bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The extent and nature of need for mealtime support among adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Ball S. L. , Panter S. G. , Redley M. , Proctor C.‐A. , Byrne K. , Clare I. C. H. , Holland A. J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  For many adults with an intellectual disability (ID), mealtimes carry significant health risks. While research and allied clinical guidance has focused mainly on dysphagia, adults with a range of physical and behavioural difficulties require mealtime support to ensure safety and adequate nutrition. The extent of need for and nature of such support within the wider ID population has yet to be reported.Methods  In this study, we have estimated the prevalence of need for mealtime support among people with ID in the UK, using a population of 2230 adults known to specialist ID services (in Cambridgeshire, UK, total population 586 900). In a sample (n = 69, aged 19 to 79 years, with mild to profound ID), we characterised the support provided, using a structured proforma to consult support workers and carers providing mealtime support, and health and social care records.Results  Mealtime support was found to be required by a significant minority of people with ID for complex and varied reasons. Prevalence of need for such support was estimated at 15% of adults known to specialist ID services or 56 per 100 000 total population. Within a sample, support required was found to vary widely in nature (from texture modification or environmental adaptation to enteral feeding) and in overall level (from minimal to full support, dependent on functional skills). Needs had increased over time in almost half (n = 34, 49.3%). Reasons for support included difficulties getting food into the body (n = 56, 82.2%), risky eating and drinking behaviours (n = 31, 44.9%) and slow eating or food refusal (n = 30, 43.5%). These proportions translate into crude estimates of the prevalence of these difficulties within the known ID population of 11.9%, 6.6% and 6.4% respectively. Within the sample of those requiring mealtime support, need for support was reported to be contributed to by the presence of additional disability or illness (e.g. visual impairment, poor dentition and dementia; n = 45, 65.2%) and by psychological or behavioural issues (e.g. challenging behaviour, emotional disturbance; n = 36, 52.2%).Conclusions  These findings not only highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to mealtime interventions (paying particular attention to psychological and environmental as well as physical issues), but also signal the daily difficulties faced by carers and paid support workers providing such support and illustrate their potentially crucial role in managing the serious health risks associated with eating and drinking difficulties in this population.
Exposure to client aggression and burnout among community staff who support adults with intellectual disabilities in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Hensel J. M. , Lunsky Y. , Dewa C. S. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  Studies have shown that staff who support adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are exposed to challenging behaviour in their work including client aggression. Exposure to aggressive behaviour has been associated with staff stress and burnout. Study samples have been small however, and there has been very little data exploring this issue among North American staff.Methods  A cross‐sectional survey which included demographics, measures of frequency and severity (including perceived severity and a standardised severity score) of exposure to client aggression and the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (MBI‐HSS) was completed by 926 community staff who support adults with ID in Ontario, Canada. Relationships between demographic variables and exposure to aggression were examined with descriptive statistics. Pearson correlations were used to analyse exposure variables and MBI‐HSS scores.Results  Nearly all staff reported being exposed to client aggression in the prior 6 months. Mean MBI‐HSS scores were comparable to previously published data in similar populations with the exception of a higher score in the personal accomplishment domain. All measures of exposure to aggression were significantly positively correlated with MBI‐HSS scores in the emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation dimensions of burnout.Conclusions  The prevalence of burnout in this North American sample is comparable to what has been reported in similar populations in other locations, although these staff may have a higher sense of accomplishment with regard to their work. Findings from this large sample support the evidence that exposure to client aggression affects staff emotional well‐being but is by no means the only important factor. Further study is needed to explore the differences and similarities reported here as well as other contributing factors which will guide the implementation of effective strategies to improve staff well‐being.
Blocking human contaminant DNA during PCR allows amplification of rare mammal species from sedimentary ancient DNA
Authors: BOESSENKOOL SANNE , EPP LAURA S. , HAILE JAMES , BELLEMAIN EVA , EDWARDS MARY , COISSAC ERIC , WILLERSLEV ESKE , BROCHMANN CHRISTIAN 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAnalyses of degraded DNA are typically hampered by contamination, especially when employing universal primers such as commonly used in environmental DNA studies. In addition to false‐positive results, the amplification of contaminant DNA may cause false‐negative results because of competition, or bias, during the PCR. In this study, we test the utility of human‐specific blocking primers in mammal diversity analyses of ancient permafrost samples from Siberia. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR) on human and mammoth DNA, we first optimized the design and concentration of blocking primer in the PCR. Subsequently, 454 pyrosequencing of ancient permafrost samples amplified with and without the addition of blocking primer revealed that DNA sequences from a diversity of mammalian representatives of the Beringian megafauna were retrieved only when the blocking primer was added to the PCR. Notably, we observe the first retrieval of woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) DNA from ancient permafrost cores. In contrast, reactions without blocking primer resulted in complete dominance by human DNA sequences. These results demonstrate that in ancient environmental analyses, the PCR can be biased towards the amplification of contaminant sequences to such an extent that retrieval of the endogenous DNA is severely restricted. The application of blocking primers is a promising tool to avoid this bias and can greatly enhance the quantity and the diversity of the endogenous DNA sequences that are amplified.
Diffuse form of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour: the histological and immunohistochemical features of a distinct entity showing transition to dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour and ganglioglioma
Authors: Bodi I. , Selway R. , Bannister P. , Doey L. , Mullatti N. , Elwes R. , Honavar M. 
Published: October 2011

I. Bodi, R. Selway, P. Bannister, L. Doey, N. Mullatti, R. Elwes and M. Honavar (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 411–425Diffuse form of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour: the histological and immunohistochemical features of a distinct entity showing transition to dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour and gangliogliomaAims: A diffuse variant of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour (dDNT) has previously been described, which although composed of oligodendroglia‐like cells (OLC), astrocytes and mature neurones, lacks the multinodularity and ‘specific component’ of typical DNT. The dDNT poses a significant challenge to the neuropathologist. This study was undertaken to further characterize the histological and immunohistochemical features of dDNT. Materials and methods: Review of our archived material from epilepsy surgery identified 16 cases, in which features of dDNT predominated. Their histological and immunohistochemical features, including CD34 and nestin immunohistochemistry, were analysed. Results: Seven cases had the characteristics of pure dDNT. A further two cases of dDNT showed extension into the white matter with occasional dysplastic neurones. Two additional cases had similar features but with the presence of either single, or multiple small nodular clusters of OLC, in keeping with transition to classical DNT. Five cases showed ganglioglioma‐like areas, of which three cases had micronodule formation but with predominant dDNT pattern. In all the cases the dDNT areas showed strong CD34 and less intense nestin immunoreactivity and microglial activation highlighting the full extent of the lesions. There was variable overlap between CD34 and nestin positivity within the micronodular and/or ganglioglioma‐like areas. Conclusions: Immunoreactivity for CD34 and nestin characterizes the dDNT and helps to distinguish it from other lesions associated with epilepsy. Histological evidence indicative of transition of dDNT to other forms of DNT and ganglioglioma suggests that dDNT might be an early histogenetic form of these glioneuronal tumours.
The Arabidopsis concentration‐dependent influx/efflux transporter ABCB4 regulates cellular auxin levels in the root epidermis
Authors: Kubeš Martin , Yang Haibing , Richter Gregory L. , Cheng Yan , Młodzińska Ewa , Wang Xia , Blakeslee Joshua J. , Carraro Nicola , Petrášek Jan , Zažímalová Eva , Hoyerová Klára , Peer Wendy Ann , Murphy Angus S. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryArabidopsis ATP‐binding cassette B4 (ABCB4) is a root‐localised auxin efflux transporter with reported auxin uptake activity in low auxin concentrations. Results reported here demonstrate that ABCB4 is a substrate‐activated regulator of cellular auxin levels. The contribution of ABCB4 to shootward auxin movement at the root apex increases with auxin concentration, but in root hair elongation assays ABCB4‐mediated uptake is evident at low concentrations as well. Uptake kinetics of ABCB4 heterologously expressed in Schizosaccharomyces pombe differed from the saturation kinetics of AUX1 as uptake converted to efflux at threshold indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) concentrations. The concentration dependence of ABCB4 appears to be a direct effect on transporter activity, as ABCB4 expression and ABCB4 plasma membrane (PM) localisation at the root apex are relatively insensitive to changes in auxin concentration. However, PM localization of ABCB4 decreases with 1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) treatment. Unlike other plant ABCBs studied to date, and consistent with decreased detergent solubility, ABCB4pro:ABCB4‐GFP is partially internalised in all cell types by 0.05% DMSO, but not 0.1% ethanol. In trichoblasts, ABCB4pro:ABCB4‐GFP PM signals are reduced by >200 nm IAA and 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D). In heterologous systems and in planta, ABCB4 transports benzoic acid with weak affinity, but not the oxidative catabolism products 2‐oxindole‐3‐acetic‐acid and 2‐oxindole‐3‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucose. ABCB4 mediates uptake, but not efflux, of the synthetic auxin 2,4‐D in cells lacking AUX1 activity. Results presented here suggest that 2,4‐D is a non‐competitive inhibitor of IAA transport by ABCB4 and indicate that ABCB4 is a target of 2,4‐D herbicidal activity.
Seroprevalence and incidence of transfusion‐transmitted infectious diseases among blood donors from regional blood transfusion centres in Burkina Faso, West Africa
Authors: Nagalo Bolni Marius , Bisseye Cyrille , Sanou Mahamoudou , Kienou Kisito , Nebié Yacouba K. , Kiba Alice , Dahourou Honorine , Ouattara Siaka , Nikiema Jean Baptiste , Moret Rémy , Zongo Jean Didier , Simpore Jacques 
Published: October 2011

SummaryBackground and objective  The high prevalence of numerous transfusion‐transmitted infectious diseases such as HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in sub‐Saharan Africa affects blood safety for transfusion recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of transfusion‐transmissible infectious diseases among blood donors in Burkina Faso.Methods  A retrospective study of blood donors’ records from January to December 2009 was conducted. Prevalence and incidence of viral infections were calculated among repeat and first‐time blood donors.Results  Of the total of 31 405 first‐time volunteer blood donors in 2009, 24.0% were infected with at least one pathogen and 1.8% had serological evidence of multiple infections. The seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in first‐time volunteer donors was 1.8%, 13.4%, 6.3% and 2.1%, respectively. In 3981 repeat donors, the incidence rate was 3270.2, 5874.1 and 6784.6 per 100 000 donations for anti‐HIV‐1, HBsAg and anti‐HCV, respectively. These numbers varied significantly according to populations where blood is collected and blood centres in Burkina Faso.Conclusion  The relatively high prevalence of viral markers in first‐time volunteers and remarkably high incidence of infections in repeat donors raise concerns regarding the safety of these donors and suggest that implementation of NAT might significantly improve the situation.
Quantitative measurement of FMRP in blood platelets as a new screening test for fragile X syndrome
Authors: Lessard M , Chouiali A , Drouin R , Sébire G , Corbin F 
Published: October 2011

Lessard M, Chouiali A, Drouin R, Sébire G, Corbin F. Quantitative measurement of FMRP in blood platelets as a new screening test for fragile X syndrome.The fragile X syndrome usually results from CGG repeats expansion and methylation of the FMR1 gene leading to the absence of expression of its encoded protein, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Therefore, its diagnosis is traditionally based on the detection of these molecular alterations. As an alternative, FMRP‐based screening methods have been proposed over the years. Most of them are based on immunohistochemistry analyses applied to a restricted number of lymphocytes (100) or hair roots (10–20) with limited diagnosis potential. In this study, we describe a truly quantitative approach using a new model, the blood platelet, which can be recovered easily with very high purity (99.9%). FMRP levels in platelets were first measured in a control population (n = 124) and reference values were established. FMRP measurements were also performed in confirmed fragile X subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis has shown that our test can easily discriminate fragile X males and females from controls (area under curve, AUC = 0.948). Cognitive functions were also assessed in these individuals using age‐specific Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. A proportional relationship between FMRP levels, intelligence quotient and adaptive behavior was observed among fragile X individuals, suggesting that our test would be able to detect fragile X cases and may predict cognitive functions.
Collaborative study to establish a World Health Organization International genotype panel for parvovirus B19 DNA nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT)‐based assays
Authors: Baylis S. A. , Ma L. , Padley D. J. , Heath A. B. , Yu M. W. ,   the Collaborative Study Group
Published: October 2011

Background and Objectives  The aim of the collaborative study was to evaluate a panel of plasma samples containing different genotypes of parvovirus B19 (B19V) for use in nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT)‐based assays.Materials and Methods  The panel of samples [Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Parvovirus B19 Genotype Panel 1; National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) code number 09/110] comprises four different members, i.e. Member 1, Member 2, Member 3, and Member 4 (M1–M4); these represent genotypes 1, 2, 3a B19V, and a negative plasma control, respectively. Thirty‐five laboratories from 13 different countries participated in the study. Participants assayed the panel members concurrently with the 2nd World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard for B19V DNA (NIBSC code 99/802) on four separate occasions.Results  A total of 44 sets of data were returned, 34 from quantitative assays and 10 from qualitative assays. The majority of assays used were in‐house and based on real‐time PCR. The results showed that all three genotypes were detected consistently by the majority of participants, although a small number of assays detected genotypes 2 and 3 less efficiently, or not at all. Real‐time stability studies have indicated that the panel of B19V samples is stable under normal conditions of storage, i.e. ≤ −70°C.Conclusions  The four‐member panel is intended for use in evaluating the ability of NAT assays to detect different B19V genotypes (M1–M3). Based on the results of the collaborative study, the panel was established as the 1st WHO International Reference Panel for parvovirus B19 genotypes.
First‐time donors responding to a national disaster may be an untapped resource for the blood centre
Authors: Guo N. , Wang J. , Ness P. , Yao F. , Bi X. , Li J. , Yun Z. , Guo X. , Huang Y. , Dong X. , Tiemuer M.‐H.‐L. , He W. , Ma H. , Huang M. , Liu J. , Wright D. J. , Nelson K. , Shan H ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II) International Component
Published: October 2011

Background  On 12 May 2008, a severe earthquake struck Sichuan in China. Many people donated blood for the first time, leading us to question whether these donors might become repeat donors in the future. The return pattern of post‐earthquake first‐time donors (PEFTD) was compared with that of first‐time donors (FTD) in a comparable period.Methods  Demographic characteristics, transfusion‐transmissible infection rates and 1‐year return rates were compared between 5147 PEFTD (5/13‐5/19, 2008) and 3176 FTD (5/13‐5/19, 2009) from five Chinese blood centres using chi‐squared tests. Adjusted logistic regression was used to detect earthquake effect on donor return.Results  Post‐earthquake first‐time donors were more frequently between 26 and 45 years, men, and better educated compared with the control group. Slightly higher but not statistically significant increased rates of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) (0·87% vs. 0·50%, P = 0·054), hepatitis C virus (HCV) (0·70% vs. 0·63%, P = 0·414), syphilis (0·9% vs. 0·7%, P = 0·489) and lower rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (0·31% vs. 0·60%, P = 0·078) reactivity were detected for PEFTD. The 1‐year return rate for PEFTD was significantly lower than that of the controls (8·0% vs. 13·0%, P < 0·001). After adjusting for demographic factors, donation volume and sites, the PEFTD were less likely to return in 1 year than the controls (OR: 0·520; 95% CI: 0·442, 0·611).Conclusion  Post‐earthquake first‐time donors may be less likely to donate again without continuing motivation strategies. Further studies on PEFTD’s lack of motivation to return for donation are needed to design recruitment strategies to convert PEFTD to become repeat donors to continuously replenish the blood supply.
Meiotic analysis of the hybrids between cultivated and synthetic tetraploid groundnuts
Authors: Mallikarjuna Nalini , Srikanth Sandhya , Vellanki Ravi K. , Jadhav Deepak R. , Das Kumkum , Upadhyaya Hari D. 
Published: October 2011

With 1 figure and 1 tableAbstractGroundnut is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests owing to its narrow genetic base. Closely related wild relatives of groundnut are diploid, and crossability between diploid wild relatives and tetraploid cultivated groundnut is difficult. Amphidiploid and autotetraploid groundnuts, which are tetraploids (also called synthetic groundnut), were developed at ICRISAT. Crossability between cultivated tetraploid groundnut and synthetic tetraploid groundnut was a straightforward process. Crosses between cultivated and synthetic tetraploid groundnuts yielded mature seeds. The resultant F1hybrids were cytologically analysed to study the relationship between the chromosomes/genomes of the parents i.e. betweenArachis hypogaeacultivars and synthetic tetraploid groundnut. Meiotic study showed that there was good chromosome pairing between the parental species resulting in high pollen fertility. Thus, development of synthetic groundnut is a feasible way of utilizing important wild species gene pool ofArachis, closely related to cultivated groundnut, for the improvement to the crop.
Assessment of Intracellular Ca2+, cAMP and 1,2‐Diacylglycerol in Cryopreserved Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Spermatozoa on Supplementation of Taurine and Trehalose in the Extender
Authors: Singh VK , Atreja SK , Kumar R , Chhillar S , Singh AK 
Published: October 2011

ContentsIn mammalian spermatozoa, intracellular calcium plays a major role in sperm functions like motility and capacitation. Cryopreservation‐induced modifications to sperm membrane result in an influx of intracellular calcium affecting calcium‐dependent intracellular signalling pathways. Intracellular calcium activates adenyl cyclase to produce cAMP that activates phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and phospholipase C (PLC) generating lysophosphatidyl choline, 1,2‐diacylglycerol (DAG) and IP3, acting as intracellular secondary messengers required for sperm capacitation. Present study was designed to determine levels of intracellular calcium, cAMP and DAG in fresh and frozen–thawed buffalo spermatozoa cryopreserved in the presence and absence of taurine or trehalose. A total number of nine ejaculates from three randomly chosen buffalo bulls were cryopreserved in Tris‐based egg yolk extender and thawed in warm water at 37°C. The cAMP was measured by enzyme immuno assay, and intracellular calcium was quantified using fluorescent dye FURA 2‐AM. Total lipid was extracted from spermatozoa, and DAG was estimated using thin layer chromatography followed by spectrophotometric analysis. Intracellular calcium, cAMP and DAG levels in spermatozoa were significantly (p < 0.01) increased following cryopreservation as compared to fresh ejaculate. Addition of taurine or trehalose to the freezing medium significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the levels of intracellular calcium and cAMP in frozen–thawed spermatozoa. 1,2‐diacylglycerol content was also decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in spermatozoa cryopreserved in presence of additives. Moreover, significant (p < 0.01) improvement in post‐thaw motility, viability and membrane integrity of spermatozoa on addition of taurine or trehalose clearly indicated the reduced level of capacitation‐like changes in buffalo spermatozoa.