bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of topic, interviewee and question in predicting rich interview data in the field of health research
Authors: Ogden Jane , Cornwell Danielle 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAlthough texts recommend the generation of rich data from interviews, no empirical evidence base exists for achieving this. This study aimed to operationalise richness and to assess which components of the interview (for example, topic, interviewee, question) were predictive. A total of 400 interview questions and their corresponding responses were selected from 10 qualitative studies in the area of health identified from university colleagues and the UK Data Archive database. The analysis used the text analysis program, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, and additional rating scales. Richness was operationalised along five dimensions. ‘Length of response’ was predicted by a personal, less specific or positive topic, not being a layperson, later questions, open or double questions; ‘personal richness’ was predicted by being a healthy participant and questions about the past and future; ‘analytical responses’ were predicted by a personal or less specific topic, not being a layperson, later questions, questions relating to insight and causation; ‘action responses’ were predicted by a less specific topic, not being a layperson, being healthy, later and open questions. The model for ‘descriptive richness’ was not significant. Overall, open questions, located later on and framed in the present or past tense, tended to be most predictive of richness. This could inform improvements in interview technique.
Prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV in resource‐rich and ‐poor settings
Authors: Mepham SO , Bland RM , Newell M‐L 
Published: October 2010

Please cite this paper as:Mepham S, Bland R, Newell M‐L. Prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV in resource‐rich and ‐poor settings. BJOG 2011;118:202–218.Without prevention, a third of HIV‐exposed infants acquire HIV in breastfeeding populations before, during, or after delivery through mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT). Whereas MTCT is now a sentinel event in resource‐rich countries with antiretroviral prophylaxis, caesarean section, and avoidance of breastfeeding, this is not yet the case in resource‐poor settings because breastfeeding is crucial to infant survival. Recent advances in postpartum maternal and infant prophylaxis enables safer breastfeeding, and increasing numbers of women accessing treatment and prevention of MTCT services in sub‐Saharan Africa is leading to optimism that MTCT could be eliminated here also, as reflected in the UNAIDS target of 2015.
Reduced placental prolyl hydroxylase 3 mRNA expression in pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction
Authors: Gourvas V , Sifakis S , Dalpa E , Soulitzis N , Koukoura O , Spandidos DA 
Published: October 2010

Please cite this paper as: Gourvas V, Sifakis S, Dalpa E, Soulitzis N, Koukoura O, Spandidos D. Reduced placental prolyl hydroxylase 3 mRNA expression in pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction. BJOG 2010;117:1635–1642.Objective  To investigate the role of the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) pathway in fetal growth restriction (FGR).Design  A case–control study.Setting  Research laboratory and gynaecology clinic.Sample  Twenty placentas from normal pregnancies and 20 from FGR pregnancies.Methods  RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assay, statistical analysis.Main outcome measures  mRNA expression of HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α and HIF‐β (ARNT), along with prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 (PHD3), which leads to proteasomal degradation of HIF‐α subunits.Results  No statistically significant differences in the transcription levels of ARNT and HIF‐2α were found between FGR and normal placentas. By contrast, PHD3 and HIF‐1α mRNA were downregulated in FGR placentas. PHD3 mRNA expression was associated with gestational age at delivery (P = 0.008), birthweight centile (P = 0.029) and abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler measurements (P = 0.034).Conclusions  As PHD3 regulates the HIF‐mediated hypoxic response in FGR, we deduce that fetal adaptation to hypoxia ranges from impaired to adequate, as observed by the gradient of PHD3 downregulation in relation to the severity of FGR.
Critical illness with AH1N1v influenza in pregnancy: a comparison of two population‐based cohorts
Authors: Knight M , Pierce M , Seppelt I , Kurinczuk JJ , Spark P , Brocklehurst P , McLintock C , Sullivan E ,   on behalf of the UK’s Obstetric Surveillance System, the ANZIC Influenza Investigators, and the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System
Published: October 2010

Please cite this paper as: Knight M, Pierce M, Seppelt I, Kurinczuk J, Spark P, Brocklehurst P, McLintock C, Sullivan E, on behalf of the UK’s Obstetric Surveillance System, the ANZIC Influenza Investigators, and the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System. Critical illness with AH1N1v influenza in pregnancy: a comparison of two population‐based cohorts. BJOG 2011;118:232–239.Objective  To compare admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) with confirmed AH1N1v influenza in pregnancy in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.Design  National cohort studies.Setting ICUs in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.Population Fifty‐nine women admitted to ICUs in Australia and New Zealand in June–August 2009, and 57 women admitted to ICUs in the UK in September 2009–January 2010.Methods Comparison of cohort data.Main outcome measures  Incidence of ICU admission, comparison of characteristics and outcomes.Results  There was a significantly higher ICU admission risk in Australia and New Zealand than in the UK (risk ratio 2.59, 95% CI 1.75–3.85). Indigenous women from Australia and women with Maori/Pacific Island backgrounds from New Zealand had the highest admission risk (29.7 admissions per 10 000 maternities, 95% CI 17.9–46.3). Women admitted in Australia and New Zealand were significantly more likely to have a pre‐existing medical condition (51% versus 21%, P = 0.001), but were less likely to receive antiviral treatment (80% versus 93%, P = 0.038) than women admitted in the UK. Women admitted in the UK had a longer length of hospital stay (median 21 days, range 3–128 days) than women admitted in Australia and New Zealand (median 12 days, range 3–66 days), but there were no other differences in maternal or pregnancy outcomes.Conclusions  The difference in admission risk may reflect a second phase effect from successful clinical and public health interventions, as well as differences in population characteristics between the countries. The overall severity of the AH1N1v influenza infection in pregnancy is evident, and emphasises the importance of an ongoing immunisation programme in pregnant women in both northern and southern hemispheres.
Parvovirus B19 infection in human pregnancy
Authors: Lamont RF , Sobel JD , Vaisbuch E , Kusanovic JP , Mazaki‐Tovi S , Kim SK , Uldbjerg N , Romero R 
Published: October 2010

Please cite this paper as: Lamont R, Sobel J, Vaisbuch E, Kusanovic J, Mazaki‐Tovi S, Kim S, Uldbjerg N, Romero R. Parvovirus B19 infection in human pregnancy. BJOG 2011;118:175–186.Human parvovirus B19 infection is widespread. Approximately 30–50% of pregnant women are nonimmune, and vertical transmission is common following maternal infection in pregnancy. Fetal infection may be associated with a normal outcome, but fetal death may also occur without ultrasound evidence of infectious sequelae. B19 infection should be considered in any case of nonimmune hydrops. Diagnosis is mainly through serology and polymerase chain reaction. Surveillance requires sequential ultrasound and Doppler screening for signs of fetal anaemia, heart failure and hydrops. Immunoglobulins, antiviral and vaccination are not yet available, but intrauterine transfusion in selected cases can be life saving.
Improvement in the nursing care quality in general surgery wards: Iranian nurses’ perceptions
Authors: Molazem Zahra , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Mohammadi Eesa , Bolandparvaz Shahram 
Published: October 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 350–356

Improvement in the nursing care quality in general surgery wards: Iranian nurses’ perceptions Improving care quality is one of the duties of almost all health service providers. Although it is of much significance to identify the factors influencing nursing care quality in specific clinical settings, a few studies have been conducted to improve our knowledge in this regard. This study aimed to determine Iranian nurses’ perceptions of the factors influencing quality of nursing care in general surgery wards. A qualitative approach was adopted using content analysis of semi‐structured interviews carried out with 15 nurses working in general surgery wards of two educational hospitals. The following themes and subthemes emerged from the analysis: ‘beyond daily routine tasks’, ‘cooperation and the promotion of effective relationship’ and ‘updating education’. The second theme consisted of two subthemes: ‘relationship among care team members’ and ‘communication between nurses, patients and relatives’. Providing qualified nursing care in Iran is complicated contextually and is somehow controversial. The study participants believed that in this context, proper delivery of appropriate nursing care is difficult for nurses owing to the barriers mentioned. Therefore, as a primitive action health care policy makers and managers are required to bring sensible changes into health care system through legislating suitable rules to guarantee the quality of nursing cares.
Health care personnel’s experiences of a bereavement follow‐up intervention for grieving parents
Authors: Liisa Aho Anna , Marja‐Terttu Tarkka , Päivi Åstedt‐Kurki , Marja Kaunonen 
Published: October 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 373–382

Health care personnel’s experiences of a bereavement follow‐up intervention for grieving parents The aim of this study is to investigate the experiences of health care personnel of a bereavement follow‐up intervention for grieving parents and of the ways to develop it. The intervention included three components: a support package for grieving parents, peer supporters’ and health care personnel’s contact with parents. The sample included 29 health professionals. Data were collected via open‐format questionnaires and telephone interviews from health care personnel. Content analysis was used as a means of data analysis. The support package for grieving parents was considered important and versatile. Health care personnel perceived the intervention and its viability as mostly good. Parents’ willingness to receive support, health care personnel’s good resources and organizational preconditions were important for the follow‐up contact. The intervention clarified the policy related to supporting grieving parents. It was enabled by a good attitude, shift arrangements and co‐worker support. However, the implementation was considered difficult because of scarce resources. Parental support engendered negative feelings in health care personnel and they desired systematic supervision to deal with these. Follow‐up care of grieving parents is a demanding task. Continuous education about bereavement follow‐up care and systematic supervision to health care personnel is needed. Family‐focused care in supporting grieving families after leaving from hospital should be increased. Inter‐organizational cooperation in supporting parents is important and feasible.
Identification of a potent anti‐IL‐15 antibody with opposing mechanisms of action in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Finch DK , Midha A , Buchanan CL , Cochrane D , Craggs RI , Cruwys S , Grahames C , Kolbeck R , Lowe DC , Maltby J , Pattison DV , Vousden KA , Ward A , Sleeman MA , Mallinder PR 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) is important in the activation and proliferation of lymphocytic cell populations and is implicated in inflammatory disease. We report the characterization of a novel monoclonal antibody DISC0280 which is specific for human IL‐15.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH DISC0280 was characterized in a direct binding assay of IL‐15 with IL‐15 receptor α (IL‐15Rα) and by its ability to alter IL‐15 mediated proliferation of a range of cell lines (cytotoxic T lymphocyte line‐2, M‐07e, KIT225). A pharmacodynamic model injecting male C57/BL6 mice with IL‐15 or IL‐15/IL‐15Rα, with or without DISC0280, and assessing changes in lymphocytic cell populations and serum cytokines was utilized.KEY RESULTS DISC0280 inhibited the binding of IL‐15 to IL‐15Rα and also potently inhibits IL‐15 dependent proliferation of cells expressing IL‐15Rα, shared interleukin 2/ interleukin 15 receptor β chain (IL‐15Rβ) and common gamma chain (γc). DISC0280 also inhibited the IL‐15 dependent proliferation of M‐07e cells that only express IL‐15Rβ/γc subunits. Human IL‐15 injected into mice caused an increase in NK1.1+ and CD3+ cells in the spleen and peripheral blood and these effects were unexpectedly potentiated by giving DISC0280 with human IL‐15. This increase in cells caused by DISC0280/IL‐15 co‐administration was greater than that observed when IL‐15 was administered complexed with soluble IL‐15Rα.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The ability of DISC0280 to bind to the IL‐15Rα‐binding site on IL‐15 allows trans‐presentation of IL‐15 by DISC0280 in vivo, similar to the trans‐presentation by soluble IL‐15Rα. DISC0280 may be therefore suitable as a clinical substitute for IL‐15.
Bradykinin and B2 receptor antagonism in rat and human articular chondrocytes
Authors: Meini S , Cucchi P , Catalani C , Bellucci F , Giuliani S , Maggi CA 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIn osteoarthritis (OA), bradykinin (BK) is known to contribute to pain and synovitis, but not to cartilage degradation. Here, we investigated effects of BK and its antagonists on chondrocytes, cells involved in cartilage homeostasis.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHBK receptor density and affinities of BK, its analogues and antagonists were measured in cultured human and rat chondrocytes by radioligand binding. Effects of BK were assessed by accumulation of inositol phosphates (IP) and release of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8.KEY RESULTSDensity of [3H]‐BK binding sites was higher (13–30‐fold) and BK evoked a greater (48‐fold) IP production, in human than in rat chondrocytes. The BK B2 receptor antagonists MEN16132 and icatibant displayed similar binding affinity. MEN16132 was 40‐fold more potent than icatibant in the IP assay. In human chondrocytes, BK increased release (over 24 h) of IL‐6 and IL‐8, effects blocked by MEN16132 but not by the B1 receptor antagonist Lys‐[Leu8][desArg9]BK. BK‐induced release of IL‐6, but not of IL‐8, was partially inhibited by indomethacin (10 µM) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (10 µM). Antagonists for the prostanoid EP receptors (AH6809 10 µM; L‐798 196, 200 nM; L‐161 982, 1 µM) were ineffective. Dexamethasone (100 nM) partially inhibited release of both IL‐6 and IL‐8. Inhibitors of intracellular downstream signalling pathways (SB203580 10 µM; PD98059, 30 µM; SP600125, 30 µM; BAY‐117085, 5 µM) indicated the involvement of p38 MAPK and the activation of NF‐κB.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSBK mediated inflammatory changes and cartilage degradation and B2 receptor blockade would, therefore, be a potential treatment for OA.
Non‐psychoactive cannabinoids modulate the descending pathway of antinociception in anaesthetized rats through several mechanisms of action
Authors: Maione Sabatino , Piscitelli Fabiana , Gatta Luisa , Vita Daniela , De Petrocellis Luciano , Palazzo Enza , de Novellis Vito , Di Marzo Vincenzo 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSETwo non‐psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabichromene (CBC), are known to modulate in vitro the activity of proteins involved in nociceptive mechanisms, including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels of vanilloid type‐1 (TRPV1) and of ankyrin type‐1 (TRPA1), the equilibrative nucleoside transporter and proteins facilitating endocannabinoid inactivation. Here we have tested these two cannabinoids on the activity of the descending pathway of antinociception.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHElectrical activity of ON and OFF neurons of the rostral ventromedial medulla in anaesthetized rats was recorded extracellularly and tail flick latencies to thermal stimuli were measured. CBD or CBC along with various antagonists were injected into the ventrolateral periaqueductal grey.KEY RESULTSCannabidiol and CBC dose‐dependently reduced the ongoing activity of ON and OFF neurons in anaesthetized rats, whilst inducing antinociceptive responses in the tail flick‐test. These effects were maximal with 3 nmol CBD and 6 nmol CBC, and were antagonized by selective antagonists of cannabinoid CB1 adenosine A1 and TRPA1, but not of TRPV1, receptors. Both CBC and CBD also significantly elevated endocannabinoid levels in the ventrolateral periaqueductal grey. A specific agonist at TRPA1 channels and a synthetic inhibitor of endocannabinoid cellular reuptake exerted effects similar to those of CBC and CBD.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSCBD and CBC stimulated descending pathways of antinociception and caused analgesia by interacting with several target proteins involved in nociceptive control. These compounds might represent useful therapeutic agents with multiple mechanisms of action.
Vascular KCNQ channels in humans: the sub‐threshold brake that regulates vascular tone?
Authors: Mani Bharath K. , Byron Kenneth L. 
Published: October 2010

Contraction of arterial smooth muscle cells results in vasoconstriction, which in turn reduces blood flow and increases blood pressure. There has been a great deal of interest in understanding the ionic mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle contraction, in part because ion channels represent potential pharmacological targets for therapies directed towards cardiovascular diseases and other conditions. Potassium channels have been recognized for their roles in maintaining or stabilizing negative membrane voltages. Activation of potassium channels opposes opening of voltage‐sensitive calcium channels which conduct calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells to stimulate contraction. KCNQ potassium channels were recently discovered in arterial smooth muscle cells from rats and mice. These channels have distinctive pharmacological and biophysical characteristics that have led them to be implicated as important regulators of membrane voltage and as novel pharmacological targets for modulation of vascular contractility. In this issue of British Journal of Pharmacology, Ng et al., extend the findings from rodent models to the human vasculature and establish that KCNQ channels also regulate constriction of human arteries. The findings have important implications for the use of pharmacological KCNQ channel modulators to treat human diseases.LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Ng et al., pp. 42–53 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.01027.x
cAMP‐ and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinases mediate inotropic, lusitropic and arrhythmogenic effects of urocortin 2 in mouse ventricular myocytes
Authors: Yang Li‐Zhen , Kockskämper Jens , Khan Shelina , Suarez Jorge , Walther Stefanie , Doleschal Bernhard , Unterer Gregor , Khafaga Mounir , Mächler Heinrich , Heinzel Frank R. , Dillmann Wolfgang H. , Pieske Burkert , Spiess Joachim 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Urocortin 2 is beneficial in heart failure, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are not completely understood. Here we have characterized the functional effects of urocortin 2 on mouse cardiomyocytes and elucidated the underlying signalling pathways and mechanisms.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mouse ventricular myocytes were field‐stimulated at 0.5 Hz at room temperature. Fractional shortening and [Ca2+]i transients were measured by an edge detection and epifluorescence system respectively. Western blots were carried out on myocyte extracts with antibodies against total phospholamban (PLN) and PLN phosphorylated at serine‐16.KEY RESULTS Urocortin 2 elicited time‐ and concentration‐dependent positive inotropic and lusitropic effects (EC50: 19 nM) that were abolished by antisauvagine‐30 (10 nM, n= 6), a specific antagonist of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) CRF2 receptors. Urocortin 2 (100 nM) increased the amplitude and decreased the time constant of decay of the underlying [Ca2+]i transients. Urocortin 2 also increased PLN phosphorylation at serine‐16. H89 (2 µM) or KT5720 (1 µM), two inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA), as well as KN93 (1 µM), an inhibitor of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), suppressed the urocortin 2 effects on shortening and [Ca2+]i transients. In addition, urocortin 2 also elicited arrhythmogenic events consisting of extra cell shortenings and extra [Ca2+]i increases in diastole. Urocortin 2‐induced arrhythmogenic events were significantly reduced in cells pretreated with KT5720 or KN93.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Urocortin 2 enhanced contractility in mouse ventricular myocytes via activation of CRF2 receptors in a cAMP/PKA‐ and Ca2+/CaMKII‐dependent manner. This enhancement was accompanied by Ca2+‐dependent arrhythmogenic effects mediated by PKA and CaMKII.
Byakangelicin induces cytochrome P450 3A4 expression via transactivation of pregnane X receptors in human hepatocytes
Authors: Yang Jian , Luan Xiaofei , Gui Haiyan , Yan Peng , Yang Dongfang , Song Xiulong , Liu Wei , Hu Gang , Yan Bingfang 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEByakangelicin is found in extracts of the root ofAngelica dahurica, used in Korea and China as a traditional medicine to treat colds, headache and toothache. As byakangelicin can inhibit the effects of sex hormones, it may increase the catabolism of endogenous hormones. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of byakangelicin on the cytochrome P450 isoform cytochrome (CY) P3A4 in human hepatocytes.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHCultures of human hepatocytes and a hepatoma cell line (Huh7 cells) were used. mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Plasmid constructs and mutants were prepared by cloning and site‐directed mutagenesis. Reporter (luciferase) activity was determined by transient co‐transfection experiments.KEY RESULTSIn human primary hepatocytes, byakangelicin markedly induced the expression of CYP3A4 both at the mRNA level (approximately fivefold) and the protein level (approximately threefold) but did not affect expression of human pregnane X receptor (hPXR). In reporter assays, byakangelicin activated CYP3A4 promoter in a concentration‐dependent manner (EC50= 5 µM), and this activation was enhanced by co‐transfection with hPXR. Further reporter assays demonstrated that the eNR4 binding element in the CYP3A4 promoter was required for the transcriptional activation of CYP3A4 by byakangelicin.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSByakangelicin induced expression and activity of CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes. This induction was achieved by the transactivation of PXR and not by increased expression of PXR. Therefore, byakangelicin is likely to increase the expression of all PXR target genes (such as MDR1) and induce a wide range of drug–drug interactions.