bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Actin nucleators in the nucleus: an emerging theme
Authors: Weston Louise , Coutts Amanda S. , La Thangue Nicholas B. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryActin is an integral component of the cytoskeleton, forming a plethora of macromolecular structures that mediate various cellular functions. The formation of such structures relies on the ability of actin monomers to associate into polymers, and this process is regulated by actin nucleation factors. These factors use monomeric actin pools at specific cellular locations, thereby permitting rapid actin filament formation when required. It has now been established that actin is also present in the nucleus, where it is implicated in chromatin remodelling and the regulation of eukaryotic gene transcription. Notably, the presence of typical actin filaments in the nucleus has not been demonstrated directly. However, studies in recent years have provided evidence for the nuclear localisation of actin nucleation factors that promote cytoplasmic actin polymerisation. Their localisation to the nucleus suggests that these proteins mediate collaboration between the cytoskeleton and the nucleus, which might be dependent on their ability to promote actin polymerisation. The nature of this cooperation remains enigmatic and it will be important to elucidate the physiological relevance of the link between cytoskeletal actin networks and nuclear events. This Commentary explores the current evidence for the nuclear roles of actin nucleation factors. Furthermore, the implication of actin-associated proteins in relaying exogenous signals to the nucleus, particularly in response to cellular stress, will be considered.
ChemoPlus Gown may Not Afford Adequate Protection; Archaic Liquid Measurement is a Factor in Medication Errors; Drainage System Has Luer Connector; Reuse of Insulin Pens; ISMP Consumer Web Site Updated
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L. 
Published: August 2012

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Can Successful Implementation of the Common Canister Program Deliver Cost Containment and Improved Infection Control?
Authors: Neel Scott , Tauman Allison 
Published: August 2012

Purpose To review considerations for implementing the common canister program in hospitals, and to encourage a careful evaluation of a substantial financial and process improvement opportunity involving the common canister program. Background The common canister program has not received a comprehensive evaluation in the literature. It has not been compared to traditional inhaler administration, and the potential infectious risk of the traditional patient-specific inhaler administration process has not been considered. Ten microbiologic studies examining infection risk have been performed using a common canister protocol; no studies have been published with individual inhaler administration without a spacer. The results in all 10 of the common canister microbiologic studies indicated that this program was safe for patients when a multidisciplinary approach was followed and was accompanied by hospitalwide education. Conclusion Because of the opportunity to reduce inhaler expenditures by 50% and the theoretical concerns of contamination from the traditional inhaler process, this program should be evaluated. Best practice requires a relative assessment of all inhaler administration models to determine the safest and most efficacious practice. It may be surprising to learn how an inhaler, after touching a patient's mouth during the individual inhaler administration process, is handled, transported, and stored by staff, and the various contaminated surfaces the inhaler contacts in the retrieval, administration, and return to storage process.
Efficacy of a Nurse-Managed Argatroban Dose-Adjustment Protocol in a University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Young Sallie K. , Riding Daniel , Antonio Michael E. , Al-Mondhiry Hamid A. 
Published: August 2012

Background Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor used in the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). No study has evaluated the safety and efficacy of a nurse-managed argatroban dosing protocol. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 151 total admissions (129 patients) in which argatroban infusions were administered before and after protocol implementation. The preprotocol and postprotocol groups consisted of 69 and 68 admissions, respectively. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were ≥18 years old and received an argatroban drip for any reason in the 2 years prior to or following protocol implementation. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of clinically overt bleeding (primary study safety endpoint) between groups. There was no difference between groups in the primary efficacy endpoints, the mean number of partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assessments per day, and dose adjustments. The mean number of sub- and supratherapeutic aPTTs during treatment was higher in the preprotocol group when utilizing the specified range in the preprotocol group and the protocol's aPTT range (45–90 s); the preprotocol and postprotocol groups had an average of 3.4 and 1.04 subtherapeutic aPTTs, respectively ( P = .008). Similarly, the preprotocol group had an average of 4.98 supratherapeutic aPTTs, while the postprotocol group had 1.84 ( P < .001). There was no difference in duration of argatroban infusion in the preprotocol group compared to the postprotocol group with regard to duration of infusion or final infusion rate. Conclusions This nurse-managed argatroban adjustment protocol provides similar safety and efficacy outcomes and decreased monitoring when pre and post implementation were compared.
Ivermectin 0.5% Topical Lotion
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Demaris Kendra , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E. 
Published: August 2012

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The September 2012 monograph topics are on mirabegron, lorca-serin, trastuzumab emtansine, canagliflozin, and lixivaptan. The DUE/MUE is on mirabegron.
Dietary Acid Load and Metabolic Acidosis in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: van den Berg Else , Engberink Mariëlle F. , Brink Elizabeth J. , van Baak Marleen A. , Joosten Michel M. , Gans Reinold O.B. , Navis Gerjan , Bakker Stephan J.L. 
Published: August 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Acidosis is prevalent among renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and adversely affects cardiometabolic processes. Factors contributing to acidosis are graft dysfunction and immunosuppressive drugs. Little is known about the potential influence of diet on acidosis in RTRs. This study examined the association of metabolic acid load with acidosis and with cardiovascular risk factors in RTRs and aimed to identify dietary factors associated with acidosis.

Design, participants, setting, & measurements
707 RTRs were included. Metabolic acid load was assessed by measuring 24-hour urinary net acid excretion (NAE; i.e., titratable acid + ammonium − bicarbonate). Acidosis was defined as serum [HCO3
−] < 24 mmol/L. BP and insulin resistance, reflected by hemoglobin A1c, were among cardiovascular risk factors. Diet was assessed with food-frequency questionnaires. Linear regression analysis was applied to investigate association between NAE and acidosis and between dietary factors and acidosis.

Results
Mean age ± SD was 53±13 years; 57% of patients were male. Acidosis was present in 31% of RTRs. NAE was associated with acidosis (serum HCO3
−: β=−0.61; serum pH: β=−0.010; both P<0.001). Patients with high intake of animal protein (i.e., from meat, cheese, and fish) and low intake of fruits and vegetables had significantly lower serum HCO3
− and serum pH. No associations were observed between NAE and cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and insulin resistance.

Conclusions
In addition to conventional factors contributing to acidosis, diet might influence acid-base homeostasis in RTRs. Higher intake of fruits and vegetables and lower animal protein intake is associated with less acidosis in RTRs.
Relationship between Ambulatory BP and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Hypertensive CKD
Authors: Gabbai Francis B. , Rahman Mahboob , Hu Bo , Appel Lawrence J. , Charleston Jeanne , Contreras Gabriel , Faulkner Marquetta L. , Hiremath Leena , Jamerson Kenneth A. , Lea Janice P. , Lipkowitz Michael S. , Pogue Velvie A. , Rostand Stephen G. , Smogorzewski Miroslaw J. , Wright Jackson T. , Greene Tom , Gassman Jennifer , Wang Xuelei , Phillips Robert A. 
Published: August 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Abnormal ambulatory BP (ABP) profiles are commonplace in CKD, yet the prognostic value of ABP for renal and cardiovascular outcomes is uncertain. This study assessed the relationship of baseline ABP profiles with CKD progression and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes to determine the prognostic value of ABP beyond that of clinic BP measurements.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Between 2002 and 2003, 617 African Americans with hypertensive CKD treated to a clinic BP goal of <130/80 mmHg were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. Participants were followed for a median of 5 years. Primary renal outcome was a composite of doubling of serum creatinine, ESRD, or death. The primary cardiovascular outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction, hospitalized congestive heart failure, stroke, revascularization procedures, cardiovascular death, and ESRD.

Results
Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that higher 24-hour systolic BP (SBP), daytime, night-time, and clinic SBP were each associated with subsequent renal (hazard ratio, 1.17–1.28; P<0.001) and cardiovascular outcomes (hazard ratio, 1.22–1.32; P<0.001). After controlling for clinic SBP, ABP measures were predictive of renal outcomes in participants with clinic SBP <130 mmHg (P<0.05 for interaction). ABP predicted cardiovascular outcomes with no interaction based on clinic BP control.

Conclusions
ABP provides additional information beyond that of multiple clinic BP measures in predicting renal and cardiovascular outcomes in African Americans with hypertensive CKD. The primary utility of ABP in these CKD patients was to identify high-risk individuals among those patients with controlled clinic BP.
Alternaria Black Spot of Crucifers: Symptoms, Importance of Disease, and Perspectives of Resistance Breeding
Authors: Nowicki Marcin , Nowakowska Marzena , Niezgoda Anna , Kozik Elżbieta 
Published: August 2012

Alternaria Black Spot of Crucifers: Symptoms, Importance of Disease, and Perspectives of Resistance Breeding
Alternaria black spot of cruciferous vegetables, incited by different species of Alternaria, remains an increasing threat to Brassicaceae crops throughout the world, including Poland. Brassica plants are attacked by conidia of A. brassicae (Berk.) Sacc., A. brassicicola (Schw.) Wiltsh., A. raphani Groves & Skolko, and A. alternata (Fr.) Kreissler. The pathogens have a wide spectrum of hosts, such as head cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and other crucifers including cultivated and wild grown plants. Alternaria pathogens usually cause damping-off of seedlings, spotting of leaves of cabbages, blackleg of heads of cabbages, and spotting of cauliflower curds and broccoli florets. In oilseed rape, A. brassicae is the dominant invasive species, while in the cruciferous vegetables, both species, A. brassicae, and A. brassicicola are encountered. Infected seeds with spores on the seed coat or mycelium under the seed coat are the main means of distribution for these pathogens. The fungus can overwinter on susceptible weeds or crop debris and on seed plants, as well as on stecklings.
Methods for disease prevention and control are based on combining agricultural management practices with chemical control. Using disease-free seeds or seeds treated with fungicides can greatly reduce disease incidence. After appearance of the first symptoms of disease, stringent fungicide spray program is an effective way to reduce losses. Many authors seem to agree, that the most economically feasible method of disease control is the development of resistant Brassicaceae crops varieties, as transgenic approach proved unsuccessful. Due to our increasing understanding of pathogen-host plant interactions, identification of resistance sources, and assessment of the resistance trait inheritance mode, breeding programs of Brassica crops for Alternaria resistance can be enhanced. This is of particular importance since recent years experience dynamic development of ecological and integrated plant production with an emphasis on plant biotic stress resistance. Highly resistant genetic resources have not been reported in Brassica cultivated species, although some varieties differ in their resistance/susceptibility level.
Strong cross-incompatibility, polygenic background of the resistance (additive and dominant gene interactions), as well as the differences in ploidy between the Brassica species of interest, render the transfer of Alternaria resistance from the wild species into the cultivated forms difficult. Additionally, it is often connected with employment of in vitro hybridization techniques, including somatic hybridization, embryo and ovary rescue, or protoplast fusion.
Folic Acid - The Occurrence and the Role in Human Nutrition
Authors: Tuszyńska Magdalena 
Published: August 2012

Folic Acid - The Occurrence and the Role in Human Nutrition
Folic acid occurs naturally in the salt form of folic acid - the so-called folate. The human body cannot synthesize it, and therefore it must be supplied from outside. Folic acid is involved in the synthesis and proper functioning of RNA and DNA acids. It is essential for growth and division of all body cells, which is particularly important during active growth or in the fetal and newborn life. In children and adults, folate along with vitamin B12 are involved in the production of red blood cells. Current research indicate on the existence in Poland and in Central and Northern Europe of significant deficiencies of folic acid in the diet.
Deficiency of folic acid in our diet is due to the fact that we consume more highly processed food. Stored and heat-treated food loses a large part of folates. The most common pathological processes associated with a deficiency of folic acid in the body are neural tube defects, megaloblastic anaemia, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular system, as well as the development of certain types of cancer. Effective methods to increase folate intake are still being searched for.
Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting the Content of the Chosen Antioxidant Compounds in Vegetables
Authors: Biesiada Anita , Tomczak Anna 
Published: August 2012

Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting the Content of the Chosen Antioxidant Compounds in Vegetables
Vegetables are a rich source of biologically active substances, which support the body's defense mechanisms. A large group of these substances are compounds with antioxidant properties. Apart from vitamins (A, C and E), tocopherols, carotenoids, glutathiones and thiocyanates, polyphenols are also classified as the compounds of antioxidant properties being found in plants. They include: phenolic acids, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid and among them a large group of anthocyanins. These compounds inhibit DNA damage in cancer cells, induce the production of insulin in the pancreas and protect the human brain from aging. They have also high antioxidant activity, which determines the defense mechanisms of plants under stress, such as temperature varia-tions, UV radiation, attacks by pests and mechanical damage. Their content may vary among individual plants of the same species, which is associated with a number of internal and external conditions, such as genetic factors, environmental and agronomic. The contents of anthocyanins determines plant species, botanical variety and breeding and biological processes associated with ontogenesis. Also climatic and soil factors, the factors influencing the content of antioxidants and agronomic factors such as method, place and date of planting, fertilizing, mulching, salinity may contribute to the formation of stress conditions during plant growth and increase the content of antioxidants in plants. This review focused on the content, composition, and antioxidant capacity of vegetables.
Impact of Grafting on Watermelon Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality
Authors: Mohamed Fouad , El-Hamed Khalid , Elwan Mohammed , Hussien Mennat-Allah 
Published: August 2012

Impact of Grafting on Watermelon Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality
Grafting is an alternative approach to reduce crop damage resulting from soil-borne pathogens and increases plant abiotic stress tolerance, which in turn increases crop production. The purpose of this study was to determine whether grafting could improve plant growth and fruit quality of watermelon through monitoring the changes induced by different rootstock-scion combinations. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cv. Aswan F1 was grafted into five rootstocks (Nun 6001 F1, Strongtosa F1, Tetsukabuto F1, Ferro F1 and Shintoza F1) hybrids between Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata. Highest vegetative growth and fruit yield were obtained by ‘Nun 6001 F1’ as a rootstock using the tongue approach method. Grafting reduced significantly sex ratio by reducing the number of male flowers. Grafting increased significantly lycopene content in fruit flesh by 57% over the control treatment, but did not affect soluble solids content (SSC). One third of the control non-grafted plants died and Fusarium oxysporum was isolated as the responsible pathogen. These results indicate that grafting watermelon onto specific rootstock influences growth, productivity, and quality of the fruit as well as disease resistance. Grafting can be suggested as an alternative method to control of Fusarium wilt in watermelon production.
The Alleviation Effect of Silicon on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato Under Salinity Stress
Authors: Haghighi Maryam , Afifipour Zahra , Mozafarian Maryam 
Published: August 2012

The Alleviation Effect of Silicon on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato Under Salinity Stress
This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of silicon (Si) application under salinity levels on seed germination and growth characteristics of tomato seeds. A laboratory experiment was performed on completely randomized design with two levels of salinity (25 and 50 mM NaCl) and 2 concentration of Si (1 and 2 mM) with 4 replications. Germination percentage, germination rate, seedling shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of seedling and mean germination time was measured. Seed germination of Lycopersicon esculentum L. was significantly affected by salinity levels, Si and their interaction. Germination characteristics of tomato seeds decreased drastically by increasing NaCl concentrations. However, 1 mM Si had positive effects on seed germination characteristics and improved germination percentage, germination rate and mean germination time. Si alleviated the harmful effect of salinity stress on tomato seed germination at almost all germination characteristics.
Comparison of the Nutritional Value and Storage Life of Carrot Roots From Organic and Conventional Cultivation
Authors: Wrzodak Anna , Szwejda-Grzybowska Justyna , Elkner Krystyna , Babik Irena 
Published: August 2012

Comparison of the Nutritional Value and Storage Life of Carrot Roots From Organic and Conventional Cultivation
In the years 2008-2011, research was conducted whose objective was to assess the nutritional value and storage life of the roots of the carrot cultivars Perfekcja and Regulska grown in conventional and organic systems. The carrot roots came from a certified experimental field with a stable ecosystem adapted to conducting research on the organic cultivation of vegetables. In parallel, in the same climatic conditions, carrots were grown in the conventional system. The carrot roots were stored at a temperature of 0-1°C and relative humidity of 95-98%. Immediately after harvest and after several months of storage, the carrot roots were analyzed for dry matter content, total sugars, β-carotene, and nitrates. The results of the qualitative chemical assessment of the carrots showed no significant differences in the levels of dry matter and total sugars depending on the cultivar and the cultivation and storage methods (on average for three years). The carrots grown by the conventional method contained significantly more β-carotene than the carrots grown by the organic method, both before and after storage. It was found that the roots of the carrot cultivar Regulska had a higher β-carotene content than the roots of the cultivar Perfekcja grown in both the organic and conventional systems. The nitrate content in carrot roots immediately after harvesting both cultivars grown in the conventional system was significantly higher than in the roots from organic cultivation and ranged from 349.9 to 554.4 mg·kg-1. There were marked differences in storage life depending on the cultivar, cultivation method and storage period. A higher percentage of marketable roots after storing the cultivars Regulska and Perfekcja was achieved from conventional cultivation compared with organic cultivation. Losses (diseased roots and weight losses) were higher for the organic carrots than for those grown conventionally. There was a markedly higher percentage of marketable roots among the carrots of the cultivar Regulska compared with Perfekcja. For the cultivar Perfekcja, more diseased roots were found among the organically grown carrots. For the cultivar Regulska, the highest weight losses were recorded following the storage of the roots from organic cultivation.