bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of telomere‐independent activities of telomerase reverse transcriptase in human cancer
Authors: Ding Deqiang , Zhou Junzhi , Wang Miao , Cong Yu‐Sheng
Published: March 2013

Telomerase plays a pivotal role in the pathology of cancer by maintaining genome integrity, controlling cell proliferation, and regulating tissue homeostasis. Experimental data from genetically modified mice and human premature aging diseases clearly indicate that intact telomere function is crucial for cell proliferation and survival, whereas dysfunctional telomeres can lead to either cancer or aging pathologies, depending on the integrity of the cellular stress response pathways. The canonical function of telomerase reverse transcriptase is the synthesis of telomeric DNA repeats and the maintenance of telomere length. However, accumulating evidence indicates that telomerase reverse transcriptase may also exert some fundamental biological functions independently of its enzymatic activity in telomere maintenance. More recent studies have demonstrated that telomerase reverse transcriptase can act as a transcriptional modulator in the nucleus and exhibits RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase activity in the mitochondria. Telomerase activation may have both telomere‐dependent and telomere‐independent implications for tumor progression. Many excellent reviews have described critical roles of telomere and telomerase in human cancer; this minireview will focus on the role of telomerase in cancer progression, with a special emphasis on the nontelomeric function of telomerase.
Altered dynamics of forest recovery under a changing climate
Authors: Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , Miller Adam D. , Mohan Jacqueline E. , Hudiburg Tara W. , Duval Benjamin D. , DeLucia Evan H.
Published: March 2013

Forest regeneration following disturbance is a key ecological process, influencing forest structure and function, species assemblages, and ecosystem–climate interactions. Climate change may alter forest recovery dynamics or even prevent recovery, triggering feedbacks to the climate system, altering regional biodiversity, and affecting the ecosystem services provided by forests. Multiple lines of evidence – including global‐scale patterns in forest recovery dynamics; forest responses to experimental manipulation of CO2, temperature, and precipitation; forest responses to the climate change that has already occurred; ecological theory; and ecosystem and earth system models – all indicate that the dynamics of forest recovery are sensitive to climate. However, synthetic understanding of how atmospheric CO2 and climate shape trajectories of forest recovery is lacking. Here, we review these separate lines of evidence, which together demonstrate that the dynamics of forest recovery are being impacted by increasing atmospheric CO2 and changing climate. Rates of forest recovery generally increase with CO2, temperature, and water availability. Drought reduces growth and live biomass in forests of all ages, having a particularly strong effect on seedling recruitment and survival. Responses of individual trees and whole‐forest ecosystems to CO2 and climate manipulations often vary by age, implying that forests of different ages will respond differently to climate change. Furthermore, species within a community typically exhibit differential responses to CO2 and climate, and altered community dynamics can have important consequences for ecosystem function. Age‐ and species‐dependent responses provide a mechanism by which climate change may push some forests past critical thresholds such that they fail to recover to their previous state following disturbance. Altered dynamics of forest recovery will result in positive and negative feedbacks to climate change. Future research on this topic and corresponding improvements to earth system models will be a key to understanding the future of forests and their feedbacks to the climate system.
Annual plants change in size over a century of observations
Authors: Leger Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2013

Studies have documented changes in animal body sizes over the last century, but very little is known about changes in plant sizes, even though reduced plant productivity is potentially responsible for declines in size of other organisms. Here, I ask whether warming trends in the Great Basin have affected plant size by measuring specimens preserved on herbarium sheets collected between 1893 and 2011. I asked how maximum and minimum temperatures, precipitation, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) in the year of collection affected plant height, leaf size, and flower number, and asked whether changes in climate resulted in decreasing sizes for seven annual forbs. Species had contrasting responses to climate factors, and would not necessarily be expected to respond in parallel to climatic shifts. There were generally positive relationships between plant size and increased minimum and maximum temperatures, which would have been predicted to lead to small increases in plant sizes over the observation period. While one species increased in size and flower number over the observation period, five of the seven species decreased in plant height, four of these decreased in leaf size, and one species also decreased in flower production. One species showed no change. The mechanisms behind these size changes are unknown, and the limited data available on these species (germination timing, area of occupancy, relative abundance) did not explain why some species shrank while others grew or did not change in size over time. These results show that multiple annual forbs are decreasing in size, but that even within the same functional group, species may have contrasting responses to similar environmental stimuli. Changes in plant size could have cascading effects on other members of these communities, and differential responses to directional change may change the composition of plant communities over time.
Optimising operating conditions in ultrafiltration fouling of pomegranate juice by response surface methodology
Authors: Baklouti Semia , Kamoun Amel , Ellouze‐Ghorbel Raoudha , Chaabouni Semia
Published: March 2013

The resistance‐in‐series model was used to analyse flux behaviour, which involved the resistances of membrane itself, the fouling and solute concentration polarisation. Response surface methodology was used to establish the relationships between operating parameters and ultrafiltration (UF) efficiency and thus to determine optimal conditions. Experiments were performed according to Box–Behnken design by changing the levels of three parameters, namely transmembrane pressure, feed flow rate and temperature. The fitted mathematical models allowed us to plot isoresponse curves. It was shown that the resistance due to solute concentration polarisation (Rcp) dominated the flux decline (40–74%). The fouling resistance (Rf) varied from 12 to 46%. To optimise simultaneously the three responses studied (Rf, Rcp and permeate limit flux), we applied the desirability function approach which allowed us to determine the best acceptable compromise. The selected UF conditions of the compromise were as follows: three bars, 0.95 L min−1 and 30 °C. Optimal values of Rf, Rcp and permeate limit flux were equal to 18%, 72% and 19 L h−1 m−2, respectively.
Antibacterial and antifungal activities of selected microalgae and cyanobacteria
Authors: Najdenski Hristo M. , Gigova Liliana G. , Iliev Ivan I. , Pilarski Plamen S. , Lukavský Jaromir , Tsvetkova Iva V. , Ninova Mariana S. , Kussovski Vesselin K.
Published: March 2013

In vitro activity of nine cyanobacterial and ten microalgal newly isolated or culture collection strains against eight significant food‐borne pathogens has been evaluated and compared. Water extracts and culture liquids of Gloeocapsa sp. and Synechocystis sp. demonstrated the widest spectrum of activity with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1.56 to 12.5 mg mL−1. Culture liquid of Anabaena sp. had the highest activity (MIC = 0.39 mg mL−1) but only to Gram‐positive bacteria. Ethanol extracts and fatty acids from all cyanobacteria and microalgae were active against Streptococcus pyogenes and/or Staphylococcus aureus. The fatty acids of Synechocystis sp. inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans (MIC values of 2.5–1.25 mg mL−1, respectively). Exopolysaccharides (EPS) of Gloeocapsa sp. were the sample that exhibited activity against all test pathogens with lowest MIC values (0.125–1 mg mL−1). High activity with a narrower range of susceptible targets demonstrated the exopolysaccharides of Synechocystis sp. and Rhodella reticulata. Antimicrobial activity was proven for phycobiliproteins isolated from Synechocystis sp., Arthrospira fusiformis, Porphyridium aerugineum and Porphyridium cruentum, respectively. In conclusion Gloeocapsa sp. and Synechocystis sp. and especially their exopolysaccharides showed the most promising potential against the examined food pathogens.
Analysis of various sweeteners in low‐sugar mixed fruit jam: equivalent sweetness, time‐intensity analysis and acceptance test
Authors: de Souza Vanessa R. , Pereira Patrícia A. P. , Pinheiro Ana Carla M. , Bolini Helena M. A. , Borges Soraia V. , Queiroz Fabiana
Published: March 2013

For a sweetener to successfully replace sucrose in food formulations, studies must first be conducted to determine the concentrations of the sweeteners to be used and their equivalent sweetness compared with sucrose. After establishing the optimal concentration of each sweetener, it is necessary to determine which is more similar to sucrose. The objective of this study was to determine the equivalent amount of different sweeteners, necessary to promote the same degree of ideal sweetness in mixed fruit (marolo, sweet passion fruit and soursop) jam and to characterise the time–intensity profile and consumer acceptance. With respect to the mixed fruit jam containing 40% (w/w) of sucrose, sucralose presented the highest sweetening power, being 1033.59 times sweeter than sucrose, followed by sucralose/acesulfame‐K/neotame 5:3:0.1 (982.80), sucralose/steviol glycoside 2:1 (862.67), sucralose/acesulfame‐K 3:1 (847.45) and sucralose/thaumatin 1:0.6 (284.29). The sweeteners had a time–intensity sweetness profile similar to sucrose and a time–intensity bitterness profile different from sucrose but similar among themselves. In relation to sensory acceptance, a significant difference between the low‐sugar jam and the traditional jam was not observed.
Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of a synthetic cocoa butter equivalent obtained through modification of mango seed oil
Authors: Momeny Elham , Vafaei Nazanin , Ramli Nazaruddin
Published: March 2013

This research describes the interesterification of Malaysian mango seed oil (MSO) and palm oil mid‐faction (POMF) to develop a cocoa butter equivalent. Fat blends, formulated by binary blends of palm oil mid‐fraction and mango seed oil at different ratios ({100:0}, {60:40}, {50:50}, {40:60}, {0:100}), were subjected to enzymatic interesterification. The solid fat content revealed that all interesterified blends except 100% POMF {0:100} melted completely at body temperature. The interesterified {50:50} blend exhibited a slip melting point (30.35 °C) and saponification value (186.89) close to cocoa butter (P < 0.05). Thermal behaviour analysis by differential scanning calorimetry showed fusion and crystallisation behaviour similar to cocoa butter. Moreover, both the blend and cocoa butter scavenging abilities were based on the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay, with the concentration required to reduce radical absorbance by 50% (IC50) of 43.08% and 41.1%, respectively. Therefore, the MSO: POMF blend may have use as a health‐promoting food in human diets.
‘Taking time’ and ‘making sense’: Rowan Williams on the Habits of Theological Imagination
Authors: Volpe Medi
Published: March 2013

This article argues that Rowan Williams' methodology cannot be fruitfully employed by others without grasping his intellectual habits and the depth of his engagement with Christian tradition. The argument is centred on the themes of ‘taking time’ and ‘making sense’, which run throughout Williams' work, and proceeds in three sections. First, ‘taking time’ implies an attitude of patient humility that frames engagement with all Williams' interlocutors. Second, ‘making sense’, as the primary work of the theologian, depends upon ‘taking time’. Third, Williams' theological style cannot be imitated without the conversion of desire that characterizes Christian discipleship as he describes it.
Bladder recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy: Predictors and impact on oncological outcomes
Authors: Elalouf Vincent , Xylinas Evanguelos , Klap Julia , Pignot Géraldine , Delongchamps Nicolas Barry , Saighi Djilali , Peyromaure Michael , Flam Thierry , Zerbib Marc
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To identify predictive factors of bladder recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy and to evaluate the impact of this event on oncological outcomes.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective analysis of 237 patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the upper tract at our institution from 1998 to 2011. Univariable and multivariable models evaluated the prognostic factors of bladder recurrence, and its impact on recurrence‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival.

Results

The median age was 69.3 years (interquartile range 60–76). With a median follow up of 44 months (interquartile range 24–79), bladder recurrence occurred in 85 patients (35.9%). A previous history of bladder cancer (P = 0.01) and the presence of concomitant carcinoma in situ (P = 0.005) remained independent predictors of bladder recurrence. The presence of bladder recurrence was not correlated with worse oncological outcomes in terms of disease recurrence (P = 0.075) and cancer‐specific mortality (P = 0.06). However, the patients who experienced muscle‐invasive bladder cancer recurrence had worse outcomes in terms of cancer‐specific mortality (P = 0.01). Standard pathological features of aggressiveness, such as higher tumor stage (P = 0.05), higher grade (P = 0.01) and carcinoma in situ (P = 0.03), were independent predictors of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer recurrence.

Conclusions

Previous history of bladder cancer, tumor location and concomitant carcinoma in situ are independent predictors of bladder recurrence in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy. Bladder recurrence overall does not impact the oncological outcomes, but a muscle‐invasive bladder recurrence is associated with a worse cancer‐specific mortality. Standard pathological features of urothelial carcinoma of the upper tract aggressiveness (pT‐stage, grade) are independent predictors of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer recurrence.
Novel arrangement and comparative analysis of hsp90 family genes in three thermotolerant species of Stratiomyidae (Diptera)
Authors: Astakhova L. N. , Zatsepina O. G. , Przhiboro A. A. , Evgen'ev M. B. , Garbuz D. G.
Published: March 2013

The heat shock proteins belonging to the Hsp90 family (Hsp83 in Diptera) play a crucial role in the protection of cells due to their chaperoning functions. We sequenced hsp90 genes from three species of the family Stratiomyidae (Diptera) living in thermally different habitats and characterized by extraordinarily high thermotolerance. The sequence variation and structure of the hsp90 family genes were compared with previously described features of hsp70 copies isolated from the same species. Two functional hsp83 genes were found in the species studied, that are arranged in tandem orientation at least in one of them. This organization was not previously described. Stratiomyidae hsp83 genes share a high level of identity with hsp83 of Drosophila, and the deduced protein possesses five conserved amino acid sequence motifs characteristic of the Hsp90 family as well as the C‐terminus MEEVD sequence characteristic of the cytosolic isoform. A comparison of the hsp83 promoters of two Stratiomyidae species from thermally contrasting habitats demonstrated that while both species contain canonical heat shock elements in the same position, only one of the species contains functional GAF‐binding elements. Our data indicate that in the same species, hsp83 family genes show a higher evolution rate than the hsp70 family.
Amblyomma americanum tick saliva serine protease inhibitor 6 is a cross‐class inhibitor of serine proteases and papain‐like cysteine proteases that delays plasma clotting and inhibits platelet aggregation
Authors: Mulenga A. , Kim T. , Ibelli A. M. G.
Published: March 2013

We previously demonstrated that Amblyomma americanum tick serine protease inhibitor 6 (AamS6) was secreted into the host during tick feeding and that both its mRNA and protein were ubiquitously and highly expressed during the first 3 days of tick feeding. This study demonstrates that AamS6 is a cross‐class inhibitor of both serine‐ and papain‐like cysteine proteases that has apparent antihaemostatic functions. Consistent with the typical inhibitory serpin characteristics, enzyme kinetics analyses revealed that Pichia pastoris‐expressed recombinant (r) AamS6 reduced initial velocities of substrate hydrolysis (V0) and/or maximum enzyme velocity (Vmax) of trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, chymase, and papain in a dose–response manner. We speculate that rAamS6 inhibited plasmin in a temporary fashion in that while rAamS6 reduced V0 of plasmin by up to ∼53%, it had no effect on Vmax. Our data also suggest that rAmS6 has minimal or no apparent effect on V0 or Vmax of thrombin, factor Xa, and kallikrein. We speculate that AamS6 is apparently involved in facilitating blood meal feeding in that various amounts of rAamS6 reduced platelet aggregation by up to ∼47% and delayed plasma clotting time in the recalcification time assay by up to ∼210 s. AamS6 is most likely not involved with the tick's evasion of the host's complement defense mechanism, in that rAamS6 did not interfere with the complement activation pathway. Findings in this study are discussed in the context of expanding our understanding of tick proteins that control bloodmeal feeding and hence tick‐borne disease transmission by ticks.
Global challenges in freshwater‐fish conservation related to public aquariums and the aquarium industry
Authors: Reid G. McG. , Contreras MacBeath T. , Csatádi K.
Published: March 2013

Fresh waters in lakes, ponds, rivers, estuaries and wetlands are only 0·3% of available global surface water yet support 47–53% (> 15 000) of all extant fish species. Freshwater fishes are globally valuable yet threatened everywhere through overfishing, pollution, habitat loss, damming, alien invasive species and climate change. Hence, they are in dire need of effective and sustained conservation action, including through zoo and aquarium programmes in the wild and ex situ. To address these challenges, zoo and aquarium staff need to be familiar with the substantial issues, develop greater expertise, and become better integrated in wider regional and global initiatives in freshwater‐fish conservation and sustainability. Resolving diverse issues requires knowledge of the many different values in the conservation of freshwater fishes, including sustainable commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade. It is necessary to assess and mitigate threats to fish survival through research and monitoring. An improved conservation‐orientated science of threatened fish species is also needed in terms of taxonomy and biology. From this, the implementation and dissemination of appropriate conservation policies, strategies and legislation can be developed. All these factors enable direct practical action for fish conservation, in conjunction with improved zoo education, training and public communication. Finally, review and evaluation of the efficacy of various conservation actions must be carried out in order to plan future undertakings.
Functional analysis of endo‐1,4‐β‐glucanases in response to Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae reveals their involvement in plant–pathogen interactions
Authors: Finiti I. , Leyva M. O. , López‐Cruz J. , Calderan Rodrigues B. , Vicedo B. , Angulo C. , Bennett A. B. , Grant M. , García‐Agustín P. , González‐Bosch C.
Published: March 2013

Plant cell wall modification is a critical component in stress responses. Endo‐1,4‐β‐glucanases (EGs) take part in cell wall editing processes, e.g. elongation, ripening and abscission. Here we studied the infection response of Solanum lycopersicum and Arabidopsis thaliana with impaired EGs. Transgenic TomCel1 and TomCel2 tomato antisense plants challenged with Pseudomonas syringae showed higher susceptibility, callose priming and increased jasmonic acid pathway marker gene expression. These two EGs could be resistance factors and may act as negative regulators of callose deposition, probably by interfering with the defence‐signalling network. A study of a set of Arabidopsis EG T‐DNA insertion mutants challenged with P. syringae and Botrytis cinerea revealed that the lack of other EGs interferes with infection phenotype, callose deposition, expression of signalling pathway marker genes and hormonal balance. We conclude that a lack of EGs could alter plant response to pathogens by modifying the properties of the cell wall and/or interfering with signalling pathways, contributing to generate the appropriate signalling outcomes. Analysis of microarray data demonstrates that EGs are differentially expressed upon many different plant–pathogen challenges, hormone treatments and many abiotic stresses. We found some Arabidopsis EG mutants with increased tolerance to osmotic and salt stress. Our results show that impairing EGs can alter plant–pathogen interactions and may contribute to appropriate signalling outcomes in many different biotic and abiotic plant stress responses.
AT A SNAIL'S PACE: ON THE LIMITED EUROPEANIZATION OF DOMESTIC CONSULTATION PRACTICES
Authors: BRAUN CAELESTA , VAN DEN BERG CASPAR
Published: March 2013

Consultation of major interest groups is a widespread administrative practice in many EU member states. To date it is unclear, however, how advancing European integration influences domestic consultation practices. This article examines the impact of European integration on domestic consultation practices by conceptualizing how the underlying rationales of government–interest group interactions and the level of involvement of interest groups are affected by European integration. The study draws on original survey data on senior civil servants in Britain and the Netherlands to empirically examine these effects. European integration is related in a limited way to domestic consultation practices, both in Britain and the Netherlands. This small but significant effect is mostly observed during the process of domestic preference formulation in EU‐level policy making. Our findings suggest that intra‐organizational processes, for example organizational routines and task‐specialization, potentially play a greater role than has thus far been appreciated in Europeanization studies.
Selectivity of particle size by the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum (Burkenroad, 1939) larvae
Authors: Gelabert Rolando , Brito Roberto
Published: March 2013

Artificial foods have been proposed in aquaculture as a complement or substitute for live food and the quality has been evaluated by considering nutritional value, acceptability, digestibility and water stability, but because of the filter‐feeding behaviour of larvae of the cultured shrimp and the diversity of food found in the market for larviculture, it is important to define the size of food ingested by the different larval stages until the postlarval stage where raptorial habits are more evident than the filter feeding lifestyle. Selectivity assays in the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum larvae were made using polystyrene DVB particles with a diameter between 1 and 50 μm as food. A group of organisms between zoea I and postlarval I stages were put into the particle suspension for 15 min to let the particles be ingested. The particle distribution in the medium and the content of the gut of the animals were characterized with digital‐image processing analysis. The results were compared using the Ivlev selectivity formula, which contrasts the frequency distribution of each particle size in the medium and in the gut of larvae. The results of selectivity were adjusted with a third‐order polynomial regression to determine the optimum and the preferred size of the food for each larval stage. The optimum sizes of the food ingested for the different stages of F. duorarum were between 6.17 and 12.02 μm and the preferred were found to be between 2.68 and 18.65 μm.
Moderate to vigorous physical activity interactions with genetic variants and body mass index in a large US ethnically diverse cohort
Authors: Richardson A. S. , North K. E. , Graff M. , Young K. M. , Mohlke K. L. , Lange L. A. , Lange E. M. , Harris K. M. , Gordon‐Larsen P.
Published: March 2013

What is already known about this subject

Genome‐Wide Association Studies have successfully identified numerous genetic loci that influence body mass index in European‐descent middle‐aged adults.

Adolescence is a high‐risk period for the development of adult obesity and severe obesity.

Physical activity is one of the most promising behavioural candidates for preventing and reducing weight gain, particularly among youth.

What this study adds

An examination of the joint association between 41 of the well‐established obesity susceptibility single‐nucleotide polymorphisms with <5 vs. ≥5 bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week in relation to body mass index (BMI)‐for‐age Z‐score in a nationally representative sample of European American, African–American and Hispanic American adolescents.

Three nominally significant interactions (P < 0.05) varied by race/ethnicity.

Overall, the estimated effect of the risk allele on BMI‐for‐age Z‐score was greater in individuals with <5 than those with ≥5 bouts MVPA per week.

Background

Little is known about the interaction between genetic and behavioural factors during lifecycle risk periods for obesity and how associations vary across race/ethnicity.

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine joint associations of adiposity‐related single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with body mass index (BMI) in a diverse adolescent cohort.

Methods

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 8113: Wave II 1996; ages 12–21, Wave III; ages 18–27), we assessed interactions of 41 well‐established SNPs and MVPA with BMI‐for‐age Z‐scores in European Americans (EA; n = 5077), African–Americans (AA; n = 1736) and Hispanic Americans (HA; n = 1300).

Results

Of 97 assessed, we found nominally significant SNP–MVPA interactions on BMI‐for‐age Z‐score in EA at GNPDA2 and FTO and in HA at LZTR2/SEC16B. In EA, the estimated effect of the FTO risk allele on BMI‐for‐age Z‐score was lower (β = −0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08, 0.18) in individuals with ≥5 vs. <5 (β = 0.24; CI: 0.16, 0.32) bouts of MVPA per week (P for interaction 0.02). Race/ethnicity‐pooled meta‐analysis showed nominally significant interactions for SNPs at TFAP2B, POC5 and LYPLAL1.

Conclusions

High MVPA may attenuate underlying genetic risk for obesity during adolescence, a high‐risk period for adult obesity.
First record of dicephalia in a bull shark Carcharhinus leucas (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhinidae) foetus from the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.A.
Authors: Wagner C. M. , Rice P. H. , Pease A. P.
Published: March 2013

The first recorded incidence of dicephalia in a bull shark Carcharhinus leucas is reported from a foetus collected by a fisherman in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida, U.S.A. External examination, Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a case of monosomic dicephalia where the axial skeleton and internal organs were found to divide into parallel systems anterior to the pectoral girdle resulting in two well‐developed heads.
Effects of body mass and water temperature on routine metabolism of American paddlefish Polyodon spathula
Authors: Patterson J. T. , Mims S. D. , Wright R. A.
Published: March 2013

This study quantified the effects of temperature and fish mass on routine metabolism of the American paddlefish Polyodon spathula. Thermal sensitivity, as measured by Q10 value, was low in P. spathula. Mean Q10 was 1·78 while poikilotherms are generally expected to have Q10 values in the 2·00–2·50 range. Mass‐specific metabolism did not decrease with increased fish size to the extent that this phenomenon is observed in teleosts, as evidenced by a mass exponent (β) value of 0·92 for P. spathula compared with 0·79 in a review of teleost species. Other Acipenseriformes have exhibited relatively high β values for mass‐specific respiration. Overall P. spathula metabolism appears to be more dependent on body mass and less dependent on temperature than for many other fishes. An equation utilizing temperature and fish mass to estimate gross respiration for P. spathula was derived and this equation was applied to respiratory data from other Acipenseriformes to assess inter‐species variation. Polyodon spathula respiration rates across water temperature and fish mass appear most similar to those of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser naccarii and white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus.
Sex Differences in Barriers to Antihypertensive Medication Adherence: Findings from the Cohort Study of Medication Adherence Among Older Adults
Authors: Holt Elizabeth , Joyce Cara , Dornelles Adriana , Morisky Donald , Webber Larry S. , Muntner Paul , Krousel‐Wood Marie
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To determine whether sociodemographic, clinical, healthcare system, psychosocial, and behavioral factors are differentially associated with low antihypertensive medication adherence scores in older men and women.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data.

Setting

Cohort Study of Medication Adherence in Older Adults (N = 2,194).

Measurements

Low antihypertensive medication adherence was defined as a score less than 6 on the 8‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Information on risk factors for low adherence was collected using telephone surveys and administrative databases.

Results

The prevalence of low medication adherence scores did not differ according to sex (women, 15.0%; men 13.1%; P = .21). In sex‐specific multivariable models, having problems with medication cost and practicing fewer lifestyle modifications for blood pressure control were associated with low adherence scores in men and women. Factors associated with low adherence scores in men but not women were poor sexual functioning (odds ratio (OR) = 2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31–3.16 for men and OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.90–1.82 for women), and body mass index of 25.0 kg/m2 or more (OR = 3.23, 95% CI = 1.59–6.59 for men; OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.82–1.85 for women). Factors associated with low adherence scores in women but not men included dissatisfaction with communication with their healthcare provider (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.16–2.65 for women; OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.57–2.34 for men) and depressive symptoms (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.55–3.38 for women; OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.48–1.80 for men).

Conclusion

Factors associated with low antihypertensive medication adherence scores differed according to sex. Interventions designed to improve adherence in older adults should be customized to account for the sex of the target population.
EBSD coupled to SEM in situ annealing for assessing recrystallization and grain growth mechanisms in pure tantalum
Authors: KERISIT C. , LOGÉ R.E. , JACOMET S. , LLORCA V. , BOZZOLO N.
Published: March 2013

An in situ annealing stage has been developed in‐house and integrated in the chamber of a Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an Electron BackScattered Diffraction system. Based on the Joule effect, this device can reach the temperature of 1200°C at heating rates up to 100°C/s, avoiding microstructural evolutions during heating. A high‐purity tantalum deformed sample has been annealed at variable temperature in the range 750°C–1030°C, and classical mechanisms of microstructural evolutions such as recrystallization and grain coarsening phenomena have been observed. Quantitative measurements of grain growth rates provide an estimate of the mean grain boundary mobility, which is consistent with the value estimated from physical parameters reported for that material. In situ annealing therefore appears to be suited for complementing bulk measurements at relatively high temperatures, in the context of recrystallization and grain growth in such a single‐phase material.
Memory impairment and hippocampus specific protein oxidation induced by ethanol intake and 3, 4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in mice
Authors: Ros‐Simó Clara , Moscoso‐Castro Maria , Ruiz‐Medina Jéssica , Ros Joaquim , Valverde Olga
Published: March 2013

Ethanol and 3, 4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are popular recreational drugs widely abused by adolescents that may induce neurotoxic processes associated with behavioural alterations. Adolescent CD1 mice were subjected to ethanol intake using the drinking in the dark (DID) procedure, acute MDMA or a combination. Considering that both drugs of abuse cause oxidative stress in the brain, protein oxidative damage in different brain areas was analysed 72 h after treatment using a proteomic approach. Damage to specific proteins in treated animals was significant in the hippocampus but not in the prefrontal cortex. The damaged hippocampus proteins were then identified by mass spectrometry, revealing their involvement in energy metabolism, structural function, axonal outgrowth and stability, and neurotransmitter release. Mice treated with MDMA displayed higher oxidative damage than ethanol‐treated mice. To determine whether this oxidative damage was affecting hippocampus activity, declarative memory was evaluated at 72 h after treatment using the object recognition assay and the radial arm maze. Although acquisition in the radial arm maze was not impaired by ethanol intake, MDMA treatment impaired long‐term memory in both tests. Therefore, oxidative damage to specific proteins observed under MDMA treatment affects important cellular function on the hippocampus that may contribute to declarative memory deficits.
An exploration of human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer prevention experiences among college women: a descriptive qualitative approach
Authors: Tu Yu‐Ching , Wang Hsiu‐Hung
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To enhance understanding of young women's experiences of human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer prevention in Taiwan.

Background

High‐risk types of human papillomavirus are a key aetiologic factor behind cervical cancer. Recently, human papillomavirus vaccination is considered an effective approach to prevent vaccine‐specific typed human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer in women. However, several controversial issues still arise about routine administration of human papillomavirus vaccines, and the literature on young women's protection against human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer is limited.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design categorised responses into themes.

Methods

Sixteen sexually active college women (aged 20–22 years) were recruited via purposive and snow‐ball sampling in Southern Taiwan. Every participant underwent an in‐depth interview which was audio‐recorded and fully transcribed. Analysis of the interview material was inductive and followed a thematic analysis approach. Procedures to confirm confidentiality, credibility and consistency were considered.

Results

This article provides an insight into the college women's experiences in the obstacles to and striving towards breakthroughs of human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer prevention. The obstacles include inadequate health literacy, financial difficulty, negative medical experiences and gender myths. The striving towards breakthroughs consists in self‐protection and knowledge support.

Conclusion

College women experience difficulties with human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer prevention. They desire to have a publicly funded human papillomavirus immunisation programme, friendly medical environments, sufficient knowledge and open‐minded society to maintain their health. Such reflection information is helpful to design effective human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer prevention campaigns.

Relevance to clinical practice

Young women do not know how to protect against human papillomavirus infection, although human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer prevention methods are definite. This study provides useful information for health care professionals to assess the intervention education and health care to develop a thorough human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer programme. To have control of human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer for young women, personal health care management, prophylactic medicine and Pap tests should be integrated into human papillomavirus‐related cervical cancer campaigns.
Review of interventions to increase hearing protective device use in youth who live or work on farms
Authors: Sherman Crystal R , Azulay Chertok Ilana R
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify and compare hearing protection interventions for youth working and living on farms.

Background

Noise‐induced hearing loss represents a significant risk factor for injury, disability and death in agricultural populations due to an inability to receive sensory information that can indicate dangerous situations. Despite the availability of hearing protection devices, rates of utilisation remain low, while rates of noise‐induced hearing loss are high within the agricultural youth population.

Design

Comprehensive review of the literature.

Method

Electronic database searches were conducted to identify research studies of hearing protection interventions for youth living or working on farms.

Results

Three intervention studies were identified as meeting the review criteria, with additional reanalysis studies based on the original intervention studies. The intervention studies demonstrated increased use of hearing protection devices among youth who received the interventions compared to the control groups although audiometry testing results were not improved as a result of the intervention.

Conclusions

The findings of this review highlight the need for additional research into the effectiveness of hearing protection device use as a noise‐induced hearing loss preventative measure in youth who live or work on farms and the creation of effective interventions to increase hearing protection device use and decrease Noise‐induced hearing loss risk.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is recommended that nurses be educated in the areas of health promotion relevant to farming communities to be able to effectively meet their rural clients' needs in relation to noise‐induced hearing loss. Working with youth, families, and schools, as well as developing community partnerships, can facilitate the dissemination of hearing protection promotion.
Abundant expression of mTOR kinase in salivary gland tumors – potentials as therapy target?
Authors: Clauditz Till Sebastian , Gontarewicz Artur , Bokemeyer Carsten , Sauter Guido , Knecht Rainald , Münscher Adrian , Wilczak Waldemar
Published: March 2013

Background

Salivary gland tumors constitute 3–6% of all head and neck neoplasms in adults. Because of limited advances made in the treatment of metastatic disease, the more important is the role of new therapeutic strategies, including molecular therapy. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has recently been established as a therapeutic target for several drugs.

Material

Evaluation of phospho‐mTOR as a possible therapy target by patients with salivary gland tumors. Immunohistochemical semi‐quantitative analyses of the expression of phospho‐mTOR(Ser2448) were processed on a tissue microarray containing samples from more than 900 patients. For statistical analysis, contingency table and chi‐squared test (likelihood) were used.

Results

We observed at least weak phospho‐mTOR expression in 25.6–41.2% of all 4 histological adenoma and in 36.8–61.6% of all 11 histological carcinoma subtypes analyzed. No association was seen between phospho‐mTOR expression and tumor grade in mucoepidermoid carcinomas.

Conclusion

In conjunction with literature data providing the evidence for a functional role of mTOR in salivary gland tumors, we conclude that treatment with mTOR‐antagonists might potentially also be efficient in wide variety of salivary gland carcinomas.
Creation of Short and Very Short Measures of the Five Cs of Positive Youth Development
Authors: Geldhof G. J. , Bowers Edmond P. , Boyd Michelle J. , Mueller Megan K. , Napolitano Christopher M. , Schmid Kristina L. , Lerner Jacqueline V. , Lerner Richard M.
Published: March 2013

As developmental scientists seek to index the strengths of adolescents and adopt the positive youth development (PYD) perspective, psychometrically sound measurement tools will be needed to assess adolescents’ positive attributes. Using a series of exploratory factor analyses and CFA models, this research creates short and very short versions of the scale used to measure the Five Cs of PYD in the 4‐H Study of Positive Youth Development. We created separate forms for earlier versus later adolescence and ensured that items displayed sufficient conceptual overlap across forms to support tests of factorial invariance. We discuss implications for further scale development and advocate for the use of these convenient tools, especially in research and applications pertinent to the Five Cs model of PYD.
Use of the waist–height ratio to predict metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents
Authors: Nambiar Smita , Truby Helen , Davies Peter SW , Baxter Kimberley
Published: March 2013

Aim

To demonstrate that the waist–height ratio (WHtR) is a simple and effective screening tool that could be used to identify obese children with the metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Data from 109 obese boys and girls, aged 10.00–16.50 years, who were recruited as part of the Eat Smart study were analysed. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high‐ and low‐density lipoproteins), insulin, glucose, height, weight and waist circumference (WC) were collected. These measurements were used to calculateWHtR, body mass index (BMI), Z‐scores forBMI,WC, weight and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Correlations between anthropometric measures and blood pressure, lipids, insulin, glucose andHOMA‐IRwere assessed. Binary logistic regression was used to test which anthropometric measure was a significant predictor of the metabolic syndrome.

Results

Among boys,WHtRwas negatively correlated with glucose (P< 0.05);WHtRandBMIZ‐score were positively correlated with insulin,HOMA‐IRandTG(P< 0.05) andWCZ‐score was significantly correlated with age. Among girls,WHtR,BMIZ‐score andWCZ‐score were positively correlated with insulin andHOMA‐IRand negatively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (P< 0.05), whereasBMIZ‐score was significantly correlated withSBPandDBPZ‐scores. Twenty per cent of subjects were classified as having the metabolic syndrome, withWHtR,BMIZ‐score andHOMA‐IRbeing significant predictors.

Conclusion

TheWHtRis a significant predictor of the metabolic syndrome in obese youth. TheWHtRis the simplest index to calculate and interpret, making it an ideal non‐invasive screening tool to use in clinical practice.
Nurses' knowledge and skills in providing mental health care to people living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi
Authors: CHORWE‐SUNGANI G.
Published: March 2013

Accessible summary

Nurses provide most of health care in Malawi and they receive mental health lecturers in their initial training.

Many nurses lack adequate knowledge and skills to deal with mental health problems of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Training in mental health promotes confidence and commitment in nurses to deal with mental health problems in general setting.

Nurses are the majority of health‐care professionals who frequently come in contact with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, most health workers such as nurses lack competence and confidence in dealing with the mental health problems (MHPs) of their clients in Malawi. The study aimed at exploring nurses' levels of knowledge and skills in providing mental health care to PLWHA. The study used a descriptive quantitative survey design. Ethical approval and permission were granted by relevant authorities to conduct the study. A convenient sample of 109 nurses was used. They gave written consent and completed self‐administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics namely: means, frequencies and percentages were used to analyse data. The findings suggest that nurses who care for PLWHA lack knowledge and skills to deal with MHPs of these people. Many participants (53.2%, n = 58) lacked knowledge and skills to care for PLWHA who have MHPs. Nurses are potentially essential human resource for dealing with MHPs of PLWHA in Malawi. Unfortunately, some nurses lack the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with MHPs. Nurses must be equipped with adequate knowledge and skills so that they are able to deal with MHPs of PLWHA.
Health Literacy and Urbanicity Among Cancer Patients
Authors: Halverson Julie , Martinez‐Donate Ana , Trentham‐Dietz Amy , Walsh Matthew C. , Strickland Jeanne Schaaf , Palta Mari , Smith Paul D. , Cleary James
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Low health literacy is associated with inadequate health care utilization and poor health outcomes, particularly among elderly persons. There is a dearth of research exploring the relationship between health literacy and place of residence (urbanicity). This study examined the association between urbanicity and health literacy, as well as factors related to low health literacy, among cancer patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with a population‐based sample of 1,841 cancer patients in Wisconsin. Data on sociodemographics, urbanicity, clinical characteristics, insurance status, and health literacy were obtained from the state's cancer registry and participants’ answers to a mailed questionnaire. Partially and fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to examine: (1) the association between urbanicity and health literacy and (2) the role of socioeconomic status as a possible mediator of this relationship.

Findings

Rural cancer patients had a 33% (95% CI: 1.06‐1.67) higher odds of having lower levels of health literacy than their counterparts in more urban areas of Wisconsin. The association between urbanicity and health literacy attenuated after controlling for socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

Level of urbanicity was significantly related to health literacy. Socioeconomic status fully mediated the relationship between urbanicity and health literacy. These results call for policies and interventions to assess and address health literacy barriers among cancer patients in rural areas.