bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atg9 vesicles are an important membrane source during early steps of autophagosome formation
Authors: Yamamoto Hayashi , Kakuta Soichiro , Watanabe Tomonobu M. , Kitamura Akira , Sekito Takayuki , Kondo-Kakuta Chika , Ichikawa Rie , Kinjo Masataka , Ohsumi Yoshinori
Published: July 2012

During the process of autophagy, cytoplasmic materials are sequestered by double-membrane structures, the autophagosomes, and then transported to a lytic compartment to be degraded. One of the most fundamental questions about autophagy involves the origin of the autophagosomal membranes. In this study, we focus on the intracellular dynamics of Atg9, a multispanning membrane protein essential for autophagosome formation in yeast. We found that the vast majority of Atg9 existed on cytoplasmic mobile vesicles (designated Atg9 vesicles) that were derived from the Golgi apparatus in a process involving Atg23 and Atg27. We also found that only a few Atg9 vesicles were required for a single round of autophagosome formation. During starvation, several Atg9 vesicles assembled individually into the preautophagosomal structure, and eventually, they are incorporated into the autophagosomal outer membrane. Our findings provide conclusive linkage between the cytoplasmic Atg9 vesicles and autophagosomal membranes and offer new insight into the requirement for Atg9 vesicles at the early step of autophagosome formation.
The 5-HT deficiency theory of depression: perspectives from a naturalistic 5-HT deficiency model, the tryptophan hydroxylase 2Arg439Hisknockin mouse
Authors: Jacobsen Jacob P. R. , Medvedev Ivan O. , Caron Marc G.
Published: July 2012

A decreased level of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has been theorized to be a core pathogenic factor in depression for half a century. The theory arose from clinical observations that drugs enhancing extracellular levels of 5-HT (5-HTExt) have antidepressant effects in many patients. However, whether such drugs indeed correct a primary deficit remains unresolved. Still, a number of anomalies in putative biomarkers of central 5-HT function have been repeatedly reported in depression patients over the past 40 years, collectively indicating that 5-HT deficiency could be present in depression, particularly in severely ill and/or suicidal patients. This body of literature on putative 5-HT biomarker anomalies and depression has recently been corroborated by data demonstrating that such anomalies indeed occur consequent to severely reduced 5-HTExtlevels in a mouse model of naturalistic 5-HT deficiency, the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 His439knockin (Tph2KI) mouse. In this review, we will critically assess the evidence for 5-HT deficiency in depression and the possible role of polymorphisms in the Tph2 gene as a causal factor in 5-HT deficiency, the latter investigated from a clinical as well as preclinical angle.
Beyond the monoaminergic hypothesis: neuroplasticity and epigenetic changes in a transgenic mouse model of depression
Authors: Massart Renaud , Mongeau Raymond , Lanfumey Laurence
Published: July 2012

The monoamine hypothesis of depression has dominated our understanding of both the pathophysiology of depression and the action of pharmacological treatments for the last decades, and it has led to the production of several generations of antidepressant agents. However, there are serious limitations to the current monoamine theory, and additional mechanisms, including hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunctions, as well as neurodegenerative and inflammatory alterations, are potentially associated with the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Moreover, new data have recently indicated that epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications and DNA methylation could affect diverse pathways leading to depression-like behaviours in animal models. In a transgenic mouse model of depression, in which a downregulation of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) causes a deficit in the HPA axis feedback control,besides alterations in monoamine neurotransmission and neuroplasticity, we found modifications in the expression of many proteins involved in epigenetic regulation, as well as clock genes, in the hippocampus and the frontal cortex, that might be central in the genesis of depressive-like behaviours.
MEDIATOR25 Acts as an Integrative Hub for the Regulation of Jasmonate-Responsive Gene Expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Çevik Volkan , Kidd Brendan N. , Zhang Peijun , Hill Claire , Kiddle Steve , Denby Katherine J. , Holub Eric B. , Cahill David M. , Manners John M. , Schenk Peer M. , Beynon Jim , Kazan Kemal
Published: July 2012

The PHYTOCHROME AND FLOWERING TIME1 gene encoding the MEDIATOR25 (MED25) subunit of the eukaryotic Mediator complex is a positive regulator of jasmonate (JA)-responsive gene expression in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Based on the function of the Mediator complex as a bridge between DNA-bound transcriptional activators and the RNA polymerase II complex, MED25 has been hypothesized to function in association with transcriptional regulators of the JA pathway. However, it is currently not known mechanistically how MED25 functions to regulate JA-responsive gene expression. In this study, we show that MED25 physically interacts with several key transcriptional regulators of the JA signaling pathway, including the APETALA2 (AP2)/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERF) transcription factors OCTADECANOID-RESPONSIVE ARABIDOPSIS AP2/ERF59 and ERF1 as well as the master regulator MYC2. Physical interaction detected between MED25 and four group IX AP2/ERF transcription factors was shown to require the activator interaction domain of MED25 as well as the recently discovered Conserved Motif IX-1/EDLL transcription activation motif of MED25-interacting AP2/ERFs. Using transcriptional activation experiments, we also show that OCTADECANOID-RESPONSIVE ARABIDOPSIS AP2/ERF59- and ERF1-dependent activation of PLANT DEFENSIN1.2 as well as MYC2-dependent activation of VEGETATIVE STORAGE PROTEIN1 requires a functional MED25. In addition, MED25 is required for MYC2-dependent repression of pathogen defense genes. These results suggest an important role for MED25 as an integrative hub within the Mediator complex during the regulation of JA-associated gene expression.
Angiotensin‐II receptor 1 antagonist fetopathy – risk assessment, critical time period and vena cava thrombosis as a possible new feature
Authors: Oppermann Marc , Padberg Stephanie , Kayser Angela , Weber‐Schoendorfer Corinna , Schaefer Christof
Published: July 2012

Aims

Angiotensin‐II receptor 1 antagonists (AT1‐antagonists) may cause severe and even lethal fetopathy in late pregnancy. However, exposure still occurs in spite of warnings in package leaflets. This study aimed to assess the risk of fetopathy, the sensitive time window, and possible new symptoms in prospective as well as retrospective cases with AT1‐antagonist treatment during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

Patients were enrolled by the Berlin Institute for Clinical Teratology and Drug Risk Assessment in Pregnancy between 1999 and 2011 through risk consultation. Symptoms defined as indicative of AT1‐antagonist fetopathy were: oligo‐/anhydramnios, renal insufficiency, lung hypoplasia, joint contractures, skull hypoplasia and fetal/neonatal death.

Results

In 5/29 (17%) prospectively enrolled cases with AT1‐antagonist exposure beyond the first trimester oligo‐/anhydramnios was diagnosed. Two infants showed additional symptoms of fetopathy. The risk is more than 30% if treatment continues beyond the 20th week of pregnancy. Oligo‐/anhydramnios was reversible after AT1‐antagonist withdrawal. Among 16 retrospective case reports, three infants presented with a thrombosis of the inferior vena cava in the vicinity of the renal veins. Four out of 13 live births did not survive.

Conclusions

Our survey suggests that the risk increases with duration of AT1‐antagonist treatment into late pregnancy and oligo‐/anhydramnios may be reversible after AT1‐antagonist discontinuation. Thrombosis of inferior vena cava may be a new feature of AT1‐antagonist fetopathy. AT1‐antagonist medication during pregnancy constitutes a considerable risk and must be discontinued immediately. In case of indicative diagnostic findings in either the fetus or newborn, previous maternal AT1‐antagonist exposure should be considered.
Epigenetic induction of adaptive immune response in multiple myeloma: sequential azacitidine and lenalidomide generate cancer testis antigen‐specific cellular immunity
Authors: Toor Amir A. , Payne Kyle K. , Chung Harold M. , Sabo Roy T. , Hazlett Allison F. , Kmieciak Maciej , Sanford Kimberly , Williams David C. , Clark William B. , Roberts Catherine H. , McCarty John M. , Manjili Masoud H.
Published: July 2012

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) remain at risk for disease progression. Induction of the expression of highly immunogenic cancer testis antigens (CTA) in malignant plasma cells in MM patients may trigger a protective immune response following SCT. We initiated a phase II clinical trial of the DNA hypomethylating agent, azacitidine (Aza) administered sequentially with lenalidomide (Rev) in patients with MM. Three cycles of Aza and Rev were administered and autologous lymphocytes were collected following the 2nd and 3rd cycles of Aza‐Rev and cryopreserved. Subsequent stem cell mobilization was followed by high‐dose melphalan and SCT. Autologous lymphocyte infusion (ALI) was performed in the second month following transplantation. Fourteen patients have completed the investigational therapy; autologous lymphocytes were collected from all of the patients. Thirteen patients have successfully completed SCT and 11 have undergone ALI. Six patients tested have demonstrated CTA up‐regulation in either unfractionated bone marrow (n = 4) or CD138+ cells (n = 2). CTA (CTAG1B)‐specific T cell response has been observed in all three patients tested and persists following SCT. Epigenetic induction of an adaptive immune response to cancer testis antigens is safe and feasible in MM patients undergoing SCT.
Prescribing for pain – how do nurses contribute? A national questionnaire survey
Authors: Stenner Karen , Carey Nicola , Courtenay Molly
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To provide information on the profile and practice of nurses in the UK who prescribe medication for pain.

Background.  Pain is widely under‐reported and under‐treated and can have negative consequences for health and psychosocial well‐being. Indications are that nurses can improve treatment and access to pain medications when they prescribe. Whilst nurses working in many practice areas treat patients with pain, little is known about the profile, prescribing practice or training needs of these nurses.

Design.  A descriptive questionnaire survey.

Method.  An online questionnaire was used to survey 214 nurses who prescribed for pain in the UK between May and July 2010. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non‐parametric tests.

Results.  Half the participants (50%) worked in primary care, 32% in secondary care and 14% worked across care settings. A range of services were provided, including general practice, palliative care, pain management, emergency care, walk‐in‐centres and out‐of‐hours. The majority (86%) independently prescribed 1–20 items per week. Non‐opioid and weak opioids analgesics were prescribed by most (95%) nurses, whereas fewer (35%) prescribed strong opioids. Training in pain had been undertaken by 97% and 82% felt adequately trained, although 28% had problems accessing training. Those with specialist training prescribed a wider range of pain medications, were more likely to prescribe strong opioids and were more often in pain management roles.

Conclusion.  Nurses prescribe for pain in a range of settings with an emphasis on the treatment of minor ailments and acute pain. A range of medications are prescribed, and most nurses have access to training.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The nursing contribution to pain treatment must be acknowledged within initiatives to improve pain management. Access to ongoing training is required to support nurse development in this area of practice to maximise benefits.
Implementation of complex adaptive chronic care: the Patient Journey Record system (PaJR)
Authors: Martin Carmel M. , Vogel Carl , Grady Deirdre , Zarabzadeh Atieh , Hederman Lucy , Kellett John , Smith Kevin , O’ Shea Brendan
Published: July 2012

Background

The Patient Journey Record system (PaJR) is an application of a complex adaptive chronic care model in which early detection of adverse changes in patient biopsychosocial trajectories prompts tailored care, constitute the cornerstone of the model.

Aims

To evaluate the PaJR system's impact on care and the experiences of older people with chronic illness, who were at risk of repeat admissions over 12 months.

Design

Community‐based cohort study – random assignment into intervention and usual care group, with process and outcome evaluation.

Study population

Adult and older patients with multiple morbidity, one or more chronic diseases with one or more overnight hospitalizations, and seven or more general practice visits in the past 6 months.

Complex intervention

PaJR lay care guides/advocates call patients and their caregivers. The care guides summarize their semi‐structured conversations about health concerns and well‐being. Predictive modelling and rules‐based algorithms trigger alerts in relation to online call summaries. Alerts are acted upon according to agreed guidelines.

Analysis

Descriptive and comparative statistics.

Outcomes

Impact on unplanned emergency ambulatory care sensitive admissions (ACSC) with an overnight stay; sensitivity of alerts and predictions; rates of care guides‐supported activities.

Findings

Five part‐time lay care guides and a care manager monitored 153 intervention patients for 500 person months with 5050 phone calls. The 153 patients in the intervention group were comparable to the 61 controls. The intervention group reported in 50% of calls that their health limited their social activities; and one‐third of calls reported immediate health concerns. Predictive analytics were highly sensitive to risk of hospitalization. ACSC admissions were reduced by 50% compared to controls across the sites.

Discussion

The initial implementation of a complex patient‐centred adaptive chronic care model using lay care guides, supported by machine learning, appeared sensitive to risk of hospitalization and capable of stabilizing illness journeys in older patients with multi‐morbidity.

Conclusion

Actions based on alerts produced in this study appeared to significantly reduce hospitalizations. This paves the way for further testing of the model.
Seed–litter–position drives seedling establishment in grassland species under recurrent drought
Authors: Wellstein C.
Published: July 2012

Changes in land use and climate interfere with grassland ecosystem processes. Here I experimentally investigated the combined effects of land‐use change related litter cover and contrasting water supply on seedling emergence. In this context, the role of the initial relative position of seeds,i.e. seeds on top of the litterversusseeds beneath the litter in interaction with water supply has not been investigated so far. I hypothesised that facilitative effects of litter on seedling emergence occur when seeds are covered by litter and deteriorate when litter covers the ground and seeds fall on it (seeds on top of the litter). Further, I hypothesised that the importance of seed position for seedling emergence will increase under conditions of recurrent drought. I performed a controlled pot experiment on seedling emergence of three common European grassland species (Pimpinella saxifraga,Leontodon autumnalis,Sanguisorba officinalis) by experimental manipulations of litter and water availability. Seedling emergence under moist conditions showed no significant differences between each litter position compared to the control across species. In contrast, under recurrent drought, seedling emergence was significantly higher below the litter compared to seeds on top of the litter and the control (i.e. no litter). In abandoned land, seedling emergence may be limited when seeds fall on ground‐covering litter. In contrast, in grasslands with regular low‐intensity land use, seedling emergence may be enhanced when a moderate level of litter covers seeds at the end of the growing season. Protective mechanisms that occur with seeds positioned beneath litter are particularly important under recurrent drought.
Pollen dispersal and fruit production in Vaccinium oxycoccos and comparison with its sympatric congener V. uliginosum
Authors: Van Rossum F. , Vereecken N. J. , Brédat E. , Michez D.
Published: July 2012

Investigating plant–pollinator interactions and pollen dispersal are particularly relevant for understanding processes ensuring long‐term viability of fragmented plant populations. Pollen dispersal patterns may vary strongly, even between similar congeneric species, depending on the mating system, pollinator assemblages and floral traits. We investigated pollen dispersal and fruit production in a population of Vaccinium oxycoccos, an insect‐pollinated shrub, and compared the pollen dispersal pattern with a co‐flowering, sympatric congener, V. uliginosum. We examined whether they share pollinators (through interspecific fluorescent dye transfers) and may differently attract pollinators, by comparing their floral colour as perceived by insects. Fluorescent dyes were mainly dispersed over short distances (80% within 40.4 m (max. 94.5 m) for V. oxycoccos and 3.0 m (max. 141.3 m) for V. uliginosum). Dye dispersal in V. oxycoccos was not significantly affected by plant area, floral display or the proximity to V. uliginosum plants. Interspecific dye transfers were observed, indicating pollinator sharing. The significantly lower dye deposition on V. oxycoccos stigmas suggests lower visitation rates by pollinators, despite higher flower density and local abundance. The spectral reflectance analysis indicates that bees are unlikely to be able to discriminate between the two species based on floral colour alone. Fruit production increased with increasing floral display, but was not affected by proximity to V. uliginosum plants. Our study highlights that fragmented populations of V. oxycoccos, when sympatric with co‐flowering V. uliginosum, might incur increased competition for the shared pollinators in the case of pollination disruption, which might then reduce outcrossed seed set.
Andromonoecy in an Old World Papilionoid legume, Erophaca baetica
Authors: Casimiro‐Soriguer R. , Herrera J. , Talavera S.
Published: July 2012

Andromonoecy (i.e. the occurrence on individual plants of hermaphroditic and male flowers) is a rare sexual system among the angiosperms, regarded by some authors as a transitional stage from hermaphroditism to monoecy. Having discovered the occurrence of andromonoecy in Erophaca baetica (a Mediterranean shrubby legume with two subspecies), a novelty for Old World papilionoid legumes, we investigated the morpho‐functional correlates and the geographical distribution of this phenomenon in the species. The relative frequencies of hermaphrodite and male flowers were determined in two field and 111 herbarium populations. Biomass allocation within flowers, pollen production and viability, pollen tube growth, nectar production and the temporal pattern of male flower production were also studied in two nearby southern Spanish populations. Virtually all of the studied populations were andromonoecious. Male flowers tended to appear at apical positions within the inflorescence, and became more abundant by the end of the flowering season. Male flowers were externally similar to hermaphroditic flowers (although with less biomass and smaller parts) and released equivalent amounts of pollen and nectar; however, their pollen germinated significantly better. Erophaca is the first example of an andromonecious Papilionoid in the Old World. Since the main difference among floral morphs in this species is functional (i.e. pollen germination rate) rather than morphological, andromonoecy is not readily noticeable, and very careful inspection may be required to reveal it. The potential effect of andromonoecy in enhancing outcrossing rate in this species is discussed.
Plant‐mediated effects of drought on aphid population structure and parasitoid attack
Authors: Aslam T. J. , Johnson S. N. , Karley A. J.
Published: July 2012

The effects of predicted climate change on aphid–natural enemy interactions have principally considered the effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentration and air temperature. However, increased incidence of summer droughts are also predicted in Northern Europe, which could affect aphid–plant interactions and aphid antagonists. We investigated how simulated summer drought affected the bird cherry–oat aphid,
Rhopalosiphum padi
L., and its natural enemy the parasitoid wasp
Aphidius ervi. Drought and, to a greater extent, aphids reduced barley (
Hordeum vulgare) dry mass by 33% and 39%, respectively. Drought reduced leaf and root nitrogen concentrations by 13% and 28%, respectively, but foliar amino acid concentrations and composition remained similar. Aphid numbers were unaffected by drought, but population demography changed significantly; adults constituted 41% of the population on drought‐treated plants, but only 26% on those receiving ambient irrigation. Nymphs constituted 56% and 69% of the population on these plants, respectively, suggesting altered aphid development rates on drought‐stressed plants. Parasitism rates were significantly lower on drought‐stressed plants (9 attacks h−1 compared with 35 attacks h−1 on ambient‐irrigated plants), most likely because of lower incidence of nymphs and more adults, the latter being more difficult to parasitize. Any physiological changes in individual aphids did not affect parasitoid preferences, suggesting that attacks were postponed because of drought‐induced changes in aphid demography. This study demonstrates the potential for sporadic climate change events, such as summer drought, to be disruptive to herbivore–antagonist interactions.
Is chest tube insertion with ultrasound guidance safe in patients using clopidogrel?
Authors: ABOUZGHEIB WISSAM , SHWEIHAT YOUSEF R. , MEENA NIKHIL , BARTTER THADDEUS
Published: July 2012

Background and objective:  Drainage of the pleural space is a common procedure. The safety of chest tube insertion in patients using clopidogrel has not been investigated.

Methods:  Ultrasound‐guided chest tube insertions performed on 24 patients who were being actively treated with clopidogrel were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:  No excessive bleeding occurred in any of these patients.

Conclusions:  Given the known effects of clopidogrel on platelet function, these results were interpreted as indicating that clopidogrel therapy is a relative but not an absolute contraindication to chest tube insertion, if an experienced operator places a small‐bore tube under ultrasound guidance.
Development and external validation of lymph node density cut‐off points in prospective series of radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection
Authors: Simone Giuseppe , Papalia Rocco , Ferriero Mariaconsiglia , Guaglianone Salvatore , Naselli Angelo , Collura Devis , Introini Carlo , Puppo Paolo , Muto Giovanni , Gallucci Michele
Published: July 2012

Objective:  To identify lymph node density thresholds and their prognostic role in patients who underwent radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection, and to validate findings in an external series.

Methods:  Between May 2001 and September 2009, data from 750 radical cystectomies carried out at “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute (Rome, Italy) were collected in a prospectively‐maintained database. Once patients who had undergone neoadjuvant treatments and those who had undergone salvage radical cystectomy were excluded from the 210 pN+ patients, 156 patients with urothelial carcinoma were selected for analysis. Optimal cut‐off points for age, lymph node count and lymph node density were identified by considering these variables as continuous. External validation of findings was carried out by using data of 154 pN+ patients selected from two prospective series.

Results:  The optimal identified cut‐off points were 11% and 30% for lymph node density, nine and 30 nodes for lymph node count, and 73 years for age. Median cancer‐specific survival of patients were significantly different in patients with lymph node density <12%, between 12% and 30%, and >30% (71 months, 24 months and 11 months, respectively; P < 0.001). Cancer‐specific survival was independently predicted by lymph node density cut‐off points (12–30% vs <12%: hazard ratio 1.51, P = 0.047; >30% vs <12%: hazard ratio 2.89, P < 0.001). In the external series, the prognostic effect of lymph node density according to tertiary distribution of risk based on these lymph node density cut‐off points was confirmed at Cox multivariable analysis (12–30% vs <12%: hazard ratio 1.5, P = 0.048; >30% vs <12%: hazard ratio 2.5, P = 0.004).

Conclusions:  Lymph node density is the strongest predictor of cancer‐specific survival. Identified lymph node density thresholds have shown to be independent predictors of cancer‐specific survival in the external validation series.
Correlation between cognitive ability measured by response time of 1‐back task and changes of SpO2 by supplying three different levels of oxygen in the elderly
Authors: Choi Mi‐Hyun , Kim Hyun‐Joo , Kim Ji‐Hye , Kim Hyung‐Sik , Choi Jin‐Seung , Yi Jeong‐Han , Tack Gye‐Rae , Chung Young‐Sun , Son Ina , Chung Soon‐Cheol
Published: July 2012

Aim:  This study investigated the correlation between response time of the 1‐back task and changes of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) by supplying three different levels of oxygen (21%, 1 L/min; 93%, 1 L/min; 93%, 5 L/min) in the elderly.

Methods:  A total of 17 older adults (mean age 72.9 ± 4.7 years) participated in the experiment. A 1‐back task was used as a cognitive task. The experiment consisted of three phases, which included the adaptation phase (3 min) after oxygen administration, the control phase (2 min) that maintained a stable condition before the task, and the task phase (2 min) where the 1‐back task was carried out. SpO2 was measured during each phase.

Results:  As concentration level and supply of oxygen increased, SpO2 increased and response time of the 1‐back task decreased.

Conclusion:  Highly concentrated oxygen administration can increase SpO2 in the elderly and an increase in cognitive performance, such as a decrease in response time, can be observed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 384–387.
Risk factors for unexpected death from suffocation in elderly patients hospitalized for pneumonia
Authors: Komiya Kosaku , Ishii Hiroshi , Okabe Eiji , Iwashita Tomohiko , Miyajima Hajime , Tsubone Tetsuo , Ohama Minoru , Kushima Hisako , Matsumoto Bunroku , Kadota Jun‐ichi
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Unexpected death from suffocation as a result of ortholaryngeal mucinous secretions or vomitus during recovery from pneumonia is devastating for patients, their families and medical professionals. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for unexpected death from suffocation in elderly patients hospitalized for pneumonia.

Methods:  This study was carried out with patients aged 65 years and older that were hospitalized for pneumonia and died of any cause. Unexpected death from suffocation was defined as: (i) being in the recovery stage of pneumonia; (ii) presenting stable vital signs a week before death; (iii) dying within 24 h after suffocation; and (iv) aspiration confirmed by transtracheal suction. The clinical features and courses, and methods of feeding were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:  A total of 11 patients that had an unexpected death from suffocation and 62 patients who died of other causes were enrolled. There were significantly more patients that received tube feeding after admission (continuation and introduction) among the patients who had died of suffocation (63.6%) than in those who had died of other causes (12.9%; P < 0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that tube feeding after admission was strongly associated with unexpected death from suffocation (adjusted odds ratio 9.536, P = 0.047) after adjusting for sex, age, level of serum albumin, PaO2/FIO2 ratio, the pneumonia severity score and performance status.

Conclusion:  A continuation of tube feeding after admission is thus considered to be a significant predictor of unexpected death from suffocation in elderly patients with pneumonia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 388–392.
Cognitive aging affects motor performance and learning
Authors: Ren Jie , Wu Yan D , Chan John SY , Yan Jin H
Published: July 2012

Substantial evidence indicates that declines in cognitive and motor functioning are often observed when we age. The interdependence of cognition and behavior has been reported in a wide range of studies. However, research on the cognitive–motor associations in aging has been lacking. We review behavioral and neural characteristics of cognitive aging in relation to motor aging and aim to elucidate their interrelationships in an aging context. From a developmental view, we propose an integrative concept focusing on the dynamics of cognitive functioning, motor performance and skill acquisition. In the framework, representations and motor learning potential are closely related. and supported by distributed neural systems, which are less susceptible to functional declines in the aging process. Mostly supported by high‐level areas, control processes, motor learning efficiency and motor performance are closely related. As high‐level areas are more vulnerable during aging, control processes, motor learning efficiency and motor performance are substantially affected when one approaches late adulthood. Practical implications and future research directions are discussed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Short‐term effect of low‐intensity, pulsed, electromagnetic fields on gait characteristics in older adults with low bone mineral density: A pilot randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Giusti Andrea , Giovale Massimo , Ponte Marco , Fratoni Francesco , Tortorolo Umberto , De Vincentiis Armando , Bianchi Gerolamo
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the short‐term effects of a 10‐min exposure to low‐intensity, pulsed, electromagnetic fields (PEF) on gait characteristics in older adults with low bone mineral density.

Methods:  In a single‐center, double‐blind, randomized‐controlled trial, community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥70 years were randomized (3:2 ratio) to receive a 10‐min treatment with PEF (mean intensity 1.5 mW) or placebo. The following gait parameters were assessed at baseline and just after the intervention/placebo with the GAITRite Portable Walkway system: self‐selected gait speed (cm/s), stride length (cm), support base (cm) and double support phase (s).

Results:  In the intervention group (25 patients), both self‐selected gait speed and stride length increased significantly from baseline, whereas the double support phase decreased. In the placebo group, all gait parameters except for support base remained unchanged. The mean percent increase (±standard deviation) of self‐selected gait speed was significantly (P = 0.010) greater in the intervention group (20.1 ± 15.6) compared with the placebo group (10.5 ± 13.1), whereas no significant difference in the mean percent variation of the other parameters was found between the two groups. During the intervention, no adverse event was observed. A similar proportion of patients in the two groups reported one fall in the 30 days after the intervention/placebo.

Conclusions:  This is the first randomized‐controlled trial showing the potential beneficial effects of PEF on gait characteristics in older adults. Further phase III randomized trials are warranted to establish their potential benefits (e.g. fall prevention) on fall‐related health outcomes in elderly patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 393–397.
Better adherence to a transdermal tulobuterol patch than inhaled salmeterol in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Mochizuki Hideaki , Nanjo Yuta , Takahashi Hideki
Published: July 2012

Background:  Inhaled long‐acting β2‐agonists (LABA) are often poorly adhered to by elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We hypothesized that older age and compromised cognitive function might contribute to poor adherence to inhaled medications among COPD patients, and that transdermally delivered medications could improve adherence, exercise tolerance and quality of life (QOL).

Objective:  To compare adherence and effects on health outcomes between transdermal and inhaled LABA.

Methods:  A total of 44 treatment‐naïve, elderly Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe COPD were treated with a transdermal tulobuterol patch (TP; 2 mg, once a day) or inhaled salmeterol (50 µg, twice a day) in a randomized crossover manner. The primary outcomes were adherence to the LABA medications and changes in QOL measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were changes in 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) and spirometric values.

Results:  The overall adherence rate was 90.3 ± 1.6% for TP and 75.5 ± 2.9% for salmeterol (P < 0.001). Adherence to salmeterol was correlated with age and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), although that to TP was relatively constant regardless of age and MMSE score. 6MWD and QOL were significantly improved from baseline after TP, but not after salmeterol treatment (P < 0.05). Similar degrees of increase in spirometric values occurred after treatment with TP and salmeterol.

Conclusions:  Adherence levels were higher overall with TP than with inhaled salmeterol, and more stable across age groups and MMSE levels. TP might be a favorable treatment option for COPD patients with poor adherence to an inhaled LABA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 398–404.
Ca2+‐dependent ion channels underlying spontaneous activity in insect circadian pacemaker neurons
Authors: Wei Hongying , Stengl Monika
Published: July 2012

Electrical activity in the gamma frequency range is instrumental for temporal encoding on the millisecond scale in attentive vertebrate brains. Surprisingly, also circadian pacemaker neurons in the cockroach Rhyparobia maderae (Leucophaea maderae) employ fast spontaneous rhythmic activity in the gamma band frequency range (20–70 Hz) together with slow rhythmic activity. The ionic conductances controlling this fast spontaneous activity are still unknown. Here, Ca2+ imaging combined with pharmacology was employed to analyse ion channels underlying spontaneous activity in dispersed circadian pacemakers of the adult accessory medulla, which controls circadian locomotor activity rhythms. Fast spontaneous Ca2+ transients in circadian pacemakers accompany tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐blockable spontaneous action potentials. In contrast to vertebrate pacemakers, the spontaneous depolarisations from rest appear to be rarely initiated via TTX‐sensitive sustained Na+ channels. Instead, they are predominantly driven by mibefradil‐sensitive, low‐voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels and DK‐AH269‐sensitive hyperpolarisation‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channels. Rhythmic depolarisations activate voltage‐gated Na+ channels and nifedipine‐sensitive high‐voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels. Together with Ca2+ rises, the depolarisations open repolarising small‐conductance but not large‐conductance Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels. In contrast, we hypothesise that P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels coupled to large‐conductance Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels are involved in input‐dependent activity.
Impact of different bioenergy crops on N‐cycling bacterial and archaeal communities in soil
Authors: Mao Yuejian , Yannarell Anthony C. , Davis Sarah C. , Mackie Roderick I.
Published: July 2012

Biomass production for bioenergy may change soil microbes and influence ecosystem properties. To explore the impact of different bioenergy cropping systems on soil microorganisms, the compositions and quantities of soil microbial communities (16S rRNA gene) and N‐cycling functional groups (nifH, bacterial amoA, archaeal amoA and nosZ genes) were assessed under maize, switchgrass and Miscanthus x giganteus at seven sites representing a climate gradient (precipitation and temperature) in Illinois, USA. Overall, the site‐to‐site variation in community composition surpassed the variation due to plant type, and microbial communities under each crop did not converge on a ‘typical’ species assemblage. Fewer than 5% of archaeal amoA, bacterial amoA, nifH and nosZ OTUs were significantly different among these crops, but the largest differences observed at each site were found between maize and the two perennial grasses. Quantitative PCR revealed that the abundance of the nifH gene was significantly higher in the perennial grasses than in maize, and we also found significantly higher total N in the perennial grass soils than in maize. Thus, we conclude that cultivation of these perennial grasses, instead of maize, as bioenergy feedstocks can improve soil ecosystem nitrogen sustainability by increasing the population size of N‐fixing bacteria.
Should diabetes retinal screening intervals change?
Authors: Leese G. P.
Published: July 2012

Diabet. Med. 30, 43–45 (2013)

There is accumulating evidence that the natural history of diabetic eye disease is sufficiently slow that 2‐yearly retinal screening, or even longer, may be safe for some patients with diabetes. The information technology underpinning call–recall systems within screening programmes permits a more sophisticated approach to organizing retinal screening, as directed by the clinical evidence. This commentary explores the evidence for moving towards a biennial retinal screening programme for patients with Type 2 diabetes and diabetes duration of less than 10 years. Such an approach may allow capacity to introduce 6‐monthly screening for high‐risk patients, a targeted approach to recurrent defaulters and possible introduction of new aspects of screening such as optical coherence tomography, in addition to accommodating for the expanding number of patients with diabetes. A UK–four nations group is now critically looking at the evidence for any such changes.
BANKING RECORDS, BUSINESS AND NETWORKS IN COLONIAL SYDNEY, 1817–24
Authors: JOHNS LEANNE , VILLE SIMON
Published: July 2012

Examining accounting transactions between depositors in the first accounts ledger of the Bank of New South Wales contributes to our knowledge of early Australian colonial businesspeople and their business activities. A social network analysis framework is applied to the transactions to disclose business networks and prominent individuals in the networks. The analysis seeks to ascertain the importance of these people to commerce and the significance of their networks in facilitating commercial relationships in a business environment fraught with uncertainty. The results illustrate the importance of networks to colonial trade and mercantile activity, especially for smaller scale businesspeople.
Do Different Work Characteristics Have Different Distributional Impacts on Job Satisfaction? A Study of Slope Heterogeneity in Workers’ Well‐Being
Authors: Chongvilaivan Aekapol , Powdthavee Nattavudh
Published: July 2012

This article is an empirical study of slope heterogeneity in job satisfaction. It provides evidence from the generalized ordered probit models that different job characteristics tend to have different distributional impacts on the overall job satisfaction. For instance, standard models tend to significantly underestimate the effects of monthly salary and hours worked at generating the ‘highly’ satisfied workers, while lowering the incidence of the ‘very dissatisfied’ workers. Although our results should be viewed as illustrative, we provide discussions of their potential implications for employers and on how they could help with the design of employment contracts.
WHO’S THE BOSS? HOUSEHOLD DISTRIBUTION OF POWER IN A NON‐COOPERATIVE FRAMEWORK
Authors: Mahmud Ahmed Saber , Jahan Sarwat
Published: July 2012

When labour market participation influences bargaining power in a household, the male and the female labour supplies can be either positively or negatively related. If negatively related, possibilities include: ‘balance of power’, the complete dominance of one member, and circumstances where inequity persists with incomplete dominance. If effort levels are positively sloped, it is possible to have equilibrium at either high or low effort levels leading to equity. The effects of economic development and wage discrimination are also discussed.
Low‐Complexity Intervisibility in Height Fields
Authors: Timonen Ville
Published: July 2012

Global illumination systems require intervisibility information between pairs of points in a scene. This visibility problem is computationally complex, and current interactive implementations for dynamic scenes are limited to crude approximations or small amounts of geometry. We present a novel algorithm to determine intervisibility from all points of dynamic height fields as visibility horizons in discrete azimuthal directions. The algorithm determines accurate visibility along each azimuthal direction in time linear in the number of output visibility horizons. This is achieved by using a novel visibility structure we call the convex hull tree. The key feature of our algorithm is its ability to incrementally update the convex hull tree such that at each receiver point only the visible parts of the height field are traversed. This results in low time complexity; compared to previous work, we achieve two orders of magnitude reduction in the number of algorithm iterations and a speedup of 2.4 to 41 on
 height fields, depending on geometric content.
Syrian Self‐Initiated Expatriates: Emotional Connections from Abroad
Authors: Beitin Ben K.
Published: July 2012

The relationship of an expatriate to his or her country of origin is complicated by reasons for leaving, ease of acculturation into the new country, nostalgia, loneliness and the ability to remain connected to his or her country of origin while abroad. Research on expatriate experiences has been limited to certain countries of origin and host countries, as well as a narrow definition of the term “expatriate”. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and relationships with host and home countries of Syrian self‐initiated expatriates, an underrepresented group in the literature. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 13 Syrian self‐initiated expatriates during an expatriate conference in Damascus, Syria. The results showed that Syrian self‐initiated expatriates have left Syria to advance their education and their careers. For many of the men interviewed, Syria’s mandate of military service was a factor in leaving. When in their host countries, they faced adjustment issues such as language barriers and difficulty remaining connected to Syria. Relationships with both countries were fluid and changing, based on factors such as adjustment and ease of communication. I make recommendations for improving travel, communication and cultural maintenance to support the connection between Syrian self‐initiated expatriates and Syrian society.
Decongestion improves cell‐mediated immunity in postmastectomy arm lymphoedema: a pilot study
Authors: Szolnoky G. , Dobozy A. , Kemény L.
Published: July 2012

Background  Chronic lymphoedematous limbs have an increased propensity for infections and primary or secondary malignant tumours. It has been attributed to suppressed delayed‐type hypersensitivity measured in lymphoedemas related to Stewart–Treves syndrome, Kaposi’s sarcoma or breast cancer treatment. Cell‐mediated immunity is an effective defence mechanism against bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumour cells.

Objective  We aimed to examine whether decongestive lymphoedema therapy could improve cell‐mediated immunity in breast cancer treatment‐related lymphoedema (BCRL).

Methods  Eight women with unilateral BCRL were included in this study. At baseline, tuberculin skin test (TST) was performed on the volar surfaces of the forearms of the affected and non‐affected sides using 0.5, 1 and 5 tuberculin units in the form of three consecutive injections with 3‐cm spaces in‐between, and arm volumes were measured using the Kuhnke’s disc model. Decongestive lymphatic therapy was given to swollen arms in 10 consecutive working days. At the end of intensive decongestion, TST on affected side and bilateral volumetry were repeated.

Results  Baseline test using undiluted (5 units) and fivefold diluted (1 unit) tuberculin solutions has shown significant differences (P < 0.05) between the mean sizes (11.81 ± 2.32 and 7.75 ± 1.92; 7.12 ± 1.12 and 5.12 ± 0.91 respectively) in favour to healthy arms. Post therapeutically, the mean sizes were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the dilutions of 1 : 1 and 1 : 5 (7.75 ± 1.92 and 10.56 ± 1.23 mm, 5.12 ± 0.91 and 5.93 ± 1.74 mm respectively).

Conclusion  Significant increase in TST sizes suggests that decongestive lymphatic therapy is able to partially restore impaired cellular immune function in BCRL.
Correlation among metallothionein expression, intratumoural macrophage infiltration and the risk of metastasis in human cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Emri E. , Egervari K. , Varvolgyi T. , Rozsa D. , Miko E. , Dezso B. , Veres I. , Mehes G. , Emri G. , Remenyik E.
Published: July 2012

Background  The formation of metastases and the efficacy of systemic therapies in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) depend on the characteristics of the tumour cells and the host immune response. Aberrant expression of metallothionein (MT) has been observed in several types of cancers with poor prognoses.

Objective  To perform an immunohistochemical study on primary CMM comparing the MT expression of tumours without metastases (n = 23) to that of samples with haematogenous metastases (n = 23) and to examine the correlation between MT staining and immunological markers relevant in CMM progression.

Methods  The immunohistochemical labelling of different tumour sections was analysed using tissue microarrays for the evaluation of the suitability of this method in future studies.

Results  Our results suggest that MT overexpression is significantly more frequent in primary CMM with haematogenous metastases (P = 0.018) and that the overexpression is independent of the Breslow tumour thickness (R = 0.102, P = 0.501). Interestingly, MT overexpression of the tumour cells was correlated with the presence of tumour‐infiltrating CD68+ macrophages (P = 0.003), a known predictive factor for melanoma progression, thereby suggesting a role for MT in the development of a defective host immune response. Furthermore, the presence of CD163+ macrophages infiltrating the tumours correlated with metastasis formation (P < 0.001), whereas the presence CD1a+ dendritic cells surrounding the tumours was associated with a lower risk of haematogenous spread (P = 0.003).

Conclusion  Our results demonstrate that MT may represent a suitable prognostic factor that can characterize the metastasising ability of CMM and the tumour‐promoting host immune response.