bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘The overall quality of my life as a sibling is all right, but of course, it could always be better’. Quality of life of siblings of children with intellectual disability: the siblings' perspectives
Authors: Moyson T. , Roeyers H.
Published: March 2011

Background  The concept of family quality of life is becoming increasingly important in family support programmes. This concept describes the quality of life of all family members and the family system as a whole, but only the opinion of the parents has been included. The opinion of the siblings has been incorporated in the opinions of the parents, although research has shown that there is discordance between parents' and siblings' reports. The principal goal of this study is to investigate how young siblings of children with intellectual disability define their quality of life as a sibling.

Method  As we were more concerned with understanding the experience of being a sibling from the siblings' own frame of reference, we opted for a qualitative research design and more specifically used in‐depth, phenomenology‐based interviews. Data were sorted by means of a process of continuously comparing the codes according to the principles of grounded theory.

Results  Siblings described the following nine domains as domains of sibling quality of life: joint activities, mutual understanding, private time, acceptance, forbearance, trust in well‐being, exchanging experiences, social support and dealing with the outside world.

Conclusions  This study shows not only that siblings can define their quality of life, but also that this definition of sibling quality of life differs from the family quality of life concept. Therefore, it may be not only a valuable addition to the family quality of life concept but also an appropriate concept to describe siblings' experience.
Regulation of NK92‐MI Cell Cytotoxicity by Substance P
Authors: Fu W. X. , Qin B. , Zhou A. P. , Yu Q. Y. , Huang Q. J. , Liang Z. F.
Published: March 2011

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) can regulate a number of immunological functions in vitro and in vivo and may regulate natural killer (NK) cell activity. Here, we investigated whether SP has a role in regulating NK92‐MI cell function in vitro, and how it influences NK cell activity. We found that SP dose dependently increased the cytotoxicity of NK92‐MI cells and had a maximal effect at a concentration of 10−12 and 10−10 m. Furthermore, the expression of cytotoxic‐associated molecules (perforin, granzyme) and activating receptor NKp46 [a member of natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs)] was observed to be upregulated by SP at optimal concentration, at which SP enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK92‐MI cells. Neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1R), a functional receptor of SP, was found on NK92‐MI cells, and the observed effects of SP on NK92‐MI cells could be more partially blocked by an NK‐1R antagonist. Our data suggest that SP induces NK92‐MI cell cytotoxicity by directly increasing the expression of cytotoxic granules and upregulates NK92‐MI cell receptor‐mediated functions indirectly. Thus, SP may regulate NK cell function mainly through NK‐1R.
Composition of epiphytic bacterial communities differs on petals and leaves
Authors: Junker R. R. , Loewel C. , Gross R. , Dötterl S. , Keller A. , Blüthgen N.
Published: March 2011

The epiphytic bacterial communities colonising roots and leaves have been described for many plant species. In contrast, microbiologists have rarely considered flowers of naturally growing plants. We identified bacteria isolated from the surface of petals and leaves of two plant species, Saponaria officinalis (Caryophyllaceae) and Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae). The bacterial diversity was much lower on petals than on leaves of the same plants. Moreover, the bacterial communities differed strongly in composition: while Pseudomonadaceae and Microbacteriaceae were the most abundant families on leaves, Enterobacteriaceae dominated the floral communities. We hypothesise that antibacterial floral volatiles trigger the low diversity on petals, which is supported by agar diffusion assays using substances emitted by flowers and leaves of S. officinalis. These results suggest that bacteria should be included in the interpretation of floral traits, and possible effects of bacteria on pollination are proposed and discussed.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Follicular Fluids from Normal and Cystic Follicles in Sows
Authors: Sun Y‐L , Ping Z‐G , Li C‐J , Sun Y‐F , Yi K‐L , Chen L , Li X‐Y , Wang X‐L , Zhou X
Published: March 2011

Contents

Follicular fluid (FF) includes various biologically active proteins which can affect follicular growth and maturation. Certain proteins could reflect the physiological and pathological status of follicles. The aim of the present study was to explore the key proteins associated with pathogenesis of follicular cysts, some of which may be candidate biomarkers for the condition. We analysed the proteomes of FF from small, medium, large and cystic follicles by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) combined with mass spectrometry (MS). The protein components in FF were found to be significantly different among groups; about 300 proteins spots in each group were examined, and 32 differentially expressed proteins were identified from different groups. To further reveal the source of identified proteins, transcripts encoding two of these, transferrin and RBP‐4, were detected in granulosa cells (GCs) by RT‐PCR, as well as the proteins were detected in 24 h culture media of GCs by ELISA. High levels of RBP‐4 were examined in FF of cystic follicles by 2‐DE analysis, which were significantly different to those in large follicles (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study enriches our understanding of the proteins of FF; RBP‐4 and transferrin originate from passive transfer and follicular synthesized secretion, and RBP‐4 might be a candidate biomarker for porcine follicular cysts. Combined with histological studies, these results further suggest that changes of the type and quantity of proteins in FF might be attributed to an abnormal metabolism of follicular cells and structure of follicular wall in cystic follicles. Our findings will contribute to further insight into the pathogenesis of follicular cysts.
Expression of Toll‐like receptors 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 in the normal equine cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva
Authors: Gornik Kara , Moore Phillip , Figueiredo Monica , Vandenplas Michel
Published: March 2011

Objective  Human corneal cells have detectable levels of TLRs 1‐10. TLRs 2 and 4 are the major corneal receptors, recognizing the PAMPs associated with fungal invasion in humans. The conjunctiva and limbus contain TLRs 2, 4, and 9. Our purpose was to determine the expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 in the normal equine cornea, conjunctiva, and limbus.

Methods  Corneal, limbal, and conjunctival tissues were collected from seven euthanized horses having no evidence of ocular disease. RNA extraction with DNase‐1 digestion was performed followed by RT‐PCR to determine expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2. Products were resolved by electrophoresis on 1.5% agarose gels and visualized using ethidium bromide staining.

Results  Expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 was present in the cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva of each horse, except one horse, where TLR3 expression was unable to be demonstrated in the dorsal and ventral conjunctiva.

Conclusions  Confirming the expression of TLRs in equine ocular tissues is an initial step in identifying how they play a role in infectious keratitis, particularly fungal. The results further support the use of equine ocular tissues as a model for human fungal keratitis. Studies of the TLR expression together with their cytokine profile induced during equine fungal keratitis may help further clarify the pathogenesis of the disease and possibly lead to the development of new treatment protocols for both equines and humans.
Postoperative complications and visual outcomes of phacoemulsification in 103 dogs (179 eyes): 2006–2008
Authors: Klein Heidi E. , Krohne Sheryl G. , Moore George E. , Stiles Jean
Published: March 2011

Objective To describe the postoperative complications and visual outcome after phacoemulsification in dogs and identify risk factors for complications.

Animals studied One hundred and three dogs (179 eyes) that had phacoemulsification with or without intraocular lens (IOL) placement including foldable acrylic IOLs between March 2006 and March 2008 at Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Procedure Medical records were reviewed and occurrence and dates of postoperative complications were tabulated. Visual status at the final recheck during the study period was recorded. Additional information including signalment, diabetes mellitus status, operative complications and factors, presence of prior lens induced uveitis, preoperative retinopexy, and cataract stage was collected.

Results The majority of eyes were functionally visual (148 eyes, 82.7%) at the end of the study period. Blindness was seen in 18 eyes (10.0%) with reduced vision in 13 eyes (7.3%) at the final recheck. Postoperative ocular hypertension (22.9%), corneal lipid opacity (19.0%), uveitis (16.2%), intraocular hemorrhage (12.3%), retinal detachment (8.4%), and glaucoma (6.7%) were the most common postoperative complications seen in eyes. The odds of blindness were significantly greater (OR = 290.44) in the eyes of Boston terriers compared with mixed breed dogs and with each year of increasing age (OR = 2.00).

Conclusion The prognosis for vision after phacoemulsification with injectable IOL placement is good. Boston terriers were at much higher risk for certain complications.
Environmental Reporting and its Relation to Corporate Environmental Performance
Authors: CLARKSON PETER M. , OVERELL MICHAEL B. , CHAPPLE LARELLE
Published: March 2011

This study examines how both the level and the nature of environmental information voluntarily disclosed by Australian firms relate to their underlying environmental performance. Disclosure is scored using an index developed by Clarkson et al. (2008) based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Guidelines and the environmental performance measure is based on emission data available from the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI). The sample consists of 51 firms that reported to the NPI in both 2002 and 2006. The findings are as follows. First, descriptive statistics indicate that while there was modest improvement in disclosure between 2002 and 2006, the highest disclosure score obtained was just slightly in excess of 50% of the maximum available based on the GRI Guidelines. Second, the results consistently indicate that not only do firms with a higher pollution propensity disclose more environmental information; they also rely on disclosures that the GRI views as inherently more objective and verifiable. Taken together, these results suggest that concerns regarding the reliability of voluntary environmental disclosures in the Australian context remain valid and thereby potentially signal a need for both enhanced mandatory reporting requirements and improved enforcement. In this regard, our study also informs regulatory policy on mandatory disclosures of environmental performance.
Ideas are Not as Stable as Political Scientists Want Them to Be: A Theory of Incremental Ideational Change
Authors: Carstensen Martin B.
Published: March 2011

Most theories about ideas in politics implicitly conceptualise ideas as relatively stable entities that act as a catalyst for political change in times of crisis. In these theories political change is usually brought on by the full and sudden replacement of old ideas with new ones. This article's main charge against the mainstream view of ideas is that it is based on a simplified conception of ideas which in turn creates a bias within the theories that leads them to focus on how ideas trigger change in times of crisis. In effect, the theories overlook incremental yet significant ideational change in times of stability. With inspiration from discourse theory and ‘the interpretive approach’, the article develops a more dynamic understanding of ideas as being composed of several related elements of meaning that typically do not reach a final stage of stability or equilibrium. Furthermore, it is argued that this theory of the micro structure of ideas can account for both incremental and paradigmatic ideational change. Two types of incremental ideational change are discussed and exemplified with empirical examples from British politics: first, a change in the relation between the existing elements of an idea and, second, a change of one or more (but not all) elements of an idea.
Information Asymmetry and Financing Decisions*
Authors: BESSLER WOLFGANG , DROBETZ WOLFGANG , GRÜNINGER MATTHIAS C.
Published: March 2011

This study conducts tests of the pecking order theory using an international sample with more than 6000 firms over the period from 1995 to 2005. The high correlation between net equity issuances and the financing deficit discredits the static pecking order theory. Rather than analyzing the predictions of the theory, we test its core assumption that information asymmetry is an important determinant of capital structure decisions. Our empirical results support the dynamic pecking order theory and its two testable implications. First, the probability of issuing equity increases with less pronounced firm‐level information asymmetry. Second, firms exploit windows of opportunity by making relatively larger equity issuances and build up cash reserves (slack) after declines in firm‐level information asymmetry. Firms from common law countries use parts of their proceeds from an equity issuance to redeem debt and to rebalance their capital structure. These findings are consistent with a time‐varying adverse selection explanation of firms' financing decisions.
Phenobarbital for neonatal seizures in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: A pharmacokinetic study during whole body hypothermia
Authors: Filippi Luca , la Marca Giancarlo , Cavallaro Giacomo , Fiorini Patrizio , Favelli Federica , Malvagia Sabrina , Donzelli Gianpaolo , Guerrini Renzo
Published: March 2011

Purpose:  Therapeutic hypothermia has recently been introduced to treat term newborns with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, of whom more than half have seizures. Phenobarbital is widely used to treat neonatal seizures, but it is unknown whether its pharmacokinetics is affected by hypothermia. We evaluated the influence of hypothermia on phenobarbital pharmacokinetics in asphyxiated newborns.

Methods:  Nineteen term asphyxiated newborns treated with mild whole body hypothermia, started within 6 h after birth and protracted for 72 h, received phenobarbital for clinical seizures. Treatment schedule consisted of a loading dose of 20 mg/kg, titrated to response, up to a maximum dose of 40 mg/kg, followed by a maintenance dose of 2.5 or 1.5 mg/kg every 12 h. Phenobarbital concentrations were measured on 28 dried blood spots in each newborn.

Key Findings:  Eighteen newborns showed plasma concentrations within the reference range after receiving a loading dose of 20 mg/kg. In the remaining newborn, who had received a loading dose of 35 mg/kg, phenobarbital concentrations exceeded the upper reference limit. Phenobarbital concentrations reached a virtual steady state in all newborns. Pharmacokinetic parameters were then calculated. Minimum and maximum concentration (24.7 ± 8.8 and 30.63 ± 10.3 mg/L), average plasma concentration (27.37 ± 9.4 mg/L), and half‐life (173.9 ± 62.5 h) were considerably higher than reported in literature for normothermic newborns. Pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ significantly between infants receiving different maintenance doses.

Significance:  Phenobarbital administered to newborns under whole body hypothermia results in higher plasma concentrations and longer half‐lives than expected in normothermic newborns.
Intergenerational Differences in Family Firms: Impact on Capital Structure and Growth Behavior
Authors: Molly Vincent , Laveren Eddy , Jorissen Ann
Published: March 2011

Based on a sample of 425 SMEs, we investigate whether intergenerational differences affect the capital structure and growth behavior of family firms. We integrate the financing and growth relation into our research by using a 2SLS approach and the internal and sustainable growth concepts. Evidence is found that the capital structure is not directly influenced by the managing generation, but indirectly through the realized growth rate. Moreover, results indicate that next–generation companies grow slower because they have the tendency to forego part of their growth rather than risk the loss of family control due to the increased use of debt.
Association between metabolic syndrome and cognitive decline: a systematic review of prospective population-based studies
Authors: Hao Zilong , Wu Bo , Wang Deren , Liu Ming
Published: March 2011

Objective: The association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia remains unclear. In this article, we systematically review studies on the risk of cognitive disorders in patients with MS to determine the strength of the association between MS and cognitive decline.

Methods: Electronic databases through December 2009 were searched to identify prospective population-based studies that examined the association between MS and risk of cognitive disorders. Two reviewers used a standardised form to collect data and assess eligibility. The quality of study was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results: We found nine eligible studies that involve 19 876 participants. All studies but two indicate that MS is associated with cognitive decline (from one-fold to more than two-fold increase in risk). It seems that MS may be associated with cognitive impairment (positive results in three of five) and vascular dementia (positive results in two of three), whereas three studies involving patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) did not find the association between MS and AD. When examining the association of the individual risk factors of the MS and cognition in seven eligible studies, glucose (three studies) and hypertension (three studies) showed positive results associated with cognitive decline.

Conclusion: The MS may be associated with cognitive impairment and vascular dementia but not for AD, which need to be further investigated with high-quality studies.
Animal studies of the functional consequences of suboptimal polyunsaturated fatty acid status during pregnancy, lactation and early post‐natal life
Authors: Brenna J. Thomas
Published: March 2011

Scores of animal studies demonstrate that seed oils replete with linoleic acid and very low in linolenic acid fed as the exclusive source of fat through pregnancy and lactation result in visual, cognitive, and behavioural deficits in the offspring. Commodity peanut, sunflower, and safflower oils fed to mother rats, guinea pigs, rhesus monkeys, and baboons induce predictable changes in tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid composition that are abnormal in free‐living land mammals as well as changes in neurotransmitter levels, catecholamines, and signalling compounds compared with animals with a supply of ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. These diets consistently induce functional deficits in electroretinograms, reflex responses, reward or avoidance induced learning, maze learning, behaviour, and motor development compared with ω3 replete groups. Boosting neural tissue docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by feeding preformed DHA enhances visual and cognitive function. Though no human randomized controlled trials on minimal ω3 requirements in pregnancy and lactation have been conducted, the weight of animal evidence compellingly shows that randomizing pregnant or lactating humans to diets that include high linoleate oils as the sole source of fat would be frankly unethical because they would result in suboptimal child development. Increasing use of commodity ω3‐deficient oils in developing countries, many in the name of heart health, will limit brain development of the next generation and can be easily corrected at minimal expense by substituting high oleic acid versions of these same oils, in many cases blended with small amounts of α‐linolenic acid oils like flax or perilla oil. Inclusion of DHA in these diets is likely to further enhance visual and neural development.
Food sources and intake of n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids in low‐income countries with emphasis on infants, young children (6–24 months), and pregnant and lactating women
Authors: Michaelsen Kim F. , Dewey Kathryn G. , Perez‐Exposito Ana B. , Nurhasan Mulia , Lauritzen Lotte , Roos Nanna
Published: March 2011

With increasing interest in the potential effects of n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids in early life, there is a need for data on the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in low‐income countries. This review compiles information on the content in breast milk and in foods that are important in the diets of low‐income countries from the few studies available. We also estimate the availability of fat and fatty acids in 13 low‐income and middle‐income countries based on national food balance sheets from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization Statistical Database (FOASTAT). Breast milk docosahexaenoic acid content is very low in populations living mainly on a plant‐based diet, but higher in fish‐eating countries. Per capita supply of fat and n‐3 fatty acids increases markedly with increasing gross domestic product (GDP). In most of the 13 countries, 70–80% of the supply of PUFA comes from cereals and vegetable oils, some of which have very low α‐linolenic acid (ALA) content. The total n‐3 fatty acid supply is below or close to the lower end of the recommended intake range [0.4%E (percentage of energy supply)] for infants and young children, and below the minimum recommended level (0.5%E) for pregnant and lactating women in the nine countries with the lowest GDP. Fish is important as a source of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids, but intake is low in many countries. The supply of n‐3 fatty acids can be increased by using vegetable oils with higher ALA content (e.g. soybean or rapeseed oil) and by increasing fish production (e.g. through fish farming).
Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy and lactation and relation to newborn and infant status
Authors: Lauritzen Lotte , Carlson Susan E.
Published: March 2011

The present review of determinants of infant fatty acid status was undertaken as part of a conference on ‘Fatty acid status in early life in low‐income countries: determinants and consequences’. Emphasis is placed on the essential fatty acids, and particularly the physiologically important long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) of 20 and 22 carbons. We are unaware of any studies of determinants of infant fatty acid status in populations with a cultural dietary pattern with low amounts of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6) and α‐linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n‐3). Many reports suggest that there may be adverse health effects related to the increased proportion of LA in relation to ALA, which have occurred worldwide due to the increased availability of vegetable oils high in LA. The issue of dietary n‐6 to n‐3 balance may apply to infant fatty acid status both during fetal and post‐natal life; however, this review focuses on the n‐3 and n‐6 LCPUFA, in particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n‐6), which are the predominant n‐3 and n‐6 LCPUFA found in cell membranes. The evidence that these fatty acids are preferentially transferred from maternal to fetal circulation across the placenta, and the sources and mechanisms for this transfer, are reviewed. We also address the sources of DHA and AA for the newborn including human milk DHA and AA and the factors that influence maternal DHA status and consequently the amount of DHA available for transfer to the fetus and infant via human milk.
Impact of fatty acid status on growth and neurobehavioural development in humans
Authors: Makrides Maria , Collins Carmel T. , Gibson Robert A.
Published: March 2011

Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation during the perinatal period on the growth and neurobehavioural development of young children. Most of these intervention trials have involved infants from high‐income countries, and a significant proportion have investigated supplementation of infant formulas. Generally, supplementation of infant formula for preterm rather than term infants has demonstrated more consistent, positive effects on aspects of neurobehavioural development, while the growth of both term and preterm infants appears unaffected by LCPUFA supplementation. Maternal n‐3 LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy has consistently resulted in modest increases in birth size, and the most recent study suggests that this is also true from women from low‐income environments. The effect of maternal supplementation on global neurobehavioural outcomes for children born at term remains unclear, although n‐3 LCPUFA supplementation of women expressing milk for their preterm infants does improve their performance on tests of global neurodevelopment. Further work is required to determine whether dietary n‐3 LCPUFA is neuroprotective for children from disadvantaged or low‐income backgrounds.
Fatty acid status in early life in low‐income countries – overview of the situation, policy and research priorities
Authors: Briend André , Dewey Kathryn G. , Reinhart Gregory A.
Published: March 2011

Fat intake may be low in low‐income countries and little information is available on its composition in terms of (n‐3) and (n‐6) fatty acids (FA). As a result, long chain poly‐unsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) status is a concern, especially in settings where fish intake is low and/or common sources of fat have a low alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) and high linoleic acid (LA) content. High LA levels, as found for instance in sunflower, safflower, corn, peanut and soy oils, may inhibit the conversion of ALA into its LC‐PUFA derivatives. Other factors that affect LA and ALA conversion into LC‐PUFA, including genetic factors, are little known and should also be investigated in different populations. Different interventions that could feasibly improve LC‐PUFA status in low‐income countries should be tested and their effects on functional outcomes assessed, preferably starting from pregnancy. Identifying affordable sources of ALA or LC‐PUFA that could be made locally available and easily introduced in the diet early in life is also a priority.
Fatty acid status and maternal mental health
Authors: Ramakrishnan Usha
Published: March 2011

Maternal mental health (MMH) problems are a major public health concern with adverse consequences for women, their offspring and families. Intake of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially the n‐3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid, which are found predominantly in cold water fish, has been associated with a range of mental health outcomes and may improve MMH. The demands for these fatty acids are increased during pregnancy and lactation, and may influence MMH as they are integral parts of cell membranes especially in the brain and play a role in physiological processes such as membrane fluidity and neurotransmitter function. Observational studies and intervention trials that have examined the role of fatty acids and MMH disorders especially post‐partum depression (PPD) were identified using Pubmed and have been reviewed. Only three well‐designed large prospective studies were identified; these studies examined the relationship between dietary intakes of n‐3 fatty acids and fish during pregnancy, and found limited evidence of an association with PPD. Several intervention trials (n = 8) have been done but generally suffer from small sample size and vary in terms of the study subject characteristics and timing, duration and dosage of the intervention. The results are mixed, but one recently completed large trial found no evidence of benefit among women who received DHA during pregnancy. Few studies have been conducted in developing countries, and gaps remain on the influence of other nutrient deficiencies, genetic polymorphisms that influence n‐3 fatty acid synthesis and total fatty acid intake.
Metabolic programming of long‐term outcomes due to fatty acid nutrition in early life
Authors: Innis Sheila M.
Published: March 2011

Understanding of the importance of dietary fatty acids has grown beyond a simple source of energy to complex roles in regulating gene expression and cell and intracellular communication. This is important because the metabolic and neuroendocrine environment of the fetus and infant plays a key role in guiding the set point of neural receptors that regulate energy homeostasis and expression of genes that control energy storage and oxidation. Early deviations in these pathways have the potential to lead to lasting adaptations, termed metabolic programming, which may combine to increase the risk of metabolic syndrome in later life. The quality of fatty acids in human diets has undergone major changes in the last 50 years, characterized by an increase in ω‐6 and decrease in ω‐3 fatty acids. Evidence is accumulating to support the concept that the maternal intake of ω‐6 and ω‐3 fatty acids in gestation and lactation, possibly involving both excess ω‐6 and inadequate ω‐3 fatty acids, can impact the developing infant tissue lipids and neuroendocrine and metabolic pathways relevant to metabolic programming. Further work is needed to understand the needs for different ω‐6 and ω‐3 fatty acids during fetal and infant life, and their roles with respect to development of energy homeostasis and metabolism.
Natriuretic peptide metabolism, clearance and degradation
Authors: Potter Lincoln R.
Published: March 2011

Atrial natriuretic peptide, B‐type natriuretic peptide and C‐type natriuretic peptide constitute a family of three structurally related, but genetically distinct, signaling molecules that regulate the cardiovascular, skeletal, nervous, reproductive and other systems by activating transmembrane guanylyl cyclases and elevating intracellular cGMP concentrations. This review broadly discusses the general characteristics of natriuretic peptides and their cognate signaling receptors, and then specifically discusses the tissue‐specific metabolism of natriuretic peptides and their degradation by neprilysin, insulin‐degrading enzyme, and natriuretic peptide receptor‐C.
Presentism and Truthmaking
Authors: Caplan Ben , Sanson David
Published: March 2011

Presentism, according to which reality is limited to the present, is a natural view, but it is incompatible with the claims that reality invariably has a say in which propositions are true and that not all truths about the past are made true by the present. We survey some responses to this incompatibility.
Receipt of dental care and barriers encountered by persons with disabilities
Authors: Rouleau Tanya , Harrington Amanda , Brennan Michael , Hammond Flora , Hirsch Mark , Nussbaum Marcy , Bockenek William
Published: March 2011

A study was conducted to describe the receipt of dental care by patients with disabilities and to understand their perspective with regard to barriers to dental care. Subjects for this study were recruited among patients with disabilities seen at Carolinas Rehabilitation's outpatient clinic. A questionnaire consisting of 66 questions was completed by 344 subjects; with the topics related to both medical and dental care. Among the study population, 57.2% of subjects reported being seen by a dentist within the last 12 months, versus 67.3% before they became disabled. The last dental appointment was a routine examination for 59.5% of the respondents. Since becoming disabled, 16.6% of subjects reported problems receiving dental care. Financial challenges were the primary problem followed by physical accessibility issues. Further research is required to discover how barriers to care can be overcome to assure that those with disabilities receive adequate dental care.
Equine immune‐mediated keratopathies
Authors: MATTHEWS A. , GILGER B.
Published: March 2011

Immune mediated keratopathies (IMMKs) are a relatively commonly occurring group of heterogeneous corneal disorders. This paper describes the currently recognised clinical presentations of the IMMKs in the USA and in the UK. Although a clinical diagnosis is relatively straightforward in most cases, the specific aetiopathogeneses of the IMMKs remains elusive and largely speculative, but are thought to be based upon upregulated immunoreactivity in the normally immunologically passive cornea. Treatment protocols, both medical and surgical, are based primarily on collective clinical experience and are variably successful, and in some cases recurrence or refractoriness to treatment is possible.
Current developments in equine cataract surgery
Authors: McMULLEN R. J. , UTTER M. E.
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this review is to discuss the evolution of equine cataract surgery over the past 50 years to its current stage. Equine cataract surgery is performed similarly compared with the techniques used in human ophthalmology and in other veterinary species. However, enough differences exist to make surgical lens removal and intraocular lens implantation in the horse an intrinsically unique endeavour. Due to the size of the adult equine globe, the introduction of species‐specific instrumentation has provided the cornerstone to many of the changes made regarding surgical technique over the last 15–20 years. The continuing development of an equine specific, foldable intraocular lens implant (IOL) has provided much needed data supporting the use of such lenses in the horse to improve upon the post operative visual outcome. Finally, the methods utilised to assess visual capacity and the effects of intraocular lens implantation on the globe (e.g. ocular ultrasonography, electroretinography and streak retinoscopy) are gradually becoming more important in preoperative patient assessment and IOL development in the horse. It is the hope of the authors that a broader group of equine veterinarians will become aware of the many changes that have taken place in equine cataract surgery over the last half‐century. Although aspiration was implemented nearly 40 years ago in foals for the treatment of congenital cataracts, phacofragmentation (phacoemulsification) techniques have only recently become routine in mature horses undergoing lens extraction.
Equine uveitis: A UK perspective
Authors: LOWE R. C.
Published: March 2011

Uveitis in the equine population of the UK does not appear to be as prevalent or disastrous as seen across regions of Europe and the USA. Some cases perceived to be recurrent uveitis may be poorly resolved single episodes of uveitis and care should be taken not to make the diagnosis of recurrence without ensuring effective control of the initial episode. Leptospira spp. appear to play only a minor role ERU in the UK which is probably the main reason for the prevalence of the disease being much lower compared to the USA and mainland Europe.

Actual data are relatively few on the ground as far as disease surveillance in concerned. This has 2 implications. Firstly unless we are able to effectively monitor the levels of uveitic disease, it will be difficult to pick up early changes in the trend which may allow quicker intervention. Secondly, it is difficult to secure funding for further research if the prevalence of the problem is poorly defined. This may leave the UK equine population at risk should the disease profile suddenly alter for the worse.
Equine recurrent uveitis: The European viewpoint
Authors: SPIESS B. M.
Published: March 2011

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) has always been and still is an important disease with a significant impact on the horse industry in Europe, with a prevalence of 8–10%. The need to understand and manage the disease has spurred the development of veterinary ophthalmology in general, although the aetiology of the disease remains the subject of intense discussion. It is most probably an autoimmune disease triggered, at least in Europe, in the majority of cases byLeptospiraspp. The therapy of ERU has evolved over the centuries from various methods of bloodletting to rational medical therapy using mydriatics and steroidal and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, to surgical therapies, such as vitrectomy or implantation of cyclosporin‐releasing devices. In Europe,pars planavitrectomy in horses testing positive forLeptospiraspp. appears to be the most successful form of therapy at the present time.
Equine recurrent uveitis: The viewpoint from the USA
Authors: GILGER B. C.
Published: March 2011

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a common disease in horses in the USA. There have been many advances in the treatment of ERU; however, frequent misdiagnosis of ERU occurs in cases of primary corneal or uveal disease. It is critical to remember that primary uveitis (i.e. one bout of inflammation) is a different disease to ERU, which is an immune mediated recurrent uveitis. Standard symptomatic anti‐inflammatory therapy is effective to control most cases of ERU; however, some horses require advanced therapy, such as placement of drug delivery devices or removal of the vitreous, when they fail to respond to the standard therapy.
Equine glaucoma: State of the art
Authors: WILKIE D. A.
Published: March 2011

Understanding and awareness of equine glaucoma has significantly improved in recent years. The availability of portable tonometers and veterinarian/owner awareness has increased the frequency of glaucoma as a clinical diagnosis. A variety of medications for the medical management of equine glaucoma have been evaluated and the addition of lasers has improved the surgical treatment of equine glaucoma. Despite this, equine glaucoma is an insidious and painful disease that probably remains under diagnosed and often results in blindness in the affected eye.
Ocular manifestations of systemic disease in horses
Authors: HUGHES K. J.
Published: March 2011

Ocular manifestations may develop in many systemic diseases of horses; however, signs may not be observed unless ophthalmological examination is specifically undertaken. Recognition and assessment of ocular lesions in horses with systemic disease is desirable to facilitate diagnosis and determination of treatment options and diagnosis for both the underlying systemic disease and ocular manifestations. The purpose of this article is to review systemic diseases of horses that may have ocular signs as part of the disease process. Systemic diseases are discussed in categories of pathways for development of ocular signs, namely immunological disease, neurological disease or local/systemic spread of disease.
Dietary Change and Evolution of Horses in North America
Authors: Mihlbachler Matthew C. , Rivals Florent , Solounias Nikos , Semprebon Gina M.
Published: March 2011

A survey of horse-teeth wear during the past 55 million years implies that evolutionary pressures were generally low.
Layer-by-Layer Removal of Graphene for Device Patterning
Authors: Dimiev Ayrat , Kosynkin Dmitry V. , Sinitskii Alexander , Slesarev Alexander , Sun Zhengzong , Tour James M.
Published: March 2011

Reactions of graphene with zinc enable etching of a single graphene layer.
Three-Dimensional Model of
Salmonella
’s Needle Complex at Subnanometer Resolution
Authors: Schraidt Oliver , Marlovits Thomas C.
Published: March 2011

A cryo–electron microscopy structure of a bacterial secretion complex reveals threefold symmetry.
Enhancement of Consolidated Long-Term Memory by Overexpression of Protein Kinase Mζ in the Neocortex
Authors: Shema Reut , Haramati Sharon , Ron Shiri , Hazvi Shoshi , Chen Alon , Sacktor Todd Charlton , Dudai Yadin
Published: March 2011

In rats, overexpression of a persistently active protein kinase C isoform enhances memories long after they have been formed.
Local Peeling of Graphene
Authors: Gunlycke Daniel , Sheehan Paul E.
Published: March 2011

A technique is demonstrated that allows single layers of graphene to be removed one layer at a time.
New Epigenetic Drivers of Cancers
Authors: Elsässer Simon J. , Allis C. David , Lewis Peter W.
Published: March 2011

Mutations in proteins that control chromatin dynamics contribute to tumorigenesis.
Outrage Greets NSF Decision to End STEM Fellows Program
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: March 2011

Researchers are shocked and upset by a decision by the U.S. National Science Foundation to cancel a high-profile and successful fellowship program that has brought more than 10,000 graduate students into elementary and secondary schools around the country.
Breaking the Chain in Bangladesh
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: March 2011

Nipah virus has struck again in western Bangladesh, as it has done almost every winter since 2001. Scientists believe they know why the killer stalks this region—and are testing a simple intervention.
Have Physicists Already Glimpsed Particles of Dark Matter?
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: March 2011

The debate over that question suggests that the discovery of dark matter—whenever it comes—will be a murky affair.
LacI(Ts)-Regulated Expression as an In Situ Intracellular Biomolecular Thermometer
Authors: McCabe K. M. , Lacherndo E. J. , Albino-Flores I. , Sheehan E. , Hernandez M.
Published: March 2011

In response to needs for
in situ
thermometry, a temperature-sensitive vector was adapted to report changes in the intracellular heat content of
Escherichia coli
in near-real time. This model system utilized vectors expressing increasing quantities of β-galactosidase in response to stepwise temperature increases through a biologically relevant range (22 to 45°C). As judged by calibrated fluorometric and colorimetric reporters, both whole
E. coli
cells and lysates expressed significant repeatable changes in β-galactosidase activity that were sensitive to temperature changes of less than 1°C (35 to 45°C). This model system suggests that changes in cellular heat content can be detected independently of the medium in which cells are maintained, a feature of particular importance where the medium is heterogeneous or nonaqueous, or otherwise has a low heat transfer capacity. We report here that the intracellular temperature can be reliably obtained in near-real time using reliable fluorescent reporting systems from cellular scales, with a 20°C range of detection and at least 0.7°C sensitivity between 35 and 45°C.
Isolation of a Novel Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Serotype b Bacteriophage Capable of Lysing Bacteria within a Biofilm
Authors: Castillo-Ruiz Mario , Vinés Enrique D. , Montt Camilo , Fernández Jorge , Delgado José Manuel , Hormazábal Juan Carlos , Bittner Mauricio
Published: March 2011

A bacteriophage specific for
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
serotype b, able to kill the bacterium within a biofilm, was isolated. Random mutagenesis of this phage rendered a bacteriophage able to kill 99% of the bacteria within a biofilm. This is the first report of a biocontrol experiment against
A. actinomycetemcomitans
.
Virulence and Resistance Determinants of German Staphylococcus aureus ST398 Isolates from Nonhuman Sources
Authors: Argudín M. A. , Tenhagen B.-A. , Fetsch A. , Sachsenröder J. , Käsbohrer A. , Schroeter A. , Hammerl J. A. , Hertwig S. , Helmuth R. , Bräunig J. , Mendoza M. C. , Appel B. , Rodicio M. R. , Guerra B.
Published: March 2011

A series of 100
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates ascribed to sequence type 398 (ST398) and recovered from different sources (healthy carrier and diseased pigs, dust from pig farms, milk, and meat) in Germany were investigated for their virulence and antimicrobial resistance genetic background. Antimicrobial resistance was determined by the disk diffusion method. Virulence and resistance determinants (37 and 31 genes, respectively) were tested by PCR. Only two virulence profiles, including the accessory gene regulator
agrI
and three or four hemolysin-encoding genes, were detected. In contrast, 33 resistance profiles were distinguished (only 11 were shown by more than one isolate). Fifty-nine isolates were multiresistant (four or more antimicrobial classes), and 98 were methicillin resistant (
mecA
positive). All of the ST398 isolates showed resistance to tetracycline [encoded by
tet
(M) alone or together with
tet
(K) and/or
tet
(L)]. In addition, 98% were resistant to other antimicrobials, including macrolide-lincosamine-streptogramin B (70%, encoded by
ermA
,
ermB
, and
ermC
, alone or in combination), trimethoprim (65%, mostly due to
dfrK
and
dfrG
), kanamycin and gentamicin [29% and 14%, respectively, mainly related to
aac
(
6
′
)-Ie-aph
(
2
″
)-Ia
and/or
ant(4
′
)-Ia
but also to
aph(3
′
)-IIIa
], chloramphenicol (9%,
fexA
or
cfr
), quinupristin-dalfopristin (9%), ciprofloxacin (8%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (4%). The heterogeneity of the resistance profiles underlines the ability of the ST398 clone to acquire multiple antimicrobial resistance genes. However, the virulence gene content of the tested isolates was low. Continuous surveillance is needed to clarify whether its pathogenicity potential for animals and humans will increase over time.
Prevalence, Distribution, and Diversity of Salmonella enterica in a Major Produce Region of California
Authors: Gorski Lisa , Parker Craig T. , Liang Anita , Cooley Michael B. , Jay-Russell Michele T. , Gordus Andrew G. , Atwill E. Robert , Mandrell Robert E.
Published: March 2011

A survey was initiated to determine the prevalence of
Salmonella enterica
in the environment in and around Monterey County, CA, a major agriculture region of the United States. Trypticase soy broth enrichment cultures of samples of soil/sediment (
n
= 617), water (
n
= 252), wildlife (
n
= 476), cattle feces (
n
= 795), and preharvest lettuce and spinach (
n
= 261) tested originally for the presence of pathogenic
Escherichia coli
were kept in frozen storage and later used to test for the presence of
S. enterica
. A multipathogen oligonucleotide microarray was employed to identify a subset of samples that might contain
Salmonella
in order to test various culture methods to survey a larger number of samples. Fifty-five of 2,401 (2.3%) samples yielded
Salmonella
, representing samples obtained from 20 different locations in Monterey and San Benito Counties. Water had the highest percentage of positives (7.1%) among sample types. Wildlife yielded 20 positive samples, the highest number among sample types, with positive samples from birds (
n
= 105), coyotes (
n
= 40), deer (
n
= 104), elk (
n
= 39), wild pig (
n
= 41), and skunk (
n
= 13). Only 16 (2.6%) of the soil/sediment samples tested positive, and none of the produce samples had detectable
Salmonella
. Sixteen different serotypes were identified among the isolates, including
S. enterica
serotypes Give, Typhimurium, Montevideo, and Infantis. Fifty-four strains were sensitive to 12 tested antibiotics; one
S.
Montevideo strain was resistant to streptomycin and gentamicin. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of the isolates revealed over 40 different pulsotypes. Several strains were isolated from water, wildlife, or soil over a period of several months, suggesting that they were persistent in this environment.