bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late‐phase, protein synthesis‐dependent long‐term potentiation in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurones with destabilized microtubule networks
Authors: Vickers C A , Wyllie D J A 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:Protein synthesis‐dependent late‐long term potentiation (L‐LTP) is an enduring form of synaptic plasticity that has been shown to rely on, at least partly, protein synthesis at synaptic and/or dendritic sites. Evidence suggests that somatic transcription of new mRNAs may provide a significant contribution to the availability of mRNAs at synaptic sites where they are made available for dendritic translation. Transport of mRNAs from somatic to dendritic sites might be expected to involve movement along a microtubule network. In this study we examined whether it was possible to maintain L‐LTP in hippocampal slices with destabilized microtubule networks.Experimental approach:Extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded from rat hippocampal slices and following a period of baseline recording, stimuli were given that induced LTP. LTP was monitored for 5 h in both control slices and slices treated with vincristine to depolymerize tubulin.Key results:L‐LTP was induced and maintained in vincristine‐treated slices. Four hours after tetanic stimulation fEPSPs were 196±19% of baseline values. The magnitude of potentiation was similar to that seen in untreated slices (175±15%). L‐LTP in vincristine‐treated slices was, however, not maintained in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor, rapamycin. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy of vincristine‐treated slices verified that the microtubule network had been destabilized.Conclusions and Implications:Communication between somatic and synaptic sites through protein and/or mRNA trafficking via an intact microtubule network is not required for protein synthesis dependent L‐LTP.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1071–1077; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707314
The immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) bleeding score: assessment of bleeding in patients with ITP
Authors: Page Lemke K. , Psaila Bethan , Provan Drew , Michael Hamilton J. , Jenkins Julian M. , Elish Andrew S. , Lesser Martin L. , Bussel James B. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryA method for objective quantification of bleeding symptoms in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has not been established. The ITP Bleeding Scale (IBLS) is a novel bleeding assessment system comprising 11 site‐specific grades. Implementation of the IBLS on 100 patient visits revealed that although platelet count and large platelet count correlated well with bleeding symptoms overall, this relationship disappeared in marked thrombocytopenia. The IBLS is a useful clinical tool for monitoring bleeding and may be used to aid the development of laboratory parameters that correlate with underlying bleeding propensity in thrombocytopenia.
Impact of the Y‐containing cell line on histological differentiation patterns in dysgenetic gonads
Authors: Cools Martine , Boter Marjan , Van Gurp Ruud , Stoop Hans , Poddighe Pino , Lau Yun‐Fai Chris , Drop Stenvert L. S. , Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Looijenga Leendert H. J. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryObjective  Gonadal karyotyping is considered a tool for increasing our knowledge of disturbed gonadal development in patients with gonadal dysgenesis and for estimating more accurately the risk for gonadoblastoma formation. The objective was to gain insight into the role of Y chromosome distribution in the histological heterogeneity of gonads of patients with gonadal dysgenesis.Design  Investigation of the possible relationship between peripheral blood karyotype, gonadal karyotype, morphological differentiation patterns of dysgenetic gonads and tumour formation.Patients  In total 22 gonadal samples from 19 patients with gonadal dysgenesis (45,X/46,XY and variants n = 14; 46,XY: n = 3; 46,XX: n = 2) were examined.Measurements  Morphological examination and immunohistochemical staining for testis specific protein, Y encoded (TSPY) and fluorescent and nonfluorescent in situ hybridization directly on gonadal tissue.Results  No correlation was observed between peripheral blood karyotype and gonadal karyotype or between gonadal karyotype and the corresponding differentiation pattern. A Y‐containing cell line in Sertoli cells was encountered no more frequently than were other cell types.Conclusions  The distribution of the Y‐containing cell line in peripheral blood is not a suitable indicator for predicting the histological differentiation pattern found in the gonads of patients with gonadal dysgenesis. The analysis of Y‐containing cell lines in the gonads of such patients could be informative with regard to the specific characteristics of gonadal development in humans as compared to chimeric mouse models. Moreover, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying disturbed gonadogenesis in these patients. As the gonadal karyotype is not related to the encountered gonadal differentiation pattern, it does not allow prediction of the risk for gonadoblastoma formation.
The Leu544Ile polymorphism of the growth hormone receptor gene affects the serum cholesterol levels during GH treatment in children with GH deficiency
Authors: Ihara K. , Inuo M. , Kuromaru R. , Miyako K. , Kohno H. , Kinukawa N. , Hara T. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryObjective  The cellular effects of growth hormone (GH) are mediated by the interaction between GH and the GH receptor (GHR). We investigated the association between polymorphisms in GHR and changes in height standard deviation scores (SDS), and lipid metabolism during GH treatment for GH‐deficient children.Design  A 1‐year study on growth rate and lipid metabolism under GH treatment.Patients  Eighty‐three children (61 boys and 22 girls) with GH deficiency were treated with GH for 1 year after diagnosis.Intervention  The patients were treated with recombinant human GH (0·19 mg/kg/week) for at least 1 year after diagnosis. The growth rates and biochemical parameters for lipid metabolism were measured both before and during treatment. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GHR gene, Cys440Phe, Pro495Thr, Leu544Ile and Pro579Thr, and exon 3 deletion polymorphisms were genotyped by direct sequencing and multiplex PCR.Results  We found no significant association between GHR polymorphisms and changes in height SDS during GH treatment. The total cholesterol levels of the GH‐deficient boys with Ile/Ile at codon 544 showed significantly higher cholesterol levels before GH treatment and then maintained high levels during the GH treatment, compared to those with other genotypes. No other polymorphisms seemed to have any apparent effects on lipid metabolism.Conclusion  The Leu544Ile polymorphism of the GHR gene is associated with cholesterol levels in boys with GH deficiency.
Elevated levels of growth‐related hormones in autism and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mills James L. , Hediger Mary L. , Molloy Cynthia A. , Chrousos George P. , Manning‐Courtney Patricia , Yu Kai F. , Brasington Mark , England Lucinda J. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryObjective  Children with autism are known to have larger head circumferences; whether they are above average in height and weight is less clear. Moreover, little is known about growth‐related hormone levels in children with autism. We investigated whether children with autism were taller and heavier, and whether they had higher levels of growth‐related hormones than control children did.Design  A case‐control study design was employed.Patients  Boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism (n = 71) and age‐matched control boys (n = 59) were evaluated at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.Measurements  Height, weight and head circumference were measured. Blood samples were assayed for IGF‐1 and 2, IGFBP‐3, growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) and for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulphate (DHEAS).Results  Subjects with autism/ASD had significantly (P = 0·03) greater head circumferences (mean z‐score 1·24, SD 1·35) than controls (mean z‐score 0·78, SD 0·93). Subjects with autism also had significantly (P = 0·01) greater weights (mean z‐score 0·91, SD 1·13) than controls (mean z‐score 0·41, SD 1·11). Height did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0·65); subjects with autism/ASD had significantly (P = 0·003) higher body mass indices (BMI) (mean z‐score 0·85, SD 1·19) than controls (mean z‐score 0·24, SD 1·17). Levels of IGF‐1, IGF‐2, IGFBP‐3 and GHBP in the group with autism/ASD were all significantly higher (all P ≤ 0·0001) than in controls.Conclusions  Children with autism/ASD had significantly higher levels of many growth‐related hormones: IGF‐1, IGF‐2, IGFBP‐3 and GHBP. These findings could help explain the significantly larger head circumferences and higher weights and BMIs seen in these subjects. Future studies should examine the potential role of growth‐related hormones in the pathophysiology of autism.
Free triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone are directly associated with waist circumference, independently of insulin resistance, metabolic parameters and blood pressure in overweight and obese women
Authors: De Pergola G. , Ciampolillo A. , Paolotti S. , Trerotoli P. , Giorgino R. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryObjective  To examine whether obesity, body fat distribution and insulin resistance have an independent effect on serum TSH and free thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) in a cohort of euthyroid women, represented by overweight and obese patients.Design and patients  A total of 201 women, aged 18–68 years, with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25·0 kg/m2 and TSH levels < 4·0 mU/l were investigated.Measurements  Fasting TSH, FT3, FT4, insulin, glucose, and serum lipid concentrations, and the level of insulin resistance, estimated by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Waist circumference was measured as an indirect parameter of central fat accumulation.Results  FT3 was directly associated with BMI (P < 0·01) and waist circumference (P < 0·01), and negatively correlated with age (P < 0·001). FT4 was negatively associated with HOMA‐IR (P < 0·05) and fasting insulin levels (P < 0·05). TSH was positively correlated with waist circumference (P < 0·05) and negatively associated with age (P < 0·05). When multiple regression analysis was performed with FT3 as the dependent variable, and waist circumference, HOMA‐IR, blood pressure levels and serum lipid concentrations as independent variables, FT3 maintained an independent association only with waist circumference (positive, P < 0·05) and age (negative, P < 0·001). When multiple regression analysis was performed with TSH as the dependent variable, and the above parameters as independent variables, TSH maintained an independent association only with waist circumference (positive, P < 0·05) and age (negative, P < 0·05). By contrast, when multiple regression analysis was performed with FT4 as the dependent variable, FT4 did not maintain an independent association with any of the independent parameters.Conclusions  Progressive central fat accumulation is associated with an increase in both FT3 and TSH serum levels, independently of insulin sensitivity, metabolic parameters and blood pressure. These results suggest that (1) progressive central fat accumulation is associated with a parallel increase in FT3 levels, possibly as an adaptive thermogenic phenomenon, and (2) the control of TSH secretion by free thyroid hormones is possibly impaired in obesity.
Emergency department equipment for obese patients: perceptions of adequacy
Authors: Singh Navneet , Arthur Heather M. , Worster Andrew , Iacobellis Gianluca , Sharma Arya M. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract Title. Emergency department equipment for obese patients: perceptions of adequacy Aim.  This study reports an investigation to assess patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of equipment adequacy for obese patients presenting at an emergency department and to assess nurses’ knowledge of equipment weight limits in the emergency department.Background.  The increasing weight of populations in many societies is a challenge to healthcare providers and facilities. Emergency department equipment, specifically, may be inadequate for patient care.Methods.  Two questionnaires were developed. One was administered to 134 emergency department patients with suspected cardiac ischaemia; the other was administered to their respective nurses. Patient and nurse equipment adequacy scores were computed. Patients’ self‐reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index. Waist circumference was measured. The data were collected in Canada in 2005.Findings.  Patient equipment adequacy scores correlated inversely with both body mass index (r = −0·55, 95% CI = −0·70 to −0·41, P < 0·01) and waist circumference (r = −0·62, 95% CI = −0·75 to −0·48, P < 0·01). Nurse equipment adequacy scores were also inversely related to patient body mass index (r = −0·34, 95% CI = −0·50 to −0·18, P < 0·01) and waist circumference (r = −0·40, 95% CI = −0·56 to −0·24, P < 0·01). There was a weak correlation between nurse and patient equipment adequacy scores (r = 0·27, 95% CI = −0·44 to −0·10, P < 0·01). Small minorities of nurses reported accurate knowledge of weight limits for beds, commodes and toilets.Conclusion.  Specialized equipment and staff education are needed for adequate management of obese patients in the emergency department.
Diaries as research data in a study on family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease: methodological issues
Authors: Välimäki Tarja , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Pietilä Anna‐Maija 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper is a discussion of the use of unstructured diaries and their benefits and limitations as primary research data in a study of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease.Background.  Caregivers’ diaries have rarely been used to study family caregivers’ subjective knowledge of life with a family member with Alzheimer's disease.Method.  Family caregivers wrote unstructured diaries for 2 weeks during the period 2002–2004, starting within 6 months after the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a family member. The family caregivers (n = 83) were voluntary participants in an ongoing intervention study (patients n = 241 and caregivers n = 241). The diaries were analysed using content analysis.Findings.  The diary data were categorized into the following four different types: meagre, reporting, descriptive and reflective. They described the family caregivers’ experiential world and the changes taking place in it. Family caregivers found diary‐writing a therapeutic and pleasant experience. The use of written diaries involves some limitations concerning high dependency on writers, and data solely in written form. An effort to confirm the quality of data should be made by personal contacts.Conclusion.  Diaries can be used as a primary method of data collection in nursing research, as they produce subjective knowledge of the experiences, emotions and meanings associated with caregiving. Their use can result in a high level of motivation, and ability to reflect on life promotes successful writing.
Evaluation of informed consent: a pilot study
Authors: Länsimies‐Antikainen Helena , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Laitinen Tomi , Schwab Ursula , Rauramaa Rainer , Länsimies Esko 
Published: June 2007

Abstract Title. Evaluation of informed consent: a pilot study Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to describe and analyse the use of informed consent in clinical research, from the point of view of voluntary adult research participants, in order to develop and test an interview schedule for the evaluation of informed consent.Background.  Informed consent is one of the central ethical research principles in healthcare research, but empirical research on this topic is still scarce. To evaluate and develop the ethical quality of scientific research, there is a need to explore the meaning and implications of informed consent for research participants.Method.  The data were collected in 2004 by interviews using an interview schedule created for this study by the first author and discussed in a multidisciplinary group. The response rate was 81%. The sample consisted of 32 patients with a metabolic syndrome who were participants in a project evaluating the effects of betaine on cardiovascular risk factors.Findings.  Participants stated that the key elements of informed consent are information, understanding and decision‐making, and that competence is an essential factor in the reception and understanding of information and making an independent decision about participation. Our interview schedule was found to be useful in the investigation of informed consent.Conclusion.  This study strengthened the perception that more extensive research about research participants is needed.
STAMP: components of observable behaviour that indicate potential for patient violence in emergency departments
Authors: Luck Lauretta , Jackson Debra , Usher Kim 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper is the report of a study to explicate the components of observable behaviour that indicate a potential for violence in patients, their family and friends when presenting at an emergency department.Background.  Violence towards nurses is a contemporary, multifaceted problem for the healthcare workforce globally. International literature identifies emergency departments as having high levels of violence.Method.  A mixed method case study design was adopted, and data were collected by means of 290 hours of participant observation, 16 semi‐structured interviews and 13 informal field interviews over a 5‐month period in 2005. Thematic analysis of textual data was undertaken using NVivo2. Frequency counts were developed from the numerical data.Findings.  Five distinctive elements of observable behaviour indicating potential for violence in patients, their families and friends were identified. These elements can be conceptualized as a potential nursing violence assessment framework and described through the acronym STAMP: Staring and eye contact, Tone and volume of voice, Anxiety, Mumbling and Pacing.Conclusion.  Staring and eye contact, Tone and volume of voice, Anxiety, Mumbling and Pacing provides a useful, practical nursing violence assessment framework to assist nurses to quickly identify patients, families and friends who have a potential for violence.
The meaning of empowerment for nursing students: a critical incident study
Authors: Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Sambrook Sally , Irvine Fiona 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the meaning of empowerment for nursing students in relation to their clinical practice experiences.Background.  Empowerment and power are well‐researched areas of nursing practice, particularly in relation to Registered Nurses. Furthermore, several studies have considered the experiences of nursing students in terms of nursing culture and socialization. However, few researchers have focused specifically on nursing student empowerment.Method.  The critical incident technique was used and anonymous data were collected between November 2005 and January 2006. One hundred and nine written critical incidents were provided by 66 nursing students relating to empowering and disempowering experiences in clinical practice. The data were content analysed.Findings.  Nursing students experience both empowerment and disempowerment in clinical placements, centring on three issues: learning in practice, team membership and power. Continuity of placement, the presence of a mentor and time underpinned empowering experiences whereas their absence had a disempowering effect.Conclusion.  The consequences of nursing student empowerment are high self‐esteem, motivation for learning and positive regard for placement. Supportive mentors play a pivotal role in the empowerment of nursing students and it is essential for the nursing profession that they are supported to undertake their mentorship role.
Psychosomatic tendency for suicide among the elderly in Mie Prefecture, Japan
Authors: INOUE Ken , TANII Hisashi , FUKUNAGA Tatsushige , ABE Shuntaro , NISHIMURA Fusae , KIMURA Yukiko , KAIYA Hisanobu , NATA Masayuki , OKAZAKI Yuji 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study is to show the causative factors of suicide among the elderly (over 65) in Mie Prefecture, Japan, and to discuss the prevention of the suicidal influences in elderly patients.Methods:  We investigated all inquest records during the 14‐year period 1989–2002 in cooperation with the First Department of Criminal Investigation of Mie Prefectural Police Headquarters. From all cases classified as suicides, we extracted data on age, sex and background, and we focused on suicide in the elderly group.Results:  During the test period, there were 5048 suicides (3276 male and 1772 female suicides) of which 1513 (691 male and 822 female) were in the elderly group. The rate of suicide in the elderly group was approximately 30% of the total in all age groups. The rate of female suicides in the elderly group was approximately 46.3%. The major causative factors of suicide among the elderly were ‘suffering from physical illness’, and ‘psychiatric disorders’. ‘Physical diseases’ were not negligible backgrounds in middle and elderly groups. Among physical diseases, the number of malignant neoplasm was clearly less than the other diseases. Notably, ‘cardiovascular disease’ and ‘orthopedic disorders’ were most frequent causative factors of suicide other than malignant neoplasm.Conclusion:  It is consequently concluded that improvements in the system of home nursing and health care should be involved in the suicidal prevention of the elderly who ‘suffer from physical illness’. The patients who ‘suffer from physical illness’ should be given physical and mental support. In order to prevent suicide, not only psychiatrists but also general practitioners as well as medical staff and general public should be provided with education regarding depression among ‘psychiatric disorders’.
Ovarian preservation with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analog during chemotherapy
Authors: GILANI Mitra Modares , HASANZADEH Malihe , GHAEMMAGHAMI Fatemeh , RAMAZANZADEH Fatemeh 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective:  After the improved long‐term survival in young women with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, the preservation of their future fertility has been the focus of recent interest. We studied whether gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs could prevent the early onset of ovarian insufficiency post‐chemotherapy and protect fertility.Methods:  The patients were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of post‐menarche patients aged 12–45 years (n = 15), who received chemotherapy but no GnRH analog protection. Group B consisted of post‐menarche patients aged 12–45 years (n = 15), who received chemotherapy with GnRH analog. The gonadotropin values in the two groups were checked. Both groups received a multi‐agent chemotherapy regimen (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplation, Taxol, carboplatin), (Taxol, cisplatinum) and (vincristin, actinomycin, cyclophosphamide) In group B, the GnRH analog was diphereline (3/75 mg). It was administered each month before and during treatment with chemotherapy. The first dose was administered 7 days before starting chemotherapy.Result:  In group A, five patients (33%) had amenorrhea and premature ovarian failure. The laboratory values in these five patients showed increased gonadotropin. In group B, the most of patient resumed menstruation after 2–4 months. All these patients had a normal titer of gonadotropin.Conclusion:  The GnRH analog co‐treatment should be considered in every woman of reproductive age receiving chemotherapy.