bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a new analyser for rapid measurement of blood propofol concentration during cardiac surgery
Authors: Cowley N. J. , Laitenberger P. , Liu B. , Jarvis J. , Clutton‐Brock T. H. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryWe report laboratory and clinical evaluations of a blood propofol concentration analyser. Laboratory experiments used volunteer blood spiked with known propofol concentrations over the clinically relevant concentrations from 0.5 to 16 μg.ml−1 to assess linearity and the influence of haematocrit and concurrent drug administration. Analyser concentrations demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 = 0.999). Blood spiked with commonly used drugs showed no significant variation compared to unspiked controls. Propofol measurements were largely independent of haemoglobin concentration. A 6% decay in propofol concentration was observed at the highest prepared concentration. Clinical performance of the analyser was assessed using 80 arterial blood samples from 72 patients receiving propofol infusions during cardiac surgery. Samples were processed using the propofol analyser, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) used as a gold‐standard comparator. These data demonstrated excellent agreement between the propofol analyser and HPLC with a bias of 0.13 μg.ml−1 and precision of −0.16 to 0.42 μg.ml−1.
A comparison of the Pentax Airway Scope™ with the Airtraq™ in an infant manikin
Authors: Tampo A. , Suzuki A. , Sako S. , Kunisawa T. , Iwasaki H. , Fujita S. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryWe compared the Pentax Airway ScopeTM with the AirtraqTM optical laryngoscope in an infant manikin. Twenty‐three anaesthetists randomly performed tracheal intubation: at rest, (a) with the Airway Scope and (b) with the Airtraq; and during chest compressions, (c) with the Airway Scope and (d) with the Airtraq. The success rate, modified Cormack and Lehane classification for glottic view, time taken to view the glottis, and time to place the tracheal tube were recorded. There was no difference in intubation success rate or quality of glottic view between the two devices. The median (IQR [range]) time taken to obtain a view of the glottis was 4.5 (3.7–6.4 [1.8–14.0]) s using the Airway Scope compared with 7.1 (5.5–9.6 [3.3–12.0]) s using the Airtraq (p = 0.001), and to successful placement of the tracheal tube was 8.3 (6.8–9.4 [3.7–20.7]) s using the Airway Scope compared with 11.2 (10.4–13.8 [4.9–23.7]) s using the Airtraq (p = 0.001). During chest compressions, the median (IQR [range]) time taken to view the glottis was 5.1 (4.0–7.2 [2.0–12.4]) s using the Airway Scope compared with 7.5 (5.0–13.2 [4.2–26.4]) s using the Airtraq (p = 0.006), and to successful placement of the tracheal tube was 9.5 (6.6–13.7 [4.5–16.2]) s using the Airway Scope compared with 11.7 (9.1–18.1 [6.2–37.4]) s using the Airtraq (p = 0.022). We conclude that both devices provided good quality views of the glottis and successful tracheal intubation in an infant manikin both at rest and during external chest compressions. Use of the Airway Scope resulted in a shorter time to view the glottis and perform successful tracheal intubation compared with the Airtraq.
Is ‘starting on time’ useful (or useless) as a surrogate measure for ‘surgical theatre efficiency’?*
Authors: Pandit J. J. , Abbott T. , Pandit M. , Kapila A. , Abraham R. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryWe analysed more than 7000 theatre lists from two similar UK hospitals, to assess whether start times and finish times were correlated. We also analysed gap times (the time between patients when no anaesthesia or surgery occurs), to see whether these affected theatre efficiency. Operating list start and finish times were poorly correlated at both hospitals (r2 = 0.077 and 0.043), and cancellation rates did not increase with late starts (remaining within 2% and 10% respectively at the two hospitals). Start time did not predict finish time (receiver operating curve areas 0.517 and 0.558, respectively), and did not influence theatre efficiency (∼80–84% at either hospital). Median gap times constituted just 7% of scheduled list time and did not influence theatre efficiency below cumulative gap times of less than 15% scheduled list time. Lists with no gaps still exhibited extremely variable finish times and efficiency. We conclude that resources expended in trying to achieve prompt start times in isolation, or in reducing gap times to under ∼15% of scheduled list time, will not improve theatre productivity. Instead, the primary focus should be towards quantitative improvements in list scheduling.
Detection of quantitative trait loci for resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infections in Creole goats
Authors: de la Chevrotière C. , C. Bishop S. , Arquet R. , Bambou J. C. , Schibler L. , Amigues Y. , Moreno C. , Mandonnet N. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThis study aimed to identify regions of the genome affecting resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in a Creole goat population naturally exposed to a mixed nematode infection (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Oesophagostomum columbianum) by grazing on irrigated pasture. A genome‐wide quantitative trait loci (QTL) scan was performed on 383 offspring from 12 half‐sib families. A total of 101 microsatellite markers were genotyped. Traits analysed were faecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), eosinophil count and bodyweight (BW) at 7 and 11 months of age. Levels of activity of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and activity of immunoglobulin E (IgE) anti‐Haemonchus contortus L3 crude extracts and adult excretion/secretion products (ESPs) were also analysed. Using interval mapping, this study identified 13 QTL for parasite resistance. Two QTL linked with FEC were found on chromosomes 22 and 26. Three QTL were detected on chromosomes 7, 8 and 14 for eosinophil counts. Three QTL linked with PCV were identified on chromosomes 5, 9 and 21. A QTL for BW at 7 months of age was found on chromosome 6. Lastly, two QTL detected on chromosomes 3 and 10 were associated with IgE anti‐L3, and IgE anti‐ESP was linked with two QTL on chromosomes 1 and 26. This study is the first to have identified regions of the genome linked with nematode resistance in a goat population using a genome scan. These results provide useful tools for the understanding of parasite resistance in small ruminants.
COX/PGE2 axis critically regulates effects of LPS on eosinophilia‐associated cytokine production in nasal polyps
Authors: Higaki T. , Okano M. , Fujiwara T. , Makihara S. , Kariya S. , Noda Y. , Haruna T. , Nishizaki K. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundLipopolysaccharide (LPS) has shown heterogeneous effects on eosinophilic inflammation in airways. However, little is known about how LPS regulates pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, a major form of eosinophilic inflammation in the upper airway.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the effect of LPS on cytokine production by dispersed nasal polyp cells (DNPCs).MethodsEither diclofenac‐treated or untreated DNPCs were cultured with or without staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in the presence or absence of LPS, after which the levels of IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17A and IFN‐γ within the supernatant were measured. The effects of PGE2 on LPS‐induced responses by diclofenac‐treated DNPCs were also examined. LPS‐induced PGE2 production and mRNA expression of COX‐1, COX‐2 and microsomal PGE2 synthase‐1 (m‐PGES‐1) were measured.ResultsStaphylococcal enterotoxin B induced IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17A and IFN‐γ production by DNPCs. Pre‐treatment with LPS prior to SEB stimulation inhibited production of these cytokines. After stimulation with LPS, PGE2 production and expression of COX‐2 and m‐PGES‐1 mRNA by DNPCs increased significantly. In the presence of diclofenac, the suppressive effects of LPS were eliminated. LPS pre‐treatment enhanced SEB‐induced IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐17A production in diclofenac‐treated DNPCs, while addition of PGE2 inhibited IL‐5, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ production. LPS alone induced IL‐5, IL‐13 and IFN‐ γ production by diclofenac‐treated DNPCs, while the addition of EP2 and EP4 receptor‐selective agonists, as well as PGE2 itself, inhibited IL‐5 and IL‐13 production.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese results suggest that the regulatory effects of LPS on eosinophilic airway inflammation are controlled via the COX‐2/PGE2 axis. For clinical implications, indiscreet use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs should be avoided in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
Information needs associated with changes to sexual well‐being after breast cancer
Authors: Ussher Jane M. , Perz Janette , Gilbert Emilee 
Published: April 2012

ussher j.m., perz j. & gilbert e. (2012) Information needs associated with changes to sexual wellbeing after breast cancer. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 327–337. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06010.xAbstractAims.  This article is the report of a study of sexual information needs, experiences of obtaining such information, and patient communication about sexuality with health professionals, after breast cancer.Background.  Changes to sexuality after breast cancer can significantly affect quality of life. However, information needs associated with such changes are little understood, resulting in the absence of a knowledge base to guide information provision aimed at preventing or ameliorating distress.Design.  This study employs a mixed method analysis, integrating qualitative and quantitative responses to an online survey.Method.  Participants were 1965 individuals with breast cancer (98·8% female) drawn from the membership of a national Australian breast cancer organization. The data were collected over 2 weeks in December 2010.Results.  Eighty‐five per cent of participants reported changes to sexual well‐being after breast cancer, with 68% wanting information on such changes, primarily in a written form. Information on physical changes, sexual response, relationship issues, psychological consequences, and body image or identity, were rated as very important by a substantial proportion of participants. Only 41% had obtained such information; however, 65% had spoken about sexual changes, to partner (76%), G.P. (49%), friend/relative (47%), oncologist (39%), or breast‐care nurse (21%). Ratings of satisfaction with the discussion were highest for breast‐care nurses (60%) and lowest for oncologists (34%).Conclusion.  These findings provide clinicians and cancer organizations with specific suggestions about sexual information needs after breast cancer and the modalities which are preferred, to prevent and ameliorate distress.
Psychometric testing of the Chinese evidence‐based practice scales
Authors: Wang Shu‐Chen , Lee Ling Ling , Wang Wan‐Hsian , Sung Huei‐Chuan , Chang Hui‐Kuan , Hsu Mei‐Yu , Chang Shu‐Chuan , Tai Chia‐Huei 
Published: April 2012

wang s.‐c., lee l.l., wang w.‐h., sung h.‐c., chang h.‐k., hsu m.‐y., chang s.‐c. & tai c.‐h. (2012) Psychometric testing of the Chinese evidence‐based practice scales.Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2570–2577.AbstractAim. This article is a report of the psychometric testing of the Chinese version of Evidence‐Based Practice Implementation and Beliefs, and Barriers to, and Facilitators of Research Utilization scales.Background. Investigations into the effect of evidence‐based practice on clinical care could be facilitated by instruments for measuring the levels of evidence‐based practice implementation; the strength of beliefs in evidence‐based practice; the barriers to, and the facilitators of research utilization. An English version of the scales measuring the above constructs has been tested whereas the Chinese one has not.Design. Instrument development.Methods. Psychometric analyses of the four evidence‐based scales were conducted on a sample of 361 nurses from a medical centre in Taiwan. Both the internal consistency and squared multiple correlation coefficients were used to examine reliability. The validity testing for the four scales was estimated by examining their construct and concurrent validity. Data were collected between December 2008–January 2009.Findings. Internal consistencies exist for the Chinese Evidence‐Based Practice Implementation, Beliefs, and Barriers to, and Facilitator of Research Utilization scales (≥0·85); some were greater than 0·9, which may indicate redundancy in items. Construct validity of the four scales was supported by hypotheses testing. Concurrent validity of the four scales was supported by known‐group analysis, in which experienced nursing researchers had higher scores compared with clinical nurses.Conclusion. These scales may have value in discrimination between implementation of EBP and perception of barriers to, and facilitators of research utilization among nurses with different education levels, research experiences or working years in clinical setting.
Portion size estimation aids for Asian foods
Authors: Thoradeniya T. , de Silva A. , Arambepola C. , Atukorala S. , Lanerolle P. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  Portion size estimation is fundamental to the accuracy of dietary recall, as well as interventions in obesity. Data on portion size estimation aids (PSEA) for Asian foods are limited. PSEA for Asian foods were developed and their accuracy and precision were tested for inclusion in a food atlas.Methods:  Sixteen food items were selected to represent all food groups. Small and life size photographs were developed, and line diagrams were drawn. These, together with household utensils, were tested among a random sample of 80 schoolchildren (aged 10–16 years). A total of 3180 estimations were made: 876 for small photographs (n = 11 foods), 558 for life size photographs (n = 7 foods), 1271 for line diagrams (n = 16 foods) and 475 for household utensils (n = 6 foods).Results:  Line diagrams had a high percentage (63.9%) of correct estimations and a low percentage of over estimations (18.0%) and under estimations (18.1%), whereas household utensils performed poorly with 0.6% correct estimations. Greater accuracy and precision were obtained for amorphous foods with small photographs and for non‐amorphous foods with line diagrams. The combination of small photographs (for vegetables) and line diagrams (for other foods) achieved a high correlation (r = 0.959, P ≤ 0.001), percentage correct estimations (68.3%) and low under estimations (19.9%) and over estimations (11.8%). Food texture, but not age or sex, was associated with correct estimations in all of the PSEA, except household utensils.Conclusions:  Accuracy and precision of a combination PSEA is convincing, enabling inclusion into an Asian food atlas for dietary assessment and intervention.
Arabidopsis SMALL AUXIN UP RNA63 promotes hypocotyl and stamen filament elongation
Authors: Chae Keun , Isaacs Cameron G. , Reeves Paul H. , Maloney Gregory S. , Muday Gloria K. , Nagpal Punita , Reed Jason W. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryAuxin regulates plant growth and development in part by activating gene expression. Arabidopsis thaliana SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs) are a family of early auxin‐responsive genes with unknown functionality. Here, we show that transgenic plant lines expressing artificial microRNA constructs (aMIR‐SAUR‐A or ‐B) that target a SAUR subfamily (SAUR61–SAUR68 and SAUR75) had slightly reduced hypocotyl and stamen filament elongation. In contrast, transgenic plants expressing SAUR63:GFP or SAUR63:GUS fusions had long hypocotyls, petals and stamen filaments, suggesting that these protein fusions caused a gain of function. SAUR63:GFP and SAUR63:GUS seedlings also accumulated a higher level of basipetally transported auxin in the hypocotyl than did wild‐type seedlings, and had wavy hypocotyls and twisted inflorescence stems. Mutations in auxin efflux carriers could partially suppress some SAUR63:GUS phenotypes. In contrast, SAUR63:HA plants had wild‐type elongation and auxin transport. SAUR63:GFP protein had a longer half‐life than SAUR63:HA. Fluorescence imaging and microsomal fractionation studies revealed that SAUR63:GFP was localized mainly in the plasma membrane, whereas SAUR63:HA was present in both soluble and membrane fractions. Low light conditions increased SAUR63:HA protein turnover rate. These results indicate that membrane‐associated Arabidopsis SAUR63 promotes auxin‐stimulated organ elongation.
A conserved domain in the N‐terminus is important for LEAFY dimerization and function in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Siriwardana Nirodhini S. , Lamb Rebecca S. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe floral meristem identity gene LEAFY (LFY) of Arabidopsis thaliana is essential for the formation of fertile flowers and has roles in the control of several aspects of floral development, which include phyllotaxy and organ number and identity. This gene encodes a land plant‐specific transcription factor and regulates expression of a number of genes that include other floral meristem identity genes and floral homeotic genes. Although the LFY DNA‐binding domain has a structure that resembles that of helix–turn–helix proteins, LFY and its orthologs represent a novel family of transcription factors that are characterized by a conserved N‐terminus domain of unknown function and a C‐terminus DNA‐binding domain. Many transcription factors act as dimers. These dimers are essential for the biological activity of the proteins. We demonstrate that LFY forms homodimers or oligomers in solution. This association is mediated through the N‐terminus conserved region of the LFY protein. Although mutant LFY proteins that cannot dimerize in solution can bind DNA, the binding is weaker than that of wild type LFY protein. LFY–LFY interactions mediated by the N‐terminus domain are essential for the biological activity of this protein, as mutations that abolish the ability to self‐associate cannot complement an lfy null allele. Our data indicate: (i) that LFY, and probably its orthologs in other plants, must act in complexes that contain at least two LFY molecules; and (ii) that the N‐terminus is essential for stabilization of LFY complexes. This situation is integral to the ability of LFY to regulate gene expression.
Epigenetic alteration of the dopamine transporter gene in alcohol‐dependent patients is associated with age
Authors: Nieratschker Vanessa , Grosshans Martin , Frank Josef , Strohmaier Jana , von der Goltz Christoph , El‐Maarri Osman , Witt Stephanie H. , Cichon Sven , Nöthen Markus M. , Kiefer Falk , Rietschel Marcella 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTChronic alcohol abuse and dependence are associated with dysfunctional dopaminergic neurotransmission in mesocorticolimbic circuits. Genetic and environmental factors have been shown to modulate susceptibility to alcohol dependence, and both may act through epigenetic mechanisms that can modulate gene expression, e.g. DNA methylation at CpG sites. Recent studies have suggested that DNA methylation patterns may change over time. However, few data are available concerning the rate of these changes in specific genes. A recent study found that hypermethylation of the promoter of the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene was positively correlated with alcohol dependence and negatively correlated with alcohol craving. The aim of the present study was to replicate these findings in a larger sample of alcohol‐dependent patients and population‐based controls matched for age and sex. No difference in methylation level was observed between patients and controls, and no difference in methylation level was observed before and after alcohol withdrawal in patients. However, patients with more severe craving showed a trend towards lower DAT methylation levels (P = 0.07), which is consistent with previous findings. Furthermore, in our overall sample, DAT methylation levels increased with age. Interestingly, a separate analysis of patients suggested that this finding was mainly driven by the patient group. Although the present data do not clarify whether chronic alcohol abuse is responsible for this phenomenon or merely enhances an ageing‐specific process, our findings suggest that hypermethylation in alcohol‐dependent patients is a consequence, rather than a cause, of the disorder.
A Comparison of Plant Temperatures as Measured by Thermal Imaging and Infrared Thermometry
Authors: Hackl H. , Baresel J. P. , Mistele B. , Hu Y. , Schmidhalter U. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe temperature of leaves and canopies of plants has long been recognised to be an indicator of plant water stress and can be assessed by thermometry or thermography. Considerable research has been carried out with each of these techniques individually; however, a comparable assessment has not been done to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, we compared the potential of high‐resolution thermography and infrared (IR) thermometry to discriminate among stress treatments (control, drought, salt and combined salt and drought) and cultivar effects in large container‐based experiments that mimicked field conditions. Differences among treatments and between cultivars, with differences varying between 1–9 and 0–2 °C, respectively, were in dense crop stands comparably well ascertained by IR thermometry and thermography. Both methods allowed discriminating differences in salt tolerance. Interestingly, enough similar results were observed for processed, by unmixing the soil influence, and unprocessed thermal images at soil coverage higher than 60 %. Using thermography and IR thermometry, highly significant and close relationships were established between canopy temperature and leaf water potential. Overall, in this study, the more simplistic technique based on IR thermometry performed in dense crop stands similarly well as the more sophisticated method provided by thermography.
Simultaneous Detection of Three Viroid Species Infecting Hops in China by Multiplex RT‐PCR
Authors: Lu Wenxia , Zhang Zhixiang , Xu Pinsan , Liu Shengxue , Wang Hongqing , Jiang Dongmei , Li Shifang 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe have developed a multiplex RT‐PCR protocol for the simultaneous detection of three viroids in three different genera that infect hops: Hop latent viroid (HLVd; Cocadviroid), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd; Hostuviroid) and Apple fruit crinkle viroid (AFCVd; Apscaviroid). The method was validated by testing 175 hop samples collected from the Xinjiang autonomous region of China. All samples were found to be positive for HLVd but negative for AFCVd, confirming the widespread or even ubiquitous infection of HLVd and the low incidence of AFCVd in hops in China. In addition, HSVd was detected in 22.86% of the samples tested. This rapid and reliable multiplex RT‐PCR assay provides an effective method for detection of three important viroid species in large‐scale surveys for disease management in hops.
Detection and Identification of Elm Yellows Group Phytoplasma (16SrV) Associated with Alfalfa Witches’ Broom Disease
Authors: Li Zheng‐Nan , Zhang Lei , Man Jian‐Yun , Wu Yun‐Feng 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn July, 2011, alfalfa plants were observed in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China with typical witches’ broom symptoms. The presence of phytoplasma was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and a nested PCR, which amplified a 1.2‐kb fragment using universal primer pairs P1/P6 followed by R16F2n/R2. Sequence, phylogeny and RFLP analyses showed that the alfalfa witches’ broom disease was associated with a phytoplasma of group 16SrV, subgroup V‐B. This is the first record of the 16SrV phytoplasma group infecting alfalfa plants.