bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of early gut microbiota on the maturation of childhood mucosal and systemic immune responses
Authors: Sjögren Y. M. , Tomicic S. , Lundberg A. , Böttcher M. F. , Björkstén B. , Sverremark‐Ekström E. , Jenmalm M. C.
Published: September 2009

Introduction
Among sensitized infants, those with high, as compared with low levels, of salivary secretory IgA (SIgA) are less likely to develop allergic symptoms. Also, early colonization with certain gut microbiota, e.g. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium species, might be associated with less allergy development. Although animal and in vitro studies emphasize the role of the commensal gut microbiota in the development of the immune system, the influence of the gut microbiota on immune development in infants is unclear.

Objective
To assess whether early colonization with certain gut microbiota species associates with mucosal and systemic immune responses i.e. salivary SIgA and the spontaneous Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 mRNA expression and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cytokine/chemokine responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Methods
Fecal samples were collected at 1 week, 1 month and 2 months after birth from 64 Swedish infants, followed prospectively up to 5 years of age. Bacterial DNA was analysed with real‐time PCR using primers binding to Clostridium difficile, four species of bifidobacteria, two lactobacilli groups and Bacteroides fragilis. Saliva was collected at age 6 and 12 months and at 2 and 5 years and SIgA was measured with ELISA. The PBMCs, collected 12 months after birth, were analysed for TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression with real‐time PCR. Further, the PBMCs were stimulated with LPS, and cytokine/chemokine responses were measured with Luminex.

Results
The number of Bifidobacterium species in the early fecal samples correlated significantly with the total levels of salivary SIgA at 6 months. Early colonization with Bifidobacterium species, lactobacilli groups or C. difficile did not influence TLR2 and TLR4 expression in PBMCs. However, PBMCs from infants colonized early with high amounts of Bacteroides fragilis expressed lower levels of TLR4 mRNA spontaneously. Furthermore, LPS‐induced production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, e.g. IL‐6 and CCL4 (MIP‐1β), was inversely correlated to the relative amounts of Bacteroides fragilis in the early fecal samples.

Conclusion
Bifidobacterial diversity may enhance the maturation of the mucosal SIgA system and early intense colonization with Bacteroides fragilis might down‐regulate LPS responsiveness in infancy.
Diagnostic testing in suspected fluoroquinolone hypersensitivity
Authors: Seitz C. S. , Bröcker E. B. , Trautmann A.
Published: September 2009

BackgroundBecause of their broad antibacterial activity in the gram‐negative and gram‐positive spectrum, high oral bioavailability, and good tissue penetration, fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used. Besides direct drug‐related side‐effects, fluoroquinolones may cause hypersensitivity reactions.

ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective analysis was to present the results of diagnostic testing in cases of clinically suspected fluoroquinolone‐induced immediate or delayed hypersensitivity.

MethodsWe studied 101 patients with a history of immediate or delayed hypersensitivity symptoms in temporal relation to treatment with a fluoroquinolone antibiotic using standardized skin testing, followed by oral challenges. Patients with anaphylaxis symptoms were further evaluated within vitrotests.

ResultsFluoroquinolone hypersensitivity was excluded in 71 patients by tolerated oral challenge tests. During positive challenge tests, six patients (three out of these had positive and three had negative skin prick tests) developed anaphylaxis symptoms but the presumed IgE‐mediated mechanism could not be confirmed byin vitrotests. Patch testing was constantly negative; however, in two patients a rash was induced by the challenge tests.

ConclusionHistory alone leads clearly to a considerable over‐estimation of fluoroquinolone hypersensitivity. Moreover, skin orin vitrotests do not seem to be very useful in identifying hypersensitive patients. Challenge tests appear to be necessary for definitely confirming or ruling out fluoroquinolone hypersensitivity.
A review of the nursing role in central venous cannulation: implications for practice policy and research
Authors: Alexandrou Evan , Spencer Timothy R , Frost Steve A , Parr Michael JA , Davidson Patricia M , Hillman Kenneth M
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this article is to review published studies about central vein cannulation to identify implications for policy, practice and research in an advanced practice nursing role.

Design.  Modified integrative literature review.

Methods.  Searches of the electronic databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); Medline, Embase, and the World Wide Web were undertaken using MeSH key words. Hand searching for relevant articles was also undertaken. All studies relating to the nurses role inserting central venous cannulae in adult populations met the search criteria and were reviewed by three authors using a critical appraisal tool.

Results.  Ten studies met the inclusion criteria for the review, all reported data were from the UK. There were disparate models of service delivery and study populations and the studies were predominantly non experimental in design. The results of this review need to be considered within the methodological caveats associated with this approach. The studies identified did not demonstrate differences in rates of adverse events between a specialist nurse and a medical officer.

Conclusions.  There were only a small number of studies found in the literature review and the limited availability of clinical outcome data precluded formal analysis from being generated.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Central vein cannulation is potentially an emerging practice area with important considerations for policy practice and research. Training specialist nurses to provide such a service may facilitate standardising of practice and improving surveillance of lines, and possibly improve the training and accreditation process for CVC insertions for junior medical officers. For this to occur, there is a need to undertake well‐conducted clinical studies to clearly document the value and efficacy of this advanced practice nursing role.
The turning point: from self‐regulative illness behaviour to care‐seeking in patients with an acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Nymark Carolin , Mattiasson Anne‐Cathrine , Henriksson Peter , Kiessling Anna
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  To describe the care‐seeking process from interpretation of an initial symptom to the decision to seek medical care in patients with an acute myocardial infarction.

Background.  Patients afflicted by symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction delay in seeking care far exceeding the desired time limits. This results in avoidable loss of life. There is thus a need to understand these patients’ initial discomfort, appraisal and behaviour to design interventions that could reduce delay in care‐seeking.

Design.  Focus group discussions with patients who had had a recent acute myocardial infarction.

Methods.  The analysis of the transcribed text was inspired by the self‐regulatory model of illness behaviour.

Results.  Patients with acute myocardial infarction describe problems to identify the exact time of onset of often vague symptoms. Their experiences of symptoms did not match their expectations. These patients exhibit self‐regulatory illness behaviour that seems to cause a considerable delay in care‐seeking.

Conclusions.  We found indications of a pertinent shift in appraisal and coping‐strategy when a patient changes from self‐regulative illness behaviour to seeking care – the turning point. This shift seems to be affected by several partly contradictory influences and it takes a considerable time for a person to reach this stage. All aspects of the patients’ self‐regulative illness behaviour have to be considered if we want patients to seek medical care more rapidly.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Our findings are important to consider in future design of public health and rehabilitation strategies to save patient lives. To identify the turning point is a profitable way to deepen the understanding of patient behaviour during the initial phase of an acute myocardial infarction.
Enhancing the efficacy of psychoeducational interventions for paediatric patients in a randomised controlled trial: methodological considerations
Authors: Li William HC , Chung Oi KJ
Published: September 2009

Aim.  This paper described a case study of a randomised controlled trial with the aim to illuminate how the intervention described takes into account the important methodological considerations for enhancing the efficacy of psychoeducational interventions for paediatric patients.

Background.  Many nursing intervention studies commit a Type II error despite the fact that the intervention is effective. Lack of attention given to the threats of validity of an intervention study may lead to inaccurate inference about the efficacy of the intervention study, thereby precluding any definitive conclusions being drawn.

Design.  A case study of a randomised controlled trial was described.

Method.  Two hundred and three Hong Kong Chinese children, admitted for elective surgery, were invited to participate in the study. By using a simple complete randomisation method, 97 children were assigned to the experimental group and received therapeutic play intervention and 106 children were assigned to the control group and received routine information preparation.

Results.  Children received preoperative therapeutic play intervention experienced lower anxiety levels, fewer negative emotions and lower heart rates and mean arterial blood pressures.

Conclusion.  This case study illustrates that the more a measure is sensitive to differentiate between the experimental and control groups, the greater the likelihood of documenting intervention efficacy. Besides, the timing of measuring a dependent variable that matches with peak response to an intervention is crucial in evaluating the efficacy of an intervention. Additionally, outcome measures that are sensitive enough to differentiate between the experimental and control groups are extremely important to ensure greater accuracy in evaluating the efficacy of psychoeducational interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is anticipated that designing an effective psychoeducational intervention research design can facilitate the development of holistic and quality care in preparing children for hospitalisation.
An integrative review and meta‐synthesis of the scope and impact of intensive care liaison and outreach services
Authors: Endacott Ruth , Eliott Suzanne , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: September 2009

Aim. To determine activities and outcomes of intensive care unit Liaison Nurse/Outreach services. The review comprised two stages: (1) integrative review of qualitative and quantitative studies examining intensive care liaison/outreach services in the UK and Australia and (2) meta‐synthesis using the Nursing Role Effectiveness Model as ana priorimodel.

Background. Acute ward patients are at risk of adverse events and patients recovering from critical illness are vulnerable to deterioration. Proactive and reactive strategies have been implemented to facilitate timely identification of patients at risk.

Design. Systematic review.

Methods. A range of data bases was searched from 2000–2008. Studies were eligible for review if they included adults in any setting where intensive care unit Liaison Nurse or Outreach services were provided. From 1423 citations and 65 abstracts, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results. Intensive care liaison/outreach services had a beneficial impact on intensive care mortality, hospital mortality, unplanned intensive care admissions/re‐admissions, discharge delay and rates of adverse events. A range of research methods were used; however, it was not possible to conclude unequivocally that the intensive care liaison/outreach service had resulted in improved outcomes. The major unmeasured benefit across all studies was improved communication pathways between critical care and ward staff. Outcomes for nurses in the form of improved confidence, knowledge and critical care skills were identified in qualitative studies but not measured.

Conclusion. The varied nature of the intensive care liaison/outreach services reviewed in these studies suggests that they should be treated as bundled interventions, delivering a treatment package of care. Further studies should examine the impact of critical care support on the confidence and skills of ward nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice. Advanced nursing roles can improve outcomes for patients who are vulnerable to deterioration. The Nursing Role Effectiveness Model provides a useful framework for evaluating the impact of these roles.
Diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and perceptions of the environment in young adults
Authors: Lake A. A. , Townshend T. , Alvanides S. , Stamp E. , Adamson A. J.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Few studies have explored both food behaviour and physical activity in an environmental context. Most research in this area has focused on adults; the aim of the present study was to describe perceptions of the environment, diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns in 16–20 year olds in full‐time education (Newcastle, UK).

Methods:  Participants (n = 73) recruited from a college and sixth‐form college completed a UK version of the Youth Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Survey, which included measures of sedentary behaviour. A validated food frequency questionnaire was completed and a factor applied to produce an estimated mean daily frequency of intake of each item, which was converted to nutrient intakes. A rank for Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) was assigned to their home postcode. Analysis explored associations between sedentary behaviours and nutrient intake.

Results:  In this descriptive cross‐sectional study, most participants reported being physically active for at least 1 h day−1 on 3–4 (n = 28) or 5–7 days (n = 31). There were no significant differences in nutrient intake according to sample quartile IMD position. Sedentary behaviours were significantly associated with less healthy eating patterns. Higher total energy (P = 0.02), higher fat (P = 0.005), percentage energy from fat (P = 0.035) and lower carbohydrate intakes (P = 0.004) were significantly associated with more time spent watching DVDs at the weekend.

Conclusions:  This combination of sedentary behaviour and less healthy eating patterns has important implications for long‐term health (e.g. the tracking of being overweight and obesity from adolescence into adulthood). Understanding behaviour relationships is an important step in developing interventions in this age group.
The effect of including a conventional snack (cereal bar) and a nonconventional snack (almonds) on hunger, eating frequency, dietary intake and body weight
Authors: Zaveri S. , Drummond S.
Published: September 2009

Background:  With the increasing prevalence of being overweight and obesity, dietary strategies to curb hunger levels and increase satiety at lower energy intakes are sought. The frequency of eating and type of snack may influence total energy intake. The present study aimed to assess the impact of providing either a conventional snack (cereal bar) or a nonconventional snack (almonds) on eating frequency, hunger rating, dietary intake, body weight and blood lipids.

Methods:  Forty‐five healthy men (aged 25–50 years, body mass index = 25–35 kg m−2) were recruited and allocated to a control, cereal bar or almond snack group. Two packets of cereal bars and almonds were introduced for 12 weeks to the cereal bar group and the almond snack group, respectively. Dietary intakes and eating frequency were assessed by 4‐day unweighed diet diaries; visual analogue scales were used to assess hunger ratings; and fasting blood parameters (i.e. glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. In addition, anthropometric measures (height, weight, skinfold thickness, waist and hip circumference) were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks.

Results:  The present study found no significant change in the eating frequency within groups at 12 weeks. However, the almond snack group had a significantly higher eating frequency than the control group (P ≤ 0.05) and cereal bar group (P ≤ 0.01). This did not result in higher energy intake, body weight or percentage body fat in the almond snack group.

Conclusion:  The present study demonstrated that snacking on almonds, in comparison to cereal bars, promoted a higher eating frequency, but not a higher energy intake. Advice to snack on either almonds or cereal bars did not result in weight gain, suggesting that energy compensation took place.
Dietary management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the United Kingdom: the role of dietitians
Authors: Jeanes Y. M. , Barr S. , Smith K. , Hart K. H.
Published: September 2009

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition associated with hyperandrogenism, infertility and metabolic dysfunction. Weight management through diet and lifestyle modifications are fundamental to its management; however, presently, there are no official dietary guidelines. The present study aimed to explore the dietary and lifestyle strategies followed by women with PCOS and the contribution of dietitians to its management.

Methods: A questionnaire was completed by 105 UK dietitians focused on the service provided and a patient questionnaire and 7‐day food diary were completed by women with PCOS (n = 206 andn = 196, respectively). Food diaries were analysed for energy and macronutrient intake and the questionnaire focused on the dietary advice received.

Results: Advice provided by dietitians focused on a reduction in energy intake (78%) and dietary glycaemic index (77%), often in combination. Of the women with PCOS who were following a diet specifically for their PCOS (57%), regimes included a low glycaemic index (34%), weight loss diets (16%) or a combination (26%). Of interest, 73% of overweight women were not following a diet to promote weight loss. Nutritional information predominately came from books, with only 15% of women having seen a dietitian. Eighty‐four percent of women with PCOS who had increased physical activity (48%) self‐reported an improvement in their symptoms.

Conclusions: Women with PCOS recognise the importance of diet, but few received dietary advice from a registered dietitian. The dietary information women with PCOS received was often from an unregulated source. A consensus statement of evidence‐based dietary advice for women with PCOS is needed and would be a useful resource for dietitians.
Iron deficiency and frequency of HFE C282Y gene mutation in Brazilian blood donors
Authors: Terada C. T. , Santos P. C. J. L. , Cançado R. D. , Rostelato S. , Lopreato F. R. , Chiattone C. S. , Guerra‐Shinohara E. M.
Published: September 2009

summary.

Limited data are available about iron deficiency (ID) in Brazilian blood donors. This study evaluated the frequencies of ID and iron‐deficiency anaemia (IDA) separately and according to frequency of blood donations. The protective effect of the heterozygous genotype for HFE C282Y mutation against ID and IDA in female blood donors was also determined.

Five hundred and eight blood donors were recruited at the Blood Bank of Santa Casa in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations were measured. The genotype for HFE C282Y mutation was determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The ID was found in 21·1% of the women and 2·6% of the men whereas the IDA was found in 6·8 and 0·3%, respectively. The ID was found in 11·9% of the women in group 1 (first‐time blood donors) and the frequency increased to 38·9% in women of the group 3 (blood donors donating once or more times in the last 12 months). No ID was found in men from group 1; however the ID frequency increased to 0·9% in group 2 (who had donated blood before but not in the last 12 months) and 5·0% in group 3. In summary, the heterozygous genotype was not associated with reduction of ID or IDA frequencies in both genders, but in male blood donors it was associated with a trend to elevated ferritin levels (P = 0·060). ID is most frequent in Brazilian women but was also found in men of group 3.
Clinical efficacy and safety of Flebogammadif®, a new high‐purity human intravenous immunoglobulin, in adult patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Julia A. , Kovaleva L. , Loria S. , Alberca I. , Hernandez F. , Sandoval V. , Sierra J. , Vidaller A. , Ayguasanosa J. , Carretero M.
Published: September 2009

summary.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a low platelet count and bleeding, whose incidence is approximately 6·2 for each 100 000 adults per year. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) can be useful in patients with ITP to prevent bleeding or prior to surgery. In this study, the efficacy and safety of Flebogammadif®, a new high‐purity IVIG, were assessed by an open, multicentre, non‐controlled, prospective study in adult patients with chronic ITP. A total of 20 patients (enrolled if experiencing chronic ITP since at least 6 months before recruitment and if platelet count <20 ×109L−1 before treatment) received 0·4 g kg−1‐bw of Flebogammadif® for 5 consecutive days and were followed‐up for 3 months. Efficacy endpoints were three: proportion of patients who reached a platelet count ≥50 ×109L−1, time for the platelet count to reach that level and duration of response. Safety parameters [adverse events (AE), laboratory determinations and vital signs] and viral markers were regularly monitored. A total of 14 patients achieved a platelet count of ≥50 ×109L−1. The median time to platelet response was ≤2·5 days, and the median number of days in which the platelet count remained ≥50 ×109L−1 was ≥7 days. A regression of haemorrhages was reported for 17 patients on day 14. Eight patients presented 21 AEs (mostly mild) potentially related to the study drug. Neither abnormalities in laboratory values nor in viral markers were registered during the follow‐up period. Flebogammadif® was well tolerated and succeeded in providing a haemostatic platelet count in patients with ITP.
En‐bloc resection of multiple type 1 gastric carcinoid tumors by endoscopic multi‐band mucosectomy
Authors: Hopper Andrew D , Bourke Michael J , Hourigan Luke F , Tran Kayla , Moss Alan , Swan Michael P
Published: September 2009

Background and Aim:  Gastric carcinoid tumors are rare but increasing in incidence. Current recommendations suggest endoscopic resection for type I carcinoids found in the stomach, however reports of incomplete resection have led to difficulty planning future management. Our purpose was to describe the application of the endoscopic multi‐band mucosectomy (MBM) device to achieve en‐bloc resection of multiple gastric carcinoid tumors.

Methods:  Over a 30‐month period (June 2006–January 2009) eight patients attending for endoscopic assessment of gastric carcinoid tumors were identified at two tertiary referral centers. Patients underwent endoscopic resection of the carcinoids with an MBM device. En‐bloc specimens underwent histological evaluation for identification and tumor resection margins. Patients with type I carcinoids were subsequently enrolled in an endoscopic follow‐up program.

Results:  A total of 34 gastric carcinoid tumors were removed from eight patients. On histological analyses seven out of eight patients were diagnosed with type I tumors. In the remaining patient a single, sporadic (type III) gastric carcinoid was diagnosed. No complications of severe bleeding or perforation occurred. All specimens were shown to have clear deep and peripheral histological resection margins.

Conclusion:  Complete ‘en‐bloc’ endoscopic resection of multiple ‘type I’ gastric carcinoid tumors can be safely and easily performed with an MBM technique.
Patterns and gradients of diversity in South Patagonian ombrotrophic peat bogs
Authors: KLEINEBECKER TILL , HÖLZEL NORBERT , VOGEL ANDREAS
Published: September 2009

Many north‐hemispherical mires seemingly untouched by drainage and cultivation are influenced by a diffuse sum of man‐made environmental changes, such as atmospherical nitrogen deposition that mask general patterns in species richness and functional group responses along resource gradients. To obtain insights into natural diversity‐environment relationships, we studied the vegetation and the peat chemistry of pristine bog ecosystems in southern Patagonia along a west–east transect across the Andes. The studied bog ecosystems covered a floristic gradient from hyperoceanic blanket bogs dominated by cushion building vascular plants via a transitional mixed type to Sphagnum‐dominated raised bogs east of the mountain range. To test the influence of resource availability on diversity patterns, species richness and functional groups were related to environmental variables by calculating general regression models and generalized additive models. Species richness showed strong linear correlations to peat chemical features and the general regression model resulted in three major environmental variables (water level, total nitrogen, NH4Cl soluble calcium), altogether explaining 76% of variance. Functional group response illustrated a clear separation along environmental gradients. Mosses dominated at the low end of a nitrogen gradient, whereas cushion plants had their optimum at intermediate levels, and graminoids dominated at high nitrogen contents. Further shifts were related to NH4Cl soluble calcium and water level. The models documented partly non‐linear relationships between functional group response and trophical peat properties. Within the three bog types, the calculated models differed remarkably illustrating the scale‐dependency of the explanatory factors. Our findings confirmed several general patterns of species richness and functional shifts along resource gradients in a surprisingly clear way and underpin the significance of undisturbed peatlands as reference systems for testing of ecological theory and for conservation and ecological restoration in landscapes with strong human impact.
Subtle topographical differences along a floodplain promote different plant strategies among Paspalum dilatatum subspecies and populations
Authors: MOLLARD FEDERICO P. O. , STRIKER GUSTAVO G. , PLOSCHUK EDMUNDO L. , INSAUSTI PEDRO
Published: September 2009

It was hypothesised that subtle topographical differences might cause the existence of ecotypes along a floodplain. The apomict grass Paspalum dilatatum subspecies dilatatum inhabits flood‐prone lowlands as well as nearby uplands in the floodplains of Argentina, while the sexual P. dilatatum subspecies flavescens almost exclusively inhabits the uplands. The aim of the present study was to identify the different traits that allow these P. dilatatum populations to inhabit different habitats. Plants of P. dilatatum were reciprocally transplanted between uplands and lowlands. Morphophysiological traits related to flooding tolerance were measured during a flood. Subspecies dilatatum from the uplands and subspecies flavescens showed a high physiological performance in the uplands but a considerable decrease in stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis rates and tiller number in the flooded lowlands. In contrast, the subspecies dilatatum from the lowlands showed relatively lower and stable stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rates and leaf water potential at both sites. Subspecies dilatatum from the lowlands outperformed upland populations at the lowland site with respect to tillering. Leaves of subspecies dilatatum from the lowlands that had grown at the lowland habitat had a lower blade/sheath proportion than leaves of plants transplanted to the uplands. This behavior did not occur in both upland populations. Results suggest that dilatatum Lowland plants have the typical strategy of stress‐tolerant genotypes and that the upland populations are adapted to habitats where competitive species are selected. In conclusion, habitats with subtle differences in topographic level can favour both ecotypic differentiations within an apomict subspecies but also the maintenance of morphophysiological similitudes between coexisting upland populations belonging to different subspecies.
A role for calcium‐calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II in the consolidation of visual object recognition memory
Authors: Tinsley C. J. , Narduzzo K. E. , Ho J. W. , Barker G. R. , Brown M. W. , Warburton E. C.
Published: September 2009

The aim was to investigate the role of calcium‐calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CAMK)II in object recognition memory. The performance of rats in a preferential object recognition test was examined after local infusion of the CAMKII inhibitors KN‐62 or autocamtide‐2‐related inhibitory peptide (AIP) into the perirhinal cortex. KN‐62 or AIP infused after acquisition impaired memory tested at 24 h, indicating an involvement of CAMKII in the consolidation of recognition memory. Memory was impaired when KN‐62 was infused at 20 min after acquisition or when AIP was infused at 20, 40, 60 or 100 min after acquisition. The time‐course of CAMKII activation in rats was further examined by immunohistochemical staining for phospho‐CAMKIIThre286α at 10, 40, 70 and 100 min following the viewing of novel and familiar images. At 70 min, processing novel images resulted in more phospho‐CAMKIIThre286α‐stained neurons in the perirhinal cortex than did the processing of familiar images, consistent with the viewing of novel images increasing the activity of CAMKII at this time. This difference was eliminated by prior infusion of AIP. These findings establish that CAMKII is active within the perirhinal region between ∼20 and 100 min following learning and then returns to baseline. Thus, increased CAMKII activity is essential for the consolidation of long‐term object recognition memory but continuation of that increased activity throughout the 24 h memory delay is not necessary for maintenance of the memory.
Cell size trade‐offs govern light exploitation strategies in marine phytoplankton
Authors: Key Tim , McCarthy Avery , Campbell Douglas A. , Six Christophe , Roy Suzanne , Finkel Zoe V.
Published: September 2009

Marine phytoplankton show complex community structures and biogeographic distributions, the net results of physiological and ecological trade‐offs of species responses to fluctuating, heterogeneous environments. We analysed photosynthesis, responses to variable light and macromolecular allocations across a size panel of marine centric diatoms. The diatoms have strong capacities to withstand and exploit fluctuating light, when compared with picophytoplankton. Within marine diatoms, small species show larger effective cross‐sections for photochemistry, and fast metabolic repair of photosystem II after photoinactivation. In contrast, large diatoms show lower susceptibility to photoinactivation, and therefore incur lower costs to endure short‐term exposures to high light, especially under conditions that limit metabolic rates. This size scaling of key photophysiological parameters thus helps explain the relative competitive advantages of larger versus smaller species under different environmental regimes, with implications for the function of the biogenic carbon pump. These results provide a mechanistic framework to explain and predict shifts in marine phytoplankton community size structure with changes in surface irradiance and mixed layer depth.
Asaia, a versatile acetic acid bacterial symbiont, capable of cross‐colonizing insects of phylogenetically distant genera and orders
Authors: Crotti Elena , Damiani Claudia , Pajoro Massimo , Gonella Elena , Rizzi Aurora , Ricci Irene , Negri Ilaria , Scuppa Patrizia , Rossi Paolo , Ballarini Patrizia , Raddadi Noura , Marzorati Massimo , Sacchi Luciano , Clementi Emanuela , Genchi Marco , Mandrioli Mauro , Bandi Claudio , Favia Guido , Alma Alberto , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: September 2009

Bacterial symbionts of insects have been proposed for blocking transmission of vector‐borne pathogens. However, in many vector models the ecology of symbionts and their capability of cross‐colonizing different hosts, an important feature in the symbiotic control approach, is poorly known. Here we show that the acetic acid bacterium Asaia, previously found in the malaria mosquito vector Anopheles stephensi, is also present in, and capable of cross‐colonizing other sugar‐feeding insects of phylogenetically distant genera and orders. PCR, real‐time PCR and in situ hybridization experiments showed Asaia in the body of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus, vectors of human viruses and a grapevine phytoplasma respectively. Cross‐colonization patterns of the body of Ae. aegypti, An. stephensi and S. titanus have been documented with Asaia strains isolated from An. stephensi or Ae. aegypti, and labelled with plasmid‐ or chromosome‐encoded fluorescent proteins (Gfp and DsRed respectively). Fluorescence and confocal microscopy showed that Asaia, administered with the sugar meal, efficiently colonized guts, male and female reproductive systems and the salivary glands. The ability in cross‐colonizing insects of phylogenetically distant orders indicated that Asaia adopts body invasion mechanisms independent from host‐specific biological characteristics. This versatility is an important property for the development of symbiont‐based control of different vector‐borne diseases.
Critical analysis of complications after robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy with identification of preoperative and operative risk factors
Authors: Kauffman Eric C. , Ng Casey K. , Lee Ming Ming , Otto Brandon J. , Portnoff Alyse , Wang Gerald J. , Scherr Douglas S.
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To better characterize short‐ and long‐term complications in patients after robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy (RRC) using standardized complications‐reporting systems, and to identify preoperative and operative risk factors predicting their occurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected for 79 consecutive patients with bladder cancer undergoing RRC with extracorporeal urinary diversion by one surgeon at our institution. Complications occurring ≤90 days after RRC were graded according to two standardized reporting methods (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Modified Clavien), and additionally stratified by organ system. Nineteen preoperative and operative variables were tested by univariate analysis for association with the occurrence of one or more postoperative complications. Variables with a significant (P < 0.05) or near‐significant (P < 0.20) association on univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

Patients were of relatively poor health, with 58% having an American Society of Anesthesiology class or Charlson Index score of ≥3. Advanced bladder disease was frequent (41% had pT3/pT4). After RRC, one or more complications occurred within 90 days of surgery for 39/79 (49%) patients. The vast majority of complications were low grade (79%), and mostly infectious (41%) or gastrointestinal (27%). Sixteen high‐grade complications occurred in 13/79 (16%) patients. Urinary obstruction, abscess, enteric fistula, gastrointestinal bleeding and thromboembolism constituted most of the high‐grade complications, nearly half (seven of 16) of which occurred 31–90 days after RRC. On multivariate analysis, only preoperative renal insufficiency and intraoperative intravenous (i.v.) fluids of >5000 mL were significantly associated with postoperative complications of any grade, with respective odds ratios (ORs) of 4.2 and 4.1. For high‐grade complications, significant independent risk factors included an age of ≥65 years, operative blood loss of ≥500 mL and intraoperative i.v. fluids of >5000 mL, with respective ORs of 12.7, 9.7 and 42.1.

CONCLUSION

Even among relatively sick patients with frequent advanced disease, the vast majority of complications after RRC are low grade. High‐grade complications are infrequent and similar in nature to high‐grade events after open RC, and a notable proportion may occur at >30 days after RRC underscoring the importance of longer reporting intervals. The surgeon’s ability to limit blood loss and i.v. fluids during RRC may provide effective risk reduction, particularly for high‐grade events.
Genome‐wide SNP genotyping study using pooled DNA to identify candidate markers mediating susceptibility to end‐stage renal disease attributed to Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Craig D. W. , Millis M. P. , DiStefano J. K.
Published: September 2009

Aims  Genetic factors play a major role in the progression of kidney disease in diabetes. To identify candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with potential effects on susceptibility to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), we performed a whole genome association scan using pooled DNA from Caucasian individuals with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  We utilized the Illumina Infinium II HumanHap 550 beadchip platform to genotype 555 352 SNPs in DNA pools comprised of 547 cases with ESRD and 549 control subjects with Type 1 diabetes duration > 20 years and no ESRD. Pooled probe intensity was used to predict mean allele frequency (MAF) for each locus. Individual genotyping was performed using the iPLEX assay in conjunction with the MassARRAY platform (Sequenom).

Results  We identified 2870 markers showing substantial differences in MAF (5.0–10.7%) between pools. To initiate validation of these findings, we genotyped 22 high‐ranking markers in 462 individuals with ESRD and 470 unaffected control subjects selected from the genome‐wide SNP genotyping study sample. We observed the strongest evidence for association between ESRD and rs1749824, located in the ZMIZ1 gene [OR = 1.47 (1.21–1.78) per copy of T allele; P = 8.1 × 10−5] and rs9298190, located in the musculin gene [OR = 1.56 (1.28–1.91) per copy of C allele; P = 1.6 × 10−5]. Evidence for nominal association with markers in or near the IRS2, TMPO, BID, KLRA1, ELMO1 and CNDP1 genes was also observed (P ≤ 0.0006).

Conclusions  These findings identify several novel loci which may contribute to ESRD susceptibility in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.
Role of glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity in the pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and emerging treatment strategies
Authors: Del Prato S.
Published: September 2009

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by persistent and progressive deterioration of glucose tolerance. Both insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion contribute to development of Type 2 diabetes. However, whilst insulin resistance is fully apparent in the pre‐diabetic condition, impairment of insulin secretion worsens over the time, being paralleled by a progressive decline in both pancreatic B‐cell function and B‐cell mass. Intense research has identified a number of genetic variants that may predispose to impaired B‐cell function, but such predisposition can be precipitated and worsened by toxic effects of hyperglycaemia (glucotoxicity) and elevated levels of free fatty acids (lipotoxicity). All these aspects of the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes are discussed in this review. Moreover, treatments that target reduction in glucotoxicity or lipotoxicity are outlined, including emerging strategies that target the role of glucagon‐like peptide 1 and sodium glucose co‐transporter 2.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of taspoglutide, a once‐weekly, human GLP‐1 analogue, after single‐dose administration in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kapitza C. , Heise T. , Birman P. , Jallet K. , Ramis J. , Balena R.
Published: September 2009

Aims  The study objectives were to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, as well as safety and tolerability, of single doses of taspoglutide, a human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogue.

Methods  In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 48 patients with Type 2 diabetes [mean age 56 ± 7 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 30.4 ± 3.0 kg/m2] inadequately controlled with metformin (≤ 2 g/day) were enrolled in three sequential cohorts; 12 patients in each cohort were randomized to a single subcutaneous injection of taspoglutide (1, 8 or 30 mg) and four received placebo.

Results  Plasma concentrations peaked within 24 h after injection and were sustained for ≥ 14 days with all doses. In comparison with placebo, the 8‐ and 30‐mg doses of taspoglutide significantly reduced glycaemic parameters, including 24‐h blood glucose and 5‐h postprandial glucose areas under the curve (AUCs), for up to 14 days with the 30‐mg dose (P < 0.001). The most common adverse events, primarily gastrointestinal in nature, were dose‐dependent and transient.

Conclusions  A single dose of taspoglutide significantly improved glycaemic parameters in Type 2 diabetes patients for up to 14 days. The formulation was well tolerated and appears suitable for weekly administration.
A rational model of the surface swept by a curve*
Authors: Johnstone John K. , Williams James P.
Published: September 2009

This paper shows how to construct a rational Bezier model of a swept surface that interpolates N frames (i.e., N position/orientation pairs) of a fixed rational space curve c(s) and maintains the shape of the curve at all intermediate points of the sweep. Thus, the surface models an exact sweep of the curve, consistent with the given data. The primary novelty of the method is that this exact modeling of the sweep is achieved without sacrificing a rational representation for the surface. Through a simple extension, we also allow the sweeping curve to change its size through the sweep. The position, orientation, and size of the sweeping curve can change with arbitrary continuity (we use C2 continuity in this paper). Our interpolation between frames has the classical properties of Bezier interpolation, such as the convex hull property and linear precision.

This swept surface is a useful primitive for geometric design. It encompasses the surface of revolution and extruded surface, but extends them to arbitrary sweeps. It is a useful modeling primitive for robotics and CAD/CAM, using frames generated automatically by a moving robot or tool.
Algorithms for Extracting Correct Critical Points and Constructing Topological Graphs from Discrete Geographical Elevation Data
Authors: Takahashi Shigeo , Ikeda Tetsuya , Shinagawa Yoshihisa , Kunii Tosiyasu L. , Ueda Minoru
Published: September 2009

Researchers in the fields of computer graphics and geographical information systems (GISs) have extensively studied the methods of extracting terrain features such as peaks, pits, passes, ridges, and ravines from discrete elevation data. The existing techniques, however, do not guarantee the topological integrity of the extracted features because of their heuristic operations, which results in spurious features. Furthermore, there have been no algorithms for constructing topological graphs such as the surface network and the Reeb graph from the extracted peaks, pits, and passes. This paper presents new algorithms for extracting features and constructing the topological graphs using the features. Our algorithms enable us to extract correct terrain features; i.e., our method extracts the critical points that satisfy the Euler formula, which represents the topological invariant of smooth surfaces. This paper also provides an algorithm that converts the surface network to the Reeb graph for representing contour changes with respect to the height. The discrete elevation data used in this paper is a set of sample points on a terrain surface. Examples are presented to show that the algorithms also appeal to our visual cognition.
Synthetic Vision and Audition for Digital Actors
Authors: NOSER Hansrudi , THALMANN Daniel
Published: September 2009

We present an overview of some principles of synthetic vision and audition for digital autonomous actors in virtual worlds. After a short review of the state‐of‐the‐art we focus on some aspects of synthetic vision and virtual world constraints. Then, we present a simple real time structured sound renderer. This sound renderer is used as audition channel for synthetic and real actors and synchronized sound track generator for video film productions.
Automatic Reconstruction of Unstructured 3D Data: Combining a Medial Axis and Implicit Surfaces
Authors: Bittar Eric , Tsingos Nicolas , Gascuel Marie‐Paule
Published: September 2009

This paper presents a new method that combines a medial axis and implicit surfaces in order to reconstruct a 3D solid from an unstructured set of points scattered on the object's surface. The representation produced is based on iso‐surfaces generated by skeletons, and is a particularly compact way of defining a smooth free‐form solid. The method is based on the minimisation of an energy representing a “distance” between the set of data points and the iso‐surface, resembling previous reserach19. Initialisation, however, is more robust and efficient since there is computation of the medial axis of the set of points. Instead of subdividing existing skeletons in order to refine the object's surface, a new reconstruction algorithm progressively selects skeleton‐points from the pre‐ computed medial axis using an heuristic principle based on a “local energy” criterion. This drastically speeds up the reconstruction process. Moreover, using the medial axis allows reconstruction of objects with complex topology and geometry, like objects that have holes and branches or that are composed of several connected components. This process is fully automatic. The method has been successfully applied to both synthetic and real data.
Pop Goes IR? Researching the Popular Culture—World Politics Continuum
Authors: Grayson Kyle , Davies Matt , Philpott Simon
Published: September 2009

In this article we offer a potential research agenda for the study of popular culture in IR and outline how this research agenda could be advanced. If the incorporation of popular culture into IR is going to be fruitful, there must be a willingness to go beyond an engagement with illustrations of world politics. Doing so will get us closer to what is at stake in the mutual implication of popular culture and world politics.
Contextualising the Teaching of Statistics in Political Science
Authors: Adeney Katharine , Carey Sean
Published: September 2009

The teaching of quantitative research methods is an integral part of most postgraduate programmes in politics, but less common at undergraduate level. This article explores the extent to which research methods in general, and quantitative research methods in particular, form part of the curricula of Politics departments in the UK. We then discuss an approach for motivating interest in a subject that tends to be unpopular with many students. We recommend an approach that utilises the links between the general quantification of politics with the quantitative study of political phenomena, as well as a combination of basic research methods for all and more advanced student-focused training for some.