bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validating molecular markers for barley leaf rust resistance genes Rph5 and Rph7
Authors: Mammadov J. A. , Brooks W. S. , Griffey C. A. , Saghai Maroof M. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLeaf rust, caused by Puccinia hordei, is a serious threat to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production. Genes Rph5 and Rph7 confer resistance to many of the most prevalent races of P. hordei in the United States and Europe, respectively. The reliability and diagnostic capabilities of several molecular markers for these two genes were evaluated and validated for use in gene postulation, marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and eventual pyramiding of genes Rph5 and Rph7 with other effective resistance genes. Fifty‐eight winter barley experimental lines developed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, as well as seven barley cultivars were phenotyped for reaction to three diverse isolates of P. hordei and genotyped with molecular makers closely linked to genes Rph5 and Rph7. Sequence tagged site markers TC2863‐12.4 and ABG70 as well as simple sequence repeat marker AY642926‐CA11 were reliable and diagnostic in gene postulation and have potential for use in MAS and pyramiding of genes Rph5 and Rph7. Comparison of phenotypic and genotypic data revealed that one barley line VA04H‐95 has genes Rph5 and Rph7 and at least one unknown gene.
INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF ENDOGENOUS l‐ARGININE ANALOGUES ON NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHESIS IN PLATELETS: ROLE IN PLATELET HYPERAGGREGABILITY IN HYPERTENSION
Authors: De Meirelles Luisa R , Mendes‐Ribeiro Antônio C , Santoro Marcelle M , Mendes Michely AP , Da Silva Michele NSB , Mann Giovanni E , Brunini Tatiana MC 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY

An increase in plasma concentrations of endogenous l‐arginine analogues, which are inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, may be involved in platelet activation and the increased risk of thrombosis in essential hypertension. Nitric oxide is synthesised in platelets from the amino acid l‐arginine by inducible and constitutive isoforms of NO synthase (NOS), which leads to increased levels of cGMP.
In the present study, we investigated basal intraplatelet cGMP levels, platelet aggregation and pro‐inflammatory biomarkers in hypertensive patients. The effects of endogenous (NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA); both at 1 mmol/L) and exogenous (aminoguanidine and NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine; both at 1 mmol/L) l‐arginine analogues and the neutral amino acid l‐leucine (1 mmol/L) in inhibiting NOS activity in platelets were also investigated.
Twelve healthy controls and 18 hypertensive patients participated in the study. Platelet aggregation induced by collagen was increased in hypertensive patients (95 ± 5%) compared with controls (72 ± 5%). Basal NOS activity and intraplatelet cGMP levels were reduced in hypertensive platelets. Moreover, ADMA, l‐NMMA and l‐leucine were effective inhibitors of NO synthesis in both hypertensive and control platelets. Essential hypertension led to an inflammatory response, with increased plasma concentrations of fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein and cytokines.
These findings provide evidence that, in essential arterial hypertension, the enhanced plasma levels of endogenous l‐arginine analogues ADMA and l‐NMMA, potent inhibitors of l‐arginine transport and NO synthesis in platelets, may play a role in increased platelet aggregation via a cGMP‐dependent mechanism.
When two are a family: looking backward and looking forward in a group intervention with single‐by‐choice mothers
Authors: Ben‐Daniel Natella , Rokach R. , Filtzer L. , Feldman R. 
Published: July 2007

Objective: We describe a preventive short‐term group intervention with nine single‐by‐choice (SBC) mothers to provide maximal support for parental functioning and to minimize possible emotional and/or developmental difficulties in their children.Method: Dynamically oriented group work (fifteen one‐and‐a‐half‐hour sessions) focused on: elaboration of painful experiences in the peri‐natal period; reducing stress, tension and guilt; helping mothers with problematic aspects of parenting through work on parental self‐image and perceptions of the child and the dyadic interaction; and strengthening their acceptance of the chosen family model.Results: Therapeutic gains described by mothers and facilitators include: reduced tension, anxiety and guilt; improved integration of the mother's parental self‐image and perception of the child; reduced ambivalence in dyadic relationships; strengthening the mother's fantasized triadic relationships; better acceptance of chosen family pattern; mothers' willingness to tell children their birth story.Conclusion: Dynamically oriented preventive group intervention with SBC mothers can identify potential psychological risk factors and help mothers with sensitive aspects of parenting.
‘I'm Sad To Be Glad’. An Analysis of Farmers’ Pride in Flanders
Authors: Dessein Joost , Nevens Frank 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIt is widely acknowledged that agriculture in Europe is going through a process of great change at the economic, social, political, and environmental, as well as the cultural, level. Pride may be considered as the fit between the farmers' identity (and hence their expectations and aspirations) and the daily reality of being a farmer in this constantly changing environment. Based on qualitative interviews with farmers in three Flemish villages and grounded theory analysis including coding and scoring the interviews, the research described here unravels the complex notion of pride into 24 concepts combined under individual, social and external categories. The semi‐quantitative analysis of the interviews clarifies the positive or negative impact of these concepts on the farmers’ pride. The positive impact is derived from the concepts that the farmers can control themselves. On the other hand, external concepts that are beyond the control of the farmers influence their pride in a clearly negative way, while the concepts in the social category are less influential. The data show some remarkable differences between men and women.
Positive engagement and job resources in dental practice
Authors: Gorter Ronald C. , Te Brake Hans J. H. M. , Hoogstraten Johan , Eijkman Michiel A.J. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study is to determine the level of engagement among dentists, and subsequently, to investigate which dental job resources are positively correlated with engagement.Methods:  By stratifying on gender, age, and region, a representative sample of 848 general dental practitioners was drawn at random, plus an extra group of 95 female dentists for gender comparison purposes. Engagement was assessed using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), consisting of three subscales: Vigor, Dedication; and Absorption. Job resources were measured using the Dentists’ Experienced Job Resources Scale (DEJRS).Results:  Six hundred and thirty two dentists (67%) responded, 76% male and 25% female. Mean age: 44.6 years (SD = 9.0). Engagement: Dedication and Absorption mean scores were higher among dentists when compared with manual norm scores, based upon a variety of professions, whereas Vigor mean scores were comparable to manual norm scores. Job resources:‘Immediate results / Aesthetics’ and ‘(Long term) Patient results’ showed highest mean scores among all dentists. Gender differences were found on ‘(Long term) Patient results’ and ‘Patient care’.Engagement and job resources:  All DEJRS subscales and the full scale showed statistically significant positive correlations (pmcc) with the UWES subscales.Conclusion:  Dentists showed relatively high mean scores on an engagement measure when compared with manual norm scores. No gender differences in mean scores were found. Job resources most valued were ‘Immediate results / Aesthetics’. The job resources, ‘Idealism/Pride’ and ‘Patient care’, showed most predictive value with regard to engagement among dentists. In order to prevent burnout, it is recommended to raise dentists’ awareness of the importance to create sufficient time and space for stimulating aspects in their work.
Effect of environmental enrichment by providing trees as rubbing objects in grassland: Grazing cattle need tree‐grooming
Authors: KOHARI Daisuke , KOSAKO Takami , FUKASAWA Michiru , TSUKADA Hideharu 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTWe examined the role of trees as grooming objects in grazing pasture and investigated their necessity. Four grazing Japanese Black cows were used. Experimental pastures with restricted (RST) and released (RLS) grooming with trees were established. Examination was carried out for 24 h in each RST and RLS. The respective frequencies and duration of self‐grooming, allo‐grooming (social grooming) and grooming with trees was recorded by a continuous scan sampling method, and maintenance behavior was recorded by a 2‐min group animal scan sampling method. Grooming with trees in RLS occurred 29 ± 12 times/24 h and for 1342 ± 475 s/24 h. Total frequencies and duration of grooming in RLS tended to increase from that in RST (P = 0.08, P = 0.06, respectively). However, self‐grooming and allo‐grooming exhibited no differences. The results indicate that cattle may enrich their grooming through the use of trees if the latter are available. Furthermore, they may not substitute grooming with trees with other forms of grooming if no trees are available in the grassland. No difference was observed in the general proportion of their maintenance behavior. These results suggest that trees in grassland provide a good environmental enrichment object that satisfies cattle's potential needs of grooming and did not restrict their general behavior.
Evaluation of the Clinical Relevance of Benefits Associated with Transdermal Testosterone Treatment in Postmenopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Kingsberg Sheryl , Shifren Jan , Wekselman Kathryn , Rodenberg Cynthia , Koochaki Patricia , DeRogatis Leonard 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) experienced statistically significant improvements in the frequency of satisfying sexual activity, sexual desire, and distress with testosterone treatment in phase III trials, but it was not known whether the magnitude of these effects was clinically meaningful. The clinical relevance study was designed to answer this question.

Aim
To evaluate the clinical relevance of the treatment benefits.

Methods
This study involved a representative sample of 132 surgically postmenopausal women with HSDD who were enrolled in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials (N = 1094) assessing the efficacy and safety of transdermal testosterone treatment (300 mcg/day) for 6 months. At the end of the studies, prior to unblinding, a sample of women (12%) was interviewed concerning their experiences with the treatment.

Main Outcome Measures
Women were asked “Overall, would you say that you experienced a meaningful benefit from the study patches?” Changes in the efficacy end points in the double-blind studies were compared for the women who did and did not experience an overall meaningful benefit.

Results
Overall, 33 of 64 women (52%) who received testosterone reported experiencing a meaningful treatment benefit, compared with 21 of 68 women (31%) who received placebo (P  = 0.025). Among the women who identified themselves as experiencing a meaningful benefit, the mean (SE) change from baseline in 4-week frequency of satisfying sexual activity was 4.4 (0.76), in desire score was 21.0 (2.78), moving from “seldom” to “sometimes” feeling sexual desire, and in distress score was −36.5 (3.96), moving from “often” to “seldom” being distressed. Among the women who identified themselves as not experiencing a meaningful benefit, the mean (SE) change from baseline in 4-week frequency of satisfying sexual activity was 0.5 (0.31), in desire score was 2.9 (1.42), and in distress score was −8.8 (2.23).

Conclusions
Surgically menopausal women with HSDD in these studies received clinically meaningful benefits, including improvements in satisfying sexual activity, sexual desire, and personal distress.
The Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) is a Sensitive Measure of Treatment Effectiveness for Both Patients and Partners: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial with Vardenafil
Authors: Rosen Raymond , Goldstein Irwin , Huang Xing-Yue , Bangerter Keithe , Taylor Terry 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment studies do not routinely measure “treatment effectiveness,” a function of treatment response (based on efficacy and tolerability) and treatment satisfaction (both patient and partner satisfaction). The ED Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) is a brief, comprehensive self-report measure of patient and partner satisfaction.

Aim
To measure, for the first time in an ED treatment study, pre- and post-treatment patient and partner satisfaction with the TSS.

Methods
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multi-institutional comparison of the efficacy and safety of flexible-dose vardenafil was performed in 229 couples (treated man with ED &gt;6 months and untreated woman partner aged ≥18 years without sexual dysfunction [defined as a total Female Sexual Function Index score &gt;26.55]).

Main Outcome Measures
Couples completed the TSS throughout the trial. Couples also completed the modified Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire–Quality of Life domain (mSLQQ-QoL) and men completed the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function domain (IIEF-EF). Analysis of covariance produced least squares (LS) mean domain scores. Post hoc Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for patient and partner TSS scores, and for TSS scores with other outcomes.

Results
TSS domain scores increased from baseline to last observation carried forward (LOCF) in the vardenafil-treated men and untreated women partners, but exhibited little change for the placebo group (P  &lt; 0.0001 vs. placebo). For both patients and partners in the vardenafil group, correlations between TSS domains, the IIEF-EF and the mSLQQ-QoL scores at LOCF were moderate to strong.

Conclusions
The TSS detected that vardenafil was superior to placebo on treatment satisfaction from both patient and partner perspectives. The TSS holds promise for evaluating “treatment effectiveness” by measuring more general treatment satisfaction.
In Vivo Activity of a Novel Polymeric Guanidine in Experimental Skin Infection with Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kratzer Christina , Tobudic Selma , Macfelda Karin , Graninger Wolfgang , Georgopoulos Apostolos 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The in vivo efficacy of the novel polymeric guanidine AKACID Plus was evaluated in a guinea pig model of experimental skin infection with methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Topical application of AKACID Plus at concentrations of ≥0.5% was as effective as mupirocin 2% cream in the treatment of superficial skin infection with MRSA.
Detection of Azithromycin Resistance in
Treponema pallidum
by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Pandori Mark W. , Gordones Charmie , Castro Lina , Engelman Joseph , Siedner Mark , Lukehart Sheila , Klausner Jeffrey 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

We describe a real-time PCR assay for the discrimination of azithromycin-resistant and -susceptible strains of
Treponema pallidum
. This assay is rapid and allows for as many as 30 clinical specimens to be analyzed simultaneously without the need for DNA sequencing.
Characterization of a Daptomycin-Nonsusceptible Vancomycin-Intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
Strain in a Patient with Endocarditis
Authors: Julian Kathleen , Kosowska-Shick Klaudia , Whitener Cynthia , Roos Martin , Labischinski Harald , Rubio Aileen , Parent Leslie , Ednie Lois , Koeth Laura , Bogdanovich Tatiana , Appelbaum Peter C. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

We analyzed the emergence of daptomycin nonsusceptibility in a patient with persistent vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
(VISA) bacteremia. The daptomycin-nonsusceptible VISA's cell wall demonstrated a reduction in muramic acid
O
-acetylation, a phenotypic parameter not previously reported for VISA; some isolates also contained a single point mutation in the
mprF
gene.
EMPIRICAL CONSTRAINTS ON VACUUM DECAY IN THE STRINGY LANDSCAPE
Authors: PLAGA R. 
Published: July 2007

It is generally considered as self evident that the lifetime of our vacuum in the landscape of string theory cannot be much shorter than the current age of the universe. Here I show why this lower limit is invalid. A certain type of "parallel universes" is a necessary consequence of the string-landscape dynamics and might well allow us to "survive" vacuum decay. As a consequence our stringy vacuum's lifetime is empirically unconstrained and could be very short. Based on this counterintuitive insight I propose a novel type of laboratory experiment that searches for an apparent violation of the quantum-mechanical Born rule by gravitational effects on vacuum decay. If the lifetime of our vacuum should turn out to be shorter than 6 ×10-13 seconds such an experiment is sufficiently sensitive to determine its value with state-of-the-art equipment.
Distinguishing patterns in the dynamics of long-term medication use by Markov analysis: beyond persistence
Authors: Menckeberg Tanja T , Belitser Svetlana V , Bouvy Marcel L , Bracke Madelon , Lammers Jan-Willem J , Raaijmakers Jan AM , Leufkens Hubert GM 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
In order to accurately distinguish gaps of varying length in drug treatment for chronic conditions from discontinuation without resuming therapy, short-term observation does not suffice. Thus, the use of inhalation corticosteroids (ICS) in the long-term, during a ten-year period is investigated. To describe medication use as a continuum, taking into account the timeliness and consistency of refilling, a Markov model is proposed.

Methods
Patients, that filled at least one prescription in 1993, were selected from the PHARMO medical record linkage system (RLS) containing >95% prescription dispensings per patient originating from community pharmacy records of 6 medium-sized cities in the Netherlands.
The probabilities of continuous use, the refilling of at least one ICS prescription in each year of follow-up, and medication free periods were assessed by Markov analysis. Stratified analysis according to new use was performed.

Results
The transition probabilities of the refilling of at least one ICS prescription in the subsequent year of follow-up, were assessed for each year of follow-up and for the total study period.
The change of transition probabilities in time was evaluated, e.g. the probability of continuing ICS use of starters in the first two years (51%) of follow-up increased to more than 70% in the following years. The probabilities of different patterns of medication use were assessed: continuous use (7.7%), cumulative medication gaps (1–8 years 69.1%) and discontinuing (23.2%) during ten-year follow-up for new users. New users had lower probability of continuous use (7.7%) and more variability in ICS refill patterns than previous users (56%).

Conclusion
In addition to well-established methods in epidemiology to ascertain compliance and persistence, a Markov model could be useful to further specify the variety of possible patterns of medication use within the continuum of adherence. This Markov model describes variation in behaviour and patterns of ICS use and could also be useful to investigate continuous use of other drugs applied in chronic diseases.
Towards a model for integrative medicine in Swedish primary care
Authors: Sundberg Tobias , Halpin Jeremy , Warenmark Anders , Falkenberg Torkel 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
Collaboration between providers of conventional care and complementary therapies (CTs) has gained in popularity but there is a lack of conceptualised models for delivering such care, i.e. integrative medicine (IM). The aim of this paper is to describe some key findings relevant to the development and implementation of a proposed model for IM adapted to Swedish primary care.

Methods
Investigative procedures involved research group and key informant meetings with multiple stakeholders including general practitioners, CT providers, medical specialists, primary care administrators and county council representatives. Data collection included meeting notes which were fed back within the research group and used as ongoing working documents. Data analysis was made by immersion/crystallisation and research group consensus. Results were categorised within a public health systems framework of structures, processes and outcomes.

Results
The outcome was an IM model that aimed for a patient-centered, interdisciplinary, non-hierarchical mix of conventional and complementary medical solutions to individual case management of patients with pain in the lower back and/or neck. The IM model case management adhered to standard clinical practice including active partnership between a gate-keeping general practitioner, collaborating with a team of CT providers in a consensus case conference model of care. CTs with an emerging evidence base included Swedish massage therapy, manual therapy/naprapathy, shiatsu, acupuncture and qigong.

Conclusion
Despite identified barriers such as no formal recognition of CT professions in Sweden, it was possible to develop a model for IM adapted to Swedish primary care. The IM model calls for testing and refinement in a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to explore its clinical effectiveness.
Complexes with FeIII2(μ-O)(μ-OH) Core Surrounded by Hydrogen-Bonding Interaction
Authors: Honda Yasutaka , Arii Hidekazu , Okumura Takeshi , Wada Akira , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Ozawa Tomohiro , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Masuda Hideki 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Three new complexes with FeIII2(μ-O)(μ-OH) core surrounded with one, two, and three amino groups, that is, (6-amino-2-pyridylmethyl)bis(pyridylmethyl)amine (MAPA), bis(6-amino-2-pyridylmethyl)(pyridylmethyl)amine (BAPA), and tris(6-amino-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TAPA), which act as hydrogen-bonding sites, were synthesized and characterized by electronic absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Their structural bond parameters, Fe–N(pyridine), Fe–N(amine), and Fe–μ-O(H) bonds, Fe···Fe distance, and Fe–O–Fe angle, could be explained in terms of a combination of two conflicting interactions between NH2 and μ-O(H) groups, that is, a steric repulsion and a hydrogen-bonding interactions. The LMCT bands of μ-O to iron(III) may be affected by hydrogen-bonding interactions between NH and μ-O(H) groups, which are discussed in connection with the formation processes of compound Q and compound X in sMMO and RNR-R2, respectively.