bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumour‐derived prostaglandin E2and transforming growth factor‐β synergize to inhibit plasmacytoid dendritic cell‐derived interferon‐α
Authors: Bekeredjian‐Ding Isabelle , Schäfer Meike , Hartmann Evelyn , Pries Ralph , Parcina Marijo , Schneider Philip , Giese Thomas , Endres Stefan , Wollenberg Barbara , Hartmann Gunther 
Published: June 2009

SummaryIn previous studies we reported that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) infiltrating head and neck cancer tissue are functionally impaired, but the molecular basis for the functional deficiency remained unclear. Here we demonstrate that tumour‐derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) increase interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) but synergistically inhibit interferon‐α (IFN‐α) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) production of Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7)‐ and Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9)‐stimulated PDC. The inhibitory effect of PGE2could be mimicked by the induction of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and by inhibitors of cyclooxygenase. The contribution of tumour‐derived TGF‐β was confirmed by the TGF‐β antagonist SB‐431542. Suppression of tumour‐derived PGE2and TGF‐β restored TLR‐induced IFN‐α production of PDC. Additionally, PGE2‐ and TGF‐β‐treated PDC display a ‘tolerogenic’ phenotype because of a downregulation of CD40 accompanied by an upregulation of CD86. Finally, in TLR‐stimulated PDC, PGE2and TGF‐β reduce the CCR7 : CXCR4 ratio, suggesting that PDC are impaired in their ability to migrate to tumour‐draining lymph nodes but are retained in stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1)‐expressing tissues. Based on these data, cyclooxygenase inhibitors and TGF‐β antagonists may improve TLR7‐ and TLR9‐based tumour immunotherapy.
Potentially inappropriate urinary catheter indwelling among long‐term care facilities residents
Authors: Chen Yi‐Tsun , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Lai Hsiu‐Yun , Hwang Shinn‐Jang , Chen Liang‐Kung 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPurpose  To evaluate the prevalence of long‐term urinary catheter (UC) indwelling and potentially inappropriate urinary catheterization among residents of long‐term care facilities (LTCFs) in Taiwan.Method  From January to March of 2007, residents with long‐term urethral UC indwelling of LTCFs in northern Taipei were invited for study and were enrolled when the informed consent was obtained. For every subject, UC was removed by home care nurses, and self‐voiding (SV) status was determined after a 4‐hour observation period. Residual volume (RV) was measured when the UC was re‐indwelled. Potentially inappropriate UC indwelling was defined by the concomitant presence of SV and the RV less than 150 mL.Results  In total, 252 residents from eight LTCFs were screened and 45 out of 62 residents with long‐term UC indwelling were enrolled (mean age = 80.4 ± 8.9 years, 40% were males, 95.6% were severely disabled). SV was noted in 86.7% (39/45) of study subjects, and 71.8% (28/39) self‐voided subjects had their RV less than 150 mL. By definition, the prevalence of potentially inappropriate UC indwelling in this study was 62.2%. The mean RV was significantly lower in subjects with SV (101.3 ± 66.1 vs. 221.7 ± 154.1 mL, P = 0.002) and subjects with SV were more prone to have the RV less than 150 mL (P = 0.018).Conclusion  The prevalence of long‐term UC indwelling among Taiwanese LTCF residents was high and a high proportion of their UC may be removable. A national audit and introducing a practice guideline for continence care in LTCFs may help to promote quality of care for institutionalized older people in Taiwan.
Brief assessment of adult cancer patients' perceived needs: development and validation of the 34‐item Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS‐SF34)
Authors: Boyes Allison , Girgis Afaf , Lecathelinais Christophe 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjective  This study aimed to develop and validate a short version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) that would reduce respondent burden and could be used in routine cancer care, without compromising the psychometric properties of the original instrument.Methods  Secondary analyses of the data from two studies (n = 888 and 250) were undertaken. All 59 items of the original SCNS were assessed using psychometric analyses and evaluated for clinical utility. The 34 items retained were examined for internal consistency, ceiling and floor effects, known groups validity, convergent validity, sensitivity and readability.Results  The 34‐item instrument has five factors (psychological, health system and information, physical and daily living, patient care and support, and sexuality needs) identical to the original instrument, explaining 73% of the variance. Internal consistency was high with Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the five factors ranging from 0.86 to 0.96. Correlations of the 34‐item short‐form SCNS (SCNS‐SF34) with three other measures of psychosocial well‐being demonstrated convergent validity (r = 0.48–0.56). Kappa coefficients of at least 0.83 for each domain indicated almost perfect agreement between the 34‐item and 59‐item surveys to identify patients needing help. The 34‐item SCNS maintained the psychometric properties of the original instrument and could be readily comprehended by people with seventh to eighth grade education.Conclusions  The SCNS‐SF34 is a valid instrument for measuring cancer patients' perceived needs across a range of domains, and could be utilized as part of routine cancer care.
Degree and correlates of patient trust in their cardiologist
Authors: Kayaniyil Sheena , Gravely‐Witte Shannon , Stewart Donna E. , Higginson Lyall , Suskin Neville , Alter David , Grace Sherry L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRationale and objectives  Trust in one's doctor has been associated with increased treatment adherence, patient satisfaction and improved health status. This study investigated the level and correlates of patient trust in their cardiac specialist.Methods  All 386 urban cardiologists in Southern Ontario (95 participating, response rate = 30%) were approached to recruit a sample of their coronary artery disease outpatients. A total of 1111 recent and consecutive patients consented to participate (approximately 13 patients per cardiologist, 317 female (26.7%); response rate = 60%), and clinical data were extracted from their medical charts. Participants completed a mailed survey including the Trust in Physicians scale, in addition to an assessment of socio‐demographic, clinical and psychosocial correlates.Results  The mean trust score was equivalent to that reported in studies of primary care patients. Results of the significant multivariate model (F = 7.631, P < 0.001) revealed that less education (P < 0.001), higher systolic blood pressure (P = 0.022), less perceived cyclical/unpredictable illness timeline (P = 0.007) and greater perceived personal control over their heart condition (P = 0.004), were significant correlates of greater trust in cardiologist care.Conclusions  The significance of education is corroborated by findings of lower satisfaction with cardiac care among those of higher socio‐economic status, despite having generally greater access to care in Ontario. Moreover, the relationship between hypertension and greater trust may suggest that such perceptions are not based on doctor competence. Future studies should further investigate the correlates of trust, as well as the impact of trust on cardiac health outcomes.
Clinical decision making and the provision of information in PEG feeding: an exploration of patients and their carers’ perceptions
Authors: Brotherton A. , Abbott J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: Government health care policy encourages a culture of patient choice and involvement in decision making, although the complexities and challenges involved in fully engaging patients in clinical decision making can be perceived as barriers to effective communication between the professional and patient. The present study aimed to explore the patients and their carers perceptions of the adequacy of the information provided and their subsequent involvement in the decision making process for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion.Methods: The study used purposive sampling. A cross‐sectional qualitative design was utilised using semi‐structured interviews, which were tape recorded. Sixteen patients and 27 carers were interviewed. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim and data analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis.Results: Only four patients and 11 carers reported having a choice in the decision for PEG placement, with only four patients and 10 carers, respectively, reporting they received sufficient information regarding the PEG. Poor communication, lack of information and inappropriate information, attitudes of health care professionals and exclusion were key themes for patients.Conclusions: Clinicians should develop interdisciplinary and participative practices to agree shared treatment goals and evaluate patient experiences. Consideration should also be given to the use of decision making models; in our opinion, the development of such a model, which supports interdisciplinary and participative approaches to decision making, is urgently required.
Mothers’ views on portion sizes for children
Authors: Croker H. , Sweetman C. , Cooke L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  Childhood obesity has increased steadily over recent years and has coincided with a general trend towards larger portions of foods consumed both inside and outside the home. A causal link between portion size and weight gain has not been established, although there is evidence of an association between larger portions and greater energy intake. The present study aimed to investigate parent’s attitudes, knowledge, practices, and concerns about appropriate portions for children.Methods:  Four focus groups with a total of 14 volunteer mothers of 8–11‐year‐old children taking part in a larger school‐based study. Mothers were asked their views about portion sizes for their children and were asked to demonstrate typical servings that they would offer their children, by weighing five common foods provided. Conversations were tape‐recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis.Results:  Participants were unconcerned about portion sizes and would not welcome official guidance, particularly if it involved weighing foods. Mothers fed their children the amount that they believed they would eat and felt that this varied across children and across occasions. The weighing task revealed a wide variation in portion sizes served to children, with portions of the more energy‐dense foods being smaller on average than those of less energy‐dense foods.Conclusions:  There was little understanding of age‐appropriate serving sizes amongst mothers in this study. Education campaigns should be mindful of the need to make portion information clear and simple because parents may not be prepared to weigh the food that they serve to their children.
The effect of substituting alternative grains in the diet on the nutritional profile of the gluten‐free diet
Authors: Lee A. R. , Ng D. L. , Dave E. , Ciaccio E. J. , Green P. H. R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  The only treatment for coeliac disease is lifelong adherence to a gluten‐free diet. Several studies have reported nutritional deficiencies in individuals on a gluten‐free diet. The present study aimed to determine whether the nutritional profile of gluten‐free diet could be improved through the use of alternative grains.Methods:  A retrospective review of diet history records by a celiac specialist dietitian were used to establish a ‘standard’ gluten‐free dietary pattern. An ‘alternative’ gluten‐free dietary pattern was developed that substituted naturally gluten‐free grains or gluten‐free products made from ‘alternative’ flours (oats, high fibre gluten‐free bread and quinoa) in the standard pattern. A paired t‐test was performed to identify statistical significance between the ‘alternative’ and standard gluten‐free dietary pattern.Results:  Analysis of standard pattern indicated that 38% of meals and snacks contained no grain or starch choice. Of those meals that contained a grain or starch component, rice was the grain chosen 44% of the time. The inclusion of alternative grains or grain products provided a higher nutrient profile compared to the standard gluten‐free dietary pattern (P = 0.002). Several nutrients; protein (20.6 g versus 11 g), iron (18.4 mg versus 1.4 mg), calcium (182 mg versus 0 mg) and fibre (12.7 g versus 5 g) were significantly increased by changing the grain or starch component in the dietary pattern. The B vitamin content (riboflavin, niacin and folate) was improved, although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.125).Discussion:  The inclusion of alternative grain‐based products increased the nutrient profile of the gluten‐free dietary pattern significantly.
Bulk leaf δ18O and δ13C reflect the intensity of intraspecific competition for water in a semi‐arid tussock grassland
Authors: RAMÍREZ DAVID A. , QUEREJETA JOSÉ I. , BELLOT JUAN 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTWe investigated the extent to which plant water and nutrient status are affected by intraspecific competition intensity and microsite quality in a monodominant tussock grassland. Leaf gas exchange and stable isotope measurements were used to assess the water relations of Stipa tenacissima tussocks growing along a gradient of plant cover and soil depth in a semi‐arid catchment of Southeast Spain. Stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate decreased with increasing intensity of competition during the wet growing season, leading to foliar δ18O and δ13C enrichment. A high potential for runoff interception by upslope neighbours exerted strong detrimental effects on the water and phosphorus status of downslope S. tenacissima tussocks. Foliar δ15N values became more enriched with increasing soil depth. Multiple stepwise regression showed that competition potential and/or rhizosphere soil depth accounted for large proportions of variance in foliar δ13C, δ18O and δ15N among target tussocks (57, 37 and 64%, respectively). The results presented here highlight the key role that spatial redistribution of resources (water and nutrients) by runoff plays in semi‐arid ecosystems. It is concluded that combined measurement of δ13C, δ18O and nutrient concentrations in bulk leaf tissue can provide insight into the intensity of competitive interactions occurring in natural plant communities.
Metabolomic and physiological responses reveal multi‐phasic acclimation of Arabidopsis thaliana to chronic UV radiation
Authors: LAKE JANICE A. , FIELD KATIE J. , DAVEY MATTHEW P. , BEERLING DAVID J. , LOMAX BARRY H. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTBiochemical changes in vivo and pathway interactions were investigated using integrated physiological and metabolic responses of Arabidopsis thaliana L. to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (280–400 nm) at 9.96 kJ m−2 d−1 over the entire life cycle from seed to seed (8 weeks). Columbia‐0 (Col‐0) and a UV‐B sensitive accession (fah‐1) showed significant (P < 0.001) reductions in leaf growth after 6 weeks. Col‐0 recovered growth after 8 weeks, with recovery corresponding to a switch from production of phenylpropanoids to flavonoids. fah‐1 failed to recover, indicating that sinapate production is an essential component of recovery. Epidermal features show that UV radiation caused significant (P < 0.001) increases in trichome density, which may act as a structural defence response. Stomatal indices showed a significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in Col‐0 and a significant (P < 0.001) increase in fah‐1. Epidermal cell density was significantly increased under UV radiation on the abaxial leaf surface, suggesting that that a fully functioning phenylpropanoid pathway is a requirement for cell expansion and leaf development. Despite wild‐type acclimation, the costs of adaptation lead to reduced plant fitness by decreasing flower numbers and total seed biomass. A multi‐phasic acclimation to UV radiation and the induction of specific metabolites link stress‐induced biochemical responses to enhanced acclimation.
OsMADS50andOsMADS56function antagonistically in regulating long day (LD)‐dependent flowering in rice
Authors: RYU CHOONG‐HWAN , LEE SHINYOUNG , CHO LAE‐HYEON , KIM SONG LIM , LEE YANG‐SEOK , CHOI SANG CHUL , JEONG HEE JOONG , YI JAKYUNG , PARK SOON JU , HAN CHANG‐DEOK , AN GYNHEUNG 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTIn much of the tropics and subtropics, rice (Oryza sativaL.) is grown under long days (LDs). Therefore, LD must play a major role in inducing flowering signal in rice. However, little is known on LD‐dependent flowering signal in the species. We previously reported thatOsMADS50, which is highly homologous toArabidopsis SOC1, functions as a positive regulator for flowering. However, its detailed photoperiodic mechanism was not yet elucidated. Here, we report the functional analysis ofOsMADS50and its closely related geneOsMADS56. Knock‐out ofOsMADS50caused a late‐flowering phenotype only under LD conditions. Overexpression ofOsMADS56(56OX) also resulted in delayed flowering under LD. In theosmads50mutants and 56OX transgenic plants, transcripts ofEhd1,Hd3aandRFT1were reduced, although that ofOsLFL1increased. On the other hand, mRNA levels ofOsGI,Hd1,OsId1,OsDof12,Ghd7,Hd6andSE5were unchanged. These observations imply thatOsMADS50andOsMADS56function antagonistically throughOsLFL1‐Ehd1in regulating LD‐dependent flowering. Yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation analyses indicated an interaction between those two proteins as well as their formation of homodimers. These results suggest that OsMADS50 and OsMADS56 may form a complex that regulates downstream target genes.
Root based approaches to improving nitrogen use efficiency in plants
Authors: GARNETT TREVOR , CONN VANESSA , KAISER BRENT N. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTIn the majority of agricultural growing regions, crop production is highly dependent on the supply of exogenous nitrogen (N) fertilizers. Traditionally, this dependency and the use of N‐fertilizers to restore N depleted soils has been rewarded with increased plant health and yields. In recent years, increased competition for non‐renewable fossil fuel reserves has directly elevated prices of N‐fertilizers and the cost of agricultural production worldwide. Furthermore, N‐fertilizer based pollution is becoming a serious issue for many regions where agriculture is highly concentrated. To help minimize the N footprint associated with agricultural production there is significant interest at the plant level to develop technologies which can allow economically viable production while using less applied N. To complement recent reviews examining N utilization efficiency in agricultural plants, this review will explore those strategies operating specifically at the root level, which may directly contribute to improved N use efficiencies in agricultural crops such as cereals, where the majority of N‐fertilizers are used and lost to the environment. Root specific phenotypes that will be addressed in the context of improvements to N acquisition and assimilation efficiencies include: root morphology; root to shoot ratios; root vigour, root length density; and root N transport and metabolism.
Putting child mortality on a map: towards an understanding of inequity in health
Authors: Tottrup C. , Tersbol B. P. , Lindeboom W. , Meyrowitsch D. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryObjectives  To map and analyse geographical (spatial) variations of child mortality trends in mainland Tanzania.Methods  We used a geographic information system to integrate data on child mortality and associated risk factors. We then applied spatial statistics to quantify the spatial component of child mortality trends, and employed multivariate analysis to break mortality down into a spatial and a local component.Results  The results support our hypothesis that child mortality trends have a spatial component that can be attributed to broad‐scale environmental and social‐economic factors. However, the multivariate analysis showed that the spatial component only explained one‐third of the variation in child mortality trends. The results thus point towards the presence of local (non‐spatial) causative factors, including variations in the access to and quality of child health care.Conclusions  The method we used is a cost‐effective way to systematically assess geographical variations in health outcomes. It can thus provide researchers and practitioners with a good first‐line tool in understanding local contributions to differences in mortality and other indicators, and give authorities at all levels a better foundation for addressing health inequities.
CLINICAL STUDY: A comparison of exposure to carcinogens among roll‐your‐own and factory‐made cigarette smokers
Authors: Shahab Lion , West Robert , McNeill Ann 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTConsumption of roll‐your‐own (RYO) tobacco is rising, but little is known about its in vivo delivery of toxins relative to factory‐made (FM) cigarettes. To start to address this issue, this study compared the concentrations of metabolites of recognized human carcinogens in smokers of RYO tobacco and FM cigarettes. We opportunistically recruited 127 FM and 28 RYO cigarette smokers in central London and collected saliva and urine samples. Saliva samples were assayed for cotinine while urinary samples were assayed for 1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐HOP) and total 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanol (NNAL), metabolic markers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and tobacco‐specific N‐nitrosamines, respectively. Data on socio‐demographic, anthropometric and puffing characteristics were also obtained. Both unadjusted and adjusted analyses (controlling for age, sex, body mass index, puff flow, puff duration and cotinine) showed no difference in metabolic markers between RYO and FM cigarette smokers. However, significant main effects for cotinine levels and sex were observed in adjusted analyses. Greater levels of cotinine were associated with a greater concentration of both 1‐HOP (B = 0.002, P = 0.037) and NNAL (B = 0.002, P < 0.001). In addition, women had significantly greater concentrations of urinary 1‐HOP (B = 0.679, P = 0.004) and total NNAL metabolites (B = 0.117, P = 0.024) than men, irrespective of the type of cigarettes smoked. More research is now needed to confirm these findings and gender‐specific effects in a larger, representative sample. However, results do not support the common belief that RYO cigarettes are less harmful than manufactured cigarettes.
CLINICAL STUDY: Predicting the effect of naltrexone and acamprosate in alcohol‐dependent patients using genetic indicators
Authors: Ooteman Wendy , Naassila Mickaël , Koeter Maarten W. J. , Verheul Roel , Schippers Gerard M. , Houchi Hakim , Daoust Martine , Van Den Brink Wim 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTAcamprosate and naltrexone are effective medications in the treatment of alcoholism. However, effect sizes are modest. Pharmacogenomics may improve patient‐treatment‐matching and effect sizes. It is hypothesized that naltrexone exerts its effect through genetic characteristics associated with the dopaminergic/opioidergic positive reinforcement system, whereas acamprosate works through the glutamatergic/GABAergic negative reinforcement system. Alcohol‐dependent subjects were randomly assigned to either acamprosate or naltrexone. Subjects participated in a cue‐exposure experiment at the day before and at the last day of medication. Reductions in cue‐induced craving and physiological cue reactivity were measured. Differential effects of naltrexone and acamprosate on these outcomes were tested for different polymorphisms of the opioid, dopamine, glutamate and GABA‐receptors. Significant matching effects were found for polymorphisms at the DRD2, GABRA6 and GABRB2 gene. In addition, a trend was found for the OPRM1 polymorphism. This provides evidence for the matching potential of genotypes. It is expected that more effective treatments can be offered when genetic information is used in patient‐treatment‐matching.