bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying HIV infection in diagnostic histopathology tissue samples – the role of HIV‐1 p24 immunohistochemistry in identifying clinically unsuspected HIV infection: a 3‐year analysis
Authors: Moonim Mufaddal T , Alarcon Lida , Freeman Janet , Mahadeva Ula , Van Der Walt Jon D , Lucas Sebastian B
Published: March 2010

Moonim M T, Alarcon L, Freeman J, Mahadeva U, van der Walt J D & Lucas S B (2010) Histopathology56, 530–541

Identifying HIV infection in diagnostic histopathology tissue samples – the role of HIV‐1 p24 immunohistochemistry in identifying clinically unsuspected HIV infection: a 3‐year analysis

Aims:  Because of the clinical difficulty in identifying the early stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the histopathologist often has to consider the diagnosis of HIV in tissue samples from patients with no previous suspicion of HIV infection. The aim was to investigate the practicality and utility of routine HIV‐1 p24 immunohistochemistry on tissue samples received at a London histopathology laboratory.

Methods and results:  Over a 3‐year period, HIV‐1 p24 was evaluated immunohistochemically on 123 cases. Of these, 37 (30%) showed positive expression of p24 in lesional follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). Of these 37 cases, 11 were not clinically suspected to be HIV+ and had no prior serological evidence of HIV infection. These cases represented lymph node biopsies, tonsillar and nasopharyngeal biopsies and a parotid excision. In addition to expression on FDCs, in 22 cases (60%), p24 also highlighted mononuclear cells and macrophages. p24 was also useful in confirming the presence of HIV in lymphoid tissue in non‐lymphoid organs such as the lung, anus, salivary gland and brain. Immunonegativity occurred in occasional known HIV+ cases, probably related to treatment or tissue processing.

Conclusions:  This study confirms the usefulness of this technique in detecting unsuspected HIV infection in lymphoid and non‐lymphoid organs on histopathological material and should be part of routine evaluation of lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue in other organs if morphological or clinical features suggest HIV infection.
Innate profiles of cytokines implicated on oral tolerance correlate with low‐ or high‐suppression of humoral response
Authors: Silva Maria F. , Kamphorst Alice O. , Hayashi Elize A. , Bellio Maria , Carvalho Claudia R. , Faria Ana M. C. , Sabino Kátia C. C. , Coelho Marsen G. P. , Nobrega Alberto , Tavares Daniel , Silva Antonio C.
Published: March 2010

Oral tolerance (OT) is being studied with great interest because of its therapeutic potential in allergy and autoimmunity. In the present study, two mouse strains with extreme phenotypes of OT susceptibility (TS) or resistance (TR) to ovalbumin (OVA) were used to demonstrate whether the tr and ts genes, cumulated during 18 generations of bi‐directional genetic selection, influence expression of immunobiological traits in naive or antigen‐gavaged TR/TS mice. The difference in anti‐OVA titres was 2048‐fold between OVA‐gavaged TS and TR mice. Tolerance susceptibility to OVA gavage in individuals from a (TS × TR)F2 population was 24% high‐susceptibility, 62% low‐susceptibility and 14% non‐tolerant. Different antigens, unrelated to OVA, were tested by gavage and TS mice were generally susceptible while TR mice were resistant. The stability of TS and TR phenotypes was not affected by the use of strict protocols of intraperitoneal immunization or feeding over 30 consecutive days. The levels of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐4, interferon‐γ and IL‐10 cytokines evaluated in concanavalin A‐stimulated spleen cells from naive mice and in OVA‐stimulated spleen cells from OVA‐gavaged mice were higher in TS mice. Interleukin‐10 was up‐regulated in OVA‐gavaged TS mice and down‐regulated in TR mice. In naive mice, the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+ Foxp3+ spleen cells and IL‐10 expression by CD4+ cells was significantly higher in TS mice. These results indicate that regulation of IL‐10 expression could be an important factor contributing to the mechanisms controlling OT susceptibility, and that the OT responses of TR and TS individuals strongly correlate with their innate potential to secrete this cytokine.
Chimeric vaccine composed of viral peptide and mammalian heat‐shock protein 60 peptide protects against West Nile virus challenge
Authors: Gershoni‐Yahalom Orly , Landes Shimon , Kleiman‐Shoval Smadar , Ben‐Nathan David , Kam Michal , Lachmi Bat‐El , Khinich Yevgeny , Simanov Michael , Samina Itzhak , Eitan Anat , Cohen Irun R. , Rager‐Zisman Bracha , Porgador Angel
Published: March 2010

The protective efficacy and immunogenicity of a chimeric peptide against West Nile virus (WNV) was evaluated. This virus is the aetiological agent of West Nile fever, which has recently emerged in the western hemisphere. The rapid spread of WNV throughout North America, as well as the constantly changing epidemiology and transmission of the virus by blood transfusion and transplantation, have raised major public‐health concerns. Currently, there are no effective treatments for WNV or vaccine for human use. We previously identified a novel, continuous B‐cell epitope from domain III of the WNV envelope protein, termed Ep15. To test whether this epitope can protect against WNV infection, we synthesized a linear chimeric peptide composed of Ep15 and the heat‐shock protein 60 peptide, p458. The p458 peptide is an effective carrier peptide for subunit vaccines against other infectious agents. We now report that mice immunized with the chimeric peptide, p458‐Ep15, were resistant to lethal challenges with three different WNV strains. Moreover, their brains were free of viral genome and infectious virus. Mice immunized with Ep15 alone or with p431‐Ep15, a control conjugate, were not protected. The chimeric p458‐Ep15 peptide induced WNV‐specific immunoglobulin G antibodies that neutralized the virus and induced the secretion of interferon‐γin vitro. Challenge of chimeric peptide‐immunized mice considerably enhanced WNV‐specific neutralizing antibodies. We conclude that this chimeric peptide can be used for formulation of a human vaccine against WNV.
Memory CD4 T cells: generation, reactivation and re‐assignment
Authors: MacLeod Megan K.L. , Kappler John W. , Marrack Philippa
Published: March 2010

Immunological memory is one of the features that define the adaptive immune response: by generating specific memory cells after infection or vaccination, the host provides itself with a set of cells and molecules that can prevent future infections and disease. Despite the obvious importance of memory cells, memory CD4 T cells are incompletely understood. Here we discuss recent progress in understanding which activated T cells surmount the barrier to enter into the memory pool and, once generated, what signals are important for memory cell survival. There is still, however, little understanding of how (or even whether) memory CD4 T cells are useful once they have been created; a surprising thought considering the critical role CD4 T cells play in all adaptive primary immune responses. In light of this, we will discuss how CD4 T memory T cells respond to reactivation in vivo and whether they are malleable to a re‐assignment of their effector response.
Identification of older hospitalised patients at risk for functional decline, a study to compare the predictive values of three screening instruments
Authors: Hoogerduijn Jita G , Schuurmans Marieke J , Korevaar Johanna C , Buurman Bianca M , De Rooij Sophia E
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives.  To establish a screening instrument for identifying older hospitalised patients at risk for functional decline by comparing the predictive values of three screening instruments: identification of seniors at risk, care complexity prediction instrument and hospital admission risk profile.

Background.  After being hospitalised, 30–60% of older patients experience a decline in functioning, resulting in a decreased quality of life and autonomy.

Design.  A prospective cohort study.

Methods.  Included were patients, aged 65 years and older, acutely admitted to a general internal ward of a university teaching hospital. Within 48 hours after hospital admission, baseline data were completed – demographic, cognitive, social and pre‐admission functional status and the screening instruments. Three months after discharge, functional status was measured by telephone interview. The Katz index was used to measure functional status (six activities). Functional decline was defined as a decline of at least one point on the Katz index at three months after discharge compared to pre‐admission state.

Results.  Included were 177 patients; mean age was 77·6 years and 51·7 % were male. Functional decline was found in 27·8% of all patients. Sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver operating curve for identification of seniors at risk (ISAR) were 93, 39% and 0·67, respectively. The corresponding results for the care complexity prediction instrument (COMPRI) were 70, 62% and 0·69 and for the hospital admission risk profile (HARP) 21, 89% and 0·56.

Conclusion.  The discriminative values of both identification of seniors at risk and care complexity prediction instrument are fair. Hospital admission risk profile shows the poorest results. Identification of seniors at risk shows the best ability to predict those patients at risk for functional decline and seems to be the easiest instrument in clinical practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Identifying patients at risk for functional decline is a first step in prevention, followed by geriatric assessment and targeted interventions. Studying the validity of existing instruments is necessary before implementation in clinical practice.
After axillary surgery for breast cancer – is it safe to take blood samples or give intravenous infusions?
Authors: Winge Charlotte , Mattiasson Anne‐Cathrine , Schultz Inkeri
Published: March 2010

Aim.  To investigate the occurrence of complications after a needle puncture or intravenous injection in the ipsilateral arm of women who have undergone axillary lymph node clearance for breast cancer.

Background.  After axillary lymph node clearance in patients with breast cancer, some women experience lymphoedema and recurrent infections. To reduce the risk of these postoperative complications, most women are advised to not have intravenous infusions in, or blood samples taken from, the arm in the operated side. Very little published data are available regarding the incidence of lymphoedema after intravenous procedures under clean conditions in the hospital setting. This study set out to investigate the occurrence of complications after a needle puncture or intravenous injection in the ipsilateral arm of women who have undergone axillary lymph node clearance for breast cancer is therefore important.

Design.  Descriptive.

Methods.  Self‐reported questionnaire.

Results.  Most of the reported complications were minor, including itching, bruises and vomiting at the time of the intravenous procedure. The most serious complication was infection in one patient needing antibiotic treatment and subsequent arm swelling.

Conclusions.  This study indicates that if a blood sample is taken or intravenous injection is given according to the current Swedish guidelines for health care professionals, there should be a very low risk of complications.

Relevance to clinical practice.  If intravenous procedures are performed without any disadvantage in the arm of the operated side in women who have undergone axillary surgery, the clinical problem of finding a proper vein and the psychological concern of the women can be reduced.
Safety profiles of second‐line tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Tinsley Sara M
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives.  To review the use of second‐line tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and provide recommendations for managing adverse events (AEs) to maximise patient benefit.

Background.  Treatment of CML has been revolutionised with the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that target the breakpoint cluster region‐Abelson (BCR‐ABL) kinase. Imatinib is the only first‐line TKI currently available for the treatment of CML; however, intolerance and resistance remain significant clinical challenges. The approved second‐line treatment options for CML are dasatinib, nilotinib or escalated‐dose imatinib.

Design.  Review article.

Methods.  Searches of PubMed, ASCO and ASH electronic databases for relevant search terms were performed between July 2008–January 2009.

Findings.  Dasatinib has no cross‐intolerance with imatinib, and the most frequent AEs (cytopenias and pleural and pericardial effusions) can generally be managed by dose interruption and reduction. Nilotinib has a high degree of haematologic cross‐intolerance with first‐line imatinib. As might be expected, high‐dose imatinib has the potential for more severe AEs than standard‐dose imatinib.

Conclusions.  There are known safety issues inherent to each TKI and close monitoring by nursing staff is necessary to identify and effectively manage AEs.

Relevance to clinical practice.  All three TKIs have demonstrated potential for fluid retention and cardiotoxicity. Nurses should be aware of how these AEs manifest and intervene appropriately. The safety profiles of these TKIs clearly differs and it is important to consider factors such as comorbidities when making treatment decisions.
Social well‐being and its measurement in the nursing home, the SWON‐scale
Authors: Gerritsen Debby L , Steverink Nardi , Frijters Dinnus HM , Ooms Marcel E , Ribbe Miel W
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives. The aim of this study was to develop an observational scale to measure the social well‐being of nursing home residents, by assessing not only the social behaviour of the resident towards others, but also the behaviour of others towards the resident.

Background. Traditionally, aspects of the social well‐being of nursing home residents are assessed according to the social activities and interactions where they engage. Although these are important indicators of social well‐being, other important indicators may include the positive social behaviour of others towards the resident (e.g. confirming the resident’s behaviour or showing affection).

Design. A cross‐sectional descriptive survey design.

Method. From the perspective of human social needs, items relating to fulfilment of the needs for affection, behavioural confirmation and status were formulated and tested. This took place in three nursing homes in the Netherlands that provide somatic and psycho‐geriatric care.

Results. The study (samplen = 306) yielded a short and reliable scale, the Social Well‐being Of Nursing home residents‐scale, with separate sub‐scales (three items each) for fulfilment of the three social needs.

Conclusions. These first results indicate that overall social well‐being and its sub‐dimensions can be measured with this new observational scale, although its validity needs to be confirmed. Including the social behaviour of others towards the resident may have provided a more comprehensive measure of the social well‐being of nursing home residents.

Relevance to clinical practice. This measure may help to underscore the importance of the social behaviour of others (e.g. caregivers) for the overall social well‐being of residents and with that assist care‐providers in nursing homes to improve the social well‐being of the residents.
A concept analysis of autonomy for older people in residential care
Authors: Welford Claire , Murphy Kathy , Wallace Meredith , Casey Dympna
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives.  To undertake a concept analysis (CA) of residential autonomy to identify its attributes. To reveal the antecedents and consequences of autonomy for older people in residential care and thus enable this concept to be operationalised.

Background.  Globally, there is an ageing population. This population and their families demand that services offer choice and recognise the older individual in care relationships.

Design.  Concept analysis.

Methods.  Using the same search terms, findings from a literature search in 2007 and from a follow‐up search in 2009 were used to conduct the CA. Rodgers (1989) framework was used to develop a model case of autonomy for older people in residential care. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and references were delineated.

Results.  Six attributes of autonomy for older people in residential care were delineated. (1) Residents are involved in decision making while their capacity is encouraged and maintained. (2) Residents delegate their care needs based on the right to self‐determination and this can be achieved through (3) negotiated care planning, which is encouraged through open and respectful communication and (4) including families or significant others when the resident is cognitively impaired. (5) The residential unit operates a culture and atmosphere of flexibility within an ethos of maintaining resident dignity. (6) Meaningful relationships are enabled by the presence of regular and motivated staff, and these relationships enhance the residents’ opportunities to be autonomous.

Conclusions.  A CA framework is useful in trying to understand a term in its context and thus make it operational.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This CA is the first step required for further research on this aspect of care. This is essential in informing this nursing specialty. The attributes, antecedents and consequences can now be used to operationalise the concept in practice.
Damped oscillations in the adaptive response of the iron homeostasis network of E. coli
Authors: Amir Amnon , Meshner Shiri , Beatus Tsevi , Stavans Joel
Published: March 2010

Living organisms often have to adapt to sudden environmental changes and reach homeostasis. To achieve adaptation, cells deploy motifs such as feedback in their genetic networks, endowing the cellular response with desirable properties. We studied the iron homeostasis network of E. coli, which employs feedback loops to regulate iron usage and uptake, while maintaining intracellular iron at non‐toxic levels. Using fluorescence reporters for iron‐dependent promoters in bulk and microfluidics‐based, single‐cell experiments, we show that E. coli cells exhibit damped oscillations in gene expression, following sudden reductions in external iron levels. The oscillations, lasting for several generations, are independent of position along the cell cycle. Experiments with mutants in network components demonstrate the involvement of iron uptake in the oscillations. Our findings suggest that the response is driven by intracellular iron oscillations large enough to induce nearly full network activation/deactivation. We propose a mathematical model based on a negative feedback loop closed by rapid iron uptake, and including iron usage and storage, which captures the main features of the observed behaviour. Taken together, our results shed light on the control of iron metabolism in bacteria and suggest that the oscillations represent a compromise between the requirements of stability and speed of response.
Identification and functional characterization of liposome tubulation protein from magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Tanaka Masayoshi , Arakaki Atsushi , Matsunaga Tadashi
Published: March 2010

Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize intracellular magnetosomes that are comprised of membrane‐enveloped magnetic crystals. In this study, to identify the early stages of magnetosome formation, we isolated magnetosomes containing small magnetite crystals and those containing regular‐sized magnetite crystals from Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB‐1. This was achieved by using a novel size fractionation technique, resulting in the identification of a characteristic protein (Amb1018/MamY) from the small magnetite crystal fraction. The gene encoding MamY was located in the magnetosome island. Like the previously reported membrane deformation proteins, such as bin/amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) and the dynamin family proteins, recombinant MamY protein bound directly to the liposomes, causing them to form long tubules. We established a mamY gene deletion mutant (ΔmamY) and analysed MamY protein localization in it for functional characterization of the protein in vivo. The ΔmamY mutant was found to have expanded magnetosome vesicles and a greater number of small magnetite crystals relative to the wild‐type strain, suggesting that the function of the MamY protein is to constrict the magnetosome membrane during magnetosome vesicle formation, following which, the magnetite crystals grow to maturity within them.
Long‐term effect of rituximab in maintaining remission of recurrent and plasmapheresis‐dependent nephrotic syndrome post‐renal transplantation – Case report
Authors: Grenda Ryszard , Jarmużek Wioletta , Piątosa Barbara , Rubik Jacek
Published: March 2010

Grenda R, Jarmużek W, Piątosa B, Rubik J. Long‐term effect of rituximab in maintaining remission of recurrent and plasmapheresis‐dependent nephrotic syndrome post‐renal transplantation – Case report. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: E121–E125. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Early recurrence of nephrotic syndrome after renal transplantation is a common serious adverse event in children with severe primary FSGS, affecting long‐term outcome. There is no consensus in terms of uniform management in these cases. We describe the long‐term effect of four unadjusted doses of 375 mg/m2 i.v. rituximab, given to a five and a half‐yr‐old, nephrectomized child with immediate recurrence of nephrotic syndrome post‐transplantation and dependency from repeated PF. Rituximab was introduced at three months post‐transplantation after performing 18 sessions of PF and development of established dependency of the disease from plasma exchange. Complete remission of proteinuria was achieved with four doses, and it was maintained during next eight months of follow‐up. Complete B CD19 cell depletion was observed during four months after final dose, followed by severe depletion after eight months. No side effects of therapy were noted. Patient was free from PF, which was stopped while introducing rituximab, remaining non‐proteinuric on triple immunosuppression (CsA, MMF, Pred).
Kin Recognition in the largely Solitary Bee, Manuelia postica (Apidae: Xylocopinae)
Authors: Flores‐Prado Luis , Niemeyer Hermann M.
Published: March 2010

The recognition of conspecifics is a central issue to social behaviour. In eusocial hymenopterans, kin recognition has been clearly demonstrated. Manuelia postica is a largely solitary bee species in which larvae develop inside individual cells within a nest and remain isolated from conspecifics until the destruction of partitions by adults. Nestmate recognition in M. postica has been previously demonstrated under experimental conditions. Isolation between individuals during development and nestmate recognition ability in adult females make M. postica an ideal species for testing the occurrence of kin recognition capacity in females. Kin recognition was demonstrated through cross‐fostering field experiments involving the single transfer of recently enclosed larvae, and subsequent laboratory recognition bioassays with emerging females. Results suggest kin recognition occurs through self‐referent phenotype matching. Given the basal position of Manuelia in the phylogeny of the Apidae, kin recognition may represent an ancestral recognition mechanism in Apidae species phylogenetically more derived than M. postica.
Dormouse injuries predispose beech to infection byNeonectria ditissima
Authors: Montecchio L. , Scattolin L. , De Battisti R.
Published: March 2010

After awaking from winter hibernation, the Edible dormouse begins to feed by stripping the bark and the outer part of the xylem from the branches of both broadleaves and conifers. Natural or artificial wounds are essential for the penetration and colonisation of the tissues by the fungal pathogenNeonectria ditissima. This pathogen creates open cankers on beech branches and other broadleaves, which are frequently later infected by wood‐decaying fungi. Because of the high frequencies of both dormouse injuries and branch cankers in a large monospecific beech forest in northern Italy, field and laboratory investigations were conducted to verify whether rodent‐inflicted injuries on beech were a preferred infection point for the pathogen. These studies also examined the susceptibility to infection of the dormouse‐inflicted wounds over time, and the relationships between dormouse damage,Neonectriainfection, and wood decay. The results showed a significant direct correlation between the percentage of infections and their proximity to the wounds, indicating that the parasite localises to sites where there are receptive dormouse injuries. In addition, the susceptibility of the wound was found to diminish with increasing age, disappearing in 120–150 days. The association between dormouse injuries,Neonectriacankers and wood decay was also found to cause approximately half of the frequent beech branch breakages during intense weather events.
Occupational therapists as expert witnesses on work capacity
Authors: Allen Shelley , Ownsworth Tamara , Carlson Glenys , Strong Jenny
Published: March 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to explore the particular challenges for occupational therapists during their cross‐examination as an expert witness on work capacity.

Methods:  Grounded theory methodology was used to collect and analyse data. Interviews were conducted with 31 participants with direct experience of occupational therapy work capacity assessments. Of these, 19 were occupational therapists, six were medical specialists and six were lawyers.

Results:  All participant groups perceived that maintaining one’s credibility in the witness box was of paramount importance. The occupational therapists identified 11 strategies that barristers may use to challenge their credibility as an expert witness.

Conclusions:  The three professional groups proposed practices that maintain occupational therapists’ credibility as expert witnesses on the work capacity of personal injury claimants.
Implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines in occupational therapy practice: Recommendations from the research evidence
Authors: Stergiou‐Kita Mary
Published: March 2010

Background: Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are prominent tools in evidence‐based practice which integrate research evidence, clinical expertise and client input to develop recommendations for specific clinical circumstance. With the push to use research evidence in health care, it is anticipated that occupational therapists will become increasingly involved in implementing CPGs in practice. The research evidence has revealed several factors that can affect guideline uptake, and a variety of strategies that can facilitate implementation.

Methods: This narrative review examines the health‐related literature in CPGs to answer the following questions. Based on the research evidence, (i) what are the factors that may influence guideline implementation? (ii) What implementation strategies may enhance guideline implementation?

Results: Factors within the guideline itself (e.g. quality, complexity and clarity), within the practitioner (e.g. experience, perceptions and beliefs), the patient (e.g. expectations and preferences) and the practice context (e.g. resource availability, organisational culture and opinion leaders) can all affect implementation success. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to support the use of one implementation strategy over another, in all situations. The choice of implementation strategy must take into account the guideline to be implemented, the practice context and the anticipated challenges to implementation.

Conclusions: By understanding the factors that can influence implementation and the strategies for successful implementation, occupational therapists will be better prepared to implement guidelines. Recommendations to assist with guideline uptake and implementation are provided.
Review: Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin: A troponin‐like biomarker for human acute kidney injury
Authors: DEVARAJAN PRASAD
Published: March 2010

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious condition, the diagnosis of which currently depends on functional markers such as serum creatinine measurements. Unfortunately, creatinine is a delayed and unreliable indicator of AKI. The lack of early biomarkers of structural kidney injury (akin to troponin in acute myocardial injury) has hampered our ability to translate promising experimental therapies to human AKI. Fortunately, understanding the early stress response of the kidney to acute injuries has revealed a number of potential biomarkers. The discovery, translation and validation of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), possibly the most promising novel AKI biomarker, is reviewed. NGAL is emerging as an excellent stand‐alone troponin‐like structural biomarker in the plasma and urine for the early diagnosis of AKI, and for the prediction of clinical outcomes such as dialysis requirement and mortality in several common clinical scenarios. The approach of using NGAL as a trigger to initiate and monitor therapies for AKI, and as a safety biomarker when using potentially nephrotoxic agents, is also promising. In addition, it is hoped that the use of sensitive and specific biomarkers such as NGAL as endpoints in clinical trials will result in a reduction in required sample sizes, and hence the cost incurred. Furthermore, predictive biomarkers like NGAL may play a critical role in expediting the drug development process. However, given the complexity of AKI, additional biomarkers (perhaps a panel of plasma and urinary biomarkers) may eventually need to be developed and validated for optimal progress to occur.
Why is adaptation prevented at ecological margins? New insights from individual‐based simulations
Authors: Bridle Jon R. , Polechová Jitka , Kawata Masakado , Butlin Roger K.
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 485–494

All species are restricted in their distribution. Currently, ecological models can only explain such limits if patches vary in quality, leading to asymmetrical dispersal, or if genetic variation is too low at the margins for adaptation. However, population genetic models suggest that the increase in genetic variance resulting from dispersal should allow adaptation to almost any ecological gradient. Clearly therefore, these models miss something that prevents evolution in natural populations. We developed an individual‐based simulation to explore stochastic effects in these models. At high carrying capacities, our simulations largely agree with deterministic predictions. However, when carrying capacity is low, the population fails to establish for a wide range of parameter values where adaptation was expected from previous models. Stochastic or transient effects appear critical around the boundaries in parameter space between simulation behaviours. Dispersal, gradient steepness, and population density emerge as key factors determining adaptation on an ecological gradient.
Parasites lost – do invaders miss the boat or drown on arrival?
Authors: MacLeod Catriona J. , Paterson Adrian M. , Tompkins Daniel M. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 516–527

Host species that colonize new regions often lose parasite species. Using population arrival and establishment data for New Zealand’s introduced bird species and their ectoparasitic chewing lice species, we test the relative importance of different processes and mechanisms in causing parasite species loss. Few lice failed to arrive in New Zealand with their hosts due to being missed by chance in the sample of hosts from the original population (missing the boat). Rather, most lice were absent because their hosts or the parasite themselves failed to establish populations in their new environment. Given they arrived and their host established, parasite persistence was more strongly related to factors associated with transmission efficiency (number of host individuals introduced, host body size, host sociality and parasite suborder) than parasite propagule pressure and aggregation. Such insights into parasite success are invaluable to both understanding and managing their impact.
Calpain‐mediated down‐regulation of myelin‐associated glycoprotein in lysophosphatidic acid‐induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Xie Weijiao , Uchida Hitoshi , Nagai Jun , Ueda Mutsumi , Chun Jerold , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1002–1011.

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPA1) signaling initiates neuropathic pain through demyelination of the dorsal root (DR). Although LPA is found to cause down‐regulation of myelin proteins underlying demyelination, the detailed mechanism remains to be determined. In the present study, we found that a single intrathecal injection of LPA evoked a dose‐ and time‐dependent down‐regulation of myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) in the DR through LPA1 receptor. A similar event was also observed in ex vivo DR cultures. Interestingly, LPA‐induced down‐regulation of MAG was significantly inhibited by calpain inhibitors (calpain inhibitor X, E‐64 and E‐64d) and LPA markedly induced calpain activation in the DR. The pre‐treatment with calpain inhibitors attenuated LPA‐induced neuropathic pain behaviors such as hyperalgesia and allodynia. Moreover, we found that sciatic nerve injury activates calpain activity in the DR in a LPA1 receptor‐dependent manner. The E‐64d treatments significantly blocked nerve injury‐induced MAG down‐regulation and neuropathic pain. However, there was no significant calpain activation in the DR by complete Freund’s adjuvant treatment, and E‐64d failed to show anti‐hyperalgesic effects in this inflammation model. The present study provides strong evidence that LPA‐induced calpain activation plays a crucial role in the manifestation of neuropathic pain through MAG down‐regulation in the DR.
Aging and disease: connections to sirtuins
Authors: Donmez Gizem , Guarente Leonard
Published: March 2010

The sirtuins are highly conserved NAD‐dependent deacetylases that were shown to regulate lifespan in lower organisms and affect diseases of aging in mammals, such as diabetes, cancer, and inflammation. Most relevant to the amelioration of disease, the SIR2 ortholog SIRT1 has been shown to deacetylate many important transcription factors to exert an overarching influence on numerous metabolic pathways. Here we discuss several diseases of aging for which SIRT1 has been recently shown to confer protection. These findings suggest that manipulating sirtuin activity pharmacologically may be a fruitful area to improve human health.
Nektaspid arthropods from the Lower Cambrian Emu Bay Shale Lagerstätte, South Australia, with a reassessment of lamellipedian relationships
Authors: PATERSON JOHN R. , EDGECOMBE GREGORY D. , GARCÍA‐BELLIDO DIEGO C. , JAGO JAMES B. , GEHLING JAMES G.
Published: March 2010

Abstract: The lower Cambrian Emu Bay Shale on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, contains the only known Cambrian Burgess Shale‐type biota in Australia. Two new lamellipedian arthropods,Emucaris favagen. et sp. nov. andKangacaris zhangigen. et sp. nov., from the Emu Bay Shale Lagerstätte are described as monotypic genera that are resolved cladistically as a monophyletic group that is sister to Naraoiidae + Liwiidae and classified within the Nektaspida as a new family Emucarididae. Shared derived characters of Emucarididae involve a bipartite, elongate hypostome and elongation of the pygidium relative to the cephalic shield and very short thorax. A monophyletic Liwiidae is composed ofLiwiaand the OrdovicianTariccoia + Soomaspisbut excludesBuenaspis, and even the membership ofBuenaspisin Nektaspida is contradicted amongst the shortest cladograms. New morphological interpretations favour affinities ofKwanyinaspiswith Conciliterga rather than with Aglaspidida, andPhytophilaspiswith Petalopleura.
Petroleum and Hazardous Material Releases from Industrial Facilities Associated with Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Santella Nicholas , Steinberg Laura J. , Sengul Hatice
Published: March 2010

Hurricane Katrina struck an area dense with industry, causing numerous releases of petroleum and hazardous materials. This study integrates information from a number of sources to describe the frequency, causes, and effects of these releases in order to inform analysis of risk from future hurricanes. Over 200 onshore releases of hazardous chemicals, petroleum, or natural gas were reported. Storm surge was responsible for the majority of petroleum releases and failure of storage tanks was the most common mechanism of release. Of the smaller number of hazardous chemical releases reported, many were associated with flaring from plant startup, shutdown, or process upset. In areas impacted by storm surge, 10% of the facilities within the Risk Management Plan (RMP) and Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) databases and 28% of SIC 1311 facilities experienced accidental releases. In areas subject only to hurricane strength winds, a lower fraction (1% of RMP and TRI and 10% of SIC 1311 facilities) experienced a release while 1% of all facility types reported a release in areas that experienced tropical storm strength winds. Of industrial facilities surveyed, more experienced indirect disruptions such as displacement of workers, loss of electricity and communication systems, and difficulty acquiring supplies and contractors for operations or reconstruction (55%), than experienced releases. To reduce the risk of hazardous material releases and speed the return to normal operations under these difficult conditions, greater attention should be devoted to risk‐based facility design and improved prevention and response planning.
Feminization and Marginalization?
Authors: Cameron Mary
Published: March 2010

The important diversity of indigenous medical systems around the world suggests that gender issues, well understood for Western science, may differ in significant ways for non‐Western science practices and are an important component in understanding how social dimensions of women's health care are being transformed by global biomedicine. Based on ethnographic research conducted with formally trained women Ayurvedic doctors in Nepal, I identify important features of medical knowledge and practice beneficial to women patients, and I discuss these features as potentially transformed by modernizing health care development. The article explores the indirect link between Ayurveda's feminization and its marginalization, in relation to modern biomedicine, which may evolve to become more direct and consequential for women's health in the country.
Nonprescription Antibiotic Therapy:
Authors: Gartin Meredith , Brewis Alexandra A. , Schwartz Norah Anita
Published: March 2010

Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat exacerbated by medically unwarranted or improper antibiotic use. Pharmacy counters at the U.S.–Mexico border provide an example of where lay decisions to use antibiotics in ways considered “risky” may be initiated and negotiated. We test how cultural and public health knowledge of antibiotics is distributed among pharmacy staff, local Mexican clients, and U.S. medical tourists in the bordertown of Nogales using a cultural consensus tool. We find that shared cultural models across these groups include public health statements; however, other shared statements are likely to reinforce antibiotic sales at pharmacy counters by those on both sides of the purchase as economic, rather than therapeutic, encounters. From a public health perspective, border pharmacy counters are not a location where increased “safe” knowledge about antibiotic use is being transmitted. However, we do find a positive relationship between “safe” knowledge and reductions in risky behavior.
Microstructure and Microwave Dielectric Properties of the Li2CO3‐Added Sr2V2O7 Ceramics
Authors: Joung Mi‐Ri , Kim Jin‐Seong , Song Myung‐Eun , Nahm Sahn , Paik Jong‐Hoo
Published: March 2010

The addition of Li2CO3 to Sr2V2O7 ceramics decreased their sintering temperature and time. A dense microstructure was developed for the specimens sintered at 750°–850°C due to the melting of Li2CO3 during the sintering. For the specimens sintered at 800°C, the grain size was considerably increased when the Li2CO3 content exceeded 1.0 mol%. The Q×f value was increased by the Li2CO3 addition due to the increased density and grain size. In particular, a high Q×f value of 73 800 GHz with ɛr and τf values of 9.94 and −28.8 ppm/°C, respectively, was obtained for the specimen containing 3.0 mol% Li2CO3 sintered at 800°C for 2h.
Effects of Ultrathin TiOx Seeding Layer on Crystalline Orientation and Electrical Properties of Sputtered (Ba,Sr)TiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Yang Lihui , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin , Rémiens Denis
Published: March 2010

A series of ultrathin TiOx (0–12 nm) seeded (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST) thin films have been prepared on Pt (111)/TiOx/SiO2/Si substrates by RF‐magnetron sputtering. Experimental results show that an ultrathin TiOx layer acts as an initial template for the BST films in the first nucleation stage, resulting in a significant influence on crystalline orientation and electrical characteristics of the resultant BST films. Interestingly, highly (111) oriented BST film [α(111)∼97%] with 5‐nm‐thick TiOx seeding layer exhibits a shifted Curie temperature (Tc=275 K) and an enhanced tunability of 61.16% at 400 kV/cm, when compared with (001)‐oriented BST without TiOx layer (Tc=250 K and tunability=50.05%).
Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Porous PZT Ceramics Fabricated by Different Methods
Authors: Yang AnKun , Wang Chang‐An , Guo Rui , Huang Yong
Published: March 2010

Porous PZT ceramics were prepared by two approaches: burnable plastic spheres (BURPS) process with varied percentages (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 wt%) of stearic acid as the pore‐forming agent and tert‐butyl alcohol‐based gel casting with different initial solid loadings (10, 15, 20, and 25 vol%). The resultant samples were characterized to evaluate effects of different preparation techniques on the microstructure and electrical properties of porous PZT ceramics. Two batches of samples possessed different pore size and morphology. Dielectric and piezoelectric properties basically showed a descending trend with increasing porosity and the results agreed with the theoretical prediction. Relative permittivity possessed different values even at the same level of porosity due to the difference in pore size and pore morphology. Piezoelectric constant d33 was generally larger for samples by gel casting than for those by the BURPS process mainly induced by the variety in the preparation processes. However, the acoustic impedance exhibited a linear decrease with an increasing porosity regardless of different pore size or morphology introduced by different preparation techniques.
Reproducible Solvent–Thermal Synthesis, Controlled Microstructure, and Photoluminescence of REPO4:Eu3+, Tb3+ (RE=Y, La, and Gd) Nanophosphors
Authors: Xiao Xiuzhen , Yan Bing
Published: March 2010

By altering the temperature and solvents, we have synthesized hydrated and dehydrated Eu3+/Tb3+‐doped REPO4 (RE=Y, La, and Gd) nanophosphors via a solvo‐thermal technology. X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy reveal that they have different structures and different morphologies. REPO4 prepared under subsequent heating at 80°, 120°, and 160°C for 1 day, respectively, present larger particle size than that formed by heating at 160°C for 3 days. Moreover, at the same temperature of 160°C and pH 3, three different solvents (ethanol, N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), and water) were used, whose influence on the microstructure of LaPO4 has been examined. As a result, LaPO4 samples from anhydrous ethanol solvent show a pure hexagonal phase and nanowire morphology, just like that prepared from the water solvent. On the other hand, the microstructure of LaPO4 samples from DMF–H2O‐mixed solvents have been changed: with the increasing volume ratio of DMF to H2O, the crystal phase of LaPO4 has been changed from hexagonal phase to monoclinic phase and the morphology from nanowires to nanoparticles. Finally, the photoluminescence properties of these Eu3+ (Tb3+)‐activated rare earth phosphates have been investigated, indicating that the photoluminescent behavior are related to their crystal phases and microstructures.
Understanding the migration ecology of European red admirals Vanessa atalanta using stable hydrogen isotopes
Authors: Brattström Oskar , Bensch Staffan , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Hobson Keith A. , Åkesson Susanne
Published: March 2010

Tracking migratory movement of small animals with variable migration patterns is difficult with standard mark–recapture methods or genetic analysis. We used stable hydrogen isotope (δD) measurements of wings from European red admirals Vanessa atalanta to study several aspects of this species’ migration. In the central part of southern Europe we found large differences in δD values between red admirals sampled in autumn and spring supporting the hypothesis that reproduction takes place in the Mediterranean region during winter. There was also an apparent influx to southern Europe in the spring of individuals with a more southerly origin, since many samples had higher δD values and similar to those expected from coastal areas of North Africa. We found a clear seasonal difference in the δD values of red admirals sampled in northern Europe. Spring migrants arriving in northern Europe generally had high δD values that indicated a southerly origin. In autumn, δD values suggested that red admirals were mostly from regions close to the sampling sites, but throughout the sampling period there were always individuals with δD values suggesting non‐local origins. The migration pattern of this species is supposedly highly variable and plastic. δD differences between individuals in the western part of Europe were generally small making migratory patterns difficult to interpret. However, butterflies from western Europe were apparently isolated from those from north‐eastern Europe, since δD values in the western region rarely corresponded to those of autumn migrants from the north‐east. Use of δD data for inferring butterfly migration in Europe is complex, but our study showed that this technique can be used to help uncover previously unknown aspects of red admiral migration.
Identification of Rice Al‐responsive Genes by Semi‐quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction using Sulfite Reductase as a Novel Endogenous Control
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Yin Ying , Wang Yuqi , Peng Xinxiang
Published: March 2010

Based on the evidence that Al resistance is an inducible process and rice is an Al‐resistant crop, identification of Al‐responsive genes from rice may help to further clone Al‐resistant genes in plants. Semi‐quantitative and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely applied in gene transcriptional analyses, particularly for those genes with low transcript abundance. Normalization with proper endogenous control (EC) genes is critical for these two approaches in terms of reliability and precision. We first noticed that the expression of several commonly‐used EC genes was depressed under Al stress, while sulfite reductase gene (SR) was stable throughout the Al treatment. The reliability of SR as an EC gene was further tested by analyzing the expression of a number of genes in response to Al challenge. Except for the consistent results obtained for the four previously‐identified genes, nine additional genes were newly defined as Al‐responsive in this study. Collectively, our results suggest that SR can be used as a novel EC gene for semi‐quantitative and real‐time PCR analysis of Al responsive genes, and that activated transport of silicon and stimulated metabolism of carotenoid and terpenoid could be involved in Al resistance in rice plants.