bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Molecular Insight into the Early Events of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (Race 1) Interaction Through cDNA-AFLP Analysis
Authors: Gupta Sumanti , Chakraborti Dipankar , Rangi Rumdeep K. , Basu Debabrata , Das Sampa
Published: October 2009

Wilt of chickpea caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is one of the most severe diseases of chickpea throughout the world. Variability of pathotypes of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and breakdown of natural resistance are the main hindrances to developing resistant plants by applying resistant breeding strategies. Additionally, lack of information of potential resistant genes limits gene-transfer technology. A thorough understanding of Fusarium spp.–chickpea interaction at a cellular and molecular level is essential for isolation of potential genes involved in counteracting disease progression. Experiments were designed to trigger the pathogen-challenged disease responses in both susceptible and resistant plants and monitor the expression of stress induced genes or gene fragments at the transcript level. cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism followed by homology search helped in differentiating and analyzing the up- and downregulated gene fragments. Several detected DNA fragments appeared to have relevance with pathogen-mediated defense. Some of the important transcript-derived fragments were homologous to genes for sucrose synthase, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, drought stress response, serine threonine kinases, cystatins, arginase, and so on. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction performed with samples collected at 48 and 96 h postinfection confirmed a similar type of differential expression pattern. Based on these results, interacting pathways of cellular processes were generated. This study has an implication toward functional identification of genes involved in wilt resistance.
Genetic Behavior of Controlling Area Under Disease Progress Curve for Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici) in Two Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Crosses
Authors: Irfaq Muhammad , Ajab Mir , Khattak Gul Sanat Shah , Mohammad Tila , Shah Syed Jawad Ahmad
Published: October 2009

Genetic effects on controlling resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Eriksson)were determined in two wheat crosses, Bakhtawar-92 (B-92) × Frontana and Inqilab-91 × Fakhre Sarhad using area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) as a measure of stripe rust resistance. The resistant and susceptible parents involved in developing genetic populations were identified by initial assessment of 45 wheat accessions for stripe rust reaction. Mixed inheritance model was applied to the data analysis of six basic populations (P1, F1, P2, B1, B2, and F2) in the crosses. The results indicated that AUDPC in cross 1 was controlled by two major genes with additive-dominance epistatic effect plus polygenes with additive-dominance-epistatic effects (model E) whereas, in the case of cross 2, it was under the control of two major genes with additive-dominance epistatic effect plus additive-dominant polygenes (model E-1). Additive effect was predominant over all other types of genetic effects, suggesting that the delay in selection for resistance until maximum favorable genes are accumulated in the individuals is desired. The tendency of backcrosses toward their respective pollen donor parents indicated the control of resistance through nuclear genes rather than the cytoplasmic factors. Occurrence of resistant as well as susceptible transgressive segregates (though very few in F2for each cross) indicated the presence of favorable as well as some adverse genes for resistance to stripe rust in the parents. The major gene heritability was higher than that of the polygene in B1, B2, and F2for the crosses. The major gene as well as the polygene heritability was 48.99 to 87.12% and 2.26 to 36.80% for the two crosses, respectively. The highest phenotypic variations in AUDPC (2,504.10 to 5,833.14) for segregating progenies (B1, B2, and F2) represent that the character was highly influenced by the environment. The experimental results of the two crosses indicate that resistance to stripe rust is under control of two major genes in association with several polygene rather than cytoplasmic inheritance.
Development of a TaqMan Real-Time PCR Assay for Quantification of Airborne Conidia of Botrytis squamosa and Management of Botrytis Leaf Blight of Onion
Authors: Carisse O. , Tremblay D. M. , Lévesque C. A. , Gindro K. , Ward P. , Houde A.
Published: October 2009

The use of a DNA-based method for quantifying airborne inoculum of Botrytis squamosa, a damaging pathogen of onion, was investigated. A method for purifying DNA from conidia collected using rotating-arm samplers and quantifying it using a TaqMan real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay is described. The sensitivity of the qPCR assay was high, with a detection limit of 2 conidia/rod. A linear relationship between numbers of conidia counted with a compound microscope and those determined with the qPCR assay was obtained. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the reliability of the two methods of conidia quantification (microscope examination and qPCR assay) to predict the risk of disease being below or above a damage threshold (Dth). In total, 142 field samples from commercial onion fields were analyzed. At damage thresholds of 5 or 10 lesions/leaf, conidia quantification with the qPCR assay was more reliable at predicting disease risk than conidia quantification based on microscope counts. The proportion of decisions where the disease was present and predicted was higher for the qPCR assay than for the microscope counts, with values of 0.95 and 0.89 compared with 0.79 and 0.81 for Dth of 5 and 10 lesions/leaf, respectively. The proportion of decisions where the disease was present but not predicted was lower for the qPCR assay than for microscope counts, with values of 0.05 and 0.11 compared with 0.20 and 0.19 for Dth of 5 and 10 lesions/leaf, respectively. The results demonstrated that this new qPCR assay was reliable for quantifying B. squamosa airborne inoculum in commercial onion fields and that molecular conidia quantification could be used as a component of a risk management system for Botrytis leaf blight.
Vector Transmission of a Plant-Pathogenic Bacterium in the Arsenophonus Clade Sharing Ecological Traits with Facultative Insect Endosymbionts
Authors: Bressan Alberto , Sémétey Olivier , Arneodo Joel , Lherminier Jeannine , Boudon-Padieu Elisabeth
Published: October 2009

The planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) is the major vector of a nonculturable plant-pathogenic γ-3 proteobacterium associated with a disease of sugar beet called syndrome “basses richesses” (SBR). The bacterium, here called SBR bacterium, belongs to the Arsenophonous clade, which includes mostly insect-associated facultative symbionts. Assays using field-collected planthopper nymphs and adults were carried out to investigate the interaction of SBR bacterium with the insect vector and its transmission to sugar beet. Field-collected planthoppers showed a percentage of infection that averaged from 57% for early instar nymphs to near 100% for late instar nymphs and emerging adults. SBR bacterium was persistently transmitted by emerging adults. Root-feeding nymphs were able to inoculate SBR bacterium to sugar beet. The bacterium was transmitted vertically from infected parental females to their respective offspring with an average frequency of 30%. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assays on dissected planthopper internal organs revealed a high concentration of the bacterium within male and female reproductive organs and within female salivary glands. SBR-like bacteria were observed through transmission electron microscopy in the cytoplasm of different insect organs including ovaries, salivary glands, and guts with no evidence for cytological disorders. SBR bacterium seems to share common ecological traits of insect-transmitted plant pathogens and facultative insect endosymbionts suggesting it may have evolved primarily as an insect-associated bacterium.
Population Dynamics of a Florida Citrus tristeza virus Isolate and Aphid-Transmitted Subisolates: Identification of Three Genotypic Groups and Recombinants After Aphid Transmission
Authors: Roy Avijit , Brlansky R. H.
Published: October 2009

Tristeza is an important citrus disease affecting the viability and productivity of citrus worldwide. The causal agent, Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), usually occurs as a mixture of genotypes in nature, with one of the genotypes often dominating the population. CTV has a monopartite, positive-sense RNA genome of ≈19.3 kb and exhibits over 30% diversity in the 5′ half and less than 10% in the 3′ half among different genotypes. A Florida CTV isolate, FS627, was selected for this study. Isolate FS627 was analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers to three regions: 788-bp region in the 5′ (697 to 1,484 nucleotides), open reading frame (ORF)1a, 696 or 718 bp from the overlapping region of the RdRp (ORF1b) and p33 (ORF2) gene, and a 672-bp major coat protein gene (ORF7) in the 3′ end of the CTV genome. The presence of T36, T30, and VT genotypes in isolate FS627 was confirmed utilizing the genotype specific overlapping region of RdRp primer pairs for RT-PCR amplification followed by cloning and sequence analysis. Analysis of single-strand conformational polymorphisms and sequences of RT-PCR-amplified products of the above regions were used to determine the presence of genotypes in both the parent and aphid-transmitted (AT) subisolates. Although the parent isolate had T36 as the major genotype, T30 was the major genotype in most of the AT subisolates. Some intermediate genotypes were detected that differed from the parental or AT subisolates. These intermediate genotypes were considered to be recombinants of the T30 and T36 genotypes and also were observed in the second level of AT subisolates generated from the of first-level AT subisolates of CTV-FS627. This work provides advance information on the population dynamics in CTV mixtures and the generation of virus recombinants after aphid transmission.
Phytophthora ramorum Does Not Cause Physiologically Significant Systemic Injury to California Bay Laurel, Its Primary Reservoir Host
Authors: DiLeo M. V. , Bostock R. M. , Rizzo D. M.
Published: October 2009

California bay laurel trees (Umbellularia californica) play a crucial role in the reproduction and survival of Phytophthora ramorum in coastal California forests by supporting sporulation during the rainy season and by providing a means for the pathogen to survive the dry, Mediterranean summer. While bay laurel is thus critical to the epidemiology of sudden oak death and other P. ramorum diseases in California, the relatively minor symptoms observed on this reservoir host suggest that it may not sustain ecologically significant injury itself. The long-term role that P. ramorum will play in California forests will depend in part on the extent to which this pathogen decreases the ecological fitness of bay laurel. Despite the importance of this question, no study has yet investigated in detail the physiological impact that ramorum blight imposes on bay laurel. This experimental study quantifies the impact that P. ramorum has on artificially inoculated bay laurel seedlings with measurements that integrate the full injury that infection with an oomycete may cause: photosynthetic efficiency, total photosynthetic area, and growth. Leaf area and leaf mass were not impacted significantly by infection of P. ramorum. Photosynthetic efficiency was mildly depressed in symptomatic, but not asymptomatic leaves, despite unnaturally high levels of necrosis that were imposed on the seedlings. These results demonstrate that bay laurel trees suffer only minor injury from ramorum blight beyond visible necrotic symptoms. Consequently, it is highly likely that bay laurel will continue to be widely available as a host for P. ramorum in California forests, which has long-term implications for the composition of these forests.
Broomrape Can Acquire Viruses from Its Hosts
Authors: Gal-On Amit , Naglis Anna , Leibman Diana , Ziadna Hammam , Kathiravan Kathir , Papayiannis Lambros , Holdengreber Vered , Guenoune-Gelbert Dana , Lapidot Moshe , Aly Radi
Published: October 2009

Broomrapes (Phelipanche, formerly Orobanche) are parasitic plants that physically connect with the vascular systems of their hosts through haustorial structures. In this study, we found that Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) translocate from infected host plants to Phelipanche aegyptiaca. In order to examine whether these viruses, and specifically CMV, replicate in the parasite, we tested several replication parameters. We detected accumulation of both plus and minus strands of CMV genomic RNA and CMV-derived siRNAs in the shoots of Phelipanche grown on CMV-infected tobacco and tomato plants. We purified CMV particles from Phelipanche grown on CMV-infected plants. These particles were present in amounts comparable to those found in the hosts' leaves. These data indicate that CMV replicates in Phelipanche tissues. In addition, viable ToMV and PVY were observed, and the plus and minus strand RNAs of ToMV were detected in Phelipanche shoots grown on infected hosts. However, we found only low levels of ToMV coat protein and did not detect any PVY coat protein. We also detected genomic TYLCV DNA in shoots of Phelipanche grown on TYLCV-infected tomato. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrate that broomrape is a host for at least one plant virus CMV, and possibly various other viruses.
Benefit of downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma in a liver transplant population
Authors: JANG J. W. , YOU C. R. , KIM C. W. , BAE S. H. , YOON S. K. , YOO Y. K. , KIM D. G. , CHOI J. Y.
Published: October 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 415–423

Background  Long‐term results after downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prior to liver transplantation (LT) remain unknown.

Aims  To investigate dropouts and post‐transplant outcome among patients with downstaged HCC by transarterial chemo‐lipiodolization (TACL).

Methods  Between 2000 and 2007, 386 patients with HCC initially exceeding Milan criteria underwent TACL for tumour downstaging and were consecutively enrolled.

Results  Overall, 160 (41.5%) patients achieved successful downstaging of HCC to within Milan criteria. During the follow‐up, 82 eventually dropped off the waiting list for LT, with estimated dropout rates at 1, 2 and 5 years of 46.7%, 70.2%, and 87.2%, respectively. The overall post‐transplant survival rates at 1, 2 and 5 years were 89.2%, 70.3% and 54.6% and the corresponding rates for recurrence‐free survival were 74.7%, 71.8% and 66.3% respectively. Multivariate analysis indentified alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels ≥100 ng/mL at LT (P = 0.003), maximum tumour size ≥7 cm (P = 0.002) and the lack of complete necrosis by TACL (P = 0.048) as independent predictors of HCC recurrence after LT. Patients with none of these risk factors had an excellent post‐transplant outcome, with an 87.5% probability of recurrence‐free survival up to 6 years.

Conclusions  These long‐term results may contribute to the database for optimizing management of LT candidates with downstaged HCC. Based on our data, patients with a maximum tumour size <7 cm who achieve complete necrosis together with AFP levels <100 ng/mL at LT may be the best candidates for LT following downstaging using TACL.
A bench study of ventilation via two self‐assembled jet devices and the Oxygen Flow Modulator in simulated upper airway obstruction
Authors: Hamaekers A. E. W. , Borg P. A. J. , Enk D.
Published: October 2009

In managing an obstructed upper airway, an emergency transtracheal ventilation device needs to function as a bidirectional airway, allowing both insufflation of oxygen and egress of gas. The aim of the present study was to determine the capability of two self‐assembled, three‐way stopcock based jet devices and the Oxygen Flow Modulator to function as a bidirectional airway in conjunction with a small lumen catheter. For each device the effective pressures at the catheter’s tip during the expiratory phase and the achievable minute volumes were determined in a laboratory set‐up. Using the three‐way stopcock based jet devices, changing the connection position of the transtracheal catheter from the in‐line port to the side port of the three‐way stopcock resulted in a decrease of expiratory pressure at the catheter’s tip from a dangerous mean (SD) of 71.1 (0.08) cmH2O to −14.71 (0.05) cmH2O. Yet this negative expiratory pressure did not facilitate the egress of gas. All devices tested impeded the expiratory outflow and hence decreased the achievable minute volume. This decrease in minute volume was smallest with the Oxygen Flow Modulator.
A proposal for standardization in forensic equine DNA typing: allele nomenclature for 17 equine‐specific STR loci
Authors: Van De Goor L. H. P. , Panneman H. , Van Haeringen W. A.
Published: October 2009

In this study, a proposal is presented for the allele nomenclature of 17 polymorphic STR loci (AHT4, AHT5, ASB2, ASB17, ASB23, CA425, HMS1, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HTG4, HTG6, HTG7, HTG10, LEX3 and VHL20) for equine genotyping (Equus caballus). The nomenclature is based on sequence data of the polymorphic region of the STR loci as recommended by the DNA commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics for human DNA typing. For each STR locus, several alleles were selected and animals homozygous for those alleles were subjected to sequence analysis. The alleles of the 17 STR loci consisted either of simple (10), compound (6) or complex repeat patterns (1). Only a limited number of alleles with the same fragment size showed different repeat structures. The allele designation described here was based on the number of repeats, including all variable regions within the amplified fragment.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome in the United Kingdom
Authors: Taylor C. Mark , Machin Sam , Wigmore Stephen J. , Goodship Tim H. J. ,   on behalf of a working party from the Renal Association, the British Committee for Standards in Haematology and the British Transplantation Society
Published: October 2009

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with a poor prognosis with regard to survival at presentation, recovery of renal function and transplantation. It is now established that aHUS is a disease of complement dysregulation with mutations in the genes encoding both complement regulators and activators, and autoantibodies against the complement regulator factor H. Identification of the underlying molecular abnormality in an individual patient can now help to guide their future management. In these guidelines we make recommendations for the investigation and management of aHUS patients both at presentation and in the long‐term. We particularly address the role of renal transplantation alone and combined liver‐kidney transplantation.
Sequential phase II Southwest Oncology Group studies (S0112 and S0301) of daunorubicin and cytarabine by continuous infusion, without and with ciclosporin, in older patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Chauncey Thomas R. , Gundacker Holly , Shadman Mazyar , List Alan F. , Dakhil Shaker R. , Erba Harry P. , Slovak Marilyn L. , Chen I‐Ming , Willman Cheryl L. , Kopecky Kenneth J. , Appelbaum Frederick R.
Published: October 2009

Attempts to overcome multi‐drug resistance in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have been limited by toxicities. To investigate the effect of reducing peak drug levels, we performed sequential phase II studies using continuous infusion daunorubicin and cytarabine without (AD) and then with ciclosporin (ADC) in older patients with AML. Untreated patients (age 56+ years) received daunorubicin (45 mg/m2 per day for 3 d) and cytarabine (200 mg/m2 per day for 7 d), both by continuous infusion, without (S0112, 60 patients) and then with (S0301, 50 patients) the addition of ciclosporin. Complete response (CR) rates were 38% on S0112 and 44% on S0301. Fatal induction toxicities occurred in 17% and 12% respectively, arising primarily from infection and haemorrhage. Median overall and relapse‐free survival was 7 and 8 months for AD respectively, and 6 and 14 months for ADC. Patients with phenotypic or functional P‐glycoprotein had somewhat higher CR rates with ADC than AD, although confidence intervals overlapped. In these sequential trials, continuous infusion AD produced CR rates comparable to those with bolus daunorubicin. The addition of ciclosporin did not cause undue toxicities, produced a similar CR rate, and possibly improved relapse‐free survival. Further correlate analyses did not identify a subpopulation specifically benefitting from the addition of ciclosporin.
A population pharmacokinetic model for pegylated‐asparaginase in children
Authors: Hempel Georg , Müller Hans‐Joachim , Lanvers‐Kaminsky Claudia , Würthwein Gudrun , Hoppe Antje , Boos Joachim
Published: October 2009

We analysed 1221 serum activity measurements in 168 children from the Berlin‐Frankfürt‐Münster acute lymphoblastic leukaemia studies, ALL‐BFM (Berlin‐Frankfürt‐Münster) 95 and ALL‐BFM REZ, in order to develop a pharmacokinetic model describing the activity‐time course of pegylated (PEG)‐asparaginase for all dose levels. Patients received 500, 750, 1000 or 2500 U/m2PEG‐asparaginase on up to nine occasions. Serum samples were analysed for asparaginase activity and data analysis was done using nonlinear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM Vers. VI, Globomax, Hanouet, MD, USA). Different linear and nonlinear models were tested. The best model applicable to all dosing groups was a one‐compartmental model with clearance (Cl) increasing with time according to the formula: Cl=Cli *e(0·0793 *t)where Cli = initial clearance andt = time after dose. The parameters found were: volume of distribution (V) 1·02 ± 26% l/m2, Cli59·9 ± 59% ml/d per m2(mean ± interindividual variability). Interoccasion variability was substantial with 0·183 l/m2forVand 44·7 ml/d per m2for Cl, respectively. A subgroup of the patients showed a high clearance, probably due to the development of inactivating antibodies. This is the first model able to predict the activity‐time course of PEG‐asparaginase at different dosing levels and can therefore be used for developing new dosing regimens.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue therapy for leukaemic children with pulmonary failure
Authors: Meister Bernhard , Zelger Bettina , Kropshofer Gabriele , Klein‐Franke Andreas , Crazzolara Roman , Frühwirth Martin , Neu Nikolaus
Published: October 2009

In patients with leukaemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to intensified chemotherapy‐induced immunosuppression is a devastating disorder resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Compared to standard indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cytopenia further increases the risks of infection and bleeding. We describe the use of ECMO in four children with ARDS and leukaemia. Two patients (50%) survived, pulmonary function recovered and they are in prolonged first remission. The two other patients died from ARDS and pulmonary leukaemic infiltration. Although ECMO support is a high‐risk setup for nosocomial infection we observed no additional septic episodes. All patients had a highly increased demand for packed platelet and red blood cell transfusions. This increased demand and unmanageable chronic bleeding into both lungs in one patient were probably caused by a combination of coagulopathy from the primary illness, the use of anticoagulants, chemotherapy‐induced cytopenia, and a reduced survival rate of platelets and red cells due to permanent contact to foreign surface. We concluded that ECMO is a supportive tool to reduce the incidence of early death, treatment‐related mortality and, ultimately, to improve overall survival in childhood leukaemia.
Superior survival after replacing oral with intravenous busulfan in autologous stem cell transplantation for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with busulfan, cyclophosphamide and etoposide
Authors: Dean Robert M. , Pohlman Brad , Sweetenham John W. , Sobecks Ronald M. , Kalaycio Matt E. , Smith Stephen D. , Copelan Edward A. , Andresen Steven , Rybicki Lisa A. , Curtis Julie , Bolwell Brian J.
Published: October 2009

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with cyclophosphamide, etoposide and oral busulfan (BuCyVP) is an effective therapy for relapsed or refractory non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Substituting intravenous for oral busulfan reduces variability in drug exposure, potentially improving the safety and efficacy of the BuCyVP regimen. We retrospectively compared the outcomes of 604 consecutively treated patients who underwent ASCT for NHL with BuCyVP using oral (n = 468) or IV (n = 136) busulfan, without measurement of busulfan levels for pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis. Patients who received oral busulfan experienced more severe oral mucositis and a higher incidence of nonrelapse mortality. Median overall survival (OS) after ASCT was 72 months with oral busulfan but was not reached for the IV busulfan group. IV busulfan was associated with a lower rate of relapse, and superior relapse‐free survival (RFS) and OS. In multivariate models, the route of busulfan administration was an independent prognostic factor for relapse (P = 0·01), RFS (P = 0·002) and OS (P = 0·001). IV busulfan appears to provide better efficacy and lower toxicity than oral busulfan in ASCT with BuCyVP for NHL. Whether PK‐based busulfan dosing can achieve further improvements in this setting is worthy of study.
Prognostic relevance of TLX3 (HOX11L2) expression in childhood T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster (BFM) protocols containing early and late re‐intensification elements
Authors: Attarbaschi Andishe , Pisecker Markus , Inthal Andrea , Mann Georg , Janousek Dasa , Dworzak Michael , Pötschger Ulrike , Ullmann Reinhard , Schrappe Martin , Gadner Helmut , Haas Oskar A. , Panzer‐Grümayer Renate , Strehl Sabine ,   on behalf of the Austrian Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster (BFM) Study Group
Published: October 2009

TLX3 expression (TLX3+) in childhood T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) seems to be associated with a poor prognosis when treated with regimens that lack early and/or late re‐intensification therapy elements. Because such elements are essential components of the ALL‐BFM (Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster) protocols, we evaluated whether TLX3+ T‐ALL patients benefit from this type of therapy. Thirty‐one/131 childhood T‐ALL cases (24%) enrolled into four population‐based Austrian ALL‐BFM therapy studies were TLX3+. The male to female ratio was 3·5:1 and median age and leucocyte count at diagnosis were 8·7 years and 58·9 × 109/l, respectively. Twenty‐four patients (77%) were good responders to prednisone. All were in complete remission after induction therapy. After a median observation time of 4·9 years (range 0·4–16·1 years) 28/31 TLX3+ cases remained in first complete remission after chemotherapy with one after additional stem cell transplantation. Although molecular disease was frequently present after a 4‐drug induction therapy, final treatment outcome was excellent indicating that TLX3+ T‐ALL cases may benefit from a BFM‐type of ALL therapy with early and late re‐intensification elements. Moreover, the fact that 2/3 relapses were also NUP214‐ABL1+ suggests that these cases might represent the particular risk‐prone TLX3+ subgroup that could benefit from a targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
IRF4 is modulated by CD40L and by apoptotic and anti‐proliferative signals in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Aldinucci Donatella , Rapana’ Barbara , Olivo Karin , Lorenzon Debora , Gloghini Annunziata , Colombatti Alfonso , Carbone Antonino
Published: October 2009

The effects of proliferative, apoptotic and anti‐proliferative stimuli on interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) expression by Reed‐Sternberg (RS) cells were analysed using a panel of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)‐derived cell lines. IRF4 expressed by HL cells was consistently upregulated after CD40 engagement; IRF4 was downregulated by agonistic anti‐CD95 antibodies in the FAS‐sensitive HDLM‐2 cells and after treatment with Adriamycin and Dacarbazine, two chemotherapic agents commonly used for HL treatment. These results demonstrated, for the first time, that IRF4 was up‐modulated by CD40 engagement, and down‐modulated by apoptotic and anti‐proliferative signals, suggesting an involvement of IRF4 also in HL pathobiology.
An alternative design for small‐scale school health experiments: does daily walking produce benefits in physical performance of school children?
Authors: Mønness E. , Sjølie A. N.
Published: October 2009

Background  The mainstream randomized clinical trial is not always feasible in a school setting. There might be practical and ethical issues that make dividing school classes into an intervention and a control group impossible or undesirable, and there is a need to explore the validity of alternative designs and analyses.

Methods  An alternative to a randomized clinical trial in a physical performance experiment at a school is introduced and evaluated. The before‐intervention data are utilized as control data for the intervention data in addition to adjust for pre‐intervention differences. The strict class year structure of school data makes this possible. In a rural school in inland Norway, all school children joined the project of walking in a rugged terrain outside school for 20 min every school day during one school year. Measurements of low back static endurance, hamstrings flexibility, standing balance and cardiovascular fitness were made before and after the intervention. As intervention and ‘aging’ were confounded, the special use of the pre‐intervention data, ‘age‐adjusted’, is proposed to solve this issue. A comparison with having an independent control group is performed.

Results  The alternative analysing method is judged to yield valid results without having an independent control group. The age‐adjusted analyses showed 11% increase in low back static endurance, 8% increase in hamstrings flexibility, 69% increase in balance and 6–13% increase in cardiovascular fitness. The effects were largest among those children who had the lowest performances before the intervention.

Conclusion  The introduced statistical methods display that, in a school population, evaluations from an experiment can be made without an independent control group. A 20‐min walk during school time for 1 year seemed to improve physical performance.
Avian seasonal metabolic variation in a subtropical desert: basal metabolic rates are lower in winter than in summer
Authors: Smit Ben , McKechnie Andrew E.
Published: October 2009

Most small birds inhabiting temperate latitudes in the Holarctic increase basal metabolic rate (BMR) in winter, a pattern thought to reflect the up‐regulation of metabolic machinery required for enhanced winter cold tolerance. In contrast, patterns of seasonal BMR variation in birds inhabiting subtropical latitudes are largely unknown. In this study, we investigate seasonal BMR changes in species from subtropical latitudes, and analyse global variation in the direction and magnitude of these responses.

We estimated winter and summer BMR in five species resident in the Kalahari Desert, using flow‐through respirometry to measure O2 consumption and CO2 production in birds held overnight in a field laboratory.

In all five species, mass‐specific BMR was significantly lower in winter than in summer, with mean reductions of 23% in African scops‐owls (Otus senegalensis), 30% in pearl‐spotted owlets (Glaucidium perlatum), 35% in fork‐tailed drongos (Dicrurus adsimilis), 29% in crimson‐breasted shrikes (Laniarius atrococcinneus), and 17% in white‐browed sparrow‐weavers (Plocepasser mahali).

An analysis of global variation in seasonal BMR changes reveals that their magnitude and direction vary with latitude, ranging from pronounced winter increases at high latitudes where winters are extremely cold, to the opposite pattern in warmer, subtropical environments.

Our empirical results for five species, taken together with the analysis of global variation, are consistent with the hypothesis that winter metabolism in subtropical environments is driven primarily by the need for energy and/or water conservation rather than cold tolerance.
Response of Stipa bungeana and Pennisetum flaccidum to urine of sheep in steppe grassland of north‐western China
Authors: Yu Y. W. , Nan Z. B. , Hou F. J. , Matthew C.
Published: October 2009

Urine [12·3 g nitrogen (N) L−1], collected from native Tan sheep in rangeland of the Loess Plateau in north‐western China, was applied to vegetation patches dominated by Stipa bungeana (C3 grass) or Pennisetum flaccidum, (C4 grass) at either 0, 1·0, 2·0 or 4·0 L urine m−2 in early‐, mid‐, or late‐growing season, and herbage mass and tiller number per sample recorded, allowing calculation of the respective contributions of increases in tiller weight and tiller density to the response from N in urine. Such records were made three times in the growing season of application of urine, and at the end of the following growing season. Responses to urine were of the order of 1 and 5 kg herbage DM kg−1 N applied for S. bungeana and P. flaccidum, respectively. Except for early‐season application, responses of S. bungeana were mainly expressed in the season following urine application whereas responses of P. flaccidum tended to be expressed within the year of urine application, although with a residual response in the following year. The general pattern was for a tiller density‐mediated response in the period immediately after application, followed later by a tiller weight‐mediated response. Taken together with other recent research, S. bungeana can be considered a stress‐tolerating species with a limited response to N application and P. flaccidum an opportunist species able to capitalize on increased N supply.
Efficiency of T‐cell costimulation by CD80 and CD86 cross‐linking correlates with calcium entry
Authors: Thiel Markus , Wolfs Melodie‐Jo , Bauer Stefan , Wenning Anna S. , Burckhart Tanja , Schwarz Eva C. , Scott Andrew M. , Renner Christoph , Hoth Markus
Published: October 2009

Costimulation is a fundamental principle of T‐cell activation. In addition to T‐cell receptor engagement, the interaction between CD80 and/or CD86 with CD28 and/or cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) receptors is required to regulate T‐cell activation and tolerance. While the importance of costimulation is clearly established, the exact molecular mechanism is unknown. We demonstrate that T‐cell proliferation and the ability of CD8+ T‐effector cells to kill were enhanced slightly by CD80 but dramatically by CD86 costimulation. To further analyse the cellular process of costimulation, we developed a single‐cell assay to analyse Ca2+ signals following costimulation with bi‐specific antibodies. We found that this stimulation method worked in every human T‐cell that was analysed, making it one of the most efficient T‐cell activation methods to date for primary human T cells. The enhanced proliferation and killing by costimulation was paralleled by an increase of Ca2+ influx following CD86 costimulation and it was dependent on CD28/CTLA‐4 expression. The enhanced Ca2+ influx following CD86 costimulation was abrogated by an antibody that interfered with CD28 function. The differences in Ca2+ influx between CD80 and CD86 costimulation were not dependent on the depletion of Ca2+ stores but were eliminated by the application of 10 μm 2‐aminoethyldiphenyl borate which has recently been shown to enhance stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2)‐dependent Ca2+ entry while reducing STIM1‐dependent Ca2+ entry. Our data indicate that differences in the efficiency of costimulation are linked to differences in Ca2+ entry.
Women’s experiences with vaginal pessary use
Authors: Storey Sandra , Aston Megan , Price Sheri , Irving Linda , Hemmens Erin
Published: October 2009

Title. Women’s experiences with vaginal pessary use.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study of the lived experiences of women using vaginal pessaries for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) and/or pelvic organ prolapse.

Background. The use of a vaginal pessary offers a non‐surgical treatment option to provide physical support to the bladder and internal organs. As the literature asserts, a woman’s choice to use a pessary is very individual and involves not only physical, but also psychological and emotional considerations.

Method. Narrative inquiry was used to conduct face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews in 2007 with 11 postmenopausal women who accessed services from a Urogynecology Clinic in Eastern Canada.

Findings. The women’s stories revealed that living with a pessary is a life‐changing experience and an ongoing learning process. The women’s comfort level and confidence in caring for the device figured prominently in their experiences. Psychosocial support provided by the clinic nurses also played a primary role in the women’s experiences.

Conclusion. Women and healthcare professionals need to be aware of the personal isolation and embarrassment, and social and cultural implications that urinary incontinence may cause as well as the subjective experiences of using a pessary. With appropriate support, vaginal pessaries can provide women with the freedom to lead active, engaged and social lives.
Reporting behaviours of nursing students who have experienced verbal abuse
Authors: Ferns Terry , Meerabeau Elizabeth
Published: October 2009

Title.  Reporting behaviours of nursing students who have experienced verbal abuse.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring the reporting behaviours of nursing students who had experienced verbal abuse while gaining clinical experience.

Background.  Under‐reporting of incidents of verbal abuse has been identified internationally as a limitation leading to incomplete data collection when researching aggression in healthcare facilities. This can call into question conclusions, recommendations and policy initiatives based on the research.

Method.  Questionnaires were distributed in 2005 to a convenience sample of 156 third year nursing students from one preregistration nursing programme in England. A total of 114 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 73·0%. Fifty‐one students (44·7%) reported verbal abuse and all of these gave details of the behaviours concerned.

Results.  Thirty‐two students (62·7%) of those reporting verbal abuse) stated that they had reported the incident and 19 (37·3%) of respondents stated that they had not. Only four incidents resulted in formal documentation. The most frequent feelings reported by respondents were embarrassment and feeling sorry for the abuser.

Conclusion.  Failure to document experiences of verbal abuse formally was prevalent and reporting practices were variable. Both higher education institutions and healthcare providers should consider establishing process for formal reporting and documenting of incidents of verbal abuse during nurse education, and students should have access to formal support services.
The experiences of mothers in breastfeeding their very low birth weight infants
Authors: Lee Tzu‐Ying , Lee Ting‐Ting , Kuo Su‐Chen
Published: October 2009

Title.  The experiences of mothers in breastfeeding their very low birth weight infants.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the breastfeeding experience of mothers of very low birth weight babies.

Background.  Very low birth weight babies, being born preterm, are at risk for feeding difficulties. Medical complications may prolong their hospital stays and further delay their progression towards oral feeding. Many studies have focused on the benefits of breastfeeding to very low birth weight babies, but very few have explored the breastfeeding experiences of their mothers.

Method.  Data were collected between 2005 and 2007. In‐depth interviews were conducted during home visits with 31 mothers who breastfed their very low birth weight babies. Following her baby’s discharge from hospital, each mother was interviewed twice about her breastfeeding experience. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings.  Five themes were identified from the mothers’ reports: wanting to compensate, maintaining motivation and connectedness, needing ‘extra helping hands’, controlling emotions and matching baby’s individual pace. Mothers’ self‐blaming provoked them to breastfeed their very low birth weight babies to compensate babies for the harm caused by them. These mothers learned how to express breast milk and this served as an important vehicle that gradually connected them to their babies.

Conclusion.  Breastfeeding a very low birth weight baby is a challenging and exhausting experience for the mother. A better teaching protocol for breastfeeding and an improved breastfeeding ethos need to be implemented in the neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery to support families of very low birth weight infants.
Pressure ulcer development in older residents in nursing homes: influencing factors
Authors: Kwong Enid Wai‐yung , Pang Samantha Mei‐che , Aboo Gloria Halima , Law Susan Siu‐ming
Published: October 2009

Title.  Pressure ulcer development in older residents in nursing homes: influencing factors.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study assessing pressure ulcer incidence and factors affecting pressure ulcer development among older nursing home residents.

Background.  Previous researchers have shown that demographic, clinical, health status, risk and human resources factors affect pressure ulcer development among older people in various healthcare settings, but none has investigated their interactive effects among older nursing home residents.

Method.  This was a prospective cohort study involving 346 residents aged 65 years or over from four private nursing homes in Hong Kong. We collected information on participant demographics and assessed their clinical characteristics, health status and pressure ulcer risk factors. Subsequently, we assessed their skin condition every 2 days for 4 weeks to detect pressure ulcers that developed after the initial assessment. The data were collected between December 2006 and September 2007.

Results.  The pressure ulcer incidence was 25·16%. The model in which the factors of clinical characteristics, health status, pressure ulcer risk and human resources were controlled was more reliable in predicting pressure ulcer development than the other two models. It showed that bedfast or chairfast residents, especially those with co‐morbidities (renal failure and stroke) and living in nursing homes where there were no nurses but more nursing assistants, were at higher risk for pressure ulcer development.

Conclusion.  Evidence‐based interventions should be adopted to minimize the possible problems of pressure, malnutrition, friction and shear force, and the decreased pain perception of bedfast or chairfast residents in nursing homes, especially those with renal failure or stroke.
Medication‐free colonoscopy – factors related to pain and its assessment
Authors: Ylinen Eeva‐Riitta , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Hannila Marja‐Leena , Heikkinen Markku
Published: October 2009

Title.  Medication‐free colonoscopy – factors related to pain and its assessment.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to determine the possibility of performing colonoscopy without medication, elucidate the factors related to a painful colonoscopy experience and compare colonoscopy patients’ reported pain assessment to nurses’ and endoscopists’ observations.

Background.  Sedation and pain medication are routinely administered for colonoscopies in many countries. However, medication‐free colonoscopies have attracted attention because the use of medication requires a time commitment from patients and increases complications. Earlier studies show that, for instance, gender, age and pelvic operations may increase the risk of painful colonoscopy and those healthcare professionals and patients appear to assess pain differently.

Method.  A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted in a Finnish university hospital using questionnaires developed for this study and analysed statistically. The sample of 138 colonoscopy patients, 11 nurses and 11 endoscopists was recruited in 2006.

Results.  Over three‐quarters of patients reported mild pain or no pain at all. Patients’ nervousness is a risk factor for experiencing pain during colonoscopy. Both nurses and endoscopists slightly underestimated the intensity of pain experienced by patients.

Conclusion.  It is possible to perform colonoscopy without medication with most patients and focus sedation and pain medication on at‐risk patients, especially those who are nervous. Before the procedure, nurses must devote time to discovering which patients are nervous and at risk of having a painful colonoscopy to present them for sedation. To improve pain management for patients having colonoscopy, endoscopists and nurses should participate systematically in pain education and use pain scales.
‘Being a Chameleon’: labour processes of male nurses performing bodywork
Authors: Fisher Murray J.
Published: October 2009

Title.  ‘Being a Chameleon’: labour processes of male nurses performing bodywork.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study examining the labour processes of male nurses in the conduct of bodywork, and is part of a broader study of social practices that configure masculinity through the lives of male nurses.

Background.  Bodywork is defined as the direct work on others' bodies, and involves interactions of bodies and the control of emotions. As the body is an arena in which social practice occurs then bodywork is a form of social engagement. Bodywork is inextricably intertwined with gender where bodywork is socially structured and culturally accepted as women’s work.

Method.  Life history method was used in this study. Twenty‐one life stories from male registered nurses were gathered in 2003–2004 using semi‐structured interviews. Each life story underwent structural analysis, using a four‐dimension structural model of gender relations.

Findings.  The ability of male nurses to do bodywork and provide care is dependent on the way they ‘do’ gender, that is, they have to be perceived to be performing the masculine identity that best represents the individual patient’s ideology of what it is to be a man, which is set in a particular location and time. In addition, they have to counter the representations of the male nurse, whether it is homosexual, paedophile or heterosexual deviant. Respondents develop labour processes and workplace strategies to overcome the effects of gender stereotypes that may hinder their nursing work.

Conclusion.  Nursing procedures, policies and texts should reflect the complexity and multiplicity in the conduct of bodywork in nursing and refrain from representing essentialist ways (reinforcing nursing as feminine) of doing nursing.