bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Interactions between Carotene Ring Hydroxylases Drive Lutein Formation in Plant Carotenoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Quinlan Rena F. , Shumskaya Maria , Bradbury Louis M.T. , Beltrán Jesús , Ma Chunhui , Kennelly Edward J. , Wurtzel Eleanore T. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Plant carotenoids play essential roles in photosynthesis, photoprotection, and as precursors to apocarotenoids. The plastid-localized carotenoid biosynthetic pathway is mediated by well-defined nucleus-encoded enzymes. However, there is a major gap in understanding the nature of protein interactions and pathway complexes needed to mediate carotenogenesis. In this study, we focused on carotene ring hydroxylation, which is performed by two structurally distinct classes of enzymes, the P450 CYP97A and CYP97C hydroxylases and the nonheme diiron HYD enzymes. The CYP97A and HYD enzymes both function in the hydroxylation of β-rings in carotenes, but we show that they are not functionally interchangeable. The formation of lutein, which involves hydroxylation of both β- and ε-rings, was shown to require the coexpression of CYP97A and CYP97C enzymes. These enzymes were also demonstrated to interact in vivo and in vitro, as determined using bimolecular fluorescence complementation and a pull-down assay, respectively. We discuss the role of specific hydroxylase enzyme interactions in promoting pathway flux and preventing the formation of pathway dead ends. These findings will facilitate efforts to manipulate carotenoid content and composition for improving plant adaptation to climate change and/or for enhancing nutritionally important carotenoids in food crops.
Bcl‐2, Bcl‐6, and the International Prognostic Index are prognostic indicators in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treated with rituximab‐containing chemotherapy
Authors: Maeshima Akiko Miyagi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Fukuhara Suguru , Morikawa Noriyuki , Munakata Wataru , Maruyama Dai , Kim Sung‐Won , Watanabe Takashi , Kobayashi Yukio , Tobinai Kensei , Tsuda Hitoshi 
Published: July 2012

This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological prognostic parameters of de novo diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the rituximab era. We examined the correlation of 22 clinicopathological parameters with progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and primary refractory disease in 285 DLBCL patients treated with rituximab‐containing chemotherapy. Complete response rate was 87%, overall response rate was 91%, 5‐year PFS rate was 72%, and 5‐year OS rate was 91%. By log–rank test, higher International Prognostic Index (IPI) (P < 0.0001), Bcl‐2 positivity (P = 0.0013), Bcl‐6 negativity (P = 0.0112), and no irradiation (P = 0.0371) were significantly correlated with shorter PFS; higher IPI (P = 0.0107), starry sky pattern (P = 0.0466), and no irradiation (P = 0.0264) correlated with shorter OS. In multivariate analyses, higher IPI (P = 0.0006), Bcl‐2 positivity (P = 0.0015), and Bcl‐6 negativity (P = 0.04) were significantly correlated with shorter PFS; higher IPI (P = 0.0045) correlated with shorter OS. Bcl‐2 (P = 0.0029), Bcl‐6 (P = 0.002), and IPI (P < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with primary refractory disease. In conclusion, Bcl‐2 positivity, Bcl‐6 negativity, and higher IPI were indicators of shorter PFS and OS plus primary refractory disease in patients with DLBCL in the rituximab era.
Comparison of the oestrogen and progesterone receptor status in primary breast carcinomas as evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry: a consecutive series of 267 patients
Authors: Domanski A. M. , Monsef N. , Domanski H. A. , Grabau D. , Fernö M. 
Published: July 2012

A.M. Domanski, N. Monsef, H.A. Domanski, D. Grabau and M. Fernö Comparison of the oestrogen and progesterone receptor status in primary breast carcinomas as evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry: a consecutive series of 267 patientsObjective:  The use of cytological specimens to evaluate tumour biomarkers in metastatic breast cancer lesions has attracted increased interest because of the considerable number of reports that have shown discordance between the primary tumour and metastatic lesion. Oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) assays are crucial for the management of patients with breast cancer, in both adjuvant and palliative settings. The aim of this study was to compare the ER and PgR immunocytochemical analysis of fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples with the immunohistochemistry (IHC) of surgical specimens and core biopsies from primary breast cancers.Methods:  The FNA specimens were prepared as cell blocks (n = 25) or ThinPreps (n = 258) for the immunocytochemistry (IC) ER and PgR analyses. Sixteen patients were excluded because of lack of follow‐up (n = 1), neoadjuvant therapy (n = 3) or cell counts in their fine needle aspirates that were too low (n = 12). The results of IC on 25 cell blocks and 242 ThinPreps were compared with IHC on the corresponding core needle biopsies (n = 16) or excised tumours (n = 251). The ER and PgR status was defined as negative (when less than 10% of the nuclei were stained) or positive (when equal or more than 10% of the nuclei were stained). Kappa statistics were used to evaluate the concordance.Results:  The ER concordance was 98% with ThinPrep (κ = 0.93) and 92% with cell block (κ = 0.82). The corresponding values for PgR were 96% (κ = 0.91) and 96% (κ = 0.92).Conclusions:  Our results confirm that, in cases in which biopsies or surgical specimens are not available, IC (with either cell block or ThinPrep techniques) is a reliable method for the determination of the ER and PgR status performed under strict conditions using primary breast carcinomas, and is therefore potentially useful in metastatic settings.
A framework to understand depression among older persons
Authors: Zeng Wen , North Nicola , Kent Bridie 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To develop an explanatory framework to understand depression among community‐dwelling Chinese older persons in Macau.Background.  Depression has been described as the most common psychological problem among Chinese older persons. Dominant psychosocial theories are derived from research conducted mainly in western societies and similar research in Chinese populations is scant.Design.  Mixed methods.Methods.  Qualitative and quantitative methods (mixed methods) were employed to collect data from 31 participants between 2007–2009 in Macau.Results.  Four categories of factors related to depression emerged: (1) negative thinking, (2) physical limitations and complaints, (3) present living conditions and social support and (4) past experiences. Each category interacts with the others and, consequently, one category both affects and is affected by others. The categories captured participants’ life‐long hardship and bio‐psycho‐social‐cultural disability that lay at the root of their negative thinking. The consequences and impacts of their negative thinking appear to feed and sustain depression.Conclusion.  The framework offers a deeper understanding of the nature and meaning of the experiences of depressed older persons in a Chinese context.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings have several implications for clinical practice. First, the cultural context of Chinese older persons should be emphasised in nursing practice. Second, the root of depression among Chinese older persons is seen to lie in their social, family, cultural and day to day living issues. Finally, this study illustrates the potential for incorporating psychosocial nursing interventions as a therapeutic approach on its own or as an adjunct to other therapy.
A quantitative exploration of the subjective burden experienced by nurses when caring for patients with delirium
Authors: Mc Donnell Siobhan , Timmins Fiona 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study is to examine the subjective burden experienced by nurses when they provide care for patients with acute delirium.Background.  Nurses’ responses to dealing with the increased functional and copious demands associated with caring for a patient with delirium are not well explored.Design.  The study was descriptive and retrospective, adopting quantitative research methodologies.Methods.  The Strain of Care for Delirium Index (SCDI) was used to collect data in 2007 from a random sample of the national nurses’ register (n = 800), in the Republic of Ireland.Results.  The subjective burden that nurses experience when caring for patients with delirium was high (M = 2·97). The hyperactive/hyperalert subscale was deemed the most challenging to deal with (M = 3·41). In relation to individual behaviours, the patients who averaged highest in terms of burden are those who are uncooperative and difficult to manage (M = 3·58).Conclusion.  This study represents the first reported measurement and examination of the subjective burden nurses experience when caring for patients with delirium, following initial development and testing of a sensitive tool (International Journal of Nursing Studies41, 775). Findings outlined the subtypes and behaviours that increase the burden of caring for patients with delirium. This is an issue that needs to be addressed and further research is needed to explore the impact of nurse reactions further and to identify supportive/preventative methods for nurses. A specific examination into the factors that cause high levels of strain needs is required.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study highlights and confirms that nursing patients with delirium is challenging for nurses. It raises awareness of the practice and policy implications of nurses’ potential negative reactions to these patients. It highlights the need for additional training and education to ensure that nurses understand this condition to provide for prevention, early detection and prompt intervention.
Registered nurses’ decision‐making regarding documentation in patients’ progress notes
Authors: Tower Marion , Chaboyer Wendy , Green Quentine , Dyer Kirsten , Wallis Marianne 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To examine registered nurses’ decision‐making when documenting care in patients’ progress notes.Background.  What constitutes effective nursing documentation is supported by available guidelines. However, ineffective documentation continues to be cited as a major cause of adverse events for patients. Decision‐making in clinical practice is a complex process. To make an effective decision, the decision‐maker must be situationally aware. The concept of situation awareness and its implications for making safe decisions has been examined extensively in air safety and more recently is being applied to health.Design and methods.  The study was situated in a naturalistic paradigm. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 17 registered nurses who used think‐aloud research methods when making decisions about documenting information in patients’ progress notes. Follow‐up interviews were conducted to validate interpretations. Data were analysed systematically for evidence of cues that demonstrated situation awareness as nurses made decisions about documentation.Results.  Three distinct decision‐making scenarios were illuminated from the analysis: the newly admitted patient, the patient whose condition was as expected and the discharging patient. Nurses used mental models for decision‐making in documenting in progress notes, and the cues nurses used to direct their assessment of patients’ needs demonstrated situation awareness at different levels.Conclusions.  Nurses demonstrate situation awareness at different levels in their decision‐making processes. While situation awareness is important, it is also important to use an appropriate decision‐making framework. Cognitive continuum theory is suggested as a decision‐making model that could support situation awareness when nurses made decisions about documenting patient care.Relevance to clinical practice.  Because nurses are key decision‐makers, it is imperative that effective decisions are made that translate into safe clinical care. Including situation awareness training, combined with employing cognitive continuum theory as a decision‐making framework, provides a powerful means of guiding nurses’ decision‐making.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of short‐form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents
Authors: Chang Li‐Chun , Hsieh Pei‐Lin , Liu Chieh‐Hsing 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of short‐form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents.Background.  Assessing health literacy is vital to design health education programme; however, there are no measurement tools exist for use specifically in Chinese adolescents.Design.  A non‐experimental design was used to test the psychometric properties of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents.Methods.  The short‐form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents was translated and back translated into a Chinese language version. Thirty high school students were recruited to validate the scenario of Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents. Based on the multiple‐stage stratified random sampling method, 300 high school students from four counties in Taiwan were invited to participate in this study to evaluate the psychometric properties of Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents.Results.  The Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents had good internal consistency reliability and excellent test–retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a one‐factor solution.Conclusion.  Contrary to the original version of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents, the findings revealed that the 36‐item, one‐factor model for the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adolescents is the best‐fit model.Relevance to clinical practice.  This is a suitable instrument to assess health literacy levels in Chinese adolescents before health education programmes can be appropriately planned, implemented and evaluated.
An exploration of the perceived changes in intimacy of patients’ relationships following head and neck cancer
Authors: O’Brien Kathryn , Roe Brenda , Low Christopher , Deyn Lorraine , Rogers Simon N 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  This paper reports the experiences of former patients who have undergone a range of head and neck cancer treatments and their perceptions of the changes in intimacy experienced, as an individual and through their relationships with partners, family and friends.Background.  A diagnosis of head and neck cancer, subsequent surgical treatment and radiotherapy can lead to an altered quality of life. Whilst important developments have been made to improve the quality of life for this patient group from a functional perspective, psychosocial perspectives are much less understood.Design.  A qualitative study approach.Methods.  Data were collected in 2007/2008 via interview using open‐ended questions from a purposive sample of 16 participants who were at least one year post‐treatment. A thematic analysis was employed to interpret the findings.Results.  Analysis of the data produced three broad themes. These were ‘personal identity’, ‘re‐establishing social networks’ and ‘intimate relationships’ and explored the person as an individual and their perceived changes to self‐esteem and image. The perception of their altered position in society, the impact this has on their willingness to re‐engage with society and the degree to which treatment can alter an individual’s ability to resume former intimate relationships with family and partners.Conclusion.  Patients’ definitions of intimacy are multifaceted and related directly to the type of relationship that existed prior to treatment. The concerns and challenges faced by patients need to be addressed and support opportunities considered as part of the rehabilitation process.Relevance to clinical practice.  The paper gives insight for nurses and other healthcare professionals who are expected to provide effective emotional and therapeutic support for patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer. Understanding of patient concerns and recognition of adaptive and coping strategies are essential for this practice.
Perceived learning needs of Yemeni patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Alkubati Sameer A , Al‐Zaru Ibtisam M , Khater Wejdan , Ammouri Ali A 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore the information needs of Yemeni patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery before hospital discharges and to examine the differences in the patients’ learning needs according to age, gender, level of education and working condition.Background.  Postcoronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients need more information before their discharge from the hospital. This need of information must be assessed and provided for them before their discharge from hospital to help them with adequate care and recovery at home.Design.  A descriptive, correlational design.Methods.  Data were collected from 120 CABG patients before their discharge from Al‐ Thawra Hospital, Sana’a, Yemen, by using modified Cardiac Patients Learning Needs Inventory (CPLNI) instrument. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyse the collected data.Results.  The information about chest and leg wound care, medication information, other pertinent information and complications were indicated to be the most valued by CABG patients prior to discharge. There was a statistically significant difference between patients’ total learning needs according to their socio‐demographic characteristics. Male patients needed more information than female patients (p = 0·004). Younger (p = 0·021) and middle‐aged (p = 0·032) patients needed more information than older ones. Highly educated (p = 0·000) and school‐level (p = 0·002) patients needed more information than those in the uneducated group. Working patients needed more information than non‐working ones (p = 0·000).Conclusion.  This study suggests that CABG patients have high information needs within 24–48 hours before hospital discharge. In addition, the results of this study showed that there are statistically significant differences in patients’ learning needs according to their demographic characteristics.Relevance to clinical practice.  Assessment of CABG patients’ information needs before their discharge from hospital helps in developing effective educational programme that will help these patients in their recovery at home.
Testing a Nursing‐Specific Model of Electronic Patient Record documentation with regard to information completeness, comprehensiveness and consistency
Authors: von Krogh Gunn , Nåden Dagfinn , Aasland Olaf Gjerløw 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To present the results from the test site application of the documentation model KPO (quality assurance, problem solving and caring) designed to impact the quality of nursing information in electronic patient record (EPR).Background.  The KPO model was developed by means of consensus group and clinical testing. Four documentation arenas and eight content categories, nursing terminologies and a decision‐support system were designed to impact the completeness, comprehensiveness and consistency of nursing information.Design.  The testing was performed in a pre‐test/post‐test time series design, three times at a one‐year interval.Methods.  Content analysis of nursing documentation was accomplished through the identification, interpretation and coding of information units. Data from the pre‐test and post‐test 2 were subjected to statistical analyses. To estimate the differences, paired t‐tests were used.Results.  At post‐test 2, the information is found to be more complete, comprehensive and consistent than at pre‐test.Conclusions.  The findings indicate that documentation arenas combining work flow and content categories deduced from theories on nursing practice can influence the quality of nursing information.Relevance to clinical practice.  The KPO model can be used as guide when shifting from paper‐based to electronic‐based nursing documentation with the aim of obtaining complete, comprehensive and consistent nursing information.
veA‐dependent RNA‐pol II transcription elongation factor‐like protein, RtfA, is associated with secondary metabolism and morphological development in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Ramamoorthy Vellaisamy , Shantappa Sourabha , Dhingra Sourabh , Calvo Ana M. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryIn Aspergillus nidulans the global regulatory gene veA is necessary for the biosynthesis of several secondary metabolites, including the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (ST). In order to identify additional veA‐dependent genetic elements involved in regulating ST production, we performed a mutagenesis on a deletion veA (ΔveA) strain to obtain revertant mutants (RM) that regained the capability to produce toxin. Genetic analysis and molecular characterization of one of the revertant mutants, RM3, revealed that a point mutation occurred at the coding region of the rtfA gene, encoding a RNA‐pol II transcription elongation factor‐like protein, similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rtf1. The A. nidulans rtfA gene product accumulates in nuclei. Deletion of rtfA gene in a ΔveA background restored mycotoxin production in a medium‐dependent manner. rtfA also affects the production of other metabolites including penicillin. Biosynthesis of this antibiotic decreased in the absence of rtfA. Furthermore, rtfA is necessary for normal morphological development. Deletion of the rtfA gene in wild‐type strains (veA+) resulted in a slight decrease in growth rate, drastic reduction in conidiation, and complete loss of sexual development. This is the first study of an Rtf1 like gene in filamentous fungi. We found rtfA putative orthologues extensively conserved in numerous fungal species.
Molecular function and potential evolution of the biofilm‐modulating blue light‐signalling pathway of Escherichia coli
Authors: Tschowri Natalia , Lindenberg Sandra , Hengge Regine 
Published: July 2012

SummaryEscherichia coli senses blue light via the BLUF‐EAL protein BluF (YcgF). The degenerate EAL domain of BluF does not have cyclic‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase activity, but BluF directly antagonizes the MerR‐like repressor BluR (YcgE), which leads to expression of the ycgZ‐ymgABC operon and activation of the Rcs system (Tschowri et al., 2009; Genes Dev 23: 522–534). While bluR, bluF and ycgZ have individual transcriptional start sites, comparative genome analysis indicates that the bluR‐bluF‐ycgZ‐ymgAB region represents a functional unit in various enteric bacteria that is characterized by bluF alleles encoding degenerate EAL domains. Re‐introducing conserved amino acids involved in phosphodiesterase activity of EAL domains did not restore enzymatic activity or c‐di‐GMP binding of BluF, but weakened its ability to antagonize BluR and improved a residual interaction with the BluR paralogue MlrA, which controls expression of the biofilm regulator CsgD and curli fibres. We identified the BluR binding site in the ycgZ promoter and observed that BluR also has residual affinity for the MlrA‐dependent csgD promoter. Altogether, we propose that BluF evolved from a blue light‐regulated PDE into a specific antagonist of a duplicate of MlrA that became BluR, which controls not only curli but various biofilm functions via the Ymg/Rcs pathway.