bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A twinfilin‐like protein coordinates karyokinesis by influencing mitotic spindle elongation and DNA replication in Leishmania
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Kajuluri Lova P. , Gupta Chhitar M. , Sahasrabuddhe Amogh A. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryTwinfilin is an evolutionarily conserved actin‐binding protein, which regulates actin‐dynamics in eukaryotic cells. Homologs of this protein have been detected in the genome of various protozoan parasites causing diseases in human. However, very little is known about their core functions in these organisms. We show here that a twinfilin homolog in a human pathogen Leishmania, primarily localizes to the nucleolus and, to some extent, also in the basal body region. In the dividing cells, nucleolar twinfilin redistributes to the mitotic spindle and remains there partly associated with the spindle microtubules. We further show that approximately 50% depletion of this protein significantly retards the cell growth due to sluggish progression of S phase of the cell division cycle, owing to the delayed nuclear DNA synthesis. Interestingly, overexpression of this protein results in significantly increased length of the mitotic spindle in the dividing Leishmania cells, whereas, its depletion adversely affects spindle elongation and architecture. Our results indicate that twinfilin controls on one hand, the DNA synthesis and on the other, the mitotic spindle elongation, thus contributing to karyokinesis in Leishmania.
The prevalence of Candida onychomycosis in Southeastern Serbia from 2011 to 2015
Authors: Otašević Suzana , Barac Aleksandra , Pekmezovic Marina , Tasic Sinisa , Ignjatović Aleksandra , Momčilović Stefan , Stojanović Predrag , Arsic Arsenijevic Valentina , Hay Roderick 
Published: December 2015

SummaryDespite the increasing of onychomycosis caused by Candida spp., in referent literature, there is still data insufficiency about this nail infection. The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine epidemiological characteristics of Candida onychomycosis, the antifungal susceptibility of isolated species in vitro, and to compare the results of antifungal susceptibility testing with conducted treatment in period from 2011 to the end of March 2015. Out of 761 patients who were underwent clinical and mycological examinations, 137 had Candida species isolated from nails. The dominant species was Candida albicans (C. albicans) (36.59%) followed by C. parapsilosis (23.78%), C. krusei (9.76%), and C. guilliermondii (6.71%). Antifungal susceptibility in vitro testing showed good susceptibility to antimycotics, except C. krusei, which was resistance to fluconazole (FCZ) and isolates of C. tropicalis and C. glabrata which were dose dependent to itraconazole (ITZ) and fluconazole. Evaluation of medical histories determined that combined therapy, which included pulsed systemic regimen of ITZ with topical application of clotrimazole, had better clinical outcomes regarding the proscribed only topical application of clotrimazole. Multidisciplinary approach of dermatologists and mycologists is required in solving the problem of onychomycosis, which is the dominant nail disease.
Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury following transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Srivali Narat , Kittanamongkolchai Wonngarm , Greason Kevin L , Kashani Kianoush B 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).MethodsWe included all adult patients undergoing TAVR for aortic stenosis from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2014 at a tertiary referral hospital. AKI was defined based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. We performed a multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with post‐procedural AKI occurrence.ResultsThree hundred eighty‐six patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 106 (28%) developed AKI. In multivariate analysis, AKI development was independently associated with a transapical approach (odds ratio (OR), 2.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.72–4.65 compared with transfemoral approach) and the need for an intra‐aortic balloon pump (OR, 9.11; 95% CI, 1.77–68.29). Higher baseline renal function (OR, 0.78 per 10 mL/min per 1.73 m2 increment in glomerular filtration rate; 95% CI, 0.68–0.87) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of AKI. After adjustment for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' risk score, post‐procedural AKI development remained significantly associated with an increased in‐hospital (OR, 4.74; 95% CI, 1.39–18.48) and 6‐month mortality (OR, 4.66; 95% CI, 2.32–9.63).ConclusionIn a cohort of patients undergoing TAVR for aortic stenosis, AKI commonly occurred and was significantly associated with increased mortality. Baseline renal function, procedure approach and the need for circulatory support were important predictive factors for post‐procedural AKI occurrence.
Relationship between declining glomerular filtration rate and measures of cardiac and vascular autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Clyne Naomi , Hellberg Matthias , Kouidi Evangelia , Deligiannis Asterios , Höglund Peter 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimCardiac and vascular autonomic neuropathy contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on heart rate variability (HRV) and nocturnal blood pressure dipping.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study comprises 124 patients (46 women, 78 men; age 66 ± 14 years) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) 3–5, not on renal replacement therapy. GFR was measured with iohexol clearance, HRV with 24 h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) and nocturnal dipping with 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure.ResultsThe GFR was 22.5 ± 8.5 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The main finding was a significant curvilinear association between the 24 h standard deviation of NN interval (24SDNN) in the HRV analysis and GFR (P = 0.01), logGFR (P = 0.006), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.05) and beta blocker treatment (0.03), respectively. The effect of diabetes mellitus on 24SDNN corresponded to a decline in GFR from 30 to 12 mL/min per 1.73 m2. There were significant curvilinear associations between systolic nocturnal dipping (P = 0.02) and diastolic nocturnal dipping (P = 0.05), respectively, and diabetes mellitus but not with GFR or logGFR.ConclusionIn conclusion, cardiac sympathetic overdrive and decreased vagal control appear during CKD 4 and 5. The association with GFR is curvilinear. Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with both cardiac and vascular autonomic neuropathy, as measured by heart rate variability and nocturnal blood pressure dipping, respectively. Knowing that arrhythmias, often due to sympathetic hyperactivity, are an important cause of sudden death in the dialysis population, this study contributes important knowledge on possible intervention thresholds.
Intrahospital transports of critically ill patients: critical care nurses' perceptions
Authors: Ringdal Mona , Chaboyer Wendy , Warrén Stomberg Margareta 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundBetween 30% and 70% of intrahospital transports is associated with some form of adverse event, compromising patient safety.Aims(1) To describe critical care nurses' perceptions of intrahospital transport problems, including the stress associated with transport and their perceived ability to respond appropriately to these problems; (2) to determine if there were associations between problems and responses.Design and methodsThis survey was conducted in three intensive care units. Descriptive data and correlations between perceived problems and responses and correlations between perceptions of the problems and ability to respond appropriately were calculated. Results from the open‐ended item were categorised.ResultsEighty‐six nurses completed the web survey, a response rate of 57%. Two‐thirds said their intensive care Units had written transport guidelines, and two‐thirds of the transports were performed by nurses without physicians. Circulatory failure was the most frequently perceived problem (4·2 ± 2·8) followed by decreased levels of consciousness (3·5 ± 2·9). Positive correlations between two perceived patient problems, circulatory failure and neurological deterioration and nurses' perceptions of how to respond appropriately to them, were identified. Failure in pulse oximetry and equipment‐related problems were positively correlated to nurses' responses. Nurses described the transports as an unsafe and stressful task: ‘It's like a marathon race’.ConclusionNurses report that undertaking transports were a stressful activity, but they perceived transport problems to be an infrequent occurrence. They stated that they respond appropriately to the problem.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses reported they were alert to the potential risks patients face during transport. Because fewer staff remained in the intensive care units, these remaining patients are also at risk during intrahospital transport.
Living well with dementia: enhancing dignity and quality of life, using a novel intervention, Dignity Therapy
Authors: Johnston Bridget , Lawton Sally , McCaw Catriona , Law Emma , Murray Joyce , Gibb John , Pringle Jan , Munro Gillian , Rodriguez Cesar 
Published: December 2015

Aims and objectivesTo assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of Dignity Therapy to improve the quality of life and reduce psychological and spiritual distress in older people with early stage dementia.BackgroundDementia is a syndrome with several causes that leads to a progressive decline in multiple areas of functioning. The maintenance of dignity and enhancement of quality of life are key elements of care. Meaningful communication may become more difficult with condition progression. Improvements in communication may have positive effects on the person's quality of life. Dignity Therapy is a short psychotherapeutic intervention that uses a trained therapist to take the person with dementia through a guided interview process, producing a ‘generativity’ document that creates a lasting, written legacy during a time when they are still able to communicate well.Design and methodThis was a feasibility mixed method study. Dignity Therapy was undertaken with patients diagnosed as having early stage dementia. Data were gathe‐red from pre‐ and post‐Dignity Therapy interviews, a focus group, interviews with key stakeholders, and three outcome measures: The Herth Hope Index; The Patient Dignity Inventory; Perceived Quality of Life/Satisfaction with Quality Life Ratings.FindingsThis study demonstrated that Dignity Therapy is feasible, acceptable and potentially effective for older people with dementia. Three overarching themes emerged: A life in context, A key to connect and Personal legacy.ConclusionsWe recommend that this feasibility study forms the basis for further study, advocating the prospective benefits to patients with dementia, families and nursing practice.Implications for practiceDignity Therapy, as a psychosocial intervention, has the potential to improve the quality of life and enhance person centred care for people with dementia.
Factors influencing nurses’ readiness to care for hospitalised older people
Authors: Baumbusch Jennifer , Leblanc Marie‐Eve , Shaw Maureen , Kjorven Mary 
Published: December 2015

Aims and objectivesTo gain a better understanding of nurses’ perspectives on factors that influence their readiness to provide appropriate care for hospitalised older people.BackgroundHospitals have consistently been criticised for failing to address the unique, complex needs of older people. Research suggests that multiple issues have led to this situation, including a lack of educational preparation for nurses, limited attention to environmental factors, and an absence of organisational preparedness that ensures hospitals are adapted to meet the needs of older people.DesignAn exploratory, qualitative approach was used.MethodsForty‐one Registered Nurses participated (24 point‐of‐care nurses; 17 organisational leaders). Six focus groups and one individual interview were conducted. Thematic data analysis was employed to generate the main study findings.ResultsAn overarching theme of ‘Poor Fit’ emerged. While participants identified the shifting needs of patients towards more complex and relational care, the broader organisational and societal contexts were, largely, unchanging. This resulted in nurses recognising the factors needed to be ready to care for older patients and their families, but working in hospitals that were not suited to these needs.ConclusionsThe findings identify factors at the point‐of‐care, the organisational level, and in broader societal attitudes that shape nurses’ readiness to care for hospitalised older people. However, many of these factors are modifiable and care for older people could be improved through quality improvement initiatives and nursing leadership. This study offers insight into ways to re‐imagine nursing care that can be responsive to older people's complex needs in hospitals.Implications for practiceWith a growing contingent of hospitalised older people, it is imperative that nurses, who comprise the largest workforce in this setting, be included in the planning and delivery of healthcare services to ensure readiness to meet the needs of this population.
Thrombocytopenia‐associated multi‐organ failure caused by diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Alsaied Tarek , Goldstein Stuart L , Kaddourah Ahmad , Poynter Sue E 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThrombocytopenia‐associated multi‐organ failure (TAMOF) is an increasingly reported entity in the pediatric intensive care unit. The clinical presentation is similar to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, but with no evidence of hemolysis and no schistocytes on peripheral smear. We report a case of TAMOF induced by diabetic ketoacidosis and treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Early diagnosis and initiation of TPE significantly decrease the morbidity associated with TAMOF.
Characterisation of antioxidants in photosynthetic and non‐photosynthetic leaf tissues of variegated Pelargonium zonale plants
Authors: Vidović M. , Morina F. , Milić‐Komić S. , Vuleta A. , Zechmann B. , Prokić Lj. , Veljović Jovanović S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHydrogen peroxide is an important signalling molecule, involved in regulation of numerous metabolic processes in plants. The most important sources of H2O2 in photosynthetically active cells are chloroplasts and peroxisomes. Here we employed variegated Pelargonium zonale to characterise and compare enzymatic and non‐enzymatic components of the antioxidative system in autotrophic and heterotrophic leaf tissues at (sub)cellular level under optimal growth conditions. The results revealed that both leaf tissues had specific strategies to regulate H2O2 levels. In photosynthetic cells, the redox regulatory system was based on ascorbate, and on the activities of thylakoid‐bound ascorbate peroxidase (tAPX) and catalase. In this leaf tissue, ascorbate was predominantly localised in the nucleus, peroxisomes, plastids and mitochondria. On the other hand, non‐photosynthetic cells contained higher glutathione content, mostly located in mitochondria. The enzymatic antioxidative system in non‐photosynthetic cells relied on the ascorbate–glutathione cycle and both Mn and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Interestingly, higher content of ascorbate and glutathione, and higher activities of APX in the cytosol of non‐photosynthetic leaf cells compared to the photosynthetic ones, suggest the importance of this compartment in H2O2 regulation. Together, these results imply different regulation of processes linked with H2O2 signalling at subcellular level. Thus, we propose green‐white variegated leaves as an excellent system for examination of redox signal transduction and redox communication between two cell types, autotrophic and heterotrophic, within the same organ.
Two‐dimensional knee valgus displacement as a predictor of patellofemoral pain in adolescent females
Authors: Holden S. , Boreham C. , Doherty C. , Delahunt E. 
Published: December 2015

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent lower limb musculo‐skeletal injury in adolescent females. Female athletes with PFP display increased frontal plane knee joint motion in comparison to control subjects. The current investigation aimed to determine prospectively whether two‐dimensional knee valgus displacement during landing could predict the risk of developing PFP. Seventy‐six injury‐free adolescent female athletes (age = 12.9 ±0.35 years) participated. At baseline participants performed three drop vertical jump trials from a 31‐cm box. A standard video camera was used to record frontal plane knee joint kinematics. Over the 24‐month follow‐up, eight participants developed PFP, as diagnosed by a Chartered Physiotherapist. Knee valgus displacement was significantly increased in those who developed PFP compared to those who did not (mean difference = 7.79°; P = 0.002; partial eta squared = 0.07). Knee valgus displacement ≥10.6° predicted PFP with a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.85. The associated positive likelihood ratio was 5. These results have clinical utility suggesting that two‐dimensional analysis could be implemented to screen for increased risk of PFP in adolescent female athletes.
Auxin responsiveness of the MONOPTEROS‐BODENLOS module in primary root initiation critically depends on the nuclear import kinetics of the Aux/IAA inhibitor BODENLOS
Authors: Herud Ole , Weijers Dolf , Lau Steffen , Jürgens Gerd 
Published: December 2015

SummaryPrimary root formation in early embryogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana is initiated with the specification of a single cell called hypophysis. This initial step requires the auxin‐dependent release of the transcription factor MONOPTEROS (MP, also known as ARF5) from its inhibition by the Aux/IAA protein BODENLOS (BDL, also known as IAA12). Auxin‐insensitive bdl mutant embryos and mp loss‐of‐function embryos fail to specify the hypophysis, giving rise to rootless seedlings. A suppressor screen of rootless bdl mutant seedlings yielded a mutation in the nuclear import receptor IMPORTIN‐ALPHA 6 (IMPα6) that promoted primary root formation through rescue of the embryonic hypophysis defects, without causing additional phenotypic changes. Aux/IAA proteins are continually synthesized and degraded, which is essential for rapid transcriptional responses to changing auxin concentrations. Nuclear translocation of bdl:3×GFP was slowed down in impα6 mutants as measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis, which correlated with the reduced inhibition of MP by bdl in transient expression assays in impα6 knock‐down protoplasts. The MP–BDL module acts like an auxin‐triggered genetic switch because MP activates its own expression as well as the expression of its inhibitor BDL. Using an established simulation model, we determined that the reduced nuclear translocation rate of BDL in impα6 mutant embryos rendered the auxin‐triggered switch unstable, impairing the fast response to changes in auxin concentration. Our results suggest that the instability of the inhibitor BDL necessitates a fast nuclear uptake in order to reach the critical threshold level required for auxin responsiveness of the MP–BDL module in primary root initiation.
Overexpression of SbMyb60 impacts phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and alters secondary cell wall composition in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Scully Erin D. , Gries Tammy , Sarath Gautam , Palmer Nathan A. , Baird Lisa , Serapiglia Michelle J. , Dien Bruce S. , Boateng Akwasi A. , Ge Zhengxiang , Funnell‐Harris Deanna L. , Twigg Paul , Clemente Thomas E. , Sattler Scott E. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway that generates lignin subunits represents a significant target for altering the abundance and composition of lignin. The global regulators of phenylpropanoid metabolism may include MYB transcription factors, whose expression levels have been correlated with changes in secondary cell wall composition and the levels of several other aromatic compounds, including anthocyanins and flavonoids. While transcription factors correlated with downregulation of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway have been identified in several grass species, few transcription factors linked to activation of this pathway have been identified in C4 grasses, some of which are being developed as dedicated bioenergy feedstocks. In this study we investigated the role of SbMyb60 in lignin biosynthesis in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), which is a drought‐tolerant, high‐yielding biomass crop. Ectopic expression of this transcription factor in sorghum was associated with higher expression levels of genes involved in monolignol biosynthesis, and led to higher abundances of syringyl lignin, significant compositional changes to the lignin polymer and increased lignin concentration in biomass. Moreover, transgenic plants constitutively overexpressing SbMyb60 also displayed ectopic lignification in leaf midribs and elevated concentrations of soluble phenolic compounds in biomass. Results indicate that overexpression of SbMyb60 is associated with activation of monolignol biosynthesis in sorghum. SbMyb60 represents a target for modification of plant cell wall composition, with the potential to improve biomass for renewable uses.
Treatment of thrombotic microangiopathy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin
Authors: Fujiwara Hideaki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Sando Yasuhisa , Nakamura Makoto , Tani Katsuma , Ishikawa Tatsunori , Nishimori Hisakazu , Matsuoka Ken‐Ichi , Fujii Nobuharu , Kondo Eisei , Tanimoto Mitsune 
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUNDTransplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a severe complication associated with underlying endothelial damage. TMA has a high mortality rate with no definite treatments and effective treatments are needed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe study objective was to retrospectively analyze the outcome of patients receiving recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM), which has cytoprotective effects against calcineurin inhibitor–induced endothelial cell damage, or other therapeutics for TA‐TMA from 254 consecutive HSCT recipients between 2009 to 2014 at a single institution. We hypothesized that patients receiving rTM as a first‐line treatment would receive a benefit.RESULTSSixteen patients were diagnosed as TA‐TMA. Of these 16 patients, nine were treated with rTM (rTM group), and seven received treatment other than rTM (control group) as a first‐line therapy. Seven of the nine patients in the rTM group recovered from TA‐TMA without complications, but none in the control group recovered. The rTM group showed a significantly better overall survival after TA‐TMA onset than did the control group (median, 123.0 days vs. 45.5 days, respectively; p = 0.045). The cumulative incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease was the same in both groups (56% vs. 57%, respectively; p = 0.52) on Day 100 after TA‐TMA onset.CONCLUSIONThis is the first report evaluating rTM administration for TA‐TMA compared with previous treatments. Our data suggests that rTM might offer a better clinical outcome in patients with TA‐TMA.
Exchange Rates, Employment and Labour Market Rigidity
Authors: Alexandre Fernando , Bação Pedro , Cerejeira João , Portela Miguel 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we study the effect of labour market rigidity on the impact of exchange rate shocks on employment. We use a panel dataset comprising 22 manufacturing sectors across 23 OECD countries. In our econometric model, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on sectoral employment is mediated by the degree of openness and by a measure of labour market rigidity: the OECD's employment protection legislation (EPL) index. Our results suggest that greater labour market rigidity reduces the impact of exchange rate shocks on employment. This effect is statistically significant for low‐technology sectors.