bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief Intervention in Type 1 diabetes – Education for Self-efficacy (BITES): Protocol for a randomised control trial to assess biophysical and psychological effectiveness
Authors: George Jyothis T , Valdovinos Abel Peña , Thow Jonathan C , Russell Ian , Dromgoole Paul , Lomax Sarah , Torgerson David J , Wells Tony 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Self management is the cornerstone of effective preventive care in diabetes. Educational interventions that provide self-management skills for people with diabetes have been shown to reduce blood glucose concentrations. This in turn has the potential to reduce rates of complications. However, evidence to support type, quantity, setting and mode of delivery of self-management education is sparse.
Objectives: To study the biophysical and psychological effectiveness of a brief psycho-educational intervention for type 1 diabetes in adults.

Methods/Design
Design: Randomised controlled clinical trial.
Setting: Multidisciplinary specialist diabetes centre.
Hypothesis: Our hypothesis was that the brief (2.5-day) intervention would be biophysically and psychologically effective for people with type 1 diabetes.
Intervention: A brief psycho-educational intervention for type 1 diabetes developed by a multi-professional team comprising of a consultant diabetologist, a diabetes specialist nurse, a specialist diabetes dietician and a clinical health psychologist and delivered in 20 hours over 2.5 days.
Primary outcomes: HbA1c and severe hypoglycaemia.
Secondary outcomes: Blood pressure, weight, height, lipid profile and composite psychometric scales.
Participants: We shall consent and recruit 120 subjects with postal invitations sent to eligible participants. Volunteers are to be seen at randomisation clinics where independent researcher verify eligibility and obtain consent. We shall randomise 60 to BITES and 60 to standard care.
Eligibility Criteria: Type 1 diabetes for longer than 12 months, multiple injection therapy for at least two months, minimum age of 18 and ability to read and write.
Randomisation: An independent evaluator to block randomise (block-size = 6), to intervention or control groups using sealed envelopes in strict ascendant order. Control group will receive standard care.
Assessment: Participants in both groups would attend unblinded assessments at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months, in addition to their usual care. After the intervention, usual care would be provided.
Ethics approval: York Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 01/08/016) approved the study protocol.

Discussion
We hope the trial will demonstrate feasibility of a pragmatic randomised trial of BITES and help quantify therapeutic effect. A follow up multi-centre trial powered to detect this effect could provide further evidence.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN75807800
Comparison of three molecular methods for the detection and speciation of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Boonma Prapaporn , Christensen Peter R , Suwanarusk Rossarin , Price Ric N , Russell Bruce , Lek-Uthai Usa 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundAccurate diagnosis ofPlasmodiumspp. is essential for the rational treatment of malaria. Despite its many disadvantages, microscopic examination of blood smears remains the current "gold standard" for malaria detection and speciation. PCR assays offer an alternative to microscopy which has been shown to have superior sensitivity and specificity. Unfortunately few comparative studies have been done on the various molecular based speciation methods.MethodsThe sensitivity, specificity and cost effectiveness of three molecular techniques were compared for the detection and speciation ofPlasmodium falciparumandPlasmodium vivaxfrom dried blood spots collected from 136 patients in western Thailand. The results from the three molecular speciation techniques (nested PCR, multiplex PCR, and real-time PCR) were used to develop a molecular consensus (two or more identical PCR results) as an alternative gold standard.ResultsAccording to the molecular consensus, 9.6% (13/136) of microscopic diagnoses yielded false negative results. Multiplex PCR failed to detectP. vivaxin three mixed isolates, and the nested PCR gave a false positiveP. falciparumresult in one case. Although the real-time PCR melting curve analysis was the most expensive method, it was 100% sensitive and specific and least time consuming of the three molecular techniques investigated.ConclusionAlthough microscopy remains the most appropriate method for clinical diagnosis in a field setting, its use as a gold standard may result in apparent false positive results by superior techniques. Future studies should consider using more than one established molecular methods as a new gold standard to assess novel malaria diagnostic kits and PCR assays.
Characterization of heterotypic interaction effects in vitro to deconvolute global gene expression profiles in cancer
Authors: Buess Martin , Nuyten Dimitry SA , Hastie Trevor , Nielsen Torsten , Pesich Robert , Brown Patrick O 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background
Perturbations in cell-cell interactions are a key feature of cancer. However, little is known about the systematic effects of cell-cell interaction on global gene expression in cancer.

Results
We used an ex vivo model to simulate tumor-stroma interaction by systematically co-cultivating breast cancer cells with stromal fibroblasts and determined associated gene expression changes with cDNA microarrays. In the complex picture of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction effects, a prominent characteristic was an induction of interferon-response genes (IRGs) in a subset of cancer cells. In close proximity to these cancer cells, the fibroblasts secreted type I interferons, which, in turn, induced expression of the IRGs in the tumor cells. Paralleling this model, immunohistochemical analysis of human breast cancer tissues showed that STAT1, the key transcriptional activator of the IRGs, and itself an IRG, was expressed in a subset of the cancers, with a striking pattern of elevated expression in the cancer cells in close proximity to the stroma. In vivo, expression of the IRGs was remarkably coherent, providing a basis for segregation of 295 early-stage breast cancers into two groups. Tumors with high compared to low expression levels of IRGs were associated with significantly shorter overall survival; 59% versus 80% at 10 years (log-rank p = 0.001).

Conclusion
In an effort to deconvolute global gene expression profiles of breast cancer by systematic characterization of heterotypic interaction effects in vitro, we found that an interaction between some breast cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts can induce an interferon-response, and that this response may be associated with a greater propensity for tumor progression.
InSite: a computational method for identifying protein-protein interaction binding sites on a proteome-wide scale
Authors: Wang Haidong , Segal Eran , Ben-Hur Asa , Li Qian-Ru , Vidal Marc , Koller Daphne 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe propose InSite, a computational method that integrates high-throughput protein and sequence data to infer the specific binding regions of interacting protein pairs. We compared our predictions with binding sites in Protein Data Bank and found significantly more binding events occur at sites we predicted. Several regions containing disease-causing mutations or cancer polymorphisms in human are predicted to be binding for protein pairs related to the disease, which suggests novel mechanistic hypotheses for several diseases.
Regio-controlled Oxidative Polymerization of 2,5-Dimethylphenol by Using CuCl–TMEDA Complex
Authors: Suzuki Yasuo , Shibasaki Yuji , Ueda Mitsuru 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
A regio-controlled poly(2,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) was successfully prepared by the oxidative coupling polymerization of 2,5-dimethylphenol using di-μ-hydroxobis[(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) copper(II)] as a catalyst under oxygen. The catalyst effectively promoted the regio-controlled polymerization even at the concentration of 0.1 mol % to the monomer, and the resulting polymer showed a melting temperature at 280 °C.
More Bad Newsfor the Logical Autonomy of Ethics
Authors: Nelson Mark T. 
Published: September 2007

Since the time of Hume, many philosophers have thought it impossible to deduce an ‘Ought’ from an ‘Is,’ or in general to deduce ‘ethical sentences’ from purely ‘factual sentences.’ Some of these philosophers claim that this is due, not to any Special feature of ethics, but to a general feature of logic, namely, its conservativeness:A conclusion containing an ‘ought’ cannot (as a matter of logic) be derived from ‘ought’-free premises. (The same, of course, goes for the other moral words.) Logic is conservative; the conclusions of a valid inference are contained within the premises. You don't get out what you haven't put in. Hence if ‘ought’ appears in the conclusion of an argument but not in the premises, the inference is not logically valid.’
Effects of Body Mass Index and Age on N-Terminal Pro–Brain Natriuretic Peptide Are Associated with Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chronic Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Schou Morten , Gustafsson Finn , Kistorp Caroline N , Corell Pernille , Kjaer Andreas , Hildebrandt Per R 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground: Obesity is a state characterized by glomerular hyperfiltration and age-related decreases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Body mass index (BMI), age, and GFR are associated with plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. We hypothesized that the effects of BMI and age on plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP are associated with GFR.Methods: We obtained clinical data and laboratory test results from 345 CHF patients at the baseline visit in our heart failure clinic and examined the hypothesis using multiple linear regression models.Results: Age (P = 0.0184), BMI (P = 0.0098), hemoglobin (P = 0.0043), heart rhythm (P &lt;0.0001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (P &lt;0.0001) were associated with log(NT-proBNP). After adjustment for GFR estimated by the Cockcroft and Gault equation, the parameter estimates for BMI (P = 0.3807) and age (P = 0.7238) changed markedly and became insignificant. In another model, after adjustment for GFR estimated by the 4-component Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula (eGFRMDRD), the parameter estimates for age (P = 0.0674) changed markedly and became insignificant, but BMI (P = 0.0067) remained significant and unchanged. The eGFRMDRD is adjusted for body surface area, which may explain the difference.Conclusions: In CHF patients, the effect of age on NT-proBNP is associated with estimates for GFR derived from serum creatinine, and the significance of the effects of BMI on NT-proBNP depends on the method by which GFR is estimated.
Observed Differences in Diagnostic Test Accuracy between Patient Subgroups: Is It Real or Due to Reference Standard Misclassification?
Authors: Biesheuvel Corné , Irwig Les , Bossuyt Patrick 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Before a new test is introduced in clinical practice, its accuracy should be assessed. In the past decade, researchers have put an increased emphasis on exploring differences in test sensitivity and specificity between patient subgroups. If the reference standard is imperfect and the prevalence of the target condition differs among subgroups, apparent differences in test sensitivity and specificity between subgroups may be caused by reference standard misclassification. We provide guidance on how to determine whether observed differences may be explained by reference standard misclassification. Such misclassification may be ascertained by examining how the apparent sensitivity and specificity change with the prevalence of the target condition in the subgroups.
Impact of Hemoglobin on Plasma Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations in the General Population
Authors: Nybo Mads , Benn Marianne , Mogelvang Rasmus , Jensen Jan Skov , Schnohr Peter , Rehfeld Jens F , Goetze Jens Peter 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground: Age, sex, and renal function contribute to variations in plasma concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its molecular precursor (proBNP). Recent studies indicate that anemia may also affect proBNP concentrations in patients with heart failure or stroke. However, the impact of hemoglobin status on proBNP concentrations has not been established in the general population.Methods: In the 4th examination in the Copenhagen City Heart Study, we performed a nested case-control study of 6238 individuals from a Danish general population. Of these, 3497 randomly selected participants also underwent an echocardiographic examination. The population was stratified into groups depending on health and hemoglobin status. Correlations between hemoglobin and proBNP concentrations were examined by simple and multiple regression analyses, adjusted for variables known to influence the proBNP plasma concentration.Results: The mean proBNP concentration was increased 1.7-fold in the group with anemia vs the nonanemic group [mean (SD) 42 (45) pmol/L vs 25 (29) pmol/L, P &lt;0.0001, n = 5892]. Multiple regression analysis confirmed an independent effect of hemoglobin on proBNP concentrations. In a selected subgroup without signs or symptoms of heart disease (n = 2855), lower hemoglobin concentrations, defined as &lt;120 g/L in women and &lt;130 g/L in men, were associated with increased circulating proBNP concentrations, but the contribution to the overall variation in proBNP concentrations was modest.Conclusions: Because moderate anemia is associated with a 1.7-fold increase in proBNP concentrations, hemoglobin concentrations should be taken into consideration in patients with nonspecific symptoms of heart disease and increased proBNP concentrations.
Closed Worlds
Authors: Gilliat-Ray Sophie 
Published: September 2007

This article reports upon the unsuccessful efforts made to negotiate research access to four Deobandi dar ul-uloom (Islamic ‘seminaries’) in the UK. I describe the attempts that I (and others) have made to conduct research in these institutions, and consider various ways that refusal might be interpreted. I explain why access has been problematic, principally on account of the history of the institutions, the nature of the setting, the current socio-political climate, and the ‘anathema’ of fieldwork and ethnographic research to the institutions themselves. But even when researchers are denied access, I argue that this nevertheless counts as ‘data’, and that there are ways of redressing the apparent imbalance of power. Locating my experiences within current debates and literature in sociology, anthropology and ethnography I reflect upon the strategies that researchers might employ to overcome access difficulties, especially when their research might be considered ‘sensitive’ on account of the setting or the topic.
Evaluation of a circumferential femoral head osteophyte as an early indicator of osteoarthritis characteristic of canine hip dysplasia in dogs
Authors: Szabo Stephanie D. , Biery Daryl N. , Lawler Dennis F. , Shofer Frances S. , Powers Michelle Y. , Kealy Richard D. , Smith Gail K. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Objective—To determine the relationship between a circumferential femoral head osteophyte (CFHO) and osteoarthritis characteristic of canine hip dysplasia, and to ascertain whether CFHO, like osteoarthritis, varies between diet-restricted and control-fed dogs.
Design—Longitudinal cohort study.
Animals—48 Labrador Retrievers.
Procedures—Dogs were paired by size, sex, and litter and assigned to 1 of 2 equal groups at 2 months of age. The control-fed group was fed ad libitum, and the diet-restricted group was fed 25% less on a pairwise basis of the same diet for life. The dogs' hip joints were radiographed yearly for life. Each radiograph was evaluated for radiographic signs of osteoarthritis characteristic of hip dysplasia and for the presence and severity of a CFHO.
Results—41 of the 48 (85.4%) dogs had a CFHO, which was detected at a median age of 5.4 years, and 33 of those 41 (80.5%) developed radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Nineteen (79.2%) dogs in the diet-restricted group and 22 (91.7%) in the control-fed group had a CFHO at a median age of 9 and 3 years, respectively. Of the dogs with a CFHO, 12 (63.2%) in the diet-restricted group and 20 (90.0%) in the control-fed group developed radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis characteristic of hip dysplasia at a median age of 11 and 6.5 years, respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated a relationship between the CFHO and subsequent development of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. If a CFHO is present in Labrador Retrievers, it might be considered an early indicator of osteoarthritis.
Frequency of urinary tract infection in catheterized dogs and comparison of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing results for catheterized and noncatheterized dogs with urinary tract infections
Authors: Bubenik Loretta J. , Hosgood Giselle L. , Waldron Don R. , Snow Lynne A. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Objective—To determine frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in catheterized dogs that had intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) or disease other than IVDD and compare bacterial culture and susceptibility testing results for catheterized and noncatheterized dogs with UTIs.
Design—Retrospective cohort study.
Animals—147 catheterized dogs (105 with IVDD and 42 with other diseases) and 99 noncatheterized dogs with UTIs.
Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, clinical problem, duration of urinary tract catheterization, administration of drugs, and urine bacterial culture and susceptibility testing results.
Results—Forty-two percent (44/105) of dogs with IVDD and 55% (23/42) of dogs with other diseases had UTIs; this difference was not significant. For catheterized dogs, the odds of UTI were increased by 20% for each year increase in age, 27% for each day increase in duration of catheterization, and 454% with antimicrobial administration. Escherichia coli and Proteus spp were more frequently isolated from noncatheterized dogs, whereas Enterobacter spp and Staphylococcus spp were more frequently isolated from catheterized dogs. There was no significant difference in frequency of 1, 2, or 3 isolates between groups. Proportions of antimicrobials to which the most frequently isolated bacteria were resistant were not significantly different between groups.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that urinary tract catheterization is a reasonable alternative for management of dogs with urinary bladder dysfunction, but that duration of catheterization should be minimized and indiscriminate antimicrobial administration to dogs with indwelling urinary catheters should be avoided.
Pharmacokinetics of an extended-release theophylline product in cats
Authors: Guenther-Yenke Christine L. , McKiernan Brendan C. , Papich Mark G. , Powell Elizabeth 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of a brand of extended-release theophylline tablets and capsules in healthy cats.
Design—Randomized 3-way crossover study.
Animals—6 healthy cats.
Procedures—A single dose of aminophylline (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], IV), a 100-mg extended-release theophylline tablet, or a 125-mg extended-release theophylline capsule was administered to all cats. Plasma samples were collected via preplaced central catheters throughout a 36-hour period. Plasma samples were frozen until analyzed by use of a fluorescence polarization monoclonal immunoassay.
Results—All cats tolerated drug administration and plasma collection with no adverse effects. Peak concentrations were reached for both orally administered products between 8 and 12 hours after administration. Bioavailability was excellent. Plasma concentrations were within the human therapeutic concentration of 5 to 20 μg/mL.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Daily administration of the brand of theophylline tablets and capsules used in this study at 15 mg/kg (6.8 mg/lb) and 19 mg/kg (8.6 mg/lb), respectively, maintained plasma concentrations within the desired therapeutic range in healthy cats.
Blanket and flank sucking in Doberman Pinschers
Authors: Moon-Fanelli Alice A. , Dodman Nicholas H. , Cottam Nicole 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate blanket and flank sucking and any association with pica in Doberman Pinschers.
Design—Survey and case-control study.
Animals—153 Doberman Pinschers (77 dogs with blanket or flank sucking and 76 unaffected dogs).
Procedures—Owners of Doberman Pinschers with blanket sucking, flank sucking, or both were surveyed regarding the age of onset, triggers, frequency, duration, interruptability, and associated medical and behavioral consequences. A putative association of blanket sucking and flank sucking with pica was examined by comparison of affected dogs with unaffected dogs.
Results—Apart from the difference in the object of oral activity between blanket and flank suckers, age of onset was the only variable that differed between dogs with the 2 conditions. Dogs with blanket or flank sucking had a higher prevalence of pica than the unaffected population.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Blanket and flank sucking are apparently related conditions that can occur with sufficient intensity to cause medical sequelae. These nonnutritive suckling behaviors share similarities with other canine compulsive disorders and are associated with pica. Veterinarians should advise owners that flank and blanket sucking are abnormal, potentially harmful behaviors in dogs. Treatment should be considered for severely affected dogs or when flank or blanket sucking is associated with medical problems.
Evaluation of electroacupuncture treatment for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease in dogs
Authors: Hayashi Ayne Murata , Matera Julia Maria , de Campos Fonseca Pinto Ana Carolina Brandão 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate use of electroacupuncture combined with standard Western medical treatment versus Western medical treatment alone for treatment of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease in dogs.
Design—Prospective controlled study.
Animals—50 dogs with signs of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease.
Procedures—Dogs were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups and classified as having grade 1 to 5 neurologic dysfunction. Dogs in group 1 received electroacupuncture stimulation combined with standard Western medical treatment; those in group 2 received only standard Western medical treatment. A numeric score for neurologic function was evaluated at 4 time points to evaluate effects of treatments.
Results—Time (mean ± SD) to recover ambulation in dogs with grade 3 and 4 dysfunction in group 1 (10.10 ± 6.49 days) was significantly lower than in group 2 (20.83 ± 11.99 days). Success (able to walk without assistance) rate for dogs with grade 3 and 4 dysfunction in group 1 (10/10 dogs) was significantly higher than that of similarly affected dogs in group 2 (6/9 dogs). Dogs without deep pain perception (grade 5 dysfunction) had a success (recovery of pain sensation) rate of 3 of 6 and 1 of 8 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, but the difference was not significant. Overall success rate (all dysfunction grades) for group 1 (23/26; 88.5%) was significantly higher than for group 2 (14/24; 58.3%).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Electroacupuncture combined with standard Western medical treatment was effective and resulted in shorter time to recover ambulation and deep pain perception than did use of Western treatment alone in dogs with signs of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease.