bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of gerontologically informed nursing assessment and referral interventions for older persons attending the emergency department: systematic review
Authors: Fealy Gerard , McCarron Mary , O’Neill Desmond , McCallion Philip , Clarke Mike , Small Valerie , O’Driscoll Anne , Cullen Audrey 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTitle.  Effectiveness of gerontologically informed nursing assessment and referral interventions for older persons attending the emergency department: systematic review Aim.  This paper is a report of a literature review conducted to analyse data from published studies reporting nursing interventions targeted at older attendees of emergency departments (EDs), and to provide a critical appraisal of the evidence concerning their effectiveness.Background.  Attendance at hospital EDs by older persons presents opportunities for targeted interventions to address actual and potential problems associated with or in addition to the presenting problem. The evidence concerning the effectiveness of such interventions is mixed.Data sources.  Studies were retrieved from a systematic search of published works indexed in CINAHL, MEDLINE (PubMed), Science Direct and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).Methods.  A systematic review of effectiveness was conducted using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care guidelines and a narrative synthesis approach for data handling and presentation. The review period was 1992 to 31 August 2008.Results.  Nursing assessment and referral interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing service use and improving physical function, but have failed to demonstrate statistically significant effects on predicted patient and/or health systems outcomes.Conclusion.  The evidence of the effectiveness of gerontologically informed nursing assessment and referral interventions in EDs must be accepted with caution, as not all studies demonstrated effectiveness in predicted patient and/or health systems outcomes, and the testing of complex social interventions in randomized clinical trials is inherently problematic. Further evidence of the effectiveness of nursing interventions is required, and such evidence might be usefully demonstrated using pragmatic, as opposed to explanatory, trials.
Temporal variation in the genetic structure of a drone congregation area: an insight into the population dynamics of wild African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata)
Authors: JAFFÉ R. , DIETEMANN V. , CREWE R. M. , MORITZ R. F. A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe mating system of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) has been regarded as one of the most panmictic in the animal kingdom, with thousands of males aggregating in drone congregation areas (DCAs) that virgin queens visit to mate with tens of partners. Although males from many colonies gather at such congregations, the temporal changes in the colonies contributing drones remain unknown. Yet, changes in the DCAs’ genetic structure will ultimately determine population gene flow and effective population size. By repeatedly sampling drones from an African DCA over a period of 3 years, we studied the temporal changes in the genetic structure of a wild honeybee population. Using three sets of tightly linked microsatellite markers, we were able to reconstruct individual queen genotypes with a high accuracy, follow them through time and estimate their rate of replacement. The number of queens contributing drones to the DCA varied from 12 to 72 and was correlated with temperature and rainfall. We found that more than 80% of these queens were replaced by mostly unrelated ones in successive eight months sampling intervals, which resulted in a clear temporal genetic differentiation of the DCA. Our results suggest that the frequent long‐range migration of colonies without nest‐site fidelity is the main driver of this high queen turnover. DCAs of African honeybees should thus be regarded as extremely dynamic systems which together with migration boost the effective population size and maintain a high genetic diversity in the population.
ATHB4, a regulator of shade avoidance, modulates hormone response in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Sorin Céline , Salla‐Martret Mercè , Bou‐Torrent Jordi , Roig‐Villanova Irma , Martínez‐García Jaime F 
Published: March 2009

SummaryPlants sense the presence of competing neighboring vegetation as a change in light quality: i.e. they sense the reduced ratio of red light to far‐red light. The responses to shade are generally referred to as the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS), and involve various developmental changes intended to outgrow or outcompete the neighboring plants. Here, we analyze the function of ATHB4, a gene encoding a homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐Zip) class‐II transcription factor from Arabidopsis thaliana, the expression of which is rapidly and directly upregulated after proximity perception by the phytochrome photoreceptors. ATHB4 acts redundantly with other members of the HD‐Zip class‐II transcription factors. The expression of these genes is regulated by other members of the same class, forming a small transcriptional network of factors in which homeostasis is mutually controlled. Our results suggest that some members of this small gene subfamily can modulate SAS responses by controlling auxin, brassinosteroid and gibberellin molecular and/or physiological responsiveness. In particular, we propose ATHB4 as a new shade signaling component that participates in integrating shade perception and hormone‐mediated growth.
Role of Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase and Polyphenol Oxidase in Host Resistance to Bacterial Wilt of Tomato
Authors: Vanitha Shyanadrahalli Chandrashekaraiah , Niranjana Siddapura Ramachandrappa , Umesha Sharanaiah 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPlants respond to bacterial pathogen attack by activating various defence responses, which are associated with the accumulation of several factors like defence‐related enzymes and inhibitors which serve to prevent pathogen infection. The present study focused on the role of the defence‐related enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in imparting resistance to tomato against bacterial wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. The temporal pattern of induction of these enzymes showed maximum activity at 12 h and 15 h for PAL and PPO, respectively, after the pathogen inoculation (hpi) in resistant cultivars. Twenty different tomato cultivars were analyzed for PAL, PPO and total phenol content following pathogen inoculation. The enzyme activities and total phenol content increased significantly (P < 0.05) in resistant cultivars upon pathogen inoculation. The increase in enzyme activities and total phenol content were not significant in susceptible and highly susceptible cultivars. The role of PAL and PPO in imparting resistance to tomato against bacterial wilt disease is discussed.
Symptom severity and patient perceptions in overactive bladder: how are they related?
Authors: Homma Yukio , Gotoh Momokazu 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess the relationship between symptom severity and patient perceptions in patients with overactive bladder (OAB), as estimated by OAB Symptom Score (OABSS) and patient‐reported outcome measures, respectively.PATIENTS AND METHODSPost‐hoc analyses were conducted on the existing data from patients with OAB. In addition to the OABSS, patients completed three patient‐reported outcome measures, the OAB questionnaire (OAB‐q), Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) and Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36). Relationships of the OABSS were assessed through correlations with the OAB‐q, PPBC and SF‐36; all analyses were exploratory.RESULTSIn all, 194 participants were analysed; the OABSS correlated relatively closely with the PPBC and OAB‐q subscales of health‐related quality of life (r = 0.36–0.57). There was a particularly good correlation with the OAB‐q symptom bother (r = 0.73). However, the OABSS correlated somewhat less with the SF‐36 subscales (r = 0.16–0.27). There were fairly close correlations between the OABSS and the OAB‐q items; for daytime frequency with ‘frequency of urination during daytime hours’ (r = 0.44); night‐time frequency with ‘night‐time urination’ (r = 0.44), ‘waking up at night because you had to urinate’ (r = 0.51) and ‘awakening from sleep’ (r = 0.44); urgency with ‘a sudden urge to urinate with little or no warning’ (r = 0.65) and ‘an uncontrollable urge to urinate’ (r = 0.69), urgency incontinence with ‘accidental loss of small amounts of urine’ (r = 0.74) and ‘urine loss associated with a strong desire to urinate’ (r = 0.79). All the items except ‘awakening from sleep’ belonged to the OAB‐q symptom bother domain.CONCLUSIONSIt is possible to roughly but sufficiently infer patient perceptions of bladder condition and symptom bother by measuring symptom severity, as estimated by the OABSS.
Schools and Obesity Prevention: Creating School Environments and Policies to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
Authors: STORY MARY , NANNEY MARILYN S. , SCHWARTZ MARLENE B. 
Published: March 2009

Context: Research consistently shows that the majority of American children do not consume diets that meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, nor do they achieve adequate levels of daily physical activity. As a result, more children are overweight today than at any other time in U.S. history. Schools offer many opportunities to develop strategies to prevent obesity by creating environments in which children eat healthfully and engage regularly in physical activity. Methods: This article discusses the role of schools in obesity prevention efforts. Current issues in schools' food and physical activity environments are examined, as well as federal, state, and local policies related to food and physical activity standards in schools. The article is organized around four key areas: (1) school food environments and policies, (2) school physical activity environments and policies, (3) school body mass index measurements, and (4) school wellness policies. Recommendations for accelerating change also are addressed. Findings: The article found that (1) competitive foods (foods sold outside of federally reimbursed school meals) are widely available in schools, especially secondary schools. Studies have related the availability of snacks and drinks sold in schools to students' high intake of total calories, soft drinks, total fat and saturated fat, and lower intake of fruits and vegetables; (2) physical activity can be added to the school curriculum without academic consequences and also can offer physical, emotional, and social benefits. Policy leadership has come predominantly from the districts, then the states, and, to a much lesser extent, the federal government; (3) few studies have examined the effectiveness or impact of school‐based BMI measurement programs; and (4) early comparative analyses of local school wellness policies suggest that the strongest policies are found in larger school districts and districts with a greater number of students eligible for a free or reduced‐price lunch. Conclusions: Studies show that schools have been making some progress in improving the school food and physical activity environments but that much more work is needed. Stronger policies are needed to provide healthier meals to students at schools; limit their access to low‐nutrient, energy‐dense foods during the school day; and increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity at school.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in valvular heart disease
Authors: Koskenvuo Juha W. , Järvinen Vesa , Pärkkä Jussi P. , Kiviniemi Tuomas O. , Hartiala Jaakko J. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryCardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has rapidly gained acceptance as an accurate, reproducible and non‐invasive imaging method for assessment of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. However, CMR has not been used widely for diagnostic purposes in valvular heart disease (VHD). Unlike echocardiography it has no body habitus‐related limitations and can thus be used to complement echocardiography. It is an especially good alternative for clinical follow‐up in patients with VHD, as it allows accurate measurement of valvular dysfunction and related ventricular burden. Additionally, CMR is an ideal method for evaluating complex congenital heart disease and determining the significance of its components. It can also be used to study the physiological course of valvular dysfunction and response to therapeutic interventions. In this review, we present a basic introduction to CMR methodology, including its advantages and potential problems, and the physiology and quantification in VHD. We also discuss clinical applications of CMR in VHD. Furthermore, we describe how a CMR study statement should be structured in order to increase clinical use of this valuable methodology in cardiology.
Assessment of hepatic steatosis: comparison of quantitative and semiquantitative methods in 108 liver biopsies
Authors: Turlin Bruno , Ramm Grant A. , Purdie David M. , Lainé Fabrice , Perrin Michelle , Deugnier Yves , Macdonald Graeme A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground: There is growing interest in the role of hepatic steatosis in liver injury. The current standard for steatosis assessment is histological grading, although there is variability in the scoring systems used.Aims: The aim of this study was to compare steatosis assessment by image analysis and histological grading.Methods: Three methods were used to measure steatosis: histological grading (from 0 to 4); estimation of the percentage of hepatocytes (to nearest 5%) with steatosis; and computer‐assisted image analysis. Image analysis was performed on multiple fields for each biopsy with image pro plus 4.5, with steatotic droplets identified on the basis of shape, colour and size. Computer‐selected objects were reviewed to ensure that these were steatotic droplets. The predictive accuracy of the three techniques was assessed using measures of obesity and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment) as the outcome variables.Results: There was a strong correlation between the results of image analysis and histological grade (rs=0.89, P<0.01), and estimated per cent steatosis (rs=0.93, P<0.01). The variability in the area of steatosis calculated by image analysis in different fields of a biopsy correlated with the total steatosis area (rs=0.93, P<0.01).Conclusions: Image analysis did not offer any additional predictive value when the association between degree of obesity or insulin resistance was correlated with the different methods of assessing steatosis. Image analysis allows measurement of area of steatosis in liver biopsy material and generates a continuous variable that facilitates statistical analysis. These aspects may prove beneficial in research settings.
Hepatitis B virus with the rtL80V/I mutation is associated with a poor response to adefovir dipivoxil therapy
Authors: Lee Yoon‐Seon , Chung Young‐Hwa , Kim Jeong A. , Kim Sung Eun , Shin Jung Woo , Kim Kang Mo , Lim Young‐Suk , Park Neung Hwa , Lee Han Chu , Lee Yung Sang , Suh Dong Jin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground/Aims: Lamivudine (LAM) resistance is frequently associated with various types of genomic changes in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA including YMDD mutations (rtM204V/I). We intended to examine the effects of these genotypic variants on the antiviral efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) therapy.Methods: A total of 97 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with YMDD mutants who had been treated with ADV for >12 months were analysed. Mutations of the entire polymerase domain of HBV were determined by direct sequencing.Results: All the 97 patients had genotype C HBV associated with rtM204V/I mutations; 63 (65%) rtM204I, 27 (28%) rtM204V and seven (7%) both. The rtL80V/I and rtL180M variants were identified in 66 (68%) and 67 (69%) patients respectively. The rtM204I and rtM204V variants were strongly associated with rtL80V/I and rtL180M respectively (P<0.01). There was no difference in antiviral response at 12 months after ADV therapy between patients in relation to the type of YMDD mutation or the presence of rtL180M. However, interestingly, after ADV therapy for 12 months, patients with rtL80V/I achieved a much smaller reduction in serum HBV‐DNA titre than those without it (mean, −3.43 vs. −4.43 log10 copies/ml; P=0.018). In addition, patients with rtL80V/I had lower rates of undetectable HBV‐DNA (20 vs. 26%), alanine aminotransferase normalization (70 vs. 81%) and HBeAg loss (16 vs. 26%) than those without it, although none of these differences was statistically significant.Conclusions: These results provide evidence that rtL80V/I variants of HBV may be associated with a poor antiviral response to ADV in CHB patients with YMDD mutants.
Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein polymorphism (−493G/T) is associated with hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Mirandola Silvia , Österreicher Christoph H. , Marcolongo Moira , Datz Christian , Aigner Elmar , Schlabrakowski Anne , Realdon Stefano , Gerotto Martina , Alberti Alfredo , Stickel Felix 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground: Hepatic steatosis may promote progression of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) is required for assembly and secretion of ApoB lipoprotein and is implicated in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related steatosis. The MTP −493G/T polymorphism may promote liver fat accumulation, but its role in HCV‐related steatosis is still unclear.Methods: Two hundred ninety‐eight CHC patients were studied and genotyped for MTP −493G/T variants. Hepatic MTP mRNA expression and activity were determined in a subgroup.Results: Patients with grades 2/3 steatosis were older, had a higher body mass index (BMI), more advanced fibrosis and lower MTP mRNA expression and carried more often HCV genotype 3 and the MTP T allele. Age, BMI, HCV‐3 and MTP T allele [odds ratio (OR) 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–3.53; P=0.009] were independent risk factors for steatosis grades 2/3, and in HCV genotype non‐3 patients, the MTP T allele was the strongest predictor for steatosis grade 2/3 (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.22–3.86; P=0.008). Moreover, TT carriers had higher high‐density lipoprotein (65.6±14.6 vs 56.1±16.2 mg/dl; P=0.003) and apolipoprotein AI (1.80±0.3 vs 1.60±0.3 g/L; P=0.005) levels than G allele carriers.Conclusions: Chronic hepatitis C patients with the MTP −493T allele reveal higher grades of steatosis, indicating a relevant contribution to liver fat accumulation, particularly in HCV non‐3 patients.
Meta‐Analysis: The Effect of Supplementation with Lactoferrin on Eradication Rates and Adverse Events During Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy
Authors: Zou Jian , Dong Jie , Yu Xiao Feng 
Published: March 2009

AbstractsBackground: Recent evidence shown that lactoferrin could exert an antimicrobial effect against Helicobacter pylori both in vitro and in vivo models. To systematically evaluate whether adding lactoferrin to H. pylori eradication regimens could improve eradication rates and reduce side‐effects during anti‐H. pylori treatment.Materials and Methods:  Eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases. We included all randomized trials comparing lactoferrin supplementation to placebo or no treatment during anti‐H. pylori regimens. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0.10. Subanalysis/Sensitivity analysis was also performed.Results: We identified nine randomized trials (n = 1343). Pooled H. pylori eradication rates were 86.57% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 83.99–89.15%) and 74.44% (95% CI = 71.14–77.74%) for patients with or without lactoferrin by intention‐to‐treat analysis, respectively, the odds ratio (OR) was 2.26 (95% CI = 1.70–3.00); the occurrence of total side‐effects was 9.05% (95% CI = 6.83–11.27%) and 16.28% (95% CI = 13.43%–19.13%) for groups with or without lactoferrin, especially for nausea, the summary OR was 0.15 (95% CI = 0.04–0.54).Conclusions: Our review suggests that supplementation with lactoferrin could be effective in increasing eradication rates of anti‐H. pylori therapy, and could be considered helpful for patients with eradication failure. Furthermore, lactoferrin shows a positive impact on H. pylori therapy‐related side‐effects.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Identification of Risk Factors in Rural and Urban Beijing, China
Authors: Cheng Hong , Hu Fulian , Zhang Lian , Yang Guibin , Ma Junling , Hu Jichun , Wang Weihong , Gao Wen , Dong Xinhong 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is higher in developing countries such as China. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori in one rural and one urban region of Beijing, China.Materials and Methods:  Healthy individuals in rural Pinggu and urban Haidian voluntarily participated in this study. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection was reached using the 13C‐urea breath test. Associations between H. pylori and sex, age, living area (i.e. rural vs urban), education level, smoking, and alcohol consumption were evaluated.Results:  Of the 1232 included subjects, 54.7% of tested individuals residing in Pinggu and 41.3% in Haidian were positive for H. pylori. In urban region, more individuals were negative for H. pylori (429 of 731), whereas in the rural region, more individuals were positive for H. pylori (p < .05). Univariate analysis identified geographic area and lower education and annual income as significant factors associated with H. pylori. Men in rural areas were more likely than women in rural areas to be infected, and both men and women in the rural area were more likely to be positive for H. pylori than men and women in the urban area (all p < .05).Conclusions:  H. pylori infection is common in both rural and urban regions of Beijing. Residing in a rural area, having a lower family income, and lower education level are significant risk factors associated with infection.
Meta‐analysis: Four‐Drug, Three‐Antibiotic, Non‐bismuth‐Containing “Concomitant Therapy” Versus Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Essa Abdallah Said , Kramer Jennifer Rosenthal , Graham David Y. , Treiber Gerhard 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground: Low success rates with triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infections have prompted search for alternatives. In one, a proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) and amoxicillin was followed by the PPI plus clarithromycin and a nitroimidazole (sequential therapy); in another, these four drugs were given concomitantly (concomitant therapy).Aim: To compare concomitant therapy with standard triple therapy for H. pylori infection.Methods: By searching PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and abstracts of major gastrointestinal meeting, two independent reviewers systemically identified randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing concomitant quadruple to standard triple therapies as well as studies reporting eradication rates of concomitant quadruple therapy in treatment of H. pylori. Pooled eradication rates and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and univariable metaregression analysis for all extracted variables was conducted.Results: We identified nine studies (10 treatment arms) including five qualifying RCTs (576 subjects) comparing concomitant (293 subjects, duration 3 to 5 days) and triple therapy (283 subjects, duration 5 to 10 days) and four other studies evaluating concomitant therapy (478 subjects, duration 3 to 7 days). Pooled estimates of the five RCTs showed superiority of concomitant therapy over triple therapy; with intention‐to‐treat) pooled OR of 2.86 (95% CI: 1.73–4.73) and per‐protocol (PP) pooled OR of 3.52 (95% CI: 1.95–6.38). Considering all 10 treatment arms, the ITT eradication rate was 89.7% (95% CI: 86.8–92.1%) and PP was 92.9% (95% CI: 90.2–94.8%).Conclusion: Concomitant therapy appears to be an effective alternative to triple therapy and is less complex than sequential therapy.