bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Motivational Effects of Pay Fairness
Authors: Wu Xiaoyi , Sturman Michael C. , Wang Chunben
Published: February 2013

One of the continuing challenges in the hotel industry is developing effective compensation policies that motivate frontline employees. Unfortunately, the areas of compensation and pay fairness are underresearched, and what research does exist often provides methodological and theoretical precision without necessarily lending itself to practical insight. The study presented here uses a longitudinal design to examine the effects of pay fairness on employees’ work effort and performance. Data for this study were collected from 270 employees and their supervisors in seven hotels in China. In practical terms, the results indicate that a fairly straightforward model connects perceptions of pay fairness with work effort and job performance. In theoretical terms, this study further validates the second-order factor structure of pay fairness dimensions (distributive, procedural, interpersonal, and informational). Stated more technically, despite the construct validity associated with a multidimensional structure of fairness, a more parsimonious model using an overall fairness representation predicts work effort and job performance better than the more detailed model that involves four distinct but interrelated fairness measurements. The chief implication is that although actual pay levels are important to perceptions of compensation fairness, hotel employees also take into account the compensation procedures, the nature of their interactions with management, and the extent to which managers and the company are forthcoming about compensation practices. Thus, money alone is not the only motivating factor for hotel employees but management treatment is also a large element of employees’ view of fairness.
Subutilization of COPD Guidelines in Primary Care
Authors: Laniado-Laborín Rafael , Rendón Adrian , Alcantar-Schramm Juan Manuel , Cazares-Adame Rebeca , Bauerle Otto
Published: February 2013

Summary: Despite the popularity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guidelines, studies have reported important deficits among primary care physicians (PCPs) with respect to diagnosis and treatment of COPD; as a consequence, COPD remains underrecognized and undertreated. Methods: This was a multicenter pilot study to assess prescribing practices for COPD by PCPs according to COPD guidelines. This was a 2-phase study: In phase 1, PCPs from 27 Mexican cities, referred patients for evaluation, including spirometry and in phase 2, PCPs from 10 of those same cities were asked to answer a questionnaire on COPD practice guidelines. Results: A total of 2293 subjects were included in phase 1; 472 (20.6%) had a FEV1/FVC <70%. Only 39% of patients with 30% ≤ FEV1 < 50% and 22% with FEV1 <30% were receiving combination therapy (long-acting bronchodilator + inhaled steroid). In phase 2, we recruited 999 PCPs; 72.5% of them said that they had read a COPD guideline and 59.4% answered that they used one in their practice. When asked which guideline(s) they used, we had 86 different responses with GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; 34.1%) being the most common, followed by GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma; 12.8%). When asked why they did not used a guideline, we got 33 different answers; “never read them” was the most frequent answer (41.8%) followed by “lack of access to them” (18.2%) and “not enough time to read them” (6.0%). Conclusion: Despite the existence and availability of evidence-based guidelines, only a minority of primary health care COPD patients in Mexico are receiving state-of-the-art treatment at the primary care level.
Developing Musical Creativity
Authors: Nielsen Lance D.
Published: February 2013

Music technology classes designed to use the latest in music software to develop music compositional skills within high school students are becoming more prominent in K–12 education. The purpose of this case study was to describe the development of creativity in high school students through their participation in a music technology course at one Midwest high school. The central research question for the study was the following: How do music teachers and students describe the students’ development of creativity through their participation in a music technology course? Purposeful samplings of two teachers who were instructors of the course plus high school students ( N = 10) enrolled in the class were surveyed and interviewed. A set of four themes illustrated the creative process of the music students using technology.
Depression and Anxiety in University Music Students
Authors: Wristen Brenda G.
Published: February 2013

Performance anxiety among musicians and music students has been widely addressed, but far less attention has been given to examining the rates and characteristics of broader mental distress in this population. This study examined depression and anxiety in music students at one university. A considerable number of students reported symptoms indicative of anxiety or depression. Even though prevalence rates were not markedly different than those described in the literature for other university students irrespective of major, the high rate of untreated anxiety and depression among the music students is concerning. Music educators can help prepare their junior high and high school–aged students for the stressors of university music study by helping them develop coping strategies, fostering awareness of anxiety and depression as common and treatable conditions, and promoting acceptability of seeking treatment when necessary.
Perforin forms transient pores on the target cell plasma membrane to facilitate rapid access of granzymes during killer cell attack
Authors: Lopez Jamie A. , Susanto Olivia , Jenkins Misty R. , Lukoyanova Natalya , Sutton Vivien R. , Law Ruby H. P. , Johnston Angus , Bird Catherina H. , Bird Phillip I. , Whisstock James C. , Trapani Joseph A. , Saibil Helen R. , Voskoboinik Ilia
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Granzymes diffuse through perforin pores on the target cell plasma membrane.
FANTOM: Functional and taxonomic analysis of metagenomes
Authors: Sanli Kemal , Karlsson Fredrik H , Nookaew Intawat , Nielsen Jens
Published: February 2013

Background

Interpretation of quantitative metagenomics data is important for our understanding of ecosystem functioning and assessing differences between various environmental samples. There is a need for an easy to use tool to explore the often complex metagenomics data in taxonomic and functional context.

Results

Here we introduce FANTOM, a tool that allows for exploratory and comparative analysis of metagenomics abundance data integrated with metadata information and biological databases. Importantly, FANTOM can make use of any hierarchical database and it comes supplied with NCBI taxonomic hierarchies as well as KEGG Orthology, COG, PFAM and TIGRFAM databases.

Conclusions

The software is implemented in Python, is platform independent, and is available at http://www.sysbio.se/Fantom
QTL mapping and epistatic interaction analysis in asparagus bean for several characterized and novel horticulturally important traits
Authors: Xu Pei , Wu Xiaohua , Wang Baogen , Hu Tingting , Lu Zhongfu , Liu Yonghua , Qin Dehui , Wang Sha , Li Guojing
Published: February 2013

Background

Asparagus bean (Vigna. unguiculata. ssp sesquipedalis) is a subspecies and special vegetable type of cowpea (Vigna. unguiculata L. Walp.) important in Asia. Genetic basis of horticulturally important traits of asparagus bean is still poorly understood, hindering the utilization of targeted, DNA marker-assisted breeding in this crop. Here we report the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and epistatic interactions for four horticultural traits, namely, days to first flowering (FLD), nodes to first flower (NFF), leaf senescence (LS) and pod number per plant (PN) using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of asparagus bean.

Results

A similar genetic mode of one major QTL plus a few minor QTLs was found to dominate each of the four traits, with the number of QTLs for individual traits ranging from three to four. These QTLs were distributed on 7 of the 11 chromosomes. Major QTLs for FLD, NFF and LS were co-localized on LG 11, indicative of tight linkage. Genome wide epistasis analysis detected two and one interactive locus pairs that significantly affect FLD and LS, respectively, and the epistatic QTLs for FLD appeared to work in different ways. Synteny based comparison of QTL locations revealed conservation of chromosome regions controlling these traits in related legume crops.

Conclusion

Major, minor, and epistatic QTLs were found to contribute to the inheritance of the FLD, NFF, LS, and PN. Positions of many of these QTLs are conserved among closely related legume species, indicating common mechanisms they share. To our best knowledge, this is the first QTL mapping report using an asparagus bean × asparagus bean intervarietal population and provides marker-trait associations for marker-assisted approaches to selection.
Draft genome sequence of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Rahman Ahmad Yamin Abdul , Usharraj Abhilash O , Misra Biswapriya B , Thottathil Gincy P , Jayasekaran Kandakumar , Feng Yun , Hou Shaobin , Ong Su Yean , Ng Fui Ling , Lee Ling Sze , Tan Hock Siew , Sakaff Muhd Khairul Luqman Muhd , Teh Beng Soon , Khoo Bee Feong , Badai Siti Suriawati , Aziz Nurohaida Ab , Yuryev Anton , Knudsen Bjarne , Dionne-Laporte Alexandre , Mchunu Nokuthula P , Yu Qingyi , Langston Brennick J , Freitas Tracey Allen K , Young Aaron G , Chen Rui , Wang Lei , Najimudin Nazalan , Saito Jennifer A , Alam Maqsudul
Published: February 2013

Background

Hevea brasiliensis, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is the major commercial source of natural rubber (NR). NR is a latex polymer with high elasticity, flexibility, and resilience that has played a critical role in the world economy since 1876.

Results

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of H. brasiliensis. The assembly spans ~1.1 Gb of the estimated 2.15 Gb haploid genome. Overall, ~78% of the genome was identified as repetitive DNA. Gene prediction shows 68,955 gene models, of which 12.7% are unique to Hevea. Most of the key genes associated with rubber biosynthesis, rubberwood formation, disease resistance, and allergenicity have been identified.

Conclusions

The knowledge gained from this genome sequence will aid in the future development of high-yielding clones to keep up with the ever increasing need for natural rubber.
Repeat-encoded poly-Q tracts show statistical commonalities across species
Authors: Willadsen Kai , Cao Minh Duc , Wiles Janet , Balasubramanian Sureshkumar , Bodén Mikael
Published: February 2013

Background

Among repetitive genomic sequence, the class of tri-nucleotide repeats has received much attention due to their association with human diseases. Tri-nucleotide repeat diseases are caused by excessive sequence length variability; diseases such as Huntington’s disease and Fragile X syndrome are tied to an increase in the number of repeat units in a tract. Motivated by the recent discovery of a tri-nucleotide repeat associated genetic defect in Arabidopsis thaliana, this study takes a cross-species approach to investigating these repeat tracts, with the goal of using commonalities between species to identify potential disease-related properties.

Results

We find that statistical enrichment in regulatory function associations for coding region repeats – previously observed in human – is consistent across multiple organisms. By distinguishing between homo-amino acid tracts that are encoded by tri-nucleotide repeats, and those encoded by varying codons, we show that amino acid repeats – not tri-nucleotide repeats – fully explain these regulatory associations. Using this same separation between repeat- and non-repeat-encoded homo-amino acid tracts, we show that poly-glutamine tracts are disproportionately encoded by tri-nucleotide repeats, and those tracts that are encoded by tri-nucleotide repeats are also significantly longer; these results are consistent across multiple species.

Conclusion

These findings establish similarities in tri-nucleotide repeats across species at the level of protein functionality and protein sequence. The tendency of tri-nucleotide repeats to encode longer poly-glutamine tracts indicates a link with the poly-glutamine repeat diseases. The cross-species nature of this tendency suggests that unknown repeat diseases are yet to be uncovered in other species. Future discoveries of new non-human repeat associated defects may provide the breadth of information needed to unravel the mechanisms that underpin this class of human disease.
Differential neuronal expression of receptor interacting protein 3 in rat retina: involvement in ischemic stress response
Authors: Huang Ju-Fang , Shang Lei , Zhang Meng-Qi , Wang Hui , Chen Dan , Tong Jian-Bin , Huang He , Yan Xiao-Xin , Zeng Le-Ping , Xiong Kun
Published: February 2013

Background

Receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3), a member of RIP family proteins, has been shown to participate in programmed necrosis or necroptosis in cell biology studies. Evidence suggests that necroptosis may be a mode of neuronal death in the retina.

Results

In the present study we determined the expression of RIP3 in normal rat retina and its changes following acute high intraocular pressure (aHIOP). RIP3 immunoreactivity (IR) was largely present in the inner retinal layers, localized to subsets of cells expressing neuron-specific nuclear antigen (NeuN), parvalbumin and calbindin in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner nuclear layer (INL). No double labeling was detected for RIP3 with PKC-α or rhodopsin. RIP3 immunoreactivity was increased in the GCL at 6 hr and 12 hr, but reduced at 24 hr in the retina, without apparent alteration in laminar or cellular distribution pattern. Western blot analysis confirmed the above time-dependent alteration in RIP3 protein expression. RIP3 expressing cells frequently co-localized with propidium iodide (PI). A few co-localized cells were observed between RIP3 and Bax or cleaved caspase-3 in the GCL in 12 hr following aHIOP.

Conclusions

The results indicate that RIP3 is expressed differentially in retinal neurons in adult rats, including subsets of ganglion cells, amacrine and horizontal cells. RIP3 protein levels are elevated rapidly following aHIOP. RIP3 labeling co-localized with PI, Bax or cleaved caspase-3 among cells in the ganglion cell layer following aHIOP, which suggest its involvement of RIP3 in neuronal responses to acute ischemic insults.
Outcome after hepatectomy-delirium as an independent predictor for mortality
Authors: Veiga Dalila , Luís Clara , Parente Daniela , Abelha Fernando
Published: February 2013

Background

Most studies that follow up hepatectomy cases are limited in scope to an investigation of mortality and morbidity rates or the costs and length of hospital stay. In this study the authors aimed to characterize the quality of life and to evaluate mortality and its determinants after hepatectomy.

Methods

This prospective study was carried in a Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) over 15 months, and 70 patients submitted to hepatectomy were enrolled. Demographic and peri-operative characteristics were evaluated for associations with mortality. At admission and 6 months after discharge, patients completed a Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36) and have their independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was evaluated. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate of associations with mortality, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare SF-36 scores before and after 6 months after hepatectomy.

Results

The mortality rate was 19% at 6 months. Multivariate analysis identified postoperative delirium as an independent determinant for mortality. Six months after discharge, 46% patients stated that their health in general was better or much better than that 1 year previously. Six months after hepatectomy, patients had worse scores in the physical function domain of SF-36; however, scores for all the other domains did not differ. At this time point, patients were more dependent in instrumental ADL than before surgery (32% versus 7%, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

This study identified postoperative delirium as an independent risk factor for mortality 6 months after hepatectomy. After 6 months, survivors were more dependent in instrumental ADL tasks and had worse scores in the physical function domain of SF-36.
Analysis of HCV quasispecies dynamic under selective pressure of combined therapy
Authors: Jardim Ana CG , Bittar Cíntia , Matos Renata PA , Yamasaki Lílian HT , Silva Rafael A , Pinho João RR , Fachini Roberta M , Carareto Claudia MA , de Carvalho-Mello Isabel MVG , Rahal Paula
Published: February 2013

Background

The quasispecies composition of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) could have important implications with regard to viral persistence and response to interferon-based therapy. The complete NS5A was analyzed to evaluate whether the composition of NS5A quasispecies of HCV 1a/1b is related to responsiveness to combined interferon pegylated (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin therapy.

Methods

Viral RNA was isolated from serum samples collected before, during and after treatment from virological sustained responder (SVR), non-responder (NR) and the end-of-treatment responder patients (ETR). NS5A region was amplified, cloned and sequenced. Six hundred and ninety full-length NS5A sequences were analyzed.

Results

This study provides evidence that lower nucleotide diversity of the NS5A region pre-therapy is associated with viral clearance. Analysis of samples of NRs and the ETRs time points showed that genetic diversity of populations tend to decrease over time. Post-therapy population of ETRs presented higher genetic distance from baseline probably due to the bottleneck phenomenon observed for those patients in the end of treatment. The viral effective population of those patients also showed a strong decrease after therapy. Otherwise, NRs demonstrated a continuous variation or stability of effective populations and genetic diversity over time that did not seem to be related to therapy. Phylogenetic relationships concerning complete NS5A sequences obtained from patients did not demonstrate clustering associated with specific response patterns. However, distinctive clustering of pre/post-therapy sequences was observed. In addition, the evolution of quasispecies over time was subjected to purifying or relaxed purifying selection. Codons 157 (P03), 182 and 440 (P42), 62 and 404 (P44) were found to be under positive selective pressure but it failed to be related to the therapy.

Conclusion

These results confirm the hypothesis that a relationship exists between NS5A heterogeneity and response to therapy in patients infected with chronic hepatitis C.
Low prevalence of Leishmania donovani infection among the blood donors in kala-azar endemic areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Huda M Mamun , Rudra Shikha , Ghosh Debashis , Bhaskar Khondaker Rifat Hasan , Chowdhury Rajib , Dash Aditya Prasad , Bhattacharya Sujit Kumar , Haque Rashidul , Mondal Dinesh
Published: February 2013

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major public health problem in Bangladesh with the highest disease burden in the Mymensingh District. The disease is transmitted by sand fly bites, but it may also be transmitted through blood transfusions. No information is available about the prevalence of Leishmania infection among blood donors in Bangladesh; therefore we aimed to investigate this question.

Methods

The study was carried out in the Blood Transfusion Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. One thousand one hundred and ninety five adult healthy blood donors attending in this department were enrolled in the study from August 2010 to April 2011. After obtaining written consent, socio-demographic data and a detailed health history were collected. The medical officer in the unit performed a complete physical examination to exclude any acute or chronic diseases, which was followed by sero-diagnosis for exposure to Leishmania by rK39 strip test using finger prick blood. Blood donors with a positive rK39 strip test underwent a PCR test for detection of leishmania DNA in their peripheral blood buffy coat.

Results

Eighty two percent of enrolled blood donors were male (n=985) and 18% (n=210) were female. The mean age of blood donors was 27 years (SD, 7.95 years). The majority of donors were literate and had mid-to-higher socioeconomic condition reflected by household conditions reported by the subject. Only 2.6% had a family member with VL in the past. Three blood donors were positive for leishmania infection by rK39 strip test (0.3%, 95%CI, 0.05%-0.73%). None of these 3 had active leishmania infection as demonstrated by PCR analysis. During six months of follow up, neither rK39 positive (n=3) nor rK39 negative (n=1192) donors developed VL.

Conclusion

The prevalence ofLeishmania donovaniinfection among blood donors attending the Blood Transfusion Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital was very low. Therefore the chance for transmission of VL through blood transfusion is negligible. We believe that the National VL Elimination Program does not need set up routine screening forLeishmania donovaniinfection in blood transfusion departments located in VL endemic areas of Bangladesh.
First description of an acinic cell carcinoma of the breast in a BRCA1 mutation carrier: a case report
Authors: Ripamonti Carla B , Colombo Mara , Mondini Patrizia , Siranoush Manoukian , Peissel Bernard , Bernard Loris , Radice Paolo , Carcangiu Maria Luisa
Published: February 2013

Background

Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm characterized by the presence of malignant tubular acinar exocrine gland structures. Diagnosis is generally made in salivary glands and in the pancreas. ACC of the breast has been reported in few cases only. Carriers of inherited mutations in theBRCA1gene are prone to the development of breast cancer, mainly invasive ductal or medullary type carcinomas. We describe for the first time aBRCA1mutation carrier with a diagnosis of ACC of the breast.

Case presentation

The patient developed an invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) at the age of 40 years and an ACC in the contralateral breast at 44 years. Immunohistochemical examination of the ACC revealed a triple negative status (i.e., negativity for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 protein) and positivity for p53. Using a combination of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and sequencing analyses, the loss of the wild-typeBRCA1allele was detected in both the ACC and the IDC. In addition, two different somaticTP53mutations, one in the ACC only and another one in the IDC only, were observed.

Conclusion

Both the immunohistochemical and molecular features observed in the ACC are typical ofBRCA1-associated breast cancers and suggest an involvement of the patient’s germline mutation in the disease. The occurrence of rare histological types of breast cancers, including malignant phyllodes tumor, atypical medullary carcinoma and metaplastic carcinoma, inBRCA1mutation carriers has been already reported. Our findings further broaden the spectrum ofBRCA1-associated breast malignancies.
Reduced duration mismatch negativity in adolescents with psychotic symptoms: further evidence for mismatch negativity as a possible biomarker for vulnerability to psychosis
Authors: Murphy Jennifer R , Rawdon Caroline , Kelleher Ian , Twomey Deirdre , Markey Patrick S , Cannon Mary , Roche Richard AP
Published: February 2013

Background

Deficits in the mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a components are the most reliable and robust findings in schizophrenia. These abnormalities have also been recently documented in individuals clinically at risk for psychosis, indicating that the MMN may be a potential biomarker for psychosis. However, the at risk samples included in MMN studies are characterised by pre-existing clinical symptomatology and significant functional decline which are related to MMN amplitude. These factors may be potential confounds in determining whether deficient MMN is present prior to clinical manifestation of the disorder. Therefore, investigating the MMN in the extended psychosis phenotype comprising adolescents with psychotic symptoms from the general population may provide important information on whether abnormal MMN is apparent in the earliest stages of risk.

Methods

Thirty six adolescents completed a duration deviant MMN task. Fourteen adolescents with psychotic symptoms comprised the at risk group and 22 with no psychotic symptoms comprised the Controls. The task consisted of 85% standard tones (25 ms) and 15% deviant tones (50 ms). The groups were compared on MMN and P3a amplitude and latency across frontocentral and temporal electrodes.

Results

Adolescents with psychotic symptoms were characterised by a reduction in MMN amplitude at frontal and temporal regions compared to the controls.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate impaired auditory discrimination for duration deviant tones in nonclinical adolescents with psychotic symptoms. These findings suggest that MMN amplitude may be a possible biomarker for vulnerability to psychosis.
Expression of drug targets in primary and matched metastatic renal cell carcinoma tumors
Authors: Aziz Saadia A , Sznol Joshua A , Adeniran Adebowale , Parisi Fabio , Kluger Yuval , Camp Robert L , Kluger Harriet M
Published: February 2013

Background

Targeted therapies in renal cell carcinoma can have different effects on primary and metastatic tumors. To pave the way for predictive biomarker development, we assessed differences in expression of targets of currently approved drugs in matched primary and metastatic specimens from 34 patients.

Methods

Four cores from each site were embedded in tissue microarray blocks. Expression of B-Raf, C-Raf, cKIT, FGF-R1, HIF-2α, mTOR, PDGF-Rβ, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3, VEGF, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, MEK1, and ERK1/2 was studied using a quantitative immunofluorescence method.

Results

No significant differences were observed in global expression levels in primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma tumors, with the exception of MEK, which had higher expression in metastatic than primary specimens. Similarly, more ki67 positive cells were seen in metastatic specimens. Correlations between marker expression in primary and metastatic specimens were variable, with the lowest correlation seen for FGF-R1 and VEGF-D. There were no significant differences in the degree of heterogeneity in primary versus metastatic tumors.

Conclusions

Expression of most of the studied markers was similar in primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma tumors, suggesting that predictive biomarker testing for these markers can be conducted on either the primary or metastatic tumors for most markers.
Communication training for advanced medical students improves information recall of medical laypersons in simulated informed consent talks – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Werner Anne , Holderried Friederike , Schäffeler Norbert , Weyrich Peter , Riessen Reimer , Zipfel Stephan , Celebi Nora
Published: February 2013

Background

Informed consent talks are mandatory before invasive interventions. However, the patients’ information recall has been shown to be rather poor. We investigated, whether medical laypersons recalled more information items from a simulated informed consent talk after advanced medical students participated in a communication training aiming to reduce a layperson’s cognitive load.

Methods

Using a randomized, controlled, prospective cross-over-design, 30 5th and 6th year medical students were randomized into two groups. One group received communication training, followed by a comparison intervention (early intervention group, EI); the other group first received the comparison intervention and then communication training (late intervention group, LI). Before and after the interventions, the 30 medical students performed simulated informed consent talks with 30 blinded medical laypersons using a standardized set of information. We then recorded the number of information items the medical laypersons recalled.

Results

After the communication training both groups of medical laypersons recalled significantly more information items (EI: 41 ± 9% vs. 23 ± 9%, p < .0001, LI 49 ± 10% vs. 35 ± 6%, p < .0001). After the comparison intervention the improvement was modest and significant only in the LI (EI: 42 ± 9% vs. 40 ± 9%, p = .41, LI 35 ± 6% vs. 29 ± 9%, p = .016).

Conclusion

Short communication training for advanced medical students improves information recall of medical laypersons in simulated informed consent talks.
An investigation into the spiritual needs of neuro-oncology patients from a nurse perspective
Authors: Nixon Aline Victoria , Narayanasamy Aru , Penny Vivian
Published: February 2013

Background

Spiritual needs of cancer patients should be assessed and discussed by healthcare professionals. Neurosurgical nurses need to be able to assess and support neuro-oncology patients with their spiritual needs from diagnosis and throughout their hospital stay.

Methods

Data were collected through questionnaires using a Critical Incident Technique (CIT) from neurosurgical nurses, findings were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Nurses reported some awareness of their patients’ spiritual needs during their stay on neurosurgical units although some used expressions approximating what could be described as spiritual needs. Patients’ spiritual needs were identified as: need to talk about spiritual concerns, showing sensitivity to patients’ emotions, responding to religious needs; and relatives’ spiritual needs included: supporting them with end of life decisions, supporting them when feeling being lost and unbalanced, encouraging exploration of meaning of life, and providing space, time and privacy to talk. Participants appeared largely to be in tune with their patients’ spiritual needs and reported that they recognised effective strategies to meet their patients’ and relatives’ spiritual needs. However, the findings also suggest that they don’t always feel prepared to offer spiritual support for neuro-oncology patients.

Conclusions

There is a need for healthcare professionals to provide spiritual care for neuro-oncology patients and their relatives. Although strategies were identified that nurses can use to support patients with spiritual needs further research is required to explore how effective nurses are at delivering spiritual care and if nurses are the most appropriate professionals to support neuro-oncology patients with spiritual care.
Feasibility of offering nicotine replacement therapy as a relapse prevention treatment in routine smoking cessation services
Authors: Turner Jessica , McNeill Ann , Coleman Tim , Bee Jo Leonardi , Agboola Shade
Published: February 2013

Background

National Health Service stop smoking services (NHS SSS) in the UK offer cost- effective smoking cessation services. Despite high abstinence rates after acute cessation treatment, the majority of clients have relapsed by one year. Several interventions have been identified, from trial data, as effective in preventing relapse to smoking. This study investigated uptake, feasibility and acceptability of offering nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as a relapse prevention intervention (RPI) in NHS SSS.

Methods

Eligible smokers who had successfully completed acute cessation treatment using NRT at Nottingham City NHS SSS between April 2010 and January 2011 were offered the RPI and the rate of uptake was monitored. Consenting individuals completed a baseline questionnaire, providing demographic and smoking behaviour data. The RPI consisted of using NRT for a further 12 weeks after initial cessation-orientated treatment had ended. At a six-month review, self-reported smoking status was assessed via telephone. Anonymised demographic data on NHS SSS users who did not agree to participate in the study were retrieved from NHS SSS records and used to determine the presence of any socio-demographic differences between individuals who agreed to participate in the study and those who did not. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a selection of participants; these were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed to identify participants’ views on the RPI.

Results

Of 493 stop smoking service clients who were assessed, 260 were eligible for and offered the RPI and 115 (44%, CI 38%- 50%) accepted. Individuals who accepted NRT were significantly more likely to be older (p < 0.001) and to pay for their prescriptions (p < 0.001). Quitters who had never worked or were unemployed were significantly less likely to accept the offer of relapse prevention compared to those in routine and manual occupations (55% reduction in odds, p = 0.026).

Interview findings revealed that clients who accepted extended NRT felt the longer duration of pharmacological and psychological support were both valuable in helping them to remain abstinent.

Conclusion

In routine smoking cessation service care, it is feasible to offer clients extended courses of NRT as a RPI. The RPI was acceptable to them as almost half of the eligible clients offered this treatment accepted it.
High-level intracellular expression of heterologous proteins in Brevibacillus choshinensis SP3 under the control of a xylose inducible promoter
Authors: D’Urzo Nunzia , Martinelli Manuele , Nenci Chiara , Brettoni Cecilia , Telford John L , Maione Domenico
Published: February 2013

Background

In past years research has focused on the development of alternative Gram positive bacterial expression systems to produce industrially relevant proteins. Brevibacillus choshinensis is an easy to handle non-sporulating bacterium, lacking extracellular proteases, that has been already shown to provide a high level of recombinant protein expression. One major drawback, limiting the applicability of the Brevibacillus expression system, is the absence of expression vectors based on inducible promoters. Here we used the PxylA inducible promoter, commonly employed in other Bacillae expression systems, in Brevibacillus.

Results

Using GFP, α-amylase and TcdA-GT as model proteins, high level of intracellular protein expression (up to 250 mg/L for the GFP) was achieved in Brevibacillus, using the pHis1522 vector carrying the B. megaterium xylose-inducible promoter (PxylA). The GFP expression yields were more than 25 fold higher than those reported for B. megaterium carrying the same vector. All the tested proteins show significant increment in their expression levels (2-10 folds) than those obtained using the available plasmids based on the P2 constitutive promoter.

Conclusion

Combining the components of two different commercially available Gram positive expression systems, such as Brevibacillus (from Takara Bio) and B. megaterium (from Mobitec), we demonstrate that vectors based on the B. megaterium PxylA xylose inducible promoter can be successfully used to induce high level of intracellular expression of heterologous proteins in Brevibacillus.
The imaging and pathological features of a mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney: a case report
Authors: Lima Marcela Sampaio , Barros-Silva Gyl Eanes , Pereira Renan Augusto , Ravinal Roberto Cuan , Junior Silvio Tucci , Costa Roberto Silva , Muglia Valdair Francisco
Published: February 2013

A mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) is a rare and recently described kidney neoplasm with distal nephron differentiation. It can affect patients of all ages and is more prevalent among women. In this case report, we present a 50-year-old woman who had a renal mass, which was accidently discovered during an investigation for chronic anemia. The final diagnosis of MTSCC was made after the lesion was removed and a pathology work-up was performed. The clinical, pathological and imaging findings of this rare neoplasm are described in this report.
Surgical inflammatory stress: the embryo takes hold of the reins again
Authors: Aller Maria-Angeles , Arias Jose-Ignacio , Prieto Isabel , Gilsanz Carlos , Arias Ana , Yang Heping , Arias Jaime
Published: February 2013

The surgical inflammatory response can be a type of high-grade acute stress response associated with an increasingly complex trophic functional system for using oxygen. This systemic neuro-immune-endocrine response seems to induce the re-expression of 2 extraembryonic-like functional axes, i.e. coelomic-amniotic and trophoblastic-yolk-sac-related, within injured tissues and organs, thus favoring their re-development. Accordingly, through the up-regulation of two systemic inflammatory phenotypes, i.e. neurogenic and immune-related, a gestational-like response using embryonic functions would be induced in the patient’s injured tissues and organs, which would therefore result in their repair. Here we establish a comparison between the pathophysiological mechanisms that are produced during the inflammatory response and the physiological mechanisms that are expressed during early embryonic development. In this way, surgical inflammation could be a high-grade stress response whose pathophysiological mechanisms would be based on the recapitulation of ontogenic and phylogenetic-related functions. Thus, the ultimate objective of surgical inflammation, as a gestational process, is creating new tissues/organs for repairing the injured ones. Since surgical inflammation and early embryonic development share common production mechanisms, the factors that hamper the wound healing reaction in surgical patients could be similar to those that impair the gestational process.
Why is greater medication adherence associated with better outcomes
Authors: Hartz Arthur , He Tao
Published: February 2013

Background

Previous studies found an association of greater adherence to placebo medication with better outcomes. The present study tested whether this association was explained by any of the following factors: 1) adherence to other medications, 2) healthcare behaviors, 3) disease risk, or 4) predicted degree of adherence. Data included information on more than 800 risk factors from 27,347 subjects in two randomized controlled trials of hormone therapy in the Women's Health Initiative.

Results

Greater adherence to placebo was not associated with colon cancer but was substantially and significantly associated with several diverse outcomes: death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and breast cancer. Adherence to hormone therapy was only weakly associated with outcomes. The WHI risk factors only poorly predicted degree of adherence, R2 < 4%. No underlying factors accounted for the association between placebo adherence and outcome.

Conclusion

The results suggest that adherence to placebo is a marker for important risk factors that were not measured by WHI. Once identified these risk factors may be used to increase the validity of observational studies of medical treatment by reducing unmeasured confounding.
Animal-related injuries in a resource-limited setting: experiences from a Tertiary health institution in northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Gilyoma Japhet M , Mabula Joseph B , Chalya Phillipo L
Published: February 2013

Background

Animal related injuries are a major but neglected emerging public health problem and contribute significantly to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. No prospective studies have been done on animal related injuries in our setting. This study was conducted to determine the management patterns and outcome of animal related injuries and their social impact on public health policy in the region.

Methods

This was a descriptive prospective study of animal related injury patients that presented to Bugando Medical Centre between September 2007 and August 2011. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS computer software version 17.0.

Results

A total of 452 (8.3%) animal-related injury patients were studied. The modal age group was 21-30 years. The male to female ratio was 2.1:1. Dog-bites (61.1%) were the most common injuries. Musculoskeletal (71.7%) region was the most frequent body region injured. Soft tissue injuries (92.5%) and fractures (49.1%) were the most common type of injuries sustained. Only 140 (31.0%) patients were hospitalized and most of them (97.1%) were treated surgically. Wound debridement was the most common procedure performed in 91.2% of patients. Postoperative complication rate was 15.9%, the commonest being surgical site infections (SSI) in 55.1% of patients. SSI was significantly associated with late presentation and open fractures (P < 0.001). The overall median duration of hospitalization was 16 days. Patients who had severe injuries, long bone fractures and those with hemiplegia stayed longer in the hospital (P < 0.001). Mortality rate was 10.2% and was significantly high in patients with severe injuries, severe head injury, tetanus and admission SBP < 90 mmHg (P < 0.001). The follow up of patients was poor.

Conclusion

Animal related injuries constitute a major public health problem in our setting and commonly affect the young adult male in their economically productive age-group. Measures towards prevention and proper treatment and follow up are important in order to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from this form of trauma
Molecular epidemiology of childhood neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis in Italy
Authors: Santorelli Filippo Maria , Garavaglia Barbara , Cardona Francesco , Nardocci Nardo , Bernardina Bernardo Dalla , Sartori Stefano , Suppiej Agnese , Bertini Enrico , Claps Dianela , Battini Roberta , Biancheri Roberta , Filocamo Mirella , Pezzini Francesco , Simonati Alessandro
Published: February 2013

Background

To review the descriptive epidemiological data on neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) in Italy, identify the spectrum of mutations in the causative genes, and analyze possible genotype-phenotype relations.

Methods

A cohort of NCL patients was recruited through CLNet, a nationwide network of child neurology units. Diagnosis was based on clinical and pathological criteria following ultrastructural investigation of peripheral tissues. Molecular confirmation was obtained during the diagnostic procedure or, when possible, retrospectively.

Results

One hundred eighty-three NCL patients from 156 families were recruited between 1966 and 2010; 124 of these patients (from 88 families) were tested for known NCL genes, with 9.7% of the patients in this sample having not a genetic diagnosis. Late infantile onset NCL (LINCL) accounted for 75.8% of molecularly confirmed cases, the most frequent form being secondary to mutations in CLN2 (23.5%). Juvenile onset NCL patients accounted for 17.7% of this cohort, a smaller proportion than found in other European countries. Gene mutations predicted severe protein alterations in 65.5% of the CLN2 and 78.6% of the CLN7 cases. An incidence rate of 0.98/100,000 live births was found in 69 NCL patients born between 1992 and 2004, predicting 5 new cases a year. Prevalence was 1.2/1,000,000.

Conclusions

Descriptive epidemiology data indicate a lower incidence of NCLs in Italy as compared to other European countries. A relatively high number of private mutations affecting all NCL genes might explain the genetic heterogeneity. Specific gene mutations were associated with severe clinical courses in selected NCL forms only.
Age-dependent roles of peroxisomes in the hippocampus of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fanelli Francesca , Sepe Sara , D’Amelio Marcello , Bernardi Cinzia , Cristiano Loredana , Cimini AnnaMaria , Cecconi Francesco , Ceru' Maria Paola , Moreno Sandra
Published: February 2013

Background

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, especially affecting the hippocampus. Impairment of cognitive and memory functions is associated with amyloid β-peptide-induced oxidative stress and alterations in lipid metabolism. In this scenario, the dual role of peroxisomes in producing and removing ROS, and their function in fatty acids β-oxidation, may be critical. This work aims to investigating the possible involvement of peroxisomes in AD onset and progression, as studied in a transgenic mouse model, harboring the human Swedish familial AD mutation. We therefore characterized the peroxisomal population in the hippocampus, focusing on early, advanced, and late stages of the disease (3, 6, 9, 12, 18 months of age). Several peroxisome-related markers in transgenic and wild-type hippocampal formation were comparatively studied, by a combined molecular/immunohistochemical/ultrastructural approach.

Results

Our results demonstrate early and significant peroxisomal modifications in AD mice, compared to wild-type. Indeed, the peroxisomal membrane protein of 70 kDa and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 are induced at 3 months, possibly reflecting the need for efficient fatty acid β-oxidation, as a compensatory response to mitochondrial dysfunction. The concomitant presence of oxidative damage markers and the altered expression of antioxidant enzymes argue for early oxidative stress in AD. During physiological and pathological brain aging, important changes in the expression of peroxisome-related proteins, also correlating with ongoing gliosis, occur in the hippocampus. These age- and genotype-based alterations, strongly dependent on the specific marker considered, indicate metabolic and/or numerical remodeling of peroxisomal population.

Conclusions

Overall, our data support functional and biogenetic relationships linking peroxisomes to mitochondria and suggest peroxisomal proteins as biomarkers/therapeutic targets in pre-symptomatic AD.
Role of infectious agents in the carcinogenesis of brain and head and neck cancers
Authors: Alibek Kenneth , Kakpenova Ainur , Baiken Yeldar
Published: February 2013

This review concentrates on tumours that are anatomically localised in head and neck regions. Brain cancers and head and neck cancers together account for more than 873,000 cases annually worldwide, with an increasing incidence each year. With poor survival rates at late stages, brain and head and neck cancers represent serious conditions. Carcinogenesis is a multi-step process and the role of infectious agents in this progression has not been fully identified. A major problem with such research is that the role of many infectious agents may be underestimated due to the lack of or inconsistency in experimental data obtained globally. In the case of brain cancer, no infection has been accepted as directly oncogenic, although a number of viruses and parasites are associated with the malignancy. Our analysis of the literature showed the presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in distinct types of brain tumour, namely glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and medulloblastoma. In particular, there are reports of viral protein in up to 100% of GBM specimens. Several epidemiological studies reported associations of brain cancer and toxoplasmosis seropositivity. In head and neck cancers, there is a distinct correlation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Considering that almost every undifferentiated NPC is EBV-positive, virus titer levels can be measured to screen high-risk populations. In addition there is an apparent association between human papilloma virus (HPV) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); specifically, 26% of HNSCCs are positive for HPV. HPV type 16 was the most common type detected in HNSCCs (90%) and its dominance is even greater than that reported in cervical carcinoma. Although there are many studies showing an association of infectious agents with cancer, with various levels of involvement and either a direct or indirect causative effect, there is a scarcity of articles covering the role of infection in carcinogenesis of brain and head and neck cancers. We review recent studies on the infectious origin of these cancers and present our current understanding of carcinogenic mechanisms, thereby providing possible novel approaches to cancer treatment.