bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of psychiatric training on nursing students’ attitudes towards people with mental illness in Japan
Authors: Yamauchi Takashi , Semba Tsuneo , Sudo Anju , Takahashi Nobuko , Nakamura Hirofumi , Yoshimura Kunihiro , Koyama Hitoshi , Ishigami Shoko , Takeshima Tadashi 
Published: July 2010

Background: Nursing students’ attitudes towards people with mental illness can be influenced by training experience. Aim: To examine the relationship between the attitudes of nursing students towards people with mental illness and the psychiatric training imparted to the students by using textual data and conducting frequency analysis. Methods: We identified the words/phrases which were considered to represent the attitudes towards people with mental illness at pre-training (T1) and post-training (T2) stages from reports written by 76 Japanese nursing students, and examined the differences in the frequencies of the words/phrases used at T1 and T2. Results: With regard to the students’ attitudes towards people with mental illness, generally, the frequencies of words/phrases that had somewhat negative to strongly negative nuances were high at T1, whereas those of the words/phrases that had somewhat positive or neutral nuances were high at T2. Also, analysis showed that words/phrases such as ‘scary’ were used more frequently at T1, whereas words/phrases such as ‘not scary’ were used more often at T2. Conclusion: The students’ attitudes may change favourably owing to, at least in part, psychiatric training.
Evolving Management of Middle-Third Clavicle Fractures in the National Football League
Authors: Morgan Robert J. , Bankston Larry S. , Hoenig Michael P. , Connor Patrick M. 
Published: July 2010

Background Clavicle fractures have historically been managed nonoperatively. Recent literature suggests a subset of clavicle fractures may be best treated with primary surgical treatment. Purpose To review the National Football League (NFL) experience in the management of middle-third clavicle fractures over a 5-year period. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods A retrospective review of clavicle fractures that occurred during a 5-season period was obtained from the NFL Injury Surveillance System. A detailed questionnaire was also sent to the medical staff of all 32 NFL teams. Results Nineteen players sustained a middle-third clavicle fracture over the 5-year period. Six fractures were nondisplaced or minimally displaced. All 6 healed at an average time of 7.3 weeks. Thirteen fractures were 100% displaced. Six of the 13 underwent acute surgical fixation that resulted in fracture healing without complication at an average of 8.8 weeks. The remaining 7 players with a completely displaced fracture were initially treated nonoperatively. Three of these 7 healed clinically without sequela at an average of 13.3 weeks after injury; however, 4 players sustained a refracture within 1 year of the initial injury. Conclusion Over the past 5 years, nearly 50% of NFL players with a completely displaced middle-third clavicle fracture were treated successfully with acute surgical fixation without sequela and healed at an average of 8.8 weeks. Three of these players were able to return to play during the same season. In addition, 4 of 7 players initially treated nonoperatively for a completely displaced middle-third clavicle fracture refractured their clavicle within a 1-year period from their initial injury. The 4 players missed an average of 1.5 seasons because of their clavicle injury and subsequent clinical course. Based on this review, it may be reasonable to consider acute surgical treatment of this injury in the NFL player to enable a successful clinical outcome in a predictable time frame.
Correlation of self-assessed fatigue and alertness in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Weinges-Evers Nicholetta , Brandt Alexander U , Bock Markus , Pfueller Caspar F , Dörr Jan , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Scherer Peter , Urbanek Carsten , Boers Claudia , Ohlraun Stephanie , Zipp Frauke , Paul Friedemann 
Published: July 2010

Background: Fatigue is the most common symptom in multiple sclerosis patients, but is difficult to measure; quantification thus relies on self-assessed questionnaires. Objective: To evaluate a battery of neuropsychological tests regarding their capacity to objectify self-reported fatigue. Methods: We assessed the correlation between age, gender, education, Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale, depression, fatigue and neuropsychological testing using a cross-sectional approach in 110 multiple sclerosis patients. Fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale. Cognition was measured using a series of neuropsychological tests including three subtests of the Test of Attentional Performance, the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests and the Faces Symbol Test. Results: According to the Fatigue Severity Scale 51.4% of the cohort were fatigued (scores ≥4). Age, education and depression showed a significant correlation with the Fatigue Severity Scale. Only 5.5% of the cohort exhibited cognitive impairment in the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests scores. After correction for age, education, Expanded Disability Status Scale and depression, Fatigue Severity Scale scores were an independent predictor of performance in the alertness subtest of the Test of Attentional Performance (standardized coefficient beta = 0.298, p = 0.014). Conclusion: The alertness subtest of the Test of Attentional Performance may offer an objective method of evaluating self-reported fatigue, and may therefore — in addition to the Fatigue Severity Scale — be a suitable tool for the assessment of multiple sclerosis patients complaining of fatigue.
Everyday ethics and help-seeking in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Townsend A. , Adam P. , Cox S.M. , Li L.C. 
Published: July 2010

Background: Sociological understandings of chronic illness have revealed tensions and complexities around help-seeking. Although ethics underpins healthcare, its application in the area of chronic illness is limited. Here we apply an ethical framework to interview accounts and identify ethical challenges in the early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants who had been diagnosed with RA in the 12 months prior to recruitment. Applying the concepts of autonomous decision-making and procedural justice highlighted ethical concerns which arose throughout the help-seeking process. Analysis was based on the constant-comparison approach. Results: Individuals described decision-making, illness actions and the medical encounter. The process was complicated by inadequate knowledge about symptoms, common-sense understandings about the GP appointment, difficulties concerning access to specialists, and patient—practitioner interactions. Autonomous decision-making and procedural justice were compromised. The accounts revealed contradictions between the policy ideals of active self-management, patient-centred care and shared decision-making, and the everyday experiences of individuals. Conclusions: For ethical healthcare there is a need for: public knowledge about early RA symptoms; more effective patient—practitioner communication; and increased support during the wait between primary and secondary care. Healthcare facilities and the government may consider different models to deliver services to people requiring rheumatology consults.
The genetics of normal platelet reactivity
Authors: Kunicki Thomas J. , Nugent Diane J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractGenetic and environmental factors contribute to a substantial variation in platelet function seen among normal persons. Candidate gene association studies represent a valiant effort to define the genetic component in an era where genetic tools were limited, but the single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in those studies need to be validated by more objective, comprehensive approaches, such as genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of quantitative functional traits in much larger cohorts of more carefully selected normal subjects. During the past year, platelet count and mean platelet volume, which indirectly affect platelet function, were the subjects of GWAS. The majority of the GWAS signals were located to noncoding regions, a consistent outcome of all GWAS to date, suggesting a major role for mechanisms that alter phenotype at the level of transcription or posttranscriptional modifications. Of 15 quantitative trait loci associated with mean platelet volume and platelet count, one located at 12q24 is also a risk locus for coronary artery disease. In most cases, the effect sizes of individual quantitative trait loci are admittedly small, but the results of these studies have led to new insight into regulators of hematopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis that would otherwise be unapparent and difficult to define.
Acanthamoeba produces disseminated infection in locusts and traverses the locust blood-brain barrier to invade the central nervous system
Authors: Mortazavi Parisa N , Goldsworthy Graham , Kirk Ruth , Khan Naveed A 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Many aspects of Acanthamoeba granulomatous encephalitis remain poorly understood, including host susceptibility and chronic colonization which represent important features of the spectrum of host-pathogen interactions. Previous studies have suggested locusts as a tractable model in which to study Acanthamoeba pathogenesis. Here we determined the mode of parasite invasion of the central nervous system (CNS).

Results
Using Acanthamoeba isolates belonging to the T1 and T4 genotypes, the findings revealed that amoebae induced sickness behaviour in locusts, as evidenced by reduced faecal output and weight loss and, eventually, leading to 100% mortality. Significant degenerative changes of various tissues were observed by histological sectioning. Both isolates produced disseminated infection, with viable amoebae being recovered from various tissues. Histological examination of the CNS showed that Acanthamoeba invaded the locust CNS, and this is associated with disruption of the perineurium cell/glial cell complex, which constitutes the locust blood-brain barrier.

Conclusions
This is the first study to demonstrate that Acanthamoeba invades locust brain by modulating the integrity of the insect's blood-brain barrier, a finding that is consistent with the human infection. These observations support the idea that locusts provide a tractable model to study Acanthamoeba encephalitis in vivo. In this way the locust model may generate potentially useful leads that can be tested subsequently in mammalian systems, thus replacing the use of vertebrates at an early stage, and reducing the numbers of mammals required overall.
Evaluation of an automated ultraviolet radiation device for decontamination of Clostridium difficile and other healthcare-associated pathogens in hospital rooms
Authors: Nerandzic Michelle M , Cadnum Jennifer L , Pultz Michael J , Donskey Curtis J 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Environmental surfaces play an important role in transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. There is a need for new disinfection methods that are effective against Clostridium difficile spores, but also safe, rapid, and automated.

Methods
The Tru-D™ Rapid Room Disinfection device is a mobile, fully-automated room decontamination technology that utilizes ultraviolet-C irradiation to kill pathogens. We examined the efficacy of environmental disinfection using the Tru-D device in the laboratory and in rooms of hospitalized patients. Cultures for C. difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) were collected from commonly touched surfaces before and after use of Tru-D.

Results
On inoculated surfaces, application of Tru-D at a reflected dose of 22,000 μWs/cm2 for ~45 minutes consistently reduced recovery of C. difficile spores and MRSA by >2-3 log10 colony forming units (CFU)/cm2 and of VRE by >3-4 log10 CFU/cm2. Similar killing of MRSA and VRE was achieved in ~20 minutes at a reflected dose of 12,000 μWs/cm2, but killing of C. difficile spores was reduced. Disinfection of hospital rooms with Tru-D reduced the frequency of positive MRSA and VRE cultures by 93% and of C. difficile cultures by 80%. After routine hospital cleaning of the rooms of MRSA carriers, 18% of sites under the edges of bedside tables (i.e., a frequently touched site not easily amenable to manual application of disinfectant) were contaminated with MRSA, versus 0% after Tru-D (P < 0.001). The system required <5 minutes to set up and did not require continuous monitoring.

Conclusions
The Tru-D Rapid Room Disinfection device is a novel, automated, and efficient environmental disinfection technology that significantly reduces C. difficile, VRE and MRSA contamination on commonly touched hospital surfaces.
A modified fluorimetric host cell reactivation assay to determine the repair capacity of primary keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts
Authors: Burger Katharina , Matt Katja , Kieser Nicole , Gebhard Daniel , Bergemann Jörg 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe Host Cell Reactivation Assay (HCRA) is widely used to identify circumstances and substances affecting the repair capacity of cells, however, it is restricted by the transfection procedure used and the sensitivity of the detection method. Primary skin cells are particularly difficult to transfect, and therefore sensitive methods are needed to detect any variations due to the cell-type or inter-individual differences or changes induced by diverse substances.A sensitive and repeatable method to detect the repair capacity of skin cells would be useful in two different aspects: On the one hand, to identify substances influencing the repair capacity in a positive manner (these substances could be promising ingredients for cosmetic products) and on the other hand, to exclude the negative effects of substances on the repair capacity (this could serve as one step further towards replacing or at least reducing animal testing).ResultsIn this paper, we present a rapid and sensitive assay to determine the repair capacity of primary keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts based on two wave-length Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and DsRed reporter technology in order to test different substances and their potential to influence the DNA repair capacity. For the detection of plasmid restoration, we used FACS technology, which, in comparison to luminometer technology, is highly sensitive and allows single cell based analysis.The usefulness of this assay and studying the repair capacity is demonstrated by the evidence that DNA repair is repressed by Cyclosporin A in fibroblasts.ConclusionsThe methodology described in this paper determines the DNA repair capacity in different types of human skin cells. The described transfection protocol is suitable for the transfection of melanocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts, reaching efficacies suitable for the detection of the restored plasmids by FACS technology. Therefore the repair capacity of different cell types can be compared with each other. The described assay is also highly flexible, and the activity of other repair mechanisms can be determined using modifications of this method.
Addressing conflicts of interest in Public Private Partnerships
Authors: Omobowale Emmanuel B , Kuziw Michael , Naylor Melinda Treurnicht , Daar Abdallah S , Singer Peter A 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Many articles have been written on conflicts of interests (COIs) in fields such as medicine, business, politics, public service and education. With the growing abundance of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), often involving complex relationships among the partners, it is important to understand how COIs can be mitigated and managed in PPPs.

Discussion
We wanted to study PPPs, particularly in the areas of global health and agriculture, but discovered no single source of information available to identify and compare various approaches for avoiding and managing COIs in PPPs. This is a significant gap, especially for those wishing to study, compare and strengthen existing COI policies related to PPPs. In order to bridge this gap, we reviewed how PPPs currently address COIs and highlight what might be considered good practice in developing COI policies. We reviewed the online COI policies of 10 PPPs in global health and agriculture, and interviewed two global health PPP chief executives.

Summary
Based on our review of policies and interviews, we conclude that there exists a range of good practices including attention to accountability and governance, acknowledgement and disclosure, abstention and withdrawal, reporting and transparency, and independent monitoring. There appears to be a need for PPPs to interact closely and learn from each other on these parameters and to also place more emphasis on independent external monitoring of COIs as a means of strengthening their major social objectives on which their activities are largely predicated. We also recommend the establishment of a web based database, which would serve as a forum to discuss COI issues and how they can be resolved.
An improved method for the in vitro differentiation of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes into ookinetes
Authors: Ghosh Anil K , Dinglasan Rhoel R , Ikadai Hiromi , Jacobs-Lorena Marcelo 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Ookinete is the form of the malaria parasite that invades the mosquito midgut epithelium to initiate sporogony. Differentiation of ingested gametocytes into ookinetes in the mosquito midgut lumen and subsequent interaction with the lumenal surface of the midgut epithelium in preparation for invasion is a complex and multi-stepped process. To facilitate the study of these events in detail it is necessary to produce sufficient numbers of pure, fully mature and functional ookinetes. However, production of even a small number of Plasmodium
falciparum ookinetes in vitro has proven to be a daunting task. Consequently, over the past four decades our collective understanding of the biology of this parasite form remains sorely deficient. This article reports on investigations of five different ookinete media, in an effort to improve the in vitro transformation efficiency of P. falciparum gametocytes into mature ookinetes and their infectivity of the mosquito midgut.

Methods
Five different ookinete media were evaluated for their ability to support the differentiation of gametocytes into gametes and further into mature stage V ookinetes. Moreover, infectivity of the in vitro-transformed ookinetes was evaluated by feeding them to vector mosquitoes and measuring their ability to traverse the midgut and form oocysts.

Results
One of the five media (medium E) was clearly superior in that the cultured ookinetes produced the largest number of oocysts when fed to mosquitoes. Key components were additions of human serum, human red blood cell lysate and mosquito pupal extract, resulting in the production of larger numbers of ookinetes able to develop into oocysts when fed to mosquitoes.

Conclusion
This simple and practical improvement over the prevailing methodology will facilitate the investigation of how this important human malaria parasite initiates its development in the mosquito and will contribute to the understanding of its transmission biology.
Deletion analysis of BMI1 oncoprotein identifies its negative regulatory domain
Authors: Yadav Ajay K , Sahasrabuddhe Anagh A , Dimri Manjari , Bommi Prashant V , Sainger Rachana , Dimri Goberdhan P 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
The polycomb group (PcG) protein BMI1 is an important regulator of development. Additionally, aberrant expression of BMI1 has been linked to cancer stem cell phenotype and oncogenesis. In particular, its overexpression has been found in several human malignancies including breast cancer. Despite its established role in stem cell maintenance, cancer and development, at present not much is known about the functional domains of BMI1 oncoprotein. In the present study, we carried out a deletion analysis of BMI1 to identify its negative regulatory domain.

Results
We report that deletion of the C-terminal domain of BMI1, which is rich in proline-serine (PS) residues and previously described as PEST-like domain, increased the stability of BMI1, and promoted its pro-oncogenic activities in human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). Specifically, overexpression of a PS region deleted mutant of BMI1 increased proliferation of HMECs and promoted an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in the HMECs. Furthermore, when compared to the wild type BMI1, exogenous expression of the mutant BMI1 led to a significant downregulation of p16INK4a and an efficient bypass of cellular senescence in human diploid fibroblasts.

Conclusions
In summary, our data suggest that the PS domain of BMI1 is involved in its stability and that it negatively regulates function of BMI1 oncoprotein. Our results also suggest that the PS domain of BMI1 could be targeted for the treatment of proliferative disorders such as cancer and aging.
AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma is linked to advanced disease and high mortality in a primary care HIV programme in South Africa
Authors: Chu Kathryn M , Mahlangeni Gcina , Swannet Sarah , Ford Nathan P , Boulle Andrew , Van Cutsem Gilles 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundAIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma is an important, life‐threatening opportunistic infection among people living with HIV/AIDS in resource‐limited settings. In western countries, the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and new chemotherapeutic agents has resulted in decreased incidence and improved prognosis of AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma. In African cohorts, however, mortality remains high. In this study, we describe disease characteristics and risk factors for mortality in a public sector HIV programme in South Africa.MethodsWe analysed data from an observational cohort study of HIV‐infected adults with AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma, enrolled between May 2001 and January 2007 in three primary care clinics. Paper records from primary care and tertiary hospital oncology clinics were reviewed to determine the site of Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome stage, and treatment. Baseline characteristics, cART use and survival outcomes were extracted from an electronic database maintained for routine monitoring and evaluation. Cox regression was used to model associations with mortality.ResultsOf 6292 patients, 215 (3.4%) had AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma. Lesions were most commonly oral (65%) and on the lower extremities (56%). One quarter of patients did not receive cART. The mortality and lost‐to‐follow‐up rates were, respectively, 25 (95% CI 19‐32) and eight (95% CI 5‐13) per 100 person years for patients who received cART, and 70 (95% CI 42‐117) and 119 (80‐176) per 100 person years for patients who did not receive cART. Advanced T stage (adjusted HR, AHR = 5.3, p < 0.001), advanced S stage (AHR = 5.1, p = 0.008), and absence of chemotherapy (AHR = 2.4, p = 0.012) were associated with mortality.Patients with AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma presented with advanced disease and high rates of mortality and loss to follow up. Risk factors for mortality included advanced Kaposi's sarcoma disease and lack of chemotherapy use. Contributing factors to the high mortality for patients with AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma likely included late diagnosis of HIV disease, late accessibility to cART, and sub‐optimal treatment of advanced Kaposi's sarcoma.ConclusionsThese findings confirm the importance of early access to both cART and chemotherapy for patients with AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma. Early diagnosis and improved treatment protocols in resource‐poor settings are essential.