bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic explanations, discrimination and chronic illness: A qualitative study on hereditary haemochromatosis in Germany
Authors: Manz Ulrike 
Published: May 2016

Objective The objective of this study is to explore the discriminatory impacts of genetic diagnosis for people living with the chronic illness of hereditary haemochromatosis in Germany. Methods Semi-structured interviews with 15 patients; all had tested positive for a genetic mutation associated with haemochromatosis and already displayed symptoms of the disease. Inductive approach, with interviews collaboratively interpreted by the research group in a vertical and horizontal analysis informed by a multi-person perspective. Results First, as the genetic diagnosis of the disease holds the promise of therapeutic intervention, the interviewees perceived it as leading to relief. Second, the interviewees felt stigmatized by their family members, they complained of social isolation and a lack of acknowledgement of their health problems. Third, they feared disadvantages for themselves or their children at their place of work, when buying insurance coverage, and when attempting to donate blood. Discussion The findings point to the need for an expanded view on genetic discrimination. Besides institutional discrimination, it appears necessary to systematically address interactional stigmatization and take anxieties and fears into account. Here we see starting points for providing essential support through specialist and self-help groups to those faced with the genetic diagnosis of haemochromatosis in addition to and beyond the legal protection against genetic discrimination that already exists.
Clinical results of releasing the entire A2 pulley after flexor tendon repair in zone 2C
Authors: Moriya K. , Yoshizu T. , Tsubokawa N. , Narisawa H. , Hara K. , Maki Y. 
Published: May 2016

We report the results of complete release of the entire A2 pulley after zone 2C flexor tendon repair followed by early postoperative active mobilization in seven fingers and their comparisons with 33 fingers with partial A2 pulley release. In seven fingers, release of the entire A2 pulley was necessary to allow free gliding of the repairs in five fingers and complete release of both the A2 and C1 pulleys was necessary in two. No bowstringing was clinically evident in any finger. Two fingers required tenolysis. Using Tang’s criteria, the function of two digits was ranked as excellent, four good and one fair; there was no failure. The functional return in these seven fingers was similar with that in 33 fingers with partial A2 pulley release; in these patients only one finger required tenolysis. Our results support the suggestion that release of the entire A2 pulley together with the adjacent C1 pulley does not clinically affect finger motion or cause tendon bowstringing, provided that the other pulleys are left intact. Level of evidence: IV
The use of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in pregnancy: Another successful case report, but are we actually making a difference?
Authors: Du Plessis Lodewyk E , Mol Ben W , Svigos John M 
Published: May 2016

Background Pregnant women with venous thromboembolism are traditionally managed with anticoagulation, but inferior vena cava filters are an alternative. We balanced risks and benefits of an inferior vena cava filter in a decision analysis. Methods We constructed a decision model to compare in pregnant women with VTE the outcome of (1) inferior vena cava filter and anticoagulant treatment versus (2) anticoagulant treatment only. Results Assuming a 63% risk reduction from an inferior vena cava filter (baseline mortality rate of venous thromboembolism of 0.5%), 318 women would need to be treated with inferior vena cava filters to prevent one venous thromboembolism related maternal death. Sensitivity analyses indicated that at a mortality rate of 0.5% the risk reduction from inferior vena cava filters needed to be 80%, while at a mortality rate of 2% a risk reduction of 20% would justify inferior vena cava filters. Conclusions In view of their potential morbidity, inferior vena cava filters should be restricted to pregnant woman at strongly increased risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism.
Reporting and case management of occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens among healthcare workers in three healthcare facilities in Tanzania
Authors: Lahuerta Maria , Selenic Dejana , Kassa Getachew , Mwakitosha Goodluck , Hokororo Joseph , Ngonyani Henock , Basavaraju Sridhar V , Courtenay-Quirk Cari , Liu Yang , Kazaura Koku , Simbeye Daimon , Bock Naomi ,   for the Pathways to PEP Study Team
Published: May 2016

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, blood-borne pathogens exposure (BPE) is a serious risk to healthcare workers (HCW). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study assessing BPE among HCW at three public hospitals in Tanzania. From August to November 2012, HCW were surveyed using Audio-Computer Assisted Self-Interview. All HCW at risk for BPE were invited to participate. Factors associated with reporting BPE were identified using logistic regression. Findings: Of the 1102 eligible HCW, 973 (88%) completed the survey. Of these, 690 (71%) were women and 499 (52%) were nurses and nurse assistants. Of the 357 HCW who had a BPE (32%) in the previous 6 months, 120 (34%) reported it. Among these 120 reported exposures, 93 (78%) HCWs reported within 2 h of exposure, 98 (82%) received pre- and post-HIV test counselling, and 70 (58%) were offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Independent factors associated with reporting BPE were being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–3.5), having ever-received BPE training (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.5), knowledge that HCW receive PEP at another facility (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5–4.4), low/no perceived risk related to BPE (AOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.9–9.4) and HIV testing within the past year (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2–4.4). Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of appropriate training on the prevention and reporting of occupational exposure to increase acceptance of HIV testing and improve access to PEP after BPE.
Documentation of instrumental vaginal deliveries
Authors: Shamsa Aiat , Jang Agnes JY , McGee Therese M 
Published: May 2016

Background: Instrumental vaginal deliveries (IVDs) account for approximately 11% of births in Australia. Complications resulting from IVD can occasionally be the subject of litigation. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggests a standardised pro forma in their guidelines as an aid to accurate and complete IVD documentation. Many units, including ours, use less structured reporting, which is probably also less adequate. Aim: To assess whether the introduction of a dedicated IVD form improves the quality of IVD documentation. Method: Analysis of the quality of IVD documentation before and after the implementation of a new dedicated IVD form. A survey to evaluate clinicians’ opinion on the new standardised form. Results: Significant improvement was found in documentation of key information including the documentation of caput ( p < 0.05), type of instrument, number of ventouse cup detachments, moulding of specific sutures, abdominal palpation (number of fifths of foetal head palpable), liquor colour and total time of instrument application ( p < 0.001). A majority of clinicians believed the form to be beneficial in terms of completeness and that it reduced the amount of time required for documentation. Conclusions: IVD documentation is enhanced by the use of a dedicated form. Clinical judgement may also be enhanced by the discipline involved in the formal assessment required by the form.
Diabetes Educators’ Intended and Reported Use of Common Diabetes-Related Technologies
Authors: James Steven , Perry Lin , Gallagher Robyn , Lowe Julia 
Published: May 2016

Background: Technology provides adjuvant and/or alternative approaches to care and may promote self-care, communication, and engagement with health care services. Common recent technologies for diabetes include continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (insulin pumps), continuous glucose monitoring systems, smartphone and tablet applications, and telehealth (video conferencing). This study reports Australian diabetes educators’ intentions and reported professional use of these technologies for people with type 1 diabetes, and factors predictive of this. Methods: An anonymous, web-based questionnaire based on the technology acceptance model was distributed to members of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association through their electronic newsletter. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 5-factor solution comprising confidence and competence, improving clinical practice, preparation (intentions and training), ease of use, and subjective norms. Logistic regression analyses identified factors predicting intention and use of technology. Results: Respondents (n = 228) had high intentions to use technology. The majority reported using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and applications with patients, but usage was occasional. Confidence and competence independently predicted both intentions and use of all 4 technologies. Preparation (intentions and training) independently predicted use of each technology also. Conclusions: Discrepancies and dissonance appear between diabetes educators’ intentions and behavior (intentions to use and reported technology use). Intentions were higher than current use, which was relatively low and not likely to provide significant support to people with type 1 diabetes for disease management, communication, and engagement with health care services. Continuing education and experiential learning may be key in supporting diabetes educators to align their intentions with their practice.
Impairment of dendritic cell functions in patients with adaptor protein-3 complex deficiency
Authors: Prandini Alberto , Salvi Valentina , Colombo Francesca , Moratto Daniele , Lorenzi Luisa , Vermi William , De Francesco Maria Antonia , Notarangelo Lucia Dora , Porta Fulvio , Plebani Alessandro , Facchetti Fabio , Sozzani Silvano , Badolato Raffaele 
Published: May 2016

Key Points
Function and maturation of myeloid DCs is abnormal in AP-3 complex-deficient patients. IFN-α secretion in response to HSV-1 is reduced in AP-3–deficient patients.
A note on ‘Some fixed point theorems for generalized contractive mappings in complete metric spaces’
Authors: Jiang Shujun , Li Zhilong , Damjanović Boško 
Published: May 2016

AbstractVery recently, Hussain et al. (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2015:185, 2015) introduced the concept of JS-contraction and established some fixed point theorems for such contractions. In this paper, we introduce a new method of proofs that allows us to prove fixed point theorems for JS-contraction in complete metric spaces by removing two conditions in theorems of Hussain et al. Thus, we prove that fixed point Theorems 2.3-2.8 and Corollary 2.9 of Hussain et al. actually are consequences, and not generalizations, of the corresponding theorems of Ćirić, Chatterjea, Kannan, and Reich.
Implementing Intellectual Property of Pharmaceuticals in Middle-Income Countries: A Case Study of Patent Regulation in Brazil
Authors: da Fonseca Elize Massard , Bastos Francisco Inácio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe protection of pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP) rights is one of the most controversial debates in contemporary public health as countries have to balance incentives for drug development with the necessity of providing life-saving drugs. Compliance with IP protections is mandatory for members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, because of the costs associated with IP implementation we should expect late and/or poor implementation in middle-income countries. Surprisingly, this was not the case in Brazil. The country not only just fully implemented the WTO's requirement but declined the grace period granted for countries to adapt and included extra IP protections, going against a coalition of local industrialists and activists. Notwithstanding, as the consequences of IP regulations unfolds, Brazil also promoted new alliances that tailored and adjusted the regulations toward public health. We demonstrate that arguments of foreign pressure and lobbying are exaggerated and call attention to domestic shifts, long-term processes of regulatory decision, and political dynamics happening at the local level. By analyzing the case of Brazil, we provide a nuanced contribution to the discussion of IP implementation in middle-income countries and call attention to new models of government-society interactions in regulatory policy.
The membrane attack complex, perforin and cholesterol-dependent cytolysin superfamily of pore-forming proteins
Authors: Lukoyanova Natalya , Hoogenboom Bart W. , Saibil Helen R. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
The membrane attack complex and perforin proteins (MACPFs) and bacterial cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are two branches of a large and diverse superfamily of pore-forming proteins that function in immunity and pathogenesis. During pore formation, soluble monomers assemble into large transmembrane pores through conformational transitions that involve extrusion and refolding of two α-helical regions into transmembrane β-hairpins. These transitions entail a dramatic refolding of the protein structure, and the resulting assemblies create large holes in cellular membranes, but they do not use any external source of energy. Structures of the membrane-bound assemblies are required to mechanistically understand and modulate these processes. In this Commentary, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of assembly mechanisms and molecular details of the conformational changes that occur during MACPF and CDC pore formation.
From meiosis to mitosis – the sperm centrosome defines the kinetics of spindle assembly after fertilization in Xenopus
Authors: Cavazza Tommaso , Peset Isabel , Vernos Isabelle 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
Bipolar spindle assembly in the vertebrate oocyte relies on a self-organization chromosome-dependent pathway. Upon fertilization, the male gamete provides a centrosome, and the first and subsequent embryonic divisions occur in the presence of duplicated centrosomes that act as dominant microtubule organizing centres (MTOCs). The transition from meiosis to embryonic mitosis involves a necessary adaptation to integrate the dominant chromosome-dependent pathway with the centrosomes to form the bipolar spindle. Here, we took advantage of the Xenopus laevis egg extract system to mimic in vitro the assembly of the first embryonic spindle and investigate the respective contributions of the centrosome and the chromosome-dependent pathway to the kinetics of the spindle bipolarization. We found that centrosomes control the transition from the meiotic to the mitotic spindle assembly mechanism. By defining the kinetics of spindle bipolarization, the centrosomes ensure their own positioning to each spindle pole and thereby their essential correct inheritance to the two first daughter cells of the embryo for the development of a healthy organism.
Cortactin is a scaffolding platform for the E-cadherin adhesion complex and is regulated by protein kinase D1 phosphorylation
Authors: Sroka Robert , Van Lint Johan , Katz Sarah-Fee , Schneider Marlon R. , Kleger Alexander , Paschke Stephan , Seufferlein Thomas , Eiseler Tim 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
Dynamic regulation of cell–cell adhesion by the coordinated formation and dissolution of E-cadherin-based adherens junctions is crucial for tissue homeostasis. The actin-binding protein cortactin interacts with E-cadherin and enables F-actin accumulation at adherens junctions. Here, we were interested to study the broader functional interactions of cortactin in adhesion complexes. In line with literature, we demonstrate that cortactin binds to E-cadherin, and that a posttranslational modification of cortactin, RhoA-induced phosphorylation by protein kinase D1 (PKD1; also known as PRKD1) at S298, impairs adherens junction assembly and supports their dissolution. Two new S298-phosphorylation-dependent interactions were also identified, namely, that phosphorylation of cortactin decreases its interaction with β-catenin and the actin-binding protein vinculin. In addition, binding of vinculin to β-catenin, as well as linkage of vinculin to F-actin, are also significantly compromised upon phosphorylation of cortactin. Accordingly, we found that regulation of cell–cell adhesion by phosphorylation of cortactin downstream of RhoA and PKD1 is vitally dependent on vinculin-mediated protein interactions. Thus, cortactin, unexpectedly, is an important integration node for the dynamic regulation of protein complexes during breakdown and formation of adherens junctions.
Aggregation dynamics and identification of aggregation-prone mutants of the von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor protein
Authors: Le Goff Xavier , Chesnel Franck , Delalande Olivier , Couturier Anne , Dréano Stéphane , Le Goff Cathy , Vigneau Cécile , Arlot-Bonnemains Yannick 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
Quality control mechanisms promote aggregation and degradation of misfolded proteins. In budding yeast, the human von Hippel–Lindau protein (pVHL, officially known as VHL) is misfolded and forms aggregates. Here, we investigated the aggregation of three pVHL isoforms (pVHL213, pVHL160, pVHL172) in fission yeast. The full-length pVHL213 isoform aggregates in highly dynamic small puncta and in large spherical inclusions, either close to the nucleus or to the cell ends. The large inclusions contain the yeast Hsp104 chaperone. Aggregate clearance is regulated by proteasomal degradation. The pVHL160 isoform forms dense foci and large irregularly shaped aggregates. In silico, prediction of pVHL aggregation propensity identified a key aggregation-promoting region within exon 2. Consistently, the pVHL172 isoform, which lacks exon 2, formed rare reduced inclusions. We studied the aggregation propensity of pVHL variants harbouring missense mutations found in kidney carcinomas. We show that the P86L mutation stimulated small aggregate formation, the P146A mutation increased large inclusion formation, whereas the I151S mutant destabilized pVHL. The prefoldin subunit Pac10 (the human homolog VBP-1 binds to pVHL) is required for pVHL stability. Reduction of soluble functional pVHL might be crucial in VHL-related diseases.
Recovery of Rhodium(III) from Nitric Acid Solutions Using Adsorbent Functionalized with N,N,N-Trimethylglycine
Authors: Suzuki Tomoya , Morita Keisuke , Sasaki Yuji , Matsumura Tatsuro 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
To understand Rh(III) adsorption behaviors of styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer functionalized with N,N,N-trimethylglycine (AMP03), we measured the distribution coefficients (Kd) of Rh(III) and the adsorbed amounts of HNO3 by varying the HNO3 concentration. It was found that the Kd value of Rh(III) decreased with increasing [HNO3], whereas the amount of adsorbed HNO3 increased. To examine the Rh(III) adsorption capabilities of AMP03 in detail, we performed adsorption experiments while varying H+ and NO3− concentrations. The results showed that the Kd value of Rh(III) increased with decreasing [H+] and increasing [NO3−]. Furthermore, we performed Rh(III) adsorption experiments using HNO3 solutions containing amine compounds such as triethylamine (TEA), ethylenediamine (EDA), or tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (Tren). In all systems, drastic increases in Kd were observed with the addition of amine compounds. The amine compounds have relatively high basicity (TEA: pKa = 10.75, EDA: pKa = 6.85 and 9.93, and Tren: pKa = 8.42, 9.44, and 10.1). The Kd increases were attributed to a decrease in [H+] with the protonation of amine compounds. The stoichiometry of the adsorbed Rh(III) species was determined with slope analysis based on ion-exchange equilibria for Rh3+ and H+. Rh3+ was adsorbed with two betaine groups and three NO3−. In contrast, H+ adsorption reactions occurred competitively with those of Rh3+. Our results show that AMP03 effectively adsorbs Rh(III) from HNO3 solutions with low [H+] and high [NO3−].
Easy Access to Martin’s Hypervalent Sulfur Anions toward an Electrode Material for Organic Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Imada Yasuyuki , Kukita Tomomi , Nakano Hideyuki , Yamamoto Yohsuke 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
For use as an electrode material, a new synthetic route to a Martin-type tridentate ligand and hypervalent sulfur anions bearing this ligand has been developed. A battery containing the anions bearing Li+ as a counter-cation shows a stable cycle performance, indicating their utility for cathode-active materials.
Procedures for Converting Electronic Absorption Spectra into Higher-Order Derivatives to Examine Photoinduced Spectral Changes
Authors: Ichimura Kunihiro 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The practices to convert electronic absorption spectra into the fourth- and eighth-order derivatives are described to stress their usefulness in quantitative analysis, keeping in mind the applicability to elucidate photochemical behavior of versatile materials. The simulation was carried out in two ways. The first study disclosed that the higher-even-order derivatives are an efficient approach to resolve elementary bands due to rotational energy level transitions (RLT) and, in particular, vibrational energy level transitions (VLT). Electronic absorption bands are determined by full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of and distance (Δλv) between adjacent VLT bands, while there is a critical FWHM as well as Δλv for the sufficient resolution of VLT bands in derivative spectra. The subsequent simulation was performed with aid of Savizky–Golay smoothing of synthetic noisy spectra to know how polynomial order (s) and filter width (p) affect derivative-spectral shapes. It was shown that p should be smaller than 1 + 2 × (Δλv − 1), whereas Δλv is of an electronic absorption band to be analyzed. The simulation results were substantiated by spectral changes due to the photoisomerization of azobenzene in hexane as a model compound, displaying that Δλv values of electronic transitions of S0–S1 and S0–S2 are quite different, respectively.
Extension of product line of property insurance (insurance of memorial monuments and plates as an example)
Authors: Суслова Ирина , Suslova Irina , Бокарева Елена , Bokareva Elena , Соколова Антонина , Sokolova Antonina 
Published: May 2016

Experience of the last ten years says that monuments become the object of violations and
destructions. Almost daily shocking news of vandalism on burial places are appearing in mass
media. Such behavior of violators of the law causes sincere neglect and misunderstanding in
decent citizens. At the same time citizens are concerned by safety of monuments as subjects of a
material world, look for ways to save them from possible encroachments, and themselves from
unplanned expenditure on their restoration.
It is known that the monuments executed from noble stones, shod fencings and marble
slabs cost much, and from time to time is very expensive. And it is twice offensive when such
gravestone constructions are exposed to attack and plunder.
Today in Russia there are protected cemeteries, but as practice shows, and protection
isn&#180;t able to save a grave from this trouble. In that case insurance companies come to the rescue.
They are ready to compensate the damage caused by vandals in the presence of the insurance
contract. At first sight this service is strange, but its demand says that the condition of society
where such immoral manifestations are possible is strange.
The insurance contract execution of gravestone constructions of insurance company
requires the passport of the insurer, the name of a cemetery and number of a grave, and also the
documents for production of these constructions confirming the corresponding expenses. It is
need to be note that such insurance can directly be made out on a place and supplement the list
of the provided funeral services.