bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxygen measurements in platelet fluids – a new non‐invasive method to detect bacterial contaminations in platelets
Authors: Mueller M. M. , Hourfar M. K. , Huber E. , Sireis W. , Weichert W. , Seifried E. , Tonn T. , Schmidt M. 
Published: March 2012

Background: The residual risk for bacterial contamination in blood components especially in platelets is one to two orders of magnitude higher than for transfusion relevant viral infections. The majority of all bacterial transmitted fatalities occurred at the end of platelet shelf life. Therefore, the maximum shelf life of platelet concentrates (PC) was reduced to 4 days after blood donation in Germany in 2008.Methods: A new continuous non‐invasive bacterial detection method was developed by O2 measurements in the platelet fluids and tested with 10 transfusion relevant bacteria species.Results: The bacterial concentration at the time point of a positive signal of PreSense O2 ranged between 102 and 105 CFU mL−1. Harmful transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection would have probably been prevented by this novel technology. Only strict anaerobic bacteria strains like Clostridium perfringens were not detected within the study period of 72 h.Conclusions: The described non‐invasive bacterial detection method represents a new approach to prevent transmission of bacterial infection in platelets. The method is characterised by the advantage that all investigations can be performed until right up to the time of transfusion, and therefore, reduce the risk for sample errors to a minimum.
White matter volume in alcohol use disorders: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Monnig Mollie A. , Tonigan J. Scott , Yeo Ronald A. , Thoma Robert J. , McCrady Barbara S. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTAtrophy of brain white matter (WM) often is considered a signature injury of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). However, investigations into AUD‐related changes in WM volume have yielded complex findings that are difficult to synthesize in a narrative review. The objective of this study was to obtain an averaged effect size (ES) for WM volume reduction associated with AUD diagnosis and to test potential moderators of ES. Study inclusion criteria were: (1) English language; (2) peer reviewed; (3) published before December 2011; (4) use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); (5) human participants; (6) inclusion of AUD group; (7) inclusion of non‐AUD comparison group; and (8) reporting or testing of total or cerebral WM volume. Moderators included study design, MRI methodology and AUD characteristics. Nineteen studies with a total of 1302 participants (70% male) were included, and calculated ESs were confirmed by the corresponding author for 12 studies. The magnitude of the averaged ES adjusted for small sample bias (Hedges'g) for WM reduction in AUDs was 0.304 (standard error = 0.134, range = −0.57–1.21). Hierarchical linear modeling indicated that the overall ES differed significantly from 0,t(18) = 2.257,P = 0.037, and that the distribution of the 19 ESs showed significant heterogeneity beyond sampling error,χ2(18) = 52.400,P < 0.001. Treatment‐seeking status and length of abstinence were significant moderators of ES distribution. These results are suggestive of WM recovery with sustained abstinence and point to the need for further investigation of factors related to treatment‐seeking status.
Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels were reduced during methamphetamine early withdrawal
Authors: Chen Pao‐Huan , Huang Ming‐Chi , Lai Ying‐Ching , Chen Po‐Yu , Liu Hsing‐Cheng 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTMethamphetamine (METH) abuse is an increasing public health problem worldwide. Many of the METH‐induced physical and mental problems are associated with the neurotoxic effects of METH. Animal studies have shown that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) decreased after repeated amphetamine administration and increased at 30 and 90 days from psychostimulant withdrawal, suggesting that there might be a psychostimulant‐induced neuroprotective dysfunction followed by a neuroadaptive process in the brain. However, current research on the role of BDNF in human METH addiction is limited, particularly during early withdrawal. The aim of this study was to assess the serum BDNF levels in METH abusers during the early withdrawal stage. Two groups of subjects were enrolled: (1) 59 DSM‐IV METH abusers confirmed by board‐certified psychiatrists during the first 3 weeks of withdrawal; (2) 59 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. We found that serum BDNF levels were significantly and constantly lower in the METH abusers during early withdrawal than those of the healthy controls. This indicates that METH abusers might have severe BDNF dysfunction and an impaired neuroprotective function after repetitive METH misuse.
Brain activation to cocaine cues and motivation/treatment status
Authors: Prisciandaro James J. , McRae‐Clark Aimee L. , Myrick Hugh , Henderson Scott , Brady Kathleen T. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTMotivation to change is believed to be a key factor in therapeutic success in substance use disorders; however, the neurobiological mechanisms through which motivation to change impacts decreased substance use remain unclear. Existing research is conflicting, with some investigations supporting decreased and others reporting increased frontal activation to drug cues in individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. The present study investigated the relationship between motivation to change cocaine use and cue‐elicited brain activity in cocaine‐dependent individuals using two conceptualizations of ‘motivation to change’: (1) current treatment status (i.e. currently receiving versus not receiving outpatient treatment for cocaine dependence) and (2) self‐reported motivation to change substance use, using the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. Thirty‐eight cocaine‐dependent individuals (14 currently in treatment) completed a diagnostic assessment and an fMRI cocaine cue‐reactivity task. Whole‐brain analyses demonstrated that both treatment‐seeking and motivated participants had lower activation to cocaine cues in a wide variety of brain regions in the frontal, occipital, temporal and cingulate cortices relative to non‐treatment–seeking and less motivated participants. Future research is needed to explain the mechanism by which treatment and/or motivation impacts neural cue reactivity, as such work could potentially aid in the development of more effective therapeutic techniques for substance‐dependent patients.
Anti‐addiction drug ibogaine inhibits hERG channels: a cardiac arrhythmia risk
Authors: Koenig Xaver , Kovar Michael , Boehm Stefan , Sandtner Walter , Hilber Karlheinz 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIbogaine, an alkaloid derived from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, has shown promising anti‐addictive properties in animals. Anecdotal evidence suggests that ibogaine is also anti‐addictive in humans. Thus, it alleviates drug craving and impedes relapse of drug use. Although not licensed as therapeutic drug, and despite evidence that ibogaine may disturb the rhythm of the heart, this alkaloid is currently used as an anti‐addiction drug in alternative medicine. Here, we report that therapeutic concentrations of ibogaine reduce currents through human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene potassium channels. Thereby, we provide a mechanism by which ibogaine may generate life‐threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Methylphenidate and cocaine self‐administration produce distinct dopamine terminal alterations
Authors: Calipari Erin S. , Ferris Mark J. , Melchior James R. , Bermejo Kristel , Salahpour Ali , Roberts David C. S. , Jones Sara R. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTMethylphenidate (MPH) is a commonly abused psychostimulant prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. MPH has a mechanism of action similar to cocaine (COC) and is commonly characterized as a dopamine transporter (DAT) blocker. While there has been extensive work aimed at understanding dopamine (DA) nerve terminal changes following COC self‐administration, very little is known about the effects of MPH self‐administration on the DA system. We used fast scan cyclic voltammetry in nucleus accumbens core slices from animals with a 5‐day self‐administration history of 40 injections/day of either MPH (0.56 mg/kg) or COC (1.5 mg/kg) to explore alterations in baseline DA release and uptake kinetics as well as alterations in the interaction of each compound with the DAT. Although MPH and COC have similar behavioral effects, the consequences of self‐administration on DA system parameters were found to be divergent. We show that COC self‐administration reduced DAT levels and maximal rates of DA uptake, as well as reducing electrically stimulated release, suggesting decreased DA terminal function. In contrast, MPH self‐administration increased DAT levels, DA uptake rates and DA release, suggesting enhanced terminal function, which was supported by findings of increased metabolite/DA tissue content ratios. Tyrosine hydroxylase messenger RNA, protein and phosphorylation levels were also assessed in both groups. Additionally, COC self‐administration reduced COC‐induced DAT inhibition, while MPH self‐administration increased MPH‐induced DAT inhibition, suggesting opposite pharmacodynamic effects of these two drugs. These findings suggest that the factors governing DA system adaptations are more complicated than simple DA uptake blockade.
Effect of ammonium‐iron‐hexa‐cyanoferrate and of the covariates age, gender, weight, season and calendar time on radiocaesium contamination of wild boars living in the wild in Bavaria
Authors: Kienzle E. , Reddemann J. , Swart D. , Swart A. , Draxler B. , Morfeld P. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryFeed with Ammonium‐iron‐hexa‐cyanoferrate (AFCF; 1250 mg AFCF/kg) was fed between March 2009 and March 2011 to wild boars in a territory of 4.5 km2 (experimental group, EXP). One hundred and forty similar territories in the same county (500 km2, spruce forest, agriculture) served as control (CON). Data for comparison from all territories were available from March 2005 to March 2011. Wild boars could move between, into and from the territories. Lean skeletal muscle meat (500 g) of all wild boars that were killed by humans (hunting and traffic accidents) was investigated for gamma‐radiation from 137Cs with a becquerel monitor with a sodium iodide scintillator crystal (range of detection 20–9999 Bq/kg). The wild boars were weighed, and gender and age were determined. For the analyses of effects, multivariable regression models were fitted with the 137Cs concentration as response variable. There was a significant difference between the 137Cs contamination of wild boars from CON (563 ± 932 Bq/kg meat, n = 1253) and EXP (236 ± 276 Bq/kg meat; n = 45). 137Cs contamination decreased with increasing body weight by −5 Bq/kg meat/kg body weight increase (p < 0.05). Females had higher Bq measurements than males (by +80 Bq/kg meat, p < 0.05). Piglets were lower than adults, but turn‐coats higher. From November to May, contamination was higher (by +500 to +600 Bq/kg meat, p < 0.05) than during the rest of the year. In 2010, contamination was higher (by +200 to + 300 Bq/kg meat, p < 0.05) in comparison with the other years under observation. When all covariates were controlled for, the effect of AFCF was highly significant. Interaction analyses showed that the intervention decreased 137Cs contamination by −500 Bq/kg meat during November to May and by −200 Bq/kg meat during the rest of the year. In summary, AFCF feeding reduces 137Cs contamination of wild boars living in the wild significantly, particularly during the season from November to May.
Electromyographic evaluation of masseter muscle activity in horses fed (i) different types of roughage and (ii) maize after different hay allocations
Authors: Vervuert I. , Brüssow N. , Bochnia M. , Cuddeford D. , Coenen M. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe aims of this study were to monitor electromyographic (EMG) activity of masseter muscle in healthy horses fed (i) different types of roughage and (ii) maize after different hay allocations. Four horses were offered the following three diets ad libitum: hay, haylage or straw/alfalfa chaff (SAC). In a second trial, four horses were fed cracked maize (CM) and hay in three different orders: (i) CM after a 12‐h overnight fast; (ii) CM immediately after restricted hay intake (0.6 kg hay/100 kg BW); or 3) CM after hay intake ad libitum. The activity of the masseter muscle was determined by EMG (IED®), and the following were measured: amplitude (muscle action potential = MAP, maximum voltage) and duration of MAP (s). The intake of hay or haylage was associated with intense masseter muscle activity (MAP: hay, 10 ± 1.7 V; haylage, 11 ± 3.3 V; and duration of MAP: hay, 0.31 ± 0.04 s; haylage, 0.30 ± 0.04 s). Similar intense chewing was measured for SAC (MAP 13 ± 3.8 V), although duration of the chewing cycle was relatively short (0.22 ± 0.03 s, diet p < 0.05), which is possibly related to the shorter fibre length. CM was consumed rapidly, with less intense masseter muscle activity (MAP 6.0 ± 1.5 V). Hay intake before CM did not affect chewing force of CM, but duration of chewing cycle was significantly prolonged by feeding hay ad libitum before CM was fed. The consumption of hay, haylage or SAC was associated with intensive masseter muscle activity that was likely to stimulate salivary flow rate. In contrast to roughage, concentrates like CM are consumed rapidly with less intensive masseter muscle activity. This situation is associated with a low salivary flow that may have an adverse effect on gastric function.
Effect of intake of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid levels on conversion into long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in backfat and in intramuscular fat of growing pigs
Authors: Smink W. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Gerrits W. J. J. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryA study was conducted to determine the effect of two levels of linoleic acid (LA) intake at either high or low α‐linolenic acid (ALA) intake on their conversion and subsequent deposition into long‐chain (20–22 C‐atoms) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) in muscle and backfat in growing pigs. In a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 32 gilts from 8 litters were assigned to one of four dietary treatments, varying in LA and ALA intakes. Low ALA and LA intakes were 0.15 and 1.31 g/(kg BW0.75/day), respectively, and high ALA and LA intakes were 1.48 and 2.65 g/(kg BW0.75/day) respectively. There was a close positive relation between intake of ALA and the concentration of ALA in backfat and in intramuscular fat. Dietary ALA did not affect the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but increased docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in backfat. High ALA intake did not significantly affect DHA but significantly increased EPA, 20:3 n‐3 and DPA concentrations in intramuscular fat. The n‐3 LC PUFA proportion in backfat was increased from approximately 1–3%, which may be useful to enrich meat with these fatty acids. The effect of ALA intake on n‐3 LC PUFA was suppressed by LA intake. Dietary ALA suppressed the concentration of n‐6 LC PUFA in blood plasma by more than 50%. When compared at equal incremental dose, the inhibiting effect of ALA on blood arachidonic acid was stronger than the stimulating effect of LA as precursor.
Essential roles of clinical nurse instructors in Japan: A Delphi study
Authors: Yamada Satoko , Ota Katsumasa 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn Japan, the clinical nurse instructor is a staff nurse who teaches in clinical practicums. However, there is no consensus on the essential roles that clinical nurse instructors are expected to perform. We conducted a three‐round Delphi survey to clarify the essential roles of the clinical nurse instructor in clinical practicums in undergraduate nursing education. The participants were an expert panel of 48 professionals in nursing education and clinical practicums, who rated the importance of 58 role items that were established through a literature review and pilot survey. Thirty one of these items were identified as essential roles, based on agreement of 80% or more of respondents. Further investigation revealed nine of the 31 items to be core roles, defined as the minimum essential roles that must be performed by clinical nurse instructors, however busy they become. The nine core roles are related to proper preparation for the clinical practicum, patient safety, and coordination with the nursing school faculty. It is important for the nursing school faculty to support and work in cooperation with clinical nurse instructors to help them fulfill these roles.
Cancer disclosure: Experiences of Iranian cancer patients
Authors: Valizadeh Leila , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Rahmani Azad , Howard Fuchsia , Nikanfar Ali‐Reza , Ferguson Caleb 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis study explored Iranian patients' experiences of cancer disclosure, paying particular attention to the ways of disclosure. Twenty cancer patients were invited to participate in this qualitative inquiry by research staff in the clinical setting. In‐depth, semistructured interview data were analyzed through content analysis. The rigor of the study was established by principles of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Four themes emerged: the atmosphere of non‐disclosure, eventual disclosure, distress in knowing, and the desire for information. Non‐disclosure was the norm for participants, and all individuals involved made efforts to maintain an atmosphere of non‐disclosure. While a select few were informed of their diagnosis by a physician or another patient, the majority eventually became aware of their diagnosis indirectly by different ways. All participants experienced distress after disclosure. The participants wanted basic information about their prognosis and treatments from their treating physicians, but did not receive this information, and encountered difficulty accessing information elsewhere. These challenges highlight the need for changes in current medical practice in Iran, as well as patient and healthcare provider education.
Branch thoracic stent graft repair for arch aneurysm
Authors: Stanley Brendan M. , Mylankal Kurian J. , Tibballs Jonathan , Bond Richard , Hartley David 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAortic arch aneurysms involving the major vessels of the neck pose great challenges in their repair. Open repair of these aneurysms are associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. The major challenge for endovascular repair of these complex aneurysms is the maintenance of cerebral perfusion during stent implantation and long‐term durability. This paper discusses preoperative planning and technical aspects to successful endovascular repair of a large aortic arch aneurysm involving the distal take‐off of the left subclavian artery.
Mutualistic interactions between vitamin B12‐dependent algae and heterotrophic bacteria exhibit regulation
Authors: Kazamia Elena , Czesnick Hjördis , Nguyen Thi Thanh Van , Croft Martin Tom , Sherwood Emma , Sasso Severin , Hodson Sarah James , Warren Martin James , Smith Alison Gail 
Published: March 2012

SummaryMany algae are auxotrophs for vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which they need as a cofactor for B12‐dependent methionine synthase (METH). Because only prokaryotes can synthesize the cobalamin, they must be the ultimate source of the vitamin. In the laboratory, a direct interaction between algae and heterotrophic bacteria has been shown, with bacteria supplying cobalamin in exchange for fixed carbon. Here we establish a system to study this interaction at the molecular level. In a culture of a B12‐dependent green alga Chlamydomonas nivalis, we found a contaminating bacterium, identified by 16S rRNA analysis as Mesorhizobium sp. Using the sequenced strain of M. loti (MAFF303099), we found that it was able to support the growth of B12‐dependent Lobomonas rostrata, another green alga, in return for fixed carbon. The two organisms form a stable equilibrium in terms of population numbers, which is maintained over many generations in semi‐continuous culture, indicating a degree of regulation. However, addition of either vitamin B12 or a carbon source for the bacteria perturbs the equilibrium, demonstrating that the symbiosis is mutualistic and facultative. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii does not require B12 for growth because it encodes a B12‐independent methionine synthase, METE, the gene for which is suppressed by addition of exogenous B12. Co‐culturing C. reinhardtii with M. loti also results in reduction of METE expression, demonstrating that the bacterium can deliver the vitamin to this B12‐independent alga. We discuss the implications of this for the widespread distribution of cobalamin auxotrophy in the algal kingdom.
Breastfeeding support received by Turkish first‐time mothers
Authors: Demirtas B. 
Published: March 2012

DEMIRTAS B. (2012) Breastfeeding support received by Turkish first‐time mothers. International Nursing Review59, 338–344Background:  Research conducted to examine nurses' breastfeeding support to first‐time mothers is sparse in Turkey.Aim:  To identify informational, practical and emotional support that mothers had received from nurses in the early postpartum period.Methods:  A descriptive and cross‐sectional study of 192 mothers who took part in the research prior to discharge from a maternity hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Mean, standard deviation and percentages were used to analyze the maternal characteristics. Chi‐square test was used to analyze informational, practical and emotional support received by the mothers in relation to socio‐demographic characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for in‐hospital formula supplementation and experiencing breastfeeding problem.Results:  The mothers stated that the information provided should be adequate (41%), given individually (36.3%) and taught through practice (41%). Supplementary feeding was the only statistically significant predictor of in‐hospital breastfeeding problems [P < 0.01, odds ratio (OR) 0.109, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.361]. Experiencing a breastfeeding problem, not receiving practical support, and the unavailability of nurses were statistically significant predictors of supplementation respectively (P < 0.01, OR 0.084, 95% CI 0.023–0.309; P < 0.05, OR 0.239, 95% CI 0.071–0.809; P < 0.05, OR 3.442, 95% CI 1.059–11.183, respectively).Conclusion:  Informational, practical and emotional support offered by nurses has the potential to make a difference in reducing breastfeeding problems and in‐hospital supplementation. Practical support could be enhanced through effective implementation of early maternal/infant skin‐to‐skin contact in a busy hospital environment.