bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time trends in socio‐economic factors and risk of hospitalisation with infectious diseases in pre‐school children 1985–2004: a Danish register‐based study
Authors: Biering‐Sørensen Sofie , Søndergaard Grethe , Vitting Andersen Karen , Andersen Anne‐Marie Nybo , Mortensen Laust Hvas
Published: February 2012

Biering‐Sørensen S, Søndergaard G, Vitting Andersen K, Andersen A‐MN, Mortensen LH. Time trends in socio‐economic factors and risk of hospitalisation with infectious diseases in pre‐school children 1985–2004: a Danish register‐based study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 226–235.

The purpose of this study was to examine socio‐economic differences in the risk of hospitalisation among children aged 0–5 years in Denmark from 1985 to 2004. All children born between 1985 and 2004 (n = 1 278 286) were followed for hospital admissions for infectious diseases from the 29th day of life until the children reached the age of 6 years or the end of 2004, whichever came first. Information on parental socio‐economic position (education, labour market attachment and household income) was gathered through record linkage with administrative registries. Infections were grouped into upper respiratory, lower respiratory, gastrointestinal, ear and fever infections. The data were analysed using Cox regression. Children of parents on sick leave or early retirement had an increased risk of being hospitalised with an infection compared with children of employed parents. A clear inverse educational gradient in risk of offspring hospitalisation was also found. From 1985 to 2004 the inverse associations between parental education and risk of hospitalisation grew stronger, whereas the comparatively weaker association between household income and risk of offspring hospitalisation decreased in magnitude. The association between socio‐economic status and hospitalisation was strongest for lower respiratory, gastrointestinal and ear infections. This study documented a socially patterned hospitalisation of pre‐school children in Denmark. Future studies should investigate possible explanations for the increased risk among children from families with low socio‐economic status.
The SAUR19 subfamily of SMALL AUXIN UP RNA genes promote cell expansion
Authors: Spartz Angela K. , Lee Sang H. , Wenger Jonathan P. , Gonzalez Nathalie , Itoh Hironori , Inzé Dirk , Peer Wendy A. , Murphy Angus S. , Overvoorde Paul J. , Gray William M.
Published: February 2012

The plant hormone auxin controls numerous aspects of plant growth and development by regulating the expression of hundreds of genes. SMALL AUXIN UP RNA (SAUR) genes comprise the largest family of auxin‐responsive genes, but their function is unknown. Although prior studies have correlated the expression of some SAUR genes with auxin‐mediated cell expansion, genetic evidence implicating SAURs in cell expansion has not been reported. The Arabidopsis SAUR19, SAUR20, SAUR21, SAUR22, SAUR23, and SAUR24 (SAUR19–24) genes encode a subgroup of closely related SAUR proteins. We demonstrate that these SAUR proteins are highly unstable in Arabidopsis. However, the addition of an N‐terminal GFP or epitope tag dramatically increases the stability of SAUR proteins. Expression of these stabilized SAUR fusion proteins in Arabidopsis confers numerous auxin‐related phenotypes indicative of increased and/or unregulated cell expansion, including increased hypocotyl and leaf size, defective apical hook maintenance, and altered tropic responses. Furthermore, seedlings expressing an artificial microRNA targeting multiple members of the SAUR19–24 subfamily exhibit short hypocotyls and reduced leaf size. Together, these findings demonstrate that SAUR19–24 function as positive effectors of cell expansion. This regulation may be achieved through the modulation of auxin transport, as SAUR gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function seedlings exhibit increased and reduced basipetal indole‐3‐acetic acid transport, respectively. Consistent with this possibility, SAUR19–24 proteins predominantly localize to the plasma membrane.
Smoking and the skin
Authors: Ortiz Arisa , Grando Sergei A.
Published: February 2012

Cigarette smoking has been associated with significant morbidity affecting all systems of the body, including the integumentary system. We review the many dermatologic hazards of tobacco use. It is important to distinguish between the effects of tobacco smoke from effects of pure nicotine on the skin. All skin cells express several subtypes of the nicotinic class of acetylcholine receptors, including the α7 receptor. Many chronic dermatoses are affected by smoking either negatively or positively. Elucidation of positive associations with a particular disease can lead to improvement from smoking cessation, whereas inverse correlation may lead to development of a disease‐specific treatment with nicotinergic agonists.
Improving adherence to safe prescription guidelines for Dapsone: harnessing an enhanced electronic medical records system and a team approach
Authors: Neoh Ching Yin , Tian Elizabeth A.L. , Choi Cindy , Leong Hui Hui , Tan Audrey W.H. , Chan Roy K.W.
Published: February 2012

Background  Dapsone is a commonly prescribed medication in dermatological practice. Its use is associated with a broad spectrum of adverse effects. Careful selection and monitoring of patients on dapsone are paramount in the prevention and early recognition of adverse effects.

Objective and methods  We designed a risk‐management program for dapsone at National Skin Centre, Singapore, enhancing an existing electronic medical records system and harnessing a team approach involving the nurses. This includes the performance of key laboratory tests before and after starting dapsone, ensuring adequate counseling before starting dapsone and screening for adverse effects using a questionnaire every visit.

Results  This system of dapsone prescription efficiently improved the adherence to safe prescription and monitoring guidelines. Average adherence rates for key safety parameters improved from 61.4% pre‐implementation to 95.3% at six months and were sustained at 12 months at 91.3%. Percentage of follow‐up cases in which all three key monitoring parameters were fulfilled increased from 9.5% to 79.6% (p = 0.0001) after 12 months. The percentage of new patients in which all four key monitoring parameters were met increased from 50% to 80%. It was not statistically significant possibly because of small patient numbers. This project has also translated into enhanced patient safety with dapsone dosages adjusted in 17 patients who experienced mild adverse effects. No severe adverse effects to dapsone were observed in the 12‐month period.

Conclusion  This example of risk management for dapsone may serve as a model for institutions looking at harnessing information technology and a team approach for safer prescription of high‐alert medications.
Diagnostic utility of dermatoscopy in hydroquinone‐induced exogenous ochronosis
Authors: Mishra Sunil N. , Dhurat Rachita S. , Deshpande Deepal J. , Nayak Chitra S.
Published: February 2012

Background  Hydroquinone is the preferred topical bleaching agent used in the treatment of melasma. The adverse effects of its chronic use are confetti‐like depigmentation and exogenous ochronosis. Exogenous ochronosis manifests clinically with gray‐brown or blue‐black hyperpigmentation, as well as pinpoint hyperchromic caviar‐like papules over the malar region. Dermatoscopic findings of ochronosis are unique and point towards a clue for its diagnosis.

Methods  Three cases of suspected hydroquinone‐induced exogenous ochronosis while treating melasma were subjected to dermatoscopy and histopathology studies.

Results  Dermatoscopy in the areas of caviar‐like hyperpigmentation revealed accentuation of the normal pseudo‐rete of the facial skin with amorphous densely‐pigmented structures obliterating some follicular opening and multiple thin, short arciform structures. On histopathological examination, curved ochre‐colored structures, ‘banana‐shaped’ fibers, were seen in the dermis of all patients.

Conclusion  Exogenous ochronosis is difficult to treat. Dermatologists should be able to differentiate it from melasma and immediately discontinue hydroquinone. Exogenous ochronosis has characteristic features on dermatoscopy which may obviate the need for an invasive procedure of biopsy for its diagnosis.
Bacterial skin flora and contamination of blood components: do we defer blood donors wisely?
Authors: Pastila S. , Lönnroth M. , Heikkilä R. , Heikkilä H. , Carlson P.
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives  Bacterial infection through contaminated blood is currently the greatest infection risk in relation to a transfusion. Deferral of prospective blood donors with a skin disorder is a common practise, because bacteria usually originate from the donor’s skin. The effectiveness of current deferral guidelines to prevent the bacterial contamination of blood has not been assessed.

Materials and methods  We recruited 55 blood donors with a skin disorder that prevented donation, and matched three controls for each case. The donors filled out a questionnaire and one bacterial culture sample was taken from venepuncture forearm skin.

Results  The median total number of colony forming skin bacteria was significantly higher in the cases (224 CFUs per sample) than controls (105 CFU per sample). Staphylococcus aureus was significantly more often present on the skin in cases (49%) as compared to controls (7%). Regarding other bacterial genera, no difference between cases and controls was found.

Conclusions  This study shows that our current guidelines for deferral of blood donors with skin disorders effectively identifies individuals with a high number of bacteria on their skin, as well as S. aureus carriers. However, deferral due to skin disorders had only a minor impact on blood product contamination when compared to other actions.
Morphology of Moderator Bands (Septomarginal Trabecula) in Porcine Heart Ventricles
Authors: Gulyaeva A. S. , Roshchevskaya I. M.
Published: February 2012

The morphology of moderator bands in both heart ventricular cavities was examined on macro‐ and microscopic levels in 14 six‐month‐old Landrace pigs. One transverse moderator band, measuring 2.9 ± 0.6 mm in diameter, was located between the septum and the free wall of the right ventricular cavity. On cross‐section, clumps of conductive cells were found at the periphery of the moderator band and in its central part around the blood vessels. Large amounts of muscle fibres were identified. The left ventricular cavity contained moderator bands in the form of thin cords, measuring 1.05 ± 0.09 mm in diameter and located mostly between the interventricular septum and the papillary muscles. Conductive tissue was represented by clumps of Purkinje cells, surrounded by myocardial fibres. The proportion of conductive cells and muscle fibres in the moderator bands was approximately the same. Owing to different amounts of conductive cells and muscle fibres in the bands, we assume that moderator bands in the right and left ventricles play different primary functional roles. Our results were compared with previous data on pigs and other ungulate animal species.
A case of mosaic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Lamrock Edwina , Wills Edward , Fischer Gayle
Published: February 2012

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and usually generalised. We present a case of mosaic EDS, an extremely rare variant. Our patient presented with a single localised patch of EDS affecting her upper left thigh.
Measurement of tear production in black‐tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) using three different methods: modified Schirmer’s I, phenol red thread and standardized endodontic absorbent paper points
Authors: Lange Rogério R. , Lima Leandro , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano
Published: February 2012

Objective:  To report normal tear production of healthy adult black‐tufted marmosets and propose a novel alternative for the measurement of the aqueous portion of tear production in animals with small eyes.

Animal studied:  Black‐tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata).

Procedures:  Tear production of 19 animals was evaluated by the following methods: modified Schirmer’s I, phenol red thread and the novel use of standardized endodontic absorbent paper points. These methods and results were compared. Additionally, blink frequency and palpebral fissure length were measured.

Results:  Modified Schirmer’s test I, mean = −0.46 ± 3.41 mm/min; Phenol red thread, mean = 13.27 ± 5.41 mm/15 s.; Standardized endodontic paper points, size 30, mean = 9.32 ± 3.09 mm/min; Mean palpebral fissure length = 7.83 ± 0.72 mm. Blink frequency, mean = 20.27 ± 5.92/5 min.

Conclusions:  Normal parameters for blink frequency, palpebral fissure length and tear production measurement are presented. The palpebral fissure of black‐tufted marmoset is very small and tear production is one of the lowest reported for all animal species. A novel and practical alternative for tear production measurement using standardized endodontic absorbent paper points is presented and is indicated for animals with small eyes.
DOWNWARDS WAGE RIGIDITY, ENDOGENOUS SEPARATIONS AND FIRM TRAINING
Authors: Lechthaler Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

This paper analyses the effect of downwards wage rigidity on wage setting, wage compression and firm training. It is shown that downwards wage rigidity in future periods induces a wage penalty and increases wage compression in the present period. However, contrary to previous work this is not sufficient to increase firms’ training investments. The reason lies in the endogeneity of separations, which become more frequent.
Life‐Cycle Patterns of Interest‐Rate Mark‐Ups in Small‐Firm Finance*
Authors: Kim Moshe , Kristiansen Eirik Gaard , Vale Bent
Published: February 2012

We derive empirical implications from a theoretical model of bank–borrower relationships. The interest‐rate mark‐ups of banks are predicted to follow a life‐cycle pattern over the age of the borrowing firms. Because of endogenous bank monitoring by competing banks, borrowing firms initially face a low mark‐up, and thereafter an increasing mark‐up as a result of informational lock‐in, until it falls for older firms when the lock‐in is resolved. By applying a large sample of predominantly small unlisted firms and a new measure of asymmetric information, we find that firms with significant asymmetric‐information problems have a more pronounced life‐cycle pattern of interest‐rate mark‐ups. Additionally, we examine the effects of concentrated banking markets on interest‐rate mark‐ups. The results indicate that the life cycle of mark‐ups is mainly driven by asymmetric‐information problems and not by concentration. However, we find evidence that bank market concentration matters for older firms†
Depression in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Onderdijk A.J. , van der Zee H.H. , Esmann S. , Lophaven S. , Dufour D.N. , Jemec G.B.E. , Boer J.
Published: February 2012

Background  Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease with abscess formation and scarring predominantly in the inverse areas. The disease is often difficult to treat and patients experience a decreased quality of life (QoL). It is hypothesized that depression is more common in HS patients than among other dermatological patients.

Objectives  To evaluate the prevalence of depression in patients with HS.

Methods  In total 211 HS patients were included in the study and 233 were dermatological control patients. Their QoL and depression scores were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) questionnaires. HS severity was recorded with a questionnaire and Hurley stages were extracted from the case records.

Results  The DLQI was significantly higher for HS patients than for the control patients, 8.4 ± 7.5 vs. 4.3 ± 5.6 (P < 0.0001) and correlated with Hurley stage severity scores. Mean MDI scores were significantly higher for HS patients, 11.0 vs. 7.2 (P < 0.0001). However, clinically defined depression rates according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD‐10) criteria were not significantly higher in HS patients compared to controls (9% vs. 6%).

Conclusions  HS is a chronic skin disease with major impact on QoL even when compared to other dermatological diseases. MDI scores in HS patients correlate with disease severity. This correlation could indicate that the MDI represents a valid measure of disease related morbidity that may serve as an outcome measure in future studies and a relevant point of intervention for individual patients.
Skin conditions presenting in emergency room in Korea: an eight‐year retrospective analysis
Authors: Kim J.Y. , Cho H.H. , Hong J.S. , Jin S.P. , Park H.S. , Lee J.H. , Cho S.
Published: February 2012

Background  Dermatological patients do visit the emergency department (ED) while most skin problems are controllable in the outpatient clinic. However, there is paucity of data on skin conditions presenting in ED.

Objective  The aim of this study was to provide the demographic and clinical data on dermatological problems in the ED in a secondary hospital in Korea.

Methods  A retrospective study was conducted based on dermatological international classification of diseases (ICD) rendered in the emergency department of Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Korea, during an 8‐year period from 2003 to 2010. Most skin conditions were diagnosed by emergency medicine specialist, not dermatologist.

Results  A total of 8332 patients with skin problem were seen corresponding to 3.2% of total ED visits. The number of patients had increased 277% from 621 visits in 2003 to 1719 visits in 2010 with a peak incidence in the summer season annually. Urticaria and angioedema group was most common (68.1%), followed by infections group and nonspecific and descriptive diagnosis group. The mean length of stay was distributed preponderantly around one hour. In 6.2% cases, the patient was admitted, most frequently for infections.

Conclusion  During the eight‐year period, dermatological ED patients increased at a steeper rate than total ED patients. However, the non‐urgent dermatologic ED patients have increased with respect to admission rate, death rate, length of stay and visiting‐admitting discordance. Health policy makers could utilize these basic data to amend the current health delivery system to reduce unnecessary expenditure of medical resources.
Gender distinctive impacts of prematurity and small for gestational age (SGA) on age‐6 attention problems
Authors: Hall James , Jaekel Julia , Wolke Dieter
Published: February 2012

Background

Predictors of attention problems remain uncertain. Here we distinguish prematurity from small (birth weight) for gestational age (SGA).

Method

A total of 1437 children were studied between 0 and 6 years. Gender differences and indirect perinatal effects (via 20‐month head circumference and cognition) were considered for age 6 attention problems.

Results

Boys, preterms, and SGA children were all at increased risk for attention problems. Indirect perinatal effects differed between boys and girls.

Conclusions

The routes leading to attention problems seem to differ for SGA and preterm children. SGA appears to reduce brain volume while prematurity alters brain function. Although less frequent, female attention problems are more strongly predicted by prematurity and cognitive dysfunction.
Screening for adolescent depression in paediatric care: validity of a new brief version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale
Authors: Pietsch Kathrin , Allgaier Antje‐Kathrin , Frühe Barbara , Hoyler Anne , Rohde Sabine , Schulte‐Körne Gerd
Published: February 2012

Background

The study assessed the criterion validity of the 15‐item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D‐15) as a screening instrument in paediatric care.

Method

A total of 327 patients (13–16 years) completed the CES‐D‐15 and a diagnostic interview serving as gold standard diagnosis for validation.

Results

Receiver operating characteristics yielded an overall accuracy of area under the curve (AUC) = .90 (95% CI [.85, .95]) for the detection of any depressive disorder. At the optimal cut‐off point of 14, sensitivity (.85) and specificity (.84) were good.

Conclusions

The CES‐D‐15 is a promising tool for paediatricians to enhance the recognition rate of juvenile depression.
Pivotal roles of the interleukin‐23/T helper 17 cell axis in hepatitis B
Authors: Huang Zemin , van Velkinburgh Jennifer C. , Ni Bing , Wu Yuzhang
Published: February 2012

T helper 17 (Th17) cells are a newly identified subset of T helper cells that play important roles in host defense against extracellular bacteria, as well as in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Research interest in these cells was piqued when hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients were found to have significantly elevated Th17 cell frequency, and it was proposed that these proinflammatory effectors may promote the HBV disease process. Subsequent studies have revealed that Th17 cells drive immune‐mediated pathology of HBV infection, and that IL‐23 amplifies the Th17 cell responses and liver inflammation. As a result, new pathways of HBV‐mediated liver damage have been elucidated, along with promising new targets of molecular therapeutic strategies. Ongoing research is also providing significant insights into the target cells and underlying mechanisms of Th17‐secreted cytokines, including IL‐17A, IL‐21 and IL‐22. Future studies are expected to fully uncover the cytokine‐related mechanisms mediating HBV‐induced liver inflammation, and to determine the yet unknown cell source of IL‐23. This review will draw upon the most up‐to‐date available data to discuss the putative roles and detailed mechanisms of IL‐23/Th17 cell axis in HBV infection‐mediated liver pathogenesis.
Identification of liver proteins altered by type 2 diabetes mellitus in obese subjects
Authors: Valle Adamo , Catalán Victoria , Rodríguez Amaia , Rotellar Fernando , Valentí Victor , Silva Camilo , Salvador Javier , Frühbeck Gma , Gómez‐Ambrosi Javier , Roca Pilar , Oliver Jordi
Published: February 2012

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a well‐known factor risk for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in obese patients.

Aims

To better understand the association between T2DM and NAFLD, global changes in protein expression in diabetic and non‐diabetic obese subjects were assessed by a proteomic approach.

Methods

Liver samples were obtained from diabetic and non‐diabetic morbid obese subjects (BMI>40 kg/m2). Histological analysis was used to evaluate hepatic steatosis and the degree of anatomopathological alteration. Changes in protein expression were analysed by two‐dimentional electrophoresis combined with MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Levels of glutathione, carbonyl and 4‐HNE protein adducts were used to assess oxidative stress status.

Results

Of 850 proteins analysed, 33 were differentially expressed in T2DM obese subjects. Of these, 27 were unequivocally identified by mass spectrometry. Analysis of protein sets revealed patterns of decreased abundance in mitochondrial enzymes, proteins involved in methione metabolism, and oxidative stress response. Accordingly, T2DM subjects showed decreased levels of glutathione, the antioxidant byproduct of methionine metabolism via the transsulfuration pathway, and higher levels of protein and lipid oxidative damage. Changes in detoxyfing enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism, proteasome subunits and retinoic acid synthesis were also found.

Conclusions

The results suggest alterations in mitochondrial function and methionine metabolism as potential contributing factors to increased oxidative stress in liver of obese diabetic patients which may be influencing the development of NAFLD and NASH.
Endovascular Stent Migration to the Right Ventricle Causing Myocardial Injury
Authors: Bani‐Hani Samer , Showkat Arif , Wall Barry M. , Das Prnab , Huang Liwei , Al‐Absi Ahmed I.
Published: February 2012

Central stenosis of the subclavian and internal jugular veins is common in end stage renal disease. Treatment of these stenoses is difficult as these veins respond poorly to angioplasty alone and often require metallic stents to ensure patency. These stents are not without complications. Reports of stent fracture, thrombosis and vessel rupture abound in the literature. Stent migration can occur when used in large central veins leading to severe consequences such as pulmonary infarction, tricuspid regurgitation and right sided heart failure. In this report, we report a case of a subclavian vein stent which migrated into the right heart and caused subendocardial injury. As the use of vascular stents is becoming a common treatment option for central venous stenosis, the occurrences of serious complications associated with the stents are likely to rise.
The k‐ZIG: Flexible Modeling for Zero‐Inflated Counts
Authors: Ghosh Souparno , Gelfand Alan E. , Zhu Kai , Clark James S.
Published: February 2012

Summary Many applications involve count data from a process that yields an excess number of zeros. Zero‐inflated count models, in particular, zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) and zero‐inflated negative binomial (ZINB) models, along with Poisson hurdle models, are commonly used to address this problem. However, these models struggle to explain extreme incidence of zeros (say more than 80%), especially to find important covariates. In fact, the ZIP may struggle even when the proportion is not extreme. To redress this problem we propose the class of k‐ZIG models. These models allow more flexible modeling of both the zero‐inflation and the nonzero counts, allowing interplay between these two components. We develop the properties of this new class of models, including reparameterization to a natural link function. The models are straightforwardly fitted within a Bayesian framework. The methodology is illustrated with simulated data examples as well as a forest seedling dataset obtained from the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis program.
A Bayesian Approach to Improved Estimation of Causal Effect Predictiveness for a Principal Surrogate Endpoint
Authors: Zigler Corwin M. , Belin Thomas R.
Published: February 2012

Summary The literature on potential outcomes has shown that traditional methods for characterizing surrogate endpoints in clinical trials based only on observed quantities can fail to capture causal relationships between treatments, surrogates, and outcomes. Building on the potential‐outcomes formulation of a principal surrogate, we introduce a Bayesian method to estimate the causal effect predictiveness (CEP) surface and quantify a candidate surrogate’s utility for reliably predicting clinical outcomes. In considering the full joint distribution of all potentially observable quantities, our Bayesian approach has the following features. First, our approach illuminates implicit assumptions embedded in previously‐used estimation strategies that have been shown to result in poor performance. Second, our approach provides tools for making explicit and scientifically‐interpretable assumptions regarding associations about which observed data are not informative. Through simulations based on an HIV vaccine trial, we found that the Bayesian approach can produce estimates of the CEP surface with improved performance compared to previous methods. Third, our approach can extend principal‐surrogate estimation beyond the previously considered setting of a vaccine trial where the candidate surrogate is constant in one arm of the study. We illustrate this extension through an application to an AIDS therapy trial where the candidate surrogate varies in both treatment arms.
Contra Viento y Marea (Against Wind and Tide): Building Civic Identity among Children of Emigration in El Salvador
Authors: DYRNESS ANDREA
Published: February 2012

This article examines contrasting approaches to citizenship education in two schools in San Salvador, El Salvador, in the face of highly visible transnational migration. I argue that while transnational realities challenge education for democratic citizenship, educational processes that enable students to interrogate their own transnational realities—in particular, their relationship to macrostructural relations of inequality—facilitate the development of critical, action‐oriented civic identities. [civic identity, transnational migration, participatory research, democratic citizenship education]
Stimulating effect of sugar dusting on honey bee grooming behaviour
Authors: Stevanovic Jevrosima , Stanimirovic Zoran , Lakic Nada , Djelic Ninoslav , Radovic Ivica
Published: February 2012

The aim of this research was to investigate whether or not sugar dusting can stimulate the grooming behaviour in Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), an important defensive mechanism against Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Acari: Varroidae), and to assess the most effective dose and frequency of treatment. The criterion for evaluation of grooming potential was the percentage of damaged mites (PDM) among the total number collected on the bottom boards of the hives. In each sugar‐treated group PDM was significantly higher in comparison both with the negative control (no treatment) and with the values preceding the treatment. The results point to a stimulating effect of sugar on the grooming behaviour at all doses and frequencies tested. Treatment frequency influenced the stimulating effect of sugar: treatments at 3‐ and 7‐day intervals with 30 and 40 g resulted in significantly higher PDMs than the least frequent treatment (every 14 days); dusting with 20 g influenced PDM only when repeated at 3‐day intervals. Because treatments at 3‐day intervals are time‐consuming, those with 40 or 30 g repeated every 7 days may be recommended. In the positive control (hives treated with amitraz), average PDM was significantly lower than in the negative control and all sugar‐treated groups. Possible causes of the stimulating effect of sugar dusting on bee grooming behaviour are discussed.
Suppression of high lipid diet induced by atherosclerosis sarpogrelate
Authors: Xu Yan‐Jun , Zhang Ming , Ji Lei , Elimban Vijayan , Chen Li , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: February 2012

Sarpogrelate (SP), a serotonin (5‐HT2A) receptor antagonist, is used as an anti‐platelet agent for the treatment of some vascular diseases. SP has been reported to inhibit 5‐HT induced coronary artery spasm, increase in intracellular calcium and smooth muscle cells proliferation. This study was undertaken to test that SP suppresses the development of atherosclerosis due to high cholesterol diet (HCD) by decreasing blood viscosity and oxidative stress. For this purpose, 29 rabbits were divided into four groups: control group (normal diet); normal diet group with SP at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day; HCD group fed 1% cholesterol; and HCD group with SP at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day. After 90 days of the experiment, blood samples were collected and the animals were killed; the thoracic aorta was stained by the Oil Red O staining method. The results indicate that plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and malondialdehyde were increased in rabbits fed HCD. Plasma viscosity and whole blood viscosity were also higher in the HCD group than that in normal diet group. Treatment with SP prevented these alterations induced by HCD whereas this agent had no significant effect in rabbits fed normal diet. Morphological examination of the aorta revealed that SP treatment prevented the formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaque. It is suggested that the beneficial effects of SP in atherosclerosis may be due to actions on blood viscosity, lipid levels and oxidative stress.
Effects of leaf‐cutting ant refuse on native plant performance under two levels of grazing intensity in the Monte Desert of Argentina
Authors: Cerda Noelia V. , Tadey Mariana , Farji‐Brener Alejandro G. , Navarro María C.
Published: February 2012

Question

Low quantities of soil nutrients often restrict plant establishment and growth in arid lands and have been partially attributed to the scarcity of organic matter in these ecosystems. Refuse dumps from leaf‐cutting ants are a natural source of organic matter; however, their effects on native plant performance have received limited attention to date. Do refuse dumps from leaf‐cutting ants (Acromyrmex lobicornis) enhance the germination and growth of several native plant species and what is the potential influence of heavy grazing on this practice?

Location

Monte Desert, Neuquén Province, Argentina.

Methods

We collected fruits of five plant species and two types of substrate (ant refuse dump vs control soil) from two known paddocks with different livestock densities (high vs low). We sowed seeds, previously weighed, of each species in both substrates from both paddocks and monitored their development. We harvested emerged seedlings, documenting their age and measured their height, weight, number of leaves, root weight and root length.

Results

Seed weight was lower in the highly grazed paddock for all the plant species studied. However, seed weight did not affect germination rate. Refuse dumps from the less grazed paddock (i.e. with higher nutrient content) enhanced the vigour of seedlings from smaller seeds more often than those from the highly grazed paddock. Also, germination improved when both seeds and substrate were from the less grazed paddock. Vigour variables showed more complex results, but seedlings growing in refuse dumps tended to be more vigorous. Refuse dumps from the less grazed paddock (i.e. with higher nutrient content) enhanced the vigour of seedlings from the highly grazed paddock (smaller) more than the seeds from the less grazed paddock (larger).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that ant refuse dumps increased plant germination rate and improved performance of the most representative vegetation in the Monte Desert. Given that external refuse dumps from leaf‐cutting ants are a renewable resource, very abundant and easy to collect, this substrate could be used as a free natural fertilizer in arid regions to restore and manage vegetation cover, especially in heavily grazed sites.
Signalling by protein phosphatases and drug development: a systems‐centred view
Authors: Nguyen Lan K. , Matallanas David , Croucher David R. , von Kriegsheim Alexander , Kholodenko Boris N.
Published: February 2012

Protein modification cycles catalysed by opposing enzymes, such as kinases and phosphatases, form the backbone of signalling networks. Although, historically, kinases have been at the research forefront, a systems‐centred approach reveals predominant roles for phosphatases in controlling the network response times and spatio‐temporal profiles of signalling activities. Emerging evidence suggests that phosphatase kinetics are critical for network function and cell‐fate decisions. Protein phosphatases operate as both immediate and delayed regulators of signal transduction, capable of attenuating or amplifying signalling. This versatility of phosphatase action emphasizes the need for systems biology approaches to understand cellular signalling networks and predict the cellular outcomes of combinatorial drug interventions.
Diethyl Phthalate Enhances Apoptosis Induced by Serum Deprivation in PC12 Cells
Authors: Sun Yongkun , Takahashi Kumiko , Hosokawa Toshiyuki , Saito Takeshi , Kurasaki Masaaki
Published: February 2012

In this study, to examine the mechanism of diethyl phthalate toxicity to cells, the effects of diethyl phthalate on apoptosis in a PC12 cell system were investigated by assaying apoptotic factors such as caspase‐3, Bax, cytochrome c and DNA damage. Diethyl phthalate was shown to enhance the apoptosis induced by serum deprivation according to the results of DNA electrophoresis and TUNEL signal assays, although it could not induce apoptosis itself in the cells. This enhancement was thought to be because of an increase in caspase‐3‐like activity. In addition, the expression of bax and contents of cytochrome c in the cytosol showed a tendency to increase the cells exposed to diethyl phthalate. These results indicated that diethyl phthalate, a potential endocrine disrupter, affects the apoptotic system in PC12 cells. Diethyl phthalate may enhance oxidative stress such as that induced by reactive oxygen species in PC12 cells.
ABO‐incompatible organ transplantation
Authors: Subramanian V. , Ramachandran S. , Klein C. , Wellen J. R. , Shenoy S. , Chapman W. C. , Mohanakumar T.
Published: February 2012

Increases in the patients on the organ transplant wait list have far out paced the number of available organs. This has lead to longer time awaiting transplantation and thus increased morbidity and mortality associated with it. Making more organs available for transplantation remains critical, and hence, extended criteria donors and ABO‐incompatible organs are being utilized. Recent reports on the use of conventional immunosuppressive regimens for ABO‐incompatible grafts suggest outcomes can be obtained similar to those of ABO‐compatible transplants. The delay in the development of natural antibodies to ABO antigens in infants provides an ‘immunological window’ that allows for successful ABO‐incompatible transplants in this age group. This also allows for a unique mechanism long‐term tolerance to the graft in infants. ABO incompatibility may no longer be a contraindication in case of kidney transplantation and paediatric heart transplantation. Increased utilization of ABO‐incompatible grafts can alleviate the shortage for organs and decrease waitlist times and associated morbidity. In this review, we will discuss the current status of ABO‐incompatible transplantation in adult and paediatric solid organ transplantation with attention on recent developments on understanding the mechanisms of graft acceptance in these ABO‐incompatible organs.
Metabolic Engineering of Plant‐derived (E)‐β‐farnesene Synthase Genes for a Novel Type of Aphid‐resistant Genetically Modified Crop PlantsF
Authors: Yu Xiu‐Dao , Pickett John , Ma You‐Zhi , Bruce Toby , Napier Johnathan , Jones Huw D. , Xia Lan‐Qin
Published: February 2012

Aphids are major agricultural pests that cause significant yield losses of crop plants each year. Excessive dependence on insecticides for long‐term aphid control is undesirable because of the development of insecticide resistance, the potential negative effects on non‐target organisms and environmental pollution. Transgenic crops engineered for resistance to aphids via a non‐toxic mode of action could be an efficient alternative strategy. (E)‐β‐Farnesene (EβF) synthases catalyze the formation of EβF, which for many pest aphids is the main component of the alarm pheromone involved in the chemical communication within these species. EβF can also be synthesized by certain plants but is then normally contaminated with inhibitory compounds. Engineering of crop plants capable of synthesizing and emitting EβF could cause repulsion of aphids and also the attraction of natural enemies that use EβF as a foraging cue, thus minimizing aphid infestation. In this review, the effects of aphids on host plants, plants’ defenses against aphid herbivory and the recruitment of natural enemies for aphid control in an agricultural setting are briefly introduced. Furthermore, the plant‐derived EβF synthase genes cloned to date along with their potential roles in generating novel aphid resistance via genetically modified approaches are discussed.

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[ Lan‐Qin Xia (Corresponding author)]
A Sequential Quantitative Trait Locus Fine‐Mapping Strategy Using Recombinant‐Derived ProgenyF
Authors: Yang Qin , Zhang Dongfeng , Xu Mingliang
Published: February 2012

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[ Mingliang Xu ]

A thorough understanding of the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that underlie agronomically important traits in crops would greatly increase agricultural productivity. Although advances have been made in QTL cloning, the majority of QTLs remain unknown because of their low heritability and minor contributions to phenotypic performance. Here we summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of current QTL fine‐mapping methodologies, and then introduce a sequential QTL fine‐mapping strategy based on both genotypes and phenotypes of progeny derived from recombinants. With this mapping strategy, experimental errors could be dramatically diminished so as to reveal the authentic genetic effect of target QTLs. The number of progeny required to detect QTLs at various R2 values was calculated, and the backcross generation suitable to start QTL fine‐mapping was also estimated. This mapping strategy has proved to be very powerful in narrowing down QTL regions, particularly minor‐effect QTLs, as revealed by fine‐mapping of various resistance QTLs in maize. Application of this sequential QTL mapping strategy should accelerate cloning of agronomically important QTLs, which is currently a substantial challenge in crops.
An Integrated Approach to Crop Genetic ImprovementF
Authors: Parry Martin A. J. , Hawkesford Malcolm J.
Published: February 2012

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[ Martin A. J. Parry ]

The balance between the supply and demand of the major food crops is fragile, fueling concerns for long‐term global food security. The rising population, increasing wealth and a proliferation of non‐food uses (e.g. bioenergy) has led to growing demands on agriculture, while increased production is limited by greater urbanization, and the degradation of land. Furthermore, global climate change with increasing temperatures and lower, more erratic rainfall is projected to decrease agricultural yields. There is a predicted need to increase food production by at least 70% by 2050 and therefore an urgent need to develop novel and integrated approaches, incorporating high‐throughput phenotyping that will both increase production per unit area and simultaneously improve the resource use efficiency of crops. Yield potential, yield stability, nutrient and water use are all complex multigenic traits and while there is genetic variability, their complexity makes such traits difficult to breed for directly. Nevertheless molecular plant breeding has the potential to deliver substantial improvements, once the component traits and the genes underlying these traits have been identified. In addition, interactions between the individual traits must also be taken into account, a demand that is difficult to fulfill with traditional screening approaches. Identified traits will be incorporated into new cultivars using conventional or biotechnological tools. In order to better understand the relationship between genotype, component traits, and environment over time, a multidisciplinary approach must be adopted to both understand the underlying processes and identify candidate genes, QTLs and traits that can be used to develop improved crops.
Design of Potent, Non‐Toxic Antimicrobial Agents Based upon the Structure of the Frog Skin Peptide, Temporin‐1CEb from Chinese Brown Frog, Rana chensinensis
Authors: Shang Dejing , Li Xiaofan , Sun Yue , Wang Che , Sun Li , Wei Shi , Gou Meng
Published: February 2012

Temporin‐1CEb shows antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria, but its therapeutic potential is limited by its haemolysis. In this study, eight temporin‐1CEb analogues with altered cationicities and hydrophobicities were synthesized. Increasing cationicity and amphipathicity by substituting neutral and non‐polar amino acid residues on the hydrophilic face of the α‐helix by five or six lysines increased antimicrobial potency approximately 10‐fold to 40‐fold, although when the number of positive charges was increased from +6 to +7, the antimicrobial potency was not additionally enhanced. The substitution of an l‐lysine with a d‐lysine, meanwhile maintaining the net charge and the mean hydrophobicity values, had only a minor effect on its antimicrobial activity, whereas significantly led a decrease in its haemolytic activity. Of all the peptides, l‐K6 has the best potential as an antimicrobial agent because its antimicrobial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria is substantial, and its haemolytic activity is negligible. l‐K6 adopts an α‐helix in 50% trifluoroethanol/water and 30 mm SDS solutions. l‐K6 killed 99.9% of E. coli and S. aureus at 4× MIC in 60 min, and its postantibiotic effect was >5 h. l‐K6 affects the integrity of E. coli and S. aureus plasma membranes by rapidly inducing membrane depolarization.
Continuing education for urology nurses: harnessing the potential of e‐learning
Authors: Dowling Maura , Power Moya , O’Boyle Geraldine
Published: February 2012

The module ‘Living with cancer of the lower urinary tract' was developed to address the learning needs of specialized urology nurses working in hospitals and generalist nurses caring for urology patients in practice settings. The module is also offered to oncology nurses undertaking specialist postgraduate education. The module is delivered by a ‘blended learning’ approach and supported by the technology offered on the Blackboard Learning System (Version 9·1), a virtual learning environment that facilitates the delivery of on‐line and flexible learning. While a number of challenges were faced during the module development and delivery, the positive benefits of collaborative working between university and expert nurse clinicians, and shared learning between urology and oncology nurses was evident.
Targets not only drive forward service change but influence change in practice
Authors: Corr Brian
Published: February 2012

The aim of this article is to illustrate and discuss how a change in service delivery and nursing role influenced the need for further changes in the interventions between the urology unit and the patient. This highlighted the fact that there were varying styles and means of disseminating results and especially when informing patients of what could be potentially confusing biopsy results such as those which have revealed high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Some practices could lead to the patients being confused or worried, as they have not been afforded pure choice according to their individual wishes. After reviewing the literature, and explaining the histological diagnosis that is high‐grade intraepithelial prostatic neoplasia, an information leaflet has been developed that can be given to patients receiving such results, thus ensuring patients are all given standard written information minimizing inter‐clinician variations. The changing role of the clinical nurse specialist within the urological team will be discussed, as well as the service delivery changes that took place within that team which led to the need to challenge existing practices that have continued throughout the years.