bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Network Meta‐Analysis for Evaluating Interventions in Implant Dentistry: The Case of Peri‐Implantitis Treatment
Authors: Faggion Clovis Mariano , Chambrone Leandro , Listl Stefan , Tu Yu‐Kang 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTBackground/Aim:Evidence from head‐to‐head comparison trials on peri‐implantitis treatment is limited, and it is therefore impossible to conduct a direct meta‐analysis. We propose an alternative statistical method, network meta‐analysis, for evidence synthesis, which enables to compare the results of multiple treatments.Methods:We searched, in triplicate, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials in the PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases up to and including August 2010. We also conducted a manual search of the reference lists regarding published systematic reviews and searched for gray literature in OpenSIGLE. We assessed changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and pocket probing depth (PPD) after nonsurgical and surgical treatments of peri‐implantitis. The risk of bias of selected studies was determined by the use of specific criteria, and it was performed in triplicate and independently. We used multilevel mixed modeling to perform the network meta‐analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation to obtain confidence intervals for the fixed and random effects.Results:Eleven studies were included in the review. All RCTs are at unclear or high risk of bias. Surgical therapy in conjunction with bone grafts and non‐resorbable membranes achieved 3.52 mm greater PPD reduction than nonsurgical therapy alone, 95% high‐probability density (HPD) intervals: −0.19, 6.81. Surgical treatment in conjunction with bone grafts and resorbable membranes achieved 2.80 mm greater CAL gain than nonsurgical therapy alone, 95% HPD intervals: −0.18, 5.59.Conclusion:Surgical procedures in peri‐implantitis treatment achieve more PPD reduction and CAL gain than nonsurgical approaches. Nevertheless, these results should be interpreted with caution because of the limited number of studies included and their low methodological quality. Network meta‐analysis is a useful statistical methodology for evidence synthesis and to summarize the strength and limitation in the current evidence.
Chitin oligosaccharide binding to a family GH19 chitinase from the moss Bryum coronatum
Authors: Ohnuma Takayuki , Sørlie Morten , Fukuda Tatsuya , Kawamoto Noriko , Taira Toki , Fukamizo Tamo 
Published: August 2011

Substrate binding of a family GH19 chitinase from a moss species, Bryum coronatum (BcChi‐A, 22 kDa), which is smaller than the 26 kDa family GH19 barley chitinase due to the lack of several loop regions (‘loopless’), was investigated by oligosaccharide digestion, thermal unfolding experiments and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Chitin oligosaccharides [β‐1,4‐linked oligosaccharides of N‐acetylglucosamine with a polymerization degree of n, (GlcNAc)n, n = 3–6] were hydrolyzed by BcChi‐A at rates in the order (GlcNAc)6 > (GlcNAc)5 > (GlcNAc)4 >> (GlcNAc)3. From thermal unfolding experiments using the inactive BcChi‐A mutant (BcChi‐A‐E61A), in which the catalytic residue Glu61 is mutated to Ala, we found that the transition temperature (Tm) was elevated upon addition of (GlcNAc)n (n = 2–6) and that the elevation (ΔTm) was almost proportional to the degree of polymerization of (GlcNAc)n. ITC experiments provided the thermodynamic parameters for binding of (GlcNAc)n (n = 3–6) to BcChi‐A‐E61A, and revealed that the binding was driven by favorable enthalpy changes with unfavorable entropy changes. The change in heat capacity (ΔCp°) for (GlcNAc)6 binding was found to be relatively small (−105 ± 8 cal·K−1·mol−1). The binding free energy changes for (GlcNAc)6, (GlcNAc)5, (GlcNAc)4 and (GlcNAc)3 were determined to be −8.5, −7.9, −6.6 and −5.0 kcal·mol−1, respectively. Taken together, the substrate binding cleft of BcChi‐A consists of at least six subsites, in contrast to the four‐subsites binding cleft of the ‘loopless’ family 19 chitinase from Streptomyces coelicolor.DatabaseChitinase, EC 3.2.1.14
Development of the inpatient attitudes towards the patient role scale
Authors: YAMAGUCHI Takako , OTA Katsumasa 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable, valid scale that can measure inpatients' tendencies and level of effort in dealing with their role of patient.Methods:  The question items were developed from interviews and a review of the literature. After examining the content validity, a pretest and pilot study were conducted. Then, the 27 item Inpatient Attitudes Towards the Patient Role Scale was created. A self‐administered questionnaire survey with 399 inpatients was conducted in order to examine the reliability and validity of this scale.Results:  Two‐hundred‐and‐sixteen patients completed and returned the questionnaire (54.1% response rate). The respondents were aged between 20 years and ≥80 years (median: 60s); 60% were male and 39% were female. Based on a factor analysis, the following four common factors were extracted from 21 out of the 27 original items: “patient adherence”, “consideration”, “self‐expression”, and “mental attitude”. The evidence from an examination of the construct validity and stability suggests that the scale has good reliability and promising validity. Older adult patients tended to make more effort than younger patients. The patients who believed that it would take them a certain amount of time to recover and those who trusted the healthcare staff tended to make more effort.Conclusion:  A reliable and valid scale to measure inpatient attitudes towards the patient role was developed. This scale might provide useful information for nursing practice.
Attitudes of Korean adults towards human dignity: A Q methodology approach
Authors: JO Kae Hwa , AN Gyeong‐Ju , DOORENBOS Ardith Z. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to identify the perceived attitudes of Korean adults towards human dignity in order to determine the relationship of human dignity to its social and cultural background.Methods:  The Q methodology research technique was used to explore perceived attitude typology on the basis of the respondents' ranking order for different statements. A convenience sampling method was used to select 40 Korean adults who were interested in human dignity to create statements. From the questionnaires, in‐depth interviews, and a literature review, a total of 158 statements was obtained. The final 34 Q samples were selected from a review by two nursing professors and a Q methodology expert. Moreover, 38 respondents participated as P samples by sorting 34 Q statements on a nine‐point normal distribution scale. The data were analyzed by using the QUANL software package.Results:  The following four types of attitudes about human dignity were identified in Korea: a happiness‐oriented–self‐pursuit type, relationship‐oriented–self‐recognition type, reflection‐oriented–self‐unification type, and discrimination‐oriented–self‐maintenance type.Conclusions:  The results indicate that approaches to developing human dignity education need to take this typology into account and the characteristics of the participants who fall into each category. These results provide general guidelines to understand Korean values for professional practice in various healthcare settings.
Support for Human Estrus: Documentation in Ayurveda
Authors: Skandhan Kalanghot Padmanabhan , Rajahariprasad Achuthan , Sumangala Balakrishnan 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Human estrus is a new topic to discussion. Articles related to this are few.

Aim
Authors present here the first known report on human estrus, which was discussed in the Ayurveda classic text, Susruta Samhita, dated back to the 1st century BC.

Main Outcome Measure
Supporting this, evidence from modern literature is presented here.

Results
Estrus discussed as a fresh topic.

Conclusion
Authors concluded that all modern research results, though limited, are in support of the oldest writing about human estrus.
Genetics of Erectile Dysfunction: A Review of the Interface between Sex and Molecular Biomarkers
Authors: Andersen Monica L. , Guindalini Camila , Tufik Sergio 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn recent years, new tools for the study of molecular biology and genetics have resulted in significant contributions to the scientific community. The potential use of genetic variations as biomarkers in the management of current and future conditions is generating considerable excitement in health care for disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED).AimThis review briefly describes the molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in ED and provides an overall view of the literature relevant to possible relationships between genetic factors and ED.MethodsThis is a narrative review of studies on the potential influence of polymorphisms on the risk of developing ED.Main Outcome MeasureWe reviewed genetic association studies involving polymorphisms and the ED phenotype.ResultsThere is growing evidence for the influence of genetic polymorphisms on the risk of ED and on the interindividual variability in sildenafil treatment.ConclusionsAlthough this field is still in its infancy, genetic association studies aimed at defining a molecular basis for ED have provided some important evidence that a patient's genotype may be used in the future to assess risk, as well as to plan treatment and prevention programs in the clinic.
Correlates of PDE5i Use Among Subjects with Erectile Dysfunction in Two Population-Based Surveys
Authors: Travison Thomas G. , Hall Susan A. , Fisher William A. , Araujo Andre B. , Rosen Raymond C. , McKinlay John B. , Sand Michael S. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is thought to affect some 150 million men worldwide, but many men with ED symptoms do not seek treatment. Existing surveys suggest that men with severe ED and who report support from their partners are more likely to receive treatment than were others. Less is known, however, concerning the influence of sociomedical factors such as income and body composition on receipt of treatment.

Aim
The aim of this study was to determine the importance of socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and body composition on receipt of treatment for ED symptoms.

Methods
We used data on 638 men enrolled in the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) survey reporting ED symptoms and/or treatment for ED as evidenced by phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) use. Logistic regression was employed to assess the relative strength of association between receipt of treatment and socioeconomic factors, body mass index, and medical factors. A replication of these results was then provided via a parallel model using the 2004 follow-up of the Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES).

Main Outcome Measure
In BACH, ED was deemed present if a subject scored 16 points or fewer on the five-item International Index of Erectile Function or reported PDE5i use. In MALES, presence of ED was indicated by use of a validated single question querying ED severity.

Results
Controlling for age, body composition and other factors, increased household income, availability of a sexual partner, and provider diagnosis of high blood pressure were positively associated with treatment seeking via the use of PDE5i therapy in BACH. Results on data available in MALES produced similar results for household income and partner availability.

Conclusion
These data provide evidence that financial disadvantage may present a barrier to treatment of ED, an increasingly important sentinel marker of the cardiovascular and overall health among aging men.
The Effects of Chronic 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor (Dutasteride) Treatment on Rat Erectile Function
Authors: Pinsky Michael R. , Gur Serap , Tracey Anthony J. , Harbin Andrew , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionNumerous clinical series have reported an association between 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) and sexual dysfunction, but there are limited preclinical data available.AimTo further investigate the mechanisms of erectile dysfunction (ED) related to 5ARI therapy using a rat model.Main Outcome MeasuresOutcome measures include serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), relaxant and contractile properties of cavernosal muscle, and nitric oxide synthase expression.MethodsTwenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control (N = 10) and dutasteride (0.5 mg/rat/day, in drinking water, N = 10) groups. Serum samples were obtained at baseline, from which DHT was measured after 30 days of treatment via radioimmunoassay (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA, USA). Before the terminal blood draw, erectile response was measured using cavernosal nerve stimulation. The relaxant and contractile properties of cavernosal muscle strips were evaluated in tissue baths, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and collagen deposition was performed.ResultsMean serum DHT was suppressed by 86.5% (range 64.2–94.8%) after 30 days of 5ARI treatment and was statistically significant (P = 0.0024). In vivo erectile response in the dutasteride treated group decreased significantly compared with control (P &lt; 0.001). While electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced and acetylcholine-induced relaxation was decreased, EFS-induced and phenlyephrine-induced adrenergic contraction was significantly enhanced in the dutasteride group (P &lt; 0.01). IHC studies demonstrated increased collagen deposition in the treatment arm as well as altered expression of neuronal NOS (nNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS).ConclusionsThe 5ARIs, as demonstrated in these rat cavernosal smooth muscle studies, have a detrimental effect on erectile function. Enhanced iNOS expression may protect penile smooth muscle from fibrosis. The effect of 5ARIs on human sexual function warrants further investigation.
Improving tracheostomy care: a prospective study of the multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Cetto R. , Arora A. , Hettige R. , Nel M. , Benjamin L. , Gomez C.M.H. , Oldfield W.L.G. , Narula A.A. 
Published: August 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 482–488Objectives:  Suboptimal standards in tracheostomy care have been highlighted as a growing concern in view of the increasing demands for intensive care services. Our objective is to assess the impact of our model for tracheostomy care on patients with short‐term tracheostomies (<4 months in situ) following their discharge from the intensive care unit. The model has three components: The St Mary’s tracheostomy care bundle checklist, a dedicated tracheostomy multidisciplinary team and an educational programme.Design:  A 38‐month prospective cohort study.Setting:  A London Teaching Hospital.Participants:  A total of 102 patients with tracheostomy within the 19‐month pre‐intervention cohort and 95 patients in the 19‐month post‐intervention cohort.Main outcome measures:  The number of clinical incidents, mean time taken for decannulation, mean total tracheostomy time and total number of days spent in the intensive care unit were assessed before and after the intervention.Results:  Time to decannulation following intensive care unit discharge decreased from 21 to 11 days, as did the mean total tracheostomy time, from 34 to 25 days (both statistically significant with a P < 0.0001 Mann–Whitney U‐test). The number of critical incidents, which included all patients prior to exclusion, substantially declined following the introduction of intervention from 58 to 7 in the second year after intervention.Conclusions:  A multidisciplinary care model significantly expedited the decannulation process and reduced the overall time that a tracheostomy was in situ. The intervention was associated with a reduction in clinical incidents and shorter intensive care unit admissions, which can be associated with significant monetary savings.
A Nonionic Porphyrin as a Noninterfering DNA Antibacterial Agent
Authors: Mendes Sónia , Camacho Fábio , Silva Tito , Calado Cecília R. C. , Serra Arménio Coimbra , Rocha Gonsalves António M. d’A. , Roxo‐Rosa Mónica 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe increasing interest in clinical bacterial photodynamic inactivation has led to the search for photosensitizers with higher bactericidal efficiency and less side effects on the surrounding tissues. We present a novel nonionic porphyrin, the 5,10,15‐tris(2,6‐dichlorophenyl)‐20‐[4‐N‐(6‐amino‐hexyl)sulfonamido)phenyl]‐porphyrin (ACS769F4) with substantial improvements in the efficiency of nonionic sensitizers. This porphyrin causes eradication of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by the photodynamic effect but in higher concentrations compared with 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis (4‐N,N,N‐trimethylammoniumphenyl)‐porphyrin p‐tosylate (TTAP4+), a known bactericidal tetracationic porphyrin. More important, under such conditions, ACS769F4 proved to be harmless to two mammalian cells lines (human embryonic and baby hamster kidney), causing no reduction in their viability or negative impact on their cytoskeleton, despite its accumulation in cellular structures. On the contrary, TTAP4+ is shown to accumulate in the nucleus of mammalian cells, in association to DNA, causing chromatin condensation after exposure to light. Furthermore, dark incubation with TTAP4+ was shown to have a deleterious effect on the microtubule network. Based on its bactericidal efficiency, also observed without exposure to light, and on the low tendency to be harmful or genotoxic to mammalian cells, ACS769F4 should be looked at as an interesting photosensitizer to be evaluated for clinical purposes.
L‐tyrosine and L‐dihydroxyphenylalanine as hormone‐like regulators of melanocyte functions
Authors: Slominski Andrzej , Zmijewski Michal A. , Pawelek John 
Published: August 2011

SummaryThere is evidence that L‐tyrosine and L‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), besides serving as substrates and intermediates of melanogenesis, are also bioregulatory agents acting not only as inducers and positive regulators of melanogenesis but also as regulators of other cellular functions. These can be mediated through action on specific receptors or through non‐receptor‐mediated mechanisms. The substrate induced (L‐tyrosine and/or L‐DOPA) melanogenic pathway would autoregulate itself as well as regulate the melanocyte functions through the activity of its structural or regulatory proteins and through intermediates of melanogenesis and melanin itself. Dissection of regulatory and autoregulatory elements of this process may elucidate how substrate‐induced autoregulatory pathways have evolved from prokaryotic or simple eukaryotic organisms to complex systems in vertebrates. This could substantiate an older theory proposing that receptors for amino acid‐derived hormones arose from the receptors for those amino acids, and that nuclear receptors evolved from primitive intracellular receptors binding nutritional factors or metabolic intermediates.
Process Reliabilism and the Value Problem
Authors: JÄGER CHRISTOPH 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAlvin Goldman and Erik Olsson have recently proposed a novel solution to the value problem in epistemology, i.e., to the question of how to account for the apparent surplus value of knowledge over mere true belief. Their “conditional probability solution” maintains that even simple process reliabilism can account for the added value of knowledge, since forming true beliefs in a reliable way raises the objective probability that the subject will have more true belief of a similar kind in the future. I argue that this proposal confronts significant internal problems and implicitly invokes higher‐level epistemic conditions that run against the spirit of externalism.
Reliability and Future True Belief: Reply to Olsson and Jönsson
Authors: JÄGER CHRISTOPH 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn “Process Reliabilism and the Value Problem” I argue that Erik Olsson and Alvin Goldman's conditional probability solution to the value problem in epistemology is unsuccessful and that it makes significant internalist concessions. In “Kinds of Learning and the Likelihood of Future True Beliefs” Olsson and Martin Jönsson try to show that my argument does “not in the end reduce the plausibility” of Olsson and Goldman's account. Here I argue that, while Olsson and Jönsson clarify and amend the conditional probability approach in a number of helpful ways, my case against it remains intact. I conclude with a constructive proposal as to how their account may be steered in a more promising direction.
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: history and growth
Authors: Askie Lisa M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe problem of publication bias and the need for prospective trial registration to overcome this issue has been recognised for many years. Australia and New Zealand established a national clinical trials registry, the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR, http://www.anzctr.org.au), in 2005. Much progress has been made over the past six years on this important research infrastructure resource, with the ANZCTR now housing over 5330 registered trial records. Recent reviews and initiatives have helped encourage prospective registration of Australian/New Zealand trials but several challenges remain. We continue to work to ensure all those interested in clinical trials being conducted in Australia and New Zealand (including consumers, clinicians, researchers, funders and regulators) are able to access information that is comprehensive, complete, current and compatible.
Thai Clinical Trials Registry
Authors: Tulvatana Wasee , Kulvichit Kittisak , Thinkhamrop Bandit , Tatsanavivat Pyatat 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) was established in 2009 by a group of university academics. The Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences has supported the registry financially, while the basic infrastructure including the administration, staff and computer servers has been provided by the Clinical Research Collaboration Network and the Medical Research Foundation. In December 2010, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand endorsed the registry. In addition to the major purposes of reducing publication bias, promoting research transparency, and reducing redundancy in clinical research, TCTR aims to create a collective database of the clinical researches in Thailand, in order to help construct a pool database for local researchers.