bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of predictive habitat modelling to assess the distribution and extent of the current protection of ‘listed’ deep‐sea habitats
Authors: Ross Rebecca E. , Howell Kerry L.
Published: October 2012

Aim

To demonstrate the application of predictive species distribution modelling methods to habitat mapping and assessment of percentage area‐based conservation targets.

Location

TheNE Atlantic deep sea (UKand Irish extended continental shelf limits).

Methods

MaxEnt modelling of three listed habitats (Lophelia pertusa(Linnaeus, 1758) reef (LpReef),Pheronema carpenteri(WyvilleThomson, 1869) aggregations (PcAggs) andSyringammina fragilissima(Brady, 1883) aggregations (SfAggs)), with some pre‐selection of variables by generalized additive modelling. Models are validated using repeated 70/30 build/test data splits usingAUCand threshold‐dependent assessment methods. Predicted distribution maps are used to assess the adequacy of existing area closures for the protection of listed habitats and to assess percentage representation of each community within existingMPAnetworks.

Results

Model performances are rated as fair (LpReef), excellent (PcAggs) and good (SfAggs). Current closures are focused on the protection of cold‐water coral reef and incidentally capture someSfAggs suitable environments, but largely fail to protectPcAggs. Considering the wider network ofMPAs in the study region, approximately 23% (LpReef), 2% (PcAggs) and 6% (SfAggs) of the area predicted as suitable for each habitat respectively is contained within anMPA.

Main conclusions

To date, decisions on area closures for the protection of ‘listed’ deep‐sea habitats have been based on maps of recorded presence of species that are taken as being indicative of that habitat. Predictive habitat modelling may provide a useful method of better estimating the extent of listed habitats, providing direction for futureMPAestablishment and a means of assessingMPAnetwork effectiveness against politically set percentage targets. Given the coarse resolution of the model, percentages should be taken as maximal figures, with habitat occurrence likely to be less prevalent in reality.
The influence of sorafenib on hepatic encephalopathy and the mechanistic survey in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Hsu Shao‐Jung , Hsin I‐Fang , Lin Yi‐Ling , Chen Yi‐Chen , Huang Hui‐Chun , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Lin Han‐Chieh , Chang Ching‐Chih , Lee Shou‐Dong
Published: October 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (12): 1309–1316

Background  Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor that inhibits angiogenesis and carcinogenesis, has been used for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. However, sporadic cases have been reported with the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after sorafenib treatment, mostly in those with cirrhosis. Liver function impairment, portal‐systemic collaterals and brain oxidative stress participate in the pathogenesis of HE. The study therefore aimed to investigate the potential influences of sorafenib on HE and the relevant risk factors in cirrhotic rats.

Methods  Liver cirrhosis was induced in Spraque‐Dawley rats with common bile duct ligation (CBDL). CBDL rats received sorafenib 1 mg/kg/day or distilled water (DW) via oral gavage since the 15th day post surgery for 2 weeks. On the 28th day, after motor activities measurements, mean arterial pressure, portal pressure and heart rate were checked. Thereafter, cerebral cortex and cerebellum were dissected for oxidative stress study and blood was collected for liver biochemistry survey.

Results  Sorafenib significantly reduced portal pressure (22%) and collateral shunting degree (15%) in cirrhotic rats. Alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin and ammonia were similar in sorafenib‐ and DW‐treated groups. Motor activities were not significantly altered by sorafenib. In cerebrum, the oxidant and antioxidant substances activities were not significantly different between the two groups, whereas they were divergent in cerebellum and hippocampus.

Conclusion  By surveying three main aspects involved in the pathogenesis of HE, this study demonstrates that sorafenib does not increase the risk of HE in cirrhotic rats.
Development and use of new sensitive molecular tools for diagnosis and detection of Melampsora rusts on cultivated poplar
Authors: Husson C. , Ioos R. , Andrieux A. , Frey P.
Published: October 2012

Poplar rusts due to Melampsora larici‐populina (Mlp), M. allii‐populina (Map) and M. medusae f. sp. deltoidae (Mmd) are the most serious disease in Europe on cultivated poplars, that is, Populus × euramericana and P. × interamericana hybrids. These pathogenic species can be identified by the observation of morphological characteristics of urediniospores but this method is not appropriate for high‐throughput analysis and cannot be used on other spore stages, such as aeciospores or teliospores, that are morphologically similar. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and sensitive molecular method based on PCR amplification that was able to specifically detect these species on various hosts for routine analysis. Three primer pairs ITS‐MLP‐F/ITS‐MLP‐R, ITS‐MAP‐F/ITS‐MAP‐R and ITS‐MMD‐F/ITS‐MMD‐R were designed within the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of ribosomal DNA to target Mlp, Map and Mmd, respectively, and their specificity were confirmed on a wide range of isolates and species. ITS‐MLP‐F/ITS‐MLP‐R and ITS‐MAP‐F/ITS‐MAP‐R primers proved to be highly specific to Mlp and Map, respectively, whereas ITS‐MMD‐F/ITS‐MMD‐R cross‐reacted with DNA from M. larici‐tremulae and M. pinitorqua. However, these species are not pathogenic on cultivated poplars that all belong to sections Aigeiros and Tacamahaca of the genus Populus. Specific Mmd primers proved to be very sensitive as a positive signal could be obtained with DNA extracts from 6 target urediniospores mixed with 800 000 urediniospores of Mlp. An internal amplification control (IAC) was included to discriminate false negative results due to the potential presence of inhibitory compounds in DNA extracts. ITS‐MMD‐F/ITS‐MMD‐R primers are therefore efficient for the detection of the quarantine pathogen Mmd on samples collected on poplar or larch and are fit for use in official tests. This new PCR assay has been used in routine for ten years, and Mmd has hitherto never been detected in commercial poplar nurseries in France.
DNA demethylation regulates the expression of miR‐210 in neural progenitor cells subjected to hypoxia
Authors: Xiong Lei , Wang Fei , Huang Xin , Liu Zhao‐hui , Zhao Tong , Wu Li‐ying , Wu Kuiwu , Ding Xuefeng , Liu Shuhong , Wu Yan , Zhao Yongqi , Zhu Ling‐ling , Fan Ming
Published: October 2012

Several studies have identified a set of hypoxia‐regulated microRNAs, among which is miR‐210, whose expression is highly induced by hypoxia in various cancer cell lines. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of miR‐210 and its transcriptional regulation by the transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1). We report here that the expression of miR‐210 was highly induced in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) subjected to hypoxia. Specifically, treating hypoxic NPCs with the DNA demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine significantly increased the expression of miR‐210, even under normoxia; however, the activity of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 was unaffected. Further analysis of the miR‐210 sequence revealed that it is embedded in a CpG island. Bisulfite sequencing of the miR‐210 CpG island from NPCs grown under hypoxic conditions showed 24% CpG methylation in NPCs exposed to 20% O2, 18% in NPCs exposed to 3% O2, and 12% in NPCs exposed to 0.3% O2. In addition, the activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in NPCs decreased after exposure to hypoxia. Specifically, the expression of DNMT3b decreased significantly after exposure to 0.3% O2. Thus, these results demonstrate that DNA demethylation regulates miR‐210 expression in NPCs under both normoxia and hypoxia.
Responses of lotic periphyton to pulses of phosphorus: P‐flux controlled growth rate
Authors: DAVIES JOHN‐MARK , BOTHWELL MAX L.
Published: October 2012

1. The response of stream periphyton to the addition of limiting nutrients has been the focus of many studies. However, the influence of pulsed nutrient additions has not previously been examined. This study investigates the biomass accrual and physiological responses of phosphorus‐limited lotic periphyton to hourly phosphate fluxes.

2. Two pulsing experiments were conducted: (i) a variable flux trial that compared variable hourly P‐fluxes, delivered either continuously at different concentrations or at the same concentration but in pulses of differing duration per hour and (ii) a constant flux trial that compared periphyton responses at a set hourly P‐flux but delivered in pulses of varying concentration and duration.

3. Growth response and alkaline phosphatase activity during the variable flux experiment showed that periphyton responds to the hourly integrated flux of phosphorus, regardless of whether the nutrient is supplied in short concentrated pulses or continuously at much lower concentrations.

4. The constant flux experiment examined the pulse period required to attain maximum biomass for a given phosphorus flux. Periphyton response to 5‐min pulses of phosphate per hour approximated the maximum biomass as that attained when the same hourly flux was added continuously. Compared with the control, there was also a substantial increase in biomass with pulses of only 1 min each hour. These results demonstrate that the hourly average phosphate concentration to which periphyton communities are exposed is paramount in determining P‐limited growth dynamics.

5. Species composition was not significantly different among treatments in each experiment; however, the design was to evaluate monotonic response with increasing phosphorus flux and species diversity may not respond monotonically. The data are therefore preliminary but suggest the need to determine if species diversity is generally lower when there are brief pulses of phosphate. Unlike pulse experiments that mimic lentic situations, nutrient additions were not used to completion and species success and composition was more dependent on their ability to acquire limiting nutrients rapidly rather than on their ability to take up nutrients at the lowest concentration.
Cloud shading and fog drip influence the metabolism of a coastal pine ecosystem
Authors: Carbone Mariah S. , Park Williams A. , Ambrose Anthony R. , Boot Claudia M. , Bradley Eliza S. , Dawson Todd E. , Schaeffer Sean M. , Schimel Joshua P. , Still Christopher J.
Published: October 2012

Assessing the ecological importance of clouds has substantial implications for our basic understanding of ecosystems and for predicting how they will respond to a changing climate. This study was conducted in a coastal Bishop pine forest ecosystem that experiences regular cycles of stratus cloud cover and inundation in summer. Our objective was to understand how these clouds impact ecosystem metabolism by contrasting two sites along a gradient of summer stratus cover. The site that was under cloud cover ~15% more of the summer daytime hours had lower air temperatures and evaporation rates, higher soil moisture content, and received more frequent fog drip inputs than the site with less cloud cover. These cloud‐driven differences in environmental conditions translated into large differences in plant and microbial activity. Pine trees at the site with greater cloud cover exhibited less water stress in summer, larger basal area growth, and greater rates of sap velocity. The difference in basal area growth between the two sites was largely due to summer growth. Microbial metabolism was highly responsive to fog drip, illustrated by an observed ~3‐fold increase in microbial biomass C with increasing summer fog drip. In addition, the site with more cloud cover had greater total soil respiration and a larger fractional contribution from heterotrophic sources. We conclude that clouds are important to the ecological functioning of these coastal forests, providing summer shading and cooling that relieve pine and microbial drought stress as well as regular moisture inputs that elevate plant and microbial metabolism. These findings are important for understanding how these and other seasonally dry coastal ecosystems will respond to predicted changes in stratus cover, rainfall, and temperature.
The challenge of pain evaluation in haemophilia: can pain evaluation and quantification be improved by using pain instruments from other clinical situations?
Authors: Humphries T. J. , Kessler C. M.
Published: October 2012

Pain is a critical aspect in the lives of individuals with congenital haemophilia A or B. Initially, pain serves as a warning sign for an active bleeding event; however, after multiple bleeding episodes, pain may become chronic, debilitating, and distracting. It is essential that pain instruments be developed and validated for use in persons with haemophilia, especially in paediatric cohorts, so that new therapies to treat acute bleeds can be assessed in a standardized manner. This review evaluates the existing pain instruments utilized in the English language haemophilia literature and compares their features and practicality with instruments published for other clinical pain scenarios associated with non‐coagulopathic disease states, such as cancer and surgical convalescence, in paediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. In clinical trials involving haemophilia cohorts, few pain instruments have been validated. Only one instrument has addressed pain specifically in individuals less than 16 years of age. In contrast, multiple instruments have been applied extensively to other pain situations, especially in the paediatric oncology area, where the age range extends to less than 3 years. We conclude that trials quantifying pain in haemophilia would benefit from the addition and validation of instruments in use in other pain situations. Suggestions for modifying the pain instruments currently used in haemophilia are presented, specifically to address paediatric haemophilia cohorts.
‘I don't want to hurt him.’ Parents’ experiences of learning to administer clotting factor to their child
Authors: Furmedge J. , Lima S. , Monagle P. , Barnes C. , Newall F.
Published: October 2012

To explore the experiences and educational needs of parents learning to use an Implanted Central Venous Access Device (IVAD) to administer clotting factor to their child with haemophilia. Parents of children with haemophilia who had learnt to administer clotting factor via IVAD attended focus groups to discuss their experiences of the learning process. Data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Parents described distress and trauma in dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of their child's haemophilia. It was within this context that parents began the IVAD education process. Four major themes emerged from the data: dealing with fear and anxiety; a supportive learning environment; establishing a ritual and empowerment and liberation. Parents identified a supportive learning environment as their critical need rather than a specific learning process. In addition, the concept of ritual emerged both as a mechanism for increasing the child's comfort with the procedure and as a valuable learning tool for their parents. This study highlights the importance of consulting consumers to understand their experience of illness and their educational needs. Patient and family education programs should not be limited to the provision of information, but must establish and incorporate the needs of the learner.
Prevalence of MED12 mutations in uterine and extrauterine smooth muscle tumours
Authors: Matsubara Akiko , Sekine Shigeki , Yoshida Masayuki , Yoshida Akihiko , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Kushima Ryoji , Tsuda Hitoshi , Kanai Yae
Published: October 2012

Aims

To determine the prevalence of MED12 mutations in smooth muscle tumours of different organs.

Methods and results

A total of 142 smooth muscle tumours of the uterus, gastrointestinal tract, retroperitoneum and soft tissue were analysed for MED12 mutations using Sanger sequencing. Among the uterine tumours that were examined, MED12 mutations were identified in 36 of 45 conventional leiomyomas (80%), two of six cellular leiomyomas (33%), one of four bizarre leiomyomas (25%), none of four lipoleiomyomas (0%), and two of 12 leiomyosarcomas (17%). The two MED12‐mutated leiomyosarcomas were associated with benign leiomyomatous components that also harboured MED12 mutations identical to those in the respective leiomyosarcomatous components. None of the extrauterine smooth muscle tumours, including the leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, and angioleiomyomas, had MED12 mutations.

Conclusions

Among uterine smooth muscle tumours, MED12 mutations are frequently present in conventional leiomyomas, but are significantly less common in histological variants of leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma. In contrast to uterine lesions, none of the extrauterine smooth muscle tumours had MED12 mutations.
Effect of tooth isolation on laser Doppler readings
Authors: Setzer F. C. , Challagulla P. , Kataoka S. H. H. , Trope M.
Published: October 2012

Aim

To measure differences between single (STI) and multiple teeth isolation (MTI), pulpal blood flow (PBF) was assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF).

Methodology

Pulpal blood flow of twenty maxillary incisors with no restorations or abnormal responses to sensitivity tests in healthy patients between 24 and 42 years of age was measured in perfusion units (PU). STI (isolation of only the tooth undergoing blood flow assessment) and MTI (isolation including the maxillary right to the maxillary left canine) recordings were taken with regular blood flow (RBF) and with local infiltration (LI) with vasoconstrictor. anova and Tukey HSD tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean PBF with regular blood flow conditions was significantly different between single tooth isolation [5.53 PU (SD ± 2.98)] and multiple tooth isolation [2.85 PU (SD ± 2.13)] (P < 0.01). When local anaesthesia was administered (LI), the PBF was significantly different between single tooth isolation [2.95 PU (SD ± 2.48)] and multiple tooth isolation [1.32 PU (SD ± 0.70)] (P < 0.05). Significant differences in PBF also existed between single tooth isolation under regular blood flow conditions and with local anaesthesia (P < 0.01), between single tooth isolation under regular blood flow conditions and multiple tooth isolation with local anaesthesia (P < 0.01), and between multiple tooth isolation under regular blood flow conditions and with local anaesthesia (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Pulpal blood flow measurements could be obtained with multiple teeth isolation and single tooth isolation. Multiple teeth isolation blocked signal contamination better. Single tooth isolation provided significantly different readings for regular blood flow and LI conditions and may therefore provide an option for pulpal blood flow assessment with LDF.
Role of recombination activating genes in the generation of antigen receptor diversity and beyond
Authors: Nishana Mayilaadumveettil , Raghavan Sathees C.
Published: October 2012

V(D)J recombination is the process by which antibody and T‐cell receptor diversity is attained. During this process, antigen receptor gene segments are cleaved and rejoined by non‐homologous DNA end joining for the generation of combinatorial diversity. The major players of the initial process of cleavage are the proteins known as RAG1 (recombination activating gene 1) and RAG2. In this review, we discuss the physiological function of RAGs as a sequence‐specific nuclease and its pathological role as a structure‐specific nuclease. The first part of the review discusses the basic mechanism of V(D)J recombination, and the last part focuses on how the RAG complex functions as a sequence‐specific and structure‐specific nuclease. It also deals with the off‐target cleavage of RAGs and its implications in genomic instability.
Differential regulation and impact of fucosyltransferase VII and core 2 β1,6‐N‐acetyl‐glycosaminyltransferase for generation of E‐selectin and P‐selectin ligands in murine CD4+T cells
Authors: Schroeter Micha F. , Ratsch Boris A. , Lehmann Jeanette , Baumgrass Ria , Hamann Alf , Syrbe Uta
Published: October 2012

Ligands for E‐selectin and P‐selectin (E‐lig and P‐lig) are induced on CD4+ T cells upon differentiation into effector T cells. Glycosyltransferases, especially α 1,3‐fucosyltransferase VII (FucT‐VII) and core 2 β1,6‐N‐acetyl‐glycosaminyltransferase I (C2GlcNAcT‐I), are critical for their synthesis. We here analysed the signals that control the expression of E‐lig, P‐lig and mRNA coding for FucT‐VII and C2GlcNAcT‐I. In line with previous reports, we found that P‐lig expression correlates with the regulation of C2GlcNAcT‐I, whereas E‐lig expression can occur at low levels of C2GlcNAcT‐I mRNA but requires high FucT‐VII mRNA expression. Interestingly, the two enzymes are regulated by different signals. Activation‐induced C2GlcNAcT‐I up‐regulation under permissive (T helper type 1) conditions was strongly reduced by cyclosporin A (CsA), suggesting the involvement of T‐cell receptor‐dependent, calcineurin/NFAT‐dependent signals in combination with interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) ‐mediated signals in the regulation of C2GlcNAcT‐I. In contrast, expression of FucT‐VII mRNA was not significantly inhibited by CsA. Interleukin‐4 inhibited the expression of FucT‐VII but IL‐2 and IL‐7 were found to support induction of FucT‐VII and E‐lig. E‐selectin, P‐selectin and their ligands initially appeared to have rather overlapping functions. These findings however, unravel striking differences in the regulation of E‐lig and P‐lig expression, dictated by the dominance of FucT‐VII and C2GlcNAcT‐I, respectively, and their dependency on signals from either promiscuous or homeostatic cytokines (FucT‐VII) or a strong T‐cell receptor signal in combination with inflammatory cytokines in case of C2GlcNAcT‐I.
Increased HLA‐E expression in white matter lesions in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Durrenberger Pascal F. , Webb Louise V. , Sim Malcolm J. W. , Nicholas Richard S. , Altmann Daniel M. , Boyton Rosemary J.
Published: October 2012

The molecular mechanisms underpinning central nervous system damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex and it is widely accepted that there is an autoimmune component. Both adaptive and innate immune effector mechanisms are believed to contribute to tissue disease aetiology. HLA‐E is a non‐classical MHC class Ib molecule that acts as the ligand for the NKG2A inhibitory receptor present on natural killer (NK) and CD8+ cells. Peptide binding and stabilization of HLA‐E is often considered to signal infection or cell stress. Here we examine the up‐regulation of HLA‐E in MS brain tissue. Expression is significantly increased in white matter lesions in the brain of MS patients compared with white matter of neurologically healthy controls. Furthermore, using quantitative immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, we show increased HLA‐E protein expression in endothelial cells of active MS lesions. Non‐inflammatory chronic lesions express significantly less HLA‐E protein, comparable to levels found in white matter from controls. Increased HLA‐E protein levels were associated with higher scores of inflammation. These results suggest the potential for an effect in central nervous system pathogenesis from HLA‐E modulation in stressed tissue. Co‐localization with infiltrating CD8+ cells implicates a possible role for HLA‐E‐restricted regulatory CD8+ cells, as has been proposed in other autoimmune diseases.
Hand hygiene to reduce community transmission of influenza and acute respiratory tract infection: a systematic review
Authors: Warren‐Gash Charlotte , Fragaszy Ellen , Hayward Andrew C.
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Warren‐Gash et al. (2012) Hand hygiene to reduce community transmission of influenza and acute respiratory tract infection: a systematic review. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/irv.12015.

Hand hygiene may be associated with modest protection against some acute respiratory tract infections, but its specific role in influenza transmission in different settings is unclear. We aimed to review evidence that improving hand hygiene reduces primary and secondary transmission of (i) influenza and (ii) acute respiratory tract infections in community settings. We searched Medline, Embase, Global Health and Cochrane databases up to 13 February 2012 for reports in any language of original research investigating the effect of hand hygiene on influenza or acute respiratory tract infection where aetiology was unspecified in community settings including institutions such as schools, and domestic residences. Data were presented and quality rated across outcomes according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria. There was moderate to low‐quality evidence of a reduction in both influenza and respiratory tract infection with hand hygiene interventions in schools, greatest in a lower–middle‐income setting. There was high‐quality evidence of a small reduction in respiratory infection in childcare settings. There was high‐quality evidence for a large reduction in respiratory infection with a hand hygiene intervention in squatter settlements in a low‐income setting. There was moderate‐ to high‐quality evidence of no effect on secondary transmission of influenza in households that had already experienced an index case. While hand hygiene interventions have potential to reduce transmission of influenza and acute respiratory tract infections, their effectiveness varies depending on setting, context and compliance.
Fat or lean: adjustment of endogenous energy stores to predictable and unpredictable changes in allostatic load
Authors: Schultner Jannik , Kitaysky Alexander S. , Welcker Jorg , Hatch Scott
Published: October 2012

The ability to store energy endogenously is an important ecological mechanism that allows animals to buffer predictable and unpredictable variation in allostatic load. The secretion of glucocorticoids, which reflects changes in allostatic load, is suggested to play a major role in the adjustment of endogenous stores to these varying conditions.

Although crucially important, the relationship between allostatic load and energy stores remains largely unexplored. Two contrasting hypotheses describe how stores may be adjusted: animals may use low allostatic loads to increase stores to a maximum possible (‘fat and fit’), or they can attain a lean physique due to fitness advantages of a low body mass (‘lean and fit’).

We compiled observational and experimental data available for a long‐lived seabird to examine the relationship between glucocorticoids and stored energy at two life history stages (incubation and chick‐rearing). Data were collected across multiple years and colonies in the North Pacific, thereby reflecting the wide range of environmental conditions birds' encounter in the marine environment. During experimental manipulations, allostatic load was minimized by supplementing food to free‐living birds.

We found that the relationship between allostatic load and energy stores was clearly curvilinear at both life history stages. Observational data suggested that energy stores remained relatively stable under low allostatic load and decreased under high loads. Experimental data showed that birds did not maximize energy stores under favourable conditions but maintained energy stores below a physiologically attainable level.

Energy stores remained consistently lower during chick‐rearing compared to incubation across the wide range of variations in allostatic load suggesting that stage‐specific trade‐offs limit the accumulation of energy during favourable environmental conditions. Secretion of glucocorticoids did not appear to mediate this shift in energy stores between the life history stages.

Overall, results of this study support the ‘lean and fit’ hypothesis. We conclude that increased energy stores may not necessarily reflect better environmental conditions experienced by individuals or predict their higher fitness. A major advantage of adopting a lean physique when environmental conditions allow may be the avoidance of additional energetic costs for moving a heavy body. In breeding seabirds, this advantage may be more important during chick‐rearing. In the focal species, the secretion of glucocorticoids might be involved in regulation of energy stores within a life history stage but does not appear to mediate an adaptive shift in energy stores between the incubating and chick‐rearing stages of reproduction.
3D micro‐CT analysis of the interface voids associated with Thermafil root fillings used with AH Plus or a flowable MTA sealer
Authors: Gandolfi M. G. , Parrilli A. P. , Fini M. , Prati C. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: October 2012

Aim

To investigate nondestructively the percentage of 3D voids and marginal gaps in a pre‐defined interface volume of interest (VOI) within root fillings produced by Thermafil Obturators with either a hydrophobic epoxy‐resin‐based sealer (AH Plus) or a hydrophilic flowable calcium‐silicate sealer [mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Flow].

Methodology

Sixteen single root canals from extracted premolar teeth were prepared with ProTaper rotary instruments, randomly allocated into two groups (n = 8) and filled with size 30 Thermafil Obturators in association with AH Plus or MTA Flow sealers. The filled roots were stored at 37 °C in 5 mL of Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) used to represent body fluids and scanned after 7 days and 6 months using a high‐resolution micro‐CT. From each root, images of 3000 sections were analysed in 3D and binarized using a high‐resolution micro‐CT (4‐μ resolution). The 3D distribution of voids (porosity and marginal gaps) at the gutta‐percha‐sealer‐dentine interface was detected through a threshold grey level and expressed as percentage of the 40‐μ‐thick pre‐defined interface VOI (20 μ of interface dentine and 20 μ of gutta‐percha/sealer). A method of analysis based on the root canal segmentation was used, and coronal, middle and apical thirds considered separately. The percentage of 3D void volume was compared statistically using one‐way anova (significance for P < 0.05). Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X‐ray (ESEM‐EDX) analysis was performed on the surface of both sealers after soaking in HBSS.

Results

Micro‐CT detected gaps at the dentine‐sealer interface in both groups. Void volumes wider than 10.21 μm3 with 1.35 μm diameter were detected. Cul‐de‐sac‐type voids (blind pores) and through‐and‐through voids (continuous pores) were discriminated. The apical thirds had a significantly lower 3D void volume (P < 0.05) than the middle and coronal thirds. The 3D void volume reduced significantly (P < 0.05) over time. ESEM‐EDX analysis revealed that MTA Flow sealer created a dense apatite layer after 7 days of immersion in HBSS, whilst only sparse calcium phosphate deposits were detected on AH Plus even after 28 days.

Conclusions

Micro‐CT proved to be a powerful nondestructive 3D analysis tool for visualizing the porous internal microstructure of dental/endodontic materials at the interface with dentine. The proportion of voids was least in the apical third of root canals. Voids reduced over time in the presence of simulated body fluid.
Coeliac disease – women's experiences in everyday life
Authors: Jacobsson Lisa R , Hallert Claes , Milberg Anna , Friedrichsen Maria
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives

To describe what life is like as a woman living with coeliac disease.

Background

The therapy for coeliac disease is a gluten‐free diet, and if sufferers keep strictly to this, it is suggested that they will stay well. However, previous studies point out that people who are treated for coeliac disease, particularly women, experience various kinds of inconvenience in relation to having coeliac disease and to being treated with gluten‐free diet.

Design

A qualitative research design was chosen.

Methods

A phenomenological approach as devised by Giorgi was used. Tape‐recorded qualitative interviews with a total of 15 women who were being treated for coeliac disease were conducted in 2008 in Sweden.

Results

The results demonstrated that coeliac disease can influence women's lives in different ways. The general structure of being a woman with coeliac disease was described as a striving towards a normalised lifeworld. Three conditions necessary to achieve a normalised life were described, namely being secure, being in control and being seen and included.

Conclusion

Understanding factors affecting the ability to live with coeliac disease as normally as possible can help caregivers, and others, to support these women in their aims.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses should help women to adopt facilitating thoughts in relation to the disease and, in so doing, help them to select appropriate coping strategies.
Heart or lung transplanted patients' retrospective views on information and support while waiting for transplantation
Authors: Ivarsson Bodil , Ekmehag Björn , Sjöberg Trygve
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives

To describe the patients' retrospective experiences of the information and support they received while on the heart or lung transplant waiting list.

Background

Patients differ in the way that they cope with the time spent waiting for a heart or lung transplant. Patients must already before the transplantation be taught about a new lifestyle, risk factors, medication, food restrictions and exercise, so they can take an active role and responsibility for disease management after transplantation. Little is known about patients' experiences of information and support in these situations.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Sixteen patients (16–67 year) were strategically selected from one transplant centre in Sweden and interviewed six months after heart or lung transplantation. Using content analysis, transcribed data were organised into subcategories that reflected emerging categories.

Results

Three categories that describe patients' experiences of information and support have been identified: ‘Achieving confidence and trust by information and support’, ‘Experiencing a lack of input and understanding’ and ‘Struggling with a life‐threatening illness and an insecure future’. Each category consists of different subcategories.

Conclusions

Information and support in connection to heart or lung transplantation are a complex and multifaceted issue involving patient‐related, family‐related, disease‐related and treatment‐related factors as well as experiences related to the social situation, the healthcare system and society. Transplant patients are very vulnerable, and a deeper understanding of patients' experiences should help healthcare providers in optimising the care for these very sick patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

A holistic approach to the patient is necessary in meeting the needs of patients with chronic illness, especially patients with children at home, as well as the needs of their families. An important implication is the necessity to enhance awareness about transplant patients in society in general, in particular in other institutions, by sharing knowledge and by improving cooperation.
Nutrition screening by nurses in dialysis
Authors: Bennett Paul N , Miller Michelle D , Woodman Richard J , Hill Kathleen , Murray Susan , Gleadle Jonathon M
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives

To determine whether a nurse‐completed dialysis nutritional screening tool improves referral rates for nutritional support and compare nutrition sensitive biochemical indices, mortality rates and patient‐centred quality of life outcomes between referred and non‐referred dialysis patients.

Background

People with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis are nutritionally at risk. Nutrition screening has been shown to identify dialysis patients who are nutritionally at risk to refer to dietitian expertise.

Design

Prospective cluster‐randomised control trial.

Methods

Monthly nurse‐completed nutrition screening was completed for six consecutive months using a validated four‐item instrument measuring weight change, serum phosphate, serum potassium and appetite. Participants (n = 81) were haemodialysis patients from four satellite haemodialysis centres in one Australian metropolitan health service. Primary outcome measure was rate of referral to dietetic services for nutrition support for intervention vs. control groups at six months. Secondary outcome measures were blood pressure, biochemical indices and mortality for referred vs. non‐referred patients at six and nine months, and generic and dialysis‐specific quality of life for referred vs. non‐referred at nine months was examined.

Results

There were three times as many dietetic referrals in the intervention group than in the control group (26·3 vs. 9·3%). Serum phosphate increased significantly more in the referred patients than the non‐referred patients. There were no clinically significant changes between groups in quality of life, blood pressure, mortality rates or other biochemical indices at either six or nine months.

Conclusion

Nurse‐completed nutritional screening can lead to appropriate dietetic referrals for nutritional support by nutritional expert clinicians.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study is the first to demonstrate that monthly systematic nurse‐completed nutritional screening can facilitate appropriate dietetic referrals that may lead to increased nutritional care for people in satellite dialysis centres.
Methodological basis for an autoradiographic demonstration of insulin receptor sites on the surface of whole cells: a study using light‐ and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Junger E. , Bachmann L.
Published: October 2012

An autoradiographic technique is described which allows, on whole cells, the determination of the number of receptor sites which are occupied by 125I‐insulin according to defined binding conditions. Glutaraldehyde fixation prevents the dissociation of the bound tracer from the receptor, which is the basis for a quantitative correlation between biochemical and autoradiographical data.

The homogeneous coating of whole cells with a thin emulsion layer, which was required for these experiments, was achieved by a stripping film technique. An accurate judgment of the coating was possible only with scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. As observed in the SEM, the photographic layer was smooth, uniform and in good contact with the top of the cell. The signal measured in this area was analysed. The majority of the grains also originated from the top side of the cell surface, despite the evidently three‐dimensional distribution of the label. As determined in test specimens, 80–85% of the grains originated from 3–4 keV electrons. Due to the short range of these electrons, the grains represent the distribution of the label on the part of the cell surface which is in close contact with the emulsion layer. 15–20% of the grains originated from β‐decays with higher energies and add partially to the background. According to these data a determination of the number of receptor sites per unit area of plasma membrane (receptor density) is possible in the surface area of the cell top.

Both light microscopy (LM) and SEM were used to analyse autoradiographs. LM analysis is possible in principle but the analytical facilities of SEM are yet superior for the identification of silver grains. The registration of the grains is further facilitated in SEM because of the very large depth of focus.
A procedure for minimizing cellular shrinkage in electron microscope preparation: a quantitative study on frog gall bladder
Authors: Rostgaard J. , Tranum‐Jensen J.
Published: October 2012

Nomarski differential interference contrast microscopy of whole‐mount preparations of frog gall bladders has been used for light microscopic measurement of epithelial cell luminal area. Measurements were performed: in buffer after fixation, and in cured Epon after step‐by‐step and after continuous dehydration and infiltration procedures. Sections cut perpendicularly to the luminal surface were used for the measurement of epithelial cell height. From these measurements epithelial cell mean volumes were calculated. The comparative measurements showed that a step procedure results in significantly smaller cellular dimensions than does a procedure of slow and continuous change of concentration of the preparative media, the difference in epithelial cell mean volume being about 40%. Electron microscopy of thin sections of continuously processed specimens showed superior ultrastructural preservation of cytoplasmic density and microplical arrangement compared to the step processed counterparts. The principle was successfully applied in processing for scanning electron microscopy of osmotically extremely fragile preparations of erythrocyte ghosts; similarly, formation of the luminal cobblestone appearance of gall bladder epithelium was prevented. The present studies support the view that at least part of the volume shrinkage through the procedures of embedding is caused by osmotic gradients set up in the tissue.
The preparation of human spermatozoa for analytical and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Sheppard B. L. , Sheppard Uta , Harrison R. F.
Published: October 2012

Human spermatozoa have been prepared for electron microscopy comparing methods of specimen preparation and support mechanisms which enable investigations of elemental composition related to changes in surface morphology. A technique combining SEM of critical‐point dried, gold coated spermatozoa mounted on glass cover slips with analytical STEM of air dried, carbon coated spermatozoa mounted on formvar coated nickel grids proved most reliable and reproducible. The relative advantages and disadvantages of the methods, and the results obtained from them, are discussed.
A simple apparatus for use in matched freeze‐fracture replication
Authors: Wilkinson M. J. , Northcote D. H.
Published: October 2012

An apparatus for use in matched freeze‐fracture replication and suitable for attachment to the cold table of Balzers freeze‐etch units is described. It comprises a hinge and six pairs of copper support plates. The latter are detachable from the main assembly and designed to obtain the maximum cooling rate of the specimen. The construction and operation of the apparatus is relatively simple and inexpensive and it has proved a reliable and efficient means of performing matched replication of cell suspensions.
A new comparison macroscope
Authors: Klingenberg Anders
Published: October 2012

This paper gives a brief historical view of the origin, development, and application of the comparison macroscope, within the field of criminal technique. The background for developing a new comparison macroscope as well as the requirements for it are explained, and a decription is given of how the requirements were fulfilled. Finally the technical data for the new comparison macroscope and some applications are given.
Improvements that facilitate the operation of the Corinth 275 electron microscope
Authors: Webb M. J. W.
Published: October 2012

Details are given of modifications to the Corinth 275 electron microscope providing illumination of the magnification scale and locking of the astigmatism controls. The construction of a loading jig suitable for use with specimen rods of this microscope is described. Operational procedures that allow accurate setting of filament height and centering and also give some compensatory correction of condenser astigmatism are discussed.
An automatic pumping conversion for the Philips EM‐200
Authors: Meek G. A.
Published: October 2012

A simple commercially available device to prevent accidental backstreaming of vacuum pump fluids into the column of a Philips EM‐200 electron microscope is described. It operates by cycling the rotary pump automatically between selected high and low backing tank pressures.
Structure analysis of sputter‐coated and ion‐beam sputter‐coated films: a comparative study
Authors: Kemmenoe B. H. , Bullock G. R.
Published: October 2012

Gold, platinum and tungsten films were deposited by low energy input (7 mA, 450 V), or high deposition rate (80 mA, 1500 V), diode sputter coating and by ion beam sputter coating. Film structures on Formvar coated grids and on the surface of coated erythrocytes, resin embedded, sectioned, and recorded at high magnification in a TEM were compared using computer‐assisted measurements and analysis of film thickness and grain size.

The average grain size of the thinnest gold and platinum films was relatively independent of the mode or rate of deposition but as the film thickness increased, significant differences in grain size and film structure were observed.

Thick platinum or gold films deposited by low energy input sputter coating contained large grain size and electron transparent cracks; however, more even films with narrower cracks but larger grain size were produced at high deposition rates. Ion beam sputter coated gold had relatively large grain size in 10 nm thick films, but beyond this thickness the grains coalesced to form a continuous film. Platinum films deposited by ion beam sputter coating were even and free of electron transparent cracks and had a very small grain size (1–2 nm), which was relatively independent of the film thickness.

Tungsten deposition either by low energy input or ion beam sputter coating resulted in fine grained even films which were free of electron transparent cracks. Such films remained granular in substructure and had a grain size of about 1 nm which was relatively independent of film thickness. Tungsten films produced at high deposition rates were of poorer quality.

We conclude that thick diode sputter coated platinum and gold films are best deposited at high deposition rates provided the specimens are not heat sensitive, the improvement in film structure being more significant than the slight increase in grain size. Thick diode or ion beam sputter coated gold films should be suitable for low resolution SEM, and thin discontinuous gold films for medium resolution SEM. Diode sputter coated platinum should be suitable for medium resolution SEM and ion beam sputter coated platinum for medium and some high resolution SEM. 1–5 nm thick tungsten films, deposited by low energy input or ion beam sputter coating should be suitable for high resolution SEM, particularly where contrast is of less importance than resolution.
Improved method for transmission electron microscopy of ciliated cell monolayers maintained on gas‐permeable membranes
Authors: Gabridge Michael G. , Dougherty Edward P.
Published: October 2012

A new method is described for preparing thin sections for transmission electron microscopy of ciliated respiratory epithelial cells cultivated in vitro on Teflon membranes. Hamster tracheal explant cultures were treated with collagenase to promote epithelial migration. Patches of monolayer growth occurred in the vicinity of the explants when the latter were incubated on FEP‐etched Teflon membranes in Chamber/Dishes. Cells in the monolayer maintained a high degree of differentiation as evidenced by active ciliary motion. The monolayer was fixed and processed in situ. During the embedding process the chamber was supported on a solid Teflon cylinder to keep the membrane taut as it was heated to polymerize the resin. The membrane was removed and the monolayered cells were re‐embedded and sectioned. Electron microscopic examination of cultures revealed clear cell profiles on a flat, even basal plane. This method provides for a normal spatial configuration of cells in a monolayer format, and should prove useful for electron microscopy studies of any cells cultured on flexible films.