bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of the PLISSIT model for solving the sexual problems of patients with stoma
Authors: Ayaz Sultan , Kubilay Gulumser 
Published: July 2008

Aims and objectives.  This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the PLISSIT model in solving sexual problems of individuals with stoma.Background.  Creating a stoma due to intestinal cancer may prolong the life expectancy of individuals. However, the problems resulting from stoma may cause significant changes in an individual’s life and adversely affect relations with family members and social and sexual life.Design.  Experimental.Methods.  The study consisted of individuals with stoma, living in Ankara. The sample consisted of 60 patients. The case group consisted of 30 patients living in Ankara; and the control group consisted of 30 patients living outside Ankara. In data collection, a questionnaire form, the PLISSIT model intervention plan and Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) were used. The individuals in the case group were paid eight home visits. During these visits, sexual problems of individuals with stoma were assessed and solutions sought under the guidance of the PLISSIT model intervention plan.Results.  Increase of mean scores of Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction and subgroups before evaluating the sexual problems by the PLISSIT model and the sixth week scores which the sexual activity is anticipated to start have been observed, but after evaluating the sexual problems by using the model, the mean scores decreased. It was determined that negative effects of concerns related to sexual life; some physical and emotional features and physiological problems have been observed and difference between the groups is significant (p < 0·05).Conclusions.  As a result, it can be claimed that decreasing sexual problems can be accomplished by using the PLISSIT model.Relevance to clinical practice.  People with stoma can meet sexual problems. However, nurses experience some difficulties while handling sexual problems. It is thought that an intervention plan prepared within the framework of the PLISSIT model will guide nurses in solving sexual problems of individuals with stoma and providing integrated care and help individuals to express their sexual problems.
A systematic review of wound cleansing for pressure ulcers
Authors: Moore Zena , Cowman Seamus 
Published: July 2008

Aim. The aim of this study was to use a Cochrane systematic review process to explore the effect of wound cleansing solutions and techniques on pressure ulcer healing.Background. Pressure ulcers impose a significant financial burden on health care systems and negatively affect the quality of life. Wound cleansing is an important component of pressure ulcer care; however, there is uncertainty regarding best practice.Design. Systematic review.Methods. The Specialised Trials Register of the Cochrane Wounds Group, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and bibliographies of relevant publications were searched. Drug companies and experts in the field were also contacted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing wound cleansing with no wound cleansing, or different wound cleansing solutions, or different cleansing techniques, were eligible for inclusion. For dichotomous outcomes, relative risk (RR) plus 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated; for continuous outcomes, weighted mean difference plus 95% CI were calculated. Meta analysis was not conducted because of the small number of diverse RCTs identified.Results. No studies compared cleansing with no cleansing. A statistically significant improvement in healing occurred for wounds cleansed with saline spray containing Aloe vera, silver chloride and decyl glucoside (Vulnopur) compared with isotonic saline (p = 0·025). No statistically significant change in healing was seen when water was compared with saline (RR 3·00, 95% CI 0·21, 41·89). No statistically significant change in healing was seen for ulcers cleansed with, or without, a whirlpool (RR 2·10, 95% CI 0·93–4·76).Conclusion. There is little trial evidence to support the use of any particular wound cleansing solution or technique for pressure ulcers.Relevance to clinical practice. No firm recommendations for ways of cleansing pressure ulcers in clinical practice can be made, the lack of RCT evidence should be a concern for health care providers.
Intracistronic transcriptional polarity enhances translational repression: a new role for Rho
Authors: De Smit Maarten H. , Verlaan Paul W. G. , Van Duin Jan , Pleij Cornelis W. A. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryTranscriptional polarity in Escherichia coli occurs when cryptic Rho‐dependent transcription terminators become activated as a consequence of reduced translation. Whether this is due to an increased spacing between the RNA polymerase and the leading ribosome or to prior functional inactivation of a subpopulation of the mRNAs has been a matter of discussion. Transcriptional polarity results in decreased synthesis of inefficiently translated mRNAs and therefore in decreased expression of downstream genes in the same operon (intercistronic polarity). By analogy, expression of the gene in which the conditional termination occurs is also expected to decrease, but this has so far not been demonstrated experimentally. To study the relevance of this intracistronic polarity for expression regulation in vivo, the polarity‐prone lacZ reporter gene was fused to a range of mutated ribosome binding sites, repressed to different degrees by local RNA structure. Quantitative analysis of protein and mRNA synthesis shows that polarity occurs on functionally active mRNA molecules and that it indeed affects expression of the cistron carrying the terminator, thus enhancing the effect of translational repression. These findings point to a novel regulatory function of transcriptional polarity, reminiscent of transcriptional attenuation but opposite in effect.
A new way out: protein localization on the bacterial cell surface via Tat and a novel Type II secretion system
Authors: Coulthurst Sarah J. , Palmer Tracy 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe ability to move proteins out of the cytoplasm and across membranes is a key aspect of the physiology and pathogenicity of Gram‐negative bacteria. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Ferrandez and Condemine describe a novel protein targeting system in the enteric phytopathogen, Dickeya dadantii. The pectin lyase, PnlH, is exported by the Tat system and is somehow targeted to the outer membrane by its uncleaved N‐terminal Tat signal anchor. A novel Type II secretion system, Stt, is then responsible for moving it across the outer membrane, where it remains localized on the surface of the cell. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of both the mechanisms and physiological importance of bacterial protein targeting.
Nitrogen and carbon source–sink relationships in trees at the Himalayan treelines compared with lower elevations
Authors: LI MAI‐HE , XIAO WEN‐FA , SHI PEILI , WANG SAN‐GEN , ZHONG YONG‐DE , LIU XING‐LIANG , WANG XIAO‐DAN , CAI XIAO‐HU , SHI ZUO‐MIN 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTNo single hypothesis or theory has been widely accepted for explaining the functional mechanism of global alpine/arctic treeline formation. The present study tested whether the alpine treeline is determined by (1) the needle nitrogen content associated with photosynthesis (carbon gain); (2) a sufficient source–sink ratio of carbon; or (3) a sufficient C–N ratio. Nitrogen does not limit the growth and development of trees studied at the Himalayan treelines. Levels of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) in trees were species‐specific and site‐dependent; therefore, the treeline cases studied did not show consistent evidence of source/carbon limitation or sink/growth limitation in treeline trees. However, results of the combined three treelines showed that the treeline trees may suffer from a winter carbon shortage. The source capacity and the sink capacity of a tree influence its tissue NSC concentrations and the carbon balance; therefore, we suggest that the persistence and development of treeline trees in a harsh alpine environment may require a minimum level of the total NSC concentration, a sufficiently high sugar:starch ratio, and a balanced carbon source–sink relationship.
Membrane phospholipids as a phosphate reserve: the dynamic nature of phospholipid‐to‐digalactosyl diacylglycerol exchange in higher plants
Authors: TJELLSTRÖM HENRIK , ANDERSSON MATS X. , LARSSON KARIN E. , SANDELIUS ANNA STINA 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTIt is well established that phosphate deficiency induces the replacement of membrane phospholipid with non‐phosphorous lipids in extra‐plastidial membranes (e.g. plasma membrane, tonoplast, mitochondria). The predominant replacement lipid is digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG). This paper reports that the phospholipid‐to‐DGDG replacement is reversible, and that when oat seedlings are re‐supplied with radio‐labelled phosphate, it is initially recovered primarily in phosphatidylcholine (PC). Within 2 d, the shoot contains more than half of the lipid‐associated radiolabel, reflecting phosphate translocation. Oat was also cultivated in different concentrations of phosphate and the DGDG/PC ratio in roots and phospholipase activities in isolated plasma membranes was assayed after different times of cultivation. The DGDG/PC ratio in root tissue correlated more closely with plasma membrane‐localized phospholipase D, yielding phosphatidic acid (PA), than with plasma membrane‐localized PA phosphatase, the activity that results in a decreased proportion of phospolipids. The lipid degradation data did not reflect a significant involvement of phospholipase C, although a putative phospholipase C analogue, non‐specific phospholipase C4 (NPC4), was present in oat roots. The correlation between increased phospholipase D activity and DGDG/PC ratio is consistent with a model where phospholipid‐to‐DGDG replacement involves formation of PA that readily is removed from the plasma membrane for further degradation elsewhere.
Relationship between carbohydrate partitioning and drought resistance in common bean
Authors: CUELLAR‐ORTIZ SONIA M. , DE LA PAZ ARRIETA‐MONTIEL MARIA , ACOSTA‐GALLEGOS JORGE , COVARRUBIAS ALEJANDRA A. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTDrought is a major yield constraint in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Pulse‐chase 14C‐labelling experiments were performed using Pinto Villa (drought resistant) and Canario 60 (drought sensitive) cultivars, grown under optimal irrigation and water‐deficit conditions. Starch and the radioactive label incorporated into starch were measured in leaves and pods at different time points, between the initiation of pod development and the production of mature pods. The water‐stress treatment induced a higher starch accumulation in the drought‐resistant cultivar pods than in those of the drought‐sensitive cultivar. This effect was more noticeable during the early stages of pod development. Consistently, a reduction of starch content occurred in the leaves of the drought‐resistant cultivar during the grain‐filling stage. Furthermore, a synchronized accumulation of sucrose was observed in immature pods of this cultivar. These data indicate that carbohydrate partitioning is affected by drought in common bean, and that the modulation of this partitioning towards seed filling has been a successful strategy in the development of drought‐resistant cultivars. In addition, our results suggest that, in the drought‐resistant cultivar, the efficient carbon mobilization towards the seeds in response to water limitation is favoured by a mechanism that implies a more effective sucrose transport.
Light‐induced degradation of storage starch in turions of Spirodela polyrhiza depends on nitrate
Authors: APPENROTH KLAUS‐J. , ZIEGLER PAUL 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTLight induces both the germination of turions of the duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza and the degradation of the reserve starch stored in the turions. The germination photoresponse requires nitrate, and we show here that nitrate is also needed for the light‐induced degradation of the turion starch. Ammonium cannot substitute for nitrate in this regard, and nitrate thus acts specifically as signal to promote starch degradation in the turions. Irradiation with continuous red light leads to starch degradation via auto‐phosphorylation of starch‐associated glucan, water dikinase (GWD), phosphorylation of the turion starch and enhanced binding of α‐amylase to starch granules. The present study shows that all of these processes require the presence of nitrate, and that nitrate exerts its effect on starch degradation at a point between the absorption of light by phytochrome and the auto‐phosphorylation of the GWD. Nitrate acts to coordinate carbon and nitrogen metabolism in germinating turions: starch will only be broken down when sufficient nitrogen is present to ensure appropriate utilization of the released carbohydrate. These data constitute the first report of control over the initiation of reserve starch degradation by nitrate.
Low migration decreases interference competition among parasites and increases virulence
Authors: VIGNEUX F. , BASHEY F. , SICARD M. , LIVELY C. M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCompetition among different parasite genotypes within a host is predicted to affect virulence. The direction of this effect, however, depends critically on the mechanisms that parasites use to compete or to cooperate with each other. One mechanism that bacteria use to compete with each other is via the production of bacteria‐killing toxins, called bacteriocins. This warfare among parasites within a host is predicted to reduce the rate of host exploitation, resulting in lower virulence. By contrast, if parasites within a host are highly related, there could be a reduction in within‐host conflict, increasing virulence. We examined this idea by allowing an insect‐parasitic nematode (Steinernema carpocapsae) and its symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus nematophila) to evolve for 20 passages under two different migration treatments (low and high). We found that host mortality rates were higher in the low‐migration treatment when compared with the high‐migration treatment. In addition, bacteria isolated from the same insect host inhibited each other’s growth, but only in the high‐migration treatment. These results show that population structure and interactions among parasites within hosts can be critical to understanding virulence.
Identifying blood donors willing to help with recruitment
Authors: Lemmens K. P. H. , Abraham C. , Ruiter R. A. C. , Veldhuizen I. J. T. , Bos A. E. R. , Schaalma H. P. 
Published: July 2008

Background and Objectives  Social influence shapes behaviour and donors are ambassadors for blood banks. Donors are role models for family and friends and, therefore, so may be able to help with donor recruitment.Materials and Methods  A questionnaire was used to assess donors’ willingness to engage in donor recruitment. Measures included willingness to recruit new donors and antecedents of recruitment motivation based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).Results  More than half of our participants were willing to try to recruit friends and family (57%). Self‐efficacy was the most important correlate of intention to recruit as were cognitive attitude and experience with the blood bank. The findings suggest that the TPB provides a good basis for understanding cognitive antecedents of donors’ willingness to recruit other donors.Conclusion  Results suggest that using existing donors to recruit new donors could be an efficient and cost‐effective way to recruit additional donors. This approach warrants further investigation.
Changes of bladder activity and glycine levels in the lumbosacral cord after partial bladder outlet obstruction in rats
Authors: Miyazato Minoru , Sugaya Kimio , Nishijima Saori , Kadekawa Katsumi , Oshiro Yoshinori , Hokama Sanehiro , Uchida Atsushi , Ogawa Yoshihide 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  We investigated the time course of changes in bladder activity as well as in spinal and serum levels of glutamate and glycine after partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in rats.Methods:  A total of 36 female rats were divided into six groups: sham operation (control); 3 days, 14 days, and 28 days after BOO; 3 days and 28 days after relief of BOO. Under urethane anesthesia, isovolumetric cystometry was carried out in each group. Then, spinal and serum levels of glutamate and glycine were measured.Results:  The interval between bladder contractions was shorter in all of the groups compared with the control group. The amplitude and duration of bladder contractions was decreased at 3 days, 14 days, and 28 days after BOO, and at 3 days after relief of BOO. Spinal and serum glutamate levels showed no changes. However, the spinal glycine level was decreased at 14 days and 28 days after BOO, and at 28 days after relief of BOO. Serum glycine level was also decreased at 28 days after BOO and 28 days after relief of BOO.Conclusions:  Detrusor overactivity during the chronic phase of partial BOO is partly caused by a decrease of glycinergic neuronal activity in the lumbosacral cord. A 3‐day period of BOO produces detrusor overactivity, which might be due to an irreversible decrease of spinal glycinergic neuronal activity.
Epidemiology of urogenital tuberculosis worldwide
Authors: Figueiredo Andre Avarese , Lucon Antonio Marmo , Junior Renato Falci , Srougi Miguel 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To characterize the epidemiology of urogenital tuberculosis worldwide and to compare the features of patients from developing countries to those from developed countries.Methods:  A comprehensive search of articles published up to April 2008 using a combination of the terms ‘tuberculosis’, ‘genitourinary’, ‘renal’ and ‘urogenital’ was performed.Results:  Urogenital tuberculosis affects more men than women (2:1), with a mean age of 40.7 years (range 5–90). In 26.9% of cases there is a non‐functioning unilateral kidney and in 7.4%, renal failure. Patients from developing countries are more likely to have a delayed diagnosis with a higher frequency of renal failure, unilateral non‐functioning kidney, ablative surgery and contracted bladder.Conclusions:  Urogenital tuberculosis is a worldwide disease with more destructive behavior in developing countries where urgent strategies for early detection are particularly warranted.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase II dose‐finding study of the novel anti‐muscarinic agent imidafenacin in Japanese patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Homma Yukio , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Yamaguchi Osamu 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the efficacy, safety/tolerability, and dose–response relationship of imidafenacin in Japanese patients with overactive bladder.Methods:  Men and women who had overactive bladder symptoms were randomized equally to double‐blind treatment with 0.05, 0.1, or 0.25 mg of imidafenacin twice daily or a placebo for 12 weeks, and assessed for efficacy and safety.Results:  Overall, 401 patients were enrolled and randomized for treatment with 0.1 mg of imidafenacin/day (99 patients), 0.2 mg of imidafenacin/day (100), 0.5 mg of imidafenacin/day (101), or a placebo (101). After 12 weeks of treatment, the number of incontinence episodes was reduced in a dose‐dependent manner, and a significant difference between the imidafenacin treatment and the placebo was observed (P < 0.0001). Compared with the placebo, imidafenacin caused significant reductions in urgency incontinence, voiding frequency, and urinary urgency, and a significant increase in the urine volume voided per micturition. Imidafenacin was also well tolerated. The incidence of dry mouth in the imidafenacin groups increased dose‐dependently. Even though the percentage of patients receiving 0.5 mg/day who discontinued treatment due to dry mouth was high (8.9%), the percentages in the 0.1 mg/day and 0.2 mg/day groups (1.0% and 0.0%, respectively) were comparable with that in the placebo group (0.0%).Conclusions:  Considering the balance between efficacy and safety, 0.1 mg of imidafenacin twice daily appeared to be a clinically appropriate dose for treating overactive bladder. This dose was therefore selected for further evaluation in large‐scale phase III studies.
The Florida amphioxus (Cephalochordata) hosts larvae of the tapeworm Acanthobothrium brevissime: natural history, anatomy and taxonomic identification of the parasite
Authors: Holland Nicholas D. , Campbell Terry G. , Garey James R. , Holland Linda Z. , Wilson Nerida G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPlerocercoid larvae of a tapeworm are frequently found in the hindgut lumen of the Florida amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae) in central west Florida. About three‐quarters of the adult amphioxus are parasitized. On average, each adult amphioxus hosts about five tapeworm larvae. The residence time of the parasites in the amphioxus gut appears to be in the order of several months, which is considerably shorter than the potential lifetime of the host. The living larvae range in length (when fully extended) from 300 to 850 µm and are approximately cone‐shaped, tapering to a point posteriorly and bearing a single large sucker anteriorly. Toward the anterior end of the body are four hookless bothridia, each indented by three loculi plus an inconspicuous accessory sucker. The larvae initiate the early stages of hook formation when they are cultured for a few days in urea‐saline (mimicking the gut fluid of the definitive host, which is an elasmobranch). The tapeworm larvae are identifiable to genus and species on the basis of correspondences between their nuclear ribosomal DNA genes and those of adult specimens of Acanthobothrium brevissime recovered from the spiral valve of a stingray from the same environment.
Consilience in fisheries science
Authors: Sáenz‐Arroyo Andrea , Roberts Callum M 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe failure of fisheries science to preserve life in the oceans is broadly recognized. Here, we argue that part of this failure is the result of the philosophical basis behind fisheries science. In the middle of the 20th century, synthesizing more than half a century of insights dealing with what they called the ‘overfishing problem’, British scholars gave birth to some of the first predictive fishery management tools. Although novel for their time, the main objective of the approach was to advise the fishing industry on how to maximize the exploitation of fish resources without jeopardizing the viability of fish populations. Half a century on from these first attempts, we need a wider historical perspective to understand species dynamics, both natural and anthropogenic. We are also aware that there are other benefits society obtains from the ocean than maximum sustainable catches and we need to understand the role of biodiversity in social welfare. Not only should fishing be regarded as an economic activity but also as a planetary‐scale human experiment that requires experimental controls for a continuous evaluation of its performance and effects. Here, we present a philosophical approach to the problem, synthesizing material from the different disciplines that we consider should be addressed. A mix of insights may best help to deal with the ‘overfishing problem.’