bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pituitary‐gonadal hormones and adrenal androgens in non‐cirrhotic female alcoholics after cessation of alcohol intake
Authors: VÄLIMÄKI M. , PELKONEN R. , HÄRKÖNEN M. , TUOMALA P. , KOISTINEN P. , ROINE R. , YLIKAHRI R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractTo investigate the sex‐hormone profiles associated with chronic alcoholism in women we examined 16 non‐cirrhotic alcohol abusers (aged 18–46 years). They were admitted for the treatment of alcoholism (duration of 2–16 yrs) to a social hospital for 6 weeks. Their mean daily alcohol consumption was 170 g. Blood samples for serum LH, FSH, prolactin (PRL), oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P), 17‐α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP), androstenedione (A) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were drawn three times a week during the hospital stay. Similar blood samples were taken from 10 control women during one menstrual cycle. The cycles were anovulatory in two patients and in none of controls. Serum LH and FSH levels were similar in alcoholic and control women but serum concentrations of PRL were increased 2–4‐fold in alcoholic women. In the patients serum, concentrations of E1 and E2 tended to be lower during the follicular and midcycle phases, as did those of P and 17‐OHP during the luteal phase. Compared with the controls, serum levels of A were increased 2–3‐fold in the patients. A parallel difference between the two groups was seen in serum DHEA concentrations. We conclude that until liver injury, even heavy alcohol drinking has only minor effects on the secretion of gonadotrophins and ovarian steroids. Hypersecretion of PRL and adrenal androgens may well be an initiating mechanism for sexual dysfunction of female alcoholics.
Long‐term effects of acetazolamide and sodium chloride loading on cisplatin nephrotoxicity in the rat
Authors: HEIDEMANN H. Th. , HOFFMANN K. , INSELMANN G. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe protective effect of acetazolamide or sodium chloride loading on cisplatin nephrotoxicity was investigated in rats. After a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg kg−1 i.p.) kidney function was studied after 5, 28 and 84 days. Acetazolamide (75 mg kg−1 i.p.) was administered as a single dose prior (30 min) to the cisplatin injection. By the time of cisplatin administration, the rats were sodium depleted except the sodium‐loaded group. Five days after the cisplatin administration all rats received a regular rat chow for the rest of the experiment. Cisplatin alone caused renal failure that could be observed for up to 12 weeks (ClCr 0·32 ± 0·13 vs. 0·62 ± 0·06 ml min−1 × 100 g BW−1) with polyuria (UVol 41·2 ± 4·5 vs. 18·4 ± 4·6 ml 24 h−1). Pretreatment with acetazolamide was the most protective manoeuvre tested. Five days after cisplatin, kidney function was significantly better than in rats treated with cisplatin alone (ClCr 0·21 ± 0·06 vs. 0·03 ± 0·01 ml min−1 × 100 g BW−1), after 28 days the only sign of nephrotoxicity was polyuria (UVol 28·9 ± 3·7 vs. 19·0 ± 2·6 ml 24 h−1) after 84 days no differences could be observed at all. Sodium chloride loading was less protective on cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Impaired renal function could still be observed after 12 weeks (ClCr 0·41 ± 0·05 vs. 0·62 ± 0·06 ml min−1 × 100 g BW−1) with no difference in comparison with the rats treated with cisplatin alone. However, since 12 rats died in the group having received cisplatin alone and only one rat in the high‐salt group, sodium chloride loading is regarded as being advantageous over sodium depletion on cisplatin nephrotoxicity.
Salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a clinically, morphologically and genetically heterogeneous entity: a clinicopathological study of 40 cases with emphasis on grading, histological variants and presence of the t(11;19) translocation
Authors: Schwarz Stephan , Stiegler Clemens , Müller Maximilian , Ettl Tobias , Brockhoff Gero , Zenk Johannes , Agaimy Abbas 
Published: March 2011

Schwarz S, Stiegler C, Müller M, Ettl T, Brockhoff G, Zenk J & Agaimy A (2011) Histopathology 58, 557–570 Salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a clinically, morphologically and genetically heterogeneous entity: a clinicopathological study of 40 cases with emphasis on grading, histological variants and presence of the t(11;19) translocationAims:  To correlate World Health Organization (WHO) grade, patient’s outcome and presence of t(11;19) to histological tumour variants in 40 well‐characterized mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs).Methods and results:  MECs were classified as ‘classical’ based on the presence of equal proportions of the three cell types or the dominance (≥50%) of mucous cells together with at least one other cell type, and as ‘variant’ if composed of ≥80% of a single non‐mucous cell type. Classical MECs were more common (n = 23). Variant MECs had predominant squamoid (n = 9), eosinophilic (n = 5) or clear cell (n = 3) morphology. Twenty‐seven tumours were WHO grade 1, three grade 2 and ten grade 3. The t(11;19) was detected in 82%, 35% and 0% of classical MEC, variant MEC and non‐MEC, respectively. Classical MECs were associated significantly with age ≤60 years (P < 0.001), grade 1 (P < 0.001) and t(11;19) (P = 0.003). Short overall survival was associated significantly with age >60 years (P = 0.001) and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage >I (P = 0.031), residual tumour (P < 0.001), tumour grade >1 (P = 0.001) and squamoid variant (P = 0.002) in Kaplan–Meier analysis.Conclusions:  The results underscore the great histological diversity of MEC, the reproducibility of the WHO grading criteria and the value of histological subtypes as an additional prognostic factor.
Impact of a multi‐faceted training intervention on the improvement of hand hygiene and gloving practices in four healthcare settings including nursing homes, acute‐care geriatric wards and physical rehabilitation units
Authors: Eveillard Matthieu , Raymond Françoise , Guilloteau Véronique , Pradelle Marie‐Thérèse , Kempf Marie , Zilli‐Dewaele Marina , Joly‐Guillou Marie‐Laure , Brunel Patrick 
Published: March 2011

Aims.  To assess the impact of a multi‐faceted training program on the compliance with hand hygiene and gloving practices.Background.  Hand hygiene is considered as the cornerstone of the prevention of hospital‐acquired infections. Several studies have enhanced the poor effectiveness of training programs in improving hand hygiene compliance.Design.  A before–after evaluation study.Methods.  The study was conducted in four healthcare settings before and after an intervention program which included the performance feedback of the first evaluation phase, three six‐h training sessions, the assessment of hand hygiene performance with teaching boxes and the organisation of one full‐day session devoted to institutional communication around hand hygiene in each setting. Hand hygiene compliance and quality of hand rubbing were evaluated. Hand hygiene opportunities were differentiated into extra‐series opportunities (before or after a single contact and before the first contact or after the last contact of a series of consecutive contacts) and intra‐series opportunities (from the opportunity following the first contact to the opportunity preceding the last in the same series).Results.  Overall, 969 contacts corresponding to 1,470 hand hygiene opportunities (760 during the first phase and 710 during the second) were observed. A significant improvement of observed practices was recorded for the hand hygiene compliance in intra‐series opportunities (39·0% vs. 19·0%; p < 10−5), the proportion of gloves worn if indicated (71·4% vs. 52·0%; p < 0·001) and the quality of hand rubbing (85·0% vs. 71·9%; p < 10−5).Conclusions.  Some of the performances measured for both hand hygiene and gloving practices were improved. We plan to extend this investigation by performing a qualitative study with experts in behavioural sciences to try improving practices for which adherence was still weak after the training program such as hand hygiene in intra‐series opportunities.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study underscored the usefulness of implementing contextualised training programs, while more traditional courses have shown little impact.
Family quality of life of Chinese families of children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hu X. , Wang M. , Fei X. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  The concepts of quality of life and family quality of life (FQOL) are increasingly being studied in the field of intellectual disabilities (ID) in China as important frameworks for: (1) assessing families' need for supports and services; (2) guiding organisational and service delivery system changes; and (3) evaluating quality family outcomes. The present study focused on exploring the perceptions of Chinese families who have a child with an ID regarding FQOL as well as examining the factor structure of FQOL concept from Chinese families.Methods  The Chinese version of the Family Quality of Life Scale was used to survey Chinese families living in the urban and suburban areas of Beijing who have a child with ID. A total of 442 families participated in this study. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factor structure of FQOL. Multivariate analysis was also used to examine group differences among families in terms of family demographic variables.Results  A five‐factor structure of the FQOL construct was found in the Chinese sample, suggesting a similar factor structure found from US families in the literature. Different living conditions (e.g. housing and transportation) tended to affect significantly families' satisfaction ratings of their FQOL. It is also found that family income and severity of disability of the child are predictors of families' satisfaction ratings of FQOL.Conclusion  The preliminary findings of this study suggest a cross‐cultural factor structure comparability of FQOL between samples in the USA and China. Results call for further examination of the family‐centred service and support as a mediator on the interactive relationship between family characteristics, family needs and FQOL outcomes.
Classification and differentiation of the genus Peganum indigenous to China based on chloroplast trnL‐F and psbA‐trnH sequences and seed coat morphology
Authors: Zhao T. , Wang Z.‐T. , Branford‐White C. J. , Xu H. , Wang C.‐H. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe genus Peganum (Zygophyllaceae) consists of six species and one subspecies; three of which are distributed in China, P. harmala Linn, P. nigellastrum Bunge and P. multisectum (Maxim.) Bobr. A probable new or intermediate species, Peganum sp., has been suggested in the wild in northwest China. Traditional classification in genus Peganum has focused on hairs on the plant surface. In this study, seed coat characteristics of Peganum species were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy, demonstrating clear differences in morphology between species. In addition, DNA sequence data from two sequences (chloroplast: trnL‐F, psbA‐trnH) were used to differentiate Peganum sp. and study polygenetic relationships. Diversity in DNA sequences among Peganum species was found, with inter‐specific sequence divergence ranging from 0.6% to 5.6% in psbA‐trnH, and 0.0% to 1.8% in trnL‐F. The variations within species were low: from 0.0% to 0.4% in psbA‐trnH and 0.0% to 0.4% in trnL‐F. Therefore, Peganum species can now be easily identified as separate entities based on variations in DNA sequences. Phylogenetic trees were constructed from the combined data set for the two gene fragments, and the results indicate that Peganum sp. is monophyletic and sister to P. harmala and P. nigellastrum, while P. multisectum is also monophyletic. DNA data further confirmed that P. multisectum is an independent species and that a new species, Peganum sp., exists within the genus Peganum growing wild in China.
Effect of topical 0.03% flurbiprofen and 0.005% latanoprost, alone and in combination, on normal canine eyes
Authors: Pirie Chris G. , Maranda Louise S. , Pizzirani Stefano 
Published: March 2011

Objective Evaluate the influence of topically applied flurbiprofen 0.03% and latanoprost 0.005%, alone or in combination, in normal canines.Animals studied 10 Normal Beagles.Procedures Intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil size, aqueous flare, conjunctival hyperemia, and blepharospasm were evaluated bilaterally five times daily (8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm,and 8 pm). The study consisted of a training and acclimation period, followed by 3, 1‐week experiment periods. A 2‐week washout period occurred between each experiment period. During period 1, all dogs received flurbiprofen (three doses 6‐h apart) in the treated eye, whereas in period 2, all dogs received latanoprost (one dose 24‐h apart). During period 3, both latanoprost (one dose 24‐h apart) and flurbiprofen (three doses 6‐h apart) were administered in the treated eye.Results Flurbiprofen resulted in a mean IOP elevation of 1.1 mmHg (8.65%) in the treated eye, as compared with the control eye. No effect on pupil size, conjunctival hyperemia, or aqueous flare was noted. Latanoprost resulted in a mean IOP reduction of 3.4 mmHg (30.19%). Combined latanoprost and flurbiprofen resulted in a mean IOP reduction of 2.7 mmHg (24.56%). Miosis was noted in the treated eyes during both latanoprost periods, with maximal pupil constriction 3‐h post‐dose. This was followed by relative mydriasis 24‐h post‐dose, persisting 48 h after the last dose. The degree of conjunctival hyperemia varied between individuals. Neither blepharospasm nor aqueous flare was noted at any time point.Conclusion Concurrent administration of latanoprost and flurbiprofen resulted in a 20.41% reduction in the ocular hypotensive effect relative to latanoprost therapy alone.
Ultrasound findings in horses with severe eyelid swelling, and recognition of acute dacryoadenitis: 10 cases (2004–2010)
Authors: Reimer Johanna M. , Latimer Claire S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective  To report the sonographic findings, treatment, and outcome of horses with severe eyelid swelling, to describe the sonographic appearance of enlarged lacrimal glands, and to describe the clinical features of acute dacryoadenitis.Materials and methods  Medical records of all horses with severe eyelid swelling that underwent an ultrasound evaluation of the globe and periorbital structures from 2004–2010 were examined. Cases were limited to those in which the eyelid swelling was so severe that the globe could not be visualized.Results  Ten horses met the criteria for inclusion in the study. All cases were unilateral and acute. Marked enlargement of the lacrimal gland was found in five cases, and supported the diagnosis of acute dacryoadenitis. Eyelid abscessation was found in three horses, accompanied by mild to moderate lacrimal gland enlargement in two of the three. Enlarged lacrimal glands were slightly heterogeneous in appearance and could be differentiated from an abscess by imaging the protrusion of the gland from beneath the supraorbital rim. Only two cases of severe eyelid swelling were soley traumatic.Conclusions  Severe eyelid swelling was often associated with dacryoadenitis and/or eyelid abscessation. The detection of marked lacrimal gland enlargement in horses with an acute onset of severe painful eyelid swelling is consistent with a diagnosis of acute dacryoadenitis. Ultrasonographic evaluation of eyelid swelling of any degree is warranted to determine if enlargement of the lacrimal gland, etiology notwithstanding, is an underlying or contributing cause.
The impact of overactive bladder on mental health, work productivity and health‐related quality of life in the UK and Sweden: results from EpiLUTS
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Sexton Chris C. , Kopp Zoe S. , Ebel‐Bitoun Caty , Milsom Ian , Chapple Chris 
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort)Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVE• To examine the prevalence and burden of overactive bladder (OAB) with bother in the UK and Sweden compared to OAB without bother and no/minimal OAB/lower urinary tract (LUTS) symptoms, respectively.PATIENTS AND METHODS• A cross‐sectional population‐representative survey was conducted via the Internet in the UK, Sweden and USA.• Participants rated the frequency and bother of OAB and LUTS. Patient outcomes included the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form, Patient Perception of Bladder Condition, Short Form‐12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Anxiety and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Depression, as well as questions about treatment seeking and work productivity.• OAB was defined as urgency at least sometimes or the presence of urinary urgency incontinence. Three subgroups were compared: no/minimal symptoms, OAB without bother and OAB with bother.• Analyses were conducted by gender and country using general linear and logistic regression models to examine bothersome OAB and treatment seeking.RESULTS• Survey response was 59.2%; 10 000 people (4724 men and 5276 women) participated.• The prevalence of OAB with bother at least ‘somewhat’ was 10.9% and 14.6% for men in the UK and Sweden, and 22.5% and 33.7% for women in the UK and Sweden, respectively.• Men and women with bothersome OAB were significantly more likely to seek treatment, report the lowest levels of health‐related quality of life and work productivity and the highest levels of anxiety and depression compared to those with no/minimal symptoms and OAB without bother.• Greater symptom severity of urgency, urgency urinary incontinence, frequency, nocturia, and increasing levels of anxiety were strongly predictive of OAB bother in both men and women.• Predictors of treatment seeking included frequency, bother as a result of urgency, and lower levels of depressive symptoms in men, and frequency, nocturia and urgency in women.CONCLUSIONS• OAB is common in the UK and Sweden, and women are more likely to be affected then men.• The impact of OAB is evident across generic and condition‐specific domains of health‐related quality of life.
Can simvastatin improve erectile function and health‐related quality of life in men aged >40 years with erectile dysfunction? Rationale and design of the Erectile Dysfunction and Statins (EDS) Trial [ISRCTN66772971]1
Authors: Trivedi Daksha , Kirby Michael , Norman Felicity , Przybytniak Izabela , Ali Shehzad , Wellsted David M. 
Published: March 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What will the study add?Erectile dysfunction is often associated with endothelial dysfunction. It is also recognized as a marker for underlying vascular disease.This study tests the hypothesis that statin therapy may improve erectile function and also reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events via a reduction in serum cholesterol and by improving endothelial function. The study will also determine whether the treatment improves quality of life related to sexual function.OBJECTIVE• To describe the rationale and design of the Erectile Dysfunction and Statins (EDS) Trial which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of simvastatin on erectile function and health‐related quality of life in men aged ≥40 years with erectile dysfunction.PATIENTS AND METHODS• The study is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to test the hypotheses that statins improve endothelial function and reduce cholesterol and may improve erectile function in men with untreated erectile dysfunction (ED).• Study subjects are men ≥40 years who are not receiving lipid‐lowering or anti‐hypertensive medication and have no other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.• Eligible men with untreated ED are randomized to double‐blind treatment with 40 mg simvastatin or placebo once daily for 6 months.• Data are collected at baseline, mid‐trial and at the final follow‐up visit at 30 weeks.• The main outcome is erectile function measured by the five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function. Secondary outcomes include sexual‐health‐related quality of life and endothelial function.RESULTS• Ten general practices have been recruited in the east of England.• We have randomized 173 men for a power of 90% to assess the main outcome.• To date there have been no serious unexpected adverse events.• Study findings will be available in September 2011.CONCLUSION• If simvastatin improves erectile function it would provide an inexpensive treatment for ED suitable for most men, and reduce the risk of future CVD.
The Detection and Dynamics of Financial Distress*
Authors: FITZPATRICK JULIE , OGDEN JOSEPH P. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTUsing samples of US firms, we examine the efficacy of six risk‐proxy variables to forecast 5‐year failure: year‐end t‐values of stock return volatility, firm size, recent profitability, market leverage (LEV), book‐to‐market equity ratio (BM), and recent stock return. Logistic regression results indicate that firm size is most powerful, while LEV and BM are weakest. We then identify distressed firms and analyze the effect of year t+1 operating and financing cash flows on 5‐year failure rates for these firms using a new methodology, failure risk surprise. Results explain why LEV and BM are weak forecasters of 5‐year failure rates: Low‐LEV and low‐BM (high‐LEV and high‐BM) distressed firms are less (more) likely to have a profit in year t+1, and are also more likely to issue equity (retire debt) in year t+1, interactions which tend to moderate failure risk. We also find that failure risk sensitivity to year t+1 operating result increases with both LEV and BM, while failure risk sensitivity to future macroeconomic conditions is significant only for high‐LEV firms. Many results are consistent with the tradeoff theory of capital structure, while other results indicate that managers make financing decisions to take advantage of mispricing.
Pathways to meiotic recombination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Osman Kim , Higgins James D. , Sanchez‐Moran Eugenio , Armstrong Susan J. , Franklin F. Chris H. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryMeiosis is a central feature of sexual reproduction. Studies in plants have made and continue to make an important contribution to fundamental research aimed at the understanding of this complex process. Moreover, homologous recombination during meiosis provides the basis for plant breeders to create new varieties of crops. The increasing global demand for food, combined with the challenges from climate change, will require sustained efforts in crop improvement. An understanding of the factors that control meiotic recombination has the potential to make an important contribution to this challenge by providing the breeder with the means to make fuller use of the genetic variability that is available within crop species. Cytogenetic studies in plants have provided considerable insights into chromosome organization and behaviour during meiosis. More recently, studies, predominantly in Arabidopsis thaliana, are providing important insights into the genes and proteins that are required for crossover formation during plant meiosis. As a result, substantial progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin meiosis in plants has begun to emerge. This article summarizes current progress in the understanding of meiotic recombination and its control in Arabidopsis. We also assess the relationship between meiotic recombination in Arabidopsis and other eukaryotes, highlighting areas of close similarity and apparent differences.

Contents

Summary
523

I.
Introduction
524

II.
The meiotic pathway: a brief overview
524

III.
Homologous chromosome pairing and  movement during prophase I
525

IV.
Meiotic DNA double‐strand break formation
526

V.
Processing of DNA double‐strand breaks
528

VI.
Strand exchange: the role of the RecA  homologues and their accessory proteins
529

VII.
Promotion of stable strand exchange
532

VIII.
Pathways to crossover formation
532

IX.
The class I pathway of meiotic recombination
533

X.
The class II pathway of meiotic recombination
536

XI.
Holliday junction (Hj) resolution
537

XII.
Noncrossover pathways and the crossover/ noncrossover decision
537

XIII.
Conclusions
538

Acknowledgements
538

References
538