bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and functional characterization of vacuolar‐ATPase from the American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis
Authors: Petchampai N. , Sunyakumthorn P. , Guillotte M. L. , Thepparit C. , Kearney M. T. , Mulenga A. , Azad A. F. , Macaluso K. R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractVacuolar (V)‐ATPase is a proton‐translocating enzyme that acidifies cellular compartments for various functions such as receptor‐mediated endocytosis, intracellular trafficking and protein degradation. Previous studies in Dermacentor variabilis chronically infected with Rickettsia montanensis have identified V‐ATPase as one of the tick‐derived molecules transcribed in response to rickettsial infection. To examine the role of the tick V‐ATPase in tick–Rickettsia interactions, a full‐length 2887‐bp cDNA (2532‐bp open reading frame) clone corresponding to the transcript of the V0 domain subunit a of D. variabilis V‐ATPase (DvVATPaseV0a) gene encoding an 843 amino acid protein with an estimated molecular weight of ∼96 kDa was isolated from D. variabilis. Amino acid sequence analysis of DvVATPaseV0a showed the highest similarity to VATPaseV0a from Ixodes scapularis. A potential N‐glycosylation site and eight putative transmembrane segments were identified in the sequence. Western blot analysis of tick tissues probed with polyclonal antibody raised against recombinant DvVATPaseV0a revealed the expression of V‐ATPase in the tick ovary. Transcriptional profiles of DvVATPaseV0a demonstrated a greater mRNA expression in the tick ovary, compared with the midgut and salivary glands; however, the mRNA level in each of these tick tissues remained unchanged after infection with R. montanensis for 1 h. V‐ATPase inhibition bioassays resulted in a significant decrease in the ability of R. montanensis to invade tick cells in vitro, suggesting a role of V‐ATPase in rickettsial infection of tick cells. Characterization of tick‐derived molecules involved in rickettsial infection is essential for a thorough understanding of rickettsial transmission within tick populations and the ecology of tick‐borne rickettsial diseases.
Twenty‐year trends in benzodiazepine dispensing in the Australian population
Authors: Islam M. M. , Conigrave K. M. , Day C. A. , Nguyen Y. , Haber P. S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimConsiderable concern has been expressed about overprescribing of benzodiazepines and related harms. Past analyses have relied on World Health Organization‐defined daily doses (DDD) which are sometimes out of keeping with clinical usage. This study examines 20‐year (1992–2011) trends of benzodiazepine dispensing in Australia using both DDD and Ashton equivalent dose.MethodsData from the Drug Utilisation Sub‐Committee and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website were analysed. Trends in number of prescriptions, DDD/1000 people/day and DDD/prescription were examined over time, and between states/territories.ResultsIn the 20‐year period, 174 080 904 scripts were recorded, with temazepam the most dispensed benzodiazepine (35% of scripts), followed by diazepam (23%). Overall recorded utilisation fell from 27.7 DDD/1000 people/day in 1992 to 20.8 in 2011 (24.9% decrease). There were striking changes in use of individual benzodiazepines over time, with reductions in oxazepam and flunitrazepam and dramatic increases in alprazolam. Since 1998, there has been a steady increase, albeit modest, in per script DDD. The DDD/1000 people/day for items dispensed through PBS/Repatriaton‐PBS was highest in Tasmania and lowest in Northern Territory.ConclusionDespite a modest overall decline in the amount of benzodiazepine dispensed, the level of use is still likely to reflect relative over‐prescribing given the paucity of accepted indications for long‐term use. Since 1998, there was a polynomial increase in quantity dispensed per script. The WHO‐defined DDD for clonazepam seems inappropriate and could impede monitoring of its abuse. Other problems include lack of national data for medications not subsidised on PBS/Repatriation PBS. A broad policy approach is required, not one which targets only one particular benzodiazepine.
Reconceptualizing children's complex discharge with health systems theory: novel integrative review with embedded expert consultation and theory development
Authors: Noyes Jane , Brenner Maria , Fox Patricia , Guerin Ashleigh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo report a novel review to develop a health systems model of successful transition of children with complex healthcare needs from hospital to home.BackgroundChildren with complex healthcare needs commonly experience an expensive, ineffectual and prolonged nurse‐led discharge process. Children gain no benefit from prolonged hospitalization and are exposed to significant harm. Research to enable intervention development and process evaluation across the entire health system is lacking.DesignNovel mixed‐method integrative review informed by health systems theory.Data sourcesCINAHL, PsychInfo, EMBASE, PubMed, citation searching, personal contact.Review methodsInformed by consultation with experts. English language studies, opinion/discussion papers reporting research, best practice and experiences of children, parents and healthcare professionals and purposively selected policies/guidelines from 2002–December 2012 were abstracted using Framework synthesis, followed by iterative theory development.ResultsSeven critical factors derived from thirty‐four sources across five health system levels explained successful discharge (new programme theory). All seven factors are required in an integrated care pathway, with a dynamic communication loop to facilitate effective discharge (new programme logic). Current health system responses were frequently static and critical success factors were commonly absent, thereby explaining ineffectual discharge.ConclusionThe novel evidence‐based model, which reconceptualizes ‘discharge’ as a highly complex longitudinal health system intervention, makes a significant contribution to global knowledge to drive practice development. Research is required to develop process and outcome measures at different time points in the discharge process and future trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of integrated health system discharge models.
Undertaking qualitative health research in social virtual worlds
Authors: McElhinney Evelyn , Cheater Francine M. , Kidd Lisa 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimsThis paper discusses the methodological challenges of using the 3D social virtual world Second Life for research and offers some solutions on a range of research issues including research ethics committee approval, gaining consent, recruitment of sample, data collection and engagement with ‘in – world culture’.BackgroundThe attraction of social virtual worlds to researchers is their ability to mimic the physical world, as they, are seen as ‘places’ where people have a feeling of presence (being there) and social presence (being there with others) through the use of a ‘customisable’ avatar (digital self‐representation). Emerging research demonstrating the persuasive nature of avatars on health behaviours through virtual worlds, online games and the 3D web has increased the use of and interest in these areas for delivering health information, advice and support. However, conducting research can be challenging in a 3D world where people are represented as anonymous avatars in an environment unlike any other online media.Data sources25 semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Second Life from September 2011–June 2012.Implications for nursingNurses wishing to undertake research in social virtual worlds should spend time in‐world to acquire technical skills and gain an understanding of the culture of the world.ConclusionOur experience of an interview‐based study in virtual worlds indicates that researchers require several virtual world technical skills to create innovative tools to recruit, gain consent and collect data and an understanding of in‐world culture, language and social norms to increase the chances of successful research.
New population of amelanotic spindle cells are clearly demonstrated in vitiliginous skin after ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Awad S.S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundPhototherapy is a well‐known method to treat vitiligo and is able to repopulate the skin with new melanocytes. Examination of the pathological changes in vitiligo after ultraviolet therapy revealed the presence of unusual cells.Aim of studyThis study intended to investigate and confirm the repopulation of epidermis with new spindle cells, possibly as precursors for melanocytes after UV therapy.MethodsRetrospective study was carried out on paraffin sections of biopsies obtained from 30 vitiligo patients treated successfully with ultraviolet therapy. Routine, special and immune staining were utilized to examine these biopsies.ResultsAmelanotic spindle cells with slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm and dark flattened nuclei were characteristically demonstrated in all examined sections after ultraviolet therapy. These cells were abundant near infundibular portion of hair follicles. They subsequently developed dendrites and became melanized.ConclusionsMelanocyte precursors can be demonstrated pathologically and immunologically on tissue samples after ultraviolet therapy. They are capable of proliferation and migration into depigmented epidermis to repopulate it with new generations of melanocytes.
Psoriasis concurrent with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Park H.S. , Koh S.J. , Park G.Y. , Lee D.H. , Yoon H.S. , Youn J.I. , Cho S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have indicated an association between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the concurrence of the two diseases reportedly has higher morbidities in Caucasian populations. However, reports on the concurrence of psoriasis with IBD in the Asian population in the literature are scarce.ObjectiveTo analyse the characteristics of psoriasis concurrent with IBD and investigate the associated morbidity in the Asian population.MethodsWe retrospectively examined the medical records of 15 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of both psoriasis and IBD. Sixty age‐, gender‐, and ethnicity‐matched patients with a confirmed diagnosis of only psoriasis were included as controls. Both cases and controls had visited the Seoul National University Hospital or Seoul National University Boramae Hospital between 1990 and 2012. The characteristics of psoriasis, presence of comorbidity and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups.ResultsCompared to controls with psoriasis only, cases of psoriasis concurrent with IBD had a younger age of onset, longer duration of psoriasis and a higher Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score. A larger proportion of cases was treated with phototherapy, systemic therapy and biologics. However, all these differences above were not statistically significant. Cases of psoriasis with concurrent IBD showed higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein levels compared with the controls (both P = 0.000). Furthermore, this case group had a higher proportion of patients with psoriatic arthritis and with more than one autoimmune disease as compared with the control group (P = 0.007 and 0.005 respectively).ConclusionAsian patients having psoriasis concurrent with IBD exhibited different characteristics as compared with those having psoriasis only, particularly in terms of psoriasis severity, risk of psoriatic arthritis, systemic inflammatory parameters and presence of autoimmune comorbidity. However, further studies elucidating the exact pathogenesis and including a larger number of patients are required.
Home Birth in North America: Attitudes and Practice of US Certified Nurse‐Midwives and Canadian Registered Midwives
Authors: Vedam Saraswathi , Stoll Kathrin , Schummers Laura , Rogers Judy , Paine Lisa L. 
Published: October 2013

IntroductionScope of practice, competencies, and philosophy of maternity practice are similar among midwives in the United States and Canada. However, there are marked differences in intrapartum practice sites between registered midwives (RMs) and certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs).MethodsThis study linked data from 2 national surveys: 1) a 2007 survey of CNM members of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives (n = 1893); and 2) the Canadian Birth Place Study of maternity providers, including RM members of the Canadian Association of Midwives (n = 451) to compare the demographics, practice experience, and attitudes to home birth between these 2 types of North American midwives. A Provider Attitudes To Planned Home Birth scale–international (PAPHB‐i) was developed for this analysis. Descriptive and bivariate analyses are presented.ResultsEducational exposure to planned home birth varied greatly when comparing CNMs and RMs, as did practice patterns regarding continuity of care, primary and gynecologic care, and involvement with research and teaching. Registered midwives were almost 4 times more likely than CNMs to have practiced in the home (99.1% vs 26.0%). Certified nurse‐midwives scored significantly lower than RMs on the PAPHB‐i scale (36.5 vs 41.0), indicating less favorable attitudes toward home birth overall. Certified nurse‐midwives were less confident than RMs in their management skills for home birth practice. Age, exposure to planned home birth during midwifery education, and practice experience in the home setting emerged as significant covariates of attitudes toward home birth. Significantly more RMs and CNMs with home birth experience expressed concerns about disapproval of hospital‐based peers, but they were significantly less likely to agree that midwives face other systemic barriers than CNMs with no home birth experience.DiscussionDifferences in favorability toward and confidence with practice during planned home births among CNMs and RMs were predicted associated with differences in educational and practice exposure to planned home birth. We recommend that clinical experiences and theoretical content about planned home birth and preparation for multidisciplinary collaboration across settings be integrated as essential and required components of all health professional education programs.
Determining the correlation between quality of life and self‐concept in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Dolgun G. , Savaşer S. , Yazgan Y. 
Published: October 2013

Accessible summary
An assessment was made of how attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects children's quality of life and their self‐concept.
It was concluded at the end of the study that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder has an adverse effect on children's quality of life and self‐concept, particularly in school and in the psychosocial realm, and that this outcome is consistent with literature.
It is believed that this research can be a resource for nurses who work in this area, and that research results may provide guidance to families, teachers and others with an interest in this condition.
AbstractThis study was conducted to determine the relationship between how children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) perceive their quality of life and their self‐concept. The study involved descriptive/correlational research with 70 children, ages 9–12 with ADHD. Data were collected with the ADHD Quality of Life Scale (ADHD/QoLS) and the Piers–Harris Children's Self‐Concept Scale (PHCSCS). Data were assessed using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation analysis; the level of significance was accepted as P < 0.05. The analysis of the data determined that there was a significant relationship between all of the domains of the Self‐Concept Scale and ADHB/QoLS and its subscales (P < 0.001). An evaluation of the correlation analysis for the relationship between ADHD/QoLS and PHCSCS and their subscales revealed that there was a strong, positive and very significant relationship between ADHD and self‐concept, both at school and at home.
A Comparative Randomized Prospective Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Combination of Tamsulosin and Tadalafil vs. Tamsulosin or Tadalafil Alone in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Singh Dig Vijay , Mete Uttam Kumar , Mandal Arup Kumar , Singh Shrawan Kumar 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction are common disorders of advancing age.

Aim
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin and tadalafil in patients with LUTS due to BPH.

Methods
In this prospective randomized study, 133 men complaining of LUTS due to BPH were included. Forty-five patients received tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day alone (Group A), 44 patients received tadalafil 10 mg/day (Group B), and combination therapy (tamsulosin and tadalafil both) was instituted in 44 patients (Group C). After a 2-week medication free run-in period, they were evaluated for International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function score (IIEF5), quality of life (IPSS QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine (PVR) volume, and safety parameters before and at 3 months of treatment.

Main Outcome Measures
There were primary (IPSS, IPSS QoL index, Qmax, and PVR) and secondary (erectile function [EF] domain scores from IIEF5) efficacy end points. Safety assessment included laboratory tests and patient's reporting of adverse event.

Results
A significant improvement in IPSS score was observed in all the 3 groups A, B, and C (−50.90%, P &lt; 0.05; −33.50%, P &lt; 0.05; and −53.90%, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). IIEF5 score increased significantly in these three groups (+39.28%, P &lt; 0.05; +45.96%, P &lt; 0.05; and +60.23%, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). A significant increase in Qmax and decrease in PVR were also observed (33.99%, P &lt; 0.05; 29.78%, P &lt; 0.05; and 37.04%, P &lt; 0.05) and (−60.90%, P &lt; 0.05; −49.45%, P &lt; 0.05; and −62.97%, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). The QoL scores improved significantly (−73.35%, P &lt; 0.05; −70.26%, P &lt; 0.05; and −79.65%, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). Side effects were dyspepsia, heartburn, headache, flushing, myalgia, and backache. Adverse effect dropout was 3.7%. No participant experienced any severe or serious adverse events.

Conclusions
In patients with LUTS due to BPH, tamsulosin and tadalafil alone or in combination cause a significant improvement in patients with LUTS. Their EF also improves with these medications. The improvement is better with combination therapy compared with single agent alone.
ATP Evokes Inward Currents in Corpus Cavernosum Myocytes
Authors: Doyle Claire , Sergeant Gerard P. , Hollywood Mark A. , McHale Noel G. , Thornbury Keith D. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Although adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has often been reported to relax the corpus cavernosum, this may be mediated by indirect effects, such as release of nitric oxide from the endothelium. Recent data suggest that P2X1 receptors may be up-regulated in diabetes, and these exert an anti-erectile effect by causing the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) to contract. However, to date, there is no functional evidence that ATP can directly stimulate CCSMC.

Aims
This study aims to (i) to directly examine the effect of ATP on membrane currents in freshly isolated CCSMC, where influences of endothelium and other cells are absent; and (ii) to determine the receptor subtypes, ionic currents, and Ca2+ signals stimulated by ATP.

Methods
CCSMCs were enzymatically dispersed from male New Zealand White rabbits for patch clamp recording and measurement of intracellular Ca2+ in fluo-4-loaded cells using spinning disk confocal microscopy.

Main Outcome Measures
Patch clamp recordings were made of ATP-evoked membrane currents and spontaneous membrane currents. Spinning disk confocal imaging of intracellular Ca2+ was performed, and the response to ATP was recorded.

Results
ATP evoked repeatable inward currents in CCSMC (1st application: −675 ± 101 pA; 2nd application: −694 ± 120 pA, N = 9, P = 0.77). ATP-induced currents were reduced by suramin from −380 ± 121 to −124 ± 37 pA (N = 8, P &lt; 0.05), by α,β-methylene ATP from −755 ± 235 to 139 ± 49 pA (N = 5, P &lt; 0.05), and by NF449 from −419 ± to −51 ± 13 pA (N = 6, P &lt; 0.05). In contrast, MRS2500, a P2Y1 antagonist, had no effect on ATP responses (control: −838 ± 139 pA; in MRS2500: −822 ± 184 pA, N = 13, P = 0.84) but blocked inward currents evoked by 2-MeSATP, a P2Y1,12,13 agonist (control: −623 ± 166 pA; in MRS2500: −56 ± 25 pA, N = 6, P &lt; 0.05). The ATP-evoked inward current was unaffected by changing the transmembrane Cl− gradient but reversed in direction when extracellular Na+ was reduced, indicating that it was a cation current.

Conclusions
ATP directly stimulates CCSMC by evoking a P2X-mediated cation current.
Response to Elder‐Vass: “Seven Ways to be A Realist about Language”
Authors: Sealey Alison , Carter Bob 
Published: October 2013

AbstractGiven that explicitly realist perspectives are currently quite unfashionable in applied linguistics, we very much welcome your thorough and careful discussion of the various forms they might take. We find the various categories you identify quite persuasive, and we find much to agree with in your characterisation of several of the positions you outline, particularly in the earlier part of the paper. However, we do take issue with aspects of your characterisation of both “social” and “linguistic systems” realism, and with some of the arguments you adduce particularly against the latter and in favour of your seventh way (“linguistic norm circles realism”). Our response, then, concentrates particularly on the challenges arising from these parts of your paper, and addresses: (1) the ways in which we may define language itself, for the purposes of this debate; (2) the distinction between social and linguistic norms; (3) the properties of language; (4) the role of empirical evidence; and (5) the methodological problems we find with the norm circle approach.