bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Olfactomedin 4 promotes S‐phase transition in proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Koshida Saori , Moriai Ryosuke , Tsuji Naoki , Watanabe Naoki 
Published: February 2007

Induction of olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4GW112/hGC‐1) in cancer cells was recently reported to have a novel antiapoptotic action via binding to the potent apoptosis inducer GRIM‐19. We sought to clarify undiscovered functions of constitutively expressed OLFM4 in cancer cells. OLFM4 mRNA was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. In PANC‐1 cell cultures, expression was especially elevated during early S phase of the cell cycle. Transduction of small interfering RNA for OLFM4 to decrease mRNA expression caused time‐dependent growth inhibition, with typical early S‐phase arrest after 6 days. In addition, cell volume increased without increases in multinucleated cells, consistent with premitotic inhibition of DNA synthesis. Inhibition of OLFM4 mRNA expression by small interfering RNA did not promote apoptosis. Taken together, the results indicate that OLFM4 promotes proliferation of PANC‐1 cells by favoring transition from the S to G2/M phase. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 334–340)
Down‐regulation of sialidase NEU4 may contribute to invasive properties of human colon cancers
Authors: Yamanami Hideaki , Shiozaki Kazuhiro , Wada Tadashi , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Uemura Takuji , Kakugawa Yoichiro , Hujiya Tsuneaki , Miyagi Taeko 
Published: February 2007

In mammalian cells, four types of sialidase have been described and found to behave in different ways during carcinogenesis. We previously demonstrated that a human sialidase associated with plasma membranes (NEU3) is up‐regulated in human colon cancer and is involved in suppression of apoptosis. Here we document altered expression of another human sialidase, the recently identified NEU4, and evidence of its influence on the malignant phenotype in colon cancers. Human colon mucosa was relatively rich in NEU4, which has been observed to possess short and long isoforms, but hardly contained the latter form. In clear contrast to the NEU3 case, the levels of mRNA for this sialidase were found by quantitative RT‐PCR to be markedly decreased in colon cancers. In cultured human colon cancer cells, the enzyme was up‐regulated in the early stage of apoptosis induced by either the death ligand TRAIL or serum‐depletion, and transfection of NEU4 resulted in acceleration of apoptosis and in decreased invasion and motility. The siRNA‐mediated NEU4 targeting, on the other hand, caused a significant inhibition of apoptosis and promotion of invasion and motility. Lectin blot analyses revealed that desialylated forms of nearly 100 kDa glycoproteins were prominently increased with PNA in NEU4 transfectants, whereas only slight changes in glycolipids were detected as assessed by thin layer chromatography. These results suggest that NEU4 plays important roles for maintenance of normal mucosa mostly through desialylation of glycoproteins and that down‐regulation may contribute to invasive properties of colon cancers. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 299–307)
Vlgr1 is required for proper stereocilia maturation of cochlear hair cells
Authors: Yagi Hideshi , Tokano Hisashi , Maeda Mitsuyo , Takabayashi Tetsuji , Nagano Takashi , Kiyama Hiroshi , Fujieda Shigeharu , Kitamura Ken , Sato Makoto 
Published: February 2007

Very large G‐protein coupled receptor (Vlgr1b) is the largest known G‐protein coupled receptor. Its function is unknown, although mice with deletion of Vlgr1 (Vlgr1b together with other splicing variants, Vlgr1c, Vlgr1d and Vlgr1e) are known to exhibit audiogenic seizure susceptibility and VLGR1 is reported to be the gene responsible for Usher type 2C syndrome. We demonstrated here that Vlgr1‐mutated mice suffered from a hearing defect because of inner ear dysfunction, as indicated by auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product oto‐acoustic emissions (DPOAE). The expression of Vlgr1 was identified in the developing hair cells perinatally, and the translated products were seen to be localized in the base of stereocilia on hair cells using confocal microscopy. This Vlgr1 localization was limited to the base of stereocilia within approximately 200–400 nm from the apical surface of hair cells, as shown by immunoelectron microscopy. The Vlgr1‐mutated mice exhibited malformation of the stereocilia; the cochlear hair bundles were apparently normal at birth but then became disarranged at postnatal day 8. Furthermore, the stereocilia in the mutant mice became slanted and disarranged thereafter. These results indicate that loss of Vlgr1 resulted in abnormal development of stereocilia formation.
Nurses’ involvement in ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions on acute elder care wards
Authors: De Gendt Cindy , Bilsen Johan , Vander Stichele Robert , Van Den Noortgate Nele , Lambert Margareta , Deliens Luc 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Title. Nurses’ involvement in ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions on acute elder care wards Aim.  This paper reports the involvement of nurses in ‘do not resuscitate’ decision‐making on acute elder care wards and their adherence to such decisions in the case of an actual cardiopulmonary arrest.Background.  Previous literature showed that nurses are involved in half or less than half of ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions in hospitals, but their involvement in this decision‐making on acute elder care wards in particular has not been investigated.Method.  A questionnaire was sent in 2002 to the head nurses of all acute elder care wards in Flanders, Belgium (n = 94). They were asked whether nurses had been involved in the last ‘do not resuscitate’ decision‐making process on their ward and whether nurses ‘never’, ‘rarely’, ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’ started resuscitation in case of cardiopulmonary arrest of patients with ‘do not resuscitate’ status and of those without.Results.  The response rate was 86·2% (n = 81). In 74·7% of the last ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions on acute elder care wards in Flanders, a nurse was involved in the decision‐making process. For patients with ‘do not resuscitate’ status, 54·3% of respondents reported that cardiopulmonary resuscitation was ‘never’ started on their ward, ‘rarely’ on 39·5% and ‘sometimes’ on 6·2%. For patients without ‘do not resuscitate’ status, nurses started cardiopulmonary resuscitation ‘rarely’ or ‘sometimes’ on 22·2% of all wards, and ‘often’ or ‘always’ on 77·8%.Conclusion.  To make appropriate ‘do not resuscitate’ decisions and to avoid rash decision‐making in cases of actual cardiopulmonary arrest, nurses should be involved early in ‘do not resuscitate’ decision‐making. If institutional ‘do not resuscitate’ guidelines were to stress more clearly the important role of nurses in all kinds of end‐of‐life decisions, this might improve the ‘do not resuscitate’ decision‐making process.
A concept analysis of routine: relevance to nursing
Authors: Zisberg Anna , Young Heather M. , Schepp Karen , Zysberg Leehu 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTitle. A concept analysis of routine: relevance to nursingAim. This paper reports a concept analysis identifying the attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept of routine and examining the implications and applications of this concept in the field of nursing.Background. Routine may be a pivotal concept in understanding functional adaptation and wellbeing. Nurses in institutional settings work according to scheduled routines, patient care is largely orchestrated in routines set by organizations and regulations, and persons receiving care have their own life routines determining identity, capacities and frame of reference. However, to date, nursing has paid little attention to the relevance of routine and the role it may play in patient care.Method. A concept analysis was conducted using Rodgers’ guidelines. The literature search was based on the following databases: PsycInfo, CINAHL, MedLine, Social Services, and Social Work abstracts. To be included in the analysis, papers had to relate directly and essentially to the concept of routine. Seventy‐four papers published from 1977 to 2005 were included in the final stage of the analysis. The analysis included target populations, disciplinary perspectives, type of manuscript, themes and definitions, theoretical models, antecedents and consequences, as well as related terms.Results. Routine is a concept pertaining to strategically designed behavioural patterns (conscious and subconscious) and is used to organize and coordinate activities along different axes of time, duration, social and physical contexts, sequence and order. It emerges from the literature as a strategy that serves adaptation, in general, especially in the face of change and stressful situations. The conceptual structure, relations with other concepts, antecedents and consequences are described.Conclusion. The concept of routine is ill‐defined and seldom used in the field of nursing, despite the promise it may hold for a better understanding of a wide range of health‐related issues. This concept analysis offers an integrative view of routine and suggests directions for future research and practice.
Development and evaluation of a yoga exercise programme for older adults
Authors: Chen Kuei‐Min , Tseng Wei‐Shyuan , Ting Li‐Fen , Huang Gwo‐Feng 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Title. Development and evaluation of a yoga exercise programme for older adults Aim.  This study reports the development and evaluation of a new yoga exercise programme for older adults, called the Silver Yoga Programme.Background.  Yoga practice is associated with numerous health improvements, including reduced cardiovascular risk, body mass index and blood pressure. Yoga is also associated with improved respiration, psychological health and pain management. Studies have suggested the beneficial effects of yoga in the older population.Method.  The study was conducted in 2005 and it had two phases. Phase I consisted of sending a survey to 10 experts to help develop the Silver Yoga Programme. A hard copy and a video containing detailed descriptions and demonstrations of the programme were then sent to the experts for review and critique regarding the clarity and feasibility of the yoga postures. Phase II was an enquiry into older adults’ views on the programme using a quantitative evaluation and semi‐structured qualitative inquiry. Fourteen women participants from a senior activity centre were interviewed individually after 1 month of Silver Yoga group practice, three times per week, 70 minutes per session. They were asked to evaluate the appropriateness of postures based on the criteria of difficulty, acceptability, feasibility and helpfulness. Five open‐ended questions asked participants to reflect on their yoga experiences.Results.  Participants’ mean ratings of the acceptability, feasibility and helpfulness of the four aspects of the programme (warm‐up, Hatha yoga, relaxation and guided‐imagery meditation) ranged from 8·8 ± 1·9 to 9·3 ± 1·5; mean ratings of the difficulty of the programme revealed that relaxation and guided‐imagery meditation were fairly easy to follow (0·1 ± 0·3 and 0·1 ± 0·3 respectively), but the postures in the Hatha yoga were relatively challenging (2·1 ± 2·6).Conclusion.  The Silver Yoga Programme should undergo further pilot‐testing with larger samples of older adults before it is taken up internationally as a health‐promotion activity for older adults.
The role of clinical support workers in reducing junior doctors’ hours and improving quality of patient care
Authors: Herbertson Rebecca , Blundell Adrian , Bowman Christine 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  The aim of the study was to see if the introduction of clinical support workers (CSWs) at a teaching hospital could reduce the medical work intensity for junior doctors without compromising the quality of patient care.Background  The ‘New Deal’ and ‘European Working Time Directive’ have prompted hospitals to take a close look at junior doctors’ hours and work intensity in order to make posts compliant. Following the Department of Health’s publication ‘reducing junior doctors’ hours’, it was felt that certain clinical duties could be shared with nursing staff.Methods  Two audits were undertaken 8 months apart. The first was to determine the areas where the introduction of CSW would make the biggest impact. The second was to determine if this impact had had an effect on the intensity of work carried out by the junior doctors.Findings  The CSW greatly reduced the number of cannulations and venepunctures performed by the doctors without any compromise to patient care.Relevance to clinical practice  This study shows that other allied health professionals can be trained to carry out certain tasks that previously were only performed by doctors. This not only reduces the impact on junior doctors’ hours but can also improve patient care, with fewer delays encountered when patients are waiting for a procedure.
Cancer genetics: consultants’ perceptions of their roles, confidence and satisfaction with knowledge
Authors: McCann Siobhan , MacAuley Domhnall , Barnett Yvonne , Bunting Brendan , Bradley Aoife , Jeffers Lisa , Morrison Patrick J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Genetic testing for susceptibility for common cancers is widely available. Cancer specialists and specialists in other areas may have a role in identifying and referring patients who would benefit from a consultation with a specialist in genetics. This study aimed to find out which consultants believed that genetic testing was relevant to their practice. We also wanted to determine their views of their roles in relation to genetic testing, their confidence in these roles, and the value of different educational tools.Methods  This was a self‐completed, cross‐sectional, postal survey of all the consultants in Northern Ireland (n = 520, response rate = 59.3%) identified from the Central Services Agency list.Results  Three hundred and ninety questionnaires were returned (44%). A total of 28.6% did not complete the questionnaire stating that genetics was not relevant to their practice. Few consultants reported having consultations related to genetic disease, receiving training in genetics and referring to genetics services. There was some dissatisfaction with their current knowledge of genetics and they believed that guidelines and educational tools may be useful. The respondents lacked confidence in undertaking some of their roles. Through their responses to the cancer scenarios, these consultants showed that they would offer appropriate advice and referrals. Many consultants did not know if family history information should be provided to insurance companies.Conclusions  Some consultants may require further training to enable them to fulfil their roles in relation to genetics. Tools or guidelines to assist with referral decisions may also be useful. Consultants may need clearer guidance regarding the provision of family history information to insurance companies.
Direct probing of solvent‐induced charge degradation in polypropylene electret fibres via electrostatic force microscopy
Authors: KIM J. , JASPER W. , HINESTROZA J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryElectrostatic force microscopy was used to directly probe solvent‐induced charge degradation in electret filter media. Electrostatic force gradient images of individual polypropylene electret fibres were used to quantify the extent of charge degradation caused by the immersion of the fibres into isopropanol. Electrostatic force gradient images were obtained by monitoring the shifts in phase and frequency between the oscillations of the biased atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever and those of the piezoelectric driver. Electrostatic force microscopy measurements were performed using non‐contact scans at a constant tip‐sample separation of 75 nm with varied bias voltages applied to the cantilever. Mathematical expressions, based on the capacitance of the tip‐sample system, were used to model the phase and frequency shifts as functions of the applied bias voltage to the tip and the offset voltage due to the fibre's charge. Quantitative agreement between the experimental data and the simplified model was observed.
The role of schizogenesis in population dynamics of Timarete filigera (Polychaeta: Cirratulidae): 2‐years observations in the Port of Bari (South Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Gherardi Miriam , Sciscioli Margherita , Lepore Elena , Todisco Giuseppina , Giangrande Adriana 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDifferent aspects of reproductive biology of the polychaete Timarete filigera (Delle Chiaje) were studied during a period of 2 years (from September 2002 to August 2003 and from September 2004 to August 2005). Timarete filigera specimens were collected monthly in the port of Bari (South Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea). For population analysis, regenerating and entire specimens were separately analyzed, the regenerating individuals were assigned to different categories related to the region of the body from which they derived. Regenerating individuals were present throughout the year. There were three to four times more individuals deriving from the middle part than the anterior and posterior regenerating portions. From the high percentage of regenerating individuals observed in the T. filigera population, it can be supposed that this species reproduces mainly asexually by schizogenesis. However, histological analysis revealed the presence of female gametes in a few individuals. In contrast, males were never collected, probably due to the limited number of reproductive individuals collected. The abundance has shown wide fluctuations during the year, with a decrease from Winter to Spring. The analysis of the size‐frequency histograms has shown a growing phase of whole specimens from Spring to Winter. The life cycle of the investigated species is discussed with the hypothesis that strategies could be linked to the colonized environments, agamic reproduction coupled with sexual reproduction assures the presence and expansion of the population after the colonization by a limited number of larvae.
Onychomycosis
Authors: Seebacher C. , Brasch J. , Abeck D. , Cornely O. , Effendy I. , Ginter‐Hanselmayer G. , Haake N. , Hamm G. , Hipler U.‐Ch. , Hof H. , Korting H. C. , Mayser P. , Ruhnke M. , Schlacke K.‐H. , Tietz H.‐J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe guideline on onychomycosis, as passed by the responsible German medical societies, is presented in the present study.
Absent reduction by HIV protease inhibitors of Candida albicans adhesion to endothelial cells
Authors: Falkensammer Barbara , Pilz Georg , Bektić Jasmin , Imwidthaya Pankorn , Jöhrer Karin , Speth Cornelia , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Dierich Manfred P. , Würzner Reinhard 
Published: February 2007

SummaryHighly active antiretroviral therapy including HIV protease inhibitors has led to a marked reduction of clinically relevant mucosal candidiasis. We have previously shown that HIV protease inhibitors directly inhibit adhesion of Candida albicans to epithelial cells at concentrations that are reached in vivo during antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this study was to establish whether HIV protease inhibitors also inhibit adhesion of Candida to endothelial cells, which play a major role in systemic fungal disease. Three C. albicans strains were incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells or an endothelial cell line in the presence of either Ritonavir, Saquinavir or Indinavir. Subsequently, adherence was determined by counting colony‐forming units. The results were comparable and revealed that Ritonavir and Saquinavir significantly inhibited adherence to endothelial cells at only very high concentrations which are likely not reached in vivo, and Indinavir did not even inhibit then. Inhibition of adhesion of C. albicans to human cells by HIV protease inhibitors is not a general feature, but strongly cell type‐dependent, and clearly not observed for endothelial cells in vitro, which are a main target of systemic candidiasis in vivo.
A diallel analysis of various traits in winter triticale
Authors: Herrmann M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn triticale, preharvest sprouting tolerance is important for yield stability and quality of the grain. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to estimate quantitative genetic parameters of preharvest sprouting tolerance in triticale using a diallel of eight modern triticale cultivars and breeding lines. The 28 F1‐hybrids and the parents were planted in the breeding nurseries in 2001 and 2002 at four locations. Heading, plant height, falling numbers of two harvest dates, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and preharvest sprouting (Spr) were measured. The heritabilities for plant height and TKW were the highest with 0.91 and 0.85, respectively. Falling number and sprouting showed heritabilities between 0.66 and 0.83. Mid‐parent heterosis (MPHET) was negative for heading, indicating a non‐significant earlier heading of the F1‐hybrids. In plant height and TKW the heterosis was positive with 4.7% and 6.3% MPHET. Both falling numbers displayed a negative MPHET of nearly −15%. In contrast to falling numbers, the preharvest sprouting of hybrids was slightly reduced in comparison with the parents. In all traits analysed, general combining ability (GCA)‐variances were greater than specific combining ability (SCA)‐variances.
Plant regeneration through callus initiation from mature embryo of Triticum
Authors: Bi R. M. , Kou M. , Chen L. G. , Mao S. R. , Wang H. G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe behaviour of diverse Triticum genotypes in the tissue culture response of mature embryo callus was compared, and factors affecting tissue culture response were studied in this paper. Significant differences were detected in callus induction, embryogenic callus differentiation, plantlet regeneration and culture efficiency when mature embryos of 31 plants of different Triticum species were compared. These were the main wheat cultivars of the Chinese northern winter‐type wheat region and breeding lines (Triticum aestivum L.), durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), cultivable emmer wheat (Triticumdicoccum Schuble) and the common wheat progenitors Triticum dicoccoides and Triticum aegilopides. The genotype dependency was particularly high in tissue culture of mature embryos of these Triticum genotypes. The efficiency of induction, differentiation and regeneration of mature embryos callus was high in genotypes selected out. Mature embryo‐derived callus of HB341, TS021, SN2618, T. dicoccum, HB188, and T9817 showed better tissue culture response than the other genotypes. Plantlets can be regenerated from mature embryo‐derived callus of 31 genotypes, saving on growth facility resources and time required for the collection of other explants, and providing a solid basis for the genetic transformation and molecular plant breeding of Triticum plants.
Ontogenetic switches from plant resistance to tolerance: minimizing costs with age?
Authors: Boege Karina , Dirzo Rodolfo , Siemens David , Brown Paul 
Published: February 2007

AbstractChanges in herbivory and resource availability during a plant's development should promote ontogenetic shifts in resistance and tolerance, if the costs and benefits of these basic strategies also change as plants develop. We proposed and tested a general model to detect the expression of ontogenetic tradeoffs for these two alternative anti‐herbivory strategies in Raphanus sativus. We found that ontogenetic trajectories occur in both resistance and tolerance but in opposite directions. The juvenile stage was more resistant but less tolerant than the reproductive stage. The ontogenetic switch from resistance to tolerance was consistent with the greater vulnerability of young plants to leaf damage and with the costs of resistance and tolerance found at each stage. We posit that the ontogenetic perspective presented here will be helpful in resolving the current debate on the existence and detection of a general resistance–tolerance tradeoff.