bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health‐related quality of life after radical cystectomy and neobladder reconstruction in women: Impact of voiding and continence status
Authors: Zahran Mohamed H , El‐Hefnawy Ahmed S , Zidan Essam M , El‐Bilsha Mona A , Taha Diaa‐Eldin , Ali‐El‐Dein Bedeir 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo assess health‐related quality of life, and the impact of night‐time incontinence and chronic urinary retention on health‐related quality of life in women with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder.MethodsThe study included 74 women who underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder, and completed 1 year of follow up. Health‐related quality of life was evaluated using the questionnaires of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy bladder cancer‐specific form. Health‐related quality of life was compared with an age‐matched control group. The impact of night‐time incontinence and chronic urinary retention on health‐related quality of life was assessed.ResultsThe study group included 18 completely continent patients with spontaneous voiding, 29 with night‐time incontinence and 27 with chronic urinary retention. The study group was statistically significantly lower in all domains of health‐related quality of life than the control group. In all domains of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Quality of Life Questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy bladder cancer‐specific form, completely continent women were comparable with those with chronic urinary retention. Women with night‐time incontinence had a significantly worse health‐related quality of life than completely continent women, shown by the mean global health score (P = 0.038), social functioning score (P = 0.012), pain European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Quality of Life Questionnaire score (P = 0.04), and functional well‐being Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy bladder cancer‐specific form (P = 0.049) score.ConclusionsAfter radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder in women, health‐related quality of life is lower than that of the normal population. Night‐time incontinence has a negative impact on social life and most domains of health‐related quality of life. Thus, night‐time incontinence has a higher social impact than chronic urinary retention.
Evaluating newly acquired authority of nurse practitioners and physician assistants for reserved medical procedures in the Netherlands: a study protocol
Authors: De Bruijn‐Geraets Daisy P. , Van Eijk‐Hustings Yvonne J.L. , Vrijhoef Hubertus J.M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimThe study protocol is designed to evaluate the effects of granting independent authorization for medical procedures to nurse practitioners and physician assistants on processes and outcomes of health care.BackgroundRecent (temporarily) enacted legislation in Dutch health care authorizes nurse practitioners and physician assistants to indicate and perform specified medical procedures, i.e. catheterization, cardioversion, defibrillation, endoscopy, injection, puncture, prescribing and simple surgical procedures, independently. Formerly, these procedures were exclusively reserved to physicians, dentists and midwives.DesignA triangulation mixed method design is used to collect quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (interviews) data.MethodsOutcomes are selected from evidence‐based frameworks and models for assessing the impact of advanced nursing on quality of health care. Data are collected in various manners. Surveys are structured around the domains: (i) quality of care; (ii) costs; (iii) healthcare resource use; and (iv) patient centredness. Focus group and expert interviews aim to ascertain facilitators and barriers to the implementation process. Data are collected before the amendment of the law, 1 and 2·5 years thereafter.Groups of patients, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, supervising physicians and policy makers all participate in this national study. The study is supported by a grant from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in March 2011. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained in July 2011.ConclusionThis study will provide information about the effects of granting independent authorization for medical procedures to nurse practitioners and physician assistants on processes and outcomes of health care. Study findings aim to support policy makers and other stakeholders in making related decisions. The study design enables a cross‐national comparative analysis.
Nurses' perception of senior managers at the front line: people working with clipboards
Authors: Hoyle Louise 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo provide an original perspective on front‐line nurses' perception of senior managers who are not nurses.BackgroundA key element of new public management had been the drive for ‘hands‐on’ professional management within the UK National Health Service, meaning the employment of mangers with managerial experience but little or no healthcare experience.DesignAn interpretive qualitative study, based on a single case study design with semi‐structured interviews.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were carried out with 31 front‐line Scottish National Health Service nurses exploring their perceptions of the role of managers between July–September 2010.Results/FindingsNursing staff were often unsure of the responsibilities of managers and perceived that there were an unnecessarily high number of managers within the National Health Service. Nursing staff raised concerns over the non‐clinical background of managers, including their ability to understand the pressures faced at the front line.ConclusionsThe main reason for conflict between managers and nursing staff was their differing foci. Managers were seen to concentrate on decisions surrounding targets, audits and budgets with little consideration given to the impact of these decisions on patient care.
Adrenaline stimulates the proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells towards the LPS‐induced lung injury
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Wang Zhiming , Qian Mengjia , Wang Lingyan , Bai Chunxue , Wang Xiangdong 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) could modulate inflammation in experimental lung injury. On the other hand, adrenergic receptor agonists could increase DNA synthesis of stem cells. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic role of adrenaline‐stimulated BMSCs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced lung injury. BMSCs were cultured with adrenergic receptor agonists or antagonists. Suspensions of lung cells or sliced lung tissue from animals with or without LPS‐induced injury were co‐cultured with BMSCs. LPS‐stimulated alveolar macrophages were co‐cultured with BMSCs (with adrenaline stimulation or not) in Transwell for 6 hrs. A preliminary animal experiment was conducted to validate the findings in ex vivo study. We found that adrenaline at 10 μM enhanced proliferation of BMSCs through both α‐ and β‐adrenergic receptors. Adrenaline promoted the migration of BMSCs towards LPS‐injured lung cells or lung tissue. Adrenaline‐stimulated BMSCs decreased the inflammation of LPS‐stimulated macrophages, probably through the expression and secretion of several paracrine factors. Adrenaline reduced the extent of injury in LPS‐injured rats. Our data indicate that adrenaline‐stimulated BMSCs might contribute to the prevention from acute lung injury through the activation of adrenergic receptors, promotion of proliferation and migration towards injured lung, and modulation of inflammation.
Expert recommendations: the use of the fixed combination calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate gel for the topical treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Daudén E. , Bewley A. , Lambert J. , Girolomoni G. , Cambazard F. , Reich K. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTreatment non‐adherence is a general challenge and a complex problem. It is a key factor that impacts the ‘real‐life’ effectiveness of topical treatments for chronic disorders, such as psoriasis. Here, we provide our expert opinion on the real‐life effectiveness of topical psoriasis treatment, using the fixed combination gel (Daivobet® gel; calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate) as a case study. The fixed combination gel is a first‐line topical treatment for mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis, developed to be the gold‐standard therapy for psoriasis patients. This fixed combination gel is an effective and well‐tolerated topical psoriasis treatment that the majority of our patients prefer to the ointment formulation. We assessed our real‐life experience and considered any gaps between daily practice and clinical trials data. We recommend a multifaceted approach to improve real‐life effectiveness and bridge the gap between investigational trials and treatment reality and propose the following recommendations: (1) educate primary healthcare providers on how to effectively manage topical psoriasis treatment and the patients who use the treatment; (2) educate the patient on why treatment needs to be maintained, even when symptoms improve; and (3) provide a supportive environment that will not allow the patient to feel abandoned. A patient‐centric approach may improve adherence, which will lead to patients receiving more effective treatment for psoriasis.
The science of dermocosmetics and its role in dermatology
Authors: Dreno B. , Araviiskaia E. , Berardesca E. , Bieber T. , Hawk J. , Sanchez‐Viera M. , Wolkenstein P. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOur increased knowledge of normal skin physiology has ushered in a subtle revolution in cosmetic science. Originally designed as preparations to enhance personal appearance by direct application on to the skin, cosmetics have now taken on a new role in dermatology, through the support of the management of many skin disorders. This evolving role of cosmetics in skin care is primarily due to scientific and technological advancements that have changed our understanding of normal skin physiology and how cosmetics modify its appearance both physically and biologically. The vast array of techniques currently available to investigate skin responsivity to multiple stimuli has brought about a new era in cosmetic and dermocosmetic development based on a robust understanding of skin physiology and its varied responses to commonly encountered environmental insults. Most cosmetic research is undertaken on reconstructed skin models crucial in dermatological research, given the strict ban imposed by the European Union on animal testing. In addition, the design and conduct of trials evaluating cosmetics now follow rules comparable to those used in the development and evaluation of pharmaceutical products. Cosmetic research should now aim to ensure all trials adhere to strictly reproducible and scientifically sound methodologies. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the multidisciplinary scientific approach used in formulating dermocosmetics, and to examine the major advances in dermocosmetic development and assessment, the safety and regulatory guidelines governing their production and the exciting future outlook for these dermocosmetic processes following good practice rules.
Melanoma incidence and Breslow tumour thickness development in the central Alpine region of South Tyrol from 1998 to 2012: a population‐based study
Authors: Ambrosini‐Spaltro A. , Dal Cappello T. , Deluca J. , Carriere C. , Mazzoleni G. , Eisendle K. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous melanoma incidence is increasing worldwide, especially for in situ and thin (<1 mm) lesions, while thick (≥1 mm) lesions have been generally stable in many studies; although epidemiological data on melanoma is readily available, population‐based studies, especially on mountain regions, are rare.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyse cutaneous melanoma incidence and Breslow tumour thickness in the central Alpine mountain region of South Tyrol, northern Italy.MethodsAll newly diagnosed cutaneous in situ and invasive melanomas in the resident population from 1998 to 2012 were taken from the Pathology Unit, Bolzano Hospital and South Tyrol Cancer Registry. Incidence and Breslow tumour thickness were analyzed. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests.ResultsA total of 784 in situ melanomas and 1663 invasive melanomas were collected. In situ melanomas showed the highest increase: European age‐standardized incidence rose from 2.44 per 100 000 inhabitants in 1998–2002 to 16.01 in 2008–2012. Invasive melanoma incidence increased from 12.69 in 1998–2002, to 22.88 in 2008–2012. The incidence rise was observed in thin melanomas (from 8.39 to 16.18) and in thick melanomas (from 4.30 to 6.70). Breslow distribution revealed a median value of 0.62 mm (mean 1.34; SD 2.24; range 0.09–30.0) and did not change significantly over time (P = 0.286). Higher Breslow values were observed at advanced age (P < 0.001), among males (P = 0.017), in nodular melanomas (P < 0.001) and at higher Clark levels (P < 0.001). Significant differences were also found in urban hospitals compared to rural hospitals during the whole period (P = 0.004), but not in the last 5 years (P = 0.053).ConclusionIncidence of cutaneous melanoma is increasing in South Tyrol, especially for in situ and thin lesions, but also for thick lesions; no reduction in median tumour thickness is observed. Rural areas and elevated altitudes may contribute to this effect.
Anatomy of hepatic arteriolo‐portal venular shunts evaluated by 3D micro‐CT imaging
Authors: Kline Timothy L. , Knudsen Bruce E. , Anderson Jill L. , Vercnocke Andrew J. , Jorgensen Steven M. , Ritman Erik L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe liver differs from other organs in that two vascular systems deliver its blood – the hepatic artery and the portal vein. However, how the two systems interact is not fully understood. We therefore studied the microvascular geometry of rat liver hepatic artery and portal vein injected with the contrast polymer Microfil®. Intact isolated rat livers were imaged by micro‐CT and anatomic evidence for hepatic arteriolo‐portal venular shunts occurring between hepatic artery and portal vein branches was found. Simulations were performed to rule out the possibility of the observed shunts being artifacts resulting from image blurring. In addition, in the case of specimens where only the portal vein was injected, only the portal vein was opacified, whereas in hepatic artery injections, both the hepatic artery and portal vein were opacified. We conclude that mixing of the hepatic artery and portal vein blood can occur proximal to the sinusoidal level, and that the hepatic arteriolo‐portal venular shunts may function as a one‐way valve‐like mechanism, allowing flow only from the hepatic artery to the portal vein (and not the other way around).
Efficiency of microbial phytase supplementation in diets formulated with different calcium:phosphorus ratios, supplied to broilers from 22 to 33 days old
Authors: Naves L. de P. , Rodrigues P. B. , Teixeira L. do V. , de Oliveira E. C. , Saldanha M. M. , Alvarenga R. R. , Corrêa A. D. , Lima R. R. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryAn experiment was conducted with broilers from 22 to 33 days of age to evaluate the efficiency of six microbial phytases supplemented in diets (1500 FTU/kg) that were formulated with three different calcium:available phosphorus (Ca:Pavail) ratios (4.5:1.0, 6.0:1.0 and 7.5:1.0). A positive control diet without phytase was formulated with a Ca:Pavail ratio of 7.5:3.4 to meet the nutritional requirements of the broilers. The P and ash contents of the tibia, magnesium in the plasma, performance, balance and retention of phytate phosphorus (Pphyt), intake of total P and nitrogen (N), nitrogen‐corrected apparent metabolizable energy and apparent digestibility of dry matter of the diets were not influenced (p > 0.05) by the type of phytase or the dietary Ca:Pavail ratio. However, there was an interaction (p < 0.05) between the phytase type and the Ca:Pavail ratio for the retention coefficients of total P, Ca and N. Phytase B resulted in the highest Ca deposition in the tibia (p < 0.01). Phytases D, E and F reduced the Ca concentrations in the tibia (p < 0.01) and plasma (p < 0.05). Phytase D increased the P level in the plasma and decreased the total P excretion (p < 0.01). Phytases E and F increased Ca excretion, while phytase A reduced it (p < 0.01). Regardless of the phytase type, increasing the dietary Ca:Pavail ratio reduced (p < 0.05) the plasma P concentration and the excretion of total P and N and, conversely, increased (p < 0.05) the plasma concentration, intake and excretion of Ca. For the rearing period evaluated, it is possible to reduce the Pavail of the diet to 1.0 g/kg when Ca is maintained at 7.5 g/kg, and the diet is supplemented with 1500 FTU of phytase A, C, D or E/kg. This diet allows the maintenance of performance and adequate bone mineralization, and it improves the Ca, total P and Pphyt utilization in addition to reducing the excretion of N and P into the environment.
Postglacial expansion and not human influence best explains the population structure in the endangered kea (Nestor notabilis)
Authors: Dussex N. , Wegmann D. , Robertson B. C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractInferring past demography is a central question in evolutionary and conservation biology. It is, however, sometimes challenging to infer the processes that shaped the current patterns of genetic variation in endangered species. Population substructuring can occur as a result of survival in several isolated refugia and subsequent recolonization processes or via genetic drift following a population decline. The kea (Nestor notabilis) is an endemic parrot widely distributed in the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand that has gone through a major human‐induced population decline during the 1860s–1970s. The aims of this study were to understand the glacial and postglacial history of kea and to determine whether the recent population decline played a role in the shaping of the current genetic variation. We examined the distribution of genetic variation, differentiation and admixture in kea using 17 microsatellites and the mitochondrial control region. Mitochondrial data showed a shallow phylogeny and a genetic distinction between the North and South of the range consistent with the three genetic clusters identified with microsatellite data. Both marker types indicated an increase in genetic isolation by geographic distance. Approximate Bayesian Computation supported a scenario of postglacial divergence from a single ancestral glacial refugium, suggesting that the contemporary genetic structure has resulted from recolonization processes rather than from a recent population decline. The recent evolutionary origin of this genetic structure suggests that each genetic cluster does not need to be considered as independent conservation units.
Binding of the RNA chaperone Hfq to the type IV pilus base is crucial for its function in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Schuergers Nils , Ruppert Ulrike , Watanabe Satoru , Nürnberg Dennis J. , Lochnit Günter , Dienst Dennis , Mullineaux Conrad W. , Wilde Annegret 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe bacterial RNA‐binding protein Hfq functions in post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. There is evidence in a range of bacteria for specific subcellular localization of Hfq; however, the mechanism and role of Hfq localization remain unclear. Cyanobacteria harbour a subfamily of Hfq that is structurally conserved but exhibits divergent RNA binding sites. Mutational analysis in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 revealed that several conserved amino acids on the proximal side of the Hfq hexamer are crucial not only for Hfq‐dependent RNA accumulation but also for phototaxis, the latter of which depends on type IV pili. Co‐immunoprecipitation and yeast two‐hybrid analysis show that the secretion ATPase PilB1 (a component of the type IV pilus base) is an interaction partner of Hfq. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that Hfq is localized to the cytoplasmic membrane in a PilB1‐dependent manner. Concomitantly, Hfq‐dependent RNA accumulation is abrogated in a ΔpilB1 mutant, indicating that localization to the pilus base via interaction with PilB1 is essential for Hfq function in cyanobacteria.
A comprehensive analysis of the geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase enzyme family identifies novel members and reveals mechanisms of substrate specificity and quaternary structure organization
Authors: Peterhoff David , Beer Barbara , Rajendran Chitra , Kumpula Esa‐Pekka , Kapetaniou Evangelia , Guldan Harald , Wierenga Rik K. , Sterner Reinhard , Babinger Patrick 
Published: March 2014

SummaryGeranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase (GGGPS) family enzymes catalyse the formation of an ether bond between glycerol‐1‐phosphate and polyprenyl diphosphates. They are essential for the biosynthesis of archaeal membrane lipids, but also occur in bacterial species, albeit with unknown physiological function. It has been known that there exist two phylogenetic groups (I and II) of GGGPS family enzymes, but a comprehensive study has been missing. We therefore visualized the variability within the family by applying a sequence similarity network, and biochemically characterized 17 representative GGGPS family enzymes regarding their catalytic activities and substrate specificities. Moreover, we present the first crystal structures of group II archaeal and bacterial enzymes. Our analysis revealed that the previously uncharacterized bacterial enzymes from group II have GGGPS activity like the archaeal enzymes and differ from the bacterial group I enzymes that are heptaprenylglyceryl phosphate synthases. The length of the isoprenoid substrate is determined in group II GGGPS enzymes by ‘limiter residues’ that are different from those in group I enzymes, as shown by site‐directed mutagenesis. Most of the group II enzymes form hexamers. We could disrupt these hexamers to stable and catalytically active dimers by mutating a single amino acid that acts as an ‘aromatic anchor’.
A single‐component multidrug transporter of the major facilitator superfamily is part of a network that protects Escherichia coli from bile salt stress
Authors: Paul Stephanie , Alegre Kamela O. , Holdsworth Scarlett R. , Rice Matthew , Brown James A. , McVeigh Paul , Kelly Sharon M. , Law Christopher J. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryResistance to high concentrations of bile salts in the human intestinal tract is vital for the survival of enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Although the tripartite AcrAB–TolC efflux system plays a significant role in this resistance, it is purported that other efflux pumps must also be involved. We provide evidence from a comprehensive suite of experiments performed at two different pH values (7.2 and 6.0) that reflect pH conditions that E. coli may encounter in human gut that MdtM, a single‐component multidrug resistance transporter of the major facilitator superfamily, functions in bile salt resistance in E. coli by catalysing secondary active transport of bile salts out of the cell cytoplasm. Furthermore, assays performed on a chromosomal ΔacrB mutant transformed with multicopy plasmid encoding MdtM suggested a functional synergism between the single‐component MdtM transporter and the tripartite AcrAB–TolC system that results in a multiplicative effect on resistance. Substrate binding experiments performed on purified MdtM demonstrated that the transporter binds to cholate and deoxycholate with micromolar affinity, and transport assays performed on inverted vesicles confirmed the capacity of MdtM to catalyse electrogenic bile salt/H+ antiport.