bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The IGF system and cytokine interactions and relationships with longitudinal growth in prepubertal patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Street Maria E. , Spaggiari Cinzia , Volta Cecilia , Ziveri Maria Angela , Viani Isabella , Rossi Maurizio , Pisi Giovanna , Grzincich GianLuigi , Bernasconi Sergio 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjective  Growth delay is a feature of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation that has been shown to modify the IGF system, which is essential for normal growth, and is related to pulmonary function in CF patients. We aimed to verify whether circulating levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, insulin and the IGF system were related and/or had relationships with linear growth in children with CF.Design and patients  Seventeen prepubertal CF patients (nine males and eight females) in a stable clinical condition were enrolled. Auxological parameters, pulmonary function and the Shwachman–Kulczycki (S‐K) score were assessed, and serum samples were drawn at baseline and after 12 months.Measurements  TNF‐α, IL‐6, IGF‐I, IGF‐II, IGFBP‐1, IGFBP‐2, IGFBP‐3 and insulin were assayed using specific commercial kits.Results  At baseline, TNF‐α serum concentration was related to serum IGF‐I concentration (R = 0·53), IGF‐II bioactivity (IGF‐II/IGFBP‐3 molar ratio, R = +0·52) and insulin concentration (R = +0·63). Changes in serum IL‐6 and IGFBP‐2 concentrations during the 12‐month observation were positively correlated (R = +0·63). Changes in height standard deviation score (Ht SDS) were correlated with IGF‐I serum concentrations at baseline (R =+0·67) and after 12 months (R = +0·70), with IGF‐I bioavailability and with IGFBP‐1 serum concentrations (R = –0·88). Body mass index (BMI) SDS correlated with IGF bioavailability.Conclusions  This study showed a relationship between inflammatory status and the IGF system, and an effect of these interactions on longitudinal growth. Moreover, a role for insulin in growth was identified. Better control of inflammation and preservation of insulin secretion could benefit these patients.
Explicating Benner’s concept of expert practice: intuition in emergency nursing
Authors: Lyneham Joy , Parkinson Camillus , Denholm Carey 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTitle.  Explicating Benner’s concept of expert practice: intuition in emergency nursing. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring the experience of intuition in emergency nursing in relation to Benner’s fifth stage of practice development, ‘the expert practitioner.’Background.  Expert nurses anecdotally report actions and thoughts that present in their consciousness and have an impact on the care given. Benner used the term ‘intuition’ for the fifth stage of practice development. However, Paley has criticized Benner’s model for its lack of clarity about the nature of an expert practitioner. This criticism is further justified by Benner’s inadequate explanation of expert.Method.  A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted using van Manen’s approach and a Gadamerian analysis. Fourteen expert emergency nurses in Australia were interviewed between January 2000 and December 2003.Findings.  The analysis resulted in the reconstruction of Benner’s expert stage into three distinct phases: cognitive intuition, where assessment is processed subconsciously and can be rationalized in hindsight; transitional intuition, where a physical sensation and other behaviours enter the nurse’s awareness; and embodied intuition, when the nurse trusts the intuitive thoughts.Conclusion.  The findings validate the use of intuitive decision‐making as a construct in explaining expert clinical decision‐making practices. The validity of intuitive practice should be recognized. It is essential to recognize the conditions that support practice development, and in the prenovice stage (during their university course) factors such as reflection, research (in its broadest sense) and clinical curiosity should be fostered.
Reading, writing and systematic review
Authors: Sandelowski Margarete 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTitle.  Reading, writing and systematic review. Aim.  This paper offers a discussion of the reading and writing practices that define systematic review.Background.  Although increasingly popular, systematic review has engendered a critique of the claims made for it as a more objective method for summing up research findings than other kinds of reviews.Discussion.  An alternative understanding of systematic review is as a highly subjective, albeit disciplined, engagement between resisting readers and resistant texts. Reviewers of research exemplify the resisting reader when they exclude reports on grounds of relevance, quality, or methodological difference. Research reports exemplify resistant texts as they do not simply yield their findings, but rather must be made docile to review. These acts of resistance make systematic review possible, but challenge claims of its greater capacity to control bias.Conclusion.  An understanding of the reading and writing practices that define systematic review still holds truth and objectivity as regulative ideals, but is aware of the reading and writing practices that both enable and challenge those ideals.
Tectonic features of the Lipari–Vulcano complex (Aeolian archipelago, Italy) from 10 years (1996–2006) of GPS data
Authors: Mattia Mario , Palano Mimmo , Bruno Valentina , Cannavò Flavio , Bonaccorso Alessandro , Gresta Stefano 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe tectonic deformation of the Lipari–Vulcano complex, one of the most important active volcanic areas of the Mediterranean region, is studied here through the analysis of 10 years (1996–2006) of GPS data from both three permanent and 13 non‐permanent stations. This area can be considered crucial for the understanding of the interaction between the Eurasian and African plates in the Mediterranean area, and, in general, this work emphasizes a methodological approach, already applied in other areas worldwide (J. Geophys. Res., 1996, 101, 27 957; J. Geodyn., 1999, 27, 213) where geodetic data and strain parameters maps of critical areas can help to improve our understanding of their geodynamical aspects. In this framework, this study is aimed at providing a kinematic deformation model on the basis of the dense geodetically estimated velocities of the Lipari–Vulcano complex. In particular, the observed deformation pattern can be described by a combination of (1) the main N–S regional compression and (2) a NNE–SSW compression with a small right‐lateral strike slip component acting along a tectonic structure trending N°40W between the two islands. This pattern was inspected through a simplified synthetic model.
Pharmacovigilance of antimalarial treatment in Uganda: community perceptions and suggestions for reporting adverse events
Authors: Bukirwa Hasifa , Nayiga Susan , Lubanga Rosalind , Mwebaza Norah , Chandler Clare , Hopkins Heidi , Talisuna Ambrose O. , Staedke Sarah G. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjectives  The deployment of new antimalarials in Africa provides an important opportunity to develop systems for pharmacovigilance. To inform strategies for reporting adverse events in Uganda, we investigated local perceptions and experiences with antimalarial treatment, and evaluated existing and potential systems for pharmacovigilance.Methods  Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with community members and health workers from urban and rural Uganda exploring knowledge of fever/malaria, perceptions and expectations of treatment, understanding of adverse effects, and experiences with adverse events. Sessions were recorded, transcribed into English, and analysed using a coding scheme developed from pre‐defined topics together with themes emerging from the data.Results  Between April and July 2006, we conducted 25 FGDs; 16 with community members and nine with health workers. All respondents had extensive experience with malaria and its treatment. Community members commonly recognized adverse effects of antimalarial therapy. However, events were uncommonly reported, and certain events were often interpreted as signs of successful treatment. Community members often felt that the costs of reporting or seeking additional care outweighed the potential benefits. Health workers were unfamiliar with formal pathways for reporting, and were deterred by the additional work of reporting and fear of incrimination. Respondents provided suggestions for incentives and methods of reporting, emphasizing that pharmacovigilance should ideally encompass the public and private sector, and the community.Conclusions  To be successful, pharmacovigilance relying on voluntary reporting will require active participation of patients and health workers. Addressing the costs and benefits of reporting, and providing sensitization, training and feedback will be important.
Assessing debt‐to‐health swaps: a case study on the Global Fund Debt2Health Conversion Scheme
Authors: Cassimon Danny , Renard Robrecht , Verbeke Karel 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe Debt2Health Conversion Scheme of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is used to reassess a range of recent initiatives that propose debt relief in exchange for spending in the health sector. The experience with debt swaps in the mid 1990s was far from positive, and recent improved insight in the economics of debt relief suggests extreme caution. We argue that the recent spade of debt swap proposals, even if targeting countries and debt titles that fall outside current major international debt relief mechanisms, share most of the design faults of previous initiatives. Proposals such as Debt2Health do not constitute efficient vehicles to increase net transfers to poor countries, to reduce the economic disadvantages of indebtedness, or to strengthen public health systems of partner countries. For debt relief to constitute a valuable mechanism to provide aid, it should be designed as a large‐scale and comprehensive operation, with spending earmarked to broad country‐established priorities, and reinforce rather than undermine national implementation systems.
Development and testing of a de novo clinical staging system for podoconiosis (endemic non‐filarial elephantiasis)
Authors: Tekola Fasil , Ayele Zewdu , Mariam Dereje Haile , Fuller Claire , Davey Gail 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjective  To develop and test a robust clinical staging system for podoconiosis, a geochemical disease in individuals exposed to red clay soil.Methods  We adapted the Dreyer system for staging filarial lymphoedema and tested it in four re‐iterative field tests conducted in an area of high‐podoconiosis prevalence in Southern Ethiopia. The system has five stages according to proximal spread of disease and presence of dermal nodules, ridges and bands. We measured the 1‐week repeatability and the inter‐observer agreement of the final staging system.Results  The five‐stage system is readily understood by community workers with little health training. Kappa for 1‐week repeatability was 0.88 (95% CI 0.80–0.96), for agreement between health professionals was 0.71 (95% CI 0.60–0.82), while that between health professionals and community podoconiosis agents without formal health training averaged 0.64 (95% CI 0.52–0.78).Conclusions  This simple staging system with good inter‐observer agreement and repeatability can assist in the management and further study of podoconiosis.
Efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials
Authors: Penagos M. , Compalati E. , Tarantini F. , Baena‐Cagnani C. E. , Passalacqua G. , Canonica G. W. 
Published: August 2008

Rationale:  Several randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) thus allowing for a meta‐analysis to determine the overall treatment effect.Methods:  A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, LILACS, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library databases up to 31 October, 2007 was carried out. Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of MFNS in patients with AR compared to placebo were included. Total nasal symptom scores (TNSS), individual nasal symptoms, total non‐nasal symptom scores (TNNSS) and nasal airflow were analysed as the standardized mean difference (SMD). Meta‐analysis was performed with the random or the fixed effect models depending on heterogeneity, by using revman 5 software.Data synthesis:  Sixteen of the 113 identified articles met the inclusion criteria. For MFNS efficacy on TNSS, 2998 participants were analysed: 1534 received MFNS and 1464 placebo. Mometasone furoate nasal spray was associated with a significant reduction in TNSS (SMD −0.49, 95% CI: −0.60 to −0.38; P < 0.00001; I2 = 50.1%). A significant effect on SMD for nasal stuffiness/congestion (−0.41; 95% CI: −0.56 to −0.27), rhinorrhoea (−0.44; 95% CI: −0.66 to −0.21), sneezing (−0.40; 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.23) and nasal itching (−0.39; 95% CI: −0.53 to −0.25) was also demonstrated. Mometasone furoate nasal spray treated subjects also showed a significant reduction in TNNSS (−0.30; 95% CI: −0.43 to −0.18). The proportion of patients with adverse events was similar for MFNS and placebo (0.99; 95% CI: 0.81–1.20; P = 0.91).Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis provides a level Ia evidence for the efficacy of MFSN in the treatment of AR vs placebo. Adverse events frequency was similar in both groups.
Androgens upregulate aquaporin 9 expression in the prostate
Authors: Wang Jianbo , Tanji Nozomu , Sasaki Toyokazu , Kikugawa Tadahiko , Song Xishuang , Yokoyama Masayoshi 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  Aquaporins (AQP) function as selective pores allowing water, glycerol and other small solutes to pass through the cell membrane. We previously reported that AQP are expressed in the prostates of both humans and rats. The present study investigated the androgen‐dependent expression of AQP9 in the prostate in vivo and in vitro.Methods:  Rat ventral prostate tissue specimens and a normal human prostatic epithelial cell line (PNT2) were used. AQP9 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression were examined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemical methods. Androgen modulation was achieved by surgical castration, treatment with testosterone propionate (5 µg/g bodyweight) or bicalutamide (20 µg/g bodyweight), and the ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) method of the androgen receptor (AR). The synthetic small interfering RNA was transfected into PNT2 at a concentration of 10 nM, and the RNAi effect was evaluated using a Western blotting analysis.Results:  AQP9 mRNA and protein were expressed in the rat prostate. Surgical castration or bicalutamide treatment significantly decreased their expression. In addition, the treatment with testosterone propionate after castration restored the expression to the level of the controls. An RNAi experiment in PNT2 also decreased the expression.Conclusions:  AQP9 expression in the prostate is controlled by androgens.
The effectiveness of tamsulosin in treating women with voiding difficulty
Authors: Chang Shang‐Jen , Chiang I‐Ni , Yu Hong‐Jeng 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of tamsulosin in treating women with voiding difficulty.Methods:  Female patients presenting chronic, bothersome voiding symptoms, combined with subnormal uroflow were treated with 0.2 mg tamsulosin daily for six weeks. Outcome analyses included the International Prostate Symptom Score and uroflowmetry with post‐void residual urine. Patients achieving a 50% or greater reduction in their voiding symptom score, combined with a 30% or greater increment in their maximal flow rate were regarded as having a good therapeutic response. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients classified as having bladder outlet obstruction, or detrusor underactivity based on pressure‐flow study, excluding those with indwelling catheterization or intermittent self‐catheterization as well as those with anatomic obstruction.Results:  Ninety‐seven patients met the study inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Significant improvements in voiding symptom score, storage symptom score, maximal flow rate, post‐void residual urine and voiding efficiency were observed in all patients while on tamsulosin. A good therapeutic response was observed in 35.1% of patients. Of these, 33 were classified as having bladder outlet obstruction and 52 had detrusor underactivity. Although both groups experienced significant reduction in their voiding symptom scores, patients with bladder outlet obstruction were more likely to achieve a reduction of their voiding symptom score. The magnitude of improvement in uroflow parameters as well as the proportion of patients achieving a good therapeutic response (39.4% for bladder outlet obstruction vs 32.7% for detrusor underactivity, P = 0.69) were similar between the two groups. Adverse events were mild and tolerable.Conclusions:  Tamsulosin has beneficial effects in a significant proportion of women with voiding difficulty.
Ejaculatory dysfunction caused by the new α1‐blocker silodosin: A preliminary study to analyze human ejaculation using color Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Nagai Atsushi , Hara Ryoei , Yokoyama Teruhiko , Jo Yoshimasa , Fujii Tomohiro , Miyaji Yoshiyuki 
Published: August 2008

Objectives: In order to clinically investigate the mechanism of ejaculatory dysfunction attributable to the α1‐blocker silodosin, a real‐time observation of ejaculation by healthy males was performed.Methods: Following intake of silodosin, a newly developed selective α1‐blocker for benign prostatic hypertrophy, ejaculation was dynamically observed using color Doppler ultrasound in three healthy males. Normal ejaculation was also investigated in the same manner.Results: With silodosin intake, no antegrade ejaculation was observed in cases 1 or 2. In case 1, seminal fluid slowly but continuously flowed out from the seminal vesicles into the bladder. In case 2, only a small amount of seminal fluid flowed into the bladder during the ejaculatory sensation. In case 3, ejection of a small amount of semen from the external urethral orifice was observed and inflow of a small amount of seminal fluid into the bladder was also captured. Without silodosin intake, all three subjects exhibited antegrade ejaculation.Conclusions: The mechanism of ejaculatory dysfunction is intricately related to retrograde ejaculation (retrograde inflow of seminal fluid), insufficient contraction of the seminal vesicles, and insufficient rhythmic contraction of the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Epigenetic markers as promising prognosticators for bladder cancer
Authors: Kim Young Kyoon , Kim Wun‐Jae 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTransitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder have diverse biological and functional characteristics. Surveillance strategies for bladder cancer recurrence have historically relied on the diagnostic combination of cystoscopy and urinary cytology. However, the accuracy of both tests depends on subjective and operator‐dependent interpretations of the visible findings. In contrast, promoter hypermethylation of CpG islands is strongly associated with tumor development and prognosis of bladder cancer. Detection of DNA methylation in voided urine may be feasible and more sensitive than conventional urine cytology. Ultimately, all types of urological cancers may be screened in urine using a candidate panel of hypermethylated genes. The epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes is interest from a clinical point of view because it is possible to reverse epigenetic changes and restore gene function to a cell. Methylation markers might therefore be more useful than conventional molecular markers for the treatment and prevention of bladder cancer.
Salvage radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Chalasani Venu , Iansavichene Alla E , Lock Michael , Izawa Jonathan I 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRecurrent disease following radical prostatectomy will occur in approximately 20% of patients, for whom the therapeutic options include surveillance, salvage radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy. This review will focus on the evidence for salvage radiotherapy. Efficacy results of 30–50% have been reported from multiple retrospective series, with minimal morbidity. Unfortunately there are no randomized or prospective studies in this area. Results of salvage radiotherapy improve when given earlier, ideally with the serum prostate‐specific antigen < 1 ng/mL. Other positive prognosticators are positive margins at radical prostatectomy, longer prostate‐specific antigen doubling times, lower radical prostatectomy Gleason scores, and the absence of lymph node metastases. Current standard dosage is 64 Gy or slightly higher, although the optimal dosage has yet to be defined with prospective randomized trials. Salvage radiotherapy can provide a durable response when given early, and patients with recurrent disease should be considered for treatment or enrolment in clinical trials.
Prospective assessment of the efficacy of single dose versus traditional 3‐day antimicrobial prophylaxis in 12‐core transrectal prostate biopsy
Authors: Cam Kamil , Kayikci Ali , Akman Yavuz , Erol Ali 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of single dose antibiotic prophylaxis in 12‐core transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy.Methods:  A total of 400 patients who underwent prostate biopsy with TRUS guidance were included. The patients were prospectively randomized in three groups regarding antibiotic prophylaxis. The first group (139 patients) received a single gram of intramuscular ceftriaxone, while the second group (131 patients) had a 3‐day course of oral ciprofloxacin. The third group (130 patients) had single oral 500 mg of ciprofloxacin. All patients had urine cultures prior to biopsy and on the second day after biopsy.Results:  The study groups were compared in terms of the results of urine cultures and clinical parameters. Overall, only seven patients (1.8% of the cases) had positive urine cultures with no difference between these three groups. Additionally, no significant difference was observed regarding morbidity rates in all groups. Only eight patients (2%) developed major complications requiring hospitalization. There was no increase in the rate of infectious complications when the biopsy core numbers were increased up to 12.Conclusions:  The current study suggests that a single oral dose of antimicrobial prophylaxis is reasonable in TRUS prostate biopsy even in the case of 12‐core sampling.