bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role for postoperative cortisol response to desmopressin in predicting the risk for recurrent Cushing's disease
Authors: Romanholi Daniella Jesus Patrick Carminatti , Machado Marcio Carlos , Pereira Camila Canteiro , Danilovic Debora Seguro , Pereira Maria Adelaide Albergaria , Cescato Valter Angelo S. , Neto Malebranche Berardo C. Cunha , Musolino Nina Rosa Castro , De Mendonça Berenice Bilharinho , Salgado Luiz Roberto 
Published: June 2008

SummaryIn the early postoperative period of Cushing's disease patients, desmopressin may stimulate ACTH secretion in the remnant corticotrophic tumour, but not in nontumour suppressed cells.Objective  The aim of this study is to evaluate the serum cortisol responses to desmopressin after pituitary surgery, establishing an optimal cut‐off for absolute increment (Δ) of serum cortisol (F) suitable to predict recurrence risk.Design  Retrospective case record study.Patients  Fifty‐seven Cushing's disease patients submitted to pituitary surgery and desmopressin stimulation in the early postoperative with a long‐term follow‐up (20–161 months) were studied.Methods and measurements  Serum cortisol levels after desmopressin test (10 µg IV) 15–30 days after adenomectomy were used to determine ΔF (absolute increment of F: F peak − F baseline). Sensitivity and specificity of ΔF were calculated and a ROC curve was performed to establish an optimal cut‐off for ΔF to predict recurrence risk.Results  Fifteen patients had immediate postoperative failure (basal F > 165 nmol/l; 6 µg/dl) and one patient was lost during the follow‐up. Forty‐one patients achieved initial remission and were followed‐up. Five of 11 patients who recurred had ΔF > 193 nmol/l (7 µg/dl), but none of 30 patients who remained in prolonged remission showed ΔF > 193 nmol/l after postoperative desmopressin stimulation.Conclusions  Persistence of cortisol response (ΔF > 193 nmol/l) to desmopressin in the early postoperative period can help to identify Cushing's disease patients with initial remission who present risk for later recurrence.
Transforming clinical practice amongst community nurses: mentoring for COPD patient self‐management
Authors: Robinson Andrew , Courtney‐Pratt Helen , Lea Emma , Cameron‐Tucker Helen , Turner Paul , Cummings Elizabeth , Wood‐Baker Richard , Walters Eugene Haydn 
Published: June 2008

Aims and objectives.  To report on the process of transforming clinical practice amongst community nurses through a mentoring programme implemented to support self‐management amongst community‐based sufferers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Background.  The increasing incidence of and health burden from, chronic diseases has led to the emergence of more proactive, integrated chronic disease management approaches across the acute and primary care sectors. An important part of these approaches is the direct involvement of patients in their own care. Despite some difficulties with comparing the benefits of chronic disease self‐management programmes, many evaluations report some benefit and all highlight the importance of health professionals in supporting self‐management behaviours. In the primary care sector, community nurses are ideally situated to support these behaviours, but to do this effectively transformation of nursing practice must occur.Design.  Qualitative, longitudinal study informed by action research methods and involving monthly group discussions with community nurse mentors.Methods.  Community nurses from four community health centres in Tasmania were trained in motivational interviewing techniques to promote self‐management amongst chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Nurses’ mentoring experiences were monitored during group discussions and subjected to thematic analysis.Results.  The paper reports the findings of the first 12 months of the project. In this phase, nurses experienced a transformation in their constructions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their clinical practice. This involved a shift from a fatalistic, prescriptive, biomedical approach to a primary healthcare approach characterised by empathy, consultation, facilitation and a holistic focus.Conclusions.  Community nurses face challenges in supporting chronic disease self‐management. These challenges can be overcome and a transformation in clinical practice instilled.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study highlights that it is possible to support community nurses to take a lead role in the ongoing management of chronic disease in the community.
Genetic evidence for male‐biased dispersal in the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: CANO J. M , MÄKINEN H. S , MERILÄ J 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSex‐biased dispersal is capable of generating population structure in nonisolated populations and may affect adaptation processes when selective conditions differ among populations. Intrasexual competition for local resources and/or mating opportunities predicts a male‐biased dispersal in polygynous species and a female bias in monogamous species. The patterns of sex‐biased dispersal in birds and mammals are well explained by their respective mating systems, but the picture emerging from fish studies is still mixed. Using neutral genetic markers, we investigated whether there is any evidence for sex‐biased dispersal among Baltic Sea populations of the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). The null hypothesis of non sex‐biased dispersal was rejected in favour of male‐biased dispersal in this species. As the three‐spined stickleback has a polygynous mating system, the observed male bias in dispersal is consistent with the hypothesis that local mate competition might drive the observed pattern. Although more research both on the proximate and ultimate causes behind the observed pattern is needed, our results serve as a first step towards understanding patterns of sex‐biased dispersal in this species.
Crystal structure of Escherichia coli phage HK620 tailspike: podoviral tailspike endoglycosidase modules are evolutionarily related
Authors: Barbirz Stefanie , Müller Jürgen J. , Uetrecht Charlotte , Clark Alvin J. , Heinemann Udo , Seckler Robert 
Published: June 2008

SummaryBacteriophage HK620 infects Escherichia coli H and is closely related to Shigella phage Sf6 and Salmonella phage P22. All three Podoviridae recognize and cleave their respective host cell receptor polysaccharide by homotrimeric tailspike proteins. The three proteins exhibit high sequence identity in the 110 residues of their N‐terminal particle‐binding domains, but no apparent sequence similarity in their major, receptor‐binding parts. We have biochemically characterized the receptor‐binding part of HK620 tailspike and determined its crystal structure to 1.38 Å resolution. Its major domain is a right‐handed parallel β‐helix, as in Sf6 and P22 tailspikes. HK620 tailspike has endo‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase activity and produces hexasaccharides of an O18A1‐type O‐antigen. As indicated by the structure of a hexasaccharide complex determined at 1.6 Å resolution, the endoglycosidase‐active sites are located intramolecularly, as in P22, and not between subunits, as in Sf6 tailspike. In contrast, the extreme C‐terminal domain of HK620 tailspike forms a β‐sandwich, as in Sf6 and unlike P22 tailspike. Despite the different folds, structure‐based sequence alignments of the C‐termini reveal motifs conserved between the three proteins. We propose that the tailspike genes of P22, Sf6 and HK620 have a common precursor and are not mosaics of unrelated gene fragments.
Biological and Molecular Variability of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in Iran*
Authors: Bananej Kaveh , Keshavarz Tayyebeh , Vahdat Aisan , Hosseini Salekdeh Ghasem , Glasa Miroslav 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV; family Potyviridae, genus Potyvirus) causes high yield losses to cucurbits in many parts of the world. The virus was detected for the first time in Iran in 1988, but the isolates have not been characterized. To study the genetic and biological diversity among Iranian ZYMV isolates, a set of twelve isolates, obtained during an extensive survey conducted from 2003 to 2006 in the major cucurbit‐growing areas, were characterized. An experimental host range study of these isolates (referred as Iran‐1 to Iran‐12) revealed some variation in their biological properties. The nucleotide sequences of the genomic portion spanning the C‐terminal part of NIb and N‐terminal part of coat protein (CP) coding region were determined and compared with other available sequences. The identity among Iranian ZYMV isolates at the amino acid level reached 95.6–100%. The Iranian ZYMV isolates did not form a compact cluster in the phylogenetic tree, and the phylogenetic analyses and the estimation of genetic distance indicate that the Iranian ZYMV group consists of several independent introductions that evolved separately.
Microstructurally controlled monazite chronology of ultrahigh‐temperature granulites from southern India: Implications for the timing of Gondwana assembly
Authors: Santosh M. , Tsunogae Toshiaki , Tsutsumi Yukiyasu , Iwamura Masayuki 
Published: June 2008

AbstractUltrahigh‐temperature (UHT) granulite facies rocks from the Achankovil Shear Zone area and the southern domain of the Madurai Granulite Block in South India contain monazite useful for in situ microprobe U–Pb dating. The UHT rocks examined consist of garnet + cordierite (retrograde) + quartz + mesoperthite + biotite + plagioclase + Fe‐Ti oxides ± orthopyroxene ± sillimanite and accessory zircon and monazite. Sillimanite occurs only as inclusions in garnet. Microstructural observations suggest garnet, orthopyroxene, spinel and mesoperthite are products of peak metamorphism. Post‐peak formation of cordierite ± orthopyroxene ± quartz and cordierite + spinel + Fe‐Ti oxides assemblages is also observed. Geothermobarometry on orthopyroxene and garnet‐orthopyroxene bearing assemblages suggest peak UHT conditions of T = 940–1040°C and P = 8.5–9.5 kbar. This was followed by a retrograde stage of 3.5–4.5 kbar and 720 ± 60°C, estimated from garnet‐cordierite assemblages. A small population of rounded, probably detrital, monazites in these rocks yield ages from Meso‐ to Neoproterozoic indicating a heterogeneous source. The youngest associated spot ages are 660–600 Ma suggesting protolith deposition up to ca 600 Ma. In contrast, the vast majority of monazites that crystallized during the latest metamorphic event show late Neoproterozoic to Cambrian ages. Probability‐density plots of monazite age data show a ‘peak’ between 533 and 565 Ma, but this peak need not reflect a particular thermal event. Collating ages from homogenous metamorphic monazites associated with minerals stable at peak P‐T conditions suggests peak metamorphism in these rocks occurred at 580–600 Ma. Together with a re‐evaluation of available data from adjacent granulite blocks in southern India, these data suggest the main metamorphic event coinciding with the suturing of India with the Gondwana amalgam probably occurred 580–600 Ma. The 500–550 Ma ages commonly reported in previous studies might represent post‐peak thermal events.
PAEDIATRIC MOTORBIKE INJURIES: DO CHILDREN RIDING MOTORBIKES GET THE SAME INJURIES AS THOSE RIDING BICYCLES?
Authors: Robertson Jonathon , Garrett Peter 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Health workers have the impression that injuries sustained by children on motorcycles are more severe and debilitating than those of children on bicycles. This was not reflected by data collected for a statewide trauma registry: the two groups looked very similar at first glance.Methods:  A retrospective chart review audit was carried out to further collect clinical data that might be deemed to be consequential to patients, their families and the health system, to see if this initial finding was reproduced.Results:  Registry outcomes such as length of stay and mortality were no different, but number of procedures required, number of injuries and functional injuries were very different.Conclusions:  Showing that children are more severely injured when riding motorcycles rather than bicycles is needed to promote cultural and legislative change.
Endobronchial ultrasound convex‐probe transbronchial needle aspiration as the first diagnostic test in patients with pulmonary masses and associated hilar or mediastinal nodes
Authors: Fielding D. , Windsor M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground: In the diagnosis of patients with a lung mass and hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes (N1or N2) it may be that patients are unnecessarily having biopsies of the primary lung cancer when sampling of the nodes would give both a tissue diagnosis and staging. By comparing node station and size in patients having just one procedure (endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration [EBUS TBNA]) with those having extra procedures on the primary mass before EBUS TBNA, similarity of nodes in the two groups might suggest that the extra procedures were unnecessary.Methods: A prospective case series of patients with coexistent lung mass and N1or N2 nodes compared results for EBUS TBNA in patients with no prior bronchoscopy (group A) with patients who had a bronchoscopy or transthoracic needle aspiration elsewhere directed at the primary mass (group B).Results: Sixty‐eight EBUS TBNA procedures were carried out in 67 patients with 23 patients in group A, and 45 in group B. Nodes sampled included stations 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 and 12. Node size was approximately the same in both groups, 16.5 ± 6 mm in group A and 16.9 ± 6 mm in group B. For malignancy sensitivity by EBUS TBNA was 94% in group A and 95% in group B, with surgical sampling showing three TBNA false negatives.Conclusion: There was no difference between the two groups in node size or location. Diagnostic yield overall was high. With expanding use of EBUS TBNA, a new guideline for its initial application in such patients could reduce the overall number of procedures.
Perceptions and attitudes of rehabilitation medicine physicians on complementary and alternative medicine in Australia
Authors: Mak J. C. S. , Mak L. Y. H. , Shen Q. , Faux S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground:  The growing demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is undeniable. We report a first study about the attitudes and behaviour of Australian rehabilitation physicians to CAM.Methods:  A prospective cross‐sectional survey was undertaken to document the prevalence of, knowledge about and referrals to CAM therapies and their perceived effectiveness, by a sample of Australian rehabilitation physicians.Results:  Thirty‐six out of 94 actively practising rehabilitation physicians from the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, replied to the survey, a response rate of 38%, and 85% reported familiarity with CAM, the most familiar therapies being acupuncture (80%), yoga (74%) and Tai‐Chi (72%). CAM referral was reported in 84%, 38% personally used CAM, 94% of patients enquired about CAM therapies, 32% of respondents routinely enquired about CAM use. Age, sex and year of Fellowship were not associated with familiarity, personal use or frequency of patient enquiry about CAM. Those who reported to be very familiar with CAM were more likely to routinely enquire about CAM use (P = 0.028) and be more confident in prescribing certain CAM therapies (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Australian rehabilitation physicians report similar CAM referral rates to Canadian physiatrists and Australian general practitioners. The most commonly prescribed therapies were acupuncture, yoga and Tai‐Chi. Almost all patients use CAM therapies, but only a minority of rehabilitation physicians enquires about CAM use on a regular basis. The latter may avoid potentially harmful drug interactions, as well as improve the quality of the physician–patient relationship.
Treatment‐induced stable, moderate reduction in blood cell counts correlate to disease control in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lester S. E. , Proudman S. M. , Lee A. T. Y. , Hall C. A. , McWilliams L. , James M. J. , Cleland L. G. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has become more intensive, thereby raising concerns regarding toxicities, including leucopenia. The objective was to analyse cell counts obtained as routine surveillance for adverse effects to assess the effect of intensive treatment and treatment dosage and to examine correlations to disease activity scores.Methods: Patients with early RA were treated with combinations of disease‐modifying anti‐inflammatory drugs according to pre‐defined rules, with dose adjustments contingent on residual disease activity and tolerance.Results: Mean leucocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts fell with levels that correlated to disease activity scores. The strongest correlation was between platelets and disease activity scores. There was a modest, inverse correlation between methotrexate dose and monocyte and lymphocyte counts. No serious toxicity associated with the therapy was seen.Conclusion: Moderate reductions in cell counts are well tolerated in RA and appear to contribute to disease control.
Spatiotemporal organization of α‐motoneuron activity in the human spinal cord during different gaits and gait transitions
Authors: Ivanenko Y. P. , Cappellini G. , Poppele R. E. , Lacquaniti F. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractHere we studied the spatiotemporal organization of motoneuron (MN) activity during different human gaits. We recorded the electromyographic (EMG) activity patterns in 32 ipsilateral limb and trunk muscles from normal subjects while running and walking on a treadmill (3–12 km/h). In addition, we recorded backward walking and skipping, a distinct human gait that comprises the features of both walking and running. We mapped the recorded EMG activity patterns onto the spinal cord in approximate rostrocaudal locations of the MN pools. The activation of MNs tends to occur in bursts and be segregated by spinal segment in a gait‐specific manner. In particular, sacral and cervical activation timings were clearly gait‐dependent. Swing‐related activity constituted an appreciable fraction (> 30%) of the total MN activity of leg muscles. Locomoting at non‐preferred speeds (running and walking at 5 and 9 km/h, respectively) showed clear differences relative to preferred speeds. Running at low speeds was characterized by wider sacral activation. Walking at high non‐preferred speeds was accompanied by an ‘atypical’ locus of activation in the upper lumbar spinal cord during late stance and by a drastically increased activation of lumbosacral segments. The latter findings suggest that the optimal speed of gait transitions may be related to an optimal intensity of the total MN activity, in addition to other factors previously described. The results overall support the idea of flexibility and adaptability of spatiotemporal activity in the spinal circuitry with constraints on the temporal functional connectivity of hypothetical pulsatile burst generators.
Hereditary phenotypes in nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Schaumburg Henriette L. , Kapilin Ulla , Blåsvær Christa , Eiberg Hans , Von Gontard Alexander , Djurhuus Jens Christian , Rittig Søren 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo identify phenotypic characteristics in three large families with autosomal dominant nocturnal enuresis (NE), and to elucidate whether such characteristics persist after cessation of symptoms.SUBJECTS AND METHODSFrom three unrelated NE kindreds (A–C) we included 98 living members of whom 34 either had active NE (>one wet night/month after the age of 5 years) or a history of NE. The family members were interviewed to identify NE type and severity. Subsequently, night‐time urine production was recorded for 2 weeks at home and 4 days of frequency‐volume charts were completed.RESULTSThere was coexistence of both primary and secondary NE (family A), coexistence of monosymptomatic NE and incontinence (families A and C), pure monosymptomatic NE (family B) and pure day‐time incontinence (family C). However, the NE phenotype of family A was characterized by nocturnal polyuria and normal bladder capacity, whereas family C was characterized by normal nocturnal urine production and reduced bladder capacity. Interestingly, there were no differences between former affected and unaffected family members in any of the families for night‐time urine production, nocturia frequency, nocturia volumes, day‐to‐night ratios, or bladder capacity.CONCLUSIONThe clinical phenotype in three large families with hereditary severe NE was heterogeneous within and between families. However, the NE phenotype seemed to differ between two of the families for nocturnal urine production, bladder capacity, and response to desmopressin. These results indicate that the genes responsible for NE in these families are not related directly to the presence of primary vs secondary NE or coexisting day‐time problems. However, there might be genetically determined differences in bladder capacity and/or nocturnal urine production.
IS THERE A ‘SECESSION OF THE WEALTHY’? PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE UPTAKE AND NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM SUPPORT
Authors: Costa‐Font Joan , Jofre‐Bonet Mireia 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTThe purchase of private health insurance (PHI) as a means to partially supplement the National Health System (NHS) coverage is often regarded as a potential signal for a declining support for the NHS. Exploiting the fact that PHI is typically purchased by the most affluent, in this paper we test the so called ‘secession of the wealthy’ hypothesis whereby the likelihood of expressing ‘lack of support for the NHS’ increases with having supplementary PHI. Using empirical data from Catalonia, we draw upon an empirical strategy that circumvents an obvious simultaneity problem by estimating both a recursive bivariate probit as well as an IV probit. After controlling for insurance premium, household income and other socio‐demographic determinants, we find that the purchase of PHI reduces the propensity of individuals to support the NHS. We also find evidence that PHI is a luxury good and sensitive to fiscal incentives.