bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet activation and aggregation: the importance of thrombin activity—A laboratory model
Authors: Jensen M. S. , Larsen O. H. , Christiansen K. , Fenger‐Eriksen C. , Ingerslev J. , Sørensen B. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThis study introduces a new laboratory model of whole blood platelet aggregation stimulated by endogenously generated thrombin, and explores this aspect in haemophilia A in which impaired thrombin generation is a major hallmark. The method was established to measure platelet aggregation initiated by tissue factor evaluated by means of impedance aggregometry. Citrated whole blood from healthy volunteers and haemophilia A patients with the addition of inhibitors of the contact pathway and fibrin polymerization was evaluated. In healthy persons, a second wave of platelet aggregation was found to coincide with the thrombin burst and to be abolished by thrombin inhibitors. In this system, platelet aggregation in severe haemophilia A (n = 10) was found to be significantly decreased as compared with healthy individuals (912 ± 294 vs. 1917 ± 793 AU × min, P = 0.003), most probably due to the weak level of thrombin generation. For the first time, analysis of platelet aggregation as induced by endogenously generated thrombin was demonstrated. The new method makes it possible to explore the influence of the coagulation system on platelet function. In contrast to the general understanding, the data suggest that the impaired thrombin generation in haemophilia may affect platelet activation. Future studies will address whether our results may contribute to understanding differences in bleeding phenotypes and response to haemostatic substitution observed among patients.
Is pelvic lymph node dissection required at radical prostatectomy for low‐risk prostate cancer?
Authors: Mitsuzuka Koji , Koie Takuya , Narita Shintaro , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Yoneyama Takahiro , Kawamura Sadafumi , Tochigi Tatsuo , Ohyama Chikara , Habuchi Tomonori , Arai Yoichi 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo determine the necessity of pelvic lymph node dissection for low‐risk prostate cancer, we analyzed the incidence of lymph node invasion and the therapeutic value of pelvic lymph node dissection in low‐risk prostate cancer patients.MethodsMedical records for 1268 patients undergoing open radical prostatectomy between January 2000 and December 2009 who had not undergone neoadjuvant therapy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with low‐risk disease (n = 222; prostate‐specific antigen <10 ng/mL, biopsy Gleason score ≤6, clinical T1c or T2a) were classified according to whether they underwent pelvic lymph node dissection (pelvic lymph node dissection group, n = 147) or did not (no pelvic lymph node dissection group, n = 75). Pelvic lymph node dissection was carried out in a limited style, which included the external iliac vein and the obturator fossa. The incidence of lymph node invasion was determined and referred to the preoperative nomogram developed for Japanese patients (Japanese nomogram), Partin and Kattan nomograms. The 5‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survivals in both groups were analyzed.ResultsLymph node invasion in low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk disease was 0.7% (1/147), 1.2% (7/595) and 6.1% (23/374). The 5‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival rates for patients with low‐risk disease were 87.6% in the pelvic lymph node dissection group and 87.1% in the no pelvic lymph node dissection group (P = 0.65, log–rank). No patients in the pelvic lymph node dissection group exceeded 2% of lymph node invasion risk with Japanese and Partin nomograms. With the Kattan nomogram, 22.4% (33/147) of the pelvic lymph node dissection group exceeded 2% of lymph node invasion risk, and one patient had documented lymph node invasion, but none exceeded 2.5%.ConclusionsPelvic lymph node dissection can be spared at radical prostatectomy for low‐risk disease, as its diagnostic and therapeutic value is poor.
Packing circles within ellipses
Authors: Birgin Ernesto G. , Bustamante Luis Henrique , Callisaya Hector Flores , Martínez Jose Mario 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe problem of packing circles within ellipses is considered in the present paper. A new ellipse‐based system of coordinates is introduced by means of which a closed formula to compute the distance of an arbitrary point to the boundary of an ellipse exists. Nonlinear programming models for some variants of 2D and 3D packing problems involving circular items and elliptical objects are given. The resulting models are medium‐sized highly challenging nonlinear programming problems for which a global solution is sought. For this purpose, multistart strategies are carefully and thoroughly explored. Numerical experiments are exhibited.
Inverted sand dollars actively orient themselves in flow to increase likelihood of righting
Authors: Hardy Adam R. , Merz Rachel A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe fact that sand dollars are often dislodged and inverted is an inescapable consequence of living at or slightly below the sediment–water interface. Once inverted, however, how do sand dollars effectively right themselves, given their small spines and stiff internal skeletons? Here, we examined the possibility that individuals of Mellita quinquiesperforata and Dendraster excentricus may take advantage of the interaction of their morphology and flow to increase the likelihood of righting. Based on flow tank observations, the critical velocity required to flip an inverted sand dollar varies with orientation and increases with test size. For both species, the critical velocity was lower when inverted sand dollars were oriented with the posterior margin facing directly downstream, compared with when the posterior margin was positioned in an upstream orientation. To test whether inverted sand dollars would actively rotate into a more advantageous position for flipping, we exposed inverted animals in three starting orientations – with their posterior edge directed upstream (the least favored position for flipping), perpendicular, and downstream to flow – to the minimum flow expected to induce flipping and compared their responses. Time‐lapse photography showed that regardless of initial orientation, within one hour, a majority of individuals of both species rotated into positions that were not statistically different from the downstream orientation (the most favored position for flipping). These results for D. excentricus were further confirmed in a field experiment. Taken together, these data suggest that inverted sand dollars are able to recognize flow direction and respond by modifying their orientation to maximize lift and drag for righting.
Effects of Tobacco Smoking on Neuropsychological Function in Schizophrenia in Comparison to Other Psychiatric Disorders and Non‐psychiatric Controls
Authors: Morisano Dominique , Wing Victoria C. , Sacco Kristi A. , Arenovich Tamara , George Tony P. 
Published: February 2013

Background and ObjectivesCompared to the general population cigarette smoking prevalence is elevated in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). These disorders are also associated with neurocognitive impairments. Cigarette smoking is associated with improved cognition in SZ. The effects of smoking on cognition in BD and MDD are less well studied.MethodsWe used a cross‐sectional design to study neuropsychological performance in these disorders as a function of smoking status. Subjects (N = 108) were SZ smokers (n = 32), SZ non‐smokers (n = 15), BD smokers (n = 10), BD non‐smokers (n = 6), MDD smokers (n = 6), MDD non‐smokers (n = 10), control smokers (n = 12), and control non‐smokers (n = 17). Participants completed a neuropsychological battery; smokers were non‐deprived.ResultsSZ subjects performed significantly worse than controls in select domains, while BD and MDD subjects did not differ from controls. Three verbal memory outcomes were improved in SZ smokers compared with non‐smokers; smoking status did not alter performance in BD or MDD.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceThese data suggest that smoking is associated with neurocognitive improvements in SZ, but not BD or MDD. Our data may suggest specificity of cigarette‐smoking modulation of neurocognitive deficits in SZ. (Am J Addict 2013;22:46‐53)
Brief Intervention for Risk‐Drinking Women: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Content and Process
Authors: DeMarinis Valerie , Caplan Jason , Chang Grace 
Published: February 2013

Background and ObjectivesAlthough brief interventions (BIs) are among the most highly promoted treatments for alcohol problems, their effective components are unknown. This may be particularly important when considering women since some reviews have suggested that BIs are more efficacious among men. The purpose of this pilot study is to utilize a mixed methods and gender analysis approach to generate hypotheses about the effective components of BIs given to women with medical problems exacerbated by problem drinking.MethodsRandom sample of 20 BIs given to women with diabetes, hypertension, infertility, or osteoporosis. Quantitative and qualitative analytic methods were undertaken in a stepwise progression, followed by a gender analysis using the Worldview Assessment Framework.ResultsMain findings include that a worldview encompassing drinking as an entitlement may be a moderator limiting the effectiveness of a BI, that understanding the impact of alcohol on infertility problems as distinct from prenatal alcohol use may be a mediator for BI effectiveness, and that providing information about sensible drinking limits in the context of a specific medical problem was feasible.Conclusions and SignificanceContent and process areas are important to consider when offering BI for risk‐drinking women with medical problems and may help to improve treatment efficacy in this group. (Am J Addict 2013;22:67‐74)
Novel Low‐Firing Microwave Dielectric Ceramic LiCa3MgV3O12 with Low Dielectric Loss
Authors: Fang Liang , Su Congxue , Zhou Huanfu , Wei Zhenhai , Zhang Hui 
Published: February 2013

Novel low temperature firing microwave dielectric ceramic LiCa3MgV3O12 (LCMV) with garnet structure was fabricated by the conventional solid‐state reaction method. The phase purity, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. The densification temperature for the LCMV ceramic is 900°C. LCMV ceramic possessed εr = 10.5, Qu × f = 74 700 GHz, and τf = −61 ppm/°C. Furthermore, 0.90LiCa3MgV3O12–0.10CaTiO3 ceramic sintered at 925°C for 4 h exhibited good properties of εr = 12.4, Qu × f = 57 600 GHz, and τf = 2.7 ppm/°C. The LCMV ceramic could be compatible with Ag electrode, which makes it a promising ceramic for LTCC technology application.
Can you see me? Experiences of nurses working night shift in Australian regional hospitals: a qualitative case study.
Authors: Powell Idona 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo report a study that explored the experiences of night‐shift nurses, focusing on employee interrelationships and work satisfaction.BackgroundNight‐shift nurses are a critical component in hospital care making it essential to understand the experiences that give meaning to their work and understand how these nurses and the organization can benefit from their contribution to hospital care. A literature review revealed minimal research in this area.DesignQualitative case study.MethodA qualitative case study using semi‐structured interviews and self‐completed diaries was conducted in 2010 in regional public hospitals in Australia. Participants were 14 nurses working nights half or more of their shifts in medical or surgical wards.FindingsThematic analysis identified four major areas of concern: work relationships, work environment, work practices and lifestyle impact. Notably, work relationships were most meaningful for nurses on the same shift; night‐shift nurses experienced working conditions inferior to their daytime counterparts including a perception of minimal leadership. Despite limited education opportunities, night shift provided opportunity for professional growth for some nurses with a slippage in skills for others; night shift provided flexibility for family and social activities, yet impeded these same activities, primarily due to pervasive fatigue. Night‐shift nurses considered their role critical, yet believed that they were poorly regarded.ConclusionThe strong interpersonal relationships developed between night‐shift workers need to be capitalized on whilst developing a more effective leadership model, improved work environment, more equitable professional development, and genuine recognition of the critical role of night nurses.
From theoretical model to practical use: an example of knowledge translation
Authors: Bjørk Ida Torunn , Lomborg Kirsten , Nielsen Carsten Munch , Brynildsen Grethe , Frederiksen Anne‐Marie Skovsgaard , Larsen Karin , Reierson Inger Åse , Sommer Irene , Stenholt Britta 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo present a case of knowledge translation in nursing education and practice and discusses mechanisms relevant to bringing knowledge into action.BackgroundThe process of knowledge translation aspires to close the gap between theory and practice. Knowledge translation is a cyclic process involving both the creation and application of knowledge in several phases. The case presented in this paper is the translation of the Model of Practical Skill Performance into education and practice. Advantages and problems with the use of this model and its adaptation and tailoring to local contexts illustrate the cyclic and iterative process of knowledge translation.DiscussionThe cultivation of a three‐sided relationship between researchers, educators, and clinical nurses was a major asset in driving the process of knowledge translation. The knowledge translation process gained momentum by replacing passive diffusion strategies with interaction and teamwork between stakeholders. The use of knowledge creates feedback that might have consequences for the refinement and tailoring of that same knowledge itself. With end‐users in mind, several heuristics were used by the research group to increase clarity of the model and to tailor the implementation of knowledge to the users.Implications for nursingThis article illustrates the need for enduring collaboration between stakeholders to promote the process of knowledge translation. Translation of research knowledge into practice is a time‐consuming process that is enhanced when appropriate support is given by leaders in the involved facilities.ConclusionKnowledge translation is a time‐consuming and collaborative endeavour. On the basis of our experience we advocate the implementation and use of a conceptual framework for the entire process of knowledge translation. More descriptions of knowledge translation in the nursing discipline are needed to inspire and advise in this process.
Well‐being, satisfaction and commitment: the substitutable nature of resources for maternity hospital nurses
Authors: Rodwell John , Munro Louise 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsTo investigate the relationship between three types of organizational resources (job control, social support and organizational justice) and the impact of job demands on nurse's well‐being and attitudes towards their work.BackgroundThe negative impact of work‐related stress on nurse's health and attitudes towards their work has been established. Increasingly, research is focusing on the role of organizational resources in reducing the impact of work‐related stress.DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodData collected in November 2008 from 226 Australian nurses and midwives were analysed using the full Job Strain Model with the addition of organizational justice variables. Multiple regression analyses explored the relationships among job control, job demands, three sources of social support and four types of organizational justice on well‐being and work attitudes.ResultsThe overall regression models explained a significant amount of variance in well‐being, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Significant main effects were evident for support variables and organizational justice variables on well‐being and job satisfaction. Interactions between job control and supervisor support and between job demands and supervisor support were evident for job satisfaction.ConclusionsSupervisor support and organizational justice have significant relationships with nurses' well‐being and job satisfaction. More broadly, the findings suggest that, in the triple‐matching approach from a work‐stressor to a resource to a work outcome, personal, supervisory and organizational resources may be substitutable. These findings provide nurse management with empirical endorsement for the development and delivery of the organization's resources for nursing staff.
Fatty acid binding protein 4 in circulating leucocytes reflects atherosclerotic lesion progression in Apoe−/− mice
Authors: Agardh Hanna E , Gertow Karl , Salvado M. Dolores , Hermansson Andreas , van Puijvelde Gijs H , Hansson Göran K. , Paulsson‐Berne Gabrielle , Gabrielsen Anders 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDiscovery of novel biomarkers for atherosclerosis is important to aid in early diagnosis of pre‐symptomatic patients at high risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was therefore to identify potential biomarkers in circulating cells reflecting atherosclerotic lesion progression in the vessel wall. We performed gene arrays on circulating leucocytes from atherosclerosis prone Apoe−/− mice with increasing ages, using C57BL/6 mice as healthy controls. We identified fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) mRNA to be augmented in mice with established disease compared with young Apoe−/− or controls. Interestingly, the transcript FABP4 correlated significantly with lesion size, further supporting a disease associated increase. In addition, validation of our finding on protein level showed augmented FABP4 in circulating leucocytes whereas, importantly, no change could be observed in plasma. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated FABP4 to be present mainly in circulating neutrophils and to some extent in monocytes. Moreover, FABP4‐positive neutrophils and macrophages could be identified in the subintimal space in the plaque. Using human circulating leucocytes, we confirmed the presence of FABP4 protein in neutrophils and monocytes. In conclusion, we have showed that cellular levels of FABP4 in circulating leucocytes associate with lesion development in the experimental Apoe−/− model. The increased expression is primarily localized to neutrophils, but also in monocytes. We have identified FABP4 in leucocytes as a potential and easy accessible biomarker of atherosclerosis which could be of future clinical relevance.
Loss of CCM3 impairs DLL4‐Notch signalling: implication in endothelial angiogenesis and in inherited cerebral cavernous malformations
Authors: You Chao , Erol Sandalcioglu Ibrahim , Dammann Philipp , Felbor Ute , Sure Ulrich , Zhu Yuan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractCCM3, a product of the cerebral cavernous malformation 3 or programmed cell death 10 gene (CCM3/PDCD10), is broadly expressed throughout development in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Increasing evidence indicates a crucial role of CCM3 in vascular development and in regulation of angiogenesis and apoptosis. Furthermore, loss of CCM3 causes inherited (familial) cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), a common brain vascular anomaly involving aberrant angiogenesis. This study focused on signalling pathways underlying the angiogenic functions of CCM3. Silencing CCM3 by siRNA stimulated endothelial proliferation, migration and sprouting accompanied by significant downregulation of the core components of Notch signalling including DLL4, Notch4, HEY2 and HES1 and by activation of VEGF and Erk pathways. Treatment with recombinant DLL4 (rhDLL4) restored DLL4 expression and reversed CCM3‐silence‐mediated impairment of Notch signalling and reduced the ratio of VEGF‐R2 to VEGF‐R1 expression. Importantly, restoration of DLL4‐Notch signalling entirely rescued the hyper‐angiogenic phenotype induced by CCM3 silence. A concomitant loss of CCM3 and the core components of DLL4‐Notch signalling were also demonstrated in CCM3‐deficient endothelial cells derived from human CCM lesions (CCMEC) and in a CCM3 germline mutation carrier. This study defined DLL4 as a key downstream target of CCM3 in endothelial cells. CCM3/DLL4‐Notch pathway serves as an important signalling for endothelial angiogenesis and is potentially implicated in the pathomechanism of human CCMs.
Presence of N‐glycosylated transthyretin in plasma of V30M carriers in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy: an escape from ERAD
Authors: Teixeira Anabela C. , Saraiva Maria J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractFamilial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by deposition of amyloid related to the presence of mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. TTR is mainly synthesized in liver, choroid plexuses of brain and pancreas and secreted to plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although it possesses a sequon for N‐glycosylation N‐D‐S at position 98, it is not secreted as a glycoprotein. The most common FAP‐associated mutation is TTR V30M. In a screening for monoclonal antibodies developed against an amyloidogenic TTR form, we detected a distinct TTR with slower electrophoretic mobility in Western of plasma from carriers of the V30M mutation, not present in normal plasma. Mass spectrometry analyses of this slower migrating TTR (SMT) identified both wild‐type and mutant V30M; SMT was undetectable upon N‐glycosidase F treatment. Furthermore, SMT readily disappeared in the plasma of V30M ‐ FAP patients after liver transplantation and appeared in plasma of transplanted domino individuals that received a V30M liver. SMT was also detected in plasma, but not in CSF of transgenic mice for the human V30M mutation. A hepatoma cell line transduced to express human V30M did not present the SMT modification in secretion media. Glycosylated TTR was absent in fibrils extracted from human kidney V30M autopsy tissue or in TTR aggregates extracted from the intestine of human TTR transgenic mice. Studies on the metabolism of this novel, glycosylated TTR secreted from FAP liver are warranted to provide new mechanisms in protein quality control and etiopathogenesis of the disease.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic pain in people with an intellectual disability: a case series using components of the Feeling Better programme
Authors: McManus S. , Treacy M. , McGuire B. E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundCognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in assisting people to cope with chronic pain. However, this approach has not been systematically evaluated with people with an intellectual disability (ID). This pilot study sought to examine the feasibility and clinical utility of CBT for people with an ID, using elements of a manualised CBT pain management programme called Feeling Better.MethodFive people with chronic pain who were functioning within the mild range of ID received a modified, individual eight‐session cognitive behavioural intervention aimed at development of pain management skills. The participants' scores on a range of measures (pain management knowledge, pain self‐efficacy, use of pain coping strategies and effectiveness of coping strategies) were compared pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and at 1‐month follow‐up.ResultsThe results indicated that participant scores on pain management knowledge, wellness‐focused coping and effectiveness of coping increased following the intervention. However, these gains were generally not maintained at follow‐up.ConclusionWe concluded that CBT has potential utility for pain management in people with an ID, but that it requires a trial of a more intensive and prolonged intervention with the systematic involvement of care givers.