bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAT3 promotes CD1d‐mediated lipid antigen presentation by regulating a critical gene in glycosphingolipid biosynthesis
Authors: Iyer Abhirami K. , Liu Jianyun , Gallo Richard M. , Kaplan Mark H. , Brutkiewicz Randy R. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryCytokines that regulate the immune response signal through the Janus kinase / signal transducer and activation of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, but whether this pathway can regulate CD1d‐mediated lipid antigen presentation to natural killer T (NKT) cells is unknown. Here, we found that STAT3 promotes antigen presentation by CD1d. Antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) in which STAT3 expression was inhibited exhibited markedly reduced endogenous lipid antigen presentation to NKT cells without an impact on exogenous lipid antigen presentation by CD1d. Consistent with this observation, in APCs where STAT3 was knocked down, dramatically decreased levels of UDP glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG), an enzyme involved in the first step of glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, were observed. Impaired lipid antigen presentation was reversed by ectopic expression of UGCG in STAT3‐silenced CD1d+ APCs. Hence, by controlling a fundamental step in CD1d‐mediated lipid antigen presentation, STAT3 signalling promotes innate immune responses driven by CD1d.
Ablative CO2 fractional resurfacing in treatment of thermal burn scars: an open‐label controlled clinical and histopathological study
Authors: El‐Zawahry Bakr M , Sobhi Rehab M , Bassiouny Dalia A , Tabak Sahar A 
Published: August 2015

SummaryIntroductionBurn scars can cause permanent disfiguring problems with limited treatments available.ObjectivesTo assess and correlate the clinical and histopathological effects of fractional CO2 laser on thermal burns in a controlled study.MethodsFifteen patients 11 with hypertrophic and four with keloidal scars received three CO2 fractional laser sessions every 4–6 weeks. Half of the scar was untreated as a control. Clinical evaluation by Vancouver, PSOAS scores, and photography before, monthly, and 3 months after the last laser session was performed. Ten patients were evaluated histopathologically by standard H&E, Masson trichrome, and Elastica von Gieson special stains.ResultsHypertrophic scars (HTSs) showed textural improvement and a significant decrease of Vancouver, POSAS observer, and patient scores by the end of follow‐up period in the laser‐treated area (P = 0.011, 0.017 and 0.018, respectively) unlike keloidal scars. Histopathology revealed significant decrease in scar thickness in HTSs only (P < 0.001) as well as a significant decrease in collagen bundle thickness and density in the upper dermis in both types of scars.ConclusionsFractional CO2 laser is a possible safe and effective modality for the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars with improvement achieved both clinically and histopathologically.
Fluid role boundaries: exploring the contribution of the advanced nurse practitioner to multi‐professional palliative care
Authors: Kennedy Catriona , Brooks Young Patricia , Nicol Jacqueline , Campbell Karen , Gray Brunton Carol 
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the introduction of Advanced Nurse Practitioners in a specialist, multi‐professional palliative care context. The objective is to explore the core domains and competencies of the advanced nurse practitioner role in a multi‐professional palliative care context.BackgroundNew models of health care and service delivery are emerging alongside expanded levels of autonomy, skills and decision‐making for nurses and midwives. This has resulted in some confusion in the health service community internationally about the professional role and scope of the advanced nurse practitioner.DesignA qualitative evaluation study (n = 21).MethodsThree phases of data collection were conducted over 10 months. Twenty‐one participants took part from a specialist palliative care unit in one health board in a UK region spanning ANPs (n = 2) multi‐professional staff (n = 14) and patients/carers (n = 5). Data collection methods included individual and focus group interviews with key stakeholders and observation of the advanced nurse practitioners at work and their reflexive diaries.ResultsThe findings of this evaluation demonstrate that if the advanced nurse practitioner role can flourish it has the potential to shape ‘new identities’, re‐construct the boundaries of nursing roles and emphasise the relationship based elements of excellent nursing work.ConclusionsThe advanced nurse practitioner has the potential to enhance specialist palliative care service delivery through fluid role boundaries. The context in which advanced nurse practitioner roles are developed is important as acceptance of the role is linked to the co‐construction of a different nursing identity. Our findings support the need to define, defend and name the work of advanced nursing roles.Relevance to clinical practiceThe advanced nurse practitioner roles were regarded as providing a unique contribution to service delivery and were characterised by fluid role boundaries which crossed the traditional disciplinary boundaries between nursing and medicine.
Concordance between nurses' perception of their ability to provide spiritual care and the identified spiritual needs of hospitalized patients: A cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Wu Li‐Fen , Koo Malcolm , Tseng Hui‐Chen , Liao Yu‐Chen , Chen Yuh‐Min 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSpiritual care is essential to the well‐being of patients, and nurses provide spiritual care as a fundamental part of nursing practice. In this study, we investigated the spiritual care needs of hospitalized patients to determine whether the perceived knowledge of nurses corresponded with these spiritual care needs. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 1351 hospitalized patients and 200 registered nurses recruited from a medical center in central Taiwan. A questionnaire, including the 21–item Spiritual Care Needs Inventory (patient and nurse version) and basic demographic information, was distributed to eligible participants. The top three items of the spiritual care needs expressed by the hospitalized patients were respect for privacy and dignity, showing concern, and guidance in gaining a sense of hope in life; the percentages of nurses not knowing how to provide these spiritual care needs were 0%, 1%, and 15%, respectively. The spiritual care needs of patients showed a significant relationship with the knowledge of nurses, suggesting that the perceived knowledge of the nurses generally corresponded with the spiritual care items that the patients required most.
The impact of donor characteristics on the immune cell composition of mixture allografts of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor–mobilized marrow harvests and peripheral blood harvests
Authors: Wang Yu‐Tong , Zhao Xiang‐Yu , Zhao Xiao‐Su , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Wang Yu , Liu Kai‐Yan , Chang Ying‐Jun , Huang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUNDThe association of donor characteristics with immune cell composition in allografts remains poorly understood. In this retrospective study, the effects of donor characteristics on immune cell composition in allografts were investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe correlations of donor characteristics with the immune cell composition in mixture allografts of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor–mobilized marrow harvests and peripheral blood harvests of 390 healthy donors (male, 240; female, 150; median age, 40 years old) were analyzed.RESULTSThe median doses of CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD3+CD4–CD8– T cells, and monocytes in mixture allografts were 160.57 × 106, 89.29 × 106, 56.16 × 106, 10.87 × 106, and 137.94 × 106/kg, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that younger donor age was associated with a higher dose of CD3+ T cells (p = 0.006), CD3+CD8+ T cells (p < 0.001), CD3+CD4–CD8– T cells (p = 0.004), and monocytes (p = 0.014), as well as a higher ratio of CD3+CD4–CD8– T cells/CD3+ T cells (p < 0.001) in the mixture allografts. A negative association of donor weight with CD3+ T cells (p < 0.001), CD4+ T cells (p = 0.002), CD8+ T cells (p < 0.001), and CD3+CD4–CD8– T cells (p = 0.044) was observed. The count of peripheral blood lymphocyte pre–peripheral blood apheresis was correlated with the yield of CD3+ T cells (p < 0.001) and CD4+ T cells (p = 0.001). The peripheral blood monocyte count before marrow harvest predicted the monocyte dose (p = 0.002).CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that older and overweight donors should not be chosen. The monocyte and lymphocyte counts before harvest could predict the yield of immune cells in allografts.
In Vivo
Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of an FtsZ Inhibitor, TXA-709, and Its Active Metabolite, TXA-707, in a Murine Neutropenic Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Lepak Alexander J. , Parhi Ajit , Madison Michaela , Marchillo Karen , VanHecker Jamie , Andes David R. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action are urgently needed. Processes of cellular division are attractive targets for new drug development. FtsZ, an integral protein involved in cell cytokinesis, is a representative example. In the present study, the pharmacodynamic (PD) activity of an FtsZ inhibitor, TXA-709, and its active metabolite, TXA-707, was evaluated in the neutropenic murine thigh infection model against 5
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates, including both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant isolates. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of the TXA-707 active metabolite were examined after oral administration of the TXA-709 prodrug at 10, 40, and 160 mg/kg of body weight. The half-life ranged from 3.2 to 4.4 h, and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration of drug in serum (
C
max
) were relatively linear over the doses studied. All organisms exhibited an MIC of 1 mg/liter. Dose fractionation demonstrated the area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h in the steady state divided by the MIC (AUC/MIC ratio) to be the PD index most closely linked to efficacy (
R
2
= 0.72). Dose-dependent activity was demonstrated against all 5 isolates, and the methicillin-resistance phenotype did not alter the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets. Net stasis was achieved against all isolates and a 1-log
10
kill level against 4 isolates. PD targets included total drug 24-h AUC/MIC values of 122 for net stasis and 243 for 1-log
10
killing. TXA-709 and TXA-707 are a promising novel antibacterial class and compound for
S. aureus
infections. These results should prove useful for design of clinical dosing regimen trials.
Origin and Impact of Nitric Oxide in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Authors: Cutruzzolà Francesca , Frankenberg-Dinkel Nicole 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

The formation of the organized bacterial community called biofilm is a crucial event in bacterial physiology. Given that biofilms are often refractory to antibiotics and disinfectants to which planktonic bacteria are susceptible, their formation is also an industrially and medically relevant issue.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, a well-known human pathogen causing acute and chronic infections, is considered a model organism to study biofilms. A large number of environmental cues control biofilm dynamics in bacterial cells. In particular, the dispersal of individual cells from the biofilm requires metabolic and morphological reprogramming in which the second messenger bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) plays a central role. The diatomic gas nitric oxide (NO), a well-known signaling molecule in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, is able to induce the dispersal of
P. aeruginosa
and other bacterial biofilms by lowering c-di-GMP levels. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms connecting NO sensing to the activation of c-di-GMP-specific phosphodiesterases in
P. aeruginosa
, ultimately leading to c-di-GMP decrease and biofilm dispersal.
Regulation of the Expression of
De Novo
Pyrimidine Biosynthesis Genes in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Tanaka Yuya , Teramoto Haruhiko , Inui Masayuki 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Expression of pyrimidine
de novo
biosynthesis is downregulated by an exogenous uracil in many bacteria. In this study, we show that a putative binding motif sequence of PyrR is required for uracil-mediated repression of
pyrR-lacZ
translational fusion. However, the uracil response was still observed in the strain with the
pyrR
gene deleted, implying the existence of a uracil response factor other than PyrR which also acts through the PyrR binding loop region. Deletion of
rho
, encoding the transcription termination factor Rho, resulted in an increase in the expression of
pyrR-lacZ
. Moreover, the strain with a double deletion of
pyrR
and
rho
showed elimination of the uracil-responsive downregulation of the
pyrR-lacZ
. Therefore, expression of the pyrimidine biosynthetic gene cluster in
Corynebacterium glutamicum
is controlled by two different mechanisms mediated by PyrR and Rho.

IMPORTANCE
The
pyr
genes of
C. glutamicum
are downregulated in the presence of uracil in culture medium. The mRNA binding regulator PyrR represses the expression of
pyr
genes, as reported previously. However, the uracil response was still observed in the
pyrR
deletion strain. Deletion of
rho
in addition to
pyrR
deletion results in the elimination of the uracil response. Therefore, we identified the factors that are involved in the uracil response. Involvement of Rho in the regulation of pyrimidine
de novo
biosynthesis genes has not been reported.
A journey into a Mediterranean diet and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Esposito Katherine , Maiorino Maria Ida , Bellastella Giuseppe , Chiodini Paolo , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Giugliano Dario 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo summarise the evidence about the efficacy of a Mediterranean diet on the management of type 2 diabetes and prediabetic states.DesignA systematic review of all meta-analyses and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the Mediterranean diet with a control diet on the treatment of type 2 diabetes and prediabetic states was conducted. Electronic searches were carried out up to January 2015. Trials were included for meta-analyses if they had a control group treated with another diet, if they were of sufficient duration (at least 6 months), and if they had at least 30 participants in each arm. A random-effect model was used to pool data.ParticipantsAdults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.InterventionsDietary patterns that described themselves as using a ‘Mediterranean’ dietary pattern.Outcome measuresThe outcomes were glycaemic control, cardiovascular risk factors and remission from the metabolic syndrome.ResultsFrom 2824 studies, 8 meta-analyses and 5 RCTs were eligible. A ‘de novo’ meta-analysis of 3 long-term (>6 months) RCTs of the Mediterranean diet and glycaemic control of diabetes favoured the Mediterranean diet as compared with lower fat diets. Another ‘de novo’ meta-analysis of two long-term RCTs showed a 49% increased probability of remission from the metabolic syndrome. 5 meta-analyses showed a favourable effect of the Mediterranean diet, as compared with other diets, on body weight, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 2 meta-analyses demonstrated that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of future diabetes by 19–23%.ConclusionsThe Mediterranean diet was associated with better glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors than control diets, including a lower fat diet, suggesting that it is suitable for the overall management of type 2 diabetes.
Air-mass Origin in the Arctic. Part II: Response to Increases in Greenhouse Gases
Authors: Orbe Clara , Newman Paul A. , Waugh Darryn W. , Holzer Mark , Oman Luke D. , Li Feng , Polvani Lorenzo M. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Future changes in transport from Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitudes into the Arctic are examined using rigorously defined air-mass fractions that partition air in the Arctic according to where it last had contact with the planetary boundary layer (PBL). Boreal winter (December–February) and summer (June–August) air-mass fraction climatologies are calculated for the modeled climate of the Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry–Climate Model (GEOSCCM) forced with the end-of-twenty-first century greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances. The modeled projections indicate that the fraction of air in the Arctic that last contacted the PBL over NH midlatitudes (or air of “midlatitude origin”) will increase by about 10% in both winter and summer. The projected increases during winter are largest in the upper and middle Arctic troposphere, where they reflect an upward and poleward shift in the transient eddy meridional wind, a robust dynamical response among comprehensive climate models. The boreal winter response is dominated by (~5%–10%) increases in the air-mass fractions originating over the eastern Pacific and the Atlantic, while the response in boreal summer mainly reflects (~5%) increases in air of Asian and North American origin. The results herein suggest that future changes in transport from midlatitudes may impact the composition—and, hence, radiative budget—in the Arctic, independent of changes in emissions.
The effects of galantamine and buspirone on sleep structure: Implications for understanding sleep abnormalities in major depression
Authors: Biard Kathleen , Douglass Alan B , De Koninck Joseph 
Published: August 2015

Rationale: The serotonergic and cholinergic systems are jointly involved in regulating sleep, but this balance is theorized to be disturbed in depressed individuals. Objective: The goal of this study was to use biological probes in healthy participants, to model the serotonergic/cholinergic imbalance of depression and its associated abnormalities in sleep structure. Methods: We tested 20 healthy female participants 18–30 years of age on four non-consecutive nights. Participants were given galantamine (a cholinergic agent), buspirone (a serotonergic agonist), both drugs together, or placebo before sleeping. Results: Buspirone suppressed tonic rapid eye movement (REM): There was a significant increase in REM latency ( p < 0.001). Galantamine increased tonic REM sleep, leading to more time spent in REM ( p < 0.001) and shorter REM latency ( p < 0.01). Galantamine and buspirone given together were not significantly different from the placebo night by REM sleep measures, but disrupted sleep more than either drug alone. Conclusions: These findings are partially consistent with the cholinergic literature about sleep in depression, notably short REM latency, higher percentage of total sleep time spent in REM and increased sleep fragmentation. The prolonged REM latency and reduced percentage of REM with buspirone resembled the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants on REM sleep.
Relationship between ethical work climate and nurses’ perception of organizational support, commitment, job satisfaction and turnover intent
Authors: Abou Hashish Ebtsam Aly 
Published: August 2015

Background: Healthcare organizations are now challenged to retain nurses’ generation and understand why they are leaving their nursing career prematurely. Acquiring knowledge about the effect of ethical work climate and level of perceived organizational support can help organizational leaders to deal effectively with dysfunctional behaviors and make a difference in enhancing nurses’ dedication, commitment, satisfaction, and loyalty to their organization. Purpose: This study aims to determine the relationship between ethical work climate, and perceived organizational support and nurses’ organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design was conducted in all inpatient care units at three major hospitals affiliated to different health sectors at Alexandria governorate. All nurses working in these previous hospitals were included in the study (N = 500). Ethical Climate Questionnaire, Survey of Perceived Organizational Support, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, Index of Job Satisfaction, and Intention to Turnover scale were used to measure study variables. Ethical considerations: Approval was obtained from Ethics Committee at Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University. Privacy and confidentiality of data were maintained and assured by obtaining subjects’ informed consent to participate in the research before data collection. Findings: The result revealed positive significant correlations between nurses’ perception of overall ethical work climate and each of perceived organizational support, commitment, as well as their job satisfaction. However, negative significant correlations were found between nurses’ turnover intention and each of these variables. Also, approximately 33% of the explained variance of turnover intention is accounted by ethical work climate, organizational support, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction, and these variables independently contributed significantly in the prediction of turnover intention. Recommendation: Strategies to foster and enhance ethical and supportive work climates as well as job-related benefits are considered significant factors in increasing nurses’ commitment and satisfaction and decreasing their turnover intention.
Attributes of a good nurse
Authors: Aydin Er Rahime , Sehiralti Mine , Akpinar Aslihan 
Published: August 2015

Background: The opinions of students regarding the attributes of a good nurse can make a major contribution to the planning and the conducting of professional education. There are few studies which aim at identifying the qualifications of a good nurse from the perspectives of nursing students. Objectives: To determine the opinions of first- and fourth-year nursing students concerning the ‘attributes of a good nurse’, and whether and how their views change depending on their year of study. Research design: Descriptive research. Participants and research context: This study was conducted in the nursing department of a vocational school of health in the 2010/2011 academic year. The study participants consisted of first-year and intern students. A survey form was used to identify characteristics of participants, and students were asked the following open-ended question about their opinions related to the attributes of a good nurse. Ethical considerations: The permission was taken from the school administration. Informed consent was obtained, and anonymity was ensured for participating students. Findings: A total of 120 students participated in this study. Most frequently expressed attributes were ‘professional competence’ in first-year and ‘responsibility’ in fourth-year students. While first-year students placed a greater emphasis on the attributes of ‘geniality’, ‘patience’, ‘calmness’, ‘love of nursing’, ‘loyalty to nursing’ and ‘not attaching importance to material values’, fourth-year students emphasized the attributes of ‘empathy’, ‘honesty’, ‘responsibility’ and ‘scientific curiosity’ significantly more. Discussion and conclusion: Fourth-year students placed a greater emphasis on the attributes which the students are expected to acquire through a nursing program and clinical experience. However, they mentioned the attributes related to a good nurse–patient relationship and communication significantly less. Appropriate ethical training methods and good role models can help students acquire attributes that are important for the nursing profession and combine them with the attributes they already have.