bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why are first‐year accounting studies inclusive?
Authors: Crawford Ian , Wang Zhiqi
Published: November 2012

This study is motivated by the increasing diversity among first‐year accounting students and the increasing number of first‐year accounting students whose majors are not in accounting related areas in UK universities. The main contribution of this study is that it uses student data over four consecutive academic years from a first‐year accounting course at a UK university to provide empirical evidence in support of the theoretical framework proposed by Rankin et al. (2003). Our results show the effects of metacognitive knowledge and content knowledge on academic performance as well as highlighting the inclusiveness of the first‐year accounting course. For instance, regardless of the choices of secondary subjects, students who have good prior academic achievement are the best performers on the first‐year accounting course. The influence of content knowledge on academic performance is strongly felt when the assessments of the course changed from a 100 per cent final exam to a combination of mid‐term coursework and a final exam. The results suggest that well‐designed mid‐term coursework is academically beneficial to accounting students, especially non‐native English‐speaking students.
Variants in the 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus are associated with allergic rhinitis in the Japanese population
Authors: Tomita K. , Sakashita M. , Hirota T. , Tanaka S. , Masuyama K. , Yamada T. , Fujieda S. , Miyatake A. , Hizawa N. , Kubo M. , Nakamura Y. , Tamari M.
Published: November 2012

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common disorder peaking in the teenage years that is mediated by hypersensitivity responses to environmental allergens. Although it is well established that the ORMDL3 locus at chromosome 17q21 is associated with susceptibility to bronchial asthma, the genetic influences of the polymorphisms of the locus in allergic rhinitis are unclear.

Objective

To examine whether the polymorphisms in the 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus are associated with allergic rhinitis in the Japanese population.

Methods

We performed linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping of the locus using the HapMap database and conducted an association study of the locus with a total of 15 tag SNPs in two independent populations. We further evaluated correlations of genotypes with changes in expression of genes at the region in lymphoblastoid cell lines in the Japanese population and assessed the expression levels of the genes in nasal epithelium and various human tissues.

Results

We found a significant association between a total of five polymorphisms in the 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus, rs9303277, rs7216389, rs7224129, rs3744246, and rs4794820, and AR (minimum Pcombined = 0.00074, rs4794820). The expression level of the ORMDL3 transcript was significantly correlated with the genotype of rs12150079, rs7216389, rs3744246, and rs4794820 with P < 0.01 (minimum P = 0.0058, rs7216389), and ORMDL3 mRNA was highly expressed in nasal epithelium.

Conclusion

Genetic variants in the 17q21 asthma susceptibility locus are significantly associated with AR in the Japanese population.
Review article: liver transplantation for the pulmonary disorders of portal hypertension
Authors: Houlihan D. D. , Holt A. , Elliot C. , Ferguson J. W.
Published: November 2012

Background

Liver transplantation is potentially a life‐saving therapeutic intervention for patients with portopulmonary hypertension and hepatopulmonary syndrome. However, due to limited data, listing criteria for patients with these conditions have not been clearly established. Indeed, this has led some to speculate that transplantation may not be appropriate in cases of moderate‐to‐severe portopulmonary hypertension and severe hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Aim

To critically discuss the utility of LT for the treatment of hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in 2012 on PubMed, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline and Scopus using the following search terms: hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, liver transplantation. Relevant manuscripts were included in the review.

Results

Liver transplantation has established itself as an effective treatment for selected patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. A multidisciplinary team approach incorporating focused strategies (both pre‐ and post‐operatively) aimed at improving oxygenation in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome has led to a dramatic improvement in patient outcomes. Additionally, careful patient selection and the use of targeted pulmonary vascular therapies are successfully being used to treat portopulmonary hypertension and ‘bridge’ patients to successful liver transplantation.

Conclusions

Liver transplantation is an effective therapy for patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. However, rigorous screening and early identification of these conditions allied with aggressive pre‐operative optimisation of physiology and diligent post‐operative care are imperative to ensuring a good outcome.
Differential succession towards woodland along a nutrient gradient
Authors: Rebele Franz
Published: November 2012

Questions

How do different substrate types and soil nutrient levels influence species composition and successional sequences, as represented by different life‐history traits? Is the rate of succession increasing or decreasing along a gradient from low to high fertility?

Location

Ecological field station Dahlem, Berlin, Germany.

Methods

An 18‐yr permanent plot study of succession on soils of differing fertility. The original substrates were a nutrient‐poor sandy soil from a sandpit, ruderal subsoil of moderate fertility and nutrient‐rich topsoil.

Results

In plots with sand, monocarpic perennials were dominant at the beginning, which were then replaced by perennial grasses, those being then replaced by woody perennials. On ruderal soil, monocarpic perennials were co‐dominant with perennial herbs at first, then were replaced by perennial herbs, which were then also replaced by woody plants. Dominance of woody species was attained after about 10 yr, both on sand and on ruderal soil. In plots with topsoil, there was a short phase at the start where monocarpic perennials were co‐dominant with perennial herbs, followed by a relatively long period of perennial herb dominance. There were about twice as many woody species growing on the substrates of low and intermediate fertility compared to the nutrient‐rich soil. If we compare the time necessary for woody species to reach 10% and 50% cover, woody colonization was much slower on the resource‐rich site. DCA ordination revealed a clear separation of samples along the nutrient gradient. It also showed slower community change with increasing soil fertility.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that woodlands can be created on bare ground in a temperate climate through natural colonization in a relatively short time, if substrates are not too nutrient‐rich. The assumption that the rate of succession increases with increasing productivity could not be confirmed. Succession towards woodland can be rapid on soils of low and intermediate fertility. In contrast, a nutrient‐rich substrate favours perennial herbaceous vegetation, which inhibits woody colonization and arrests succession.
Targeted delivery of doxorubicin through conjugation with EGF receptor–binding peptide overcomes drug resistance in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Ai Shibin , Jia Tao , Ai Weilun , Duan Jianli , Liu Yongmei , Chen Jing , Liu Xin , Yang Fan , Tian Yuan , Huang Zebo
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose

Induction of multidrug resistance by doxorubicin (DOX), together with non‐specific toxicities, has restricted DOX‐based chemotherapy. Recently, we demonstrated that DOX conjugated with an EGF receptor‐binding peptide (DOX‐EBP) had enhanced anticancer efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity when targeting EGF receptor‐overexpressing tumours. Here we investigated whether DOX‐EBP is able to overcome drug resistance and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

DOX‐resistant SW480/DOX cells were derived from non‐resistant SW480 cells by stepwise exposure to increasing concentrations of DOX, and P‐glycoprotein overexpression induced by DOX was confirmed by Western blotting. Cytotoxicity and intracellular distribution of drugs were evaluated by MTT assay and fluorescence microscopy respectively. EGF receptor‐mediated endocytosis was determined in EGF receptor and endocytosis inhibition assays. Drug accumulation in tumour cells and murine xenografts was determined by HPLC.

Key Results

The cytotoxicity and accumulation of DOX‐EBP in SW480/DOX cells were almost the same as in SW480 cells, but those of free DOX were reduced. DOX‐EBP accumulation was prevented by inhibitors of both EGF receptors and endocytosis, suggesting EGF receptors mediate endocytotic uptake. Tumour accumulation of DOX‐EBP was significantly higher than free DOX in mice, and the levels of DOX‐EBP were similar in DOX‐resistant and non‐resistant tumour tissues. Importantly, DOX‐EBP, but not free DOX, was effective at inhibiting solid tumour growth and increased survival rate in both sensitive and resistant models.

Conclusion and Implications

DOX‐EBP can overcome DOX resistance of tumour cells and increase in vivo antitumour efficacy. Therefore, it has the potential to be a potent therapeutic agent for treating drug‐resistant cancers.
Choline and betaine intake is inversely associated with breast cancer risk: A two‐stage case‐control study in China
Authors: Zhang Cai‐Xia , Pan Mei‐Xia , Li Bin , Wang Lian , Mo Xiong‐Fei , Chen Yu‐Ming , Lin Fang‐Yu , Ho Suzanne C.
Published: November 2012

Few epidemiological studies have evaluated the association of choline and betaine intake with breast cancer risk and the results remain inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the relationship between dietary intake of choline and betaine and the risk of breast cancer among Chinese women. A two‐stage case‐control study was conducted, with 807 cases and 807 age‐ (5‐year interval) and residence (rural/urban)‐matched controls. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake by face‐to‐face interview. An unconditional logistic regression model was used to calculate multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A significant inverse association was found between dietary choline and betaine consumption and breast cancer risk. The adjusted OR for the highest quartile of intake compared with the lowest were 0.40 (95% CI = 0.28–0.57, Ptrend < 0.001) for total choline intake, 0.58 (95% CI = 0.42–0.80, Ptrend < 0.001) for betaine intake and 0.38 (0.27–0.53, Ptrend < 0.001) for choline plus betaine intake, respectively. Intakes of individual choline compouds, choline from glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin and free choline were also negatively associated with breast cancer risk. The inverse association between choline intake and breast cancer risk was primarily confined to participants with low folate level (<242 g/day), with an OR (95% CI) of 0.46 (0.23–0.91) comparing the fourth quartile with the first quartile of choline intake (Ptrend = 0.005). The present study suggests that consumption of choline and betaine is inversely associated with the risk of breast cancer. The association of choline intake with breast cancer risk is probably modified by folate intake.
Patient‐recorded outcomes and quality of life in evidence‐based medicine databases on most common ear, throat and nose procedures: a systematic review
Authors: Alakärppä A , Alho O.‐P
Published: November 2012

Background

TheCochrane database of systematic reviews is an evidence‐based medicine (EBM) database that provides the highest quality evidence of the effect of various treatments. Quality of life (QoL) is an important aspect when treatment effect is considered.

Objective

To assess how often patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM), and specifically the quality of life aspect, were evaluated in the randomised controlled trial projects (RCTs) included in the Cochrane database of systematic reviews of the most common ear, throat and nose operations. Also, to explore the same in ongoing trials registered inClinicalTrials.gov.

Methods

Structured literature search.

Search strategy and evaluation method

TheCochrane database of systematic reviews that evaluated the effects of ventilation tube insertion, adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery was assessed. TheRCTs on which the reviews' conclusions were based were explored, and the outcome variables were recorded. A similar search was carried out in theClinicalTrials.govtrial register.

Results

In theCochrane database, we identified seven systematic reviews with 30RCTprojects. Fourteen (49%) collected some sort ofPROMand of those, three (10%) used a validatedQoLinstrument. After the year 2000, the respective figures were 12 of 15 (80%) and 3 of 15 (20%). InClinicalTrials.gov, we found 500 ongoing studies on the most commonENToperations, nine beingRCTs relevant to this review. Five (55%) and three (30%) of the ongoingRCTs inClinicalTrial.govassessPROMandQoLtopics inENTsurgery, respectively.

Conclusions

Since the introduction ofQoLinstruments in the 1990s, their use has gradually increased, but validatedQoLinstruments have been used in only one of 10RCTs included inEBMdatabases. OngoingRCTs considerQoLonly slightly more often.
CD99 expression in Merkel cell carcinoma: a case series with an unusual paranuclear dot‐like staining pattern
Authors: Rajagopalan Ashwyn , Browning Debra , Salama Samih
Published: November 2012

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine cancer of the skin. The utility of CD99 (MIC‐2) in the diagnosis of MCC has been previously studied, with reported rates of expression ranging from 13 to 55%. When specified, a membranous or cytoplasmic staining pattern was considered significant. Recent studies of CD99 have identified a paranuclear dot‐like expression pattern in certain non‐neuroendocrine pancreatic and colonic lesions. We recently noted paranuclear dot‐like staining in several cases of MCC, including cases lacking cytokeratin 20 (CK20) expression.

Methods

Fourteen cases of MCC were stained with CK20 and CD99 antibody, and the pattern and intensity of staining were recorded. Seven cases of pulmonary small cell carcinoma (PSCC) and one case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) were used for comparison.

Results

All 14 cases of MCC showed at least focal CD99 staining, with both membranous and paranuclear dot‐like staining patterns identified. CK20 staining was present in 12/14 cases, with the characteristic dot‐like pattern identified. Four of seven cases of PSCC showed CD99 staining, with two showing a finely granular dot‐like staining pattern.

Conclusions

We report an unusual pattern of paranuclear dot‐like expression of CD99 in 14 cases of MCC, two of which did not express CK20. This previously unrecognized expression pattern may be of use in differentiating MCC from other cutaneous malignancies, especially when CK20 expression is limited or absent.
Care of children with diabetes as inpatients: frequency of admissions, clinical care and patient experience
Authors: Edge J. A. , Ackland F. , Payne S. , McAulay A. , Hind E. , Burren C. , Burditt J. , Sims D.
Published: November 2012

Aim

Hospital inpatient care for children with diabetes is frequently mentioned by parents as unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to examine the reasons for inpatient admission of children with diabetes and to understand patient and carer experience in order to improve services.

Methods

Questionnaires were given to medical teams, parents and children during admissions of children with diabetes under 16 years of age in three regions of England.

Results

There were 401 admissions over 6 months from 3247 patients: 334 (83%) emergency admissions and 59 (15%) elective; the reason is unknown in eight (2%). One hundred and forty‐three (36%) were emergency admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis/hyperglycaemia. Clinical teams reported adverse events around insulin administration in 25, hypoglycaemia (sometimes recurrent) in 120 and food provision in 14 admissions. Others included seven incidents around elective surgery. Diabetes clinical teams were not always informed about admissions and only 33% were informed within 2 h. Parents and children reported fewer problems: 62% were involved in care most of the time and 87% were able to give insulin. Most negative comments were about poor staff management of out‐of‐range blood glucose levels, knowledge of insulin pumps and care of children waiting in the emergency department.

Conclusions

There were a large number of admissions and the majority were emergencies. Parents generally felt that they receive good care, although with some lack of knowledge amongst the ward staff. There were an unacceptable number of adverse incidents reported. We recommend that education of ward staff in diabetes is carried out regularly with reference to the standards of care.
Push‐out bond strength of an experimental self‐adhesive resin cement
Authors: Juloski Jelena , Fadda Giovanni M. , Radovic Ivana , Chieffi Nicoletta , Vulicevic Zoran R. , Aragoneses Juan M. , Ferrari Marco
Published: November 2012

The adhesion of fiber posts luted with simplified adhesive systems has been a matter of great interest over the past years. The aim of this study was to assess the post retentive potential of experimental self‐adhesive resin cement (EXP) when used alone and in combination with a self‐etch adhesive. Fiber posts were placed in endodontically treated teeth and divided into four groups (n = 6) according the luting material, as follows: group 1 (EXP alone); group 2 (EXP used with self‐etch adhesive); group 3 (marketed dual‐cured cement used with self‐etch adhesive); and group 4 (marketed self‐adhesive cement). The push‐out test was used to assess the retentive strength of fiber posts (expressed in MPa), and specimens were analyzed under a stereomicroscope to determine failure mode. The adhesive interface between the cement and root canal dentin for each group was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The post retentive potential of group 1 (EXP) (7.48 ± 4.35 MPa) was comparable with that of marketed cements from group 4 (6.79 ± 3.68 MPa) and group 3 (8.77 ± 4.58 MPa). When EXP was used in combination with self‐etch adhesive (group 2), significantly higher push‐out bond‐strength values were measured (15.87 ± 4.68 MPa) compared with the other groups.
Rapamycin has paradoxical effects on S6 phosphorylation in rats with and without seizures
Authors: Chen Linglin , Hu Lin , Dong Jing‐Yin , Ye Qing , Hua Nan , Wong Michael , Zeng Ling‐Hui
Published: November 2012

Purpose:  Accumulating data have demonstrated that seizures induced by kainate (KA) or pilocarpine activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and that mTOR inhibitor rapamycin can inhibit mTOR activation, which subsequently has potential antiepileptic effects. However, a preliminary study showed a paradoxical exacerbation of increased mTOR pathway activity reflected by S6 phosphorylation when rapamycin was administrated within a short period before KA injection. In the present study, we examined this paradoxical effect of rapamycin in more detail, both in normal rats and KA‐injected animals.

Methods:  Normal rats or KA‐treated rats pretreated with rapamycin at different time intervals were sacrificed at various time points (1, 3, 6, 10, 15, and 24 h) after rapamycin administration or seizure onset for western blotting analysis. Phosphorylation of mTOR signaling target of Akt, mTOR, Rictor, Raptor, S6K, and S6 were analyzed. Seizure activity was monitored behaviorally and graded according to a modified Racine scale (n = 6 for each time point). Neuronal cell death was detected by Fluoro‐Jade B staining.

Key Findings:  In normal rats, we found that rapamycin showed the expected dose‐dependent inhibition of S6 phosphorylation 3–24 h after injection, whereas a paradoxical elevation of S6 phosphorylation was observed 1 h after rapamycin. Similarly, pretreatment with rapamycin over 10 h before KA inhibited the KA seizure–induced mTOR activation. In contrast, rapamycin administered 1–6 h before KA caused a paradoxical increase in the KA seizure–induced mTOR activation. Rats pretreated with rapamycin 1 h prior to KA exhibited an increase in severity and duration of seizures and more neuronal cell death as compared to vehicle‐treated groups. In contrast, rapamycin pretreated 10 h prior to KA had no effect on the seizures and decreased neuronal cell death. The paradoxical effect of rapamycin on S6 phosphorylation was correlated with upstream mTOR signaling and was reversed by pretreatment of perifosine, an Akt inhibitor.

Significance:  These data indicate the complexity of S6 regulation and its effect on epilepsy. Paradoxical effects of rapamycin need to be considered in clinical applications, such as for potential treatment for epilepsy and other neurologic disorders.
The shell‐forming proteome ofLottia giganteareveals both deep conservations and lineage‐specific novelties
Authors: Marie Benjamin , Jackson Daniel J. , Ramos‐Silva Paula , Zanella‐Cléon Isabelle , Guichard Nathalie , Marin Frédéric
Published: November 2012

Proteins that are occluded within the molluscan shell, the so‐called shell matrix proteins (SMPs), are an assemblage of biomolecules attractive to study for several reasons. They increase the fracture resistance of the shell by several orders of magnitude, determine the polymorph ofCaCO3deposited, and regulate crystal nucleation, growth initiation and termination. In addition, they are thought to control the shell microstructures. Understanding how these proteins have evolved is also likely to provide deep insight into events that supported the diversification and expansion of metazoan life during the Cambrian radiation 543 million years ago. Here, we present an analysis ofSMPs isolated form theCaCO3shell of the limpetLottia gigantea, a gastropod that constructs an aragonitic cross‐lamellar shell. We identified 39SMPs by combining proteomic analysis with genomic and transcriptomic database interrogations. Among these proteins are various low‐complexity domain‐containing proteins, enzymes such as peroxidases, carbonic anhydrases and chitinases, acidic calcium‐binding proteins and protease inhibitors. This list is likely to contain the most abundantSMPs of the shell matrix. It reveals the presence of both highly conserved and lineage‐specific biomineralizing proteins. This mosaic evolutionary pattern suggests that there may be an ancestral molluscanSMPset upon which different conchiferan lineages have elaborated to produce the diversity of shell microstructures we observe nowadays.

Database

Novel protein sequences reported in this article have been deposited inSwiss‐Prot database under accession nos.B3A0P1–B3A0S4
Systematic classification of vertebrate chemokines based on conserved synteny and evolutionary history
Authors: Nomiyama Hisayuki , Osada Naoki , Yoshie Osamu
Published: November 2012

The genes involved in host defences are known to undergo rapid evolution. Therefore, it is often difficult to assign orthologs in multigene families among various vertebrate species. Chemokines are a large family of small cytokines that orchestrate cell migration in health and disease. Herein, we have surveyed the genomes of 18 representative vertebrate species for chemokine genes and identified a total of 553 genes. We have determined their orthologous relationships and classified them in accordance with the current systematic chemokine nomenclature system. Our study reveals an interesting evolutionary history that gave origin and diversification to the vertebrate chemokine superfamily.
Feasibility of fused imaging for the evaluation of radiofrequency ablative margin for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tomonari Akiko , Tsuji Kunihiko , Yamazaki Hajime , Aoki Hironori , Kang Jong‐Hon , Kodama Yoshihisa , Sakurai Yasuo , Maguchi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2012

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility of fusion of conventional imaging modalities to facilitate assessment of ablative margin of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐nine liver lesions in 109 patients underwent percutaneous RFA under ultrasound for HCC from January 2008 to December 2010. Within these patients, 13 lesions in 12 patients who developed local tumor progression in the follow‐up period of at least 8 months were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging obtained before and after RFA was used for creating fused images on a workstation. Ablative margins were assessed using only axial images, and with fused images.

Results

The ablative margin was assessed as sufficient in all 13 lesions using side‐by‐side axial images; however, all lesions were assessed as insufficient with fused imaging evaluation. The reason for the discrepancy of the assessment results were differences in the respiratory dislocation of the liver in the pre‐ and post‐RFA images in eight lesions (61.5%), and rotational displacement of the liver and the torso in five (38.5%). The site of local tumor recurrence relative to the HCC lesion was craniocaudal in 12 lesions, dorsoventral in seven and lateral in seven. In all lesions, the site of local tumor recurrence was congruent with the area of the thinnest ablative margin.

Conclusion

Assessment of ablative margin with fused imaging revealed insufficiency of ablation previously evaluated as sufficient with conventional axial imaging. Fused imaging evaluation has proved to be an accurate and useful tool for the assessment of RFA margins.
Species abundance distributions of moth and beetle assemblages in a cool‐temperate deciduous forest
Authors: Hirao Toshihide , Murakami Masashi , Kubota Yasuhiro
Published: November 2012

Species abundance distributions of moth and beetle assemblages, in addition to beetle feeding guilds, were examined using data collected by light traps in a cool‐temperate deciduous forest at Hokkaido, Japan.

Four types of species abundance distributions with a continuous shift in shape (broken stick, log‐normal, power function, and dispersal‐limited multinomial) were fitted and compared, and then the deviation of observed data from that expected for the neutral model (dispersal‐limited multinomial distribution) was tested using species evenness and richness.

Significantly better fits were obtained for the neutral model than for the other models for all assemblages and all beetle guilds. This result implies that the better fits of the neutral model might be characteristic of transient assemblages having an excess of rare species.

The evenness of species abundance distributions for assemblages and guilds, except for moths associated with the understorey and predatory beetles, significantly deviated from that expected by the neutral model. The departure of beetle guilds (detritivores, herbivores, and xylophages) from the neutral model suggests their microhabitat dependence.

The neutral model may prove to be a viable null hypothesis for examining the species abundance distributions of insect assemblages. In this study, we found that although stochastic dynamics appeared to have an increasing influence on insect community assembly, there are also complex biological processes still likely to be present.

The fits of the neutral model suggest that habitat connectivity and microhabitat diversity are potentially important for conserving moth and beetle diversity in a temperate forest.
Are we prepared to help low‐resource communities cope with a severe influenza pandemic?
Authors: Starbuck Eric S. , von Bernuth Rudolph , Bolles Kathryn , Koepsell Jeanne
Published: November 2012

Please cite this paper as: Starbuck et al (2012) Are we prepared to help low‐resource communities cope with a severe influenza pandemic? Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/irv.12040.

Recent research involving lab‐modified H5N1 influenza viruses with increased transmissibility and the ongoing evolution of the virus in nature should remind us of the continuing importance of preparedness for a severe influenza pandemic. Current vaccine technology and antiviral supply remain inadequate, and in a severe pandemic, most low‐resource communities will fail to receive adequate medical supplies. However, with suitable guidance, these communities can take appropriate actions without substantial outside resources to reduce influenza transmission and care for the ill. Such guidance should be completed, and support provided to developing countries to adapt it for their settings and prepare for implementation.
The conserved oligomeric Golgi complex is involved in penetration resistance of barley to the barley powdery mildew fungus
Authors: Ostertag Maya , Stammler Johanna , Douchkov Dimitar , Eichmann Ruth , Hückelhoven Ralph
Published: November 2012

Membrane trafficking is vital to plant development and adaptation to the environment. It is suggested that post‐Golgi vesicles and multivesicular bodies are essential for plant defence against directly penetrating fungal parasites at the cell wall. However, the actual plant proteins involved in membrane transport for defence are largely unidentified. We applied a candidate gene approach and single cell transient‐induced gene silencing for the identification of membrane trafficking proteins of barley involved in the response to the fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei. This revealed potential components of vesicle tethering complexes [putative exocyst subunit HvEXO70F‐like and subunits of the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex] and Golgi membrane trafficking (COPIγ coatomer and HvYPT1‐like RAB GTPase) as essential for resistance to fungal penetration into the host cell.
The effectiveness of simulation activities on the cognitive abilities of undergraduate third‐year nursing students: a randomised control trial
Authors: Secomb Jacinta , McKenna Lisa , Smith Colleen
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives.  To provide evidence on the effectiveness of simulation activities on the clinical decision‐making abilities of undergraduate nursing students. Based on previous research, it was hypothesised that the higher the cognitive score, the greater the ability a nursing student would have to make informed valid decisions in their clinical practice.

Background.  Globally, simulation is being espoused as an education method that increases the competence of health professionals. At present, there is very little evidence to support current investment in time and resources.

Methods.  Following ethical approval, fifty‐eight third‐year undergraduate nursing students were randomised in a pretest–post‐test group‐parallel controlled trial. The learning environment preferences (LEP) inventory was used to test cognitive abilities in order to refute the null hypothesis that activities in computer‐based simulated learning environments have a negative effect on cognitive abilities when compared with activities in skills laboratory simulated learning environments.

Results.  There was no significant difference in cognitive development following two cycles of simulation activities. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that two simulation tasks, either computer‐based or laboratory‐based, have no effect on an undergraduate student’s ability to make clinical decisions in practice. However, there was a significant finding for non‐English first‐language students, which requires further investigation.

Conclusions.  More longitudinal studies that quantify the education effects of simulation on the cognitive, affective and psychomotor attributes of health science students and professionals from both English‐speaking and non‐English‐speaking backgrounds are urgently required. It is also recommended that to achieve increased participant numbers and prevent non‐participation owing to absenteeism, further studies need to be imbedded directly into curricula.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This investigation confirms the effect of simulation activities on real‐life clinical practice, and the comparative learning benefits with traditional clinical practice and university education remain unknown.
A literature review: graduate nurses' preparedness for recognising and responding to the deteriorating patient
Authors: Purling Amy , King Lindy
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives

To explore the research literature that provided data on factors that influence new graduate nurse's preparedness for recognition and response to patient deterioration in the acute care setting.

Background

Nurses have a significant role in recognising subtle signs of patient deterioration and responding appropriately to prevent adverse events and improve patient outcomes. This pivotal position has often fallen to the new graduate who must be prepared to make high‐consequence decisions in relation to a suspected decline in their patient's condition.

Design and methods

An integrative review was undertaken. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using online databases, reference lists of key articles and expert advice. Multiple keyword combinations were used. All relevant studies were subsequently appraised for rigour and quality. Seventeen primary research studies drawn from novice and experienced registered nurse experiences emerged as relevant to the review.

Results

Thematic analysis of the studies provided six major themes related to the aim of the review. Emergent themes were as follows: clinical staff support, lack of nurse experience, overwhelming workload, holistic patient assessment, past experiences and lack of available resources.

Conclusions

This review highlighted the importance of positive staff support and subsequent confidence building. Graduates then felt able to present effective assessments and less fearful of reprimand when escalating an intervention call. The need for further research to investigate graduate nurses' experiences of recognising and responding to the deteriorating patient emerged.

Relevance to clinical practice

Realistic workloads and access to supportive experienced staff would allow graduates time to focus on grouping clinical information to understand the ‘total picture’ of the patient. Results indicated undergraduate and hospital in‐service education programmes needed to offer the opportunity to practice reasoning. Complex clinical situations involving patient deterioration through simulation and clinical placement opportunities appeared most useful.
The Schoenberg/Brahms Critical Tradition Reconsidered
Authors: Grimes Nicole
Published: November 2012

Current scholarship credits Schoenberg exclusively for revealing the extent of Brahms's thematic work. Certainly, both Schoenberg's Brahms lecture of 1933 and its revision as the seminal essay ‘Brahms the Progressive’ (1947) not only rescued Brahms from the conservative dead end into which the view of his music had fallen in the early twentieth century, but also inaugurated a way of explaining how his music was crafted according to the technique of developing variation.

This article challenges that claim. I argue that not Schoenberg but several of Brahms's contemporary critics were the first to point out and give an account of a compositional process in Brahms's music of developing a musical idea, of generating a work from a basic motive so as to imbue the work with an underlying motivic unity. The writings of Hermann Deiters, Selmar Bagge and Adolf Schubring in the 1860s and 1870s can be understood as a significant foreshadowing of Schoenberg's view of ‘Brahms the Progressive’. I assert, therefore, that on the basis of a fundamental similarity of outlook on the part of Schoenberg and his nineteenth‐century critical counterparts, we should more accurately speak of a German critical tradition, albeit one in which Schoenberg played a valuable role.
Sub‐arctic Holocene climatic and oceanographic variability in Stjernsund, northern Norway: evidence from benthic foraminifera and stable isotopes
Authors: Joseph Nina , López Correa Matthias , Schönfeld Joachim , Rüggeberg Andres , Freiwald André
Published: November 2012

A high‐resolution record, covering 9.3–0.2 ka BP, from the sub‐arctic Stjernsund (70°N) was studied for benthic foraminiferal faunas and stable isotopes, revealing three informally named main phases during the Holocene. The Early‐ to Mid‐Holocene (9.3–5.0 ka BP) was characterized by the strong influence of the North Atlantic Current (NAC), which prevented the reflection of the Holocene Climatic Optimum (HCO) in the bottom‐water temperature. During the Mid‐Holocene Transition (5.0–2.5 ka BP), a turnover of benthic foraminiferal faunas occurred, Atlantic Water species decreased while Arctic‐Polar species increased, and the oxygen isotope record showed larger fluctuations. Those variations correspond to a period of global climate change, to spatially more heterogeneous benthic foraminiferal faunas in the Nordic Seas region, and to regionally diverging terrestrial temperatures. The Cool Late Holocene (2.5–0.2 ka BP) was characterized by increased abundances of Arctic‐Polar species and a steady cooling trend reflected in the oxygen isotopes. In this period, our record differs considerably from those on the SW Barents Sea shelf and locations farther south. Therefore, we argue that regional atmospheric cooling triggered the late Holocene cooling trend. Several cold episodes centred at ∼8.3, ∼7.8, ∼6.5, ∼4.9, ∼3.9 and ∼3.3 ka BP were identified from the benthic foraminiferal faunas and the δ18O record, which correlated with marine and atmospherically driven proxy records. This suggests that short‐term cold events may result from reduced heat advection via the NAC or from colder air temperatures.
Record of carbonate preservation and the Mid‐Brunhes climatic shift from a seamount top with low sedimentation rates in the Central Indian Basin
Authors: Nagender Nath Bejugam , Sijinkumar Adukkam V. , Borole Dnyandev V. , Gupta Shyam M. , Mergulhao Lina P. , Mascarenhas‐Pereira Maria B. L. , Ramaswamy Venkitasubramani , Guptha Medimi V. S. , Possnert Göran , Aldahan Ala , Khadge Nandkumar H. , Sharma Rahul
Published: November 2012

In the present investigation, an age model of carbonate‐rich cores from a seamount top in the Central Indian Basin (CIB) was constructed using both isotopic (230Thexcess, AMS 14C, oxygen isotopes) and biostratigraphic methods. The chronologies using the two methods are in good agreement, yielding a record of the late Middle Pleistocene to the Pleistocene–Holocene transition (550 to 11.5 ka). The first appearance datum (FAD) of the radiolarian Buccinosphaera invaginata (180 ka) and coccolith Emiliania huxleyi (268 ka) and the last appearance datum (LAD) of the radiolarian Stylatractus universus (425 ka) were used. A monsoon‐induced productivity increase was inferred from carbonate, organic carbon and δ13C records in response to the Mid‐Brunhes Climatic Shift (MBCS), consistent with an increased global productivity. While the coccolith diversity increased, a decrease in coccolith productivity was found during the MBCS. At nearly the same time period, earlier records from the equatorial Indian Ocean, western Indian Ocean and eastern Africa have shown an increased productivity in response to the influence of westerlies and increased monsoon. The influence of easterlies from Australia and the intensification of aridity are evidenced by increased kaolinite content and clay‐sized sediments in response to the MBCS. An increased abundance of Globorotalia menardii and other resistant species beginning from marine isotope stage (MIS) 11 and the proliferation of coccolith Gephyrocapsa spp. indicate increased dissolution, which is consistent with the widespread global carbonate dissolution during this period. The relatively high carbonate dissolution during the transition period of MIS 3/2 and glacial to interglacial periods (MIS 6, 7 and 8) may be due to the enhanced flow of corrosive Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) into the CIB.
In Vitro Effect of Clinical Propofol Concentrations on Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Chung Hye Gyo , Myung Soohyun A. , Son Ho Sung , Kim Yun Hee , Namgung Jin , Cho Mi La , Choi Hyuk , Lim Choon Hak
Published: November 2012

The inhibitory effect of propofol on platelet aggregation remains unclear, and studies on the subject disagree. Furthermore, although propofol infusions are widely used for general anesthesia and as sedatives for patients in intensive care units, little information is available on its concentration‐ and time‐related effects on platelet aggregation. Here, the authors investigated the in vitro effect of propofol, at concentrations required for sedation and general anesthesia, on platelet aggregation after 1, 2, or 3 h. Blood from healthy volunteers (n = 9) was incubated at propofol plasma concentrations of 0, 2, 4, and 10 μg/mL in a water bath at 37°C. Platelet aggregation was measured using a platelet function analyzer (PFA‐100) after 1, 2, or 3 h of incubation. Times to occlude collagen/epinephrine (CEPI) or collagen/adenosine 5'‐diphosphate (CADP)‐coated membranes (closure times, CTs) were measured. The CEPI and CADP CTs of non‐incubated blood were 125.6 ± 19.5 s and 93.0 ± 12.2 s, respectively, and no significant difference in CEPI CTs was observed at propofol plasma concentrations of 0, 2, 4, and 10 μg/mL after incubation for 1, 2, or 3 h. CADP CTs were comparable at propofol concentrations of 0, 2, 4, and 10 μg/mL at each incubation time. These findings suggest that propofol at concentrations required for sedation and general anesthesia has no inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation after 3 h of incubation.
The effect of blood transfusion on cerebral hemodynamics in preterm infants
Authors: Koyano Kosuke , Kusaka Takashi , Nakamura Shinji , Nakamura Makoto , Konishi Yukihiko , Miki Takanori , Ueno Masaki , Yasuda Saneyuki , Okada Hitoshi , Nishida Tomoko , Isobe Kenichi , Itoh Susumu
Published: November 2012

Background

Anemia of prematurity commonly occurs in infants with very low birth weight; blood transfusion is an important treatment. However, there is no clear evidence to support the criteria currently widely used, based on blood hemoglobin (bHb) and hematocrit indices. Previous studies showed that overtransfusion or a low threshold for transfusion could induce complications or neurologic sequelae, respectively. We hypothesized that a cerebral hemodynamic index may provide an appropriate criterion for determining the need for transfusion in anemic preterm infants.

Study Design and Methods

We used near‐infrared time‐resolved spectroscopy to measure cerebral hemoglobin oxygen saturation (ScO2) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) before and after transfusion in 19 infants (24 measurements) with anemia of prematurity. The median gestational age was 27 weeks 0 days, median birth weight was 751 g, and median postconceptual age at transfusion was 30 weeks 4 days.

Results

bHb levels before and after transfusion (mean ± SD) were 9.3 ± 1.4 and 13.7 ± 1.3 g/dL, respectively. After transfusion, CBV significantly decreased from 2.63 ± 0.60 to 2.13 ± 0.26 mL/100 g of brain, and ScO2 significantly increased from 72.8 ± 4.3% to 74.7 ± 4.2%.

Conclusion

After transfusion, CBV changes were significantly greater with low compared to high pretransfusion Hb levels. This reflected the physiologic response to severe anemia in premature infants, which is to increase CBV and decrease ScO2. Therefore, CBV and ScO2 may be useful markers for determining the need for transfusion in very‐low‐birth‐weight infants.
The carpal pad as an alternative sampling site for blood glucose testing in dogs
Authors: Borin‐Crivellenti S. , Crivellenti L. Z. , Tinucci‐Costa M.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and validity of sampling blood from the carpal pad in hospitalised healthy and diabetic dogs.

METHODS

The carpal pad was compared to the ear as a sampling site in 60 dogs (30 healthy and 30 diabetic dogs).

RESULTS

Lancing the pads was very well tolerated. The average glucose concentrations in blood samples obtained from the ears and carpal pads exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0·938) and there were no significant differences between them (P = 0·914). In addition, 98·3% of the values obtained were clinically acceptable when assessed by the error grid analysis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The carpal pad is a good alternative sampling site for home monitoring, especially in animals with a soft and/or light‐coloured pad.
Basal cell carcinoma in a dog with chronic solar dermatitis
Authors: Saridomichelakis M. N. , Day M. J. , Apostolidis K. N. , Tsioli V. , Athanasiou L. V. , Koutinas A. F.
Published: November 2012

A seven‐year‐old, entire male, American Staffordshire bull terrier was diagnosed with chronic solar dermatitis and basal cell carcinoma, based on physical examination, cutaneous cytology and histopathology. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumour cells did not express p53. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first reported case of canine basal cell carcinoma developing as a complication of chronic solar dermatitis.
Intracranial migration ofEucoleus(Capillaria)boehmiin a dog
Authors: Clark A. C. , López F. R. , Levine J. M. , Cooper J. J. , Craig T. M. , Voges A. K. , Johnson M. C. , Porter B. F.
Published: November 2012

A 4‐year‐old, spayed‐female great Dane was referred for surgical treatment of a suspected meningioma, diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging 10 days prior to presentation. The suspected meningioma was removed via image‐guided stereotactic craniotomy. Histopathological diagnosis was severe, locally extensive, chronic meningoencephalitis with an intralesional nematode egg. The egg was morphologically consistent withEucoleus boehmi, and aberrant migration into the cranial cavity was the presumed cause of this lesion. Three faecal samples were collected and revealed 4+E. boehmieggs. Treatment involved 110 mg/kg fenbendazole (Panacur, Intervet) orally twice daily for 14 days. Nematodes includingE. boehmiare a previously un‐recognised source of intracranial disease in dogs, and should be considered as a differential for mass‐like lesions visualised by magnetic resonance imaging.
Endometrial adenocarcinoma in two young queens
Authors: Sontas B. H. , Erdogan Ö. , Apaydin Enginler S. Ö. , Yilmaz Ö. Turna , Şennazli G. , Ekici H.
Published: November 2012

Endometrial adenocarcinoma is described in two young intact female Persian cats presented with haemorrhagic vaginal discharge. The discharge had been present for 3 and 15 days in each case, respectively. On the basis of signalment, history, clinical, laboratory and diagnostic imaging findings a tentative diagnosis of pyometra was made in each cat and ovariohysterectomy was subsequently performed. Histological examination revealed endometrial adenocarcinoma in both cats together with ovarian luteal cysts and pyometra in one case. Immunohistochemistry revealed a diffuse and strongly positive reaction for oestrogen receptors in the nuclei of glandular epithelium in well‐differentiated areas of the neoplastic tissue. Poorly differentiated areas of solid growth pattern had weak and focal expression of oestrogen receptors. Furthermore, the neoplastic cells within these areas displayed moderate to strong diffuse nuclear staining with Ki‐67 antibody suggestive of a high proliferative capacity. The owners reported that the cats were clinically healthy 23 and 21 months after the surgery. These cases highlight the importance of histological examination of surgically resected tissue even when clinical signs and laboratory findings suggest pyometra.