bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Aurora B and alternative variant forms in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissue
Authors: Yasen Mahmut , Mizushima Hiroshi , Mogushi Kaoru , Obulhasim Gulanbar , Miyaguchi Ken , Inoue Kazuhiko , Nakahara Izumi , Ohta Tsutomu , Aihara Arihiro , Tanaka Shinji , Arii Shigeki , Tanaka Hiroshi 
Published: January 2009

Surgical resection is the effective treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, rapid recurrence of the tumors are frequently observed even after apparently curative resection. The recurrence and prognostic assessment of patients with HCC after resection is an important clinical issue. We recently reported that aberrant expression of Aurora B is observed in primary HCC, and that it can be a predictive factor for HCC recurrence exceeding Milan criteria after curative hepatectomy. In this study we investigated the expression of the newly observed Aurora B splicing variant forms in HCC, and their roles in hepatocarcinogenisis. The expression of Aurora B and splicing variant forms were screened in 125 HCC patients (94 chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis background liver specimens), 18 metastatic liver cancer patients and 16 normal liver specimens by cDNA microarray, reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and Real time quentitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). The results showed that expression of Aurora B splicing variant 2 (AURKB‐Sv2) variant form was absent in normal liver and was higher in metastatic liver cancer than HCC. This aberrant expression was associated with the advanced stages of HCC (P < 0.01), correlated with a poor outcome (P = 0.008) and short disease‐free period (P = 0.018). Furthermore, AURKB‐Sv2 variant form is associated with a higher level of serum α‐fetoprotein, protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II (PIVKAII), tumor capsular invasion, multiple tumor formation and at an age younger than those with other variant forms (P < 0.05). The results thus suggest that AURKB‐Sv2 variant form is more significantly associated with the advanced stages of HCC than others and is a marker of poor prognosis. Founded in the tumor capsular invasion and multiple tumor regions, suggests that this might play a role in enhancing multiple malignant tumor formation and recurrence of HCC in hepatocarcinogenesis. This is the first study to report clinicopathological significance of aberrant expression of AURKB‐Sv2 variant form in hepatocellular carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 472–480)
The relationships between abundance, range size and niche breadth in Central European tree species
Authors: Köckemann Benjamin , Buschmann Holger , Leuschner Christoph 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim  Range size and niche breadth have been found to be positively related to abundance in many plant and animal groups. We tested these two relationships for the tree species flora of Central Europe; that is, for all 25 species that have their distribution centre in this region.Location  Eurasia, with a focus on Central Europe.Methods  We devised an abundance and niche variable classification system to transform the existing literature data into a semi‐quantitative assessment of abundance and niche breadth (in terms of soil chemical and physical variables, and temperature) for each of the 25 tree species. Regression analyses between abundance, range size and niche breadth were conducted for the entire species sample and for subsets of species defined by their ecology or phylogeny.Results  The relationship between abundance in the distribution centre and range size was weak for the Central European tree species. However, significant abundance–range size relationships were found for phylogenetically or ecologically more homogenous species groups (for example for trees of the order Rosales and for mid‐successional tree species). Realized niche breadth was positively related to range size in the case of temperature, but not for soil‐related variables. No relationship existed between niche breadth and abundance in the distribution centre.Main conclusions  We hypothesize that the weak relationship between abundance and range size is primarily a consequence of substantial ecological and phylogenetic heterogeneity within this rather species‐poor assemblage. The positive relationship between realized temperature niche breadth and range size emphasizes the strong influence of climatic variables on plant distribution patterns over continental or global scales.
Complement Inhibitor C4b‐Binding Protein in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome and its Association With Other Disease Markers
Authors: Zadura A. Foltyn , Theander E. , Blom A. M. , Trouw L. A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA subgroup of patients suffering from primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) display unexplained low levels of complement components C3 and/or C4 which is associated with increased risk of non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma. C4b‐binding protein (C4BP) is a major fluid‐phase complement inhibitor which can influence C4 and C3 levels. Therefore we analysed C4BP levels in the sera of patients with pSS to better understand the disturbances in complement in pSS. Associations with other disease markers were also investigated to define a possible role of C4BP as marker of high‐risk disease course. Plasma levels of C4BP were analysed in pSS patients (n = 86) and in controls (n = 68) by ELISA. C4BP levels from 49 patients were correlated to disease activity markers and autoantibody profiles. We found that total C4BP plasma levels were significantly higher in pSS patients compared with controls. C4BP levels correlated to the acute phase response, to levels of C4 and C3 as well as to the CD4+/CD8+ T‐cell ratio. C4BP levels were inversely related to IgG levels, extent of autoantibody production and global disease activity. C3dg levels, a marker of complement activation, displayed a negative correlation to C4 levels but interestingly not to C4BP levels. In conclusion, C4BP levels are increased in patients suffering from pSS proportional to their acute phase response. However, in the most active cases, with the most widespread autoantibody production, C4BP levels were decreased in parallel with levels of C3 and C4 and CD4+ T cells, suggesting that disturbed complement regulation may contribute to pathogenicity in pSS.
A Reply to Dembic: On an End to the Beginning of Misunderstanding the Immune Response
Authors: Cohn M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe all agree that dealing with the complexity and volume of the data necessitates the use of computer modelling. This in turn requires a heuristic conceptual framework to guide this modelling. The first attempt to do this by Cohn has been criticized by Dembic as being severely lacking. This commentary deals with his criticism of the framework to show why Cohn’s postulates, in fact, remain unchallenged.
Appreciating history: The Australian experience of direct‐entry mental health nursing education in universities
Authors: Happell Brenda 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTMore than two decades since the introduction of comprehensive nursing education in Australia, the controversy regarding the type of undergraduate education that would best serve the needs of the mental health nursing profession continues. The ensuing debate tends to be based on a comparison between the current model of comprehensive education in the universities and the specialist mental health nursing programs that previously operated within the hospital system. The previous existence of a tertiary‐based direct‐entry mental health nursing program in Victoria is generally not recognized. The paper provides a brief overview of mental health nursing education from a historical perspective emphasizing the period following the commencement of the transfer of the nursing education. Articulating the Victorian experience of specialist undergraduate mental health nursing education within universities is essential as discussions about the most appropriate educational preparation for mental health nursing continues.
Sociology and nursing: Role performance in a psychiatric setting
Authors: Handsley Stephen , Stocks Susan 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe role of sociology in nursing continues to cast new light on many aspects of health and illness. Over the last 20 years, nursing practice has seen sociological theory become a valuable clinical tool, both in the diagnosis and prognosis of a wide range of illnesses and long‐term conditions. Nevertheless, of these, the sociological examination of mental health problems and its impact upon nursing practitioners has received little coverage, simply because, as a discipline, mental health nursing has historically been wedded to a biomedical model, one which continues to embrace psychiatry/psychology as the driving force in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology. Adopting a sociological approach, this paper brings to light previously unexplored insights into the way nurses interact with patients experiencing mental health problems. Drawing on social interactionist methodology, this paper considers depression and other mental health problems in relation to current psychiatric nursing practice. Specifically, the paper focuses on aspects of role performance and interpersonal care in a psychiatric setting, and the impact the individual role may have on the wider aspects of institutional and official practices. The paper concludes by making a number of recommendations/observations for nursing practice.
Bachelor of Nursing students' beliefs about prognosis and outcomes for people with schizophrenia: A longitudinal study
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Lu Sai , Deegan Joanna 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTMany nursing students have unfavourable attitudes towards people with mental illness. This study aimed to examine if Australian Bachelor of Nursing students' beliefs about prognosis and long‐term outcomes for people with schizophrenia changed through their course. The Attitudes and Beliefs about Mental Health Problems: Professional and Public Views questionnaire, which included a vignette about a person with schizophrenia, was used with a convenience sample of students. An interrupted time series approach to data collection was used, with data collected three times between 2005 and 2007. A university ethics committee approved the study. Data were analysed using SPSS version 15. Overall, the students recognized the person's need for professional help. By third year, students were more pessimistic about prognosis if the person did not receive professional help than in their earlier years of study. By third year, students also rated the long‐term outcome to be ‘creative or artistic’ more favourably than in earlier years. The findings showed no significant differences in perceived overall negative and positive long‐term outcomes across the three data collection points. The findings reinforce the need for theoretical and clinical education in mental health to be included and progressively increased in all years of study if attitudes are to be improved.
Vol. 42, No. 1, pp.22‐29, 2008 White blood cell fractions, oxidation index and level of stress in acne patients and healthy volunteers
Authors: Takahashi M. , Tan M. , Kimura S. , Ikeno H. 
Published: January 2009

In recent years, a lot of people have suffered physical and mental stress. It makes sympathetic nerves dominant, and autonomic nerves unbalanced. Disruption of the balance in autonomic nerves leads to the increase of granulocyte, and causes various undesirable physical conditions. We investigated the relationship between stress and acne in order to confirm the influence of stress on skin conditions. The degree of subjective stress, and the ratio of neutrophils or lymphocytes in leukocytes were measured in acne patients and healthy volunteers. As it is suggested that the increase of the neutrophil ratio by stress makes reactive oxygen, and raises the degree of oxidation in the blood, we also measured the antioxidant action and the degree of oxidative stress by FRAS4. Additionally, the lifestyle characteristics in each group was investigated in order to confirm the relationship with stress by a questionnaire survey. According to the results of the questionnaire survey, acne patients find themselves readily suffering from acne anytime. Compared with healthy volunteers, acne patients have more undesirable lifestyles and higher stress degrees than healthy volunteers. Further, the Biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP), an antioxidant index measured in acne patients, was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than that of healthy volunteers. The acne patients had a higher ratio of neutrophils and a lower ratio of lymphocytes compared to the healthy volunteers. Among the acne patients, the neutrophil ratio was higher in those with high stress (P < 0.05). These results suggest that acne patients easily feel higher stress against various loads, and the stress leads to the increase in the neutrophil ratio and the oxidation degree, which exacerbates the acne lesions.Keywords: acne, stress, autonomic nerve, sympathetic nerve, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, oxidation, life style, skin
Vol. 42, No. 1, pp.30‐35, 2008 A high‐speed mixer enabling particle design
Authors: Shundo A. 
Published: January 2009

When fluid is mixed by a rotor and small vessel that has a narrow clearance between its wall and the rotor with the upper part covered by an endplate, the processing fluid becomes a high‐speed thin‐film spin flow. This flow possibly allows the peripheral speed to be over 30 m/s, which was unable to be obtained by a conventional high‐speed mixer. As a result, the processing fluid obtains more and homogenous energy. In an actual experiment, we compared a high‐speed thin‐film spin mixer with a conventional high‐speed mixer upon an emulsification experiment with soybean oil. The experiment proved that the former mixer could control the particle size distribution. It also proved that the same result could be obtained by continuous operation as by batch operation. In conclusion, the high‐speed thin‐film spin mixer can control particle size distribution with a high efficiency.Keywords: thin‐film spin, fluid, mixer, particle size distribution, emulsification, continuous processing, batch operation
An Outreach Intervention Increases Bone Densitometry Testing in Older Women
Authors: Denberg Thomas D. , Myers Beth A. , Lin Chen‐Tan , Libby Anne M. , Min Sung‐Joon , McDermott Michael T. , Steiner John F. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of a patient recall intervention that relies on an outreach coordinator with a bachelor's degree to prompt women by mail and telephone about their eligibility for bone densitometry (dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)) screening and allow them to schedule an examination without a medical provider visit ahead of time.DESIGN: Observational.SETTING: Academic general internal medicine practice.INTERVENTION: Mail‐ and telephone‐based patient recall for DXA.PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred sixty‐four women aged 65 to 79 at average risk for osteoporosis without a history of DXA.MEASUREMENTS: Rates of DXA completion and the change in proportion of screened women during a 7‐month intervention period, case finding for clinically significant bone loss, frequency of appropriate clinical follow‐up, DXA no‐show rates compared with usual care, and clinician satisfaction.RESULTS: Through patient recall, rates of DXA screening rose significantly (P<.001), and the proportion of the eligible clinic population screened increased 13%. Thirty percent of patients had clinically significant bone loss, with almost all of these receiving follow‐up. DXA no‐show rates were comparable with usual care, and provider acceptance was high.CONCLUSION: A patient recall intervention substantially increased DXA screening, allowing pharmacological therapy to be started much earlier in some women with significant bone loss. It imposed minimal burden on providers and enhanced patient convenience. This type of program may have utility for additional preventive services.
Predictors of Mortality in Home‐Dwelling Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Aged 75 and Older
Authors: Strandberg Timo E. , Pitkala Kaisu H. , Tilvis Reijo S. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To compare the predictive value of biomarkers commonly measured in older patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) with an indicator of cognitive function.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: Helsinki, Finland.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred ninety‐eight home‐dwelling older persons (261 women, mean age 80) with stable CVD and without a diagnosis of clinical dementia.MEASUREMENTS: Simple laboratory and clinical measurements (including the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE, maximum score 30 points) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification) were used to predict mortality. A MMSE score between 18 and 24 points was considered to indicate cognitive impairment.RESULTS: At baseline, median MMSE score was 27 (interquartile range 25–28), with 59 individuals having a score below 24 points. During a mean follow‐up of 6.0 years, 129 participants died. In the fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, low MMSE score was the strongest predictor of mortality, with a relative hazard of 2.38 (95% confidence interval=1.52–3.74; P<.001). Of the various clinical and laboratory variables, only creatinine, C‐reactive protein, and history of congestive heart failure were significant independent predictors, whereas conventional risk factors were not.CONCLUSION: Only a few clinical variables independently predicted 6‐year mortality in older home‐living patients with CVD. The strongest predictor was impaired cognitive function assessed using MMSE.
Correlation of Plasma and Peritoneal Diasylate Clomipramine Concentration with Hemodynamic Recovery after Intralipid Infusion in Rabbits
Authors: Harvey Martyn , Cave Grant , Hoggett Kerry 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Drug sequestration to an expanded plasma lipid phase has been proposed as a potential mechanism of action for lipid emulsions in lipophilic cardiotoxin overdose. The authors set out to document plasma and peritoneal diasylate clomipramine concentration after resuscitation with lipid emulsion in a rabbit model of clomipramine‐induced hypotension.Methods:  Twenty sedated mechanically ventilated New Zealand White rabbits were allocated to receive either 12 mL/kg 20% Intralipid or 12 mL/kg saline solution, following clomipramine infusion to 50% baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP). Hemodynamic parameters and serum clomipramine concentration were determined to 59 minutes. Peritoneal dialysis with 20% Intralipid or saline solution was evaluated for clomipramine concentration.Results:  Mean arterial pressure was greater in lipid‐treated animals as assessed by repeated‐measures analysis of variance (F[1,14] = 6.84; p = 0.020). Lipid infusion was associated with elevated plasma clomipramine concentration and reduced initial volume of distribution (Vd; 5.7 [±1.6] L/kg lipid vs. 15.9 [±7.2] L/kg saline; p = 0.0001). Peritoneal diasylate clomipramine concentration was greater in lipid‐treated animals (366.2 [±186.2] μg/L lipid vs. 37.7 [±13.8] μg/L saline; p = 0.002).Conclusions:  Amelioration of clomipramine‐induced hypotension with lipid infusion is associated with reduced initial Vd and elevated plasma clomipramine concentration consistent with intravascular drug–lipid sequestration. Concomitant peritoneal dialysis with lipid emulsion enhances clomipramine extraction.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Community‐Acquired Pneumonia Core Measures Lead to Unnecessary Antibiotic Administration by Emergency Physicians
Authors: Nicks Bret A. , Manthey David E. , Fitch Michael T. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The objectives were to assess emergency physician (EP) understanding of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) core measures for community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) guidelines and to determine their self‐reported effect on antibiotic prescribing patterns.Methods:  A convenience sample of EPs from five medical centers in North Carolina was anonymously surveyed via a Web‐based instrument. Participants indicated their level of understanding of the CMS CAP guidelines and the effects on their prescribing patterns for antibiotics.Results:  A total of 121 EPs completed the study instrument (81%). All respondents were aware of the CMS CAP guidelines. Of these, 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 92% to 98%) correctly understood the time‐based guidelines for antibiotic administration, although 24% (95% CI = 17% to 31%) incorrectly identified the onset of this time period. Nearly all physicians (96%; 95% CI = 93% to 99%) reported institutional commitment to meet these core measures, and 84% (95% CI = 78% to 90%) stated that they had a department‐based CAP protocol. More than half of the respondents (55%; 95% CI = 47% to 70%) reported prescribing antibiotics to patients they did not believe had pneumonia in an effort to comply with the CMS guidelines, and 42% (95% CI = 34% to 50%) of these stated that they did so more than three times per month. Only 40% (95% CI = 32% to 48%) of respondents indicated a belief that the guidelines improve patient care. Of those, this was believed to occur by increasing pneumonia awareness (60%; 95% CI = 52% to 68%) and improving hospital processes when pneumonia is suspected (86%; 95% CI = 80% to 92%).Conclusions:  Emergency physicians demonstrate awareness of the current CMS CAP guidelines. Most physicians surveyed reported the presence of institutional protocols to increase compliance. More than half of EPs reported that they feel the guidelines led to unnecessary antibiotic usage for patients who are not suspected to have pneumonia. Only 40% of EPs believe that CAP awareness and expedient care resulting from these guidelines has improved overall pneumonia‐related patient care. Outcome‐based data for non–intensive care unit CAP patients are lacking, and EPs report that they prescribe antibiotics when they may not be necessary to comply with existing guidelines.
Predictors of pregnancy outcome in essential thrombocythemia: a single institution study of 63 pregnancies
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Wolanskyj Alexandra P. , Schwager Susan , Tefferi Ayalew 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAn increased risk of pregnancy complications was recently reported in JAK2V617F‐positive essential thrombocythemia (ET). In the current study of 63 pregnancies among 36 women with ET, we sought to appraise this association and identify other predictors of outcome. Overall outcome included 38 (60%) births and 20 (35%) first trimester spontaneous abortions. Among 36 first pregnancies, 22 (61%) resulted in live birth. Twelve of the 14 pregnancy losses occurred during the first trimester. Rate of pregnancy loss was 21% among 24 patients receiving aspirin therapy during the first trimester vs. 75% among 12 patients not receiving such treatment (P = 0.002). Pregnancy outcome was not influenced by platelet count, leukocyte count or presence of JAK2V617F; four pregnancy losses each were documented in 10 mutated and 10 unmutated patients. Among 17 second pregnancies, 12 (71%) resulted in live birth; these included eight from nine patients with successful and four from eight with unsuccessful first pregnancies (P = 0.07). Maternal complications were infrequent (11%): pre‐eclampsia (n = 1), hematoma after Cesarean‐section (n = 2) and post‐partum hemorrhage (n = 1). This study suggests a salutary role for aspirin therapy in pregnant women with ET. Furthermore, the occurrence of a miscarriage in ET might be a marker for a similar event during subsequent pregnancies.