bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The assessment of prognosis of surgically resected oesophageal cancer is dependent on the number of lymph nodes examined pathologically
Authors: Twine Christopher P , Lewis Wyn G , Morgan Matthew A , Chan David , Clark Geoffrey W B , Havard Tim , Crosby Tom D , Roberts S Ashley , Williams Geriant T 
Published: July 2009

Aims: The prognosis in surgically resected oesophageal carcinoma (OC) is dependent on the number of regional lymph nodes (LN) involved, but no guidance exists on how many LNs should be examined histopathologically to give a reliable pN status. The aim of this study was to determine whether the number of LNs examined after OC resection has a significant effect on the assessment of prognosis.Methods and results: Routinely generated pathology reports from 237 consecutive patients undergoing oesophagectomy for OC were examined and analysed in relation to survival. The main outcome measure was survival from date of diagnosis. Lymph node count (LNC) correlated strongly with survival; a plateau was reached after a count of 10. Median and 2‐year survival was 30 months and 42%, respectively, if <10 nodes were examined (n = 88), compared with 51 months and 61% if >10 nodes were examined (P = 0.005). This effect was greatest in pN0 cases. The prognostic value of the absolute number of LN metastases (<4) and LN ratio (<0.4) was strongly dependent on a LNC of >10.Conclusions: These results demonstrate the importance of careful pathological examination and lymph node retrieval after OC resection. At least 10 nodes should be examined to designate an OC as pN0.
Advanced glycation end products accumulate in the reproductive tract of men with diabetes
Authors: Mallidis C. , Agbaje I. M. , Rogers D. A. , Glenn J. V. , Pringle R. , Atkinson A. B. , Steger K. , Stitt A. W. , McClure N. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryLight microscopic studies comparing sperm parameters show little association between diabetes and male fertility. However, with the introduction of new analytical techniques, evidence is now emerging of previously undetectable effects of diabetes on sperm function. Specifically, a recent study has found a significantly higher sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation in diabetic men. As advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are important instigators of oxidative stress and cell dysfunction in numerous diabetic complications, we hypothesized that these compounds could also be present in the male reproductive tract. The presence and localization of the most prominent AGE, carboxymethyl‐lysine (CML), in the human testis, epididymis and sperm was determined by immunohistochemistry. Parallel ELISA and Western blot analyses were performed to ascertain the amount of CML in seminal plasma and sperm from 13 diabetic and nine non‐diabetic subjects. CML immunoreactivity was found throughout the seminiferous epithelium, the nuclei of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, in the basal and principle cells cytoplasm and nuclei of the caput epididymis and on most sperm tails, mid pieces and all cytoplasmic droplets. The acrosomal cap, especially the equatorial band, was prominently stained in diabetic samples only. The amount of CML was significantly higher (p = 0.004) in sperm from non‐diabetic men. Considering the known detrimental actions of AGEs in other organs, the presence, location and quantity of CML, particularly the increased expression found in diabetic men, suggest that these compounds may play a hitherto unrecognized role in male infertility.
Effect of nanoparticles on the male reproductive system of mice
Authors: Yoshida S. , Hiyoshi K. , Ichinose T. , Takano H. , Oshio S. , Sugawara I. , Takeda K. , Shibamoto T. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe effects of nanoparticles toward on the male reproductive system of mice were investigated. Three sizes (14, 56 and 95 nm) of carbon black nanoparticles were intratracheally administered (0.1 mg/mouse for 10 times every week) to ICR male mice to investigate their adverse effects on the reproductive function. The serum testosterone levels were elevated significantly in the 14‐ and 56‐nm carbon nanoparticles‐exposed groups. Histological examination showed partial vacuolation of the seminiferous tubules. In addition, the effects of particle number towards the male reproductive system were investigated. The particle number controlled 14‐nm nanoparticles‐exposed group (14 N group, which has approximately the same particle number per unit volume as the 56‐nm nanoparticles) showed fewer effects than did the 56‐nm nanoparticles‐exposed groups. These results suggest that carbon nanoparticle‐exposure has adverse effects on the mouse male reproductive function. Furthermore, the effects of nanoparticles on the male reproductive system depend on particle mass rather than particle number.
Modelling the distribution of a threatened habitat: the California sage scrub
Authors: Riordan Erin C. , Rundel Philip W. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim Using predictive species distribution and ecological niche modelling our objectives are: (1) to identify important climatic drivers of distribution at regional scales of a locally complex and dynamic system – California sage scrub; (2) to map suitable sage scrub habitat in California; and (3) to distinguish between bioclimatic niches of floristic groups within sage scrub to assess the conservation significance of analysing such species groups.Location Coastal mediterranean‐type shrublands of southern and central California.Methods Using point localities from georeferenced herbarium records, we modelled the potential distribution and bioclimatic envelopes of 14 characteristic sage scrub species and three floristic groups (south‐coastal, coastal–interior disjunct and broadly distributed species) based upon current climate conditions. Maxentwas used to map climatically suitable habitat, while principal components analysis followed by canonical discriminant analysis were used to distinguish between floristic groups and visualize species and group distributions in multivariate ecological space.Results Geographical distribution patterns of individual species were mirrored in the habitat suitability maps of floristic groups, notably the disjunct distribution of the coastal–interior species. Overlap in the distributions of floristic groups was evident in both geographical and multivariate niche space; however, discriminant analysis confirmed the separability of floristic groups based on bioclimatic variables. Higher performance of floristic group models compared with sage scrub as a whole suggests that groups have differing climate requirements for habitat suitability at regional scales and that breaking sage scrub into floristic groups improves the discrimination between climatically suitable and unsuitable habitat.Main conclusions The finding that presence‐only data and climatic variables can produce useful information on habitat suitability of California sage scrub species and floristic groups at a regional scale has important implications for ongoing efforts of habitat restoration for sage scrub. In addition, modelling at a group level provides important information about the differences in climatic niches within California sage scrub. Finally, the high performance of our floristic group models highlights the potential a community‐level modelling approach holds for investigating plant distribution patterns.
Nursing staff turnover at a Swedish university hospital: an exploratory study
Authors: Sellgren Stina F , Kajermo Kerstin N , Ekvall Göran , Tomson Göran 
Published: July 2009

Aim.  The aim was to explore opinions on individual needs and other factors that may influence nursing staff turnover.Background.  High staff turnover is a great problem for many hospitals. It is shown to have a negative effect on the quality of nursing care and to increase hospital costs.Design.  In 2004 in a large university hospital in Sweden five focus group discussions (FGDs) including department heads (1), nursing managers (2) and members of nursing staff (2) were carried out. The questions to be addressed were ‘Why do nurses leave?’ and ‘Why do nurses stay?’ In addition, register data of staff turnover for 2002–2003 were analysed in relation to different facts about the units, such as number of employees, type of care and medical specialty. Categories of opinions identified in the FGDs were compared with results of the statistical analyses on the relationship between staff turnover and unit parameters to identify overall factors that may influence on nurse staff turnover.Findings.  Four major factors were identified as having a possible influence on staff turnover: ‘intrinsic values of motivation’, ‘work load’, ‘unit size ‘and ‘leadership’. Smaller units had lower staff turnover as well as outpatient units and day care. It was not possible to compare statements from participants from smaller units with those from participants from larger units. Two factors had diverging data, ‘salary’ and ‘spirit of the time’. A surprising finding was the little mention of patient care in relation to staff turnover.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important for managers to ensure that intrinsic values of nurses are met to minimise the risk for high turnover rates. Inpatient care must receive adequate staffing and nursing care could be organised into smaller units or work teams to avoid dissatisfaction and high turnover.
Nurse prescribing by children’s nurses: views of doctors and clinical leads in one specialist children’s hospital
Authors: Courtenay Molly , Carey Nicola 
Published: July 2009

Aim.  To explore the views of doctors and clinical leads (CLs), who care for children and young people, on nurse prescribing in one specialist children’s hospital.Background.  Nearly 14,000 nurses in the UK have virtually the same prescribing rights as doctors. Benefits of nurses adopting this role have been reported, but doctors do have some concerns. Increasing numbers of specialist nurses involved in the care of children in the hospital setting are undertaking prescribing training. No research has explored the views of health care professionals on nurse prescribing in this setting.Design.  A subset of qualitative data taken from a larger study that adopted an intrinsic case study design.Method.  Interviews were conducted between October 2006–July 2007 with 11 doctors and three clinical leads in one specialist children’s hospital. A thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data.Results.  Nurse prescribing improved access to medicines and continuity of care. Concerns included the need for doctors to have confidence in the ability of the nurse who wanted to become a prescriber, the selection of nurses for prescribing training, the effects of nurse prescribing on the individual roles and responsibilities of doctors and nurses’ clinical skills.Conclusion.  Doctors and clinical leads working in a specialist children’s hospital in the UK recognise that nurse prescribing makes a positive contribution to the delivery of services. However, it is important that nurses have the appropriate clinical skills and doctors understand nurse prescribing. This will only take place if there is good communication across professional boundaries.Relevance to clinical practice.  Selection processes for the prescribing programmes must ensure that students have the necessary course prerequisites. Communication across professional boundaries is crucial to the successful implementation of nurse prescribing in the care of children and young people in the hospital setting.
Contraceptive self‐efficacy and contraceptive knowledge of Hong Kong Chinese women with unplanned pregnancy
Authors: Ip Wan‐Yim , Sin Louise LY , Chan Dominic SK 
Published: July 2009

Aim and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to explore contraceptive practice, the level of knowledge and self‐efficacy of contraception among Chinese women with unplanned pregnancy and to determine the relationships between these variables.Background.  The construct of self‐efficacy can be employed as a theory to design a nursing intervention to prevent sexually active women from unplanned pregnancy. Only a few western studies have investigated the relationships between self‐efficacy and contraception behaviour yet none targeted at the Chinese population.Design.  Cross‐sectional survey.Methods.  This study employed a cross‐sectional survey design. A convenience sample of 117 eligible Chinese females completed all the questionnaires, which included the Chinese version of the Contraceptive Self‐efficacy Scale and Contraceptive Knowledge Scale.Results.  The findings in this study suggested that younger, unmarried women at the lower income group, who adopted male condoms are at risk for unplanned pregnancy. The sample demonstrated an above medium level of knowledge and self‐efficacy in contraception. However, no significant relationship was found between contraceptive self‐efficacy and knowledge (p>0·05).Conclusions.  Contraceptive obstacles were revealed by participants’ moderate level of contraceptive self‐efficacy and contraceptive knowledge. The relationship between contraceptive knowledge of specific methods and contraceptive self‐efficacy need further exploration in future studies.Relevance to clinical practice.  The dominant use of male condoms by the sample of this study sheds light on future direction in the development of educational programmes and contraceptive promotion strategies appropriate for women with unplanned pregnancy.
Implementation of standard sedation management in paediatric intensive care: effective and feasible?
Authors: Ista Erwin , De Hoog Matthijs , Tibboel Dick , Van Dijk Monique 
Published: July 2009

Objective.  To study the effects of the introduction of a sedation treatment protocol for children in intensive care, including nurses’ compliance.Background.  While several sedation guidelines for adults and children have been developed and implemented, there is little evidence on use of sedation protocols in critically ill infants.Design.  Pretest–posttest intervention study.Methods.  Administered sedatives and analgesics over the first seven days of admission were documented for convenience samples, before (n = 27) and after (n = 29) implementation of standard sedation assessments and a sedation protocol. Sedation was assessed with the COMFORT behaviour scale, Nurse Interpretation of Sedation Score and the Visual Analogue Scale for three‐month periods, both pretest and posttest. Starting 21 months after the posttest, nurses’ compliance with the sedation protocol, as well as administered sedatives and analgesics were evaluated for 12 months.Results.  Infants in the posttest period received significantly more midazolam and morphine. The proportion of patients adequately sedated on the grounds of COMFORT scores had increased from 63% pretest to 72% posttest and to 75% in the long run. Adequate sedation as judged from the sedation protocol cutoffs was found in 71% of the assessments. In 45% of assessments indicating undersedation, the infusion rate had been increased on the guidance of the protocol. A survey among staff revealed that most considered the sedation protocol comprehensible and useful.Conclusion.  This study showed that regular sedation assessment in critically ill children was feasible and had become standard practice two years after the first posttest. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether implementation of a sedation treatment protocol indeed improves sedation treatment.Relevance to clinical practice.  This sedation protocol provides decision trees for increasing or weaning of sedatives in both haemodynamically stable and unstable patients. It standardises sedation management and allows nurses to adapt medication themselves.
Identification and pathogenicity to rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), of some aeromonads
Authors: Orozova P , Barker M , Austin D A , Austin B 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTwelve strains of fish pathogenic aeromonads were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Aeromonas bestiarum, A. hydrophila, A. hydrophila subsp. dhakensis, A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida, A. sobria biovar sobria and A. veronii biovar sobria. Following intramuscular injection, A. hydrophila subsp. dhakensis caused dark liquefying, raised furuncle‐like lesions in rainbow trout within 48 h. Extracellular products of all cultures contained gelatinase and lecithinase, and most revealed lipase. Congo red absorption and siderophore production was recorded, but not so the suicide phenomenon or slime production. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profile of the outer membrane proteins (OMP) revealed 10–25 bands, of which major bands were seen in the region of 32.5–47.5 and 62–83 kDa. Marked heterogenicity of the OMP and whole cell protein (WCP) profiles within and among the species was observed. Polypeptides of 83–173 kDa were detected in the WCP profile of the cultures, but they were not expressed in OMP fractions.
Increased survival by feeding tetradecylthioacetic acid during a natural outbreak of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation in S0 Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Alne H , Thomassen M S , Takle H , Terjesen B F , Grammes F , Oehme M , Refstie S , Sigholt T , Berge R K , Rørvik K‐A 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe have previously documented increased survival by feeding tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) during a natural outbreak of infectious pancreatic necrosis in post‐smolt S1 Atlantic salmon. The aim of the present study was to test the effects of dietary TTA in S0 smolt at a location where fish often experience natural outbreaks of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) during their first spring at sea. The experimental groups were fed a diet supplemented with 0.25% TTA for a 6‐week period prior to a natural outbreak of HSMI in May 2007. Relative percent survival for the groups fed TTA was 45% compared with control diets, reducing mortality from 4.7% to 2.5%. Expression of genes related to lipid oxidation was higher in cardiac ventricles from salmon fed TTA compared with controls. In addition, salmon fed TTA had periodically reduced levels of plasma urea, and increased cardiosomatic index and growth. Reduced mortality and increased growth after administration of TTA may be related to a combination of anti‐inflammatory effects, and an altered metabolic balance with better protein conservation because of increased lipid degradation.
Molecular differentiation of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus isolates from farmed and wild salmonids in Ireland
Authors: Ruane N M , McCarthy L J , Swords D , Henshilwood K 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis study investigated the genotypes and sub‐groups of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) present in farmed and wild salmonid fish in Ireland. An 1100‐bp portion of the VP2 region of segment A from each of 55 IPNV isolates collected over 2003–2007 was amplified by reverse‐transcription–polymerase chain reaction and the product directly sequenced. The nucleotide sequences of each isolate were aligned and compared with each other and with the corresponding sequences of a number of reference isolates. All the 55 sequenced isolates belonged to genogroup 5 (Sp serotype) and could be divided into two subgroups. Irish subgroup 1 consisted of isolates from farmed salmon originating from an Irish salmon broodstock. Irish subgroup 2 consisted of isolates from imported farmed stock and all reported clinical outbreaks of IPN were associated with isolates from subgroup 2. Isolates from wild fish were identical to some isolates from subgroup 2, and therefore are believed to have originated from infected farms. These results highlight the importance of import risk analysis for diseases not listed under current legislation.
A review of the evidence for the impact of improving nutritional care on nutritional and clinical outcomes and cost
Authors: Weekes C. E. , Spiro A. , Baldwin C. , Whelan K. , Thomas J. E. , Parkin D. , Emery P. W. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  The association between malnutrition and poor clinical outcome is well‐established, yet most research has focussed on the role of artificial nutritional support in its management. More recently, emphasis has been placed on the provision of adequate nutritional care, including nutritional screening and the routine provision of food and drink. The aim of this literature review is to establish the evidence for the efficacy of interventions that might result in improvements in nutritional and clinical outcomes and costs.Methods:  A structured literature review was conducted investigating the role of nutritional care interventions in adults, and their effects on nutritional and clinical outcomes and costs, in all healthcare settings. Ten databases were searched electronically using keywords relating to nutritional care, patient outcomes and healthcare costs. High quality trials were included where available.Results:  Two hundred and ninety‐seven papers were identified and reviewed. Of these, only two randomised, controlled trials and six other trials were identified that addressed the major issues. A further 99 addressed some aspects of the provision of nutritional care, although very few formally evaluated nutritional or clinical outcomes and costs.Conclusions:  This review reveals a serious lack of evidence to support interventions designed to improve nutritional care, in particular with reference to their effects on nutritional and clinical outcomes and costs. The review suggests that screening alone may be insufficient to achieve beneficial effects and thus more research is required to determine the most cost‐effective interventions in each part of the nutritional care pathway, in a variety of healthcare settings and across all age ranges, to impact upon nutritional and clinical outcomes.
The GacS/GacA signal transduction system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa acts exclusively through its control over the transcription of the RsmY and RsmZ regulatory small RNAs
Authors: Brencic Anja , McFarland Kirsty A. , McManus Heather R. , Castang Sandra , Mogno Ilaria , Dove Simon L. , Lory Stephen 
Published: July 2009

SummaryWe report here the results of an analysis of the regulatory range of the GacS/GacA two‐component system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using microarrays, we identified a large number of genes that are regulated by the system, and detected a near complete overlap of these genes with those regulated by two small RNAs (sRNAs), RsmY and RsmZ, suggesting that the expression of all GacA‐regulated genes is RsmY/Z‐dependent. Using genome‐wide DNA–protein interaction analyses, we identified only two genomic regions that associated specifically with GacA, located upstream of the rsmY and rsmZ genes. These results demonstrate that in P. aeruginosa, the GacS/GacA system transduces the regulatory signals to downstream genes exclusively by directly controlling the expression of only two genes rsmY and rsmZ. These two sRNAs serve as intermediates between the input signals and the output at the level of mRNA stability, although additional regulatory inputs can influence the levels of these two riboregulators. We show that the A+T‐rich DNA segment upstream of rsmZ is bound and silenced by MvaT and MvaU, the global gene regulators of the H‐NS family. This work highlights the importance of post‐transcriptional mechanisms involving sRNAs in controlling gene expression during bacterial adaptation to different environments.