bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Root Cortical Aerenchyma Enhances the Growth of Maize on Soils with Suboptimal Availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium
Authors: Postma Johannes Auke , Lynch Jonathan Paul 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRoot cortical aerenchyma (RCA) is induced by hypoxia, drought, and several nutrient deficiencies. Previous research showed that RCA formation reduces the respiration and nutrient content of root tissue. We used SimRoot, a functional-structural model, to provide quantitative support for the hypothesis that RCA formation is a useful adaptation to suboptimal availability of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium by reducing the metabolic costs of soil exploration in maize (Zea mays). RCA increased the growth of simulated 40-d-old maize plants up to 55%, 54%, or 72% on low nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium soil, respectively, and reduced critical fertility levels by 13%, 12%, or 7%, respectively. The greater utility of RCA on low-potassium soils is associated with the fact that root growth in potassium-deficient plants was more carbon limited than in phosphorus- and nitrogen-deficient plants. In contrast to potassium-deficient plants, phosphorus- and nitrogen-deficient plants allocate more carbon to the root system as the deficiency develops. The utility of RCA also depended on other root phenes and environmental factors. On low-phosphorus soils (7.5 μm), the utility of RCA was 2.9 times greater in plants with increased lateral branching density than in plants with normal branching. On low-nitrate soils, the utility of RCA formation was 56% greater in coarser soils with high nitrate leaching. Large genetic variation in RCA formation and the utility of RCA for a range of stresses position RCA as an interesting crop-breeding target for enhanced soil resource acquisition.
Treatment outcomes of a stage 1 cognitive–behavioral trial to reduce alcohol use among human immunodeficiency virus‐infected out‐patients in western Kenya
Authors: Papas Rebecca K. , Sidle John E. , Gakinya Benson N. , Baliddawa Joyce B. , Martino Steve , Mwaniki Michael M. , Songole Rogers , Omolo Otieno E. , Kamanda Allan M. , Ayuku David O. , Ojwang Claris , Owino‐Ong'or Willis D. , Harrington Magdalena , Bryant Kendall J. , Carroll Kathleen M. , Justice Amy C. , Hogan Joseph W. , Maisto Stephen A. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  Dual epidemics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and alcohol use disorders, and a dearth of professional resources for behavioral treatment in sub‐Saharan Africa, suggest the need for development of culturally relevant and feasible interventions. The purpose of this study was to test the preliminary efficacy of a culturally adapted six‐session gender‐stratified group cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by paraprofessionals to reduce alcohol use among HIV‐infected out‐patients in Eldoret, Kenya.Design  Randomized clinical trial comparing CBT against a usual care assessment‐only control.Setting  A large HIV out‐patient clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, part of the Academic Model for Providing Access to Healthcare collaboration.Participants  Seventy‐five HIV‐infected out‐patients who were antiretroviral (ARV)‐initiated or ARV‐eligible and who reported hazardous or binge drinking.Measurements  Percentage of drinking days (PDD) and mean drinks per drinking days (DDD) measured continuously using the Time line Follow back method.Findings  There were 299 ineligible and 102 eligible out‐patients with 12 refusals. Effect sizes of the change in alcohol use since baseline between the two conditions at the 30‐day follow‐up were large [d = 0.95, P = 0.0002, mean difference = 24.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.43, 37.43 PDD; d = 0.76, P = 0.002, mean difference = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.70 DDD]. Randomized participants attended 93% of the six CBT sessions offered. Reported alcohol abstinence at the 90‐day follow‐up was 69% (CBT) and 38% (usual care). Paraprofessional counselors achieved independent ratings of adherence and competence equivalent to college‐educated therapists in the United States. Treatment effect sizes were comparable to alcohol intervention studies conducted in the United States.Conclusions  Cognitive–behavioral therapy can be adapted successfully to group paraprofessional delivery in Kenya and may be effective in reducing alcohol use among HIV‐infected Kenyan out‐patients.
Non‐medical prescription use increases the risk for the onset and recurrence of psychopathology: results from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Schepis Ty S. , Hakes Jahn K. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  Given the rising rates of the non‐medical use of prescription medications (NUPM) and strong cross‐sectional associations between psychopathology and NUPM, we examined whether a history of NUPM increased the risk for onset and recurrence of psychopathology.Design  Longitudinal data are from waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions (NESARC).Setting  The NESARC is a nation‐wide, household‐based survey.Participants  A total of 34 653 US resident participants who completed both NESARC waves were included in analyses.Measurements  Primary measures were history of NUPM and Axis I psychopathology at wave 1. Wave 1 personality disorder diagnosis and sociodemographic characteristics were used as control variables.Findings  Design‐based logistic regression analyses indicated that life‐time and past year NUPM at wave 1 increased risk for onset of psychopathology among those with no history of psychopathology at baseline, with particular risk for non‐NUPM substance use and bipolar disorders. Life‐time and past year NUPM were associated with recurrence of alcohol and non‐NUPM substance use disorders among those with these diagnoses at baseline. In contrast, life‐time and past year NUPM was associated with the onset of all examined disorders among those with a different diagnosis at baseline.Conclusions  Non‐medical use of prescription medications is a consistent risk factor for the onset and recurrence of psychopathology.
Reducing the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for driving in developing countries: a time for change? Results and implications derived from a time–series analysis (2001–10) conducted in Brazil
Authors: Andreuccetti Gabriel , Carvalho Heraclito B. , Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Ye Yu , Ponce Julio C. , Kahn Tulio , Leyton Vilma 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  In Brazil, a new law introduced in 2008 has lowered the blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers from 0.06 to 0.02, but the effectiveness in reducing traffic accidents remains uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of this enactment on road traffic injuries and fatalities.Design  Time–series analysis using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling.Setting  State and capital of São Paulo, Brazil.Participants  A total of 1 471 087 non‐fatal and 51 561 fatal road traffic accident cases in both regions.Measurements  Monthly rates of traffic injuries and fatalities per 100 000 inhabitants from January 2001 to June 2010.Findings  The new traffic law was responsible for significant reductions in traffic injury and fatality rates in both localities (P < 0.05). A stronger effect was observed for traffic fatality (−7.2 and −16.0% in the average monthly rate in the State and capital, respectively) compared to traffic injury rates (−1.8 and −2.3% in the State and capital, respectively).Conclusions  Lowering the blood alcohol concentration limit in Brazil had a greater impact on traffic fatalities than injuries, with a higher effect in the capital, where presumably the police enforcement was enhanced.
Alcoholics Anonymous attendance, decreases in impulsivity and drinking and psychosocial outcomes over 16 years: moderated‐mediation from a developmental perspective
Authors: Blonigen Daniel M. , Timko Christine , Finney John W. , Moos Bernice S. , Moos Rudolf H. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  To examine whether decreases in impulsivity account for links between Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance and better drinking and psychosocial outcomes, and whether these mediational ‘effects’ are conditional on age.Design  A naturalistic study in which individuals were assessed at baseline, and 1, 8 and 16 years later.Setting  Participants initiated help‐seeking through the alcohol intervention system (detoxification programs, information and referral centers).Participants  Individuals with alcohol use disorders and no prior history of substance abuse treatment at baseline [n = 628; 47% women; mean age = 34.7 years (standard deviation = 9.4)].Measurements   Self‐reports of impulsivity and drinking pattern at baseline and year 1, duration of AA (number of weeks) in year 1 and drinking (alcohol use problems, self‐efficacy to resist drinking) and psychosocial outcomes (emotional discharge coping, social support) at baseline and follow‐ups.Findings  Controlling for changes in drinking pattern, decreases in impulsivity were associated with fewer alcohol use problems, better coping and greater social support and self‐efficacy at year 1, and better coping and greater social support at year 8. Decreases in impulsivity statistically mediated associations between longer AA duration and improvements on all year 1 outcomes and indirect effects were moderated by participant age (significant only for individuals 25 years of age or younger).Conclusions  Decreased impulsivity appears to mediate reductions in alcohol‐related problems over 8 years in people attending Alcoholics Anonymous.
Angiotensin II mediates urotensin II expression by hypoxia in cultured cardiac fibroblast
Authors: Shyu Kou‐Gi , Wang Bao‐Wei , Chen Wei‐Jan , Kuan Peiliang , Lin Chiu‐Mei 
Published: June 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (1): 17–26AbstractBackground  Urotensin II plays a role in myocardial remodelling. Cardiac fibroblasts play a critical role in the development of cardiac fibrosis. The effect of hypoxia on urotensin II expression in cardiac fibroblasts is poorly understood. We sought to investigate the regulation of urotensin II by hypoxia in cardiac fibroblasts and the effect of angiotensin II in the interaction with urotensin II.Methods and results  Rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in hypoxic chamber. Hypoxia significantly increased urotensin II expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cultured cardiac fibroblasts. Hypoxia‐induced increase in urotensin II protein and ROS was significantly attenuated after the addition of SP600125, JNK siRNA or N‐acetylcysteine before hypoxia treatment. The phosphorylated JNK protein was induced by hypoxia and was abolished by pretreatment with SP600125, losartan (an angiotensin II receptor antagonist) or N‐acetylcysteine. The increased urotensin II expression by exogenous addition of angiotensin II was similar to that by hypoxia. Addition of losartan and angiotensin II antibody before hypoxia almost completely inhibited the increase in urotensin II induced by hypoxia. Hypoxia significantly increased the secretion of angiotensin II from cardiac fibroblasts and increased the collagen I protein expression. Hypoxia significantly increased the urotensin II promoter activity by 4·3‐fold as compared to normoxic control. Urotensin II siRNA almost completely attenuated the collagen I protein expression induced by hypoxia.Conclusions  Hypoxia‐induced urotensin II expression in cardiac fibroblast is mediated by angiotensin II and through ROS and JNK pathway. Urotensin II is a mediator of angiotensin II‐induced cardiac fibrosis under hypoxia.
The intention to continue nursing: work variables affecting three nurse generations in Australia
Authors: Shacklock Kate , Brunetto Yvonne 
Published: June 2011

shacklock k. & brunetto y. (2012) The intention to continue nursing: work variables affecting three nurse generations in Australia. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(1), 36–46.AbstractAims.  The aims of the study were to examine how seven variables impacted upon the intention of hospital nurses to continue working as nurses and to investigate whether there are generational differences in these impacts.Background.  There is a critical shortage of trained nurses working as nurses in Australia, as in many other Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development member countries. The retention of nurses has been examined from the traditional management perspectives; however, this paper presents a different approach (Meaning of Working theory).Methods.  A self‐report survey of 900 nurses employed across four states of Australia was completed in 2008. The sample was hospital nurses in Australia from three generational cohorts – Baby Boomers (born in Australia between 1946 and 1964), Generation X (1965–1979) and Generation Y (1980–2000).Results.  Six variables were found to influence the combined nurses’ intentions to continue working as nurses: work–family conflict, perceptions of autonomy, attachment to work, importance of working to the individual, supervisor–subordinate relationship and interpersonal relationships at work. There were differences in the variables affecting the three generations, but attachment to work was the only common variable across all generations, affecting GenYs the strongest.Conclusion.  The shortage of nurses is conceptualized differently in this paper to assist in finding solutions. However, the results varied for the three generations, suggesting the need to tailor different retention strategies to each age group. Implications for management and policy planning are discussed.
Characterization of C3–C4 intermediate species in the genus Heliotropium L. (Boraginaceae): anatomy, ultrastructure and enzyme activity
Authors: MUHAIDAT RIYADH , SAGE TAMMY L. , FROHLICH MICHAEL W. , DENGLER NANCY G. , SAGE ROWAN F. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTPhotosynthetic pathway characteristics were studied in nine species of Heliotropium (sensu lato, including Euploca), using assessments of leaf anatomy and ultrastructure, activities of PEP carboxylase and C4 acid decarboxylases, and immunolocalization of ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and the P‐subunit of glycine decarboxylase (GDC). Heliotropium europaeum, Heliotropium calcicola and Heliotropium tenellum are C3 plants, while Heliotropium texanum and Heliotropium polyphyllum are C4 species. Heliotropium procumbens and Heliotropium karwinskyi are functionally C3, but exhibit ‘proto‐Kranz’ anatomy where bundle sheath (BS) cells are enlarged and mitochondria primarily occur along the centripetal (inner) wall of the BS cells; GDC is present throughout the leaf. Heliotropium convolvulaceum and Heliotropium greggii are C3–C4 intermediates, with Kranz‐like enlargement of the BS cells, localization of mitochondria along the inner BS wall and a loss of GDC in the mesophyll (M) tissue. These C3–C4 species of Heliotropium probably shuttle photorespiratory glycine from the M to the BS tissue for decarboxylation. Heliotropium represents an important new model for studying C4 evolution. Where existing models such as Flaveria emphasize diversification of C3–C4 intermediates, Heliotropium has numerous C3 species expressing proto‐Kranz traits that could represent a critical initial phase in the evolutionary origin of C4 photosynthesis.
The influence of ascorbate on anthocyanin accumulation during high light acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana: further evidence for redox control of anthocyanin synthesis
Authors: PAGE MIKE , SULTANA NIGHAT , PASZKIEWICZ KONRAD , FLORANCE HANNAH , SMIRNOFF NICHOLAS 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAscorbate and anthocyanins act as photoprotectants during exposure to high light (HL). They accumulate in Arabidopsis leaves in response to HL on a similar timescale, suggesting a potential relationship between them. Flavonoids and related metabolites were identified and profiled by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The ascorbate‐deficient mutants vtc1, vtc2 and vtc3 accumulated less anthocyanin than wild‐type (WT) during HL acclimation. In contrast, kaempferol glycoside accumulation was less affected by light and not decreased by ascorbate deficiency, while sinapoyl malate levels decreased during HL acclimation. Comparison of six Arabidopsis ecotypes showed a positive correlation between ascorbate and anthocyanin accumulation in HL. mRNA‐Seq analysis showed that all flavonoid biosynthesis transcripts were increased by HL acclimation in WT. RT‐PCR analysis showed that vtc1 and vtc2 were impaired in HL induction of transcripts of anthocyanin biosynthesis enzymes, and the transcription factors PAP1, GL3 and EGL3 that activate the pathway. Abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA), hormones that could affect anthocyanin accumulation, were unaffected in vtc mutants. It is concluded that HL induction of anthocyanin synthesis involves a redox‐sensitive process upstream of the known transcription factors. Because anthocyanins accumulate in preference to kaempferol glycosides and sinapoyl malate in HL, they might have specific properties that make them useful in HL acclimation.
Intensive care unit experience of haemopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Agarwal S. , O'Donoghue S. , Gowardman J. , Kennedy G. , Bandeshe H. , Boots R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Previous research at our institution (1988–1998) established an intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality between 70% and 80% in haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients requiring ICU admission.Aims:  This study explored mortality in a more contemporary cohort while comparing outcomes to published literature and our previous experience.Methods:  Retrospective chart review of HSCT patients admitted to ICU between December 1998 and June 2008.Results:  Of 146 admissions, 53% were male, with a mean age of 44 years, an Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 28 and Sepsis Organ Failure Assessment score of 11. Fifty‐six per cent had graft versus host disease (GVHD), with respiratory failure (67%) being the most common admission diagnosis. All but one received mechanical ventilation. The ICU and hospital mortality were 42% (72% 1988–1998 cohort) and 64% (82% 1998–1998 cohort) respectively. The 6‐ and 12‐month survivals were 29% and 24% respectively for the 1998–2008 cohort. Dying in ICU was independently predicted by fungal infection (P= 0.02) and early onset of organ failure (P < 0.001), while GVHD (P= 0.04) predicted survival. Mortality at 12 months was independently predicted by the acute physiology score (P= 0.002), increasing number of organ failures (P= 0.001), and cytomegalovirus positive serology (P= 0.005), while blood stream infection (P= 0.003), an antibiotic change on admission to the ICU (P= 0.007) and a diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (P= 0.02) predicted survival.Conclusion:  Our study found that acute admission of HSCT patients to the ICU is associated with improved survival compared to our previous experience, with organ failure progression a strong predictor of ICU outcome, and specific disease characteristics contributing to long‐term survival.
Suboptimal management of cardiovascular risk factors in coronary heart disease patients in primary care occurs particularly in women
Authors: Driscoll A. , Beauchamp A. , Lyubomirsky G. , Demos L. , McNeil J. , Tonkin A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD) are at the highest risk of further events. Despite proven therapies, secondary prevention is often suboptimal. General practitioners (GPs) are in an ideal position to improve secondary prevention.Aim:  To contrast management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with established CHD in primary care to those in clinical guidelines and according to gender.Methods:  GPs throughout Australia were approached to participate in a programme incorporating a disease management software (mdCare) program. Participating practitioners (1258 GPs) recruited individual patients whose cardiovascular risk factor levels were measured.Results:  The mdCare programme included 12 509 patients (58% male) diagnosed with CHD. Their mean age was 71.7 years (intra‐quartile range 66–78) for men and 74 years (intra‐quartile range 68–80) for women. Low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol was above target levels in 69% (2032) of women compared with 58% (2487) in men (P < 0.0001). There was also a higher proportion of women with total cholesterol above target levels (76%, 3592) compared with men (57%, 3787) (P < 0.0001). In patients who were prescribed lipid‐lowering medication, 53% (2504) of men and 72% (2285) of women continued to have a total cholesterol higher than recommended target levels (P < 0.0001). Overall, over half (52%, 6538) had at least five cardiovascular risk factors (55% (2914) in women and 50% (3624) in men, P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  This study found less intensive management of cardiovascular risk factors in CHD patients, particularly among women, despite equivalent cardiovascular risk. This study has shown that these patients have multiple risk factors where gender also plays a role.
Management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapies
Authors: Webber K. , Cooper A. , Kleiven H. , Yip D. , Goldstein D. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Metastatic renal cell cancer is associated with poor prognosis and survival and is resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Therapeutic targeting of molecular pathways for tumour angiogenesis and other specific activation mechanisms offers improved tumour response and prolonged survival.Aims:  To conduct a retrospective audit of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with targeted therapies.Methods:  Data were extracted from clinical records of patients undergoing targeted treatment between 2005 and 2009 at two hospital sites. Data collected included pathology, systemic therapy class, toxicity and survival. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed.Results:  Sixty‐one patients were treated with 102 lines of therapy with a median overall survival (OS) of 23 months, median time to failure of first‐line treatment (TTF1) of 10 months and median time to failure of second‐line treatment (TTF2) of 5.2 months. Time from first diagnosis to treatment >12 months was significantly associated with improved OS, longer TTF1, TTF2 and response to first‐line anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (anti‐VEGF TKI) therapy. Variables associated with tumour biology, natural history and the systemic inflammatory response were associated with improved OS and TTF1. Development of hypertension was predictive of anti‐VEGF TKI outcome. Toxicities were as expected for each drug class.Conclusions:  Survival and toxicity outcomes from two Australian sites are comparable to published data. The adverse event profile differs to conventional chemotherapy. Clinicians caring for patients with metastatic renal cancer will need to become familiar with these toxicities and their management as these agents enter widespread use.