bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Src-dependent TrkA Transactivation Is Required for Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide 38-mediated Rit Activation and Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Shi Geng-Xian , Jin Ling , Andres Douglas A.
Published: March 2010

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a potent neuropeptide that possesses both neurotrophic and neurodevelopmental effects. Recently, the Rit GTPase was found to be activated by a novel Gα/cAMP/exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP (Epac)-dependent signaling pathway and required for PACAP-dependent cAMP response element-binding protein activation and neuronal differentiation. However, Epac did not function as a Rit guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), and the nature of the PACAP regulatory cascade remained unclear. Here, we show that PACAP-mediated Rit activation involves Src family kinase-dependent TrkA receptor transactivation. PACAP receptor (PACR1) stimulation triggered both Giα and Gsα/cAMP/Epac regulatory cascades resulting in Src kinase activity, which in turn induced TrkA kinase tyrosine phosphorylation. Importantly, Src inhibition, or the lack of functional Trk receptors, was found to inhibit PACAP-mediated Rit activation, whereas constitutively active Src alone was sufficient to stimulate Rit-guanosine triphosphate levels. A single tyrosine (Y499) phosphorylation event was identified as critical to both PACAP-mediated transactivation and TrkA-dependent Rit activation. Accordingly, PACAP stimulation resulted in TrkA-dependent phosphorylation of both the Shc adaptor and son of sevenless (SOS)1/2 GEFs, and Rit activation was inhibited by RNA interference silencing of SOS1/2, implicating a TrkA/Shc/SOS signaling complex in Rit regulation. Together, these observations expand upon the nature of PACR1-mediated transactivation and identify TrkA-Rit signaling as a key contributor to PACAP-dependent neuronal differentiation.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Cerebroprotective Effect ofMedicago sativaLinn. against Ischemia and Reperfusion Insult
Authors: Bora Kundan Singh , Sharma Anupam
Published: March 2010

Antioxidants have been the focus of studies for developing neuroprotective agents to be used in the therapy for stroke, which is an acute and progressive neurodegenerative disorder.Medicago sativa(MS) has a long tradition of use as ayurvedic and homoeopathic medicine in central nervous system disorders. The plant has been reported to have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antidiabetic effects. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of methanol extract of MS on ischemia and reperfusion‐induced cerebral injury in mice. Bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) for 15 min followed by 24‐h reperfusion, resulted in significant elevation in infarct size, xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, superoxide anion (O•−2) production and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance (TBARS) levels, and significant depletion in endogenous antioxidant [reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total tissue sulfhydryl (T‐SH) groups] systems in mice brain. Further, BCAO led to impairment in short‐term memory and motor coordination. Pre‐treatment with MS (100 or 200 mg kg−1, p.o.) markedly reduced cerebral infarct size, XO, O•−2and TBARS levels, significantly restored GSH, SOD and T‐SH levels and attenuated impairment in short‐term memory and motor coordination. In addition, MS directly scavenged free radicals generated against a stable radical 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and O•−2generated in phenazine methosulphate‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide systems, and also inhibited XD/XO conversion and resultant O•−2production. The data from this study suggest that treatment with MS enhances the antioxidant defense against BCAO‐induced global cerebral ischemia and exhibits neuroprotective activity.
Protists have divergent effects on bacterial diversity along a productivity gradient
Authors: Bell Thomas , Bonsall Michael B. , Buckling Angus , Whiteley Andrew S. , Goodall Timothy , Griffiths Robert I.
Published: March 2010

Productivity and predation are thought to be crucial drivers of bacterial diversity. We tested how the productivity–diversity of a natural bacterial community is modified by the presence of protist predators with different feeding preferences. In the absence of predators, there was a unimodal relationship between bacterial diversity and productivity. We found that three protist species (
Bodo
,
Spumella
and
Cyclidium
) had widely divergent effects on bacterial diversity across the productivity gradient.
Bodo
and
Cyclidium
had little effect on the shape of the productivity–diversity gradient, while
Spumella
flattened the relationship. We explain these results in terms of the feeding preferences of these predators.
To females of a noctuid moth, male courtship songs are nothing more than bat echolocation calls
Authors: Nakano Ryo , Takanashi Takuma , Skals Niels , Surlykke Annemarie , Ishikawa Yukio
Published: March 2010

It has been proposed that intraspecific ultrasonic communication observed in some moths evolved, through sexual selection, subsequent to the development of ears sensitive to echolocation calls of insectivorous bats. Given this scenario, the receiver bias model of signal evolution argues that acoustic communication in moths should have evolved through the exploitation of receivers' sensory bias towards bat ultrasound. We tested this model using a noctuid mothSpodoptera litura, males of which were recently found to produce courtship ultrasound. We first investigated the mechanism of sound production in the male moth, and subsequently the role of the sound with reference to the female's ability to discriminate male courtship songs from bat calls. We found that males have sex-specific tymbals for ultrasound emission, and that the broadcast of either male songs or simulated bat calls equally increased the acceptance of muted males by the female. It was concluded that females of this moth do not distinguish between male songs and bat calls, supporting the idea that acoustic communication in this moth evolved through a sensory exploitation process.
Changing and shielded magnetic fields suppress c-Fos expression in the navigation circuit: input from the magnetosensory system contributes to the internal representation of space in a subterranean rodent
Authors: Burger Tomáš , Lucová Marcela , Moritz Regina E. , Oelschläger Helmut H. A. , Druga Rastislav , Burda Hynek , Wiltschko Wolfgang , Wiltschko Roswitha , Němec Pavel
Published: March 2010

The neural substrate subserving magnetoreception and magnetic orientation in mammals is largely unknown. Previous experiments have demonstrated that the processing of magnetic sensory information takes place in the superior colliculus. Here, the effects of magnetic field conditions on neuronal activity in the rodent navigation circuit were assessed by quantifying c-Fos expression. Ansell's mole-rats (Fukomys anselli), a mammalian model to study the mechanisms of magnetic compass orientation, were subjected to natural, periodically changing, and shielded magnetic fields while exploring an unfamiliar circular arena. In the undisturbed local geomagnetic field, the exploration of the novel environment and/or nesting behaviour induced c-Fos expression throughout the head direction system and the entorhinal–hippocampal spatial representation system. This induction was significantly suppressed by exposure to periodically changing and/or shielded magnetic fields; discrete decreases in c-Fos were seen in the dorsal tegmental nucleus, the anterodorsal and the laterodorsal thalamic nuclei, the postsubiculum, the retrosplenial and entorhinal cortices, and the hippocampus. Moreover, in inactive animals, magnetic field intensity manipulation suppressed c-Fos expression in the CA1 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus and the dorsal subiculum, but induced expression in the polymorph layer of the dentate gyrus. These findings suggest that key constituents of the rodent navigation circuit contain populations of neurons responsive to magnetic stimuli. Thus, magnetic information may be integrated with multimodal sensory and motor information into a common spatial representation of allocentric space within this circuit.
A new transform method I: domain-dependent fundamental solutions and integral representations
Authors: Spence E. A. , Fokas A. S.
Published: March 2010

A new method for solving boundary-value problems (BVPs) for linear and certain nonlinear PDEs was introduced by one of the authors in the late 1990s. For linear PDEs, this method constructs novel integral representations (IRs) that are formulated in the Fourier (transform) space. In this paper, we present a simplified way of obtaining these representations for elliptic PDEs; namely, we introduce an algorithm for constructing particular, domain-dependent, IRs of the associated fundamental solutions, which are then substituted into Green's IRs. Furthermore, we extend this new method from BVPs in polygons to BVPs in polar coordinates. In the sequel to this paper, these results are used to solve particular BVPs, which elucidate the fact that this method has substantial advantages over the classical transform method.
A new transform method II: the global relation and boundary-value problems in polar coordinates
Authors: Spence E. A. , Fokas A. S.
Published: March 2010

A new method for solving boundary-value problems (BVPs) for linear and certain nonlinear PDEs was introduced by one of the authors in the late 1990s. For linear PDEs, this method constructs novel integral representations (IRs) that are formulated in the Fourier (transform) space. In a previous paper, a simplified way of obtaining these representations was presented. In the current paper, first, the second ingredient of the new method, namely the derivation of the so-called ‘global relation’ (GR)—an equation involving transforms of the boundary values—is presented. Then, using the GR as well as the IR derived in the previous paper, certain BVPs in polar coordinates are solved. These BVPs elucidate the fact that this method has substantial advantages over the classical transform method.
Convective magnetic fields in a dispersive half-space
Authors: Barton Gabriel
Published: March 2010

It is known that inside a material half-space the magnetic field
B
owing to the currents generated there by a slowly moving exterior charge (velocity

u

) is almost the same whether the material is a good Ohmic conductor or a highly refractive non-dispersive/non-dissipative insulator. By contrast, the drag force experienced by the charge is completely different for conductors and insulators. To gain insight into the somewhat surprising coincidence regarding
B
fields, we study a microscopic model whose macroscopic Drude-type dielectric function
ε
(
ω
) can fit a fair variety of dispersion and dissipation. We look for
B
only to first order in
u
/
c
, but with otherwise arbitrary
u
. Then,
B
is given by the Biot–Savart rule. The term linear in

u

follows directly from the polarization produced as if electrostatically by the charge in its instantaneous position, and depends only on
ε
(0), the strictly static (zero frequency) response function; only the corrections of higher order in
u
depend on just how
ε
varies with
ω
, and we determine the first such corrections.
Strong correlations in quantum vortex nucleation of ultracold atomic gases
Authors: Nunnenkamp Andreas , Rey Ana Maria , Burnett Keith
Published: March 2010

We review some recent developments in the theory of rotating atomic gases. These studies have thrown light on the process of nucleation of vortices in regimes where mean-field methods are inadequate. In our review, we shall describe and compare quantum vortex nucleation of a dilute ultracold bosonic gas trapped in three different configurations: a one-dimensional ring lattice, a one-dimensional ring superlattice and a two-dimensional asymmetric harmonic trap. In all of them, there is a critical rotation frequency, at which the particles in the ground state exhibit strong quantum correlations. However, the entanglement properties vary significantly from case to case. We explain these differences by characterizing the intermediate states that participate in the vortex nucleation process. Finally, we show that noise correlations are sensitive to these differences. These new studies have, therefore, shown how novel quantum states may be produced and probed in future experiments with rotating neutral atom systems.
MHC gene copy number variation in Tasmanian devils: implications for the spread of a contagious cancer
Authors: Siddle Hannah V. , Marzec Jolanta , Cheng Yuanyuan , Jones Menna , Belov Katherine
Published: March 2010

Tasmanian devils face extinction owing to the emergence of a contagious cancer. Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a clonal cancer spread owing to a lack of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barriers in Tasmanian devil populations. We present a comprehensive screen of MHC diversity in devils and identify 25 MHC types and 53 novel sequences, but conclude that overall levels of MHC diversity at the sequence level are low. The majority of MHC Class I variation can be explained by allelic copy number variation with two to seven sequence variants identified per individual. MHC sequences are divided into two distinct groups based on sequence similarity. DFTD cells and most devils have sequences from both groups. Twenty per cent of individuals have a restricted MHC repertoire and contain only group I or only group II sequences. Counterintuitively, we postulate that the immune system of individuals with a restricted MHC repertoire may recognize foreign MHC antigens on the surface of the DFTD cell. The implication of these results for management of DFTD and this endangered species are discussed.
The shrinking ark: patterns of large mammal extinctions in India
Authors: Karanth Krithi K. , Nichols James D. , Karanth K. Ullas , Hines James E. , Christensen Norman L.
Published: March 2010

Mammal extinctions are widespread globally, with South Asian species being most threatened. We examine local extinctions of 25 mammals in India. We use historical records to obtain a set of locations at which each species was known to have been present at some time in the last 200 years. We then use occupancy estimation models to draw inferences about current presence at these same locations based on field observations of local experts. We examine predictions about the influence of key factors such as protected areas, forest cover, elevation, human population density and cultural tolerance on species extinction. For all 25 species, estimated local extinction probabilities (referenced to a 100 year time frame) range between 0.14 and 0.96. Time elapsed since the historical occurrence record was an important determinant of extinction probability for 14 species. Protected areas are positively associated with lower extinction of 18 species, although many species occur outside them. We find evidence that higher proportion of forest cover is associated with lower extinction probabilities for seven species. However, for species that prefer open habitats (which have experienced intensive land-use change), forest cover alone appears insufficient to ensure persistence (the complement of extinction). We find that higher altitude is positively associated with lower extinction for eight species. Human population density is positively associated with extinction of 13 species. We find that ‘culturally tolerated’ species do exhibit higher persistence. Overall, large-bodied, rare and habitat specialist mammals tend to have higher extinction probabilities.
Effects of stress on human mating preferences: stressed individuals prefer dissimilar mates
Authors: Lass-Hennemann Johanna , Deuter Christian E. , Kuehl Linn K. , Schulz André , Blumenthal Terry D. , Schachinger Hartmut
Published: March 2010

Although humans usually prefer mates that resemble themselves, mating preferences can vary with context. Stress has been shown to alter mating preferences in animals, but the effects of stress on human mating preferences are unknown. Here, we investigated whether stress alters men's preference for self-resembling mates. Participants first underwent a cold-pressor test (stress induction) or a control procedure. Then, participants viewed either neutral pictures or pictures of erotic female nudes whose facial characteristics were computer-modified to resemble either the participant or another participant, or were not modified, while startle eyeblink responses were elicited by noise probes. Erotic pictures were rated as being pleasant, and reduced startle magnitude compared with neutral pictures. In the control group, startle magnitude was smaller during foreground presentation of photographs of self-resembling female nudes compared with other-resembling female nudes and non-manipulated female nudes, indicating a higher approach motivation to self-resembling mates. In the stress group, startle magnitude was larger during foreground presentation of self-resembling female nudes compared with other-resembling female nudes and non-manipulated female nudes, indicating a higher approach motivation to dissimilar mates. Our findings show that stress affects human mating preferences: unstressed individuals showed the expected preference for similar mates, but stressed individuals seem to prefer dissimilar mates.
Integrating multiple evidence sources to predict transcription factor binding in the human genome
Authors: Ernst Jason , Plasterer Heather L. , Simon Itamar , Bar-Joseph Ziv
Published: March 2010

Information about the binding preferences of many transcription factors is known and characterized by a sequence binding motif. However, determining regions of the genome in which a transcription factor binds based on its motif is a challenging problem, particularly in species with large genomes, since there are often many sequences containing matches to the motif but are not bound. Several rules based on sequence conservation or location, relative to a transcription start site, have been proposed to help differentiate true binding sites from random ones. Other evidence sources may also be informative for this task. We developed a method for integrating multiple evidence sources using logistic regression classifiers. Our method works in two steps. First, we infer a score quantifying the general binding preferences of transcription factor binding at all locations based on a large set of evidence features, without using any motif specific information. Then, we combined this general binding preference score with motif information for specific transcription factors to improve prediction of regions bound by the factor. Using cross-validation and new experimental data we show that, surprisingly, the general binding preference can be highly predictive of true locations of transcription factor binding even when no binding motif is used. When combined with motif information our method outperforms previous methods for predicting locations of true binding.
The (r)evolution of SINE versus LINE distributions in primate genomes: Sex chromosomes are important
Authors: Kvikstad Erika M. , Makova Kateryna D.
Published: March 2010

The densities of transposable elements (TEs) in the human genome display substantial variation both within individual chromosomes and among chromosome types (autosomes and the two sex chromosomes). Finding an explanation for this variability has been challenging, especially in light of genome landscapes unique to the sex chromosomes. Here, using a multiple regression framework, we investigate primate Alu and L1 densities shaped by regional genome features and location on a particular chromosome type. As a result of our analysis, first, we build statistical models explaining up to 79% and 44% of variation in Alu and L1 element density, respectively. Second, we analyze sex chromosome versus autosome TE densities corrected for regional genomic effects. We discover that sex-chromosome bias in Alu and L1 distributions not only persists after accounting for these effects, but even presents differences in patterns, confirming preferential Alu integration in the male germline, yet likely integration of L1s in both male and female germlines or in early embryogenesis. Additionally, our models reveal that local base composition (measured by GC content and density of L1 target sites) and natural selection (inferred via density of most conserved elements) are significant to predicting densities of L1s. Interestingly, measurements of local double-stranded breaks (a 13-mer associated with genome instability) strongly correlate with densities of Alu elements; little evidence was found for the role of recombination-driven deletion in driving TE distributions over evolutionary time. Thus, Alu and L1 densities have been influenced by the combination of distinct local genome landscapes and the unique evolutionary dynamics of sex chromosomes.
MRC1-dependent scaling of the budding yeast DNA replication timing program
Authors: Koren Amnon , Soifer Ilya , Barkai Naama
Published: March 2010

We describe the DNA replication timing programs of 14 yeast mutants with an extended S phase identified by a novel genome-wide screen. These mutants are associated with the DNA replication machinery, cell-cycle control, and dNTP synthesis and affect different parts of S phase. In 13 of the mutants, origin activation time scales with the duration of S phase. A limited number of origins become inactive in these strains, with inactive origins characterized by small replicons and distributed throughout S phase. In sharp contrast, cells deleted of MRC1, a gene implicated in replication fork stabilization and in the replication checkpoint pathway, maintained wild-type firing times despite over twofold lengthening of S phase. Numerous dormant origins were activated in this mutant. Our data suggest that most perturbations that lengthen S phase affect the entire program of replication timing, rather than a specific subset of origins, maintaining the relative order of origin firing time and delaying firing with relative proportions. Mrc1 emerges as a regulator of this robustness of the replication program.
Age-dependent DNA methylation of genes that are suppressed in stem cells is a hallmark of cancer
Authors: Teschendorff Andrew E. , Menon Usha , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Ramus Susan J. , Weisenberger Daniel J. , Shen Hui , Campan Mihaela , Noushmehr Houtan , Bell Christopher G. , Maxwell A. Peter , Savage David A. , Mueller-Holzner Elisabeth , Marth Christian , Kocjan Gabrijela , Gayther Simon A. , Jones Allison , Beck Stephan , Wagner Wolfgang , Laird Peter W. , Jacobs Ian J. , Widschwendter Martin
Published: March 2010

Polycomb group proteins (PCGs) are involved in repression of genes that are required for stem cell differentiation. Recently, it was shown that promoters of PCG target genes (PCGTs) are 12-fold more likely to be methylated in cancer than non-PCGTs. Age is the most important demographic risk factor for cancer, and we hypothesized that its carcinogenic potential may be referred by irreversibly stabilizing stem cell features. To test this, we analyzed the methylation status of over 27,000 CpGs mapping to promoters of ∼14,000 genes in whole blood samples from 261 postmenopausal women. We demonstrate that stem cell PCGTs are far more likely to become methylated with age than non-targets (odds ratio = 5.3 [3.8–7.4],P< 10−10), independently of sex, tissue type, disease state, and methylation platform. We identified a specific subset of 69 PCGT CpGs that undergo hypermethylation with age and validated this methylation signature in seven independent data sets encompassing over 900 samples, including normal and cancer solid tissues and a population of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (P< 10−5). We find that the age-PCGT methylation signature is present in preneoplastic conditions and may drive gene expression changes associated with carcinogenesis. These findings shed substantial novel insights into the epigenetic effects of aging and support the view that age may predispose to malignant transformation by irreversibly stabilizing stem cell features.
VisuaLRTC: A New View on Lateral Root Initiation by Combining Specific Transcriptome Data Sets
Authors: Parizot Boris , De Rybel Bert , Beeckman Tom
Published: March 2010

Lateral root initiation and development has been increasingly studied over the last two decades. This postembryonic organogenic process guarantees the spatial development and plasticity of the root system in response to environmental cues and is crucial for the plant's growth and development. Several independent large-scale transcriptome studies in different species resulted in a wealth of data that can be instructive to understand this process at the molecular level. Here, we present an easy and flexible spreadsheet tool, called Visual Lateral Root Transcriptome Compendium, that combines publicly available data sets involved in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) lateral root development and links them with additional information on tissue-specific expression and cell cycle involvement, thus allowing the extraction of novel information from existing data sets in a visual and user-friendly manner. We believe that this tool will be valuable not only for root biologists but also for a broader range of scientists as it enables a fast indication of the potential involvement of a given gene during de novo organogenesis.
Influence of Sulfur Deficiency on the Expression of Specific Sulfate Transporters and the Distribution of Sulfur, Selenium, and Molybdenum in Wheat
Authors: Shinmachi Fumie , Buchner Peter , Stroud Jacqueline L. , Parmar Saroj , Zhao Fang-Jie , McGrath Steve P. , Hawkesford Malcolm J.
Published: March 2010

Interactions between sulfur (S) nutritional status and sulfate transporter expression in field-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum) were investigated using Broadbalk +S and −S treatments (S fertilizer withheld) at Rothamsted, United Kingdom. In 2008, S, sulfate, selenium (Se), and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations and sulfate transporter gene expression were analyzed throughout development. Total S concentrations were lower in all tissues of −S plants, principally as a result of decreased sulfate pools. S, Se, and Mo concentrations increased in vegetative tissues until anthesis, and thereafter, with the exception of Mo, decreased until maturity. At maturity, most of the S and Se were localized in the grain, indicating efficient remobilization from vegetative tissues, whereas less Mo was remobilized. At maturity, Se and Mo were enhanced 7- and 3.7-fold, respectively, in −S compared with +S grain, while grain total S was not significantly reduced. Enhanced expression of sulfate transporters, for example Sultr1;1 and Sultr4;1, in −S plants explains the much increased accumulation of Se and Mo (7- and 3.7-fold compared with +S in grain, respectively). Sultr5;2 (mot1), thought to be involved in Mo accumulation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), did not fully explain patterns of Mo distribution; it was expressed in all tissues, decreasing in leaf and increasing in roots under −S conditions, and was expressed in florets at anthesis but not in grain at any other time. In conclusion, S fertilizer application has a marked impact on Mo and Se distribution and accumulation, which is at least partially a result of altered gene expression of the sulfate transporter family.
Plant functional type classifications in tropical dry forests in Costa Rica: leaf habit versus taxonomic approaches
Authors: Powers Jennifer S. , Tiffin Peter
Published: March 2010

1. One way to simplify the high taxonomic diversity of plant species in vegetation models is to place species into groups based on shared, dominant traits. Many studies have suggested that morphological and physiological traits of tropical dry forest tree species vary with leaf habit (i.e. leaves from evergreen, deciduous or semi‐deciduous species) and thus this characteristic may serve as a useful way to distinguish ecologically meaningful functional types.

2. In this study we examine whether 10 plant traits vary with leaf habit in replicated leaves and individual trees of 87 species from a tropical dry forest in Costa Rica. We also looked for evidence of phylogenetic conservatism, i.e. closely related species sharing similar trait values compared to more distantly related taxa.

3. While some of the traits varied within and among individual trees of the same species, interspecific variation accounted for 57–83% of the variance among samples. Four traits in addition to leaf habit showed evidence of phylogenetic conservatism, but these results were strongly dependent on the inclusion of the 18 species of legumes (Fabaceae) in our dataset. Contrary to our predictions, none of the traits we measured differed among leaf habits. However, five traits (wood density, leaf C, leaf N, N/P and C/N) varied significantly between legumes and other functional types. Furthermore, when all high‐nitrogen non‐legume taxa were compared to the high‐nitrogen legumes, six traits excluding leaf N differed significantly, indicating that legumes are functionally different from other tree species beyond high N concentrations. Similarly, the 18 legume taxa (which all have compound leaves) also differed from other compound‐leaved species for six traits, thus leaf type does not explain these patterns.

4. Our main conclusions are that (i) a plant functional type classification based on leaf habit alone has little utility in the tropical dry forest we studied, and (ii) legumes have a different suite of traits including high leaf carbon and wood density in addition to high leaf nitrogen. Whether this result generalizes to other tropical forests is unknown, but merits future research due to the consequences of these traits for carbon storage and ecosystem processes.
Evidence mapping: illustrating an emerging methodology to improve evidence‐based practice in youth mental health
Authors: Hetrick Sarah E. , Parker Alexandra G. , Callahan Patrick , Purcell Rosemary
Published: March 2010

Rationale, aims and objectives  Within the field of evidence‐based practice, a process termed ‘evidence mapping’ is emerging as a less exhaustive yet systematic and replicable methodology that allows an understanding of the extent and distribution of evidence in a broad clinical area, highlighting both what is known and where gaps in evidence exist. This article describes the general principles of mapping methodology by using illustrations derived from our experience conducting an evidence map of interventions for youth mental‐health disorders.

Methods  Evidence maps are based on an explicit research question relating to the field of enquiry, which may vary in depth, but should be informed by end‐users. The research question then drives the search for, and collection of, appropriate studies utilizing explicit and reproducible methods at each stage. This includes clear definition of components of the research question, development of a thorough and reproducible search strategy, development of explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria, and transparent decisions about the level of information to be obtained from each study.

Discussion  Evidence mapping is emerging as a rigorous methodology for gathering and disseminating up‐to‐date information to end‐users. Thoughtful planning and assessment of available resources (e.g. staff, time, budget) are required by those applying this methodology to their particular field of clinical enquiry given the potential scope of the work. The needs of the end‐user need to be balanced with available resources. Information derived needs to be effectively communicated, with the uptake of that evidence into clinical practice the ultimate aim.
Satisfaction of patients with mechanical neck disorders attended to by primary care physical therapists
Authors: Elustondo Sofía Garrido , Fuertes Rosario Riesgo , Mayor Esperanza Escortell , Del Barco Angel Asúnsolo , Martín Yolanda Pérez , Castro Beatriz Martín
Published: March 2010

Objective  To describe the satisfaction and expectations of the patients with neck pain with relation to the physical therapy received and to analyse the relationship between the patient's characteristics and his degree of satisfaction and expectation.

Design  This study is performed in the setting of a random clinical trial.

Participants  Subjects between 18 and 60 years of age with subacute mechanical neck disorders.

Main variables  Patient's expectations and satisfaction with the received treatment (scale similar to Likert's Scale).

Other variables  Pain intensity, episodes of previous neck pain, depression and anxiety symptoms (Goldberg Scale), age and gender, physical disability, general state of health, duration of the present episode of neck pain, regular exercise and regular consumption of medicines.

Results and conclusions  A total of 90 patients were studied. The mean age was 40.1 years and 88.9% were female. Thirteen per cent of the subjects expected partial relief, 60% expected good recovery and 27% expected complete recovery. Those patients who have not suffered previous episodes of neck pain and those who have a higher score on the Goldberg Scale have a higher expectation of recovering after the treatment. About patients' satisfaction after the intervention, 2% totally unsatisfied, 1% very unsatisfied, 2% somewhat unsatisfied, 2% indifferent, 17% somewhat satisfied, 42% very satisfied and 30% totally satisfied. Those patients who experienced a greater decrease in pain were more satisfied. It would be interesting to study in depth the measurement of patients' satisfaction with the received physical therapy and to extend it to other pathologies.
The use of fall prevention guidelines in German hospitals – a multilevel analysis
Authors: Raeder Kathrin , Siegmund Ute , Grittner Ulrike , Dassen Theo , Heinze Cornelia
Published: March 2010

Aims  Falls and fall‐related injuries are major problems in hospitals. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of fall prevention guidelines on falls and fall‐related injuries in hospitals.

Method  A cross‐sectional study was conducted in German hospitals. Some 28 hospitals participated with a total of 5046 patients. Eleven of these hospitals had already implemented a fall prevention guideline, 10 were in the process of developing such a guideline and seven hospitals were not using any fall prevention guideline at all. A standardized questionnaire was used on the individual patient level to obtain details regarding the socio‐demographic background, falls, fall‐related injuries and other problems relevant to nursing. A further questionnaire referred to the use of fall prevention guidelines in the individual hospitals. Data specific to falls were analysed both on hospital level and on ward and patient level by means of a multilevel logistic model.

Results  The univariate analyses suggest that patients in hospitals that are using guidelines are more likely to fall [odds ratios (OR) = 1.19, confidential interval (CI) = 0.65–2.18] than in hospitals that do not use any guideline (reference category) or are still in the developing stage (OR = 0.82, KI = 0.77–0.87). If, in a multivariate analysis, the ward level and individual patient variables (age, disorientation, confusion, incontinence) are included, the following results are obtained: the probability of falls in hospitals not using guidelines (reference category) is higher than in hospitals developing a guideline (OR = 0.86, KI = 0.58–1.28) or using a guideline (OR = 0.71, KI = 0.44–1.14). The differences are even more distinct regarding the injuries resulting from a fall that require medical treatment. The probability of these injuries is significantly lower in hospitals using guidelines (OR = 0.27, KI = 0.09–0.85) than in hospitals developing a guideline (OR = 0.61, KI = 0.24–1.54) or not using any guidelines at all (reference category).

Conclusion  The present results of the multilevel analysis show that falls and fall‐related injuries can be reduced by the implementation of fall prevention guidelines.
A new scale to measure family members' perception of community health care services for persons with Huntington disease
Authors: Sousa Valmi D. , Williams Janet K. , Barnette Jack J. , Reed David A.
Published: March 2010

Rationale, aims, and objectives  Huntington disease (HD) is a progressive genetic brain disease leading to disruptive cognitive, behavioural and physical impairments. Persons with the condition and their caregivers need appropriate and accessible health care services to help them manage the disease adequately. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new scale that measures family members' perception of community health care services (CHCS) for persons with HD.

Methods  A methodological design was used to examine the initial reliability and dimensionality of the CHCS scale among 245 family members of persons with a diagnosis of HD. Data analysis consisted of computing Cronbach's α coefficients, calculating the 95% confidence interval for α and performing item‐analysis and exploratory factor analysis.

Results  Reliability of the scale based on Cronbach's α was 0.83. Factor analysis using principal component analysis and varimax rotation suggested that three interpretable factors underlie the scale. Factor 1, HD knowledge, had α = 0.82, eigenvalue of 4.67 and explained 33.42% of the variance; factor 2, HD community resources, had α = 0.62, eigenvalue of 1.68 and explained 12.02% of the variance; factor 3, individualized HD management, had α = 0.77, eigenvalue of 1.45 and explained 10.39% of the variance.

Conclusions  Findings from this study provide evidence of both construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the CHCS scale. Further psychometric testing of the scale in other samples of family caregivers of persons with HD is warranted.
Texture classification by statistical learning from morphological image processing: application to metallic surfaces
Authors: CORD A. , BACH F. , JEULIN D.
Published: March 2010

A classification method based on textural information for metallic surfaces displaying complex random patterns is proposed. Because these kinds of textures show fluctuations at a small scale and some uniformity at a larger scale, a probabilistic approach is followed, considering textural variations as realizations of random functions. Taking into account information of pixel neighbourhoods, the texture for each pixel is described at different scales. By means of statistical learning, the most relevant textural descriptors are selected for each application. The performance of this approach is established on a real data set of steel surfaces.
Co‐registered spectrally encoded confocal microscopy and optical frequency domain imaging system
Authors: KANG D.K. , SUTER M.J. , BOUDOUX C. , YACHIMSKI P.S. , PURICELLI W.P. , NISHIOKA N.S. , MINO‐KENUDSON M. , LAUWERS G.Y. , BOUMA B.E. , TEARNEY G.J.
Published: March 2010

Spectrally encoded confocal microscopy and optical frequency domain imaging are two non‐contact optical imaging technologies that provide images of tissue cellular and architectural morphology, which are both used for histopathological diagnosis. Although spectrally encoded confocal microscopy has better transverse resolution than optical frequency domain imaging, optical frequency domain imaging can penetrate deeper into tissues, which potentially enables the visualization of different morphologic features. We have developed a co‐registered spectrally encoded confocal microscopy and optical frequency domain imaging system and have obtained preliminary images from human oesophageal biopsy samples to compare the capabilities of these imaging techniques for diagnosing oesophageal pathology.
Leakage radiation microscopy of surface plasmon coupled emission: investigation of gain‐assisted propagation in an integrated plasmonic waveguide
Authors: GRANDIDIER J. , DES FRANCS G. COLAS , MASSENOT S. , BOUHELIER A. , MARKEY L. , WEEBER J.‐C. , DEREUX A.
Published: March 2010

Using a single‐mode dielectric‐loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguide doped with quantum dots, we were able to slightly increase the propagation length of the mode by stimulated emission of plasmon. We analyse the amplification phenomenon in the visible range by combining leakage radiation microscopy and surface plasmon coupled emission techniques.
Specificity of localization and phosphotransfer in the CheA proteins of Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Scott Kathryn A. , Porter Steven L. , Bagg Eleanor A. L. , Hamer Rebecca , Hill Jennifer L. , Wilkinson David A. , Armitage Judith P.
Published: March 2010

Specificity of protein–protein interactions plays a vital role in signal transduction. The chemosensory pathway of Rhodobacter sphaeroides comprises multiple homologues of chemotaxis proteins characterized in organisms such as Escherichia coli. Three CheA homologues are essential for chemotaxis in R. sphaeroides under laboratory conditions. These CheAs are differentially localized to two chemosensory clusters, one at the cell pole and one in the cytoplasm. The polar CheA, CheA2, has the same domain structure as E. coli CheA and can phosphorylate all R. sphaeroides chemotaxis response regulators. CheA3 and CheA4 independently localize to the cytoplasmic cluster; each protein has a subset of the CheA domains, with CheA3 phosphorylating CheA4 together making a functional CheA protein. Interestingly, CheA3‐P can only phosphorylate two response regulators, CheY6 and CheB2. R. sphaeroides CheAs exhibit two interesting differences in specificity: (i) the response regulators that they phosphorylate and (ii) the chemosensory cluster to which they localize. Using a domain‐swapping approach we investigated the role of the P1 and P5 CheA domains in determining these specificities. We show that the P1 domain is sufficient to determine which response regulators will be phosphorylated in vitro while the P5 domain is sufficient to localize the CheAs to a specific chemosensory cluster.
Bovine besnoitiosis in Germany
Authors: Rostaher Ana , Mueller Ralf S. , Majzoub Monir , Schares Gereon , Gollnick Nicole S.
Published: March 2010

This paper reports a case of natural occurring bovine besnoitiosis in Germany. The skin lesions consisted of multifocal hypotrichosis and alopecia, lichenification, erythema and seborrhoea. Histopathologic findings revealed characteristic cysts of Besnoitia spp. The diagnosis was confirmed by serology and the species Besnoitia besnoiti was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Molecular characterisation of Ltchi7, a gene encoding a Class III endochitinase induced by drought stress in Lotus spp
Authors: Tapia G. , Morales‐Quintana L. , Inostroza L. , Acuña H.
Published: March 2010

Chitinases are enzymes that digest chitin molecules, present principally in insects and fungi. In plants, these enzymes play an important role in defence against pathogen attack, although they have also been described as induced by mechanical damage, ozone, heavy metals, cold, salinity, etc. Using an annealing control primer, we isolated a gene fragment whose translated sequence has high homology with a class III endochitinase. The gene, named Ltchi7, consisted of one ORF of 1005 bp, which codes for a peptide of 334 amino acids, including a deduced signal peptide of 27 amino acid that directs protein to the extracellular space. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Ltchi7 is within a cluster that includes Sesbania rostrata, Medicago sativa and Glycine max class III endochitinases. This group is differentiated from other species of endochitinases by the presence of an additional extension in carboxy‐terminal region. Moreover, in comparison with the majority of chitinases, Ltchi7 has two additional cysteine residues, which, according to 3D modelling studies, are very close. Gene expression analysis showed enhanced transcript abundance of this gene during drought stress in Lotus tenuis and Lotus japonicus, compared with growth under normal conditions. Furthermore, its expression is restricted to nodules and roots. Expression of this gene was also induced by salt stress, hydrogen peroxide and weakly with abscisic acid.
Case of chronic ectopic pregnancy diagnosed in which the complete shape of the fetus was visible by ultrasonography
Authors: Harada Miyuki , Hiroi Hisahiko , Fujiwara Toshihiro , Fujimoto Akihisa , Kikuchi Akihiko , Osuga Yutaka , Momoeda Mikio , Kugu Koji , Yano Tetsu , Taketani Yuji
Published: March 2010

Preoperative diagnosis of chronic ectopic pregnancy is often difficult because of the high incidence of negative results on pregnancy tests as a consequence of the very small amount of live villi, subtle symptoms, and the poor specificity of ultrasonographic patterns. A 45‐year‐old woman was referred to our department for evaluation of a mass 8 cm in diameter with solid parts in the right adnexal area. Transvaginal ultrasonography showed a mass consisting of a cystic part with an irregular thick capsule distinct from the right ovary. In the center of the cystic part, a fetus‐like image, 20 mm in length was seen. Preoperative diagnosis was confirmed by the laparoscopy, which revealed a swollen right tube containing a fetus with highly necrotic changes. This case was unique because chronic ectopic pregnancy was detected at an early stage before absorption of the conceptus occurred, which coincidentally is an appropriate time for morphological diagnosis.
Limitations of internal iliac artery ligation for the reduction of intraoperative hemorrhage during cesarean hysterectomy in cases of placenta previa accreta
Authors: Iwata Atsushi , Murayama Yoshihiko , Itakura Atsuo , Baba Kazunori , Seki Hiroyuki , Takeda Satoru
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of internal iliac ligation as a bleeding control during cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the cases of placenta accreta receiving cesarean hysterectomy during the period of 1987–2006 in the Saitama Medical Center. The clinical outcomes of these patients either receiving or not receiving internal iliac artery ligation were compared in terms of bleeding amount, and length of hospitalization. The bleeding amounts in the variants of placenta accreta managed with internal iliac artery ligation were also analyzed to determine whether the different pathological findings would affect blood loss during cesarean hysterectomy.

Results:  Among 23 cases, the mean blood loss during the operation and the length of hospitalization after the operation, with or without internal iliac artery ligation (IIAL) were not significantly different. There was no significant difference between the mean blood loss and the pathological findings of cases managed with IIAL.

Conclusion:  In cases of placenta previa accreta, ligation of the internal iliac artery did not significantly contribute to hemostasis during cesarean hysterectomy.