bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous application of peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus aureus induces eosinophil infiltration in mouse skin
Authors: Matsui K. , Wirotesangthong M. , Nishikawa A. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryBackground
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with immunopathologic features that vary depending on the duration of the lesion. The lesioned skin of AD patients shows an increased number of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils, mast cells and mononuclear cells in the dermis and superficial Staphylococcus aureus colonization.Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of peptidoglycan (PEG) from S. aureus on eosinophil induction in murine skin.Methods
PEG was applied to the barrier‐disrupted abdominal skin of mice every 5 days. Twenty days later, the number of eosinophils in the abdominal skin was counted. The cytokine response in the skin was investigated by RT‐PCR and immunohistological analysis. The regulated‐upon activation in normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) production from cultured epidermal cells was measured by ELISA.Results
The skin of mice treated with PEG showed a significantly increased number of eosinophils compared with that of mice treated with vehicle alone. In addition, application of PEG to the abdominal skin of mice increased the expression of mRNA for RANTES, but not that of mRNA for eotaxin, eotaxin‐2 and monocyte chemotactic protein‐3 in the skin. Immunohistologic analysis demonstrated that the levels of RANTES transcripts corresponded with those of protein synthesis in the epidermis. In vitro experiments using epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and keratinocytes (KCs) showed that RANTES production was induced by LCs but not by KCs stimulated with PEG. Furthermore, an intraperitoneal injection of anti‐RANTES antibody neutralized the induction of eosinophils in the skin.Conclusion
These results suggest that PEG may have an ability to induce eosinophil infiltration in the skin through RANTES production by LCs, and would explain the role of S. aureus colonization in AD patients.
Association and functional relevance of E237G, a polymorphism of the high‐affinity immunoglobulin E‐receptor β chain gene, to airway hyper‐responsiveness
Authors: Kim Y.‐K. , Park H.‐W. , Yang J.‐S. , Oh S.‐Y. , Chang Y.‐S. , Shin E.‐S. , Lee J.‐E. , Kim S. , Gho Y. S. , Cho S.‐H. , Min K.‐U. , Kim Y.‐Y. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryBackground
The hyper‐sensitivity reaction of IgE, with its high‐affinity receptors (FcɛRI), is central to the phenomenon of atopic diseases.Objective
To evaluate the genetic effects of non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FcɛRI on intermediate phenotypes of asthma, i.e. atopy and airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR), in the Korean general population.Subjects and methods
Atopy and AHR were evaluated in a cohort of 2055 subjects, aged 10–18 years, using skin prick tests (SPTs) for common aeroallergens and total serum IgE and methacholine bronchial provocation tests. All FcɛRI‐α, FcɛRI‐β, and FcɛRI‐γ gene exons of 24 healthy subjects were sequenced to locate informative non‐synonymous SNPs (minor allele frequency >2%). Informative SNPs were then scored, using the high‐throughput single base extension method. Relative risk (RR) was determined by multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors. The functional relevance of non‐synonymous SNPs was analysed using the sorting intolerant from tolerant (SIFT) program.Results
The SNP search found only one informative non‐synonymous SNP in FcɛRI‐β: E237G (minor allele frequency=0.21). The positive rate of AHR was lower among subjects with the 237*E allele than among those with 237*G [RR (95% confidence interval)=0.41 (0.19–0.89); P=0.01]. However, the E237G substitution was not associated with either a positive SPT response or total serum IgE levels. Sequence evolution analysis predicted that the E237G variation is an intolerant amino acid substitution, with functional importance.Conclusion
In the Korean general population, AHR is significantly associated with the E237G polymorphism of FcɛRI‐β, which results in an intolerant amino acid substitution.
Influence of plant lipids on immune responses in mice to the major Brazil nut allergen Ber e 1
Authors: Dearman R. J. , Alcocer M. J. C. , Kimber I. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryBackground
Lipids, particularly bacterial lipopolysaccharide, can impact on immune responses to proteins, with low doses enhancing type 2 responses.Objective
We have examined the influence of natural plant lipid extracts on antibody responses provoked in mice by recombinant Ber e 1, the major allergen in Brazil nuts.Methods
BALB/c strain mice were immunized (by intraperitoneal injection) with natural or recombinant Ber e l produced in Pichia pastoris and admixed with various lipid fractions isolated from Brazil nuts. Serum samples were analysed for specific IgE antibody by homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis assay and for IgG by enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay.Results
Exposure to recombinant (lipid‐free) Ber e 1 alone failed to induce detectable IgG or IgE antibody. Co‐administration of the total lipid fraction (with reduced triglyceride levels), sterol‐rich, or polar lipid fractions, resulted in marked adjuvant effects on IgG and IgE. However, the β‐sitosterol and glycolipid‐rich fractions were associated with only low‐level IgG antibody, and had little impact on IgE antibody production. Natural Ber e 1 containing endogenous lipids also provoked IgG and IgE antibody responses. Identical IgE and IgG antibody responses were detected regardless of whether natural or recombinant Ber e 1 was used as substrates for analyses.Conclusion
Endogenous Brazil nut lipids are required for the induction of optimal antibody responses to Ber e 1 in the BALB/c strain mouse. Appropriate antibody binding sites are present on both natural and recombinant forms of Ber e 1, suggesting that the impact of lipid is at the induction phase, rather than antibody recognition, and is possibly required for efficient antigen presentation.
Increasing prevalence of atopic eczema in Taiwanese adolescents from 1995 to 2001
Authors: Lee Y.‐L. , Li C.‐W. , Sung F.‐C. , Guo Y.L. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryBackground
The prevalence of atopic eczema in adolescents has recently been reported as increasing in many countries, a phenomenon yet to be fully explained. This study compared the prevalence of atopic eczema among Taiwanese adolescents with individual‐level risk factors and community‐level data of temperature, relative humidity, and air pollutants to determine whether changes in these factors could explain the observed change in prevalence.Methods
We conducted two nationwide, cross‐sectional surveys of atopic illness and symptoms among Taiwanese 12–15‐year‐old schoolchildren in 1995–1996 and 2001. The effects of personal and environmental factors were assessed and temporal changes of outdoor monitoring data were also compared with the prevalence difference of atopic eczema.Results
A total of 42 919 adolescents from the 1995 to 1996 survey and 10 215 adolescents from the 2001 survey attended schools located within 1 km of 22 monitoring stations. The 12‐month prevalence of atopic eczema increased significantly during this period [adjusted prevalence ratio (PR)=1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.70 in boys; PR=1.77, 95% CI 1.49–2.10 in girls]. After adjustment for potential risk factors, the prevalence differences were statistically unchanged. Although parental education level contributed the most, changes in personal and environmental factors might not explain the observed prevalence increases of atopic eczema. Temporal change in the relative humidity was significantly associated with prevalence increase among boys but its contribution was also small.Conclusion
Correlates of the investigated risk factors that have changed over time still underlie the prevalence increases of atopic eczema in Taiwanese adolescents. The exact reasons for the rising trends remain to be elucidated.
Summer drought alters plant‐mediated competition between foliar‐ and root‐feeding insects
Authors: STALEY JOANNA T. , MORTIMER SIMON R. , MORECROFT MICHAEL D. , BROWN VALERIE K. , MASTERS GREGORY J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSummer droughts are predicted to increase in severity and frequency in the United Kingdom, due to climate change. Few studies have addressed the impacts of drought on interactions between species, and the majority have focussed on increases in CO2 concentration and changes in temperature. Here, the effect of experimental summer drought on the strength of the plant‐mediated interaction between leaf‐mining Stephensia brunnichella larvae and root‐chewing Agriotes larvae was investigated. Agriotes larvae reduced the abundance and performance of S. brunnichella feeding on a mutual host plant, Clinopodium vulgare, as well as the rate of parasitism of the leaf‐miner. The interaction did not, however, occur on plants subjected to a severe drought treatment, which were reduced in size. Changes to summer rainfall, due to climate change, may therefore reduce the occurrence of plant‐mediated interactions between insect herbivores.
Sleep patterns and Insomnia management in Korean‐American older adult immigrants
Authors: Sok Sohyune R. 
Published: April 2007

Aims.  This study aimed to describe sleep patterns and insomnia management in first generation Korean‐American older adult immigrants. Specifically, this research examined differences in sleep interruption factors, use of sleep promotion aids, sleep characteristics and insomnia management between men and women who are first generation Korean‐American older adult immigrants.Background.  Older adults feel that their sleep is shallow, interrupted frequently and is insufficient. If sleep changes are severe, it is difficult for older adults to maintain an awakened state during the day.Design.  This was a descriptive survey study.Methods.  The survey included a set of four questionnaires. All measures were self‐administered. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics was used to analyse demographic characteristics. The chi‐squared test and t‐test were used to examine the differences between men and women.Results.  Most subjects experienced sleep interruption (n = 43, 82·6%) and were not satisfied with their sleep (n = 42, 80·8%). A quarter of the subjects had experience with complementary/alternative therapies to manage insomnia, although 40 subjects (76·9%) wanted to use complementary/alternative therapies to manage their insomnia.Conclusions.  The study shows that first generation Korean‐American older adult immigrant men and women report sleep interruptions and dissatisfaction with the quality of their sleep. Women were more likely in want of using complementary/alternative therapies for insomnia management than men. Women may have longed more for their traditional healthcare practices. The high degree of sleep disruption in this sample may relate to living in a different culture.Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals need to assess sleep patterns and consider an array of methods including complementary/alternative therapies to manage insomnia.
From monitoring physiological functions to using psychological strategies. Nurses’ view of caring for the aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patient
Authors: Hedlund Mathilde , Ronne‐Engstrom Elisabeth , Ekselius Lisa , Carlsson Marianne 
Published: April 2007

Aims.  The aims of this study were: (1) to describe nurses’ views of the physical and supportive needs of patients who have suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), (2) to describe nurses’ views of changes in social circumstances and (3) changes in the mental condition of patients after SAH.Background.  As patients with SAH are generally younger and predominantly female compared with other stroke groups they may have different needs of nursing support to facilitate adaptation. Caring for persons surviving stroke involves advanced nursing skills such as monitoring neurological functions in neurointensive care and providing physical care during rehabilitation.Design.  Explorative descriptive design.Method.  Semi‐structured interviews were performed with 18 nurses in neurointensive and rehabilitation care. A qualitative latent content analysis was conducted.Results.  Nurses viewed patients’ need for support as a process ranging from highly advanced technological care to ‘softer’ more emotional care. However, shortages in the communication between neurointesive and rehabilitation nurses regarding this support were acknowledged. Changes in social circumstances and mental conditions were viewed both as obstacles and advantages regarding return to everyday life. Nurses also viewed that the characteristics of the group with SAH was not particularly different from the group with other types of stroke.Conclusions.  Support to patients with SAH is viewed as a process carried out by nurses at neurointensive care units and rehabilitation units. Shortages in communication, regarding this support, were acknowledged. Obstacles and advantages with respect to returning to everyday life could apply to any stroke group, which could make it more difficult for nurses to detect the specific needs of patients with SAH.Relevance to clinical practice.  The communication between neurointensive nurses and rehabilitation nurses regarding support to patients with SAH is not satisfactory. Occasionally the specific needs of patients with SAH are not recognized.
Advanced nursing practice: an idea whose time has come
Authors: Callaghan Leonard 
Published: April 2007

Aims and objectives.  This paper aims to analyse the concept of advanced nursing practice critically and to demonstrate an appreciation of the development of the role of the advanced nurse practitioner in the Irish context.Background.  The concept of advanced nursing practice has existed in the US since the 1960s and in the UK since the early 1980s. The first signs of the advanced nurse practitioner began to emerge in Ireland in the late 1990s as a result of increasing demands and changes occurring within nursing and health care. Currently, there are 31 advanced nurse practitioners in the country, many of whom practice in the general setting. Strategies are in place to introduce advanced nursing practice into other nursing disciplines in the future.Methods.  A literature review was conducted to address the various issues inherent within this concept.Results.  There is a body of evidence indicating that advanced nursing practice has brought about an improvement in patient outcomes. In light of this, the advanced nurse practitioner has a valuable role to play in providing a beneficial contribution and filling a gap in healthcare services.Conclusion.  This paper has demonstrated that nursing continues to be a dynamic and ever‐changing phenomenon where the onus is firmly on the advanced nurse practitioner as expert, leader and collaborator, to capture the hearts and minds of nurses and healthcare workers, so as to challenge traditional values and transform clinical practice. Failure to do so may allow medicine or other interested parties to shape the future of nursing or even absorb it.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses working at an advanced level are striving to develop their expertise, initiate nurse‐led services and practice, in collaboration with other professionals in an effort to provide the highest quality care to the patient. Although the idea of the advanced nurse practitioner is relatively new to nursing in Ireland, it is the result of an idea whose time has come and there is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.
Adherence to clean intermittent self‐catheterization procedures: determinants explored
Authors: Van Achterberg Theo , Holleman Gerda , Cobussen‐Boekhorst Hanny , Arts Rita , Heesakkers John 
Published: April 2007

Aims & objectives.  The aim of the current study was to explore factors that hinder or promote adherence to clean intermittent self‐catheterization (CISC) procedures in adults.Background.  Clean intermittent self‐catherization is associated with favourable patient outcomes, but adherence to the procedure is not addressed in the international literature.Methods.  Relevant factors were explored in two studies. The first study (n = 10) addressed mastery and short‐term adherence, whereas the second study (n = 20) addressed long‐term adherence in these patients. Determinants of patient adherence were derived from pre‐structured interviews with patients, using a content‐analysis procedure.Results.  A list of 16 determinants of mastery and short‐term adherence and a list of 12 determinants of long‐term adherence was found. Most of these determinants were found in both older (≥65 years of age) and younger patients. However, five determinants of mastery and short‐term adherence and six determinants of long‐term adherence were specific to patients under the age of 65.Conclusion.  Our findings give a first insight into CISC adherence. General determinants of adherence relate to knowledge, complexity of the procedure, misconceptions, fears, shame, motivation and quality and continuity of professional care. Furthermore integrating CISC in everyday life can be difficult. In younger patients, availability of materials, physical impairments and resistance to a sickness role can further compromise adherence.Relevance to clinical practice.  Issues of knowledge, fears, motivation and potential psychological impact of performing CISC should be addressed prior to deciding on CISC and instructing patients. Follow‐up care should be improved to include re‐evaluations of skills, discussing adherence, integrating CISC in daily activities and general coping issues.
Public Health Nurses and the delivery of quality nursing care in the community
Authors: Markham Trish , Carney Marie 
Published: April 2007

Aim.  The aim of the study was to explore factors which impact on quality nursing care in the community from the Public Health Nurse's (PHN) perspective.Background.  Public Health Nursing has significantly evolved over the past few years with the delivery of quality nursing being a focus point. This study explores factors that impact upon the delivery of quality care in Public Health Nursing in Ireland. The findings provide an opportunity for an additional perspective to be included in the existing international findings and act as a starting point from which further research can be built.Method.  A qualitative method using semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were taped and content analysed.Findings.  Four main categories emefrged from the data, namely role change, components of quality nursing care, barriers to quality nursing care and the factors that facilitate the delivery of quality nursing care in the community. PHNs strive for evidence‐based practice; they acknowledged their inability to achieve this and referred to factors that inhibited them from reaching their goal.Conclusion.  Enhanced education for PHNs will equip them in the delivery of a quality service and have a positive impact on patient care. Better communication is required between PHNs, line managers and the multidisciplinary team. The delivery of community services need to be reviewed and developed further in accordance with the health strategy policy.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study has identified the evolution in clinical practice associated with the changing role and scope of Public Health Nursing. Clinical practice has evolved over time to incorporate societal change, technological advances and the delivery of an evidence‐based service responsive to identified need. This study identified the presence of an increase in the specialist clinical work being undertaken as a result of new technological advances entering the community working environment.
A study on investigating unplanned readmission patterns
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Chang Katherine Ka Pik , Chow Susan Ka Yee , Chung Loretta Yuet Foon , Lee Rance Pui‐Leung , Lee Wai Man 
Published: April 2007

Aim. To explain frequent hospital readmissions, this study aimed to determine whether definable subtypes exist within a cohort of subjects with chronic illness with regard to factors associated with a patient's readmission patterns and to compare whether these factors vary between subjects in groups with different profiles.Research method. A descriptive correlational survey was conducted and data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Seventy‐four readmitted subjects were recruited in three general hospitals in Hong Kong.Outcome measures. Five outcome variables were employed in the study: predisposing characteristic, need factors, health behaviour, health status or outcomes and enabling resources.Results. A cluster analysis yielded two clusters. Each cluster represented a different profile of the sample on patient use of healthcare services. Cluster A consisted of 41·9% (n = 31) and Cluster B consisted of 58·1% (n = 43) of the patients. Cluster A patients, more of whom were male, were younger, more educated, had higher activities of daily living scores and fewer of them had received community nurse services than patients of Cluster B. Cluster A patients (32·3%) had more than one readmission record within 28 days than Cluster B patients (9·3%, p = 0.017).Conclusion. Our study shows that community nurse services can reduce the rate at which they are readmitted a second time. However, such services may have a positive effect only on a group of patients whose profile is similar to the patients in Cluster B and not for patients such as those in Cluster A. A clear profile may help healthcare policy makers make appropriate strategies to target a specific group of patients to reduce their readmission rates.Relevance to clinical practice. The identification of risk for future healthcare use could enable better targeting of interventional strategies within these groups. The results of this study might provide hospital managers with a model to design specified interventions to reduce unplanned hospital readmissions for each profile group.
HLA alleles as predisposal factors for postmenopausal osteoporosis in a Greek population
Authors: Douroudis K. , Tarassi K. , Athanassiades T. , Giannakopoulos F. , Kominakis A. , Thalassinos N. , Papasteriades Ch. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIt is well established that genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, a common condition characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk. The major histocompatibility complex in humans, known as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, is the most polymorphic human genetic system and it is known as a cluster of genetic markers, associated with several diseases. In order to evaluate the contribution of HLA alleles in bone mass loss, polymorphisms in the HLA class I (‐A, ‐B and ‐Cw) and class II (‐DR and ‐DQ) antigens were studied in 126 postmenopausal women of Greek origin. It was found that HLA‐B7 (P= 0.069), ‐DR15 (P= 0.019) and ‐DQ6 (P= 0.026) were associated with a lower bone mineral density measured at the forearm. This study shows a significant association between HLA alleles and bone mass loss in the population studied.