bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase1 Is a Key Membrane-Bound Regulator of Abscisic Acid Early Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Osakabe Yuriko , Maruyama Kyonoshin , Seki Motoaki , Satou Masakazu , Shinozaki Kazuo , Yamaguchi-Shinozaki Kazuko 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Abscisic acid (ABA) is important in seed maturation, seed dormancy, stomatal closure, and stress response. Many genes that function in ABA signal transduction pathways have been identified. However, most important signaling molecules involved in the perception of the ABA signal or with ABA receptors have not been identified yet. Receptor-like kinase1 (RPK1), a Leu-rich repeat (LRR) receptor kinase in the plasma membrane, is upregulated by ABA in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we show the phenotypes of T-DNA insertion mutants and RPK1-antisense plants. Repression of RPK1 expression in Arabidopsis decreased sensitivity to ABA during germination, growth, and stomatal closure; microarray and RNA gel analysis showed that many ABA-inducible genes are downregulated in these plants. Furthermore, overexpression of the RPK1 LRR domain alone or fused with the Brassinosteroid-insensitive1 kinase domain in plants resulted in phenotypes indicating ABA sensitivity. RPK1 is involved in the main ABA signaling pathway and in early ABA perception in Arabidopsis.
Retinal toxicity during pegylatedα‐interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C: a multifocal electroretinogram investigation
Authors: Chisholm J. A. , Williams G. , Spence E. , Parks S. , Keating D. , Gavin M. , Mills P. R. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground: Ocular side‐effects in the form of retinal ischaemia and haemorrhages have been reported in patients undergoing standardα‐interferon therapy.Aim: To assess the ocular impact of therapy with sustained release pegylatedα‐2a interferon (Pegasys) for chronic hepatitis C.Methods: Ten patients receiving Pegasys and ribavirin and 10 healthy volunteers were recruited. Patients underwent full ophthalmic investigations and multifocal electroretinogram testing at baseline, at regular intervals during treatment and post‐treatment. The multifocal electroretinogram maps retinal function. Responses were compared with sequential recordings from healthy volunteers.Results: All patients had normal clinical ophthalmic investigations at baseline. During therapy a single patient experienced central visual disturbance lasting 24 h with no prolonged ill effect. No other patient was aware of any change in vision.Fundal abnormalities appeared in five patients during treatment. The multifocal electroretinogram showed reductions in retinal function in five patients. Nine of 10 patients exhibited abnormalities on at least one multifocal electroretinogram or fundoscopic investigation.Conclusions: Subclinical retinal toxicity during anti‐viral therapy with pegylatedα‐interferon and ribavirin was frequent in this study and it suggests that patients should be warned of this risk and monitored during therapy.
Is Helicobacter pylori seropositivity related to body mass index in the United States?
Authors: Ioannou G. N. , Weiss N. S. , Kearney D. J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground:  Helicobacter pylori infection may decrease serum ghrelin and increase gastric leptin levels, which may, in turn, decrease body mass index.Aim:  To determine whether H. pylori seropositivity is associated with body mass index.Methods:  Serum H. pylori and cytotoxin‐associated gene product A (CagA) antibody levels were measured on 6724 adult participants of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–91). We evaluated the association between H. pylori/CagA antibody status [both negative (−/−), H. pylori‐positive/CagA‐negative (+/−), or both positive (+/+)] and body mass index, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. We also investigated whether H. pylori/cytotoxin‐associated gene product A antibody status was associated with fasting serum leptin levels.Results:  H. pylori/CagA antibody status was not associated with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9–1.6 comparing (+/+) to (−/−) and adjusted OR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.8–1.5 comparing (+/−) to (−/−)], overweight (body mass index 25 to <30 kg/m2) [adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7–1.2 comparing (+/+) to (−/−) and adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.8–1.3 comparing (+/−) to (−/−)], or fasting serum leptin level in the USA population.Conclusions:  H. pylori seropositivity and CagA antibody status are not associated with body mass index or fasting serum leptin level.
The role of transcatheter arterial embolization for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a nationwide, multicentre study evaluated by cancer stage
Authors: Huang Y.‐H. , Chen C.‐H. , Chang T.‐T. , Chen S.‐C. , Chiang J.‐H. , Lee H.‐S. , Lin P.‐W. , Huang G.‐T. , Sheu J.‐C. , Tsai H.‐M. , Lee P.‐C. , Huo T.‐I. , Lee S.‐D. , Wu J.‐C. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground: Transcatheter arterial embolization is a major palliative treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, but the survival benefit of transcatheter arterial embolization is controversial.Aim: To evaluate the role of transcatheter arterial embolization in different stage of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and to select patients who can get the best benefit from the treatment.Methods: From 1991 to 1995, 476 patients who had unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma from four medical centres in Taiwan were enrolled. Among them, 425 underwent transcatheter arterial embolization, and 51 received supportive treatment alone. The survivals between the two groups were compared.Results: Among the 476 patients, transcatheter arterial embolization can significantly prolong survival. The 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐year survival rates for patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization were 60.2%, 39.3%, and 11.5%; and the rates for patients who underwent supportive treatment were 37.3%, 17.6%, and 2%, respectively (P = 0.0002). The survival benefit of transcatheter arterial embolization was observed in patients between Cancer and the Liver Italian Program 0 and Cancer and the Liver Italian Program 4. In multivariate analysis, transcatheter arterial embolization, tumour size <5 cm and earlier Cancer and the Liver Italian Program stage were independent factors associated with a better survival.Conclusions: For patients who fulfilled the criteria of transcatheter arterial embolization, embolization can serve as a primary treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. The survival benefit of transcatheter arterial embolization is regardless of tumour stages.
Linkage analysis reveals two independent loci for ocular disorders in a local Japanese Black cattle population
Authors: Ihara N. , Fujita T. , Shiga K. , Itoh M. , Watanabe T. , Sugimoto Y. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryA vision‐impairing ocular disorder was observed in a local Japanese Black cattle population, and assumed to be an autosomal recessive disease based on the presence of a founder cow. A genome scan using seven affected half‐sib pairs revealed a linkage to BTA5 (Zmax = 7.0, LODmax = 2.0), designated the bovine ocular disorder 1 (bod1) locus. Of the seven animals, three were heterozygous at the bod1 locus. Analysis in these three animals revealed linkage to markers on BTA18, and this locus was designated bod2. Detailed haplotype inspection of 16 affected animals indicated linkage to BTA5 in 12 animals, BTA18 in three animals, and linkage to both BTA5 and BTA18 in one animal. The bod1 locus was mapped to a 25 cM interval between DIK5237 and DIK5210 on BTA5 (Zmax = 17.0, LODmax = 11.8), and bod2 was mapped to a 7 cM interval between DIK5411 and INRA038 on BTA18 (Zmax =13.0, LODmax = 4.0). This study demonstrated that the independent involvement of loss of function mutations in two loci is likely responsible for this genetic heterogeneity.
Polymorphism of the GHR gene in cattle and relationships with meat production and quality
Authors: Di Stasio L. , Destefanis G. , Brugiapaglia A. , Albera A. , Rolando A. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryGrowth hormone (GH) exerts its effects on growth and metabolism by interacting with a specific receptor (GHR) on the surface of the target cells. Therefore, GHR has been suggested as candidate gene for traits related to meat production in cattle. The aim of the study was to analyse the polymorphism at position 257 in exon 10 of the GHR gene and investigate relationships with 14 in vivo traits and four meat characteristics in Piemontese animals. The biallelic polymorphism already described was detected using a new PCR procedure. The statistical analysis did not show significant gene substitution effects on growth, size and meat conformation traits. As for meat characteristics, a significant gene substitution of GHRA over GHRG was observed for drip losses at day 3, with the allele GHRA associated with higher values. A significant dominance effect was also observed for this trait. Further investigations in other breeds will be useful for better understanding information on the effect of this GHR polymorphism.
Bourdieu's theory of practice and its potential in nursing research
Authors: Rhynas Sarah J. 
Published: March 2005

Aims. This paper seeks to consider the utility of Bourdieu'sTheory of Practicein nursing, and considers specifically its use as a framework for research exploring nurses’ conceptualizations of illness and the patients in their care. Bourdieu's work uses the concepts of field, capital and habitus to explain interactions within the social world. This paper describes these concepts and their relationship with nursing is discussed using dementia care as an example.Background. The work of French scholar Pierre Bourdieu has contributed to debates throughout the social sciences, but has had relatively little attention in the nursing literature. Pierre Bourdieu's work developed against a backdrop of change in the academic world. The emergence of the social sciences and the debate around objective and subjective styles of research were influential in the development of hisTheory of Practice.Discussion. The importance of the conceptualization process is discussed, and the considerable potential influence of conceptualization on patient care is highlighted. Reflexivity is a cornerstone of Bourdieu's work, and is an important feature of nursing research. Examples of health care research using his work as a framework are discussed, and some of the challenges of the approach are outlined.Conclusions. The use of Bourdieu'sTheory of Practiceas a research framework could allow nurse researchers to explore the interactions of nurses with the structures, agents and symbols of illness within the field of care. This work could enhance understanding of how nurses view and react to patients in their care, and promote the development of practice innovations and policy change. The theory may, therefore, have much to offer future nursing research.
Practical inquiry/theory in nursing
Authors: Stevenson Chris 
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper explores a social constructionist, pragmatist approach to inquiry and theory‐building with a view to exploring its relevance for nursing as a practical discipline.Background.  Positivist and postpositivist inquiry approaches in practical disciplines have produced ‘detached’ theories that lack relevance for everyday practice and so sustain the theory–practice gap. Both meta‐ and mid‐range theories tend to see practice as fixed or fixable rather than being enacted in a state of flux.Discussion.  Practical inquiry and theory are described structurally and as co‐dependent processes. The research process is sensitive to the influence of context and consists of construction rather than capture. Practical theory is judged in terms of whether it helps people to ‘go on with’ their lives. Practical inquiry/practical theory is superimposed on a previous nursing study in the field of mental health to illustrate how it can account for the processes of clinical research. In particular, the illustration demonstrates the surrender of researcher objectivity in the interests of collaborative understanding that occurs with practical inquiry/theory. Shared meaning arises as rich constructs of the research situation are developed that point to future possibilities for action for all those engaged in the research process.Conclusion.  Practical inquiry/theory offers the means to conduct cogent, collaborative, developmental research, although further ‘trying out’ is required.
Clonidine as an adjuvant for lidocaine in axillary brachial plexus block in patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: Adnan T. , Elif A. A. , Ayşe K. , Gülnaz A. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  Clonidine is often used as an adjuvant for local anaesthetics in regional anaesthesia; however, its effects on axillary block in chronic renal failure patients have not been investigated. These effects were the focus of this study.Methods:  Twenty‐eight adult chronic renal failure patients (ASA physical status III) scheduled for arteriovenous fistula construction were studied in a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, controlled design. All axillary block procedures were performed by the same anaesthesiologist using the nerve stimulator technique. The control group received 40 ml of lidocaine (10 mg ml−1) combined with 1 ml of saline, and the clonidine group received 40 ml of lidocaine (10 mg ml−1) mixed with 150 µg of clonidine. Characteristics of the patients and the blocks were recorded, in addition to data on the nerves stimulated, intraoperative haemodynamic parameters, and sedative and analgesic requirements.Results:  The onset time for sensory blockade was longer in the clonidine group than in the controls (P = 0.013), and both motor and sensory blocks lasted longer in the clonidine group (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the clonidine group had lower mean arterial pressures, heart rates and higher sedation scores compared to the controls (P < 0.05 for all).Conclusion:  Use of clonidine (150 µg) as adjuvant for lidocaine in axillary blocks for arteriovenous fistula construction in chronic renal failure patients prolongs blockade, decreases both heart rates and blood pressures and provides sedative effects.
Effects of anticoagulant treatment on intestinal ischaemia and reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Olanders K. , Börjesson A. , Zhao X. , Andersson R. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  In recent years it has become increasingly clear that a cross‐talk between the inflammatory response and blood coagulation exists, although many of the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study we investigated the potential anti‐inflammatory properties of two different anticoagulant compounds, i.e. active‐site inactivated FVIIa (FVIIai) and fondaparinux sodium, a selective FXa inhibitor, administered as pretreatment in a model of intestinal I/R in rats.Methods:  Endothelial barrier permeability was assessed using the vascular leakage of radiolabelled human serum albumin, tissue neutrophil sequestration was quantitated by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and plasma levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐2 were examined using an enzyme‐linked‐immuno‐sorbent assay after 40 min of intestinal ischaemia and 6 h of reperfusion in the rat (n = 34). Pretreatment with FVIIai or fondaparinux sodium was administered 90 min before initiation of ischaemia.Results:  Endothelial‐barrier permeability in all examined organs, myeloperoxidase activity in the lungs, and ileum and MIP‐2 levels in plasma increased after intestinal I/R. Pretreatment with FVIIai decreased the endothelial barrier permeability and MPO activity in the ileum, and a tendency towards decreased permeability was also observed in the lungs. Fondaparinux did not affect the endothelial barrier permeability or MPO activity. Both FVIIai and fondaparinux decreased the MIP‐2 levels in plasma after intestinal I/R.Conclusions:  Inhibition of the TF‐FVIIa complex by FVIIai can attenuate inflammatory responses in connection with intestinal I/R‐injury and could represent a potentially important therapeutic strategy for the prevention of organ dysfunction. Potential anti‐inflammatory properties of fondaparinux and other inhibitors of FXa are not excluded and need further investigation.
Reduce the rads: A quality assurance project on reducing unnecessary chest X‐rays in children with asthma
Authors: Buckmaster A , Boon R 
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To quantify and then reduce the number of unnecessary chest X‐rays (CXR) being performed on children presenting with asthma. Methods: A retrospective review of case notes of all children, aged 1–15 years, who presented with asthma and had a CXR performed. The setting was two General Hospitals that see all children presenting to an emergency department in the region. The period of review was before and after the development and implementation of a simple guide for staff, with an education programme, outlining when CXR were deemed unnecessary (known asthmatic, primary diagnosis asthma, improving with treatment, pneumothorax not suspected, and not in Intensive Care Unit). Results: In the 12 months prior to the education programme, 466 children presented with asthma: 260 had a CXR, of which 211 (81.1%) were unnecessary. During the 6 month period following implementation of the programme 197 presented with asthma: 72 had a CXR, of which 56 (78%) were deemed unnecessary. However the percentage of all children presenting with asthma who had an unnecessary CXR fell from 45.3% (211/466) to 28.4% (56/197): P = 0.00005. There was also a decrease in the admission rate from 46% before to 31% after the period of education. Conclusion: This study determined that an unacceptably high rate of unnecessary CXR was being ordered in children presenting to hospital with asthma. It also showed how a clinically and statistically significant reduction in the overall number of CXR could be achieved, through a simple and easy to implement educational programme. Further measures are needed in addition to ongoing education in order to improve on this achievement.
Anterior tongue cancer and the incidence of cervical lymph node metastases with increasing tumour thickness: should elective treatment to the neck be standard practice in all patients?
Authors: Veness Michael J. , Morgan Gary J. , Sathiyaseelan Yasoda , Gebski Val 
Published: March 2005

Background:  There is an increasing risk of cervical lymph node metastases as tumour thickness increases in patients with anterior tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The role of elective neck treatment in early anterior tongue cancer in unclear.Methods:  Patients diagnosed with anterior tongue cancer and treated with glossectomy ± neck dissection were identified. The aim was to document the incidence of pathological lymph node metastases and outcome with increasing tumour thickness. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan−Meier method.Results:  Between 1980 and 2002 99 patients (63 male and 36 female) with anterior tongue SCC were treated at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, and had a documented tumour thickness. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years (23−89 years). Median follow up was 37 months (6−205 months). Sixty‐three patients underwent partial glossectomy and neck dissection. Thirty‐six underwent partial glossectomy only. At the time of presentation 45/63 (71%) were clinically node negative. Using tumour thickness ≤5 mm versus >5 mm the incidence of nodal metastases was 8% versus 51% (P = 0.007). On multivariate analysis pathological nodal involvement and advanced stage both significantly predicted survival. The 2‐year disease‐free survival difference based on tumour thickness (≤5 mm vs >5 mm) was 76% versus 65% (P = 0.47).Conclusions:  Elective treatment to the ipsilateral neck is not indicated in all patients with anterior tongue cancer. However, for patients with a tumour thickness >5 mm it is recommended that they undergo treatment to the ipsilateral neck in the form of a supraomohyoid neck dissection.
A prospective study comparing the analgesic efficacy of levobupivacaine, ropivacaine and bupivacaine in pediatric patients undergoing caudal blockade
Authors: Breschan Christian , Jost Robert , Krumpholz Ruth , Schaumberger Florian , Stettner Haro , Marhofer Peter , Likar Rudolf 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground:  The aim of our study was to compare postoperative analgesic efficacy, analgesic duration and motor blockade of levobupivacaine, ropivacaine and bupivacaine administered caudally in equal concentrations to children undergoing elective minor surgery.Methods:  In the study, 182 children, aged 1–7 years, undergoing either inguinal hernia repair or orchidopexy, were randomly allocated to one of the three groups. They received via a caudal extradural either 1 ml·kg−1 levobupivacaine 0.2% (Group L) or 1 ml·kg−1 ropivacaine 0.2% (Group R) or 1 ml·kg−1 bupivacaine 0.2% (Group B).Results:  No statistically significant difference was noted in age, weight, duration of the operation or level of the caudal block between the groups. The onset of analgesia was significantly later after levobupivacaine. Postoperative pain scoring evaluated with Children's and Infant's Postoperative Pain Scale observational scale showed no statistical difference between groups. Median postoperative analgesia was 5.75 h (SEMed: ± 0.65) in Group L, 5.7 h (SEMed: ± 0.8) in Group R and 5.35 h (SEMed: ± 1.3) in Group B the difference being statistically nonsignificant.Conclusions:  The degree of motor block was significantly less after ropivacaine and levobupivacaine during the first 2 h postoperatively.
Premedication in children: hypnosis versus midazolam
Authors: CALIPEL SÉVERINE , LUCAS‐POLOMENI MARIE‐MADELEINE , WODEY ERIC , ECOFFEY CLAUDE 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground:  The main objectives of premedication in children are to facilitate the separation from the parents, to reduce preoperative anxiety, to smooth the induction of anesthesia and to lower the risk of postoperative behavioral disorders. The most common technique is sedative premedication with midazolam. Hypnosis enables a state of relaxation to be achieved and has never been evaluated as a premedication technique. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of hypnosis on anxiety and perioperative behavioral disorders versus midazolam.Methods:  Fifty children from 2 to 11 years of age were randomized into two groups: group H received hypnosis as premedication; group M were given 0.5 mg·kg−1 midazolam orally, 30 min before surgery. Preoperative anxiety was evaluated using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) score when arriving in the department (T1), when entering the operating room (T2), and when fitting the facemask (T3). Postoperative behavioral disorders were evaluated using the Posthospitalization Behavioral Questionnaire (PHBQ) at days 1, 7 and 14.Results:  The two groups showed no significant difference preoperatively with the PHBQ: (M) 21 (17–25) vs (H) 20 (8–25) and mYPAS score: (M) 28 (23–75) vs (H) 23 (23–78). The number of anxious children was less during induction of anesthesia in the hypnosis group (T3: 39% vs 68%) (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, hypnosis reduced the frequency of behavior disorders approximately by half on day 1 (30% vs 62%) and day 7 (26% vs 59%).Conclusions:  Hypnosis seems effective as premedication in children scheduled for surgery. It alleviates preoperative anxiety, especially during induction of anesthesia and reduces behavioral disorders during the first postoperative week.