bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity of Fusarium Species Isolated from Weeds and Plant Debris in Croatia
Authors: Postic Jelena , Cosic Jasenka , Vrandecic Karolina , Jurkovic Drazenka , Saleh Amgad A. , Leslie John F. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWeeds are alternative hosts of plant pathogens and when colonized may not exhibit disease symptoms. In 2008 and 2009, samples of weeds and plant debris were collected from 12 locations in eastern Croatia, and 300 Fusarium isolates colonizing them were identified. Strains were grouped and identified based on morphology and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) patterns. Portions of the β‐tubulin and translocation elongation factor 1‐α genes were sequenced from representative strains of each group to confirm the identifications. Fourteen Fusarium species were identified with F. graminearum (20%), F. verticillioides (18%), F. oxysporum (16%), F. subglutinans (13%) and F. proliferatum (11%) all present as more than 10% of the population. Fusarium acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. concolor, F. crookwellense (F. cerealis), F. equiseti, F. semitectum, F. solani, F. sporotrichioides and F. venenatum, were all present at frequencies < 8%. Our results indicate that economically important Fusarium spp. may be isolated from numerous alternative hosts during the off season and that weeds and plant debris can serve as a reservoir of genetically diverse inoculum.
Preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of pH‐sensitive oral insulin‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolicacid) nanoparticles
Authors: Yang J. , Sun H. , Song C. 
Published: December 2011

Aim: Oral administration of insulin is a promising drug delivery system for diabetic patients as it is convenient and reduces pain, two of the major contributors to non‐compliance.Methods: In this study, insulin was encapsulated in poly(lactic‐co‐glycolicacid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) by using double‐emulsion/solvent evaporation technique and analyses on its release kinetics were carried out using both in vitro and in vivo methods.Results: First, only by this simple methods, release speed of insulin from NPs can be controlled in different pH solution. The rate of release of insulin was found to be slower in acidic pH; about 90% of insulin was released in 11 days at pH 1.0. In alkaline conditions, the release was faster; about 90% release was observed to occur within 3 days at pH 7.8. The insulin‐loaded poly (lactic‐co‐glycolicacid) nanoparticles (PINPs) were administered orally to diabetes mellitus‐induced rats and the response of blood glucose and insulin levels was estimated. Blood glucose decreased and the concentration of insulin in animal blood increased. In diabetic animals which were administered intermittent insulin, every 8 h, blood glucose levels were maintained equivalently with those of healthy rats.Conclusion: These experimental results indicated that oral PINPs are able to deliver insulin effectively and decrease animal blood sugar; in conclusion, this may be a promising delivery system for the treatment of diabetes.
Does osteomyelitis in the feet of patients with diabetes really recur after surgical treatment? Natural history of a surgical series
Authors: Aragón‐Sánchez J. , Lázaro‐Martínez J.L. , Hernández‐Herrero C. , Campillo‐Vilorio N. , Quintana‐Marrero Y. , García‐Morales E. , Hernández‐Herrero M.J. 
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 813–818 (2012)AbstractAims/hypothesis  The aim of this study was to determine the rate of recurrence, reulceration and new episodes of osteomyelitis and the duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment in a prospective cohort of patients with diabetes who underwent conservative surgery for osteomyelitis.Methods  The prospective cohort included patients with diabetes and a definitive diagnosis of osteomyelitis who were admitted to the Diabetic Foot Unit (Surgery Department, La Paloma Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain) and underwent surgical treatment from 1 November 2007 to 30 May 2010.Results  Eighty‐one patients were operated on for osteomyelitis during the study period. Seven patients were lost to follow‐up at different stages of the study. The median duration of follow‐up was 101.8 weeks (quartile 1 = 56.6, quartile 3 = 126.7). Forty‐eight patients (59.3%) underwent conservative surgery, 32 (39.5%) had minor amputations and there was one (1.2%) major amputation. Twenty patients (24.7%) required reoperation because of persistent infection. Postoperative antibiotic treatment over a median period of 36 days was provided. Wound healing was achieved by secondary intention for a median of 8 weeks. Sixty‐five patients were available for follow‐up after healing. The percentage of recurrence, reulceration, and new episodes of osteomyelitis was 4.6% (3/65), 43% (28/65) and 16.9% (11/65), respectively. Mortality during follow‐up (excluding in‐hospital deaths and patients lost to follow‐up) was 13% (9/69).Conclusion  A low rate of recurrence of osteomyelitis after surgical treatment for osteomyelitis was achieved. Despite new episodes, our approach to managing this cohort of patients with diabetes and foot osteomyelitis achieved 98.8% limb salvage.
Moving forward: nurses are key to achieving the United Nations Development Program's Millennium Development Goals
Authors: Amieva S. , Ferguson S. 
Published: December 2011

AMIEVA S. & FERGUSON S. (2011) Moving forward: nurses are key to achieving the United Nations Development Program's Millennium Development Goals. International Nursing Review59, 55–58Aim:  This article highlights the role of nurses in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 (reducing child and maternal mortality) and proposes actions for nurses that stream into the strategic frameworks of the World Health Organization and the United Nations.Background:  The least amount of progress has been made with MDG 5 and failing to achieve MDG 5 jeopardizes the progress of MDG 4.Conclusion:  This article makes the following recommendations to nurses: partner with local healthcare leaders, ensure equitable access to health services, collect health data to close research gaps and take on policy making responsibilities.
KILLING ON THE FRONTIER: MEAT EATING AS AN EXTREME CASE FOR CHRISTIAN ETHICS
Authors: MILLER DANIEL K. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article argues that killing animals for food represents an extreme case within Christian moral thinking comparable to Karl Barth's Grenzfall argument against such violent acts as suicide, abortion, killing in self‐defense, capital punishment, and war. This position is in contrast to the view of many environmental philosophers who hold human hunting to be comparable to animal predation. It also disputes the language of substitutionary sacrifice prevalent in some Christian discussions of meat eating.
Lessons from the Use of Vignettes in the Study of Mental Health Service Disparities
Authors: Lapatin Sheri , Gonçalves Marta , Nillni Anna , Chavez Ligia , Quinn Roxana Llerena , Green Alexander , Alegría Margarita 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveTo examine the development, feasibility, and use of a vignette approach as an important tool in health services disparities research.Data SourceInterviews with vignette developers and qualitative data from a novel mental health services disparities study that used vignettes in two samples: (1) predominantly low‐income parents of children attending mental health specialty care who were Latino or non‐Latino White and (2) Latino and non‐Latino mental health clinicians who treat children in their practice.Study DesignWe conduct a content analysis of qualitative data from patients and providers in the Ethnic Differences Study to explore the feasibility of vignette methodology in health services disparities research, and we identify lessons learned that may guide future vignette development.Principal FindingsVignettes provide a valuable approach that is acceptable to participants, elicits important insight on participant experience and services, and sheds light on factors that can help optimize study design for exploring health disparities questions.ConclusionsResearchers, clinicians, and others should consider a set of factors that help determine when a vignette approach is warranted in research, training, or for other uses, including how best to address identified weaknesses.
Diagnostic Validity of Age and Education Corrections for the Mini‐Mental State Examination in Older African Americans
Authors: Pedraza Otto , Clark Joy Humphreys , O'Bryant Sid E. , Smith Glenn E. , Ivnik Robert J. , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Willis Floyd B. , Petersen Ronald C. , Lucas John A. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesTo investigate whether demographic (age and education) adjustments for the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) attenuate mean score discrepancies between African‐American and Caucasian adults and whether demographically adjusted MMSE scores improve the diagnostic classification accuracy of dementia in African‐American adults over unadjusted MMSE scores.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingCommunity‐dwelling adults participating in the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Patient Registry and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.ParticipantsThree thousand two hundred fifty‐four adults (2,819 Caucasian, 435 African American) aged 60 and older.MeasurementsMMSE score at study entry.ResultsAfrican‐American adults had significantly lower unadjusted MMSE scores (23.0 ± 7.4) than Caucasian adults (25.3 ± 5.4). This discrepancy persisted despite adjustment of MMSE scores for age and years of education using established regression weights or newly derived weights. Controlling for dementia severity at baseline and adjusting MMSE scores for age and quality of education attenuated this discrepancy. In African‐American adults, an age‐ and education‐adjusted MMSE cut score of 23/24 provided optimal dementia classification accuracy, but this represented only a modest improvement over an unadjusted MMSE cut score of 22/23. The posterior probability of dementia in African‐American adults is presented for various unadjusted MMSE cut scores and prevalence rates of dementia.ConclusionAge, dementia severity at study entry, and quality of educational experience are important explanatory factors in understanding the existing discrepancies in MMSE performance between Caucasian and African‐American adults. These findings support the use of unadjusted MMSE scores when screening older African Americans for dementia, with an unadjusted MMSE cut score of 22/23 yielding optimal classification accuracy.
Persistent Pain and Frailty: A Case for Homeostenosis
Authors: Shega Joseph W. , Dale William , Andrew Melissa , Paice Judith , Rockwood Kenneth , Weiner Debra K. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesTo compare the association between self‐reported moderate to severe pain and frailty.DesignCross‐sectional analysis of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Wave 2.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsRepresentative sample of persons aged 65 and older in Canada.MeasurementsPain (exposure) was categorized as no or very mild pain versus moderate or greater pain. Frailty (outcome) was operationalized as the accumulation of 33 possible self‐reported health attitudes, illnesses, and functional abilities, subsequently divided into tertiles (not frail, prefrail, and frail). Multivariable logistic regression assessed for the association between pain and frailty.ResultsOf participants who reported moderate or greater pain (35.5%, 1,765/4,968), 16.2% were not frail, 34.1% were prefrail, and 49.8% were frail. For persons with moderate or greater pain, the odds of being prefrail rather than not frail were higher by a factor of 2.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.13–2.99; P < .001). For persons with moderate or greater pain, the odds of being frail rather than not frail were higher by a factor of 5.52 (95% CI = 4.49–6.64 P < .001).ConclusionModerate or higher pain was independently associated with frailty. Although causality cannot be ascertained in a cross‐sectional analysis, interventions to improve pain management may help prevent or ameliorate frailty.
Carotid Artery Stenting Without Post‐Dilation
Authors: SPACEK MILOSLAV , ZIMOLOVA PETRA , VESELKA Prof. JOSEF 
Published: December 2011

Introduction:

The aim of this study is to report the feasibility, safety, and 1‐year restenosis rate of carotid artery stenting (CAS) without post‐dilation.
Methods:

Between April 2006 and November 2009, 254 consecutive patients (68.7 ± 8.5 years old, 31% symptomatic) underwent 308 CAS procedures with the intention of avoiding post‐dilation (eligibility criteria were stenosis of less than 30% after stent placement with no overt signs of calcification). Comparison and analysis of mid‐term clinical outcomes and restenosis rates of CAS with or without post‐dilation was performed retrospectively.
Results:

Overall, 27 patients (study group) were eligible for treatment without post‐dilation. No significant difference in adverse events was found between the study and control group. In the study group, 2 transient ischemic attacks (7.4%) occurred immediately after the procedure and no other neurological complications were reported during the 30‐day, 6‐month, and 1‐year follow‐ups (3 patients died from causes unrelated to the procedure). Two asymptomatic restenosis cases were diagnosed in the study group within the first 12‐months after the procedure compared to 16 significant restenosis cases diagnosed in the control group (7.4% vs 5.7%, NS). All of them were successfully treated with repeated intervention.
Conclusion:

We suggest that CAS without post‐dilation is feasible and probably safe with a low rate of cerebrovascular events and restenosis in a selected group of patients. We also suggest that CAS with postdeployment stenosis of less than 20% and without overt signs of severe calcification might be performed without post‐dilation. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:190–196)
Nucleophosmin expression in renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma
Authors: SARI AYSEGUL , CALLI AYLIN , ALTINBOGA AYSEGUL AKSOY , PEHLIVAN FATMA SEHER , GORGEL SACIT NURI , BALCI UGUR , ERMETE MURAT , DINCEL CETIN , CAKALAGAOGLU FULYA 
Published: December 2011

Sari A, Calli A, Altinboga AA, Pehlivan FS, Gorgel SN, Balci U, Ermete M, Dincel C, Cakalagaoglu F. Nucleophosmin expression in renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma. APMIS 2012; 120: 187–94.The objective of this study was to investigate nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM) expression in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and renal oncocytomas. The expression of NPM was studied by immunohistochemical methods on 59 RCCs, 9 oncocytomas, and 19 tumour‐negative renal tissues. The expression was assessed relative to various clinicopathological variables and histological subtypes, to determine its potential role as a prognostic and diagnostic marker. All tumours showed nuclear staining, and a minority also exhibited cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Two patterns of nuclear staining were observed: nuclear staining with a prominent nucleolus (nucleolar staining) and nuclear staining without a prominent nucleolus. There were significant differences, in both nuclear staining and cytoplasmic NPM expression, between oncocytomas and chromophobe RCCs (p < 0.001) and clear cell RCCs (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmic NPM expression was markedly lower in RCCs than in oncocytomas. A statistically significant correlation was discovered between nucleolar staining and nuclear grade (p < 0.001, r = 0.5). No relationship was found between cytoplasmic expression of NPM and any of the clinicopathological parameters or survival. NPM might be a useful immunohistochemical marker for differential diagnosis between oncocytoma and chromophobe RCC. In addition, increased nucleolar NPM expression in RCCs appears to be associated with tumour progression.
Effect of 5% fluoride varnish application on caries among school children in rural Brazil: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arruda Airton O. , Senthamarai Kannan Raghavendra , Inglehart Marita R. , Rezende Cristiane T. , Sohn Woosung 
Published: December 2011

Arruda AO, Senthamarai Kannan R, Inglehart MR, Rezende CT, Sohn W. Effect of 5% fluoride varnish application on caries among school children in rural Brazil: a randomized controlled trial. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  Objectives: To determine the efficacy of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish application in reducing caries increments in the permanent dentition of rural Brazilian school children over the course of 12 months.Methods:  A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted with 379 children aged 7–14 years who attended three schools in Brazil between January 2006 and December 2007. During this period, each school was visited four times at 6‐month interval for recruitment, dental examinations, and fluoride varnish applications. Recruited children were randomly assigned to either a treatment (5% NaF varnish, n = 198) or a control group (placebo, n = 181). Trained interviewers collected data on oral health habits and sociodemographic characteristics from the children. Information on the child’s diet was collected through a 7‐day food frequency diary. Caries examinations were conducted using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The efficacy of fluoride varnish application on caries prevention was reported as a preventive fraction (PF). Crude caries increments of decayed and filled surfaces (DFS) were compared between fluoride varnish and placebo groups. A generalized linear model (GLM) was constructed to test the differences in DFS increments between the groups after accounting for confounding factors.Results:  Of the total sample (N = 379), 210 (55.4%) children had completed 12 months of follow‐up including one or two applications of fluoride varnish or placebo. At the baseline examination, the children in the treatment and control groups presented on average 6.2 and 5.6 DFS, respectively (P < 0.001). After 12 months of follow‐up, the children in the varnish group showed significantly lower DFS increments than did children in the control group (10.8 versus 13.3; P < 0.007), with PF of 40% (95% CI: 34.3–45.7%; P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that applications of 5% NaF varnish can be recommended as a public health measure for reducing caries incidence in this high‐caries‐risk population.
Detection of Respiratory Viruses Among Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia During the Time of a Declared Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic
Authors: Memish Ziad A. , Assiri Abdullah M. , Hussain Raheela , Alomar Ibrahim , Stephens Gwen 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe objectives of this study were to determine whether pilgrim attendance at the Hajj was associated with an increased risk of acquiring influenza, and other respiratory viruses, and to evaluate the compliance of pilgrims with influenza vaccination and other recommended preventive measures.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among pilgrims as they arrived at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah for the 2009 Hajj and as they departed from the same airport during the week after the Hajj. Nasopharyngeal and throat swabs were tested for 18 respiratory virus types and subtypes using the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel FAST assay.ResultsA total of 519 arriving pilgrims and 2,699 departing pilgrims were examined. Their mean age was 49 years and 58% were male. In all, 30% of pilgrims stated that they had received pandemic influenza A(H1N1) vaccine before leaving for the Hajj and 35% of arriving pilgrims reported wearing a face mask. Only 50% of arriving pilgrims were aware of preventive measures such as hand hygiene and wearing a mask. The prevalence of any respiratory-virus infection was 14.5% (12.5% among arriving pilgrims and 14.8% among departing pilgrims). The main viruses detected (both groups combined) were rhinovirus-enterovirus (N = 414, 12.9%), coronaviruses (N = 27, 0.8%), respiratory syncytial virus (N = 8, 0.2%), and influenza A virus (N = 8, 0.2%) including pandemic influenza A(H1N1) (N = 3, 0.1%). The prevalence of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) was 0.2% (N = 1) among arriving pilgrims and 0.1% (N = 2) among departing pilgrims. The prevalence of any respiratory virus infection was lower among those who said they received H1N1 vaccine compared to those who said they did not receive it (11.8% vs 15.6%, respectively, p = 0.009).ConclusionWe found very low pandemic influenza A(H1N1) prevalence among arriving pilgrims and no evidence that amplification of transmission had occurred among departing pilgrims.
Structural insights of the MLF1/14‐3‐3 interaction
Authors: Molzan Manuela , Weyand Michael , Rose Rolf , Ottmann Christian 
Published: December 2011

Myeloid leukaemia factor 1 (MLF1) binds to 14‐3‐3 adapter proteins by a sequence surrounding Ser34 with the functional consequences of this interaction largely unknown. We present here the high‐resolution crystal structure of this binding motif [MLF1(29–42)pSer34] in complex with 14‐3‐3ε and analyse the interaction with isothermal titration calorimetry. Fragment‐based ligand discovery employing crystals of the binary 14‐3‐3ε/MLF1(29–42)pSer34 complex was used to identify a molecule that binds to the interface rim of the two proteins, potentially representing the starting point for the development of a small molecule that stabilizes the MLF1/14‐3‐3 protein–protein interaction. Such a compound might be used as a chemical biology tool to further analyse the 14‐3‐3/MLF1 interaction without the use of genetic methods.Database
Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number(s) 3UAL [14‐3‐3ε/MLF1(29–42)pSer34 complex] and 3UBW [14‐3‐3ε/MLF1(29–42)pSer34/3‐pyrrolidinol complex]Structured digital abstract
14‐3‐3 epsilon and MLF1 bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
14‐3‐3 epsilon and MLF1 bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (View Interaction: 1, 2)
What do NHS staff learn from training on the Mental Capacity Act (2005)?
Authors: Willner Paul , Bridle Jennifer , Price Vaughn , Dymond Simon , Lewis Glenda 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. Many studies have reported that professionals have a limited understanding of mental capacity issues. Implementation (in England and Wales) of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) (2005) presents a challenge to services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which National Health Service (NHS) staff benefited from attending MCA training courses.Methods. Participants were assessed before and after MCA training using a structured interview, which included three scenarios describing mental capacity dilemmas, four vignettes addressing the role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA), and 16 true–false items.Results. Interview performance improved post‐training, but this could be largely ascribed to an increased awareness of mental capacity issues, with minimal improvements in the knowledge that would be needed to undertake the assessments. Nine areas were identified where there remained significant gaps in participants’ knowledge post‐training. Participants with experience of dealing with mental capacity issues performed better than those without.Conclusions. The results suggest that methods other than formal training events may be needed to prepare health staff to implement new legislation.