bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing group differences in biodiversity by simultaneously testing a user‐defined selection of diversity indices
Authors: Pallmann Philip , Schaarschmidt Frank , Hothorn Ludwig A. , Fischer Christiane , Nacke Heiko , Priesnitz Kai U. , Schork Nicholas J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractComparing diversities between groups is a task biologists are frequently faced with, for example in ecological field trials or when dealing with metagenomics data. However, researchers often waver about which measure of diversity to choose as there is a multitude of approaches available. As Jost (2008, Molecular Ecology, 17, 4015) has pointed out, widely used measures such as the Shannon or Simpson index have undesirable properties which make them hard to compare and interpret. Many of the problems associated with the use of these ‘raw’ indices can be corrected by transforming them into ‘true’ diversity measures. We introduce a technique that allows the comparison of two or more groups of observations and simultaneously tests a user‐defined selection of a number of ‘true’ diversity measures. This procedure yields multiplicity‐adjusted P‐values according to the method of Westfall and Young (1993, Resampling‐Based Multiple Testing: Examples and Methods for p‐Value Adjustment, 49, 941), which ensures that the rate of false positives (type I error) does not rise when the number of groups and/or diversity indices is extended. Software is available in the R package ‘simboot’.
The multi‐kinase inhibitor TG02 overcomes signalling activation by survival factors to deplete MCL1 and XIAP and induce cell death in primary acute myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Pallis Monica , Abdul‐Aziz Amina , Burrows Francis , Seedhouse Claire , Grundy Martin , Russell Nigel 
Published: August 2012

SummmaryThe novel multi‐kinase inhibitor TG02 has selectivity against cell cycle and transcriptional cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) as well as fms‐like tyrosine kinase receptor‐3 (FLT3). Inhibition of transcriptional CDKs preferentially depletes short‐lived proteins such as MCL1. We evaluated the in vitro toxicity of TG02 to primary acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells in the presence of survival signalling pathway activation by cytokines and fibronectin. One hundred nanomolar TG02 induced a median decrease of 40% in bulk cell survival and 43% in the CD34+CD38−CD123+subset. A 90% inhibitory concentration of 500 nmol/l indicated that TG02 toxicity is not halted by protective cell cycle arrest. Samples with FLT3 internal tandem duplication were not preferentially targeted. By flow cytometry, TG02 treatment caused loss of RNA Polymerase II serine 2 phosphorylation in patient samples, which correlated strongly with BAX activation (R2=0·89), suggesting these as potential biomarkers for clinical studies. MCL1 and XIAP expression also decreased. Repeated brief exposure to TG02 in MOLM‐13 cells did not result in compensatory up‐regulation of survival protein expression. In conclusion, TG02 is potently cytotoxic towards CD34+CD38−CD123+ and bulk AML cells, despite protective signalling pathway activation. This antitumour activity is most likely mediated by dephosphorylation of RNA Polymerase II leading to depletion of survival molecules such as MCL1 and XIAP, with subsequent BAX activation and apoptosis.
Phage display generation of a novel human anti‐CD1A monoclonal antibody with potent cytolytic activity
Authors: Bechan Gitanjali I. , Lee David W. , Zajonc Dirk M. , Heckel Diana , Xian Rena , Throsby Mark , van Meijer Marja , Germeraad Wilfred T.V. , Kruisbeek Anna M. , Maarten Egeler R. , Arceci Robert J. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryCD1A is a cell surface protein expressed on Langerhans cells and cortical thymocytes that could potentially be used as an immunotherapeutic target in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), the cortical subtype of T‐cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia (T‐ALL) and other CD1A‐positive tumours. The monoclonal antibody (mAb) CR2113 was selected from a panel of six fully human mAbs isolated from a semi‐synthetic phage display library, based on specificity and avidity against cells expressing CD1 antigen variants. CR2113 recognized CD1A in T‐ALL cell lines and patient samples. Confocal microscopy revealed that the CR2113‐CD1A complex was internalized at 37°C. Furthermore, while CR2113 induced moderate complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), potent antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity was observed against CD1A expressing cell lines as well as T‐ALL cell lines and T‐ALL patient samples. In vivo experiments showed that CR2113 as a naked antibody has modest but specific anti‐tumour activity against CD1A‐expressing tumours. CR2113 is a high‐affinity human anti‐CD1A mAb with significant ADCC activity. These properties make CR2113 a candidate for clinical diagnostic imaging and therapeutic targeting of LCH as well as potential use in other clinical applications.
Novel missense mutations of WNK1 in patients with hypokalemic salt‐losing tubulopathies
Authors: Zhang C , Zhu Y , Huang F , Jiang G , Chang J , Li R 
Published: August 2012

AbstractClinical and genetic studies have suggested that a loss of function and gain of function mutation in the same gene can cause different diseases. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that inactivating mutations in WNK1 (with no K (lysine) protein kinase‐1) or WNK4 could be a new candidate for causing hypokalemic salt‐losing tubulopathy (SLT) in those patients with unknown genetic defects because SLT is the opposite phenotype to pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII). We screened 44 SLTs patients and found that 33 (75%) cases had homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in CLCNKB or SLC12A3. Two novel missense mutations were identified in WNK1, but not in WNK4, in 2 of the remaining 11 patients. The WNK1 mutations occurred in the protein C‐terminus domain, de novo and inherited, respectively. One of these WNK1 mutations was shown to reduce NCC protein membrane expression in vitro because of impairing the suppressive effect of WNK4‐mediated inhibition. Taken together, our findings suggest that inactivating mutations in WNK1 may cause SLT, a phenotype opposite to that of PHAII caused by WNK1 intronic deletion.
Gender disparity of living donor renal transplantation in East China
Authors: Liu Guangxiang , Li Xiaogong , Liu Tieshi , Zhao Xiaozhi , Zhang Shiwei , Wang Junjun , Ji Changwei , Gan Weidong , Guo Hongqian 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGender disparity among living kidney donors is common world wide, which demonstrates different social and economic problems in different countries. However, few data are available for China. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed all 139 living donor renal transplants performed in our center between 2003 and 2010. The annual number of living donor renal transplants increased from six to 26 cases per year during the observation period. Among them, 69.2% of all kidney donors were females, whereas 79.5% of the recipients were male. The average age of recipients was 34.1 ± 7.6 yr and 94% (110/117) were younger than 44 yr. In contrast, 53% (62/117) of all donors were “middle‐aged” (45–59 yr) with an average donor age of 47.8 ± 9.2 yr. The first‐degree relatives accounted for the majority of the donor pool, as the most common donor‐recipient combination consisted of mother to son. In conclusion, there was a male and young preponderance among recipients, and a female and middle‐aged one among donors of living kidney transplants in our transplant center, which might be related to socio‐cultural as well as economic factors.
Differences between clinical specialist and advanced practitioner clinical practice, leadership, and research roles, responsibilities, and perceived outcomes (the SCAPE study)
Authors: Begley Cecily , Elliott Naomi , Lalor Joan , Coyne Imelda , Higgins Agnes , Comiskey Catherine M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimTo report a study designed comparing the roles, responsibilities, and perceived outcomes of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Clinical Midwife Specialists, and Advanced Nurse Practitioners in Ireland.BackgroundA clinical career pathway that encompasses progression from staff nurse or midwife through clinical specialist to advanced practitioner level was introduced in Ireland in 2000. Such roles are common internationally, but little evaluation has been conducted and few comparisons have been made between roles.DesignA mixed‐method case‐study design was used.MethodsFollowing Research Ethics Committee Approval, data were collected in 2009–2010, using non‐participant observation (92 hours) of 23 Clinical Specialists and Advanced Practitioners, interviews with 21 clinicians and 13 Directors of Nursing or Midwifery. A survey was completed by 154 service‐users.ResultsA clear difference was seen between Clinical Specialist and Advanced Practitioners, with advanced practice roles providing improved service delivery, greater clinical and professional leadership, increased research, and a clear governance and accreditation structure. Clinical Midwife Specialists were rated at a similar level to Advanced Nurse Practitioners for certain aspects and rated more highly for ‘continuity of care and carer’.ConclusionAdvanced Practitioners do give a higher level of care, particularly at a strategic level. Existing Clinical Specialists should therefore be encouraged to develop their skills and education to achieve advanced practice level and more specialist and advanced practice posts should be instituted.
Minimizing the risk of intrusion: a grounded theory of intimate partner violence disclosure in emergency departments
Authors: Catallo Cristina , Jack Susan M. , Ciliska Donna , MacMillan Harriet L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimsTo report a study of processes used by women to disclose intimate partner violence to healthcare professionals in urban emergency department settings.BackgroundWomen seek emergency care for impairment related to intimate partner violence yet face barriers non‐judgmental and supportive care.DesignA two‐phase sequential explanatory mixed methods study.MethodsThe study was conducted in Ontario, Canada (May 2006–December 2007). In a sub‐analysis of quantitative data with 1182 participants, 15% of women patients reported intimate partner violence, but only 2% disclosed to a healthcare professional. To understand these results, grounded theory with 19 participants was completed.Results/findingsParticipants identified that the basic social problem was the violence ‘being found out’ by healthcare professionals while receiving care. To address this problem, women undertook a process to minimize intrusion including: deciding to seek care, evaluating the level of trust with the presenting healthcare professional, and establishing personal readiness to disclose. The trajectory of this process was different for each participant with some negotiating all phases leading to violence disclosure. The length of time it took for participants to move through each phase varied across all participants. Common to all participants was the anticipation and the actual experience of intrusion and its influence on women's willingness to disclose intimate partner violence.ConclusionThe results suggest nurses may be able to facilitate disclosure of intimate partner violence through limiting intrusion. This can include assessment in a private setting, and fewer professionals who interact with the client.
Instrument translation and initial psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Self‐Management of Type 1 Diabetes for Adolescents scale
Authors: Guo Jia , Dixon Jane K. , Whittemore Robin , He Guo‐Ping 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimTo translate the validated measure, Self‐Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Adolescents, into the Mandarin Chinese language and to test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version.BackgroundAlthough research on self‐management of Type 1 diabetes has been increasing over the past 20 years, few health‐related instruments have been available in the Chinese language for youth with Type 1 diabetes.DesignA two‐phase design was used in this study, including instrument translation and psychometric testing.MethodsThe instrument translation, from October 2008–April 2009, included three steps: forward translation, back translation, and comparison of versions via Translation Validity Index – with multiple rounds, group discussion, and achievement of consensus at each step. Psychometric properties of the Chinese version Schilling's Self‐Management of Type 1 Diabetes for Adolescents scale was assessed in a convenience sample of 136 Chinese youth (ages 8–19) with Type 1 diabetes between June 2009–August 2009.ResultsThe internal consistency and test–retest reliabilities indicated generally good consistency and temporal stability of the Chinese version. Evidence of construct validity and criterion‐related validity was obtained via correlations of subscales with established measures of diabetes adherence and quality of life and also with haemoglobin A1c. Results from hypothesis testing also supported construct validity.ConclusionThe Chinese version of Self‐Management of Type 1 Diabetes for Adolescents scale is sound and will facilitate cross‐cultural studies, while also enabling nurses to monitor and enhance the diabetes self‐management of Chinese youth with Type 1 diabetes.
A randomized controlled trial of the effects of listening to non‐commercial music on quality of nocturnal sleep and relaxation indices in patients in medical intensive care unit
Authors: Su Chiu‐Ping , Lai Hui‐Ling , Chang En‐Ting , Yiin Lih‐Ming , Perng Shoa‐Jen , Chen Pin‐Wen 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimThe purpose was to examine the effects of non‐commercial music on quality of sleep and relaxation indices, including heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory rate in patients in intensive care units.BackgroundThere is currently insufficient scientific knowledge for the effects of music on quality of sleep in critically ill patients.DesignA randomized controlled trial.MethodsBetween January–December 2010, 28 patients aged 39–78 years were randomly assigned to music and control groups. Participants in the music groups listened to non‐commercial music for 45 minutes at nocturnal sleep time. In the control group, participants slept with no music. Participants were assessed using vital signs monitors, standardized questionnaire, and polysomnography. Polysomnography sleep was recorded for the first 2 hours of the nocturnal sleep. General estimating equation was applied to analyse data.FindingsParticipants in the music group had shorter stage N2 sleep and longer stage N3 sleep in the first 2 hours of the nocturnal sleep and improved self‐reported sleep quality, compared with those in the control group. The music group patients also had significantly lower heart rates than those in the control group. The intensive care units patients experienced fragmented sleep with a high frequency of awakenings and severe reduction in random eye movement sleep during the first 2 hours of the nocturnal sleep.ConclusionThe findings provided evidence for nurses to use soothing music as a research‐based nursing intervention for intensive care unit patients' sleep improvement.
Stress and stressors in the clinical environment: a comparative study of fourth‐year student nurses and newly qualified general nurses in Ireland
Authors: Suresh Patricia , Matthews Anne , Coyne Imelda 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To measure and compare the perceived levels of job‐related stress and stressors of newly qualified nurses and fourth‐year student nurses in the clinical environment and to explore the participants’ views on stress and stressors.Background.  Stress in the nursing workplace has significant consequences for the person, the patient and the organisation, such as psychological and physical health deterioration and impaired professional practice. To address this problem, stress and stressors need to be measured and identified.Design.  This study used a cross‐sectional survey design and self‐reporting questionnaires to measure and compare levels of stress in both groups. Convenience sampling involved all newly qualified nurses (n = 120) and fourth‐year student nurses (n = 128) in Dublin North‐East region in Ireland.Methods.  The instrument used was ‘The Nursing Stress Scale’ (Gray‐Toft & Anderson 1981, Journal of Behavioral Assessment3, 11–23). Descriptive, qualitative analysis was conducted on an open‐ended question. Data were obtained from newly qualified nurses (n = 31) and fourth‐year student nurses (n = 40) in six acute hospital sites.Results.  Levels of perceived stress and stressors were high in both groups. Themes identified from the responses to the open question by both groups included excessive workload, difficult working relationships and unmet clinical learning needs. Student nurses also reported the combination of academic demands with clinical placement as a major stressor. There was no significant difference between each group.Conclusion.  Stress continues to be a problem for nurses in the clinical setting. Excessive workload requires urgent attention by hospital managers in view of widespread retention difficulties. Themes identified could provide a framework for possible interventions for improving the clinical environment for nurses.Relevance to clinical practice.  These results can help stakeholders in nurse education and practice to develop interventions to reduce stress for both groups and to ease the transition from student to graduate nurse.
Enuresis – children’s predictions of their treatment’s progress and outcomes
Authors: Ronen Tammie , Hamama Liat , Rosenbaum Michael 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To investigate how nurses can use children’s ability to predict treatment outcomes as a possible feature contributing to successful therapeutic processes targeting enuresis.Background.  Prediction of outcomes was viewed both as a self‐efficacy component or belief (based on self‐efficacy theory), and also as a skill for actually influencing change.Design.  The study was conducted in a mental health community center, located in a large city in central Israel, which was well known for treatment of children with enuresis. For the purpose of the study, the children and their parents completed three questionnaires and underwent training to maintain bedwetting records.Methods.  The study compared three groups of children aged 8–14 years who: made predictions only at baseline (n = 32), predicted progress every week during treatment (n = 38), or did not use prediction at all (n = 31).Results.  Findings pinpointed the role of practice in improving predictions. Children who predicted weekly showed the highest congruence with outcomes.Relevance to clinical practice.  Based on self‐efficacy, skills acquisition, and learning and training in the change process, nurses may help children overcome enuresis.
Guidelines for preventing urinary retention and bladder damage during hospital care
Authors: Johansson Rose‐Marie , Malmvall Bo‐Eric , Andersson‐Gäre Boel , Larsson Bruno , Erlandsson Ingrid , Sund‐Levander Märta , Rensfelt Gunhild , Mölstad Sigvard , Christensson Lennart 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To develop evidence‐based guidelines for adult patients in order to prevent urinary retention and to minimise bladder damage and urinary tract infection.Background.  Urinary retention causing bladder damage is a well known complication in patients during hospital care. The most common treatment for urinary retention is an indwelling urinary catheter, which causes 80% of hospital‐acquired urinary tract infections. Appropriate use of bladder ultrasonography can reduce the rate of bladder damage as well as the need to use an indwelling urinary catheter. It can also lead to a decrease in the rate of urinary tract infections, a lower risk of spread of multiresistant Gram‐negative bacteria, and lower hospital costs.Design.  An expert group was established, and a literature review was performed.Methods.  On the basis of literature findings and consensus in the expert group, guidelines for clinical situations were constructed.Results.  The main points of the guidelines are the following: identification of risk factors for urinary retention, managing patients at risk of urinary retention, strategies for patients with urinary retention and patient documentation and information.Conclusion.  Using literature review and consensus technique based on a multiprofessional group of experts, evidence‐based guidelines have been developed. Although consensus was reached, there are parts of the guidelines where the knowledge is weak.Relevance to clinical practice.  These guidelines are designed to be easy to use in clinical work and could be an important step towards minimising bladder damage and hospital‐acquired urinary tract infections and their serious consequences, such as bacteraemia and the spread of multidrug‐resistant bacteria in hospitals.
Sex‐specific estimates of dispersal show female philopatry and male dispersal in a promiscuous amphibian, the alpine salamander (Salamandra atra)
Authors: Helfer V. , Broquet T. , Fumagalli L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAmphibians display wide variations in life‐history traits and life cycles that should prove useful to explore the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal, but quantitative data on sex‐specific dispersal patterns are scarce. Here, we focused onSalamandra atra, an endemic alpine species showing peculiar life‐history traits. Strictly terrestrial and viviparous, the species has a promiscuous mating system, and females reproduce only every 3 to 4 years. In the present study, we provide quantitative estimates of asymmetries in male vs. female dispersal using both field‐based (mark–recapture) and genetic approaches (detection of sex‐biased dispersal and estimates of migration rates based on the contrast in genetic structure across sexes and age classes). Our results revealed a high level of gene flow among populations, which stems exclusively from male dispersal. We hypothesize that philopatric females benefit from being familiar with their natal area for the acquisition and defence of an appropriate shelter, while male dispersal has been secondarily favoured by inbreeding avoidance. Together with other studies on amphibians, our results indicate that a species' mating system alone is a poor predictor of sex‐linked differences in dispersal, in particular for promiscuous species. Further studies should focus more directly on the proximate forces that favour or limit dispersal to refine our understanding of the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal in animals.