bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal tubular dysfunction in children with sickle cell haemoglobinopathy
Authors: Badr Mohamed , El Koumi Mohamed A , Ali Yasser F , El‐Morshedy Salah , Almonem Nermin Abd , Hassan Tamer , El Rahman Rehab Abd , Afify Mona 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimChildren with sickle cell disease (SCD) are remarkably more prone than others to renal dysfunction. The kidneys, as one of the systemic long‐term hazards in SCD, may be affected by both the haemodynamic changes of chronic anaemia as well as by the consequences of vaso‐occlusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximal tubular function in a group of Saudi children with established SCD.MethodsThis study was conducted in Al‐Khafji Joint Operations (KJO) Hospital, in Saudi Arabia during the period from June 2011 to August 2012. Thirty‐four children: Group I (18 males and 16 females) with SCD (HBSS) and 27 children: Group II (17 males and 10 females) with sickle cell trait (HBAS) were evaluated for urinary excretion of retinol binding protein (RBP) and – Beta 2 microglobulin (β2 MG).ResultsGroup I patients showed a significantly impaired urinary concentrating ability compared to that of Group II (417 ± 94 mOsm/kg vs 581 ± 165 mOsm/kg). The urinary excretions of RBP and β2‐microglobulin were significantly higher in Group I than in Group II. The values were 762.01 ± 124.20 μg/L and 841.84 ± 389.02 μg/L versus 198.12 ± 42.24 μg/L and 298.3 ± 38.11 μg/L, respectively.ConclusionSignificant proximal tubular dysfunction was a feature in the SCD group, indicated by high urinary RBP and β2‐microglobulin excretion. Assessing the urinary excretion of these low molecular weight proteins in children with sickle cell disease at different points of diagnosis may add key clinical information to the follow up of renal tubular function in patients with SCD.
Spiritual coping, religiosity and quality of life: A study on Muslim patients undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: Saffari Mohsen , Pakpour Amir H , Naderi Maryam K , Koenig Harold G , Baldacchino Donia R , Piper Crystal N 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThe number of haemodialysis patients globally is increasing and spiritual resources may help overcome adjustment problems among such patients. This study examined the relationships between spiritual/religious, demographic and clinical variables and quality of life among Iranian Muslims undergoing haemodialysis.MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional design, 362 haemodialysis patients were surveyed from three general hospitals located in Tehran, Iran. Spiritual coping strategies, Duke University Religion Index, EQ‐5D 3L and a demographic questionnaire were administered. Hierarchical regression was used to identify predictors of quality of life and health status.ResultsThe distribution of reported problems across dimensions of quality of life was: mobility (59.4%), usual activities (30.4%), self‐care (21.3%), pain/discomfort (47.8%) and anxiety/depression (29.3%). Univariate analysis showed that factors such as age, sex, marital status, location, number of children, body mass index, serum albumin, having diabetes mellitus or other comorbidity, as well as spiritual/religious factors that were related to quality of life, health status or both. Regression models revealed that demographics, clinical variables and especially spiritual/religious factors explained about 40% of variance of quality of life and nearly 25% of the variance in health status.ConclusionSpiritual resources may contribute to better quality of life and health status among haemodialysis patients. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these associations are causal and the direction of effect.
Improvement of quality of life and symptoms after gastric electrical stimulation in children with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Lu P. L. , Teich S. , Lorenzo C. D. , Skaggs B. , Alhajj M. , Mousa H. M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundOur objective is to evaluate the effect of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) on symptoms and quality of life for pediatric patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).MethodsTwenty‐four patients (16 female, median 15 years) were treated with GES for FD after a median of 24 months of symptoms (3 months–14 years). At baseline, 46% required tube feeds and 25% parenteral nutrition. Sixty percent had gastroparesis. The PedsQL GI Module (PedsQL) was completed for 18/24 both pre‐/post‐GES after a median of 8 months. Patients also completed the Symptom Monitor Worksheet (SMW) pre‐/post‐GES after a median of 6 months. Pre‐/post‐GES global health was also assessed.Key ResultsSignificant improvements were seen in multiple areas of the PedsQL, including stomach pain/upset, food/drink limits, heartburn/reflux, gas/bloating, patient worry, medication tolerance, and constipation (P < 0.05). A decrease was found in combined symptom severity/frequency based on SMW (P < 0.01). Improvements were made in all categories, including vomiting, nausea, early satiety, bloating, fullness, epigastric pain, and burning (P < 0.01). Improvements in PedsQL/SMW scores remained when analysis was limited to normal or delayed gastric emptying (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). Thirteen percent needed tube feeds and 13% parenteral nutrition after GES. Sixty‐five percent reported that their health was much improved after GES vs 15% the same or worse. Five patients experienced complications, primarily mild abdominal discomfort.Conclusions & InferencesIn the largest series to date of pediatric patients who have undergone GES for FD, we found significant improvements in upper gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and perception of global health. Patients were less dependent on tube feeding or parenteral nutrition.
Genetic fate‐mapping of tyrosine hydroxylase‐expressing cells in the enteric nervous system
Authors: Obermayr F. , Stamp L. A. , Anderson C. R. , Young H. M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundDuring development of the enteric nervous system, a subpopulation of enteric neuron precursors transiently expresses catecholaminergic properties. The progeny of these transiently catecholaminergic (TC) cells have not been fully characterized.MethodsWe combined in vivo Cre‐lox‐based genetic fate‐mapping with phenotypic analysis to fate‐map enteric neuron subtypes arising from tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐expressing cells.Key ResultsLess than 3% of the total (Hu+) neurons in the myenteric plexus of the small intestine of adult mice are generated from transiently TH‐expressing cells. Around 50% of the neurons generated from transiently TH‐expressing cells are calbindin neurons, but their progeny also include calretinin, neurofilament‐M, and serotonin neurons. However, only 30% of the serotonin neurons and small subpopulations (<10%) of the calbindin, calretinin, and neurofilament‐M neurons are generated from TH‐expressing cells; only 0.2% of nitric oxide synthase neurons arise from TH‐expressing cells.Conclusions & InferencesTransiently, catecholaminergic cells give rise to subpopulations of multiple enteric neuron subtypes, but the majority of each of the neuron subtypes arises from non‐TC cells.
Herbivore exclusion drives the evolution of plant competitiveness via increased allelopathy
Authors: Uesugi Akane , Kessler André 
Published: February 2013

Summary

The ‘Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA)’ hypothesis predicts the evolution of plant invasiveness in introduced ranges when plants escape from their natural enemies. So far, the EICA hypothesis has been tested by comparing plant vigor from native and invasive populations, but these studies are confounded by among‐population differences in additional environmental factors and/or founder effects.

We tested the major prediction of EICA by comparing the competitive ability (CA) of Solidago altissima plants originating from artificial selection plots in which we manipulated directly the exposure to above‐ground herbivores.

In a common garden experiment, we found an increase in inter‐specific, but not intra‐specific, CA in clones from herbivore exclusion plots relative to control plots. The evolutionary increase in inter‐specific CA coincided with the increased production of polyacetylenes, whose major constituent was allelopathic against a heterospecific competitor, Poa pratensis, but not against conspecifics.

Our results provide direct evidence that release from herbivory alone can lead to an evolutionary increase in inter‐specific CA, which is likely to be mediated by the increased production of allelopathic compounds in S. altissima.
Bruno‐like proteins modulate flowering time via 3′ UTR‐dependent decay of SOC1 mRNA
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Sae , Abbasi Nazia , Choi Sang‐Bong 
Published: February 2013

Summary

The Bruno RNA‐binding protein (RBP) has been shown to initially repress the translation of oskar mRNA during Drosophila oogenesis and later to be involved in a broad range of RNA regulation.

Here, we show that homologous constitutive overexpression of each of two Arabidopsis thaliana Bruno‐like genes, AtBRN1 and AtBRN2, delayed the flowering time, while the atbrn1 atbrn2‐3 double mutant flowered early and exhibited increased expression of APETALA1 (AP1) and LEAFY (LFY) transcripts.

Crossing of 35S::AtBRNs with SOC1 101‐D plants demonstrated that 35S::AtBRNs suppress an early‐flowering phenotype of SOC1 101‐D in which the coding sequence (CDS) with the 3′ UTR of SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 (SOC1) gene is overexpressed. However, this early‐flowering phenotype by SOC1 overexpression was maintained in the plants coexpressing 35S::AtBRNs and 35S::SOC1 without the 3′ UTR (–3′ UTR).

Using yeast three‐hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, RNA immunoprecipitation, and protoplast transient assays, we found that AtBRNs bind to the 3′ UTR of SOC1 RNA and participate in mRNA decay, which was mediated by the distal region of the SOC1 3′ UTR. Overall, AtBRNs repress SOC1 activity in a 3′ UTR‐dependent manner, thereby controlling the flowering time in Arabidopsis.
Enhancement of leaf photosynthetic capacity through increased stomatal density in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tanaka Yu , Sugano Shigeo S. , Shimada Tomoo , Hara‐Nishimura Ikuko 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Photosynthetic rate is determined by CO2 fixation and CO2 entry into the plant through pores in the leaf epidermis called stomata. However, the effect of increased stomatal density on photosynthetic rate remains unclear. This work investigated the effect of alteration of stomatal density on leaf photosynthetic capacity in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Stomatal density was modulated by overexpressing or silencing STOMAGEN, a positive regulator of stomatal development. Leaf photosynthetic capacity and plant growth were examined in transgenic plants.

Increased stomatal density in STOMAGEN‐overexpressing plants enhanced the photosynthetic rate by 30% compared to wild‐type plants. Transgenic plants showed increased stomatal conductance under ambient CO2 conditions and did not show alterations in the maximum rate of carboxylation, indicating that the enhancement of photosynthetic rate was caused by gas diffusion changes. A leaf photosynthesis‐intercellular CO2 concentration response curve showed that photosynthetic rate was increased under high CO2 conditions in association with increased stomatal density. STOMAGEN overexpression did not alter whole plant biomass, whereas its silencing caused biomass reduction.

Our results indicate that increased stomatal density enhanced leaf photosynthetic capacity by modulating gas diffusion. Stomatal density may be a target trait for plant engineering to improve photosynthetic capacity.
ALFIN‐LIKE 6 is involved in root hair elongation during phosphate deficiency in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chandrika Nulu Naga Prafulla , Sundaravelpandian Kalaipandian , Yu Su‐May , Schmidt Wolfgang 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Phosphate (Pi) starvation in plants induces dense and elongated root hairs, which increase the absorptive surface area of the roots and play a critical role in Pi uptake. The molecular mechanism underlying these changes remains unclear.

Forward and reverse genetic approaches were employed to identify novel genes involved in root hair formation on Pi starvation.

The mutant per2, with defects in root hair elongation specifically under low Pi conditions, was identified in a large‐scale genetic screen of T‐DNA insertion lines. The phenotype was caused by a mutation in the homeodomain protein ALFIN‐LIKE 6 (AL6). From a screen of mutants defective in genes that showed lower transcript abundance in per2 relative to wild‐type roots on low Pi medium, we identified four putative downstream targets of AL6, namely ETC1, NPC4, SQD2 and PS2, all of which were critical in root hair elongation of Pi‐deficient plants. The results further indicate that AL6 is involved in the control of growth and several key responses to Pi starvation.

Our findings demonstrate that AL6 controls the transcription of a suite of genes critical for root hair elongation under low Pi conditions, suggesting a novel physiological function for an Alfin gene in Arabidopsis.
Diagnosis, prognosis and awareness of dying in nursing homes: towards the Gold Standard?
Authors: Johnson Martin , Attree Moira , Jones Ian , Al Gamal Ekhlas , Garbutt David 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundIn Western society and increasingly elsewhere, death has become medicalised and ‘hospitalised’ even when people are enduring deteriorating terminal conditions such as dementia and heart failure. In an attempt to rationalise and dignify the place and manner of death, evidence is emerging that the adoption of end‐of‐life care pathways and models can improve the experience of the end‐of‐life care across a range of care settings. Each of these demands skills and knowledge in the assessment and prediction of the dying trajectory.AimIn this study, we report complexities facing relatives, residents and nursing home staff in the awareness, diagnosis and prediction of the dying trajectory.MethodsData were collected and analysed within a broadly qualitative methodology. The contexts were two nursing homes in the Greater Manchester area, each at different stages of implementing ‘Gold Standards Framework’ approaches to planning end‐of‐life care with residents and their relatives. From 2008 to 2011 and with appropriate consent, data were collected by a mixture of interviews and participant observation with residents, relatives and staff. Appropriate ethics approvals were sought and given.ResultsKey emerging themes were diagnosis and awareness of dying in which there is no substitute for experience. Significant resource is needed to engage staff, residents and relatives/carers with the idea of advance care planning.ConclusionsTalking to residents and relatives about their feelings and wishes for care at the end of life remains especially difficult, but education and training in key skills and knowledge can engender confidence. Challenges include diagnosing and predicting dying trajectories.Implications for practiceAdvance care planning can reduce the distress from and number of inappropriate hospital admissions, but requires determination and consistent application of the approach. This can be very challenging in the face of staff rotation and the unpredictability both of the dying trajectory and the decision‐making of some out of hours medical staff.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence: A Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: GUIJIAN LIU , JINCHUAN YAN , RONGZENG DU , JUN QIAN , JUN WU , WENQING ZHU 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundObesity is associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Several trials exploring the impact of elevated body mass index (BMI) on the catheter ablation of AF have been published and yield conflicting results. We thus conducted a meta‐analysis to explore the association between elevated BMI and AF recurrence in patients undergoing catheter ablation.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled.ResultsSix observational studies including 2,358 patients were included. Of those, four studies were prospective cohort studies, and two were retrospective studies. Elevated BMI increased the risk of AF recurrence compared to normal BMI by 31%, where the difference between the two arms was statistically significant (RR = 1.308, 95% CI: 1.036–1.651, P = 0.02). Compared to normal BMI group, the overweight group had a 27% increased risk of AF recurrence (RR = 1.270, 95% CI 0: 961–1.679, P = 0.093) and the obese group had a significantly increased risk of AF recurrence (RR = 1.378, 95% CI: 1.006–1.887, P = 0.045). When compared to the overweight group, the obese group has a 12% increased risk of AF recurrence (RR = 1.116, 95% CI: 0.866–1.438, P = 0.397).ConclusionsElevated BMI is associated significantly with AF recurrence in patients undergoing catheter ablation. There is a graded relationship between elevated BMI and increased risk of AF recurrence.
Behavioral Interventions in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Lessons Learned and Where to Go from Here?
Authors: HABIBOVIĆ MIRELA , BURG MATTHEW M. , PEDERSEN SUSANNE S. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundThe implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the first‐line treatment for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. A subgroup of patients experience psychological distress postimplant, and no clear evidence base exists regarding how best to address patients’ needs. The aim of this critical review is to provide an overview of behavioral interventions in ICD patients to date, and to delineate directions for future research using lessons learned from the ongoing RISTA and WEBCARE trials.MethodsWe searched the PubMed and PsycInfo databases to identify reports of behavioral trials targeting distress and related factors in ICD patients published between 1980 and April 2012.ResultsWe identified 17 trials for the review. Generally, compared to usual care, behavioral interventions were associated with reduced anxiety and depression and improved physical functioning, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate‐large (0.10–1.79 for anxiety; 0.23–1.20 for depression). Important limitations were small sample sizes and potential selection bias, hampering generalizability of the results. In addition to a need for larger trials, experiences from the RISTA and WEBCARE trials suggest that intervention trials tailored to the individual patient may be the way forward.ConclusionsBehavioral interventions show promise with respect to reducing distress in ICD patients. Large‐scale intervention trials targeted to the individual needs and preferences of patients are warranted, as a “one size fits all” approach is unlikely to work for all ICD patients.
Age‐Related Prognosis of Syncope Associated with a Preexcitation Syndrome
Authors: BREMBILLA‐PERROT BÉATRICE , ZINSCH ANNE M. , SELLAL JEAN M. , ZINZIUS PIERRE Y. , SCHWARTZ JÉRÔME , BEURRIER DANIEL , DE CHILLOU CHRISTIAN , GODENIR JEAN P. , LETHOR JEAN P. , MARCHAL CÉCILE , CLOEZ JEAN L. , PAURIAH MAHESHWAR , NOSU RADU , ANDRONACHE MARIUS , MARÇON FRANÇOIS 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundSyncope in Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome (WPW) is without relationship with WPW or reveals a poorly tolerated arrhythmia. Electrophysiologic study (EPS) is recommended. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of the patient's age on the causes and prognosis of syncope.MethodsA total of 98 patients, mean age 35 ± 18 years, with WPW were admitted for syncope. Note that 29 were aged between 9 and 19 years (mean 15 ± 3) (children and teenagers/group I), 45 between 20 and 49 years (mean 34 ± 8) (adults/group II), and 24 between 50 and 70 years (mean 60 ± 8) (elderly/group III). EPS consisted of atrial pacing and programmed atrial stimulation in control state and after isoproterenol.ResultsPotentially malignant form (rapid conduction in accessory pathway >240 beats/min in control state or >300 beats/min after isoproterenol and atrial fibrillation [AF] induction) was more frequent in group I (34%) than in groups II (7%) (P < 0.002) and III (0%) (P < 0.001). Orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) and AF were induced as frequently in groups I (59, 34%), II (47, 15.5%), and III (54, 17%). AVRT was induced in all but one patient with malignant form. EPS was as frequently negative in groups I (27.5%), II (44%), and III (37.5%). Natural follow‐up (mean 8 ± 6 years) indicated a favorable prognosis, only related to AVRT induction. Induced AF was without significance.ConclusionsData in syncope and WPW syndrome depended on age: electrophysiological malignant form was frequent in children/teenagers, rare in adults, and absent in elderly. AVRT, the main cause of syncope, was as frequent in all ranges of age. AF's induction alone had no significance. Final prognosis was favorable.
Effects of Right Ventricular Nonapical Pacing on Cardiac Function: A Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: WEIZONG WANG , ZHONGSU WANG , YUJIAO ZHANG , MEI GAO , JIANGRONG WANG , YONG ZHANG , XINXING XIE , YINGLONG HOU 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundA meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the effects of right ventricular nonapical (RVNA) and right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing on cardiac function.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify RCTs comparing RVNA pacing with RVA pacing with follow‐up ≥2 months. Twenty RCTs involving 1,114 patients were included.ResultsCompared with RVA pacing, RVNA (mainly right ventricular septum [RVS]) pacing exhibited not only excellent pacing threshold and R‐wave amplitude but also higher impedance. RVNA pacing showed a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at the end of follow‐up (weighted mean difference = 3.58, 95% confidence interval = 1.80–5.35), and the effects were observed in the following subgroups: 6‐month follow‐up, ≤12‐month follow‐up, >12‐month follow‐up, baseline LVEF ≤45%, and baseline LVEF >45%. RVS and RVA pacing significantly differed in improving LVEF (weighted mean difference = 4.82, 95% confidence interval = 2.78–6.87). In addition, RVNA pacing resulted in a narrower QRS duration, a smaller left ventricular end‐systolic volume, and a lower New York Heart Association functional class.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis found that RVNA (mainly RVS) pacing exhibited satisfactory long‐term lead performance compared with RVA pacing and demonstrated beneficial effects in improving LVEF after the 6‐month follow‐up. Furthermore, it proved superior to RVA pacing in terms of interventricular synchrony and cardiac function.