bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three enhancements to the inference of statistical protein‐DNA potentials
Authors: AlQuraishi Mohammed , McAdams Harley H.
Published: January 2013

The energetics of protein‐DNA interactions are often modeled using so‐called statistical potentials, that is, energy models derived from the atomic structures of protein‐DNA complexes. Many statistical protein‐DNA potentials based on differing theoretical assumptions have been investigated, but little attention has been paid to the types of data and the parameter estimation process used in deriving the statistical potentials. We describe three enhancements to statistical potential inference that significantly improve the accuracy of predicted protein‐DNA interactions: (i) incorporation of binding energy data of protein‐DNA complexes, in conjunction with their X‐ray crystal structures, (ii) use of spatially‐aware parameter fitting, and (iii) use of ensemble‐based parameter fitting. We apply these enhancements to three widely‐used statistical potentials and use the resulting enhanced potentials in a structure‐based prediction of the DNA binding sites of proteins. These enhancements are directly applicable to all statistical potentials used in protein‐DNA modeling, and we show that they can improve the accuracy of predicted DNA binding sites by up to 21%. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvated protein–protein docking using Kyte‐Doolittle‐based water preferences
Authors: Kastritis Panagiotis L. , Visscher Koen M. , van Dijk Aalt D. J. , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J.
Published: January 2013

HADDOCK is one of the few docking programs that can explicitly account for water molecules in the docking process. Its solvated docking protocol starts from hydrated molecules and a fraction of the resulting interfacial waters is subsequently removed in a biased Monte Carlo procedure based on water‐mediated contact probabilities. The latter were derived from an analysis of water contact frequencies from high‐resolution crystal structures. Here, we introduce a simple water‐mediated amino acid–amino acid contact probability scale derived from the Kyte‐Doolittle hydrophobicity scale and assess its performance on the largest high‐resolution dataset developed to date for solvated docking. Both scales yield high‐quality docking results. The novel and simple hydrophobicity scale, which should reflect better the physicochemical principles underlying contact propensities, leads to a performance improvement of around 10% in ranking, cluster quality and water recovery at the interface compared with the statistics‐based original solvated docking protocol. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical characterization of low‐pressure cold‐sprayed metal coatings on aluminium
Authors: Astarita A. , Durante M. , Langella A. , Montuori M. , Squillace A.
Published: January 2013

Metal coatings are widely used in order to improve the superficial properties of mechanical components or tools. Cold spray deposition is an attractive technology that allows to realize a reported coating on a metallic or polymeric surface. The essence of the phenomenon is that particles of ductile metals or alloys, having diameter of approximately 10–100 micron, become deformed and strongly attached to a surface when they impinge on the surface of metals, ceramics or glasses at impact velocities in the range of about 400–1200 m/s. In this manner, coatings can be formed on a substrate. In this work, mechanical tests were carried out in order to evaluate the adhesion of different metal particles on an aluminium alloy substrate, in order to characterize both the coating‐substrate adhesion and the adhesion between two consecutive layers of the cold‐sprayed metal coating. In particular, both bending tests and pure adhesion test were carried out in order to better understand the powder deposition mechanism. Bending tests were carried out in four‐point bending configuration. On the basis of the experimental campaign, it results that the adhesion of the pure aluminum particles are very good, conversely the copper particles show a good adhesion on the aluminum substrate but have a low internal cohesion. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Men's health in Australia
Authors: Lynch William
Published: January 2013

Although Australian men are no different from most men around the world in that they suffer poorer health outcomes than women, the government has only recently launched a national male health policy to identify priorities to improve all aspects of male health. Bill Lynch outlines some of the programmes that have been initiated as a result and discusses ideas for moving forward. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Advanced prostate cancer – optimising and integrating care
Authors: Payne Heather A. , Farnham Chris , Kirby Mike , Troup Janis
Published: January 2013

This report summarises discussions led by specialists in secondary, primary and palliative care during a series of four regional meetings organised by the British Uro‐oncology Group in partnership with Macmillan. The aim of these meetings was to debate appropriate pathways of care for patients with advanced disease, focusing on sequencing of therapy and palliative care. They also provided a forum to increase awareness and understanding across professional disciplines of NHS reforms and commissioning processes in the field of prostate cancer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Potential Method in the Linear Theory of Viscoelastic Materials with Voids
Authors: Svanadze Maia M.
Published: January 2013

In the present paper the linear theory of viscoelasticity for Kelvin–Voigt materials with voids is considered and some basic results of the classical theory of elasticity are generalized. Indeed, the basic properties of plane harmonic waves are established. The explicit expression of fundamental solution of the system of equations of steady vibrations is constructed by means of elementary functions. The Green’s formulas in the considered theory are obtained. The uniqueness theorems of the internal and external basic boundary value problems (BVPs) are proved. The representation of Galerkin type solution is obtained and the completeness of this solution is established. The formulas of integral representations of Somigliana type of regular vector and regular (classical) solution are obtained. The Sommerfeld-Kupradze type radiation conditions are established. The basic properties of elastopotentials and singular integral operators are given. Finally, the existence theorems for classical solutions of the internal and external basic BVPs of steady vibrations are proved by using of the potential method (boundary integral method) and the theory of singular integral equations.
Production of recombinant 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate synthase from Plasmodium vivax in Escherichia coli
Authors: Handa Sumit , Ramamoorthy Divya , Spradling Tyler J. , Guida Wayne C. , Adams John H. , Bendinskas Kestutis G. , Merkler David J.
Published: January 2013

Humanity is burdened by malaria as millions are infected with this disease. Although advancements have been made in the treatment of malaria, optimism regarding our fight against malaria must be tempered against the problem of drug resistance in the Plasmodium parasites causing malaria. New targets are required to overcome the resistance problem. The enzymes of the mevalonate‐independent pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis are targets for the development of novel antimalarial drugs. One enzyme in this pathway, 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate synthase (DXS), catalyzes the conversion of 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate to isopentenylpyrophosphate and dimethylallyl phosphate. We demonstrate the use of a step deletion method to identify and eliminate the putative nuclear‐encoded and transit peptides from full length DXS to yield a truncated, active, and soluble form of Plasmodium vivax DXS, the DXS catalytic core (DXScc).
Therapeutic Assessment with Children in Family Therapy
Authors: Aschieri Filippo , Fantini Francesca , Bertrando Paolo
Published: January 2013

Therapeutic Assessment with Children (TA‐C) is a brief semi‐structured intervention in which psychological assessment is used to help families with children and adolescents to change. In this paper we introduce the TA‐C model, describe its semi‐structured format and exemplify how it can be applied by family therapists.
Lingual thyroid: diagnosis using a hybrid of single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography
Authors: Dolezal J , Vizda J , Horacek J , Spitalnikova S
Published: January 2013

Aim:

To present a rare case of lingual thyroid detected using a hybrid of single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography in a young woman with hypothyroidism.

Materials and methods:

A 29-year-old woman was screened for autoimmune thyroid disorders in early pregnancy, and found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. No thyroid tissue was found in the anterior neck upon ultrasonography, raising suspicions of an ectopic thyroid. The patient was treated with levothyroxine throughout the remainder of her pregnancy, and developed postpartum thyroiditis requiring an increase in levothyroxine dosage. Whole-body scintigraphy and zoomed static head and neck scintigraphy were performed. Abnormal 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake was observed in the oral region, whereas no uptake was found in the usual thyroid location. Hybrid imaging using single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography was performed to improve three-dimensional representation of the area of increased activity.

Results:

The latter imaging modality detected ectopic thyroid tissue in the tongue.

Conclusion:

Whole body 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy and a hybrid of single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography are effective imaging modalities for the investigation of ectopic thyroid tissue. The latter modality is particularly recommended, as it allows more precise spatial visualisation of increased isotope uptake activity in the head and neck.
Inflammatory cast of the tympanic membrane after acute otitis media
Authors: Byun J , Massi DS , Sehgal A , Saadia-Redleaf M
Published: January 2013

Objective:

To describe a relatively unknown clinical entity – inflammatory cast of the tympanic membrane after acute otitis media – and its simple out-patient treatment.

Study design:

Retrospective review of case series.

Setting:

Subspecialty practice at a tertiary hospital.

Patients:

Seven patients diagnosed previously with acute otitis media with perforation or otitis externa, and with persistent ear discomfort.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review.

Results:

The patients presented with weeks to months of persistent hearing loss after acute otitis media with perforation or acute otitis externa. Visits to their primary care physicians had been uninformative. After comparison of the affected and unaffected tympanic membranes, a thin, hard cast was identified and removed from the affected tympanic membrane. Improvement in hearing was documented in the three patients who underwent audiometric testing; the remainder had subjective improvement without audiometric evaluation.

Conclusion:

Otolaryngologists should be aware of the possibility of an inflammatory cast of the tympanic membrane following acute otitis media with perforation or otitis externa, and should carefully compare the unaffected and affected ears in such cases. Treatment – removal of the rigid cast – is both simple and effective.
Academic Affiliated Training Centers in Humanitarian Health, Part I: Program Characteristics and Professionalization Preferences of Centers in North America
Authors: Burkle Frederick M. , Walls Alexa E. , Heck Joan P. , Sorensen Brian S. , Cranmer Hilarie H. , Johnson Kirsten , Levine Adam C. , Kayden Stephanie , Cahill Brendan , VanRooyen Michael J.
Published: January 2013

The collaborative London based non-governmental organization network ELRHA (Enhancing Learning and Research for Humanitarian Assistance) supports partnerships between higher education institutions and humanitarian organizations worldwide with the objective to enhance the professionalization of the humanitarian sector. While coordination and control of the humanitarian sector has plagued the response to every major crisis, concerns highlighted by the 2010 Haitian earthquake response further catalyzed and accelerated the need to ensure competency-based professionalization of the humanitarian health care work force. The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative sponsored an independent survey of established academically affiliated training centers in North America that train humanitarian health care workers to determine their individual training center characteristics and preferences in the potential professionalization process. The survey revealed that a common thread of profession-specific skills and core humanitarian competencies were being offered in both residential and online programs with additional programs offering opportunities for field simulation experiences and more advanced degree programs. This study supports the potential for the development of like-minded academic affiliated and competency-based humanitarian health programs to organize themselves under ELRHA's regional “consultation hubs” worldwide that can assist and advocate for improved education and training opportunities in less served developing countries.

Burkle Jr FM, WallsAE, HeckJP, SorensenBS, CranmerHH, JohnsonK, LevineAC, KaydenS, CahillB, VanRooyenMJ. Academic affiliated training centers in humanitarian health, Part 1: program characteristics and professionalization preference of centers in North America. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013:28(2):1-8.
Telemetry‐Based Mortality Estimates of Juvenile Spot in Two North Carolina Estuarine Creeks
Authors: Friedl Sarah E. , Buckel Jeffrey A. , Hightower Joseph E. , Scharf Fred S. , Pollock Kenneth H.
Published: January 2013

We estimated natural mortality rates (M) of age‐1 SpotLeiostomus xanthurusby using a sonic telemetry approach. Sonic transmitters were surgically implanted into a total of 123 age‐1 Spot in two North Carolina estuarine creeks during spring 2009 and 2010, and the fish were monitored by using a stationary acoustic receiver array and manual tracking. Fates of telemetered Spot were inferred based on telemetry information from estimated locations and swimming speeds. Potential competitors of age‐1 Spot were assessed through simultaneous otter trawl sampling, while potential predators of Spot were collected using gill nets and trammel nets. The number of inferred natural mortalities was zero in 2009 (based on 29 telemetered Spot at risk) and four in 2010 (based on 52 fish at risk), with fish being at risk for up to about 70 d each year. Catches of potential competitors or predators did not differ between years, and age‐1 Spot were not found in analyzed stomach contents of potential predators. Our estimated 30‐dMof 0.03 (95% credible interval = 0.01–0.07) was lower than that predicted from weight‐based (M= 0.07) and life‐history‐based (M= 0.06–0.36) estimates. Our field‐based estimate ofMfor age‐1 Spot in this estuarine system can assist in the assessment and management of Spot by allowing a direct comparison withM‐values predicted from fish size or life history characteristics. The field telemetry and statistical analysis techniques developed here provide guidance for future telemetry studies of relatively small fish in open, dynamic habitat systems, as they highlight strengths and weaknesses of using a telemetry approach to estimateM.
What do women want? A critical mapping of future directions for Arab Feminisms
Authors: Hatem Mervat
Published: January 2013

This paper was the Keynote Address to the conference organized by the Lebanese Women Researchers in October 2009 whose theme was ‘Arab Feminism: A Critical Perspective’. The conference held in Beirut, Lebanon, was attended by many scholars and activists interested in Arab feminism. It offered a critical overview of the literature, discourses and the agendas used to explore and analyse the history of Arab feminism available in Arabic and in English, the two languages with which the author is familiar. A conscious effort was made to be inclusive by making reference to as many of the works and authors available in this field as possible to shed light on the lessons to be learned from the gender struggles in different Arab states. Intellectually, the paper critically examined the founding myths of the modern history of Arab women, especially the role that men played in it, as well as the contributions that modernization and nationalism made to their roles and rights. It also addressed how the state emerged as an important agent in the definition of, response to and the appropriation of the agendas of women following decolonization. Finally, it assessed the rise of political Islam and how it contributed to new discursive and political divisions among middle-class women whose activism was historically identified with the development of Arab feminism.
Ca2+ oscillations, Ca2+ sensitization, and contraction activated by protein kinase C in small airway smooth muscle
Authors: Mukherjee Seema , Trice Jacquelyn , Shinde Paurvi , Willis Ray E. , Pressley Thomas A. , Perez-Zoghbi Jose F.
Published: January 2013

Protein kinase C (PKC) has been implicated in the regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction and may contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness. Here, we combined optical and biochemical analyses of mouse lung slices to determine the effects of PKC activation on Ca2+ signaling, Ca2+ sensitivity, protein phosphorylation, and contraction in SMCs of small intrapulmonary airways. We found that 10 µM phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate or 1 µM phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate induced repetitive, unsynchronized, and transient contractions of the SMCs lining the airway lumen. These contractions were associated with low frequency Ca2+ oscillations in airway SMCs that resulted from Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and the subsequent release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores through ryanodine receptors. Phorbol ester stimulation of lung slices in which SMC intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was “clamped” at a high concentration induced strong airway contraction, indicating that PKC mediated sensitization of the contractile response to [Ca2+]i. This Ca2+ sensitization was accompanied by phosphorylation of both the PKC-potentiated PP1 inhibitory protein of 17 kD (CPI-17) and the regulatory myosin light chain. Thrombin, like the phorbol esters, induced a strong Ca2+ sensitization that was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor GF-109203X and also potentiated airway contraction to membrane depolarization with KCl. In conclusion, we suggest that PKC activation in small airways leads to both the generation of Ca2+ oscillations and strong Ca2+ sensitization; agents associated with airway inflammation, such as thrombin, may activate this pathway to sensitize airway smooth muscle to agonists that cause membrane depolarization and Ca2+ entry and induce airway hyperresponsiveness.
Alvarado score: a guide to computed tomography utilization in appendicitis
Authors: Tan Winson Jianhong , Pek Wansze , Kabir Tousif , Goh Yaw Chong , Chan Weng Hoong , Wong Wai Keong , Ong Hock Soo
Published: January 2013

Background

Although useful in evaluation of suspected appendicitis, not all patients require computed tomography (CT) evaluation. Clinical stratification of patients who benefit from CT evaluation is essential. We utilize the Alvarado score (AS) to stratify patients with suspected appendicitis into subgroups who benefit from CT evaluation and propose an objective algorithm with AS guiding CT utilization.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of medical records of all patients admitted for suspected appendicitis over a 6‐month duration. Relevant data were recorded. The AS for each patient was determined retrospectively and correlated with histological and CT findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined for various ASs and for CT.

Results

Three hundred fifty‐eight patients were studied, with 167 males (46.6%) and 191 females (53.4%). Prevalence of appendicitis was 50% (179 patients). Two hundred fourteen patients (59.8%) had CT performed. Surgery was performed for 206 patients (57.5%). Overall negative appendicectomy rate was 13.1%. Patients who underwent CT evaluation had a negative appendicectomy rate of 5.7% compared to 17.9% in those without CT evaluation (P = 0.009). CT scan had a sensitivity and specificity of 92.6% and 96.9%, respectively. An AS greater than 3 had a sensitivity superior to CT (95.5%), while an AS of 9 or greater had a specificity superior to CT (100%).

Conclusions

In suspected appendicitis, patients who benefit from CT evaluation are those with the AS ranging from 4 to 8. We propose a management algorithm with the AS guiding the necessity for CT evaluation.
Sensitivity and specificity of a commercial BSE kit for the detection of ovine scrapie
Authors: Yamamoto Takuji , Ushiki‐Kaku Yuko , Yokoyama Takashi , Hattori Shunji
Published: January 2013

To examine the sensitivity of a commercially available bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) kit (NippIBL) for the detection of ovine scrapie, 50 scrapie‐positive ovine samples from the UK, and 54 scrapie‐negative ovine samples from Japan were obtain and tested using this kit. The sensitivity and specificity of NippIBL for ovine samples were 96% and 100%, respectively. The detection limit of the abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPSc) of NippIBL was examined using diluted scrapie‐positive samples. The sensitivity of NippIBL to ovine scrapie was 3–10 times superior to that of another commercial BSE diagnosis kit. Thus, the NippIBL kit proved more effective for the detection of ovine scrapie.
Comparison of the effects explained by variations in the bovine PLAG1 and NCAPG genes on daily body weight gain, linear skeletal measurements and carcass traits in Japanese Black steers from a progeny testing program
Authors: Hoshiba Hiroshi , Setoguchi Kouji , Watanabe Toshio , Kinoshita Akihiro , Mizoshita Kazunori , Sugimoto Yoshikazu , Takasuga Akiko
Published: January 2013

The c.1326T>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the NCAPG gene, which leads to an amino acid change of Ile442 to Met442, was previously identified as a candidate causative variation for a bovine carcass weight quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 6, which was associated with linear skeletal measurement gains and daily body weight gain at puberty. Recently, we identified the stature quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) in the PLAG1‐CHCHD7 intergenic region as the causative variations for another carcass weight QTL on chromosome 14. This study aimed to compare the effects of the two QTL on growth and carcass traits using 768 Japanese Black steers from a progeny testing program and to determine whether a genetic interaction was present between them. The FJX_250879 SNP representing the stature QTL was associated with linear skeletal measurements and average daily body weight gain at early and late periods during adolescence. A genetic interaction between FJX_250879 and NCAPG c.1326T>G was detected only for body and rump lengths. Both were associated with increased carcass weight and Longissimus muscle area, and NCAPG c.1326T>G was also associated with reduced subcutaneous fat thickness and increased carcass yield estimate. These results will provide useful information to improve carcass weight in Japanese Black cattle.
Measurement of ferritin and anti‐ferritin autoantibodies in serum and colostrum of Holstein and Japanese Black cows
Authors: Kanno Yoshiya , Ohtsuka Hiromichi , Yoshikawa Yasunaga , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Orino Koichi
Published: January 2013

Anti‐ferritin autoantibody is a ferritin‐binding protein commonly found in mammals; it is thought to form an immune complex with ferritin and thereby mediate the rapid clearance of circulating ferritin. The aim of this study is to determine concentrations of ferritin and anti‐ferritin autoantibodies (immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG and IgA) in serum and colostrum of Holstein (H) and Japanese Black (JB) cows within 24 h of normal calving. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from cows of various ages (2–11 years) and calving number (1–8 live births). Mean ferritin concentrations were higher in colostrum than in serum for both breeds, and higher colostrum ferritin concentrations were found in H than JB cows. IgA antibodies in serum and colostrum from both breeds had negligible ferritin‐binding activity. For both breeds, IgM and IgG antibodies had higher ferritin‐binding activity in colostrum than in serum. There was a significant correlation between IgM and IgG ferritin‐binding activities in serum and colostrum of H and JB cows. These results suggest that ferritin and IgM and IgG autoantibodies are actively transferred from the blood stream to the colostrum at prepartum or early lactation.
More donors or more delayed graft function? A cost‐effectiveness analysis of DCD kidney transplantation
Authors: Snyder Rebecca A. , Moore Deonna R. , Moore Derek E.
Published: January 2013

Expansion of the donor pool with expanded criteria donors and donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors is essential. DCD grafts result in increased rates of primary non‐function (PNF) and delayed graft function (DGF). However, long‐term patient and graft survival is similar between donation after brain death (DBD) donors and DCD donors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of the use of DCD donors. A Markov‐based decision analytic model was created to simulate outcomes for two wait list strategies: (i) wait list composed of only DBD organs and (ii) wait list combining DBD and DCD organs. Baseline values and ranges were determined from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database and literature review. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test model strength and parameter variability. The wait list strategy consisting of DBD donors only provided recipients 5.4 Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) at $65 000/QALY, whereas a wait list strategy combining DBD + DCD donors provided recipients 6.0 QALYs at a cost of $56 000/QALY. Wait lists with DCD donors provide adequate long‐term survival despite more DGF. This equates to an improvement in quality of life and decreased cost when compared to remaining on dialysis for any period of time.
Clinical features and outcomes of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients in Brazil: a report of the last decade
Authors: Marques Igor D. B. , Azevedo Luiz S. , Pierrotti Lígia C. , Caires Renato A. , Sato Víctor A. H. , Carmo Lilian P. F. , Ferreira Gustavo F. , Gamba Cristiano , de Paula Flávio J. , Nahas William C. , David‐Neto Elias
Published: January 2013

Background

Among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), tuberculosis is one of the most common opportunistic infections and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical features, and prognosis of tuberculosis in KTRs.

Methods

Retrospective single‐center observational study involving all cases of tuberculosis in KTRs between 2000 and 2010.

Results

Of the 1549 KTRs evaluated, 43 (2.8%) developed tuberculosis, translating to an annual incidence of 803 cases/100 000 patients, considerably higher than that reported for the general population of Brazil. The median time to tuberculosis (TB) onset after transplantation was 196 d (range, 19–3626 d). Of the KTRs with tuberculosis, 67% became infected within the first year post‐transplant, 74% had pulmonary tuberculosis, and 7% had a previous history of active tuberculosis. No tuberculosis prophylaxis was employed before or after transplantation. The most common symptoms were fever (in 79%), cough (in 35%), and dyspnea (in 16%). The median time from the onset of symptoms to the start of treatment was 28 d. The median duration of antituberculosis therapy was 196 d. In 15 patients (35%), the immunosuppressive therapy was reduced, and the incidence of acute rejection was higher in patients with tuberculosis than in those without (44% vs. 28%). Mortality during tuberculosis treatment was 12% (5 cases), and all five deaths were attributed to tuberculosis. Ten‐yr death‐censored graft survival and patient survival were similar between patients with tuberculosis and those without.

Conclusion

Among KTRs, symptoms of tuberculosis are often attenuated, which leads to delayed diagnosis, and tuberculosis‐related mortality remains high.
Affective symptoms and change in diabetes self‐efficacy and glycaemic control
Authors: Robertson S. M. , Amspoker A. B. , Cully J. A. , Ross E. L. , Naik A. D.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To examine the role of baseline depression, anxiety and stress symptoms on post‐intervention diabetes self‐efficacy and glycaemic control (HbA1c).

Methods

The current study analysed data from patients (n = 85) with treated but uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes who participated in a comparative effectiveness study of two diabetes self‐management interventions. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the relationships between baseline affective symptoms and post‐intervention diabetes self‐efficacy and the moderating effects of baseline affective symptoms on the relationship between changes in diabetes self‐efficacy and post‐intervention HbA1c.

Results

Baseline depression was inversely associated with post‐intervention diabetes self‐efficacy (P = 0.0001) after adjusting for baseline characteristics including diabetes self‐efficacy. In contrast, normal–mild levels of stress were associated with higher post‐intervention diabetes self‐efficacy (P = 0.04). Anxiety and stress symptoms significantly and independently moderated the relationship between changes in diabetes self‐efficacy and post‐intervention HbA1c (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). Further evaluation of these interactions demonstrated that changes in diabetes self‐efficacy were associated with lower post‐intervention HbA1c, but only among those with higher baseline affective symptoms.

Conclusions

We found a moderating effect across affective symptoms on the relationship between diabetes self‐efficacy changes and post‐intervention HbA1c in the context of a self‐management intervention. Results suggest that patients with poorly controlled diabetes who have higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms may derive greater benefits from self‐management interventions known to improve diabetes self‐efficacy.
Why join groups? Lessons from parasite‐manipulatedArtemia
Authors: Rode Nicolas O. , Lievens Eva J.P. , Flaven Elodie , Segard Adeline , Jabbour‐Zahab Roula , Sanchez Marta I. , Lenormand Thomas
Published: January 2013

Grouping behaviours (e.g. schooling, shoaling and swarming) are commonly explicated through adaptive hypotheses such as protection against predation, access to mates or improved foraging. However, the hypothesis that aggregation can result from manipulation by parasites to increase their transmission has never been demonstrated. We investigated this hypothesis using natural populations of two crustacean hosts (Artemia franciscanaandArtemia parthenogenetica) infected with one cestode and two microsporidian parasites. We found that swarming propensity increased in cestode‐infected hosts and that red colour intensity was higher in swarming compared with non‐swarming infected hosts. These effects likely result in increased cestode transmission to its final avian host. Furthermore, we found that microsporidian‐infected hosts had both increased swarming propensity and surfacing behaviour. Finally, we demonstrated using experimental infections that these concurrent manipulations result in increased spore transmission to new hosts. Hence, this study suggests that parasites can play a prominent role in host grouping behaviours.
Metabolism of endocannabinoids and related N‐acylethanolamines: Canonical and alternative pathways
Authors: Ueda Natsuo , Tsuboi Kazuhito , Uyama Toru
Published: January 2013

Endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Two arachidonic acid derivatives, arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, are considered to be physiologically important endocannabinoids. In the known metabolic pathway in mammals, anandamide and other bioactive N‐acylethanolamines, such as palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide, are biosynthesized from glycerophospholipids by a combination of Ca2+‐dependent N‐acyltransferase and N‐acyl‐phosphatidylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing phospholipase D, and are degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase. However, recent studies have shown the involvement of other enzymes and pathways, which include the members of the tumor suppressor HRASLS family (the phospholipase A/acyltransferase family) functioning as Ca2+‐independent N‐acyltransferases, N‐acyl‐phosphatidylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing phospholipaseD‐independent multistep pathways via N‐acylated lysophospholipid, and N‐acylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing acid amidase, a lysosomal enzyme that preferentially hydrolyzes palmitoylethanolamide. Although their physiological significance is poorly understood, these new enzymes/pathways may serve as novel targets for the development of therapeutic drugs. For example, selective N‐acylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing acid amidase inhibitors are expected to be new anti‐inflammatory and analgesic drugs. In this minireview, we focus on advances in the understanding of these enzymes/pathways. In addition, recent findings on 2‐arachidonoylglycerol metabolism are described.
Status of aboriginal, commercial and recreational inland fisheries in North America: past, present and future
Authors: Cooke S. J. , Murchie K. J.
Published: January 2013

The inland fisheries of North America (i.e. Canada and the United States of America) are diverse in terms of the sectors that harvest fish, the waters fished and the species targeted. Aboriginal fisheries have a long tradition of harvesting fish for food and ceremonial purposes using gears such as dip nets and spears, and targeting species such as suckers (Catostomidae) and upriver migrating salmon (Salmonidae). The commercial sector includes large‐scale industrial operations on the Great Lakes and Mississippi River as well as smaller‐scale fisheries throughout North America that harvest fish for food or the bait industry. The recreational fishery is the largest sector (millions of participants) and includes everything from specialised catch‐and‐release fisheries for muskellunge, Esox masquinongy Mitchill and black bass (Micropterus spp.) to put‐and‐take fisheries for rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). All sectors provide substantial socio‐economic benefit and regionally can have significant cultural value and yield an important amount of food protein. Using the best available information and a number of assumptions, total harvest for all three sectors in the inland waters of North America was estimated to be >480 000 t yr−1. Nonetheless, there are a number of internal threats that face these fisheries including over‐exploitation, bycatch/release mortality as well as external threats such as inter‐sectoral conflict, environmental change, water availability, invasive species and habitat alteration. Given that most inland fisheries are managed at the state/provincial level, there is a need to adopt management strategies that are holistic, coordinated and trans‐jurisdictional if inland fisheries in North America are to be sustainable in the future. There is also a critical need for information management systems that enable regional data to be scaled up to the national or continental level, which would facilitate the generation of inland fisheries status reports and the monitoring of trends through time. All stakeholders must recognise that while inland fisheries tend to not receive the same attention from the media, public or politicians as marine fisheries, the potential for local and broad‐scale irreversible changes exist and need to be identified and addressed if the many ecosystem services that inland fisheries provide are to be maintained.
Quantifying variation in forest disturbance, and its effects on aboveground biomass dynamics, across the eastern United States
Authors: Vanderwel Mark C. , Coomes David A. , Purves Drew W.
Published: January 2013

The role of tree mortality in the global carbon balance is complicated by strong spatial and temporal heterogeneity that arises from the stochastic nature of carbon loss through disturbance. Characterizing spatio‐temporal variation in mortality (including disturbance) and its effects on forest and carbon dynamics is thus essential to understanding the current global forest carbon sink, and to predicting how it will change in future. We analyzed forest inventory data from the eastern United States to estimate plot‐level variation in mortality (relative to a long‐term background rate for individual trees) for nine distinct forest regions. Disturbances that produced at least a fourfold increase in tree mortality over an approximately 5 year interval were observed in 1–5% of plots in each forest region. The frequency of disturbance was lowest in the northeast, and increased southwards along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts as fire and hurricane disturbances became progressively more common. Across the central and northern parts of the region, natural disturbances appeared to reflect a diffuse combination of wind, insects, disease, and ice storms. By linking estimated covariation in tree growth and mortality over time with a data‐constrained forest dynamics model, we simulated the implications of stochastic variation in mortality for long‐term aboveground biomass changes across the eastern United States. A geographic gradient in disturbance frequency induced notable differences in biomass dynamics between the least‐ and most‐disturbed regions, with variation in mortality causing the latter to undergo considerably stronger fluctuations in aboveground stand biomass over time. Moreover, regional simulations showed that a given long‐term increase in mean mortality rates would support greater aboveground biomass when expressed through disturbance effects compared with background mortality, particularly for early‐successional species. The effects of increased tree mortality on carbon stocks and forest composition may thus depend partly on whether future mortality increases are chronic or episodic in nature.
The impact of Medicines Information enquiry answering on patient care and outcomes
Authors: Bramley Diane M , Innes Alison J , Duggan Catherine , Oborne C Alice
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To determine the impact of advice provided by UK Medicines Information (MI) services on patient care and outcomes.

Methods

Healthcare professionals who contacted MI centres with enquiries related to specific patients in 35 UK National Health Service hospitals completed questionnaires before and after receiving MI advice. A multidisciplinary expert panel rated the impact in a sample of enquiries. One investigator used the panel's ratings and principles to rate all enquiries.

Key findings

Of 179 completed questionnaire pairs, 178 (99%) enquirers used the advice provided. Most (145, 81%) judged advice had a positive impact: 110 (61.5%) on patient care, 35 (19.6%) on patient outcome. Medicines Information pharmacists actively advised on issues not previously identified by enquirers in 35 cases (19.6%). The expert panel judged that in 19/20 (95%) cases, advice had a positive impact on patient care or outcome, mainly due to risk reduction. Agreement was high between expert panel and enquirers' ratings of impact: 12 (60%) full agreement; 16 (80%) agreement within one point. The investigator's impact rating of the full sample was positive for 162 (92%) enquiries: 82 (47%) on patient care and 80 (45%) on actual or expected patient outcome.

Conclusions

Enquirers and an independent expert panel both determined that MI services provided useful patient-specific advice that impacted positively on patients. Reduction of risk was central to this impact. MI pharmacists frequently identified and advised on issues that clinicians using the service had not recognised themselves, this generally had a positive impact on patients.
Attitudes to Employment of Professionally Qualified Refugees in the United Kingdom
Authors: Willott John , Stevenson Jacqueline
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the attitudes to work and experiences seeking employment of professionally qualified refugees enrolled on a course to enhance their employability skills in Leeds, United Kingdom (UK). We analyse the results within the framework of conceptual models describing the transition of refugees into employment (which are essentially linear) and those that categorize refugees according to their resettlement styles based on their social features and the host society's response. Our data reinforce that these people are (initially at least) highly motivated to work, strongly identify with their profession and suffer considerable loss of self‐esteem as they are unable to secure appropriate employment. Attitudes to securing employment were often related to their length of time in the UK. Recent arrivals were more positive about returning to their profession, even if this meant retraining, developing skills and time spent in alternative employment. Many of those here for longer were resigned to retraining, and the worst cases felt despair and feelings of betrayal. Our work showed that many had poor job search strategies and a lack of knowledge of the culture and norms of their chosen profession. We argue that the generic support of statutory employment services or the voluntary sector is inappropriate and that there is a role for professional bodies to be more active in their engagement with these groups of people. The results suggest that conceptual models need to be more nuanced to capture the experiences of these refugees: attitudes to work can cycle from optimism to disillusionment, so a linear model will not capture the full complexity, and we also found evidence of shifting among categories of resettlement styles.
International Married and Unmarried Unions in Italy: Criteria of Mate Selection
Authors: Maffioli Dionisia , Paterno Anna , Gabrielli Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

As a result of the growing presence of foreign immigrants settling in Italy, recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of mixed unions. However, little research has been carried out on the subject in this country, in part due to insufficient availability of suitable data. The aim of this study is to investigate the “market” of formal and informal mixed unions and to understand whether ethnic origin contributes a new element to the marriage/union market, and to verify the applicability of the “exchange theory” to the Italian context. We analyzed a particular segment of the marriage market ‐ mixed parental couples included in the 2005 Sample Surveys of Births. The results showed a clear gender divide in the ethnic preferences of Italian spouses, a high rate of previous marital experience for both Italian and foreign people in mixed pairings, and a high frequency of unmarried and casual mixed relationships. Compared with endogamous couples, the foreign male or female spouse/partner in mixed couples is young and more educated relative to the Italian partner, but is less present in the work market and, when employed, often occupies a less well‐qualified position. The “informal union market” works in very similar ways to the “marriage market”; the slight attenuation of relationships observed in the former being attributable to the lesser degree of security guaranteed by an unofficial union. Therefore, the mechanism of mate selection implies that foreigners' appreciated qualities such as youth and high education may be offered in exchange for economic security, upward socio‐economic mobility and access to the social network of the native partner: this is a variant of the exchange theory that was found to apply well to transnational marriages/unions in Italy.
A comparative analysis between recreational and artisanal fisheries in a Mediterranean coastal area
Authors: Lloret J. , Font T.
Published: January 2013

The biological impact and the social characteristics of different artisanal (professional) and recreational fishing techniques on the marine resources of a coastal Mediterranean area were compared. Data were from artisanal and recreational surveys carried out between 2006 and 2010. Competition between recreational (particularly spear fishing) and artisanal fishers for the natural resources is important as 52% of the 98 species surveyed were caught by both types of fishers. A total of 87 species were caught by all artisanal fishing gears together (of which 84% were retained and 16% discarded). Recreational fishing caught 58 species of which none was systematically discarded. The two fishing techniques that raise major environmental concerns are spear fishing (very selective in terms of species and/or sizes and high intrinsic vulnerability of catches) and trammel netting (highest number of species discarded and highest number of species endangered). Important challenges from the social standpoint were found that need to be taken into account in the management of coastal fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea including: progressive disappearance of the artisanal fisheries, ageing of the artisanal fisher populations and decline in the number of fishing gears used by artisanal fishers.
Cognitive aesthetics of alchemical imagery
Authors: Connolly Angela M.
Published: January 2013

Jung's contribution to the understanding of the relevance of psychology to alchemy has become increasingly invalidated by the ahistorical nature of his approach, just as his tendency to ignore the importance of cognitive aesthetics for an improved comprehension of the functions of alchemical images has prevented Jungians from further extending Jung's insight of the importance of alchemy for psychology.

This paper explores the history of the development of alchemical illustrations in Western Europe from the 14thto the 16thcentury, tracing the emergent processes over time. It is only when we take into consideration the historical dimension and the aesthetics of alchemical imagery that it becomes possible to demonstrate how the increasing use of certain aesthetic techniques such as the disjunction and recombination of separate metaphorical elements of previous illustrations, the use of compressive combinations and the use of framing devices worked to gradually increase the cognitive function and the symbolical power of the images.

If alchemy is still relevant to psychotherapy it is exactly because it helps us to understand the importance of cognitive aesthetics in our approach to the images, metaphors and narratives of our patients.