bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of circulating big endothelin‐1 in patients undergoing potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer
Authors: Lloyd G. M. , Neal C. P. , Arun C. , London N. J. M. , Hemingway D. M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim  Elevated circulating endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) has been demonstrated in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value of plasma big ET‐1, the stable precursor of ET‐1, in cancer‐specific survival in patients having curative surgery for CRC.Method  Seventy‐seven patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for CRC between January 2000 and January 2001 were studied. Clinicopathological data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database including long‐term follow‐up information (median follow up 84 months). The influence of plasma big ET‐1 and clinicopathological variables upon over cancer‐specific survival was determined by univariate and multivariable analysis.Results  On univariate analysis, advanced Dukes’ stage, tumour size and patient age were associated with shortened overall survival. Advanced Dukes’ stage was the only factor associated with shortened survival on multivariable analysis. Plasma big ET‐1 showed no association with either overall or cancer‐specific survival following CRC resection.Conclusion  Plasma big ET‐1 appears to have no prognostic value in primary CRC.
Gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer: the evidence
Authors: Dianat Seyed S. , Margreiter Markus , Eckersberger Elisabeth , Finkelstein Julia , Kuehas Franklin , Herwig Ralf , Ayati Mohsen , Lepor Herbert , Djavan Bob 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVEProstate cancer is still the most frequent noncutaneous male malignancy and is the second most common cause of cancer death. Genetic factors have been extensively studied in different countries. In addition, numerous genome–wide association studies have been performed in developed countries. Genetic tests will be applied in the near future for diagnosis, therapeutic, and prognostic significance. Therefore, we reviewed the association of several important pathways and genes with critical functions in prostate cancer development or progression.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe performed a PubMed® search using several key words such as prostate cancer, names of important genes with critical function, and polymorphisms. Then, we reviewed retrieved articles as well as relevant articles from 1997 to 2009.RESULTSThere are conflicting results of studies on some gene polymorphisms in association with prostate cancer. Most of the inconsistent results have been reported in studies investigating the vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in association with prostate cancer. Genes related to angiogenesis and cell adhesion genes are more promising. Following results of future studies, the use of antibodies blocking over‐expressed genes or proteins may be supported in patients with prostate cancer.CONCLUSIONSThe difference between the results of studies on gene polymorphisms in prostate cancer may be explained partly by ethnic differences, limited sample size, and other risk or protective factors modifying these effects. Genome‐wide studies are currently performed in developed countries and extensive use of this type of analysis may merit consideration in other countries. Furthermore, future studies are needed to further investigate environmental and diet factors interactions with genetic factors.
Migrants' perceptions of using interpreters in health care
Authors: Hadziabdic E. , Heikkilä K. , Albin B. , Hjelm K. 
Published: November 2009

Background:  The number of foreign‐born people who do not share a common language has increased due to extensive international migration, which will increase in the future. There is limited knowledge about the users' perceptions of interpreters in health care.Aim:  To describe how individuals from former Yugoslavia, living in Sweden, perceived the use of interpreters in Swedish healthcare services.Method:  A phenomenographic approach was employed. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews during 2006–2007 with 17 people, aged 29–75 years, from former Yugoslavia, living in Sweden.Findings:  Three descriptive categories were identified: (1) prerequisites for good interpretation situations; (2) the interpretation situation – aspects of satisfaction or dissatisfaction; and (3) measures to facilitate and improve the interpreter situation. The interpreter's competence, attitude, appearance and an appropriate environment are important prerequisites for interpretation. The interpreter was perceived as being a communication aid and a guide in the healthcare system in terms of information and practical issues, but also as a hindrance. A desirable professional interpreter was perceived as highly skilled in medical terminology and language, working in face‐to‐face interaction.Conclusion:  Using an interpreter was perceived as a hindrance, though also needed in communication with healthcare staff and as a guide in the healthcare system. Face‐to‐face interaction was preferred, with the interpreter as an aid to communication. As part of individual care planning it is important to use interpreters according to the patients' desires. Healthcare organizations and guidelines for interpreters need to be developed in order for patients to have easy access to highly skilled professional interpreters.
Night shift work experiences among Iranian nurses: a qualitative study
Authors: Nasrabadi A.N. , Seif H. , Latifi M. , Rasoolzadeh N. , Emami A. 
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To describe the perceptions held by Iranian registered nurses (IRNs) concerning their night shift work experiences.Background:  Due to the nature of nursing work and the need for 24‐h coverage every day, the majority of nurses work night shifts in their professional practice. Evidence from several studies indicates that night working is a challenge for most nurses. This situation can cause many forms of physical and emotional stress.Methods:  A qualitative design was used with purposeful sampling. Eighteen IRNs from four different general educational hospitals in Iran took part in the study. Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews and analysed according to qualitative content analysis.Findings:  Three main themes were identified from the data: (a) socio‐cultural impacts of night work, (b) health‐related impacts of night work, and (c) night work as an opportunity for gaining more clinical experiences and learning more.Conclusion:  The impact of shift work on nurses' daily professional behaviour and adverse health outcomes related to shift work should be well understood and considered when organizing healthcare systems. We need to identify ways to support nurses who work nights and also give attention to the caregiver's needs.
Nursing students and teaching of codes of ethics: an empirical research study
Authors: Numminen O. H. , Leino‐Kilpi H. , Van Der Arend A. , Katajisto J. 
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To explore graduating nursing students' perception of nurse educators' teaching of codes of ethics in polytechnics providing basic nursing education in Finland.Background:  Codes of ethics are regarded as an essential content in most nursing ethics curricula. However, little is known about how their teaching is implemented.Methods:  Descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used in this study. A total of 214 nursing students responded to a structured questionnaire with one open‐ended question. The data was analysed statistically by SPSS and content analysis.Findings:  Students perceived teaching of the codes as fairly extensive. The emphasis was on the nurse–patient relationship. Less attention was paid to nursing in wider social contexts. Educators' use of teaching and evaluation methods was narrow. Students whose teaching had been integrated into clinical training perceived that teaching had been more extensive. However, students did not perceive integration to clinical training as a much used teaching format. Students assessed their own knowledge and ability to apply the codes as mediocre. Those educators, whose knowledge about the codes students had assessed as adequate, were also perceived to teach the codes more extensively.Conclusions:  Regardless of the responding students' positive description of the teaching, the findings should be interpreted with caution, due to the students' limited interest to respond. In teaching ethics, particular attention should be paid to more versatile use of teaching and evaluation methods, organization of integrated teaching, educators' competence in ethics, and student outcomes so that the importance of ethics would come across to all nursing students.
Anxiolytic‐like effect of Carvacrol (5‐isopropyl‐2‐methylphenol) in mice: involvement with GABAergic transmission
Authors: Melo Francisca Helvira Cavalcante , Venâncio Edith Teles , De Sousa Damião Pergentino , De França Fonteles Marta Maria , De Vasconcelos Silvânia Maria Mendes , Viana Glauce Socorro Barros , De Sousa Francisca Cléa Florenço 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCarvacrol (5‐isopropyl‐2‐methylphenol) is a monoterpenic phenol present in the essencial oil of many plants. It is the major component of the essential oil fraction of oregano and thyme. This work presents the behavioral effects of carvacrol in animal models of elevated plus maze (EPM), open field, Rotarod and barbiturate‐induced sleeping time tests in mice. Carvacrol (CVC) was administered orally, in male mice, at single doses of 12.5; 25 and 50 mg/kg while diazepam 1 or 2 mg/kg was used as standard drug and flumazenil (2.5 mg/kg) was used to elucidate the possible anxiolytic mechanism of CVC on the plus maze test. The results showed that CVC, at three doses, had no effect on the spontaneous motor activity in the Rotarod test nor in the number of squares crossed in the open‐field test. However, CVC decreased the number of groomings in the open‐field test. In the plus maze test, CVC, at three doses significantly increased all the observed parameters in the EPM test and flumazenil was able to reverse the effects of diazepam and CVC. Therefore, CVC did not alter the sleep latency and sleeping time in the barbiturate‐induced sleeping time test. These results show that CVC presents anxiolytic effects in the plus maze test which are not influenced by the locomotor activity in the open‐field test.
Activation of MAP kinases, Akt and PDGF receptors in injured peripheral nerves
Authors: Yamazaki Takashi , Sabit Hemragul , Oya Takeshi , Ishii Yoko , Hamashima Takeru , Tokunaga Ayano , Ishizawa Shin , Jie Shen , Kurashige Yoichi , Matsushima Takako , Furuta Isao , Noguchi Makoto , Sasahara Masakiyo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA number of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and the downstream phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways have been critically involved in peripheral nerve regeneration. Here, we examined the activation of PI3K/Akt and MAP kinase pathways, and platelet‐derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) in the distal segments of crushed rat sciatic nerve from 3 to 28 days after injury. In Western blot analyses, the phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinases (JNKs) were highly augmented on days 3 and 7 and on days 7 and 14 after injury, respectively. Phosphorylated Akt and p38 consistently increased from 3 to 28 days after injury. Phosphorylated PDGFR‐α and ‐β were also increased from 3 to 14 days. In the immunohistological analyses, phosphorylated ERK and PDGFR‐α were co‐localized in many activated Schwann cells and regrowing axons 3 days after injury, while PDGFR‐β was localized in a few spindle‐shaped cells. The detected temporal profile of RTK signaling appears to be crucial for the regulation of Schwann cell proliferation and following redifferentiation. Furthermore, the immunohistological studies suggested a role of ERK and PDGFR‐α in axon regeneration as well.
Impact of Tricuspid Regurgitation and Prior Coronary Bypass Surgery on the Geometry of the Coronary Sinus: A Rotational Coronary Angiography Study
Authors: BLENDEA DAN , HEIST E. KEVIN , DAS SAUMYA , DANIK STEPHAN , BARRETT CONOR , MELA THEOFANIE , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , SINGH JAGMEET P. 
Published: November 2009

Coronary Venous Geometry in Patients Undergoing CRT. Introduction: The coronary sinus (CS) is often distorted in patients with advanced cardiomyopathy, making CS cannulation difficult. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the underlying cardiac pathology on the variability of the CS anatomy, using rotational coronary venous angiography (RCVA).
Methods and Results:
Seventy‐nine patients undergoing RCVA for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were evaluated: age 63 ± 15 years, 43% with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Aspects of the CS anatomy which could impact cannulation were examined: the CS ostial angle, the posterior displacement of the CS away from the atrioventricular groove, a measure of CS curvature, and the presence of stenoses and aneurysmal dilatations. The CS ostial angle was variable (65–151°, mean 119 ± 19°, <90° in 8 patients) and decreased significantly (P = 0.0022) with increasing severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), reaching 94 ± 18° in patients with severe TR. The posterior displacement of the CS was significantly more accentuated in patients with prior CABG when compared with the patients without CABG (7.1 ± 3.7 vs 4.5 ± 2.8 mm; P = 0.0246). The decrease in luminal diameter at the CS–great cardiac vein (GCV) junction was 2.0 ± 1.0 mm, being more pronounced in patients with prior CABG versus nonCABG (26 vs 20%; P = 0.042). Stenoses and aneurysmal dilatations of the CS–GCV were encountered in 4 (5%) and 6 (8%) of patients, respectively, all of them with prior CABG, representing 12% and 18% of the CABG group.
Conclusion:
The CS anatomy in patients undergoing CRT is variable, and is impacted by the severity of the underlying TR and history of a prior CABG. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 436–440, April 2010)
The catechol o‐methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism modulates the association of serious life events (SLE) and impulsive aggression in female patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Authors: Wagner S. , Baskaya Ö. , Anicker N. J. , Dahmen N. , Lieb K. , Tadić A. 
Published: November 2009

Wagner S, Baskaya Ö, Anicker NJ, Dahmen N, Lieb K, Tadić A. The catechol o‐methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism modulates the association of serious life events (SLE) and impulsive aggression in female patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD).Objective:  We analyzed i) the effects of serious life events (SLE) on impulsive aggression, and ii) modulating effects of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism on the association between SLEs and impulsive aggression in borderline personality disorder (BPD).Method:  One hundred and twelve female BPD patients from Germany were included in this study. Impulsive aggression was assessed by the Buss‐Durkee‐Hostility Inventory (BDHI).Results:  Childhood sexual abuse was associated with lower BDHI sum score (P = 0.003). In COMT Val158Val carriers, but not in Val/Met and Met/Met carriers, childhood sexual abuse and the cumulative number of SLEs were associated with lower BDHI sum scores (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  This study analyzing a specific gene × environment interaction in female BPD patients suggests an association between SLEs and impulsive aggression, as well as a modulating effect of the COMT Val158Val genotype on the relation between SLEs and impulsive aggression.
Modulation of tropoelastin and fibrillin‐1 by infrared radiation in human skin in vivo
Authors: Chen Zhou , Zhuo Feng‐Lin , Zhang Shang‐Jun , Tian Yan , Tian Shan , Zhang Jian‐Zhong 
Published: November 2009

Background: The heat produced by exposure to infrared radiation (IR) has been demonstrated to modulate the expression of tropoelastin and fibrillin‐1, the two main components of elastic fibers in human skin in vivo. However, the effect of IR range of radiations on tropoelastin and fibrillin‐1 expression has not been thoroughly investigated.Methods: Eighteen volunteers were enrolled in this study involving three trials. Time‐dependent, dose‐dependent and cumulative effects of IR were investigated, respectively. Tropoelastin and fibrillin‐1 expression was measured by immunohistochemical staining on skin biopsy samples from volunteers. In addition, we also measured tropoelastin mRNA expression by a real‐time RT‐polymerase chain reaction.Results: A single dose of IR (2 minimal heating dose) induced a time‐dependent increase in tropoelastin expression at the protein level. An inverse correlation was found between the alterations of tropoelastin and fibrillin‐1. Furthermore, IR was found to increase tropoelastin expression in a dose‐dependent manner at both the mRNA and the protein level. Repeated low doses of IR increased tropoelastin expression and decreased fibrillin‐1 expression at the protein level in the dermis. Meanwhile, the number of both fibers along the dermal–epidermal junction was increased.Conclusion: IR can alter the expression of tropoelastin and fibrillin‐1, which may result in abnormal elastic fiber formation.
Reduced ultraviolet irradiation delays subsequent squamous cell carcinomas in hairless mice
Authors: Togsverd‐Bo Katrine , Lerche Catharina M. , Poulsen Thomas , Hædersdal Merete , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: November 2009

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and UV prophylaxis is essential to prevent skin cancer. It is unclear whether patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) may benefit from reduced UV exposures in terms of delaying the development of new tumors. The objective was to evaluate the significance of discontinued or reduced UV exposure for the development of subsequent skin tumors.Methods: Seven groups of mice (n=175) were irradiated with UV doses of 2 and 4 standard erythema doses (SED) that were continued, reduced or discontinued at the time of appearance of the first skin tumor.Results: The development of new tumors was delayed, corresponding to the degree of reductions in UV dose in an inversely linear manner. Discontinuation of UV doses delayed the median times to the second tumor by 24 days (2 SED, P=0.0549) and 33.5 days (4 SED, P<0.0001), and when reduced to 1 SED, the median delays were 18 days (2 SED, P=0.0469) and 33 days (4 SED, P<0.0001). The median delay to the third tumor was after UV reduction 47 days (4 SED, P<0.0001) and 35 days (2 SED, P=0.151), and after UV discontinuation 49 days (4 SED, P<0.0001) and 44 days (2 SED, P=0.111).Conclusion: This suggests that patients with SCC may benefit from reduced UV exposure.
Measurements of the upper body ultraviolet exposure to golfers: non‐melanoma skin cancer risk, and the potential benefits of exposure to sunlight
Authors: Downs Nathan J. , Schouten Peter W. , Parisi Alfio V. , Turner Joanna 
Published: November 2009

Background: Geographically, Queensland presents an extreme ultraviolet exposure climate to members of the public engaged in outdoor recreational activity. The risk of developing a skin cancer or an eye disease as a result of incidental exposure to naturally occurring ultraviolet radiation in the outdoor environment is proportionately high in a Queensland population compared with fair‐skinned population groups residing in comparable Northern Hemisphere latitudes. In contrast to these risks, elderly members of this high growth population group have been reported to be vitamin D deficient. The risks and potential benefits of exposure to sunlight in southern Queensland are assessed in this study with respect to recreational golfing. This sport is a popular recreational activity for the Queensland population and must be played during daylight hours.Methods: The erythemal and vitamin D effective ultraviolet exposure measured to the forearm, upper back and vertex are presented for individuals playing golf under various atmospheric conditions in a 7‐month period extending from summer to winter.Results: Mean summertime exposures were measured in the 2008 study period as be 1.4, 2.2 and 3.2 standard erythema doses (SED) at forearm, upper back and vertex sites, respectively, compared with respective wintertime forearm, upper back and vertex exposures of 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 SED, where summertime exposures were recorded in the mean solar zenith angle (SZA) ranges of 56–59° and wintertime exposures were recorded in the mean SZA range 74–83°. Vitamin D3 effective exposures were determined to vary from between 225, 325 and 475 J/m2 during summer and 48, 59 and 88 J/m2 during winter for the respective forearm, upper back and vertex body sites measured in the above mean SZA ranges.Conclusion: Exposures to ambient ultraviolet during winter on the golf course between 15:00 and 17:30 hours could be beneficial for office workers for the production of vitamin D. Optimizing exposure periods to late afternoon in the winter months and taking adequate sun protection measures in the summer months are important strategies that golfers can utilize for long‐term preventative health.
Osteotome Sinus Floor Elevation without Bone Grafts – A 3‐Year Retrospective Study with Astra Tech Implants
Authors: Fermergård Robert , Åstrand Per 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTBackground: The bone support for implants in the posterior part of the maxilla is often poor. This condition may be treated with augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor. The most common technique used is to elevate the sinus floor by inserting a bone graft through a window opened in the lateral antral wall. In 1994, a less‐invasive technique using osteotomes was suggested by Summers.Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of implants placed in the posterior maxilla with the osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) technique without grafting.Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 36 consecutive patients in whom 53 implants were inserted with the OSFE technique. The indication for sinus floor elevation was that the bone height below the maxillary sinus was considered to be 10 mm or less.Results: The mean height of the alveolar process in the intended implant sites was 6.3 ± 0.3 mm, and the mean elevation of the sinus floor was 4.4 ± 0.2 mm. Two implants in edentulous patients were lost at the 1‐year follow‐up, and one more at the 3‐year examination. The remaining 50 implants inserted were in function, giving a 3‐year cumulative survival rate of 94%. Implants used in single‐tooth replacements and in partially edentulous cases had a 100% survival rate.The marginal bone level at the time of loading of the implants was 0.1 ± 0.04 mm below the reference point. One year later, the corresponding value was 0.5 ± 0.06 mm. The mean bone loss between the two examinations was 0.4 ± 0.05 mm. At the final examination after 3 years, the mean bone level was situated 0.6 ± 0.09 mm below the reference point, indicating a nonsignificant change between 1 year and 3 years.Conclusions: The OSFE technique, without bone grafts, was found to produce predictable results in the treatment of 36 patients with restricted bone volume in the posterior part of the maxilla.