bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of ER quality control‐related genes in response to changes in BiP1 levels in developing rice endosperm
Authors: Wakasa Yuhya , Yasuda Hiroshi , Oono Youko , Kawakatsu Taiji , Hirose Sakiko , Takahashi Hideyuki , Hayashi Shimpei , Yang Lijun , Takaiwa Fumio 
Published: December 2010

SummaryBinding protein (BiP) is the key chaperone involved in folding of secretory proteins such as seed storage proteins in the ER lumen. To obtain functional information about BiP1, a gene that is predominantly expressed during rice seed maturation, we generated several transgenic rice plants in which various levels of BiP1 protein accumulated in an endosperm‐specific manner. Severe suppression (BiP1 KD) or significant over‐expression (BiP1 OEmax) of BiP1 not only altered seed phenotype and the intracellular structure of endosperm cells, but also reduced seed storage protein content, starch accumulation and grain weight. Microarray and RT‐PCR analyses indicated that expression of many chaperone and co‐chaperone genes was induced in transgenic plants, with more prominent expression in the BiP1 KD line than in the BiP1 OEmax line. Transcriptional induction of most chaperones was observed in calli treated with dithiothreitol or tunicamycin, treatments that trigger ER stress, indicating that induction of the chaperone genes in transgenic rice was caused by an ER stress response. In transient assays using rice protoplasts, the ortholog (Os06g0622700) of the AtbZIP60 transcription factor was shown to be involved in activation of some chaperone genes. Slight increases in the BiP1 level compared with wild‐type, accompanied by increased levels of calnexin and protein disulfide isomerase‐like proteins, resulted in significant enhancement of seed storage protein content, without any change in intracellular structure or seed phenotype. Judicious modification of BiP1 levels in transgenic rice can provide suitable conditions for the production of secretory proteins by alleviating ER stress.
Arabidopsis nucleoside hydrolases involved in intracellular and extracellular degradation of purines
Authors: Jung Benjamin , Hoffmann Christiane , Möhlmann Torsten 
Published: December 2010

SummaryRecently, the first plant nucleoside hydrolase, NSH1 (former designation URH1), was identified at the molecular level. This enzyme’s highest hydrolysis capacity is for uridine, thereby balancing pyrimidine salvage and catabolism. NSH1 was found to be less efficient in the hydrolysis of further nucleosides. However, it remained unclear whether purine nucleosides are processed by NSH1. Moreover, the biochemical and physiological functions of further NSH isoforms in Arabidopsis has not been analyzed. Here we show that NSH1 is also able to hydrolyze xanthosine with high efficiency, and thus represents the leading activity in purine and pyrimidine breakdown in a cell. A knockout mutant for NSH1 showed symptoms of accelerated senescence, accompanied by marked accumulation of uridine and xanthosine under conditions of prolonged darkness. The closest, so far uncharacterized, homolog of NSH1, NSH2, was found to act during the late phase of senescence and may support inosine breakdown. NSH3, another NSH isoform, surprisingly functions as an extracellular, purine‐specific hydrolase that is involved in degradation of extracellular nucleosides and may participate in wound and pathogen responses.
Rates and causes of death in Chiradzulu District, Malawi, 2008: a key informant study
Authors: Checchi Francesco , Nyasulu Peter , Chandramohan Daniel , Roberts Bayard 
Published: December 2010

SummaryIn September 2008, we measured all‐cause mortality in Chiradzulu District, Malawi (population 291 000) over a 60‐day retrospective period, using capture–recapture analysis of three lists of deaths provided by (i) key community informants, (ii) graveyard officials and (iii) health system sources. Estimated crude and under‐5‐year mortality rates were 18.6 (95% CI 13.9–24.5) and 30.6 (95% CI 17.5–59.9) deaths per 1000 person‐years. We also classified causes of death through verbal autopsy interviews on 50 deaths over the previous 40 days. Half of deaths were attributable to infection, and half of deaths among children aged under 5 were attributable to neonatal causes. HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death (16.6%), with a cause‐attributable mortality rate of 1.8 (0.4–3.6) deaths per 1000 person‐years.
Multiple follicular cysts in four alpacas (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Newkirk Kim M. , Frank Linda A. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractFollicular cysts are non‐neoplastic skin lesions lined by follicular epithelium. The pathogenesis of these lesions is unclear. Multiple follicular cysts occur sporadically in dogs, horses and humans and are common in sheep. Here we report multiple follicular cysts in four aged alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Based on their histological features, they are most consistent with hybrid cysts. This is the first report of multiple follicular cysts in alpacas.
Convergent lifespan reaction norms in the yeast cultures exposed to different environmental stresses
Authors: TOMALA K. , MICINSKA M. , PALUCHNIAK U. , KORONA R. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractLifespan extension under mild stress is frequently observed although difficult to quantify and generalize as previous studies differed substantially in specific experimental arrangements. We cultured the budding yeast in several environments defined by different temperature, source of energy, saline concentration or combinations of these factors. Cells obtained under different growth regimes were transferred to identical and generally nonstressful conditions except for an absence of organic carbon. Chronological lifespan (CL) of the starving cells showed an approximately common norm of reaction when plotted against the growth rate which served as a measure of stress intensity. CL increased roughly 50% in cultures raised at moderately slower pace, regardless of what particular single or multiple stress signals were present, and then decreased gradually with a deepening growth deceleration. We suggest that the strongly nonlinear relation between the metabolic rate and longevity can be a potent constraint controlling norms of phenotypic reaction in a variety of environmental gradients.
Wait and see or rush and switch? New questions for the management of patients with febrile neutropenia receiving antifungal prophylaxis
Authors: Karthaus Meinolf , Hentrich Marcus 
Published: December 2010

SummaryInfections are a major threat for patients with haematological malignancies after intensive myelosuppressive chemotherapy. The severity and extent of neutropenia are considered a major risk factor for infections in these patients. Antibacterial treatment for patients with febrile neutropenia was standardised in the late 1990s with no further significant improvements within the last decade. Major progress in febrile neutropenia has come from the advent of new antifungals since the late 1990s. Lipid‐based amphotericin B, third‐generation azoles and the introduction of echinocandins allow a safer and effective treatment of invasive fungal infections. The mortality rate of invasive fungal infection is as high as 30–100% and a definitive diagnosis by culture may take too long. Thus, early diagnosis and early initiation of antifungal therapy remain important for the reduction of mortality rates. In the last two decades, randomised trials on prophylaxis and empirical therapy of invasive fungal infections were undertaken. Both primary prophylaxis and empirical therapy of invasive fungal infection proved effective. However, important questions remain unanswered. This article points out the clinicians view on unmet needs for patients with suspected invasive fungal infections after a decade of well‐designed randomised trials for prevention of invasive fungal infections. Should we wait and see what happens in febrile neutropenic patients on antifungal prophylaxis or under empirical treatment or should we rush and switch antifungal treatment?
Clinical experience with posaconazole prophylaxis – a retrospective analysis in a haematological unit
Authors: Hahn J. , Stifel F. , Reichle A. , Holler E. , Andreesen R. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryInvasive fungal infections (IFI) are major causes of death in high‐risk haematological patients receiving induction therapy for acute leukaemia or intensified immunosuppression due to acute or chronic graft‐vs.‐host disease (GvHD) following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Recently, two randomised studies showed the efficacy of a posaconazole prophylaxis (PP) in these patients to prevent IFI. This prompted the strong recommendation for the use of PP in national and international guidelines. As we started PP in our leukaemia and transplantation unit in summer 2007, we retrospectively analysed the impact of PP on the incidence of possible, probable or proven IFI in this group of patients. Incidence of IFI according to the revised EORTC criteria, published in 2008, was reviewed retrospectively in a group of high‐risk patients treated in our unit 1 year before the start of PP compared with the same group in the following year with PP. First analysis was performed on an intention‐to‐treat basis comparing patients during 1 year of PP with the same group of patients in the year before the start of PP. In a second, deeper analysis, patients were grouped for fluconazole or posaconazole irrespective of the time period the prophylaxis was given. In a first intent‐to‐treat analysis, 56 patients were analysed in the period without PP (noPP) compared with 34 patients in the period with PP. Overall IFI rates (possible, probable and proven IFI) were reduced from 47% (noPP group) to 35% (PP group). In a second analysis, only patients receiving either fluconazole or PP were analysed, resulting in 29 patients in the noPP group and 36 patients in the PP group. There was a reduction in overall IFI in the PP group especially in the acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) induction patients, but this does not reach statistical significance because of low patient numbers. However, initiation of antifungal therapy was significantly less frequent in AML induction patients in the PP group compared with the noPP group. Unfortunately, this does not result in reduced mortality rates, as mortality in the PP group is higher (15% vs. 7%) than in noPP patients because of double the number of patients with severe GvHD in the PP group. Both breakthrough infections were documented in this subgroup of patients. Our data, collected in every day clinical practice, add further evidence to the advantage of a PP strategy in this group of high‐risk patients. However, more data are urgently needed to assess the impact of PP on the incidence and pattern of fungal infections and the strategies to be used in patients with persisting fever and pulmonary infiltrates receiving PP, especially in the setting of SCT and GvHD.
Posaconazole: clinical pharmacokinetics and drug interactions
Authors: Lipp Hans‐Peter 
Published: December 2010

SummaryPosaconazole represents an antifungal extended‐spectrum triazole whose absolute bioavailability following oral drug administration is considerably variable. Special conditions including increased gastric pH values, malabsorption syndrome, diarrhoea, intake on an empty stomach and some concomitantly administered potent enzyme‐inducing drugs may contribute to lower drug plasma levels than expected. As a consequence, establishment of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) has been proposed to be beneficial in patients receiving antifungal prophylaxis or therapy with posaconazole. Based on its considerable CYP3A inhibiting potency, posaconazole may significantly increase plasma concentrations of concomitantly applied drugs which undergo an extensive first‐pass effect through gut and liver. More intensified posaconazole TDM may help to estimate the extent of drug interaction more accurately.
Caspofungin plus posaconazole as salvage therapy of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Lellek Heinrich , Waldenmaier Dirk , Dahlke Joachim , Ayuk Francis Ayketang , Wolschke Christine , Kröger Nicolaus , Zander Axel R. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryInvasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major cause of mortality in immunocompromised patients. Substantial improvements of treatment have been achieved by the introduction of new antifungal agents including azoles (e.g. posaconazole) and echinocandins (e.g. caspofungin). However, mortality associated with treatment‐refractory aspergillosis remains high. Preliminary data suggest that the combination of azoles and echinocandins may increase activity against refractory IA. The objective of the present study was to evaluate efficiency and safety of caspofungin plus posaconazole for salvage therapy in immunocompromised patients. In this monocentric, retrospective study, 31 hospitalised haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with IA refractory to primary treatment were treated with a combination therapy of caspofungin 50 mg a day and posaconazole 200 mg four times per day. Efficacy was assessed by signs, symptoms and the degree of pulmonary infiltrate regression. A favourable response was seen in the majority of patients (77%). In two patients (6%), clinical improvement, but no decline in pulmonary infiltrates, was observed. Five patients (16%) did not respond to combination therapy with a fatal outcome in four of them. Combination therapy was well tolerated. No patient discontinued treatment due to toxicity. This study indicates that the combination of caspofungin and posaconazole may provide an effective and tolerable therapy of IA in immunocompromised patients refractory to primary treatment.
Mechanisms mediating the cardioprotective effects of rapamycin in ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Liu You‐Bin , Yu Bo , Li Shu‐Feng , Fan Ying , Han Wei , Yu Jiang‐Bo , Wang Zheng , Li Xiang‐Lu , Sun Li‐Ping , Yang Shu‐Sen 
Published: December 2010

Summary1. In the present study, the temporal and concentration‐dependent cardioprotective effects of rapamycin against ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were investigated.2. Rat Langendorff‐perfused isolated hearts were exposed to 40 min global ischaemia followed by 120 min reperfusion. Hearts were perfused with different concentrations of rapamycin before and after ischaemia. Myocardial injury was assessed in terms of infarct size and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). The phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was determined at the end of reperfusion.3. When administered prior to ischaemia, 25, 50 and 100 nmol/L rapamycin significantly reduced infarct size compared with control (40.1 ± 1.5, 26.3 ± 4.1 and 21.2 ± 3.4 vs 52.5 ± 4.5%, respectively) without affecting the recovery of ventricular function. No reduction in infarct size was observed when 50 nmol/L rapamycin was administered 10 or 120 min into the reperfusion period.4. Rapamycin (50 nmol/L) enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt kinase but did not affect the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or eNOS at the end of reperfusion. The cardioprotective effect of rapamycin was blocked by the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (Akt) inhibitor LY294002 (15 nmol/L).5. In conclusion, rapamycin mediates cardioprotection prior to ischaemia and after reperfusion. This protection may involve activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase pathway.
Effects of unplanned pregnancy on neonatal health in Turkey: A case–control study
Authors: Karaçam Zekiye , Şen Emine , Amanak Keziban 
Published: December 2010

Karaçam Z, Şen E, Amanak K. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 555–563 Effects of unplanned pregnancy on neonatal health in Turkey: A case–control study The aim of this study was to investigate effects of unplanned pregnancy on neonatal health. This is a retrospective case–control study and included 314 babies selected with a non‐probability method. Data were collected with a questionnaire of descriptive characteristics and neonatal health and Parent Infant Interaction Assessment Scale. A significantly higher rate of the babies born to the women with unplanned pregnancy had meconium in their amniotic fluid (14.6% vs. 7.0%; P = 0.029), needed special care (20.4% vs. 11.5%; P = 0.031) and were kept in the incubators (12.7% vs. 4.5%; P = 0.009). Both the babies born to the women with unplanned pregnancy and the babies born to the women with planned pregnancy were first fed with breast milk (96.8% of the unplanned group; 98.1% of the planned group), but a higher rate of the babies born to the women with unplanned pregnancy had problems with breast‐feeding. (19.1% vs. 5.1%; P = 0.000). The babies born to the women with unplanned pregnancy got significantly lower scores on Parent Infant Interaction Assessment Scale (4.86 ± 1.98 in the unplanned group; 8.52 ± 1.43 in the planned group; P = 0.000). We found that a higher rate of the babies born to the women with unplanned pregnancy needed special care, had problems with breast‐feeding and negative parent–infant interaction. We recommend that women with unplanned pregnancy should be given priority on prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care and that measures which protect and promote neonatal health should be taken.
Scholarship and mentoring: An essential partnership?
Authors: Turnbull Beverley 
Published: December 2010

Turnbull B. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 573–578 Scholarship and mentoring: An essential partnership?This paper discusses as study of mentoring and its relationship to nursing academics' scholarly productivity. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to explore participants' experiences of mentoring and scholarship. Although all participants were well aware of the need to increase levels of scholarship, few had experienced the role modelling, guidance and leadership to assist them in meeting the expectations of the tertiary environment. While quality mentoring was viewed as a productive facilitator to improving levels of scholarly productivity, a supportive work environment with strong academic leadership was also considered an essential element in developing scholarship. Mentoring alone was considered unlikely to ameliorate any institutional issues, but rather, comprised one of a number of strategies. The picture that emerged from the study illustrates a discipline in transition in which a culture of mentoring is not well established, one that requires change not only within the discipline, but within tertiary institutions.
‘Lavender retirement’: A questionnaire survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual people's accommodation plans for old age
Authors: Neville Stephen , Henrickson Mark 
Published: December 2010

Neville S., Henrickson M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 586–594 ‘Lavender retirement’: A questionnaire survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual people's accommodation plans for old ageA global increase in older people will also mean an increase in the numbers of lesbian, gay and bisexual people requiring residential support. All health practitioners working with older people need to be aware of the existence of older lesbian, gay and bisexual people in order to provide health care that is appropriate. This study describes lesbian, gay and bisexual people's accommodation plans for old age through a cross‐sectional quantitative survey design. Participants were recruited through mainstream and lesbian, gay and bisexual media and venues. A total of 2269 participants completed the 133‐item survey. When asked about what accommodation plans they had for their older years lesbian, gay and bisexual people identified that they were least likely to choose living in a retirement community/facility. However, if unable to live independently the majority of respondents identified they would prefer to live in a retirement facility that specifically catered for people who did not identify as heterosexual. This study has found that the residential support sector needs to be prepared to provide a health service that is person‐centred, free from discriminatory practices and meets the needs of all health consumers regardless of sexual orientation.
Clinical decision‐making in senior nursing students in Iran
Authors: Jahanpour Faezeh , Sharif Farkhondeh , Salsali Mahvash , Kaveh Mohammad H , Williams Leonie M 
Published: December 2010

Jahanpour F, Sharif F, Salsali M, Kaveh MH, Williams LM. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 595–602 Clinical decision‐making in senior nursing students in IranClinical decision‐making is the basis for professional nursing practice. This can be taught and learned through appropriate teaching and clinical experiences. Unfortunately, it has been observed that many graduates are unable to demonstrate suitable clinical decision‐making skills. Research and study on the process of decision‐making and factors influencing it assists educators to find the appropriate educational and clinical strategies to teach nursing students. To explore the experience of nursing students and their view points regarding the factors influencing their development of clinical decision‐making skills. An exploratory qualitative approach utilizing grounded theory methods was used; focus group interviews were undertaken with 32 fourth year nursing students and data were analysed using constant comparative analysis. Four main themes emerged from the data: clinical instructor incompetency, low self‐efficacy, unconducive clinical learning climate and experiencing stress. The data indicated that students could not make clinical decisions independently. The findings of this study support the need to reform aspects of the curriculum in Iran in order to increase theory–practice integration and prepare a conductive clinical learning climate that enhances learning clinical decision‐making with less stress.
Present and past carers' health: Some considerations
Authors: Scuffham Paul A , Synnott Robyn , Turkstra Erika , Hegney Desley 
Published: December 2010

Scuffham PA, Synnott R, Turkstra E, Hegney D. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 609–615 Present and past carers' health: Some considerationsWe sought to examine the mental and physical health and health‐related quality of life of current and past carers compared to non‐carers, using two instruments—the Short Form‐12 (SF‐12) and the EuroQol 5‐dimension (EQ‐5D). A total of 249 participants (34 current carers, 14 previous carers, 197 non‐carers, 4 non‐respondents) completed a baseline self‐report survey at randomization into the larger study. Previous carers demonstrated moderate to severe anxiety or depressive symptoms measured with the EQ‐5D (P < 0.001), reported on the SF‐12 that they accomplished less because of emotional problems (P = 0.01) and more likely to have ‘felt down’ (P = 0.01) and used more health‐care services than current or non‐carers. Current carers tended towards a higher level of emotional problems and limitations to mobility than non‐carers. This study indicates major differences in the well‐being of these three cohorts. Health practitioners should pay particular attention to the mental health and health related quality of life of previous carers.