bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
To breathe or not to breathe: the haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells dilemma
Authors: Piccoli C , Agriesti F , Scrima R , Falzetti F , Di Ianni M , Capitanio N 
Published: May 2013

Adult haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) constitute the lifespan reserve for the generation of all the cellular lineages in the blood. Although massive progress in identifying the cluster of master genes controlling self‐renewal and multipotency has been achieved in the past decade, some aspects of the physiology of HSPCs still need to be clarified. In particular, there is growing interest in the metabolic profile of HSPCs in view of their emerging role as determinants of cell fate. Indeed, stem cells and progenitors have distinct metabolic profiles, and the transition from stem to progenitor cell corresponds to a critical metabolic change, from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. In this review, we summarize evidence, reported in the literature and provided by our group, highlighting the peculiar ability of HSPCs to adapt their mitochondrial oxidative/bioenergetic metabolism to survive in the hypoxic microenvironment of the endoblastic niche and to exploit redox signalling in controlling the balance between quiescence versus active cycling and differentiation. Especial prominence is given to the interplay between hypoxia inducible factor‐1, globins and NADPH oxidases in managing the mitochondrial dioxygen‐related metabolism and biogenesis in HSPCs under different ambient conditions. A mechanistic model is proposed whereby ‘mitochondrial differentiation’ is a prerequisite in uncommitted stem cells, paving the way for growth/differentiation factor‐dependent processes. Advancing the understanding of stem cell metabolism will, hopefully, help to (i) improve efforts to maintain, expand and manipulate HSPCs ex vivo and realize their potential therapeutic benefits in regenerative medicine; (ii) reprogramme somatic cells to generate stem cells; and (iii) eliminate, selectively, malignant stem cells.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Emerging Therapeutic Aspects in Oncology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.169.issue‐8
Influence of simulated bone–implant contact and implant diameter on secondary stability: a resonance frequency in vitro study
Authors: Veltri Mario , González‐Martín Oscar , Belser Urs C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study tested the hypothesis of no differences in resonance frequency for standardized amounts of simulated bone–implant contact around implants with different diameters. In addition, it was evaluated if resonance frequency is able to detect a difference between stable and rotation mobile (“spinning”) implants.Material and MethodsImplants with diameters of 3.3, 4.1 and 4.8 mm were placed in a purposely designed metal mould where liquid polyurethane resin was then poured to obtain a simulated bone‐implant specimen. By regulating the mould, it was possible to create the following simulated bone–implant contact groups: 3.3 mm (198.6 mm2); 4.1 mm (198.8 mm2); 4.8 mm (200.2 mm2); 4.8 mm (231.7 mm2); 4.8 mm (294.7 mm2). Each group included 10 specimens. After resin setting, resonance frequency was measured. On the last group, measurements were repeated after establishing implant rotational mobility. One‐way ANOVA tests with post hoc comparisons, a Pearson's correlation coefficient and a t‐test for repeated measurements were used to evaluate statistically significant differences.ResultsImplants with different diameters but with the same amount of simulated osseointegration revealed no differences in resonance frequency. On the contrary, an increase of simulated bone–implant contact resulted in significantly higher resonance frequency. A clear direct linear correlation resulted between resonance frequency and simulated bone–implant contact. Furthermore, a significant difference resulted between resonance frequency measured before and after creation of rotational mobility.ConclusionsWithin the conditions of this study, the secondary stability was correlated with the simulated bone–implant contact. In addition, resonance frequency was able to discern between stable and rotation mobile implants.
Diminished Aortic Excursion in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Kimura Bruce J. , Parise Charles M. , Monet Strachan G. , Auger William , Madani Michael M. , Daniels Lori B. , Blanchard Daniel G. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundAlthough studies have found diminished aortic root motion in left ventricular systolic dysfunction, few data exist on aortic root excursion in isolated right ventricular dysfunction due to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).ObjectiveWe conducted this study to evaluate aortic root excursion in CTEPH.MethodsWe studied 20 consecutive patients with CTEPH, normal left ventricular ejection fraction and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures, and 10 normal control subjects. Anterior excursion of the aortic root was measured using M‐mode echocardiography as the difference between the maximal and minimal anterior distance of the posterior wall of the aortic root at the level of the aortic valve.ResultsMean aortic excursion for CTEPH patients was approximately half that of normal controls (0.66 ± 0.25 cm vs. 1.16 ± 0.15 cm, P < 0.0001). There was a significant inverse linear correlation between mean pulmonary artery pressure and aortic excursion in the CTEPH group (r = 0.66, P = 0.001).ConclusionAortic excursion is diminished in the right ventricular pressure overload of CTEPH. This impaired motion of the aortic root may influence systolic expansion of the left atrium, and may contribute to the impaired left atrial diastolic filling patterns often seen in patients with CTEPH.
Haem catabolism: a novel modulator of inflammation in Gilbert's syndrome
Authors: Wallner Marlies , Bulmer Andrew C. , Mölzer Christine , Müllner Elisabeth , Marculescu Rodrig , Doberer Daniel , Wolzt Michael , Wagner Oswald F. , Wagner Karl‐Heinz 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundModerately elevated unconjugated bilirubin concentrations protect against inflammatory diseases and are present in individuals with Gilbert's syndrome. This study examined the relationship between circulating haem oxygenase catabolites, unconjugated bilirubin, carboxy haemoglobin, iron and inflammatory parameters.Materials and methodsSeventy‐six matched individuals were allocated to Gilbert's syndrome (GS) or control group (unconjugated bilirubin ≥ or < 17·1 μM). Iron, carboxy haemoglobin and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were analysed using routine diagnostic tests. Unconjugated bilirubin and haem were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The cytokines IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 were assessed using high‐sensitivity enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsGilbert's syndrome subjects had significantly greater levels of unconjugated bilirubin (P < 0·05), carboxy haemoglobin (P < 0·05), iron (P < 0·05), IL‐1β (P < 0·05), a significantly lower body mass index (P < 0·05) and IL‐6 concentrations (P < 0·05) vs. controls. Regression analysis revealed that unconjugated bilirubin mainly explained IL‐1β results (16%), and body mass index+IL‐6 predicted 26% of the variance in C‐reactive protein concentrations.ConclusionsA positive relationship between unconjugated bilirubin and free plasma haem, iron and carboxy haemoglobin indicated a positive feedback loop of haem oxygenase induction possibly mediated by unconjugated bilirubin. Furthermore, reduced body mass index in Gilbert's syndrome individuals was linked to reduced inflammation status, which could be influenced by circulating haem oxygenase catabolites and contribute to reduced risk of noncommunicable diseases in this population.
Detection of new mutations and molecular pathology of mild and moderate haemophilia A patients from southern Brazil
Authors: Rosset C. , Vieira I. A. , Sinigaglia M. , Gorziza R. P. , Salzano F. M. , Bandinelli E. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryA total of 76 unrelated male patients with mild (n = 55) or moderate (n = 21) haemophilia A living in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul were studied by direct sequencing of all F8 26 exons, the 5′ UTR and 3′ UTR, intron–exon junctions and the promoter region. When no mutation was found, a multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis was performed. We identified the disease‐causing mutations in 69 patients, who showed 33 different mutations: 27 missense, one small deletion, two small duplications and three splice site mutations. Seven missense and two splice site mutations were not previously reported in HAMSTeRS and were not identified in any current literature search. Nine recurrent mutations were found, one of them never described before (p.Tyr1786Phe). Haplotype analysis indicated that this mutation had originated in the Brazilian population as a single event in a common ancestor. The possible influence of these mutations in the determination of the disease was carefully considered, including bioinformatic tools. These data add to the general knowledge of the disease and can also be useful for HA diagnosis and detection of carriers in the southern Brazilian population.
Self‐management and skills acquisition in boys with haemophilia
Authors: Khair Kate , Meerabeau Liz , Gibson Faith 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is an increasing prevalence of children/young people with long‐term conditions (LTC) in the UK due to improvements in health‐care management and delivery. These children are often involved, from an early age, in their own care and management; yet, there are little data to support how or when they develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent at this care.ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand self‐management of haemophilia, from a child's perspective, in the 21st century in the UK where intensive prophylactic therapy is given from early childhood.DesignA qualitative study using grounded theory to evaluate life‐experiences of children and young people with haemophilia.Setting and participantsThirty boys aged 4–16 with severe haemophilia treated at a single paediatric haemophilia care centre were interviewed at home or in a focus group.Intervention/variablesMultimethod qualitative research including age‐appropriate research tools (draw and write, photo‐elicitation and interviews) to facilitate data collection from children.ResultsBoys develop self‐management skills over time. They learn from health‐care professionals, their parents and other family members with haemophilia.DiscussionSelf‐management skills (bleed recognition, self‐infusion, self and medicines management, pain and risk management and conceptualizing preventative therapy) are developed through experiential learning and individualized education, and not through formalized expert patient programmes.ConclusionThe boys in this study have benefited from early prophylactic factor replacement therapy. They develop skills in haemophilia and self‐management at a relatively young age and are experts in their own haemophilia care.
How technology is empowering patients? A literature review
Authors: Calvillo Jorge , Román Isabel , Roa Laura M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe term ‘Patient Empowerment’ (PE) is a growing concept – so in popularity as in application – covering situations where citizens are encouraged to take an active role in the management of their own health. This concept is serving as engine power for increasing the quality of health systems, but a question is still unanswered, ‘how PE will be effectively achieved?’ Beyond psychological implications, empowerment of patients in daily practice relies on technology and the way it is used. Unfortunately, the heterogeneity of approaches and technologies makes difficult to have a global vision of how PE is being performed.ObjectiveTo clarify how technology is being applied for enhancing patient empowerment as well as to identify current (and future) trends and milestones in this issue.Search strategySearches for relevant English language articles using Medline, Scopus, ACM Digital Library, Springer Link, EBSCO host and ScienceDirect databases from the year 2000 until October 2012 were conducted. Among others, a selection criterion was to review articles including terms ‘patient’ and ‘empowerment’ in title, abstract or as keywords.Main results and conclusionsResults state that practical approaches to empower patients vary in scope, aim and technology. Health literacy of patients, remote access to health services, and self‐care mechanisms are the most valued ways to accomplish PE. Current technology already allows establishing the first steps in the road ahead, but a change of attitude by all stakeholders (i.e. professionals, patients, policy makers, etc.) is required.
Effects of Postdensification Annealing on Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ba([Mg1−xCox]1/3Nb2/3)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Sun Tu Lai , Li Lei , Mao Min Min , Chen Xiang Ming 
Published: May 2013

Effects of postdensification annealing on microwave dielectric properties of Ba([Mg1−xCox]1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics have been investigated. The 1:2 ordered complex perovskite structure is obtained in the entire composition range of the as‐sintered samples, and the ordering degree decreases with increasing x. With increasing x, the dielectric constant (εr) increases, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) shifts toward negative and can be tuned to near‐zero for x = 0.6, while the Q × f value decreases. With postdensification annealing at 1400°C in air for 24 h, the ordering degree increases, and Q × f value can be significantly improved without obvious change in εr, while the composition for obtaining near‐zero τf shifts to x = 0.8. Annealing at 1375°C and 1425°C in air for 24 h does not improve microwave dielectric properties more than annealing at 1400°C. A good combination of microwave dielectric properties of Ba([Mg1−xCox]1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics after postdensification annealing at 1400°C in air for 24 h has been obtained for x = 0.8: εr = 31.7, Q × f = 76,900 GHz, τf = 3.3 ppm/°C.
Collaboration between hospital physicians and nurses: An integrated literature review
Authors: Tang C.J. , Chan S.W. , Zhou W.T. , Liaw S.Y. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundIneffective physician–nurse collaboration has been shown to cause work dissatisfaction among physicians and nurses and compromised the quality of patient care.AimThe review sought to explore: (1) attitudes of physicians and nurses toward physician–nurse collaboration; (2) factors affecting physician–nurse collaboration; and (3) strategies to improve physician–nurse collaboration.MethodsA literature search was conducted in the following databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Wiley Online Library and Scopus from year 2002 to 2012, to include papers that reported studies on physician–nurse collaboration in the hospital setting.FindingsSeventeen papers were included in this review. Three of the reviewed articles were qualitative studies and the other 14 were quantitative studies. Three key themes emerged from this review: (1) attitudes towards physician–nurse collaboration, where physicians viewed physician–nurse collaboration as less important than nurses but rated the quality of collaboration higher than nurses; (2) factors affecting physician–nurse collaboration, including communication, respect and trust, unequal power, understanding professional roles, and task prioritizing; and (3) improvement strategies for physician–nurse collaboration, involving inter‐professional education and interdisciplinary ward rounds.ConclusionThis review has highlighted important aspects of physician–nurse collaboration that could be addressed by future research studies. These include: developing a comprehensive instrument to assess collaboration in greater depth; conducting rigorous intervention studies to evaluate the effectiveness of improvement strategies for physician–nurse collaboration; and examining the role of senior physicians and nurses in facilitating collaboration among junior physicians and nurses. Other implications include inter‐professional education to empower nurses in making clinical decisions and putting in place policies to resolve workplace issues.
The End of Ethics: A Thomistic Investigation
Authors: Reese Philip Neri 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCapitalizing on the diversity of ways in which the phrase “the end of ethics” can be interpreted, this article explores how, from a Thomistic perspective, the virtue of prudence might be considered the “end” of ethics. After bringing to light certain problematic aspects of the relationship between ethics and prudence, it is argued that Aquinas’ understanding of the intellectual virtues allows for a clear line to be drawn between the two. In this way, it is possible to say where ethics “ends” and prudence begins. This answer, however, seems to raise a further difficulty which, upon resolution, reveals a sense in which prudence is also the “end” of ethics when “end” is taken to mean its goal.
Identification of the traditional methods of newborn mothers regarding jaundice in Turkey
Authors: Aydin Diler , Karaca Ciftci Esra , Karatas Hulya 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo detect traditional methods applied for the treatment of newborn jaundice by mothers in Turkey.BackgroundTraditional methods are generally used in our society. Instead of using medical services, people often use already‐known traditional methods to treat the disease. In such cases, the prognosis of the disease generally becomes worse, the treatment period longer and healthcare costs higher, and more medicine is used.DesignA cross‐sectional descriptive study.MethodsThe participants of this study were 229 mothers with newborn babies aged 0–28 days in one university hospital and one public children's hospital in Sanliurfa. The study was conducted between March and May 2012. In this research, the Beliefs and Traditional Methods of Mothers for Jaundice Questionnaire, which was formed by searching the relevant literature, is used as a data collection tool. The data are evaluated by percentage distributions.ResultsMothers apply conventional practices in cases of health problems such as jaundice, and application of these methods is important to mothers. Moreover, mothers reported applying hazardous conventional methods in cases of neonatal jaundice, such as cutting the area between the baby's eyebrows with a blade, cutting the back of the ear and the body and burning the body, which are not applied in different cultures.ConclusionsEducation regarding the effects of conventional methods being applied in families should be provided, and the results of this study should serve to guide further studies in assessing the effects of such education.Relevance to clinical practiceThis approach can support beneficial practices involving individual care and prevent the negative health effects of hazardous practices.
Dysmenorrhoea and self‐care behaviours among hospital nurses: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Chiu Min‐Hui , Wang Hsiu‐Hung , Hsu Su‐Chen , Liu I‐Ping 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate self‐care behaviours and its predictors for dysmenorrhoea among hospital nurses.BackgroundDysmenorrhoea is an important issue in hospital nurses for its influence on job performance and quality of patient care. Given the difficulties in reorganising work schedule for taking menstrual leave in Taiwan, it is necessary to improve the comfort level of nurses during menstruation.DesignA cross‐sectional correlation study using a structured questionnaire.MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to select two hospitals in Southern Taiwan, and participants were recruited by random sampling method. Questionnaire used in the study contained personal information, Dysmenorrheic Knowledge Scale, Menstrual Attitude Scale and Dysmenorrheic Self‐Care Behavior Scale (DSCBS). Two hundred and ninety‐seven participants had experienced dysmenorrhoea in the last six months, with the prevalence rate of 70·7%.ResultsResults showed the average age of the participants was 30·3 years, and 252 participants (82·4%) self‐perceived they were bothered by dysmenorrhoea. The score of DSCBS was 29·9 (±5·3). The results of stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed the predictors of DSCBS included whether the participants (1) were married, (2) had irregular menstruation, (3) had received health education on dysmenorrhoea, (4) visited doctor for dysmenorrhoea, (5) knew they may take menstrual leave and (6) were identified with menstruation as a natural event. The r2 was 18·4%.ConclusionsHospital nurses' self‐care behaviour for dysmenorrhoea is suggested to be improved through enhanced peer support and caring.Relevance to clinical practiceThe prevalence rate of dysmenorrhoea among hospital nurses is high. Most of them take analgesics to reduce pain to return to work. We recommend hospitals to provide women‐friendly workplace and empowerment activities to improve the self‐care ability and comfort level of nurses during menstruation.
So, What Am I Supposed to Do? A Multilevel Examination of Role Clarity
Authors: Kauppila Olli‐Pekka 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAlthough prior research generally holds that role clarity is affected by both individual characteristics and organizational contexts, current conceptual or empirical models do not reflect the multilevel nature of these antecedents. A more complete understanding of how role clarity emanates from different organizational levels is necessary to help prevent poor job performance and other harmful consequences of ambiguous role expectations. To address this, I begin this research by investigating the effects of internal work locus of control, general self‐efficacy, and leader–member exchange on role clarity. With respect to the cross‐level effects, I focus on the roles of a manager's control style and the organization's strategy‐making pattern. Analyses of a multi‐industry, multilevel dataset collected from 724 employees and 124 managers in 25 organizations in Finland suggest that all of the individual‐level independent variables and a deliberate strategy‐making pattern improve role clarity. However, a deliberate strategy‐making pattern negatively moderates the relationship between general self‐efficacy and role clarity. Finally, even though an outcome‐based control system causes role ambiguity among employees in most functional areas, it may be an effective driver of role clarity among employees in sales jobs.
Current definitions for neonatal apnoea: Are they evidence based?
Authors: Elder Dawn E , Campbell Angela J , Galletly Duncan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractApnoea is defined as cessation of breathing with implicit pathophysiology. This review considers definitions of neonatal apnoea currently available and explores the evidence to support their use. For preterm and term infants, apnoea definitions appear arbitrary, are not supported by guidelines and vary from study to study. Although most alarms on infant breathing monitors are set to alert after a respiratory pause >20 s duration is detected, this time period is the equivalent of 17 missed breaths in a preterm infant. Apnoea is likely to be better defined by associated consequence than by pause duration alone in this age group; however, the degree of change in heart rate or oxygen saturation that defines a respiratory pause as pathological is yet to be defined. Further research is required to determine the characteristics that differentiate respiratory events of clinical consequence from normal respiratory variability in term and preterm infants.