bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress homeostasis – the redox and auxin perspective
Authors: TOGNETTI VANESA B. , MÜHLENBOCK PER , VAN BREUSEGEM FRANK 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTUnder environmental stresses, plant development is adaptively modulated. This modulation is influenced by the steady‐state balance (homeostasis) between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phytohormones. Frequently observed symptoms in plant stress adaptation responses include growth retardation, reduced metabolism and photosynthesis, reallocation of metabolic resources and increased antioxidant activities to maximize plant survival under adverse environmental conditions. In view of stress‐induced morphogenetic changes during adaptation, ROS and auxin are the main players in the regulatory networks because both are strongly affected by exposure to environmental cues. However, the mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between ROS and auxin are poorly understood. In this review, we aim at surveying how the integration of environmental stress‐related signals is modulated by crosstalk between ROS and auxin regulatory networks.
A global picture of tRNA genes in plant genomes
Authors: Michaud Morgane , Cognat Valérie , Duchêne Anne‐Marie , Maréchal‐Drouard Laurence 
Published: March 2011

SummaryAlthough transfer RNA (tRNA) has a fundamental role in cell life, little is known about tRNA gene organization and expression on a genome‐wide scale in eukaryotes, particularly plants. Here, we analyse the content and distribution of tRNA genes in five flowering plants and one green alga. The tRNA gene content is homogenous in plants, and is mostly correlated with genome size. The number of tRNA pseudogenes and organellar‐like tRNA genes present in nuclear genomes varies greatly from one plant species to another. These pseudogenes or organellar‐like genes appear to be generated or inserted randomly during evolution. Interestingly, we identified a new family of tRNA‐related short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) in the Populus trichocarpa nuclear genome. In higher plants, intron‐containing tRNA genes are rare, and correspond to genes coding for tRNATyr and tRNAMete. By contrast, in green algae, more than half of the tRNA genes contain an intron. This suggests divergent means of intron acquisition and the splicing process between green algae and land plants. Numerous tRNAs are co‐transcribed in Chlamydomonas, but they are mostly transcribed as a single unit in flowering plants. The only exceptions are tRNAGly–snoRNA and tRNAMete–snoRNA cotranscripts in dicots and monocots, respectively. The internal or external motifs required for efficient transcription of tRNA genes by RNA polymerase III are well conserved among angiosperms. A brief analysis of the mitochondrial and plastidial tRNA gene populations is also provided.
Journey through the past: 150 million years of plant genome evolution
Authors: Proost Sebastian , Pattyn Pedro , Gerats Tom , Van de Peer Yves 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThe genome sequence of the plant model organism Arabidopsis thaliana was presented in December of the year 2000. Since then, the 125 Mb sequence has revealed many of its evolutionary secrets. Through comparative analyses with other plant genomes, we know that the genome of A. thaliana, or better that of its ancestors, has undergone at least three whole genome duplications during the last 120 or so million years. The first duplication seems to have occurred at the dawn of dicot evolution, while the later duplications probably occurred <70 million years ago (Ma). One of those younger genome‐wide duplications might be linked to the K‐T extinction. Following these duplication events, the ancestral A. thaliana genome was hugely rearranged and gene copies have been massively lost. During the last 10 million years of its evolution, almost half of its genome was lost due to hundreds of thousands of small deletions. Here, we reconstruct plant genome evolution from the early angiosperm ancestor to the current A. thaliana genome, covering about 150 million years of evolution characterized by gene and genome duplications, genome rearrangements and genome reduction.
A P450‐centric view of plant evolution
Authors: Nelson David , Werck‐Reichhart Danièle 
Published: March 2011

SummaryBeing by far the largest family of enzymes to support plant metabolism, the cytochrome P450s (CYPs) constitute an excellent reporter of metabolism architecture and evolution. The huge superfamily of CYPs found in angiosperms is built on the successful evolution of 11 ancestral genes, with very different fates and progenies. Essential functions in the production of structural components (membrane sterols), light harvesting (carotenoids) or hormone biosynthesis kept some of them under purifying selection, limiting duplication and sub/neofunctionalization. One group (the CYP71 clan) after an early trigger to diversification, has kept growing, producing bursts of gene duplications at an accelerated rate. The CYP71 clan now represents more than half of all CYPs in higher plants. Such bursts of gene duplication are likely to contribute to adaptation to specific niches and to speciation. They also occur, although with lower frequency, in gene families under purifying selection. The CYP complement (CYPomes) of rice and the model grass weed Brachypodium distachyon have been compared to view evolution in a narrower time window. The results show that evolution of new functions in plant metabolism is a very long‐term process. Comparative analysis of the plant CYPomes provides information on the successive steps required for the evolution of land plants, and points to several cases of convergent evolution in plant metabolism. It constitutes a very useful tool for spotting essential functions in plant metabolism and to guide investigations on gene function.
AtPPR2, an Arabidopsis pentatricopeptide repeat protein, binds to plastid 23S rRNA and plays an important role in the first mitotic division during gametogenesis and in cell proliferation during embryogenesis
Authors: Lu Yuqing , Li Cong , Wang Hai , Chen Hao , Berg Howard , Xia Yiji 
Published: March 2011

SummaryPentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are mainly involved in regulating post‐transcriptional processes in mitochondria and plastids, including chloroplasts. Mutations in the Arabidopsis PPR2 gene have previously been found to cause defects in seed development and reduced transmission through male and female gametophytes. However, the exact function of AtPPR2 has not been defined. We found that a loss‐of‐function mutation of AtPPR2 leads to arrest of the first mitotic division during both male and female gametogenesis. In addition, the Atppr2 mutation causes delayed embryogenesis, leading to embryonic lethality. Mutation in emb2750, which appears to be a weak mutant allele of the AtPPR2 locus, also results in defective seeds. However, a majority of emb2750 seeds were able to germinate, but their cotyledons were albino and often deformed, and growth of the emb2750 seedlings were arrested after germination. AtPPR2 is mainly expressed in plant parts that undergo cell division, and AtPPR2 protein was localized to chloroplasts. RNA immunoprecipitation and protein gel mobility shift assays showed that AtPPR2 binds to plastid 23S rRNA. Our study adds to a growing body of evidence that plastids and/or chloroplasts play a key role in cell division. AtPPR2 may modulate the translational process to fine‐tune plastid function, thereby regulating cell division.
Malate transport by the vacuolar AtALMT6 channel in guard cells is subject to multiple regulation
Authors: Meyer Stefan , Scholz‐Starke Joachim , De Angeli Alexis , Kovermann Peter , Burla Bo , Gambale Franco , Martinoia Enrico 
Published: March 2011

SummaryGas exchange in plants is controlled by guard cells, specialized cells acting as turgor pressure‐driven valves. Malate is one of the major anions accumulated inside the vacuole during stomatal opening counteracting the positive charge of potassium. AtALMT6, a member of the aluminum‐activated malate transporter family, is expressed in guard cells of leaves and stems as well as in flower organs of Arabidopsis thaliana. An AtALMT6‐GFP fusion protein was targeted to the vacuolar membrane both in transient and stable expression systems. Patch‐clamp experiments on vacuoles isolated from AtALMT6‐GFP over‐expressing Arabidopsis plants revealed large inward‐rectifying malate currents only in the presence of micromolar cytosolic calcium concentrations. Further analyses showed that vacuolar pH and cytosolic malate regulate the threshold of activation of AtALMT6‐mediated currents. The interplay of these two factors determines the AtALMT6 function as a malate influx or efflux channel depending on the tonoplast potential. Guard cell vacuoles isolated from Atalmt6 knock‐out plants displayed reduced malate currents compared with wild‐type vacuoles. This reduction, however, was not accompanied by phenotypic differences in the stomatal movements in knock‐out plants, probably because of functional redundancy of malate transporters in guard cell vacuoles.
Functional anatomy of the footpad vasculature of dogs: scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Ninomiya Hiroyoshi , Akiyama Emi , Simazaki Kanae , Oguri Atsuko , Jitsumoto Momoko , Fukuyama Takaaki 
Published: March 2011

AbstractDogs are well adapted to cold climates and they can stand, walk and run on snow and ice for long periods of time. In contrast to the body trunk, which has, dense fur, the paws are more exposed to the cold due to the lack of fur insulation. The extremities have a high surface area‐to‐volume ratio, so they lose heat very easily. We offer anatomical evidence for a heat‐conserving structure associated with dog footpad vasculature. Methylmethacrylate vascular corrosion casts for scanning electron microscopy, Indian ink‐injected whole‐mount and histological specimens were each prepared, in a series of 16 limbs from four adult dogs. Vascular casts and Indian ink studies showed that abundant venules were arranged around the arteries supplying the pad surface and formed a vein–artery–vein triad, with the peri‐arterial venous network intimately related to the arteries. In addition, numerous arteriovenous anastomoses and well‐developed venous plexuses were found throughout the dermal vasculature. The triad forms a counter‐current heat exchanger. When the footpad is exposed to a cold environment, the counter‐current heat exchanger serves to prevent heat loss by recirculating heat back to the body core. Furthermore, the arteriovenous anastomoses shift blood flow, draining blood to the skin surface, and the venous plexuses retain warm blood in the pad surface. Hence, the appropriate temperature for the footpad can be maintained in cold environments.
Improving graft survival for patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Dickson Rolland C. , Pungpapong Surakit , Keaveny Andrew P. , Taner C. Burcin , Ghabril Marwan , Aranda‐Michel Jaime , Satyanarayana Raj , Bonatti Hugo , Kramer David J. , Nguyen Justin H. 
Published: March 2011

Dickson RC, Pungpapong S, Keaveny AP, Taner BC, Ghabril M, Aranda‐Michel J, Satyanarayana R, Bonatti H, Kramer DJ, Nguyen JH. Improving graft survival for patients undergoing liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E345–E355. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Liver transplant (LT) outcomes are reported to be improving in non‐HCV recipients but not for those infected with HCV. Our aim was to evaluate graft survival and predictors of outcome in HCV and non‐HCV patients before and after 2003. Patients with primary LT between February 1, 1998, and December 31, 2005, were included. Patients were divided into Era 1 (1998–2002) and Era 2 (2003–2005) with follow‐up through May 31, 2009. Graft survival was compared for HCV, non‐HCV, and all patients. There was significant improvement in graft survival in Era 2 for HCV patients. Graft survival in Era 2 of HCV patients was equivalent to non‐HCV patients. The most significant improvement between eras was in outcomes of grafts from donors ≥60 yr with three‐yr graft survival 58.6 (51.3–65.9) vs. 75.4 (68.9–81.9), p = 0.002. The use of donors ≥60 did not change between eras: 31% vs. 34%; however, utilization in HCV recipients decreased from 36% to 3% (p < 0.001). In conclusion, graft survival of HCV patients has improved significantly since 2003 and was comparable to non‐HCV patients up to three yr. The change in management of donor organs into HCV and non‐HCV patients likely contributed to this outcome.
Rapidly progressive cutaneous Rhizopus microsporus infection presenting as Fournier's gangrene in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Durand C.M. , Alonso C.D. , Subhawong A.P. , Kwiatkowski N.P. , Showel M. , Carroll K.C. , Marr K.A. 
Published: March 2011

C.M. Durand, C.D. Alonso, A.P. Subhawong, N.P. Kwiatkowski, M. Showel, K.C. Carroll, K.A. Marr. Rapidly progressive cutaneous Rhizopus microsporus infection presenting as Fournier's gangrene in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 392–396. All rights reservedAbstract: Members of the genus Rhizopus within the class Zygomycetes can cause devastating opportunistic infections. Cutaneous disease arising from direct inoculation of fungal spores has the potential to disseminate widely. Here, we describe a dramatic case of cutaneous Rhizopus infection involving the penis in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. Despite aggressive surgical debridement, systemic antifungal therapy, and donor lymphocyte infusion, the infection was ultimately fatal. This case illustrates the unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the clinical management of cutaneous Rhizopus infection.
Changes in blood pressure in the sitting and standing positions in hypertensive patients
Authors: Ersoy Siddika , Pinar Rukiye , Ersoy Ismail H. 
Published: March 2011

Ersoy S, Pinar R, Ersoy IH. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 105–109 Changes in blood pressure in the sitting and standing positions in hypertensive patients Most guidelines for management of hypertension do not give special preference to a specific position of patient during blood pressure (BP) measurement, suggesting that BP readings taken with patients sitting, supine and standing are equivalent. The objective of this study was to examine whether there was any difference between BP readings with hypertensive participants comfortably sitting on chair and those with participants standing with the arm supported horizontally at the right atrial level. BP was measured twice each for 168 hypertensive patients (medicated and unmedicated) at sitting, standing and sitting positions, respectively, with a mercury‐filled column sphygmomanometer. We found significantly lower in systolic and diastolic BP readings in standing position than in sitting position. The present study indicates that the BP readings are related to the posture; thus, BP measured in different positions cannot automatically be regarded as equivalent.
Being transferred from an intensive care unit to a ward: Searching for the known in the unknown
Authors: Forsberg Angelica , Lindgren Elenor , Engström Åsa 
Published: March 2011

Forsberg A, Lindgren E, Engström Å. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 110–116 Being transferred from an intensive care unit to a ward: Searching for the known in the unknown People who have been cared for in intensive care units (ICUs) are transferred between different levels of care and hospitals. The aim with this study was to describe peoples' experiences of being cared for in an ICU and transferred to a ward. An inductive, descriptive qualitative study was performed with qualitative individual interviews with 10 participants. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to qualitative thematic content analysis which resulted in one theme; searching for the known in the unknown, and five categories. The findings showed the importance of being prepared for the transfer and knowing what was going to happen. Some participants felt secure in the ICU and excluded on the ward, others appreciated leaving the stressful environment in the ICU for a more peaceful ward. Feelings of anxiety and exposure were experienced during the transfer and it was helpful if staff involved were known to the participants. Better information and patients' involvement concerning the transfer from ICUs to general wards are suggested as means of improving nursing care. Further studies are needed to improve continuity of care for critically ill people.
Economical and clinical impact of surgical site infection following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in north Jordan
Authors: Al‐Zaru Ibtisam M , AbuAlRub Raeda , Musallam Eyad A 
Published: March 2011

Al‐Zaru IM, AbuAlRub R, Musallam EA. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 117–125 Economical and clinical impact of surgical site infection following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in north Jordan Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most devastating complications following cardiac surgery, which significantly lead to prolonged hospitalization and increased hospital costs. The aims of this retrospective study were to identify the incidence rate, causative microorganisms, and the clinical and economical impact of SSI. An existing coronary artery surgery data base on adults (n = 631) who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries between January 2005 and January 2008 at a Jordanian university hospital was used. The results of this study showed that: (i) the incidence rate of SSI after CABG was 16.8% at the targeted hospital; (ii) the most causative microorganisms was coagulase‐negative staphylococci (40%); (iii) the predictors for SSI were sex/males, having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and having combined valve CABG surgery; and (iv) each patient who developed SSI had ≈ 9 additional days at the hospital and add ≈ $3159 to the total cost of care.
Communication at the bedside to enhance patient care: A survey of nurses' experience and perspective of handover
Authors: Street Maryann , Eustace Paula , Livingston Patricia M , Craike Melinda J , Kent Bridie , Patterson Denise 
Published: March 2011

Street M, Eustace P, Livingston PM, Craike MJ, Kent B, Patterson D. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 133–140 Communication at the bedside to enhance patient care: A survey of nurses' experience and perspective of handover Strategies to support continuity of care and improve patient safety during clinical handover have been developed. The aims of this study were to identify the strengths and limitations in current practice of nursing clinical handover and implement a new bedside handover process. A total of 259 nurses completed a cross‐sectional survey at change of shift on 1 day, which was followed by an audit of the pilot implementation of bedside handover. The survey results showed great variation in the duration, location and method of handover with significant differences in the experience of nurses employed part‐time compared with full‐time. Following implementation of standardized bedside handover on two wards, the audit revealed significant improvement in the involvement of patients, use of Situation‐Background‐Assessment‐Recommendation, active patient checks and checking of documentation. These findings suggest the use of standardized protocols and communication tools for bedside handover improve continuity of patient care.
Self‐mutilation among Finnish adolescents: Nurses' conceptions
Authors: Rissanen Marja‐Liisa , Kylmä Jari , Laukkanen Eila 
Published: March 2011

Rissanen M‐L, Kylmä J, Laukkanen E. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 158–165 Self‐mutilation among Finnish adolescents: Nurses' conceptions The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore nurses' views on self‐mutilation among adolescents as a phenomenon. The data were collected using focus group interviews, personal interviews and written descriptions from 10 nurses. A qualitative content analysis was applied. Four main themes from nurses' descriptions of self‐mutilation emerged: (i) a definition of self‐mutilation; (ii) characteristics of self‐mutilation; (iii) factors contributing to self‐mutilation; and (iv) purposes of self‐mutilation. Nurses' conceptions of self‐mutilation differ from previously described views of parents and adolescents. Further research is needed focusing on nurses' experiences of caring for adolescents who self‐mutilate.
Advanced practice nurses: A new resource for Swedish primary health‐care teams
Authors: Altersved Ewa , Zetterlund Lone , Lindblad Ulf , Fagerström Lisbeth 
Published: March 2011

Altersved E, Zetterlund L, Lindblad U, Fagerström L. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 174–180 Advanced practice nurses: A new resource for Swedish primary health‐care teams This study is associated with the first evaluation of the four first advanced practice nurses (APNs), part of a primary health‐care team in Sweden. The aim is to describe health‐care teams' experiences of the new APN role and investigate what opportunities and barriers to the role exist. Eighty‐one respondents answered a 14‐question questionnaire with a Likert scale and one open‐ended question. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to investigate differences between professional groups' answers. The qualitative material was analysed using deductive content analysis. Though mostly positive experiences of the role were found, differences did exist between the professional groups. APNs are considered a resource in that access to care, cooperation and patient flow increased. Barriers include APNs' limited autonomy and inability to prescribe medication. To further develop the role, the right to prescribe medication and strategic leadership within the Swedish health‐care system, policy and legislation are needed.
Respiratory effects of balloon occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices: A prospective controlled study
Authors: Arai Hirotaka , Abe Takehiko , Takayama Hisashi , Toyoda Mitsuo , Mori Kazuyo , Ueno Takashi , Takagi Hitoshi , Shimoda Ryuya 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We evaluated the respiratory effects of balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) performed for the treatment of gastric varices complicating liver cirrhosis.Methods:  From 2005 to 2009, we performed BRTO in 20 patients with gastric fundal varices, by intravariceal injection of 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO) as the sclerosant. We studied the effect of BRTO on the respiratory gas exchange, chest X‐ray findings, computed tomography (CT) findings, pulmonary function parameters, and 99mTc‐MAA lung perfusion scintigraphy findings. Subjects undergoing balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous varicerography (BRTV) without injection of the sclerosant served as the controls.Results:  Arterial blood gas analysis revealed a decrease in the mean arterial partial oxygen tension (PaO2) (P < 0.01), and increase in the alveolar‐arterial oxygen tension difference (AaDO2) after BRTO (P < 0.01), as compared with the results obtained before the BRTO, while breathing room air. No changes were observed after BRTV as compared with the previous findings. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the change of the PaO2 and the volume of the sclerosant injected (rs = 0.511, P = 0.011). Left‐pleural effusion was noted on the chest CT in 20% of the patients. On pulmonary function testing, decrease of the vital capacity was noted in two of the 20 patients after BRTO.Conclusion:  The aforementioned results suggest that BRTO performed using EO as the sclerosant induces pulmonary function disorders. The effect was found to depend on the total amount of EO injected. Therefore, careful respiratory monitoring seems necessary in patients undergoing BRTO, particularly those in whom large volumes of the sclerosant are used.