bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethical and Professional Challenges of Genetic Counseling – the Case of Austria
Authors: Gschmeidler Brigitte , Flatscher‐Thoeni Magdalena 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGenetic counseling is gaining in importance with the increasing application of genetic testing for diagnosis and clinical treatment. Genetic counseling often raises ethical and professional challenges and prior research has categorized them into 16 domains. The purpose of this study was to analyze the situation in Austria on the basis of these challenges and discuss it in the national and international context. While in some countries there is a special profession for genetic counseling, in Austria it is provided by medical geneticists or other physicians in the context of their specialization. Psychosocial professionals might be consulted or brought in if necessary. Results from 95 survey respondents (including physicians and psychosocial professionals) revealed a greater interest in the topic of genetic counseling by medical specialists other than medical geneticists. The most frequently encountered challenges among physicians were informed consent, organizational constraints, withholding information, and attaining/maintaining proficiency. The psychosocial professionals experienced maintaining proficiency and organizational constraints as the prevalent challenges. Additional findings and practice implications are presented.
Uterine receptivity and embryo–uterine interactions in embryo implantation: lessons from mice
Authors: Egashira Mahiro , Hirota Yasushi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractImplantation is a process of the first feto‐maternal encounter in the uterus. A competent blastocyst and a receptive uterus are critical for successful implantation. For an acquisition of uterine receptivity, the following conditions need to be satisfied in the uterine environments: the endometrial preparation with stromal proliferation and epithelial differentiation in the pre‐receptive phase and proper interactions between the uterus and blastocyst later in the phase. Focusing on these points and primarily referring to the mouse in vivo evidence, this review article has shown detailed molecular mechanisms for successful implantation.
Training of Undergraduate Clinicians in Vascular Access: An Integrative Review
Authors: Alexandrou Evan , Ramjan Lucie , Murphy Jeff , Hunt Leanne , Betihavas Vasiliki , Frost Steven A. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Introduction: Peripheral venous cannulas are predominantly inserted by nurses and medical practitioners. Placement and related care of such devices are one of the most frequently performed tasks by these staff members. Clinicians in training should be given ample opportunity to practice these skills before patient encounters begin.
Aims: To identify the best available evidence on the training of undergraduate clinicians in peripheral venous access.
Methods: We used an integrative literature review method that considered both experimental- and nonexperimental-design studies that addressed the issue of clinician peripheral venous access training of undergraduates. The electronic databases Medline, Embase, Ovid Nursing Database, British Nursing Index, Pre Medline, Mosby's Index, and CINAHL were searched using a predetermined search strategy. The Cochrane and Joanna Briggs databases were also searched along with the reference lists of published materials.
Results: A total of 56 articles were retrieved using the defined search strategy. There were 11 experimental-design studies and 1 nonexperimental-design study selected for final review after independent assessment for methodologic quality. Retrieved articles found disparity between actual skill and student self-evaluation. Teaching methods varied with the use of traditional task trainers and high-fidelity simulation. No method was found to be superior.
Conclusion: Skill acquisition in vascular access is an international issue and one that has been addressed in varying degrees. We identified heterogeneity in training methods that were tailored to institutional requirements and resources. Training in this skill is imperative to ensure competency before patient encounters.
Political conservatism and variety‐seeking
Authors: Fernandes Daniel , Mandel Naomi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this research, we document and explain a counterintuitive effect of political ideology on variety‐seeking. Although political conservatives have a higher desire for control, which exerts a negative effect on variety‐seeking, they also have a stronger motivation to follow social norms, which exerts a positive effect on variety‐seeking. Three studies demonstrate that conservatism is positively related to variety‐seeking due to social normative concerns and rule out an alternative explanation of heightened self‐expressive motives among conservatives. This research provides preliminary evidence of how political ideology may explain differences in product choices.
An Investigation of Justice in supply chain relationships and their performance impact
Authors: Narasimhan Ram , Narayanan Sriram , Srinivasan Ravi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractJustice is important in improving performance of supply chain relationships. However, the role of justice in improving performance in supply chain relationships is an under‐investigated subject in the literature. In studying the joint impact of justice dimensions, the traditional assumption is that the three forms of justice interact with each other in a multiplicative manner. However, this assumption creates a managerial problem as discussed in this paper. We outline a different view of how the justice dimensions interact with one another utilizing the constraining factor model (CFM). We show that the CFM resolves some of the problems arising from the choice of multiplicative interaction of justice measures on performance. Specifically, we demonstrate that an increase in procedural, distributive or interactional justice results in a significant and positive improvement in performance only if the specific justice dimension is the constraining factor in the relationship. Overall, our analysis suggests that all three dimensions are important and a high level of one of the justice elements will not compensate for a low level of another, a view that is put forward by a number of past research studies in justice. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of our findings.
Grain-filling patterns and nitrogen utilization efficiency of spelt (Triticum spelta) under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: KOUTROUBAS S. D. , FOTIADIS S. , DAMALAS C. A. , PAPAGEORGIOU M. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYThe identification of factors determining the adaptation and nitrogen (N) utilization of spelt wheat is important for the successful introduction of the crop to a new environment. The present study was carried out to investigate the relative importance of grain-filling rate and duration of grain growth and to analyse the nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE) and biomass production efficiency of spelt under Mediterranean conditions. The performance of spelt was evaluated in relation to a well-adapted bread wheat cultivar. Three spelt cultivars (Ressac, Poème and Cosmos) and one bread wheat cultivar (Centauro) were grown for two growing seasons on a silty clay soil under two N levels (0 and 100 kg N/ha). Grain-filling parameters were estimated using the cubic polynomial model. This model provided good fit to the grain-filling data of spelt cultivars, with high coefficients of determination (R2) that ranged from 0·868 to 0·999. Cultivar differences were found for all grain-filling parameters studied, and these differences accounted for most of the variation observed within each particular grain-filling component in both years. Grain filling of spelt plants took place under adverse environmental conditions, mainly high temperatures, which led to a shortening of the grain-filling period. This fact was not fully compensated by the increase in the grain-filling rate, and eventually resulted in a reduction of the final spelt grain weight. Selection for early-flowering cultivars could be a successful strategy to moderate the influence of the environment on grain filling and improve the adaptation of spelt under Mediterranean conditions. The mean grain-filling rate was positively correlated with dry matter translocation, suggesting the crucial role of reserve assimilates in the vegetative tissues for the grain growth of spelt. The efficiency of N utilization to produce biomass was greater during the grain-filling period than the vegetative period. Averaged across N application rates, NUtE in spelt ranged from 20·1 to 29·5 g grain/g plant N. Cultivar differences in NUtE were observed in both years. Grain yield per unit grain N (grain DM/grain total N at maturity) contributed more to the total variation in NUtE among spelt cultivars compared with N harvest index (NHI). Spelt showed lower NUtE values, probably due to its higher grain N concentration and lower NHI compared with wheat. Low straw N concentration at maturity may be an indicator of improved NUtE in spelt, as evidenced by the negative relationship detected between the two variables. These results provide a better understanding of factors related with the adaptation and N utilization of spelt under Mediterranean conditions.
Recurrent paediatric pinworm infection of the vagina as a potential reservoir for Enterobius vermicularis
Authors: Kashyap B. , Samantray J.C. , Kumar S. , Jhamb R. , Singh A.K. , Kaur I.R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEnterobius vermicularis infection remains one of the most common parasitic infections, particularly prevalent in children. Enterobiasis, although not usually dangerous, may cause significant morbidity. Elimination of the parasite from a family or an institution often poses problems, either because of an incomplete cure or re-infection. While there have been limited reports of ectopic enterobiasis throughout the world, ours is probably one of the rarest reports of recurrent vaginal E. vermicularis infection in the absence of any gastrointestinal symptoms despite complete treatment. A 4-year-old girl presented with recurrent episodes of vulval itching on 3–4 occasions over 2 years. There was no pruritis ani nor urinary/gastrointestinal complaints. The vulva was inflamed with 4–5 living worms, 6–7 mm in length, emerging from the anterior vaginal fornix, but with no vaginal discharge. Direct microscopic examination of vaginal swabs revealed adult worms of Enterobius but no eggs. Repeated stool samples from the patient, parents and a sibling were negative. The patient was treated orally with 100 mg of mebendazole for 3 days followed by two more courses at 3-week intervals over a period of 3 months. Recurrent vaginal enterobiasis despite complete treatment and in the absence of any gastrointestinal involvement suggests that the vagina is a potential reservoir for E. vermicularis, which supports the theory of rare ectopic enterobiasis through the ascending pathway of the female genital tract.
Effectiveness of a single application of 0·25% fipronil solution for the treatment of hirstiellosis in captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana): an open-label study
Authors: FARMAKI RANIA , SIMOU CHRISA , PAPADOPOULOS ELIAS , KOUTINAS ALEXANDER F. , SARIDOMICHELAKIS MANOLIS N. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYHirstiella spp. are common ectoparasites of captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Suggested treatments are empirical and some of them are of low efficacy and potentially toxic. The objective of this open-label study was to investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of a single application of 0·25% fipronil solution for the treatment of hirstiellosis. The skin of 50 green iguanas was thoroughly examined with the aid of bright light and magnifying lenses. A total of 21 iguanas were found to be infested, harbouring 1–24 mites (median: 5). All 35 mites collected from 17 iguanas were identified as Hirstiella sp. Both infested and non-infested lizards, sharing the same enclosure, were carefully wiped with 0·25% fipronil solution. The safety and the efficacy of the treatment were evaluated after 2 days in 47/50 (94%) and 7 days in 29/50 (58%) iguanas. Compared with pre-treatment levels, the parasitic load did not changed significantly on the second day but was significantly lower on day 7 (P = 0·006). No adverse reactions were noticed. Based on these results a single whole-body application of 0·25% fipronil solution can be considered a safe and effective treatment for the reduction of parasitic burden in captive green iguanas infested by Hirstiella sp. mites.
Neuroprotective effect of lithium on hippocampal volumes in bipolar disorder independent of long-term treatment response
Authors: Hajek T. , Bauer M. , Simhandl C. , Rybakowski J. , O'Donovan C. , Pfennig A. , König B. , Suwalska A. , Yucel K. , Uher R. , Young L. T. , MacQueen G. , Alda M. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundNeuroimaging studies have demonstrated an association between lithium (Li) treatment and brain structure in human subjects. A crucial unresolved question is whether this association reflects direct neurochemical effects of Li or indirect effects secondary to treatment or prevention of episodes of bipolar disorder (BD).MethodTo address this knowledge gap, we compared manually traced hippocampal volumes in 37 BD patients with at least 2 years of Li treatment (Li group), 19 BD patients with <3 months of lifetime Li exposure over 2 years ago (non-Li group) and 50 healthy controls. All BD participants were followed prospectively and had at least 10 years of illness and a minimum of five episodes. We established illness course and long-term treatment response to Li using National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) life charts.ResultsThe non-Li group had smaller hippocampal volumes than the controls or the Li group (F2,102 = 4.97, p = 0.009). However, the time spent in a mood episode on the current mood stabilizer was more than three times longer in the Li than in the non-Li group (t51 = 2.00, p = 0.05). Even Li-treated patients with BD episodes while on Li had hippocampal volumes comparable to healthy controls and significantly larger than non-Li patients (t43 = 2.62, corrected p = 0.02).ConclusionsOur findings support the neuroprotective effects of Li. The association between Li treatment and hippocampal volume seems to be independent of long-term treatment response and occurred even in subjects with episodes of BD while on Li. Consequently, these effects of Li on brain structure may generalize to patients with neuropsychiatric illnesses other than BD.
Electron density distribution and crystal structure of 21R-AlON, Al7O3N5
Authors: Asaka Toru , Kudo Tatsunari , Banno Hiroki , Funahashi Shiro , Hirosaki Naoto , Fukuda Koichiro 
Published: May 2013

The crystal structure of Al7O3N5was characterized by laboratory X-ray powder diffraction (CuKα1). The title compound is trigonal with a space groupR3m(centrosymmetric). The hexagonal unit-cell dimensions (Z = 3) area = 0.305 06(1) nm,c = 5.7216(1) nm, andV = 0.461 11(2) nm3. The initial structural model was derived by the charge-flipping method and refined by the Rietveld method. The final structural model showed the positional disordering of two of the four Al sites. The maximum-entropy method-based pattern fitting method was used to confirm the validity of the split-atom model, in which conventional structure bias caused by assuming intensity partitioning was minimized. The disordered crystal structure was successfully described by overlapping five types of domains with ordered atom arrangements. The distribution of atomic positions in one of the five types of domains can be achieved in the space groupR3m. The atom arrangements in the four other domains are non-centrosymmetric with the space groupR3m. Two of the four types of domains are related by a pseudo-symmetrical inversion, and the two remaining domains also have each other in the inversion pseudo-symmetry.
Drowning, Hypothermia and Cardiac Arrest: An 18-year-old Woman with an Automated External Defibrillator Recording
Authors: Claret Pierre-Géraud , Bobbia Xavier , Dingemans Geoffroy , Onde Olivier , Sebbane Mustapha , de La Coussaye Jean-Emmanuel 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis report describes the case of an 18-year-old woman who was found in the sea suffering from cardiac arrest and hypothermia, 90 minutes after she entered the water to swim. The rescue team used an automated external defibrillator to record prehospital management. This recording showed an isoelectric electrocardiogram followed by a ventricular fibrillation, an unsuccessful defibrillation, and lastly, a return of spontaneous circulation with Osborn wave. When she was admitted to the intensive care unit two hours later, the woman's central temperature was 28°C.The case is interesting because of several points. First, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only case of cardiac arrest with severe hypothermia followed by a return of spontaneous circulation documented with an automated external defibrillator recording. Second, the hypothermia is an atypical case occurring in the summer. Hypothermia must be considered even in unlikely circumstances, such as summer in the south of France, when ambient temperatures are high. Lastly, after three days, the patient recovered successfully from cardiopulmonary arrest without cerebral dysfunction.ClaretP-G, BobbiaX, DingemansG, OndeO, SebbaneM, de La CoussayeJ-E. Drowning, hypothermia and cardiac arrest: an 18-year-old woman with an automated external defibrillator recording. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(5):1-3.
Characterization of a Cold-Rolled 2101 Lean Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Bassani Paola , Breda Marco , Brunelli Katya , Mészáros Istvan , Passaretti Francesca , Zanellato Michela , Calliari Irene 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDuplex stainless steels (DSS) may be defined as a category of steels with a two-phase ferritic–austenitic microstructure, which combines good mechanical and corrosion properties. However, these steels can undergo significant microstructural modification as a consequence of either thermo-mechanical treatments (ferrite decomposition, which causes σ- and χ-phase formation and nitride precipitation) or plastic deformation at room temperature [austenite transformation into strain-induced martensite (SIM)]. These secondary phases noticeably affect the properties of DSS, and therefore are of huge industrial interest. In the present work, SIM formation was investigated in a 2101 lean DSS. The material was subjected to cold rolling at various degrees of deformation (from 10 to 80% thickness reduction) and the microstructure developed after plastic deformation was investigated by electron backscattered diffraction, X-ray diffraction measurements, and hardness and magnetic tests. It was observed that SIM formed as a consequence of deformations higher than ~20% and residual austenite was still observed at 80% of thickness reduction. Furthermore, a direct relationship was found between microstructure and magnetic properties.
Preparation of Samples with Both Hard and Soft Phases for Electron Backscatter Diffraction: Examples from Gold Mineralization
Authors: Halfpenny Angela , Hough Robert M. , Verrall Michael 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPreparation of high-quality polished sample surfaces is an essential step in the collection of microanalytical data on the microstructures of minerals and alloys. Poorly prepared samples can yield insufficient or inconsistent results and, in the case of gold, potentially no data due to the “beilby” layer. Currently, preparation of ore samples is difficult as they commonly contain both hard and soft mineral phases. The aim of our research is to produce suitably polished sample surfaces, on all phases, for electron backscatter diffraction analysis. A combination of chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) and broad ion-beam polishing (BIBP) was used to tackle the problem. Our results show that it is critical to perform CMP first, as it produces a suitable polish on the hard mineral phases but tends to introduce more damage to the soft mineral surfaces. BIBP is essential to produce a high-quality polish to the soft phases (gold). This is a highly efficient method of sample preparation and is important as it allows the complete quantification of ore textures and all constituent mineral phases, including soft alloys.
Cationic Carbosilane Dendrimers as Non‐viral Vectors of Nucleic Acids (Oligonucleotide or siRNA) for Gene Therapy Purposes
Authors: Gómez R. , de la Mata F. J. , Jiménez‐Fuentes J. L. , Ortega P. , Klajnert B. , Pedziwiatr‐Werbicka E. , Shcharbin D. , Bryszewska M. , Maly M. , Maly J. , Serramía M.J. , Lorente R. , Muñoz‐Fernández M. A. 
Published: May 2013

A new approach to develop novel non‐viral vector for HIV inhibition based on carbosilane dendrimers is described. Cationic ammonium‐terminated carbosilane dendrimers have been synthesized via alcoholysis of dendritic Si‐Cl bonds or hydrosylilation reactions with dendritic Si‐H bonds. Ammonium‐terminated carbosilane dendrimers are able to form dendriplexes which showed good biocompatibility profiles in vitro, and protect nucleic acids from binding to serum proteins or RNases and degradation. Finally, they were found to be a successful and efficient vehicle for the transport and delivery of genetic material (ODN or siRNA) to a wide range of immune cells, and according to this, a specific reduction of HIV p24 antigen release by anti‐HIV ODN or siRNA was observed.
Therefore, the carbosilane dendrimers presented here are in general good candidates as non‐viral vectors in the context of biological applications of small nucleic acids, and in particular, they may present a new interesting approach for the treatment of HIV infection.
Dendrimeric Antigens. New Approaches Towards Detection of IgE‐Mediated Drug Allergy Reactions
Authors: Montañez M.I. , Mayorga C. , Torres M.J. , Ruiz‐Sanchez A.J. , Malkoch M. , Hult A. , Blanca M. , Perez‐Inestrosa E. 
Published: May 2013

Drugs are low molecular weight substances which cannot cause an immune response on their own. However, they can act as haptens and form covalent adducts with proteins. The resulting hapten‐carrier (drug‐protein) conjugate can induce an allergic reaction. Synthetic hapten‐carrier conjugates structurally comparable to those naturally formed in vivo, which in addition can be prepared in a control and reproducible manner, are often needed to diagnose drug allergy.
The contribution of this chapter takes account of the structural precision and tunable properties of dendrimers for applications in the diagnosis of drug allergy. Dendrimers are often referred to as synthetic compounds able to mimic proteins in their interaction with the immune system. This success suggests dendrimers can be used for in vitro diagnosis of allergy, thus avoiding the use of invasive in vivo tests, which are usually considered as the standard in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions.
Different methodologies have been developed to prepare chemically controlled and reproducible dendronized and dendrimerized cellulose surfaces. These penicilloylated Dendrimeric Antigens interact with specific IgE antibodies meeting all the requirements in biosensor to detect penicillin allergy. Clinical evaluation of these materials shows that the use of a flexible spacer improves the IgE molecular recognition.
Measuring how much work the chaperone GroEL can do
Authors: Corsepius Nicholas C. , Lorimer George H. 
Published: May 2013

Significance
Noncovalently “stacked” tetramethylrhodamine dimers are used to report and perturb the allosteric equilibrium in GroEL. The spectroscopic differences between the TMR monomers and dimers allow for quantitative measurements of the population of allosteric states. The noncovalent intersubunit stacking interaction within a dimer mimics the cross-linking constraint that SP places on the structure of GroEL. This feature allows TMR dimers to be used as SP surrogates to quantitate the impact of SP on the chaperonin cycle of GroEL. GroEL overcomes a load of 7.8 kJ/mol, demonstrating its ability to perform work on SP.