bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proline Accumulation Is Inhibitory to Arabidopsis Seedlings during Heat Stress
Authors: Lv Wei-Tao , Lin Bin , Zhang Min , Hua Xue-Jun 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The effect of proline (Pro) accumulation on heat sensitivity was investigated using transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants ectopically expressing the Ɗ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase 1 gene (AtP5CS1) under the control of a heat shock protein 17.6II gene promoter. During heat stress, the heat-inducible expression of the AtP5CS1 transgene was capable of enhancing Pro biosynthesis. Twelve-day-old seedlings were first treated with heat at 37°C for 24 h to induce Pro and then were stressed at 50°C for 4 h. After recovery at 22°C for 96 h, the growth of Pro-overproducing plants was significantly more inhibited than that of control plants that do not accumulate Pro, manifested by lower survival rate, higher ion leakage, higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde levels, and increased activity of the Pro/P5C cycle. The activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase, but not those of glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase, increased in all lines after heat treatment, but the increase was more significant in Pro-overproducing seedlings. Staining with MitoSox-Red, reported for being able to specifically detect superoxide formed in mitochondria, showed that Pro accumulation during heat stress resulted in elevated levels of ROS in mitochondria. Interestingly, exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene were found to partially rescue the heat-sensitive phenotype of Pro-overproducing seedlings. Measurement of ethylene and ABA levels further confirmed that these two hormones are negatively affected in Pro-overproducing seedlings during heat stress. Our results indicated that Pro accumulation under heat stress decreases the thermotolerance, probably by increased ROS production via the Pro/P5C cycle and inhibition of ABA and ethylene biosynthesis.
TheArabidopsisNAC Transcription Factor VNI2 Integrates Abscisic Acid Signals into Leaf Senescence via theCOR/RDGenes
Authors: Yang So-Dam , Seo Pil Joon , Yoon Hye-Kyung , Park Chung-Mo 
Published: June 2011

AbstractLeaf aging is a highly regulated developmental process, which is also influenced profoundly by diverse environmental conditions. Accumulating evidence in recent years supports that plant responsiveness to abiotic stress is intimately related with leaf longevity. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the signaling crosstalks and regulatory schemes are yet unknown. In this work, we demonstrate that an abscisic acid (ABA)–responsive NAC transcription factor VND-INTERACTING2 (VNI2) integrates ABA-mediated abiotic stress signals into leaf aging by regulating a subset of COLD-REGULATED (COR) and RESPONSIVE TO DEHYDRATION (RD) genes. The VNI2 gene was induced by high salinity in an ABA-dependent manner. In addition, spatial and temporal expression patterns of the VNI2 gene are correlated with leaf aging and senescence. Accordingly, leaf aging was delayed in transgenic plants overexpressing the VNI2 gene but significantly accelerated in a VNI2-deficient mutant. The VNI2 transcription factor regulates the COR and RD genes by binding directly to their promoters. Notably, transgenic plants overexpressing the COR or RD genes exhibited prolonged leaf longevity. These observations indicate that the VNI2 transcription factor serves as a molecular link that integrates plant responses to environmental stresses into modulation of leaf longevity.
‘Closet’ quit attempts: prevalence, correlates and association with outcome
Authors: Carpenter Matthew J. , Sterba Katherine Regan , Boatright Amy S. , West Robert 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  To examine the (i) prevalence, (ii) predictors and (iii) cessation outcomes of smokers who engage in undisclosed quit attempts.Design  Online survey (n = 524), with balanced recruitment of current smokers (55%) and past‐year quitters (45%). Participants were daily smokers (current or previous) who had at least one quit attempt in the past year.Measurements  Respondents were grouped on whether they did versus did not make advanced disclosure to others of their most recent quit attempt.Findings  Almost half (n = 234; 45%) reported that their most recent quit attempt was undisclosed to anyone in advance. Those who planned their quit attempt in advance [odds ratio (OR) = 0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05–0.23] and those who used behavioral treatment (OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05–0.43) were less likely to make ‘closet quit attempts’, while those who rated their attempt as being serious (OR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.16–5.46) and those who deemed social support to be unhelpful (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.24–2.95) were more likely to make such attempts. Closet quit attempters were more likely to achieve 30 days of abstinence than were those who made advanced disclosure (67% versus 58%; adjusted OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–2.8), but there were no differences for achieving 6 months of abstinence (52% versus 49%; adjusted OR 1.2; 95% CI: 0.7–2.0).Conclusions  Attempting to quit smoking without telling anyone in advance is common, and does not appear to impede success. These findings do not support blanket advice to smokers to tell others about pending quit attempts.
Dosing equation for tacrolimus using genetic variants and clinical factors
Authors: Passey Chaitali , Birnbaum Angela K. , Brundage Richard C. , Oetting William S. , Israni Ajay K. , Jacobson Pamala A. 
Published: June 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Patients with low tacrolimus troughs are at a higher risk of rejection while those with high troughs are at an increased risk for toxicity. Therefore, achieving the therapeutic range is important.• CYP3A5 genotype and days post transplant have been previously shown individually to be associated with tacrolimus troughs.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• This paper presents the first dosing model for tacrolimus using a combination of genetic and clinical factors in adult kidney transplant recipients. It was developed from one of the largest tacrolimus pharmacogenetic studies conducted to date (681 subjects and 11 823 trough concentrations).• We found that CL/F was significantly influenced by days post transplant, CYP3A5 genotype, transplantation at a steroid sparing centre, recipient age and the use of a calcium channel blocker.• Our large sample size enabled us to define the distinct differences in tacrolimus CL/F between three CYP3A5 genotype groups (*1/*1, *1/*3 and *3/*3).• This study is an important step towards using pharmacogenetic information in the clinical setting.AIM To develop a dosing equation for tacrolimus, using genetic and clinical factors from a large cohort of kidney transplant recipients. Clinical factors and six genetic variants were screened for importance towards tacrolimus clearance (CL/F).METHODS Clinical data, tacrolimus troughs and corresponding doses were collected from 681 kidney transplant recipients in a multicentre observational study in the USA and Canada for the first 6 months post transplant. The patients were genotyped for 2 724 single nucleotide polymorphisms using a customized Affymetrix SNP chip. Clinical factors and the most important SNPs (rs776746, rs12114000, rs3734354, rs4926, rs3135506 and rs2608555) were analysed for their influence on tacrolimus CL/F.RESULTS The CYP3A5*1 genotype, days post transplant, age, transplant at a steroid sparing centre and calcium channel blocker (CCB) use significantly influenced tacrolimus CL/F. The final model describing CL/F (l h−1) was: 38.4 ×[(0.86, if days 6–10) or (0.71, if days 11–180)]×[(1.69, if CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype) or (2.00, if CYP3A5*1/*1 genotype)]× (0.70, if receiving a transplant at a steroid sparing centre) × ([age in years/50]−0.4) × (0.94, if CCB is present). The dose to achieve the desired trough is then prospectively determined using the individuals CL/F estimate.CONCLUSIONS The CYP3A5*1 genotype and four clinical factors were important for tacrolimus CL/F. An individualized dose is easily determined from the predicted CL/F. This study is important towards individualization of dosing in the clinical setting and may increase the number of patients achieving the target concentration. This equation requires validation in an independent cohort of kidney transplant recipients.
Nurses' experiences of caring for children in pain
Authors: Ljusegren G. , Johansson I. , Gimbler Berglund I. , Enskär K. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAim  To describe nurses' experiences when caring for children in pain.Background  Earlier studies have shown that nurses are key actors in pain management and that there is a need to focus on the nurses' own experiences of caring for children in pain.Method  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 nurses at one paediatric clinic. The data were analysed by means of content analysis.Results  The interviews suggested that when a child's pain followed an expected pattern and they complied with treatment, the nurses trusted their knowledge and felt comfortable. On the other hand, in unpredictable situations the nurses felt fearful, powerless, abandoned and distrustful.Conclusion  The nurses were comfortable in predictable situations, but if a situation was unpredictable, they felt they had lost control over it.Implications for pain management  To reduce feelings of abandonment, work shifts should be organized so that more experienced nurses can work side by side with those who are less experienced. Pain assessment tools and guidelines for pain management should be introduced into the daily work, and systematic reflection should be used for nurses' professional development.
Assessment of clinical efficacy of CYT003‐QbG10 in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: a phase IIb study
Authors: Klimek L. , Willers J. , Hammann‐Haenni A. , Pfaar O. , Stocker H. , Mueller P. , Renner W. A. , Bachmann M. F. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryBackground
Allergic symptoms are generally caused by exposure to substances to which people have become sensitized. Associated with this is an ‘unbalanced’ Th1/Th2 immune response with T cell responses skewed towards the production of Th2 cytokines, IL‐4, 5, and 13 and high levels of IgE antibodies. Current immune modulating therapies require the use of allergens, carrying the risk to induce potentially severe allergic reactions.Objective
Goal of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of an allergen‐free immune modulator in patients suffering from perennial allergy.Methods
In order to be protected from immediate degradation upon injection, a toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist was packaged into virus‐like particles. These nanoparticles loaded with TLR9 ligands (CYT003‐QbG10) were injected six times, at weekly intervals, into patients with house dust mite allergy in an attempt to ameliorate allergic symptoms by modifying the immune response towards allergens. Two different doses were compared against placebo in this double‐blind, randomized phase IIb study (n=299). Public trial registry: http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00800332).Results
The treatment was safe and generally well tolerated. Rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms were significantly lower in patients treated with high dose of CYT003‐QbG10 as compared with placebo (scores 0.31 vs. 0.52, P=0.04) based on a standardized average combined symptom and medication score. Furthermore, patients in the high dose group reported a significantly better quality of life score post‐treatment than patients on placebo (scores 0.71 vs. 1.21, P=0.02). The conjunctival provocation test revealed a median 10‐fold increase in allergen tolerance in the high dose group while in the placebo group it remained unchanged.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
Treatment with high‐dose CYT003‐QbG10 improved disease symptoms and reduced medication use in allergic individuals thus providing first evidence for a new potential immunotherapeutic. Cite this as: L. Klimek, J. Willers, A. Hammann‐Haenni, O. Pfaar, H. Stocker, P. Mueller, W. A. Renner and M. F. Bachmann, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1305–1312.
Organochlorine compounds and testicular dysgenesis syndrome: human data
Authors: Cook M. B. , Trabert B. , McGlynn K. A. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryCryptorchidism, hypospadias, subfertility and testicular germ‐cell tumour have been suggested to comprise a testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) based on the premise that each may derive from perturbations of embryonal programming and gonadal development during foetal life. Endocrine‐disrupting chemicals have been hypothesized to be associated with these disorders, given the importance of sex steroid hormones in urogenital development and homeostasis. Organochlorines are one such set of compounds which are defined as containing between one and ten covalently bonded chlorine atoms. These compounds are persistent pollutants with long half‐lives, accumulate in adipose tissue when ingested, bioaccumulate and biomagnify, and have complex and variable toxicological profiles. Examples of organochlorines include dichloro‐diphenyl‐trichloroethane and its metabolites, polychlorinated biphenyls, and chlordane. In this comprehensive review of human epidemiologic studies which have tested for associations between organochlorines and facets of TDS, we find evidence for associations between the exposures p,p′‐DDE, cis‐nonachlor and trans‐nonachlor with testicular germ‐cell tumour. The sum of the evidence from human epidemiological studies does not indicate any association between specific organochlorines studied and cryptorchidism, hypospadias or fertility. Many other endocrine‐disrupting chemicals, including additional organochlorines, have yet to be assessed in relation to disorders associated with TDS, yet study of such chemicals has strong scientific merit given the relevance of such hypotheses to urogenital development.
Change in aromatic components of banana during the preparation process of juice and microcapsule powder
Authors: Wang Juan , Chen Qicong , Hu Kai , Zeng Linlin , Pan Ye , Huang Huihua 
Published: June 2011

SummaryBased on the importance of pleasant aroma on quality of banana products, a study was carried out on how the aromatic profile of banana is affected when fresh ripe banana is processed into puree, clear juice, microcapsulated banana powder and reconstituted juice. Solid‐phase micro‐extraction extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry identification showed that puree, clear juice and reconstituted juice possessed the similar aromatic profiles with esters as the crucial components contributing the most to the characteristic aroma. Components of secondary importance to the aroma were contributed by the carbonyl fractions, followed by alcohols and hydrocarbons and elemicin. Only four compounds were retained on the surface of the microcapsulated banana powder. Primary component analysis extracted two principal components that exhibit 100% contribution to the total variance of the data set. Aroma profile of banana puree, clear banana juice and the reconstituted banana juice show no significant difference, with esters as the decisive components of the aroma and isoamyl butyrate as the major constituent of the esters, while the compounds responsible for the characteristic aroma were hardly detected from the microcapsulated banana powder, indicating that the main volatile components can be effectively encapsulated through microcapsulation.
Storage stability of the natural colourant from Justicia spicigera microencapsulated in protective colloids blends by spray‐drying
Authors: Pavón‐García Leopoldo Marco Antonio , Pérez‐Alonso César , Orozco‐Villafuerte Juan , Pimentel‐González Diana Jaqueline , Rodríguez‐Huezo María Eva , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime 
Published: June 2011

SummaryMuitle (Justicia spicigera), a Mexican native plant, produces a purple aqueous extract (MAE) because of its anthocyanin content. The aim of this work was to microencapsulate MAE by spray‐drying in two different protective colloids blends in a 1:1 weight ratio: gum Arabic‐mesquite gum (GA50‐MD50) and mesquite gum‐maltodextrin DE10 (MG50‐MD50), yielding the microcapsules MGA50‐MD50 and MMG50‐MD50. The minimum integral entropy of the microcapsules was determined at 20, 35 and 40 °C, and the resulting water activities (aW) were 0.555, 0.592, 0.627 for MGA50‐MD50 and 0.581, 0.587, 0.648 for MMG50‐MD50, respectively. These aW temperature sets were considered as the most adequate conditions for achieving maximum storage stability of the microcapsules. Total anthocyanin content (TAC) and total colour change (ΔE) suffered considerable degradation at all storage conditions, but that degradation was significantly inhibited by encapsulating MAE in the biopolymers blends especially that made up by MG50‐MD50.
Family quality of life in 25 Belgian families: quantitative and qualitative exploration of social and professional support domains
Authors: Steel R. , Poppe L. , Vandevelde S. , Van Hove G. , Claes C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  This article reports on the results of a study conducted in Belgium on family quality of life situated within a larger project focusing on the development of support strategies for young and adolescent siblings of persons with intellectual disabilities. The objectives of this article are twofold: (1) to present the results of the measures contained in the nine domains of the Family Quality of Life Survey‐2006 (FQOLS‐2006) from the perspective of parents (quantitative analysis); and (2) to come to a more in‐depth understanding of two important domains of the FQOLS‐2006 by exploring and comparing the quantitative and qualitative data from open‐ended interviews with parents.Method  The FQOLS‐2006 was completed by the main caregivers of 25 families living in one typical Belgian province. Subsequently, semi‐structured interviews with one or both parents were conducted within the same families. Content analysis was carried out on the transcribed interviews using the qualitative software package MaxQDA.Results  A detailed analysis of the quantitative data together with data from the content analysis of the interviews revealed important issues with regard to two family quality of life domains, support from others and support from services. In general, parents were satisfied with the professional support they received, whereas they were more critical of support from others.Conclusions  The quantitative data from the FQOLS‐2006 were supported and further explained by the qualitative data. These findings highlight the importance of adequate professional support, which is a flexible and capable answer to each family's individual needs. The authors warn of the dangers of ‘handicapism’ and plea for a family‐centred support approach that takes the whole family into account. Finally, they indicate the benefits of increased practical‐pedagogical support.
Modelling contemporary evolution in stickleback
Authors: RAEYMAEKERS JOOST A.M. 
Published: June 2011

During the past decade, two lines of research have advanced our understanding of micro‐evolution. On the one hand, a number of studies have generated evidence for strong selection on phenotypes (Kingsolver et al. 2001) and the contemporary (sometimes deemed ‘rapid’) evolution of phenotypic traits (Hendry & Kinnison 1999). On the other hand, other studies have sought to identify the genes that underlie ecologically important traits (Ungerer et al. 2008). Over the next decade, micro‐evolutionists might expect considerable progress from the study of contemporary evolution at both the phenotypic and genetic level simultaneously. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Le Rouzic et al. (2011) present a teaser for this approach. They examined contemporary evolution of an adaptive trait with a well‐studied genetic basis, the number of lateral plates, in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.). A time series of 20 years of change for this trait after introduction into a pond in Norway was compared with a similar time series of 12 years following the invasion of a lake in Alaska. Using a modelling approach, the authors then teased apart selection acting upon the phenotype and selection acting on a major effect gene. In both time series, selection was strong and consistent. The models suggested that selection could act directly on the phenotype, or through the gene’s pleiotropic effects.
The influence of early environmental exposures on immune development and subsequent risk of allergic disease
Authors: Prescott S. L. 
Published: June 2011

To cite this article: Prescott SL. The influence of early environmental exposures on immune development and subsequent risk of allergic disease. Allergy 2011; 66 (Suppl. 95): 4–6.AbstractEnvironmental exposures in pregnancy and the early postnatal period affect early immune development. Early immune function and future allergy susceptibility appear to result from a combination of maternal phenotype, infant genotype, and environmental exposures in utero that affect early gene expression. Furthermore, epigenetic changes in gene expression in one generation can also be inherited across subsequent generations, potentially amplifying heritable allergy risk.
Infection and the development of allergic disease
Authors: Holt P. G. 
Published: June 2011

To cite this article: Holt PG. Infection and the development of allergic disease. Allergy 2011; 66 (Suppl. 95): 13–15.AbstractPersistent allergic diseases exemplified by atopic asthma frequently begin during very early life. Epidemiological findings indicate that progression from allergic sensitization to atopic asthma occurs most frequently when atopy is accompanied by early respiratory viral infections. The underlying mechanism appears to involve recruitment of atopy‐associated effector mechanisms into the host response to the virus. This has the dual effect of antagonising anti‐viral immunity and amplifying inflammation in the infected airway mucosa, driving asthma pathogenesis. Immune responses underlying the allergic state are uniquely plastic during childhood. Alleviating specific allergy during this period may reduce risk of subsequent asthma development.
Anaphylaxis pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Simons F. Estelle R. 
Published: June 2011

To cite this article: Simons FER. Anaphylaxis pathogenesis and treatment. Allergy 2011; 66 (Suppl. 95):31–34.AbstractAnaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and sometimes leads to death. Understanding mechanisms, triggers, and patient‐specific risk factors for severe or fatal anaphylaxis is critically important. Diagnosis of anaphylaxis is currently based on established clinical criteria. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first‐line medication for anaphylaxis treatment and delay in injecting it contributes to biphasic reactions, hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy, and fatality. Here, we focus on four important areas of translational research in anaphylaxis: studies of potential new biomarkers to support the clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis, laboratory tests to distinguish allergen sensitization from clinical risk of anaphylaxis, the primary role of epinephrine (adrenaline) in anaphylaxis treatment, and strengthening the overall evidence base for anaphylaxis treatment.
Treatment of respiratory allergy with allergy immunotherapy tablets
Authors: Bachert C. 
Published: June 2011

To cite this article: Bachert C. Treatment of respiratory allergy with allergy immunotherapy tablets. Allergy 2011; 66 (Suppl. 95): 57–59.AbstractAllergy immunotherapy tablets (AIT) have expanded the treatment options for patients suffering from respiratory allergies. Efficacy is established in adults and children for two different commercially available grass AITs. The ALK grass AIT has an efficacy comparable to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), with a proven disease‐modifying effect after treatment completion. Safety profiles favour AIT over SCIT. Studies suggest that tablets in all aspects are superior to sublingual drops. AITs for other allergies including house dust mite and birch and ragweed pollen are in development.