bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcultural adaptation and initial validation of Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Basel assessment of adherence to immunosuppressive medications scale (BAASIS) in kidney transplants
Authors: Marsicano Elisa de Oliveira , Fernandes Neimar da Silva , Colugnati Fernando , Grincenkov Fabiane Rossi dos Santos , Fernandes Natalia Maria da Silva , De Geest Sabina , Sanders-Pinheiro Helady 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Transplant recipients are expected to adhere to a lifelong immunosuppressant therapeutic regimen. However, nonadherence to treatment is an underestimated problem for which no properly validated measurement tool is available for Portuguese-speaking patients. We aimed to initially validate the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale (BAASIS®) to accurately estimate immunosuppressant nonadherence in Brazilian transplant patients.

Methods
The BAASIS® (English version) was transculturally adapted and its psychometric properties were assessed. The transcultural adaptation was performed using the Guillemin protocol. Psychometric testing included reliability (intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility, agreement, Kappa coefficient, and the Cronbach’s alpha) and validity (content, criterion, and construct validities).

Results
The final version of the transculturally adapted BAASIS® was pretested, and no difficulties in understanding its content were found. The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility variances (0.007 and 0.003, respectively), the Cronbach’s alpha (0.7), Kappa coefficient (0.88) and the agreement (95.2%) suggest accuracy, preciseness and reliability. For construct validity, exploratory factorial analysis demonstrated unidimensionality of the first three questions (r = 0.76, r = 0.80, and r = 0.68). For criterion validity, the adapted BAASIS® was correlated with another self-report instrument, the Measure of Adherence to Treatment, and showed good congruence (r = 0.65).

Conclusions
The BAASIS® has adequate psychometric properties and may be employed in advance to measure adherence to posttransplant immunosuppressant treatments. This instrument will be the first one validated to use in this specific transplant population and in the Portuguese language.
Maternal overweight and obesity: a survey of clinicians’ characteristics and attitudes, and their responses to their pregnant clients
Authors: Wilkinson Shelley A , Poad Di , Stapleton Helen 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Statewide (Queensland) Clinical Guidelines reflecting current best practice have recently become available for the management of pregnancy-related obesity. Our aim was to assess staff knowledge about, adherence to, and characteristics that influence delivery of care according to these Guidelines.

Methods
An online survey, available over a three week period (May-June 2011), was disseminated to obstetric, midwifery and allied health staff working in a tertiary maternity hospital. Outcomes included knowledge of guideline content, advice given, knowledge of obesity pregnancy-related complications, previous training, referral patterns, and staff characteristics, including lifestyle habits, body satisfaction, and Body Mass Index (BMI).

Results
Seventy-three staff completed surveys (59.6% response rate). Mean self-reported BMI was 24.2 ± 4.1 kg/m2 (17.9-36.4); 28.5% of staff were overweight (19%) or obese (9.5%), and 27.4% were underweight. However, 28.6%, 2.4%, and 1.2% ‘self-classified’ themselves as overweight, obese, and underweight, respectively. Almost 40% were dissatisfied/extremely dissatisfied with their weight. While the majority reported overweight/obesity (ow/ob) as an important/very important general obstetric issue and most correctly identified associated perinatal complications, only 32.1% were aware of existing guidelines, with only half correctly identifying BMI categories for ow/ob. A quarter indicated they did not provide women with gestational weight gain (GWG) advice relative to BMI category. Staff identified they would like more training in the area of supporting women to achieve and understand the need for healthy GWG. Staff role was significantly associated with guideline adherence (p=0.03) and association with BMI category approached significance (p=0.07). An association was observed between staff’s BMI and their belief in the influence of their advice on women’s GWG (p=0.013) and weight satisfaction and belief in women having the resources to make the changes they recommend (p=0.003).

Conclusions
Whilst lack of guideline knowledge provides a barrier to best-practice care, our findings suggest an interplay between staff confidence and personal characteristics in delivering such care which deserves recognition in staff education and training, and service development programs and future research.
Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia associated with influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia after lung transplantation
Authors: Otto Claudia , Huzly Daniela , Kemna Lars , Hüttel Annegret , Benk Christoph , Rieg Siegbert , Ploenes Till , Werner Martin , Kayser Gian 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Immunocompromised patients, particularly after lung transplantation, are at high risk to develop atypical forms of pulmonary infections including influenza A/H1N1. Acute Fibrinous and Organizing Pneumonia (AFOP) is a special histological pattern in acute respiratory failure with high mortality.

Case presentation
We describe a 66-year-old woman with double lung transplantation in August 2009 due to end stage pulmonary fibrosis. After prolonged weaning and subsequent promising course, she developed atypical pneumonia with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates in both lungs in January 2010. Infection with influenza A/H1N1 virus was verified. The patient rapidly suffered from respiratory insufficiency and died eight days after this diagnosis. The post-mortem revealed especially in the lower parts of the lungs the classical histological pattern of pure AFOP. Molecular analyses of lung tissue were positive for influenza A/H1N1.

Conclusion
To our knowledge we present the first case of AFOP triggered by viral infection, here proven to be influenza virus A/H1N1. Thus, also in the setting of viral infection the highly deadly differential diagnosis of AFOP must be considered.
Analysis of knee flexion characteristics and how they alter with the onset of knee osteoarthritis: a case control study
Authors: McCarthy Ian , Hodgins Diana , Mor Amit , Elbaz Avi , Segal Ganit 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in gait profile between patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy control and to create motion characteristics that will differentiate between them.

Methods
Twenty three patients diagnosed with knee OA and 21 healthy matched controls underwent a gait test using a sensor system (gaitWALK). Gait parameters evaluated were: stride duration, knee flexion range of motion (ROM) in swing and stance. T-Test was used to evaluate significant differences between groups (P < 0.05).

Results
Patients with knee OA had significant lower knee flexion ROM (10.3° ± 4.0°) during stance than matched controls (18.0° ± 4.0°) (p < 0.001). Patients with knee OA had significant lower knee flexion ROM (54.8° ± 5.5°) during swing than matched controls (61.2° ± 6.1) (p = 0.003). Patients with knee OA also had longer stride duration (1.12 s ± 0.09 s) than matched controls (1.06 s ± 0.11 s), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.073). Motion characteristics differentiate between a patient with knee OA and a healthy one with a sensitivity of 0.952 and a specificity of 0.783.

Conclusions
Significant differences were found in the gait profile of patients with knee OA compared to matched control and motion characteristics were identified. This test might help clinicians identify and evaluate a knee problem in a simple gait test.
The MicroRNA-148/152 Family: Multi-faceted Players
Authors: Chen Yue , Song Yong-Xi , Wang Zhen-Ning 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
MicroRNAs(miRNA) are noncoding RNAs of about 19–23 nucleotides that are crucial for many biological processes. Members of the microRNA-148/152(miR-148/152) family, which include microRNA-148a(miR-148a), microRNA-148b(miR-148b), and microRNA-152(miR-152), are expressed differently in tumor and nontumor tissues and are involved in the genesis and development of disease. Furthermore, members of the miR-148/152 family are important in the growth and development of normal tissues. Members of the miR-148/152 family regulate target genes and are regulated by methylation of CPG islands. In this review, we report recent studies on the expression of members of the miR-148/152 family, methylation of CPG islands, and their target genes in different diseases, as well as in normal tissues.
Induction of cytopathic effect and cytokines in coxsackievirus B3-infected murine astrocytes
Authors: Zeng Jun , Wang Gefei , Li Weizhong , Zhang Dangui , Chen Xiaoxuan , Xin Gang , Jiang Zhiwu , Li Kangsheng 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Coxsackievirus commonly infects children and occasionally causes severe meningitis and/or encephalitis in the newborn. The underlying mechanism(s) behind the central nervous system pathology is poorly defined.

Methods
It is hypothesized that astrocytes may be involved in inflammatory response induced by CVB3 infection. Here we discuss this hypothesis in the context of CVB3 infection and associated inflammatory response in primary mouse astrocytes.

Results
The results showed that coxsackievirus receptor (CAR) was distributed homogeneously on the astrocytes, and that CVB3 could infect and replicate in astrocytes, with release of infectious virus particles. CVB3 induced cytopathic effect and production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and chemokine CXCL10 from astrocytes.

Conclusion
These data suggest that direct astrocyte damage and cytokines induction could be a mechanism of virus-induced meningitis and/or encephalitis.
Treatment of fungal myositis with intra-lesional and intravenous itraconazole: a case report
Authors: Lin Xiao-Ji , Yao Rong-Xin , He Mu-Qing , Zhu Bao-Ling , Guo Wen-Jian 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Fungal myositis is very uncommon, even in patients who are immunocompromised. Because of its rarity and a lack of clinical experience, no consensus has been reached about the best means of treating fungal myositis. To the best of our knowledge this is the first description of the treatment of fungal myositis with simultaneous intravenous and intra-lesional itraconazole.

Case presentation
A 35-year-old Chinese woman with acute myelomonocytic leukemia developed Candida krusei fungemia and fungal myositis in the right biceps brachii after chemotherapy. A course of intravenous itraconazole and subsequently intravenous voriconazole was initiated and her blood cultures became sterile; however, our patient remained febrile and the myositis did not resolve. Intravenous itraconazole was restarted simultaneously with low-dose intra-lesional itraconazole. The pyrexia settled after 48 hours and within 10 days the lesion could be seen to be resolving. After the course of intravenous and intra-lesional anti-fungals was complete, oral itraconazole was administered as maintenance therapy.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge this is the first case in which fungal myositis was successfully treated with intravenous and intra-lesional itraconazole in a patient with acute myelomonocytic leukemia. The efficacy and safety of locally-administered itraconazole to treat intractable soft tissue infections requires further evaluation.
An omnibus permutation test on ensembles of two-locus analyses can detect pure epistasis and genetic heterogeneity in genome-wide association studies
Authors: Setsirichok Damrongrit , Tienboon Phuwadej , Jaroonruang Nattapong , Kittichaijaroen Somkit , Wongseree Waranyu , Piroonratana Theera , Usavanarong Touchpong , Limwongse Chanin , Aporntewan Chatchawit , Phadoongsidhi Marong , Chaiyaratana Nachol 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Abstract
This article presents the ability of an omnibus permutation test on ensembles of two-locus analyses (2LOmb) to detect pure epistasis in the presence of genetic heterogeneity. The performance of 2LOmb is evaluated in various simulation scenarios covering two independent causes of complex disease where each cause is governed by a purely epistatic interaction. Different scenarios are set up by varying the number of available single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in data, number of causative SNPs and ratio of case samples from two affected groups. The simulation results indicate that 2LOmb outperforms multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) and random forest (RF) techniques in terms of a low number of output SNPs and a high number of correctly-identified causative SNPs. Moreover, 2LOmb is capable of identifying the number of independent interactions in tractable computational time and can be used in genome-wide association studies. 2LOmb is subsequently applied to a type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) data set, which is collected from a UK population by the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC). After screening for SNPs that locate within or near genes and exhibit no marginal single-locus effects, the T1D data set is reduced to 95,991 SNPs from 12,146 genes. The 2LOmb search in the reduced T1D data set reveals that 12 SNPs, which can be divided into two independent sets, are associated with the disease. The first SNP set consists of three SNPs from MUC21 (mucin 21, cell surface associated), three SNPs from MUC22 (mucin 22), two SNPs from PSORS1C1 (psoriasis susceptibility 1 candidate 1) and one SNP from TCF19 (transcription factor 19). A four-locus interaction between these four genes is also detected. The second SNP set consists of three SNPs from ATAD1 (ATPase family, AAA domain containing 1). Overall, the findings indicate the detection of pure epistasis in the presence of genetic heterogeneity and provide an alternative explanation for the aetiology of T1D in the UK population.
The Helix 1-3 Loop in the Glucocorticoid Receptor LBD Is a Regulatory Element for FKBP Cochaperones
Authors: Cluning Carmel , Ward Bryan K. , Rea Sarah L. , Arulpragasam Ajanthy , Fuller Peter J. , Ratajczak Thomas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) cochaperone FK506-binding protein 52 (FKBP52) upregulates, whereas FKBP51 inhibits, hormone binding and nuclear targeting of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Decreased cortisol sensitivity in the guinea pig is attributed to changes within the helix 1 to helix 3 (H1-H3) loop of the guinea pig GR (gpGR) ligand-binding domain. It has been proposed that this loop serves as a contact point for FKBP52 and/or FKBP51 with receptor. We examined the role of the H1-H3 loop in GR activation by FKBP52 using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. The activity of rat GR (rGR) containing the gpGR H1-H3 loop substitutions was still potentiated by FKBP52, confirming the loop is not involved in primary FKBP52 interactions. Additional assays also excluded a role for other intervening loops between ligand-binding domain helices in direct interactions with FKBP52 associated with enhanced receptor activity. Complementary studies in FKBP51-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts and HEK293 cells demonstrated that substitution of the gpGR H1-H3 loop residues into rGR dramatically increased receptor repression by FKBP51 without enhancing receptor-FKBP51 interaction and did not alter recruitment of endogenous Hsp90 and the p23 cochaperone to receptor complexes. FKBP51 suppression of the mutated rGR did not require FKBP51 peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase activity and was not disrupted by mutation of the FK1 proline-rich loop thought to mediate reciprocal FKBP influences on receptor activity. We conclude that the gpGR-specific mutations within the H1-H3 loop confer global changes within the GR-Hsp90 complex that favor FKBP51 repression over FKBP52 potentiation, thus identifying the loop as an important target for GR regulation by the FKBP cochaperones.
The gait dynamics of the modern broiler chicken: A cautionary tale of selective breeding
Authors: Paxton Heather , Daley Monica , Corr Sandra , Hutchinson John 
Published: May 2013

SummaryOne of the most extraordinary results of selective breeding is the modern broiler chicken, whose phenotypic attributes reflect its genetic success. Unfortunately, leg health issues and poor walking ability are prevalent in the broiler population, with the exact aetiopathogenesis unknown. Here we present a biomechanical analysis of the gait dynamics of the modern broiler and its two pureline commercial broiler breeder lines (A and B) in order to clarify how changes in basic morphology are associated with the way these chickens walk. We collected force plate and kinematic data from 25 chickens (market age), over a range of walking speeds, to quantify the 3D dynamics of the centre of mass (CoM) and determine how these birds modulate the force and mechanical work of locomotion. Common features of their gait include extremely slow walking speeds, a wide base of support and large lateral motions of the CoM, which primarily reflect changes to cope with their apparent instability and large body mass. These features allowed the chickens to keep their peak vertical forces low, but resulted in high mediolateral forces, which exceeded fore-aft forces. Gait differences directly related to morphological characteristics also exist. This was particularly evident in pureline B birds, which have a more crouched limb posture. Mechanical costs of transport were still similar across all lines and were not exceptional when compared to more wild-type ground-running birds. Broiler chickens seem to have an awkward gait, but some aspects of their dynamics show rather surprising similarities to other avian bipeds.
Repeatability of escape response performance in the queen scallop (Aequipecten opercularis)
Authors: Laming Sven R. , Jenkins Stuart R. , McCarthy Ian D. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryIn order for natural selection to operate, physiological and behavioural traits must exhibit both inter-individual variability and intra-individual consistency (i.e. repeatability) in performance. In this study, we describe individual variation and temporal repeatability in the escape responses of the queen scallop Aequipecten opercularis and determine whether individuals exhibited consistently high or low rankings in different aspects of the escape response. Five measures of individual performance were recorded on 4 occasions (days 0, 2, 7 and 28) providing proxies for sensory acuity (response latency), immediate and sustained swimming performance (burst and average clap-rates) and swimming endurance (total number of claps and total time spent clapping). All components of the escape response exhibited significant inter-individual variability (all P&lt;0.0001). Escape response latency, burst clap-rate, total number of claps and total duration spent clapping maintained significant repeatability over 28 days (all P&lt;0.016). Average clap-rate was repeatable in the short term (2 days, P&lt;0.0001) but repeatability declined by 28 days (P=0.097). Concordance analysis indicated that individuals maintained the same performance rankings over time for each component of the escape response (all P&lt;0.001). In addition, some individuals ranked as consistently high or low performers across response latency, burst and average clap-rate and total number of claps. An individual's ability to evade predators through the provision of an escape response of an appropriate magnitude, subject to physiological, behavioural and organismal constraints, will have clear fitness-related consequences.
Activation of systemic, but not local, renin-angiotensin system is associated with up-regulation of TNF-α during prolonged fasting in northern elephant seal pups
Authors: Suzuki Miwa , Vázquez-Medina Josá Pablo , Viscarra Jose A. , Soñanez-Organis José G. , Crocker Daniel E. , Rudy Ortiz M. 
Published: May 2013

Summary
Northern elephant seal pups naturally endure a 2-3 month post-weaning fast that is associated with activation of systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS), a decrease in plasma adiponectin (Acrp30), and insulin resistance (IR)-like conditions. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are potential causal factors of IR, while Acrp30 may improve insulin signaling. However, the effects of fasting-induced activation of RAS on IR-like condition in seals are not well described. To assess the effects of prolonged food deprivation on systemic and local RAS, and their potential contribution to TNF-α as they relate to an IR condition, the mRNA expressions of adipose and muscle RAS components and immuno-relevant molecules were measured along with plasma RAS components. Mean plasma renin activity and Ang II concentrations increased 89% and 1658%, respectively, while plasma angiotensinogen (AGT) decreased 49% over the fast, indicative of systemic RAS activation. Prolonged fasting was associated with decreases in adipose and muscle AGT mRNA expressions of 69% and 68%, respectively, corresponding with decreases in tissue protein content, suggesting suppression of local AGT production. Muscle TNF-α mRNA and protein increased 239% and 314%, whereas those of adipose Acrp30 decreased 32% and 98%, respectively. Collectively, this study suggests that prolonged fasting actives systemic RAS, which contributes to an increase in muscle TNF-α and suppression of adipose Acrp30. This targeted and tissue-specific regulation of TNF-α and Acrp30 are likely coordinated to synergistically contribute to the development of an IR-like condition, independent of local RAS activity. These data enhance our understanding of the adaptive mechanisms evolved by elephant seals to tolerate potentially detrimental conditions.
Incline and peg spacing have interactive effects on the arboreal locomotor performance and kinematics of brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis)
Authors: Jayne Bruce C. , Baum Justin T. , Byrnes Greg 
Published: May 2013

SummaryMany animals move using lateral undulations, but snakes are noteworthy for using this type of locomotion in an unusual diversity of environments, including trees in which both the spacing and orientation of branches vary considerably. Despite branches providing discrete locations for snakes to generate propulsive forces during lateral undulation, the consequences of branch spacing for the locomotion of snakes are poorly understood. Hence, we determined maximal speeds and kinematics of an arboreal snake (Boiga irregularis) crawling on horizontal and vertical cylinders with pegs that simulated different spacing between secondary branches. Peg spacing, perch orientation, and their two-way interaction term had widespread, significant effects on both performance and kinematics. For the horizontal surfaces, maximal locomotor speed occurred with intermediate peg spacing, and it was nearly twice as fast as for both the smallest and largest peg spacings. By contrast, the locomotor speeds of snakes on the vertical surfaces were unaffected by peg spacing, and they were uniformly slower than those for the horizontal surfaces. For both perch orientations, the number of pegs touched by the snake decreased as peg spacing increased, and while touching only one peg the snakes crawled with apparent ease and steady speed. The snakes crawled vertically with only one peg as quickly as they did using 2-10 pegs. Pegs on a horizontal cylinder are probably important both for propulsion of snakes and preventing long-axis rolling, whereas pegs protruding from vertical cylinders and those protruding from horizontal planar surfaces are probably used almost exclusively for propulsion.