bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast-feeding initiation and determinants of exclusive breast-feeding – a questionnaire survey in an urban population of western Nepal
Authors: Chandrashekhar TS , Joshi HS , Binu VS , Shankar PR , Rana MS , Ramachandran U 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess rates of initiation of breast-feeding and exclusive breast-feeding within 2 months after delivery and to determine the factors influencing exclusive breast-feeding.DesignA health worker-administered questionnaire survey was carried out during the time period 1 August–30 September 2005.SettingImmunisation clinics of Pokhara, a submetropolitan city in western Nepal.SubjectsThree hundred and eighty-five mothers who had delivered a child within the previous 2 months.ResultsThe rates of initiation within 1 h and within 24 h of delivery were 72.7 and 84.4%, respectively. Within 2 months after delivery, exclusive breast-feeding was practised by 82.3% of the mothers. Breast milk/colostrum was given as the first feed to 332 (86.2%) babies but 17.2% of them were either given expressed breast milk or were put to the breast of another lactating mother. Pre-lacteal feeds were given to 14% of the babies. The common pre-lacteal feeds given were formula feeds (6.2%), sugar water (5.9%) and cow's milk (2.8%). Complementary feeds were introduced by 12.7% of the mothers. By logistic regression analysis, friends' feeding practices, type of delivery and baby's first feed were the factors influencing exclusive breast-feeding practice of the mothers.ConclusionsDespite the higher rates of initiation and exclusive breast-feeding, practices such as pre-lacteal feeds and premature introduction of complementary feeds are of great concern in this urban population. There is a need for promotion of good breast-feeding practices among expectant mothers and also the community, especially the families, taking into account the local traditions and customs.
Evidence for the Expression of Multiple Uracil Nucleotide‐Stimulated P2 Receptors Coupled to Smooth Muscle Contraction in Porcine Isolated Arteries
Authors: Rayment S J , Latif M L , Ralevic V , Alexander S P H 
Published: February 2007

Background and purpose:The uracil nucleotides UDP and UTP have been reported to activate P2Y2, P2Y4and P2Y6receptors to cause vasoconstriction. We have performed a comparative analysis of these receptors in endothelium‐denuded smooth muscle from porcine isolated coronary and ear arteries, using pharmacological and molecular tools.Experimental approach:Tissue segments were used to construct non‐cumulative concentration response curves for UTP and UDP, in the absence and presence of the P2 receptor antagonists PPADS or suramin. RT‐PCR and immunoblot analyses were employed to define gene expression and immunoreactivity for P2Y2, P2Y4and P2Y6receptors.Key results:In the coronary artery, UTP‐evoked contractile responses were reduced in the presence of suramin, but not PPADS, while the smaller responses to UDP were unaffected by either antagonist. In the ear artery, contractile responses to UDP were much smaller than those to UTP; responses to UTP were inhibited by both PPADS and suramin. RT‐PCR suggested predominant expression of P2Y2receptors in the coronary artery, while P2Y4and P2Y6receptor gene expression appeared equivalent in both tissues. Immunoblot analyses provided evidence for P2Y6receptors in both tissues, with equivocal evidence of P2Y2and P2Y4receptor immunoreactivities.Conclusions and implications:We conclude that UTP‐evoked contraction of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle appears to be predominantly P2Y2‐mediated, while the ear artery appears to express a uracil nucleotide‐sensitive P2 receptor(s) which fails to fit readily into the current classification.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 604–612. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707120
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a binding partner for hypoxia induced mitogenic factor (HIMF/FIZZ1) and mediates myeloid cell chemotaxis
Authors: Su Qingning , Zhou Yifu , Johns Roger A. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTHypoxia induced mitogenic factor (HIMF) is a member of the FIZZ/resistin/RELM family of proteins that we have shown to have potent mitogenic, angiogenic, and vasoconstrictive effects in the lung vasculature. In the current report, we identified Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) as a functional HIMF binding partner through glutathione S‐transferase (GST)‐HIMF pull‐down studies and mass spectrometry. Using primary cultured HIMF‐stimulated murine bone marrow cells, we demonstrated that HIMF causes redistribution of BTK to the leading edge of the cells. HIMF stimulation induced BTK autophosphorylation, which peaked at 2.5 min. A transwell migration assay showed that treatment with recombinant murine HIMF induced migration of primary cultured bone marrow cells that was completely blocked by the BTK inhibitor, LFM‐A13. Our results demonstrate BTK as the first known functional binding partner of the HIMF/FIZZ family of proteins and that HIMF acts as a chemotatic molecule in stimulating the migration of myeloid cells through activation of the BTK pathway.—Su, Q., Zhou, Y., and Johns, R. A. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a binding partner for hypoxia induced mitogenic factor (HIMF/ FIZZ1) and mediates myeloid cell chemotaxis. FASEB J. 21, 1377–1383 (2007)
VEGF‐induced heme oxygenase‐1 confers cytoprotection from lethal hyperoxia in vivo
Authors: Siner Jonathan M. , Jiang Ge , Cohen Zaza I. , Shan Peiying , Zhang Xuchen , Lee Chun Geun , Elias Jack A. , Lee Patty J. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTProlonged exposure to hyperoxia results in hyperoxic acute lung injury (HALI). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to have cytoprotective effects and prolong survival in an in vivo model of HALI. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) has protective effects in hyperoxia; therefore, we hypothesized that induction of HO‐1 would be an important contributor to VEGF‐induced cytoprotection. Using inducible, lung‐specific VEGF overexpressing transgenic mice, we demonstrated that VEGF is a potent inducer of HO‐1 mRNA and protein in mouse lung. To evaluate the effect of inhibition of HO‐1 on injury, VEGF transgenic mice were treated with HO‐1 short interfering RNA (HO‐1 siRNA) and exposed to hyperoxia. Total lung lavage protein concentration, TUNEL staining, lipid peroxidation, and wet‐to‐dry ratio were all increased, consistent with increased injury. These findings were corroborated by survival studies in which inhibition of HO‐1 function using tin‐protoporphryin or silencing of HO‐1 with lentiviral HO‐1 short hairpin RNA (ShRNA) significantly decreased survival in hyperoxia. We conclude from these data that VEGF‐induced HO‐1 is an important contributor to cytoprotection in this in vivo model of acute lung injury and that alterations in VEGF function in the lung are likely to be important determinants of the outcome of acute lung injury.—Siner, J. M., Jiang, G., Cohen, Z. I., Shan, P., Zhang, X., Lee, C. G., Elias, J. A., Lee, P. J. VEGF‐induced heme oxygenase‐1 confers cytoprotection from lethal hyper‐oxia in vivo. FASEB J. 21, 1422–1432 (2007)
Selective gene activation by spatial segregation of insulin receptor B signaling
Authors: Uhles Sabine , Moede Tilo , Leibiger Barbara , Berggren Per-Olof , Leibiger Ingo B 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTInsulin exerts pleiotropic effects at the cellular level. Signaling via the two isoforms of the insulin receptor (IR) may explain the activation of different signaling cascades, while it remains to be explored how selectivity is achieved when utilizing the same IR isoform. We now demonstrate that insulin‐stimulated transcription of c‐fos and glucokinase genes is activated simultaneously in the insulin‐producing β‐cell via IR‐B localized in different cellular compartments. Insulin activates the glucokinase gene from plasma membrane‐standing IR‐B, while c‐fos gene activation is dependent on clathrin‐mediated IR‐B‐endocytosis and signaling from early endosomes. Moreover, glucokinase gene up‐regulation requires the integrity of the jux‐tamembrane IR‐B NPEY‐motif and signaling via PI3K‐C2α‐like/PDK1/PKB, while c‐fos gene activation requires the intact C‐terminal YTHM‐motif and signaling via PI3K Ia/Shc/MEK1/ERK. By using IR‐B as an example it is thus possible to demonstrate how spatial segregation allows simultaneous and selective signaling via the same receptor isoform in the same cell.—Uhles S., Moede T., Leibiger B., Berggren P.‐O., and Leibiger I. B. Selective gene activation by spatial segregation of insulin receptor B signaling. FASEB J. 21, 1609–1621 (2007)
Brucellosis‐induced immune thrombocytopenia mimicking ITP: a report of seven cases
Authors: YıLMAZ M. , TIRYAKI O. , NAMıDURU M. , OKAN V. , OGUZ A. , BUYUKHATIPOGLU H. , KARAOGLAN I. , YıLMAZ B. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryBrucellosis continues to be an important cause of fever in underdeveloped countries and in rural areas of developed world. It is a multisystemic disease, associated with wide variety of symptoms. A wide variety of symptoms, including haematological abnormalities, such as anaemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, dissemine intravascular coagulation and leucopoenia could be seen, all of which are more common than usually thought. In this short study, we present a relatively uncommon haematological manifestation that of isolated thrombocytopenia mimicking idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, which we observed in seven of 114 patients who were diagnosed with brucellosis in our hospital over a 2‐year period. Having given brucellosis treatment with rifampicin and doxycycline, complete remission was achieved and thrombocyte count returned to normal in all cases.
Burnout and ‘stress of conscience’ among healthcare personnel
Authors: Glasberg A. L. , Eriksson S. , Norberg A. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Title. Burnout and ‘stress of conscience’ among healthcare personnel Aim.  This paper reports a study examining factors that may contribute to burnout among healthcare personnel.Background.  The impact on burnout of factors such as workload and interpersonal conflicts is well‐documented. However, although health care is a moral endeavour, little is known about the impact of moral strain. Interviews reveal that healthcare personnel experience a troubled conscience when they feel that they cannot provide the good care that they wish – and believe it is their duty – to give.Methods.  In this cross‐sectional study, conducted in 2003, a sample of 423 healthcare personnel in Sweden completed a battery of questionnaires comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Perception of Conscience Questionnaire, Stress of Conscience Questionnaire, Social Interactions Scale, Resilience Scale and a personal/work demographic form.Results.  Regression analysis resulted in a model that explained approximately 59% of the total variation in emotional exhaustion. Factors associated with emotional exhaustion were ‘having to deaden one's conscience’, and ‘stress of conscience’ from lacking the time to provide the care needed, work being so demanding that it influences one's home life, and not being able to live up to others’ expectations. Several additional variables were associated with emotional exhaustion. Factors contributing to depersonalization were ‘having to deaden one's conscience’, ‘stress of conscience’ from not being able to live up to others’ expectations and from having to lower one's aspirations to provide good care, deficient social support from co‐workers, and being a physician; however, the percentage of variation explained was smaller (30%).Conclusion.  Being attentive to our own and others’ feelings of troubled conscience is important in preventing burnout in health care, and staff need opportunities to reflect on their troubled conscience. Further research is needed into how a troubled conscience can be eased, particularly focusing on the working environment.
Cytokine Profile of T lymphocytes from Peripheral Blood and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Patients with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Boras Z. , Juretić A. , Gagro A. , Pavelić Lj 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe possible immunological relationship between the pattern of Th1/Th2 cytokine production and tuberculin reactivity was assessed in patients with active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The production of the intracellular cytokines interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) was measured in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells obtained from peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 20 tuberculin skin‐positive patients and compared with the findings recorded in nine tuberculin skin‐negative patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Upon stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate acetate/ionomycin for 6 h, tuberculin‐negative patients had a significantly higher proportion of IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ T lymphocytes in BALF than in peripheral blood, while both CD4+ and CD8+ T‐lymphocyte subsets in BALF of tuberculin‐positive patients secreted more IFN‐γ than their peripheral blood counterparts. Tuberculin‐negative patients had a significantly higher proportion of IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood than tuberculin‐positive patients. There was no significant difference in the production of IFN‐γ by BALF CD4+ T lymphocytes, or by either peripheral blood or BALF CD8+ T lymphocytes. In two tuberculin‐negative patients, peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes produced IL‐4. Study results suggested a higher immune activity in the blood of tuberculin‐negative patients, with an increased lymphocyte activity in BALF versus peripheral blood in both patient groups.
The effect of temperature and salinity on survival and growth of Crangon uritai (Decapoda: Crangonidae) larvae reared in the laboratory
Authors: Li Hui Yu , Hong Sung Yun 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLarvae of the decapod Crangon uritai were reared in the laboratory in a factorial experiment employing three temperatures (9, 12 and 15 °C) and three salinities (29‰, 32‰ and 35‰) from hatching to the post‐larval stage. The effects of temperature and salinity on survival, intermolt period (IP) and molt increment (MI) were investigated. Larvae from one brood were subdivided into groups of 20 and reared in glass bowls containing filtered sea‐water at a number of temperature–salinity combinations. The reared larvae were transferred daily to the clean bowls prepared with newly hatched Artemianauplii, and number of molts and mortality within each bowl were recorded. The zoeal size (carapace length) was determined from exuvia and dead larvae, and the IP was also recorded. Larvae of C. uritai completed larval development only at 15 °C temperature. The first zoeal stage completed their development at all temperature–salinity combinations and exhibited the highest survival rate. IP at each stage increased with increasing size and greatly decreased with increasing temperature, and intermolt duration (range of days) increased with larval development especially at the lower temperature. Although the MI decreased with increasing size, it was little affected by temperature. This led to a better growth rate with increasing temperature.
Effect of Body Weight, Age and Breeding History on Canine Sperm Quality Parameters Measured by the Hamilton‐Thorne Analyser
Authors: Rijsselaere T , Maes D , Hoflack G , De Kruif A , Van Soom A 
Published: February 2007

ContentsDuring the last decade, several computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems have been validated for canine sperm quality assessment. Regarding the impressive possibilities of these systems, further research is required to determine which CASA measurements are of clinical importance in canine andrology. In the present study, the sperm quality parameters obtained by the Hamilton‐Thorne Semen Analyser (Ceros 12.1; HTR) were correlated with the body weight and the age of the dogs. Moreover, the sperm quality parameters of dogs with a different breeding history were compared. The sperm‐rich fraction was collected from 111 dogs of 50 different breeds, which were presented at our department. Immediately after collection, the concentration, the total sperm output (TSO) and 13 different sperm motility and velocity characteristics were measured by the HTR. The percentage of live spermatozoa and the spermatozoal morphology were examined on eosin/nigrosin stained smears. Based on their breeding history, the dogs were divided in three groups: ‘fertile’ (n = 60), ‘subfertile’ (n = 17) or ‘not used for breeding’ (n = 34). Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were established between the body weight of the dogs and the TSO (r = 0.245) and velocity curvilinear (VCL; r = −0.220), respectively. The age was negatively correlated with the percentage of normal spermatozoa (r = −0.203; p < 0.05). The correlations with all the other evaluated sperm parameters were low and not significant. Significant differences between the ‘fertile’ and the ‘subfertile’ group were found for all of the evaluated sperm quality parameters (except for BCF, LIN, STR and MEDIUM). In conclusion, dogs tend to produce ejaculates with a lower percentage of normal spermatozoa with increasing age and dogs with higher body weights produce ejaculates with a higher TSO and a lower VCL. Significantly poorer sperm characteristics were found for dogs with lower in vivo fertility results.
Expression of Angiopoietin (ANPT)‐1, ANPT‐2 and their Receptors in Dominant Follicles during Periovulatory Period in GnRH‐Treated Cow
Authors: Shimizu T , Berisha B , Schams D , Miyamoto A 
Published: February 2007

ContentsOvarian follicular vasculature is involved in follicular development and ovulation. Angiopoietin (ANPT)‐Tie system is important for vascularization of the tissue surrounding the developing follicles and corpus luteum (CL). To determine how the expression of ANPT‐1, ANPT‐2 and their receptors in the follicles would be associated with the ovulatory process, the present study was conducted to examine mRNA expressions of ANPT‐1, ANPT‐2 and their receptors during the periovulatory phase in gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐treated cows. The ovaries were collected by transvaginal ovariectomy (n = 5, cows/group) and the follicles (n = 5, one follicle/cow) were classified into following groups: before GnRH administration [before luteinizing hormone (LH) surge]; 3–5 h after GnRH (during LH surge); 10 h after GnRH; 20 h after GnRH; 25 h after GnRH (peri‐ovulation); and early CL (days 2–3). The mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative real‐time PCR (rotor‐gene 3000). Angiopoietin‐1 expression rapidly decreased at 3–5 h and kept low level at 10 h after GnRH treatment compared with that before GnRH, and returned to the level before LH surge in the follicles >20 h after GnRH treatment. The levels of ANPT‐2 mRNA decreased at 10 and 25 h after treatment compared with other periods. The ratio of ANPT‐2/ANPT‐1 (an index for destabilization of blood vessels) increased in the follicles at 3–5 h after GnRH treatment only. Both of Tie‐1 and Tie‐2 receptor expressions decreased in the follicles at 25 h after GnRH treatment. The results of the present study indicated that mRNA expressions of ANPT‐1, ANPT‐2 and their receptors changed in the bovine follicles during periovulatory period. These results suggest that angiopoietin‐Tie system is associated with the initiation of vasculature of follicle that grows towards ovulation.
Role of Cumulus Cells on In Vitro Maturation of Canine Oocytes
Authors: Otoi T , Shin T , Kraemer DC , Westhusin ME 
Published: February 2007

ContentsThe objectives of the present study were to investigate the relationship between the morphological status of cumulus cells surrounding canine oocytes after maturation culture and the meiotic stage of the oocytes. In addition, the effect of the removal of cumulus cells from canine cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) during maturation culture on their meiotic competence was examined. Canine COCs were collected from bitches at the anoestrous and dioestrous stages and only COCs with >110 μm in vitelline diameter were cultured in medium 199 with 10% canine serum for 72 h. In the first experiment, the relation between the morphological status of cumulus cells surrounding oocytes cultured for 72 h and their meiotic stages was examined. At the end of maturation culture, the proportions of intact, partially nude and completely nude oocytes were 65.2%, 22.9% and 11.9%, respectively. The proportion of maturation to metaphase II of completely nude oocytes was highest among the oocytes with different morphological status of cumulus cells. In the second experiment, the cumulus cells were partially or completely removed from COCs at 48 h after the start of maturation culture and the oocytes were cultured for a further 24 h. The proportion of oocytes reaching metaphase II in the completely denuded oocytes was significantly higher than that in the control oocytes without the removal treatment of cumulus cells. The results indicate that morphological status of cumulus cells surrounding oocytes may be related to the nuclear maturation of canine oocytes, and the removal of cumulus cells from COCs during maturation culture can promote the completion of oocyte meiotic maturation.
An evaluation of the accuracy and efficiency of a school screening model that uses a questionnaire
Authors: Scherrer Sharon , Stevens John A 
Published: February 2007

Scherrer S, Stevens JA. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 89–96 An evaluation of the accuracy and efficiency of a school screening model that uses a questionnaire The role of the school nurse is changing to meet the increasing needs for health promotion and health education. However, the evolution is being hampered by the inefficient work practices involved in undertaking some of the more traditional tasks such as school screening. A survey questionnaire model of screening was developed and trialed with a sample of students and parents and then compared with the results of the more traditional one to one screening programme. The questionnaire survey model was evaluated for accuracy and efficiency against the traditional screening model. The questionnaire method exhibited a relatively low error rate and required one third of the time to complete when compared with the traditional screening programme. The implications of these findings as well as the advantages and limitations of each model are examined in the discussion.
The complexity of searching the literature
Authors: Sindhu Fahera , Dickson Rumona 
Published: February 2007

Sindhu F, Dickson R. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 211–217 The complexity of searching the literature The science of systematically reviewing literature has become a research process in its own right. The key word of course, is systematic. In the context of a systematic review this indicates that all possible sources have been comprehensively searched using a pre‐defined search strategy designed to identify all relevant published and unpublished work. This paper illustrates the components of a comprehensive search, examines the yield of this approach and discusses the time and resource requirements for conducting the search. It uses as an example a recently completed systematic review. The paper goes on to discuss ways in which nurses can become more involved in conducting and using the results of good quality reviews.