bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic accuracy of digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and PSA density in prostate carcinoma
Authors: AKDAS A. , TARCAN T. , TÜRKERI L. , ÇEVIK I. , BIREN T. , GÜRMEN N. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and PSA density (PSAD) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (CaP).Patients and methods Retrospective data were analysed from a selected population of 159 patients (mean age 66.7 years, range 50–83), 56 with histologically diagnosed CaP and 103 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Results Among the four methods, DRE was found to have accuracy, sensitivity and specificity rates of 79.9, 91 and 73.8% respectively. The most common clinical practice, the combination of PSA (> 4 ng/mL), DRE and TRUS, showed a higher accuracy, a similar specificity rate, but a lower sensitivity (84.2, 91.2 and 71.4%, respectively). Rates from the combination of PSAD (> 0.15 ng/mL/cm3) with DRE and TRUS were not significantly different from those obtained using the combination of PSA, DRE and TRUS.Conclusion PSAD alone or in combination did not improve the diagnostic value of PSA. We cannot claim DRE was the best method for the diagnosis of CaP, because this study group did not represent a true screening population. However, this study revealed that DRE should not be omitted from the physical examination of patients and, despite technological developments, it remains a major tool in the diagnosis of CaP.
Palliation of obstructive nephropathy due to malignancy
Authors: HARRINGTON K.J. , PANDHA H.S. , KELLY S.A. , LAMBERT H.E. , JACKSON J.E. , WAXMAN J. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To conduct a prospective study of patients with malignant obstructive uropathy treated actively by percutaneous nephrostomy and J‐J ureteric stents.Patients and methods Forty‐two patients (27 men, 15 women, median age 62 years, range 29–83) with obstructive nephropathy secondary to malignancy underwent urinary diversion followed, where appropriate, by active treatment of the underlying cancer.Results The median survival of all patients was 133 (range 7–712) days. Seventeen patients (40%) survived for > 6 months and five (12%) for < 1 month. Patients who had received no prior therapy and for whom further therapeutic options were available were more likely to benefit from urinary diversion. In nine patients (21%) nephrostomy insertion failed to relieve renal failure. In 20 patients (48%) obstructive nephropathy recurred. The procedure was complicated by urinary tract or nephrostomy site infection in 16 patients, by septicaemia in six patients, by percutaneous urine leak in 13 patients and by pelvi‐calyceal perforation in two patients, but not by haemorrhage or death. The median percentage of the patients' remaining life which was spent in hospital was 23.6% (range 2.2–100).Conclusions Patients likely to benefit from nephrostomy were those for whom there were therapeutic options available for the treatment of their malignancy. Prolonged survival is possible in obstructive nephropathy secondary to malignancy, which should no longer be cited as an absolute contra‐indication to urinary diversion. Patients unlikely to benefit from urinary diversion can also be identified and they should not routinely undergo this intervention.
Interactive effect of central obesity and hypertension on cognitive function in older out‐patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kim E. , Cho M. H. , Cha K. R. , Park J. S. , Ahn C‐W. , Oh B. H. , Kim C‐H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim  Central obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus have been related individually to cognitive dysfunction. We aimed to study the interactive effects of these co‐occurring risk factors on cognitive decline, which remain unclear in older patients with diabetes.Methods  We assessed metabolic profiles and neuropsychological functions in 60 older out‐patients with Type 2 diabetes to examine the associations of central obesity with cognitive functions, while controlling for other confounding factors in these subjects.Results  Waist circumference was associated with poor performance in digits forward (r2 = 0.11, P = 0.02), choice reaction time (r2 = 0.08, P = 0.04) and cognitive reaction time (r2 = 0.07, P < 0.05) even after adjustment for potential confounders including age, gender, education and HbA1c. There were also significant interactions between central obesity and hypertension with respect to performance of digits forward (P = 0.04) and delayed verbal cued recall (P = 0.03).Conclusion  Our findings suggest that, in addition to glycaemic control, central obesity and hypertension influence cognitive functions, such as attention and psychomotor speed in older patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Evaluating the role of mentor for advanced practitioners: an example from community matrons in England
Authors: Girot Elizabeth A. , Rickaby Caroline E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis study evaluates the role of mentor for the new community matron role in England and identifies the implications for others in advanced practice roles. With the introduction of 3000 community matrons in England by March 2008, a national pilot education programme was introduced to prepare them for their role. Given the recent requirement by the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council to introduce support at the advanced level of nursing practice, a purposely developed mentorship module was introduced for those supporting the new community matrons.A mixed‐method approach to data collection was used. This involved documentary analysis of a range of sources and, during July 2006, a self‐administered postal questionnaire was sent to all community matrons undertaking the pilot education programme (n = 70) with a response rate of 67% (n = 47). Individual telephone interviews were conducted with 17 students, and 6 mentors on the purposely developed mentor module. A focus group interview was undertaken with the education programme development team (n = 5). Quantitative data were analysed using spss and qualitative data analysed using content and thematic analyses.Despite some initial problems, 96% (n = 45) students had access to a mentor during the programme. Overall, the findings reinforce the value placed on individual support for the role and identify the problems associated when support was absent or unsuccessful. For those who had support, there were different expectations of the mentoring role, variation in the quality of their relationship and the perceived value of education to support the mentors in their role.The study concludes that supporting pioneers to develop new roles when neither party is clear about its strategic direction, nor fully aware of its impact on service, requires risk taking by both parties, and a genuineness, openness and commitment by both in forging the new pathway.
Benefits of information technology training to National Health Service staff in Wales
Authors: Warm Daniel L. , Thomas Susan E. , Heard Victor R. , Jones Vicky J. , Hawkins‐Brown Tania M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe use of computers in the National Health Service (UK) as a workplace is fundamental to its future. However, there is evidence of a paucity of information technology skills within the workforce and therefore, information technology skill training is essential. The National Health Service in Wales has been using the European Computer Driving Licence qualification to educate its staff in order to cover this skill gap. This paper reports on an evaluation of the perceived benefits to staff, both clinical and non‐clinical, working for the National Health Service in Wales of information technology training through the European Computer Driving Licence qualification. Results show that there is an increase in confidence in terms of tasks undertaken but also towards other general life skills. Additionally, for those respondents with clinical contact, there is a perceived increase both in the time available with and the quality of care, given to patients. As the continued move towards a computer orientated healthcare system occurs, the information technology skills obtained through but not limited to training schemes such as European Computer Driving Licence will become of paramount importance, particularly as the single most important failure for technology‐related projects in healthcare is a lack of readiness.
Impeded drainage stimulates extracellular phenol oxidase activity in riparian peat cores
Authors: Toberman H. , Freeman C. , Artz R. R. E. , Evans C. D. , Fenner N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPeat drainage, a common land‐use practice in Europe, has been associated with habitat degradation and increased particulate and dissolved carbon release. In the UK, peatland drain blockage has been encouraged in recent years as a management practice to preserve peatland habitats and to reduce fluvial carbon loss and municipal water discoloration. Drain blockage has, however, been found to increase drain‐water dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and coloration in the short term. In order to investigate the contribution of changes in extracellular phenol oxidase activity to the increase in water coloration following peatland drain blockage, cores collected from a riparian peatland in North Wales were incubated under impeded drainage conditions. Impeded drainage resulted in the stimulation of peat extracellular phenol oxidase activity and heightened soluble phenolic concentrations, suggesting that changes in extracellular phenol oxidase activity may be a key driver of increases in DOC and water coloration following peatland drain blockage. An increase in peat pH with impeded drainage was also observed that may have contributed to the heightened soluble phenolic concentrations – directly (through effects on solubility) and/or indirectly as a driver of the elevated extracellular phenol oxidase activity.
A portable device to measure soil erosion/deposition in quarter‐drains
Authors: Kornecki T. S. , Fouss J. L. , Prior S. A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAssessment of soil loss/deposition from quarter‐drains (drainage ditches perpendicular to furrows) at specific locations or determining sediment transport within ditch systems following a rainfall event is difficult and time consuming. Automatic samplers are stationary and usually located at the end of plots to assess total sediment loss from a whole area. However, to quantify changes to cross‐sectional areas at specific points within a ditch system, a portable measuring tool is required. To precisely assess soil erosion along the length of a quarter‐drain, a portable device was designed and tested under typical field conditions. One person can effectively operate the device and because of its low cost, it is ideal for cases where budget constraints exist. The tool can measure depths up to 500 mm and easily be modified for usage with large ditches. The device was successfully employed in the spring and summer of 2003 and 2004 where it was utilized after rainfall events to assess soil erosion/deposition from quarter‐drains on sugarcane fields in southern Louisiana.
Effects of different land use types on infiltration capacity in a catchment in the highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Yimer F. , Messing I. , Ledin S. , Abdelkadir A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractInfiltration capacity is an important variable for understanding and predicting a range of soil processes. This study investigated for different slope positions the effects of forest conversion to cultivation and grazing on soil infiltration capacity. Infiltration capacity was measured in the field in each land use type using a double‐ring infiltrometer. A total of 108 soil samples (3 slope positions × 3 land use types × 4 soil profiles × 3 soil depths) were collected to determine the variables that affect infiltration capacityviz.particle size distribution, organic carbon content, dry bulk density and soil moisture content. The results showed that in the cultivated and grazed land compared with forest, infiltration capacity and soil moisture content were 70 and 45% smaller respectively, and dry bulk density was 13–20% larger. Changes in soil structure caused by surface soil compaction because of tillage and animal trampling coupled with a smaller soil organic carbon content, are likely to be the principal factors causing the decline in infiltration capacity and soil moisture content after conversion of forest to cultivation and grazing.
Soils are back on the global agenda
Authors: Hartemink A. E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn the 1990s and early 2000s, there was widespread pessimism on the status of soil science in most parts of the world. This was mainly due to dwindling research budgets, reduced number of students and the overall perception that soil science and pedology were dead and buried. Renewed interest in agriculture for food, feed and fuel has brought soils back onto the global research agenda. Soil erosion, nutrient depletion and pollution are key issues brought up in many recent reports by UN and other international organizations. The need for up‐to‐date and fine resolution soil information and the revival of soil research is highlighted and prioritized in several studies. There is increased interest in soils in the popular press and media, and soils have entered the policy arena. For the global soil science community, there are challenges ahead and there is a direct need to educate a new generation of soil scientists.
Species Identity and Water Availability Determine Establishment Success Under the Canopy of Retama sphaerocarpa Shrubs in a Dry Environment
Authors: Padilla Francisco M. , Pugnaire Francisco I. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Seedling establishment in harsh environments is often enhanced by the proximity of adult shrubs. This information has been used in restoration work by placing seedlings of species being restored under the canopy of some shrubs. However, monitoring this process is often restricted to a single species, and comparisons with practices that protect planted seedlings against harsh conditions are scant. Similarly, few studies have supplied seedlings with water in the summer to observe the effects of water availability on the interaction. We compared sapling survival of three woody species (Olea europaea, Pistacia lentiscus, and Ziziphus lotus) under the leguminous shrub Retama sphaerocarpa and in gaps covered with piled branches that mimicked a shrub canopy. After 3 years, survival of saplings planted under Retama differed depending on species identity and water supply. Survival of Olea saplings placed under Retama shrubs was twice that under piled branches if not watered (35 ± 8 vs. 17 ± 2 %, respectively), whereas survival of saplings under Retama, if watered, was less (48 ± 11 vs. 68 ± 8%, respectively). Retama shrubs had a negative effect on Ziziphus; most saplings died under its canopy, whereas survival in piled branches ranged 10–54%. Pistacia was neither facilitated nor outcompeted by Retama. Facilitation of Olea by Retama shrubs was more apparent under dry conditions where watering increased competition and decreased facilitation. Overall, we conclude that Retama shrubs can help dry land restoration to a greater extent than artificial shade for Olea when not watered. The critical role played by water supply in determining nursing success rates warrants further study.
A Novel Technique for the Reattachment of Large Coral Reef Sponges
Authors: McMurray Steven E. , Pawlik Joseph R. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Sponges are dominant components of coral reef ecosystems, often exceeding reef‐building corals in abundance. Large sponges, often more than 1 m in diameter, may be hundreds to thousands of years old. When damaged or dislodged, large sponges usually die because they are unable to reattach to the reef substratum. Because suitable methods for reattaching dislodged sponges are lacking, they are typically excluded from coral reef restoration efforts. Here we present a novel technique for the reattachment of large sponges that was tested using the Caribbean Giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta. Transplants of X. muta were conducted at 15‐ and 30‐m depth off Key Largo, Florida. Despite the active hurricane season of 2005, 90% of deep and 35% of shallow transplants survived, with nearly 80% reattaching to the substratum and growing after 2.3–3 years. This technique may be generally adapted for securing large sponges in coral reef restoration efforts.
Probing Ground‐state Hole Transfer Between Equivalent, Electrochemically Inaccessible States in Multiporphyrin Arrays Using Time‐resolved Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Song Hee‐eun , Taniguchi Masahiko , Kirmaier Christine , Bocian David F. , Lindsey Jonathan S. , Holten Dewey 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA new strategy is described and implemented for determining the rates of hole‐transfer between equivalent porphyrins in multiporphyrin architectures. The approach allows access to these rates between sites that are not the most easily oxidized components of the array. The specific architectures investigated with this new strategy are triads consisting of one zinc porphyrin (Zn) and two free base porphyrins (Fb). The triads employ a diphenylethyne linker (ZnFbFbU) and a phenylene linker (ZnFbFbΦ). The zinc porphyrin is selectively oxidized to produce Zn+FbFb, the free base porphyrins are excited to produce the excited‐state mixture Zn+Fb*Fb and Zn+FbFb*, and the subsequent dynamics are monitored by ultrafast absorption spectroscopy. The system evolves by a combination of energy‐ and hole‐transfer processes involving (adjacent and nonadjacent) zinc and free base porphyrin constituents that are complete within 100 ps of excitation; the rate constants of many of these processes are derived from prior studies of the oxidized forms of the benchmark dyads (ZnFbU and ZnFbΦ). One of the excited‐state decay channels produces the metastable state ZnFbFb+ that decays to a second metastable state ZnFb+Fb by the target hole‐transfer process, followed by rapid hole transfer to produce the Zn+FbFb thermodynamic ground state of the system. The rate constant for hole transfer between the free base porphyrins in the oxidized ZnFbFb triads is found to be (0.5 ns)−1 and (0.6 ns)−1 across phenylene and diphenylethyne linkers, respectively. These rate constants are comparable to those recently measured, using a related but distinct strategy, for ground‐state hole transfer between zinc porphyrins in oxidized ZnZnFb triads. The two complementary strategies provide unique approaches for probing hole transfer between equivalent sites in multiporphyrin arrays, with the choice of method being guided by the particular target process and the ease of synthesis of the necessary architectures.
Oral cobalamin (vitamin B12) treatment. An update
Authors: ANDRÈS E. , DALI‐YOUCEF N. , VOGEL T. , SERRAJ K. , ZIMMER J. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe objective of this review was to evaluate oral cobalamin (vitamin B12) therapy in adult and elderly patients, from the perspective of a hematologist. PubMed was systematically searched for English and French articles published from January 1990 to January 2007. Data from our working group, the ‘Groupe d’étude des carences en vitamine B12des Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg’, have also been included. Several prospective studies in well‐determined population (n = 4), prospective randomized studies (n = 3) and a systematic review by the Cochrane group (n = 1) provide evidence that oral cobalamin therapy may adequately treat cobalamin deficiency, particularly hematological abnormalities or manifestations. These studies suggest that at least 1000 μg/day of oral cyanocobalmin are needed for pernicious anemia and a mean daily dose of 250 μg for food‐cobalamin malabsorption. This present review confirms the previously reported efficacy of oral cobalamin treatment in adult and elderly patients.
Modified ELISPOT assay may predict T‐cell hyporesponsiveness to non‐inherited maternal antigens
Authors: TANIGUCHI K. , SHIMAZAKI C. , OCHIAI N. , MARUYA E. , AKATSUKA Y. , ASHIHARA E. , MAEKAWA T. , TANIWAKI M. , SAJI H. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryClinical reports have suggested the existence of immunological tolerance to noninherited maternal antigens (NIMA) in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatched allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT). We studied the T‐cell reactivity using IFN‐γ enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay in three HLA fully matched allo‐SCT cases and one healthy volunteer family case. In HLA fully matched allo‐SCT cases, ELISPOT assay could detect the hyporesponsiveness of T cells from donors to the B cells from recipients. Moreover, ELISPOT assay showed that the T cells from an individual responded to B cell from his mother significantly weakly than those from an unrelated HLA‐haploidentical individual. These observations suggest that our IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay‐based method may predict the presence of immunological tolerance to NIMA.
The oral health status of patients on oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis
Authors: Kunchur R , Goss AN 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  The oral health status of patients on bisphosphonates is the key to the patient’s ongoing health and well‐being. If they are orally healthy, invasive bone procedures, particularly extractions can be avoided, then the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is low.Methods:  The records of 49 consecutive patients on oral bisphosphonates, referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit (OMSU) for an oral health check and probable extractions, were retrospectively reviewed. The DMFT, periodontal and pathologic state were calculated from the OPG radiographs. An age and gender matched control group, from patients referred to the OMSU but who were not on oral bisphosphonates, were similarly assessed. Community data were also obtained.Results:  The DMFT score for the oral bisphosphonate group was 29: Decayed 3, Missing 10, Filled 16. The control group DMFT score was 24: Decayed 5, Missing 11, Filled 8. Both groups had advanced periodontal disease (over 95 per cent) and were medically compromised (over 90 per cent). The DMFT for general community data for age matched government pensioners was 19.1: Decayed 0.8, Missing 10.4, Filled 7.9. With severe periodontal disease 23 per cent. Thus, the oral health of the oral bisphosphonate group was similar to the control group and both had more decayed teeth and periodontal disease than community values.Conclusions:  This study confirms that one cannot assume that a patient on an oral bisphosphonate for osteoporosis has a healthy mouth. It supports the view that all patients on bisphosphonates need to be seen by a dentist either before or soon after commencement of bisphosphonate therapy.