bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus efficiency of naturalized Chilean white clover in a grazed field trial
Authors: Acuña H. , Inostroza L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNine naturalized white clover populations and two cultivars (Huia and Will) were evaluated at two soil phosphorus (
P
) levels (6 and 20
P
mg kg−1) to characterize them for DM production and P efficiency, and to facilitate the selection of suitable genotypes to produce cultivars for P‐deficient marginal soils. The study was carried out in Chile during 2007–2010 under field grazing conditions using a randomized complete factorial block design with three replicates. The clover was grown with perennial ryegrass. Botanical composition and herbage DM production were recorded, phosphorus concentrations in soil and in clover and ryegrass herbage were determined, and
P
absorption (PAE) and
P
utilization (PUE) efficiency were calculated. Population 8‐1‐X yielded more DM under the low than under the high soil‐
P
level and was the highest yielding clover in the low soil‐
P
treatment. It also had the highest PAE (0·6 kg P ha−1 per mg kg−1 Olsen P) under low
P
availability. Dry‐matter yield of 9‐2‐X was statistically similar to 8‐1‐X and Huia at low
P
level; however, because of its lower
P
absorption, it had the highest PUE (455 kg DM ha−1 per kg ha−1 absorbed P). Furthermore, the highest yield of ryegrass occurred when grown with 8‐1‐X, and this combination gave the maximum total yield. These two populations have potential for inclusion in breeding programmes.
Registry of Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders in Syria
Authors: Ali T. , Schved J. F. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryCreating a national registry for bleeding disorders is a major step in establishing a National Hemophilia Care Program in all countries. Creating such a registry which would contain accurate and regularly updated data, including laboratory analysis confirmed by a reference laboratory established at the Syrian Hemophilia Society. Blood samples were drawn and analysed in the Society reference laboratory for the following screening tests: prothrombin time (PT), APTT and coagulation factor assays. Inhibitor detection and VWF RiCof were performed depending on the result of the screening tests. HBs Ag, anti‐HCV, anti‐HIV 1 + 2 and syphilis tests were also performed to detect transfusion transmitted agents (TTA). Diagnosis of the bleeding disorder type was confirmed for 760 of these cases. Among the 760 confirmed patients, 82.5% had haemophilia. Among these, 89.6%were haemophilia A; 10.4% were haemophilia B; 8.3% had VWD; 9.2% had other rare bleeding disorders as follows: 1.2% FVII deficiency, 0.7% FV deficiency, 1.8% F1 deficiency, 0.4% FX deficiency, 1.4% platelets dysfunctions (mainly Glanzmann Thrombasthenia) and 3.7% had combined FVIII and FV deficiency. Eighty (21.3%) cases of 375 screened for transfusion transmitted agents were positive for at least one infection: 0.5% were HBsAg positive, 19.7% were anti‐HCV positive, 0.8% had combined HBsAg and anti‐HCV positivity and 0.3% was anti‐Syphilis positive. All patients were negative for HIV1 and HIV2. The preliminary data presented here follow known data on haemophilia A, haemophilia B and VWD disease. This registry will certainly help in improving haemophilia care in Syria.
Services doing the best they can: service experiences of young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus in rural Australia
Authors: Perry Lin , Lowe Julia M , Steinbeck Katherine S , Dunbabin Janet S 
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe the healthcare experiences of young adults with type 1 diabetes who access diabetes services in rural areas of New South Wales, Australia.Background.  The incidence of type 1 diabetes in childhood and adolescence is increasing worldwide; internationally, difficulties are encountered in supporting young people during their transition from children to adulthood. Consumers’ experiences and views will be essential to inform service redesign.Design.  This was a qualitative exploratory study.Methods.  Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 26 people aged 18–28 years living rurally, recruited through staff in four regional healthcare centres in 2008.Results.  Two key themes were evident: lack of access (comprised of transfer to adult services, access to health professionals and access to up‐to‐date information) and age‐appropriate provision. The impact of place of residence and personal motivation crossed all themes. Participants contrasted unfavourably the seamless care and support received from paediatric outreach services with the shortages in specialist and general practice‐based care and information and practical problems of service fragmentation and lack of coordination experienced as adults. They identified a range of issues including need for ongoing education, age‐appropriate services and support networks related to developing their ability to self‐manage. They valued personal service; online and electronic support was seldom volunteered as an alternative.Conclusion.  This was a first view of rural young people’s experiences with adult diabetes services. Reported experiences were in line with previous reports from other settings in that they did not perceive services in this rural area of Australia as meeting their needs; suggestions for service redesign differed.Relevance to clinical practice.  New models of age‐appropriate service provision are required, to meet their needs for personal as well as other forms of support, whilst acknowledging the very real resource limitations of these locations.
Sexual self‐concept as influencing intended sexual health behaviour of young adolescent Taiwanese girls
Authors: Pai Hsiang‐Chu , Lee Sheuan 
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to test a process model that assesses the relationship of sexual health knowledge and normative beliefs to sexual health behavioural intention, with sexual self‐concept as a mediating variable. The model is intended to assist in the prediction of which adolescents would exhibit a lower intention to engage in protective sexual health behaviour.Background.  Previous research has shown that sexual‐related behaviours are associated with sexual self‐concept, sexual health knowledge and perceived parental/peer approval of sexual behaviour.Design.  This study is a cross‐sectional research.Methods.  This study was conducted with 545 adolescent girls, aged 12–15 years, from eight junior high schools in Taiwan. Participants were assessed using the Sexual Self‐Concept Inventory, the Sexual Health Behavior Intention Scale, the Parental Approval of Sexual Behavior Scale (PASB), the Friends’ Approval of Sexual Behavior Scale and the Sexual Health Knowledge Scale. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling, with the maximum likelihood estimate determined by the LISREL 8.52 program.Results.  The model exhibited adequate fit (goodness‐of‐fit index = 0·96, adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index = 0·94, normed fit index = 0·96, comparative fit index = 0·98, standardised root mean square residual = 0·049 and root mean square error of approximation = 0·048) and the findings indicate that sexual self‐concept was a significant influence on the relationship of sexual health knowledge and normative beliefs to sexual health behavioural intention.Conclusions.  The results of this study revealed the importance of sexual self‐concept for adolescent girls’ sexual health behaviour.Relevance to clinical practice.  Evidence‐based strategies that reinforce and clarify sexual self‐concept as a mediating factor may aid in adolescent females’ intention to engage in protective sexual health behaviour.
All change: the lived experience of younger women with cancer of the vulva
Authors: Jefferies Hilary , Clifford Collette 
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To generate an understanding of the women’s own perspectives of their care and address a gap in knowledge in relation to the broader impact of vulval cancer.Background.  Few people go though life without experiencing events that can change their perspective on how they see themselves, their role in society and their relationship with those around them. People are multi‐dimensional, so a person with has a physical illness is also affected psychologically and sociologically.Design.  Qualitative.Methods.  Based on the work of Heidegger and van Manen, an interpretative phenomenological research study was undertaken to explore the experiences of thirteen women under 50 years of age with vulval cancer living in the UK.Results.  Data were analysed using framework analysis and showed that a diagnosis of cancer of the vulva and the subsequent treatment has an effect on physical, psychological and sexual functioning.Conclusions.  The concept of ‘All Change’ expressed the sentiment that following the diagnosis and surgery, everything has changed; life is not the same as it was before diagnosis. This included both physical and psychological changes and impacts on perceptions of body image.Relevance to clinical practice.  The challenge is to raise awareness of vulval cancer among health care professions and society in general and determine the most effective interventions in facilitating pre and post operative support for these women.
Parents need to protect: influences, risks and tensions for parents of prepubertal children born with ambiguous genitalia
Authors: Sanders Caroline , Carter Bernie , Goodacre Lynne 
Published: June 2012

Aim and objectives.  The aim of the study was to explore parents’ experiences of and the influences, risks and tensions associated with their child’s genital ambiguity and the place reconstructive surgeries had in their lives.Background.  Research into the clinical management of disorders of sex development is a complex and growing field of study. A small number of studies have indicated that the decisions parents make with regard to their child’s care during infancy are confounded by moral, social and emotional factors which can influence their choices.Design.  Narrative methods.Methods.  In‐depth interviews elicited stories from 10 mothers and five fathers of 11 prepubertal children.Results.  A key theme from the data focused on the parents’ motivations to protect their child from the real or perceived threats arising from other people’s attitudes and responses to their ambiguous genitalia. Several rationales for their protective behaviours were described, which encouraged the parents to actively manage their child’s care.Conclusion.  The dilemmas that parents face in the complex and challenging situation following the birth of a child with ambiguous genitalia require early support from insightful professionals such as nurses. This support could better prepare the parents to recognise and discuss their protective behaviours and the impact these may have on their child’s future.Relevance to clinical practice.  These findings draw attention to the parents’ need for nurses to be knowledgeable about the impact that disorders of sex development can have on family’s emotional, psychosocial well‐being and decision‐making. Nurses’ awareness of the debate surrounding genital surgeries is important if they are to understand the motivations that underpin parents’ decision‐making and how to support them sensitively. Nurses are the health professionals who have the most consistent direct contact with these families throughout the child’s life and, therefore, can provide support in the ongoing decision‐making process.
Acupuncture prior to surgery to minimise postoperative nausea and vomiting: a systematic review
Authors: Holmér Pettersson Pia , Wengström Yvonne 
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this systematic review was to assess the outcome of acupuncture treatment prior to surgery in order to avoid or minimise postoperative nausea and vomiting.Background.  The symptoms of nausea and/or vomiting remain a huge problem for many patients after surgery. There is much debate around the best treatment for nausea and/or vomiting, and the most beneficial solution has yet to be found. Postoperative nausea and vomiting is not a life‐threatening symptom, but many patients express great distress and dissatisfaction with the existing treatment. Many patients rate their nausea similar to or worse than pain. Historically, treatments often include drug therapy, but not other non‐pharmacologic therapies, such as acupuncture or acupressure, which can have beneficial effects on nausea.Design.  A systematic literature review.Methods.  The review was undertaken using key words and electronic databases and included 21 papers from the years November 1996 until August 2009.Results.  The results indicate that the application of acupuncture reduced the incidence of nausea but not vomiting when compared with the use of antiemetic prophylaxis alone.Conclusions.  The results show that there is a lack of knowledge of the best treatment to minimise postoperative nausea and vomiting prior to surgery.Relevance to clinical practice.  The overall results of this review conclude that all kinds of AP stimulation, both non‐invasive and invasive, seem to prevent PONV with minimal side effects. The findings from this study can be used to inform future research to evaluate the effects of preoperative treatment with acupuncture vs. sham procedure before surgery to avoid PONV.
The effects of respiratory training for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lin Wei‐Chun , Yuan Su‐Chuan , Chien Jung‐Yien , Weng Shuo‐Chun , Chou Ming‐Chih , Kuo Hsien‐Wen 
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To assess the effects of respiratory training on lung function, activity tolerance and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Background.  For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary rehabilitation can increase activity tolerance and improve their psychological state by relieving dyspnoea and promoting their quality of life.Design.  A randomised clinical trial was conducted in a local hospital.Methods.  Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 20) and control groups (n = 20). Spirometry, six‐minute walking distance and quality of life were used to assess the efficacy of respiratory training programme.Results.  Significant improvement in lung function, including forced vital capacity (p = 0·037), forced expiratory volume in one‐second (p = 0·006) and per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in one‐second (p = 0·008) in the intervention group. Regarding efficacy of the training programme for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in forced expiratory volume in one‐second (p = 0·024) and per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in one‐second (p = 0·035), six‐minute walking distance significantly increased. In addition, there were significant improvements for symptoms (p = 0·018), impact (p < 0·001) and total quality of life scores (p < 0·001), as well as significantly decreased body mass, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity index (p = 0·004) in the intervention group.Conclusions.  A respiratory training programme for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was found to relieve dyspnoea, maintain lung function, increase activity tolerance and improve quality of life.Relevance to clinical practice.  Respiratory training programme can be used as a routine rehabilitation protocol for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and can be used by nurses as a reference to monitor chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients’ health status.
CD4+ and CD8+ Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) are Elevated and Display an Active Phenotype in Patients with Chronic HCV Mono‐Infection and HIV/HCV Co‐Infection
Authors: Hartling H. J. , Gaardbo J. C. , Ronit A. , Knudsen L. S. , Ullum H. , Vainer B. , Clausen M. R. , Skogstrand K. , Gerstoft J. , Nielsen S. D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood and liver tissue in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono‐infection and in patients with HIV/HCV co‐infection. In a cross‐sectional study were included 51 patients with chronic HCV infection, 24 patients with HIV/HCV co‐infection and 24 healthy individuals. CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs were determined using flow cytometry. Fibrosis was examined by transient elastography. Inflammation, fibrosis and Tregs were determined in liver biopsies from 12 patients. Increased frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs was found in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients [median: 6.4% (IQR: 5.7–6.9) and 1.0% (0.7–1.2), respectively] compared to HCV mono‐infected patients [5.6% (4.2–6.3), P = 0.01 and 0.5% (0.3–0.7), P < 0.001, respectively]. Furthermore, HCV mono‐infected patients had increased frequencies of Tregs compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05). However, no associations between the frequency of Tregs and fibrosis were found. Furthermore, characterization of CD4+ Tregs using CD45RA demonstrated a higher frequency of activated Tregs in both HCV mono‐infected and HIV/HCV co‐infected patients compared with healthy controls. Finally, number of intrahepatic Tregs was associated with both peripheral CD8+ Tregs and intrahepatic inflammation. In conclusion, HCV mono‐infected patients and particularly HIV/HCV co‐infected patients have increased the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, CD4+ Tregs in infected patients displayed an active phenotype. Tregs were not associated with fibrosis, but a positive correlation between intrahepatic Tregs and inflammation was found. Taken together, these results suggest a role for Tregs in the pathogenesis of chronic HCV infection.
Antinuclear Antibodies in Rheumatic Disease: A Proposal for a Function‐Based Classification
Authors: Pisetsky D. S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAntinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are a diverse group of autoantibodies that bind macromolecular components of the cell nucleus. While some ANAs occur in normal individuals, others are expressed almost exclusively in patients with rheumatic disease and serve as markers for diagnosis and prognosis. Despite the clinical associations of ANAs, the relationship of these antibodies to specific disease manifestations is often unknown because the target antigens are intracellular molecules that are ubiquitously expressed. In systemic lupus erythematosus, the role of ANAs in disease manifestations is better understood, especially for antibodies to DNA and related nucleosomal antigens. These antibodies can promote nephritis by the formation of immune complexes that are deposited in the kidney. In addition, anti‐DNA, along with antibodies to RNA‐binding proteins such as anti‐Sm, can induce non‐specific immune abnormalities based on the induction of type interferon 1 by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Despite ANA expression in rheumatic disease, studies in animal models of inflammation and tissue injury indicate that antibodies to certain nuclear molecules such as HMGB1 have protective effects. Together, these considerations suggest a function‐based classification of ANAs based on their expression in normal and autoimmune individuals as well as their capacity to induce or attenuate immunological disturbances. This classification provides a framework to elucidate the serological features of rheumatic disease and the often uncertain relationship between ANA expression and disease manifestations.
LDL Apheresis and Inflammation – Implications for Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hovland A. , Lappegård K. T. , Mollnes T. E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractLow‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis is an extracorporeal treatment modality used in high‐risk patients when LDL cholesterol levels cannot be reduced adequately with medication. The treatment is highly effective, but could be affected by potential unwanted effects on pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers. In this paper, we review the literature regarding the effect of LDL apheresis on pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers important in atherosclerosis, also as patients in LDL apheresis have high risk for atherosclerotic complications. We discuss the effect of LDL apheresis on complement, cytokines and finally a group of other selected pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers. The complement system is affected by LDL apheresis, and there are differences between different LDL apheresis systems. The plasma separation columns seem to trigger the formation of proinflammatory complement factors including C3a and C5a, while the same anaphylatoxins are adsorbed by the LDL apheresis columns, however, to varying degree. Proinflammatory cytokines are to some extent adsorbed by the LDL apheresis columns, while some of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines increase during treatment. Finally, we discuss the effect of apheresis on different biomarkers including C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, adhesion molecules, myeloperoxidase and HDL cholesterol. In conclusion, even if there are differences between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers during LDL apheresis, the consequences for the patients are largely unknown and larger studies need to be performed. Preferably, they should be comparing the effect of different LDL apheresis columns on the total inflammatory profile, and this should be related to clinical endpoints.
The distribution of TPX2 in dividing leaf cells of the fern Asplenium nidus
Authors: Panteris E. , Adamakis I.‐D. S. , Chanoumidou K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPlant cell division requires the dynamic organisation of several microtubule arrays. The mechanisms of regulation of the above arrays are under rigorous research. Among several factors that are involved in plant microtubule dynamics, the Targeting Protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) has been found to play a role in spindle organisation, in combination with Aurora kinases, in dividing cells of angiosperms. Microtubule organisation in dividing cells of ferns exhibits certain peculiarities. Accordingly, the presence and distribution of a TPX2 homologue might be helpful in understanding the patterns and regulatory mechanisms of microtubule arrays in this plant group. In this study, a putative TPX2 homologue was identified using Western blotting in the fern Asplenium nidus. It was found, using immunostaining and CLSM, that it is co‐localised with perinuclear preprophase microtubules and the prophase spindle, and follows the microtubule pattern during metaphase/anaphase and telophase. During cytokinesis, while in angiosperms TPX2 is degraded, in A. nidus the TPX2 signal persists, co‐localising with the phragmoplast. In early post‐cytokinetic cells, a TPX2 signal is present on the nuclear surface facing the daughter cell wall and, thereafter it is co‐localised with the fern‐specific microtubule aggregation that lines the new wall, which is possibly involved in cortical microtubule assembly.