bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the density of stage 2 sleep spindles following motor learning in young and older adults
Authors: PETERS KEVIN R. , RAY LAURA , SMITH VALERIE , SMITH CARLYLE
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the changes that occur in sleep architecture following the acquisition of a simple motor learning task in young and older adults. Subjects included 14 young (range = 17–24 years) and 14 older (range = 62–79 years) adults, all of whom were in good health. Using in‐home recording systems, sleep architecture (sleep stages and the density of Stage 2 sleep spindles) was examined before and after learning the pursuit rotor. To control for possible age differences in baseline motor performance and spindle density, both absolute and relative (percent change) measures were examined. Both groups improved significantly on the pursuit rotor task at Retest (1 week later); however, the magnitude of absolute improvement was larger in the young group than in the older group. There was no group difference when a relative measure of improvement (percent increase across sessions) was used. The density of Stage 2 sleep spindles increased significantly following task Acquisition in the young group but not in the older group. These age differences failed to reach significance when change was measured as a percentage of baseline level of spindle density. The increase in spindle density was correlated with performance level during acquisition in the young group but not the older group. The results of the present study are largely consistent with previous studies on sleep and memory in young adults and suggest that more detailed examination of this relationship in older adults is warranted.
Spatial dissection of the cis‐ and trans‐Golgi compartments in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Struck Nicole S. , Herrmann Susann , Schmuck‐Barkmann Iris , De Souza Dias Suzana , Haase Silvia , Cabrera Ana L. , Treeck Moritz , Bruns Caroline , Langer Christine , Cowman Alan F. , Marti Matthias , Spielmann Tobias , Gilberger Tim W.
Published: February 2008

The Golgi apparatus forms the heart of the secretory pathway in eukaryotic cells where proteins are modified, processed and sorted. The transport of proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cis‐side of the Golgi complex takes place at specialized ER sub‐domains known as transitional ER (tER). We used the Plasmodium falciparum orthologue of Sec13p to analyse tER organization. We show that the distribution of PfSec13p is restricted to defined areas of the ER membrane. These foci are juxtaposed to the Golgi apparatus and might represent tER sites. To further analyse cis‐ to trans‐Golgi architecture, we generated a double transfectant parasite line that expresses the Golgi marker Golgi reassembly stacking protein (GRASP) as a green fluorescent protein fusion and the trans‐Golgi marker Rab6 as a DsRed fusion protein. Our data demonstrate that Golgi multiplication is closely linked to tER multiplication, and that parasite maturation is accompanied by the spatial separation of the cis‐ and trans‐ face of this organelle.
DNA replication during endospore development in Metabacterium polyspora
Authors: Ward Rebekah J. , Angert Esther R.
Published: February 2008

The guinea pig intestinal symbiont Metabacterium polyspora is an uncultured, endospore‐forming member of the Firmicutes. Unlike most endospore‐forming bacteria, sporulation is an obligate part of the M. polyspora life cycle when it is associated with a guinea pig. Binary fission is limited to a brief period in its life cycle, if exhibited at all. Instead, M. polyspora relies on the formation of multiple endospores for reproduction. Sporulation is initiated immediately after germination, which leaves little time for the cell to accumulate resources to support spore formation. Using immunolocalization of the nucleotide analogue bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), we were able to follow replication dynamics in M. polyspora. BrdU was provided to cells within the guinea pig intestinal tract. BrdU was incorporated into DNA located within the forespores throughout development, at all stages prior to spore maturation. Our results suggest that in M. polyspora, DNA replication within the forespore is not suppressed during sporulation as it is in other endospore‐forming bacteria. Replication within forespores would allow M. polyspora to maximize its reproductive potential and supply each endospore with at least one complete copy of the genome.
Effects of extrinsic denervation on innervation with VIP and substance P in circular muscle of rat jejunum1
Authors: Kasparek M. S. , Fatima J. , Iqbal C. W. , Sarr M. G.
Published: February 2008

Abstract Extrinsic denervation contributes to enteric motor dysfunction after small bowel transplantation (SBT). Our aim was to determine changes in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic innervation with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and substance P (Sub P) in rat jejunal circular muscle after SBT. Muscle strips were studied in tissue chambers from six groups of rats (n ≥ 6 per group): naïve controls (NC), animals 1 week after anaesthesia/sham celiotomy (SC‐1), and 1 and 8 weeks after jejunal and ileal transection/reanastomosis (TA‐1, TA‐8) and after syngeneic, orthotopic SBT (SBT‐1, SBT‐8). Response to exogenous VIP and Sub P and their endogenous release during electrical field stimulation (EFS) were studied. Exogenous VIP and Sub P caused a dose‐dependent inhibition and stimulation of mechanical activity in all groups respectively (P < 0.05). The responses to VIP and Sub P were decreased (compared to NC) in all groups at 1 and 8 weeks postoperatively. The VIP antagonist ([d‐p‐Cl‐Phe6,Leu17]‐VIP) did not prevent the inhibition by exogenous VIP in any group, while the Sub P antagonist ([d‐Pro2,d‐Trp7,9]‐Sub P) prevented the effect of exogenous Sub P in NC, TA‐8 and SBT‐8 (P < 0.05). Responses to exogenous VIP were unaffected by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitorl‐NG‐nitro arginine and precontraction of muscle strips with Sub P. Endogenous release of VIP and Sub P during EFS was preserved after SBT. In circular muscle of rat jejunum, changes in neuromuscular transmission with VIP and Sub P during the first 8 weeks after SBT are not mediated by extrinsic denervation.
Plastid ω3‐fatty acid desaturase‐dependent accumulation of a systemic acquired resistance inducing activity in petiole exudates of Arabidopsis thaliana is independent of jasmonic acid
Authors: Chaturvedi Ratnesh , Krothapalli Kartikeya , Makandar Ragiba , Nandi Ashis , Sparks Alexis A. , Roth Mary R. , Welti Ruth , Shah Jyoti
Published: February 2008

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible defense mechanism that is activated throughout the plant, subsequent to localized inoculation with a pathogen. The establishment of SAR requires translocation of an unknown signal from the pathogen‐inoculated leaf to the distal organs, where salicylic acid‐dependent defenses are activated. We demonstrate here that petiole exudates (PeXs) collected from Arabidopsis leaves inoculated with an avirulent (Avr) Pseudomonas syringae strain promote resistance when applied to Arabidopsis, tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Arabidopsis FATTY ACID DESATURASE7 (FAD7), SUPPRESSOR OF FATTY ACID DESATURASE DEFICIENCY1 (SFD1) and SFD2 genes are required for accumulation of the SAR‐inducing activity. In contrast to Avr PeX from wild‐type plants, Avr PeXs from fad7, sfd1 and sfd2 mutants were unable to activate SAR when applied to wild‐type plants. However, the SAR‐inducing activity was reconstituted by mixing Avr PeXs collected from fad7 and sfd1 with Avr PeX from the SAR‐deficient dir1 mutant. Since FAD7, SFD1 and SFD2 are involved in plastid glycerolipid biosynthesis and SAR is also compromised in the Arabidopsis monogalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase1 mutant we suggest that a plastid glycerolipid‐dependent factor is required in Avr PeX along with the DIR1‐encoded lipid transfer protein for long‐distance signaling in SAR. FAD7‐synthesized lipids provide fatty acids for synthesis of jasmonic acid (JA). However, co‐infiltration of JA and methylJA with Avr PeX from fad7 and sfd1 did not reconstitute the SAR‐inducing activity. In addition, JA did not co‐purify with the SAR‐inducing activity confirming that JA is not the mobile signal in SAR.
Developing evidence‐based recommendations in public health – incorporating the views of practitioners, service users and user representatives
Authors: Renfrew Mary J , Dyson Lisa , Herbert Gill , McFadden Alison , McCormick Felicia , Thomas James , Spiby Helen
Published: February 2008

Background  Guidance based on a systematic assessment of the evidence base has become a fundamental tool in the cycle of evidence‐based practice and policy internationally. The process of moving from the formal evidence base derived from research studies to the formation and agreement of recommendations is however acknowledged to be problematic, especially in public health; and the involvement of practitioners, service commissioners and service users in that process is both important and methodologically challenging.

Aim  To test a structured process of developing evidence‐based recommendations in public health while involving a broad constituency of practitioners, service commissioners and service user representatives.

Methods  As part of the development of national public health recommendations to promote and support breastfeeding in England, the methodological challenges of involving stakeholders were examined and addressed. There were three main stages: (i) an assessment of the formal evidence base (210 studies graded); (ii) electronic and fieldwork‐based consultation with practitioners, service commissioners and service user representatives (563 participants), and an in‐depth analytical consultation in three ‘diagonal slice’ workshops (89 participants); (iii) synthesis of the previous two stages.

Results and conclusions  The process resulted in widely agreed recommendations together with suggestions for implementation. It was very positively evaluated by participants and those likely to use the recommendations. Service users had a strong voice throughout and participated actively. This mix of methods allowed a transparent, accountable process for formulating recommendations based on scientific, theoretical, practical and expert evidence, with the added potential to enhance implementation.
Health consumer and patients' organizations in Europe: towards a comparative analysis
Authors: Baggott Rob , Forster Rudolf
Published: February 2008

Despite the rise of health consumer and patients’ organizations (HCPOs) in modern health‐care systems, studies are few and far between. In particular there is a lack of comparative research across Europe and at the pan‐European level. In an effort to address this gap, an expert workshop was held in Vienna in February 2006. This involved 22 delegates from 10 European Countries and was funded by the European Science Foundation (ESF). The workshop reviewed the development of HCPOs in Europe and their role in the policy process in order to establish a platform for further research in this field. It found evidence of an increase in HCPOs across European countries, increased engagement with policy makers and political institutions, and the creation of alliance organizations bringing together HCPOs across the sector. However, variations between countries were observed, relating to different political, cultural and health system contexts. There was no consensus on whether the rise of HCPOs constituted a new social movement. An increase in HCPO activity at the pan‐European level was noted, reflecting the increased interest of EU institutions in health policy. At both domestic and European levels, concerns about the representativeness and legitimacy of HCPOs were raised as well as questions about their independence (notably with regard to the drugs industry). HCPOs face a number of obstacles including: lack of capacity and resources, fragmentation and the power of more established interests within the health‐care system. The workshop concluded that further research is needed in this field, in the form of a comparative study of HCPOs in European countries and an analysis of their activities at the pan‐European level.
A multidimensional conceptual framework for analysing public involvement in health services research
Authors: Oliver Sandy R. , Rees Rebecca W. , Clarke‐Jones Lorna , Milne Ruairidh , Oakley Ann R. , Gabbay John , Stein Ken , Buchanan Phyll , Gyte Gill
Published: February 2008

Objective  To describe the development of a multidimensional conceptual framework capable of drawing out the implications for policy and practice of what is known about public involvement in research agenda setting.

Background  Public involvement in research is growing in western and developing countries. There is a need to learn from collective experience and a diverse literature of research, policy documents and reflective reports.

Methods  Systematic searches of research literature, policy and lay networks identified reports of public involvement in research agenda setting. Framework analysis, previously described for primary research, was used to develop the framework, which was then applied to reports of public involvement in order to analyse and compare these.

Findings  The conceptual framework takes into account the people involved; the people initiating the involvement; the degree of public involvement; the forum for exchange; and methods used for decision making. It also considers context (in terms of the research focus and the historical, geographical or institutional setting), and theoretical basis.

Conclusions  The framework facilitates learning across diverse experiences, whether reported in policy documents, reflections or formal research, to generate a policy‐ and practice‐relevant overview. A further advantage is that it identifies gaps in the literature which need to be filled in order to inform future research about public involvement.
Implementing breast cancer decision aids in community sites: barriers and resources
Authors: Silvia Kerry A. , Ozanne Elissa M. , Sepucha Karen R.
Published: February 2008

Objective To assess the feasibility of implementing four patient decision aids (PtDAs) for early stage breast cancer treatment decisions into routine clinical care in community settings.

Background There is very limited information available about implementing decision aids into routine clinical practice and most of this information is based on academic centres; more information is needed about implementing them into routine clinical practice in community settings.

Design Structured individual interviews.

Setting and participants Providers from 12 sites, including nine community hospitals, a community oncology centre and two academic centres.

Main outcome measures Usage data, barriers to and resources for implementing the PtDAs.

Results Nine of the 12 sites were using the PtDAs with patients. All of the sites were lending the PtDAs to patients, usually without a formal sign‐out system. The keys to successful implementation included nurses’ and social workers’ interest in distributing the PtDAs and the success of the lending model. Barriers that limited or prevented sites from using the PtDA included a lack of physician support, a lack of an organized system for distributing the PtDAs and nurses’ perceptions about patients’ attitude towards participation in decision making.

Conclusions It is feasible to implement PtDAs for early stage breast cancer into routine clinical care in community settings, even with few resources available.
‘I do not need to… I do not want to… I do not give it priority…’– why women choose not to attend cervical cancer screening
Authors: Oscarsson Marie G. , Wijma Barbro E. , Benzein Eva G.
Published: February 2008

Objective To describe and interpret why women with no cervical smear taken during the previous 5 years choose not to attend a cervical cancer screening (CCS) programme.

Background CCS programme is a service for early detection of cervical cancer. Today, some women choose not to attend the programme.

Design Data were collected by tape‐recorded interviews and analysed by qualitative inductive content analysis.

Setting and participants Purposive sample of 14 women in southeast Sweden, who had chosen not to attend CCS during the previous 5 years.

Findings The following themes were revealed:I do not need to…, I do not want to…andI do not give it priority….The women had a positive attitude to CCS but as long as they felt healthy, they chose not to attend. A negative body image, low self‐esteem, feelings of discomfort when confronted with the gynaecological examination and fear of the results also influenced their non‐attendance. The women prioritized more important things in life and reported various degrees of lack of trust in health‐care.

Conclusion Women’s choice not to attend CCS were complex and influenced by present and earlier intra‐ and inter‐personal circumstances. They had a positive attitude to CCS, but other things in life were more important. Health‐care professionals have to facilitate a co‐operative discussion with the women in order to contribute to a mutual understanding for the perspectives of the women and the professionals.
QTL Mapping Reveals Specific Genes for the Evolutionary Reduction of Microsporangia in Microseris (Asteraceae)
Authors: Gailing O. , Hombergen E.‐J. , Bachmann K.
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Where closely related plant species with basic and derived characters can be crossed and produce fertile offspring, the genetics of character evolution can be inferred from the segregation patterns in hybrid offspring. Three species of Micro‐seris (Compositae) share a reduction from the usual 4 to 2 pollen sacs per anther by the suppression of the adaxial rnicrosporan‐gia (MS), as a common derived character. These species can be crossed with a species with 4 MS. The segregation of MS numbers from such a hybrid was analysed by co‐segregation with genetically mapped molecular markers (AFLPs). Five loci specifically affecting the MS number were found. The homozygous recessive genotype for a main gene is necessary but not sufficient to reduce MS numbers. Three of the four modifiers interact only in this homozygous recessive background to reduce the number to 2. This suggests that mutation of the main gene was followed by selection of the modifiers to stabilize the new phenotype. Since the plants are nearly completely self‐fertilisirig in nature, the loss of two MS will not reduce reproductive success. The selection pressure needed to assemble such a complicated system for the complete absence of the two adaxial MS needs to be explained.
Carbohydrate Metabolism in Tuberizing Stolon Tips of the Strictly Short Day‐Dependent Potato Species, Solanum Demissum Lindl.
Authors: HeIder J. , Vreugdenhil D.
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Tuber formation in the strictly short day‐dependent potato species Solanum demissum Lindi. was studied. In order to accurately determine the developmental stage of individual stolon tips, a reliable parameter describing tuber formation is defined. Dry matter percentage of stolon tips was highly correlated with starch concentration and with swelling of the stoIon tips, independent of plant age and stolon diameter. Based on this parameter, changes in carbohydrate metabolism during the initial stages of tuber formation were analyzed. Glucose and fructose levels decreased significantly upon tuber formation. This decrease could be explained by a change in sucrose hydrolysis, dominated by acid invertases before tuber formation, and by sucrose synthase afterwards. A model of the temporal and spatial changes in sucrose unloading and hydrolysis in swelling stolon tips is discussed. The observed changes in carbohydrate metabolism are similar to changes observed in a simplified in vitro system, indicating that such model systems adequately reflect tuber development in intact plants.
Cultivar‐Specific Expression of the Jasmonate‐Induced Protein of 23 kDa (JIP‐23) Occurs in Hordeum vulgare L. by Jasmonates but not During Seed Germination
Authors: Hause Bettina , Hertel S. C. , Klaus D. , Wasternack C.
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Treatment of barley leaf segments with jasmonic acid methyl ester (JM) leads to the accumulation of a set of newly formed abundant proteins. Among them, the most abun dant protein exhibits a molecular mass of 23 kDa (JIP‐23). Here, data are presented on the occurrence and expression of the lIP‐23 genes in different cultivars of Hordeum vulgare. Southern blot analysis of 80 cultivars revealed the occurrence of 2 to 4 genes coding for JIP‐23 in all cultivars. By means of Northern blot and immunoblot analysis it is shown that some cultivars lack the ex pression of jip‐23 upon treatment of primary leaves with JM as well as upon stress performed by incubation with 1 M sorbitol solution. During germination, however, all tested cultivars ex hibited developmental expression of jip‐23. The results are dis cussed in terms of possible functions of JIP‐23 in barley.
Ultrastructural Morphology of Platelets and Fibrin Networks of Lactating and Non‐Pregnant Rabbits
Authors: Humphries P. , Smit E. , Pretorius E.
Published: February 2008

Platelets and fibrin play an important role in the coagulation process where they are involved in the maintenance of haemostasis. Fibrin dysfunction is associated with the development of vascular complications, while proneness to the formation of tight and rigid fibrin networks is independently associated with thrombotic disease. Rabbits have long been used successfully as animal models, and are often the species of choice for models of antithrombotic efficacy. It was previously shown that rabbit and human platelet and fibrin morphology are very similar in ultrastructure and fibrin fibre thickness. It was also previously reported that the thin minor fibres forms a thick fine network cover over the major fibres during pregnancy. According to research, white blood cell counts also changes during pregnancy and stays changed for up to 6 weeks post‐partum; where the number of neutrophils increased, and the number of lymphocytes, basophils and eosinophils decreased. Here, we show that the same ultrastructure and white blood cell count changes occur in lactating rabbits (4 weeks post‐partum). We therefore suggest that a rabbit morphology model studying platelet and fibrin morphology can be used successfully, either to study the effect of pharmaceutical products to be used during lactation and pregnancy in humans, or used in veterinary research. Furthermore, the effects of pharmaceutical products on immunology and white blood cell counts can possibly also be used successfully.
Dietary pea protein stimulates bile acid excretion and lowers hepatic cholesterol concentration in rats
Authors: Spielmann J. , Stangl G. I. , Eder K.
Published: February 2008

It has been shown that some dietary plant proteins beneficially influence lipid metabolism in animals. The effect of pea protein in this respect however has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we studied the effect of purified pea protein on the lipid metabolism in rats. Twenty‐four rats received diets with either 200 g/kg of casein or purified pea protein for 16 days. Concentrations of triacylglycerols in liver, plasma and lipoproteins did not differ between both groups of rats. However, rats fed the pea protein diet had a lower concentration of total cholesterol in the liver and the very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) fraction than rats fed the casein diet (p < 0.05); cholesterol concentration in plasma, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) did not differ between both groups. Rats fed pea protein moreover had an increased mRNA concentration of cholesterol‐7α‐hydroxylase in the liver and an increased amount of bile acids excreted via faeces compared with rats fed casein (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, mRNA concentrations of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein (SREBP)‐2 and its target genes 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase and LDL receptor in the liver were increased in rats fed pea protein (p < 0.05). The data of this study suggests that pea protein stimulates formation and excretion of bile acids, which leads to a reduced hepatic cholesterol concentration and a reduced secretion of cholesterol via VLDL. An increased gene expression of SREBP‐2 and its target genes HMG‐CoA reductase and LDL receptor may be a means to compensate for the increased loss of cholesterol for bile acid synthesis.
Dissociation and alexithymia among men with alcoholism
Authors: Evren Cuneyt , Sar Vedat , Evren Bilge , Semiz Umit , Dalbudak Ercan , Cakmak Duran
Published: February 2008

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between alexithymia and dissociation among men with alcoholism.

Methods:  Participants were 176 patients consecutively admitted to the inpatient unit of a addiction treatment center. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Symptom Checklist‐Revised, the Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test were administered to all participants.

Results:  Fifty‐three patients were considered as having alexithymia. The alexithymic group had a significantly higher rate of dissociative taxon members (patients with pathological dissociation; 62.3%) according to Bayesian probability. Trait anxiety, overall psychiatric symptom severity, and pathological dissociation predicted alexithymia on covariance analysis. A multivariate analysis of covariance demonstrated that these predictors were related only to difficulty of identifying feelings, whereas trait anxiety was a significant covariant for difficulty of expressing feelings as well.

Conclusion:  Alexithymic phenomena are interrelated with dissociation and chronic anxiety among men with alcoholism. The relevance of this triad for prevention and treatment of alcoholism deserves interest in further research.
The correlation of plasma homocysteine with insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yilmaz Nafiye , Pektas Mine , Tonguc Esra , Kilic Sevtap , Gulerman Cavidan , Gungor Tayfun , Mollamahmutoglu Leyla
Published: February 2008

Aim:  This study aims to investigate the existence of any relationship between homocysteine levels and insulin resistance in Turkish women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods:  A case‐controlled, cross‐sectional, observational study was undertaken in a total of 94 infertile Turkish women who required professional help in the Department of Infertility of Dr Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Research and Education Hospital. The correlation between serum homocysteine with age, body mass index, hormone profile, fasting insulin and glucose concentrations and insulin resistance were examined in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and the results were compared to those of women with normal ovaries, who served as a control group.

Results:  The mean serum fasting glucose and insulin levels, thus insulin resistance index of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, were significantly higher than those of the control subjects. The mean serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome than those in the control group. A positive correlation was detected between the mean homocysteine, the insulin resistance index determined by homeostasis model assessment and the fasting insulin levels in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

Conclusions:  Serum homocysteine levels are elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and this elevation is associated with the serum insulin level rather than androgen excess. The intense treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome might improve reproductive outcome and contribute to protection from cardiovascular risks.
Does three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound improve the diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of adnexal malignancy?
Authors: Dai Shu‐Yan , Hata Kohkichi , Inubashiri Eisuke , Kanenishi Kenji , Shiota Atsuko , Ohno Masayuki , Yamamoto Yuka , Nishiyama Yoshihiro , Ohkawa Motoomi , Hata Toshiyuki
Published: February 2008

Objective:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound (3DPD) in the differentiation between benign and malignant adnexal masses and evaluate 3DPD for assessing malignancy in comparison with two‐dimensional transvaginal gray‐scale sonography (2DTVS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).

Subjects and Methods:  Thirty‐six patients with suspicious adnexal masses were included in this study. 2DTVS and 3DPD were performed preoperatively. MRI and PET examinations were also carried on within two weeks of initial sonography. All the results of diagnostic imaging techniques were evaluated separately. Final diagnosis was confirmed by the postoperative histopathology. The mature cystic teratomas and endometriomas with typical gray‐scale sonographic appearance were excluded from the study.

Results:  Of the 36 patients, 25 had a malignancy, 5 had a borderline tumor, and 6 had a benign mass. Sensitivity of 2DTVS, 3DPD, MRI and PET were 96.7%, 76.7%, 96.7% and 83.3%, respectively. The sensitivity of 2DTVS was as high as that of MRI, and both of them were significantly higher than those of 3DPD and PET, respectively. There were no significant differences both in specificity and accuracy among these 4 techniques.

Conclusion:  3DPD did not improve the diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of malignancy in adnexal masses. 2DTVS may still remain an important modality for the prediction of adnexal malignancy.
15N enrichment as an integrator of the effects of C and N on microbial metabolism and ecosystem function
Authors: Dijkstra Paul , LaViolette Corinne M. , Coyle Jeffrey S. , Doucett Richard R. , Schwartz Egbert , Hart Stephen C. , Hungate Bruce A.
Published: February 2008

Organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are essential for heterotrophic soil microorganisms, and their bioavailability strongly influences ecosystem C and N cycling. We show here that the natural 15N abundance of the soil microbial biomass is affected by both the availability of C and N and ecosystem N processing. Microbial 15N enrichment correlated negatively with the C : N ratio of the soil soluble fraction and positively with net N mineralization for ecosystems spanning semiarid, temperate and tropical climates, grassland and forests, and over four million years of ecosystem development. In addition, during soil incubation, large increases in microbial 15N enrichment corresponded to high net N mineralization rates. These results support the idea that the N isotope composition of an organism is determined by the balance between N assimilation and dissimilation. Thus, 15N enrichment of the soil microbial biomass integrates the effects of C and N availability on microbial metabolism and ecosystem processes.
Operational sex ratio, sexual conflict and the intensity of sexual selection
Authors: Fitze Patrick S. , Le Galliard Jean‐François
Published: February 2008

Modern sexual selection theory indicates that reproductive costs rather than the operational sex ratio predict the intensity of sexual selection. We investigated sexual selection in the polygynandrous common lizardLacerta vivipara. This species shows male aggression, causing high mating costs for females when adult sex ratios (ASR) are male‐biased. We manipulated ASR in 12 experimental populations and quantified the intensity of sexual selection based on the relationship between reproductive success and body size. In sharp contrast to classical sexual selection theory predictions, positive directional sexual selection on male size was stronger and positive directional selection on female size weaker in female‐biased populations than in male‐biased populations. Thus, consistent with modern theory, directional sexual selection on male size was weaker in populations with higher female mating costs. This suggests that the costs of breeding, but not the operational sex ratio, correctly predicted the strength of sexual selection.
Job satisfaction among intensive care nurses from the People's Republic of China
Authors: Li J. , Lambert V.A.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Prior research has suggested that job satisfaction is a major concern for both nurses and healthcare administrators. A variety of workplace stressors, coping strategies and demographic characteristics have been found to contribute both positively and negatively to job satisfaction. However, most of this research has been conducted in Western culture countries, leaving one to wonder if the findings are relevant in China, particularly in regard to intensive care nurses.

Aim:  Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to determine, in intensive care nurses from the People's Republic of China, which combination of workplace stressors, coping strategies and demographic characteristics was the best predictor of job satisfaction.

Methods:  To address these purposes, four self‐report questionnaires were administered to a convenience sample of 102 intensive care nurses from four teaching hospitals located in two cities in central China.

Results:  The best predictors of job satisfaction were workload, years of experience in nursing, uncertainty about patients' treatment, behavioural disengagement and positive reframing.

Conclusions:  The findings provide information about what factors need to be considered and addressed in the workplace to facilitate job satisfaction among Chinese intensive care nurses.
Intimate partner violence and reproductive health of women in Kenya
Authors: Emenike E. , Lawoko S. , Dalal K.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Reproductive age represents an augmented risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) despite its occurrence in women of all ages. IPV has been associated with various reproductive health outcomes (e.g. terminated pregnancies and infant mortality), although multi‐country studies indicate that the findings may not be consistent across all cultures.

Study aim and method:  The current work describes the association between IPV and reproductive health of women in Kenya using the Demographic and Health Survey of 2003.

Results:  A significant association between physical/emotional/sexual abuse of women and negative reproductive health outcomes such as terminated pregnancies and infant mortality was identified. In addition, IPV exposure was associated with use of family planning methods and high fertility.

Conclusion and recommendations:  Practitioners in the healthcare sector should inquire about abuse. Provision of counselling services and information regarding IPV effects on reproductive outcomes as well as referring abused women to relevant institutions is recommended in secondary prevention of IPV and to improve the reproductive health status of abused women.
The leadership concept in Iranian nursing
Authors: Memarian R. , Ahmadi F. , Vaismoradi M.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Although greater emphasis has been placed on leadership skills in nursing management in the last decade, the concepts are often confused or used erroneously by Iranian nurses. At the same time we have observed that wide variations in nurses' clinical practice appeared to be related to the presence or absence of leadership skills among senior nurses.

Aim:  To begin to identify the concepts used for expressing leadership in nursing within the Iranian cultural context.

Methods:  A qualitative approach was adopted using content analysis of semi‐structured interviews carried out with 10 nurse managers from hospitals in Teheran. The data were analysed using the constant comparative method.

Findings:  Fifty‐five primary codes were identified from the respondents' experiences and from these three main themes were abstracted for describing the leadership concept. These were ‘personality traits’, ‘being a model’, and ‘being a spiritual guide for the nursing profession’.

Conclusion:  Implementing the culture of patient safety and dignity needs leadership. From Iranian nurse managers' perspectives a leader as a spiritual guide should empower nurses spiritually; it means he/she has a vision for nursing; has clear and explicit objectives; and has a commitment to nursing. Nurses who are confident about the underlying concepts of leadership in their culture can help to adapt nursing to an ever‐changing healthcare environment.
Correlates of physical fitness and activity in Taiwanese children
Authors: Chen J.‐L. , Unnithan V. , Kennedy C. , Yeh C.‐H.
Published: February 2008

Aim:  This cross‐sectional study examined factors related to children's physical fitness and activity levels in Taiwan.

Methods:  A total of 331 Taiwanese children, aged 7 and 8, and their mothers participated in the study. Children performed physical fitness tests, recorded their physical activities during two weekdays and completed self‐esteem questionnaires. Research assistants measured the children's body mass and stature. Mothers completed demographic, parenting style and physical activity questionnaires.

Results:  Attending urban school, lower body mass index (BMI), older age and better muscular endurance contributed to the variance in better aerobic capacity, and attending rural school and better aerobic capacity contributed to the variance in better muscular endurance in boys. Attending urban school, lower BMI and better athletic competence contributed to the variance in better aerobic capacity, and younger age, rural school and higher household income contributed to the variance in better flexibility in girls.

Conclusion:  Despite the limitations of the study, with many countries and regions, including Taiwan, now emphasizing the importance of improving physical fitness and activity in children, an intervention that is gender‐, geographically, and developmentally appropriate can improve the likelihood of successful physical fitness and activity programmes.
Post‐exposure prophylaxis after non‐occupational exposure to HIV in Greece
Authors: Raftopoulos V. , Nikolopoulos G. , Konte V. , Pylli M. , Tsiara C. , Makri E. , Paraskeva D.
Published: February 2008

Aim:  To assess the use of post‐exposure prophylaxis after a non‐occupational exposure to HIV in Greece.

Methods:  We analysed the data that were reported to the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention by physicians who requested non‐occupational post‐exposure to HIV prophylaxis (NONOPEP) .

Results:  During the period January 1996–June 2005 inclusive, 159 persons received NONOPEP (116 males, 42 females and 1 unknown). Fifty‐three per cent of the males sought NONOPEP because of an exposure to sperm and vaginal secretions, while 35.7% of the females were exposed to sperm. Unprotected sex was the main reported cause of exposure to HIV (38.36%) followed by condom rupture (35.85%). For 110 (69.18%) persons, it was the first time they were prescribed NONOPEP.

Conclusion:  The current surveillance system in Greece should be further developed to include the documentation of potential drug‐toxicity, side effects and adherence to the prophylaxis. The health educational role of the nurse in HIV prevention in Greece should be developed.
Individual testimonies to nursing care after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945
Authors: Yuko Matsunari , Sachie Nozawa , Kayo Sakata , Yoshiko Ohara , Keiko Takahashi , Yukiko Hyakuta , Mutsumi Ueda , Ryoko Ohara , Toshio Kobayashi , Noriyuki Kawano , Kazumi Mizumoto
Published: February 2008

Aim:  The aim of the present research is to clarify the nursing care conducted just before and after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.

Methods:  Five surviving nurses, who were registered nursing staff at that time in Hiroshima, offered to participate in this research. Individual interviews were conducted in order to obtain the information concerning the nursing activities in the disaster‐stricken areas. The collected information was collated with the documents with regard to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, and compared with the current studies concerning nursing in disaster.

Findings:  The five nurses who participated in the study made it clear that, from the day of the bombing, nursing care activities changed moment by moment according to the condition of the radiation victims, the stricken areas and the relief systems. Under these circumstances, the nurses tried to help the victims of the bombing by devising anything useful for nursing care.

Conclusion:  The research participants left their messages, pointing out that nurses' mental attitude to those in front of them as patients is one of the most important things to keep in mind following any major disaster.
Behaviour of partially cross‐linked casein micelles under high pressure
Authors: HUPPERTZ THOM , SMIDDY MARY A
Published: February 2008

High pressure (HP) treatment of a casein micelle suspension at 250 and 300 MPa leads to an initial rapid increase of its light transmission, as measured in situ, indicating micellar disruption. Subsequently, a much slower, partial reversal of the HP‐induced increase in light transmission is observed, indicating re‐association of micellar fragments. Partial internal cross‐linking of the casein micelles by the enzyme transglutaminase prior to pressure treatment slows down both the disruption and the reassociation process considerably. It is proposed that covalent cross‐linking provides the micelle with extra stability against pressure‐induced disruption and also prevents a molecular reorganization process required to induce reassociation of micellar fragments during prolonged pressure treatment.
Composite Inlays as Management Tools in Dental Practice
Authors: Levin Roger P.
Published: February 2008

The future of esthetic dentistry holds vast opportunities. One of those already available is the composite inlay procedure. The direct inlay technique may be performed in one appointment; the indirect method using a skilled laboratory is also an option. Because of its small size and excellent polishability, the composite inlay has beautiful esthetic results. In the future, dentists will be able to fabricate veneers, remove them from prepared teeth, light/heat cure them, and bond them in the office all in one appointment.
Succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein subunit expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae– involvement of the mitochondrial FAD transporter, Flx1p
Authors: Giancaspero Teresa A. , Wait Robin , Boles Eckhard , Barile Maria
Published: February 2008

The mitochondrial FAD transporter, Flx1p, is a member of the mitochondrial carrier family responsible for FAD transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It has also been suggested that it has a role in maintaining the normal activity of mitochondrial FAD‐binding enzymes, including lipoamide dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein subunit Sdh1p. A decrease in the amount of Sdh1p in the flx1Δ mutant strain has been determined here to be due to a post‐transcriptional control that involves regulatory sequences located upstream of the SDH1 coding sequence. The SDH1 coding sequence and the regulatory sequences located downstream of the SDH1 coding region, as well as protein import and cofactor attachment, seem to be not involved in the decrease in the amount of protein.
Suppressed catalytic efficiency of plasmin in the presence of long‐chain fatty acids
Authors: Tanka‐Salamon Anna , Tenekedjiev Kiril , Machovich Raymund , Kolev Krasimir
Published: February 2008

Thrombi, which are dissolved primarily by plasmin (EC 3.4.21.7.), contain up to millimolar concentrations of fatty acids and these are known to affect the action of the protease. In the present study the modulation of plasmin activity was characterized quantitatively in a continuous amidolytic assay based on synthetic plasmin substrate (Spectrozyme‐PL). A novel numerical procedure was applied for identification of kinetic parameters and their confidence intervals, with Monte Carlo simulation of the reaction progress curves, providing adequate grounds for discrimination of different models of the enzyme action. All three fatty acids caused a 10–20‐fold increase in the Michaelis constant on Spectrozyme‐PL (baseline value 5.9 μm). The catalytic constant decreased from 5.8·s−1 to 2.4–2.8·s−1 in the presence of arachidonate and oleate, but increased to 14.8·s−1 in the presence of stearate, implying enhancement of plasmin activity at saturating substrate concentrations. However, based on the ratio of the catalytic and Michaelis constants, all three fatty acids acted as inhibitors of plasmin with various degrees of potency, showing concentration dependence in the range of 10–65 μm for oleate and arachidonate, and 115–230 μm for stearate. The reported effects of the three fatty acids require the presence of kringle 5 in the structure of the protease; miniplasmin (des‐kringle 1‐4 plasmin) is as sensitive to fatty acids as plasmin, whereas the activity of microplasmin (des‐kringle 1‐5 plasmin) is not affected.
α‐Methylacyl‐CoA racemase – an ‘obscure’ metabolic enzyme takes centre stage
Authors: Lloyd Matthew D. , Darley Daniel J. , Wierzbicki Anthony S. , Threadgill Michael D.
Published: February 2008

Branched‐chain lipids are important components of the human diet and are used as drug molecules, e.g. ibuprofen. Owing to the presence of methyl groups on their carbon chains, they cannot be metabolized in mitochondria, and instead are processed and degraded in peroxisomes. Several different oxidative degradation pathways for these lipids are known, including α‐oxidation, β‐oxidation, and ω‐oxidation. Dietary branched‐chain lipids (especially phytanic acid) have attracted much attention in recent years, due to their link with prostate, breast, colon and other cancers as well as their role in neurological disease. A central role in all the metabolic pathways is played by α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR), which regulates metabolism of these lipids and drugs. AMACR catalyses the chiral inversion of a diverse number of 2‐methyl acids (as their CoA esters), and regulates the entry of branched‐chain lipids into the peroxisomal and mitochondrial β‐oxidation pathways. This review brings together advances in the different disciplines, and considers new research in both the metabolism of branched‐chain lipids and their role in cancer, with particular emphasis on the crucial role played by AMACR. These recent advances enable new preventative and treatment strategies for cancer.