bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization and marker development of mid‐oleic‐acid mutant M23 for the development of high‐oleic cultivars of soybean
Authors: Hoshino Tomoki , Kawashita Nobuhisa , Takagi Yutaka , Anai Toyoaki
Published: May 2011

With 6 figures and 2 tables

The mid‐oleic‐acid soybean mutant M23 has been frequently used to develop lines with elevated oleic acid content. M23, which was produced by X‐ray irradiation, was previously shown to contain a large deletion including GmFAD2‐1a, one of the genes encoding microsomal omega‐6 fatty acid desaturase (GmFAD2). However, it was not possible then to develop a codominant marker for the selection of the M23 mutation because the extent of the deletion was unknown. Here, we report that PCR analysis of M23 using published soybean genome sequences as a reference revealed a 164 014‐bp deletion including GmFAD2‐1a and nineteen other predicted genes. We generated a codominant PCR‐based marker that can distinguish wild‐type/M23 heterozygotes from both homozygous classes. We genotyped F2 plants segregating for the M23 mutation and confirmed the association of genotype and phenotype. This information will be useful in developing new commercial cultivars of high‐oleic‐acid soybean. We discuss the possible functions of the genes in the deleted region of M23 in relation to reduced seed yield, which occurs frequently in soybean lines containing the M23 mutation.
Self‐management among Egyptian heart failure patients
Authors: Samir Amal , Nour Wafaa
Published: May 2011

Samir A, Nour W. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 221–230

Self‐management among Egyptian heart failure patients

The purpose of this study was to describe heart failure patients' abilities to manage their disease. A descriptive correlational design was used in this study. A convenient sample of 120 adult patients with heart failure was surveyed using Self‐Management of Heart Failure tool; the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification was used to measure functional status. The findings of this study showed that 60% of patients' age ranged from 50 to < 60 years. Men accounted for 66.7% of the patient population; 33.3% were women. Most participants were married. The study showed that recognizing a change in signs and symptoms was positively correlated with both implementing and evaluating treatment with statistical significance. In addition, the results showed the statistical significant differences between levels of patients' education and both implementing and evaluating treatment. Finally, statistically significant differences were found between functional status of patients and their ability to recognize change as well as evaluate treatment. Findings of this study highlight the need for using the Self‐Management of Heart Failure tool in practice to direct the medical and nursing staff towards the specific problem area for each patient.
Help‐seeking behaviour: A concept analysis
Authors: Cornally Nicola , McCarthy Geraldine
Published: May 2011

Cornally N, McCarthy G. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 280–288

Help‐seeking behaviour: A concept analysis

The concept ‘help‐seeking behaviour’ has gained popularity in recent years as an important vehicle for exploring and understanding patient delay and prompt action across a variety of health conditions. The term is used interchangeably with health seeking and is described as part of both illness behaviour and health behaviour. Concept clarification is required to aid nurses and other health‐care professionals understanding of the attributes of help‐seeking behaviour and to guide theory development, practice and research. The Walker and Avant method of concept analysis was used to guide the analysis. Help‐seeking behaviour was shown to be a complex decision‐making process instigated by a problem that challenges personal abilities. According to the literature, the process is characterized by the following attributes: problem focused, intentional action and interpersonal interaction. Help‐seeking behaviour for a health problem can therefore be defined as a problem focused, planned behaviour, involving interpersonal interaction with a selected health‐care professional.
Bronchial brushings for investigating airway inflammation and remodelling
Authors: LOOI KEVIN , SUTANTO ERIKA N. , BANERJEE BALARKA , GARRATT LUKE , LING KAK‐MING , FOO CLARA J. , STICK STEPHEN M. , KICIC ANTHONY
Published: May 2011

Asthma is the commonest medical cause for hospital admission for children in Australia, affects more than 300 million people worldwide, and is incurable, severe in large number and refractory to treatment in many. However, there have been no new significant treatments despite intense research and billions of dollars. The advancement in our understanding in this disease has been limited due to its heterogeneity, genetic complexity and has severely been hampered particularly in children by the difficulty in obtaining relevant target organ tissue. This review attempts to provide an overview of the currently used and recently developed/adapted techniques used to obtain lung tissue with specific reference to the airway epithelium.
Spirometry values in a Greek population: Is there an appropriate reference equation?
Authors: KONTAKIOTIS THEODORE , BOUTOU AFRODITI K. , IOANNIDIS DIMITRIS , PAPAKOSTA DESPINA , ARGYROPOULOU PARASKEVI
Published: May 2011

Background and objective:  Most published reference values for lung function test (LFT) parameters introduce systematic bias. The aim of this study was to compare measured values of FEV1 and FVC with the corresponding normal predicted values in a Greek population, and to produce reference equations for LFT parameters in this population.

Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study conducted in Macedonia, Greece, 1080 adult healthy, non‐smokers (432 men, 648 women, aged 18–80 years), underwent spirometry. Measured values of FVC and FEV1 were compared with predicted values determined using three existing sets of reference equations: one recently derived from a European population and two others widely used in Europe (European Coal and Steel Community; ECSC) and the USA (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; NHANES III). Height and age were entered into the multivariate regression analysis to produce reference equations for LFT parameters.

Results:  All three published sets of equations underpredicted FEV1 in men. FVC was accurately predicted by all equations except NHANES III. The discrepancy was even greater among women; the ECSC equation underpredicted both FEV1 and FVC, the NHANES III equation overpredicted both FEV1 and FVC, while the third set of equations accurately predicted FEV1 but overpredicted FVC. The derived reference equation for FEV1 in men was −0.28 × age + 0.057 × height − 4.91, and in women −0.021 × age + 0.039 × height − 2.58. The derived reference equation for FVC in men was −0.28 × age + 0.071 × height − 6.763, and in women −0.019 × age + 0.056 × height − 5.018.

Conclusions:  Measured FEV1 and FVC values in a Greek population differed significantly from those predicted using previously published reference equations. The new locally derived spirometry reference equations may be more suitable for evaluation of lung function in everyday practice.
Clonal growth of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) (Asteraceae) and its relationship to volatile communication
Authors: ISHIZAKI SATOMI , SHIOJIRI KAORI , KARBAN RICHARD , OHARA MASASHI
Published: May 2011

To increase systemic resistance to herbivory, some clonal plants transmit internal cues among clonal ramets to prevent widespread damage to genets. Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) (Asteraceae) is known to use volatile cues to induce resistance within and between plants (so‐called volatile communication). In the present study, we observed the extent and frequency of clonal growth in a natural sagebrush population in western North America to understand the influence of clonal growth on volatile communication. We used genetic analysis involving microsatellite markers and excavation of the root systems. In addition, we characterized the volatile profiles from the headspace of sagebrush ramets. Excavation of the root system of sagebrush plants revealed that sagebrush propagates clonally below ground and that daughter ramets grow near the mother stem. Volatiles were variable among genetically different ramets, although clonal ramets (genetically identical ramets) released similar volatiles, suggesting a genetic basis for volatile similarity. Sagebrush has been shown to be most responsive to volatiles released from artificially produced clones and suffers less herbivore damage as a result. Therefore, these results, taken into consideration together, imply that volatile communication may occur among genetically identical ramets under natural conditions, and that volatile similarity between the releaser and receiver may be recognized by the receiver and increase resistance against herbivory.
Studies of locomotor network neuroprotection by the selective poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 inhibitor PJ‐34 against excitotoxic injury to the rat spinal cord in vitro
Authors: Nasrabady Sara E. , Kuzhandaivel Anujaianthi , Nistri Andrea
Published: May 2011

Delayed neuronal destruction after acute spinal injury is attributed to excitotoxicity mediated by hyperactivation of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) that induces ‘parthanatos’, namely a non‐apoptotic cell death mechanism. With an in vitro model of excitotoxicity, we have previously observed parthanatos of rat spinal cord locomotor networks to be decreased by a broad spectrum PARP‐1 inhibitor. The present study investigated whether the selective PARP‐1 inhibitor N‐(6‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydrophenanthridin‐2‐yl)‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)acetamide.HCl (PJ‐34) not only protected networks from kainate‐evoked excitotoxicity, but also prevented loss of locomotor patterns recorded as fictive locomotion from lumbar (L) ventral roots (VRs) 24 h later. PJ‐34 (60 μm) blocked PARP‐1 activation and preserved dorsal, central and ventral gray matter with maintained reflex activity even after a large dose of kainate. Fictive locomotion could not, however, be restored by either electrical stimulation or bath‐applied neurochemicals (N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate plus 5‐hydroxytryptamine). A low kainate concentration induced less histological damage that was widely prevented by PJ‐34. Nonetheless, fictive locomotion was observed in just over 50% of preparations whose histological profile did not differ (except for the dorsal horn) from those lacking such a rhythm. Our data show that inhibition of PARP‐1 could amply preserve spinal network histology after excitotoxicity, with return of locomotor patterns only when the excitotoxic stimulus was moderate. These results demonstrated divergence between histological and functional outcome, implying a narrow borderline between loss of fictive locomotion and neuronal preservation. Our data suggest that either damage of a few unidentified neurons or functional network inhibition was critical for ensuring locomotor cycles.
Neurotrophin‐4/5 is implicated in the enhancement of axon regeneration produced by treadmill training following peripheral nerve injury
Authors: English Arthur W. , Cucoranu Delia , Mulligan Amanda , Rodriguez José A. , Sabatier Manning J.
Published: May 2011

The role of neurotrophin‐4/5 (NT‐4/5) in the enhancement of axon regeneration in peripheral nerves produced by treadmill training was studied in mice. Common fibular nerves of animals of the H strain of thy‐1‐YFP mice, in which a subset of axons in peripheral nerves is marked by the presence of yellow fluorescent protein, were cut and surgically repaired using nerve grafts from non‐fluorescent mice. Lengths of profiles of fluorescent regenerating axons were measured using optical sections made through whole mounts of harvested nerves. Measurements from mice that had undergone 1 h of daily treadmill training at modest speed (10 m/min) were compared with those of untrained (control) mice. Modest treadmill training resulted in fluorescent axon profiles that were nearly twice as long as controls at 1, 2 and 4 week survival times. Similar enhanced regeneration was found when cut nerves of wild type mice were repaired with grafts from NT‐4/5 knockout mice or grafts made acellular by repeated freezing/thawing. No enhancement was produced by treadmill training in NT‐4/5 knockout mice, irrespective of the nature of the graft used to repair the cut nerve. Much as had been observed previously for the effects of brief electrical stimulation, the effects of treadmill training on axon regeneration in cut peripheral nerves are independent of changes produced in the distal segment of the cut nerve and depend on the promotion of axon regeneration by changes in NT‐4/5 expression by cells in the proximal nerve segment.
Ontogeny of the jaw apparatus and suspensorium of the Tetraodontiformes
Authors: Konstantinidis Peter , Johnson G. David
Published: May 2011

Konstantinidis, P. and Johnson, G. David 2012. Ontogeny of the jaw apparatus and suspensorium of the Tetraodontiformes. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 93: 351–366.

The jaw apparatus and suspensorium of adult Tetraodontiformes are well adapted to a durophagous feeding habit. Anatomical indicators are the short, stout jaws and a suspensorium in which the quadrate lies in the same vertical plane as the autopalatine. In contrast, the palatoquadrate of larval Tetraodontiformes generally resembles that of larval percomorphs – a more posteriorly positioned quadrate and a slender and long Meckelian cartilage. Among Tetraodontiformes, the Triacanthodidae retain a protrusible upper jaw and a versatile suspensorium. The jaws of the Balistoidei have greater mobility achieved by a reduced autopalatine that has lost its bony contact with the suspensorium. In contrast to the Balistoidei, the beak‐like jaws of the Tetraodontoidei lack individual teeth in the biting part of the jaws. The autopalatine is enlarged, which results in immobilization of the ethmopalatine articulation. The Ostraciidae are exceptional in having the distal part of the autopalatine reduced, while the proximal part remains attached to the suspensorium.
Morphology, innervation and its phylogenetic step in the heart of the longnose gar Lepisosteus Osseus
Authors: Zaccone Daniele , Grimes Adrian C. , Farrell Anthony P. , Dabrowski Konrad , Marino Fabio
Published: May 2011

Zaccone, D., Grimes, A.C., Farrell, A.P., Dabrowski, K. and Marino, F. 2011. Morphology, innervation and its phylogenetic step in the heart of the longnose gar Lepisosteus Osseus. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 93: 381–389.

Anatomical and physiological studies of cardiovascular control in garfish are scarce. The combination of muscle labelling and neurochemical identification of extrinsic and intrinsic nerves in the heart of Lepisosteus osseus reveals a well‐developed system of adrenergic, cholinergic, substance P (SP)‐ and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)‐containing nerve terminals in the walls of the conus arteriosus, the sinus venosus and the atrium. Double labelling showed that nNOS‐immunoreactive terminals do not co‐label for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyl transferase (ChAt). Coronary blood vessels running in the epicardium of the conus arteriosus and ventricle receive a rich supply of nNOS‐positive nerve fibres. The main intracardial localization of nervous tissue is in a sinoatrial plexus corresponding to the pacemaker region of the heart. This plexus is a network of SP‐, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)‐ and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP)‐positive nerve fibres and nerve cell bodies, but its function in fish cardiac regulation remains to be elucidated. This study provides morphological data on distinct nitrergic, peptidergic, ChAT and TH nerve terminals thus pertaining to the neurochemical content of the vagal motor and adrenergic, and intrinsic innervation revealing a complexity of the neuronal control of the garfish heart. The neurochemical features of the innervation patterns of the heart put Lepisosteus with teleosts and among the more apical actinopterygians.
Bayesian clustering with priors on partitions
Authors: Swartz Tim B.
Published: May 2011

Traditional clustering algorithms are deterministic in the sense that a given dataset always leads to the same output partition. This article modifies traditional clustering algorithms whereby data are associated with a probability model, and clustering is carried out on the stochastic model parameters rather than the data. This is done in a principled way using a Bayesian approach which allows the assignment of posterior probabilities to output partitions. In addition, the approach incorporates prior knowledge of the output partitions using Bayesian melding. The methodology is applied to two substantive problems: (i) a question of stylometry involving a simulated dataset and (ii) the assessment of potential champions of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Errors of misclassification in discrimination of dimensional coherent elliptic random field observations
Authors: Batsidis A. , Zografos K.
Published: May 2011

The problem of classification of dimensional coherent elliptic random field observations into one of two populations specified by different regression mean models and common stationary scale matrix is considered, under the further assumption that the observations to be classified are dependent on the training samples. In this statistical frame, the behaviour of linear discriminant function is studied and an asymptotic expression for the distribution function of the probabilities of misclassification is derived.
Raising a child with foetal alcohol syndrome: hearing the parent voice
Authors: Whitehurst Teresa
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

 Parents have told us what it is like to have a child with a diagnosis of foetal alcohol syndrome.

 Listening to parent views is very important because parents want professionals to understand the support they need.

 People do not know very much about foetal alcohol syndrome.

 It is important to help parents of children with a disability to make sure that the children and families get the help they need.

 Parents told us how they first knew their child had foetal alcohol syndrome, the problems they faced and how difficult they found it to get support.

Learning of a child’s disability can be a difficult time for any parent. Sensitive support is critical to ensuring parents understand the nature of the disability, the prognosis and services available to them. However, where the disability is not well understood, where professionals are not well informed and where pathways of care are not available, parents may be left feeling lonely, isolated and unable to cope. Foetal alcohol syndrome is a completely preventable cause of intellectual disability and is prevalent in all developing countries. Whilst research has focused on identification, diagnosis and epidemiology, understanding the psychosocial aspects of the impact of this disorder has been neglected resulting in a paucity of strategies to support parents. Understanding the needs of parents raising a child with foetal alcohol syndrome is central to providing well‐informed support for families. In this study, families shared their experiences of raising a child with foetal alcohol syndrome. These were then analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis enabling themes to be identified which were core to understanding their journey.
The impact of staff training on the knowledge of support staff in relation to bereavement and people with an intellectual disability
Authors: Watters Laura , McKenzie Karen , Wright Rachel
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

 It can be hard for everyone if someone they care for dies.

 People with a learning disability may need extra support when someone they know dies.

 Care staff may not always know what to do to help.

 This study found that 1 day of training helped care staff to know more about how people might feel and how to support them.

 We do not know how long this training was helpful to staff for.

This study aimed to investigate whether a 1‐day training course improved support staff knowledge about bereavement and grief in people with a learning disability. A questionnaire based, mixed design was used. Forty‐eight participants were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups. A staggered design allowed for group 2 to act both as a control group and to receive training. Within‐ and between‐group comparisons were made. Training significantly improved staff knowledge in all the areas measured. An analysis of staff knowledge at 1 month after training was not possible due to a low response rate. A short training course was successful in significantly increasing the knowledge of paid carers about issues relating to bereavement for people with a learning disability. The clinical and ethical implications of the study are discussed along with limitations and suggestions for further research.
An investigation of the fractionation of whey proteins by two microfiltration membranes with nominal pore size of 0.1 μm
Authors: BALDASSO CAMILA , KANAN JOÃO HENRIQUE CÔRREA , TESSARO ISABEL CRISTINA
Published: May 2011

There is growing interest in the fractionation of whey proteins because of the specific properties of individual whey proteins. The objective of this work was to assess the efficiency of two membranes to obtain two fractions, one rich in β‐lactoglobulin (β‐Lg) and the other rich in α‐lactalbumin (α‐La) from a whey‐protein concentrate using microfiltration (MF). Two MF membranes were tested for the fractionation: a flat‐sheet membrane VCWP and a spiral membrane MF‐7002, both with nominal pore sizes of 0.1 μm. The VCWP retained 78% of the proteins in solution, and this membrane was shown to be permeable to both proteins, β‐Lg and α‐La. The retention of protein by MF‐7002 was 65%, and there was a partial retention of lactose. The permeate collected in the MF‐7002 in the concentration stage was over 50%α‐La; although this was present in lower concentrations, it was passed preferentially to the permeate. The results indicated that some aggregation of the proteins may have occurred under the experimental conditions because there was only a partial separation of the proteins under study.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of Lactobacilli isolated from camel cheese produced in India
Authors: NANDA DHIRAJ K , TOMAR SUDHIR K , SINGH RAMESHWAR , MAL GORAKH , SINGH PRASHANT , ARORA DILIP K , JOSHI B K , CHAUDHARY REETI , KUMAR DINESH
Published: May 2011

Thirty‐two Lactobacilli strains were isolated from four samples of camel cheese collected from Bikaner, India. These isolates were identified based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Sequencing of 16S rDNA was performed for species identification and diversity analysis. Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lb. fermentum were found to be dominant species followed by Lb. plantarum and Lb. casei. On evaluation of technological properties of these isolates, 20 isolates were observed to be good acid producers, eight were found positive for citrate utilisation and 11 showed presence of Prtp gene. Isolates obtained can be potential for development of defined strain starter for camel cheese.
The problem of bullying in schools and the promise of positive behaviour supports
Authors: Pugh Roger , Chitiyo Morgan
Published: May 2011

Bullying in schools is recognised as a global problem. In the USA, school shootings and increasing school aggression focused research on the causes of bullying and interventions that could reduce or eliminate bullying behaviours. A variety of bullying programs have generated mixed results with some actually increasing bullying behaviours. There are consistent limitations on the research, including problems of definition, scope, generalisability, complexity and philosophy and model, but slowly, consensus on these issues is being reached. Positive behaviour supports (PBIS) in schools provides a framework for comprehensive behavioural management. PBIS is being implemented across the USA as part of a national response to intervention (RTI) model. PBIS might offer an opportunity to address some of these persistent problems and to avoid others altogether. This literature review considers the nature of the problems limiting success of bullying prevention programs and will offer recommendations for potential solutions within a PBIS framework.
AMP‐activated protein kinase: a potential player in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Salminen Antero , Kaarniranta Kai , Haapasalo Annakaisa , Soininen Hilkka , Hiltunen Mikko
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 460–474.

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) stimulates energy production via glucose and lipid metabolism, whereas it inhibits energy consuming functions, such as protein and cholesterol synthesis. Increased cytoplasmic AMP and Ca2+ levels are the major activators of neuronal AMPK signaling. Interestingly, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with several abnormalities in neuronal energy metabolism, for example, decline in glucose uptake, mitochondrial dysfunctions and defects in cholesterol metabolism, and in addition, with problems in maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis. Epidemiological studies have also revealed that many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases are risk factors for cognitive impairment and sporadic AD. Emerging studies indicate that AMPK signaling can regulate tau protein phosphorylation and amyloidogenesis, the major hallmarks of AD. AMPK is also a potent activator of autophagic degradation which seems to be suppressed in AD. All these observations imply that AMPK is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the responses of AMPK activation are dependent on stimulation and the extent of activating stress. Evidently, AMPK signaling can repress and delay the appearance of AD pathology but later on, with increasing neuronal stress, it can trigger detrimental effects that augment AD pathogenesis. We will outline the potential role of AMPK function in respect to various aspects affecting AD pathogenesis.
Ascl1‐induced neuronal differentiation of P19 cells requires expression of a specific inhibitor protein of cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase
Authors: Huang Holly S. , Turner David L. , Thompson Robert C. , Uhler Michael D.
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem (2012) 120, 667–683.

cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) plays a critical role in nervous system development by modulating sonic hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein signaling. In the current studies, P19 embryonic carcinoma cells were neuronally differentiated by expression of the proneural basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor Ascl1. After expression of Ascl1, but prior to expression of neuronal markers such as microtubule associated protein 2 and neuronal β‐tubulin, P19 cells demonstrated a large, transient increase in both mRNA and protein for the endogenous protein kinase inhibitor (PKI)β. PKIβ‐targeted shRNA constructs both reduced the levels of PKIβ expression and blocked the neuronal differentiation of P19 cells. This inhibition of differentiation was rescued by transfection of a shRNA‐resistant expression vector for the PKIβ protein, and this rescue required the PKA‐specific inhibitory sequence of the PKIβ protein. PKIβ played a very specific role in the Ascl1‐mediated differentiation process as other PKI isoforms were unable to rescue the deficit conferred by shRNA‐mediated knockdown of PKIβ. Our results define a novel requirement for PKIβ and its inhibition of PKA during neuronal differentiation of P19 cells.
Up‐regulation of the mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase by oxidative stress is mediated by miR‐743a
Authors: Shi Qingli , Gibson Gary E.
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 440–448.

These experiments reveal for the first time that microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate oxidant regulated expression of a mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle gene (mdh2). mdh2 encoded malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is elevated by an unknown mechanism in brains of patients that died with Alzheimer’s disease. Oxidative stress, an early and pervasive event in Alzheimer’s disease, increased MDH activity and mRNA level of mdh2 by 19% and 22%, respectively, in a mouse hippocampal cell line (HT22). Post‐transcriptional events underlie the change in mRNA because actinomycin D did not block the elevated mdh2 mRNA. Since miRNAs regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally, the expression of miR‐743a, a miRNA predicted to target mdh2, was determined and showed a 52% reduction after oxidant treatment. Direct interaction of miR‐743a with mdh2 was demonstrated with a luciferase based assay. Over‐expression or inhibition of miR‐743a led to a respective reduction or increase in endogenous mRNA and MDH activity. The results demonstrate that miR‐743a negatively regulates mdh2 at post‐transcriptional level by directly targeting the mdh2 3′UTR. The findings are consistent with the suggestion that oxidative stress can elevate the activity of MDH through miR‐743a, and provide new insights into possible roles of miRNA in oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.
Fear of falling from a daily life perspective; narratives from later life
Authors: Mahler Marianne , Sarvimäki Anneli
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 38–44
 
Fear of falling from a daily life perspective; narratives from later life

Fear of falling is a well‐known condition in later life. The aim of this study was to illuminate the experiences and the meaning of fear of falling in a daily‐life context. The method used was a qualitative study inspired by interpretive phenomenology. In narrative interviews, five community‐dwelling women over 80 years of age told about their fear of falling from a daily‐life perspective. The overall thematic analysis resulted in three main themes: the meaning of managing daily life necessities; keeping in contact with the outside; living with fear. The findings showed that to live with fear of falling was to discipline daily life, and to learn to live with the challenge of a vulnerable bodily condition and of losing control at different levels: from falling, from incontinence, from dirt and from the stigma of being in a humiliating situation. The women created a perception of independence while they were dependent on help and community care and on news from the outside. At an existential level, they coped with their fear by strengthening their will. The conclusion was that the older women studied accepted the condition of fear of falling. They shared the ability to cope in various ways with the limitations of their bodily capacity and their imbalance.
An assessment of pulmonary function testing and ventilatory kinematics by optoelectronic plethysmography
Authors: Layton A. M. , Garber C. E. , Basner R. C. , Bartels M. N.
Published: May 2011

New advances in computer processing and imaging have allowed the development of innovative techniques to assess lung function. A promising methodology is optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP). OEP evaluates ventilatory kinematics through the use of infrared imaging. Markers are placed, and images read on the chest, back and abdomen of subjects. Currently, this system is used mainly in research settings, but in the future may have broad applicability to patient populations such as very young children, patients with neuromuscular disease and patients who cannot be tested with classical spirometry testing. This paper presents the history and development of OEP, along with a summary of the OEP methodology, a discussion of research findings and results to date, as well as application and limitations.
Low flow‐mediated constriction: prevalence, impact and physiological determinant
Authors: Harrison Michelle , Parkhurst Kristin , Tarumi Takashi , Lin Hsin‐Fu , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: May 2011

Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) is a surrogate marker for endothelial function. In the FMD procedure, arterial response during cuff inflation is not taken into consideration yet studies have demonstrated vasoconstriction, vasodilation and no change in the brachial artery during cuff inflation. The term low flow‐mediated constriction (L‐FMC) has been introduced to describe the vasoconstriction that occurs in some individuals during inflation of the cuff. The aims of this study were to examine (i) whether brachial artery response during cuff inflation differed in a population with varied coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factor profiles, (ii) the impact of this response on the subsequent calculation of FMD and (iii) the role of arterial stiffness in this variable response. L‐FMC, ‘traditional’ FMD and ‘modified’ FMD, which accounts for brachial artery response during cuff inflation, were studied in a total of 46 subjects varying in risk factor profiles for coronary artery disease. During cuff inflation, brachial artery responses varied widely from −5·6% (vasoconstriction) to 5·0% (vasodilation). When subjects were divided into healthy versus multiple risk factors (n = 34), L‐FMC and FMD were not different between the groups but modified FMD was significantly different (P = 0·02). L‐FMC was modestly but significantly associated with FMD (r = 0·41) and positively correlated with brachial artery pulse wave velocity (r = 0·30). Our results indicate that brachial artery responses to inflation of the cuff are very variable and are associated with arterial stiffness and that accounting for so‐called L‐FMC may provide a more comprehensive assessment of endothelial vasodilatory function.
Braincases of abelisaurid theropods from the Upper Cretaceous of north Patagonia
Authors: PAULINA CARABAJAL ARIANA
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  The braincases of the abelisaurid theropod dinosaurs Abelisaurus comahuensis and Aucasaurus garridoi are described and compared. These two taxa share the presence of a floccular recess that is ‘8’‐shaped, the absence of a medullar eminence in the floor of the endocranial cavity and the possession of a well‐developed, narrow and tall dorsal longitudinal sinus. The basisphenoidal recess is continuous dorsocaudally with two pneumatic cavities, which are separated medially by a thin septum. A connection between the metotic canal and the columellar recess that probably represents the exit of cranial nerve IX is observed in Abelisaurus. Aucasaurus has a skull roof with a wide sagittal crest and a low parietal eminence that differentiates it from other derived abelisaurids such as Abelisaurus, Carnotaurus and Majungasaurus. The abelisaurid braincases described herein show strong consistency in their general morphology and structure. However, there is some variation, and these detailed descriptions are important for understanding the variation and distribution of braincase characters within Abelisauridae.
Effect of Suspending Viscosity on Red Blood Cell Dynamics and Blood Flows in Microvessels
Authors: ZHANG JUNFENG
Published: May 2011

Please cite this paper as:Zhang (2011). Effect of Suspending Viscosity on Red Blood Cell Dynamics and Blood Flows in Microvessels.Microcirculation 18(7), 562–573.

To obtain a better understanding of the beneficial effect of high plasma viscosity observed in hemodilution and resuscitation experiments, we conducted a computational study to investigate the suspending viscosity effect on red blood cell (RBC) dynamics and blood flow behaviors in microvessels. For single RBCs in simple shear or channel flows, RBCs appear more flexible as indicated by the tank‐treading motion in shear flows and the strong transverse migration in channel flows. For the multiple RBC flows in straight channels, our results indicate no significant change with the suspending viscosity in stable flow structure and hemorheologic behaviors, under both constant flow and forcing conditions. However, due to the increase in apparent cell deformability in a more viscous medium, the cell‐free layer (CFL) can be established in a shorter distance along the channel. Considering the multilevel bifurcated structure of the microvascular network, this change in CFL development distance may affect the phase skimming and RBC separation processes at the downstream bifurcation, and therefore the microcirculation performance in the tissue. This may suggest a possible mechanism for the high functional capillary density associated with a high suspending viscosity observed in experiments.
Use of vaginal hysterectomy in Denmark: rates, indications and patient characteristics
Authors: NIELSEN SIDSEL LYKKE , DAUGBJERG SIGNE B. , GIMBEL HELGA , SETTNES ANNETTE ,   the Steering Committee of the Danish Hysterectomy Database
Published: May 2011

Objective. To describe the use of vaginal, abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomy in Denmark from 1999 to 2008, the influence of national guidelines and the patient and procedure‐related characteristics associated with the choice of vaginal hysterectomy. Design. Nationwide register‐based cohort study. Setting. Danish Hysterectomy Database and Danish National Patient Registry. Population. All women with a hysterectomy for benign indications in Denmark from 1999 to 2008. Methods. The incidence rate/100 000 women was used to describe the route of surgery in hysterectomies of 50 755 women. A multiple logistic regression analysis was done to examine the association between patient‐ and procedure‐related characteristics and choice of surgical procedure including 20 486 women. Main outcome measures. Trends in surgical approach from 1999 to 2008. Patient‐ and surgery‐related characteristics associated with vaginal hysterectomy from 2004 to 2008. Results. There was an overall increase in the use of vaginal hysterectomies from 12 to 34%, a decrease in the use of abdominal hysterectomies and a consistent number of laparoscopic hysterectomies. The number of vaginal hysterectomies varied between regions, ranging from 2 to 86%. The use of vaginal hysterectomy was not dependent on the total number of hysterectomies performed at the hospital. The characteristics associated with vaginal hysterectomy were higher age, smaller uterus size, indications for surgery (genital prolapse and severe uterine bleeding), less smoking and moderate alcohol intake. Conclusions: Vaginal hysterectomy has replaced abdominal hysterectomy increasingly but cannot be directly correlated to the implementation of national guidelines as there was large national variation. Several characteristics are significantly associated with vaginal hysterectomy.
Recurrent early pregnancy loss and consanguinity in Omani couples
Authors: GOWRI VAIDYANATHAN , UDAYAKUMAR ACHANDIRA MUTHAPPA , BSISO WAFA , AL FARSI YAHAYA , RAO KUNTAL
Published: May 2011

Consanguinity is common in Arab countries. The Sultanate of Oman has a relatively small population with a high prevalence of consanguineous marriages. This is a retrospective study of women who had three or more consecutive miscarriages between January 2002 and December 2008, investigated in the non‐pregnant state. Age, parity, menstrual history, number of miscarriages, personal and family history, history of consanguinity and investigations were collected for 141 patients. The mean number of miscarriages was 3.4; 53% of the women had a consanguineous marriage, 42% were non‐consanguineous and in 5% the marital interrelationship was unknown. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of parental karyotype abnormalities, anticardiolipin antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, thyroid disorders, or lupus between the consanguineous and non‐consanguineous couples. Consanguinity appeared not to play a significant role in the etiology of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage.
Distribution of dystrophin‐ and utrophin‐associated protein complexes (DAPC/UAPC) in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Teniente‐De Alba Carmen , Martínez‐Vieyra Ivette , Vivanco‐Calixto Raúl , Galván Iván J. , Cisneros Bulmaro , Cerecedo Doris
Published: May 2011

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are defined by their cardinal properties, such as sustained proliferation, multilineage differentiation, and self‐renewal, which give rise to a hierarchy of progenitor populations with more restricted potential lineage, ultimately leading to the production of all types of mature blood cells. HSC are anchored by cell adhesion molecules to their specific microenvironment, thus regulating their cell cycle, while cell migration is essentially required for seeding the HSC of the fetal bone marrow (BM) during development as well as in adult BM homeostasis. The dystrophin‐associated protein complex (DAPC) is a large group of membrane‐associated proteins linking the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix and exhibiting scaffolding, adhesion, and signaling roles in muscle and non‐muscle cells including mature blood cells. Because adhesion and migration are mechanisms that influence the fate of the HSC, we explored the presence and the feasible role of DAPC. In this study, we characterized the pattern expression by immunoblot technique and, by confocal microscopy analysis, the cellular distribution of dystrophin and utrophin gene products, and the dystrophin‐associated proteins (α‐, β‐dystroglycan, α‐syntrophin, α‐dystrobrevin) in relation to actin filaments in freshly isolated CD34+ cells from umbilical cord blood. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the presence of Dp71d/Dp71Δ110m∼DAPC and Up400/Up140∼DAPC. The subcellular distribution of the two DAPC in actin‐based structures suggests their dynamic participation in adhesion and cell migration. In addition, the particular protein pattern expression found in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells might be indicative of their feasible participation during differentiation.
G‐CSF enhances the proliferation and mobilization, but not the maturation rate, of murine myeloid cells
Authors: Knudsen Eirunn , Iversen Per Ole , Bøyum Arne , Seierstad Therese , Nicolaysen Gunnar , Benestad Haakon B.
Published: May 2011

Objectives:  Whether G‐CSF enhances the maturation of neutrophilic granulocytes or just accelerates the mobilization of mature and maturing granulocytes from bone marrow to blood, or both, is not clear. Using an in vivo culture system where such mobilization cannot take place, we previously showed that G‐CSF did not accelerate maturation. To further clarify the role of G‐CSF, we now have examined its effect on murine granulopoiesis in situ.

Methods:  Murine bone marrow precursors in S‐phase were labeled with BrdU, and hematopoiesis stimulated by the long‐acting G‐CSF compound pegfilgrastim (peg‐G‐CSF). Performing flow cytometric analysis of incorporated BrdU and the granulocyte maturation antigen Gr1, we investigated the cell flux from the proliferative to the non‐proliferative granulocyte compartments in bone marrow and further from bone marrow to blood.

Results:  Peg‐G‐CSF mobilized neutrophils from bone marrow to blood and markedly increased their concentration in blood for several days. It also increased the proliferation of precursor cells. Newly produced, less mature granulocytes (Gr1+BrdU+) travelled faster to blood in treated mice than in controls. The flow cytometric and cell density analyses of the bone marrow cells showed that peg‐G‐CSF skewed the population toward less mature cells, mainly because of the mobilization of granulocytes to blood.

Conclusions:  Collectively, our data do not support the notion that G‐CSF accelerates murine granulocyte maturation per se.
Wild origin and enriched environment promote foraging rate and learning to forage on natural prey of captive reared Atlantic salmon parr
Authors: Rodewald Petra , Hyvärinen Pekka , Hirvonen Heikki
Published: May 2011

Abstract –  After release to the wild, captive reared salmon have shown lower foraging rates on natural prey and impaired ability to avoid natural predators and thus lower survival compared with wild‐born conspecifics. Here, we examine whether captive breeding influences learning of foraging on natural prey and how enriched rearing methods may improve foraging on natural prey by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr. We reared offspring of hatchery or wild salmon of the same population in either a standard or enriched environment at production‐scale densities. The enriched environment featured submerged overhead shelter, varying water current, depth and direction and consequently alterations in food dispersion. Parr reared in the enriched environment expressed higher feeding rates, and parr of wild origin started to forage earlier on natural prey. The enriched method promoted foraging of hatchery reared parr on natural prey and is easily applicable to commercial production of salmonids for reintroduction or stock enhancement purposes.
Clinical long‐term studies: data collection and assessment
Authors: Boehncke Wolf‐Henning
Published: May 2011

Short‐term randomized controlled clinical trials often provide the basis of regulatory approval for a new drug application, while long‐term clinical studies are essential for monitoring the (long‐term) effectiveness and safety of a drug. As the duration of a study increases and the number of patients continuing in the study declines, missing data become more of a problem, as they may bias the results. Therefore, standard analytical strategies used in short‐term trials (intention‐to‐treat, per‐protocol) may not always be appropriate for data generated in long‐term studies. In this article, commonly used analytical approaches in the assessment of clinical trial data will be reviewed. Given their specific characteristics, regulatory authorities and expert guidelines suggest to use several of these approaches in parallel to correctly interpret the data of long‐term clinical studies and to come to better informed decisions.
Unravelling the twists and turns of the serpinopathies
Authors: Roussel Benoit D. , Irving James A. , Ekeowa Ugo I. , Belorgey Didier , Haq Imran , Ordóñez Adriana , Kruppa Antonina J. , Duvoix Annelyse , Rashid Sheikh Tamir , Crowther Damian C. , Marciniak Stefan J. , Lomas David A.
Published: May 2011

Members of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily are found in all branches of life and play an important role in the regulation of enzymes involved in proteolytic cascades. Mutants of the serpins result in a delay in folding, with unstable intermediates being cleared by endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation. The remaining protein is either fully folded and secreted or retained as ordered polymers within the endoplasmic reticulum of the cell of synthesis. This results in a group of diseases termed the serpinopathies, which are typified by mutations of α1‐antitrypsin and neuroserpin in association with cirrhosis and the dementia familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies, respectively. Current evidence strongly suggests that polymers of mutants of α1‐antitrypsin and neuroserpin are linked by the sequential insertion of the reactive loop of one molecule into β‐sheet A of another. The ordered structure of the polymers within the endoplasmic reticulum stimulates nuclear factor‐kappa B by a pathway that is independent of the unfolded protein response. This chronic activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B may contribute to the cell toxicity associated with mutations of the serpins. We review the pathobiology of the serpinopathies and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for treating the inclusions that cause disease. These include the use of small molecules to block polymerization, stimulation of autophagy to clear inclusions and stem cell technology to correct the underlying molecular defect.