bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T cell depletion utilizing CD34+ stem cell selection and CD3+ addback from unrelated adult donors in paediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients
Authors: Geyer Mark B. , Ricci Angela M. , Jacobson Judith S. , Majzner Robbie , Duffy Deirdre , Van de Ven Carmella , Ayello Janet , Bhatia Monica , Garvin James H. , George Diane , Satwani Prakash , Harrison Lauren , Morris Erin , Semidei‐Pomales Mildred , Schwartz Joseph , Alobeid Bachir , Baxter‐Lowe Lee Ann , Cairo Mitchell S. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryCD34‐selected haploidentical and unrelated donor allogeneic stem cell transplantation (AlloSCT) in paediatric recipients is associated with sustained engraftment and low risk of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD), but limited by delayed immune reconstitution and increased risk of viral and fungal infection. The optimal dose of donor T cells to prevent graft failure and minimize risk of early opportunistic infection and post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), while avoiding severe aGVHD, remains unknown. We prospectively studied CD34‐selected 8–10/10 human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched unrelated donor (MUD) peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) in a cohort of 19 paediatric AlloSCT recipients with malignant (n = 13) or non‐malignant (n = 6) diseases. T cells were added back to achieve total dose 1·0–2·5 × 105 CD3+/kg. GVHD pharmacoprophylaxis consisted only of tacrolimus. All patients engrafted neutrophils. Probabilities of grade II–IV aGVHD, limited chronic GVHD (cGVHD), and extensive cGVHD were 15·8%, 23·3%, and 0%, respectively. One patient developed PTLD. One‐year infection‐related mortality was 5·6%. T cell immune reconstitution was delayed. One‐year overall survival was 82·3%. Five patients with malignant disease ultimately died from progressive disease. CD34‐selected MUD PBSCT using a defined dose of T cell add‐back resulted in high rates of engraftment and low risk of grade II–IV aGVHD, early transplantation‐related mortality, and extensive cGVHD.
Attitudes of mental health staff to protected therapeutic time in adult psychiatric wards
Authors: THOMSON L. D. A. , HAMILTON R. 
Published: February 2012

Accessible summary
There have been recent concerns about the lack of time nurses can spend face to face with their patients in psychiatric wards. Therapeutic time is an intervention whereby psychiatric nurses spend regular, uninterrupted periods of time with patients during which they do not attend to other matters. There is very little research evidence to support such an approach and so this study was developed to investigate nurses' and doctors' views on therapeutic time.
Medical and nursing staff returned a questionnaire about their feelings towards such therapeutic time. The majority of staff believe that therapeutic time improves patient recovery and reduces risks while increasing patient satisfaction with care received and enhancing nurse–patient relations.
Staff comments suggested that the success or otherwise of the intervention may depend on practical issues such as staffing levels.
AbstractTherapeutic time is a relatively new, ward‐based intervention whereby psychiatric nurses spend regular, uninterrupted periods of time with patients during which they do not attend to other matters. A questionnaire survey of nursing and medical staff was conducted to assess attitudes to the approach. The majority of staff viewed the approach as being important for promoting patient recovery, reducing risk, improving nurse–patient relationships and enhancing patient satisfaction with care received. Interference with medical activities, lack of staffing resources and variable patient uptake were highlighted as potential problems. More research is required to establish the benefits, drawbacks and nature of therapeutic time. Given the current support for the approach and previous research emphasizing the extent to which patients value protected time to speak to nurses, investment of resources in further exploration and implementation of this approach may lead to significant clinical returns.
Smooth muscle caldesmon modulates peristalsis in the wild type and non‐innervated zebrafish intestine
Authors: Abrams J. , Davuluri G. , Seiler C. , Pack M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  The high molecular weight isoform of the actin‐binding protein Caldesmon (h‐CaD) regulates smooth muscle contractile function by modulating cross‐bridge cycling of myosin heads. The normal inhibitory activity of h‐CaD is regulated by the enteric nervous system; however, the role of h‐CaD during intestinal peristalsis has never been studied.Methods  We identified a zebrafish paralog of the human CALD1 gene that encodes an h‐CaD isoform expressed in intestinal smooth muscle. We examined the role of h‐CaD during intestinal peristalsis in zebrafish larvae by knocking down the h‐CaD protein using an antisense morpholino oligonucleotide. We also developed transgenic zebrafish that express inhibitory peptides derived from the h‐CaD myosin and actin‐binding domains, and examined their effect on peristalsis in wild‐type zebrafish larvae and sox10 colourless mutant larvae that lack enteric nerves.Key Results  Genomic analyses identified two zebrafish Caldesmon paralogs. The cald1a ortholog encoded a high molecular weight isoform generated by alternative splicing whose intestinal expression was restricted to smooth muscle. Propulsive intestinal peristalsis was increased in wild‐type zebrafish larvae by h‐CaD knockdown and by expression of transgenes encoding inhibitory myosin and actin‐binding domain peptides. Peristalsis in the non‐innervated intestine of sox10 colourless larvae was partially restored by h‐CaD knockdown and expression of the myosin‐binding peptide.Conclusions & Inferences  Disruption of the normal inhibitory function of h‐CaD enhances intestinal peristalsis in both wild‐type zebrafish larvae and mutant larvae that lack enteric nerves, thus confirming a physiologic role for regulation of smooth muscle contraction at the actin filament.
Luminal decoration of blood vessels by activated perivasal mast cells in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Schaefer T. , Zajonz A. , Lorentz P. , Bohnacker T. , Wymann M. P. , Schweighoffer T. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn allergic diseases, like in rhinitis, antigen challenge induces rapid degranulation of tissue resident mast cells and subsequent recruitment of leukocytes in response to soluble immunmodulators. The fate of mast cell‐derived, membrane associated factors in inflamed tissue remained however unresolved.MethodsComponents of the mast cell granular membrane, including the unique marker CD63var, were examined by FACS and by confocal laser scanning microscopy in cell culture and in diseased human tissue.ResultsWe discovered that selected mast cell membrane components appeared on the surface of distinct bystander cells. Acceptor cells did not acquire these molecules simply by uptake of soluble material or in the form of exosomes. Instead, physically stable cell‐to‐cell contact was required for transfer, in which a Notch2‐Jagged1 interaction played a decisive role. This process is activation‐dependent, unidirectional, and involves a unique membrane topology. Endothelial cells were particularly efficient acceptors. In organotypic 3D in vitro cultures we found that transferred mast cell molecules traversed an endothelial monolayer, and reappeared focally compacted on its distal surface, away from the actual contact zone. Moreover, we observed that such mast cell‐derived membrane patches decorate microcapillaries in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis patients.ConclusionDirect membrane transfer from perivasal mast cells into nearby blood vessels constitutes a novel mechanism to modulate endothelial surface features with apparent significance in allergic diseases.
Non‐sex‐biased Dominance in a Sexually Monomorphic Electric Fish: Fight Structure and Submissive Electric Signalling
Authors: Batista Gervasio , Zubizarreta Lucía , Perrone Rossana , Silva Ana 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMales and females commonly compete for limited resources. When interaction costs are similar for both sexes and there are no sexual differences in resource value estimation, a non‐sex‐biased dominance is expected. Moreover, only non‐sex‐biased assessment of contenders fighting ability (Resource Holding Potential, RHP) should influence contest decisions. To test these predictions, we evaluated non‐breeding agonistic intra‐ and intersexual dyadic interactions in the weakly electric fish, Gymnotus omarorum. During the non‐breeding season, resource value is not expected to depend on individuals’ reproductive status and should thus be equal for males and females. In addition, as G. omarorum presents no sexual differences in body size, interaction costs can be considered symmetric between sexes. We confirmed that body size differences, but not individuals’ gender, is the best predictor of dominance. We correlated RHP asymmetries with contest duration and evidenced that body size but not sex influences assessment in intrasexual and intersexual encounters. All dyads tested engaged in agonistic interactions (N = 33) in which a clear dominant emerged. The analysis of conflict phases evidenced the submissive role of electric displays. Electric organ discharge (EOD) interruptions appear early in the contest as an electric hiding attempt, whereas chirps are post‐resolution signals of subordinate status. Interestingly, the decision of interrupting the EOD was also influenced by RHP asymmetries, whereas chirping activity was influenced by the intensity of the attacks received. Our results confirm that body size is the best RHP proxy in non‐breeding intra‐ and intersexual contests of this monomorphic species and demonstrated a sequential pattern of submissive signalling by means of two different electric displays.
Transition to early parenthood, and family functioning relationships in Japan: a longitudinal study
Authors: Ohashi Yukimi , Asano Midori 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGreater knowledge of the process by which postpartum parents acquire further awareness of their child and fulfill parental roles will likely lead to an understanding that creates a new approach to nursing. This study explored the transition to parenthood and the relationship between parenthood and family functioning in first‐time mothers and fathers. Seventy‐eight parents (41 mothers, 37 fathers) participated in the study and completed the Scale of Early Childrearing Parenthood and Family Assessment Inventory at birth and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. The levels of parental role attainment and awareness of the child rose dramatically between birth and 3 months postpartum, thereafter stabilizing up to 12 months postpartum. Parenthood and family functioning showed a moderately positive correlation, which gradually became more positive over time. Appropriate nursing interventions might be necessary for parents who show difficulty in accepting their parental roles and have low levels of awareness of their child after 3 months postpartum. Such intervention might be necessary for not only the parents, but also the family unit.
Regeneration of uterine cervix at 6 months after large loop excision of the transformation zone for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Papoutsis D , Rodolakis A , Mesogitis S , Sotiropoulou M , Antsaklis A 
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Papoutsis D, Rodolakis A, Mesogitis S, Sotiropoulou M, Antsaklis A. Regeneration of uterine cervix at 6 months after large loop excision of the transformation zone for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. BJOG 2012;119:678–684.Objective  To sonographically investigate cervical regeneration 6 months after large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) conisation for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) pathology.Design  Prospective observational study.Setting  University Hospital setting.Population  Women having LLETZ conisation for intraepithelial lesions in response to abnormal Papanicolaou smears or colposcopic findings.Methods  Cervical dimensions were estimated before conisation and at 6 months with three‐dimensional sonography and use of vocal™ software. Cone depth was measured using a ruler before fixation, and cone volume was measured using a volumetric tube and the fluid displacement technique. Cervical regeneration was sonographically estimated.Main outcome measures  Correlation of cervical volume regeneration with percentage of initial cervical volume excised and remaining cervical tissue immediately after conisation.Results  A cohort of 112 women were initially recruited over a 2‐year period and 73 women presented for ultrasound follow up at 6 months. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that for women matched for age and initial cervical volume, if cervical volume excised was increased by 1% then regeneration of tissue deficit at the cervical crater was reduced by 1.37%. There also seemed to be a cutoff point suggesting that when >14% of initial cervical volume was excised, the tissue deficit at the cervical crater at 6 months was restored by <75% and there was >25% of remaining tissue deficit.Conclusions  Cervical regeneration at 6 months after excision is dependent on the percentage of initial cervical volume excised and on the remaining cervical tissue immediately after conisation. The greater the cone and the less cervical tissue remaining, the less the degree of cervical regeneration achieved.
GLOBAL HEALTH IMPACT: A BASIS FOR LABELING AND LICENSING CAMPAIGNS?
Authors: HASSOUN NICOLE 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTMost of the world's health problems afflict poor countries and their poorest inhabitants. There are many reasons why so many people die of poverty‐related causes. One reason is that the poor cannot access many of the existing drugs and technologies they need. Another, is that little of the research and development (R&D) done on new drugs and technologies benefits the poor. There are several proposals on the table that might incentivize pharmaceutical companies to extend access to essential drugs and technologies to the global poor.1 Still, the problem remains – the poor are suffering and dying from lack of access to essential medicines. So, it is worth considering a new alternative. This paper suggests rating pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies based on how some of their policies impact poor people's health. It argues that it might be possible to leverage a rating system to encourage companies to extend access to essential drugs and technologies to the poor.
How Can Visual Arts Help Doctors Develop Medical Insight?
Authors: Edmonds Kathleen , Hammond Margaret F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis research project examines how using the visual arts can develop medical insight, as part of a pilot programme for two groups of medical students. It was a UK study; a collaboration between Liverpool and Glyndŵ University's and Tate Liverpool's learning team. Tate Liverpool is the home of the National Collection of Modern Arts in the North of England and one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London. The project adapted Tate Liverpool's Opening Doors course in devising and piloting a single day programme that engaged students in exploring perception, communication, emotion and narrative. Opening Doors introduces participants to modern and contemporary art and empowers them to work in new ways with groups and individuals.The exercises used as part of the programme allowed us to observe what connections and interpretations were made, and to discuss with the participants what influenced student choice and decision making in relation to specific works of art.This article will focus on the use of gallery education to highlight examples of contemporary culture to develop links between art and medicine, alongside the development of transferable skills. The study is of professional interest because it is using a cross‐disciplinary approach, broadening the disciplines involved in teaching medical skills; and could form a model for further cross‐curricular and cross‐discipline work.
The New Conquest History
Authors: Restall Matthew 
Published: February 2012

AbstractOur understanding and perceptions of the conquest period in Latin American history have been profoundly altered by the scholarship of the past twenty years. The traditional triumphalist narrative of the Spanish Conquest focused heavily on the conquistadors in Mexico and Peru, and emphasized the inevitability and rapidity of military victory, religious conversion (the Spiritual Conquest), and colonization. The revisionist New Conquest History – which emerged in part from a renewed emphasis on archival and paleographic work and in part from the New Philology, a school of scholarship based on the analysis of colonial‐period primary sources in Mesoamerican languages – complicates that narrative by emphasizing multiple protagonists and accounts, new source materials, the roles and interpretations of indigenous and black men and women, and the examination of understudied regions of the Americas.
20th Century Chinese Migration to Italy: The Chinese Diaspora Presence within European International Migration
Authors: Chang Angela 
Published: February 2012

AbstractInternational migration is changing the face of Europe, and the rapidly growing presence of the Chinese diaspora in Italy illustrates how longstanding migratory patterns are subject to global socioeconomic changes. Both Italy and China are traditionally points of emigration, but today, there is a unique juncture in the historical experience whereupon one community, the Italians, has become host to the other, the Chinese. Italy, with its promise of new or underdeveloped economic niches and relatively lax immigration policies, has served as a particular draw for Chinese migrants over the last two decades. The following article seeks to present a clearer picture of 20th century Chinese migration to Italy. First, I will establish the present state of immigration in Italy followed by an overview of contemporary Chinese migration to Italy. Second, I will consider the Zhejiangese migration to Europe, including Italy, and the motivations behind these global movements. Third, I will examine the traces of historical influence on the livelihoods of the Chinese residing in Italy today. The development of the Chinese community in Italy touches upon the need to learn from the past as Italy, and Europe, determines how to administer to and integrate the newest members of its society.
Male Anger and Female Malice: Emotions in Indo‐Muslim Advice Literature
Authors: Pernau Margrit 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis article proceeds in three steps. First it draws out some possibilities for a study of emotions and discusses how advice literature can be used as a source, not only for feeling rules, but also for emotion knowledge, which sets the framework for the possible perception and expression of emotions. Second it places advice literature in early twentieth century India in its historical context, looking notably at the different traditions for giving advice, from which authors drew: moral philosophy, the Sufi tradition and legal sources. Third it focuses on two sermons on anger which one of the most prolific Urdu writers, the reformer and Sufi Ashraf Ali Thanawi, addressed to a male and a female audience respectively.
The nitric oxide pathway – evidence and mechanisms for protection against liver ischaemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Abu‐Amara Mahmoud , Yang Shi Yu , Seifalian Alexander , Davidson Brian , Fuller Barry 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIschaemia reperfusion (IR) injury is a clinical entity with a major contribution to the morbidity and mortality of liver surgery and transplantation. A central pathway of protection against IR injury utilizes nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes manufacture NO from L‐arginine. NO generated by the endothelial NOS (eNOS) isoform protects against liver IR injury, whereas inducible NOS (iNOS)‐derived NO may have either a protective or a deleterious effect during the early phase of IR injury, depending on the length of ischaemia, length of reperfusion and experimental model. In late phase hepatic IR injury, iNOS‐derived NO plays a protective role. In addition to NOS consumption of L‐arginine during NO synthesis, this amino acid may also be metabolized by arginase, an enzyme whose release is increased during prolonged ischaemia, and therefore diverts L‐arginine away from NOS metabolism leading to a drop in the rate of NO synthesis. NO most commonly acts through the soluble guanylyl cyclase‐cyclic GMP‐ protein kinase G pathway to ameliorate hepatic IR injury. Both endogenously generated and exogenously administered NO donors protect against liver IR injury. The beneficial effects of NO on liver IR are not, however, universal, and certain conditions, such as steatosis, may influence the protective effects of NO. In this review, the evidence for, and mechanisms of these protective actions of NO are discussed, and areas in need of further research are highlighted.
A New Frailty Syndrome: Central Obesity and Frailty in Older Adults with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Shah Krupa , Hilton Tiffany N. , Myers Lauren , Pinto Jonathan F. , Luque Amneris E. , Hall William J. 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationships between body composition and physical frailty in community‐dwelling older adults with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (HOA).DesignCross‐sectional.SettingAcademic hospital‐based infectious disease clinic in Rochester, New York.ParticipantsForty community‐dwelling HOA aged 50 and older undergoing antiretroviral therapy who were able to ambulate without assistive devices with a mean age of 58, a mean BMI of 29.0 kg/m2, mean CD4 count of 569 cells/mL, and a mean duration since HIV diagnosis of 17 years; 28% were female and 57% Caucasian.MeasurementsSubjective and objective measures of functional status were evaluated using the Physical Performance Test (PPT), the graded treadmill test, knee strength, gait speed, balance, and the Functional Status Questionnaire (FSQ). Body composition was evaluated using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsSixty percent (25/40) of the participants met standard criteria for physical frailty. Frail (FR) and nonfrail (NF) participants were comparable in age, sex, CD4 count, and viral load. FR HOA had greater impairments in PPT, peak oxygen uptake, FSQ, walking speed, balance, and muscle quality than NF HOA. FR HOA had a greater body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and truncal fat with lipodystrophy. Moreover, PPT score was inversely related to trunk fat (correlation coefficient (r) = −0.34; P = .04) and ratio of intermuscular fat to total fat (r = −0.60; P = .02) after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionHOA represent an emerging cohort of older adults who frequently experience frailty at a much younger age than the general older population. Central obesity and fat redistribution are important predictors of frailty in community‐dwelling HOA. These findings suggest that physical frailty in HOA may be amenable to lifestyle interventions, especially exercise and diet therapy.