bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic Variation of Phakopsora pachyrhizi Isolates on Soybean in the United States from 2006 to 2009
Authors: Twizeyimana M. , Hartman G. L.
Published: August 2011

The introduction of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the cause of soybean rust, into the United States is a classic case of a pathogen introduction that became established in a new geographical region overwintering on a perennial host (kudzu, Pueraria lobata). The objective of our study was to classify the pathogenic variation of P. pachyrhizi isolates collected in the United States, and to determine the spatial and temporal associations. In total, 72 isolates of P. pachyrhizi collected from infected kudzu and soybean leaves in the United States were purified, then established and increased on detached soybean leaves. These isolates were tested for virulence and aggressiveness on a differential set of soybean genotypes that included six genotypes with known resistance genes (Rpp), one resistant genotype without any known characterized resistance gene, and a susceptible genotype. Three pathotypes were identified among the 72 U.S. P. pachyrhizi isolates based on the virulence of these isolates on the genotypes in the differential set. Six aggressiveness groups were established based on sporulating-uredinia production recorded for each isolate on each soybean genotype. All three pathotypes and all six aggressiveness groups were found in isolates collected from the southern region and from both hosts (kudzu or soybean) in 2008. Shannon's index based on the number of pathotypes indicated that isolates from the South region were more diverse (H = 0.83) compared with the isolates collected in other regions. This study establishes a baseline of pathogenic variation of P. pachyrhizi in the United States that can be further compared with variation reported in other regions of the world and in future studies that monitor P. pachyrhizi virulence in association to deployment of rust resistance genes.
Modulation of Aphid Vector Activity byPotato virus Yon In Vitro Potato Plants
Authors: Boquel S. , Delayen C. , Couty A. , Giordanengo P. , Ameline A.
Published: August 2011

The effects of the infection of potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants by the nonpersistent Potato virus Y (PVY) were studied on the host plant colonization behavior of different colonizing (Myzus persicae) and noncolonizing (Aphis fabae, Brevicoryne brassicae, and Sitobion avenae) aphid species. The underlying questions of this study were to know how aphids respond when faced with PVY-infected plants and whether plant infection can modify the aphid behavior involved in PVY spread. Short-range orientation behavior was observed using a dual-choice set-up and aphid feeding behavior was monitored using the electrical penetration graph technique. None of the aphid species discriminated between healthy and PVY-infected plants. Nevertheless, most individuals of M. persicae landed on and probed only in one plant whereas noncolonizing aphid species exhibited interplant movements. Study of the aphid feeding behavior showed that PVY infection essentially modified phloem and xylem ingestion. M. persicae and S. avenae exhibited an increased duration of phloem phases on PVY-infected plants whereas A. fabae showed a decreased duration of phloem phases that benefited from an increased duration of xylem ingestion phases. None of these parameters were changed in B. brassicae. These data present evidence that aphids can respond to plants infected by nonpersistent viruses. Such behavioral modifications are discussed within the context of PVY spread in potato crops.
Estimation of Leaf Wetness Duration Requirements of Foliar Fungal Pathogens with Uncertain Data—An Application to Mycosphaerella nawae
Authors: Makowski D. , Bancal R. , Vicent A.
Published: August 2011

Wetness of the host surface is a critical environmental factor for the development of foliar fungal diseases, but it is difficult to estimate the wetness durations required by pathogens for infection when only few experimental data are available. In this paper, we propose a method to estimate wetness duration requirements of foliar fungal pathogens when precise experimental data are not available. The proposed method is based on approximate Bayesian computation. It only requires lower and upper bounds of wetness duration requirements for one or fewer temperatures. We describe the method, show how to apply it to an infection model, and then present a case study on Mycosphaerella nawae, the causal agent of circular leaf spot of persimmon. In this example, the parameters of a simple infection model were estimated using experimental data found in the literature for the pathogen, and the model was applied to assess the risk in a Spanish area recently affected by the disease. The results showed that the probability of successful infection was higher than 0.5 for 32% of the on-site wetness durations recorded in the affected area. Results obtained with simulated data showed that our method was able to improve the estimation of wetness duration requirement. Given the flexibility of the proposed method, we expect it to become adopted for assessing the risk of introduction of exotic fungal plant pathogens.
Shifting the life-history paradigm: discovery of novel habitat use by hawksbill turtles
Authors: Gaos Alexander R. , Lewison Rebecca L. , Yañez Ingrid L. , Wallace Bryan P. , Liles Michael J. , Nichols Wallace J. , Baquero Andres , Hasbún Carlos R. , Vasquez Mauricio , Urteaga José , Seminoff Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2011

Adult hawksbill turtles (
Eretmochelys imbricata
) are typically described as open-coast, coral reef and hard substrate dwellers. Here, we report new satellite tracking data on female hawksbills from several countries in the eastern Pacific that revealed previously undocumented behaviour for adults of the species. In contrast to patterns of habitat use exhibited by their Caribbean and Indo-Pacific counterparts, eastern Pacific hawksbills generally occupied inshore estuaries, wherein they had strong associations with mangrove saltwater forests. The use of inshore habitats and affinities with mangrove saltwater forests presents a previously unknown life-history paradigm for adult hawksbill turtles and suggests a potentially unique evolutionary trajectory for the species. Our findings highlight the variability in life-history strategies that marine turtles and other wide-ranging marine wildlife may exhibit among ocean regions, and the importance of understanding such disparities from an ecological and management perspective.
Cleaner wrasse mimics inflict higher costs on their models when they are more aggressive towards signal receivers
Authors: Cheney Karen L.
Published: August 2011

Aggressive mimics are predatory species that resemble a ‘model’ species to gain access to food, mating opportunities or transportation at the expense of a signal receiver. Costs to the model may be variable, depending on the strength of the interaction between mimics and signal receivers. In the Indopacific, the bluestriped fangblenny
Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos
mimics juvenile cleaner wrasse
Labroides dimidiatus
. Instead of removing ectoparasites from larger coral reef fish, fangblennies attack fish to feed on scales and body tissue. In this study, juvenile cleaner wrasse suffered significant costs when associated with
P. rhinorhynchos
mimics in terms of reduced cleaning activity. Furthermore, the costs incurred by the model increased with heightened aggression by mimics towards signal receivers. This was apparently because of behavioural changes in signal receivers, as cleaning stations with mimics that attacked frequently were visited less. Variation in the costs incurred by the model may influence mimicry accuracy and avoidance learning by the signal receiver and thus affect the overall success and maintenance of the mimicry system.
Pre-fledgling oxidative damage predicts recruitment in a long-lived bird
Authors: Noguera José Carlos , Kim Sin-Yeon , Velando Alberto
Published: August 2011

Empirical evidence has shown that stressful conditions experienced during development may exert long-term negative effects on life-history traits. Although it has been suggested that oxidative stress has long-term effects, little is known about delayed consequences of oxidative stress experienced early in life in fitness-related traits. Here, we tested whether oxidative stress during development has long-term effects on a life-history trait directly related to fitness in three colonies of European shags
Phalacrocorax aristotelis
. Our results revealed that recruitment probability decreased with oxidative damage during the nestling period; oxidative damage, in turn, was related to the level of antioxidant capacity. Our results suggest a link between oxidative stress during development and survival to adulthood, a key element of population dynamics.
From wrinkles to creases in elastomers: the instability and imperfection-sensitivity of wrinkling
Authors: Cao Yanping , Hutchinson John W.
Published: August 2011

The stability of the wrinkling mode experienced by a compressed half-space of neo-Hookean material is investigated using analytical and numerical methods to study the post-bifurcation behaviour of periodic solutions. It is shown that wrinkling is highly unstable owing to the nonlinear interaction among the multiple modes associated with the critical compressive state. Concomitantly, wrinkling is sensitive to exceedingly small initial imperfections that significantly reduce the compressive strain at which the instability occurs. The study provides insight into the connection between wrinkling and an alternative surface mode, the finite amplitude crease or sulcus. The shape of the critical combination of wrinkling modes has the form of an incipient crease, and a tiny initial imperfection can trigger a wrinkling instability that collapses into a crease.
Replication-incompetent influenza A viruses that stably express a foreign gene
Authors: Ozawa Makoto , Victor Sylvia T. , Taft Andrew S. , Yamada Shinya , Li Chengjun , Hatta Masato , Das Subash C. , Takashita Emi , Kakugawa Satoshi , Maher Eileen A. , Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: September 2011

A biologically contained influenza A virus that stably expresses a foreign gene can be effectively traced, used to generate a novel multivalent vaccine and have its replication easily assessed, all while satisfying safety concerns regarding pathogenicity or reversion. This study generated a PB2-knockout (PB2-KO) influenza virus that harboured the GFP reporter gene in the coding region of its PB2 viral RNA (vRNA). Replication of the PB2-KO virus was restricted to a cell line stably expressing the PB2 protein. The GFP gene-encoding PB2 vRNA was stably incorporated into progeny viruses during replication in PB2-expressing cells. The GFP gene was expressed in virus-infected cells with no evidence of recombination between the recombinant PB2 vRNA and the PB2 protein mRNA. Furthermore, other reporter genes and the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of different virus strains were accommodated by the PB2-KO virus. Finally, the PB2-KO virus was used to establish an improved assay to screen neutralizing antibodies against influenza viruses by using reporter gene expression as an indicator of virus infection rather than by observing cytopathic effect. These results indicate that the PB2-KO virus has the potential to be a valuable tool for basic and applied influenza virus research.
HCF243 Encodes a Chloroplast-Localized Protein Involved in the D1 Protein Stability of the Arabidopsis Photosystem II Complex
Authors: Zhang Dongyuan , Zhou Gongke , Liu Bingbing , Kong Yingzhen , Chen Na , Qiu Qiang , Yin Hongju , An Jiaxing , Zhang Fang , Chen Fan
Published: August 2011

Numerous auxiliary nuclear factors have been identified to be involved in the dynamics of the photosystem II (PSII) complex. In this study, we characterized the high chlorophyll fluorescence243 (hcf243) mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which shows higher chlorophyll fluorescence and is severely deficient in the accumulation of PSII supercomplexes compared with the wild type. The amount of core subunits was greatly decreased, while the outer antenna subunits and other subunits were hardly affected in hcf243. In vivo protein-labeling experiments indicated that the synthesis rate of both D1 and D2 proteins decreased severely in hcf243, whereas no change was found in the rate of other plastid-encoded proteins. Furthermore, the degradation rate of the PSII core subunit D1 protein is higher in hcf243 than in the wild type, and the assembly of PSII is retarded significantly in the hcf243 mutant. HCF243, a nuclear gene, encodes a chloroplast protein that interacts with the D1 protein. HCF243 homologs were identified in angiosperms with one or two copies but were not found in lower plants and prokaryotes. These results suggest that HCF243, which arose after the origin of the higher plants, may act as a cofactor to maintain the stability of D1 protein and to promote the subsequent assembly of the PSII complex.
Biochemical and Genetic Requirements for Function of the Immune Response Regulator BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE1 in Plant Growth, Ethylene Signaling, and PAMP-Triggered Immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Laluk Kristin , Luo Hongli , Chai Maofeng , Dhawan Rahul , Lai Zhibing , Mengiste Tesfaye
Published: August 2011

Arabidopsis  thaliana BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE1 (BIK1) regulates immune responses to a distinct class of pathogens. Here, mechanisms underlying BIK1 function and its interactions with other immune response regulators were determined. We describe BIK1 function as a component of ethylene (ET) signaling and PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) to fungal pathogens. BIK1 in vivo kinase activity increases in response to flagellin peptide (flg22) and the ET precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) but is blocked by inhibition of ET perception. BIK1 induction by flg22, ACC, and pathogens is strictly dependent on EIN3, and the bik1 mutation results in altered expression of ET-regulated genes. BIK1 site-directed mutants were used to determine residues essential for phosphorylation and biological functions in planta, including PTI, ET signaling, and plant growth. Genetic analysis revealed flg22-induced PTI to Botrytis cinerea requires BIK1, EIN2, and HUB1 but not genes involved in salicylate (SA) functions. BIK1-mediated PTI to Pseudomonas syringae is modulated by SA, ET, and jasmonate signaling. The coi1 mutation suppressed several bik1 phenotypes, suggesting that COI1 may act as a repressor of BIK1 function. Thus, common and distinct mechanisms underlying BIK1 function in mediating responses to distinct pathogens are uncovered. In sum, the critical role of BIK1 in plant immune responses hinges upon phosphorylation, its function in ET signaling, and complex interactions with other immune response regulators.
From types to individuals: Hennig’s ontology and the development of phylogenetic systematics
Authors: Hamilton Andrew
Published: September 2011

Contemporary phylogenetic systematics was framed, in part, as a response to a resurgent idealistic morphology in the German‐speaking world in the first half of the 20th century. There were also conceptual and methodological challenges from Anglo‐American researchers who were sceptical about whether a phylogenetic approach to systematics could be made to work. This paper describes these challenges as a way of providing context for some ontological innovations made first by Walter Zimmermann and then by Willi Hennig. The principal argument of this paper is that what has become known as the individuality thesis played a much more important role in the conceptual foundations of Hennig’s version of phylogenetic systematics than has been widely appreciated. Understanding Hennig’s ontology illuminates his responses to objections to phylogenetic systematics from both sides of the Atlantic and sheds substantial light on the extinction part of the dichotomy rule. Although many have taken Hennig’s claim that parent species go extinct at speciation to be an arbitrary and biologically unrealistic rule, extinction of the parent follows directly from the way Hennig understands species and how they are individuated.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2011.
Morphomeristic study of sympatric Barbus species from a man‐made reservoir in upland Kenya
Authors: Osuka Kennedy E. , Mlewa Chrisestom M.
Published: September 2011

The small Barbus are a widely distributed group of freshwater fishes in Africa whose taxonomy is yet to be resolved. This study used morphomeristic analysis of characters to distinguish and describe sympatric Barbus species of Chepkoilel reservoir in upland Kenya. A total of 51 fish were collected in November 2007, and 21 morphometric measurements and nine meristic counts were determined on each specimen. Data were entered in an Excel spreadsheet and exported to the PAST programme for analysis using principal component analysis (PCA). The significance of important characters identified in the PCA was determined using nonparametric Mann–Whitney U tests at α = 0.05. The specimens belonged to three species: Barbus kertenii, B. paludinosus and B. jacksonii. A PCA on their morphometric characters revealed no clear separation of polygons suggesting the species had similar body morphometry. However, a PCA on raw meristics showed complete separation of B. paludinosus and B. jacksonii on the first principal component, which was defined mostly by the number of lateral line scales, branched dorsal rays, branched pectoral rays and branched ventral rays. Our study provides more characters useful for distinguishing the Barbus species in addition to those stated in their respective original species descriptions.
Strategies for improving disability awareness and social inclusion of children and young people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Lindsay S. , McPherson A. C.
Published: September 2011

Background  Children and youth with disabilities are at a higher risk of being socially excluded or bullied while at school compared with their typically developing peers. This study explored disabled children's suggestions for improving social inclusion.

Methods  Fifteen children with cerebral palsy were interviewed or took part in a group discussion about social inclusion and bullying. All interviews and focus groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Results  The children and youth described several strategies to help improve social inclusion at school including: (1) disclosure of condition and creating awareness of disability; (2) awareness of bullying; (3) developing a peer support network and building self‐confidence; and (4) suggestions on what teachers can do.

Conclusions  It is recommended that children's suggestions be considered within the classroom context to enhance the social inclusion and participation of children with disabilities.
Neutralization of mitogenic lectins by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) prevents T cell activation: does IVIg really have a direct effect on T cells?
Authors: Padet L , St-Amour I , Aubin É , Bazin R
Published: September 2011

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used for the treatment of an increasing number of autoimmune diseases. Clinical observations on IVIg-treated patients have revealed a modulation of T cell populations and functions in these patients. In vitro studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of IVIg on T cells led to the conclusion that IVIg directly affected lectin-activated T cell functions. However, more recent studies have suggested the absence of a direct effect of IVIg on T cells. In the present work, we revisited the effect of IVIg on T cells using lectin-stimulated human T cells and showed that IVIg inhibited T cell functions only when added simultaneously with the activating lectin. Further, we showed that IVIg depleted from lectin-reactive IgG was no longer inhibitory, suggesting that the effect of IVIg on T cells was the consequence of lectin neutralization, possibly by interaction with glycans present in F(ab′)2 portion of IgG molecules. Our results challenge the previously widely accepted notion that IVIg exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by acting directly on T cells and suggest that effects of IVIg observed in treated patients are rather a consequence of the recently reported inhibitory effect of IVIg on antigen presentation.
Effects of breast health education conducted by trained breast cancer survivors
Authors: Yi Myungsun , Park Eun Young
Published: August 2011

yi m. & park e.y. (2011) Effects of breast health education conducted by trained breast cancer survivors. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 1100–1110.

Aims.  This article is a report on a study of the effectiveness of breast health education provided by trained breast cancer survivors on knowledge, skills, performance and self‐efficacy.

Background.  Numerous studies have been performed to assess the effects of breast health education provided by health professionals, but few studies have examined the effects of education provided by lay persons, such as breast cancer survivors. This study focused on the role of breast cancer survivors as breast health educators.

Methods.  A pretest and post‐test quasi‐experimental design was used. Trained breast cancer survivors conducted a 60‐minute breast health class that was guided by self‐efficacy theory to young healthy women. The data were collected in 2008 from 22 young healthy women who participated in the class. Self‐report questionnaires were used to measure the breast cancer and breast self‐examinations knowledge, skills, performance and self‐efficacy at pre‐education, and at 1 month and 3 months post‐education.

Results.  The scores on knowledge, skills, performance and self‐efficacy before breast health education were significantly increased after 1 month and 3 months post‐education.

Conclusion.  The results of this study demonstrate that a one‐time breast health class provided by trained breast cancer survivors can be useful in motivating young women to adopt behaviours that help to prevent breast cancer morbidity and mortality.
The quantitative measurement of family quality of life: a review of available instruments
Authors: Hu X. , Summers J. A. , Turnbull A. , Zuna N.
Published: September 2011

Background  Family quality of life (FQOL) has emerged as an important outcome of service delivery for individuals with disabilities and their families. The purpose of this review was to explore the disparity of scale development approaches between families with children with disabilities and families from other populations and identify strengths to serve as a source of recommendations to improve the measurements of FQOL in the disability field.

Method  We conducted a keyword search of 25 databases. Sixteen measurement tools on FQOL, family well‐being and family satisfaction currently used in the disability field, healthcare field and general family studies published in journals from 1980 to 2009 were included in the analysis.

Results  Three themes emerged from the detailed analysis and comparisons of the instruments: (1) description of the primary purpose and theoretical basis; (2) identification of the tool's respondents, domains, response formats and scoring strategies to assess family systems; and (3) summarisation of available psychometric information.

Conclusions  As family researchers continue their mission to conceptualise and theorise about FQOL, they should also promote the refinement of FQOL measurements and consider the implications from family instruments used in the healthcare and general family fields from the following aspects: (1) domains of FQOL; (2) units of analysis; (3) response format; (4) scoring choice; and (5) psychometric evaluation.
The overweight: obesity and plasma lipids in adults with intellectual disability and mental illness
Authors: Gazizova D. , Puri B. K. , Singh I. , Dhaliwal R.
Published: September 2011

Background  Previous studies in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) have reported a higher prevalence of obesity than in the general population, and a trend to an increase in the prevalence of excess weight. However, little information is available on body weight status and lipids levels of adults with ID and co‐existing mental illness. The aim of this study was to address this information gap, by conducting a stepwise multiple regression analysis to predict BMI, thereby allowing the investigation of (semi‐)partial correlations, which assess the extent to which a particular predictor variable is associated with BMI over and above the other predictors.

Methods  A study of the patients with ID and psychiatric illness registered in the service. Collected data included body mass index (BMI), age, gender, the presence of additional physical conditions, residential status, mental illness and use the psychotropic medication. We analysed the lipid profile including serum cholesterol together with low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and the serum cholesterol/HDL ratio. Data for these variables were entered into a stepwise multiple linear regression to predict BMI.

Results  28% of the participants were overweight and 41% obese. Most of the obese patients were men with mild ID (P = 0.039). Level of ID (P = 0.003), gender (P = 0.001) and serum triglycerides (P = 0.026) had significant predictive value in the regression model. There were no significant differences in either the mean serum cholesterol levels or the mean triglyceride levels between those taking and those not taking first‐generation antipsychotics, second‐generation antipsychotics or anti‐epileptic medication.

Conclusions  The rate of obesity in our sample was higher than in previous studies. The most predictive combination of predictors to predict BMI was ID level, gender and serum triglyceride levels. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels did not appear to be unduly affected by first‐ or second‐generation antipsychotic medication or by antiepileptic medication.
Hepatitis B virus suppresses the functional interaction between natural killer cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Shi C. C. , Tjwa E. T. T. L. , Biesta P. J. , Boonstra A. , Xie Q. , Janssen H. L. A. , Woltman A. M.
Published: September 2011

Summary.  Natural killer cells (NK) are one of the key players in the eradication and control of viral infections. Infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) may lead to persistence in a subgroup of patients, and impaired NK cell functions have been observed in these patients. Crosstalk with other immune cells has been shown to modulate the function of NK cells. We studied the functional crosstalk between NK cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) and its modulation by HBV. Healthy human peripheral blood–derived NK cells and pDC were purified and cocultured in the presence or absence of HepG2.2.15‐derived HBV under various in vitro conditions. The functionality of NK cells was assessed by evaluation of activation markers, cytokine production and cytotoxicity of carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester‐labelled K562 target cells by flow cytometry or immunoassays. Additionally, the crosstalk was examined using NK and pDC from patients with chronic HBV. The activation of NK cells in cocultures with pDC, as demonstrated by CD69, CD25 and HLA‐DR, was not affected by the presence of HBV. Similarly, when cocultured with pDC, the cytotoxic potential of NK cells was not influenced by HBV. However, HBV significantly inhibited pDC‐induced IFN‐γ production by NK cells both in the presence and in the absence of CpG. As HBV did not affect cytokine‐induced IFN‐γ production by NK cells cultured alone, the suppressive effect of HBV on NK cell function was mediated via interference with pDC–NK cell interaction. In contrast to other viruses, HBV does not activate pDC–NK cell interaction but inhibits pDC‐induced NK cell function. In parallel with NK cells of patients with chronic HBV, which show diminished cytokine production with normal cytotoxicity, HBV specifically suppressed pDC‐induced IFN‐γ production by NK cells without affecting their cytolytic ability. These data demonstrate that HBV modulates pDC–NK cell crosstalk, which may contribute to HBV persistence.
Bioluminescent imaging of Borrelia burgdorferi in vivo demonstrates that the fibronectin‐binding protein BBK32 is required for optimal infectivity
Authors: Hyde Jenny A. , Weening Eric H. , Chang MiHee , Trzeciakowski Jerome P. , Höök Magnus , Cirillo Jeffrey D. , Skare Jon T.
Published: September 2011

The aetiological agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted via infected Ixodes spp. ticks. Infection, if untreated, results in dissemination to multiple tissues and significant morbidity. Recent developments in bioluminescence technology allow in vivo imaging and quantification of pathogenic organisms during infection. Herein, luciferase‐expressing B. burgdorferi and strains lacking the decorin adhesins DbpA and DbpB, as well as the fibronectin adhesin BBK32, were quantified by bioluminescent imaging to further evaluate their pathogenic potential in infected mice. Quantification of bacterial load was verified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and cultivation. B. burgdorferi lacking DbpA and DbpB were only seen at the 1 h time point post infection, consistent with its low infectivity phenotype. The bbk32 mutant exhibited a significant decrease in its infectious load at day 7 relative to its parent. This effect was most pronounced at lower inocula and imaging correlated well with qPCR data. These data suggest that BBK32‐mediated binding plays an important role in B. burgdorferi colonization. As such, in vivo imaging of bioluminescent Borrelia provides a sensitive means to detect, quantify and temporally characterize borrelial dissemination in a non‐invasive, physiologically relevant environment and, more importantly, demonstrated a quantifiable infectivity defect for the bbk32 mutant.
Multiple Arabidopsis genes primed for recruitment into C4 photosynthesis
Authors: Kajala Kaisa , Brown Naomi J. , Williams Ben P. , Borrill Philippa , Taylor Lucy E. , Hibberd Julian M.
Published: September 2011

C4 photosynthesis occurs in the most productive crops and vegetation on the planet, and has become widespread because it allows increased rates of photosynthesis compared with the ancestral C3 pathway. Leaves of C4 plants typically possess complicated alterations to photosynthesis, such that its reactions are compartmented between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. Despite its complexity, the C4 pathway has arisen independently in 62 separate lineages of land plants, and so represents one of the most striking examples of convergent evolution known. We demonstrate that elements in untranslated regions (UTRs) of multiple genes important for C4 photosynthesis contribute to the metabolic compartmentalization characteristic of a C4 leaf. Either the 5′ or the 3′ UTR is sufficient for cell specificity, indicating that functional redundancy underlies this key aspect of C4 gene expression. Furthermore, we show that orthologous PPDK and CA genes from the C3 plant Arabidopsis thaliana are primed for recruitment into the C4 pathway. Elements sufficient for M‐cell specificity in C4 leaves are also present in both the 5′ and 3′ UTRs of these C3A. thaliana genes. These data indicate functional latency within the UTRs of genes from C3 species that have been recruited into the C4 pathway. The repeated recruitment of pre‐existing cis‐elements in C3 genes may have facilitated the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. These data also highlight the importance of alterations in trans in producing a functional C4 leaf, and so provide insight into both the evolution and molecular basis of this important type of photosynthesis.
Analysis of phenotype and genotype information for the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome
Authors: Sheikhzadeh S , Kade C , Keyser B , Stuhrmann M , Arslan‐Kirchner M , Rybczynski M , Bernhardt AM , Habermann CR , Hillebrand M , Mir T , Robinson PN , Berger J , Detter C , Blankenberg S , Schmidtke J , von Kodolitsch Y
Published: September 2011

Sheikhzadeh S, Kade C, Keyser B, Stuhrmann M, Arslan‐Kirchner M, Rybczynski M, Bernhardt AM, Habermann CR, Hillebrand M, Mir T, Robinson PN, Berger J, Detter C, Blankenberg S, Schmidtke J, von Kodolitsch Y. Analysis of phenotype and genotype information for the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome is considered a clinical diagnosis. Three diagnostic classifications comprising first, Marfan genotype with a causative FBN1 gene mutation; second, Marfan phenotype with clinical criteria of the original Ghent nosology (Ghent‐1); and third, phenotype with clinical criteria of its current revision (Ghent‐2) in 300 consecutive persons referred for confirmation or exclusion of Marfan syndrome (150 men, 150 women aged 35 ± 13 years) were used. Sequencing of TGBR1/2 genes was performed in 128 persons without FBN1 mutation. Marfan genotype was present in 140, Ghent‐1 phenotype in 139, and Ghent‐2 phenotype in 124 of 300 study patients. Marfan syndrome was confirmed in 94 and excluded in 129 persons consistently by all classifications, but classifications were discordant in 77 persons. With combined genotype and phenotype information confirmation of Marfan syndrome was finally achieved in 126 persons by Ghent‐1 and in 125 persons by Ghent‐2 among 140 persons with Marfan genotype, and exclusion was accomplished in 139 persons by Ghent‐1 and in 141 persons by Ghent‐2 among 160 persons without Marfan genotype. In total, genotype information changed final diagnoses in 22 persons with Ghent‐1, and in 32 persons with Ghent‐2. It is concluded that genotype information is essential for diagnosis or exclusion of Marfan syndrome.
Minimal influence of anaesthesia and abdominal surgery on computerized vectorcardiography recordings
Authors: Gannedahl P. , Edner M. , Lindahl S. G. E. , Ljungqvist O.
Published: September 2011

Myocardial infarction still represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality following surgical procedures. Continuous computerized on‐line vector‐ECG has previously been shown to be useful in the detection of myocardial ischaemia, in acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris and for ischaemia monitoring after PTCA procedures. This method was presently tested for the possible influence of anaesthesia and surgery during cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia (n = 9), and during inguinal hernia repairs using a spinal block (n = 5). The patients had no history, symptoms or signs of ischaemic heart disease. Analyses of vectorcardiographic changes were made in relation to predefined standardized anaesthetic and surgical procedures, all of which potentially could influence the vector‐ECG. Three vectorcardiographic trend parameters were studied: QRS‐vector difference, ST‐vector magnitude and ST‐change vector magnitude. The overall vectorcardiographic changes were minimal and smaller than vectorcardiographic changes previously reported during myocardial ischaemia and infarction. Since anaesthetic and surgical procedures per se had only minor effects on the vector ECG recordings, it is concluded that continuous computerized on‐line vectorcardiography will not be skewed by these procedures. Hence, vectorcardiography has the potential of becoming a new monitor for the detection of perioperative myocardial ischaemia.
Clinical efficacy and prognostic factors for overall survival in Japanese patients with metastatic renal cell cancer treated with sunitinib
Authors: Yuasa Takeshi , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Urakami Shinji , Horikawa Yohei , Narita Shintaro , Inoue Takamitsu , Saito Mitsuru , Yamamoto Shinya , Yonese Junji , Fukui Iwao , Nakano Kenji , Takahashi Shunji , Hatake Kiyohiko , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

A randomized prospective phase III clinical trial for systemic treatment‐naïve metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) patients demonstrated the superiority of sunitinib over interferon with an acceptable safety profile. However, a commonly asked question is whether patients with RCC in clinical trials are representative of those with this disease being seen in ordinary clinical practice.

To our knowledge, this is the first report of sunitinib for the Japanese patients with metastatic RCC in ordinary clinical practice. The estimated median PFS and OS in this study were 9.3 and 32.2 months, respectively. The application of the MSKCC model distinctly separated OS curves (P < 0.001), suggesting that MSKCC prognostic factors might be still valid to predict survival in metastatic RCC in the era of molecular targeted therapy.

OBJECTIVES

To report the treatment efficacy and safety profile of sunitinib for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in ordinary clinical practice.

In addition, to investigate the prognostic clinicopathological factors in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study consisted of native Japanese patients with metastatic RCC, comprising 29 pretreated and 34 systemic treatment‐naïve patients.

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by the log‐rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model, respectively.

RESULTS

Estimated median progression‐free survival and overall survival (OS) were 9.3 months (95% confidence interval, CI, 5.0–13.7) and 32.2 months (95% CI, 24.4–40.0), respectively.

Among the patients pretreated before sunitinib, two patients were treated with initialized systemic therapy with sorafenib and the remaining 27 were initialized with interferon‐α.

The OS from the initial systemic therapy of the patients in pretreated groups was 79.6 months (95% CI, 14.6–144.5).

The application of the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center model distinctly separated the OS curves (P < 0.001).

The most common grade 3 adverse events were fatigue (53%), thrombocytopaenia (48%), hand‐foot syndrome (16%), anaemia (20%), hypertension (10%) and leucopaenia (9%), although these events were manageable and reversible.

CONCLUSIONS

Sunitinib has a favourable efficacy/safety profile for Japanese metastatic RCC patients in clinical practice.

The estimated median OS was >2 years with acceptable tolerability.

The median OS from the initial systemic therapy of the pretreated patients was >6 years.

Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center prognostic factors still appear to be valid for predicting survival in metastatic RCC in the era of molecular targeted therapy.
Message design for mobile learning: Learning theories, human cognition and design principles
Authors: Wang Minjuan , Shen Ruimin
Published: September 2011

The demands of an increasingly knowledge‐based society and the dramatic advances in mobile phone technology are combining to spur the growth of mobile learning (mLearning). However, for mLearning to attain its full potential, it is essential to develop pedagogy and instructional design tailored to the needs of this new learning environment. At present, there is a lack of research on message design for mLearning. Towards these ends, this paper explores the principles and processes of message design for mLearning, including the influence of learning and cognitive theories, human–computer interaction principles, devices and methodologies. And it presents a number of practical guidelines for designing instructional messages for mLearning.
Yet Another False Dawn? An Examination of the Liberal Democrats' Performance in the 2010 General Election
Authors: Cutts David
Published: September 2011

Following the first leaders’ debate, the Liberal Democrats poll rating surged and remained high throughout the election campaign. There was an expectation that the party would perform much better than in 2005 and bridge the ‘credibility gap’. The reality proved to be much different. Here we explore the factors that shaped the Liberal Democrat vote in the 2010 election. Using seemingly unrelated regression models, we identify continuity with the past: importance of local election success, first-time incumbency and Liberal Democrat incumbents building a personal vote. We also provide evidence that the Liberal Democrats failed to advance in those new types of area that proved so fruitful in 2005. Using the 2010 BES, we also show that party identification mattered and Clegg proved to be a valuable asset to the party. However, the credibility problem proved once again to be a significant barrier to the party achieving an electoral breakthrough.
Testing the Structural Interpretation of the Price Puzzle with a Cost‐Channel Model*
Authors: Castelnuovo Efrem
Published: September 2011

We estimate a variety of small‐scale new‐Keynesian DSGE models with the cost channel to assess their ability to replicate the ‘price puzzle’, i.e. the inflationary impact of a monetary policy shock typically arising in vector autoregression (VAR) analysis. To correctly identify the monetary policy shock, we distinguish between a standard policy rate shifter and a shock to ‘trend inflation’, i.e. the time‐varying inflation target set by the Fed. Our estimated models predict a negative inflation reaction to a monetary policy tightening. We offer a discussion of the possible sources of mismatch between the VAR evidence and our own.
Regulation and UK Retailing Productivity: Evidence from Microdata
Authors: Haskel Jonathan , Sadun Raffaella
Published: September 2011

We explore the effects of planning regulation on the UK retail sector between 1997 and 2003 using microdata from the UK census. We document a shift to smaller shops following a 1996 regulatory change that increased the costs of opening large stores. Our analysis suggests that total factor productivity (TFP) of multi‐store retail chains fell after the introduction of the reform due to the reduction in store size. Overall, the reduction in store size was associated with TFP of retail chains falling by 0.4% per annum, or 40% of the post‐1995 slowdown in UK retail TFP growth.
Cross‐Cultural Validation of a Measure of Felt Stigma in People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Kock Elizabeth , Molteno Chris , Mfiki Ntathu , Kidd Martin , Ali Afia , King Michael , Strydom Andre
Published: September 2011

Background  One trade‐off for increased independence of adults with intellectual disabilities in developing countries is that they may find themselves more exposed to the negative perceptions held by the general population regarding the mentally ill and disabled. The aim of this study was to adapt and translate a tool to measure felt stigma in people with intellectual disabilities designed in the United Kingdom (UK) to make it culturally viable, and to determine its reliability and validity in the multi‐ethnic and multilingual context of South Africa (SA) and to compare the item responses and factor structures of the tool between the UK and SA.

Methods  We translated the tool into local languages and refined it by conducting focus groups and pilot studies with professionals and adults with intellectual disabilities, after which test–retest reliability, factor analysis and internal consistency were calculated.

Results  Participants were from three different population groups: Afrikaans (n = 71; 37%), English (n = 67; 35%) and Xhosa (n = 53; 28%), who had mild (n = 106; 56%) or moderate intellectual disabilities (n = 85; 44%). 98 (51%) were re‐interviewed. The resulting international version of the perceived stigma measure consisted of 10 questions with good test–retest reliability (κ ranging from 0.41 to 0.59) and a similar factor structure to the UK version, despite including a different set of questions.

Conclusions  There is evidence for the validity of felt stigma ratings reported by adults with intellectual disabilities, despite different cultural and health service contexts.
Persisting mental health problems among AIDS‐orphaned children in South Africa
Authors: Cluver Lucie D. , Orkin Mark , Gardner Frances , Boyes Mark E.
Published: September 2011

Background:  By 2008, 12 million children in sub‐Saharan Africa were orphaned by AIDS. Cross‐sectional studies show psychological problems for AIDS‐orphaned children, but until now no longitudinal study has explored enduring psychological effects of AIDS‐orphanhood in the developing world.

Methods:  A 4‐year longitudinal follow‐up of AIDS‐orphaned children with control groups of other‐orphans and non‐orphans. 1021 children (M = 13.4 years, 50% female, 98% isiXhosa‐speaking) were interviewed in 2005 and followed up in 2009 with 71% retention (49% female, M = 16.9 years), in poor urban South African settlements. Children were interviewed using sociodemographic questionnaires and well‐validated standardised scales for assessing depression, anxiety, and post‐traumatic stress. Data were analysed using mixed‐design ANOVA and backward‐stepping regression.

Results:  AIDS‐orphaned children showed higher depression, anxiety, and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores in both 2005 and 2009 when compared with other‐orphans and non‐orphans. Backward‐stepping regression, controlling for baseline mental health, and sociodemographic cofactors such as age, gender, and type of bereavement, revealed that being AIDS‐orphaned in 2005 was associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD scores in 2009. This was not the case for other‐orphaned or non‐orphaned children. Age interacted with orphan status, such that there was a steep rise in psychological distress in the AIDS‐orphaned group, but no rise with age amongst other‐orphans and non‐orphans.

Conclusions:  Negative mental health outcomes amongst AIDS‐orphaned children are maintained and worsen over a 4‐year period. It is important that psychosocial support programmes are sustained, and focus on youth as well as young children.
The effect of smoking cessation counselling in pregnant women: a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Filion KB , Abenhaim HA , Mottillo S , Joseph L , Gervais A , O’Loughlin J , Paradis G , Pihl R , Pilote L , Rinfret S , Tremblay M , Eisenberg MJ
Published: August 2011

Please cite this paper as: Filion K, Abenhaim H, Mottillo S, Joseph L, Gervais A, O’Loughlin J, Paradis G, Pihl R, Pilote L, Rinfret S, Tremblay M, Eisenberg M. The effect of smoking cessation counselling in pregnant women: a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials. BJOG 2011;118:1422–1428.

Background  Pregnant smokers are often prescribed counselling as part of multicomponent cessation interventions. However, the isolated effect of counselling in this population remains unclear, and individual randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are inconclusive.

Objective  To conduct a meta‐analysis of RCTs examining counselling in pregnant smokers.

Search strategy  We searched the CDC Tobacco Information and Prevention, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO databases for RCTs evaluating smoking cessation counselling.

Selection criteria  We included RCTs conducted in pregnant women in which the effect of counselling could be isolated and those that reported biochemically validated abstinence at 6 or 12 months after the target quit date.

Data collection and analysis  Overall estimates were derived using random effects meta‐analysis models.

Main results  Our search identified eight RCTs (n = 3290 women), all of which examined abstinence at 6 months. The proportion of women that remained abstinent at the end of follow up was modest, ranging from 4 to 24% among those randomised to counselling and from 2 to 21% among control women. The absolute difference in abstinence reached a maximum of only 4%. Summary estimates are inconclusive because of wide confidence intervals, albeit with little evidence to suggest that counselling is efficacious at promoting abstinence (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 0.84–1.40). There was no evidence to suggest that efficacy differed by counselling type.

Conclusions  Available data from RCTs examining the isolated effect of smoking cessation counselling in pregnant women are limited but sufficient to rule out large treatment effects. Future RCTs should examine pharmacological therapies in this population.