bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction of high‐quality bacterial RNA from infected leaf tissue for bacterial in planta gene expression analysis by multiplexed fluorescent Northern hybridization
Authors: SCHENK ALEXANDER , WEINGART HELGE , ULLRICH MATTHIAS S. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYPlant pathogenic bacteria possess a large number of genes that allow them to grow and cause disease on plants. In planta gene expression analysis is important to understand the impact of these genes on bacterial virulence. A new mRNA‐based approach using multiplexed Northern hybridization was developed. High‐quality bacterial and plant total RNA was successfully isolated from leaf tissue infiltrated with Pseudomonas syringae. The procedure employs a new extraction buffer formulation containing glycine, sodium dodecylsulphate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene glycol and β‐mercaptoethanol. Cell lysis and classical acid–phenol extraction steps followed by LiCl precipitation yielded large amounts of total RNA of high purity and integrity. Multiplexing of DIG and chemically fluorescently labelled RNA probes was developed and expression data were normalized using the 23S rRNA gene as reference. The method was validated by studying in planta expression of the P. syringae genes mucD, cmaA, cfl, corR, corS and corP comprising a selection of highly expressed biosynthetic and low‐expressed regulatory genes. The method was assessed regarding its sensitivity and might by useful for studying a variety of plant–microbe interactions.
Evolution of the CYP51 gene in Mycosphaerella graminicola: evidence for intragenic recombination and selective replacement
Authors: BRUNNER P. C. , STEFANATO F. L. , MCDONALD B. A. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYRecent findings are consistent with a slow but constant shift towards reduced sensitivity of Mycosphaerella graminicola to azole fungicides, which target the CYP51 gene. The goal of this study was to elucidate the evolutionary mechanisms through which CYP51‐based mutations associated with altered sensitivity have evolved in M. graminicola over space and time. To accomplish this, we sequenced and compared a portion of the CYP51 gene encompassing the main mutations associated with altered sensitivity towards demethylation inhibitor fungicides. The CYP51 gene showed an extraordinary dynamic shift consistent with a selective haplotype replacement both in space and in time. No mutations associated with increased resistance to azoles were found in non‐European populations. These mutations were also absent in the oldest collections from Europe, whereas they dominated in the recent European populations. Intragenic recombination was identified as an important evolutionary process in populations affected by high fungicide selection, suggesting the creation of novel alleles among existing mutations as a potential source of novel resistance alleles. We propose that CYP51 mutations giving resistance in M. graminicola arose only locally (perhaps in Denmark or the UK) and were then spread eastward across Europe through wind‐dispersed ascospores. We conclude that recurring cycles of recombination coupled with selection due to the widespread use of azole fungicides will increase the frequency of novel mutants or recombinants with higher resistance. Long‐distance gene flow due to wind dispersal of ascospores will move the resulting new alleles to new areas following the prevailing wind directions. A selective replacement favouring haplotypes with various coding mutations at the target site for azole fungicides during the last 5–10 years is the most likely cause of the decrease in sensitivity reported for many azole fungicides in the same period.
Sustained complete remissions in multiple myeloma linked to bortezomib in total therapy 3: comparison with total therapy 2
Authors: Pineda‐Roman Mauricio , Zangari Maurizio , Haessler Jeff , Anaissie Elias , Tricot Guido , Van Rhee Frits , Crowley John , Shaughnessy John D. , Barlogie Bart 
Published: February 2008

SummaryTotal therapy 3 (TT3), incorporating bortezomib up‐front into a tandem transplant regimen for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), effected 2‐year complete response (CR) estimates >90%, which appeared superior to results reported for total therapy 2 (TT2). With median follow‐up times of 2 years with TT3 and 5 years with TT2, the clinical outcomes of 303 patients in the former and 668 in the latter trial were compared, including the subset of 607 patients with gene expression profiling (GEP) data. With similar baseline prognostic factors, event‐free survival (EFS) (P = 0·0002) and CR duration (P = 0·003) were superior with TT3 vs. TT2 with a strong trend noted also for improved overall survival (OS) (P = 0·16). In the GEP‐definedFGFR3subgroup, TT3 imparted significantly superior OS, EFS and CR duration vis‐à‐vis TT2. Matching 300 patients each by standard prognostic factors, TT3 yielded superior EFS and CR duration and borderline superior OS. The advantage of TT3 still pertained when the comparison was limited to patients who completed TT2 consolidation rapidly within 24 months. Our data strongly suggest that the addition of bortezomib in TT3 was accountable for its superior performance rather than greater compliance with protocol completion as a result of greater dose‐density in TT3 vs. TT2.
RNA‐directed agent, cordycepin, induces cell death in multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Chen Lisa S. , Stellrecht Christine M. , Gandhi Varsha 
Published: February 2008

SummaryMultiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy that is slow‐growing, and thus traditional DNA‐replication directed chemotherapeutics are ineffective. We hypothesized that those agents that target RNA‐directed processes would be successful in MM. To test this postulate, cordycepin, a polyadenylation inhibitor was used as a proof‐of‐principle towards MM cell lines. Cordycepin accumulated in MM.1S cells as its triphosphate metabolite, 3′dATP and subsequently inhibits RNA synthesis and cell growth. Cell death was via apoptosis induction and over 50% of treated cells were annexin‐V positive after 48 h. As a consequence of RNA synthesis inhibition, we hypothesized that specific genes with short half‐lives may be downregulated, leading to a reduction in protein. Indeed, a reduction in the transcript levels for MET, a survival gene for MM, was detected as early as 4 h and transcripts were reduced to c. 10% of control after 48 h. Interestingly, no significant change in protein levels was observed for Bcl‐2, XIAP, Mcl‐1 or survivin. Stabilization of p53 was not observed, and caspases‐8, ‐9 and ‐3 showed activation following cordycepin treatment but were not required for cell death. Our results suggest that RNA‐directed agents may be a new group of agents for the treatment of MM.
Phenylhydrazine as a partial model for β‐thalassaemia red blood cell hemodynamic properties
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Koshkaryev Alexander , Goldfarb Ada , Yedgar Saul , Barshtein Gregory 
Published: February 2008

Summaryβ‐Thalassaemia is a congenital haemoglobinopathy, associated with red blood cells (RBC) anomalies, leading to impairment of their flow‐affecting properties, namely, RBC deformability, self‐aggregability, and adherence to endothelial cells (EC). Treatment of normal RBC with phenylhydrazine (PHZ) causes selective association of oxidized α‐globin chains with the membrane skeleton, leading to reduced RBC deformability, characteristic of β‐thalassaemia. PHZ has thus been used to mimic phenotypes of β‐thalassaemia RBC. The present study was undertaken to further elucidate the suitability of PHZ‐treated RBC as a model for β‐thalassemic RBC, by comparing the aggregability and adhesiveness of PHZ‐treated RBC to those of RBC from thalassaemia intermedia (TI) patients, using image analysis of RBC under flow. In addition, the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), a mediator of RBC/EC interaction, was determined. It was found that PHZ caused enhanced RBC adhesiveness to extracellular matrix, similar to TI‐RBC. Furthermore, in both conditions, the enhanced adhesiveness was mediated by PS translocated to the RBC surface. In contrast, PHZ treatment completely abolished RBC aggregability, while TI‐RBC aggregability was slightly elevated. It is proposed that PHZ‐treated RBC resemble β‐thalassaemia RBC in their deformability and adhesiveness, but not in their aggregability, and thus can be used as a limited model for β‐thalassaemia RBC phenotypes.
Reconstructing child welfare through participatory and child‐centred professional practice: a conceptual approach1
Authors: D'Cruz Heather , Stagnitti Karen 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTThe ‘child’ in child welfare/protection is seen as a dependent waif and an object of interest, on whose behalf adults speak and act. An alternative perspective has argued for child‐centredness, and includes concepts of child liberation, rights and citizenship. Policymakers and practitioners who may accept the underlying principles may be concerned about the appropriateness and applicability of such principles in relation to practice with children and their parents in child welfare/protection cases. This paper discusses a conceptual framework for research that aims to explore participatory and child‐centred professional practice by critically evaluating and developing, for professional practice, the practical meanings of ‘participatory’ and ‘children as citizens’. We do not present research outcomes based on empirical data; instead, we present our conceptual framework as the first stage of research in progress into participatory and child‐centred professional practice.
Very low or undetectable intact parathyroid hormone levels in patients with surgically verified parathyroid adenomas
Authors: Bhadada S. K. , Cardenas M. , Bhansali A. , Mittal B. R. , Behera A. , Chanukya G. V. , Nahar U. , Sudhaker Rao D. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryObjectives  To report and explore potential reasons for undetectable or low‐normal serum intact PTH levels in patients with surgically verified primary hyperparathyroidism with parathyroid adenomas, review the relevant literature, and offer suggestions for management of such patients occasionally encountered in clinical practice. For future research, to help understand mechanisms underlying ‘undetectable’ or inappropriately low serum intact PTH levels.Methods  Serum intact PTH levels were measured pre‐ and postoperatively by immunochemiluminescent assay (ICMA) and the results were confirmed by at least two repeated measurements on different occasions in each patient.Patients  We encountered two unusual patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who had suggestive biochemical and/or clinical features of primary hyperparathyroidism. However, serum intact PTH levels were either very low or undetectable in the context of hypercalcaemia, with no other obvious cause. A 99mTc sestamibi scan showed increased uptake in one of the parathyroid glands, suggesting a single adenoma in each case that was confirmed at surgery.Results  In the first patient, from India, mean ± SD serum calcium was 2·6 ± 0·32 mmol/l (reference range 2·12–2·74 mmol/l) with intact PTH of 0·11 pmol/l (reference range 1·1–7·59 pmol/l). In the second patient, from the USA, mean ± SD serum calcium and intact PTH were 2·9 ± 0·07 mmol/l (reference range 2·17–2·51 mmol/l) and 1·35 pmol/l (reference range 1·1–7·59 pmol/l), respectively. Following curative parathyroidectomy, serum calcium levels normalized in both patients. By contrast, serum intact PTH levels, which were either suppressed or very low before surgery, rose into the low‐normal reference range in all patients.Conclusions  When the clinical suspicion is high, the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism should be pursued despite suppressed or low‐normal serum intact PTH levels after carefully excluding other causes of hypercalcaemia. Further research on various intact PTH molecular species secreted by parathyroid adenomas or post‐translational changes in the intact PTH molecule that might interfere with in vitro measurements should be undertaken to understand the precise reason(s) for such anomalous findings.
Influence of birth size and body composition on bone mineral density in early adulthood: the PROGRAM study
Authors: Leunissen R. W. J. , Stijnen T. , Boot A. M. , Hokken‐Koelega A. C. S. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBackground/objectives  Low bone mineral density (BMD) may lead to osteoporosis and is associated with increased fracture risk. Associations between BMD and various factors have been reported. Our objective was to investigate whether birth size, lean body mass (LBM) and fat mass (FM) are determinants of BMD of the total body (BMDTB) and the lumbar spine (BMDLS).Methods  In the PROgramming factors for GRowth And Metabolism (PROGRAM) study of a cohort of 312 young adults aged 18–24 years, BMDTB and BMDLS were determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Subsequently, differences in BMDTB and BMDLS were analysed in four subgroups: young adults born small for gestational age with short stature (SGA‐S) or with catch‐up growth (SGA‐CU), or born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) with idiopathic short stature (ISS) or with normal stature (controls).Results  Adult weight, LBM, FM and weight gain during childhood were the main positive determinants for BMDTB in early adulthood, whereas birth size had no influence (adjusted R2 = 0·50). Gender, adult weight, LBM, FM and weight gain were the significant determinants of BMDLS. In the subgroups, after correction for age, gender and adult body size, the ISS group had a significantly lower BMDTB than controls but there was no difference in BMDLS between the subgroups.Conclusions  Prenatal growth has no significant influence on BMDTB and BMDLS in early adulthood. Gender and postnatal growth, particularly weight gain, are the main positive determinants. To achieve a normal BMD in adulthood, healthcare workers should aim for a normal weight gain in children.
Compositional relationships between organic matter in a grassland soil and its drainage waters
Authors: Hayes T. M. , Hayes M. H. B. , Skjemstad J. O. , Swift R. S. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryWe present a novel study of the compositional relationships between soil organic components extractable in aqueous extractants and those in sub‐soil drainage and surface runoff waters from the soil. The surface soil (0–20 cm) of a stagnogley in long‐term grassland was sequentially and exhaustively extracted in aqueous media at pH values of 7, 10.6 and 12.6. Extracts from the soils and their runoff and drainage waters were processed by the procedures of the International Humic Substances Society (IHSS), and fractionated into humic, fulvic, and XAD‐4 acids. Elemental, δ13C, δ15N, sugar, amino acids, and solid state CPMAS 13C NMR analyses were used to identify similarities and differences between the fractions from the different extracts. There were few differences between the compositions of drainage water samples taken 1 year apart, and these had compositional features similar to those from the more highly oxidized fractions isolated from the soil at pH 7. There were significant differences between the humic components from the drainage waters and isolated from the soil at pH 7 and those of the humic fractions isolated at the higher pH values whose compositions are more clearly related to origins in plants. The compositions of the surface runoff waters indicate origins in transformed plant and animal manures on the soil surface, whereas those of the deep drainage waters originate in more extensively transformed materials, including products of microbial metabolism. The resin technique used in the fractionation allowed the isolation of novel humic acid fractions from the soil extracts, in particular at pH 7 and 12.6. These fractions clearly originated in microbial sources, were rich in saccharides and amino acids (peptides), and low in lignin‐derived components.
Changes in total carotenoid content at different stages of traditional processing of yellow‐fleshed cassava genotypes
Authors: Maziya‐Dixon Busie , Dixon Alfred G. O. , Ssemakula Gorrettie 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe changes in content of total carotenoid at each stage of processing cassava storage roots were investigated with three improved yellow‐fleshed cassava varieties (TMS 94/0006, TMS 01/1235 and TMS 01/1371) grown in 2005/2006 in a randomised complete block design with two replications at Ibadan, Nigeria. When the cassava roots were grated to a mash, results obtained indicate that there was a significant reduction in total carotenoid content for all the genotypes. The reduction was highest for TMS 01/1235 (1.20 μg g−1), intermediate for TMS 01/1371 (0.78 μg g−1) and least for TMS 94/0006 (0.35 μg g−1). In most cases, we observed higher total carotenoid concentration, especially when the intermediate step involved pressing to remove excess water, and during roasting compared with the initial concentration in the raw cassava storage roots. In conclusion, grating, drying and cooking to a paste resulted in reduction of total carotenoid content, while roasting and pressing resulted in higher carotenoid concentration. A change in total carotenoid content during processing depends on variety, processing method, especially unit operation and the initial total carotenoid content of the variety.
Day healthcare services for family caregivers of older people with stroke: needs and satisfaction
Authors: Park Yeon‐Hwan 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTitle.  Day healthcare services for family caregivers of older people with stroke: needs and satisfaction Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to identify family caregivers’ needs and satisfaction levels in adult day healthcare services for older adults with stroke.Background.  With a growing number of older people suffering from chronic illnesses, the demand for adult day care is growing worldwide. However, in Asia, caregivers face unique challenges in selecting and using culturally acceptable models of care for older people with stroke, and there are still unmet needs in adult day healthcare services.Method.  A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was carried out in 2006 with a convenience sample of 119 family caregivers from nine centres in Korea. The questionnaire included the Modified Caregiver Satisfaction Scale.Findings.  Korean family caregivers of older people with stroke were moderately satisfied with the adult day healthcare services. In particular, health management was an area with a high level of needs but with a low level of satisfaction. Respondents also had unmet needs such as speech therapy, patient‐tailored exercise and physical therapy. There was a statistically significant difference in degree of satisfaction according to whether or not Registered Nurses delivered care at the centres.Conclusion.  It is important to reflect family caregivers’ needs by providing quality care, which is culture‐specific adult day healthcare services and focuses on health management and skilled nursing care.
Correlates of mood disturbance in women with breast cancer: patterns over time
Authors: Von Ah Diane , Kang Duck‐Hee 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTitle.  Correlates of mood disturbance in women with breast cancer: patterns over time Aim.  This study examined factors associated with mood disturbance prior to, during and after adjuvant therapy.Background.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Mood disturbance affects between 20% and 30% of women with breast cancer and is associated with other debilitating symptoms. However, factors associated with mood disturbance across the breast cancer diagnosis–treatment trajectory are not clearly understood.Method.  A stress‐coping framework guided this longitudinal study. A convenience sample of 49 American women with newly diagnosed breast cancer aged 37–77 years completed questionnaires assessing age, optimism, disease stage, type of adjuvant therapy, lymph node status, emotional support, aid (tangible) support, perceived stress and mood disturbance. Data were collected over an 18‐month period in 2002–2003 at three time points: prior to, during and after adjuvant therapy. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression were used.Findings.  At all three time points, higher stress was significantly related to greater mood disturbance. Perceived stress mediated the relationship between (1) emotional support and mood disturbance prior to and after adjuvant therapy and between (2) aid support and mood disturbance during adjuvant therapy. In addition, the type of support that was most important to mood disturbance varied over time. Emotional support was related to reduced mood disturbance prior to and after adjuvant therapy, whereas aid support was most important during adjuvant therapy.Conclusions.  Nurses may use this information to develop interventions that bolster appropriate types of support to reduce stress and ultimately lower mood disturbance. Further research across cultures is needed.
Quality of life and its predictors among Hong Kong Chinese patients with diabetes
Authors: Shiu Ann TY , Thompson David R , Wong Rebecca YM 
Published: February 2008

Aim. To adapt, cross‐culturally, an established quality of life (QoL) scale for Hong Kong Chinese patients with diabetes; to measure their QoL and to identify the predictors of QoL in this population.Background. Healthcare providers are called on to assess and enhance the QoL of patients with diabetes. However, there is a lack of empirical QoL data pertaining to such individuals in China.Methods. The diabetes‐specific QoL scale (DQoL) developed by Jacobson and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial research group was cross‐culturally adapted for use in a sample of 206 Hong Kong Chinese patients recruited from a diabetes specialist outpatient clinic. Demographic and clinical data were also collected.Results. The cross‐cultural adaptation process produced a Hong Kong Chinese version of the DQoL scale with 37 items (HKC‐DQoL‐37) that demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0·87) and acceptable test‐retest validity (ICC 0·70, 95% CI 0·36–0·87). Discriminant validity was confirmed by comparing QoL scores between patients with and without insulin treatment. The QoL status of this sample (Mean = 2·2, SD = 0·5) is similar to that of Chinese immigrants and Caucasians in North America. Multiple regression analyses identified four predictors of poor QoL: (i) younger age, (ii) with diabetes complications, (iii) with admission due to hypoglycaemia, (iv) on insulin treatment.Conclusions. Findings provide preliminary evidence on the validity and reliability of the HKC‐DQoL‐37. The four predictors of poor DQoL in Hong Kong Chinese patients are consistent with those identified in the West.Relevance to clinical practice. Understanding these predictors of poor QoL could help nurses and others to design and deliver appropriate interventions to these patients.