bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐term salinity tolerance of northern pike, Esox lucius, fry, related to temperature and size
Authors: JACOBSEN L. , SKOV C. , KOED A. , BERG S.
Published: August 2007

Abstract  The short‐term tolerances of northern pike, Esox lucius L., fry reared in a freshwater hatchery, to salinity were examined in the laboratory. Survival of two size groups of pike fry (mean length 21 ± 2 mm SD and 37 ± 4 mm SD) was examined over 72‐ to 96‐h periods at 9–14 ppt salinity in combination with temperatures of 10, 14 and 18 °C. A parametric survival model found a significant correlation between survival of pike fry and temperature and salinity, respectively. LC50 values after 72 h were between 11.2 and 12.2 ppt, being lowest at 10 °C. Pike fry did not survive more than 13 ppt. Mortality at 12 ppt was significantly faster at 18 °C than 10 or 14 °C. Moreover, mortality was higher and faster for large than for small pike fry at 12 ppt and 14 °C. These results imply that pike raised in fresh water can survive stocking into brackish waters below 11 ppt at least for a short time.
Eco‐phenotypic growth in juvenile smooth marron, Cherax cainii (Decapoda: Parastacidae)
Authors: BURTON T. , KNOTT B. , VERCOE P. , BREARLEY A.
Published: August 2007

Abstract  The smooth marron, Cherax cainii Austin, now occurs in regions of Western Australia that are warmer and drier than those of the natural distribution. Animals sourced along a south to north geographical axis decrease in body mass per unit length. Juveniles reared from gravid females sourced from four sites along this axis were raised in common laboratory conditions for 14 weeks. No differences between sites were observed in body mass, standardised for length, indicating that in situ differences are a phenotypic response to local conditions.
Impact of red : far red ratios on germination of temperate forest herbs in relation to shade tolerance, seed mass and persistence in the soil
Authors: JANKOWSKA‐BLASZCZUK M. , DAWS M. I.
Published: August 2007

The effect of the ratio of red : far red light (R : FR) on seed germination of herbaceous species from northern temperate deciduous forest has received little attention. Here for 27 such species, we investigated the relationship between seed mass and the suitability of micro‐sites for germination. Germination in light and in darkness was compared after cold stratification, and for the light‐requiring species, the germination response to R : FR was determined. In addition, seed bank persistence was monitored over 4 years.

With increasing seed mass, germination became less dependent on light and seed bank persistence decreased. Furthermore, for the light‐dependent species, there was a significant negative relationship between the R : FR that resulted in 50% germination and seed mass.

These data suggest that small‐seeded species only germinate in micro‐sites with a high R : FR, which signals the absence of over‐topping vegetation or leaf litter. Such micro‐sites are comparatively rare, which may necessitate persistence in the soil seed bank.

For small‐seeded species, we propose that a key benefit from restricting germination to high R : FR is a reduction in the time‐frame over which the initially small seedlings remain small and hence highly vulnerable to mortality: high R : FR is likely to indicate high‐light levels which would facilitate rapid seedling growth.
Estimating permeability from field measurements of seismic attenuation in fractured chalk
Authors: Payne S.S. , Worthington M.H. , Odling N.E. , West L.J.
Published: August 2007

Broadband (100–4000 Hz) cross‐hole seismic data have been acquired at a borehole test site where extensive hydrological investigations have previously been performed, including in situ estimates of permeability. The rock type is homogeneous chalk and fractures and bedding planes have been identified from well logs. High values of seismic attenuation, Q= 22 ≤ 27 ≤ 33, were observed over a 10 m depth interval where fracture permeability values of 20–50 darcy had been recorded. An attempt has been made to separate the attenuation due to scattering and intrinsic mechanisms. The estimated values of intrinsic attenuation, Q= 31 ≤ 43 ≤ 71, have been reproduced using a number of current theories of seismic‐wave propagation and fluid‐flow‐induced seismic attenuation in cracked and fractured media. A model that considers wavelength‐scale pressure gradients is the preferred attenuation mechanism. Model parameters were obtained from the hydro‐geological and seismic data. However, we conclude that it is not possible to use seismic Q to measure rock permeability remotely, principally because of the inherent uncertainties arising from model parameterisations.
Attenuation tomography: An application to gas‐hydrate and free‐gas detection
Authors: Rossi Giuliana , Gei Davide , Böhm Gualtiero , Madrussani Gianni , Carcione José M.
Published: August 2007

We estimate the quality factor (Q) from seismic reflections by using a tomographic inversion algorithm based on the frequency‐shift method. The algorithm is verified with a synthetic case and is applied to offshore data, acquired at western Svalbard, to detect the presence of bottom‐simulating reflectors (BSR) and gas hydrates. An array of 20 ocean‐bottom seismographs has been used.

The combined use of traveltime and attenuation tomography provides a 3D velocity–Q cube, which can be used to map the spatial distribution of the gas‐hydrate concentration and free‐gas saturation. In general, high P‐wave velocity and quality factor indicate the presence of solid hydrates and low P‐wave velocity and quality factor correspond to free‐gas bearing sediments.

The Q‐values vary between 200 and 25, with higher values (150–200) above the BSR and lower values below the BSR (25–40). These results seem to confirm that hydrates cement the grains, and attenuation decreases with increasing hydrate concentration.
Susceptibility alleles for testicular germ cell tumour: a review
Authors: Rapley E.
Published: August 2007

Family history is among the strongest and most consistent of the risk factors for testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT). Brothers of affected cases have an 8‐ to10‐fold relative risk and fathers/sons have a risk between four and sixfold. The familial relative risk of TGCT is higher than for most other cancer types, which rarely exceeds four. The high relative risk suggests that inherited susceptibility to TGCT may account for a substantial fraction of TGCT cases. The search for TGCT susceptibility genes has proven difficult and a recent genome‐wide linkage study for TGCT susceptibility loci demonstrated no statistically significant regions of linkage with all LOD scores less than two. Moreover, a previous report of linkage to a region on Xq27 was not replicated. The results from genetic linkage analysis demonstrate that TGCT susceptibility is likely to be due to several genes, each with a modest effect on disease risk. The Y chromosome, which cannot be analysed by genetic linkage, carries a number of testis‐ and germ cell‐specific genes. We recently demonstrated that a deletion on the Y chromosome known as ‘gr/gr’ is a rare, low‐penetrance allele that is associated with susceptibility to TGCT. Based on the evidence from the linkage search the ‘gr/gr’ deletion represents one of possibly many TGCT susceptibility alleles, and new and emerging technologies will be employed in future work to identify these genes.
The transforming growth factor‐β superfamily in early spermatogenesis: potential relevance to testicular dysgenesis
Authors: Loveland K. L. , Dias V. , Meachem S. , Rajpert‐De Meyts E.
Published: August 2007

Regulated transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) superfamily signalling is an integral part of normal testicular development and the processes that enable the production of fertile sperm. Through shared utilization of receptors, signal transduction components and inhibitors, many ligands in this family exhibit functional overlaps; this facet of their function is critical to understand because these ligands are often co‐expressed and, hence, they may compete with or compensate for one another, depending on the specific cellular context. This review describes particular germ cell maturation steps governed by bone morphogenetic proteins, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and activins, focusing on data predominantly from rodent studies that implicate activin and other family members in modulation of gonocyte and spermatogonial stem cell development. We also review knowledge of the TGFβ superfamily signalling components in the human testis, exploring their potential impact on the processes associated with disrupted gonocyte development and an enhanced risk of testicular cancer.
Epigenetic transgenerational toxicology and germ cell disease
Authors: Skinner Michael K.
Published: August 2007

The ability of an environmental exposure (i.e. endocrine disruptor) during sex determination to reprogramme the male germline and promote an epigenetic transgenerational disease phenotype suggests that environmental factors and compounds may permanently alter the germline epigenome. This epigenetic transgenerational phenomenon will be discussed with respect to adult‐onset germline disease (e.g. testicular cancer). A thorough literature review is not provided, rather a perspective is provided on how this epigenetic transgenerational toxicology should be considered in germ cell disease and testicular cancer.
Current approaches for detection of carcinoma in situ testis
Authors: Hoei‐Hansen Christina E. , Olesen Inge A. , Jorgensen Niels , Carlsen Elisabeth , Holm Mette , Almstrup Kristian , Leffers Henrik , Rajpert‐De Meyts Ewa
Published: August 2007

Testicular germ cell tumours have a favourable prognosis if detected early, but are potentially lethal in a subset of patients. Multi‐modality treatment is often necessary, thus the preferable time of diagnosis is at the pre‐invasive, but unfortunately often asymptomatic precursor stage of carcinoma in situ (CIS). This review describes current possible approaches for the detection of CIS. At present, an open testicular biopsy is the only definitive way of establishing the presence of CIS. The tissue section should be of an adequate size, be properly fixed, and evaluation be supported by at least one solid immunohistochemical marker, for example PLAP, OCT‐3/4 or AP‐2γ. Determination of who should be offered testicular biopsies is based on clinical and ultrasonic examination along with the evaluation of risk factors. A surgical biopsy is an invasive procedure with potential complications, although rare. Therefore, a noninvasive and equally reliable method is needed. Testicular ultrasound is risk‐free, painless and at present the only noninvasive method of aid for andrologists when CIS is suspected. The presence of testicular microlithiasis is, in some cases, indicative of pre‐malignant changes, especially in males with additional risk factors. Promising results have recently been obtained with a novel noninvasive detection method based on immunocytological AP‐2γ‐staining of CIS cells in semen. This method could be a supporting method in andrology centres where careful follow‐up is possible. In conclusion, one difficulty is to determine in which males CIS should be suspected; secondly, there does not as yet exist an optimal noninvasive method of diagnosis that is more acceptable than an open surgical biopsy.
Testicular carcinoma in situ in subfertile Danish men
Authors: Olesen Inge A. , Hoei‐Hansen Christina E. , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Petersen Jørgen H. , Rajpert‐De Meyts Ewa , Jørgensen Niels
Published: August 2007

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) testis is the precursor stage for the majority of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT). Infertility is one of the conditions known to predispose to TGCT, but based on scarce existing data, the prevalence of CIS in this risk group was estimated at only approximately 1%. To establish more objective data, we investigated retrospectively the prevalence of CIS based on testicular biopsies performed in a well‐defined group of subfertile males. We included 453 patients who had testicular biopsies performed for infertility reasons during 1995–2005 at the Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet). Biopsies were evaluated by two experienced observers independently. CIS was detected in 10 individuals, of whom three had bilateral CIS, corresponding to a prevalence of 2.2% (95% CI 1.1–4.0%). This is greater than the estimated risk of 0.45% for the age‐ and birth cohort‐matched general Danish population. All patients with CIS testis had severe oligozoospermia (≤2.06 million/mL). We confirmed that a thorough examination of men suffering from subfertility/infertility can identify those with an increased risk for testicular neoplasia and recommend performing bilateral biopsies, especially in the subpopulation of men with atrophic testicles, severe oligozoospermia and/or irregular ultrasonic pattern of their testicles.
JKT‐1 is not a human seminoma cell line
Authors: Jong Jeroen de , Stoop Hans , Gillis Ad J. M. , Gurp Ruud J. H. L. M. van , Drunen Ellen van , Beverloo H. Berna , Lau Yun‐Fai Chris , Schneider Dominik T. , Sherlock Jon K. , Baeten John , Hatakeyama Shingo , Ohyama Chikara , Oosterhuis J. Wolter , Looijenga Leendert H. J.
Published: August 2007

The JKT‐1 cell line has been used in multiple independent studies as a representative model of human testicular seminoma. However, no cell line for this specific tumour type has been independently confirmed previously; and therefore, the seminomatous origin of JKT‐1 must be proven. The genetic constitution of the JKT‐1 cells was determined using flow cytometry and spectral karyotyping, as well as array comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Marker profiling, predominantly based on differentially expressed proteins during normal germ cell development, was performed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses. Moreover, genome wide affymetrix mRNA expression and profiling of 157 microRNAs was performed, and the status of genomic imprinting was determined. A germ cell origin of the JKT‐1 cells was in line with genomic imprinting status and marker profile (including positive staining for several cancer‐testis antigens). However, the supposed primary tumour, from which the cell line was derived, being indeed a classical seminoma, was molecularly proven not to be the origin of the cell line. The characteristic chromosomal anomalies of seminoma, e.g. gain of the short arm of chromosome 12, as well as the informative marker profile (positive staining for OCT3/4, NANOG, among others) were absent in the various JKT‐1 cell lines investigated, irrespective of where the cells were cultured. All results indicate that the JKT‐1 cell line is not representative of human seminoma. Although it can originate from an early germ cell, a non‐germ cell derivation cannot be excluded.
Environmental, occupational and familial risks for testicular cancer: a hospital‐based case‐control study
Authors: Walschaerts Marie , Muller Audrey , Auger Jacques , Bujan Louis , Guérin Jean‐François , Lannou Dominique Le , Clavert André , Spira Alfred , Jouannet Pierre , Thonneau Patrick
Published: August 2007

Testicular cancer (TC) risk factors remain largely unknown, except for personal history of cryptorchidism and familial history of TC. We conducted a hospital‐based case‐control study on familial, environmental and occupational conditions in which we compared 229 cases and 800 controls. TC was correlated with cryptorchidism (OR = 3.02; CI: 1.90–4.79), a history of cryptorchidism in relatives (OR = 2.85; CI: 1.70–4.79), and TC (OR = 9.58; CI: 4.01–22.88], prostate cancer (OR = 1.80; CI: 1.08–3.02) and breast cancer (OR = 1.77; CI: 1.20–2.60) in relatives. Living in a rural area or having regular gardening activity (growing fruit or vegetables) was associated with an increased risk of TC (OR = 1.63; CI: 1.16–2.29; OR = 1.84; CI: 1.23–2.75). Regarding occupation, we found a relationship with employment in metal trimming (OR = 1.96; CI: 1.00–3.86), chemical manufacture (OR = 1.88; CI: 1.14–3.10), industrial production of glue (OR = 2.21; CI: 1.15–4.25), and welding (OR = 2.84; CI: 1.51–5.35). In a multivariate model, only a history of cryptorchidism in the men, cryptorchidism in relatives, TC, and breast cancer remained significant. Our findings contribute further evidence to a pattern of TC risk factors, which include the significant weight of personal reproductive history and also of testicular and breast cancer in relatives. By including in a multivariate model variables linked to environmental and occupational exposure and related to familial cancer history, neither living in a rural area nor any occupational exposure appeared to be a potential environmental TC risk factor.
Tendon matrix composition and turnover in relation to functional requirements
Authors: Birch Helen L.
Published: August 2007

Tendons are dense regular connective tissue structures that are defined based on their anatomical position of connecting muscle to bone. Despite these obvious commons features tendons from different locations within the body show remarkable variation in terms of their morphological, molecular and mechanical properties which relates to their specialized function. An appreciation of these differences is necessary to understand all aspects of tendon biology in health and disease. In our work, we have used a combination of mechanical assessment, histological measurements and molecular analysis of matrix in functionally distinct tendons to determine relationships between function and structure. We have found significant differences in material and molecular properties between spring‐like tendons that are subjected to high strains during locomotion and positional tendons which are subjected to much lower strains. Furthermore, we have data to suggest that not only is the matrix composition different but also the ability of cells to synthesize and degrade the matrix (matrix turnover) varies between tendon types. We propose that these differences relate to the magnitude of strain that the tendon experiences during normal activities in life. Tendon cells may be preprogrammed during embryological development for the strain they will encounter in life or may simply respond to the particular strain environment they are subjected to. The elucidation of controlling mechanisms resulting in tendon cell specialization will have important consequences for cell based therapies and engineering strategies to repair damaged tendons.
Epidemiology and prevention of head injuries: literature review
Authors: Abelson‐Mitchell Nadine
Published: August 2007

Aim and objectives.  To identify evidence‐based reports on the epidemiology of head injuries to develop guidelines for primary prevention activities by public health nurses.

Background.  Head injury is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, disability and lost years of productive life in the population under 40–45 years of age. Prevention strategies such as legislation on car seat belts, drink driving and health and safety at work have led to reductions in its incidence. As well as the personal repercussions for those injured and their families, there are resource implications for healthcare provision. There is a potential role for public health nurses in reducing this burden.

Methods.  A search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Science Direct, BNI and CINAHL was carried out for the period 1990–2005 using the keywords: head injury, brain injury, traumatic brain injury, head trauma, incidence, prevalence, epidemiology and prevention of head injuries.

Results.  Comparison of the data is difficult because of the use of different definitions of injury, criteria for severity, geographical bases and timeframes. Those at greatest risk seem to be young men and older people. The former are more implicated in traffic and work accidents and in physical violence, while older people are more susceptible to traffic accidents as pedestrians and to falls. The incidence in lower socio‐economic groups is greater.

Conclusions.  The evidence‐base for the primary prevention of head injury is weak. Standardized definitions and classification systems need to be used in future epidemiological studies to permit comparisons across studies.

Relevance to clinical practice.  There is a role for public health nurses in developing primary prevention campaigns in schools and local communities. Key target groups are young men and older people and campaigns need to tackle the particular issues relevant to these groups.
Putting practice into teaching: an exploratory study of nursing undergraduates’ interpersonal skills and the effects of using empirical data as a teaching and learning resource
Authors: Aled Jones
Published: August 2007

Aim.  To understand student nurse–patient interaction better and to assess the effectiveness of a teaching and learning resource consisting of tapes and transcriptions of actual nurse–patient interaction.

Design.  Applied conversation analysis and analysis of semi‐structured lecture evaluation forms.

Background.  Little research discusses interpersonal skills (IPS) of student–nurses, even though policy initiatives and literature internationally promote patient‐centred communication as being an indicator of high‐quality healthcare. Literature also suggests that nursing education is often far removed from the realities which students experience during clinical practice.

Methods.  Phase 1 of the study saw 10 student nurse–patient interactions audio recorded and transcribed and the data subjected to conversation analysis. Phase 2 saw tapes and transcripts of similar interactions used as a teaching resource with the same cohort of students (n = 48), student evaluations of the lecture were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed.

Results.  Phase 1 demonstrated that, in variance to ‘best‐practice’ recommendations, student nurse–patient interactions were task‐centred and bureaucratically organized. In phase 2, after listening to and reading a transcript of similar interaction, students were able to identify the limitations of undertaking such an approach with patients, strongly suggesting that classroom‐based knowledge is not always easily transferred into clinical practice. This teaching approach was positively evaluated, with written evaluations emphasizing the effectiveness of bringing the realities of clinical practice into the classroom.

Conclusion.  This study suggests that students have difficulty in transferring the principles of ‘good’ communication from the classroom into their own interactions with patients. Students’ written and spoken evaluations were reminiscent of the previous work performed in discussing the concept of a ‘hidden curriculum’ in professional training.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The use of empirical data in the practice of IPS teaching is recommended as a means of closing the theory‐practice gap. Student nurses and mentors need to consider the effect of the hidden curriculum on their IPS.
The nursing home as a home: a field study of residents’ daily life in the common living rooms
Authors: Hauge Solveig , Kristin Heggen
Published: August 2007

Aim.  This Norwegian‐based study investigates how and to what extent the idea of the nursing home as a home has been realized.

Background.  For the last two decades, Norway, as other Western Country has had an explicit national policy that nursing homes should become more like homes. The research literature indicates that residents in nursing home seem to lack the opportunities to maintain a private sphere.

Design.  A field study design was conducted.

Methods.  Data were collected in 1999 in two long‐term units in a traditional nursing home by using participant observation and interviewing the residents. A phenomenological hermeneutic analysis strategy was used to get an impression of the residents’ everyday life.

Results.  The residents spend most of their time in the common living room. The common living room has an ambiguous boundary between the public and private spheres, unlike the clear boundaries characterizing a home. The relationship among the residents is fragile, and the residents who can, withdraw from the common living room.

Conclusions.  Despite having single rooms and more home‐like interior decoration, the residents in nursing home still have reduced opportunity to develop a private everyday lifestyle. The long‐term unit examined in this research had a forced relationship between the residents, and the residents with best health resources systematically withdraw from the common area to control both where and with whom they wish to spend their time.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study lays the foundation for rethinking daily routines in long‐term units in nursing homes. One way to realize the idea of the nursing home as a home could be to define the living room as a clear public area and to give the residents a chance to develop a more private lifestyle by alternating between their private rooms and a public common living room.
Relative validity and utility of a short food frequency questionnaire assessing the intake of legumes in Scottish women
Authors: Papadaki A. , Scott J. A.
Published: August 2007

Objective  To validate a five‐item, semi‐quantitative, short food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) designed to estimate daily legume consumption over a week, against results obtained from 7‐day food diaries (7‐day FD).

Design  Participants completed a 7‐day FD and at the end of this period completed the SFFQ, to indicate the number of times they ate five legume‐containing dishes in the previous week and what size portion of each dish they consumed. Daily legume intake (g day−1) was calculated for both methods and participants were classified into tertiles of intake for each method.

Subjects/setting  Fifty‐one healthy females aged 25–55 years, employed at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK between May 2003 and December 2004.

Results  The two methods produced a similar mean intake of legumes [SFFQ: 14.8 (95% CI: 9.9–19.8) versus 7‐day FD: 14.9 (95% CI: 9.3–20.6) g day−1] and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.353 (P = 0.038). Exact agreement within tertiles and gross misclassification were 54.9% and 9.8% respectively. The weighted kappa statistic indicated fair agreement between the two methods (κ = 0.262).

Conclusions  The SFFQ is an acceptable instrument for estimating legume consumption over a week and can be used to rank individuals according to the intake of this food group in similar nutrition intervention studies.
Factors affecting dental anxiety and beliefs in an Indian population
Authors: ACHARYA S.
Published: August 2007

Summary  The purpose of this study was to describe the possible factors that may affect dental anxiety and beliefs and to validate and test the psychometric properties of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and a Modified Dental Beliefs Scale (MDBS) among the patients attending a university dental clinic in India. A cross‐sectional study design was used. A total of 482 general dental patients attending a university dental clinic returned completed forms of the Indian translations of the MDAS and MDBS. General information about the age, sex, occupation and educational qualifications of the respondents as well as information about past dental experiences was also collected. All the statistical analysis was carried out by the spss (version 10) statistical software package. The Indian translations of the MDAS and the MDBS were found to be internally reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0·78 and 0·85, respectively. Validity was demonstrated by a statistically significant correlation between the MDAS and the MDBS scores with the correlation coefficient of 0·47. Age was also inversely related to dental anxiety. Anxiety scores were higher among the less educated patients. Those who had a prior unpleasant dental experience showed higher dental anxiety and more negative dental beliefs. The data obtained in this study provided strong evidence for the psychometric properties of the Indian version of the MDAS and the MDBS.
Plant dispersal, neighbourhood size and isolation by distance
Authors: EPPERSON BRYAN K.
Published: August 2007

A theoretical relationship between isolation by distance or spatial genetic structure (SGS) and seed and pollen dispersal is tested using extensive spatial‐temporal simulations. Although for animals Wright's neighbourhood size has been ascertained also, where is the axial variance of distances between parents and offspring, and it was recently confirmed that when dispersal of females and males differ, the situation for plants had not been established. This article shows that for a very wide range of conditions, neighbourhood size defined by Crawford's formula fully determines SGS, even when dispersal variances of seed () and pollen () differ strongly. Further, self‐fertilization with rate s acts as zero‐distance pollen dispersal, and fully determines SGS, for most cases where there are both likely parameter values and substantial SGS. Moreover, for most cases, there is a loglinear relationship, I(1) = 0.587 – 0.117 ln(Ne), between SGS, as measured by I(1), Moran's coefficient for adjacent individuals, and Ne. However, there are several biologically significant exceptions, namely for very low or large Ne, SGS exceeds the loglinear values. There are also important exceptions to Crawford's formula. First, plants with low seed dispersal, high outcross pollen dispersal and high selfing rate show larger SGS than predicted. Second, in plants with very low (near zero) seed dispersal, selfing decreases SGS, opposite expectations. Finally, in some cases seed dispersal is more critical than pollen dispersal, in a manner inconsistent with Crawford's formula.
Perceived ambiguity about cancer prevention recommendations: associations with cancer‐related perceptions and behaviours in a US population survey
Authors: Han Paul K. J. , Moser Richard P. , Klein William M. P.
Published: August 2007

Background  Health information reaching the public today is often characterized by what decision theorists have termed ‘ambiguity’– i.e. uncertainty regarding the information’s reliability, credibility or adequacy. This is a critical problem, as growing research suggests that ambiguity has important effects–promoting pessimistic judgments about risks and potential outcomes of risk‐reducing behaviours, and lowering adoption of these behaviours. However, little is known about the public’s perceptions of ambiguity in the health information domain, the effects of these perceptions, and the factors that influence these effects.

Objective  To examine associations between perceived ambiguity regarding cancer prevention recommendations and prevention‐related perceptions and behaviours, and to explore how these associations differ by cancer type.

Study design and participants  Cross‐sectional analysis of data on 4070 adults participating in the 2005 US Health Information National Trends Survey.

Main variables and outcome measures  We examined associations between perceived ambiguity about colon, skin and lung cancer prevention recommendations and two main outcome variables: (i) risk‐related cognitions (perceived cancer risk and preventability, cancer‐related worry) and (ii) risk‐modifying behaviours (colon cancer screening, sunscreen use and smoking abstinence).

Results  Perceived ambiguity was inversely associated with perceptions of the preventability of all three cancers, and with cancer‐specific risk‐modifying behaviours including sigmoidoscopy–colonoscopy testing, sunscreen use and smoking abstinence. Relationships with cancer risk perceptions and worry varied across different cancer types.

Conclusions  Perceived ambiguity about cancer prevention recommendations has significant and predictable associations with cancer prevention‐related cognitions and behaviours, and some associations differ by cancer type. These findings have implications for future research and communication efforts.
Development and testing of a decision aid for breast cancer prevention for women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Authors: Metcalfe KA , Poll A , O’Connor A , Gershman S , Armel S , Finch A , Demsky R , Rosen B , Narod SA
Published: August 2007

For women who carry a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, the risk of breast cancer is up to 87% by the age of 70. There are options available to reduce the risk of breast cancer; however, each option has both risks and benefits, which makes decision making difficult. The objective is to develop and pilot test a decision aid for breast cancer prevention for women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. The decision aid was developed and evaluated in three stages. In the first stage, the decision aid was developed and reviewed by cancer genetics experts. The second stage was a review of the decision aid by women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation for acceptability and feasibility. The final stage was a pre‐test–post‐test evaluation of the decision aid. Twenty‐one women completed the pre‐test questionnaire and 20 completed the post‐test questionnaire. After using the decision aid, there was a significant decline in mean decisional conflict scores (p = 0.001), a significant improvement in knowledge scores (p = 0.004), and fewer women uncertain about prophylactic mastectomy (p = 0.003) and prophylactic oophorectomy (p = 0.009). Use of the decision aid decreased decisional conflict to levels suggestive of implementation of a decision. In addition, knowledge levels increased and choice predisposition changed with fewer women being uncertain about each option. This has significant clinical implications as it implies that with greater uptake of cancer prevention options by women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, fewer women will develop and/or die of hereditary breast cancer.
Resource availability regulates reproductive meristem activity, development of reproductive structures and seed set in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
Authors: Cawoy Valérie , Lutts Stanley , Ledent Jean‐François , Kinet Jean‐Marie
Published: August 2007

Grain yields in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) are consistently low despite a profuse and long‐lasting flowering. The mechanisms underlying this reproductive failure are still largely unknown. In this study, performed in strictly controlled conditions, the possible implication of assimilate availability in the regulation of the reproductive development was investigated in the ‘La Harpe’ cultivar, by manipulating sink/source relationships through excisions of selected leaves and/or selected inflorescences and hand pollinations of selected and precisely identified flowers. Increasing or decreasing source/sink organ ratio in buckwheat, respectively, enhanced or reduced the production of racemes by the shoot apical meristem and of cymes by the racemes, ultimately modulating the number of flowers per plant. The effect on seed production was essentially indirect and related to flower production. Seeds developing on a plant also affected reproductive morphogenesis, limiting flower production. Three stages at which flower development to mature seed may fail have been identified. First, an abnormal morphogenesis resulted in flowers with an undersized and sterile gynoecium. Secondly, after anthesis, numerous flowers with a normal sized gynoecium, were unable to develop a seed after hand pollination. Finally, a small proportion of flowers exhibited a later abortion of the seed. Flower fate is dependent on position in the raceme and time of opening: chance to develop normally and produce a ripe seed is higher for flowers at the base than at the top of the inflorescence. A mechanism, internal to the raceme, regulates flower fate, independently of assimilate availability. This mechanism may be disturbed by drastic reductions in nutrient supply.
Tissue abundance and characterization of two purified proteins with allantoinase activity from French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Raso María José , Pineda Manuel , Piedras Pedro
Published: August 2007

Allantoinase (allantoin amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.2.5) catalyses the hydrolysis of allantoin to allantoic acid, a key reaction in the biosynthesis and degradation of ureides. This activity was determined in different tissues of French bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) which were grown under nitrogen‐fixing conditions. Allantoinase activity was detected in all tissues analysed, but the highest levels of specific activity were found in developing fruits, from which allantoinase has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity and further characterized. After diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)‐Sephacel chromatography, two peaks showing allantoinase activity were obtained in the chromatographic profile and the corresponding proteins were independently purified. Total allantoinase activity was purified 200‐fold, indicating the relevance of this enzymatic activity in French bean developing fruits, with allantoinase representing 0.5% of total soluble protein. Both proteins with allantoinase activity are monomeric with molecular masses of 45 and 42 kDa. The specific activities of the purified proteins were 560 and 295 units mg−1, which correspond to turnover numbers of 25 200 and 12 100 min−1, respectively. The two proteins have very similar biochemical properties showing Michaelis–Menten kinetics for allantoin with Km values of about 60 mM, with high optimal temperatures; are metalloenzymes; are inhibited by compounds reacting with sulphydryl groups; and are unaffected by reducing agents. All analysed tissues exhibited the two activities responsible for allantoin degradation, although one of them was the main form in leaves (the most photosynthetic tissue) and the other protein was the main form in roots (non‐photosynthetic tissue). The allantoinase activity and distribution of both proteins have been analysed during fruit development. For both proteins, the allantoinase activity and distribution pattern were the same in plants growing either under nitrogen‐fixing conditions or fertilized with nitrate.
Differential responses of antioxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation to salt stress in salt‐tolerant Plantago maritima and salt‐sensitive Plantago media
Authors: Hediye Sekmen Aşkım , Türkan İsmail , Takio Susumu
Published: August 2007

The changes in plant growth, relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in relation to the tolerance to salt stress were investigated in salt‐tolerant Plantago maritima and salt‐sensitive Plantago media. The 60 days old P. maritima and P. media seedlings were subjected to 0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl for 7 days. Reduction in shoot length was higher in P. media than in P. maritima after exposure to 200 mM NaCl, but 100 mM NaCl treatment did not show any effect on shoot length of P. maritima. Shoot dry weight decreased in P. media and did not change in P. maritima. Two hundred millimolar NaCl treatment had no effect on leaf RWC in P. maritima, but it was reduced in P. media. Salt stress caused reduction in stomatal conductance being more pronounced in P. media than in P. maritima. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2) decreased in P. media with increasing salinity. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11) activity in leaves of P. media was increased and showed no change under 100 and 200 mM NaCl, respectively. However, activities of CAT, APX and GR increased under 200 mM NaCl while their activities did not change under 100 mM NaCl in P. maritima. SOD activity in leaves of P. maritima increased with increasing salinity. Concomitant with this, four SOD activity bands were identified in leaves of P. maritima, two bands only were observed in P. media. Peroxidase (POX; EC 1.11.1.7) activity increased under both salt concentrations in P. maritima, but only under 200 mM NaCl in P. media. Confirming this, five POX activity bands were identified in leaves of P. maritima, but only two bands were determined in P. media. Malondialdehyde levels in the leaves increased under salt stress in P. media but showed no change and decreased in P. maritima at 100 and 200 mM NaCl, respectively. These results suggest that the salt‐tolerant P. maritima showed a better protection mechanism against oxidative damage caused by salt stress by its higher induced activities of antioxidant enzymes than the salt‐sensitive P. media.
Molecular epidemiology ofCandidaspecies isolated from clinical specimens of intensive care unit patients
Authors: Marol Serhat , Yücesoy Mine
Published: August 2007

Epidemiological analysis of nosocomialCandidainfections has gained importance due to an increase in these infections during the recent years. This study investigated the prevalence of clinical infections ofCandidain anesthesiology intensive care unit patients, and ascertains the level of genetic diversity in theCandidaspecies. A total of 70Candidaisolates, consisting of 42Candida albicans, 16Candida glabrataand 12Candida tropicalisstrains isolated from various clinical sites of infection of anesthesiology intensive care unit patients, were analysed. The susceptibility of the isolates against amphotericin B and fluconazole was determined by microdilution method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M27‐A2 standards. The strains were typed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)‐PCR using OPE‐03, OPE‐18, RP4‐2 and AP50‐1 primers. In the patients withCandidainfections, most isolates exhibited different RAPD patterns. Only threeC. albicanspairs isolated within a short time period had the same RAPD pattern. Most of theCandidainfections in the anesthesiology intensive care unit of our hospital seem to be caused by endogenous strains. Exogenous spread ofC. albicansinfections occurred less frequently.
The genetic epidemiology of tinea versicolor in China
Authors: He S.‐M. , Du W.‐D. , Yang S. , Zhou S.‐M. , Li W. , Wang J. , Xiao F.‐L. , Xu S.‐X. , Zhang X.‐J.
Published: August 2007

To study the clinical and epidemiological profile of Pityriasis versicolor (PV) and to determine the possible genetic model for PV in Chinese Han, we investigated 503 patients with PV who were recruited by a questionnaire method. Statistical analysis, heritability and complex segregation analysis were performed using epi info 6.0, spss 10.0, the Falconer method and the sage‐regtl programs. In the total 503 PV patients, the mean age of onset was 22.85 ± 10.36 years. For male and female patients, the peak ages of initial onset were both 20–29 years. A total of 106 (21.1%) patients were reported to have a positive family history of PV. The mean age of onset in males with positive family history was earlier than those with negative family history (t = 3.58, P < 0.01). Higher rate of recurrence and longer duration were seen in the patients with positive family history than those with negative family history. The heritability of PV in first‐, second‐ and third‐degree relatives was 48.13%, 40.11% and 27.20% respectively. Based on the REGTL results, the best model was a polygenic additive model for PV.
Study on the effect of neem (Azadirachta indica A. juss) leaf extract on the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus and production of aflatoxin by it at different incubation times
Authors: Ghorbanian Mehdi , Razzaghi‐Abyaneh Mehdi , Allameh Abdolamir , Shams‐Ghahfarokhi Masoomeh , Qorbani Mahdi
Published: August 2007

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites that are produced by toxigenic strains of some Aspergillus species on foods. Neem plant is a known inhibitor of aflatoxin production. We studied the effects of different concentrations of aqueous neem leaf extract on fungal growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus (NRRL 2999) at different incubation times. The toxigenic fungus was cultured on sucrose low salts medium in the presence of various concentrations of extracts (0.2, 0.8, 3.12, 12.5 and 50% v/v). After shaking incubation of cultures for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 days at 28 °C, the fungal mycelia was collected and processed for determination of dry weight. Mycelia and culture media were assayed by TLC method to detect aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The extracts did not have any obvious effect on fungal growth. AFB1 production in the control samples increased to the maximum level on the 8th day. The inhibition of aflatoxin synthesis by plant extracts was found to be time‐ and dose‐dependent. The maximum inhibitory effect was 80–90% in the presence of 50% concentration that when compared with control samples was significant (P < 0.05). AFB1 secretion/production ratio in all of control and treated samples, other than 2nd day, approximately stayed and neem had no effect on it.
Distinct distribution pattern of abundance and diversity of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria in the global ocean
Authors: Jiao Nianzhi , Zhang Yao , Zeng Yonghui , Hong Ning , Liu Rulong , Chen Feng , Wang Pinxian
Published: August 2007

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAPB) are an important bacterial group with capability of harvesting light energy, and appear to have a particular role in the ocean's carbon cycling. Yet the significance of AAPB relative to total bacteria (AAPB%) in different marine regimes are still controversial, and variation trend of genetic diversity of AAPB along environmental gradients remains unclear. Here we present the first comprehensive observation of the global distribution of AAPB in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, revealing a general pattern of high abundance of AAPB and AAPB% in coastal waters than oceanic waters. The Indian Ocean contained relatively high AAPB% compared with the other two oceans, corresponding to the high primary production in this region. Both abundance of AAPB and AAPB% were positively correlated with the concentration of chlorophyll a, while the diversity of AAPB decreased with increasing chlorophyll a values. Our results suggest that AAPB abundance and diversity follow opposite trends from oligotrophic to eutrophic regimes in the ocean.
The effect of epidural analgesia on postoperative outcome after colorectal surgery
Authors: Gendall K. A. , Kennedy R. R. , Watson A. J. M. , Frizelle F. A.
Published: August 2007

Objective  The aim of this review was to determine the effects of epidural analgesia as it relates to outcome after colorectal surgery.

Method  We searched and reviewed studies that included colorectal surgery and epidural method of analgesia listed on the Pubmed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library database.

Results  The majority of data demonstrate a superior effect of epidural analgesia on pain control after colorectal surgery. Well designed randomized controlled trials (RCT's) have also shown that epidural analgesia reduces the duration of ileus after colorectal surgery. Limited data suggest the additional benefit may be minimal after laparoscopic surgery or when epidural analgesia is used as part of a multimodal regime. Data does not convincingly show either a clear harmful or beneficial effect of epidural analgesia on rates of anastomotic leakage. Epidural analgesia may have beneficial effects on postoperative lung function, however due to low numbers, the effects on cardiovascular and thromboembolic complications are indeterminate. Length of hospital stay has not been shown to be shortened by sole use of an epidural and, although epidural analgesia may be apparently more costly, alternatives may incur higher indirect costs and decreased patient satisfaction.

Conclusion  Randomized controlled trials have shown a benefit for epidurals on postoperative pain relief, and ileus, and possibly respiratory complications. There is no proven benefit with regard to length of stay. There are a number of unresolved issues which further focussed RCT's may help clarify such as effects of epidural on complication rates after colorectal surgery.