bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gadkin negatively regulates cell spreading and motility via sequestration of the actin-nucleating ARP2/3 complex
Authors: Maritzen Tanja , Zech Tobias , Schmidt Michael R. , Krause Eberhard , Machesky Laura M. , Haucke Volker
Published: June 2012

Regulation of actin dynamics is key to many cell physiological processes, ranging from protrusion formation and control of cell shape to cellular motility, endocytosis, and vesicle movement. The actin-related protein (ARP)2/3 complex is a major actin nucleator organizing branched filament networks in lamellipodial protrusions and during cell migration downstream of nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs). Although many NPFs have been characterized in detail, only few ARP2/3 inhibitors are known. Here, we identify the
trans
-Golgi network (TGN)/endosomally localized adaptor protein (AP)-1-associated adaptor protein Gadkin as a negative regulator of ARP2/3 function. Loss of Gadkin is associated with a partial redistribution of ARP2/3 to the plasma membrane and with increased cell spreading and migration, phenotypes that depend on the presence of a functional ARP2/3 complex. Gadkin directly binds to ARP2/3 via a conserved tryptophan-based acidic cluster motif reminiscent of ARP2/3-binding sequences of NPFs but fails to facilitate ARP2/3-mediated actin assembly. Consistent with an inhibitory role of Gadkin on ARP2/3 function, ARP2/3 is found on motile Gadkin-containing endosomal vesicles under migration-inhibiting conditions from where it relocalizes to the plasma membrane following activation of NPFs. Together with the observation that Gadkin-mediated inhibition of cell spreading requires its binding to ARP2/3, these data indicate that Gadkin is a negative regulator of ARP2/3 function present on intracellular membranes.
A Guide to Better Translations for Industry
Authors: Gingold Kurt
Published: June 2012

Summary
To sum up my advice to those persons charged with procuring translations: Make sure you have specified exactly what is to be translated and by when you need it. Build up a group of suppliers on the basis of your own experience. Once you have found a group of individuals or firms who can give you the type of service you require, use them regularly and make their work a little easier by providing them with English-language references whenever possible. Above all, do not be overly concerned with costs. A good translator is a highly trained and skilled professional and will not condescend to work for cut-rate fees. It is no more advisable to look for bargains in translation services than it would be to look for bargains in medical or legal services. John Ruskin, the English writer and critic, wrote a century ago : ''There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper—and the people who consider price alone are this man's lawful prey." This is particularly true in the field of translation.
Schools of Modern Languages: The Bath University Postgraduate Diploma in Language Studies
Authors: Coveney James
Published: June 2012

Summary of Syllabus
Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting; documentary translation; conference precis-writing; information retrieval; international economics; international politics; aspects of science and technology.
Sexual Violence Risk Assessment: An Investigation of the Interrater Reliability of Professional Judgments Made Using the Risk for Sexual Violence Protocol
Authors: Sutherland AlanA. , Johnstone Lorraine , Davidson KateM. , Hart StephenD. , Cooke DavidJ. , Kropp P.Randall , Logan Caroline , Michie Christine , Stocks Ruth
Published: June 2012

The RSVP is a set of structured professional judgment guidelines for assessing risk of sexual violence. We investigated the interrater reliability (IRR) of judgments made using the RSVP in a multidisciplinary forensic-clinical context. Raters were 28 forensic mental health and intellectual disability professionals with diverse training and experience. They used the RSVP to evaluate six case vignettes that varied with respect to offense characteristics, clinical complexity, and level of risk. The IRR of ratings for individual risk factors was generally fair. There was a good level of interrater reliability on Summary Judgments and Supervision Recommendations. Interrater reliability was highest when used by professionals who were highly trained in forensic risk assessment. On average, professionals with lower levels of specialist training agreed less with their colleagues and experts, and provided higher estimations of sexual violence risk. Lower levels of agreement were found in cases with moderate levels of complexity and risk. The RSVP can be used to make judgments of risk with adequate levels of interrater reliability. However, this is dependent on the training and expertise of professionals who use the tool. Methodological strengths and limitations are considered, followed by a discussion of implications for training, practice, and future research.
Modulation of enrofloxacin binding in OmpF by Mg2+ as revealed by the analysis of fast flickering single-porin current
Authors: Brauser Annemarie , Schroeder Indra , Gutsmann Thomas , Cosentino Cristian , Moroni Anna , Hansen Ulf-Peter , Winterhalter Mathias
Published: June 2012

One major determinant of the efficacy of antibiotics on Gram-negative bacteria is the passage through the outer membrane. During transport of the fluoroquinolone enrofloxacin through the trimeric outer membrane protein OmpF of Escherichia coli, the antibiotic interacts with two binding sites within the pore, thus partially blocking the ionic current. The modulation of one affinity site by Mg2+ reveals further details of binding sites and binding kinetics. At positive membrane potentials, the slow blocking events induced by enrofloxacin in Mg2+-free media are converted to flickery sojourns at the highest apparent current level (all three pores flickering). This indicates weaker binding in the presence of Mg2+. Analysis of the resulting amplitude histograms with β distributions revealed the rate constants of blocking (kOB) and unblocking (kBO) in the range of 1,000 to 120,000 s−1. As expected for a bimolecular reaction, kOB was proportional to blocker concentration and kBO independent of it. kOB was approximately three times lower for enrofloxacin coming from the cis side than from the trans side. The block was not complete, leading to a residual conductivity of the blocked state being ∼25% of that of the open state. Interpretation of the results has led to the following model: fast flickering as caused by interaction of Mg2+ and enrofloxacin is related to the binding site at the trans side, whereas the cis site mediates slow blocking events which are also found without Mg2+. The difference in the accessibility of the binding sites also explains the dependency of kOB on the side of enrofloxacin addition and yields a means of determining the most plausible orientation of OmpF in the bilayer. The voltage dependence suggests that the dipole of the antibiotic has to be adequately oriented to facilitate binding.
Curves of genus 𝑔 whose canonical model lies on a surface of degree 𝑔+1
Authors: Casnati Gianfranco
Published: June 2012

Let

C
C

be a non-hyperelliptic curve of genus

g
g

. We prove that if the minimal degree of a surface containing the canonical model of

C
C

in

P

ˇ

k

g
−
1

\check {\mathbb {P}}_k^{g-1}

is

g
+
1

g+1

, then either

g
≥
9

g\ge 9

and

C
C

carries exactly one

g

4

1

g^{1}_{4}

or

7
≤
g
≤
15

7\le g\le 15

and

C
C

is birationally isomorphic to a plane septic curve with at most double points as singularities.
Test functions in constrained interpolation
Authors: Dritschel Michael , Pickering James
Published: June 2012

We give a set of test functions for

H

1

∞

H_{1}^{\infty }

, the algebra of bounded holomorphic functions on the disk with first derivative equal to

0
0

, whose interpolation problem was studied by Davidson, Paulsen, Raghupathi and Singh (2009). We show that this set of test functions is minimal by relating these ideas to realization and interpolation problems.
ETAscape: analyzing protein networks to predict enzymatic function and substrates in Cytoscape
Authors: Bachman Benjamin J. , Venner Eric , Lua Rhonald C. , Erdin Serkan , Lichtarge Olivier
Published: June 2012

Summary: Most proteins lack experimentally validated functions. To address this problem, we implemented the Evolutionary Trace Annotation (ETA) method in the Cytoscape network visualization environment. The result is the ETAscape plugin, which builds a structural genomics network based on local structural and evolutionary similarities among proteins and then globally diffuses known annotations across the resulting network. The plugin displays these novel functional annotations, their confidence, the molecular basis for individual matches and the set of matches that lead to a prediction.

Availability: The ETA Network Plugin is available publicly for download at http://mammoth.bcm.tmc.edu/networks/.

Contact:  lichtarge@bcm.edu
BatMis: a fast algorithm for k-mismatch mapping
Authors: Tennakoon Chandana , Purbojati Rikky W. , Sung Wing-Kin
Published: June 2012

Motivation: Second-generation sequencing (SGS) generates millions of reads that need to be aligned to a reference genome allowing errors. Although current aligners can efficiently map reads allowing a small number of mismatches, they are not well suited for handling a large number of mismatches. The efficiency of aligners can be improved using various heuristics, but the sensitivity and accuracy of the alignments are sacrificed. In this article, we introduce Basic Alignment tool for Mismatches (BatMis)—an efficient method to align short reads to a reference allowing k mismatches. BatMis is a Burrows–Wheeler transformation based aligner that uses a seed and extend approach, and it is an exact method.

Results: Benchmark tests show that BatMis performs better than competing aligners in solving the k-mismatch problem. Furthermore, it can compete favorably even when compared with the heuristic modes of the other aligners. BatMis is a useful alternative for applications where fast k-mismatch mappings, unique mappings or multiple mappings of SGS data are required.

Availability and implementation: BatMis is written in C/C++ and is freely available from http://code.google.com/p/batmis/

Contact:  ksung@comp.nus.edu.sg

Supplementary Information: Supplementary information is available from Bioinformatics online.
Diversity in migratory patterns among Neotropical fishes in a highly regulated river basin
Authors: Makrakis M. C. , Miranda L. E. , Makrakis S. , Fontes Júnior H. M. , Morlis W. G. , Dias J. H. P. , Garcia J. O.
Published: June 2012

Migratory behaviour of selected fish species is described in the Paraná River, Brazil–Argentina–Paraguay, to search for patterns relevant to tropical regulated river systems. In a 10 year mark–recapture study, spanning a 1425 km section of the river, 32 867 fishes composed of 18 species were released and 1083 fishes were recaptured. The fishes recaptured were at liberty an average 166 days (maximum 1548 days) and travelled an average 35 km (range 0–625 km). Cluster analysis applied to variables descriptive of movement behaviour identified four general movement patterns. Cluster 1 included species that moved long distances (mean 164 km) upstream (54%) and downstream (40%) the mainstem river and showed high incidence (27%) of passage through dams; cluster 2 also exhibited high rate of movement along the mainstem (49% upstream, 13% downstream), but moved small distances (mean 10 km); cluster 3 included the most fishes moving laterally into tributaries (45%) or not moving at all (25%), but little downstream movement (8%); fishes in cluster 4 exhibited little upstream movement (13%) and farthest downstream movements (mean 41 km). Whereas species could be numerically clustered with statistical models, a species ordination showed ample spread, suggesting that species exhibit diverse movement patterns that cannot be easily classified into just a few classes. The cluster and ordination procedures also showed that adults and juveniles of the same species exhibit similar movement patterns. Conventional concepts about Neotropical migratory fishes portray them as travelling long distances upstream. The present results broaden these concepts suggesting that migratory movements are more diverse, could be long, short or at times absent, upriver, downriver or lateral, and the diversity of movements can vary within and among species. The intense lateral migrations exhibited by a diversity of species, especially to and from large tributaries (above reservoirs) and reservoir tributaries, illustrate the importance of these habitats for the fish species life cycle. Considering that the Paraná River is highly impounded, special attention should be given to the few remaining low‐impact habitats as they continue to be targets of hydropower development that will probably intensify the effects on migratory fish stocks.
PCAOB Inspections of International Audit Firms: Initial Evidence
Authors: Bishop Carol C. , Hermanson Dana R. , Houston Richard W.
Published: June 2012

This paper examines PCAOB inspections of international audit firms, based on an analysis of 175 first‐time and 56 second‐time inspection reports issued through February 4, 2012. We find that just over half of the inspection reports identify audit deficiencies, and two‐thirds cite quality control defects. Deficiency firms are smaller, but have more issuer clients than no‐deficiency firms, reflecting possible over‐extension into the issuer audit market. Affiliates of Big 4 firms are less likely to have deficiencies than are other firms. We find no significant differences in the rate of audit deficiencies or quality control defects based on whether the PCAOB acts alone or cooperates with a local regulator in conducting the inspection, or based on the home country's legal tradition (common law versus other). Audit deficiencies are most often related to substantive testing and the failure to perform sufficient audit procedures. The deficiencies most commonly relate to the balance sheet, while the individual account cited most often is revenues. Unlike prior research that examines US firms, there is no difference in the rate of audit deficiencies or quality control defects for first‐time versus second‐time inspections.
Auditor Performance, Client Satisfaction and Client Loyalty: Evidence from Belgian Non‐Profits
Authors: Reheul Anne‐Mie , Van Caneghem Tom , Verbruggen Sandra
Published: June 2012

Based on a large‐scale survey, we explore auditor performance perceptions among a sample of Belgian non‐profits. In addition, we examine the relationship between (i) perceived auditor performance and client satisfaction with the auditor; and (ii) client satisfaction with and client loyalty towards the auditor. Moreover, we contrast the ability of two alternative performance scales (i.e., one borrowed from the service quality literature and the other derived from the auditing literature) in explaining overall client satisfaction with the auditor. Overall results are indicative of a high degree of satisfaction with and loyalty towards the auditor. In addition, our findings suggest that the drivers of client satisfaction (and loyalty) are behavioral, rather than economic in nature. Our results indicate that the measurement scale derived from the auditing literature is slightly better in explaining overall satisfaction with the auditor.
Life‐time drinking course of driving‐while‐impaired offenders
Authors: Lapham Sandra C. , Skipper Betty J. , Russell Marcia
Published: June 2012

Aims

This retrospective study compared drinking histories of 283 men and 413 women convicted of driving while impaired (DWI) in New Mexico and interviewed 15 years following a first conviction and screening referral.

Design

We characterized drinking course and plotted drinking status (stable abstainers, abstainers, moderate or risky drinkers) from age 15 to 60 years.

Setting

Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Participants

Community sample of previously convicted DWI offenders.

Measurements

Psychiatric disorders from the Comprehensive International Diagnostic Interview; drinking histories from the Cognitive Lifetime Drinking History.

Findings

Risky drinking was prevalent at all ages for both genders. Almost half the population reported either a life‐time drinking course of risky drinking (19%) or resumed risky drinking after at least one interval of abstinence or moderate drinking (25%), while about one‐fifth followed a never risky or risky to moderate drinking course. Offenders with a life‐time diagnosis of substance dependence more often transitioned to risky drinking, and those with life‐time alcohol dependence were more prone to transition to abstinence. Across time, those who began risky drinking at age 15 years or later quit at double the rate of those who began before age 15 years. Women's and men's drinking courses were similar, but women began risky drinking at a later age and moved to abstinence more often.

Conclusions

Among people convicted of driving while impaired in the United States, younger age of initiation of drinking and co‐occurrence of psychiatric and substance use appear to be associated with a poorer trajectory of subsequent risky drinking behaviour. Women who are convicted of driving while impaired appear to start drinking later in life and be more likely to subsequently become abstainers.
Late‐onset progressive retinal atrophy in the Gordon and Irish Setter breeds is associated with a frameshift mutation in C2orf71
Authors: Downs L. M. , Bell J. S. , Freeman J. , Hartley C. , Hayward L. J. , Mellersh C. S.
Published: June 2012

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogs is characterised by the degeneration of the photoreceptor cells of the retina, resulting in vision loss and eventually complete blindness. The condition affects more than 100 dog breeds and is known to be genetically heterogeneous between breeds. Around 14 mutations have now been identified that are associated with PRA in around 49 breeds, but for the majority of breeds the mutation(s) responsible have yet to be identified. Using genome‐wide association with 16 Gordon Setter PRA cases and 22 controls, we identified a novel PRA locus, termed rod–cone degeneration 4 (rcd4), on CFA17 (Praw = 2.22 × 10−8, Pgenome = 2.00 × 10−5), where a 3.2‐Mb region was homozygous within cases. A frameshift mutation was identified in C2orf71, a gene located within this region. This variant was homozygous in 19 of 21 PRA cases and was at a frequency of approximately 0.37 in the Gordon Setter population. Approximately 10% of cases in our study (2 of 21) are not associated with this C2orf71 mutation, indicating that PRA in this breed is genetically heterogeneous and caused by at least two mutations. This variant is also present in a number of Irish Setter dogs with PRA and has an estimated allele frequency of 0.26 in the breed. The function of C2orf71 remains unknown, but it is important for retinal development and function and has previously been associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa in humans.
Emotional impact of genetic trials in progressive paediatric disorders: a dose‐ranging exon‐skipping trial in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Garralda M. E. , McConachie H. , Le Couteur A. , Sriranjan S. , Chakrabarti I. , Cirak S. , Guglieri M. , Bushby K. , Muntoni F.
Published: June 2012

Background  Gene‐modifying trials offer hope for improvement in chronic paediatric disorders, but they may also lead to disappointment and have an adverse emotional effect on families. This study aimed to examine emotional impact on participants in a paediatric exon‐skipping trial.

Methods  Nineteen male children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and their parents, taking part in a dose‐ranging study of an i.v. administered morpholino splice‐switching oligomer (which can restore the reading frame in DMD and induce dystrophin expression) underwent a psychosocial/psychiatric examination at trial entry. Emotional impact was assessed at trial completion using questionnaires.

Results  The mean child age was 8.9 years (SD 2.1); 13(68%) were attending mainstream school. Most families were well adjusted psychosocially at trial entry. Post‐trial median child emotional impact scores were 5/10 (n= 18), but impact was rated as positive by 6/14 (42%), neutral/mixed by 5 (35%) and negative by 3 (21%). Median post‐trial psychosocial/psychiatric change scores in children and parents were minimal. Actual post‐trial negative impact was statistically significantly associated with higher expected impact at trial entry, at which time the families of the three children displaying actual negative impact reported higher family stress levels in combination with a variety of other psychosocial risks factors.

Conclusions  In carefully selected families with low levels of psychosocial stress/distress at trial entry, and with good support from paediatric research units (including psychiatric input when required), genetic trials in progressive disorders such as DMD can have a predominantly positive or neutral emotional impact. Nevertheless, negative impact is reported by a minority of families and possible psychosocial predictors deserving further scrutiny have been identified.
Predicting leisure participation of school‐aged children with cerebral palsy: longitudinal evidence of child, family and environmental factors
Authors: Bult M. K. , Verschuren O. , Lindeman E. , Jongmans M. J. , Westers P. , Claassen A. , Ketelaar M.
Published: June 2012

Objective  This longitudinal study aims to determine which child, family and environmental variables measured at 2 years of age predict leisure participation in formal and informal activities in school aged children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods  Parents of 46 children with CP (mean age at baseline: 2 years 6 months, SD 0 years 1 month; at follow‐up 6 years 7 months, SD 0 years 9 months; n = 26 boys, n = 20 girls; Gross Motor Classification System I = 30%, II = 7%, III = 28%, IV = 24%, V = 11%) completed the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment indicating their child's participation. Multivariate regression models were used to identify early predictors of participation.

Results  Movement ability was a significant child‐related predictor for formal activities (R2 17%, P < 0.05). Movement ability and social skills were most predictive (R2 62%, P < 0.00) for informal activities. The feeling of being restricted in family participation was the single most predictive factor for formal and informal activities at family level (R2 12%, P < 0.05, R2 25%, P < 0.05). Type of daycare was the only environmental variable that was predictive, and only for informal activities (R2 16%, P < 0.05). In the overall model movement ability was most predictive for leisure participation in formal activities (R2 17%, P < 0.05). Movement ability and social skills are the most important predictors for informal leisure participation (R2 62%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions  Several variables are found to be related to formal and informal participation at age 6. Movement ability and social skills at age 2 are most predictive of leisure participation when the child is 6 years old.
Partners’ experiences of the postdischarge period after day surgery – a qualitative study
Authors: Majholm Birgitte , Esbensen Bente A , Thomsen Thordis , Engbæk Jens , Møller Ann M
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  Day surgery shifts the responsibility of care from the hospital to patients and their families. This study explored how partners of day surgery patients experienced their role after patient discharge.

Background.  Many surgical procedures formerly requiring inpatient care are now carried out on a day surgery basis, shifting responsibility of care to patients and their partners/relatives. Little is known about how partners of day surgery patients manage this responsibility.

Design.  Qualitative descriptive.

Methods.  Individual semi‐structured interviews with 11 partners of day surgery patients who had undergone shoulder surgery. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse data.

Results.  The following aspects were identified: the first is ‘It’s all about being there for the patient by taking care of the patient’s needs and by mobilising one’s network,’ referring to the provision of reassurance, helping with activities of daily living, facilitating information, being on the alert for adverse events and taking an average 1–4 days off work. The second is ‘Contributing to society as a partner,’ referring to partners’ sense of citizenship resulting from being carers. Finally, prior experiences of hospitalisation and illness appeared to impinge upon partners’ ways of taking on the responsibility of care.

Conclusion.  Partners readily accepted their role as carers. This is essential for the day surgery concept to succeed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  In the light of the continuing expansion of day surgery and the ensuing transfer of care to patients and their relatives, it is important for healthcare professionals to assess relatives’ capability to care for day surgery patients.
Predictors of dietary and fluid non‐adherence in Jordanian patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khalil Amani A , Darawad Muhammad , Al Gamal Eklas , Hamdan‐Mansour Ayman M , Abed Mona A
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the relationship between dietary and fluid non‐adherence, depressive symptoms, quality of life, perceived barriers and benefits of exercise, and perceived social support among Jordanian patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis using Pender’s health promotion model.

Background.  Non‐adherence to dietary and fluid restrictions is a leading cause of treatment failure and poor outcomes in end‐stage renal disease. Yet, factors that interfere with the patients’ ability to follow their dietary restrictions are unknown.

Design.  A descriptive, correlational, cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods.  Jordanian patients (n = 190) with end‐stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis from three main Jordanian cities were included. The dialysis diet and fluid nonadherence questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory‐II, Quality Of Life Index, Dialysis Patient‐Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale, and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support were employed to measure the key variables.

Results.  Patients were more likely men with mean age of 48·2 ± 14·9. Only 27% of the patients showed full commitment to diet guidelines and 23% to fluid guidelines during the last 14 days. Depression (M = 18·8 ± 11·4) had significant negative association with quality of life (importance and satisfaction) (r = −0·60, r = −0·32, p = 0·001, respectively). Multiple hierarchal regressions revealed a predictive model of only two variables: age (B = −0·22, p = 0·05) and residual renal function (B = −0·23, p = 0·012) for dietary non‐adherence.

Conclusions.  Non‐adherence to diet and fluid guidelines association with individual characteristics, health perception and psychosocial variables should be investigated in a longitudinal design. Relationship of non‐adherence with culture‐related factors should deeply be assessed among Jordanian patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Identification of the factors that may worsen dietary and fluid non‐adherence may lead to improved therapeutic interventions within the mainstream of medical practice for Jordanian patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis.
The shoot regeneration capacity of excised Arabidopsis cotyledons is established during the initial hours after injury and is modulated by a complex genetic network of light signalling
Authors: NAMETH BLAIR , DINKA STEVEN J. , CHATFIELD STEVEN P. , MORRIS ADAM , ENGLISH JENNY , LEWIS DORRETT , ORO ROSALINDA , RAIZADA MANISH N.
Published: June 2012

Excised plant tissues (explants) can regenerate new shoot apical meristems in vitro, but regeneration rates can be inexplicably variable. Light affects rates of shoot regeneration, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, excised Arabidopsis cotyledons were dark–light shifted to define the timing of explant light sensitivity. Mutants and pharmacological agents were employed to uncover underlying physiological and genetic mechanisms. Unexpectedly, explants were most light sensitive during the initial hours post‐excision with respect to shoot regeneration. Only ∼100 µmol m−2 s−1 of fluorescent light was sufficient to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in new explants. By 48 h post‐excision, induction of ROS, or quenching of ROS by xanthophylls, increased or decreased shoot regeneration, respectively. Phytochrome A‐mediated signalling suppressed light inhibition of regeneration. Early exposure to blue/UV‐A wavelengths inhibited regeneration, involving photoreceptor CRY1. Downstream transcription factor HY5 mediated explant photoprotection, perhaps by promoting anthocyanin accumulation, a pigment also induced by cytokinin. Surprisingly, early light inhibition of shoot regeneration was dependent on polar auxin transport. Early exposure to ethylene stimulated dark‐treated explants to regenerate, but inhibited light‐treated explants. We propose that variability in long‐term shoot regeneration may arise within the initial hours post‐excision, from inadvertent, variable exposure of explants to light, modulated by hormones.
Dengue in travellers: applicability of the 1975–1997 and the 2009 WHO classification system of dengue fever
Authors: Wieten Rosanne W. , Vlietstra Wytze , Goorhuis Abraham , van Vugt Michèle , Hodiamont Caspar J. , Leenstra Tjalling , de Vries Peter J. , Janssen Saskia , van Thiel Pieter P. , Stijnis Kees , Grobusch Martin P.
Published: June 2012

Objectives  The aim of this study was to assess the applicability and benefits of the new WHO dengue fever guidelines in clinical practice, for returning travellers.

Methods  We compared differences in specificity and sensitivity between the old and the new guidelines for diagnosing dengue and assessed the usefulness in predicting the clinical course of the disease. Also, we investigated whether hypertension, diabetes or allergies, ethnicity or high age influenced the course of disease.

Results  In our setting, the old classification, compared with the new, had a marginally higher sensitivity for diagnosing dengue. The new classification had a slightly higher specificity and was less rigid. Patients with dengue who had warning signs as postulated in the new classification were admitted more often than those who had no warning signs (RR, 8.09 [1.80–35.48]). We did not find ethnicity, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or allergies to be predictive of the clinical course.

Conclusions  In our cohort of returned travellers, the new classification system did not differ in sensitivity and specificity from the old system to a clinically relevant degree. The guidelines did not improve identification of severe disease.
Unsustainable funding of high‐burden tuberculosis control programmes: who is responsible?
Authors: Mauch Verena , Baltussen Rob , van der Velden Koos
Published: June 2012

The literature suggests that crowding‐out effects of government funding for health happen in low‐income countries with a high HIV burden. In a survey, we investigated the hypothesis that domestic funding for TB control has fallen in 11 low‐income, high‐TB‐burden countries in the context of changes in gross domestic product (GDP), development assistance inflows and national health expenditures. We found that despite rises in GDP per capita between 2003 and 2009, health expenditure as per cent of GDP fell or stayed the same for the majority of these countries. Although TB control budgets increased for all 11 countries in absolute terms, 6 countries reduced government contribution to TB control. For health programmes to become sustainable in the long run, we suggest increases in donor funding for health to be accompanied by requirements to increase domestic funding for health. We thereby attribute responsibility to avoid crowding‐out effects to donors and governments alike. Moreover, it is the responsibility of both to ensure essential items to be funded by government sources to avoid a collapse of programmes once aid is withdrawn.
Clinical and contextual determinants of anthropometric failure at baseline and longitudinal improvements after starting antiretroviral treatment among South African children
Authors: Chhagan Meera K. , Kauchali Shuaib , Van den Broeck Jan
Published: June 2012

Objectives  To describe baseline nutritional anthropometry and its determinants in a cohort of children commencing HAART, and subsequent longitudinal anthropometric trajectories over 2 years.

Methods  Prospective observational study in a prepubertal cohort of children commencing HAART in Durban, South Africa.

Results  Among 151 children with a median baseline age of 61.3 months (IQR 29.6, 90.1), prevalence of stunting was 54% (95% CI 46, 62) and of underweight, 37% (95% CI 29, 45). There was high prevalence of preceding respiratory and diarrhoeal comorbidities, which were associated with poorer anthropometry. There were significant improvements in height, weight and mid‐upper‐arm circumference z‐scores after initiation of HAART regardless of preceding comorbidities. Stunted children remained shorter on average after 24 months, but younger children had better catch‐up. Children who eventually died had persistently worse anthropometry. Children who were exposed to improved programs for prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) were younger and had more severe growth impairments at baseline.

Conclusion  Anthropometric status of children on HAART is influenced by age, preceding comorbidities, and by programmatic factors. With improved PMTCT programs, infants who would previously have died in infancy are now surviving to commence HAART. Poor outcomes are preceded by persistent anthropometric failure on HAART reaffirming the need for growth velocity monitoring.
How transplant surgeons can overcome the inevitable insufficiency of allograft size during adult living‐donor liver transplantation: strategy for donor safety with a smaller‐size graft and excellent recipient results
Authors: Hori Tomohide , Ogura Yasuhiro , Ogawa Kohei , Kaido Toshimi , Segawa Hajime , Okajima Hideaki , Kogure Takayuki , Uemoto Shinji
Published: June 2012

Small‐for‐size grafts are an issue in liver transplantation. Portal venous pressure (PVP) was monitored and intentionally controlled during living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in 155 adult recipients. The indocyanine green elimination rate (kICG) was simultaneously measured in 16 recipients and divided by the graft weight (g) to reflect portal venous flow (PVF). The target PVP was <20 mmHg. Patients were divided by the final PVP (mmHg): Group A, PVP < 12; Group B, 12 ≤ PVP < 15; Group C, 15 ≤ PVP < 20; and Group D, PVP ≥ 20. With intentional PVP control, we performed splenectomy and collateral ligation in 80 cases, splenectomy in 39 cases, and splenectomy, collateral ligation, and additional creation in five cases. Thirty‐one cases received no modulation. Groups A and B showed good LDLT results, while Groups C and D did not. Final PVP was the most important factor for the LDLT results, and the PVP cutoffs for good outcomes and clinical courses were both 15.5 mmHg. The respective kICG/graft weight cutoffs were 3.5580 × 10−4/g and 4.0015 × 10−4/g. Intentional PVP modulation at <15 mmHg is a sure surgical strategy for small‐for‐size grafts, to establish greater donor safety with good LDLT results. The kICG/graft weight value may have potential as a parameter for optimal PVF and a predictor for LDLT results.
The effect of an educational intervention for renal recipients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Urstad Kristin H. , Øyen Ole , Andersen Marit H. , Moum Torbjørn , Wahl Astrid K.
Published: June 2012

Aim

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to test the efficacy of an educational intervention on renal recipient's knowledge, compliance, self‐efficacy, and quality of life.

Methods

In total, 159 renal recipients were randomized to the intervention (N = 77) or control group (N = 82). A total of 139 participants reached second measure point (7–8 wk post‐Tx), and 120 participants reached third measure point (six months post‐Tx). The intervention consisted of five tailored one‐to‐one sessions. Primary outcome was measured by a knowledge questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were measured by “The General‐ Self‐efficacy Scale,” SF‐12 and by number of patient observations (Compliance).

Results

Significantly higher levels of knowledge were found in the experimental group compared with the control group at both measure points (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004). Compliance was significantly higher in the experimental group at second measure point (p = 0.000). At third measure point, the experimental group reported significantly better scores on self‐efficacy (p = 0.036) and mental score of quality of life (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

This structured, tailored educational intervention, applied in a 7–8 wk post‐transplant period, increased renal recipients’ levels of knowledge on both short and long terms. Furthermore, the intervention was beneficial for patients’ compliance, self‐efficacy, and mental quality of life.
Detecting cryptic speciation in the widespread and morphologically conservative carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis) of Madagascar
Authors: FLORIO A. M. , INGRAM C. M. , RAKOTONDRAVONY H. A. , LOUIS E. E. , RAXWORTHY C. J.
Published: June 2012

Species delimitation within recently evolved groups can be challenging because species may be difficult to distinguish morphologically. Following the General Lineage Concept, we apply a multiple evidence approach to assess species limits within the carpet chameleon Furcifer lateralis, which is endemic to Madagascar and exported in large numbers for the pet trade. Cryptic speciation within F. lateralis was considered likely because this species (1) has a vast distribution, (2) occupies exceptionally diverse habitats and (3) exhibits subtle regional differences in morphology. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed using nuclear and mitochondrial genes recovered three well‐supported clades corresponding with geography. Morphological results based on canonical variates analysis show that these clades exhibit subtle differences in head casque morphology. Ecological niche modelling results found that these phylogenetic groups also occupy unique environmental space and exhibit patterns of regional endemism typical of other endemic reptiles. Combined, our findings provide diverse yet consistent evidence for the existence of three species. Consequently, we elevate the subspecies F. lateralis major to species rank and name a new species distributed in northern and western Madagascar. Initial ecological divergence, associated with speciation of F. lateralis in humid eastern habitat, fits the Ecographic Constraint model for species diversification in Madagascar. By contrast, the second speciation event provides some support for the Riverine Barrier model, with the Mangoky River possibly causing initial isolation between species. These findings thus support two contrasting models of speciation within closely related species and demonstrate the utility of applying a combined‐evidence approach for detecting cryptic speciation.
Modulation of genes related to specific metabolic pathways in response to cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase knockdown in rice plants
Authors: Ribeiro C. W. , Carvalho F. E. L. , Rosa S. B. , Alves‐Ferreira M. , Andrade C. M. B. , Ribeiro‐Alves M. , Silveira J. A. G. , Margis R. , Margis‐Pinheiro M.
Published: June 2012

As a central component of the hydrogen peroxide detoxifying system in plant cells, ascorbate peroxidases (APX) play an essential role in the control of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. To characterise the function of cytosolic APX isoforms (OsAPX1 and OsAPX2) in the mechanisms of plant defence, OsAPX1/2 knockdown rice plants were previously obtained. OsAPX1/2 knockdown plants (APx1/2s) exhibited a normal phenotype and development, even though they showed a global reduction of APX activity and increased hydrogen peroxide accumulation. To understand how rice plants compensate for the deficiency of cytosolic APX, expression and proteomic analyses were performed to characterise the global expression pattern of the APx1/2s mutant line compared with non‐transformed plants. Our results strongly suggest that deficiencies in cytosolic APX isoforms markedly alter expression of genes associated with several key metabolic pathways, especially of genes involved in photosynthesis and antioxidant defence. These metabolic changes are compensatory because central physiological processes such as photosynthesis and growth were similar to non‐transformed rice plants. Our analyses showed modulation of groups of genes and proteins related to specific metabolic pathways. Among the differentially expressed genes, the largest number corresponded to those with catalytic activity. Genes related to oxidative stress, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis and transcription factor‐encoding genes were also modulated. These results represent an important step toward understanding of the role played by cytosolic APX isoforms and hydrogen peroxide in the regulation of metabolism by redox modulation in monocots.
Blue light effects on rose photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis
Authors: Abidi F. , Girault T. , Douillet O. , Guillemain G. , Sintes G. , Laffaire M. , Ahmed H. Ben , Smiti S. , Huché‐Thélier L. , Leduc N.
Published: June 2012

Through its impact on photosynthesis and morphogenesis, light is the environmental factor that most affects plant architecture. Using light rather than chemicals to manage plant architecture could reduce the impact on the environment. However, the understanding of how light modulates plant architecture is still poor and further research is needed. To address this question, we examined the development of two rose cultivars, Rosa hybrida‘Radrazz’ and Rosa chinensis‘Old Blush’, cultivated under two light qualities. Plants were grown from one‐node cuttings for 6 weeks under white or blue light at equal photosynthetic efficiencies. While plant development was totally inhibited in darkness, blue light could sustain full development from bud burst until flowering. Blue light reduced the net CO2 assimilation rate of fully expanded leaves in both cultivars, despite increasing stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentrations. In ‘Radrazz’, the reduction in CO2 assimilation under blue light was related to a decrease in photosynthetic pigment content, while in both cultivars, the chl a/b ratio increased. Surprisingly, blue light could induce the same organogenetic activity of the shoot apical meristem, growth of the metamers and flower development as white light. The normal development of rose plants under blue light reveals the strong adaptive properties of rose plants to their light environment. It also indicates that photomorphogenetic processes can all be triggered by blue wavelengths and that despite a lower assimilation rate, blue light can provide sufficient energy via photosynthesis to sustain normal growth and development in roses.
The development of faba bean expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeats (EST‐SSRs) and their validity in diversity analysis
Authors: Akash Muhanad W. , Myers Gerald O.
Published: June 2012

With 2 figures and 3 tables

Expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeats (EST‐SSRs) are gene‐derived SSR markers that are developed using special software to mine complementary DNA (cDNA) clone and EST databases. Three hundred and forty‐nine SSR‐containing ESTs were identified after mining 5031 faba bean EST sequences that correspond to approximately 2.14 Mb. A total of 117 non‐redundant SSR‐containing ESTs were identified, and 34 primer pairs were designed and used to amplify 20 Jordanian accessions: 13 Vicia faba and seven Vicia species. Thirty‐one primers were successfully amplified. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.54 indicated the presence of high polymorphic loci, which were able to discriminate within V. faba and among Vicia species using the unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram. The transferability rates of markers ranged from a high of 80.6% in Vicia sativa to a low of 48.4% in Vicia hybrida with an average interspecies transferability of 65.9%. The present study was the first detailed effort to develop and validate a large number of potential SSRs for functional coding sequences in V. faba and related species.
Combination therapy with finasteride and low‐dose dutasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Boyapati Ann , Sinclair Rodney
Published: June 2012

We report on a 47‐year‐old man who was initially treated with finasteride for androgenetic alopecia. Despite continuous treatment, after year 4 his hair density was not as good as at year 2, and low‐dose dutasteride at 0.5 mg/week was added to the finasteride therapy. This resulted in a dramatic increase in his hair density, demonstrating that combined therapy with finasteride and dutasteride can improve hair density in patients already taking finasteride.
Causes of recurrent or persistent anemia in older people from the results of the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study
Authors: Santos Itamar S , Scazufca Márcia , Lotufo Paulo A , Menezes Paulo R , Benseñor Isabela M
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Anemia is a prevalent condition in older people, and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies identified various causes of anemia in this population. We aimed to determine the frequency and main causes of persistent or recurrent anemia in participants 2 years after their inclusion in the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study (SPAH).

Methods:  The SPAH is a cohort study of 2072 individuals aged 65 years or older living in poor neighborhoods of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 2 years after inclusion, participants were reassessed; those with anemia at baseline were eligible for this ancillary study. Individuals were invited to a medical re‐evaluation, including taking blood samples to determine serum iron, ferritin, total iron‐binding capacity, folic acid, vitamin B12, creatinine and transferrin saturation levels, and blood cell and reticulocyte counts. Anemia diagnosis was based on WHO criteria. Information about cause of death before follow‐up assessment was obtained from death certificates.

Results:  Of the 203 participants with anemia at inclusion, 97 (47.8%) were reassessed, 48 (23.6%) died before follow‐up assessment, 33 (16.3%) refused to participate and 25 (12.3%) were not traced. A total of 57 (58.8%) of the 97 re‐evaluated participants had persistent or recurrent anemia. Lower baseline hemoglobin was a predictor of anemia during follow up. Major causes of persistent or recurrent anemia at follow up were renal disease (62%) and chronic inflammation (35%).

Conclusion:  Anemia was a prevalent and persistent disease in this low‐income sample of older individuals. Micronutrient‐related anemia, chronic blood loss and renal disease are important mechanisms for perpetuating low hemoglobin levels. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 204–208.