bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Fli-1 transcription factor on autoantibody and lupus nephritis in NZM2410 mice
Authors: Mathenia J , Reyes-Cortes E , Williams S , Molano I , Ruiz P , Watson D K , Gilkeson G S , Zhang X K 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThe transcription factor Fli-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of both murine and human lupus. Increased levels of Fli-1 mRNA were present in the peripheral blood lymphocytes from lupus patients; furthermore, transgenic overexpression of Fli-1 in normal mice resulted in the development of a lupus-like disease. Lupus nephritis is a major cause of death in both lupus patients as well as in animal models. In this study, we generated Fli-1 heterozygous knockout (Fli-1+/-) NZM2410 mice (of which the wild-type is a widely used lupus murine model) that expressed decreased levels of Fli-1 and investigated the impact of Fli-1 expression on lupus nephritis development and survival. Ninety-three per cent of the Fli-1+/− NZM2410 mice survived to the age of 52 weeks compared to only 35% of wild-type NZM2410 mice. Autoantibodies, including anti-dsDNA and anti-glomerular basement antigen, in Fli-1+/− NZM2410 mice were statistically significantly lower when compared to wild-type NZM2410 mice at the ages of 30 and 34 weeks. Total B cell and activated B cell populations in the spleens from Fli-1+/− NZM2410 mice were decreased significantly compared to wild-type NZM2410 mice. Fli-1+/− NZM2410 mice also had remarkably diminished proteinuria and decreased renal pathological scores when compared with wild-type NZM2410 mice. Expression of early growth response 1 (Egr-1) was decreased significantly in the kidneys from Fli-1+/− NZM2410 mice when compared to wild-type littermates. Our data indicate that expression of Fli-1 plays an important role in lupus disease development in NZM2410 mice.
Psychological distress associated with the diagnostic phase for suspected breast cancer: systematic review
Authors: Montgomery Mariann , McCrone Susan H. 
Published: October 2010

montgomery m. & mccrone s.h. (2010) Psychological distress associated with the diagnostic phase for suspected breast cancer: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(11), 2372–2390.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a review conducted to define the manifestations that characterize psychological distress during the diagnostic phase for suspected breast cancer, define the extent of psychological distress associated with the threat of potential cancer, and identify factors influencing psychological distress levels.Background.  Raising the possibility that a malignancy might be present is threatening. The resulting distress is believed to influence treatment outcomes in those diagnosed with cancer and result in behavioural changes in those with benign disease.Data sources.  Research papers published between January 1983 and May 2009 were identified in CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. The search was performed using the following terms: breast cancer diagnosis, mammography, breast biopsy, breast diagnostic, anxiety, distress and uncertainty.Review methods.  A systematic review was conducted of 30 studies meeting the inclusion criteria of a quantitative design with at least one standardized measure of distress and specifically addressing distress during the evaluation period.Results.  It is well‐documented that distress, manifested as anxiety, exists. In a small cohort of women, distress levels are heightened to worrying levels that may have long‐term implications. There was strong evidence for relationships among medical history, education and trait anxiety with distress. There was no substantiation of the association between younger age and increased psychological distress that has been consistently reported with other cancers.Conclusion.  It is necessary to understand the impact of factors on distress so that heightened levels can be predicted and targeted by interventions initiated at the first mention of the possibility of the presence of malignancy.
UV protectants for Candida oleophila (strain O), a biocontrol agent of postharvest fruit diseases
Authors: Lahlali R. , Raffaele B. , Jijakli M. H. 
Published: October 2010

This study investigated the influence of UV‐B radiation (280–320 nm) on survival of Candida oleophila strain O, an antagonist yeast that prevents postharvest diseases caused by Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum on apple and pear fruits. Lethal doses (LD50 and LD90) were, respectively, 0·89 and 1·45 Kj m−2 for in vitro exposure and 3·06 and 5·5 Kj m−2 for in vivo exposure. A screening test of UV‐B protectants for strain O was also evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The in vitro results showed that sodium ascorbate (0·1% and 0·01%), riboflavin (0·1%) and uric acid (0·1% and 0·01%) were the most effective and most suitable protectants. However, only riboflavin (0·1%) and uric acid (0·1%) were effective under in vivo conditions. The efficacy obtained with strain O against P. expansum, when subjected to UV‐B radiation, was 75·0% and 49·2% for pathogen concentrations of 105 and 106 spores mL−1, respectively. Adding riboflavin to strain O gave a similar efficacy (64·2%). Applying strain O together with uric acid (0·1%) was less active (47·7%). Nonetheless, its efficacy when applied with the antioxidants sodium ascorbate (71·1%) or ascorbic acid (82·5%) was the greatest. Riboflavin and uric acid were the most cost‐effective protectants, and could be included in the final formulation of strain O when applied preharvest.
Tertiary excess of fibroblast growth factor 23 and hypophosphatemia following kidney transplantation
Authors: Seeherunvong Wacharee , Wolf Myles 
Published: October 2010

Seeherunvong W, Wolf M. Tertiary excess of fibroblast growth factor 23 and hypophosphatemia following kidney transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:37–46. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Hypophosphatemia caused by inappropriate urinary phosphate wasting is a frequent metabolic complication of the early period following kidney transplantation. Although previously considered to be caused by tertiary hyperparathyroidism, recent evidence suggests a primary role for persistently elevated circulating levels of the phosphorus‐regulating hormone, FGF23. In the setting of a healthy renal allograft, markedly increased FGF23 levels from the dialysis period induce renal phosphate wasting and inhibition of calcitriol production, which contribute to hypophosphatemia. While such tertiary FGF23 excess and resultant hypophosphatemia typically abates within the first few weeks to months post‐transplant, some recipients manifest persistent renal phosphate wasting. Furthermore, increased FGF23 levels have been associated with increased risk of kidney disease progression, cardiovascular disease, and death outside of the transplant setting. Whether tertiary FGF23 excess is associated with adverse transplant outcomes is unknown. In this article, we review the physiology of FGF23, summarize its relationship with hypophosphatemia after kidney transplantation, and speculate on its potential impact on long‐term outcomes of renal allograft recipients.
Non‐Selective and Time‐Dependent Behavioural Responses of Common Toads (Bufo bufo) to Predator Acoustic Cues
Authors: Llusia Diego , Márquez Rafael , Beltrán Juan F. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAcoustic predator recognition has rarely been studied in anurans, in spite of the fact that hearing is widespread in these animals and that it has been demonstrated to play an important role in both arthropods and other vertebrates. Using field playback experiments, we tested the hypothesis that adult common toads (Bufo bufo) are capable of recognizing natural vocalizations of a common predator, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), and show antipredator responses. We found that toads exposed to both natural (two types of otter sounds) and synthetic stimuli [white noise (WN) and otter sound‐based amplitude modulated WN] increased time allocated to locomotion and escape behaviour. These responses were correlated with time elapsed from sunset to the onset of testing and were independent from the type of acoustic signal, toad features and other environmental factors monitored. We conclude thatB. bufohas not developed a selective recognition of predator vocalizations, suggesting that low‐frequency or seismic sounds associated with predator movements may provide anurans with better cues about an approaching risk. We propose that the time‐dependent response to acoustic stimuli of common toads represents a case of threat‐sensitivity and demonstrates that it can occur even when the response to the threat is not predator specific.
Effects of host starvation on the symbiotic dinoflagellates from the sea anemone Stichodactyla mertensii
Authors: Zhu BaoHua , Pan KeHou , Wang GuangCe 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMany tropical cnidarians, including anemones and corals, contain symbiotic dinoflagellates known as zooxanthellae. Photosynthesis by symbiotic dinoflagellates benefits the animal host and the proficiency of host metabolism also plays an important role in the nutrient status of the photosynthetic dinoflagellates. We aimed to determine the responses of symbiotic dinoflagellates to host starvation. The ultrastructure and some physiological indicators of symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium sp., zooxanthellae) were examined in starved sea anemones (Stichodactyla mertensii; 3‐, 45‐ and 280‐day starvation). The cell size of zooxanthellae was not affected by starving the host; however, the ultrastructure and other physiological indicators of the zooxanthellae were affected. The photochemical efficiency of symbiotic dinoflagellates from anemones after 280 days of starvation was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of symbiotic dinoflagellates from anemones after 3‐ and 45‐day starvation. The number of symbiotic dinoflagellates from anemones decreased with increasing starvation duration. Generally, the chlorophyll a and c content of symbiotic dinoflagellates decreased significantly with longer anemone starvation. The tentacles of 3‐day starved anemones contained the most zooxanthellae, some of which were dividing and still enclosed within one periplast, and some had split entirely within one host vacuole. Moreover, each cell from 3‐day starved anemone contained up to five or six more mitochondria than those from 45‐ to 280‐day starved anemones. More lipid granules appeared in the zooxanthellae from 45‐ to 280‐day starved anemones. Pyrenoids, lobed accumulation bodies and calcium oxalate crystals existed in the symbiotic dinoflagellates from anemones at different starvation stages, which suggested that their existence had no correlation with host starvation. These findings contribute to an improved mechanistic understanding of the symbiotic relationship between zooxanthellae and anemones.
Pattern of renal diseases observed in native renal biopsies in adults in a single centre in Pakistan
Authors: MUBARAK MUHAMMED , KAZI JAVED I , NAQVI RUBINA , AHMED EJAZ , AKHTER FAZAL , NAQVI SYED AA , RIZVI SYED AH 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  In the absence of a national renal biopsy registry, there is a paucity of information on the pattern of renal disease observed in native renal biopsies in adults in Pakistan.Methods:  A retrospective review of native renal biopsies performed in adult patients was undertaken at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) during the period from July 1995 to December 2008. Renal biopsies were studied by light, immunoflourescence and electron microscopy. The renal biopsy diagnoses were categorized into the following groups: glomerulopathies (GN), tubulointerstitial diseases (TID), renal vascular diseases (VD), and hereditary diseases (HD).Results:  A total of 1793 adult patients were included in the study. GN was the commonest diagnosis representing 83.9% of all biopsies. Primary GN (PGN) accounted for 86.9% and secondary GN (SGN) for 13%. When PGN was further analyzed, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was the leading histopathological diagnosis, found in 29% of PGN, followed by membranous GN (MGN), seen in 23.5% of cases. Among SGN, lupus nephritis (44.1%) was the commonest, followed by amyloidosis (42.1%) and diabetic nephropathy (8.1%). TID comprised 11.6% of all renal biopsy diagnoses. VD and HD were less frequent, found in 3.9% and 0.4%, respectively.Conclusion:  The pattern of biopsied renal pathology is similar to that reported recently from other parts of the world with similar biopsy indications.
Predictors of psychiatric symptom scores in a sample of Turkish high school students
Authors: Güner‐Küçükkaya Perihan , Işık Işıl 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMost mental health problems start in adolescence and early adulthood. According to the literature, one out of five children and adolescents suffers at least one mental health problem. In this cross‐sectional study, the distribution of psychiatric symptom scores among 728 Turkish high school students in grades 9, 10, and 11 was examined and associated with the students' gender, type of school, and grade level, as well as parental attitudes. The Brief Symptom Inventory and The Global Severity Index were used in this study. The latter is a global index of the former, and assesses indications of psychopathological disturbance. Girls score significantly higher than boys on all subscales of the Inventory, and specifically the Index. The highest Global Severity Index scores were obtained from the students who were attending vocational high schools, those who were in 11th grade, and those who indicated indifferent parental attitudes. This study revealed the need for a closer investigation of those students who are at severe risk of mental health problems.
An audit of platelet transfusion within the Wellington Cancer Centre
Authors: Buhrkuhl D. C. , Karlsson M. K. P. , Carter J. M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAim:  An audit of platelet transfusion was performed to assess adherence to local prophylactic policy and to assess if therapeutic transfusions were administered in line with international recommendations.Methods:  A prospective audit of platelet transfusion therapy was conducted at the Wellington Cancer Centre in patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia over a 3‐month period from 26 January 2008 to 30 April 2008. There were 398 episodes of evaluable clinical decision activity generated through either platelet counts <50 × 109/L or platelet transfusion events. Each episode was assessed and defined as either adhering to or breaching the local prophylactic platelet transfusion policy.Results:  Thrombocytopenia and/or platelet transfusion occurred in 63 patients aged 16–84 years with either a haematological or solid organ malignancy. Decisions to withhold prophylactic platelet transfusion in thrombocytopenic patients adhered to policy for 99% of platelet counts <50 × 109/L. Where transfusions were administered, 77% were prophylactic and 23% were for therapeutic indications. Prophylactic transfusions adhered to policy for 72% of platelet counts <50 × 109/L. Adherence to prophylactic transfusion policy for febrile patients with a threshold of ≤15 × 109/L was 84%, compared to 63% for stable afebrile patients with a threshold of ≤10 × 109/L. Where policy was breached, in 80% of cases the platelet count had not reached the prophylactic transfusion threshold. Of the clinical decisions leading to therapeutic transfusions, 67% were deemed appropriate and predominantly a single adult therapeutic dose of platelets was administered. Where multiple doses of platelets were transfused, 86% of these transfusion events either breached policy or were deemed suboptimal management.Conclusion:  The audit demonstrated a high rate of adherence to local transfusion policy. Where policy was breached, predominantly a transfusion had occurred prior to a platelet count reaching the pre‐defined trigger. The use of multiple dose platelet transfusions was almost never appropriate. Educating staff in the use of a stringent transfusion policy may lead to reductions in platelet product use.
Optimizing care for acute medical patients: the Australasian Medical Assessment Unit Survey
Authors: McNeill G. B. S. , Brand C. , Clark K. , Jenkins G. , Scott I. , Thompson C. , Jenkins P. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAim:  To ascertain the design and operational characteristics of acute Medical Assessment Units (MAU) located within Australasian hospitals, and to compare these with formal standards promulgated by the Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ).Method:  Descriptive study based on responses to questionnaires mailed to clinical and nursing leads of MAU in March 2009 with follow‐up reminders over 3 months. Hospitals that had an MAU that met predefined criteria were identified from an IMSANZ directory of sites based on recent contact with IMSANZ members and health department personnel and interrogation of hospital websites and attendance lists at recent MAU workshops.Results:  Questionnaires were returned from 32 of 50 hospitals (response rate 64%). Most MAU (15/22; 68%) were less than 2 years old. MAU were smaller than recommended by IMSANZ. Sixty‐eight per cent were located over a 5‐min walk from the emergency department (ED). Delay in transfer of patients from the ED to the MAU was common. The medical service to the majority of MAU was provided by General Medicine physicians and cover was reduced at weekends. In the majority of MAU the emphasis on function was facilitating discharge of patients rather than managing patients with high acuity of illness.Conclusions:  Our survey suggests that despite some variation in staffing and procedures, MAU seem to be well established and a promising means of decreasing ED access block. Future comparative study is required to evaluate further the effect of MAU on ED access block and ED length of stay.
Ethnicity and socioeconomic status predict initial continuous positive airway pressure compliance in New Zealand adults with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Campbell A. , Neill A. , Lory R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackground:  Understanding factors that contribute to low continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance will lead to improvements in the long‐term outcome of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) syndrome. Both cultural and socioeconomic factors are likely to be important but have not been systematically studied.Aim:  To examine the effect of ethnicity and socioeconomic status on initial CPAP usage for people with OSA in New Zealand.Methods:  We retrospectively collected demographic, clinical and CPAP treatment‐related data on patients undergoing a 1‐month CPAP trial for a 10‐month period. We compared objectively measured CPAP usage (by anova) with self‐identified ethnicity; levels of socioeconomic deprivation (NZDep06 index), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Apnoea‐Hypopnoea Index (AHI).Results:  A total of 214 patients with a mean age of 52.7 (±11.8) years, mean AHI 57.3 (±35.8) events per hour and mean ESS 13 (±5.58)/24 made up the cohort. CPAP usage which averaged 5.13 ± 2.34 h per night was significantly lower in patients of non‐European ethnicity (P = 0.019 univariate) and remained significant after socioeconomic status was added to the model (P = 0.048). Patients living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas showed significantly lower compliance with CPAP on univariate analysis (P = 0.024, NZDep06 scores 1&2, average 5.3 per night compared to score NZDep06 scores 9&10, average 4.3 h per night), but this effect was no longer significant once ethnicity was added to the model (P = 0.28).Conclusion:  CPAP usage in New Zealand is affected by both ethnicity and level of socioeconomic deprivation. We recommend further research to unravel specific cultural and socioeconomic reasons for the variance reported.
An invasive management strategy is associated with improved outcomes in high‐risk acute coronary syndromes in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Medi C. , Chew D. P. B. , Amerena J. , Coverdale S. , Soman A. , Astley C. , Rankin J. , Brieger D. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with poor outcomes after acute coronary syndromes, yet selection for invasive investigation and management is low.Methods:  Patients presenting with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or intermediate‐ to high‐risk non‐ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) (n = 2597) were stratified into groups based on kidney function, defined as normal (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), moderate CKD (GFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2) and severe CKD (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Based on these stratums of kidney function, incidence and outcome measures were obtained for: rates of angiography and revascularization; 6‐month mortality; and the incidence and outcome of in‐hospital acute kidney impairment (AKI).Results:  Patients with CKD were less likely to be offered coronary angiography after STEMI/NSTEACS (P < 0.001); however, after selection, revascularization rates were similar (percutaneous coronary intervention (P = 0.8); surgery (P = 0.4)). Six‐month mortality rates increased with CKD (GFR ≥ 60, 2.8%; GFR 30–59, 9.9%; GFR < 30, 16.5%, P ≤ 0.001), as well as the combined efficacy/safety end‐point (GFR ≥ 60, 9.4%; GFR 30–59, 20.2%; GFR < 30, 27.1%, P ≤ 0.001). Six‐month mortality was lower in patients who had received prior angiography (GFR ≥ 60, 1.5% vs 3.6%, P = 0.001; GFR 30–59, 5.1% vs 12.7%, P < 0.001; GFR < 30, 7.3% vs 18.5%, P = 0.094). Risk of AKI increased with CKD (GFR ≥ 60, 0.7%; GFR 30–59, 3.4%; GFR < 30, 6.8%, P ≤ 0.001), and was associated with high 6‐month mortality (35.6% vs 4.1%, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  In patients with CKD after STEMI/NSTEACS, 6‐month mortality and morbidity is high, selection for angiography is lower, yet angiography is associated with a reduced long‐term mortality, and with comparable revascularization rates to those without CKD. In‐hospital AKI is more common in CKD and predicts a high 6‐month mortality.
Parasitism, predation and the evolution of animal personalities
Authors: Kortet Raine , Hedrick Ann V. , Vainikka Anssi 
Published: October 2010

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 1449–1458AbstractTrade‐offs between behavioural traits promoting high life‐history productivity and mortality may fuel the evolution of animal personalities. We propose that parasites, including pathogens, impose fitness costs comparable to those from predators, and influence the adaptiveness of personality traits associated with productivity (PAPs). Whether personality traits are adaptive or not may also depend on individual immunological capacity. We illustrate this using a conceptual example in which the optimal level of PAPs depends on predation, parasitism and host compensation (resistance and tolerance) of parasitism’s negative effects. We assert that inherent differences in host immune function can produce positive feedback loops between resource intake and compensation of parasitism’s costs, thereby providing variation underlying the evolution of stable personalities. Our approach acknowledges the condition dependence of immune function and co‐evolutionary dynamics between hosts and parasites.