bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Analysis in Real Time by Mass Spectrometric Technique for Determining the Variation in Metabolite Profiles ofCinnamomum tamalaNees and Eberm Genotypes
Authors: Singh Vineeta , Gupta Atul Kumar , Singh S. P. , Kumar Anil
Published: June 2012

Cinnamomum tamalaNees & Eberm. is an important traditional medicinal plant, mentioned in various ancient literatures such as Ayurveda. Several of its medicinal properties have recently been proved. To characterize diversity in terms of metabolite profiles ofCinnamomum tamalaNees and Eberm genotypes, a newly emerging mass spectral ionization technique direct time in real time (DART) is very helpful. The DART ion source has been used to analyze an extremely wide range of phytochemicals present in leaves ofCinnamomum tamala. Ten genotypes were assessed for the presence of different phytochemicals. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of mainly terpenes and phenols. These constituents vary in the different genotypes ofCinnamomum tamala. Principal component analysis has also been employed to analyze the DART data of theseCinnamomumgenotypes. The result shows that the genotype ofCinnamomum tamalacould be differentiated using DART MS data. The active components present inCinnamomum tamalamay be contributing significantly to high amount of antioxidant property of leaves and, in turn, conditional effects for diabetic patients.
Factor Structure of a Multidimensional Gender Identity Scale in a Sample of Chinese Elementary School Children
Authors: Yu Lu , Xie Dong , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: June 2012

This study examined the factor structure of a scale based on the four-dimensional gender identity model (Egan and Perry, 2001) in 726 Chinese elementary school students. Exploratory factor analyses suggested a three-factor model, two of which corresponded to “Felt Pressure” and “Intergroup Bias” in the original model. The third factor “Gender Compatibility” appeared to be a combination of “Gender Typicality” and “Gender Contentment” in the original model. Follow-up confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that, relative to the initial four-factor structure, the three-factor model fits the current Chinese sample better. These results are discussed in light of cross-cultural similarities and differences in development of gender identity.
Impact of Parameterization of Physical Processes on Simulation of Track and Intensity of Tropical Cyclone Nargis (2008) with WRF-NMM Model
Authors: Pattanayak Sujata , Mohanty U. C. , Osuri Krishna K.
Published: June 2012

The present study is carried out to investigate the performance of different cumulus convection, planetary boundary layer, land surface processes, and microphysics parameterization schemes in the simulation of a very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) Nargis (2008), developed in the central Bay of Bengal on 27 April 2008. For this purpose, the nonhydrostatic mesoscale model (NMM) dynamic core of weather research and forecasting (WRF) system is used. Model-simulated track positions and intensity in terms of minimum central mean sea level pressure (MSLP), maximum surface wind (10 m), and precipitation are verified with observations as provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM). The estimated optimum combination is reinvestigated with six different initial conditions of the same case to have better conclusion on the performance of WRF-NMM. A few more diagnostic fields like vertical velocity, vorticity, and heat fluxes are also evaluated. The results indicate that cumulus convection play an important role in the movement of the cyclone, and PBL has a crucial role in the intensification of the storm. The combination of Simplified Arakawa Schubert (SAS) convection, Yonsei University (YSU) PBL, NMM land surface, and Ferrier microphysics parameterization schemes in WRF-NMM give better track and intensity forecast with minimum vector displacement error.
The Expanding Family of Bone Marrow Homing Factors for Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Stromal Derived Factor 1 Is Not the Only Player in the Game
Authors: Ratajczak Mariusz Z. , Kim ChiHwa , Janowska-Wieczorek Anna , Ratajczak Janina
Published: June 2012

Theα-chemokine stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-1), which binds to the CXCR4 and CXCR7 receptors, directs migration and homing of CXCR4+hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) to bone marrow (BM) and plays a crucial role in retention of these cells in stem cell niches. However, this unique role of SDF-1 has been recently challenged by several observations supporting SDF-1-CXCR4-independent BM homing. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that HSPCs respond robustly to some bioactive lipids, such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), and migrate in response to gradients of certain extracellular nucleotides, including uridine triphosphate (UTP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Moreover, the responsiveness of HSPCs to an SDF-1 gradient is enhanced by some elements of innate immunity (e.g., C3 complement cascade cleavage fragments and antimicrobial cationic peptides, such as cathelicidin/LL-37 orβ2-defensin) as well as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Since all these factors are upregulated in BM after myeloblative conditioning for transplantation, a more complex picture of homing emerges that involves several factors supporting, and in some situations even replacing, the SDF-1-CXCR4 axis.
Impact of rituximab on treatment outcomes of patients with diffuse large b‐cell lymphoma: a population‐based analysis
Authors: Lee Linda , Crump Michael , Khor Sara , Hoch Jeffrey S. , Luo Jin , Bremner Karen , Krahn Murray , Hodgson David C.
Published: June 2012

We conducted a multi‐institutional population‐based analysis of the survival and toxicity associated with the addition of rituximab to chemotherapy for patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including patients aged ≥80 years, who were excluded from published randomized trials. Using population‐based registries in Ontario, we identified 4021 patients who received chemotherapy with or without rituximab (R‐CHOP [rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone] or CHOP) for DLBCL between 1996 and 2007, including 397 patients aged ≥80 years. After propensity score matching, the overall survival (OS) and significant toxicities for R‐CHOP and CHOP treatment groups were compared. R‐CHOP was associated with a significant increase in 5‐year OS compared to CHOP alone (62% vs. 54%; hazard of death = 0·78, P = 0·0004). Survival benefit was seen in all age groups, including those aged ≥80 years. Patients treated with rituximab did not have a significant increase in 1‐year hospitalization rates for cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal or neurological diagnoses compared to those treated with CHOP alone. The addition of rituximab to CHOP improves survival in the general population of patients with DLBCL and produces early survival benefit for very elderly patients, without any significant increase in the risk of serious toxicity.
Surviving, not thriving: a qualitative study of newly qualified midwives’ experience of their transition to practice
Authors: Fenwick Jennifer , Hammond Athena , Raymond Jane , Smith Rachel , Gray Joanne , Foureur Maralyn , Homer Caroline , Symon Andrew
Published: June 2012

Aim and objectives.  The study explored the experiences of newly qualified midwives and described the factors that facilitated or constrained their development during the transition from student to registered midwife.

Background.  Knowledge of the transition to midwifery practice remains limited.

Design and Method.  A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Sixteen graduates from one Australian University participated in a tape‐recorded interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data set.

Results.  The metaphor of ‘The Pond’, an environment that consists of layers of life and can be both clear and peaceful or murky and infested, was used to describe new midwives perceptions of the context and culture of hospital‐based maternity care. For some, ‘The Pond’ was a harsh environment that often became toxic. The ‘Life‐raft’ metaphor was used to describe the importance of midwife‐to‐midwife relationships. The theme of ‘Swimming’ captured the consequence of positive interactions with colleagues and a supportive environment, whilst ‘Sinking’ described the consequence of poor relationships with midwives and a difficult working environment.

Conclusion.  The study highlights the importance of positive midwife‐to‐midwife relationships on the transition from student to registered midwife. There was also evidence that continuity with women and midwifery colleagues enhanced confidence and restored faith in normal birth. At the same time, it was clear that the midwifery culture of some institutions remains highly contested with midwives struggling to provide woman‐centred care and often challenged by the risk‐averse nature of maternity care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice.  Whilst further work is required, the findings provide a deeper understanding of individual midwives’ transition period. The importance of forming longitudinal relationships not only with women but with midwifery colleagues is highlighted. Developing continuity models that adequately support graduates and student’s needs are likely to assist in addressing practices issues in both the academic and clinical setting.
Needs of adult patients in intensive care units of Estonian hospitals: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Aro Ilme , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe the intensive care unit patients’ perceptions about the importance of their different needs and how their needs are met in Estonian hospitals, and to determine the correlations between the patients’ perceptions and their demographic characteristics and background variables.

Background.  Meeting needs of patients in intensive care unit is important for avoiding unpleasant experiences and providing patient‐centred care.

Design.  A descriptive questionnaire survey.

Methods.  The study was performed in sixteen intensive care units (ICUs) in six acute care hospitals in Estonia. Data were collected over six months in 2008 using the structured five‐point scale questionnaire Needs of Adult Patients in Intensive Care Unit. The Convenience sample consisted of The adult patients discharged from ICUs to hospital wards able to answer the questionnaire (n = 166). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and statistical tests.

Results.  Patients’ needs varied and were sometimes unmet. The most important needs were physical comfort and feeling safe. Privacy, involvement of family and friends and being involved in decision‐making were less important. The more important a need was perceived to be, the better it was met. The need for physical comfort was met best, involvement in decision‐making worst. Patients with lower educational level and unscheduled patients agreed more that their needs were met. The better the patients considered their condition when leaving the ICU, the more they agreed that their needs were met.

Conclusions.  The findings provide a basis for understanding the needs of critically ill adults in Estonian ICUs to provide them more patient‐centred care and improve their psychological well‐being and quality of life after discharge.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Identifying and acknowledging the personal needs of patients in intensive care unit is important. When meeting the patients’ needs, their individual characteristics should be taken into consideration.
Risk factors and incidence of deep vein thrombosis in lower extremities among critically ill patients
Authors: Hong Kee Chun , Kim HwaSoon , Kim Jang Yong , Kwak Kyung Sun , Cho Ok Min , Cha Hui Yeol , Lim Sun Hye , Song Yu Jin
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To investigate how many critically ill patients developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during their admission to intensive care units (ICU) and to compare the characteristics of patients with and without deep vein thrombosis.

Background.  Critically ill patients are a high‐risk group for deep vein thrombosis because they typically have multiple risk factors, such as prolonged immobility, mechanical ventilation and old age.

Design.  A prospective observational study was employed.

Methods.  The subjects were 90 patients who were older than 18 years of age, who were admitted to an intensive care unit for more than five days and were not provided any prophylactic measures. Data were collected at a university hospital for five months. A duplex scan was performed on day 2·4 on average and repeated between days 5–7 to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. The iliac, femoral, popliteal and tibial veins were examined by compression and colour Doppler methods of the duplex scan by one technician.

Results.  Age, gender and body mass index were significant factors for deep vein thrombosis development (p < 0·05). Ten patients (11·1%) developed deep vein thrombosis during their stay in the intensive care units.

Conclusions.  The incidence was lower than in Western studies in which patients were not provided prophylaxis, but may increase with an extended observation period as in previous studies.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study could allow ICU nurses to recognise the DVT incidence in critically ill patients. This result could lead to more active prevention and monitoring of DVT by ICU nurses, especially for high‐risk patients, such as older or obese patients.
Beyond the ‘tick and flick’: facilitating best practice falls prevention through an action research approach
Authors: Lea Emma , Andrews Sharon , Hill Keith , Haines Terry , Nitz Jennifer , Haralambous Betty , Moore Kirsten , Robinson Andrew
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To examine residential aged care facility staff views on using falls risk assessment tools and the implications for developing falls prevention practices in the context of an action research project.

Background.  Falls risk assessments play an important role in care planning by identifying and monitoring aged care facility residents most at risk of falls. Yet while such assessments are recommended in falls prevention best practice guidelines, there is little published research that examines staff procedures and views related to conducting falls risk assessments.

Design.  Falls risk assessments were undertaken in the context of an action research project.

Method.  Twelve staff members from two residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Tasmania formed a single Falls Action Research Group, which met 22 times over a year, providing the study’s qualitative data. During this time, key group members assessed 178 residents using a new falls risk assessment tool (FROP‐Resi).

Results.  According to group members, facilities evolved from a ‘tick‐and‐flick’ approach to falls risk assessment to a more individualised, face‐to‐face assessment process. Group members perceived the process to be more meaningful and enjoyable for staff involved in the assessment process resulting in higher quality of assessments and leading to improved levels of falls awareness among staff, residents and family caregivers.

Conclusions.  An action research process is useful for facilitating a new approach to falls risk assessments, engaging aged care facility staff with falls prevention and prompting improvements in falls prevention practices.

Relevance to clinical practice.  RACFs need to provide opportunities for staff to meet regularly to discuss practice, identify issues and take action. By doing so, staff can engage meaningfully with best practice activities such as optimising falls risk assessment processes.
Effect of head and body positioning on cerebral blood flow velocity in patients who underwent cranial surgery
Authors: Kose Gulsah , Hatipoglu Sevgi
Published: June 2012

Aim and objectives.  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of head and neck positions on the cerebral blood flow velocity by transcranial Doppler ultrasound in patients who underwent cranial surgery.

Background.  Inappropriate head elevation and body positioning in patients who undergo cranial surgery may affect cerebral blood flow and cerebral perfusion pressure.

Designed.  Experimental clinical study.

Method.  Our sample consisted of 38 patients who underwent cranial surgery between October 2009 and May 2010. The measurments of mean cerebral blood flow velocity were taken by the transcranial Doppler ultrasound through the temporal window. The mean cerebral blood flow velocity of the patients was measured in supine position with 0° and 30° head elevations, right and left lateral positions, right and left lateral positions with head flexion and extension. The measurements were taken before surgery and within 72 hours after surgery.

Results.  The mean cerebral blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral arteries was increased in head elevations from 0° to 30°, in right and lateral positions with 30° head elevations, but the velocity was decreased in head flexion and extension positions in preoperative and postoperative periods.

Discussion.  Head and body positioning, which is one of the nursing care activities, may affect intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure. Our results are similar with those of previous studies, which showed that head elevation did not affect the cerebral blood flow velocity.

Relevance to clinical practice.  By the results of this study, the head elevation of the patients, who underwent cranial surgery, should be 30° during the nursing care to provide optimum cerebral blood flow. Right and left lateral positioning is safe and recommended for these patients if there is no medical contraindication.
Risk factors affecting third molar autotransplantation in males: a retrospective survey in dental clinics
Authors: YOSHINO K. , KARIYA N. , NAMURA D. , NOJI I. , MITSUHASHI K. , KIMURA H. , FUKUDA A. , KIKUKAWA I. , HAYASHI T. , YAMAZAKI N. , KIMURA M. , TSUKIYAMA K. , YAMAMOTO K. , FUKUYAMA A. , HIDAKA D. , SHINODA J. , MIBU H. , SHIMAKURA Y. , SAITO A. , IKUMI S. , UMEHARA K. , KAMEI F. , FUKUDA H. , TOAKE T. , TAKAHASHI Y. , MIYATA Y. , SHIOJI S. , TOYODA M. , HATTORI N. , NISHIHARA H. , MATSUSHIMA R. , NISHIBORI M. , HOKKEDO O. , NOJIMA M. , KIMURA T. , FUJISEKI M. , OKUDAIRA S. , TANABE K. , NAKANO M. , ITO K. , KURODA M. , MATSUKUBO T.
Published: June 2012

Summary  The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors affecting long‐term prognosis of autotransplantation of third molars with complete root formation in males at dental clinics. Participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. After data screening and elimination, participants of this study consisted of 183 teeth of 171 males ranging from 20 to 72 years of age (mean age, 44·8 years). The cumulative survival rate was 86·0% at the 5‐year mark, 59·1% at 10 years and 28·0% at 15 years. The mean survival time was 134·5 months, as calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Single factor analysis using the log‐rank test showed that the following factors had significant influence (P < 0·05) on survival of transplanted teeth: periodontal disease as the reason for recipient site tooth extraction, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index Groups B1 to C. Cox regression analysis examined five factors: age, smoking habit, recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index. This analysis showed that two of these factors were significant: fewer than 25 present teeth was 2·63 (95% CI, 1·03–6·69) and recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease was 3·80 (95% CI, 1·61–9·01). The results of this study suggest that long‐term survival of transplanted teeth in males is influenced not only by oral bacterium but also by occlusal status.
Novel Recombinant BCG Coexpressing Ag85B, ESAT‐6 and Rv2608 Elicits Significantly Enhanced Cellular Immune and Antibody Responses in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Lu Y. , Xu Y. , Yang E. , Wang C. , Wang H. , Shen H.
Published: June 2012

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an enormous global health problem, and a new vaccine against TB more potent than the current inadequate vaccine, the Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG), is urgently needed. BCG has proven to be an effective recombinant delivery vehicle for foreign antigens because of its ability to induce long‐lived specific humoral and cellular immunity. Experimental evidences have revealed that Ag85B, ESAT‐6 and Rv2608 are important immunodominant antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and are all promising vaccine candidate molecules. In this study, we have constructed a novel recombinant BCG (rBCG) expressing fusion protein Ag85B‐ESAT6‐Rv2608 and evaluated the immunogenicity of rBCG in C57BL/6 mice. Results show there is strong TB‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes proliferative response in mice immunized with rBCG vaccine, especially the cytotoxic CD8+ T cells playing an important role in protection against TB. And rBCG immunization has induced a significantly strong Th1 immune response, characterized by the increased ratio of IgG2b/IgG1. Results also show that rBCG immunization could increase the secretion of Th1 cytokines such as TNF‐α and IL‐2 and could decrease the secretion of Th2 cytokine IL‐10. Moreover, it was shown that rBCG immunization induced a strong humoral response in mice, characterized by the elevated IgG titre. Therefore, we conclude that this rBCG immunization could increase both cellular immune response and antigen‐specific humoral response significantly as compared to BCG immunization in mice. The above results illustrated that rBCG::Ag85B‐ESAT6‐Rv2608 is a potential candidate against M. tuberculosis for further study.
Green Tea (Camelia Sinensis) Mediated Suppression of IgE Production By Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Allergic Asthmatic Humans
Authors: Wu S. Y. , Silverberg J. I. , Joks R. , Durkin H. G. , Smith‐Norowitz T. A.
Published: June 2012

Recent studies in our laboratory demonstrated the suppression of immunoglobulin E (IgE) production by green tea extract (GTE) in U266 cells. However, the effects of GTE or one of its components (EGCG) on IgE production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are unknown. PBMC (1.5 × 106) obtained from serum IgE+, allergic asthmatic patients, were cultured ± GTE (1–100 ng/ml) or purified EGCG (0.5–50 ng/ml), and IgE levels were determined on day 10 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). High levels of IgE were detected in supernatants of the PBMC cultures on day 10. When GTE was included in vitro, IgE production by PBMC was suppressed on day 10, compared with control. Purified EGCG included in vitro also suppressed IgE production, but at lower levels, compared with control. This study demonstrates that GTE and its major catechin, EGCG, have immunoregulatory effects on human IgE responses.
Characterization of CD4+ Cytotoxic Lymphocytes and Apoptosis Markers Induced by Trypanossoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Keesen T. S. L. , Gomes J. A. S. , Fares R. C. G. , de Araújo F. F. , Ferreira K. S. , Chaves A. T. , Rocha M. O. C. , Correa‐Oliveira R.
Published: June 2012

Although the pathophysiology of Chagas disease is not completely understood, it is widely accepted that involvement of the immune response is critical in determining the outcome of the disease. In this context, CD4+ T cells may play an important role in generating different mechanisms of protection. In addition to effector and regulatory functions, CD4+ T cells may be also involved with lytic activities against the parasite and may have a relevant role on control of the infection. In this study, we have evaluated CD4+ T cells expressing cytotoxic and apoptosis markers in response to Trypanossoma cruzi infection in indeterminate (IND) and cardiac (CARD) patients with Chagas disease and non‐infected individuals (NI). Our data demonstrated that: (1) CD4+ T cells presented higher ex vivo granzyme B expression in patients with Chagas disease compared with healthy individuals and that antigen induced a greater granzyme B expression in IND patients; (2) CD95L expression in CD4+ CD95+ T cells from IND patients is higher than in CARD and NI; (3) IND and CARD patients had an increased frequency of caspase‐3 after in vitro stimulation and also expressed a high frequency of annexinV+ 7ADD+ within CD4+ T cells; (4) Lastly, a positive correlation was seen between cytotoxic molecules and CD45RO memory marker in CD4+ T cells and between caspase‐3 and CD95L within CD4+ CD95+ T cells. These results suggest new insights into the functional competence of CD4+ T cells among the different clinical forms of Chagas disease, which will lead to a better understanding of their influence during immune responses against T. cruzi.
SOCS1 Gene Expression is Increased in Severe Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Masood K. I. , Rottenberg M. E. , Carow B. , Rao N. , Ashraf M. , Hussain R. , Hasan Z.
Published: June 2012

Suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) molecules inhibit cytokine signalling and may regulate protective immunity in tuberculosis (TB). We investigated the association of SOCS with disease progression in patients with pulmonary TB. For this purpose, we studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and T cells from patients with pulmonary TB (TB, n = 33) and healthy endemic controls (EC, n = 15). Cases were stratified into those with moderately advanced (Mod‐PTB) or far advanced disease (Adv‐PTB). Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), SOCS1 and SOCS3 gene expression was determined by RT‐PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney test. Levels of IL6 (P = 0.018) and IL10 (P = 0.013) were found to be elevated in PBMC supernatants from patients with TB as compared with EC. SOCS1 mRNA gene expression in T cells from patients with TB was increased as compared with that of EC (P = 0.02). In addition, levels of SOCS1 mRNA transcripts were found to be elevated in PBMCs of Adv‐PTB as compared with Mod‐PTB (P = 0.008) cases. Our data show that raised SOCS1 levels are associated with increased disease severity in TB. As SOCS1 regulates IFN‐γ‐driven immunity and SOCS1 can be further upregulated by IL6 levels, the increase in SOCS1 in severe disease indicates a mechanism by which mycobacteria impede disease control in TB.
Differential expression of proteins associated with seasonal bud dormancy at four critical stages in Japanese apricot
Authors: Zhuang W.‐B. , Shi T. , Gao Z.‐H. , Zhang Z. , Zhang J.‐Y.
Published: June 2012

Dormancy is of great significance in the growth and development of deciduous fruit trees. We used a combination of two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF/TOF MS) to identify the differentially expressed proteome of Japanese apricot flower buds at four critical stages, from paradormancy before leaf fall to dormancy release. More than 400 highly reproducible protein spots (P < 0.05) were detected: 34 protein spots showed a greater than twofold difference in expression values, of which 32 protein spots were confidently identified from databases. Identified proteins were classified into six functional categories: stress response and defence (11), energy metabolism (ten), protein metabolism (five), cell structure (three), transcription (one) and unclassified (two). The glyoxalase I homologue could help Japanese apricot survival under various abiotic and biotic stresses, greatly contributing to its dormancy. Enolase, thioredoxin family proteins and triose phosphate isomerase provide adequate energy to complete consecutive dormancy release and bud break in Japanese apricot. Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 9 and arginase enhance the resilience of plants, enabling them to complete dormancy safely. Analysis of functions of identified proteins and related metabolic pathways will increase our knowledge of dormancy in woody plants.
Nodule development on the tropical legume Sesbania virgata under flooded and non‐flooded conditions
Authors: Bomfeti C. A. , Ferreira P. A. A. , Carvalho T. S. , De Rycke R. , Moreira F. M. S. , Goormachtig S. , Holsters M.
Published: June 2012

The interaction between the Brazilian pioneer legume Sesbania virgata and its microsymbiont Azorhizobium doebereinerae leads to the formation of nitrogen‐fixing nodules on roots that grow either in well‐aerated soils or in wetlands. We studied the initiation and development of nodules under these alternative conditions. To this end, light and fluorescence microscopy were used to follow the bacterial colonisation and invasion into the host and, by means of transmission electron microscopy, we could observe the intracellular entry. Under hydroponic conditions, intercellular invasion took place at lateral root bases and mature nodules were round and determinate. However, on roots grown in vermiculite that allows aerated growth, bacteria also entered via root hair invasion and nodules were both of the determinate and indeterminate type. Such versatility in entry and developmental plasticity, as previously described in Sesbania rostrata, enables efficient nodulation in both dry and wet environments and are an important adaptive feature of this group of semi‐tropical plants that grow in temporarily flooded habitats.
Carbon and nitrogen partitioning during the post‐anthesis period is conditioned by N fertilisation and sink strength in three cereals
Authors: Aranjuelo I. , Cabrera‐Bosquet L. , Araus J. L. , Nogués S.
Published: June 2012

Further knowledge of the processes conditioning nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is of great relevance to crop productivity. The aim of this paper was characterise C and N partitioning during grain filling and their implications for NUE. Cereals such as bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Califa sur), triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack cv. Imperioso) and tritordeum (× Tritordeum Asch. & Graebn line HT 621) were grown under low (LN, 5 mm NH4NO3) and high (HN, 15 mm NH4NO3) N conditions. We conducted simultaneous double labelling (12CO2 and 15NH415NO3) in order to characterise C and N partitioning during grain filling. Although triticale plants showed the largest total and ear dry matter values in HN conditions, the large investment in shoot and root biomass negatively affected ear NUE. Tritordeum was the only genotype that increased NUE in both N treatments (NUEtotal), whereas in wheat, no significant effect was detected. N labelling revealed that N fertilisation during post‐anthesis was more relevant for wheat and tritordeum grain filling than for triticale. The study also revealed that the investments of C and N in flag leaves and shoots, together with the ‘waste’ of photoassimilates in respiration, conditioned the NUE of plants, and especially under LN. These results suggest that C and N use by these plants needs to be improved in order to increase ear C and N sinks, especially under LN. It is also remarkable that even though tritordeum shows the largest increase in NUE, the low yield of this cereal limits its agronomic value.
Heat shock effects on seed germination of five Brazilian savanna species
Authors: Ribeiro L. C. , Pedrosa M. , Borghetti F.
Published: June 2012

Fire is considered an important factor in influencing the physiognomy, dynamics and composition of Neotropical savannas. Species of diverse physiognomies exhibit different responses to fire, such as population persistence and seed mortality, according to the fire frequency to which they are submitted. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of heat shocks on seed germination of Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth.) Brenan, Dalbergia miscolobium Benth., Aristolochia galeata Mart. & Zucc., Kielmeyera coriacea (Spreng.) Mart. and Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., which are native species of the Brazilian savanna. The temperatures and exposure times to which the seeds were submitted were established according to data obtained in the field during a prescribed fire: 60 °C (10, 20 and 40 min), 80 °C (5, 10 and 20 min) and 100 °C (2, 5 and 10 min). Untreated seeds were used as controls. Seeds of A. galeata and K. coriacea showed high tolerance to most heat treatments, and seeds of A. macrocarpa showed a significant reduction in germination percentage after treatments of 80 °C and 100 °C. Treatments of 100 °C for 10 min reduced germination percentage for all species except G. ulmifolia, which has dormant seeds. For this species, germination was accelerated by heat treatments. The high temperatures applied did not interfere with the time to 50% germination (T50) of the tolerant seeds. Seeds of the savanna species K. coriacea and A. galeata were more tolerant to heat shocks than seeds of the forest species A. macrocarpa. Guazuma ulmifolia, the forest species with seeds that germinate after heat shock, also occurs in savanna physiognomies. Overall, the high temperatures applied did not affect the germination rate of the tolerant seeds.
Endophytic Chaetomium globosum enhances maize seedling copper stress tolerance
Authors: Abou Alhamed M. F. , Shebany Y. M.
Published: June 2012

This study aims at characterisation of the impact of Chaetomium globosum on copper stress resistance of maize seedlings. Higher levels of copper treatment decreased maize dry weight and induced a marked increase in osmotic solutes, antioxidant enzyme activity and the level of lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, addition of the endophytic C. globosum alleviated the toxic effect of copper on maize growth. The combination of copper sulphate and Chaetomium increased seedling dry weight, osmotic solute content and antioxidant enzyme activity compared to copper sulphate alone, while lipid peroxidation levels were also decreased. The fungal scavenger system might be important for supporting the ability of maize seedlings to resist copper toxicity.
Life history trade‐offs and evidence for hierarchical resource allocation in two monocarpic perennials
Authors: Cao G.‐X. , Worley A. C.
Published: June 2012

The evolution of floral display is thought to be constrained by trade‐offs between the size and number of flowers; however, empirical evidence for the trade‐off is inconsistent. We examined evidence for trade‐offs and hierarchical allocation of resources within and between two populations each of the monocarpic perennials, Cardiocrinum cordatum and C. giganteum. Within all populations, flower size–number trade‐offs were evident after accounting for variation in plant size. In addition, variation in flower size explained much variation in flower‐level allocation to attraction, and female and male function, a pattern consistent with hierarchical allocation. However, between population differences in flower size (C. cordatum) and number (C. giganteum) were not consistent with size–number trade‐offs or hierarchical allocation. The population‐level difference in C. cordatum likely reflects the combined influence of a time lag between initiation and maturation of flowers, and higher light levels in one population. Thus, our study highlights one mechanism that may account for the apparent independence of flower size and number in many studies. A prediction of sex allocation theory was also supported. In C. giganteum: plants from one population invested more mass in pistils and less in stamens than did plants from the other population. Detection of floral trade‐offs in Cardiocrinum may be facilitated by monocarpic reproduction, production of a single inflorescence and ease of measuring plant size.
Physiological and biochemical responses of Quercus pubescens to air warming and drought on acidic and calcareous soils
Authors: Contran N. , Günthardt‐Goerg M. S. , Kuster T. M. , Cerana R. , Crosti P. , Paoletti E.
Published: June 2012

The drought‐ and thermo‐tolerant Quercus pubescens, a tree species growing on both acidic and calcareous soils in the sub‐Mediterranean region, was exposed to soil drought (−60% to −80% soil water content) and air warming (+1.2 °C daytime temperature), singly and in combination. The experiment was conducted on two natural forest soils with similar texture but different pH (acidic and calcareous soils). The physiological (photosynthesis) and biochemical (antioxidant system) responses of Q. pubescens were investigated. On acidic soil, Q. pubescens had a higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) content than on calcareous soil, confirming that this species is better adapted to the latter soil type. A down‐regulation of ascorbate‐glutathione cycle enzymes suggests that ROS were used as signalling molecules. Air warming stimulated stomatal opening, while soil drought induced stomatal closure in the late afternoon and reduced Rubisco carboxylation efficiency. Photosynthetic performance in the combined treatment was higher than under single drought stress and similar to control and air warming. Q. pubescens biochemical responses depended on soil pH. On acidic soil, Q. pubescens trees exposed to air warming used ROS as signalling molecules. On calcareous soil, these trees were able to balance both soil drought and air warming stress, avoiding ROS toxic effects by increasing antioxidant enzyme activitiy and maintaining a high enzymatic antioxidant defence. When combined, drought and air warming induced either more severe (higher oxidative pressure and impairment of the light‐harvesting complex) or different responses (decline of the thermal energy dissipation capacity) relative to the single stressors. Overall, however, Q. pubescens preserved the functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus and controlled the antioxidant system response, thus confirming its drought and thermo‐tolerance and therefore its potential to adapt to the ongoing climate change.
How many steps are enough to avoid severe physical inactivity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Authors: DEPEW ZACHARY S. , NOVOTNY PAUL J. , BENZO ROBERTO P.
Published: June 2012

While prognostically valuable, physical activity monitoring is not routinely performed for patients with COPD. We aimed to determine the number of daily steps associated with severe physical inactivity (physical activity level <1.40) in this population. We found that a daily step value <4580 is associated with severe physical inactivity. Our results are of significant value for clinicians counselling patients with COPD to help avoid the morbidity of severe physical inactivity.
An overnight increase in CO2 predicts mortality in sleep disordered breathing
Authors: BRILLANTE RUBY , LAKS LEON , COSSA GAVINA , PETERS MATTHEW , LIU PETER
Published: June 2012

Background and objective:  Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent but under‐recognized. Evidence is accumulating for its role as a predictor of mortality independent of cardiovascular risk factors. The role of hypercapnia in SDB is not known systematically, and between 11 and 43% of patients with SDB develop chronic hypercapnia. Hypercapnia predicts mortality in other respiratory conditions. The role of hypercapnia in independently predicting mortality in patients with SDB after assessing for the presence of airways disease and obesity was investigated.

Methods:  The records of 396 consecutive patients were examined retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression to determine the association between gas exchange and polysomnography (PSG) variables and all‐cause mortality, adjusted for potential confounders, including age, gender and presence of co‐morbidity and airways disease.

Results:  The mean age of our patient population was 55 ± 15 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.6 ± 6.2 kg/m2. Out of the 322 patient population, 258 were men. After 10 years, 25% had died, following a maximum follow‐up of 16.7 years. Mortality among patients with SDB was predicted by a difference between evening and morning PaCO2 (ΔPaCO2) of ≥7 mm Hg and evening hypoxaemia (PaO2 < 65 mm Hg), independent of age and the presence of co‐morbidity and airways disease. There was a significant correlation between minimum oxygen saturation (SpO2) and ΔPaCO2 ≥ 7 mm Hg (P = 0.002) and evening PaO2 < 65 mm Hg (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  An overnight increase in CO2 and evening hypoxaemia are independent mortality predictors in SDB. A low minimum SpO2 identifies patients in whom morning and evening arterial blood gases are beneficial.
Thermal and hydric implications of diurnal activity by a small tropical frog during the dry season
Authors: TRACY CHRISTOPHER R. , CHRISTIAN KEITH A. , BURNIP NICOLE , AUSTIN BEAU J. , CORNALL ALYSSA , IGLESIAS SEBASTIAN , REYNOLDS STEPHEN J. , TIXIER THOMAS , LE NOËNE CAMILLE
Published: June 2012

Amphibians are typically intolerant of high temperatures and dehydrating conditions, and small species are particularly susceptible to desiccation. The rockhole frog, Litoria meiriana (Hylidae), is diurnal and is often observed on rocks in the sun near streams in tropical Australia. These hot, desiccating conditions are avoided by most frog species. We measured the microclimate in the areas used by frogs and the activity, body temperatures and hydric state of free‐ranging individuals of this small frog. We also used plaster models to further explore the dynamic nature of hydric state by combining estimates of water loss and water uptake with behavioural observations of activity and microhabitat selection. Both direct measures and estimates of dynamic hydric state indicated that free‐ranging frogs generally maintained a hydric state above 95% of full hydration, but occasionally, particularly during the afternoon, frogs allowed their hydric state to fall as low as 85%. Body temperatures of frogs remained below the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) even when the frogs were in the sun, because this species has no cutaneous resistance to evaporative water loss and so they cool by evaporation. However, during the hotter part of the day, on dry sunny substrates, the hydric state of the frogs could fall to near lethal hydration states (approximately 70% of full hydration) within a short period (approximately 20 min). Thus, the threat of desiccation appears to be more limiting than the threat of overheating. These diurnal frogs rely on frequent bouts of rehydration to support their ability to venture onto hot, dry rocks during the day.
Lesions of the orbital prefrontal cortex impair the formation of attentional set in rats
Authors: Chase E. Alexander , Tait David S. , Brown Verity J.
Published: June 2012

In rats, reversal learning impairments are commonly reported after lesions of the orbital prefrontal cortex (OFC), in contrast to the effect of lesions of the medial prefrontal cortex, which impair attentional set‐shifting. Comparable dissociations have also been reported in humans, monkeys and mice. However, these two manifestations of behavioural flexibility may share common cognitive processes. The present study tested the hypothesis that lesions of the OFC (an area that integrates expected and actual outcomes to signal which cues in the environment predict reward) would impair the formation of attentional set as well as impairing reversal learning. We compared the performance of lesioned and control rats on two set‐shifting tasks. The first task we used, ‘the 4ID task’, had no reversal stages, but multiple intradimensional acquisitions before the extradimensional shift stage, to assess set‐formation as well as set‐shifting. The second task was the standard intradimensional/extradimensional ‘7‐stage task’, which includes reversal learning stages after each compound acquisition. Compared with controls, lesioned rats were slower to form attentional set on the 4ID task. When they did form a set, they required more trials to complete the extradimensional shift stage. On the 7‐stage task, we replicated our previous finding of impaired reversal learning and reduced shift‐costs. We interpret these findings as reflecting a single deficit in identifying relevant cues after unexpected outcomes, which supports recent models of OFC function. Our findings challenge the assumption that the contribution of the OFC to behavioural flexibility is limited to reversal learning.
Early‐life stress‐induced anxiety‐related behavior in adult mice partially requires forebrain corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor 1
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Dong , Labermaier Christiana , Holsboer Florian , Wurst Wolfgang , Deussing Jan M. , Müller Marianne B. , Schmidt Mathias V.
Published: June 2012

Early‐life stress may lead to persistent changes in central corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and the CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) system that modulates anxiety‐related behavior. However, it remains unknown whether CRH–CRHR1 signaling is involved in early‐life stress‐induced anxiety‐related behavior in adult animals. In the present study, we used conditional forebrain CRHR1 knockout (CRHR1‐CKO) mice and examined the potential role of forebrain CRHR1 in the anxiogenic effects of early‐life stress. As adults, wild‐type mice that received unstable maternal care during the first postnatal week showed reduced body weight gain and increased anxiety levels in the open field test, which were prevented in stressed CRHR1‐CKO mice. In the light–dark box test, control CRHR1‐CKO mice were less anxious, but early‐life stress increased anxiety levels in both wild‐type and CRHR1‐CKO mice. In the elevated plus maze test, early‐life stress had only subtle effects on anxiety‐related behavior. Moreover, early‐life stress did not alter the basal home cage activity and gene expression levels of key hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis regulators in adult wild‐type and CRHR1‐CKO mice, but enhanced neuroendocrine reactivity to acute immobilization stress in CRHR1‐CKO mice. Our findings highlight the importance of forebrain CRHR1 in modulating some of the anxiogenic effects of early‐life stress, and suggest that other neural circuits are also involved in the programming effects of early‐life stress on anxiety‐related behavior.
Deletion and acquisition of genomic content during early stage adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to a human host environment
Authors: Rau Martin H. , Marvig Rasmus Lykke , Ehrlich Garth D. , Molin Søren , Jelsbak Lars
Published: June 2012

Adaptation of bacterial pathogens to a permanently host‐associated lifestyle by means of deletion or acquisition of genetic material is usually examined through comparison of present‐day isolates to a distant theoretical ancestor. This limits the resolution of the adaptation process. We conducted a retrospective study of the dissemination of the P. aeruginosa DK2 clone type among patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, sequencing the genomes of 45 isolates collected from 16 individuals over 35 years. Analysis of the genomes provides a high‐resolution examination of the dynamics and mechanisms of the change in genetic content during the early stage of host adaptation by this P. aeruginosa strain as it adapts to the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung of several patients. Considerable genome reduction is detected predominantly through the deletion of large genomic regions, and up to 8% of the genome is deleted in one isolate. Compared with in vitro estimates the resulting average deletion rates are 12‐ to 36‐fold higher. Deletions occur through both illegitimate and homologous recombination, but they are not IS element mediated as previously reported for early stage host adaptation. Uptake of novel DNA sequences during infection is limited as only one prophage region was putatively inserted in one isolate, demonstrating that early host adaptation is characterized by the reduction of genomic repertoire rather than acquisition of novel functions. Finally, we also describe the complete genome of this highly adapted pathogenic strain of P. aeruginosa to strengthen the genetic basis, which serves to help our understanding of microbial evolution in a natural environment.