bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpreting elevated fetal hemoglobin in pathology and health at the basic laboratory level: new and known γ‐ gene mutations associated with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin
Authors: Amato A. , Cappabianca M. P. , Perri M. , Zaghis I. , Grisanti P. , Ponzini D. , Di Biagio P. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryFetal hemoglobin may be slightly or significantly elevated in post‐natal life due to a number of causes. We report two novel mutations found on the promoter of the Aγ gene and summarize all common and rare determinants associated with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) described thus far. Hematological and molecular analysis of the Aγ globin gene in two cases of HPFH. Comparison of the novel cases with all those described in the literature. We have found two novel mutations in three Italian patients with HbF values between 5.9% and 6.5% without an elevated HbA2 and with normal hemoglobin parameters. In two probands (mother and son), a −197 C>T transition was observed, while in a single individual, a −113 A>G transition was present on the distal CCAAT box of the Aγ gene. As no other abnormalities were present in both γ‐gene promoters and the changes are located on regulatory sequences, we may conclude that these mutations are responsible for the HPFH phenotype shown by the carriers. The laboratory should be able to discriminate between elevated HbF due to artifacts or to serious causes including bone marrow malignancies, aplastic anemia, and β‐thalassemia major or recessive traits such as β‐thalassemia minor, δβ‐thalassemia, or nonpathological conditions induced by mutations or polymorphisms of the γ‐gene promoters that may even be beneficial when present in patients with thalassemia major or sickle cell disease and, in particular, when these patients are treated with hydroxyurea.
Analysis of gene transcription and relative abundance of the cys‐motif gene family from Campoletis sonorensis ichnovirus (CsIV) and further characterization of the most abundant cys‐motif protein, WHv1.6
Authors: Gill T. A. , Webb B. A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe cys‐motif gene family associated with Campoletis sonorensis ichnovirus contains 10 members, WHv1.6, WHv1.0, VHv1.1, VHv1.4, AHv1.0, A'Hv0.8, FHv1.4, LHv2.8, UHv0.8, and UHv0.8a. The results of this study indicated that, within the encapsidated virion, WHv1.6 is the most abundant cys‐motif gene, while the combined AHv genes are the least abundant. During parasitization of Heliothis virescens by Campoletis sonorenis, WHv1.6 transcripts were the mostly highly expressed, while the combined UHv genes had the lowest expression. Further proteomic analysis of WHv1.6 showed that it accumulates at high levels in parasitized plasma by 6 h, and is detectable in the haemocytes, fat body, malpighian tubules, nerve cord and epidermis by 2 days after parasitization. Localization experiments led us to conclude that WHv1.6 interacts with the cell membrane along with other organelles within a virus‐infected cell and prevents immunocytes from spreading or adhering to a foreign surface. Similarly to VHv1.4 and VHv1.1, WHv1.6 is able to inhibit the translation of haemocyte and Malpighian tubule RNAs. Our results showed that the expression of cys‐motif genes during parasitization is related to the gene copy number of each gene within the encapsidated virion and may also be dependent upon cis‐regulatory element activity in different target tissues. In addition, WHv1.6 plays a major role in inhibiting the cellular encapsulation response by H. virescens.
Reevaluating leishmanin skin test as a marker for immunity against cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Momeni Boroujeni Amir , Aminjavaheri Malih , Moshtaghian Bahador , Momeni Arash , Momeni Ali Z 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe leishmanin skin test (LST) has been used for clinical diagnosis of leishmaniasis and epidemiological studies of the disease. Thus far, evidence has suggested that LST conversion indicates a degree of protection against leishmaniasis. In this study, we have put this assumption to test.Methods and materialsA total of 273 participants with positive LST living in a hyperendemic area for leishmaniasis were followed for three years for any occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis.ResultsTwenty‐two of the 273 participants contracted leishmaniasis during the 3‐year follow‐up. These new cases included participants who had a previous history of active disease, those who had a history of leishmanization, or those who were suspected of having a history of subclinical infection.DiscussionIn this study, the incidence of leishmaniasis in individuals with positive LST was close to the general incidence of the disease in the same hyperendemic area. These results suggest that although LST conversion may be a marker for partial immunity towards leishmaniasis, it may not, however, indicate complete protection against the disease, and consequently there is a need for revision of current vaccine development approaches which are based on rendering vaccinated individuals LST positive.
Bi‐Oblique Dynamic Proximal Ulnar Osteotomy in Dogs: Reconstructed Computed Tomographic Assessment of Radioulnar Congruence over 12 weeks
Authors: Fitzpatrick Noel , Caron Alexandre , Solano Miguel Angel 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate radioulnar joint modification using computed tomography (CT) after bi‐oblique dynamic proximal ulnar osteotomy (BODPUO).Study designClinical study.AnimalsDogs (n = 18, 26 elbows) with elbow incongruence treated by a single surgeon with BODPUO.MethodsRadioulnar space measurements were performed on transverse, frontal, and sagittal CT projections preoperatively and after radiographically determined osteotomy healing.ResultsThree transverse plane measurements were statistically different than preoperatively at 12 weeks after the surgery demonstrating divergence of the lateral coronoid region of the radial incisure of the ulna from the radial head. None of the other measurements within the elbow were statistically different, but measurements of the radioulnar space at the level of the osteotomy site documented a statistically significant caudal tipping of the distal extent of the proximal ulnar segment.ConclusionCT measurements documented a significant increase in radioulnar joint space at the mid‐coronoid level, at the level of the base of the medial coronoid process, and at the level of the lateral coronoid process. This corresponds to cranially directed rotation of the medial coronoid process around the proximal radial epiphysis. A tendency for cranial tilting of the medial coronoid process was observed, which was confirmed by statistically significant caudal tipping of the distal extent of the proximal ulnar segment.
Reduced prevalence of obesity in children with primary fructose malabsorption: a multicentre, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Disse S. C. , Buelow A. , Boedeker R.‐H. , Keller K.‐M. , Kim‐Berger H.‐S. , Wudy S. A. , Zimmer K.‐P. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackgroundStudies in animals and in man have demonstrated that excessive consumption of fructose can cause all components of the metabolic syndrome.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of a condition resulting in decreased absorption of fructose, on obesity.MethodsIn a multicentre study, we analyzed a cohort of paediatric patients with suspected primary fructose malabsorption (FM). Patients with chronic intestinal diseases were excluded. The final cohort comprised 628 patients.Results302 patients were diagnosed with primary FM (48.1%). The proportion of obese patients was lower among FM patients, compared to non‐FM patients (2.3 vs. 6.1%, P = 0.029). Logistic regression analysis with inclusion of various covariates showed that FM was negatively associated with obesity (OR 0.35, 95% CI [0.13; 0.97]). We discuss several mechanisms involving the metabolic, endocrine and gastrointestinal system.ConclusionsOur data indicate that primary FM is negatively associated with childhood obesity.
Patients' experiences of bladder emptying in connection with hip surgery: an issue but of varying impact
Authors: Nyman Maria Hälleberg , Gustafsson Margareta , Langius‐Eklöf Ann , Isaksson Ann‐Kristin 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo describe patients' experiences of bladder emptying and urinary catheterization in connection with hip surgery.BackgroundThe capacity of bladder emptying in connection with hip surgery is affected by pain, medication and confinement to bed. In connection with such surgery urinary catheterization is often performed, either intermittent or indwelling. Hip surgery patients' experiences of urinary catheterization and urination have not been studied before.DesignA qualitative study with descriptive design was conducted among hip surgery patients.MethodsThirty face‐to‐face interviews were conducted from October 2009–March 2010 and analysed with inductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe main category ‘An issue but of varying impact’ illustrated the patients' experiences of bladder emptying and urinary catheterization. Five generic categories were identified: ability to urinate, catheter is convenient, bothersome bladder emptying, intrusion on dignity and concern about complications. Irrespectively of whether the patients were able to urinate or were catheterized, the bladder emptying situation was not as usual. It was described as uncomplicated and experienced as being positive if the patients were able to urinate by themselves or when catheterization was experienced as convenient. Some patients did not want to be catheterized, approving it only reluctantly. Independently of the method for bladder emptying, the patients in our study would choose the same method next time.ConclusionsThe patients undergoing hip surgery seem to experience bladder emptying as an issue but of varying impact. Both bladder emptying through micturition and bladder emptying through catheterization are described in positive and negative terms.
The impact of the psychological contract, justice and individual differences: nurses take it personally when employers break promises
Authors: Rodwell John , Gulyas Andre 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo explore affective and attitudinal outcomes of aspects of the psychological contract, organizational justice and negative affectivity in nursing.BackgroundJob satisfaction, mental health and commitment to organizations and the nursing profession is important for nurse retention. The psychological contract and organizational justice are related constructs that have been linked to these outcomes, as has the characteristic of negative affectivity. Rarely have the relationships between these concepts and outcomes been examined.DesignCross‐sectional data were collected during November, 2007.MethodSurvey data collected on Registered Nurses and midwives from a large metropolitan hospital in Australia (n = 193, after removing missing cases and outliers) were analysed using structural equation modelling. The model used self‐report measures of psychological contract obligations, fulfilment and breach, organizational justice and negative affectivity as predictors of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, career commitment and psychological distress.ResultsGoodness‐of‐fit statistics confirmed a well‐fitting model. The model explained 49%, 29%, 60% and 47% of the variance in psychological distress, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and career commitment respectively.ConclusionFindings support the influence of the psychological contract, fairness and individual differences on outcomes important to nurse retention. Keeping promises is more important than making promises that cannot be kept. The results support a discrepancy mechanism underlying fulfilment and breach. The impact of breach suggests that nurses take breach personally, whereas fulfilment may represent a global evaluation of discrepancies. Ultimately, fulfilling, rather than making promises, keeps nurses happy.
Emotional intelligence: enhancing values‐based practice and compassionate care in nursing
Authors: Rankin Bob 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimsThis article reports on a study which examined the predictive relationship between emotional intelligence and the following programme outcomes for student nurses: clinical practice performance; academic performance and retention.BackgroundIn the context of concerns about a lack of compassionate care and amid calls for values‐based selection procedures, emotional intelligence is emerging as a potential factor which might help the nursing profession to address some of these concerns.DesignThe study employed a longitudinal survey.MethodsStudent nurse applicants (n = 307) were asked to complete self‐report scales to establish a total score and four subscores for emotional intelligence and these scores were matched to individual student's performance on the undergraduate programme. The scales were completed between June–September 2007 and performance data were collected up until January 2009.ResultsA significant predictive relationship was found between emotional intelligence and all three programme outcomes: practice performance; academic performance and retention, after controlling for prior academic achievement, age and gender. There was a zero Pearson correlation between prior academic attainment and overall emotional intelligence, indicating that both predict different outcomes.ConclusionsRecruitment and selection procedures should consider emotional intelligence as a legitimate additional entrance criterion for student nurses and further research is required to examine the potential relationship between emotional intelligence and compassionate care.
Exploring risk, prevention and educational approaches for the non‐diabetic offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes – a qualitative study
Authors: Gordon Charlotte , Walker Mark , Carrick‐Sen Debbie 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo understand the knowledge and perceptions of type 2 diabetes and to explore preferable educational strategies in the non‐diabetic offspring of patients with the disease.BackgroundType 2 diabetes is an increasingly prevalent disease with significant long‐term consequences. Offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing the disease compared with the general population. Previous studies have shown that offspring have a poor perception of their own risk.DesignA qualitative study was carried out using semi‐structured one‐to‐one interviews. Analysis was completed using a structured framework approach.MethodsResearch was carried out during January–March 2011 in the north east of UK. Six offspring of patients diagnosed with the disease were interviewed.ResultsParticipants balanced positive and negative aspects of their lifestyle behaviours to estimate their own risk. They had adequate knowledge of healthy lifestyle behaviours, but were uncertain about the long‐term effects and seriousness of the disease and the role of inheritance. Behavioural changes at an individual level would only be motivated by an event, which would impact on their own health. Participants believed that ‘fear’‐based strategies to health promotion would be most effective to encourage behaviour change.ConclusionKnowledge of individual risk and why diabetes was serious was limited and variable. The health behaviours of this at‐risk group were complex. Nurses engaged in the care of at‐risk individuals must take this complexity into account when developing and implementing multi‐faceted strategies to improve awareness.
Telocytes in neuromuscular spindles
Authors: Díaz‐Flores Lucio , Gutiérrez Ricardo , Sáez Francisco J. , Díaz‐Flores Lucio , Madrid Juan F. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA new cell type named telocyte (TC) has recently been identified in various stromal tissues, including skeletal muscle interstitium. The aim of this study was to investigate by means of light (conventional and immunohistochemical procedures) and electron microscopy the presence of TCs in adult human neuromuscular spindles (NMSs) and lay the foundations for future research on their behaviour during human foetal development and in skeletal muscle pathology. A large number of TCs were observed in NMSs and were characterized ultrastructurally by very long, initially thin, moniliform prolongations (telopodes – Tps), in which thin segments (podomeres) alternated with dilations (podoms). TCs formed the innermost and (partially) the outermost layers of the external NMS capsule and the entire NMS internal capsule. In the latter, the Tps were organized in a dense network, which surrounded intrafusal striated muscle cells, nerve fibres and vessels, suggesting a passive and active role in controlling NMS activity, including their participation in cell‐to‐cell signalling. Immunohistochemically, TCs expressed vimentin, CD34 and occasionally c‐kit/CD117. In human foetus (22–23 weeks of gestational age), TCs and perineural cells formed a sheath, serving as an interconnection guide for the intrafusal structures. In pathological conditions, the number of CD34‐positive TCs increased in residual NMSs between infiltrative musculoaponeurotic fibromatosis and varied in NMSs surrounded by lymphocytic infiltrate in inflammatory myopathy. We conclude that TCs are numerous in NMSs (where striated muscle cells, nerves and vessels converge), which provide an ideal microanatomic structure for TC study.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Self‐Regulation Intervention for Older Adults with Asthma
Authors: Baptist Alan P. , Ross Jacqueline A. , Yang Ye , Song Peter X. K. , Clark Noreen M. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate a self‐regulation intervention for asthma for older adults.DesignA blinded randomized controlled trial.SettingSingle‐center tertiary care academic center.ParticipantsSeventy older adults aged 65 and older with persistent asthma randomized to an intervention or control group.InterventionParticipants participate in a six‐session program conducted over the telephone and in group sessions. Participants selected an asthma‐specific goal, identified problems, and addressed potential barriers.MeasurementsOutcomes were assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months and included the mini‐Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mAQLQ), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), healthcare utilization, exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%).ResultsThe mAQLQ score was significantly higher in the intervention group at 1, 6, and 12 months, even after controlling for confounding factors. The between‐group difference decreased over time, although at 12 months, it remained greater than 0.5 points. The ACQ was better in the intervention group than in the control group at 1, 6, and 12 months. At 12 months, those in the intervention group were 4.2 times as likely as those in the control group to have an ACQ score in the controlled range. Healthcare utilization was lower in the intervention group, although no difference was observed in FENO or predicted FEV1%.ConclusionA self‐regulation intervention can improve asthma control, quality of life, and healthcare utilization in older adults.
Neto1 associates with the NMDA receptor/amyloid precursor protein complex
Authors: Cousins Sarah L. , Innocent Neal , Stephenson F. Anne 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNeuropilin tolloid‐like 1 (Neto1), is a CUB domain‐containing transmembrane protein that was recently identified as a novel component of the NMDA receptor complex. Here, we have investigated the possible association of Neto1 with the amyloid precursor protein (APP)695/GluN1/GluN2A and APP695/GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptor trafficking complexes that we have previously identified. Neto1HA was shown to co‐immunoprecipitate with assembled NMDA receptors via GluN2A or GluN2B subunits; Neto1HA did not co‐immunoprecipitate APP695FLAG. Co‐immunoprecipitations from mammalian cells co‐transfected with APP695FLAG, Neto1HA and GluN1/GluN2A or GluN1/GluN2B revealed that all four proteins co‐exist within one macromolecular complex. Immunoprecipitations from native brain tissue similarly revealed the existence of a GluN1/GluN2A or GluN2B/APP/Neto1 complex. Neto1HA caused a reduction in the surface expression of both NMDA receptor subtypes, but had no effect on APP695FLAG‐ or PSD‐95αc‐Myc enhanced surface receptor expression. The Neto1 binding domain of GluN2A was mapped using GluN1/GluN2A chimeras and GluN2A truncation constructs. The extracellular GluN2A domain does not contribute to association with Neto1HA but deletion of the intracellular tail resulted in a loss of Neto‐1HA co‐immunoprecipitation which was paralleled by a loss of association between GluN2A and SAP102. Thus, Neto1 is concluded to be a component of APP/NMDA receptor trafficking complexes.
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Neto1 is shown to be a constituent of APP/NMDA receptor trafficking complexes. Since Neto1 is shown to associate with GluN2 expressed alone and, APP with GluN1‐1a alone, it is proposed that trafficking complexes are formed in the endoplasmic reticulum and contribute to regulation of NMDA receptor surface expression. Alternative scenarios are depicted since it is to be determined if respective associations are direct.
In-vitro stability and metabolism of a tacrine–silibinin codrug
Authors: Zenger Katharina , Chen Xinyu , Decker Michael , Kraus Birgit 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Objectives
A tacrine-silibinin codrug showed promising results in pharmacological and toxicity testing, superior to an equimolar mixture of tacrine and silibinin. The aim of this study was to get more information about its stability, possible degradation products, metabolites, and especially its active principle in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
The stability of the codrug was analysed under in-vitro assay conditions. Additionally, its metabolism was investigated using pooled human liver microsomes. Metabolites were identified via liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the influence of one of the main cleavage products, tacrine hemi succinamide, on viability and mitochondria of hepatic stellate cells was analysed.

Key findings
The codrug remained stable in culture medium (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium) over an incubation period of 24 h, whereas exposition to microsomal enzymes led to rapid cleavage of the ester bond to form silibinin and a tacrine hemi succinamide. In addition, glucuronidated metabolites of both silibinin and the codrug were detected. For the tacrine hemi succinamide, no effects were observed with regard to cell viability and mitochondrial impairment.

Conclusions
This study helps understand and interpret previous results concerning the effects and the absence of toxicity of the tacrine–silibinin codrug and supplies important information for further identification of the active principles of the codrug in vivo.
In vitroenantioselective pharmacodynamics ofCarprofen andFlunixin‐meglumine in feedlot cattle
Authors: Miciletta M. , Cuniberti B. , Barbero R. , Re G. 
Published: April 2013

The activity of the anti‐inflammatory agentsFlunixin‐meglumine (FLU),RS(±)Carprofen (CPF) andS(+)CPFon bovine cyclooxygenases (COXs) has been characterized in feedlot calves using anin vitrowhole blood model. The drugs showed equivalent efficacy in their inhibitory activity onCOXs, and the rank order of potency for bothCOX‐1 andCOX‐2 inhibition wasFLU > S(+)CPF > RS(±)CPF. Our results indicated thatFLUis a nonselective inhibitor of bovineCOXs, whereasRS(±)CPFandS(+)CPFexhibited different degrees of preferential inhibition ofCOX‐2 isoenzyme. The rank order ofIC50COX‐1:IC50COX‐2 potency ratios was in factS(+)CPF(51.882) > RS(±)CPF(13.964) > FLU(0.606), and the calculated percentage inhibition ofCOX‐1 corresponding toCOX‐2 inhibition values comprised between 80% and 95% was comprised between 57.697 and 79.865 forFLU, 33.373 and 51.319 forRS(±)CPF, and 0.230 and 4.622 forS(+)CPF, respectively. These findings are discussed in relation to the prediction of the clinical relevance ofCOXinhibition by the test drugs in cattle.