bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERK/eIF2α signaling protects therapy resistant hypoxic cells through induction of glutathione synthesis and protection against ROS
Authors: Rouschop Kasper M. , Dubois Ludwig J. , Keulers Tom G. , van den Beucken Twan , Lambin Philippe , Bussink Johan , van der Kogel Albert J. , Koritzinsky Marianne , Wouters Bradly G.
Published: March 2013

Hypoxia is a common feature of tumors and an important contributor to malignancy and treatment resistance. The ability of tumor cells to survive hypoxic stress is mediated in part by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-dependent transcriptional responses. More severe hypoxia activates endoplasmatic reticulum stress responses, including the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)-dependent arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Although several studies implicate important roles for HIF and UPR in adaption to hypoxia, their importance for hypoxic cells responsible for therapy resistance in tumors is unknown. By using isogenic models, we find that HIF and eIF2α signaling contribute to the survival of hypoxic cells in vitro and in vivo. However, the eIF2α-dependent arm of the UPR is uniquely required for the survival of a subset of hypoxic cells that determine tumor radioresistance. We demonstrate that eIF2α signaling induces uptake of cysteine, glutathione synthesis, and protection against reactive oxygen species produced during periods of cycling hypoxia. Together these data imply that eIF2α signaling is a critical contributor to the tolerance of therapy-resistant cells that arise as a consequence of transient changes in oxygenation in solid tumors and thus a therapeutic target in curative treatments for solid cancers.
Exaggerated phase–amplitude coupling in the primary motor cortex in Parkinson disease
Authors: de Hemptinne Coralie , Ryapolova-Webb Elena S. , Air Ellen L. , Garcia Paul A. , Miller Kai J. , Ojemann Jeffrey G. , Ostrem Jill L. , Galifianakis Nicholas B. , Starr Philip A.
Published: March 2013

An important mechanism for large-scale interactions between cortical areas involves coupling between the phase and the amplitude of different brain rhythms. Could basal ganglia disease disrupt this mechanism? We answered this question by analysis of local field potentials recorded from the primary motor cortex (M1) arm area in patients undergoing neurosurgery. In Parkinson disease, coupling between β-phase (13–30 Hz) and γ-amplitude (50–200 Hz) in M1 is exaggerated compared with patients with craniocervical dystonia and humans without a movement disorder. Excessive coupling may be reduced by therapeutic subthalamic nucleus stimulation. Peaks in M1 γ-amplitude are coupled to, and precede, the subthalamic nucleus β-trough. The results prompt a model of the basal ganglia–cortical circuit in Parkinson disease incorporating phase–amplitude interactions and abnormal corticosubthalamic feedback and suggest that M1 local field potentials could be used as a control signal for automated programming of basal ganglia stimulators.
Asymptotic behavior of dimensions of syzygies
Authors: Beck Kristen , Leamer Micah
Published: March 2013

Let

R
R

be a commutative noetherian local ring and

M
M

be a finitely generated

R
R

-module of infinite projective dimension. It is well-known that the depths of the syzygy modules of

M
M

eventually stabilize to the depth of

R
R

. In this paper, we investigate the conditions under which a similar statement can be made regarding dimension. In particular, we show that if

R
R

is equidimensional and the Betti numbers of

M
M

are eventually non-decreasing, then the dimension of any sufficiently high syzygy module of

M
M

coincides with the dimension of

R
R

.
Haemodynamic effects, safety, and pharmacokinetics of human stresscopin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction†
Authors: Gheorghiade Mihai , Greene Stephen J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Maggioni Aldo P. , Korewicki Jerzy , Macarie Cezar , Metra Marco , Grzybowski Jacek , Bubenek‐Turconi Serban‐Ion , Radziszewski Waldemar , Olson Allan , Bueno Orlando F. , Ghosh Atalanta , Deckelbaum Lawrence I. , Li Lilian Y. , Patel Ayan R. , Koester Andreas , Konstam Marvin A.
Published: March 2013

Aims

Human stresscopin is a corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) type 2 receptor (CRFR2) selective agonist and a member of the CRF peptide family. Stimulation of CRFR2 improves cardiac output and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with stable heart failure (HF) with reduced LVEF. We examined the safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects on haemodynamics and serum biomarkers of intravenous human stresscopin acetate (JNJ‐9588146) in patients with stable HF with LVEF ≤35% and cardiac index (CI) ≤2.5 L/min/m2.

Methods and results

Sixty‐two patients with HF and LVEF ≤35% were instrumented with a pulmonary artery catheter and randomly assigned (ratio 3:1) to receive an intravenous infusion of JNJ‐9588146 or placebo. The main study was an ascending dose study of three doses (5, 15, and 30 ng/kg/min) of study drug or placebo administered in sequential 1 h intervals (3 h total). Statistically significant increases in CI and reduction in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were observed with both the 15 ng/kg/min (2 h time point) and 30 ng/kg/min (3 h time point) doses of JNJ‐9588146 without significant changes in heart rate (HR) or systolic blood pressure (SBP). No statistically significant reductions in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were seen with any dose tested in the primary analysis, although a trend towards reduction was seen.

Conclusion

In HF patients with reduced LVEF and CI, ascending doses of JNJ‐9588146 were associated with progressive increases in CI and reductions in SVR without significant effects on PCWP, HR, or SBP.

Trial registration: NCT01120210
Biochemistry and pathophysiology of intravascular and intracellular lipolysis
Authors: Young Stephen G. , Zechner Rudolf
Published: March 2013

All organisms use fatty acids (FAs) for energy substrates and as precursors for membrane and signaling lipids. The most efficient way to transport and store FAs is in the form of triglycerides (TGs); however, TGs are not capable of traversing biological membranes and therefore need to be cleaved by TG hydrolases (“lipases”) before moving in or out of cells. This biochemical process is generally called “lipolysis.” Intravascular lipolysis degrades lipoprotein-associated TGs to FAs for their subsequent uptake by parenchymal cells, whereas intracellular lipolysis generates FAs and glycerol for their release (in the case of white adipose tissue) or use by cells (in the case of other tissues). Although the importance of lipolysis has been recognized for decades, many of the key proteins involved in lipolysis have been uncovered only recently. Important new developments include the discovery of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), the molecule that moves lipoprotein lipase from the interstitial spaces to the capillary lumen, and the discovery of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) as crucial molecules in the hydrolysis of TGs within cells. This review summarizes current views of lipolysis and highlights the relevance of this process to human disease.
Serine Acts as a Metabolic Signal for the Transcriptional Control of Photorespiration-Related Genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Timm Stefan , Florian Alexandra , Wittmiß Maria , Jahnke Kathrin , Hagemann Martin , Fernie Alisdair R. , Bauwe Hermann
Published: March 2013

Photosynthetic carbon assimilation including photorespiration is dynamically regulated during the day/night cycle. This includes transcriptional regulation, such as the light induction of corresponding genes, but little is known about the contribution of photorespiratory metabolites to the regulation of gene expression. Here, we examined diurnal changes in the levels of photorespiratory metabolites, of enzymes of the photorespiratory carbon cycle, and of corresponding transcripts in wild-type plants of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and in a mutant with altered photorespiratory flux due to the absence of the peroxisomal enzyme Hydroxypyruvate Reductase1 (HPR1). Metabolomics of the wild type showed that the relative amounts of most metabolites involved in photorespiration increased after the onset of light, exhibited maxima at the end of the day, and decreased during the night. In accordance with those findings, both the amounts of messenger RNAs encoding photorespiratory enzymes and the respective protein contents showed a comparable accumulation pattern. Deletion of HPR1 did not significantly alter most of the metabolite patterns relative to wild-type plants; only serine accumulated to a constitutively elevated amount in this mutant. In contrast, the hpr1 mutation resulted in considerable deregulation of the transcription of photorespiration-related genes. This transcriptional deregulation could also be induced by the external application of l-serine but not glycine to the Arabidopsis wild type, suggesting that serine acts as a metabolic signal for the transcriptional regulation of photorespiration, particularly in the glycine-to-serine interconversion reactions.
Phylogeny and biogeography of an uncultured clade of snow chytrids
Authors: Naff C. S. , Darcy J. L. , Schmidt S. K.
Published: March 2013

Numerous studies have shown that snow can contain a diverse array of algae known as ‘snow algae’. Some reports also indicate that parasites of algae (e.g. chytrids) are also found in snow, but efforts to phylogenetically identify ‘snow chytrids’ have not been successful. We used culture‐independent molecular approaches to phylogenetically identify chytrids that are common in long‐lived snowpacks of Colorado and Europe. The most remarkable finding of the present study was the discovery of a new clade of chytrids that has representatives in snowpacks of Colorado and Switzerland and cold sites in Nepal and France, but no representatives from warmer ecosystems. This new clade (‘Snow Clade 1’ or SC1) is as deeply divergent as its sister clade, the Lobulomycetales, and phylotypes of SC1 show significant (P < 0.003) genetic‐isolation by geographic distance patterns, perhaps indicating a long evolutionary history in the cryosphere. In addition to SC1, other snow chytrids were phylogenetically shown to be in the order Rhizophydiales, a group with known algal parasites and saprotrophs. We suggest that these newly discovered snow chytrids are important components of snow ecosystems where they contribute to snow food‐web dynamics and the release of nutrients due to their parasitic and saprotrophic activities.
Multiple family therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a pilot study of eating disorder symptoms and interpersonal functioning
Authors: Hollesen Anette , Clausen Loa , Rokkedal Kristian
Published: March 2013

The study examined the effect of multiple family therapy on eating disorder symptoms and interpersonal functioning in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). Pre‐treatment and post‐treatment, twenty patients with AN (n = 8) or atypical AN (EDNOS‐AN) (n = 12) were assessed using the eating disorder examination and the eating disorder inventory, inventory of interpersonal problems and structural analysis of social behaviour‐Intrex questionnaires. The expected reduction in eating disorder symptomatology was observed, with significant improvement in the patients' body mass index, and a reduction in their restriction, eating concern, weight concern, amount of exercise and drive for thinness. Significant improvements were also found in their interoceptive awareness, self‐affirmation and a reduction in their self‐blame. The expected reduction in interpersonal problems was not found. However, tendencies for the patients to feel less dominating and vindictive in general, as well as tendencies towards more control/emancipation in relation to the parents were found and are discussed.

Practitioner points

Multiple family therapy for adolescents with eating disorders and their families can reduce eating disorder symptomatology significantly and facilitate changes in themes revolving around emancipation/distance and control/submission in relation to parents.

It can induce higher self‐affirmation among these adolescents and is inspiring to therapists as well as patients and parents.
Preclinical evaluation of the abuse potential of Pitolisant, a histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist/antagonist compared with Modafinil
Authors: Uguen M , Perrin D , Belliard S , Ligneau X , Beardsley PM , Lecomte JM , Schwartz JC
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Pitolisant, a histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist/antagonist is currently under Phase III clinical trials for treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness namely in narcoleptic patients. Its drug abuse potential was investigated using in vivo models in rodents and monkeys and compared with those of Modafinil, a psychostimulant currently used in the same indications.

Experimental Approach

Effects of Pitolisant on dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, on spontaneous and cocaine‐induced locomotion, locomotor sensitization were monitored. It was also tested in three standard drug abuse tests i.e. conditioned place preference in rats, self‐administration in monkeys and cocaine discrimination in mice as well as in a physical dependence model.

Key Results

Pitolisant did not elicit any significant changes in dopaminergic indices in rat nucleus accumbens whereas Modafinil increased dopamine release. In rodents, Pitolisant was without any effect on locomotion and reduced the cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion. In addition, no locomotor sensitization and no conditioned hyperlocomotion were evidenced with this compound in rats whereas significant effects were elicited by Modafinil. Finally, Pitolisant was devoid of any significant effects in the three standard drug abuse tests (including self‐administration in monkeys) and in the physical dependence model.

Conclusions and Implications

No potential drug abuse liability for Pitolisant was evidenced in various in vivo rodent and primate models, whereas the same does not seem so clear in the case of Modafinil.
Effects of the antianginal drug, ranolazine, on the brain sodium channel NaV1.2 and its modulation by extracellular protons
Authors: Peters CH , Sokolov S , Rajamani S , Ruben PC
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Ranolazine is an antianginal drug currently approved for treatment of angina pectoris in the United States. Recent studies have focused on its effects on neuronal channels and its possible therapeutic uses in the nervous system. We characterized how ranolazine affects the brain sodium channel, NaV1.2, and how its actions are modulated by low pH. In this way, we further explore ranolazine's potential as an anticonvulsant and its efficacy in conditions like those during an ischaemic stroke.

Experimental Approach

We performed whole‐cell patch‐clamp experiments on the voltage‐gated sodium channel, NaV1.2. Experiments were performed with extracellular solution titrated to either pH 7.4 or pH 6.0 before and after ranolazine perfusion.

Key Results

Ranolazine accelerates onset and slows recovery of fast and slow inactivation. Ranolazine increases the maximum probability of use‐dependent inactivation and reduces macroscopic and ramp sodium currents at pH 7.4. pH 6.0 reduced the slowing of fast inactivation recovery and inhibited use‐dependent block by ranolazine. In the presence of ranolazine, the time constants of slow inactivation recovery and onset were significantly increased at pH 6.0 relative to pH 7.4 with 100 μM ranolazine.

Conclusions and Implications

Our work provides novel insights into the modulation of brain sodium channel, NaV1.2, by ranolazine. We demonstrate that ranolazine binds NaV1.2 in a state‐dependent manner, and that the effects of ranolazine are slowed but not abolished by protons. Our results suggest that further research performed on channels with epilepsy‐causing mutations may prove ranolazine to be an efficacious therapy.
Guidelines for avoiding risks resulting from discontinuation of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Tanaka Eiji , Matsumoto Akihiro
Published: March 2013

Nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NUC) can lead to rapid reduction in hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in blood and normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels in many patients. They also provide histological improvement which results in a reduction in liver carcinogenesis. However, it is difficult to completely remove viruses even by NUC and there are some problems such as emergence of resistant strains and hepatitis relapse resulting from discontinuation of treatment. One of the reasons for this is that NUC reduce the HBV DNA level in blood but have almost no effects on the HBV cccDNA level in hepatocyte nuclei, which are the origins of HBV replication, and HBV cccDNA remains for a long period. For treatment with NUC in patients with hepatitis B, it is considered that NUC should not be easily discontinued because discontinuation often results in hepatitis relapse. However, it has not been clearly revealed when and how hepatitis relapses after discontinuation. Although some patients do not experience hepatitis relapse after discontinuation of NUC, or experience only mild relapse and finally achieve a stable condition, it has not been established how to identify such patients efficiently. We performed research to investigate characteristics of the course after discontinuation of treatment and definition of hepatitis relapse and estimate the relapse rate. “Guidelines for avoiding risks resulting from discontinuation of NUCs 2012” is summarized based on the study results. Because the guidelines are written in Japanese, we explain them in English as a review article.
The Aston Programme Contribution to Organizational Research: A Literature Review
Authors: Donaldson Lex , Luo Ben Nanfeng
Published: March 2013

This paper reviews the literature about theAstonProgramme of organizational research, in particular, its studies of organizational structure. The intellectual commitments of theAstonProgramme are explicated and contrasted with the then dominant traditions of organizational research. The methodology is explained, with its emphasis on quantitative variables, reliable scales and statistical methods. The way successive studies confirmed or challenged Weberian bureaucracy is discussed. The major structural scales and their short forms are described. The relationships among the structural variables and between them and the contextual variables of size, technology and public accountability are outlined. The generalizability of these relationships in organizational research across countries is considered. The paper offers a roughly chronological narrative in three phases: the originalAston study, theNational study and then on to the many subsequent replication and extension studies and reviews of them. Some cognate organizational research studies are brought in that confirm theAstonProgramme. The need to continue theAstonianCartesian approach rather than the configurational approach is emphasized. In closing, theAston legacy is briefly summated and a vision for a futureAstonProgramme is offered in anEpilogue.
Returnees' Perspectives on Their Re‐migration Processes
Authors: Lietaert Ine , Derluyn Ilse , Broekaert Eric
Published: March 2013

The return of refugees and migrants back to their country of origin is an important topic on the agenda of Western European governments, as return is considered as the most “durable solution” for the “refugee problem”, and as an instrument with which to tackle “illegal” migration. However, these migration policies generally lack a clear evidence base, as little studies have focused on returnees' current living situations and on their perspectives on the re‐migration process. In this paper we therefore try to listen to returnees' voices, through in‐depth interviews with four Nepalese migrants both before (in Belgium) and after (in Nepal) their return, and with 16 returnees after their return to Nepal. The interviews show how most returnees start with a disadvantageous “point of departure” to realize a “successful” return: mostly, they do not really depart “voluntarily”, and they only have limited possibilities for preparing their return and setting realistic expectations. But also, back in the “home country”, most returnees judge their current economic, social and political living situation as bad, meeting little of the expectations that they set before they returned. The participants consider the support they received through the NGOs' return programmes as minimal, because they are mostly limited to a small amount of financial support, and thus of little significance in these returnees' efforts to rebuild their lives in their “home” country. If return programmes want to make a difference in returnees' lives, they should have two extensive components in the “home” and the “host” country, incorporating in both components an integral approach, including economic, political, social and psychological aspects. Viewing these findings, it is not surprising that most interviewees eventually evaluate their return as unsuccessful, and many returnees consider re‐emigration, all of which clearly questions the current basis of worldwide migration policies.
Alcohol dependency, recovery, and social words
Authors: Szabó József , Gerevich József
Published: March 2013

The influence of social support to recovery is a well‐known phenomenon. We supposed that examining relapsed and recovered alcohol‐dependent patients' autobiography vocabularies we could detect special differences. First, we examined group of relapsed patients treated in hospital at least twice within a year (n = 30). We chose for at least 2 year abstinent persons into the second group (n = 20). We compared their autobiographies by the Atlas.ti 5.0 content analyzing software and detected higher frequency of social words referring to social connections and social activity in the recovered patients' groups. The chi‐square test showed significant difference (p = 0.000155 < 0.01) between the frequency of social words of the two groups. We could estimate the spontaneous indicators of their social support via the content analysis.
Co‐invasion of South African ecosystems by an Australian legume and its rhizobial symbionts
Authors: Ndlovu Joice , Richardson David M. , Wilson John R. U. , Le Roux Johannes J.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To determine and compare the taxonomic identity and diversity of root nodule and rhizospheric microbial symbionts associated with Acacia pycnantha Benth. in its native (Australian) and invasive (South African) ranges, and to establish whether these associations are general or host specific.

Location

The native range of A. pycnantha in Australia and invasive ranges in South Africa and Western Australia.

Methods

Bacteria were isolated from root nodules collected from 18 populations of A. pycnantha. Repetitive element polymerase chain reaction (REP‐PCR) fingerprinting was used to assess overall bacterial diversity and clustering. Molecular phylogenies for a subset of isolates representing major REP‐PCR clades were reconstructed using maximum parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS), 16S rRNA, and the symbiotic nodA genes.

Results

Twelve clusters were identified from the REP‐PCR analysis; 11 included isolates from both the native range in Australia and invasive range in South Africa, while one cluster comprised only Australian isolates. Six rhizobial species were found in association with A. pycnantha: Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium gallicum, R. lusitanum, R. miluonense, R. multihospitium and R. tropici. We also identified three plant‐growth promoting bacteria isolated from root nodules of A. pycnantha: Burkholderia caledonica, B. graminis and B. phytofirmans. Phylogenetic analysis of the IGS gene retrieved clades containing symbionts from both Australia and South Africa while others comprised only South African taxa, suggesting the introduction of bacterial lineages from Australia to South Africa. Our phylogeographic analysis of the nodA gene confirmed that A. pycnantha was co‐introduced with its symbionts to South Africa.

Main conclusions

Acacia pycnantha is a promiscuous legume, associated with at least six different rhizobial symbionts, and forms associations with plant‐growth promoting rhizosphere bacteria from the genus Burkholderia. In the invasive range of A. pycnantha in South Africa, nodules contained some symbionts of South African origin while other symbionts appear to have been co‐introduced from Australia. Acacia pycnantha is associated with a wider suite of symbionts in its invasive than native range.
Effect of Different Corn Starches on Microstructural, Physical and Sensory Properties of Gluten‐Free White Sauces Formulated with Soy Protein and Inulin
Authors: Guardeño L.M. , Puig A. , Hernando I. , Quiles A.
Published: March 2013

Different corn starches were used to prepare gluten‐free white sauces made with soy protein and inulin. A remarkable different microstructure between sauces made with modified or native starches was observed. The former were characterized by a packed matrix of swollen starch granules, while the latter showed a few starch granule remnants dispersed in a starch polymer–protein–inulin continuous phase. These microstructural differences were related to significant differences (P < 0.05) in the apparent viscosity values observed between sauces made with modified or native starches. Moreover, sauces made with waxy starches exhibited stable apparent viscosity values throughout refrigeration storage. Syneresis was negligible even in sauces made with native starch, proving the high water retention capacity of the soy protein–inulin–starch polymer matrix. In general, sauces made with modified starches had stable color parameters throughout storage and were preferred by consumers, which make them interesting in the development of this type of product.

Practical Applications

Starches, both native and modified, from several botanical sources have been widely used in food industry to improve the textural properties and stability of sauces during their shelf life. However, new product development is increasingly focused in nutritional aspects due to consumer's demand for healthy food. In this context, the use of corn starches as gluten‐free sources as well as the replacement of fat by inulin and the use of soy protein instead of milk could be interesting in the development of white sauces suitable for consumers with particular nutritional requirements. First, it is necessary to evaluate the structural, physical and sensory properties of these mixtures to select the best formulation for the final product.
Ultrasound Viscosity Measurements Allow Determination of Gas Volume Fraction in Foamed Gels
Authors: Tomczyńska‐Mleko M. , Ozimek L.
Published: March 2013

Aerated whey protein gels were obtained by gelation of preheated solutions at room temperature by calcium, magnesium and ferrum (II) ions at different pH and protein concentration. The density of aerated and non‐aerated gels was determined by the flotation method. Dynamic viscosity of aerated and non‐aerated gels was measured using an ultrasonic viscometer. Air fraction of obtained aerated gels ranged from 24.5 to 76.8%. There was a linear increase in the product of viscosity and density values with increasing concentration of non‐aerated gels. For aerated gels, the highest values of the product of viscosity and density were noted at 7.5 and 8.0% (w/w). A formula for calculation of the air fraction in aerated gels by ultrasound viscosity measurements was derived. Air fraction values obtained by density measurements correlated with the air fraction values obtained by ultrasound viscosity measurements (R2 = 0.99). Measurements of the product of viscosity and density values by an ultrasound viscometer allow the determination of the air fraction of aerated gels.

Practical Applications

Different methods can be applied to obtain aerated whey protein gels. One common method capitalizes on the gel reversibility. Another common method is based on the gelation of preheated solutions induced at room temperature by salt addition. Foamed gels can be applied in food technology and as matrices for active ingredient release. Ultrasonic viscometers are used for continuous measurement of viscosity under conditions where measurement is difficult and does not influence the sample shape. Viscoelastic properties of the gels can be measured using oscillatory rheometry, but ultrasound viscosity measurements can also characterize the viscosity of the gel samples. Ultrasound viscometers are cheaper than oscillatory rheometers and the measurements are simpler.
The effect of nurse–patient interaction on anxiety and depression in cognitively intact nursing home patients
Authors: Haugan Gørill , Innstrand Siw T , Moksnes Unni K
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To test the effects of nurse–patient interaction on anxiety and depression among cognitively intact nursing home patients.

Background

Depression is considered the most frequent mental disorder among the older population. Specifically, the depression rate among nursing home patients is three to four times higher than among community‐dwelling older people, and a large overlap of anxiety is found. Therefore, identifying nursing strategies to prevent and decrease anxiety and depression is of great importance for nursing home patients' well‐being. Nurse–patient interaction is described as a fundamental resource for meaning in life, dignity and thriving among nursing home patients.

Design

The study employed a cross‐sectional design. The data were collected in 2008 and 2009 in 44 different nursing homes from 250 nursing home patients who met the inclusion criteria.

Methods

A sample of 202 cognitively intact nursing home patients responded to the Nurse–Patient Interaction Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A structural equation model of the hypothesised relationships was tested by means of Lisrel 8.8 (Scientific Software International Inc., Lincolnwood, IL, USA).

Results

The SEM model tested demonstrated significant direct relationships and total effects of nurse–patient interaction on depression and a mediated influence on anxiety.

Conclusion

Nurse–patient interaction influences depression, as well as anxiety, mediated by depression. Hence, nurse–patient interaction might be an important resource in relation to patients' mental health.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse–patient interaction is an essential factor of quality of care, perceived by long‐term nursing home patients. Facilitating nurses' communicating and interactive skills and competence might prevent and decrease depression and anxiety among cognitively intact nursing home patients.
Plant Growth‐Promoting Bacteria from Solarized Soil with the Ability to Protect Melon Against Root Rot and Vine Decline Caused by Monosporascus cannonballus
Authors: Antonelli Mariagrazia , Reda Roberto , Aleandri Maria Pia , Varvaro Leonardo , Chilosi Gabriele
Published: March 2013

This study was undertaken to isolate indigenous plant growth‐promoting (PGP) bacteria from solarized soil effective in the biocontrol of Monosporascus cannonballus, the cause of root rot and vine decline of melon, which is one of the most destructive soilborne diseases of this crop worldwide. The screening strategy resulted in the selection of two interesting PGP bacteria as biocontrol candidates against M. cannonballus belonging to the same microbial community. The two bacterial species, identified according to phenotypic, physiological tests and analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence as Bacillus subtilis/amyloliquefaciens (BsCR) and Pseudomonas putida (PpF4), showed PGP traits and in vitro antagonistic activity towards M. cannonballus. Antagonism by BsCR was characterized by a consistent inhibition of the pathogen in vitro growth; PpF4 strongly inhibited the development of perithecia of the pathogen. Under greenhouse conditions, the selected bacteria were tested for their biocontrol activity in the pathosystem melon‐M. cannonballus. BsCR alone and in combination with PpF4 determined a consistent decrease in the disease symptoms. BsCR and the combination of the bacterial strains significantly increased root biomass in both inoculated and un‐inoculated plant. Upon seed treatment with BsCR, the accumulation and isoenzyme induction of peroxidase in roots as biochemical marker for induction of resistance were found, thus indicating that BsCR may reduce the disease severity also by the activation of the plant defence responses. The study highlights the synergistic biocontrol potential of B. subtilis BsCR and P. putida PpF4 in the integrated management of root rot and vine decline of melon caused by M. cannonballus.
The pharmacokinetics and effects of meloxicam, gabapentin, and flunixin in postweaning dairy calves following dehorning with local anesthesia
Authors: Glynn H. D. , Coetzee J. F. , Edwards‐Callaway L. N. , Dockweiler J. C. , Allen K. A. , Lubbers B. , Jones M. , Fraccaro E. , Bergamasco L. L. , KuKanich B.
Published: March 2013

Approved analgesic compounds in cattle are not currently available in the United States due to the lack of validated pain assessment methods and marker residue depletion studies. In this study, we compared the pharmacokinetic parameters and effect of preemptive analgesics administered to calves subjected to dehorning with local anesthesia. Holstein steers were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatmentsper os(PO) or intravenously (IV) (n = 8/group): meloxicam (1 mg/kgPO), gabapentin (15 mg/kgPO), meloxicam (1 mg/kg), and gabapentin (15 mg/kg)PO, flunixin (2.2 mg/kgIV), or a placebo. Plasma drug, haptoglobin, substance P (SP) concentrations, serum cortisol concentrations, ocular thermography, mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT), and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using mixed‐effects models and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. Meloxicam, gabapentin, and meloxicam with gabapentin at the present doses did not reduce cortisol concentrations. Analgesic‐treated calves had significantly lower plasmaSPconcentrations and improvedADGcompared with controls. Flunixin calves had reduced circulating cortisol compared with controls. Meloxicam‐treated calves showed an increase inMNTat two horn bud sites compared with the other treatments. Analgesics improvedADGand reduced biomarkers of pain, but effects differed by compound and route of administration.
Expression and subcellular localization of efflux transporter ABCG2/BCRP in important tissue barriers of lactating dairy cows, sheep and goats
Authors: Lindner S. , Halwachs S. , Wassermann L. , Honscha W.
Published: March 2013

Expression of efflux transporter ABCG2/BCRP in tissues barriers has shown to be associated with altered pharmaco‐ and toxicokinetics of xenobiotics. Until now, little is known about the functional expression of this transporter in dairy animals. We therefore systematically examined the expression and subcellular localization of ABCG2/BCRP in small intestine, colon, lung, liver, kidney and mammary gland in lactating cows, sheep and goats. Carrier expression was investigated by RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis showing highest expression of ABCG2/BCRP in small intestine and mammary gland, high levels in liver and moderate amounts of protein in lung, colon and kidney. Regarding subcellular localization, BCRP was predominantly found at the apical plasma membrane of small intestine, colon, bronchial epithelium, bile ducts and overall in endothelial structures in all tested species. In the mammary gland, there was strong apical staining of the alveolar epithelial cells and most of the ducts in all dairy ruminants. We also detected significantly elevated protein expression in lactating mammary gland compared with nonlactating cows, sheep and goats. Our results contribute to the role of BCRP in cytoprotection and disposition in important tissue barriers and may have important implications for veterinary pharmacotherapy of dairy animals using drugs identified as BCRP substrates.
Earth surface processes drive the richness, composition and occurrence of plant species in an arctic–alpine environment
Authors: le Roux Peter C. , Luoto Miska
Published: March 2013

Questions

Are earth surface processes (ESPs) important determinants of species richness, composition and fine‐scale distributions? Do differentESPs have similar effects on these vegetation characteristics?

Location

Saana massif, northwest Finland (69 °N).

Methods

Vascular plant species occurrences, five environmental variables (related to soil conditions and topography) and fiveESPs were surveyed across 960 1‐m2quadrats in arctic–alpine tundra. Community composition was examined using non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling (NMDS), while species richness and individual species occurrence were modelled usingGLMs,GAMs and boosted regression trees.

Results

ThreeESPs (solifluction, fluvial activity and nivation) were strongly related to community composition, with only soil moisture and mesotopography exhibiting stronger correlations withNMDSscores.ESPs significantly improved the accuracy of species richness models based on soil conditions and topography, with solifluction and fluvial processes having the largest individual contributions. Solifluction and fluvial activity also increased the predictive power of species distribution models, with these processes often being as influential on occurrence patterns as some of the traditionally utilized direct and resource variables. Arctic–alpine species generally responded positively toESPs, with boreal species showing the opposite trend.

Conclusions

This study, the first to examine the impacts of several independentESPs on multiple vegetation characteristics, demonstrates thatESPs are primary drivers of species fine‐scale distributions, species richness and community composition in arctic–alpine plant communities.ESPs varied in their effect and relative influence, and thus severalESPs need to be considered when examining species‐ and community‐level properties of vegetation.
Benznidazole treatment reduces the induction of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) enzymatic activity in Chagas disease symptomatic patients
Authors: Marañón C. , Egui A. , Fernández‐Villegas A. , Carrilero B. , Thomas M. C. , Segovia M. , López M. C.
Published: March 2013

The enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxigenase (IDO) is critical for the regulation of immune responses in pro‐tolerogenic antigen‐presenting cell. To address the profile of immune responses associated with Chagas disease, we measured IDO activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 168 chronic patients and 13 healthy donors. We found that IDO activity was increased in patients with Chagas disease when compared with controls. Moreover, the IDO activity of patients with Chagas disease in the symptomatic chronic phase, involving cardiac or digestive alterations, was higher than that detected in asymptomatic patients and correlated with the severity of the symptoms. Furthermore, benznidazole treatment induced a long‐lasting decrease in IDO activity in symptomatic patients, reaching levels comparable with those of healthy donors. These results suggest that a pro‐tolerogenic state is associated with the severity of Chagas disease and that benznidazole treatment is a valuable tool for breaking the parasite‐driven immune tolerance in the symptomatic chronic phase of Chagas disease.
Changes in the Income Distribution of the Dutch Elderly between 1989 and 2020: a Dynamic Microsimulation
Authors: Knoef Marike , Alessie Rob , Kalwij Adriaan
Published: March 2013

This paper analyzes the income distribution of the Dutch elderly using a microsimulation model. Microsimulation models allow for detailed estimates of the income distribution. Our model deviates from traditional models by explicitly considering the persistency and heteroskedasticity of real income shocks. In this way, modeling all underlying processes influencing household income becomes less necessary, which can improve the trade‐off between refinement and tractability of microsimulation models. We show the results of three model specifications with different levels of refinement. The results are in line and indicate that between 2008 and 2020, the highest predicted annual growth among the elderly is for median‐income households (about 1.2 percent). High‐income households have a somewhat lower predicted growth (about 1.0 percent) and low‐income households only have a predicted annual growth of 0.5 percent. Inequality therefore seems to increase in the lower part of the distribution, while it will probably decline in the upper part of the distribution.
Socio‐economic and ecological challenges of small‐scale fishing and strategies for its sustainable management: A case study of the Old Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Nesar , Rahman Sanzidur , Bunting Stuart W. , Brugere Cecile
Published: March 2013

Socio‐economic and ecological challenges faced by the small‐scale fishers dependent on the Old Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh are assessed using a combination of questionnaire survey, co‐monitoring of fish catch, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Results reveal that the fishers are involved in professional, seasonal or subsistence fishing. Fish catches from the river have declined significantly because of overfishing, destructive use of fishing gear, water pollution, siltation, rapid urbanization and human encroachment, thereby threatening the health of the river ecosystem as well as the future of small‐scale fishing. We evaluate various social, economic and ecological challenges faced by the fisher communities. We propose a conceptual framework that recognizes linkages among social, economic and ecological aspects in devising a sustainable river fisheries management system. We recommend effective legal enforcement of policies and regulations, strong institutional collaboration and active fisher community participation in management to ensure sustainable use of the resource base.
BK virus (BKV) plasma dynamics in patients with BKV‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis following allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Drew R.J. , Walsh A. , Ní Laoi B. , Conneally E. , Crowley B.
Published: March 2013

Introduction

The use of real‐time polymerase chain reaction testing in the investigation of BK virus (BKV)‐associated disease has been widely studied in renal transplant recipients; however, far less research has been done in this area with respect to the plasma BK viral load dynamics of BKV hemorrhagic cystitis (BKV‐HC) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the BK viral load dynamics in plasma samples collected from patients post transplant who had laboratory‐confirmed BKV‐HC.

Methods

Patients who developed BK viremia were compared with patients who did not develop viremia, and a statistical comparison of risk factors for viremia was performed. Seventeen patients were included in this study. Urine samples from the day of BKV diagnosis were available in 13 of the 17 cases. In total, 154 archived plasma samples from around the time of the BKV‐HC event were also included in the study from these 17 patients.

Results

The median time from transplantation to the onset of detectable viremia was 68 days. The median viral load in the 13 urine samples was 1.8 × 108 copies/mL, which was significantly higher than the median viral load in the 38 positive plasma samples of 6.6 × 102 copies/mL (Mann–Whitney test, U = 16, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The lymphocyte count on the day of the positive BKV test was significantly lower in patients with BKV viremia than in patients with no viremia (P = 0.02) and also the white cell and platelet counts were lower on the day of the first positive BKV test. Although there is not inter‐patient consistency as regards correlation between urinary BK viral loads and severity of clinical BKV‐HC, in individual patients the decline in viral load in plasma did correlate with clinical recovery.
Growing up an orphan: vulnerability of adolescent girls to HIV in Malawi
Authors: Mkandawire Paul , Luginaah Isaac , Baxter Jamie
Published: March 2013

Based on a qualitative study conducted in the township of Chibavi in Mzuzu City, Malawi, this paper seeks to contribute to the emerging debate as to why orphans may be more vulnerable to the AIDS epidemic through the lens of an informal labour relation locally known as ganyu. The paper argues that although ganyu has deep roots in the country's history and has served as an escape from extreme poverty in rural areas, its transition to the urban landscape is associated with an emergent practice of sexual exchange between those who seek ganyu and those who recruit the workers. While youth in Chibavi generally work ganyu, the particularly oversized domestic roles of encumbered orphans against a backdrop of extremely deprived material circumstances and weak kin ties propelled them into prolonged ganyu contracts and compelled them to more readily concede to sexual demands ‘imposed’ by those who offered them ganyu. Drawing on geographic perspectives from political ecology of health and tracing the historical and geographic interconnections of ganyu, this study adds to the understanding of how the spatial transformation of this enduring ad hoc labour makes it a relation that potentially shapes vulnerability to HIV in Malawi. This study also wrestles with the question of why current policy debates do not reflect these realities in a country with one of worst AIDS epidemics, and in turn, makes relevant policy recommendations.
The spatial modalities of evangelical Christian growth in Sri Lanka: evangelism, social ministry and the structural mosaic
Authors: Woods Orlando
Published: March 2013

This paper incorporates a melange of ideas into a new understanding of evangelical Christian growth. Existing explanations of growth are well rehearsed within the social sciences, and draw clear distinctions between the characteristics of evangelical organisations and the structural contexts in which they operate. A number of theoretical and empirical assumptions render such explanations applicable in some countries, but not others. Drawing on empirical data from Sri Lanka, I argue that closer examination of the recursive relationship between organisation (agency) and context (structure) will lead to recognition of the fact that growth is a spatially defined process, with evangelical organisations being tied to localities in complex and multifarious ways. A heuristic device – the structural mosaic – is proposed and developed in order to account for the growth of evangelical Christian groups in hostile environments around the world.