bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depression, financial problems and other reasons for suspending medical studies, and requested support services: findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Soh Nerissa , Ma Colleen , Lampe Lisa , Hunt Glenn , Malhi Gin , Walter Garry 
Published: September 2012

Objectives: This study aimed to qualitatively explore medical students’ reasons for suspending, or thinking of suspending, their studies and the types of support services they request. Method: Data were collected through an anonymous online survey. Medical students’ responses to open-ended questions were analyzed thematically. Results: Responses were received from 475 students. Financial problems, doubts as to whether medicine was the right vocation, and depression were the most commonly reported themes. Students endorsed a wide range of other pressures and concerns, barriers to obtaining assistance, and also suggested solutions and services to address their concerns. Conclusions: Medical students’ financial concerns and potential depressive symptoms should be addressed by university and faculty support services. Government financial support mechanisms for students should also be reviewed. Students’ suggestions of the types of services and their location must be borne in mind when allocating resources.
It’s not about the hoist: A narrative literature review of manual handling in healthcare
Authors: Kay Kate , Glass Nel , Evans Alicia 
Published: September 2012

The manual handling of people and objects is integral to the provision of nursing care to patients globally. Despite over 30 years of research intended to guide improvements for nurses’ safety, substantial rates of manual handling injuries persist internationally within the nursing profession. This paper reviews the contemporary international literature regarding manual handling interventions noting the unique context for injury prevention strategies within healthcare. The review includes the recognition of underlying assumptions inherent in the conceptualisation of manual handling and its management, and the preponderance of the post-positivist paradigm in this field. The complexity of manual handling in healthcare has resulted in a theoretical shift from single factor interventions based on technique training towards an emerging multidimensional approach. However the key elements for sustainable solutions to reduce nurses’ manual handling injuries have not yet been identified and consensus is lacking regarding the implementation and appropriate evaluation of injury prevention programmes. Furthermore, whilst the literature is replete with data derived from surveys or insurance industry records of compensation claims, there is a dearth of literature exploring nurses’ manual handling experiences. The in-depth investigation of nurses’ perspectives on manual handling may uncover new knowledge critical to improvement of the manual handling issues.
The BAF53a subunit of SWI/SNF-like BAF complexes is essential for hemopoietic stem cell function
Authors: Krasteva Veneta , Buscarlet Manuel , Diaz-Tellez Abigail , Bernard Marie-Anne , Crabtree Gerald R. , Lessard Julie A. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
ATP-dependent SWI/SNF-like BAF chromatin remodeling complexes are emerging as key regulators of embryonic and adult stem cell function. Particularly intriguing are the findings that specialized assemblies of BAF complexes are required for establishing and maintaining pluripotent and multipotent states in cells. However, little is known on the importance of these complexes in normal and leukemic hemopoiesis. Here we provide the first evidence that the actin-related protein BAF53a, a subunit of BAF complexes preferentially expressed in long-term repopulating stem cells, is essential for adult hemopoiesis. Conditional deletion of BAF53a resulted in multilineage BM failure, aplastic anemia, and rapid lethality. These severe hemopoietic defects originate from a proliferative impairment of BM HSCs and progenitors and decreased progenitor survival. Using hemopoietic chimeras, we show that the impaired function of BAF53a-deficient HSCs is cell-autonomous and independent of the BM microenvironment. Altogether, our studies highlight an unsuspected role for BAF chromatin remodeling complexes in the maintenance of HSC and progenitor cell properties.
QUAliFiER: An automated pipeline for quality assessment of gated flow cytometry data
Authors: Finak Greg , Jiang Wenxin , Pardo Jorge , Asare Adam , Gottardo Raphael 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundEffective quality assessment is an important part of any high-throughput flow cytometry data analysis pipeline, especially when considering the complex designs of the typical flow experiments applied in clinical trials. Technical issues like instrument variation, problematic antibody staining, or reagent lot changes can lead to biases in the extracted cell subpopulation statistics. These biases can manifest themselves in non–obvious ways that can be difficult to detect without leveraging information about the study design or other experimental metadata. Consequently, a systematic and integrated approach to quality assessment of flow cytometry data is necessary to effectively identify technical errors that impact multiple samples over time. Gated cell populations and their statistics must be monitored within the context of the experimental run, assay, and the overall study.ResultsWe have developed two new packages,flowWorkspaceandQUAliFiERto construct a pipeline for quality assessment of gated flow cytometry data.flowWorkspacemakes manually gated data accessible to BioConductor’s computational flow tools by importing pre–processed and gated data from the widely used manual gating tool,FlowJo(Tree Star Inc, Ashland OR). TheQUAliFiERpackage takes advantage of the manual gates to perform an extensive series of statistical quality assessment checks on the gated cell sub–populations while taking into account the structure of the data and the study design to monitor the consistency of population statistics across staining panels, subject, aliquots, channels, or other experimental variables.QUAliFiERimplements SVG–based interactive visualization methods, allowing investigators to examine quality assessment results across different views of the data, and it has a flexible interface allowing users to tailor quality checks and outlier detection routines to suit their data analysis needs.ConclusionWe present a pipeline constructed from two new R packages for importing manually gated flow cytometry data and performing flexible and robust quality assessment checks. The pipeline addresses the increasing demand for tools capable of performing quality checks on large flow data sets generated in typical clinical trials. TheQUAliFiERtool objectively, efficiently, and reproducibly identifies outlier samples in an automated manner by monitoring cell population statistics from gated or ungated flow data conditioned on experiment–level metadata.
A comparative analysis of the intestinal metagenomes present in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and humans (Homo sapiens)
Authors: Hildebrand Falk , Ebersbach Tine , Nielsen Henrik Bjørn , Li Xiaoping , Sonne Si Brask , Bertalan Marcelo , Dimitrov Peter , Madsen Lise , Qin Junjie , Wang Jun , Raes Jeroen , Kristiansen Karsten , Licht Tine Rask 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundGuinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is an important model for human intestinal research. We have characterized the faecal microbiota of 60 guinea pigs using Illumina shotgun metagenomics, and used this data to compile a gene catalogue of its prevalent microbiota. Subsequently, we compared the guinea pig microbiome to existing human gut metagenome data from the MetaHIT project.ResultsWe found that the bacterial richness obtained for human samples was lower than for guinea pig samples. The intestinal microbiotas of both species were dominated by the two phylaBacteroidetesandFirmicutes, but at genus level, the majority of identified genera (320 of 376) were differently abundant in the two hosts. For example, the guinea pig contained considerably more of the mucin-degradingAkkermansia, as well as of the methanogenic archaeaMethanobrevibacterthan found in humans. Most microbiome functional categories were less abundant in guinea pigs than in humans. Exceptions included functional categories possibly reflecting dehydration/rehydration stress in the guinea pig intestine. Finally, we showed that microbiological databases have serious anthropocentric biases, which impacts model organism research.ConclusionsThe results lay the foundation for future gastrointestinal research applying guinea pigs as models for humans.
MiR-125b orchestrates cell proliferation, differentiation and migration in neural stem/progenitor cells by targeting Nestin
Authors: Cui Yi , Xiao Zhifeng , Han Jin , Sun Jie , Ding Wenyong , Zhao Yannan , Chen Bing , Li Xiaoran , Dai Jianwu 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The emerging concept is that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a central role in controlling stem cell self-renewal and fate determination by regulating the expression of stem cell regulators. miR-125b, one of neuronal miRNAs, recently was found to be necessary for neural differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs). However, the other specific biological role of miR-125b in NS/PCs is little known. We used rat NS/PCs as a model system to study the role of miR-125b in governing the behavior of NS/PCs.

Results
We report here the transfection of exogenous miR-125b inhibited proliferation of NS/PCs but promoted differentiation and migration. Whereas anti-miR-125b had the opposite effect. Similar results were observed when Nestin was knocked down by siRNA. Subsequently, we demonstrated that Nestin was a direct functional target of miR-125b. MiR-125b downregulates the expression of luciferase through Nestin 3’untranslated region (3’-UTR), and the regulation was abolished by mutations in the miR-125b binding site. MiR-125b targeted the 3'-UTR of Nestin and reduced the abundance of Nestin at both mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusion
The results provided new insight into the function by which miR-125b modulates NS/PCs proliferation, differentiation and migration. The data also indicated the regulatory role of miR-125b in NS/PCs might through the suppression of Nestin expression.
Transverse myelitis secondary to Melioidosis; A case report
Authors: Nandasiri Shanika , Wimalaratna Harith , Manjula Muditha , Corea Enoka 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Melioidosis has become an emerging infection in Sri Lanka; a country which is considered non endemic for it. Paraplegia due to Burkholderia pseudomallei is a very rare entity encountered even in countries where the disease is endemic. There are no reported cases of transverse myelitis due to melioidosis in Sri Lankan population thus we report the first case.

Case presentation
A 21 year old farmer presented with sudden onset bi lateral lower limb weakness, numbness and urine retention. Examination revealed flaccid areflexic lower limbs with a sensory loss of all modalities and a sensory level at T10 together with sphincter involvement. MRI of the thoracolumbar spine showed extensive myelitis of the thoracic spine complicating left psoas abscess without definite extension to the spinal cord or cord compression. Burkholderia pseudomallei was isolated from the psoas abscess pus cultures and the diagnosis of melioidosis was confirmed with high titers of Burkholderia pseudomallei antibodies and positive PCR. He was treated with high doses of IV ceftazidime and oral cotrimoxazole for one month with a plan to continue cotrimoxazole and doxycycline till one year. Patient’s general condition improved but the residual neurological problems persisted.

Conclusion
The exact pathogenesis of spinal cord melioidosis is not quite certain except in the cases where there is direct microbial invasion, which does not appear to be the case in our patient. We postulate our patient’s presentation could be due to ischemia of the spinal cord following septic embolisation or thrombosis of spinal artery due to the abscess nearby. A neurotrophic exotoxin causing myelitis or post infectious immunological demyelination is yet another possibility. This emphasizes the necessity of further studies to elucidate the exact pathogenesis in this type of presentations.
Health care professionals in Sri Lanka, where this is an emerging infection, need to improve their knowledge regarding this disease and should have high degree of suspicion to make a correct and a timely diagnosis to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to Burkholderia pseudomallei infection. It is highly likely that this infection is under diagnosed in developing countries where diagnostic facilities are minimal. Therefore strategies to improve the awareness and upgrade the diagnostic facilities need to be implemented in near future.
Platelets of patients with chronic kidney disease demonstrate deficient platelet reactivity in vitro
Authors: van Bladel Esther R , de Jager Rosa L , Walter Daisy , Cornelissen Loes , Gaillard Carlo A , Boven Leonie A , Roest Mark , Fijnheer Rob 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
In patients with chronic kidney disease studies focusing on platelet function and properties often are non-conclusive whereas only few studies use functional platelet tests. In this study we evaluated a recently developed functional flow cytometry based assay for the analysis of platelet function in chronic kidney disease.

Methods
Platelet reactivity was measured using flow cytometric analysis. Platelets in whole blood were triggered with different concentrations of agonists (TRAP, ADP, CRP). Platelet activation was quantified with staining for P-selectin, measuring the mean fluorescence intensity. Area under the curve and the concentration of half-maximal response were determined.

Results
We studied 23 patients with chronic kidney disease (9 patients with cardiorenal failure and 14 patients with end stage renal disease) and 19 healthy controls. Expression of P-selectin on the platelet surface measured as mean fluorescence intensity was significantly less in chronic kidney disease patients compared to controls after maximal stimulation with TRAP (9.7 (7.9-10.8) vs. 11.4 (9.2-12.2), P = 0.032), ADP (1.6 (1.2-2.1) vs. 2.6 (1.9-3.5), P = 0.002) and CRP (9.2 (8.5-10.8) vs. 11.5 (9.5-12.9), P = 0.004). Also the area under the curve was significantly different. There was no significant difference in half-maximal response between both groups.

Conclusion
In this study we found that patients with chronic kidney disease show reduced platelet reactivity in response of ADP, TRAP and CRP compared to controls. These results contribute to our understanding of the aberrant platelet function observed in patients with chronic kidney disease and emphasize the significance of using functional whole blood platelet activation assays.
Interactive effect of genetic susceptibility with height, body mass index, and hormone replacement therapy on the risk of breast cancer
Authors: Harlid Sophia , Butt Salma , Ivarsson Malin IL , Eyfjörd Jorunn Erla , Lenner Per , Manjer Jonas , Dillner Joakim , Carlson Joyce 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer today has many established risk factors, both genetic and environmental, but these risk factors by themselves explain only part of the total cancer incidence. We have investigated potential interactions between certain known genetic and phenotypic risk factors, specifically nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and height, body mass index (BMI) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).MethodsWe analyzed samples from three different study populations: two prospectively followed Swedish cohorts and one Icelandic case–control study. Totally 2884 invasive breast cancer cases and 4508 controls were analysed in the study. Genotypes were determined using Mass spectrometry-Maldi-TOF and phenotypic variables were derived from measurements and/or questionnaires. Odds Ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using unconditional logistic regression with the inclusion of an interaction term in the logistic regression model.ResultsOne SNP (rs851987 in ESR1) tended to interact with height, with an increasingly protective effect of the major allele in taller women (p = 0.007) and rs13281615 (on 8q24) tended to confer risk only in non users of HRT (p-for interaction = 0.03). There were no significant interactions after correction for multiple testing.ConclusionsWe conclude that much larger sample sets would be necessary to demonstrate interactions between low-risk genetic polymorphisms and the phenotypic variables height, BMI and HRT on the risk for breast cancer. However the present hypothesis-generating study has identified tendencies that would be of interest to evaluate for gene-environment interactions in independent materials.
Prevalence and patterns of prenatal use of traditional medicine among women at selected harare clinics: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mureyi Dudzai D , Monera Tsitsi G , Maponga Charles C 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Prenatal use of traditional medicine or complementary and alternative medicine is widespread globally despite the lack of evidence of the effectiveness of these therapeutic options. Documentation on the prevalence and patterns of this maternal practice in the Zimbabwean setting was also lacking.

Methods
A cross sectional survey of 248 women at selected health centres in Harare was carried out to address the need for such data using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results
Fifty-two (52%) (95% C.I. 44%-60%) of the participants reported to have used at least one traditional medicine intervention during the third trimester of their most recent pregnancy to induce labour, avoid perineal tearing and improve the safety of their delivery process. The study found prenatal use of traditional medicine to be significantly associated with nulliparity and nulligravidity. Such practice was also significant among participants residing in a particular high density suburb located in close proximity to informal traders of traditional medicines. Prenatal traditional medicine use was not significantly linked to experiencing an obstetrics-related adverse event. Instead, participants who reported not using any traditional medicine during pregnancy reported experiencing significantly more adverse events, mainly perineal tearing during delivery.

Conclusions
The practice of prenatal use of traditional medicine was significant in the study setting, with a prevalence of 52%. A variety of products were used in various dosage forms for differing indications. Nulliparity, nulligavidity and possible accessibility of these products were the factors significantly associated with prenatal use of traditional medicine. Prenatal use of traditional medicine was not significantly associated with any obstetric adverse event.
Focal overexpression of CEACAM6 contributes to enhanced tumourigenesis in head and neck cancer via suppression of apoptosis
Authors: Cameron Sarina , de Long Lilia Merida , Hazar-Rethinam Mehlika , Topkas Eleni , Endo-Munoz Liliana , Cumming Andrew , Gannon Orla , Guminski Alexander , Saunders Nicholas 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Overexpression of CEACAM6 has been reported for a number of malignancies. However, the mechanism of how CEACAM6 contributes to cancer formation and its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the role of CEACAM6 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods
CEACAM6 expression was examined in normal squamous epithelia as well as a number of patient HNSCC samples and tumours derived from HNSCC cell lines injected into NOD/SCID mice. CEACAM6 expression was manipulated in HNSCC cell lines by shRNA-mediated CEACAM6 knockdown or virally-delivered overexpression of CEACAM6. The role of CEACAM6 in tumour growth and chemotherapeutic sensitivity was then assessed in vivo and in vitro respectively.

Results
CEACAM6 expression was significantly increased in highly tumourigenic HNSCC cell lines when compared to poorly tumourigenic HNSCC cell lines. Moreover, HNSCC patient tumours demonstrated focal expression of CEACAM6. Functional investigation of CEACAM6, involving over-expression and knock down studies, demonstrated that CEACAM6 over-expression could enhance tumour initiating activity and tumour growth via activation of AKT and suppression of caspase-3 mediated cell death.

Conclusion
We report that CEACAM6 is focally overexpressed in a large fraction of human HNSCCs in situ. We also show that over-expression of CEACAM6 increases tumour growth and tumour initiating activity by suppressing PI3K/AKT-dependent apoptosis of HNSCC in a xenotransplant model of HNSCC. Finally, our studies indicate that foci of CEACAM6 expressing cells are selectively ablated by treatment of xenotransplant tumours with pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K/AKT in vivo.
QSAR study and the hydrolysis activity prediction of three alkaline lipases from different lipase-producing microorganisms
Authors: Wang Haikuan , Wang Xiaojie , Li Xiaolu , Zhang Yehong , Dai Yujie , Guo Changlu , Zheng Heng 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The hydrolysis activities of three alkaline lipases, L-A1, L-A2 and L-A3 secreted by different lipase-producing microorganisms isolated from the Bay of Bohai, P. R. China were characterized with 16 kinds of esters. It was found that all the lipases have the ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of the glycerides, methyl esters, ethyl esters, especially for triglycerides, which shows that they have broad substrate spectra, and this property is very important for them to be used in detergent industry. Three QSAR models were built for L-A1, L-A2 and L-A3 respectively with GFA using Discovery studio 2.1. The models equations 1, 2 and 3 can explain 95.80%, 97.45% and 97.09% of the variances (R

2

adj
) respectively while they could predict 95.44%, 89.61% and 93.41% of the variances (R

2

cv
) respectively. With these models the hydrolysis activities of these lipases to mixed esters were predicted and the result showed that the predicted values are in good agreement with the measured values, which indicates that this method can be used as a simple tool to predict the lipase activities for single or mixed esters.
Inelastic light scattering by 2D electron system with SO interaction
Authors: Chaplik Alexander V , Magarill Lev I , Vitlina Ritta Z 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Inelastic light scattering by electrons of a two-dimensional system taking into account the Rashba spin-orbit interaction (SOI) in the conduction band is theoretically investigated. The case of resonance scattering (frequencies of incident and scattered light are close to the effective distance between conduction and spin-split-off bands of the AIIIBV-type semiconductor) is considered. As opposed to the case of SOI absence, the plasmon peak in the scattering occurs even at strictly perpendicular polarizations of the incident and scattered waves. Under definite geometry, one can observe the spectrum features conditioned by only single-particle transitions. In the general case of elliptically polarized incident and scattered light, the amplitude of the plasmon peak turns out to be sensitive to the sign of the SOI coupling.