bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Participatory Methods to Examine Policy and Women Prisoners’ Health
Authors: Hatton Diane C. , Fisher Anastasia A.
Published: September 2011

This article describes how community-based participatory research (CBPR) led to the discovery of the unintended consequences of jail and prison copayment policy on women prisoners’ health. The article addresses (a) a working definition of participatory research; (b) the importance of research with women prisoners; (c) the origins and development of our work and its grounding in CBPR; (d) issues related to research with prisoners; and (e) recommendations for using participatory methods to bring women prisoners into the discourse about the practices and policies that impact their lives. These methods have the potential to minimize the invisibility of prisoners and their health disparities.
ACOs, PCMHs, and Health Care Reform
Authors: Korda Holly , Eldridge Gloria N.
Published: September 2011

National health reform includes an emphasis on integrated service delivery models including Accountable Care Organizations and Patient-Centered Medical Homes. These value-based models of care delivery may offer opportunities for nursing to advance its patient care and profession. This paper presents four pillars of health care delivery reform–team-based care; cross-team communication, coordination and collaboration; infrastructure and technology; and aligned payment incentives –intended to improve quality of care while reducing cost increases. Opportunities and challenges for nursing are discussed in this context.
Strategies for successful rapid trials of influenza vaccine
Authors: Scheifele David W , Marty Kim , LaJeunesse Carol , Fan Shu Yu , Bjornson Gordean , Langley Joanne M , Halperin Scott A
Published: September 2011

Background In contrast to the gradual pace of conventional vaccine trials, evaluation of influenza vaccines often must be accelerated for use in a pandemic or for annual re-licensure. Descriptions of how best to design studies for rapid completion are few.

Purpose In August, 2010, we conducted a rapid trial with a seasonal influenza vaccine for 2010–2011 given to persons vaccinated with an adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine in 2009, to determine whether re-exposure to the H1N12009 component of the seasonal vaccine would cause increased reactions. We describe the strategies that we believe were responsible for success in meeting the desired timeline.

Methods The key means for expediting the study were: use of a few experienced, well-staffed centers; efficient completion of administrative approvals; advance recruitment of volunteers; synchronized start among centers with rapid completion (≤1 week) of first visits; rapid data assembly via the Internet; and a well-prepared data analysis plan. We chose to use a randomized, blinded, cross-over design to allow estimation of vaccine-attributable adverse event rates, with sufficient power (320 participants) to detect events occurring at true rates ≥1% with ≥90% probability.

Results Planned enrollment numbers, center synchronization, and timelines, including review by a safety board prior to the cross-over step (second doses), were achieved. A detailed safety report was delivered to federal health officials just 32 days after study initiation and was used to fine-tune public messaging prior to the mass vaccination programs across Canada.

Limitations This aggressive timeline could not have been met without opportunities for careful planning and the prior existence of a network of experienced, collaborating trial centers.

Conclusions The means used to accelerate this study timeline were successful and could be used in other urgent situations but the mechanics of collaborative trials must be well rehearsed as a precondition.
The LUCK study: Laxative Usage in patients with GP-diagnosed Constipation in the UK, within the general population and in pregnancy. An epidemiological study using the General Practice Research Database (GPRD)
Authors: Shafe Anna C. E. , Lee Sally , Dalrymple Jamie S. O. , Whorwell Peter J.
Published: September 2011

Background: Despite the high prevalence of constipation and its related public health implications, there is relatively little research available on the condition from large epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of general practitioner (GP)-diagnosed constipation and the prescribing trends for laxatives in the UK, within the general population and during pregnancy.

Methods: A cohort study for the period from 2005 to 2009 was performed using the UK primary care database (General Practice Research Database), which contains information on over 3 million individuals.

Results: The prevalence of GP-diagnosed constipation ranged from 12 per 1000 persons in 2005 (0.012 per person year) to 12.8 per 1000 in 2009 (0.013 per person year). The prevalence was almost twice as high in women as in men, and was higher in older patients. In 2005 the most commonly prescribed laxatives were lactulose (37%), senna (26%), macrogol (19%), ispaghula (6%), docusate sodium (5%), bisacodyl (4%) and glycerol suppositories (2%). By 2009, this pattern had changed: macrogol (31%), lactulose (29%), senna (22%), ispaghula (5%), docusate sodium (6%), bisacodyl (3%) and glycerol suppositories (3%). In pregnancy, lactulose accounted for 81% of laxative use in 2005, falling to 64% by 2009. In contrast, macrogol use in pregnancy rose from 13% in 2005 to 32% in 2009.

Conclusions: GP-diagnosed constipation is common, accounting for a large number of consultations. Laxative prescribing trends have changed over the 5-year study period, prescriptions for macrogol becoming increasingly common and prescriptions for lactulose and senna less common. Macrogol also appears to have been replacing lactulose for treating constipation in pregnant women.
Applying the whole-system settings approach to food within universities
Authors: Doherty Sharon , Cawood Jennie , Dooris Mark
Published: September 2011

Universities represent an important setting for promoting health and well-being – and specifically for developing systems that support healthy and sustainable food procurement and provision. By drawing on the whole-system settings approach and working within the framework offered by Healthy Universities, higher education institutions are in a strong position to address the full range of issues that make up the university ‘foodscape’, thereby promoting health in an integrated and far-reaching way that takes account of the relationships between environments and behaviours, and between staff, students and the wider community. Informed particularly by work in England, this paper uses a healthy settings model to explore and discuss how the Healthy Universities approach can help to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to addressing issues relating to food.
C-terminal domain of MEIS1 converts PKNOX1 (PREP1) into a HOXA9-collaborating oncoprotein
Authors: Bisaillon Richard , Wilhelm Brian T. , Krosl Jana , Sauvageau Guy
Published: September 2011

The three-amino-acid loop extension (TALE) class homeodomain proteins MEIS1 and PKNOX1 (PREP1) share the ability to interact with PBX and HOX family members and bind similar DNA sequences but appear to play opposing roles in tumor development. Elevated levels of MEIS1 accelerate development of HOX- and MLL-induced leukemias, and this pro-tumorigenic property has been associated with transcriptional activity of MEIS1. In contrast, reduction of PKNOX1 levels has been linked with cancer development despite the absence of an identifiable transactivating domain. In this report, we show that a chimeric protein generated by fusion of the MEIS1 C-terminal region encompassing the transactivating domain with the full-length PKNOX1 (PKNOX1-MC) acquired the ability to accelerate the onset of Hoxa9-induced leukemia in the mouse bone marrow transduction/transplantation model. Gene expression profiling of primary bone marrow cells transduced with Hoxa9 plus Meis1, or Hoxa9 plus Pknox1-MC revealed perturbations in overlapping functional gene subsets implicated in DNA packaging, chromosome organization, and in cell cycle regulation. Together, results presented in this report suggest that the C-terminal domain of MEIS1 confers to PKNOX1 an ectopic transactivating function that promotes leukemogenesis by regulating expression of genes involved in chromatin accessibility and cell cycle progression.
Short-term follow-up of chagasic patients after benznidazole treatment using multiple serological markers
Authors: Fernández-Villegas Ana , Pinazo María Jesús , Marañón Concepción , Thomas M Carmen , Posada Elizabeth , Carrilero Bartolomé , Segovia Manuel , Gascon Joaquim , López Manuel C
Published: September 2011

Background

Conventional serological tests, using total soluble proteins or a cocktail of recombinant proteins from T. cruzi as antigens, are highly sensitive for Chagas disease diagnosis. This type of tests, however, does not seem to be reliable tools for short- and medium-term monitoring of the evolution of patients after antiparasitic treatment. The aim of the present study was to search for immunological markers that could be altered in the sera from Chagas disease patients after benznidazole treatment, and therefore have a potential predictive diagnostic value.

Methods

We analyzed the reactivity of sera from chagasic patients during different clinical phases of the disease against a series of immunodominant antigens, known as KMP11, PFR2, HSP70 and Tgp63. The reactivity of the sera from 46 adult Chronic Chagas disease patients living in a non-endemic country without vector transmission of T. cruzi (15 patients in the indeterminate stage, 16 in the cardiomiopathy stage and 16 in the digestive stage) and 22 control sera from non-infected subjects was analyzed. We also analyzed the response dynamics of sera from those patients who had been treated with benznidazole.

Results

Regardless of the stage of the sickness, the sera from chagasic patients reacted against KMP11, HSP70, PFR2 and Tgp63 recombinant proteins with statistical significance relative to the reactivity against the same antigens by the sera from healthy donors, patients with autoimmune diseases or patients suffering from tuberculosis, leprosy or malaria. Shortly after benznidazole treatment, a statistically significant decrease in reactivity against KMP11, HSP70 and PFR2 was observed (six or nine month). It was also observed that, following benznidazole treatment, the differential reactivity against these antigens co-relates with the clinical status of the patients.

Conclusions

The recombinant antigens KMP11, PFR2, Tgp63 and HSP70 are recognized by Chagas disease patients' sera at any clinical stage of the disease. Shortly after benznidazole treatment, a drop in reactivity against three of these antigens is produced in an antigen-specific manner. Most likely, analysis of the reactivity against these recombinant antigens may be useful for monitoring the effectiveness of benznidazole treatment.
Association of HLA-B*5801 allele and allopurinol-induced stevens johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Somkrua Ratchadaporn , Eickman Elizabeth E , Saokaew Surasak , Lohitnavy Manupat , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn
Published: September 2011

Background

Despite some studies suggesting a possible association between human leukocyte antigen, HLA-B*5801 and allopurinol induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), the evidence of association and its magnitude remain inconclusive. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze the association between HLA-B*5801 allele and allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed in databases including MEDLINE, Pre-MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA), CINAHL, PsychInfo, the WHO International, Clinical Trial Registry, and ClinicalTrial.gov from their inceptions to June 2011. Only studies investigating association between HLA-B*5801 with allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN were included. All studies were extracted by two independent authors. The primary analysis was the carrier frequency of HLA-B*5801 comparison between allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN cases and each comparative group. The pooled odds ratios were calculated using a random effect model.

Results

A total of 4 studies with 55 SJS/TEN cases and 678 matched-controls (allopurinol-tolerant control) was identified, while 5 studies with 69 SJS/TEN cases and 3378 population-controls (general population) were found. SJS/TEN cases were found to be significantly associated with HLA-B*5801 allele in both groups of studies with matched-control (OR 96.60, 95%CI 24.49-381.00, p < 0.001) and population-control (OR 79.28, 95%CI 41.51-151.35, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis for Asian and Non-Asian population yielded similar findings.

Conclusion

We found a strong and significant association between HLA-B*5801 and allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN. Therefore, HLA-B*5801 allele screening may be considered in patients who will be treated with allopurinol.
Engineering strategy of yeast metabolism for higher alcohol production
Authors: Matsuda Fumio , Furusawa Chikara , Kondo Takashi , Ishii Jun , Shimizu Hiroshi , Kondo Akihiko
Published: September 2011

Background

While Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a promising host for cost-effective biorefinary processes due to its tolerance to various stresses during fermentation, the metabolically engineered S. cerevisiae strains exhibited rather limited production of higher alcohols than that of Escherichia coli. Since the structure of the central metabolism of S. cerevisiae is distinct from that of E. coli, there might be a problem in the structure of the central metabolism of S. cerevisiae. In this study, the potential production of higher alcohols by S. cerevisiae is compared to that of E. coli by employing metabolic simulation techniques. Based on the simulation results, novel metabolic engineering strategies for improving higher alcohol production by S. cerevisiae were investigated by in silico modifications of the metabolic models of S. cerevisiae.

Results

The metabolic simulations confirmed that the high production of butanols and propanols by the metabolically engineered E. coli strains is derived from the flexible behavior of their central metabolism. Reducing this flexibility by gene deletion is an effective strategy to restrict the metabolic states for producing target alcohols. In contrast, the lower yield using S. cerevisiae originates from the structurally limited flexibility of its central metabolism in which gene deletions severely reduced cell growth.

Conclusions

The metabolic simulation demonstrated that the poor productivity of S. cerevisiae was improved by the introduction of E. coli genes to compensate the structural difference. This suggested that gene supplementation is a promising strategy for the metabolic engineering of S. cerevisiae to produce higher alcohols which should be the next challenge for the synthetic bioengineering of S. cerevisiae for the efficient production of higher alcohols.
A male case of an undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells originating in an indeterminate mucin-producing cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wada Takeyuki , Itano Osamu , Oshima Go , Chiba Naokazu , Ishikawa Hideki , Koyama Yasumasa , Du Wenlin , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: September 2011

We report a rare male case of an undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells originating in an indeterminate mucin-producing cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. A 59-year-old Japanese man with diabetes visited our hospital, complaining of fullness in the upper abdomen. A laboratory analysis revealed anemia (Hemoglobin; 9.7 g/dl) and elevated C-reactive protein (3.01 mg/dl). Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 was 274 U/ml and Carcinoembryonic antigen was 29.6 ng/ml. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a 14-cm cystic mass in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen that appeared to originate from the pancreatic tail. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy/total gastrectomy/cholecystectomy. The mass consisted of a multilocular cystic lesion. Microscopically, the cyst was lined by cuboidal or columnar epithelium, including mucinous epithelium. Sarcomatous mononuclear cells and multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells were found in the stroma. Ovarian-type stroma was not seen. We made a diagnosis of osteoclast-like giant cell tumor originating in an indeterminate mucin-producing cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. All surgical margins were negative, however, two peripancreatic lymph nodes were positive. The patient recovered uneventfully. Two months after the operation, multiple metastases occurred in the liver. He died 4 months after the operation.
Isolated adult hypoganglionosis presenting as sigmoid volvulus: a case report
Authors: Qadir Irfan , Salick Muhammad Musa , Barakzai Abrar , Zafar Hasnain
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Isolated hypoganglionosis is a rare cause of intestinal innervation defects. It is characterized by sparse and small myenteric ganglia, absent or low acetylcholinesterase activity in the lamina propria and hypertrophy of the muscularis mucosae, principally in the region of the colon and rectum. It accounts for 5% of all intestinal neuronal malformations. To the best of our knowledge, only 92 cases of isolated hypoganglionosis were reported from 1978 to 2009. Isolated hypoganglionosis usually manifests as enterocolitis or poor bowel function, and is diagnosed in infancy or childhood. We report the first case of isolated hypoganglionosis presenting with sigmoid volvulus in a 34-year-old woman.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old Asian woman had progressively increasing abdominal pain and had not passed stool or flatus for two days. A physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with sluggish gut sounds. A computerized tomography (CT) scan demonstrated gross dilatation of the sigmoid colon (maximal diameter 14.3 cm) suggestive of sigmoid volvulus. During emergency laparotomy, sigmoidectomy with a side-to-side colorectal anastomosis was performed. Histopathology of the resected specimen showed occasional ganglion cells and hypertrophied nerve bundles in the muscle layers, suggesting hypoganglionosis. Colonoscopy was performed, and multiple full-thickness biopsies were taken that showed hypoganglionosis of the entire large bowel. Our patient underwent total colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis. Subsequently our patient reported a dramatic improvement in her bowel function.

Conclusions

Isolated hypoganglionosis is a rare cause of intestinal dysganglionosis and cannot be differentiated from Hirschsprung's disease based on clinical presentation. This case report describes an atypical presentation of the disease. A definitive diagnosis requires histopathological analysis of full-thickness intestinal biopsies. Treatment should be tailored to the extent of hypoganglionosis.
DNA secondary structure is influenced by genetic variation and alters susceptibility to de novo translocation
Authors: Kato Takema , Inagaki Hidehito , Tong Maoqing , Kogo Hiroshi , Ohye Tamae , Yamada Kouji , Tsutsumi Makiko , Emanuel Beverly S , Kurahashi Hiroki
Published: September 2011

Background

Cumulative evidence suggests that DNA secondary structures impact DNA replication, transcription and genomic rearrangements. One of the best studied examples is the recurrent constitutional t(11;22) in humans that is mediated by potentially cruciform-forming sequences at the breakpoints, palindromic AT-rich repeats (PATRRs). We previously demonstrated that polymorphisms of PATRR sequences affect the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s in sperm samples from normal healthy males. These studies were designed to determine whether PATRR polymorphisms affect DNA secondary structure, thus leading to variation in translocation frequency.

Methods

We studied the potential for DNA cruciform formation for several PATRR11 polymorphic alleles using mobility shift analysis in gel electrophoresis as well as by direct visualization of the DNA by atomic force microscopy. The structural data for various alleles were compared with the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s the allele produced.

Results

The data indicate that the propensity for DNA cruciform structure of each polymorphic allele correlates with the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s produced (r = 0.77, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Although indirect, our results strongly suggest that the PATRR adopts unstable cruciform structures during spermatogenesis that act as translocation hotspots in humans.
Dynamic localization of C. elegans TPR-GoLoco proteins mediates mitotic spindle orientation by extrinsic signaling
Authors: Werts Adam D. , Roh-Johnson Minna , Goldstein Bob
Published: September 2011

Cell divisions are sometimes oriented by extrinsic signals, by mechanisms that are poorly understood. Proteins containing TPR and GoLoco-domains (C. elegans GPR-1/2, Drosophila Pins, vertebrate LGN and AGS3) are candidates for mediating mitotic spindle orientation by extrinsic signals, but the mechanisms by which TPR-GoLoco proteins may localize in response to extrinsic cues are not well defined. The C. elegans TPR-GoLoco protein pair GPR-1/2 is enriched at a site of contact between two cells – the endomesodermal precursor EMS and the germline precursor P2 – and both cells align their divisions toward this shared cell-cell contact. To determine whether GPR-1/2 is enriched at this site within both cells, we generated mosaic embryos with GPR-1/2 bearing a different fluorescent tag in different cells. We were surprised to find that GPR-1/2 distribution is symmetric in EMS, where GPR-1/2 had been proposed to function as an asymmetric cue for spindle orientation. Instead, GPR-1/2 is asymmetrically distributed only in P2. We demonstrate a role for normal GPR-1/2 localization in P2 division orientation. We show that MES-1/Src signaling plays an instructive role in P2 for asymmetric GPR-1/2 localization and normal spindle orientation. We ruled out a model in which signaling localizes GPR-1/2 by locally inhibiting LET-99, a GPR-1/2 antagonist. Instead, asymmetric GPR-1/2 distribution is established by destabilization at one cell contact, diffusion, and trapping at another cell contact. Once the mitotic spindle of P2 is oriented normally, microtubule-dependent removal of GPR-1/2 prevented excess accumulation, in an apparent negative-feedback loop. These results highlight the role of dynamic TPR-GoLoco protein localization as a key mediator of mitotic spindle alignment in response to instructive, external cues.
Are some kidneys better than others? Clinical goals and the challenging ethical landscape
Authors: Thiruchelvam Paul T R , Papalois Vassilios E
Published: September 2011

The increasing shortage of donor kidneys available for transplantation combined with an ageing population has resulted in the use of expanded-criteria donor (ECD) kidneys. These kidneys are associated with an increased risk of delayed graft function, acute rejection and reduced graft survival. This paper will cover the use of ECDs and the presentation of risk to patients receiving these organs.
Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: a review and single case cadaveric study
Authors: Collis Julie
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) causes sensory and motor dysfunction of the ulnar nerve and can lead to permanent loss of hand function. Hand therapists frequently encounter this pathology and are required to be cognisant of symptoms, diagnosis, therapeutic and surgical management. A detailed understanding of the anatomical structures will give the therapist greater expertise in managing this pathology.

Methods

A single case cadaveric study was undertaken to investigate known sites of ulnar nerve compression and observe the mechanisms by which compression occurs. A literature review reports on knowledge relating to the pathology, diagnosis, therapeutic and surgical management of UNE.

Results

Anatomic structures compressing the ulnar nerve are the Arcade of Struthers, the medial intermuscular septum, the cubital tunnel and the deep flexor aponeurosis. UNE is attributable to mechanical compression from fibrous and bony structures at these sites and to traction on the ulnar nerve from elbow flexion. Provocative tests are a useful tool in the diagnosis of UNE but should be used cautiously due to limitations in statistical accuracy. Conservative treatment approaches of splintage, ergonomic adaptations, education and neural mobilizations lack high-quality evidence but may have benefit primarily for early or mild to moderate disease. There is some evidence in support of conservative management in longer standing disease.

Discussion

Therapists play an important role in the diagnosis and management of UNE and should have a sound understanding of the relevant anatomy, pathology, diagnosis and treatment. Conservative treatment may be efficacious for UNE but lacks evidence from randomized, controlled trials. Further research is needed to verify current precepts and traditional approaches.
Validation of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions
Authors: Kus Sandra , Dereskewitz Caroline , Wickert Maryam , Schwab Martina , Eisenschenk Andreas , Steen Michael , Rudolf Klaus-Dieter
Published: September 2011

Introduction

The Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions has been developed as a tool to describe functioning in individuals with hand conditions. The purpose of this study was to validate the ICF Core Set in a multicentre study in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional multicentre study involving individuals with various types of hand injuries or disorders from hand trauma units and rehabilitation facilities in Germany. We performed structured patient interviews using the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions to investigate whether all of its categories are necessary to describe patients' functioning. Patients additionally completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH).

Results

The study sample comprised 260 individuals (65% men) with a mean age of 46 years. Participants had a mean DASH score of 42.7 (22.25 SD) and a median time since injury or diagnosis of 106 days. Most frequent diagnoses were fractures at forearm, wrist and hand level. We identified patients' problems in all ICF categories of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions with a prevalence of at least 10%. Two ICF categories were perceived as missing: ‘b4352 – functions of lymphatic vessels’ and ‘b298 – sensory functions and pain, other specified – neuralgia in upper extremity’.

Discussion

The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions has been validated in this national multicentre study. All of its categories could thereby be confirmed. Further validation is needed, involving different study samples in different countries worldwide.
Measuring clinically important change with the Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation
Authors: Poltawski Leon , Watson Tim
Published: September 2011

Introduction

The Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) enables quantitative rating by the patient of pain and functional impairment associated with tennis elbow or lateral elbow tendinopathy. When used as an outcome measure in trials of therapies, a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) value is required to interpret trial outcomes. This study aimed to calculate the MCID for a sample of patients diagnosed with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET).

Methods

The PRTEE was used as an outcome measure with participants in a trial of a novel therapy for LET. It was administered at baseline and after treatment, three weeks later. Score changes were compared with patient-rated global change scores using receiver operating curve analysis. MCID values were calculated for two different criteria of clinically important difference and the effects of baseline symptom severity on the MCID were investigated.

Results

Data were available from 57 participants, with PRTEE scores in the range 13–81/100. For clinical significance defined as ‘a little better’ the MCID for the total PRTEE score was 7/100 or 22% of baseline score. For clinical significance defined as ‘much better’ or ‘completely recovered’, the MCID was 11/100 or 37% of baseline score. The MCID value was higher for a subgroup with greater baseline severity.

Conclusions

Substantial changes in the PRTEE scores are required before they can be considered clinically significant. Clinically significant change varies according to the baseline score. The instrument may be less sensitive to change when used by people who are symptomatic in their non-dominant arm.
Use of ultrasound biomicroscopy to evaluate induced ovarian follicular growth and ovulation in mice
Authors: Campos-Junior Paulo H A , Silva Cristina A , Grazia Joao G V , Soares Milena B P , Santos Ricardo R , Viana Joao H M
Published: September 2011

Recent advances in image technology, including significant gains in spatial resolution, have made realtime sequential ovarian evaluations possible in small rodents, allowing longitudinal (continued) studies of the ovarian cycle and reducing the required number of experimental animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate exogenous stimulated follicular growth in mice using high-resolution ultrasound technology. Female mice ( n = 15) received a 5 IU intraperitoneal injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 48 h later a 5 IU injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and were allowed to mate thereafter. In experiment 1, animals ( n = 7) were evaluated every 6 h, from 3 to 51 h after eCG injection, with an ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) equipped with a realtime 45 MHz microvisualization probe (RMV 707b). The ovaries were identified and follicular population quantified, and follicles were classified according to the diameter as small (≤449 μm) or large (≥450 μm). A significant change in the distribution of follicle population according to category was observed only 45 h after eCG injection ( P < 0.05). In experiment 2, animals ( n = 8) were evaluated every 2 h, from 2 h to 10 h after hCG treatment. The largest follicles reached a maximum size (596.7 ± 106.0 μxm) 5.8 ± 2.3 h after hCG injection. As expected, the population of large follicles decreased thereafter, indicating the progress of ovulations, but large follicles were still detected late after treatment (10.1 ± 1.1 h). In conclusion, UBM can be used to evaluate follicle dynamics in superstimulated mice (C57BL/6 and BALB/c); significant changes in follicle distribution only occur at later stages after eCG stimulation; and hCG-induced ovulations may not occur synchronously in mice.
Behavioural conditionality: why the nudges must be stopped – an opinion piece
Authors: Standing Guy
Published: September 2011

The use of behavioural conditionality has spread globally and is linked to the growth of behavioural economics and libertarian paternalism. This comment questions the ethics and effectiveness of this powerful trend and considers the alternative of moving towards universalism and unconditionality.
Top-down or bottom-up: the real choice for public services?
Authors: Dodds Anneliese , Paskins Dan
Published: September 2011

This article considers two contrasting approaches to reforming public services in order to meet the needs of people living in poverty. The first approach is top-down, involves categorising individuals (as ‘hard to help’, ‘at risk’, etc) and invokes scientific backing for justification. The second approach is bottom-up, emancipatory, relates to people as individuals and treats people who have experience of poverty and social exclusion as experts. The article examines each approach through providing brief examples in the fields of unemployment and parenting policy – two fields that have been central to theories of ‘cycles of deprivation’. It is suggested here that the two approaches differ in terms of their scale, type of user involvement and type of evidence that is used for their legitimation. While the article suggests that direct comparison between the two approaches is difficult, it highlights the prevalence of top-down approaches towards services for people living in poverty, despite increasing support for bottom-up approaches in other policy areas.
The costs of a child in a low-income household
Authors: Oldfield Nina , Bradshaw Jonathan
Published: September 2011

This paper considers the extent to which the United Kingdom (UK) 2010 social security system meets the costs of a child in a low-income household. The costs of a child are derived from a loneparent and two-parent family budget standard (minimum income standard). The items in the child’s basket of goods and services include food, clothing, household goods and services, personal care, transport and cultural and social participation necessities. The costs vary by age and according to whether childcare costs are included. Excluding childcare costs, the cost of a child increases with age, varying between £77 per week for 0- to one-year-olds to £116 per week for a secondary school child. There are some economies of scale for families with more than one child. These estimates are used to assess the modified Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) equivalence scale and the adequacy of the contribution of the state in child benefits and child tax credits. The state contributes only part of the total costs of a child in low-income families, which means that these costs may have to be met out of the adult benefits.
Voluntary organisations and the recession
Authors: Wilding Karl
Published: September 2011

The global recession has shaken the confidence of and prospects for the UK voluntary and community sector. Although the sector has benefited from a long period of sustained investment matched by public and political support, the ability of organisations to plan for and adjust to the new economic reality is still hampered by a limited evidence base. Looking forward, managing relationships with government in a period of substantive public expenditure cuts is likely to be the biggest test of the sector’s ability to survive, and even thrive, in a recession.
Exploring the relationship between the voluntary sector and the state in criminal justice
Authors: Mills Alice , Meek Rosie , Gojkovic Dina
Published: September 2011

Voluntary sector organisations (VSOs) have a long history of engagement with offenders. Recent policy developments have aimed to increase their participation in the criminal justice system, leading to considerable speculation about the impact on the sector's independence and ethos. This paper draws on qualitative interviews with stakeholders in the voluntary sector and criminal justice fields to explore the effects of such developments on the relationship between the sector and the state, including the implications of opening the criminal justice market to VSOs, gaps between the rhetoric and reality of commissioning, and the potential loss of the sector's distinctiveness and critical voice.
Changes in ECG pattern with advancing age
Authors: Khane Rupali Sachin , Surdi Anil D. , Bhatkar Rajamati Shakar
Published: September 2011

Background: The rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease with advancing age can be attributed to the cumulative effect of the normal aging process and cardiovascular risk factor. Another factor to consider is the changing age structure of the population. The normal aging process is associated with extensive changes throughout the cardiovascular system that influence the epidemiology, clinical features, response to therapy and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases in older adults. Thus, there is a need for evaluation of cardiac status of the elderly population.

Methods: The resting electrocardiogram (ECG) permits us to suspect or diagnose a large number of cardiac disorders. As a non-invasive, less expensive and simple technique, the ECG can be even more useful in developing countries, such as India where resources are limited and cardiovascular diseases are rapidly emerging as a major health problem. The present study was carried out in 400 apparently healthy asymptomatic subjects (age range: 45–74 years) selected from the general population of Solapur city. All these subjects were screened for prevalence of various ECG abnormalities in relation to age by recording resting 12-lead electrocardiogram. ECGs were coded and classified as abnormal, according to the Minnesota code system.

Results: This study has outlined the overall relationship between the electrocardiographic abnormalities and advancing age. Indeed, the close parallel relationship between the incidence of abnormal ECG and advancing age found in our study suggests that the ECG can be a highly reliable indicator of heart disease even in sixth or seventh decades when the validity of other parameters, such as history or symptoms is often diminished.

Conclusions: In summary, the ECG in apparently healthy asymptomatic subjects identifies subgroups at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the resting ECG is an office-based test capable of identifying symptomless heart disease and determining which patient should be referred for further non-invasive testing or cardiac catheterization.
Photodecarbonylation of Diphenylcyclopropenone – a Direct Pathway to Electronically Excited Diphenylacetylene?
Authors: Vennekate Hendrik
Published: September 2011

A comparison of combined IR and UV/Vis pump-probe measurements of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) and diphenylacetylene (DPA) provides clear evidence that the photodecarbonylation of DPCP following excitation to its S
2-state proceeds non-adiabatically to the electronic ground state of DPA. It is shown that transient absorption of electronically excited DPA is caused exclusively by photoexcitation of ground state DPA generated by preceding DPCP photodecarbonylation.
Influence of bone remodelling rate on quantitative ultrasound parameters at the calcaneus and DXA BMDa of the hip and spine in middle-aged and elderly European men: the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS)
Authors: Boonen Steven , Pye Stephen R , O'Neill Terence W , Szulc Pawel , Gielen Evelien , Borghs Herman , Verschueren Sabine , Claessens Frank , Adams Judith E , Ward Kate A , Bartfai Gyorgy , Casanueva Felipe , Finn Joseph D , Forti Gianni , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T , Kula Krzysztof , Labrie Fernand , Lean Michael E J , Pendleton Neil , Punab Margus , Silman Alan J , Tajar Abdelouahid , Wu Frederick C W , Vanderschueren Dirk , _ _
Published: September 2011

Objective

To assess the influence of sex hormones on markers of bone turnover and to explore the association between these markers and bone health in middle-aged and elderly European men.

Design

A cross-sectional population-based survey.

Methods

Men aged 40–79 years were recruited from population registers in eight European centres. Subjects completed a postal questionnaire which included questions concerning lifestyle and were invited to undergo quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus and to provide a fasting blood sample from which the bone markers serum N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) and crosslinks (β C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide (β-cTX)), total testosterone, total oestradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) were measured. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and lumbar spine was performed in two centres.

Results

A total of 3120, mean age 59.9 years (s.d.=11.0) were included. After adjustment for centre, age, height, weight, lifestyle factors, season and other hormones, total and free E2were negatively associated with β-cTX but not P1NP while SHBG, IGF1 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were positively associated with both β-cTX and P1NP. Total or free testosterone was not independently associated with either bone marker. After the same adjustments, higher levels of both bone markers were significantly associated with lower QUS parameters and lower DXA-assessed bone density at the total hip and lumbar spine.

Conclusions

E2, SHBG, IGF1 and PTH contribute significantly to the regulation/rate of bone turnover in middle-aged and older European men. Higher rates of bone remodelling are negatively associated with male bone health.
Genetic Architecture of Male Sterility and Segregation Distortion in Drosophila pseudoobscura Bogota–USA Hybrids
Authors: Phadnis Nitin
Published: September 2011

Understanding the genetic basis of reproductive isolation between recently diverged species is a central problem in evolutionary genetics. Here, I present analyses of the genetic architecture underlying hybrid male sterility and segregation distortion between the Bogota and USA subspecies of Drosophila pseudoobscura. Previously, a single gene, Overdrive (Ovd), was shown to be necessary but not sufficient for both male sterility and segregation distortion in F1 hybrids between these subspecies, requiring several interacting partner loci for full manifestation of hybrid phenomena. I map these partner loci separately on the Bogota X chromosome and USA autosomes using a combination of different mapping strategies. I find that hybrid sterility involves a single hybrid incompatibility of at least seven interacting partner genes that includes three large-effect loci. Segregation distortion involves three loci on the Bogota X chromosome and one locus on the autosomes. The genetic bases of hybrid sterility and segregation distortion are at least partially—but not completely—overlapping. My results lay the foundation for fine-mapping experiments to identify the complete set of genes that interact with Overdrive. While individual genes that cause hybrid sterility or inviability have been identified in a few cases, my analysis provides a comprehensive look at the genetic architecture of all components of a hybrid incompatibility underlying F1 hybrid sterility. Such an analysis would likely be unfeasible for most species pairs due to their divergence time and emphasizes the importance of young species pairs such as the D. pseudoobscura subspecies studied here.
Genomically Biased Accumulation of Seed Storage Proteins in Allopolyploid Cotton
Authors: Hu Guanjing , Houston Norma L , Pathak Dharminder , Schmidt Linnea , Thelen Jay J , Wendel Jonathan F
Published: September 2011

Allopolyploidy is an important process during plant evolution that results in the reunion of two divergent genomes into a common nucleus. Many of the immediate as well as longer-term genomic and epigenetic responses to polyploidy have become appreciated. To investigate the modifications of gene expression at the proteome level caused by allopolyploid formation, we conducted a comparative analysis of cotton seed proteomes from the allopolyploid Gossypium hirsutum (AD genome) and its model A-genome and D-genome diploid progenitors. An unexpectedly high level of divergence among the three proteomes was found, with about one-third of all protein forms being genome specific. Comparative analysis showed that there is a higher degree of proteomic similarity between the allopolyploid and its D-genome donor than its A-genome donor, reflecting a biased accumulation of seed proteins in the allopolyploid. Protein identification and genetic characterization of high-abundance proteins revealed that two classes of seed storage proteins, vicilins and legumins, compose the major component of cotton seed proteomes. Analyses further indicate differential regulation or modification of homoeologous gene products, as well as novel patterns in the polyploid proteome that may result from the interaction between homoeologous gene products. Our findings demonstrate that genomic merger and doubling have consequences that extend beyond the transcriptome into the realm of the proteome and that unequal expression of proteins from diploid parental genomes may occur in allopolyploids.
Distinguishing Driver and Passenger Mutations in an Evolutionary History Categorized by Interference
Authors: Illingworth Christopher J R , Mustonen Ville
Published: September 2011

In many biological scenarios, from the development of drug resistance in pathogens to the progression of healthy cells toward cancer, quantifying the selection acting on observed mutations is a central question. One difficulty in answering this question is the complexity of the background upon which mutations can arise, with multiple potential interactions between genetic loci. We here present a method for discerning selection from a population history that accounts for interference between mutations. Given sequences sampled from multiple time points in the history of a population, we infer selection at each locus by maximizing a likelihood function derived from a multilocus evolution model. We apply the method to the question of distinguishing between loci where new mutations are under positive selection (drivers) and loci that emit neutral mutations (passengers) in a Wright–Fisher model of evolution. Relative to an otherwise equivalent method in which the genetic background of mutations was ignored, our method inferred selection coefficients more accurately for both driver mutations evolving under clonal interference and passenger mutations reaching fixation in the population through genetic drift or hitchhiking. In a population history recorded by 750 sets of sequences of 100 individuals taken at intervals of 100 generations, a set of 50 loci were divided into drivers and passengers with a mean accuracy of >0.95 across a range of numbers of driver loci. The potential application of our model, either in full or in part, to a range of biological systems, is discussed.
Buccal Bone Plate Remodeling After Immediate Implant Placement With and Without Synthetic Bone Grafting and Flapless Surgery: Radiographic Study in Dogs
Authors: Novaes Arthur B. , Suaid Flávia , Queiroz Adriana C. , Muglia Valdir A. , Souza Sérgio L. S. , Palioto Daniela B. , Taba Jr Mário , Grisi Márcio F. M.
Published: September 2011

Recent studies in animals have shown pronounced resorption of the buccal bone plate after immediate implantation. The use of flapless surgical procedures prior to the installation of immediate implants, as well as the use of synthetic bone graft in the gaps represent viable alternatives to minimize buccal bone resorption and to favor osseointegration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing of the buccal bone plate following immediate implantation using the flapless approach, and to compare this process with sites in which a synthetic bone graft was or was not inserted into the gap between the implant and the buccal bone plate. Lower bicuspids from 8 dogs were bilaterally extracted without the use of flaps, and 4 implants were installed in the alveoli in each side of the mandible and were positioned 2.0 mm from the buccal bone plate (gap). Four groups were devised: 2.0-mm subcrestal implants (3.3 × 8 mm) using bone grafts (SCTG), 2.0-mm subcrestal implants without bone grafts (SCCG), equicrestal implants (3.3 × 10 mm) with bone grafts (ECTG), and equicrestal implants without bone grafts (ECCG). One week following the surgical procedures, metallic prostheses were installed, and within 12 weeks the dogs were sacrificed. The blocks containing the individual implants were turned sideways, and radiographic imaging was obtained to analyze the remodeling of the buccal bone plate. In the analysis of the resulting distance between the implant shoulder and the bone crest, statistically significant differences were found in the SCTG when compared to the ECTG (P = .02) and ECCG (P = .03). For mean value comparison of the resulting linear distance between the implant surface and the buccal plate, no statistically significant difference was found among all groups (P > .05). The same result was observed in the parameter for presence or absence of tissue formation between the implant surface and buccal plate. Equicrestally placed implants, in this methodology, presented little or no loss of the buccal bone. The subcrestally positioned implants presented loss of buccal bone, even though synthetic bone graft was used. The buccal bone, however, was always coronal to the implant shoulder.