bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with the resilience of school‐aged children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Im Yeo Jin , Kim Dong Hee
Published: July 2011

Aim.  To identify the factors associated with the resilience of school‐aged children with atopic dermatitis.

Background.  Atopic dermatitis, a common chronic skin condition in childhood with an increasing incidence rate, can impose many challenges to children and their families.

Design.  Survey.

Methods.  The participants were 102 children, 7–15 years old, who were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis at least six months prior to data collection. The instruments used were a self‐report questionnaire on the resilience of children suffering a chronic illness, the Childrearing Behavior Questionnaire to examine parenting practices and the Personal Relationship Measurement to evaluate relationships with friends and teachers. Descriptive, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to analyse the data.

Results.  There was statistically significant relationship between resilience and duration of illness (r = −0·312, p < 0·05), disease severity (r = −0·325, p < 0·05), the warmth‐acceptance of mothers (r = 0·384, p < 0·01) and fathers (r = 0·363, p < 0·01) and relationship with friends (r = 0·343, p < 0·01) and teachers (r = 0·349, p < 0·01). There was no significant relationship between resilience and age, academic achievement, economic status, mother’s age and education, parental rejection–restriction and permissiveness non‐intervention variables. In multiple regression analysis, duration of illness (β = −0·392, p < 0·01) and relationships with friends (β = 0·300, p < 0·01) were identified as significant variables affecting resilience.

Conclusions.  School‐aged children with atopic dermatitis who reported a shorter duration of illness, lower severity score and better relationships with parents, friends and teachers showed a higher resilience score than their counterparts. A comprehensive intervention programme for children with atopic dermatitis to promote the development of positive relationships with parents, friends and teachers is recommended.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The careful nursing intervention to build a positive relationship with parents, friends and teachers would be helpful to enhance the resilience of school‐aged children having atopic dermatitis. Considering social context of school‐aged children having chronic skin condition should be enclosed to set a nursing plan.
‘They are marvellous with you whilst you are in but the aftercare is rubbish’: a grounded theory study of patients’ and their carers’ experiences after discharge following day surgery
Authors: Mottram Anne
Published: July 2011

Aims and objectives.  To explore patients’ experiences following discharge from the day surgery unit.

Background.  The shape of twenty‐first surgical care is changing. Due to political drivers, the self‐care ethos and cost containment as well as technological advances, surgery, which previously required a lengthy hospital stay can now be performed in a day. Care that was previously performed by nurses is now transferred to the patient and their carer.

Design.  A Glaserian grounded theory methodology was used.

Methodology.  A semi‐structured interview took place by telephone on two occasions following discharge from 2004–2006. One hundred and forty‐five patients and their carers were recruited from two day surgery units in the UK. Analysis took place by constant comparisons of interview data, line by line analysis and referral to field notes and memos until core categories emerged.

Results.  Three major themes emerged from this study: the difficulties patients encountered in caring for themselves or their loved ones; the desire for obtaining professional support once they were discharged home; and nostalgia for past times.

Conclusion.  This study adds new insights to the discharge experiences of day surgery patients. Discharge planning should be started at the pre‐assessment stage of the day surgery process and should be a joint venture between community staff, patients and day surgery nurses. More information should be given concerning community services available to the patients and educational programmes need to be developed to address the changing nature of surgical care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Raising awareness of the problems patients may experience following discharge from day surgery may encourage a more pro‐active attitude towards planning discharge services by a combined approach from day surgery nurses and community (district) nurses.
Specialization of a fungal pathogen on host tree species in a cross‐inoculation experiment
Authors: Konno Miki , Iwamoto Susumu , Seiwa Kenji
Published: July 2011

1. In forest communities, the Janzen–Connell (J–C) model proposes that species diversity is maintained by noncompetitive distance‐ or density‐dependent seedling mortality caused by host‐specific natural enemies. Host specificity, however, has not been fully elucidated.

2. We conducted a cross‐inoculation experiment to evaluate the host specificity of a pathogenic fungus, Colletotrichum anthrisci. The fungus was isolated from seedlings of four tree species (Prunus grayana, Fraxinus lanuginosa, Cornus controversa and Magnolia obovata), all of which were killed by damping‐off disease beneath conspecific adults. Each fungal isolate was then inoculated into seedlings of P. grayana and F. lanuginosa. Molecular identification [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences] also confirmed that all isolates (strains) showed 99–100% similarity with C. anthrisci, irrespective of their origin.

3. In both P. grayana and F. lanuginosa seedlings, all isolates of the pathogen caused damage, irrespective of origin, but the damage was more severe with the isolate from conspecifics rather than from any of the three heterospecifics.

4. In response to infection, callose papillae were deposited on the inner side of the leaf cell wall of seedlings in P. grayana; then, circular abscission layers formed between two layers of leaf cells surrounding the locus of infection. The central area of the infection was completely cut off from the rest of the leaf. In F. lanuginosa, infected leaves of seedlings were shed immediately after inoculation. This defensive behaviour, which may prevent further pathogen invasion, was more frequent in seedlings inoculated with isolates from conspecifics than from heterospecifics in both species.

5. Synthesis. Although the pathogenic fungus C. anthrisci is ubiquitous and attacks a wide range of host species, virulence was much stronger for strains derived from conspecifics rather than from heterospecifics, suggesting local adaptation and development of host specificity. If host specificity is common for several pathogens within a microbial community in a given area occupied by an adult, and the trait is also common for multiple tree species co‐occurring within a forest community, the J–C model would be applicable to explain tree species diversity.
Incidence of class 1 integron and other antibiotic resistance determinants in Aeromonas spp. from rainbow trout farms in Australia
Authors: Ndi O L , Barton M D
Published: July 2011

There is limited information on antibiotic resistance determinants present in bacteria of aquaculture origin in Australia. The presence of integron and other resistance determinants was investigated in 90 Aeromonas isolates derived from nine freshwater trout farms in Victoria (Australia). Polymerase chain reaction was carried out for the detection of integrase genes Int1, Int2 and Int3, gene cassette array, integron‐associated aadA, sul1 and qac1 genes, streptomycin resistance genes strA‐strB, β‐lactamase resistance genes blaTEM and blaSHV, and tetracycline resistance genes tetA‐E and tetM. Clonal analysis was performed by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Class 1 integrons were detected in 28/90 (31%) and class 2 and class 3 in none of the strains, aadA gene in 19/27 (70%) streptomycin‐resistant strains, sul1 in 13/15 (86.7%) sulphonamide‐resistant strains and qac1 gene in 8/28 (28.6%) integron‐bearing strains. Five strains from two different farms carried gene cassettes of 1000 bp each containing the aadA2 gene and PFGE analysis revealed genetic relatedness. tetC was detected in all and tetA in 9/18 (50%) tetracycline‐resistant strains. The strA‐strB, blaTEM or blaSHV genes were not detected in any of the strains. Aeromonas spp. carrying integrons and other resistance genes are present in farm‐raised fish and sediments even though no antibiotics were licensed for use in Australian aquaculture at the time of the study.
Pathogenicity of Saprolegnia spp. to Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., eggs
Authors: Thoen E , Evensen Ø , Skaar I
Published: July 2011

Live and dead Atlantic salmon eyed eggs were challenged with eight different Saprolegnia isolates, selected because of their varied origins, known morphological characteristics and growth/germination pattern. Some isolates were also tested for pathogenicity to Atlantic salmon parr. Challenge of eggs was performed by exposure to spores in suspension or by co‐incubation of live eggs with infected dead eggs. The phenotypic characteristics of the isolates were evaluated in relation to their observed pathogenicity from the challenge experiment, to identify possible virulence factors leading to egg‐infection by Saprolegnia. The results from the experiments confirm that live eggs are refractory to infection with Saprolegnia spores in suspension and that an infection of live eggs can only occur from an infection nucleus represented by dead eggs or debris. It was observed that strains pathogenic to salmon parr were not particularly infective towards eggs, and the isolates that gave the highest infection rates to eggs were species considered to be saprotrophs.
Development of real‐time PCR assays for detection of megalocytiviruses in imported ornamental fish
Authors: Gias E , Johnston C , Keeling S , Spence R P , McDonald W L
Published: July 2011

Megalocytiviruses have been associated globally with severe systemic disease and economic loss in farmed food fish and ornamental fish. The viruses have been spread internationally by translocation of live fish. In New Zealand, megalocytiviruses are regarded as exotic. A potential pathway for introduction has been identified, namely imported ornamental fish. In the present study, real‐time PCR assays were developed for detection of megalocytiviruses using a conserved major capsid protein gene. A SYBR green assay was developed to target all known megalocytiviruses. A second real‐time PCR assay using a molecular beacon was developed to specifically target gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus, iridovirus, a species of iridovirus previously linked to ornamental fish imports in Australia. The analytical sensitivity for the SYBR green and molecular beacon assays were 10 and 100 fg, respectively. The analytical specificity of the real‐time PCR assays determined using genomic DNA templates from three target viruses, 12 non‐target viruses and 25 aquatic bacterial species were 100%. The intra‐run and inter‐run coefficients of variation of both assays were <5%. The real‐time PCR assays developed in this study provide rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of megalocytiviruses and gourami iridovirus.
The immune response of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), skin to high water temperature
Authors: Huang Z‐H , Ma A‐J , Wang X‐A
Published: July 2011

The immune responses of mucus from the skin of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, were studied in relation to changing water temperature. Groups of fish were exposed to a programmed increase of 3 °C per 48 h, until the experimental water temperatures of 16, 20, 23, 25, 27 or 28 °C were reached. After 48 h at the relevant temperature, the expressions of immune‐related factors were determined, including immunoglobulin M (IgM), IL‐1β, hepcidin, transferrin, lysozyme, acid/alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase using RT–PCR and spectrophotometric methods. Significant changes in mucus immunity were observed, which paralleled with those previously reported for serum in other fish species. Hence, it is suggested that the serum and mucus immune system of turbot have a similar regulatory system. This information could be useful in better understanding the role of the mucus as a component of the innate immune system.
Niche segregation and genetic structure of Campylobacter jejuni populations from wild and agricultural host species
Authors: SHEPPARD SAMUEL K. , COLLES FRANCES M. , McCARTHY NOEL D. , STRACHAN NORVAL J. C. , OGDEN IAIN D. , FORBES KEN J. , DALLAS JOHN F. , MAIDEN MARTIN C. J.
Published: July 2011

Bacterial populations can display high levels of genetic structuring but the forces that influence this are incompletely understood. Here, by combining modelling approaches with multilocus sequence data for the zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter, we investigated how ecological factors such as niche (host) separation relate to population structure. We analysed seven housekeeping genes from published C. jejuni and C. coli isolate collections from a range of food and wild animal sources as well as abiotic environments. By reconstructing genetic structure and the patterns of ancestry, we quantified C. jejuni host association, inferred ancestral populations, investigated genetic admixture in different hosts and determined the host origin of recombinant C. jejuni alleles found in hybrid C. coli lineages. Phylogenetically distinct C. jejuni lineages were associated with phylogenetically distinct wild birds. However, in the farm environment, phylogenetically distant host animals shared several C. jejuni lineages that could not be segregated according to host origin using these analyses. Furthermore, of the introgressed C. jejuni alleles found in C. coli lineages, 73% were attributed to genotypes associated with food animals. Our results are consistent with an evolutionary scenario where distinct Campylobacter lineages are associated with different host species but the ecological factors that maintain this are different in domestic animals such that phylogenetically distant animals can harbour closely related strains.
Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of Ssd1 defines the destiny of its bound mRNAs
Authors: Kurischko Cornelia , Kuravi Venkata K. , Herbert Christopher J. , Luca Francis C.
Published: July 2011

Mechanisms that control mRNA metabolism are critical for cell function, development and stress response. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae mRNA‐binding protein Ssd1 has been implicated in mRNA processing, ageing, stress response and maintenance of cell integrity. Ssd1 is a substrate of the LATS/NDR tumour suppressor orthologue Cbk1 kinase. Previous data indicate that Ssd1 localizes to the cytoplasm; however, biochemical interactions suggest that Ssd1 at least transiently localizes to the nucleus. We therefore explored whether nuclear localization is important for Ssd1 cytoplasmic functions. We identified a functional NLS in the N‐terminal domain of Ssd1. An Ssd1‐derived NLS–GFP fusion protein and several C‐terminally truncated Ssd1 proteins, which presumably lack nuclear export sequences, accumulate in the nucleus. Alanine substitution of the Ssd1 NLS prevents Ssd1 nuclear entry, mRNA binding and disrupts Srl1 mRNA localization. Moreover, Ssd1–NLS mutations abolish Ssd1 toxicity in the absence of Cbk1 phosphorylation and cause Ssd1 to localize prominently to cytoplasmic puncta. These data indicate that nuclear shuttling is critical for Ssd1 mRNA binding and Ssd1–mRNA localization in the cytoplasm. Collectively these data support the model that Ssd1 functions analogously to hnRNPs, which bind mRNA co‐transcriptionally, are exported to the cytoplasm and target mRNAs to sites of localized translation and P‐bodies.
The genome and surface proteome of Capnocytophaga canimorsus reveal a key role of glycan foraging systems in host glycoproteins deglycosylation
Authors: Manfredi Pablo , Renzi Francesco , Mally Manuela , Sauteur Loïc , Schmaler Mathias , Moes Suzette , Jenö Paul , Cornelis Guy R.
Published: July 2011

Capnocytophaga canimorsus are commensal Gram‐negative bacteria from dog's mouth that cause rare but dramatic septicaemia in humans. C. canimorsus have the unusual property to feed on cultured mammalian cells, including phagocytes, by harvesting the glycan moiety of cellular glycoproteins. To understand the mechanism behind this unusual property, the genome of strain Cc5 was sequenced and analysed. In addition, Cc5 bacteria were cultivated onto HEK 293 cells and the surface proteome was determined. The genome was found to encode many lipoproteins encoded within 13 polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) typical of the Flavobacteria–Bacteroides group. PULs encode surface exposed feeding complexes resembling the archetypal starch utilization system (Sus). The products of at least nine PULs were detected among the surface proteome and eight of them represented more than half of the total peptides detected from the surface proteome. Systematic deletions of the 13 PULs revealed that half of these Sus‐like complexes contributed to growth on animal cells. The complex encoded by PUL5, one of the most abundant ones, was involved in foraging glycans from glycoproteins. It was essential for growth on cells and contributed to survival in mice. It thus represents a fitness factor during infection.
Proinflammatory stimuli activates human‐derived enteroglial cells and induces autocrine nitric oxide production
Authors: Cirillo C. , Sarnelli G. , Turco F. , Mango A. , Grosso M. , Aprea G. , Masone S. , Cuomo R.
Published: July 2011

Background  Enteric glial cells (EGCs) have been recently indicated as key regulators of intestinal inflammation in animals. Whether or not this is true and how these cells participate to inflammatory responses in humans is unknown.

Methods  We isolated primary EGCs from human small bowel and then, we purified and characterized those using specific glial markers, such as S100B and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). To mimic an inflammatory scenario, we exposed EGCs to exogenous stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐gamma (LPS and IFN‐γ), alone or in combination, to evaluate glial activation [measuring GFAP, S100B level together with c‐fos, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) proteins expression and nitric oxide (NO) production] and proliferation, respectively.

Key Results  We showed that, when challenged with a combination of LPS and IFN‐γ, EGCs are significantly activated, as indicated by their positivity to c‐fos and MHC class II. Similarly, pro‐inflammatory stimuli significantly increase the cell proliferation rate, the expression of both S100B and GFAP, and the NO production consequent to the induction of EGCs‐derived iNOS protein, with the last being dependent on S100B‐RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation endproducts) interaction.

Conclusions & Inferences  Our data provide the first evidence that human EGCs directly respond to pro‐inflammatory stimuli by changing their expression profile and by proliferating. The finding that stimulated EGCs are able to produce NO points to a role of this cell population in the scenario of intestinal inflammation.
Tempestite facies models for the epicontinental Triassic carbonates of the Betic Cordillera (southern Spain)
Authors: PÉREZ‐LÓPEZ ALBERTO , PÉREZ‐VALERA FERNANDO
Published: July 2011

This study focuses on storm deposits in the Muschelkalk facies of the Betic Cordillera (southern Spain) and interprets their deposition mechanisms. Three types of storm deposit are distinguished: (i) pot/gutter casts; (ii) tempestite beds; and (iii) storm‐winnowed deposits. Each deposit provides information about the carbonate platform environment in which it was deposited. The tempestite models proposed are: (i) the bypass‐zone tempestite model, occurring in a muddy ramp at the epicontinental basin margin. This model is characterized by potholes and gutters that form in a shoreline bypass‐zone during storms; (ii) the gradient‐current tempestite model in which frequent tempestite beds are related to storm gradient currents. Thickness and grain size decrease towards the deep distal ramp; and (iii) the winnowed deposit tempestite model whereby storm deposits are winnowed and deposited in the same environment with only short lateral transport having occurred. This model evokes more restricted and shallower conditions, lagoons or inland seas. The distribution of all these deposits in the stratigraphic sections studied corroborate the eustatic third‐order cycle identified, although the different features of the storm deposits and their positions in each section indicate a subsidence varying in time and space. In the transgressive stage, the margins of the epicontinental basin were a well‐developed ramp with potholes and gutters. In contrast, during the high sea‐level stage, storm deposits generated tempestite beds or storm‐winnowed deposits in the different areas. The epicontinental carbonate platform with ramp edges evolved into a complex depositional system of coastal and shallow‐marine environments with lagoons and restricted inland seas. Thus, the epicontinental platform underwent substantial change from the Late Anisian to the Late Ladinian and this is reflected in its storm deposits.
Research capacity for institutional collaboration in implementation research on diseases of poverty
Authors: González‐Block M. A. , Vargas‐Riaño E. M. , Sonela N. , Idrovo A. J. , Ouwe‐Missi‐Oukem‐Boyer O. , Monot J. J.
Published: July 2011

Objective  To assess the capacity for research collaboration and implementation research in strengthening networks and institutions in developing countries.

Methods  Bibliometric analysis of implementation research on diseases of poverty in developing countries from 2005 to 2010 through systematically searching bibliographic databases. Methods identified publication trends, participating institutions and countries and the cohesion and centrality of networks across diverse thematic clusters.

Results  Implementation research in this field showed a steadily growing trend of networking, although networks are loose and a few institutions show a high degree of centrality. The thematic clusters with greatest cohesion were for tuberculosis and malaria.

Conclusions  The capacity to produce implementation research on diseases of poverty is still low, with the prominence of institutions from developed countries. Wide ranges of collaboration and capacity strengthening strategies have been identified which should be put into effect through increased investments.
Individual differences in rhesus monkeys' demand for drugs of abuse
Authors: Koffarnus Mikhail N. , Hall Amy , Winger Gail
Published: July 2011

A relatively small percentage of humans who are exposed to drugs of abuse eventually become addicted to or dependent on those drugs. These individual differences in likelihood of developing drug addiction may reflect behavioral, neurobiological or genetic correlates of drug addiction and are therefore important to model. Behavioral economic measures of demand establish functions whose overall elasticity (rate of decrease in consumption as price increases) reflects the reinforcing effectiveness of various stimuli, including drugs. Using these demand functions, we determined the reinforcing effectiveness of five drugs of abuse (cocaine, remifentanil, ketamine, methohexital and ethanol) in 10 rhesus monkeys with histories of intravenous drug‐taking. There was a continuum of reinforcing effectiveness across the five drugs, with cocaine and remifentanil showing the most reinforcing effectiveness. There was also a continuum of sensitivity of the monkeys; two of the 10 animals, in particular, showed greater demand for the drugs than did the remaining eight monkeys. In addition, monkeys that demonstrated greater demand for one drug tended to show greater demand for all drugs but did not show a similar relatively greater demand for sucrose pellets. These findings suggest that the tendency to find drugs to be reinforcing is a general one, not restricted to particular drugs and also, that a minority of animals show a substantially enhanced sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of drugs. The possibility that differences in responsiveness to the reinforcing effects of drugs may form the basis of individual differences in drug‐taking in humans should be considered.
Genetic variability in the NMDA‐dependent AMPA trafficking cascade is associated with alcohol dependence
Authors: Karpyak Victor M. , Geske Jennifer R. , Colby Colin L. , Mrazek David A. , Biernacka Joanna M.
Published: July 2011

Model studies in mice indicate that the severity of alcohol withdrawal is associated with polymorphic variation and expression of the MPDZ gene. Current knowledge about variation in the human MPDZ gene is limited; however, our data indicate its potential association with alcohol dependence. The multi‐PDZ protein is an important part of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐dependent α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor trafficking cascade that controls glutamate‐related excitatory neurotransmission. To investigate association of variation in the NMDA‐dependent AMPA trafficking cascade with alcohol dependence, we performed a gene‐set (pathway) analysis using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from the Study of Addiction: Genetic and Environment. Rather than testing for association with each SNP individually, which typically has low power to detect small effects of multiple SNPs, gene‐set analysis applies a single statistical test to evaluate whether variation in a set of genes is associated with the phenotype of interest. Gene‐set analysis of 988 SNPs in 13 genes in the pathway demonstrated a significant association with alcohol dependence, with P < 0.01 for the global effect of variation in this pathway. The statistically significant association of alcohol dependence with genetic variation in the NMDA‐dependent AMPA receptor trafficking cascade indicates a need for further investigation of the role of this pathway in alcohol dependence.
The composition of the F pocket in HLA‐A*74 generates C‐terminal promiscuity among its bound peptides
Authors: Bade‐Doeding C. , Huyton T. , Eiz‐Vesper B. , Blasczyk R.
Published: July 2011

In this study we sequenced the bound peptides from three alleles belonging to the HLA‐A*74 group (HLA‐A*74:04, A*74:06 and A*74:07) that are distinguished by four polymorphic residues within the peptide‐binding region. Our data illustrates that A*74:04 exhibits preference for L, M or I at P2 and L, S or P at PΩ, while for A*74:07 the P2 anchor prefers L, P or I and the PΩ anchor S, P, L. In contrast A*74:06 features a P2 anchor motif of S or L, while a PΩ anchor could not be defined; however, a preference for polar residues S, T, Q or the charged residue R at the PΩ position could be detected.
Estimation of genetic parameters for hip dysplasia in Czech Labrador Retrievers
Authors: Vostrý L. , Čapková Z. , Šebková N. , Přibyl J.
Published: July 2011

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters, genetic trends and breeding values using linear model (LM) and threshold model (TM) for the development of hip dysplasia (HD) in Labrador Retrievers in the Czech Republic (n = 3151). The right and left hip joints were evaluated separately using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale scoring system. Four linear and four TMs were tested for the correct estimation of genetic parameters. All the tested models utilized fixed effects of sex, assessor, year of birth, regression of age at evaluation, random direct genetic effects and the effect of the animals’ permanent environments. The models differed in the inclusion of the following effects: fixed effects of regression of inbreeding coefficient, random maternal effect and random effect of the maternal permanent environment. Compared to the TM, the LM provided lower coefficients of direct (0.25–0.29 versus 0.26–0.35) and maternal heritability (0.01–0.02 versus 0.03–0.05), repeatability (0.76–0.77 versus 0.78–0.83) and of the correlation between direct and maternal effects (−0.55 to −0.21 versus −0.80 to −0.27). In the tested models, no statistical significance was found for fixed regression of inbreeding coefficients or for the random effect of the permanent maternal environment. In spite of the similarity of the LM and TM results, the TM is recommended as the more suitable model for estimating genetic parameters and subsequent breeding values for HD in Labrador Retrievers in the Czech Republic.
Quantifying differences in total tract nutrient digestibilities between goats and sheep
Authors: Sales J. , Jančík F. , Homolka P.
Published: July 2011

Conclusions from narrative qualitative reviews on differences in total tract digestibilities between goats and sheep did not account for variability among studies. Therefore meta‐analytic techniques were used to describe the magnitude of these differences with numerical values. A unitless effect size (Hedges’ g) was applied within studies to measure differences in digestibilities of dry matter (DM; 104 comparisons), organic matter (OM; 93 comparisons), crude protein (CP; 85 comparisons), neutral detergent fibre (NDF; 74 comparisons), acid detergent fibre (ADF; 59 comparisons), cellulose (24 comparisons), hemicellulose (18 comparisons) and gross energy (GE; 29 comparisons). The absence and inability to describe independent factors which contributed to variation among studies necessitated the use of frequentist random effects and hierarchical Bayesian models in the calculation of summary statistics across studies. Digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose were higher (p < 0.05) in goats than sheep when all‐forage diets were fed. When concentrates were included in the diets, there were no such differences. Differences between goats and sheep in DM intake were found to be non‐significant. Differences in nutrient digestibilities of forages as sole feed implies that species‐specific values have to be used in feed formulation and feeding strategies. However, caution is needed when extrapolating results from stall‐feeding, which is how digestibility data are usually measured, to grazing conditions.
Inflammation and wound healing in cats with chronic gingivitis/stomatitis after extraction of all premolars and molars were not affected by feeding of two diets with different omega‐6/omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios
Authors: Corbee R. J. , Booij‐Vrieling H. E. , van de Lest C. H. A. , Penning L. C. , Tryfonidou M. A. , Riemers F. M. , Hazewinkel H. A. W.
Published: July 2011

Feline chronic gingivitis/stomatitis (FCGS) is a painful inflammatory disease in cats. Extraction of teeth, including all premolars and molars, has been shown to be the therapy of choice in cats not responding sufficiently to home care (e.g. tooth brushing) and/or medical treatment (corticosteroids and/or antibiotics). In this study, we hypothesize that a cat food with an omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω6 PUFA) to ω3 PUFA ratio of 10:1 reduces inflammation of the FCGS and accelerates soft tissue wound healing of the gingiva after dental extractions, compared to a cat food with a ω6:ω3 PUFA ratio of 40:1. The cats were fed diets with chicken fat and fish oil as sources of fatty acids. In one diet, part of the fish oil was replaced by safflower oil, resulting in two diets with ω6:ω3 PUFA ratios of 10:1 and 40:1. This double‐blinded study in two groups of seven cats revealed that dietary fatty acids influence the composition of plasma cholesteryl esters and plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines. The diet with the 10:1 ratio lowered PGD2, PGE2and LTB4plasma levels significantly, compared to the diet with the 40:1 ratio (p = 0.05, p = 0.04, and p = 0.02 respectively). However, feeding diets with dietary ω6:ω3 PUFA ratios of 10:1 and 40:1, given to cats with FCGS for 4 weeks after extraction of all premolars and molars, did not alter the degree of inflammation or wound healing.
Posaconazole: when and how? The clinician’s view
Authors: Katragkou Aspasia , Tsikopoulou Fotini , Roilides Emmanuel , Zaoutis Theoklis E.
Published: July 2011

Posaconazole is the newest triazole antifungal agent available as an oral suspension with an extended spectrum of activity against Candida species, Aspergillus species, Cryptococcus neoformans, Zygomycetes and endemic fungi. Among posaconazole advantages are the relatively low potential of cross‐resistance with other azoles, few drug interactions compared with other azoles and its activity against Zygomycetes. Randomised, double‐blind trials have shown that posaconazole is effective for prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections (IFI), especially aspergillosis, in high‐risk patients. Results of Phase III clinical trials and case/series reports indicate that posaconazole is effective in treating oesophageal candidiasis, including azole‐refractory disease, and other IFI refractory to standard antifungal therapies. To date, posaconazole has appeared to be well tolerated even in long‐term courses; it has an excellent safety profile with gastrointestinal disturbances being the most common adverse events reported. The dose of posaconazole is 200 mg three times daily for prophylaxis, 800 mg daily in two or four divided doses for the treatment of IFI and 100 mg daily (200 mg loading dose) for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis. On the basis of early clinical experience, it appears that posaconazole will be a valuable aid in the management of life‐threatening fungal infections.
Cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent children
Authors: Yuanjie Zhu , Jianghan Chen , Nan Xu , Xiaojun Wang , Hai Wen , Wanqing Liao , Julin Gu
Published: July 2011

To describe clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent children. Immunocompetent children with cryptococcal meningitis who attended Changzheng Hospital between 1998 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. During the 10 years reviewed, 11 children with cryptococcal meningitis were admitted to Changzheng hospital and identified as immunocompetent. The 11 children had a median age of 7.25 years. Headache (100%), fever (81.8%), nausea or vomiting (63.6%) and visual or hearing damage or loss (36.4%) were the most common symptoms before treatment. There is no evidence for other site infection of cryptococcus although all the cryptococcal antigen titre is high in blood. All the patients received amphotericin B or AmB liposome with 5‐flucytosine for at least 6 weeks followed by fluconazole or itraconazole as consolidation treatment for at least 12 weeks. Nine patients were cured mycologically; however, sequela of visual damage was showed in one patient. Cryptococcal meningitis seems to be uncharacteristic of symptoms, and central nervous system may be the only common site for infection. Amphotericin B with 5‐flucytosine should be the choice of induction treatment in this group of patients.
N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine Supplementation Improves Boar Spermatozoa Characteristics and Subsequent Fertilization and Embryonic Development
Authors: Whitaker BD , Casey SJ , Taupier R
Published: July 2011

Contents

The effects of 1.0 mmN‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) supplementation during the incubation of frozen–thawed and preserved boar sperm were studied in addition to subsequent oocyte IVF. Frozen–thawed and preserved boar sperm were supplemented with 1.0 mm NAC and incubated for 60 min to allow capacitation to occur followed by the addition of calcium ionophore 23187 to induce the acrosome reaction. The number of sperm having undergone the acrosome reaction was determined using the Wells–Awa staining technique. DNA damage was detected using single‐cell gel electrophoresis. Membrane lipid peroxidation was estimated by the end point generation of malondialdehyde (MDA). Frozen–thawed sperm was not different in the ability of sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction but did have significantly (p < 0.05) more DNA damage (59.8 ± 1.0) compared to preserved sperm (32.0 ± 1.0%). Supplementing 1.0 mm NAC did not have an effect on the ability of sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction but did have significantly (p < 0.05) less DNA (39.2 ± 1.0%) damage compared to no antioxidant supplementation (52.7 ± 1.0%). Frozen–thawed sperm produced a significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentration of MDA (2.08 ± 0.05 μm MDA/107 cells) compared to preserved sperm (1.82 ± 0.05 μm MDA/107 cells), and non‐supplemented sperm produced a significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentration of MDA (3.62 ± 0.05 μm MDA/107 cells) compared to the 1.0 mm NAC‐supplemented sperm (0.28 ± 0.05 μm MDA/107 cells. Supplementation or semen storage method had no effect on IVF or embryonic development. These results indicate that supplementation with 1.0 mm NAC improved the ability to use frozen–thawed boar sperm during IVF as it reduces the DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation of the sperm.
mRNA Expression in Rabbit Blastocyst and Endometrial Tissue of Candidate Gene Involved in Gestational Losses
Authors: Llobat L , Marco‐Jiménez F , Peñaranda DS , Thieme R , Navarrete A , Vicente JS
Published: July 2011

Contents

Gestation is a complex process that involves different growth factors, cytokines and adhesion proteins related with embryo development, cellular differentiation and proliferation, embryo‐endometrium interaction, angiogenesis, maternal‐embryonic recognition and growth development of placenta and embryos. In this study, we examine pre‐implantational (at 6 days of gestation) and gestational (at 12 days and total from ovulation to birth) losses in two rabbit lines selected by different criteria (post‐weaning daily gain and litter size) and the pattern of a set of candidate transcripts, at 6 days of gestation, related with embryo development and implantation process, such as Oct‐4, epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (erbB3), Transforming Growth Factor β2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Interferon γ and related with insulin‐like growth factors signalling as insulin growth factors I and II and their receptors in rabbit blastocysts and endometrial tissue. Similar pre‐implantational losses were obtained in both lines. However, the gestational losses of the line selected by post‐weaning daily gain clearly mirrored an increase in losses by 50% at 12 days and at birth (22.4 vs 9.5 and 50.2 vs 25.4, respectively, between line selected by post‐weaning daily gain and line selected by litter size). In blastocysts and endometrial tissue at 6 days of gestation qRT‐PCR assays indicated that the mean insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐IIR mRNA expression was down‐regulated in line selected by post‐weaning daily gain. Dysregulation of the IGF‐IIR could be potential reasons for induced gestational losses. We conclude that IGF‐IIR gene expression in blastocyst and endometrial tissue at 6th day of gestation tends to decline in line selected by post‐weaning daily gain. The functional significance related with gestational losses is uncertain.
Association of interleukin‐13 C‐1112T and G+2044A polymorphisms with asthma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: YANG HAIJUN , DONG HAIYAN , DAI YUFEI , ZHENG YUXIN
Published: July 2011

Background and objective:  Polymorphisms in the IL13 gene have been reported to be associated with susceptibility to asthma. However, a number of studies have shown inconsistent results. A meta‐analysis was performed to investigate whether polymorphisms in the IL13 gene were associated with the risk of asthma.

Methods:  Searches were performed of the Medline and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, covering all papers published up to 31 August 2010. A recently proposed logistic regression‐based method for meta‐analysis of case–control genetic association studies was used to analyse pooled data. All statistical analyses were performed using stata version 10.0 software.

Results:  The IL13 C‐1112T and G+2044A polymorphisms were investigated in 10 and 14 studies, respectively. The summary estimates suggested that both these polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to asthma. Carriers of the IL13 −1112T allele had a 38.9% increased risk of asthma compared with homozygotes (−1112CC) (odds ratio (OR) 1.389, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.103–1.749). Carriers of the IL13+2044A allele had a 40.0% increased risk of asthma compared with homozygotes (+2044GG) (OR 1.400, 95% CI: 1.137–1.724). In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the IL13 −1112T allele was associated with an increased risk of asthma among Caucasians (OR 1.629, 95% CI: 1.255–2.113) but not among Asians, and the IL13+2044A allele was associated with an increased risk of asthma among Asians (OR 1.436, 95% CI: 1.101–1.873) but not among Caucasians.

Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis indicated that the IL13 C‐1112T and G+2044A polymorphisms predispose to asthma. Further studies, including pooling of individual data to facilitate evaluation of gene–gene and gene–environment interactions between these IL13 gene polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility, are recommended.
The minimum period of polysomnography required to confirm a diagnosis of severe obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: CHOU KUN‐TA , CHANG YU‐TIEN , CHEN YUH‐MIN , SU KANG‐CHENG , PERNG DIANG‐WANG , CHANG SHI‐CHUAN , SHIAO GUANG‐MING
Published: July 2011

Background and objective:  To combine the diagnosis of OSA with titration of positive airway pressure (PAP), current guidelines recommend that split‐night polysomnography (PSG) be performed if an AHI of ≥40/h is recorded over 2 h. However, the diagnostic validity of partial‐night PSG is uncertain. This study aimed to test the validity of partial‐night PSG and to determine the optimum AHI cut‐off points.

Methods:  Patients who visited the sleep centre at a tertiary medical centre between January and December 2008, for symptoms related to sleep disorders (sleepiness, snoring, sleep disturbance), and who completed full‐night PSG, were evaluated for this study. Full‐night PSG data were processed to obtain partial‐night PSG data, from which AHI were computed as a reference for diagnosing severe OSA. Full‐night and partial‐night PSG data obtained over different recording times (expressed as x‐h PSG, where x = 1–6) were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The diagnostic validity of 2‐h PSG with different AHI cut‐off points (25/h to 45/h) was also calculated.

Results:  Data from 198 PSG recordings was processed. For 2‐h PSG, an AHI cut‐off point of 30/h gave the highest accuracy of 90.9%. Comparing areas under the ROC curves (AUC), 2‐h PSG (AUC = 0.97) was as good as 2.5‐h PSG (AUC = 0.977, P = 0.057) and 3‐h PSG (AUC = 0.978, P = 0.125), but was better than 1.5‐h PSG (AUC = 0.955, P = 0.016).

Conclusions:  Partial‐night PSG is effective for diagnosing severe OSA. If there is an unabridged PSG recording indicating an AHI of ≥30/h for 2 h, severe OSA can be diagnosed and PAP titration initiated.
Population structure of the pecan nut casebearer Acrobasis nuxvorella throughout its geographical distribution
Authors: Hartfield Emilie A. , Harris Marvin K. , Medina Raul F.
Published: July 2011

The pecan nut casebearer Acrobasis nuxvorella Neunzig (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important, monophagous pest of pecan Carya illinoinensis (Fagales: Juglandaceae).

This pest is native from Louisiana west to the eastern edge of New Mexico and north to Illinois in the U.S.A. and as far west as Chihuahua and south to Oaxaca in Mexico.

Recently, this pest has expanded beyond the native range of pecan into regions where pecan has been introduced for cultivation.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism markers were used to determine the population genetic structure of this insect pest across its current geographical distribution.

Population genetic analyses indicate a great degree of genetic structure in the pecan nut casebearer across its geographical distribution, with genetically distinct populations occurring in those areas where the pecan nut casebearer is not native but has been invasive.
The clinical significance of radiologically detected indeterminate pulmonary nodules in colorectal cancer
Authors: Quyn A. J. , Matthews A. , Daniel T. , Amin A. I. , Yalamarthi S.
Published: July 2011

Aim  Colorectal cancer patients identified with indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) in the absence of other metastasis represent a clinical dilemma. This study aimed to identify characteristics that could predict which nodules truly represented a metastasis in an attempt to optimize therapy and to reduce the number of follow‐up chest CT scans performed.

Method  All patients with colon or rectal cancer who presented between 2004 and 2008 were analysed. Patients with IPN on staging CT were identified from a dedicated prospective database and the medical records analysed and follow up recorded. Patients with obvious metastatic disease were excluded from analysis. Association of location, number and size of the nodules and metastatic disease were the primary end‐points for analysis.

Results  Nine hundred and eight patients presenting with cancer of the colon or rectum were identified. Thirty‐seven (4%) patients were diagnosed with IPN with no obvious metastatic disease on staging CT. At a median follow up of 23 months there were eight (21%) cases where nodules had progressed. No significant association was detected between nodule size and pulmonary metastasis. Half of the patients with four or more nodules showed progression on serial CT imaging suggestive of pulmonary metastasis (χ2, P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion  Colorectal cancer patients with four or more indeterminate pulmonary nodules on preoperative staging CT imaging, even in the absence of metastasis elsewhere, are likely to represent pulmonary metastatic disease. These patients should be followed up with short‐term interval CT imaging to enable early detection of progression so that treatment can be tailored appropriately.
Financial Control of a Competitive Economy with Public Goods but Without Randomness
Authors: KARATZAS IOANNIS , SHUBIK MARTIN , SUDDERTH WILLIAM D.
Published: July 2011

The monetary and fiscal control of a simple economy without outside randomness is studied here from the microeconomic basis of a strategic market game. The government’s bureaucracy is treated as a public good that provides services at a cost. A conventional public good is also considered.
Group Formation and Governance
Authors: RENOU LUDOVIC
Published: July 2011

This paper studies the impact of the governance of a group, whether be it unanimity, simple majority, or qualified majority, on its (endogenously derived) size, composition, and inclination to change the status quo. Somewhat surprisingly, we show that not only unanimity might favor the formation of larger groups than majority, but also a change of status quo.
Institutions, Foreign Direct Investment and Growth: A Hierarchical Bayesian Approach
Authors: McCloud Nadine , Kumbhakar Subal C.
Published: July 2011

We investigate empirically the existence of a heterogeneous relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth across developing countries. We argue that, across countries, differences in institutional quality are correlated with heterogeneous absorptive capacities and hence a heterogeneous FDI–growth relationship. Our empirical results show substantial heterogeneity in the FDI–growth relationship. We find that controlling for certain measures of institutional quality reduces the degree of heterogeneity. These findings question the orthodox assumption of a homogeneous return to FDI in the existing empirical literature and highlight the importance of specific aspects of institutional quality in the FDI–growth relationship.