bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel beta‐delta globin gene fusion, anti‐Lepore Hong Kong, leads to overexpression of delta globin chain and a mild thalassaemia intermedia phenotype when co‐inherited with β0‐thalassaemia
Authors: So Chi‐Chiu , Chan Amy Y. Y. , Tsang Stella T. Y. , Lee Anselm C. W. , Au Wing‐Yan , Ma Edmond S. K. , Chan Li‐Chong 
Published: October 2006

SummaryAnti‐Lepore haemoglobins (Hb) are rare βδ fusion variants that arise from non‐homologous crossover during meiosis, resulting in a δ–βδ–β configuration. A novel anti‐Lepore mutation (anti‐Lepore Hong Kong) was found in two Chinese families with raised Hb A2. Direct sequencing revealed a crossover within a 54‐bp region spanning the junction of cap site (CAP) and exon 1, which predicted the production of normal δ‐globin. Determination of α/β‐mRNA ratios by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated downregulation of the β gene in cis due to the interposed βδ fusion gene. Although heterozygotes have normal red cell indices and are clinically silent, compound heterozygotes with β0 mutation in trans produce a mild thalassaemia intermedia phenotype with a markedly raised Hb A2 level that may mimic clinically mild Hb E‐β+‐thalassaemia. Awareness of the presence of anti‐Lepore Hong Kong will help to resolve diagnostic problems in regions with significant prevalence of globin disorders.
Smooth muscle cell proliferation but not neointimal formation is dependent on alloantibody in a murine model of intimal hyperplasia
Authors: Soleimani B , Katopodis A , Wieczorek G , George A J T , Hornick P I , Heusser C 
Published: October 2006

SummaryTransplant coronary artery disease is the pre-eminent cause of late cardiac allograft failure. It is primarily characterized by a concentric intimal hyperplasia, which we designate transplant intimal hyperplasia (TIH). Although the pathogenesis of TIH is predominately immune driven, the specific role of alloantibodies in the disease process remains undefined. In this study we investigated the contribution of alloantibodies to the development of TIH in a murine model. Orthotopic, carotid artery transplantation was performed between B10A(2R) (H-2h2) donor mice and B-cell deficient μMT–/– knockout or wild-type C57BL/6 (H-2b) recipients in the absence of immunosuppression. Grafts were harvested at 35 days and subjected to planimetry and immunohistochemistry. Alloantibodies were detectable in wild-type recipients within 7 days of transplantation and recipients developed marked TIH at 35 days. Allografts harvested from B-cell deficient recipient mice also developed TIH, which was comparable in severity with wild-type recipients. However, whereas allografts from wild-type recipients showed marked intimal smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, the neointima in B-cell deficient recipients lacked SMCs. Post-transplantation administration of anti-donor serum to μMT–/– recipients restored neointimal SMC population but did not influence the severity of TIH. Significant neointimal formation occurs in the absence of alloantibodies but lacks a SMC component. Therefore, SMC migration and proliferation is antibody dependent.
A diurnal variation in testicular hormone production is maintained following gonadotrophin suppression in normal men
Authors: Walton Melanie J. , Anderson Richard A. , Kicman Andrew T. , Elton Rob A. , Ossowska Karolina , Baird David T. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryObjective  A diurnal variation in serum testosterone in adult men is well recognized, but whether this occurs during exogenous testosterone administration and the degree to which it is endogenous to the testis is unclear.Design  A clinical research centre investigation of testicular function in normal men.Patients  Twenty normal men were recruited, 10 of whom were investigated during administration of testosterone with etonogestrel to suppress gonadotrophin secretion.Measurements  Hourly blood samples were taken over 24 h for measurement of testosterone, inhibin B, LH, FSH and cortisol. Urinary excretion of testosterone and the testicular steroid epitestosterone was also measured.Results  In the controls, a diurnal variation in serum testosterone and LH but not FSH was detected. The treated group had similar testosterone concentrations but showed no diurnal variation. Periodicity was also detected in inhibin B concentrations in 5 of the controls and in 9 of the treated group, who also showed synchrony not seen in the controls. Both groups showed diurnal variation in cortisol. Urinary testosterone excretion did not show a diurnal variation in either group, but this was apparent for epitestosterone with a morning peak in both groups despite the markedly lower excretion in the treated men.Conclusions  The diurnal variation of testosterone in normal men is due to a change in secretion rather than in clearance and is largely LH driven. An endogenous rhythm in both testicular steroidogenesis (epitestosterone) and Sertoli cell function (inhibin B) is also present.
Genetic profiling of dendritic cells exposed to live‐ or ultraviolet‐irradiated Chlamydia muridarum reveals marked differences in CXC chemokine profiles
Authors: Zaharik Michelle L. , Nayar Tarun , White Rick , Ma Caixia , Vallance Bruce A. , Straka Nadine , Jiang Xiaozhou , Rey‐Ladino Jose , Shen Caixia , Brunham Robert C. 
Published: October 2006

Summary Chlamydia trachomatis is a major cause of sexually transmitted disease worldwide for which an effective vaccine is being actively pursued. Current vaccine efforts will be aided by elucidating the interaction between Chlamydia and dendritic cells (DCs). Protective immunity appears to develop slowly following natural infection in humans, and early vaccine trials using inactivated C. trachomatis resulted in partial, short‐lived protection with possible enhanced inflammatory pathology during re‐infection. Thus, immunity following natural infection with live chlamydia may differ fundamentally from immune responses induced by immunization with inactivated chlamydia. We explored this conjecture by studying the response of DCs exposed to either viable or inactivated [ultraviolet (UV) –irradiated] chlamydia elementary bodies (EBs; designated as Live‐EB and UV‐EB, respectively) using Affymetrix GeneChip microarrays. Thirty‐one immunologically characterized genes were differentially expressed by DCs following exposure to Live‐EB or UV‐EB, including two glutamic acid–leucine–arginine cysteine–X–cysteine (ELR CXC) neutrophil chemoattractant chemokines, Cxcl1 (KC), and Cxcl2 (MIP‐2). Up‐regulation of these genes by Live‐EB as compared to UV‐EB was verified by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and increased chemokine secretion was confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay both in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence and fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analysis of chlamydia‐infected lung tissue confirmed that Live‐EB but not UV‐EB induced significant DC and neutrophil infiltration during infection. These observations demonstrate that the development of an antichlamydial immune response is dramatically influenced by chlamydial viability. This has implications as to why early inactivated chlamydial vaccines were ineffective and suggests that new vaccine design efforts may benefit from in vitro DC screening for ELR chemokine expression profiles.
Unexpected development of autoimmunity in BAFF‐R‐mutant MRL‐lprmice
Authors: Ju Zhong L. , Shi Gui Y. , Zuo Jin X. , Zhang Jing W. ,   Jian Sun
Published: October 2006

SummaryBAFF‐R is the predominant receptor that mediates B‐cell activating factor (BAFF)‐dependent B‐cell signalling and plays a critical role in late‐stage B‐cell maturation and survival. BAFF has been implicated in the development of autoimmunity and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To define the role of BAFF‐R in autoimmunity and SLE, we crossed A/WySnJ mice with MRL‐lprmice and generated BAFF‐R‐mutant MRL‐lprmice. The BAFF‐R mutation markedly impaired the development of immature, mature and marginal zone B cells in the spleens of MRL‐lprmice. Unexpectedly, the BAFF‐R mutation in MRL‐lprmice did not result in decreased autoantibody production, hypergammaglobulinaemia or immune complex‐mediated glomerulonephritis. Rather, the ability of BAFF‐R‐mutantlprsplenic B cells to produce immunoglobulinsin vitrowas not decreased, although germinal centre formation, antibody response and B‐cell proliferation were impaired. Further studies found increased numbers of B cells in the bone marrow of BAFF‐R‐mutant MRL‐lprmice compared to the BAFF‐R‐intact lupus mice. ELISPOT analysis revealed that BAFF‐R‐mutant MRL‐lprmice had more antibody‐secreting cells in their bone marrow than the control mice. Thus, these findings could explain the development of autoimmunity and hypergammaglobulinaemia observed in BAFF‐R‐mutant MRL‐lprmice.
Physico‐chemical properties of protein‐bound polysaccharide from Agaricus blazei Murill prepared by ultrafiltration and spray drying process
Authors: Hong Joo Heon , Choi Yong Hee 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThis study was conducted to develop the powder material and investigate the various physico‐chemical properties of protein‐bound polysaccharide with different molecular weight from Agaricus blazei Murill using ultrafiltration and spray‐drying process. Powder properties of the three spray‐dried powders were very different based on their molecular weights. The inlet temperature had less influence than pump rate on particle size of spray‐dried powders. The moisture content of powders was increased with increasing pump rate and decreasing inlet temperature. Among these powders, SD‐1, the molecular weight of which is below 10 kDa, was less flowable by internal cohesion. The decomposition temperature for the powders was in the range of 200–400 °C and showed relatively good enough for their thermal stabilities.
Nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes – application and impact on nursing practice: systematic review
Authors: Müller‐Staub Maria , Lavin Mary Ann , Needham Ian , Van Achterberg Theo 
Published: October 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a systematic review on the outcomes of nursing diagnostics. Specifically, it examines effects on documentation of assessment quality; frequency, accuracy and completeness of nursing diagnoses; and on coherence between nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes.Background.  Escalating healthcare costs demand the measurement of nursing's contribution to care. Use of standardized terminologies facilitates this measurement. Although several studies have evaluated nursing diagnosis documentation and their relationship with interventions and outcomes, a systematic review has not been carried out.Method.  A Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database search (1982–2004) was conducted and enhanced by the addition of primary source and conference proceeding articles. Inclusion criteria were established and applied. Thirty‐six articles were selected and subjected to thematic content analysis; each study was then assessed, and a level of evidence and grades of recommendations assigned.Findings.  Nursing diagnosis use improved the quality of documented patient assessments (n = 14 studies), identification of commonly occurring diagnoses within similar settings (n = 10), and coherence among nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes (n = 8). Four studies employed a continuing education intervention and found statistically significant improvements in the documentation of diagnoses, interventions and outcomes. However, limitations in diagnostic accuracy, reporting of signs/symptoms, and aetiology were also reported (14 studies). One meta‐analysis of eight trials including 1497 patients showed no evidence that standardized electronic documentation of nursing diagnosis and related interventions led to better nursing outcomes.Conclusion.  Despite variable results, the trend indicated that nursing diagnostics improved assessment documentation, the quality of interventions reported, and outcomes attained. The study reveals deficits in reporting of signs/symptoms and aetiology. Consequently, staff educational measures to enhance diagnostic accuracy are recommended. The relationships among diagnoses, interventions and outcomes require further evaluation. Studies are needed to determine the relationship between the quality of documentation and practice.
Low‐perceived work ability, ageing and intention to leave nursing: a comparison among 10 European countries
Authors: Camerino Donatella , Conway Paul Maurice , Van der Heijden Beatrice Isabella Johanna Maria , Estryn‐Behar Madeleine , Consonni Dario , Gould Dinah , Hasselhorn Hans‐Martin ,   the NEXT‐Study Group
Published: October 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring nurses’ perceived work ability and its associations with age and intention to leave nursing in a representative sample of Registered Nurses in 10 European countries.Background.  Throughout Europe, there is now a substantial shortage of Registered Nurses and unless steps are taken to reverse this trend, numbers are likely to decline further. A study exploring nurses’ perceived work ability will provide baseline evidence, which may lead to improved working conditions and increased nursing retention.Methods.  A cross‐sectional study design was employed. Questionnaire data were collected from 25,976 nurses in 10 member states of the European Union between October 2002 and June 2003. The response rate was 52·9% for the total investigation and varied between countries from 32·4% to 76·9%. Perceived work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index. Intention to leave was measured by asking nurses how often they thought about leaving nursing. Data were examined using analysis of covariance and adjusted logistic regression.Results.  In all 10 European countries, scores on the Work Ability Index were significantly lower (P < 0·01) among older nurses (≥45 years). Work ability varied among countries and differences between younger and older nurses were more pronounced in some countries. In all countries, there was a significant association between low Work Ability Index and intention to leave nursing (odds ratios between 1·98 and 21·46), especially among younger nurses. The association between work ability and intention to leave was most marked for those items on the Work Ability Index which explored subjective rather than objective aspects of work ability.Conclusion.  Attempts to redress nursing shortages could include institutional policies to sustain work ability through better working conditions, improving quality of the working environment and finding suitable alternative nursing work for those no longer able to cope in their current post. These approaches should include nurses in all age categories.
The motivation of health professionals to explore research evidence in their practice: an intervention study
Authors: Henderson Amanda , Winch Sarah , Holzhauser Kerri , De Vries Sue 
Published: October 2006

Aim.  To assess the impact of multifaceted clinically focused educational strategies that concentrated on introducing dementia care research evidence on health professionals’ awareness and inclination to use research findings in their future practice.Background.  The promise of evidence‐based practice is slow to materialize with the limitations of adopting research findings in practice readily identifiable.Method.  A pre‐ and post‐test quasi experimental design. The study involved the administration of: a pretest (baseline), an intervention phase, and a post‐test survey, the same research utilization survey.Tool.  The Edmonton Research Orientation Survey (EROS), a self‐report tool that asks participants about their attitudes toward research and about their potential to use research findings, was used to determine health professionals' orientation to research.Intervention.  The introduction of dementia care research evidence through multifaceted clinically focused educational strategies to improve practice. This was achieved through a resource team comprising a Clinical Nurse Consultant, as a leader and resource of localized evidence‐based knowledge in aged care; an experienced Registered Nurse to support the introduction of strategies and a further experienced educator and clinician to reinforce the importance of evidence in change.Results.  Across all the four subscales that are measured in the Edmonton Research Orientation Survey, statistical analysis by independent samples t‐test identified that there was no significant change between the before and after measurements.Relevance to clinical practice.  Successful integration of changes based on evidence does not necessarily mean that staff become more aware or are more inclined to use research findings in future to address problems.
phyA dominates in transduction of red‐light signals to rapidly responding genes at the initiation of Arabidopsis seedling de‐etiolation
Authors: Tepperman James M. , Hwang Yong‐Sic , Quail Peter H. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryContrary to expectations based on the visible phenotypic behavior of seedlings undergoing de‐etiolation in response to continuous red light (Rc), previous gene expression profiling showed that one or more of the five‐membered phytochrome (phy) family of Arabidopsis, other than phyB, is predominantly responsible for transducing the Rc signals to light‐responsive genes. To begin to identify which phys are involved, and to define potential primary targets of phy signaling, we have examined the genome‐wide expression profiles of genes responding to Rc within 1 h (early response genes) of initial exposure of dark‐grown wild‐type,phyA,phyBandphyAphyBdouble mutant seedlings to the light signal. The data show that phyA has a quantitatively dominant role in Rc‐induced expression of these early response genes, that phyB has minimal detectable regulatory activity in the presence of phyA, but assumes a quantitatively larger role in its absence, and that phyA and phyB combined are responsible for the full extent of Rc responsiveness of 96% of these genes. No evidence was obtained of a significant role for the remaining family members, phyC, phyD or phyE, in this process. In striking contrast, Rc‐imposed repression of early response gene expression remains quantitatively strong in thephyAphyBdouble mutant, as well as the monogenic mutants, suggesting a significant role for one or more of the other three phys in this response. Examination of the established or predicted functional roles of the early response genes indicates that genes encoding transcription factors represent the largest single category, at a frequency three times their prevalence genome‐wide. This dominance is particularly striking among those genes responding most robustly to the Rc signal, where >50% are classified as involved in transcriptional regulation, suggesting that these may have potentially primary regulatory roles at the interface between phy signaling and the light‐responsive transcriptional network. Integration of the present data with those of a previous genome‐scale transcriptional analysis of apif3mutant, suggests a complex network involving perception and transduction of inductive Rc signals by both phyA and phyB through both PIF3 and other undefined signaling partners to early response genes.
Concomitant psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid: coincidence or pathogenic relationship?
Authors: Wilczek Agnes , Sticherling Michael 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPsoriasis vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid represent two clinically well‐characterized, chronic, inflammatory skin diseases. The concomitant occurrence of these two entities in a patient is rare, and the pathogenic implications of this phenomenon are unknown. We describe a 55‐year‐old woman with a 25‐year history of plaque‐type psoriasis who presented with disseminated tense bullae. Skin biopsies showed the typical histologic and immunohistochemical traits of bullous pemphigoid, and she had circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the basement membrane zone, specifically the BP180 antigen. The bullous eruption was successfully treated with oral methylprednisolone and dapsone.Bullous pemphigoid is the autoimmune blistering disease that has most often been associated with psoriasis. Forty cases have been described in the literature. Classical psoriasis and psoriasis associated with bullous pemphigoid are identical. The pathogenic relationship between psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid is unclear. It has been postulated that the autoimmune process responsible for bullous pemphigoid lesions may be induced by ultraviolet light therapy, topical corticosteroids, and/or the inflammatory processes that occur in psoriasis. Immunomodulatory therapy may positively influence shared as well as distinct inflammatory mechanisms in patients who have psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid.
Pressure‐controlled ventilation is superior to volume‐controlled ventilation with a laryngeal mask airway in children
Authors: Bordes M. , Semjen F. , Degryse C. , Bourgain J. L. , Cros A. M. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  This prospective, randomized, crossover study had two purposes: first, to determine whether pressure‐controlled ventilation (PCV) is safer than volume‐controlled ventilation (VCV) by preventing gastric insufflation in children ventilated through an laryngeal mask airway (LMA); second, to assess whether the measurement of LMA leak pressure (Pleak) is useful for preventing leakage during positive pressure ventilation (PPV).Methods:  Forty‐one, 2 to 15‐year‐old children underwent general anesthesia with an LMA. The expiratory valve was set at 30 cmH2O and Pleak was measured using constant gas flow. Children were randomly ventilated using PCV or VCV for 5 min in order to reach a PETCO2 not exceeding 45 mm Hg, and then they were ventilated with the alternative mode. If the target PETCO2 could not be obtained in one mode, we switched to the other. If both modes failed, children were intubated. Tidal volumes, PETCO2 and airway pressures were noted and compared between modes. Gastric insufflation was checked by epigastric auscultation.Results:  PCV provided more efficient ventilation than VCV, as targeted PETCO2 was obtained without gastric insufflation using PCV in all cases except one, whereas VCV failed in three cases. No gastric insufflation occurred when ventilating below peak.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that in the age group studied, PCV is more efficient than VCV for controlled ventilation with a laryngeal mask. Gastric insufflation did not occur with this mode.