass and efface the majority of the eyelid margin. Additionally, the eyelid tumor had changed from an ovoid, brown pigmented mass to an irregular, flesh‐colored mass. At the dog’s last recheck examination, a corneal ulcer had developed beneath the irregular dorsal margin of the tumor. Histopathology of the eyelid mass was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and was positive for the presence of papillomavirus using polymerase chain reaction. This report describes the transformation of a putative viral eyelid papilloma into a malignant SCC in an adult dog.
Outpatient urological procedures in antibiotic‐naive patients with bladder cancer with asymptomatic bacteriuria
Authors: Herr Harry W. 
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Urine culture and antibiotics are usually given before outpatient urological procedures, namely cystoscopy or intravesical BCG therapy. Injudicious use of antibiotics promotes multidrug bacterial resistance.Pretreatment antibacterial therapy may not be necessary before outpatient urological procedures in patients with bladder cancer. Such strategy facilitates timely intervention and avoids antibiotic resistance.OBJECTIVES
To investigate the frequency of infectious complications after intravesical BCG therapy or cystoscopy in antibiotic‐naive patients with bladder tumours who have asymptomatic bacteriuria.
The aim was to avoid antibiotics in infected patients undergoing these common outpatient urological procedures.
METHODS
A total of 354 patients received induction BCG therapy and another 663 patients underwent cystoscopy after submitting a voided urine sample for culture. They received no antibiotics before or after the procedure.
Significant bacteriuria was defined as >104 or >105 colony‐forming units per millilitre with a single organism.
The patients were followed for 3 months for onset of febrile UTI, defined as dysuria and fever >38 °C requiring antibiotics.
RESULTS
Ninety BCG‐treated patients (25%) and 114 cystoscopy patients (17%) had bacteriuria.
After BCG therapy, two patients with infected urine (2.2%) and three with sterile cultures (1.1%) had febrile UTIs (P= 0.17).
After cystoscopy, four infected patients (3.5%) and five uninfected patients (1%) had febrile UTIs (P= 0.08).
All UTIs resolved within 24 h with oral antibiotics, and none of the patients was admitted for bacterial sepsis.
CONCLUSIONS
Antibacterial prophylaxis before intravesical BCG therapy or outpatient cystoscopy does not appear to be necessary in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Such strategy avoids overuse of antibiotics, reducing drug‐resistant bacterial infections.
Expression and electrophysiological characteristics of P2X3 receptors in interstitial cells of Cajal in rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Li Yuxin , Xue Li , Miao Qing , Mao Fengfeng , Yao Liping , Yuan Jianlin , Qin Weijun , Zhao Yufeng , Sun Hang , Liu Fei , Wang He 
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
In the urinary bladder, histological studies suggest a network of functionally connected interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are located between the urothelium and sensory nerve endings, which might transfer signals directly between them. Purinergic P2X3 receptors may play roles in the micturition reflex pathway, and its expression profiles in ICCs could be altered in urinary bladder dysfunction.
The present experiments showed a novel time‐dependent P2X3 receptor up‐regulation in ICCs in an experimental rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction.
Objective
To investigate the expression and electrophysiological characteristics of purinergic P2X3 receptors in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) at different time points after partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) in rats.
Materials and Methods
In all, 48 female Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: 4, 6 and 8 week PBOO groups and sham‐operated controls. At 4 weeks after surgery, cystometry was performed to investigate bladder function in vivo. Subsequently, the rats were humanely killed at 4, 6 or 8 weeks and the bladders were harvested for measurements.
P2X3 expression in ICCs of bladder was investigated by immunofluorescent staining.
The level of P2X3 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).
Inward currents in corresponding ICCs after PBOO were investigated electrophysiologically.
Results
Cystometrography showed a valid increase in maximum detrusor pressure in rats subjected to PBOO. The bladder weight in the PBOO group was significantly higher than that in the control group.
In contrast to sham rats, there was a significant increase in the intensity of P2X3 staining in the ICCs in all PBOO groups. C‐kit labelled isolated ICCs were strongly stained with the P2X3 antibody.
RT‐PCR showed that the expression of P2X3 mRNA was significantly up‐regulated at 4, 6 and 8 weeks in the ICCs from the PBOO rats.
In the ICCs, the mean peak amplitude of inward currents was significantly increased in the PBOO groups compared with the control group.
Conclusions
The expression of P2X3 receptors showed a time dependent up‐regulation in the ICCs of the bladder in rats with PBOO.
PBOO induced the potentiation of P2X3 receptors function, as evidenced by α, β‐methylene ATP‐enhanced inward currents in the ICCs of the rat bladder.
Is there a direct antimicrobial effect of botulinum neurotoxin type A?
Authors: Wöllner Jens , Schmidig Kathrin , Gregorini Flavia , Kessler Thomas M. , Zbinden Reinhard , Mehnert Ulrich 
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Several studies describe a reduction of symptomatic urinary tract infections in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity after intradetrusor injections of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A). It was, however, unclear if a direct antibacterial effect of BoNT/A plays a role in this clinical observation.This is the first study to investigate a potential antibacterial effect of two frequently used BoNT/A formulations (i.e. Botox® and Dysport®), providing evidence that BoNT/A does not exert an antibacterial effect on lower urinary tract pathogens.OBJECTIVE
To determine a potential direct antimicrobial effect of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study was carried out using onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox®) and abobotulinumtoxin A (Dypsort®) in agar diffusion and broth microdilution assays with various clinical urinary tract isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella oxytoca and Bacillus subtilis).
Inhibition zones (mm) of bacteria around a disc containing 20 µL saline with 4 IU of Botox® were measured in the agar diffusion assay.
Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs, IU/mL) of both toxins for all bacteria were determined in the broth microdilution assay after overnight incubation at 35 °C.
RESULTS
There was no inhibition zone in the agar diffusion assays with any bacterial strain.
The microdilution test using Botox® and Dysport® showed bacterial growth in all dilutions, i.e. MICs > 20 and >100 IU/mL for Botox® and Dysport®, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
BoNT/A has no direct antimicrobial effect.
The reduced frequency of symptomatic urinary tract infections (sUTIs) in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) after BoNT/A intradetrusor injections seems to be caused by different indirect mechanisms, which are still not completely understood.