bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ArabidopsisDeficient in Cutin FerulateEncodes a Transferase Required for Feruloylation of ω-Hydroxy Fatty Acids in Cutin Polyester
Authors: Rautengarten Carsten , Ebert Berit , Ouellet Mario , Nafisi Majse , Baidoo Edward E.K. , Benke Peter , Stranne Maria , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Keasling Jay D. , Sakuragi Yumiko , Scheller Henrik Vibe 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe cuticle is a complex aliphatic polymeric layer connected to the cell wall and covers surfaces of all aerial plant organs. The cuticle prevents nonstomatal water loss, regulates gas exchange, and acts as a barrier against pathogen infection. The cuticle is synthesized by epidermal cells and predominantly consists of an aliphatic polymer matrix (cutin) and intracuticular and epicuticular waxes. Cutin monomers are primarily C16 and C18 unsubstituted, ω-hydroxy, and α,ω-dicarboxylic fatty acids. Phenolics such as ferulate and p-coumarate esters also contribute to a minor extent to the cutin polymer. Here, we present the characterization of a novel acyl-coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent acyl-transferase that is encoded by a gene designated Deficient in Cutin Ferulate (DCF). The DCF protein is responsible for the feruloylation of ω-hydroxy fatty acids incorporated into the cutin polymer of aerial Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) organs. The enzyme specifically transfers hydroxycinnamic acids using ω-hydroxy fatty acids as acyl acceptors and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoAs, preferentially feruloyl-CoA and sinapoyl-CoA, as acyl donors in vitro. Arabidopsis mutant lines carrying DCF loss-of-function alleles are devoid of rosette leaf cutin ferulate and exhibit a 50% reduction in ferulic acid content in stem insoluble residues. DCF is specifically expressed in the epidermis throughout all green Arabidopsis organs. The DCF protein localizes to the cytosol, suggesting that the feruloylation of cutin monomers takes place in the cytoplasm.
Host factors associated with the kinetics of Epstein‐Barr virus DNA load in patients with primary Epstein‐Barr virus infection
Authors: Nakai Hidetaka , Kawamura Yoshiki , Sugata Ken , Sugiyama Hiroko , Enomoto Yoshihiko , Asano Yoshizo , Ihira Masaru , Ohashi Masahiro , Kato Tomochika , Yoshikawa Tetsushi 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe aims of this study were to elucidate the kinetics of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA load in serially collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with primary EBV infection, and to determine the correlated host factors. Blood samples were collected from 24 patients with primary EBV infection. EBV DNA copy numbers were measured using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Based on the kinetics of EBV DNA load, the 24 patients were divided into two groups: rapid regression and slow regression. Eighteen of the 24 patients (75%) were included in the slow regression and 6 (25%) in the rapid regression group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in clinical features and laboratory findings. However, acute phase (3 to 10 days after the onset of the illness) serum samples from six children in the slow regression and four in the rapid regression group revealed significantly higher serum interleukin (IL)‐1β (P= 0.018), IL‐12 (P= 0.009), tumor necrosis factor‐α (P= 0.019), interferon‐inducible protein 10, and monokine induced by interferon γ concentrations in the rapid regression than the slow regression group. On the other hand, sera from six children in the slow regression and four in the rapid regression group in the convalescent phase (14 to 21 days after the onset of the illness) showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in these biomarker concentrations. Based on this, it was concluded that the kinetics of EBV DNA load can be divided to two different patterns after primary EBV infection, and immune response might be associated with viral clearance.
The impact of antibiotic use on the incidence and resistance pattern of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria in primary and secondary healthcare settings
Authors: Aldeyab Mamoon A. , Harbarth Stephan , Vernaz Nathalie , Kearney Mary P. , Scott Michael G. , Darwish Elhajji Feras W. , Aldiab Motasem A. , McElnay James C. 
Published: December 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• The emergence and spread of bacteria producing extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBLs) has important therapeutic and epidemiologic implications.• A key target for the establishment of hospital antibiotic stewardship is reducing the occurrence of additional antibiotic resistance.• Further research is needed to accumulate supporting evidence that reducing antibiotic use will result in a parallel reduction in antibiotic resistance.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• Fluoroquinolone restriction reversed ciprofloxacin resistance in primary and secondary healthcare settings.• Fluoroquinolone restriction reduced ESBL‐producing bacteria incidence rates in both the primary and secondary healthcare settings.• This study highlights the value of time‐series analysis in designing efficient antibiotic stewardship.AIMSThe objective of the present study was to study the relationship between hospital antibiotic use, community antibiotic use and the incidence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing bacteria in hospitals, while assessing the impact of a fluoroquinolone restriction policy on ESBL‐producing bacteria incidence rates.METHODSThe study was retrospective and ecological in design. A multivariate autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was built to relate antibiotic use to ESB‐producing bacteria incidence rates and resistance patterns over a 5 year period (January 2005–December 2009).RESULTSAnalysis showed that the hospital incidence of ESBLs had a positive relationship with the use of fluoroquinolones in the hospital (coefficient = 0.174, P= 0.02), amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid in the community (coefficient = 1.03, P= 0.03) and mean co‐morbidity scores for hospitalized patients (coefficient = 2.15, P= 0.03) with various time lags. The fluoroquinolone restriction policy was implemented successfully with the mean use of fluoroquinolones (mainly ciprofloxacin) being reduced from 133 to 17 defined daily doses (DDDs)/1000 bed days (P < 0.001) and from 0.65 to 0.54 DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day (P= 0.0007), in both the hospital and its surrounding community, respectively. This was associated with an improved ciprofloxacin susceptibility in both settings [ciprofloxacin susceptibility being improved from 16% to 28% in the community (P < 0.001)] and with a statistically significant reduction in ESBL‐producing bacteria incidence rates.DISCUSSIONThis study supports the value of restricting the use of certain antimicrobial classes to control ESBL, and demonstrates the feasibility of reversing resistance patterns post successful antibiotic restriction. The study also highlights the potential value of the time‐series analysis in designing efficient antibiotic stewardship.
An Italian retrospective study on the routine clinical use of low‐dose alemtuzumab in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients
Authors: Cortelezzi Agostino , Gritti Giuseppe , Laurenti Luca , Cuneo Antonio , Ciolli Stefania , Di Renzo Nicola , Musto Pellegrino , Mauro Francesca R. , Cascavilla Nicola , Falchi Lorenzo , Zallio Francesco , Callea Vincenzo , Maura Francesco , Martinelli Sara , Piciocchi Alfonso , Reda Gianluigi , Foà Robin ,   on behalf of the GIMEMA Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders Working Party
Published: December 2011

SummaryLow‐dose alemtuzumab has shown a favourable toxicity profile coupled with good results in terms of efficacy in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We conducted a multicentre retrospective study on the routine clinical use of low‐dose alemtuzumab in this patient setting. One hundred and eight relapsed/refractory CLL patients from 11 Italian centres were included in the analysis. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 and the majority (84%) had adenopathies <5cm. Low‐dose alemtuzumab was defined as a total weekly dose ≤45 mg and a cumulative dose ≤600 mg given for up to 18 weeks. The overall response rate was 56% (22% complete remissions). After a median follow‐up of 42·2 months, the median overall survival and progression‐free survival were 39·0 and 19·4 months, respectively. In univariate analysis, response was inversely associated with lymph node (P = 0·01) and spleen (P = 0·02) size, fludarabine‐refractoriness (P = 0·01) and del(11q) (P = 0·009). Advanced age and del(17p) were not associated with a worse outcome. Cumulative dose of alemtuzumab was not associated to response. Toxicities were usually mild and manageable; severe infections occurred in seven patients (7%) during therapy. This retrospective analysis confirms that low‐dose alemtuzumab is a valid and currently used therapeutic option for the treatment of relapsed/refractory CLL.
A new genetic abnormality leading to TP53 gene deletion in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: López Cristina , Baumann Tycho , Costa Dolors , López‐Guerra Mónica , Navarro Alba , Gómez Cándida , Arias Amparo , Muñoz Concha , Rozman María , Villamor Neus , Colomer Dolors , Montserrat Emili , Campo Elías , Carrió Ana 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe analysis of chromosomal abnormalities provides significant prognostic information in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a disease with a highly heterogeneous clinical course. Chromosomal abnormalities commonly found are trisomy 12, del(13)(q14), del(11)(q22‐23), del(17)(p13) and del(6)(q21). Translocations are present in some patients and affect regions recurrently involved in CLL. This report describes the clinical and pathological characteristics of four CLL patients showing a new recurrent chromosomal abnormality dic(8;17)(p11;p11), that implied loss of the TP53 gene in all cases. In addition, TP53 gene was mutated in three out of four patients. Mechanically, Low Copy Repeats (LCR) in 17p12 and 8p11 may explain the origin of the translocation by non‐allelic homologous recombination (NAHR). Isolated dic(8;17)(p11;p11) in patients with mutated IGHV genes status may not have the same prognostic impact as other mutations or deletions affecting the TP53 gene. Larger series are needed to better evaluate the clinical impact of this chromosomal aberration during the course of the disease.
Excessive CD4+ T cells co-expressing interleukin-17 and interferon-γ in patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Shimizu J , Takai K , Fujiwara N , Arimitsu N , Ueda Y , Wakisaka S , Yoshikawa H , Kaneko F , Suzuki T , Suzuki N 
Published: December 2011

Summary
Excessive T helper type 1 (Th1) cell activity has been reported in Behçet's disease (BD). Recently, association of Th17 cells with certain autoimmune diseases was reported, and we thus investigated circulating Th17 cells in BD. CD4+CD45RO– (naive) T cells were cultured with Th0-, Th1-, Th2- and Th17-related cytokines and antibodies, and their mRNA was studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). When naive CD4+ T cells were cultured with Th1- and Th17-related cytokines, interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA and interleukin (IL)-17 mRNA were up-regulated, respectively, in BD patients. Naive CD4+ T cells cultured in a Th17 cell-inducing condition expressed IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) mRNA excessively. IL-17 mRNA expression was induced only when naive CD4+T cells were cultured in the presence of IL-23. CD4+ T cells cultured with Th17 cytokines expressed excessive RAR-related orphan receptor C (RORC) mRNA. Using intracellular cytokine staining, we found that CD45RO+(memory) CD4+ T cells producing IL-17 and IFN-γ simultaneously were increased significantly. Memory CD4+ T cells producing IFN-γ but not IL-17 decreased profoundly in BD patients. CD4+ T cells producing IL-17 and IFN-γ simultaneously were found in BD skin lesions. Collectively, we found excessive CD4+ T cells producing IL-17 and IFN-γ (Th1/Th17) cells in patients with BD, and possible involvement of IL-23/IL-23R pathway for the appearance of excessive Th1/Th17 cells.
Tree species compositional change and conservation implications in the white‐water flooded forests of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Albernaz Ana Luisa , Pressey Robert L. , Costa Luiz R.F. , Moreira Marcelo P. , Ramos José Ferreira , Assunção Paulo A. , Franciscon Carlos H. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to use compositional changes in tree species along the Amazon River floodplain in Brazil to identify and characterize biogeographic regions that would serve as broad surrogates for conservation planning.Location  The main course of the Amazon River in Brazil, covering a river distance of approximately 2800 km.Methods  Two sampling methods were employed at specific sites: standardized transects and/or individual‐based samples. Seventy‐three samples were collected from 26 sites at approximately 100‐km intervals along the floodplain. Biogeographic regions were identified by non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination and by a hierarchical cluster analysis. The relative influence of environmental components (flood depths, annual rainfall, and length of the dry season) on tree species composition and one spatial component (longitude) were analysed by multiple regressions against a one‐dimensional NMDS ordination axis.Results  Based on tree species composition, three main biogeographic regions were identified: a western region between Tabatinga and the Negro River confluence; a central region from the Negro River confluence to the Xingu confluence; and an estuarine region from the Xingu confluence to Santana. The regions identified were consistent using different data sets and analytical techniques. Mixed environmental and spatial effects explained most of the variation, but the spatial effect alone had a greater influence on species composition than environmental effects alone.Main conclusions  The regions delimited in the analyses differed from those based on geomorphology or World Wildlife Fund (WWF) ecoregions. These results reinforce the need for surrogates to be tested against biological data before they are used to shape approaches to conservation planning. Although a protected area coverage of 25% gives the impression of extensive conservation management on the floodplain, less than 1% of the Amazon’s floodplain in Brazil is strictly protected. The significant compositional differences between regions and the strong spatial variation along the Amazon indicate that strict protection areas should be distributed much more evenly within and between regions.
Suffering and smiling: West African immigrant women’s experience of intimate partner violence
Authors: Ogunsiji Olayide , Wilkes Lesley , Jackson Debra , Peters Kath 
Published: December 2011

Aims and objectives.  This study reports the intimate partner violence experiences of West African women living in Australia.Background.  Increasing diversity in Australia’s population presents new and complex challenges to nurses and other health care providers, particularly in relation to the health needs of immigrant women.Design.  A qualitative naturalistic inquiry design was used.Method.  A convenience sample of 21 West African immigrant women in Australia who were 18 years and over were engaged in face‐to‐face, in‐depth interviews and asked to talk about their health experiences. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Intimate partner violence was revealed as a major theme in this analysis.Results.  Data revealed that eighteen of the women had experienced intimate partner violence. The women’s accounts of intimate partner violence were dominated by two subthemes ‘suffering in silence’ and ‘reluctance to seek help.’Conclusion.  Findings revealed intimate partner violence as a significant issue for the newly migrated African women who participated in this study.Relevance to clinical practice.  Intimate partner violence is associated with significant adverse physical and psychological health outcomes. It is important that nurses understand the cultural barriers that can impede immigrant women’s ability to seek out and receive appropriate support and intervention and provide opportunities for women to disclose experiences of intimate partner violence.
The effects of perceived stress and ways of coping in a sample of Portuguese health workers
Authors: Laranjeira Carlos A 
Published: December 2011

Aim.  The goal of this study is to clarify the association between perceived stress in work and the types of coping strategies used by Portuguese nurses.Background.  The healthcare work environment as a source of overwork and stress has been implicated in today’s nursing shortage. Staff nurses play a pivotal role in creating work environments, but little is known about the nature of Portuguese nurses’ work.Design.  A descriptive correlational design and a cross‐sectional approach were used for this study.Method.  A total of 102 registered nurses, in three Portuguese hospitals, were selected. The Perceived Stress Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire were used to measure job stress and coping strategies, respectively.Results.  High levels of stress were reported by 52·2% of respondents. The results showed that the main stressful factors for nurses are patient death and dying (32·8%), followed by emergency situations (22·8%) and low supportive relationships (18·0%). The most frequently used coping strategy was self‐controlling, followed by planful problem‐solving and seeking social support. Pearson’s correlation tests indicated that the total score of the Perceived Stress Scale significantly negatively correlated with the subscales of the use of coping strategies of seeking social support, self‐controlling, planful problem‐solving, distancing and escape‐avoidance, indicating that those who were more distressed showed lower levels in mentioned coping subscales.Conclusion.  Stress in nursing can be best reduced through the application of the control cycle approach and risk assessment/risk management techniques. Stress management of nurses may improve their productivity and quality of life.Relevance to clinical practice.  A change in leadership styles from the managerial level and reallocation of personnel may help reduce job stress. It is important for clinical practitioners to understand theoretical research concerning human stress responses, appraisal and coping to apply knowledge in practice when dealing with a client who has experienced a crisis.
An international eDelphi study identifying the research and education priorities in wound management and tissue repair
Authors: Cowman Seamus , Gethin Georgina , Clarke Eric , Moore Zena , Craig Gerardine , Jordan‐O’Brien Julie , McLain Niamh , Strapp Helen 
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To incorporate an international and multidisciplinary consensus in the determination of the research and education priorities for wound healing and tissue repair.Background.  A compelling reason for the study is the lack of an agreed list of priorities for wound care research and education. Furthermore, there is a growth in the prevalence of chronic wounds, a growth in wound care products and marketing, and an increase in clinician attendance at conferences and education programmes.Design.  The study used a survey method.Methods.  A four‐round eDelphi technique was used to collect responses from an international population of health professionals across 24 countries.Results.  Responses were obtained from 360 professionals representing many health care settings. The top education priorities related to the standardisation of all foundation education programmes in wound care, the inclusion of wound care in all professional undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes, selecting dressings and the prevention of pressure ulcers. The top research priorities related to the dressing selection, pressure ulcer prevention and wound infection.Conclusion.  Professionals from different backgrounds and countries who are engaged in wound management share a common set of priorities for research and education. Most notably, the priorities identified relate to long‐established clinical challenges in wound care and underpin the principles of good patient care practices. The priorities are closely allied to an ageing population and identify many challenges ahead for practitioners engaged in wound management services.Relevance to clinical practice.  The provision of wound care is a major investment of health service resources and remains a clinical challenge today. Research is essential to building evidence‐based practice and fundamental to development of quality in standards of practice; education is central to achieving competence to deliver effective care. The determination of research and education priorities is therefore an absolute requirement in developing services.
Moving between rooms – moving between life and death: nurses’ experiences of caring for terminally ill patients in hospitals
Authors: Johansson Kristina , Lindahl Berit 
Published: December 2011

Aim.  This study describes the meanings of generalist registered nurses’ experiences of caring for palliative care patients on general wards in hospitals.Background.  Earlier research shows that work with patients in palliative care is demanding. More research concerning palliative care is undertaken in oncological care, in hospice and in home‐care settings than in general wards. It is therefore important to examine the palliative care in the context of acute‐care settings to discover more about this phenomenon, to understand the experiences of nurses in this situation and to develop patient care.Design.  Qualitative, descriptive and interpretive study.Method.  Eight registered nurses in two different hospitals in Sweden were interviewed. The patients on these wards suffered from surgical and medical conditions, i.e. both curative and palliative care were administered. The interviews were analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach inspired by Ricoeur’s philosophy.Results.  The registered nurses’ experiences are presented as seven themes and a comprehensive, interpreted whole. This latter revealed the significance of contrasts, contradictions and movement between the material and psychological experiences of the room and nursing care in this care context.Conclusions.  The registered nurses say that something momentous occurred during the care process and they showed a strong determination and commitment to being part of the ending of the patient’s life circle, despite the situation often being one of stress.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings highlight the need for various forms of support for the nurses to meet their need for new and updated knowledge and support in existential matters. This may promote a better quality of care and confirm the nurses in their caring practice. Moreover, there is a need to introduce the hospice philosophy into acute‐care settings in hospitals.