bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The feasibility of using local general practice data to estimate the prevalence of childhood disabling conditions
Authors: Lingam R. , Ellis M. , Naqvi H. , Mytton J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAims  This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using general practice data to estimate the prevalence of potentially disabling conditions in young people aged 0–18 years.Background  There are limited data that estimate the prevalence of disabling conditions in children and young people and are suitable to inform service planning. This has been highlighted by several government documents and parent groups. The current study analysed anonymized data from 5 general practices in Bristol, UK (n = 10 756 children and young people aged 0–18 years). A comprehensive Read Code list was created to identify children and young people with potentially disabling conditions and the severity of conditions was compared with General Practitioner completed free text within the computerized system.Results  Across these practices an average 4.9% (95% confidence intervals 4.5–5.3) of children and young people had a significant physical or mental difficulty that could impact on their daily living. The most common disabling conditions in our sample were in the ICF category of mental function 36% (including general and specific developmental delays and mental health diagnoses).Conclusion  This study suggests that routinely collected data may provide much needed robust information to inform service provision for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our communities. It also highlights the need for improved data systems for disability services.
Focus on paediatric and adolescent varicocoele: a single institution experience
Authors: Cimador M. , Pensabene M. , Sergio M. , Caruso A. M. , De Grazia E. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to report our long‐term diagnostic and surgical outcome during the last 18 years, in paediatric and adolescent management of varicocoele. The present retrospective study enrols 374 patients observed at our institution between 1994 and 2011. Patients were divided into three groups: Group A includes 142 youngsters and adolescents treated with open surgery for left varicocoele, in which a pre‐operative CDUS was not performed; Group B includes 65 patients treated with open surgery in which a pre‐operative CDUS evaluation was carried out, to assess varicocoele haemodynamic pattern and testicular volume. Group C includes 167 patients treated by laparoscopy and with pre‐operative CDUS assessment. For all groups post‐operative follow‐up consisted of CDUS evaluation performed 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgical treatment, than every year. Persistence/recurrence of varicocoele, testicular volume and presence of hydrocele were evaluated. Recurrence rate was significatively higher in group A (11.2%) than B (no recurrence, p = 0.003) or C (no recurrence, p = 0.000). Post‐operative hydrocele was not significantly observed overall in group A in 9.8% of cases (13% if tunica vaginalis was left untouched, 4.2% if everted or resected p = 0.005), in group B in 3% and in group C in 7.1% of cases (p = NS). In conclusion, open and laparoscopic surgery offers similar results. In our opinion, the key‐point in paediatric and adolescent varicocoele is not the surgical approach to use, but the exact diagnosis. Careful CDUS evaluation is, in our opinion, a valid, safe, cost‐effective and immediate tool to accurately detect all refluxing venous system and for achieving a comprehensive evaluation of the vascular anatomy of varicocoele in paediatric and adolescent age. Laparoscopic Palomo or open subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy offer similar results in terms of recurrence; meanwhile the use of a lymphatic sparing surgery with or without blue‐dye is recommended to reduce post‐operative hydroceles.
The effects of two educational interventions on knowledge and competence of nurses with regard to conveying gastroscopy‐related information to patients
Authors: Kao Shu‐Hua , Hsu Li‐Ling , Hsieh Suh‐Ing , Huang Tzu‐Hsin 
Published: June 2012

Kao S.‐H., Hsu L.‐L., Hsieh S.‐I. & Huang T.‐H. (2013) The effects of two educational interventions on knowledge and competence of nurses with regard to conveying gastroscopy‐related information to patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing 69(4), 793–804. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06062.xAbstractAim.  The study was to compare the effects of two different educational interventions on knowledge and competence of nurses regarding conveying gastroscopy‐related information to patients.Background.  Nurses play an important role in helping patients undergo gastroscopy and must be familiar with the procedure to provide related patient education.Design.  A quasi‐experimental study.Methods.  This study in 2010 involved a pre‐test and two post‐tests. The experimental group (n = 25) received a multimedia CD‐ROM, and the comparator group (n = 40) received a pocket booklet. The effects of the two educational interventions were measured using the Knowledge Test Gastroscopy Nursing Instruction Scale, the Self‐Evaluation Gastroscopy Nursing Instruction Scale, and the Gastroscopy Nursing Instruction Learning Satisfaction Scale.Results.  No overall significant difference in knowledge scores between the two groups was found, but subsequent post hoc analysis showed significantly higher scores in the experimental group than in the comparator group at week 6. A significant within‐subjects effect of the self‐evaluation gastroscopy nursing instruction scores from baseline–week 6 was dependent on the experimental group or the comparator group. There were significant between‐subjects effects overall, at week 3 and at week 6.Conclusion.  Both educational interventions improved nurses’ knowledge and competence in gastroscopy‐related information. However, the CD‐ROM‐based intervention had long‐term effects on knowledge and had short‐term and long‐term effects on competence.
The effect of continuing professional education on perioperative nurses’ relationships with medical staff: findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Tame Susan L. 
Published: June 2012

Tame S.L. (2013) The effect of continuing professional education on perioperative nurses’ relationships with medical staff: findings from a qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 69(4), 817–827. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06065.xAbstractAims.  To report perceived changes to UK perioperative nurses’ relationships with medical staff following periods of formal, university‐based study.Background.  Continuing professional development is considered important for nursing internationally; however, practice changes may not result following formal study. The literature did not describe perioperative nurses’ experiences of formal study, and it was believed differences may exist due to hierarchical interprofessional relationships in the operating theatre.Design.  Descriptive, qualitative.Methods.  Unstructured interviews (N = 23) were conducted between 2006–2007 with a purposive sample of perioperative nurses who had recent experience of continuing professional education. All participants were employed by one National Health Service Trust in the North of England, UK. Audio‐taped interviews were transcribed fully into the ethnograph computer‐assisted qualitative data analysis programme and data coded and analysed to identify themes.Findings.  The findings indicated that whilst continuing professional education did not have a direct impact on practice, development of increased knowledge and confidence facilitated participants’ collaboration with and questioning of medical colleagues. Such increased interprofessional collaboration was attributed to indirectly enhancing patient care.Conclusion.  Continuing professional education appeared to lead to intrinsic changes to practitioners rather than direct behavioural change. Nurses’ increased knowledge and confidence affected the balance of power in the doctor–nurse relationship in British perioperative environments. This paper is of significance to perioperative nursing and may be transferable to other areas of care.
Pathogen inactivation technology applied to a blood component collected from an asymptomatic carrier of Leishmania infantum: a case report
Authors: Jimenez‐Marco T. , Fisa R. , Riera C. , Girona‐Llobera E. , Sedeño M. , Saura A. , Iniesta L. , Guillen C. , Muncunill J. 
Published: June 2012

Asymptomatic Leishmania infections have been the main cause of transfusion transmission in endemic areas. Polymerase chain reaction has been used to detect L. infantum DNA in the peripheral blood of asymptomatic Leishmania carriers. In our region, the prevalence of asymptomatic L. infantum infection in donors is markedly high (5·9% of donors studied). We investigated the ability of pathogen inactivation technology, using amotosalen and UVA illumination, to eliminate L. infantum in a blood component collected from an asymptomatic L. infantum infected donor. This is the first report of the INTERCEPT system being used to eliminate a parasite from a component collected from a donor.
Treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in extremely premature infants over an 18‐year period
Authors: Gunn David J , Cartwright David W , Yuen Sonia A , Gole Glen A 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:  To report the efficacy of laser diode therapy in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely premature (EP) infants over an 18‐year period.Design:  Retrospective study.Participants:  One hundred twenty‐eight eyes in 66 infants treated between 23 and 25.6 weeks.Methods:  Five hundred fifty‐four infants between 23 and 25.6 weeks gestational age (GA) were admitted to The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between 1992 and 2009. Three hundred seventy‐three patients survived to undergo screening, 304 were diagnosed with ROP, and 66 infants required diode laser therapy.Main Outcome Measures:  Success of treatment, visual and refractive outcomes.Results:  One hundred twenty‐eight eyes from 66 infants (18.8% of those screened) underwent laser treatment with a mean GA of 24.3 weeks and mean birth weight of 711.4g. Fifty‐six eyes were treated at pre‐threshold disease, and 72 eyes at threshold disease. Over the study period, the number of laser spots and regression rate of ROP increased, while the frequency of re‐treatment decreased. At 40 weeks, 119 eyes had regressed ROP (93%), two advanced to stage 4a, three to stage 4b and four to stage 5. Aggressive posterior ROP (AP‐ROP) occurred in 15 eyes (11.7% of those treated). Forty‐three patients (65%) were followed up for a mean of 56.5 months. The number of laser spots correlated well with subsequent refractive error but poorly with corrected visual acuity.Conclusions:  In EP infants, laser diode therapy is an effective technique to halt the progression of ROP in most cases. AP‐ROP is uncommon, even in this subgroup of extremely premature infants.
The bacterial thiopurine methyltransferase tellurite resistance process is highly dependent upon aggregation properties and oxidative stress response
Authors: Prigent‐Combaret Claire , Sanguin Hervé , Champier Ludovic , Bertrand Cédric , Monnez Claire , Colinon Céline , Blaha Didier , Ghigo Jean‐Marc , Cournoyer Benoit 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBacterial thiopurine methyltransferases (bTPMTs) can favour resistance towards toxic tellurite oxyanions through a pathway leading to the emission of a garlic‐like smell. Gene expression profiling completed by genetic, physiological and electron microscopy analyses was performed to identify key bacterial activities contributing to this resistance process. Escherichia coli strain MG1655 expressing the bTPMT was used as a cell model in these experiments. This strain produced a garlic‐like smell which was found to be due to dimethyl telluride, and cell aggregates in culture media supplemented with tellurite. Properties involved in aggregation were correlated with cell attachment to polystyrene, which increased with tellurite concentrations. Gene expression profiling supported a role of adhesins in the resistance process with 14% of the tellurite‐regulated genes involved in cell envelope, flagella and fimbriae biogenesis. Other tellurite‐regulated genes were, at 27%, involved in energy, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism including the synthesis of antioxidant proteins, and at 12% in the synthesis of transcriptional regulators and signal transduction systems. Escherichia coli mutants impaired in tellurite‐regulated genes showed ubiquinone and adhesins synthesis, oxidative stress response, and efflux to be essential in the bTPMT resistance process. High tellurite resistance required a synergistic expression of these functions and an efficient tellurium volatilization by the bTPMT.
Identification of genes in the VirR regulon of Pectobacterium atrosepticum and characterization of their roles in quorum sensing‐dependent virulence
Authors: Monson Rita , Burr Tom , Carlton Timothy , Liu Hui , Hedley Peter , Toth Ian , Salmond George P.C. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryIn the economically important phytopathogen, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, expression of plant cell wall degrading enzymes and other virulence determinants is controlled in a cell density‐dependent fashion, termed quorum sensing (QS). Canonical QS systems in Gram‐negative bacteria contain a LuxI‐type protein, synthesizing a signalling molecule, and a LuxR‐type regulator, responding to the signalling molecule above threshold concentrations. In P. atrosepticum, the central LuxR‐type repressor of virulence, VirR, has been identified and its impacts on virulence characterized. Here we define the broader VirR regulon using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and in planta microarrays. Ninety‐four direct VirR targets were identified by ChIP microarrays and a consensus VirR binding site was determined. Purified VirR was used in DNA gel shift assays on target promoters and VirR : promoter binding was disrupted by exogenous addition of the signalling molecule, N‐(3‐oxohexanoyl)‐l‐homoserine lactone (OHHL). VirR autorepressed, and directly activated the transcription of rsmA in the absence of OHHL. Finally, we showed that VirR directly regulated the production of siderophores and controlled swimming motility. This is the first report characterizing the direct targets of VirR and provides clear evidence that this LuxR‐type protein can act in vivo as both an activator and repressor of transcription in the absence of its cognate signalling molecule.
Colonic neoplasia in young patients with inflammatory bowel disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Imam M. H. , Thackeray E. W. , Lindor K. D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  Current guidelines recommend annual surveillance for colorectal cancer (CRC) in all patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The aim of our study was to validate the need for annual surveillance for colon neoplasia in patients ≤ 45 of age with a combined diagnosis of PSC and IBD.Method  We identified patients, ≤ 45 years of age with a combined diagnosis of PSC and IBD, who were seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1995 and 2010. We then reviewed the medical records of the patients who developed colonic neoplasia defined as cancer, high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or dysplasia‐associated lesion or mass (DALM).Results  In the population of 784 patients ≤ 45 years of age with a combined diagnosis of PSC and IBD, 10 (1.3%) of 784 developed colonic neoplasia during the follow‐up period. Seven patients had colon cancer, one had HGD and two had a DALM.Conclusion  Colonic neoplasia is uncommon in young patients (≤ 45 years of age) with a combined diagnosis of PSC and IBD. We suggest delaying surveillance in young patients and propose that studies should be carried out to clarify the cost‐effectiveness of annual or biannual surveillance colonoscopies according to patient age.
The role of children’s negative attributions on depressive symptoms: an inherited characteristic or a product of the early environment?
Authors: Lau Jennifer Y.F. , Belli Stefano D. , Gregory Alice M. , Napolitano Maria , Eley Thalia C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNegative attributional style has been associated with depressive symptoms in children. Yet, it is unclear whether these cognitive biases reflect inherited characteristics of the broader depressive phenotype or are a product of children’s environments. While existing data in adolescents show that negative attributions reflect a genetic predisposition, elevating depressive responses to stress, other data suggest that negative attributions in children are more likely to reflect early environmental experiences on symptoms. Here, we assess the degree to which negative attributional style and depressive symptoms arise from common genetic, shared and non‐shared environmental influences in childhood. Monozygotic and dizygotic twins reported on attributional style and depressive symptoms at age 8 (n = 300 pairs) and at age 10 (n = 250 pairs). Two multivariate models with varying assumptions on the nature of the relationship between negative attributions and depressive symptoms within and across time were fit to the data. The Common Pathway model provided better fit than the Cholesky decomposition. A common, latent factor influenced both attributional style and depressive symptoms at both time‐points in children. The only significant influences on this factor were shared and non‐shared aspects of the environment. Placing the present findings with those of adolescents suggests possible developmental differences in the relationship between attributional style and depressive symptoms.
Effect of calcium intake on fat oxidation in adults: a meta‐analysis of randomized, controlled trials
Authors: Gonzalez J. T. , Rumbold P. L. S. , Stevenson E. J. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryCalcium intake is likely to increase body fat loss during energy restriction. Part of this effect may be explained by increased fat oxidation in the presence of a similar energy balance, yet studies have not provided a conclusive answer. Therefore a meta‐analysis was performed to determine whether chronic or acute high calcium intake increases fat oxidation. Randomized controlled trials of high calcium intake in human adults where measures of fat oxidation were taken were included. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed on outcomes expressed as standardized mean differences. Chronic high calcium intake increased fat oxidation by a standardized mean difference of 0.42 (95% confidence intervals: 0.14, 0.69; P = 0.003; estimated to correspond to an 11% increase), displaying low heterogeneity (I2 = 18%), which was more prominent when habitual calcium intake was low (<700 mg d−1). Acute high calcium intake increased fat oxidation by a standardized mean difference of 0.41 (0.04, 0.77; P = 0.03), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 19%), yet sensitivity analysis revealed that this effect was relatively weak. In conclusion, chronic high calcium intake is likely to increase rates of fat oxidation. The effects of acute high calcium intake appear to point in the same direction, but further work is needed to permit a greater degree of certainty.
Season but not sex influences burrow length and complexity in the non‐sexually dimorphic solitaryCape mole‐rat (Rodentia:Bathyergidae)
Authors: Thomas H. G. , Bateman P. W. , Scantlebury M. , Bennett N. C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractLittle is known about how season influences burrowing activity, burrow structure or reproductive behaviour in subterranean mammals. We excavated burrow systems of male and femaleGeorychus capensis, a solitary, subterranean rodent, in winter (wet season) and summer (dry season) to investigate whether, if any, seasonal differences were due to putative mate‐seeking behaviour of males. Burrow structure differed between seasons but not between sexes. For both sexes, summer burrows were shorter and covered a smaller area, but explored the surrounding environment more efficiently than winter burrows.Summer burrows had fewer mounds, which indicated that less expansion of the burrow systems occurred during this season. We discuss these differences in exploration and the use of the environment between seasons in terms of mating strategies ofG. capensisand observed levels of sexual dimorphism in our populations. This study supports recent ideas regarding sexual selection relating to exaggerated traits in females, which affect a female's ability to acquire reproductive resources that often appear similar to that selected for by males.
ERK1/2, p38, and JNK regulate the expression and the activity of the three isoforms of the Na+/Ca2+exchanger, NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3, in neuronal PC12 cells
Authors: Sirabella Rossana , Secondo Agnese , Pannaccione Anna , Molinaro Pasquale , Formisano Luigi , Guida Natascia , Di Renzo Gianfranco , Annunziato Lucio , Cataldi Mauro 
Published: June 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 911–922.AbstractWe evaluated whether changes in expression and activity of the three sodium/calcium exchanger isoforms, NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 occurred in PC12 cells when the extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were silenced, pharmacologically blocked, or activated with nerve growth factor (NGF). Several findings suggesting that MAPKs control NCX emerged: (1) A decrease in NCX1 and NCX3 basal expression occurred when JNK or MEK1, the extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 upstream activator, were pharmacologically blocked, respectively; (2) NGF increased cAMP response element‐binding 1 (CREB1) and Specificity Protein 1 (Sp1) binding to ncx1 promoter and CREB1 binding to two different sequences close to ncx2 transcription start site on genomic DNA; (3) An up‐regulation of NCX1 and NCX3, abrogated upon either MEK1 or p38 blockade, and a down‐regulation of NCX2, abolished upon p38 blockade, occurred upon NGF‐induced MAPK activation. The NCX1 up‐regulation was abolished upon either CREB1 or Sp1 silencing, whereas NCX2 down‐regulation was abrogated only by CREB1 silencing. The NCX3 up‐regulation was unaffected by CREB1 or Sp1 silencing and abolished upon proteasomal inhibition; (4) Whole‐cell Na+/Ca2+ exchange decreased when MEK1 and JNK were blocked and increased when MAPKs were activated by NGF. Collectively, these results demonstrate a MAPK‐dependent regulation of NCX expression and activity which could be relevant in mediating some of the effects of MAPKs in neurons.