bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An efficacy trial of brief lifestyle intervention delivered by generalist community nurses (CN SNAP trial)
Authors: Laws Rachel A , Chan Bibiana C , Williams Anna M , Davies Gawaine Powell , Jayasinghe Upali W , Fanaian Mahnaz , Harris Mark F ,   the CN SNAP Project Team
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundLifestyle risk factors, in particular smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity (SNAP) are the main behavioural risk factors for chronic disease. Primary health care (PHC) has been shown to be an effective setting to address lifestyle risk factors at the individual level. However much of the focus of research to date has been in general practice. Relatively little attention has been paid to the role of nurses working in the PHC setting. Community health nurses are well placed to provide lifestyle intervention as they often see clients in their own homes over an extended period of time, providing the opportunity to offer intervention and enhance motivation through repeated contacts. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a brief lifestyle intervention delivered by community nurses in routine practice on changes in clients' SNAP risk factors.Methods/DesignThe trial uses a quasi-experimental design involving four generalist community nursing services in NSW Australia. Services have been randomly allocated to an 'early intervention' group or 'late intervention' (comparison) group. 'Early intervention' sites are provided with training and support for nurses in identifying and offering brief lifestyle intervention for clients during routine consultations. 'Late intervention site' provide usual care and will be offered the study intervention following the final data collection point. A total of 720 generalist community nursing clients will be recruited at the time of referral from participating sites. Data collection consists of 1) telephone surveys with clients at baseline, three months and six months to examine change in SNAP risk factors and readiness to change 2) nurse survey at baseline, six and 12 months to examine changes in nurse confidence, attitudes and practices in the assessment and management of SNAP risk factors 3) semi-structured interviews/focus with nurses, managers and clients in 'early intervention' sites to explore the feasibility, acceptability and sustainability of the intervention.DiscussionThe study will provide evidence about the effectiveness and feasibility of brief lifestyle interventions delivered by generalist community nurses as part of routine practice. This will inform future community nursing practice and PHC policy.Trial RegistrationACTRN12609001081202
The cross-reactivity of the enterovirus 71 to human brain tissue and identification of the cross-reactivity related fragments
Authors: Jia Chun Shi , Liu Jiang Ning , Li Wan Bo , Ma Chun Mei , Lin Shu Zhu , Hao Yi , Gao Xue Zhong , Liu Xiao Lin , Xu Yan Feng , Zhang Lian Feng , Qin Chuan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundEV71 occasionally cause a series of severe neurological symptoms, including aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and poliomyelitis-like paralysis. However, the neurological destruction mechanism was remained to be clarified. This study described the cross reaction between EV71 induced IgG and human brain tissue.ResultsCross reaction of the IgG from 30 EV71 infected patients' sera to human tissues of cerebra was observed, which suggested that some EV71 antigens could induce IgG cross-reactivity to human cerebra. To identify the regions of EV71 virus that containing above antigens, the polypeptide of virus was divided into 19 peptides by expression in prokaryotes cell. Mouse anti-sera of these peptides was prepared and applied in immunohistochemical staining with human adult and fetus brain tissue, respectively. The result indicated the 19 peptides can be classified into three groups: strong cross-reactivity, weak cross-reactivity and no cross-reactivity with human brain tissue according the cross reaction activity. Then, the increased Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability and permits IgG entry in neonatal mice after EV71 infection was determined.ConclusionEV71 induced IgG could enter BBB and cross-reacted with brain tissue in EV71 infected neonatal mice, and then the peptides of EV71 that could induce cross-reactivity with brain tissue were identified, which should be avoided in future vaccine designing.
Hepatic steatosis in hepatitis C is a storage disease due to HCV interaction with microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)
Authors: Mirandola Silvia , Bowman David , Hussain Mahmood M , Alberti Alfredo 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Liver steatosis is a frequent histological feature in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The relationship between HCV and hepatic steatosis seems to be the result of both epigenetic and genetic factors. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that HCV can alter intrahepatic lipid metabolism by affecting lipid synthesis, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, insulin resistance and the assembly and secretion of VLDL. Many studies suggest that HCV-related steatosis might be the result of a direct interaction between the virus and MTP. It has been demonstrated that MTP is critical for the secretion of HCV particles and that inhibition of its lipid transfer activity reduces HCV production. However, higher degrees of hepatic steatosis were found in chronic hepatitis C patients carrying the T allele of MTP -493G/T polymorphism that seems to be associated with increased MTP transcription. We propose here that liver steatosis in hepatitis C could be a storage disease induced by the effects of the virus and of its proteins on the intracellular lipid machinery and on MTP. Available data support the hypothesis that HCV may modulate MTP expression and activity through a number of mechanisms such as inhibition of its activity and transcriptional control. Initial up regulation could favour propagation of HCV while down regulation in chronic phase could cause impairment of triglyceride secretion and excessive lipid accumulation, with abnormal lipid droplets facilitating the "storage" of virus particles for persistent infection.
Quality assurance for Chinese herbal formulae: standardization of IBS-20, a 20-herb preparation
Authors: Ip Siu-Po , Zhao Ming , Xian Yanfang , Chen Mengli , Zong Yuying , Tjong Yung-Wui , Tsai Sam-Hip , Sung Joseph JY , Bensoussan Alan , Berman Brian , Fong Harry HS , Che Chun-Tao 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe employment of well characterized test samples prepared from authenticated, high quality medicinal plant materials is key to reproducible herbal research. The present study aims to demonstrate a quality assurance program covering the acquisition, botanical validation, chemical standardization and good manufacturing practices (GMP) production of IBS-20, a 20-herb Chinese herbal formula under study as a potential agent for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.MethodsPurity and contaminant tests for the presence of toxic metals, pesticide residues, mycotoxins and microorganisms were performed. Qualitative chemical fingerprint analysis and quantitation of marker compounds of the herbs, as well as that of the IBS-20 formula was carried out with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Extraction and manufacture of the 20-herb formula were carried out under GMP. Chemical standardization was performed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Stability of the formula was monitored with HPLC in real time.ResultsQuality component herbs, purchased from a GMP supplier were botanically and chemically authenticated and quantitative HPLC profiles (fingerprints) of each component herb and of the composite formula were established. An aqueous extract of the mixture of the 20 herbs was prepared and formulated into IBS-20, which was chemically standardized by LC-MS, with 20 chemical compounds serving as reference markers. The stability of the formula was monitored and shown to be stable at room temperature.ConclusionA quality assurance program has been developed for the preparation of a standardized 20-herb formulation for use in the clinical studies for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The procedures developed in the present study will serve as a protocol for other poly-herbal Chinese medicine studies.
A reference guide for tree analysis and visualization
Authors: Pavlopoulos Georgios A , Soldatos Theodoros G , Barbosa-Silva Adriano , Schneider Reinhard 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The quantities of data obtained by the new high-throughput technologies, such as microarrays or ChIP-Chip arrays, and the large-scale OMICS-approaches, such as genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics, are becoming vast. Sequencing technologies become cheaper and easier to use and, thus, large-scale evolutionary studies towards the origins of life for all species and their evolution becomes more and more challenging. Databases holding information about how data are related and how they are hierarchically organized expand rapidly. Clustering analysis is becoming more and more difficult to be applied on very large amounts of data since the results of these algorithms cannot be efficiently visualized. Most of the available visualization tools that are able to represent such hierarchies, project data in 2D and are lacking often the necessary user friendliness and interactivity. For example, the current phylogenetic tree visualization tools are not able to display easy to understand large scale trees with more than a few thousand nodes. In this study, we review tools that are currently available for the visualization of biological trees and analysis, mainly developed during the last decade. We describe the uniform and standard computer readable formats to represent tree hierarchies and we comment on the functionality and the limitations of these tools. We also discuss on how these tools can be developed further and should become integrated with various data sources. Here we focus on freely available software that offers to the users various tree-representation methodologies for biological data analysis.
Establishment and Characterization of a Novel Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line USC-HN1
Authors: Liebertz Daniel J , Lechner Melissa G , Masood Rizwan , Sinha Uttam K , Han Jing , Puri Raj K , Correa Adrian J , Epstein Alan L 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy. Publically available cell lines are mostly of lingual origin, or have not been carefully characterized. Detailed characterization of novel HNSCC cell lines is needed in order to provide researchers a concrete keystone on which to build their investigations.

Methods
The USC-HN1 cell line was established from a primary maxillary HNSCC biopsy explant in tissue culture. The immortalized cells were then further characterized by heterotransplantation in Nude mice; immunohistochemical staining for relevant HNSCC biomarkers; flow cytometry for surface markers; cytogenetic karyotypic analysis; human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus screening; qRT-PCR for oncogene and cytokine analysis; investigation of activated, cleaved Notch1 levels; and detailed 35,000 gene microarray analysis.

Results
Characterization experiments confirmed the human HNSCC origin of USC-HN1, including a phenotype similar to the original tumor. Viral screening revealed no HPV or EBV infection, while western blotting displayed significant upregulation of activated, cleaved Notch1.

Conclusions
USC-HN1, a novel immortalized cell line has been derived from a maxillary HNSCC. Characterization studies have shown that the cell line is of HNSCC origin and displays many of the same markers previously reported in the literature. USC-HN1 is available for public research and will further the investigation of HNSCC and the development of new therapeutic modalities.
Paternal age increases the risk for autism in an Iranian population sample
Authors: Sasanfar Roksana , Haddad Stephen A , Tolouei Ala , Ghadami Majid , Yu Dongmei , Santangelo Susan L 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundAutism is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is known to have a strong genetic component and is most likely oligogenic. However, the necessary role of environmental factors has been well documented. Prior research suggests that parental characteristics, such as age and level of education, may be associated with a risk of autism. Parental age has been shown to be associated with many disorders, such as schizophrenia, childhood cancer and fetal death. However, results from studies of parental age and autism are inconsistent.MethodsIn the present study, we investigated the association of autism with parental age in 179 autism cases and 1611 matched cohort children from Iran. Each case was matched with nine cohort controls on parental education, sex, order of birth, consanguineous marriage, urbanism and province of residence. The Cox regression model was used to carry out conditional logistic regression on the matched data.ResultsThere was a significant association between higher paternal age, but not maternal age, and an increasing risk of autism. An analysis of the combined effect of parental age and education also revealed that parents with higher education had an increased risk of having autistic children, with a dose-response effect of parental age.ConclusionsThis study, which is the first epidemiological study of autism in Iran, provides evidence of the association of paternal age and risk of autism.
Genetic Screening: A Conceptual Framework for Programmes and Policy-Making
Authors: Andermann Anne , Blancquaert Ingeborg , Déry Véronique 
Published: February 2010

Objective Policy-makers are faced with increasing pressures from a range of different stakeholders to introduce or expand genetic screening programmes. A shared understanding is therefore needed of the many factors influencing these complex policy decisions. Our aim was to develop a theoretical framework that highlights the multiple components and influences involved in genetic screening and the policy-making process. Methods As part of a larger research programme, existing policy frameworks relating to genetic screening were identified through a review of the literature. Major themes were identified and synthesized into an overarching framework, which was further refined through discussions with key informants. Results The framework consists of three parts. The first part conceptualizes genetic screening as an integrated public health programme. The second part describes the policy-making process at each stage in the life cycle of the programme. The third part depicts the broader context within which policy-making occurs. Conclusion This framework can support policy-makers by fostering a common understanding and facilitating dialogue with stakeholders. The framework has also been used as the conceptual foundation for the development of a more elaborate decision-guide.
When Policy Meets the Personal: General Practice Nurses in Australia
Authors: Pearce Christopher , Hall Sally , Phillips Christine 
Published: February 2010

ObjectiveA significant focus of current health policy in Australia is to expand both the number and role of general practice nurses. Multiple new payment incentives have been instituted to encourage the use of practice nurses. This study explored the way these policies have framed their work.MethodsMultimethod research using observation, workspace photographs and interviews with nurses, doctors and managers collected through rapid appraisal in 25 practices in two states, followed by case studies of the role of nurses in seven practices over one year.ResultsMany respondents reported unanticipated benefits in general practice functioning and teamwork as a result of employing a nurse, though this had not been a policy aim. Within funding constraints, nurses created new roles and manipulated old roles to fit their personal understanding of patient care. Policy initiatives targeting practice nurses are often based around tasks and system issues, rather than the personal creation of care and quality that patients require and nurses seek. Incentives in this study were targeted at both the uptake of nurses and specific nursing activities.ConclusionPolicy development and funding structures would benefit from better understanding of nurses as agents of connectivity (rather than simply as performers of tasks) as well as the nature of teamwork in practices.
Patients' Perspectives on Cardiac Rehabilitation, Lifestyle Change and Taking Medicines: Implications for Service Development
Authors: White Simon , Bissell Paul , Anderson Claire 
Published: February 2010

Objectives Cardiac rehabilitation programmes offer eligible coronary heart disease patients information on lifestyle modification and medicines. Our aim was to understand patients' perspectives on these topics. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted and audiotaped with 15 patients approximately three months after hospital discharge, after they had completed a hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation programme. Repeat interviews with ten patients explored whether their perspectives had changed when interviewed again approximately nine months later. Results Patients tended to talk about the exercise component of cardiac rehabilitation and only talk about the information provision component when prompted, which suggested they viewed the programme as being primarily about exercise. They seemed to have little subsequent contact with health services, except routine six-monthly check-ups for their coronary heart disease. Unmet information needs were common, especially about medicines. Nevertheless, all patients reported continuing to take cardiac medicines, but tended to only maintain changes to aspects of lifestyle perceived as causes of coronary heart disease, rather than viewing lifestyle recommendations as standards to achieve. Conclusion Ensuring that individual patients' information needs about medicines and lifestyle are adequately met remains a key focus for cardiac rehabilitation development. Key aspects include individualizing information and actively seeking and responding to patients' needs during and after cardiac rehabilitation.
Leukocyte, neutrophil, immature granulocyte counts and interleukin-6 are superior to procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and delta-He for detection of mild inflammation: data from marathon runners producing mild systemic inflammation visible immediately after the run / Leukozyten, Neutrophile, unreife Granulozyten und Interleukin-6 sind zum Nachweis geringgradiger Entzündungen Procalcitonin, C-reaktivem Protein und Delta-He überlegen: Ergebnisse aus einer Untersuchung von Marathonläufern
Authors: Weimann Andreas , Lun Andreas , Lun Sebastian , Zimmermann Mathias , Borges Adrian C. , Ziebig Reinhard , Gonzalez Jose B. , Munoz Saravia Silvia Gilka , Knebel Fabian , Schroeckh Sabrina , Schimke Ingolf 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Immature granulocytes (IGs) and differences between reticulocyte and erythrocyte haemoglobin content (delta-He) are now available as modern parameters on routine haematology analysers for detecting inflammation. Are these markers more suitable to detect mild inflammation when compared with traditional inflammation markers such as leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) or diverse leukocyte surface molecules mainly used in research programs? To answer this question, a marathon race was used as a model of mild inflammation. Full blood counts, CRP, PCT, IL-6, expression of surface molecules on granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes were measured before and immediately after the race (inflammatory state) and were compared with each other. A further blood sample was taken after a 10-day rest. In the inflammatory state leukocytes, neutrophil counts and IL-6 concentration were considerably increased compared with basic conditions. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity came up to 100%. CRP was not increased and delta-He did not drop to negative values, as it occurs in severe inflammation. Leukocyte surface molecules were able to indicate a mild inflammatory state induced by the marathon race, but these markers did not achieve the same discriminatory power when compared with IL-6 levels or neutrophil count. In conclusion, leukocytes, neutrophils and IG counts as well as IL-6 levels are the best indicators in a mild inflammation model similar to a marathon race.
Hyperbilirubinämie und transkutane Bilirubinbestimmung1 / Hyperbilirubinemia and transcutaneous bilirubinometry
Authors: El-Beshbishi Samar N. , Shattuck Karen E. , Mohammad Amin A. , Petersen John R. 
Published: February 2010

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund: Ein Ikterus (Hyperbilirubinämie) tritt bei Neugeborenen häufig auf. Der Verlauf ist in den meisten Fällen benigne, doch eine schwere Hyperbilirubinämie kann zu einem Kernikterus führen, der bei frühzeitiger Erkennung und angemessener Therapie der Hyperbilirubinämie vermeidbar ist.

Inhalt: In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden der Icterus neonatorum sowie die Anwendung der transkutanen Bilirubinbestimmung (TcB) zur Identifikation von Neugeborenen mit einem Risiko für eine schwere Hyperbilirubinämie diskutiert. Neben angemessenen Verlaufsuntersuchungen erfordert dieses Verfahren eine Interpretation der Ergebnisse entsprechend dem Risikolevel anhand eines Nomogramms, das die Bilirubinkonzentration in Abhängigkeit vom Alter des Neugeborenen in Stunden angibt. Untersucht wurden auch die potenziellen Auswirkungen der TcB-Bestimmung auf den klinischen Verlauf sowie die Limitationen der Methode.

Zusammenfassung: Die TcB-Bestimmung ist eine praktikable Option für das Neugeborenenscreening auf klinisch relevante Hyperbilirubinämien. Wenn sich für ein Neugeborenes ein erhöhtes Risiko für eine klinisch relevante Hyperbilirubinämie ergibt, sollte die Gesamtbilirubinkonzentration im Serum bestimmt werden. Eine externe Qualitätssicherung zur Erfassung von Messfehlern und von Schulungsdefiziten der Anwender sollte Teil jedes TcB-Monitoring-Programms sein.
At the edge of covalency: metallic nanotubes, low-dimensional metals and clusters
Authors: Ruck Michael 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
One of the main classifications of materials uses the categories of metals, semiconductors and insulators. However, the boundaries are vague. In so-called confined metals the mobility of conduction electrons is restricted by at least one of the following circumstances: (a) Tendency towards electronic localization in covalent bonds, on ions or in lone-pairs (chemical confinement). (b) Contrast of bonding interactions in adjacent parts of the structure, i.e. separation of metallic and non-metallic domains (structural confinement). (c) Reduced size of metallic particles (size confinement). One playground for the investigation of the properties of matter at the limit of the metallic state is the chemistry of low-valent bismuth compounds, from which metallic nanotubes and nanorods, crystalline metal/salt hybrids, low-dimensional metals and unique clusters emerge. Strange physical effects, like coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity, are found.