bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of viral RNA in fish infected with VHSV‐IVb at 15 °C and then moved to warmer temperatures after the onset of disease
Authors: Goodwin A E , Merry G E , Noyes A D
Published: May 2012

Smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu Lacepède, bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque (coppernose strain), koi carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), were infected by intraperitoneal injection with viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus genotype IVb (VHSV‐IVb) at 15 °C. When clinical signs of disease developed, one‐third of the fish was moved to 20 °C and one‐third to 25 °C. Mortality in challenged fish at all three temperatures ranged from 25 to 45% in smallmouth bass and from 70 to 90% in bluegill. No koi carp or channel catfish died during the study. Viral copy numbers detected by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (qrt‐RTPCR) in fish dying at 20 and 25 °C decreased over time. In survivors of the challenge, viral copy numbers were higher in the more susceptible species (smallmouth bass and bluegill) than in the more VHSV‐IVb disease‐resistant species (koi carp and channel catfish). In fish surviving 28 days post‐infection, prevalence of infection was 66–100% depending on species and temperature, and VHSV‐IVb was detected at 103–105 copies μg−1 host RNA. Our results show that qrt‐RTPCR is a useful tool to investigate fish kills even 28 days after temperatures are elevated above those known to be permissive for VHSV replication.
Professionalism in practice
Authors: Holdoway A.
Published: May 2012

How to cite this article: Holdoway A. (2012) Professionalism in practice. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 199–200.
Treatment with anti‐inflammatory drugs in community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Meijvis S. C. A. , van de Garde E. M. W. , Rijkers G. T. , Bos W. J. W.
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  Meijvis SCA, van de Garde EMW, Rijkers GT, Bos WJW (St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein; Utrecht University, Utrecht; St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein; and Roosevelt Academy, Middelburg, The Netherlands). Treatment with anti‐inflammatory drugs in community‐acquired pneumonia (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 272: 25–35.

Pneumonia exhibits a broad range of severity, from mildly symptomatic at one end to fulminant septic shock and death at the other. Although an adequate inflammatory response is necessary for the clearance of microorganisms, excessive inflammation can lead to ongoing local and systemic damage. Because of this extended inflammatory response despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, as well as increasing antibiotic resistance, adjuvant therapy for pneumonia that can favourably modify the immune response has become an increasingly relevant approach to improve prognosis. Different adjuvant treatment options for pneumonia have recently been proposed. Promising treatment options include corticosteroids, statins, macrolides and Toll‐like receptor antagonists. The aim of this review is to summarize the inflammatory response during pneumonia and discuss the current knowledge and future perspectives regarding the anti‐inflammatory treatment options for patients with pneumonia.
Self‐confidence, gender and academic achievement of undergraduate nursing students
Authors: KUKULU K. , KORUKCU O. , OZDEMIR Y. , BEZCI A. , CALIK C.
Published: May 2012

Accessible summary

In view of the fact that early development of self‐confidence and gender are very predictive of high levels later in life, it is important to focus on the possible antecedents of academic achievement.

The study was undertaken to examine the role of self‐confidence development and gender in academic achievement of undergraduate students.

The aim of this study was to determine the self‐confidence levels of nursing students and the factors related to such self‐confidence. Data were obtained via a questionnaire for socio‐demographic characteristics and a ‘Self‐Confidence Scale’ prepared by the researchers. High self‐confidence levels were noted in 78.6% of female students and 92.3% of male students. While 84.5% of second‐year students had high self‐confidence levels, this rate was 76% in fourth‐year students. Female nursing students were significantly less self‐confident than male students. Self‐confidence should be nurtured in a caring nursing curriculum; however, there is a lack of clarity as to what confidence means, how it is perceived by students and what educators can do to instil self‐confidence in nursing students.
Genome‐wide architecture of reproductive isolation in a naturally occurring hybrid zone betweenMus musculus musculusandM. m. domesticus
Authors: JANOUŠEK VÁCLAV , WANG LIUYANG , LUZYNSKI KEN , DUFKOVÁ PETRA , VYSKOČILOVÁ MARTINA M. , NACHMAN MICHAEL W. , MUNCLINGER PAVEL , MACHOLÁN MILOŠ , PIÁLEK JAROSLAV , TUCKER PRISCILLA K.
Published: May 2012

Studies of a hybrid zone between two house mouse subspecies (Mus musculus musculusandM. m. domesticus) along with studies using laboratory crosses reveal a large role for the X chromosome and multiple autosomal regions in reproductive isolation as a consequence of disrupted epistasis in hybrids. One limitation of previous work has been that most of the identified genomic regions have been large. The goal here is to detect and characterize precise genomic regions underlying reproductive isolation. We surveyed 1401 markers evenly spaced across the genome in 679 mice collected from two different transects. Comparisons between transects provide a means for identifying common patterns that likely reflect intrinsic incompatibilities. We used a genomic cline approach to identify patterns that correspond to epistasis. From both transects, we identified contiguous regions on the X chromosome in which markers were inferred to be involved in epistatic interactions. We then searched for autosomal regions showing the same patterns and found they constitute about 5% of autosomal markers. We discovered substantial overlap between these candidate regions underlying reproductive isolation and QTL for hybrid sterility identified in laboratory crosses. Analysis of gene content in these regions suggests a key role for several mechanisms, including the regulation of transcription, sexual conflict and sexual selection operating at both the postmating prezygotic and postzygotic stages of reproductive isolation. Taken together, these results indicate that speciation in two recently diverged (c. 0.5 Ma) house mouse subspecies is complex, involving many genes dispersed throughout the genome and associated with distinct functions.
Cultivation shapes genetic novelty in a globally important invader
Authors: THOMPSON GENEVIEVE D. , BELLSTEDT DIRK U. , BYRNE MARGARET , MILLAR MELISSA A. , RICHARDSON DAVID M. , WILSON JOHN R.U. , LE ROUX JOHANNES J.
Published: May 2012

Acacia saligna is a species complex that has become invasive in a number of countries worldwide where it has caused substantial environmental and economic impacts. Understanding genetic and other factors contributing to its success may allow managers to limit future invasions of closely related species. We used three molecular markers to compare the introduced range (South Africa) to the native range (Western Australia). Nuclear markers showed that invasive populations are divergent from native populations and most closely related to a cultivated population in Western Australia. We also found incongruence between nuclear and chloroplast data that, together with the long history of cultivation of the species, suggest that introgressive hybridization (coupled with chloroplast capture) may have occurred within A. saligna. While we could not definitively prove introgression, the genetic distance between cultivated and native A. saligna populations was comparable to known interspecific divergences among other Acacia species. Therefore, cultivation, multiple large‐scale introductions and possibly introgressive hybridization have rapidly given rise to the divergent genetic entity present in South Africa. This may explain the known global variation in invasiveness and inaccuracy of native bioclimatic models in predicting potential distributions.
Chromosome demise in the wake of ligase‐deficient replication
Authors: Kouzminova Elena A. , Kuzminov Andrei
Published: May 2012

Bacterial DNA ligases, NAD+‐dependent enzymes, are distinct from eukaryotic ATP‐dependent ligases, representing promising targets for broad‐spectrum antimicrobials. Yet, the chromosomal consequences of ligase‐deficient DNA replication, during which Okazaki fragments accumulate, are still unclear. Using ligA251(Ts), the strongest ligase mutant of Escherichia coli, we studied ligase‐deficient DNA replication by genetic and physical approaches. Here we show that replication without ligase kills after a short resistance period. We found that double‐strand break repair via RecA, RecBCD, RuvABC and RecG explains the transient resistance, whereas irreparable chromosomal fragmentation explains subsequent cell death. Remarkably, death is mostly prevented by elimination of linear DNA degradation activity of ExoV, suggesting that non‐allelic double‐strand breaks behind replication forks precipitate DNA degradation that enlarge them into allelic double‐strand gaps. Marker frequency profiling of synchronized replication reveals stalling of ligase‐deficient forks with subsequent degradation of the DNA synthesized without ligase. The mechanism that converts unsealed nicks behind replication forks first into repairable double‐strand breaks and then into irreparable double‐strand gaps may be behind lethality of any DNA damaging treatment.
Community perceptions of infectious diseases, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in context of environmental changes: a study in Odisha, India
Authors: Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Tamhankar Ashok J. , Johansson Eva , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia
Published: May 2012

Background  The public health impact of environmental changes and the faceless threat of antibiotic resistance are currently among the top global health challenges. Community understanding of health, diseases and medicines in relation to the changing environment is necessary to mitigate the impact of these changes on health and for prudent use of antibiotics.

Objective  The objective is to explore community perceptions of infectious diseases, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in the context of environmental changes.

Methods  A qualitative study was conducted among community members with various backgrounds in education, gender, age and occupation of two districts of Odisha, India. Eight focus groups discussions and ten individual interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results  Two themes emerged: ‘Interpretation of infectious diseases and health hazards in the context of environmental changes’, and ‘Understanding of antibiotic use and its consequences for resistance development and the environment’. The participants perceived that nowadays there is irregularity in the occurrence of seasons, particularly an increase in average temperature, which is influencing health. Participants’ perceptions of infectious diseases, antibiotic use and resistance varied according to their social environment. Furthermore, they perceived that improved sanitation, choice of alternative medicine and awareness and education on prudent use of antibiotics are probably some ways to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Conclusions  The participants perceived that climate variability is increasing and that this has health consequences for the community. They also hypothesized an interrelationship between the environment, infectious diseases and medicine use, particularly antibiotics. This is helpful for further empirical studies.
Corticosteroid treatment selectively decreases mast cells in the smooth muscle and epithelium of asthmatic bronchi
Authors: James A. , Gyllfors P. , Henriksson E. , Dahlén S. E. , Adner M. , Nilsson G. , Dahlén B.
Published: May 2012

Background

Mast cells are important in the pathophysiology of airway inflammation and evidence suggests their sub‐localisation within the airway is altered in asthma. Little is known about the effect of corticosteroids on mast cell localisation within the bronchi.

Methods

We therefore performed an immunohistochemical analysis of mast cell numbers within the smooth muscle, epithelium and submucosa of healthy subjects (n = 10) and well‐characterised asthmatic patients, using either β2‐agonists alone (n = 10) or β2‐agonists and inhaled corticosteroids (n = 10).

Results

Patients using inhaled corticosteroids displayed significantly lower numbers of mast cells within their epithelium and smooth muscle compared to those not treated with inhaled corticosteroids. Submucosal mast cells were not affected by corticosteroid treatment. Numbers of smooth muscle mast cells correlated with bronchial responsiveness and epithelial mast cells with exhaled NO.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that glucocorticosteroids differentially affect mast cell numbers within specific airway sub‐locations highlighting the importance of mast cell and smooth muscle/epithelial interactions in asthma pathogenesis.
Outcome of oral food challenges in children in relation to symptom‐eliciting allergen dose and allergen‐specific IgE
Authors: Rolinck‐Werninghaus C. , Niggemann B. , Grabenhenrich L. , Wahn U. , Beyer K.
Published: May 2012

Background

Oral food challenge (FC) protocols are discussed with reference to starting doses, dose increments, safety, and predictability of results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of eliciting allergen doses, specific IgE levels and predictive factors to the outcome of FCs in children.

Methods

In 869 children (median age 1.2 years), FCs were performed with cow's milk (n = 633), hen's egg (n = 456), wheat (n = 265) and/or soy (n = 317) starting at 3–5 mg of protein. Each of the seven doses was administered every 30 min using semi‐log increases. Severity of symptoms was graded from I to V. IgE was determined prior to challenges.

Results

Of the children allergic to egg or milk, 9% and 10%, respectively, experienced reactions already at the first dose. Of these, 14% (egg) and 4% (milk) experienced grade IV reactions. In contrast, few children reacted to the first doses of wheat or soy, and most reactions occurred after the maximum dose. For all allergens, grade V reactions did not occur. However, grade IV reactions were seen at all eliciting doses. Elevated specific IgE level, young age and a history of atopic dermatitis were associated with a positive challenge outcome for milk or egg, and also IgE levels were associated with lower eliciting allergen doses and more severe symptoms.

Conclusion

Oral FCs bear a risk of severe reactions at all dose levels. Doses of 3–5 mg protein induced symptoms in up to 10% of children allergic to milk or egg. However, food‐specific IgE levels are of limited clinical value for the estimation of FC reactions.
Early outcome in renal transplantation from large donors to small and size‐matched recipients – A porcine experimental model
Authors: Ravlo Kristian , Chhoden Tashi , Søndergaard Peter , Secher Niels , Keller Anna K. , Pedersen Michael , Bibby Bo M. , Jørgensen Troels Munch , Møldrup Ulla , Østraat Ernst Øivind , Birn Henrik , Nørregaard Rikke , Marcussen Niels , Leuvenink Henri G. , Jespersen Bente
Published: May 2012

Ravlo K, Chhoden T, Søndergaard P, Secher N, Keller AK, Pedersen M, Bibby BM, Møldrup U, Østraat EØ, Birn H, Nørregaard R, Marcussen N, Leuvenink HG, Jespersen B. Early outcome in renal transplantation from large donors to small and size‐matched recipients – A porcine experimental model.

Abstract:  Kidney transplantation from a large donor to a small recipient, as in pediatric transplantation, is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and DGF. We established a porcine model for renal transplantation from an adult donor to a small or size‐matched recipient with a high risk of DGF and studied GFR, RPP using MRI, and markers of kidney injury within 10 h after transplantation. After induction of BD, kidneys were removed from ∼63‐kg donors and kept in cold storage for ∼22 h until transplanted into small (∼15 kg, n = 8) or size‐matched (n = 8) recipients. A reduction in GFR was observed in small recipients within 60 min after reperfusion. Interestingly, this was associated with a significant reduction in medullary RPP, while there was no significant change in the size‐matched recipients. No difference was observed in urinary NGAL excretion between the groups. A significant higher level of HO‐1 mRNA was observed in small recipients than in donors and size‐matched recipients indicating cortical injury. Improvement in early graft perfusion may be a goal to improve short‐ and long‐term GFR and avoid graft thrombosis in pediatric recipients.
Surgical management of stem cell transplantation‐related complications in children
Authors: Lieber Justus , Hauch Holger , Lang Peter , Handgretinger Rupert , Blumenstock Gunnar , Seitz Guido , Warmann Steven W. , Fuchs Jörg
Published: May 2012

Lieber J, Hauch H, Lang P, Handgretinger R, Blumenstock G, Seitz G, Warmann SW, Fuchs J. Surgical management of stem cell transplantation‐related complications in children.

Abstract:  HSCT is an established treatment option for some children with life‐threatening diseases, but complications remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This retrospective data analysis addresses the surgical issues of children with HSCT‐related complications. Between 2002 and 2008, HSCT was performed in 240 children for leukemias/lymphomas (n=135), solid tumors (n=59), immunodeficiencies (n=20), lipid storage diseases (n=10), autoimmune diseases (n=9), and others (n=7). HSCT‐related complications requiring surgery occurred in 24 cases (10%) and most often in the leukemias/lymphomas group (18/24 cases): HC (cystoscopic irrigation, n=7), pulmonary aspergilloses (resection, n=7), bone necroses (core decompression, n=3), GvHD bowel (colostomy/PEG, n=2), ICH (drainage, n=2), bilateral kidney abscess (nephrectomies/renal transplantation, n=1), aspergillosis of the maxillary sinus (decompression, n=1), and post‐traumatic wound healing disorder (meshed skin transplantation, n=1). Survival was 50% in the group with surgery and 62% in the group without (p=0.275). Even though this difference was not statistically significant, surgical intervention should be encouraged in all cases to achieve favorable results.
Living donor liver transplantation from an asymptomatic mother who was a carrier for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency
Authors: Wakiya T. , Sanada Y. , Urahashi T. , Ihara Y. , Yamada N. , Okada N. , Egami S. , Sakamoto K. , Murayama K. , Hakamada K. , Yasuda Y. , Mizuta K.
Published: May 2012

Wakiya T, Sanada Y, Urahashi T, Ihara Y, Yamada N, Okada N, Egami S, Sakamoto K, Murayama K, Hakamada K, Yasuda Y, Mizuta K. Living donor liver transplantation from an asymptomatic mother who was a carrier for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.

Abstract:  Liver transplantation (LT) has been adopted as a radical treatment for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), yielding favorable outcomes. Despite the fact that it is an inheritable disease, a blood relative who is heterozygous for the disorder must sometimes be used as a liver donor for living donor LT. There is ongoing discussion regarding the use of heterozygous donors, however, to our knowledge, no cases where donation was determined based on the Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) activity before LT have been reported. Between May 2001 and April 2011, 17 patients were indicated for living donor LT because of OTCD at our facility. There were three cases with heterozygous donor candidate (17.6%). All heterozygous candidates underwent a liver biopsy to measure their OTC activity before LT and made efforts to secure the safety of the both donor and recipient. Two of 3 candidates had headaches sometimes, and their activity was less than 40%, and thus they were not employed as the donor. One candidate with 104.4% activity was employed, yielding favorable outcomes. Our current experience supported the effectiveness of our donation criteria, however it is necessary to collect sufficient data on a large number of patients to confirm the safety of the procedure.
Effect of partial or complete elimination of light‐harvesting complexes on the surface electric properties and the functions of cyanobacterial photosynthetic membranes
Authors: Dobrikova Anelia G. , Domonkos Ildikó , Sözer Özge , Laczkó‐Dobos Hajnalka , Kis Mihály , Párducz Árpád , Gombos Zoltán , Apostolova Emilia L.
Published: May 2012

Influence of the modification of the cyanobacterial light‐harvesting complex [i.e. phycobilisomes (PBS)] on the surface electric properties and the functions of photosynthetic membranes was investigated. We used four PBS mutant strains of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 as follows: PAL (PBS‐less), CK (phycocyanin‐less), BE (PSII‐PBS‐less) and PSI‐less/apcE− (PSI‐less with detached PBS). Modifications of the PBS content lead to changes in the cell morphology and surface electric properties of the thylakoid membranes as well as in their functions, such as photosynthetic oxygen‐evolving activity, P700 kinetics and energy transfer between the pigment–protein complexes. Data reveal that the complete elimination of PBS in the PAL mutant causes a slight decrease in the electric dipole moments of the thylakoid membranes, whereas significant perturbations of the surface charges were registered in the membranes without assembled PBS–PSII macrocomplex (BE mutant) or PSI complex (PSI‐less mutant). These observations correlate with the detected alterations in the membrane structural organization. Using a polarographic oxygen rate electrode, we showed that the ratio of the fast to the slow oxygen‐evolving PSII centers depends on the partial or complete elimination of light‐harvesting complexes, as the slow operating PSII centers dominate in the PBS‐less mutant and in the mutant with detached PBS.
Winter survival and deacclimation of perennials under warming climate: physiological perspectives
Authors: Pagter Majken , Arora Rajeev
Published: May 2012

Appropriate timing and rate of cold deacclimation and the ability to reacclimate are important components of winter survival of perennials in temperate and boreal zones. In association with the progressive increase in atmospheric CO2, temperate and boreal winters are becoming progressively milder, and temperature patterns are becoming irregular with increasing risk of unseasonable warm spells during the colder periods of plants' annual cycle. Because deacclimation is mainly driven by temperature, these changes pose a risk for untimely/premature deacclimation, thereby rendering plant tissue vulnerable to freeze‐injury by a subsequent frost. Research also indicates that elevated CO2 may directly impact deacclimation. Hence, understanding the underlying cellular mechanisms of how deacclimation and reacclimation capacity are affected by changes in environmental conditions is important to ensure winter survival and the sustainability of plant sources under changing climate. Relative to cold acclimation, deacclimation is a little studied process, but the limited evidence points to specific changes occurring in the transcriptome and proteome during deacclimation. Loss of freezing tolerance is additionally associated with substantial changes in cell/tissue‐water relations and carbohydrate metabolism; the latter also impacted by temperature‐driven, altered respiratory metabolism. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the physiological mechanisms of deacclimation and how they may be impacted by climate change.
Therapy management of cardiovascular adverse events in the context of targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Schmidinger Manuela , Bergler‐Klein Jutta
Published: May 2012

Targeted agents have significantly improved outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and are changing long‐term expectations in these patients. Experience with these agents highlights a distinct safety and tolerability profile, differing from that observed with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cardiovascular adverse events have been observed when treating with targeted agents. This is of particular importance for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who are elderly and present with significant comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists is essential for optimal management of cardiovascular adverse events. Strategies for the management of these adverse events include assessment of cardiovascular status at baseline and at regular intervals, patient education, and the use of supportive medication. Effective therapy management allows patients with cardiovascular adverse events to receive and continue targeted therapy with careful monitoring. Implementation of therapy management measures contributes towards maximizing treatment outcomes with targeted agents in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Validity of assessing people experiencing mental illness who have offended using the Camberwell Assessment of Need–Forensic and Health of the Nation Outcome Scales–Secure
Authors: Abou‐Sinna Rana , Luebbers Stefan
Published: May 2012

Evidence‐based practices for forensic mental health services have been slow to develop, and there is a lack of measures that assess the mental health and criminogenic needs of people experiencing mental illness who have offended. The present study aimed to investigate the interrelationship between a clinician‐rated forensic mental health needs assessment (Health of the Nation Outcomes Scales–Secure (HoNOS‐S)), a forensic mental health needs assessment that considers both clinician and patient perspectives (Camberwell Assessment of Need–Forensic (CANFOR)), and measures of general and violent recidivism (Level Service–Case Management Inventory (LS‐CMI) and HCR‐20 Violence Risk Assessment Scheme (HCR‐20)). Needs were assessed for 72 forensic patients aged between 20 and 62 years of age, located in a secure forensic mental health facility. The findings revealed significant positive correlations between the HoNOS‐S, CANFOR, and HCR‐20. Only the CANFOR was positively correlated with the LS‐CMI, and uniquely contributed variance to the HCR‐20. Patients and nurses differed in the total number of needs and met needs they identified as present. The findings suggest that the collaborative approach of the CANFOR might be more appropriate for measuring outcomes in the treatment of individuals experiencing mental illness who have offended.
Equine subepithelial keratomycosis
Authors: Brooks Dennis E. , Plummer Caryn E. , Mangan Brendan G. , Ben‐Shlomo Gil
Published: May 2012

Objective  To describe clinical findings in equine subepithelial keratomycosis (SEK).

Design  Retrospective medical records study.

Animals studied  Medical records of horses that had subepithelial keratomycosis (SEK) at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center from 2007 to 2011 were reviewed.

Procedures  Data collected from the medical records included signalment, clinical descriptions of ocular lesions, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic outcomes.

Results  Twenty‐one horses, consisting of three Quarter horse geldings, two Morgan geldings, one Morgan mare, two Arabian mares, three Arabian geldings, two warm blood mares, two warm blood geldings, two Thoroughbred geldings, one Thoroughbred mare, one Appaloosa mare, one Holsteiner gelding, and one Holsteiner mare with SEK were identified. Multifocal punctate and/or geographic patterns of subepithelial opacification were present in all eyes. Intermittent phases of weak fluorescein and/or rose Bengal dye were found in 16 eyes. Clinical signs of iridocyclitis were absent in all eyes. Cytologic confirmation of fungi was found in ten cases, Candida was cultured from one eye, and Aspergillus cultured in three eyes. Nineteen of 21 eyes with SEK resolved when topical antifungal therapy was initiated. Two of the 19 responding eyes recurred and required additional therapy, and two other eyes progressed to ulcerative keratomycosis.

Conclusions  This is the first clinical report of a subtle form of keratomycosis in the horse. Subepithelial keratomycosis may be a distinct clinical entity or represent a continuum in the described forms of equine keratomycosis.
What can reduce letter migrations in letter position dyslexia?
Authors: Friedmann Naama , Rahamim Einav
Published: May 2012

Letter position dyslexia (LPD) is a peripheral dyslexia that causes errors of letter position within words, such as reading cloud as could. In this study, we assessed the effect of various display manipulations and reading methods on the reading of 10 Hebrew readers with developmental LPD. These manipulations included tracking the letters with the index finger, spacing of two or six spaces between letters, presenting each letter in a different colour and inserting a sign between letters. We also tested the effect of diacritic markers, which provide disambiguating phonological information. Several display manipulations reduced the rate of letter migrations, and finger tracking was the most efficient technique. Diacritic markers were either ignored or made reading even more difficult. These findings indicate that LPD is treatable, and that the technique that is the easiest to apply, finger tracking, is also the most promising one in reducing letter migrations in LPD.
Inference about long run canonical correlations
Authors: Dovonon Prosper , Hall Alastair R. , Jana Kalidas
Published: May 2012

This article proposes methods for testing the null hypothesis that a number of so‐called long run canonical correlations (LRCCs) are zero. Two test statistics are proposed and their limiting distributions are derived under the null hypothesis. The finite sample properties of the tests are illustrated via a number of simulation studies that reveal the asymptotic theory provides a good guidance to behaviour in moderate or large sized samples. It is shown that the statistics provide a natural way for testing the asymptotic independence of two standardized sums. The usefulness of the tests is illustrated via the following examples: inference about cointegrating vector in a particular cointegration model; inference about break points in a cointegration model; moment estimation; parameter estimation in Generalized Method of Moments estimation.
Matchmaking and moneymaking in a patronage society: the first duke and duchess of Chandos, c. 1712–351
Authors: O'DAY ROSEMARY
Published: May 2012

The focus of this article is on the contribution of an early eighteenth‐century aristocratic marriage partnership to the family economy, and particularly to the non‐co‐resident, extended family. Through a study of the first duke and duchess of Chandos, the active involvement of a husband and wife in furthering the marriages of close kin is highlighted. By outlining the strategy and tactics adopted and discussing their motivation, the article challenges the view that kinship had seriously declined in importance by the early eighteenth century. The Brydgeses did more than broker marriages for close female relatives; they groomed the young women, helped build up and manage their portions using new and modern forms of making money such as investing in the stock market, and found them husbands. The marriages of these young women were a form of patronage. Motivation for this involvement included familial affection and responsibility but extended to increasing and consolidating the duke's socio‐political influence through the patronage system and to limiting the potential drain on his estate. The duchess had a vested interest in this: it raised her status within family, connection, and society. The young women concerned, and their parents, were not always grateful for this patronage.
Clinimetrics of measures of oropharyngeal dysphagia for preschool children with cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental disabilities: a systematic review
Authors: BENFER KATHERINE A , WEIR KELLY A , BOYD ROSLYN N
Published: May 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties and clinical utility of objective measures of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) in children with cerebral palsy or neurodevelopmental disabilities aged 12 months to 5 years.

Method  Five electronic databases were searched to identify measures of OPD. The Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) Checklist was used to assess psychometric properties and a Modified CanChild Outcome Rating Form was used for clinical utility.

Results  Nine measures of OPD from 27 papers were assessed: the Brief Assessment of Motor Function – Oral Motor Deglutition Scale; the Behavioral Assessment Scale of Oral Functions in Feeding; the Dysphagia Disorders Survey; the Feeding Behaviour Scale; the Functional Feeding Assessment, modified; the Gisel Video Assessment; the Oral Motor Assessment Scale; the Pre‐Speech Assessment Scale; and the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment.

Interpretation  The Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment and the Functional Feeding Assessment, modified, proved to be the strongest measures based on published psychometric properties of validity and reliability. The Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment and the Dysphagia Disorders Survey were found to have the strongest clinical utility. Further studies to test the psychometric properties of existing measures, in particular predictive validity, responsiveness, and test–retest reliability, would be beneficial for selecting an appropriate measure for both clinical and research contexts.
Cathepsin H functions as an aminopeptidase in secretory vesicles for production of enkephalin and galanin peptide neurotransmitters
Authors: Douglas Lu Weiya , Funkelstein Lydiane , Toneff Thomas , Reinheckel Thomas , Peters Christoph , Hook Vivian
Published: May 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 512–522.

Peptide neurotransmitters function as key intercellular signaling molecules in the nervous system. These peptides are generated in secretory vesicles from proneuropeptides by proteolytic processing at dibasic residues, followed by removal of N‐ and/or C‐terminal basic residues to form active peptides. Enkephalin biosynthesis from proenkephalin utilizes the cysteine protease cathepsin L and the subtilisin‐like prohormone convertase 2 (PC2). Cathepsin L generates peptide intermediates with N‐terminal basic residue extensions, which must be removed by an aminopeptidase. In this study, we identified cathepsin H as an aminopeptidase in secretory vesicles that produces (Met)enkephalin (ME) by sequential removal of basic residues from KR‐ME and KK‐ME, supported by in vivo knockout of the cathepsin H gene. Localization of cathepsin H in secretory vesicles was demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy and immunofluorescence deconvolution microscopy. Purified human cathepsin H sequentially removes N‐terminal basic residues to generate ME, with peptide products characterized by nano‐LC‐MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry. Cathepsin H shows highest activities for cleaving N‐terminal basic residues (Arg and Lys) among amino acid fluorogenic substrates. Notably, knockout of the cathepsin H gene results in reduction of ME in mouse brain. Cathepsin H deficient mice also show a substantial decrease in galanin peptide neurotransmitter levels in brain. These results illustrate a role for cathepsin H as an aminopeptidase for enkephalin and galanin peptide neurotransmitter production.
Longitudinal assessment of distress and quality of life in the early stages of breast cancer treatment
Authors: Costa‐Requena Gema , Rodríguez Ana , Fernández‐Ortega Paz
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 77–83

Longitudinal assessment of distress and quality of life in the early stages of breast cancer treatment

Background:  During breast cancer treatment, a decline in quality of life and the patient’s psychological well‐being is observed. The purpose of this study was to assess levels of quality of life and psychological distress during breast cancer treatment.

Methods:  Utilizing a longitudinal design, patients with breast cancer were assessed at three time‐points during treatment. The within‐subject analysis of variance was conducted to compare subscales of quality of life. Linear regression analyses were utilized to determine the contribution of psychological distress to the quality of life at each time assessment.

Results:  Significant differences between the assessment times on the physical subscale (p < 0.001), socio‐family (p < 0.01) and emotional well‐being (p < 0.001) were showed. Specific domain‐related breast cancer and psychological distress (p < 0.05) were significant during the assessment period. No difference was found on the total quality of life score within the three points of reference for treatment. The regression analysis revealed that after treatment, psychological distress showed a higher percentage of variance of the quality of life (62.6%) compared to other treatment time‐points.

Conclusions:  Significant changes to the quality of life and psychological distress subscales are seen during breast cancer treatment. The degree to which psychological distress affected quality of life varied over the illness continuum. Health professionals should pay attention to the variability of the emotional support and care needs of patients with cancer at different times of treatment.
The housekeeping gene YWHAZ remains stable in a model of developmentally primed non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Bruce Kimberley D. , Sihota Kiran K. , Byrne Christopher D. , Cagampang Felino R.
Published: May 2012

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease in Western society. Comparative gene expression studies are beginning to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NAFLD progression. We have previously shown that high fat diets during early life can prime non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in adulthood, through lipogenesis gene elevation. To generate accurate results in such studies, appropriate housekeeping genes (HKG) which are unaffected by disease processes, are used for data normalisation. However, there is little existing data to show the effects of NAFLD on HKG expression.

Aims

To identify the HKG in a mouse model of developmentally primed NAFLD and NASH, which maintains expression stability.

Methods

We determined the expression stability of six candidates HKG (GAPDH, YWHAZ, B2M, EIF4A2, ACTB and CYC1) in a mouse model of developmentally primed NAFLD in both the day and night, using geNORM qBasePlus software.

Results

HKG expression differed across dietary groups and time of day. In the majority of treatment groups and time points the most stable gene was YWHAZ. Following high fat diet interventions CYC1 became notably unstable. Overall the effect of NAFLD and NASH on HKG expression was to maintain stability of YWHAZ, but destabilise CYC1 and EIF4A2.

Conclusions

Our data clearly shows that HKG expression is affected by NAFLD severity and time of day sampling, highlighting the importance of suitable HKG gene selection. For comparative gene expression studies investigating NAFLD we would recommend use of YWHAZ as a robust, stably expressed HKG.
Prevalence and Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Gastric Cardia Cancer in South Korea
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Lee Hye Seung , Kim Nayoung , Shin Cheol Min , Lee Sang Hyub , Park Young Soo , Hwang Jin‐Hyeok , Kim Jin‐Wook , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Lee Dong Ho , Park Do Joong , Kim Hyung Ho , Jung Hyun Chae
Published: May 2012

Background and Aim:  Western reports have suggested that the prevalence of gastric cardia cancer (GCC) has been increasing, and indicated some differences between GCC and gastric noncardia cancer (GNCC). However, few studies have been conducted in Asia. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of GCC and to evaluate differences of clinicopathologic characteristics between GCC and GNCC in South Korea.

Methods:  This study was single‐center case–control study. A total of 829 patients with gastric cancer and 270 controls were enrolled between 2003 and 2011. Baseline characteristics, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status, and histologic characteristics were compared among three groups (GCC, GNCC, and control).

Results:  Sixty cases (7.2%) of gastric cancer were located in cardia. Multivariate analysis showed that male odds ratio (OR, 5.72; 95% CI, 1.72–19.07; p = .005) and cigarette smoking (OR, 5.38; 95% CI, 1.39–20.90; p = .015) were risk factors of GCC in comparison with control group, but H. pylori infection rate was not significant. In the case of GNCC, cigarette smoking (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.81–8.29; p < .001), past alcohol intake (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.28–6.20; p = .010), intestinal metaplasia (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 2.00–5.17; p < .001), and H. pylori infection (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.90–4.93; p < .001) were risk factors of GNCC. Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were higher in the GNCC (21.2%) than control group (13.5%) (p = .008). However, in the case of GCC, they were similar between the GCC (12.7%) and control group (p = .872). According to multivariate analysis, history of H. pylori eradication (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.19–0.61; p < .001) was associated with a protective effect on GNCC. GCC showed higher depth of invasion (p = .038) and frequent distant metastasis (p = .012) than GNCC.

Conclusion:  In this referral center based study, the prevalence of GCC was 7.2% in South Korea. Risk factors and clinicopathologic characteristics for GCC and GNCC were different, supporting that the pathophysiology is different in the development of GCC and GNCC.
Garnet and spinel lherzolite assemblages in MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 and CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2: thermodynamic models and an experimental conflict
Authors: Green E. C. R. , Holland T. J. B. , Powell R. , White R. W.
Published: May 2012

The recent publication of an updated thermodynamic dataset for petrological calculations provides an opportunity to illustrate the relationship between experimental data and the dataset, in the context of a new set of activity–composition models for several key minerals. These models represent orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and garnet in the system CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 (CMAS), and are valid up to 50 kbar and at least 1800 °C; they are the first high‐temperature models for these phases to be developed for the Holland & Powell dataset. The models are calibrated with reference to phase‐relation data in the subsystems CaO–MgO–SiO2 (CMS) and MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 (MAS), and will themselves form the basis of models in larger systems, suitable for calculating phase equilibria in the crust and mantle. In the course of calibrating the models, it was necessary to consider the reaction orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + spinel = garnet + forsterite in CMAS, representing a univariant transition between simple spinel and garnet lherzolite assemblages. The high‐temperature segment of this reaction has been much disputed. We offer a powerful thermodynamic argument relating this reaction to the equivalent reaction in MAS, that forces us to choose between good model fits to the data in MAS or to the more recent data in CMAS. We favour the fit to the MAS data, preserving conformity with a large body of experimental and thermodynamic data that are incorporated as constraints on the activity–composition modelling via the internally consistent thermodynamic dataset.
Rural Nevada and Climate Change: Vulnerability, Beliefs, and Risk Perception
Authors: Saleh Safi Ahmad , James Smith William , Liu Zhnongwei
Published: May 2012

In this article, we present the results of a study investigating the influence of vulnerability to climate change as a function of physical vulnerability, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity on climate change risk perception. In 2008/2009, we surveyed Nevada ranchers and farmers to assess their climate change‐related beliefs, and risk perceptions, political orientations, and socioeconomic characteristics. Ranchers’ and farmers’ sensitivity to climate change was measured through estimating the proportion of their household income originating from highly scarce water‐dependent agriculture to the total income. Adaptive capacity was measured as a combination of the Social Status Index and the Poverty Index. Utilizing water availability and use, and population distribution GIS databases; we assessed water resource vulnerability in Nevada by zip code as an indicator of physical vulnerability to climate change. We performed correlation tests and multiple regression analyses to examine the impact of vulnerability and its three distinct components on risk perception. We find that vulnerability is not a significant determinant of risk perception. Physical vulnerability alone also does not impact risk perception. Both sensitivity and adaptive capacity increase risk perception. While age is not a significant determinant of it, gender plays an important role in shaping risk perception. Yet, general beliefs such as political orientations and climate change‐specific beliefs such as believing in the anthropogenic causes of climate change and connecting the locally observed impacts (in this case drought) to climate change are the most prominent determinants of risk perception.
“What's in Your Lunch Box Today?”: Health, Respectability, and Ethnicity in the Primary Classroom
Authors: Karrebæk Martha Sif
Published: May 2012

Much socialization of children into healthy food practices takes place in the educational system. However, teachers' understandings of healthy food may differ from those of students and parents. Furthermore, health is connected to respectability. Thus, food socialization concerns more than nutritional values. This study examines lunchtime interactions between minority students and majority teachers in a Danish classroom. I show that certain traditional food items (rye bread) are treated as superior to certain others that minority children regularly bring. Children are accountable for lunch boxes, and cultural and personal preferences are disregarded if at odds with dominant understandings of healthy food. [language socialization, classroom interaction, respectability, multicultural classroom, interaction analyses]
Are Peripapillary Intrascleral Hemorrhages Pathognomonic for Abusive Head Trauma?*
Authors: Schoppe Candace H. , Lantz Patrick E.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, Section on Ophthalmology, acknowledges that searching for retinal hemorrhages (RHs) in infants only in cases of suspected of abuse creates selection bias. However, they also recommend that postmortem eye removal might not be indicated “in children who have clearly died from witnessed severe accidental head trauma or otherwise readily diagnosed systemic medical conditions.” Although infrequently described in the child abuse literature, peripapillary intrascleral hemorrhages (bleeding in the sclera at the optic nerve insertion)—putatively from severe repetitive acceleration/deceleration forces with or without blunt head trauma—have been considered essentially pathognomonic for abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome). We present two neonates who sustained accidental, severe in utero head injuries and had associated extensive RHs and optic nerve sheath hemorrhages with peripapillary intrascleral hemorrhages detected at autopsy. Neither neonate had a documented clinical fundal examination in the intensive care unit.