bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peroxiredoxins and NADPH-Dependent Thioredoxin Systems in the Model Legume Lotus japonicus
Authors: Tovar-Méndez Alejandro , Matamoros Manuel A. , Bustos-Sanmamed Pilar , Dietz Karl-Josef , Cejudo Francisco Javier , Rouhier Nicolas , Sato Shusei , Tabata Satoshi , Becana Manuel 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Peroxiredoxins (Prxs), thioredoxins (Trxs), and NADPH-thioredoxin reductases (NTRs) constitute central elements of the thiol-disulfide redox regulatory network of plant cells. This study provides a comprehensive survey of this network in the model legume Lotus japonicus. The aims were to identify and characterize these gene families and to assess whether the NTR-Trx systems are operative in nodules. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunological and proteomic approaches were used for expression profiling. We identified seven Prx, 14 Trx, and three NTR functional genes. The PrxQ1 gene was found to be transcribed in two alternative spliced variants and to be expressed at high levels in leaves, stems, petals, pods, and seeds and at low levels in roots and nodules. The 1CPrx gene showed very high expression in the seed embryos and low expression in vegetative tissues and was induced by nitric oxide and cytokinins. In sharp contrast, cytokinins down-regulated all other Prx genes, except PrxQ1, in roots and nodules, but only 2CPrxA and PrxQ1 in leaves. Gene-specific changes in Prx expression were also observed in response to ethylene, abscisic acid, and auxins. Nodules contain significant mRNA and protein amounts of cytosolic PrxIIB, Trxh1, and NTRA and of plastidic NTRC. Likewise, they express cytosolic Trxh3, Trxh4, Trxh8, and Trxh9, mitochondrial PrxIIF and Trxo, and plastidic Trxm2, Trxm4, and ferredoxin-Trx reductase. These findings reveal a complex regulation of Prxs that is dependent on the isoform, tissue, and signaling molecule and support that redox NTR-Trx systems are functional in the cytosol, mitochondria, and plastids of nodules.
A Versatile Set of Ligation-Independent Cloning Vectors for Functional Studies in Plants
Authors: De Rybel Bert , van den Berg Willy , Lokerse Annemarie S. , Liao Che-Yang , van Mourik Hilda , Möller Barbara , Llavata-Peris Cristina I. , Weijers Dolf 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWith plant molecular biology in the omics era, there is a need for simple cloning strategies that allow high throughput to systematically study the expression and function of large numbers of genes. Such strategies would facilitate the analysis of gene (sub)families and/or sets of coexpressed genes identified by transcriptomics. Here, we provide a set of 34 ligation-independent cloning (LIC) binary vectors for expression analysis, protein localization studies, and misexpression that will be made freely available. This set of plant LIC vectors offers a fast alternative to standard cloning strategies involving ligase or recombination enzyme technology. We demonstrate the use of this strategy and our new vectors by analyzing the expression domains of genes belonging to two subclades of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family. We show that neither the closest homologs of TARGET OF MONOPTEROS7 (TMO7/ATBS1) nor the members of the ATBS1 INTERACTING FACTOR subclade of putative TMO7 interactors are expressed in the embryo and that there is very limited coexpression in the primary root meristem. This suggests that these basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors are most likely not involved in TMO7-dependent root meristem initiation.
Effects of safety warnings on prescription rates of cough and cold medicines in children below 2 years of age
Authors: Sen E. Fatma , Verhamme Katia M. C. , Felisi Mariagrazia , ‘t Jong Geert W. , Giaquinto Carlo , Picelli Gino , Ceci Adriana , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M. ,   on behalf of the TEDDY European Network of Excellence
Published: May 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Cough and cold medicines are frequently used in children to treat upper respiratory tract infections without solid proof of benefits.• Safety issues have been raised about the use of these drugs in young children.• In 2007 international warnings were issued advising against use of these drugs in young children. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Cough and cold medicines prescribing by primary care physicians has not really been influenced by international warnings in the Netherlands, where no additional national warnings were made and only partially in Italy.• A concerted action should be taken in Europe to advise strongly against the OTC use and prescription of cough and cold medicines in young children.AIM The aim of the study was to assess the influence of national and international warnings on the prescription rates of cough and cold medicines (CCMs) in the youngest children (<2 years) in the Netherlands and Italy.METHODS Analysis of outpatient electronic medical records of children <2 years in Italy and the Netherlands was carried out. Age and country specific prescription prevalence rates were calculated for the period 2005–08. Comparisons of prescription rates in 2005 (pre) and 2008 (post) warnings were done by means of a chi‐square test.RESULTS The cohort consisted of 99 176 children <2 years of age. After international warnings, overall prescription rates for CCMs decreased slightly from 83 to 77/1000 person years (P= 0.05) in Italy and increased in the Netherlands from 74 to 92/1000 children per year. Despite the international warnings, prescription rates for nasal sympathomimetics and opium alkaloids increased in the Netherlands (P < 0.01). In Italy a significant decrease in the prescription rates of opium alkaloids and other cough suppressants (P < 0.01) was observed, and also a significant reduction in use of combinations of nasal sympathomimetics.CONCLUSION Despite the international safety warnings and negative benefit‐risk profiles, prescription rates of cough and cold medicines remain substantial and were hardly affected by the warnings, especially in the Netherlands where no warning was issued. The hazards of use of these medicines in young children should be explicitly stipulated by the European Medicines Agency and all national agencies, in order to increase awareness amongst physicians and caretakers and reduce heterogeneity across the EU.
Nitric oxide modulates lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression via interleukin-10
Authors: Hebeda C B , Teixeira S A , Tamura E K , Muscará M N , de Mello S B V , Markus R P , Farsky S H P 
Published: May 2011

Summary
We have shown previously that nitric oxide (NO) controls platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) expression on both neutrophils and endothelial cells under physiological conditions. Here, the molecular mechanism by which NO regulates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial PECAM-1 expression and the role of interleukin (IL)-10 on this control was investigated. For this purpose, N-(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 20 mg/kg/day for 14 days dissolved in drinking water) was used to inhibit both constitutive (cNOS) and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) synthase activities in LPS-stimulated Wistar rats (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). This treatment resulted in reduced levels of serum NO. Under this condition, circulating levels of IL-10 was enhanced, secreted mainly by circulating lymphocytes, dependent on transcriptional activation, and endothelial PECAM-1 expression was reduced independently on reduced gene synthesis. The connection between NO, IL-10 and PECAM-1 expression was examined by incubating LPS-stimulated (1 µg/ml) cultured endothelial cells obtained from naive rats with supernatant of LPS-stimulated lymphocytes, which were obtained from blood of control or l-NAME-treated rats. Supernatant of LPS-stimulated lymphocytes obtained from l-NAME-treated rats, which contained higher levels of IL-10, reduced LPS-induced PECAM-1 expression by endothelial cells, and this reduction was reversed by adding the anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody. Therefore, an association between NO, IL-10 and PECAM-1 was found and may represent a novel mechanism by which NO controls endothelial cell functions.
Pasture‐based dairy farm systems increasing milk production through stocking rate or milk yield per cow: pasture and animal responses
Authors: Fariña S. R. , Garcia S. C. , Fulkerson W. J. , Barchia I. M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA 2‐year whole‐farm study compared pasture‐based systems increasing milk production per ha by increasing either stocking rate (from 2·5 to 3·8 cows ha−1) or milk yield per cow (from 6000 to 9000 kg cow−1 lactation−1) or both. Four treatments (systems), comprising 30 cows each, were compared under the same management and grazing decision rules. The diet was based on grazed pasture, whereas pellets and conserved fodder were fed when deemed necessary. Milk production per ha increased by 0·49, 0·1 and 0·66 in the systems that increased either stocking rate, milk yield per cow or both respectively. Cows in the ‘high milk yield per cow’ systems had a significantly higher body condition score throughout the lactation, but reproductive performance was similar among all groups. Total pasture utilized (11 t DM ha−1 year−1) and pasture nutritive value were similar across all systems. This was associated with the grazing rules applied and the ability of accurately supplementing to meet deficits in available pasture. At the whole‐system level, there was a higher marginal efficiency of supplement use when increasing stocking rate than when increasing milk yield per cow or increasing both (0·18, 0·07 and 0·12 kg milk MJ−1 of metabolizable energy of supplements respectively).
Accuracy and continuity in discharge information for patients with eating difficulties after stroke
Authors: Carlsson Eva , Ehnfors Margareta , Eldh Ann Catrine , Ehrenberg Anna 
Published: May 2011

Aims.  To describe the accuracy and continuity of discharge information for patients with eating difficulties after stroke.Background.  Eating difficulties are prevalent and serious problems in patients with stroke. Screening for eating difficulties can predict undernutrition and subsequent care needs. For optimal care, information transferred between care settings has to be comprehensive and accurate.Design.  Prospective, descriptive.Methods.  The study investigated a sample of 15 triads, each including one patient with stroke along with his patient record and discharge summary and two nursing staff in the municipal care to whom the patient was discharged. Data were collected by observations of patients’ eating, record audits and interviews with nurses. Data were analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.Results.  Accuracy of recorded information on patients’ eating difficulties and informational continuity were poor, as was accuracy in the transferred information according to nursing staff’s perceptions. All patients were at risk of undernutrition and in too poor a state to receive rehabilitation. Nevertheless, patients’ eating difficulties were described in a vague and unspecific language in the patient records. Co‐ordinated care planning and management continuity related to eating difficulties were largely lacking in the documentation. Despite their important role in caring for patients with eating difficulties, little information on eating difficulties seemed to reach licensed practical nurses in the municipalities.Conclusions.  Comprehensiveness in the documentation of eating difficulties and accuracy of transferred information were poor based on record audits and as perceived by the municipal nursing staff. Although all patients were at risk of undernutrition, had multiple eating difficulties and were in too poor a state for rehabilitation, explicit care plans for nutritional problems were lacking.Relevance to clinical practice.  Lack of accuracy and continuity in discharge information on eating difficulties may increase risk of undernutrition and related complications for patients in continuous stroke care. Therefore, the discharge process must be based on comprehensive and accurate documentation.
Psychometric evaluation of a Spanish Language Version of the Screen for Caregiver Burden (SCB) in caregivers of patients with mixed, vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Guerra‐Silla María G , Gutiérrez‐Robledo Luis M , Villalpando‐Berumen Juan M , Pérez‐Zepeda Mario U , Montaña‐Álvarez Mariano , Reyes‐Guerrero Jorge , Rosas‐Carrasco Óscar 
Published: May 2011

Aims and objectives.  To validate a Spanish language version of the Screen for Caregiver Burden, the full‐length or long (25‐item) and short (seven‐item) versions in Mexican caregivers of patients with mixed, vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia.Background.  Patients with dementia display impaired executive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as behavioural changes and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can make patients become more dependent. The experience of caregiving for patients under these conditions is burdensome. It is important to detect this burden to protect both the caregiver and the patient from negative outcomes.Design.  Survey.Methods.  Participants were 143 primary caregivers of patients with dementia and 30 caregivers of older adults without dementia in two hospitals in Mexico City.Results.  The internal reliability was Cronbach’s α = 0·89 and 0·82 for the 25‐item and the seven‐item versions, respectively. The item–total correlations for two Screen for Caregiver Burden versions were significant from r = 0·26 to r = 0·77 p < 0·001. The test–retest was ICC = 0·78 p < 0·001; CI 95% (0·55–0·89) and ICC = 0·72 p < 0·001; CI 95% (0·41–0·86) for the 25‐item and the seven‐item, respectively. We found from non‐significant to highly significant correlations between two Screen for Caregiver Burden versions and other measures ranged. Validity of known groups showed that the caregivers of demented patients experienced more burden than those caring for non‐demented patients.Conclusions.  Given these psychometric properties, both versions of the Screen for Caregiver Burden are valid tools and can be reliably used to assess the presence and level of caregiver burden in caregivers of demented patients.Relevance to clinical practice.  The Screen for Caregiver Burden in the Spanish Language can be used in clinical practice to detect caregiver burden in family members. We recommend using the long or full‐length version when the objective is to assess the caregiver burden carefully and the short version (seven‐item) as a screening method of caregiver burden that requires attention.
Validity and reliability of two pain assessment tools in Brazilian children and adolescents
Authors: da Silva Flavia Claro , Santos Thuler Luiz Claudio , de Leon‐Casasola Oscar A 
Published: May 2011

Aims.  The aim of this research is to examine the validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Revised Faces Pain Scale and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale.Background.  Several self‐report and behavioural pain tools have been shown to have good psychometric properties for the evaluation of pain in children and adolescents. This study was designed to analyse the correlation between two pain scales in school‐age children and adolescents.Design.  This is a validation study.Methods.  This research studied 90 children between 7–17 years old. They received care at the outpatient and the inpatient departments of the National Cancer Institute of Brazil. A self‐report tool, the Revised Faces Pain Scale, was used by children and adolescents to measure their pain, while the observational Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale was used by the healthcare providers to measure pain.Results.  The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability scale presented a good internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient = 0·76). There was a moderate‐to‐good correlation between the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability scale and the Revised Faces Pain Scale scores (Spearman’s coefficient = 0·74).Conclusion.  Findings support the reliability and the validity of the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale and the Revised Faces Pain Scale as a measure of pain in the Brazilian population.Relevance to clinical practice.  The validity and the reliability of both scales will improve pain evaluation and treatment in Brazilian children and adolescents, leading to a better pain control.
Care of patients with neurological conditions: the impact of a Generic Neurology Nursing Service development on patients and their carers
Authors: Kirton Jennifer A , Jack Barbara A , O’Brien Mary R , Roe Brenda 
Published: May 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to explore patients and carers views and experiences of the impact of the Generic Neurology Nursing Service.Background.  Neurological conditions are a major cause of disability and are estimated to affect up to one billion people worldwide. It is clear that this number is set to rise as the world’s population is ageing. Although there are established disease specific neurological specialist nursing services that have been reported as benefitting patients and carers, not all neurological patients are captured in these services. To address this deficit and to provide a rapidly accessible service the Generic Neurology Service was established.Design.  A qualitative study using joint and one to one semi structured interviews. A purposive sample of 20 patients and carers participated in the study.Results.  Two broad themes emerged which are inextricably linked: longer consultation times and the benefit of seeing a knowledgeable specialist nurse.Conclusions.  The respondents in this study reported the benefits of a longer consultation time coupled with the opportunity to talk freely about their symptoms and to ask more questions. All the patients and carers interviewed in this study were satisfied with the care provided by the Generic Neurology Nurse Service, with the majority highlighting improvements it has made in their lives.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study has shown how a novel approach to service design and delivery can help to bridge the gap in the provision of a bespoke service for patients with a neurological condition who currently are receiving sub optimal care. Having a service that patients can rapidly access can be suggested as preventing clinical emergencies, maintaining patients’ self management and resulting in care of the level of the best.
Diabetes education: what do adolescents want?
Authors: Chaney David , Coates Vivien , Shevlin Mark , Carson Dennis , McDougall Andrea , Long Arlene 
Published: May 2011

Aims and objectives.  To establish adolescents’ beliefs regarding the need for structured diabetes education and their views on how such a programme should be organised and what topics need to be addressed.Background.  Structured diabetes education programmes have become common place in diabetes care in recent years. Despite the use of these programmes in adult patients, to date, there exists no tried or tested programme for adolescents. Prior to the development of programmes for this age group, there is a need to establish their views on programme content, delivery mechanisms and how best to introduce structured education in this population.Design.  An exploratory qualitative study.Methods.  Five focus group interviews were undertaken across three acute Hospital Trusts in Northern Ireland. A total of 21 adolescents between 13–19 years were interviewed. Data were analysed by means of a thematic content analysis framework.Results.  All participants expressed a need for a structured education programme specifically tailored to their needs. The complexity of existing diabetes regimens brought with it feelings of frustration and guilt for the majority of adolescents. Many felt isolated and alone. Dietary management and insulin adjustment were seen as very complex.Conclusion.  Participants favoured a structured diabetes education programme that was short in duration, practical in nature, positive in outlook and relevant to daily life.Relevance to clinical practice.  Programmes should address the specific needs of adolescents, be delivered in a practical manner and be realistic for everyday use.
Indications and patterns of therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in the Danish pig production from 2002 to 2008
Authors: JENSEN V. F. , EMBORG H.‐D. , AARESTRUP F. M. 
Published: May 2011

Jensen, V. F., Emborg, H.‐D., Aarestrup, F. M. Indications and patterns of therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in the Danish pig production from 2002 to 2008. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 33–46.This study describes trends in the use and indications for prescriptions of antimicrobial agents in the Danish pig production in the period between 2002 and 2008 and is the first description of a complete prescription pattern for one animal species in an entire country. Data on all prescription for pigs in Denmark were retrieved from the VetStat database. Antimicrobial use was measured in defined animal daily doses (ADD) for the specific age‐group and in ADDkg as a measure of amounts used. According to the results of the ADDkg data, 26% of all antimicrobials were prescribed for sows, 38% for weaner pigs, and 33% for finisher pigs. In weaner and finisher pigs, gastrointestinal infections accounted for 74–83% and 56–65% of the use, while respiratory infections accounted for 9–17% and 18–24%, respectively. From 2002 to 2008, prescription for respiratory disease increased by 145% for sows/piglets, by 141% for weaning pigs, and by 81% for finisher pig. The most commonly used class of antibiotics was tetracycline for all age‐groups, replacing the previously used macrolide/lincosamide group. The use of pleuromutilin increased in 2008 to the level of macrolides. In sow/piglets, the second most used class was penicillins. The switch in choice of antimicrobial classes prescribed seems to be related primarily to changes in the price of the drugs.
Genetic analysis of selenocysteine biosynthesis in the archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Hohn Michael J. , Palioura Sotiria , Su Dan , Yuan Jing , Söll Dieter 
Published: May 2011

SummaryIn Archaea selenocysteine (Sec) is synthesized in three steps. First seryl‐tRNA synthetase acylates tRNASec with serine to generate Ser‐tRNASec. Then phosphoseryl‐tRNASec kinase (PSTK) forms Sep‐tRNASec, which is converted to Sec‐tRNASec by Sep‐tRNA:Sec‐tRNA synthase (SepSecS) in the presence of selenophosphate produced by selenophosphate synthetase (SelD). A complete in vivo analysis of the archaeal Sec biosynthesis pathway is still unavailable, and the existence of a redundant pathway or of a rescue mechanism based on the conversion of Sep‐tRNASec to Cys‐tRNASec during selenium starvation, cannot be excluded. Here we present a mutational analysis of Sec biosynthesis in Methanococcus maripaludis strain Mm900. Sec formation is abolished upon individually deleting the genes encoding SelD, PSTK or SepSecS; the resulting mutant strains could no longer grow on formate while growth with H2 + CO2 remained unaffected. However, deletion of the PSTK and SepSecS genes was not possible unless the selenium‐free [NiFe]‐hydrogenases Frc and Vhc were expressed. This required the prior deletion of either the gene encoding SelD or that of HrsM, a LysR‐type regulator suppressing transcription of the frc and vhc operons in the presence of selenium. These results show that M. maripaludis Mm900 is facultatively selenium‐dependent with a single pathway of Sec‐tRNASec formation.