bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female nurses’ sensitivity to male genitalia‐related care in mainland China
Authors: Zang Yu‐Li , Chung Loretta YF , Wong Thomas KS , Chan Moon Fai
Published: September 2011

Aims. To discover the latent psychosocial construct of female nurses’ sensitivity to male genitalia‐related care in the context of sexual conservativeness.

Background. Many nursing activities involve direct exposure or contact with male external genitalia. In the sexually conservative culture and the predominance of female nurses, this area is the subject of continuing interest and investigation.

Design. Methodological research design.

Methods. An item pool related to male genitalia‐related care was generated through a panel of experts and then reduced to a short form questionnaire, the Female Nurses’ Sensitivity to Male Genitalia Related Care scale. Using data from a purposive sample of 588 female nurses, the structure of the questionnaire was examined using structural equation modelling. The validity was examined against existing scales.

Results. The 13‐item Female Nurses’ Sensitivity to Male Genitalia Related Care scale has a two‐factor structure with high internal consistency (α = 0·87) and test–retest reliability of 0·90. Nearly all model fit measures reach the criteria of being an acceptable model fit except chi‐squared statistics. Scores on Female Nurses’ Sensitivity to Male Genitalia Related Care can be best predicted by that of brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, Embarrassability Scale and Situational Susceptibility to Embarrassment Scale.

Conclusions. The anxiety of projecting a positive image and the pursuit of sexual propriety may underpin female nurses’ sensitivity to male genitalia‐related care. This trait can be measured by the 13‐item female nurses’ sensitivity‐male genitalia‐related care scale with satisfactory psychometric properties including internal consistency, reliability, content validity and construct validity.

Relevance to clinical practice. Particular attention shall be paid to the negative effects of social rules or norms including sexual propriety rules over (female) nurses’ perceptions, attitudes and behaviours. Strengthening nursing education in this regard is important to overcome negative effects on female nurses of male genitalia‐related care.
Comparison of tools for the assessment of inappropriate prescribing in hospitalized older people
Authors: Luo Ruoyin , Scullin Claire , Mullan Andrea M. P. , Scott Michael G. , McElnay James C.
Published: September 2011

Rational, aims and objective  The aim of the present study was to compare the ease of use and the capability of four approaches [Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI), the Beers' criteria 2003, the Improved Prescribing in the Elderly Tool (IPET) and Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS)] in assessing changes in medication appropriateness in elderly patients over a period of hospitalization.

Methods  A retrospective observational study in two hospitals in Northern Ireland using the four measures was undertaken, involving a cohort of 192 patients (aged > 65 years). Medication appropriateness assessments were made at three stages during the patients' hospital ‘journey’, that is, at admission, during their inpatient stay and at discharge. The identifying rates of inappropriate prescribing in elderly patients in hospital used validated screening tools: MAI, the Beers' criteria 2003, the IPET and HEDIS.

Results  The MAI was the most comprehensive approach but was also the most time consuming to apply. Data derived using the MAI indicated clearly that there was improved medication appropriateness over the three hospital stay stages (P < 0.001). Although this trend was also significant for the Beers' criteria 2003 (P < 0.05) and the IPET (P < 0.05) approaches, the HEDIS was unable to differentiate changes in appropriateness over time. There was a good correlation between data derived using the MAI and the Beers' criteria 2003 and the IPET approaches; this correlation was not evident for the HEDIS.

Conclusions  The MAI is the most convincing tool in evaluating medication appropriateness, but is very time consuming to apply. Beers' criteria 2003 and the IPET perform to an acceptable standard within the clinical setting and are more practical in their application. The HEDIS, although simplest to apply, does not have the sensitivity to measure change in appropriateness over time.
A tailored educational intervention improves doctor's performance in managing depression: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shirazi Mandana , Lonka Kirsti , Parikh Sagar V. , Ristner Gunilla , Alaeddini Farshid , Sadeghi Majid , Wahlstrom Rolf
Published: September 2011

Rational and objectives  To assess the effects of a tailored and activating educational intervention, based on a three‐stage modified Prochaska model of readiness‐to‐change, on the performance of general physicians in primary care (GPs) regarding management of depressive disorders.

Methods  Parallel group, randomized control trial. Primary hypothesis was that performance would improve by 20 percentage units in the intervention arm. The setting was primary care in southern Tehran. The participants were 192 GPs stratified on stage of readiness‐to‐change, sex, age and work experience. The intervention was a 2‐day interactive workshop for a small group of GPs' at a higher stage of readiness‐to‐change (‘intention’) and a 2‐day interactive large group meeting for those with lower propensity to change (‘attitude’) at the pre‐assessment. GPs in the control arm participated in a standard educational programme on the same topic. The main outcome measures were validated tools to assess GPs' performance by unannounced standardized patients, regarding diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders. The assessments were made 2 months before and 2 months after the intervention.

Results  GPs in the intervention arm significantly improved their overall mean scores for performance regarding both diagnosis, with an intervention effect of 14 percentage units (P = 0.007), and treatment and referral, with an intervention effect of 20 percentage units (P < 0.0001). The largest improvement after the intervention appeared in the small group: 30 percentage units for diagnosis (P = 0.027) and 29 percentage units for treatment and referral (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions  Activating learning methods, tailored according to the participants' readiness to change, improved clinical performance of GPs in continuing medical education and can be recommended for continuing professional development.
Influencing factors of community mental health nurses caring for people with schizophrenia in Taiwan
Authors: CHENG J‐F. , HUANG X‐Y. , HSU Y‐S. , SU C‐H.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

Encouraging people with schizophrenia to live in the community is the current health‐care policy, but community living is difficult for clients and their families.

Influencing factors in home care need to be identified so as to guide service delivery for community‐dwelling clients with schizophrenia and their families.

Four categories and 12 subcategories of influencing factors were identified, which have positive and negative effects on nursing roles and the functions of public health nurses in the mental health home‐visiting service in Taiwan.

The influencing factors were found to support the importance of home care services.

The purpose of this study was to explore the influencing factors in the substantive theory of home care for people with schizophrenia in Taiwan. The grounded theory of Strauss and Corbin approach was used. Semi‐structured one‐to‐one in‐depth interviews were utilized to collect data. Constant comparative analysis continued during the open, axial and selective coding processes until data saturation occurred. Participants were selected using theoretical sampling, and the final sample in this study consisted of a total of 29 community nurses (18 public health nurses and 11 home health nurses) who provided community mental health home‐visiting services. The public health nurses and home health nurses both conducted a total of 16 (eight carers and eight clients) home visits. Four categories and 12 subcategories of influencing factors were identified; these factors have both positive and negative effects on nursing roles and the functions of public health nurses in the mental health home‐visiting service in Taiwan. The influencing factors identified support the importance of home care services.
Identification of residues involved in NS2 homodimerization and elucidation of their impact on the HCV life cycle
Authors: Gorzin A. A. , Ramsland P. A. , Tachedjian G. , Gowans E. J.
Published: September 2011

Summary.  The NS2 protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) plays a critical role in virus morphogenesis and infectivity. The crystal structure of the C‐terminus of the NS2 protein (NS2Pro) from the H77 strain indicates that NS2Pro forms a homodimer. In this study, using computational modelling, we identified residues at the NS2Pro dimer interface that have a role in dimerization and confirmed their capacity to influence dimerization by expression studies. Our modelling analysis identified 22 residues at the NS2Pro dimer interface that may be important for dimer formation. Based on the free binding energy, we selected the top five ranked mutations (V162A, M170A, I175A, D186A and I201A) for further study. Western blot analysis revealed that M170A, I175A, I201A, D186A and V162A resulted in a 4.0‐, 3.2‐, 3.0‐, 2.8‐ and 1.5‐fold increase, respectively, in the monomer/dimer ratio compared to wild type, confirming a role in homodimer formation or stability. Japanese Fulminant Hepatitis type 1 mutants expressing M170A, I175A, D186A and I201A demonstrated increasing defects in both RNA replication and the production of infectious virus compared to wild type. This study identified residues at the NS2Pro dimer interface that modulate NS2Pro homodimerization and demonstrated that abrogation of NS2Pro homodimerization results in defects in HCV replication and release of infectious virus.
Patterns of interventions and the effect of coalitions and sociality on male fitness
Authors: KULIK LARS , MUNIZ LAURA , MUNDRY ROGER , WIDDIG ANJA
Published: September 2011

In group living animals, especially among primates, there is consistent evidence that high‐ranking males gain a higher reproductive output than low‐ranking males. Primate studies have shown that male coalitions and sociality can impact male fitness; however, it remains unclear whether males could potentially increase their fitness by preferentially supporting and socializing with females. Here we investigate patterns of male interventions and the effect of coalitions and sociality on male fitness in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with particular focus on male–female interactions. We combined behavioural observations collected on Cayo Santiago with genetic data analysed for male reproductive output and relatedness. Our results revealed that the ten top‐ranking males provided the majority of all male support observed. In contrast to other primates, male rhesus macaques mainly formed all‐down coalitions suggesting that coalitions are less likely used to enhance male dominance. Males supporting females during and before their likely conception were not more likely to fertilize those females. We also found no evidence that males preferably support their offspring or other close kin. Interestingly, the most important predictor of male support was sociality, since opponents sharing a higher sociality index with a given male were more likely to be supported. Furthermore, a high sociality index of a given male–female dyad resulted in a higher probability of paternity. Overall, our results strengthen the evidence that sociality affects fitness in male primates, but also suggest that in species in which males queue for dominance, it is less likely that males derive fitness benefits from coalitions.
Promoter ‐817C>T Variant of B Lymphocyte Stimulator Gene (BLyS) and Susceptibility to Endometriosis‐Related Infertility and Idiopathic Infertility in Brazilian Population
Authors: Christofolini D. M. , Cavalheiro C. M. , Teles J. S. , Lerner T. G. , Brandes A. , Bianco B. , Barbosa C. P.
Published: September 2011

Many theories have been proposed to explain the development of endometriosis, and recently, autoimmune aetiology has been suggested. Besides, it is well known that endometriosis, especially the advanced disease, may impair fertility. B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is a cytokine produced by macrophages and is necessary for normal B cell development. One of the most studied polymorphisms is the ‐817C/T in the promoter region of the gene. We aimed to assess the association between endometriosis‐related infertility and idiopathic infertility and the BLyS ‐817C/T polymorphism in a Brazilian population. We performed a case–control study comprising 165 infertile women with endometriosis, 83 with idiopathic infertility and 145 fertile and assessed the association with BLys ‐817C/T polymorphism. BLyS ‐817C/T polymorphism was detected using TaqMan PCR. The results were analysed statistically, and a P‐value < 0.05 was considered significant. The results disclosed similar genotype and allelic frequencies between endometriosis‐related infertility (P = 0.225) and control group, regardless of the disease stage (P = 0.213 and P = 0.462, respectively). However, a statistically significant difference was observed regarding idiopathic infertile group (P = 0.048) compared with controls. Considering the dominant and recessive inheritance models, no significant differences in both endometriosis and idiopathic infertility group were found. The genotype frequencies were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in all studied groups. The results point to a possible association between BLyS ‐817C/T polymorphism and idiopathic infertility in Brazilian population.
The Mild Inflammatory Response in Febrile Neutropenic Lymphoma Patients with Low Risk of Complications is More Pronounced in Patients Receiving Tobramycin Once Daily Compared with Three Times Daily
Authors: Torfoss D. , Sandstad B. , Mollnes T. E. , Høiby E. A. , Holte H. , Bjerner J. , Bjøro T. , Gaudernack G. , Kvalheim G. , Kvaløy S.
Published: September 2011

We evaluated inflammatory markers in febrile neutropenic lymphoma patients undergoing high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support. Based on MASCC scores, our patients had a low risk of serious complications and a perspective of a benign initial clinical course of the febrile neutropenia. We also studied the impact of tobramycin given once versus three times daily on these immune markers. Sixty‐one patients participating in a Norwegian multicentre prospective randomized clinical trial, comparing tobramycin once daily versus three times daily, given with penicillin G to febrile neutropenic patients, constituted a clinically homogenous group. Four patients had bacteraemia, all isolates being Gram‐positive. Thirty‐two patients received tobramycin once daily, and 29 patients received tobramycin three times daily. Blood samples were taken at the onset of febrile neutropenia and 1–2 days later. All samples were frozen at −70 °C and analysed at the end of the clinical trial for C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), complement activation products, mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) and 17 cytokines. We found a mild proinflammatory response in this series of patients. CRP was non‐specifically elevated. Ten patients with decreased MBL levels showed the same mild clinical and proinflammatory response. Patients receiving tobramycin once daily showed a more pronounced proinflammatory response compared with patients receiving tobramycin three times daily. Overall, febrile neutropenic cancer patients with a benign clinical course show a mild proinflammatory immune response.
The stable carbon isotopic composition of organic material in platform derived sediments: implications for reconstructing the global carbon cycle
Authors: OEHLERT AMANDA M. , LAMB‐WOZNIAK KATHRYN A. , DEVLIN QUINN B. , MACKENZIE GRETA J. , REIJMER JOHN J. G. , SWART PETER K.
Published: September 2011

In pelagic carbonate sediments, the degree to which the δ13C values of inorganic and organic fractions co‐vary has been used to interpret rates of production, burial and decomposition of organic carbon. This relationship is relatively consistent through time, permitting estimates of organic carbon production and preservation. However, as the majority of pelagic sediments older than 200 Myr have been subducted, carbonate sediments deposited in epeiric seas and platforms are often substituted for pelagic carbonates in analyses of ancient global carbon cycling. There are well‐known pitfalls to using shallow marine carbonate materials, including diagenesis, semi‐isolation of depositional environments and input of different types of sediments with varying inorganic δ13C (δ13Cinorganic) values, which can obscure any global signatures. One method used to assess whether global changes in δ13C are accurately represented by δ13Cinorganic records is to examine variations in the δ13C of co‐occurring organic material (δ13Corganic). If a δ13Corganic record co‐varies with a co‐occurring δ13Cinorganic record, it is argued that the signals must be related to variations in the global carbon cycle. This assumption has been investigated by analysing the isotopic composition of the organic carbon preserved in the uppermost 150 m of periplatform sediments recovered during ODP Leg 166 from the western margin of Great Bahama Bank. The δ13Corganic values measured in this study were compared to previously published δ13Cinorganic records measured on identical samples, thus allowing a study of the correlation between the two records through time. These analyses showed that the correlation coefficient between δ13Cinorganic and δ13Corganic increased from the proximal location (Site 1005, r2 = 0·1), to the distal site (Site 1006, r2 = 0·63). The importance of platform‐derived carbonate and organic material at the proximal location, Site 1005, is reflected in the absence of a co‐variation between inorganic and organic δ13C records, which exhibit no correlation on the platform itself. In contrast, the co‐variance in δ13C values at the basinal location, Site 1006, is explained by a two‐point mixing model, which demonstrates the importance of both pelagic and platform‐derived carbonate and organic carbon in generating the positive correlation between the organic and inorganic δ13C values; this results in a correlation between δ13Cinorganic and δ13Corganic records at Site 1006 that is unrelated to global carbon cycling. Such data question the applicability of using δ13Corganic values to support the ability of δ13Cinorganic values to record global carbon cycling in carbonates recovered from environments where multiple sources of carbonate and organic carbon contribute to the bulk δ13C signal.
The spatial distribution of coarse surface grains and the stability of gravel river beds
Authors: PIEDRA MIGULE M. , HAYNES HEATHER , HOEY TREVOR B.
Published: September 2011

Previous studies of surface particle structures in gravel‐bed rivers, in particular coarse‐grain clusters, conclude that these bedforms increase bed stability and reduce sediment transport rates. However, few studies have quantitatively analysed the effect of the surface distribution of coarse grains, in isolation or arranged into distinct bedforms, on particle entrainment, focussing on descriptions of bedform formation and mechanical behaviour. A novel image analysis technique was employed that allowed recognition of coarse grains and calculation of particle cluster areas. Under laboratory conditions, increasing discharges were applied to a unimodal sand‐gravel bed. The size class containing the D90 size was painted in ultraviolet paint. Image analysis software was used to identify this size class on digital images of the bed surface taken under ultraviolet light. Both the total surface area occupied by ultraviolet grains and the area of accumulations of connected grains were related to the threshold shear stress for entrainment. As discharge magnitude increased, coarse grains actively grouped together forming fewer, larger accumulations of coarse particles. Lower values of critical bed shear stress occurred for beds with higher degrees of clustering; beds are more stable when coarse grains are distributed more evenly over the bed surface; this implies that using bed surface composition as a descriptor of bed resistance to entrainment may need to be complemented by a descriptor of the spatial distribution of the coarsest grains.
Sedimentology of a wet, pre‐vegetation floodplain assemblage
Authors: FRALICK PHILIP , ZANIEWSKI KAMIL
Published: September 2011

Descriptions of fluvial systems operating prior to significant terrestrial macrophyte vegetation have concentrated on assessing the impact of plant evolution on channel style; this is probably in part due to the scarcity of well‐developed floodplain successions in fluvial assemblages of these ages. This study describes wet, pre‐vegetation floodplain deposits and processes observed and inferred from a continuous succession of drill core through an extensive, 1·4 Ga, delta‐top channel–floodplain assemblage forming a portion of the Sibley Group, Ontario, Canada. Sub‐aerial deposits are dominated by flaser, wavy and lenticular bedded, fine‐grained sandstones, siltstones and mudstones, with abundant small mudstone rip‐up clasts. Soft‐sediment deformation of these units is ubiquitous, with loading and injection features being the most prominent. Thicker medium‐grained sandstone beds, representing crevasse splays, commonly have poorly developed protosols in their upper portions. Well‐laminated sediments with wave ripples, and only rarely containing rip‐up clasts and soft‐sediment deformation, were deposited in floodplain ponds. These deposits differ from post‐vegetation floodplain sediments in having: (i) better preservation of layering without rootlet bioturbation; (ii) dominance of rippled sand on the floodplain, probably due to lack of vegetation‐induced baffling; (iii) large‐scale generation of small, intraformational clasts; (iv) desiccation crack fills consisting of peds and locally derived intraclasts, probably delivered during Horton overland flow during rainfall events; (v) ubiquitous soft‐sediment deformation features in sub‐aerial deposits; and (vi) well‐laminated, commonly oxidized sediment that accumulated in floodplain ponds. These attributes are the direct result of the lack of macrophyte vegetation, and produce floodplain assemblages that are distinctly different from those presently forming in similar climatic settings.
Rudists and carbonate platforms in the Aptian: a case study on biotic interactions with ocean chemistry and climate
Authors: SKELTON PETER W. , GILI EULÀLIA
Published: September 2011

Variations in Aptian carbonate platform growth and associated turnover among rudists are reviewed and the results synthesized with evidence for climate change to yield an explanatory model. Extensive platform growth throughout the Atlantic/Tethys/low‐palaeolatitude Pacific seamount belt in the earliest Aptian was accompanied by prolific rudist diversification, especially among the predominantly aragonitic caprinids occupying platform margins. It was ubiquitously interrupted in the mid‐Early Aptian, in tandem with major perturbations of the global carbon cycle that culminated in Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a, although the causal linkages remain contentious. Platform growth terminated along most of the northern Tethyan margin and maybe also in the New World. Meanwhile, Lithocodium/Bacinella or similar microbial encrustations became widespread in lower palaeolatitudes. Recovery of Tethyan platforms in the late Early Aptian was limited to lower palaeolatitudes. Caprinid‐rich platform margin facies again prevailed in central and southern Tethyan areas, but gave way to those dominated by rudists with a thickened calcitic outer shell layer (polyconitids and requieniids) in marly successions around Iberia. The end of the Early Aptian saw the Lazarus‐style disappearance of caprinids, and renewed Tethyan platform growth in the Late Aptian was dominated by calcite‐rich rudists, although rudists remained scarce in the New World until the terminal Aptian. This study postulates that sea water acidification influenced both the mid‐Early Aptian platform debacle and the subsequent late Early Aptian geographical restriction of platform recovery, although in contrasting atmospheric regimes. At first, it was forced by the increasing atmospheric levels of volcanically derived CO2, with mitigation in low latitudes from thermal expulsion of aqueous CO2 (here termed the ‘kettle effect’) due to greenhouse warming. However, subsequent cooling due to drawdown of atmospheric CO2 by organic carbon burial could have sustained acidification of platform waters in higher latitudes, by reducing the protective kettle effect there. Caprinid susceptibility to such assaults may have been as much due to exposure on their preferred outer platform habitats as to their mineralogy. The increased calcite/aragonite ratio among rudists through the Aptian resulted largely from this taxonomic turnover.
Systematics and cladistics ofMegalostomisChevrolat, and the biogeography of Clytrini (Coleoptera: Cryptocephalinae)
Authors: AGRAIN FEDERICO A. , ROIG‐JUÑENT SERGIO
Published: September 2011

We present a cladistic analysis of the subtribe Megalostomina, a Neotropical group of ‘case‐bearer’ leaf beetles. A comparative study of the external and internal adult morphology of Clytrini was undertaken. New characters are described for the subtribe Megalostomina, from the internal sac of aedeagus, which provide a useful phylogenetic signal. More than 180 photographs illustrating the most important characters (74 characters and their respective states) used in the cladistic analysis are provided. The cladistic analysis of 57 terminal taxa and 95 characters was undertaken, under equal weights, and also using implied weights as a means to down‐weight homoplasious characters. We test the monophyly and explore intergeneric relationships of the subtribe Megalostomina, and reconstruct the relationships among the species ofMegalostomisChevrolat. The 42 species recognized can be assigned either to a group mostly containing species of North and Central America, or to a larger one of mostly South American species. Support is low, and the formal naming of groups is deferred pending a revision of all Megalostomina. We confirm the subgenera ofMegalostomisof previous classifications are unnatural, and the following changes in the generic classification of the subtribe Megalostomina are proposed:ColeorozenaMoldenkesyn.n.ofCoscinopteraLacordaire;ColeothorpaMoldenkesyn.n.ofCoscinopteraLacordaire; andEuryscopa (Coleoguerina)Moldenkesyn.n.ofCoscinopteraLacordaire. Furthermore, six formerly recognized subgenera ofMegalostomisare considered junior synonyms ofMegalostomisChevrolat:Megalostomis (Minturnia)Lacordairesyn.n.;Megalostomis (Heterostomis)Lacordairesyn.n.;Megalostomis (Scaphigenia)Lacordairesyn.n.;Megalostomis (Snellingia)Moldenkesyn.n.;Megalostomis (Coleobyersa)Moldenkesyn.n.; andMegalostomis (Pygidiocarina)Moldenkesyn.n.Thus, no subgenera are recognized withinMegalostomis. Previous hypotheses on Clytrini biogeography were revisited in the light of new biogeographic and phylogenetic knowledge. We hypothesize an origin of Clytrini in tropical/subtropical Gondwana, when South America, Africa, Madagascar and India were connected. Changes in the configuration of the tectonic plates in the Cenozoic allowed the dispersal of Clytrina to the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, and dispersion of Babiina and Megalostomina through the Nearctic region.
Arabidopsis glabra2 mutant seeds deficient in mucilage biosynthesis produce more oil
Authors: Shi Lin , Katavic Vesna , Yu Yuanyuan , Kunst Ljerka , Haughn George
Published: September 2011

Seed oil, one of the major seed storage compounds in plants, is of great economic importance for human consumption, as an industrial raw material and as a source of biofuels. Thus, improving the seed oil yield in crops is an important objective. The GLABRA2 (GL2) gene in Arabidopsis thaliana encodes a transcription factor that is required for the proper differentiation of several epidermal cell types. GL2 has also been shown to regulate seed oil levels, as a loss‐of‐function mutation in the GL2 gene results in plants with a higher seed oil content than wild‐type. We have extended this observation by showing that loss‐of‐function mutations in several positive regulators of GL2 also result in a high seed oil phenotype. The GL2 gene is expressed in both the seed coat and embryo, but the embryo is the main site of seed oil accumulation. Surprisingly, our results indicate that it is loss of GL2 activity in the seed coat, not the embryo, that contributes to the high seed oil phenotype. One target of GL2 in the seed coat is the gene MUCILAGE MODIFIED 4 (MUM4), which encodes a rhamnose synthase that is required for seed mucilage biosynthesis. We found that mum4 mutant seeds, like those of gl2 mutants, have an increased seed oil content in comparison with wild‐type. Therefore, GL2 regulates seed oil production at least partly through its influence on MUM4 expression in the seed coat. We propose that gl2 mutant seeds produce more oil due to increased carbon allocation to the embryo in the absence of seed coat mucilage biosynthesis.
Ownership and use of insecticide‐treated nets in Oromia and Amhara Regional States of Ethiopia two years after a nationwide campaign
Authors: Deressa Wakgari , Fentie Gashu , Girma Shoa , Reithinger Richard
Published: September 2011

Objective  To evaluate the ownership and use of insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs) by the local community 2 years after a free distribution campaign in Ethiopia.

Methods  This is a population‐based survey using a two‐stage cluster sample design in 115 randomly selected clusters in Oromia and Amhara regional states of Ethiopia, performed in June 2009. Data on the possession and use of ITNs were collected using structured and pre‐tested questionnaires through house‐to‐house visits. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of participant’s malaria knowledge, location and ITN characteristics on the use of ITNs.

Results  A total of 2874 households participated in the study, and 90.6% of the study population was knowledgeable about ITNs. About 49.1% of households reported at least one ITN; 28.4% owned two or more. ITN coverage was significantly lower in Oromia (34.9%) than in Amhara (76.8%, P < 0.001). The average number of ITNs per ITN‐owning household was 1.8. In all surveyed households, only 21.8% of all family members, 29.4% of all children under the age of 5 years and 23.2% of all pregnant women had slept under an ITN the night preceding the survey. Among ITN‐owning households, 63.0% of all children under the age of 5 years and 52.1% of pregnant women had slept under an ITN the night before the survey. Using multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with ITN use were number of ITNs in the household, number of ITNs hung over the bed in the household, women’s knowledge of ITNs and women’s lack of problem in using ITNs, whereas region, area of residence and ITN status were not.

Conclusions  Household ITN ownership and use remain below the current Roll Back Malaria targets of universal coverage. A replacement strategy is urgently needed to scale‐up coverage and use of ITNs.
A case of xanthoma in a Saanen goat
Authors: Ozmen Ozlem , Haligur Mehmet
Published: September 2011

This report describes a case of a subcutaneous xanthoma of the sacral region in a 2‐year‐old female Saanen goat. The tan‐coloured mass was 8.5 cm × 4.0 cm × 0.5 cm in size. Yellow‐white areas were present across the cut surface. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of foamy macrophages, numerous giant cells, abundant lipid material and cholesterol clefts. The structure consisted of lobular areas surrounded by a stroma. Tissue sections were negative for bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria. Frozen tissue from the mass stained positively with Oil Red O, confirming lipid accumulation in both the extracellular spaces and the large foamy macrophages. Immunohistochemically, the mass was positive for vimentin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD68, but negative for smooth muscle actin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 protein antibodies. As the animal was presented dead, it was not possible to analyse blood lipid levels. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a xanthoma in a goat.
Isotopic and Enzymatic IgE Assays in Non‐Allergic Subjects
Authors: Stein R. , Evans S. , Milner R. , Rand C. , Dolovich J.
Published: September 2011

In order to establish normal values in an adult population for serum IgE concentration, sera were obtained from 446 ambulatory Canadian Caucasian subjects with negative allergy histories. A standard isotopic procedure, the Phadebas paper radioimmunosorbent test (PRIST), was compared with the new enzymatic counterpart, the Phadezyme PRIST. By the isotopic method, serum IgE concentrations in women and men were comparable from one age group to another with no age‐related trend in the seven age groups examined (15–20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, above 70). The median and 95th percentile units (U)/ml respectively were 17.5 and 145 for 224 women and 25.5 and 275 for 222 men. Mean values ± 1 SD for women were 43 ± 102 and for men, 58 ± 137. Levels were significantly higher in men as a group. Sera with IgE concentrations above 100 U and a sampling of additional sera were tested for specific IgE antibodies to 13 common allergens by the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). After exclusion of RAST‐positive sera, the mean U/ml values ± 1 SD were 22 ± 29 for 204 women and 37 ± 54 for 196 men. Geometric mean U/ml values for these sera were 14.6 for women and 22.3 for men and the median and 95th percentile U/ml respectively for the women were 15 and 66, for the men, 24 and 135. These 95th percentile values are considered the upper limits of normal in this population. The RAST identification of antibodies to allergens to which sensitization was demonstrated provided a potential explanation for serum IgE concentrations above 100 U/ml in less than 30% of the sera in this population with negative allergy histories. The isotopic method and the counterpart enzymatic method (Phadezyme PRIST) were highly comparable; the correlation coefficient (r) for all the sera was + 0.93 (P < 0.001). IgE levels were significantly higher in male smokers than non‐smokers by both methods but these differences were not significant in women.
Quantitative Immunoelectrophoretic Analysis of Rat Allergen Extracts
Authors: Walls Andrew F. , Longbottom Joan L.
Published: September 2011

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis reference patterns were established for the antigenic constituents of rat fur, urine and saliva. Using quantitative immunoelectrophoretic techniques, extensive cross‐reactivity was observed between these extracts, and with epithelia, shaved pelt, serum, faeces and dust. No major qualitative sex differences were observed, though levels of certain components differed. Constitutents of many source materials were found to show a reaction of partial identity with previously isolated rat urinary allergens; and relative skin test reactivity of a range of these extracts was associated with the amount of urinary allergen present. Material from two different rat strains had similar constituents. Rat source materials did not cross‐react with the corresponding extracts from guinea pigs.
Temporal variation in epidermal flavonoids due to altered solar UV radiation is moderated by the leaf position in Betula pendula
Authors: Morales Luis O. , Tegelberg Riitta , Brosché Mikael , Lindfors Anders , Siipola Sari , Aphalo Pedro J.
Published: September 2011

The physiological mechanisms controlling plant responses to dynamic changes in ambient solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation are not fully understood: this information is important to further comprehend plant adaptation to their natural habitats. We used the fluorimeter Dualex to estimate in vivo the epidermal flavonoid contents by measuring epidermal UV absorbance (A375) in Betula pendula Roth (silver birch) leaves of different ages under altered UV. Seedlings were grown in a greenhouse for 15 days without UV and transferred outdoors under three UV treatments (UV‐0, UV‐A and UV‐A+B) created by three types of plastic film. After 7 and 13 days, Dualex measurements were taken at adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the first three leaves (L1, L2 and L3) of the seedlings. After 14 days, some of the seedlings were reciprocally swapped amongst the treatments to study the accumulation of epidermal flavonoids in the youngest unfolded leaves (L3) during leaf expansion under changing solar UV environments. A375 of the leaves responded differently to the UV treatment depending on their position. UV‐B increased the A375 in the leaves independently of leaf position. L3 quickly adjusted A375 in their epidermis according to the UV they received and these adjustments were affected by previous UV exposure. The initial absence of UV‐A+B or UV‐A, followed by exposure to UV‐A+B, particularly enhanced leaf A375. Silver birch leaves modulate their protective pigments in response to changes in the UV environment during their expansion, and their previous UV exposure history affects the epidermal‐absorbance achieved during later UV exposure.
Characterization of upregulated genes associated with high phosphorus accumulation in cucumber
Authors: Padmanabhan Priya , Venkatachalam Perumal , Sahi Shivendra V
Published: September 2011

Excessive application of phosphorus (P)‐rich manures to agricultural lands often results in P‐accumulation in soils leading to water pollution through runoffs and leaching. Use of suitable plant species that can extract and sequester excess P from soil into their biomass is an effective method of remediation of P‐contaminated soils. Knowledge on the molecular responses of plants to high P‐accumulation and tolerance is lacking. Therefore, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) strategy was employed to identify and elucidate the pattern of gene expression related to P‐tolerance and accumulation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), a P‐accumulator plant. RNA isolated from cucumber grown in high P was used for ‘tester’ cDNA synthesis and SSH library preparation. A total of 63 cDNAs were identified as showing upregulated expression in this plant in response to high P. No putative function could be assigned to 7 (11%) of the 63 upregulated high P‐modulated genes and 11 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) (17%) did not match database entries. The remaining 45 ESTs were grouped into five functional classes. The majority of these ESTs belonged to three groups: ‘metabolism’, ‘protein synthesis/degradation and signaling’ and ‘cell structure/cell wall’. Only six ‘stress/defense’‐related ESTs were identified from this library. The results of reverse northern blot analysis was further confirmed and validated through semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR carried out with representative ESTs identified in this study. The research reported here may contribute to a preliminary understanding of the high P‐related gene expression in this P‐accumulating plant.
Mitochondrial alternative oxidase pathway protects plants against photoinhibition by alleviating inhibition of the repair of photodamaged PSII through preventing formation of reactive oxygen species in Rumex K‐1 leaves
Authors: Zhang Li‐Tao , Zhang Zi‐Shan , Gao Hui‐Yuan , Xue Zhong‐Cai , Yang Cheng , Meng Xiang‐Long , Meng Qing‐Wei
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore how the mitochondrial AOX (alternative oxidase) pathway alleviates photoinhibition in Rumex K‐1 leaves. Inhibition of the AOX pathway decreased the initial activity of NADP‐malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.82, NADP‐MDH) and the pool size of photosynthetic end electron acceptors, resulting in an over‐reduction of the photosystem I (PSI) acceptor side. The over‐reduction of the PSI acceptor side further inhibited electron transport from the photosystem II (PSII) reaction centers to the PSII acceptor side as indicated by an increase in VJ (the relative variable fluorescence at J‐step), causing an imbalance between photosynthetic light absorption and energy utilization per active reaction center (RC) under high light, which led to the over‐excitation of the PSII reaction centers. The over‐reduction of the PSI acceptor side and the over‐excitation of the PSII reaction centers enhanced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which inhibited the repair of the photodamaged PSII. However, the inhibition of the AOX pathway did not change the level of photoinhibition under high light in the presence of the chloroplast D1 protein synthesis inhibitor chloramphenicol, indicating that the inhibition of the AOX pathway did not accelerate the photodamage to PSII directly. All these results suggest that the AOX pathway plays an important role in the protection of plants against photoinhibition by minimizing the inhibition of the repair of the photodamaged PSII through preventing the over‐production of ROS.
Epididymal and prostatic histoplasmosis in a renal transplant recipient from southern India
Authors: Baig W.W. , Attur R.P. , Chawla A. , Reddy S. , Pillai S. , Rao L. , Rao G. , Ashok K. , Yegneswaran P.
Published: September 2011

W.W. Baig, R.P. Attur, A. Chawla, S. Reddy, S. Pillai, L. Rao, G. Rao, K. Ashok, P. Yegneswaran. Epididymal and prostatic histoplasmosis in a renal transplant recipient from southern India. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 489–491. All rights reserved

Abstract: An unusual case of epididymal and prostatic histoplasmosis is reported from Karnataka State of southern India, in a 37‐year‐old male renal transplant recipient, who had presented with gastrointestinal histoplasmosis a year before the second presentation and had responded successfully to 9 months' treatment with itraconazole. The patient presented a second time with high‐grade fever and pain in the scrotum and the lower abdomen. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a retrotrigonal abscess, which was confirmed on computed tomography scan of the pelvis. Pus was drained via transrectal route and biopsy specimens were taken from the epididymis and the prostate. Histopathology revealed the picture suggestive of histoplasmosis, and the pus on culture confirmed the infection with Histoplasma capsulatum. To our knowledge, only 5 cases of epididymal histoplasmosis have been reported in the literature, our case being the second report from India and sixth in the world; prostatic histoplasmosis is also a rare occurrence.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Nasim A. , Baqi S. , Akhtar S.F.
Published: September 2011

A. Nasim, S. Baqi, S.F. Akhtar. Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis in renal transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2012: 14: 180–183. All rights reserved

Abstract: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious and life‐threatening disease. Transplant recipients are at increased risk of acquiring serious infections. The most common organisms causing IE in solid organ transplant recipients are reported to be gram positive. IE due to Gram‐negative organism has rarely been reported. We report 2 cases of renal transplant recipients who met the Duke's criteria for IE due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Isoflurane anaesthesia (0.6 MAC) and hypoxic ventilatory responses in humans
Authors: Sjögren D. , Sollevi A. , Ebberyd A. , Lindahl S. G. E.
Published: September 2011

In order to evaluate the difference between poikilo‐capnic (no CO2 added to inspired gas) and iso‐capnic (CO2 added to keep end‐tidal CO2 constant) hypoxic ventilatory responses (HVR) awake and during 0.6 MAC isoflurane anaesthesia, seven cardio‐pulmonary healthy patients were investigated. Pneumotachography and capnography were used before and during hypoxia (end‐tidal O2 tension approx. 7 kPa). In the awake stale, poikilo‐capnic hypoxic challenges resulted in an increased HVR as indicated by a V̇E that on average increased by 1.4 ± 1.0 (mean ± s.d.) 1 · min−1, whereas the iso‐capnic hypoxic challenges resulted in a V̇E increase that was 4.7 ± 2.3 1 · min−1 on average. In the anaesthetized state, the corresponding value during poikilocapnia was 1.3 ± 0.8 1 · min−1 (88% of the awake responses, n.s.) and during iso‐capnia 2.3 ± 1.4 1 · min−1 (49% of the awake, P < 0.02). Awake HVR was achieved by greater tidal volumes during poikilocapnia as well as during isocapnic challenges, while respiratory rates were unchanged. In the anaesthetized state, during poikilocapnia, however, HVR was mediated by an increased respiratory rate, (from 17.5 ± 1.7 breath · min−1 to 20.2 ± 2.2) and during isocapnia by a combination of increased rate (from 17.1 ± 1.9 breath · min−1 to 19.1 ± 1.8) and tidal volume (from 496 ± 80 to 560 ± 83 ml). It is concluded that poikilocapnic HVR is maintained at 0.6 MAC isoflurane whereas iso‐capnic HVR is depressed by 50%. In addition, both poikilo‐ and iso‐capnic HVR were accomplished by greater tidal volumes at unchanged respiratory rates in the awake state while the opposite occurred during isoflurane anaesthesia. The more dominating chronotropic HVR during hypoxic challenge under anaesthesia will have to be further clarified in experimental studies.
Liver function and halothane‐diethyl‐ether azeotrope anaesthesia
Authors: Kalman S. H. , Bengtsson M. , Mårtensson J.
Published: September 2011

A general anaesthetic drug that fulfils requirements for use under difficult circumstances is the inhalation agent halothane‐diethyl‐ether (HE) azeotrope. Although both halothane and diethyl ether have been described in detail, their effect on the liver when given together as an azeotrope has not been systematically characterised. The effect on liver function was evaluated and compared with the effects of halothane anaesthesia (H) and spinal anaesthesia with tetracaine (S), the last named serving as controls. The series consisted of 33 healthy men (ASA 1–2) receiving no medication and scheduled for inguinal hernia repair. The patients were randomly allocated to receive HE, H or S. The following parameters were estimated the day before surgery and on the first postoperative day: liver cell metabolism (bile acids, unconjugated bilirubin), cell integrity (aminotransferases), synthesizing capacity (prothrombin complex), cholestasis (conjugated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase), and global liver function (chenodeoxycholic load test). No major differences emerged between the groups. Unconjugated bilirubin was increased in all groups. Prothrombin complex activity was reduced in all groups. Conjugated bilirubin was increased in the H group. The oral bile acid load test and the fasting bile acid were unaltered by anaesthesia in all groups. No major impact on liver cell function was seen in the early post‐operative period after HE azeotrope anaesthesia. The findings support our view that HE azeotrope could be considered as an alternative anaesthetic agent under field conditions.
Failure to influence hypotension during spinal anaesthesia with a limb tourniquet
Authors: Lloyd S. M. , Reid J. , Thorburn J.
Published: September 2011

Fourty patients undergoing total hip replacement under spinal anaesthesia were allocated randomly to have a thigh tourniquet inflated after exanguination of the leg not being operated on or to act as controls. Significant hypotension (systolic arterial pressure < 70 mm Hg) was treated with i.v. ephedrine in 6 mg boluses. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to systolic blood pressure or requirement of ephedrine, during the hour that the tourniquet was applied or the period immediately after the removal of the tourniquet.