bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavobacterium

yanchengense sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Hu Gang , Zhang Jun , Yang Guiqin , Li Yang-Yang , Guan Yi-Ting , Wang Jun , Li Shun-Peng , Hong Qing
Published: January 2013

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, hgT, resembling members of the genus

Flavobacterium

, was isolated from soil, and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain hgT grew optimally at pH 7.0 and 30 °C in the presence of 1 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 34 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain hgT belonged to the genus

Flavobacterium

. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain hgT and the type strains of species of the genus

Flavobacterium

were below 94.7 %. Strain hgT differed from phylogenetically related species of the genus

Flavobacterium

in several phenotypic characteristics. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain hgT ( = CCTCC AB 2012099T = KACC 16855T) was classified in the genus

Flavobacterium

as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name

Flavobacterium

yanchengense sp. nov. is proposed.
Arenitalea lutea gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium of the family

Flavobacteriaceae

isolated from intertidal sand
Authors: Zhang Xi-Ying , Liu Ang , Liu Chang , Li Hai , Li Guo-Wei , Xu Zhong , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhou Bai-Cheng , Zhang Yu-Zhong
Published: January 2013

A yellow, rod-shaped, Gram-negative, facultatively aerobic, gliding bacterium, designed strain P7-3-5T, was isolated from intertidal sand of the Yellow Sea, China. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain P7-3-5T formed a distinct lineage within the family

Flavobacteriaceae

, sharing 94.2–96.9 % sequence similarity with type strains of species of the most closely related genera, including

Hyunsoonleella

,

Jejuia

,

Marinivirga

and

Algibacter

. The strain grew at 4–40 °C and with 0.5–5.0 % (w/v) NaCl. It reduced nitrate to nitrite and hydrolysed gelatin and DNA. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and anteiso-C15 : 0 and the major respiratory quinone was MK-6. Polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), three unidentified aminolipids (AL1–3) and four unidentified lipids (L1–4). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain P7-3-5T was 32.1 mol%. Data from this polyphasic study suggest that strain P7-3-5T represents a novel species in a new genus in the family

Flavobacteriaceae

, for which the name Arenitalea lutea gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Arenitalea lutea is P7-3-5T ( = CGMCC 1.12213T = KACC 16457T).
Methylobacterium

tarhaniae sp. nov., isolated from arid soil
Authors: Veyisoglu Aysel , Camas Mustafa , Tatar Demet , Guven Kiymet , Sazak Anil , Sahin Nevzat
Published: January 2013

A reddish-orange-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, facultatively methylotrophic strain, N4211T, isolated from arid soil, collected from Abuja, Nigeria, was analysed by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, showed that strain N4211T belonged to the genus

Methylobacterium

. Strain N4211T was most closely related to

Methylobacterium aquaticum

GR16T (98.56 %),

Methylobacterium platani

PMB02T (97.95 %) and

Methylobacterium variabile

GR3T (97.2 %), and the phylogenetic similarities to all other species of the genus

Methylobacterium

with validly published names were less than 97.0 %. The major ubiquinones detected were Q-10. The major fatty acids were summed feature 7 (C18 : 1
cis11/t9/t6). The DNA G+C content was 67.3 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness of strain N4211T and the most closely related strains

M. aquaticum

DSM 16371T and

M. platani

KCTC 12901T were 60.0 and 48.2 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and DNA–DNA hybridization data, strain N4211T is assigned to a novel species of the genus

Methylobacterium

for which the name

Methylobacterium

tarhaniae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is N4211T( = KCTC 23615T = DSM 25844T).
Carbon and Nitrogen Provisions Alter the Metabolic Flux in Developing Soybean Embryos
Authors: Allen Doug K. , Young Jamey D.
Published: January 2013

Soybean (Glycine max) seeds store significant amounts of their biomass as protein, levels of which reflect the carbon and nitrogen received by the developing embryo. The relationship between carbon and nitrogen supply during filling and seed composition was examined through a series of embryo-culturing experiments. Three distinct ratios of carbon to nitrogen supply were further explored through metabolic flux analysis. Labeling experiments utilizing [U-13C5]glutamine, [U-13C4]asparagine, and [1,2-13C2]glucose were performed to assess embryo metabolism under altered feeding conditions and to create corresponding flux maps. Additionally, [U-14C12]sucrose, [U-14C6]glucose, [U-14C5]glutamine, and [U-14C4]asparagine were used to monitor differences in carbon allocation. The analyses revealed that: (1) protein concentration as a percentage of total soybean embryo biomass coincided with the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio; (2) altered nitrogen supply did not dramatically impact relative amino acid or storage protein subunit profiles; and (3) glutamine supply contributed 10% to 23% of the carbon for biomass production, including 9% to 19% of carbon to fatty acid biosynthesis and 32% to 46% of carbon to amino acids. Seed metabolism accommodated different levels of protein biosynthesis while maintaining a consistent rate of dry weight accumulation. Flux through ATP-citrate lyase, combined with malic enzyme activity, contributed significantly to acetyl-coenzyme A production. These fluxes changed with plastidic pyruvate kinase to maintain a supply of pyruvate for amino and fatty acids. The flux maps were independently validated by nitrogen balancing and highlight the robustness of primary metabolism.
Physical Interaction of Floral Organs Controls Petal Morphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Takeda Seiji , Iwasaki Akira , Matsumoto Noritaka , Uemura Tomohiro , Tatematsu Kiyoshi , Okada Kiyotaka
Published: January 2013

Flowering plants bear beautiful flowers to attract pollinators. Petals are the most variable organs in flowering plants, with their color, fragrance, and shape. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), petal primordia arise at a similar time to stamen primordia and elongate at later stages through the narrow space between anthers and sepals. Although many of the genes involved in regulating petal identity and primordia growth are known, the molecular mechanism for the later elongation process remains unknown. We found a mutant, folded petals1 (fop1), in which normal petal development is inhibited during their growth through the narrow space between sepals and anthers, resulting in formation of folded petals at maturation. During elongation, the fop1 petals contact the sepal surface at several sites. The conical-shaped petal epidermal cells are flattened in the fop1 mutant, as if they had been pressed from the top. Surgical or genetic removal of sepals in young buds restores the regular growth of petals, suggesting that narrow space within a bud is the cause of petal folding in the fop1 mutant. FOP1 encodes a member of the bifunctional wax ester synthase/diacylglycerol acyltransferase family, WSD11, which is expressed in elongating petals and localized to the plasma membrane. These results suggest that the FOP1/WSD11 products synthesized in the petal epidermis may act as a lubricant, enabling uninhibited growth of the petals as they extend between the sepals and the anthers.
Identification of Direct Targets of FUSCA3, a Key Regulator of Arabidopsis Seed Development
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Perry Sharyn E.
Published: January 2013

FUSCA3 (FUS3) is a B3 domain transcription factor that is a member of the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) group of genes. The LEC genes encode proteins that also include LEC2, a B3 domain factor related to FUS3, and LEC1, a CCAAT box-binding factor. LEC1, LEC2, and FUS3 are essential for plant embryo development. All three loss-of-function mutants in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) prematurely exit embryogenesis and enter seedling developmental programs. When ectopically expressed, these genes promote embryo programs in seedlings. We report on chromatin immunoprecipitation-tiling array experiments to globally map binding sites for FUS3 that, along with other published work to assess transcriptomes in response to FUS3, allow us to determine direct from indirect targets. Many transcription factors associated with embryogenesis are direct targets of FUS3, as are genes involved in the seed maturation program. FUS3 regulates genes encoding microRNAs that, in turn, control transcripts encoding transcription factors involved in developmental phase changes. Examination of direct targets of FUS3 reveals that FUS3 acts primarily or exclusively as a transcriptional activator. Regulation of microRNA-encoding genes is one mechanism by which FUS3 may repress indirect target genes. FUS3 also directly up-regulates VP1/ABI3-LIKE1 (VAL1), encoding a B3 domain protein that functions as a repressor of transcription. VAL1, along with VAL2 and VAL3, is involved in the transition from embryo to seedling development. Many genes are responsive to FUS3 and to VAL1/VAL2 but with opposite regulatory consequences. The emerging picture is one of complex cross talk and interactions among embryo transcription factors and their target genes.
ArabidopsisChromatin Remodeling Factor PICKLE Interacts with Transcription Factor HY5 to Regulate Hypocotyl Cell Elongation
Authors: Jing Yanjun , Zhang Dong , Wang Xin , Tang Weijiang , Wang Wanqing , Huai Junling , Xu Gang , Chen Dongqin , Li Yunliang , Lin Rongcheng
Published: January 2013

Photomorphogenesis is a critical plant developmental process that involves light-mediated transcriptome changes, histone modifications, and inhibition of hypocotyl growth. However, the chromatin-based regulatory mechanism underlying this process remains largely unknown. Here, we identify ENHANCED PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (EPP1), previously known as PICKLE (PKL), an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factor of the chromodomain/helicase/DNA binding family, as a repressor of photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that PKL/EPP1 expression is repressed by light in the hypocotyls in a photoreceptor-dependent manner. Furthermore, we reveal that the transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) binds to the promoters of cell elongation–related genes and recruits PKL/EPP1 through their physical interaction. PKL/EPP1 in turn negatively regulates HY5 by repressing trimethylation of histone H3 Lys 27 at the target loci, thereby regulating the expression of these genes and, thus, hypocotyl elongation. We also show that HY5 possesses transcriptional repression activity. Our study reveals a crucial role for a chromatin remodeling factor in repressing photomorphogenesis and demonstrates that transcription factor–mediated recruitment of chromatin-remodeling machinery is important for plant development in response to changing light environments.
Insect‐Resistant Food Packaging Film Development Using Cinnamon Oil and Microencapsulation Technologies
Authors: Kim In‐Hah , Han Jaejoon , Na Ja Hyun , Chang Pahn‐Sik , Chung Myung Sub , Park Ki Hwan , Min Sea C.
Published: January 2013

Insect‐resistant films containing a microencapsulated insect‐repelling agent were developed to protect food products from the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). Cinnamon oil (CO), an insect repelling agent, was encapsulated with gum arabic, whey protein isolate (WPI)/maltodextrin (MD), or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). A low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film was coated with an ink or a polypropylene (PP) solution that incorporated the microcapsules. The encapsulation efficiency values obtained with gum arabic, WPI/MD, and PVA were 90.4%, 94.6%, and 80.7%, respectively. The films containing a microcapsule emulsion of PVA and CO or incorporating a microcapsule powder of WPI/MD and CO were the most effective (P < 0.05) at repelling moth larvae. The release rate of cinnamaldehyde, an active repellent of cinnamaldehyde, in the PP was 23 times lower when cinnamaldehyde was microencapsulated. Coating with the microcapsules did not alter the tensile properties of the films. The invasion of larvae into cookies was prevented by the insect‐repellent films, demonstrating potential for the films in insect‐resistant packaging for food products.

Practical Application: The insect‐repelling effect of cinnamon oil incorporated into LDPE films was more effective with microencapsulation. The system developed in this research with LDPE film may also be extended to other food‐packaging films where the same coating platform can be used. This platform is interchangeable and easy to use for the delivery of insect‐repelling agents. The films can protect a wide variety of food products from invasion by the Indian meal moth.
Riboflavin at High Doses Enhances Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration
Authors: Yang Hui‐ting , Chao Pei‐chun , Yin Mei‐chin
Published: January 2013

The influence of riboflavin (vitamin B2) upon growth, invasion, and migration in non‐small cell lung cancer cell lines was evaluated. Riboflavin at 1, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 μmol/L was added into A549, H3255, or Calu‐6 cells. The effects of this compound upon level and/or expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory cytokines, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1, fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, MMP‐2, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) were examined. Results showed that riboflavin at test doses did not affect the level of ROS and glutathione. Riboflavin at 200 and 400 μmol/L significantly enhanced cell growth in test lung cancer cell lines, and at 400 μmol/L significantly increased the release of interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor. This agent at 200 and 400 μmol/L also upregulated protein production of ICAM‐1, fibronectin, MMP‐9, MMP‐2, NF‐κB p50, p‐p38 MAPK, and FAK; and at 400 μmol/L enhanced invasion and migration in test cell lines. These findings suggested that riboflavin at high doses might promote lung cancer progression.
Towards a gene expression biomarker set for human biological age
Authors: Holly Alice C. , Melzer David , Pilling Luke C. , Henley William , Hernandez Dena G. , Singleton Andrew B. , Bandinelli Stefania , Guralnik Jack M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Harries Lorna W.
Published: January 2013

We have previously described a statistical model capable of distinguishing young (age <65 years) from old (age ≥75 years) individuals. Here we studied the performance of a modified model in three populations and determined whether individuals predicted to be biologically younger than their chronological age had biochemical and functional measures consistent with a younger biological age. Those with ‘younger’ gene expression patterns demonstrated higher muscle strength and serum albumin, and lower interleukin‐6 and blood urea concentrations relative to ‘biologically older’ individuals (odds ratios 2.09, 1.64, 0.74, 0.74; P = 2.4 × 10−2, 3.5 × 10−4, 1.8 × 10−2, 1.5 × 10−2, respectively). We conclude that our expression signature of age is robust across three populations and may have utility for estimation of biological age.
Empirical move‐on rules to inform fishing strategies: aNewEngland case study
Authors: Dunn Daniel C , Boustany Andre M , Roberts Jason J , Brazer Eric , Sanderson Melissa , Gardner Beth , Halpin Patrick N
Published: January 2013

Increasingly, fisheries are being managed under catch quotas that are often further allocated to specific permit holders or sectors. At the same time, serious consideration is being given to the effects of discards on the health of target and non‐target species. Some quota systems have incorporated discard reduction as an objective by counting discards (including unmarketable fish) against the overall quota. The potential effect of the introduction of a quota system that includes accountability for discards on the fishing strategies employed by fishermen is enormous. This is particularly true for multispecies fisheries where healthy and depleted stocks co‐exist; resulting in a trip's catch being applied to very large and very small stock quotas simultaneously. Under such a scenario, fishermen have a strong incentive to minimize (i) catch of low‐quota or ‘choke’ stocks, (ii) regulatory discards due to minimum size limits and (iii) catch partially consumed by predators. ‘Move‐on’ rules (i.e. event‐triggered, targeted, temporary closure of part of a fishery when a catch or bycatch threshold is reached) have been employed in a variety of fisheries. However, their efficacy has been limited by a lack of empirical analyses underpinning the rules. Here, we examine the utility of spatiotemporal autocorrelation analyses to inform ‘move‐on’ rules to assist a sector of theNewEnglandMultispeciesFishery to reduce discards and maximize profits. We find the use of empirical move‐on rules could reduce catch of juvenile and choke stocks between 27 and 33%, and depredation events between 41 and 54%.
Strategic Tax Collection and Fiscal Decentralization: The Case of Russia
Authors: Libman Alexander , Feld Lars P.
Published: January 2013

In a centralized federation, in which tax rates and taxation rules are set by the federal government, manipulating the thoroughness of tax auditing and the effectiveness of tax collection could be attractive for regional authorities. In this article, we test for strategic tax collection empirically using data of the Russian Federation. Russia’s regional authorities in the 1990s have always been suspected of tax auditing manipulations in their favour. However, in the 2000s, increasing bargaining power of the centre seems to induce tax collection bodies in the regions to manipulate tax auditing in favour of the federal centre. Our findings confirm the existence of strategic tax collection for the Yeltsin period; the results for the Putin period are however ambiguous.
“Alien” Sexuality: Race, Maternity, and Citizenship
Authors: Cisneros Natalie
Published: January 2013

In this paper, I provide an analysis of the emergence of “problematic of alien sexuality.” I first locate discourses about “alien sexuality,” and the so‐called anchor baby in particular, within other national discourses surrounding maternity, the fetus, and citizenship. I analyze the ways that national political discourses surrounding “anchor babies” and “alien maternity” construct the “problematic of alien sexuality,” thus constituting the “alien” subject as always‐already perverse. I suggest that this production of a sexually deviant and threatening “alien” subject functions in the normative dichotomy that places the sexually pure citizen on the one hand, and the perverse anticitizen on the other, in what I call “backwards uncitizening.” My analysis of this process shows that the perverse “alien” subject, as constituted in significant part by nonjuridical normalizing mechanisms of biopower, resists the juridical discourse that is supposed to determine it.
Subclinical Bias, Manners, and Moral Harm
Authors: Olberding Amy
Published: January 2013

Mundane and often subtle forms of bias generate harms that can be fruitfully understood as akin to the harms evident in rudeness. Although subclinical expressions of bias are not mere rudeness, like rudeness they often manifest through the breach of mannerly norms for social cooperation and collaboration. At a basic level, the perceived harm of mundane forms of bias often has much to do with feeling oneself unjustly or arbitrarily cut out of a group, a group that cooperates and collaborates but does not do so with me. Appealing to the subtle but familiar choreography of mannered social interaction, I argue, makes it easier to recognize how exclusion can be accomplished through slight but symbolically significant gestures and styles of interaction, where bias manifests not in announced hostility but in an absence of the cooperation and collaboration upon which we rely socially.
Why detailed model gene studies in higher eukaryotes are still necessary
Authors: Bonifer Constanze
Published: January 2013

Alterations in gene expression programmes are controlled by sequence‐specific DNA‐binding proteins that interact with the epigenetic regulatory machinery. The sum of such processes comprises a gene regulatory network and differentiation processes involve transitions between such networks. However, while great progress has been made to identify network components, this list is not complete, and we still do not fully understand how they work together. In this article, I argue that one reason for this lack of knowledge is the fact that we still do not understand what controls the cell stage and cell state‐specific regulation of individual genes and review examples highlighting this notion.
Interleukin‐4‐induced loss of CD8 expression and cytolytic function in effector CD8 T cells persists long term in vivo
Authors: Olver Stuart , Apte Simon H. , Baz Adriana , Kelso Anne , Kienzle Norbert
Published: January 2013

Activation of naive CD8+ T cells in the presence of interleukin‐4 modulates their CD8 co‐receptor expression and functional differentiation, resulting in the generation of CD8low cells that produce type 2 cytokines and display poor cytolytic and anti‐tumour activity. Although this CD8low phenotype becomes stable after about a week and can persist with further stimulation in vitro, it is not known whether it can be maintained long term in vivo. Here we report that CD8low cells derived from oval‐bumin257–264‐specific T‐cell receptor‐transgenic CD8+ T cells activated in the presence of interleukin‐4 could be detected in the spleen for at least 4 months after adoptive transfer into normal mice. A significant proportion of the long‐term surviving cells retained their CD8low phenotype in vivo and after clonal re‐activation in vitro. Although long‐term surviving CD8low cells lacked detectable cytolytic activity or perforin expression, they showed some anti‐tumour function in vivo. The persistence of functional cells with a CD8low phenotype in vivo raises the possibility that such cells can contribute to effector or regulatory responses to tumours or pathogens.
Modulation of B‐cell tolerance by Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 infection: requirement for Orf73 viral gene expression and follicular helper T cells
Authors: Gauld Stephen B. , De Santis Jessica L. , Kulinski Joseph M. , McGraw Jennifer A. , Leonardo Steven M. , Ruder Elizabeth A. , Maier Weston , Tarakanova Vera L.
Published: January 2013

Viruses such as Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) have been linked to mechanisms that support autoantibody production in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the mechanisms by which viruses contribute to autoantibody production remain poorly defined. This stems in part, from the high level of seropositivity for EBV (> 95%) and the exquisite species specificity of EBV. In this study we overcame these problems by using murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68), a virus genetically and biologically related to EBV. We first showed that MHV68 drives autoantibody production by promoting a loss of B‐cell anergy. We next showed that MHV68 infection resulted in the expansion of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in vivo, and that these Tfh cells supported autoantibody production and a loss of B‐cell anergy. Finally, we showed that the expansion of Tfh cells and autoantibody production was dependent on the establishment of viral latency and expression of a functional viral gene called Orf73. Collectively, our studies highlighted an unexpected role for viral latency in the development of autoantibodies following MHV68 infection and suggest that virus‐induced expansion of Tfh cells probably plays a key role in the loss of B‐cell anergy.
Toxic Metals (Hg, Pb, and Cd) in Commercially Important Demersal Fish from Mediterranean Sea: Contamination Levels and Dietary Exposure Assessment
Authors: Storelli Maria M. , Barone Grazia
Published: January 2013

Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were quantified in muscle tissue of 5 species of demersal fish (european conger eel, rosefish, brown ray, blackbellied angler, and red mullet) commonly consumed in Italy. In all species studied, Hg was the most abundant element, followed by Pb and Cd, which exhibited comparable levels. Cd and Pb concentrations did not differ either within individuals of the same species or among various species examined, whereas Hg accumulation was species‐specific. Significant positive correlations between Hg concentrations and fish length for the 5 characterized species were observed. From a public health standpoint, Pb concentrations were under the legal limit for human consumption indicated by European Regulation, whereas Hg and Cd content occurred at levels exceeding the respective critical values in most of the samples examined. The estimated weekly intakes (EWIs) as well as the target hazard quotients (THQs) for Cd and Pb indicated that fish were safe for human consumption, whereas major concern was related to Hg. Fish size‐related changes in Hg concentrations determined high THQ and EWI values relatively to larger size fish consumption of these species, except for red mullet, suggesting potential health human risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in fishery products, especially in certain species that for physiological reasons concentrate Hg more easily than others is crucial for consumer health protection.

Practical Application: The present article deals with metal (Hg, Cd, and Pb) concentrations in commercially important demersal fish from Mediterranean Sea. The dietary intakes of these elements have been estimated and the dietary exposure assessment was calculated. This kind of study will help the consumers to make an informative choice when buying fish.
Factors influencing peritoneal dialysis patients' psychosocial adjustment
Authors: Wang Tsae‐Jyy , Lin Mei‐Yu , Liang Shu‐Yuan , Wu Shu‐Fang Vivienne , Tung Heng‐Hsin , Tsay Shiow‐Luan
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

The specific aims of this study were as follows: (1) to describe psychosocial adjustment in adults with end‐stage renal disease who underwent maintenance peritoneal dialysis; (2) to explore the influence of demographics, clinical variables, symptom distress and social support on psychosocial adjustment and (3) to determine predictive factors of psychosocial adjustment.

Background

Proper psychosocial adjustment is important for patients with end‐stage renal disease to cope with multiple stressors of their disease and to balance their lives within the restrictions imposed by peritoneal dialysis treatment. Knowledge on psychosocial adjustment in patients receiving long‐term peritoneal dialysis has been limited.

Design

The study was based on a predictive correlational design.

Method

One hundred peritoneal dialysis patients were recruited from outpatient peritoneal dialysis clinics of a general hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. Data were collected with the study questionnaires, including the Physical Symptom Distress Scale, the Social Support Scale and the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale – self‐report.

Results

The mean score on the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale was 359·7 (SD = 40·0), indicating that these participants were moderately struggling in adjusting to their illness. Symptom distress, family social support and financial status explained 38·3% of the variance in psychosocial adjustment (F3,96 = 21·5, p < 0·001).

Conclusions

The level of psychosocial adjustment in peritoneal dialysis patients is suboptimal. Overall, the patients with high physical symptom distress, weak family social support and poor financial status reported deficient psychosocial adjustment to their illness.

Implications for practice

The findings of this study are relevant to the understanding of preconditions that enable peritoneal dialysis patients to successfully adjust to the disease and its diverse consequences. Patients with insufficient income, higher symptom distress and less family social support have a greater risk of psychosocial maladjustment. Medical professionals may use these variables to identify higher risk groups for early intensive intervention.
Postoperative pain management experiences among school‐aged children: a qualitative study
Authors: Sng Qian Wen , Taylor Beverley , Liam Joanne LW , Klainin‐Yobas Piyanee , Wang Wenru , He Hong‐Gu
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore postoperative pain management experiences among school‐aged children.

Background

Ineffective postoperative pain management among children has been commonly reported. School‐aged children are able to evaluate how their pain is managed and what their preferred strategies are. Most studies in pain management have adopted quantitative methods and have overlooked children's pain management experiences.

Design

This is a qualitative study using face‐to‐face interviews.

Methods

Data were collected from 15 school‐aged children admitted to a tertiary hospital in Singapore by in‐depth interviews conducted between November 2010 and January 2011. Data were analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were identified: children's self‐directed actions to relieve their postoperative pain (e.g. using cognitive‐behavioural methods of distraction and imagery, physical method of positioning, sleeping and drinking, seeking other people's help by informing parents and crying and using pain medications); children's perceptions of actions parents take for their postoperative pain relief (assessing pain, administering pain medications, using various cognitive‐behavioural, physical methods and emotional support strategies, assisting in activities and alerting health professionals); children's perception of actions nurses take for their postoperative pain relief (administering medication, using cognitive‐behavioural methods, emotional support strategies and helping with activities of daily living) and suggestions for parents (using distraction and presence) and nurses (administering medications, distraction and positioning) for their postoperative pain relief improvement.

Conclusions

This study contributed to the existing knowledge about children's postoperative pain management based on their own experiences. Children, their parents and nurses used various strategies, including pain medication and non‐pharmacological methods, especially distraction, for children's postoperative pain relief.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides evidence for health care professionals to consider using more pain relief strategies when caring for children postoperatively and provide guidance for children to practice these strategies.
Reducing interruptions to continuous enteral nutrition in the intensive care unit: a comparative study
Authors: Williams Teresa A , Leslie Gavin D , Leen Tim , Mills Lauren , Dobb Geoff J
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To develop and test strategies to reduce interruptions to enteral feeding to improve practice and promote attainment of nutritional goals.

Background

Enteral nutrition is preferred for feeding patients in the intensive care unit who are unable to have oral nutrition. Interruption to feeding is likely to be a major contributor to patients not receiving their prescribed nutrition goals.

Design

Prospective before (May–November 2009) and after (March–September 2010) study.

Method

Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (except cardiac surgery) and who were eligible to receive enteral nutrition were enrolled. After gaining Ethics Committee approval, baseline data were collected to identify interruptions to enteral nutrition. Nurse‐led multidisciplinary teams developed interventions to target specific reasons for interruption. Change champions implemented the improvements after staff were provided with an education package. Postintervention data were then collected.

Results

Six hundred and fifty‐three patients received enteral nutrition with the majority (88%) fed within 48 hours. Considering the first 28 days of feeding for patients fed longer than 24 hours (505 patients), the number of interruptions for patients who had an interruption decreased from 907–662. Interruptions due to gastrointestinal issues decreased (14 vs 10%), while those due to airway issues, enteral nutrition delivery system problems and other interruptions were similar before‐and‐after the practice change. Time lost to feeding because of interruptions was similar between groups.

Conclusion

Targeted strategies to enteral feeding practice resulted in a reduction to the number of interruptions but not the duration of enteral nutrition lost to interruption. Reducing unnecessary interruption of feeding circuits is likely to minimise the risk for splash injury and contamination of feeding sets through less manipulation and interruption to enteral nutrition flow.

Relevance to clinical practice

Review of practice may reveal opportunities for improvement. Nurse champions can facilitate change processes to improve care.
Children's experiences of a participation approach to asthma education
Authors: Trollvik Anne , Ringsberg Karin C , Silén Charlotte
Published: January 2013

Aim and objectives

To explore the participation and responses of children to an asthma education programme that was developed with the aid of children with asthma. In a larger perspective, the aim was to understand how educational approaches can be designed to help children learn to live and cope with asthma.

Background

A literature search showed that programmes where children participate in the development of educational materials or programmes are lacking.

Design

An exploratory descriptive design was chosen to get an in‐depth understanding of the communication and collaboration between children and healthcare personnel.

Methods

Data were collected through observations, tape recordings of the conversations and notes of the interactions between the children and the healthcare personnel and analysed by content analysis.

Results

The significance of the asthma education programme emerged in four themes: (i) children are learning from each other: in a positive learning climate, the children were able to express emotional themes that they may not have communicated before; (ii) children are learning through an interaction with the educational material: the children discussed stories and pictures in a fellow interplay: when one child expressed something, another child would recognise it and continue the story; (iii) children are learning from their interaction with healthcare personnel and vice versa: adjusting the vocabulary according to the children's experiences, they were met on their level of understanding; and (iv) children can express and discuss their understanding of asthma.

Conclusions

The unique aspect about this programme is that it emanates from children's perspectives. The children were actively involved and learnt from each other's shared knowledge and experiences, which is a good source of meaningful learning and empowering processes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Future educational approaches should use children's perspectives in a manner in which their questions, thoughts and daily challenges are emphasised.
Identification of risk factors for fracture of veneering materials and screw loosening of implant‐supported fixed partial dentures in partially edentulous cases
Authors: Noda K. , Arakawa H. , Maekawa K. , Hara E. S. , Yamazaki S. , Kimura‐Ono A. , Sonoyama W. , Minakuchi H. , Matsuka Y. , Kuboki T.
Published: January 2013

This retrospective study identified the risk factors for fracture of veneering materials and screw loosening of implant‐supported fixed partial dentures in partially edentulous cases. The study group included a total of 182 patients who were installed 219 suprastructures at the Fixed Prosthodontic Clinic of Okayama University Dental Hospital between February 1990 and March 2005 and were subdivided in two subgroups: 120 patients (149 facing suprastructures) were included in the subgroup to investigate the risk factors of fracture of veneering materials, and 81 patients (92 suprastructures) were included in the subgroup to identify the risk factors of abutment screw loosening. Each patient was followed up from the day of suprastructure installation until March, 2005. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify the risk factors related to technical complications, and eight factors were regarded as candidate risk factors. Screw retention was the significant risk factor for fracture of veneering materials, whereas connection of suprastructures with natural tooth was the significant risk factor for screw loosening. It was suggested that screw retention was a significant risk factor for the fracture of veneering materials, and connection of suprastructures with natural tooth was a significant risk factor for screw loosening. Future studies, involving dynamic factors (e.g. bruxism) as predictors as well, are more helpful to discuss the risk factor of fracture of veneering materials and screw loosening.
Inferring the biogeographic origins of inter‐continental disjunct endemics using a Bayes‐DIVA approach
Authors: HARRIS AJ , WEN Jun , XIANG Qiu‐Yun (Jenny)
Published: January 2013

The arcto‐Tertiary relictual flora is comprised of many genera that occur non‐contiguously in the temperate zones of eastern Asia, Europe, eastern North America, and western North America. Within each distributional area, species are typically endemic and may thus be widely separated from closely related species within the other areas. It is widely accepted that this common pattern of distribution resulted from of the fragmentation of a once more‐continuous arcto‐Tertiary forest. The historical biogeographic events leading to the present‐day disjunction have often been investigated using a phylogenetic approach. Limitations to these previous studies have included phylogenetic uncertainty and uncertainty in ancestral range reconstructions. However, the recently described Bayes‐DIVA method handles both types of uncertainty. Thus, we used Bayes‐DIVA analysis to reconstruct the stem lineage distributions for 185 endemic lineages from 23 disjunct genera representing 17 vascular plant families. In particular, we asked whether endemic lineages within each of the four distributional areas more often evolved from (1) widespread ancestors, (2) ancestors dispersed from other areas, or (3) endemic ancestors. We also considered which of these three biogeographic mechanisms may best explain the origins of arcto‐Tertiary disjunct endemics in the neotropics. Our results show that eastern Asian endemics more often evolved from endemic ancestors compared to endemics in Europe and eastern and western North America. Present‐day endemic lineages in the latter areas more often arose from widespread ancestors. Our results also provide anecdotal evidence for the importance of dispersal in the biogeographic origins of arcto‐Tertiary species endemic in the neotropics.
Utility of transient elastography in the non‐invasive evaluation of cystic fibrosis liver disease
Authors: Kitson Matthew T. , Kemp William W. , Iser David M. , Paul Eldho , Wilson John W. , Roberts Stuart K.
Published: January 2013

Background

Liver disease frequently complicates cystic fibrosis (CF), with CF liver disease (CFLD) a leading cause of death. Liver biopsy is rarely performed because of the patchy nature of the disease. Transient elastography can reliably stage liver fibrosis via liver stiffness measurement (LSM).

Aims

To evaluate LSM as a diagnostic tool in adults with CFLD.

Methods

Fifty adult patients with CF were prospectively studied: 25 with CFLD and 25 without CFLD. The presence of CFLD and portal hypertension (PHT) was assessed according to strict established criteria based on serial biochemistry and imaging. All patients underwent LSM; APRI, Hepascore® and Forns score were calculated.

Results

Median LSM was higher in those with CFLD [8.1 kPa (IQR 6.8–9.5) vs. 5.0 kPa (IQR 4.1–5.6); P < 0.001]. On multivariate analysis, LSM was the only variable associated with CFLD (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.53–4.89; P = 0.001). AUROC for LSM predicting CFLD was 0.87 (95% CI 0.77–0.98) and an LSM ≥6.8 kPa predicted CFLD with 76.0% sensitivity and 92.0% specificity. Median LSM was higher in those with PHT [15.7 kPa (IQR 9.2–17.2) vs. 5.4 kPa (IQR 4.3–6.8); P < 0.001]. The AUROC for LSM predicting the presence of PHT was 0.96 (95% CI 0.92–1.00). An LSM cut‐off of ≥8.9 kPa predicted the presence of PHT with 87.5% sensitivity, 90.5% specificity, 63.6% positive predictive value and 92.9% negative predictive value.

Conclusions

LSM is an accurate and reliable non‐invasive tool in assessing CFLD and PHT. An LSM ≥6.8 kPa is highly suggestive of CFLD and an LSM <8.9 kPa reliably excludes PHT.
Sun Exposure over a Lifetime in Australian Adults from Latitudinally Diverse Regions
Authors: Lucas Robyn M. , Valery Patricia , van der Mei Ingrid , Dwyer Terence , Pender Michael P. , Taylor Bruce , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise ,   The Ausimmune Investigator Group
Published: January 2013

Spatio‐temporal patterns in sun exposure underlie variations in skin cancer incidence and vitamin D deficiency, indicate effectiveness of sun protection programs and provide insights into future health risks. From 558 adults across four regions of Australia (Brisbane (27°S), Newcastle (33°S), Geelong and the Western Districts of Victoria (37°S) and Tasmania (43°S)), we collected: self‐report data on time‐in‐the‐sun from age 6 years; natural skin color and ethnicity; silicone skin casts (for cumulative skin damage); and serum for vitamin D status. Ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at the location of residence, with time‐in‐the‐sun, was used to calculate a “UVR dose” for each year of life. Individuals maintained their ranking compared to their peers for time‐in‐the‐sun in summer compared to winter and across ages (Spearman rho 0.24–0.84, all P < 0.001). Time‐in‐the‐sun decreased with age in all birth cohorts, and over calendar time. Summer time‐in‐the‐sun increased with increasing latitude (P < 0.001). Seasonal variation in vitamin D status had greater amplitude and vitamin D deficiency increased with increasing latitude. Temporal patterns are consistent with effectiveness of sun protection programs. Higher relative time‐in‐the‐sun persists from childhood through adulthood. Lower summer time‐in‐the‐sun in the warmest location may have implications for predictions of UVR‐related health risks of climate change.
Localized In Vivo Activation of a Photoactivatable Doxorubicin Prodrug in Deep Tumor Tissue
Authors: Ibsen Stuart , Zahavy Eran , Wrasidlo Wolf , Hayashi Tomoko , Norton John , Su Yongxuan , Adams Stephen , Esener Sadik
Published: January 2013

Sparing sensitive healthy tissue from chemotherapy exposure is a critical challenge in the treatment of cancer. The work described here demonstrates the localized in vivo photoactivation of a new chemotherapy prodrug of doxorubicin (DOX). The DOX prodrug (DOX‐PCB) was 200 times less toxic than DOX and was designed to release pure DOX when exposed to 365 nm light. This wavelength was chosen because it had good tissue penetration through a 1 cm diameter tumor, but had very low skin penetration, due to melanin absorption, preventing uncontrolled activation from outside sources. The light was delivered specifically to the tumor tissue using a specialized fiber‐optic LED system. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that DOX‐PCB had an α circulation half‐life of 10 min which was comparable to that of DOX at 20 min. DOX‐PCB demonstrated resistance to metabolic cleavage ensuring that exposure to 365 nm light was the main mode of in vivo activation. Tissue extractions from tumors exposed to 365 nm light in vivo showed the presence of DOX‐PCB as well as activated DOX. The exposed tumors had six times more DOX concentration than nearby unexposed control tumors. This in vivo proof of concept demonstrates the first preferential activation of a photocleavable prodrug in deep tumor tissue.
New Data, Strategies, and Insights for Listeria monocytogenes Dose‐Response Models: Summary of an Interagency Workshop, 2011
Authors: Hoelzer K. , Chen Y. , Dennis S. , Evans P. , Pouillot R. , Silk B. J. , Walls I.
Published: January 2013

Listeria monocytogenes is a leading cause of hospitalization, fetal loss, and death due to foodborne illnesses in the United States. A quantitative assessment of the relative risk of listeriosis associated with the consumption of 23 selected categories of ready‐to‐eat foods, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2003, has been instrumental in identifying the food products and practices that pose the greatest listeriosis risk and has guided the evaluation of potential intervention strategies. Dose‐response models, which quantify the relationship between an exposure dose and the probability of adverse health outcomes, were essential components of the risk assessment. However, because of data gaps and limitations in the available data and modeling approaches, considerable uncertainty existed. Since publication of the risk assessment, new data have become available for modeling L. monocytogenes dose‐response. At the same time, recent advances in the understanding of L. monocytogenes pathophysiology and strain diversity have warranted a critical reevaluation of the published dose‐response models. To discuss strategies for modeling L. monocytogenes dose‐response, the Interagency Risk Assessment Consortium (IRAC) and the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN) held a scientific workshop in 2011 (details available at http://foodrisk.org/irac/events/). The main findings of the workshop and the most current and relevant data identified during the workshop are summarized and presented in the context of L. monocytogenes dose‐response. This article also discusses new insights on dose‐response modeling for L. monocytogenes and research opportunities to meet future needs.
Harnessing the Theoretical Foundations of the Exponential and Beta‐Poisson Dose‐Response Models to Quantify Parameter Uncertainty Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Schmidt Philip J. , Pintar Katarina D. M. , Fazil Aamir M. , Topp Edward
Published: January 2013

Dose‐response models are the essential link between exposure assessment and computed risk values in quantitative microbial risk assessment, yet the uncertainty that is inherent to computed risks because the dose‐response model parameters are estimated using limited epidemiological data is rarely quantified. Second‐order risk characterization approaches incorporating uncertainty in dose‐response model parameters can provide more complete information to decisionmakers by separating variability and uncertainty to quantify the uncertainty in computed risks. Therefore, the objective of this work is to develop procedures to sample from posterior distributions describing uncertainty in the parameters of exponential and beta‐Poisson dose‐response models using Bayes's theorem and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (in OpenBUGS). The theoretical origins of the beta‐Poisson dose‐response model are used to identify a decomposed version of the model that enables Bayesian analysis without the need to evaluate Kummer confluent hypergeometric functions. Herein, it is also established that the beta distribution in the beta‐Poisson dose‐response model cannot address variation among individual pathogens, criteria to validate use of the conventional approximation to the beta‐Poisson model are proposed, and simple algorithms to evaluate actual beta‐Poisson probabilities of infection are investigated. The developed MCMC procedures are applied to analysis of a case study data set, and it is demonstrated that an important region of the posterior distribution of the beta‐Poisson dose‐response model parameters is attributable to the absence of low‐dose data. This region includes beta‐Poisson models for which the conventional approximation is especially invalid and in which many beta distributions have an extreme shape with questionable plausibility.