bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of menstrual flow by weighing protective pads in women with normal, decreased or increased menstruation
Authors: GUDMUNDSDOTTIR BRYNJA R. , HJALTALIN ELIN F. , BRAGADOTTIR GUDRUN , HAUKSSON ARNAR , GEIRSSON REYNIR T. , ONUNDARSON PALL T. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective. To investigate the association between menstrual flow weight measured from modern sanitary pads (converting liquid to non‐evaporating gel) and clinically assessed normal, increased or decreased menstrual flow. Design. Objective method development study. Setting. Outpatient clinic, University Hospital, Reykjavik. Population. One hundred and thirteen volunteers included 26 normally menstruating adult women and 52 normally menstruating teenagers not using oral or intrauterine contraception, seven normally menstruating women using oral contraception, 17 women with clinically diagnosed menorrhagia, five women using oral contraception for clinical menorrhagia, and six teenage girls claiming heavy menstrual flow. Methods. Menstruation length, menstrual flow weight and history of iron deficiency were assessed. During the menstruation following recruitment, all women collected their used protective pads in a hygienic manner and returned them to the laboratory for accurate weighing. Main outcome measures. Menstrual flow total weight measured in grams. Results. Mean menstrual flow total weight in the 78 asymptomatic women was 51 g (median 44, range 5–144). The mean flow in 17 women clinically diagnosed with menorrhagia was 217 g (median 207, range 63 – 402) (p<0.0001 compared to healthy women). The seven healthy women using oral contraceptives discharged 13 g (13–19) (p = 0.0004 compared with normals). Menstruation lasted<eight days in 77/78 healthy women and in 12 of 17 clinically diagnosed menorrhagic women. Conclusions. Measurement of menstrual flow total weight accurately reflects clinically assessed normal, increased and decreased flow. The method is an easy and accurate way of objectively estimating menstrual flow.
SHORT HYPOCOTYL UNDER BLUE1 Associates withMINISEED3andHAIKU2Promoters in Vivo to RegulateArabidopsisSeed Development
Authors: Zhou Yun , Zhang Xiaojuan , Kang Xiaojun , Zhao Xiangyu , Zhang Xiansheng , Ni Min 
Published: January 2009

AbstractSeed development in Arabidopsis thaliana undergoes an initial phase of endosperm proliferation followed by a second phase in which the embryo grows at the expense of the endosperm. As mature seed size is largely attained during the initial phase, seed size is coordinately determined by the growth of the maternal ovule, endosperm, and embryo. Here, we identify SHORT HYPOCOTYL UNDER BLUE1 (SHB1) as a positive regulator of Arabidopsis seed development that affects both cell size and cell number. shb1-D, a gain-of-function overexpression allele, increases seed size, and shb1, a loss-of-function allele, reduces seed size. SHB1 is transmitted zygotically. The increase in shb1-D seed size is associated with endosperm cellurization, chalazal endosperm enlargement, and embryo development. SHB1 is required for the proper expression of two other genes that affect endosperm development, MINISEED3 (MINI3) and HAIKU2 (IKU2), a WRKY transcription factor gene and a leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase gene. SHB1 associates with both MINI3 and IKU2 promoters in vivo. SHB1 may act with other proteins that bind to MINI3 and IKU2 promoters to promote a large seed cavity and endosperm growth in the early phase of seed development. In the second phase, SHB1 enhances embryo cell proliferation and expansion through a yet unknown IKU2-independent pathway.
Cytokine profiles in chickens infected with virulent and avirulent Marek's disease viruses: Interferon‐gamma is a key factor in the protection of Marek's disease by vaccination
Authors: Kano Rika , Konnai Satoru , Onuma Misao , Ohashi Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTMarek's disease has been controlled by vaccination with avirulent strains of MDV. However, the protection mechanism following vaccination is not fully understood. In this study immune responses of PBMC and splenocytes derived from vaccinated chickens challenged with virulent MDV were examined using real‐time PCR and ELISA. Higher levels of IFN‐γ induction were observed in chickens vaccinated during the latent phase of infection with virulent MDV than in similarly challenged, unvaccinated chickens. Furthermore, the mean expression of IFNGR2 and IFN regulatory factor‐3 mRNAs was significantly higher in vaccinated than in unvaccinated chickens. These results show that IFN‐γ could be one of the important factors in prevention of MD by vaccination and is effective during the latent phase of the infection.
Effects of the administration of cholera toxin as a mucosal adjuvant on the immune and protective response induced by Proteus mirabilis MrpA fimbrial protein in the urinary tract
Authors: Scavone Paola , Rial Analía , Umpierrez Ana , Chabalgoity Alejandro , Zunino Pablo 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT Proteus mirabilis is commonly associated with complicated UTI and expresses several virulence factors, including MR/P fimbriae. In the present study mice were immunised nasally with MrpA, the structural subunit of MR/P, with or without CT as a mucosal adjuvant. The animals were then challenged with P. mirabilis and induction of specific serum and urine IgG and IgA, IFN‐γ production and bacterial kidney and bladder colonization were assessed. MrpA‐immunised mice exhibited significant induction of serum IgA and urine IgA and IgG. MrpA/CT‐immunised mice showed both significant serum and urine IgA and IgG production. Only this group showed significant IFN‐γ production. Both groups of animals had significant decrease in bacterial colonization of kidneys but not of bladders. No correlation between specific antibody induction in serum and CFU decrease was observed in any group of animals. Our results suggest that a mucosal adjuvant (CT) in the urinary tract enhanced humoral and cytokine response although it did not influence the degree of protection against UTI provided by MrpA. Further studies are necessary to understand immune modulation in the urinary tract.
Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 sensitizes melanoma cells to thermosensitive ferromagnetic particle‐mediated hyperthermia with low Curie temperature
Authors: Ito Aki , Saito Hajime , Mitobe Kazutaka , Minamiya Yoshihiro , Takahashi Naoko , Maruyama Kiyotomi , Motoyama Satoru , Katayose Yoshihisa , Ogawa Jun‐ichi 
Published: January 2009

Heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 is a key regulator of a variety of oncogene products and cell‐signaling molecules, and the therapeutic benefit of its inhibition in combination with radiation or chemotherapy has been investigated. In addition, hyperthermia has been used for many years to treat various malignant tumors. We previously described a system in which hyperthermia was induced using thermosensitive ferromagnetic particles (FMP) with a Curie temperature (Tc = 43˚C) low enough to mediate automatic temperature control, and demonstrated its antitumor effect in a mouse melanoma model. In the present study, we examined the antitumor effects of combining a Hsp90 inhibitor (geldanamycin; GA) with FMP‐mediated hyperthermia. In cultured B16 melanoma cells, GA exerted an antitumor effect by increasing the cells’ susceptibility to hyperthermia and reducing expression of Akt. In an in vivo study, melanoma cells were subcutaneously injected into the backs of C57BL/6 mice. FMP were then injected into the resultant tumors, and the mice were divided into four groups: group I, no treatment (control); group II, one hyperthermia treatment; group III, GA alone; and group IV, GA with hyperthermia. When exposed to a magnetic field, the temperature of tissues containing FMP increased and stabilized at the Tc. In group IV, complete regression of tumors was observed in five of nine mice (56%), whereas no tumor regression was seen in groups I–III. Our findings suggest that inhibition of Hsp90 with hyperthermia increases its antitumor effect. Thus, the combination of FMP‐mediated, self‐regulating hyperthermia with Hsp90 inhibition has important implications for the treatment of cancer. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 558–564)
Attitudes of Flemish secondary school students towards euthanasia and other end‐of‐life decisions in minors
Authors: Pousset G. , Bilsen J. , De Wilde J. , Deliens L. , Mortier F. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  The aim of the study was to investigate attitudes of secondary school students towards acceptability of requests by minors for end‐of‐life decisions (ELDs) with a possible life‐shortening effect: non‐treatment decisions, potentially life‐shortening alleviation of pain and symptoms (APS) and euthanasia.Methods  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among second and fourth grades students in 20 secondary schools in Flanders, Belgium. An anonymous structured questionnaire was administered to measure attitudes towards acceptability of requests for euthanasia and other ELDs, towards the right to be informed about terminal prognosis and their own desire to be informed.Results  In total, 1769 students participated. In case of a terminal patient, 61% found a request for euthanasia acceptable, 60% a request for APS and 69% a request for non‐treatment decision, compared with 18% (euthanasia) and 50% (APS) in case of a non‐terminal patient. Acceptance was highest among: boys, participants older than 14 years and participants from general as opposed to technical and vocational education. Sixty‐six per cent said the parents' opinion not being asked was a circumstance that should hold back a physician from administering a lethal drug. Ninety per cent of participants thought a minor has the right to be informed about terminal prognosis of a disease while 78% would like to be informed themselves.Conclusions  Attitudes towards ELD requests varied with case and participant characteristics and type of ELD. The studied adolescents have a clear wish to be informed about terminal prognosis. Physicians and caregivers should adequately involve adolescents in decision making and tailor prognosis‐related information to their needs and level of competency.
Optimism and health‐related quality of life in adolescents with cancer
Authors: Mannix M. M. , Feldman Jonathan M. , Moody Karen 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective  To delineate the relationship between optimism and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and quality of life (QOL) in adolescents with cancer living in the Bronx, New York.Methods  Optimism was assessed using the Life Orientation Test, Revised (LOT‐R). HRQOL and QOL were measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Cancer Module, Acute Version and The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Generic Core Scale, respectively. Associations between optimism and HRQOL and QOL were assessed using Pearson's product‐moment correlations.Results  Twenty‐three adolescents participated in this study; the mean age was 16 and the majority was male. This sample was highly optimistic and reported high HRQOL and QOL. Optimism was correlated with less reported pain and hurt, better communication with doctors, higher reported psychological functioning and higher overall QOL.Conclusion  Optimism is associated with higher QOL in inner city adolescents with cancer. Further research should assess whether interventions that increase optimism lead to greater QOL in this population.
Effect of eutrophication on air–sea CO2 fluxes in the coastal Southern North Sea: a model study of the past 50 years
Authors: GYPENS N. , BORGES A. V. , LANCELOT C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe RIVERSTRAHLER model, an idealized biogeochemical model of the river system, has been coupled to MIRO‐CO2, a complex biogeochemical model describing diatom and Phaeocystis blooms and carbon and nutrient cycles in the marine domain, to assess the dual role of changing nutrient loads and increasing atmospheric CO2 as drivers of air–sea CO2 exchanges in the Southern North Sea with a focus on the Belgian coastal zone (BCZ). The whole area, submitted to the influence of two main rivers (Seine and Scheldt), is characterized by variable diatom and Phaeocystis colonies blooms which impact on the trophic status and air–sea CO2 fluxes of the coastal ecosystem. For this application, the MIRO‐CO2 model is implemented in a 0D multibox frame covering the eutrophied Eastern English Channel and Southern North Sea and receiving loads from the rivers Seine and Scheldt. Model simulations are performed for the period between 1951 and 1998 using real forcing fields for sea surface temperature, wind speed and atmospheric CO2 and RIVERSTRAHLER simulations for river carbon and nutrient loads. Model results suggest that the BCZ shifted from a source of CO2 before 1970 (low eutrophication) towards a sink during the 1970–1990 period when anthropogenic DIN and P loads increased, stimulating C fixation by autotrophs. In agreement, a shift from net annual heterotrophy towards autotrophy in BCZ is simulated from 1980. The period after 1990 is characterized by a progressive decrease of P loads concomitant with a decrease of primary production and of the CO2 sink in the BCZ. At the end of the simulation period, the BCZ ecosystem is again net heterotroph and acts as a source of CO2 to the atmosphere. R‐MIRO‐CO2 scenarios testing the relative impact of temperature, wind speed, atmospheric CO2 and river loads variability on the simulated air–sea CO2 fluxes suggest that the trend in air–sea CO2 fluxes simulated between 1951 and 1998 in the BCZ was mainly controlled by the magnitude and the ratio of inorganic nutrient river loads. Quantitative nutrient changes control the level of primary production while qualitative changes modulate the relative contribution of diatoms and Phaeocystis to this flux and hence the sequestration of atmospheric CO2.
An evaluation of the hand and nasal flora of Turkish nursing students after clinical practice
Authors: Akpınar Reva Balcı , Celebıoglu Ayda , Uslu Hakan , Hamidullah Uyanık Muhammet 
Published: January 2009

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the hand and nasal flora of nursing students before and after the clinical practice.Background.  Hospitals are places where infective agents abound. Healthcare workers, relatives of patients and students practising in the hospital medium are often exposed to these infective agents. Although the role of the hand and nasal flora of healthcare workers in the development of nosocomial infections has been emphasised by earlier studies, there are a limited number of studies which investigate the hand and nasal flora of nursing students.Design.  Descriptive.Methods.  This descriptive study involved 66 volunteer nursing students. Two samples of flora from both hands and nose of each student were obtained. The inoculated samples were then evaluated through routine bacteriological study methods. Chi‐square and percentage calculations were used in comparisons.Results.  None of the students had methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus or methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus colonisation in the hand samples before clinical practice, 6·1% of the students had methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and 4·5% had methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus colonisation after the practice. Although the differences between the rates of contamination with pathogen micro‐organisms in the hand and nasal flora of the student nurses before and after clinical practice were not significant, the rate of colonisation after clinical practice was higher.Conclusions.  In this study, the rate of colonisation after clinical practice was higher. These findings indicate that students might have been contaminated with bacteria during clinical practice.Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study have practical importance in clinical practice. The role of the hand and nasal flora of nursing students in the development of nosocomial infections is significant. For this reason, some precautions, such as using gloves and handwashing with special solutions when needed, should be taken to prevent nosocomial infections and protect students against associated risks.
Visual impairment and falls: a register study
Authors: Källstrand‐Ericson Jeanette , Hildingh Cathrine 
Published: January 2009

Aim.  The aim of this register study was to investigate falls and fall injuries of inpatients 65 years and over to determine whether a causal factor of visual impairment was documented.Background.  All Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries have an increasing older population with falls and fall injuries becoming a major problem. A visual impairment can be an independent risk factor for falls but can also occur in combination with other intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.Design.  A retrospective non‐randomised register study.Methods.  In 2004, all documented falls of inpatients aged 65 years and over were examined. Medical records and eye clinic records were scrutinised to identify whether any visual impairment have been documented.Conclusion.  The majority of falls occurred between the hours of 24:00–06:00 and the inpatients most often affected were those with a visual impairment. The falls occurred in connection with movement when the inpatient was unaccompanied. Documentation in records at the medical clinic was defective and subjectively perceived visual impairment was not documented at all. Both subjective and objective visual impairment occurred in all eye clinic records.Relevance to clinical practice.  Visual impairment along with the ageing process are features affecting falls and the hospital environment needs to be adapted by improving the use of strong, contrasting colours and providing good lighting for older inpatients with visual impairment during the night time period. Hospital safety for older people with visual impairment is a concern if falls are to be reduced. Healthcare professionals need to undertake individual risk assessments to establish the degree of visual impairment of the older person so that appropriate interventions can be implemented to reduce the incidence of falls and fall injuries.
The dramatic encounter: experiences of taking part in a health conversation
Authors: Persson Marianne , Friberg Febe 
Published: January 2009

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to describe lived experiences of a health conversation from the perspective of participants who, in the course of a health check, had been informed that they were at increased risk of cardiovascular heart disease.Background.  The modern lifestyle has created an increased occurrence of cardiovascular heart disease. Counselling about lifestyle changes to prevent disease is an important duty of nurses in primary healthcare when encountering patients with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. It is well known that accomplishing lifestyle changes is complicated. Research has shown the importance of assuming the patient perspective in pedagogical encounters and that nurses involved in patient teaching need more knowledge about the learning person.Design.  Written narratives about the health conversation followed by interviews with open‐ended questions. Nine informants from the Skaraborg Project participated.Methods.  A phenomenological analysis was chosen to describe the participants’ experiences and to visualise the meaning of the new knowledge obtained in the encounter.Results.  Three themes were identified; ‘The unavoidable message’, ‘Reflection on the content of the conversation’ and ‘The pedagogical encounter’. Sub‐themes show the variations of meaning owing to the participants’ previous life experiences.Conclusions.  The nurse must be aware of differences in perceptions concerning the health conversation and possible consequences for the life situation. The health conversation encounter requires preparedness and a pedagogical awareness as well as an ability to recognise the person’s need for understanding and level of motivation to make lifestyle changes.Relevance to clinical practice.  Time and space must be created for health conversations and follow‐up of cardiovascular heart disease to achieve a preventive pedagogical encounter in primary healthcare.
'Caring Across Thorns' – Different care outcomes for borderline personality disorder patients in Taiwan
Authors: Ma Wei‐Fen , Shih Fu‐Jin , Hsiao Szu‐Mei , Shih Shaw‐Nin , Hayter Mark 
Published: January 2009

Aim.  To explore the contributing factors and effects of Taiwan’s mental health nurses’ decision‐making patterns on care outcomes for patients with borderline personality disorder.Background.  Patients with borderline personality disorder have been identified as difficult to care for. Taiwan’s mental health nurses have complained about the lack of successful outcomes with existing care regimes, and few studies have explored these nurses’ perceptions of how their decision‐making process impacts quality of care for their clients.Design.  Descriptive qualitative research.Methods.  Data collected through semi‐structured, face‐to‐face, in‐depth interviews were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Fifteen mental health nurses were purposively recruited from a psychiatric centre in northern Taiwan.Results.  The informants’ caring outcomes for borderline personality disorder patients were involved with interactions of the following five themes: (a) shifting from the honeymoon to chaos stage, (b) nurses’ expectations for positive vs. negative outcomes, (c) practicing routine vs. individualised nursing care, (d) adequate or inadequate support from healthcare team members and (e) differences in care outcomes (satisfactory experiences, unsatisfactory experiences and superficial relationships). A conceptual framework of a ‘two‐stage care process’ was developed to depict the relationships among these five themes with different care outcomes.Conclusions.  Although Taiwan’s mental health nurses reported more unsatisfactory than satisfactory care outcomes, more satisfactory patient outcomes might be obtained by nurses’ positive attitudes, unrelenting efforts towards promoting the health of these patients and receiving timely and constant support from healthcare team members.Relevance to clinical practice.  Mental health nurses should not give up too readily on borderline personality disorder clients, but adopt a positive attitude and coach them in learning to relax and work with others. Nurses are encouraged to establish supportive team relationships to motivate each other to work for positive care outcomes, to better understand their clients’ needs and to develop individualised in addition to routine care strategies.