bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thallus Morphology and Apothecial Development in Omphalodium Pisacomense and Omphalora Arizonica (Parmeliaceae)
Authors: Henssen Aino 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn Omphalodium pisacomense and Omphalora arizonica the umbilicate thallus is limited on both sides by strongly gelatinized, prosoplectenchymatous cortices. Pseudocyphellae are formed abundantly on the top of tubercles and ridges; the tuberculate pseudocyphellae are predominantly confined to the upper surface in Omphalodium pisacomense and to the lower surface in Omphalora arizonica. Studies of the ascocarp ontogeny demonstrated the affiliation of Omphalodium and Omphalora to Parmeliaceae s. lat. In both genera, pycnidia and apothecia arise in the upper cortex, being differentiated entirely by cortical hyphae. The parmelioid development of the apothecia differs in the two genera. In Omphalodium pisacomensethe apothecium is incompletely zeorine, since the upper margin of the exciple remains covered by the thalline cortex, while in Omphalora arizonica the upper margin of the exciple protrudes and develops gradually, together with the thalline stalk, into a pedicel for the hymenium. The differences in developmental morphology support the view that Omphalodium and Omphalora should be treated as separate genera. The peculiarities of the parmelioid ontogeny and its implication in the evolution of lichens are discussed.
Three-dimensional quantitative description of symbiont ultrastructure within the algal layer oftwo members of the lichen family Umbilicariaceae
Authors: Valladares F. , Ascaso C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe ultrastructure of the symbionts within the algal layer of Lasallia hispamca and Umbilicaria spodochroa has been investigated by applying stereological techniques to quantify cellular organelles and structures. The stereological parameters calculated were volume density (Vv) and surface density (Sv). To obtain these parameters for each cellular structure, a systematic sampling of photographic fields of the algal layer for each sample was utilized.Significant differences between the two lichen species with respect to both symbionts were observed. The cellular structures of the photobiont that differed the most between the two lichen species were the chloroplast, which differed by 15°0, in the Vv values and 25°0, in the Sv values, the pyrenoid (as a whole and in the diameter of pyrenoglobuli) and the mitochondria. With respect to the mycobiont, the vacuolar apparatus was of great importance in characterizing the two species, as was to a lesser extent the protoplast volume occupied by concentric bodies.
Gyalideopsis Cochlearifer, a New Pantropical, Commensalistic Species Foliicolous Gomphillaceae.
Authors: Lücking Robert , Sérusiaux Emmanuël 
Published: May 2007

AbstractGyalideopsis cochleriferLücking &amp; Sérus. sp. nov. is a new, pantropical, commensalistic species restricted to foliicolous representatives of certain genera in theGomphillaceae. It produces black spathulate hyphophores and small black apothecia.
A New Belonia From New Zealand and a Second Record of B. Mediterranea.
Authors: Coppins Brain J. , Malcolm William M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBelonia pellucidasp. nov. is described from coastal scrubland in North Island, New Zealand. This is the third report of the genusBelonia(Gyalectales) from the Southern Hemisphere.Belonia mediterraneais reported for the second time, from Mallorca.
Effect of Cues to Increase Sound Pressure Level on Respiratory Kinematic Patterns During Connected Speech
Authors: Huber Jessica E. 
Published: May 2007

Purpose
This study examined the response of the respiratory system to 3 cues used to elicit increased vocal loudness to determine whether the effects of cueing, shown previously in sentence tasks, were present in connected speech tasks and to describe differences among tasks.

Method
Fifteen young men and 15 young women produced a 2-paragraph reading passage in response to 4 different loudness cues: comfortable loudness level, targeting 10 dB above comfortable, at what they perceived as twice their comfortable loudness, and with multitalker noise present in the background. A short monologue was produced at comfortable loudness level and with noise in the background.

Results
Differences in respiratory strategies were demonstrated for the different cueing conditions, similar to patterns observed in sentence productions. The kinematic patterns were similar for reading and monologue; however, utterances were longer and speaking rate was slower in the monologue task.

Conclusion
The findings extend the results from sentences to connected speech and provide support for the hypothesis that “intention” or goals play a role in the control of respiratory function during speech. Respiratory kinematics were similar across tasks, when the same cue was used, except for differences related to breath group length and speech rate.
Risk factors for impaired wound healing in sirolimus‐treated renal transplant recipients
Authors: Knight Richard J. , Villa Martin , Laskey Robert , Benavides Carlos , Schoenberg Linda , Welsh Maria , Kerman Ronald H. , Podder Hemangshu , Buren Charles T. Van , Katz Stephen M. , Kahan Barry D. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Aim:  As sirolimus has been implicated in impaired wound healing, the aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for wound complications after renal transplantation in patients treated with this drug de novo.Methods:  This single center retrospective review of wound complications included 194 renal transplant recipients, all of whom received sirolimus immunosuppression in combination with reduced doses of cyclosporine (CsA) and corticosteroids de novo. A wound complication was defined as an infection, incisional hernia, or lymphocele.Results:  The overall incidence of wound complications within the first year post‐transplantation was 36% (n = 70) including infection in 12% (n = 23), lymphocele formation in 18% (n = 34), and incisional hernia in 18% (n = 34) of patients. Seventeen patients suffered more than one wound complication. A multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors for the development of wound complications were recipients over the age of 40 yr (odds ratio 2.536, p = 0.011), subjects with body mass index (BMI) >26 (odds ratio 2.498, p = 0.027) and especially BMI >30 (odds ratio 3.738, p = 0.007), the use of thymoglobulin for induction immunosuppression (odds ratio 3.627, p = 0.002), and a cumulative dose of sirolimus of at least 35 mg by post‐transplant day 4 (odds ratio 2.694, p = 0.023). African‐American (odds ratio 0.139, p < 0.001) or Hispanic recipients (odds ratio 0.337, p = 0.014) were less likely to experience a wound problem than Caucasian recipients.Conclusion:  A number of potentially modifiable risk factors independently increase the incidence of wound complications among renal transplant recipients receiving sirolimus‐based immunosuppression de novo.
Growing old and getting sick: Maintaining a positive spirit at the end of life
Authors: Clarke David M. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract End of life throws up significant mental health challenges. A high proportion of people in the terminal stages of illness experience depressive symptoms. This paper integrates a theory of hierarchy of human needs and empirical research describing experiences of grief and depression in terminal illness, to develop a model of care aimed at reducing depression and suffering. This care attends to physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects, taking into account the concerns of patients and their families. Professional help can be offered to patients to restore dignity and hope, strengthen their ways of coping, and encourage social connections. To offer this, a well‐resourced and coordinated, multidisciplinary and skilled workforce is needed.
Evaluation of the national pharmacy preceptor education program
Authors: Dalton Lisa , Bull Rosalind , Taylor Susan , Galbraith Kirsten , Marriott Jennifer , Howarth Helen 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective:  The process evaluation findings and key issues from a trial of the effectiveness and national applicability of a national online educational curriculum for pharmacist preceptors are presented. Design:  A multi‐method triangulated research design was used to elicit qualitative and quantitative data preceptors. The data collection method involved an anonymous questionnaire with both quantitative components and open‐ended qualitative responses. Setting:  An online education program for preceptors of Australian pharmacy students in rural areas. Participants:  Rural pharmacists in the three states were invited to trial the package and participate in the associated research/evaluation project. Main outcome measures:  The Australian Pharmacy Preceptor Education (APPE) program is an important and valuable educational tool for the professional development of pharmacists. It contained pertinent information and appropriate activities, and the delivery strategy was well accepted. The evaluation findings support a national implementation. Results:  Program strengths include the ease of access, self‐directed learning and the interactive nature emphasising the benefit of sharing ideas and feedback. Potential program limitations include technical delays and unclear instructions for undertaking the program. Conclusion:  The online APPE program is a flexible delivery strategy which has the potential to dramatically improve the skills and knowledge of pharmacists acting as preceptors and, thereby, impact on the learning provided in rural hospitals and community pharmacies for undergraduate students and new graduates alike.
Diagnosing dementia in rural New South Wales
Authors: Logan‐Sinclair Patricia A. , Davison Alastair 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective:  Review of dementia screening case profiles that included brain blood flow imaging to determine contribution to diagnosis. Design:  Retrospective medical case audit. Setting:  Rural New South Wales. Participants:  Eighty‐eight rural patients who underwent investigations for dementia diagnosis. Main outcome measure:  Contribution of brain blood flow imaging (single photon emission tomography, SPECT) to the dementia screening regime. Results:  The age range of those referred was 21–88 years, the average being 70 years. There were 44 men and 44 women. Vascular causes of dementia accounted for 27% of all those referred for brain blood imaging. Senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type accounted for 40% of all referrals. The occurrence of mixed disease was 6%. Matching neuropsychological reports and computer tomography were available for 18 of the blood flow studies. Of these, 65% were in agreement or semi‐agreement for the diagnostic outcome. Only five studies failed to reach consensus. GPs were responsible for 31% of the imaging referrals, and the remaining referrals were from the regions: two gerontologists, three physicians and two neurologists. Conclusions:  Brain blood flow imaging did contribute to the final diagnosis of dementia type for these patients, influencing patient management.
Anti‐inflammatory strategies in alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Enomoto Nobuyuki , Takei Yoshiyuki , Yamashina Shunhei , Ikejima Kenichi , Kitamura Tsuneo , Sato Nobuhiro 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe hepatotoxic effects of alcohol have been described in detail, but mechanisms underlying the hepatotoxicity have been only partially characterized. Recently, increasing lines of evidence indicate that Kupffer cells play multiple roles in initiation and progression of alcoholic steatohepatitis. After ethanol exposure, Kupffer cells are activated via a mechanism dependent on gut‐derived endotoxin, and release active mediators such as proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids. These mediators are responsible for the pathophysiology of alcoholic steatohepatitis. This review discusses the current concept of Kupffer cell‐mediated steatohepatitis and how it relates to the hypothesis on the mechanism by which alcoholic steatohepetitis is caused, as well as several key issues that have to be addressed in this field: (i) How do Kupffer cells undergo priming and activation during alcoholic steatohepatitis?; (ii) What kind of mediators are involved?; and (iii) How does the concept translate into a strategy for therapeutics of alcoholic steatohepatitis?
A randomized controlled trial of topical glyceryl trinitrate before transrectal ultrasonography‐guided biopsy of the prostate
Authors: McCabe John E. , Hanchanale Vishwanath S. , Philip Joe , Javle Pradip M. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the use of topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment as an adjunct to periprostatic nerve block in reducing pain associated with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostatic biopsy.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 148 consecutive patients (mean age 67.0 years) having their first TRUS‐guided biopsy were randomized to receive either 0.2% GTN ointment or placebo 10 min before biopsy. All patients had a biopsy preceded by an injection with 10 mL of 1% lidocaine local anaesthesia. A 10‐point visual analogue score was used to record ‘Overall discomfort due to the presence of the probe’, the biopsy itself and pain after the procedure.RESULTSThere was no significant difference in age, PSA level and prostate volume between the groups. There was a significantly lower mean pain score due to probe insertion in the GTN than placebo group (1.94 vs 3.24, P < 0.01); pain perception was lower for the whole procedure in the GTN group, and was most pronounced in men aged <60 years (2.13 vs 4.61, P < 0.005).CONCLUSIONSTopical GTN ointment is safe and effective in reducing the discomfort associated with TRUS‐guided biopsy of the prostate, in particular the insertion of the ultrasound probe. It might be of maximum benefit in the younger patient and those having a repeat biopsy who previously failed to tolerate the procedure well.
Does a constriction ring alter ejaculation latency?
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Reza 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy of a ‘constriction ring’ as an option for treating premature ejaculation (PE).PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween September 2003 and October 2006, 42 men with an intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) of <1 min were evaluated. Over a 4‐week period, a constriction ring was used during intercourse.RESULTSThe median (range) IELT was 42 (33–54) s before treatment and 46 (31–55) s after 4 weeks of using the ring; there was no statistically significant difference in the IELT before and after treatment (P = 0.1), and no major complications.CONCLUSIONThe ‘constriction ring’ is not an effective treatment for PE.
Prolonged follow‐up after paediatric pyeloplasty: are repeat scans necessary?
Authors: Van Den Hoek Joop , De Jong Andra , Scheepe Jeroen , Van Der Toorn Fred , Wolffenbuttel Katja 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo establish the value of repeat renal scans to assess the relative renal function after successful paediatric pyeloplasty.PATIENTS AND METHODSRenal scans were assessed from 138 patients after successful pyeloplasty; the relative renal function before and immediately after pyeloplasty were compared, as was split renal function at 3.5 and 5.5 years after surgery.RESULTSWith a few exceptions the relative renal function before and after pyeloplasty was stable. Repeat renal scans 3.5 and 5.5 years after surgery also showed stable split renal function, even if the renal function was already diminished.CONCLUSIONSRepeat renal scans are not necessary after successful pyeloplasty in children, as most operated renal units showed stable renal function for 5–7 years. Further studies are needed to investigate whether renal function changes further after puberty.
Major increase in Type 1 diabetes—no support for the Accelerator Hypothesis
Authors: O’Connell M. A. , Donath S. , Cameron F. J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  The Accelerator Hypothesis postulates that the apparent increase in incidence of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is related to an acceleration of disease onset by weight‐related insulin resistance. Our diabetes clinic has experienced a major recent increase in newly diagnosed diabetes. The Accelerator Hypothesis predicts that this increase should be associated with younger age and increased body mass at diagnosis, with youngest children having the highest body mass index (BMI).Aim  To test the Accelerator Hypothesis in the context of the major increase in T1DM at our centre.Methods  Data from all young people diagnosed with T1DM between 1992 and 2003 were reviewed. Height and weight measurements from initial outpatient review were used to calculate BMI.Results  The mean increase in BMI standard deviation score (SDS) is 0.03 per year (P = 0.01). Age at diagnosis has also increased by a mean of 0.11 years annually (P = 0.003). There was no association between BMI SDS and age at diagnosis (P = 0.7). A significant difference in BMI SDS between age‐banded subgroups was evident (P = 0.04); however, youngest children had the lowest SDS.Conclusion  Our results do not support increased body mass as an accelerator of diabetes presentation.
Association of Microsatellite Polymorphisms of the Human 14q13.2 Region with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Latvian and Finnish Populations
Authors: Sjakste T. , Kalis M. , Poudziunas I. , Pirags V. , Lazdins M. , Groop L. , Sjakste N. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryA polymorphic microsatellite in intron 6 of the human proteasome core particle PSMA6 gene (HSMS006), and four other microsatellites localized upstream on human chromosome 14q13.2 (HSMS801, HSMS702, HSMS701, HSMS602), were genotyped in 104 type 2 diabetic patients and 129 age‐matched control subjects from Latvia and replicated in 91 type 2 diabetic patients and 88 age‐matched healthy control subjects from the Botnia Study in Finland. In type 2 diabetic patients from both populations the HSMS006 (TG)22 allele was two times more frequent compared to the control group. In the Latvian population the (CAA)8 allele of the HSMS602 marker was less frequent in the diabetic group, as was the (AC)24 allele of microsatellite HSMS801. Allele frequencies of the HSMS701 and 702 repeats were similar in healthy controls and type 2 diabetic patients. In conclusion, our data suggest that variants in the PSMA6 gene on chromosome 14q13.2 are associated with type 2 diabetes.
Nineteen years of experience with autotransfusion for elective surgery in children: more troublesome than we expected
Authors: Tasaki Tetsunori , Ohto Hitoshi 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Under the rationale that children undergoing elective surgery are the best candidates for autologous blood donors because of their long life expectancy, aggressive donations of autologous blood, even from infants, have been reported. A number of problems are associated with the procedure, however, whereas the risks of homologous blood are very low.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From 1987 through 2005, of 5792 patients referred to blood transfusion services at two Japanese university hospitals for autologous blood donations, 314 children younger than 16 years old served as subjects for assessment.RESULTS: Of 314 children, 7 were not suitable as autologous donors. In most cases this was due to uncooperative behavior. Over a follow‐up period of 19 years, the authors encountered 53 cases (17.3%) of donation‐related problems, and this rate was higher than the 6 percent rate recorded for adult cases (316/5305). Nine children suffered crucial complications such as vasovagal reactions, and one 14‐year‐old boy required a vasopressor drug. Important findings were that 6 of these were first‐time donors, and the amount of blood drawn was under 10 percent of their estimated blood volume.CONCLUSION: Of 53 donation‐related problems, 9 (17.0%) were accompanied by marked hypotension. Drawing autologous blood from children has become easier with advanced devices; however, lessening of anxiety and tension are essential for the safety of children's autologous blood donation programs. Aggressive donation should be avoided.
The effect of a 473‐mL (16‐oz) water drink on vasovagal donor reaction rates in high‐school students
Authors: Newman Bruce , Tommolino Emily , Andreozzi Christina , Joychan Sonia , Pocedic Jelena , Heringhausen Julie 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND:Recent clinical studies found that a water drink prevented orthostatic hypotension in healthy subjects subjected to a tilt‐table test. A water drink was tested as a method to decrease vasovagal donor reactions in high‐school students.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:A total of 8894 high‐school donations in Fall 2004 and 2005 were assigned to groups receiving or not receiving a 473‐mL water drink after acceptance for whole‐blood donation. In addition, 4340 donations in 2004 were reduced to 2895 donations (“balanced 2004 group”) with an algorithm that equally balanced the donors between the water and no water arms.RESULTS:The donor reaction rate was 9.9 percent (349 reactions/3534 donations) in donors given a water drink versus 12.5 percent (668 reactions/5360 donations; p = 0.0002) in donors not given a water drink. Donors given a water drink had a 21 percent reduction in their donor reaction rate. The main benefit of water was in Caucasian, first‐time donors. In the balanced 2004 group, the donor reaction rate was 10.6 percent (153 reactions/1438 donations) in donors given a water drink versus 14.8 percent (216 reactions/1457 donations; p = 0.0008) in donors not given a water drink. Donors given a water drink in the balanced 2004 group had a 28 percent reduction in their donor reaction rate. The use of water did not interfere with donor processing and was judged by collection staff as easy to implement.CONCLUSION:A 473‐mL water drink decreased the vasovagal donor reaction rate in high‐school donors by 21 percent, but to varying degrees in different subpopulations.
Remodeling of Outward K+ Currents in Pressure‐Overload Heart Failure
Authors: WANG YANGGAN , CHENG JUN , CHEN GUOHUA , ROB FARHANA , HARIS NASEEM R. , NGUYEN LAN , JOHNSTONE JANET L. , HILL JOSEPH A. 
Published: May 2007

Objectives: Outward K+ currents are critical determinants of action potential repolarization and the site of action of a number of electrophysiologically active drugs. Further, expression and processing of the channels underlying these currents is altered in heart disease. Here, we investigated the native transmural gradient of outward K+ currents in murine left ventricle (LV) and delineated disease‐related remodeling of these currents in heart failure (HF). Methods: Pressure‐overload heart failure was induced in mice by thoracic aortic constriction. Outward K+ currents were recorded using the whole‐cell patch clamp technique in acutely dissociated ventricular myocytes. Results: Unambiguous gradients of outward K+ current density and Kv4.2 protein abundance were observed across the wall of the LV, with significantly larger current density and protein levels in subepicardial (SEP) myocytes, compared with subendocardial (SEN) myocytes. Voltage dependences of current activation and inactivation were similar in SEP and SEN myocytes. In failing LV, however, outward K+ current density was significantly decreased in SEP but not in SEN cells leading to elimination of the native transmural gradient. In failing LV, the voltage dependences of K+ current activation and inactivation were not altered. However, current inactivation (decay) was significantly accelerated and recovery from inactivation was significantly slowed. Consistent with this, Western blot analysis revealed a decrease in KChIP2 protein abundance in failing LV. Conclusions: This is the first report of HF‐related remodeling of outward K+ currents in murine LV. Similar to humans, disease‐related remodeling occurs differentially across the murine ventricular wall, leading to loss of the native gradient of repolarization. Together with slowed recovery from inactivation, these alterations likely promote abnormal impulse conduction, a major proarrhythmic mechanism.