bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serological monitoring of protection of sheep against Echinococcus granulosus induced by the EG95 vaccine
Authors: HEATH D. D. , KOOLAARD J. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryAlthough immunity to Echinococcus granulosus in sheep has been shown to be antibody‐mediated and complement‐dependent and can be passively transferred in colostrum, in animals vaccinated with EG95, the relationship between protection against an oral challenge infection with E. granulosus eggs and anti‐EG95 IgG ELISA absorbance values at the time of challenge has not been satisfactorily proven. Using a combination of results from three EG95 vaccination trials, we have found that the IgG ELISA absorbance at the time of challenge infection explains approximately 50% (P ≤ 0·001) of the variability in the percentage protection against an oral challenge with E. granulosus eggs (transformed with arcsin).
Functional characterisation of HvCO1, the barley (Hordeum vulgare) flowering time ortholog of CONSTANS
Authors: Campoli Chiara , Drosse Benedikt , Searle Iain , Coupland George , von Korff Maria 
Published: November 2011

SummaryVariation in photoperiod response is a major factor determining plant development and the agronomic performance of crops. The genetic control of photoperiodic flowering has been elucidated in the model plant Arabidopsis, and many of the identified genes are structurally conserved in the grasses. In this study, HvCO1, the closest barley ortholog of the key photoperiod response gene CONSTANS in Arabidopsis, was over‐expressed in the spring barley Golden Promise. Over‐expression of HvCO1 accelerated time to flowering in long‐ and short‐day conditions and caused up‐regulation of HvFT1 mRNA under long‐day conditions. However, the transgenic plants retained a response to photoperiod, suggesting the presence of photoperiod response factors acting downstream of HvCO1 transcription. Analysis of a population segregating for HvCO1 over‐expression and natural genetic variation at Ppd‐H1 demonstrated that Ppd‐H1 acts downstream of HvCO1 transcription on HvFT1 expression and flowering. Furthermore, variation at Ppd‐H1 did not affect diurnal expression of HvCO1 or HvCO2. Over‐expression of HvCO1 increased transcription of the spring allele of Vrn‐H1 in long‐ and short‐day conditions, while genetic variation at Ppd‐H1 did not affect Vrn‐H1 expression. Over‐expression of HvCO1 and natural genetic variation at Ppd‐H1 accelerated inflorescence development and stem elongation. Thus, HvCO1 probably induces flowering by activating HvFT1 whilst Ppd‐H1 regulates HvFT1 independently of HvCO1 mRNA, and all three genes also appear to have a strong effect in promoting inflorescence development.
Uncovering genetic and molecular interactions among floral meristem identity genes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Grandi Valentina , Gregis Veronica , Kater Martin M. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe inflorescence meristem produces floral primordia that remain undifferentiated during the first stages of flower development. Genes controlling floral meristem identity include LEAFY (LFY), APETALA1 (AP1), CAULIFLOWER (CAL), LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY 1 (LMI1), SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) and AGAMOUS‐LIKE24 (AGL24). The lfy mutant shows partial reversions of flowers into inflorescence shoot‐like structures and this phenotype is enhanced in the lfy ap1 double mutant. Here we show that combining the lfy mutant with agl24 and svp single mutants or with the agl24 svp double mutant enhances the lfy phenotype and that the lfy agl24 svp triple mutant phenocopies the lfy ap1 double mutant. Analysis of the molecular interactions between LFY, AGL24 and SVP showed that LFY is a repressor of AGL24 and SVP, whereas LMI1 is a positive regulator of these genes. Moreover, AGL24 and SVP positively regulate AP1 and LFY by direct binding to their regulatory regions. Since all these genes are important for establishing floral meristem identity, regulatory loops are probably important to maintain the correct relative expression levels of these genes.
Can sputum collection practices for tuberculosis improve laboratory diagnosis of pneumonic plague in developing countries?
Authors: Boothby E. , Shako J. C. , Bertherat E. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryAfrica reports 90% of human plague cases yet no guidelines currently exist for the safe and accurate collection of sputum from patients with suspected pneumonic plague. Using existing tuberculosis guidelines as a model and in conjunction with epidemiological and clinical features of pneumonic plague, the authors describe the importance of formal guidelines to enhance sputum collection practices and improve safety in developing countries. A model for suggested guidelines is given.
Practices to improve identification of adult antiretroviral therapy failure at the Lighthouse Trust clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Vorkas Charles K. , Tweya Hannock , Mzinganjira Dalitso , Dickie George , Weigel Ralf , Phiri Sam , Hosseinipour Mina C. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryObjectives  Evaluating treatment failure is critical when deciding to modify antiretroviral therapy (ART). Virologic Assessment Forms (VAFs) were implemented in July 2008 as a prerequisite for ordering viral load. The form requires assessment of clinical and immunologic status.Methods  Using the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), we retrospectively evaluated patients who met 2006 WHO guidelines for immunologic failure (≥15 years old; on ART ≥6 months; CD4 count <baseline OR CD4 count >50% drop from peak OR CD4 persistently <100 cells) at the Lighthouse Trust clinic from December 2007 to December 2009. We compared virologic screening, VAF implementation and ART modification during the same period using Fisher’s exact tests and unpaired t‐tests as appropriate.Results  Of 7000 enrolled ART patients ≥15 years old with at least two CD4 counts, 10% had immunologic failure with a median follow‐up time on ART of 1.4 years (IQR: 0.8–2.3). Forty (6%) viral loads were ordered: 14 (35%) were detectable (>400 HIV RNA copies/mL) and one (7%) patient was switched to second‐line therapy. Overall, 259 VAFs were completed: 67% for immunologic failure and 33% for WHO Stage 4 condition. Before VAF implementation, 1% of patients had viral loads drawn during routine care, whereas afterwards, 8% did (P < 0.0001; 95% CI: 0.03–0.08).Conclusions  Clinicians did not identify a large proportion of immunologic failure patients for screening. Implementation of VAFs produced little improvement in virologic screening during routine care. Better training and monitoring systems are needed.
Protective effects of phlorotannins against ultraviolet B radiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Cha Seon‐Heui , Ko Chang‐Ik , Kim Daekyung , Jeon You‐Jin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractExposure to ultraviolet B (UV‐B) radiation has been associated with a variety of adverse effects in all forms of life, including micro‐organisms, plants, animals and humans. Ultraviolet B induces cell damage at the molecular level and consequently organisms must employ strategies to protect themselves from sunlight and to repair UV‐B‐induced cellular damage. In this study, the UV‐B protective effects of four different phlorotannins isolated from a brown alga (Ecklonia cava) were determined using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an in vivo model. Zebrafish embryos were pretreated with phlorotannins and exposed to UV‐B (50 mJ/cm2). The heart rate, generation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, cell death and hyperpigmentation were assessed in order to evaluate UV‐B‐induced photo‐damage. Treatment of the embryos with the algal phorotannins reduced UV‐B‐induced reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide levels, protected against UV‐B‐induced cell death and significantly reduced hyperpigmentation. We therefore suggest that phlorotannins isolated from E. cava can protect against UV‐B radiation.Editor Note  Readers of the journal may be unfamiliar with the use of zebrafish embryos in research studies. There is no indication in this article of an ethical review of the study. This is because the use of fish embryos in research, at least in the UK, is not subject to a licensing procedure if they are less than 5 days post fertilization (dpf). In this study the embryos were 2 dpf.
An immunohistochemical study of the origin of the solid strand in syringoma, using carcinoembryonic antigen, epithelial membrane antigen, and cytokeratin 5
Authors: Kim Byung Chul , Park Eun Joo , Kwon In Ho , Cho Hee Jin , Park Hye Rim , Kim Kwang Ho , Kim Kwang Joong 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Although much research has been conducted into the origin of syringoma, the histogenesis and differentiation of it remains controversial. The published studies examined various antibodies, and our study is an additional immunohistochemical work‐up.Objective  We attempted to identify the cell that acts as the precise origin of a syringoma, based on a comparative analysis of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and cytokeratin (CK) 5 through immunohistochemical staining in the solid strand of basophilic epithelial cells of syringoma.Methods  A total of 31 patients with biopsy‐confirmed syringoma were included in this study. Each sample was analyzed with antibodies to CEA, EMA, and CK5. These markers were indicating each part of the normal sweat gland structure: CEA stains the luminal surface of sweat ductal structures; EMA stains the peripheral cells of normal dermal ducts and the intraepidermal duct; CK5 stains the outer cells of the dermal duct and lower intraepidermal duct but does not stain the intraepidermal duct located in the upper epidermis.Results  We were able to confirm that the solid strands stained for EMA and CK5, as did the outer cells of the ductal structure. However, the solid strands did not stain with CEA.Conclusions  The results indicated that solid strands observed in syringomas originate from the outer cells of the two layers of cells that compose the lower epidermal duct or the transitional portion between the intraepidermal duct and dermal duct in the normal eccrine or apocrine structure. Thus, we surmise that a syringoma is developed by the proliferation of these cells.
Polygalacturonase‐inhibiting proteins – leucine‐rich repeat proteins in plant defence
Authors: Maulik A. , Sarkar A. I. , Devi S. , Basu S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPlant polygalacturonase‐inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) belong to the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) family and are known to prevent pathogen invasion by inhibiting the plant cell wall degrading enzyme, polygalacturonase. Our study reveals that these multigene‐encoded defence proteins found in flowering plants only exhibit identical domain architecture with 10 tandemly‐arranged LRRs. This implies that variations of PGIP inhibitory properties are not associated with the number of the repeats but with subtle changes in the sequence content of the repeats. The first and eighth repeat contain more mutations compared to the strict conservation of the plant‐specific LRRs or any repeat at other positions. Each of these repeats forms a separate cluster in the phylogenetic tree, both within and across plant families, thus suggesting uniqueness with respect to their position. A study of the genes encoding PGIPs, shows the existence of two categories (i) single exon and hence no intron; and (ii) two exons with an intron in between. Analyses of the intron phase and correlation of the exon–intron structure with the compact structural modules in PGIPs support insertion of introns in the pre‐existing single exon genes and thus the intron late model. Lack of conservation of phase across families and formation of individual clusters for each family in the phylogenetic tree drawn with the intron sequences illustrate the event of insertion that took place separately in each of these families.
The relative effect of citral on mitotic microtubules in wheat roots and BY2 cells
Authors: Chaimovitsh D. , Rogovoy (Stelmakh) O. , Altshuler O. , Belausov E. , Abu‐Abied M. , Rubin B. , Sadot E. , Dudai N. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe plant volatile monoterpene citral is a highly active compound with suggested allelopathic traits. Seed germination and seedling development are inhibited in the presence of citral, and it disrupts microtubules in both plant and animal cells in interphase. We addressed the following additional questions: can citral interfere with cell division; what is the relative effect of citral on mitotic microtubules compared to interphase cortical microtubules; what is its effect on newly formed cell plates; and how does it affect the association of microtubules with γ‐tubulin? In wheat seedlings, citral led to inhibition of root elongation, curvature of newly formed cell walls and deformation of microtubule arrays. Citral’s effect on microtubules was both dose‐ and time‐dependent, with mitotic microtubules appearing to be more sensitive to citral than cortical microtubules. Association of γ‐tubulin with microtubules was more sensitive to citral than were the microtubules themselves. To reveal the role of disrupted mitotic microtubules in dictating aberrations in cell plates in the presence of citral, we used tobacco BY2 cells expressing GFP‐Tua6. Citral disrupted mitotic microtubules, inhibited the cell cycle and increased the frequency of asymmetric cell plates in these cells. The time scale of citral’s effect in BY2 cells suggested a direct influence on cell plates during their formation. Taken together, we suggest that at lower concentrations, citral interferes with cell division by disrupting mitotic microtubules and cell plates, and at higher concentrations it inhibits cell elongation by disrupting cortical microtubules.
Does ampicillin‐sulbactam cause false positivity of (1,3)‐beta‐D‐glucan assay? A prospective evaluation of 15 patients without invasive fungal infections*
Authors: Metan Gokhan , Agkus Cigdem , Nedret Koc A. , Elmali Ferhan , Finkelman Malcolm A. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between intravenous ampicillin‐sulbactam treatment and (1,3)‐beta‐D‐glucan (BDG) assay. Fifteen patients with a median age of 60 (16–81) without known risk factors for invasive fungal infections who received a daily dose of 3 × 2 g ampicillin‐sulbactam monotherapy from different batches were included in the study. Thirteen patients had soft tissue infections. The 5 of 13 patients who went under surgery had surgical dressings. Serum samples were obtained both before and after antibiotic infusion on the first, third, seventh and tenth days of an ampicillin‐sulbactam treatment course. BDG was assayed using the Fungitell kit (Associates of Cape Cod, East Falmouth, MA, USA) according to manufacturers’ specifications. All serum samples were also tested for galactomannan (GM) antigenemia by Platelia Aspergillus ELISA (Bio‐Rad Laboratories, Marnes‐la‐Coquette, France). A total of 37 of 117 serum samples were positive for BDG at a threshold of 80 pg ml−1. Seven of 37 BDG positive serum samples had a GM index ≥0.5. When a cutoff value of ≥0.5 was used for GM positivity, 16 (13.3%) serum samples were positive. For a cutoff value of ≥0.7, eight (6.6%) serum samples were positive. There were no statistically significant differences in the median BDG levels (P = 0.47) or median GM indices (P = 0.28) of the various sampling times. None of the SAM vials tested positive for BDG or GM. After ruling out fungal infections and all known potential causes of false BDG positivity, environmental contamination remained possible cause of BDG reactivity. We did not observe any significant association of ampicillin‐sulbactam administration and positive assays for BDG or GM.
DNA Methylation Status in Tissues of Sheep Clones
Authors: Zhao LX , Zhao GP , Guo RQ , Zhang D , Li XH , Zhou HM 
Published: November 2011

ContentsGenomic imprinting and DNA methylation play an important role in mammalian development. Many cloned animals showed heterogeneous DNA methylation profiles. However, there are fewer reports in cloned lambs because of a lack of genomic imprinting information. In this study, we investigated DNA methylation patterns in CpG islands and differentially methylated regions of putative imprinted gene Peg10 and imprinted genes Dlk1, Igf2R and H19 in cloned lambs. Five organs from two cloned lambs died shortly after birth and two normal controls were investigated. We observed normal DNA methylation profiles in cloned lambs. The imprinted genes Dlk1, Igf2R and H19 in livers, kidneys, hearts, muscles and lungs of the two cloned lambs exhibited relatively normal DNA methylation, except for Peg10 showing some differences between controls and cloned lambs. Our results indicate that somatic cell nuclear transfer–produced sheep exhibited relatively normal DNA methylation pattern and experienced normal DNA methylation reprogramming at imprinted loci.
Cultural issues in child maltreatment
Authors: Raman Shanti , Hodes Deborah 
Published: November 2011

Aims:  Waves of immigration from the latter half of the 20th century have changed the cultural and ethnic mix of major regions of the world. Dynamic multicultural societies now are a reality across the Western world. The relationship and influence of these diverse cultures to the understanding and identification of child abuse and neglect is challenging and complex. Health professionals working with children from culturally and linguistically diverse groups often find themselves with the challenge of exploring and resolving the tension between definitions of harm in child protection practice and various cultural and child‐rearing practices. In this paper, we set out ways of thinking about the influence of culture when approaching and dealing with the suspicion of child maltreatment.Methods:  We will explore how culture shapes the experiences of childhood, child‐rearing practices, and identify common barriers in working with children and families from culturally diverse backgrounds when presenting with child maltreatment. We will use case examples from Europe and Australia to illustrate the real life challenges of working in the area of child maltreatment across cultures. We will review the scientific literature exploring the nexus between culture and child maltreatment, identifying the gaps in the literature and highlight areas for future research.Results:  We suggest a model for dealing with cultural issues in child maltreatment that is culturally competent and respectful.Conclusions:  The model for cultural competency in child health and child protective services incorporates four domains for advocacy and action – individual, professional, organisational and systemic.
Incentive device improves spacer technique but not clinical outcome in preschool children with asthma
Authors: Schultz André , Sly Peter D , Zhang Guicheng , Venter André , Le Souëf Peter N , Devadason Sunalene G 
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To investigate the influence of an incentive device, the Funhaler, on spacer technique and symptom control in young children with asthma and recurrent wheeze.Methods:  Randomised controlled trial where 132 2–6 year old asthmatic children received regular inhaled fluticasone through Aerochamber Plus, or Funhaler. The setting was a research clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia. Subjects were followed up for a year. The main outcome measure was asthma symptoms. Proficiency in spacer technique was measured as salbutamol inhaled from spacer onto filter. Quality of life was measured every three months. Groups were compared in terms of spacer technique, symptoms and quality of life. The relationship between spacer technique and clinical outcome was examined.Results:  There was no difference between Funhaler and Aerochamber groups in wheeze free days, cough free days, bronchodilator free days or quality of life (P = 0.90, 0.87, 0.74 and 0.11 respectively). Spacer technique was better in the Funhaler group (P = 0.05), particularly in subjects younger than 4 years of age (P = 0.002). Drug dose on filter (as the mean of five 100 mg doses) ranged from zero to 136 mg.Conclusions:  Use of Funhaler incentive device does not improve clinical outcome, but improves spacer technique in children younger than 4 years. Variability in drug delivery is large in young children using pressurised metered dose inhalers and spacers.
Gadamer’s two horizons: listening to the voices in nursing history
Authors: Bradshaw Ann E 
Published: November 2011

BRADSHAW AE. Nursing Inquiry 2013; 20: 82–92  Gadamer’s two horizons: listening to the voices in nursing historyBrian Abel‐Smith’s A History of the Nursing Profession published in 1960 marked a new critical approach to interpreting British nursing history in the light of modern culture. This approach was taken forward by most nursing history writers. In addition, some British nursing history writers, notably Monica Baly, Celia Davies and Anne Marie Rafferty, as well as Abel‐Smith himself, have influenced the direction of British nursing policy. This study argues that the current method of interpreting nursing history, through the revisionist lens of what Patricia D’Antonio calls ‘the mighty triumvirate of race, class and gender’, makes a crucial omission. According to Hans‐Georg Gadamer, the hermeneutical philosopher, historical interpretation should be a mutual dialogue of the ‘then’ and the ‘now’. But in modern nursing history writing the present horizon dominates. In order to allow the past horizon to speak to the present, this study examines the textbooks of British nursing matrons and tutors 1873–1971. These primary sources show that nurses were taught to develop Christian virtues in order to become good nurses. This study suggests that understanding and engaging with these voices, and allowing them to speak to the present, is relevant for current British nursing as well as for nursing worldwide.
Impact of obesity on respiratory function
Authors: LITTLETON STEPHEN W. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTObesity has long been recognized as having significant effects on respiratory function. The topic has been studied for at least the last half century, and some clear patterns have emerged. Obese patients tend to have higher respiratory rates and lower tidal volumes. Total respiratory system compliance is reduced for a variety of reasons, which will be discussed. Lung volumes tend to be decreased, especially expiratory reserve volume. Spirometry, gas exchange and airway resistance all tend to be relatively well preserved when adjusted for lung volumes. Patients may be mildly hypoxaemic, possibly due to ventilation–perfusion mismatching at the base of the lungs, where microatelectasis is likely to occur. Weight loss leads to a reversal of these changes. For all of these changes, the distribution of fat, that is, upper versus lower body, may be more important than body mass index.