bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with colorimetric nanogold for detection of the microsporidianEnterocytozoon hepatopenaeiin penaeid shrimp
Authors: Suebsing R. , Prombun P. , Srisala J. , Kiatpathomchai W. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsEnterocytozoon hepatopenaei is an emerging microsporidian parasite that has been linked to recent losses caused by white faeces syndrome (WFS) in cultivated giant or black tiger shrimp Penaeus (Penaeus) monodon and whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei in Asia. To more accurately assess its impact on shrimp production and to determine reservoir carriers for control measures, our objective was to establish a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay combined with colorimetric nanogold (AuNP) for rapid, sensitive and inexpensive detection of this parasite.Methods and ResultsA set of six specific primers was designed to successfully detect the SSU rRNA gene of E. hepatopenaei by a LAMP reaction of 45 min at 65°C combined with visual detection of the amplification product via hybridization at 65°C for 5 min with a ssDNA-labelled nanogold probe, followed by salt-induced AuNP aggregation (total assay time, approximately 50 min). This method gave similar results to LAMP followed by electrophoresis or spectrophotometric detection, and it was more sensitive (0·02 fg total DNA) than a conventional nested PCR (0·2 fg total DNA). The new method gave negative results with shrimp DNA templates extracted from diseased shrimp containing other pathogens, indicating that the LAMP-AuNP assay was specific for E. hepatopenaei.ConclusionsWithout sacrificing sensitivity or specificity, the new LAMP-AuNP assay significantly reduced the time, ease and cost for molecular detection of E. hepatopenaei in shrimp.Significance and Impact of the studyThe new method employs simple, inexpensive equipment and involves simple steps making it applicable for small field laboratories. Wider application of the method to screen broodstock before use in a hatchery, to screen postlarvae before stocking shrimp ponds, to test for natural carriers and to monitor shrimp in rearing ponds would help to assess and reduce the negative impact of this parasite in shrimp farming.
Nursing stress and patient care: real‐time investigation of the effect of nursing tasks and demands on psychological stress, physiological stress, and job performance: study protocol
Authors: Farquharson Barbara , Bell Cheryl , Johnston Derek , Jones Martyn , Schofield Pat , Allan Julia , Ricketts Ian , Morrison Kenny , Johnston Marie 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo examine the effects of nursing tasks (including their physiological and psychological demands, and the moderating effects of reward and control) on distress and job performance in real time.BackgroundNurses working in hospital settings report high levels of occupational stress. Stress in nurses has been linked to reduced physical and psychological health, reduced job satisfaction, increased sickness absence, increased staff turnover, and poorer job performance. In this study, we will investigate theoretical models of stress and use multiple methods, including real‐time data collection, to assess the relationship between stress and different nursing tasks in general medical and surgical ward nurses.DesignA real‐time, repeated measures design.MethodsDuring 2011/2012, 100 nurses from a large general teaching hospital in Scotland will: (a) complete self‐reports of mood; (b) have their heart rate and activity monitored over two shifts to obtain physiological indices of stress and energy expenditure; (c) provide perceptions of the determinants of stress in complex ward environments; and (d) describe their main activities. All measures will be taken repeatedly in real time over two working shifts.DiscussionData obtained in this study will be analysed to examine the relationships between nursing tasks, self‐reported and physiological measures of stress and to assess the effect of occupational stress on multiple work outcomes. The results will inform theoretical understanding of nurse stress and its determinants and suggest possible targets for intervention to reduce stress and associated harmful consequences.
PI3K inhibition potentiates Bcl‐2‐dependent apoptosis in renal carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhu Shudong , Cohen Matthew B. , Bjorge Jeffrey D. , Mier James W. , Cho Daniel C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInhibitors of PI3‐K/Akt are currently being assessed clinically in patients with advanced RCC. Identification of therapeutic strategies that might enhance the efficacy of PI3‐K/Akt inhibitors is therefore of great interest. As PI3‐K inhibition would be expected to have many pro‐apoptotic effects, we hypothesized that there may be unique synergy between PI3‐K inhibitors and BH3‐mimetics. Towards this end, we assessed the combination of the PI3K inhibitor LY 294002 and the Bcl‐2 family inhibitor ABT‐737 in RCC cell lines. We found that the combinatorial treatment with these agents led to a significant increase in PARP cleavage and cell death in all RCC cell lines. The synergized cell death was correlated with decreased levels of Mcl‐1 and XIAP, and increased levels in Bim, and appears critically dependent upon the activation of caspase 3 and 8. The enhanced lethality observed with the combination also appears dependent upon the regulation of XIAP, Mcl‐1 and Bim levels. Our results suggest that the combination of PI3‐K inhibitors with BH3‐mimetics may be a viable therapeutic strategy in RCC.
Altered functional differentiation of mesoangioblasts in a genetic myopathy
Authors: Altomare Claudia , Barile Lucio , Rocchetti Marcella , Sala Luca , Crippa Stefania , Sampaolesi Maurilio , Zaza Antonio 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMutations underlying genetic cardiomyopathies might affect differentiation commitment of resident progenitor cells. Cardiac mesoangioblasts (cMabs) are multipotent progenitor cells resident in the myocardium. A switch from cardiac to skeletal muscle differentiation has been recently described in cMabs from β‐sarcoglycan‐null mice (βSG−/−), a murine model of genetic myopathy with early myocardial involvement. Although complementation with βSG gene was inconsequential, knock‐in of miRNA669a (missing in βSG−/− cMabs) partially rescued the mutation‐induced molecular phenotype. Here, we undertook a detailed evaluation of functional differentiation of βSG−/− cMabs and tested the effects of miRNA669a‐induced rescue in vitro. To this end, cMabs were compared with neonatal cardiomyocytes (CMs) and skeletal muscle C2C12 cells, representative of cardiac and skeletal muscle respectively. Consistent with previous data on molecular patterns, electrophysiological and Ca2+‐handling properties of βSG−/− cMabs were closer to C2C12 cells than to CM ones. Nevertheless, subtler aspects, including action potential contour, Ca2+‐spark properties and RyR isoform expression, distinguished βSG−/− cMabs from C2C12 cells. Contrary to previous reports, wild‐type cMabs failed to show functional differentiation towards either cell type. Knock‐in of miRNA669a in βSG−/− cMabs rescued the wild‐type functional phenotype, i.e. it completely prevented development of skeletal muscle functional responses. We conclude that miRNA669a expression, ablated by βSG deletion, may prevent functional differentiation of cMabs towards the skeletal muscle phenotype.
The Changing Position of the European Parliament on Irregular Migration and Asylum under Co‐decision
Authors: Lopatin Esther 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article demonstrates that the European Parliament has increasingly voted with the Council for a more restrictive position on irregular migration and asylum since obtaining co‐decision authority in these areas in 2005, in contrast to its previous liberal position. Roll‐call votes in the fifth and sixth European Parliaments (1999–2009) in the field of irregular migration and asylum were analyzed, and it was found that an abrupt change in voting behaviour of many MEPs, particularly those members belonging to two of its main liberal‐leaning parties, the S&D and ELDR, is evidently linked to the change of authority of the EP. Apparently, there is an inverse correlation between the level of decision‐making authority and the freedom to vote for a liberal immigration and asylum policy. The author suggests several explanations for this behaviour, including the need for MEPs to be flexible in working with the Council in order to pass legislation.
Contribution of meat to vitamin B12, iron and zinc intakes in five ethnic groups in the USA: implications for developing food‐based dietary guidelines
Authors: Sharma S. , Sheehy T. , Kolonel L. N. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo describe the sources of meat and their contributions to vitamin B12, iron and zinc in five ethnic groups in the USA.MethodsDietary data for the Multiethnic Cohort, established in Hawaii and Los Angeles, were collected using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire from more than 215 000 subjects, aged 45–75 years at baseline (1993–1996). Participants included African American, Latino, Japanese American, Native Hawaiian and Caucasian men and women. Servings of meat items were calculated based on the US Department of Agriculture recommendations and their contributions to intakes of total meat, red meat, vitamin B12, iron and zinc were determined.ResultsOf all types of meat, poultry contributed the most to meat consumption, followed by red meat and fish among all ethnicities, except for Latino (born in Mexico and Central/South America) men who consumed more beef. Lean beef was the most commonly consumed red meat for all ethnic‐sex groups (9.3–14.3%), except for Native Hawaiian and Japanese American men, and Japanese American women whose top contributor was stew/curry with beef/lamb and stir‐fried beef/pork with vegetables, respectively. The contribution of meat was most substantial for zinc (11.1–29.3%) and vitamin B12 (19.7–40%) and, to a lesser extent, for iron (4.3–14.2%).ConclusionsThis is the first large multiethnic cohort study to describe meat sources and their contributions to selected nutrients among ethnic minorities in the USA. These findings may be used to develop ethnic‐specific recommendations for meat consumption aiming to improve dietary quality among these groups.
Qualitative exploration of nurses' decisions to activate rapid response teams
Authors: S Astroth Kim , M Woith Wendy , Stapleton Stephen J , Degitz R Joseph , Jenkins Sheryl H 
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectivesTo identify barriers and facilitators to nurses' decisions regarding activation of rapid response teams (RRTs) in hospitals.BackgroundHospitalised patients in the United States who experience cardiopulmonary arrest seldom recover. Most of these patients show signs of clinical deterioration prior to cardiopulmonary arrest. RRTs have been shown to decrease the incidence of cardiopulmonary arrest by bringing needed resources to unstable patients. Despite the evidence in support of the activation of RRTs, nurses do not always use this resource. Nurses' decisions to activate or not to activate the RRT are not clearly understood.DesignWe used a qualitative design for this study.MethodsA purposive sample of 15 medical/surgical nurses was recruited from a small medical centre in the Midwest. Researchers used semistructured, open‐ended questions to elicit subject responses regarding facilitators and barriers to activating RRTs.ResultsThemes emerged and were categorised as facilitators and barriers to calling the RRT. Facilitators and barriers were then subdivided into distinct subthemes: RRT characteristics and unit culture. The expertise of the RRT members and support and encouragement from nursing unit colleagues and leaders emerged as two potential facilitators. Communication of the RRT members and calling the physician first emerged as two potential barriers. We also identified educational factors that were not clearly facilitators or barriers to calling the RRT.ConclusionsFurther study is needed using quantitative designs with larger sample sizes.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses can build upon knowledge of facilitators and barriers related to RRT characteristics and nursing unit culture.
Finding meaning despite anxiety over life and death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Authors: Ozanne Anneli O , Graneheim Ulla H , Strang Susann 
Published: February 2013

Aim and objectivesTo illuminate how people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) create meaning despite the disease.BackgroundCoping strategies for living with ALS have already been investigated. However, there is a lack of studies on how people with the disease find meaning and what helps and hinders this.DesignA qualitative descriptive study.MethodsFourteen individual interviews were performed in Spring 2007. The interviews were analysed by qualitative content analysis.ResultsTwo themes emerged to illuminate the complex life situation of the interviewees: experiences of anxiety over life and death and finding meaning despite the illness. It became clear that the uncertain journey towards death was more frightened than death itself. Despite the incurable disease, which brought feelings of life and death anxiety, physical loss, unfairness, guilt, shame and existential loneliness, they also found meaning in life, which strengthened their will to live. Meaning was found through their family and friends, the act of giving and receiving help, the feeling of having a life of their own and accepting the present. The perspective of life was transferred to a deeper view where material things and quarrels were no longer in focus.ConclusionsDespite the disease, the participants found meaning in life which strengthened their will to live.Relevance to clinical practiceThe balance between anxiety over life and death and finding meaning in life indicates the importance of support through the whole disease process. Both disease‐specific problems and existential questions must be tackled. Nurses and other professionals need to be aware of the patients' existential qualms. There is a need to focus on what is important for the individual, and emphasis must be placed on where that person can find meaning.
Complexity of management and health outcomes in a prospective cohort study of 573 heart failure patients in Australia: does more equal less?
Authors: Driscoll Andrea , Tonkin Andrew , Stewart Andrew , Worrall‐Carter Linda , Thompson David R , Riegel Barbara , Hare David L , Davidson Patricia M , Mulvany Christine , Stewart Simon 
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectivesTo compare the efficacy of chronic heart failure management programmes (CHF‐MPs) according to a scoring algorithm used to quantify the level of applied interventions–the Heart Failure Intervention Score (HF‐IS).BackgroundThe overall efficacy of heart failure programmes has been proven in several meta‐analyses. However, the debate continues as to which components are essential in a heart failure programme to improve patient outcomes.DesignProspective cohort study of patients participating in heart failure programmes.MethodForty‐eight of 62 (77%) programmes in Australia participating in a national register of CHF‐MPs were evaluated using the HF‐IS: derived from a summed and weighted score of each intervention applied by the CHF‐MP (27 interventions overall). The CHF‐MPs were prospectively categorised as relatively low (HF‐IS < 190 – n = 39 programmes & 407 patients) or high (HF‐IS ≥ 190 – n = 9 programmes & 166 patients) in complexity. Six‐month morbidity and mortality rates in 573 consecutively recruited patients with systolic dysfunction and in New York Heart Association Class II–IV were prospectively examined.ResultsPatients exposed to CHF‐MPs with a high HF‐IS had a lower rate of unplanned, all‐cause hospitalisation (n = 24, 14% vs. n = 102, 25%) compared with CHF‐MPs with a low HF‐IS within six months. On an adjusted basis, CHF‐MPs with a high HF‐IS were associated with a reduced risk of unplanned hospitalisation and/or death within six months and remained event‐free longer.ConclusionHigh complexity CHF‐MPs applying more evidence‐based interventions are associated with a higher event‐free survival over six months.Relevance to clinical practiceThe HF‐IS is an easy‐to‐use evidence‐based tool to assist programme coordinators to improve the quality of their heart failure programme which may also improve patient outcomes.
Clinical observation and nursing care on the prevention of abdominal organ cluster transplantation rejection
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Chen Lifen , Gu Guangxiang , Guo Zhiyong , Gong Fengqiu , Wu Shuwen , Zhang Xiaoyuan , He Xiaoshun 
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the clinical characteristics of rejection after upper abdominal cluster transplantation.BackgroundAbdominal organ cluster transplantation is used to treat multiple abdominal organ diseases. Delay in monitoring and treatment can lead to graft failure.DesignA descriptive study.MethodsData collected from eight patients who underwent abdominal organ cluster transplantation from May 2004–March 2009 in our hospital were retrospectively assessed. The clinical manifestations of graft rejection and variations in characteristics associated with graft function were analysed.ResultsIn all eight cases, graft function recovered successfully without rejection during the perioperative period. In one case, liver graft rejection occurred 1·5 months postoperatively, but dose adjustment of the anti‐rejection drugs provided symptom relief.ConclusionsRejection can be prevented and cured successfully through monitoring and early detection of rejection characteristics by the nursing staff.Relevance to clinical practiceWith the increase of awareness and knowledge on the clinical observation and nursing care, the rate of transplantation rejection decreased among abdominal cluster transplant patients.
Reverse Survivorship Bias
Authors: LINNAINMAA JUHANI T. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTMutual funds often disappear following poor performance. When this poor performance is partly attributable to negative idiosyncratic shocks, funds' estimated alphas understate their true alphas. This paper estimates a structural model to correct for this bias. Although most funds still have negative alphas, they are not nearly as low as those suggested by the fund‐by‐fund regressions. Approximately 12% of funds have net four‐factor model alphas greater than 2% per year. All studies that run fund‐by‐fund regressions to draw inferences about the prevalence of skill among mutual fund managers are subject to reverse survivorship bias.
Real Wicksell Effect, Demand for Capital and Stability
Authors: Fratini Saverio M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to study the relationship between reverse capital deepening and instability of the equilibrium between investments and savings. It is shown for a model with n commodities, infinitely many linear technique of production, and overlapping generations that a badly behaved real Wicksell effect, as in the case of a ‘reswitching of techniques’, can involve instability.
Overexpression of RbfA in the absence of the KsgA checkpoint results in impaired translation initiation
Authors: Connolly Keith , Culver Gloria 
Published: February 2013

SummaryKsgA, a universally conserved small ribosomal subunit (SSU) rRNA methyltransferase, has recently been shown to facilitate a checkpoint within the ribosome maturation pathway. Under standard growth conditions removal of the KsgA checkpoint has a subtle impact on cell growth; yet, upon overexpresssion of RbfA, a ribosome maturation factor, KsgA becomes essential. Our results demonstrate the requirement of KsgA, in the presence of excess RbfA, both for the incorporation of ribosomal protein S21 to the developing SSU, and for final maturation of SSU rRNA. Also, when SSU biogenesis is perturbed by an imbalance in KsgA and RbfA, a population of 70S‐like particles accumulates that is compositionally, functionally and structurally distinct from mature 70S ribosomes. Thus, our work suggests that KsgA and RbfA function together and are required for SSU maturation, and that additional checkpoints likely act to modulate malfunctional 70S particle formation in vivo.
Colocalization and interaction between elongasome and divisome during a preparative cell division phase in Escherichia coli
Authors: van der Ploeg René , Verheul Jolanda , Vischer Norbert O. E. , Alexeeva Svetlana , Hoogendoorn Eelco , Postma Marten , Banzhaf Manuel , Vollmer Waldemar , den Blaauwen Tanneke 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe rod‐shaped bacterium Escherichia coli grows by insertion of peptidoglycan into the lateral wall during cell elongation and synthesis of new poles during cell division. The monofunctional transpeptidases PBP2 and PBP3 are part of specialized protein complexes called elongasome and divisome, respectively, which catalyse peptidoglycan extension and maturation. Endogenous immunolabelled PBP2 localized in the cylindrical part of the cell as well as transiently at midcell. Using the novel image analysis tool Coli‐Inspector to analyse protein localization as function of the bacterial cell age, we compared PBP2 localization with that of other E. coli cell elongation and division proteins including PBP3. Interestingly, the midcell localization of the two transpeptidases overlaps in time during the early period of divisome maturation. Försters Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) experiments revealed an interaction between PBP2 and PBP3 when both are present at midcell. A decrease in the midcell diameter is visible after 40% of the division cycle indicating that the onset of new cell pole synthesis starts much earlier than previously identified by visual inspection. The data support a new model of the division cycle in which the elongasome and divisome interact to prepare for cell division.
The challenges of implementing behaviour changes that lead to sustained weight management
Authors: Stubbs R. J. , Lavin J. H. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryWeight loss is a difficult journey often characterised by repeated faltering attempts. There are numerous approaches to weight management but they all involve changes in self‐management, eating or activity behaviour. Weight loss induces changes in physiological and emotional systems, which tend to pull people back to where they came from. At the present time, it is not clear how the rate, extent or type of weight loss impact on signalling systems that oppose weight loss. Dietary changes in behaviour appear to be more achievable for weight loss earlier in the weight loss journey, while physical activity becomes a critical adjunct to initial dietary changes for weight loss maintenance. A range of weight control behaviours characterises weight loss and weight loss maintenance. People successfully maintaining significant weight loss tend to control their appetite, do more physical activity and remain vigilant, to catch slips in behaviour that may lead to weight regain.There may be differing clusters of behaviours, which characterise weight loss compared with weight loss maintenance, and there appear to be different clusters of behaviours that characterise weight loss maintainers. To navigate from the journey of weight loss to one of habitual weight loss maintenance requires long‐term self‐management. Environments and programmes that support, nurture and facilitate long‐term behaviour change give people the capability, the opportunity and the motivation to navigate to a healthy weight.