bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research priorities for nursing care of infants, children and adolescents: a West Australian Delphi study
Authors: Wilson Sally , Ramelet Anne‐Sylvie , Zuiderduyn Sharon 
Published: June 2010

Aims and objectives.  This paper describes a study that aimed to identify research priorities for the care of infants, children and adolescents at the sole tertiary referral hospital for children in Western Australia. The secondary aim was to stimulate nurses to explore clinical problems that would require further inquiry.Background.  Planning for research is an essential stage of research development; involving clinicians in this exercise is likely to foster research partnerships that are pertinent to clinical practice. Nursing research priorities for the paediatric population have not previously been reported in Australia.Design.  Delphi study.Method.  Over 12 months in 2005–2006, a three‐round questionnaire, using the Delphi technique, was sent to a randomly selected sample of registered nurses. This method was used to identify and prioritise nursing research topics relevant to the patient and the family. Content analysis was used to analyse Round I data and descriptive statistics for Round II and III data.Results.  In Round I, 280 statements were identified and reduced to 37 research priorities. Analysis of data in subsequent rounds identified the top two priority research areas as (1) identification of strategies to reduce medication incidents (Mean = 6·47; SD 0·88) and (2) improvement in pain assessment and management (Mean = 6; SD 1·38). Additional comments indicated few nurses access the scientific literature or use research findings because of a lack of time or electronic access.Conclusions.  Thirty‐seven research priorities were identified. The identification of research priorities by nurses provided research direction for the health service and potentially other similar health institutions for children and adolescents in Australia and internationally.Relevance to clinical practice.  The nurse participants showed concern about the safety of care and the well‐being of children and their families. This study also enabled the identification of potential collaborative research and development of pain management improvement initiatives.
Different hip and knee priority score systems: are they good for the same thing?
Authors: Escobar Antonio , Quintana Jose Maria , Espallargues Mireia , Allepuz Alejandro , Ibañez Berta 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjective  The aim of the present study was to compare two priority tools used for joint replacement for patients on waiting lists, which use two different methods.Methods  Two prioritization tools developed and validated by different methodologies were used on the same cohort of patients. The first, an IRYSS hip and knee priority score (IHKPS) developed by RAND method, was applied while patients were on the waiting list. The other, a Catalonia hip–knee priority score (CHKPS) developed by conjoint analysis, was adapted and applied retrospectively. In addition, all patients fulfilled pre‐intervention the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Correlation between them was studied by Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Agreement was analysed by means of intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC), Kendall coefficient and Cohern kappa. The relationship between IHKPS, CHKPS and baseline WOMAC scores by r coefficient was studied.Results  The sample consisted of 774 consecutive patients. Pearson correlation coefficient between IHKPS and CHKPS was 0.79. The agreement study showed that ICC was 0.74, Kendall coefficient 0.86 and kappa 0.66. Finally, correlation between CHKPS and baseline WOMAC ranged from 0.43 to 0.64. The results according to the relationship between IHKPS and WOMAC ranged from 0.50 to 0.74.Conclusions  Results support the hypothesis that if the final objective of the prioritization tools is to organize and sort patients on the waiting list, although they use different methodologies, the results are similar.
The association between continuity of care and outcomes: a systematic and critical review
Authors: Van Walraven Carl , Oake Natalie , Jennings Alison , Forster Alan J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Numerous studies have tried to determine the association between continuity and outcomes. Studies doing so must actually measure continuity. If continuity and outcomes are measured concurrently, their association can only be determined with time‐dependent methods.Objective  To identify and summarize all methodologically studies that measure the association between continuity of care and patient outcomes.Methods  We searched MEDLINE database (1950–2008) and hand‐searched to identify studies that tried to associate continuity and outcomes. English studies were included if they: actually measured continuity; determined the association of continuity with patient outcomes; and properly accounted for the relative timing of continuity and outcome measures.Results  A total of 139 English language studies tried to measure the association between continuity and outcomes but only 18 studies (12.9%) met methodological criteria. All but two studies measured provider continuity and used health utilization or patient satisfaction as the outcome. Eight of nine high‐quality studies found a significant association between increased continuity and decreased health utilization including hospitalization and emergency visits. Five of seven studies found improved patient satisfaction with increased continuity.Conclusions  These studies validate the belief that increased provider continuity is associated with improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Further research is required to determine whether information or management continuity improves outcomes.
Polyphosphate binds to the principal sigma factor of RNA polymerase during starvation response in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Yang Zhao Xu , Zhou Yan Ning , Yang Yi , Jin Ding Jun 
Published: June 2010

Summary Helicobacter pylori persists deep in the human gastric mucus layer in a harsh, nutrient‐poor environment. Survival under these conditions depends on the ability of this human pathogen to invoke starvation/stress responses when needed. Unlike many bacteria, H. pylori lacks starvation/stress‐responding alternative sigma factors, suggesting an additional mechanism might have evolved in this bacterium. Helicobacter pylori produces polyphosphate; however, the role and target of polyphosphate during starvation/stress have not been identified. Here we show that polyphosphate accumulated during nutrient starvation directly targets transcriptional machinery by binding to the principal sigma factor in H. pylori, uncovering a novel mechanism in microbial stress response. A positively charged Lys‐rich region at the N‐terminal domain of the major sigma factor is identified as the binding region for polyphosphate (region P) in vivo and in vitro, revealing a new element in sigma 70 family proteins. This interaction is biologically significant because mutant strains defective in the interaction undergo premature cell death during starvation. We suggested that polyphosphate is a second messenger employed by H. pylori to mediate gene expression during starvation/stress. The putative ‘region P’ is present in sigma factors of other human pathogens, suggesting that the uncovered interaction might be a general strategy employed by other pathogens.
Below‐ and above‐ground growth and biomass allocation in maize and Sorghum halepense in response to soil water competition
Authors: ACCIARESI H A , GUIAMET J J 
Published: June 2010

Acciaresi HA & Guiamet JJ (2010). Below‐ and above‐ground growth and biomass allocation in maize and Sorghum halepense in response to soil water competition. Weed Research50, 481–492.SummaryThe aim of this study was to establish the morphological or physiological nature of the changes in growth parameters of maize and Sorghum halepense plants growing under competition for water. Plant growth analysis studies in semi‐controlled conditions in plastic containers were conducted in two consecutive years. The competition treatments were established 4 weeks after emergence of both species and lasted for 4 weeks. Treatments of low (75% of field capacity) and very low water availability (irrigation withheld) were established. The variables obtained were: relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), net assimilation rate (NAR), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf mass fraction (LMF), rhizome mass fraction (rizMF), root length ratio (RLR), root mass fraction (RMF), specific root length (SRL) and length of fine roots (VfRL). The RGR of S. halepense was less affected by the two levels of competition than that of either of two maize hybrids. The weed was able to maintain its ability to grow, due to the maintenance of NAR during competition. A similar contribution of biomass from leaves and rhizomes to roots was observed in S. halepense, favouring the formation of very fine roots. In contrast, in maize, the decrease in RGR was due to a decline in NAR and there was no formation of fine roots to maintain water absorption during competition. The greater increase both in biomass partitioned to roots and root length by S. halepense, might negatively impact maize ability to compete for water during the critical competition period.
Fine‐scale spatial distribution of seedling establishment of the invasive plant, Leucaena leucocephala, on an oceanic island after feral goat extermination
Authors: HATA K , SUZUKI J‐I , KACHI N 
Published: June 2010

Hata K, Suzuki J‐I & Kachi N (2010). Fine‐scale spatial distribution of seedling establishment of the invasive plant, Leucaena leucocephala, on an oceanic island after feral goat extermination. Weed Research50, 472–480.SummaryOn oceanic islands, native vegetation disturbed by feral goats has been invaded by an alien shrub, Leucaena leucocephala, after goat removal. We investigated how the distribution of L. leucocephala at the earliest stages of invasion was related to the distance from seed sources and the structure of the herbaceous vegetation. At a fine spatial scale in Nakoudojima Island, Japan, an oceanic island in the western Pacific, we calculated correlations between the presence of L. leucocephala and its distance from a forest dominated by L. leucocephala, the height of the herbaceous vegetation, and the depth of litter accumulation. The occurrences of L. leucocephala plants smaller than 1.3 m in height were negatively correlated with distance from L. leucocephala forest, the height of the herbaceous vegetation, and litter depth. On the other hand, the occurrence of plants larger than 1.3 m in height was correlated only with distance from L. leucocephala forest. Our results suggested that the distribution of smaller individuals of an alien plant at specific sites would be related not only to the distance from its seed sources, but also to the structure of the herbaceous vegetation.
Survival of weed seeds subjected to sheep rumen digestion
Authors: HAIDAR M A , GHARIB C , SLEIMAN F T 
Published: June 2010

Haidar MA, Gharib C & Sleiman FT (2010). Survival of weed seeds subjected to sheep rumen digestion. Weed Research50, 467–471.SummaryAn experiment was conducted to examine the effect of sheep rumen digestion on the viability of the seeds of eight weed and two crop species common in Lebanon. Seed samples were put in small monofilament polyester bags and placed in the rumen of fistulated sheep for 1, 2, 3 and 4 days. The viability of the seeds 4 days after placement in the rumen was 85% for Cuscuta campestris, 76% for Amaranthus retroflexus, 31% for Convolvulus arvensis, 17% for Chenopodium album, 10% for Eleusine indica, and 1.3% for Setaria viridis, compared with the control. Seeds of Lolium multiflorum and Raphanus raphanistrum died 2 days after placement in the rumen, while seeds of Lens culinaris and Hordeum vulgare, which were tested for comparison, died 1 day after placement in the rumen. The seeds most tolerant to incubation were Cuscuta campestris and Amaranthus retroflexus, followed by Convolvulus arvensis, Chenopodium album and Eleusine indica. The results indicate that sheep could be an important vector for dispersing viable weed seeds, particularly hard‐coated seeds. Thus, sheep should be kept in pens for about 4 days before being released into new fields, to reduce the risk of weed infestation and spread.
Genetic differentiation in the genus Lithops L. (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae) reveals a high level of convergent evolution and reflects geographic distribution
Authors: Kellner A. , Ritz C. M. , Schlittenhardt P. , Hellwig F. H. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractSouthern Africa is one of the hot spots for plant biodiversity, with ca. 80% of species endemic to this area. Rapid and recent radiations in Southern African plant genera were triggered by fine‐scale differences in climate, topography and geology. The genus Lithops (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae) contains 37 species and is widely distributed in Southern Africa. Species delimitation within the genus is challenging because the limited number of morphological characters in these reduced succulents varies intensely between populations, presumably as adaptations to local geological environments. We analysed phylogenetic relationships within Lithops using non‐coding chloroplast DNA (trnS‐trnG intergenic spacer), nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequences and AFLP data. Genetic variability of the sequence data was very low, but AFLP data detected nine clades within Lithops that do not fit current morphology‐based taxonomy. Two of these clades are separated by their distribution on the northern and eastern border of the distribution area, and four clades are found in the Gariep Centre in the estuary of the Orange River. Morphological similarities, especially colour of leaves, evolved repeatedly within the clades, thus we hypothesise that closely related species became adapted to different soil types in a mosaic‐like geological environment. One‐third of the species are found in the Gariep Centre, characterised by extremely diverse edaphic habitats.
Over‐expression of the Arabidopsis CBF1 gene improves resistance of tomato leaves to low temperature under low irradiance
Authors: Zhang Y.‐J. , Yang J.‐S. , Guo S.‐J. , Meng J.‐J. , Zhang Y.‐L. , Wan S.‐B. , He Q.‐W. , Li X.‐G. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA known Arabidopsis cDNA clone, the CRT/DRE binding factor 1 (CBF1), was isolated and introduced into tomato plants. CBF1 is a member of the CBF gene family related to low temperature and enhanced low temperature tolerance in plants. In the present work, transcripts of CBF1 could be detected in transgenic tomato leaves, and the photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and oxidisable P700 in the transgenic tomato over‐expressing CBF1 were higher than in non‐transformed plants under low temperature stress at low irradiance. Similarly, higher activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), higher non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ), and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content were also detected in transgenic tomato leaves. These results suggest that CBF1 protein plays an important role in protection of PSII and PSI during low temperature stress at low irradiance.
Genetic Characterization of Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici Populations from Ethiopia by SSRs
Authors: Admassu Belayneh , Friedt Wolfgang , Ordon Frank 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe genetic structure of Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici isolates sampled in three different regions of Ethiopia in 2006 and 2007 was investigated using 20 SSRs assuming sexual as well as asexual reproduction. Assays showed a high level of genetic diversity within P. graminis f.sp. tritici populations in Ethiopia in both modes of reproductions. Tests for population subdivision revealed the absence of genetic differentiation among the populations based on geographical separation as reflected by a low coefficient of genetic differentiation (≤0.046) and a single cluster consisting of all isolates. Gene flow among populations was estimated to be high (10 per generation). This study shows that the pathogen population of Ethiopia is characterized by a high genetic diversity within each population and absence of segregation among populations. Information obtained from this study may serve as a basis to develop better strategies for deployment of resistance genes, e.g. using marker‐assisted combination of resistance alleles to achieve better control of wheat stem rust in Ethiopia.
Epigenetic treatments of adult rats promote recovery from visual acuity deficits induced by long‐term monocular deprivation
Authors: Silingardi Davide , Scali Manuela , Belluomini Giulio , Pizzorusso Tommaso 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn mammals the development of the visual system may be altered during a sensitive period by modifying the visual input to one or both eyes. These plastic processes are reduced after the end of the sensitive period. It has been proposed that reduced levels of plasticity are at the basis of the lack of recovery from early visual deprivation observed in adult animals. A developmental downregulation of experience‐dependent regulation of histone acetylation has recently been found to be involved in closing the sensitive period. Therefore, we tested whether pharmacological epigenetic treatments increasing histone acetylation could be used to reverse visual acuity deficits induced by long‐term monocular deprivation initiated during the sensitive period. We found that chronic intraperitoneal administration of valproic acid or sodium butyrate (two different histone deacetylases inhibitors) to long‐term monocularly deprived adult rats coupled with reverse lid‐suturing caused a complete recovery of visual acuity, tested electrophysiologically and behaviorally. Thus, manipulations of the epigenetic machinery can be used to promote functional recovery from early alterations of sensory input in the adult cortex.
Adenovirus‐delivered microRNA targeting the vitamin D receptor reduces intracellular Ca2+ concentrations by regulating the expression of Ca2+‐transport proteins in renal epithelial cells
Authors: Xi Qilin , Wang Shaogang , Ye Zhangqun , Liu Jihong , Yu Xiao , Zhu Zhaowei , Su Shiqiang , Bai Jian , Li Cong 
Published: June 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Experimental data have shown that VDR overexpression in the duodenum and kidney cortex is a biological characteristic of genetic hypercalciuric stone‐forming rats (GHS rat), and a link between idiopathic calcium stone formation and the microstatellite marker D12S339 (near the VDR locus) has been proven in humans.Our study shows that VDR can positively regulate the mRNA and protein expression of TRPV5, calbindin‐D28k and PMCA1b in NRK cell lines. VDR knockdown results in a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in NRK cell lines. The effect of the elevated VDR level in the kidney on hypercalciuria and the underlying mechanisms need to be further addressed.OBJECTIVE• To determine the effects of vitamin D receptor (VDR) on hypercalciuria and the mechanisms underlying such effects.MATERIALS AND METHODS• The adenovirus vector‐delivered microRNA targeting rat VDR was constructed. We infected the normal rat kidney epithelial cell line NRK (Cellbank, China) with the adenovirus and then collected the cells at 0, 48, 72, 96, 120 h after infection. The mRNA and protein levels of VDR and VDR‐dependent epithelial Ca2+ transport proteins were detected using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays, respectively.• Fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fluo‐4 NW (Fluo‐4 NW calcium assay kit, Molecular Probes, Invitrogen, USA) and laser scanning confocal microscope (Olympus, FV500‐IX71, Japan) were used to detect the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration at different time points after infection.RESULTS• The mRNA and protein level of VDR, transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor subtype 5 (TRPV5), calbindin‐D28k and plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA1b) in infected NRK cells was significantly lower at 72 and 96 h after infection than that in control cells.• There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mRNA and protein level of TRPV6 and the Na+/Ca2+‐exchanger (NCX1).• Furthermore, VDR knockdown results in a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in NRK cell lines.CONCLUSIONS• Our study shows that VDR can positively regulate the mRNA and protein expression of TRPV5, calbindin‐D28k and PMCA1b, but not of TRPV6 or NCX1, in NRK cell lines. VDR knockdown results in a decrease in [Ca2+]i in NRK cell lines.• The effect of the elevated VDR level in the kidney on hypercalciuria and the mechanisms underlying need to be further addressed.
‘Nachleben’: Volker Braun and the Death and Afterlife of the GDR
Authors: Leeder Karen 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on the demise of the GDR, not as is often the case by looking at how it is nostalgically remembered or retrospectively re‐imagined, but more literally. Recent literature from the former GDR has been characterised by a fascination with death but also with spectrality; the revenant undead in the form of ghosts, spectres, vampires, and zombies. A notable example is the revival of the medieval ‘danse macabre’ in a series of contemporary ‘Neue Totentänze’ (2002). This preoccupation links with those recent poetological programmes that have focused on the archaeological excavation of memory, but also with the interest in time which has been noted by a number of observers. However, there is more at stake: an ironic take on Marx and the loss of ideals, a concern with work, an exploration of literature as ‘postscript’, and a fascination with epochal lateness which chimes with contemporary international interests. This paper will focus on lyric and prose texts by Volker Braun – Tumulus (1999), Auf die schönen Possen (2005) and Machwerk oder das Schichtbuch des Flick von Lauchhammer (2008) – to explore how the ‘last words’ of the GDR offer a political and aesthetic rejoinder to a depleted contemporary reality.Dieser Artikel beschäftigt sich mit dem Untergang der DDR, nicht jedoch – wie so oft – im Sinne einer nostalgischen Erinnerung oder nachträglichen Rekonstruktion, sondern in einem wörtlicheren Sinne. Neue Literatur aus der früheren DDR befasst sich zunehmend mit dem Tod als Thema, aber auch mit der Spektralität: d.h. mit den ‘untoten’ Wiedergängern, die als Geist, Gespenst, Vampir oder Zombie erscheinen. Merkwürdig in dieser Hinsicht ist das Aufleben von der Tradition des mittelalterlichen Totentanzes in einer Reihe zeitgenössischer ‘Neuer Totentänze’ (2002). Diese Tendenz ist in Zusammenhang mit den neueren poetologischen Programmen einer archäologischen Freilegung der Erinnerung, doch auch mit einem vielfach beobachteten Zeitinteresse zu sehen. Es geht jedoch um mehr: um eine ironische Haltung gegenüber Marx und dem Verlust von Idealen, um eine Auseinandersetzung mit Arbeit, eine Erkundung von Literatur als ‘Postskript’ und eine Faszination für epochale Verspätung, die sich mit zeitgenössischen internationalen Interessen deckt. In diesem Beitrag werden Lyrik und Prosa von Volker Braun – Tumulus (1999), Auf die schönen Possen (2005) and Machwerk oder das Schichtbuch des Flick von Lauchhammer (2008) – mit Blick auf die Frage untersucht, inwiefern die ‘letzten Worte’ der DDR eine politische und ästhetische Erwiderung auf eine ausgehöhlte zeitgenössische Realität darstellen.