bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Norwegian teaching home program: developing a model for systematic practice development in the nursing home sector
Authors: Kirkevold Marit 
Published: November 2008

Background.  In the mid‐1990s, there was persistent critique of the quality of care provided in residential aged care facilities in Norway, in line with similar concerns expressed in many other countries. Difficulties recruiting qualified staff and high turnover led to difficult working conditions. Little prestige was associated with providing geriatric care. Collaboration between educational institutions, universities and elderly care institutions with the purpose of strengthening education, competence development, practice development and research within elderly care was poorly developed. The Norwegian teaching nursing home (NTNH) program was launched to address these issues.Aim.  The purpose of the NTNH was to contribute to the quality of care of frail older persons by improving the competence of staff, improving the prestige of working with older people, stimulating development of services, facilitating research into the care of older persons, and developing good learning environments for students.Methods.  The NTNH‐program was developed over a period of seven years, applying a participatory action research design. Progressing through four phases, it involved a number of people and institutions across Norway.Results.  Formal and informal competence of staff was increased. A large number of practice development projects contributed to increased quality of care in selected problem areas. Models of competence development were disseminated to other institutions, thereby improving the level of competence beyond the NTNHs. Learning conditions for students were improved. Following a formal evaluation of the program, teaching nursing homes (TNHs) were established on a permanent basis in 2004, with financial support from the Department of Health and Social Services. In 2008, a total of 20 TNHs are part of the NTNH program.Conclusions.  The NTNH program led to permanent establishment of a series of TNHs responsible for contributing to competence development, practice development and research on a continuous basis in order to secure high levels of care to the Norwegian nursing home population. The program has created substantial enthusiasm within the nursing home sector and has increased the prestige of these institutions.
Microsatellite loci characterized in three African crane species (Gruidae, Aves)
Authors: MEARES KATE , DAWSON DEBORAH A. , HORSBURGH GAVIN J. , GLENN TRAVIS C. , JONES KENNETH L. , BRAUN MICHAEL J. , PERRIN MIKE R. , TAYLOR TIAWANNA D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractForty‐three microsatellite loci originally isolated in Grus americana and G. japonensis were tested for polymorphism in the blue crane (G. paradisea). Amplified products were sequenced in the blue crane to aid in the design of blue crane‐specific primers. When characterized in 20 unrelated blue crane individuals from South Africa, 14 loci were polymorphic, with each locus displaying between 2 and 7 alleles. Eight polymorphic loci were characterized in the grey‐crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) and ten in the wattled crane (G. carunculatus).
Going for Gold, from Beijing to Munich, Highlights from the ESC 2008 Congress: BEAUTIFUL, GISSI‐HF, and Potential New Therapies for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Kalra Paul , Pauriah Maheshwar , Elder D. , Lang Chim C. 
Published: November 2008

Formerly Cardiovascular Drug Reviews http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/CATH
Treatment options for postmenopausal osteoporosis in Asia
Authors: CHU Eva Yuet‐wah , TSANG Shirley Wan‐yin , KUNG Annie Wai‐chee 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTreatment of osteoporosis has advanced dramatically during the past decade, with more therapeutic options than ever now available. Large‐scale randomized placebo‐controlled trials have documented the efficacy of a number of agents in reducing vertebral and non‐vertebral fractures. Anti‐resorptive agents (hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen‐receptor modulators, calcitonin and bisphosphonates) and bone‐forming anabolic agents (parathyroid horomone and strontium ranelate) act via different mechanisms to reduce fractures and improve bone strength. In view of the high prevalence of calcium and vitamin D insufficiency in Asia, calcium and vitamin D supplementation remains a fundamental part of any treatment regimen, especially among the elderly. Given the high cost of these agents, a global assessment of the fracture risk of the patient is essential to determine the need for pharmacological treatment versus life‐style modification and dietary supplementation in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Asia.
Risk factors of Egyptian male osteoporosis
Authors: ELGENDI Salwa S. , RASHAD Sonya M. , MOHAMED Fatma H. , EL‐TOHAMY Wafaa M. , EL‐SHAZLY Ashraf A. , JELANY Reda M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  Osteoporosis (OP) is a growing health problem not only in women but also in men.Subjects and methods:  This study was carried out on 100 healthy men, age range 30–65 years (mean ± SD, 44.65 ± 8.3). All were randomly recruited from Assiut city during the period January 2005 to January 2006. Complete clinical history included occupational history, smoking habit, physical activity and calcium intake. Complete clinical examination and anthropometric measurments were done. Laboratory investigations for serum calcium, phosphorus and osteocalcin were performed. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by calcaneal ultrasound.Results:  Sixty‐three percent of participants had normal BMD, 37% had low BMD, (26% had quantitative bone ultrasound [QUS] T‐score –1 to –2.5 and 11% had QUS T‐score ≤ –2.5). Smoking and low physical activity were risk factors for low BMD. Significant positive correlations were found between BMD and body mass index, serum calcium, and osteocalcin and negative correlation with phosphorus. We concluded that low BMD occurs with high frequency in Egyptian men. Smoking, physical inactivity and low body index are significant risk factors. Low serum calcium, low serum osteocalcin and high serum phosphorus are biochemical risk factors of low BMD in males.
Definition of a population‐specific dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry reference standard in Isfahani women
Authors: BONAKDAR Zahra Sayed , KARIMZADEH Hadi , KARIMIFAR Mansoor , MOTTAGHI Peyman , SALESI Mansour , FARAJZADEGAN Ziba 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: There are some clues that correct interpretation of bone mineral density (BMD) when measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) which requires a population specific reference range. We determined reference values of BMD and the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in postmenopausal Isfahani women.Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 1118 healthy women from Isfahan, aged between 20 and 80 years were recruited door‐to‐door for research. BMD was measured at the anteroposterior lumbar spine (L2–L4) (AP) and femoral neck (FN) with the Lunar DPX‐IQ densitometer. Peak bone mass (PBM), reference curves of BMD, prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia were determined according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.Results: In Isfahani women osteoporosis and osteopenia of the AP lumbar spine exists at BMD < 0.898 g/cm2and between 1.078 g/cm2and 0.898 g/cm2, respectively. At the FN a BMD < 0.676 g/cm2defines osteoporosis whereas osteopenia is defined as a BMD between 0.841 g/cm2and 0.676 g/cm2. The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia at the AP lumbar spine in the age groups 51–55, 56–60, 61–65, 66–70, > 70 years were, 7.9%, 19.6%, 26%, 32.1%, 31.8%, and 28.9%, 36.5%, 38.4%, 41.1%, 45.5%, respectively. The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia at the FN in the same age groups, were, 2.6%, 2%, 12.3%, 14.3%, 22.7% and 28.3%, 39.9%, 43.8%, 50%, 68.2%, respectively.Conclusions: Our data would use a population‐specific reference range for DXA measurements and to estimate the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Establishment of In Vitro Susceptibility Testing Methodologies and Comparative Activities of Piperacillin in Combination with the Penem β-Lactamase Inhibitor BLI-489
Authors: Petersen Peter J. , Jones C. Hal , Venkatesan Aranapakam M. , Mansour Tarek S. , Projan Steven J. , Bradford Patricia A. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe novel bicyclic penem inhibitor BLI-489 has demonstrated activity as an inhibitor of class A, C, and D β-lactamases. To determine the combination of piperacillin and BLI-489 to be used in susceptibility testing that would most accurately identify susceptible and resistant isolates, a predictor panel of β-lactamase-producing bacteria was utilized to determine the reliability of the combination of piperacillin-BLI-489 at a constant inhibitor concentration of 2 or 4 μg/ml and at ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1. There were a number of strains that would be falsely reported as susceptible or intermediate if tested with the ratios of 1:1 and 2:1, whereas the constant concentration of 2 μg/ml of BLI-489 and the ratio of 8:1 had a tendency to overpredict resistance. Similar MICs were obtained with piperacillin-BLI-489 in a 4:1 ratio and when BLI-489 was held constant at 4 μg/ml. Based on these results, an in vitro testing methodology employing a constant concentration of 4 μg/ml BLI-489 was used to evaluate the combination of piperacillin-BLI-489 against a larger panel of recently identified clinical isolates. Approximately 55% of all of the enteric bacilli tested were nonsusceptible to piperacillin alone (MIC ≥ 32 μg/ml). However, 92% of these piperacillin nonsusceptible strains were inhibited by ≤16 μg/ml piperacillin-BLI-489; in contrast, only 66% were inhibited by ≤16 μg/ml piperacillin-tazobactam. The combination of piperacillin-BLI-489 also demonstrated improved activity compared to that of piperacillin-tazobactam against the problematic extended-spectrum β-lactamase- and AmpC-expressing strains.
Vancomycin Ototoxicity: a Reevaluation in an Era of Increasing Doses
Authors: Forouzesh Avisheh , Moise Pamela A. , Sakoulas George 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity have historically been documented as relatively rare complications of vancomycin monotherapy. Recent reports have linked aggressive vancomycin dosing strategies to significant risks of nephrotoxicity. We evaluated the rate of high-frequency hearing loss detected by audiometry for patients on vancomycin therapy. For this purpose, we used retrospective case-control analysis of audiometry results for patients on vancomycin therapy for whom baseline and follow-up exams were available. Analysis of 89 patients for whom audiograms were performed after an average of 27 days of vancomycin therapy showed a 12% rate of high-frequency hearing loss, with a trend in univariate analysis toward a higher rate with advanced age. The mean of the highest vancomycin trough levels for both patients with worsening audiograms and those without worsening audiograms was 19 mg/liter. Regression tree modeling demonstrated that for patients <53 years old, the rate of high-frequency hearing loss detected by audiogram was 0%, while for patients >53 years old, the incidence was 19% (
P
= 0.008). We conclude that a significant rate of high-frequency hearing loss in older patients receiving vancomycin monotherapy was detected by audiometry. While these data urge caution against continued indiscriminate vancomycin dose escalation to treat infections caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
strains for which vancomycin MICs are 2 mg/liter, further prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical significance and reversibility of these effects.
Macrophage Uptake, Intracellular Localization, and Degradation of Poly-γ-
d
-Glutamic Acid, the Capsular Antigen of
Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Sutherland Marjorie D. , Kozel Thomas R. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

Bacillus anthracis
is surrounded by a capsular polypeptide composed of poly-γ-
d
-glutamic acid (PGA). This antiphagocytic capsule is an essential virulence factor and is shed into body fluids during a murine model of pulmonary anthrax. Our previous studies of a murine model for antigen clearance showed that purified PGA accumulates in the liver and spleen, most notably in splenic macrophages and the Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells of the liver. Although the tissue and cellular depots have been identified, there is little known about the uptake and intracellular fate of PGA. As a consequence, we examined the cellular uptake and organelle localization of PGA in the murine macrophage-like cell line J774.2. We found that PGA binds to and is internalized by J774.2 cells and accumulates in CD71 transferrin receptor-positive endosomes. The receptor-mediated endocytosis inhibitors amantadine and phenylarsine oxide inhibited the binding and uptake of PGA in these cells. Cytochalasin D and vinblastine, actin and microtubule inhibitors, respectively, failed to completely inhibit binding and uptake. Finally, we found that PGA is degraded in J774.2 cells starting 4 h after uptake, with continued degradation occurring for at least 24 h. This degradation of PGA may explain the rapid clearance of PGA that is observed in vivo compared to the slow clearance noted with capsular polysaccharides.
Characterization ofVibrio choleraeOuter Membrane Vesicles as a Candidate Vaccine for Cholera
Authors: Schild Stefan , Nelson Eric J. , Bishop Anne L. , Camilli Andrew 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTOuter membrane vesicles (OMVs) offer a new approach for an effective cholera vaccine. We recently demonstrated that immunization of female mice with OMVs induces a long-lasting immune response and results in protection of their neonatal offspring fromVibrio choleraeintestinal colonization. This study investigates the induced protective immunity observed after immunization with OMVs in more detail. Analysis of the stomach contents and sera of the neonates revealed significant amounts of anti-OMV immunoglobulins (Igs). Swapping of litters born to immunized and nonvaccinated control mice allowed us to distinguish between prenatal and neonatal uptakes of Igs. Transfer of Igs to neonates via milk was sufficient for complete protection of the neonates from colonization withV. cholerae, while prenatal transfer alone reduced colonization only. Detection of IgA and IgG1 in the fecal pellets of intranasally immunized adult mice indicates an induced immune response at the mucosal surface in the gastrointestinal tract, which is the site of colonization byV. cholerae. When a protocol with three intranasal immunizations 14 days apart was used, the OMVs proved to be efficacious at doses as low as 0.025 μg per immunization. This is almost equivalent to OMV concentrations found naturally in the supernatants of LB-grown cultures ofV. cholerae. Heterologous expression of the periplasmic alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) ofEscherichia coliresulted in the incorporation of PhoA into OMVs derived fromV. cholerae. Intranasal immunization with OMVs loaded with PhoA induced a specific immune response against this heterologous antigen in mice. The detection of an immune response against this heterologously expressed protein is a promising step toward the potential use of OMVs as antigen delivery vehicles in vaccine design.
OPTICAL AND TRANSPORT PROPERTIES IN DENSE PLASMAS COLLISION FREQUENCY FROM BULK TO CLUSTER
Authors: REINHOLZ H. , RAITZA T. , RÖPKE G. , MOROZOV I. V. 
Published: November 2008

The dielectric function of dense plasmas is treated within a many-particle linear response theory beyond the RPA. In the long-wavelength limit, the dynamical collision frequency can be introduced which is expressed in terms of momentum and force auto-correlation functions (ACF). Analytical expressions for the collision frequency are considered for bulk plasmas, and reasonable agreement with MD simulations is found. Different applications such as Thomson scattering, reflectivity, electric and magnetic transport properties are discussed. In particular, experimental results for the static conductivity of inert gas plasmas are now well described. The transition from bulk properties to finite cluster properties is of particular interest. Within semiclassical MD simulations, single-time characteristics as well as two-time correlation functions are evaluated and analyzed. In particular, the Laplace transform of current and force ACFs show typical structures which are interpreted as collective modes of the microplasma. The damping rates of these modes are size dependent. They increase for the transition from small clusters to bulk plasmas.
A game loop architecture for the GPU used as a math coprocessor in real-time applications
Authors: Zamith Marcelo P. M. , Clua Esteban W. G. , Conci Aura , Montenegro Anselmo , Leal-Toledo Regina C. P. , Pagliosa Paulo A. , Valente Luis , Feij Bruno 
Published: November 2008

This article concerns the use of a graphics processor unit (GPU) as a math co-processor in real-time applications in special games and physics simulations. To validate this approach, we present a new game loop architecture that employs GPUs for general-purpose computations (GPGPUs). A critical issue here is the process distribution between the CPU and the GPU. The architecture consists of a model for distribution, and our implementation offers many advantages in comparison to other approaches without the GPGPU stage. This architecture can be used either by a general-purpose language such as the Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA), or shader languages such as the High-Level Shader Language (HLSL) and the OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL).
Although the architecture proposed here aims at supporting mathematics and physics on the GPU, it is possible to adapt any kind of generic computation. This article discusses the model implementation in an open-source game engine and presents the results of using this platform.
A novel inhibitor of glucose uptake sensitizes cells to FAS-induced cell death
Authors: Wood Tabitha E. , Dalili Shadi , Simpson Craig D. , Hurren Rose , Mao Xinliang , Saiz Fernando Suarez , Gronda Marcela , Eberhard Yanina , Minden Mark D. , Bilan Philip J. , Klip Amira , Batey Robert A. , Schimmer Aaron D. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Evasion of death receptor ligand-induced apoptosis is an important contributor to cancer development and progression. Therefore, molecules that restore sensitivity to death receptor stimuli would be important tools to better understand this biological pathway and potential leads for therapeutic adjuncts. Previously, the small-molecule N-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-oxobutanamide (fasentin) was identified as a chemical sensitizer to the death receptor stimuli FAS and tumor necrosis factor apoptosis-inducing ligand, but its mechanism of action was unknown. Here, we determined that fasentin alters expression of genes associated with nutrient and glucose deprivation. Consistent with this finding, culturing cells in low-glucose medium recapitulated the effects of fasentin and sensitized cells to FAS. Moreover, we showed that fasentin inhibited glucose uptake. Using virtual docking studies with a homology model of the glucose transport protein GLUT1, fasentin interacted with a unique site in the intracellular channel of this protein. Additional chemical studies with other GLUT inhibitors and analogues of fasentin supported a role for partial inhibition of glucose transport as a mechanism to sensitize cells to death receptor stimuli. Thus, fasentin is a novel inhibitor of glucose transport that blocks glucose uptake and highlights a new mechanism to sensitize cells to death ligands. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3546–55]
Activation of toll-like receptors 2, 3, and 4 on human melanoma cells induces inflammatory factors
Authors: Goto Yasufumi , Arigami Takaaki , Kitago Minoru , Nguyen Sandy L. , Narita Norihiko , Ferrone Soldano , Morton Donald L. , Irie Reiko F. , Hoon Dave S.B. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLR) have been shown to be expressed on various types of cancers; however, their functional activity is not known. We examined TLR profiles of human melanoma cells and showed that TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 were found to be highly expressed. By PCR array analysis, specific stimulation of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 on melanoma cells showed significant activation of the adaptor protein MyD88, as well as downstream signal transduction factors nuclear factor-κB and inflammatory response–related factors. Specific ligand activation of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 was shown to induce cell migration. Peripheral blood lymphocytes and melanoma purified RNA was shown to activate TLR3 on melanoma cells. These studies show expression and functional activity of specific TLRs on melanoma cells and as potential therapeutic targets to control tumor progression. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3642–53]
Dithiolethiones for cancer chemoprevention: where do we stand?
Authors: Zhang Yuesheng , Munday Rex 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Dithiolethiones are a well-known class of cancer chemopreventive agents; the key mechanism of action of dithiolethiones involves activation of Nrf2 signaling and induction of phase II enzymes. In the past, attention has been focused mainly on 4-methyl-5-pyrazinyl-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (oltipraz), which showed ability as a wide-spectrum inhibitor of chemical carcinogenesis in preclinical models. However, clinical trials of oltipraz have shown questionable efficacy, and at the high doses employed in such studies, significant side effects were observed. Dithiolethiones that are markedly more effective and potent than oltipraz in both induction of phase II enzymes and inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis in preclinical studies have been identified, and these compounds have shown pronounced organ specificity in vivo. Further investigation of these compounds may lead to development of effective and safe agents for cancer prevention in humans. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3470–9]