bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a sensitive rRNA‐targeted reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction for detection of Vibrio cholerae/mimicus, V. parahaemolyticus/alginolyticus and Campylobacter jejuni/coli
Authors: Kurakawa Takashi , Kubota Hiroyuki , Tsuji Hirokazu , Matsuda Kazunori , Asahara Takashi , Takahashi Takuya , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan , Hamabata Takashi , Takahashi Eizo , Miyoshi Shin‐ichi , Okamoto Keinosuke , Mukhopadhyay Asish K. , Takeda Yoshifumi , Nomoto Koji 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTA sensitive rRNA‐targeted reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) method was developed for detection of Vibrio cholerae/mimicus, V. parahaemolyticus/alginolyticus and Campylobacter jejuni/coli by using specific primers. Counts of the enteric pathogens spiked in human stools were quantified at the lower detection limit of 103 cells/g stool by RT‐qPCR, in marked contrast with conventional quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at the detection limit of 105 to 106 cells/g stool. The bacterial counts determined by RT‐qPCR were almost equivalent to those determined by the culture method and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) during the course of in vitro culture. Bacterial rRNA in the stools was stable for at least 4 weeks when the stools were kept as the suspensions in RNA‐stabilizing agent, RNAlater®, even at 37oC. These data suggested that the rapid and high sensitive rRNA‐targeted RT‐qPCR was applicable for the accurate quantification of viable enteric pathogens, such as V. cholerae/mimicus, V. parahaemolyticus/alginolyticus and C. jejuni/coli.
Transcriptome analysis of Stagonospora nodorum: gene models, effectors, metabolism and pantothenate dispensability
Authors: IPCHO SIMON V. S. , HANE JAMES K. , ANTONI EVA A. , AHREN DAG , HENRISSAT BERNARD , FRIESEN TIMOTHY L. , SOLOMON PETER S. , OLIVER RICHARD P. 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYThe wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum, causal organism of the wheat disease Stagonospora nodorum blotch, has emerged as a model for the Dothideomycetes, a large fungal taxon that includes many important plant pathogens. The initial annotation of the genome assembly included 16 586 nuclear gene models. These gene models were used to design a microarray that has been interrogated with labelled transcripts from six cDNA samples: four from infected wheat plants at time points spanning early infection to sporulation, and two time points taken from growth in artificial media. Positive signals of expression were obtained for 12 281 genes. This represents strong corroborative evidence of the validity of these gene models. Significantly differential expression between the various time points was observed. When infected samples were compared with axenic cultures, 2882 genes were expressed at a higher level in planta and 3630 were expressed more highly in vitro. Similar numbers were differentially expressed between different developmental stages. The earliest time points in planta were particularly enriched in differentially expressed genes. A disproportionate number of the early expressed gene products were predicted to be secreted, but otherwise had no obvious sequence homology to functionally characterized genes. These genes are candidate necrotrophic effectors. We have focused attention on genes for carbohydrate metabolism and the specific biosynthetic pathways active during growth in planta. The analysis points to a very dynamic adjustment of metabolism during infection. Functional analysis of a gene in the coenzyme A biosynthetic pathway showed that the enzyme was dispensable for growth, indicating that a precursor is supplied by the plant.
Noncoeliac enteropathy: the differential diagnosis of villous atrophy in contemporary clinical practice
Authors: Pallav K. , Leffler D. A. , Tariq S. , Kabbani T. , Hansen J. , Peer A. , Bhansali A. , Najarian R. , Kelly C. P. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackground  Duodenal villous atrophy (DVA) is a key diagnostic finding in coeliac disease (CD). However, the differential diagnosis for this finding is broad.Aim  To identify conditions causing noncoeliac enteropathy (NCE) with villous atrophy and methods to differentiate between CD and NCE in clinical practice.Methods  Through record review we identified patients with DVA due to conditions other than CD. Patient demographics, clinical features and relevant investigations were compared with CD patients. Rates of CD misdiagnosis, and response to treatments were recorded.Results  Thirty cases of NCE were identified with ten different aetiologies. Unspecified immune‐mediated enteropathy was the most common aetiology; affecting 10 patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms were more common in NCE than those in CD patients (P < 0.01). Twenty of the 24 NCE patients tested were HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 negative. Twenty‐six NCE patients were negative for IgA tissue transglutaminase (tTG) (P = 0.0001). Intraepithelial lymphocytosis was absent in 10 (33.3%) patients. Twenty‐one NCE patients initially misdiagnosed with CD and one with gluten intolerance were prescribed a gluten free diet (GFD). Fifteen of 22 had repeat biopsy and none showed histological improvement.Conclusions  Although coeliac disease is the most common cause of DVA, noncoeliac enteropathy is not rare and may easily be mistaken for coeliac disease. Noncoeliac enteropathy is suggested by a normal initial tTG (87%), lack of intraepithelial lymphocytosis on biopsy, and lack of histological response to a gluten free diet. Subjective response to gluten free diet has poor predictive value for coeliac disease. Noncoeliac enteropathy can often be confirmed by negative HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 testing and targeted investigations can ascertain a definitive aetiology in most cases.
Rituximab plus HyperCVAD alternating with high dose cytarabine and methotrexate for the initial treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma, a multicentre trial from Gruppo Italiano Studio Linfomi
Authors: Merli Francesco , Luminari Stefano , Ilariucci Fiorella , Petrini Mario , Visco Carlo , Ambrosetti Achille , Stelitano Caterina , Caracciolo Francesco , Di Renzo Nicola , Angrilli Francesco , Carella Angelo M. , Capodanno Isabella , Barbolini Elisa , Galimberti Sara , Federico Massimo 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThis study investigated the clinical activity and toxicity of R‐HCVAD‐AM [rituximab plus HyperCVAD (R‐HCVAD) alternating with high‐dose cytarabine and methotrexate (AM)] in patients with newly diagnosed Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL). Patients aged ≤70 years with confirmed MCL received four alternating cycles each of R‐HCVAD and AM. Patients who obtained a partial response proceeded to autologous stem cell transplant. Sixty‐three patients were enrolled and 60 were fully eligible. Median age was 57 years (22–66); 60%, 33% and 7% were classified at low (L)‐, intermediate (I)‐ or high (H)‐risk, respectively, according to the MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI). Only 22 patients (37%) completed the four cycles and three patients died during therapy. Overall response and complete response rates were 83% and 72% respectively. After a median follow‐up of 46 months (range 1–72) the estimated 5‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival rates were 73% [95% confidence interval (CI) 59–83%], and 61% (95%CI 45–73%) respectively. MIPI maintained the prognostic value with an estimated 5‐year OS of 89%, 80% and 24% for L, I, and H groups respectively (P < 0·001). This multicentre study confirms that R‐HCVAD‐AM is an active regimen for the initial treatment of patients with MCL, but is associated with significant toxicity.
Downgrading as a counterstrategy: a case study in child welfare
Authors: van Nijnatten Carolus 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTChild welfare conversations in cases of suspected sexual child abuse are often slow and complex processes in which professionals and clients proceed cautiously. These conversations may best be considered as negotiations between professionals aiming at classifying clients in or out of problem categories, and clients distancing themselves from these categories or downgrading them. In a case study of a conversation between a child welfare worker and a 15‐year‐old boy who is the likely victim of sexual abuse by his stepfather, this process is demonstrated by an interactional analysis. It is shown that the client is not co‐operating in a co‐operative way.
Subarctic and alpine tree line dynamics during the last 400 years in north‐western and central Canada
Authors: Mamet Steven D. , Kershaw G. Peter 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify episodes of establishment and mortality of young and mature trees at several sites at the alpine tree line in the western Northwest Territories and the latitudinal tree line in northern Manitoba; (2) infer changes in the structure and location of the tree line from patterns of establishment; (3) evaluate any relationship between these changes and climate; and (4) investigate sources of variability between sampling sites and study areas.Location  Taiga Cordillera of the western Mackenzie Mountains in the Northwest Territories, and the western Hudson Bay Lowlands in northern Manitoba, Canada.Methods  Recent tree line dynamics were examined at six climatically similar sites: three in the western Mackenzie Mountains and three around Churchill, Manitoba. Dendroecological techniques were employed to construct static age distributions of species present at each site. Static age structures, residuals from modelled age distributions, and reconstructions of dynamic stand density were used to identify patterns of establishment and mortality and to compare these to changes in climate.Results  Tree line locations advanced and stand density increased during the early‐to‐mid‐20th century around Churchill, although responses were not uniform across sites or species. Results were less conclusive in the Mackenzie Mountains, although the tree line probably advanced during the late 18th century, and stand infilling occurred during the mid‐20th century. Correlation analyses with temperature suggest that conditions during establishment and particularly during recruitment are crucial for controlling tree line dynamics.Main conclusions  Tree line advance and stand infilling have continued to the present at Churchill, while the tree line has stagnated in the western Mackenzie Mountains. The results of this study indicate that site‐ and species‐specific responses play a large role in determining the tree line response at multiple scales, illustrating the complexity of tree line dynamics in the context of a changing climate.
The Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria Attitude Questionnaire: validity and understanding of responsibility for infection control in Swedish registered district, haematology and infection nurses
Authors: Lindberg Maria , Skytt Bernice , Högman Marieann , Carlsson Marianne 
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To assess the discriminative and construct validity of the Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria Attitude Questionnaire and to study registered nurses’ knowledge of, behaviour toward and emotional responses to patients with multidrug‐resistant bacteria in relation to how they understand their own, managers’ and politicians’ responsibility for adherence to preventive measures for infection control.Background.  Multidrug‐resistant organisms are a global problem and an essential topic in healthcare regarding patient safety improvement.Design.  Descriptive and correlational cross‐sectional survey.Method.  Data were collected in a non‐random sample consisting of 397 registered nurses; district, haematology or infection registered nurses. One‐way analysis of variance and independent t‐tests were used for comparisons and a principal component analysis was performed.Results.  Discriminative and construct validity were supported, as the infection registered nurses generally had higher scores on knowledge, behaviour and emotional response, compared with district registered nurses and haematology registered nurses and the three‐factor solution was confirmed. Registered nurses with higher scores on knowledge and emotional response attributed greater responsibility to themselves and to politicians. The Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria Attitude Questionnaire was translated using a forward‐back translation process.Conclusion.  The questionnaire has adequate psychometric properties. Insufficient knowledge of, behaviour toward and emotional response to patients with multidrug‐resistant bacteria were described, but the registered nurses did estimate their own responsibility for adherence to preventive measures for infection control as being great or very great.Relevance to clinical practice.  There is a considerable need to improve knowledge, behaviour and emotional response regarding infection prevention measures among healthcare workers. The hospital management are responsible for such improvements and the Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria Attitude Questionnaire is useful in identifying such needs, as it has adequate psychometric properties and is able to discriminate between groups. Evaluation among healthcare workers may indicate where to situate additional training, as this is of clinical significance for safe care.
Documentation of postoperative pain in the neonatal brachial plexus palsy population
Authors: Lippert William C , Miller Melissa A , Lippert Andrew M , Mehlman Charles T 
Published: December 2011

Aims and objectives.  To assess postoperative pain management in neonatal brachial plexus palsy children who underwent a primary nerve repair, release only and/or a release and transfer procedure.Background.  Previous studies have noted pain management inadequacies in postoperative pain management in certain paediatric populations. However, this is the first study to focus on postoperative pain management in this particular population.Methods.  Seventy‐five patients, who underwent a primary nerve repair, release only and/or a release and transfer procedures at our institution, were reviewed. Postoperative pain management was assessed on a patient and drug administration level through appropriate pain scale use; appropriate dosage for the medication prescribed; appropriate reassessment of pain following medication administration; and complications leading to a longer hospital stay.Results.  Based on our institution’s guidelines following drug administration, 64 patients were not appropriately reassessed for pain. Based on the drug’s duration following drug administration, 40 patients were not appropriately reassessed for pain. Twenty‐eight per cent of all medication administrations were not properly reassessed for pain based on the drug’s duration and 62% of the time based on our institution’s guidelines. Fifty per cent of all medication administrations were not properly dosed and 51 patients were not appropriately dosed at least once during their hospital stay. Pain scales were documented incorrectly 20% of the time and administered improperly to 13 patients.Conclusions.  Opportunities for improvement in postoperative pain management in the paediatric population – particularly those with neonatal brachial plexus palsy – exist.Relevance to clinical practice.  Findings from this study demonstrate that healthcare professionals may have (1) insufficient knowledge regarding pain and/or (2) inadequate direction and guidance to appropriately assess and document pain in the paediatric population. Improvements for these individual healthcare professionals and clinical settings are needed to overcome postoperative pain management issues in the future.
Examining the breastfeeding support resources of the public health nursing services in Ireland
Authors: Mulcahy Helen , Phelan Agnes , Corcoran Paul , Leahy‐Warren Patricia 
Published: December 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to review breastfeeding support provided by Public Health Nurses in Ireland. The objectives were to identify the availability of appropriate guiding policies, educational preparation, attitude of Public Health Nurses and the availability and use of other supportive services.Background.  Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in Europe. The main source of formal support for breastfeeding mothers in the community in Ireland is from Public Health Nurses who can make referral to other non‐statutory resources. The nature of this support is determined by policies guiding clinical practice and education that increases breastfeeding confidence and competence of all personnel. Consequently, an assessment of breastfeeding resources requires an analysis of all these variables.Design.  A large quantitative, cross‐sectional study was conducted, involving Public Health Nurses and mothers. This paper represents the results from the perspective of Public Health Nurses.Method.  Directors of Public Health Nursing (n = 24) and Public Health Nurses (n = 204) completed self‐report questionnaires by mail and online. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and reported using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results.  Public Health Nurses are well educated to support breastfeeding and have a positive attitude and a high degree of self‐assessed confidence and competence. A wide variety of non‐statutory support exists for breastfeeding but is not always used to their full potential.Conclusion.  Standardising educational requirements for Public Health Nurses in supporting breastfeeding is an area that requires attention. Ultimately, service delivery in relation to supporting breastfeeding mothers would benefit from being more timely and responsive.Relevance to clinical practice.  Awareness of support resources is necessary for Public Health Nurses to make appropriate referrals for breastfeeding mothers. Furthermore, Directors of Public Health Nursing need to encourage the breastfeeding supportive role of Public Health Nurses and facilitate continuing professional development.
Arabidopsis thalianaTERMINAL FLOWER2 is involved in light‐controlled signalling during seedling photomorphogenesis
Authors: VALDÉS ANA ELISA , RIZZARDI KRISTINA , JOHANNESSON HENRIK , PARA ALESSIA , SUNDÅS‐LARSSON ANNIKA , LANDBERG KATARINA 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTPlants respond to changes in the environment by altering their growth pattern. Light is one of the most important environmental cues and affects plants throughout the life cycle. It is perceived by photoreceptors such as phytochromes that absorb light of red and far‐red wavelengths and control, for example, seedling de‐etiolation, chlorophyll biosynthesis and shade avoidance response. We report that theterminal flower2(tfl2) mutant, carrying a mutation in theArabidopsis thaliana HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1homolog, functions in negative regulation of phytochrome dependent light signalling.tfl2shows defects in both hypocotyl elongation and shade avoidance response. Double mutant analysis indicates that mutants of the red/far‐red light absorbing phytochrome family of plant photoreceptors,phyAandphyB, are epistatic totfl2in far‐red and red light, respectively. An overlap between genes regulated by light and by auxin has earlier been reported and, intfl2plants light‐dependent auxin‐regulated genes are misexpressed. Further, we show that TFL2 binds to IAA5 and IAA19 suggesting that TFL2 might be involved in regulation of phytochrome‐mediated light responses through auxin action.
Changes in stomatal conductance along grass blades reflect changes in leaf structure
Authors: OCHELTREE T. W. , NIPPERT J. B. , PRASAD P. V. V. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTIdentifying the consequences of grass blade morphology (long, narrow leaves) on the heterogeneity of gas exchange is fundamental to an understanding of the physiology of this growth form. We examined acropetal changes in anatomy, hydraulic conductivity and rates of gas exchange in five grass species (including C3 and C4 functional types). Both stomatal conductance and photosynthesis increased along all grass blades despite constant light availability. Hydraulic efficiency within the xylem remained constant along the leaf, but structural changes outside the xylem changed in concert with stomatal conductance. Stomatal density and stomatal pore index remained constant along grass blades but interveinal distance decreased acropetally resulting in a decreased path length for water movement from vascular bundle to stomate. The increase in stomatal conductance was correlated with the decreased path length through the leaf mesophyll. A strong correlation between the distance from vascular bundles to stomatal pores and stomatal conductance has been identified across species; our results suggest this relationship also exists within individual leaves.
Anaemia during pregnancy: impact on birth outcome and infant haemoglobin level during the first 18 months of life
Authors: Koura Ghislain K. , Ouedraogo Smaïla , Le Port Agnès , Watier Laurence , Cottrell Gilles , Guerra José , Choudat Isabelle , Rachas Antoine , Bouscaillou Julie , Massougbodji Achille , Garcia André 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTo determine the effect of maternal anaemia on pregnancy outcome and describe its impact on infant haemoglobin level in the first 18 months of life, we conducted a prospective study of 617 pregnant women and their children in Benin. Prevalence of maternal anaemia at delivery was 39.5%, and 61.1% of newborns were anaemic at birth. Maternal anaemia was not associated with low birth weight [OR = 1.2 (0.6–2.2)] or preterm birth [OR = 1.3 (0.7–2.4)], whereas the newborn’s anaemia was related to maternal anaemia [OR = 1.8 (1.2–2.5)]. There was no association between an infant’s haemoglobin level until 18 months and maternal anaemia. However, malaria attacks during follow‐up, male gender and sickle cell trait were all associated with a lower infant haemoglobin level until 18 months, whereas good infant feeding practices and a polygamous family were positively associated with a higher haemoglobin level during the first 18 months of life.
Epigenetic and genetic disturbance of the imprinted 11p15 region in Beckwith–Wiedemann and Silver–Russell syndromes
Authors: Demars J , Gicquel C 
Published: December 2011

Demars J, Gicquel C. Epigenetic and genetic disturbance of the imprinted 11p15 region in Beckwith–Wiedemann and Silver–Russell syndromes.Genomic imprinting is a particularly attractive example of epigenetic regulation leading to the parental‐origin‐specific expression of genes. In several ways, the 11p15 imprinted region is an exemplary model for regulation of genomic imprinting. The two imprinted domains are controlled by imprinting control regions (ICRs) which carry opposite germ line imprints and they are regulated by two major mechanisms of imprinting control. Dysregulation of 11p15 genomic imprinting results in two fetal growth disorders [Silver–Russell (SRS) and Beckwith–Wiedemann (BWS) syndromes], with opposite growth phenotypes. BWS and SRS result from abnormal imprinting involving either, both domains or only one of them, with ICR1 and ICR2 more often involved in SRS and BWS respectively. DNA methylation defects affecting ICR1 or ICR2 account for approximately 60% of SRS and BWS patients. Recent studies have identified new cis‐acting regulatory elements, as well as new trans‐acting factors involved in the regulation of 11p15 imprinting, therefore establishing new mechanisms of BWS and SRS. Those studies also showed that, apart of CTCF, other transcription factors, including factors of the pluripotency network, play a crucial role in the regulation of 11p15 genomic imprinting. Those new findings have direct consequences in molecular testing, risk assessment and genetic counseling of BWS and SRS patients.