bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lupus anticoagulant detection: out of control?
Authors: Moore G. W. , Brown K. L. , Bromidge E. S. , Drew A. J. , Ledford‐Kraemer M. R. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIntroductionExpert guidelines indicate that normalised ratios are preferred to clotting times for lupus anticoagulant (LA) assays to mitigate analytical variation. We investigated the effects of deriving normalised ratios from the reference interval (RI) mean or different normal pooled plasmas (NPP).MethodsScreen, confirm and mixing tests for dilute Russell's viper venom time and APTT were converted to normalised ratios and interpreted for LA.ResultsOf 1000 clinical samples, 824 generated identical interpretations using RI mean or NPP‐derived ratios and 57 identified LAs in one or both assays via either denominator. Separate RIs were applied for normalised ratios derived from the NPP or RI mean. Applying percentage correction index (PCI) to screen and confirm assays irrespective of screen elevation increased agreement to 92.5%. Two frozen and one lyophilised NPP were then used to derive ratios for 204 samples and 130 generated identical interpretations with all NPPs, 14 had overall interpretation parity and 19 overall agreement via PCI, giving 79.9% overall agreement. The results derived from each NPP were interpreted against RIs derived from RI means to reflect differences resulting from NPPs with clotting times dissimilar to RI means.ConclusionsDisparities were largely a function of closeness of NPP clotting times to test RI means and not owing to clotting factor level differences and likely related to manufacturing variables. Diagnostic benefit of normalised ratios can be maximised by matching NPP values to RI means. If RI mean is employed, and it likely requires re‐establishing with new reagent batches.
The role of aggressions suffered by healthcare workers as predictors of burnout
Authors: Gascon Santiago , Leiter Michael P , Andrés Eva , Santed Miguel A , Pereira Joao P , Cunha María J , Albesa Agustín , Montero‐Marín Jesus , García‐Campayo Javier , Martínez‐Jarreta Begoña 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To examine the prevalence of aggression against healthcare professionals and to determine the possible impact that violent episodes have on healthcare professionals in terms of loss of enthusiasm and involvement towards work. The objective was to analyse the percentage of occupational assault against professionals’ aggression in different types of healthcare services, differentiating between physical and verbal aggression as a possible variable in detecting burnout in doctors and nursing professionals.Background.  Leiter and Maslach have explored a double process model of burnout not only based on exhaustion by overload, but also based on personal and organisational value conflicts (community, rewards or values). Moreover, Whittington has obtained conclusive results about the possible relationship between violence and burnout in mental health nurses.Design.  A retrospective study was performed in three hospitals and 22 primary care centres in Spain (n = 1·826).Methods.  Through different questionnaires, we have explored the relationship between aggression suffered by healthcare workers and burnout.Results.  Eleven percent of respondents had been physically assaulted on at least one occasion, whilst 34·4% had suffered threats and intimidation on at least one occasion and 36·6% had been subjected to insults. Both forms of violence, physical and non‐physical aggression, showed significant correlations with symptoms of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and inefficacy).Conclusions.  The survey showed evidence of a double process: (1) by which excess workload helps predict burnout, and (2) by which a mismatch in the congruence of values, or interpersonal conflict, contributes in a meaningful way to each of the dimensions of burnout, adding overhead to the process of exhaustion–cynicism–lack of realisation.Relevance to clinical practice.  Studies indicate that health professionals are some of the most exposed to disorders steaming from psychosocial risks and a high comorbidity: anxiety, depression, etc. There is a clear need for accurate instruments of evaluation to detect not only the burnout but also the areas that cause it. Professional exhaustion caused by aggression or other factors can reflect a deterioration in the healthcare relationship.
Development of a tool to describe the role of the clinical nurse consultant in Australia
Authors: Fry Margaret , Duffield Christine , Baldwin Richard , Roche Michael , Stasa Helen , Solman Annette 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives. To develop a tool for defining and measuring the role characteristics and responsibilities of an advanced practice nursing role in Australia.Background. Internationally, there is considerable confusion about the precise role responsibilities of advanced practice nursing positions. In Australia, the clinical nurse consultant is an advanced practice role with five nominated domains of practice. However, there are no tools for measuring the performance of clinical nurse consultants against the listed domains.Design and methods. Participants were 56 clinical nurse consultants at a tertiary public hospital. The existing literature, an online survey, and position descriptions were used to generate the a priori themes for the initial template. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted (in 2010) to test the template characteristics. The template underwent multiple iterations in its development.Results. A 50‐item tool was devised, which consisted of five domains with a ten‐point hierarchical scale within each domain. In preliminary testing, the revised template was found to provide greater clarity regarding roles and grades than the original position descriptions.Conclusions. Further testing and refinement of the modified rating scale is needed, but it offers the possibility of a new tool that can be used by health service managers to determine the grade of a clinical nurse consultant position and for evaluating role performance.Relevance to clinical practice. This preliminary study suggests that the tool provides a useful means of measuring advanced nursing practice and responsibilities across different domains and levels of appointment. The tool may be able to be adapted for use with other advanced practice nursing roles both within Australia and internationally.
Recruitment of neural precursor cells from circumventricular organs of patients with cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Sanin V. , Heeß C. , Kretzschmar H. A. , Schüller U. 
Published: September 2012

AimsAdult neurogenesis is well described in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle walls and in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. However, recent studies indicate that self‐renewal of neural stem cells (NSCs) is not restricted to these niches, but that diverse areas of the adult brain are capable of generating new neurones and responding to various pathological alterations. In particular, NSCs have been identified in circumventricular organs (CVOs) of the adult mouse brain.MethodsIn order to detect possible neural stem or progenitor cells in CVOs of the human brain, we analysed post mortem human brain tissue from patients without neuropathological changes (n = 16) and brains from patients with ischaemic stroke (n = 16).ResultsIn all analysed CVOs (area postrema, median eminence, pineal gland and neurohypophysis) we observed cells with expression of early NSC markers, such as GFAP, nestin, vimentin, OLIG2 and PSA‐NCAM, with some of them coexpressing Ki67 as a marker of cell proliferation. Importantly, stroke patients displayed an up to fivefold increase with respect to the relative number of Ki67‐ and OLIG2‐expressing cells within their CVOs.ConclusionsOur findings are compatible with a scenario where CVOs may serve as a further source of NSCs in the adult human brain and may contribute to neurogenesis and brain plasticity in the context of brain injury.
Clinical and immunophenotypic features of atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome
Authors: Vu Quang Van , Wada Taizo , Toma Tomoko , Tajima Hanako , Maeda Miho , Tanaka Risa , Oh‐ishi Tsutomu , Yachie Akihiro 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundDiGeorge syndrome is a congenital malformation characterized by variable defects of the thymus, heart and parathyroid glands. Athymic patients are classified as exhibiting complete DiGeorge syndrome. Some of these patients may also exhibit oligoclonal T‐cell expansion, generalized rash and lymphadenopathy at some point after birth. This rare condition is known as atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome, resembles Omenn syndrome, and has not been fully characterized.MethodsThe clinical and immunophenotypic features of atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome were assessed in two affected Japanese infants. T‐cell receptor (TCR) Vβ repertoire was analyzed on flow cytometry and complementarity‐determining region 3 spectratyping.ResultsBoth patients had no detectable thymus tissue and profound T‐cell lymphopenia soon after birth. Progressive increase of activated T cells, however, as well as eosinophilia, high serum IgE level, generalized rash, and lymphadenopathy were observed during early infancy. A highly restricted TCR Vβ repertoire was demonstrated both in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.ConclusionsThe Omenn syndrome‐like manifestations might be associated with the oligoclonal proliferation of activated T cells. Analysis of the immunophenotype and TCR Vβ repertoire is helpful to establish the early diagnosis of atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome.
Punishing the Foreigner: Implicit Discrimination in the Premier League Based on Oppositional Identity*
Authors: Gallo Edoardo , Grund Thomas , James Reade J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe present the first empirical study to reveal the presence of implicit discrimination in a non‐experimental setting. By using a large dataset of in‐match data in the English Premier League, we show that white referees award significantly more yellow cards against non‐white players of oppositional identity. We argue that this is the result of implicit discrimination by showing that this discriminatory behaviour: (i) increases in how rushed the referee is before making a decision, and (ii) it increases in the level of ambiguity of the decision. The variation in (i) and (ii) cannot be explained by any form of conscious discrimination such as taste‐based or statistical discrimination. Moreover, we show that oppositional identity players do not differ in their behaviour from other players along several dimensions related to aggressiveness and style of play providing further evidence that this is not statistical discrimination.
Brahms's Six Songs, Op. 3
Authors: Snarrenberg Robert 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTBrahms's first bouquet of songs, six settings of poems by four different poets, shows that he was already a sensitive reader of lyric poetry and a composer who could write Romantic miniatures in which the smallest details bear considerable significance. The essay describes musicopoetic elements in each of these six songs and the musical and narrative threads that weave through them.
The Elasticity of Taxable Income in New Zealand*
Authors: Claus Iris , Creedy John , Teng Josh 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis paper reports estimates of the elasticity of taxable income with respect to the net‐of‐tax rate for New Zealand taxpayers. The relative stability of the New Zealand personal income tax system, in terms of marginal rates, thresholds and the tax base, provides helpful conditions for deriving these estimates. The elasticity of taxable income was estimated to be substantially higher for the highest income groups. Changes in the timing of income flows for the higher income recipients were found to be an important response to the announcement of a new higher rate bracket. The marginal welfare costs of personal income taxation were consistent across years, being relatively small for all but the higher tax brackets. For the top marginal rate bracket of 39 per cent, the welfare cost of raising an extra dollar of tax revenue was estimated to be well in excess of a dollar. Implications of the findings are that: disincentive effects of high top marginal rates can be substantial even when labour supply responses are small; the welfare costs of increases in top marginal tax rates can be high; and announcement effects of tax policy changes can lead to considerable income shifting between time periods.
A novel compound, denosomin, ameliorates spinal cord injury via axonal growth associated with astrocyte‐secreted vimentin
Authors: Teshigawara Kiyoshi , Kuboyama Tomoharu , Shigyo Michiko , Nagata Aiko , Sugimoto Kenji , Matsuya Yuji , Tohda Chihiro 
Published: September 2012

Background and PurposeIn the spinal cord injury (SCI) axon regeneration is inhibited by the glial scar, which contains reactive astrocytes that secrete inhibitory chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG). We previously reported that a novel compound, denosomin, promotes axonal growth under degenerative conditions in cultured cortical neurons. In this study, we investigated the effects of denosomin on functional recovery in SCI mice and elucidated the mechanism though which denosomin induces axonal growth in the injured spinal cord.Experimental ApproachDenosomin was administered p.o. for 7 or 14 days to contusion mice. Behavioural evaluations and immunohistochemistry were done. Primary cultured cortical neurons and astrocytes were treated with denosomin to investigate the mechanism of axonal growth facilitation.Key ResultsDenosomin improved hind limb motor dysfunction and axonal growth, especially in the 5‐HT‐positive tracts across the scar and increased the density of astrocytes. Denosomin increased astrocyte proliferation, inhibited astrocytic death and increased the expression and secretion of vimentin in cultured astrocytes. Furthermore, vimentin increased axonal outgrowth in cultured neurons, even in the presence of inhibitory CSPG. Denosomin increased the number of vimentin‐expressing astrocytes inside glial scars of SCI mice, and 5‐HT‐positive axonal growth occurred in a vimentin‐associated manner.Conclusion and ImplicationsDenosomin increased the ratio of astrocytes that secrete vimentin as an axonal growth facilitator, which, we propose enhances axonal growth beyond the glial scar and promotes functional recovery in SCI mice. This study is the first to demonstrate this novel role of vimentin in SCI and drug‐mediated modification of the inhibitory property of reactive astrocytes.
Sorafenib and its derivative SC‐49 sensitize hepatocellular carcinoma cells to CS‐1008, a humanized anti‐TNFRSF10B (DR5) antibody
Authors: Chen Kuen‐Feng , Chen Hui‐Ling , Shiau Chung‐Wai , Liu Chun‐Yu , Chu Pei‐Yi , Tai Wei‐Tien , Ichikawa Kimihisa , Chen Pei‐Jer , Cheng Ann‐Lii 
Published: September 2012

Background and PurposePreviously, we have shown that sorafenib sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to apoptosis induced by TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TNFSF10; TRAIL). Here, we report that sorafenib and SC‐49 sensitize HCC cells to CS‐1008, a novel anti‐human death receptor 5 (TNFRSF10B) antibody.Experimental ApproachHCC cell lines (PLC5, Huh‐7, and Hep3B) were treated with CS‐1008 and/or sorafenib and analysed in terms of apoptosis and signal transductions.Key ResultsSC‐49 is a sorafenib derivative, which is devoid of kinase inhibitory activity. Both sorafenib and SC‐49 down‐regulated the phosphorylation of STAT3 at Tyr705 and subsequently reduced the levels of STAT3‐regulated proteins, Mcl‐1, survivin and cylcin D1, in CS‐1008‐treated HCC cells. Knockdown of STAT3 by RNA interference overcame apoptotic resistance to CS‐1008 in HCC cells, and ectopic expression of STAT3 in HCC cells abolished the sensitizing effects of sorafenib and SC‐49 on CS‐1008‐induced apoptosis, indicating that inhibition of STAT3 mediates the enhancing effects of these compounds when combined with CS‐1008. Importantly, inhibition of SHP‐1 by adding a specific SHP‐1 inhibitor reduced the effects of SC‐49 and CS‐1008 on p‐STAT3 and apoptosis, whereas co‐treatment of CS‐1008 with SC‐49 increased the activity of SHP‐1. These data indicate that the combined effects of CS‐1008 and SC‐49 on HCC are mediated by SHP‐1. Moreover, the combination of CS‐1008 and SC‐49 inhibited HCC xenograft tumour growth in vivo.Conclusions and ImplicationsSorafenib and its derivative SC‐49 sensitize HCC cells to the antitumour effects of CS‐1008 through SHP‐1‐dependent inactivation of STAT3.
The influence of selected demographic factors and wound location on the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐A) in the wound healing process after neurosurgery: Brief report
Authors: Ślusarz Robert , Gadomska Grażyna , Biercewicz Monika , Grzelak Lech , Szewczyk Maria T. , Rość Danuta , Beuth Wojciech 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe main aim of the work was to estimate the influence of selected demographic factors and wound location on the concentration of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐A) in patients after neurosurgical operations. The study included 20 adult patients who received a surgical treatment because of degenerative spine changes. Measurements of the concentration of theVEGF‐Ain the patients' blood serum were taken three times (the first time––before the operation; the second time––during the first 24 hours after surgery; and the third time––between the fifth and the seventh day after the operation). No statistically significant correlation between the concentration ofVEGF‐Ain the patients' blood serum before and after the operation was noted. A statistically significant correlation between the concentration ofVEGF‐Ain the individual measurements was found. It can be concluded that people with a higher concentration ofVEGF‐Abefore surgery obtained a higher concentration ofVEGF‐Ain the measurements taken after the operation. There is a statistically significant link between the patient's age and the concentration ofVEGF‐Aduring the immediate postoperative period (the older the patient, the higher the level ofVEGF‐Ais observed).
Validation of a Cognitive Assessment Battery Administered over the Telephone
Authors: Rapp Stephen R. , Legault Claudine , Espeland Mark A. , Resnick Susan M. , Hogan Patricia E. , Coker Laura H. , Dailey Maggie , Shumaker Sally A. ,   The CAT Study Group
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate the validity and reliability of a cognitive test battery and questionnaires administered by telephone.DesignObservational study; 110 participants randomly assigned to receive two administrations of the same cognitive test battery 6 months apart in one of four combinations (Time 1 administration/Time 2 administration): telephone/telephone, telephone/face to face, face to face/telephone, face to face/face to face.SettingAcademic medical center.ParticipantsOne hundred ten women aged 65 to 90 without dementia.MeasurementsThe battery included tests of attention; verbal learning and memory; verbal fluency; executive function; working memory; global cognitive functioning; and self‐reported measures of perceived memory problems, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance, and health‐related quality of life. Test–retest reliability, concurrent validity, relative bias associated with telephone administration, and change scores were evaluated.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in scores on any of the cognitive tests or questionnaires between participants randomly assigned to telephone or face‐to‐face administration at the Time 1 assessment, indicating equivalence across administration modes. There was no significant bias for tests or questionnaires administered by telephone (P's > .01), nor was there a difference in mean change scores between administration modes except for Category Fluency (P = .01) and California Verbal Learning Test long‐delay free recall (P = .004). Mean test–retest coefficients for the battery were not significantly different between groups, although individual test–retest correlation coefficients were generally higher within modes than between modes.ConclusionTelephone administration of cognitive tests and questionnaires to older women is reliable and valid. Use of telephone batteries can substantially reduce the cost and burden of cognitive assessments and increase enrollment, retention, and data completeness, thereby improving study validity.
Effect of At‐Home Whitening Strips on the Surface Roughness and Color of a Composite and an Ormocer Restorative Material
Authors: Gurbuz Ayhan , Ozkan Pelin , Yilmaz Kerem , Yilmaz Burak , Durkan Rukiye 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose: Oxygenating agents like carbamide peroxide or H2O2 are commonly used whitening agents. They have varying influence on the color and surface roughness of resin‐based restorative materials and teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an at‐home peroxide whitening agent applied through a whitening strip on the color and surface roughness of a nanofilled composite resin and an ormocer‐based resin.Materials and Methods: Disc‐shaped (2 mm thick, 10 mm diameter) nanofilled resin composite (n = 10) and ormocer (n = 10) specimens were prepared. All specimens were treated with a whitening strip. Whitening procedures were performed applying a 6.5% hydrogen peroxide whitening strip (Crest White Strips Professional) for 30 minutes twice each day for a period of 21 consecutive days. During the test intervals, the specimens were rinsed under running distilled water for 1 minute to remove the whitening agents and immersed in 37°C distilled water until the next treatment. Surface roughness and color of the specimens were measured with a profilometer and a colorimeter, respectively, before and after whitening. Color changes were calculated (ΔE) using L*, a*, and b* coordinates. Repeated measures of variance analysis and Duncan test were used for statistical evaluation (α= 0.05).Results: The average surface roughness of composite increased from 1.4 Ra to 2.0 Ra, and from 0.8 Ra to 0.9 Ra for the ormocer material; however, these changes in roughness after whitening were not significant (p > 0.05). Also, when two materials were compared, the surface roughness of restorative materials was not different before and after whitening (p > 0.05). L* and b* values for each material changed significantly after whitening (p < 0.05). ΔE values (before/after whitening) calculated for composite (11.9) and ormocer (16.1) were not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05).Conclusions: The tested whitening agent did not affect the surface roughness of either resin‐based restorative material. Both materials became brighter after whitening. The behavior of the materials in the yellow/blue axis was opposite to each other after whitening. Each material had clinically unacceptable color change after whitening (ΔE > 5.5); however, the magnitude of the color change of materials was similar (p > 0.05). According to the results of this study, with the use of materials tested, patients should be advised that existing composite restorations may bleach along with the natural teeth, and replacement of these restorations after whitening may not be required.
Les faibles rémunérations en Afrique du Sud
Authors: OOSTHUIZEN Morné 
Published: September 2012

Résumé.Il y a eu d'abondantes recherches sur les rémunérations en Afrique du Sud, mais peu de travaux ont été consacrés aux bas salaires. L'auteur examine ceux‐ci sur la période 2001–2007. Après avoir considéré plusieurs définitions des bas salaires, il analyse leur fréquence et les facteurs associés à la probabilité d'être faiblement rémunéré. Partant des salaires minima prescrits par les déterminations sectorielles du département national du travail, qu'il met en correspondance avec les données de l'enquête sur la main‐d'œuvre, il explore les effets des salaires minima obligatoires et de la négociation collective, et observe que cette dernière, notamment, a réduit la fréquence des bas salaires.