bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of physiological and anthropometric characteristics among playing positions in junior rugby league players
Authors: Gabbett T J 
Published: August 2005

Objectives:To compare the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of specific playing positions and positional playing groups in junior rugby league players.Methods:Two hundred and forty junior rugby league players underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (body mass, height, sum of four skinfolds), muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10, 20, and 40 m sprint), agility (L run), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multi-stage fitness test) during the competitive phase of the season, after players had obtained a degree of match fitness.Results:Props were significantly (p<0.05) taller, heavier, and had greater skinfold thickness than all other positions. The halfback and centre positions were faster than props over 40 m. Halfbacks had significantly (p<0.05) greater estimated maximal aerobic power than props. When data were analysed according to positional similarities, it was found that the props positional group had lower 20 and 40 m speed, agility, and estimated maximal aerobic power than the hookers and halves and outside backs positional groups. Differences in the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of other individual playing positions and positional playing groups were uncommon.Conclusions:The results of this study demonstrate that few physiological and anthropometric differences exist among individual playing positions in junior rugby league players, although props are taller, heavier, have greater skinfold thickness, lower 20 and 40 m speed, agility, and estimated maximal aerobic power than other positional playing groups. These findings provide normative data and realistic performance standards for junior rugby league players competing in specific individual positions and positional playing groups.
The effectiveness of a squash eyewear promotion strategy
Authors: Eime R , Finch C , Wolfe R , Owen N , McCarty C 
Published: August 2005

Objective:To evaluate the protective eyewear promotion (PEP) project, which was a comprehensive educational strategy to increase the use of appropriate protective eyewear by squash players.Methods:An ecological study design was used. Four squash venues in one playing association were randomly chosen to receive PEP and four in another association maintained usual practice and hence formed a control group. The primary evaluation measurements were surveys of cross sectional samples of players carried out before and after the intervention. The surveys investigated players’ knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes associated with the use of protective eyewear. The survey carried out after the intervention also determined players’ exposure to PEP. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to describe differences at PEP venues from pre- to post-intervention and to compare these with the control venues.Results:The PEP players had 2.4 times the odds (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 4.2) of wearing appropriate eyewear compared with control group players post-intervention, relative to the groups’ pre-intervention baselines. Components of PEP, such as stickers and posters and the availability and prominent positioning of the project eyewear, were found to contribute to players adopting favourable eyewear behaviours.Conclusions:Components of the PEP intervention were shown to be effective. The true success will be the sustainability and dissemination of the project, favourable eyewear behaviours, and evidence of the prevention of eye injuries long into the future.
A randomized trial of mail vs. telephone invitation to a community-based cardiovascular health awareness program for older family practice patients [ISRCTN61739603]
Authors: Karwalajtys Tina , Kaczorowski Janusz , Chambers Larry W , Levitt Cheryl , Dolovich Lisa , McDonough Bea , Patterson Christopher , Williams James E 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Family physicians can play an important role in encouraging patients to participate in community-based health promotion initiatives designed to supplement and enhance their in-office care. Our objectives were to determine effective approaches to invite older family practice patients to attend cardiovascular health awareness sessions in community pharmacies, and to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a program incorporating invitation by physicians and feedback to physicians.

Methods
We conducted a prospective randomized trial with 1 family physician practice and 5 community pharmacies in Dundas, Ontario. Regular patients 65 years or older (n = 235) were randomly allocated to invitation by mail or telephone to attend pharmacy cardiovascular health awareness sessions led by volunteer peer health educators. A health record review captured blood pressure status, monitoring and control. At the sessions, volunteers helped patients to measure blood pressure using in-store machines and a validated portable device (BPM-100), and recorded blood pressure readings and self-reported cardiovascular risk factors. We compared attendance rates in the mail and telephone invitation groups and explored factors potentially associated with attendance.

Results
The 119 patients invited by mail and 116 patients contacted by telephone had a mean age of 75.7 (SD, 6.4) years and 46.8% were male. Overall, 58.3% (137/235) of invitees attended a pharmacy cardiovascular health awareness session. Patients invited by telephone were more likely to attend than those invited by mail (72.3% vs. 44.0%, OR 3.3; 95%CI 1.9–5.7; p < 0.001).

Conclusion
While the attendance in response to a telephone invitation was higher, response to a single letter was substantial. Attendance rates indicated considerable interest in community-based cardiovascular health promotion activities. A large-scale trial of a pharmacy cardiovascular health awareness program for older primary care patients is feasible.
In B-CLL, the codon 72 polymorphic variants of p53 are not related to drug resistance and disease prognosis
Authors: Sturm Isrid , Bosanquet Andrew G , Hummel Michael , Dörken Bernd , Daniel Peter T 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
A common sequence polymorphism at codon 72 of the p53 gene encoding either arginine or proline was recently shown to be functionally relevant for apoptosis induction in vitro. In B-type chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), p53 gene mutations occur in a subset of patients and are associated with impaired survival and drug resistance. Here, we address the functional relevance of the codon 72 single nucleotide (SNP) polymorphism for cell death sensitivity following exposure to clinically employed cytotoxic drugs and γ-irradiation.

Methods
138 B-CLL samples were analysed by SSCP-PCR and sequencing for single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 72 of the p53 gene. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay (DiSC-assay) was performed with 7 drugs (chlorambucil, mafosfamide, fludarabine phosphate, methylprednisolone, doxorubicin, vincristine) or γ-irradiation.

Results
Of the138 B-CLL samples, 9 samples were homozygous for proline (Pro/Pro), 78 samples homozygous for arginine (Arg/Arg), and 49 samples heterozygous (Arg/Pro). No differences were found for patient survival and cell death triggered by 7 cytotoxic drugs or γ-irradiation.

Conclusion
These data indicate that polymorphic variants of p53 codon 72 are not clinically relevant for apoptosis induction or patient survival in B-CLL.
A case repot of Merkel cell carcinoma on chronic lymphocytic leukemia: differential diagnosis of coexisting lymphadenopathy and indications for early aggressive treatment
Authors: Papageorgiou KI , Kaniorou-Larai MG 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a monoclonal disorder, characterized by a progressive proliferation of functionally incompetent B lymphocytes. There is increased evidence of association between CLL and skin cancers, including the uncommon Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Case presentation
A case report of an 84-year old male, who presented with an aggressively recurrent form of MCC on the lower lip, on the background of an 8-year history of untreated CLL. During the recurrences of MCC, coexisting regional lymphadenopathy, posed a problem in the differential diagnosis and treatment of lymph node involvement. Histopathology and immunoistochemistry showed that submandibular lymphadenopathy coexisting with the second recurrence of MCC, was due to B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma. The subsequent and more aggressive recurrence of the skin tumor had involved the superficial and deep cervical lymph nodes. Surgical excision followed by involved field radiation therapy has been proven effective for both malignancies.

Conclusion
MCC has a high incidence of regional lymphadenopathy at presentation (12–45%) and even when it arises on the background of chronic leucemia, lymphadenopathy at presentation should be managed agressively with elective lymph node dissection. We overview the postulated correlation between Merkel tumor and CCL, the differential diagnosis of regional lymphadenopathy during the recurrences of the skin tumor and the strategies of treatment
Phosphorylation states of cell cycle and DNA repair proteins can be altered by the nsSNPs
Authors: Savas Sevtap , Ozcelik Hilmi 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Background
Phosphorylation is a reversible post-translational modification that affects the intrinsic properties of proteins, such as structure and function. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) result in the substitution of the encoded amino acids and thus are likely to alter the phosphorylation motifs in the proteins.

Methods
In this study, we used the web-based NetPhos tool to predict candidate nsSNPs that either introduce or remove putative phosphorylation sites in proteins that act in DNA repair and cell cycle pathways.

Results
Our results demonstrated that a total of 15 nsSNPs (16.9%) were likely to alter the putative phosphorylation patterns of 14 proteins. Three of these SNPs (CDKN1A-S31R, OGG1-S326C, and XRCC3-T241M) have already found to be associated with altered cancer risk. We believe that this set of nsSNPs constitutes an excellent resource for further molecular and genetic analyses.

Conclusion
The novel systematic approach used in this study will accelerate the understanding of how naturally occurring human SNPs may alter protein function through the modification of phosphorylation mechanisms and contribute to disease susceptibility.
Expression and subcellular localization of aquaporin water channels in the polarized hepatocyte cell line, WIF-B
Authors: Gradilone Sergio A , Tietz Pamela S , Splinter Patrick L , Marinelli Raúl A , LaRusso Nicholas F 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Recent data suggest that canalicular bile secretion involves selective expression and coordinated regulation of aquaporins (AQPs), a family of water channels proteins. In order to further characterize the role of AQPs in this process, an in vitro cell system with retained polarity and expression of AQPs and relevant solute transporters involved in bile formation is highly desirable. The WIF-B cell line is a highly differentiated and polarized rat hepatoma/human fibroblast hybrid, which forms abundant bile canalicular structures. This cell line has been reported to be a good in vitro model for studying hepatocyte polarity.

Results
Using RT-PCR, immunoblotting and confocal immunofluorescence, we showed that WIF-B cells express the aquaporin water channels that facilitate the osmotically driven water movements in the liver, i.e. AQP8, AQP9, and AQP0; as well as the key solute transporters involved in the generation of canalicular osmotic gradients, i.e., the bile salt export pump Bsep, the organic anion transporter Mrp2 and the chloride bicarbonate exchanger AE2. The subcellular localization of the AQPs and the solute transporters in WIF-B cells was similar to that in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and in intact liver. Immunofluorescent costaining studies showed intracellular colocalization of AQP8 and AE2, suggesting the possibility that these transporters are expressed in the same population of pericanalicular vesicles.

Conclusion
The hepatocyte cell line WIF-B retains the expression and subcellular localization of aquaporin water channels as well as key solute transporters for canalicular bile secretion. Thus, these cells can work as a valuable tool for regulatory and mechanistic studies of the biology of bile formation.
Insect sting allergy. A study from 1980 to 2003 of patients who started treatment with venom immunotherapy between 1980 and 1998
Authors: Haye Rolf , Døsen Liv Kari 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Previously we treated patients with insect sting allergy with venom immunotherapy (IT) using whole body insect extracts. From 1980 we changed to insect venoms. The purpose of this study was to analyse data from the patients in order to improve our treatment.

Methods
This is an open, single centre study on patients treated with venom IT 14 years or older with a history of a systemic allergic reaction to an insect sting, a positive skin prick test (SPT) or a positive RAST and willingness to comply with five years of IT. Clinical and laboratory data were registered prospectively at the start of IT and after five years of treatment until 2003 on patients who started IT between 1980 and 1998. Questionnaires were answered in 1989, 1993 and 2003. Statistical analysis was done with Pearson's chi square, Fisher's exact or the t-test.

Results
Of 315 patients treated, 44 were given bee, 248 common wasp and 23 both venoms. Of the common wasp sting incidents 5.5 % resulted in a severe allergic reaction (SAR) during adequate IT and 22% after cessation. Seventy-one per cent of the patients carried epinephrine. Precautionary steps were taken by 77% of the patients during or after inadequate IT. On or after adequate IT 83% felt completely or substantially safe. Surprisingly 29 % of those inadequately treated felt safer and 50% were satisfied with having had the opportunity to be treated. The SPT became negative in 68% of the wasp allergic patients after five years of adequate IT. Increased risk of experiencing SAR to a future sting in wasp allergic patients after cessation of adequate IT was significantly associated with a SAR due to IT during the rush regimen. SAR due to IT occurred very rarely during maintenance dosing.

Conclusion
Adequate venom IT is very effective while ongoing but somewhat less effective after cessation, while inadequate treatment gives poor results. More of our patients should complete five years of IT and some should continue IT. The type of reaction to IT during incremental dosing may be of help in deciding who should continue beyond five years. Maintenance IT may be taken over by the general physician.
Cerebrospinal fluid signs of neuronal damage after antiretroviral treatment interruption in HIV-1 infection
Authors: Gisslén Magnus , Rosengren Lars , Hagberg Lars , Deeks Steven G , Price Richard W 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
The neurofilament is a major structural component of myelinated axons. Increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of the light chain of the neurofilament protein (NFL) can serve as a sensitive indicator of central nervous system (CNS) injury. To assess whether interrupting antiretroviral treatment of HIV infection might have a deleterious effect on the CNS, we measured NFL levels in HIV-infected subjects interrupting therapy.
We identified subjects who had CSF HIV RNA concentrations below 50 copies/mL at the time combination antiretroviral therapy was interrupted, and for whom CSF samples were available before and after the interruption.

Results
A total of 8 subjects were studied. The median (range) CSF NFL level at baseline was <125 (<125–220) ng/L (normal <250 ng/L). All 8 subjects exhibited an increase in CSF and plasma HIV RNA after stopping therapy, accompanied by intrathecal immunoactivation as evidenced by CSF lymphocytic pleocytosis (7/8 patients) and increased CSF neopterin concentration (5/6 patients). Three subjects showed a consistent increase in CSF NFL, rising from <125 ng/L to a maximum of 880 (at day 148), 1,010 (day 58) and 10,930 ng/L (day 101). None exhibited new neurological symptoms or signs, or experienced functional deterioration during the period off treatment; of 5 who underwent brief quantitative neurological testing, none showed worsening performance.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that resurgence of active HIV replication may result in measurable, albeit subclinical, CNS injury. Further studies are needed to define the frequency and pathobiological importance of the increase in CSF NFL.
Bridging the Gap: a study of general nurses’ perceptions of patient advocacy in Ireland
Authors: O’Connor Tom , Kelly Billy 
Published: August 2005

Advocacy has become an accepted and integral attribute of nursing practice. Despite this adoption of advocacy, confusion remains about the precise nature of the concept and how it should be enacted in practice. The aim of this study was to investigate general nurses’ perceptions of being patient advocates in Ireland and how they enact this role. These perceptions were compared with existing theory and research on advocacy in order to contribute to the knowledge base on the subject. An inductive, qualitative approach was used for this study. Three focus group interviews with a total of 20 practising nurses were conducted with a sample representing different grades in a general hospital setting. Data analysis was carried out using elements of Strauss and Corbins’ approach to concept development. The findings indicate that the principal role of the nurse advocate is to act as an intermediary between the patient and the health care environment. The results highlight that advocacy did, however, result in nurses becoming involved in conflict and confrontation with others and that it could be detrimental to nurses both professionally and personally. It was also clear that when enacting advocacy, nurses distinguished between ‘clinical advocacy’ (acting directly for patients in the clinical environment) and organizational advocacy (acting on an organizational level for one or more patients).
To Be a Nurse or a Neighbour? a moral concern for psychiatric nurses living next door to individuals with a mental illness
Authors: Högberg Torbjörn , Magnusson Annabella , Lützén Kim 
Published: August 2005

Several studies reveal that positive attitudes towards individuals with a mental illness are correlated with knowledge about mental illness. The aim of this study was to explore and describe psychiatric nurses’ experiences of living next to people with mental health problems. In addition, it sought to identify and describe how they handle situations arising in a neighbourhood where people with a mental illness live. Two men and seven women participated in the study. The constant comparative method of grounded theory was used for data collection and analysis. The process of ‘behaving as a nurse or not’ was identified as a core category. Four subcategories were identified: ‘receiving involuntary information’, ‘to take action or not’, ‘behaving as a mediator in the neighbourhood’ and ‘the freedom of choice’. The findings show that psychiatric nurses with professional knowledge about mental illness have moral concerns about their role as nurses during their leisure time. In conclusion, it is not obvious that psychiatric nurses want to live in the same neighbourhood as persons with a mental illness. However, this study shows that their knowledge about mental illness creates for them a moral dilemma consisting of a conflict between whether to care for these mentally ill persons or to preserve their own leisure time.
Sedation of Patients in Intensive Care Medicine and Nursing: ethical issues
Authors: Nortvedt Per , Kvarstein Gunnvald , Jønland Ingvild 
Published: August 2005

This article focuses on the ethical aspects of medically-induced sedation and pain relief in intensive care medicine. The study results reported are part of a larger investigation of patients’ experiences of being sedated and receiving pain relief, and also families’ experiences of having a close relative under controlled sedation in an intensive care unit. The study is based on qualitative in-depth interviews with nine nurses and six doctors working in intensive care and surgical units in a major Norwegian hospital. The textual data are interpreted according to Kvale’s method for analyzing qualitative data. There are ethical problems regarding how to achieve an acceptable balance between a patient’s subjective well-being and the medical need for reduced sedation. The authors discuss whether some medical reasons for reduced sedation are ethically justifiable, given the actual medical knowledge available. The study also addresses the ethical consequences of reducing medically-induced sedation and the demands it puts on interdisciplinary co-operation and communication, as well as the importance of improving the quality of medical and nursing care.
Lymphovascular Invasion Is Independently Associated With Overall Survival, Cause-Specific Survival, and Local and Distant Recurrence in Patients With Negative Lymph Nodes at Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Lotan Yair , Gupta Amit , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Vazina Amnon , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Bastian Patrick J. , Rogers Craig G. , Amiel Gilad , Perotte Paul , Schoenberg Mark P. , Lerner Seth P. , Sagalowsky Arthur I. 
Published: August 2005

Purpose We hypothesized that bladder cancer patients with associated lymphovascular invasion (LVI) are at increased risk of occult metastases. Methods A multi-institutional group (University of Texas Southwestern [Dallas, TX], Baylor College of Medicine [Houston, TX], Johns Hopkins University [Baltimore, MD]) carried out a retrospective study of 958 patients who underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer between 1984 and 2003. Of patients with transitional-cell carcinoma (n = 776), LVI status was available for 750. LVI was defined as the presence of tumor cells within an endothelium-lined space. Results LVI was present in 36.4% (273 of 750) overall, involving 26% (151 of 581) and 72% (122 of 169) of node-negative and node-positive patients, respectively. Prevalence of LVI increased with higher pathologic stage (9.0%, 23%, 60%, and 78%, for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively; P < .001). Using multivariate Cox regression analyses including age, stage, grade, and number of pelvic lymph nodes removed, LVI was an independent predictor of local (HR = 2.03, P = .049), distant (HR = 2.60, P = .0011), and overall (HR = 2.02, P = .0003) recurrence in node-negative patients. LVI was an independent predictor of overall (HR = 1.84, P = .0002) and cause-specific (HR = 2.07, P = .0012) survival in node-negative patients. LVI maintained its independent predictor status in competing risks regression models (P = .013), where other-cause mortality was considered as a competing risk. LVI was not a predictor of recurrence or survival in node-positive patients. Conclusion LVI is an independent predictor of recurrence and decreased cause-specific and overall survival in patients who undergo cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer and are node-negative. These patients represent a high risk group that may benefit from integrated therapy with cystectomy and perioperative systemic chemotherapy.