bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and feasibility of a home-based education model for families of children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Hoyt Drazen Catherine , Abel Regina , Lindsey Terianne , King Allison A 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundChildren with sickle cell disease (SCD) commonly have cognitive deficits, even among toddlers. Much medical literature emphasizes disease-based factors to account for these deficits. However, the social environment plays a large role in child development. To address the specific needs of early childhood, a monthly hospital-based education program was initiated to educate parents about child development. Education sessions were poorly attended (20-25%) and deemed unsuccessful. This study describes the development and implementation of a home-based education service to teach parents about SCD, developmental milestones and positive parenting techniques.MethodsThis was a prospective, single-arm intervention to study the feasibility of a home-based caregiver education program for families with infants and toddlers with SCD. Parents of children aged 0-3 years with SCD from one Midwestern hospital were approached to participate in a home-based program. The program followed the Born to Learn™ curriculum provided through the Parents as Teachers™ National Center. Reminder calls or texts were provided the day before each visit. Results of the first twenty-six months of the program are presented.ResultsA total of 62% (56 of 91) of families approached agreed to participate; all were African American. The majority of caregivers were single mothers with a high school education or less and whose children had Medicaid for health coverage. The phenotypes of SCD represented in this sample were similar to those in the general SCD population. Over 26 months, 39 families received at least one home visit. Parents of infants (younger than 8 months) were more likely to participate in the home-based education program than parents of older children, (Fisher’s exact test, p < .001).ConclusionsFor participating families, home-based visits were a feasible method for reinforcing clinic education. About 43% of eligible families participated in the education, a two-fold increase in the poor attendance (20%) for a previous hospital-based program. A home visitation program for parents of infants with SCD could offer an effective approach to helping these children overcome adverse environmental conditions that are compounded by the complexities of a chronic health condition.
Structure to function prediction of hypothetical protein KPN_00953 (Ycbk) from Klebsiella pneumoniae MGH 78578 highlights possible role in cell wall metabolism
Authors: Teh Boon Aun , Choi Sy Bing , Musa Nasihah , Ling Few Ling , Cun See Too Wei , Salleh Abu Bakar , Najimudin Nazalan , Wahab Habibah A , Normi Yahaya M 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae plays a major role in causing nosocomial infection in immunocompromised patients. Medical inflictions by the pathogen can range from respiratory and urinary tract infections, septicemia and primarily, pneumonia. As more K. pneumoniae strains are becoming highly resistant to various antibiotics, treatment of this bacterium has been rendered more difficult. This situation, as a consequence, poses a threat to public health. Hence, identification of possible novel drug targets against this opportunistic pathogen need to be undertaken. In the complete genome sequence of K. pneumoniae MGH 78578, approximately one-fourth of the genome encodes for hypothetical proteins (HPs). Due to their low homology and relatedness to other known proteins, HPs may serve as potential, new drug targets.

Results
Sequence analysis on the HPs of K. pneumoniae MGH 78578 revealed that a particular HP termed KPN_00953 (YcbK) contains a M15_3 peptidases superfamily conserved domain. Some members of this superfamily are metalloproteases which are involved in cell wall metabolism. BLASTP similarity search on KPN_00953 (YcbK) revealed that majority of the hits were hypothetical proteins although two of the hits suggested that it may be a lipoprotein or related to twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway important for transport of proteins to the cell membrane and periplasmic space. As lipoproteins and other components of the cell wall are important pathogenic factors, homology modeling of KPN_00953 was attempted to predict the structure and function of this protein. Three-dimensional model of the protein showed that its secondary structure topology and active site are similar with those found among metalloproteases where two His residues, namely His169 and His209 and an Asp residue, Asp176 in KPN_00953 were found to be Zn-chelating residues. Interestingly, induced expression of the cloned KPN_00953 gene in lipoprotein-deficient E. coli JE5505 resulted in smoother cells with flattened edges. Some cells showed deposits of film-like material under scanning electron microscope.

Conclusions
We postulate that KPN_00953 is a Zn metalloprotease and may play a role in bacterial cell wall metabolism. Structural biology studies to understand its structure, function and mechanism of action pose the possibility of utilizing this protein as a new drug target against K. pneumoniae in the future.
Sodium glucose cotransporter 1 ligand BLF501 as a novel tool for management of gastrointestinal mucositis
Authors: Cardani Diego , Sardi Claudia , La Ferla Barbara , D’Orazio Giuseppe , Sommariva Michele , Marcucci Fabrizio , Olivero Daniela , Tagliabue Elda , Koepsell Hermann , Nicotra Francesco , Balsari Andrea , Rumio Cristiano 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Recent studies demonstrated that engagement of sodium glucose transporter 1 (SGLT-1) by orally administered D-glucose protects the intestinal mucosa from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury. We tested whether SGLT-1 engagement might protect the intestinal mucosa from doxorubicin (DXR)- and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced injury in animal models mimicking acute or chronic mucositis.

Methods
Mice were treated intraperitoneally with DXR, alone or in combination with 5-FU, and orally with BLF501, a glucose-derived synthetic compound with high affinity for SGLT-1. Intestinal mucosal epithelium integrity was assessed by histological analysis, cellular proliferation assays, real-time PCR gene expression assays and Western blot assays. Student’s t-test (paired two-tailed) and χ2 analyses were used for comparisons between groups. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.

Results
BLF501 administration in mice treated with DXR and/or 5-FU decreased the injuries to the mucosa in terms of epithelial integrity and cellular proliferative ability. Co-treatment with BLF501 led to a normal expression and distribution of both zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and beta-catenin, which were underexpressed after treatment with either chemotherapeutic agent alone. BLF501 administration also restored normal expression of caspase-3 and ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM), which were overexpressed after treatment with DXR and 5-FU. In SGLT1-/- mice, BLF501 had no detectable effects. BLF501 administration in wild-type mice with growing A431 tumors did not modify antitumor activity of DXR.

Conclusions
BLF501-induced protection of the intestinal mucosa is a promising novel therapeutic approach to reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis.
Pilot trial of Stop Delirium! (PiTStop) - a complex intervention to prevent delirium in care homes for older people: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Heaven Anne , Cheater Francine , Clegg Andrew , Collinson Michelle , Farrin Amanda , Forster Anne , Godfrey Mary , Graham Liz , Grice Anne , Holt Rachel , Hulme Claire , Lloyd Ernie , Meads David , North Chris , Young John , Siddiqi Najma 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Delirium (or acute confusion) is a serious illness common in older people, in which a person’s thinking and perceptions may be affected. Reducing delirium is important because of the considerable distress it causes, and the poor outcomes associated with it, such as increased admissions to hospital, falls, mortality and costs to the National Health Service (NHS). Preventing delirium is possible using multicomponent interventions; successful interventions in hospitals have reduced it by one-third. However, there is little research to guide practice in care homes, where it is common because of the clustering of known risk factors (older age, frailty, and dementia). In previous work we developed a multicomponent intervention to prevent delirium in care homes, called Stop Delirium! The intervention was based upon evidence from the research literature relating to the prevention of delirium and on strategies to change professional practice. Before starting a large costly trial of Stop Delirium!, this pilot study will test and help improve the design and feasibility of the trial protocol.

Methods/Design
We plan to conduct a cluster randomised pilot trial in 14 care homes (independent residential and nursing). Following recruitment of residents (over 60 years, consenting or with consultee agreement, able to communicate in English, and not in palliative care) participating homes will be randomised, stratified by size of home and proportion of residents with dementia. Stop Delirium! will be delivered to intervention homes over 16 months, with controls receiving usual care. The primary outcome measure will be the presence of delirium on any day during a one-month post-intervention period.
We will collect data to determine 1) recruitment and attrition rates, 2) feasibility of various outcomes measurements, and 3) feasibility of capturing health resource use (resident diaries and by examining health records). We will estimate the between-cluster variation for the primary outcome, delirium occurrence.

Discussion
This pilot study will refine methods for the definitive trial. The lessons learnt will also contribute to implementing National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) delirium guidelines, which recommend multicomponent interventions for delirium prevention.

Trial registration

ISRCTN27972532.
The effect of bone allografts combined with bone marrow stromal cells on the healing of segmental bone defects in a sheep model
Authors: Fernandes Marco Bernardo C , Guimarães João Antônio Matheus , Casado Priscila Ladeira , Cavalcanti Amanda dos Santos , Gonçalves Natalia N , Ambrósio Carlos E , Rodrigues Fernando , Pinto Ana Carolina F , Miglino Maria Angélica , Duarte Maria Eugênia L 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The repair of large bone defects is a major orthopedic challenge because autologous bone grafts are not available in large amounts and because harvesting is often associated with donor-site morbidity. Considering that bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) are responsible for the maintenance of bone turnover throughout life, we investigated bone repair at a site of a critically sized segmental defect in sheep tibia treated with BMSCs loaded onto allografts. The defect was created in the mid-portion of the tibial diaphysis of eight adult sheep, and the sheep were treated with ex-vivo expanded autologous BMSCs isolated from marrow aspirates and loaded onto cortical allografts (n = 4). The treated sheep were compared with control sheep that had been treated with cell-free allografts (n = 4) obtained from donors of the same breed as the receptor sheep.

Results
The healing response was monitored by radiographs monthly and by computed tomography and histology at six, ten, fourteen, and eighteen weeks after surgery. For the cell-loaded allografts, union was established more rapidly at the interface between the host bone and the allograft, and the healing process was more conspicuous. Remodeling of the allograft was complete at 18 weeks in the cell-treated animals. Histologically, the marrow cavity was reestablished, with intertrabecular spaces being filled with adipose marrow and with evidence of focal hematopoiesis.

Conclusions
Allografts cellularized with AOCs (allografts of osteoprogenitor cells) can generate great clinical outcomes to noncellularized allografts to consolidate, reshape, structurally and morphologically reconstruct bone and bone marrow in a relatively short period of time. These features make this strategy very attractive for clinical use in orthopedic bioengineering.
Ruptured subscapular artery aneurysm and subclavian artery occlusion in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis: a case report
Authors: Moreau Antoine , Joskin Julien , Kreutz Julie , Nchimi Alain 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Collateral muscular artery aneurysm is exceedingly rare. We report the first case of subscapular artery aneurysm in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis and ipsilateral chronic subclavian artery occlusion.

Case presentation
A 74-year-old Caucasian woman with a medical history of type 1 neurofibromatosis, presented a sudden left pectoral mass, later diagnosed as a ruptured aneurysm of the left subscapular artery. It was caused by a chronic occlusion of the left subclavian artery, diagnosed on angiographies prior to embolization.

Conclusions
Collateral artery aneurysm in the event of a mainstream muscular artery chronic occlusion may occur in type 1 neurofibromatosis.
Management of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome: a review
Authors: Hunt Leanne , Frost Steve A , Hillman Ken , Newton Phillip J , Davidson Patricia M 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk of developing of intra abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).
Aim: This review seeks to define IAH and ACS, identify the aetiology and presentation of IAH and ACS, identify IAP measurement techniques, identify current management and discuss the implications of IAH and ACS for nursing practice. A search of the electronic databases was supervised by a health librarian. The electronic data bases Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); Medline, EMBASE, and the World Wide Web was undertaken from 1996- January 2011 using MeSH and key words which included but not limited to: abdominal compartment syndrome, intra -abdominal hypertension, intra-abdominal pressure in adult populations met the search criteria and were reviewed by three authors using a critical appraisal tool. Data derived from the retrieved material are discussed under the following themes: (1) etiology of intra-abdominal hypertension; (2) strategies for measuring intra-abdominal pressure (3) the manifestation of abdominal compartment syndrome; and (4) the importance of nursing assessment, observation and interventions. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have the potential to alter organ perfusion and compromise organ function.
Respiratory viruses within homeless shelters in Marseille, France
Authors: Thiberville Simon-djamel , Salez Nicolas , Benkouiten Samir , Badiaga Sekene , Charrel Remi , Brouqui Philippe 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Homeless shelters are identified as places where humans are at high risk of acquiring respiratory disease. We previously reported the prevalence of the main respiratory diseases affecting a population of homeless in Marseille, France. Here, we investigated the prevalence of 10 respiratory viruses in a similar homeless population during 2 successive winter seasons.

Findings
Following a clinical examination, we collected nasal specimens from which the RT-PCR detection of 10 respiratory viruses was performed through snapshot investigations. Among the 265 patients included, 150 (56.6%) reported at least one respiratory symptom of which 13 (8.7%) had positive swabs for at least one respiratory virus, and 115 patients reported any respiratory symptom of which 10 (8.7%) had positive swabs for respiratory virus. Overall, 23 patients had positive swabs for at least one respiratory virus. Human rhinovirus (HRV) was the predominant virus (13 isolates) followed by enteroviruses (3), human metapneumovirus (2), human coronavirus OC43 (2), 229E virus (2) and human respiratory syncytial virus subtype B (1). Among the patients infected with HRV, 10 were collected during the same snapshot.

Conclusions
Although one half of the patients reported respiratory symptoms, the prevalence of respiratory viruses was within the range of that previously described in adult asymptomatic patients outside the homeless community. Most HRV-positive swabs were collected during the same snapshot suggesting a local outbreak. No influenza viruses were found despite the fact that one half of the patients were investigated during the peak of the seasonal influenza epidemic in Marseille.
Coupling groundwater modeling and biological indicators for identifying river/aquifer exchanges
Authors: Graillot Didier , Paran Frédéric , Bornette Gudrun , Marmonier Pierre , Piscart Christophe , Cadilhac Laurent 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Future climate changes and the resulting modifications in anthropogenic activities will alter the interactions between rivers and groundwater. The quantification of these hydraulic interactions is absolutely necessary for achieving sustainable water use and requires accurate analytical methodologies. This report proposes an interdisciplinary approach to the quantitative and qualitative characterization of hydraulic interactions between rivers and shallow aquifers, wherein it outlines the advantages of coupling groundwater modeling with biological markers. As a first step, we built independent diagnostic maps of hydrological exchanges at the sector scale on the basis of hydrogeological modeling and biological indicators. In a second step, these maps were compared to provide a quantitative and qualitative understanding of exchanges between groundwater and surface water. This comparison significantly improved the calibration of groundwater models through a better assessment of boundary zones. Our approach enabled us to identify the conditions under which it could be possible to use biological indicators instead of a large set of piezometric measures. The integration of such combined tools in a future decision support system will assist governmental authorities in proposing appropriate long-term water policies for the preservation of groundwater resources, such as for supplying potable water and/or mitigating pollution risks.
Prothrombin complex concentrates and a specific antidote to dabigatran are effective ex-vivo in reversing the effects of dabigatran in an anticoagulation/liver trauma experimental model
Authors: Grottke Oliver , van Ryn Joanne , Spronk Henri MH , Rossaint Rolf 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Introduction
New oral anticoagulants are effective alternatives to warfarin. However, no specific reversal agents are available for life-threatening bleeding or emergency surgery. Using a porcine model of trauma, this study assessed the ability of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), activated PCC (aPCC), recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) and a specific antidote to dabigatran (aDabi-Fab) to reverse the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran.

Methods
Dabigatran etexilate (DE) was given orally for 3 days (30 mg/kg bid) and intravenously on day 4 to achieve consistent, supratherapeutic concentrations of dabigatran. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after oral DE, after intravenous dabigatran, and 60 minutes post-injury. PCC (30 and 60 U/kg), aPCC (30 and 60 U/kg), rFVIIa (90 and 180 μg/kg) and antidote (60 and 120 mg/kg) were added to blood samples ex-vivo. Coagulation was assessed by thromboelastometry, global coagulation assays and diluted thrombin time.

Results
Plasma concentrations of dabigatran were 380 ± 106 ng/ml and 1423 ± 432 ng/ml after oral and intravenous administration, respectively, and all coagulation parameters were affected by dabigatran. Both PCCs and aDabi-Fab, but not rFVIIa, reversed the effects of dabigatran on thromboelastometry parameters and prothrombin time. In contrast, aPTT was only normalised by aDabi-Fab. Plasma concentration (activity) of dabigatran remained elevated after PCC and rFVIIa therapy, but was not measureable after aDabi-Fab.

Conclusion
In conclusion, PCC and aPCC were effective in reducing the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran under different conditions, while aDabi-Fab fully corrected all coagulation measures and decreased the plasma concentration of dabigatran below the limit of detection. No significant effects were observed with rFVIIa.
Involvement of fibrinolytic regulators in adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells induced by glycated LDL and to aorta from diabetic mice
Authors: Zhao Ruozhi , Ren Song , Moghadasain Mohammed H , Rempel Julia D , Shen Garry X 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDiabetes mellitus accelerates the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Monocyte adhesion is an early cellular event of atherogenesis. Elevated levels of glyLDL were common in diabetic patients. Our previous studies indicated that HSF1 and p22-phox (a subunit of the NOX complex) were involved in glyLDL-induced up-regulation of PAI-1 in vascular EC. The present study demonstrated that glyLDL significantly increased the adhesion of monocytes to the surface of cultured human umbilical vein or PAEC. Transfection of siRNA for PAI-1, p22-phox, or HSF1 in EC prevented glyLDL-induced monocyte adhesion to EC. uPA siRNA increased monocyte adhesion to EC. Exogenous uPA reduced monocyte adhesion induced by glyLDL or uPA siRNA. Exogenous PAI-1 restored monocyte adhesion to EC inhibited by PAI-1 siRNA or uPA. GlyLDL-induced monocyte adhesion to EC was inhibited by treatment of EC with RAP, an antagonist for LRP, and enhanced by uPAR antibody. The adhesion of monocytes to aorta from leptin db/db diabetic mice was significantly greater than to that from control mice, which was associated with elevated contents of PAI-1, uPA, p22-phox, and HSF1 in hearts of db/db mice. The results suggest that oxidative stress and fibrinolytic regulators (PAI-1, uPA, and uPAR) are implicated in the modulation of glyLDL-induced monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium, which may play a crucial role in vascular inflammation under diabetes-associated metabolic disorder.
Industrial Enterprises Competitiveness in the Context оf World Economic Relations
Authors: Развязнев  , Razvyaznev I. 
Published: February 2014

The paper concerns the following issues: features of economic development
in the last quarter of XXth century; dynamics of competitive environment;
factors of competitiveness and directions for strategic development of enterprises
in the priority industries. Ways to boost competitiveness, tailored specifically
for this country, are outlined and relevant legislation is analyzed. Urgency of
the presented research is conditioned by the fact that after Russia has acceded
to the WTO, competition at the national and foreign markets has become even
more aggravated.
Low Cost-Effectiveness of the Russian Economy. Dynamic Models of Development
Authors: Худяков  , Khudyakov S. , Кулаго  , Kulago A. , Мерзликин  , Merzlikin V. , Красс  , Krass Maksim 
Published: February 2014

The following national income dynamics models are considered: Keynes model
and modified Keynes model, which takes into account expenditure factor of
the Russian economy. It is shown, that high public expenditures and low
cost-effectiveness of economy can move the economy towards the degradation
stage (bifurcation point of the differential equation solution), that can cause
the need for significant external borrowings. Major causes of high costs in
the Russian economy are indicated. The key economic strategy provisions
that can enable the Russian economy to make transition to the sustainable
development path are considered.