bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory‐Short Form (MFSI‐SF‐C)
Authors: Pien Li‐Chung , Chu Hsin , Chen Wen‐Chun , Chang Yu‐Shiun , Liao Yuan‐Mei , Chen Chiung‐Hua , Chou Kuei‐Ru 
Published: May 2011

Aim and objectives.  To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory‐Short Form (MFSI‐SF‐C) for use in Chinese‐speaking countries.Background.  The assessment of fatigue is a challenging task for most researchers because culture may influence perceptions of meaning of fatigue. The lack of examination of the psychometric properties of the fatigue measures across studies limits the scientific rigour for generating additional research on the concept of ‘fatigue.’Design.  A cross‐sectional study.Methods.  The study recruited 107 cancer inpatients from two medical centres in Taiwan. The MFSI‐SF‐C was examined using a two step process: (1) Translation and back‐translation of the instrument; and (2) Examination of internal consistency reliability, test‐retest reliability, content validity and construct validity.Results.  The results showed that the Cronbach’s α of MFSI‐SF‐C total scale and subscales ranged between 0·83–0·92. The content validity index was 0·93. The difference between the fatigue of cancer patients and the comparison group of healthy people in the community was significant. The results demonstrated good convergent validity when comparing fatigue with depression and quality of life. Factor analysis confirmed the four dimensions of fatigue: physical, emotional, mental and vigour. It showed moderate intercorrelation between subscales and high factor loadings also helped to clarify the psychometric meaning.Conclusions.  The reliability and validity information presented in this article support the use of the Chinese version of the MFSI‐SF as a research instrument for measuring fatigue in Chinese populations. This study also provides evidence that the MFSI‐SF possesses robust psychometric properties.Relevance to clinical practice.  The MFSI‐SF‐C is an effective and comprehensive tool for measuring fatigue in Chinese patients with cancer.
A pain education programme to improve patient satisfaction with cancer pain management: a randomised control trial
Authors: Chou Pi‐Ling , Lin Chia‐Chin 
Published: May 2011

Aim.  The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of a pain education programme to increase the satisfaction of patients with cancer with regard to pain management and (2) to examine how patient satisfaction with pain management mediates the barriers to using analgesics and analgesic adherence.Background.  The patients' satisfaction with pain management is not merely an indicator, it is actually a contributor to medication adherence. However, very few studies investigate methods for improving patient satisfaction with pain management.Design.  This study used an experimental and longitudinal design.Methods.  A total of 61 patient–family pairs (n = 122) were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The instruments included the American Pain Society outcome questionnaire, the Barriers Questionnaire‐Taiwan form, self‐reporting evaluations of analgesic adherence and the Pain Education Booklet. The experimental group (n = 31) participated in a pain education programme, while those in the control group (n = 30) did not. The two groups were compared using generalised estimation equations after the second and fourth weeks. A Sobel test was used to examine the mediating relationships among patient satisfaction with pain management, barriers to using analgesics and analgesic adherence.Results.  The experimental group showed a significant improvement in the level of satisfaction they felt for physicians and nurses regarding pain management. For those in the experimental group, satisfaction with pain management was a significant mediator between barriers to using analgesics and analgesic adherence.Conclusions.  This research provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of a pain education programme for patients and their family members in increasing patient satisfaction with regard to the management of cancer pain.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important for health providers to consider patient satisfaction when attempting to improve adherence to pain management regimes in a clinical setting.
Comparison of symptom response following advice for a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) versus standard dietary advice in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Staudacher H. M. , Whelan K. , Irving P. M. , Lomer M. C. E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground:  Emerging evidence indicates that the consumption of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) may result in symptoms in some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The present study aimed to determine whether a low FODMAP diet is effective for symptom control in patients with IBS and to compare its effects with those of standard dietary advice based on the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.Methods:  Consecutive patients with IBS who attended a follow‐up dietetic outpatient visit for dietary management of their symptoms were included. Questionnaires were completed for patients who received standard (n = 39) or low FODMAP dietary advice (n = 43). Data were recorded on symptom change and comparisons were made between groups.Results:  In total, more patients in the low FODMAP group reported satisfaction with their symptom response (76%) compared to the standard group (54%, P = 0.038). Composite symptom score data showed better overall symptom response in the low FODMAP group (86%) compared to the standard group (49%, P < 0.001). Significantly more patients in the low FODMAP group compared to the standard group reported improvements in bloating (low FODMAP 82% versus standard 49%, P = 0.002), abdominal pain (low FODMAP 85% versus standard 61%, P = 0.023) and flatulence (low FODMAP 87% versus standard 50%, P = 0.001).Conclusions:  A low FODMAP diet appears to be more effective than standard dietary advice for symptom control in IBS.
Feasibility of pedometers for adults with schizophrenia: pilot study
Authors: KANE I. , LEE H. , SEREIKA S. , BRAR J. 
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary
The use of the pedometer to monitor walking as an adjunctive intervention to antipsychotic medications for individuals with schizophrenia may be feasible.
Automatic devices or technological tools such as pedometers can provide the most reliable and consistent data on physical activity in this population.
Exercise fitness and body appearance were the primary motives for subject in this study.
AbstractThe purpose of this prospective and observational design study was to assess the feasibility of using a pedometer and step log to explore level of physical activity (PA) and to assess motivation to be physically active in adults with schizophrenia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data of 7 male and 5 female subjects. Pedometer data indicated that subjects walked an average of 4731.03 (±3318.19) steps and 5002.58 (±3041.03) during the first week and second week of the study, respectively. A minimum 30‐min walk was recorded on an average of 3.67 (±1.82) days (week one) and 4.5 (±1.88) days (week two). Step logs, inconsistently maintained by subjects, were not able to be analysed. Examination of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure‐Revised (MPAM‐R) at baseline indicates that exercise fitness and body appearance were subjects' primary motives for PA participation. Study findings indicate that it is feasible to use a pedometer to monitor the level of PA. However, maintenance of a concurrent step log requires further consideration to determine realistic outcomes. Extrinsically focused motivations for PA in this study sample may predict low PA adherence.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Lactobacillus casei Administration in a Mouse Model of Gliadin‐Sensitive Enteropathy
Authors: D’Arienzo R. , Stefanile R. , Maurano F. , Mazzarella G. , Ricca E. , Troncone R. , Auricchio S , Rossi M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCoeliac disease (CD) is a very common food‐sensitive enteropathy, which is triggered by gluten ingestion and is mediated by CD4+ T cells. In addition, alterations in the intestinal microbiota that is normally involved in the homeostasis of GALT (gut‐associated lymphoid tissue) seem to play a role in CD. In accordance with these findings, we previously reported that Lactobacillus casei can induce a strong enhancement of the T cell‐mediated response to gliadin without inducing enteropathy. In this study, we analysed the effects of L. casei administration in a mouse model of gliadin‐induced villous damage that was recently developed and involves the inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) activities in gliadin‐sensitized HLA‐DQ8 transgenic mice. To address the issue, we assessed the weight loss, the intestinal cytokine pattern, the density of CD25+ cells and morphometry of the gut mucosa. We confirmed that COX inhibition in sensitized mice caused villus blunting, dysregulated expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and reduced gliadin‐specific IL‐2 production. Notably, the administration of probiotic strain induced a complete recovery of villus blunting. This finding was associated with a delay in weight decrease and a recovery of basal TNF‐α levels, whereas the numbers of CD25+ cells and the levels of IL‐2 remained unchanged. In conclusion, our data suggest that the administration of L. casei can be effective in rescuing the normal mucosal architecture and GALT homeostasis in a mouse model of gliadin‐induced enteropathy.
The Arabidopsis SOC1‐like genes AGL42, AGL71 and AGL72 promote flowering in the shoot apical and axillary meristems
Authors: Dorca‐Fornell Carmen , Gregis Veronica , Grandi Valentina , Coupland George , Colombo Lucia , Kater Martin M. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe floral transition is the switch from vegetative development to flowering. Proper timing of the floral transition is regulated by different pathways and is critical for the reproductive success of plants. Some of the flowering pathways are controlled by environmental signals such as photoperiod and vernalization, others by autonomous signals such as the developmental state of the plant and hormones, particularly gibberellin. SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO 1 (SOC1) acts in Arabidopsis as an integrative centre of these pathways, promoting the floral transition. In this work, we show that AGAMOUS‐LIKE 42 (AGL42), AGAMOUS‐LIKE 71 (AGL71) and AGAMOUS‐LIKE 72 (AGL72), which encode MADS‐box transcription factors phylogenetically closely related to SOC1, are also involved in the floral transition. They promote flowering at the shoot apical and axillary meristems and seem to act through a gibberellin‐dependent pathway. Furthermore SOC1 directly controls the expression of AGL42, AGL71 and AGL72 to balance the expression level of these SOC1‐like genes. Our data reveal roles for AGL42, AGL71 and AGL72 in the floral transition, demonstrate their genetic interactions with SOC1 and suggest that their roles differ in the apical and axillary meristems.
Cofactome analyses reveal enhanced flux of carbon into oil for potential biofuel production
Authors: Hayden Daniel M. , Rolletschek Hardy , Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Corwin Jason , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Grimberg Asa , Stymne Sten , Dehesh Katayoon 
Published: May 2011

SummaryTo identify the underlying molecular basis of carbon partitioning between starch and oil we conducted 454 pyrosequencing, followed by custom microarrays to profile gene expression throughout endosperm development, of two closely related oat cultivars that differ in oil content at the expense of starch as determined by several approaches including non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging. Comparative transcriptome analysis in conjunction with metabolic profiling displays a close coordination between energy metabolism and carbon partitioning pathways, with increased demands for energy and reducing equivalents in kernels with a higher oil content. These studies further expand the repertoire of networks regulating carbon partitioning to those involved in metabolism of cofactors, suggesting that an elevated supply of cofactors, here called cofactomes, contribute to the allocation of higher carbon pools for production of oils and storage proteins. These data highlight a close association between cofactomes and carbon partitioning, thereby providing a biotechnological target for conversion of starch to oil.
CBP60g and SARD1 play partially redundant critical roles in salicylic acid signaling
Authors: Wang Lin , Tsuda Kenichi , Truman William , Sato Masanao , Nguyen Le V. , Katagiri Fumiaki , Glazebrook Jane 
Published: May 2011

SummaryArabidopsis thaliana calmodulin binding protein 60g (CBP60g) contributes to production of salicylic acid (SA) in response to recognition of microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) such as flg22, a fragment of bacterial flagellin. Calmodulin binding is required for the function of CBP60g in limiting growth of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola (Pma) ES4326 and activation of SA synthesis. Here, we describe a closely related protein, SARD1. Unlike CBP60g, SARD1 does not bind calmodulin. Growth of Pma ES4326 is enhanced in sard1 mutants. In cbp60g sard1 double mutants, growth of Pma ES4326 is greatly enhanced, and SA levels and expression of PR‐1 and SID2 are dramatically reduced. Expression profiling placed the CBP60g/SARD1 node between the PAD4/EDS1 and SA nodes in the defense signaling network, and indicated that CBP60g and SARD1 affect defense responses in addition to SA production. A DNA motif bound by CBP60g and SARD1, GAAATTT, was significantly over‐represented in promoters of CBP60g/SARD1‐dependent genes, suggesting that expression of these genes is modulated by CBP60g/SARD1 binding. Gene expression patterns showed a stronger effect of cbp60g mutations soon after activation of a defense response, and a stronger effect of sard1 mutations at later times. The results are consistent with a model in which CBP60g and SARD1 comprise a partially redundant protein pair that is required for activation of SA production as well as other defense responses, with CBP60g playing a more important role early during the defense response, and SARD1 to playing a more important role later.
Sequence‐characterized amplified region and simple sequence repeat markers for identifying the major quantitative trait locus responsible for seedling resistance to downy mildew in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Yu Shuancang , Zhang Fenglan , Zhao Xiuyun , Yu Yangjun , Zhang Deshuang 
Published: May 2011

With 1 figure and 2 tablesAbstractDowny mildew caused by the oomycete Hyaloperonospora parasitica Constant. (Pers. Ex Fr.) is a serious threat to Brassicaceae family. Previously, a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for seedling resistance (BrDW) and its flanking markers, K14‐1030 and phosphoglucomutase, were identified in the Chinese cabbage. In order to establish the marker‐assisted selection (MAS) technique, K14‐1030 was successfully converted into a sequence‐characterized amplified region marker SCK14‐825, and a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) with sequence homology to K14‐1030 was identified. On the basis of the homologous and the linked BAC sequences, two microsatellite simple sequence repeat markers, kbrb058m10‐1 and kbrb006c05‐2, were designed and mapped on the confidence intervals of BrDW. These three markers could explain the QTL effect to a considerable extent and yield relatively high selection accuracy, which would be helpful in MAS for breeding downy mildew‐resistant Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis varieties.
Jordanian acute coronary syndrome patients' learning needs: Implications for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs
Authors: Eshah Nidal F. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe identification of patients' learning needs is an essential step for nurses in order to facilitate the recovery of acute coronary syndrome survivors. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the actual learning needs of these patients and to explore the differences in learning needs on the basis of sociodemographic and clinical variables. Descriptive comparative design was used, and patients' learning needs data were collected through the Patient Learning Needs Scale. The results showed that patients need a high amount of information after this syndrome. The 10 most needed educational topics belonged to the medications and treatment and activities of daily living categories. Older patients and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds requested less information than others did. In conclusion, topics perceived by patients as important and sociodemographic variables should be considered in preparing and providing cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs. Furthermore, these programs should be redesigned considering patients' actual learning needs rather than the expected needs, and they should incorporate medications, treatment and activities of daily living, complications and symptoms, illness‐related concerns, and support in the community.
Improving student supervision in a Norwegian intensive care unit: A qualitative study
Authors: Hansen Britt Sætre , Gundersen Evy Margrethe , Bjørnå Gunhild Bakkalia 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to investigate intensive and critical care nurses' experiences of an empowerment program in the context of their role as student supervisors. Multistage focus group interviews were carried out and qualitative content analysis was performed in several steps. The overall results highlighted the need for strategies aimed at ensuring quality. The emerging themes were time, leadership and shared responsibility. Enough time promoted motivation, learning and reflection. Obligations to the student limited their leisure time and family life, and imposed some limitations during working hours. Leadership was perceived as crucial and leaders should act as strategic managers of development. The balance between “shared responsibility” and one supervisor in charge of one student was highlighted. There is a need to strengthen and improve the system of student supervision. There is a need to allocate time for learning and reflection. Who is responsible for the students must be clearly defined in the hospital, the university and in the intensive care unit, and it must be communicated.
The development of multisensory speech perception continues into the late childhood years
Authors: Ross Lars A. , Molholm Sophie , Blanco Daniella , Gomez‐Ramirez Manuel , Saint‐Amour Dave , Foxe John J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObserving a speaker’s articulations substantially improves the intelligibility of spoken speech, especially under noisy listening conditions. This multisensory integration of speech inputs is crucial to effective communication. Appropriate development of this ability has major implications for children in classroom and social settings, and deficits in it have been linked to a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism. It is clear from structural imaging studies that there is a prolonged maturational course within regions of the perisylvian cortex that persists into late childhood, and these regions have been firmly established as being crucial to speech and language functions. Given this protracted maturational timeframe, we reasoned that multisensory speech processing might well show a similarly protracted developmental course. Previous work in adults has shown that audiovisual enhancement in word recognition is most apparent within a restricted range of signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs). Here, we investigated when these properties emerge during childhood by testing multisensory speech recognition abilities in typically developing children aged between 5 and 14 years, and comparing them with those of adults. By parametrically varying SNRs, we found that children benefited significantly less from observing visual articulations, displaying considerably less audiovisual enhancement. The findings suggest that improvement in the ability to recognize speech‐in‐noise and in audiovisual integration during speech perception continues quite late into the childhood years. The implication is that a considerable amount of multisensory learning remains to be achieved during the later schooling years, and that explicit efforts to accommodate this learning may well be warranted.
Activation of alpha‐2 noradrenergic receptors is critical for the generation of fictive eupnea and fictive gasping inspiratory activities in mammals in vitro
Authors: Viemari Jean‐Charles , Garcia III Alfredo J. , Doi Atsushi , Ramirez Jan‐Marino 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBiogenic amines are not just ‘modulators’, they are often essential for the execution of behaviors. Here, we explored the role of biogenic amines acting on the pre‐Bötzinger complex (pre‐BötC), an area located in the ventrolateral medulla which is critical for the generation of different forms of breathing. Isolated in transverse slices from mice, this region continues to spontaneously generate rhythmic activities that resemble normal (eupneic) inspiratory activity in normoxia and gasping in hypoxia. We refer to these as ‘fictive eupneic’ and ‘fictive gasping’ activity. When exposed to hypoxia, the pre‐BötC transitions from a network state relying on calcium‐activated nonspecific cation currents (ICAN) and persistent sodium currents (INap) to one that primarily depends on the INap current. Here we show that in inspiratory neurons INap‐dependent bursting, blocked by riluzole, but not ICAN‐dependent bursting, required endogenously released norepinephrine acting on alpha2‐noradrenergic receptors (α2‐NR). At the network level, fictive eupneic activity persisted while fictive gasping ceased following the blockade of α2‐NR. Blockade of α2‐NR eliminated fictive gasping even in slice preparations as well as in inspiratory island preparations. Blockade of fictive gasping by α2‐NR antagonists was prevented by activation of 5‐hydroxytryptamine type 2A receptors (5‐HT2A). Our data suggest that gasping depends on the converging aminergic activation of 5‐HT2AR and α2‐NR acting on riluzole‐sensitive mechanisms that have been shown to be crucial for gasping.
Sacral nerve modulation for defaecation and micturition disorders in patients with spina bifida
Authors: Lansen‐Koch S. M. P. , Govaert B. , Oerlemans D. , Melenhorst J. , Vles H. , Cornips E. , Weil E. H. J. , van Heurn E. , Baeten C. G. M. I. , van Gemert W. G. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAim  Sacral nerve modulation is a well accepted method for the treatment of defaecation disorders and voiding dysfunction. Results of sacral nerve modulation in patients with spinal cord lesions are not well assessed, but preliminary results look poor. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sacral nerve modulation for defaecation disorders and voiding dysfunction in patients with spina bifida.Method  Consecutive patients with spina bifida suffering from a myelomeningocele and combined faecal and urinary functional disorders that were eligible for peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) were studied. A permanent sacral nerve modulation implantation was performed after successful PNE.Results  Ten patients (four female) were included in this study with a median age of 26.4 (range 11.1–41.0) years. In two the PNE was not possible. The median faecal incontinence days (6.0 vs 3.5) and episodes (8.5 vs 3.5) per 21 days decreased significantly during the 3‐week period of PNE (P = 0.033). Only 3/10 (30%) patients had a more than 50% improvement and proceeded to a permanent sacral nerve modulation implantation. In one patient it was not possible to perform the permanent implant.Conclusion  Preliminary results of sacral nerve modulation in a subgroup of spina bifida patients with combined faecal and urinary functional disorders look promising, but long‐term results in larger patient groups need to be studied.