bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) as an Effective Rheological Tool for Measurement of β‐Glucan Viscosity
Authors: Gamel Tamer H. , Abdel‐Aal El‐Sayed M. , Wood Peter J. , Ames Nancy P. , Tosh Susan M.
Published: November 2011

The physiochemical characteristics of β‐glucan in oat and barley foods can affect human physiological response. A method for continuous measurement of β‐glucan viscosity with a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) was developed to overcome the complexity of the common protocols based on in vitro digestion methods. The effects of several parameters on viscosity and solubility were considered. Oat cereal foods showed different RVA viscosity profiles depending on their physiochemical characteristics. Products high in starch exhibited a high initial viscosity that was reduced by α‐amylase action, whereas products with low amounts of starch exhibited a slow increase in viscosity. The viscosity of all samples reached a plateau in the viscosity curve after 1–2 hr, which is the key for obtaining reproducible results. Optimum digestion condition was achieved using sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.9) and 1% β‐glucan dispersion at 37°C and 160 rpm. A particle size of <0.6 mm gave more consistent viscosities than did larger particles without affecting the solubility of β‐glucan. Pancreatin and α‐amylase concentrations affected the viscosity profile by influencing the digestion rate of protein and starch in the samples, but pepsin had limited influence at pH 6.9. Highly significant Pearson correlation between the in vitro digestibility protocol and RVA methods was achieved, indicting that the developed method could be used as an effective alternative for measurement of β‐glucan viscosity.
MACROCALYX and JOINTLESS Interact in the Transcriptional Regulation of Tomato Fruit Abscission Zone Development
Authors: Nakano Toshitsugu , Kimbara Junji , Fujisawa Masaki , Kitagawa Mamiko , Ihashi Nao , Maeda Hideo , Kasumi Takafumi , Ito Yasuhiro
Published: November 2011

Abscission in plants is a crucial process used to shed organs such as leaves, flowers, and fruits when they are senescent, damaged, or mature. Abscission occurs at predetermined positions called abscission zones (AZs). Although the regulation of fruit abscission is essential for agriculture, the developmental mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we describe a novel transcription factor regulating the development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) pedicel AZs. We found that the development of tomato pedicel AZs requires the gene MACROCALYX (MC), which was previously identified as a sepal size regulator and encodes a MADS-box transcription factor. MC has significant sequence similarity to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) FRUITFULL, which is involved in the regulation of fruit dehiscent zone development. The MC protein interacted physically with another MADS-box protein, JOINTLESS, which is known as a regulator of fruit abscission; the resulting heterodimer acquired a specific DNA-binding activity. Transcriptome analyses of pedicels at the preabscission stage revealed that the expression of the genes involved in phytohormone-related functions, cell wall modifications, fatty acid metabolism, and transcription factors is regulated by MC and JOINTLESS. The regulated genes include homologs of Arabidopsis WUSCHEL, REGULATOR OF AXILLARY MERISTEMS, CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON, and LATERAL SUPPRESSOR. These Arabidopsis genes encode well-characterized transcription factors regulating meristem maintenance, axillary meristem development, and boundary formation in plant tissues. The tomato homologs were specifically expressed in AZs but not in other pedicel tissues, suggesting that these transcription factors may play key roles in pedicel AZ development.
Does pituitary radiotherapy increase the risk of stroke and, if so, what preventative actions should be taken?
Authors: Ayuk John
Published: November 2011

Radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas is a well‐established and effective treatment, but it has been linked to a number of complications, including an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease and mortality. Possible underlying mechanisms include the direct effects of radiation on cerebral vasculature and deficiencies in specific pituitary hormones. Higher administered dose of radiotherapy is one of the main predictors of stroke. Although treatment strategies for stroke prevention in patients treated with pituitary radiotherapy have not been studied, using the lowest effective radiation dose and ensuring hormone deficiencies are adequately treated may be beneficial in reducing the risk of stroke.
The contribution of SHBG to the variation in HOMA‐IR is not dependent on endogenous oestrogen or androgen levels in postmenopausal women
Authors: Davis Susan R. , Robinson Penelope J. , Moufarege Alain , Bell Robin J.
Published: November 2011

Objective  Sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) is a robust predictor of insulin resistance. Whether this is independent of circulating sex steroid levels remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of SHBG in postmenopausal women and whether the relationship between SHBG and insulin resistance is independent of oestrogen and androgen levels.

Design  A cross‐sectional study of naturally and surgically menopausal women.

Participants  Seven hundred and sixty three postmenopausal women not using any systemic hormone therapy, mean age 54·4 ± 5·8 years, recruited in the US, Canada, Australia, UK and Sweden between July 2004 and February 2005.

Measurements  Relationships between log‐transformed (ln) SHBG and ln homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were explored, taking into account age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and circulating oestradiol, oestrone, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

Results  Taking into account age, race, years since menopause, menopause type, BMI, BP, prior postmenopausal hormone use and the sex steroids measured, 34·4% of the variation in SHBG could be explained by the model that included negative contributions by HOMA‐IR, BMI and diastolic BP, and a positive contribution by total testosterone (P < 0·001). None of the sex steroids made independent contributions to HOMA‐IR, which was best explained by the model that included BMI, SHBG, systolic BP and surgical menopause, with each variable being positively related to HOMA‐IR (r2 = 0·3152, P = 0·03).

Conclusions  The relationship between SHBG and HOMA‐IR, as an estimate of insulin resistance, is not explained by endogenous oestrogen and androgen levels and is, at least in part, independent of BMI in postmenopausal women.
Prevalence of fungal and fungus‐like diseases on potato seed tubers imported from Europe to Jordan
Authors: Abu‐El Samen F. M. , Al‐Bdour N. M.
Published: November 2011

A total of 109 samples of potato seed tubers imported to Jordan from France, Netherlands and Denmark during the 2007/2008 growing seasons were surveyed for 10 different diseases caused by fungi and fungus‐like organisms to determine the prevalence of different tuberborne diseases and to evaluate the efficacy of the current visual examination procedures in detecting different potato diseases. The results demonstrated that most potato seed tuber lots imported to Jordan were infected with one or more of the following potato pests: Colletotrichum coccodes (black dot) (66.0%), Rhizoctonia solani (black scurf) (42.4%), Helminthosporium solani (silver scurf) (92.6%), and Spongospora subterranea (powdery scab) (13.8%). Just over a quarter (25.7%) of all lots examined in this study were found to exceed the acceptance limits for one or more potato diseases according to the Jordanian standards. This study suggests that the current visual examination procedure is not adequate to detect all tuberborne diseases of potato and to estimate their incidence and severity precisely.
The influences of climatic variation and vegetation on stream biota: lessons from the Big Dry in southeastern Australia
Authors: Thomson James R. , Bond Nick R. , Cunningham Shaun C. , Metzeling Leon , Reich Paul , Thompson Ross M. , Mac Nally Ralph
Published: November 2011

Aquatic biodiversity faces increasing threats from climate change, escalating exploitation of water and land use intensification. Loss of vegetation in catchments (= watersheds) has been identified as a substantial problem for many river basins, and there is an urgent need to better understand how climate change may interact with changes in catchment vegetation to influence the ecological condition of freshwater ecosystems. We used 20 years of biological monitoring data from Victoria, southeastern Australia, to explore the influences of catchment vegetation and climate on stream macroinvertebrate assemblages. Southeastern Australia experienced a severe drought from 1997 to 2009, with reductions of stream flows >50% in some areas. The prolonged drying substantially altered macroinvertebrate assemblages, with reduced prevalence of many flow‐dependent taxa and increased prevalence of taxa that are tolerant of low‐flow conditions and poor water quality. Stream condition, as assessed by several commonly used macroinvertebrate indices, was consistently better in reaches with extensive native tree cover in upstream catchments. Prolonged drought apparently caused similar absolute declines in macroinvertebrate condition indices regardless of vegetation cover, but streams with intact catchment and riparian vegetation started in better condition and remained so throughout the drought. The largest positive effects of catchment tree cover on both water quality and macroinvertebrate assemblages occurred above a threshold of ca. 60% areal tree cover in upstream catchments and in higher rainfall areas. Riparian tree cover also had positive effects on macroinvertebrate assemblages, especially in warmer catchments. Our results suggest that the benefits of extensive tree cover via improved water quality and in‐channel habitat persist during drought and show the potential for vegetation management to reduce negative impacts of climatic extremes for aquatic ecosystems.
Within‐plant isoprene oxidation confirmed by direct emissions of oxidation products methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein
Authors: Jardine Kolby J. , Monson Russell K. , Abrell Leif , Saleska Scott R. , Arneth Almut , Jardine Angela , Ishida Françoise Yoko , Serrano Ana Maria Yanez , Artaxo Paulo , Karl Thomas , Fares Silvano , Goldstein Allen , Loreto Francesco , Huxman Travis
Published: November 2011

Isoprene is emitted from many terrestrial plants at high rates, accounting for an estimated 1/3 of annual global volatile organic compound emissions from all anthropogenic and biogenic sources combined. Through rapid photooxidation reactions in the atmosphere, isoprene is converted to a variety of oxidized hydrocarbons, providing higher order reactants for the production of organic nitrates and tropospheric ozone, reducing the availability of oxidants for the breakdown of radiatively active trace gases such as methane, and potentially producing hygroscopic particles that act as effective cloud condensation nuclei. However, the functional basis for plant production of isoprene remains elusive. It has been hypothesized that in the cell isoprene mitigates oxidative damage during the stress‐induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the products of isoprene‐ROS reactions in plants have not been detected. Using pyruvate‐2‐13C leaf and branch feeding and individual branch and whole mesocosm flux studies, we present evidence that isoprene (i) is oxidized to methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein (iox) in leaves and that iox/i emission ratios increase with temperature, possibly due to an increase in ROS production under high temperature and light stress. In a primary rainforest in Amazonia, we inferred significant in plant isoprene oxidation (despite the strong masking effect of simultaneous atmospheric oxidation), from its influence on the vertical distribution of iox uptake fluxes, which were shifted to low isoprene emitting regions of the canopy. These observations suggest that carbon investment in isoprene production is larger than that inferred from emissions alone and that models of tropospheric chemistry and biota–chemistry–climate interactions should incorporate isoprene oxidation within both the biosphere and the atmosphere with potential implications for better understanding both the oxidizing power of the troposphere and forest response to climate change.
Pre‐operative flexion contracture determines the functional outcome of haemophilic arthropathy treated with total knee arthroplasty
Authors: ATILLA B. , CAGLAR O. , PEKMEZCI M. , BUYUKASIK Y. , TOKGOZOGLU A. M. , ALPASLAN M.
Published: November 2011

Summary.  End‐stage haemophiliac arthropathy can be successfully treated with total knee arthroplasty. However, the functional results may not be as good as anticipated and certain pre‐op knee characteristics may alter the functional results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of TKA in haemophilic patients with specific attention to final range of motion and residual flexion contracture of the joint. Twenty‐one consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. The average age was 34 years with an average follow‐up of 5.7 years. Functional status was evaluated with Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score. Receiving Operating Characteristics analysis was used to determine the threshold of pre‐operative flexion contracture degree to avoid residual knee contracture. The range of motion was increased in 16 joints and unchanged in three joints and decreased in the remaining two. Preoperative average range of motion was 37.6°, improved to 57.1° post‐operatively. The average knee score increased from 27.85 (15–30) points pre‐operatively to 79.42 (12–94) points at the last follow‐up. The degree of pre‐operative flexion contracture was found to be a good predictor for residual flexion contracture. (Specificity: 85.7%, sensitivity: 100%, cut‐off: 27.5°). Total knee replacement improves the quality of life in patients with advanced haemophilic arthropathy. Statistical analysis revealed that pre‐op flexion contracture of 27.5° is an important threshold. Patients should be operated before that stage to gain maximum benefit with minimal gait abnormalities.
Employing an intelligence model and sensitivity analysis to investigate some physicochemical properties of coated bell pepper during storage
Authors: Mohebbi Mohebbat , Amiryousefi Mohammad Reza , Hasanpour Nasim , Ansarifar Elham
Published: November 2011

The objectives of this work were to study the effects of three different coatings (gum Tragacanth, sesame oil and gum Tragacanth–sesame oil), temperature and time on shelf life of bell pepper. Moisture reduction, shrinkage as well as firmness and colour changes were studied during 30 days at 4, 10, 15 and 23 °C. Results of this study showed that bell peppers treated with gum Tragacanth at higher temperatures, such as 10 °C, had good quality up to 30 days of storage. However, sharp changes in physicochemical characters were observed in bell peppers stored at 23 °C. In order to predict moisture reduction, shrinkage, firmness and colour changes genetic algorithm–artificial neural network model was developed. It was found that artificial neural network with eight hidden neurons truly could predict the physicochemical changes of bell pepper during storage (R2 > 0.9598). The results of sensitivity analysis showed that shrinkage percentage and also changes of firmness and colour were very sensitive to storage time, while storage temperature had the most effect on moisture reduction.
Microbiological and physico‐chemical characteristics of fufu analogue from breadfruit (Altocarpus altilis F)
Authors: Adekanmi Adeniran H. , Gbadamosi Saka O. , Omobuwajo Taiwo O.
Published: November 2011

Breadfruit was processed into a novel form analogous to retted cassava or fufu. The fruits and cassava tubers were each peeled, comminuted and fermented for 5 days. The slurries obtained were dewatered, oven‐dried at 50˚C and then milled to flour. Microbial and physico‐chemical analyses of the flour samples were evaluated. During fermentation, total viable count, lactic acid bacteria count and yeast/mould count of breadfruit increased from 2.9 × 104 to 64 × 105, 24.8 × 105 to 11.9 and 6.7 × 105 to 2.6 × 106, respectively. Corresponding increases were recorded for cassava. The ˚Brix of the steep waters increased steadily while the pH decreased over the fermentation period. Pasting characteristics of breadfruit recorded for unfermented breadfruit starch were higher than those of fermented starch (P < 0.05). Processing of breadfruit into a culturally familiar form analogous to fufu will increase the utilisation of breadfruit, especially in several food deficit countries where fermented cassava products are already accepted as staple foods.
Processing of pigmented‐flesh potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) on the retention of bioactive compounds
Authors: Kaspar Kerrie L. , Park Jean S. , Mathison Bridget D. , Brown Charles R. , Massimino Stefan , Chew Boon P.
Published: November 2011

Retention of bioactive compounds in white‐ (WFP), yellow‐ (YFP), red‐ (RFP) and purple (PFP)‐fleshed potatoes after drum‐drying (DD) and Refractance Window™ drying (RW) was compared with freeze‐drying (FD). Processing, generally, did not influence total phenolics. Total carotenoid was high in YFP, but decreased with DD. Both DD and RW decreased lutein concentration in YFP. The RFP and PFP had the highest total anthocyanin, and their concentrations were decreased by DD. RW decreased total anthocyanin in PFP only. Total antioxidant activity in WFP was higher with DD but lower with RW. In contrast, DD and RW drying had no significant effect on total antioxidants in YFP, RFP and PFP. Therefore, drying generally decreased antioxidants, with FD and RW retaining the highest concentration of bioactive compounds.
Gene conversion rapidly generates major histocompatibility complex diversity in recently founded bird populations
Authors: SPURGIN LEWIS G. , Van OOSTERHOUT COCK , ILLERA JUAN CARLOS , BRIDGETT STEPHEN , GHARBI KARIM , EMERSON BRENT C. , RICHARDSON DAVID S.
Published: November 2011

Population bottlenecks can restrict variation at functional genes, reducing the ability of populations to adapt to new and changing environments. Understanding how populations generate adaptive genetic variation following bottlenecks is therefore central to evolutionary biology. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are ideal models for studying adaptive genetic variation due to their central role in pathogen recognition. Whilede novoMHC sequence variation is generated by point mutation, gene conversion can generate new haplotypes by transferring sections of DNA within and across duplicated MHC loci. However, the extent to which gene conversion generates new MHC haplotypes in wild populations is poorly understood. We developed a 454 sequencing protocol to screen MHC class I exon 3 variation across all 13 island populations of Berthelot’s pipit (Anthus berthelotii). We reveal that just 11–15 MHC haplotypes were retained when the Berthelot’s pipit dispersed across its island range in the North Atlantic ca. 75 000 years ago. Since then, at least 26 new haplotypes have been generatedin situacross populations. We show that most of these haplotypes were generated by gene conversion across divergent lineages, and that the rate of gene conversion exceeded that of point mutation by an order of magnitude. Gene conversion resulted in significantly more changes at nucleotide sites directly involved with pathogen recognition, indicating selection for functional variants. We suggest that the creation of new variants by gene conversion is the predominant mechanism generating MHC variation in genetically depauperate populations, thus allowing them to respond to pathogenic challenges.
Objective definition and detection of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation revisited: is there room for improvement?
Authors: Holloway R. H. , Boeckxstaens G. E. E. , Penagini R. , Sifrm D. A. , Smout A. J. P. M.
Published: November 2011

Background  The advent of drugs that inhibit transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) necessitates accurate identification and scoring. We assessed the intra‐ and inter‐assessor variability of the existing objective criteria for TLESR, improving them where necessary.

Methods  Two 3‐h postprandial esophageal manometric and pH recordings were performed in 20 healthy volunteers. Each recording was duplicated. The recordings were analyzed by five experienced observers for TLESRs based on their expert opinion. TLESRs were also analyzed for the presence of the original four criteria as well as inhibition of the crural diaphragm (ID), a prominent after‐contraction (AC), acid reflux and an esophageal common cavity.

Key Results  The overall inter‐ and intra‐observer agreements for TLESRs scored, according to observer’s expert opinion, were 59% (range 56–67%) and 74% (60–89%), respectively. When TLESRs were restricted to those fulfilling the original criteria, these agreements fell to 46% (40–53%) and 60% (44–67%), respectively. Cleaning the recordings by removal of technically flawed sections improved agreements by 5%. Inclusion of additional criteria (ID and AC) resulted in inter‐ and intra‐observer agreements of 62% (52–70%) and 69% (53–79%), respectively. A consensus analysis performed collectively by three observers and based on the new criteria (original ± ID and AC) resulted in 84% agreement between the paired recordings.

Conclusions & Inferences  The original criteria for the definition of TLESRs allows for substantial inter‐ and intra‐observer variability, which can be reduced by incorporation of additional objective criteria. However, the highest level of intra‐observer agreement can be achieved by consensus analysis.
Environmentally friendly treatment alternatives to Bordeaux mixture for controlling bacterial apical necrosis (BAN) of mango
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Barranquero J. A. , Arrebola E. , Bonilla N. , Sarmiento D. , Cazorla F. M. , de Vicente A.
Published: November 2011

Bacterial apical necrosis (BAN), caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss), is currently the most limiting disease affecting the mango crop in the Mediterranean area. The copper‐based compound Bordeaux mixture (BM) is considered to be the conventional treatment against BAN, but it does not act as a bactericide. Alternative experimental treatments to BM that are compatible with organic farming were tested for their ability to control BAN disease. Field trials were conducted over six seasons in different mango orchards with natural infestation of Pss. The experimental treatments included applications of Silicon gel (a commercial formulation of aqueous potassium silicate), dicalcium phosphate, Kaolinite, and Ulmasud B® (bentonite, powder); BM was applied as the conventional treatment. During the first two seasons (small‐scale trial, 2002–2004), all these experimental compounds were applied in order to select those treatments providing the greatest reduction of BAN symptoms. In the next three seasons (2005–2008), a semi‐commercial scale trial was carried out with the best‐performing treatments, resulting in the selection of Silicon gel. Finally, Silicon gel was tested in a commercial scale trial during the last season (2008–2009). Trees treated with Silicon gel showed significantly fewer necrotic buds and leaves, reaching disease levels very similar to those using the conventional treatment with BM. However, minor differences in P. syringae‐like population levels were observed, as has been described in previous studies. The possible mode of action of the Silicon gel is discussed. Currently, the Silicon gel compound is undergoing the registration process for its commercial use in mango management in Spain.
House dust mite avoidance measures for perennial allergic rhinitis: an updated Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Nurmatov U. , van Schayck C. P. , Hurwitz B. , Sheikh A.
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Nurmatov U, van Schayck CP, Hurwitz B, Sheikh A. House dust mite avoidance measures for perennial allergic rhinitis: an updated Cochrane systematic review. Allergy 2012; 67: 158–165.

Background:  To assess the benefits and harms of measures designed to reduce house dust mite (HDM) exposure in the management of house dust mite–sensitive allergic rhinitis.

Methods:  Systematic review of randomized controlled trials was made, in which HDM control measures have been evaluated in comparison with placebo or other HDM avoidance measures, in patients with clinically proven allergic rhinitis.

Results:  Nine trials involving 501 participants satisfied the inclusion criteria. These trials have investigated the effectiveness of bedroom environmental control programmes involving the use of HDM impermeable bedding covers (n = 4), acaricides (n = 2), high‐efficiency particulate air filters (n = 2) and, using a factorial design, acaricide and HDM impermeable bedding covers in isolation and combination (n = 1). Seven of the nine trials reported that, when compared with control, the interventions studied resulted in significant reductions in HDM load. Of the interventions studied to date, acaricides appear to be the most promising, although the findings from these studies need to be interpreted with care because of their methodological limitations. House dust mite impermeable bedding as an isolated intervention is unlikely to offer benefit.

Conclusions:  Trials have tended to be small and of poor methodological quality, making it difficult to offer any definitive recommendations. Interventions that achieve substantial reductions in HDM load may offer some benefit in reducing rhinitis symptoms. Isolated use of HDM impermeable bedding is unlikely to prove effective.
L1 insertion within SPEF2 gene is associated with increased litter size in the Finnish Yorkshire population
Authors: Sironen A. , Uimari P. , Iso‐Touru T. , Vilkki J.
Published: November 2011

Immotile, short‐tail sperm defect (ISTS) expanded in the Finnish Yorkshire population in the end of 1990s. The causal mutation for this defect is a recent L1 insertion within the SPEF2 gene in chromosome 16. Even though all homozygous boars are eliminated from the population because of infertility, the amount of affected boars increased rapidly until marker‐assisted selection against the defect was established. To elucidate the associated effects of the ISTS defect on production traits, we have investigated the association of the L1 insertion and PRLR haplotype with reproduction traits in the Finnish Yorkshire population. Two data sets including 357 sows and 491 AI‐boars were genotyped for the presence of the L1 insertion and analysed for association with reproduction traits. A Proc Mixed procedure (SAS Inc) and a software package for analysing multivariate mixed models (DMU) were used to study the effect of polymorphisms on reproduction traits. The L1‐insertion within SPEF2 gene was associated with litter size in the first parity. The SPEF2 gene is located adjacent to a candidate gene for litter size in the pig, PRLR. Haplotypes within PRLR exon 10 were analysed in data set of 93 AI‐boars for the association with reproduction traits. However, no associations were detected within the analysed data set indicating that PRLR sequence variants are not the causal cause for the identified effect on litter size.
Effects of caponization on fat metabolism–related biochemical characteristics of broilers
Authors: Symeon G. K. , Charismiadou M. , Mantis F. , Bizelis I. , Kominakis A. , Rogdakis E.
Published: November 2011

A two‐trial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of caponization on fat metabolism‐related biochemical characteristics of broilers. Male Redbro broilers were purchased, caponized at 3 weeks and reared until either the 18th (Trial 1) or the 24th (Trial 2) week. In Trial 1, five slaughters were performed at 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 weeks of age while in Trial 2 one slaughter at the end of the experiment (24 weeks). In each slaughter, the abdominal adipose tissue cellularity, the NADP dehydrogenase activity in the liver and some serum lipoproteins concentrations were assessed. Caponization had a marked effect on the adipocyte volume and NADP‐malate dehydrogenase activity in the liver at 24 weeks but it did not affect adipocyte number or the activity of NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenase activity at any age (p < 0.05). Regarding the lipoproteins, cholesterol and HDL‐cholesterol were elevated in capon serum at 18 weeks of age while no difference was detected in the triglyceride concentration at any age. In conclusion, a relationship between fat deposition at the phenotypic level and the level of lipogenic enzymes and lipoproteins capons was established but not as pronounced as expected as some parameters displayed a constant increasing pattern while others did not.
Amending reduced fish‐meal feeds with marine lecithin, but not soy lecithin, improves the growth of juvenile cobia and may attenuate heightened responses to stress challenge
Authors: Trushenski J. , Schwarz M. , Pessoa W. V. N. , Mulligan B. , Crouse C. , Gause B. , Yamamoto F. , Delbos B.
Published: November 2011

Sparing of marine resources in aquafeeds can be environmentally and economically advantageous; however, fish meal (FM) replacement can affect the production performance and physiological competence. Phospholipids are increasingly understood to be involved in maintaining growth and vigour in fish and may be deficient in reduced FM formulations. Accordingly, we evaluated the growth and stress tolerance of juvenile cobia fed typical (50% FM) or reduced FM feeds (12% FM) with or without phospholipid amendment [1% marine lecithin (12% FM + Marine PL) or soy lecithin (12% FM + Soy PL)] for 6 weeks in triplicate tanks (N = 3) in a recirculation aquaculture system. The 50% FM feed yielded significantly superior growth and growth efficiency in comparison with the 12% FM and 12% FM+ Soy PL feeds, but the 12% FM+ Marine PL feed yielded comparable results to 50% FM feed. A low‐water stress challenge induced elevated plasma glucose, cortisol and lactate levels in all treatments. However, a significant interaction (diet × stress) effect suggested a lesser cortisol response among fish fed the 12% FM+ Marine PL and 50% FM diets. These findings demonstrate that growth performance and, perhaps, resilience of cobia raised on reduced FM feeds may be improved by the addition of marine‐origin phospholipid to the diet.
Dying in a rural residential aged care facility: An action research and reflection project to improve end‐of‐life care to residents with a non‐malignant disease
Authors: Rowley Joanne , Taylor Beverley
Published: November 2011

Rowley J, Taylor B. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 591–598

Dying in a rural residential aged care facility: An action research and reflection project to improve end‐of‐life care to residents with a non‐malignant disease

This article describes a qualitative research project that explored issues around end‐of‐life care provided to residents dying from non‐malignant diseases in two, rural Australian, residential aged care facilities. Reflective processes and action research were combined to work in collaboration with 14 aged nurses, associated staff and relatives of dying residents.

Reflection featured in the research and included group reflection on practice stories, critical reflection during thematic analysis and reflection on action research cycles. Themes and subthemes emerged, indicating that aspects of end‐of‐life care needed further improvement. Major thematic concerns were prioritized for action and included the need for better pain management practices which will be discussed. Identifying these clinical issues was an important step in creating, implementing and evaluating actions. Participants reported varying degrees of success in attempting to improve end‐of‐life care.
Mothers' experiences of pregnancy, labour and childbirth: A qualitative study in Northern Greece
Authors: Sapountzi‐Krepia Despina , Tsaloglidou Areti , Psychogiou Maria , Lazaridou Christina , Vehvilainen Julkunen Katri
Published: November 2011

Sapountzi‐Krepia D, Tsaloglidou A, Psychogiou M, Lazaridou C, Vehvilainen Julkunen K. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 583–590

Mothers' experiences of pregnancy, labour and childbirth: A qualitative study in Northern Greece

This qualitative study aims at describing the mothers' most positive and negative experiences during pregnancy, labour and childbirth, and at identifying the aspects of pregnancy monitoring and obstetric care that should be developed most urgently in the future. The sample consisted of 607 mothers. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

Mothers who preferred vaginal delivery believe that they do not interfere with nature and, consequently, their convalescence is easier and faster. Those who selected Caesarean section stress that they feel much safer because the whole process is well organized and controlled. The mothers' experiences are closely related with their interaction with the health‐care professionals.

Psychological support, good education and delivery preparation courses are some of the factors that could contribute to the improvement of maternal services. The basis of prenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care should be influenced by the women's experiences of pregnancy, labour and childbirth.
Combined histoarchitectural and cytological biopsy grading improves grading accuracy in low‐grade prostate cancer
Authors: Helpap Burkhard , Köllermann Jens
Published: November 2011

Objectives:  Accurate tumor grading on prostate biopsy represents the mainstay for therapy planning. Biopsy undergrading is a persistent diagnostic dilemma with therapeutic relevance. We questioned whether Gleason grading combined with an established alternative grading system incorporating cytological parameters improves grading accuracy.

Methods:  Needle biopsies of 968 patients and the corresponding radical prostatectomy specimens were graded according to the Gleason grading system. In addition, all biopsies were graded according to the histo‐ and cytological grading system of Helpap. Biopsy Gleason grade, as well as the combined Gleason/Helpap grade, was compared with the final Gleason score and the pathological tumor‐stage of the corresponding radical prostatectomy.

Results:  In biopsy Gleason score 6 cancers, an upgrading was seen in 76.0% of the patients (98/129), and 30.2% of them (39/129) showed non‐organ confined disease. In combined biopsy Gleason 6/Helpap 2a patients, a final Gleason score of 6 was found in 22 out of 24 patients (91.7%, P < 0.0001), and all 24 patients showed organ‐confined disease (pT2a). In biopsy Gleason 6/Helpap 2b cancers, a final Gleason score of 6 was found in just 9 out of 105 patients (8.6%), and the rate of organ‐confined disease decreased to 62.8% (66/105, P = 0.0001). In higher Gleason grades, combined biopsy grading failed to show a diagnostic benefit over sole Gleason grading.

Conclusion:  Combined biopsy Gleason/Helpap grading improves the identification of low‐grade/low‐stage cancers and might contribute to more precise therapy planning in prostate cancer management.
Deconstructing morphology: reply to Scholtz (2010)
Authors: Szucsich Nikolaus U. , Wirkner Christian S. , Pass Günther
Published: November 2011

Szucsich, N.U., Wirkner C.S. and Pass G. 2011. Deconstructing morphology: reply to Scholtz (2010). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00: 1–3

Whenever concepts are taken over into new fields scientists have to take care that these concepts do not become unsubstantial due to ambiguities regarding their applicability. Here we argue why it makes sense to define the homology‐concept in a way, so it is applicable for phylogenetic purposes. If used to define the relation among structures of organisms assigned to the same character state of a phylogenetic character, homology has to represent an equivalence relation, with the properties of transitivity and symmetry. This is exactly the reason why correspondence, not similarity should be used to define homology, since the latter is not transitive. Homology then also cannot be used to define the relation among character states of the same phylogenetic character, since this relation necessarily is asymmetric.
A Psychobiological Perspective on Working Memory Performance at 8 Months of Age
Authors: Bell Martha Ann
Published: November 2011

Fifty 8‐month‐old infants participated in a study of the interrelations among cognition, temperament, and electrophysiology. Better performance on a working memory task (assessed using a looking version of the A‐not‐B task) was associated with increases in frontal–parietal EEG coherence from baseline to task, as well as elevated levels of frontal–occipital coherence during both baseline and task. Enhanced performance was also associated with decreased heart period (increased heart rate) from baseline to task. Infants with better working memory performance had parents who rated them high on activity level and distress to limitations. When considered collectively, EEG coherence and heart period contributed unique variance in the prediction of high and low performance groups. Implications for the study of infant cognition are discussed.
When Friends Disappoint: Boys’ and Girls’ Responses to Transgressions of Friendship Expectations
Authors: MacEvoy Julie Paquette , Asher Steven R.
Published: November 2011

In this study, the prevailing view that girls are pervasively more skilled in their friendships than boys was challenged by examining whether girls respond more negatively than boys when a friend violates core friendship expectations. Fourth‐ and fifth‐grade children (n = 267) responded to vignettes depicting transgressions involving a friend’s betrayal, unreliability, or failure to provide support or help. Results indicated that girls were more troubled by the transgressions, more strongly endorsed various types of negative relationship interpretations of the friend’s actions, and reported more anger and sadness than did boys. Girls also endorsed revenge goals and aggressive strategies just as much as boys. These findings lead to a more complex view of boys’ and girls’ friendship competencies.
Barack Obama, Jeremiah Wright, and Public Opinion in the 2008 Presidential Primaries
Authors: McKenzie Brian D.
Published: November 2011

This study examines the broad political impact of controversial sermons by Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's former pastor, which aired during the 2008 presidential primaries. Although commentators speculated about the possible repercussions of this event for Obama's candidacy, no one has actually tested these claims in practice and positioned the episode within a larger narrative of American racial politics. Using national survey data, I discuss differences between Blacks' and Whites' perceptions of the videos and their effects on citizens' attitudes. Among Whites, individuals who are bothered by Wright's assertions feel negatively toward Obama and express apprehension about his ability to unite people around common goals. Blacks' familiarity with African American religion provides a context for understanding the messages and they are not distracted by the controversy. More generally, the findings emphasize that cultural differences among groups help explain variation in opinions, shows how unflattering news reports influence evaluations of Black candidates, and highlights the significance of racial issues in political campaigns.
Redemption, Fairness, and the Politics of Transformation in the Obama Presidency
Authors: Renshon Stanley A.
Published: November 2011

Every new president raises many questions in the public mind. Because Barack Obama was a relative newcomer to the national political scene, he raised more questions than most and still does two years into his presidency. Who is Barack Obama, really?

I trace the intertwined developmental arcs of the president's late‐blooming ambition and his ambivalent relationships with both of his parents and his own core identity. Obama's efforts to reconcile the conflicting experiences and feelings he had as he navigated these psychological currents have a great deal to do with how he has approached his presidency. Obama is a president of enormous intelligence and considerable political skill, but his presidency has faltered in part because of the mismatch between his redemptive and transformational ambitions and the public's willingness and readiness to support them.
Pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration in Korea: recurrent R440P mutation in PANK2 and outcome of deep brain stimulation
Authors: Lim B. C. , Ki C.‐S. , Cho A. , Hwang H. , Kim K. J. , Hwang Y. S. , Kim Y. E. , Yun J. Y. , Jeon B. S. , Lim Y. H. , Paek S. H. , Chae J. H.
Published: November 2011

Background and Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mutation status of PANK2 among Korean patients with pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) and to document the outcome of pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods:  Direct sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis of PANK2 were conducted in 12 patients (11 unrelated) with PKAN, diagnosed on the basis of extrapyramidal dysfunction and the ‘eye‐of‐the‐tiger sign’ on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pallidal DBS was conducted in four patients, and the outcomes were measured using the Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS).

Results:  A PANK2 mutation was identified in both alleles in all patients. The most prevalent mutation was c.1319G>C (p.R440P) in 8/22 mutated alleles (36%). An intragenic deletion ranging from exons 2 to 4 was found in one allele (1/22, 4.5%) using deletion/duplication analysis. The outcome of pallidal DBS was favorable in two patients with atypical PKAN and moderate severity of dystonia. However, two patients with typical PKAN and relatively severe symptoms showed variable responses.

Conclusions:  The c.1319G>C (p.R440P) mutation appears to be a founder genotype among Korean patients with PKAN. Furthermore, this study provides additional data for the recent international effort to evaluate the efficacy of pallidal DBS in the treatment of patients with PKAN.
Sexual size dimorphism in the Tyrrhenian tree frog: a life‐history perspective
Authors: Cadeddu G. , Giacoma C. , Castellano S.
Published: November 2011

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is often explained as the differential equilibrium between stabilizing survival selection and directional sexual/fecundity selection on the body size of males and females. Provided that survival selection is similar in both sexes, female‐biased SSD is thought to occur when fecundity selection on female body size is stronger than sexual selection on male body size. However, in animals with indeterminate growth, body size depends on several life‐history traits, thus, to understand why SSD has evolved, one should understand how it arises. We investigate SSD in the Tyrrhenian tree frog, Hyla sarda, by describing sexual dimorphism in age and growth and by assessing how body size affects their reproductive success. Females are 16% larger than males because they mature 1 year later, live 1 year longer and reach a larger asymptotic body size. Furthermore, body size correlates positively with female fecundity, but not with male mating success. These results suggest that SSD arises from differential optimal trade‐offs between the expected number of reproductive episodes (which decreases with prolonging growth) and the expected success in each reproductive episode (which increases with prolonging growth).
PARTICIPANTS' PERCEPTIONS OF RESEARCH BENEFITS IN AN AFRICAN GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDY
Authors: APPIAH‐POKU JOHN , NEWTON SAM , KASS NANCY
Published: November 2011

Background:  Both the Council for International Organization of Medical Sciences and the Helsinki Declaration emphasize that the potential benefits of research should outweigh potential harms; consequently, some work has been conducted on participants' perception of benefits in therapeutic research. However, there appears to be very little work conducted with participants who have joined non‐therapeutic research. This work was done to evaluate participants' perception of benefits in a genetic epidemiological study by examining their perception of the potential benefits of enrollment.

Methods:  In‐depth interviews lasting between 45 and 60 minutes were conducted with a convenient sample of 25 ill patients and 25 healthy accompanying relatives enrolled in a genetic epidemiological study of tuberculosis. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.

Results:  Participants perceived that research was beneficial and some of the benefits included the generation of new knowledge, finding the cause of diseases, as well as the control, eradication and prevention of disease. Some thought that research was risky whilst others thought that the benefits outweighed the risks.

Conclusion:  Participants perceived research to be beneficial and most of them thought that, though it was risky, the benefits outweighed the risks. It is our view that researchers need to give serious consideration to participant's perception of benefits in designing their consent forms, to see to the fulfillment of achievable goals.
Myosin light chain 3f attenuates age‐induced decline in contractile velocity in MHC type II single muscle fibers
Authors: Kim Jong‐Hee , Torgerud Windy S. , Mosser Kelsey H. H. , Hirai Hiroyuki , Watanabe Shuichi , Asakura Atsushi , Thompson LaDora V.
Published: November 2011

Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass and impaired contractility (e.g., decline in force, velocity, and power). Although the slowing of contraction speed in aging muscle is well described, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the decrement in speed are unknown. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms are the primary molecules determining contractile velocity; however, the contraction speed of single fibers within a given MHC isoform type is variable. Recent evidence proposes that the decline in shortening velocity (Vo) with aging is associated with a decrease in the relative content of essential myosin light chain 3f (MLC3f) isoform. In the current study, we first evaluated the relative content of MLC3f isoform and Vo in adult and old rats. We then used recombinant adenovirus (rAd) gene transfer technology to increase MLC3f protein content in the MHC type II semimembranosus muscle (SM). We hypothesized that (i) aging would decrease the relative MLC3f content and Vo in type II fibers, and (ii) increasing the MLC3f content would restore the age‐induced decline in Vo. We found that there was an age‐related decrement in relative MLC3f content and Vo in MHC type II fibers. Increasing MLC3f content, as indicated by greater % MLC3f and MLC3f/MLC2f ratio, provided significant protection against age‐induced decline in Vo without influencing fiber diameter, force generation, MHC isoform distribution, or causing cellular damage. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first data to demonstrate positive effects of MLC3f against slowing of contractile function in aged skeletal muscle.