bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing cell‐free plasma DNA and SLE disease activity
Authors: Atamaniuk Johanna , Hsiao Yu‐Yang , Mustak Monika , Bernhard Duhm , Erlacher Ludwig , Fodinger Manuela , Tiran Beate , Stuhlmeier Karl M.
Published: December 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 579–583

Background  Over the years, the demonstration and confirmation of cell‐free DNA in the circulation has increasingly been recognized as a valuable diagnostic tool. Likewise, it has been known for some time that DNA structures that are targeted by auto‐antibodies play a central role in systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) and that DNA‐antibody complexes in the circulation are one of the hallmarks of SLE. Investigating whether and to what degree fluctuations in free plasma DNA levels in patients with SLE might correspond to disease severity was therefore the goal of this investigation.

Methods  Blood from 13 patients with SLE and from 13 healthy controls was taken and analysed for the presence of anti‐dsDNA, anti‐ssDNA, anti‐nucleosome, anti‐histone antibodies as well as for cell‐free DNA concentrations. For each patient, the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was calculated.

Results  As demonstrated herein, compared to healthy subjects, cell‐free DNA plasma levels in patients with SLE were significantly increased and so were anti‐dsDNA, anti‐ssDNA, anti‐histone and anti‐nucleosome antibodies. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was noted between cell‐free DNA and anti‐histone antibodies in patients with SLE. However, no correlation was noted between disease activity and anti‐dsDNA, anti‐ssDNA and anti‐nucleosome antibody concentrations. Surprisingly, and more important in the context of this study, there was no correlation between cell‐free DNA levels and SLEDAI scores.

Conclusions  The presented data seem to exclude measuring free plasma DNA as an inexpensive, simple and quick tool to assess disease activity in patients with SLE. Further studies on a larger patient population would be needed to confirm our results.
Microbial biomass, organic matter mineralization and nitrogen in soils from long‐term experimental grassland plots (Palace Leas meadow hay plots, UK)
Authors: Hopkins D. W. , Waite I. S. , O'Donnell A. G.
Published: December 2010

The Palace Leas meadow hay plots have received different annual manure and fertilizer applications since 1897 and represent the second oldest permanent grassland experiment in the world. Although the soil properties have diverged as a result of the experimental treatments since 1897, the soil organic carbon (SOC) contents of the plots have remained largely unchanged between the 1980s and 2006. In this study we have determined the effects of contrasting manure and fertilizer treatments on the total N contents of the soil, the recalcitrance of soil organic matter, the contributions made from different depths to the overall C mineralization, and the distribution of soil microbial biomass in the soil profiles. Relative to the control plot, which has received no manure or fertilizer additions since 1897, the two plots that have received manure or P plus K contain significantly more N, which in the case of the P plus K plot is consistent with abundant Trifolium spp. in the sward. The plot that has received farmyard manure (FYM) contained 11% more N than the control. The two plots that received large inputs of (NH4)2SO4 and which have consequently become highly acidic (around pH 4) contain 15–27% less N than the control despite the N addition and the accumulation of SOC in these plots. The plot that has only received P has also apparently lost total N (20%) relative to the control. The rates of C mineralization of the microbial biomass were closely related to total SOC contents but have been positively influenced by the increased N in the P plus K plot. Values for soil N, C mineralization rate and microbial C are reported because such data from sites that have been under known long‐term known land‐use are extremely rare and because there is increasing realization of the potential importance of soil data, especially biological characteristics, for monitoring environmental changes.
Variable responses of the soil microbial biomass to trace concentrations of 13C‐labelled glucose, using 13C‐PLFA analysis
Authors: Dungait J. A. J. , Kemmitt S. J. , Michallon L. , Guo S. , Wen Q. , Brookes P. C. , Evershed R. P.
Published: December 2010

13C‐labelled glucose was applied to arable (Broadbalk NPK) and permanent grassland (Woburn Grassland) soils to investigate the response of the soil microbial biomass (SMB) to carbon (C) applied at trace concentrations. Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) were used as biomarkers for G+ve (odd‐chained and iso/anteiso FA) and G−ve bacteria (mono‐unsaturated and cyclic FA), actinobacteria (10‐methyl‐branched FA), fungi (octadecadienoic acid) and general membrane lipids [16:0,18:0]. Gas chromatography–combustion–stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) was used to determine the incorporation of 13C into individual PLFA in two experiments: first, after application of a single concentration (15 µg C g−1) of 13C‐glucose over a time sequence (0, 8, 24, 48, 120 and 240 hours), and second after application at three concentrations (25, 83, 416 µg C g−1 soil after 120 hours). 13C incorporation into PLFA over time was similar in both soils. However, in the permanent grassland soil, 13C incorporation was increased in actinobacteria PLFA at 120 hours when [16:0,18:0] was reduced. At 240 hours, 13C incorporation increased in [16:0,18:0] concurrently with a reduction in G+ve bacteria PLFA. Increasing glucose concentration caused different responses in the SMB of both soils. In the arable soil, all biomarker PLFA concentrations increased at all rates of application. In contrast, in the permanent grassland soil PLFA concentrations were similar to the control in all SMB groups, except G+ve bacteria after the greatest rate of application. However, the δ13C values of the same PLFA indicated that uptake of applied 13C‐glucose was proportional to the applied concentration in all groups of soil bacteria in both soils.
Differentiating the dynamics of native and newly immobilized amino sugars in soil frequently amended with inorganic nitrogen and glucose
Authors: He H. B. , Li X. B. , Zhang W. , Zhang X. D.
Published: December 2010

The application of available substrates regulates the soil‐microbial environment and thus directly affects microbial metabolic processes. As stable microbial residues, the turnover of soil amino sugars is dependent on the availability of fresh inputs of carbon and nitrogen (N), which can be investigated by differentiating between the newly synthesized and the natively resistant fractions by isotope tracing techniques. Therefore, a series of incubations were conducted with soils amended with glucose plus 15N‐labelled inorganic N. The treatments included (i) glucose + 15NH4+ added once a week, (ii) glucose + 15NO3− added once a week and (iii) glucose added once a week, but 15NH4+ added every 3 weeks. The 15N enrichment in the target compound was identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and the dynamics of amino sugars were found to be compound‐specific in response to different substrate applications. The content of 15N‐containing glucosamine increased significantly across all treatments but the unlabelled portion was decreased only after glucose + 15NO3− amendment. The synthesis of 15N‐labelled muramic acid was concomitant with the decomposition of the original unlabelled soil portion and the net accumulation occurred in the glucose + 15NH4+ treatment. Both the increase and decline of galactosamine content was smaller and showed no significant difference among treatments. Using the dynamics of glucosamine and muramic acid as a basis, the response of different microbial communities to glucose and nitrogen additions was observed. Fungal cell wall residues mainly contributed to the stabilization of soil organic matter, while bacterial cell wall components were easily degraded to provide either carbon or N.
Temperature and food‐level effects on reproductive investment and egg mass in vendace,Coregonus albula
Authors: GREGERSEN F. , VØLLESTAD L. A. , ØSTBYE K. , AASS P. , HEGGE O.
Published: December 2010

Abstract Individual variation in reproductive investment is important for recruitment and population dynamics in fish populations. Thus, it is crucial to understand how these decisions are influenced by environmental conditions. Here, the influence of growth variation during gonadogenesis or early life on reproductive investment in vendace,Coregonus albula(L.) was investigated. A set of cohorts of mature females were sampled over two different years with contrasting climate conditions and food levels, using total length at age 1 year as a proxy for juvenile growth. Relative reproductive investment and individual egg mass were lower in the favourable year (elevated temperatures and zooplankton densities) when the females were in better condition compared with a less favourable year (lower temperatures and zooplankton densities). Female vendace demonstrated plasticity in their allocation to relative reproductive investment and egg mass, probably induced by diverging environmental conditions. This phenotypic response to growth may have strong effects on recruitment and population growth rate.
Impact of liver steatosis on the correlation between liver stiffness and fibrosis measured by transient elastography in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus
Authors: Sánchez‐Conde M. , Montes Ramírez M. L. , Bellón Cano J. M. , Caminoa A. , Rodríguez F. Álvarez , Garcia J. González , Martín P. Miralles , Bernardino de la Serna I. , Bernardo de Quirós J. C. López , Arribas López J. R. , Ochaíta J. Cosín , Pascual Pareja J. F. , Alvarez E. , Berenguer J. B.
Published: December 2010

Summary.  We assessed the effect of different hepatic conditions such as fibrosis, steatosis and necroinflammatory activity on liver stiffness as measured by transient elastography in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients. We studied all consecutive HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients who underwent liver biopsy and elastography between January 2007 and December 2008. Liver fibrosis was staged following METAVIR Cooperative Study Group criteria. Steatosis was categorized according to the percentage of affected hepatocytes as low (≤10%), moderate (<25%) and severe (≥25%). A total of 110 patients were included. Fibrosis was distributed by stage as follows: F0, n = 13; F1, n = 47; F2, n = 29; F3, n = 18; and F4, n = 3. Liver biopsy revealed the presence of hepatic steatosis in 68 patients (low to moderate, n = 53; and severe n = 15). By univariate regression analysis, fibrosis, necroinflammatory activity, and the degree of steatosis were correlated with liver stiffness. However, in a multiple regression analysis, steatosis and fibrosis were the only independent variables significantly associated with liver stiffness. With a cut‐off of 9.5 kPa to distinguish patients with F ≤ 2 from F ≥ 3, elastography led to a significantly higher number of misclassification errors (25%vs 5%; P = 0.014), most of which were false positives for F ≥ 3. Our study suggests that the correlation between liver stiffness and fibrosis as estimated by transient elastography may be affected by the presence of hepatic steatosis in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients.
Integrated internist – addiction medicine – hepatology model for hepatitis C management for individuals on methadone maintenance
Authors: Martinez A. D. , Dimova R. , Marks K. M. , Beeder A. B. , Zeremski M. , Kreek M. J. , Talal A. H.
Published: December 2010

Summary.  Despite a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among drug users, HCV evaluation and treatment acceptance are extremely low among these patients when referred from drug treatment facilities for HCV management. We sought to increase HCV treatment effectiveness among patients from a methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) by maintaining continuity of care. We developed, instituted and retrospectively assessed the effectiveness of an integrated, co‐localized care model in which an internist‐addiction medicine specialist from MMTP was embedded in the hepatitis clinic. Methadone maintenance treatment program patients were referred, evaluated by the internist and hepatologist in hepatitis clinic and provided HCV treatment with integration between both sites. Of 401 evaluated patients, anti‐HCV antibody was detected in 257, 86% of whom were older than 40 years. Hepatitis C virus RNA levels were measured in 222 patients, 65 of whom were aviremic. Of 157 patients with detectable HCV RNA, 125 were eligible for referral to the hepatitis clinic, 76 (61%) of whom accepted and adhered with the referral. Men engaged in MMTP <36 months were significantly less likely to be seen in hepatitis clinic than men in MMTP more than 36 months (odds ratio = 7.7; 95% confidence interval 2.6–22.9) or women. We evaluated liver histology in 63 patients, and 83% had moderate to advanced liver disease. Twenty‐four patients initiated treatment with 19 completing and 13 (54%) achieving sustained response. In conclusion, integrated care between the MMTP and the hepatitis clinic improves adherence with HCV evaluation and treatment compared to standard referral practices.
MicroRNA534a control of BLADE‐ON‐PETIOLE 1 and 2 mediates juvenile‐to‐adult gametophyte transition in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Saleh Omar , Issman Noa , Seumel Gotelinde I. , Stav Ran , Samach Alon , Reski Ralf , Frank Wolfgang , Arazi Tzahi
Published: December 2010

The Arabidopsis thaliana BLADE‐ON‐PETIOLE genes encode a pair of transcriptional coactivators that regulate lateral organ architecture by promoting cell differentiation in their proximal regions. To gain insight into the roles of BOP genes early in land plant evolution, we characterized the functions of Physcomitrella patens BOP1 and BOP2 and their negative regulator Pp‐miR534a. We show that in ΔPpMIR534a mutants lacking mature Pp‐miR534a, cleavage of PpBOP1/2 is abolished, leading to elevated PpBOP1/2 transcript levels. These loss‐of‐function mutants display an accelerated gametophore development thus correlating elevated levels of PpBOP1/2 with premature bud formation. This is further supported by our finding that exposure to cytokinin, which is known to induce bud formation on caulonema, downregulates PpMIR534a transcription and increases the accumulation of PpBOP1 in apical caulonema cells. Reporter gene fusions showed that PpMIR534a is ubiquitously expressed in protonema whereas PpBOP1/2 accumulation is restricted almost exclusively to potent caulonema apical cells and their side branch initials, but absent from differentiated cells. Together, our data propose that PpBOP1/2 act as positive regulators of protonema differentiation and that Pp‐miR534a is required to control the timing of the juvenile‐to‐adult gametophyte transition by spatially restricting their expression to caulonema stem cells. As protonemata develop, increased cytokinin levels downregulate Pp‐MIR534a transcription in these cells until a threshold level of PpBOP1/2 is reached that triggers cell differentiation and bud formation.
Light exposure of Arabidopsis seedlings causes rapid de‐stabilization as well as selective post‐translational inactivation of the repressor of photomorphogenesis SPA2
Authors: Balcerowicz Martin , Fittinghoff Kirsten , Wirthmueller Lennart , Maier Alexander , Fackendahl Petra , Fiene Gabriele , Koncz Csaba , Hoecker Ute
Published: December 2010

The COP1/SPA complex acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to repress photomorphogenesis by targeting activators of the light response for degradation. Genetic analysis has shown that the four members of the SPA gene family (SPA1–SPA4) have overlapping but distinct functions. In particular, SPA1 and SPA2 differ in that SPA1 encodes a potent repressor in light‐ and dark‐grown seedlings, but SPA2 fully loses its function when seedlings are exposed to light, indicating that SPA2 function is hyper‐inactivated by light. Here, we have used chimeric SPA1/SPA2 constructs to show that the distinct functions of SPA1 and SPA2 genes in light‐grown seedlings are due to the SPA protein sequences and independent of the SPA promoter sequences. Biochemical analysis of SPA1 and SPA2 protein levels shows that light exposure leads to rapid proteasomal degradation of SPA2, and, more weakly, of SPA1, but not of COP1. This suggests that light inactivates the COP1/SPA complex partly by reducing SPA protein levels. Although SPA2 was more strongly degraded than SPA1, this was not the sole reason for the lack of SPA2 function in the light. We found that the SPA2 protein is inherently incapable of repressing photomorphogenesis in light‐grown seedlings. The data therefore indicate that light inactivates the function of SPA2 through a post‐translational mechanism that eliminates the activity of the remaining SPA2 protein in the cell.
Differential contributions of ribosomal protein genes to Arabidopsis thaliana leaf development
Authors: Horiguchi Gorou , Mollá‐Morales Almudena , Pérez‐Pérez José Manuel , Kojima Kouji , Robles Pedro , Ponce María Rosa , Micol José Luis , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: December 2010

In Arabidopsis thaliana, mutations in genes encoding ribosomal proteins (r‐proteins) perturb various developmental processes. Whether these perturbations are caused by overall ribosome insufficiency or partial dysfunction of the ribosome caused by deficiency of a particular ribosomal protein is not known. To distinguish these possibilities, a comparative study using several r‐protein mutants was required. Here, we identified mutations in 11 r‐protein genes from previously isolated denticulata and pointed‐leaves mutants. Most of these mutations were associated with pointed leaves, with reduced growth due to a decrease in the number or size of palisade mesophyll and pavement cells. In addition, leaf abaxialization was usually observed when these r‐protein mutations were combined with asymmetric leaves1 (as1) and as2 mutations. These results suggest that the establishment of leaf polarity is highly sensitive to ribosome functionality in general. However, several r‐protein mutants showed a preference towards a specific developmental defect. For example, rpl4d mutations did not affect cell proliferation but caused strong abaxialization of leaves in the as1 and as2 backgrounds. On the other hand, rps28b enhanced leaf abaxialization of as2 to a weaker extent than expected on the basis of its negative effect on cell proliferation. In addition, hypomorphic rps6a alleles had the strongest effects on most of the phenotypes examined. These findings suggest that deficiencies in these three r‐protein genes lead to production of dysfunctional ribosomes. Depending on their structural abnormalities, dysfunctional ribosomes may affect translation of specific transcripts involved in the regulation of some leaf developmental processes.
The impact of HIV on agricultural livelihoods in southern Uganda and the challenges of attribution
Authors: Taylor Ben , Bukenya Dominic , van Asten Piet , Agol Dorice , Pain Adam , Seeley Janet
Published: December 2010

Changes in agriculture and rural livelihoods in Africa are often attributed to the HIV epidemic. While acknowledging that the epidemic has devastated many families and communities because of excess morbidity and mortality, this review explores other causes of change in agriculture practices and production in southern Uganda. Over the past 20 years labour shortages, because of labour migration and changing aspirations (as well as HIV), crop and livestock pests and diseases, declining soil fertility, changes in commodity markets and a growing off‐farm sector have contributed to the changes seen in rural southern Uganda. Policy interventions outside agriculture and health have also had an impact on households. The HIV epidemic has not happened in isolation. The perceived impacts of the epidemic cannot be addressed in isolation from these other drivers of change.
Modulation of organic acids and sugar content in tomato fruits by an abscisic acid‐regulated transcription factor
Authors: Bastías Adriana , López‐Climent María , Valcárcel Mercedes , Rosello Salvador , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Casaretto José A.
Published: December 2010

Growing evidence suggests that the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a role in fruit development. ABA signaling components of developmental programs and responses to stress conditions include the group of basic leucine zipper transcriptional activators known as ABA‐response element binding factors (AREBs/ABFs). AREB transcription factors mediate ABA‐regulated gene expression involved in desiccation tolerance and are expressed mainly in seeds and in vegetative tissues under stress; however, they are also expressed in some fruits such as tomato. In order to get an insight into the role of ABA signaling in fruit development, the expression of two AREB‐like factors were investigated during different developmental stages. In addition, tomato transgenic lines that overexpress and downregulate one AREB‐like transcription factor, SlAREB1, were used to determine its effect on the levels of some metabolites determining fruit quality. Higher levels of citric acid, malic acid, glutamic acid, glucose and fructose were observed in SlAREB1‐overexpressing lines compared with those in antisense suppression lines in red mature fruit pericarp. The higher hexose concentration correlated with increased expression of genes encoding a vacuolar invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) and a sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13). No significant changes were found in ethylene content which agrees with the normal ripening phenotype observed in transgenic fruits. These results suggest that an AREB‐mediated ABA signal affects the metabolism of these compounds during the fruit developmental program.
The genetic architecture of sexual conflict: male harm and female resistance inCallosobruchus maculatus
Authors: GAY L. , BROWN E. , TREGENZA T. , PINCHEIRA‐DONOSO D. , EADY P. E. , VASUDEV R. , HUNT J. , HOSKEN D. J.
Published: December 2010

Males harm females during mating in a range of species. This harm is thought to evolve because it is directly or indirectly beneficial to the male, despite being costly to his mate. The resulting sexually antagonistic selection can cause sexual arms races. For sexually antagonistic co‐evolution to occur, there must be genetic variation for traits involved in female harming and susceptibility to harm, but even then intersexual genetic correlations could facilitate or impede sexual co‐evolution. MaleCallosobruchus maculatusharm their mates during copulation by damaging the female’s reproductive tract. However, there have been no investigations of the genetic variation in damage or in female susceptibility to damage, nor has the genetic covariance between these characters been assessed. Here, we use a full‐sib/half‐sib breeding design to show that male damage is heritable, whereas female susceptibility to damage is much less so. There is also a substantial positive genetic correlation between the two, suggesting that selection favouring damaging males will increase the prevalence of susceptible females. We also provide evidence consistent with intralocus sexual conflict in this species.
Coming to America: multiple origins of New World geckos
Authors: GAMBLE T. , BAUER A. M. , COLLI G. R. , GREENBAUM E. , JACKMAN T. R. , VITT L. J. , SIMONS A. M.
Published: December 2010

Geckos in the Western Hemisphere provide an excellent model to study faunal assembly at a continental scale. We generated a time‐calibrated phylogeny, including exemplars of all New World gecko genera, to produce a biogeographical scenario for the New World geckos. Patterns of New World gecko origins are consistent with almost every biogeographical scenario utilized by a terrestrial vertebrate with different New World lineages showing evidence of vicariance, dispersal via temporary land bridge, overseas dispersal or anthropogenic introductions. We also recovered a strong relationship between clade age and species diversity, with older New World lineages having more species than more recently arrived lineages. Our data provide the first phylogenetic hypothesis for all New World geckos and highlight the intricate origins and ongoing organization of continental faunas. The phylogenetic and biogeographical hypotheses presented here provide an historical framework to further pursue research on the diversification and assembly of the New World herpetofauna.
Posaconazole prophylaxis in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia – results from an observational study
Authors: Egerer G. , Geist M. J. P.
Published: December 2010

Patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) and neutropenia after chemotherapy are at high risk for life‐threatening invasive fungal disease (IFD), in particular, invasive aspergillosis (IA). The aim of the study was to evaluate data on characteristics, risk factors, complications and additional antifungal treatment of patients with AML receiving posaconazole prophylaxis (PP) after chemotherapy in an actual clinical setting. A retrospective single‐centre observational study on 40 patients with AML, median age 66 years, was conducted. PP 200 mg three times daily was given routinely. After 76 cycles of remission induction chemotherapy followed by PP, median duration of 31 days (range 6–61 days), no fatal case occurred. The majority of patients had at least one additional risk factor for IFD and during 32 cycles (42.1%), three risk factors were present. During 40 therapy cycles (52.6%), fever of unknown origin occurred. Pneumonia was diagnosed after 23 cycles (30.3%), thereof one case of proven IA (1.3%). PP was interrupted in 25 cycles (32.9%) and was followed by systemic antifungal therapy with different agents, with a median duration 15 days (range: 6–32 days). PP appears to be an effective and well‐tolerated protection against IFD for AML patients under natural clinical conditions.
Importance of pulmonary imaging diagnostics in the management of febrile neutropenic patients
Authors: Heussel Claus Peter
Published: December 2010

Early detection and characterisation of a pulmonary focus is a major goal in febrile neutropenic patients. Thus, an intensive interdisciplinary co‐operation between radiologists and haemato‐oncologists on a patient basis, as well as on a department basis is essential to develop a differential diagnosis. The radiologist can contribute much to a differential diagnosis if information about the patient’s disease, status and medication is made available. On the other hand, the haemato‐oncologist needs to understand the opportunities and limitations of imaging techniques to evaluate better the images and results. This article focuses on pneumonia as the most common focus. First, imaging techniques are summarised shortly. Then, the perspectives for imaging techniques beyond early detection of pulmonary foci – exclusion of pneumonia, monitoring, characterisation of infiltrates and guidance for intervention – are reviewed.
The role of diagnostic imaging in the management of invasive fungal diseases – report from an interactive workshop
Authors: Gompelmann D. , Heussel C. P. , Schuhmann M. , Herth F. J. F.
Published: December 2010

Invasive fungal diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the growing population of immunosuppressed patients. Appropriate early therapy is associated with a reduction in mortality, but relies on rapid diagnosis. Microbiological investigations are often a problem as it can take several days for a culture to mature. As a result, diagnostic imaging techniques play a larger role in the early recognition and characterisation of opportunistic fungal diseases. In April 2009, a 1‐day interactive workshop titled ‘The role of diagnostic imaging in the management of invasive fungal diseases’ was held for specialists in haemato‐oncology, pneumology and radiology. The aim of the workshop was to show the significance as well as the limitations of diagnostic imaging in the assessment of opportunistic fungal diseases and to provide education as to the radiological findings that aid disease evaluation.
Posaconazole as part of the antifungal armamentarium in the intensive care unit – case reports from a surgical ICU
Authors: Störzinger Dominic , Lichtenstern Christoph , Weigand Markus A. , Hoppe‐Tichy Torsten
Published: December 2010

The authors describe two cases of successful and safe posaconazole use in patients of a surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital.
Towards a competency‐based framework for nursing management education
Authors: Pillay Rubin
Published: December 2010

Pillay R. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 545–554 Towards a competency‐based framework for nursing management education

Defining a competency‐based model for nursing management development will help to establish core competencies for nursing managers which will not only strengthen their practice and provide further learning and development opportunities, but will also provide the basis to focus training and professional development efforts. This paper identifies the competencies important for effective nursing management in the public and private health sectors. A total of 420 senior nursing managers in South Africa were surveyed using a self‐administered questionnaire. Respondents had to rate the importance of 51 competency items as it pertains to effective nursing management. Self‐management, controlling, health/clinical, organizing, people management, planning and ethical/legal competencies were found the most valuable for optimal nursing management. These findings reflect the reality of the nursing management milieu and will be useful in the design and delivery of management development programmes aimed at enhancing nursing management capacity.
Quality of primary nursing care for Bedouin in Jordan
Authors: Hasna Fadia , Hundt Gillian L , Al‐Smairan Mohamed , Alzaroo Salah
Published: December 2010

Hasna F, Hundt GL, Al‐Smairan M, Alzaroo S.International Journal of Nursing Practice2010;16: 564–572 Quality of primary nursing care for Bedouin in Jordan

This paper presents a critique of the use of the Maximizing Access to Quality (MAQ) instrument supplemented by non‐participant observation as a way of assessing the quality of nursing care in primary care clinics in the north‐eastern Badia of Jordan, where populated by Bedouin. The MAQ checklist with non‐participant observation of clinic care was used to assess the quality of care in four comprehensive health centres. In the four comprehensive health centres, more than half of the indicators for measuring the quality of the physical conditions were adequate. In relation to personnel, general practitioners were available, but in‐service training was needed and no social workers were available. Provision of health services was optimal in three of the clinics but was less than optimal in the remotest clinic. Health education was done sporadically and continuity of care was the main challenge in provision in the four clinics. The MAQ checklist for assessing the quality of health provision in maternal and child health and reproductive services is a useful instrument to capture a snapshot of health‐care provision; however, it is not suited to a rural setting.
A chance to live: Women's experiences of living with a colostomy after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Andersson Gun , Engström Åsa , Söderberg Siv
Published: December 2010

Andersson G, Engström Å, Söderberg S. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 603–608 A chance to live: Women's experiences of living with a colostomy after rectal cancer surgery

The aim of this study was to describe women's experience of living with a colostomy after rectal cancer surgery. Interviews with five women about their experiences were subjected to thematic content analysis. The findings showed that receiving a cancer diagnosis gave rise to thoughts about life and death. For the women to feel comfortable, the information and health‐care measures need to focus on supporting them through the entire process, also when the treatment is completed. After the surgery, the women adjusted to living with colostomy and carried on as before the cancer diagnosis, but they constantly worried about leakage or flatulence. The women were happy to have survived the cancer and this realization helped them to accept and have a good life with colostomy. In conclusion, women with colostomy because of rectal surgery need specific rehabilitation and nursing care that focuses on adjustment to temporary or permanent changes in life.
Smoking prevalence, attitudes, and perceived smoking prevention and control responsibilities and practices among nurses in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Merrill Ray M , Madanat Hala , Kelley Alan T
Published: December 2010

Merrill RM, Madanat H, Kelley AT. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 624–632 Smoking prevalence, attitudes, and perceived smoking prevention and control responsibilities and practices among nurses in Amman, Jordan

This study assesses smoking prevalence, attitudes, and perceived patient counselling responsibilities among practicing nurses in Amman, Jordan. It also identifies whether their smoking status or training in counselling patients about smoking is associated with their smoking‐related attitudes and counselling practices. Data were collected through a cross‐sectional survey of 266 (n = 266) nurses at four public and private hospitals in Amman. Smoking prevalence was 42% for male nurses and 13% for female nurses. Nurses strongly favoured enforcement of anti‐smoking policy, but did not strongly agree that nurses should be involved in counselling patients about smoking. Approximately 41% of nurses indicated that they had received training on counselling patients about smoking. Nurse training with respect to counselling patients about smoking was positively associated with the nurses’ belief that their counselling could help patients stop or never start smoking. In addition, nurses with counselling training about smoking felt significantly better prepared to assist patients to quit smoking. Nurses who smoked were significantly less likely to believe their counselling of patients about smoking could be effective. Finally, smoking status was not significantly associated with how well prepared the nurses felt to assist patients to quit smoking. These findings identify a need for more extensive and better‐tailored training programmes for nurses on patient counselling about smoking.
Association between chronic kidney disease and small residual urine volumes in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: YAMASAKI TAKESHI , NAGANUMA TOSHIHIDE , IGUCHI TARO , KUROKI YOSHIKAZU , KUWABARA NOBUYUKI , TAKEMOTO YOSHIAKI , SHOJI TETSUO , NAKATANI TATSUYA
Published: December 2010

Aim:  It has been well described that large residual urine volumes (≥300 mL) affect renal function in advanced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, it is not clear whether small residual urine volumes (<100 mL) are related to renal function. The present study was performed to examine the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the post‐void residual urine volume (PVR) in BPH patients.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was performed in 160 consecutive BPH patients with PVR of less than 100 mL. We first determined the stage of CKD and compared the PVR in subjects with/without CKD. Next, we divided the subjects into three groups according to the extent of PVR (PVR < 12 mL, 12 mL ≤ PVR < 50 mL, 50 mL ≤ PVR < 100 mL) and compared the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among these groups. Moreover, risk factors associated with CKD, including the presence of post‐void residual urine, were explored by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results:  The PVR of the patients with CKD was significantly greater than that of the patients without CKD. The group with the normal PVR (group PVR < 12 mL) had a significantly higher eGFR compared with the other two groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of post‐void residual urine (PVR ≥12 mL) was a significant and independent risk factor associated with the presence of CKD.

Conclusion:  In BPH patients, the PVR of the patients with CKD was significantly greater than that of the patients without CKD and the presence of post‐void residual urine (PVR ≥12 mL) was independently associated with CKD, indicating a close association between CKD and small residual urine volumes.
One year follow up of the outcomes of child patients with melamine‐related kidney stones in Beijing and surrounding provinces in China
Authors: SHEN YING , SUN QIANG , GAO JIE , JIA LI‐QUN , SUN NING , PAN YUE‐SONG , LIU XIAO‐MEI , LIU XIAO‐RONG , WANG YU , WU DONG‐XUE , JIANG YE‐PING
Published: December 2010

Aim: To evaluate their prognosis, the damage by melamine on children's kidney and other organs, and its influence on the children's development, was investigated.

Methods: Nine hundred and sixty‐two Chinese children were divided into three groups: group A, 265 children diagnosed with melamine‐associated urolithiasis; group B, 197 children with a history of melamine‐contaminated milk powder consumption but without urolithiasis; and group C, 500 healthy children. They were examined at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The factors influencing the prognosis were investigated. The stone discharge was monitored by ultrasonography. Overt renal and liver damage and underlying renal injury markers were analyzed.

Results: The stone discharge rates 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the diagnoses were 52.5%, 67.2%, 88.3% and 95.5%, respectively. Stone size was a stable influencing factor for the stone discharge rate. Additionally, the values of the potential renal injury markers in children with stones already discharged is equivalent to normal children.

Conclusion: This 12 month follow up of early renal injury markers indicated that the damage to the kidney is temporary with no persistent negative outcomes being found till now. Additionally, the gross development of the children seemed not yet jeopardized by melamine. Longer‐term follow up will be conducted.
Improvement of serum prolactin and sexual function after switching to aripiprazole from risperidone in schizophrenia: A case series
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Yuan , Lin Tai‐Yueh , Wang Chia‐Chun , Shuai Hua‐An
Published: December 2010

This study examined prolactin levels, sexual function and clinical improvement after switching to aripiprazole from risperidone. Nine schizophrenic male Chinese patients who reported risperidone‐induced sexual dysfunction were studied. Clinical Global Impression Scale Scores for Severity (CGI‐S), Clinical Global Impression Scale Scores for Improvement (CGI‐I), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale results and serum prolactin concentrations were determined over 16 weeks. After treatment with aripiprazole, all patients showed reduced serum prolactin (26.54 ± 17.03 ng/mL to 3.71 ± 1.87 ng/mL, P = 0.008) and five reported improved sexual function. Mean baseline CGI‐S (5.11 ± 0.93) decreased to 3.78 ± 1.39 (P = 0.010) by week 16. Compared to baseline (4.0), the mean CGI‐I significantly declined by the end of the study (3.44 ± 0.53, P = 0.025).
Knowledge‐driven approaches for the guidance of first‐in‐children dosing
Authors: Edginton Andrea N.
Published: December 2010

Pediatric pharmacokinetic and pediatric safety and efficacy studies are, in most cases, a mandatory activity during the drug development process in North America and Europe. Pharmacokinetic modeling in anticipation of the pediatric clinical trial should take a data or knowledge‐driven approach by employing either top‐down or bottom‐up approaches to assessing differential age‐related dosing. These two approaches depend on different starting information and are likely to be used in conjunction with each other for the purposes of defining pediatric dosing guidelines. This review primarily focuses on the available bottom‐up, mechanistic models for predicting age‐dependent drug absorption, distribution and elimination, and their integration through the whole‐body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. The bottom‐up approach incorporating adult and pediatric whole‐body PBPK models for optimizing age‐related dosing is detailed for a drug currently undergoing pediatric development.
Nurse‐led interventions used to improve control of high blood pressure in people with diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Clark C. E. , Smith L. F. P. , Taylor R. S. , Campbell J. L.
Published: December 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 250–261 (2011)

Background  Previous reviews demonstrate uncertainty about the effectiveness of nurse‐led interventions in the management of hypertension. No specific reviews in diabetes have been identified. We have systematically reviewed the evidence for effectiveness of nurse‐led interventions for people with diabetes mellitus.

Methods  In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, searches of Medline, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Trials register were undertaken to identify studies comparing any intervention conducted by nurses in managing hypertension in diabetes with usual doctor‐led care. Additional citations were identified from papers retrieved and correspondence with authors. Outcome measures were absolute systolic and diastolic blood pressure, change in blood pressure, proportions achieving study target blood pressure and proportions prescribed anti‐hypertensive medication.

Results  Eleven studies were identified. Interventions included adoption of treatment algorithms, nurse‐led clinics and nurse prescribing. Meta‐analysis showed greater reductions in blood pressure in favour of any nurse‐led interventions (systolic weighted mean difference −5.8 mmHg, 95% CI −9.6 to −2.0; diastolic weighted mean difference −4.2 mmHg, 95% CI −7.6 to −0.7) compared with usual doctor‐led care. No overall superiority in achievement of study targets or in the use of medication was evident for any nurse‐based interventions over doctor‐led care.

Conclusions  There is some evidence for improved blood pressure outcomes with nurse‐led interventions for hypertension in people with diabetes compared with doctor‐led care. Nurse‐based interventions require an algorithm to structure care and there is some preliminary evidence for better outcomes with nurse prescribing. Further work is needed to elucidate which nurse‐led interventions are most effective.
The View from Le Château: USAID's Recent Decentralisation Programming in Uganda
Authors: Gubser Michael
Published: December 2010

This article makes three linked arguments. (i) USAID's decentralisation portfolio in Uganda was launched, ironically, at precisely the time when the government was reorienting itself toward recentralisation. (ii) Because of the prevalence of dehistoricised approaches to policy, design, practice and evaluation, USAID programmers could not fully assess the contextual situation of their decentralisation projects. (iii) Greater attention to historical context would have allowed USAID planners to design and assess their Uganda programmes more carefully – though it could not, of course, offer fixed prescriptions or guarantee project success.
Marketing Reform? The Rise and Fall of Agricultural Liberalisation in Tanzania
Authors: Cooksey Brian
Published: December 2010

This article argues that the liberalisation of Tanzanian export agriculture from the early 1990s to the present has failed to take place to the extent claimed by the Tanzanian government and donor agencies. While internal food markets have largely been liberalised, donor‐inspired attempts to liberalise export crop markets have been seriously undermined by the political‐bureaucratic class. As in other countries undergoing adjustment under World Bank/IMF programmes, a combination of local vested interests and concerns with the ‘rigged rules and double standards'1 of global commodity markets has led to a systematic but under‐reported backlash against liberalisation. Tanzania's current status as a star HIPC/PRSP performer is belied by a growing rejection, whether principled or opportunistic, of the liberalisation project.
Good Enough Governance Revisited
Authors: Grindle Merilee S.
Published: December 2010

The concept of good enough governance provides a platform for questioning the long menu of institutional changes and capacity‐building initiatives currently deemed important (or essential) for development. Nevertheless, it falls short of being a tool to explore what, specifically, needs to be done in any real world context. Thus, as argued by the author in 2004, given the limited resources of money, time, knowledge, and human and organisational capacities, practitioners are correct in searching for the best ways to move towards better governance in a particular country context. This article suggests that the feasibility of particular interventions can be assessed by analysing the context for change and the implications of the content of the intervention being considered.
Culture and self‐presentation: Influence of social interactions in an expected social relationship
Authors: Kim Jungsik , Lee Seongsoo , Gim Wansuk
Published: December 2010

This study investigates how the length and strength of an expected social relationship are related to different self‐presentations. Participants from Korea and the USA were assigned to different relationship conditions using vignettes, and indicated their self‐evaluation of personal abilities and social skills. The main effects of both relationship length and strength were found. There were more drastic interactions of culture and relationship length in intensive social relationship conditions than in loose conditions. Based on the results, we claim that the fundamental motivation for positive self‐regard is universal, regardless of culture and the self‐presentations that are tactical by individuals' social needs.
Gain face, but lose happiness? It depends on how much money you have
Authors: Zhang Xin‐an , Tian Peng , Grigoriou Nicholas
Published: December 2010

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of face consciousness on happiness and the moderating role of financial situation on this relationship. We first examined our hypotheses in study 1 in a particular setting of consumption, and replicated our findings in study 2 in a more generalized setting of interpersonal situations. The two studies produced essentially consistent results. We found individuals high on face consciousness tend to be less happy, and the negative association between face consciousness and happiness is ameliorated by their financial situation. These results revealed the importance of face consciousness as an individual difference in predicting happiness. The implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
Beliefs and preferences in cultural agents and cultural game players
Authors: Hashimoto Hirofumi , Li Yang , Yamagishi Toshio
Published: December 2010

Two laboratory experiments demonstrated that Japanese participants did not conform to the majority unless negative social implications of not conforming were clear. When their behaviour had no implications for others, they rather exhibited preference for uniqueness. Results of Study 2 further demonstrated that participants' conformity to the majority was particularly prevalent among those who were chronically concerned with how other people would perceive them. Participants in these studies were shown to be cultural game players who changed their behaviour in response to anticipated responses of others based on culturally shared beliefs.