bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular changes resulting from sexual activity and sexual dysfunction after myocardial infarction: integrative review
Authors: Bispo Gisele S , de Lima Lopes Juliana , de Barros Alba LBL 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo identify studies on cardiovascular changes resulting from sexual activity, as well as the occurrence of sexual dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction.BackgroundMany patients with acute myocardial infarction experience sexual dysfunction, mainly due to fear of dying and/or of having another heart attack.DesignThe research was an integrative literature review.MethodsSearched databases included Lilacs, Medline and PubMed, and the following were inclusion criteria: national and international articles published from 2000–2011, written in Portuguese, Spanish or English.ResultsThe results indicate that many patients with coronary heart disease experience sexual dysfunction whether from fear of experiencing another acute myocardial infarction or due to the side effects of medication. Studies show there are few cardiovascular changes during sexual activity.ConclusionsBecause sexual dysfunction negatively affects the lives of people, providing guidance to individuals with cardiovascular disease, especially after an acute myocardial infarction, may be a crucial factor in determining quality of life and should be incorporated into clinical practice.Relevance to clinical practiceDespite the subject's importance, there are few studies on nursing guidance concerning sexual activity; moreover, addressing sexuality with patients is still a challenge for nurses.
A systematic review on the transfer of information during nurse transitions in care
Authors: Holly Cheryl , Poletick Eileen B 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo examine the qualitative evidence on dynamics of knowledge transfer during transitions in care in acute care hospitals.BackgroundThe most common transition between nurse care providers is the intershift handoff. As these handoffs tend to be time‐consuming and costly, it is important to understand the dynamics of the transfer of information at this time and, by extension, improve quality and safety.DesignSystematic Review.MethodsQualitative studies conducted between 1988 and 2012 were sought. A comprehensive four‐stage search strategy identified 125 qualitative studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 50 were retrieved for appraisal. Retrieved papers were assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological quality prior to inclusion in the review using a standardised critical appraisal instrument.ResultsThe final sample consisted of 29 qualitative studies. This represented more than 800 nursing handoffs and 300 nurse interviews. Sixteen categories were identified, which were then subjected to a meta‐synthesis to produce a single comprehensive set of synthesised findings.ConclusionThe evidence shows the handoff to be a complex, social interaction highly sensitive to context and cultural norms, an activity essential to multiple functions that extend beyond quality and safety. They are subject to wide variability in both the methods used and the kind of information that is handed off. Notably, the elucidation of the different ways in which individual nurses act as gatekeepers and influence patient care is a major finding of this review.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results of this systemic review provide evidence that a consistent guideline may provide an optimal shift report given the findings of this review that information transferred may be random and variable, inconsistent and incongruent, inaccurate or absent.
Decreased functional T lymphocyte‐mediated cytokine responses in patients with chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia
Authors: Öhrmalm L. , Smedman C. , Wong M. , Broliden K. , Tolfvenstam T. , Norbeck O. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe degree of immunosuppression in patients with haematological malignancies treated with chemotherapy is routinely measured as number of circulating cells (preferable neutrophils) in peripheral blood. A parallel decline in the number of T cells is expected, but a possible alteration in their functionality has been less well explored. The ability of T cells to secrete more than one cytokine simultaneously is known to indicate protective immunity. The aim of this study was to determine whether the function of circulating T cells is altered in patients with chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia.Design, setting and subjectsIn this cross‐sectional study, we used the FluoroSpot assay to investigate the proportion of T cells secreting either interferon‐γ or interleukin‐2, or both cytokines simultaneously, after anti‐CD3 stimulation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 53 adult patients with chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia and 20 healthy individuals were investigated.ResultsThere were significantly fewer T cells secreting interferon‐γ in patients with neutropenia compared with healthy control subjects (P = 0.02), but the difference was greatest for dual cytokine‐secreting T cells (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the amount of secreted cytokine per T cell appeared to be reduced in patients, compared with control subjects.ConclusionOur results suggest that the functionality of T cells is altered in patients with haematological malignancies with chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia. In parallel with a decline in T cell count, this may further increase the risk of severe infections.
Loneliness, Affect, and Adolescents' Appraisals of Company: An Experience Sampling Method Study
Authors: van Roekel Eeske , Goossens Luc , Verhagen Maaike , Wouters Sofie , Engels Rutger C. M. E. , Scholte Ron H. J. 
Published: June 2013

The aims of this study were (1) to examine relations between baseline levels of loneliness and momentary affect and perceptions of company, and (2) to test responses to perceived social threat and lowered reward response to positive stimuli in relation to loneliness in adolescents. Data were collected among 278 adolescents (Mage = 14.19, 59% girls) by using the experience sampling method. Baseline loneliness was related to affect and appraisals of company. Findings revealed greater responses to social threat, in that adolescents with higher levels of baseline loneliness were more negatively affected by negative company. For the lowered reward response, we found opposite effects: adolescents high on loneliness were more positively affected by positive company.
Effects of Osteochondrin S and select connective tissue ribonucleinate components on human osteoclasts in vitro
Authors: Cantley Melissa D , Rainsford K D , Haynes David R 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Osteochondrin S, a natural product derived from connective tissues and yeast, is used to treat osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Osteochondrin S on human osteoclast activity in vitro.

Methods
Osteoclasts were derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) ligand. Cells were treated with 23.5–587.2 ng/ml Osteochondrin S or 0.2–5 mg/ml of RNA components (synovia, placenta, intervertebral disc or cartilage). The effects on osteoclast formation and resorptive activity were assessed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to assess the expression of key osteoclast genes.

Key findings
Osteochondrin S and the individual RNA extracts resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of human osteoclast activity. Osteochondrin S did not affect RANK, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1), osteoclast-associated receptor or cathepsin K expression. However, there was a significant (P &lt; 0.05) reduction in mRNA expression of calcitonin receptor. Osteochondrin S treatment also significantly increased the expression of osteoclast inhibitory factor interferon-β and, interestingly, increased the expression of tumour necrosis-α-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK).

Conclusions
Osteochondrin S inhibited the resorptive ability of osteoclasts. These actions are likely to occur at a late stage during osteoclast formation, downstream of NFATc1. Overall, the findings show that Osteochondrin S inhibition of osteoclast activity may be responsible for its beneficial effects on diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Rapid eye movement sleep does not seem to unbind memories from their emotional context
Authors: Deliens Gaétane , Neu Daniel , Peigneux Philippe 
Published: June 2013

SummarySleep unbinds memories from their emotional learning context, protecting them from emotional interference due to a change of mood between learning and recall. According to the ‘sleep to forget and sleep to remember’ model, emotional unbinding takes place during rapid eye movement sleep. To test this hypothesis, we investigated emotional contextual interference effects after early versus late post‐learning sleep periods, in which slow wave and rapid eye movement sleep, respectively, predominate. Participants learned a list of neutral word pairs after induction of a happy or a sad mood, then slept immediately afterwards for 3 h of early or late sleep under polysomnographic recording, in a within‐subject counterbalanced design. They slept for 3 h before learning in the late sleep condition. Polysomnographic data confirmed more rapid eye movement sleep in the late than in the early sleep condition. After awakening, half the list was recalled after induction of a similar mood than during the encoding session (non‐interference condition), and the other half of the list was recalled after induction of a different mood (interference condition). The results disclosed an emotional interference effect on recall both in the early and late sleep conditions, which does not corroborate the hypothesis of a rapid eye movement sleep‐related protection of recent memories from emotional contextual interference. Alternatively, the contextual demodulation process initiated during the first post‐learning night might need several consecutive nights of sleep to be achieved.
Tree growth and competition in an old‐growthPicea abiesforest of borealSweden: influence of tree spatial patterning
Authors: Fraver Shawn , D'Amato Anthony W. , Bradford John B. , Jonsson Bengt Gunnar , Jönsson Mari , Esseen Per‐Anders 
Published: June 2013

AbstractQuestionWhat factors best characterize tree competitive environments in this structurally diverse old‐growth forest, and do these factors vary spatially within and among stands?LocationOld‐growthPicea abiesforest of borealSweden.MethodsUsing long‐term, mapped permanent plot data augmented with dendrochronological analyses, we evaluated the effect of neighbourhood competition on focal tree growth by means of standard competition indices, each modified to include various metrics of trees size, neighbour mortality weighting (for neighbours that died during the inventory period), and within‐neighbourhood tree clustering. Candidate models were evaluated using mixed‐model linear regression analyses, with mean basal area increment as the response variable. We then analysed stand‐level spatial patterns of competition indices and growth rates (viakriging) to determine if the relationship between these patterns could further elucidate factors influencing tree growth.ResultsInter‐tree competition clearly affected growth rates, with crown volume being the size metric most strongly influencing the neighbourhood competitive environment. Including neighbour tree mortality weightings in models only slightly improved descriptions of competitive interactions. Although the within‐neighbourhood clustering index did not improve model predictions, competition intensity was influenced by the underlying stand‐level tree spatial arrangement: stand‐level clustering locally intensified competition and reduced tree growth, whereas in the absence of such clustering, inter‐tree competition played a lesser role in constraining tree growth.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that competition continues to influence forest processes and structures in an old‐growth system that has not experienced major disturbances for at least two centuries. The finding that the underlying tree spatial pattern influenced the competitive environment suggests caution in interpreting traditional tree competition studies, in which tree spatial patterning is typically not taken into account. Our findings highlight the importance of forest structure – particularly the spatial arrangement of trees – in regulating inter‐tree competition and growth in structurally diverse forests, and they provide insight into the causes and consequences of heterogeneity in this old‐growth system.
Warming‐related growth responses at the southern limit distribution of mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra subsp. mugo)
Authors: Palombo Caterina , Battipaglia Giovanna , Cherubini Paolo , Chirici Gherardo , Garfì Vittorio , Lasserre Bruno , Lombardi Fabio , Marchetti Marco , Tognetti Roberto 
Published: June 2013

AbstractQuestionsCould mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra subsp. mugo) located above the timberline and at the southern limit of its potential geographic distribution be a promising species to monitor climatic change in specific environments such as the Mediterranean mountains? Does mountain pine krummholz upward expansion result from current climate change? Has the relationship between climate and tree ring growth of mountain pine changed? To what extent does climatic variability affect tree ring growth? Could mountain pine upward expansion contribute to loss of biodiversity in the undisturbed tree line ecotone on the Majella massif?LocationMajella National Park, Apennines, Italy.MethodsDendroclimatological analysis was performed to examine the relationship between tree rings of mountain pine and climatic parameters at the tree line. Climate–growth relationships were analysed using correlation function (CF) analysis and moving CF (MCF).ResultsIn the Majella massif, climate variables affected mountain pine tree growth at the tree line ecotone. Significant correlations were found with spring temperatures and summer precipitation. Essentially, three months played a key role in mountain pine growth: April and May of the current year and October of the previous year. MCF showed that mountain pine is a sensitive species, in terms of tree ring growth.ConclusionsGrowing above the limit of tree vegetation, mountain pine proved to be a promising species for monitoring climate‐ and land use‐driven influences over tree ring growth at high elevations. Our results show that mountain pine is particularly sensitive to climate at the beginning and at the end of the growing season.
Hepatitis C screening beyond CDC guidelines in an Egyptian immigrant community
Authors: Perumalswami Ponni V. , DeWolfe Miller F. , Orabee Hesham , Regab Amgad , Adams Mohamed , Kapelusznik Luciano , Aljibawi Faozia , Pagano William , Tong Virginia , Dieterich Douglas T. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsMany Egyptian‐born persons in the U.S. are at high risk of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, yet are not aware of their infection and lack healthcare coverage or linkage to care. In this study, we target Egyptian‐born persons living in the New York City area for screening and link to care.MethodsA unique partnership, the Hepatitis Outreach Network (HONE), combines the expertise and resources of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and community‐based organizations, to provide education, screening and link to care in communities with high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis.ResultsThrough four community‐based screening events, 192 Egyptian‐born persons were screened for HCV. Thirty (15.6%) persons were HCV positive. HCV antibody prevalence in those, whose national origin was Egypt, increased strongly with age and was associated with increasing number of years resident in Egypt and rural residents. Of the 30 Egyptian persons with HCV infection, 18 (60%) received a medical evaluation (2 with local providers and 16 at Mount Sinai). Of the HCV‐infected persons evaluated, treatment was recommended in four and begun in three (75%).ConclusionEgyptian‐born persons living in the New York City area have a high burden of HCV disease. HONE has successfully established targeted HCV screening in Egyptian‐born persons through use of several unique elements that effectively link them to care.
Dose escalation using helical tomotherapy improves local control in spine metastases from primary hepatic malignancies
Authors: Choi Yunseon , Kim Junwon , Lee Ikjae , Seong Jinsil 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsThis study was designed to reveal the prognostic significance of dose‐escalated radiotherapy with tomotherapy in local control for spine metastases of primary hepatic tumours.MethodsFrom April 2006 to May 2012, 23 hepatocellular carcinoma patients and 7 intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma patients (total 30 patients, 42 spinal lesions) were treated for metastatic spine lesions with helical tomotherapy (HT). The gross tumour volume (GTV) was defined as a tumour evident from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Median values were as follows: GTV total dose of 48 Gy (range 21–51), fraction size of 6 Gy (range 3–8) and eight fractions (range 3–17). Pain response was checked according to visual analogue scale (from 0 to 10).ResultsThe median follow‐up was 5.6 months. Six events of local failure occurred, including five lesions in which spinal canals were involved at radiotherapy. Local control rate at 3 months was 86.6%. Biological equivalent dose (BED) was correlated with local control (AUC = 0.833). Higher BED (>56.0 Gy10) was associated with increased local control (P = 0.004). The median time to local progression in patients receiving ≤56.0 Gy10 and >56.0 Gy10 were 3 and 20.8 months respectively. Dose escalation (BED > 56.0 Gy10) was also associated with improved progression‐free survival (median 14.7 vs. 2.8 months, P = 0.010). Pain reduction was observed in 90.9% (20/22) of patients with painful bone metastases.ConclusionsDose‐escalated radiotherapy (BED > 56.0 Gy10) using HT improved local control in spinal metastases of hepatic malignancies.
Could pericytic mimicry represent another type of melanoma cell plasticity with embryonic properties?
Authors: Lugassy Claire , Péault Bruno , Wadehra Madhuri , Kleinman Hynda K. , Barnhill Raymond L. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryWe hypothesize that the interaction between angiotropic melanoma cells and the abluminal vascular surface can induce or sustain embryonic and/or stem cell migratory properties in these tumor cells. As a result, such angiotropic melanoma cells may migrate along the abluminal vascular surface, demonstrating pericytic mimicry. Through these cellular interactions, melanoma cells may migrate toward secondary sites.
Dietary Feeding of Opuntia Humifusa Inhibits UVB Radiation‐Induced Carcinogenesis by Reducing Inflammation and Proliferation in Hairless Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Jin‐A , Jung Bock‐Gie , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Lee Su‐Gil , Park Young‐Seok , Lee Bong‐Joo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIt has been validated that ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induced both squamous and basal cell carcinomas, as a tumor initiator and promoter. Opuntia humifusa is a member of the Cactaceae family which has been demonstrated in our previous study to have a chemopreventive effect in 7, 12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate induced skin carcinogenesis models. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the protective effects of O.humifusa against photocarcinogenesis. O. humifusa was administrated to mice as a dietary feeding, following exposure to UVB radiation (180 mJ/cm2) twice a week of 30 weeks for skin tumor development in hairless mice. Dietary O.humifusa inhibited UVB‐induced epidermal hyperplasia, infiltration of leukocytes, level of myeloperoxidase and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐ α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), in UVB exposed skin. Also, O.humifusa significantly inhibited both protein and mRNA expression level of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1 compared to the non‐O.humifusa treated group. Collectively, these results suggest that O.humifusa could inhibit photocarcinogenesis in mouse skin and that protective effect is associated with the inhibition of not only UVB‐induced inflammatory responses involving COX‐2, iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines, but also the down‐regulation of UVB‐induced cellular proliferation.
TheNSAIDs Indomethacin and Diflunisal as Scavengers of Photogenerated Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Purpora Rebeca , Massad Walter , Ferrari Gabriela , Reynoso Eugenia , Criado Susana , Miskoski Sandra , Pajares Adriana , García Norman A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractDiflunisal (DFNS) and Indomethacin (IMTC) are two profusely employed NSAIDs that provide anti‐inflammatory and analgesic effects in humans. The scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by both NSAIDs was systematically studied in pH 7 aqueous solution. The ROS O2(1Δg), O2•−and H2O2, generated by visible light irradiation of Riboflavin (Rf) in the presence of DFNS and IMTC, are deactivated by the NSAIDs. The ROS scavenging action by both NSAIDs constitutes an interesting result and adds one more positive aspect to the beneficial actions attributed to these drugs. Nevertheless it should be taken into account that several NSAIDs, in particular IMTC, have been connected to the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal lesions, which in some cases includes ROS generating‐ability. DFNS quenches ROS in a dominant physical fashion. It constitutes an excellent protective‐antioxidant provided that is practically not destroyed/oxidized after the ROS scavenging action. IMTC, being also an efficient interceptor of ROS, belong to the so‐called group ofsacrificial‐ROS quenchers: It is easily degraded by the oxidative species in the scavenging action. Although this property is negative in the context of prolonged ROS elimination, exhibits a promissory aspect for the degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants, such as NSAIDs, in waste waters.
Destabilization of the Oxygen Evolving Complex of Photosystem II by Al3+
Authors: Hasni Imed , Hamdani Saber , Carpentier Robert 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe inhibitory effect of Al3+ on photosynthetic electron transport was investigated in isolated thylakoid membranes of spinach. A combination of oxygen evolution, chlorophyll fluorescence induction (FI) and decay and thermoluminescence measurements have been used to characterize photosystem II (PSII) electron transport in the presence of this toxic metal cation. Our results show that below 3 mm, Al3+ already caused a destabilization of the Mn4O5Ca cluster of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC). At these concentrations, an increase in the relative amplitude of the first phase (OJ) of FI curve and retardation of the fluorescence decay kinetics following excitation with a single turnover flash were also observed. A transmembrane structural modification of PSII polypeptides due to the interaction of Al3+ at the OEC is proposed to retard electron transfer between the quinones QA and QB. Above 3 mm, Al3+ strongly retarded fluorescence induction and significantly reduced Fv/Fm together with the maximal amplitude of chlorophyll fluorescence induced by a single turnover flash. This chlorophyll fluorescence quenching was attributed to the formation of P680+ due to inhibition of electron transfer between tyrosine 161 of D1 subunit and P680.