bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on professional values among nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Fu‐Jin , Lin Yaw‐Sheng , Smith Marlaine C , Liou Yiing‐Mei , Chiang Hsien‐Hsien , Lee Szu‐Hsien , Gau Meei‐Ling 
Published: April 2009

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to identify the most important contemporary professional nursing values for nursing clinicians and educators in Taiwan.Background.  Nursing values are constructed by members of political and social systems, including professional nursing organisations and educational institutions. Nurses’ personal value systems shape the development of these professional values. An understanding of nurses’ perceptions of professional values will enable the profession to examine consistencies with those reflected in existing and emerging educational and practice environments.Design.  A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using the focus‐group discussion method.Methods.  A purposive sample of 300 registered nurses in Taiwan, consisting of 270 nursing clinicians and 30 faculty members, participated in 22 focus‐group interviews. Data were analysed using a systematic process of content analysis.Results.  Six prominent values related to professional nursing were identified: (a) caring for clients with a humanistic spirit; (b) providing professionally competent and holistic care; (c) fostering growth and discovering the meaning of life; (d) experiencing the ‘give‐and‐take’ of caring for others; (e) receiving fair compensation; and (f) raising the public’s awareness of health promotion. Four background contexts framed the way participants viewed the appropriation of these values: (a) appraising nursing values through multiple perspectives; (b) acquiring nursing values through self‐realisation; (c) recognising nursing values through professional competency and humanistic concerns and (d) fulfilling nursing values through coexisting self‐actualisation. A conceptual framework was developed to represent this phenomenon.Conclusion.  The most important professional nursing values according to the perspectives of nurses in Taiwan were identified. These values reflect benefits to society, to nurses themselves and to the interdisciplinary team.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses’ awareness of their own values and of how these values influence their behaviour is an essential component of humanistic nursing care. Nursing educators need to develop better strategies for reflection and integration of both personal and professional philosophies and values.
A new method for estimating effective population sizes from a single sample of multilocus genotypes
Authors: WANG JINLIANG 
Published: April 2009

AbstractEquations for the effective size (Ne) of a population were derived in terms of the frequencies of a pair of offspring taken at random from the population being sibs sharing the same one or two parents. Based on these equations, a novel method (called sibship assignment method) was proposed to infer Ne from the sibship frequencies estimated from a sibship assignment analysis, using the multilocus genotypes of a sample of offspring taken at random from a single cohort in a population. Comparative analyses of extensive simulated data and some empirical data clearly demonstrated that the sibship assignment method is much more accurate [measured by the root mean squared error, RMSE, of 1/(2Ne)] than other methods such as the heterozygote excess method, the linkage disequilibrium method, and the temporal method. The RMSE of 1/(2Ne) from the sibship assignment method is typically a small fraction of that from other methods. The new method is also more general and flexible than other methods. It can be applied to populations with nonoverlapping generations of both diploid and haplodiploid species under random or nonrandom mating, using either codominant or dominant markers. It can also be applied to the estimation of Ne for a subpopulation with immigration. With some modification, it could be applied to monoecious diploid populations with self‐fertilization, and to populations with overlapping generations.
BcsQ is an essential component of the Escherichia coli cellulose biosynthesis apparatus that localizes at the bacterial cell pole
Authors: Le Quéré Benjamin , Ghigo Jean‐Marc 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBiofilms are microbial communities characterized by three‐dimensional growth resulting from the ability of individual cells to adhere to each other as well as to produce an extracellular matrix that ensures biofilm physical cohesion. Numerous bacteria produce cellulose as a biofilm matrix polymer, a property relying on the expression of bacterial cellulose synthesis (Bcs) proteins and their post‐translational activation upon binding of cyclic di‐guanosine mono‐phosphate second messenger (c‐di‐GMP) produced by diguanylate cyclases. In Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae, two genes of unknown function, yhjR and yhjQ, are located upstream of the bcs genes. Here, we show that yhjQ, but not yhjR, is essential for cellulose biosynthesis; it has therefore been renamed bcsQ. Using a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion approach, we demonstrate that BcsQ, a MinD homologue, displays a polar localization and that cell‐to‐cell adhesion is initiated through production of cellulose at the BcsQ‐labelled pole. Although we did not detect a similar localization for other Bcs proteins, immunogold labelling of cellulose itself at the pole of individual bacteria indicates the localized activity of the cellulose biosynthesis apparatus. These results therefore suggest that BcsQ could participate in spatial restriction of cellulose biosynthesis activity in Enterobacteriaceae.
A conserved small RNA promotes silencing of the outer membrane protein YbfM
Authors: Rasmussen Anders Aamann , Johansen Jesper , Nielsen Jesper S. , Overgaard Martin , Kallipolitis Birgitte , Valentin‐Hansen Poul 
Published: April 2009

SummaryIn the past few years an increasing number of small non‐coding RNAs (sRNAs) in enterobacteria have been found to negatively regulate the expression of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) at the post‐transcriptional level. These RNAs act under various growth and stress conditions, suggesting that one important physiological role of regulatory RNA molecules in Gram‐negative bacteria is to modulate the cell surface and/or to prevent accumulation of OMPs in the envelope. Here, we extend the OMP–sRNA network by showing that the expression of the OMP YbfM is silenced by a conserved sRNA, designated MicM (also known as RybC/SroB). The regulation is strictly dependent on the RNA chaperone Hfq, and mutational analysis indicates that MicM sequesters the ribosome binding site of ybfM mRNA by an antisense mechanism. Furthermore, we provide evidence that Hfq strongly enhances the on‐rate of duplex formation between MicM and its target RNA in vitro, supporting the idea that a major cellular role of the RNA chaperone is to act as a catalyst in RNA–RNA duplex formation.
Influence of Tumour Condition on the Macrophage Activity in Candida albicans Infection
Authors: Venturini J. , De Camargo M. R. , Félix M. C. , Vilani‐Moreno F. R. , De Arruda M. S. P. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTo better understand the interactions between opportunistic fungi and their hosts, we investigated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide and TNF‐α production by peritoneal macrophages from Ehrlich tumour‐bearing mice (TBM) during microbial infections. For this purpose, TBM at days 7, 14 and 21 of tumour progression were inoculated intraperitoneally with C. albicans and evaluated after 24 and 72 h. We observed that TBM showed significant increases in H2O2, TNF‐α levels and fungal clearance at day 7 after C. albicans infection. However, as the tumour advanced, there was a progressive decline in the release of H2O2 and TNF‐α that was paired with the dissemination of C. albicans. These results demonstrate that protective macrophage activities against Candida albicans are limited to the initial stages of tumour growth; continued solid tumour growth weakened the macrophage response and as a consequence, weakened the host’s susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Association between Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Neopterin in Patients with and without Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Murr C. , Meinitzer A. , Grammer T. , Schroecksnadel K. , Böhm B. O. , März W. , Fuchs D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe increase of circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations, a competitive inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthases, is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk and is considered to play a role in endothelial dysfunction. Recently, ADMA production was observed in stimulated human peripheral mononuclear cells. In this study, we examined a potential relationship between concentrations of ADMA and of the immune activation marker neopterin in patients scheduled for coronary angiography. In a cross‐sectional approach, blood concentrations of ADMA, homocysteine, neopterin, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 were compared in 2030 patients, which were recruited as participants of the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study. ADMA concentrations did not differ between patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (mean ± SD: 0.82 ± 0.15 μmol/l) and controls (0.81 ± 0.14 μmol/l; Welch’s t‐test: P = n.s.). ADMA concentrations correlated with homocysteine (rs = 0.207) and vitamin B6 (rs = −0.190), and an even stronger correlation with neopterin (rs = 0.276; all P < 0.0001) was observed. In conclusion, increased ADMA concentrations in patients at risk for atherosclerosis are associated with increased neopterin concentrations. Data suggest that immune activation may contribute to increased ADMA production in CAD patients.
Weed management challenges in small‐holder potato systems in Bhutan
Authors: RODER W , DOCHEN T , NIDUP K , DORJI S 
Published: April 2009

SummaryOver the past four decades potato has emerged as the most important cash crop for Bhutanese mountain farmers. Farmers’ feedback and field observations were used to describe weed populations, weed management and weed‐production environment‐yield interactions in small‐holder potato production systems. Weed species across a range of locations in order of declining importance are: Persicaria runcinata, Galium aparine, Fagopyrum dibotrys, Digitaria ciliaris, Commelina maculata, Galinsoga parviflora and Persicaria nepalensis. The same species were common in the traditional buckwheat and maize production systems as well as the more recently established potato production systems. Limited associations between soil properties, management practices, weed species abundance and potato yield were observed. Species emerging as potential problem weeds, especially P. runcinata and F. dibotrys, are little known outside the Himalayan region. The increase in P. runcinata, reported by 42% of the respondents, was attributed to the use of metribuzin, cutting of rhizomes by plough or spade, high inputs of fertiliser and continuous cultivation of potato by 61%, 17%, 9%, 9% and 4% of respondents respectively. Metribuzin application reduced growth of P. runcinata but could not fully control it. Metribuzin is an effective and affordable weed management tool for small‐holder potato farmers, but perennial weed species need further research, combining mechanical and chemical methods with cropping strategies.
TNF, LTA and TGFB1 genotype distributions among acute graft‐vs‐host disease subsets after HLA‐matched unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a pilot study
Authors: Shah R. , Selby S. T. , Yokley B. , Slack R. S. , Hurley C. K. , Posch P. E. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractCytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms and consequent production levels have been associated with acute graft‐vs‐host disease (aGVHD) development. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor (TNF), lymphotoxin alpha (LTA) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) showed any association with aGVHD severity. Novel alleles and polymorphisms were identified for each cytokine locus. Genotype distributions were examined in 38 recipient–donor pairs (all chronic myelogenous leukemia in the first chronic phase) with either low‐grade (grades 0–I) or high‐grade (grades III–IV) aGVHD. Although no significant differences were found, some trends were noted in genotype distributions among aGVHD‐grade groups. Power calculations determined that substantially more pairs would be required to show significant associations in distributions among aGVHD‐grade groups.
Asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis comorbidity: United airway disease or inherited target organs?
Authors: Garcia‐Marcos Luis , Rubi Ruiz Teresa , Garcia‐Hernandez Gloria , Suarez‐Varela Maria Morales , Valverde‐Molina Jose , Sanchez‐Solis Manuel 
Published: April 2009

Garcia‐Marcos L, Ruiz TR, Garcia‐Hernandez G, Suarez‐Varela MM, Valverde‐Molina J, Sanchez‐Solis M. Asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis comorbidity: United airway disease or inherited target organs? Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e142–e148. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell MunksgaardThe idea of a united airway disease for asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis is supported by clinical and epidemiological data. However, many asthmatics do not have rhinoconjunctivitis and vice versa. The aim of this study was to investigate if the family history of a specific organ involvement is associated with the implication of the same organ in the allergic child. According to the organ involvement in either or both parents, the family history of 739 children who were skin prick positive to either Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or D. farinae or both was defined as: asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis positive; asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis negative; asthma negative and rhinoconjunctivitis positive; and asthma positive and rhinoconjunctivitis negative. Asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in the children were defined according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Associations between each type of family history and the presence of asthma and/or rhinoconjunctivitis in the children were calculated and adjusted for usual confounders. Adjusted odds ratio of children having asthma, when family history included asthma, was 2.48 (1.38–4.45) when it also included rhinoconjunctivitis; and 2.13 (1.12–4.05) when it did not. However, family history of rhinoconjunctivitis was not associated with asthma in the child. Conversely, the odds ratio of children having rhinoconjunctivitis when family history included rhinoconjunctivitis was 1.84 (1.05–3.21) when it also included asthma; and 1.89 (1.23–2.89) when it did not. Family history of asthma was not associated with rhinoconjunctivitis in the child. In a population of children sensitized to mites, the organ or organs (nose and/or lung) which are implicated in parents tend to be also involved in their children.
Long‐lasting dysregulation of gene expression in corticostriatal circuits after repeated cocaine treatment in adult rats: effects on zif 268 and homer 1a
Authors: Unal Cagri T. , Beverley Joel A. , Willuhn Ingo , Steiner Heinz 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHuman imaging studies show that psychostimulants such as cocaine produce functional changes in several areas of cortex and striatum. These may reflect neuronal changes related to addiction. We employed gene markers (zif 268 and homer 1a) that offer a high anatomical resolution to map cocaine‐induced changes in 22 cortical areas and 23 functionally related striatal sectors, in order to determine the corticostriatal circuits altered by repeated cocaine exposure (25 mg/kg, 5 days). Effects were investigated 1 day and 21 days after repeated treatment to assess their longevity. Repeated cocaine treatment increased basal expression of zif 268 predominantly in sensorimotor areas of the cortex. This effect endured for 3 weeks in some areas. These changes were accompanied by attenuated gene induction by a cocaine challenge. In the insular cortex, the cocaine challenge produced a decrease in zif 268 expression after the 21‐day, but not 1‐day, withdrawal period. In the striatum, cocaine also affected mostly sensorimotor sectors. Repeated cocaine resulted in blunted inducibility of both zif 268 and homer 1a, changes that were still very robust 3 weeks later. Thus, our findings demonstrate that cocaine produces robust and long‐lasting changes in gene regulation predominantly in sensorimotor corticostriatal circuits. These neuronal changes were associated with behavioral stereotypies, which are thought to reflect dysfunction in sensorimotor corticostriatal circuits. Future studies will have to elucidate the role of such neuronal changes in psychostimulant addiction.
Multiple dimensions in bi‐directional synesthesia
Authors: Gebuis Titia , Nijboer Tanja C. W. , Van der Smagt Maarten J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractGrapheme‐color synesthetes report seeing a specific color when a number is perceived. The reverse, the synesthetic experience of a specific grapheme after the percept of a color is extremely rare. However, recent studies have revealed these interactions at both behavioral and neurophysiological levels. We investigated whether similar neuronal processes (i.e. perceptual and/or attentional) may underlie this bi‐directional interaction by measuring event‐related potentials (ERPs) during both a number‐color and color‐number priming task. In addition, we investigated the unitarity of synesthesia by comparing two distinct subtypes of synesthetes, projectors and associators, and assessed whether consistencies between measures (i.e. behavioral and electrophysiological) were present across synesthetes. Our results show longer reaction times for incongruent compared with congruent trials in both tasks. This priming effect is also present in the P3b latency (parietal electrode site) and P3a amplitude (frontal electrode site) of the ERP data. Interestingly, projector and associator synesthetes did not reveal distinct behavioral or electrophysiological patterns. Instead, a dissociation was found when synesthetes were divided in two groups on the basis of their behavioral data. Synesthetes with a large behavioral priming effect revealed ERP modulation at the frontal and parietal electrode sites, whereas synesthetes with a small priming effect revealed a frontal effect only. Together, these results show, for the first time, that similar neural mechanisms underlie bi‐directional synesthesia in synesthetes that do not report a synesthetic experience of a grapheme when a color is perceived. In addition, they add support for the notion of the existence of both ‘lower’ and ‘higher’ synesthetes.
Critical role of insular cortex in taste but not odour aversion memory
Authors: Bertrand Desgranges , Yannick Sevelinges , Mathilde Bonnefond , Frédéric Lévy , Nadine Ravel , Guillaume Ferreira 
Published: April 2009

AbstractConditioned odour aversion (COA) and conditioned taste aversion (CTA) result from the association of a novel odour or a novel taste with delayed visceral illness. The insular cortex (IC) is crucial for CTA memory, and the present experiments sought to determine whether the IC is required for the formation and the retrieval of COA memory as it is for CTA. We first demonstrated that ingested odour is as effective as taste for single‐trial aversion learning in rats conditioned in their home cage. COA, like CTA, tolerates long intervals between the ingested stimuli and the illness and is long‐lasting. Transient inactivation of the IC during acquisition spared COA whereas it greatly impaired CTA. Similarly, blockade of protein synthesis in IC did not affect COA but prevented CTA consolidation. Moreover, IC inactivation before retrieval tests did not interfere with COA memory expression when performed either 2 days (recent memory) or 36 days after acquisition (remote memory). Similar IC inactivation impaired the retrieval of either recent or remote CTA memory. Altogether these findings indicate that the IC is not necessary for aversive odour memory whereas it is essential for acquisition, consolidation and retrieval of aversive taste memory. We propose that the chemosensory stimulations modulate IC recruitment during the formation and the retrieval of food aversive memory.
Serotonin excites fast‐spiking interneurons in the striatum
Authors: Blomeley Craig P. , Bracci Enrico 
Published: April 2009

AbstractFast‐spiking interneurons (FSIs) control the output of the striatum by mediating feed‐forward GABAergic inhibition of projection neurons. Their neuromodulation can therefore critically affect the operation of the basal ganglia. We studied the effects of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin), a neurotransmitter released in the striatum by fibres originating in the raphe nuclei, on FSIs recorded with whole‐cell techniques in rat brain slices. Bath application of serotonin (30 μm) elicited slow, reversible depolarizations (9 ± 3 mV) in 37/46 FSIs. Similar effects were observed using conventional whole‐cell and gramicidin perforated‐patch techniques. The serotonin effects persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin and were mediated by 5‐HT2C receptors, as they were reversed by the 5‐HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin and by the selective 5‐HT2C receptor antagonist RS 102221. Serotonin‐induced depolarizations were not accompanied by a significant change in FSI input resistance. Serotonin caused the appearance of spontaneous firing in a minority (5/35) of responsive FSIs, whereas it strongly increased FSI excitability in each of the remaining responsive FSIs, significantly decreasing the latency of the first spike evoked by a current step and increasing spike frequency. Voltage‐clamp experiments revealed that serotonin suppressed a current that reversed around −100 mV and displayed a marked inward rectification, a finding that explains the lack of effects of serotonin on input resistance. Consistently, the effects of serotonin were completely occluded by low concentrations of extracellular barium, which selectively blocks Kir2 channels. We concluded that the excitatory effects of serotonin on FSIs were mediated by 5‐HT2C receptors and involved suppression of an inwardly rectifying K+ current.