bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of copy number variants in horses
Authors: Doan Ryan , Cohen Noah , Harrington Jessica , Veazy Kylee , Juras Rytis , Cothran Gus , McCue Molly E. , Skow Loren , Dindot Scott V.
Published: March 2012

Copy number variants (CNVs) represent a substantial source of genetic variation in mammals. However, the occurrence of CNVs in horses and their subsequent impact on phenotypic variation is unknown. We performed a study to identify CNVs in 16 horses representing 15 distinct breeds (Equus caballus) and an individual gray donkey (Equus asinus) using a whole-exome tiling array and the array comparative genomic hybridization methodology. We identified 2368 CNVs ranging in size from 197 bp to 3.5 Mb. Merging identical CNVs from each animal yielded 775 CNV regions (CNVRs), involving 1707 protein- and RNA-coding genes. The number of CNVs per animal ranged from 55 to 347, with median and mean sizes of CNVs of 5.3 kb and 99.4 kb, respectively. Approximately 6% of the genes investigated were affected by a CNV. Biological process enrichment analysis indicated CNVs primarily affected genes involved in sensory perception, signal transduction, and metabolism. CNVs also were identified in genes regulating blood group antigens, coat color, fecundity, lactation, keratin formation, neuronal homeostasis, and height in other species. Collectively, these data are the first report of copy number variation in horses and suggest that CNVs are common in the horse genome and may modulate biological processes underlying different traits observed among horses and horse breeds.
Bidirectional interactions between circadian entrainment and cognitive performance
Authors: Gritton Howard J. , Kantorowski Ana , Sarter Martin , Lee Theresa M.
Published: March 2012

Circadian rhythms influence a variety of physiological and behavioral processes; however, little is known about how circadian rhythms interact with the organisms' ability to acquire and retain information about their environment. These experiments tested whether rats trained outside their endogenous active period demonstrate the same rate of acquisition, daily performance, and remote memory ability as their nocturnally trained counterparts in tasks of sustained attention and spatial memory. Furthermore, we explored how daily task training influenced circadian patterns of activity. We found that rats demonstrate better acquisition and performance on an operant task requiring attentional effort when trained during the dark-phase. Time of day did not affect acquisition or performance on the Morris water maze; however, when animals were retested 2 wk after their last day of training, they showed better remote memory if training originally occurred during the dark-phase. Finally, attentional, but not spatial, task performance during the light-phase promotes a shift toward diurnality and the synchronization of activity to the time of daily training; this shift was most robust when the demands on the cognitive control of attention were highest. Our findings support a theory of bidirectional interactions between cognitive performance and circadian processes and are consistent with the view that the circadian abnormalities associated with shift-work, aging, and neuropsychiatric illnesses may contribute to the deleterious effects on cognition often present in these populations. Furthermore, these findings suggest that time of day should be an important consideration for a variety of cognitive tasks principally used in psychological and neuroscience research.
The U-Box/ARM E3 Ligase PUB13 Regulates Cell Death, Defense, and Flowering Time in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Wei , Ahn Il-Pyung , Ning Yuese , Park Chan-Ho , Zeng Lirong , Whitehill Justin G.A. , Lu Haibin , Zhao Qingzhen , Ding Bo , Xie Qi , Zhou Jian-Min , Dai Liangying , Wang Guo-Liang
Published: March 2012

The components in plant signal transduction pathways are intertwined and affect each other to coordinate plant growth, development, and defenses to stresses. The role of ubiquitination in connecting these pathways, particularly plant innate immunity and flowering, is largely unknown. Here, we report the dual roles for the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Plant U-box protein13 (PUB13) in defense and flowering time control. In vitro ubiquitination assays indicated that PUB13 is an active E3 ubiquitin ligase and that the intact U-box domain is required for the E3 ligase activity. Disruption of the PUB13 gene by T-DNA insertion results in spontaneous cell death, the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid (SA), and elevated resistance to biotrophic pathogens but increased susceptibility to necrotrophic pathogens. The cell death, hydrogen peroxide accumulation, and resistance to necrotrophic pathogens in pub13 are enhanced when plants are pretreated with high humidity. Importantly, pub13 also shows early flowering under middle- and long-day conditions, in which the expression of SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 and FLOWERING LOCUS T is induced while FLOWERING LOCUS C expression is suppressed. Finally, we found that two components involved in the SA-mediated signaling pathway, SID2 and PAD4, are required for the defense and flowering-time phenotypes caused by the loss of function of PUB13. Taken together, our data demonstrate that PUB13 acts as an important node connecting SA-dependent defense signaling and flowering time regulation in Arabidopsis.
Characterization of Genes Involved in Cytokinin Signaling and Metabolism from Rice
Authors: Tsai Yu-Chang , Weir Nicholas R. , Hill Kristine , Zhang Wenjing , Kim Hyo Jung , Shiu Shin-Han , Schaller G. Eric , Kieber Joseph J.
Published: March 2012

Two-component signaling elements play important roles in plants, including a central role in cytokinin signaling. We characterized two-component elements from the monocot rice (Oryza sativa) using several complementary approaches. Phylogenetic analysis reveals relatively simple orthologous relationships among the histidine kinases in rice and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In contrast, the histidine-containing phosphotransfer proteins (OsHPs) and response regulators (OsRRs) display a higher degree of lineage-specific expansion. The intracellular localizations of several OsHPs and OsRRs were examined in rice and generally found to correspond to the localizations of their dicot counterparts. The functionality of rice type-B OsRRs was tested in Arabidopsis; one from a clade composed of both monocot and dicot type-B OsRRs complemented an Arabidopsis type-B response regulator mutant, but a type-B OsRR from a monocot-specific subfamily generally did not. The expression of genes encoding two-component elements and proteins involved in cytokinin biosynthesis and degradation was analyzed in rice roots and shoots and in response to phytohormones. Nearly all type-A OsRRs and OsHK4 were up-regulated in response to cytokinin, but other cytokinin signaling elements were not appreciably affected. Furthermore, multiple cytokinin oxidase (OsCKX) genes were up-regulated by cytokinin. Abscisic acid treatment decreased the expression of several genes involved in cytokinin biosynthesis and degradation. Auxin affected the expression of a few genes; brassinosteroid and gibberellin had only modest effects. Our results support a shared role for two-component elements in mediating cytokinin signaling in monocots and dicots and reveal how phytohormones can impact cytokinin function through modulating gene expression.
Plastids Are Major Regulators of Light Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ruckle Michael E. , Burgoon Lyle D. , Lawrence Lauren A. , Sinkler Christopher A. , Larkin Robert M.
Published: March 2012

We previously provided evidence that plastid signaling regulates the downstream components of a light signaling network and that this signal integration coordinates chloroplast biogenesis with both the light environment and development by regulating gene expression. We tested these ideas by analyzing light- and plastid-regulated transcriptomes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that the enrichment of Gene Ontology terms in these transcriptomes is consistent with the integration of light and plastid signaling (1) down-regulating photosynthesis and inducing both repair and stress tolerance in dysfunctional chloroplasts and (2) helping coordinate processes such as growth, the circadian rhythm, and stress responses with the degree of chloroplast function. We then tested whether factors that contribute to this signal integration are also regulated by light and plastid signals by characterizing T-DNA insertion alleles of genes that are regulated by light and plastid signaling and that encode proteins that are annotated as contributing to signaling, transcription, or no known function. We found that a high proportion of these mutant alleles induce chloroplast biogenesis during deetiolation. We quantified the expression of four photosynthesis-related genes in seven of these enhanced deetiolation (end) mutants and found that photosynthesis-related gene expression is attenuated. This attenuation is particularly striking for Photosystem II subunit S expression. We conclude that the integration of light and plastid signaling regulates a number of END genes that help optimize chloroplast function and that at least some END genes affect photosynthesis-related gene expression.
Distinct chiral units from an axially prochiral ligand in a photoluminescent zinc(II)–organic complex
Authors: Zhang Ming-Xing , Chen Xin , Huang Kun-Lin , Zhu Yi , Yang Shan-Shan
Published: March 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, poly[(dimethylamine-κN)[μ3-(E)-2,6-dimethyl-4-styrylpyridine-3,5-dicarboxylato-κ3O3:O3′:O5]zinc(II)], [Zn(C17H13NO4)(C2H7N)]n, consists of one crystallographically independent distorted tetrahedral ZnIIcation, one (E)-2,6-dimethyl-4-styrylpyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (mspda2−) ligand and one coordinated dimethylamine molecule. TwoS- andR-type chiral units are generated from the axially prochiral mspda2−ligand through C—H...O hydrogen bonds. TheR-type chiral units assemble a left-handed (M) Zn–mspda helical chain, while the right-handed (P) Zn–mspda helical chain is constructed from neighbouringS-type chiral units. TheP- andM-type helical chains are interlinked by carboxylate O atoms to form a one-dimensional ladder. Interchain N—H...O hydrogen bonds extend these one-dimensional ladders into a two-dimensional supramolecular architecture. The title compound exhibits luminescence at λmax= 432 nm upon excitation at 365 nm.
(Z)-N-Methyl-2-(5-nitro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Qasem Ali Amna , Eltayeb Naser Eltaher , Teoh Siang Guan , Salhin Abdussalam , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C10H9N5O3S, an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond generates anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaN—H...S hydrogen bonds into a zigzag chain along thebaxis. C—H...O interactions are observed between the chains.
catena-Poly[[diaquabis(1H-imidazole-κN3)cobalt(II)]-μ-2,3,5,6-tetrachloroterephthalato-κ2O1:O4]
Authors: Zheng Chang-Ge , Zhang Peng , Li Ping , Zhang Pei-Pei
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, [Co(C8Cl4O4)(C3H4N2)2(H2O)2]n, the CoIIion displays a distorted octahedral coordination geometry with two O atoms from two monodentate tetrachloroterephthalate dianions, two N atoms from two imidazole molecules and two O atoms from two water molecules. The CoIIions are connectedviathe tetrachloroterephthalate dianions into a chain running along the crystallographic [110] direction. Adjacent chains are linked into a two-dimensional network arranged parallel to (010) by classical N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
N-Cyclopentyl-N-(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)acetamide
Authors: Zhang Tao , McCabe Tom , Marzec Bartosz , Frankish Neil , Sheridan Helen
Published: March 2012

The title molecule, C16H19NO2, consists of an indane moiety, which is connected through an N atom to an acetamide group and a cyclopentane ring. The N atom adopts planar triangular geometry. Intermolecular interactions, such as π–π stacking or hydrogen bonding, were not observed.
Ethyl 3-[7-ethoxy-6-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonamido)-2H-indazol-2-yl]propanoate
Authors: Abbassi Najat , Oulemda Bassou , Rakib El Mostapha , Geffken Detlef , Zouihri Hafid
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C21H25N3O6S, the dihedral angle between the methoxybenzene and indazole rings is 74.96 (5)°. The crystal packing is stabilized by an N—H...O hydrogen bond into a two-dimensional network. In addition, C—H...π interactions and a π–π contact, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.5333 (6) Å, are observed. The crystal packing is stabilized by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
4-Methoxybenzoyl-meso-octamethylcalix[2]pyrrolidino[2]pyrrole: an acyl chloride derivative of a partially reduced calix[4]pyrrole
Authors: Journot Guillaume , Neier Reinhard , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C36H50N4O2, the two pyrrolidine rings have envelope conformations. The conformation of the macrocycle is stabilized by N—H...N hydrogen bonds and a C—H...N interaction. The benzoyl ring is inclined to an adjacent pyrrole ring by 6.76 (9)°, with a centroid-to-centroid distance of 3.6285 (10) Å. In the crystal, apart from a C—H...O and a C—H...π interaction, molecules are linkedviaan N—H...O hydrogen bond, leading to the formation of helical chains propagating along [010].
9-(Dicyanomethylidene)fluorene–tetrathiafulvalene (1/1)
Authors: Salmerón-Valverde Amparo , Bernès Sylvain
Published: March 2012

The title compound, C16H8N2·C6H4S4, crystallizes with the fluorene derivative placed in a general position and two half tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) molecules, each completed to a whole molecule through an inversion center. The fluorene ring system is virtually planar (r.m.s. deviation from the mean plane = 0.027 Å) and the dicyano group is twisted from the fluorene plane by only 3.85 (12)°. The TTF molecules are also planar, and their central C=C bond lengths [1.351 (8) and 1.324 (7) Å] compare well with the same bond length in neutral TTF (ca1.35 Å). These features indicate that no charge transfer occurs between molecules in the crystal; the compound should thus be considered a cocrystal rather than an organic complex. This is confirmed by the crystal structure, in which no significant stacking interactions are observed between molecules.
5-Cyclohexyl-2-(3-fluorophenyl)-3-methylsulfinyl-1-benzofuran
Authors: Choi Hong Dae , Seo Pil Ja , Lee Uk
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C21H21FO2S, the cyclohexyl ring adopts a chair conformation. The 3-fluorophenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 38.38 (6)° with the mean plane [r.m.s. deviation = 0.010 (1) Å] of the benzofuran fragment. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
5-Cyclohexyl-2-methyl-3-(4-methylphenylsulfinyl)-1-benzofuran
Authors: Choi Hong Dae , Seo Pil Ja , Lee Uk
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C22H24O2S, the cyclohexyl ring adopts a chair conformation. The 4-methylphenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 81.60 (5)° with the mean plane [r.m.s. deviation = 0.004 (1) Å] of the benzofuran fragment. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak π–π interactions between the furan rings of adjacent molecules [centroid–centroid distance = 3.545 (2) Å, interplanar distance = 3.489 (2) Å and slippage = 0.628 (2) Å.
(E)-3-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-[(2-formylphenoxy)methyl]prop-2-enenitrile
Authors: Manikandan N. , Murugavel S. , Kannan D. , Bakthadoss M.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C17H12ClNO2, the dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 42.9 (1)°. There are no sgnificant intermolecular interactions.
catena-Poly[[[aquamanganese(III)]-μ-(E)-5-bromo-N-[2-(5-bromo-2-oxidobenzylideneamino)-4-nitrophenyl]-2-oxidobenzamidato]N,N-dimethylfomamide monosolvate]
Authors: Farag Abeer Mohamed , Guan Teoh Siang , Osman Hasnah , Hemamalini Madhukar , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: March 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, {[Mn(C20H10Br2N3O5)(H2O)]·(CH3)2NCHO}n, consists of one MnIIIion, one (E)-5-bromo-N-[2-(5-bromo-2-oxidobenzylideneamino)-4-nitrophenyl]-2-oxidobenzamidate ligand (Schiff base), one water molecule and anN,N-dimethylformamide molecule. The coordination geometry around the MnIIIion is a distorted octahedron, being surrounded by two O and two N atoms from the Schiff base, which are positioned in the equatorial plane. The water molecule and the O atom of the carbonyl group from the adjacent MnIIIcomplex are situated at the axial positions, leading to a polymeric chain along thecaxis. In the crystal, the complex andN,N-dimethylformamide molecules are connectedviaO—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
Poly[[μ10-4,4′-(ethane-1,2-diyldioxy)dibenzoato]dipotassium]
Authors: Ma Zhen , Liang Baohuan , Lu Wanbing
Published: March 2012

The title salt, [K2(C16H12O6)]n, was obtained by the reaction of 1,2-bis[4-(ethyl-carboxyl)-phenoxyl]ethane with KOH in water. The anion lies on a crystallographic inversion center, which is located at the mid-point of the central C—C bond. The K+cation is coordinated by six O atoms, two from the chelating carboxylate group of the anion and four from four neighboring and monodentately binding anions, giving rise to an irregular [KO6] coordination polyhedron. The coordination mode of the cation leads to the formation of K/O layers parallel to (100). These layers are linked by the nearly coplanar anions (r.m.s. deviation of 0.064 Å of the carboxyl, aryl and O—CH2groups from the least-squares plane) into a three-dimentional network.
3-(3-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-5-isopropyl-2-methyl-1-benzofuran
Authors: Choi Hong Dae , Seo Pil Ja , Lee Uk
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C18H17ClO3S, the 3-chlorobenzene ring makes a dihedral angle of 82.04 (5)° with the mean plane [r.m.s. deviation = 0.006 (1) Å] of the benzofuran fragment. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions.
[N′-(3-Ethoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene)-4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzohydrazidato](methanol)dioxidomolybdenum(VI)
Authors: Wang Shou-Xing
Published: March 2012

In the title dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex, [Mo(C17H16N2O5)O2(CH3OH)], the MoVIatom is coordinated by the phenolate O, imine N and enolic O atoms of the tridentate hydrazone ligand, one methanol O atom, and two oxide O atoms, forming a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The oxide O atoms adopt acisconformation: one istransto the methanol O atom and the other istransto the ligand N atom. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings in the hydrazone ligand is 4.0 (3)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...N and O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
2-(Piperidin-1-yl)-6-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile
Authors: Horton Peter N. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Soliman Ahmed M. , Abdel-Raheem Eman M. M. , Akkurt Mehmet
Published: March 2012

The piperidine ring of the title compound, C16H15N5, adopts a chair conformation. The pyridine ring is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.035 (3) Å. The pyrrole and pyridine rings are almost coplanar, forming a dihedral angle of 3.48 (14)°. In the crystal, no classical hydrogen bonds were found. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by aromatic π–π stacking [centroid–centroid separations = 3.4984 (16) and 3.9641 (15) Å between pyrrole and pyridine rings and between pyridine rings, respectively].
6-[(2E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl]-5,7-dihydroxy-8-(2-methylbutanoyl)-4-phenyl-2H-chromen-2-one–6-[(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl]-5,7-dihydroxy-8-(3-methylbutanoyl)-4-phenyl-2H-chromen-2-one (1/1) fromMesua elegans
Authors: Chan Gomathi , Awang Khalijah , Ismail Nor Hadiani , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

The title co-crystal, C30H34O5·C30H34O5, comprises a 1:1 mixture of two mostly superimposed molecules with the same chemical formula that differ in the nature of the substituent (2-methylbutanoyl or 3-methylbutanoyl) bound at the exocyclic ketone. The lactone ring is close to planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.058 Å) and the phenyl ring is twisted out of this plane [dihedral angle = 60.08 (9)°]. The geranyl substituent is almost normal to benzene ring to which it is connected [C—C—Car—Car(ar = aromatic) torsion angle = −87.8 (2)°]. Intramolecular O—H...O and O—H...π interactions are formed. In the crystal, supramolecular chains are formed along theaaxis owing to C—H...O contacts, with the lactone carbonyl atom accepting two such bonds.
5-(Phenyldiazenyl)tropolone
Authors: Hill Tania N. , Mangwaela Moeketsi S. , Steyl Gideon
Published: March 2012

The title compound [systematic name: (E)-2-hydroxy-5-(phenyldiazenyl)cyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-one], C13H10N2O2, is essentially planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.036 (2) Å and a dihedral angle of 1.57 (8)° between the phenyl and tropolone rings. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers. The dimers are further connected by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions, with centroid–centroid distances of 3.6934 (9) and 3.6282 (9) Å.
N-(4-Chloro-3-nitrophenyl)succinamic acid
Authors: Chaithanya U. , Foro Sabine , Gowda B. Thimme
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C10H9ClN2O5, the nitro group is significantly twisted out of the plane of the benzene ring to which it is attached [dihedral angle = 27.4 (6)°]. In the crystal, molecules are linked into centrosymmetric dimersviapairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds. These dimers are further linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds into double chains running along theaaxis.
4-[5-Amino-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzonitrile
Authors: Abu Thaher Bassam , Koch Pierre , Schollmeyer Dieter , Laufer Stefan
Published: March 2012

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C21H14FN5, the pyrazole ring forms dihedral angles of 38.0 (1), 40.0 (1) and 28.5 (1)° with the directly attached 4-fluorophenyl, pyridine and benzonitrile rings, respectively. The crystal packing is characterized by N—H...N hydrogen bonds, which result in a two-dimensional network parallel to theac-plane.
2-(4-Nitrobenzylidene)malononitrile
Authors: Chang Ming-Jen , Fang Tzu-Chien , Tsai Hsing-Yang , Luo Ming-Hui , Chen Kew-Yu
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C10H5N3O2, the benzylidenemalononitrile unit is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.129 (2) Å for a terminal N atom; the nitro group is approximately coplanar with the benzene ring [dihedral angle = 8.8 (3)°]. An intramolecular C—H...N hydrogen bond stabilizes the molecular conformation.
Randomised clinical trial: the safety and efficacy of long‐acting octreotide in patients with portal hypertension
Authors: Chandok N. , Kamath P. S. , Blei A. , Bosch J. , Carey W. , Grace N. , Kowdley K. V. , Benner K. , Groszmann R. J.
Published: March 2012

Background

It remains unclear whether a long‐acting preparation of octreotide (Sandostatin LAR) can be safely used for portal hypertension in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Aim

To determine the safety and efficacy of LAR among patients with Child Pugh Class A or B cirrhosis and small oesophageal varices.

Methods

A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted in 39 patients with cirrhosis and small oesophageal varices. Safety was based on frequency and severity of adverse events. Efficacy was determined by hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) measured at baseline and day 84 following administration of LAR 10 mg (n = 15), 30 mg (n = 10) or saline (n = 14). Fasting and postprandial portal blood flow (PBF), superior mesenteric artery pulsatility index (SMA‐PI), glucagon and octreotide levels were measured. An intention‐to‐treat analysis was performed.

Results

Four patients in the LAR 30 group (40%) withdrew from the study due to serious adverse events. No patient in the LAR 10 or control group had serious adverse events. There was no statistically significant decrease between HVPG at day 84 and baseline with LAR 30 mg (11.8 ± 2.3 mmHg vs. 14.1 ± 3.2), LAR 10 mg (15.3 ± 4.8 mmHg vs. 15.1 ± 3.8), or saline (13.3 ± 3.8 mmHg vs. 15.1 ± 4.3) (P = 0.26). Neither PBF, SMA‐PI nor plasma glucagon levels were significantly decreased from baseline (P = 0.56).

Conclusions

The absence of significant haemodynamic benefit, as well as the high frequency of severe adverse events associated with use of LAR, do not support the use of this agent in the treatment of portal hypertension.
Molecular profiling of functional interactions between pre‐osteoblastic and breast carcinoma cells
Authors: Glait‐Santar Chen , Pasmanik‐Chor Metsada , Oron‐Karni Varda , Benayahu Dafna
Published: March 2012

The relationships between cancer cells and the microenvironment play a critical role in cancer growth and development. The bone stroma consists of mesenchymal stem cells and mature osteoblasts that promote cancer growth. Yet it is not completely understood what are the molecular processes guiding cancer cells progression to the bone. In this study, a coculture assay and subsequent gene profiling arrays were used to compare the gene expression profile of a pre‐osteoblastic (PO) cell line (MBA‐15) with that of a mammary adenocarcinoma (DA3) cells. After coculture, cells were separated by magnetic beads based on the expression of CD326 antigen. RNA was purified and hybridized on gene expression array. The gene expression pattern changes were followed by qRT‐PCR. We demonstrate that cocultured DA3 cells express elevated levels of genes that regulate growth and responses to both hormonal stimulus and wounding, as well as reduced expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. Also, cocultured PO cells showed reduced expression of cell junction genes. The study presents a simplified model system, composed of PO and mammary cancer cells, that potentially mimics the molecular interactions in the tumor microenvironment which contribute to tumor progression.
Evaluation of a bibliotherapy manual for reducing psychological distress in people with depression: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Songprakun Wallapa , McCann Terence V.
Published: March 2012

Aim.  This article reports a study to evaluate the efficacy of a self‐help manual in reducing psychological distress in individuals with moderate depression.

Background.  The prevalence of depression in Thailand is increasing markedly (e.g. from 56–197 per 100,000 population between 1997–2007).

Design.  We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 54 outpatients with depression in Chiang Mai Province in Thailand.

Method.  Participants were assigned randomly to an intervention or control group. The intervention group participants were given a self‐help manual in addition to standard care and treatment while the control group received standard care and treatment. Psychological distress was measured with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Data were collected between October 2007–April 2008.

Results.  The findings showed statistically significant differences between both groups in their levels of psychological distress (e.g. tiredness, hopelessness, restlessness). At post‐test, the distress scores of the intervention group were lower than those in the control group. Between post‐test and 1‐month follow‐up, distress scores continued to decrease steadily in the intervention group but only decreased slightly in the control group.

Conclusion.  The findings affirm the benefits of bibliotherapy or self‐help therapy in book form in helping to reduce psychological distress in people with moderate depression. The approach is easy to use and can be incorporated as an adjunct to standard care and treatment. Bibliotherapy can be used by community mental health nurses and other clinicians to reduce psychological distress and promote recovery in people with moderate depression.
Patient and visitor violence in the general hospital, occurrence, staff interventions and consequences: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Hahn Sabine , Hantikainen Virpi , Needham Ian , Kok Gerjo , Dassen Theo , Halfens Ruud J.G.
Published: March 2012

Aim.  This study focuses on the experience of healthcare staff with regard to patient and visitor violence in a general hospital. The occurrence of patient and visitor violence, staffs’ interventions and the consequences of violence for different professions are investigated.

Background.  There is a lack of studies describing the factors influencing the occurrence of patient and visitor violence, intervention strategies and consequences. Existing studies often focus on nurses’ experiences and single interactive factors between staff and patients/visitors involved.

Design.  A cross‐sectional survey.

Method.  The survey was conducted in 2007 including 2495 staff working on different wards in a Swiss university general hospital. The questionnaire used was the Survey of Violence Experienced by Staff German Version‐Revised.

Findings.  Half of the staff experienced patient and visitor violence in the past 12 months and 11% in the past week. The age of the staff and the length of experience in their present workplace influenced the exposure to patient and visitor violence. Violence occurred mainly when staff carried out tasks involving close personal contact. Only 16% of the staff was trained in aggression management. The feeling of confidence in managing patient and visitor violence depended significantly on the organizational attitude towards violence. The principal interventions used were calming and informative discussion.

Conclusion.  To prevent patient and visitor violence and improve management strategies, training which focuses on communication skills, which is specific to the professional context and which emphasizes patient centeredness, need to be designed and implemented. A strong organizational commitment is imperative to reduce violence.
Procedural pain and anxiety in paediatric patients in a Mexican emergency department
Authors: Ortiz Mario I. , López‐Zarco Mayeli , Arreola‐Bautista Edna J.
Published: March 2012

Aim.  This article is a report of a study carried out to investigate the procedures that are likely to induce pain and anxiety in children in a Mexican emergency department.

Background.  In emergency rooms, children often experience unpredictable diagnostic and therapeutic procedural‐related pain that can be associated with considerable anxiety.

Design.  A prospective, descriptive and cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of procedures or situations that probably induced anxiety and/or pain in children in an emergency room.

Methods.  Procedural pain and anxiety were evaluated in children and adolescents (8–16 years) who were admitted to the emergency department of a paediatric hospital between February–September 2010. Children rated their pain and anxiety using a 100‐mm visual analogue scale.

Results.  A total of 252 children with a mean age of 10·1 years were evaluated. Four‐hundred fifty‐nine procedures were completed, with an average of 1·82 events/child. Of these procedures, 369 (80·4%) were rated painful and 357 (77·8%) were rated stressful. The most frequently reported procedural pain or stressful episodes were peripheral catheterization, clinical examination and vascular puncture. Overall, 32·5% of the painful events were rated severe, 32·0% were rated moderate and 35·5% were rated slight. However, 30% of the stressful events were rated severe, 38·9% were rated moderate and 31·1% were rated slight. Peripheral catheterization was rated severe in 58 children (33·9%), moderate in 55 children (32·2%) and slight in 58 (33·9%) children.

Conclusion.  This study provides data on common emergency department procedures that cause pain and anxiety in children and young adolescents. Healthcare providers must consider the best psychological and pharmacological interventions to reduce procedural anxiety and pain.
An ethnographic study exploring the role of ward‐based Advanced Nurse Practitioners in an acute medical setting
Authors: Williamson Susan , Twelvetree Timothy , Thompson Jacqueline , Beaver Kinta
Published: March 2012

williamson s., twelvetree t., thompson j. & beaver k. (2012) An ethnographic study exploring the role of ward‐based Advanced Nurse Practitioners in an acute medical setting. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(7), 1579–1588.

Aim.  This article is a report of a study that aimed to examine the role of ward‐based Advanced Nurse Practitioners and their impact on patient care and nursing practice.

Background.  Revised doctor/nurse skill mix combined with a focus on improving quality of care while reducing costs has had an impact on healthcare delivery in the western world. Diverse advanced nursing practice roles have developed and their function has varied globally over the last decade. However, roles and expectations for ward‐based Advanced Nurse Practitioners lack clarity, which may hinder effective contribution to practice.

Design.  An ethnographic approach was used to explore the advanced nurse practitioner role.

Methods.  Participant observation and interviews of five ward‐based Advanced Nurse Practitioners working in a large teaching hospital in the North West of England during 2009 were complemented by formal and informal interviews with staff and patients. Data were descriptive and broken down into themes, patterns and processes to enable interpretation and explanation.

Results.  The overarching concept that ran through data analysis was that of Advanced Nurse Practitioners as a lynchpin, using their considerable expertise, networks and insider knowledge of health care not only to facilitate patient care but to develop a pivotal role facilitating nursing and medical practice. Sub‐themes included enhancing communication and practice, acting as a role model, facilitating the patients’ journey and pioneering the role.

Conclusion.  Ward‐based Advanced Nurse Practitioners are pivotal and necessary for providing quality holistic patient care and their role can be defined as more than junior doctor substitutes.
The relationship between hospital work environment and nurse outcomes in Guangdong, China: a nurse questionnaire survey
Authors: Liu Ke , You Li‐Ming , Chen Shao‐Xian , Hao Yuan‐Tao , Zhu Xiao‐Wen , Zhang Li‐Feng , Aiken Linda H
Published: March 2012

Aims and objectives.  This study examines the relationship between hospital work environments and job satisfaction, job‐related burnout and intention to leave among nurses in Guangdong province, China.

Background.  The nursing shortage is an urgent global problem and also of concern in China. Studies in Western countries have shown that better work environments are associated with higher nurse satisfaction and lower burnout, thereby improving retention and lowering turnover rates. However, there is little research on the relationship between nurse work environments and nurse outcomes in China.

Design.  This is a cross‐sectional study. Survey data were collected from 1104 bedside nurses in 89 medical, surgical and intensive care units in 21 hospitals across the Guangdong province in China.

Methods.  Stratified convenience sampling was used to select hospitals, and systematic sampling was used to select units. All staff nurses working on participating units were surveyed. The China Hospital Nurse Survey, including the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Maslach Burnout Inventory, was employed to collect data from nurses. Statistical significance level was set at 0·05.

Results.  Thirty‐seven per cent of the nurses experienced high burnout, and 54% were dissatisfied with their jobs. Improving nurses’ work environments from poor to better was associated with a 50% decrease in job dissatisfaction and a 33% decrease in job‐related burnout among nurses.

Conclusion.  Burnout and job dissatisfaction are high among hospital nurses in Guangdong province, China. Better work environments for nurses were associated with decreased job dissatisfaction and job‐related burnout, which may successfully address the nursing shortage in China.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study indicate that improving work environments is essential to deal with the nursing shortage; the findings provide motivation for nurse managers and policy makers to improve work environments of hospital nurses in China.
Behavioural determinants of salt consumption among hypertensive individuals
Authors: Cornélio M. E. , Gallani M.‐C. B. J. , Godin G. , Rodrigues R. C. M. , Nadruz W. , Mendez R. D. R.
Published: March 2012

Cornélio M.E., Gallani M.‐C.B.J., Godin G., Rodrigues R.C.M., Nadruz Jr W. & Mendez R.D.R. (2012) Behavioural determinants of salt consumption among hypertensive individuals. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 334–344

Background:  High salt consumption among populations remains a challenge for health professionals dealing with prevention and control of hypertension. The present study aimed to identify the psychosocial predictors of salt consumption among hypertensive individuals, based on an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Three salt consumption behaviours were studied: Behaviour 1– using <4 g of salt per day during cooking; Behaviour 2– avoiding adding salt/table salt use to the prepared foods; and Behaviour 3– avoiding the consumption of foods with high salt content.

Methods:  At baseline (n = 108), TPB and additional variables (self‐efficacy, habit, past behaviour, hedonic determinant, self‐perceived diet quality) were measured. At 2‐month follow‐up (n = 95), the three behaviours were assessed. Behaviour and intention were sequentially regressed on the study variables, using polytomous logistic regression and hierarchical linear regression with rank transformation, respectively.

Results:  Behaviour 1 was predicted by intention [odds ratio (OR) = 6.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.81–21.52], whereas self‐efficacy and habit predicted intention. Behaviour 2 exhibited high score mean and low variation and was predicted by self‐perceived diet quality (OR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.03–6.36). Behaviour 3 was predicted by the hedonic determinant (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.01–1.98).

Conclusions:  The results indicate that salt‐related behaviours are explained by a variety of determinants. Among these determinants, special consideration should be given to motivational and hedonic aspects.
Residue depletion of decoquinate in chicken tissues after oral administration
Authors: WANG Z.‐Y. , CAI C.‐Y. , CHANG X.‐H. , FEI C.‐Z. , QIU M.‐Q. , JIANG S.‐X. , XUE F.‐Q. , ZHANG L.‐F.
Published: March 2012

Wang, Z.‐Y., Cai, C.‐Y., Chang, X.‐H., Fei, C.‐Z., Qiu, M.‐Q., Jiang, S.‐X., Xue, F.‐Q., Zhang, L.‐F. Residue depletion of decoquinate in chicken tissues after oral administration. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 36, 116–121.

A rapid, sensitive, and reliable high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the analysis of decoquinate in chicken tissues. The compounds were extracted using acetonitrile by liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and purified with an Oasis™ HLB solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cartridge. Chromatographic separation was performed on an XTerra C18 reversed‐phase column with a mobile phase of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile. The analyte was detected by tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry after positive electrospray ionization by multiple reaction monitoring. The detection and quantitation limits were 1 and 2.5 μg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of edible tissues ranged from 85.3% to 104.9%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 10.4%. The depletion profile of decoquinate was studied in healthy chickens after oral administration of feed containing 27.2 mg/kg decoquinate for 10 consecutive days. The residue concentrations of decoquinate in chicken muscle and liver were detected using the developed method. The highest residue concentrations were attained 0.25 day post‐treatment, and decoquinate residues were still detected 5 days postmedication in the tissues examined. The developed method has been successfully applied to the depletion study of decoquinate in chicken tissues. The recommended withdrawal period with oral administration based on our research is 3 days.
YdiV: a dual function protein that targets FlhDC for ClpXP‐dependent degradation by promoting release of DNA‐bound FlhDC complex
Authors: Takaya Akiko , Erhardt Marc , Karata Kiyonobu , Winterberg Kelly , Yamamoto Tomoko , Hughes Kelly T.
Published: March 2012

YdiV is an EAL‐like protein that acts as a post‐transcriptional, negative regulator of the flagellar master transcriptional activator complex, FlhD4C2, in Salmonella enterica to couple flagellar gene expression to nutrient availability. Mutants defective in ClpXP protease no longer exhibit YdiV‐dependent inhibition of FlhD4C2‐dependent transcription under moderate YdiV expression conditions. ClpXP protease degrades FlhD4C2, and this degradation is accelerated in the presence of YdiV. YdiV complexed with both free and DNA‐bound FlhD4C2; and stripped FlhD4C2 from DNA. A L22H substitution in FlhD was isolated as insensitive to YdiV inhibition. The FlhD L22H substitution prevented the interaction of YdiV with free FlhD4C2 and the ability of YdiV to release FlhD4C2 bound to DNA. These results demonstrate that YdiV prevents FlhD4C2‐dependent flagellar gene transcription and acts as a putative adaptor to target FlhD4C2 for ClpXP‐dependent proteolysis. Our results suggest that YdiV is an EAL‐like protein that has evolved from a dicyclic‐GMP phosphodiesterase into a dual‐function regulatory protein that connects flagellar gene expression to nutrient starvation.
Isolation and identification of new inner membrane‐associated proteins that localize to cell poles in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Gang , Young Kevin D.
Published: March 2012

Several bacterial structures, processes and proteins are localized primarily to the poles of rod‐shaped cells. To better understand this cellular organization, we devised a new method for identifying proteins that localize to the poles of Escherichia coli. Pole‐derived membrane fragments were isolated by affinity capture of vesicles containing the chemotaxis protein, Tar; and for comparison, vesicles representing all parts of the cytoplasmic membrane were captured by expressing a Tar variant that was no longer pole‐specific. A combination of one‐dimensional SDS‐PAGE and semi‐quantitative mass spectrometry identified 31 proteins that were highly enriched in polar vesicles. Five were chemotaxis proteins known to be pole‐specific and another, Aer, was an aerotaxis protein that had not yet been localized to the pole. The behaviour of these internal controls validated the overall approach. GFP‐fused derivatives of four candidates (Aer, YqjD, TnaA and GroES) formed polar foci that were distinct from inclusion bodies. TnaA–GFP and GroES–GFP were functional, formed a single focus per cell, and competed for polar localization with the wild‐type versions of these proteins. Polar localization of TnaA, GroES and YqjD was disrupted in cells lacking the MinCDE proteins, suggesting that this system may help localize proteins not involved in cell division.
Regulating the regulator: MicF RNA controls expression of the global regulator Lrp
Authors: Delihas Nicholas
Published: March 2012

Studies on the regulatory RNA MicF in Enterobacteriaceae reveal a pivotal role in gene regulation. Multiple target gene mRNAs were identified and, importantly, MicF RNA regulates the expression of the global regulatory gene lrp (Holmqvist et al., 2012; Corcoran et al., 2012). Thus MicF RNA is a central factor in a regulatory network that regulates bacterial cell physiology.
Anti‐gamete antibodies block transmission of human vivax malaria to mosquitoes
Authors: MUNESINGHE YAMUNA D. , MENDIS KAMINI N. , CARTER RICHARD
Published: March 2012

Summary Antibodies were raised in rabbits by immunizing against fresh unfixed or cryopreserved female gametes of the human malaria pathogen Plasmodium vivax. The antibodies were shown to react with the surface of gametes by the indirect immunofluorescent test. When parasite isolates from P. vivax infected individuals were fed through a membrane to Anopheles tessellatus mosquitoes in the presence of immune rabbit sera, they completely blocked the infectivity of the parasite isolates to the vector. Immunoglobulins separated from these sera also blocked infectivity to the same extent as did the immune sera indicating that antibodies were responsible for the transmission blocking effect of the sera. This study indicated that P. vivax like other malaria parasites is highly susceptible to anti gamete transmission blocking immunity.
The glycoconjugate derived from a Leishmania major receptor for macrophages is a suppressogenic, disease‐promoting antigen in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: MITCHELL G.F. , HANDMAN E.
Published: March 2012

Summary Lymphoid cells from genetically‐susceptible BALB/c mice immunized against a glycoconjugate of the protozoan parasite, Leishmania major, promote chronic cutaneous disease in BALB/c nude mice. This cell population therefore differs from cells harvested from non‐immunized BALB/c mice that are known to be potent mediators of protection against cutaneous leishmaniasis in minimally‐reconstituted, syngeneic nude mice. The glycoconjugate when injected into genetically‐resistant C57BL/6 mice will increase the size and persistence of cutaneous lesions. Recent studies have established that the water soluble glycoconjugate is derived from a membrane‐bound glycolipid that is a receptor used by the parasite in the attachment to macrophages. This glycolipid can protectively immunize mice against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Identification of a vaccinating glycolipid antigen and a suppressogenic component derived from it will greatly facilitate analysis of disease‐promoting and resistance‐promoting immunity in cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the fact that a host‐protective antigen contains a disease‐promoting component may militate against the immediate use of this molecular vaccine in man.
Re‐evaluating the role of ascorbic acid and phenolic glycosides in ozone scavenging in the leaf apoplast of Arabidopsis thaliana L.
Authors: BOOKER FITZGERALD L. , BURKEY KENT O. , JONES ALAN M.
Published: March 2012

Phenolic glycosides are effective reactive oxygen scavengers and peroxidase substrates, suggesting that compounds in addition to ascorbate may have functional importance in defence responses against ozone (O3), especially in the leaf apoplast. The apoplastic concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) and phenolic glycosides in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Col‐0 wild‐type plants were determined following exposure to a range of O3 concentrations (5, 125 or 175 nL L−1) in controlled environment chambers. AA in leaf apoplast extracts was almost entirely oxidized in all treatments, suggesting that O3 scavenging by direct reactions with reduced AA was very limited. In regard to phenolics, O3 stimulated transcription of numerous phenylpropanoid pathway genes and increased the apoplastic concentration of sinapoyl malate. However, modelling of O3 scavenging in the apoplast indicated that sinapoyl malate concentrations were too low to be effective protectants. Furthermore, null mutants for sinapoyl esters (fah1‐7), kaempferol glycosides (tt4‐1) and the double mutant (tt4‐1/fah1‐7) were equally sensitive to chronic O3 as Ler‐0 wild‐type plants. These results indicate that current understanding of O3 defence schemes deserves reassessment as mechanisms other than direct scavenging of O3 by extracellular AA and antioxidant activity of some phenolics may predominate in some plant species.