bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pattern of bone mineral density in patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Laway Bashir Ahmad , Goswami Ravinder , Singh Namrata , Gupta Nandita , Seith Ashu 
Published: February 2006

SummaryObjective  Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with hypoparathyroidism directly addresses the effect of chronic under‐exposure of bone to PTH. Because post‐thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism is potentially complicated by the pre‐existence of thyrotoxicosis and the need for postoperative thyroxine replacement, we have studied a large group of patients with sporadic hypoparathyroidism who have been followed up in our endocrine clinic. Studies conducted in limited number of patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (SIH) have suggested an increase in BMD in such patients. In this current study, we have measured BMD in a large cohort of patients with SIH and have assessed the relationship of BMD with duration of disease and with the adequacy of treatment, as indicated by follow‐up serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase levels.Design  Case control study and intra‐group comparison.Subjects  Forty‐seven patients (M : F ratio 23 : 24) with SIH who had been reviewed during 2003–2004 in our endocrine clinic were recruited for this study. Their mean age (± SD) was 34·6 ± 13·6 years and the duration from the time of initial diagnosis was 9·6 ± 8·5 years. Forty‐eight match healthy volunteers were recruited from hospital staff and from normocalcaemic relatives.Methods  Bone mineral density was measured at total lumbar spine (L1–L4), hip and forearm by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). The relationship of BMD was analysed with duration of disease symptoms (group I, ≤ 1 year, group II, > 1 and < 5 years and group III, ≥ 5 years) and mean serum total calcium observed during follow‐up (group A, calcium ≤ 1·79 mmol/l and group B, ≥ 1·80 mmol/l).Results  Patients with SIH showed significantly higher BMD at total lumbar spine and hip when compared to controls (1·098 ± 0·187 vs. 0·936 ± 0·131 g/cm2 and 0·967 ± 0·141 vs. 0·882 ± 0·149 g/cm2, P < 0·001 for both). BMD in the forearm was not significantly different in patients and controls. The age‐ and BMI‐adjusted lumbar spine BMD showed correlation with duration of disease (r = 0·348 and P = 0·019). Patients with longer duration of hypoparathyroidism had higher BMD at lumbar spine (group I vs. group III, 0·951 ± 0·132 vs. 1·156 ± 0·180 g/cm2, P < 0·05). There was no significant correlation between BMD values in patients with SIH and their mean serum total calcium levels during the period of follow‐up (r = 0·192, P = 0·206). Neither was the mean BMD significantly different between group A and B. Serum total alkaline phosphatase showed a significant negative correlation with BMD at lumbar spine (r = –0·445, P = 0·012).Conclusions  Patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism have increased mean BMD in the lumbar spine and hip but not in the forearm, compared to normal matched healthy controls. The increase in BMD is related to the duration of the disease rather than the serum calcium levels.
Promoting evidence‐based practice: the roles and activities of professional nurses’ associations
Authors: Van Achterberg Theo , Holleman Gerda , Van de Ven Marit , Grypdonck Maria H.F. , Eliëns Aart , Van Vliet Marjolein 
Published: February 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring the role perceptions and current activities in evidence‐based practice promotion of professional nurses’ associations in the Netherlands.Background.  The promotion of evidence‐based practice contributes to professional standards in nursing and good quality care for patients. As professional nurses’ associations can be key players in this process, the nature of their roles and current activities deserves to be explored.Methods.  Roles and activities were explored for 43 professional nurses’ associations (83% of all national associations). Data were collected using interviews with the associations’ board members. Findings from the interviews were validated with those from an analysis of the associations’ policy reports and other publications in the previous 2 years.Results.  Board members primarily thought that they had roles in the selection and distribution of evidence. The roles of participant (n = 13) and performer (n = 13) in selecting evidence, and those of facilitator (n = 12), initiator (n = 15) and performer (n = 41) in the distribution of evidence were often addressed. A few respondents reflected on roles in generating evidence and implementing evidence‐based practice in patient care. A majority of the associations was contemplating activities in the promotion of evidence‐based practice. Specific activities for each of six relevant aspects in the promotion of evidence‐based practice were found in fewer than five associations.Conclusion.  Professional nurses’ association roles in the promotion of evidence‐based practice need to be viewed in relation to the tasks to be accomplished, especially those of selecting and distributing evidence. Although many organizations expressed motivation, professional nurses’ associations have a long way to go in the promotion of evidence‐based practice among their members.
Relational experiences of partnered Japanese immigrant women with affect disorders
Authors: Kozuki Yoriko , Kennedy Michael G. , Tsai Jenny Hsin‐Chun 
Published: February 2006

Aim.  This paper reports the findings of a study that explored characteristics of relationships of Japanese immigrant women partnered both intraculturally and interculturally, and analysed the role of Japanese culture in these relationships.Background.  Immigration can cause shifts in interpersonal structures with partners. When there are large discrepancies in gender roles and communication styles between the original and host cultures, the psychological impact on both partners may be significant. However, currently no empirical data are available to support this assumption.Methods.  Ten cases selected from the 68 medical records of Japanese‐speaking women seen at a mental health clinic from September 2001 to September 2004 were analysed. All of the 10 women met DSM IV‐TR criteria of major depressive disorder and were taking antidepressants. Half of the10 women were in intimate intercultural partnered relationships and the remainder of the matched cases were in intracultural relationships at the time of treatment. The two cohorts were matched in age (36·2 and 43·2 years), length of stay in the United States of America (12 and 16·2 years), and length of treatment (1·2 and 1 years). The length of time of the sample in individual psychodynamic psychotherapy ranged from 20 to 317 hours, depending on the intensity of therapy.Findings.  Inductive data analysis revealed two themes: (1) Lack of awareness of differences in culturally bound communication by Japanese women in intercultural partnerships; (2) Lack of individuality in Japanese women in intracultural partnerships. Neither group appeared to consider relational aspects of partnership, or to make efforts to improve direct communication with their partners.Conclusion.  The influence of Japanese culture on gender role and communication styles functions contrary to the mainstream Western culture of the United States of America. In the future, interpersonal elements of cultural differences between host and original cultures in immigration should be considered in research related to immigrants’ mental health. This approach should lead to effective interventions to facilitate mental health among immigrants, and regardless of purposes of immigration or length of stay in a psychosocially foreign environment.
Hospital staff perceptions of parental involvement in paediatric hospital care
Authors: Ygge Britt Marie , Lindholm Christina , Arnetz Judith 
Published: February 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study of hospital staff perceptions of parental involvement in children's hospital care.Background.  Previous research has shown that parents are expected and encouraged by hospital staff to be actively involved in the care of their hospitalized children. At the same time, parents have expressed a need for improved communication with paediatric hospital staff to clarify both parental and staff expectations and preferences about this involvement. Few studies, however, have studied hospital staff perceptions of parental involvement in the care of hospitalized children and their implications for clinical work.Methods.  A cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted among paediatric hospital staff in October of 2003. Questionnaires were distributed to a total of 338 staff, including all physicians, Registered Nurses and nursing auxiliaries working on oncology, surgery and neurology units in three university children's hospitals in Sweden.Results.  A total of 207 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 61%. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the 26‐item questionnaire resulted in the creation of two indices, Work Routines and Work Strain. Oncology staff reported having better work routines for involving parents in their children's care and they experienced less strain from parental demands compared with staff on other paediatric units. Staff perceptions and workplace routines regarding parental involvement did not differ statistically significantly by profession or by length of work experience.Conclusion.  Staff perceptions of parental involvement may be related to clinical specialty. Oncology units may find it easier to establish routines for parental involvement, thereby experiencing less work strain in their interactions with parents. There is a need to further study staff perceptions of parental involvement and their implications for the staff work situation in both Sweden and other countries.
Attitudes of intensive care nurses towards brain death and organ transplantation: instrument development and testing
Authors: Kim Jung Ran , Fisher Murray John , Elliott Doug 
Published: February 2006

Aims.  This paper reports the development and testing of an instrument assessing attitudes of Korean intensive care unit nurses.Background.  Reluctance by healthcare professionals to identify brain‐dead patients as a potential donor is one reason for a shortfall in transplantable organs in all countries. Organ donation from brain‐dead patients is a particularly contentious issue in Korea, following recent legal recognition of brain death within the cultural context of Confucian beliefs.Method.  A 38‐item instrument was developed from the literature and key informant interviews, and validated by an expert panel and a pilot study. A survey was conducted with Korean intensive care unit nurses (n = 520) from October 2003 to January 2004. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine construct validity. Item‐to‐total correlations and Cronbach's coefficient alpha were used to determine the scale's internal consistency and unidimensionality.Results.  The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (alpha = 0·88). Principal component analysis yielded a four‐component structure: Discomfort, Enhancing quality of life, Willingness to be a donor and Rewarding experience. Overall, Korean intensive care unit nurses showed positive attitudes towards organ transplantation, despite some mixed feelings.Conclusion.  The attitude scale was reliable and valid for this cohort. Areas were identified where professional development may enhance positive attitudes towards organ transplantation from brain‐dead donors. Effective education for intensive care unit nurses is necessary to increase the organ donor pool in Korea. Further research could test the instrument with other populations.
Progress and opportunities in the development of vaccines against mites, fleas and myiasis‐causing flies of veterinary importance
Authors: NISBET A. J. , HUNTLEY J. F. 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARY Despite the potential benefits offered by vaccination against ectoparasites, there have been few commercial successes with this strategy, in spite of sustained efforts using increasingly sophisticated techniques. This review outlines the progress and challenges offered by recent research into vaccination against some of the major ectoparasites of veterinary importance, and provides an insight into the opportunities arising from our increased understanding of the immunology of host–parasite relationships and the potential for exploitation of this knowledge and that arising from new genomic data provided by expressed sequence tag projects.
Delayed embryo development in the ARABIDOPSIS TREHALOSE‐6‐PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1 mutant is associated with altered cell wall structure, decreased cell division and starch accumulation
Authors: Gómez Leonardo D. , Baud Sébastien , Gilday Alison , Li Yi , Graham Ian A. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe tps1 mutant, which is disrupted in the TREHALOSE‐6‐PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1 gene, has been previously characterized as a recessive embryo lethal. tps1 embryos do not develop past late torpedo or early cotyledon stage. We report here that at the ultrastructural, biochemical, and transcriptional levels tps1 exhibits many features typically associated with the maturation phase. The appearance of storage reserve transcripts and organelles follows the same temporal pattern in tps1 and wild‐type (WT) embryos in the same silique as does accumulation of storage lipid and protein. The mutant plastids accumulate large starch granules that persist until the end of seed development, in contrast with WT plastids where starch accumulation is transient. The transcriptome of tps1 embryos shows a coordinate downregulation of genes involved in starch and sucrose degradation. Interestingly, genes involved in lipid mobilization and gluconeogenesis are induced in tps1 embryos. The cell walls of tps1 embryos show a remarkable degree of thickening at the ultrastructural level and immunodetection of cell wall components shows that altered deposition of pectins accounts for this altered morphology. Consistent with this at the transcriptome level, genes involved in sugar nucleotide and pectin metabolism are altered in the mutant. The frequency of cell division in tps1 embryos is half that of the wild type at the heart and torpedo stages. These results suggest that TPS1 may play a major role in coordinating cell wall biosynthesis and cell division with cellular metabolism during embryo development.
Floral organ identity genes in the orchid Dendrobium crumenatum
Authors: Xu Yifeng , Teo Lai Lai , Zhou Jing , Kumar Prakash P. , Yu Hao 
Published: February 2006

SummaryOrchids are members of Orchidaceae, one of the largest families in the flowering plants. Among the angiosperms, orchids are unique in their floral patterning, particularly in floral structures and organ identity. The ABCDE model was proposed as a general model to explain flower development in diverse plant groups, however the extent to which this model is applicable to orchids is still unknown. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying orchid flower development, we isolated candidates for A, B, C, D and E function genes from Dendrobium crumenatum. These include AP2‐, PI/GLO‐, AP3/DEF‐, AG‐ and SEP‐like genes. The expression profiles of these genes exhibited different patterns from their Arabidopsis orthologs in floral patterning. Functional studies showed that DcOPI and DcOAG1 could replace the functions of PI and AG in Arabidopsis, respectively. By using chimeric repressor silencing technology, DcOAP3A was found to be another putative B function gene. Yeast two‐hybrid analysis demonstrated that DcOAP3A/B and DcOPI could form heterodimers. These heterodimers could further interact with DcOSEP to form higher protein complexes, similar to their orthologs in eudicots. Our findings suggested that there is partial conservation in the B and C function genes between Arabidopsis and orchid. However, gene duplication might have led to the divergence in gene expression and regulation, possibly followed by functional divergence, resulting in the unique floral ontogeny in orchids.
Methylation of sulfhydryl groups: a new function for a family of small molecule plant O‐methyltransferases
Authors: Coiner Heather , Schröder Gudrun , Wehinger Elke , Liu Chang‐Jun , Noel Joseph P. , Schwab Wilfried , Schröder Joachim 
Published: February 2006

SummaryIn plants, type I and II S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine‐dependent O‐methyltransferases (OMTs) catalyze most hydroxyl group methylations of small molecules. A homology‐based RT‐PCR strategy using Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) RNA previously identified six new type I plant OMT family members. We now describe the molecular and biochemical characterization of a seventh protein. It shares 56–58% identity with caffeic acid OMTs (COMTs), but it failed to methylate COMT substrates, and had no activity with flavonoids. However, the in vitro incubations revealed unusually high background levels without added substrates. A search for the responsible component revealed that the enzyme methylated dithiothreitol (DTT), the reducing agent added for enzyme stabilization. Unexpectedly, product analysis revealed that the methylation occurred on a sulfhydryl moiety, not on a hydroxyl group. Analysis of 34 compounds indicated a broad substrate range, with a preference for small hydrophobic molecules. Benzene thiol (Km 220 μm) and furfuryl thiol (Km 60 μm) were the best substrates (6–7‐fold better than DTT). Small isosteric hydrophobic substrates with hydroxyl groups, like phenol and guaiacol, were also methylated, but the activities were at least 5‐fold lower than with thiols. The enzyme was named C. roseus S‐methyltransferase 1 (CrSMT1). Models based on the COMT crystal structure suggest that S‐methylation is mechanistically identical to O‐methylation. CrSMT1 so far is the only recognized example of an S‐methyltransferase in this protein family. Its properties indicate that a few changes in key residues are sufficient to convert an OMT into a S‐methyltransferase (SMT). Future functional investigations of plant methyltransferases should consider the possibility that the enzymes may direct methylation at sulfhydryl groups.
Prevalence, severity and correlates of alcohol use in adult renal transplant recipients
Authors: Fierz Katharina , Steiger Jürg , Denhaerynck Kris , Dobbels Fabienne , Bock Andreas , De Geest Sabina 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background: Severe alcohol use is recognized as a major public health concern, even though light to moderate alcohol use might have beneficial effects on health. Alcohol use has been studied to some extent in solid organ transplant populations, yet evidence is lacking on alcohol use and its correlates in the renal transplant population. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence, severity and correlates of alcohol use in renal transplant recipients.Methods: This cross‐sectional study is a secondary analysis of the Supporting Medication Adherence in Renal Transplantation (SMART) study. Alcohol use was assessed by patient's self‐report. At risk and binge drinkers were classified using World Health Organization criteria. The following correlates of alcohol use were explored: adherence with immunosuppression (Siegal questionnaire; electronic monitoring), smoking, coping style (UCL), depressive symptomatology (BDI) and busyness/routine in life style (ACQ Busyness Scale).Results: Two hundred and eighty‐four patients were included in this analysis, 58.1% male, with a mean age of 54 yr (range 20–84) and a median of seven (interquartile ranges [IQR] 8) yr post‐transplantation. A total of 52.8% of study participants reported to drink alcohol at least once a week. Two hundred and eighty of 284 subjects (98.5%) were drinking at low risk, four at moderate risk (1.5%). None of the participants were drinking severely. Correlates of alcohol use were male gender and being professionally active.Conclusion: Alcohol use is less prevalent in renal transplant recipients than in the general population. Severe alcohol use does not seem to represent a serious problem in renal transplant patients.
Association between insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Voytovich Monica Hagen , Åsberg Anders , Hjelmesæth Jøran , Jenssen Trond , Hartmann Anders 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background: Endothelial dysfunction is a common finding in renal transplant recipients (RTR) and is related to impaired local regulation of vasodilative and vasoconstrictive substances, such as nitric monoxide (NO) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). In non‐transplanted patients, an association between impaired endothelial function and insulin resistance has been shown. Whether such an association also exists in RTR is unknown.Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine whether insulin resistance is associated with endothelial dysfunction in RTR.Material and methods: A total of 47 RTR in a stable phase six yr post‐transplant were included in the statistical analysis. The immunosuppressive therapy was based on cyclosporine and prednisolone. Non‐invasive assessment of endothelial function was performed with laser Doppler flowmetry of the forearm skin vasculature after local acetylcholine stimulation. Oral glucose tolerance tests comprising both glucose and insulin measurements were used to calculate insulin sensitivity (IS) indices. NO, ET‐1 and von Willebrand factor were measured in fasting plasma samples.Results: Normal glucose tolerance was found in 31 RTR. In these subjects, both IS (r2=0.164, p=0.044) and plasma NO (r2=0.326, p=0.002) were significantly correlated with endothelial function. Patients with glucose intolerance (n=16) had higher plasma ET‐1 and lower NO levels, but the association between IS and endothelial function was not significant in these subjects. In the total patient cohort, IS and endothelial function tended to be correlated (p=0.127).Conclusions: Endothelial dysfunction is significantly associated with insulin resistance in normoglycemic RTR but explains a rather small part of the variation. In glucose‐intolerant recipients, IS appears to be more critically dependent on other factors not revealed in the present study.
Antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B with lamivudine in pediatric renal transplantation
Authors: Kranz Birgitta , Vester Udo , Bonzel Klaus‐Eugen , Paul Andreas , Gerken Guido , Hoyer Peter F. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Renal transplantation in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is known to be associated with an increased risk for exacerbation of liver dysfunction. Lamivudine has been proven to be a potent inhibitor of hepatitis B virus replication in adults after kidney transplantation. Little is known about its efficacy and safety in pediatric renal transplant recipients. Three cases serve for the discussion to demonstrate the complexity of the clinical course and effective treatment of chronic hepatitis B in pediatric patients awaiting renal transplantation. Two patients on dialysis with a high HBV replication rate were treated with lamivudine before transplantation. After the viral load had decreased below the detection limit, they underwent transplantation successfully. Despite intensified immunosuppression to treat a rejection episode in one and a relapse of the nephrotic syndrome in the other patient, the viral load remained <2.5 pg/mL. Both patients developed a mutation in the YMDD motif of the HBV genome associated with an increase in the HBV replication rate >10 000 pg/mL without deterioration of the liver function.In a third patient with a chronic HBV infection with a low replication rate, lamivudine was started about nine months after kidney transplantation due to an increasing viral load after treatment of an acute rejection episode. Six months later, the HBV DNA was no longer detectable. The patient had no signs of liver dysfunction. Lamivudine in the treatment of chronic HBV infection in pediatric renal recipients seems to be safe and effective in preventing acute liver deterioration. Three clinical cases are discussed with regard to current options in monitoring and antiviral treatment of chronic HBV in pediatric renal transplant recipients.