bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of heterochromatin proteins 1a and 1b from the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Mitsunobu H. , Izumi M. , Mon H. , Tatsuke T. , Lee J. M. , Kusakabe T. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHeterochromatin protein 1s (HP1s) are nonhistone chromosomal proteins that play a direct role in the formation and maintenance of heterochromatin structure. Similarly to Caenorhabditis elegans, silkworms possess holocentric chromosomes, in which diffused kinetochores extend along the length of each chromosome. We have isolated two silkworm HP1 homologues, BmHP1a and BmHP1b. Cytological analysis showed a unique localization of BmHP1s during cell division, in which these proteins first appear to dissociate from the chromosomes, but then return to enclose the chromosomes during metaphase. BmHP1s formed homo‐ and hetero‐dimers and interacted with BmSu(var)3–9, which is a methyltransferase for histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9). We further showed, using a silkworm cell‐based reporter system, that BmHP1b had higher transcriptional repression activity than BmHP1a, whereas BmHP1a interacted more strongly with BmSu(var)3–9 than did BmHP1b. These results suggest that silkworm HP1a and HP1b may play different roles in heterochromatin formation in holocentric silkworm chromosomes.
Using the Precede–Proceed Model of Health Program Planning in breast cancer nursing research
Authors: Tramm Ralph , McCarthy Alexandra , Yates Patsy 
Published: December 2011

tramm r., mccarthy a. & yates p. (2011) Using the Precede–Proceed Model of Health Program Planning in breast cancer nursing research. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1870–1880.AbstractAim.  In this article, we discuss the use of the Precede–Proceed model when investigating health promotion options for breast cancer survivors.Background.  Adherence to recommended health behaviours can optimize well‐being after cancer treatment. Guided by the Precede–Proceed approach, we studied the behaviours of breast cancer survivors in our health service area.Data sources.  The interview data from the cohort of breast cancer survivors are used in this article to illustrate the use of Precede–Proceed in this nursing research context. Interview data were collected from June to December 2009. We also searched Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo and PsychExtra up to 2010 for relevant literature in the English language to interrogate the data from other theoretical perspectives.Discussion.  The Precede–Proceed model is theoretically complex. The deductive analytic process guided by the model usefully explained some of the health behaviours of cancer survivors, although it could not explicate many other findings. A complementary inductive approach to the analysis and subsequent interpretation by way of Uncertainty in Illness Theory and other psychosocial perspectives provided a comprehensive account of the qualitative data that resulted in contextually relevant recommendations for nursing practice.Implications for nursing.  Nursing researchers using Precede–Proceed should maintain theoretical flexibility when interpreting qualitative data. Perspectives not embedded in the model might need to be considered to ensure that the data are analysed in a contextually relevant way.Conclusion.  Precede–Proceed provides a robust framework for nursing researchers investigating health promotion in cancer survivors; however, additional theoretical lenses to those embedded in the model can enhance data interpretation.
Care closer to home for children and young people who are ill: developing and testing a model of service delivery and organization
Authors: Parker Gillian , Spiers Gemma , Cusworth Linda , Birks Yvonne , Gridley Kate , Mukherjee Suzanne 
Published: December 2011

parker g., spiers g., cusworth l., birks y., gridley k. & mukherjee s. (2012) Care closer to home for children and young people who are ill: developing and testing a model of service delivery and organization. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(9), 2034–2046.AbstractAims.  To report findings of a national survey of care closer to home services for children and young people and a typology based on these findings.Background.  Providing care closer to home for children is a policy and practice aspiration internationally. While the main model of such services is children’s community nursing, other models have also developed. Past research has proposed a relatively static typology of services, determined by where they are based, whether they are generic or specialist and whether they provide short‐ or longer‐term input. As services develop, however, this typology needs further elaboration.Methods.  A two‐stage national survey of all primary care and hospital trusts in England, in mid‐2008.Results.  In all, 67% of trusts responded to the screening questionnaire and 75% of relevant services to the main stage questionnaire. Thirteen distinct types of services were identified initially. Cluster analysis of delivery and organization characteristics then identified a three‐model typology: hospital‐based, condition‐specific services (36%); children’s community nurses and other community services (45%) and other (mainly therapy‐based) services (19%). The models differed in staffing, costs, functions, type of care provided and geographical coverage. Only a third of nurses in teams were paediatric‐trained.Conclusion.  Care closer to home services are an established part of care for children and young people who are ill. They deal with complex and technical care and can prevent or reduce the length of acute hospital admission. Lack of readily available information about caseloads, case mix and costs may hamper their further development.
Learning Disability Liaison Nursing Services in south‐east Scotland: a mixed‐methods impact and outcome study
Authors: Brown M. , MacArthur J. , McKechanie A. , Mack S. , Hayes M. , Fletcher J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  There have been significant concerns about the care and treatment of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) when attending general hospitals, which have led to inquiries that highlight service and systems failures. One response has been the development of Learning Disability Liaison Nursing (LDLN) Services across the UK that aim to ensure that additional, specialist support is available for patients, their carers and general healthcare professionals.Methods  A mixed‐methods study to investigate the impact of LDLN Services across four Scottish NHS boards was undertaken. In total, 323 referrals made over 18 months were analysed along with qualitative data drawn from interviews and focus groups with a sample of 85 participants including patients with ID (n = 5), carers (n = 16), primary care healthcare professionals (n = 39) and general hospital professionals (n = 19) and learning disability liaison nurses (n = 6).Results  The referral patterns to the four liaison nursing services closely matched the known health needs of adults with ID, with common admissions being due to neurological, respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. The LDLN role was seen to be complex and impacted on three key areas: (i) clinical patient care; (ii) education and practice development; and (iii) strategic organisational developments. Specific patient outcomes were linked to issues relating to capacity and consent to treatment, fostering person‐centred adjustments to care, augmenting communication and the liaison nurses acting as positive role models and ambassadors for people with ID.Conclusions  The LDLN Services were valued by stakeholders by achieving person‐centred outcomes. With their expert knowledge and skills, the liaison nurses had an important role in developing effective systems and processes within general hospital settings. The outcomes highlight the importance of supporting and promoting LDLN Services and the challenges in delivering the multifaceted elements of the role. There is a need to take account of the complex and multidimensional nature of the LDLN role and the possible tensions between achieving clinical outcomes, education and practice developments and organisational strategic initiatives.
Biogeographical patterns in the diet of an opportunistic predator: the red fox Vulpes vulpes in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Díaz‐Ruiz Francisco , Delibes‐Mateos Miguel , García‐Moreno José Luis , María López‐Martín José , Ferreira Catarina , Ferreras Pablo 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Biogeographical diversity is central to the trophic ecology of predators. Understanding the biogeographical trophic patterns of generalist predators, such as the red fox Vulpes vulpes, is particularly challenging because of their wide distributions, broad trophic spectra and high ecological plasticity, which often generate conflicts with humans.
We reviewed 55 studies from the Iberian Peninsula concerning the diet of the red fox to describe its trophic patterns from a biogeographical perspective.
We considered the frequency of occurrence of seven food groups and characterized each study site according to environmental variables. We tested relationships between geographical variables and each food group independently, and assessed the consumption of lagomorphs in relation to the other food groups. We also tested the relationships between trophic diversity, the main food groups, latitude and altitude, and finally investigated changes in the consumption of all food groups in relation to habitat type and seasonality.
We found a latitudinal pattern in the diet of the red fox, which was characterized by a greater consumption of lagomorphs and invertebrates in southern areas, and a higher intake of small mammals and fruits/seeds in northern regions. Additionally, the consumption of invertebrates increased from east to west, while fruit/seed consumption increased from west to east. Consumption of lagomorphs decreased, and of small mammals increased, with altitude. Trophic diversity was not associated with geographical variables. The intake of lagomorphs and small mammals was greatest in Mediterranean scrub and forest, respectively. Reptiles and invertebrates were consumed mostly during summer; fruits/seeds in autumn.
Iberian red foxes show variation in their feeding habits associated with environmental variables, which are in turn associated with the availability of their main prey. Foxes select rabbits where they are abundant, and feed on small mammals and fruits/seeds where lagomorphs are scarce.
Staphylococcus aureus leucocidin ED contributes to systemic infection by targeting neutrophils and promoting bacterial growth in vivo
Authors: Alonzo III Francis , Benson Meredith A. , Chen John , Novick Richard P. , Shopsin Bo , Torres Victor J. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBloodstream infection with Staphylococcus aureus is common and can be fatal. However, virulence factors that contribute to lethality in S. aureus bloodstream infection are poorly defined. We discovered that LukED, a commonly overlooked leucotoxin, is critical for S. aureus bloodstream infection in mice. We also determined that LukED promotes S. aureus replication in vivo by directly killing phagocytes recruited to sites of haematogenously seeded tissue. Furthermore, we established that murine neutrophils are the primary target of LukED, as the greater virulence of wild‐type S. aureus compared with a lukED mutant was abrogated by depleting neutrophils. The in vivo toxicity of LukED towards murine phagocytes is unique among S. aureus leucotoxins, implying its crucial role in pathogenesis. Moreover, the tropism of LukED for murine phagocytes highlights the utility of murine models to study LukED pathobiology, including development and testing of strategies to inhibit toxin activity and control bacterial infection.
The presence of pepsin in the lung and its relationship to pathologic gastro‐esophageal reflux
Authors: Rosen R. , Johnston N. , Hart K. , Khatwa U. , Nurko S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  Pepsin has been proposed as a biomarker of reflux‐related lung disease. The goal of this study was to determine (i) if there is a higher reflux burden as measured by pH‐MII in patients that are pepsin positive in the lung, and (ii) the sensitivity of pepsin in predicting pathologic reflux by pH, MII, and EGD.Methods  We recruited children between the ages of 1–21 with chronic cough or asthma undergoing bronchoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and multichannel intraluminal impedance (pH‐MII) probe placement. The reflux profiles were compared between those patients who were pepsin positive and negative; proportions were compared using Chi‐squared analyses and means were compared using t‐testing.Key Results  Only the mean number of non‐acid reflux events was associated with pepsin positivity (0.04). The sensitivity and specificity of pepsin in predicting pathologic reflux by pH‐MII or EGD was 57% and 65%, respectively. The positive predictive value of pepsin in predicting pathologic reflux by pH, MII or EGD was 50% (11/22), and the negative predictive value was 71% (20/28). There was a significantly higher mean LLMI in patients who were pepsin positive compared with pepsin negative patients (81 ± 54 vs 47 ± 26, P = 0.001).Conclusions & Inferences  Lung pepsin cannot predict pathologic reflux in the esophagus, but its correlation with lung inflammation suggests that pepsin may be an important biomarker for reflux‐related lung disease.
Recent advances in Schistosoma genomics
Authors: MOURÃO M. M. , GRUNAU C. , LoVERDE P. T. , JONES M. K. , OLIVEIRA G. 
Published: December 2011

SummarySchistosome research has entered the genomic era with the publications reporting the Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum genomes. Schistosome genomics is motivated by the need for new control tools. However, much can also be learned about the biology of Schistosoma, which is a tractable experimental model. In this article, we review the recent achievements in the field of schistosome research and discuss future perspectives on genomics and how it can be integrated in a usable format, on the genetic mapping and how it has improved the genome assembly and provided new research approaches, on how epigenetics provides interesting insights into the biology of the species and on new functional genomics tools that will contribute to the understanding of the function of genes, many of which are parasite‐ or taxon specific.
A survey to assess transfusion medicine education needs for clinicians
Authors: Arinsburg S. A. , Skerrett D. L. , Friedman M. T. , Cushing M. M. 
Published: December 2011

Objective: To evaluate the baseline knowledge of attending clinicians, residents and medical students in transfusion medicine (TM) at our institution in order to develop specialty‐specific lectures.Background: Physicians often receive minimal training in TM. Transfusion practices vary widely among individual physicians and across institutions. This variation leads to increased and unnecessary risk to patients and elevated costs for hospitals – problems that may be addressed through TM education.Methods: An electronic self‐administered survey was developed and administered to attending physicians, house staff and third and fourth year medical students at four hospitals. The survey consisted of 3 sections including background demographics, 14 knowledge assessment (KA) questions and opinions on educational needs.Results: Two hundred and twenty‐five surveys were received from physicians and medical students, of which 189 were completed and analysed. The overall mean score on the KA section was 31·4 ± 18·3% (4·4 ± 2·6 of 14 questions) correct. Significantly stronger performance was noted in the following categories: participants in the specialties pathology or hematology (adult and pediatric), all fellows and participants who report greater than 5 h of formal TM education in the past 5 years. The majority of participants believed that additional training in TM was needed for themselves as well as other physicians at all training levels.Conclusions: Additional training in TM would be beneficial to and welcomed by physicians in all training levels in all specialties. Innovative specialty‐specific educational programmes need to be developed and tested to ensure efficacy and durability.
In vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of extracts and fractions of Vitex madiensis, medicinal plant of Gabon
Authors: Ondo J. P. , Lekana‐Douki J. B. , Bongui J. B. , Zang Edou E. S. , Zatra R. , Toure‐Ndouo F. S. , Elomri A. , Lebibi J. , Seguin E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractVitex madiensis Oliv. (Lamiaceae) is traditionally used to treat malaria symptoms in Haut‐Ogooué, Gabon. Leaves and stem barks extracts were obtained using dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) as extraction solvents and fractionated on silica gel column. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity of CH2Cl2, EtOAc and MeOH extracts and fractions was evaluated against the chloroquine‐resistant FCB strain and field isolates of Plasmodium falciparum using the DELI test. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested on MRC‐5 and THP1 cells using the tetrazolium salt MTT colorimetric assay, and the selectivity index (SI) of each extract was calculated. CH2Cl2 extract, the EA1 fraction from EtOAc extract of stem barks and cyclohexane (Lcycl), dichloromethane (LDM) and butanol (Lbut) fractions from MeOH/H2O extract of leaves exhibited the highest in vitro antiplasmodial activity on FCB strain and field isolates (IC50 from 0.53 to 4.87 μg/ml) with high selectivity index (of 20.15–1800). These data support the use of V. madiensis in malaria treatment along with continued investigations within traditional medicines in the search of new antimalarial agents. The EA1, C6H12 and CH2Cl2 fractions could be selected for future investigation or/and for the treatment of malaria symptoms after standardization.
Comparative effect of pre‐coseasonal and continuous grass sublingual immunotherapy in children
Authors: Stelmach I. , Kaluzińska‐Parzyszek I. , Jerzynska J. , Stelmach P. , Stelmach W. , Majak P. 
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Stelmach I, Kaluzińska‐Parzyszek I, Jerzynska J, Stelmach P, Stelmach W, Majak P. Comparative effect of pre‐coseasonal and continuous grass sublingual immunotherapy in children. Allergy 2012; 67: 312–320.Abstract
Background:  One of the most important aspects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is the regimen of administration. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and the safety of SLIT given pre‐coseasonally (starting before the pollen season and continuing until the end of it) and continuously (all year round, independent of the pollen season) in children allergic to grass pollen.
Methods:  Sixty children aged 6–18, sensitive only to grass pollen, with rhinitis (20 patients had concomitant asthma) participated in the 2‐year prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.
Results:  Both pre‐coseasonal and continuous SLIT were associated with a substantial reduction in the combined symptoms/medication score when compared with placebo; there were no significant differences between the regimens (mean difference: 18.1 ± 12.4, P > 0.05). Similar changes were observed in the total symptoms score. Pre‐coseasonal therapy, compared with continuous, was more effective in the reduction of nasal symptoms (mean difference: −18.0 ± 2.5, P = 0.006). We did not observe significant differences in medication, ocular, and asthma scores between the regimens. We did not observe changes in morning PEF, FEV1, and PD20 in any of the three groups nor between the groups throughout the study. We showed a significant decrease in FeNO level comparable in both active groups. There were no differences between groups in the induction of CD4CD25Foxp3‐positive cells in peripheral blood during the study.
Conclusion:  Both protocols were effective compared with placebo and showed similar decreases for combined symptoms/medication score and all secondary endpoints, with the exception of nasal symptoms that were lower in the pre‐coseasonal group.
Resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: Is it justifiable to restrict this to the American Association for the Study of the Liver/Barcelona Clinic for Liver Cancer criteria?
Authors: Chow Pierce Kah‐Hoe 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important cancer worldwide. The main curative treatment modality is surgical resection although only a minority of afflicted patients are amendable because of poor liver function reserve or extensive disease at the time of diagnosis. The selection criteria for surgical resection, however, are variable and frequently appear to be center‐specific. Further, they are influenced by rapidly evolving data on the outcomes of surgical resection and other emerging modalities of treatment. Recently, two major international practice guidelines on the management of HCC were published at about the same time, namely those of the American Association for the Study of the Liver (AASLD), and of the Asia‐Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL). These two practice guidelines differ significantly in philosophy and practice with regards to surgical resection. In fact, they reflect the two extremes of a spectrum of existing consensus opinions. The AASLD Guidelines have evolved from the guidelines of the Barcelona Clinic for Liver Cancer (BCLC), and are significantly more conservative with regard to surgical resection compared with the APASL Guidelines. The scientific basis for these major differences in criteria with regard to surgical resection for HCC is reviewed here, particularly with regard to the situation in the Asia‐Pacific region where HCC is especially common.
Asian consensus report on functional dyspepsia
Authors: Miwa Hiroto , Ghoshal Uday Chand , Fock Kwong Ming , Gonlachanvit Sutep , Gwee Kok‐Ann , Ang Tiing‐Leong , Chang Full‐Young , Hongo Michio , Hou Xiaohua , Kachintorn Udom , Ke Meiyun , Lai Kwok‐Hung , Lee Kwang Jae , Lu Ching‐Liang , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Miura Soichiro , Park Hyojin , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Sugano Kentaro , Vilaichone Ratha‐korn , Wong Benjamin C Y , Bak Young‐Tae 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Environmental factors such as food, lifestyle and prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection are widely different in Asian countries compared with the West, and physiological functions and genetic factors of Asians may also be different from those of Westerners. Establishing an Asian consensus for functional dyspepsia is crucial in order to attract attention to such data from Asian countries, to articulate the experience and views of Asian experts, and to provide a relevant guide on management of functional dyspepsia for primary care physicians working in Asia.Methods:  Consensus team members were selected from Asian experts and consensus development was carried out by using a modified Delphi method. Consensus teams collected published papers on functional dyspepsia especially from Asia and developed candidate consensus statements based on the generated clinical questions. At the first face‐to‐face meeting, each statement was reviewed and e‐mail voting was done twice. At the second face‐to‐face meeting, final voting on each statement was done using a keypad voting system. A grade of evidence and strength of recommendation were applied to each statement according to the method of the GRADE Working Group.Results:  Twenty‐nine consensus statements were finalized, including seven for definition and diagnosis, five for epidemiology, nine for pathophysiology, and eight for management. Algorithms for diagnosis and management of functional dyspepsia were added.Conclusions:  This consensus developed by Asian experts shows distinctive features of functional dyspepsia in Asia and will provide a guide to the diagnosis and management of functional dyspepsia for Asian primary care physicians.