bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate and FTY720 as anti‐atherosclerotic lipid compounds
Authors: Tölle M. , Levkau B. , Kleuser B. , Van Der Giet M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAll stages of atherosclerosis have been identified as a chronic vascular inflammatory disease. In the last few years there is increasing evidence that endogenous lysophospholipids such as sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) have potent anti‐inflammatory properties. The S1P analogue FTY720 that has been developed as a potent, orally active, immunosuppressant in the field of transplantation and autoimmune disease has interesting effects on inflammatory processes in the arterial vessel wall. S1P targets five specific S1P receptors (S1P1−5), which are ubiquitously expressed. S1P1−3 receptor expression is identified in arterial vessels. S1P and FTY720 show potent silencing effects on some vascular proinflammatory mechanisms in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, the interaction of monocytes with the vessel wall is inhibited. As shown recently, FTY720 can effectively reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice having a high‐cholesterol diet. It is not entirely clear which S1P receptor subtype is mainly involved in this process. However, it is currently speculated that the S1P3 and probably the S1P1 is involved in the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of FTY720. This review summarizes the current knowledge about S1P‐ and FTY720‐effects on mechanisms of vascular inflammatory disease. In addition S1P receptor subtypes are identified which might be interesting for molecular drug targeting.
Sealing properties of two contemporary single‐cone obturation systems
Authors: Monticelli F. , Sword J. , Martin R. L. , Schuster G. S. , Weller R. N. , Ferrari M. , Pashley D. H. , Tay F. R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  To compare the sealing of root canals filled with two single‐cone obturation systems and a warm vertical compaction technique.Methodology  Forty‐two single‐rooted teeth were decoronated to obtain 17‐mm‐long root segments. The root canals were cleaned and shaped to size 40, 0.06 taper and filled with: (i) warm vertical compaction with AH Plus (control); (ii) ActiV GP and (iii) GuttaFlow with single master cones. Leakage was evaluated by fluid filtration at 10 psi before root resection, and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 mm apical resections. Repeated measures anovas on ranks and Dunn's multiple comparison tests were performed to examine differences in fluid flow rates amongst different resection lengths for each filling technique. The surface and interior aspects of glass–ionomer filler‐coated ActiV GP gutta‐percha cones was evaluated with SEM.Results  No statistical difference amongst the filling techniques was seen at 0 and 3 mm root resections. ActiV GP and GuttaFlow exhibited more leakage than AH Plus at 6, 9 and 12 mm resections. AH Plus recorded the best overall results. A nonhomogeneous coating of glass–ionomer fillers on the surface of ActiV GP cones was detected.Conclusions  The two single‐cone techniques examined are as effective in sealing the apex as AH Plus when the latter was used with warm vertical compaction. It is further hypothesized that the inferior coronal seal of these single‐cone techniques may be improved with the placement of accessory cones to reduce sealer thickness or an immediate coronal adhesive restoration.
Measurement of pressure and flow rates during irrigation of a root canal ex vivo with three endodontic needles
Authors: Boutsioukis C. , Lambrianidis T. , Kastrinakis E. , Bekiaroglou P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  To monitor ex vivo intra‐canal irrigation with three endodontic needles (25, 27 and 30 gauge) and compare them in terms of irrigant flow rate, intra‐barrel pressure, duration of irrigation and volume of irrigant delivered.Methodology  A testing system was constructed to allow measurement of selected variables with pressure and displacement transducers during ex vivo intra‐canal irrigation with a syringe and three different needles (groups A, B, C) into a prepared root canal. Ten specialist endodontists performed the irrigation procedure. Each operator performed ten procedures with each needle. Data recorded by the transducers were analysed using Friedman's test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, Mann–Whitney U‐test and Kendall's Tb test. The level of significance was set to 95%.Results  Significant differences were detected among the three needles for most variables. Duration of delivery and flow rates significantly decreased as the needle diameter increased, whilst pressure increased up to 400–550 kPa. Gender of the operator had a significant impact on the results. Experience of the operators (years) were negatively correlated to volume of irrigant (all groups), to the duration of delivery (groups A, B) and to the average flow rate (group A).Conclusions  Finer diameter needles require increased effort to deliver the irrigant and result in higher intra‐barrel pressure. The syringe and needles used tolerated the pressure developed. Irrigant flow rate should be considered as a factor directly influencing flow beyond the needle. Wide variations of flow rate were observed among operators. Syringe irrigation appears difficult to standardize and control.
Abandonment of farmland and vegetation succession following the Eurasian plague pandemic of ad 1347–52
Authors: Yeloff Dan , Van Geel Bas 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  This paper reviews the available documentary, archaeological and palaeoecological evidence for the abandonment of agricultural land and consequent regeneration of the forest in Europe after the Black Death.Location  Western and northern Europe.Methods  This review is the result of an exhaustive search of the historical, archaeological and palaeoecological literature for evidence indicating agricultural decline and forest regeneration in Eurasia during the 14th century. The available evidence for landscape change can be divided into two categories: (1) documentary and archaeological sources, and (2) palaeoecological reconstructions of past vegetation. In the past few years, several pollen diagrams from north‐west Europe have been reported with precise chronologies (decadal and even annual scale) showing the abandonment of farmland and consequent ecological change in the late medieval period.Results and main conclusions  There is strong evidence of agricultural continuity at several sites in Western Europe at the time of the Black Death. The effects of the Black Death on the European rural landscape varied geographically, with major factors probably including the impact of the plague on the local population, and soil quality. At two sites in western and northern Ireland, the late medieval decline in cereal agriculture was probably a direct result of population reduction following the Black Death. In contrast, the decline in cereal production began at sites in Britain and France before the Black Death pandemic of ad 1347–52, and was probably due to the crisis in the agricultural economy, exacerbated by political instability and climate deterioration. Much of the abandoned arable land was probably exploited for grazing during the period between the decline in cereal farming and the Black Death. In the aftermath of the Black Death, grazing pressure was greatly reduced owing to reductions in the grazing animal population and a shortage of farmers. Vegetation succession on the abandoned grazing land resulted in increased cover of woody tree species, particularly Betula and Corylus, by the late 14th century. The cover of woodland was greatest at c.ad 1400, before forest clearance and agriculture increased in intensity.
Nurses relate the contributing factors involved in medication errors
Authors: Tang Fu‐In , Sheu Shuh‐Jen , Yu Shu , Wei Ien‐Lan , Chen Ching‐Huey 
Published: February 2007

Aims and objectives.  Understanding the processes by which nurses administer medication is critical to the minimization of medication errors. This study investigates nurses’ views on the factors contributing to medication errors in the hope of facilitating improvements to medication administration processes.Design and methods.  A focus group of nine Registered Nurses discussed medication errors with which they were familiar as a result of both their own experiences and of literature review. The group, along with other researchers, then developed a semi‐structured questionnaire consisting of three parts: narrative description of the error, the nurse's background and contributing factors. After the contributing factors had been elicited and verified with eight categories and 34 conditions, additional Registered Nurses were invited to participate by recalling one of the most significant medication errors that they had experienced and identifying contributing factors from those listed on the questionnaire. Identities of the hospital, patient and participants involved in the study remain confidential.Results.  Of the 72 female nurses who responded, 55 (76·4%) believed more than one factor contributed to medication errors. ‘Personal neglect’ (86·1%), ‘heavy workload’ (37·5%) and ‘new staff’ (37·5%) were the three main factors in the eight categories. ‘Need to solve other problems while administering drugs,’‘advanced drug preparation without rechecking,’ and ‘new graduate’ were the top three of the 34 conditions. Medical wards (36·1%) and intensive care units (33·3%) were the two most error‐prone places. The errors common to the two were ‘wrong dose’ (36·1%) and ‘wrong drug’ (26·4%). Antibiotics (38·9%) were the most commonly misadministered drugs.Conclusions.  Although the majority of respondents considered nurse's personal neglect as the leading factor in medication errors, analysis indicated that additional factors involving the health care system, patients’ conditions and doctors’ prescriptions all contributed to administration errors.Relevance to clinical practice.  Identification of the main factors and conditions contributing to medication errors allows clinical nurses and administration systems to eliminate situations that promote errors and to incorporate changes that minimize them, creating a safer patient environment.
Women's conception of the menopausal transition – a qualitative study
Authors: Lindh‐Åstrand Lotta , Hoffmann Mikael , Hammar Mats , Kjellgren Karin I 
Published: February 2007

Aim.  To explore, with a qualitative approach, whether the conception of menopause varies between women seeking medical advice because of climacteric symptoms and, if so, to describe these different conceptions.Background.  For many women, the menopausal transition is a troublesome period of life, often associated with decreased well‐being and a number of symptoms. Besides the hormonal changes, many other factors such as psychological, sociological and lifestyle factors affect how women perceive their menopause.Method.  Semi‐structured interviews were held with 20 women after their first‐time visits at outpatient clinics of gynaecology for discussion of climacteric symptoms. The interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and analysed using a phenomenographic approach.Results.  A wide variation of conceptions was revealed. Two main categories were identified including different physical changes with varying symptoms and both positive and negative psychological changes. The menopausal transition was also described as a natural process and as a developmental phase of life.Conclusion.  Women's conceptions of the menopausal transition were individual and contained both physical and psychological symptoms but also expressed a more holistic view of the menopausal transition. The transition was described as a natural process affected by endocrine and life‐style factors as well as by the psychosocial situation and by ageing per se.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important that health care providers are aware of women's conceptions about the menopausal transition to be able to communicate optimally, support and empower middle‐aged women in different health care situations and thereby optimize the result of care.
Bowel function among people 75+ reporting faecal incontinence in relation to help seeking, dependency and quality of life
Authors: Stenzelius Karin , Westergren Albert , Hallberg Ingalill R 
Published: February 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aim was to compare faecal incontinence and related bowel symptoms among men and women and being dependent or not (aged ≥75 years) and furthermore to identify which bowel symptoms predicted help seeking, dependency and low quality of life (QoL).Background.  Faecal incontinence (FI) in old age is a common condition and influences daily life to a great extent, although few actually seek medical help.Methods.  A total of 248 people with reported difficulties controlling faeces answered a postal questionnaire or were interviewed with questions about FI‐related bowel symptoms. A factor analysis resulted in four areas of bowel symptoms and was used in logistic regression with help seeking, dependency and low QoL as dependent variables.Results.  Of all the subjects, 56·4% had leakage, 54·7% did not reach the toilet in time, 55·6% had incomplete emptying, 27·9% had hard stool, 36·8% bother from moisture from the anus, 32·2% could not withstand urgency for five minutes and 17% had red skin or wounds in the genital region. Women and those dependent were most affected. Totally 40·8% had sought help and 30·1% used protective aids. Leakage, discomfort, consistency and contractibility symptoms were the categories of bowel symptoms related to FI. Discomfort predicted help seeking (OR 3·0), dependency (OR 1·5) and physical QoL (OR 1·7). Leakage predicted help seeking (OR 1·9) but not dependency and QoL.Conclusions.  Overall bowel function was disturbed among those with FI and unmet needs seem problematic especially for women and those needing help in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Encouragement to seek and get medical help and to use protective aids may improve the very low quality of life in this group.Relevance to clinical practice.  Older people with FI should be asked about, assessed for and examined for overall bowel function to get adequate treatment and be encouraged to use protection.
Health beliefs and expectations implicit in decision‐making in a Hong Kong Chinese surgical population
Authors: Henderson Amanda , Chien Wai‐Tong 
Published: February 2007

Aims and objectives.  This study was undertaken to explore health beliefs and expectations implicit in decision‐making preferences of Chinese patients admitted for a surgical procedure in a regional hospital in Hong Kong.Background.  Patient participation in decision‐making about healthcare options is presently being advocated; however, its nature is complex and inadequately explored and understood.Method.  Twenty surgical patients, 10 who desired active participation and 10 who desired passive participation, were interviewed about their reasons for their decision‐making preference.Results.  From thematic analysis of the interviews, ‘trust’ and ‘certainty’ emerged as important concepts. Of particular interest is how ‘certainty’ was construed differently by participants: participants who desired to be passive and have minimal participation in decision‐making did not focus on ‘certainty’ as meaning the predictability of the treatment outcome, but rather ‘certainty’ related to trust and belief in the ability of the doctor to choose the best option for them. Alternatively, participants who desired greater participation in decision‐making spoke much more about the ‘certainty’ of the treatment outcome.Conclusions.  These findings suggest that patients’ desire for participation in decision‐making about surgery may be related to beliefs, expectations and understanding about certainty.Relevance to clinical practice.  It could potentially benefit patients if this concept was explored further prior to patients undertaking decisions about undergoing surgery.
Health promotion for people aged over 65 years in hospitals: nurses’ perceptions about their role
Authors: Kelley Kate , Abraham Charles 
Published: February 2007

Aim.  To identify nurses’ beliefs about health promotion and its delivery in routine care of people aged over 65 years.Background.  Regardless of age, health promotion interventions can enhance health and, in general, older people are motivated to take such preventive action. The National Service Framework for Older People sets the promotion of healthy living as a standard for UK National Health Service Trusts. However, the delivery of health promotion is ‘haphazard’; patients aged over 65 years rarely report receiving health promotion, and reports from nurses suggest they are unsure how to deliver effective health promotion.Method.  A theory‐based survey of all nurses working in a department specializing in the care of people aged over 65 years, 41% of questionnaires were returned.Results.  The majority of nurses identified examples of health promotion and 88% judged health promotion to be effective and worthwhile. Three quarters of the sample viewed health promotion as part of their role and most of the respondents were confident in their ability to provide health promotion. However, the respondents also reported that health promotion was not appropriate for all their patients and considered it an increasingly difficult task as people got older. Organizational barriers to the routine provision of health promotion were identified.Conclusion.  Nurses working on wards for people aged over 65 years are mostly positive about integrating health promotion into their everyday work. However, for health promotion to be routinely implemented, all nursing staff need to feel confident in undertaking the task and believe it is worthwhile. Health promotion needs to be awarded greater importance by hospital management to ensure that it does not conflict with other work priorities. Until this happens the provision of health promotion in hospitals will remain sporadic and lack conviction.Relevance to clinical practice.  With an increasing older population nurses need to be confident and proficient at implementing health promotion to patients aged over 65 years. This survey demonstrates that nurses need more training and support to achieve this.
Automated high‐resolution three‐dimensional fluorescence imaging of large biological specimens
Authors: KAZAKIA G. J. , LEE J. J. , SINGH M. , BIGLEY R. F. , MARTIN R. B. , KEAVENY T. M. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryWe describe a novel automated technique for visualizing the three‐dimensional distribution of fluorochrome‐labelled components, in which image resolution is uncoupled from specimen size. This method is based on computer numerically controlled milling technology and combines an arrayed imaging technique with fluorescence capabilities. Fluorescent signals are segmented by emission spectra such that multiple fluorochromes present within a single specimen may be reconstructed and visualized individually or as a group. The automated nature of the system minimizes the workload and time involved in image capture and volume reconstruction. As an application, the system was used to image zones of fluorochrome‐labelled microdamage within an 8‐mm diameter cylinder of trabecular bone at a voxel size of 3 × 3 × 8 μm3. Our reconstruction of this specimen provides a visual map and quantitative measures of the volume of damage present throughout the cylinder, clearly demonstrating the interpretive power afforded by three‐dimensional visualization. The three‐dimensional nature of this highly automated and adaptable system has the potential to facilitate new diagnostic tools and techniques with application to a wide range of biological and medical research fields.
In situobservations of early oxide formation in steel under hot‐rolling conditions
Authors: MELFO W. M. , DIPPENAAR R. J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryA technique was developed to studyin situthe early stages of the reaction between iron and air. Using a high‐temperature microscope, we observed at temperatures between 1000°C and 1050°C and within the first 30 s of reaction, the formation of iron‐oxide layers on the surface of low‐carbon steel. We observed the nucleation and growth of a first layer of iron oxide and the consecutive formation in sequence, of higher iron oxides sweeping over the surface of the former oxide. The grain boundaries of the steel substrate remain visible for quite some time following exposure to an oxidizing atmosphere indicating that diffusion through steel grain boundaries may have a determining influence on the formation of oxides. These findings emphasize the importance of conducting further studies to better understand the kinetics and mechanisms by which iron‐oxide layers form in the early stages of oxidation.
Large‐scale expression profiling and physiological characterization of jasmonic acid‐mediated adaptation of barley to salinity stress
Authors: WALIA HARKAMAL , WILSON CLYDE , CONDAMINE PASCAL , LIU XUAN , ISMAIL ABDELBAGI M. , CLOSE TIMOTHY J. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTBarley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a salt‐tolerant member of the Triticeae. Recent transcriptome studies on salinity stress response in barley revealed regulation of jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and JA‐responsive genes by salt stress. From that observation and several other physiological reports, it was hypothesized that JA is involved in the adaptation of barley to salt stress. Here we tested that hypothesis by applying JA to barley plants and observing the physiological responses and transcriptome changes. Photosynthetic and sodium ion accumulation responses were compared after (1) salinity stress, (2) JA treatment and (3) JA pre‐treatment followed by salinity stress. The JA‐pre‐treated salt‐stressed plants accumulated strikingly low levels of Na+ in the shoot tissue compared with untreated salt‐stressed plants after several days of exposure to stress. In addition, pre‐treatment with JA partially alleviated photosynthetic inhibition caused by salinity stress. Expression profiling after a short‐term exposure to salinity stress indicated a considerable overlap between genes regulated by salinity stress and JA application. Three JA‐regulated genes, arginine decarboxylase, ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activase and apoplastic invertase are possibly involved in salinity tolerance mediated by JA. This work provides a reference data set for further study of the role of JA in salinity tolerance in barley and other plants species.