bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The regulation of OLFM4 expression in myeloid precursor cells relies on NF‐κB transcription factor
Authors: Chin Kyung L. , Aerbajinai Wulin , Zhu Jiangqiong , Drew LaShawn , Chen Ling , Liu Wenli , Rodgers Griffin P. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe human olfactomedin 4 gene (OLFM4, also known as hGC‐1, GW112) is thought to be a useful marker for early myeloid development. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐stimulated OLFM4 expression, we characterized the promoter region of OLFM4. The 35‐bp region (−101 to −66) of the proximal promoter regulated reporter gene expression, and mutation of the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB binding site within the promoter abolished the binding of the transcription factor and the ability to regulate OLFM4 expression. G‐CSF increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human CD34+ cells, which was abrogated by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) or NADPH oxidase. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by G‐CSF inhibited by the antioxidant N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, or U0126. However, phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 was only partially inhibited by NAC, but not by PD98059 or U0126. Inhibition of the ERK pathway remarkably decreased OLFM4 expression and this inhibition required NF‐κB transcription factor. Inhibition of ROS or the ERK pathway remarkably decreased G‐CSF‐induced OLFM4 expression. Our results suggest that G‐CSF‐induced expression of OLFM4 is regulated by the transcription factor NF‐κB, and that this induction is mediated by the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway through PI3K‐driven ROS production.
The presence of α‐thalassaemia trait blunts the response to hydroxycarbamide in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Vasavda Nisha , Badiger Sheela , Rees David , Height Sue , Howard Jo , Thein Swee Lay 
Published: September 2008

SummaryHydroxycarbamide (HC), although a key drug therapy in sickle cell disease (SCD), does not result in a clinical response in all patients. Increases in fetal haemoglobin (HbF) and mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes are standard clinical measures of HC efficacy in SCD. Genetic studies have determined that the majority of HbF regulation occurs outside the β‐globin locus. Approximately 30% of SCD patients have co‐inherited α‐thalassaemia resulting in hypochromic and microcytic erythrocytes. We provide data from 30 SCD patients (10 with α‐thalassaemia) demonstrating that co‐existing α‐thalassaemia significantly affects several standard measures of HC efficacy in SCD.
An improved force‐restore method for soil temperature prediction
Authors: Gao Z. , Horton R. , Wang L. , Liu H. , Wen J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe force‐restore method originally developed to enable soil temperature predictions assumes that soil is uniform with depth (i.e. the vertical gradient of thermal diffusivity is zero in soil) and that thermal conduction is the only heat transfer mechanism necessary for prediction of soil temperature. These assumptions hamper the applicability of the force‐restore method to many natural soil conditions. The main objective of this study is to revise the force‐restore method by extending it to include the possibility of soil heterogeneity with depth (i.e. non‐zero vertical gradient of thermal diffusivity in soil) and to include the possible occurrence of convective heat transfer as well as conductive heat transfer in soil. Soil temperatures calculated by the current and the revised force‐restore methods for a shallow soil layer were compared with measured soil temperatures at a bare soil site in the China Loess Plateau from 22 to 26 July 2005. Results showed that the revised method improved on the current force‐restore method, which overestimated either the diurnal amplitude or the phase shift for the shallow soil layer. These results indicate that the revised force‐restore method is more applicable than the current force‐restore method for predicting soil temperatures in naturally occurring non‐uniform soil. The revised force‐restore method has potential application within many land‐atmosphere numerical models.
Can we predict the provenance of a soil sample for forensic purposes by reference to a spatial database?
Authors: Lark R. M. , Rawlins B. G. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryIn forensic soil science it is sometimes necessary to address a question of the form: ‘what is the most likely place of origin of this soil material’, where the possible provenances are in a large area. This ‘intelligence’ problem may be distinguished from the ‘evidence’ problem where we need to evaluate the grounds for believing that some soil material is derived from one site rather than another. There is interest in the use of soil databases to solve intelligence problems. This paper proposes a geostatistical method to tackle the intelligence problem. Given data on a sample of unknown provenance, and a database with the same information from known sites, it is possible to define a likelihood function, the argument of which is location in space, which is the likelihood that the sample is from that location. In this paper, we show how an approximation to this likelihood can be computed, using a principal component transformation of the data and disjunctive kriging. The proposed likelihood function is tested using a geochemical database on the soil of the Humber Trent region of north‐east England. This shows that the function is a useful way to make a statistical prediction of the provenance of a soil sample. The region can be stratified according to the value of the likelihood function. A validation data set showed that if we defined a stratum with the top 4.5% of values of the likelihood function, then there was a 50% probablity that it included the true provenance of the sample, and there is a 90% probability of finding the true provenance of the sample in a stratum with the top 30% of values of the likelihood function. Note also that the spatial likelihood function could be integrated with other sources of information on the likely provenance of the sample by means of Baye’s law. We conclude that this approach has value for forensic problems. The main difficulty is how to define the geostatistical support of the forensic specimen, and the reliability of analytical data on relatively small forensic samples, but this is a generic problem for forensic geoscience.
Cation exchange in forest soils: the need for a new perspective
Authors: Ross D. S. , Matschonat G. , Skyllberg U. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe long‐term sustainability of forest soils may be affected by the retention of exchangeable nutrient cations such as Ca2+and the availability of potentially toxic cations such as Al3+. Many of our current concepts of cation exchange and base cation saturation are largely unchanged since the beginnings of soil chemistry over a century ago. Many of the same methods are still in use even though they were developed in a period when exchangeable aluminium (Al) and variable charge were not generally recognized. These concepts and methods are not easily applicable to acid, highly organic forest soils. The source of charge in these soils is primarily derived from organic matter (OM) but the retention of cations, especially Al species, cannot be described by simple exchange phenomena. In this review, we trace the development of modern cation exchange definitions and procedures, and focus on how these are challenged by recent research on the behaviour of acid forest soils. Although the effective cation exchange capacity (CECe) in an individual forest soil sample can be easily shown to vary with the addition of strong base or acid, it is difficult to find a pH effect in a population of different acid forest soil samples. In the very acidic pH range below ca 4.5, soils will generally have smaller concentrations of adsorbed Al3+. This can be ascribed to a reduced availability of weatherable Al‐containing minerals and a large amount of weak, organic acidity. Base cation saturation calculations in this pH range do not provide a useful metric and, in fact, pH is modelled better if Al3+is considered to be a base cation. Measurement of exchangeable Al3+with a neutral salt represents an ill‐defined but repeatable portion of organically complexed Al, affected by the pH of the extractant. Cation exchange in these soils can be modelled if assumptions are made as to the proportion of individual cations that are non‐specifically bound by soil OM. Future research should recognize these challenges and focus on redefining our concepts of cation retention in these important soils.
Overexpression of TNF‐α and TNFRII in invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast: clinicopathological correlations
Authors: Cui L F , Guo X J , Wei J , Liu F F , Fan Y , Lang R G , Gu F , Zhang X M , Fu L 
Published: September 2008

Aims:  Angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is a potent angiogenic factor. Invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast (IMPC), a rare subtype of breast cancer, possesses a lymphotropic nature with a high incidence of lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. The aim was to evaluate the role of TNF‐α and its receptor TNFRII in the vascular development and metastasis of IMPC.Methods and results:  One hundred cases of IMPC and 97 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified (IDC) were studied in parallel by immunohistochemistry for TNF‐α and TNFRII, and microvessel density (MVD) of the tumours was measured. The results showed that the expression of TNF‐α and TNFRII and the MVD were higher in IMPC than in IDC (P < 0.05). In IMPC, MVD was significantly increased in those with lymph node metastasis compared with those without nodal metastasis (P = 0.001). TNF‐α expression showed a significant positive correlation with the rate of proliferation, histological grade, lymph node metastasis and MVD (P < 0.05), whereas expression of TNFRII was correlated with TNF‐α expression and the proliferation of tumour cells in IMPC (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Expression of TNF‐α and TNFRII might play an important role in the angiogenesis, tumour cell proliferation and metastasis of IMPC. These markers could represent new targets for therapeutic intervention, i.e. blocking of TNF‐α and its signal transduction could be a promising tool for treatment.
Prognostic factors in lymph node metastases of prostatic cancer patients: the size of the metastases but not extranodal extension independently predicts survival
Authors: Fleischmann A , Schobinger S , Markwalder R , Schumacher M , Burkhard F , Thalmann G N , Studer U E 
Published: September 2008

Aims:  To analyse tumour characteristics and the prognostic significance of prostatic cancers with extranodal extension of lymph node metastases (ENE) in 102 node‐positive, hormone treatment‐naive patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and extended lymphadenectomy.Methods and results:  The median number of nodes examined per patient was 21 (range 9–68), and the median follow‐up time was 92 months (range 12–191). ENE was observed in 71 patients (70%). They had significantly more, larger and less differentiated nodal metastases, paralleled by significantly larger primary tumours at more advanced stages and with higher Gleason scores than patients without ENE. ENE defined a subgroup with significantly decreased biochemical recurrence‐free (P = 0.038) and overall survival (P = 0.037). In multivariate analyses the diameter of the largest metastasis and Gleason score of the primary tumour were independent predictors of survival.Conclusions:  ENE in prostatic cancer is an indicator lesion for advanced/aggressive tumours with poor outcome. However, the strong correlation with larger metastases suggests that ENE may result from their size, which was the only independent risk factor in the metastasizing component. Consequently, histopathological reports should specify the true indicator of poor survival in the lymphadenectomy specimens, which is the size of the largest metastasis in each patient.
Nitric oxide produces HLA‐G nitration and induces metalloprotease‐dependent shedding creating a tolerogenic milieu
Authors: Díaz‐Lagares Angel , Alegre Estibaliz , LeMaoult Joel , Carosella Edgardo D. , González Álvaro 
Published: September 2008

SummaryHuman leucocyte antigen G (HLA‐G) is a tolerogenic molecule that protects the fetus from maternal immune attack, may favour tumoral immunoescape and is up‐regulated in viral and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this work was to discover if nitric oxide (NO) could affect HLA‐G expression or function because NO is an important modulator of innate and adaptive immunity. For this purpose HLA‐G expression and function were analysed following treatment with a NO donor or a peroxynitrite donor in various cell lines expressing HLA‐G either spontaneously or upon transfection. Results showed NO‐dependent nitration of both cellular and soluble HLA‐G protein, but not all HLA‐G moieties underwent nitration. Endogenous biosynthesis of NO by both U‐937‐HLA‐G1 and M8‐HLA‐G5 stable transfectants also caused HLA‐G nitration. The NO decreased total HLA‐G cellular protein content and expression on the cell surface, while increasing HLA‐G shedding into the culture medium. This effect was post‐transcriptional and the result of metalloprotease activity. By contrast, NO pretreatment did not affect HLA‐G capability to suppress NK cytotoxicity and lymphocyte proliferation. Our studies show that NO regulates the availability of HLA‐G molecules without modifying their biological activities.
Application of a model of social information processing to nursing theory: how nurses respond to patients
Authors: Sheldon Lisa Kennedy , Ellington Lee 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  Application of a model of social information processing to nursing theory: how nurses respond to patients. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to assess the applicability of a theoretical model of social information processing in expanding a nursing theory addressing how nurses respond to patients.Background.  Nursing communication affects patient outcomes such as anxiety, adherence to treatments and satisfaction with care. Orlando’s theory of nursing process describes nurses’ reactions to patients’ behaviour as generating a perception, thought and feeling in the nurse and then action by the nurse. A model of social information processing describes the sequential steps in the cognitive processes used to respond to social cues and may be useful in describing the nursing process.Methods.  Cognitive interviews were conducted in 2006 with a convenience sample of 5 nurses in the United States of America. The data were interpreted using the Crick and Dodge model of social information processing.Findings.  Themes arising from cognitive interviews validated concepts of the nursing theory and the constructs of the model of social information processing. The interviews revealed that the support of peers was an additional construct involved in the development of communication skills, creation of a database and enhancement of self‐efficacy.Conclusion.  Models of social information processing enhance understanding of the process of how nurses respond to patients and further develop nursing theories further. In combination, the theories are useful in developing research into nurse–patient communication. Future research based on the expansion of nursing theory may identify effective and culturally appropriate nurse response patterns to specific patient interactions with implications for nursing care and patient outcomes.
Experiences of self‐care in patients with colorectal cancer: a longitudinal study
Authors: Kidd Lisa , Kearney Nora , O’Carroll Ronan , Hubbard Gill 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle. Experiences of self‐care in patients with colorectal cancer: a longitudinal study.Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explore patients’ experiences of self‐care during a 6‐month course of chemotherapy treatment for colorectal cancer.Background. A greater degree of patient involvement in self‐care is increasingly being encouraged, however, little is known about patients’ experiences of being actively involved in their self‐care.Methods. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 11 patients at the beginning and end of their treatment for colorectal cancer in a Scottish cancer centre between March 2005 and June 2006. The ways in which participants were actively involved in managing the impact of undergoing chemotherapy treatment and their understandings of the meaning of self‐care were explored.Findings. Patients carried out self‐care in order to preserve their self‐identity and maintain a sense of normality. Self‐care activities intended to manage both the physical and emotional impact of undergoing treatment included the use of medications and nutritional supplements and reducing food intake, information‐seeking and ‐sharing experiences with fellow patients and rationalizing the purpose and effects of their chemotherapy treatment.Conclusion. Nurses have an important role to play in ensuring that patients’ perspectives and priorities for self‐care, in particular what they do, why they do it and what it means to them, and that they are listened to, in order to help them achieve their desired level of involvement in self‐care. Interventions to promote self‐care should focus on helping people to preserve their self‐identity, as well as managing the emotional toll and physical side effects associated with cancer treatment.
Simulation in interprofessional education for patient‐centred collaborative care
Authors: Baker Cynthia , Pulling Cheryl , McGraw Robert , Dagnone Jeffrey Damon , Hopkins‐Rosseel Diana , Medves Jennifer 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  Simulation in interprofessional education for patient‐centred collaborative care. Aim.  This paper is a report of preliminary evaluations of an interprofessional education through simulation project by focusing on learner and teacher reactions to the pilot modules.Background.  Approaches to interprofessional education vary widely. Studies indicate, however, that active, experiential learning facilitate it. Patient simulators require learners to incorporate knowing, being and doing in action. A theoretically based competency framework was developed to guide interprofessional education using simulation. The framework includes a typology of shared, complementary and profession‐specific competencies. Each competency type is associated with an intraprofessional, multiprofessional, or interprofessional teaching modality and with the professional composition of learner groups.Method.  The project is guided by an action research approach in which ongoing evaluation generates knowledge to modify and further develop it. Preliminary evaluations of the first pilot module, cardiac resuscitation rounds, among 101 nursing students, 42 medical students and 70 junior medical residents were conducted in 2005–2007 using a questionnaire with rating scales and open‐ended questions. Another 20 medical students, 7 junior residents and 45 nursing students completed a questionnaire based on the Interdisciplinary Education Perception scale.Findings.  Simulation‐based learning provided students with interprofessional activities they saw as relevant for their future as practitioners. They embraced both the interprofessional and simulation components enthusiastically. Attitudinal scores and responses were consistently positive among both medical and nursing students.Conclusion.  Interprofessional education through simulation offers a promising approach to preparing future healthcare professionals for the collaborative models of healthcare delivery being developed internationally.
Inconsistent use of the critical incident technique in nursing research
Authors: Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Tranter Siobhan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  Inconsistent use of the critical incident technique in nursing research. Aim.  This paper is a critique of the use of critical incident technique in nursing and a demonstration of how its development has resulted in inconsistency and confusion.Background.  Critical incident technique is used globally by nurse researchers to explore a plethora of nursing issues. Its main strengths are flexibility and adaptability, but its popularity has resulted in ambiguity and confusion.Data sources.  A search of the CINAHL database for the period 1956–2007 was performed using the search terms critical incident technique and nursing. Together with hand searching, this produced a total of 59 papers. The papers were analysed according to country of origin, research topic, sample size, data collection method, inclusion/exclusion criteria, data analysis and terminology. We then categorized the results of this analysis depending on similarities and differences in the papers.Discussion.  We focus on two areas: methodology and terminology. From a methodological perspective critical incident technique has become inconsistent and in relation to terminology, the diverse language associated with the technique has created confusion. Moreover, issues of rigour may be compromised as a result of this inconsistency. A great deal of inconsistency has been created by nurse researchers’ attempts to advance critical incident technique. This has led to confusion, which is not helpful for advancing nursing knowledge.Conclusion.  While embracing the continued development of critical incident technique, we advocate a standardized approach to its use. Unless nurse researchers are alert to the methodological and terminological inconsistencies in use of the critical incident technique, it risks becoming an interminable quagmire through which navigation will be impossible.
Maternal sensitivity: a concept analysis
Authors: Shin Hyunjeong , Park Young‐Joo , Ryu Hosihn , Seomun Gyeong‐Ae 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  Maternal sensitivity: a concept analysis. Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report a concept analysis of maternal sensitivity.Background.  Maternal sensitivity is a broad concept encompassing a variety of interrelated affective and behavioural caregiving attributes. It is used interchangeably with the terms maternal responsiveness or maternal competency, with no consistency of use. There is a need to clarify the concept of maternal sensitivity for research and practice.Data sources.  A search was performed on the CINAHL and Ovid MEDLINE databases using ‘maternal sensitivity’, ‘maternal responsiveness’ and ‘sensitive mothering’ as key words. The searches yielded 54 records for the years 1981–2007. Rodgers’ method of evolutionary concept analysis was used to analyse the material.Findings.  Four critical attributes of maternal sensitivity were identified: (a) dynamic process involving maternal abilities; (b) reciprocal give‐and‐take with the infant; (c) contingency on the infant’s behaviour and (d) quality of maternal behaviours. Maternal identity and infant’s needs and cues are antecedents for these attributes. The consequences are infant’s comfort, mother–infant attachment and infant development. In addition, three positive affecting factors (social support, maternal–foetal attachment and high self‐esteem) and three negative affecting factors (maternal depression, maternal stress and maternal anxiety) were identified.Conclusion.  A clear understanding of the concept of maternal sensitivity could be useful for developing ways to enhance maternal sensitivity and to maximize the developmental potential of infants. Knowledge of the attributes of maternal sensitivity identified in this concept analysis may be helpful for constructing measuring items or dimensions.