bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The SigB σ Factor Regulates Multiple Salt Acclimation Responses of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Nikkinen Hanna-Leena , Hakkila Kaisa , Gunnelius Liisa , Huokko Tuomas , Pollari Maija , Tyystjärvi Taina
Published: November 2011

Changing of principal σ factor in RNA polymerase holoenzyme to a group 2 σ factor redirects transcription when cyanobacteria acclimate to suboptimal environmental conditions. The group 2 sigma factor SigB was found to be important for the growth of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in high-salt (0.7 m NaCl) stress but not in mild heat stress at 43°C although the expression of the sigB gene was similarly highly, but only transiently up-regulated at both conditions. The SigB factor was found to regulate many salt acclimation processes. The amount of glucosylglycerol-phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in the production of the compatible solute glucosylglycerol, was lower in the inactivation strain ƊsigB than in the control strain. Addition of the compatible solute trehalose almost completely restored the growth of the ƊsigB strain at 0.7 m NaCl. High-salt conditions lowered the chlorophyll and phycobilin contents of the cells while protective carotenoid pigments, especially zeaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll, were up-regulated in the control strain. These carotenoids were up-regulated in the ƊsigCDE strain (SigB is the only functional group 2 σ factor) and down-regulated in the ƊsigB strain under standard conditions. In addition, the HspA heat shock protein was less abundant and more abundant in the ƊsigB and ƊsigCDE strains, respectively, than in the control strain in high-salt conditions. Some cellular responses are common to heat and salt stresses, but pretreatment with mild heat did not protect cells against salt shock although protection against heat shock was evident.
Academic achievement and smoking initiation in adolescence: a general growth mixture analysis
Authors: Morin Alexandre J. S. , Rodriguez Daniel , Fallu Jean‐Sébastien , Maïano Christophe , Janosz Michel
Published: November 2011

Aims  This study aims to: (i) explore the relations between smoking initiation and different profiles of academic achievement trajectories in early to mid‐adolescence; and (ii) to investigate whether background characteristics (gender, ethnicity, grade repetition, parental education) and proximal processes (parental practices, extra‐curricular involvement) predicted class membership and smoking initiation.

Design  Four‐year longitudinal cohort study (7th–10th grade).

Setting  Adolescents completed the questionnaires during school hours.

Participants  At total of 741 adolescents with no history of smoking in grade 7 participating in the Montreal Adolescent Depression Development Project.

Measurements  Self‐report questionnaires were used to assess predictors and previous smoking in year 1, and smoking initiation by the end of the study. Grade point average (GPA) was obtained twice yearly from school records.

Findings  Three academic achievement trajectories were identified and found to differ significantly in rates of smoking initiation: persistently high achievers (7.1% smoking), average achievers (15.1% smokers) and unstable low achievers (49.1% smoking). Further, results showed that general parenting practices and parental education indirectly reduced the likelihood of smoking by reducing the risk of membership in classes with lower GPA.

Conclusions  Adolescents who do well in school are less likely to smoke and it may be cost‐effective for smoking prevention to focus on the few (12%) easy to identify unstable low achievers who form 35% of smoking onsets. In addition, as parental support and democratic control reduced the likelihood of poor academic performance, promoting essential generic parenting skills from a young age may also prevent future onsets of smoking in adolescence.
Knowledge of paediatricians regarding child oral health
Authors: BALABAN RAQUEL , AGUIAR CARLOS MENEZES , Da SILVA ARAÚJO ANA CLÁUDIA , DIAS FILHO EDMIR BARROS RIBEIRO
Published: November 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 286–291

Background.  In dentistry, clinical practice is directed towards attitudes that promote oral health and the paediatricians occupy a privileged position in this process.

Aim.  To assess the knowledge and attitudes of paediatricians in relation to the oral health of their patients.

Design.  A cross‐sectional study was carried out at the Institute of Integrative Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, Brazil. A total of 182 paediatricians participated by filling out a questionnaire.

Results.  A total of 63.9% believed the first visit to the dentist should occur before the child completes 1 year of life. Moreover, 67.8% considered their knowledge on oral health to be insufficient. Approximately 78% of the paediatricians diagnosed caries through an analysis of cavities. Only 29.9% always recommended fluoride dentifrice. The term ‘fluorosis’ was unknown by 48.3% of the respondents. Concerning pacifiers, 32.6% did not allow it and 66.9% did not either recommend it or restrict it. A total of 83.4% classified the oral health content in their medical education as either nonexistent or deficient; this figure remained high (72.4%) in relation to residency.

Conclusions.  It is important to develop oral health information programmes to paediatricians. Information on oral health should be included in medical curricula and residency.
Stigma experiences in bipolar patients: the impact upon functioning
Authors: THOMÉ E. S. , DARGÉL A. A. , MIGLIAVACCA F. M. , POTTER W. A. , JAPPUR D. M. C. , KAPCZINSKI F. , CERESÉR K. M.
Published: November 2011

Accessible summary

The study aims to investigate the impact of self‐rated stigma and functioning in patients with bipolar disorder in South Brazil.

This is a cross‐sectional study. Sixty participants with BD were recruited from the outpatient Bipolar Disorder Program of the University Hospital at the Federal University, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

This is a cross‐sectional study. Sixty participants with BD were recruited from the outpatient Bipolar Disorder Program of the University Hospital at the Federal University, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

The study demonstrated a correlation between stigma and poor functioning in bipolar disorder.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of self‐rated stigma and functioning in patients with bipolar disorder in South Brazil. This is a cross‐sectional study. Sixty participants with bipolar disorder were recruited from an outpatient Bipolar Disorder Program. Experiences with and impact of perceived stigma were evaluated using the Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences. Functional impairment was assessed with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). Higher scores of self‐perceived stigma were correlated with higher FAST scores, indicating more disability. After linear correlation analysis, current depressive symptoms, age at onset of treatment, age at diagnosis and functioning were correlated with self‐perceived stigma. The study demonstrated a correlation between stigma and poor functioning in bipolar disorder. Perceived stigma is really important to individuals with bipolar disorder, both to how they experience their illness and to its results on functioning. Potential consequences of such results for mental health care professionals are discussed. Differential clinical features, sociocultural factors and the sample size limit the generalization of the present findings.
Increased serum N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction in patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Che W. , Liu W. , Wei Y. , Xu Y. , Hou L. , Matsumori A. , Hu D.
Published: November 2011

Summary.  Prior studies demonstrated that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection had higher plasma N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels, which may indicate the presence of a subclinical cardiac dysfunction. However, there are few data regarding the echocardiographic assessment in HCV‐infected patients. The objectives of this study were to investigate changes in the left ventricle (LV) with echocardiography and to identify echocardiographic correlates of serum NT‐proBNP levels in HCV‐infected patients. Ninety HCV‐infected patients and 90 age and gender‐matched healthy controls were included. The level of serum NT‐proBNP was higher in the patient group (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients whose serum NT‐proBNP levels were higher than 125 pg/mL was greater than that of controls (15.56%vs 3.33%, P = 0.011). Echocardiography did not show any significant difference of cardiac structural abnormalities between groups. In the patient group, E, E′ and E/A were lower, and E/E′ was higher. The proportion of patients (13, 14.44%) with impaired diastolic filling (E/A ≤ 0.75; 0.75 < E/A < 1.5 and E/E′ ≥ 10) was greater than that of the control group (3, 3.33%; P = 0.018). Simple regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant linear correlation between NT‐proBNP levels and left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDd) (r = 0.178, P = 0.013), left ventricular posterior wall diastolic thickness (LVPWd) (r = 0.147, P = 0.023) and mitral E/E’ (r = 0.414, P = 0.027). Independent correlates of NT‐proBNP levels (R2 = 0.34) were older age (β′ = 0.034, P = 0.011) and E/E’ ratio (β′ = 0.026, P = 0.018). In conclusion, the combined analysis of NT‐proBNP and echocardiography showed a possible subclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction as evidence of a pathogenic link between HCV and CVD.
A simple method to estimate radial velocity variations due to stellar activity using photometry
Authors: Aigrain S. , Pont F. , Zucker S.
Published: November 2011

We present a new, simple method to predict activity-induced radial velocity (RV) variations using high-precision time series photometry. It is based on insights from a simple spot model, has only two free parameters (one of which can be estimated from the light curve) and does not require knowledge of the stellar rotation period. We test the method on simulated data and illustrate its performance by applying it to MOST/SOPHIE observations of the planet host star HD 189733, where it gives almost identical results to much more sophisticated but highly degenerate models, and synthetic data for the Sun, where we demonstrate that it can reproduce variations well below the m s−1 level. We also apply it to quarter 1 data for Kepler transit candidate host stars, where it can be used to estimate RV variations down to the 2–3 m s−1 level, and show that RV amplitudes above that level may be expected for approximately two-thirds of the candidates we examined.
Filarial and Wolbachia genomics
Authors: SCOTT A. L. , GHEDIN E. , NUTMAN T. B. , McREYNOLDS L. A. , POOLE C. B. , SLATKO B. E. , FOSTER J. M.
Published: November 2011

Filarial nematode parasites, the causative agents for a spectrum of acute and chronic diseases including lymphatic filariasis and river blindness, threaten the well‐being and livelihood of hundreds of millions of people in the developing regions of the world. The 2007 publication on a draft assembly of the 95‐Mb genome of the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi– representing the first helminth parasite genome to be sequenced – has been followed in rapid succession by projects that have resulted in the genome sequencing of six additional filarial species, seven nonfilarial nematode parasites of animals and nearly 30 plant parasitic and free‐living species. Parallel to the genomic sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic projects have facilitated genome annotation, expanded our understanding of stage‐associated gene expression and provided a first look at the role of epigenetic regulation of filarial genomes through microRNAs. The expansion in filarial genomics will also provide a significant enrichment in our knowledge of the diversity and variability in the genomes of the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia leading to a better understanding of the genetic principles that govern filarial–Wolbachia mutualism. The goal here is to provide an overview of the trends and advances in filarial and Wolbachia genomics.
Barley grains, deficient in cytosolic small subunit of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, reveal coordinate adjustment of C:N metabolism mediated by an overlapping metabolic‐hormonal control
Authors: Faix Benjamin , Radchuk Volodymyr , Nerlich Annika , Hümmer Christine , Radchuk Ruslana , Emery R.J. Neil , Keller Harald , Götz Klaus‐Peter , Weschke Winfriede , Geigenberger Peter , Weber Hans
Published: November 2011

The barley Risø16 mutation leads to inactivation of cytosolic ADP‐Glc pyrophosphorylase, and results in decreased ADP‐Glc and endospermal starch levels. Here we show that this mutation is accompanied by a decrease in storage protein accumulation and seed size, which indicates that alteration of a single enzymatic step can change the network of storage metabolism as a whole. We used comprehensive transcript, metabolite and hormonal profiling to compare grain metabolism and development of Risø16 and wild‐type endosperm. Despite increased sugar availability in mutant endosperm, glycolytic intermediates downstream of hexose phosphates remained unchanged or decreased, while several glycolytic enzymes were downregulated at the transcriptional level. Metabolite and transcript profiling also indicated an inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid cycle at the level of mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)‐isocitrate dehydrogenase and an attendant decrease in alpha‐ketoglutarate and amino acids levels in Risø16, compared with wild type. Decreased levels of cytokinins in Risø16 endosperm suggested co‐regulation between starch synthesis, abscisic acid (ABA) deficiency and cytokinin biosynthesis. Comparative cis‐element analysis in promoters of jointly downregulated genes in Risø16 revealed an overlap between metabolic and hormonal regulation, which leds to a coordinated downregulation of endosperm‐specific and ABA‐inducible gene expression (storage proteins) together with repression by sugars (isocitrate dehydrogenase, amylases). Such co‐regulation ensured that decreased carbon fluxes into starch lead to a coordinated inhibition of glycolysis, amino acid and storage proteins biosynthesis, which is useful in the prevention of osmotic imbalances and oxidative stress due to increased accumulation of sugars.
Crystal structure of 6‐SST/6‐SFT from Pachysandra terminalis, a plant fructan biosynthesizing enzyme in complex with its acceptor substrate 6‐kestose
Authors: Lammens Willem , Le Roy Katrien , Yuan Shuguang , Vergauwen Rudy , Rabijns Anja , Van Laere André , Strelkov Sergei V. , Van den Ende Wim
Published: November 2011

Fructans play important roles as reserve carbohydrates and stress protectants in plants, and additionally serve as prebiotics with emerging antioxidant properties. Various fructan types are synthesized by an array of plant fructosyltransferases belonging to family 32 of the glycoside hydrolases (GH32), clustering together with GH68 in Clan‐J. Here, the 3D structure of a plant fructosyltransferase from a native source, the Pachysandra terminalis 6‐SST/6‐SFT (Pt6‐SST/6‐SFT), is reported. In addition to its 1‐SST (1‐kestose‐forming) and hydrolytic side activities, the enzyme uses sucrose to create graminan‐ and levan‐type fructans, which are probably associated with cold tolerance in this species. Furthermore, a Pt6‐SST/6‐SFT complex with 6‐kestose was generated, representing a genuine acceptor binding modus at the +1, +2 and +3 subsites in the active site. The enzyme shows a unique configuration in the vicinity of its active site, including a unique D/Q couple located at the +1 subsite that plays a dual role in donor and acceptor substrate binding. Furthermore, it shows a unique orientation of some hydrophobic residues, probably contributing to its specific functionality. A model is presented showing formation of a β(2–6) fructosyl linkage on 6‐kestose to create 6,6‐nystose, a mechanism that differs from the creation of a β(2–1) fructosyl linkage on sucrose to produce 1‐kestose. The structures shed light on the evolution of plant fructosyltransferases from their vacuolar invertase ancestors, and contribute to further understanding of the complex structure–function relationships within plant GH32 members.
Growth velocity during infancy and onset of asthma in school‐aged children
Authors: Flexeder C. , Thiering E. , Brüske I. , Koletzko S. , Bauer C.‐P. , Wichmann H.‐E. , Mansmann U. , von Berg A. , Berdel D. , Krämer U. , Schaaf B. , Lehmann I. , Herbarth O. , Heinrich J. ,   for the GINIplus and LISAplus Study Group
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Flexeder C, Thiering E, Brüske I, Koletzko S, Bauer C.‐P, Wichmann H.‐E, Mansmann U, von Berg A, Berdel D, Krämer U, Schaaf B, Lehmann I, Herbarth O, Heinrich J. Growth velocity during infancy and onset of asthma in school‐aged children. Allergy 2012; 67: 257–264.

Background:  Growth velocities during infancy might affect the risk of asthma in childhood. This study examines the association between peak height and weight velocities during the first 2 years of life and onset of asthma and wheeze up to 10 years of age.

Methods:  Data from 9086 children who participated in the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts were analyzed. Information on asthma was requested annually from 1 to 10 years and information on wheeze at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 years. Peak height and weight velocities were calculated using height and weight measurements obtained between birth and 2 years of age. Cox proportional hazards models and generalized linear mixed models were calculated after adjustment for potential confounding factors including birth weight and body mass index at 10 years of age.

Results:  Per interquartile range increase in peak weight velocity (PWV), the risk of asthma increased significantly (adjHR: 1.22; CI: 1.02–1.47). The relationship between peak height velocity (PHV) and onset of asthma was nonsignificant (adjHR: 1.08; CI: 0.88–1.31). Wheeze was not significantly associated with PHV or with PWV (adjOR: 1.07; CI: 0.64–1.77 and adjOR: 1.11; CI: 0.68–1.79, respectively).

Conclusions:  Weight gain during infancy is positively associated with physician‐diagnosed asthma in school‐aged children.
Characterization of four new HLA alleles: HLA‐B*15:01:18, HLA‐B*44:110, HLA‐C*04:01:22 and HLA‐DQB 1*05:14
Authors: Heyder J. , Heinold A. , Fiedler G. , Opelz G. , Tran T. H.
Published: November 2011

We describe four novel HLA alleles, HLA‐B*15:01:18, HLA‐B*44:110, HLA‐C*04:01:22 and HLA‐DQB1*05:14.
“Normal” liver stiffness values differ between men and women: A prospective study for healthy living liver and kidney donors in a native Korean population
Authors: Kim Beom Kyung , Kim Seung Up , Choi Gi Hong , Han Woong Kyu , Park Mi Sung , Kim Eun Hye , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Choi Jin Sub , Yang Seung Choul , Choi Eun Hee , Song Kijun , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Chon Chae Yoon
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:  Liver stiffness (LS) measurement can distinguish individuals with potential liver disease (LD) from the general population. However, if LS is sex‐sensitive, prevalence of LD may be incorrectly estimated when the same reference LS value is applied irrespective of sex. Here, we evaluated whether normal ranges of LS differ between healthy men and women.

Methods:  LS was measured in a cohort of healthy living liver and kidney donors, none of whom suffered from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hepatitis B or C virus infection, heart or liver dysfunction, or metabolic syndrome. Patients with abnormal laboratory findings related to potential LD (platelet count < 150 × 103/µL; aspartate aminotransferase > 40 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase [ALT] > 40 IU/L; albumin < 3.3 g/dL; total bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dL; gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase > 54 IU/L; alkaline phosphatase > 115 IU/L) were excluded.

Results:  Among 242 patients analyzed, the mean age was 34.1 for men (n = 121) and 40.5 years for women (n = 121) (P < 0.001). Men had a higher mean LS value than women (5.2 ± 1.2 vs 4.8 ± 1.1 kPa/P < 0.001). Multivariate‐linear regression analysis identified sex as the only independent factor for LS values (β = 0.361/P = 0.021). Using the 5th–95th percentiles, we determined normal LS ranges of 3.7–7.0 kPa in men and 3.3–6.8 kPa in women. In subgroups with ALT < 30 IU/L (subgroup‐1, n = 216) and ALT < 20 IU/L (subgroup‐2, n = 163), men had significantly higher LS values than women (5.2 ± 1.3 vs 4.7 ± 1.1 kPa/P = 0.003 and 5.1 ± 1.2 vs 4.7 ± 1.1 kPa/P = 0.030, respectively), demonstrating an independent sex effect (β = 0.483/P = 0.003 and β = 0.389/P = 0.030, respectively).

Conclusions:  An independent sex effect on LS values was confirmed. Thus, sex‐specific references should be used for effective screening based on LS measurements.
Severity and timing of progression predict refractoriness to transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hwi Young , Park Joong‐Won , Joo Jungnam , Jung Se Jin , An Sangbu , Woo Sang Myung , Kim Hyun Beom , Koh Young Hwan , Lee Woo Jin , Kim Chang‐Min
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:  Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is refractory to repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are considered for systemic therapy, but TACE refractoriness is not well defined. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients whose HCC is refractory to repetitive TACE.

Methods:  We evaluated 264 patients with intermediate‐stage HCC who underwent TACE between January 2006 and September 2009. We designated the development of vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread during follow up as “stage progression” (SP), and hypothesized that SP might be the surrogate end‐point for TACE refractoriness.

Results:  The median follow up was 18.2 months, and median number of TACE was 3.0 (range, 1–13). Median time‐to‐progression was 5.5 months (95% confidence interval, 4.8–6.2), and median overall survival was 25.3 months (95% confidence interval, 21.6–29.0). We classified the patients according to disease course as: no progressive disease (PD(−); n = 33); PD without SP (PD(+)SP(−); n = 113); PD followed by SP (PD→SP; n = 47); and simultaneous PD and SP (PD&SP; n = 64). PD(−) and PD(+)SP(−) groups showed no difference in overall survival, PD→SP group had worse overall survival than PD(−) and PD(+)SP(−) groups, and PD&SP group had the worst overall survival. The significant prognostic factors for SP‐free survival were development of PD and need for three sessions of TACE during the first 6 months.

Conclusions:  SP‐free survival can be regarded as an end‐point for TACE refractoriness. Development of progression or need for three sessions of TACE within the first 6 months could be predictive of TACE refractoriness.
Preconditioning donor liver with Nodosin perfusion lessens rat ischemia reperfusion injury via heme oxygenase‐1 upregulation
Authors: Wang Chun‐Feng , Wang Zhen‐Yu , Tao Shao‐Fu , Ding Jing , Sun Li‐Juan , Li Ji‐Yu , Quan Zhi‐Wei
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:  Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major cause of graft injury, dysfunction and even failure post‐transplantation. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) has been found to be an attractive target for anti‐inflammatory therapies and a potential candidate responsible for cell injury. The objective of this study was to investigate whether preconditioning the donor liver with Nodosin perfusion upregulates HO‐1 and then lessens IRI in rat models.

Methods:  Wistar rats were divided into four groups: experimental group, control group, positive control group and negative control group in which the donor liver was preconditioned with Nodosin, lactated ringer's solution, cobalt protoporphyrin and zinc protoporphyrin perfusion, respectively. We measured HO‐1 expression and enzyme activity in rat livers of each group ex vivo at 0, 1 and 2 h after perfusion. At 1 h after perfusion, donor livers of Wistar rats were transplanted into Sprague–Dawley rats orthotopically. Serum transaminase levels, degree of cell apoptosis and Suzuki's score were used to assess ischemia/reperfusion injury in recipients at 24 h after transplantation.

Results:  Ex vivo, donor liver preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion induced HO‐1 expression and enzyme activity significantly, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In vivo, serum transaminase levels, cell apoptosis degree and Suzuki's score of representative recipients in the Nodosin group were lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion induced HO‐1 protein mainly in Kupffer cells.

Conclusions:  This study suggests that preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion provides a potential protective effect through inducing HO‐1 expression to attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury in liver transplantation.
Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in angiodysplasia: An interventional study with thalidomide
Authors: Tan Honghong , Chen Huimin , Xu Chunhong , Ge Zhizheng , Gao Yunjie , Fang Jingyuan , Liu Wenzhong , Xiao Shudong
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:  The pathogenesis of angiodysplasia is still not fully understood and effective therapy is not available. Thalidomide was reported to be effective in the treatment of angiodysplasia, but the mechanisms underlying its activity are, as yet, unknown. We aimed to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiodysplasia tissues, and the role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on VEGF expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Additionally, we aimed to study the role of thalidomide in these parameters.

Methods:  Immunohistochemistry was performed to visualize VEGF in angiodysplasia lesions. HUVEC were incubated under hypoxic conditions or in the presence of bFGF. Effects of exposure to thalidomide were studied. Cell growth was assessed in methylthiazolyte‐trazolium assays. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and real‐time polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the expression of VEGF at protein and mRNA levels. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of HIF‐1α under hypoxic conditions.

Results:  VEGF was strongly expressed in 75% of patients with angiodysplasia lesions, as compared to expression in patients without angiodysplasia lesions. VEGF was also induced in HUVEC under hypoxic conditions (P < 0.05). bFGF was found to stimulate the proliferation of HUVEC and enhance the expression of VEGF. Thalidomide suppressed bFGF‐induced proliferation significantly and decreased VEGF expression, both at the protein and mRNA levels. Thalidomide also inhibited HIF‐1α in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  VEGF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of angiodysplasia. Thalidomide can suppress VEGF, either induced by HIF‐1α or bFGF.
Effect of bed head elevation during sleep in symptomatic patients of nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Khan Bashir Ahmad , Sodhi Jaswinder Singh , Zargar Showkat Ali , Javid Gul , Yattoo Ghulam Nabi , Shah Altaf , Gulzar Ghulam Mohamad , Khan Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:  Nocturnal gastro‐esophageal reflux causes heartburn and sleep disturbances impairing quality of life. Lifestyle modifications, like bed head elevation during sleep, are thought to alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. We tested the hypothesis that bed head elevation might decrease recumbent acid exposure compared to sleeping in a flat bed.

Methods:  Patients of symptomatic nocturnal reflux and documented recumbent (supine) reflux verified by esophageal pH test entered the trial. On day 1, baseline pH was measured while the patient slept on a flat bed. Then patients slept on a bed with the head end elevated by a 20‐cm block for the next 6 consecutive days from day 2 to day 7. The pH test was repeated on day 2 and day 7. Each patient acted as his own control.

Results:  Twenty of 24 (83.3%) patients with mean age of 36 ± 5.5 years completed the trial. The mean (± SD) supine reflux time %, acid clearance time, number of refluxes 5 min longer and symptom score on day 1 and day 7 were 15.0 ± 8.4 and 13.7 ± 7.2; P = 0.001, 3.8 ± 2.0 and 3.0 ± 1.6; P = 0.001, 3.3 ± 2.2 and 1.0 ± 1.2; P = 0.001, and 2.3 ± 0.6 and 1.5 ± 0.6; P = 0.04, respectively. The sleep disturbances improved in 13 (65%) patients.

Conclusions:  Bed head elevation reduced esophageal acid exposure and acid clearance time in nocturnal (supine) refluxers and led to some relief from heartburn and sleep disturbance.
Predicting the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in patients with non‐erosive reflux disease before therapy using dual‐channel 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring
Authors: Shimatani Tomohiko , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Nishino Masafumi , Adachi Kyoichi , Furuta Kenji , Ito Masanori , Kurosawa Susumu , Manabe Noriaki , Mannen Kotaro , Hongo Michio , Chiba Tsutomu , Kinoshita Yoshikazu ,   the Acid‐Related Symptom Research (ARS) Group
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:  We aimed to determine whether reflux‐ and symptom‐related parameters can predict the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD).

Methods:  Twenty‐seven NERD patients who had experienced heartburn more than once a week within the previous month were enrolled. Intraesophageal pH before therapy was measured simultaneously at 5 and 15 cm above the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) for 24 h. The PPI rabeprazole was administered at a dose of 10 mg once daily for 4 weeks. In the event that heartburn was not relieved, the dose was increased to 10 mg twice daily for an additional 2 weeks, and again to 20 mg twice daily for another 2 weeks.

Results:  Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant associations between any reflux‐ or symptom‐related parameters at either site and complete heartburn relief after 4 weeks, or cumulative complete heartburn relief after 8 weeks. However, post‐hoc analysis demonstrated more satisfactory heartburn relief after 4 weeks in patients with a high symptom index compared with those with a low symptom index, at 5 cm above the EGJ (P = 0.009). Cumulative satisfactory heartburn relief after 8 weeks was also greater in patients with a high total number of acid reflux episodes compared with those with a low total number of episodes, at 15 cm above the EGJ (P = 0.037).

Conclusions:  Pre‐therapeutic pH monitoring in the lower and mid‐esophagus is useful for predicting the efficacy of PPI in NERD patients.
Developmental regulation of G protein‐gated inwardly‐rectifying K+(GIRK/Kir3) channel subunits in the brain
Authors: Fernández‐Alacid Laura , Watanabe Masahiko , Molnár Elek , Wickman Kevin , Luján Rafael
Published: November 2011

G protein‐gated inwardly‐rectifying K+(GIRK/family 3 of inwardly‐rectifying K+) channels are coupled to neurotransmitter action and can play important roles in modulating neuronal excitability. We investigated the temporal and spatial expression of GIRK1, GIRK2 and GIRK3 subunits in the developing and adult brain of mice and rats using biochemical, immunohistochemical and immunoelectron microscopic techniques. At all ages analysed, the overall distribution patterns of GIRK1‐3 were very similar, with high expression levels in the neocortex, cerebellum, hippocampus and thalamus. Focusing on the hippocampus, histoblotting and immunohistochemistry showed that GIRK1‐3 protein levels increased with age, and this was accompanied by a shift in the subcellular localization of the subunits. Early in development (postnatal day 5), GIRK subunits were predominantly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in the pyramidal cells, but by postnatal day 60 they were mostly found along the plasma membrane. During development, GIRK1 and GIRK2 were found primarily at postsynaptic sites, whereas GIRK3 was predominantly detected at presynaptic sites. In addition, GIRK1 and GIRK2 expression on the spine plasma membrane showed identical proximal‐to‐distal gradients that differed from GIRK3 distribution. Furthermore, although GIRK1 was never found within the postsynaptic density (PSD), the level of GIRK2 in the PSD progressively increased and GIRK3 did not change in the PSD during development. Together, these findings shed new light on the developmental regulation and subcellular diversity of neuronal GIRK channels, and support the contention that distinct subpopulations of GIRK channels exert separable influences on neuronal excitability. The ability to selectively target specific subpopulations of GIRK channels may prove effective in the treatment of disorders of excitability.
Unique somato‐dendritic distribution pattern of Kv4.2 channels on hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells
Authors: Kerti Katalin , Lorincz Andrea , Nusser Zoltan
Published: November 2011

A‐type K+ current (IA) plays a critical role in controlling the excitability of pyramidal cell (PC) dendrites. In vitro dendritic patch‐pipette recordings have demonstrated a prominent, sixfold increase in IA density along the main apical dendrites of rat hippocampal CA1 PCs. In these cells, IA is mediated by Kv4.2 subunits, whose precise subcellular distribution and densities in small‐diameter oblique dendrites and dendritic spines are still unknown. Here we examined the densities of the Kv4.2 subunit in 13 axo‐somato‐dendritic compartments of CA1 PCs using a highly sensitive, high‐resolution quantitative immunogold localization method (sodium dodecyl sulphate‐digested freeze‐fracture replica‐labelling). Only an approximately 70% increase in Kv4.2 immunogold density was observed along the proximo‐distal axis of main apical dendrites in the stratum radiatum with a slight decrease in density in stratum lacunosum‐moleculare. A similar pattern was detected for all dendritic compartments, including main apical dendrites, small‐diameter oblique dendrites and dendritic spines. The specificity of the somato‐dendritic labelling was confirmed in Kv4.2−/− tissue. No specific immunolabelling for the Kv4.2 subunit was found in SNAP‐25‐containing presynaptic axons. Our results demonstrate a novel distribution pattern of a voltage‐gated ion channel along the somato‐dendritic surface of CA1 PCs, and suggest that the increase in the IA along the proximo‐distal axis of PC dendrites cannot be solely explained by a corresponding increase in Kv4.2 channel number.
Ovary structure and transovarial transmission of endosymbiotic microorganisms in Marchalina hellenica (Insecta, Hemiptera, Coccomorpha: Marchalinidae)
Authors: Szklarzewicz Teresa , Kalandyk‐Kolodziejczyk Malgorzata , Kot Marta , Michalik Anna
Published: November 2011

Szklarzewicz, T., Kalandyk‐Kolodziejczyk, M., Kot, M. and Michalik, A. 2011. Ovary structure and transovarial transmission of endosymbiotic microorganisms in Marchalina hellenica (Insecta, Hemiptera, Coccomorpha: Marchalinidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00:1–9.

The paired ovaries of Marchalina hellenica are composed of about 200 ovarioles of telotrophic type. In each ovariole, a trophic chamber, vitellarium and ovariolar stalk can be distinguished. The tropharia comprise trophocytes and early previtellogenic oocytes (termed arrested oocytes) or trophocytes only. The arrested oocytes are not capable of further development. In the vitellaria, single oocytes develop that are connected to the tropharium by means of broad nutritive cords. The number of germ cells (trophocytes and oocytes) constituting ovarioles is not constant and may range between 25 and 32. Numerous endosymbiotic bacteria occur in the cytoplasm of trophocytes. The endosymbionts are transported via nutritive cords to the developing oocyte. The obtained results are discussed in a phylogenetic context.
Spermatozoa ultrastructure of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Decapoda: Dendrobranchiata)
Authors: Braga André L. , Nakayama Cintia L. , Suita de Castro Luis A. , Wasielesky Wilson
Published: November 2011

Braga, A.L., Nakayama, C.L., Suita de Castro, L.A. and Wasielesky, W. 2011. Spermatozoa ultrastructure of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Decapoda: Dendrobranchiata). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00: 1–6.

The spermatozoa ultrastructure of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis was investigated in this morphological study. Spermatophores and spermatozoa were analyzed by electron microscopy. The pink shrimp spermatophore is divided into two regions: the appendage and the spermatophore main body, where spermatozoa are grouped in a spermatic mass. Pink shrimp spermatozoa are unistellate and are composed of main body and single spike. The spermatozoa body comprises a perinuclear cytoplasmic band, nucleus, acrosomal cap, and subacrosomal region. The spermatozoa cell mean total length was 10.71 μm, the mean body diameter was 5.56 μm, and the mean spike length and diameter were 5.15 μm and 0.85 μm, respectively.
Reducing diarrhoeal diseases: lessons on sanitation from Ethiopia and Haiti
Authors: Wake M.M. , Tolessa C.
Published: November 2011

WAKE M.M. & TOLESSA C. (2011) Reducing diarrhoeal diseases: lessons on sanitation from Ethiopia and Haiti. International Nursing Review59, 34–39

Background:  Lack of basic sanitation is the root cause of the high incidence of diarrhoea and child mortality in developing countries. Nurses have unique opportunities to reduce the mortality associated with diarrhoeal diseases by going beyond treatment to primary prevention.

Aim:  This article applies current literature on sanitation and examples from two countries to enable nurses to participate in or lead sanitation improvement and diarrhoea reduction.

Methods:  Major reports on sanitation and websites for various governmental and non‐governmental organizations were reviewed for problems and strategies amenable to nursing action. Databases were searched for articles on the nursing role in sanitation using the keywords hygiene, sanitation, toilets, diarrhoea, hand washing and nurse. Concepts from the literature were integrated with experiences of nurses in two countries.

Findings:  Several publications on sanitation improvement provided sufficient detail for nurses to utilize. No articles were found on the comprehensive role of nurses in sanitation. Community behaviour change in sanitation improvement was identified as critical in the literature and in the field.

Conclusion:  While sanitation engineers and others may act to improve sanitation in a nation, they do not provide the ongoing health education needed for community behaviour change. Lessons from Ethiopia and Haiti show the value of community participation in sanitation planning, as well as the need for ongoing reinforcement. Nurses can save many lives by incorporating hygiene and sanitation strategies into their practice to reinforce efforts of others or to take leadership roles.
A comparison of the factors influencing life satisfaction between Korean older people living with family and living alone
Authors: Shin S.H. , Sok S.R.
Published: November 2011

SHIN S.H. & SOK S.R. (2012) A comparison of the factors influencing life satisfaction between Korean older people living with family and living alone. International Nursing Review59, 252–258

Background:  As the global population of older people continuously increases, many countries are beginning to experience health problems associated with older age. These countries may be interested in knowing and understanding the health problems experienced by the older Korean population, which is projected to age the most rapidly.

Aim:  This study aimed to compare and examine the factors that influence the life satisfaction between older people living with their family and those living alone.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted. The participants comprised a total 300 older Koreans (150 living with their family, 150 living alone) aged 65 years or over who met the eligibility criteria. All measures were self‐administered. Data were analysed using the SAS statistical software program version 6.12 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC).

Results:  The older people living with their family were better than the older people living alone in perceived health status, self‐esteem, depression and life satisfaction. Perceived health status, self‐esteem, depression, age and monthly allowance were found to be the factors related to the life satisfaction of older people living with their family and those living alone. The factors that were found to have the greatest influence on the life satisfaction of older people living with their family and those living alone were depression and perceived health, respectively.

Conclusions:  This study may help healthcare providers to understand the factors that can influence the life satisfaction among older people living with their family and living alone in Korea.
Inference on Polychotomous Responses in Finite Populations
Authors: ADHYA SUMANTA , BANERJEE TATHAGATA , CHATTOPADHYAY GAURANGADEB
Published: November 2011

Abstract.  A model‐based predictive estimator is proposed for the population proportions of a polychotomous response variable, based on a sample from the population and on auxiliary variables, whose values are known for the entire population. The responses for the non‐sample units are predicted using a multinomial logit model, which is a parametric function of the auxiliary variables. A bootstrap estimator is proposed for the variance of the predictive estimator, its consistency is proved and its small sample performance is compared with that of an analytical estimator. The proposed predictive estimator is compared with other available estimators, including model‐assisted ones, both in a simulation study involving different sampling designs and model mis‐specification, and using real data from an opinion survey. The results indicate that the prediction approach appears to use auxiliary information more efficiently than the model‐assisted approach.
PERSPECTIVES ON TORTURE: Reports from a Dialogue Including Christian, Judaic, Islamic, and Feminist Viewpoints
Authors: Crane Jonathan K.
Published: November 2011

Torture continues to be a pressing political issue in North America, yet religious scholarly reflection on the ethics of torture remains all but sidelined in public discourse for a variety of complex reasons. These reasons are explored—and critiqued—in this collection of reflections by Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and feminist religious ethicists. These scholars find that historical amnesia, forced if not twisted readings of classical texts and contemporary human rights instruments, and sociological factors are but a few of the factors challenging contemporary religious ethical discourse on torture.
TORTUROUS AMBIVALENCE: Judaic Struggles with Torture
Authors: Crane Jonathan K.
Published: November 2011

A surprising lack of consensus exists among contemporary Jewish scholars about Judaism's position vis‐à‐vis torture. Some claim that Judaism condones torture while others insist that Judaism condemns it. These diverging opinions on such a troubling practice suggest an ambivalence deep within the Judaic textual tradition about torturing bodies. This brief essay critiques both perspectives for twisting the textual tradition and offers some preliminary suggestions for a more robust Judaic approach to torture.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Equality of Sibling and Parent‐Offspring Risk of a Disease Endophenotype in Case Families
Authors: Sung Heejong , Mendell Nancy R.
Published: November 2011

A large number of linkage and association studies of complex diseases focus on analysis of a more common or more easily measured disease endophenotype. The motivation for this approach is that there is a pleiotropic locus common to both the disease and the endophenotype and that this locus is a major genetic determinant of the endophenotype. In this paper, we determine the conditions under which the risk of the endophenotype in siblings of affected probands with disease equals the risk of the endophenotype in the offspring (parents) of affected parents (offspring) with disease. In doing so we prove that this equality holds if and only if the penetrance of either the endophenotype or the disease (but not necessarily both) is additive.
Beneficial use of steroids in hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy
Authors: HENG HOCK S , TANG SHAN S , GOYAL SUSHMA , WRAIGE ELIZABETH A , LIM MING J
Published: November 2011

Management of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy (HNPP) is primarily conservative, aimed at preventing nerve injury by avoiding trauma or other potential aggravating factors. No pharmacological treatment is known to be beneficial. We describe two adolescents, one with HNPP (male; aged 15y) and another with a clinical picture suggestive of HNPP (genetically unconfirmed; female; aged 14y), who showed considerable improvement of their symptoms after receiving corticosteroid therapy. Both individuals were symptomatic for at least 5 months before the treatment. Following corticosteroids, both individuals demonstrated rapid improvement leading to near‐complete recovery of muscle power. Clinical improvement after corticosteroid therapy has been reported in some individuals with other hereditary neuropathies. Our cases demonstrate that corticosteroid therapy may also be beneficial in individuals with HNPP who have a protracted or incomplete course of recovery.
Atypical timing and presentation of periventricular haemorrhagic infarction in preterm infants: the role of thrombophilia
Authors: HARTEMAN JOHANNA C , GROENENDAAL FLORIS , VAN HAASTERT INGRID C , LIEM KIAN D , STROINK HANS , BIERINGS MARC B , HUISMAN ALBERT , DE VRIES LINDA S
Published: November 2011

Aim  Periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) is a complication of preterm birth associated with cardiorespiratory instability. To date, the role of thrombophilia as a possible additional risk factor in infants with atypical timing and presentation of PVHI has not been investigated.

Method  This was a retrospective cohort study of preterm infants who developed PVHI with an atypical timing and presentation either of antenatal onset or late in the postnatal course in the absence of a preceding sudden deterioration of their clinical condition. In infants with atypical PVHI mutation analysis of the factor V Leiden (G1691A), prothrombin (G20210A) gene, and C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene was performed, and plasma lipoprotein(a) and homocysteine levels were measured.

Results  Sixty‐two preterm infants who presented with a PVHI were studied. Seventeen had an atypical presentation (seven males, 10 females; median birthweight 1170g [range 580–1990g]; median gestational age 30.6wks [range 28.7–33.7wks]). The typical PVHI group comprised 28 males and 17 females (median birthweight 1200g [range 670–2210g]; median gestational age 29.6wks [range 25.3–33.6wks]). Among the 17 infants with atypical presentation, the factor V Leiden mutation was found in seven infants (41%) as well as in the mothers of six of these seven infants; in one infant this was concomitant with a prothrombin gene mutation. A polymorphism in the MTHFR gene was also present in these infants. In two infants with an atypical presentation who were tested for this, a mutation in the COL4A1 gene was found (reported previously). All but two of the infants with an atypical presentation developed spastic unilateral cerebral palsy.

Interpretation  An atypical presentation of PVHI in preterm infants tends to occur more often in the presence of thrombophilia. Testing of thrombophilia, especially factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutation, is recommended in these infants.