bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability of the modified Chinese version of the Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL) in older people living alone in China
Authors: Chen Yu , Hicks Allan , While Alison E
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of a modified Chinese version of the OPQOL among older people living alone in China.

Background

China has an ageing population with an increasing number of older people living alone who may have a poorer quality of life (QoL) in the light of the traditional culture of collectivism and filial piety. An appropriate instrument is important to assess their QoL. The Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL) was developed directly from the views of older people and has been validated in England. There has been no psychometric evaluation of the scale in China.

Methods

The OPQOL was translated and modified prior to being administered to a stratified random cluster sample of 521 older people living alone. Validity was assessed through convergent validity, discriminant validity and construct validity. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency and test–retest reliability.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis indicated eight factors accounting for 63.77% of the variance. The convergent validity was supported by moderate correlations with functional ability, social support and loneliness with Spearman's rho of −0.50, 0.49 and −0.53, respectively. The discriminant validity was confirmed by differentiating QoL scores between the depressed and non‐depressed groups. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.90 for the total scale and over 0.70 for most of its dimensions. The 2‐week test–retest reliability ranged from 0.53 to 0.87.

Conclusions

The modified Chinese version of the Older People's Quality of Life has acceptable validity and reliability as a useful instrument to measure the QoL of older people living alone in China.

Implications for practice

Nurses could use this scale to identify vulnerable older people subgroups and to inform effective interventions to improve the QoL of older people.
Electrophysiologic Characteristics and Pharmacologic Response of Human Cardiomyocytes Isolated from a Patient with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: BARAJAS‐MARTÍNEZ HECTOR , HU DAN , GOODROW ROBERT J. , JOYCE FREDERIC , ANTZELEVITCH CHARLES
Published: October 2013

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common monogenic cardiac disorder encountered in the clinic. Data relative to the electrophysiologic characteristics and pharmacologic responsiveness of human tissues and cells isolated from patients with HCM are rare. As a consequence, cellular mechanisms underlying arrhythmogenicity are poorly understood.

Methods

Cardiomyocytes were enzymatically dissociated from a septal myectomy surgically removed from a patient with obstructive HCM. Sharp microelectrodes and patch‐clamp techniques were used to evaluate action potential and sodium channel current (INa) characteristics.

Results

Action potential morphology recorded was typical of an M cell, but with a longer than normal duration (APD) and a relatively steep APD‐rate relationship. APD at all rates was significantly reduced following exposure to ranolazine (10 μM). Whole cell patch‐clamp recording yielded robust peak INa and large late INa (1.1% of peak INa vs 0.1–0.2% in healthy controls). A large window current was observed as well. Ranolazine (10 μM) shifted steady‐state V0.5 of inactivation by –8 mV, reduced late INa by 82%, and significantly diminished the window current.

Conclusion

Our results indicate the presence of cells with M‐cell characteristics in the septum of the human heart, as has previously been described in the canine heart. They also point to an ameliorative effect of ranolazine to reduce augmented late INa and thus to reduce the prolonged APD in the setting of HCM. These results suggest a potential therapeutic role for ranolazine in HCM.
Effect of Interconnection between Cervical Vagus Trunk, Epicardial Fat Pad on Sinus Node Function, and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ZHOU QINA , ZHANG LING , WANG KUN , XU XIAOXIA , JI MENG , ZHANG FENG , WANG HONGLI , HOU YUEMEI
Published: October 2013

Background

The epicardial fat pad (FP) integrates the autonomic innervation between the extrinsic and intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system and affects atrial electrophysiology and pathophysiology.

Methods

Eighteen dogs were divided into two groups: sequential ablation of sinoatrial node FP (SAN‐FP) and atrioventricular node FP (AVN‐FP). Sinus rate (SR), atrial fibrillation (AF) inducibility, and effective refractory period (ERP) changes during electrical stimulation of the vagus trunk were detected before and after ablation.

Results

In the SAN‐FP group, the SR slowing, increasing AF inducibility, and ERP shortening that induced by vagus trunk stimulation were significantly attenuated by isolated SAN‐FP ablation, compared with the same group prior to ablation (all P < 0.05). Subsequent AVN‐FP ablation following SAN‐FP ablation almost cannot produce further attenuation during vagus trunk stimulation, compared with isolated SAN‐FP ablation (P > 0.05). In the AVN‐FP group, SR slowing, increasing AF inducibility, and ERP shortening that induced by vagus trunk stimulation were completely eliminated by isolated AVN‐FP ablation, compared with the same group prior to ablation (all P < 0.05). Subsequent SAN‐FP ablation following AVN‐FP ablation produced no further attenuation, compared with isolated AVN‐FP ablation (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

A neural pathway from the cervical vagus trunk to the sinus node and atrium runs through the SAN‐FP, but eventually converges at the AVN‐FP and also suggested that the AVN‐FP serves as an “integration center” for the SAN‐FP to modulate sinus node function. The AVN‐FP may play a more critical role in the initiation and maintenance of AF.
Systematic review of montelukast's efficacy for preventing post‐bronchiolitis wheezing
Authors: Peng Wan‐Sheng , Chen Xin , Yang Xiao‐Yun , Liu En‐Mei
Published: October 2013

Infants often develop reactive airway diseases subsequent to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs), a class of lipid mediators that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and asthma, are released during RSV infection, thereby contributing to the pathogenic changes in airway inflammation. Many pediatric patients, especially those of very young age, continue to have recurrent episodes of lower airway obstruction after bronchiolitis treatment. This study was to systematically review and assessed the efficacy of montelukast for preventing wheezing in patients with post‐bronchiolitis. The Cochrane library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) periodical databases were screened for studies related to use of montelukast for preventing post‐bronchiolitis wheezing published up to 31 December 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs using montelukast alone as an active intervention in infants up to 24 months of age with post‐bronchiolitis were selected. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality using the recommendations published by the Cochrane Collaboration. The meta‐analyses were performed using the Cochrane statistical package RevMan5.0.0. Four trials, containing 1430 infants with confirmed diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis, were analyzed. Patients were administered montelukast at post‐bronchiolitis. Three trials showed no effects of montelukast on reducing the incidence of recurrent wheezing risk ratios (RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.55–1.12, p = 0.17), while two trials found that montelukast did reduce the frequency of recurrent wheezing and another two trials demonstrated no effects of montelukast on symptom‐free days. The pooled montelukast treatment group showed no significant effect on reducing the usage of corticosteroids, as compared to the placebo group (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.85–1.44, p = 0.45). Two trials showed that montelukast significantly decreased serum eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin levels, as compared to the control group. In general, the side effects of rash, vomiting, and insomnia caused by montelukast occurred in 1.5% of patients analyzed. The recent evidences indicate that montelukast may reduce the frequency of post‐bronchiolitic wheezing without causing significant side effects but that it has no effects on decreasing incidences of recurrent wheezing, symptom‐free days, or the associated usage of corticosteroid in post‐bronchiolitis patients. The small number of enrolled participants and the inability to pool all clinical outcomes precludes us from making solid recommendations.
Allergen immunotherapy decreases LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation in neutrophils from allergic patients
Authors: Ventura Inmaculada , Vega Antonio , Chamorro Cristina , Aroca Rocío , Gómez Elisa , Pineda Fernando , Palacios Ricardo , Blanca Miguel , Monteseirín Javier
Published: October 2013

Background

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (IT) is widely used to treat allergic diseases. The molecular mechanisms have not been clarified yet completely. The present work was undertaken to analyze the effect of IT in the activation of NF‐κB.

Methods

Neutrophils from 15 pollen‐allergic IT‐treated patients, 10 untreated pollen‐allergic patients, and 10 healthy donors were in vitro stimulated with LPS. NF‐κB activation (p65/p52) was measured in their nuclear extracts by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IκBα phosphorylation, NF‐κB‐repressing factor (NRF) activation, and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) release were measured by ELISA.

Results

There was a positive correlation between the score of symptoms and NF‐κB activation in human neutrophils. IT significantly decreased NF‐κB activation levels in neutrophils compared with neutrophils from untreated patients. IκBα phosphorylation and NRF activation levels were, respectively, significantly lower and higher in neutrophils from IT‐treated patients than from untreated patients. IL‐8 and TXA2 release were significantly lower in neutrophils from IT‐treated patients than from untreated patients.

Conclusions

IT positive effects are at least in part mediated by the negative regulation of NF‐κB activation in human neutrophils. These observations represent a novel view of neutrophils as possible cell target to treat IgE‐dependent diseases through NF‐κB downmodulation.
Analysing links between biogeography, niche stability and speciation: the impact of complex feedbacks on macroevolutionary patterns
Authors: Stigall Alycia L.
Published: October 2013

Understanding the processes that control speciation is critical to any modern macroevolutionary synthesis. A variety of theoretical constructs have been proposed to explain various differential speciation patterns observed in the fossil record, such as higher rates of speciation among stenotopic vs. eurytopic species. Most of these explanations, however, rely on only one or two explanatory variables and may be overly simplistic. Developing a more complete understanding of speciation processes requires a broader synthesis of multiple explanatory factors including the role of external factors such as climate and plate tectonics, impact of ecosystem‐level processes, relative niche breadth and relative stability of species’ niches during environmental change (biotic and abiotic). This study explores the relationship between biogeography, ecological niches and speciation in a series of case studies focusing on the Late Ordovician and Late Devonian shallow marine brachiopods and bivalves and Neogene horses of North America.
Geophilomorph centipedes from the Cretaceous amber of Burma
Authors: Bonato Lucio , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Minelli Alessandro
Published: October 2013

The only previously known Mesozoic fossils of the chilopod order Geophilomorpha are two species from the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous, both known from single specimens that cannot be assigned with precision to a family. Four specimens from the Late Cretaceous (earliest Cenomanian) amber of Burma include three that can be identified as conspecific, described here as Kachinophilus pereirai gen. nov. sp. nov. These specimens preserve greater morphological detail in comparison with other fossil geophilomorphs: the form and fine features of the head, the maxillary complex, the trunk sternites with associated glandular pores and the ultimate pair of legs defend the assignment of the species to the extant family Geophilidae, and most probably to a derived subgroup including well‐known extant genera such as Ribautia Brölemann, 1909. Confocal laser scanning microscopy supplements examination under incident and transmitted light to document details of high taxonomic relevance in the head and the forcipular segment. The modern appearance of this species and its membership among deeply nested extant clades are consistent with molecular estimates that most of the diversity of crown‐group Geophilomorpha originated before the Late Cretaceous.
Evidence for a dioecious mating system in Early Jurassic Hardapestheria maxwelli gen. et sp. nov. (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Spinicaudata) from the Kalkrand Formation of Namibia
Authors: Stigall Alycia L. , Hembree Daniel I. , Gierlowski‐Kordesch Elizabeth H. , Weismiller Heather C.
Published: October 2013

A new spinicaudatan (clam shrimp), Hardapestheria maxwelli gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Jurassic Kalkrand Formation of central Namibia. Specimens were collected from a sedimentary interbed within a succession of flood basalts. These are the first spinicaudatans to be described from the Jurassic of south‐western Africa. The new taxon is assigned to the family Eosestheriidae based on the combination of punctae and radial ornamentation on the carapace. Ornamentation on the growth bands in H. maxwelli differs from other eosestheriid genera because the punctate ornamentation is not restricted to the dorsal region of the carapace. Instead, all growth bands include a proximal region with punctae even though the distal portion of each growth band may exhibit anastomosing lirae. Among well‐documented Mesozoic spinicaudatan genera, Hardapestheria is most closely related to Carapacestheria from the contemporaneous Kirkpatrick Basalt of Antarctica and Yanjiestheria from the Early Cretaceous of China. Hardapestheria maxwelli displays sexual dimorphism, which can be definitively related to a dioecious mating system with discrete male and female individuals. Review of additional early members of the Eosestheriidae suggests that the maintenance of two discrete sexes was the ancestral state for the clade. The ability to discriminate sexual mating system type unambiguously is rare in fossils, and this new species sheds light on the relationship between environmental stability and mating system evolution.
Ammonoid palaeobiology
Authors: Clarkson Euan N. K.
Published: October 2013

This, the second in the series of virtual issues of Palaeontology, charts the development of concepts in ammonoid palaeobiology, with reference to nine selected papers published in this journal from 1965 onwards. These cover a broad range of topics: goniatite bed palaeoecology, systematics and evolution in Scaphites, flow dynamics of cephalopod shells, shell growth and differential geometry, septal function, ammonoid assemblage analysis, evolutionary trends, stratocladistics, and soft part preservation. Despite the growth and success of palaeobiological interpretations of ammonoid evolution, life, morphology and environments over the last 50 years, ammonoid research retains a great potential for the future.
Application of nontargeted metabolite profiling to discover novel markers of quality traits in an advanced population of malting barley
Authors: Heuberger Adam L. , Broeckling Corey D. , Kirkpatrick Kaylyn R. , Prenni Jessica E.
Published: October 2013

The process of breeding superior varieties for the agricultural industry is lengthy and expensive. Plant metabolites may act as markers of quality traits, potentially expediting the appraisal of experimental lines during breeding. Here, we evaluated the utility of metabolites as markers by assessing metabolic variation influenced by genetic and environmental factors in an advanced breeding setting and in relation to the phenotypic distribution of 20 quality traits. Nontargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry metabolite profiling was performed on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain and malt from 72 advanced malting barley lines grown at two distinct but climatically similar locations, with 2‐row and 6‐row barley as the main genetic factors. 27 420 molecular features were detected, and the metabolite and quality trait profiles were similarly influenced by genotype and environment; however, malt was more influenced by genotype compared with barley. An O2PLS model characterized molecular features and quality traits that covaried, and 1319 features associated with at least one of 20 quality traits. An indiscriminant MS/MS acquisition and novel data analysis method facilitated the identification of metabolites. The analysis described 216 primary and secondary metabolites that correlated with multiple quality traits and included amines, amino acids, alkaloids, polyphenolics and lipids. The mechanisms governing quality trait–metabolite associations were interpreted based on colocalization to genetic markers and their gene annotations. The results of this study support the hypothesis that metabolism and quality traits are co‐influenced by relatively narrow genetic and environmental factors and illustrate the utility of grain metabolites as functional markers of quality traits.
Identification of quantitative trait loci underlying seed protein and oil contents of soybean across multi‐genetic backgrounds and environments
Authors: Mao Tingting , Jiang Zhenfeng , Han Yingpeng , Teng Weili , Zhao Xue , Li Wenbin
Published: October 2013

Seed protein and oil contents are important quantitative traits in soybean. Previously, quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed protein and oil were mostly identified in single genetic background. The objective of this work was to identify QTL and their epistatic effects underlying seed protein and oil contents in three recombinant inbred line populations (two of them used one common female parent) across eight environments by composite interval mapping. Forty QTL underlying protein content and 35 QTL underlying oil content were identified. Among them, nine were universal QTL underlying protein content and four were universal QTL underlying oil content. Epistatic interactions between QTL underlying seed protein/oil and different genetic backgrounds were detected. Different pairs of epistatic interactions were observed in diverse genetic backgrounds across multi‐environments. Common marker intervals were observed to simultaneously underlie seed protein and oil contents with different epistatic interactions. The results in this study suggested that a specific genotype with high oil content and low protein content might significantly affect the selection of soybean lines for high seed protein.
Simultaneous improvement in cold tolerance and yield of temperate japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.) by introgression breeding
Authors: Meng Lijun , Lin Xiuyun , Wang Jinming , Chen Kai , Cui Yanru , Xu Jianlong , Li Zhikang
Published: October 2013

To combine high yield and improved cold tolerance (CT) in a japonica rice variety, ‘Chaoyou1’ (CY1), 324 BC2F5 introgression lines (ILs) selected for CT from 11 CY1 BC2F4 populations were evaluated in replicated experiments for their CT at the reproductive and seedling stages. A mean realized heritability of 0.747 was achieved in this study for CT. Evaluation of 116 ILs from five BC populations in replicated experiments under stress and normal conditions identified 18 promising ILs that had greatly improved CT and yield compared with CY1. Detailed comparisons between the ILs and CY1 for CT and yield‐related traits under stress and non‐stress conditions provided useful information and better understanding of important issues such as donor selection, selection efficiency and associated changes in non‐target traits in the BC breeding process. The large numbers of CT ILs developed provide useful materials for genetic, physiological and molecular dissection of CT and yield traits using DNA markers and ‐omic tools, and as parents for further improving these traits by designed QTL pyramiding.
Transcriptional reprogramming and stimulation of leaf respiration by elevated CO2 concentration is diminished, but not eliminated, under limiting nitrogen supply
Authors: MARKELZ R. J. CODY , LAI LISA X. , VOSSELER LAUREN N. , LEAKEY ANDREW D. B.
Published: October 2013

Plant respiration responses to elevated CO2 concentration ( [CO2] ) have been studied for three decades without consensus about the mechanism of response. Positive effects of elevated [CO2] on leaf respiration have been attributed to greater substrate supply resulting from stimulated photosynthesis. Negative effects of elevated [CO2] on leaf respiration have been attributed to reduced demand for energy for protein turnover assumed to result from lower leaf N content. Arabidopsis thaliana was grown in ambient (370 ppm) and elevated (750 ppm) [CO2] with limiting and ample N availabilities. The stimulation of leaf dark respiration was attenuated in limiting N (+12%) compared with ample N supply (+30%). This response was associated with smaller stimulation of photosynthetic CO2 uptake, but not interactive effects of elevated CO2 and N supply on leaf protein, amino acids or specific leaf area. Elevated [CO2] also resulted in greater abundance of transcripts for many components of the respiratory pathway. A greater transcriptional response to elevated [CO2] was observed in ample N supply at midday versus midnight, consistent with reports that protein synthesis is greatest during the day. Greater foliar expression of respiratory genes under elevated [CO2] has now been observed in diverse herbaceous species, suggesting a widely conserved response.
Moderating mycorrhizas: arbuscular mycorrhizas modify rhizosphere chemistry and maintain plant phosphorus status within narrow boundaries
Authors: NAZERI NAZANIN K. , LAMBERS HANS , TIBBETT MARK , RYAN MEGAN H.
Published: October 2013

Pastures often experience a pulse of phosphorus (P) when fertilized. We examined the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the uptake of P from a pulse. Five legumes (Kennedia prostrata, Cullen australasicum, Bituminaria bituminosa, Medicago sativa and Trifolium subterraneum) were grown in a moderate P, sterilized field soil, either with (+AMF) or without (−AMF) addition of unsterilized field soil. After 9–10 weeks, half the pots received 15 mg P kg−1 of soil. One week later, we measured: shoot and root dry weights; percentage of root length colonized by AMF; plant P, nitrogen and manganese (Mn) concentrations; and rhizosphere carboxylates, pH and plant‐available P. The P pulse raised root P concentration by a similar amount in uncolonized and colonized plants, but shoot P concentration increased by 143% in uncolonized plants and 53% in colonized plants. Inoculation with AMF decreased the amount of rhizosphere carboxylates by 52%, raised rhizosphere pH by ∼0.2–0.7 pH units and lowered shoot Mn concentration by 38%. We conclude that AMF are not simply a means for plants to enhance P uptake when P is limiting, but also act to maintain shoot P within narrow boundaries and can affect nutrient uptake through their influence on rhizosphere chemistry.
Age versus stage: does ontogeny modify the effect of phosphorus and arbuscular mycorrhizas on above‐ and below‐ground defence in forage sorghum?
Authors: MILLER REBECCA E. , GLEADOW ROSLYN M. , CAVAGNARO TIMOTHY R.
Published: October 2013

Arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) can increase plant acquisition of P and N. No published studies have investigated the impact of P and AM on the allocation of N to the plant defence, cyanogenic glucosides. We investigated the effects of soil P and AM on cyanogenic glucoside (dhurrin) concentration in roots and shoots of two forage sorghum lines differing in cyanogenic potential (HCNp). Two harvest times allowed plants grown at high and low P to be compared at the same age and the same size, to take account of known ontogenetic changes in shoot HCNp. P responses were dependent on ontogeny and tissue type. At the same age, P‐limited plants were smaller and had higher shoot HCNp but lower root HCNp. Ontogenetically controlled comparisons showed a P effect of lesser magnitude, and that there was also an increase in the allocation of N to dhurrin in shoots of P‐limited plants. Colonization by AM had little effect on shoot HCNp, but increased root HCNp and the allocation of N to dhurrin in roots. Divergent responses of roots and shoots to P, AM and with ontogeny demonstrate the importance of broadening the predominantly foliar focus of plant defence studies/theory, and of ontogenetically controlled comparisons.
Concurrent Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Inflammatory Acne, Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp, and Pyoderma Gangrenosum in a 16‐Year‐Old Boy
Authors: Koshelev Misha V. , Garrison Paige A. , Wright Teresa S.
Published: October 2013

We report the case of a 16‐year‐old boy who presented to our clinic with concomitant hidradenitis suppurativa, inflammatory acne, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Recent reports describe the co‐occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa. This case further expands the spectrum of concomitant pyoderma gangrenosum and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.
Clinicopathologic features of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders arising after pediatric small bowel transplant
Authors: Nassif S. , Kaufman S. , Vahdat S. , Yazigi N. , Kallakury B. , Island E. , Ozdemirli M.
Published: October 2013

Few studies examined the clinicopathologic features of PTLD arising in pediatric SBT patients. Particularly, the association between ATG and PTLD in this population has not been described. Retrospective review of 81 pediatric patient charts with SBT – isolated or in combination with other organs – showed a PTLD incidence of 11%, occurring more frequently in females (median age of four yr) and with clinically advanced disease. Monomorphic PTLD was the most common histological subtype. There was a significant difference in the use of ATG between patients who developed PTLD and those who did not (p < 0.01); a similar difference was seen with the use of sirolimus (p < 0.001). These results suggested a link between the combination of ATG and sirolimus and development of more clinically and histologically advanced PTLD; however, the risk of ATG by itself was not clear. EBV viral loads were higher in patients with PTLD, and median time between detection of EBV to PTLD diagnosis was three months. However, viral loads at the time of PTLD diagnosis were most often lower than at EBV detection, thereby raising questions on the correlation between decreasing viral genomes and risk of PTLD.
Basiliximab with delayed introduction of calcineurin inhibitors as a renal‐sparing protocol following liver transplantation in children with renal impairment
Authors: Mouzaki M. , Yap J. , Avinashi V. , Babu A. , Fu A. , Deangelis M. , Van Roestel K. , Ghanekar A. , Kamath B. , Avitzur Y. , Fecteau A. , Jones N. , Ling S. , Grant D. , Ng V.
Published: October 2013

Renal impairment is frequently compromised in patients with end‐stage liver disease and is associated with increased long‐term mortality post‐LT. In contrast to CNI, basiliximab is an immunosuppressive agent with minimal nephrotoxic potential. This study reviews the experience of a single pediatric liver transplant center's renal‐sparing approach with the use of basiliximab and MMF to compensate for delayed entry of CNI in children with renal impairment at the time of organ availability. There were no differences in renal function between pediatric patients with and without pre‐LT renal impairment within the first year (cGFR: 135 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 144 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.56) or at 5–8 yr following LT, (129 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 130 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.97). In addition, there was no difference in ACR rates (50% vs. 43%, p = 0.62) between patients in the basiliximab group and those patients receiving standard CNI and steroid strategies. The utilization of a renal‐sparing approach with basiliximab alongside delayed entry and lower early target trough levels of CNI in children with renal impairment at the time of LT is safe and maintains excellent long‐term kidney function.
Processing of model calling songs by the prothoracic AN2 neurone and phonotaxis are significantly correlated in individual female Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: SAMUEL LESLIE , STUMPNER ANDREAS , ATKINS GORDON , STOUT JOHN
Published: October 2013

Syllable period (SP) selective calling song processing has been demonstrated for the prothoracic, AN2 auditory neurone that correlates very well with SP‐selective phonotaxis by female cricket Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer. Both SP‐selective processing by the AN2 and the phonotactic behaviour of the female exhibit substantial plasticity. Thus, the question remains as to whether the selective responses of the AN2 neurone and the selective behaviour of the female match in an individual female. The present study is designed to answer that question. The SP‐selective phonotactic behaviour of individual females is evaluated, followed immediately by measuring the SP‐selective responses of the same female's AN2 neurone. Very significant correlations are found between the selective responses of the AN2 neurone and the same female's selective behaviour. In 208 possible comparisons (26 females, eight behavioural and neuronal tests each), 186 resulted in matches between behaviour and neuronal processing. Dividing the SP‐selective females into two groups (one group that responded phonotactically to the shortest SP tested and a second group that did not respond to this SP) resulted in significantly more selective responses to this shortest SP by the AN2 neurone in the females that responded phonotactically to the SP than for the females who did not respond to the shortest SP. The behavioural responses by these two groups to the other SPs tested are shown to be essentially identical.
Inwardness and Sociability: A Reply to Carter
Authors: Campbell Michael
Published: October 2013

Carter argues that Wittgensteinian moral philosophy – typified by the work of Raimond Gaita and Christopher Cordner – rests on shaky foundations because it vacillates between grounding moral judgements in grammar and in a form of life. In this article, I respond to Carter's criticism. I defend Wittgensteinian moral philosophy by showing that Gaita and Cordner specifically repudiate the purported dichotomy between grammar and a form of life. I then go on to explain why Wittgensteinian moral philosophers are right not to try to ground moral judgements in features of a shared form of life.
A Comparison of the Cornerstones of Public Health Nursing in Norway and in the United States
Authors: Glavin Kari , Schaffer Marjorie A. , Halvorsrud Liv , Kvarme Lisbeth Gravdal
Published: October 2013

Objectives

This study describes a comparison of the values and beliefs foundational to community nursing practice in Norway with the Cornerstones of Public Health Nursing based on public health nursing practice in the United States.

Design and Sample

Methods included a review of the literature and focus groups to determine primary beliefs and values foundational to nursing practice in family, school, and home care settings in Norway.

Measures

Authors reviewed documents written in English and Norwegian for content on values and beliefs represented in public health nursing. Data were gathered from two focus group meetings each with school, home care, and family health nurses in Norway (n = 19; n = 11).

Method

Focus group questions addressed aspects of the values and beliefs of public health that are foundational to public health nursing. The researchers synthesized content themes of literature and focus groups.

Results

Nine Norwegian cornerstones emerged from literature and focus groups. Six of the cornerstones were the same as the cornerstones from the United States, two were modified, and one new cornerstone emerged from the data.

Conclusions

The values and beliefs represented in the different modified cornerstones based on Norwegian community nursing practice capture the essence of public health nursing in Norway. The similarities between the two countries show that nurses have much in common, despite different health and governmental systems and laws.
Cost‐effectiveness of Using Quantiferon Gold (QFT‐G)® versus Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) among U.S. and Foreign Born Populations at a Public Health Department Clinic with a Low Prevalence of Tuberculosis
Authors: Iqbal Ayesha Z. , Leighton Jenelle , Anthony John , Knaup Richard C. , Peters Eleanor B. , Bailey Thomas C.
Published: October 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the cost benefit to routinely using QFT‐G versus the standard TST for screening U.S. and foreign born populations at a public health department clinic with a low prevalence of tuberculosis.

Design and Sample

A comparative cost analysis of the monetization between QFT‐G and TST was conducted: Data from the health department's Chest Clinic patients seen in 2007 were used to model cost predictions.

Measures

The net costs of screening, x‐rays, the standard 9 months of latent tuberculosis infection treatment, laboratory, and administration for U.S. born patients and foreign born patients were investigated.

Results

There are no apparent cost savings for U.S. born individuals, but due to the higher specificity of QFT‐G for foreign born BCG‐vaccinated individuals, there are unnecessary expenditures associated with the higher number of false positives incurred when using TST compared with QFT‐G on 1,000 foreign born individuals (69%, 18%).

Conclusion

QFT‐G is cost‐effective and should be used at local health department clinics that want to achieve savings in screening and treating those suspected of having TB infection, especially for high‐risk populations such as foreign born individuals.
Synthesis of Zinc Chlorophyll Homo/Hetero‐Dyads and their Folded Conformers with Porphyrin, Chlorin, and Bacteriochlorin π‐Systems
Authors: Tamiaki Hitoshi , Fukai Kazuhiro , Shimazu Hideki , Shoji Sunao
Published: October 2013

Zinc complex of pyropheophorbide‐b, a derivative of chlorophyll‐b, was covalently dimerized through ethylene glycol diester. The synthetic homo‐dyad was axially ligated with two methanol molecules from the β‐face and both the diastereomerically coordinating methanol species were hydrogen bonded with the keto‐carbonyl groups of the neighboring chlorin in a complex. The resulting folded conformer in a solution was confirmed by visible, 1H NMR and IR spectra. All the synthetic zinc chlorin homo‐ and hetero‐dyads consisting of pyropheophorbides‐a, b and/or d took the above methanol‐locked and π–π stacked supramolecules in 1% (v/v) methanol and benzene to give redmost (Qy) electronic absorption band(s) at longer wavelengths than those of the corresponding monomeric chlorin composites. The other zinc chlorin and bacteriochlorin homo‐dyads completely formed similar folded conformers in the same solution, while zinc inverse chlorin and porphyrin homo‐dyads partially took such supramolecules. The J‐type aggregation to folded conformers and the redshift values of composite Qy bands were dependent on the electronic and steric factors of porphyrinoid moieties in dyads.
The Role of the Relative Dye/Photocatalyst Concentration in TiO2 Assisted Photodegradation Process
Authors: de Mendonça Vagner R. , Mourão Henrique A. J. L. , Malagutti Andréa R. , Ribeiro C.
Published: October 2013

Despite photocatalytic degradation is studied generally focusing the catalyst, its interaction with the contaminant molecule plays a fundamental role in the efficiency of that process. Then, we proposed a comparative study about the photodegradation of two well‐known dyes, with different acidity/basicity – Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB), catalyzed by TiO2 nanoparticles, varying both dye and photocatalyst concentrations. The results showed that the amphoteric character of MB molecules, even in a range of concentration of 5.0–10.0 mg L−1, did not imply in pH variation in solution. Therefore, it did not affect the colloidal behavior of TiO2 nanoparticles, independent of the relative dye/catalyst concentration. The acid–base character of RhB influenced the resultant pH of the solution, implicating in different colloidal behavior of the nanoparticles and consequently, in different degradation conditions according to dye concentration. As the isoelectric point of TiO2 is between the pH range of the RhB solutions used in this study, from 1.0 to 7.5 mg L−1, the resultant pH was the key factor for degradation conditions, from a well dispersed to an agglomerated suspension.
Coordination Chemistry‐Assembled Multicomponent Systems Built from a Gable‐Like Bis‐Porphyrin: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Beyler Maryline , Flamigni Lucia , Heitz Valérie , Sauvage Jean‐Pierre , Ventura Barbara
Published: October 2013

Multiporphyrinic assemblies were quantitatively formed, in one step, from a gable‐like zinc(II) bis‐porphyrin ZnP2 and free‐base porphyrins bearing pyridyl groups. The different fragments are held together by axial 4′‐N(pyridyl)–Zn interactions. Formation of a macrocycle ZnP2•(4′‐cisDPyP) and a bis‐macrocycle (ZnP2)2•(TPyP) is discussed. The macrocycle and the bis‐macrocycle were crystallized and studied by X‐ray diffraction, which confirmed the excellent complementarity between the various components. Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric titrations and studies reveal high association constants for both multiporphyrinic assemblies due to the almost perfect geometrical match between the interacting units. As expected, energy transfer from the zinc porphyrin component to the free‐base porphyrin quenches the fluorescence of the zinc porphyrin components in both compounds. But while in ZnP2•(4′‐cis DPyP) sensitization of the emission of the free‐base porphyrin was observed, in (ZnP2)2•(TPyP) excitation of the peripheral Zn porphyrin units does not lead to quantitative sensitization of the luminescence of the free‐base porphyrin acceptor. An unusual HOMO–HOMO electron transfer reaction from ZnP2 to the excited TPyP unit was detected and studied.
Brush‐first and Click: Efficient Synthesis of Nanoparticles that Degrade and Release Doxorubicin in Response to Light
Authors: Burts Alan O. , Liao Longyan , Lu Ying Y. , Tirrell David A. , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: October 2013

New strategies for the synthesis of multifunctional particles that respond to external stimuli and release biologically relevant agents will enable the discovery of new formulations for drug delivery. In this article, we combine two powerful methods: brush‐first ring‐opening metathesis polymerization and copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry, for the synthesis of a novel class of brush‐arm star polymers (BASPs) that simultaneously degrade and release the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) in response to 365 nm light. In vitro cell viability studies were performed to study the toxicity of azide‐ and DOX‐loaded BASPs. The former were completely nontoxic. The latter showed minimal toxicity in the absence of light; UV‐triggered DOX release led to IC50 values that were similar to that of free DOX.
On the Formation of Thymine Photodimers in Thymine Single Strands and Calf Thymus DNA
Authors: Baggesen Lisbeth Munksgaard , Hoffmann Søren Vrønning , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: October 2013

Solar light leads to thymine dimers that are mutagenic and primary cause of skin cancer. Here, we report absorption and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (CD) spectra of Tn single strands with different number n of bases (n = 2–7, 10, 11) recorded after various 254 nm irradiation times. From a principal component analysis of the CD spectra, we extract fingerprint spectra of both the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) and the pyrimidine (6‐4) pyrimidone photoadduct (64PP). Extending the CD measurements to the vacuum ultraviolet region in combination with systematic examinations of size effects is a new approach to gain insight on the dimeric photoproducts. We find a simple linear correlation between n and average number of dimers formed after 1 h of irradiation. The probability for a thymine to engage in a dimer increases from 32% for n = 2 to 41% for n = 11, which implies limited effects of terminal thymines, i.e., the reaction does not occur preferentially at the extremities of the single strands as previously stated. It is even possible to form two dimers with only two bridging thymines. Finally, experiments conducted on calf thymus DNA provided a similar signature of the photodimer, but differences are also evident.
Vitamin D levels after UVB radiation: effects by UVA additions in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sallander Ellinor , Wester Ulf , Bengtsson Emil , Wiegleb Edström Desiree
Published: October 2013

Background

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation increases the serum level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. However, the impact of UVA on vitamin D synthesis by UVB is poorly understood clinically.

Objective

To examine how different combinations of UVA and UVB radiation affect S‐25(OH)D for the same vitamin D–weighted exposure.

Materials and Methods

Healthy participants were recruited and subsequently divided into four comparable groups regarding initial 25(OH)D value. The different radiations given were whole‐body UVB (n = 23), UVAB (n = 23) and UVA (n = 10). The controls (n = 19) had no intervention. The exposure times were chosen to give the same calculated vitamin D effective dose (suberythemal exposures ≤1 standard erythema dose). Blood samples were collected before the first irradiation (t0), immediately after the last (fifth) irradiation (t1) and then after another 2 days after the last (fifth) irradiation (t2).

Results

UVB and UVAB radiation significantly increased 25(OH)D levels. In the UVA group the increase was less with the same vitamin D–weighted radiation dose.

Conclusions

Short sessions of UVB or UVAB radiation with the same vitamin D–weighted exposure increased 25(OH)D levels. The UVA dose does not influence 25(OH)D levels under short exposure times. However, there was a significantly lower increase of 25(OH)D levels during longer UVA irradiation (≥9 min).
Comparison of photodermatoses in African‐Americans and Caucasians: a follow‐up study
Authors: Nakamura Mio , Henderson Marsha , Jacobsen Gordon , Lim Henry W.
Published: October 2013

Background/Purpose

Only a few studies have compared frequencies of photodermatoses among different races and skin types. This is an extension of a study performed by Kerr and Lim and evaluates the frequency of photodermatoses in African‐Americans compared with Caucasians in the same institution during an 8‐year period.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed, including dermatology clinic charts from October 2004 to August 2012 with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnostic codes related to photodermatoses.

Results

We identified 229 patients with photodermatoses. Of these, 138 (46.6%) were African‐American and 63 (42.2%) were Caucasian. Statistically significant differences in the distribution of photodermatoses in African‐Americans and Caucasians, respectively, were as follows: phototoxic drug eruption (0.7% and 15.9%, P < 0.0001), phytophotodermatitis (0% and 6.3%, P = 0.009), polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) (86.2% and 54%, P < 0.0001) and porphyrias (0% and 7.9%, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Combined with data from Kerr and Lim, this is the largest study of photodermatoses in African‐Americans to date. Congruent to former studies, photodermatoses do occur regularly in dark‐skinned individuals. Overall, the frequency of photodermatoses in African‐Americans and Caucasians are similar; however, PMLE occurs more commonly in African‐Americans, and porphyias and phototoxicity occur more commonly in Caucasians.
Adaptations for insect‐trapping in brood‐site pollinated Colocasia (Araceae)
Authors: Bröderbauer D. , Ulrich S. , Weber A.
Published: October 2013

The Araceae include both taxa with rewarding and deceptive trap pollination systems. Here we report on a genus in which rewarding and imprisonment of the pollinators co‐occur. We studied the pollination of four species of Colocasia in Southwest China and investigated the morpho‐anatomical adaptations of the spathe related to the attraction and capture of pollinators. All four species were pollinated by drosophilid flies of the genus Colocasiomyia. The flies are temporally arrested within the inflorescence and departure is only possible after pollen release. Trapping of the flies is accomplished by the closure of the spathe during anthesis. Moreover, in two species the spathe is covered with papillate epidermal cells known to form slippery surfaces in deceptive traps of Araceae. However, in Colocasia the papillae proved not slippery for the flies. The morpho‐anatomical properties of the spathe epidermis indicate that it is an elaborate osmophore and serves for the emission of odours only. Despite its similarity to deceptive traps of other aroids, Colocasia and Colocasiomyia have a close symbiotic relationship, as the attracted flies use the inflorescence as a site for mating and breeding. The trap mechanism has presumably evolved independently in Colocasia and is supposed to facilitate more efficient pollen export.
Phosphorylation pattern of Rubisco activase in Arabidopsis leaves
Authors: Boex‐Fontvieille E. , Daventure M. , Jossier M. , Hodges M. , Zivy M. , Tcherkez G.
Published: October 2013

Rubisco activase (RCA) is an ancillary photosynthetic protein essential for Rubisco activity. Some data suggest that post‐translational modifications (such as reduction of disulphide bridges) are involved in the regulation of RCA activity. However, despite the key role of protein phosphorylation in general metabolic regulation, RCA phosphorylation has not been well characterised. We took advantage of phosphoproteomics and gas exchange analyses with instant sampling adapted to Arabidopsis rosettes to examine the occurrence and variations of phosphopeptides associated with RCA in different photosynthetic contexts (CO2 mole fraction, light and dark). We detected two phosphopeptides from RCA corresponding to residues Thr 78 and Ser 172, and show that the former is considerably more phosphorylated in the dark than in the light, while the latter show no light/dark pattern. The CO2 mole fraction did not influence phosphorylation of either residue. Phosphorylation thus appears to be a potential mechanism associated with RCA dark inactivation, when Rubisco‐catalysed carboxylation is arrested. Since Thr 78 and Ser 172 are located in the N and Walker domains of the protein, respectively, the involvement of phosphorylation in protein–protein interaction and catalysis is likely.