bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PATHWAYS TO PALLIATIVE CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Bull Rosalind , Youl Loren , Robertson Iain K. , Mace Rose , Challenor Sarah , Fassett Robert G. 
Published: January 2014

SUMMARYBackgroundDespite the terminal nature of chronic kidney disease (CKD), end‐of‐life care planning is often inconsistent and pathways to palliative care are unclear. Health professionals' perceptions of palliative care and the prevailing context may influence their end‐of‐life decision making.ObjectivesTo identify predictors of conservative treatment decisions and their associations with referral to palliative care, and to determine the perceptions that health professionals have about the role of palliative care in management of CKD.MethodsA retrospective audit of deceased patients' charts, spanning three years, and a survey of renal healthcare professionals, documenting CKD palliative care practices, knowledge and attitudes was carried out. Records of all patients with CKD dying between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2008 in Australian regional renal service were audited. Renal staff from the service were surveyed. Logistic regression for binomial outcomes and ordinal logistic regression when more than two outcome levels were involved; and thematic analysis using a continual cross comparative approach was undertaken.ResultsLoss of function, particularly from stroke, and severe pain are interpreted as representing levels of suffering which would justify the need to withdraw from renal replacement therapy. Family and/or patient indecision complicates and disrupts end‐of‐life care planning and can establish a cycle of ambiguity. Whilst renal healthcare professionals support early discussion of end‐of‐life care at predialysis education, congruity with the patient and family when making the final decision is of great importance.ConclusionHealthcare professionals' beliefs, values and knowledge of palliative care influence their end‐of‐life care decisions. The influence of patient, family and clinicians involves negotiation and equivocation. Health professionals support the early discussion of end‐of‐life care in CKD at predialysis education to enable clearer decision making.
The Infection Process of Pestalotiopsis Longisetula Leaf Spot on Strawberry Leaves
Authors: Rodrigues Fabrício A. , Silva Ivanete Tonole , Antunes Cruz Maria Fernanda , Carré‐Missio Vivian 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPestalotia leaf spot, caused by the fungus Pestalotiopsis longisetula Guba, has become the major disease affecting strawberry production in Brazil. Strawberry seedlings with 4–5 leaves were inoculated with a conidial suspension of P. longisetula (2 × 105 conidia/ml), and leaf samples were collected at 48, 72, 96 and 144 h after inoculation (hai) for observation in the scanning electron microscope. Conidia germinated within 48 hai. At 72 hai, conidia had formed very long germ tubes over the epidermal cells without any evidence of appressorial formation nor direct penetration. At 96 hai, fungal hyphae grew inter‐ and intracellularly in the lacunous parenchyma and also through tracheary elements. Pycnidia were first observed on the leaf surface at 96 hai. At 144 hai, conidia of P. longisetula were first liberated from the pycnidia. This study adds new information to better understand of the infection process of P. longisetula that may help in developing more effective disease control strategies.
Elevated production of melatonin in transgenic rice seeds expressing rice tryptophan decarboxylase
Authors: Byeon Yeong , Park Sangkyu , Lee Hyoung Yool , Kim Young‐Soon , Back Kyoungwhan 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA major goal of plant biotechnology is to improve the nutritional qualities of crop plants through metabolic engineering. Melatonin is a well‐known bioactive molecule with an array of health‐promoting properties, including potent antioxidant capability. To generate melatonin‐rich rice plants, we first independently overexpressed three tryptophan decarboxylase isogenes in the rice genome. Melatonin levels were altered in the transgenic lines through overexpression of TDC1, TDC2, and TDC3; TDC3 transgenic seed (TDC3‐1) had melatonin concentrations 31‐fold higher than those of wild‐type seeds. In TDC3 transgenic seedlings, however, only a doubling of melatonin content occurred over wild‐type levels. Thus, a seed‐specific accumulation of melatonin appears to occur in TDC3 transgenic lines. In addition to increased melatonin content, TDC3 transgenic lines also had enhanced levels of melatonin intermediates including 5‐hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, and N‐acetylserotonin. In contrast, expression levels of melatonin biosynthetic mRNA did not increase in TDC3 transgenic lines, indicating that increases in melatonin and its intermediates in these lines are attributable exclusively to overexpression of the TDC3 gene.
Esophageal baseline impedance levels in patients with pathophysiological characteristics of functional heartburn
Authors: Martinucci I. , de Bortoli N. , Savarino E. , Piaggi P. , Bellini M. , Antonelli A. , Savarino V. , Frazzoni M. , Marchi S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecently, it has been suggested that low esophageal basal impedance may reflect impaired mucosal integrity and increased acid sensitivity. We aimed to compare baseline impedance levels in patients with heartburn and pathophysiological characteristics related to functional heartburn (FH) divided into two groups on the basis of symptom relief after proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).MethodsPatients with heartburn and negative endoscopy were treated with esomeprazole or pantoprazole 40 mg daily for 8 weeks. According to MII‐pH (off therapy) analysis, patients with normal acid exposure time (AET), normal reflux number, and lack of association between symptoms and refluxes were selected; of whom 30 patients with a symptom relief higher than 50% after PPIs composed Group A, and 30 patients, matched for sex and age, without symptom relief composed Group B. A group of 20 healthy volunteers (HVs) was enrolled. For each patient and HV, we evaluated the baseline impedance levels at channel 3, during the overnight rest, at three different times.Key ResultsGroup A (vs Group B) showed an increase in the following parameters: mean AET (1.4 ± 0.8% vs 0.5 ± 0.6%), mean reflux number (30.4 ± 8.7 vs 24 ± 6.9), proximal reflux number (11.1 ± 5.2 vs 8.2 ± 3.6), acid reflux number (17.9 ± 6.1 vs 10.7 ± 6.9). Baseline impedance levels were lower in Group A than in Group B and in HVs (p < 0.001).Conclusions & InferencesEvaluating baseline impedance levels in patients with heartburn and normal AET could achieve a better understanding of pathophysiology in reflux disease patients, and could improve the distinction between FH and hypersensitive esophagus.
On the Becoming of the Mizrahi Male Body
Authors: Oppenheimer Yochai 
Published: January 2014

The representation of the Mizrahi male body in Israeli culture differentiates between the Western Ashkenazi body, which served as the standard of fitness and hygiene and of social functionality, and the Oriental Mizrahi body which, in hegemonic perspective, represented the defective, dangerous opposite of these qualities. In this context, I find it appropriate to use the concepts defined by Deleuze and Guattari about the body and its variety of emerging forms, which they understand not only as multifaceted forms of resistance to institutional imprint on the body but also as ways of creating flexible and multifaceted alternative possibilities of bodily experience. These concepts may well signify a place where Mizrahim themselves conduct a subversive literary discourse about Mizrahi corporeality, while deconstructing the hegemonic narrative framework related to the Mizrahi body. Dan‐Benaya Seri (Misha'el) blurs the boundaries between men and women – as well as between humans and animals. Albert Suissa (Akud) elaborates on a new language of gestures and body positions that repudiates any meaningful interpretation. Mizrahi writing refused to reproduce the national Zionist Israeli body and was instead attentive to the living body and its multiple possibilities of becoming.
Effects of Topical Diclofenac Plus Heparin (Dhep+H Plaster) on Somatic Pain Sensitivity in Healthy Subjects With a Latent Algogenic Condition of the Lower Limb
Authors: Affaitati Giannapia , Fabrizio Alessandra , Frangione Valeria , Lanzarotti Arturo , Lopopolo Mariangela , Tafuri Emmanuele , Lapenna Domenico , Giamberardino Maria Adele , Costantini Raffaele 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether a diclofenac epolamine + heparin topical (plaster) is more effective than diclofenac plaster alone in reducing deep somatic hyperalgesia in subjects without spontaneous pain and whether the effect is linked to or independent of the anti‐edematous action of heparin.DesignProspective, double‐blind, randomized and controlled, four‐arm parallel design trial.SubjectsOne hundred and four patients (84 women, 20 men, mean age 42.2 ± 13.3 years), with deep somatic hyperalgesia in one thigh, randomly assigned to one of 4 groups of 26 each.InterventionEach group underwent one of the following plaster treatments on one thigh: diclofenac+heparin; diclofenac; heparin; placebo, for 7 days, renewing the plaster every 24 hours.Outcome MeasuresBefore treatment (day 1), at day 4 and day 8, assessment of (a) pressure and electrical pain thresholds of vastus lateralis and overlying subcutis and skin; and (b) structure/thickness of subcutis and muscle with ultrasounds at the same level.ResultsDuring treatment, in placebo and heparin, no significant threshold changes, except subcutis thresholds which increased slightly (P < 0.02); in diclofenac and diclofenac+heparin, significant increase in all thresholds (0.0001 < P < 0.04). Electrical muscle pain thresholds increased significantly more in diclofenac+heparin than in diclofenac, heparin, and placebo (0.0001 < P < 0.04). In all groups: no edema and thickness changes at ultrasounds in muscle and subcutis.ConclusionsTopical diclofenac+heparin is significantly more effective than diclofenac alone in reducing muscle hyperalgesia in subjects without spontaneous pain, independently of the anti‐edematous action of heparin. The results provide a rationale for the use of diclofenac+heparin also in algogenic conditions without evident signs of injury/edema/hematoma.
Can We “Predict” Long‐Term Outcome for Ambulatory Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Pain?
Authors: Köke Albère J. , Smeets Rob J.E.M. , Perez Roberto S. , Kessels Alphons , Winkens Bjorn , van Kleef Maarten , Patijn Jacob 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundEvidence for effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is still inconclusive. As heterogeneity of chronic pain patients might be an important factor for this lack of efficacy, identifying factors for a successful long‐term outcome is of great importance.MethodsA prospective study was performed to identify variables with potential predictive value for 2 outcome measures on long term (6 months); (1) continuation of TENS, and (2) a minimally clinical important pain reduction of ≥ 33%. At baseline, a set of risk factors including pain‐related variables, psychological factors, and disability was measured.ResultsIn a multiple logistic regression analysis, higher patient's expectations, neuropathic pain, no severe pain (< 80 mm visual analogue scale [VAS]) were independently related to long‐term continuation of TENS.For the outcome “minimally clinical important pain reduction,” the multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that no multisited pain (> 2 pain locations) and intermittent pain were positively and independently associated with a minimally clinical important pain reduction of ≥ 33%.ConclusionThe results showed that factors associated with a successful outcome in the long term are dependent on definition of successful outcome.
Mutants of phospholipase A (pPLA‐I) have a red light and auxin phenotype
Authors: EFFENDI YUNUS , RADATZ KATRIN , LABUSCH CORINNA , RIETZ STEFFEN , WIMALASEKERA RINUKSHI , HELIZON HANNA , ZEIDLER MATHIAS , SCHERER GÜNTHER F. E. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractpPLA‐I is the evolutionarily oldest patatin‐related phospholipase A (pPLA) in plants, which have previously been implicated to function in auxin and defence signalling. Molecular and physiological analysis of two allelic null mutants for pPLA‐I [ppla‐I‐1 in Wassilewskija (Ws) and ppla‐I‐3 in Columbia (Col) ] revealed pPLA‐I functions in auxin and light signalling. The enzyme is localized in the cytosol and to membranes. After auxin application expression of early auxin‐induced genes is significantly slower compared with wild type and both alleles show a slower gravitropic response of hypocotyls, indicating compromised auxin signalling. Additionally, phytochrome‐modulated responses like abrogation of gravitropism, enhancement of phototropism and growth in far red‐enriched light are decreased in both alleles. While early flowering, root coils and delayed phototropism are only observed in the Ws mutant devoid of phyD, the light‐related phenotypes observed in both alleles point to an involvement of pPLA‐I in phytochrome signalling.
Complex and shifting interactions of phytochromes regulate fruit development in tomato
Authors: GUPTA SURESH KUMAR , SHARMA SULABHA , SANTISREE PARANKUSAM , KILAMBI HIMABINDU VASUKI , APPENROTH KLAUS , SREELAKSHMI YELLAMARAJU , SHARMA RAMESHWAR 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTomato fruit ripening is a complex metabolic process regulated by a genetical hierarchy. A subset of this process is also modulated by light signalling, as mutants encoding negative regulators of phytochrome signal transduction show higher accumulation of carotenoids. In tomato, phytochromes are encoded by a multi‐gene family, namely PHYA, PHYB1, PHYB2, PHYE and PHYF; however, their contribution to fruit development and ripening has not been examined. Using single phytochrome mutants phyA, phyB1 and phyB2 and multiple mutants phyAB1, phyB1B2 and phyAB1B2, we compared the on‐vine transitory phases of ripening until fruit abscission. The phyAB1B2 mutant showed accelerated transitions during ripening, with shortest time to fruit abscission. Comparison of transition intervals in mutants indicated a phase‐specific influence of different phytochrome species either singly or in combination on the ripening process. Examination of off‐vine ripened fruits indicated that ripening‐specific carotenoid accumulation was not obligatorily dependent upon light and even dark‐incubated fruits accumulated carotenoids. The accumulation of transcripts and carotenoids in off‐vine and on‐vine ripened mutant fruits indicated a complex and shifting phase‐dependent modulation by phytochromes. Our results indicate that, in addition to regulating carotenoid levels in tomato fruits, phytochromes also regulate the time required for phase transitions during ripening.
Phytophthora pachypleura sp. nov., a new species causing root rot of Aucuba japonica and other ornamentals in the United Kingdom
Authors: Henricot B. , Pérez Sierra A. , Jung T. 
Published: January 2014

Isolates of an unknown Phytophthora species from the ‘Phytophthora citricola complex’ have been found associated with mortality of Aucuba japonica in the UK. Based on morphological characteristics, growth–temperature relationships, sequences of five DNA regions and pathogenicity assays, the proposed novel species is described as Phytophthora pachypleura. Being homothallic with paragynous antheridia and semipapillate sporangia, P. pachypleura resembles other species in the ‘P. citricola complex’ but can be discriminated by its distinctively thick‐walled oospores with an oospore wall index of 0·71. In the phylogenetic analysis based on three nuclear (ITS, β‐tubulin, EF‐1α) and two mitochondrial (cox1, nadh1) DNA regions, P. pachypleura formed a distinct clade within the ‘P. citricola complex’ with P. citricola s. str., P. citricola E and P. acerina as its closest relatives. Phytophthora pachypleura is more aggressive to A. japonica than P. plurivora and P. multivora and has the potential to affect other ornamental species.
Anti‐buckling Fixture for Large Deformation Tension–Compression Cyclic Loading of Thin Metal Sheets
Authors: Dietrich L. , Socha G. , Kowalewski Z. L. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTDetermination of cyclic properties of a material used for many engineering structures, e.g. airframes, requires preparation of specimens from two‐dimensional, shell structures. A specimen must be cut out from the structure component in the way allowing application of a load corresponding to that reflecting service cases. In order to fulfil this requirement, tension–compression testing of the flat specimen is necessary to obtain credible data. Problems associated with such kind of testing are discussed in this paper. In the first part, an extensive review of the anti‐buckling fixtures developed up to now is given. Several representative solutions are discussed, with special emphasis on the technique limitations. In the second part of the paper, detailed description of the proposed design is given. Finally, the results of preliminary tests carried out using new fixture to mount the flat specimens cut from steel sheets are presented. Application of the proposed testing technique allowed tension–compression tests to be performed at the displacement amplitude within the range ±5 mm what corresponds to the maximum strain amplitude of ±0.4 for the specimen gauge length to be equal 12.5 mm. Taking into account all data captured by means of new fixture, one can conclude that the technique is promising with respect to providing data for modelling of cyclic deformation behaviour for shell structures.
Liposomal amphotericin B for complicated visceral leishmaniasis (kala‐azar) in eastern Sudan: how effective is treatment for this neglected disease?
Authors: Salih Niven A. , van Griensven Johan , Chappuis François , Antierens Annick , Mumina Ann , Hammam Omar , Boulle Philippa , Alirol Emilie , Alnour Mubarak , Elhag Mousab S. , Manzi Marcel , Kizito Walter , Zachariah Rony 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to report the patient profile and treatment outcomes, including relapses, of patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treated with liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) in Gedaref, Sudan.MethodsAmBisome was offered to two groups of patients: primary VL patients with specific criteria (age ≤2 or ≥45 years, advanced clinical disease, pregnancy, HIV co‐infection and contraindications for antimonials) and VL relapses. AmBisome was given at a total dose of 30 mg/kg, over 10 days. Slow responders received up to 50 mg/kg. Treatment failure was confirmed parasitologically. Standardised treatment outcomes were assessed.ResultsBetween March 2010 and June 2012, a total of 281 (74%) patients with primary VL and 98 (26%) patients with VL relapses received AmBisome (54% male, median age = 11 years, interquartile range 2–30). End‐of‐treatment outcomes for primary VL were 260 (92%) initial cure including three (1%) slow responders, three (1%) treatment failures, 14 (5%) deaths and four (1%) unknown outcomes. Outcomes for VL relapses were 92 (94%) initial cure with five (5%) slow responders, four (4%) treatment failures, one (1%) death and one (1%) unknown outcome. At 6 months, there were 19 (7%) relapses amongst primary VL and 10 (10%) VL relapses had a new relapse. Loss to follow‐up in both groups was 38%. None of the deaths that occurred during the study period was attributed to AmBisome.ConclusionAmBisome appears to be effective for initial cure of VL and the drug seems safe, but is expensive (400 USD/treatment). Sustained mechanisms to allow improved access of this expensive drug particularly in East Africa are urgently needed. Relapses and losses to follow‐up require specific investigation.
Maintaining skeletal muscle mass: lessons learned from hibernation
Authors: Ivakine Evgueni A. , Cohn Ronald D. 
Published: January 2014

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
This report describes identification and characterization of serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) as a regulator of skeletal muscle mass during hibernation, as well as in physiological and pathophysiological conditions in non‐hibernating species.
What advances does it highlight?
This is first demonstration that SGK1 plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle homeostasis. Overexpression of SGK1 protects mice from immobilization and starvation‐induced muscle atrophy. Serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase 1 should be considered as a novel therapeutic target to combat loss of muscle mass in multiple conditions.
Muscle disuse and starvation are often associated with a catabolic response leading to a dramatic loss of skeletal muscle mass. Hibernating animals represent a unique situation where muscle mass is maintained despite prolonged periods of immobilization and lack of nutrition. We analysed the molecular pathways upregulated during hibernation in an obligate hibernator, the 13‐lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). Although Akt has an established role in skeletal muscle maintenance, we found that activated Akt was decreased in skeletal muscle of hibernating squirrels. Another serine–threonine kinase, serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), was upregulated during hibernation and contributed to protection from loss of muscle mass via downregulation of proteolysis and autophagy and via an increase in protein synthesis. We extended our observations to non‐hibernating animals and demonstrated that SGK1‐null mice developed muscle atrophy. These mice displayed an exaggerated response to immobilization and starvation. Furthermore, SGK1 overexpression prevented immobilization‐induced muscle atrophy. Taken together, our results identify SGK1 as a novel therapeutic target to combat skeletal muscle loss in acquired and inherited forms of muscle atrophy.