bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of environmental enrichment and transport stress on the weights of lymphoid organs, cell‐mediated immune response, heterophil functions and antibody production in laying hens
Authors: Matur Erdal , Akyazi İbrahim , Eraslan Evren , Ergul Ekiz Elif , Eseceli Hüseyin , Keten Mehmet , Metiner Kemal , Aktaran Bala Deniz
Published: September 2015

The effects of environmental enrichment and transport stress on the immune system were investigated in laying hens. A total of 48 1‐day‐old chickens were used, half of the chickens were reared in conventional cages (RCC) and the rest in enriched cages (REC). Transport stress was applied in the 17th week. Liver weight decreased, spleen and bursa of Fabricius weights, white blood cell count, CD4+ and CD8+ cell proportions increased due to the transport. Environmental enrichment significantly increased antibody production and tended to increase monocyte percentage and CD8+ cell proportion. The effect of transport on, heterophil (H) and lymphocyte (L) percentages was not significant in RCC chickens. While heterophil percentage and H:L ratio increased, lymphocyte percentage decreased in REC chickens subjected to transport. Transport stress increased heterophil functions both in REC and RCC chickens, but the increase was higher in REC hens than in RCC hens. In conclusion, although environmental enrichment did not neutralize the effect of transport on lymphoid organs, it activated the non‐specific immune system, cellular and the humoral branches of the specific immune system by increasing heterophil functions, CD8+ cells and antibody production, respectively. Therefore, environmental enrichment suggested for improving animal welfare may also be beneficial to improve the immune system of birds exposed to stress.
Effects of dietary lysozyme levels on growth performance, intestinal morphology, non‐specific immunity and mRNA expression in weanling piglets
Authors: Long Yanrong , Lin Sen , Zhu Jiatao , Pang Xiaoxue , Fang Zhengfeng , Lin Yan , Che Lianqiang , Xu Shengyu , Li Jian , Huang Yiming , Su Xiang , Wu De
Published: September 2015

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of dietary lysozyme levels on growth performance, gut health and non‐specific immunity of weanling piglets. A total of 150 weanling piglets were allocated to six treatments. The piglets were fed the same basel diet supplemented with 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg lysozyme as well as antibiotics for 28 days. From day 14 to day 28 of dietary treatment, piglets fed 90 mg/kg lysozyme had greater average daily gain than piglets fed control diet. During the whole experimental period, piglets fed 120 mg/kg lysozyme tended to have greater average daily gain than piglets fed control diet. Compared with piglets fed control diet, piglets fed diets containing antibiotics and 90 mg/kg lysozyme had greater villus height to crypt depth ratio in duodenum and jejunum. Additionally, dietary supplementation of 60 and 90 mg/kg lysozyme as well as antibiotics enhanced the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages in piglets. In conclusion, dietary lysozyme can accelerate the growth of weanling piglets by improving gut health and non‐specific immunity and supplementing 90 mg/kg lysozyme is as effective as antibiotics (20 mg/kg colistin sulphate + 50 mg/kg kitasamycin) in improving the growth performance of weanling piglets.
The impact of HLA class I and EBV latency-II antigen-specific CD8+ T cells on the pathogenesis of EBV+ Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Jones K , Wockner L , Brennan R M , Keane C , Chattopadhyay P K , Roederer M , Price D A , Cole D K , Hassan B , Beck K , Gottlieb D , Ritchie D S , Seymour J F , Vari F , Crooks P , Burrows S R , Gandhi M K
Published: September 2015

In 40% of cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) latency-II antigens [EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1)/latent membrane protein (LMP)1/LMP2A] are present (EBV+cHL) in the malignant cells and antigen presentation is intact. Previous studies have shown consistently that HLA-A*02 is protective in EBV+cHL, yet its role in disease pathogenesis is unknown. To explore the basis for this observation, gene expression was assessed in 33 cHL nodes. Interestingly, CD8 and LMP2A expression were correlated strongly and, for a given LMP2A level, CD8 was elevated markedly in HLA-A*02–  versus HLA-A*02+ EBV+cHL patients, suggesting that LMP2A-specific CD8+ T cell anti-tumoral immunity may be relatively ineffective in HLA-A*02– EBV+cHL. To ascertain the impact of HLA class I on EBV latency antigen-specific immunodominance, we used a stepwise functional T cell approach. In newly diagnosed EBV+cHL, the magnitude of ex-vivo LMP1/2A-specific CD8+ T cell responses was elevated in HLA-A*02+ patients. Furthermore, in a controlled in-vitro assay, LMP2A-specific CD8+ T cells from healthy HLA-A*02 heterozygotes expanded to a greater extent with HLA-A*02-restricted compared to non-HLA-A*02-restricted cell lines. In an extensive analysis of HLA class I-restricted immunity, immunodominant EBNA3A/3B/3C-specific CD8+ T cell responses were stimulated by numerous HLA class I molecules, whereas the subdominant LMP1/2A-specific responses were confined largely to HLA-A*02. Our results demonstrate that HLA-A*02 mediates a modest, but none the less stronger, EBV-specific CD8+ T cell response than non-HLA-A*02 alleles, an effect confined to EBV latency-II antigens. Thus, the protective effect of HLA-A*02 against EBV+cHL is not a surrogate association, but reflects the impact of HLA class I on EBV latency-II antigen-specific CD8+ T cell hierarchies.
High incidence of metachronous advanced adenoma and cancer after endoscopic resection of colon polyps ≥20 mm in size
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Naito Yuji , Siah Kewin Tien Ho , Murakami Takaaki , Ogiso Kiyoshi , Hirose Ryohei , Inada Yutaka , Inoue Ken , Konishi Hideyuki , Kugai Munehiro , Morimoto Yasutaka , Hasegawa Daisuke , Kanemasa Kazuyuki , Wakabayashi Naoki , Yagi Nobuaki , Yanagisawa Akio , Itoh Yoshito
Published: September 2015

Background and Aim

There are limited studies on incidence rates of metachronous neoplastic lesions after resecting large colorectal polyps. In the present study, we analyzed metachronous lesions after endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps ≥20 mm in size.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic resection of polyps from 2006 to 2013 at two affiliated hospitals. All patients underwent at least two total colonoscopies before follow up to ensure minimal missed polyps. Only patients who had follow‐up colonoscopy annually after resection were recruited. We separated patients according to size of polyp resected; there were 239 patients in the ≥20‐mm group and 330 patients in the <20‐mm group. Clinical characteristics and cumulative rates of metachronous advanced adenoma and cancer in both groups were analyzed. Advanced adenoma was defined as a neoplastic lesion ≥10 mm in size and adenoma with a villous component.

Results

Cumulative rate of development of metachronous advanced adenoma and cancer in the ≥20‐mm group was significantly higher than in the <20‐mm group (22.9% vs 9.5%, P < 0.001) at 36 months. There was also more development of small polyps 5–9 mm in the ≥20‐mm group than in the <20‐mm group (45.2% vs 28.8%, P < 0.001). With respect to metachronous lesions, there were more right‐sided colonic lesions in the ≥20‐mm group than in the <20‐mm group (78.8% vs 50.0%, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

High incidence rates of development of metachronous neoplastic lesions were detected after resection of colorectal polyps ≥20 mm in size.
Tangential cell migration during layer formation of chick optic tectum
Authors: Watanabe Yuji , Yaginuma Hiroyuki
Published: September 2015

The laminated structure of the optic tectum is formed by radial and tangential cell migration during development. Studies of developing chick optic tectum have revealed two streams of tangential cell migration in the middle and superficial layers, which have distinctive origins, migratory paths, modes of migration, and destinations. We will review the process of the two types of tangential migrations, in order to elucidate their roles in the formation of the optic tectum layers.
Developmental regulation of fear learning and anxiety behavior by endocannabinoids
Authors: Lee T. T.‐Y. , Hill M. N. , Lee F. S.
Published: September 2015

The developing brain undergoes substantial maturation into adulthood and the development of specific neural structures occurs on differing timelines. Transient imbalances between developmental trajectories of corticolimbic structures, which are known to contribute to regulation over fear learning and anxiety, can leave an individual susceptible to mental illness, particularly anxiety disorders. There is a substantial body of literature indicating that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system critically regulates stress responsivity and emotional behavior throughout the life span, making this system a novel therapeutic target for stress‐ and anxiety‐related disorders. During early life and adolescence, corticolimbic eCB signaling changes dynamically and coincides with different sensitive periods of fear learning, suggesting that eCB signaling underlies age‐specific fear learning responses. Moreover, perturbations to these normative fluctuations in corticolimbic eCB signaling, such as stress or cannabinoid exposure, could serve as a neural substrate contributing to alterations to the normative developmental trajectory of neural structures governing emotional behavior and fear learning. In this review, we first introduce the components of the eCB system and discuss clinical and rodent models showing eCB regulation of fear learning and anxiety in adulthood. Next, we highlight distinct fear learning and regulation profiles throughout development and discuss the ontogeny of the eCB system in the central nervous system, and models of pharmacological augmentation of eCB signaling during development in the context of fear learning and anxiety.
Variation in root traits associated with nutrient foraging among temperate pasture legumes and grasses
Authors: Yang Z. , Culvenor R. A. , Haling R. E. , Stefanski A. , Ryan M. H. , Sandral G. A. , Kidd D. R. , Lambers H. , Simpson R. J.
Published: September 2015

Temperate pasture legumes (e.g. Trifolium and Medicago spp.) often have a higher phosphorus (P) requirement for maximum productivity than pasture grasses. This is partly attributed to differences between legumes and grasses in their ability to acquire P from soil. We are the first to report differences in root morphology traits important for soil P acquisition in a range of novel pasture legumes being developed for use in temperate pastures of southern Australia. Up to a 3·6‐fold range in specific root length (SRL) (79–281 m root g−1 root) and 6·1‐fold range in root hair length (RHL) (0·12–0·75 mm) was found between the pasture species. The commonly used Trifolium subterraneum and Medicago sativa had relatively low SRLs and short root hairs, while Ornithopus compressus, O. sativus and Biserrula pelecinus had RHLs and SRLs more similar to those of two grass species that were also assessed. Specific root length was highly correlated with average root diameter, and root traits were relatively stable at different plant ages. We surmise that large differences among pasture legume species in the effective volume of soil explored could translate into significant differences in their critical P requirements (i.e. soil P concentration to achieve 90% of maximum shoot yield).
Unclassified bleeding disorders: outcome of haemostatic challenges following tranexamic acid and/or desmopressin
Authors: Obaji S. , Alikhan R. , Rayment R. , Carter P. , Macartney N. , Collins P.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

In a minority of patients with a significant bleeding history no cause is found despite extensive testing and we diagnose such cases as unclassified bleeding disorders (UBD). UBDs may have diverse underlying causes and currently no standard management strategy exists in the event of a haemorrhage or to cover surgery.

Aim

To document the clinical characteristics and response to treatment of UBDs.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with UBDs who had an invasive procedure at our centre between 1998 and 2014.

Results

The commonest symptoms were menorrhagia (89%) and bleeding at the time of surgery (88%) or dental extraction (85%). A total of 33 patients underwent 78 minor and major haemostatic challenges. Haemostatic cover was provided in 28 procedures with tranexamic acid alone, two with desmopressin and 45 with both agents in combination. A successful haemostatic outcome was observed in 70/78 (90%) cases. No patient required additional surgical intervention to achieve haemostasis, but one patient required a platelet transfusion to control postoperative bleeding.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report on the investigation and treatment of UBD. Future studies are needed to further our understanding of the bleeding phenotype and identify any underlying causes.
Clinic and Emergency Room Evaluation and Testing of Headache
Authors: Nye Barbara L. , Ward Thomas N.
Published: September 2015

Background

Evaluation of the headache patient in the outpatient clinic and emergency department (ED) has different focuses and goals. The focus of this paper is to review the evaluation of patients in both settings with mention of evaluation in the pediatric and pregnant patient population.

 The patient's history should drive the practitioner's decision and evaluation choices. We review recommendations made by the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Headache Society through the Choosing Wisely Campaign, which has an emphasis on choosing the right imaging modality for the clinical situation and elimination/prevention of medication overuse headache, as well as the US Headache Consortium guidelines for migraine headache. We will also review focusing on ED evaluation of the pediatric patient and pregnant patient presenting with headache.

Conclusion

At the end of the review we hope to have provided you with a framework to think about the headache patient and what is the appropriate test in the given clinical setting in order to ensure that the patient gets the right diagnosis and is set on a path to the appropriate management plan.
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, Burning Mouth Syndrome, Cold Stimulus Headache, and HaNDL: Narrative Review
Authors: Valença Marcelo M. , de Oliveira Daniella A. , Martins Hugo André de L.
Published: September 2015

Background

Unusual headache syndromes are not as infrequent in clinical practice as was generally believed. About three fourths of the classified headache disorders found in the ICHD‐II can be considered rare.

Objective

The aim of this narrative review was to perform a literature review of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of the following unusual headache disorders: Alice in Wonderland syndrome, burning mouth syndrome, cold stimulus headache, and the syndrome of transient headache and neurologic deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis.

Method

A literature review was performed using PubMed for each of the abovementioned headache disorders.

Conclusion

The unusual headache syndromes as a distinct group of disorders are not as infrequent in clinical practice as was generally believed. Some of them, albeit considered as unusual, may occur with relative frequency, such as cold stimulus headache and burning mouth syndrome.
Variable asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 expression in liver disease: Implications for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Witzigmann Dominik , Quagliata Luca , Schenk Susanne H. , Quintavalle Cristina , Terracciano Luigi M. , Huwyler Jörg
Published: September 2015

Aim

One of the most promising strategies for the treatment of liver diseases is targeted drug delivery via the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). The success of this approach heavily depends on the ASGPR expression level on parenchymal liver cells. In this study, we assessed the mRNA and protein expression levels of the major receptor subunit, ASGR1, in hepatocytes both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In vitro, various liver cancer‐derived cell lines were evaluated. In vivo, we screened the ASGR1 mRNA on 59 hepatocellular carcinoma and matched non‐neoplastic tissue using RNA microarray. In addition, 350 human liver specimens of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or non‐neoplastic liver diseases were screened for ASGR1 protein level using tissue microarray analysis.

Results

Our data reveal that the ASGR1 mRNA expression directly correlates with the protein level. We demonstrate that the ASGR1 expression is upregulated in cirrhotic specimens and is significantly decreased with increasing hepatocellular carcinoma grade.

Conclusion

Because the ASGR1 expression levels are variable between patients, our findings suggest that ASGPR‐based targeting strategies should be combined with ASGPR‐companion diagnostics to maximize clinical benefit.
Influence of malting and lactic acid fermentation on functional bioactive components in cereal‐based raw materials: a review paper
Authors: Hassani Ahmed , Procopio Susanne , Becker Thomas
Published: September 2015

Driven by increased health awareness among consumers, the production of foods and beverages enriched with functional bioactive components is gaining more attention. Malting and lactic acid fermentation are biotechnological processes having potential for producing functional foods and beverages. Due to various biochemical and enzymatic induced changes in raw materials, malting of cereal grains and probiotic lactic acid fermentation of plant‐based media increases the nutritional quality of treated raw materials. The improved nutritional quality is attributed to the accumulation of functional bioactive components along with the degradation of anti‐nutritional components. The selection of raw materials and process parameters are important factors to be considered for increasing the functional bioactive components such as dietary fibres, antioxidants and probiotics. This review article reports the current knowledge on the changes of bioactive components during malting and lactic acid fermentation using probiotic bacterial strains. Process parameters which affect the concentration of bioactive components in raw materials will also be described.
An Advanced Visual Qualitative and EVA Green‐Based Quantitative Isothermal Amplification Method to Detect Listeria Monocytogenes
Authors: Cheng Nan , Xu Yuancong , Yan Xinghua , Shang Ying , Zhu Pengyu , Tian Wenying , Liang Zhihong , Xu Wentao
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study is to apply the visual qualitative (LFD‐LAMP) and advanced quantitative loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (EVA‐LAMP) methods to detect Listeria monocytogenes, which is an important pathogenic foodborne bacterium. This research designed a new set of primers to amplify the hlyA gene of L. monocytogenes. The LFD‐LAMP products were detected by lateral flow device (LFD) with the naked eyes, and the test results were consistent with agarose gel electrophoresis. Meanwhile, an advanced quantitative LAMP assay was established which depended on the EVA Green. The detection limit of the EVA‐LAMP method was 10 pg/μL, and a good linear relationship was obtained. The subsequent analysis of contaminated raw food samples showed that the primers were able to identify L. monocytogenes in food. The LFD‐LAMP and EVA‐LAMP reactions can be used as sensitive, rapid and simple methods for the detection of L. monocytogenes, especially on field detection.

Practical Applications

This work suggests a specific, sensitive, cost‐effective and nonpollution LAMP assay for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes. A new set of hlyA‐based primers was designed and successfully used to detect L. monocytogenes in raw food samples. Amplicon detection by visual LFD method proved to be as useful as the gel, but more convenient and clean. The LFD‐LAMP detection method in this study testifies as a significant advancement toward making LAMP a potential on‐site detection. Otherwise, in contrast to the traditional real‐time LAMP approach, this is a novel study to describe a real‐time quantitative LAMP assay based on EVA Green to detect L. monocytogenes in the fields of food safety.
Integrative review of nurse‐led follow‐up after discharge from theICU
Authors: Jónasdóttir Rannveig J. , Klinke Marianne E. , Jónsdóttir Helga
Published: September 2015

Aim and objectives

To analyse and synthesise the structure, content, types of outcome variables and advantages of nurse‐led follow‐up of adult patients after discharge from intensive care units.

Background

Follow‐up service after discharge from the intensive care unit has been suggested as a way of supporting recovery of patients. Nevertheless, varieties exist in the understanding and content of nurse‐led follow‐up.

Design

An integrative review of nurse‐led follow‐up inspired by the framework of Whittemore and Knafl.

Methods

An integrative method merged with the recommendations of thePRISMAstatement was used to structure the review and findings. Online databases PubMed,CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched from the years 2003–2014. The retrieved articles were independently assessed by two reviewers. Critical appraisal was conducted using check lists from Johanna Briggs Institute. Emerging patterns were validated by all the authors throughout the entire process of analysis.

Results

Seventeen papers were included. Three patterns of nurse‐led follow‐up were identified: (1) Ward visits – in the immediate time after discharge from intensive care unit, (2) Ward visits and appointment(s) to an intensive care unit follow‐up clinic and (3) follow‐up visit to an intensive care unit and phone call(s) after discharge. Content of short‐term nurse‐led follow‐up (1) ranged from clinical assessment to supporting patients in articulating their subjective health concerns. Long‐term nurse‐led follow‐up (2, 3) included appointments, phone call(s) or information on where advice could be sought. Types of outcome variables were primarily descriptive. There were strong implications for patients' satisfaction with nurse‐led follow‐up up to six months after discharge.

Conclusion

Nurse‐led follow‐up might promote patients' health and enable use of adequate resources.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this review could be used to design, and test, future interventions and their implementation.
Construction and validation of a scale of assessment of self‐care behaviours anticipatory to creation of arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Sousa Clemente Neves , Figueiredo Maria Henriqueta , Dias Vanessa Filipa , Teles Paulo , Apóstolo João Luís
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

We developed a scale to assess the self‐care behaviours developed by patients with end‐stage renal disease to preserve the vascular network prior to construction of arteriovenous fistula.

Background

The possibility of creation of an arteriovenous fistula depends on the existence of an arterial and venous network in good condition, namely the size and elasticity of the vessels. It is essential to teach the person to develop self‐care behaviours for the preservation of the vascular network, regardless of the modality of dialysis selected.

Design

Methodological study.

Methods

The scale was developed based on clinical experience and research conducted by the researcher in the area of the vascular access for haemodialysis. The content of the scale was judged by two panels of experts for content validity. The revised version of the scale was administered to a convenience sample of 90 patients with end‐stage renal disease. In the statistical analysis, we used the Cronbach's alpha, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin and scree plot and the principal component analysis with varimax rotation.

Results

A principal component analysis confirmed the univariate structure of the scale (KMO = 0·759, Bartlett's sphericity test‐approximate χ2 142·201, p < 0·000). Cronbach's α is 0·831, varying between 0·711–0·879.

Conclusion

This scale revealed properties that allow its use to assess the patients self‐care behaviours regarding the preservation of the vascular network.

Relevance to clinical practice

This scale can be used to evaluate educational programmes for the development of self‐care behaviours in the preservation of vascular network. This scale can identify not only the patients that are able to take care of their vascular network but also the proportion of patients who are not able to do it, that need to be educated.
To ask, or not to ask: the hesitation process described by district nurses encountering women exposed to intimate partner violence
Authors: Sundborg Eva , Törnkvist Lena , Saleh‐Stattin Nouha , Wändell Per , Hylander Ingrid
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

To improve the understanding of district nurses' experiences of encountering women exposed to intimate partner violence.

Background

Intimate partner violence is a public health issue that influences all aspects of affected women's lives; it is thus of great relevance to identify intimate partner violence. District nurses in primary health care in Sweden encounter women of all ages and are therefore in a unique position to identify intimate partner violence and provide nursing care. However, studies indicate that several barriers have kept nurses from identifying intimate partner violence. Consequently deeper understanding of district nurses' encounters with women exposed to intimate partner violence is needed.

Design

A qualitative study using grounded theory method.

Methods

Interviews with 11 district nurses in primary health care in Sweden.

Results

The hesitation process is central in these encounters. Several barriers to asking and factors that facilitated asking impacted the hesitation process. Under the influence of these factors, district nurses moved from being unaware that identifying intimate partner violence was their professional responsibility, to becoming ambivalent about asking, to starting to prepare themselves to ask about intimate partner violence. The presence of factors that facilitated asking finally made district nurses feel prepared, and then they decided to ask women about intimate partner violence.

Conclusions

The concept of managing the hesitation process could be used to be incorporated in continuing education and training. Barriers and facilitators concerning organisational factors found in this study may be specific to the Swedish health care system, but the concept of the hesitation process is applicable in similar contexts and perhaps to other issues about which it is difficult to ask.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study illuminates the importance of a supportive work environment in reducing district nurses' hesitation to ask about intimate partner violence and to propose continuing education, training and supervision for district nurses regarding intimate partner violence.
Newly graduated nurses’ occupational commitment and its associations with professional competence and work‐related factors
Authors: Numminen Olivia , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Isoaho Hannu , Meretoja Riitta
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore newly graduated nurses’ occupational commitment and its associations with their self‐assessed professional competence and other work‐related factors.

Background

As a factor affecting nurse turnover, newly graduated nurses’ occupational commitment and its associations with work‐related factors needs exploring to retain adequate workforce. Nurses’ commitment has mainly been studied as organisational commitment, but newly graduated nurses’ occupational commitment and its association with work‐related factors needs further studying.

Design

This study used descriptive, cross‐sectional, correlation design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 318 newly graduated nurses in Finland participated responding to an electronic questionnaire. Statistical software, ncss version 9, was used in data analysis. Frequencies, percentages, ranges, means and standard deviations summarised the data. Multivariate Analyses of Variance estimated associations between occupational commitment and work‐related variables. ibm spss Amos version 22 estimated the model fit of Occupational Commitment Scale and Nurse Competence Scale.

Results

Newly graduated nurses’ occupational commitment was good, affective commitment reaching the highest mean score. There was a significant difference between the nurse groups in favour of nurses at higher competence levels in all subscales except in limited alternatives occupational commitment. Multivariate analyses revealed significant associations between subscales of commitment and competence, turnover intentions, job satisfaction, earlier professional education and work sector, competence counting only through affective dimension.

Conclusion

The association between occupational commitment and low turnover intentions and satisfaction with nursing occupation was strong. Higher general competence indicated higher overall occupational commitment.

Relevance to clinical practice

Managers’ recognition of the influence of all dimensions of occupational commitment in newly graduated nurses’ professional development is important. Follow‐up studies of newly graduated nurses’ commitment, its relationship with quality care, managers’ role in enhancing commitment and evaluation of the impact of interventions on improving commitment need further studying.
Do the levels of tumor makers or proinflammatory cytokines in mid‐trimester cervical fluid predict early‐stage cervical shortening?
Authors: Seong Won Joon , Lee Dong Young , Koo Tae Bon
Published: September 2015

Aim

In the present study, we aimed to assess the biomarkers in mid‐trimester cervical fluid that can predict early stage cervical shortening.

Material and Methods

We obtained cervical swab specimens from 96 gravidas, after which the cervical length was measured, at approximately 20 weeks of gestation. Cervical length was measured again at 4 weeks after the initial examination. Cervical shortening was noted in 20 women between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation (group A), whereas no cervical shortening was noted in 76 women (group B). We evaluated the use of the levels of tumor markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) as candidate biomarkers. CA‐125 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were determined by using an automatic immunoassay system in both groups. Furthermore, IL‐1β, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and MMP‐8 levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The levels of inflammatory cytokines and MMP‐8 did not differ between the two groups, and were not correlated with cervical length or the change in cervical length. Although CA‐125 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were higher in group A, they were not statistically significant (P = 0.304 and 0.092, respectively).

Conclusion

Early stage cervical shortening in mid‐trimester was not associated with an increase in the levels of tumor markers or proinflammatory cytokines in cervical fluid.
Association of matrix metalloproteinase‐10 polymorphisms with susceptibility to pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhang Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Shu‐Zhen , Lu Jun‐Li , Wang Xiao‐Lan , Zhang Zhen‐Yu
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between genetic mutations in matrix metalloproteinase‐10 (MMP‐10) and susceptibility to pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Material and Methods

From September 2011 to December 2013, 263 subjects were recruited, including 91 patients with POP (case group) and 172 non‐POP patients (control group). Total MMP‐10 concentrations in serum were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The genotyping of MMP‐10 was achieved by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. All data were analyzed with spss 18.0.

Results

We found that parity, menopause, history of total hysterectomy, and family history of POP were all significantly higher in the POP group than in the control group (P = 0.017, P = 0.046, P = 0.0029 and P < 0.001, respectively). Serum MMP‐10 levels were obviously higher in the POP group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the distribution frequency of the MMP‐10 (rs17435959G/C) genotype (P < 0.05). However, the distribution frequency of the MMP‐10 (rs17293607C/T) genotype between the two groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the patients with parity > 2 and postmenopausal women had elevated serum MMP‐10 levels, and the patients with parity > 2 and postmenopausal women who carried the G/C + C/C genotype in the MMP‐10 gene had an increased risk of POP.

Conclusion

We support the view that the rs17435959 polymorphism of the MMP‐10 gene may be associated with an increased risk of POP.
Effect of oocyte dysmorphisms on intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle outcomes in normal ovarian responders
Authors: Ashrafi Mahnaz , Karimian Leila , Eftekhari‐Yazdi Poopak , Hasani Fatemeh , Arabipoor Arezoo , Bahmanabadi Akram , Akhond Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the influence of oocyte dysmorphisms on clinical outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle in normal responders.

Material and Methods

In the prospective study, morphology of 1999 metaphase II oocytes retrieved from 316 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles was evaluated from March 2011 to March 2013 at Royan Institute. Controlled ovarian stimulation was performed by long standard agonist protocol. Oocyte morphology was assessed before sperm injection by one embryologist. The associations between fertilization rate, embryo quality and the independent variables were analyzed using odds ratio (OR) calculated with unconditional logistic regression test.

Results

From all retrieved oocytes, 1543 (77.1%) showed at least one morphologic aberration. Presence of cytoplasmic vacuoles and high cytoplasmic viscosity were associated with a significant decrease in the fertilization rate (OR: 0.5; P = 0.004 and OR: 0.6; P = 0.03, respectively). The results showed that oocyte morphology did not affect embryo quality. The number of gonadotrophin injections used showed a direct relation with presence of large perivitelline space. No significant difference was observed among four groups (women with total normal morphologic oocytes [group 1], women with total extracytoplasmic dysmorphic oocytes [group 2], women with total cytoplasmic dysmorphic oocytes [group 3] and women with total oocytes containing multiple dysmorphic features [group 4]) in terms of implantation and clinical pregnancy rates.

Conclusions

Metaphase II oocyte morphology had minor impacts on fertilization rate, pronuclear morphology and embryo quality in women with normal ovarian response.
Surgical excision of ovarian endometriomas: Does it truly impair ovarian reserve? Long term anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) changes after surgery
Authors: Vignali Michele , Mabrouk Mohamed , Ciocca Erika , Alabiso Giulia , Barbasetti di Prun Allegra , Gentilini Davide , Busacca Mauro
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Aim

The long‐term effects of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve in patients with unilateral and bilateral ovarian endometriomas were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 22 patients undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy for unilateral endometrioma (n = 10) and bilateral endometriomas (n = 12) were included in the study.

Result(s)

Serum anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels significantly decreased from the baseline value (3.98 ± 3.27 ng/mL) one (1.67 ± 1.56 ng/mL), three (2.01 ± 1.70 ng/mL), and six months (2.43 ± 2.39 ng/mL) postoperatively. There was no difference between preoperative and 12 month postoperative AMH levels (4.01 ± 3.39 ng/mL) (P > 0.05). Patients with bilateral endometriomas had a significantly higher rate of decline in AMH levels 12 months after surgery than patients with monolateral endometriomas (P = 0.035), but in both groups there was no difference in AMH levels at one and 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05).

Conclusion(s)

AMH levels temporarily decreased after laparoscopic cystectomy for ovarian endometriomas, with complete recovery of preoperative AMH values at 12 months postoperatively. This pattern was equal in patients with bilateral and unilateral ovarian involvement. Patients with bilateral cysts have higher rates of decline of AMH levels compared to patients with unilateral affection.
Annual report of the Committee on Gynecologic Oncology, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Yamagami Wataru , Aoki Daisuke
Published: September 2015

The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology collects and analyzes annual data on gynecologic cancers from member institutions. Here we present the Treatment Annual Report for 2007. Data on the prognosis of 3381 patients with cervical cancer, 3681 with endometrial cancer, and 2367 with ovarian cancer for whom treatment was initiated in 2007 were analyzed in the Treatment Annual Report. In the 2007 Treatment Annual Report, stage I accounted for 53.1%, stage II for 24.4%, stage III for 14.2%, and stage IV for 8.3% of all patients with cervical cancer. Stage I accounted for 64.8%, stage II for 8.2%, stage III for 20.2%, and stage IV for 6.9% of all patients with endometrial cancer. Stage I accounted for 41.4%, stage II for 9.9%, stage III for 30.6%, and stage IV for 8.6% of all patients with ovarian cancer.

The 5‐year overall survival rates for patients with cervical cancer were 91.8% for stage I, 71.5% for stage II, 53.0% for stage III, and 23.7% for stage IV; those for patients with endometrial cancer were 95.3%, 89.8%, 75.6%, and 29.1%, and those for patients with ovarian surface epithelial–stromal tumors were 91.5%, 76.1%, 46.9%, and 31.3%, respectively.
Primary pulmonary neoplasia in cats: assessment of computed tomography findings and survival
Authors: Nunley J. , Sutton J. , Culp W. , Wilson D. , Coleman K. , Demianiuk R. , Schechter A. , Moore G. , Donovan T. , Schwartz P.
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE

To identify variables with a preoperative computed tomography scan that influence survival of cats undergoing surgical removal of a primary lung tumour. A secondary objective was to determine whether histologic type and or grade of feline pulmonary tumours affects long term survival.

METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for cats with preoperative computed tomography scans and surgical resection of primary lung tumours. Pulmonary carcinomas were reviewed for histologic diagnosis using two different approaches, histologic grade as well as major histologic pattern.

RESULTS

Median survival time of all (n = 28) cats was 156 days. Median survival time for cats with lymph node enlargement was 65 daysversus498 days for cats without lymph node enlargement on preoperative computed tomography scan. Median survival time for cats with preoperative pleural effusion was 2 · 5 daysversus467 days for cats without pleural effusion. Cats with low or intermediate grade tumours had a median survival time of 730 daysversus105 days for cats with high grade tumours.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cats with preoperative lymph node enlargement and pleural effusion have shorter survival times than cats without.
Host specificity in Sporisorium reilianum is determined by distinct mechanisms in maize and sorghum
Authors: Poloni Alana , Schirawski Jan
Published: September 2015

Smut fungi are biotrophic plant pathogens that exhibit a very narrow host range. The smut fungus Sporisorium reilianum exists in two host‐adapted formae speciales: S. reilianum f. sp. reilianum (SRS), which causes head smut of sorghum, and S. reilianum f. sp. zeae (SRZ), which induces disease on maize. It is unknown why the two formae speciales cannot form spores on their respective non‐favoured hosts. By fungal DNA quantification and fluorescence microscopy of stained plant samples, we followed the colonization behaviour of both SRS and SRZ on sorghum and maize. Both formae speciales were able to penetrate and multiply in the leaves of both hosts. In sorghum, the hyphae of SRS reached the apical meristems, whereas the hyphae of SRZ did not. SRZ strongly induced several defence responses in sorghum, such as the generation of H2O2, callose and phytoalexins, whereas the hyphae of SRS did not. In maize, both SRS and SRZ were able to spread through the plant to the apical meristem. Transcriptome analysis of colonized maize leaves revealed more genes induced by SRZ than by SRS, with many of them being involved in defence responses. Amongst the maize genes specifically induced by SRS were 11 pentatricopeptide repeat proteins. Together with the microscopic analysis, these data indicate that SRZ succumbs to plant defence after sorghum penetration, whereas SRS proliferates in a relatively undisturbed manner, but non‐efficiently, on maize. This shows that host specificity is determined by distinct mechanisms in sorghum and maize.
A new cost‐effective approach to survey ecological communities
Authors: Guillaume Blanchet F. , Legendre Pierre , He Fangliang
Published: September 2015

Surveying ecological communities often means the tedious work of collecting detailed information on each species within each sampling unit (e.g. trap, transect, quadrat). In this paper, we first argue that presence–absence and abundance data are the two extremes of a spectrum of data formats. By counting individuals of each species within a sampling unit until either a predefined (user‐defined) number of individuals is reached or all individuals of the species are counted, all intermediate cases can be generated. By independently correlating each intermediate case with the complete abundance data, we show that it is not necessary to count all individuals to recover the patterns of variation characterizing a community data table. When the same procedure is applied in combination with different distance coefficients such as the Hellinger, chord, χ2, percentage difference or modified Gower, or the distance between species profiles, an even lower number of individuals per species need to be counted within a sampling unit for the patterns of variation defining a community to be recovered. By applying the same counting procedure to data collected during a pilot study, we show that the maximum number of individuals that need to be counted within a sampling unit for a species can be estimated from a pilot study containing as little as 3% of randomly selected sampling units throughout the complete survey area. An example of how to apply this new counting method is presented, using data from a boreal forest Carabidae community sampled in northwestern Alberta, Canada.
Acute aortic dissection mimicking acute abdomen in a 14‐year‐old boy
Authors: Besli Gulser Esen , Durakbasa Cigdem Ulukaya , Yildirim Sema , Acar Murat , Cakir Busra
Published: September 2015

Aortic dissection is extremely rare in children. Although it usually presents with severe chest pain, atypical clinical presentations mimicking various illnesses may cause misdiagnosis. In this report, the case of a 14‐year‐old boy with symptoms suggestive of acute abdomen, which was finally diagnosed as aortic dissection, is discussed.
Assessment and care of visuospatial disorientation in a mixed dementia patient: a case study using objective measurements
Authors: Yamada Eri , Yatokoro Kaoru , Yamakawa Miyae , Yayama So , Shigenobu Kazue , Taniguchi Norio , Makimoto Kiyoko
Published: September 2015

We present a case of a mixed dementia patient with visuospatial disorientation and a developmental disability. The patient was a 69‐year‐old man who was hospitalized for resistance to care, wandering, and a sleep disorder. He was in the advanced stages of dementia and had severe visual impairment due to cataracts. We used an integrated circuit monitoring system and Actiwatch to measure the distance moved per day and sleep–rest cycle, respectively. We administered a coloured paper test to assess the colour most easily recognized by the patient, which was red. We found that displaying his name in large red letters by his door enabled the patient to read his name. We also moved him to a private room next to the day room. The distance moved per day decreased significantly after the implementation of the care plan. However, after the room change, large urine spills were often observed in the bathroom, indicating visuospatial problems. We placed red adhesive tape onto the toilet bowl to make it more visible, which solved the urine spill problem. This case study demonstrates the efficacy of using simple assessment techniques to identify the remaining abilities of a dementia patient and taking simple steps to address the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Abnormal behaviours during pramipexole treatment for Cotard's syndrome: a case report
Authors: Maruo Joji , Haraguchi Yoshinori , Tateishi Hiroshi , Noguchi Tomoyuki , Mizoguchi Yoshito , Kato Takahiro A. , Kawashima Toshiro , Monji Akira
Published: September 2015

Cotard's syndrome is a relatively rare condition that involves a delusion of negation in which an individual believes he or she has lost his or her soul, is dead, or is without functional body systems. This syndrome is observed in various neuropsychiatric disorders but most commonly in mood disorders. Pramipexole has often been used in the adjunctive treatment of both bipolar and unipolar depression, and it is known to cause rare but serious adverse effects such as compulsive behaviours in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Here we report a case of Cotard's syndrome in treatment‐resistant major depression associated with abnormal behaviours that might be caused by pramipexole. In the present case, the patient's abnormal behaviours gradually disappeared about 2 months after the discontinuation of pramipexole. The hypoperfusion in the bilateral parieto‐occipital lobe found on single‐photon emission computed tomography suggests the presence of Lewy body disease pathology. Nonetheless, the patient's abnormal behaviours disappeared after the discontinuation of pramipexole, indicating that they are mainly attributable to pramipexole treatment. However, the possible existence of Lewy body pathology could facilitate the emergence of abnormal behaviours after treatment with pramipexole. The patient's abnormal behaviours, such as eating other patients' food and taking her medicine before the scheduled time, might differ from typical compulsive behaviours induced by pramipexole (such as pathological gambling and hypersexuality), but they could be regarded as disinhibition. Therefore, we should follow up on the clinical course of this case carefully through neuroimaging investigation and neurocognitive assessment.