bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truncation of class IV chitinases from Arabidopsis by secreted fungal proteases
Authors: NAUMANN TODD A. , PRICE NEIL P. J.
Published: April 2012

Plant class IV chitinases have a small amino‐terminal chitin‐binding domain and a larger chitinase domain, and are involved in plant defence against fungal infection. Our previous work on the chitinases ChitA and ChitB from the model monocotyledon Zea mays showed that the chitin‐binding domain is removed by secreted fungal proteases called fungalysins. In this article, we extend this work to dicotyledons. The effects of fungalysin‐like proteases on four class IV chitinases from the model dicotyledon Arabidopsis thaliana were analysed. Four Arabidopsis chitinases were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris, purified and shown to have chitinase activity against a chitohexaose (dp6) substrate. The incubation of these four chitinases with Fv‐cmp, a fungalysin protease secreted by Fusarium verticillioides, resulted in the truncation of AtchitIV3 and AtchitIV5. Moreover, incubation with secreted proteins from Alternaria brassicae, a pathogen of A. thaliana and brassica crops, also led to a similar truncation of AtchitIV3 and AtchitIV4. Our finding that class IV chitinases from both dicotyledons (A. thaliana) and monocotyledons (Z. mays) are truncated by proteases secreted by specialized pathogens of each plant suggests that this may be a general mechanism of plant–fungal pathogenicity.
A list of methods to detect arthropod quarantine pests in Europe*
Authors: Augustin S. , De Kogel W. J. , Donner P. , Faccoli M. , Lees D. C. , Marini L. , Mori N. , Toffolo E. P. , Quilici S. , Roques A. , Yart A. , Battisti A.
Published: April 2012

A total of 177 species of quarantine arthropods in Europe have been analysed for detection methods that are used in surveillance. This paper provides a link to a list where the methods most frequently used, either alone or in combination, are given for each species. Inspection remains the most common method of detection (108 species). Volatile compounds produced by either insects or host plants, or those released from food attractants are used for 85 species, while light trapping accounts for 28 species. Semiochemicals are known for 73 species, but are commercially available for only 43 species.
Pest risk analysis and invasive alien plants: progress through PRATIQUE*
Authors: Steffen K. , Schrader G. , Starfinger U. , Brunel S. , Sissons A.
Published: April 2012

The EPPO Decision‐support scheme (DSS) for Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) was fundamentally revised by the PRATIQUE EU project. Based on the examples of Polygonum perfoliatum (mile‐a‐minute‐weed) and Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), its applicability for invasive alien plants was tested. By means of a comparison of the risk analysis procedures with EPPO schemes before and after the project, pest group specific enhancements are outlined. For the two plants tested here, documented invasion history as well as biotic and abiotic requirements show that they can establish and spread in Europe and cause damage. PRATIQUE revisions to the EPPO DSS increased transparency, user friendliness and consistency for PRAs on invasive alien plants. This was accomplished through more comprehensive rating guidance, and aspects such as allowing individual risk elements to be documented and summarized to give a conclusive end result.
Estimating the global area of potential establishment for the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgiferavirgifera) under rain‐fed and irrigated agriculture*
Authors: Kriticos D. J. , Reynaud P. , Baker R. H. A. , Eyre D.
Published: April 2012

A CLIMEX model for Diabrotica virgiferavirgifera (western corn rootworm), was initially fitted to the known range of this pest in the USA and Mexico under rain‐fed agricultural situations. When this model was projected into Europe, it became clear that soil moisture thresholds for irrigation differed markedly between Central Europe and the USA. A second model was fitted using soil moisture parameters derived from theoretical expectations, and was found to fit the known distribution of all North American locations well, and all the European distribution records perfectly. Globally, the modelled potential range of D. v. virgifera covers approximately 64% of the global area of maize production. The highest nascent biosecurity risks to maize‐producing areas posed by the western corn rootworm are China, Japan, Argentina, South Africa and Australia. Biosecurity agencies concerned with managing D. v. virgifera invasion risks to Asia should adopt a regional approach to the problem, attempting to slow its spread through Eurasia. The sensitivity of D. v. virgifera’s modelled potential distribution to the inclusion of irrigated sites in the model training dataset highlighted the importance of carefully exploring the implications of land‐use factors that might be practised in different ways in the model training area and the area of concern.
Beyond compliance: project on an integrated systems approach for pest risk management in South East Asia
Authors: Mengersen K. , Quinlan M. M. , Whittle P. J. L. , Knight J. D. , Mumford J. D. , Wan Ismail W. N. , Tahir H. , Holt J. , Leach A. W. , Johnson S. , Sivapragasam A. , Lum K. Y. , Sue M. J. , Othman Y. , Jumaiyah L. , Tu D. M. , Anh N. T. , Pradyabumrung T. , Salyapongse C. , Marasigan L. Q. , Palacpac M. B. , Dulce L. , Panganiban G. G. F. , Soriano T. L. , Carandang E. , Hermawan
Published: April 2012

The Beyond Compliance project, which began in July 2011 with funding from the Standards and Trade Development Facility for 2 years, aims to enhance competency and confidence in the South East Asian sub‐region by applying a Systems Approach for pest risk management. The Systems Approach involves the use of integrated measures, at least two of which are independent, that cumulatively reduce the risk of introducing exotic pests through trade. Although useful in circumstances where single measures are inappropriate or unavailable, the Systems Approach is inherently more complicated than single‐measure approaches, which may inhibit its uptake. The project methodology is to take prototype decision‐support tools, such as Control Point‐Bayesian Networks (CP‐BN), developed in recent plant health initiatives in other regions, including the European PRATIQUE project, and to refine them within this sub‐regional context. Case studies of high‐priority potential agricultural trade will be conducted by National Plant Protection Organizations of participating South East Asian countries in trials of the tools, before further modifications. Longer term outcomes may include: more robust pest risk management in the region (for exports and imports); greater inclusion of stakeholders in development of pest risk management plans; increased confidence in trade negotiations; and new opportunities for trade.
Soil phenolics in a continuously mono‐cropped cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) system and their effects on cucumber seedling growth and soil microbial communities
Authors: Zhou X. , Yu G. , Wu F.
Published: April 2012

Phenolic compounds have been implicated as autotoxins of cucumber under mono‐cropping management systems. Inhibition of cucumber growth may result from direct uptake of phenolic compounds or an indirect effect resulting from changes in soil microflora. In the present study we monitored the dynamics of soil phenolics in a continuously mono‐cropped cucumber system and then assessed the effects of these compounds on soil microbial communities. Six phenolic compounds were identified in all soil samples in the continuously mono‐cropping system. Soil total phenolic content increased extensively in the first cropping, but maintained a relatively stable level in the following croppings. Amendments of phenolics at the concentration detected in the soil showed inhibitory effects on cucumber seedling growth and stimulatory effects on soil dehydrogenase activity, soil microbial biomass carbon content and soil bacteria and fungi community sizes. Amendments of phenolics caused shifts in soil microbial community structures and soil bacteria and fungi communities had different responses. Our results suggested that direct phytotoxic effects of phenolics on cucumber probably did not happen in continuous mono‐cropping systems, but they might indirectly influence cucumber performance by changing soil microbial communities.
Plasmodium falciparum, anaemia and cognitive and educational performance among school children in an area of moderate malaria transmission: baseline results of a cluster randomized trial on the coast of Kenya
Authors: Halliday Katherine E. , Karanja Peris , Turner Elizabeth L. , Okello George , Njagi Kiambo , Dubeck Margaret M. , Allen Elizabeth , Jukes Matthew C.H. , Brooker Simon J.
Published: April 2012

Objectives  Studies have typically investigated health and educational consequences of malaria among school‐aged children in areas of high malaria transmission, but few have investigated these issues in moderate transmission settings. This study investigates the patterns of and risks for Plasmodium falciparum and anaemia and their association with cognitive and education outcomes on the Kenyan coast, an area of moderate malaria transmission.

Methods  As part of a cluster randomised trial, a baseline cross‐sectional survey assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for P. falciparum infection and anaemia and the associations between health status and measures of cognition and educational achievement. Results are presented for 2400 randomly selected children who were enrolled in the 51 intervention schools.

Results  The overall prevalence of P. falciparum infection and anaemia was 13.0% and 45.5%, respectively. There was marked heterogeneity in the prevalence of P. falciparum infection by school. In multivariable analysis, being male, younger age, not sleeping under a mosquito net and household crowding were adjusted risk factors for P. falciparum infection, whilst P. falciparum infection, being male and indicators of poor nutritional intake were risk factors for anaemia. No association was observed between either P. falciparum or anaemia and performance on tests of sustained attention, cognition, literacy or numeracy.

Conclusion  The results indicate that in this moderate malaria transmission setting, P. falciparum is strongly associated with anaemia, but there is no clear association between health status and education. Intervention studies are underway to investigate whether removing the burden of chronic asymptomatic P. falciparum and related anaemia can improve education outcomes.
What is driving people’s dissatisfaction with their own health care in 17 Latin American countries?
Authors: Kim Minah K. , Blendon Robert J. , Benson John M.
Published: April 2012

Background  A number of expert reports have pointed to serious problems with health care in many Latin American countries and argued the need to reform and improve health‐care systems. In addition, the Ministers of Health of the Americas have stated that health systems should be accountable to citizens.

Objective  This paper examines, in each of 17 Latin American countries, public dissatisfaction with the health care to which people have access, the proportion of people reporting problems with access to and the cost of health care and the factors that are most important in driving public dissatisfaction.

Methods  Data are drawn from a 2007 Latinobarómetro survey of 19 212 adults interviewed face‐to‐face in 17 Latin American countries.

Results  The proportion of people expressing dissatisfaction with their health care varies a great deal by country, as do the proportions reporting problems with access to and the cost of health care. Problems with access to care seem to matter most in trying to explain public dissatisfaction with their health care. More traditional measures of health outcomes and resources seem to matter less as drivers of dissatisfaction.

Conclusions  For governments trying to improve their citizens’ satisfaction with the health care they receive, the highest priority would be improving people’s basic access to health‐care services. Also, it appears that democratic governments are seen as being more responsive to the public’s needs in health care.
Involving patients in treatment decisions – a delicate balancing act for Swedish dentists
Authors: Röing Marta , Holmström Inger Knutsson
Published: April 2012

Background  This study focuses on patients’ participation in treatment decisions related to the delivery of oral health care in the social welfare state of Sweden. In 1985, the National Dental Service Act gave dental patients the right to take an active role in decisions regarding their treatment and, in doing so, strengthened them as consumers. Little is known how dentists in Sweden have adapted to this change.

Objective  This study explores how dentists in Sweden perceive and experience involving patients in dental treatment decisions.

Design  Data were collected from open‐ended interviews with nineteen dentists, and an inductive qualitative content analysis was chosen to analyse the transcribed interviews.

Findings  Involving patients in treatment decisions appeared to be delicate balancing acts between the ideals of patient involvement and the reality of how it is practised in Sweden. These balancing acts in turn revealed obstacles to patient involvement and the role that economy can play on the decisions of some patients regarding their treatment.

Conclusions  This study has given insight into a relationship in which some dentists in Sweden find it hard to adapt to and change their professional role with patients who appear to act more as consumers. For these dentists, better practice of patient involvement may require adoption of a more consumerist approach. However, in situations where economy influences patients’ treatment choices, the ideals of patient involvement may remain unattainable.
Assessing patients’ involvement in decision making during the nutritional consultation with a dietitian
Authors: Vaillancourt Hugues , Légaré France , Lapointe Annie , Deschênes Sarah‐Maude , Desroches Sophie
Published: April 2012

Background  Shared decision making (SDM) represents an interesting approach to optimize the impact of dietary treatment, but there is no evidence that SDM is commonly integrated into diet‐related health care.

Objective  To assess the extent to which dietitians involve patients in decisions about dietary treatment.

Methods  We audiotaped dietitians conducting nutritional consultations with their patients, and we transcribed the tapes verbatim. Three trained raters independently evaluated the content of the nutritional consultations using a coding frame based on the 12 items of the French‐language version of the OPTION scale, a validated and reliable third‐observer instrument designed to assess patients’ involvement by examining specific health professionals’ behaviours. Coding was facilitated by the qualitative research software NVivo 8. We assessed internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha and inter‐rater reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results  Of the 40 dietitians eligible to participate in the study, 19 took part. We recruited one patient per participating dietitian. The overall mean OPTION score was 29 ± 8% [range, 0% (no patient involvement in the decision] to 100% [high patient involvement)]. The mean duration of consultations was 50 ± 26 min. The OPTION score was positively correlated with the duration of the consultation (r = 0.65, P < 0.01). Internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability were both good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.72; ICC = 0.65).

Conclusion  This study is the first to use a framework based on the OPTION scale to report on dietitians’ involvement of patients in decisions about patients’ dietary treatment. The results suggest that involvement is suboptimal. Interventions to increase patients’ involvement in diet‐related decision making are indicated.
Disruption of trans‐pityol‐mediated attraction by racemic trans‐conophthorin in twig beetle Pityophthorus pubescens
Authors: López S. , González M. , Iturrondobeitia J. C. , Goldarazena A.
Published: April 2012

Twig beetle Pityophthorus pubescens (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) has been previously associated with the Fusarium circinatum (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae), the pathogen causing pitch canker disease, in P. radiata stands of the Basque Country (Northern Spain). Laboratory and field studies were conducted to evaluate the response of the insect to the racemic mixture of the spiroacetal trans‐7‐methyl‐1,6‐dioxaspiro[4.5]decane, also known as conophthorin. In walking bioassays, addition of 10 and 100 ng of racemic trans‐conophthorin to 1 ng of (±)‐trans‐pityol elicited a negative response in males, whereas females did not show any significant preference. Catches of males in attractant‐baited traps were strongly reduced by racemic trans‐conophthorin at all release rates tested (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/day). In contrast, catches of females were not affected by any of the (±)‐trans‐conophthorin release rate.
Entering the Australian Judiciary: Gender and Court Hierarchy
Authors: MACK KATHY , ROACH ANLEU SHARYN
Published: April 2012

There is considerable attention to increasing judicial diversity along a range of dimensions, in particular, gender. Women remain underrepresented in many courts, especially at the higher levels of the judiciary. A comprehensive socio‐legal study of the Australian judiciary compares experiences and attitudes of women who have become judicial officers at different levels of the court hierarchy. Understanding their personal and professional backgrounds and the features that attracted them to the judiciary has important implications for addressing gender disparity. Effective recruitment and selection must focus on the expectations and experiences of women in relation to particular judicial contexts.
As Luck Would Have It: The Effect of the Vietnam Draft Lottery on Long‐Term Career Outcomes
Authors: FRANK DOUGLAS H.
Published: April 2012

Using an original data set matching individual birthdays to Vietnam War draft lottery numbers, I study how the random lottery number assignment affects representation in a sample of top corporate executives decades after the war’s end. I find that men with lottery numbers placing them at risk of induction are underrepresented among top U.S. executives in the 1990s. In contrast, I find that high draft risk is positively correlated with indicators of human capital such as earnings and speed of reaching the executive ranks. If the executives are viewed as the winners of a multi‐stage elimination tournament that selected on productivity, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that draft risk led to a mean‐reducing spread in the productivity distribution of draft‐eligible males.
Mobile connected dermatoscope and confocal laser scanning microscope: a useful combination applied in facial simple sensitive skin
Authors: Zha W. F. , Song W. M. , Ai J. J. , Xu A. E.
Published: April 2012

Synopsis

Little is known as the effects of mobile connected dermatoscope services on diagnostic accuracy for sensitive skin. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) can non‐invasively measure the thickness of epidermis. Combination of the two devices to observe sensitive skin may receive unexpected effects. To evaluate the application effect on sensitive skin with the combination of Handyscope and confocal laser scanning microscope. Twenty simple sensitive‐skinned patients and 20 volunteers participated in the study. Cheek, typically, dermoscopic images were obtained from patients, and the changes in the skin texture were observed. Their epidermis thicknesses as well as the volunteers’ were measured so that the thicknesses of the two groups were compared. Dermoscopic pictures of the skin texture obviously showed that dilated capillaries looked like earthworms with pigmented patches more or less floating above, and skin roughness as well as deepened dermatoglyph were also conspicuously present in some patients. The mean epidermal thickness of the patients was 79.01 μm and the volunteers’ was 85.78 μm. The difference between the two groups reached 6.77 μm. There was a statistical significance (P = 0.001). Mobile connected dermatoscope and confocal laser scanning microscope might be the choice for simple sensitive skin investigation.
Development of the hypothalamus and pituitary in platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Authors: Ashwell Ken W. S.
Published: April 2012

The living monotremes (platypus and echidnas) are distinguished by the development of their young in a leathery‐shelled egg, a low and variable body temperature and a primitive teat‐less mammary gland. Their young are hatched in an immature state and must deal with the external environment, with all its challenges of hypothermia and stress, as well as sourcing nutrients from the maternal mammary gland. The Hill and Hubrecht embryological collections have been used to follow the structural development of the monotreme hypothalamus and its connections with the pituitary gland both in the period leading up to hatching and during the lactational phase of development, and to relate this structural maturation to behavioural development. In the incubation phase, development of the hypothalamus proceeds from closure of the anterior neuropore to formation of the lateral hypothalamic zone and putative medial forebrain bundle. Some medial zone hypothalamic nuclei are emerging at the time of hatching, but these are poorly differentiated and periventricular zone nuclei do not appear until the first week of post‐hatching life. Differentiation of the pituitary is also incomplete at hatching, epithelial cords do not develop in the pars anterior until the first week, and the hypothalamo‐neurohypophyseal tract does not appear until the second week of post‐hatching life. In many respects, the structure of the hypothalamus and pituitary of the newly hatched monotreme is similar to that seen in newborn marsupials, suggesting that both groups rely solely on lateral hypothalamic zone nuclei for whatever homeostatic mechanisms they are capable of at birth/hatching.
Quantitative comparison and selection of home range metrics for telemetry data
Authors: Cumming Graeme S. , Cornélis Daniel
Published: April 2012

Aim

Home range (HR) metrics are widely used in ecology and conservation, but the quantitative basis for choosing and parameterizing metrics is weak. Home range estimates are ecological and statistical hypotheses that must balance type I and type II errors. Here, we present and test a new approach to fine‐tuning and comparing HR estimates using the area under the curve (AUC) statistic.

Location

Test data are taken from telemetry studies of 44 individual ducks in southern Africa and nine buffaloes in southern and western Africa.

Methods

We use a meta‐analysis of AUC statistics to compare the performance of four standard HR metrics on data from 44 ducks (two species) and nine African buffaloes.

Results

The AUC method emerges as a useful and accessible statistical tool. It captures clear differences between HR estimators as well as providing a way of fine‐tuning parameters for an individual HR estimate. Code to run the HR AUC analyses in R is provided. As argued by others, we found that kernel density estimators offer the best combination of ecological and statistical validity, while estimators that use minimum convex polygons at any stage of the algorithm perform poorly and should be avoided.

Main conclusions

The AUC statistic provides a readily implementable and straightforward approach to comparing different HR metrics and to selecting parameters for individual metrics. It thus offers a valuable tool for conservation efforts that seek to define HRs for species or populations. The use of the AUC in this new context further contributes to solidifying the interface between species occurrence models and HR estimators.
Looking to the Future: Incorporating Genomic Information into Disparities Research to Reduce Measurement Error and Selection Bias
Authors: Shields Alexandra E. , Crown William H.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To extend recent conceptual and methodological advances in disparities research to include the incorporation of genomic information in analyses of racial/ethnic disparities in health care and health outcomes.

Data Sources

Published literature on human genetic variation, the role of genetics in disease and response to treatment, and methodological developments in disparities research.

Study Design

We present a conceptual framework for incorporating genomic information into the Institute of Medicine definition of racial/ethnic disparities in health care, identify key concepts used in disparities research that can be informed by genomics research, and illustrate the incorporation of genomic information into current methods using the example of HER‐2 mutations guiding care for breast cancer.

Principal Findings

Genomic information has not yet been incorporated into disparities research, though it has direct relevance to concepts of race/ethnicity, health status, appropriate care, and socioeconomic status. The HER‐2 example demonstrates how available genetic information can be incorporated into current disparities methods to reduce selection bias and measurement error. Advances in health information infrastructure may soon make standardized genetic information more available to health services researchers.

Conclusion

Genomic information can refine measurement of racial/ethnic disparities in health care and health outcomes and should be included wherever possible in disparities research.
Synthesis and application of some novel antimicrobial monoazonaphthalimide dyes: synthesis and characterisation
Authors: Shaki Hanieh , Gharanjig Kamaladin , Rouhani Shohre , Khosravi Alireza , Fakhar Javad
Published: April 2012

A series of novel monoazo dyes based on N‐pyridine‐1,8‐naphthalimides were prepared using 4‐amino‐N‐2‐aminomethylpyridine‐1,8‐naphthalimide as the diazo component and N,N‐diethyl‐meta‐toluidine, 3‐(N,N‐diethylamino)acetanilide and N‐hydroxyethyl‐N‐ethylaniline as the coupling components. The synthesised dyes were purified by utilising column and preparative thin‐layer chromatography methods. The characterisations of the prepared dyes were carried out by differential scanning calorimetery, thin‐layer chromatography (Rf values), Fourier Transform infrared, and proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the novel synthesised compounds against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and their antifungal activity against Candida albicans were evaluated by use of conventional agar dilution procedures and a minimum inhibitory concentration. Some of these synthesised dyes demonstrated antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria in addition to antifungal activities.
Implementation of pressure ulcer prevention best practice recommendations in acute care: an observational study
Authors: Barker Anna Lucia , Kamar Jeannette , Tyndall Tamara Jane , White Lyn , Hutchinson Anastasia , Klopfer Nicole , Weller Carolina
Published: April 2012

Pressure ulcers are a common but preventable problem in hospitals. Implementation of best practice guideline recommendations can prevent ulcers from occurring. This 9‐year cohort study reports prevalence data from point prevalence surveys during the observation period, and three practice metrics to assess implementation of best practice guideline recommendations: (i) nurse compliance with use of a validated pressure ulcer risk assessment and intervention checklist; (ii) accuracy of risk assessment scoring in usual‐care nurses and experienced injury prevention nurses; and (iii) use of pressure ulcer prevention strategies. The prevalence of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers decreased following implementation of an evidence‐based prevention programme from 12·6% (2 years preprogramme implementation) to 2·6% (6 years postprogramme implementation) (P < 0·001). Audits between 2003 and 2011 of 4368 patient medical records identified compliance with pressure ulcer prevention documentation according to best practice guidelines was high (>84%). A sample of 270 patients formed the sample for the study of risk assessment scoring accuracy and use of prevention strategies. It was found usual‐care nurses under‐estimated patients' risk of pressure ulcer development and under‐utilised prevention strategies compared with experienced injury prevention nurses. Despite a significant reduction in prevalence of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers and high documentation compliance, use of prevention strategies could further be improved to achieve better patient outcomes. Barriers to the use of prevention strategies by nurses in the acute hospital setting require further examination. This study provides important insights into the knowledge translation of pressure ulcer prevention best practice guideline recommendations at The Northern Hospital.
Detection of influenza A virus in live bird markets in Kenya, 2009–2011
Authors: Munyua Peninah M. , Githinji Jane W. , Waiboci Lilian W. , Njagi Leonard M. , Arunga Geoffrey , Mwasi Lydia , Murithi Mbabu R. , Macharia Joseph M. , Breiman Robert F. , Kariuki Njenga M. , Katz Mark A.
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Munyua et al. (2013) Detection of influenza A virus in live bird markets in Kenya, 2009–2011. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(2), 113–119.

Background  Surveillance for influenza viruses within live bird markets (LBMs) has been recognized as an effective tool for detecting circulating avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In Sub‐Saharan Africa, limited data exist on AIVs in animal hosts, and in Kenya the presence of influenza virus in animal hosts has not been described.

Objectives  This surveillance project aimed to detect influenza A virus in poultry traded in five LBMs in Kenya.

Methods  We visited each market monthly and collected oropharyngeal and cloacal specimens from poultry and environmental specimens for virological testing for influenza A by real time RT‐PCR. On each visit, we collected information on the number and types of birds in each market, health status of the birds, and market practices.

Results  During March 24, 2009–February 28, 2011, we collected 5221 cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs. Of the 5199 (99·6%) specimens tested, influenza A virus was detected in 42 (0·8%), including 35/4166 (0·8%) specimens from chickens, 3/381 (0·8%) from turkeys, and 4/335 (1·2%) from geese. None of the 317 duck specimens were positive. Influenza was more commonly detected in oropharyngeal [33 (1·3%)] than in cloacal [9 (0·4%)] specimens. None of the 485 environmental specimens were positive. Virus was detected in all five markets during most (14/22) of the months. Ducks and geese were kept longer at the market (median 30 days) than chickens (median 2 days).

Conclusions  Influenza A was detected in a small percentage of poultry traded in LBMs in Kenya. Efforts should be made to promote practices that could limit the maintenance and transmission of AIVs in LBMs.
The Role of Salivary Proteins in the Mechanism of Astringency
Authors: Lee Catherine A. , Ismail Baraem , Vickers Zata M.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Understanding astringency has focused on the interaction of tannins with the salivary proline‐rich proteins (PRPs), although it remains unclear if other astringents precipitate the PRPs or how this interaction relates to sensory perceptions of astringency. We used 2 approaches to compare how distinct classes of astringent compounds interacted with the salivary PRPs and mucins. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we evaluated protein patterns and characterized the salivary proteins present in the supernatants and pellets of pooled saliva assayed with tannin, alum, and hydrochloric acid solutions. Tannins and alum precipitated many of the PRPs, but acid did not. Mucins were precipitated by both the acid and alum, but not by the tannins. From our research, it appears that the precipitation of salivary proteins may be involved in the mechanism of astringency, but the precipitation of PRPs is not requisite for the development of astringency. We also measured mucin and deoxyribonucleic acid content of expectorated solutions of astringents that panelists swished in their mouths to determine if astringency was associated with a loss of oral lubricating films.
P‐glycoprotein expression in Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients: The influence of MDR1 C3435T polymorphism
Authors: OMAR Marhanis , CROWE Andrew , PARSONS Richard , EE Hooi , TAY Chin Yen , HUGHES Jeffery
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) C3435T polymorphism had an influence on P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) expression in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS:  A total of 76 patients who underwent upper gastroendoscopy at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia from October 2010 to July 2011 were enrolled in the study. Antral and duodenal biopsies were collected for P‐gp examination. Blood samples were taken and analyzed for MDR1 C3435T polymorphism. H. pylori infection status was confirmed by culture and polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS:  A significant difference was found in P‐gp expression between H. pylori‐positive and H. pylori‐negative patients (P = 0.028). For the MDR1 C3435T polymorphism, the TT genotype had a significantly lower P‐gp expression compared with the CC genotype in antral specimens (P = 0.041). The homozygous TT genotype with H. pylori infection was also significantly different in P‐gp expression compared with H. pylori‐negative patients (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS:  P‐gp expression in the upper gastrointestinal tract is associated with H. pylori infection, and the TT genotype appeared to be associated with lower P‐gp expression than the CC genotype in the stomach.
Case of thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy for lung cancer with tracheal bronchus and a pulmonary vein variation
Authors: Yurugi Y , Nakamura H , Taniguchi Y , Miwa K , Fujioka S , Haruki T , Takagi Y , Matsuoka Y , Kubouchi Y
Published: April 2012

A 58‐year‐old woman visited our hospital with the chief complaint of an abnormal chest shadow. Chest CT showed an 18‐mm ground‐glass opacity in the right upper lobe, which became enlarged over time, and lung cancer was suspected. At the same time, a tracheal bronchus originating directly from the trachea was observed. She underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. During surgery, in addition to the tracheal bronchus, a pulmonary vein variation was seen running dorsal to the pulmonary artery. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Tracheal bronchus is a rare anomaly, with an incidence of 0.1%–5%. Since tracheal bronchus is often accompanied by pulmonary vessel variations and may be associated with repeated previous infections, care should be taken when performing thoracoscopic lung resection.
Thoracic empyema due to migrated endoclips after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Saito Y , Shibata S , Akayama K , Takahashi T
Published: April 2012

We describe the case of a patient who developed right thoracic empyema 1 year after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient experienced right chest pain and swelling; radiography and CT showed an intrathoracic abscess penetrating the extrathoracic space and the presence of metal clips over the diaphragm. After drainage of the subcutaneous abscess, fluid accumulation decreased; bacterial examination showed no positive findings. Another year later, the patient's condition relapsed. We thought that the empyema may have been caused by endoclips that had migrated. We performed thoracoplasty and retrieved three endoclips from the intrathoracic empyema cavity. The patient showed good recovery after the operation.
Overview of the rocky component of Wild 2 comet samples: Insight into the early solar system, relationship with meteoritic materials and the differences between comets and asteroids
Authors: BROWNLEE Don , JOSWIAK Dave , MATRAJT Graciela
Published: April 2012

Abstract– The solid 2–10 μm samples of comet Wild 2 provide a limited but direct view of the solar nebula solids that accreted to form Jupiter family comets. The samples collected by the Stardust mission are dominated by high‐temperature materials that are closely analogous to meteoritic components. These materials include chondrule and CAI‐like fragments. Five presolar grains have been discovered, but it is clear that isotopically anomalous presolar grains are only a minor fraction of the comet. Although uncertain, the presolar grain content is perhaps higher than found in chondrites and most interplanetary dust particles. It appears that the majority of the analyzed Wild 2 solids were produced in high‐temperature “rock forming” environments, and they were then transported past the orbit of Neptune, where they accreted along with ice and organic components to form comet Wild 2. We hypothesize that Wild 2 rocky components are a sample of a ubiquitously distributed flow of nebular solids that was accreted by all bodies including planets and meteorite parent bodies. A primary difference between asteroids and the rocky content of comets is that comets are dominated by this widely distributed component. Asteroids contain this component, but are dominated by locally made materials that give chondrite groups their distinctive properties. Because of the large radial mixing in this scenario, it seems likely that most comets contain a similar mix of rocky materials. If this hypothesis is correct, then properties such as oxygen isotopes and minor element abundances in olivine, should have a wider dispersion than in any chondrite group, and this may be a characteristic property of primitive outer solar system bodies made from widely transported components.
The predictive validity of implicit measures of self‐determined motivation across health‐related behaviours
Authors: Keatley David , Clarke David. D. , Hagger Martin S.
Published: April 2012

Objective. Research on health‐related behaviour has typically adopted deliberative models of motivation and explicit measures. However, growing support for implicit processes in motivation and health‐related behaviour has caused a shift towards developing models that incorporate implicit and explicit processes.

Methods. The current research advances this area by comparing the predictive validity of a newly developed implicit measure of motivation from self‐determination theory (SDT) with explicit measures of motivation for 20 health‐related behaviours, in a sample of undergraduate students (N= 162). A dual systems model was developed to test whether implicit motivation provided unique prediction of behaviour.

Results. Structural equation models for each behaviour indicated some support for the role of implicit measures; explicit measures and intention provided more consistent, significant prediction across most behaviours.

Conclusions. This study provides some support for dual systems models, and offers an important contribution to understanding why some behaviours may be better predicted by either implicit or explicit measures. Future implications for implicit processes and SDT are outlined.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? 

Previous research has highlighted the unique effects of implicit processes on goal‐directed behaviour. Several studies have supported the role of implicit processes in motivation.

What does this study add? 

The current study adds to the previous literature by investigating the role of implicit processes and self‐determination theory. Furthermore, the current study uses a relatively novel implicit measure across a wide range of behaviours. Finally, the current study incorporates a dual‐systems model to provide a conceptual understanding of the findings.
When effects of the universal psychological need for autonomy on health behaviour extend to a large proportion of individuals: A field experiment
Authors: Chatzisarantis Nikos L. D. , Hagger Martin S. , Kamarova Sviatlana , Kawabata Masato
Published: April 2012

Objective.  Based on tenets of self‐determination theory, the present manuscript examined the hypothesis that a physical activity intervention programme that supported the universal psychological need for autonomy would motivate a large proportion of young individuals to engage in physical activity. In contrast, we hypothesized that interventions that did not support the universal psychological need for autonomy would motivate a smaller proportion of young individuals to endorse the physical activity programme.

Method.  A field experiment was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention that supported the psychological need for autonomy and two conditions that did not support the psychological need for autonomy (rationale‐only or forced‐choice conditions).

Results.  It was demonstrated that more young individuals initiated and completed a physical activity intervention programme when the programme supported the psychological need for autonomy than when the programme did not support the psychological need for autonomy.

Conclusions.  Results of the present study provide additional evidence to a growing body of literature recognizing the importance of universal psychological needs in motivating health‐related behaviours.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Previous research has established the unique effects of the psychological need for autonomy on health behaviour. Several studies have shown that individuals are more likely to adopt health‐related behaviour when they complete interventions that support the psychological need for autonomy than when they are exposed to interventions that frustrate the psychological need for autonomy.

What does this study add?

The current study adds to knowledge by demonstrating that the effects of universal psychological needs extend to a large proportion (i.e., the majority) of individuals. This means that autonomy supportive interventions to change health behaviour will lead to benefits to a large proportion of individuals in a population, which is extremely beneficial to public health campaigns that aim to increase the health of the general population.
Anatomy structure creation and editing using 3D implicit surfaces
Authors: Hibbard Lyndon S.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

To accurately reconstruct, and interactively reshape 3D anatomy structures' surfaces using small numbers of 2D contours drawn in the most visually informative views of 3D imagery. The innovation of this program is that the number of 2D contours can be very much smaller than the number of transverse sections, even for anatomy structures spanning many sections. This program can edit 3D structures from prior segmentations, including those from autosegmentation programs. The reconstruction and surface editing works with any image modality.

Methods:

Structures are represented by variational implicit surfaces defined by weighted sums of radial basis functions (RBFs). Such surfaces are smooth, continuous, and closed and can be reconstructed with RBFs optimally located to efficiently capture shape in any combination of transverse (T), sagittal (S), and coronal (C) views. The accuracy of implicit surface reconstructions was measured by comparisons with the corresponding expert‐contoured surfaces in 103 prostate cancer radiotherapy plans. Editing a pre‐existing surface is done by overdrawing its profiles in image views spanning the affected part of the structure, deleting an appropriate set of prior RBFs, and merging the remainder with the new edit contour RBFs. Two methods were devised to identify RBFs to be deleted based only on the geometry of the initial surface and the locations of the new RBFs.

Results:

Expert‐contoured surfaces were compared with implicit surfaces reconstructed from them over varying numbers and combinations of T/S/C planes. Studies revealed that surface–surface agreement increases monotonically with increasing RBF‐sample density, and that the rate of increase declines over the same range. These trends were observed for all surface agreement metrics and for all the organs studied—prostate, bladder, and rectum. In addition, S and C contours may convey more shape information than T views for CT studies in which the axial slice thickness is greater than the pixel size. Surface editing accuracy likewise improves with larger sampling densities, and the rate of improvement similarly declines over the same conditions.

Conclusions:

Implicit surfaces based on RBFs are accurate representations of anatomic structures and can be interactively generated or modified to correct segmentation errors. The number of input contours is typically smaller than the number of T contours spanned by the structure.
Perceived Inheritance
Am I My Genes?
Confronting Fate and Family Secrets in the Age of Genetic Testing

by Robert L. Klitzman

Oxford University Press, New York, 2012. 375 pp. $29.95, £19.99. ISBN 9780199837168.
Authors: Goldman Michael A.
Published: April 2012

Focusing on single-gene disorders, Klitzman considers what we will do once substantial portions of personal genomes become widely available.
Texas Medical Board Approves Rules for Controversial Treatment
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: April 2012

Last week, the Texas Medical Board signed off on what's said to be the first state-level policy imposing oversight on experimental treatments using adult stem cells.
Evidence Mounts for Dam-Quake Link
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: April 2012

Newly published studies present the strongest evidence yet for a link between the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and the reservoir behind the 156-meter-high Zipingpu Dam.
Serum IgG Responses and Seroconversion Patterns to Cryptosporidium gp15 among Children in a Birth Cohort in South India
Authors: Sarkar Rajiv , Ajjampur Sitara Swarna Rao , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Ward Honorine , Naumova Elena N. , Kang Gagandeep
Published: April 2012

The correlates of protective immunity to cryptosporidiosis are not well understood. This study was conducted to assess the effect of maternal serum IgG againstCryptosporidiumgp15 on responses to this antigen in children with (cases) and without (controls) PCR-confirmed cryptosporidial diarrhea. Maternal sera (n= 129) and sera from cases (n= 39) and controls (n= 90) collected at 3.5, 9, and 24 months of age were tested for serum IgG againstCryptosporidiumgp15 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seroconversion patterns were evaluated by estimating probabilities of seroconversion along three time points based on the transition pathways by using a first-order Markov chain process and empirical Bayesian estimates. There was no difference in serum IgG levels or seropositivity rates to gp15 between cases and controls across all time points in children or in IgG levels to this antigen between mothers of cases and controls. The most common transition pathway can be described as a seronegative child at 3.5 months who seroconverts at 9 months and remains seropositive at 24 months. This pattern remained stable irrespective of the serological status of the mother or the case or control status of the child. Children were most likely to be exposed toCryptosporidiumfor the first time between the ages of 3 and 9 months, and most of the children seroconverted by 24 months. The high degree of seroconversion among control children is suggestive of high rates of asymptomatic transmission in this region.