bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly[(μ3-quinoline-6-carboxylato-κ3
N:O:O′)silver(I)]
Authors: Yeh Chun-Wei , Jong Ay , Tsou Chi-Hui , Huang Fu-Chang , Suen Maw-Cherng
Published: May 2012

In the title coordination polymer, [Ag(C10H6NO2)]
n
, the AgI cation is coordinated by two O atoms and one N atom from three 6-quinolinecarboxylate anions in a distorted T-shaped AgNO2 geometry, in which the O—Ag—O angle is 160.44 (9)°. The 6-quinolinecarboxylate anion bridges three Ag+ cations, forming a nearly planar polymeric sheet parallel to (101). The distance between Ag+ cations bridged by the carboxyl group is 2.9200 (5) Å. In the crystal, π–π stacking is observed between parallel quinoline ring systems, the centroid–centroid distance being 3.7735 (16) Å.
2-(2-Chlorophenyl)acetic acid
Authors: Kant Rajni , Gupta Vivek K. , Kapoor Kamini , Narayana B.
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C8H7ClO2, the carboxyl group forms a dihedral angle of 74.83 (9)° with the benzene ring plane. In the crystal, molecules are linked into inversion dimers by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The dimers are linked into layers parallel to the bc plane by weak C—H...O interactions.
1-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4-[2-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)ethyl]piperazine
Authors: Zhong Yan , Wu Bin
Published: May 2012

In the title molecule, C29H28F2N2O, the piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation with the pendant N—C bonds in equatorial orientations. The conformation of the N—C—C—O linkage is gauche [torsion angle = −64.6 (4)°] and the dihedral angle between the fluorobenzene rings is 64.02 (15)°.
[2-({Benzyl[2-(benzyl{5-methyl-2-oxido-3-[(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)iminomethyl]benzyl}amino)ethyl]azaniumyl}methyl)-4-methyl-6-[(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)iminomethyl]phenolato]nickel(II) perchlorate methanol disolvate
Authors: Liu Ming , Mao Jia-Wei , Pan Zhi-Quan
Published: May 2012

In the solvated title complex, [Ni(C46H47N6O2)]ClO4·2CH4O, the coordination sphere around the NiII ion can be described as distorted cis-NiO2N4 octahedral defined by two phenolate O atoms and four N atoms from the hexadentate ligand. An intramolecular bifurcated N—H...(N,O) hydrogen bond helps to establish the conformation of the complex molecule. In the crystal, the components are connected by O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-[5-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Abdel-Latif Ehab , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C20H19FN6S, the pyrazole ring has an envelope conformation, with the methine C atom being the flap atom. The dihedral angle between the least-squares plane through the pyrazole and triazole rings is 7.59 (9)°, and the triazole and attached benzene ring form a dihedral angle of 74.79 (9)°. The thiourea group is coplanar with the pyrazole ring [N—N—C—S torsion angle = −179.93 (11)°], which enables the formation of an intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, inversion-related molecules associate via N—H...S hydrogen bonds and eight-membered {...HNCS}2 synthons feature in the crystal packing. These synthons are connected into supramolecular chains along the a axis via N—H...F hydrogen bonds, and the chains are consolidated into layers in the ab plane via C—H...S and C—H...F contacts.
N-(4-Methylbenzyl)-3-nitroaniline
Authors: Đaković Marijana , Portada Tomislav , Klačić Tin
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C14H14N2O2, the angle between the mean plane of the N-methyl-3-nitroaniline system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0185 Å) and the p-tolyl unit is 89.79 (4)°. In the crystal, hydrogen-bonded chains running along [10-1] are generated by the linking of neighbouring molecules via N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the 3-nitroaniline systems and forming R
2
2(8) motifs.
2-(4-Methoxyphenoxy)acetohydrazide
Authors: Liu Gang , Gao Jie
Published: May 2012

The title compound, C9H12N2O3, was synthesized by the reaction of ethyl 2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)acetate with hydrazine hydrate in ethanol. In the acetohydrazide group, the N—N bond is relatively short [1.413 (2) Å], suggesting some degree of electronic delocalization in the molecule. In the crystal, molecules are linked into sheets lying parallel to the ab plane by N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Contrasting medical models of alcohol problems in Victoria around 1900
Authors: Clark Caroline
Published: May 2012

Aims This paper examines four specialist medical inebriety institutions in Victoria, Australia between 1870 and 1930, which positioned themselves in distinct ways. It analyses how the treatment in each institution was located within wider medical approaches and contemporary medical ideas and practice.

Methods Medical journals and texts, newspaper articles, government reports and institutional archives are used in the analysis.

Findings and Conclusions Alcohol treatment institutions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were of several types, differentiated according to treatment approaches and their underlying premises as to the nature of the disease being treated, the particular patient groups for which they catered and their funding models and capacity to take patients committed for treatment under legislation. The institutional types identified in other Anglophone countries in this period can be extended to Australia, with some local variations in the timing of the appearance of the models, the longevity of institutions and gender of patients. In Australia there was no tradition of mutual patient support, as seen at the time in the United States. Each institution represented itself differently, in particular in terms of its particular medical model, although the treatments in practice differed less than in theory. The models employed allowed each institution to position itself in relation to trends in medical theory and practice, in particular to different conceptualizations of the type of disease being treated. Evaluating treatment models for alcohol problems in terms of medical theory and practice of the time can explain contrasting approaches.
Toll‐like receptors 2, 3 and 4 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression in fatal asthma
Authors: Ferreira D. S. , Annoni R. , Silva L. F. F. , Buttignol M. , Santos A. B. G. , Medeiros M. C. R. , Andrade L. N. S. , Yick C. Y. , Sterk P. J. , Sampaio J. L. M. , Dolhnikoff M. , Wenzel S. E. , Mauad T.
Published: May 2012

Background

Airway inflammation in asthma involves innate immune responses. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are thought to be involved in airway inflammation, but their expression in asthmatics’ both large and small airways has not been investigated.

Objective

To analyse the expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 and TSLP in large and small airways of asthmatics and compare their expression in smoking and non‐smoking asthmatics; to investigate whether TLR expression is associated with eosinophilic or neutrophilic airway inflammation and with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry and image analysis, we investigated TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 and TSLP expression in large and small airways of 24 victims of fatal asthma, FA, (13 non‐smokers, 11 smokers) and nine deceased control subjects (DCtrl). TLRs were also measured in 18 mild asthmatics (MA) and 12 healthy controls (HCtrl). M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae in autopsy lung tissue were analysed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Airway eosinophils and neutrophils were measured in all subjects.

Results

Fatal asthma patients had higher TLR2 in the epithelial and outer layers of large and small airways compared with DCtrls. Smoking asthmatics had lower TLR2 levels in the inner and outer layers of the small airways than non‐smoking asthmatics. TSLP was increased in the epithelial and outer layers of the large airways of FA. FA patients had greater TLR3 expression in the outer layer of large airways and greater TLR4 expression in the outer layer of small airways. Eosinophilic airway inflammation was associated with TLR expression in the epithelium of FA. No bacterial DNA was detected in FA or DCtrls. MA and HCtrls had only a small difference in TLR3 expression.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Increased expression of TLR 2, 3 and 4 and TSLP in fatal asthma may contribute to the acute inflammation surrounding asthma deaths.
Nm23‐H1 nuclear expression is associated with a more favourable prognosis in laryngeal carcinoma: univariate and multivariate analysis
Authors: Marioni Gino , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Lionello Marco , Lora Lucia , Lovato Andrea , Staffieri Claudia , Favaretto Niccolò , Giacomelli Luciano , Stellini Edoardo , Staffieri Alberto , Blandamura Stella
Published: May 2012

Marioni G, Ottaviano G, Lionello M, Lora L, Lovato A, Staffieri C, Favaretto N, Giacomelli L, Stellini E, Staffieri A & Blandamura S  (2012) Histopathology Nm23‐H1 nuclear expression is associated with a more favourable prognosis in laryngeal carcinoma: univariate and multivariate analysis

Aims:  To use image analysis and multivariate analysis to investigate the prognostic significance of Nm23‐H1 subcellular localization in a large cohort of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs).

Methods and results:  Nm23‐H1 total and nuclear levels were immunohistochemically determined and calculated with an image analysis system in 104 consecutively operated LSCCs. The mean follow‐up was 58.3 ± 35.1 months (median 45 months). Total Nm23‐H1 levels correlated only with patient stratification by pT (P = 0.01). Mean nuclear Nm23‐H1 levels were lower in patients with recurrent disease (P = 0.01), and disease‐free survival (DFS) was longer in patients whose nuclear levels of Nm23‐H1 were >2.0% than in those with levels ≤2.0% (P = 0.019). On multivariate analysis, Nm23‐H1 nuclear expression [hazard ratio (HR) 2.59, P = 0.005] and N stage (HR 3.60, P = 0.0001) were prognostically significant in relation to DFS.

Conclusions:  In LSCC, Nm23‐H1 nuclear expression may be useful for identifying patients at higher risk of recurrence after treatment and who might be considered for more aggressive therapy. Further investigations are needed before Nm23‐H1 can be considered for use in targeted treatments for LSCC.
Histopathological characteristics of myocarditis in acute‐phase Kawasaki disease
Authors: Harada Mana , Yokouchi Yuki , Oharaseki Toshiaki , Matsui Kotoko , Tobayama Hisako , Tanaka Noboru , Akimoto Katsumi , Takahashi Ken , Kishiro Masahiko , Shimizu Toshiaki , Takahashi Kei
Published: May 2012

Harada M, Yokouchi Y, Oharaseki T, Matsui K, Tobayama H, Tanaka N, Akimoto K, Takahashi K, Kishiro M, Shimizu T & Takahashi K  (2012) Histopathology Histopathological characteristics of myocarditis in acute‐phase Kawasaki disease

Aims:  To elucidate the histopathological characteristics of myocarditis in acute‐phase Kawasaki disease (KD).

Methods and results:  The examined materials were from 29 autopsied KD patients who died within 40 disease days following onset. Each heart was divided into three levels: base, middle and apex. At each of these levels, the myocardium was divided further into the epicardial, middle and endocardial layers, and the time–courses of the changes in the myocarditis and the distribution of inflammation were analysed. Inflammatory cell infiltration, consisting mainly of lobulated leucocytes and large mononuclear cells, was seen in the myocardial interstitium in all cases. Inflammatory cell infiltration was already seen by disease day 6 in a patient with no coronary arteritis; it became prominent after day 10 and gradually disappeared after day 20. Myocarditis was initially distributed diffusely throughout the heart, but after day 10 it was localized in the base and epicardial layer.

Conclusions:  In KD, myocarditis develops even earlier than epicardial coronary arteritis; it peaks by disease day 10 and then disappears gradually after day 20. The myocarditis is distributed unevenly, ranging from the entire heart to the epicardial layer of the base of the heart.
Vacuolar ATPase subunit H is essential for the survival and moulting of Locusta migratoria manilensis
Authors: Li C. , Xia Y.
Published: May 2012

Vacuolar (H+)‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) functions as an electrogenic pump, transporting protons from the cytoplasm to the extracellular fluid to generate cell‐negative membrane voltage. The V‐ATPase subunit H, encoded by Vhasfd, is required for V‐ATPase activity. In this study, the gene encoding V‐ATPase subunit H from Locusta migratoria manilensis was cloned, and designated as Lm‐Vhasfd. The complete cDNA sequence is 2018 bp, with an open reading frame encoding 515 amino acid residues. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) showed that Lm‐Vhasfd transcription is high in the haemolymph, midgut, trunk and leg, but relatively low in the fat body and head tissues. Injection with a specific double‐strand RNA (dsRNA) led to a significant decrease in Lm‐Vhasfd mRNA, V‐ATPase enzyme activity and ATP concentration. Bioassays showed that silencing Lm‐Vhasfd led to the death of individuals and various moulting defects. The accumulative mortality of the RNA interference (RNAi) mutant 11 days post‐injection was 96.7%, which was conspicuously higher than that seen in wild type locusts. These RNAi phenotypes demonstrate that Lm‐Vhasfd is essential for the growth and moulting of L. migratoria manilensis.
The latitudinal position of peak marine diversity in living and fossil biotas
Authors: Powell Matthew G. , Beresford Vincent P. , Colaianne Blake A.
Published: May 2012

Aim  Peak marine taxonomic diversity has only rarely occurred at or near the equator during the Phanerozoic Eon, in contrast to the present‐day pattern. This fundamental difference is difficult to reconcile because the latitude at which peak diversity occurs for living marine taxa has not yet been explicitly determined at a broad taxonomic and spatial scale. Here, we attempt to determine this value in order to compare the contemporary and fossil patterns directly.

Location  Our data are global in coverage.

Methods  We used a literature compilation of 149 present‐day marine latitudinal diversity gradients. We summed the number of marine taxa that exhibited peak diversity within 10° latitudinal bins. In addition, we recorded locality data, general habitat (benthic/pelagic), and the taxonomic level of the study organisms.

Results  We found that peak diversity for most sampled marine taxa currently occurs between 10° and 20° N, even after correcting for a Northern Hemisphere sampling bias. Moreover, this peak position is a global phenomenon: it is found across habitats and higher taxa, within all sampled ocean basins, and on both sides of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Benthic taxa, which dominate our data, exhibit one peak at 10°–20° N, while pelagic taxa exhibit a peak at 10°–20° N and an additional peak at 10°–20° S, producing a distinct trough at the equator.

Main conclusions  Our data indicate that peak marine diversity for many taxa is currently within 10°–20° N rather than at the equator, and that this is not likely to result from either undersampling at lower latitudes or the pattern being dominated by a particular taxon. Possible explanations may include a coincidence with the intertropical convergence zone, a mid‐domain effect, abundant shallow marine habitat, or high ocean temperatures at latitudes nearest the equator. Regardless of its exact cause, the position of peak diversity should be considered a fundamental feature of the latitudinal diversity gradient that must be accounted for within attempts to explain the latter’s existence.
Postprandial hypotension among older residents of a nursing home in Korea
Authors: Son Jung Tae , Lee Eunjoo
Published: May 2012

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to identify changes in blood pressure and pulse rate after a meal for elders living in a nursing home.

Background.  Postprandial hypotension is a major health issue for older persons, because it has been shown to cause increased incidence of falls, syncope, coronary disease, strokes and deterioration in the quality of life. However, there has been little systematic investigation into blood pressure changes after meals in older people.

Design.  A descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used to identify postprandial blood pressure and pulse rate changes in residents of a nursing home.

Method.  Blood pressure and pulse rates of 121 people aged 65 and above were measured before and after a meal and at 15‐minute intervals for six more measurements. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, repeated measures anova and paired t‐tests using SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results.  There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic pressure by time. The biggest drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure occurred at 45 minutes after the meal. There was no significant change in pulse rates except for immediately after the meal.

Conclusions.  To prevent complications from drops in postprandial blood pressure, nurses should carefully monitor blood pressure of elders at least from 30–90 minutes after meals. Further study of drops in postprandial blood pressure should be conducted for various types and times of meals.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses caring for older persons can identify drops in the postprandial blood pressure to manage the incidence of falls, syncope and stroke more effectively, especially in nursing homes.
Indigenous hospital experiences: a New Zealand case study
Authors: Wilson Denise , Barton Pipi
Published: May 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) experiences of hospitalisation in surgical or medical settings and how these might influence length of stay.

Background.  Globally Indigenous peoples with histories of colonisation suffer health disparities compared with other groups. They experience higher levels of morbidity, premature mortality, lower life expectancies and differential access, use and quality of health services. In Indigenous communities’ negative anecdotal accounts of hospital experiences indicate more research is needed about their hospital experiences.

Design.  A Māori (Indigenous) centered approach using case study methodology and three data sources: medical‐surgical discharge data, interviews with Māori and a literature review.

Method.  Using statistical data from the New Zealand Health Information Service from 1989–2006, a retrospective interrupted time series design was used to examine length of stay for Māori patients in medical and surgical hospital settings. Semi‐structured interviews with 11 participants identifying as Māori who had experienced hospitalisation in a medical or surgical setting were transcribed and thematically analysed. A structured review of the research literature on Indigenous hospital experiences was also analysed. These data were analysed individually, triangulated and interpreted.

Results.  Māori consistently have a shorter average length of stay than non‐Māori using public hospitals in New Zealand. Marginalisation of Indigenous peoples in public hospitals was evident in both the interviews undertaken and the literature reviewed. Participants believed hospitals were not conducive to healing and negative experiences contributed to decisions to seek an early discharge.

Conclusions.  Given the disparities in Indigenous health status, health professionals can address negative hospitalisation experiences by attending to the quality of care delivered and nature of the hospital environment.

Relevance to cinical practice.  Nurses can play an important role improving health outcome disparities for Indigenous peoples linked to health service delivery, especially the delivery of culturally responsive and quality nursing care.
Initiating artificial nutrition support: a clinical judgement analysis
Authors: Baker S. , Thompson C.
Published: May 2012

Background:  Variations in the practice of artificial nutrition are partly a result of the judgements of clinicians. Little is known about these judgements, the decision processes used or the quality of the decisions that arise. The methodology of clinical judgement analysis describes and explains judgemental differences between clinicians and offers a window into why clinician choices sometimes fail to correspond with current best practice guidelines.

Methods:  A clinical judgement analysis with 27 clinicians using two judgement tasks was carried out. Clinicians expressed their ‘likelihood of feeding’ and ‘whether or not they would initiate artificial nutrition support’ in response to 54 patient scenarios. Measures of agreement between clinicians, the degree of linear reasoning employed, their judgemental consistency and concordance with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines were assessed.

Results:  Clinicians’ judgements varied substantially both in the amount of information employed and the weighting given to information. Clinicians had only moderate agreement with NICE recommendations and overestimated the need for artificial nutrition support. Suboptimal judgements were consistently applied by clinicians. When clinicians reasoned in more linear ways, their judgements and decisions improved.

Conclusions:  Overestimating the need for artificial nutritional support may inflate health service costs and increase risks for patients unnecessarily. A better understanding by clinicians of the information needed (as well as how to use it) for artificial nutrition support initiation may help improve clinical decision‐making.
Association between serum retinol‐binding protein 4 concentrations and clinical indices in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Park H. , Green M. H. , Shaffer M. L.
Published: May 2012

How to cite this article
 Park H., Green M.H. & Shaffer M.L. (2012) Association between serum retinol‐binding protein 4 concentrations and clinical indices in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 300–310

Background:  Retinol‐binding protein (RBP4) is an adipokine that may be important in type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have examined the association between serum RBP4 concentrations and clinical indices in patients with type 2 diabetes, although the results obtained have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta‐analysis aiming to investigate the association between serum RBP4 concentrations and clinical indicators of diabetes, renal function, metabolic syndrome and obesity in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:  MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched from 2005 through November 2011, and the search identified 21 clinical variables from seven studies (total n = 1406). For each variable, summary correlation coefficients (rs) were estimated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results:  None of the diabetes markers were correlated with serum RBP4 concentrations in subjects with type 2 diabetes, whereas all of the renal function markers and many metabolic syndrome markers were significantly correlated. Summary correlation coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were −0.36 (95% CI = −0.51 to −0.18) for creatinine clearance, −0.39 (95% CI = −0.44 to −0.33) for estimated glomerular filtration rate and 0.53 (95% CI = 0.30–0.71) for creatinine concentration. In addition, plasma triglyceride concentrations (rs = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.11–0.32), plasma total cholesterol concentrations [rs = 0.14 (95% CI = 0.05–0.23)] and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level (rs = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.02–0.25) were positively correlated with serum RBP4 concentrations.

Conclusions:  The results obtained in the present study suggest that serum RBP4 concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes may be associated with diabetes‐related renal dysfunction and imbalances in lipid metabolism.
Phage shock proteins B and C prevent lethal cytoplasmic membrane permeability in Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Horstman N. Kaye , Darwin Andrew J.
Published: May 2012

The bacterial phage shock protein (Psp) stress response system is activated by events affecting the cytoplasmic membrane. In response, Psp protein levels increase, including PspA, which has been implicated as the master effector of stress tolerance. Yersinia enterocolitica and related bacteria with a defective Psp system are highly sensitive to the mislocalization of pore‐forming secretin proteins. However, why secretins are toxic to psp null strains, whereas some other Psp inducers are not, has not been explained. Furthermore, previous work has led to the confounding and disputable suggestion that PspA is not involved in mitigating secretin toxicity. Here we have established a correlation between the amount of secretin toxicity in a psp null strain and the extent of cytoplasmic membrane permeability to large molecules. This leads to a morphological change resembling cells undergoing plasmolysis. Furthermore, using novel strains with dis‐regulated Psp proteins has allowed us to obtain unequivocal evidence that PspA is not required for secretin‐stress tolerance. Together, our data suggest that the mechanism by which secretin multimers kill psp null cells is by causing a profound defect in the cytoplasmic membrane permeability barrier. This allows lethal molecular exchange with the environment, which the PspB and PspC proteins can prevent.
Epidemiology of Taenia solium in Nepal: is it influenced by the social characteristics of the population and the presence of Taenia asiatica?
Authors: Devleesschauwer Brecht , Aryal Arjun , Joshi Durga Datt , Rijal Suman , Sherchand Jeevan Bahadur , Praet Nicolas , Speybroeck Niko , Duchateau Luc , Vercruysse Jozef , Dorny Pierre
Published: May 2012

The transmission of the zoonotic pork tapeworms Taenia solium and T. asiatica depends on a combination of specific risk factors, such as open defecation, backyard pig raising and the consumption of raw or undercooked pork and viscera. A community‐based survey was conducted among 289 households in south–eastern Nepal to study the heterogeneity of these risk factor frequencies as a function of the social composition of the population. The frequency of open defecation, backyard pig raising and pork consumption differed significantly (P < 0.005) among the different coexisting caste and ethnic groups. In the same survey, the taeniosis prevalence was examined among the different groups. Tapeworm carriers were identified at a high prevalence among the Dum, one of the most disadvantaged communities of Nepal. A PCR‐RFLP assay revealed that all collected tapeworm specimens were T. asiatica, a species thus far not known to occur in South Asia. These results can help to understand the epidemiology of T. solium in Nepal, which appears to be more complex than thought so far.
Transcriptional analysis of differentially expressed genes in response to stem inclination in young seedlings of pine
Authors: Ramos P. , Le Provost G. , Gantz C. , Plomion C. , Herrera R.
Published: May 2012

The gravitropic response in trees is a widely studied phenomenon, however understanding of the molecular mechanism involved remains unclear. The purpose of this work was to identify differentially expressed genes in response to inclination using a comparative approach for two conifer species. Young seedlings were subjected to inclination and samples were collected at four different times points. First, suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH) was used to identify differentially regulated genes in radiata pine (Pinus radiataD. Don). cDNA libraries were constructed from the upper and lower part of inclined stems in a time course experiment, ranging from 2.5 h to 1 month. From a total of 3092 sequences obtained, 2203 elements were assembled, displaying homology to a public database. A total of 942 unigene elements were identified using bioinformatic tools after redundancy analysis. Of these, 614 corresponded to known function genes and 328 to unknown function genes, including hypothetical proteins. Comparative analysis between radiata pine and maritime pine (Pinus pinasterAit.) was performed to validate the differential expression of relevant candidate genes using qPCR. Selected genes were involved in several functional categories: hormone regulation, phenylpropanoid pathway and signal transduction. This comparative approach for the two conifer species helped determine the molecular gene pattern generated by inclination, providing a set ofPinusgene signatures that may be involved in the gravitropic stress response. These genes may also represent relevant candidate genes involved in the gravitropic response and potentially in wood formation.
Body plethysmographic study of specific airway resistance in a sample of healthy adults
Authors: PIATTI GIOIA , FASANO VALTER , CANTARELLA GIOVANNA , TARANTOLA CLAUDIA
Published: May 2012

Background and objective:  sRaw (specific airway resistance) is a corrected index (Raw multiplied by thoracic gas volume) that describes airway behaviour regardless of lung volume. Normal values of sRaw in adult subjects have never been formally defined. To establish sRaw interpretation criteria and to define a range of reference values, we evaluated variability, reproducibility and reliability of sRaw measurements in a group of healthy adults.

Methods:  We analysed 517 subjects of both genders, aged 18–65 (group A), and to assess the reproducibility of the measurements, we investigated intra‐individual variation and potential daily and weekly sRaw rhythms in a subgroup of 18 co‐operative healthy subjects (group B).

Results:  In group A, there was no pattern of association between any of the considered anthropometric parameters; mean sRaw was higher in men (6.24 vs 5.95 cmH2O s in females; P = 0.0128), but when the data were stratified by age, gender‐related differences were only found in the group aged 46–60 (males 6.45 cmH2O s, females 6.01 cmH2O s; P = 0.0219). In group B, there was no statistically significant, time‐dependent variation during the single tests, nor any circadian or weekly rhythm.

Conclusions:  sRaw is a reliable parameter; therefore, we propose that the lower and upper 95% confidence limits should be considered as reference values for adults of both genders, regardless of age. The availability of reference values may be useful in clinical practice and research.
Variability in disease burden and management of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in two regions of tropical Australia
Authors: Rémond M. G. W. , Severin K. L. , Hodder Y. , Martin J. , Nelson C. , Atkinson D. , Maguire G. P.
Published: May 2012

Background

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) contribute to Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander health disadvantage. At the time of this study, specialist ARF/RHD care in the Kimberley region of Western Australia was delivered by a broad range of providers. In contrast, in Far North Queensland (FNQ), a single‐provider model was used as part of a coordinated RHD control programme.

Aims

To review ARF/RHD management in the Kimberley and FNQ to ascertain whether differing models of service delivery are associated with different disease burden and patient care.

Methods

An audit of ARF/RHD management. Classification and clinical management data were abstracted from health records, specialist letters, echocardiograms and regional registers using a standardised data collection tool.

Results

Four hundred and seven patients were identified, with 99% being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders. ARF without RHD was seen in 0.4% of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander residents and RHD in 1.1%. The prevalence of RHD was similar in both regions but with more severe disease in the Kimberley. More FNQ RHD patients had specialist review within recommended time frames (67% vs 45%, χ2, P < 0.001). Of patients recommended benzathine penicillin secondary prophylaxis, 17.7% received ≥80% of scheduled doses in the preceding 12 months. Prescription and delivery of secondary prophylaxis was greater in FNQ.

Conclusions

FNQ's single‐provider model of specialist care and centralised RHD control programme were associated with improved patient care and may partly account for the fewer cases of severe disease and reduced surgical procedures and other interventions observed in this region.
Improving quality of delirium care in a general medical service with established interdisciplinary care: a controlled trial
Authors: Mudge A. M. , Maussen C. , Duncan J. , Denaro C. P.
Published: May 2012

Background

Clinical practice guidelines have been developed to improve screening, prevention and management of delirium.

Aims

To implement delirium guidelines in general medical patients to reduce incidence and duration of delirium and improve outcomes in delirious patients.

Methods

Implementation was led by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and project staff on one medical ward. Evaluation was undertaken as a controlled trial in patients aged 65 years or older with/at risk of delirium, compared with a control medical ward. Interventions included risk screening, delirium detection, multidisciplinary education, ward modifications including a four‐bed delirium bay, behaviour and medication protocols, and use of nursing assistant and volunteers. Primary outcome measures were incidence and duration of delirium; secondary outcomes were length of stay, mortality, falls and discharge destination in delirious subgroup. Process measures included ward moves, use of neuroleptics, allied health review and delirium bay use.

Results

Of 206 consenting older medical patients, 22% were delirious at admission and 44% were at risk. No incident cases of delirium were identified. In the delirious subgroup, significantly fewer intervention participants were discharged with persistent delirium (32% vs 71%, P = 0.016), with trends to reduced inpatient mortality (0% vs 18.5%, P = 0.07) and falls (11% vs 22%, P = 0.16), at the expense of a longer medical ward stay (16 days vs 8 days, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Low incidence of new delirium may reflect the established interdisciplinary care environment. Improved outcomes in the delirious group are encouraging although implementation was costly, including increased length of acute ward stay.
Haploidentical bone marrow transplants for haematological malignancies using non‐myeloablative conditioning therapy and post‐transplant immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide: results from a single Australian centre
Authors: Bilmon I. A. , Kwan J. , Gottlieb D. , Kerridge I. , McGurgan M. , Huang G. , George B. , Hertzberg M. , Bradstock K. F.
Published: May 2012

Aims

To demonstrate safety and efficacy of haploidentical bone marrow transplantation with non‐myeloablative conditioning and high‐dose post‐transplant cyclophosphamide in adult patients with leukaemia or lymphoma.

Background

Human leukocyte antigen haploidentical bone marrow transplantation is a treatment option in patients with haematological malignancies who have no available human leukocyte antigen‐matched donor but is limited by conditioning regimen toxicity, graft failure, relapse and graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD).

Methods

Twelve patients, median age of 51 years, underwent transplantation with T cell replete bone marrow from a haplotype‐matched relative. The conditioning regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide, fludarabine and low‐dose total body irradiation. Post‐transplant immunosuppression consisted of a single dose of cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg on day 3, followed by oral tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Outcomes reported are overall survival, engraftment and chimerism, toxicity, and clinical outcome.

Results

All patients had neutrophil recovery (median 14.5 days), and 11 of 12 had platelet engraftment (median 17 days). Two patients had autologous reconstitution. Seven of nine assessable patients had complete donor chimerism. Four patients had grades II‐III GvHD, and none had grade IV GvHD. Four patients developed limited stage chronic GvHD. Five patients with acute myeloid leukaemia relapsed. Two patients died of nonrelapse causes, both from other malignancies, and five patients remain alive and relapse free. Median overall survival was 324 days (range 88–1163).

Conclusion

This regimen is feasible and well tolerated in older patients with high‐risk leukaemia or lymphoma, with minimal short‐term toxicity and low rates of GvHD. The proportion of disease‐free survivors indicates a graft‐versus‐malignancy effect is present in survivors.
Optimal surveillance and eradication of invasive species in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Epanchin‐Niell Rebecca S. , Haight Robert G. , Berec Ludek , Kean John M. , Liebhold Andrew M.
Published: May 2012

Cost‐effective surveillance strategies are needed for efficient responses to biological invasions and must account for the trade‐offs between surveillance effort and management costs. Less surveillance may allow greater population growth and spread prior to detection, thereby increasing the costs of damages and control. In addition, surveillance strategies are usually applied in environments under continual invasion pressure where the number, size and location of established populations are unknown prior to detection. We develop a novel modeling framework that accounts for these features of the decision and invasion environment and determines the long term sampling effort that minimises the total expected costs of new invasions. The optimal solution depends on population establishment and growth rates, sample sensitivity, and sample, eradication, and damage costs. We demonstrate how to optimise surveillance systems under budgetary constraints and find that accounting for spatial heterogeneity in sampling costs and establishment rates can greatly reduce management costs.
Combining GLP‐1 receptor agonists with insulin: therapeutic rationales and clinical findings
Authors: Holst J. J. , Vilsbøll T.
Published: May 2012

Due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the emergent trend towards diagnosis in younger patients and the progressive nature of this disease, many more patients than before now require insulin to maintain glycaemic control. However, there is a degree of inertia among physicians and patients regarding the initiation and intensification of insulin therapy, in part due to concerns about the associated weight gain and increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) increase insulin release and suppress glucagon secretion in a glucose‐dependent manner, thus conferring glycaemic control with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia. GLP‐1RAs also promote weight loss, and have beneficial effects on markers of β cell function, lipid levels, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk markers. However, the durability of their effectiveness is unknown and, compared with insulin, the antihyperglycaemic efficacy of GLP‐1RAs is limited. The combination of a GLP‐1RA and insulin might thus be highly effective for optimal glucose control, ameliorating the adverse effects typically associated with insulin. Data from clinical studies support the therapeutic potential of GLP‐1RA–insulin combination therapy, typically showing beneficial effects on glycaemic control and body weight, with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia and, in established insulin therapy, facilitating reductions in insulin dose. In this review, the physiological and pharmacological rationale for using GLP‐1RA and insulin therapies in combination is discussed, and data from clinical studies that have assessed the efficacy and safety of this treatment strategy are outlined.
Prevalence of smoking and other health risk factors in people attending residential substance abuse treatment
Authors: KELLY PETER J. , BAKER AMANDA L. , DEANE FRANK P. , KAY‐LAMBKIN FRANCES J. , BONEVSKI BILLIE , TREGARTHEN JENNA
Published: May 2012

Introduction and Aims. People attending substance abuse treatment have an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Consequently, there have been increasing calls for substance abuse treatment services to address smoking. The current study examined smoking behaviours of people attending residential substance abuse treatment. Additionally, the study examined rates of other potentially modifiable health risk factors for the development of CVD and cancer.

Design and Methods. A cross‐sectional survey was completed by participants attending Australian Salvation Army residential substance abuse treatment services (n = 228). Rates of smoking, exercise, dietary fat intake, body mass index and depression were identified and compared with representative community populations. The relationship between length of treatment and changes in these variables was also examined.

Results. When compared with the Australian population, participants were much more likely to be current smokers. They also showed higher rates of dietary fat intake, and having had a previous diagnosis of a depressive disorder. Encouragingly, participants were more likely to be engaging in regular exercise. Over a third of all smokers reported having increased their smoking since attending the residential program, with correlational analysis suggesting that nicotine dependence was increasing the longer participants were in treatment.

Discussion and Conclusions. People attending substance abuse treatment show extremely high rates of smoking (77%). With the large majority of participants showing multiple risk factors for CVD, it is important that residential services consider strategies to address smoking and the other potentially modifiable health risk factors in an integrated fashion.[Kelly PJ, Baker AL, Deane FP, Kay‐Lambkin FJ, Bonevski B, Tregarthen J. Prevalence of smoking and other health risk factors in people attending residential substance abuse treatment. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:638–644]
Treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program in Australia
Authors: MCKETIN REBECCA , DUNLOP ADRIAN J. , HOLLAND ROHAN M. , SUTHERLAND RACHEL A. , BAKER AMANDA L. , SALMON ALLISON M. , HUDSON SUSAN L.
Published: May 2012

Introduction and Aims. The purpose of this study was to document treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program (STP) in Australia.

Design and Methods. Clients attending the STP for methamphetamine use (n = 105) were assessed on entry to the service and at 3 (n = 86) and 6 months (n = 83) after starting treatment. At each interview methamphetamine use (days of use, severity of dependence), other drug use and health and social functioning (HIV risk behaviour, crime, disability, psychotic symptoms and hostility) were assessed for the past month.

Results. Participants received a median of six counselling sessions (interquartile range 1–11) over a period of 89 days (interquartile range 41–148 days). Past month methamphetamine use fell from 79% at treatment entry to 53% at the 3‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001) and 55% at the 6‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant reductions in psychotic symptoms, hostility and disability associated with poor mental health. There was no change in other drug use, crime or HIV risk behaviour. Reductions in methamphetamine were more common among younger participants, those who had no history of drug treatment and those without concurrent heroin use.

Discussion and Conclusions. Methamphetamine users entering the STP showed reductions in methamphetamine use and improvements in their mental health after treatment. Improved treatment responses are needed to address polydrug use and other harms within in this population.[McKetin R, Dunlop AJ, Holland RM, Sutherland RA, Baker AL, Salmon AM, Hudson SL. Treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:80–87]
Financial Crises in Iceland and Ireland: Does European Union and Euro Membership Matter?
Authors: THORHALLSSON BALDUR , KIRBY PEADAR
Published: May 2012

The article examines the claims of the small states literature on the importance of alliance formation. It applies it to the case of Ireland and Iceland and asks whether membership of the EU and euro in Ireland and the absence of these in Iceland had a say in their reduction of risk before the financial crisis, assistance in absorbing the shock of their crash and help in recovering after it. The article argues that the notion of shelter needs to take more account of domestic arrangements and the shelter's costs though the cases confirm the importance of alliance formation.
The Effect of Mandatory Agro‐Environmental Policy on Farm Fertiliser and Pesticide Expenditure
Authors: Jaraitė Jūratė , Kažukauskas Andrius
Published: May 2012

EU farmers are subject to mandatory cross‐compliance measures, requiring them to meet environmental conditions to be eligible for public support. These obligations reinforce incentives for farmers to change their behaviour towards the environment. We apply quasi‐experimental methods to measure the causal relationship between cross‐compliance and some specific farm environmental performance. We find that cross‐compliance reduced farm fertiliser and pesticide expenditure. This result also holds for farmers who participated in other voluntary agro‐environmental schemes. However, the results do not support our expectations that farmers who relied on larger shares of public payments had a stronger motivation to improve their environmental performance.
Provider Views About Responsibility for Medication Adherence and Content of Physician–Older Patient Discussions
Authors: Tarn Derjung M. , Mattimore Thomas J. , Bell Douglas S. , Kravitz Richard L. , Wenger Neil S.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To investigate provider opinions about responsibility for medication adherence and examine physician–patient interactions to illustrate how adherence discussions are initiated.

Design

Focus group discussions with healthcare providers and audio taped outpatient office visits with a separate group of providers.

Setting

Focus group participants were recruited from multispecialty practice groups in New Jersey and Washington, District of Columbia. Outpatient office visits were conducted in primary care offices in Northern California.

Participants

Twenty‐two healthcare providers participated in focus group discussions. One hundred patients aged 65 and older and 28 primary care physicians had their visits audio taped.

Measurements

Inductive content analysis of focus groups and audio taped encounters.

Results

Focus group analyses indicated that providers feel responsible for assessing medication adherence during office visits and for addressing mutable factors underlying nonadherence, but they also believed that patients were ultimately responsible for taking medications and voiced reluctance about confronting patients about nonadherence. The 100 patients participating in audio taped encounters were taking a total of 410 medications. Of these, 254 (62%) were discussed in a way that might address adherence; physicians made simple inquiries about current patient medication use for 31.5%, but they made in‐depth inquiries about adherence for only 4.3%. Of 39 identified instances of nonadherence, patients spontaneously disclosed 51%.

Conclusion

The lack of intrusive questions about medication taking during office visits may reflect poor provider recognition of the questions needed to assess adherence fully. Alternatively, provider beliefs about patient responsibility for adherence may hinder detailed queries. A paradigm of joint provider–patient responsibility may be needed to better guide discussions about medication adherence.