The α‐granule proteome: novel proteins in normal and ghost granules in gray platelet syndrome

See also García Á. Clinical proteomics in platelet research: challenges ahead. This issue, pp 1784–5. Summary. Background: Deficiencies in granule‐bound substances in platelets cause congenital bleeding disorders known as storage pool deficiencies. For disorders such as gray platelet syndrome (GPS), in which thrombocytopenia, enlarged platelets and a paucity of α‐granules are observed, only the clinical and histologic states have been defined. Objectives: In order to understand the molecular defect in GPS, the α‐granule fraction protein composition from a normal individual was compared with that of a GPS patient by mass spectrometry (MS). Methods: Platelet organelles were separated by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. Proteins from sedimented fractions were separated by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, reduced, alkylated, and digested with trypsin. Peptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem MS. Mascot was used for peptide/protein identification and to determine peptide false‐positive rates. Mass Sieve was used to generate and compare parsimonious lists of proteins. Results: As compared with control, the normalized peptide hits (NPHs) from soluble, biosynthetic α‐granule proteins were markedly decreased or undetected in GPS platelets, whereas the NPHs from soluble, endocytosed α‐granule proteins were only moderately affected. The NPHs from membrane‐bound α‐granule proteins were similar in normal platelets and GPS platelets, although P‐selectin and Glut3 were slightly decreased, consistent with immunoelectron microscopy findings in resting platelets. We also identified proteins not previously known to be decreased in GPS, including latent transforming growth factor‐β‐binding protein 1(LTBP1), a component of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) complex. Conclusions: Our results support the existence of ‘ghost granules’ in GPS, point to the basic defect in GPS as failure to incorporate endogenously synthesized megakaryocytic proteins into α‐granules, and identify specific new proteins as α‐granule inhabitants.     

Fetuin‐A and interleukin‐18 levels in ankylosing spondylitis

Aim: Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) and fetuin‐A have been implicated in atherosclerosis. Preliminary evidence suggests that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible abnormalities in IL‐18 and fetuin‐A levels in AS. Methods: Subjects without established cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were studied. Fasting glucose, serum lipids, high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IL‐18 and fetuin‐A were assessed. Patients were also evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. Results: Fourty‐five patients with AS (37.4 ± 9.7 years; 35M/10F) and 29 controls (35.5 ± 11.1 years; 21M/8F) were studied. Fetuin‐A levels were significantly higher in AS patients compared to controls (1023.5 ± 171.6 vs. 856.9 ± 207.9 μg/mL, P < 0.001). IL‐18 levels were also higher in the AS group but the difference was not significant (184 ± 186 vs. 140 ± 115, P = 0.1). Significant but weak correlations were found between fetuin‐A, IL‐18, hsCRP, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (P < 0.05; r = 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.3 respectively). Comparison of subjects with respect to the treatment type, disease activity and history of peripheral arthritis yielded no difference regarding fetuin‐A and IL‐18 between groups. Conclusion: Fetuin‐A and IL‐18 levels seem to be increased in AS patients regardless of disease activity and treatment type.     

Exploring the antecedents of organizational identification: the role of job dimensions, individual characteristics and job involvement

Aim  This study aims to identify the antecedents of organizational identification such as job involvement and job dimensions in a health care setting.
Background  Organizational identification is an important work attitude that affects nurses' performance and job satisfaction. Hence, exploring antecedents of organizational identification in a health care setting is vital in understanding the role of organizational identification in nurse- and patient-related outcomes.
Method  A research model, which incorporates job design, individual characteristics, job involvement and organizational identification, was developed and tested. The research was conducted via a survey in a hospital setting in Turkey ( n  = 148).
Results  The results revealed that job involvement, which is the degree of importance of one's job to one's self-image, is related to organizational identification. Among job dimensions, task identity and autonomy explained a significant proportion of variance in job involvement.
Conclusion  Although job dimensions are not directly related to organizational identification, they have effects on job involvement, which is also an important construct.
Implications for nursing management  The results suggest that nurses' jobs should be designed with higher levels of task autonomy and task identity to increase their job involvement and in turn their organizational identification.     

Feasibility of neonatal hearing screening program with two-stage transient otoacoustic emissions in Turkey

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of hearing loss in neonates and evaluate the feasibility of a two-stage Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) screening test. Maternal concerns about hearing screening were also studied. METHODS: Neonatal intensive care patients and well babies were screened using a two-stage TEOAE test, which was followed by an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test for those babies who failed the first test twice. RESULTS: In total, 711 neonates were screened. At the end of the two TEOAE tests, the cumulative pass rate was 99.3% and false-positive rate was 0.3%. Five neonates (0.7%) were referred for the ABR test. Sensorineural hearing loss was found in three of them (0.4%). Of these three neonates, one was from the well baby nursery and two were from the NICU population. Families generally welcomed the screening program, with no refusals. Positive test results have not caused important maternal concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital hearing impairment is a prevalent disease in Turkey. The two-stage TEOAE program is suitable for the neonatal hearing screening program. In general, hearing screening tests do not cause notable maternal concerns.