bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inheritance of cabbage head formation in crosses of cabbage × ornamental cabbage and cabbage × kale
Authors: Tanaka N. , Niikura S. , Takeda K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe investigated the inheritance of head formation in Brassica oleracea by using two crosses, cabbage × ornamental cabbage and cabbage × kale. The degree of head formation (DHF) was classified into nine grades ranging from non‐heading to full heading. DHF in the two F2 populations showed a continuous distribution. The variance of F3 offspring selected for full heading or non‐heading was large. The DHF distributions in the F3 offspring selected for moderate heading or randomly selected F3 populations were similar to those of the respective F2 populations, but had smaller average values and variance. However, the realized heritability in F3 offspring was similar in full‐heading and non‐heading selections. Our findings suggest that head formation is a quantitative trait controlled additively with low dominance effects. In comparisons of leaf developmental patterns among the parents, only cabbage showed a change in leaf shape becoming wider because of the shorter petiole length with increasing leaf position. These findings suggest that cabbage acquired the developmental changes in leaves required to form a head during the process of domestication.
Physicians' attitudes and practices regarding advanced end‐of‐life care planning for terminally ill patients at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand
Authors: Sittisombut Sudarat , Maxwell Colleen , Love Edgar J. , Sitthi‐Amorn Chitr 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study examined physicians' attitudes toward advanced directives and practices for the end‐of‐life care at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand. The data were collected from 55 physicians (24 instructors and 31 residents) using self‐reported questionnaires. The majority of the participants affirmed the usefulness of the advance directive (AD) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and respected the patients' wish for this directive, although advanced end‐of‐life care and resuscitation planning with the patients was limited. Mostly, the relatives were consulted regarding ADs. This study suggests that, in traditional Thai culture, physicians and families are more inclined to make decisions for the patient when they feel that it is in the patient's best interest. Further research is needed to investigate how and to what extent such attitudes can affect medical practice for end‐of‐life care in the context of the rapid development and consequent changes taking place in Thailand.
Application of the theory of planned behavior to oral anticoagulant therapy
Authors: Burns Sharita 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAnticoagulation control is imperative for individuals who are prescribed long‐term oral anticoagulation therapy. Therapeutic international normalized ratios decrease the risk of the thromboembolic complications that are associated with oral anticoagulation therapy. Individuals on oral anticoagulation therapy are often asked to make lifestyle modifications that can become barriers to medication adherence. The application of the theory of planned behavior to oral anticoagulation therapy can be used to assist advanced practice nurses in assessing individuals for the perceived barriers or obstacles that might interfere with the behavioral changes necessary to successfully comply with the recommended treatment plan.
Azithromycin treatment for nongonococcal urethritis negative for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum
Authors: Maeda Shin‐ichi , Yasuda Mitsuru , Ito Shin , Seike Kensaku , Ito Shin‐ichi , Deguchi Takashi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSome patients with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) are negative for Chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasmas, and ureaplasmas. The optimal antimicrobial chemotherapy for such NGU has not fully been clarified. We assessed the efficacy of azithromycin for treatment of nonmycoplasmal, nonureaplasmal, nonchlamydial NGU (NMNUNCNGU). Thirty‐eight men whose first‐pass urine was negative for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum were treated with a single dose of 1 g azithromycin. Urethritis symptoms and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in urethral smears or in first‐pass urine were assessed before and after treatment with azithromycin. Thirty‐two (84.2%) of the 38 men with NMNUNCNGU showed no signs of urethral inflammation after treatment. The efficacy of this azithromycin regimen was comparable to that of the 7‐day regimen of levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, minocycline, or clarithromycin reported previously. A single dose of 1 g azithromycin, which is effective not only for NGU due to specific pathogens but also for NMNUNCNGU, is an appropriate treatment for NGU.
Gene expression of forkhead transcription factors in the normal and diseased human prostate
Authors: Van Der Heul‐Nieuwenhuijsen Leonie , Dits Natasja F. , Jenster Guido 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess the expression of forkhead transcription factors (FOX) in normal prostate and prostate diseases, as since the first FOX was identified, its family members have been implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including embryonic development and disease.MATERIAL AND METHODSWe analysed a set of 12 different FOX genes by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction in prostate zones, prostate cancer, lymph node metastases, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), xenografts and several prostate cell lines.RESULTSThere were striking differences among the expression of various FOX family members; most prominent were the high expression of FOXF1 and FOXF2 in the normal prostate transition zone and BPH, and their decreased expression in prostate cancer. Interestingly, although the FOXF genes are stroma‐specific, some of the androgen‐independent prostate cancer xenografts uniquely express these two genes. FOXD1 and FOXD2 were more highly expressed in prostate cancer and lymph node metastases. FOXA1 and FOXC1 have an opposite expression pattern for androgen‐dependent growth of prostate cancer cell lines and xenografts.CONCLUSIONSVarious members of the FOX family are differentially expressed in the zones of the normal prostate and in benign and malignant outgrowths. The expression profiles of FOXF1 and FOXF2 suggest a role in epithelial to mesenchymal transition, while FOXA1 and FOXC1 expression is linked to androgen‐associated growth status of cancer.
A multicomponent behavioural and drug intervention for nocturia in elderly men: rationale and pilot results
Authors: Vaughan Camille P. , Endeshaw Yohannes , Nagamia Zobair , Ouslander Joseph G. , Johnson Theodore M. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the number of medical and urological conditions associated with nocturia in a cohort of older men who were primary‐care enrolees, and to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using a multicomponent intervention to reduce nocturia and its bother.SUBJECTS AND METHODSMen aged ≥50 years and with two or more episodes of nocturia were recruited from the primary‐care clinics at one Veterans Affairs Medical Center to participate in a 4‐week, open‐label, prospective pilot study. A multicomponent intervention composed of behavioural therapy and targeted drug therapy was administered according to a specified protocol based upon identified risk factors for nocturia. Outcome measures included self‐reported nocturia and bother on the American Urological Association (AUA)‐7 Symptom Index, 3‐day bladder diaries and self‐reported sleep‐related measures recorded using 7‐day sleep diaries.RESULTSFifty‐five men completed the protocol (mean age 67 years, sd 8.3); they had a mean of 4.5 of nine defined conditions potentially related to nocturia. Highly prevalent conditions included moderate‐to‐severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (87%), hypertension (86%) and urinary frequency (71%). The mean diary‐recorded nocturia decreased from 2.6 to 1.9 (P < 0.001), and bother score reduced from 3.1 to 1.1, representing a change from a ‘medium’ to a ‘very small’ problem (on a 5‐point scale). Sleep diary‐derived measures also improved significantly (time to initiate sleep, time to return to sleep after awakening, quality of sleep).CONCLUSIONSGiven that individual older patients often have multiple coexistent risk factors for nocturia, identifying a principal cause of nocturia, a concept emphasized in treatment guidelines, proved to be difficult. Implementing a multicomponent behavioural intervention combined with drug(s) was feasible in older men and reduced nocturia frequency, bother from nocturia, and time to initiate sleep, within 4 weeks. These promising results merit repeating using a randomized, controlled trial.
Interobserver variation in grading and staging of squamous cell carcinoma of the penis in relation to the clinical outcome
Authors: Naumann Carsten M. , Alkatout Ibrahim , Hamann Moritz F. , Al‐Najar Amr , Hegele Axel , Korda Joanna B. , Bolenz Christian , Klöppel Günter , Jünemann Klaus‐Peter , Van Der Horst Christof 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo examine interobserver variations in assessing grade and stage of penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the pathological features and clinical outcome in 75 patients with SCC of the penis, who were treated in participating urological centres between 1996 and 2005; the assessments of the local pathologists and the review pathologists were compared.RESULTSThere was conformity in tumour grade in 67% and the assessment of tumour stage conformed in 84%; the combination assessment of both grade and stage conformed in 56%.CONCLUSIONAccurate histological subtyping by the surgical pathologist demands standardized guidelines, in particular for histological grading, which is crucial for clinical treatment, but shows significant interobserver variation.
Single‐port ‘scarless’ laparoscopic nephrectomies: the United Kingdom experience
Authors: Rane Abhay , Ahmed Shwan , Kommu Sashi S. , Anderson Christopher J. , Rimington Peter D. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo present the UK experience to date with laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) simple nephrectomy.PATIENTS AND METHODSFive female patients underwent LESS nephrectomy; three procedures were carried out with the umbilicus as the port of entry (U‐LESS).RESULTSAll cases were completed uneventfully. The operative duration was 45–150 min and blood loss was negligible. There were no conversions to conventional multi‐port laparoscopy or open surgery. Recovery was uneventful with only minor complications in two patients; convalescence was rapid.CONCLUSIONLESS nephrectomy offers a safe, cosmetic alternative to conventional multi‐port laparoscopy, with younger female patients being especially happier with the ‘scarless’ outcome of U‐LESS. LESS certainly appears to be more in these situations.
The transition from children's to adult diabetes services: understanding the ‘problem’
Authors: Allen D. , Gregory J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAims  The importance of getting transition right for young people with diabetes is increasingly recognized and a strong professional consensus has emerged on best practice in this domain. Research evidence to inform the design of transitional healthcare services is weak, however, and prevailing views about ‘the problem of transition’ are based on a number of assumptions about adolescence, adulthood and chronic disease management which have been accepted uncritically.Methods  Drawing on youth studies and the sociology of chronic disease management, in this paper we describe how ‘the problem of transition’ has been defined in the professional and UK policy literature and examine the assumptions that underpin it.Results  We argue that the overwhelming emphasis is on how best to support young people in fitting in with the healthcare system. This has produced an orientation which is more concerned with supporting young people in the process of becoming adults rather than giving attention to their contemporaneous experiences and needs. Two years after the introduction of the UK National Service Framework for diabetes, the challenge of transitional services remains.Conclusions  We suggest that the time has come to consider alternative formulations of the ‘problem’. Rather than asking how best to manage transition, we might ask how best to meet the needs of young people with diabetes at this stage of the life course. This requires an understanding of their experiences, the social networks in which they are embedded and consideration of how self‐management might be supported by the healthcare system.
A CONVENIENT MULTISECTORAL POLICY CONTROL FOR ICT IN THE US ECONOMY
Authors: Ciaschini Maurizio , Pretaroli Rosita , Socci Claudio 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTThrough the application of the Macro Multiplier (MM) approach on an Input–Output matrix for US economy in year 2005, the paper identifies the ‘convenient’ structure of a policy control on final demand, oriented to a particular policy objective. The approach quantifies a set of aggregated scale effects, called MM, and the associated structures of both policy and objective variables. In this way the policy maker can both get a complete picture of the patterns of the objective that can be attained and determine a ‘convenient’ structure of the policy variable that compels the model towards those patterns.
Cerebral white matter hyperintensities are not increased in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Harboe E. , Beyer M. K. , Greve O. J. , Gøransson L. G. , Tjensvoll A. B. , Kvaløy J. T. , Omdal R. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  It is frequently thought that cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on T‐2 weighted MRI scans are increased in patients with autoimmune diseases. An increased frequency of WHMs has been described in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (PSS), but no controlled studies exist. The aim of this study was therefore to compare WMHs in PSS patients and healthy subjects applying the new European‐American criteria for PSS.Methods:  Cross‐sectional controlled study of 68 unselected PSS patients and 68 healthy subjects was carried out. WMHs were rated using Scheltens method.Results:  There were no differences in total or any regional WMH scores between PSS patients and healthy subjects.Conclusions:  Patients with PSS do not have increased WMH load or distribution when compared with healthy subjects.
First trimester urinary placental growth factor and development of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Savvidou MD , Akolekar R , Zaragoza E , Poon LC , Nicolaides KH 
Published: February 2009

Objective  To compare urinary placental growth factor (PlGF) concentration at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation in women who subsequently develop pre‐eclampsia with normotensive controls.Design  Nested case–control study within a prospective study for first trimester prediction of pre‐eclampsia.Setting  Routine antenatal visit in a teaching hospital.Population  Fifty‐two women who developed pre‐eclampsia and 52 controls matched for gestational age and sample storage time.Methods  Urinary PlGF concentration and PlGF to creatinine ratio were measured in women who developed pre‐eclampsia and their matched controls. Comparisons between groups were performed using Student’s t test.Main outcome measures  Development of pre‐eclampsia.Results  In the pre‐eclampsia group, the median urinary PlGF concentration (20.6 pg/ml, interquartile range [IQR] 9.1–32.0 pg/ml) and median urinary PlGF to creatinine ratio (1.6 pg/mg, IQR 1.2–2.5 pg/mg) were not significantly different from the control group (11.8 pg/ml, IQR 5.5–29.8 pg/ml, P = 0.1 and 1.7 pg/mg, IQR 1.2–2.3 pg/mg, P = 0.3, respectively). There were no significant differences between women with early‐onset pre‐eclampsia requiring delivery before 34 weeks (n = 13) and those with late‐onset pre‐eclampsia (n = 39) and between women with pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) (n = 25) and those with pre‐eclampsia and no FGR (n = 27) in either median PlGF concentration or median urinary PlGF to creatinine ratio.Conclusions  The development of pre‐eclampsia is not preceded by altered urinary PlGF concentration in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Hypoxic stress‐induced changes in adrenergic function: role   of HIF1α
Authors: Tai T. C. , Wong‐Faull David C. , Claycomb Robert , Wong Dona L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSustaining epinephrine‐elicited behavioral and physiological responses during stress requires replenishment of epinephrine stores. Egr‐1 and Sp1 contribute by stimulating the gene encoding the epinephrine‐synthesizing enzyme, phenylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase (PNMT), as shown for immobilization stress in rats in adrenal medulla and for hypoxic stress in adrenal medulla‐derived PC12 cells. Hypoxia (5% O2) also activates hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) 1α, increasing mRNA, nuclear protein and nuclear protein/hypoxia response element binding complex formation. Hypoxia and HIF1α over‐expression also elevate PNMT promoter‐driven luciferase activity in PC12 cells. Hypoxia may be limiting as HIF1α over‐expression increases luciferase expression to no greater extent than oxygen reduction alone. HIF1α inducers CoCl2 or deferoxamine elevate luciferase as well. PC12 cells harboring a HIF1α expression construct show markedly higher levels of Egr‐1 and Sp1 mRNA and nuclear protein and PNMT mRNA and cytoplasmic protein. Inactivation of Egr‐1 and Sp1 binding sites in the proximal −893 bp of PNMT promoter precludes HIF1α stimulation while a potential hypoxia response element (−282 bp) in the promoter shows weak HIF1α affinity at best. These findings are the first to suggest that hypoxia activates the proximal rat PNMT promoter primarily via HIF1α induction of Egr‐1 and Sp1 rather than by co‐activation by Egr‐1, Sp1 and HIF1α. In addition, the rise in HIF1α protein leading to Egr‐1 and Sp1 stimulation of PNMT appears to include HIF1α gene activation rather than simply prevention of HIF1α proteolytic degradation.
Menstrual Migraine in Adolescents
Authors: Crawford Megan J. , Lehman Laura , Slater Shalonda , Kabbouche Marielle A. , LeCates Susan L. , Segers Ann , Manning Paula , Powers Scott W. , Hershey Andrew D. 
Published: February 2009

Objective.— To characterize menstrually associated headaches and migraine in adolescent girls and identify any developmental and pubertal changes.Background.— Headache and migraine is a common problem in adolescents with a transition to adult patterns. One pattern of adult migraine is the menstrual association in a significant number of women.Methods.— A retrospective analysis was performed of characteristics of adolescent's headaches including association with menstrual pattern. A detailed analysis of the patient‐ and parent‐reported headache characteristics and patterns of longitudinal change with development and puberty was reviewed, including timing of headache with age and menstrual period and progression of these events over the adolescence.Results.— Of the 896 girls between 9 and 18 years old reviewed at initial evaluation, 331 (50.3% of menarchal girls and 36.9% of all girls) report experiencing headaches with their menstrual period. Of those reporting a menstrual pattern, 63.6% reported migraines starting between day −2 and +3 of their menstrual period start. Girls with menstrual migraine reported increased associated symptoms compared with girls without menstrual migraine. There was no difference in disability between girls with a menstrual pattern and those without a menstrual pattern (t = 1.64; P = .10). Additionally, 160 girls reported a monthly pattern to their headaches prior to beginning menstruation, suggestive of a menstrually related migraine pattern prior to menstruation.Conclusions.— The pattern of menstrual association begins to become apparent during adolescence. Once the menstrual pattern has developed, this association is stable. Early identification of this pattern has potential long‐term benefit for improved lifelong outcome.
Treatment of experimental periodontal disease by photodynamic therapy in immunosuppressed rats
Authors: Fernandes Leandro Araújo , De Almeida Juliano Milanezi , Theodoro Leticia Helena , Bosco Alvaro Francisco , Nagata Maria José Hitomi , Martins Thiago Marchi , Okamoto Tetuo , Garcia Valdir Gouveia 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive treatment of induced periodontitis with scaling and root planing (SRP) in dexamethasone‐inhibited rats.Material and Methods: The animals were divided into two groups: ND (n=90), saline solution treatment; D (n=90), dexamethasone treatment. In the ND and D Groups, periodontal disease was ligature‐induced at the first mandibular molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed and all animals received SRP and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP, saline solution; Toluidine Blue‐O (TBO), phenothiazinium dye; and PDT, TBO and laser irradiation. Ten animals in each treatment were killed at 7, 15 and 30 days. The radiographic and histometric values were statistically analysed.Results: In the ND and D Groups, radiographic analysis showed less bone loss in animals treated by PDT in all the experimental periods than SRP and TBO at 15 days (p<0.05). After a histometric analysis was carried out in the ND and D groups, the animals treated by PDT showed less bone loss in all periods than SRP and TBO after 15 days (p<0.05).Conclusions: The PDT was an effective adjunctive treatment of induced periodontitis compared with SRP in dexamethasone‐inhibited rats.
Common single nucleotide polymorphisms in cyclooxygenase‐2 and risk of severe chronic periodontitis in a Chinese population
Authors: Xie Cheng‐Jie , Xiao Li‐Min , Fan Wei‐Hua , Xuan Dong‐Ying , Zhang Jin‐Cai 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim: Several common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) gene have been reported to be functional. The association between −1195GA, −765GC and 8473TC of COX‐2, and severe chronic periodontitis (CP) in a Chinese population was investigated.Material and Methods: 148 cases of healthy controls (control group) and 146 cases of severe CP were recruited in this study. Genotypes of −1195GA, −765GC and 8473TC were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). The distributions of genotypes and haplotypes were compared by χ2 test and the odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression analysis.Results: The prevalence of the −1195A was more prevalent in CP group (60.62%) than control group (51.35%), and the distributions of the −765C and 8473C were higher in control group (6.76% and 21.96%) compared with CP group (3.08% and 15.07%). Only genotype distribution of −1195GA was significant when p‐value was corrected for multiple testing (pc=0.033). The adjusted ORs for the −1195AA/GA, −765GC and 8473CC/TC were 2.49 (95% CI=1.33–4.69, p=0.005), 0.45 (95% CI=0.20–1.04, p=0.061) and 0.67 (95% CI=0.41–1.11, p=0.118). Subjects with the haplotype AGT had a significantly higher risk of periodontitis than those with the most common haplotype GGT (OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.32–2.76, pc<0.001).Conclusions: It suggests the −1195A variant is associated with an increased risk for severe CP.