bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary islands in the Andes: persistence and isolation explain high endemism in Andean dry tropical forests
Authors: Särkinen Tiina , Pennington R. Toby , Lavin Matt , Simon Marcelo F. , Hughes Colin E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  The tropical Andes are a world biodiversity hotspot. With diverse biomes and dramatic, geologically recent mountain uplift, they offer a system to study the relative contributions of geological and biome history to species richness. There are preliminary indications that historical species assembly in the Andes has been influenced by physiographical heterogeneity and that distinct biomes have evolved in relative isolation despite physical proximity. Here we test this ‘Andean biotic separation hypothesis’ by focusing on the low‐elevation, seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) biome to determine whether patterns of plant diversification within the SDTF differ from those in mid‐ and high‐elevation biomes.Location  Tropical Andes, South America.Methods  Densely sampled time‐calibrated phylogenies for five legume genera (Amicia, Coursetia, Cyathostegia, Mimosa and Poissonia) containing species endemic to the Andean SDTF biome were used to investigate divergence times and levels of geographical structure. Geographical structure was measured using isolation‐by‐distance methods. Meta‐analysis of time‐calibrated phylogenies of Andean plant groups was used to compare the pattern and tempo of endemic species diversification between the major Andean biomes.Results  Long‐term persistence of SDTF in the Andes is suggested by old stem ages (5–27 Ma) of endemic genera/clades within genera, and deep divergences coupled with strong geographical structure among and within species. Comparison of species diversification patterns among different biomes shows that the relatively old, geographically confined pattern of species diversification in SDTF contrasts with the high‐elevation grasslands that show rapid and recent radiations driven by ecological opportunities.Main conclusions  The SDTF biome has a long history in the Andes. We suggest that the diverse SDTF flora has been assembled gradually over the past c. 19 Ma from lineages exhibiting strong phylogenetic niche conservatism. These patterns suggest that Andean SDTFs have formed stable and strongly isolated ‘islands’ despite the upheavals of Andean uplift. Indeed, the Andean SDTFs may represent some of the most isolated and evolutionarily persistent continental plant communities, similar in many respects to floras of remote oceanic islands.
Nursing activities, nurse staffing and adverse patient outcomes as perceived by hospital nurses
Authors: Hinno Saima , Partanen Pirjo , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri 
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To investigate the relationships between nursing activities, nurse staffing and adverse patient outcomes in hospital settings as perceived by registered nurses in Finland and the Netherlands and to compare the results obtained in the two countries.Background.  Previous research indicates that a higher proportion of registered nurses in the staff mix results in better patient outcomes. Knowledge of the relationship between nurse staffing and adverse patient outcomes is crucial to optimise the management of professional nursing resources and patient care.Design.  A cross‐sectional, descriptive questionnaire survey.Methods.  Registered nurses employed in hospitals in Finland (n = 535) and the Netherlands (n = 334), with overall response rates of 44·9% and 33·4%, respectively, participated.Results.  The patient‐to‐nurse ratio was on average 8·74:1 and did not vary significantly between the countries. However, there were fewer registered nurses and significantly more licensed practical nurses among the Dutch hospital staff than the Finnish staff. In addition, Finnish nurses performed non‐nursing and administrative activities more frequently than the Dutch nurses and reported more dissatisfaction with the availability of support services. Frequencies of patient falls were related to the patient‐to‐nurse ratio in both countries. Finnish participants reported the occurrence of adverse patient outcomes more frequently.Conclusions.  Significant associations were found between nurse staffing and adverse patient outcomes in hospital settings. Compared with the Netherlands, in Finland, nurses appear to have higher workloads, there are higher patient‐to‐nurse ratios, and these adverse staffing conditions are associated with higher rates of adverse patient outcomes.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings provide valuable insights into the potential effects of major changes or reductions in nursing staff on the occurrence of adverse patient outcomes in hospital settings.
Dynamics of spore coat morphogenesis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: McKenney Peter T. , Eichenberger Patrick 
Published: December 2011

SummarySpores of Bacillus subtilis are encased in a protective coat made up of at least 70 proteins. The structure of the spore coat has been examined using a variety of genetic, imaging and biochemical techniques; however, the majority of these studies have focused on mature spores. In this study we use a library of 41 spore coat proteins fused to the green fluorescent protein to examine spore coat morphogenesis over the time‐course of sporulation. We found considerable diversity in the localization dynamics of coat proteins and were able to establish six classes based on localization kinetics. Localization dynamics correlate well with the known transcriptional regulators of coat gene expression. Previously, we described the existence of multiple layers in the mature spore coat. Here, we find that the spore coat initially assembles a scaffold that is organized into multiple layers on one pole of the spore. The coat then encases the spore in multiple co‐ordinated waves. Encasement is driven, at least partially, by transcription of coat genes and deletion of sporulation transcription factors arrests encasement. We also identify the trans‐compartment SpoIIIAH–SpoIIQ channel as necessary for encasement. This is the first demonstration of a forespore contribution to spore coat morphogenesis.
The impact of light intensity on shade‐induced leaf senescence
Authors: BROUWER BASTIAAN , ZIOLKOWSKA AGNIESZKA , BAGARD MATTHIEU , KEECH OLIVIER , GARDESTRÖM PER 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTPlants often have to cope with altered light conditions, which in leaves induce various physiological responses ranging from photosynthetic acclimation to leaf senescence. However, our knowledge of the regulatory pathways by which shade and darkness induce leaf senescence remains incomplete. To determine to what extent reduced light intensities regulate the induction of leaf senescence, we performed a functional comparison between Arabidopsis leaves subjected to a range of shading treatments. Individually covered leaves, which remained attached to the plant, were compared with respect to chlorophyll, protein, histology, expression of senescence‐associated genes, capacity for photosynthesis and respiration, and light compensation point (LCP). Mild shading induced photosynthetic acclimation and resource partitioning, which, together with a decreased respiration, lowered the LCP. Leaf senescence was induced only under strong shade, coinciding with a negative carbon balance and independent of the red/far‐red ratio. Interestingly, while senescence was significantly delayed at very low light compared with darkness, phytochrome A mutant plants showed enhanced chlorophyll degradation under all shading treatments except complete darkness. Taken together, our results suggest that the induction of leaf senescence during shading depends on the efficiency of carbon fixation, which in turn appears to be modulated via light receptors such as phytochrome A.
A new screening technique for salinity resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings using bypass flow
Authors: FAIYUE BUALUANG , AL‐AZZAWI MOHAMMED J. , FLOWERS TIMOTHY J. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTA lack of screening techniques delays progress in research on salinity resistance in rice. In this study, we report our test of the hypothesis that an apoplastic pathway (the so‐called bypass flow) causes a difference in salt resistance between rice genotypes and can be used in screening for salinity resistance. Fourteen‐day‐old seedlings of low‐ and high‐Na+‐transporting recombinant inbred lines (10 of each) of rice IR55178 were treated with 50 mm NaCl and 0.2 mm trisodium‐8‐hydroxy‐1,3,6‐pyrenetrisulphonic acid (PTS), a bypass flow tracer, for short (4 d) and long (90 d) periods of time. The results showed that the average shoot Na+ concentration and bypass flow for high‐Na+‐transporting lines were 1.4 and 2.4 times higher than those of low‐Na+‐transporting lines, respectively. There was a positive linear correlation between the percentage of bypass flow and Na+ concentrations in the shoots, suggesting that the difference in Na+ transport in rice is a consequence of different degrees of bypass flow. Moreover, a high correlation was found between bypass flow and seedling survival after prolonged salt stress: the lower the magnitude of bypass flow, the greater the seedling survival. We conclude that bypass flow could be used as a new screening technique for salt resistance in rice.
Severe infection in a lung transplant recipient caused by donor‐transmitted carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Martins N. , Martins I.S. , de Freitas W.V. , de Matos J.A. , Magalhães A.C.G. , Girão V.B.C. , Dias R.C.S. , de Souza T.C. , Pellegrino F.L.P.C. , Costa L.D. , Boasquevisque C.H.R. , Nouér S.A. , Riley L.W. , Santoro‐Lopes G. , Moreira B.M. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:We describe a case of proven donor transmission of carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, which resulted in severe infectious complications after lung transplantation. A single blaOXA‐23 positive strain, belonging to a new multilocus sequence type (ST231), was isolated from donor and recipient, who died 65 days after transplantation. This report highlights the current challenges associated with the potential transmission of multidrug‐resistant infections through organ transplantation.
Gallbladder cancer: Can newer insights improve the outcome?
Authors: Dutta Usha 
Published: December 2011

AbstractGallbladder cancer (GBC) is the leading cause of cancer related mortality in certain geographic areas. Most of the patients with GBC have advanced disease at presentation, precluding curative resection resulting in a dismal prognosis. However, recent advances in the understanding of its epidemiology and pathogenesis coupled with development of newer diagnostic tools and therapeutic options, has resulted in enhanced optimism towards the management of the disease. The leading risk factors are gallstones, advancing age, female gender, anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal junction, certain ethnic groups and geographic populations. Advances in radiological imaging and the advent of endoscopic ultrasound have facilitated early detection and accurate staging of the tumor. A high index of suspicion in high risk groups is necessary to pick up incidental and early GBC, as surgical resection is curative. In patients with suspected GBC, an open surgical resection that is appropriate for that stage is advocated. Adjuvant combination chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy are emerging as effective therapeutic options in those with advanced GBC. Endoscopic palliation of biliary and gastric outlet obstruction with metallic stents has improved their quality of life. Prevention remains the hitherto less explored option to reduce GBC related mortality. Prophylactic cholecystectomy in high risk groups is a cost‐effective option. A multi‐disciplinary systematic global approach to initiate collaborative ventures to understand epidemiology, standardize management strategies, conduct multi‐centric trials with newer therapeutic agents and initiate preventive measures, would pave way for the future conquest of the disease.
Viral response at 6 months is associated with treatment outcome of adefovir add‐on therapy for lamivudine‐resistance
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Paik Seung Woon , Sinn Dong Hyun , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Yoo Byung Chul 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Adefovir add‐on therapy is recommended for patients infected with lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV). We aimed to describe the long‐term treatment outcome and predictors for good response of adefovir add‐on therapy.Methods:  A total of 559 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who had been treated for at least 12 months with adefovir add‐on therapy due to resistance to lamivudine were retrospectively included. Complete virologic response (CVR) was defined as serum HBV DNA < 9 IU/mL. Viral responses at 6 months were classified as PCR negativity, partial virologic response (PVR, HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL), or inadequate virologic response (IVR, HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL).Results:  The median duration of follow‐up was 31.5 months (range, 12–56). The cumulative probabilities of CVR during adefovir add‐on therapy were 58%, 70%, 78%, and 80% at 12, 24, 36, and 43 months, respectively. The cumulative rates of resistance to adefovir were 0.4%, 0.8%, and 3.1% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. The only baseline factor associated with CVR (hazard ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.91, P ≤ 0.001) and resistance to adefovir (hazard ratio 1.925, 95% confidence interval 1.13–3.30, P = 0.017) was serum HBV DNA level. Comparison of the cumulative rates of CVR and resistance to adefovir according to viral response at 6 months showed significant differences among the three groups (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0005, respectively).Conclusions:  Pre‐treatment HBV DNA level and viral response at 6 months is associated with treatment outcome for adefovir‐add on therapy in lamivudine resistance.
Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of kidney transplant recipients regarding their risk of cancer
Authors: WILLIAMS NARELLE C , TONG ALLISON , HOWARD KIRSTEN , CHAPMAN JEREMY R , CRAIG JONATHAN C , WONG GERMAINE 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Despite an increased risk of cancer post transplant, little is known about the knowledge, beliefs of and attitudes to cancer and its prevention among kidney transplant recipients. This study aims to explore these beliefs and attitudes, to better understand patient motives and potential barriers to early detection of cancer.Methods:  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 kidney and eight kidney–pancreas transplant recipients based at a single transplant centre in Sydney, Australia, between October 2009 and February 2010.Results:  Thematic data analysis identified four major themes: (1) skin cancer‐focused: participants were generally only aware about their increased risk of skin cancer and available prevention strategies for that cancer alone; (2) limited awareness: participants knew little about their excess risk for non‐skin cancers and possible preventative and screening strategies; (3) fear of cancer: cancer fears were heightened by prior experiences; some felt vulnerable to cancer and perceived that cancer outcomes were worse than kidney disease; and (4) prioritizing present health issues: participants believed cancer was not imminent and had limited capacity to absorb information about long‐term risks, particularly as current health concerns appeared pressing and important.Conclusion:  Awareness of increased cancer risk and cancer screening among kidney transplant recipients is focused narrowly on skin cancer, with limited awareness for other cancers. Recipients prioritized current health issues rather than future risks to health such as cancer. Transplant care providers should provide evidence‐based information on cancer risk and screening, being sensitive to the timing and needs of the patient. Improved knowledge may empower patients to minimize their risk of cancer by participating in screening and cancer prevention programmes.
Validity of self‐reported body mass index of Japanese children and adolescents
Authors: Yoshitake Norikazu , Okuda Masayuki , Sasaki Satoshi , Kunitsugu Ichiro , Hobara Tatsuya 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  Self‐reported body mass index (BMI) has been widely used in epidemiological studies, but no study thus far has validated the self‐reported BMI of Japanese children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of self‐reported BMI and its use for classification into weight categories.Methods:  Fifth‐ and eighth‐grade students (n= 358) from all schools in Shunan City, Japan, from 2006 to 2010 were included. BMI was calculated from both self‐reported and measured data. Pearson's correlation, Kappa statistics and the number of overweight children, and Bland–Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement were calculated to assess the agreement.Results:  Pearson's correlation between self‐reported and measured data ranged between 0.946 and 0.987 for height, 0.978 and 0.992 for weight, and 0.930 and 0.964 for BMI, depending on gender or age. Kappa was excellent: 0.949 for boys, 0.867 for girls, 0.897 for 10–11‐year‐old children, 0.928 for 13–14‐year‐old adolescents. The number of overweight children based on self‐reported BMI was not significantly different from that based on measured BMI. The 95% limits of agreement were −3.62 and 2.90 cm for height, −2.80 and 2.38 kg for weight, and −1.42 and 1.44 kg/m2 for BMI.Conclusions:  Self‐reported BMI was generally reliable for predicting the number of overweight Japanese children and adolescents. There is slight discrepancy, however, between self‐reported BMI and measured BMI, and self‐reported BMI should be used with caution, keeping the variance and concordance rate in mind.
Japanese clinical guidelines for chronic pain in children and adolescents
Authors: Ishizaki Yuko , Yasujima Hidehiro , Takenaka Yoshito , Shimada Akira , Murakami Katsumi , Fukai Yoshimitsu , Inouwe Nario , Oka Takakazu , Maru Mitsue , Wakako Rie , Shirakawa Miyako , Fujita Mitsue , Fujii Yuri , Uchida Yuko , Ogimi Yoshio , Kambara Yukiko , Nagai Akira , Nakao Ryota , Tanaka Hidetaka 
Published: December 2011

AbstractChronic pain is a common problem in pediatric practice. The prevalence of chronic pain in children is >30%. Because pain indicates emotional expression as well as the physiological reaction toward infection, injury, and inflammation, both physiological and psychological assessments are essential to determine primary interventions for chronic pain. The Japanese Society of Psychosomatic Pediatrics Task Force of clinical practice guidelines for chronic pain in children and adolescents compiled clinical evidence and opinions of specialists associated with the primary care of pediatric chronic pain in the Japanese ‘clinical guidelines for chronic pain in children and adolescents’ in 2009, which are presented herein. The guidelines consist of three domains: general introduction to chronic pain; chronic abdominal pain; and chronic headache. Each section contains information on the physiological mechanism, psychological aspects, assessment methods, and primary interventions for pediatric chronic pain. These guidelines are expected to help disseminate knowledge on primary interventions for chronic pain in children and adolescents.
Short‐term and long‐term mortality following pediatric intensive care
Authors: Volakli Eleni A , Sdougka Maria , Drossou‐Agakidou Vasiliki , Emporiadou Maria , Reizoglou Melpomeni , Giala Maria 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to examine short‐term and long‐term mortality following discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).Methods:  This was a prospective observational study. Data collected consisted of demographics, severity scores, procedures, treatment, need for and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of PICU and hospital stay, and mortality at PICU and hospital discharge, at 3 and 6 months and at 1 and 2 years.Results:  A total of 300 patients (196 boys and 104 girls), aged 54.26 ± 49.93 months, were included in the study. Median (interquartile range) Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM III‐24) score was 7 (3–11) and predicted mortality rate was 11.16%. MV rate was 67.3% (58.3% at admission) for 6.54 ± 14.15 days, and length of PICU and hospital stay was 8.85 ± 23.28 days and 20.69 ± 28.64 days, respectively. Mortality rate at discharge was 9.7% and cumulative mortality rate thereafter was 12.7%, 15.0%, 16.7%, 19.0%, and 19.0% at hospital discharge, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Significant risk factors of PICU mortality were inotrope use, PRISM III‐24 score >8, MV, arterial and central venous catheterization, nosocomial infection, complications, and cancer. Independent predictors of mortality at discharge were inotrope use and PRISM III‐24 score, whereas predictors of mortality at 2 years were comorbidity and cancer.Conclusions:  A 2 year follow‐up period seems sufficient for a comprehensive mortality analysis of PICU patients. Severity of critical illness is the key factor of short‐term mortality, whereas comorbidity is the major determinant of long‐term mortality.
Transumbilical approach for laparo‐endoscopic single‐site adrenalectomy: Initial experience and short‐term outcome
Authors: Miyajima Akira , Hattori Seiya , Maeda Takahiro , Hasegawa Masanori , Takeda Toshikazu , Kikuchi Eiji , Asanuma Hiroshi , Nakagawa Ken , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:  To report our initial experience with transumbilical laparo‐endoscopic single‐site adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors by using a single port with a multichannel cannula and bent laparoscopic instrumentation.Methods:  Between December 2009 and December 2010, 30 patients underwent transumbilical laparo‐endoscopic single‐site adrenalectomy at our hospital. The procedure was carried out for adrenal cortical adenoma in 17 patients, adrenal pheochromocytoma in seven patients and other types of tumors in six patients. A multichannel port, bent laparoscopic instruments and Opti4 laparoscopic electrodes were used in all patients. The intraperitoneal space was approached through the umbilicus. The multichannel port was placed through a 2‐cm incision at the inner edge of the umbilicus. A 5‐mm flexible laparoscope was introduced to maintain an adequate laparoscopic view, and surgical specimens were extracted using an Endocatch bag.Results:  All procedures were successfully completed, with only one incision through the umbilicus, and without conversion to a standard laparoscopic approach. Mean operative time was 120.1 ± 34.7 min. Tumor laterality and patient body mass index did not affect surgical morbidity. The initial 15 patients had a significantly longer mean pneumoperitoneum time (95.8 ± 37.5 min) than the last 15 patients (70.5 ± 18.7 min). Only one postoperative complication was observed (postoperative hematoma).Conclusions:  A transumbilical approach for laparo‐endoscopic single‐site adrenalectomy is safe and feasible, and it results in superior cosmesis. Improvements in surgical devices might facilitate further development of this approach.