bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early growth response‐1 mediates downregulation of telomerase in cervical cancer
Authors: Akutagawa Osamu , Nishi Hirotaka , Kyo Satoru , Terauchi Fumitoshi , Yamazawa Koji , Higuma Chinatsu , Inoue Masaki , Isaka Keiichi 
Published: May 2008

Early growth response (Egr)‐1 is a transcription factor that triggers transcription of downstream genes within 15–30 min of various stimulations. These genes are expressed rapidly through specific promoter activation and mediate cell growth and angiogenesis. Following the previous computational identification of a site that was thought to be an Egr‐1 consensus binding site at –273 to –281 in the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter region, the present study was conducted to evaluate the role of Egr‐1 in the regulation of hTERT and telomerase in uterine cervical cancer. First, the expression of Egr‐1 and hTERT at the mRNA level was examined in cervical cancer tissues. Egr‐1 and hTERT were expressed much higher in cervical cancer tissues than in the normal cervix. However, a negative correlation was noted in the expression between Egr‐1 and hTERT. By luciferase assay using hTERT promoter constructs, hTERT transcriptional activation was shown to be inhibited when Egr‐1 was overexpressed. Furthermore, Egr‐1 overexpression decreased hTERT protein production as well as hTERT mRNA as observed by western blotting analysis and real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The present study suggests that Egr‐1 plays an important regulatory role in the transcriptional activation of hTERT. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1401–1406)
Evaluation of the terrestrial carbon cycle, future plant geography and climate‐carbon cycle feedbacks using five Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs)
Authors: SITCH S. , HUNTINGFORD C. , GEDNEY N. , LEVY P. E. , LOMAS M. , PIAO S. L. , BETTS R. , CIAIS P. , COX P. , FRIEDLINGSTEIN P. , JONES C. D. , PRENTICE I. C. , WOODWARD F. I. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis study tests the ability of five Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs), forced with observed climatology and atmospheric CO2, to model the contemporary global carbon cycle. The DGVMs are also coupled to a fast ‘climate analogue model’, based on the Hadley Centre General Circulation Model (GCM), and run into the future for four Special Report Emission Scenarios (SRES): A1FI, A2, B1, B2. Results show that all DGVMs are consistent with the contemporary global land carbon budget. Under the more extreme projections of future environmental change, the responses of the DGVMs diverge markedly. In particular, large uncertainties are associated with the response of tropical vegetation to drought and boreal ecosystems to elevated temperatures and changing soil moisture status. The DGVMs show more divergence in their response to regional changes in climate than to increases in atmospheric CO2 content. All models simulate a release of land carbon in response to climate, when physiological effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on plant production are not considered, implying a positive terrestrial climate‐carbon cycle feedback. All DGVMs simulate a reduction in global net primary production (NPP) and a decrease in soil residence time in the tropics and extra‐tropics in response to future climate. When both counteracting effects of climate and atmospheric CO2 on ecosystem function are considered, all the DGVMs simulate cumulative net land carbon uptake over the 21st century for the four SRES emission scenarios. However, for the most extreme A1FI emissions scenario, three out of five DGVMs simulate an annual net source of CO2 from the land to the atmosphere in the final decades of the 21st century. For this scenario, cumulative land uptake differs by 494 Pg C among DGVMs over the 21st century. This uncertainty is equivalent to over 50 years of anthropogenic emissions at current levels.
Evaporation and carbonic anhydrase activity recorded in oxygen isotope signatures of net CO2 fluxes from a Mediterranean soil
Authors: WINGATE LISA , SEIBT ULLI , MASEYK KADMIEL , OGÉE JÉRÔME , ALMEIDA PEDRO , YAKIR DAN , PEREIRA JOAO S. , MENCUCCINI MAURIZIO 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe oxygen stable isotope composition (δ18O) of CO2 is a valuable tool for studying the gas exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. In the soil, it records the isotopic signal of water pools subjected to precipitation and evaporation events. The δ18O of the surface soil net CO2 flux is dominated by the physical processes of diffusion of CO2 into and out of the soil and the chemical reactions during CO2–H2O equilibration. Catalytic reactions by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, reducing CO2 hydration times, have been proposed recently to explain field observations of the δ18O signatures of net soil CO2 fluxes. How important these catalytic reactions are for accurately predicting large‐scale biosphere fluxes and partitioning net ecosystem fluxes is currently uncertain because of the lack of field data. In this study, we determined the δ18O signatures of net soil CO2 fluxes from soil chamber measurements in a Mediterranean forest. Over the 3 days of measurements, the observed δ18O signatures of net soil CO2 fluxes became progressively enriched with a well‐characterized diurnal cycle. Model simulations indicated that the δ18O signatures recorded the interplay of two effects: (1) progressive enrichment of water in the upper soil by evaporation, and (2) catalytic acceleration of the isotopic exchange between CO2 and soil water, amplifying the contributions of ‘atmospheric invasion’ to net signatures. We conclude that there is a need for better understanding of the role of enzymatic reactions, and hence soil biology, in determining the contributions of soil fluxes to oxygen isotope signals in atmospheric CO2.
The role of proteomics in understanding sperm cell biology
Authors: Aitken R. John , Baker Mark A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe advent of enhanced methods for the pre‐fractionation of proteins, improved high speed, high resolution, high sensitivity mass spectrometry hardware and superior informatics/bioformatics software is heralding a new era in our capacity to analyse the proteomic composition of human spermatozoa. Parallel improvements in our capacity to compare proteomic profiles from spermatozoa in different functional states (immature vs. mature, uncapacitated vs. capacitated, normal vs. defective) is also helping to define which specific elements of the proteome are of functional significance. The ultimate aim of such studies will be to integrate the proteome with the sperm metabolome so that we shall not only understand the cascade of post‐translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation, glycosylation, proteolytic cleavage) involved in generating a functional spermatozoon but also determine how these physiological changes are brought about. This fundamental information will then create a basis for identifying key points in the post‐testicular maturation of spermatozoa that might be targeted for contraceptive purposes or implicated in the defective sperm function observed in a significant proportion of infertile males.
Psychometric properties of the MacNew heart disease health‐related quality of life instrument in patients with heart failure
Authors: Höfer Stefan , Schmid Jean‐Paul , Frick Matthias , Benzer Werner , Laimer Herbert , Oldridge Neil , Saner Hugo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Heart failure (HF) is a severe chronic disease and impairs health‐related quality of life (HRQL). While validated specific HRQL instruments are required for evaluation of treatment and rehabilitation in patients with HF, a single validated measure to document changes in HRQL for patients with different heart disease diagnoses would be invaluable. The purpose of this analysis was the psychometric analysis of the German MacNew Heart Disease Questionnaire (MacNew) in HF patients, which has previously been shown to be reliable and valid in patients with myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and arrhythmia.Methods  We recruited 89 patients (61.7 ± 11.5 years; 84.3% male) in two Austrian and one Swiss cardiology department with documented HF (effect sizes 28.9 ± 10.1%). The self‐administered MacNew, the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were completed. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α), discriminative and evaluative validity were assessed.Results  Cronbach's α exceeded 0.80. Each MacNew scale differentiated between patients with and without anxiety (3.9 ± 1.0 vs. 5.3 ± 0.8, all P < 0.001), with and without depression (4.2 ± 1.2 vs. 5.2 ± 0.9 all P < 0.03) and by the SF‐36 health transition item (deteriorate = 4.39, no change = 4.95, improve = 5.45, all P < 0.02). Evaluative validity was demonstrated with effect sizes >0.70 for a subsample attending a 12‐week outpatient rehabilitation programme.Conclusions  The German language version of the MacNew demonstrates consistently acceptable psychometric properties of reliability, validity and responsiveness in patients with documented HF. Together with previous documentation of reliability, validity and responsive, these findings strengthen the argument for the MacNew as a potential ‘core’ HRQL measure, at least in the German language.
A review of the current evidence base for significant event analysis
Authors: Bowie Paul , Pope Lindsey , Lough Murray 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  To review the literature on the perceived benefits and disadvantages associated with significant event analysis (SEA) and identify reported barriers and facilitating factors.Method  A comprehensive search of electronic databases and peer reviewed journals was conducted during June 2006. Studies which explored or measured perceptions or attitudes in relation to SEA or assessed its impact on health care quality were included.Results  27 studies were identified with most undertaken in UK general practice. Perceived benefits include: improved communication, enhanced team‐working and awareness of others' contributions. SEA has a strong emotional resonance which may lead to a greater commitment to change. Multiple but unverifiable changes in practice and improvements in service quality were reported through participation. Disadvantages include concerns about litigation, reprisal, embarrassment and confidentiality. The reliability of SEA is questioned because it lacks a robust, standard structured method. Evidence of its impact on health care is severely limited. Barriers include a lack of training, poor team dynamics, failings in facilitation and leadership, selective topic choice and associated emotional demands. Facilitating factors include: effective practice in meetings; protected meeting time; a structured methodical approach; and strong team dynamics and leadership.Conclusion  A chasm exists between the high expectations for SEA and the lack of evidence of its impact. SEA may have some merit as a team‐based educational tool. However, it may not be a reliable technique for investigating serious or complex safety issues in general practice. Policy makers need to be more explicit about the actual purpose of SEA.
Clinician attitudes towards prescribing and implications for interventions in a multi‐specialty group practice
Authors: Fortuna Robert J. , Ross‐Degnan Dennis , Finkelstein Jonathan , Zhang Fang , Campion Francis X. , Simon Steven R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Prescribing decisions are subject to a myriad of external forces, including patient requests for advertised medications. Although numerous factors influence prescribing, resources to support unbiased evidence‐based prescribing are not widely available.Methods  To guide future interventions, we surveyed clinicians about influences on prescribing, awareness of pharmaceutical costs and attitudes towards computerized decision support. A 21‐item survey was sent to 604 prescribing clinicians in a large multi‐specialty group practice that employs a robust electronic medical record.Results  Surveys were returned from 405 clinicians (67%). Most respondents (87%) felt that direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) advertising prompts patients to request inappropriate medications, and more than one in five clinicians (22%) reported difficulty declining patients' requests for advertised medications. Providers with more clinical sessions per week reported greater difficulty. Although 93% of clinicians felt they have access to the information needed to guide prescribing, only about half (54%) reported they are aware of how much patients pay for prescription medications. Clinicians' awareness of medication costs varied considerably by specialty, with behavioural health clinicians being the most aware. The majority of providers (79%) stated that computerized prescribing alerts are a clinically useful source of information.Conclusions  Although the majority of clinicians reported that DTC advertising leads many patients to request medications that are inappropriate for their condition, a sizable proportion of clinicians reported difficulty declining these requests, and many are unaware of medication costs. Interventions to support prescribing decisions should provide the busiest clinicians with up‐to‐date, specialty‐specific evidence and cost information.
Achieving changes in practice from national audit: national audit of the organization of services for falls and bone health in older people
Authors: Husk Janet 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims  Falls in older people are associated with increased mortality, physical injury, loss of function and independence. The extent to which trusts had met the requirements to implement an integrated falls service for older people by April 2005 was assessed by the performance of a national organizational audit.Method  A report was produced for each participating site, containing their local audit results compared to the national picture. A scoring system was devised so that each site could be attributed an ‘organizational’ score and section scores. Thus, plans for a workshop developed to: learn from ‘High Performers’ regarding how they achieved services; use ‘expert’ knowledge and gain understanding about how to formulate action points.Results  To complete the audit process, chief executives were asked to provide their action plans. Some sites had clearly used their audit results and their scores. This was identified by statements such as ‘recognised that performance was well below the national average in two sector scores’, as a result of which, an immediate action plan was drawn up.Conclusion  The results of a national audit, especially when linked to a scoring system, can help local services benchmark themselves which, in association with action planning workshops and commitment from trusts, can achieve changes in practice.
Pressure ulcer prevalence in intensive care patients: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shahin Eman S. M. , Dassen Theo , Halfens Ruud J. G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Pressure ulcers are a potential complication for intensive care patients and their prevention is a major issue in nursing care. Therefore, this study aims to assess pressure ulcer prevalence in intensive care patients, patients' characteristics and preventive measures related to pressure ulcer prevalence in intensive care patients and to determine the most common body sites of pressure ulcers.Method  The research design was a cross‐sectional study. The sample consisted of 1760 patients (298 in 2002, 408 in 2003, 453 in 2004, 368 in 2005 and 233 participants in 2006) from surgical, medical and interdisciplinary intensive care.Results  The results revealed a mean prevalence rate of ±30% from 2002 to 2005 while it considerably decreased down to 16.2% in 2006. Half of the pressure ulcers were of grade 1. Furthermore, a significant relation was found between the presence of pressure ulcers and age (P ≤ 0.022), Braden score (P ≤ 0.01) and bowel incontinence (P ≤ 0.01).Conclusion  It is crucial to select appropriate and applicable preventive material/devices and nursing care measures. Moreover, factors related to the presence of pressure ulcers should be taken into consideration in order to prevent development of further pressure ulcers.
Outpatient versus inpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study of symptom occurrence, symptom distress and general state of health during the first post‐operative week
Authors: Barthelsson Cajsa , Anderberg Bo , Ramel Stig , Björvell Catrin , Giesecke Kajsa , Nordström Gun 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Few randomized clinical trials focus on patients' symptoms of the first post‐operative week following outpatient (OPS) versus inpatient (IPS) laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The objective was to compare these treatment modalities with regard to patients' perceptions of pain and other post‐operative symptoms, amount of distress, level of anxiety and general state of health during the first post‐operative week.Methods  One hundred patients were randomized. Seventy‐three LC patients were valid for efficacy (OPS n = 34, IPS n = 39). Data were collected by means of questionnaires.Results  The main result was that no differences were seen between the groups regarding the occurrence of post‐operative symptoms or symptom distress. Approximately 90% of the patients in both groups perceived pain, reduced mobility and tiredness on day 1. Nausea and loss of appetite were reported by half of the patients. Post‐operative day 1, both groups reported much or very much distress related to pain and reduced mobility (approximately 40%) and nausea (approximately 20%). Although both groups reported less symptoms on day 7, one‐third still experienced pain, but only one patient reported this to be distressing.Conclusion  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients in both groups recover equally well, indicating that a greater proportion of LC patients should be offered the outpatient modality.
Agreement between parental reports and patient records in food allergies among infants and young children in Finland
Authors: Tuokkola Jetta , Kaila Minna , Pietinen Pirjo , Simell Olli , Knip Mikael , Virtanen Suvi M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  A third of parents suspect food allergy in their children. Questionnaire‐based studies usually overestimate the occurrence of food allergies. The aim of the present study was to validate a study questionnaire by comparing children's use of special diets as reported by parents with patient records at the hospital.Methods  A population‐based cohort with genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (15% of those screened) was recruited in the Tampere area between 1997 and 2001, and followed for development of food allergy for 3 years. Food allergies and other special diets were queried at the age of 3 years with a structured questionnaire. The hospital records of the children, whose parents had reported an elimination diet of the child, were studied to validate the parental reports of food allergies. The hospital database was also checked for the respective diagnosis codes to estimate underreporting.Results  Altogether, 1122 parents returned the questionnaire at the study center visit when the child was 3 years old. Food allergy was reported by 15.0% of the parents. In 10.6% of the children food allergy had been diagnosed or confirmed at the hospital. Hospital‐confirmed food allergy was unreported in 0.9% of the cases. The measure of agreement between reported and hospital‐confirmed food allergies, using crosstabulation with Cohen's Kappa, was within 0.71–0.88 for cow's milk allergy, 0.74–0.82 for cereal allergy and 0.66–0.86 for any reported food allergy.Conclusion  We found that the validity of the questionnaire obtaining information on food allergies of infants and young children was good to excellent based on a comparison between parental reports and information obtained from patient records.
Ancient divisions, recent expansions: phylogeography and population genetics of the round goby Apollonia melanostoma
Authors: BROWN JOSHUA E. , STEPIEN CAROL A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDuring the past two decades, the round goby Apollonia melanostoma (=Neogobius melanostomus) has expanded its range via shipping transport and canals, extending north and west from the Ponto‐Caspian region of Eurasia and to the North American Great Lakes. Exotic populations of the round goby have been very successful in the Baltic Sea and the Great Lakes regions, exerting significant ecological changes. Our study evaluates the population genetic and biogeographical structure of the round goby across its native and nonindigenous ranges, in light of geological history and its expansion pathways. We analyzed seven new nuclear microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene sequences from 432 individuals in 22 locations. Population structure was tested using FST‐analogs, phylogenetic trees, clustering diagrams, Bayesian assignment tests and nested clade analyses. Results show that native populations in the Black vs. the Caspian Sea basins diverge by 1.4% and c. 350 000 years, corresponding to closure of their prior connections and supporting the taxonomic separation of the Black Sea A. m. melanostoma from the Caspian Sea A. m. affinis. Their within‐basin populations diverge by ~0.4% and 100 000 years. Nonindigenous populations in the Baltic Sea and Danube and Dnieper Rivers trace to separate northern Black Sea origins, whereas the upper Volga River system houses mixed populations of A. m. melanostoma and A. m. affinis. Native populations average twice the genetic diversity of most exotic sites; however, sites in the Volga River system have high diversity due to mixing of the two taxa. Our results highlight how vicariance and anthropogenic disturbances have shaped a rapidly expanding species’ genetic heritage.
Effects of Pre‐natal Glucocorticoids on Testicular Development in Sheep
Authors: Pedrana G. , Sloboda D. M. , Pérez W. , Newnham J. P. , Bielli A. , Martin G. B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWe tested the hypothesis that acute pre‐natal exposure to high levels of synthetic glucocorticoid (betamethasone) would alter fetal testicular development through actions on gonadal glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). Pregnant Merino ewes bearing singleton male fetuses (n = 24) were allocated randomly among four equal groups to be injected intramuscularly with saline or betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) either on day 109 of gestation or on both day 109 and day 116 of gestation. Fetal testes were collected at post‐mortem, 5 days after each treatment. The volume of interstitial tissue and the volume, length and diameter of the sex cords were measured, and Sertoli cells and gonocytes were counted. For cord volume and interstitial tissue volume, control testes demonstrated maturational changes as fetal age advanced from 109 to 116 days of gestation. For that period, the single injection of betamethasone significantly reduced Leydig cell proliferation (P < 0.05), but had no effect on Sertoli cell numbers. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize GR and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in testicular cells. GR immunoexpression in Leydig cells was higher in fetuses exposed to betamethasone at 109 days of gestation than in control fetuses. Sertoli cells showed low levels of GR. It was concluded that, during mid‐gestation, a brief period of glucocorticoid treatment could affect testicular development in male sheep fetuses. The mechanism probably involves direct effects on Leydig cells, as these cells express extra‐GR in response to the treatment. Sertoli cells seem to produce less GR than Leydig cells, perhaps explaining their lack of response to betamethasone. These outcomes may have important implications for future fertility in male offspring.