bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of the continence self‐efficacy scale in Turkish women with urinary incontinence
Authors: Zengin Neriman , Pinar Rukiye 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis study investigated the psychometric properties of the Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale. Data was collected from 128 women who had urinary incontinence using the following instruments: the Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Broome Pelvic Muscle Exercise Self‐Efficacy Scale, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form, and the Beck Depression Inventory. The validity of the Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis and convergent and divergent validity analyses. The reliability of the Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale was examined in terms of internal consistency and test–retest correlations. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a three ‐factor model that had acceptable goodness‐of‐fit indices. The convergent validity of the Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale was supported by a positive correlation between the Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale and the Broome Pelvic Muscle Exercise Self‐Efficacy Scale. The divergent validity of the Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale was supported by negative relationships between the Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. The Cronbach's alpha values regarding internal consistency were 0.94 for the overall scale and 0.92–0.93 for the subscales. Test–retest correlations were 0.75 for the overall scale and 0.52–0.74 for the subscales. The Continence Self‐Efficacy Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for use in Turkish women with urinary incontinence.
Sexual function and laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for complex rectocoele
Authors: Abet E. , Lehur P. A. , Wong M. , Rigaud J. , Darnis E. , Meurette G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) has recently been shown to be feasible, safe and efficient in restoring anatomy and improving rectal emptying in female patients presenting with a posterior pelvic floor prolapse. However, little is known about the sexual function of these patients. This study aimed to assess sexual activity in a group of patients referred for complex rectocoele and the consequences on sexual comfort of their treatment after LVR.Method  We prospectively assessed 41 consecutive patients who underwent LVR (either laparoscopic or robotic‐assisted) for symptomatic complex rectocoele from January 2009 to January 2010. We first identified sexually active patients in the cohort using a nonvalidated simplified questionnaire. The Brief Index Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF‐W) questionnaire was used postoperatively to assess the impact of LVR on sexual function. Acceptability of the assessment of sexuality was also tested. The postoperative outcome of the sexually active patients was compared with data obtained from the French general population.Results  Among 38 patients in whom a successful LVR had been performed (three conversions), 22 (57.9%) were sexually active preoperatively and 18 (47.4%) were sexually active postoperatively at a mean of 7 ± 4.2 months of follow‐up (P = 0.44). No de novo dyspareunia was reported. At baseline, 13 patients experienced dyspareunia compared with six after LVR (P = 0.02). A significant improvement in dyspareunia was observed (seven patients vs two patients; P = 0.03). 19 (86%) of the 22 patients responded to the BISF‐W questionnaire. The mean composite score was 26.7 ± 8.2, with 63.2% of patients estimating sexual activity as important or very important. Compared with a reference population, sexual comfort was similar in LVR patients (32.2 ± 12.6 vs 26.7 ± 8.2; P = 0.14).Conclusion  Assessment of sexual function is accepted by the majority of patients suffering from pelvic floor disorders. In addition to the benefit on anatomical restoration and bowel function, LVR improves sexual function and dyspareunia in patients operated on for complex rectocoele.
A pilot randomised controlled trial of modafinil during acute methamphetamine withdrawal: Feasibility, tolerability and clinical outcomes
Authors: Lee Nicole , Pennay Amy , Hester Robert , McKetin Rebecca , Nielsen Suzi , Ferris Jason 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThere are no medications approved for the treatment of methamphetamine withdrawal. Wake‐promoting agent modafinil has recently been proposed as a viable option. This paper reports on the results of a pilot study that tested the feasibility of modafinil in an inpatient withdrawal setting during acute methamphetamine withdrawal.Design and MethodsIn a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study, 19 methamphetamine dependent participants received modafinil (n = 9) or placebo (n = 10) daily for 7 days (200 mg for the first 5 days and 100 mg on days 6 and 7). Primary outcomes were retention in treatment and severity of withdrawal symptoms. Secondary outcomes were methamphetamine craving, sleep and physiological outcomes.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups on retention in treatment, withdrawal severity, craving, sleep or physiological outcomes. There were no adverse events or side‐effects reported.ConclusionsModafinil was found to be tolerable and well accepted by methamphetamine users and feasible for short‐term inpatient withdrawal, but the sample was too small to detect treatment effects. Larger trials are needed to establish efficacy.
A Lightweight Approach for the Sensor Observation Service to Share Environmental Data across Europe
Authors: Jirka Simon , Bröring Arne , Kjeld Peter , Maidens Jon , Wytzisk Andreas 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe importance of near real‐time access to environmental data has increased steadily over the last few years. In this article, the focus is on the European Environment Agency (EEA), which receives environmental data from a large number of providers. The heterogeneous data formats and data transfer mechanisms make the data collection and integration a difficult task for the EEA. An approach is needed for facilitating the interoperable exchange of environmental data on a large scale. A core element of this approach is the Sensor WebEnablement (SWE) technology of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) which allows the standardized, interoperable, vendor and domain independent exchange of sensor data. The main contribution of this article is a lightweight profile for the OGC Sensor Observation Service that ensures the necessary interoperability for seamlessly integrating the environmental data provided by the EEA's member states and thus forms the foundation for the developed data exchange mechanisms. This is complemented by information about the resulting Sensor Web architecture and the integration into the EEA's existing IT infrastructure. In summary, this article describes a practical scenario in which SWE technology enables the exchange of near real‐time environmental data on a large scale.
Implementing RFID in a hospital library: a scoping study
Authors: Norwood Joseph , Skinner Ben 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article discusses a scoping study on implementing radio frequency identification device (RFID) in a hospital library context, conducted by Joseph Norwood for his MA dissertation at the University of Brighton. The study was carried out during the summer of 2011 to support possible RFID implementation at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH) Trust, and the library staff were able to use the findings to good effect to create a business plan. This article also acts as the template for the new Dissertations into Practice feature, which was introduced in the March issue (Marshall, A. Health Information and Libraries Journal 2012, 29, 72). The dissertation highlighted here is very practical in nature and had immediate and quantifiable benefits for the Trust library. Future feature articles are likely to reflect the range of health‐related dissertation topics which students choose and will include studies on user information behaviour, information services related to mental health and well‐being, as well as the impact of technology on health‐related library or information services.AM
Health, sport and nutritional information: tailoring your approach
Authors: Grant Maria J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOne of the intended legacies of the London 2012 Olympics is to increase the level of physical activity amongst the general population. Health information on the positive health benefits of sport and nutrition can assist in this goal and its positive benefit can been seen in communities within and beyond the United Kingdom, particularly within an educational context. In the United States, young people view their teachers as a valuable source of health information, and in Taiwan, teachers have been key collaborators in the development of a national Health e‐Learning Network providing multimedia‐learning modules for use in the classroom. However, classrooms are not the only source of health information and, with the reported inaccuracies in the translation of health information from academic papers to the popular press, school librarians have a role to play in facilitating students’ ability to assess the quality of the health information they access, whatever the source.
Domain Wall Motion in A and B Site Donor‐Doped Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 Films
Authors: Zhu Wanlin , Fujii Ichiro , Ren Wei , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan 
Published: May 2012

Donor‐doped PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) films were utilized to study the effect of dopants on the mobility of ferroelectric domain walls. For chemical solution deposited PZT films 2 μm in thickness, doped with 1%–4% Nb or La, the low field dielectric permittivity remained between 1100 and 1300. With increasing Nb concentration, both the reversible and irreversible Rayleigh constants increased from ɛinit and α′ of 1150 and 39 cm/kV, respectively, for undoped PZT films to 1360 and 43 cm/kV for films doped with 2 mol% Nb. La doping increased the irreversible Rayleigh constant but did not strongly affect the reversible Rayleigh parameter. These observations are consistent with softening of the dielectric and electromechanical response with donor doping.
Effect of Aluminum Doping on Microwave Absorption Properties of ZnO/ZrSiO4 Composite Ceramics
Authors: Kong Luo , Yin Xiaowei , Zhang Litong , Cheng Laifei 
Published: May 2012

In this study, Al‐doped ZnO particles are infiltrated into porous ZrSiO4 substrates to form an Al‐doped ZnO/ZrSiO4 composite ceramic using sol‐gel process. The doping of aluminum results in the high‐concentration carriers, leading to the improvement of polarization capability and electric conductivity. When the Al content increases to 2.5 at.%, particle shape is changed from spherical into flower‐like one, and the electric conductivity of ZnO/ZrSiO4 composite ceramics is further improved. Therefore, both dielectric loss and microwave absorption properties of ZnO/ZrSiO4 composite ceramics increase with the increase of Al content. The further increase of Al content leads to the production of ZnAl2O4, which is a low‐permittivity ceramic, so the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of ZnO/ZrSiO4 composite ceramics show a decreasing tendency. Owing to the higher dielectric loss, the 2.5 at.% Al‐doped ZnO/ZrSiO4 composite ceramics exhibit the best microwave absorption properties over the frequencies ranging from 8.2 to 12.4 GHz (X‐band).
Expression of Toll‐like receptor9 in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: further exploring CpG oligodeoxynucleotide in NFκB pathway
Authors: Huang Wan‐Ting , Weng Shao‐Wen , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Lin Huei‐Chiou , Tsai Po‐Chin , Chuang Jiin‐Haur 
Published: May 2012

Human Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) that recognize a variety of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns are associated with activation and immunogenic response in lymphoid neoplasms, but rarely explored in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We conducted this study to evaluate the expression of TLR9 in and potential treatment of DLBCL with TLR9 agonist – CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN). The real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was carried out to detect TLR9 expression in 41 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples. The transformation of immunophenotype and NFκB pathway of DLBCL upon CpG ODN stimulation were investigated by a DLBCL cell line. TLR9 was commonly detected in DLBCL with relative mRNA levels above 1.0 × 10−2 in 35 of 41 cases (85.36%). It was suspected that a high proportion of DLBCL to be activated by CpG stimulation. In vitro study with a DLBCL cell line revealed an increased CD20, but decreased BCL‐6 and MUM1/IRF4 expression after treatment with CpG ODN. The NFκB pathway was initially activated, but finally suppressed upon CpG ODN stimulation. The proliferation of tumor cells was also inhibited by long time incubation. These findings provide new insights into the role of TLR9 in DLBCL and potential implication of TLR9 agonist in the treatment of DLBCL.
Shared learning for oral health therapy and dental students: enhanced understanding of roles and responsibilities through interprofessional education
Authors: Ritchie C. , Dann L. , J Ford P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroductionTo enhance interprofessional learning outcomes, The School of Dentistry at The University of Queensland redesigned first‐year curricula. Courses for Bachelor of Oral Health (OHT) and Bachelor of Dental Science (DS) students were combined, and learning content created to support the development of skills, knowledge and attitudes required for the oral healthcare team to work effectively in providing the best possible care for patients.MethodsOver a 2‐year period, all commencing OHT and DS students were invited to participate in this study. One cohort (n = 93) was enrolled into a traditional, discipline‐specific programme (TRAD), whereas the other cohort (n = 93) experienced an integrated learning programme (INT) with combined courses for OHT and DS students. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and a modified dental and dental care professional roles and responsibilities (DRR) survey were completed to determine students' awareness of dental professionals' roles and responsibilities, and their attitudes to interprofessional education and teamwork.ResultsFollowing completion of 1 year of learning, both INT and TRAD cohorts showed similar levels of readiness for shared learning. At the commencement of the second year of the study programme, however, there was a significantly better understanding of shared care amongst INT students.ConclusionsThis study provides initial support for the integrated learning approach adopted by this university. The INT cohort had significantly improved understandings of the roles and responsibilities of dentists and oral health therapists. The results of this study have been used to refine ongoing curriculum developments.
Angptl4 maintains in vivo repopulation capacity of CD34+ human cord blood cells
Authors: Blank Ulrika , Ehrnström Birgitta , Heinz Niels , Nilsson Eva , Brun Ann , Baum Christopher , Schiedlmeier Bernhard , Karlsson Stefan 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectivesMethods to expand hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo encompass an attractive approach that would substantially broaden the clinical applicability of HSCs derived from cord blood (CB). Recently, members of the angiopoietin‐like (Angptl) family of growth factors were shown to expand both murine and human HSCs. Specifically, Angptl5 has been implicated in the expansion of human NOD/SCID‐repopulating cells (SRCs) ex vivo. Here, we sought to evaluate the potential of additional Angptls to expand human SRCs from CB. Additionally, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of Angptl‐mediated expansion of SRCs across independent experiments.MethodsHuman CD34+ cells from CB were cultured in vitro for eleven or 8 d in the presence or absence of Angptls. The reconstitution capacity of expanded cells was subsequently measured in vivo by transplantation into NOD/SCID or NSG mice and compared with that of uncultured cells.ResultsWe report here that Angptl4 functions to maintain SRC activity of CD34+ CB‐derived cells ex vivo as assayed in NOD/SCID and NSG mice. However, all Angptls tested, including Angptl1, Angptl4, and Angptl5, were associated with variation between experiments.ConclusionOur findings indicate that Angptl4 and Angptl5 can lead to increased engraftment capacity of SRCs, but more frequently, these factors are associated with maintenance of SRC activity during ex vivo culture. Thus, Angptl‐mediated expansion of SRCs ex vivo is associated with more interexperimental variation than previously thought. We conclude that Angptls would be useful in instances where there is a need to maintain HSCs ex vivo, such as during transduction for gene therapy applications.
A blueprint for staging of murine melanocytic lesions based on the Cdk4R24C/R24C::Tyr‐NRASQ61K model
Authors: Wurm Elisabeth M.T. , Lin Lynlee L. , Ferguson Blake , Lambie Duncan , Prow Tarl W. , Walker Graeme J. , Soyer H. Peter 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIt has been shown that gene mutations which drive the development of malignant melanoma (MM) in humans also lead to emergence of MM when engineered mice. However, little attention has been paid to the clinical and histopathological features of melanocytic lesions and their natural history in a given mouse model. This knowledge is crucial to enable us to understand how engineered mutations influence the initiation and evolution of melanocytic lesions, and/or for the use of mice as a preclinical model to test specific treatments. We recently reported the development of melanocytic proliferations along the spectrum of naevi to MM in a Cdk4

R24C/R24C

::Tyr‐

NRAS

Q

61K
mouse model. In this study, we followed the development of lesions over time using digital photography and dermoscopy with the aim to correlate the clinical and histopathological features of lesions developing in this model. We identified two types of lesions. The first are slow‐growing dermal MMs that emanate from dermal naevi. The second did not emanate from naevi, grew rapidly, and appeared to be solely confined to the subcutaneous fat. We present a simple staging system for the MMs that progress from naevi, based on depth of extension into the dermis and subcutis. This represents a blueprint for documentation and follow‐up of MMs in the live animal, which is critical for the proper use of murine melanoma models.
Identification of the novel HLA allele, HLA‐B*40:159, in a Taiwanese hematopoietic stem cell donor and the probable HLA haplotype in an association with B*40:159
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lee S. K. , Lin P. Y. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryUsing a sequence‐based typing method, we found a new HLA‐B*40 variant, B*40:159, in a Taiwanese hematopoietic stem cell donor. The sequence of B*40:159 is identical to the sequence of B*40:06:01:01 in exons 2 and 3 except the nucleotides at positions 412 (A → G) and 429 (A → C). The sequence variation caused two amino acid exchanges at residue 114 (N → D) and residue 116 (Y → S). The probable HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C and HLA‐DRB1 haplotype in association with B*40:159 may be deduced as HLA‐A*02:06‐B*40:159‐C*08:01‐DRB1*08:03. The generation of B*40:159 is thought as the result of a sequence recombination event where B*46:01:01:01, B*15:01:01 or B*15:02:01 donated a minimum length of the DNA sequence from residue 412 to residue 419 to the recipient sequence of B*40:06:01:01.
CONSEQUENCES OF INDIVIDUAL CHEWING STRATEGIES ON BOLUS RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AT THE SWALLOWING THRESHOLD
Authors: YVEN CLAUDE , PATARIN JEREMY , MAGNIN ALBERT , LABOURÉ HELENE , REPOUX MARIE , GUICHARD ELISABETH , FERON GILLES 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThe chewing process transforms food into bolus for a safe swallow. It is known that humans adapt their chewing behavior to food product characteristics. This study aimed at identifying individual chewing strategies of healthy consumers and determining the respective consequences on bolus properties. For that purpose, the chewing activity of 50 subjects was recorded during consumption of five model cheeses. Boluses were collected at the swallowing threshold for rheological analyses. We found that 30% of subjects showed only slight adaptation of chewing activity to product characteristics and thus produced boluses with different rheological properties. Among the 70% of subjects who adapted their chewing behavior, 57% adapted their behavior via chewing time and 40% adapted their behavior via chewing time and muscular contraction amplitude. Among the bolus rheological parameters, only consistency was not influenced by chewing strategies. Hence, it seemed to be a determinant factor of the swallowing threshold for these products.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFlavor compounds are released during the oral processing of food. It is thus important to understand how consumers form a bolus and to analyze the consequences of chewing behaviors on bolus properties at the swallowing threshold, at the end of the oral stage of food, to clarify the role of mastication in the release of stimuli responsible for perception. Chewing strategies and bolus properties are some of the key factors of flavor release and product acceptability that is of interest for food manufacturers who can use these factors as additional parameters for new solid product design.
PON Gene Polymorphisms and Ischaemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Liu Hua , Xia Ping , Liu Ming , Ji Xun Ming , Sun Hong Bin , Tao Li , Mu Qi Wen 
Published: May 2012

Background Paraoxonase is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Genetic variants of the paraoxonase gene have been implicated as risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases such as coronary artery disease, but individual genetic association studies examining the relationship between the paraoxonase gene polymorphisms and ischaemic stroke have yielded inconsistent results. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the association between the paraoxonase gene variants and ischaemic stroke using systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods Relevant studies were identified by searching English and Chinese databases extensively. Allele and genotype frequencies for each included study were extracted. The odds ratio was calculated using a random-effects or fixed-effects model. A Q statistic was used to evaluate homogeneity, and Egger's test and funnel plot were used to assess publication bias. Results A total of 28 studies were included and identified for the current meta-analysis. It was found that the R allele or RR genotype of paraoxonase 1 Q192R polymorphism had an increased risk for ischaemic stroke in the general population (192R allele: odds ratio: 1·21, 95% confidence interval: 1·08–1·35, P = 0·0009 and 192RR genotype: odds ratio: 1·25, 95% confidence interval: 1·06–1·49, P = 0·009 in general population, respectively), but there was no significant association between other genetic variants of paraoxonase gene and ischaemic stroke. Conclusions Existing evidence indicates that the Q192R polymorphism (the R allele and RR genotype) is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke in the general population. Future studies with larger sample sizes will be necessary to confirm the present results.