bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T-bet Regulates Immunity to Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain Infection, Particularly in Lungs
Authors: Melillo Amanda A. , Foreman Oded , Bosio Catharine M. , Elkins Karen L. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTUpregulation of the transcription factor T-bet is correlated with the strength of protection against secondary challenge with the live vaccine strain (LVS) ofFrancisella tularensis. Thus, to determine if this mediator had direct consequences in immunity to LVS, we examined its role in infection. Despite substantialin vivogamma interferon (IFN-γ) levels, T-bet-knockout (KO) mice infected intradermally (i.d.) or intranasally (i.n.) with LVS succumbed to infection with doses 2 log units less than those required for their wild-type (WT) counterparts, and exhibited significantly increased bacterial burdens in the lung and spleen. Lungs of LVS-infected T-bet-KO mice contained fewer lymphocytes and more neutrophils and interleukin-17 than WT mice. LVS-vaccinated T-bet-KO mice survived lethal LVS intraperitoneal secondary challenge but not high doses of LVS i.n. challenge, independently of the route of vaccination. Immune T lymphocytes from the spleens of i.d. LVS-vaccinated WT or KO mice controlled intracellular bacterial replication in anin vitrococulture system, but cultures with T-bet-KO splenocyte supernatants contained less IFN-γ and increased amounts of tumor necrosis factor alpha. In contrast, immune T-bet-KO lung lymphocytes were greatly impaired in controlling intramacrophage growth of LVS; this functional defect is the likely mechanism underpinning the lack of respiratory protection. Taken together, T-bet is important in host resistance to primary LVS infection and i.n. secondary challenge. Thus, T-bet represents a true, useful correlate for immunity to LVS.
Reasons for attending an urban urgent care centre with minor illness: a questionnaire study
Authors: Amiel C , Williams B , Ramzan F , Islam S , Ladbrooke T , Majeed A , Gnani S 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionThe demand for urgent care is increasing, and the pressure on emergency departments is of significant concern. General practitioner (GP)-led urgent care centres are a new model of care developed to divert patients to more appropriate primary care environments. This study explores why patients with minor illness choose to attend an urban urgent care centre for their healthcare needs.MethodsA self-completed questionnaire among patients aged 18 years or over (N=649) who were triaged with a ‘minor illness’ on arrival to an urgent care centre, colocated with an emergency department in London.ResultsMedian participant age was 29 years. 58% (649/1112) of patients attending the centre with minor illness during the study period took part. 72% participants were registered with a GP; more women (59%) attended than men; and the majority of participants rated themselves as healthy (81%). Access to care (58%) was a key reason for using the service as was expectation of receiving prescription medication (69%). GP dissatisfaction influenced 10% of participants in their decision to attend. 68% did not contact their GP in the previous 24 h before attending.ConclusionsWe found that the GP-led urgent care centre was similar to walk in centres in attracting healthy young adults, who were mostly registered with a GP and used services because of convenience and ease of access rather than satisfaction levels with their GP. This group may benefit from being seen as part of routine general practice care to provide opportunities for education and promotion of self-management.
Searching for ethical leadership in nursing
Authors: Makaroff Kara Schick , Storch Janet , Pauly Bernie , Newton Lorelei 
Published: January 2014

Background: Attention to ethical leadership in nursing has diminished over the past several decades. Objectives: The aim of our study was to investigate how frontline nurses and formal nurse leaders envision ethical nursing leadership. Research design: Meta-ethnography was used to guide our analysis and synthesis of four studies that explored the notion of ethical nursing leadership. Participants and research context: These four original studies were conducted from 1999-2008 in Canada with 601 participants. Ethical considerations: Ethical approval from the original studies covered future analysis. Findings: Using the analytic strategy of lines-of-argument, we found that 1) ethical nursing leadership must be responsive to practitioners and to the contextual system in which they and formal nurse leaders work, and 2) ethical nursing leadership requires receiving and providing support to increase the capacity to practice and discuss ethics in the day-to-day. Discussion and conclusion: Formal nurse leaders play a critical, yet often neglected role, in providing ethical leadership and supporting ethical nursing practice at the point of patient care.
Human resource management (HRM) in temporary work agencies: Evidence from the hospitality industry
Authors: Knox Angela 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOverwhelmingly, research examining temporary work agency (TWA) employment suggests that agencies rely on cost-based HRM, which coincides with substandard outcomes for TWA workers and clients. While contrasting literature indicates that ‘value adding’ HRM may yield more positive outcomes, empirical evidence remains scarce. This case study–based research begins to redress this gap by comparing TWAs reliant on cost-based and ‘value adding’ HRM within the hospitality industry. Findings illustrate that TWA employment and ‘value adding’ HRM are compatible and advantageous, yielding superior outcomes for TWA workers and clients.
Communication About Advance Directives and End-of-Life Care Options Among Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Rhodes Ramona L. , Tindall Kate , Xuan Lei , Paulk M. Elizabeth , Halm Ethan A. 
Published: January 2014

Background: Despite increasing awareness about the importance of discussing end-of-life (EOL) care options with terminally ill patients and families, many physicians remain uncomfortable with these discussions. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine perceptions of and comfort with EOL care discussions among a group of internal medicine residents and the extent to which comfort with these discussions has improved over time. Methods: In 2013, internal medicine residents at a large academic medical center were asked to participate in an on-line survey that assessed their attitudes and experiences with discussing EOL care with terminally-ill patients. These results were compared to data from a similar survey residents in the same program completed in 2006. Results: Eighty-three (50%) residents completed the 2013 survey. About half (52%) felt strongly that they were able to have open, honest discussions with patients and families, while 71% felt conflicted about whether CPR was in the patient’s best interest. About half (53%) felt strongly that it was okay for them to tell a patient/family member whether or not CPR was a good idea for them. Compared to 2006 respondents, the 2013 cohort felt they had more lectures about EOL communication, and had watched an attending have an EOL discussion more often. Conclusions: Modest improvements were made over time in trainees’ exposure to EOL discussions; however, many residents remain uncomfortable and conflicted with having EOL care discussions with their patients. More effective training approaches in EOL communication are needed to train the next generation of internists.
gsGator: an integrated web platform for cross-species gene set analysis
Authors: Kang Hyunjung , Choi Ikjung , Cho Sooyoung , Ryu Daeun , Lee Sanghyuk , Kim Wankyu 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Gene set analysis (GSA) is useful in deducing biological significance of gene lists using a priori defined gene sets such as gene ontology (GO) or pathways. Phenotypic annotation is sparse for human genes, but is far more abundant for other model organisms such as mouse, fly, and worm. Often, GSA needs to be done highly interactively by combining or modifying gene lists or inspecting gene-gene interactions in a molecular network.

Description
We developed gsGator, a web-based platform for functional interpretation of gene sets with useful features such as cross-species GSA, simultaneous analysis of multiple gene sets, and a fully integrated network viewer for visualizing both GSA results and molecular networks. An extensive set of gene annotation information is amassed including GO & pathways, genomic annotations, protein-protein interaction, transcription factor-target (TF-target), miRNA targeting, and phenotype information for various model organisms. By combining the functionalities of Set Creator, Set Operator and Network Navigator, user can perform highly flexible and interactive GSA by creating a new gene list by any combination of existing gene sets (intersection, union and difference) or expanding genes interactively along the molecular networks such as protein-protein interaction and TF-target. We also demonstrate the utility of our interactive and cross-species GSA implemented in gsGator by several usage examples for interpreting genome-wide association study (GWAS) results. gsGator is freely available at http://gsGator.ewha.ac.kr.

Conclusions
Interactive and cross-species GSA in gsGator greatly extends the scope and utility of GSA, leading to novel insights via conserved functional gene modules across different species.
Ectopic expression of the phosphomimic mutant version of Arabidopsis response regulator 1 promotes a constitutive cytokinin response phenotype
Authors: Kurepa Jasmina , Li Yan , Perry Sharyn E , Smalle Jan A 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Cytokinins control numerous plant developmental processes, including meristem formation and activity, nutrient distribution, senescence timing and responses to both the abiotic and biotic environments. Cytokinin signaling leads to the activation of type-B response regulators (RRBs), Myb-like transcription factors that are activated by the phosphorylation of a conserved aspartate residue in their response receiver domain. Consistent with this, overexpression of RRBs does not substantially alter plant development, but instead leads to cytokinin hypersensitivity.

Results
Here we present comparative analysis of plants overexpressing Arabidopsis RRB 1 (ARR1) or a phosphomimic ARR1D94E mutant in which the conserved aspartate-94 (D94) is replaced by the phosphomimic residue glutamate (E). The D94E substitution causes a 100-fold increase in response activation and instigates developmental and physiological changes that characterize wild-type plants treated with cytokinins or transgenic plants with increased cytokinin content.

Conclusion
The current model of cytokinin signaling emphasizes the essential role of conserved aspartate residue phosphorylation of RRBs in promoting cytokinin responses. Our comparative analyses of developmental and physiological traits of ARR1 and ARR1D94E overexpressing plants revealed that the ARR1D94E protein is indeed a constitutive and wide-spectrum cytokinin response activator.
Cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairment in cerebral radionecrosis patients after radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Gu Mofa , Zhou Guijuan , Xu Xue , Wu Mengmeng , Huang Haiwei 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
We sought to characterize the cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in cerebral radionecrosis (CRN) patients who have received conformal radiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods
A total of 40 patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) that developed CRN (RT + CRN), 40 patients treated with radiotherapy that did not have CRN (RT-No-CRN), and 36 newly diagnosed untreated nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (No-RT) were recruited. The cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms were evaluated with Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), activity of daily living scale (ADL), neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA).

Results
The RT + CRN group had the lowest mean MMSE, MoCA and ADL scores, while highest mean NPI, HAMD and HAMA scores among the three patient groups (P < 0.05). Thirty (75%) of the RT + CRN patients were deemed cognitively impaired by the MoCA compared with 9 (22.5%) by the MMSE (χ

2
= 22.064; P < 0.001). Eighty-two percents of subject in RT + CRN group experienced neuropsychiatric symptoms within the past 4 weeks. Irritability, anxiety, depression and agitation in the RT + CRN group were of the most significantly frequent among the 3 groups.

Conclusions
The CRN patients generally have manifestations in cognitive and psychological impairment, which have their typical characteristics, and should be considered in CRN treatment and rehabilitation. The MoCA classifies more CRN patients as cognitively impaired than the MMSE, justifying further studies of the MoCA as an appropriate screen for CRN.
Head-Eye movement control tests in patients with chronic neck pain; Inter-observer reliability and discriminative validity
Authors: Della Casa Eveline , Affolter Helbling Jutta , Meichtry André , Luomajoki Hannu , Kool Jan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Head-eye movement control deficit is an identified problem in patients with chronic neck pain, particularly in cases of whiplash associated disorders (WAD). To date, there is no evidence concerning the reliability and validity of visually assessed active head-eye movement control tests. Therefore, the objectives of the present cross-sectional study were, a) to develop a test battery; and b) to investigate inter-observer reliability and discriminative validity in patients with chronic neck pain compared to healthy controls.

Methods
The study was conducted at two physiotherapy clinics in Switzerland. Ethics Committee approval was obtained. Ten active head-eye coordination tests, on 23 patients with chronic neck pain and associated symptoms and 19 healthy controls, were videotaped. The tests included eye movements in the neutral head position and 45° relative neck rotation, gaze stability and sequential head-eye movements. All tests were performed in the sitting and standing positions. Two blinded physiotherapists independently rated the randomized videos. Performance was rated as "negative", "moderately positive" or "clearly positive". Weighted kappa (wK) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to investigate inter-observer reliability. Good reliability was defined as wK >0.5 with a lower boundary of 95% CI >0.2. Odds ratios (to define cut-off points) and the distribution of the classificator, numbers of positive tests, were calculated.

Results
Three out of ten tests showed "excellent" (wK 0.82 to 0.86), five out of ten tests showed "substantial" (wK 0.69 to 0.79) and two out of ten tests showed "moderate" (wK 0.54 to 0.59) reliability. Results were comparable in the sitting and standing positions. On average, three out of five tests were rated positive in patients and one out of five tests was rated positive in healthy controls. An odds ratio of 13.3 to 18.6 was obtained using ≥2/5 tests as a cut-off point.

Conclusion
Visual assessment by physiotherapists of head-eye movement control tests is reliable. The test battery is able to discriminate between patients with chronic neck pain and healthy controls. There were no differences in performance between the sitting and standing positions. The test battery can therefore be reduced to five tests. Further research is needed to identify the test-retest stability and responsiveness.
Immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chih-Chang , Chiou Shang-Jyh , Ting Chun-Chan , Lin Ying-Chun , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Chen Fu-Li , Lee Chien-Hung , Chen Ted , Chang Chin-Shun , Lin Ya-Ying , Huang Hsiao-Ling 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
With the growing number of transnational marriages in Taiwan, oral health disparities have become a public health issue. This study assessed immigrant-native differences in oral health behaviors of urban mothers and their children.

Methods
We used the baseline data of an oral health promotion program to examine the immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from mothers in urban area, Taiwan. A total of 150 immigrant and 440 native mothers completed the self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models analyzed the racial differences in oral health behaviors.

Results
Approximately 37% of immigrant mothers used dental floss, 25% used fluoride toothpaste, and only 13.5% of them regularly visited a dentist. Less that 40% of immigrant mothers brush their children’s teeth before aged one year, 45% replaced child’s toothbrush within 3 months, and only half of the mothers regularly took their child to the dentist. Immigrant mothers had lower level of caries-related knowledge and attitudes than native mothers (p < .001). Compared to native group, the immigrant mothers were less likely to use of dental floss ([Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =0.35], fluoride toothpaste (aOR = 0.29), visit a dentist in the past 2 years (aOR = 0.26), and take their children to regular dental check-up (aOR = 0.38); whereas, they were more likely to not consume sweeten beverages (aOR = 3.13).

Conclusions
The level of caries-related knowledge, attitudes and oral health behaviors were found lower in immigrant mothers than native ones. The findings suggested cross-cultural caries prevention programs aimed at reducing immigrant-native disparities in child oral health care must be developed for these immigrant minorities.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as capping ligands for highly water-dispersible iron oxide particles
Authors: Yi Yunfeng , Zhang Ying , Wang Yixiao , Shen Lihua , Jia Mengmeng , Huang Yu , Hou Zhenqing , Zhuang Guohong 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Monodispersed magnetite (Fe3O4) particles were synthesized using a high-temperature hydrolysis reaction with the assistance of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as capping ligands. These particles were composed of small primary nanocrystals and their sizes could be tuned from about 400 to about 800 nm by simply changing the EDTA or precursor concentration. Surface-tethered EDTA made the particles highly water-dispersible. The as-prepared magnetite particles also showed superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature, and their magnetic properties were size dependent. In addition, the particles had a strong response to external magnetic field due to their high magnetization saturation values. These properties were very important for some potential biomedical applications, such as magnetic separation and magnetic-targeted substrate delivery.
Tunable nonlinear optical properties in nanocrystalline Si/SiO2 multilayers under femtosecond excitation
Authors: Zhang Pei , Zhang Xiaowei , Xu Jie , Mu Weiwei , Xu Jun , Li Wei , Chen Kunji 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The nonlinear optical properties of nanocrystalline-Si/SiO2 (nc-Si/SiO2) multilayers have been investigated through Z-scan technique by using a Ti-sapphire laser with 50-fs pulse duration at 800 nm as a pump laser. It is interesting to note that with increasing the annealing temperature to make the sample change from amorphous phase to nanocrystalline state, the nonlinear absorption turns the reverse saturation absorption into saturation absorption while the nonlinear optical refraction is also changed simultaneously from self-defocusing to self-focusing. We propose that the localized states at the nc-Si/SiO2 interfaces play the key role in the observed switching behaviors. Our results demonstrate that the tunable optical nonlinearities can be achieved by controlling the microstructures of nc-Si, which can be used as engineering different nonlinear optical devices.
Breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia: a review
Authors: Al Juaid Daifellah AM , Binns Colin W , Giglia Roslyn C 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundBreastfeeding is viewed as the optimal method of infant feeding that provides many benefits to both the infant and the mother. The monitoring and reporting of breastfeeding indicators are essential for any country to plan and implement effective promotion programs for sustainable breastfeeding. The aim of this review is to examine the available studies and data on breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia, and determine the potential factors that affect breastfeeding practices and duration in this country.MethodsThe databases of Web of Knowledge, Science Direct and PubMed were searched using the relevant key words. Only studies that reported breastfeeding practices, rates and indicators in Saudi Arabia were included. Standard WHO definitions for breastfeeding categories were used in this review.ResultsSeventeen cross-sectional studies were identified and reviewed and five stated they used standard definitions. The self-administered questionnaire as a measurement tool was the predominant method of data collection. Infants' ages range from less than six months up to five years. Initiation rates were high (mostly above 90%), but a few studies reported low rates of timely initiation (within the first hour). The exclusive breastfeeding rate could not be accurately determined as rates range from 0.8% to 43.9% among studies due to the lack of clear definitions and the nature of study design. The partial (mixed) feeding method was common and the category of 'any breastfeeding' has generally high rates. The mean duration of breastfeeding has showed a progressive decline over time from 13.4 months in 1987 to 8.5 months in 2010. Factors associated with a high prevalence of breastfeeding and longer duration include increased maternal age, low educational levels, rural residence, low income, multiparity and avoiding contraceptives. The most common reason for breastfeeding cessation was insufficient breast milk. Other reasons include sickness, new pregnancy and breastfeeding problems.ConclusionsBreastfeeding indicators in Saudi Arabia could not be monitored or compared relying on the available data because no longitudinal studies have been conducted in this country. A cohort study design would be the most appropriate procedure to rigorously assess and report valid results on breastfeeding practices and patterns in the Saudi society.
Polymorphisms within the Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase gene (TERT) in four breeds of dogs selected for difference in lifespan and cancer susceptibility
Authors: McAloney Camille A , Silverstein Kevin A T , Modiano Jaime F , Bagchi Anindya 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background
Enzymatic activity of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) is important in maintaining the telomere length and has been implicated in cancer and aging related pathology. Since cancer susceptibility as well as longevity of dogs vary between breeds, this study involved sequencing the entire TERT gene of Canis familiaris from DNA samples obtained from forty dogs, with ten dogs each of four breeds: Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Irish Wolfhound, and Newfoundland, each with different life expectancies and susceptibility to cancer.

Results
We compared the sequences of all forty individuals amongst one another and with the published sequence of canine TERT, and analyzed relationships between members of the same or different breeds. Two separate phylogenetic trees were generated and analyzed from these individuals. Polymorphisms were found most frequently in intronic regions of the gene, although exonic polymorphisms also were observed. In many locations genotypes were observed that were either homozygous for the reference sequence or heterozygous, but the variant homozygous genotype was not observed.

Conclusions
We propose that these homozygous variants are likely to have adverse effects in dogs. It was also found that the polymorphisms did not segregate by breed. Because the four breeds chosen come from geographically and physiologically distinct backgrounds, it can be inferred that the polymorphic diversification of TERT preceded breed derivation.