bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From heparins to factor Xa inhibitors and beyond
Authors: Alban S. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractDespite some disadvantages, unfractionated heparin (UFH) and oral anticoagulants have been the only anticoagulants for prophylaxis and therapy of thromboembolic disorders for several decades.Based on the increasing knowledge of the structure and pharmacology of heparin, low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) have been developed in the 1980s. Compared to UFH, their advantages are mainly based on their reduced nonspecific binding to proteins and cells resulting in improved pharmacokinetics. In 1991, LMWH were declared as the most efficient prophylaxis in high‐risk patients. Although the use of LMWH is increasing and they are today also applied for therapy and in other indications like acute coronary syndrome, they are considered not optimal concerning efficacy and safety.With the approval of fondaparinux for the prevention of venous thromboembolic disease in high‐risk orthopedic patients, there might be a paradigm shift in the field of anticoagulants. Fondaparinux, a synthetic, chemically defined pentasaccharide, is the first selective inhibitor of factor Xa. By its highly specific binding to antithrombin, it selectively inhibits factor Xa and consequently prevents thrombin generation. In contrast to UFH and LMWH, it does not bind to any other cells and other proteins than antithrombin. This leads to a favourable linear pharmacokinetic profile, allowing once‐daily subcutaneous application of a fixed dose without monitoring in thromboembolism prophylaxis. In addition to the evaluation of fondaparinux for further indications, chemical modifications of this pentasaccharide such as the long‐acting idraparinux are currently under investigation.
The changing relationship between mental health nurses and psychiatrists in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brimblecombe Neil R. 
Published: February 2005

Aim.  This paper illustrates key developments in the changing relationship between the two professions over the last 200 years.Background.  To understand the current relationship between mental health nurses and psychiatrists within the UK, it is necessary to understand the historical development of that relationship.Methods.  Information was sought from a range of primary documentary sources, including contemporary journals, asylum documents and official governmental and health service reports. Secondary sources, such as histories of medicine, nursing and individual asylums provided further supportive information.Findings.  Psychiatry emerged as a profession at the end of the 18th century and found a power base within county asylums from the middle of the 19th century. Medical superintendents, the doctors in charge of asylums, had strict control over the activities of attendants, the justification for which was the need to protect patients from cruelty and neglect. Superintendents’ desire for their own enhanced professional status led to formalized training for attendants at the end of the 19th Century, in which training materials again reinforced the importance of obedience by nurses (as attendants had become known). During the 1920s, trade unions struggled for improved pay and conditions, whilst professionalizing mental health nursing was a secondary priority. Reorganization following creation of the National Health Service in 1948 lessened superintendents’ authority, and ultimately the management of mental health nursing shifted from them. The move towards community care allowed mental health nurses to develop greater independence, which was supported by changes in nurse education.Conclusions.  Psychiatrists in the UK remain highly influential, despite the move from their traditional power base in hospitals. Changes in mental health care, such as new nurse prescribing powers and the loss of psychiatrists’ control over admission of patients to hospital, will continue to change the relationship between mental health nursing and psychiatry.
Perceived parental efficacy: concept analysis
Authors: de Montigny Francine , Lacharité Carl 
Published: February 2005

Aims. This paper describes a concept analysis carried out to remove some of the ambiguity surrounding the conceptual meaning of perceived parental efficacy and to distinguish it from related concepts such as parental confidence and parental competence.Background. Constructing parental efficacy is a crucial step for family members after the birth of their first child. For some authors, perceived parental efficacy is a motor for adequate parental practices. Confusion about the definition and measurement of this concept has hindered both psychology and nursing practice and research. Concept delineation and concept clarification are required in order to further the development of the concept of perceived parental efficacy.Methods. A literature search using a variety of online databases yielded 113 articles between the years 1980 and 2000. The final sample (n = 60) consisted of 30 articles from two disciplines: nursing and psychology. A content analysis of the literature was done using Rodger's evolutionary concept analysis method.Findings. Content analysis of the literature yielded four contributors to perceived parental efficacy: positive enactive mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion and an appropriate physiological and affective state. Perceived parental efficacy can thus be defined as ‘beliefs or judgements a parent holds of their capabilities to organize and execute a set of tasks related to parenting a child’.Conclusion. This conceptual analysis has allowed perceived parental efficacy to be distinguished from parental confidence and parental competence. Both nursing and psychology research, practice and education will benefit from a more precise and delineated concept.
Interaction in cyberspace: an online focus group
Authors: Kenny Amanda J. 
Published: February 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study that explored whether active engagement and group interaction could be captured in an online environment.Background.  Focus groups have become a common means of capitalizing on group interaction to collect rich responses to questions posed. Whilst their use is well established in the repertoire of qualitative researchers, with changing technology there is the opportunity to use a computer program that facilitates online engagement and interaction to bring together a group of people to explore issues, attitudes and perceptions.Method.  Using a qualitative descriptive method and purposive sampling, 38 Australian Enrolled Nurses participated in an online focus group. WebCT©, a program that facilitates online engagement and interaction, was used to enable participants to interact from any computer, from any location, at any time.Findings.  The experience of conducting an online focus group was a positive one. Advantages such as cost savings and convenience for both researcher and participants were identified. This study demonstrated that participants could be actively engaged over a 2‐month period and that group interaction could be achieved to collect richly detailed research data.Conclusion.  Whilst online focus groups may not be suitable in every situation, the potential exists to capitalize on technology to bring together a group of people separated by distance in an online environment that encourages interactive discussion.
Lectin Histochemistry of Foam Cells in Tissues of Cattle Grazing Brachiaria spp.
Authors: Gomar M. S. , Driemeier D. , Colodel E. M. , Gimeno E. J. 
Published: February 2005

Summary Brachiaria decumbens and B. brizantha (signal grass), which occupy millions of acres in Brazil, are an important source of fodder for ruminants. Sporadic outbreaks of photosensitization in ruminants grazing on signal grass have been reported. Intoxicated animals showed the presence of foamy cells in the liver, spleen, intestinal submucosa and lymph nodes. These foamy cells are macrophages. They are very difficult to distinguish with haematoxylin and eosin stain, especially in the case of isolated cells. The purpose of the present study was to detect specific carbohydrate residues of storage material in the foamy cells in tissues of cattle exposed to Brachiaria spp. The characterization of glycoconjugates provides clues to the pathogenesis of these cells. Besides, the lectin peanut agglutinin was found to be an excellent marker to differentiate and quantify the foam cells, and could be used as a specific marker.
Effect of Intramammary Injection of RbIL‐8 on Milk Levels of Somatic Cell Count, Chemiluminescence Activity and Shedding Patterns of Total Bacteria andS. aureusin Holstein Cows with Naturally Infected‐subclinical Mastitis
Authors: Takahashi H. , Komatsu T. , Hodate K. , Horino R. , Yokomizo Y. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe effect of intramammary injection of recombinant bovine interleukin‐8 (rbIL‐8, 1 mg/10 ml of saline) on quarter milk levels of somatic cell count (SCC), chemiluminescence (CL) activity and counts of total bacteria andStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) was investigated, using 10 Holstein cows with an early stage or a late stage of subclinical mastitis naturally infected withS. aureus. In the late‐stage group, milk SCC and CL activity had significant rises with maximum levels at 6 h, following maintained high levels thereafter post‐cytokine injection. The counts in milk total bacteria andS. aureuswere insignificantly decreased, being increased back on day 7 post‐cytokine injection. Thus, the cytokine was inefficient for the late‐stage subclinical mastitis. However, in the early‐stage group milk SCC and CL activity declined to under pre‐injection levels on day 7 after marked and significant rises at 6 h and day 1 post‐cytokine injection. The milk total bacterial count decreased significantly on days 0.25 and 2. Furthermore, the milkS. aureuscount was decreased significantly on days 1, 2, 3 and 7 by the cytokine injection. These results suggest that the rbIL‐8 has a potential as a therapeutic agent of the subclinical mastitis of dairy cows, if the cytokine is applied at an initial stage of infection.
Antimicrobial Drug Susceptibility ofStaphylococcus intermediusClinical Isolates from Canine Pyoderma
Authors: Ganiere J.‐P. , Medaille C. , Mangion C. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryA total of 50Staphylococcus intermediusstrains isolated in France from canine pyodermas in 2002 were investigated for their susceptibility to various antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using a 2‐fold serial dilution method in Mueller‐Hinton agar, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined. About 62% of the 50 strains tested were producers ofβ‐lactamase and categorized as penicillin‐resistant. About 26% demonstrated resistance to sulphonamides, 46% to oxytetracycline, 30% to chloramphenicol, 28% to streptomycin, kanamycin, neomycin or erythromycin, 22% to clindamycin, 6% to doxycycline, 2% to gentamicin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin or pradofloxacin. Acquired resistance was not observed to a clavulanic acid–amoxicillin combination, oxacillin, cephalosporins (cephalexin, ceftiofur and cefquinome), trimethoprim, a sulphamethoxazole–trimethoprim combination and florfenicol. About 42% were simultaneously resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes (multiresistance). All isolates with acquired resistance to erythromycin were also resistant to streptomycin and neomycin/kanamycin. About 22% of isolates exhibited cross‐resistance between erythromycin and clindamycin and all clindamycin‐resistant isolates also exhibited resistance to erythromycin. Resistance to penicillin, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol was also positively associated with resistance to erythromycin and streptomycin.
Do high levels of viral replication contribute to fulminant hepatitis A?
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Yokosuka Osamu , Imazeki Fumio , Saisho Hiromitsu , Miki Makoto , Omata Masao 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background: The possible correlation between the severity of hepatitis A and the levels of viral replication has not been established.Methods: We investigated the level of viral replication in sera from 31 patients with sporadic hepatitis A, comprising six patients with fulminant hepatitis, five with severe acute hepatitis, and 20 with acute hepatitis using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a multi‐cyclic PCR method.Results: The hepatitis A virus RNA level was higher in fulminant hepatitis than in acute hepatitis (P=0.003).Conclusion: We believe that this higher viral load in patients with fulminant and severe hepatitis A may be associated with the pathogenesis of disease severity.
Elevated plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with liver cirrhosis correlate with plasma insulin levels
Authors: Sohara Naondo , Takagi Hitoshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Sato Ken , Mori Masatomo 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background: Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes and has anti‐diabetic and anti‐atherogenic properties. Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with insulin‐resistant diabetes and liver dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine plasma adiponectin and insulin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods: Adiponectin and insulin levels were determined in 38 patients with cirrhosis and 30 healthy controls, and were correlated with various clinical and biochemical parameters. Patients included 21 with Child A, eight Child B, and nine with Child C liver cirrhosis.Results: Log adiponectin and insulin levels were significantly elevated in patients with cirrhosis compared with the control. In liver cirrhosis, the level of adiponectin increased proportionately with the Child's classification score. In control subjects, plasma adiponectin correlated inversely with insulin levels. In contrast, plasma adiponectin correlated positively with insulin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis. Plasma adiponectin levels did not correlate with age, sex, body mass index, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and fasting blood sugar levels in both groups, while alanine aminotransferase correlated negatively with adiponectin in control subjects as reported previously.Conclusion: Our results of high plasma adiponectin in patients with liver cirrhosis could reflect an imbalance between its production by adipocytes and metabolism in the liver.
Cognition in liver disease
Authors: Collie Alexander 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background: Cognitive dysfunction has been observed in a range of liver diseases including chronic hepatitis C virus, alcoholic liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and Wilson's disease. Such dysfunction may range from mild cognitive changes to overt hepatic encephalopathy, and represents a significant complication of liver disease that may negatively impact the patient's quality of life, and normal activities of daily living (e.g., driving).Method: This article reviews the published evidence relating to cognitive dysfunction in liver disease.Outcome: Issues of definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, aetiology, treatment and outcome are discussed. Particular attention is devoted to identifying the mild cognitive changes that occur in liver diseases of different aetiology.
Consensus interferon enhances the anti‐proliferative effect of 5‐fluorouracil on human hepatoma cells via downregulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression
Authors: Dou Jian , Iwashita Yukio , Sasaki Atsushi , Kai Seiichiro , Hirano Seitaro , Ohta Masayuki , Kitano Seigo 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: The effectiveness of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) treatment is influenced by the activities of pyrimidine catabolic enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether interferon (IFN)‐α influences expression of 5‐FU catabolic or target‐related enzymes in human hepatoma cells.Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with 0, 0.15, 1.5, 15, and 150 ng/ml of consensus interferon (C‐IFN). Expression of mRNAs encoding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), thymidine phosphorylase, and thymidylate synthase was examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction before and after C‐IFN treatment. To determine the effect of pretreatment with C‐IFN on 5‐FU+C‐IFN combination therapy, we performed WST‐1 cell proliferation assays.Results: A significant reduction in the level of DPD mRNA was observed when HepG2 cells were pretreated with C‐IFN (P<0.05). This reduction occurred in a time‐dependent manner. Cell proliferation was reduced most significantly when HepG2 cells were treated with 5‐FU and C‐IFN. Furthermore, when cells were pretreated with C‐IFN for 3 days, the anti‐proliferative effect of 5‐FU+C‐IFN combination therapy was augmented significantly (P<0.05).Conclusions: C‐IFN likely improves the anti‐tumor effect of 5‐FU via downregulation of DPD enzyme in hepatoma cells. Pretreatment with C‐IFN may increase the anti‐cancer effect of 5‐FU+C‐IFN combination therapy.
Abiotic factors promote plant heterogeneity and influence herbivore performance and mortality in Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii)
Authors: Yarnes Christopher T. , Boecklen William J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractEnvironmental gradients are expected to alter the relative effects of host‐plants and natural enemies on phytophagous insects. Moreover, studies of gradients may assist in an identification of the factors important to the outcomes of trophic interactions. We investigated the role of elevation‐based variation in environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity) and foliar nitrogen on tri‐trophic interactions in Quercus gambelii Nutt. (Fagaceae) during 2001 and 2002. Quercus gambelii displayed significant elevational and seasonal fluctuation in foliar nitrogen content, and sites with similar environmental conditions produced similar foliar quality. However, leaf‐miners, Phyllonorycter spec. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and Cameraria spec. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), did not perform better on trees with a greater nitrogen content. Overall densities of both species declined significantly in 2002, most likely due to severe drought conditions in the south‐western USA. Both species exhibited significant, but distinct, patterns in emergence rate with elevation. While environmentally based fluctuation in foliar nitrogen failed to predict the result of trophic interactions, site environmental conditions, as measured by temperature and relative humidity, were strongly related to differences in leaf‐miner performance and mortality. The ordination of sites by variation in environmental conditions accurately predicts the relative effect of unexplained vs. natural‐enemy sources of mortality for leaf‐miners.
Detrimental and neutral effects of wild barley–Neotyphodium fungal endophyte associations on insect survival
Authors: Clement S.L. , Elberson L.R. , Bosque‐Pérez N.A. , Schotzko D.J. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract Neotyphodium (Clavicipitaceae: Balansieae) fungal endophyte infection does not always confer temperate grass resistance to insect herbivores, although reports indicate that over 40 species are adversely affected by its infection. Laboratory and glasshouse experiments were conducted to improve our knowledge of the anti‐insect properties of Neotyphodium‐infected (E+) non‐commercial grasses, and E+ wild barley (Hordeum) specifically. Neotyphodium infection of four plant inventory (PI) lines of wild barley conferred resistance to Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), whereas none of the E+ wild barley accessions reduced the survival of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae). Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) (Homoptera: Aphididae) densities were significantly lower on the E+ clones of Hordeum brevisubulatum ssp. violaceum (Boissier and Hohenacker) (PI 440420), compared with densities on endophyte‐free (E–) plants of this species in population growth experiments. Neotyphodium infection of three Hordeum bogdanii (Wilensky) PI lines did not confer resistance to M. dirhodum; however, one of these E+ lines (PI 314696) was resistant to this aphid in a second population growth experiment. Our results provide additional evidence that the outcome of a grass–endophyte–insect interaction is influenced by the host grass species or genotype, Neotyphodium species or genotype, and the insect species involved. They also reinforce this phenomenon for non‐commercial grass–endophyte–insect interactions and underscore the potential role of endophytes in mediating wild barley–insect interactions and their potential to act as defensive mutualists.
Laboratory studies on the olfactory behaviour of Anopheles quadriannulatus
Authors: Pates H.V. , Takken W. , Curtis C.F. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe host preference of Anopheles quadriannulatus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae), the zoophilic member of the malaria mosquito complex Anopheles gambiae Giles, was investigated in a dual‐choice olfactometer. Naïve female mosquitoes were exposed to CO2, acetone, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, and skin emanations from cows and humans in various combinations. Their behavioural responses were recorded when they had entered one of either upwind traps from where the odours were being released. The mosquitoes did not respond to CO2 when released at human or cattle equivalent concentrations. Too few mosquitoes responded to acetone to allow for a statistical analysis. The combination of CO2+ 1‐octen‐3‐ol was repellent. Cow odour alone was slightly attractive, but there was a synergistic attractive effect of cow odour + CO2. Surprisingly, the mosquitoes were attracted to human odour, and in a choice situation human odour was selected above cow odour + CO2. Anthropophilic An. gambiae Giles s.s. was repelled by cow odour + CO2 in contrast to An. quadriannulatus. In a choice situation, both mosquito species selected human odour above cow odour + CO2. The implications of these results are discussed in the light of recent behavioural data from the field.
Pheromone‐mediated communication disruption in Guatemalan potato moth, Tecia solanivora
Authors: Felipe Bosa Carlos , Cotes Prado Alba Marina , Fukumoto Takehiko , Bengtsson Marie , Witzgall Peter 
Published: February 2005

AbstractChemical analysis of pheromone gland extracts followed by behavioural studies in the wind tunnel and by field trapping tests show that the sex pheromone of the Guatemalan potato moth, Tecia (Scrobipalpopsis) solanivora Povolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a blend of (E)‐3‐dodecenyl acetate, (Z)‐3‐dodecenyl acetate, and dodecyl acetate. A 100 : 1 : 20 blend of these compounds, formulated at 1000 µg on rubber septa, captured more males than the main compound alone. This lure was species‐specific and did not capture the potato tubermoth, Phthorimaea operculella. A potato field was treated with a blend of these three compounds at a rate of 28 g ha−1. Male T. solanivora attraction to synthetic pheromone traps was almost completely suppressed for 2 months, demonstrating the potential use of pheromones for control of this economically important insect pest of potato in Central and Southern America.
Torsade de pointes induced by psychotropic drugs and the prevalence of its risk factors
Authors: Justo D. , Prokhorov V. , Heller K. , Zeltser D. 
Published: February 2005

Objective: To investigate all published case reports of torsade de pointes (TdP) induced by psychotropic drugs (PDs) in order to examine the prevalence of risk factors for TdP prior to the drug initiation.Method: We found 45 reports on 70 patients with TdP induced by PDs. Each report was analyzed for the presence of risk factors for TdP: female gender, heart disease, hypokalemia, high doses of offending agent, concomitant use of a QT interval prolonging agent, and a history of long‐QT syndrome.Results: Female gender was the most common risk factor for TdP (71.4%). The other studied risk factors were also frequently present (34.2–14.2%). Nearly all patients had at least one and 51 (73%) patients had >2 risk factors for TdP prior to PD initiation.Conclusion: We wish to raise the level of awareness of risk factors for TdP in the psychiatric community.