bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular prion protein is present in dopaminergic neurons and modulates the dopaminergic system
Authors: Rial Daniel , Pamplona Fabrício A. , Moreira Eduardo L. G. , Moreira Karin M. , Hipolide Débora , Rodrigues Diana I. , Dombrowski Patrícia A. , Da Cunha Claudio , Agostinho Paula , Takahashi Reinaldo N. , Walz Roger , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Prediger Rui D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCellular prion protein (PrPC) is widely expressed in the brain. Although the precise role of PrPC remains uncertain, it has been proposed to be a pivotal modulator of neuroplasticity events by regulating the glutamatergic and serotonergic systems. Here we report the existence of neurochemical and functional interactions between PrPC and the dopaminergic system. PrPC was found to co‐localize with dopaminergic neurons and in dopaminergic synapses in the striatum. Furthermore, the genetic deletion of PrPC down‐regulated dopamine D1 receptors and DARPP‐32 density in the striatum and decreased dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex of mice. This indicates that PrPC affects the homeostasis of the dopaminergic system by interfering differently in different brain areas with dopamine synthesis, content, receptor density and signaling pathways. This interaction between PrPC and the dopaminergic system prompts the hypotheses that the dopaminergic system may be implicated in some pathological features of prion‐related diseases and, conversely, that PrPC may play a role in dopamine‐associated brain disorders.
Region‐ and domain‐dependent action of nomifensine
Authors: Shu Zhan , Taylor I. Mitch , Walters Seth H. , Michael Adrian C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe dopamine (DA) terminal fields in the rat dorsal striatum (DS) and nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) are organized as patchworks of domains that exhibit distinct kinetics of DA release and clearance. The present study used fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry recordings of electrically evoked DA overflow to test the hypothesis that nomifensine might exhibit domain‐dependent actions within the NAcc, as we previously found to be the case within the DS. Within the NAcc, nomifensine preferentially enhanced evoked DA overflow in the slow domains compared with the fast domains. To seek a kinetic explanation for nomifensine's selective actions, we quantified the apparent KM of DA clearance by numerically evaluating the derivative of the descending phase of the DA signal after the end of the stimulus. For comparison, we likewise quantified the apparent KM in the domains of the DS. As expected, because it is a competitive inhibitor, nomifensine significantly increased the apparent KM in both the fast and slow domains of both the NAcc and DS. However, our analysis also led to the novel finding that nomifensine preferentially increases the apparent KM in the NAcc compared with the DS; the apparent KM increased by ~500% in the NAcc and by ~200% in the DS.
The potential impact of a single amino‐acid substitution on the efficacy of equine influenza vaccines
Authors: Yamanaka T. , Cullinane A. , Gildea S. , Bannai H. , Nemoto M. , Tsujimura K. , Kondo T. , Matsumura T. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe protection induced by an equine influenza (EI) vaccine strain depends on its antigenic relatedness to the challenge virus. Although the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recommend that both Florida sublineage clade 1 (Fc1) and clade 2 (Fc2) viruses should be included in EI vaccines, Japanese EI vaccines have not, thus far, been updated to include a Fc2 virus.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of antibodies raised against Japanese EI vaccine strains in the neutralisation of recent Fc2 viruses.Study designAntigenic analysis.MethodsVirus neutralisation tests were performed using antisera from experimentally infected horses and from horses that had received a primary course of the currently available vaccines.ResultsAntiserum raised against the Japanese EI vaccine strain, A/equine/La Plata/1993, exhibited poor cross‐neutralising activity against the Fc2 viruses isolated recently in Ireland and the UK, which have the substitution of alanine to valine at position 144 in antigenic site A of the haemagglutinin gene. In contrast, the antiserum exhibited good cross‐neutralising activity against the Fc2 viruses without the substitution. This finding was supported in experiments with antisera collected from vaccinated horses.ConclusionsThis suggests that the efficacy of the Japanese EI vaccine for some of the recent Fc2 viruses is suboptimal and that vaccines should be updated in accordance with the OIE recommendations.
A synthesis of methane emissions from 71 northern, temperate, and subtropical wetlands
Authors: Turetsky Merritt R. , Kotowska Agnieszka , Bubier Jill , Dise Nancy B. , Crill Patrick , Hornibrook Ed R. C. , Minkkinen Kari , Moore Tim R. , Myers‐Smith Isla H. , Nykänen Hannu , Olefeldt David , Rinne Janne , Saarnio Sanna , Shurpali Narasinha , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina , Waddington J. Michael , White Jeffrey R. , Wickland Kimberly P. , Wilmking Martin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWetlands are the largest natural source of atmospheric methane. Here, we assess controls on methane flux using a database of approximately 19 000 instantaneous measurements from 71 wetland sites located across subtropical, temperate, and northern high latitude regions. Our analyses confirm general controls on wetland methane emissions from soil temperature, water table, and vegetation, but also show that these relationships are modified depending on wetland type (bog, fen, or swamp), region (subarctic to temperate), and disturbance. Fen methane flux was more sensitive to vegetation and less sensitive to temperature than bog or swamp fluxes. The optimal water table for methane flux was consistently below the peat surface in bogs, close to the peat surface in poor fens, and above the peat surface in rich fens. However, the largest flux in bogs occurred when dry 30‐day averaged antecedent conditions were followed by wet conditions, while in fens and swamps, the largest flux occurred when both 30‐day averaged antecedent and current conditions were wet. Drained wetlands exhibited distinct characteristics, e.g. the absence of large flux following wet and warm conditions, suggesting that the same functional relationships between methane flux and environmental conditions cannot be used across pristine and disturbed wetlands. Together, our results suggest that water table and temperature are dominant controls on methane flux in pristine bogs and swamps, while other processes, such as vascular transport in pristine fens, have the potential to partially override the effect of these controls in other wetland types. Because wetland types vary in methane emissions and have distinct controls, these ecosystems need to be considered separately to yield reliable estimates of global wetland methane release.
Survival and other clinical outcomes of maintenance hemodialysis patients in Taiwan: A 5‐year multicenter follow‐up study
Authors: Chen Huan‐Sheng , Cheng Chun‐Ting , Hou Chun‐Cheng , Liou Hung‐Hsiang , Lim Paik‐Seong 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe increasing aging and diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in dialysis population make the quality maintenance of dialysis an imperative issue. Recently, an increasing number of dialysis centers were run by private dialysis providers, many of which apply quality assurance programs and performance management systems to dialysis care. We studied patients in dialysis facilities in Taiwan run by a private chain to see clinical outcomes of centers operating under these systemic strategies. Hemodialysis patients from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012 in 25 dialysis facilities in Taiwan, which received the management and consultation from a dialysis service provider, NephroCare (NC), were included. Data pivotal to quality of dialysis were analyzed. During a 5‐year interval, 5161 hemodialysis patients were included. For volume control, the proportion of patients with weight gain ≥4.5% decreases from 41.7% to 30.2%. Mean Kt/V is 1.74 ± 0.28. Mean albumin level is 3.92 ± 0.38 g/dL. Patients with phosphate <5.5 mg/dL is up to 71.8%. The mean hemoglobin level is 10.70 ± 1.40 g/dL. More than 80% of patients have adequate iron status. Further, 73% of patients use native arteriovenous fistula. Hospitalization‐free survival rate was 56% at the fifth year. Patient survival rate at the fifth year was 66.4%. Overall clinical performances were maintained very stable in NC facilities from this temporal data analysis. The hospitalization and survival rate also compare favorably with those reported internationally. These results warrant further studies to justify the application of this kind of quality assurance programs and performance management systems in dialysis care.
Physical examination of arteriovenous fistula: The influence of professional experience in the detection of complications
Authors: Sousa Clemente Neves , Teles Paulo , Dias Vanessa Filipa Ferreira , Apóstolo João Luís Alves , Figueiredo Maria Henriqueta Jesus Silva , Martins Maria Manuela 
Published: April 2014

AbstractVascular access is one of the leading causes of mobilization of financial resources in health systems for people with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Physical examination of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying complications. We decided to evaluate the influence of nurses' professional experience in the detection of complications of the AVF (venous stenosis and steal syndrome). The study took place in eight hemodialysis centers between May and September of 2011 in the north of Portugal. Sample was constituted by registered nurses. The nurses involved in the experiment were divided in two groups: those who had more than 5 years of experience and those who had less than 5 years of experience. Ninety‐two nurses participated in the study: 34 nurses had less than 5 years of professional experience and 58 had more than 5 years of professional experience. In the practices considered by nurses in the detection of venous stenosis, there were no differences observed between the groups (P > 0.05). In steal syndrome, there were no differences observed between the groups in the practices of the nurses in the detection of this complication of the AVF (P > 0.05). We concluded that professional experience does not influence the detection of venous stenosis and steal syndrome.
Gonadoblastoma: an immunohistochemical study and comparison to Sertoli cell nodule with intratubular germ cell neoplasia, with pathogenetic implications
Authors: Kao Chia‐Sui , Ulbright Thomas M , Idrees Muhammad T 
Published: April 2014

AimsTo investigate the immunohistochemical properties of the sex cord cells of gonadoblastoma and Sertoli cell nodule with intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified (IGCNU) as a means of objective distinction and to provide insight into the pathogenesis.Methods and resultsImmunohistochemical stains for SOX9, FoxL2 and SF‐1 were performed on 10 gonadoblastomas (all phenotypical females) and 14 Sertoli cell nodules with IGCNU in normal phenotypical males with coexisting germ cell tumours. The sex cord cells of gonadoblastomas showed strong, diffuse FoxL2 and SF‐1 positivity and focal weak to moderate SOX9 reactivity, whereas those of Sertoli cell nodules with IGCNU were uniformly, strongly positive for SOX9 and SF‐1, while negative for FoxL2.ConclusionsCoexpression of SOX9 and FoxL2 in the sex cord cells of gonadoblastomas provides evidence that these morphologically ambiguous sex cord cells are incompletely differentiated. The strong, diffuse SOX9 and SF‐1 positivity and absence of FoxL2 reactivity in the Sertoli cell nodules with IGNCU support full Sertoli cell differentiation of the sex cord cells and distinguish them from gonadoblastomas. Deficient SOX9 expression in gonadoblastoma supports a current model of pathogenesis where immature germ cells, in the absence of well‐formed Sertoli cells, retain a fetal phenotype and susceptibility to malignant transformation.
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression in mycosis fungoides
Authors: Pileri Alessandro , Agostinelli Claudio , Righi Simona , Fuligni Fabio , Bacci Francesco , Sabattini Elena , Patrizi Annalisa , Pileri Stefano A , Piccaluga Pier Paolo 
Published: April 2014

AimsHigh levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) seem to herald a worse prognosis in mycosis fungoides (MF). In this study, we aimed to characterize more clearly VEGFA gene and protein expression in MF.Methods and resultsFirst, we compared VEGFA mRNA levels in MF and in normal T lymphocyte samples; significantly higher VEGFA levels were found in MF. We then studied VEGFA expression in different normal T cell subsets, focusing on CD4+, CD8+, resting and activated T lymphocytes. We applied the gene signatures of the normal T cell subsets to MF samples and found that activated T lymphocytes represented the closest normal counterpart of the tumour. However, VEGFA mRNA levels were significantly higher in MF than in activated normal T cells, suggesting that VEGFA overexpression in MF represents an attribute acquired during neoplastic transformation: no significant VEGFA expression differences were recorded between early and advanced stages. Gene expression profile results were supported by immunohistochemistry in routine sections from 27 MF cases.ConclusionsFor the first time, we demonstrate VEGFA expression in MF cells, suggesting that the VEGF pathway may be implicated in MF pathogenesis and can represent a novel therapeutic target.
A potential link among antioxidant enzymes, histopathology and trace elements in canine visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Souza Carolina C. , Barreto Tatiane de O. , da Silva Sydnei M. , Pinto Aldair W. J. , Figueiredo Maria M. , Ferreira Rocha Olguita G. , Cangussú Silvia D. , Tafuri Wagner L. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryCanine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a severe and fatal systemic chronic inflammatory disease. We investigated the alterations in, and potential associations among, antioxidant enzymes, trace elements and histopathology in CVL. Blood and tissue levels of Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were measured in mixed‐breed dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum chagasi, symptomatic (n = 19) and asymptomatic (n = 11). Serum levels of copper, iron, zinc, selenium and nitric oxide, and plasma lipid peroxidation were measured. Histological and morphometric analyses were conducted of lesions in liver, spleen and lymph nodes. We found lower blood catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity to be correlated with lower iron and selenium respectively. However, higher activity of Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase was not correlated with the increase in copper and decreased in zinc observed in infected animals compared to controls. Organ tissue was characterized by lower enzyme activity in infected dogs than in controls, but this was not correlated with trace elements. Lipid peroxidation was higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic and control dogs and was associated with lesions such as chronic inflammatory reaction, congestion, haemosiderin and fibrosis. Systemic iron deposition was observed primarily in the symptomatic dogs showing a higher tissue parasite load. Dogs with symptomatic CVL displayed enhanced LPO and Fe tissue deposition associated with decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes. These results showed new points in the pathology of CVL and might open new treatment perspectives associated with antioxidants and the role of iron in the pathogenesis of CVL.
Compliance of urinary continence care for Japanese residents on short‐stay respite services
Authors: Takai Yukari , Abe Kogi , Torimoto‐Sasai Yasuko , Okamoto Yuko , Kamiyama Manami , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTA guideline for urinary incontinence care among older adults in Japan has recommended that the care should be based on types and causes of urinary incontinence. This study examined nursing ward managers' perceptions regarding compliance of urinary continence care among nursing staff, for residents on short‐stay respite services (SSRS) at health care facilities in Japan, and to examine the relationship between the compliance and residents' levels of activities of daily living upon discharge. We sent questionnaires to nursing managers at all facilities in the Kanto and Shinetsu regions in Japan (1072 facilities). The questionnaires asked about SSRS, compliance of urinary continence care for residents on the respite services and the residents' levels of activities of daily living upon discharge. A logistic regression analysis was performed with overall improvement of activities of daily living among the residents as a dependent variable and the factors that could be related to the activity levels and compliance of the care as independent variables. The final sample comprised 313 participants (response rate: 29·2%). Among the managers, 64·6% reported urinary incontinence types in the residents identified at their facilities, and 69·4% disagreed in response to a question on whether the activities of daily living levels of the residents had improved upon discharge. Logistic regression analysis showed that identifying urinary incontinence types (odds ratio 3·38, 95% confidence interval 1·71–6·69) was associated with improvement of activity levels for the residents. Identification of residents' urinary incontinence types should be carried out via systematic approaches by nursing staff.
Impact of urinary incontinence on sexual quality of life in Portuguese adults
Authors: Pereira Henrique , Menezes Joana 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTUrinary incontinence (UI) is a symptom of an underlying disorder with a high prevalence, constituting an important public health problem due to its physical, psychological and social consequences. The impact it has on the individuals' quality of life is revealed in their daily activities, self‐perception, socialization, emotional health and in their sexual life. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of incontinence on the sexual quality of life, identifying the role of the variables: gender, duration and severity of incontinence, impact of incontinence on the quality of life and type of incontinence. The sample was composed by 55 patients (54·05% male and 45·5% female) from health facilities, in Lisbon, with a mean age of 55 years, who answered a set of questionnaires, which included: the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7); the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6); the Questionnaire on Sexual Quality of Life, male and female versions (SQoL‐F/SQoL‐M) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The results indicate that UI has a negative impact on the sexual quality of life in general, especially if the incontinence symptoms endure for a long period of time; also the impact of UI on social relationships, and the stress UI has a significant and negative impact on the sexual quality of life. In this study, UI has a negative impact on sexual life compounded by restrictions and other negative consequences of living with urinary leakage. The authors conclude that further research is required to ascertain the full impact of UI on sexual quality of life. Finally, implications for nurses are also discussed: in addressing the sexual health of their patients, nurses have an important contribution in assuring that experiencing UI should not necessarily translate into negative sexual quality of life.
The role of the prostate cancer nurse co‐ordinator: nurses' perspectives of barriers and challenges
Authors: Morgan Margaret , Butow Phyllis , Maddern Robyn , Shaw Joanne 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe prostate cancer nurse co‐ordinator (PCNC) is a relatively new role in Australia. Although a post graduate prostate cancer nursing specialist training course has been established, within the clinical setting the role is still poorly defined and understood. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and experiences of PCNCs regarding: (i) the challenges of their role, and (ii) the interaction of job demands and job resources in determining the impact of their role on their level of work‐related stress and delivery of care, using the job‐demands and resources (JD‐R) model. Qualitative study was designed involving thematic analysis of telephone interviews with PCNCs. Structured interviews were conducted with 15 PCNCs recruited through the Australian and New Zealand Urological Nurses' Society membership. Interview structure was guided by The JD‐R model. Respondents reported a wide range of role descriptions and activities, reflecting a lack of clarity in role definition. They also reported high demands in an environment of limited resources. However, at least in part, these stressors were mediated by high levels of job satisfaction and reward from high levels of patient care. These findings highlight the need for clear role definition and implementation of guidelines to establish case‐loads. To facilitate role clarity and a sustainable, professionally trained workforce, adequate training and competency are essential. Organizational autonomy through the implementation of nurse‐led clinics might further enhance the role.
Droit du travail, chômage et part salariale: l'expérience de six pays de l'OCDE, 1970–2010
Authors: DEAKIN Simon , MALMBERG Jonas , SARKAR Prabirjit 
Published: April 2014

Résumé.Utilisant des données sur le droit du travail dans six pays (Allemagne, Etats‐Unis, France, Japon, Royaume‐Uni et Suède) entre 1970 et 2010, les auteurs évaluent les effets de la réglementation du travail sur le chômage et la part du travail dans le revenu national. Leur méthode montre la différence entre les effets à court et à long terme des changements de réglementation: la législation protectrice des travailleurs n'est pas associée de façon systématique avec le chômage, mais est corrélée positivement avec la part du travail dans le revenu national. Les dispositions relatives au temps de travail et la représentation des salariés ont des effets bénéfiques tant sur l'efficacité que sur la répartition.
El sindicalismo como vía de ciudadanía laboral. El caso de las cuidadoras y cuidadores migrantes en Israel
Authors: MUNDLAK Guy , SHAMIR Hila 
Published: April 2014

ResumenEl artículo examina la viabilidad del sindicalismo para ciertos trabajadores migrantes del cuidado. Primero revisa las concepciones básicas de la acción sindical y después, apoyándose en un análisis detallado de una campaña reciente de sindicación de cuidadores migrantes en Israel, demuestra la aportación única del enfoque sindical frente al de otras asociaciones cívicas que apoyan a estos trabajadores: a pesar de los muchos problemas que entraña su sindicación, en razón de la naturaleza de su trabajo y de obstáculos jurídicos e institucionales, el sindicalismo es la única vía para dotar a los trabajadores migrantes de ciudadanía laboral y de agencia política.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation: Early Impact on Ambulatory Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Schwerg Marius , Heupel Christian , Strajnic Dino , Baumann Gert , Laule Michael , Stangl Verena , Stangl Karl 
Published: April 2014

Although guidelines recommend ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM), few data are available regarding the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on 24‐hour ABPM values. A total of 44 patients with mean systolic BP ≥135 mm Hg on ABPM despite adequate therapy were included. Basal systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were 154±11 mm Hg and 86±12 mm Hg, respectively. At 1 month, SBP and DBP were reduced to 146±18 mm Hg (P=.01) and 82±14 mm Hg and showed no further decrease up to 6 months. Only 55% of the patients responded to RDN (≥−5 mm Hg SBP), with a mean responder rate drop of 21/11 mm Hg. Neither the number of ablation points nor the amount of impedance drop was predictive of response. Only approximately half of patients with resistant hypertension responded to RDN. However, in these responders, a remarkable reduction of 24‐hour BP occurred as early as 1 month after RDN.