bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The significance of peer relationships to thriving in nursing homes
Authors: Bergland Ådel , Kirkevold Marit 
Published: June 2007

Aim and objective.  The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe nursing home residents’ perceptions of the significance of relationships with peer residents to their experience of thriving.Background.  Interactions between nursing home residents are limited. Knowledge about the importance of peer interactions to the residents’ experiences of thriving is scarce.Design and method.  The study had a descriptive exploratory design and included 26 mentally lucid residents in two nursing homes. Data collection methods included field observation and interviews.Results.  To contribute to an experience of thriving, peer relationships had to be experienced as positive and meaningful. A personal relationship to peer residents was not essential to an experience of thriving among all the residents. Some of the thriving residents who had not managed to establish a personal relationship expressed wishes for being involved with peers. The caregivers’ role as facilitators in the development of meaningful interactions contributing to thriving was essential.Conclusions.  Nursing home residents have varied wishes, expectations and capacity to interact with peer residents and the significance of peer relationships to thriving also vary. A personal relationship to peer residents is not essential to the experience of thriving among all residents.Relevance to clinical practice.  Caregivers in nursing homes have a great impact on how social gatherings intended to develop positive peer interactions and on whether the social gatherings fulfil their intentions. Skilled caregivers can secure pleasant and meaningful social gatherings in nursing homes contributing to an experience of thriving.
How can we prevent cardiovascular disease in diabetes
Authors: Wiklund O. , Håversen L. , Pettersson C. , Hultén L. M. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract.Evidence based goals for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis in diabetes are given in international and national guidelines. The importance of optimal control of lipids and blood pressure has been shown in several studies. With available drugs and behavioural modifications the treatment goals can be reached in most cases. However, only a few patients with diabetes are treated optimally today. A major possibility to reduce cardiovascular disease in diabetes is to treat patients according to guidelines.New treatment targets may include specific treatment of the dyslipidaemia, manifested in high levels of small dense LDL and low HDL, active anti‐inflammatory treatments, specific reduction of inflammatory activity in adipose tissue, reduced volume of adipose tissue, antioxidants and reduction of advanced glycosylation endproducts production. Possible strategies for these treatments are available, and should be evaluated in clinical trials.
Insulin resistance has no impact on ghrelin suppression in pregnancy
Authors: Riedl M. , Maier C. , Handisurya A. , Luger A. , Kautzky‐Willer A. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract.Ghrelin is reduced in various states of insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ghrelin and glucose metabolism during pregnancy – a natural insulin‐resistant state – in women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and potential changes 3 months after delivery. A total of 54 women, 37 pregnant and with various degrees of insulin resistance and 24 postpartum (PP, seven of them also studied during pregnancy) were studied. Ghrelin plasma concentrations at fasting and 60′ following glucose loading (75 g‐2 h‐oral glucose tolerance test), area under the curve of plasma glucose (G‐AUCOGTT) and insulin sensitivity [homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) and oral glucose sensitivity index (OGIS) indices, respectively] were determined. Both baseline and 60′ ghrelin concentrations were to a comparable degree (∼ by 65%) suppressed in NGT, IGT and GDM as compared to the PP group (the latter being indistinguishable from NGT regarding glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity). In all women studied both during and after pregnancy, ghrelin levels rose from pregnancy to PP (mean increase 313.8%; P < 0.03). There was no correlation between baseline ghrelin and insulin sensitivity as estimated from both baseline (HOMA) and dynamic (OGTT:OGIS) glucose and insulin data. Ghrelin is substantially decreased during pregnancy, but glucose‐induced ghrelin suppression is preserved at a lower level. There is apparently no relation to the degree of insulin resistance.
Genome‐wide analysis of Agrobacterium T‐DNA integration sites in the Arabidopsis genome generated under non‐selective conditions
Authors: Kim Sang‐Ic , Veena  , Gelvin Stanton B. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryPrevious work from numerous laboratories has suggested that integration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens T‐DNA into the plant genome occurs preferentially in promoter or transcriptionally active regions. However, all of these studies were conducted on plants recovered from selective conditions requiring the expression of transgenes. The conclusions of these studies may therefore have been biased because of the selection of transformants. In this study, we investigated T‐DNA integration sites in the Arabidopsis genome by analyzing T‐DNA/plant DNA junctions generated under non‐selective conditions. We found a relatively high frequency of T‐DNA insertions in heterochromatic regions, including centromeres, telomeres and rDNA repeats. These T‐DNA insertion regions are disfavored under selective conditions. The frequency with which T‐DNA insertions mapped to exon, intron, 5′ upstream and 3′ downstream regions closely resembled their respective proportions in the Arabidopsis genome. Transcriptional profiling indicated that expression levels of T‐DNA pre‐integration target sites recovered using selective conditions were significantly higher than those of random Arabidopsis sequences, whereas expression levels of genomic sequences targeted by T‐DNA under non‐selective conditions were similar to those of random Arabidopsis sequences. T‐DNA target sites identified using non‐selective conditions did not correlate with DNA methylation status, suggesting that T‐DNA integration occurs without regard to DNA methylation. Our results indicate that T‐DNA integration may occur more randomly than previously indicated, and that selection pressure may shift the recovery of T‐DNA insertions into gene‐rich or transcriptionally active regions of chromatin.
Clinical, histopathological and therapeutic considerations in a flock of sheep with facial staphylococcal‐associated dermatitis
Authors: Koutinas Alexander F. , Saridomichelakis Manolis N. , Argyroudis Stamatis , Koutinas Christos K. , Karatzanos Panagiotis , Giadinis Nektarios 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn a flock of 290 sheep, a total of 20 ewes (6.9%) with an age range of 1.5–4 years, developed a nonpruritic dermatitis characterized by alopecia/hypotrichosis, erythema, hyperpigmentation, crusting, superficial ulcers, exudation and thickening of the skin that was localized mainly to the peri‐ocular area. Frequent and massive feeding of swarming sucking flies on the lesional sites was witnessed. In every instance (n = 6), Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the exudate and the aseptically obtained skin biopsy samples from both recurrent and new cases. The main predisposing factor was the presence of small troughs, which forced the sheep to compete for food. Intramuscular administration of cefalexin for 7 days resulted in the resolution of lesions over a 2‐week period. No further cases or recurrences were seen over the 16‐month follow‐up period. The main histopathological feature of this skin disease was a superficial and deep, perivascular to interstitial eosinophilic and mononuclear dermatitis.
The clinical and histopathological effects of prednisone on acute radiation‐induced dermatitis in dogs: a placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind, prospective clinical trial
Authors: Flynn Alison K. , Lurie David M. , Ward Jennifer , Lewis Diane T. , Marsella Rosanna 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study evaluated and compared the clinical and histopathological effects of prednisone on acute radiation‐induced dermatitis (ARID) in dogs treated with 48 Gray of fractionated irradiation targeted to the skin surface. The study was designed as a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled prospective clinical trial. Twenty‐two otherwise healthy companion dogs completed the clinical study. Three dogs were excluded from complete histopathological analysis because the owner declined one (one dog) or both (two dogs) biopsies. The study duration for each dog was 36 days from the start of radiation therapy (RT) to the first re‐examination post RT. Dogs were treated with either oral prednisone at 0.5 mg kg−1 or sugar pill, daily. All dogs received 48 Gray of fractionated, standardized RT, beginning 2 weeks after tumour excision. Acute Radiation Morbidity Scores, Cutaneous Toxicity Extent and Severity scores, digital images, and impression cytology were carried out on days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 36. Four‐millimetre skin specimens from days 15 (RT‐11) and 36 (2 weeks after the last RT dose) were scored by a pathologist and a dermatologist, blind to specimen identity. A one‐way analysis of variance for longitudinal data was used to compare scores between groups. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to measure strength of association between clinical and histopathology scores (HPS). There was no significant difference in CUTES, AMS or HPS scores between groups. There was a strong correlation between clinical and HPS scores. Prednisone did not decrease ARID severity clinically or histopathologically.
Sarcoptic mange in three alpacas treated successfully with amitraz
Authors: Lau Peri , Hill Peter B. , Rybníček Jan , Steel Lynne 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSarcoptic mange is a serious skin disease in alpacas that can result in high morbidity and even mortality. Three alpacas were presented with sarcoptic mange that had previously failed to respond to repeated topical applications of eprinomectin, and an injection of doramectin. They were moderately to severely pruritic, had extensive lesions of alopecia, erythema, scaling and crusting, and had lost weight. As no drug is currently licensed for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in alpacas in the UK, they were treated with a topical solution of amitraz (50 mL in 10 L) after initial bathing with antibacterial or keratolytic shampoos. The clinical signs completely resolved with no relapse over a 10‐month follow‐up period. In this small group of alpacas, amitraz was an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for sarcoptic mange.
Surveillance of healthy cats and cats with inflammatory skin disease for colonization of the skin by methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐positive staphylococci andStaphylococcus schleiferissp.schleiferi
Authors: Abraham Jill L. , Morris Daniel O. , Griffeth Gregory C. , Shofer Frances S. , Rankin Shelley C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this study, bacterial cultures were collected from five sites on each of 50 healthy cats and 48 cats with inflammatory skin disease (ISD), to determine prevalence of carriage and relative frequency of methicillin resistance in coagulase‐positive staphylococci andStaphylococcus schleiferissp.schleiferi.Latex agglutination testing for penicillin‐binding protein 2a (PBP2a) and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed on all methicillin‐resistant (MR) isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for themecAgene was performed on MRS. intermediusandS. schleiferiisolates. Staphylococcal chromosomal cassette (SCCmec) typing was performed on all MRS. aureusisolates. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci andS. schleiferissp.schleiferiwere isolated from 24 of 48 cats with ISD:Staphylococcus aureus(14 of 24, 58%),Staphylococcus intermedius(11 of 24, 46%),Staphylococcus schleiferissp.schleiferi(1 of 24, 4%), andStaphylococcus hyicus(1 of 24, 4%). Prevalence of MR was 7% forS. aureus, 0% forS. intermedius, 100% forS. schleiferissp.schleiferi, and 0% forS. hyicus. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci were isolated from 17 of 50 healthy cats:S. aureus(10 of 17, 59%),S. intermedius(11 of 17, 65%), andS. schleiferissp.coagulans(1 of 17, 6%). Prevalence of MR was 20% forS. aureus, 18% forS. intermedius, and 0% forS. schleiferissp.coagulans. All MR isolates were positive for PBP2a via latex agglutination. Methicillin‐resistantS. intermediusandS. schleiferissp.schleiferiisolates were also positive for themecAgene via PCR. Methicillin‐resistantS. aureusisolates were identified as SCCmectype II. Results of PFGE indicated heterogeneity among isolates. There was no significant difference in staphylococcal isolation or methicillin resistance between study groups. While present, MR coagulase‐positive staphylococci are significantly less common in these study populations.
Frequency of appropriate and inappropriate presentation and analysis methods of ordered categorical data in the veterinary dermatology literature from January 2003 to June 2006
Authors: Plant Jon D. , Giovanini Jack N. , Villarroel Aurora 
Published: June 2007

AbstractClinical outcomes that are difficult to measure directly are often graded with ordinal scales in the veterinary dermatology literature to approximate objective evaluation. Ordered categorical scales require statistical presentation and analysis methods consistent with the structure of the data. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of inappropriate presentation and analysis methods of ordered categorical data in the recent veterinary dermatology literature. A total of 62 articles published between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2006 in 16 journals reported categorical scales and were included in the study. The presentation and analysis methods of ordered categorical data were classified as appropriate or inappropriate based on published recommendations. Forty articles (64.5%) utilized a median of four ordinal scales (range 1–13). Inappropriate presentation methods of ordered categorical data were identified in 23 of 40 articles (57.5%). These included reporting inappropriate summary statistics (n = 17) and summation of ad hoc numerical rating scales (n = 15). Inappropriate analytical methods were used in nine of 40 articles (22.5%). These included inappropriate use oft‐tests (n = 3) and analysis of variance (anova,n = 6). The frequency of inappropriate presentation and analysis methods of ordered categorical data in the veterinary dermatology literature is similar to that reported for several fields in the human medical literature. In order to reduce the likelihood of making unwarranted implications or conclusions regarding ordinal data, authors should follow established guidelines for methods of presentation and analysis of ordered categorical scales.
Osteoporosis medication profile preference: results from the PREFER‐US study
Authors: Weiss Thomas W. , McHorney Colleen A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective  To assess patient preferences for two osteoporosis medications.Design  Women aged 50+ were surveyed via the Internet to assess preferences for two osteoporosis medication profiles. Drug A and Drug B, consistent with ibandronate and alendronate, respectively, differed by: time on market (recently vs. 10 years), dosing frequency (monthly vs. weekly), effectiveness (not proven vs. proven to reduce non‐spine or hip fracture after 3 years) and dosing procedure (60 vs. 30 min wait before eating/drinking). Each profile had the same out‐of‐pocket costs, side‐effects, potential for drug interaction and spine fracture efficacy. Patients force ranked and rated the importance of each attribute. Subgroup comparisons included diagnosed vs. at‐risk respondents and treated vs. untreated respondents.Results  Among the 999 respondents, Drug B was preferred by 96%. Effectiveness was ranked as the most important determinant of preference (79% ranked it #1) compared with time on market (14%), dosing procedure (4%) and dosing frequency (3%). Effectiveness had the highest mean importance rating on a scale of 1 (extremely unimportant) to 7 (extremely important): mean (SD) = 6.1 (1.8), followed by time on market: 4.7 (1.7), dosing procedure: 4.6 (1.4) and dosing frequency: 4.5 (1.4). No significant differences in profile choice were found across study subgroups.Conclusions  The drug profile showing reductions in non‐vertebral and hip fracture risk was chosen by almost all respondents. Drug effectiveness was the most important determinant of preference, while dosing frequency was the least important determinant. Incorporation of patient preferences in the medication decision‐making process could enhance patient compliance and clinical outcomes.
The granzyme B gene is highly polymorphic in wild mice but essentially invariant in common inbred laboratory strains
Authors: Thia Kevin Y. T. , Trapani Joseph A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractGranzyme B is a 247 amino acid pro‐apoptotic protease secreted by effector lymphocytes for the purpose of killing virus‐infected cells. While the capacity of granzyme B to potently induce caspase‐dependent apoptosis has long been recognized, it has only recently been found that human and mouse granzyme B activate overlapping but distinct apoptotic pathways. To investigate a possible evolutionary basis for this observation, we sequenced the exons and flanking intronic sequences of the mouse Gzmb gene from a variety of inbred laboratory strains and wild mice. The sequences of 12/13 inbred strains encoded identical proteins, the exception being DBA/2, whose sequence varied at two amino acids. By contrast with the laboratory strains, there was extensive polymorphism in the Gzmb gene of 54 wild mice and 28 wild‐derived inbred mice examined, resulting in 2–18 amino acid differences in the predicted proteins, a discrepancy rate of up to 7.3%. Many of these amino acid variations were found in rat and/or human granzyme B. The granzyme B allotype of inbred laboratory strains could be identified in only one of three geographically dispersed clans of wild mice and was absent from all 28 wild‐derived inbred strains. The Gzmb gene of Mus musculus castaneus, a close relative of laboratory mice, encoded six amino acid differences compared with the laboratory strains, all of which were also found in corresponding positions in the granzyme B molecules of wild mice. Unlike the protease, the extended granzyme B recognition and cleavage site in Bid, a key pro‐apoptotic substrate, was invariant.
Development of the Retina in the Porcine Fetus A Light Microscopic Study
Authors: Schaepdrijver L. De , Lauwers H. , Simoens P. , Geest J. P. de 
Published: July 2007

SummaryMorphogenesis of the porcine retina was studied using light microscopy from 4 weeks of gestation until birth (18 to 310mm crown‐rump length), and compared with the adult stage (6 months). Tissue samples were examined from the posterior and peripheral parts of the retina. At 18mm the retina consists of an inner marginal layer and an outer layer of neuroblastic cells. At 18–40mm the latter layer is divided into an inner and an outer neuroblastic layer by the transient layer of Chievitz. Subsequently, the development of the different retinal layers begins at the inner retinal border and moves progressively outwards; it also spreads from the posterior to the peripheral part of the neural retina. Many cells of the inner neuroblastic layer are prospective ganglionic cells which migrate inwards, thus forming the ganglion cell layer and the inner plexiform layer at 90mm. At 120mm, primitive horizontal cells appear within the outer neuroblastic layer. Separation of this layer into the inner nuclear, outer plexiform and outer nuclear layers is first evident at 180mm. At this stage all retinal layers are present, except the layer of the photoreceptor cells which is not widespread until at 220mm. The inner and outer segments of the photoreceptor cells lengthen considerably during the last month of gestation. During the late fetal stage the nerve fiber layer, the inner and outer plexiform layers and the layer of rods and cones all continue to increase in thickness. Concurrently, the ganglion cell layer and the inner and outer nuclear layers have reached their maximal thickness and become thinner. After the total thickness of the neural retina amounts to approximately 180μm at two to three weeks before birth, it then thins to approximately 160μm in the adult stage.
The Topography of the Lymph Vessels of Mammary Glands in Female Cats
Authors: Raharison F. , Sautet J. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryMalignant tumours of the mammary gland in the female cat metastasize, especially through the lymphatic system. However, the anatomical knowledge of this system in cats is not sufficient to develop a reasoned model for the extirpation of these glands in the case of malignant tumours. A study of the topography of the collector vessels in 50 female cats was conducted by indirect injection in vivo of India ink inside the mammary parenchyma. All the lymph nodes were controlled by microscopic examination and lymph vessels were examined after clearing. The success rate of the colouration of the lymph vessels was 76.4%. Clearing showed several principal routes of drainage, different for each gland. Contrary to the presentation observed in the bitch, no evidence existed in any of the 65 cases of lymphatic plexuses connecting the two mammary glands of each row in the female cat. The result of this study is in favour of the development of a new model for the surgical extirpation of mammary tumours in cats.
Effect of Weigela hortensis (Caprifoliaceae) floral morphology on pollinator behavior
Authors: INOUE MAKI N. , USHIJIMA JUNKO , YOKOYAMA JUN 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe floral morphology of Weigela hortensis was examined at two main sites, Izumi (IZM) and Sasaya (SSY), and three additional sites, Aobadai (AOB), Yagiyama (YGY) and Taihaku‐san (THK), in Japan. Morphological relationships between flowers and pollinators were compared between IZM and SSY. Floral characteristics varied highly among sites. Flowers at THK were significantly longer than those at AOB and YGY, but there were no significant differences between IZM and SSY in the length of the corolla tube, stamen or pistil. In contrast, flowers at IZM, AOB and THK had wider corollas than those at SSY and YGY. The bumblebee Bombus hypocrita, which has a short proboscis and wide thorax, was observed to rob nectar more frequently at SSY than at IZM. The proportion of flowers of the appropriate size for B. hypocrita queens to access nectaries was higher at IZM than at SSY. A higher proportion of flowers with long and wide corollas was associated with a lower frequency of nectar robbing at IZM, indicating that the floral characteristics of W. hortensis affect the foraging behavior of bumblebees.