bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opposite effects of genistein on the regulation of insulin‐mediated glucose homeostasis in adipose tissue
Authors: Wang M , Gao X J , Zhao W W , Zhao W J , Jiang C H , Huang F , Kou J P , Liu B L , Liu K
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose

Genistein is an isoflavone phytoestrogen found in a number of plants such as soybeans and there is accumulating evidence that it has beneficial effects on the regulation of glucose homeostasis. In this study we evaluated the effect of genistein on glucose homeostasis and its underlying mechanisms in normal and insulin‐resistant conditions.

Experimental Approach

To induce insulin resistance, mice or differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were treated with macrophage‐derived conditioned medium. A glucose tolerance test was used to investigate the effect of genistein. Insulin signalling activation, glucose transporter‐4 (GLUT4) translocation and AMP‐activated PK (AMPK) activation were detected by Western blot analysis or elisa.

Key Results

Genistein impaired glucose tolerance and attenuated insulin sensitivity in normal mice by inhibiting the insulin‐induced phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS1) at tyrosine residues, leading to inhibition of insulin‐mediated GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes. Mac‐CM, an inflammatory stimulus induced glucose intolerance accompanied by impaired insulin sensitivity; genistein reversed these changes by restoring the disturbed IRS1 function, leading to an improvement in GLUT4 translocation. In addition, genistein increased AMPK activity under both normal and inflammatory conditions; this was shown to contribute to the anti‐inflammatory effect of genistein, which leads to an improvement in insulin signalling and the amelioration of insulin resistance.

Conclusion and Implications

Genistein showed opposite effects on insulin sensitivity under normal and inflammatory conditions in adipose tissue and this action was derived from its negative or positive regulation of IRS1 function. Its up‐regulation of AMPK activity contributes to the inhibition of inflammation implicated in insulin resistance.
Robust T cell responses to aspergillosis in chronic granulomatous disease: implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Cruz C R Y , Lam S , Hanley P J , Bear A S , Langston C , Cohen A J , Liu H , Martinez C A , Krance R A , Heslop H E , Rooney C M , Hanson I C , Bollard C M
Published: June 2013

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients are highly susceptible to invasive aspergillosis and might benefit from aspergillus-specific T cell immunotherapy, which has shown promise in treating those with known T cell defects such as haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. But whether such T cell defects contribute to increased risks for aspergillus infection in CGD is unclear. Hence, we set out to characterize the aspergillus-specific T cell response in CGD. In murine CGD models and in patients with CGD we showed that the CD4+ T cell responses to aspergillus were unimpaired: aspergillus-specific T cell frequencies were even elevated in CGD mice (P < 0·01) and humans (P = 0·02), compared to their healthy counterparts. CD4-depleted murine models suggested that the role of T cells might be redundant because resistance to aspergillus infection was conserved in CD4+ T cell-depleted mice, similar to wild-type animals. In contrast, mice depleted of neutrophils alone or neutrophils and CD4+ T cells developed clinical and pathological evidence of pulmonary aspergillosis and increased mortality (P < 0·05 compared to non-depleted animals). Our findings that T cells in CGD have a robust aspergillus CD4+ T cell response suggest that CD4+ T cell-based immunotherapy for this disease is unlikely to be beneficial.
Effects of Artificial Sand Fixing on Community Characteristics of a Rare Desert Shrub
Authors: LIU HUILIANG , TAO YE , QIU DONG , ZHANG DAOYUAN , ZHANG YONGKUAN
Published: June 2013

Eremosparton songoricum (Fabaceae) is a rare, native, clonal small shrub of the deserts of central Asia. Although human activities have greatly fragmented the distribution of E. songoricum, it occurs in areas where artificial sand fixing (AS) has been implemented. We sought to explore whether AS promotes survival and growth of E. songoricum. In the Gurbantunggut Desert of northwestern China in June 2010, we established 10 plots in an area where sand fixing occurred (5–10 years previously) and 11 plots on original sand substrate on which some plants had settled without fixing sand. Sand fixing changed soil properties and biological characteristics in sand‐fixed plots. The soil surface where sand fixing occurred was covered by algal crusts and some lichen, but not bare sand (BS). Soil nutrients; water content of deep soil (30–150 cm); overall plant and herbaceous species richness, diversity, abundance, and cover; above‐ and belowground biomass; and cover, biomass, and height of E. songoricum in the sand‐fixed plots were significantly greater than in plots of BS. However, distribution of E. songoricum individuals in the 2 types of plots did not differ. Our results indicate AS may enhance survival of E. songoricum and increase the overall diversity and stability of the desert plant community. We suggest AS as a way to protect this rare desert plant in situ.

Efectos de la Fijación Artificial de Arena sobre las Características de la Comunidad de un Arbusto Desértico Raro
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over auditory cortex degrades frequency discrimination by affecting temporal, but not place, coding
Authors: Tang Matthew F. , Hammond Geoffrey R.
Published: June 2013

We report three studies of the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over auditory cortex on audition in humans. Experiment 1 examined whether tDCS enhances rapid frequency discrimination learning. Human subjects were trained on a frequency discrimination task for 2 days with anodal tDCS applied during the first day with the second day used to assess effects of stimulation on retention. This revealed that tDCS did not affect learning but did degrade frequency discrimination during both days. Follow‐up testing 2–3 months after stimulation showed no long‐term effects. Following the unexpected results, two additional experiments examined the effects of tDCS on the underlying mechanisms of frequency discrimination, place and temporal coding. Place coding underlies frequency selectivity and was measured using psychophysical tuning curves with broader curves indicating poorer frequency selectivity. Temporal coding is determined by measuring the ability to discriminate sounds with different fine temporal structure. We found that tDCS does not broaden frequency selectivity but instead degraded the ability to discriminate tones with different fine temporal structure. The overall results suggest anodal tDCS applied over auditory cortex degrades frequency discrimination by affecting temporal, but not place, coding mechanisms.
Chronic treatment with taurine ameliorates diabetes‐induced dysfunction of nitric oxide‐mediated neurogenic and endothelium‐dependent corpus cavernosum relaxation in rats
Authors: Dalaklioglu Selvinaz , Kuscu Nilay , Celik‐Ozenci Ciler , Bayram Zeliha , Nacitarhan Cahit , Ozdem Sadi Satilmis
Published: June 2013

This study was aimed to examine the effect of chronic taurine treatment on corpus cavernosum dysfunction in diabetic rats and to investigate possible underlying mechanisms. Thirty male rats were randomized to three groups of 10 each, including control, diabetic, and taurine‐treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ, single intraperitoneal dose of 50 mg/kg body weight). Taurine was administered orally for 12 weeks (1% w/v in drinking water) from the day on which STZ was injected. At the end of the 12th week, strips of corpus cavernosum were suspended in an organ bath system for functional studies. Nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated endothelium‐dependent and neurogenic corpus cavernosum relaxation were evaluated by acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1–100 μm) and electrical field stimulation (EFS, 30 V, 5 ms, 2–32 Hz), respectively. The expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated eNOS (p‐eNOS) (Ser‐1177), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox, Rho A, and Rho kinase in corpus cavernosum were semi‐quantitatively assessed by immunohistochemistry. Induction of diabetes resulted in significant inhibition of NO‐mediated endothelium‐dependent and neurogenic corpus cavernosum relaxation. Furthermore, eNOS, p‐eNOS, and nNOS expressions decreased significantly in diabetic rats compared to controls, while gp91phox, RhoA and Rho kinase expressions increased significantly. The diminished relaxation response to ACh and EFS as well as diabetes‐related changes in expressions of these proteins in corpus cavernosum of diabetic rats was significantly improved by taurine. Taurine treatment improves NO‐mediated relaxations of corpus cavernosum in diabetic rats probably by inhibiting NADPH oxidase/Rho kinase pathways.
A glycolytic metabolon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is stabilized by F‐actin
Authors: Araiza‐Olivera Daniela , Chiquete‐Felix Natalia , Rosas‐Lemus Mónica , Sampedro José G. , Peña Antonio , Mujica Adela , Uribe‐Carvajal Salvador
Published: June 2013

In the Saccharomyces cerevisiae glycolytic pathway, 11 enzymes catalyze the stepwise conversion of glucose to two molecules of ethanol plus two CO2 molecules. In the highly crowded cytoplasm, this pathway would be very inefficient if it were dependent on substrate/enzyme diffusion. Therefore, the existence of a multi‐enzymatic glycolytic complex has been suggested. This complex probably uses the cytoskeleton to stabilize the interaction of the various enzymes. Here, the role of filamentous actin (F‐actin) in stabilization of a putative glycolytic metabolon is reported. Experiments were performed in isolated enzyme/actin mixtures, cytoplasmic extracts and permeabilized yeast cells. Polymerization of actin was promoted using phalloidin or inhibited using cytochalasin D or latrunculin. The polymeric filamentous F‐actin, but not the monomeric globular G‐actin, stabilized both the interaction of isolated glycolytic pathway enzyme mixtures and the whole fermentation pathway, leading to higher fermentation activity. The associated complexes were resistant against inhibition as a result of viscosity (promoted by the disaccharide trehalose) or inactivation (using specific enzyme antibodies). In S. cerevisiae, a glycolytic metabolon appear to assemble in association with F‐actin. In this complex, fermentation activity is enhanced and enzymes are partially protected against inhibition by trehalose or by antibodies.

Structured digital abstract

ALD physically interacts with PGK and GAPDH by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

ALD physically interacts with GAPDH and PGK by affinity chromatography technology (View interaction)
Probabilistic accounting of uncertainty in forecasts of species distributions under climate change
Authors: Wenger Seth J. , Som Nicholas A. , Dauwalter Daniel C. , Isaak Daniel J. , Neville Helen M. , Luce Charles H. , Dunham Jason B. , Young Michael K. , Fausch Kurt D. , Rieman Bruce E.
Published: June 2013

Forecasts of species distributions under future climates are inherently uncertain, but there have been few attempts to describe this uncertainty comprehensively in a probabilistic manner. We developed a Monte Carlo approach that accounts for uncertainty within generalized linear regression models (parameter uncertainty and residual error), uncertainty among competing models (model uncertainty), and uncertainty in future climate conditions (climate uncertainty) to produce site‐specific frequency distributions of occurrence probabilities across a species' range. We illustrated the method by forecasting suitable habitat for bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Interior Columbia River Basin, USA, under recent and projected 2040s and 2080s climate conditions. The 95% interval of total suitable habitat under recent conditions was estimated at 30.1–42.5 thousand km; this was predicted to decline to 0.5–7.9 thousand km by the 2080s. Projections for the 2080s showed that the great majority of stream segments would be unsuitable with high certainty, regardless of the climate data set or bull trout model employed. The largest contributor to uncertainty in total suitable habitat was climate uncertainty, followed by parameter uncertainty and model uncertainty. Our approach makes it possible to calculate a full distribution of possible outcomes for a species, and permits ready graphical display of uncertainty for individual locations and of total habitat.
Early season dry matter production of three hybrid ryegrass (Lolium boucheanum) and two perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) cultivars
Authors: Kennedy E. , O'Donovan M.
Published: June 2013

Hybrid ryegrass (HRG) is purported to have high overwinter growth characteristics and may have a role in Irish grassland systems. In a 3‐year small‐plot study at Fermoy, Cork, Ireland, the dry matter (DM) production and herbage quality of HRG cultivars in early spring were compared with diploid and tetraploid perennial ryegrass (PRG) cultivars. Treatments comprised ryegrass cultivars × defoliation managements × defoliation heights in a 5 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. The cultivars were Navan (tetraploid PRG), Foxtrot (diploid PRG), Foyle (tetraploid HRG), Brutus (diploid HRG) and Belleek (tetraploid HRG). Defoliation dates were: (A) 2 February and 20 April; (B) 2 February, 3 March and 20 April; and (C): 2 February, 23 March and 20 April. Defoliation heights were 4 and 7 cm, applied across each management. The HRG cultivars yielded similarly to cv. Navan on 2 February. Cumulative spring DM production was higher in cvs. Brutus and Belleek than all other cultivars. During this period, the managements A and B had similar DM yields (2765 kg DM ha−1) but were greater than management C. Defoliating swards to 4 cm height increased DM yield compared with 7 cm height. Organic matter digestibility of grass at the silage‐harvest growth stage was greater for PRG cultivars. The study indicates that early spring growth of the three HRG cultivars evaluated here was not sufficiently greater than the tetraploid PRG cv. Navan to compensate for their poorer midseason sward quality.
Field prediction of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) fibre constituents in northern Europe
Authors: Andrzejewska J. , Contreras‐Govea F. E. , Albrecht K. A.
Published: June 2013

Models to predict neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) of alfalfa before harvest have been developed in the USA, but have not been tested in northern Europe or above 50°N latitude. Our objective was to test predictive equations for alfalfa quality (PEAQ) and the New York prediction equation for alfalfa quality (NYPQ) for estimating alfalfa NDF and ADF in northern Poland. A total of 275 alfalfa samples, varying in height and maturity, were collected from twenty farm fields over 3 years. Observed NDF and ADF values were regressed on predicted values. The accuracy of PEAQ for predicting NDF and ADF in Poland was equal to that observed in the USA (r2 > 0·89; RMSE < 21·6). In most cases regression equations were not biased (slope = 1 and y‐intercept = 0), and when there was bias it was minimal. The relationship between observed and NYPQ prediction of NDF was also strong (r2 > 0·88; RMSE < 23·0), but these equations were extremely biased. The results demonstrate that the PEAQ model provides a simple, rapid and reasonably accurate means to estimate fibre concentrations of alfalfa before harvest, appropriate for the growing conditions of northern Europe.
Effect of La2O3 Addition on Copper‐Nickel Manganese Thermistors for Low‐Temperature Applications
Authors: Yao Jincheng , Wang Junhua , Zhao Qing , Chang Aimin
Published: June 2013

The introduction of La2O3 to Mn0.75Ni1.25CuO4 ceramics was studied on the microstructure and electrical properties. The sintered Mn0.75Ni1.25CuO4‐xLa2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) bodies was typical polycrystalline, with cubic spinel structure of copper manganese oxide, rocksalt structure of nickel copper oxide, along with monoclinic phase of copper oxide and orthorhombic perovskite structure of lanthanum manganese oxide. It is found that La doping reduces the material grain size and changes its morphology from the plate‐like form to a spherical staking‐like form. The shape and size of the grains are strongly influenced by the addition of La to the system. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis corroborates the presence of nonequivalent ions at octahedral sites. The obtained ρ77K, B77K/90K constant and activation energy of the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) Mn0.75Ni1.25CuO4‐xLa2O3 thermistors were in the range of 13.19–30.39 Ω cm, 315–326 K, and 0.0272–0.0281 eV, respectively. This means that the electrical properties can be adjusted to desired values, depending on the La content. Such ceramics could be used as potential candidates for NTC thermistors in a temperature range from 20 K to 90K. So these prepared NTC thermistors were intended to be used under low‐temperature conditions.
The role of intrinsic motivation in a group of low vision patients participating in a self‐management programme to enhance self‐efficacy and quality of life
Authors: Tay Kay Chai Peter , Drury Vicki Blair , Mackey Sandra
Published: June 2013

Self‐management programmes have previously been found to decrease health problems, enhance quality of life and increase independence. However, there is no literature that examines the influence of the participants' intrinsic motivation on the outcomes of such programmes. This study examined the role of intrinsic motivation in a pilot low vision self‐management programme to enhance self‐efficacy and quality of life of the programme participants. A positive association was observed between the female participants' perceived choice and perceived competence, two underlying dimensions of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the younger participants' perceived competence and the change in their quality of life. The findings provide some support for consideration of participants' intrinsic motivation in the development of effective self‐management programmes.
Polish Immigration in Barcelona: The Sagrada Familia Neighbourhood as an Arena for Interaction
Authors: Wladyka Dawid , Morén‐Alegret Ricard
Published: June 2013

Big cities play a dominant role in European research and policies on immigration. However, in recent years the focus has shifted to smaller units. The research upon which this article is based assumes that neighbourhoods' spatial configuration and social tissue constitute an influencing context where interactions develop. Mainly using semi‐structured interviews and ethnographic fieldwork, this article examines the experiences of Polish immigrants who live and/or work in the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood in Barcelona. This article highlights some patterns emerging from the accounts of inter‐ethnic interactions there, namely that for a number of native interviewees, Polish immigrants are ‘invisible’ and, in contrast, among Polish immigrants, there are difficulties in understanding Catalan/Spanish cultures, but interactions with Latin‐American immigrants are highlighted as frequent. Additionally, the article concludes that urban fabrics (e.g. scarce public areas), local policies (e.g. commercial bias) and socio‐economic characteristics (e.g. over‐exposition to massive tourism) are factors influencing on inter‐ethnic interactions.
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) contributes to T‐cell homeostasis by regulating pro‐survival Bcl‐2 family genes
Authors: Lee Jin‐Ku , Won Cheolhee , Yi Eun Hee , Seok Seung‐Hyeok , Kim Myoung‐Hwan , Kim Sang‐Jeong , Chung Myung‐Hee , Lee Hyun Gyu , Ikuta Koichi , Ye Sang‐Kyu
Published: June 2013

The naive T‐cell pool in peripheral lymphoid tissues is fairly stable in terms of number, diversity and functional capabilities in spite of the absence of prominent stimuli. This stability is attributed to continuous tuning of the composition of the T‐cell pool by various homeostatic signals. Despite extensive research into the link between signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and T‐cell survival, little is known about how Stat3 regulates homeostasis by maintaining the required naive T‐cell population in peripheral lymphoid organs. We assessed whether the elimination of Stat3 in T cells limits T‐cell survival. We demonstrated that the proportion and number of single‐positive thymocytes as well as T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes were significantly decreased in the Stat3‐deficient group as a result of the enhanced susceptibility of Stat3‐deleted T lymphocytes to apoptosis. Importantly, expression of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL was markedly decreased in Stat3‐deleted single‐positive thymocytes and T lymphocytes, suggesting that Stat3 helps to maintain the T‐cell pool in the resting condition by promoting the expression of Bcl‐2 family genes. These findings suggest the importance of Stat3 in the integration of homeostatic cues for the maintenance and functional tuning of the T‐cell pool.
Characterization of neuraminidase inhibitor‐resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses isolated in four seasons during pandemic and post‐pandemic periods in Japan
Authors: Takashita Emi , Fujisaki Seiichiro , Kishida Noriko , Xu Hong , Imai Masaki , Tashiro Masato , Odagiri Takato
Published: June 2013

Background/Objectives

Japan has the highest frequency of neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor use against influenza in the world. Therefore, Japan could be at high risk of the emergence and spread of NA inhibitor‐resistant viruses. The aim of this study was to monitor the emergence of NA inhibitor‐resistant viruses and the possibility of human‐to‐human transmission during four influenza seasons in Japan.

Methods

To monitor antiviral‐resistant A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, we examined viruses isolated in four seasons from the 2008–2009 season through the 2011–2012 season in Japan by allelic discrimination, NA gene sequencing, and NA inhibitor susceptibility.

Results

We found that 157 (1·3%) of 12 026 A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates possessed an H275Y substitution in the NA protein that confers about 400‐ and 140‐fold decreased susceptibility to oseltamivir and peramivir, respectively, compared with 275H wild‐type viruses. The detection rate of resistant viruses increased from 1·0% during the pandemic period to 2·0% during the post‐pandemic period. The highest detection rate of the resistant viruses was found in patients who were 0–9 years old. Furthermore, among the cases with resistant viruses, the percentage of no known exposure to antiviral drugs increased from 16% during the pandemic period to 44% during the post‐pandemic period, implying that suspected human‐to‐human transmission of the resistant viruses gradually increased in the post‐pandemic period.

Conclusions

A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses resistant to oseltamivir and peramivir were sporadically detected in Japan, but they did not spread throughout the community. No viruses resistant to zanamivir and laninamivir were detected.
A qualitative study on non‐verbal sensitivity in nursing students
Authors: Chan Zenobia CY
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore nursing students’ perception of the meanings and roles of non‐verbal communication and sensitivity. It also attempts to understand how different factors influence their non‐verbal communication style.

Background

The importance of non‐verbal communication in the health arena lies in the need for good communication for efficient healthcare delivery. Understanding nursing students’ non‐verbal communication with patients and the influential factors is essential to prepare them for field work in the future.

Design

Qualitative approach based on 16 in‐depth interviews.

Methods

Sixteen nursing students from the Master of Nursing and the Year 3 Bachelor of Nursing program were interviewed. Major points in the recorded interviews were marked down for content analysis.

Results

Three main themes were developed: (1) understanding students’ non‐verbal communication, which shows how nursing students value and experience non‐verbal communication in the nursing context; (2) factors that influence the expression of non‐verbal cues, which reveals the effect of patients’ demographic background (gender, age, social status and educational level) and participants’ characteristics (character, age, voice and appearance); and (3) metaphors of non‐verbal communication, which is further divided into four subthemes: providing assistance, individualisation, dropping hints and promoting interaction.

Conclusions

Learning about students’ non‐verbal communication experiences in the clinical setting allowed us to understand their use of non‐verbal communication and sensitivity, as well as to understand areas that may need further improvement.

Relevance to clinical practice

The experiences and perceptions revealed by the nursing students could provoke nurses to reconsider the effects of the different factors suggested in this study. The results might also help students and nurses to learn and ponder their missing gap, leading them to rethink, train and pay more attention to their non‐verbal communication style and sensitivity.
Does a therapeutic conversation intervention in an acute paediatric setting make a difference for families of children with bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Authors: Kamban Sólrún W , Svavarsdottir Erla Kolbrun
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To measure the benefit of a short‐family therapeutic conversation (STC) intervention in an acute paediatric unit.

Background

Studies of children with bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have shown that this virus may have an impact on their respiratory system in the form of a wheezing disorder, asthma and even allergy during their childhood. Studies of the parents of these children indicate that they experience distress, vulnerability and anxiety through the illness period and therefore need support from healthcare professionals. However, little is known about what intervention is of most benefit for these parents.

Design

Quasi‐experimental.

Method

Data were collected from a convenience sample from February throughout April 2009 at an acute unit at a children's hospital in Iceland. Parents of infants diagnosed with bronchiolitis caused by RSV were invited to attend. In total, there are 41 participants: 21 in the intervention group (n = 21) and 20 in the control group (n = 20). Parents in both groups answered questionnaires about perceived support and family expressive functioning both before the intervention and on an average of 11 days after the intervention.

Results

The main findings showed that mothers in the intervention group perceive significantly higher support after the intervention compared with the control group. The findings also showed a significant difference between the genders (mothers and fathers) in the intervention group. The mothers perceived higher cognitive support than the fathers.

Conclusions

Despite the often chaotic environment in an acute care setting, the research findings give paediatric nurses reason to conclude that a STC intervention benefits mothers of infants with bronchiolitis caused by RSV.

Relevance to clinical practice

A STC intervention offered by a nurse within an acute paediatric unit can support families in handling the illness experience.
Slag Resistance of Al2O3–MgO Refractory Castables in Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Sako Eric Y. , Braulio Mariana A. L. , Luz Ana Paula , Zinngrebe Enno , Pandolfelli Victor C.
Published: June 2013

Although the corrosion performance of spinel‐containing castables has been extensively investigated in recent years, no previous studies accessed the different conditions present in the ladle bottom. In this region, strong variations in the atmospheric environment are often detected, which could drastically change the interactions between refractory and molten slag. In the present work, the main corrosion mechanisms of an alumina–magnesia castable in two environmental conditions (oxidizing – pO2 = 0.21 atm—or reducing – pO2 = 10−15 atm— atmosphere) were evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy and EDS analyses of the corroded samples and thermodynamic simulations. The attained results showed that the slag penetration was suppressed in the presence of oxygen due to the precipitation of a great amount of calcium monoaluminate (CA) crystals as the refractory interacted with slag. Conversely, the CA phase was not stable under reducing conditions and, therefore, many more refractory components (Al2O3, MgO, and MgAl2O4) had to be dissolved to precipitate calcium dialuminate (CA2) by reacting with infiltrating slag. Thus, besides providing a suitable and more realistic understanding of the castable performance in service conditions, the results also indicated that the prediction of the environmental conditions is of utmost importance for the design of high performance refractories.
Muscle development in the bamboo sole Heteromycteris japonicus with special reference to larval branchial levators
Authors: Uji S. , Seikai T. , Suzuki T. , Okuzawa K.
Published: June 2013

Muscle development in the bamboo sole Heteromycteris japonicus was investigated, focusing primarily on the cranial muscles, using an improved whole mount immunohistochemical staining method with potassium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide and trypsin. Larvae of H. japonicus had branchial levators, but not all of them were retained in adults, a condition also seen in the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. In particular, larval branchial levators II and III disappeared during development, while I and IV remained to become the levator internus I and levator posterior, which were well‐defined muscles in adults. In place of the atrophied muscles, levatores externi and levator internus II developed and regulated the branchial arches. The results showed that the muscle composition in the dorsal branchial arches changed to the adult form before metamorphosis in H. japonicus, as seen in P. olivaceus, and this transformation may be common to all members of that group.
Mortality and pathology of hybrid catfish, Clarias macrocephalus (Günther) × Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), associated with Edwardsiella ictaluri infection in southern Thailand
Authors: Suanyuk N , Rogge M , Thune R , Watthanaphiromsakul M , Champhat N , Wiangkum W
Published: June 2013

Enteric septicaemia of catfish (ESC) caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri is becoming an increasing problem in aquaculture and has been reported worldwide in a variety of fish species. This study reports ESC in hybrid catfish, Clarias macrocephalus (Günther) × Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), cultured in southern Thailand. The bacteria were identified as E. ictaluri by conventional and rapid identification systems, as well as by genetic and phylogenetic characterization. Analysis of 16S rRNA indicated 100% homology to the 16S rRNA sequence of several E. ictaluri strains in GenBank. Plasmid profiles demonstrated 4.0‐ and 5.6‐kb plasmids, compared with the 4.8‐ and 5.6‐kb plasmids in the US isolates, and representative genes of three of the four known pathogenicity islands of US isolates were present. Serologically, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) purified from the Thai isolates was not recognized by a monoclonal antibody against the LPS of US isolates. Fish experimentally infected with E. ictaluri showed 23–100% mortality within 14 days with a 168‐h LD50 of 6.92 × 107 CFU mL−1 by immersion and a 96‐h LD50 of 1.58 × 106 CFU fish−1 by intraperitoneal injection. Examination of tissue sections obtained from both naturally and experimentally infected fish indicated that infection of hybrid catfish with E. ictaluri produced lesions in several organs including liver, kidney, spleen, heart and brain. Histopathology findings included cellular necrosis, focal haemorrhage, infiltration of lymphocytes and multifocal granulomatous inflammation in the infected organs.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Hospice Care of Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Enguidanos Susan , Yonashiro‐Cho Jeanine , Cote Sarah
Published: June 2013

Despite dramatic increases in hospice enrollment, ethnic disparities persist. With rapidly growing populations of Asian Americans, research is needed to elucidate factors that contribute to hospice underenrollment in subgroups of Asian populations. The purpose of this study was to explore older Chinese Americans' knowledge, understanding, and perceptions of hospice care. Three focus groups were conducted, one each in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, all recruited from a Chinese social service agency. Focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed and then coded for themes. Thirty‐four Chinese Americans participated in the groups, all but one reporting primary language other than English. Themes included lack of knowledge, death timing, burden (financial, emotional, physical toward family or government), peaceful death (relief of suffering), and quality of care (and its influence on perception of best care location). Findings indicate the need for hospice education and outreach to Chinese Americans. Additionally, to address concerns about burden and death in the home, efforts to improve access to hospice facilities are needed. Findings from this study provide direction for healthcare providers to address potential barriers to increasing access to hospice of Chinese Americans.
Recent Evidence for Rapid Synthesis and Action of Oestrogens During Auditory Processing in a Songbird
Authors: Remage‐Healey L. , Jeon S. D. , Joshi N. R.
Published: June 2013

It is now clear that oestrogens are not only circulating reproductive hormones, but that they also have neurotransmitter‐like properties in a wide range of brain circuits. The view of oestrogens as intrinsic neuromodulators that shape behaviour has been bolstered by a series of recent developments from multiple vertebrate model systems. Here, we review several recent findings from studies of songbirds showing how the identified neural circuits that govern auditory processing and sensorimotor integration are modulated by the local and acute production of oestrogens. First, studies using in vivo microdialysis demonstrate that oestrogens fluctuate in the auditory cortex (30‐min time bin resolution) when songbirds are hearing song and interacting with conspecifics. Second, oestrogens rapidly boost the auditory‐evoked activity of neurones in the same auditory cortical region, enhancing auditory processing. Third, local pharmacological blockade of oestrogen signalling in this region impairs auditory neuronal responsiveness, as well as behavioural song preferences. Fourth, the rapid actions of oestrogens that occur within the auditory cortex can propagate downstream (trans‐synaptically) to sensorimotor circuits to enhance the neural representation of song. Lastly, we present new evidence showing that the receptor for the rapid actions of oestradiol is likely in neuronal membranes, and that traditional nuclear oestrogen receptor agonists do not mimic these rapid actions. Broadly speaking, many of these findings are observed in both males and females, emphasising the fundamental importance of oestrogens in neural circuit function. Together, these and other emergent studies provide support for rapid, brain‐derived oestrogen signalling in regulating sensorimotor integration, learning and perception.
Being Suckled in a Large Litter Mitigates the Effects of Early‐Life Stress on Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis Function in the Male Rat
Authors: Clarke M. , Cai G. , Saleh S. , Buller K. M. , Spencer S. J.
Published: June 2013

The perinatal environment influences stress responses in the long‐term, as does body composition. Male rats suckled in large litters, where they have reduced access to milk and attention from the dam, are less anxious and have attenuated hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis responses to stress compared to rats from control litters. In the present study, we investigated whether this early‐life environment can also ameliorate anxiety and HPA axis function in rats prone to be stress‐sensitive. We conducted these experiments in male rats from control litters (n = 12) or large litters (n = 20). Half were given 24 h of maternal separation on postnatal day 10 to induce HPA axis hyperactivity; the remainder staying undisturbed with their dam. When the rats reached adulthood, we examined behavioural indices of anxiety (elevated plus maze) and depression (Porsolt's forced swim test) under basal conditions and after 15 min of restraint stress. We also examined neuronal activation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) as an index of HPA axis function. Being suckled in a large litter led to a significantly attenuated PVN response to stress in adulthood. Maternal separation strongly exacerbated the stress‐induced increase in PVN neuronal activation in control rats but did not affect the PVN response in large‐litter rats. Immobility in the forced swim after restraint was also exacerbated in neonatally maternally separated control rats but not in those from large litters. Our findings show that being suckled in large litters mitigates the effects of early‐life stress on HPA axis function and indices of depression in the rat.
Stroke Neuroprotection: Oestrogen and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Interactions and the Role of Microglia
Authors: Sohrabji F. , Williams M.
Published: June 2013

Oestrogen has been shown to be neuroprotective for stroke and other neural injury models. Oestrogen promotes a neuroprotective phenotype through myriad actions, including stimulating neurogenesis, promoting neuronal differentiation and survival, suppressing neuroinflammation and maintaining the integrity of the blood–brain barrier. At the molecular level, oestrogen directly modulates genes that are beneficial for repair and regeneration via the canonical oestrogen receptor. Increasingly, evidence indicates that oestrogen acts in concert with growth factors to initiate neuroprotection. Oestrogen and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 act cooperatively to influence cell survival, and combined steroid hormone/growth factor interaction has been well documented in the context of neurones and astrocytes. Here, we summarise the evidence that oestrogen‐mediated neuroprotection is critically dependent on IGF‐1 signalling, and specifically focus on microglia as the source of IGF‐1 and the locus of oestrogen–IGF‐1 interactions in stroke neuroprotection.
Rapid Control of Reproductive Behaviour by Locally Synthesised Oestrogens: Focus on Aromatase
Authors: Cornil C. A. , Seredynski A. L. , de Bournonville C. , Dickens M. J. , Charlier T. D. , Ball G. F. , Balthazart J.
Published: June 2013

Oestrogens activate nucleus‐ and membrane‐initiated signalling. Nucleus‐initiated events control a wide array of physiological and behavioural responses. These effects generally take place within relatively long periods of time (several hours to days). By contrast, membrane‐initiated signalling affects a multitude of cellular functions in a much shorter timeframe (seconds to minutes). However, much less is known about their functional significance. Furthermore, the origin of the oestrogens able to trigger these acute effects is rarely examined. Finally, these two distinct types of oestrogenic actions have often been studied independently such that we do not exactly know how they cooperate to control the same response. The present review presents a synthesis of recent work carried out in our laboratory that aimed to address these issues in the context of the study of male sexual behaviour in Japanese quail, which is a considered as a suitable species for tackling these issues. The first section presents data indicating that 17β‐oestradiol, or its membrane impermeable analogues, acutely enhances measures of male sexual motivation but does not affect copulatory behaviour. These effects depend on the activation of membrane‐initiated events and local oestrogen production. The second part of this review discusses the regulation of brain oestrogen synthesis through post‐translational modifications of the enzyme aromatase. Initially discovered in vitro, these rapid and reversible enzymatic modulations occur in vivo following variations in the social and environment context and therefore provide a mechanism of acute regulation of local oestrogen provision with a spatial and time resolution compatible with the rapid effects observed on male sexual behaviour. Finally, we discuss how these distinct modes of oestrogenic action (membrane‐ versus nucleus‐initiated) acting in different time frames (short‐ versus long‐term) interact to control different components (motivation versus performance) of the same behavioural response and improve reproductive fitness.
Factors helping adolescents to stop self‐cutting: descriptions of 347 adolescents aged 13–18 years
Authors: Rissanen Marja‐Liisa , Kylmä Jari , Hintikka Jukka , Honkalampi Kirsi , Tolmunen Tommi , Laukkanen Eila
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe the factors contributing to the stopping of self‐cutting among 13–18‐year‐old Finnish adolescents from the personal perspective of the adolescents.

Background

Self‐cutting is quite common among adolescents. However, adolescents' personal descriptions of what helped them to stop self‐cutting have not previously been investigated.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design with quantification.

Methods

The data were collected from 347 participants using structured self‐rating questionnaires as a part of a larger research project focusing on the mental well‐being of adolescents aged between 13–18 years in Finland. The participants were asked to write their own descriptions of how they had been able to stop self‐cutting, if they had done so. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Frequencies and percentages were calculated in relation to the total number of identified references to factors contributing to the stopping of self‐cutting. This enabled the determination of the most important factors helping adolescents to stop self‐cutting from their own perspective.

Results

Six main themes emerged: factors associated with self‐cutting and meanings related to it (n = 173); personal factors (n = 126); factors associated with other people (n = 104); factors associated with care or therapy (n = 18); meanings related to the instruments used to cut (n = 1) and unidentified factors (n = 18).

Conclusions

Factors associated with self‐cutting and meanings related to it were the most important factors contributing to the stopping of self‐cutting. Personal factors and those associated with other people were also important, while factors associated with care were of less importance in this study.

Relevance to clinical practice

The factors identified in this study could potentially be used in clinical practice to assist other adolescents in stopping their self‐cutting.
Nursing informatics competencies: assessment of undergraduate and graduate nursing students
Authors: Choi Jeungok , De Martinis Jean E
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To report the informatics competencies of students in selected undergraduate and graduate nursing programmes, to examine whether informatics competencies differed between the different programmes and to suggest competency‐based applications that will strengthen informatics courses and informatics‐related content throughout the curricula.

Background

Nursing students in undergraduate and graduate nursing programmes have different educational backgrounds and different practice experience. Thus, their informatics preparation is apt to be varied, and nursing curricula must reflect this variation while advancing students towards informatics proficiency. However, studies on informatics competency assessment in these nursing students are scarce.

Design

A descriptive survey design.

Methods

Data were collected from 289 nursing students using a 30‐item Self‐Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale via an email sent to students using a LISTSERV mailing list. The email embedded link to the Internet survey package, SurveyMonkey, which included the Self‐Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale and demographic questions along with an online consent form.

Results

Students in both programmes were competent in three subscale areas: basic computer knowledge and skills, clinical informatics attitude, and wireless device skills. Graduate students reported slightly higher mean competency scores than did undergraduate students in three subscales: clinical informatics role, clinical informatics attitude and wireless device skills.

Conclusions

Findings indicate specific topics for nurse educators to consider when designing informatics curricula. The comparison of undergraduate and graduate students indicates similarities in informatics competencies in terms of areas where students were competent and small mean score differences. Further studies are suggested to examine whether there are differences in informatics competencies between undergraduate and graduate students.

Relevance to clinical practice

These results assist nurse educators in determining specific areas of informatics content that need greater focus and inclusion in the design of better nursing educational programmes. Examples of integrating competencies into existing curriculum or informatics courses are suggested.
Dealing with the devil: weight loss concerns in young adult women with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Balfe Myles , Doyle Frank , Smith Diarmuid , Sreenan Seamus , Conroy Ronan , Brugha Ruairi
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine the weight loss concerns of young adults with type 1 diabetes.

Background

Eating disorders are prevalent in young women with type 1 diabetes.

Design

Qualitative.

Methods

Interviews with 35 young adults (23–30 years of age) with type 1 diabetes and 13 healthcare professionals.

Results

Most female interviewees were concerned about the difficulties of losing weight when having diabetes. Six female interviewees developed severe eating disturbances when they were younger. These women initially regarded their disturbed eating behaviour positively and engaged in weight loss activities intermittently. However, over time, they lost control of their behaviour, and it came to dominate their lives. Family conflict often intensified disordered eating behaviours. Eventually all of these women managed to transition away from their behaviour, although this process took, for some of them, several years. Several of them (now in their early to late twenties), however, continued to struggle with weight loss impulses. Healthcare professionals felt that eating‐ and weight‐related issues often went undiagnosed and undocumented in young adult women with type 1 diabetes.

Conclusion

Many young women with type 1 diabetes are worried about their weight, but will not engage in risky weight loss activities because of concerns about their health. A minority of young adult women will develop more severe eating‐related disturbances. These eating disturbances may last a significant amount of time before clinicians become aware of them. These women may also experience disordered weight loss impulses for sometime after clinical interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clinicians should screen young adult women with type 1 diabetes for eating disorders and monitor young adult women who have developed eating disorders over the longer term. There may be a need to provide asymptomatic young women with diabetes with information about the potential risks of insulin omission.