bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among Iranian blood donors, 1998–2007
Authors: Kafi‐Abad S. Amini , Rezvan H. , Abolghasemi H. 
Published: August 2009

summary.Assessment of the quality of donor selection and safety of the blood supply can be estimated by monitoring the prevalence of the serologic markers of infectious disease in screening tests. In the present study, changes in rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are studied in the period 1998–2007 in Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO). Prevalence of serological marker of HBV infection [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)] was evaluated in blood donations in Iran as well as for Fars province representing a low prevalence, and Sistan‐Baluchestan (S&B) province as a high prevalence region throughout 1998–2007. For assessing frequency of infection, the prevalence of HBsAg per 100 000 donations and 95% confidential intervals (95% CIs) is calculated.Pvalue is estimated by χ2test. A total of 14 599 783 donations were collected during 10 years. The overall HBsAg prevalence rates declined from a 1.79% (1789/100 000 donations) in 1998 to 0.41% (409/100 000 donations) in 2007 in Iran. In Fars province, HBsAg prevalence decreased from 0.89% in 92 999 donations in 1998 to 0.34% in 148 014 donations in 2007 and in S&B province, the rate of HBsAg has gone down from 3.74% in 44 036 donations in 1998 to 1.15% in 56 057 donations in 2007. The frequency of HBV infection entering the blood supply has decreased over this period as a result of improvement in donor recruitment and selection, usage of software in transfusion services and possibly decreasing HBV infection prevalence in general population.
Recently introduced Aedes albopictus in Corsica is competent to Chikungunya virus and in a lesser extent to dengue virus
Authors: Moutailler Sara , Barré Hélène , Vazeille Marie , Failloux Anna‐Bella 
Published: August 2009

Summary Aedes albopictus has been established in Europe for some decades rendering temperate countries vulnerable to tropical diseases. The Italian chikungunya (CHIK) outbreak in the summer of 2007 demonstrated that indigenous transmission of CHIK was possible in Europe. To estimate the risk of a CHIK outbreak in Corsica, we assessed the vector competence of A. albopictus established in the island since 2006 towards a CHIK variant (E1‐A226V). A dengue serotype 2 virus was also tested. Experimental infections showed that A. albopictus was highly competent to CHIK virus (disseminated infection rates ranging from 75% to 100%) and to a lesser extent, to dengue virus (12.5–68.8%). Moreover, A. albopictus ensured a high level of viral replication and was able to transmit the virus as early as 2 days after ingestion of infected blood with around 1 000 viral RNA available in salivary glands. The risk for a local transmission of CHIK is thus likely in Corsica, if other parameters determining the vector capacity of A. albopictus are suitable.
“Reconsidering the Study of International Migration: A Way Forward for Macrostructural Migration Research”
Authors: Sanderson Matthew R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe “globalization of migration” has raised new and important questions about the macrostructural or global determinants of international population movements (Castles and Miller, 2003). Yet there remains a dearth of cross‐national, empirical research in this area (Portes, 1997). In one of the earliest attempts to empirically identify macrostructural determinants of migration, Amankwaa makes an important contribution to the literature (1995). There are, however, some conceptual, analytical, and methodological shortcomings in Amankwaa’s analysis of migration. These deficiencies merit comment because Amankwaa’s paper could become an increasingly important source of information for public policies and analytical research efforts, particularly as international migration continues to garner increased attention from public policy practitioners and academic researchers. I address key deficiencies in Amankwaa’s study and describe a more robust analytical framework and more rigorous methodological techniques for future research inquiries into the relationship between globalization and international migration.
Shape and mechanics in thalattosuchian (Crocodylomorpha) skulls: implications for feeding behaviour and niche partitioning
Authors: Pierce S. E. , Angielczyk K. D. , Rayfield E. J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractVariation in modern crocodilian and extinct thalattosuchian crocodylomorph skull morphology is only weakly correlated with phylogeny, implying that factors other than evolutionary proximity play important roles in determining crocodile skull shape. To further explore factors potentially influencing morphological differentiation within the Thalattosuchia, we examine teleosaurid and metriorhynchid skull shape variation within a mechanical and dietary context using a combination of finite element modelling and multivariate statistics. Patterns of stress distribution through the skull were found to be very similar in teleosaurid and metriorhynchid species, with stress peaking at the posterior constriction of the snout and around the enlarged supratemporal fenestrae. However, the magnitudes of stresses differ, with metriorhynchids having generally stronger skulls. As with modern crocodilians, a strong linear relationship between skull length and skull strength exists, with short‐snouted morphotypes experiencing less stress through the skull than long‐snouted morphotypes under equivalent loads. Selection on snout shape related to dietary preference was found to work in orthogonal directions in the two families: diet is associated with snout length in teleosaurids and with snout width in metriorhynchids, suggesting that teleosaurid skulls were adapted for speed of attack and metriorhynchid skulls for force production. Evidence also indicates that morphological and functional differentiation of the skull occurred as a result of dietary preference, allowing closely related sympatric species to exploit a limited environment. Comparisons of the mechanical performance of the thalattosuchian skull with extant crocodilians show that teleosaurids and long‐snouted metriorhynchids exhibit stress magnitudes similar to or greater than those of long‐snouted modern forms, whereas short‐snouted metriorhynchids display stress magnitudes converging on those found in short‐snouted modern species. As a result, teleosaurids and long‐snouted metriorhynchids were probably restricted to lateral attacks of the head and neck, but short‐snouted metriorhynchids may have been able to employ the grasp and shake and/or ‘death roll’ feeding and foraging behaviours.
The origin, molecular regulation and therapeutic potential of myogenic stem cell populations
Authors: Otto A. , Collins‐Hooper H. , Patel K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSatellite cells, originating in the embryonic dermamyotome, reside beneath the myofibre of mature adult skeletal muscle and constitute the tissue‐specific stem cell population. Recent advances following the identification of markers for these cells (including Pax7, Myf5, c‐Met and CD34) (CD, cluster of differentiation; c‐Met, mesenchymal epithelial transition factor) have led to a greater understanding of the role played by satellite cells in the regeneration of new skeletal muscle during growth and following injury. In response to muscle damage, satellite cells harbour the ability both to form myogenic precursors and to self‐renew to repopulate the stem cell niche following myofibre damage. More recently, other stem cell populations including bone marrow stem cells, skeletal muscle side population cells and mesoangioblasts have also been shown to have myogenic potential in culture, and to be able to form skeletal muscle myofibres in vivo and engraft into the satellite cell niche. These cell types, along with satellite cells, have shown potential when used as a therapy for skeletal muscle wasting disorders where the intrinsic stem cell population is genetically unable to repair non‐functioning muscle tissue. Accurate understanding of the mechanisms controlling satellite cell lineage progression and self‐renewal as well as the recruitment of other stem cell types towards the myogenic lineage is crucial if we are to exploit the power of these cells in combating myopathic conditions. Here we highlight the origin, molecular regulation and therapeutic potential of all the major cell types capable of undergoing myogenic differentiation and discuss their potential therapeutic application.
Travelling theory in China: contextualization, compromise and combination
Authors: LIU MENG , HU YANHONG , LIAO MINLI 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this article we explore the dissemination of human rights ideas in China through an ethnographic study of three women's organizations: the government's ‘letters and complaints’ department, the governmental NGO affiliated with it, and a legal aid centre; all are located in Beijing. We argue that there are two paths in China for the transmission of international human rights ideas – a government one and a non‐government one. The government path, featured as contextual and compromising, is rooted in socialist and collective values, and the governmental organizations we studied function squarely within the domestic legal framework and the concept of ‘women's rights and interests’. The non‐governmental path, by contrast, characterized by vernacularization, namely a combination of international ideas with local practice to promote legal reform in China, is the result of economic development and interactions with the international community. Both paths interact within their different spheres to further the development of women's rights.
Involvement of protein kinase C and Src tyrosine kinase in acute tolerance to ethanol inhibition of spinal NMDA‐induced pressor responses in rats
Authors: Hsieh W‐K , Lin H‐H , Lai C‐C 
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  The present study was carried out to examine the role of protein kinases in the development of acute tolerance to the effects of ethanol on spinal N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated pressor responses during prolonged ethanol exposure.Experimental approach:  Blood pressure responses induced by intrathecal injection of NMDA were recorded. The levels of several phosphorylated residues on NMDA receptor NR1 (GluN1) (NR1) and NMDA receptor NR2B (GluN2B) (NR2B) subunits were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.Key results:  Ethanol inhibited spinal NMDA‐induced pressor responses at 10 min, but the inhibition was significantly reduced at 40 min following continuous infusion. This effect was dose‐dependently blocked by chelerythrine [a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, 1–1000 pmol] or PP2 (a Src family tyrosine kinase inhibitor, 1–100 pmol) administered intrathecally 10 min following ethanol infusion. A significant increase in the immunoreactivity of phosphoserine 896 of NR1 subunits (pNR1‐Ser896) and phosphotyrosine 1336 of NR2B subunits (pNR2B‐Tyr1336) was found in neurons of intermediolateral cell column during the development of tolerance. Levels of pNR1‐Ser896 and pNR2B‐Tyr1336 were also significantly increased in lateral horn regions of the spinal cord slices incubated with ethanol for 40 min in vitro. The increases in pNR1‐Ser896 and pNR2B‐Tyr1336 levels were inhibited by post‐treatment with chelerythrine and PP2, respectively, both in the in vivo and in vitro studies.Conclusions and implications:  The results suggest that activation of PKC and Src tyrosine kinase during prolonged ethanol exposure leading to increases in the levels of pNR1‐Ser896 and pNR2B‐Tyr1336 may contribute to acute tolerance to inhibition by ethanol of NMDA receptor function.
A nurse‐led intensive care after‐care programme – development, experiences and preliminary evaluation
Authors: Samuelson Karin AM , Corrigan Ingrid 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBackground: The benefits of critical care follow‐up services include increased understanding of the long‐term consequences of intensive care and entail helping patients and their next of kin to come to terms with their problems and distress following critical illness and intensive care treatment.Aims: To establish an intensive care after‐care programme and to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the follow‐up service from the patients' and relatives' perspectives in a general intensive care unit (ICU) in Sweden.Design: A descriptive and evaluative design was used, and data from the first year of the after‐care programme were collected. The final programme was nurse led and included five main points; a patient diary with colour photographs, ward visits, a patient information pamphlet, a follow‐up consultation 2–3 months after intensive care discharge and feedback to the ICU staff. An evaluation questionnaire was handed out to patients and next of kin attending the follow‐up clinic, e.g. asking the respondents to rate their satisfaction of the consultation on a visual analogue scale (VAS).Results: The first year of after‐care statistics showed that 170 survivors with a stay of 48 h or more were discharged from the ICU, resulting in 190 ward visits and 79 follow‐up consultations. The preliminary evaluation revealed that the 2‐month follow‐up consultation achieved a median VAS rating of 9·8 (ranging from 1 to 10, poor to excellent) from both patients and next of kin.Conclusion: The development and preliminary evaluation of this nurse‐led intensive care programme resulted in a feasible programme, requiring modest resources, with a high level of patient and relative satisfaction.Relevance to clinical practice: This paper attempts to share with professional colleagues important steps during the developmental process of establishing an intensive care follow‐up service and presents the content and preliminary evaluation of a nurse‐led intensive care after‐care programme focusing on the patients' and relatives' perspectives.
Characteristics of deaths in paediatric intensive care: a 10‐year study
Authors: Sands Rebecca , Manning Joseph C , Vyas Harish , Rashid Asrar 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTObjective: To describe the patient mortality over a 10‐year period in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) including patient demographics, length of stay, cause and mode of death and to compare these findings with pre‐existing literature from the western world.Design: A retrospective chart review.Setting: A UK tertiary PICU.Patients: All children who died in the PICU over a 10‐year period between 1 November 1997 and 31 October 2007 (n = 204).Interventions: None.Measurements and main results: Data recorded for each patient included patient demographics, length of stay and cause of death according to the International Classification of Disease‐10 classification, and mode of death. Mode of death was assigned for each patient by placement in one of four categories: (i) brain death (BD), (ii) managed withdrawal of life‐sustaining medical therapy (MWLSMT), (iii) failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and (iv) limitation of treatment (LT). Over the study period, findings showed a median length of stay of 2 days (IQR 0–5 days), with a mortality rate of 5%. The most common mode of death was MWLSMT (n = 112, 54.9%) and this was consistent across the 10‐year period. Linear regression analysis demonstrated no significant change in trend over the 10 years in each of the modes of death; BD (p = 0.84), MWLSMT (p = 0.88), CPR (p = 0.35) and LT (p = 0.67).Conclusion: End‐of‐life care is an important facet of paediatric intensive nursing/medicine. Ten years on from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health publication ‘Withholding or withdrawing life sustaining treatment in children: A framework for practice’, this study found managed withdrawal of MWLSMT to be the most commonly practised mode of death in a tertiary PICU, and this was consistent over the study period.
Postoperative hyperglycaemia of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery – a clinical audit
Authors: Lehwaldt Daniela , Kingston Mary , O'Connor Sheila 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBackground: Previous studies have shown that hyperglycaemia is associated with postoperative complications in cardiac surgical patients. Conversely, well‐controlled glucose levels are said to reduce major infectious complications in diabetic patients.Aim/Objectives: The purpose of this clinical audit was to evaluate the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to determine the effectiveness of postoperative glycaemic control.Methods: A group of 150 patients from a large Irish cardiac surgery centre was selected by convenience sampling. An audit tool was designed to capture the patients' blood glucose levels, treatment regimes and postoperative complications.Findings: The findings showed major variations between ‘high’, ‘good’ and ‘borderline’ blood glucose levels in the pre‐ and postoperative phase. Although blood glucose testing practices seemed inconsistent, mean levels measured ‘borderline’. Furthermore, the treatment regimes varied greatly and suggest a lack of consensus regarding the management of postoperative hyperglycaemia. A total of 52% (n = 78) patients developed 114 complications with a level of 21·4% (n = 32) postoperative wound infections.Conclusion: The findings from this audit highlight the importance of regular blood glucose testing to enable early detection of hyperglycaemia and timely initiation of appropriate treatments regimes for diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Findings also show that hyperglycaemia derangement may make a difference in the recovery phase. While patients will benefit from lesser wound infections, hospitals might save costs involved with treating postoperative complications.Relevance to practice: More consistent blood glucose testing might be achieved through the use of evidence‐based protocols. However, the education of staff is as important as it develops knowledge on the complex metabolic interactions of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. While this means investing in staff education and policy development, costs for daily care and expensive treatments for complications will be saved as patient recovery will be speedier and less eventful.
PROGRESS IN UREMIC TOXIN RESEARCH: Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Symmetric Dimethylarginine: Axis of Evil or Useful Alliance?
Authors: Kielstein Jan T. , Fliser Danilo , Veldink Hendrik 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAlmost 40 years ago, in 1970, Kakimoto and Akazawa were the first to isolate and describe N‐N, N‐G‐ and N‐G,N′‐G‐dimethyl‐arginine from human urine. Today, these substances are known as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). In their detailed and meticulous publication, Kakimoto and Akazawa speculated about these two compounds: “They may have functional importance in proteins in which they are formed. If they are excreted into the urine as metabolites of body proteins, amounts of these substances in human urine may reflect methylation rate of body proteins and their turnover rates and determination of these substances might be important for the study of various pathological states.” The following decades proved them to be right. ADMA, the most potent endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor was first found to be elevated in hemodialysis patients. It has been shown to correlate with traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors. ADMA is also a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and death in both patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD, stage 2–5) and in the general population. Moreover, ADMA predicts the progression of CKD. SDMA, the structural isomer of ADMA, has been shown to be an excellent marker of renal function in human and animal studies. There is emerging evidence that SDMA might also be involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis although it is only thought to be a (weak) indirect inhibitor of NOS. There is burgeoning evidence that these two substances may indeed damage normal physiological functions, or interfere with physiological defense mechanisms in CKD, play a role in the progression of renal disease, induce uremic symptoms, and may even contribute to dialysis‐related complications. Hence these compounds are considered uremic toxins. This review summarizes our current concept how these two compounds might play a crucial part in the pathophysiology of uremia, either alone or in their combination. We also allude to the potential physiological role these substances might have.
PROGRESS IN UREMIC TOXIN RESEARCH: Free Immunoglobulin Light Chains as a Risk Factor in Renal and Extrarenal Complications
Authors: Cohen Gerald , Hörl Walter H. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractImmunoglobulin light chains (IgLCs) are part of intact immunoglobulins and contribute to antigen recognition. However, IgLCs are synthesized by B cells slightly in excess of Ig heavy chains and are found in the plasma of healthy people at low concentrations. IgLCs are metabolized primarily by the kidney. In B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders, e.g., multiple myeloma, the serum concentration of monoclonal IgLCs markedly increases and the reabsorptive capacity of the proximal tubuli is exceeded. As a consequence, monoclonal IgLCs appear as Bence Jones proteins (BJPs) in the urine and can give rise to IgLC deposits in the kidney that may result in renal insufficiency. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) of various origins, reduced excretion leads to increased serum levels of polyclonal IgLCs. Free IgLCs interfere with essential functions of neutrophils, cells of the first‐line nonspecific immune defense, and therefore contribute to the disturbed immune function in CKD patients. IgLCs attenuate the coordinated apoptotic cell death of neutrophils and therefore may interfere with the normal resolution of inflammation and contribute to the chronic inflammatory state found in CKD patients. Recently it was shown that IgLCs may confer mast cell‐dependent hypersensitivity and thereby play an important role in the development of contact sensitivity.
PROGRESS IN UREMIC TOXIN RESEARCH: Beta2‐Microglobulin
Authors: Drüeke Tilman B. , Massy Ziad A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAmong the uremic toxins in the “middle molecule” range, beta2‐microglobulin (β2‐M) is certainly one of the most frequently studied compounds. Its serum level increases with the progression of chronic kidney disease, to reach very high concentrations in patients with end‐stage kidney disease. It is the major protein component of dialysis‐related amyloidosis, a dramatic complication which results from high extracellular concentration and posttranslational modification of β2‐M and a number of other promoters of amyloid fibril formation and deposition in osteo‐articular tissues. Effective removal of β2‐M can be achieved with highly effective hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration techniques but predialysis session serum levels cannot be normalized. The prevalence and severity of β2‐M amyloidosis appear to have decreased in the last 20 years, although its occurrence may simply be delayed.