bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waders in winter: long-term changes of migratory bird assemblages facing climate change
Authors: Godet Laurent , Jaffré Mikaël , Devictor Vincent
Published: March 2011

Effects of climate change on species occupying distinct areas during their life cycle are still unclear. Moreover, although effects of climate change have widely been studied at the species level, less is known about community responses. Here, we test whether and how the composition of wader (Charadrii) assemblages, breeding in high latitude and wintering from Europe to Africa, is affected by climate change over 33 years. We calculated the temporal trend in the community temperature index (CTI), which measures the balance between cold and hot dwellers present in species assemblages. We found a steep increase in the CTI, which reflects a profound change in assemblage composition in response to recent climate change. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first evidence of a strong community response of migratory species to climate change in their wintering areas.
To be or not to be convergent in salicin-based defence in chrysomeline leaf beetle larvae: evidence from
Phratora vitellinae
salicyl alcohol oxidase
Authors: Kirsch Roy , Vogel Heiko , Muck Alexander , Vilcinskas Andreas , Pasteels Jacques M. , Boland Wilhelm
Published: March 2011

Glandular chemical defence relying on the action of salicylaldehyde is characteristic for
Chrysomela
leaf beetle larvae. The salicylaldehyde precursor salicin, sequestered from salicaceous host plants, is deglucosylated and the aglycon further oxidized by a salicyl alcohol oxidase (SAO) to the respective aldehyde. SAOs, key enzymes in salicin-based glandular chemical defence, were previously identified and shown to be of a single evolutionary origin in
Chrysomela
species. We here identified and characterized SAO of
Phratora vitellinae
, the only species outside the genus
Chrysomela
that produce salicylaldehyde as a defensive compound. Although
Chrysomela
and
Phratora
are not closest relatives, their SAOs share glucose–methanol–choline oxidoreductase (GMC) affiliation, a specific GMC
i
subfamily ancestor, glandular tissue-specific expression and almost identical gene architectures. Together, this strongly supports a single origin of SAOs of both
Chrysomela
and
Phratora
. Closely related species of
Chrysomela
and
P. vitellinae
use iridoids as defensive compounds, which are like salicylaldehyde synthesized by the consecutive action of glucosidase and oxidase. However, we elucidated SAO-like sequences but no SAO proteins in the glandular secretion of iridoid producers. These findings support a different evolutionary history of SAO, related genes and other oxidases involved in chemical defence in the glandular system of salicylaldehyde and iridoid-producing leaf beetle larvae.
Detecting shifts in diversity limits from molecular phylogenies: what can we know?
Authors: McInnes Lynsey , Orme C. David L. , Purvis A.
Published: March 2011

Large complete species-level molecular phylogenies can provide the most direct information about the macroevolutionary history of clades having poor fossil records. However, extinction will ultimately erode evidence of pulses of rapid speciation in the deep past. Assessment of how well, and for how long, phylogenies retain the signature of such pulses has hitherto been based on a—probably untenable—model of ongoing diversity-independent diversification. Here, we develop two new tests for changes in diversification ‘rules’ and evaluate their power to detect sudden increases in equilibrium diversity in clades simulated with diversity-dependent speciation and extinction rates. Pulses of diversification are only detected easily if they occurred recently and if the rate of species turnover at equilibrium is low; rates reported for fossil mammals suggest that the power to detect a doubling of species diversity falls to 50 per cent after less than 50 Myr even with a perfect phylogeny of extant species. Extinction does eventually draw a veil over past dynamics, suggesting that some questions are beyond the limits of inference, but sudden clade-wide pulses of speciation can be detected after many millions of years, even when overall diversity is constrained. Applying our methods to existing phylogenies of mammals and angiosperms identifies intervals of elevated diversification in each.
Phylogeographic analysis reveals a deep lineage split within North Atlantic
Littorina saxatilis
Authors: Doellman Meredith M. , Trussell Geoffrey C. , Grahame John W. , Vollmer Steve V.
Published: March 2011

Phylogeographic studies provide critical insight into the evolutionary histories of model organisms; yet, to date, range-wide data are lacking for the rough periwinkle
Littorina saxatilis
, a classic example of marine sympatric speciation. Here, we use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data to demonstrate that
L. saxatilis
is not monophyletic for this marker, but is composed of two distinct mtDNA lineages (I and II) that are shared with sister species
Littorina arcana
and
Littorina compressa
. Bayesian coalescent dating and phylogeographic patterns indicate that both
L. saxatilis
lineages originated in the eastern North Atlantic, around the British Isles, at approximately 0.64 Ma. Both lineages are now distributed broadly across the eastern, central and western North Atlantic, and show strong phylogeographic structure among regions. The Iberian Peninsula is genetically distinct, suggesting prolonged isolation from northeastern North Atlantic populations. Western North Atlantic populations of
L. saxatilis
lineages I and II predate the last glacial maximum and have been isolated from eastern North Atlantic populations since that time. This identification of two distinct, broadly distributed mtDNA lineages further complicates observed patterns of repeated incipient ecological speciation in
L. saxatilis
, because the sympatric origins of distinct ecotype pairs on eastern North Atlantic shores may be confounded by admixture of divergent lineages.
COP1-Mediated Degradation of BBX22/LZF1 Optimizes Seedling Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chang Chiung-Swey Joanne , Maloof Julin N. , Wu Shu-Hsing
Published: March 2011

Light regulates multiple aspects of growth and development in plants. Transcriptomic changes govern the expression of signaling molecules with the perception of light. Also, the 26S proteasome regulates the accumulation of positive and negative regulators for optimal growth of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) in the dark, light, or light/dark cycles. BBX22, whose induction is both light regulated and HY5 dependent, is a positive regulator of deetiolation in Arabidopsis. We found that during skotomorphogenesis, the expression of BBX22 needs to be tightly regulated at both transcriptional and posttranslational levels. During photomorphogenesis, the expression of BBX22 transiently accumulates to execute its roles as a positive regulator. BBX22 protein accumulates to a higher level under short-day conditions and functions to inhibit hypocotyl elongation. The proteasome-dependent degradation of BBX22 protein is tightly controlled even in plants overexpressing BBX22. An analysis of BBX22 degradation kinetics shows that the protein has a short half-life under both dark and light conditions. COP1 mediates the degradation of BBX22 in the dark. Although dispensable in the dark, HY5 contributes to the degradation of BBX22 in the light. The constitutive photomorphogenic development of the cop1 mutant is enhanced in cop1BBX22ox plants, which show a short hypocotyl, high anthocyanin accumulation, and expression of light-responsive genes. Exaggerated light responsiveness is also observed in cop1BBX22ox seedlings grown under short-day conditions. Therefore, the proper accumulation of BBX22 is crucial for plants to maintain optimal growth when grown in the dark as well as to respond to seasonal changes in daylength.
Prevalence of dermatological disorders in Japan: A nationwide, cross‐sectional, seasonal, multicenter, hospital‐based study
Authors: FURUE Masutaka , YAMAZAKI Souji , JIMBOW Koichi , TSUCHIDA Tetsuya , AMAGAI Masayuki , TANAKA Toshihiro , MATSUNAGA Kayoko , MUTO Masahiko , MORITA Eishin , AKIYAMA Masashi , SOMA Yoshinao , TERUI Tadashi , MANABE Motomu
Published: March 2011

To clarify the prevalence of skin disorders among dermatology patients in Japan, a nationwide, cross‐sectional, seasonal, multicenter study was conducted in 69 university hospitals, 45 district‐based pivotal hospitals, and 56 private clinics (170 clinics in total). In each clinic, information was collected on the diagnosis, age, and gender of all outpatients and inpatients who visited the clinic on any one day of the second week in each of May, August, and November 2007 and February 2008. Among 67 448 cases, the top twenty skin disorders were, in descending order of incidence, miscellaneous eczema, atopic dermatitis, tinea pedis, urticaria/angioedema, tinea unguium, viral warts, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, hand eczema, miscellaneous benign skin tumors, alopecia areata, herpes zoster/postherpetic neuralgia, skin ulcers (nondiabetic), prurigo, epidermal cysts, vitiligo vulgaris, seborrheic keratosis, and drug eruption/toxicoderma. Atopic dermatitis, impetigo, molluscum, warts, acne, and miscellaneous eczema shared their top‐ranking position in the pediatric population, whereas the most common disorders among the geriatric population were tinea pedis, tinea unguium, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and miscellaneous eczema. For some disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, urticaria/angioedema, prurigo, insect bites, and tinea pedis, the number of patients correlated with the average high and low monthly temperatures. Males showed a greater susceptibility to some diseases (psoriasis, erythroderma, diabetic dermatoses, inter alia), whereas females were more susceptible to others (erythema nodosum, collagen diseases, livedo reticularis/racemosa, hand eczema, inter alia). In conclusion, this hospital‐based study highlights the present situation regarding dermatological patients in the early 21st century in Japan.
Factors influencing health‐related quality of life of thalassaemic Jordanian children
Authors: Gharaibeh H. F. , Gharaibeh M. K.
Published: March 2011

Purpose  To assess the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of Jordanian children with thalassaemia, identify differences in HRQoL according to socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics of participants, and identify factors influencing HRQoL of thalassaemic children in Jordan.

Methods  The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and socio‐demographic and clinical data forms were used to collect data from a convenience sample of 128 thalassaemic children and 83 healthy children between the ages of 8 to 18 years. Thalassaemic children were recruited from two thalassaemia units during their blood transfusion and treatment visits. Healthy children were recruited from four public schools.

Results  Thalassaemic children had significantly lower HRQoL mean scores in all dimensions compared with their healthy counterparts. The lowest mean scores for thalassaemic children were reported for the school functioning and the physical functioning domains (46.71 ± 21.14 and 54.19 ± 15.10), respectively. Regression analysis showed that disease complications and family history of thalassaemia explained 8.5% of the variance in the total HRQoL.

Conclusion  This study highlights the negative impact of thalassaemia on the quality of life of children, especially in terms of physical well‐being and school achievement. Healthcare providers, counsellors and school teachers have very important roles in helping these children to overcome these problems and enhance their quality of life.
Induction of latency‐associated peptide (transforming growth factor‐β1) expression on CD4+ T cells reduces Toll‐like receptor 4 ligand‐induced tumour necrosis factor‐α production in a transforming growth factor‐β‐dependent manner
Authors: Boswell Sandra , Sharif Shayan , Alisa Akeel , Pereira Stephen P. , Williams Roger , Behboudi Shahriar
Published: March 2011

CD4+ T cells expressing the latent form of transforming growth factor‐β [latency‐associated peptide (LAP) (TGF‐β1)] play an important role in the modulation of immune responses. Here, we identified a novel peptide ligand (GPC81–95) with an intrinsic ability to induce membrane‐bound LAP (TGF‐β1) expression on a subpopulation of human CD4+ T cells (using flow cytometry; ranging from 0·8% to 2·6%) and stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells to release LAP (TGF‐β1) (using ELISPOT assay; ranging from 0·03% to 0·16%). In spite of this low percentage of responding cells, GPC81–95 significantly reduced Toll‐like receptor 4 ligand‐induced tumour necrosis factor‐α production in a TGF‐β1‐ and CD4+ T‐cell‐dependent manner. The results demonstrate that GPC81–95 is a useful tool to study the functional properties of a subpopulation of LAP (TGF‐β1)+ CD4+ T cells and suggest a pathway that can be exploited to suppress inflammatory response.
The expression of ADAM23 and its correlation with promoter methylation in non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Hu Chunyan , Lv Hui , Pan Guoqing , Cao Huiqiu , Deng Zhenghao , Hu Chuanyu , Wen Jifang , Zhou Jianhua
Published: March 2011

ADAM23, a member of a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family, has been reported to be expressed in several types of tumours. The exact role of ADAM23 and the possible mechanisms in which it is involved in non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) remains unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the expression of ADAM23 and its correlation with promoter methylation in NSCLC. Immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR together with Western blotting methods were used to analyse the expression of ADAM23 in 52 cancer tissue samples and eight benign pulmonary lesions as well as four cell lines. The methylated status of ADAM23 gene was determined with methylation‐specific PCR (MSP). The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of ADAM23 protein was lower in NSCLC than that in corresponding normal tissues and benign pulmonary lesions (38.5%vs. 86.5% and 87.5%, P < 0.05), and decreased as NSCLC progressed. Meanwhile, methylation of ADAM23 gene was observed in 21 of 52 NSCLC tissues (40.4%), much higher than that of adjacent normal tissues (7.6%) and benign pulmonary lesions (0/8). In the cancer tissues of ADAM23‐negative samples, the rate of ADAM23 gene methylation was 50.3% (17/32). ADAM23 expression and its promoter methylation were negatively associated (r = −0.328, P = 0.017). Moreover, weak expression of ADAM23 in methylated cancer cells increased after treatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza‐2′‐dC), confirming that methylation was responsible for the gene downregulation. Our results demonstrate that the expression level of ADAM23 is likely to be involved in the progression of NSCLC and its downregulation is probably correlated with promoter methylation. These findings may provide potential diagnostic and prognostic information about NSCLC.
Bound water: its definition, estimation and characteristics
Authors: Caurie Matthew
Published: March 2011

Parameters of Caurie’s [International Journal of Food Science and Technology40 (2005) 283] unimolecular adsorption equation have been used to calculate total bound water to equal the square of the primary water capacity or m02 grams. Current freezing methods predict bound water up to nm0 grams which leaves a fraction of the total bound water with limited freezing properties unaccounted for. From these studies three types of bound water have been identified at room temperature along a decreasing energy gradient. It has been shown that the stability of processed and blended foods will improve with formula modifications consistent with expansion of type II bound water molecules and processed foods will be more stable the smaller the fractional ratio of type III to type II bound water molecules.
A finer screening of wheat cultivars based on comparison of the baking potential of whole‐grain flour and white flour
Authors: Gélinas Pierre , McKinnon Carole
Published: March 2011

Between 2007 and 2009, 160 wheat samples were harvested at four growing locations in Quebec (Eastern Canada) and evaluated individually for their performance in whole‐grain bread (all grain fractions) and white bread prepared with a long‐fermentation process (3 h). Combination of results from both baking tests allowed the most complete evaluation of the gas retention capacity of wheat samples. Compared to cultivar and crop year, growing location had a minor effect on the overall bread making potential of wheat samples. In whole‐grain bread, the four winter wheat lines had a poorer performance than the twenty‐one spring wheat cultivars. Little correlation was seen between dough mixing stability and gas retention properties. Determination of strong gluten content (dry gluten × gluten index) might be a useful screening tool for early‐generation wheat cultivars.
Effects of different filling media on the oxidation and lipid quality of canned silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
Authors: Naseri Mahmood , Rezaei Masoud , moieni Sohrab , Hosseini Hedayat , Eskandari Soheyl
Published: March 2011

The influence of four different filling media (sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil and brine) on the oxidation and lipid quality of canned silver carp was evaluated. Hydrolytic rancidity showed that free fatty acid contents in brine and soybean oil canned muscle were higher than olive oil or sunflower oil canned samples. Conjugated diene (CD) levels in soybean oil canned samples increased but the highest CD values were found in canned silver carp using brine as filling medium. Except for olive oil canned muscle, significant increase in thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values was obtained. The highest TBA value was observed in soybean oil canned sample. Canning led to exchange of fatty acids between the fat in the silver carp muscle and the filling media used. Results indicate that the fat composition of canned silver carp tends to be similar to that of the fat used as filling media.
Physico‐chemical characteristics of non‐irradiated and γ‐irradiated yams cultivars (Dioscorea rotundata, Dioscorea alata) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam)
Authors: Falade Kolawole O. , Ighravwe Ernest , Ikoyo Sylvester S.
Published: March 2011

Physico‐chemical (pasting) properties of non‐irradiated (fresh) and γ‐irradiated yam cultivars and sweet potato were determined using Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA). Generally, pasting characteristics of the commodities decreased significantly with increased γ‐irradiation dose. Non‐irradiated sweet potato showed significantly higher peak (45.79), trough (35.25), breakdown (10.54), final (75.21) and setback (39.96) viscosities (in RVU) than γ‐irradiated samples. Also, peak time (6.97 min) and pasting temperature (50.18 RVU) significantly reduced with increased γ‐irradiation dose of tubers. The pasting properties of non‐irradiated and γ‐irradiated sweet potato showed similar but clearer trend compared with yam flours. Also, non‐irradiated and γ‐irradiated Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea alata showed significantly higher values of each of the pasting characteristics than values noted in sweet potato. Aside from the TDr 03/00196, peak time did not vary significantly with γ‐irradiation dose.
Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Bidens frondosa Linn
Authors: Rahman Atiqur , Bajpai Vivek K. , Dung Nguyen Thi , Kang Sun Chul
Published: March 2011

Antibacterial and antioxidant potential of essential oil, extract and its fractions of Bidens frondosa Linn were evaluated. Sixty‐one components representing 95.41% of the total oil were identified. The essential oil (7.5 μL disc−1), methanol extract and its different organic subfractions (0.5 μg disc−1) of B. frondosa displayed a great potential of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 and KCTC 1916), Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19116, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 2004, Salmonella enteritidis KCTC 12021 and Enterobacter aerogenes KCTC 2190. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The free radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction was superior to all other fractions (IC50 = 11.96 μg mL−1), which was higher than synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole, (IC50 = 18.27 μg mL−1). Furthermore, the amount of total phenolic compounds was determined and its content in EtOAc fraction was the highest as compared to methanol extract or other fractions. The results indicate that the oil and extracts of B. frondosa could serve as an important bio‐resource of antimicrobial agents and antioxidants for using in the food industries.
Effect of enzymatic treatment on tannins and phytate in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and its nutritional study in rats
Authors: Schons Patrícia Fernanda , Ries Edi Franciele , Battestin Vania , Macedo Gabriela Alves
Published: March 2011

Sorghum is a cereal used as a food source by humans and animals. However, it presents antinutritional factors such as tannins and phytic acid, compounds that form complexes with proteins and minerals, respectively, decreasing sorghum’s digestive value. The purpose of this study was to apply tannase and phytase to sorghum and evaluate the effect on tannins and phytate level and the effect of the enzymatic treatment on Wistar rats. Tannin sorghum was treated with tannase and phytase, the effect of this treatment was measured in a study with rats, a group received a diet with raw sorghum and the other one a diet with treated sorghum. The enzymatic treatment was effective in reducing tannins and promoting the increase of inorganic phosphorus. The biological assay showed that the enzymatically treated sorghum was better than raw sorghum in the apparent digestibility of phosphorus, in the level of glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol. Treatment of the sorghum also resulted in lower activity of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in rat serum. The enzymatic treatment of sorghum could improve the nutritional value of this cereal while also decreasing environmental pollution.
Influence of olive storage period on volatile compounds and oil quality of two Tunisian cultivars of Olea europea, Chemlali and Chetoui
Authors: Youssef Ouni , Youssef Nabil Ben , Mokhtar Zarrouk , Guido Flamini
Published: March 2011

Olives (Olea europaea cv. Chemlali and Chetoui) used for oil production were stored, in plastic containers, at 5 °C for four different periods (0–3 weeks) before oil extraction. After storage, the oils were extracted from the fruits, and the acidity, peroxide value, coefficients of specific extinction at 232 and 270 nm, stability, pigments, total phenols, fatty acids, and volatile compounds were determined. The results showed that storage of fruits produced losses in the olive oil quality. During storage, a marked decrease in total phenols content was observed. The cultivar richer in phenols (862.16 mg kg−1 in Chétoui) had a lower loss (25%). On the contrary, in Chemlali olive oil, the starting value of 728.52 mg kg−1 decreased to 469.25 mg kg−1, with a loss of 35%. Chétoui and Chemlali olive oils presented the highest oxidative stability before storage (58.76 and 47.05 h, respectively), while the lowest values were recorded using olives stored for 3 weeks (54.46 and 43.43 h, respectively). The changes in the volatile bouquet were determined using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME). Thirty compounds were characterised by GC–FID and GC–MS. Compounds belonging mainly to alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones and hydrocarbons chemical classes characterised the volatile profiles.
Calpain mediates degradation of cytoskeletal proteins during Jurkat T‐cell death induced by Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: LEE Y. A. , KIM K. A. , SHIN M. H.
Published: March 2011

Entamoeba histolytica is known to induce host cell death via activation of calpain and caspases. In this study, we investigated the specific proteases involved in the degradation of cytoskeletal proteins during Jurkat T‐cell death induced by E. histolytica. Amoebic trophozoites induced marked degradation of paxillin, Cas, vimentin, vinculin and talin, as well as α‐ or β‐spectrin, in Jurkat T cells. The cleavage effects of E. histolytica were strongly retarded by pretreatment with a calpain inhibitor, but not with a pan‐caspase inhibitor. In addition, calpain knockdown with siRNA in Jurkat T cells effectively inhibited E. histolytica‐induced PARP, paxillin, α‐spectrin, β‐spectrin and talin degradation, as compared to scrambled siRNA. These results suggest that calpain plays a crucial role in the cleavage of cytoskeletal proteins during cell death induced by E. histolytica.
Association Analysis Between Variants in Bovine Progesterone Receptor Gene and Superovulation Traits in Chinese Holstein Cows
Authors: Yang WC , Tang KQ , Li SJ , Yang LG
Published: March 2011

Contents

The objective of this study was to identify a predictor to forecast superovulation response on the basis of associations between superovulation performance and gene polymorphism. The PCR‐RFLP method was applied to detect two reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of G59752C and T81637C (rs41614030) located in introns 3 and 4 of the bovine progesterone receptor (PGR) gene in 171 Chinese Holstein cows treated for superovulation and evaluate its associations with superovulation traits. In polymorphic locus 81637, all cows without superovulation response were g.81637TC and g.81637TT genotypes. Association analysis showed that these two SNPs had significant effects on the total number of ova (TNO) (p < 0.05), and the T81637C polymorphism was significantly associated with the number of transferable embryos (p < 0.05). In addition, significant additive effects (p < 0.05) on TNO were detected in the polymorphisms of G59752C and T81637C. These results showed for the first time that the G59752C and T81637C polymorphisms in PGR gene were associated with superovulation traits and indicated that PGR gene can be used as a predictor for superovulation in Chinese Holstein cows.
Time‐course effect of a single dose of hydrocortisone for refractory hypotension in preterm infants
Authors: Mizobuchi Masami , Yoshimoto Seiji , Nakao Hideto
Published: March 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine the time‐course effect of a single dose of hydrocortisone (HC) on arterial blood pressure in extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGAN) with refractory hypotension during the first 3 days of life.

Methods:  We carried out a matched case–control study of a cohort of 116 infants born between 23 and 27 weeks' gestation at a tertiary center. Twelve infants (10%) were treated with HC for refractory hypotension (HC group). HC was administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg when mean arterial pressure (MAP) was below 30 mmHg (25 mmHg for infants <25 weeks of gestational age) despite the use of inotropes and volume expanders. Changes in the MAP after the HC administration were compared with those in the infants who were not treated with HC and matched for gestational age (Control group).

Results:  The mean MAP before administration of HC was significantly lower in the HC group than that in the control group (24.0 ± 3.2 vs 33.3 ± 4.8 mmHg; P < 0.01). The mean MAP in the HC group increased significantly at 2 h after HC treatment, and then reached levels comparable to those in the Control group at 5 h (31.3 ± 4.0 vs 33.9 ± 4.7 mmHg; P= 0.18), and remained at normal levels until 12 h after HC treatment.

Conclusion:  A single dose of HC treatment induces a rapid and sustained improvement in blood pressure in ELGAN with refractory hypotension.
Nursing and midwifery education, practice, and issues in Israel
Authors: Ben Natan Merav , Ehrenfeld Mally
Published: March 2011

Nurses deliver most of Israel's healthcare services, yet its nurse per population ratio is only 5.9 per 1000, one of the lowest in the developed world. For several years, the managers of the profession have been pushing to upgrade nursing and to move it into the academic sphere. The semiskilled qualification of the practical nurse has been eliminated and training programs for registered nurses are being transformed from diploma training to academic degree programs. A midwifery license is accessible only to registered nurses who take a further 1 year of advanced training and sit the State Midwifery Licensing Examination. Most deliveries in Israel are carried out by midwives. Alongside the Western‐standard hospital system there operates both a well‐developed community nursing network and a strong mother‐and‐child clinic system. The acute shortage of nurses in Israel is now coinciding with a rising number of academic job‐seekers, which has encouraged the Ministry of Health to offer university graduates a career‐change program. Special scholarships are on offer in return for a 4 year commitment to work in nursing after completing an accelerated training curriculum (2.5 years instead of the usual 3 years), plus a starting monthly wage that is higher than the national average wage.
Depression and religiosity and/or spirituality in college: A longitudinal survey of students in the USA
Authors: Berry Devon M. , York Kate
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to conduct a longitudinal test of an explanatory model of depression, where religiosity and/or spirituality (R/S) represents a potentially protective factor in college students in the USA. A Web‐based survey was administered monthly to 214 students from religious and public colleges. At 1 month and 6 months, the measures of R/S, depression, stress, and cognitive vulnerability were administered. Between 2 and 5 months, only the measures of stress and depression were administered. The data were analyzed to test the hypothesis that R/S buffers the effect of stress on depression over time in the context of cognitive vulnerability. The results supported a direct and protective effect over time between R/S and depression, but a buffering effect on the relationship between stress and depression was not found. Although all aspects of R/S were demonstrated to protect the participants from depression, it did not appear that the relationship between R/S and stress or R/S and cognitive vulnerability explains this relationship. Nurses who are working with college students should take holistic approaches to their emotional difficulties, realizing the potentially beneficial effects of students' religiousness or spirituality.
Complementary therapies in health care
Authors: van der Riet Pamela
Published: March 2011

In the past two decades, complementary therapies have grown in popularity in Western countries. The interest in complementary therapies could be explained by a “new consciousness” and the shift to a postmodern society. These therapies, embracing holistic practice, are derived from traditions of Eastern healing. There are many advantages of the complementary therapies that are playing a therapeutic role in the health care of individuals and, through the use of such therapies, nursing is developing a richness in holistic care. However, there are still barriers to be overcome; namely, the reluctance to accept complementary therapies in many contemporary healthcare settings. Through research and education, these barriers can be overcome.
Ethnicity and lupus nephritis: an Australian single centre study
Authors: Ong C. , Nicholls K. , Becker G.
Published: March 2011

Background: The clinical impression of Australian physicians is that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is more prevalent and more severe in Asian patients than in their Caucasian counterparts. The presence and severity of lupus nephritis is a major determinant of prognosis in SLE, and largely determines disease impact.

Aim: To analyse the relationships between ethnicity and the prevalence and severity of lupus nephritis (LN) in patients attending a tertiary referral centre (The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH)).

Methods: The ethnicity of all known patients with biopsy‐proven LN was determined according to three definitions of ethnicity – ancestry, country of origin and primary language spoken. The prevalence of Asian ethnicity in the LN cohort was analysed across severity class, and was compared with the prevalences of Asian ethnicity in the general population within the hospital's geographic area, and with that in the relevant RMH cohorts of inpatients and outpatients, over the same time period.

Results: Within this single tertiary centre, Asian patients were disproportionately represented in both the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the LN patient groups, although the distribution of histological severity of LN was not significantly different from Caucasian patients.

Conclusion: This study supports the common clinical impression that SLE is more common and more severe in the Asian‐Australian population. Asian patients with SLE were more commonly diagnosed with LN. However, the spectrum of histological severity of LN was similar in Asian and Caucasian patients.
Scurvy: historically a plague of the sailor that remains a consideration in the modern intensive care unit
Authors: Holley A. D. , Osland E. , Barnes J. , Krishnan A. , Fraser J. F.
Published: March 2011

We report the case of the case of a 56 year old female with sepsis on a background of rheumatoid arthritis and steroid use manifesting with overt clinical features of scurvy. Ascorbic acid assays were able to demonstrate severe deficiency and confirm a diagnosis of scurvy. Clinical resolution of signs and symptoms following commencement of vitamin C replacement was rapid. The intensivist and dietitian need to consider this diagnosis even in the first world setting, particularly in the presence of sepsis, inflammatory conditions, steroid use and importantly malnutrition.
Oral anti‐diabetic drugs for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Phung O. J. , Sood N. A. , Sill B. E. , Coleman C. I.
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 948–964 (2011)

Aim  To determine the comparative efficacy of oral anti‐diabetic drugs in preventing the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted for randomized controlled trials evaluating oral anti‐diabetic drugs in patients at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Mixed‐treatment comparison meta‐analysis methods were used to evaluate the relative risks and risk differences of developing Type 2 diabetes, along with associated 95% credible intervals.

Results  Overall, 20 trials (n = 23 230 participants) were included. Upon mixed‐treatment comparison meta‐analysis, thiazolidinediones, alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors and biguanides significantly reduced the relative risk of developing diabetes by 64, 40 and 27%, respectively, compared with control. Sulphonylureas and glinides showed no significant effect. Moreover, thiazolidinediones significantly reduced the relative risk of diabetes by 50% compared with biguanides and trended towards a 40% risk reduction vs. alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors [relative risk 0.60 (95% credible intervals 0.34–1.02)]. None of the results were appreciably altered upon subgroup or sensitivity analyses. When evaluating risk differences compared with control, thiazolidinediones (−9%, number needed to treat = 11), alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors (−7%, number needed to treat = 14) and biguanides (−7%, number needed to treat = 14) continued to show significant benefit.

Conclusions  Of the oral anti‐diabetic drugs evaluated to prevent Type 2 diabetes, thiazolidinediones were associated with the greatest risk reduction compared with control and associated with greater risk reduction than biguanides. Alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors and biguanides performed similarly, and better than control, while sulphonylureas and glinides provided no significant benefit.
Tobacco plastidial thioredoxins as modulators of recombinant protein production in transgenic chloroplasts
Authors: Sanz‐Barrio Ruth , Millán Alicia Fernández‐San , Corral‐Martínez Patricia , Seguí‐Simarro José M. , Farran Inmaculada
Published: March 2011

Thioredoxins (Trxs) are small ubiquitous disulphide proteins widely known to enhance expression and solubility of recombinant proteins in microbial expression systems. Given the common evolutionary heritage of chloroplasts and bacteria, we attempted to analyse whether plastid Trxs could also act as modulators of recombinant protein expression in transgenic chloroplasts. For that purpose, two tobacco Trxs (m and f) with different phylogenetic origins were assessed. Using plastid transformation, we assayed two strategies: the fusion and the co‐expression of Trxs with human serum albumin (HSA), which was previously observed to form large protein bodies in tobacco chloroplasts. Our results indicate that both Trxs behave similarly as regards HSA accumulation, although they act differently when fused or co‐expressed with HSA. Trxs–HSA fusions markedly increased the final yield of HSA (up to 26% of total protein) when compared with control lines that only expressed HSA; this increase was mainly caused by higher HSA stability of the fused proteins. However, the fusion strategy failed to prevent the formation of protein bodies within chloroplasts. On the other hand, the co‐expression constructs gave rise to an absence of large protein bodies although no more soluble HSA was accumulated. In these plants, electron micrographs showed HSA and Trxs co‐localization in small protein bodies with fibrillar texture, suggesting a possible influence of Trxs on HSA solubilization. Moreover, the in vitro chaperone activity of Trx m and f was demonstrated, which supports the hypothesis of a direct relationship between Trx presence and HSA aggregates solubilization in plants co‐expressing both proteins.
Consecutive Successes: A Recursive Approach
Authors: Burch Jared
Published: March 2011

This article illustrates the importance of one's initial thoughts in problem solving through an entertaining example.
Cheating Partners, Conditional Probability and Contingency Tables
Authors: Watson Jane M.
Published: March 2011

Developing statistical literacy for older school students includes recognizing and interpreting conditional statements in the media. Data on couples' success in predicting whether their partners have cheated provides a motivating context for teachers to lead their students through this process.
Using Pictures to Enhance Students' Understanding of Bayes' Theorem
Authors: Trafimow David
Published: March 2011

Students often have difficulty understanding algebraic proofs of statistics theorems. However, it sometimes is possible to prove statistical theorems with pictures in which case students can gain understanding more easily. I provide examples for two versions of Bayes' theorem.
High‐speed hypotheses!
Authors: Lesser Lawrence M.
Published: March 2011

This article presents engaging interactive hypothesis tests which can be conducted with students very efficiently.
Active learning? not with my syllabus!
Authors: Ernst Michael D.
Published: March 2011

We describe an approach to teaching probability that minimizes the amount of class time spent on the topic while also providing a meaningful (dice‐rolling) activity to get students engaged. The activity, which has a surprising outcome, illustrates the basic ideas of informal probability and how probability is used in statistical inference.
Use the Correlation Coefficient to Summarize Regression Performance?
Authors: Gorroochurn Prakash
Published: March 2011

The correlation coefficient is commonly used to indicate the quality of fit in regression. This practice is questionable.
The Optimal Level of Debt in an OLG Model with Endogenous Fertility
Authors: Spataro Luca , Fanti Luciano
Published: March 2011

In the present work we extend Diamond’s OLG model by allowing for endogenous fertility and look at the consequences of such an extension on the rules for optimal public debt issuing. In particular, we show that the condition according to which the rate of growth of population should be higher than the interest rate is no longer sufficient for obtaining welfare improvements via debt increases and that the level of optimal debt is, ceteris paribus, lower than the one arising with exogenous fertility. Finally, a sensitivity analysis shows that the optimal level of debt is higher the lower the capital share, the higher individuals’ degree of patience, the bigger the child-rearing cost and the lower the preference for children. On policy grounds we argue that debt-tightening policies may be optimal in the long run provided that the cost of rearing children does not increase (or, if anything, does decrease).
First record of Leucothyreus albopilosus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Geniatini) in lesions on stem of Eucalyptus citriodora and beehives of Apis mellifera
Authors: PUKER Anderson , MORÓN Miguel A. , DE OLIVEIRA JUNIOR Osni , MESSAGE Dejair
Published: March 2011

Some species of the genus Leucothyreus MacLeay (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Geniatini) may cause damage to agricultural crops, principally due to action of adults that defoliate the plants. The aim of this study is to register the occurrence of the adults of Leucothyreus albopilosus Ohaus in lesions of plants of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook (Myrtaceae) and beehives of Africanized honeybees Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae). In Mundo Novo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, on average 52 beetles per injured plant were found in E. citriodora that showed lesions on their stems. The beetles remained under the bark and used it as a shelter. On average, nine insects were found inside the beehives (Langstroth standard) of A. mellifera, where they were located between the cover and the frames, in cracks and in places with large amounts of propolis.
Incorporating a Modified Problem‐Based Learning Exercise in a Traditional Lecture and Lab‐Based Dairy Products Course
Authors: Liceaga Andrea M. , Ballard Tameshia S. , Skura Brent J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  A modified problem‐based learning (PBL) exercise was implemented in a food science Dairy Products course, which had previously been taught in the traditional lecture and laboratory format only. The first 10 wk of the course consisted of weekly lectures and laboratory exercises. During the remaining 3 wk, students were presented with a case study that described milk quality problems that could be encountered by the dairy industry. Each week, students received a set of case disclosures containing relevant information that assisted in solving the case. Students were asked to present their findings at the end of the course in the form of a written “consultant's report.” In addition, students were given a survey asking for feedback on the PBL exercise, and the usefulness of having the lectures and labs prior to the PBL experience. Eighty percent of the students found that lectures and labs provided them with sufficient background knowledge to understand and solve the PBL case, 70% found that the PBL reinforced course material covered during lecture and labs, 50% responded that PBL helped them develop new ways of reasoning about the subject matter and 65% reported that PBL taught them to think critically. Of the total students surveyed, 56% would prefer to participate in similar types of PBL exercises in the future. Incorporating PBL into traditionally taught food science courses can have a positive influence on the learning process.
The effect of implant design on insertion torque and immediate micromotion
Authors: Freitas Jr Amilcar C. , Bonfante Estevam A. , Giro Gabriela , Janal Malvin N. , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: March 2011

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of insertion torque on micromotion to a lateral force in three different implant designs.

Material and methods: Thirty‐six implants with identical thread design, but different cutting groove design were divided in three groups: (1) non‐fluted (no cutting groove, solid screw‐form); (2) fluted (90° cut at the apex, tap design); and (3) Blossom™ (Patent pending) (non‐fluted with engineered trimmed thread design). The implants were screwed into polyurethane foam blocks and the insertion torque was recorded after each turn of 90° by a digital torque gauge. Controlled lateral loads of 10 N followed by increments of 5 up to 100 N were sequentially applied by a digital force gauge on a titanium abutment. Statistical comparison was performed with two‐way mixed model ANOVA that evaluated implant design group, linear effects of turns and displacement loads, and their interaction.

Results: While insertion torque increased as a function of number of turns for each design, the slope and final values increased (P<0.001) progressively from the Blossom™ to the fluted to the non‐fluted design (M±standard deviation [SD]=64.1±26.8, 139.4±17.2, and 205.23±24.3 Ncm, respectively). While a linear relationship between horizontal displacement and lateral force was observed for each design, the slope and maximal displacement increased (P<0.001) progressively from the Blossom™ to the fluted to the non‐fluted design (M±SD=530±57.7, 585.9±82.4, and 782.33±269.4 μm, respectively). There was negligible to moderate levels of association between insertion torque and lateral displacement in the Blossom™, fluted and non‐fluted design groups, respectively.

Conclusion: Insertion torque was reduced in implant macrodesigns that incorporated cutting edges, and lesser insertion torque was generally associated with decreased micromovement. However, insertion torque and micromotion were unrelated within implant designs, particularly for those designs showing the least insertion torque.

To cite this article: Freitas AC Jr, Bonfante EA, Giro G, Janal MN, Coelho PG. The effect of implant design on insertion torque and immediate micromotion. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 113–118. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02142.x
The consequences of size dependent foraging for food web topology
Authors: Thierry Aaron , Petchey Owen L. , Beckerman Andrew P. , Warren Philip H. , Williams Richard J.
Published: March 2011

A general question in biology is how processes at one scale, for example that of individual organisms, influence patterns at larger scales, for example communities of interacting individuals. Here we ask how changing the size‐dependence of the foraging behaviour of individuals can influence the structure of food webs. We assembled communities using a model in which species interactions are determined by allometric foraging rules of (1) handling time and (2) attack rates, and also (3) the distribution of body sizes. We systematically varied these three factors and examined their effects on three community level, food web allometries: the generality ‐ mass correlation, the vulnerability ‐ mass correlation and the trophic height ‐ mass correlation. The results demonstrate how allometries of individual foraging behaviour (handling time and attack rates) are linked across scales of organisation: different community level allometries are influenced by different individual level allometries. For example, generality allometries in the community are most affected by the individual allometric relationships of the attack rate, whereas trophic level allometries in the community are more strongly influenced by variation in individual handling time allometries. Importantly, we also find that the shape of the body size distribution from which species are drawn has a substantial influence on how these links between scales operate. This study suggests that understanding the variation of size structure among ecological networks requires knowledge about the causes of variation in individual foraging behaviour and determinants of the regional body size distribution.