bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antinociceptive effect of a ruthenium complex in mice
Authors: Cristiano M. P. , Cardoso D. C. , Da Silva Paula M. M. , Costa‐Campos L. 
Published: September 2008

Summary1 The ruthenium complexes are important tools in inorganic chemistry. Different biological properties are found in the presence of distinct coordinate ligands, which offer a variety of potential clinical and pharmacological uses.2 The aim of this work was to evaluate the antinociceptive and behavioural effects of the ruthenium complex,trans‐[RuCl2(i‐dinic)4]Cl, in mice.3 The potential analgesic activity was tested using the formalin and hot plate tests and the behavioural effect was evaluated using the rotarod and spontaneous locomotor tests. The complex was administered at concentrations of 1.3, 4.5 and 18.0 μmol kg−1i.p. Morphine (6.0 mg kg−1, i.p.) and diclofenac sodium (20.0 mg kg−1, i.p.) were used as reference drugs.4 The compound had no sedative activity on motor ataxia in the behavioural and analgesic tests. No significant effect was observed in the first phase of the formalin test, however, an effect was observed in the second phase.5 The complex studied was probably more powerful than the reference drugs as an antinociceptive agent, as this mechanism also involved the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. From this perspective, further experimental studies will be useful to understand the effect of these compounds on NO and the relationship between prostaglandin and NO biosynthesis.
SALT‐INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN LIPID COMPOSITION OF DIATOM NITZSCHIA LAEVIS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) UNDER HETEROTROPHIC CULTURE CONDITION1
Authors: Chen Guan‐Qun , Jiang Yue , Chen Feng 
Published: September 2008

The diatom Nitzschia laevis Hust. is a potential producer of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). To elucidate its cellular response to salt stress, the effects of salinity on EPA production, lipid composition, and fatty acid distribution in the lipid pool were investigated. The highest contents of total fatty acids, EPA, and polar lipids were all obtained at NaCl of 20 g · L−1, under which 71.3% of total EPA existed in polar lipid fractions. In N. laevis, high salt concentration might induce the decrease in neutral lipids (NLs), whereas the production of polar lipids, including phospholipids (PLs) and glycolipids (GLs), was enhanced. The degree of fatty acid unsaturation of both neutral and polar lipid fractions increased sharply when NaCl concentration increased from 10 to 20 g · L−1 but decreased at NaCl concentration of 30 g · L−1. The amount of total free sterols was increased with the increase in salt concentration. All these changes in lipid and fatty acids suggested a decrease in membrane permeability and fluidity under high salt concentration, which could help the alga acclimate to the salinity stress.
MICROSATELLITE GENOTYPING OF SINGLE CELLS OF THE DINOFLAGELLATE SPECIES LINGULODINIUM POLYEDRUM (DINOPHYCEAE): A NOVEL APPROACH FOR MARINE MICROBIAL POPULATION GENETIC STUDIES1
Authors: Frommlet Jörg C. , Iglesias‐Rodríguez M. Débora 
Published: September 2008

In recent years, two new approaches have been introduced in genetic studies of phytoplankton species. One is the application of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers, which allow detailed population genetic studies; the other is the development of methods that enable the direct genetic characterization of single cells as an alternative to clonal cultures. The aim of this study was to combine these two approaches in a method that would allow microsatellite genotyping of single phytoplankton cells, providing a novel tool for high‐resolution population genetic studies. The dinoflagellate species Lingulodinium polyedrum (F. Stein) J. D. Dodge was selected as a model organism to develop this novel approach. The method we describe here is based on several key developments: (i) a simple and efficient DNA extraction method for single cells, (ii) the characterization of microsatellite markers for L. polyedrum, (iii) a protocol for the species identification of single cells through the analysis of partial rRNA gene sequences, and (iv) a two‐step multiplex PCR protocol for the simultaneous amplification of microsatellite markers and partial rRNA gene sequences from single cells. Our protocol allowed the amplification of up to six microsatellite loci together with either the complete ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 region or a partial 18S region of the ribosomal gene of L. polyedrum from single motile cells and resting cysts. This article describes and evaluates the developed approach and discusses its significance for population genetic studies of L. polyedrum and other phytoplankton species.
Carbon Nanofiber Production
Authors: Khanna Vikas , Bakshi Bhavik R. , Lee L. James 
Published: September 2008

SummaryHolistic understanding of nanotechnology using systems analysis tools is essential for evaluating claims about the potential benefits of this emerging technology. This article presents one of the first assessments of the life cycle energy requirements and environmental impact of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) synthesis. Life cycle inventory data are compiled with data reported in the open literature. The results of the study indicate relatively higher life cycle energy requirements and higher environmental impact of CNFs as compared to traditional materials, like primary aluminum, steel, and polypropylene, on an equal mass basis. Life cycle energy requirements for CNFs from a range of feedstock materials are found to be 13 to 50 times that of primary aluminum on an equal mass basis. Similar trends are observed from the results of process life cycle assessment (LCA), as conveyed by different midpoint and endpoint damage indicators. Savings in life cycle energy consumption and, hence, reductions in environmental burden are envisaged if higher process yields of these fibers can be achieved in continuous operations. Since the comparison of CNFs is performed on an equal mass basis with traditional materials, these results cannot be generalized for CNF‐based nanoproducts. Quantity of use of these engineered nanomaterials and resulting benefits will decide their energy and environmental impact. Nevertheless, the life cycle inventory and the results of the study can be used for evaluating the environmental performance of specific CNF‐based nanoproducts.
Precaution in Practice
Authors: Helland Aasgeir , Kastenholz Hans , Siegrist Michael 
Published: September 2008

SummaryVoluntary initiatives by industry have been frequently proposed as one of the most promising ways to reduce potential negative impacts on human health and the environment from nanomaterials. In this study, we examined the industrial perceptions, internal procedures, and performance of the nanomaterial industry. We conducted a written survey of 40 companies in Switzerland and Germany. Most companies replied that nanoparticulate materials (NPMs) should be subject to some kind of regulation, but industry did not convey a clear opinion as to who should be responsible for managing the potential environmental health impacts or how to regulate NPMs throughout their life cycle. If NPM risks were to be identified, most of the companies surveyed do not have standardized procedures for changing production technology, substituting inputs, redesigning processes, or reformulating final products to reduce or eliminate risks of NPMs. However, a majority of the survey respondents found their existing routines regarding these procedures to be sufficient.
Effectiveness of a Falls‐and‐Fracture Nurse Coordinator to Reduce Falls: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of At‐Risk Older Adults
Authors: Elley C. Raina , Robertson M. Clare , Garrett Sue , Kerse Ngaire M. , McKinlay Eileen , Lawton Beverley , Moriarty Helen , Moyes Simon A. , Campbell A. John 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of a community‐based falls‐and‐fracture nurse coordinator and multifactorial intervention in reducing falls in older people.DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial.SETTING: Screening for previous falls in family practice followed by community‐based intervention.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred twelve community‐living people aged 75 and older who had fallen in the previous year.INTERVENTION: Home‐based nurse assessment of falls‐and‐fracture risk factors and home hazards, referral to appropriate community interventions, and strength and balance exercise program. Control group received usual care and social visits.MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was rate of falls over 12 months. Secondary outcomes were muscle strength and balance, falls efficacy, activities of daily living, self‐reported physical activity level, and quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Questionnaire).RESULTS: Of the 3,434 older adults screened for falls, 312 (9%) from 19 family practices were enrolled and randomized. The average age was 81±5, and 69% (215/312) were women. The incidence rate ratio for falls for the intervention group compared with the control group was 0.96 (95% confidence interval=0.70–1.34). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes between the two groups.CONCLUSION: This nurse‐led intervention was not effective in reducing falls in older people who had fallen previously. Implementation and adherence to the fall‐prevention measures was dependent on referral to other health professionals working in their usual clinical practice. This may have limited the effectiveness of the interventions.
At the Tipping Point: Predicting Severe Mobility Difficulty in Vulnerable Older Women
Authors: Rivera Josette A. , Fried Linda P. , Weiss Carlos O. , Simonsick Eleanor M. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical measures that aid detection of impending severe mobility difficulty in older women.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional and longitudinal cohort study.SETTING: Urban community in Baltimore, Maryland.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two community‐dwelling, moderate to severely disabled women aged 65 and older in the Women's Health and Aging Study I.MEASUREMENTS: Self‐report and performance measures representing six domains necessary for mobility: central and peripheral nervous systems, muscles, bones and joints, perception, and energy. Severe mobility difficulty was defined as usual gait of 0.5 m/s or less, any reported difficulty walking across a small room, or dependence on a walking aid during a 4‐m walking test.RESULTS: Four hundred sixty‐seven out of 984 (47%) had severe mobility difficulty at baseline, and 104/474 (22%) developed it within 12 months. Baseline mobility difficulty was correlated with poor vision, knee pain, feelings of helplessness, inability to stand with feet side by side for 10 seconds, difficulty keeping balance while dressing or walking, inability to rise from a chair five times, and cognitive impairment. Of these, knee pain (odds ratio (OR)=1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.05–2.89), helplessness (OR=1.87, 95% CI=1.10–3.24), poor vision (OR=2.03, 95% CI=1.06–3.89), inability to rise from a chair five times (OR=2.50, 95% CI=1.15–5.41), and cognitive impairment (OR=4.75, 95% CI=1.67–13.48) predicted incident severe mobility difficulty within 12 months, independent of age.CONCLUSION: Five simple measures may aid identification of disabled older women at high risk of severe mobility difficulty. Further studies should determine generalizability to men and higher‐functioning individuals.
Prescription Drug Benefits and Use of Guideline Recommended Medications by Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tjia Jennifer , Briesacher Becky A. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether prescription drug benefits are associated with the use of guideline recommended medications by older persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.PARTICIPANTS: A national sample of Medicare beneficiaries with DM aged 65 and older and an indication for angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II–receptor blocker (ARB) use or high risk of coronary heart disease (hypertension or current smoking) who participated in the 2003 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.MEASUREMENTS: Prescription drug coverage was measured according to self‐report and verified according to insurance claims. Outcome variables were use of an ACEI or an ARB (ACEI/ARB) or a statin or use of an ACEI/ARB and a statin. Survey‐weighted multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the independent effect of drug coverage on one of two categories of recommended medication use (ACEI/ARB or statin or ACEI/ARB and statin) compared with the reference category of none after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and health status.RESULTS: The final study sample was 1,181 (weighted N=4.0 million). Overall, 23% had no drug coverage, 16% Medicaid coverage, 43% employer coverage, 9% Medigap coverage, and 9% Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or state‐sponsored low‐income coverage. Overall, 33% received a statin and an ACEI/ARB, 44% only an ACEI/ARB or a statin, and 23% neither. After adjustment, VA and state‐sponsored drug benefits were most strongly associated with combined ACEI/ARB and statin use (relative risk ratio (RRR)=4.83, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.24–10.4)), followed by employer‐sponsored coverage (RRR=2.60, 95% CI=1.67–4.03)).CONCLUSIONS: Prescription drug benefits from VA and state‐sponsored drug programs are strongly associated with use of recommended medications by older adults with DM.
Views of Older Persons with Multiple Morbidities on Competing Outcomes and Clinical Decision‐Making
Authors: Fried Terri R. , McGraw Sarah , Agostini Joseph V. , Tinetti Mary E. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the ways in which older persons with multiple conditions think about potentially competing outcomes in order to gain insight into how processes to elicit values regarding these outcomes can be grounded in the patient's perspective.DESIGN: Qualitative study consisting of purposefully sampled focus groups.SETTING: Community.PARTICIPANTS: Persons aged 65 and older taking five or more medications.MEASUREMENTS: Participants were asked their perceptions about whether their illnesses or treatment interacted with each other, goals of their treatment, and decisions to change or stop treatment.RESULTS: Although participants were largely unaware that treatment of one condition could worsen another, many had experience with adverse medication effects as a competing outcome. Participants initially discussed their conditions in terms of disease‐specific outcomes, such as achieving a target blood pressure or lipid level. In the context of decision‐making, participants shifted their discussion from disease‐specific to global, cross‐disease health outcomes, such as survival, preservation of physical function, and relief of symptoms. Despite having some misconceptions regarding the likelihood of these outcomes, they weighed the outcomes against one another to consider what was most important to them. Their preference was for the treatment that would achieve the most desired outcome.CONCLUSION: Because of their experience with adverse medication effects, older persons with multiple morbidities can understand the concept of competing outcomes. The task of prioritizing global, cross‐disease outcomes can help to clarify what is most important to seniors who are faced with complex healthcare decisions.
Elevated C‐Reactive Protein Is Related to Cognitive Decline in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hoth Karin F. , Haley Andreana P. , Gunstad John , Paul Robert H. , Poppas Athena , Jefferson Angela L. , Tate David F. , Ono Makoto , Jerskey Beth A. , Cohen Ronald A. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively relate C‐reactive protein (CRP), a systemic marker of inflammation, to cognitive change over a 1‐year follow‐up period.DESIGN: Prospective 1‐year follow‐up.SETTING: Outpatient university medical setting.PARTICIPANTS: Seventy‐eight adults (aged 56–84; 39% female) with cardiovascular disease.MEASUREMENTS: CRP levels were measured using a high‐sensitivity assay, and participants completed a neuropsychological battery at study entry. Neuropsychological assessment was repeated 1 year later.RESULTS: The association between CRP and change in cognition over the 1‐year follow‐up was examined using hierarchical linear regression modeling for five cognitive domains (global cognition, language, memory, visuospatial abilities, and attention‐executive‐psychomotor). High CRP levels were associated with subtle declines in attention‐executive‐psychomotor performance (CRP β=−0.22, P=.04) after adjusting for the effects of age and cognitive performance at study entry. CRP was not significantly associated with change in language, memory, or visuospatial performance.CONCLUSION: These data provide preliminary evidence that inflammation, potentially contributing to atherosclerotic processes, may underlie the association between high CRP and changes in attention‐executive‐psychomotor performance.
Exploring Youth Development With Diverse Children: Correlates of Risk, Health, and Thriving Behaviors
Authors: Smith Laureen H. , Barker Elizabeth 
Published: September 2008

PURPOSE.  This study explored the relationships between internal and external assets, risk behaviors, health behaviors, and thriving behaviors in diverse children. DESIGN AND METHODS.  The strength of relationships existing between measures, differences between group means based on gender, grades earned, and school, and confidence interval (p ≤ .05) were tested in a sample of 61 urban sixth graders.RESULTS.  Few assets were related to substance use. Assets were related to delinquency acts, health behaviors, and thriving indicators. Group differences between schools and gender and the total number of assets were noted. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Supporting assets are important to consider when nurses perform assessments and design interventions to support youths in their maturation processes.
Low-frequency radio spectrum and spectral turnover of LS 5039
Authors: Godambe Sagar , Bhattacharyya Subir , Bhatt Nilay , Choudhury Manojendu 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
LS 5039, a possible black hole X-ray binary, was recently observed with Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope. The observed spectrum presented here shows that the spectrum is inverted at low frequency. When combined with the archival data with orbital phase similar to the present observations, it shows a clear indication of a spectral turnover. The combined data are fitted with a broken power-law and the break frequency signifies a possible spectral turnover of the spectrum around 964 MHz. Truly simultaneous observations in radio wavelength covering a wide range of frequencies are required to fix the spectrum and the spectral turnover which will play a crucial role in developing a deeper understanding of the radio-emitting jet in LS 5039.
The trigger of the asymptotic giant branch superwind: the importance of carbon
Authors: Lagadec Eric , Zijlstra Albert A. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The driving mechanism of the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) superwind has become controversial in recent years. The efficacy of dust-driven mass loss has been queried. Spitzer observation of AGB stars in local group galaxies shows the surprising result that at low metallicity, AGB mass loss occurs at low luminosity, possibly lower than in the Galaxy, but only for carbon-rich stars. Oxygen-rich stars in the Galaxy and in lower metallicity galaxies have similar mass-loss rates only at high luminosities. To explain this dichotomy, we propose that the superwind has a dual trigger. The superwind starts either when sufficient excess carbon builds up for efficient formation of carbonaceous dust [which we propose occurs when XCO = (C − O)/O⊙ = 0.1], or when the luminosity reaches a value sufficient for a silicate dust-driven wind (proposed at L = 104Z−4/3 L⊙). We show that this dual trigger fits the current observational constraints: the luminosity at which the superwind begins, and the predominance of carbon superwind star at low metallicity. We use stellar evolution models to check the consistency of our explanations and present detailed predictions of the luminosities at which the superwind is triggered for different metallicities and initial stellar masses.
The apparent overdensity of open clusters in the Canis Major overdensity
Authors: Piatti Andrés E. , Clariá Juan J. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The exciting debate on the existence and nature of the relatively recent discovery of the so-called Canis Major (CMa) overdensity is re-examined here based on the positions, reddenings, ages and metallicities of Galactic open clusters (OCs). The data used to carry out the current study were taken from the recently updated version of the Dias et al.'s 1776 OC catalogue. We found that only Tombaugh 2 is physically located within the main body of CMa. Even if we take into account the whole sample of catalogued OCs with unknown distances, it is statistically expected that only one additional OC could be found within the CMa region. Since the CMa overdensity appears to be quite transparent to dust, only a few OCs in that zone could have been missed. Both metallicity and age distributions of OCs located in the Galactic outer disc, including Tombaugh 2 and those projected on to CMa, are in good agreement with the paradigm of a main dispersion of age and metallicity values. There are only marginal indications for a radial abundance variation. We conclude that CMa does not contain a significant population of OCs which share its properties. This result does not favour the dwarf galaxy scenario.
Differentiating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from asthma
Authors: Kuebler Kim K. , Buchsel Patricia C. , Balkstra Cynthia R. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPurpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are chronic diseases that are increasing worldwide in incidence, prevalence, and burden. The purpose of this article is to provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with the information necessary to make a differential diagnosis and to understand the different treatment approaches to these two diseases.Data sources: Peer‐reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and evidence‐based Internet sources.Conclusions: NPs who are familiar with the pathophysiology that differentiates COPD from asthma can make an appropriate diagnosis and initiate effective pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, which may lead to a reduced incidence of exacerbations.Implications for practice: A misdiagnosis of COPD or asthma leads to inadequate management of patients and to escalating healthcare costs. An early and accurate diagnosis can help to ensure optimal and cost‐effective management of patient care.