bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of bone marrow findings in patients with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Grogg Karen L. , Morice William G. , Macon William R. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBone marrow (BM) biopsy is often performed early in the evaluation of patients with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL), and may be the first diagnostic tissue sample; yet the BM histopathology associated with this disease has not been well described. In this study, BM specimens from 13 patients with AITL were reviewed. Seven (54%) were involved by AITL, which was characterised by paratrabecular and interstitial polymorphous infiltrates containing cytologically atypical lymphocytes, histiocytes and eosinophils. The neoplastic cells were positive for CD10 and CXCL13 by immunohistochemistry in a subset of cases. As in lymph nodes, the lymphomatous infiltrate in some BMs contained numerous small or scattered large B cells, resembling either benign lymphoid aggregates or T cell rich large B cell lymphoma, respectively. Secondary haematological changes were frequent and presented independent of BM involvement by AITL; these included trilineage haematopoietic hyperplasia and plasmacytosis. When BM biopsy preceded the diagnosis of AITL, these secondary changes were misinterpreted as chronic myeloproliferative disease (n = 2), or plasma cell dyscrasia (n = 2). In two cases, these changes obscured the presence of BM involvement by AITL. The spectrum of BM findings in AITL patients is important to recognise for early and accurate diagnosis in this disease.
Increased risk for invasive pneumococcal diseases in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Meisel Roland , Toschke André Michael , Heiligensetzer Cora , Dilloo Dagmar , Laws Hans‐Jürgen , Von Kries Rüdiger ,   the Erhebungseinheit für seltene pädiatrische Erkrankungen in Deutschland (ESPED) Study Group
Published: May 2007

SummaryAsplenia and other conditions of immunodeficiency are established risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). There are no current data available on the risk of IPD in children with acute lymphoblatic leukaemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood malignancy. This study combined data from a nation‐wide surveillance for IPD and the German childhood cancer registry, and showed that children with ALL carry a more than 10‐fold higher risk for IPD than the general paediatric population. As a substantial proportion of IPD occurs during maintenance chemotherapy, children with ALL may represent candidates for the evaluation of prophylactic interventions including vaccination.
MDR1 polymorphism influences the outcome of multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Buda Gabriele , Maggini Valentina , Galimberti Sara , Martino Alessandro , Giuliani Nicola , Morabito Fortunato , Genestreti Giovenzio , Iacopino Pasquale , Rizzoli Vittorio , Barale Roberto , Rossi Anna M. , Petrini Mario 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) has been reported to be an additional prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukaemia patients. This study evaluated the prognostic role of MDR1 in the outcome of 115 multiple myeloma patients treated with DAV (dexamethasone, doxorubicin [adryamicin] and vincristine) regimen followed by autologous transplantation. In particular, when investigating the C3435T polymorphism, a prognostic value of MDR1 genotypes for overall survival (OS) was observed. Our data suggested a longer OS for patients with C/T and T/T genotypes (log‐rank test, P = 0·02) compared with patients with C/C genotype.
Maternal plasma or human serum albumin in wash buffer enhances enrichment and ex vivo expansion of human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells
Authors: Kwok Yvonne K. , Tang Mary H. Y. , Law Helen K. W. , Ngai Cora S. , Lau Yu Lung , Lau Elizabeth T. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryUmbilical cord blood is a valuable source of haemopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC) for transplantation. This study explored the effect of maternal plasma/human serum albumin (HSA) in the purification and culture conditions of CD34+ cells derived from human umbilical cord blood. During CD34+ cell enrichment, including maternal plasma or HSA instead of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the wash buffer, significantly increased the purity and the fold expansion of CD34+ cells. The increase in fold expansion of CD34+ cells was independent of CD34+ cell purity before expansion. With FBS, the mean fold expansion of CD34+ cells and total nucleated cells on day 7 was 9·7 ± 5·5 and 39·7 ± 13·7 respectively. The use of maternal plasma increased the mean fold expansion of CD34+ cells and total nucleated cells on day 7 to 28·2 ± 6·7 and 71·5 ± 15·4 respectively. When HSA was added to wash buffer, the mean fold expansion of CD34+ cells and total nucleated cells were 30·4 ± 10·5 and 83·5 ± 24·8 respectively. No statistical significance was found between using HSA and maternal plasma on total cell and CD34+ cell expansion. We propose that HSA in maternal plasma was responsible for the positive effect on CD34+ cell enrichment and expansion.
Detecting zones of abrupt change in soil data, with an application to an agricultural field
Authors: Gabriel E. , Allard D. , Mary B. , Guérif M. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryWe propose a new method for estimating and testing the zones where a variable has discontinuities or sharp changes in the mean. Such zones are called Zones of Abrupt Change (ZACs). Our method is based on the statistical properties of the estimated gradient of the variable. The local gradient is first interpolated by kriging. Then we test whether the estimated local gradient exceeds some critical threshold computed under the null hypothesis of a constant mean. The locations where the local test is rejected define the potential ZACs, which are then tested globally. Using this method, we analysed soil data from an agricultural field. The analysis of the main soil components of the ploughed layer (clay, silt and sand particles and calcium carbonate content) reveals the structural variations in the field, linked to boundaries between soil types. Its application to non‐permanent variables (soil water and mineral nitrogen content of the soil profile to 120 cm taken at several dates) shows that water content has the same ZACs for all dates, whereas mineral nitrogen has none.
A conceptual model of HIV/AIDS stigma from five African countries
Authors: Holzemer William L. , Uys Leana , Makoae Lucy , Stewart Anita , Phetlhu René , Dlamini Priscilla S. , Greeff Minrie , Kohi Thecla W. , Chirwa Maureen , Cuca Yvette , Naidoo Joanne 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Title. A conceptual model of HIV/AIDS stigma from five African countries Aim.  This paper is a report on the development of a conceptual model delineating contexts and processes of HIV/AIDS stigma as reported by persons living with HIV/AIDS and nurses from African countries. It is part of a larger study to increase understanding of HIV/AIDS stigma.Background.  Researchers have defined stigma, explored determinants and outcomes of stigma and attempted to measure its multiple dimensions. This literature is difficult to synthesize, and often does not distinguish adequately between experiences of stigma and its causes and outcomes.Method.  Forty‐three focus groups were held with persons living with HIV/AIDS and nurses in five African countries in 2004. Focus group recordings were transcribed and coded. The data were organized into a conceptual model of HIV/AIDS stigma.Findings.  Two components were identified in the data: contextual factors – environment, healthcare system, agents – that influence and affect stigma and the stigma process itself. The stigma process included four dimensions: triggers of stigma, stigmatizing behaviours, types of stigma and the outcomes of stigma.Conclusion.  A conceptual model is presented that delineates the dynamic nature of stigma as reported by study participants. The model may be used to identify areas appropriate for the design and testing of stigma reduction interventions that have a goal of reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS stigma.
Correlates of consequences of intergenerational caregiving in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Ming‐Der 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Title. Correlates of consequences of intergenerational caregiving in Taiwan Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to test a theoretical model of factors related to consequences of intergenerational caregiving among Taiwanese caregivers of cognitively impaired ageing relatives.Background.  With the ageing of the population worldwide, care of elders has become a pressing issue. Intergenerational caregiving behaviours may reflect cultural values and beliefs, but create conflict for adult children between traditional obligations to ageing parents and the capacity to provide care.Methods.  Adult caregivers (n = 130) of cognitively impaired ageing relatives were recruited from three home care agencies in northern Taiwan between September 2003 and February 2004. Role and attachment theories were combined to extend the understanding of the consequences of intergenerational caregiving.Results.  Caregiving consequences (role strain and role reward) were not polar opposites on a unidimensional continuum. Caregiver role conflict and role performance had positive relationships with role strain, whereas caregiving resources and role expectation had an inverse relationship. For caregiver role reward, only role performance and secure‐attached style were positively correlated. Role demand was not a statistically significant predictor of either role strain or role reward. Furthermore, secure‐attached style explained additional variance in role strain and role reward. Moderating effects involving secure attachment with other predictors of role strain and role reward were supported.Conclusion.  By incorporating role and attachment theories, our model gives a more complete view of intergenerational caregiving in an Asian culture. These findings may be applicable to other countries with Chinese populations.
Nursing students’ career preferences: a Norwegian study
Authors: Kloster Torill , Høie Magnhild , Skår Randi 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Title. Nursing students’ career preferences: a Norwegian study Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to identify Norwegian undergraduate nursing students’ career preferences at the beginning and end of their nursing education programme, together with their reasons for these preferences.Background.  International studies have shown that recruitment and retention of nurses in areas such as aged care and psychiatric nursing is difficult. It is important to know why some working areas are popular whilst others are not, so that nursing schools produce graduates who meet the needs of the community.Methods.  All students starting their nursing education programme in 2001/2002 in five Norwegian university colleges were invited to complete questionnaires at the beginning and end of their nursing education programme. In phase 1, 620 of 782 commencing students completed questionnaires (response rate 79·2%). In their third year, phase 2, 473 questionnaires were distributed (response rate 82·6%, n = 386). The questionnaire included closed questions about career preferences and open‐ended questions seeking the reasons for the preferences.Results.  The study revealed changes in preferences between the beginning and the end of the nursing education programme. In phase 1, midwifery and paediatric nursing were ranked highest and in phase 2 working in medical/surgical ward, midwifery and psychiatric nursing were preferred. Working in aged care institutions remained unpopular throughout. Clinical experiences and professional challenges were often given as reasons for preferences.Conclusion.  Nursing educators, clinical nurses and policymakers must reconsider their priorities and improve working conditions for nurses in aged care in order to meet society's need for nurses.
Using a conceptual model in nursing research – mitigating fatigue in cancer patients
Authors: Mock Victoria , St. Ours Christine , Hall Sue , Bositis Amy , Tillery Miriam , Belcher Anne , Krumm Sharon , McCorkle Ruth 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTitle.  Using a conceptual model in nursing research – mitigating fatigue in cancer patients Aim.  This paper is a discussion of the use of the Levine Conservation Model to guide the investigation of an exercise intervention to mitigate cancer‐related fatigue.Background.  Researchers use conceptual models or theoretical frameworks to provide an organizing structure for their studies, to guide the development and testing of hypotheses, and to place research finding within the context of science. Selection of an appropriate and useful framework is an essential step in the development of a research project.Method.  A descriptive approach is used to present the components of the conceptual model and details of the articulation of the study intervention and outcomes with the model.Findings.  The Levine Conservation Model provided a useful framework for this investigation, conducted in 2002–2006, of the effects of exercise on fatigue and physical functioning in cancer patients. The four conservation principles of the model guided the development of the exercise intervention, the identification of salient outcomes for patients, and the selection of appropriate instruments to measure study variables. The model is also proving useful in the analysis and interpretation of data in relation to the conservation principles.Conclusion.  Use of an appropriate conceptual model facilitates the design and testing of theory‐based interventions and the development of science to support nursing practice.
Phylogeography of the high alpine plant Senecio halleri (Asteraceae) in the European Alps: in situ glacial survival with postglacial stepwise dispersal into peripheral areas
Authors: BETTIN O. , CORNEJO C. , EDWARDS P. J. , HOLDEREGGER R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWhether alpine plant species survived Pleistocene glaciations in situ on high alpine nunatak mountains is still under debate. To test this hypothesis, Senecio halleri, a high alpine and endemic species with a narrow distribution range in the European Alps, was chosen as a model organism. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphisms of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA PCR‐RFLPs) were used in a phylogeographic analysis of 14 populations of S. halleri, covering its total distribution area. The results of haplotype diversity and distribution gave evidence of in situ glacial survival on siliceous central‐alpine nunatak mountains in two areas, southwest and northeast of the Aosta valley. According to the absence of genetic differentiation between these two nunatak areas (based on amova), nested clade analysis implied a history of preglacial gene flow, in situ survival and extinction of intermediate populations during glaciation and postglacial stepwise recolonization of peripheral and intermediate areas.
Fine‐scale genetic structure and dispersal in the common vole (Microtus arvalis)
Authors: SCHWEIZER MANUEL , EXCOFFIER LAURENT , HECKEL GERALD 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe genetic structure and demography of local populations is tightly linked to the rate and scale of dispersal. Dispersal parameters are notoriously difficult to determine in the field, and remain often completely unknown for smaller organisms. In this study, we investigate spatial and temporal genetic structure in relation to dispersal patterns among local populations of the probably most abundant European mammals, the common vole (Microtus arvalis). Voles were studied in six natural populations at distances of 0.4–2.5 km in three different seasons (fall, spring, summer) corresponding to different life‐history stages. Field observations provided no direct evidence for movements of individuals between populations. The analysis of 10 microsatellite markers revealed a persistent overall genetic structure among populations of 2.9%, 2.5% and 3%FST in the respective season. Pairwise comparisons showed that even the closest populations were significantly differentiated from each other in each season, but there was no evidence for temporal differentiation within populations or isolation by distance among populations. Despite significant genetic structure, assignment analyses identified a relatively high proportion of individuals as being immigrants for the population where they were captured. The immigration rate was not significantly lower for females than for males. We suggest that a generally low and sex‐dependent effective dispersal rate as the consequence of only few immigrants reproducing successfully in the new populations together with the social structure within populations may explain the maintenance of genetic differentiation among populations despite migration.
Genetic structure of hybrid zones betweenSilene latifoliaandSilene dioica(Caryophyllaceae): evidence for introgressive hybridization
Authors: MINDER A. M. , ROTHENBUEHLER C. , WIDMER A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNatural hybrid zones provide a valuable tool to study introgressive hybridization, because they can contain a wide variety of genotypes that result from many generations of recombination. Here we used molecular markers and morphological variation to describe the structure of two natural hybrid zones betweenSilene latifoliaandSilene dioicain the Swiss Alps.Populations in both hybrid zones consisted of few intermediate hybrids and were dominated by backcross hybrids. The latter were also found in the parental populations at the margins of the hybrid zones. Out of 209 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers scored in 390 individuals, only 7 (3.3%) were species specific. These results indicate that introgression betweenS. dioicaandS. latifoliais extensive, and that hybrid zones act as bridges to gene flow between these two species. Analysis of linkage disequilibrium identified few populations in which hybridization is ongoing, whereas in most populations linkage disequilibrium has eroded. Where hybridization is ongoing, strong changes in species‐specific marker frequencies and morphological traits were observed. Plastid introgression into the hybrid zone was found to be bidirectional, but only theS. latifoliaplastid haplotype was found in a nuclearS. dioicabackground. This unidirectional plastid introgression fromS. latifoliaintoS. dioicais most likely due to pollen‐flow fromS. dioicaontoS. latifolia, and results in plastid capture. Comparisons between the molecular and the morphological hybrid indices revealed that morphology in this study system is useful for identifying hybrids, but not for detailed analysis of hybrid zone structure.
Outcomes following surgery for congenital heart disease in low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Dimmick Simon , Walker Karen , Badawi Nadia , Halliday Robert , Cooper Stephen G , Nicholson Ian A , Sherwood Megan , Chard Richard B , Hawker Richard , Lau Kai C , Jones Owen , Grant Peter W , Sholler Gary F , Winlaw David S ,   Neonatal Intensive Care Units Study (NICUS) of the New South Wales Pregnancy and Newborn Services Network
Published: May 2007

Aim:  To describe cardiac surgery, survival and outcomes for low‐birthweight (≤2500 g) infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease.Methods:  Using data from a prospectively collected population‐based database of admissions to neonatal intensive care units in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, we identified all low‐birthweight infants undergoing cardiac surgery between 1992 and 2001. Infants with only a persistent ductus arteriosus were excluded. Two‐year cardiac and neurodevelopmental outcome data were sought from hospital medical records.Results:  A total of 121 low‐birthweight infants underwent cardiac surgery, of whom 34% had a congenital syndrome or non‐cardiac birth defect. Most (81%) underwent a palliative surgical procedure in the neonatal period. There were 19 early (15.7%) and 19 late deaths giving a 2‐year mortality of 31%. Factors associated with mortality included birthweight below 1500 g (P = 0.006), low weight at surgery (P = 0.028) and Apgar score at 1 min (P = 0.019). No single factor predicted 30‐day mortality. By 2 years of age, 27 (33% of survivors) were known to have neurodevelopmental delay. Although 22 children are known to be developing normally, the neurodevelopmental status of 34 children was not known.Conclusions:  These surgical data were comparable to previous single‐institution studies. This group had a high risk of disability due to prematurity, low birthweight and associated conditions. There is a need to prospectively assess and manage neurodevelopmental outcomes in this group.
Activation of the canonical Wnt pathway by the antipsychotics haloperidol and clozapine involves dishevelled‐3
Authors: Sutton Laurie P. , Honardoust Dariush , Mouyal Joanne , Rajakumar Nagalingam , Rushlow Walter J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractProtein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) and members of the Wnt signal transduction pathway were recently found to be altered in schizophrenia and targeted by antipsychotic drugs. In the current study, selected Wnt signalling proteins were investigated to determine if they are altered by the antipsychotics clozapine or haloperidol in the rat prefrontal cortex. Pheochromocytoma (PC12) and neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells were also used to elucidate how antipsychotics generated the pattern of changes observedin vivo. Western blotting (WB) revealed that treatment with haloperidol or clozapine caused an up‐regulation of Wnt‐5a, dishevelled‐3, Axin, total and phosphorylated GSK‐3 and β‐catenin protein levels. Treatment of PC12 and SH‐SY5Y cells with a variety of pharmacological agents as well as the over‐expression of several Wnt related proteins failed to mimic the pattern observedin vivofollowing antipsychotic treatment. However, the over‐expression of dishevelled‐3 nearly perfectly duplicated the changes observedin vivo. Immunoprecipitations (IP) conducted using protein isolated from the rat prefrontal cortex indicated that dishevelled‐3 is associated with the D2dopamine receptor thereby suggesting that antipsychotics may act on dishevelled‐3 via D2dopamine receptors to initiate a cascade of downstream changes involving Axin, GSK‐3 and β‐catenin that may help to alleviate psychosis in schizophrenic patients.
NeuroD1: developmental expression and regulated genes in the rodent pineal gland
Authors: Muñoz Estela M. , Bailey Michael J. , Rath Martin F. , Shi Qiong , Morin Fabrice , Coon Steven L. , Møller Morten , Klein David C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNeuroD1/BETA2, a member of the bHLH transcription factor family, is known to influence the fate of specific neuronal, endocrine and retinal cells. We report here that NeuroD1 mRNA is highly abundant in the developing and adult rat pineal gland. Pineal expression begins in the 17‐day embryo at which time it is also detectable in other brain regions. Expression in the pineal gland increases during the embryonic period and is maintained thereafter at levels equivalent to those found in the cerebellum and retina. In contrast, NeuroD1 mRNA decreases markedly in non‐cerebellar brain regions during development. Pineal NeuroD1 levels are similar during the day and night, and do not appear to be influenced by sympathetic neural input. Gene expression analysis of the pineal glands from neonatalNeuroD1knockout mice identifies 127 transcripts that are down‐regulated (>twofold,p < 0.05) and 16 that are up‐regulated (>twofold,p < 0.05). According to quantitative RT‐PCR, the most dramatically down‐regulated gene is kinesin family member 5C (∼100‐fold) and the most dramatically up‐regulated gene is glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 (∼fourfold). Other impacted transcripts encode proteins involved in differentiation, development, signal transduction and trafficking. These findings represent the first step toward elucidating the role ofNeuroD1in the rodent pinealocyte.