bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of patient recall of preoperative symptom severity (angina and breathlessness) at one year following aorta‐coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Lindsay Grace M , Niven Kate A , Brodie Eric E , Gaw Allan , Belcher Philip R 
Published: January 2009

Aim and objective.  The accuracy with which patients recall their cardiac symptoms prior to aorta‐coronary artery bypass grafting is assessed approximately one year after surgery together with patient‐related factors potentially influencing accuracy of recall.Background.  This is a novel investigation of patient’s rating of preoperative symptom severity before and approximately one year following aorta‐coronary artery bypass grafting.Design.  Patients undergoing aorta‐coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 208) were recruited preoperatively and 177 of these were successfully followed up at 16·4 (SD 2·1) months after surgery and asked to describe current and recalled preoperative symptoms using a 15‐point numerical scale.Method.  Accuracy of recall was measured and correlated (Pearson’s correlation) with current and past symptoms, health‐related quality of life and coronary artery disease risk factors. Hypothesis tests used Student’s t‐test and the chi‐squared test.Results.  Respective angina and breathlessness scores were recalled accurately by 16·9% and 14·1% while 59% and 58% were inaccurate by more than one point. Although the mean preoperative and recalled scores for severity of both angina and breathlessness and were not statistically different, patients who recalled most accurately their preoperative scores had, on average, significantly higher preoperative scores than those with less accurate recall. Patients whose angina and breathlessness symptoms were relieved by operation had significantly better accuracy of recall than patients with greater levels of symptoms postoperatively.Conclusion.  Patient’s rating of preoperative symptom severity before and one year following aorta‐coronary artery bypass grafting was completely accurate in approximately one sixth of patients with similar proportions of the remaining patients overestimating and underestimating symptoms. The extent to which angina and breathlessness was relieved by operation was a significant factor in improving accuracy of recall.Relevance to clinical practice.  Factors associated with accuracy of recall of symptoms provide useful insights for clinicians when interpreting patients’ views of the effectiveness of aorta‐coronary artery bypass grafting for the relief of symptoms associated with coronary heart disease.
Reliability of infrared ear thermometry in the prediction of rectal temperature in older inpatients
Authors: Smitz Simon , Van de Winckel Ann , Smitz Marc‐François 
Published: January 2009

Aims and objectives.  To assess the capability of infrared ear thermometry accurately to predict rectal temperature in older patients.Background.  Infrared ear thermometry is now commonly used for predicting body temperature in older patients. However, ear thermometry has been insufficiently evaluated in geriatric patients.Design.  Prospective, convenience sample, unblinded study.Methods.  All patients (or their guardians) gave informed consent. Patients hospitalised in a geriatric unit underwent sequential ear and rectal temperatures measurements using two different models of infrared ear thermometers (ThermoScan and Genius) and a rectal probe, respectively. After a brief otoscopic examination, ear temperatures were measured twice at both ears with each thermometer, the highest of four measurements being retained for analysis. The rectal temperature was the reference standard.Results.  Hundred patients (31 males), aged 81 (SD 7) years completed the study. The mean rectal temperature was 37·3 °C (SD 0·7) °C (range 36·3–40·7 °C). Eighteen patients were febrile (rectal temperature ≥ 37·8 °C). The mean bias between rectal and ear temperatures as measured with the ThermoScan was –0·20 °C (SD 0·32) °C and the 95% limits of agreement were –0·83 °C and 0·42 °C (95% CI, –0·88–0·48 °C). Using the Genius, the corresponding figures were –0·56 °C (SD 0·39) °C, –1·32 °C and 0·20 °C (95% CI, –1·39–0·27 °C). After correction for bias, the ThermoScan predicted the level of fever with a maximum error of 0·7 °C (mean error 0·3 °C). Using the Genius, the maximum error and the mean error were 1·6 °C and 0·4 °C, respectively.Conclusions.  Infrared ear thermometry can predict rectal temperature in normothermic and in febrile inpatients with an acceptable level of accuracy. However, the predictive accuracy depends on both operator technique and quality of instrumentation.Relevance to clinical practice.  Proper technique (measuring in both ears) and optimal instrumentation (model of ear thermometer) are essential for accuracy.
A systematic review of interrater reliability of pressure ulcer classification systems
Authors: Kottner Jan , Raeder Kathrin , Halfens Ruud , Dassen Theo 
Published: January 2009

Aims. To review systematically the interrater reliability of pressure ulcer classification systems to find out which classification should be used in daily practice.Background. Pressure ulcer classification systems are important tools in research and practice. They aim at providing accurate and precise communication, documentation and treatment decisions. Pressure ulcer classifications are criticised for their low degree of interrater reliability.Design. Systematic review.Methods. The data bases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the World Wide Web were searched. Original research studies estimating interrater reliability of pressure ulcer classification systems were included. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment was conducted independently by two reviewers.Results. Twenty‐four out of 339 potentially relevant studies were included in the final data synthesis. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies a meaningful comparison was impossible.Conclusions. There is at present not enough evidence to recommend a specific pressure ulcer classification system for use in daily practice. Interrater reliability studies are required, in which comparable raters apply different pressure ulcer classification systems to comparable samples.Relevance to clinical practice. It is necessary to determine the interrater reliability of pressure ulcer classifications among all users in clinical practice. If interrater reliability is low the use of those systems is questionable. On the basis of this review there are no recommendations as to which system is to be given preference.
Acute effect of nut consumption on plasma total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation
Authors: Torabian S. , Haddad E. , Rajaram S. , Banta J. , Sabaté J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground:  Nuts have been shown to have beneficial effects on human health due to the healthy fat content; however, the effect of antioxidants (i.e. polyphenols) in nuts have not been fully investigated. The present study aimed to assess the immediate effect of a polyphenol‐rich meal (75% of energy from nuts: walnuts or almonds) and a polyphenol‐free meal on plasma polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in healthy volunteers.Methods:  Thirteen subjects participated in a randomized, crossover, intervention study. After an overnight fast, walnuts, almonds or a control meal in the form of smoothies were consumed by study subjects. Each subject participated on three occasions, 1 week apart, consuming one of the smoothies each time. Blood samples were obtained at fasting and then at intervals up to 3.5 h after consumption of the smoothies.Results:  There was a significant increase in plasma polyphenol concentration following both nut meals, with peak concentrations being achieved at 90 min, and with a walnut meal having a more sustained higher concentration than an almond meal. The plasma total antioxidant capacity reached its highest point at 150 min postconsumption of the nut meals, and was higher after the almond compared to walnut meal. A gradual significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the susceptibility of plasma to lipid peroxidation was observed 90 min after ingestion of the nut meals. No changes were observed following consumption of control meal.Conclusions:  Consumption of both nuts increased plasma polyphenol concentrations, increased the total antioxidant capacity and reduced plasma lipid peroxidation.
Low‐glycaemic index sweetener‐based beverages reduce 24‐h glucose profiles in healthy adults
Authors: Henry C. J. K. , Newens K. J. , Lightowler H. J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground:  Previous research has shown that substitution of high‐glycaemic index (GI) bread for low‐GI bread can favourably alter the 24‐h glucose profile. Given the high beverage consumption in the UK, the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of consuming a beverage containing a low‐GI, natural sweetener at mealtimes compared to a sucrose‐based beverage, on the 24‐h glucose profile.Methods:  In a randomized crossover design, six subjects (aged 41 ± 16 years; body mass index = 25.8 ± 4.1 kg m−2) were provided with a diet including low‐GI or control (sucrose) beverages on two nonconsecutive days. On each study day, subjects consumed the low‐GI or control beverage at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Interstitial glucose concentrations were measured over 24 h using a continuous glucose monitoring system.Results:  Compared to the control beverage, the low‐GI beverage significantly reduced mean glucose concentration over 24 h (P < 0.05). Similarly, 24‐h and daytime incremental area under the curves for glucose were significantly lower (P = 0.001).Conclusions:  The substitution of a sucrose‐based beverage for a beverage containing a low‐GI, natural sweetener at mealtimes is a simple dietary change that can significantly reduce 24‐h glucose levels and may be beneficial for many individuals.
Phylogeography of a specialist insect, Adelges cooleyi: historical and contemporary processes shape the distribution of population genetic variation
Authors: AHERN ROBERT G. , HAWTHORNE DAVID J. , RAUPP MICHAEL J. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract Adelges cooleyi is a host‐alternating, gall‐making insect native to the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains in western North America. The insect's primary hosts are Picea (spruce) species, and its secondary host is Pseudotsuga menziesii, Douglas fir. To determine whether there are large‐scale patterns of genetic variation in this specialist insect, we created molecular phylogenies of geographically separate samples of A. cooleyi using sequence data from two mitochondrial (mtDNA) genes and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Three divergent mtDNA lineages were identified. Analysis of mtDNA and AFLP genetic variation revealed that samples from southeastern Arizona are genetically isolated from all other samples. AFLP data identified possible gene flow between individuals from divergent mtDNA lineages in an area in the central Rocky Mountains. Factors that likely affected divergence within A. cooleyi were identified by comparing our conclusions with well‐known changes in the distribution of vegetation in response to glaciations and previous phylogeographical work conducted on this specialist insect's host‐plants. In addition to documenting previously unknown patterns of genetic variation in A. cooleyi, our work provides the basis for a testable hypothesis regarding the extent to which the distribution of variation in Picea and Pseudotsuga hosts mediates the distribution of genetic variation for this specialist insect.
Rubisco content and photosynthesis of leaves at different positions in transgenic rice with an overexpression of RBCS
Authors: SUZUKI YUJI , MIYAMOTO TAKEAKI , YOSHIZAWA RYUICHI , MAE TADAHIKO , MAKINO AMANE 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTAs ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity limits light‐saturated photosynthesis under present atmospheric condition, the effects of an overexpression of RBCSon Rubisco content and photosynthesis were examined in the leaves at different positions in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Rubisco content in the transformant was significantly greater in the uppermost, fully expanded leaves but decreased to levels similar to those in wild‐type plants in the lower leaves. The mRNA levels of total RBCS and rbcL in these leaves were much less than those in the expanding leaves, where Rubisco synthesis is active, suggesting commensurately low level of synthesis. Although the activation state of Rubisco was lower in the uppermost, fully expanded leaves of the transformant, it recovered to its full level in the lower leaves. As a result, the photosynthetic rate did not differ in leaves at the same position between the transformant and the wild type. Similarly, whole plant biomass did not differ between these genotypes. Thus, we conclude that although the overexpression of RBCS led to an enhancement of Rubisco protein content in the uppermost, fully expanded leaves, it does not result in increased photosynthetic rates or plant biomass, because of an apparent down‐regulation in its activation state.
Functional anatomy controls ion distribution in banana leaves: significance of Na+ seclusion at the leaf margins
Authors: SHAPIRA OR , KHADKA SUDHA , ISRAELI YAIR , SHANI URI , SCHWARTZ AMNON 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTTypical salt stress symptoms appear in banana (Musa sp., cv. ‘Grand Nain’ AAA) only along the leaf margins. Mineral analysis of the dry matter of plants treated with increasing concentrations of KCl or NaCl revealed significant accumulation of Na+, but not of K+ or Cl‐, in the affected leaf margins. The differential distribution of the three ions suggests that water and ion movement out of the xylem is mostly symplastic and, in contrast to K+ and Cl‐, there exists considerable resistance to the flow of Na+ from the xylem to the adjacent mesophyll and epidermis. The parallel veins of the lamina are enclosed by several layers of bundle sheath parenchyma; in contrast, the large vascular bundle that encircles the entire lamina, and into which the parallel veins merge, lacks a complete bundle sheath. Xylem sap containing a high concentration of Na+ is ‘pulled’ by water tension from the marginal vein back into the adjacent mesophyll without having to cross a layer of parenchyma tissue. When the marginal vein was dissected from the lamina, the pattern of Na+ distribution in the margins changed markedly. The distinct anatomy of the marginal vein plays a major role in the accumulation of Na+ in the margins, with the latter serving as a ‘dumping site’ for toxic molecules.
Quantitative detection and monitoring of Colletotrichum acutatum in strawberry leaves using real‐time PCR
Authors: Debode J. , Van Hemelrijck W. , Baeyen S. , Creemers P. , Heungens K. , Maes M. 
Published: January 2009

Real‐time PCR assays for Colletotrichum acutatum, one of the most important pathogens of strawberry worldwide, were developed using primers designed to the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (rDNA ITS1) and the β‐tubulin 2 gene. Using TaqMan technology, the ITS‐based assay could reliably detect as little as 50 fg genomic DNA, 100 copies of target DNA, or 25 conidia. The β‐tubulin‐based assay was c. 66 times less sensitive, and therefore less suitable for detection purposes. The TaqMan‐ITS assay recognized all C. acutatum isolates tested from various intraspecific molecular groups, while no amplification was observed with several other Colletotrichum species or other strawberry pathogens, indicating the specificity of this assay. Detection and quantification of C. acutatum was demonstrated in artificially and naturally infected strawberry leaves. First, C. acutatum was detected in plant mixes of which only 0·001% of the tissue was infected by C. acutatum. Secondly, real‐time PCR analysis of leaf samples taken at various times after inoculation indicated that the assay allowed monitoring of growth progression of C. acutatum. This real‐time PCR‐mediated monitoring of the pathogen was well‐correlated with microscopic data, and confirmed that leaf age may play a role in the extent of C. acutatum infection. Finally, the assay allowed detection of C. acutatum in naturally infected and symptomless strawberry leaves collected from production fields and planting material.
A new root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne silvestris n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), parasitizing European holly in northern Spain
Authors: Castillo P. , Vovlas N. , Troccoli A. , Liébanas G. , Palomares Rius J. E. , Landa B. B. 
Published: January 2009

High infection rates of European holly (Ilex aquifolium) feeder roots by an unknown root‐knot nematode were found in a holly forest at Arévalo de la Sierra (Soria province) in northern Spain. Holly trees infected by the root‐knot nematode showed some decline and low growth. Infected feeder roots were distorted and showed numerous root galls of large (8–10 mm) to moderate (2–3 mm) size. Morphometry, esterase and malate dehydrogenase electrophoretic phenotypes and phylogenetic trees of sequences within the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) demonstrated that this nematode species differs clearly from other previously described root‐knot nematodes. Studies of host‐parasite relationships showed a typical susceptible reaction in naturally infected European holly plants, but did not reproduce on a number of cultivated plants, including tomato, grapevine, princess‐tree and olive. The species is described here, illustrated and named as Meloidogyne silvestris n. sp. The new root‐knot nematode can be morphologically distinguished from other Meloidogyne spp. by: (i) roundish perineal pattern, dorsal arch low, with fine, sinuous cuticle striae, lateral fields faintly visible; (ii) female excretory pore level with stylet knobs, or just anterior to them, EP/ST ratio about 0·8; (iii) second‐stage juveniles with hemizonid located 1 to 2 annuli anterior to excretory pore and short, sub‐digitate tail; and (iv) males with lateral fields composed of four incisures, with areolated outer bands. Phylogenetic trees derived from maximum parsimony analysis based on 18S, ITS1‐5·8S‐ITS2 and D2–D3 of 28S rDNA showed that M. silvestris n. sp. can be differentiated from all described root‐knot nematode species, and it is clearly separated from other species with resemblance in morphology, such as M. ardenensis, M. dunensis and M. lusitanica.
Characteristics of Filiform, Fungiform and Vallate Papillae and Surface of Interface Epithelium‐Connective Tissue of the Maned Sloth Tongue Mucosa (Bradypus torquatus, Iliger, 1811): Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Benetti E. J. , Pícoli L. C. , Guimarães J. P. , Motoyama A. A. , Miglino M. A. , Watanabe L.‐S. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe study of lingual surfaces and the surface of interface epithelium‐connective tissue of the tongue of Bradypus torquatus was performed by employing the light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results revealed that the rostral part of the tongue presents a round apex and covered by filiform and fungiform lingual papillae and a ventral smooth surface. It was observed that the epithelial layer of the dorsal surface possesses the basal, spinosum, granular and cornified epithelial cells. The lamina propria is characterized by a dense connective tissue forming the long, short and round papillae. Numerous typical filiform papillae are located especially in the rostral part intermingled for few fungiform papillae, which were revealed in three‐dimensional SEM images. Usually, the fungiform papillae are located in the border of rostral apex of the tongue exhibiting the rounded form. They are covered by keratinized epithelial cells. In the fungiform papillae, several taste pores were observed on the surface. The vallate papillae presented numerous taste buds in the wall of epithelial cells, being that the major number of taste buds is located on the superior half of vallate papilla. The taste pores are surrounded by several laminae of keratinized epithelial cells. The samples treated with NaOH solution and examined by SEM revealed, after removal of the epithelial layer, the dense connective core in original disposition, presenting different sizes and shapes. The specimens stained with Picrosirius and examined by polarized light microscopy revealed the connective tissue, indicating the collagen fibres type I and type III.
Structure of the Lining Epithelium of the Cauda Epididymis of the Golden Hamster
Authors: Beu C. C. L. , Orsi A. M. , Domeniconi R. F. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe ductus epididymis has roles in the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The main function of the cauda epididymis is the storage of spermatozoa; however, this region exerts other morphophysiological roles. So, this study was aimed at investigating structural features of the cauda epididymis epithelium, which could indicate roles other than the storage. The relative percentages of the cell types in the epithelium were 74.9, 6.9, 12.5 and 5.6% of principal, clear, basal and halo cells respectively. Large intercellular spaces were seen among the lateral plasmatic membranes of adjacent principal cells or among these cells and others cell types. These spaces were found to be filled with multivesicular bodies, myelin figures, scrolls and debris of membranes or flocculent dense material. Clear cells had the cytoplasms filled with lysosomes (¾ of basal cytoplasm), and vacuoles and vesicles (¼ of apical cytoplasm). The observations allowed us to infer that clear cells could act in the process of endocytosis and also in water transfer from the lumen to the interstitium through the epithelium compartment. Moreover, transcytosis may occur at the cauda epididymis of Golden hamster.
Effect of soybean peptides on growth performance, intestinal structure and mucosal immunity of broilers
Authors: Jiang Y. B. , Yin Q. Q. , Yang Y. R. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryFive‐hundred 1‐day‐old broilers were randomly assigned to five groups, 100 chickens for each group. From group 1 to 3, 80, 120 and 200 mg/kg soybean peptides was added to the diets respectively; in the fourth group, 3.2 mg/kg genramycin was added; and the fifth group was the control without soybean peptides and antibiotics. At the age of 28 and 49 days, the number of goblet cells (GC), intestine intraepithelial lymphocyte, immunoglobulin A‐forming cells, the ratio of villous height and crypt depth (V/C) of broiler’s duodenum, jejunum and cecum were observed by the application of haematoxylin and eosin or histochemistry staining. The results indicated that soybean peptides added with 80–120 mg/kg could increase daily weight gain, the number of GC and V/C. Soybean peptides could modulate intestinal mucosal immunity of broilers.