bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications for a role of interleukin-23 in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis and of peptic ulcer disease
Authors: Koussoulas V , Vassiliou S , Giamarellos-Bourboulis E J , Tassias G , Kotsaki A , Barbatzas C , Tzivras M 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The present study aimed to investigate the role of gastric mucosa for the secretion of interleukin (IL)-23 in chronic gastritis. One hundred and one patients were enrolled; 47 with duodenal ulcer, 33 with gastric ulcer and 31 with chronic gastritis. Biopsies were incubated in the absence/presence of endotoxins. Supernatants were collected and IL-23 and IL-1β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Scoring of gastritis was performed according to the updated Sydney score. Patients with duodenal and gastric ulcer and those with chronic gastritis had similar scores of gastritis. IL-23 was higher in supernatants of tissue samples of Helicobacter pylori-positive than of H. pylori-negative patients. No differences were recorded in concentrations of IL-23 and IL-1β between patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and chronic gastritis. Positive correlations were found between IL-23 of patients with both duodenal and gastric ulcer and chronic gastritis and the degree of infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes. Similar correlations were observed between IL-23 and IL-1β. IL-23 secreted by the gastric mucosa could be implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis. IL-23 was released in the presence of H. pylori from the inflamed gastric mucosa and followed the kinetics of IL-1β.
TACI mutations and disease susceptibility in patients with common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Poodt A E J , Driessen G J A , De Klein A , Van Dongen J J M , Van Der Burg M , De Vries E 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The most prevalent primary immunodeficiency is common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Mutations have been described in four genes, ICOS, CD19, BAFF-R and TNFRSF13B (encoding TACI), together associated with 10–15% of CVID cases. We investigated a family with CVID and identified the heterozygous C104R TNFRSF13B mutation in two of the three index-children with CVID, a mother with selective immunoglobulin A deficiency, a mother with recurrent infections and a healthy grandfather. Remarkably, we did not find the TNFRSF13B mutation in the third index-child with CVID, despite his hypogammaglobulinaemia and decreased response to unconjugated pneumococcal vaccine. This family illustrates that TNFRSF13B mutations induce disease susceptibility rather than cause disease directly. Apparently, other genetic or environmental factors, still to be identified, contributed to the development of CVID in this family. Consequently, TNFRSF13B mutations must be interpreted with caution in the clinical setting.
Arterial stiffness in relation to subclinical atherosclerosis
Authors: Wykretowicz A. , Gerstenberger P. , Guzik P. , Milewska A. , Krauze T. , Adamska K. , Rutkowska A. , Wysocki H. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  Increased arterial stiffness or arteriosclerosis, represents a physiological part of ageing. Atherosclerosis is a process that does not affect the arterial bed uniformly but has a variable local distribution and is frequently superimposed on stiffened vessels. We therefore addressed the question of whether any correlation exists between the general characteristics of arterial stiffness or wave reflection and subclinical atherosclerosis as assessed by carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) in a sample of healthy subjects.Methods  A total of 116 healthy subjects (mean age 55 years, 43 female) were evaluated. Arterial stiffness and wave reflection was assessed with the use of digital volume pulse analysis (DVP) and pulse wave analysis (PWA). Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by measurement of IMT.Results  Stiffness Index (SIDVP), the measure of general arterial stiffness correlated significantly with IMT (r = 0·37, P < 0·01). IMT correlated significantly with age (r = 0·5, P < 0·0001), waist to hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0·39, P < 0·0001) and mean blood pressure (BPmean) (r = 0·4, P < 0·0001). IMT did not correlate with measures of wave reflection. SIDVP correlated significantly with age (r = 0·32, P < 0·005), WHR (r = 0·36, P < 0·0001), BPmean (r = 0·36, P < 0·0001) and measurements of wave reflection. However analysis of a model which included variables that significantly influenced SIDVP and IMT, such as age, WHR and mean BP showed that arterial stiffness is not independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis.Conclusions  The indices of subclinical atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness and wave reflection, indicate different aspects of vascular status in otherwise healthy subjects
CD31+/Annexin V+ microparticles in healthy offsprings of patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Bulut D. , Tüns H. , Mügge A. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  First‐degree relatives of patients with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) develop endothelial dysfunction even in the case they are apparently healthy. In this study we wanted to clarify whether reduced blood levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), an endogenous repair mechanism to replace dysfunctional endothelium, or elevated endothelial‐derived microparticles (EMPs), an indicator and a mediator of increased endothelial cell damage/apoptosis, are an initial step in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in genetically predisposed subjects.Materials and methods  Fifty‐six healthy young men (aged 23 to 31 years) from a fire brigade were enrolled, of which 20 subjects had a positive family history (FH) for premature CAD. Subjects with or without a positive FH did not differ with respect to age, body mass index, risk factors and C‐reactive protein. Endothelial function was assessed by hyperaemia‐mediated relaxation of the brachial artery, blood levels of EPCs (VEGFR2+CD34+ cells) and number of EMPs (CD31+(bright)/Annexin V+ particles) were analysed by flow cytometry.Results  Hyperaemia‐mediated relaxation of the brachial artery was similar in both groups, and the blood levels of EPCs were comparable. However, the number of EMPs were significantly increased in subjects with a positive FH compared to those with a negative FH (neg. FH: 55·31 ± 4·88 vs. pos. FH: 70·37 ± 6·32 particles µL−1 platelet poor plasma; P < 0·05). Number of EMPs correlate inversely with the FMD response.Conclusions  These results suggest that increased plasma levels of EMPs may be an initial step in the development of endothelial dysfunction in genetically predisposed subjects.
Stem wood properties of mature Norway spruce after 3 years of continuous exposure to elevated [CO2] and temperature
Authors: KOSTIAINEN KATRI , KAAKINEN SEIJA , SARANPÄÄ PEKKA , SIGURDSSON BJARNI D. , LUNDQVIST SVEN‐OLOF , LINDER SUNE , VAPAAVUORI ELINA 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe objective of the study was to investigate the interactive effects of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, [CO2], and temperature on the wood properties of mature field‐grown Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees. Material for the study was obtained from an experiment in Flakaliden, northern Sweden, where trees were grown for 3 years in whole‐tree chambers at ambient (365 μmol mol−1) or elevated [CO2] (700 μmol mol−1) and ambient or elevated air temperature (ambient +5.6 °C in winter and ambient +2.8 °C in summer). Elevated temperature affected both wood chemical composition and structure, but had no effect on stem radial growth. Elevated temperature decreased the concentrations of acetone‐soluble extractives and soluble sugars, while mean and earlywood (EW) cell wall thickness and wood density were increased. Elevated [CO2] had no effect on stem wood chemistry or radial growth. In wood structure, elevated [CO2] decreased EW cell wall thickness and increased tracheid radial diameter in latewood (LW). Some significant interactions between elevated [CO2] and temperature were found in the anatomical and physical properties of stem wood (e.g. microfibril angle, and LW cell wall thickness and density). Our results show that the wood material properties of mature Norway spruce were altered under exposure to elevated [CO2] and temperature, although stem radial growth was not affected by the treatments.
Exploring lake ecosystems: hierarchy responses to long‐term change?
Authors: WAGNER CAROLA , ADRIAN RITA 
Published: December 2008

AbstractShifts in climate regime have provoked substantial trophic‐ and species‐dependent changes within ecosystems. With growing concerns of present global warming, we examined potential lake ecosystem responses, natural hierarchy responses (i.e. immediate responses at lower system levels as opposed to delayed responses at higher system levels), and possible shifts among abiotic (physics, nutrients) and biotic (phytoplankton, zooplankton) system components. Specifically, we analyzed decadal data collected from Müggelsee, a lake in Berlin, Germany, for climate‐induced abiotic and biotic changes, their timing and type, and classified them as abrupt permanent, gradual permanent, abrupt temporary, or monotonic. We further categorized variable changes as a function of system hierarchy, including lake physics (ice, temperature, stratification), nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen, silicate), plankton, and levels of integration (i.e. species, taxonomic groups, and total plankton). Contrary to current theory, data suggest abrupt responses did not occur in a hierarchy‐dependent manner, nor was a clear pattern observed among functional system‐based categories. Abrupt permanent changes were the most prominent response pattern observed, suggesting they may be driven by large‐scale climatic oscillations and by surpassed thresholds, as noted in previous case studies. Gradual changes coincided with affected abiotic parameters spanning an expansive time range; for example, climatic effects in spring preceded changes in nutrient limitation. Variables displaying no long‐term changes pointed to compensation processes caused by, e.g., simultaneously acting forces of warming trends and climate‐independent changes in trophic state. Nevertheless, the complexity of response patterns at the single system level manifested clear chronological regime shifts in abiotic and biotic parameters in spring and, to a lesser extent, in summer. With regard to projected global warming, the majority of currently unaffected system levels may face impending thermal thresholds, achievement of which would result in an accelerated shift in ecosystem state.
Little evidence for respiratory acclimation by microbial communities to short‐term shifts in temperature in red pine (Pinus resinosa) litter
Authors: MALCOLM GLENNA M. , LÓPEZ‐GUTIÉRREZ JUAN C. , KOIDE ROGER T. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractForest litter is a large reservoir of organic compounds that adds CO2to the atmospheric carbon pool when it decomposes. Predicting CO2efflux from litter decomposition is difficult because litter can undergo significant diurnal and day‐to‐day shifts in temperature. Moreover, the relationship between temperature and respiration may change if the decomposer microorganisms acclimate to short‐term temperature changes. Therefore, we studied the relationship between temperature and respiration by litter decomposer microorganisms in aPinus resinosa(Ait.) system and tested the hypothesis that their respiration acclimates to temperature. We found only limited evidence for acclimation following 6 °C shifts for 7 days. This suggests that increase in respiratory CO2loss associated with increased temperature would not be greatly ameliorated by physiological acclimation for periods of up to a week.
Complementary alternative medicine use in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Erzurum, Turkey
Authors: Arýkan Duygu , Sívríkaya Sibel Karaca , Olgun Nermin 
Published: December 2008

Aim and objective.  The aims of this study were: (i) to determine the types of complementary and alternative medicine use among children with type I diabetes mellitus as reported by parents and (ii) to describe sociodemographic and medical factors associated with the use of such treatments in families residing in Eastern Turkey.Background.  Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a tremendously challenging and complex disease for children and families to manage. Therefore, the use of complementary and alternative medicines among children with type 1 diabetes is becoming increasingly popular.Design.  Survey.Method.  Parents of 100 paediatric patients (who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at least 6 months prior to the study) who visited the participating paediatric endocrinology multidisciplinary centres and clinics for diabetes management were included in the study. Data were collected by using a semi‐structured questionnaire.Results.  Fifty‐two per cent of the parents reported the use of one or more complementary alternative medicine therapies. Most such users (59·6%) were using oral herbal preparations; including morus alba (leaves) aloe vera and stinging nettle.Conclusion.  Since we found that 78·6% of those using herbals were satisfied with their results and 69·2% were planning to continue use, it is important for healthcare providers to have relevant knowledge about complementary alternative medicine use and learn about its efficacy and effects (positive and adverse) of these treatments.Relevance to clinical practice.  Botanical substitute for insulin seems unlikely, but complementary alternative treatments may provide valuable clues for the development of new oral hypoglycaemic agents and simple dietary agents. It is important for healthcare providers to have up‐to‐date knowledge about the use and effects of complementary alternative medicines in the outpatient clinical care setting.
Willingness to use respite care among family caregivers in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Huang Hsiu‐Li , Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus , Chang Mei Yeh , Weng Li‐Chueh , Lee I 
Published: December 2008

Aim and objectives.  Investigate the use of respite care among family caregivers and examine factors related to their willingness to use such care.Background.  Respite care is a pivotal service for supporting family caregivers. Although research related to respite care is not a new field in western societies, such studies have rarely been done for Asian populations.Design.  A cross‐sectional study.Methods.  The study was conducted using a convenience sample of 100 family caregivers obtained through four home health care agencies in Northern Taiwan. Structured face‐to face interviews were conducted in home settings. Caregivers were divided into a willingness group and a non‐willingness group. The quantitative data were analysed using t‐test, chi‐square and multiple logistic regression.Results.  Sixty‐five per cent of the caregivers interviewed did not know about respite care services. The prevalence of respite care use was 11%. Eighty‐nine per cent of the caregivers had never used respite care: 60·7% of them reported that they would never use it and 39·3% of the caregivers indicated that they were willing to use respite care in the future. This study showed that willingness to use respite care was higher when the respite services matched the needs of the caregivers as well as the caregivers perceived higher caregiving burden.Conclusions.  These results suggest that respite care services should be explained more explicitly to family caregivers. Also, any respite care plan must consider the family caregivers burden, both perceived and realistically.Relevance to clinical practice.  The willingness to use respite care is a culturally sensitive issue. Health care providers must act as advocates to improve respite care policy. They must ensure that respite care fits caregivers’ needs and they must help caregivers overcome the social or cultural barriers to respite care.
Emotional care experienced by hospitalised patients: development and testing of a measurement instrument
Authors: Williams Anne M , Kristjanson Linda J 
Published: December 2008

Aims and objectives. This paper describes the development and preliminary psychometric testing of an instrument that evaluates the emotional care experienced by patients during hospitalisation.Background. Previous qualitative work using the Grounded Theory method identified the characteristics of interpersonal interactions that hospitalised patients perceived to be therapeutic. Three conditions were associated with the patient’s experience of emotional comfort: the patient’s perceived Level of Security, Level of Knowing and Level of Personal Value. Questions relating to each of these conditions were included in this new instrument.Design. Instrument development and psychometric testing.Method. Preliminary psychometric testing was carried out in four phases: construction of the instrument; assessment of face and content validity; testing for clarity and feasibility for use with hospitalised patients; assessment of reliability, construct validity of the tool and assessment of the internal structure.Conclusions. A hospital‐wide survey was carried out and the instrument was completed by a total sample of 132 patients. Two of the three sub‐scales achieved an internal consistency estimate of at least 0·70. The construct validity of the tool confirmed the previously identified characteristics of patients in need of additional emotional care. Exploratory factor analysis established two of the sub‐scales and identified a fourth sub‐scale which was named ‘Level of Connection’. Encouraging reliability and validity estimates were obtained and the instrument was improved. Further testing with larger samples is recommended.Relevance to clinical practice. This questionnaire, which is completed by hospitalised patients, differs from other instruments because it evaluates the interactions of all hospital staff rather than only nursing staff. This instrument can be used to identify patients who may be in need of additional emotional care and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions directed at improving the emotional well‐being of patients.
Ambulation after femoral sheath removal in percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective comparison of early vs. late ambulation
Authors: Schiks Ingrid EJM , Schoonhoven Lisette , Aengevaeren Wim RM , Nogarede‐Hoekstra Coby , Van Achterberg Theo , Verheugt Freek WA 
Published: December 2008

Aim and objectives.  To investigate if ambulation four hours after sheath removal can replace ambulation 10 hours or more after sheath removal with regard to puncture site complications after percutaneous coronary interventions and to examine patient comfort in both groups.Background.  Early ambulation after percutaneous coronary intervention may facilitate earlier hospital discharge. Whether this approach is safe, is unknown.Design.  A non‐randomised comparative study.Methods.  Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed by femoral approach. Registered nurses of the ward removed the sheath and haemostasis was achieved by manual compression. After bed rest with a compression bandage for four hours, the patients in the early ambulation group were ambulated. The patients in the control group stayed in bed till the next morning. Primary study endpoint was the composition of puncture site complications: haematoma, bleeding, false aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula. Secondary endpoints were occurrence of vasovagal collapse after mobilisation, back pain and problems with voiding.Results.  In the early ambulation group (n = 329) the total number of complications was nine (2·7%), vs. six (3·0%) in the control group (n = 202). The complication rate in the early ambulation group is not increased compared to the control group (test for non‐inferiority p = 0·002). Hence non‐inferiority is accepted and practical equivalence shown. There were no statistically significant differences concerning patient comfort between the groups.Conclusions.  Early ambulation four hours after femoral sheath removal is feasible and safe. The incidence of puncture site complications in the early ambulation group is not increased in comparison with the group with prolonged bed rest.Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients could possibly be discharged earlier after percutaneous coronary intervention, allowing percutaneous coronary intervention in an ambulant setting. Further research should confirm these findings and extend the research to the effect of various closure devices in early ambulation and on patients’ well‐being.
Incidence of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit patients at risk according to the Waterlow scale and factors influencing the development of pressure ulcers
Authors: Sayar Serap , Turgut Sibel , Doğan Havva , Ekici Aynur , Yurtsever Sabire , Demirkan Ferit , Doruk Nurcan , Taşdelen Bahar 
Published: December 2008

Aims.  To determine incidence of pressure ulcers in patients at risk according to the Waterlow scale in intensive care units and to evaluate the effects of risk factors in critically ill patients.Background.  Pressure ulcers continue to be an important health problem that increases the risk of illness and death, extends patients’ length of hospital stay and increases healthcare expenses.Design.  The study was conducted as a descriptive and prospective study.Method.  The sample consisted of 140 patients. Data were collected using a data collection form, the skin assessment instrument and the Waterlow scale.Results.  The incidence of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit patients was found to be 14·3%. The majority of pressure ulcers (74%) were grade I. The mean length of time for pressure ulcer development was found to be 10·4 (SD 1·85) days. A statistically significant difference was found in the patients for pressure ulcer development according to their level of consciousness, activity, cooperation, length of stay, Waterlow scale score and C‐reactive protein level. In the multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis, the most influential factors for pressure ulcer development were determined to be length of stay and activity level.Conclusions.  Extra care needs to be taken to prevent pressure ulcer development in intensive care unit patients who have an extended length of stay, are dependent for activities, have high Waterlow scores, are unconscious and are not cooperative.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study determined the incidence of and factors that can affect the development of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit patients who are in a high risk group for the development of pressure ulcers and presented the importance of having Turkish nurses implement interventions directed at these factors.