bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing evidence-based medicine in general practice: a focus group based study
Authors: Hannes Karin , Leys Marcus , Vermeire Etienne , Aertgeerts Bert , Buntinx Frank , Depoorter Anne-Marie 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Over the past years concerns are rising about the use of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) in health care. The calls for an increase in the practice of EBM, seem to be obstructed by many barriers preventing the implementation of evidence-based thinking and acting in general practice. This study aims to explore the barriers of Flemish GPs (General Practitioners) to the implementation of EBM in routine clinical work and to identify possible strategies for integrating EBM in daily work.

Methods
We used a qualitative research strategy to gather and analyse data. We organised focus groups between September 2002 and April 2003. The focus group data were analysed using a combined strategy of 'between-case' analysis and 'grounded theory approach'. Thirty-one general practitioners participated in four focus groups. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants.

Results
A basic classification model documents the influencing factors and actors on a micro-, meso- as well as macro-level. Patients, colleagues, competences, logistics and time were identified on the micro-level (the GPs' individual practice), commercial and consumer organisations on the meso-level (institutions, organisations) and health care policy, media and specific characteristics of evidence on the macro-level (policy level and international scientific community). Existing barriers and possible strategies to overcome these barriers were described.

Conclusion
In order to implement EBM in routine general practice, an integrated approach on different levels needs to be developed.
Comparison of air displacement plethysmography to hydrostatic weighing for estimating total body density in children
Authors: Claros Geo , Hull Holly R , Fields David A 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of total body density and percent body fat (% fat) using air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and hydrostatic weighing (HW) in children.

Methods
Sixty-six male and female subjects (40 males: 12.4 ± 1.3 yrs, 47.4 ± 14.8 kg, 155.4 ± 11.9 cm, 19.3 ± 4.1 kg/m2; 26 females: 12.0 ± 1.9 yrs, 41.4 ± 7.7 kg, 152.1 ± 8.9 cm, 17.7 ± 1.7 kg/m2) were tested using ADP and HW with ADP always preceding HW. Accuracy, precision, and bias were examined in ADP with HW serving as the criterion method. Lohman's equations that are child specific for age and gender were used to convert body density to % fat. Regression analysis determined the accuracy of ADP and potential bias between ADP and HW using Bland-Altman analysis.

Results
For the entire group (Y = 0.835x + 0.171, R2 = 0.84, SEE = 0.007 g/cm3) and for the males (Y = 0.837x + 0.174, R2 = 0.90, SEE = 0.006 g/cm3) the regression between total body density by HW and by ADP significantly deviated from the line of identity. However in females, the regression between total body density by HW and ADP did not significantly deviate from the line of identity (Y = 0.750x + 0.258, R2 = 0.55, SEE = 0.008 g/cm3). The regression between % fat by HW and ADP for the group (Y = 0.84x + 3.81, R2 = 0.83, SEE = 3.35 % fat) and for the males (Y = 0.84x + 3.25, R2 = 0.90, SEE = 3.00 % fat) significantly deviated from the line of identity. However, in females the regression between % fat by HW and ADP did not significantly deviate from the line of identity (Y = 0.81x + 5.17, R2 = 0.56, SEE = 3.80 % fat). Bland-Altman analysis revealed no bias between HW total body density and ADP total body density for the entire group (R = 0.-22; P = 0.08) or for females (R = 0.02; P = 0.92), however bias existed in males (R = -0.37; P ≤ 0.05). Bland-Altman analysis revealed no bias between HW and ADP % fat for the entire group (R = 0.21; P = 0.10) or in females (R = 0.10; P = 0.57), however bias was indicated for males by a significant correlation (R = 0.36; P ≤ 0.05), with ADP underestimating % fat at lower fat values and overestimating at the higher % fat values.

Conclusion
A significant difference in total body density and % fat was observed between ADP and HW in children 10–15 years old with a potential gender difference being detected. Upon further investigation it was revealed that the study was inadequately powered, thus we recommend that larger studies that are appropriately powered be conducted to better understand this potential gender difference.
Epigenetic inactivation and aberrant transcription of CSMD1 in squamous cell carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Richter Toni M , Tong Benton D , Scholnick Steven B 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
The p23.2 region of human chromosome 8 is frequently deleted in several types of epithelial cancer and those deletions appear to be associated with poor prognosis. Cub and Sushi Multiple Domains 1 (CSMD1) was positionally cloned as a candidate for the 8p23 suppressor but point mutations in this gene are rare relative to the frequency of allelic loss. In an effort to identify alternative mechanisms of inactivation, we have characterized CSMD1 expression and epigenetic modifications in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

Results
Only one of the 20 cell lines examined appears to express a structurally normal CSMD1 transcript. The rest express transcripts which either lack internal exons, terminate abnormally or initiate at cryptic promoters. None of these truncated transcripts is predicted to encode a functional CSMD1 protein. Cell lines that express little or no CSMD1 RNA exhibit DNA methylation of a specific region of the CpG island surrounding CSMD1's first exon.

Conclusion
Correlating methylation patterns and expression suggests that it is modification of the genomic DNA preceding the first exon that is associated with gene silencing and that methylation of CpG dinucleotides further 3' does not contribute to inactivation of the gene. Taken together, the cell line data suggest that epigenetic silencing and aberrant splicing rather than point mutations may be contributing to the reduction in CSMD1 expression in squamous cancers. These mechanisms can now serve as a focus for further analysis of primary squamous cancers.
Tissue transglutaminase-induced alterations in extracellular matrix inhibit tumor invasion
Authors: Mangala Lingegowda S , Arun Banu , Sahin Aysegul A , Mehta Kapil 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) can affect host-tumor interactions and tumor growth and metastasis. Tissue transglutaminase (TG2, EC 2.3.2.13), a calcium-dependent enzyme that catalyzes covalent cross-linking of proteins, can render the ECM highly stable and resistant to proteolytic degradation. So we determined whether TG2 expression in a tumor or nontumor (stroma) environment could affect the process of metastasis. Two hundred archived samples from patients with breast cancer were studied for the TG2 expression. Also, in an in vitro model the invasive behavior of MDA-MB-231 cells in the presence or absence of exogenous TG2 was determined.

Results
Tumors associated with negative nodes showed significantly higher expression of TG2 in the stroma (P < 0.001). TG2 in the stroma was catalytically active, as revealed by the presence of isopeptide cross-links. Pretreatment of Matrigel with catalytically active TG2 resulted in strong inhibition of invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells through the Matrigel Transwell filters.

Conclusion
TG2-induced alterations in the ECM could effectively inhibit the process of metastasis. Therefore, selective induction of catalytically active TG2 at the site of tumor may offer promising approach for limiting the metastasis.
A systematic evaluation of the quality of meta-analyses in the critical care literature
Authors: Delaney Anthony , Bagshaw Sean M , Ferland Andre , Manns Braden , Laupland Kevin B , Doig Christopher J 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Introduction
Meta-analyses have been suggested to be the highest form of evidence available to clinicians to guide clinical practice in critical care. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the quality of meta-analyses that address topics pertinent to critical care.

Methods
To identify potentially eligible meta-analyses for inclusion, a systematic search of Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was undertaken, using broad search terms relevant to intensive care, including: intensive care, critical care, shock, resuscitation, inotropes and mechanical ventilation. Predetermined inclusion criteria were applied to each identified meta-analysis independently by two authors. To assess report quality, the included meta-analyses were assessed using the component and overall scores from the Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire (OQAQ). The quality of reports published before and after the publication of the QUOROM statement was compared.

Results
A total of 139 reports of meta-analyses were included (kappa = 0.93). The overall quality of reports of meta-analyses was found to be poor, with an estimated mean overall OQAQ score of 3.3 (95% CI; 3.0–3.6). Only 43 (30.9%) were scored as having minimal or minor flaws (>5). We noted problems with the reporting of key characteristics of meta-analyses, such as performing a thorough literature search, avoidance of bias in the inclusion of studies and appropriately referring to the validity of the included studies. After the release of the QUOROM statement, however, an improvement in the overall quality of published meta-analyses was noted.

Conclusion
The overall quality of the reports of meta-analyses available to critical care physicians is poor. Physicians should critically evaluate these studies prior to considering applying the results of these studies in their clinical practice.
Interleukin-1α Inhibits Insulin Signaling with Phosphorylating Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 on Serine Residues in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: He Jianying , Usui Isao , Ishizuka Ken , Kanatani Yukiko , Hiratani Kazuyuki , Iwata Minoru , Bukhari Agussalim , Haruta Tetsuro , Sasaoka Toshiyasu , Kobayashi Masashi 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Proinflammatory cytokines are recently reported to inhibit insulin signaling causing insulin resistance. IL-1α is also one of the proinflammatory cytokines; however, it has not been clarified whether IL-1α may also cause insulin resistance. Here, we investigated the effects of IL-1α treatment on insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. IL-1α treatment up to 4 h did not alter insulin-stimulated insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and the association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were partially inhibited with the maximal inhibition in around 15 min. IRS-1 was transiently phosphorylated on some serine residues around 15 min after IL-1α stimulation, when several serine kinases, IκB kinase, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, ERK, and p70S6K were activated. Chemical inhibitors for these kinases inhibited IL-1α-induced serine phosphorylation of IRS-1. Tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 was recovered only by the IKK inhibitor or JNK inhibitor, suggesting specific involvement of these two kinases. Insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and 2-deoxyglucose uptake were not inhibited only by IL-1α. Interestingly, Akt phosphorylation was synergistically inhibited by IL-1α in the presence of IL-6. Taken together, short-term IL-1α treatment transiently causes insulin resistance at IRS-1 level with its serine phosphorylation. IL-1α may suppress insulin signaling downstream of IRS-1 in the presence of other cytokines, such as IL-6.
Variable rewards and discrimination ability in an insect herbivore: what and how does a hungry locust learn?
Authors: Behmer Spencer T. , Belt Corlisa E. , Shapiro Martin S. 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARYWith the exception of honeybees, there have been few good invertebrate models for associative learning. Grasshoppers and locusts (Orthoptera:Acrididae) possess a number of characteristics that make them excellent candidates for such studies, and in this paper we present a novel protocol,based on a Y-maze, that is specifically designed for studying their learning and choice behaviour. Three separate experiments were conducted using individual gregarious forms of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. In our first experiment, coloured arms of a two-sided Y-maze provided a large or small amount of wheat for nine choice-trials. In the second experiment, locusts discriminated odours with wheat rewards for nine choice-trials. The odour-wheat reward combinations were then reversed for an additional nine choice-trials. For the third experiment, the locusts again discriminated odours, but here we used artificial foods and the rewards differed in their concentration of protein and digestible carbohydrate. The results indicate that, in addition to showing good acquisition of choice performance, the locusts also took less time to reach the larger-rewarded option. The data indicate that our protocol is highly sensitive for recording choice behaviour in acridids and reveals the potential they have for advancing our current understanding of associative learning and the field of learning in general.
Female receptivity in butterflies and moths
Authors: Wedell Nina 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARYFemale receptivity in butterflies and moths is influenced by a multitude of factors that vary between virgin and mated females, and is often affected by the quality and persistence of courting males. Mated females of polyandrous species frequently display a period of non-receptivity following mating, often resulting from factors transferred by the male at mating. Some of these compounds have a transient effect (e.g. anti-aphrodisiacs and mating plugs),whereas others induce long-term suppression of receptivity (i.e. sperm and seminal factors). Sperm appear to generally induce long-term suppression of female receptivity in both butterflies and moths. In some species, production of non-fertile sperm may function to fill the female's sperm storage organ and switch off receptivity, although whether this is a general phenomenon across the Lepidoptera has not yet been examined. Examination of seminal fluids suppressing female receptivity in moths suggests that more than one factor is implicated, but frequently the transfer or stimulation of Juvenile Hormone production is involved. Surprisingly, potential seminal factors influencing female receptivity in butterflies remain largely unexplored. In this review, I summarize the various factors that are known to affect female receptivity in the Lepidoptera to date, and briefly compare the function and similarity of the Pheromone Suppressing Peptide (HezPSP) in moths to that of the Sex Peptide in Drosophila melanogaster (DrmSP). The exciting possibility that seminal peptides in the Lepidoptera and Diptera (e.g. Drosophila melanogaster) may have shared functionality is discussed.
Energy metabolism in orchid bee flight muscles: carbohydrate fuels all
Authors: Suarez Raul K. , Darveau Charles-A. , Welch Kenneth C. , O'Brien Diane M. , Roubik David W. , Hochachka Peter W. 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARY
The widely accepted idea that bees fuel flight through the oxidation of carbohydrate is based on studies of only a few species. We tested this hypothesis as part of our research program to investigate the size-dependence of flight energetics in Panamanian orchid bees. We succeeded in measuring rates of O2 consumption and CO2 production in vivo during hovering flight, as well as maximal activities(Vmax values) in vitro of key enzymes in flight muscle energy metabolism in nine species belonging to four genera. Respiratory quotients (ratios of rates of CO2 production to O2consumption) in all nine species are close to 1.0. This indicates that carbohydrate is the main fuel used for flight. Trehalase, glycogen phosphorylase and hexokinase activities are sufficient to account for the glycolytic flux rates estimated from rates of CO2 production. High activities of other glycolytic enzymes, as well as high activities of mitochondrial oxidative enzymes, are consistent with the estimated rates of carbohydrate-fueled oxidative metabolism. In contrast, hydroxyacylCoA dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in fatty acid oxidation, was not detectable in any species. Thoracic homogenates displayed ADP-stimulated oxidition of pyruvate + proline, but did not oxidize palmitoyl l-carnitine +proline as substrates. A metabolic map, based on data reported herein and information from the literature, is presented. The evidence available supports the hypothesis that carbohydrate serves as the main fuel for flight in bees.
Allometric scaling of flight energetics in orchid bees: evolution of flux capacities and flux rates
Authors: Darveau Charles-A. , Hochachka Peter W. , Roubik David W. , Suarez Raul K. 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARYThe evolution of metabolic pathways involved in energy production was studied in the flight muscles of 28 species of orchid bees. Previous work revealed that wingbeat frequencies and mass-specific metabolic rates decline in parallel by threefold as body mass increases interspecifically over a 20-fold range. We investigated the correlated evolution of metabolic rates during hovering flight and the flux capacities, i.e. Vmaxvalues, of flight muscle enzymes involved in substrate catabolism, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. Vmax at the hexokinase (HK) step scales allometrically with an exponent almost identical to those obtained for wingbeat frequency and mass-specific metabolic rate. Analysis of this relationship using phylogenetically independent contrasts supports the hypothesis of correlated evolution between HK activity and mass-specific metabolic rate. Although other enzymes scale allometrically with respect to body mass, e.g. trehalase, glycogen phosphorylase and citrate synthase, no other enzyme activities were correlated with metabolic rate after controlling for phylogenetic relatedness. Pathway flux rates were used with enzyme Vmax values to estimate fractional velocities(fraction of Vmax at which enzymes operate) for various reactions to gain insights into enzyme function and how this varies with body mass. Fractional velocity is highly conserved across species at the HK step,but varied at all other steps examined. These results are discussed in the context of the regulation and evolution of pathways of energy metabolism.
Roles of hierarchical and metabolic regulation in the allometric scaling of metabolism in Panamanian orchid bees
Authors: Suarez Raul K. , Darveau Charles-A. , Hochachka Peter W. 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARYAssessment of the relative importance of variation in enzyme concentration[E] and metabolic regulation in accounting for interspecific variation in metabolic rates is an unrealized area of research. Towards this end, we used metabolic flux rates during hovering and enzymatic flux capacities(Vmax values, equal to [E]×kcat,where kcat is catalytic efficiency) in flight muscles measured in vitro from 14 orchid bee species ranging in body mass from 47 to 1065 mg. Previous studies revealed that, across orchid bee species,wingbeat frequencies and metabolic rates decline in parallel with increasing body mass. Vmax values at some enzymatic steps in pathways of energy metabolism decline with increasing mass while, at most other steps, Vmax values are mass-independent. We quantified the relative importance of `hierarchical regulation' (alteration in Vmax, indicative of alteration in [E]) and `metabolic regulation' (resulting from variation in substrate, product or modulator concentrations) in accounting for interspecific variation in flux across species. In addition, we applied the method of phylogenetically independent contrasts to remove the potentially confounding effects of phylogenetic relationships among species. In the evolution of orchid bees, hierarchical regulation completely accounts for allometric variation in flux rates at the hexokinase step while, at other reactions, variation in flux is completely accounted for by metabolic regulation. The predominant role played by metabolic regulation is examined at the phosphoglucoisomerase step using the Haldane relationship. We find that extremely small variation in the concentration ratio of [product]/[substrate] is enough to cause the observed interspecific variation in net flux at this reaction in glycolysis.
Energetic costs of diving and thermal status in European shags(Phalacrocorax aristotelis)
Authors: Enstipp Manfred R. , Grémillet David , Lorentsen Svein-Håkon 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARYDiving is believed to be very costly in cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae) when compared with other avian divers because of their poor insulation and less-efficient foot propulsion. It was therefore suggested that cormorants might employ a behavioural strategy to reduce daily energy expenditure by minimizing the amount of time spent in water. However, European shags(Phalacrocorax aristotelis) have been observed to spend up to 7 h day-1 diving in water of around 5-6°C. To gain a better understanding of the energetic requirements in European shags, we measured their metabolic rates when resting in air/water and during shallow diving using respirometry. To investigate the effects of water temperature and feeding status on metabolic rate, birds dived at water temperatures ranging from 5 to 13°C in both post-absorptive and absorptive states. In parallel with respirometry, stomach temperature loggers were deployed to monitor body temperature. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was almost identical to allometric predictions at 4.73 W kg-1. Metabolic rate when resting on water, during diving and after feeding was significantly elevated when compared with the resting-in-air rate. During diving, the metabolic rate of post-absorptive shags increased to 22.66 W kg-1, which corresponds to 4.8× BMR. Minimum cost of transport (COT) was calculated at 17.8 J kg-1 m-1 at a swim speed of 1.3 m s-1. Feeding before diving elevated diving metabolic rate by 13%for up to 5 h. There was a significant relationship between diving metabolic rate and water temperature, where metabolic rate increased as water temperature declined. Thermal conductance when resting in air at 10-19°C was 2.05 W m-2 °C-1 and quadrupled during diving(7.88 W m-2 °C-1). Stomach temperature when resting in air during the day was 40.6°C and increased during activity. In dive trials lasting up to 50 min, stomach temperature fluctuated around a peak value of 42.0°C. Hence, there is no evidence that European shags might employ a strategy of regional hypothermia. The energetic costs during shallow diving in European shags are considerably lower than has previously been reported for great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and are comparable to other foot-propelled divers. The lower dive costs in shags might be the consequence of a more streamlined body shape reducing hydrodynamic costs as well as a greater insulative plumage air layer (estimated to be 2.71 mm), which reduces thermoregulatory costs. The latter might be of great importance for shags especially during winter when they spend extended periods foraging in cold water.