bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of anatomical hooking depth, capture depth, and venting on mortality of painted comber (Serranus scriba) released by recreational anglers
Authors: Alós Josep 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Alós, J. 2008. Influence of anatomical hooking depth, capture depth, and venting on mortality of painted comber (Serranus scriba) released by recreational anglers. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1620–1625. Immediate (4–5 h) and delayed (10 d) hooking mortality for released fish kept in tanks was evaluated for painted comber (Serranus scriba) taken by the recreational fishery of the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean). Results showed low rates of immediate (10.8%) and delayed (3.3%) hooking mortality, a total mortality of 14.1%. Anatomical hook location and capture depth were the most significant predictors of mortality; 70.4% of fish caught with a deep location of hook died as a consequence of the damage caused, bleeding, and long unhooking times. Fish caught in depths >16 m showed evidence of external barotrauma caused by rapid decompression, which increased the probability of death. The most common forms of barotrauma were swimbladder enlargement and stomach inversion. For fish vented with the aid of a hypodermic needle to extract excess gas, mortality was reduced by half. Factors such as surface temperature, fish size, and hook type (“J” hook vs. circle hook) could not explain the mortality of fish released into tanks. Therefore, the results confirm that a practice of catch-and-release (voluntary or mandatory) for S. scriba needs to be promoted among recreational anglers.
The Pollen Receptor Kinase LePRK2 Mediates Growth-Promoting Signals and Positively Regulates Pollen Germination and Tube Growth
Authors: Zhang Dong , Wengier Diego , Shuai Bin , Gui Cai-Ping , Muschietti Jorge , McCormick Sheila , Tang Wei-Hua 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
In flowering plants, the process of pollen germination and tube growth is required for successful fertilization. A pollen receptor kinase from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), LePRK2, has been implicated in signaling during pollen germination and tube growth as well as in mediating pollen (tube)-pistil communication. Here we show that reduced expression of LePRK2 affects four aspects of pollen germination and tube growth. First, the percentage of pollen that germinates is reduced, and the time window for competence to germinate is also shorter. Second, the pollen tube growth rate is reduced both in vitro and in the pistil. Third, tip-localized superoxide production by pollen tubes cannot be increased by exogenous calcium ions. Fourth, pollen tubes have defects in responses to style extract component (STIL), an extracellular growth-promoting signal from the pistil. Pollen tubes transiently overexpressing LePRK2-fluorescent protein fusions had slightly wider tips, whereas pollen tubes coexpressing LePRK2 and its cytoplasmic partner protein KPP (a Rop-GEF) had much wider tips. Together these results show that LePRK2 positively regulates pollen germination and tube growth and is involved in transducing responses to extracellular growth-promoting signals.
Diversification of Photoperiodic Response Patterns in a Collection of Early-Flowering Mutants of Arabidopsis
Authors: Pouteau Sylvie , Carré Isabelle , Gaudin Valérie , Ferret Valérie , Lefebvre Delphine , Wilson Melanie 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMany plant species exhibit seasonal variation of flowering time in response to daylength. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) flowers earlier under long days (LDs) than under short days (SDs). This quantitative response to photoperiod is characterized by two parameters, the critical photoperiod (Pc), below which there is a delay in flowering, and the ceiling photoperiod (Pce), below which there is no further delay. Thus Pc and Pce define the thresholds beyond which maximum LD and SD responses are observed, respectively. We studied the quantitative response to photoperiod in 49 mutants selected for early flowering in SDs. Nine of these mutants exhibited normal Pce and Pc, showing that their precocious phenotype was not linked to abnormal measurement of daylength. However, we observed broad diversification in the patterns of quantitative responses in the other mutants. To identify factors involved in abnormal measurement of daylength, we analyzed the association of these various patterns with morphogenetic and rhythmic defects. A high proportion of mutants with altered Pce exhibited abnormal hypocotyl elongation in the dark and altered circadian periods of leaf movements. This suggested that the circadian clock and negative regulators of photomorphogenesis may contribute to the specification of SD responses. In contrast, altered Pc correlated with abnormal hypocotyl elongation in the light and reduced photosynthetic light-input requirements for bolting. This indicated that LD responses may be specified by positive elements of light signal transduction pathways and by regulators of resource allocation. Furthermore, the frequency of circadian defects in mutants with normal photoperiodic responses suggested that the circadian clock may regulate the number of leaves independently of its effect on daylength perception.
Functional Characterization of the Plastidic Phosphate Translocator Gene Family from the Thermo-Acidophilic Red Alga Galdieria sulphuraria Reveals Specific Adaptations of Primary Carbon Partitioning in Green Plants and Red Algae
Authors: Linka Marc , Jamai Aziz , Weber Andreas P.M. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
In chloroplasts of green plants and algae, CO2 is assimilated into triose-phosphates (TPs); a large part of these TPs is exported to the cytosol by a TP/phosphate translocator (TPT), whereas some is stored in the plastid as starch. Plastidial phosphate translocators have evolved from transport proteins of the host endomembrane system shortly after the origin of chloroplasts by endosymbiosis. The red microalga Galdieria sulphuraria shares three conserved putative orthologous transport proteins with the distantly related seed plants and green algae. However, red algae, in contrast to green plants, store starch in their cytosol, not inside plastids. Hence, due to the lack of a plastidic starch pool, a larger share of recently assimilated CO2 needs to be exported to the cytosol. We thus hypothesized that red algal transporters have distinct substrate specificity in comparison to their green orthologs. This hypothesis was tested by expression of the red algal genes in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and assessment of their substrate specificities and kinetic constants. Indeed, two of the three red algal phosphate translocator candidate orthologs have clearly distinct substrate specificities when compared to their green homologs. GsTPT (for G. sulphuraria TPT) displays very narrow substrate specificity and high affinity; in contrast to green plant TPTs, 3-phosphoglyceric acid is poorly transported and thus not able to serve as a TP/3-phosphoglyceric acid redox shuttle in vivo. Apparently, the specific features of red algal primary carbon metabolism promoted the evolution of a highly efficient export system with high affinities for its substrates. The low-affinity TPT of plants maintains TP levels sufficient for starch biosynthesis inside of chloroplasts, whereas the red algal TPT is optimized for efficient export of TP from the chloroplast.
Increased plasma ghrelin following infliximab in Crohn’s disease
Authors: SUNG E. Z. H. , DA SILVA N. F. , GOODYEAR S. , MCTERNAN P. G. , SANGER G. J. , NWOKOLO C. U. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  Ghrelin, a potent orexigenic peptide produced by the stomach, may be affected by circulating inflammatory mediators.Aim  To assess the effect of an anti‐TNFα antibody on ghrelin in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD).Methods  Fifteen patients with Crohn’s receiving infliximab were studied before and 1 week after infusion. Following an overnight fast, blood was sampled before a meal and then every 20 min for 2 h. Total ghrelin and CRP were measured using ELISA. Acylated ghrelin and TNFα, IFNγ, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were measured with bioplex. Harvey Bradshaw Activity Index was assessed.Results  Median (95% CI) 2‐h integrated plasma total ghrelin increased from 162 (99–311) before infliximab to 200 (128–387) pg/mL h, (P = 0.02) after. Following infliximab, 20 min postmeal, median acylated ghrelin decreased from 50.3 (24–64) to 38.6 (26–82) pg/mL, (P = 0.04) thus reverting to a traditional meal related ghrelin curve. Median (range) disease activity decreased from 5 (2–28) before to 3 (0–22), (P = 0.0001) and Median (95% CI) TNFα decreased from 2.8 (1.89–4.48) to 1.31 (0.73–2.06) pg/mL (P = 0.002).Conclusions  Infliximab increases circulating total ghrelin by 25% in CD and restores the postprandial response of acylated ghrelin to food intake. Acylated and de‐sacyl ghrelin remain unchanged, suggesting that an alternate isoform could be affected by infliximab.
Augmentation index in resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH)
Authors: Owen P. J. D. , Chatterjee V. K. , John R. , Halsall D. , Lazarus J. H. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryObjective  Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is associated with a varied clinical presentation. The cardiac effects of RTH have been described but vascular function has yet to be fully evaluated in this condition. We have measured the arterial function of those with RTH to assess any vascular changes.Design  An observational study.Patients  Twelve RTH patients were recruited from the thyroid clinic (mean value ± SD), age 40·8 ± 18·7 years; BMI 27·2 ± 4·2 kg/m2 and compared with 12 healthy, euthyroid, age‐matched controls (age 41·4 ± 19·3; BMI 24·8 ± 4·4 kg/m2) with no history of cardiovascular disease. No interventional measures were instituted.Measurements  Arterial stiffness was measured using pulse wave analysis at the radial artery. Thyroid function, fasting lipids and glucose were also measured on the same occasion in both patients and controls.Results  The corrected augmentation index, a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness was significantly higher in patients compared with controls (21·0% ± 14·1%vs. 5·4% ± 18·2%, P < 0·03). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐cholesterol) levels were also significantly elevated in patients compared with controls (3·0 ± 0·6 vs. 2·1 ± 0·5 mmol/l; P < 0·002).Conclusion  RTH patients show evidence in this study of increased augmentation index consistent with an increase in arterial stiffness compared with euthyroid controls. They also demonstrate elevated LDL‐cholesterol levels. Both these measures may lead to increased cardiovascular risk.
Leptin concentration indexed to fat mass is increased in untreated anorexia nervosa (AN) patients
Authors: Uzum Ayse Kubat , Yucel Basak , Omer Beyhan , Issever Halim , Ozbey Nese Colak 
Published: September 2008

SummaryContext  Data regarding serum adipocytokine and ghrelin concentrations in different stages of anorexia nervosa (AN) is conflicting.Objective  Our aim is to determine serum concentrations of adiponectin (ApN), leptin and ghrelin in different stages of AN and to evaluate their relationships with study parameters.Design setting and participants  Study group was composed of four subgroups: Group 1: patients with a recent diagnosis of AN (n = 19); group 2: weight recovered (10% increase in body weight compared with baseline) subgroup of group 1 during follow‐up (n = 10); group 3: recovered patients with a previous history of AN but normal menstrual cycles and body weight currently (n = 10); group 4: control group (n = 10). Venous blood was obtained for measurements of biochemical/hormonal parameters, ApN, leptin and ghrelin. Body composition was determined by bioimpedance analysis.Main outcome measures  Changes in adipocytokine and ghrelin concentrations and relationships with anthropometric/biochemical parameters.Results  Leptin : fat mass (kg) ratio was significantly higher in group 1 patients compared with group 4 (4·3 ± 4·6 vs. 1·1 ± 0·5 µg/l kg, P < 0·01). No significant difference was observed among ghrelin concentrations. Leptin showed significant positive correlation with body fat mass in all groups. ApN showed significant positive association with body mass index in Group 1.Conclusions  Leptin concentrations indexed to fat mass may indicate a nonphysiological higher set point of leptin per unit fat mass in treatment‐naive AN patients. Correlation pattern between ApN and fat mass is modified also. Altered adipocytokine profile in AN may contribute to anorectic behaviour.
Nurses’ experience in clinical encounters with children experiencing abuse and their parents
Authors: Tingberg Björn , Bredlöv Britt , Ygge Britt‐Marie 
Published: September 2008

Aim and objectives.  The aim of this study was to identify nurse’s experiences in the clinical care of children experiencing abuse. The objective was to assess how nurses remain professional especially when the suspected perpetrator is a parent.Background.  The diagnosis of child abuse is a difficult one, yet essential because of the high morbidity and significant mortality rates. Young children may be unable to give a clear history; parents may be unwilling to be truthful, and the signs and symptoms of abuse are often not conclusive. A contributing factor to the challenges of providing nursing care to children in a context of abuse is the lack of education in this field. Nurses working in the care of paediatric patients may not be familiar with situations in which they cannot rely on histories provided by parents.Design.  A qualitative study.Methods.  Investigators used a qualitative design with a critical incident technique. Eleven nurses who cared for abused children and their parents at a tertiary care children’s hospital were interviewed.Results.  We highlighted three areas in the analysis of the interviews: Feelings of ambivalence, nurses’ professionalism and the nurses’ care strategies. Participants expressed difficulties in maintaining a professional role in clinical encounters with the parents. The nurses were unhappy in their conflicting roles of both policing (a judging function) and nursing (a caring function).Conclusions.  The nurses expressed that they had devised strategies to remain professional in the clinical encounter with abused children and their parents. To remain professional, education, counselling and experience was essential.Relevance to clinical practice.  By identifying nurses’ experiences in clinical encounters with children experiencing abuse and their parents, nurses can assess what kind of specific interventions should be used to improve the caring situation.
Patients’ expectations of the maintenance of their dignity
Authors: Matiti Milika R , Trorey Gillian M 
Published: September 2008

Aims and objectives.  To explore patients’ views regarding the factors that contribute to the maintenance of their dignity while in hospital, together with their perceptions of whether or not these were realised.Background.  It has long been recognised that a consideration of patients’ dignity in the hospital setting is of paramount importance and its maintenance can contribute to the ‘emotional comfort’ that may assist recovery. There have been several attempts to define dignity as a theoretical concept, but few studies of the factors that contribute to its maintenance from the patients’ perspective.Design.  A phenomenological hermeneutic approach was used.Method.  Interviews were conducted with 102 patients in three hospitals in the UK over 18 months. The intention was to interpret what was being said and also the underlying meaning of how patients considered that their dignity was compromised.Results.  The findings revealed that although many patients were satisfied with the maintenance of their dignity while in hospital, a significant number were not. Six key themes that contribute to the preservation of their dignity were identified – privacy; confidentiality; communication and the need for information; choice, control and involvement in care; respect and decency and forms of address. Patients provided details of their expectations with respect to these factors.Conclusions.  Patients, irrespective of their situation and degree of health have their own expectations in relation to their dignity. These need to be assessed and matched by relevant nursing activities to assist recovery.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses have an important role in meeting patients’ expectations of how they would like their dignity to be maintained. The identification of the most important factors that contribute to this from patients’ perspective will help develop dignified nursing practice.
The effectiveness of an educational programme for nursing students on developing competence in the provision of spiritual care
Authors: Van Leeuwen René , Tiesinga Lucas J , Middel Berrie , Post Doeke , Jochemsen Henk 
Published: September 2008

Aim.  To determine the effects of a course for nursing students on developing competence in spiritual care and the factors that might influence the effects.Background.  Studies suggest that role preparation in nursing for spiritual care is poor. For the assessment of competence, few or no explicit competency framework or assessment tools seemed to be used.Design.  Quasi‐experimental crossover design (pre–post‐test).Method.  The subjects were students from Christian nursing schools in the Netherlands (n = 97). The intervention consisted of a course in spiritual care. Competencies were measured with an assessment tool, the Spiritual Care Competence Scale. Data were analysed by t‐test procedures (paired‐samples t‐test). At T1 vignettes were added to assess the quality of the students’ own analyses. These data were analysed by a Mann–Whitney test. Regression analyses were performed on the influence of student characteristics on the subscales of the assessment tool.Results.  Ninety‐seven students participated in this study. Analysis showed statistically significant changes in scores on three subscales of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale between groups (T1) and over time for the whole cohort of students on all subscales (T2). Clinical placement showed as a negative predictor for three subscales of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale. Experience in spiritual care and a holistic vision of nursing both showed as positive predictors on certain competencies. A statistically significant difference was observed between groups in the student analysis of a vignette with explicit spiritual content.Conclusions.  The outcomes raise questions about the content of education in spiritual care, the measurement of competencies and the factors that influence competency development.Relevance to clinical practice.  The results provide nurse educators with insight into the effects of education in spiritual care on students’ competencies and help them consider a systematic place for spiritual care within the nursing curriculum.
Use of drug therapy in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): maternal views and experiences
Authors: Jackson Debra , Peters Kathleen 
Published: September 2008

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this paper is to explore maternal views and experiences of stimulant pharmacotherapy in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Background.  The very nature of ADHD means that it exists in a climate of scepticism and doubt. However, parents must make decisions about how to treat their children affected by ADHD. Of the treatments available, the use of stimulant therapy is the most controversial.Design.  Qualitative.Method.  Snowball sampling was used to recruit mothers (n = 11) of children with ADHD and a narrative‐based qualitative methodology was used.Results.  Decisions around the use of stimulant medication for children with ADHD were difficult for these mothers. Detailed findings are presented under the themes of: Ambivalence and confusion: everybody would be down on me like a ton of bricks; Influence of the media: so much bad publicity; Deciding against medication: you’re changing their whole personality; and, Deciding for medication: he’s just been wonderful.Conclusions.  While these mothers revealed that they were discriminating in selecting information to guide their decision‐making, many of their friends and family were influenced solely by media reports. Mothers experienced misgivings from family and friends who were sceptical about the need for medication and the implications and ethics of administering stimulant medication to children.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses and healthcare professionals have an important role in providing accurate and current information for parents and families and should be aware of the pressures parents are under when making decisions about treatments for their children with ADHD.
Parental experience of family resources in single‐parent families having a child with cancer
Authors: Huang I‐Chen , Mu Pei‐Fan , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye 
Published: September 2008

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to explore the essence of family experiences in terms of family resources and how these assist a single‐parent caring for a child with cancer.Background.  When families face stresses caused by cancer, they need to readjust their roles, interactive patterns and relationships, both inside and outside the family. During the adaptation process, family resources may assist recovery from stress and a return to equilibrium. Most research has emphasised the support resources available to two‐parent families during the treatment process. There is a lack of information on the experiences of single‐parent families and their available resources together with the functions and roles played by family resources during the adjustment process.Design.  Qualitative.Results.  Five major themes were identified: (i) facing the disease with courage; (ii) hope kindled by professionals; (iii) constructing parental role ability; (iv) assisting the children to live with the illness; and (v) family flexibility.Conclusion.  The results of the current study demonstrate that single‐parent families with a child suffering from cancer employ family resources to assist family adjustment and to maintain family function/equilibrium. These results explain the dynamic interactions between the multiple levels of resources available to the family.Relevance to clinical practice.  The study results provide evidence‐based information that identifies the nature of family resources in single‐parent families and describes how these resources can be applied to assist the families.