bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functionality of Barley Proteins Extracted and Fractionated by Alkaline and Alcohol Methods
Authors: Wang Cheng , Tian Zhigang , Chen Lingyun , Temelli Feral , Liu Hui , Wang Yanxin
Published: November 2010

This research optimized the extraction of different protein fractions from barley grains and assessed the physicochemical properties of the fractions obtained. Pearling was first used to remove the grain's outer layers (mainly bran and germ) so that the barley cytoplasmic proteins (albumin and globulin) would be enriched in the pearling flour (PF), while endosperm proteins (hordein and glutelin) would be enriched in the pearled grain flour (PGF). Salt, alcohol, and alkaline solutions were then used to extract different barley protein fractions from PF and PGF. The effects of extraction solvent type, pH, temperature, and extraction time on protein content and extraction efficiency were studied. Aqueous ethanol (55%, v/v) efficiently extracted barley hordein from PGF at 60°C, whereas pH 11.5 alkaline solution was the most efficient for extracting both cytoplasmic and endosperm proteins from barley PF and PGF at 23°C. Subunit molecular weight, amino acid composition, and the functional properties of each isolated barley protein fraction were investigated. Barley glutelin demonstrated superior oil‐binding property and emulsifying stability, whereas barley hordein exhibited good foaming capacity.
Protein and Quality Characterization of Complete and Partial Near‐Isogenic Lines of Waxy Wheat
Authors: Jonnala Ramakanth S. , MacRitchie Finlay , Smail Virgil W. , Seabourn Bradford W. , Tilley Michael , Lafiandra Domenico , Urbano Marcella
Published: November 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate protein composition and its effects on flour quality and physical dough test parameters using waxy wheat near‐isogenic lines. Partial waxy (single and double nulls) and waxy (null at all three waxy loci, Wx‐A1, Wx‐B1, and Wx‐D1) lines of N11 set (bread wheat) and Svevo (durum) were investigated. For protein composition, waxy wheats in this study had relatively lower albumins‐globulins than the hard winter wheat control. In the bread wheats (N11), dough strength as measured by mixograph peak dough development time (MDDT) (r = 0.75) and maximum resistance (Rmax) (r = 0.70) was significantly correlated with unextractable polymeric protein (UPP), whereas in durum wheats, moderate correlation was observed (r = 0.73 and 0.59, respectively). This may be due to the presence of high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) Dx2+Dy12 at the Glu‐D1 locus instead of Dx5+Dy10, which are associated with dough strength. Significant correlation of initial loaf volume (ILV) to flour polymeric protein (FPP) (r = 0.75) and flour protein (FP) (r = 0.63) was found in bread wheats, whereas in durum wheats, a weak correlation of ILV was observed with FP (r = 0.09) and FPP (r =0.51). Significant correlation of ILV with FPP in bread wheats and with % polymeric protein (PPP) (r = 0.75) in durum lines indicates that this aspect of end‐use functionality is influenced by FPP and PPP, respectively, in these waxy wheat lines. High ILV was observed with 100% waxy wheat flour alone and was not affected by 50% blending with bread wheat flour. However, dark color and poor crumb structure was observed with 100% waxy flour, which was unacceptable to consumers. As the amylopectin content of the starch increases, loaf expansion increases but the crumb structure becomes increasingly unstable and collapses.
Transcription Factor AtMYB44 Regulates Induced Expression of the ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 Gene in Arabidopsis Responding to a Harpin Protein
Authors: Liu Ruoxue , Chen Lei , Jia Zhenhua , Lü Beibei , Shi Haojie , Shao Weilan , Dong Hansong
Published: November 2010

AtMYB44 is a transcription factor that functions in association with the ethylene-signaling pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. The pathway depends on ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 (EIN2), an essential component of ethylene signaling, to regulate defense responses in the plant following treatment with HrpNEa, a harpin protein from a bacterial plant pathogen. Here, we show that AtMYB44 regulates induced expression of the EIN2 gene in HrpNEa-treated Arabidopsis plants. A HrpNEa and ethylene–responsive fragment of the AtMYB44 promoter is sufficient to support coordinate expression of AtMYB44 and EIN2 in specific transgenic Arabidopsis. In the plant, the AtMYB44 protein localizes to nuclei and binds the EIN2 promoter; the HrpNEa treatment promotes AtMYB44 production, binding activity, and transcription of AtMYB44 and EIN2. AtMYB44 overexpression results in increased production of the AtMYB44 protein and the occurrence of AtMYB44-EIN2 interaction under all genetic backgrounds of wild-type Arabidopsis and the etr1-1, ein2-1, ein3-1, and ein5-1 mutants, which have defects in the ethylene receptor ETR1 and the signal regulators EIN2, EIN3, and EIN5. However, AtMYB44 overexpression leads to enhanced EIN2 expression only under backgrounds of wild type, ein3-1, and ein5-1 but not etr1-1 and ein2-1, suggesting that ethylene perception is necessary to the regulation of EIN2 transcription by AtMYB44.
Silencing Genes Encoding Omega-3 Fatty Acid Desaturase Alters Seed Size and Accumulation of Bean pod mottle virus in Soybean
Authors: Singh Ajay Kumar , Fu Da-Qi , El-Habbak Mohamed , Navarre Duroy , Ghabrial Said , Kachroo Aardra
Published: November 2010

Omega-3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD3)-catalyzed conversion of linoleic acid to linolenic acid (18:3) is an important step for the biosynthesis of fatty acids as well as the phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) in plants. We report that silencing three microsomal isoforms of GmFAD3 enhanced the accumulation of Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) in soybean. The GmFAD3-silenced plants also accumulated higher levels of JA, even though they contained slightly reduced levels of 18:3. Consequently, the GmFAD3-silenced plants expressed JA-responsive pathogenesis-related genes constitutively and exhibited enhanced susceptibility to virulent Pseudomonas syringae. Increased accumulation of BPMV in GmFAD3-silenced plants was likely associated with their JA levels, because exogenous JA application also increased BPMV accumulation. The JA-derived increase in BPMV levels was likely not due to repression of salicylic acid (SA)-derived signaling because the GmFAD3-silenced plants were enhanced in SA-dependent defenses. Furthermore, neither exogenous SA application nor silencing the SA-synthesizing phenylalanine ammonia lyase gene altered BPMV levels in soybean. In addition to the altered defense responses, the GmFAD3-silenced plants also produced significantly larger and heavier seed. Our results indicate that loss of GmFAD3 enhances JA accumulation and, thereby, susceptibility to BPMV in soybean.
Begomoviruses Associated with Bean Golden Mosaic Disease in Nicaragua
Authors: Karkashian J. , Ramos-Reynoso E. D. , Maxwell D. P. , Ramírez P.
Published: November 2010

Begomovirus spp. cause substantial losses in bean crops in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The predominant Begomovirus sp. in Central America associated with golden mosaic symptoms in bean is Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV). However, Calopogonium golden mosaic virus was previously found to infect bean crops in the northern region of Costa Rica. The objective of this research was to identify Begomovirus spp. that infect bean plants in different geographical regions of Nicaragua. In all, 126 samples of young bean leaves with symptoms of golden mosaic were collected from eight different regions of Nicaragua. Using DNA hybridization with specific probes, 120 samples tested positive for BGYMV, 14 samples tested positive for Squash yellow mild mottle virus, and 7 samples tested positive for Calopogonium golden mosaic virus. Sequence analysis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified products from three samples (MA-9 Managua, BE-8 Rivas, and SO-9 Granada) also indicated that the symptoms of golden mosaic in bean are associated with viral sequences from three different Begomovirus spp. Management of bean golden mosaic disease must take into account that BGYMV is the predominant virus (95% of the samples) and that 12% of the samples exhibited possible mixed infections or recombination events in the south and central geographical regions of Nicaragua.
Perceptions of Risk, Risk Aversion, and Barriers to Adoption of Decision Support Systems and Integrated Pest Management: An Introduction
Authors: Gent David H. , De Wolf Erick , Pethybridge Sarah J.
Published: November 2010

Rational management of plant diseases, both economically and environmentally, involves assessing risks and the costs associated with both correct and incorrect tactical management decisions to determine when control measures are warranted. Decision support systems can help to inform users of plant disease risk and thus assist in accurately targeting events critical for management. However, in many instances adoption of these systems for use in routine disease management has been perceived as slow. The under-utilization of some decision support systems is likely due to both technical and perception constraints that have not been addressed adequately during development and implementation phases. Growers' perceptions of risk and their aversion to these perceived risks can be reasons for the “slow” uptake of decision support systems and, more broadly, integrated pest management (IPM). Decision theory provides some tools that may assist in quantifying and incorporating subjective and/or measured probabilities of disease occurrence or crop loss into decision support systems. Incorporation of subjective probabilities into IPM recommendations may be one means to reduce grower uncertainty and improve trust of these systems because management recommendations could be explicitly informed by growers' perceptions of risk and economic utility. Ultimately though, we suggest that an appropriate measure of the value and impact of decision support systems is grower education that enables more skillful and informed management decisions independent of consultation of the support tool outputs.
Spatiotemporal Spread of Cucurbit Downy Mildew in the Eastern United States
Authors: Ojiambo P. S. , Holmes G. J.
Published: November 2010

The dynamics of cucurbit downy mildew, caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, in the eastern United States in 2008 and 2009 were investigated based on disease records collected in 24 states as part of the Cucurbit downy mildew ipmPIPE monitoring program. The mean season-long rate of temporal disease progress across the 2 years was 1.4 new cases per day. Although cucurbit downy mildew was detected in mid-February and early March in southern Florida, the disease progressed slowly during the spring and early summer and did not enter its exponential phase until mid-June. The median nearest-neighbor distance of spread of new disease cases was ≈110 km in both years, with ≈15% of the distances being >240 km. Considering disease epidemics on all cucurbits, the epidemic expanded at a rate of 9.2 and 10.5 km per day in 2008 and 2009, respectively. These rates of spatial spread are at the lower range of those reported for the annual spread of tobacco blue mold in the southeastern United States, a disease that is also aerially dispersed over long distances. These results suggest that regional spread of cucurbit downy mildew may be limited by opportunities for establishment in the first half of the year, when fewer cucurbit hosts are available for infection. The O-ring statistic was used to determine the spatial pattern of cucurbit downy mildew outbreaks using complete spatial randomness as the null model for hypothesis testing. Disease outbreaks in both years were spatially aggregated and the extent of spatial dependence was up to 1,000 km. Results from the spatial analysis suggests that disease outbreaks in the Great Lakes and mid-Atlantic regions may be due to the spread of P. cubensis sporangia from outbreaks of the disease near the Georgia/South Carolina/North Carolina border rather than from overwintering sites in southern Florida. Space–time point pattern analysis indicated strong (P < 0.001) evidence for a space–time interaction and a space–time risk window of ≈3 to 5 months after first disease outbreak and 300 to 600 km was detected in both years. Results of this study support the hypothesis that infection of cucurbits by P. cubensis appears to be an outcome of a contagion process, and the relative large space–time window suggests that factors occurring on a large spatial scale (≈1,000 km) facilitate the spread of cucurbit downy mildew in the eastern United States.
Clinical Features and Genotype‐Phenotype Correlations in Children With Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 3 Related to ABCB4 Mutations
Authors: Colombo Carla , Vajro Pietro , Degiorgio Dario , Coviello Domenico A , Costantino Lucy , Tornillo Luigi , Motta Valentina , Consonni Dario , Maggiore Giuseppe ,   SIGENP Study Group for Genetic Cholestasis
Published: November 2010

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of ABCB4 mutations among children with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis with elevated gamma‐glutamyl‐transpeptidase (γ‐GT) activity and to characterize the genotypes with respect to severity of symptoms, response to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, and outcome.

Patients and Methods:

Molecular analysis of ABCB4 in 133 Italian children was performed, and ABCB4 mutations were classified as disease‐causing mutations or benign substitutions according to the prediction algorithm PolyPhen.

Results:

Twenty‐eight patients were identified carrying 31 mutations (20 disease causing). Twenty patients carried 2 mutated alleles and 8 only 1. At presentation (1–204 months), 20 children were symptomatic with jaundice and/or pruritus, whereas in 8 biochemical cholestasis was a fortuitous finding. Cirrhosis developed in 15 and 6 progressed to terminal liver failure. Disease‐causing mutations on both alleles were found to be associated with reduced liver expression of ABCB4 protein, lack of response to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, and progression to cirrhosis and end‐stage liver disease, whereas mild genotypes, including single heterozygous mutations, were generally associated with less severe disease and, often, absence of symptoms.

Conclusions:

ABCB4 mutations are responsible for a chronic liver disease in more than one‐third of patients with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis and elevated γ‐GT activity. In patients with severe ABCB4 genotype, the disease is often progressive with risk of developing cirrhosis and liver failure during the first 2 decades of life. Patients with mild genotypes, including single heterozygous mutations, have variable expressions of liver disease that may be influenced by comorbidity factors and modulated by still unknown genetic modifiers.
The Composition and Origins of Genomic Variation among Individuals of the Soybean Reference Cultivar Williams 82
Authors: Haun William J. , Hyten David L. , Xu Wayne W. , Gerhardt Daniel J. , Albert Thomas J. , Richmond Todd , Jeddeloh Jeffrey A. , Jia Gaofeng , Springer Nathan M. , Vance Carroll P. , Stupar Robert M.
Published: November 2010

Soybean (Glycine max) is a self-pollinating species that has relatively low nucleotide polymorphism rates compared with other crop species. Despite the low rate of nucleotide polymorphisms, a wide range of heritable phenotypic variation exists. There is even evidence for heritable phenotypic variation among individuals within some cultivars. Williams 82, the soybean cultivar used to produce the reference genome sequence, was derived from backcrossing a Phytophthora root rot resistance locus from the donor parent Kingwa into the recurrent parent Williams. To explore the genetic basis of intracultivar variation, we investigated the nucleotide, structural, and gene content variation of different Williams 82 individuals. Williams 82 individuals exhibited variation in the number and size of introgressed Kingwa loci. In these regions of genomic heterogeneity, the reference Williams 82 genome sequence consists of a mosaic of Williams and Kingwa haplotypes. Genomic structural variation between Williams and Kingwa was maintained between the Williams 82 individuals within the regions of heterogeneity. Additionally, the regions of heterogeneity exhibited gene content differences between Williams 82 individuals. These findings show that genetic heterogeneity in Williams 82 primarily originated from the differential segregation of polymorphic chromosomal regions following the backcross and single-seed descent generations of the breeding process. We conclude that soybean haplotypes can possess a high rate of structural and gene content variation, and the impact of intracultivar genetic heterogeneity may be significant. This detailed characterization will be useful for interpreting soybean genomic data sets and highlights important considerations for research communities that are developing or utilizing a reference genome sequence.
Spontaneous immunogenicity of ribosomal P0 protein in patients with benign and malignant breast lesions and delay of mammary tumor growth in P0‐vaccinated mice
Authors: Marzocchella Laura , Sini Valentina , Buonomo Oreste , Orlandi Augusto , Masuelli Laura , Bonanno Elena , Lista Florigio , Turriziani Mario , Manzari Vittorio , Roselli Mario , Modesti Andrea , Bei Roberto
Published: November 2010

A common carboxyl‐terminal epitope (C‐22 P0) of the ribosomal P proteins (P0, P1 and P2) was shown to elicit autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in head and neck cancer patients. In this report we provide evidence for the in vivo immunogenicity of the P0 protein in breast cancer patients. Using recombinant P proteins, we demonstrated that sera from breast carcinoma patients (8/75) displayed significant reactivity to P0 protein when compared with healthy donor sera (0/45). Four out of the eight sera showed simultaneous reactivity to all P proteins. Breast benign tumor (3/17) and mammary hyperplasia (3/17) patient sera also showed significant reactivity to P proteins, thus suggesting that the occurrence of P protein autoantibodies might reveal mammary cell cycle dysregulation. Patient sera reacting with all P proteins recognized C‐22 P0. Anti‐P0 autoantibodies did not correlate with prognostic parameters of breast carcinomas. High level expression of C‐22 P0 was found in mammary carcinomas compared with normal adjacent epithelium and benign lesions. To determine the antitumor activity of P0 as an immunogen, BALB‐neuT transgenic mice displaying age‐related breast cancer progression were vaccinated using xenogeneic P0 at the stage of mammary atypical hyperplasia. P0 vaccination significantly delayed the onset of mouse mammary tumors that overexpressed C‐22 P0. Sera from P0 vaccinated mice recognized C‐22 P0. Evidence for immunity to the P0 protein, its overexpression in carcinomas and its peculiar surface localization on cancer cells, along with its antitumor activity as an immunogen might be relevant for the use of P0 protein in monitoring cancer progression and in planning immunotherapeutic strategies. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 509–515)
Ribosomal protein L11 mutation in zebrafish leads to haematopoietic and metabolic defects
Authors: Danilova Nadia , Sakamoto Kathleen M. , Lin Shuo
Published: November 2010

Mutations in ribosomal proteins are associated with a congenital syndrome, Diamond–Blackfan anaemia (DBA), manifested by red blood cell aplasia, developmental abnormalities and increased risk of malignancy. Recent studies suggest the involvement of p53 activation in DBA. However, which pathways are involved and how they contribute to the DBA phenotype remains unknown. Here we show that a zebrafish mutant for the rpl11 gene had defects both in the development of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and maintenance of erythroid cells. The molecular signature of the mutant included upregulation of p53 target genes and global changes in metabolism. The changes in several pathways may affect haematopoiesis including upregulation of pro‐apoptotic and cell cycle arrest genes, suppression of glycolysis, downregulation of biosynthesis and dysregulation of cytoskeleton. Each of these pathways has been individually implicated in haematological diseases. Inhibition of p53 partially rescued haematopoiesis in the mutant. Altogether, we propose that the unique phenotype of DBA is a sum of several abnormally regulated molecular pathways, mediated by the p53 protein family and p53‐independent, which have synergistic impact on haematological and other cellular pathways affected in DBA. Our results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of DBA and point to the potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
The geoheritage significance of crystals
Authors: Brocx M. , Semeniuk V.
Published: November 2010

Crystals are very common and, aside from regions of its molten interior, the Earth can be considered to be a crystalline planet with many types of crystals, expressed as thousands of mineral varieties, occurring in diverse environments. Some of these crystals (and minerals) are of geoheritage significance because of their size, composition, shape, zoning, reaction rims, mineral inclusions, fluid and gas inclusions, twinning, dislocations, exsolution, the unusual occurrence or rarity of a crystal attribute, and their form of aggregation, such as desert roses, or druses. If macroscale geological features are assessed as important in unravelling Earth history, and afforded geoheritage significance, then importance should also be given to crystals where similar principles and patterns are present. Some notable crystals of geoheritage significance are the giant gypsum in Mexico and in Spain, the zircon crystals of Jack Hills (the oldest crystals on Earth), the large well‐formed pyrite in Spain, snowball garnets from various locations, and Iceland spar from its type locality.
Independent effects of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and structural connectivity on the distribution of two arboreal rodents
Authors: Mortelliti Alessio , Amori Giovanni , Capizzi Dario , Cervone Cristina , Fagiani Stefano , Pollini Barbara , Boitani Luigi
Published: November 2010

1. Habitat loss must be distinguished from habitat fragmentation so that appropriate conservation management can be applied. Few studies have evaluated the independent effects of habitat loss and habitat fragmentation on the distribution of vertebrates, and none has evaluated the independent effect of changes in structural connectivity. We carried out a landscape‐scale experiment to assess the independent contribution of these three processes and to examine what landscape scale factors affect the distribution of two forest‐dependent arboreal rodents: the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius and the red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris.

2. Habitat loss, rather than habitat fragmentation per se, was the major driver of distribution patterns for both species. As predicted, structural connectivity (hedgerow networks) played an important role in determining the distribution of the hazel dormouse, but not of the red squirrel.

3. Our models predict that long lengths of hedgerows (>30 km) are unlikely to increase the probability of occurrence of hazel dormouse in landscapes where there are low levels of forest cover (<5%–10%).

4. Synthesis and applications. Our empirical findings indicate that structural connectivity and habitat loss may have additive effects on vertebrate distribution. For the hazel dormouse, improving structural connectivity will be ineffective if the amount of forest cover in the landscape is less than 5–10%. The key message from this study is that resources should not be invested in landscape linkages until their efficacy for the given level of suitable habitat has been assessed.
Professionals and the public: power or partnership in health research?
Authors: Robinson Lisa , Newton Julia , Dawson Pam
Published: November 2010

Rationale, aims and objectives Involving members of the public in health research is said to produce higher quality research of greater clinical relevance. However, many of the anecdotal accounts of public involvement published in the academic literature to date have focused on the process of recruiting and involving members of the public and the effect of participation on these individuals rather than on how public involvement influenced the research process or outcomes. To strengthen the evidence base, there is clearly a need for more formal methods of capturing and documenting the impact of public involvement in health research.

Methods In the first half of this paper, we discuss the importance of public involvement in health research and critically review the literature to identify current barriers to its successful implementation. In the second half, we present a conceptual model for evaluating and reporting the impact of public involvement in health research. Developed from our examination of the academic literature, we provide empirical support for the model by applying it to our recent experience of conducting a clinically based falls prevention study with members of the public.

Results The conceptual model presented in this paper proposes key concepts and terminology that promote consistency when evaluating and reporting the impact of public involvement in health research. Reflecting on the experiential learning process, we demonstrate how the model promotes conceptual clarity whilst permitting the degree of flexibility required when working in a diverse culture such as the National Health Service.

Conclusion If more evidence can be provided that public involvement enhances research processes and outcomes, researchers may be less inclined to treat this initiative as something they have to do in order to satisfy funding agencies and regulatory bodies and actively embrace this phenomenon, producing accounts of successful public involvement that transcend current barriers to its successful implementation.
Managing peripheral venous catheters: an investigation on the efficacy of a strategy for the implementation of evidence‐based guidelines
Authors: Frigerio Simona , Di Giulio Paola , Gregori Dario , Gavetti Dario , Ballali Simonetta , Bagnato Silvia , Guidi Gabriella , Foltran Francesca , Renga Giovanni
Published: November 2010

Rationale, aims and objectives  Until now, the evaluation of the effectiveness of guideline implementation in nursing and allied health professions has received relatively little attention. The aims of this study were (i) to describe the development process of guidelines concerning the management of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) implemented in an Italian hospital; and (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of guideline dissemination in terms of both clinical outcomes (signs of infection) and process outcomes (measures of appropriateness of PVC management).

Methods  An observational study was conducted before and after the adoption of a new protocol in the CTO‐CRF‐Maria Adelaide Hospital. Data from 306 PVCs (153 before and 153 after) were collected. For each PVC, a wide range of outcome measures was collected, including: data on fixation system type of dressing; visibility of the insertion site; registration of the insertion date; duration of catheter insertion; presence of connectors, taps and needles; and signs of infection. The effect of guideline implementation was evaluated using a logistic regression model to adjust for the confounding variable represented by the nurses' average years of working experience.

Results  The risk of using inappropriate dressing was significantly reduced [odds ratio (OR) 0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27–0.70], while the use of transparent dressing increased (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.46–3.89).

Conclusion  Our study shows significant improvement in practices relevant to the correct management of PVCs 2 months after guideline implementation. A second survey (after a minimum of 6 months) is necessary to assess persistence of improvement in clinical practices.
GP group profiles and involvement in mental health care
Authors: Fleury Marie‐Josée , Bamvita Jean‐Marie , Farand Lambert , Aubé Denise , Fournier Louise , Lesage Alain
Published: November 2010

Rationale and objectives  Mental health is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Its impact in terms of cost and loss of productivity is considerable. Improving the efficiency of mental health care system has thus been a high priority for decision makers. In the context of current reforms that privilege the reinforcement of primary mental health care and integration of services, this article brings new lights on the role of general practitioners (GPs) in managing mental health, and shared‐care initiatives developed to deal with more complex cases. The study presents a typology of GPs providing mental health care, by identifying clusters of GP profiles associated with the management of patients with common or serious mental disorders (CMD or SMD).

Methods  GPs in Quebec (n = 398) were surveyed on their practice, and socio‐demographic data were collected.

Results  Cluster analysis generated five GP profiles, including three that were closely tied to mental health care (labelled, respectively: group practice GPs, traditional pro‐active GPs and collaborative‐minded GPs), and two not very implicated in mental health (named: diversified and low‐implicated GPs, and money‐making GPs).

Conclusion  The study confirmed the central role played by GPs in the treatment of patients with CMD and their relative lack of involvement in the care of patients with SMD. Study results support current efforts to strengthen collaboration among primary care providers and mental health specialists, reinforce GP training, and favour multi‐modal clinical and collaborative strategies in mental health care.
Measuring the range of services clinicians are responsible for in ambulatory practice
Authors: Semel Marcus E. , Bader Angela M. , Marston Amy , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Marshall Richard E. , Gawande Atul A.
Published: November 2010

Rationale, aims and objectives  At present, the range of services delivered in a health system is not known. Currently there are no accepted methods for defining the scope of ambulatory care. Therefore we used data from the electronic medical record and billing system of a large non‐profit multi‐specialty group practice to measure the number of different diagnoses that clinicians managed as well as the number of different medications, laboratory tests, imaging studies, referrals and procedures ordered.

Methods  All patient encounters and clinicians in the group practice in 2008 were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Data were analysed cumulatively for the practice and by specialty. Quantile regression models were used to adjust for differences in full‐time equivalents (FTE) among physicians at the practice.

Results  In one year for this practice, with 324 229 patients who made 3 193 917 office visits to 578 physicians and 248 other clinicians, patients presented with 5638 primary and 6411 secondary diagnoses. Overall, patient management resulted in unique orders for 9481 medications, 1182 laboratory tests, 613 referrals, 284 imaging studies and 1701 procedures. After adjusting for FTE, physicians managed a median of 249 primary diagnoses and 347 secondary diagnoses. They ordered a median of 278 medications, 128 laboratory tests, 51 referrals, 29 imaging studies and 39 procedures.

Conclusion  Physicians routinely manage a substantial variety of diagnoses, medications, and other tests and procedures. Quality improvement and health services researchers have generally focused on individual services but also must consider the wide variety and range of services delivered.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: diagnostics and screening
Authors: Patel Madhvi , Shariff Mohamed I.F. , Ladep Nimzing G. , Thillainayagam Andrew V. , Thomas Howard C. , Khan Shahid A. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D.
Published: November 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary hepatic malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Incidence remains highest in the developing world and is steadily increasing across the developed world. The majority of HCC occurs on a background of cirrhosis, principally caused by two major risk factors, chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection. Current diagnostic modalities, of ultrasound and α‐fetoprotein, are expensive and lack sensitivity in tumour detection. Early diagnosis is integral to improved survival rates and there have been recent advances in technology that have enabled early identification of the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. This review outlines the epidemiological trends and risk factors for HCC; diagnostic techniques and current guidelines for screening and surveillance; and newer methods of screening.
Neuropathological changes correlate temporally but not spatially with selected neuromodulatory responses in natural scrapie
Authors: Sisó S. , González L. , Blanco R. , Chianini F. , Reid H. W. , Jeffrey M. , Ferrer I.
Published: November 2010

S. Sisó, L. González, R. Blanco, F. Chianini, H. W. Reid, M. Jeffrey and I. Ferrer (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 484–499

Neuropathological changes correlate temporally but not spatially with selected neuromodulatory responses in natural scrapie

Aim: Neuropathological changes classically associated with sheep scrapie do not always correlate with clinical disease. We aimed to determine if selected neuromodulatory responses were altered during the course of the infection as it has been described in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Methods: Hemi‐brains from healthy sheep and natural scrapie cases at two stages of infection were examined for biochemical alterations related to the expression of type I metabotropic glutamatergic receptors (mGluR1) and type I adenosine receptors I (A1R), and of selected downstream intermediate signalling targets. Immunohistochemistry for different scrapie‐related neuropathological changes was performed in the contralateral hemi‐brains. Results: PrPd deposition, spongiform change, astrocytosis and parvalbumin expression were significantly altered in brains from clinically affected sheep compared with preclinical cases and negative controls; the latter also showed significantly higher immunoreactivity for synaptophysin than clinical cases. Between clinically affected and healthy sheep, no differences were found in the protein levels of mGluR1, while phospholipase Cβ1 expression in terminally ill sheep was increased in some brain areas but decreased in others. Adenyl cyclase 1 and A1R levels were significantly lower in various brain areas of affected sheep. No abnormal biochemical expression levels of these markers were found in preclinically infected sheep. Conclusions: These findings point towards an involvement of mGluR1 and A1R downstream pathways in natural scrapie. While classical prion disease lesions and neuromodulatory responses converge in some affected regions, they do not do so in others suggesting that there are independent regulatory factors for distinct degenerative and neuroprotective responses.
Weed seed predation in a phenologically late crop
Authors: WESTERMAN P R , LUIJENDIJK C D , WEVERS J D A , VAN DER WERF W
Published: November 2010

Westerman PR, Luijendijk CD, Wevers JDA & Van DerWerf W (2011). Weed seed predation in a phenologically late crop. Weed Research51, 157–164.

Seed predation of weed seeds in crops depends on the seasonal overlap between seed availability and the activity period of the predators. Published data show that the activity period of seed predators is directly related to canopy cover. In phenologically early crops, such as cereals, maturation of leaves results in a decreasing cover prior to weed seed shed, resulting in lower seed losses than maximally possible. We hypothesised that there would be better temporal overlap in sugar beet, a phenologically late crop. The pattern of predation of Chenopodium album L. seeds was consistent over fields and years, low in July and August and gradually increasing until harvest in September/November. The patterns of seed production and shed, measured using seed traps, differed among weed species. The proportion of annual seed losses by predators calculated from these measurements ranged from 0.26 to 0.83, depending on the duration of seed exposure on the soil surface. As expected, sugar beet had better temporal overlap between predator activity and weed seed production, which may cause higher seed losses than previously reported for any other annual crop.
The Effect of Time of Insemination With Fresh Cooled Transported Semen and Natural Mating Relative to Ovulation on Pregnancy and Embryo Loss Rates in the Mare
Authors: Newcombe JR , Cuervo‐Arango J
Published: November 2010

Contents

One hundred and fifty‐four mares were inseminated with fresh semen either during the pre‐ or post‐ovulatory periods at different intervals relative to ovulation: 36–24 h (n = 17) and 24–0 h (n = 30) before ovulation; 0–8 h (n = 21), 8–16 h (n = 24), 16–24 h (n = 48) and 24–32 h (n = 14) h after ovulation. All mares received the same routine post‐mating treatment consisting of an intrauterine infusion with 1 litre of saline and antibiotics followed 8 h later by an intravenous administration of oxytocin. Artificial inseminations (AI) from 36 h before ovulation up to 16 h post‐ovulation were performed with transported cooled semen. While there was no data available for inseminations later than 16 h, data from natural mating after 16 h post‐ovulation were included. Pregnancy rate (PR) of mares inseminated 36–24 h (29.4%) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than mares inseminated 24–0 h before ovulation (60%), 0–8 h (66.7%) and 8–16 h (70.1%) post‐ovulation. Embryo loss rate (ELR) was highest in mares mated 24–32 h after ovulation (75%). PR of mares mated 16–24 h post‐ovulation (54.1%) did not differ significantly from any other group (p > 0.05); however, the ELR did increased markedly (34.6%) compared with inseminations before 16 h post‐ovulation (<12%). At ≥30 days post‐ovulation, PR of mares mated 16–24 h after ovulation (35.4%) was significantly lower than mares mated 0–16 h after ovulation (62%). Good PR with acceptable ELR can result from inseminations within 16 h of ovulation, at least with this specific post‐mating routine treatment.
Is Gippsland environmentally iodine deficient? Water iodine concentrations in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Rahman Ashequr , Deacon Nicholas , Panther Barbara , Chesters Janice , Savige Gayle
Published: November 2010

Objective:  This paper provides evidence of environmental iodine deficiency in the Gippsland region.

Design:  Quantitative study; water samples were collected from 18 water treatment plants and four rain water tanks across Gippsland and water iodine concentrations were measured.

Setting:  Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia.

Main outcome measures:  This paper reports on the iodine concentration of drinking water from sources across Gippsland and examines the contribution of iodine from water to the Gippsland diet. This study also briefly examines the relationship between the concentration of iodine in water and distance from the sea. The cut‐off value for water iodine concentrations considered to be indicative of environmental iodine deficiency is <2 µg L−1.

Results:  The mean iodine concentration of water from 18 Gippsland water treatment plants was 0.38 µg L−1 and would therefore make negligible difference to the dietary intake of iodine. This finding also falls well below the suggested dietary intake of iodine from water estimated by the 22nd Australian Total Diet Study. Our study found no linear relationship between the water iodine concentration and distance from the sea.

Conclusion:  As Gippsland has environmental iodine deficiency there is a greater probability that people living in this region are at higher risk of dietary iodine deficiency than those living in environmentally iodine sufficient regions. Populations living in areas known to have environmental iodine deficiency should be monitored regularly to ensure that problems of iodine deficiency, especially amongst the most vulnerable, are addressed promptly.
Levels of occupational stress in the remote area nursing workforce
Authors: Opie Tessa , Dollard Maureen , Lenthall Sue , Wakerman John , Dunn Sandra , Knight Sabina , MacLeod Martha
Published: November 2010

Objective:  To identify key workplace demands and resources for nurses working in very remote Australia and measure levels of occupational stress in this population.

Methods:  The study used a cross‐sectional design, utilising a structured questionnaire.

Setting:  Health centres in very remote Australia.

Results:  Nurses working in very remote Australia experience significantly higher levels of psychological distress and emotional exhaustion, compared with other professional populations. Paradoxically, results also highlight higher than average levels of work engagement. Nurses working in very remote regions in Australia further report moderate levels of job satisfaction. Most significant job demands identified were emotional demands, staffing issues, workload, responsibilities and expectations, and social issues. Key job resources included supervision, opportunities for professional development, and skill development and application.

Conclusion:  In a context of high stress, high levels of work engagement and moderate levels of job satisfaction do not obviate high workforce turnover for this population. There is a need to reduce job demands and increase job resources in order to foster long‐term work engagement and reduced emotional exhaustion. This might subsequently decrease remote area nursing workforce turnover.
The prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis combined with emphysema in patients with lung cancer
Authors: USUI Kazuhiro , TANAI Chiharu , TANAKA Yoshiaki , NODA Hiromichi , ISHIHARA Teruo
Published: November 2010

Background and objective:  Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a unique disorder of the upper lobe, whereas emphysema is usually associated with lower lobe fibrosis. Although CPFE might increase the risk of lung cancer, the prevalence of CPFE in patients with lung cancer and the incidence of lung cancer in patients with CPFE are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of CPFE in lung cancer patients and to assess the clinical features of these patients.

Methods:  A total of 1143 patients with lung cancer were reviewed. Based on HRCT performed at diagnosis of lung cancer, patients were categorized into four groups: normal, emphysema, fibrosis and CPFE. The clinical characteristics of patients with CPFE were compared with those of the other groups.

Results:  CPFE, emphysema and fibrosis were identified in 101 (8.9%), 404 (35.3%) and 15 (1.3%) patients with lung cancer, respectively. The median overall survival of CPFE patients (n = 101, 10.8 months) was significantly less than that of normal patients (n = 623, 53.0 months) or that of patients with emphysema alone (n = 404, 21.9 months). Acute lung injury occurred in 20 (19.8%) patients with CPFE.

Conclusions:  CPFE is more prevalent than fibrosis in patients with lung cancer, and patients with CPFE had a poorer prognosis in the present study. Further investigation is therefore necessary to elucidate whether CPFE is an independent risk factor for lung cancer.
CONTROVERSY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTICOAGULANTS AND ANTIPLATELET AGENTS FOR SCHEDULED ENDOSCOPY
Authors: Ono Satoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kodashima Shinya , Minatsuki Chihiro , Hirano Kosuke , Niimi Keiko , Goto Osamu , Yamamichi Nobutake , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: November 2010

Guidelines on the management of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents for endoscopy were established by Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) in 2005. However, the permeation of the JGES guideline is reported to possibly be low. One of the important causes of this problem is the confusing situation of gaps between the guidelines of various societies. Additionally, our ongoing investigation has revealed another important cause, which is the current daily clinical practice that cessation periods before endoscopy were determined by non‐gastroenterological specialists who might be unfamiliar with the JGES guidelines. Considering the low permeation of the guidelines for non‐gastroenterological specialists prescribing these agents, we propose that close coordination between various specialists is mandatory to fill the gap between endoscopists and non‐gastroenterological specialists.
Interdependence between Overseas and Domestic R&D Activities: Evidence from Taiwanese Multinationals
Authors: Chuang Wen‐Bin , Lin Hui‐lin
Published: November 2010

The purpose of the present paper is to examine the interdependence between the overseas and domestic R&D activities of Taiwanese multinational enterprises (MNEs). Because domestic (overseas) R&D activities may enter the overseas (domestic) R&D determination equation as an endogenous right‐hand side variable, the traditional estimation approach will be invalid due to the endogeneity problem. Therefore, it is proposed that the two R&D decisions be estimated using a simultaneous Tobit model. The results in this paper indicate that Taiwanese MNEs that engage in higher levels of domestic R&D activities will engage in overseas R&D activities. Interestingly, it is also found that Taiwanese MNEs increase their overseas R&D activities in developed countries instead of their domestic R&D activities, whereas Taiwanese MNEs that engage in overseas R&D activities in less‐developed countries will raise their domestic R&D activities. As for the other common determinants of the overseas and domestic R&D activities, firm size and the capital–labor ratio are found to be the main factors.
Heterogeneity of FDI Export Spillovers and Its Policy Implications: The Experience of China
Authors: Sun Sizhong
Published: November 2010

This paper explores the magnitude and heterogeneity of foreign direct investment (FDI) export spillovers in China. Using a Heckman sample selection model estimated over a rich firm‐level dataset in China's manufacturing sector from 2000 to 2003, we find that FDI exerts significant impacts on the exporting behavior of domestic firms, and such impacts are heterogeneous in that some firms receive positive impacts while others receive negative impacts. The heterogeneity of FDI spillovers has significant policy implications as it indicates that government policies need to be more specific and targeted in order for the benefits of FDI to be reaped.
Poverty and Inequality Maps in Rural Vietnam: An Application of Small Area Estimation
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Viet , Truong Tran Ngoc , van der Weide Roy
Published: November 2010

The objective of the present paper is to estimate poverty and inequality for rural Vietnam at different levels of aggregation by combining the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey from 2006 and the Rural Agriculture and Fishery Census from the same year. Using the small area estimation method, estimates at the regional, provincial and district level are produced, and both expenditure and income based measures are considered. It is found that all provinces across the country have experienced a noticeable reduction in rural poverty during the period 1999–2006. Some of the largest reductions in poverty are observed for provinces with poverty rates close to the national average. The poorest provinces are experiencing reductions in poverty, albeit at a more modest pace. Provinces and districts with a larger poverty reduction in the period 1999–2006 tended to have a lower level of inequality in 2006. Results based on expenditure poverty estimates are found to be very similar to those based on income poverty estimates.