bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Online Parent Information and Support project, meeting parents’ information and support needs for home‐based management of childhood chronic kidney disease: research protocol
Authors: Swallow Veronica , Knafl Kathleen , Sanatacroce Sheila , Hall Andrew , Smith Trish , Campbell Malcolm , Webb Nicholas J.A.
Published: January 2012

swallow v., knafl k., sanatacroce s., hall a., smith t., campbell m. & webb n.j.a. (2012) The Online Parent Information and Support project, meeting parents’ information and support needs for home‐based management of childhood chronic kidney disease: research protocol. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(9), 2095–2102.

Aim.  This article is a report of a protocol for studying the development and evaluation of an online parent information and support package for home‐based care of children with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5. The study is funded by a National Institute of Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit Grant awarded (December 2010). Approval to undetake the study was obtained from the Department of Health National Research Ethics Service (June 2011).

Background.  Children with chronic kidney disease require skilled, home‐based care by parents, supported by professionals. Parents have identified a need for continuously available online resources to supplement professional support, and structured resources tailored to parents’ needs are highlighted by policy makers as key to optimizing care; yet, online resource provision is patchy with little evidence base.

Methods.  Using mixed methods, we will (i) conduct parent/child/young person/professional/patient and parent volunteer focus groups to explore views on existing resources, (ii) collaboratively define gaps in provision, identify desirable components, develop/test resources and conduct a feasibility randomized controlled trial, and (iii) of usual professional support versus usual support supplemented by the package. Eighty parents of children with chronic kidney disease will be randomized. Primary outcomes will assess parents’ self‐efficacy and views of resources, using standardized measures at entry and 24 weeks, and semi‐structured interviews at 24 weeks. We will finalize trial components for a later definitive trial.

Discussion.  By working collaboratively, we will derive a detailed insight into parents’ information and support needs and experiences of using the package, and should see improved parental self‐efficacy.
A survey of issues of ethnicity and culture in nursing homes in an English region: nurse managers’ perspectives
Authors: Badger Frances , Clarke Laura , Pumphrey Rachel , Clifford Collette
Published: January 2012

Aims.  This survey explored issues of ethnicity and culture in nursing homes in one English region.

Background.  The older black and minority ethnic population in the UK is increasing, and this is the first detailed study of numbers of black and minority ethnic residents in nursing homes and of managers’ perceptions of their abilities to respond to residents’ needs.

Design.  Mixed methods.

Methods.  Date were collected in 2008. A postal survey was sent to all nursing homes in the region. A sub‐sample of managers participated in semi‐structured telephone interviews.

Results.  A hundred and one homes responded to the survey, and 13 managers were interviewed. One‐third of homes had black and minority ethnic residents, and 95% had staff from these groups. Managers’ underlying philosophies of care were to treat each resident individually and not by category. It was felt that individualised care plans resulted in residents’ needs being met appropriately. Culturally sensitive care delivery varied. Some homes had established systems that were responsive to residents’ diversity, while others responded to the needs of black and minority ethnic residents on an ‘as‐required’ basis. Managers’ identified advantages in having staff from diverse backgrounds, although prejudice from residents towards staff emerged as a theme and managers’ responses varied. Staff training in the provision of appropriate end‐of‐life care was identified as a need.

Conclusion.  Black and minority ethnic residents form a small but growing minority of nursing home residents. Predicted increases in this resident group mean that managers must consider the delivery of culturally sensitive services. Future research is needed to explore the perspectives of black and minority ethnic residents.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nursing homes in England are increasingly diverse communities, and staff training needs must be addressed to promote quality care for all residents.
Adaptive strategies of Parietaria diffusa (M.&K.) to calcareous habitat with limited iron availability*
Authors: DONNINI SILVIA , DE NISI PATRIZIA , GABOTTI DAMIANO , TATO LILIANA , ZOCCHI GRAZIANO
Published: January 2012

The study of native plants growing in hostile environments is useful to understand how these species respond to stress conditions. Parietaria diffusa (M.&K.) is able to survive in highly calcareous soils and extreme environments, such as house walls, without displaying any chlorotic symptoms. Here, we have investigated the existence of Strategy I complementary/alternative mechanism(s) involved in Fe solubilization and uptake and responsible for Parietaria's extraordinary efficiency. After assessing the specific traits involved in a calcicole‐behaviour in the field, we have grown plants in conditions of Fe deficiency, either direct (−Fe) or induced by the presence of bicarbonate (+FeBic). Then, the growth performance, physiological and biochemical responses of the plants were investigated. The study shows that in Parietaria+FeBic, the classical responses of Strategy I plants are activated to a lower extent than in −Fe. In addition, there is a greater production of phenolics and organic acids that are both exuded and accumulated in the roots, which in turn show structures similar to ‘proteoid‐like roots’. We suggest that in the presence of this constraint, Parietaria undergoes some metabolic rearrangements that involve PEP‐consuming reactions and an enhancement of the shikimate pathway.
Resistance in winter wheat lines to deoxynivalenol applied into florets at flowering stage and tolerance to phytotoxic effects on yield
Authors: Horevaj P. , Brown‐Guedira G. , Milus E. A.
Published: January 2012

In Europe and North America, deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent mycotoxin associated with wheat head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum. Because DON is toxic to plants and enhances the ability of the pathogen to spread within a spike, wheat lines with resistance to DON should be more resistant to head blight. Resistance to DON has been associated with resistance gene Fhb1 that confers resistance to spread within a spike. The objectives of this study were to determine if wheat lines resistant to head blight were also resistant to DON, if genes other than Fhb1 confer resistance to DON, and to identify lines able to fill grain in the presence of DON. Susceptible controls and diverse North American and European winter wheat lines with resistance to head blight were screened for molecular markers linked to known head blight resistance genes, and evaluated in a greenhouse for resistance to DON and relative yield after application of DON to spikes at flowering. Fhb1 appeared to have the unique ability to confer resistance to DON, as measured by the number of DON‐bleached primary florets. However, this resistance did not protect plants from the phytotoxic effects of DON on kernel formation as measured by the relative yield of treated spikes. Furthermore, measuring the relative yield loss following DON application may be useful for identifying lines with tolerance to head blight.
Development of a quantitative real‐time PCR assay for Phytophthora infestans and its applicability to leaf, tuber and soil samples
Authors: Lees A. K. , Sullivan L. , Lynott J. S. , Cullen D. W.
Published: January 2012

A sensitive real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for the quantification of Phytophthora infestans, the cause of foliar and tuber late blight in potato. A primer pair (PinfTQF/PinfTQR) and a fluorogenic probe (PinfTQPR) were designed to perform a quantitative assay for the detection of P. infestans in leaves, tubers and soils. The assay was shown to be specific to P. infestans and the very closely taxonomically related non‐potato pathogen species P. mirabilis, P. phaseoli and P. ipomoea, but did not detect the potato pathogens P. erythroseptica and P. nicotianae. The assay was able to reliably detect P. infestans DNA at 100 fg per reaction and was effective in quantifying P. infestans in infected leaf tissue from 24 h after inoculation and also in infected symptomless tubers and diseased tubers. Attempts to detect oospores of P. infestans in naturally and artificially infested soil samples are described and compared with baiting tests and previous literature. It was not possible to detect oospores in soil samples due to problems with DNA extraction from the oospores themselves. However, the assay was shown to detect even very low levels of asexual inoculum (sporangia and mycelium) in soil. This work assembles all the necessary features of a quantitative P. infestans assay, which have previously been somewhat disparate: the sensitivity, specificity and quantitation are fully validated, the assay is shown to work in common applications in leaf and tuber tissue and the problems with P. infestans oospore detection are explored and tested experimentally.
Component‐resolved diagnosis of vespid venom‐allergic individuals: phospholipases and antigen 5s are necessary to identify Vespula or Polistes sensitization
Authors: Monsalve R. I. , Vega A. , Marqués L. , Miranda A. , Fernández J. , Soriano V. , Cruz S. , Domínguez‐Noche C. , Sánchez‐Morillas L. , Armisen‐Gil M. , Guspí R. , Barber D.
Published: January 2012

Background

Cross‐reactivity between hymenoptera species varies according to the different allergenic components of the venom. The true source of sensitization must therefore be established to ensure the efficacy of venom immunotherapy.

Objective

In the Mediterranean region, Polistes dominulus and Vespula spp. are clinically relevant cohabitating wasps. A panel of major vespid venom allergens was used to investigate whether serum‐specific IgE (sIgE) could be used to distinguish sensitization to either vespid.

Methods

Fifty‐nine individuals with allergic reactions to vespid stings and positive ImmunoCAP and/or intradermal tests to vespid venoms were studied. sIgE against recombinant and natural venom components from each wasp species was determined using the ADVIA Centaur® system.

Results

sIgE against recombinant antigen 5s sensitization to be detected in 52% of the patients tested (13/25). The sensitivity increased to 80% (20/25), when using natural antigen 5s, and to 100% with the complete panel of purified natural components, because the sIgE was positive to either the antigen 5s (Pol d 5/Ves v 5) or to the phospholipases (Pol d 1/Ves v 1) of the two vespids, or to both components at the same time. In 69% of cases, it was possible to define the most probable sensitizing insect, and in the rest, possible double sensitization could not be excluded. Vespula hyaluronidase was shown to have no additional value as regards the specificity of the assay.

Conclusions

The major allergens of P. dominulus’ and Vespula vulgaris’ venom, namely phoshpholipases and antigen 5s, are required to discriminate the probable sensitizing species in vespid‐allergic patients.
Perioperative inflammatory response and protein S‐100β concentrations – relationship with post‐operative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients
Authors: LI Y‐C. , XI C‐H. , AN Y‐F. , DONG W‐H. , ZHOU M.
Published: January 2012

Background

One major concern in about one third of elder patients after total hip‐replacement surgery is post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Previous studies have suggested that cognitive impairment is accompanied with changes in serum S‐100β protein (S‐100β) and inflammatory markers. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the value of serum S‐100β and interleukin(IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in reflecting POCD after total hip‐replacement surgery.

Methods

Forty‐two elderly patients were enrolled, and 37 patients completed the follow‐up. Serum S‐100β protein and IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and CRP were determined pre‐operatively, as well as 1 h and 6 h post‐operatively. Neuropsychological tests were performed pre‐operatively, as well as on day 1, 3, and 7 post‐operatively.

Results

Seventeen (45.9%, 17/37) patients developed POCD 1 day after surgery, and three (8.1%, 3/37) developed POCD 7 days after surgery. [Correction added after publication 7 February 2012: in the preceding sentence (54.1%, 17/37) was corrected to (45.9%, 17/37)]. Patients with POCD 1 day after surgery had significantly higher serum levels of IL‐6 at 6 h (135 ± 32 pg/ml vs. 91 ± 29 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and S‐100β at 1 h (1872 ± 385 pg/ml vs. 1289 ± 143 pg/ml, P < 0.05. No significant post‐operative change was detected in levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1, or CRP.

Conclusion

The serum levels of pro‐inflammatory marker IL‐6 and S‐100β protein increased after total hip‐replacement in elderly patients, and such increase may serve as predicting parameters for the occurrence of POCD.
Effect of amiodarone on dispersion of ventricular repolarization in a canine congestive heart failure model
Authors: Zhou Shu‐Xian , Fang Chang , Zheng Shao‐Xin , Zhang Yu‐Ling , Lei Juan , Wang Jing‐Feng
Published: January 2012

The effects of amiodarone on ventricular electrophysiological parameters, especially the dispersion of ventricular repolarization, were investigated in a canine model of congestive heart failure (CHF).

Dogs were randomized to either a control, amiodarone, CHF, or CHF+amiodarone group. Dogs in the CHF and CHF+amiodarone groups underwent 4–5 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing; dogs in the control and amiodarone groups underwent sham operation only. Amiodarone (20 mg/kg per day) was administered orally, beginning on postoperative Day 1, in the treatment groups; ventricular electrophysiological variables were evaluated 4–5 weeks after rapid pacing or sham operation.

In CHF dogs, the transmural dispersion ventricular repolarization time (TDVRT) increased significantly. Amiodarone significantly decreased the TDVRT in CHF dogs. The ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) decreased in the CHF group. Amiodarone increased the VFT in CHF dogs.

The TDVRT increased in CHF dogs, but amiodarone decreased TDVRT and increased VFT in these dogs. These results suggest a beneficial effect of amiodarone on malignant arrhythmias and may provide the basis for its use in CHF patients.
My child is unique; the pharmacokinetics are universal
Authors: Anderson Brian J.
Published: January 2012

The pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters that are important for dosing (e.g., clearance and volume) are well known. They are used in universal mathematical formulae that describe the time course of drug concentration. Additional formulae can be used to describe major covariate effects in children, such as size and maturation. PK parameters describing the time–concentration profile of a drug after administration are those for a typical individual in a population. These parameters are associated with variability. Further, any one individual may not be typical of the population studied. While size and maturation are two important considerations in children and assist with dosing estimation, there are also a number of additional PK covariates (e.g., organ function, disease, drug interactions, pharmacogenetics), and identifying these sources of variability allows us to individualize drug dose. Pharmacology is not simply an application of PK, and determinants of drug dose also require an understanding of the variability associated with pharmacodynamic response and a balancing of beneficial effects against unwanted effects. Each child is unique in this respect.
Intralocus sexual conflict and offspring sex ratio
Authors: Katsuki Masako , Harano Tomohiro , Miyatake Takahisa , Okada Kensuke , Hosken David J.
Published: January 2012

Ecology Letters (2012)

Males and females frequently have different fitness optima for shared traits, and as a result, genotypes that are high fitness as males are low fitness as females, and vice versa. When this occurs, biasing of offspring sex‐ratio to reduce the production of the lower‐fitness sex would be advantageous, so that for example, broods produced by high‐fitness females should contain fewer sons. We tested for offspring sex‐ratio biasing consistent with these predictions in broad‐horned flour beetles. We found that in both wild‐type beetles and populations subject to artificial selection for high‐ and low‐fitness males, offspring sex ratios were biased in the predicted direction: low‐fitness females produced an excess of sons, whereas high‐fitness females produced an excess of daughters. Thus, these beetles are able to adaptively bias sex ratio and recoup indirect fitness benefits of mate choice.
Abundance of microbial genes associated with nitrogen cycling as indices of biogeochemical process rates across a vegetation gradient in Alaska
Authors: Petersen Dorthe Groth , Blazewicz Steven J. , Firestone Mary , Herman Donald J. , Turetsky Merritt , Waldrop Mark
Published: January 2012

Nitrification and denitrification processes are crucial to plant nutrient availability, eutrophication and greenhouse gas production both locally and globally. Unravelling the major environmental predictors for nitrification and denitrification is thus pivotal in order to understand and model environmental nitrogen (N) cycling. Here, we sampled five plant community types characteristic of interior Alaska, including black spruce, bog birch, tussock grass and two fens. We assessed abundance of functional genes affiliated with nitrification (bacterial and archaeal amoA) and denitrification (nirK/S and nosZ) using qPCR, soil characteristics, potential nitrification and denitrification rates (PNR and PDR) and gross mineralization rates. The main chemical and biological predictors for PNR and PDR were assigned through path analysis. The potential N cycling rates varied dramatically between sites, from some of the highest (in fens) to some of the lowest (in black spruce) measured globally. Based on path analysis, functional gene abundances were the most important variables to predict potential rates. PNR was best explained by bacterial amoA gene abundance followed by ammonium content, whereas PDR was best explained directly by nosZ gene abundance and indirectly by nirK/S gene abundance and nitrate. Hence, functional gene abundance is a valuable index that integrates recent environmental history and recent process activity, and therefore is a good predictor of potential rates. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the relative importance of different biological and chemical factors in driving the potential for nitrification and denitrification across terrestrial ecosystems.
Genomic and functional analysis of Vibrio phage SIO‐2 reveals novel insights into ecology and evolution of marine siphoviruses
Authors: Baudoux A.‐C. , Hendrix R. W. , Lander G. C. , Bailly X. , Podell S. , Paillard C. , Johnson J. E. , Potter C. S. , Carragher B. , Azam F.
Published: January 2012

We report on a genomic and functional analysis of a novel marine siphovirus, the Vibrio phage SIO‐2. This phage is lytic for related Vibrio species of great ecological interest including the broadly antagonistic bacterium Vibrio sp. SWAT3 as well as notable members of the Harveyi clade (V. harveyi ATTC BAA‐1116 and V. campbellii ATCC 25920). Vibrio phage SIO‐2 has a circularly permuted genome of 80 598 bp, which displays unusual features. This genome is larger than that of most known siphoviruses and only 38 of the 116 predicted proteins had homologues in databases. Another divergence is manifest by the origin of core genes, most of which share robust similarities with unrelated viruses and bacteria spanning a wide range of phyla. These core genes are arranged in the same order as in most bacteriophages but they are unusually interspaced at two places with insertions of DNA comprising a high density of uncharacterized genes. The acquisition of these DNA inserts is associated with morphological variation of SIO‐2 capsid, which assembles as a large (80 nm) shell with a novel T = 12 symmetry. These atypical structural features confer on SIO‐2 a remarkable stability to a variety of physical, chemical and environmental factors. Given this high level of functional and genomic novelty, SIO‐2 emerges as a model of considerable interest in ecological and evolutionary studies.
Variation in transport explains polymorphism of histidine and urocanate utilization in a natural Pseudomonas population
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Xian , Chang Hao , Tran Sieu L. , Gauntlett Jonathan C. , Cook Gregory M. , Rainey Paul B.
Published: January 2012

Phenotypic variation is a fundamental requirement for evolution by natural selection. While evidence of phenotypic variation in natural populations abounds, its genetic basis is rarely understood. Here we report variation in the ability of plant‐colonizing Pseudomonas to utilize histidine, and its derivative, urocanate, as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. From a population of 164 phyllosphere‐colonizing Pseudomonas strains, 77% were able to utilize both histidine and urocanate (His+, Uro+) as growth substrates, whereas the remainder could utilize histidine, but not urocanate (His+, Uro‐), or vice versa (His‐, Uro+). An in silico analysis of the hut locus, which determines capacity to utilize both histidine and urocanate, from genome‐sequenced Pseudomonas strains, showed significant variation in the number of putative transporters. To identify transporter genes specific for histidine and urocanate, we focused on a single genotype of Pseudomonas fluorescens, strain SBW25, which is capable of utilizing both substrates. Site‐directed mutagenesis, combined with [3H]histidine transport assays, shows that hutTu encodes a urocanate‐specific transporter; hutTh encodes the major high‐affinity histidine transporter; and hutXWV encodes an ABC‐type transporter that plays a minor role in histidine uptake. Introduction of cloned copies of hutTh and hutTu from SBW25 into strains incapable of utilizing either histidine, or urocanate, complemented the defect, demonstrating a lack of functional transporters in these strains. Taken together our data show that variation in transport systems, and not in metabolic genes, explains a naturally occurring phenotypic polymorphism.
Lipid profiles in untreated patients with dermatomyositis
Authors: Wang H. , Tang J. , Chen X. , Li F. , Luo J.
Published: January 2012

Background and Objective  Altered lipid levels may occur in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. However, serum lipid profiles in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) have not been investigated. Our aim was to identify lipid profiles in untreated DM patients, and to assess the relationship of the inflammatory condition of DM with lipid profiles.

Methods  This work was designed and conducted as a case‐control study. Forty‐one DM patients and 41 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were included. None of the patients had received corticosteroids or disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs prior to the study. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were assessed using standard techniques.

Results  Twenty‐nine patients (70.7%) had an increase level of TG, and 41.5% had a decrease level of HDL‐C. The levels of HDL‐C in DM were significantly lower than in controls (P < 0.01). The levels of TG, Non‐ HDL‐cholesterol and very LDL‐cholesterol (VLDL‐C) were significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively). The ratios of VLDL‐C/LDL‐C, TC/HDL‐C and LDL‐C/HDL‐C were significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.001). Spearman’s correlation test demonstrated that serum CRP levels correlated negatively with HDL‐C in DM(r = −0.420, P = 0.006).

Conclusion  Dyslipoproteinemia is a common feature in patients with DM that is characterized by an increase in TG and a decrease in HDL‐C, suggesting a high risk of atherosclerosis. Inflammation might partly account for the changes of serum lipid profiles in DM.
Nutritional rehabilitation increases the resting energy expenditure of malnourished children with severe cerebral palsy
Authors: ARROWSMITH FIONA E , ALLEN JANE R , GASKIN KEVIN J , SOMERVILLE HELEN , BIRDSALL JOCELYN , BARZI FEDERICA , O’LOUGHLIN EDWARD V
Published: January 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to measure resting energy expenditure (REE) and energy intake in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP), to relate these to anthropometric measurements, and to determine the influence of nutritional rehabilitation on REE.

Methods  Fifty‐six children (20 females, 36 males; age range 3y 11mo–18y; mean age 10y; SD 3y 11mo) with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System level V) participated in this cross‐sectional study. Children were excluded if they had a known metabolic disorder, genetic syndrome, or chromosomal abnormality. Thirty‐three of the children were tube fed and 23 were fed orally. A comparison group comprised 111 (42 females, 69 males) healthy children who had undergone anthropometric and REE measurements and were of similar age to the children with CP (4–19y). REE was measured by indirect calorimetry and energy intake was determined from weighed food records.

Results  The REE in the children with CP was low (79.5%) compared with that predicted and highly variable (SD 38.4%). Fat‐free mass was the strongest predictor of REE, accounting for 27% of the variation. Energy intake as a percentage of REE in was greatly overestimated in oral‐fed children with CP (293%). In a subset of children with CP (n=14), an increased energy intake by gastrostomy tube feeding resulted in an increase in REE from 70.0% to 101.9% of that predicted.

Interpretation  The REE of children with CP is low and variable and is not strongly related to any one anthropometric measurement. Food records in oral‐fed children with CP are of little value owing to their inaccuracy. This study provided support for the hypothesis that the low REE found in malnourished children with CP is partly due to a low energy intake.
Symbiotic association of a pyrgomatid barnacle with a coral from a volcanic middle Miocene shoreline (Porto Santo, Madeira Archipelago, Portugal)
Authors: SANTOS ANA , MAYORAL EDUARDO , BAARLI B. GUDVEIG , Da SILVA CARLOS M. , CACHÃO MÁRIO , JOHNSON MARKES E.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The bioclaustration of the pyrgomatid barnacle Ceratoconcha aff. costata within the carbonate skeleton of a colonial hermatypical coral (Tarbellastrea reussiana) is described from a middle Miocene basaltic rocky palaeoshore on a small north‐eastern Atlantic islet of Porto Santo (Madeira Archipelago, Portugal). The resulting structure is named as a new trace fossil Imbutichnus igen. nov., characterized by a small, funnel‐like cavity, a circular to oval cross‐section, with a nearly cylindrical shape in the upper part and a conical shape towards the base. Imbutichnus costatum isp. nov. is defined as a bioclaustration structure produced by the overgrowth of a pyrgomatid barnacle by a coral. From an ethologic point of view, Imbutichnus is attributed to the Impedichnia category. In terms of palaeoecology, it is interpreted as the result of a parasitic relationship. This is also the oldest record of pyrgomatid barnacles in the eastern Atlantic and clearly demonstrates that the Miocene palaeogeographic range of Ceratoconcha was much wider than previously assumed.
Permian bryophytes of Western Gondwanaland from the Paraná Basin in Brazil
Authors: CHRISTIANO DE SOUZA ISABEL CORTEZ , RICARDI BRANCO FRESIA S. , VARGAS YELITZA LEÓN
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  This study involves bryophyte fossils from the Teresina Formation (Permian–Guadalupian) collected in the Rio Preto Quarry in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Two new genera are proposed, with two new species: Capimirinus riopretensis sp. nov. and Yguajemanus yucapirus sp. nov. C. riopretensis sp. nov. included a lateral sporophyte that was organically attached to a gametophyte and is thus one of the oldest pleurocarpous fossils known today. This discovery provides clear evidence of the evolution of mosses during the Permian, because an acrocarpous moss from this period was also found in India. The preservation of such a fragile structure demonstrates that no prefossilization displacement took place and that the sediments accumulated in a low‐energy, fresh‐water environment, similar to a lake fed by rain, and isolated from the direct influence of the sea. Campimirinus riopretensis may be placed within the earlier pleurocarps, and Yguajemanus yucapirus sp. nov. may belong to the Bryalean families. However, we were not able to place neither of these species in any existing family today.
Cincinnetina, a new Late Ordovician dalmanellid brachiopod from the Cincinnati type area, USA: implications for the evolution and palaeogeography of the epicontinental fauna of Laurentia
Authors: JIN JISUO
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The most common forms of Late Ordovician dalmanellid brachiopods from the Cincinnatian type area, previously treated as either Dalmanella or Onniella, are assigned to Cincinnetina gen. nov. The new genus differs from Dalmanella and Onniella in having a consistently developed primary medial costa in the dorsal valve, a larger cardinal process that tends to develop a trilobed myophore, strongly differentiated fine and coarse punctae, and sparse aditicules. Cincinnetina can be distinguished from the closely related Paucicrura and Diceromyonia in its smaller trilobed cardinal process (when developed) that does not have a dominant medial lobe and does not extend into the delthyrial cavity of the ventral valve. Globally, Dalmanella and Onniella occur most commonly in deposits of relatively deep‐ or cool‐water palaeoecological settings, whereas in North America, Cincinnetina, Paucicrura and Diceromyonia are found mainly in carbonate‐rich deposits in warm‐water depositional environments, with Cincinnetina and Paucicrura most common in pericratonic settings and Diceromyonia in palaeoequatorial inland seas.
Sensitivity of south‐east Atlantic planktonic foraminifera to mid‐Pleistocene climate change
Authors: UFKES ELS , KROON DICK
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The last one million years are important in terms of climate development during the so‐called Mid‐Pleistocene Transition when amplification of the glacial–interglacial cycles occurred. This study describes abundance changes in fossil planktonic foraminifera in sediments from Core T89‐40, retrieved from the Walvis Ridge in the south‐east Atlantic, across this time period. Cycles between upwelling and subtropical planktonic foraminiferal assemblages are shown to mirror changes between glacial and interglacial periods, respectively. During interglacial marine isotopic stages (MIS) 9, 11 and 31, however, anomalously high abundances of the polar left‐coiled Neogloboquadrina pachyderma occur, presumably linked to unusual seasonal upwelling waters. The planktonic foraminiferal abundance record shows 41‐ky cyclic variations in the regional oceanography linked to cycles in insolation influenced by changes in the Earth’s axial tilt (obliquity). These orbitally induced oscillations in oceanographic change occurred throughout the entire record. The most conspicuous feature of the planktonic foraminiferal record is the near absence of left‐coiled Globorotalia truncatulinoides between 960 and 610 ka (MIS 26‐15). The abrupt disappearance of this species is synchronous with the onset of the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition in MIS 26.
Risk factors for postoperative complications after fast‐track abdominal hysterectomy
Authors: Nilsson Lena , Wodlin Ninnie Borendal , Kjølhede Preben
Published: January 2012

Background

Fast‐track regimen has been shown to reduce postoperative complications in gastrointestinal surgery.

Aims

We investigated the incidence and type of postoperative complications and associated risk factors after benign abdominal hysterectomy undertaken in a fast‐track program.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal cohort study. In five Swedish hospitals, a cohort of 162 women, ASA 1‐2, undergoing abdominal hysterectomy in a fast‐track program was prospectively studied. Surgery was performed under spinal or general anaesthesia. The fast‐track concept was standardised with discharge criteria and a restricted intravenous fluid regimen. Complications were systematically registered during the five‐week follow‐up period. Risk factors for complications were analysed using multiple logistic regression models.

Results

Forty‐one (25.3%) developed postoperative complications, mainly infection and wound healing complications. The majority of the complications developed after discharge and were treated in the outpatient clinics. Four women (2.5%) were readmitted to hospital. Substantial risk factors for postoperative complications were obesity (OR 8.83), prior laparotomy (OR 2.92) and relative increase in body weight on the first postoperative day (OR 1.52).

Conclusions

Minor infection and wound healing complications seem to be common in healthy women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy in a fast‐track program. Obesity is an important risk factor also in fast‐track abdominal hysterectomy. A modest increase in postoperative relative weight gain during the first postoperative day seemed to increase the risk of postoperative complications. This factor merits further study. Randomised studies are necessary to determine the impact of fast‐track program and perioperative fluid regimens on postoperative complications.
Perinatal Postmortems: What Is Important to Parents and How Do They Decide?
Authors: Breeze Andrew C. G. , Statham Helen , Hackett Gerald A. , Jessop Flora A. , Lees Christoph C.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Background:  Falling consent rates for postmortems, regardless of age of death, have been widely reported in recent years. The aim of this study was to explore parental attitudes to, and decision‐making about, a perinatal postmortem after termination for fetal abnormality, late miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Methods:  A prospective self‐completion questionnaire was given to 35 women and their partners. The participants had experienced second or third trimester pregnancy loss in a single fetal medicine and delivery unit in the United Kingdom and were making decisions about having a postmortem. They were asked to complete a questionnaire about their attitudes to, and expectations of, a perinatal postmortem.

Results:  Thirty‐one questionnaires were received from parents of 17 babies (49% of those asked; 16 from mothers, 15 from fathers). Parents of nine babies (53%) said they would agree to a full postmortem, of three babies to a limited postmortem, and of four babies to an external examination only; one couple were undecided. The most important issues for the parents in this study that related to their decisions about a postmortem centered on the need for information, both for future planning and about what had happened. Moderately important issues related to altruism, which is, improving medical knowledge and helping other parents experiencing similar bereavement. Among the lowest scoring issues were potential barriers, such as concerns about cultural or religious acceptability of a postmortem, funeral delays, and what would happen to the baby’s body.

Conclusions:  Bereaved parents who participated in this study, where postmortem consent rates were relatively high, thought that their need for knowledge eclipsed assumed barriers when deciding whether or not to have a postmortem for their baby. (BIRTH 39:1 March 2012)
The Use of Ranolazine to Facilitate Electrical Cardioversion in Cardioversion‐Resistant Patients: A Case Series
Authors: MURDOCK DAVID K. , KALIEBE JEFF , LARRAIN GERMAN
Published: January 2012

Background:

Occasionally atrial fibrillation (AF) is resistant to electrical cardioversion (EC). Ranolazine (RZ) is an antianginal agent, which inhibits abnormal late Na+ channel currents in cardiomyocytes and decreases Na+/Ca++ overload. RZ is a potent inhibitor of after‐depolarizations and triggered activity and prolongs atrial refractory periods. We postulated RZ could facilitate EC in patients resistant to EC.

Methods:

Over a 3‐year period, we identified 25 EC‐resistant patients who had been administered oral RZ shortly after failing attempted EC. The anterior‐posterior cardioversion approach was used and each patient had failed to be restored to sinus rhythm despite using up to the maximum output of a biphasic cardioversion device. Repeat EC was performed 3.5–4 hours after administration of 2 g of oral RZ using the same device, sedation, and lead placement.

Results: Sinus rhythm was successfully restored in 19 (76%) of 25 EC‐resistant patients. Three patients spontaneously converted before the second attempt at EC within 4 hours of the RZ dose. Of the 22 patients undergoing another attempt at EC, 16 were successfully converted to sinus rhythm. Five of the six patients who were refractory to repeat EC despite RZ had AF of unknown duration and each is now in permanent AF. No adverse effects were noted.

Conclusion:

RZ shows promise as a safe and convenient agent to facilitate EC in EC‐resistant patients. It appears to be most effective in patients whose AF duration is known to be less than 3 months. (PACE 2011;1–6)
Subclavian Venoplasty May Reduce Implant Times and Implant Failures in the Era of Increasing Device Upgrades
Authors: JI SANG YONG , GUNDEWAR SUSHEEL , PALMA EUGEN C.
Published: January 2012

Background:
 The incidence of subclavian venous occlusions (SCVOs) may be an increasing problem in the era of device upgrades, especially to cardiac resynchronization therapy. Venoplasty (VP) performed by the electrophysiologist as a way of managing SCVOs may be advantageous.

Methods:
 We reviewed the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implants of the past 5 years at Montefiore Medical Center and searched for SCVOs that required intervention and compared cases where VP was performed with cases where it was not.

Results:
 Of 1,853 ICD implants, 41 SCVOs (2.2%) requiring intervention were identified. Its incidence increased seven‐fold from 0.7% in 2005 to 5.2% in 2009. Twenty‐seven of the 41 SCVOs were found during a device upgrade. Of these 41 SCVOs, 18 underwent VP and 23 did not. In the VP group, there was a trend towards a shorter total procedure time, 2:31 hours versus 3:28 hours (P = 0.37), and the total fluoroscopy time was 30 minutes versus 27 minutes (P = 0.55). VP was successful in all 18 patients. Among the non‐VP group (n = 23), five (21.5%) had a failed implantation because of the inability to gain venous access and 10 (42.7%) had to be implanted on the contralateral side.

Conclusion:
 The incidence of SCVOs requiring intervention is increasing in the era of device upgrades. VP performed by an electrophysiologist appears to be a safe and efficient approach to manage these SCVOs. VP seems to reduce the implant time and the need to implant on the other side as well as implant failure due to the inability to gain venous access. PACE 2012; 35:444–448)
Mood Disorders and Outcome in Patients Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: SHALABY ALAA , BRUMBERG GENEVIEVE , EL‐SAED AIMAN , SABA SAMIR
Published: January 2012

Background:

Mood disorders (MD) have been demonstrated to influence outcome in cardiac disease in general and specifically in chronic heart failure (HF). Little is known about their possible effect on response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Objective:

To evaluate the influence of MD on CRT response.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all cardiac CRT‐D (CRT defibrillator) recipients (N = 153) at the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System from beginning of 2004 through end of 2006. All‐cause death and HF‐related hospitalizations (HFH), individually and combined, were sought through 2009.

Results:

During a mean follow‐up time of 31.4 ± 14.7 months, there were 48 (31.4%) deaths and 55 (35.9%) HFHs in HF patients having New York Heart Association class of 2.9 ± 0.3, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25.8 ± 9.1%, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) of 61.6 ± 11.6 mm, and QRS of 152 ± 30.5 ms
. A total of 65 (42.5%) patients had MD (depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder). Compared to others, patients in the MD group were at a significantly higher risk of HFH alone (47.7% vs 27.3%, P = 0.009) or when combined with death (58.5% vs 39.8%, P = 0.022) but not death alone (35.4% vs 28.4%, P = 0.36). The significant predictive effect of MD on HFH alone and when combined with death shown in univariate analysis was not attenuated after adjustment for age, ejection fraction, etiology of cardiomyopathy, cumulative number of any shocks, smoking, and evidence of postimplantation echocardiographic improvement.

Conclusions:

MD in patients with advanced but stable HF receiving CRT‐D therapy was a predictor of HFH alone or when combined with death but not mortality alone. (PACE 2011;1–9)
Modeling 180° Domain Switching Population Dynamics in Polycrystalline Ferroelectrics
Authors: Zhao Zizhao , Bowman Keith , García R. Edwin
Published: January 2012

The macroscopic hysteretic response associated to the underlying microscopic 180° switching of domains in a polycrystalline ferroelectric system is investigated for bipolar, sesquipolar, and unipolar electrical loadings. As a result of the intergranular interactions and physical electromechanical couplings, three polarization populations are found and summarized as the linear superposition of four Gaussian polarization distributions. These distributions quantify the simple switching, the negative switching, and the domain‐pinning mechanisms. The reconfiguration of the local polarization and hydrostatic stress distribution indicates that the polarization domains and stress fields are correlated during ferroelectric domain switching. Results show that in the sesquipolar regime, tensile stresses are minimized by 33% and compressive stress minimized by 38%. The maximum strain output decreases by only 1%, thus favoring favoring fatigue‐reduced actuation microstructures.
Inhibition of Helicoverpa armigera gut pro‐proteinase activation in response to synthetic protease inhibitors
Authors: Parde Vinod D. , Sharma Hari C. , Kachole Manvendra S.
Published: January 2012

Protease inhibitors play an important role in host plant defence against herbivores. However, insects have the ability to elevate the production of proteinases or resort to production of a diverse array of proteinases to offset the effect of proteinase inhibitors. Therefore, we studied the inhibition of pro‐proteinase(s) activation in the midgut of the polyphagous pest Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in response to protease inhibitors to develop appropriate strategies for the control of this pest. Gelatin coating present on X‐ray film was used as a substrate to detect electrophoretically separated pro‐proteinases and proteinases of H. armigera gut extract on native‐ and sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Six activated pro‐proteinase bands were detected in H. armigera gut lumen, which were partially purified and characterized using substrate assays. Activated H. armigera midgut pro‐proteinase(s) showed activity maxima at pH 8 and 10, and exhibited optimal activity at 40 °C. The activation of H. armigera gut pro‐proteinase isoforms was observed in the fraction eluted on benzamidine‐sepharose 4B column. Purification and substrate assay studies revealed that 23–70 kDa polypeptides were likely the trypsin/chymotrypsin‐like pro‐proteinases. Larvae of H. armigera fed on a cocktail of synthetic inhibitors (antipain, aprotinin, leupeptin, and pefabloc) showed maximum activation of pro‐proteinases compared with the larvae fed on individual inhibitors. The implications of these results for developing plants expressing proteinase inhibitors for conferring resistance to H. armigera are discussed.
Phloem‐specific resistance in Brassica oleracea against the whitefly Aleyrodes proletella
Authors: Broekgaarden Colette , Riviere Pierre , Steenhuis Greet , del sol Cuenca Maria , Kos Martine , Vosman Ben
Published: January 2012

The cabbage whitefly [Aleyrodes proletella L. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)] is becoming a serious pest in Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) crops. However, almost nothing is known about the interaction of this insect with its host plants. Previous studies have shown differences in the natural occurrence of adults, eggs, and nymphs on the closely related B. oleracea cultivars Christmas Drumhead and Riviera grown in the field. In this study, we aimed to identify the nature of these differences and to gain insight into the resistance mechanisms against A. proletella. We used no‐choice experiments on field‐ and greenhouse‐grown plants to show that the differences between the two cultivars are mainly based on antibiosis (traits that reduce herbivore performance) and not on antixenosis (traits that deter herbivory). This was further supported by laboratory choice experiments that indicated little or no discrimination between the two cultivars based on plant volatiles. We showed that resistance is dependent on plant age, that is, resistance increased during plant development, and is mainly independent of environmental factors. Analysis of probing behaviour revealed that the resistance trait affects A. proletella at the phloem level and that morphological differences between the two cultivars are most likely not involved. We suggest that compounds present in the phloem reduce sap ingestion by the whitefly and that this explains the observed resistance.
Die Suche nach bergenden Räumen als Reise‐ und Schreibprogramm. Annemarie Schwarzenbachs journalistische Afrika‐Texte
Authors: Decock Sofie
Published: January 2012

Die Reiseschriften der Schweizer Autorin Annemarie Schwarzenbach (1908–1942) wurden in der Forschung vor allem als Topographien der Orientierungs‐ und Heimatlosigkeit gelesen, die von Narrativen des Identitätsverlusts und des Scheiterns durchzogen sind. Eine nähere Untersuchung ihrer bislang kaum beachteten journalistischen Afrika‐Texte, die in den Jahren 1941 und 1942 entstanden, zeigt jedoch eine vermehrte textuelle Konstruktion nicht‐illusorischer bergender und erwärmender Orte, die im Zeichen des für das Schreiben der Autorin wichtigen diskursiven Konzepts der „liebenden Eroberung und Umarmung“ steht. Diese als positiv erfahrenen Orte, denen ein heterotopischer oder auch utopischer Status eigen ist, weisen zudem eine Verwandtschaft auf mit unterschiedlichen Heimat‐Konzepten, denen der Rückgriff auf klassische, traditionelle Ursprungsmythen gemeinsam ist. Diese auffälligen Entwicklungen in Schwarzenbachs Werk lassen sich vor dem Hintergrund des Zweiten Weltkriegs lesen und verstehen und als Versuche werten, gegen die destruktiven Kräfte des Kriegs anzuschreiben und alternative Räume des Schutzes und der Heimatlichkeit zu evozieren.