bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of vulvovaginal candidiasis and antifungal susceptibilities of Candida species isolates among patients in southern China from 2003 to 2006
Authors: Fan Shang Rong , Liu Xiao Ping , Li Jian Wu 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim:  To determine the clinical characteristics of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), the Candida species involved and the antifungal susceptibility of Candida species isolated from patients with VVC.Methods:  Candida organisms were cultured from samples obtained from patients who presented with VVC to the Gynecology Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using a commercial agar diffusion test.Results:  Of the 1070 cases of VVC reported in this study, 36.5% were uncomplicated VVC, and 63.5% were complicated VVC. Twenty‐four patients were identified as having two species of Candida. Candid albicans alone was isolated from 89.5% of cases (n = 958). Candida glabrata was isolated from 85 cases (7.9%), Candida tropicalis from 10 (0.9%), Saccharomyces cerevisiae from eight (0.7%), Candida parapsilosis from six (0.6%), Candida famata from two (0.2%), and Candida krusei from one case (0.1%). All isolates of Candida albicans were susceptible to nystatin. The resistant rate of Candida albicans to azole agents was 0–4.9%.Conclusion:  Candida albicans was the predominant Candida species isolated from this series of patients with VVC. Resistance of vaginal Candida albicans isolates to antifungal agents was infrequent.
Predictive factors for faecal incontinence after third or fourth degree obstetric tears: a clinico‐physiologic study
Authors: Tjandra J. J. , Chan M. K. Y. , Kwok S. Y. , Yeh C. H. , Tan J. J. Y. , Sloane K. , Carey M. P. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective This is a prospective study to review the natural history of anorectal dysfunction after primary repair for third or fourth degree obstetric tear and to identify the predictive factors for significant faecal incontinence.Method From January 2003 to December 2005, 121 consecutive women (mean age 29.9 ± 4.7) who sustained third or fourth degree obstetric tears were assessed. All had primary repair by obstetricians. They were assessed using anorectal physiology testing and endoanal ultrasound. Short‐term (3‐month postpartum) and medium‐term (mean 18.8 ± 7.7 months) Wexner’s continence scores were obtained.Results Among the 121 women, seven were excluded because of incomplete follow‐up. At short‐term assessment, 25 out of 114 women were incontinent. One of them underwent another sphincter repair for significant faecal incontinence. Twenty‐one and three patients respectively, had mild (Wexner’s score 1–4) and moderate (Wexner’s score 5–8) symptoms. At medium‐term assessment, 24 patients remained incontinent; of these, 20 had mild symptoms (Wexner’s score 1–4) and four had moderate incontinence (Wexner’s score 5–8). The parity (P = 0.04), degree of obstetric tear (P = 0.036) and short‐term Wexner’s scores at 3 months postpartum (P < 0.0001) were significantly related to the change in Wexner’s scores at medium‐term assessment. However, the short‐term Wexner’s score was the only identifiable predictive factor for significant faecal incontinence.Conclusion Most women suffering from third or fourth degree obstetric tear were continent or mildly incontinent. Poor Wexner’s score at short‐term assessment at 3 months postpartum was predictive of faecal incontinence in the medium‐term.
PROCEED: Prospective Obesity Cohort of Economic Evaluation and Determinants: baseline health and healthcare utilization of the US sample*
Authors: Wolf A. M. , Finer N. , Allshouse A. A. , Pendergast K. B. , Sherrill B. H. , Caterson I. , Hill J. O. , Aronne L. J. , Hauner H. , Radigue C. , Amand C. , Despres J.‐P. 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To summarize baseline characteristics, health conditions, resource utilization and resource cost for the US population for the 90‐day period preceding enrolment, stratified by body mass index (BMI) and the presence of abdominal obesity (AO).Methods:  PROCEED (Prospective Obesity Cohort of Economic Evaluation and Determinants) is a multinational, prospective cohort of control (BMI 20–24.0 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) subjects with AO and without AO [non‐abdominal obesity (NAO)], defined by waist circumference (WC) >102 and 88 cm for males and females, respectively. Subjects were recruited from an Internet consumer panel. Outcomes were self‐reported online. Self‐reported anthropometric data were validated. Prevalence of conditions and utilization is presented by BMI class and AO within BMI class. Differences in prevalence and means were evaluated.Results:  A total of 1067 overweight [n = 474 (NAO: n = 254 and AO: n = 220)] and obese [n = 493 (NAO: n = 39 and AO: n = 454)] subjects and 100 controls were recruited. Self‐reported weight (r = 0.92) and WC (r = 0.87) were correlated with measured assessments. Prevalence of symptoms was significantly higher in groups with higher BMI, as were hypertension (p < 0.0001), diabetes (p < 0.0001) and sleep apnoea (p < 0.0001). Metabolic risk factors increased with the BMI class. Among the overweight class, subjects with AO had significantly more reported respiratory, heart, nervous, skin and reproductive system symptoms. Overweight subjects with AO reported a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes (13%) compared with overweight subjects with NAO (7%, p = 0.04). Mean healthcare cost was significantly higher in the higher BMI classes [control ($456 ± 937) vs. overweight ($1084 ± 3531) and obese ($1186 ± 2808) (p < 0.0001)].Conclusion:  An increasing gradient of symptoms, medical conditions, metabolic risk factors and healthcare utilization among those with a greater degree of obesity was observed. The independent effect of AO on health and healthcare utilization deserves further study with a larger sample size.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) in South Wales: incidence and characterization
Authors: Davies H. , Brophy S. , Fielding A. , Bingley P. , Chandler M. , Hilldrup I. , Brooks C. , Williams R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim  To define the incidence and characteristics of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).Methods  We estimated the incidence of LADA by examining the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and calculating the proportion that were antibody positive. The incidence of Type 2 diabetes was calculated by analysis of computer records of 35 out of 36 general practices in Swansea. In addition, thirty‐two practices participated in recruiting people with Type 2 diabetes to have glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody testing.Results  The crude proportion of Type 2 patients testing positive for GAD antibodies (GADA) was 4.0% (28/683). This figure did not change when we analysed only the practices that tested more than 60% of all eligible patients. In these practices, 79% (387/487) of all eligible patients were GADA tested and 14/387 [3.6% (95% confidence interval: 2.1–6.1%)] were classified as having LADA. This gives an incidence of LADA of 9 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval: 4.4–17.8 per 100 000) people per year registered with a general practitioner. Patients testing positive for GADA were more likely to have a lower body mass index, other antibodies, to present with acute symptoms and to have higher glycated haemoglobin.Conclusions  This is the first study of the incidence of LADA in primary care. People with LADA make up a significant proportion of people with apparent Type 2 diabetes. Patients with LADA are likely to be symptomatic, have poorer glycaemic control and have other autoimmune antibodies.
Glycated haemoglobin and cardiovascular outcomes in people with Type 2 diabetes: a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Elley C. R. , Kenealy T. , Robinson E. , Drury P. L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAims  To investigate the association between long‐term glycaemic control, measured by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and time to first cardiovascular disease (CVD) event for people with Type 2 diabetes in New Zealand.Methods  A prospective cohort study including people with Type 2 diabetes but no previous CVD. The primary outcome measure was time to first recorded fatal or non‐fatal CVD event (ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischaemic attack or peripheral vascular disease) as identified from linked primary care, hospital and mortality records between January 2000 and December 2005. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the association between HbA1c and time to CVD event, adjusting for age at diagnosis, duration of diabetes, gender, ethnicity, socio‐economic status, smoking, blood pressure (BP), serum total cholesterol : high‐density lipoprotein ratio, body mass index (BMI) and urine albumin : creatinine ratio.Results  Participants included 48 444 people with Type 2 diabetes. Fifty‐one per cent (n = 24 721) were women, median age 60 years. Median duration of diabetes was 3 years, median BMI 31 kg/m2, median HbA1c 7.1% and mean BP was 138/81 mmHg. During the study period (median follow‐up 2.4 years), there were 5667 first CVD events (11.7% of cohort). Each 1% increase in HbA1c was associated with an increase in hazard ratio (HR) for CVD of 1.08 (95% confidence interval 1.06–1.10, P < 0.001), myocardial infarction [HR 1.08 (1.04, 1.11)] and stroke [HR 1.09 (1.04, 1.13)].Conclusion  This study has confirmed in a large prospective cohort that increased HbA1c is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease after controlling for traditional risk factors.
Evolution and ecology of lizard body sizes
Authors: Meiri Shai 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Body size is instrumental in influencing animal physiology, morphology, ecology and evolution, as well as extinction risk. I examine several hypotheses regarding the influence of body size on lizard evolution and extinction risk, assessing whether body size influences, or is influenced by, species richness, herbivory, island dwelling and extinction risk.Location  World‐wide.Methods  I used literature data and measurements of museum and live specimens to estimate lizard body size distributions.Results  I obtained body size data for 99% of the world's lizard species. The body size–frequency distribution is highly modal and right skewed and similar distributions characterize most lizard families and lizard assemblages across biogeographical realms. There is a strong negative correlation between mean body size within families and species richness. Herbivorous lizards are larger than omnivorous and carnivorous ones, and aquatic lizards are larger than non‐aquatic species. Diurnal activity is associated with small body size. Insular lizards tend towards both extremes of the size spectrum. Extinction risk increases with body size of species for which risk has been assessed.Main conclusions  Small size seems to promote fast diversification of disparate body plans. The absence of mammalian predators allows insular lizards to attain larger body sizes by means of release from predation and allows them to evolve into the top predator niche. Island living also promotes a high frequency of herbivory, which is also associated with large size. Aquatic and nocturnal lizards probably evolve large size because of thermal constraints. The association between large size and high extinction risk, however, probably reflects a bias in the species in which risk has been studied.
Expression of the endogenous, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand, SLURP‐1, in human colon cancer
Authors: Pettersson A. , Nordlander S. , Nylund G. , Khorram‐Manesh A. , Nordgren S. , Delbro D. S. 
Published: August 2008

Summary 1 Secreted mammalian Ly‐6/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor‐related protein‐1 (SLURP‐1) is a recently discovered endogenous ligand at the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Previous reports have shown that SLURP‐1 is expressed in normal human keratinocytes seemingly with a pro‐apoptotic function. Conversely, such expression was markedly attenuated in transformed cells and it was suggested that the molecule could convey protection against malignant transformation. 2 In this study, we demonstrated the mRNA expression (by RT‐PCR) and protein expression (by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry) of SLURP‐1 in the human colon cancer cell line, HT‐29. 3 Furthermore, we demonstrated the expression of SLURP‐1 (by immunohistochemistry) in tumour cells of human colon cancer tissue, and, to a greater extent, in immune and smooth muscle cells of adjacent, macroscopically tumour‐free colon tissue. 4 The current findings suggest that SLURP‐1 participates in the regulation of gut immune functions and motility, as well as possibly playing a role in colon carcinogenesis/cancer progression.
Site‐specific production of TGF‐β in oral mucosal and cutaneous wounds
Authors: Schrementi Megan E. , Ferreira Ahalia M. , Zender Chad , DiPietro Luisa A. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTWound healing in the oral mucosa is clinically distinguished by rapid healing and lack of scar formation compared with dermal wounds. Mechanisms of favorable mucosal healing are yet to be elucidated. Utilizing a murine model of equivalent‐size mucosal and skin wounds, we verified the rapid reepithelializaton and reduction in scarring of oral wounds reported in humans. Collagen fibrillar structure in oral wounds rapidly approached the size of normal collagen fibrils, while the collagen ultrastructure in skin remained immature through the later phases of healing. To determine whether the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) contributes to the lack of scar formation in oral mucosa, we compared the expression and production in oral and skin wounds. The RNase protection assay demonstrated significantly lower levels of TGF‐β1 expression in oral wounds compared with dermal wounds, and no changes were observed in the expression levels of TGF‐β2 or TGF‐β3. ELISA analysis confirmed that oral wounds contained lower levels of TGF‐β1 levels compared with dermal wounds, along with a significant increase in the ratio of TGF‐β3 to ‐β1. These findings showed reduced scarring in oral wounds at the ultrastructural level, and provide evidence that site‐specific differences in TGF‐β production contributes to the superior healing of oral wounds.
Risk factors for pressure ulcers in acute care hospitals
Authors: Fogerty Mary D. , Abumrad Naji N. , Nanney Lillian , Arbogast Patrick G. , Poulose Benjamin , Barbul Adrian 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTSelection of patients for preventive measures to protect against pressure ulcers relies on clinical scales and provider judgment, which vary widely. Our objectives were to: (a) identify risk factors by clinical classification and report demographic differences in pressure ulcer risk and (b) develop criteria for identification of high‐risk patients. Patients with pressure ulcer as a discharge diagnosis were identified from the 2003 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). The effect of discharge diagnosis was examined using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Clinical Classification Software (CCS). Multiple regression analysis for survey data was used to assess risk factors. The 2003 NIS listed 94,758 with a discharge diagnosis of pressure ulcer, identified as International Classification of Disease‐9 code 707.0–707.09, for an overall incidence of 143 per 10,000. Forty‐five CCS discharge diagnoses were present in at least 5% of these patients and 28 of these CCS diagnoses had odds ratios >2.0. African‐American race and advanced age were identified as risk factors for pressure ulcer diagnosis. Disorders of skin integrity, organ system failure, and infection were found to be broad categories of risk factors as well. Using the NIS, risk factors for pressure ulcer including diagnoses and demographic factors have been identified.
Effect of low‐frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the viability of ischemic skin flaps in the rat: An amplitude study
Authors: Liebano Richard Eloin , Abla Luiz Eduardo Felipe , Ferreira Lydia Masako 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of low‐frequency (2 Hz) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the viability of ischemic skin flaps in the rat. Seventy‐five EPM1‐Wistar rats were used. The random skin flap measuring 10 × 4 cm was raised and a plastic barrier was placed between the flap and its bed. After the surgical procedure, animals in all groups were kept anesthetized for 1 hour, with electrodes placed at the base of the flap, and received the assigned treatment. The animals were randomized into five groups (G1–G5) and each group was subjected to the following procedures, which were repeated on the 2 subsequent days: G1—sham stimulation (control); G2—transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS (f=2 Hz,I=5 mA), G3—TENS (f=2 Hz,I=10 mA), G4—TENS (f=2 Hz,I=15 mA), G5—TENS (f=2 Hz,I=20 mA). Seven days after treatment, the percentage of flap necrosis was determined. For each group, the mean±SEM percentage of flap necrosis was as follows: G1 group (control), 43.88±2.02%; G2 group, 39.20±3.17%; G3 group, 38.57±4.08%; G4 group, 32.14±2.89%; and G5 group, 44.13±2.98%. The G4 group had the smallest necrotic area compared with the control group. The low‐frequency TENS treatment was effective in improving the viability of ischemic skin flap.
Assessing the effect of an antimicrobial wound dressing on biofilms
Authors: Percival Steven L. , Bowler Phil , Woods Emma J. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTTo date the effect of silver‐containing wound dressings on biofilms, known to be present in chronic wounds, has not been determined or documented. In this current study, we aimed to determine the antimicrobial effect of a silver‐containing dressing on biofilms grown in a chambered slide model. Before the addition of a wound dressing onto a 24‐hour biofilm, composed of either Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus, or a mixed bacterial community, a fluorescent dye was applied. This enabled the viability of sessile bacteria to be monitored in real‐time, using a rapid form of confocal laser scanning microscopy over a contact time period of 48 hours. By analyzing all the three‐dimensional data generated from the confocal time‐lapse sequences, 90% of all sessile bacteria within the biofilm were observed to progressively turn red (i.e., died) within 24 hours. Total bacterial kill in the biofilm was achieved after 48 hours. This research has shown that the dressing was effective in killing the tested bacteria evident in both the tested mono and polymicrobial biofilms, which provides valuable evidence that this dressing may have an effect on biofilms found in recalcitrant chronic wounds.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight Infants of Hispanic, African American, and White Women in Bexar County, Texas
Authors: Tierney‐Gumaer Rosalie , Reifsnider Elizabeth 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the risk factors in women who delivered an infant of low birth weight (LBW, <2,500 g) versus women who delivered an infant weighing >2,500 g in a large metropolitan county (Bexar) in South Texas.Design: An exploratory case comparison design was used to identify factors related to LBW outcomes in women receiving prenatal care.Sample: The cases were obtained from community hospitals. A stratified random sample was selected from a population of 38,064 infant births, of which 2,910 were identified as LBW. The final sample size was N=321 (<2,500 g, n=151; ≥2,500 g, n=170).Measurements: Dependent variable of infant birth weight; independent variables of maternal age, maternal race/ethnicity, education, smoking, prior pregnancy history, timing of and number of prenatal visits, prepregnancy body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy, and past medical history and medical problems during pregnancy.Results: Independent variables found to be predictive of LBW in this study included maternal race/ethnicity, timing of first prenatal visit, number of prenatal visits, prior pregnancy history, and maternal weight gain.Conclusions: This study confirmed previous findings that African American women are at a higher risk for LBW deliveries and demonstrated that Anglo and Hispanic women have similar rates of LBW deliveries.
Experiences of Homeless People in the Health Care Delivery System: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
Authors: Martins Diane Cocozza 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of this research is to understand the experiences of homeless people with the health care system.Design: A descriptive Phenomenological research design is used. Phenomenology is the philosophical underpinning of this research.Sample: The purposive sample consists of 15 homeless adults.Method: Interviews were conducted, tape‐recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed the transcripts using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method.Results: 4 major themes emerged: (1) living without essential resources compromises health; (2) putting off health care until a crisis arises; (3) encountering barriers to receiving health care to include (a) social triage, (b) feeling labeled and stigmatized, (c) a nonsystem for health care for the homeless, (d) being treated with disrespect, and (e) feeling invisible to health care providers; and (4) developing underground resourcefulness.Conclusions and Implications: Although homeless persons articulated many problems in the health care system encounters, they also described their own resourcefulness and the strategies they employ to manage being marginalized by society and the health care system. An increased understanding of health care experiences from the homeless persons' perspective can guide public health nursing emancipatory actions.
Strengthening New Fathers' Skills in Interaction With Their 5‐Month‐Old Infants: Who Benefits From a Brief Intervention?
Authors: Benzies Karen , Magill‐Evans Joyce , Harrison Margaret J. , MacPhail Sandra , Kimak Cathy 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine the utility of a parenting education program for fathers of infants, and to determine which fathers benefited.Design: Fathers' perceptions of the program's utility were captured in a brief, structured interview. Using secondary data analysis, pretest/posttest father‐infant interaction scores of fathers who improved were compared with those of fathers who did not. Demographic predictors of improvement were identified using multiple regression.Sample: Community sample of 81 adult, English‐speaking, primarily European Canadian, first‐time fathers of 5‐month‐old infants, who participated in the intervention group of a randomized controlled trial.Intervention: When infants were 5 and 6 months old, videotaped self‐modeling and positive feedback about father‐infant interaction were provided by specially trained nurses.Measurements: Father‐infant interaction was assessed at baseline (5 months) and outcome (8 months) using the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale.Results: Fathers found the program useful, indicating that their needs for educational programs are different from mothers. Controlling for baseline interactions, demographic variables did not significantly predict fathers' outcome interactions.Conclusions: The program may prove useful in public health settings where implementing programs for fathers of infants is a priority. Future research needs to explore other predictors to identify fathers who will benefit from the program.