bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Colitis and Cancer in Colon Biopsies by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Qing-Bo , Zhang Guang-Jun , Xu Yi-Zhuang , Sun Xue-Jun , Shi Jing-Sen , Zhang Yuan-Fu , Wu Jin-Guang
Published: May 2012

Cancer is a disease that does great harms to the health of human beings. FT-IR spectroscopy could identify variability at the molecular level in biological specimens. It is a rapid and noninvasive method, which could be used intraoperatively to modify surgical procedures. The aim of this paper is to identify and separate cancer from colitis in endoscopic colon biopsies through the use of FT-IR spectroscopy. A total of 88 endoscopic colon samples, including 41 cases of colitis and 47 cases of colon cancer, were obtained. Specimens were placed on an ATR accessory linked to FT-IR spectrometer with a MCT detector for greater stability and sensitivity. Later, specimens were sent for the histological examination as the reference in the spectral analysis. 41 colitis and 47 cancer specimens were compared. Spectra preprocessed with smoothing and normalization were used for discrimination analysis. PCA was processed to simplify the spectrum data set. Naive Bayes classifier model was constructed for diagnostic classification. Leave-one-out cross-validation method was utilized to assess the discrimination results. The sensitivity of FT-IR detection for cancer achieves 97.6%. The results showed that colon cancer could be distinguished from colitis with high accuracy using FT-IR spectroscopy and chemometrics.
HER-2 Expression in Immunohistochemistry Has No Prognostic Significance in Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Halon Agnieszka , Donizy Piotr , Biecek Przemyslaw , Rudno-Rudzinska Julia , Kielan Wojciech , Matkowski Rafal
Published: May 2012

The role of HER-2 expression as a prognostic factor in gastric cancer (GC) is still controversial. The aim of the study was to asses HER-2 status, its correlations with clinicopathological parameters, and prognostic impact in GC patients. Tumor samples were collected from 78 patients who had undergone curative surgery. In order to evaluate the intensity of immunohistochemical (IHC) reactions two scales were applied: the immunoreactive score according to Remmele modified by the authors and standardised Hercep test score modified for GC by Hofmann et al. The HER-2 overexpression was detected by IHC in 23 (29.5%) tumors in Hercep test (score 2+/3+) and in 24 (30.7%) in IRS scale (IRS 4–12). The overexpression of HER-2 was associated with poorly differentiated tumors, but this correlation was not significant (P=0.064). No relationship was found between HER-2 expression and primary tumor size and degree of spread to regional lymph nodes. Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that TNM stage and patient’s age were the crucial negative prognostic factors. No correlation was observed between patient survival and expression of HER-2 estimated using both scales. This research did not confirm HER-2 expression (evaluated with immunohistochemistry) value as a prognostic tool in GC.
Increased NTPDase Activity in Lymphocytes during Experimental Sepsis
Authors: Bertoncheli Claudia de Mello , Zimmermann Carine Eloise Prestes , Jaques Jeandre Augusto dos Santos , Leal Cláudio Alberto Martins , Ruchel Jader Betsch , Rocha Bruna Cipolatto , Pinheiro Kelly de Vargas , Souza Viviane do Carmo Gonçalves , Stainki Daniel Roulim , Luz Sônia Cristina Almeida , Schetinger Maria Rosa Chitolina , Leal Daniela Bitencourt Rosa
Published: May 2012

We investigated in rats induced to sepsis the activity of ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase; CD39; E.C. 3.6.1.5), an enzyme involved in the modulation of immune responses. After 12 hours of surgery, lymphocytes were isolated from blood and NTPDase activity was determined. It was also performed the histology of kidney, liver, and lung. The results demonstrated an increase in the hydrolysis of adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) (P<0.01), but no changes regarding adenosine-5′-monophosphate (ADP) hydrolysis (P>0.05). Histological analysis showed several morphological changes in the septic group, such as vascular congestion, necrosis, and infiltration of mononuclear cells. It is known that the intracellular milieu contains much more ATP nucleotides than the extracellular. In this context, the increased ATPasic activity was probably induced as a dynamic response to clean up the elevated ATP levels resulting from cellular death.
Ultrastructure and Glycoconjugate Pattern of the Foot Epithelium of the AbaloneHaliotis tuberculata(Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda, Haliotidae)
Authors: Bravo Portela I. , Martinez-Zorzano V. S. , Molist- Perez I. , Molist García P.
Published: May 2012

The foot epithelium of the gastropodHaliotis tuberculatais studied by light and electron microscopy in order to contribute to the understanding of the anatomy and functional morphology of the mollusks integument. Study of the external surface by scanning electron microscopy reveals that the side foot epithelium is characterized by a microvillus border with a very scant presence of small ciliary tufts, but the sole foot epithelium bears a dense field of long cilia. Ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy of the side epithelial cells shows deeply pigmented cells with high electron-dense granular content which are not observed in the epithelial sole cells. Along the pedal epithelium, seven types of secretory cells are present; furthermore, two types of subepithelial glands are located just in the sole foot. The presence and composition of glycoconjugates in the secretory cells and subepithelial glands are analyzed by conventional and lectin histochemistry. Subepithelial glands contain mainly N-glycoproteins rich in fucose and mannose whereas secretory cells present mostly acidic sulphated glycoconjugates such as glycosaminoglycans and mucins, which are rich in galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. No sialic acid is present in the foot epithelium.
Small Cages with Insect Couples Provide a Simple Method for a Preliminary Assessment of Mating Disruption
Authors: Briand Françoise , Guerin Patrick M. , Charmillot Pierre-Joseph , Kehrli Patrik
Published: May 2012

Mating disruption by sex pheromones is a sustainable, effective and widely used pest management scheme. A drawback of this technique is its challenging assessment of effectiveness in the field (e.g., spatial scale, pest density). The aim of this work was to facilitate the evaluation of field-deployed pheromone dispensers. We tested the suitability of small insect field cages for a pre-evaluation of the impact of sex pheromones on mating using the grape mothsEupoecilia ambiguellaandLobesia botrana, two major pests in vineyards. Cages consisted of a cubic metal frame of 35 cm sides, which was covered with a mosquito net of 1500 μm mesh size. Cages were installed in the centre of pheromone-treated and untreated vineyards. In several trials, 1 to 20 couples of grape moths per cage were released for one to three nights. The proportion of mated females was between 15 to 70% lower in pheromone-treated compared to untreated vineyards. Overall, the exposure of eight couples for one night was adequate for comparing different control schemes. Small cages may therefore provide a fast and cheap method to compare the effectiveness of pheromone dispensers under standardised semi-field conditions and may help predict the value of setting-up large-scale field trials.
General Analytical Schemes for the Characterization of Pectin-Based Edible Gelled Systems
Authors: Haghighi Maryam , Rezaei Karamatollah
Published: May 2012

Pectin-based gelled systems have gained increasing attention for the design of newly developed food products. For this reason, the characterization of such formulas is a necessity in order to present scientific data and to introduce an appropriate finished product to the industry. Various analytical techniques are available for the evaluation of the systems formulated on the basis of pectin and the designed gel. In this paper, general analytical approaches for the characterization of pectin-based gelled systems were categorized into several subsections including physicochemical analysis, visual observation, textural/rheological measurement, microstructural image characterization, and psychorheological evaluation. Three-dimensional trials to assess correlations among microstructure, texture, and taste were also discussed. Practical examples of advanced objective techniques including experimental setups for small and large deformation rheological measurements and microstructural image analysis were presented in more details.
Toxic Metals Enrichment in the Surficial Sediments of a Eutrophic Tropical Estuary (Cochin Backwaters, Southwest Coast of India)
Authors: Martin G. D. , George Rejomon , Shaiju P. , Muraleedharan K. R. , Nair S. M. , Chandramohanakumar N.
Published: May 2012

Concentrations and distributions of trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in surficial sediments of the Cochin backwaters were studied during both monsoon and pre-monsoon periods. Spatial variations were in accordance with textural charaterstics and organic matter content. A principal component analysis distinguished three zones with different metal accumulation capacity: (i) highest levels in north estuary, (ii) moderate levels in central zone, and (iii) lowest levels in southern part. Trace metal enrichments are mainly due to anthropogenic contribution of industrial, domestic, and agricultural effluents, whose effect is enhanced by settling of metals due to organic flocculation and inorganic precipitation associated with salinity changes. Enrichments factors using Fe as a normalizer showed that metal contamination was the product of anthropogenic activities. An assessment of degree of pollution-categorized sediments as moderately polluted with Cu and Pb, moderately-to-heavily polluted with Zn, and heavily-to-extremely polluted with Cd. Concentrations at many sites largely exceed NOAA ERL (e.g., Cu, Cr, and Pb) or ERM (e.g., Cd, Ni, and Zn). This means that adverse effects for benthic organisms are possible or even highly probable.
Effects of Visual Deprivation on Gait Dynamic Stability
Authors: Iosa Marco , Fusco Augusto , Morone Giovanni , Paolucci Stefano
Published: May 2012

Vision can improve bipedal upright stability during standing and affect spatiotemporal parameters during walking. However, little is known about the effects of visual deprivation on gait dynamic stability. We have tested 28 subjects during walking under two different visual conditions, full vision (FV) and no vision (NV), measuring their upper body accelerations. Lower accelerations were found in NV for the reduced walking speed. However, the normalized accelerations were higher in the NV than in the FV condition, both in anteroposterior (1.05±0.21versus0.88±0.16,P=0.001) and laterolateral (0.99±0.26versus0.78±0.19,P<0.001) directions. Vision also affected the gait anteroposterior harmony (P=0.026) and, interacting with the environment, also the latero-lateral one (P=0.017). Directly (as main factor of the ANOVA) or indirectly (by means of significant interactions with other factors), vision affected all the measured parameters. In conclusion, participants showed an environment-dependent reduction of upper body stability and harmony when deprived by visual feedback.
Availability, Use, and Cultivation of Support Networks as Predictors of the Well-Being of Middle-Aged and Older Chinese: A Panel Study
Authors: Chong Alice Ming Lin , Cheung Chau-kiu , Woo Jean , Kwan Alex Yui-Huen
Published: May 2012

Objectives. To examine the impact of the availability, use, and cultivation of a support network on the well-being of community-dwelling, middle-aged, and older Chinese.Methods. A total of 2,970 Hong Kong Chinese aged 40–74 years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire in 2004. Out of the original group of interviewees, 2,120 (71.4%) were interviewed again in 2005.Results. Structural equation modeling revealed a good fit of the model employing Wave 1 support network data and demographic characteristics to predict Wave 2 well-being. As hypothesized, the availability of important social ties and the cultivation of one’s support networks were found to predict well-being one year later, but not the use of support networks to meet emotional, financial, or companion needs after controlling for demographic variables and baseline well-being.Discussion. Cultivating support networks can be interpreted as positive and active coping. Such cultivation is in line with what socioemotional selectivity theory predicts; specifically, when people age, they become more selective and concentrate on strengthening their relationship with those they are emotionally close to. We argue that network cultivation deserves more attention in theory, practice, and research to strengthen the resilience and adaptability of individuals approaching and experiencing old age.
Modeling Rainfall Variability over Urban Areas: A Case Study for Kuwait
Authors: Almedeij Jaber
Published: May 2012

This study examines the spatial and temporal variability of monthly total rainfall data obtained from weather stations located in the urban areas of Kuwait. The rainfall data are analyzed by considering statistics on a seasonal basis and by means of periodogram technique to reveal the periods responsible for the variable pattern. The results demonstrate similarity implying that a point estimate of rainfall data can be considered spatially representative over the urban areas of Kuwait. A sinusoidal model triggering the influence of the detected periods is developed accordingly for the time duration from January 1965 to December 2009. The model is capable of describing the rainfall data with some discrepancies between the actual and calculated values resulting from hidden periods that have not been taken into account. This finding suggests that the ability to construct a more reliable model would require a wider range of historical data to detect the other periods affecting the rainfall pattern.
Monte Carlo estimation of the structure factor for hard bodies in small-angle scattering
Authors: Hansen Steen
Published: May 2012

The structure factor and the effect of deviation from spherical symmetry are studied for elongated particles with axial ratios between 0.1 and 10. This is done using Monte Carlo simulation of the excluded-volume distance distribution function for ellipsoids of revolution, for cylinders and for cylinders with hemispherical end caps. The method suggested is general and is applicable to particles of any shape. The results of the calculations are compared with the Percus–Yevick formula [Percus & Yevick (1958),Phys. Rev.110, 1–13] for hard spheres. The comparisons indicate that the Percus–Yevick formula should only be used for axial ratios close to 1. For larger deviations from spherical symmetry it is often better to use the excluded-volume distance distribution function for the particle, in combination with the single-particle distance distribution function, for the calculation of the structure factor.
Regularly branched InN nanostructures: zinc-blende nanocore and polytypic transition
Authors: Jung Inhee , Lee Sanghwa , Shin Donggyu , Park Hyunkyu , Ju Mi Yeon , Kim Chinkyo
Published: May 2012

Regularly branched InN nanostructures were controllably grown onc-plane sapphire substrates by using hydride vapor phase epitaxy. On the basis of the crystallographic analysis of these InN tetrapods, it is proposed that (i) each tetrapod consists of four nanorods in the wurtzite phase protruding from a truncated tetrahedral nanocore in the zinc-blende phase and that (ii) branching occurs at the four {111} faces of the truncated tetrahedral nanocore. Our work suggests that the branching regularity of InN tetrapods is attributed to the polytypic transition at these four faces.
Patterson selectivity by modulation-enhanced diffraction
Authors: Caliandro Rocco , Chernyshov Dmitry , Emerich Hermann , Milanesio Marco , Palin Luca , Urakawa Atsushi , van Beek Wouter , Viterbo Davide
Published: May 2012

Modulation excitation spectroscopy is a powerful and well established technique for investigating the dynamic behaviour of chemical and physical systems. Recently, an expansion of this technique for diffraction was proposed and the theory deriving the diffraction response of a crystal subjected to a periodically varying external perturbation was developed [Chernyshov, van Beek, Emerich, Milanesio, Urakawa, Viterbo, Palin & Caliandro (2011).Acta Cryst.A67, 327–335]. The result of this is that a substructure composed of atoms actively responding to the stimulus may be separated out by analysing the diffraction signal at a frequency twice that of the stimulus. This technique is called modulation-enhanced diffraction. Here, a version of the theory dealing with the modulation of the site occupancies of a selected subset of atoms is formulated, and this is supported by experiments carried out at the Swiss–Norwegian Beam Lines at the ESRF, involving periodic variation of the xenon content of a polycrystalline zeolite as a function of temperature. The data analysis involves three steps: (i) data selection is carried out to mimic a linear response; (ii) phase-sensitive detection is applied to obtain contributions both from the responding part of the electron density associated with the Xe atoms and from the interference term; (iii) a phasing procedure is applied to both. A Patterson deconvolution technique has been successfully used to phase the demodulated diffraction patterns and obtain the active substructure.
XBroad: program for extracting basic microstructure information from X-ray diffraction patterns in few clicks
Authors: Skoko Zeljko , Popovic Jasminka , Dekanic Kresimir , Kolbas Vladimir , Popovic Stanko
Published: May 2012

XBroadis a public domain program designed for easy determination of basic microstructural information from powder X-ray diffraction data. Nowadays, preparation of nanomaterials with controlled particle size and shape has been found to be essential for tailoring the desired material properties, so a quick and effective line broadening analysis is an imperative. Although the methods implemented in the program are considered to be `traditional' ones, the authors believe that the program will provide a very fast platform for non-crystallographers working in the field of materials science, as well as for students learning the basics of size–strain analysis.
Analysis of polycrystallinity in hen egg-white lysozyme using a pnCCD
Authors: Send Sebastian , Abboud Ali , Leitenberger Wolfram , Weiss Manfred S. , Hartmann Robert , Strüder Lothar , Pietsch Ullrich
Published: May 2012

A crystal of hen egg-white lysozyme was analyzed by means of energy-dispersive X-ray Laue diffraction with white synchrotron radiation at 2.7 Å resolution using a pnCCD detector. From Laue spots measured in a single exposure of the arbitrarily oriented crystal, the lattice constants of the tetragonal unit cell could be extracted with an accuracy of about 2.5%. Scanning across the sample surface, Laue images with split reflections were recorded at various positions. The corresponding diffraction patterns were generated by two crystalline domains with a tilt of about 1° relative to each other. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of the pnCCD for fast X-ray screening of crystals of macromolecules or proteins prior to conventional X-ray structure analysis. The described experiment can be automatized to quantitatively characterize imperfect single crystals or polycrystals.
Reproductive strategies of two invasive tilapia species Oreochromis mossambicus and Tilapia mariae in northern Australia
Authors: Russell D. J. , Thuesen P. A. , Thomson F. E.
Published: May 2012

The reproductive biology of two invasive tilapia species, Oreochromis mossambicus and Tilapia mariae, resident in freshwater habitats in north‐eastern Australia was investigated. Oreochromis mossambicus exhibited plasticity in some of its life‐history characteristics that enhanced its ability to occupy a range of habitats. These included a shallow, weed‐choked, freshwater coastal drain that was subject to temperature and dissolved oxygen extremes and water‐level fluctuations to cooler, relatively high‐altitude impoundments. Adaptations to harsher conditions included a decreased total length (LT) and age (A) at 50% maturity (m50), short somatic growth intervals, early maturation and higher relative fecundities. Potential fecundity in both species was relatively low, but parental care ensured high survival rates of both eggs and larvae. No significant difference in the relative fecundity of T. mariae populations in a large impoundment and a coastal river was found, but there were significant differences in relative fecundities between several of the O. mossambicus populations sampled. Total length (LT) and age at 50% maturity of O. mossambicus populations varied considerably depending on habitat. The LTm50 and Am50 values for male and female O. mossambicus in a large impoundment were considerably greater than for those resident in a small coastal drain. Monthly gonad developmental stages and gonado‐somatic indices suggested that in coastal areas, spawning of O. mossambicus and T. mariae occurred throughout most of the year while in cooler, high‐altitude impoundments, spawning peaked in the warmer, summer months. The contribution these reproductive characteristics make to the success of both species as colonizers is discussed in the context of future control and management options for tilapia incursions in Australia.
Large dam reservoirs are probably long‐period oscillators of fish diversity
Authors: Głowacki Ł. , Penczak T.
Published: May 2012

Long‐term fish population time series obtained annually in a backwater (upstream) and a tailwater (downstream) site of the large lowland Jeziorsko Reservoir, Poland, were analysed and compared to detect impoundment influence on the fluctuation of fish population density and on the fluctuation of a fish diversity measure. The partial‐rate correlation function (PRCF) of all constantly occurring fish species displayed negative first‐order feedback of past density on present density, both upstream and downstream. Weak and irregular cyclic patterns were observed in the autocorrelation function (ACF) of populations of several species upstream and of two species downstream. Most fish species exhibited no significant concordant variations between the two sites, but there were no data supporting different regulation. Probably, different exogenous (environmental) factors control fishes at the two sites. The ACFs of the time series of the exponential of Shannon entropy (N1 diversity measure) obtained at the Jeziorsko tailwater site, and in the main body of the smaller Římov Reservoir, Czech Republic, revealed strong fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation was well fitted by a sine‐wave model of a 9 year period at the Římov, although it co‐occurred with a positive linear trend. A sine‐wave model also fitted well with the trend at the Jeziorsko tailwater site, where, however, only one 16·5 year period occurred; hence, it is indicative of cyclicity. The results indicate that dam reservoirs may be oscillators of fish diversity and that part of the literature controversy over the effect of a reservoir on fish populations may be due to a too short sampling period: it is shown that both increase and decrease in diversity may be observed on the basis of samples selected from one diversity time series obtained at the tailwater.
A robust flow‐cytometric protocol for assessing growth rate of hatchery‐reared barramundiLates calcariferlarvae
Authors: Domingos J. A. , Fromm P. , Smith‐Keune C. , Jerry D. R.
Published: May 2012

In this study, a flow‐cytometric cell cycle analysis method to assess instantaneous growth rate of whole larvae of the Australian barramundiLates calcariferwas developed and validated. High‐resolution DNA measurements of either fresh, frozen or RNAlater‐preserved larvae (gap0–gap1, G0–G1, coefficient of variation (c.v.) < 3, 4 and 5%, respectively) enabled the deconvolution of the DNA histogram and assignment of the proportion of nuclei into cell cycle compartments G0–G1, S (DNA synthesis) and G2–M (Gap2–Mitosis). This technique can be also used for individual fish tissues such as brain, liver, fin and muscle. For the first time, the combined proportion of replicating nuclei (into S and G2–M phases) of whole fish larvae and absolute growth rate in length (mm day−1) has been correlated in commercial aquaculture conditions. Fast growingL. calcariferlarvae had an overall hyperplasia advantage as indicated by a greater proportion of cells in the S+G2–M phase compared with slow growing larvae, which might explain the increasing differences in size during culture. In a fasting trial, larvae ceased growth while maintaining the constant initial rates of cell division throughout a 6 day period. For a highly fed fast growing control group, cell division rates significantly increased after day 4. Flow‐cytometric cell cycle analysis of whole fish larvae may provide fish biologists and aquaculturists with a better understanding of how cell division rates influence early growth in natural and artificial environments.
Empirical relationships between body tissue composition and bioelectrical impedance of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis from a Rocky Mountain Stream
Authors: Rasmussen J. B. , Krimmer A. N. , Paul A. J. , Hontela A.
Published: May 2012

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) analysis was carried out in the field on anaesthetized Salvelinus fontinalis electrofished from a mountain stream in Alberta, Canada; the fish were then sacrificed for subsequent analysis of tissue composition. Water content was assessed by comparing wet and dry mass, and total body lipid content was measured by Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether. A multivariate analysis of body composition and size metric against impedance measurements was carried out, and the main findings were (1) body size and related metrics were strongly related to volumetric impedance measures, as shown in several previous studies, (2) lipid content (%) and water content (%) were both well predicted by regression models whose main predictor was reactance and (3) reactance and resistance measures that were series‐based produced excellent predictions of tissue composition, whereas the corresponding parallel‐based models were crude. The BIA measurements are quick and easy to conduct and appear to provide excellent predictions of a number of proximate body components, without the need to kill the fish; however, more studies are required to provide improved understanding of possible effects of region, season, life stage and species on measurements.
Co‐administration of live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing swine interleukin‐18 and interferon‐α provides enhanced Th1‐biased protective immunity against inactivated vaccine of pseudorabies virus
Authors: Kim Seon Ju , Bum Kim Seong , Woo Han Young , Uyangaa Erdenebileg , Hyoung Kim Jin , Young Choi Jin , Kim Koanhoi , Kug Eo Seong
Published: May 2012

The co‐administration of two or more cytokines may generate additive or synergistic effects for controlling infectious diseases. However, the practical use of cytokine combinations for the modulation of immune responses against inactivated vaccine has not been demonstrated in livestock yet, primarily due to protein stability, production, and costs associated with mass administration. In light of the current situation, we evaluated the immunomodulatory functions of the combined administration of swine interleukin‐18 (swIL‐18) and interferon‐α (swIFN‐α) against an inactivated PrV vaccine using attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium as a cytokine delivery system. Co‐administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing swIL‐18 and swIFN‐α produced enhanced Th1‐biased humoral and cellular immune responses against the inactivated PrV vaccine, when compared to single administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing either swIL‐18 or swIFN‐α. Also, enhanced immune responses in co‐administered piglets occurred rapidly after virulent PrV challenge, and piglets that received co‐administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing swIL‐18 and swIFN‐α displayed a greater alleviation of clinical severity following the virulent PrV challenge, as determined by clinical scores and cumulative daily weight gain. Furthermore, this enhancement was confirmed by reduced nasal shedding of PrV following viral challenge. Therefore, these results suggest that oral co‐administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing swIL‐18 and swIFN‐α provide enhanced Th1‐biased immunity against inactivated PrV vaccine to alleviate clinical signs caused by PrV challenge.
Physcomitrella patens activates reinforcement of the cell wall, programmed cell death and accumulation of evolutionary conserved defence signals, such as salicylic acid and 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid, but not jasmonic acid, upon Botrytis cinerea infection
Authors: PONCE DE LEÓN INÉS , SCHMELZ ERIC A. , GAGGERO CARINA , CASTRO ALEXANDRA , ÁLVAREZ ALFONSO , MONTESANO MARCOS
Published: May 2012

The moss Physcomitrella patens is an evolutionarily basal model system suitable for the analysis of plant defence responses activated after pathogen assault. Upon infection with the necrotroph Botrytis cinerea, several defence mechanisms are induced in P. patens, including the fortification of the plant cell wall by the incorporation of phenolic compounds and the induced expression of related genes. Botrytis cinerea infection also activates the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and cell death with hallmarks of programmed cell death in moss tissues. Salicylic acid (SA) levels also increase after fungal infection, and treatment with SA enhances transcript accumulation of the defence gene phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) in P. patens colonies. The expression levels of the genes involved in 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid (OPDA) synthesis, including lipoxygenase (LOX) and allene oxide synthase (AOS), increase in P. patens gametophytes after pathogen assault, together with a rise in free linolenic acid and OPDA concentrations. However, jasmonic acid (JA) could not be detected in healthy or infected tissues of this plant. Our results suggest that, although conserved defence signals, such as SA and OPDA, are synthesized and are probably involved in the defence response of P. patens against B. cinerea infection, JA production appears to be missing. Interestingly, P. patens responds to OPDA and methyl jasmonate by reducing moss colony growth and rhizoid length, suggesting that jasmonate perception is present in mosses. Thus, P. patens can provide clues with regard to the evolution of different defence pathways in plants, including signalling and perception of OPDA and jasmonates in nonflowering and flowering plants.
Effects of clopidogrel and itraconazole on the disposition of efavirenz and its hydroxyl metabolites: exploration of a novel CYP2B6 phenotyping index
Authors: Jiang Fen , Desta Zeruesenay , Shon Ji‐Hong , Yeo Chang‐Woo , Kim Ho‐Sook , Liu Kwang‐Hyeon , Bae Soo‐Kyung , Lee Sang‐Seop , Flockhart David A. , Shin Jae‐Gook
Published: May 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 is the enzyme primarily responsible for the metabolism of many clinically important drugs, including efavirenz, which it converts to 8‐hydroxyefavirenz and then to 8,14‐hydroxyefavirenz.

• The CYP2B6*6 polymorphism influences efavirenz pharmacokinetics, but a validated phenotyping method for predicting CYP2B6 activity in human subjects is not yet available.

• The disposition of 8,14‐dihydroxyefavirenz in humans in vivo is unknown.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This study is the first quantitative examination of 8,14‐dihydroxyefavirenz pharmacokinetics in human subjects.

• The 8,14‐dihydroxyefavirenz : efavirenz AUC(0,120 h) ratio correlates with efavirenz oral clearance and is sensitive and specific to CYP2B6 activity alterations.

• The 8,14‐dihydroxyefavirenz : efavirenz AUC(0,120 h) ratio may be a useful phenotyping index for CYP2B6 activity in vivo.

AIMS To evaluate the effects of clopidogrel and itraconazole on the disposition of efavirenz and its hydroxyl metabolites in relation to the CYP2B6*6 genotype and explore potential phenotyping indices for CYP2B6 activity in vivo using a low dose of oral efavirenz.

METHODS We conducted a randomized three phase crossover study in 17 healthy Korean subjects pre‐genotyped for the CYP2B6*6 allele (CYP2B6*1/*1, n= 6; *1/*6, n= 6; *6/*6, n= 5). Subjects were pretreated with clopidogrel (75 mg day−1 for 4 days), itraconazole (200 mg day−1 for 6 days), or placebo and then given a single dose of efavirenz (200 mg). The plasma (0–120 h) and urine (0–24 h) concentrations of efavirenz and its metabolites (7‐ and 8‐hydroxyefavirenz and 8,14‐dihydroxyefavirenz) were determined by LC/MS/MS.

RESULTS This study is the first to delineate quantitatively the full (phase I and II) metabolic profile of efavirenz and its three hydroxyl metabolites in humans. Clopidogrel pretreatment markedly decreased AUC(0,48 h), Cmax and Ae(0,24 h) for 8,14‐dihydroxyefavirenz, compared with placebo; 95% CI of the ratios were 0.55, 0.73, 0.30, 0.45 and 0.25, 0.47, respectively. The 8,14‐dihydroxyefavirenz : efavirenz AUC(0,120 h) ratio was significantly correlated with the weight‐adjusted CL/F of efavirenz (r2≈ 0.4, P < 0.05), differed with CYP2B6*6 genotype and was affected by clopidogrel pretreatment (P < 0.05) but not by itraconazole pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS The disposition of 8,14‐dihydroxy‐EFV appears to be sensitive to CYP2B6 activity alterations in human subjects. The 8,14‐dihydroxyefaviremz : efavirenz AUC(0,120 h) ratio is attractive as a candidate phenotyping index for CYP2B6 activity in vivo.
Detrital layers marking flood events in recent sediments of Lago Maggiore (N. Italy) and their comparison with instrumental data
Authors: KÄMPF LUCAS , BRAUER ACHIM , DULSKI PETER , LAMI ANDREA , MARCHETTO ALDO , GERLI STEFANO , AMBROSETTI WALTER , GUILIZZONI PIERO
Published: May 2012

1. A succession of 20 detrital layers was detected in five short cores from the Pallanza Basin in the western part of Lago Maggiore (Italy) by combining thin‐section analyses and high‐resolution micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) scanning techniques. The detrital layers range in thickness from 0.6 to 17.4 mm and appear most distinct in the upper 20–25 cm of each core, where eutrophication since the early 1960s resulted in the deposition of a dark, organic sediment matrix.

2. The age‐depth model of previously dated cores was transferred by precise intra‐basin correlation of distinct marker layers, thus providing a reliable chronology for the 20 detrital layers covering the time period 1965–2006.

3. All detrital layers are related to regional floods as recorded by short‐term lake level rises and peaks in discharge of the River Toce, the main tributary to the Pallanza Basin.

4. Detailed intra‐basin correlation of detrital layers allows us to distinguish river run‐off events from local erosion, as well as evaluate the relation between detrital layer thickness and flood amplitude. Massive clay accumulation on top of the thickest detrital layers might have affected lake ecology by attenuating light and influencing metabolic activity.

5. In the clastic‐dominated sediments deposited before 1965, detrital layers are less clearly discernible because of the predominantly clastic pelagic sediment matrix. The combination of thin‐section and μ‐XRF techniques, however, shows the potential to establish even longer flood layer time series from Lago Maggiore sediments.
Effect of oregano and thyme essential oils on the microbiological and chemical quality of refrigerated (4 °C) ready‐to‐eat squid rings
Authors: Sanjuás‐Rey Minia , Pourashouri Parastoo , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Aubourg Santiago P.
Published: May 2012

The efficacy of oregano and thyme essential oils (OEO and TEO, respectively) in the quality retention of a refrigerated (4 °C) squid (Loligo vulgaris) ring ready‐to‐eat (RTE) product was studied. Essential oils were added at different concentrations to the coating medium during processing. An inhibitory (P < 0.05) effect of OEO on the microbial activity (aerobes, anaerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, psychrotrophs) of the squid rings was observed, with a more pronounced effect as OEO concentration increased. The addition of OEO also led to an inhibitory (P < 0.05) effect on lipid oxidation, as determined by peroxide, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance and interaction compound formation; however, no effect (P > 0.05) of the OEO concentrations on lipid oxidation development was detected. The addition of TEO did not lead to an inhibitory effect (P > 0.05) on the microbial activity of the refrigerated RTE squid, although a slight inhibitory (P < 0.05) effect on lipid oxidation was observed in the batches including the higher TEO concentrations.
Moral distress and structural empowerment among a national sample of Israeli intensive care nurses
Authors: Ganz Freda DeKeyser , Raanan Ofra , Khalaila Rabia , Bennaroch Kochav , Scherman Shiri , Bruttin Madeleine , Sastiel Ziva , Fink Naomi Farkash , Benbenishty Julie
Published: May 2012

ganz f.d., raanan o., khalaila r., bennaroch k., scherman s., bruttin m., sastiel z., fink n.f. & benbenishty j. (2012) Moral distress and structural empowerment among a national sample of Israeli intensive care nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 415–424. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06020.x

Aim.  The aim of this study was to determine levels of structural empowerment, moral distress, and the association between them among intensive care nurses.

Background.  Structural empowerment is the ability to access sources of power. Moral distress is the painful feelings experienced when a person knows the right thing to do but cannot do so due to external constraints. Several studies suggest a theoretical relationship between these concepts.

Design.  Cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational study.

Methods.  Members of the Evidence Based Nursing Practice Committee of the Israeli Society for Cardiology and Critical Care Nurses recruited a convenience sample of intensive care nurses from their respective institutions and units. Nurses were asked to complete three questionnaires (demographic and work characteristics, Moral Distress Scale, and the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire‐II). Data were collected between May–September 2009.

Results.  Intensive Care nurses had moderate levels of structural empowerment, low levels of moral distress frequency, and moderately high moral distress intensity. A weak correlation was found between moral distress frequency and structural empowerment. No other structural empowerment component was associated with moral distress. Work characteristics as opposed to demographic characteristics were more associated with the study variables.

Conclusions.  This study weakly supports the association between structural empowerment and moral distress. It also provides further evidence to the theory of structural empowerment as characterized in the critical care environment. Further studies are indicated to determine what other factors might be associated with moral distress.
Instrument validation: hospital nurse perceptions of their Behavioral Health Care Competency
Authors: Rutledge Dana N. , Wickman Mary , Drake Diane , Winokur Elizabeth , Loucks Jeannine
Published: May 2012

Aim.  To report the development and psychometric testing of the Behavioral Health Care Competency survey, designed to measure hospital nurse perceptions of behavioral healthcare competency.

Background.  Hospital nurses working in general or other non‐psychiatric units may lack behavioral healthcare competency to manage disruptive behaviours associated with mental illnesses.

Design.  Instrument development.

Method.  A nurse study team including clinical experts and nurse researchers from three community hospitals in southern California (USA) reviewed content validity of each item and the 31‐item instrument and created a behavioral health care competency conceptual model based on the nursing process. Separate institutional review board permissions were obtained from each hospital. The study team collaborated in the timing of survey administration (November 2010), analysis of the results and survey validation.

Results.  A total of 844 nurses completed the survey, representing approximately 23–41% of eligible nurses from each hospital. Using principal component analysis with varimax rotation, 23 items led to a factor structure with four components. Four subscales with adequate alpha coefficients were formed: Resource Adequacy, Patient Assessment, Practice/Intervention Competency, and Psychotropic Recommendation.

Conclusion.  The 23‐item hospital nurse Behavioral Health Care Competency survey is an adequate and valid newly developed instrument. Further testing with diverse samples is needed to strengthen generalizability and address unique and specialized nursing care needs.
Fall experiences of persons with fibromyalgia over 6 months
Authors: Rutledge Dana N. , Martinez Alexandra , Traska Theresa Kengen , Rose Debra J.
Published: May 2012

rutledge d.n., martinez a., traska t.k. & rose d.j. (2012) Fall experiences of persons with fibromyalgia over 6 months. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 435–448. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06026.x

Aims.  To describe circumstances and consequences of falls occurring among persons with fibromyalgia who had recent falls.

Background.  Fibromyalgia is a common widespread pain condition that has been linked to increased fall‐risk. No published research described experiences of falling in persons with fibromyalgia. Prior to development of fall‐risk reduction interventions, it is essential to understand the context of falls and fall experiences in persons with fibromyalgia.

Design.  Descriptive longitudinal study.

Methods.  The study took place during 2009; data were collected via fall diaries and interviews in 18 US women ages 21–69 years.

Results.  Over 6 months, 17 of 18 participants fell or had a near‐fall. For the 15 women with 6‐month fall‐prevalence data, median number of falls was 2, with 3 near‐falls. Most fall experiences contained intrinsic and extrinsic contributory factors. Participants reported engaging in various activities prior to falls/near‐falls. A substantial minority (32–48%) experienced severe symptoms (pain, fatigue, stiffness) at the time. Most falls/near‐falls occurred in homes during the day; one resulted in injury. Themes that were identified included the following: always being careful or generally cautious; fear of losing control of one’s body, especially related to balance; desire to continue activities counterbalanced with frustration at not being able to because of fear of falling; perception of having become clumsy.

Conclusions.  Nurses caring for persons with fibromyalgia should assess for potential fall‐risk factors and offer plans for individualized fall‐prevention strategies.
The influence of organizational characteristics on employee solidarity in the long‐term care sector
Authors: Cramm Jane M. , Strating Mathilde M.H. , Nieboer Anna P.
Published: May 2012

cramm j.m., strating m.m.h. & nieboer a.p. (2013) The influence of organizational characteristics on employee solidarity in the long‐term care sector. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(3), 526–534. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06027.x

Aim.  This article is a report of a study that identifies organizational characteristics explaining employee solidarity in the long‐term care sector.

Background.  Employee solidarity reportedly improves organizations’ effectiveness and efficiency. Although general research on solidarity in organizations is available, the impact of the organizational context on solidarity in long‐term care settings is lacking.

Design.  Cross‐sectional survey.

Method.  The study was carried out in Dutch long‐term care. A total of 313 nurses, managers and other care professionals in 23 organizations were involved. Organizational characteristics studied were centralization, hierarchical culture, formal and informal exchange of information and leadership style. The study was carried out in 2009.

Findings.  All organizational characteristics significantly correlated with employee solidarity in the univariate analyses. In the multivariate analyses hierarchical culture, centralization, exchange of formal and informal information and transformational leadership appears to be important for solidarity among nurses, managers and other professionals in long‐term care organizations, but not transactional and passive leadership styles.

Conclusion.  The study increased our knowledge of solidarity among nurses, managers and other professionals in the long‐term care settings. Organizational characteristics that enhance solidarity are high levels of formal and informal information exchange, less hierarchical authority, decentralization and transformational leadership styles.
A model for predicting acute and chronic fatigue in Chinese nurses
Authors: Fang Jinbo , Qiu Changjian , Xu Huiqiong , You Guiying
Published: May 2012

fang j., qiu c., xu h. & you g. (2013) A model for predicting acute and chronic fatigue in Chinese nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(3), 546–558. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06029.x

Aim.  To explore a model designed to examine direct and indirect effects of variables on acute and chronic fatigue.

Background.  Although influencing factors for fatigue have been studied extensively, direct and indirect effects of predictors for acute and chronic fatigue remain poorly understood. Therefore, we proposed an original prediction model for acute and chronic fatigue in Chinese nurses based on previous studies.

Design.  Cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design.

Methods.  We used a multi‐stage sampling process to finally include 581 nurses working in the general hospitals in Chengdu, China. Data were collected between November 2007–March 2008 by using questionnaires. A path analysis was applied to test the fit of the hypothesized model and analysis of variance.

Results.  The final model fits the data well. A total of 44·8% of variance in acute fatigue was directly and indirectly explained by job demand, job control, support at work, exposure to hazards in work environments and sleep quality, and only indirectly influenced by intershift recovery and shift work. Moreover, 61·5% of total chronic fatigue was directly and indirectly accounted for by anxiety, depression, job dissatisfaction, intershift recovery, and acute fatigue, and only indirectly influenced by job control, support at work, exposure to hazards in work environments, shift work, and sleep quality.

Conclusion.  Acute and chronic fatigue is affected by different factors and nurse managers should generate specific interventions to decrease them.
Dyslexic students in higher education and virtual learning environments: an exploratory study
Authors: Habib L. , Berget G. , Sandnes F. E. , Sanderson N. , Kahn P. , Fagernes S. , Olcay A.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents the results of an interview‐based study of the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) among dyslexic students. Interviews were carried out with 12 informants who had been formally diagnosed as dyslexic. The informants were either enrolled in a university or college programme, or had graduated less than a year before the interview. The findings reveal that dyslexic students experience a number of challenges associated with VLE use, including information overload, imperfect word processing tools, inadequate search functions, and having to relate to more than one system at a time.