bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rotavirus and norovirus infections in children in Sana’a, Yemen
Authors: Kirby Andrew , Al‐Eryani Ali , Al‐Sonboli Najla , Hafiz Taghreed , Beyer Mandy , Al‐Aghbari Nasher , Al‐Moheri Nahala , Dove Winifred , Cunliffe Nigel A. , Cuevas Luis E. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryObjectives  To describe the epidemiology of rotavirus and norovirus infection among children with acute gastroenteritis in Sana’a, Yemen.Methods  A cross‐sectional study from November 2007 to March 2009 of children aged 1 month to 5 years attending the emergency and outpatient departments of two hospitals in Sana’a with acute gastroenteritis. Rotavirus was detected by ELISA and genotyped by RT‐PCR. Norovirus was detected by End Point RT‐PCR and nucleotide sequencing.Results  A total of 290 children (48% in the emergency department and 52% in the outpatient department of the children respectively) were enrolled. Rotavirus infections were detected in 78 (27%) and norovirus infections in 30 (10%). Rotavirus genotypes included G1P[8] (55%), G9P[8] (21%) and G2P[4] (12%) with G12 comprising 3% of strain types. The main norovirus genotype was GII.4 (27%) with >10 other genotypes detected.Conclusions  Rotavirus and norovirus infections are common causes of gastroenteritis in Yemen. Rotavirus vaccines could play a significant role in the control of acute childhood diarrhoea in this setting.
Venous outflow obstruction after orthotopic liver transplantation: use of a breast implant to maintain graft position
Authors: Gastaca Mikel , Valdivieso Andrés , Ruiz Patricia , Gonzalez Javier , Ventoso Alberto , de Urbina Jorge Ortiz 
Published: March 2011

Gastaca M, Valdivieso A, Ruiz P, Gonzalez J, Ventoso A, Ortiz de Urbina J. Venous outflow obstruction after orthotopic liver transplantation: use of a breast implant to maintain graft position. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E320–E326. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO) is a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) usually related to technical issues or to malposition or kinking of the hepatic graft. When HVOO is diagnosed during the early post‐transplant period, surgical options are technically very demanding and outcomes discouraging. Therefore, angioplasty and stent placement have been indicated to avoid a chronic lesion of the graft. Three cases of HVOO after OLT are reported. HVOO was diagnosed during the early post‐transplant period and was due to graft malposition in two patients and kinking of the vena cava anastomosis in one. All patients were successfully treated with a 300‐cc gel‐filled breast implant surgically placed in the right hepatic fossa with the liver graft resting on it. Massive ascites in all three patients disappeared and renal impairment resolved within two wk post‐implant placement. No prosthesis‐related complications have been observed after a follow‐up ranging from 30 to 58 months. We describe a simple and effective method of maintaining the liver graft in an adequate position to achieve prolonged relief of the outflow obstruction for the whole graft and discuss the advantages of a breast implant over stent placement or the use of different balloon catheters.
Patterns of Corpora Lutea Growth and Progesterone Secretion in Sows with Thrifty Genotype and Leptin Resistance due to Leptin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms (Iberian Pig)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Añover P , Encinas T , Torres‐Rovira L , Sanz E , Pallares P , Ros JM , Gomez‐Izquierdo E , Sanchez‐Sanchez R , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A 
Published: March 2011

ContentsThe current study aimed to compare luteal function, as measured by corpora lutea dynamics and progesterone secretion, in 10 sows with obesity/leptin resistance genotype (Iberian pig) and 10 females of lean commercial crosses (Large White × Landrace). In all the animals, the oestrous cycle was synchronized with progestagens, and ovulation was induced by exogenous gonadotrophins. Thereafter, number and size of follicles and plasma oestradiol concentration were determined at oestrus detection, and number and size of corpora lutea and progesterone concentration were evaluated from Day 4 to 12 of the cycle. There were no differences between genotypes in follicle population and oestradiol concentration, and ovulation rate (15.2 ± 1.3 in Iberian vs 12.7 ± 1.8 in LWxL sows); however, there was a higher percentage of Iberian than control sows showing luteal cysts (66.7% vs 30%, respectively; p < 0.05). In both breeds, both total luteal area and plasma progesterone concentration grew linearly from Day 4 to 8 (p < 0.01) and remained more stable between Days 8 and 12, without significant differences between genotypes. In conclusion, current study supports that ovulatory processes and luteal functionality are not the main limiting factors for prolificacy in a pig model of leptin resistance and obesity.
Advances in membranous nephropathy: Success stories of a long journey
Authors: Ronco Pierre , Debiec Hanna 
Published: March 2011

Summary1. embranous nephropathy is characterized by an accumulation of immune deposits on the outer aspect of the glomerular basement membrane.2. In the rat model described by Heymann in 1959, the target antigen of antibodies is megalin, a multiligand receptor expressed in the rat glomerulus but absent from the human glomerulus.3. In recent years, two major antigens have been identified in human membranous nephropathy (MN). The first is neutral endopeptidase (NEP), the alloantigen involved in neonatal cases of MN that occur in newborns from NEP‐deficient mothers. The second is the M‐type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), the first autoantigen identified in idiopathic MN in the adult. Megalin, NEP and PLA2R are all expressed on the podocyte surface, where they can serve as targets for circulating antibodies, leading to in situ immune complex formation, complement activation and proteinuria.4. In addition to podocyte antigens, we recently showed that some patients with childhood MN had both circulating cationic bovine serum albumin (BSA) and anti‐BSA antibodies, with BSA being present in immune deposits. This suggests that food antigens may be involved in MN through charge‐dependent binding to the anionic glomerular capillary wall and in situ formation of immune complexes.
Chronic activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase prevents 20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid‐induced endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Ward Natalie C , Chen Kai , Li Chunying , Croft Kevin D , Keaney John F 
Published: March 2011

Summary1. 20‐Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20‐HETE) is a potent vasoconstrictor involved in vascular dysfunction and blood pressure regulation. Studies have revealed strong associations between 20‐HETE and endothelial dysfunction; however, the signalling mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 20‐HETE on the association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90).2. In mouse aortic rings, 20‐HETE significantly enhanced the constriction to phenylephrine and inhibited the relaxation to acetylcholine (P = 0.05 vs control rings). In mice with chronic AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, this protected against the negative effects of 20‐HETE (P < 0.05). Immunoprecipitation of eNOS in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with 20‐HETE revealed a decrease in basal and vascular endothelial growth factor‐stimulated Hsp90 association with eNOS (P < 0.05). Pretreatment of cells with 5′‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxyamide‐ribonucleoside (AICAR; a chronic activator of AMPK) prevented the loss of Hsp90 association with eNOS following 20‐HETE treatment. Treatment with 20‐HETE for 24 h induced an increase in eNOS phosphorylation that was not seen following acute treatment (30 min). The increased eNOS phosphorylation was accompanied by transient changes in Akt phosphorylation.3. In conclusion, 20‐HETE impairs eNOS–Hsp90 association, which can be reversed by chronic activation of AMPK. This provides a mechanism for reduced nitric oxide bioactivity and endothelial dysfunction in diseases with elevated 20‐HETE levels, such as hypertension.
Reactive oxygen species and the central nervous system in salt‐sensitive hypertension: possible relationship with obesity‐induced hypertension
Authors: Ando Katsuyuki , Fujita Megumi 
Published: March 2011

Summary1. There are multiple and complex mechanisms of salt‐induced hypertension; however, central sympathoexcitation plays an important role. In addition, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased in salt‐sensitive hypertensive humans and animals. Thus, we hypothesized that brain ROS overproduction may increase blood pressure (BP) by central sympathostimulation.2. Recently, we demonstrated that ROS levels were elevated in the hypothalamus of salt‐sensitive hypertensive animals. Moreover, intracerebroventricular anti‐oxidants suppressed BP and renal sympathetic nerve activity more in salt‐sensitive than non‐salt‐sensitive hypertensive rats. Thus, brain ROS overproduction increased BP through central sympathoexcitation in salt‐sensitive hypertension.3. Salt sensitivity of BP is enhanced in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Interestingly, it is also suggested that, in obesity‐induced hypertension models, increases in BP are caused by brain ROS‐induced central sympathoexcitation.4. Recent studies suggest that increased ROS production in the brain and central sympathoexcitation may share a common pathway that increases BP in both salt‐ and obesity‐induced hypertension.
Role model behaviors of nursing faculty members in Thailand
Authors: Klunklin Areewan , Sawasdisingha Piyawan , Viseskul Nongkran , Funashima Naomi , Kameoka Tomomi , Nomoto Yuriko , Nakayama Toshiko 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBeing a role model is very important in order for nurse teachers to promote students' competence and confidence. This descriptive study aimed at exploring the role model behavior of nursing faculty members in Thailand. The Self‐Evaluation Scale on Role Model Behaviors for Nursing Faculty (Thai version) was used to collect data from 320 nursing faculty members in eight schools of nursing, four university nursing schools, one college under the Ministry of Public Health, one under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and two private schools of nursing. The results revealed that the mean score of the overall items in the role model behaviors of nursing faculty members in Thailand, as perceived by themselves, was at a high level. The scores on each subscale of the role model behaviors also were high and related to respect for students, enthusiastic and high‐quality teaching activities, showing the value of nursing practice and the nursing profession, social appropriateness, and ongoing professional development. The results can be used to further develop nurse professionals and to improve the effectiveness of clinical teaching in Thailand.
An unusual case of air within the bladder wall: Bladder pneumatosis?
Authors: Medina‐Polo José , Nuñez‐Sobrino Juan Antonio , Díaz‐González Rafael 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEmphysematous cystitis is a potentially life‐threatening condition characterized by the amassing of gas within the wall of the bladder, as a result of infection by gas‐forming organisms. However, the amassing of gas in the wall of the bladder does not always result from an infectious etiology. Here we report the case of a patient diagnosed with lung cancer and treated with chemotherapy, where there was air within the bladder wall accompanied by pneumoperitoneum. The presence of an infectious etiology was not clear, and the patient responded successfully to medical treatment. Although emphysematous cystitis is the most common diagnosis, the presence of gas within the wall of the bladder is a sign and not a disease per se. In our opinion, the case displays similar characteristics to those of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, and for this reason we refer to it as bladder pneumatosis.
Nurses' perceptions of a mental health education programme for Australian nurses
Authors: Joyce Terry , Higgins Isabel , Magin Parker , Goode Susan , Pond Dimity , Stone Teresa , Elsom Stephen , O'Neill Kerry 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTIn the present study, we present qualitative findings of study of nurses' perceptions of a mental health education programme for Australian nurses. Many nurses avoid disclosing their mental health problem/illness because of the stigmatization by health workers. Mental health education is a successful means to address workplace stigma; thus, it can be anticipated that such education can address workplace difficulties experienced by nurses with mental health problems. During 2008, a qualitative study was conducted to obtain nurses' perceptions of a short mental health education programme for nurses. The workshop purpose was to improve mental health literacy in order to improve support to colleagues with mental health problems. Semistructured, audio‐taped interviews were conducted with 13 nurses and then transcribed. A framework analysis approach guided interpretation of the data. The education programme had limited effect on the participants' attitudes towards colleagues with mental health problems. This was likely due to their high level of mental health literacy and experiences prior to the workshop. Participants felt that a more focused nurse‐specific programme might have been more efficacious. Implementing a nurse‐specific education session is potentially an effective means to improve support to nurses who experience mental health problems.
Successful in vitro fertilization pregnancy following magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound surgery for uterine fibroids
Authors: Zaher Summia , Lyons Deidre , Regan Lesley 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe describe an in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy and delivery after magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for a symptomatic uterine fibroid. A 45‐year‐old para 0 + 1, with four previous failed IVF treatments underwent MRgFUS for a single anterior wall fibroid causing intra‐cavitary distortion and conceived after the first IVF cycle 10 months following the procedure. The patient received shared antenatal care. She was admitted in spontaneous labor at term but delivered by emergency cesarean section a healthy male infant. We describe the first IVF pregnancy following MRgFUS for a symptomatic fibroid.
Bacterial enzymes for dissimilatory sulfate reduction in a marine microbial mat (Black Sea) mediating anaerobic oxidation of methane
Authors: Basen Mirko , Krüger Martin , Milucka Jana , Kuever Jan , Kahnt Jörg , Grundmann Olav , Meyerdierks Anke , Widdel Friedrich , Shima Seigo 
Published: March 2011

SummaryAnaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) with sulfate is catalysed by microbial consortia of archaea and bacteria affiliating with methanogens and sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacteria respectively. There is evidence that methane oxidation is catalysed by enzymes related to those in methanogenesis, but the enzymes for sulfate reduction coupled to AOM have not been examined. We collected microbial mats with high AOM activity from a methane seep in the Black Sea. The mats consisted mainly of archaea of the ANME‐2 group and bacteria of the Desulfosarcina–Desulfococcus group. Cell‐free mat extract contained activities of enzymes involved in sulfate reduction to sulfide: ATP sulfurylase (adenylyl : sulfate transferase; Sat), APS reductase (Apr) and dissimilatory sulfite reductase (Dsr). We partially purified the enzymes by anion‐exchange chromatography. The amounts obtained indicated that the enzymes are abundant in the mat, with Sat accounting for 2% of the soluble mat protein. N‐terminal amino acid sequences of purified proteins suggested similarities to the corresponding enzymes of known species of sulfate‐reducing bacteria. The deduced amino acid sequence of PCR‐amplified genes of the Apr subunits is similar to that of Apr of the Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus group. These results indicate that the major enzymes involved in sulfate reduction in the Back Sea microbial mats are of bacterial origin, most likely originating from the bacterial partner in the consortium.
Patient‐reported outcomes are superior in patients with Type 2 diabetes treated with liraglutide as compared with exenatide, when added to metformin, sulphonylurea or both: results from a randomized, open‐label study
Authors: Schmidt W. E. , Christiansen J. S. , Hammer M. , Zychma M. J. , Buse J. B. 
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 715–723 (2011)AbstractAims  The Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes 6 trial was an open‐label trial comparing liraglutide with exenatide as an ‘add‐on’ to metformin and/or sulphonylurea.Methods  Patients with Type 2 diabetes were randomized to liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily or exenatide 10 μg twice daily for 26 weeks. This was followed by a 14‐week extension phase, in which all patients received liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily.Results  Patient‐reported outcomes were measured in 379 patients using Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status (DTSQs) and DTSQ change (DTSQc). The change in overall treatment satisfaction (DTSQs score) from baseline at week 26 with liraglutide was 4.71 and with exentaide was 1.66 [difference between groups 3.04 (95% CI 1.73–4.35), P < 0.0001]. Five of the six items on the DTSQs improved significantly more with liraglutide than with exenatide (differences: current treatment 0.37, P = 0.0093; convenience 0.68, P < 0.0001; flexibility 0.57, P = 0.0002; recommend 0.49, P = 0.0003; continue 0.66, P = 0.0001). Patients perceived a greater reduction in hypoglycaemia at week 26 with liraglutide than with exenatide [difference in DTSQc score 0.48 (0.08–0.89), P = 0.0193] and a greater reduction in perceived hyperglycaemia [difference 0.74 (0.31–1.17), P = 0.0007]. During the extension phase, when all patients received liraglutide, DTSQs scores remained stable in patients who continued on liraglutide and increased significantly (P = 0.0026) in those switching from exenatide.Conclusions  These results demonstrate significant improvements in patients’ treatment satisfaction with liraglutide compared with exenatide.
Age effect on vascular reactivity in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Grzelak P. , Czupryniak L. , Olszycki M. , Majos A. , Stefańczyk L. 
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 833–837 (2011)AbstractAim  The objective of this study was to assess the effect of age on vascular reactivity in patients with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  Forty‐five patients with Type 1 diabetes and 71 healthy control subjects, divided into three age groups (18–30, 31–45 and 46–60 years old), underwent assessment of vascular reactivity based on ultrasound examination of a brachial artery after nitric oxide donor administration.Results  The vasodilative and haemodynamic effect was most pronounced in the youngest control subjects, where lumen widening of 0.51 ± 0.16 mm (13.9 ± 4.2%) and increase in early velocity of 28.4 ± 6.5 cm/s (237 ± 55%) were observed, while, in the control subjects from the middle and oldest age groups, the increase in artery diameter was 0.4 ± 0.11 and 0.22 ± 0.12 mm (9.8 ± 2.6 and 5.0 ± 2.6%), respectively. In the youngest patients with diabetes, lumen widening by 0.35 ± 0.13 mm (8.6 ± 3.4%) and increase in early diastolic velocity by 16.9 ± 5.6 cm/s (158 ± 52%) were noted (P < 0.05 vs. control subjects). In patients with diabetes from the middle and oldest age groups, the increase in artery diameter was 0.26 ± 0.06 and 0.16 ± 0.09 mm (5.5 ± 1.4 and 3.2 ± 1.8%), respectively.Conclusions  Vascular reactivity is strongly age dependent in all subjects; however, responses are delayed and occur over a longer time period in the patients with diabetes. Vasodilation test protocols should take into account the age of the subjects.
A Communication‐Based Theory of the Choice Between Greenfield and Acquisition Entry
Authors: Slangen Arjen H. L. 
Published: March 2011

abstractThis paper develops a communication‐based theory of the choice by multinational enterprises (MNEs) between greenfield and acquisition entry. It argues that MNE parents communicate with their subsidiaries for reasons of knowledge exchange, coordination, monitoring, and socialization. The expected communication costs arising from these activities are argued to increase with the verbal communication barriers existing between a prospective subsidiary and its parent, but this increase is argued to be larger for acquisitions because they require more extensive parent–subsidiary communication than greenfields. I therefore hypothesize that verbal communication barriers have positive effects on the likelihood that MNEs choose greenfield over acquisition entry. I also hypothesize that these effects are weaker for prospective subsidiaries that will have more autonomy or local co‐owners. An analysis of 231 entries by Dutch MNEs into 48 countries lends substantial support to these hypotheses, indicating that geographic and linguistic barriers to verbal communication play important roles in MNEs' establishment mode decisions.
Institutional Investment in Listed Private Equity
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Fleming Grant , Johan Sofia A. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract This paper examines institutional investors’ propensity to invest in a relatively unknown asset class of listed private equity. Based on data provided by LPEQ, Preqin and Scorpio Partnership covering 171 institutional investors in Europe in 2008–2010, we find allocations are primarily a function of size, type, location, decision‐making authority and liquidity preferences. Investment in listed private equity is more commonly made by institutions that are smaller, private (not public) pension institutions, institutions that have a preference for liquidity, quick access, and administrative and cash flow management simplicity, and institutions that are based in the UK, Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands. As well, institutions are less likely to invest in listed private equity when investment decision‐making is empowered to an alternative asset class team.
Gaussian mixture decomposition in the analysis of MALDI‐TOF spectra
Authors: Polanska Joanna , Plechawska Malgorzata , Pietrowska Monika , Marczak Lukasz 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe article presents a method of protein matrix‐assisted laser desorption and ionization‐time of flight (TOF) spectra analysis. The method performs peaks detection. Spectra are analysed with Gaussian mixture decomposition. The results obtained are used for peaks identification purposes. The concept of the method is that a single peak is represented by one Gaussian distribution. The expectation‐maximization algorithm and maximum likelihood rule are used for spectra processing. The analysis can be done for a set of spectra with use of the mean spectrum, or it may be performed for a single spectrum at a time. The number of mixture‐model components is estimated by the Bayesian information criterion. Before the main analysis, a few pre‐processing steps need to be done. Spectra should be subjected to calibration, normalization, denoising, baseline correction, etc. The aim of the work is to identify peptides in the analysed sample on the basis of the parameters of the mixture model and to find differences between spectra in the analysed set.