bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel glyoxalases from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kwon Kyu , Choi Dongwook , Hyun Jae Kyung , Jung Hyun Suk , Baek Kwanghee , Park Chankyu 
Published: May 2013

We examined six Arabidopsis thaliana genes from the DJ‐1/PfpI superfamily for similarity to the recently characterized bacterial and animal glyoxalases. Based on their sequence similarities, the six genes were classified into two sub‐groups consisting of homologs of the human DJ‐1 gene and the PH1704 gene of Pyrococcus horikoshii. Unlike the homologs from other species, all the A. thaliana genes have two tandem domains, which may have been created by gene duplication. The six AtDJ‐1 proteins (a–f) were expressed in Escherichia coli for enzymatic assays with glyoxals. The DJ‐1d protein, which belongs to the PH1704 sub‐group, exhibits the highest activity against methylglyoxal and glyoxal, and Km values of 0.10 and 0.27 mm were measured for these two substrates, respectively, while the corresponding kcat values were 1700 and 2200 min−1, respectively. The DJ‐1a and DJ‐1b glyoxalases exhibited higher specificity towards glyoxal. The other three proteins have either no or extremely low activity for glyoxals. For the DJ‐1d enzyme, the residues, Cys120/313 and Glu19/212 at the active site and His121/314 and Glu94/287 at the oligomeric interface were mutated to alanines. As in other enzymes characterized to date, mutation of either the Cys or the Glu residues of the active site completely abolished enzyme activity, whereas mutation of the interface residues produced a variable decrease in activity. DJ‐1d differs from its animal and bacterial homologs with respect to the configuration of its catalytic residues and the oligomeric property of the enzyme. When the wild‐type DJ‐1d enzyme was expressed in E. coli, the bacteria became resistant to glyoxals.DatabaseNucleotide sequence data are available in the GenBank database under accession numbers NM_112361 (DJ‐1a), NM_104206 (DJ‐1b), NM_119563 (DJ‐1c), NM_111140 (DJ‐1d), NM_090959.1 (DJ‐1e) and NM_115317.5 (DJ‐1f).
Results from a large multinational clinical trial (guardian™3) using prophylactic treatment with turoctocog alfa in paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A: safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Kulkarni R. , Karim F. A. , Glamocanin S. , Janic D. , Vdovin V. , Ozelo M. , Rageliene L. , Carboni E. , Laguna P. , Dobaczewski G. , Seremetis S. , Lindblom A. , Santagostino E. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryRecombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) products provide a safe and efficacious replacement therapy for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with severe haemophilia A. This multinational, open‐label, non‐controlled trial investigated the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics (PK) of turoctocog alfa, a new rFVIII product, in a paediatric population. The primary objective was to evaluate safety. A total of 31 younger children (0–5 years) and 32 older children (6–11 years), with ≥50 exposure days to any factor VIII (FVIII) product and no history of inhibitors, received prophylaxis with turoctocog alfa (25–50 IU kg−1 every second day or 25–60 IU kg−1 three times weekly). PK assessments of turoctocog alfa and the patients’ previous FVIII product were performed in 28 patients. Mean exposure to turoctocog alfa was 60 exposure days per patient. This corresponds to approximately 4.5 months in the trial. None of the patients developed inhibitors (≥0.6 BU) and no safety concerns were raised. A total of 120 bleeding episodes (95%) were controlled with 1–2 infusions of turoctocog alfa. Based on patient reports, the success rate (defined as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ haemostatic response) for treatment of bleeding episodes was 92%. Overall, the median annualized bleeding rate was 3.0 (interquartile range: 8.5) bleeds patient−1 year−1. PK parameters were comparable between the two age groups. In conclusion, the present large global clinical trial showed that turoctocog alfa was safe, effective in treatment of bleeding episodes and had a prophylactic effect in paediatric patients.
Undermining patient and public engagement and limiting its impact: The consequences of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 on collective patient and public involvement
Authors: Tritter Jonathan Q , Koivusalo Meri 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPatient and public involvement has been at the heart of UK health policy for more than two decades. This commitment to putting patients at the heart of the British National Health Service (NHS) has become a central principle helping to ensure equity, patient safety and effectiveness in the health system. The recent Health and Social Care Act 2012 is the most significant reform of the NHS since its foundation in 1948. More radically, this legislation undermines the principle of patient and public involvement, public accountability and returns the power for prioritisation of health services to an unaccountable medical elite. This legislation marks a sea‐change in the approach to patient and public involvement in the UK and signals a shift in the commitment of the UK government to patient‐centred care.
A case of nicorandil‐induced unilateral corneal ulceration
Authors: Trechot Fanny , Batta Benjamine , Petitpain Nadine , Bazard Marie C , Angioi Karine , Trechot Philippe 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNicorandil, a second‐generation nitro derivative, has been reported to induce single or multiple ulcerations in many locations, including oral, anal, perianal, vulvovaginal, perivulval, penile, gastrointestinal, colic, peristomal and skin locations. Ocular locations are now highly suspected. Herein, we report the case of a 78‐year‐old woman who experienced corneal ulceration at second cataract surgery (right eye) while being treated with nicorandil for 3 years. Four years before, she had had an uneventful first cataract surgery (left eye). The ulcers healed within 6 weeks after simple withdrawal of nicorandil, an expected delay for this type of chemical ulcer. The substitution of nicorandil with classic nitric oxide donors has already been done without complication. Surgical intervention is unnecessary and inappropriate. Case reports of ocular side effects induced by nicorandil are rare and probably underestimated.
AtMYB44 regulates resistance to the green peach aphid and diamondback moth by activating EIN2‐affected defences in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lü B.‐B. , Li X.‐J. , Sun W.‐W. , Li L. , Gao R. , Zhu Q. , Tian S.‐M. , Fu M.‐Q. , Yu H.‐L. , Tang X.‐M. , Zhang C.‐L. , Dong H.‐S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRecently we showed that the transcription activator AtMYB44 regulates expression of EIN2, a gene essential for ethylene signalling and insect resistance, in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). To link the transactivation with insect resistance, we investigated the wild‐type and atmyb44 mutant plants, genetically Complemented atmyb44 (Catmyb44) and AtMYB44‐Overexpression Transgenic Arabidopsis (MYB44OTA). We found that AtMYB44 played a critical role in Arabidopsis resistance to the phloem‐feeding generalist green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer) and leaf‐chewing specialist caterpillar diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.). AtMYB44 was required not only for the development of constitutive resistance but also for the induction of resistance by both herbivorous insects. Levels of constitutive and herbivore‐induced resistance were consistent with corresponding amounts of the AtMYB44 protein constitutively produced in MYB44OTA and induced by herbivory in Catmyb44. In both cases, AtMYB44 promoted EIN2 expression to a greater extent in MYB44OTA than in Catmyb44. However, AtMYB44‐promoted EIN2 expression was arrested with reduced resistance levels in the EIN2‐deficient Arabidopsis mutant ein2‐1 and the MYB44OTA ein2‐1 hybrid. In the different plant genotypes, only MYB44OTA constitutively displayed phloem‐based defences, which are specific to phloem‐feeding insects, and robust expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of glucosinolates, which are the secondary plant metabolites known as deterrents to generalist herbivores. Phloem‐based defences and glucosinolate‐related gene expression were not detected in ein2‐1 and MYB44OTA ein2‐1. These results establish a genetic connection between the regulatory role of AtMYB44 in EIN2 expression and the development of Arabidopsis resistance to insects.
Distribution patterns in generalized vitiligo
Authors: Speeckaert R. , van Geel N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundVitiligo is a common pigmentation disorder affecting approximately 1% of the world population. Nonetheless, its distribution pattern is not well investigated.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the distribution pattern of vitiligo is dependent on the clinical characteristics.MethodsA total of 700 generalized vitiligo patients were included in this retrospective observational cohort study.ResultsThe most important predilection areas were the face (87%), followed by acral areas (76.3%) and extremities (59.7%). In women, joints (P = 0.002) (especially elbows), hips (P < 0.001), trunk (P < 0.001) and body folds (P < 0.001) (especially axillas) were more frequently affected compared to men. In contrast, in men more depigmentations in the beard area and genital area were observed (P < 0.001). Vitiligo at a young age is more prone to be localized at the lower extremities whereas the upper extremities are more susceptible at an older age. In the face, the periocular area is linked to a younger age, in contrast to the perioral area. Acral areas were more frequently affected in patients with autoimmune disorders (in particular thyroid disease) (P = 0.001).ConclusionThese results point to important differences in the distribution pattern according to the clinical characteristics. Although in some of these areas Koebner's phenomenon probably plays a role, other differences may represent a specific characteristic vulnerability related to the age, gender or typical association with autoimmune disease.
Monitoring oriental fruit moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with the Ajar bait trap in orchards under mating disruption
Authors: Knight A. , Basoalto E. , Hilton R. , Molinari F. , Zoller B. , Hansen R. , Krawczyk G. , Hull L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractStudies in Oregon, California, Pennsylvania and Italy evaluated the relative performance of the Ajar trap compared with several other traps for the capture of Grapholita molesta (Busck), in pome and stone fruit orchards treated with sex pheromone dispensers for mating disruption. The Ajar is a delta‐shaped trap with a screened jar filled with an aqueous terpinyl acetate plus brown sugar bait solution (TAS) that opens inside the trap and is surrounded by a sticky liner. The TAS‐baited Ajar trap was evaluated with and without the addition of a sex pheromone lure and compared with a delta trap baited with a sex pheromone lure and a bucket trap filled with the TAS bait. Although the Ajar trap had a 90% lower evaporation of the TAS bait than the bucket trap, both of them caught similar numbers in the majority of the field tests of both sexes of G. molesta. The addition of the sex pheromone lure did not increase moth catches by the TAS‐baited Ajar trap. The TAS‐baited Ajar trap caught significantly greater numbers of moths than the sex pheromone‐baited delta trap in 18 of the 20 orchards. Few hymenopterans were caught in orange TAS‐baited Ajar traps, but the catch of flies and other moths relative to the target pest remained high. Flight tunnel and field tests evaluated the effect of several screen designs on the catches of G. molesta and non‐target species. All exclusion devices significantly reduced the catch of larger moths. However, designs that did not reduce the catch of male G. molesta did not reduce the catch of muscid flies. Exclusion devices with openings <7.0 mm significantly reduced the catch of female G. molesta. The addition of (E)‐β‐farnesene, (E)‐β‐ocimene or butyl hexanoate septa lures to TAS‐baited Ajar traps significantly increased total moth catch. The addition of (E)‐β‐ocimene also significantly increased female moth catch.
Increased prion protein processing and expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ostapchenko Valeriy G. , Beraldo Flavio H. , Guimarães Andre L. S. , Mishra Sanju , Guzman Monica , Fan Jue , Martins Vilma R. , Prado Vania F. , Prado Marco A. M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPrion protein (PrPC), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein corrupted in prion diseases, has been shown recently to interact with group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Moreover, both PrPC and mGluRs were proposed to function as putative receptors for β‐amyloid in Alzheimer's disease. PrPC can be processed in neurons via α or β‐cleavage to produce PrPC fragments that are neuroprotective or toxic, respectively. We found PrPC α‐cleavage to be 2–3 times higher in the cortex of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. A similar age‐dependent increase was observed for PrPC β‐cleavage. Moreover, we observed considerable age‐dependent increase in cortical expression of mGluR1, but not mGluR5. Exposure of cortical neuronal cultures to β‐amyloid oligomers upregulated mGluR1 and PrPC α‐cleavage, while activation of group I mGluRs increased PrPC shedding from the membrane, likely due to increased levels of a disintegrin and metalloprotease10, a key disintegrin for PrPC shedding. Interestingly, a similar increase in a disintegrin and metalloprotease10 was detected in the cortex of 9‐month‐old APPswe/PS1dE9 animals. Our experiments reveal novel and complex processing of PrPC in connection with mGluR overexpression that seems to be triggered by β‐amyloid peptides.image
Prion protein (PrPC) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We found age‐dependent increase in PrPC processing, ADAM10 and mGluR1 levels in AD mouse model. These changes could be reproduced in cultured cortical neurons treated with Aβ peptide. Our findings suggest that increased levels of Aβ can trigger compensatory responses that may affect neuronal toxicity.
Choline transporter‐like protein 4 (CTL4) links to non‐neuronal acetylcholine synthesis
Authors: Song Pingfang , Rekow Stephen S. , Singleton Corey‐Ayne , Sekhon Harmanjatinder S. , Dissen Gregory A. , Zhou Minerva , Campling Barbara , Lindstrom Jon , Spindel Eliot R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSynthesis of acetylcholine (ACh) by non‐neuronal cells is now well established and plays diverse physiologic roles. In neurons, the Na+‐dependent, high affinity choline transporter (CHT1) is absolutely required for ACh synthesis. In contrast, some non‐neuronal cells synthesize ACh in the absence of CHT1 indicating a fundamental difference in ACh synthesis compared to neurons. The aim of this study was to identify choline transporters, other than CHT1, that play a role in non‐neuronal ACh synthesis. ACh synthesis was studied in lung and colon cancer cell lines focusing on the choline transporter‐like proteins, a five gene family choline‐transporter like protein (CTL)1–5. Supporting a role for CTLs in choline transport in lung cancer cells, choline transport was Na+‐independent and CTL1–5 were expressed in all cells examined. CTL1, 2, and 5 were expressed at highest levels and knockdown of CTL1, 2, and 5 decreased choline transport in H82 lung cancer cells. Knockdowns of CTL1, 2, 3, and 5 had no effect on ACh synthesis in H82 cells. In contrast, knockdown of CTL4 significantly decreased ACh secretion by both lung and colon cancer cells. Conversely, increasing expression of CTL4 increased ACh secretion. These results indicate that CTL4 mediates ACh synthesis in non‐neuronal cell lines and presents a mechanism to target non‐neuronal ACh synthesis without affecting neuronal ACh synthesis.
Nursing students’ attitudes towards provision of sexual health care in clinical practice
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Yi , Tsai Li‐Ya , Tseng Tsui‐Hwa , Li Chi‐Rong , Lee Sheuan 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate nursing students' attitudes towards providing sexual health care in clinical practice and to identify associated factors.BackgroundSexual health care is an important component of holistic health care. Nurses' personal sexual knowledge and attitudes are shown to influence provision of sexual health care.DesignThis is a descriptive, cross‐sectional study.MethodsWe selected 146 senior nursing students by convenience sampling from nursing schools in two medical universities in central Taiwan. Data were collected using the Nursing Attitudes on Sexual Health Care scale developed based on the ‘Permission/Limited Information/Specific Suggestions/Intensive Therapy’ model. Higher scores indicated more positive attitudes.ResultsParticipants' mean age was 22·15 years. Mean total Nursing Attitudes on Sexual Health Care scores ranged from 45–75 (61·40 ± 10·17). Nursing students' most positive attitudes towards Permission/Limited Information/Specific Suggestions/Intensive Therapy sexual healthcare interventions were at the Permission level, and least positive attitudes were at levels of Specific Suggestion and Intensive Therapy. The top three positive items were as follows: accept patients' expression of sexual concerns, initiate discussions and encourage patients to talk. Male nursing students had negative attitudes towards sexual healthcare interventions, which became more positive as age increased, especially at the Limited Information level.ConclusionsNursing students had different attitudes towards different levels of sexual health care in the Permission/Limited Information/Specific Suggestions/Intensive Therapy model. Attitudes were associated with age and gender. The Nursing Attitudes on Sexual Health Care scale is useful and reliable for identifying nurses' attitudes towards providing sexual health care.Relevance to clinical practiceThe Permission/Limited Information/Specific Suggestions/Intensive Therapy‐based Nursing Attitudes on Sexual Health Care scale helps to identify nurses' attitudes. A better understanding of nurses' attitudes towards provisional sexual health care will provide information needed to develop appropriate education programmes to improve delivery of sexual health care.
Executive dysfunction is independently associated with reduced functional independence in heart failure
Authors: Alosco Michael L , Spitznagel Mary Beth , Raz Naftali , Cohen Ronald , Sweet Lawrence H , Colbert Lisa H , Josephson Richard , van Dulmen Manfred , Hughes Joel , Rosneck Jim , Gunstad John 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo examine the independent association between executive function with instrumental activities of daily living and health behaviours in older adults with heart failure.BackgroundExecutive function is an important contributor to functional independence as it consists of cognitive processes needed for decision‐making, planning, organising and behavioural monitoring. Impairment in this domain is common in heart failure patients and associated with reduced performance of instrumental activities of daily living in many medical and neurological populations. However, the contribution of executive functions to functional independence and healthy lifestyle choices in heart failure patients has not been fully examined.DesignCross‐sectional analyses.MethodsOne hundred and seventy‐five heart failure patients completed a neuropsychological battery and echocardiogram. Participants also completed the Lawton–Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and reported current cigarette use.ResultsHierarchical regressions revealed that reduced executive function was independently associated with worse instrumental activity of daily living performance with a specific association for decreased ability to manage medications. Partial correlations showed that executive dysfunction was associated with current cigarette use.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that executive dysfunction is associated with poorer functional independence and contributes to unhealthy behaviours in heart failure. Future studies should examine whether heart failure patients benefit from formal organisation schema (i.e. pill organisers) to maintain independence.Relevance to clinical practiceScreening of executive function in heart failure patients may provide key insight into their ability to perform daily tasks, including the management of treatment recommendations.
Including nurses in care models for older people with mild to moderate depression: an integrative review
Authors: Dreizler Jutta , Koppitz Andrea , Probst Sebastian , Mahrer‐Imhof Romy 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this integrative literature review was twofold: (1) to investigate different collaborative programmes for older people with depression living at home with diverse access to care and (2) to describe conceptualisation of the nurses' role and interventions within these care models.BackgroundOne in four older people who visits a General Practitioner suffers from depression. Depression is a concern for 15% of all older home‐care service clients. Detecting and managing depression in older people is highlighted as a key role of nurses. A literature review has been conducted to investigate collaborative models of care, aimed at ensuring low‐threshold access to care and exploring the scope of nurse practice within these models.MethodsLiterature review comprising 14 studies and reviews.ResultsThree different collaborative care programmes (Collaborative Care Model, Community Mental Health Team and Psychogeriatric Assessment and Treatment in City Housing programme) were identified. In all programmes, the essential aspects were complex and multifaceted interventions, provided by a variety of healthcare professionals, but the access to care differed. All studies described the role of nurses differently and with wide variations.ConclusionsDespite a broad scope of practice, nurses play a pivotal role within the different models of care. Nurses have to have the educational background and expertise in mental health issues to recognise depression and eventually be able to provide more comprehensive interventions to alleviate depression in older people.Relevance to practiceCollaboration is needed to meet the needs of older people with depression. New forms of work divisions are pivotal to achieve this objective.