bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensing embolism in xylem vessels: the role of sucrose as a trigger for refilling
Authors: SECCHI FRANCESCA , ZWIENIECKI MACIEJ A. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTRefilling of embolized vessels requires a source of water and the release of energy stored in xylem parenchyma cells. Past evidence suggests that embolism presence can trigger a biological response that is switched off upon successful vessel refilling. As embolism formation is a purely physical process and most biological triggers rely on chemical sensors, we hypothesized that accumulation of osmotic compounds in walls of embolized vessels are involved in the embolism sensing mechanism. Analysis ofPopulus trichocarpa's response to infiltration of sucrose, monosaccharides, polyethylene glycol and potassium chloride into the xylem revealed that only presence of sucrose resulted in a simultaneous physiological and molecular response similar to that induced by embolism. This response included reduction of the starch pool in xylem parenchyma cells and significant correlation of gene expression from aquaporins, amylases and sugar transporter families. The work provides evidence of the ability of plants to sense embolism and suggests that sucrose concentration is the stimulus that allows plants to trigger a biological response to embolism.
Constrained preferences in nitrogen uptake across plant species and environments
Authors: WANG LIXIN , MACKO STEPHEN A. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTKnowledge of determining factors for nitrogen uptake preferences and how they are modified in changing environments are critical to understand ecosystem nitrogen cycling and to predict plant responses to future environmental changes. Two 15N tracer experiments utilizing a unique differential labelled nitrogen source were employed in both African savannas and greenhouse settings. The results demonstrated that nitrogen uptake preferences were constrained by the climatic conditions. As mainly indicated by root δ15N signatures at 1:1 ammonium/nitrate ratio, in the drier environments, plants preferred nitrate and in the wetter environments they preferred ammonium. Nitrogen uptake preferences were different across different ecosystems (e.g. from drier to wetter environments) even for the same species. More significantly, our experiments showed that the plant progeny continued to exhibit the same nitrogen preference as the parent plants in the field, even when removed from their native environment and the nitrogen source was changed dramatically. The climatic constraint of nitrogen uptake preference is likely influenced by ammonium/nitrate ratios in the native habitats of the plants. The constancy in nitrogen preference has important implications in predicting the success of plant communities in their response to climate change, to seed bank use and to reforestation efforts.
Infectivity of HBV DNA positive donations identified in look‐back studies in Hyogo‐Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Bouike Y. , Imoto S. , Mabuchi O. , Kokubunji A. , Kai S. , Okada M. , Taniguchi R. , Momose S. , Uchida S. , Nishio H. 
Published: December 2010

Aims/Objectives: To clarify transfusion incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected blood negative for mini pool‐nucleic acid amplification testing (MP‐NAT). Background: Japanese Red Cross (JRC) blood centres screen donated blood to avoid contamination with HBV. However, a low copy number of HBV may be overlooked. Methods/Materials: In Hyogo‐Prefecture, JRC blood centres screened 787 695 donations for HBV from April 2005 to March 2009. Of these, 685 844 were donations from the repeat donors. To detect the donors with HBV, serological tests, MP‐NAT and/or individual donation (ID)‐NAT were performed. To detect the recipients with transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection (TTHBI), serological analysis and/or ID‐NAT were performed. Results: In this study, 265 of the 685 844 repeat donations were serologically and/or MP‐NAT positive for HBV. Their repository samples from the previous donation were examined in a look‐back study; 13 of the 265 repository samples proved ID‐NAT positive. Twelve recipients were transfused with HBV‐infected blood components derived from 10 of the 13 HBV‐infected donors. Only 1 of the 12 recipients was identified as TTHBI case. Seven of the 12 recipients escaped from our follow‐up study and 4 recipients were negative for HBV during the observation period. Conclusion: On the basis of the look‐back study among the repeat donors in Hyogo‐Prefecture, Japan, donations with HBV‐infected blood negative for MP‐NAT occurred with a frequency of 13 in 685 844 donations (∼1/53 000 donations). However, more than half of the recipients transfused with HBV‐infected blood negative for MP‐NAT could not be followed up. It is necessary to establish a more cautious follow‐up system.
Cost and effectiveness comparison of two methods for screening potential blood donors for anaemia in Vietnam
Authors: Tyrrell A. , Worrall E. , Que T. N. , Bates I. 
Published: December 2010

Aim/Objective:To compare the cost and effectiveness of Copper Sulphate (CS) and HemoCue (HC) methods for screening blood donors for anaemia.Background:Robust information from developing countries about cost and effectiveness of anaemia screening methods for blood donors is scarce. In such countries there are widespread shortages of blood, so the most cost‐effective method should maximise blood supply without compromising donor safety.Methods:Economic data (e.g. staff time, equipment and buildings) were collected from direct observation of procedures and purchase data from Hanoi's Central Blood Bank administrative department. A framework for comparing the cost and effectiveness of anaemia screening methods was developed and a cost per effective (i.e. usable and accurate) test was generated for each method.Results:Samples from 100 potential donors from the Hanoi Central Blood Bank (static) and 198 from two mobile units were tested. The mean probability of an ineffective anaemia test was 0·1 (0·05–0·2). The average cost of an HC test was $0·75 (static $0·61 and mobile $0·89) and a CS test was $0·31 (static $0·17 and mobile $0·45). The difference between static and mobile units was predominantly due to transport costs; the difference between the two methods was predominantly due to the HC microcuvettes.Conclusion:In this setting the CS yields greater value for money than the HC method for screening blood donors. The relative cost and effectiveness of CS and HC may be different in places with higher staff turnover, lower test accuracy, higher anaemia prevalence or lower workload than in Vietnam.
Anti‐acid medication as a risk factor for food allergy
Authors: Pali‐Schöll I. , Jensen‐Jarolim E. 
Published: December 2010

To cite this article: Pali‐Schöll I, Jensen‐Jarolim E. Anti‐acid medication as a risk factor for food allergy. Allergy 2011; 66: 469–477.AbstractAn important feature for oral allergens is their digestion‐resistance during gastrointestinal transit. For some oral allergens, digestion stability is an innate feature, whereas digestion‐labile antigens may only persist in times of impairment of the digestive system. In this review, we collect evidence from mouse and human studies that besides the inherent molecular characteristics of a food protein, the stomach function is decisive for the allergenic potential. Gastric acid levels determine the activation of gastric pepsin and also the release of pancreatic enzymes. When anti‐ulcer drugs inhibit or neutralize gastric acid, they allow persistence of intact food allergens and protein‐bound oral drugs with enhanced capacity to sensitize and elicit allergic reactions via the oral route. Mouse studies further suggest that maternal food allergy arising from co‐application of a food protein with anti‐acid drugs results in a Th2‐biased immune response in the offspring. Especially, anti‐ulcer drugs containing aluminum compounds act as Th2 adjuvants. Proton pump inhibitors act on proton secretion but also on expression of the morphogen Sonic hedgehog, which has been related to the development of atrophic gastritis. On the other hand, atrophic gastritis and resulting hypoacidity have previously been correlated with enhanced sensitization risk to food allergens in elderly patients. In summary, impairment of gastric function is a documented risk factor for sensitization against oral proteins and drugs.
Effects of a pantothenic acid supplementation to different rations on ruminal fermentation, nutrient flow at the duodenum, and on blood and milk variables of dairy cows
Authors: Ragaller V. , Lebzien P. , Bigalke W. , Südekum K. H. , Hüther L. , Flachowsky G. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryTo investigate the effects of a dietary pantothenic acid (PA) supplementation on duodenal nutrient flows, blood and milk variables and especially on duodenal PA flows and PA concentrations in blood and milk German Holstein cows, equipped with cannulas in the dorsal sac of the rumen and in the proximal duodenum were used. In the first experiment of the study two dry and six lactating cows received a diet with a forage to concentrate (F:C) ratio of 34:66 (high concentrate, HC), whereas in the second experiment a diet with a F:C ratio of 66:34 (high forage, HF) was fed to four dry and five lactating cows. The cows received both rations with or without 1 g PA/day. By supplementing PA to the HC ration, the molar percentage of acetic acid increased, whereas the concentration of total short chain fatty acids, the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis in the rumen and the serum glucose levels, decreased. With the HF ration the PA decreased the molar percentage of propionic acid and increased the amount of ruminally fermented organic matter. Furthermore, PA supplementation only increased the duodenal PA flow with the HF ration, while the serum and milk PA concentrations and milk PA yields were not affected. Based on the results of the present study, a rumen‐unprotected supplementation of PA makes no sense.
Haemostatic effects of simvastatin in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Krysiak R. , Okopien B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground:  Very little is known about extra‐lipid effects of statins in prediabetic subjects.Aim:  Our study has assessed the effect of simvastatin on coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), comparing this effect with that exhibited by simvastatin in isolated hypercholesterolaemia.Methods:  Lipid profile, fasting and 2‐h post‐glucose challenge plasma glucose levels, the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) ratio, glycated haemoglobin, the prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time, plasma fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), factor X levels and factor VII coagulant activity were assessed at baseline, and after 30 and 90 days of simvastatin treatment (20 mg daily) in 28 patients with IGT and 28 subjects with primary isolated hypercholesterolaemia. The control group included 26 age‐, sex‐ and weight‐matched dyslipidaemia‐free individuals with normal glucose tolerance. The experiments comply with the current law of Poland.Results:  Compared to the control subjects, hypercholesterolaemic and IGT patients exhibited increased baseline plasma levels of fibrinogen, PAI‐1 and vWF, and increased factor VII activity, with no difference between the two groups of patients. All these haemostatic abnormalities were alleviated or normalized after simvastatin treatment, which was accompanied by a prolongation of the prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time. In both treatment groups simvastatin reduced total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol, oxidized LDL and apoprotein B but did not affect glucose metabolism marker levels.Conclusions:  Our study shows that haemostasis is disturbed to a similar degree in IGT and isolated hypercholesterolaemia. Simvastatin exhibits a multidirectional, lipid‐independent favourable action on coagulation and fibrinolysis in IGT patients, which may play a role in the prevention of initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in this prediabetic state.
Comparison of prediction equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Liu X. , Lv L. , Wang C. , Shi C. , Cheng C. , Tang H. , Chen Z. , Ye Z. , Lou T. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAim:  We sought to evaluate the applicability of formulae based on serum creatinine (SC) levels in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Materials and methods:  Three hundred and twenty‐seven patients with CKD who had undergone 99mTc‐DTPA glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation were enrolled. The Cockcroft–Gault equation, SC‐reciprocal equation, Gate equation, Hull equation, Jelliffe‐1973 equation, Jelliffe‐1971 equation, Mawer equation, Bjornsson equation, reexpressed 6‐variable MDRD equation and reexpressed 4‐variable MDRD equation were compared. Using the 99mTc‐DTPA GFR as the standard GFR (sGFR), the accuracy of estimated GFR was compared with sGFR in various stages of CKD.Results:  Median per cents of the absolute difference ranged from 28.16% to 39.39%, accuracy with a deviation less than 30% ranging from 39.4% to 53.5%, accuracy with a deviation less than 50% ranging from 63.0% to 80.7%. None of the equations had accuracy up to the 70% level with a deviation less than 30% from sGFR. Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated that mean difference ranged from −2.42 to 16.39 mL/min/1.73 m2, whereas precision ranged from 82.66 to 106.15 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, the agreement limits of all the equations exceeded the prior acceptable tolerances defined as 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Linear regression showed that the slopes of regression line ranged from 0.37 to 0.54 and intercepts ranged from −12.10 to 3.86. When the overall performance as well as bias and accuracy were compared in different stages of CKD, GFR estimated by Jelliffe‐1973 equation, Cockcroft–Gault equation and Bjornsson equation showed promising results.Conclusion:  When SC was measured by the enzymatic method, GFR estimation equations showed great bias in Chinese CKD patients. At present, the Jelliffe‐1973 equation and Cockcroft–Gault equation may be more accurate in the Chinese ethnic group.
Survival in patients with malignancy and venous thromboembolism by tumour subtype and thrombus location
Authors: Prestidge T. , Lee S. , Harper P. , Young L. , Ockelford P. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground:  Although the association between malignancy and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is firmly established, less is known about the survival following VTE among different malignant subtypes.Aims:  We sought to estimate survival from first VTE in consecutive patients with known malignancy receiving extended low molecular weight heparin therapy.Methods:  Five hundred and fifty‐nine consecutive patients presenting to the Thrombosis Unit Registry at Auckland City Hospital between January 1997 and October 2006 were observed. Events were confirmed by standard imaging procedures. The diagnosis date and site of VTE as well as the type of malignancy were recorded.Results:  Mean follow up was 21.4 months. Overall median survival from VTE was 13.5 months. Six‐month, one‐, two‐ and five‐year survivals were 64%, 53%, 43% and 33% respectively. Survival was longest for haematological malignancy at 44.4 months, followed by prostate, bowel, breast (metastatic breast), lung and pancreatic malignancy at 29.4, 27.4, 15.5 (6.2), 2.4 and 1.9 months respectively. Median survival varied with thrombotic location from 31.1 months for upper limb/jugular deep vein thrombosis reducing to only 10.1 months for iliocaval/abdominal deep vein thrombosis, but this did not reach statistical significance. Survival from cancer diagnosis was also determined.Discussion:  The 1‐year 53% survival in cancer patients with VTE treated using extended low molecular weight heparin is longer than that reported from large registry and population studies in which specific patient information and therapeutic regimens are unknown. Survival is critically determined by tumour type and correlates with tumour stage in women with breast cancer. There is also a trend towards differing survival by thrombus location.
Survival after the initiation of combination therapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: an Australian collaborative report
Authors: Keogh A. , Strange G. , Kotlyar E. , Williams T. , Kilpatrick D. , Macdonald P. , Brown K. , Pidoux A. , Kermeen F. , Steele P. , Dalton B. , Gabbay E. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground:  Several cellular pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and attempts to arrest disease progression with a single drug would not be expected to succeed in the medium term. In clinical practice, combination therapy is often used in patients deteriorating on monotherapy, despite the absence of firm evidence from randomized controlled controls.Methods:  From January 2005 to August 2009, 112 patients with World Health Organisation Functional Class (FC) II–IV PAH deteriorating on monotherapy received non‐parenteral combination therapy at six Australian PAH expert hospitals. Combination therapy included bosentan, sitaxentan, ambrisentan, iloprost and sildenafil. Data were prospectively collected for survival status, 6‐min walk distance, FC and echocardiographic parameters at the start of monotherapy through to commencement of combination therapy and at 6‐monthly intervals thereafter.Results:  After varying periods of monotherapy (18.7 ± 13.4 months), survival estimates on combination therapy were 88%, 71% and 61% for the additional 1, 2 and 3 years respectively. Survival on dual therapy in patients with idiopathic PAH/familial PAH was 93% at 1 year and 79% at 2 years, and for scleroderma‐related PAH, 72% at 1 year and 48% at year 2 after initiation of combination therapy. In survivors, dual therapy reversed the deterioration in FC, from 3.1 ± 0.6 on monotherapy to 2.2 ± 0.6 at 12 months. Similarly, dual therapy improved 6‐min walk distance from 316 ± 119 m to 406 ± 129 m at 12 months, and sequential echocardiography demonstrated a fall in pulmonary artery systolic pressure and improved right ventricular function.Conclusions:  Dual non‐parenteral therapy appears safe and effective and should be considered for PAH patients who are deteriorating on monotherapy to improve long‐term outcomes.
Characteristics associated with intent to stay among Quality Improvement nurses
Authors: Kim E‐K. , Hwang J‐I. 
Published: December 2010

Kim E.K. & Hwang J.I. (2011) Characteristics associated with intent to stay among Quality Improvement nurses. International Nursing Review58, 89–95Aim:  The study aims to investigate characteristics associated with intent to stay among Quality Improvement (QI) nurses in Korean hospitals.Background:  QI nurses have recently emerged as a new specialty area in the nursing profession in Korea. They have played a major role in coordinating and facilitating hospital‐wide QI activities. However, their frequent turnover degrades the continuity of overall QI programmes and incurs additional costs in human resource management.Methods:  A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was administered to 123 QI nurses in 123 general hospitals. The collected data included their hospital and department characteristics, work demand, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and demographics. The response rate was 94.3% (n = 116). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with intent to stay.Findings:  Only 32.8% intended to stay in their current job. Significant factors associated with intent to stay were affective commitment and work demands. QI nurses with a higher level of affective commitment were more likely to stay [odds ratios (OR) = 2.50], whereas those with higher quantitative work demands in QI education and support were less likely to stay (OR = 0.40).Conclusion:  The findings indicated that intent to stay was closely associated with work environment characteristics. Efforts to enhance their affective commitment and support their workload management are needed to increase the retention of qualified and experienced QI nurses.
A unit‐coordinator system: an effective method of reducing inappropriate hospital stays
Authors: Yu S.Y. , Ko I.S. , Lee S.M. , Park Y.W. , Lee C. 
Published: December 2010

YU S., KO I., LEE S., PARK Y. & LEE C. (2011) A unit‐coordinator system: an effective method of reducing inappropriate hospital stays. International Nursing Review58, 96–102Background:  Many hospitals would benefit from a reduction in the length of inpatient hospital stays; in this regard, nursing approaches require complementation to ensure optimized nursing care. Such action is particularly important in general hospitals in Korea, where the ratio of patients to nurses is more than 10:1.Objectives:  This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a unit‐coordinator system in complementing primary nursing in general hospitals as a means of reducing inappropriate hospital stays.Methods:  The unit‐coordinator system was implemented in seven wards in a hospital in Seoul for 8 weeks. The existing primary nursing system was maintained, and newly placed unit‐coordinators organized the activities within each ward.The numbers of early admissions and early discharges were determined by assessing the electronic administrative records of the hospital. Further, the number of patients who had undergone check‐ups and chemotherapy on the day of admission was confirmed from the daily reports of each ward. The effect of the unit‐coordinator system on nurse satisfaction was assessed through direct interviews.Findings:  Early‐discharge and early‐admission numbers increased significantly after implementation of the unit‐coordinator system. Early admission allowed check‐ups and treatments to be performed on the day of admission. Thus, this system reduced the length of hospital stay by 1 day, and the total reduction of inappropriate hospital stays over the 8‐week study period was 66 days. Further, the unit‐coordinator system also increased nurse satisfaction.Conclusion:  The unit‐coordinator system is an effective method of complementing primary nursing and reducing inappropriate hospital stays.
Languages of Class in US Party Platforms, 1880–1936
Authors: HURST ALLISON L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis article will explore the shifting use of class language in party platforms during theLochnerera, a period of increased class polarization, social unrest, andlaissez fairejudicial philosophy. It explores the ways in which political parties responded to the growing inequality of wealth and the judicial distaste for “class legislation.” Using as a dataset all available party platforms of the presidential elections years during this period, I analyze the impact of class identity and class consciousness on politics and social movements during this time, finding that (1) class language increased during this period, with its sharpest images and depictions found in third party platforms; (2) the use of class language was directly connected to calls for an end to “government by injunction” and very specific proposals for workers; (3) the two major parties often took on some of these specific recommendations in the following presidential cycle or cycles, but without the attendant class language; leading to (4) a general muting of explanations for the cause of industrial conflict (irrecoof industrialncilable interests of labor and capital) in favor of specific reforms leading to government as mediator, picked up primarily by the Democratic Party.