bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cisatracurium in critically ill patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Liu Xin , Kruger Peter S. , Weiss Michael , Roberts Michael S. 
Published: November 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Cisatracurium is a non‐depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug used in anaesthesia and intensive care.• Cisatracurium degrades at physiological pH via Hofmann elimination. Therefore, the elimination of cisatracurium may be from both plasma and tissues.• Critically ill patients may have or develop resistance to non‐depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs.• Pathophysiological changes in critically ill patients with sepsis can cause changes in both pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD).WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• This is the first study to characterize PK and PD of cisatracurium in intensive care patients with severe sepsis following a single bolus dose.• This study suggests that standard dosing of cisatracurium in patients with severe sepsis results in a slower patient response with a reduced effect.• The resistance to cisatracurium in these patients is more attributed to altered PD as pharmacokinetic parameters were similar to those described in other patient populations.AIM To characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of cisatracurium in critically ill patients with severe sepsis.METHODSBlood samples were collected before and over 8 h after a single bolus dose of cisatracurium 0.1 mg kg−1. Neuromuscular block was assessed by accelerometric peripheral nerve stimulation (TOF Watch). Plasma concentration and neuromuscular block data were fitted using population analysis.RESULTSSteady‐state volume of distribution was determined to be 111 ± 71 ml kg−1 and plasma clearance was 5.2 ± 1.8 ml min−1 kg−1 in these patients with greater inter‐patient variability compared with other populations. The time to maximum block (8.3 ± 2.9 min) and delay time of transferring from central to effect compartment (17.2 min) was much longer, while the maximum block (95.0 ± 6.3%) was less compared with those in other patient populations. The effect compartment concentration resulting in 50% of maximum effect (128 ± 58 ng ml−1) was larger than previously described.CONCLUSIONSThis study suggests that standard dosing of cisatracurium in patients with severe sepsis results in a slower patient response with a reduced effect. Use of a larger dose may overcome this reduced delayed response.
Moving beyond safe sex to women‐controlled safe sex: a concept analysis
Authors: Alexander Kamila A. , Coleman Christopher L. , Deatrick Janet A. , Jemmott Loretta S. 
Published: November 2011

alexander k.a., coleman c.l., deatrick j.a. & jemmott l.s. (2011) Moving beyond safe sex to women‐controlled safe sex: a concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1858–1869.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a conceptual analysis of women‐controlled safe sex.Background.  Women bear disproportionate burdens from sexually related health compromising outcomes. Imbalanced societal gender and power positions contribute to high morbidities. The expression, women‐controlled safe sex, aims to empower women to gain control of their sexual lives. Few researchers focus on contextualized socio‐cultural definitions of sexual safety among women.Data sources.  The sample included scientific literature from Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO and Sociological Abstracts. Papers were published 2000–2010.Review methods.  Critical analyses of literature about women‐controlled safe sex were performed in May 2011 using Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis methods. The search focused on social and cultural influences on sexual practices aimed at increasing women’s control over their sexual safety.Results.  The analysis uncovered five attributes of women‐controlled safe sex: technology; access to choices; women at‐risk; ‘condom migration’ panic; and communication. Three antecedents included: male partner influence; body awareness; and self‐efficacy. Consequences were categorized as positive or negative. Nine surrogate terms included: empowerment; gender power; female‐controlled sexual barrier method; microbicides; diaphragm; sexual negotiation and communication; female condom; women‐initiated disease transmission prevention; and spermicides. Finally, a consensus definition was identified: a socio‐culturally influenced multi‐level process for initiating sexual safety by women deemed at‐risk for sexually related dangers, usually sexually transmitted infections and/or HIV/AIDS.Conclusion.  This concept analysis described current significance, uses, and applications of women‐controlled safe sex in the scientific literature. The authors clarified its limited nature and conclude that additional conceptual refinement in nursing is necessary to influence women’s health.
Quality of nursing doctoral education in Korea: towards policy development
Authors: Ja Kim Mi , Gi Park Chang , Kim Minju , Lee Hyeonkyeong , Ahn Yang‐Heui , Kim Euisook , Yun Soon‐Nyoung , Lee Kwang‐Ja 
Published: November 2011

kim m.j., park c.g., kim m., lee h., ahn y‐h., kim e., yun s‐n. & lee k‐j. (2012) Quality of nursing doctoral education in Korea: towards policy development. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(7), 1494–1503.AbstractAims.  This article is a report on an international study of the quality of nursing doctoral education; herein, we report findings for Korea. Specific aims were to: examine the validity and reliability of the quality of nursing doctoral education questionnaire; and identify contributing factors and domain(s) for improvement.Background.  The quality of nursing doctoral education has been a worldwide concern with the recent rapid increase in number of nursing doctoral programmes around the world, and comprehensive evaluation is needed for policy recommendations.Methods.  A cross‐sectional descriptive study, conducted from October 2006 to January 2007, used an online questionnaire evaluating four domains: programme, faculty, resources and evaluation. Seven deans, 48 faculty, 52 graduates and 87 students from 14 nursing schools participated.Results.  Content and construct validity, and construct reliability of the questionnaire were established. Overall, participants reported that the perceived quality of private universities/schools was significantly higher than that of public/national universities. A higher ratio of doctoral to non‐doctoral students was significantly associated with higher quality. The domains of programme, faculty and resources were highly correlated. The programme was the most important domain; availability of sufficient materials and information for students most needed improvement. Overall, faculty perceived the quality of the programme, faculty and resources as more positively than did the graduates and students.Conclusion.  This study provides useful policy guidance for nurse educators worldwide for improving doctoral programmes and faculty’s role in educating students. Further study is recommended that examines contributing factors to quality doctoral education.
Gaining confidence and perspective: a phenomenological study of mothers’ lived experiences caring for infants at home after neonatal unit discharge
Authors: Murdoch Marlies R. , Franck Linda S. 
Published: November 2011

Murdoch M.R. & Franck L.S. (2012) Gaining confidence and perspective: a phenomenological study of mothers’ lived experiences caring for infants at home after neonatal unit discharge. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(9), 2008–2020.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a descriptive study of mothers’ experiences in caring for preterm or term infants following discharge from a neonatal unit, including how they manage infant pain/discomfort.Background.  Few studies have focused on the transition that parents experience after infants are discharged home and little is known about parents’ caregiving experiences when their infant has pain/discomfort. Greater knowledge about these issues will help healthcare professionals to better support parents.Method.  Nine mothers were interviewed in 2007–2008 about their caregiving experiences in the months following neonatal unit discharge. Interviews were conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach and analysed using Giorgi’s framework.Findings.  Six themes formed mothers’ experiences: apprehension, confidence, responsibility, awareness, normalcy and perspective. Mothers had apprehension about their infants’ fragile health, losing support of the neonatal team, and performing medical procedures. They developed confidence as infant health improved. Responsibility for performing infant medical care often dominated mothers’ experiences. Awareness of infant needs was described as a learning process utilizing external resources, trial‐and‐error, and an internal intuitive sense; particularly in identifying and dealing with infant pain/discomfort. During the transition to prior social environments, concerns about normalcy arose. Over time, mothers’ gained a philosophical perspective and saw their experiences in a positive light.Conclusion.  The apprehension‐confidence continuum model provides a framework for nursing assessment of mothers’ needs following their infants’ discharge from a neonatal unit. Factors such as infant health, medical procedures, and family or health professional support may influence the degree of apprehension or confidence.
Assessment of respiration‐related quality of life of Chinese patients with silicosis and its influencing factors using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Yan Bo , Han Bing , Sun Jinkai , Yang Yang , Chen Jie 
Published: November 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aims are to assess respiration‐related quality of life using the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire and determine its influencing factors among patients with silicosis in China.Background.  The incidence of silicosis had an increasing trend in recent years in developing countries. Although the majority of patients with silicosis are in therapy routinely, the patients’ quality of life has been impaired because silicosis cannot be cured. The study on quality of life of patients with silicosis is few, and clinical physicians have difficulty in planning to promote quality of life of patients with silicosis according to the current health situation.Design.  A cross‐sectional design was used for this study.Methods.  A survey was performed on patients with silicosis by face‐to‐face interview in the Shenyang No. 9 Hospital in China. The St. George Respiratory Questionnaire was used to assess respiration‐related quality of life.Results.  In all 208 enrolled patients with silicosis, symptoms, activity and impacts scores were 56·02, 56·46 and 52·33, respectively. Lower impacts scores were found comparing with symptoms and activity ones. Patient age was associated with an expected decrease in respiration‐related quality of life. Patients with longer duration of exposure had higher total scores of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire, indicating worse quality of life. Patients with more co‐morbidities reported worse quality of life.Conclusion.  Patients with silicosis were found relatively moderate respiration‐related quality of life. Shortening dust exposure, decreasing the number of co‐morbidity and controlling the occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis could improve respiration‐related quality of life.Relevance to clinical practice.  As indicated by the results of this study, the number of co‐morbidity negatively impact the quality of life of patients with silicosis. Clinical physicians and nurses should pay close attention to the co‐morbidity to promote quality of life of patients with silicosis according to the current health situation.
FtsA mutants impaired for self‐interaction bypass ZipA suggesting a model in which FtsA's self‐interaction competes with its ability to recruit downstream division proteins
Authors: Pichoff Sebastien , Shen Bang , Sullivan Bradley , Lutkenhaus Joe 
Published: November 2011

SummaryZ‐ring assembly requires polymers of the tubulin homologue FtsZ to be tethered to the membrane. Although either ZipA or FtsA is sufficient to do this, both of these are required for recruitment of downstream proteins to form a functional cytokinetic ring. Gain of function mutations in ftsA, such as ftsA* (ftsA‐R286W), bypass the requirement for ZipA suggesting that this atypical, well‐conserved, actin homologue has a more critical role in Z‐ring function. FtsA forms multimers both in vitro and in vivo, but little is known about the role of FtsA polymerization. In this study we identify FtsA mutants impaired for self‐interaction. Such mutants are able to support Z‐ring assembly and are also able to bypass the requirement for ZipA. These mutants, including FtsA*, have reduced ability to self‐interact but interact normally with FtsZ and are less toxic if overexpressed. These results do not support a model in which FtsA monomers antagonize FtsZ polymers. Instead, we propose a new model in which FtsA self‐interaction competes with its ability to recruit downstream proteins. In this model FtsA self‐interaction at the Z ring is antagonized by ZipA, allowing unpolymerized FtsA to recruit downstream proteins such as FtsN.
Identification of a novel prophage regulator in Escherichia coli controlling the expression of type III secretion
Authors: Flockhart Allen F. , Tree Jai J. , Xu Xuefang , Karpiyevich Maryia , McAteer Sean P. , Rosenblum Ronen , Shaw Darren J. , Low Christopher J. , Best Angus , Gannon Victor , Laing Chad , Murphy Kenan C. , Leong John M. , Schneiders Thamarai , La Ragione Roberto , Gally David L. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThis study has identified horizontally acquired genomic regions of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 that regulate expression of the type III secretion (T3S) system encoded by the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). Deletion of O‐island 51, a 14.93 kb cryptic prophage (CP‐933C), resulted in a reduction in LEE expression and T3S. The deletion also had a reduced capacity to attach to epithelial cells and significantly reduced E. coli O157 excretion levels from sheep. Further characterization of O‐island 51 identified a novel positive regulator of the LEE, encoded by ecs1581 in the E. coli O157:H7 strain Sakai genome and present but not annotated in the E. coli strain EDL933 sequence. Functionally important residues of ECs1581 were identified based on phenotypic variants present in sequenced E. coli strains and the regulator was termed RgdR based on a motif demonstrated to be important for stimulation of gene expression. While RgdR activated expression from the LEE1 promoter in the presence or absence of the LEE‐encoded regulator (Ler), RgdR stimulation of T3S required ler and Ler autoregulation. RgdR also controlled the expression of other phenotypes, including motility, indicating that this new family of regulators may have a more global role in E. coli gene expression.
Correlations between cortical and subcortical tau pathology
Authors: Attems J. , Thomas A. , Jellinger K. 
Published: November 2011

J. Attems, A. Thomas and K. Jellinger (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 582–590Correlations between cortical and subcortical tau pathologyAim: Recent studies indicate that tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) does not initially manifest in the cerebral cortex but in selected subcortical nuclei, in particular the locus ceruleus (LC). In this study we correlate both olfactory and brainstem tau pathology with neuritic Braak stages. Methods: We examined 239 unselected autopsy cases (57.3% female, 42.7% male; aged 55–102, mean 82.8 ± 9.7 SD years; AD, 44.8%; non‐demented controls, 31.8%; Parkinson's disease, 5.0%; dementia with Lewy bodies, 2.5%; AD + Lewy body disease, 15.9%). Neuropathological examination according to standardized methods included immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative assessment of tau lesions in LC, substantia nigra (SN), dorsal motor nucleus of nervus vagus (dmX), and olfactory bulb (OB). Results: In Braak stage 0, tau pathology (usually very sparse pretangle material) was seen in the OB in 52.9% and in the SN/LC in 44%. The prevalence of OB and subcortical tau pathology increased with increasing Braak stages and reached 100% in OB, SN and LC and 95.2% in dmX in Braak stage VI, respectively. The severity of tau pathology in OB and subcortical nuclei significantly (P < 0.001) correlated with Braak stages and these correlations remained statistically significant when controlling for concomitant α‐synuclein pathology in the respective regions. Conclusions: Our finding of an increase in both prevalence and severity of OB, LC, SN and dmX tau pathology in AD with increasing Braak stages suggests that these regions become increasingly involved during AD progression rather than representing sites initially affected by AD‐associated tau pathology.
Local glucocorticoid production in the mouse lung is induced by immune cell stimulation
Authors: Hostettler N. , Bianchi P. , Gennari‐Moser C. , Kassahn D. , Schoonjans K. , Corazza N. , Brunner T. 
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Hostettler N, Bianchi P, Gennari‐Moser C, Kassahn D, Schoonjans K, Corazza N, Brunner T. Local glucocorticoid production in the mouse lung is induced by immune cell stimulation. Allergy 2012; 67: 227–234.Abstract
Background:  Glucocorticoids (GC) are potent anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive steroid hormones, mainly produced by the adrenal glands. However, increasing evidence supports the idea of additional extra‐adrenal sources of bioactive GC. The lung epithelium is constantly exposed to a plethora of antigenic stimuli, and local GC synthesis could contribute to limit uncontrolled immune reactions and tissue damage.
Methods:  Expression of steroidogenic enzymes and GC synthesis in ex vivo organ cultures was studied in mouse lung tissue after in vivo stimulation of immune cells.
Results:  Mouse lung tissue was found to express steroidogenic enzymes required for the synthesis of corticosterone from cholesterol and to synthesize corticosterone in large quantities after immune cell activation by anti‐CD3 antibody, lipopolysaccharide, or TNFα. In marked contrast, ovalbumin‐induced allergic airway inflammation failed to promote lung GC synthesis. Although the lung expresses all steroidogenic enzymes necessary for de novo synthesis of corticosterone from cholesterol, functional data indicated that inactive serum‐derived dehydrocorticosterone is converted to active corticosterone by 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1.
Conclusion:  Our results support the notion that local GC synthesis represents a novel immunoregulatory mechanism to limit uncontrolled immune responses in the lung and indicate that defective local steroidogenesis may contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation.
Niche divergence and lineage diversification among closely related Sistrurus rattlesnakes
Authors: WOOTEN J. A. , GIBBS H. L. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractComparing niche divergence among closely related taxa can yield important insights into the ecological distinctiveness of genetically similar forms, and identify the processes that are responsible for diversification in such organisms. Here, we apply newly developed techniques for analysing niche divergence to assess how ecologically distinct a group of closely related rattlesnakes (Sistrurus sp.) are and to explore the role that niche divergence may have played in their diversification. We find that all taxa even the most recently evolved subspecies (approximately 100 000 years old) are now ecologically distinct, implying a role for ecology in the diversification process. Statistical analysis based on comparisons with null models show that niche divergence between forms is more common than niche conservation. Finally, there is nonlinear relationship between phylogenetic and niche divergence in this group whereby niche divergence develops more rapidly between recently diverged subspecies than more distantly related forms. Overall, our results argue that ecology may play an important role in the diversification process in these snakes.
Role of renin‐angiotensin system in gastric oncogenesis
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Yamaoka Yoshio , Shirai Naohito , Furuta Takahisa 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role not only in homeostasis but also in carcinogenesis. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that hypertensive patients with upregulated systemic RAS functions are at a significantly increased risk for the subsequent development of cancers with poor outcomes, and moreover that RAS inhibitors reduce tumor development, progression, and metastasis. Notably, Helicobacter pylori infection, one of the major predictors of gastric carcinogenesis, generally leads to RAS component overexpression, as exemplified by that of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, angiotensin I converting enzyme and angiotensin II receptor. Gastric mucosal RAS expression gradually increases with time after H. pylori infection with respect to the severity of inflammatory cell infiltration. Gastric carcinogenic potential is therefore considered to relate to RAS component expression levels and activities. This hypothesis is supported by findings that RAS genotypic variation can lead to high component expression levels (e.g. angiotensin I converting enzyme, chymase and angiotensinogen), and thereby increase the risk of development of gastric cancer. Thus, the RAS may be potently associated with the pathogenesis of H. pylori‐related gastric carcinogenesis, and RAS inhibitors may provide tools for specifically preventing this disease.
Emergency transport for Japanese children with non‐life‐threatening conditions
Authors: Ehara Akira , Yoshioka Eiji 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground:  Emergency rooms in Japan are overused by children with non‐life‐threatening conditions, and utilization of emergency transport for children in Japan should also be analyzed.Methods:  Utilization rates of emergency transport per 1000 live births or 1000 children from 1985 to 2008 in Japan were calculated from national data of emergency transport, child population and annual live births.Results:  Emergency transport per 1000 preschool‐age (28 days‐6 years old) and school‐age (7–17 years old) children rose, and that for newborn babies (0–27 days old) per 1000 live births grew from 1985 to 2008. The utilization rates, however, did not grow homogeneously among the different severity groups. The rates of transport for children who needed no hospitalization or those for children who needed inpatient care <3 weeks rose in each of the three age groups. The rates for patients who were dead on arrival or who needed hospitalization ≥3 weeks, however, declined in all the age groups.Conclusions:  Emergency transport per 1000 live births or 1000 children grew from 1985 to 2008. The utilization rates, however, did not grow homogeneously among different severity groups. The rates for children with non‐life‐threatening conditions rose, while those for children dead on arrival or with severe conditions declined in the past two decades.