bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hermeneutic approach to the characteristics of mental health nursing practice
Authors: HOLM A. L. , SEVERINSSON E.
Published: April 2011

Accessible summary

The hermeneutic approach is a way to develop a new practice in mental health nursing including a reflective way of being and acting in order to create a foundation for change and improvements.

Mental health nursing is dependent on the development of hermeneutic knowledge for understanding the deeper meaning of, for example, encountering a patient with emotional pain.

The hermeneutic approach can help nurses to understand how intuition and empathy is a way to empower patients, thus providing hope and future possibilities.

The implications for mental health nursing practice is to be open to change some of the negative images of past discussions in order to provide high‐quality care and support to the suffering patient.

Mental health nursing (MHN) takes a non‐reductionist view of the human being, based on a hermeneutic and interdisciplinary perspective. MHN is dependent on the development of hermeneutic knowledge for understanding the deeper meaning of, for example, encountering a patient with emotional pain. The aim of this study was to provide a philosophical discussion about the characteristics of MHN practice. The hermeneutic approach was used to expand the philosophical discussion of MHN. In order to explore the consequences for MHN practice, previous relevant research within the discipline of MHN was used, exemplified by patients suffering from emotional pain. Two themes emerged: A reflective way of being and working and Relationships as a foundation for change and improvements. Four themes emerged related to the practice of the nurse: Desire for confirmation and trust, The vulnerable human being, The difficulties involved in responsibility and The power of self‐development, authenticity and freedom. MHN must be open to changing some of the negative images of past interdisciplinary discussions in order to provide high quality care and support to the suffering patient. The hermeneutic approach is one way to help nurses who work in the context of mental health to understand and use their intuition and empathy to empower patients, thus providing hope and future possibilities.
Roles of the 5′‐phosphate sensor domain in RNase E
Authors: Garrey Stephen M. , Mackie George A.
Published: April 2011

Viable mutations affecting the 5′‐phosphate sensor of RNase E, including R169Q or T170A, become lethal when combined with deletions removing part of the non‐catalytic C‐terminal domain of RNase E. The phosphate sensor is required for efficient autoregulation of RNase E synthesis as RNase E R169Q is strongly overexpressed with accumulation of proteolytic fragments. In addition, mutation of the phosphate sensor stabilizes the rpsT P1 mRNA as much as sixfold and slows the maturation of 16S rRNA. In contrast, the decay of other model mRNAs and the processing of several tRNA precursors are unaffected by mutations in the phosphate sensor. Our data point to the existence of overlapping mechanisms of substrate recognition by RNase E, which lead to a hierarchy of efficiencies with which its RNA targets are attacked.
Membrane‐associated DegP in Bordetella chaperones a repeat‐rich secretory protein
Authors: Baud Catherine , Gutsche Irina , Willery Eve , de Paepe Diane , Drobecq Hervé , Gilleron Martine , Locht Camille , Jamin Marc , Jacob‐Dubuisson Françoise
Published: April 2011

The chaperone/protease DegP belongs to the HtrA superfamily and is involved in protein quality control in the periplasm of Gram‐negative bacteria. In Escherichia coli, typical substrates are unfolded or misfolded globular proteins that trigger the rearrangement of inactive DegP hexamers into substrate‐sequestering 12‐ or 24‐mers ‘cages’ for refolding or degradation. In Bordetella pertussis, DegPBp facilitates, in addition, the secretion of FHA, a long β‐helical adhesin that passes through the periplasm in an extended conformation. We show that DegPBp exists as soluble trimers and as a membrane‐associated form. Different substrates interact differently with the distinct forms of DegPBp, and membrane‐associated DegPBp has high affinity for non‐native FHA. Unlike more globular substrates, FHA does not efficiently mediate rearrangement of trimers into proteolytically active, short‐lived dodecamers. In contrast to these dodecamers, membrane‐associated DegPBp is not committed to substrate degradation, although it is proteolytically competent. In B. pertussis, membrane‐associated DegPBp thus represents a specific functional form serving as a holding chaperone for client proteins including FHA. If FHA secretion is impaired, membrane‐associated DegPBp participates in its degradation. This form of DegPBp is appropriate to handle substrates unsuitable to be sequestered in cages or non‐folded, secretory proteins that must not be degraded.
Cannabinoid receptor stimulation increases motivation for nicotine and nicotine seeking
Authors: Gamaleddin Islam , Wertheim Carrie , Zhu Andy Z.X. , Coen Kathleen M. , Vemuri Kiran , Makryannis Alex , Goldberg Steven R. , Le Foll Bernard
Published: April 2011

The cannabinoid system appears to play a critical facilitative role in mediating the reinforcing effects of nicotine and relapse to nicotine‐seeking behaviour in abstinent subjects based on the actions of cannabinoid (CB) receptor antagonists. However, the effects of CB receptor stimulation on nicotine self‐administration and reinstatement have not been systematically studied. Here, we studied the effects of WIN 55,212‐2, a CB1/2 agonist, on intravenous nicotine self‐administration under fixed‐ratio (FR) and progressive‐ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement in rats. The effects of WIN 55,212‐2 on responding for food under similar schedules were also studied. In addition, the effects of WIN 55,212‐2 on nicotine‐ and cue‐induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking were also studied, as well as the effects of WIN 55,212‐2 on nicotine discrimination. WIN 55,212‐2 decreased nicotine self‐administration under the FR schedule. However, co‐administration of WIN 55,212‐2 with nicotine decreased responding for food, which suggests that this effect was non‐selective. In contrast, WIN 55,212‐2 increased both nicotine self‐administration and responding for food under the PR schedule, produced dose‐dependent reinstatement of nicotine seeking, and enhanced the reinstatement effects of nicotine‐associated cues. Some of these effects were reversed by the CB1 antagonist rimonabant, but not by the CB2 antagonist AM630. In the drug discrimination tests between saline and 0.4 mg/kg nicotine, WIN 55,212‐2 produced no nicotine‐like discriminative effects but significantly potentiated discriminative stimulus effects of nicotine at the low dose through a CB1‐receptor‐dependent mechanism. These findings indicate that cannabinoid CB1‐receptor stimulation increases the reinforcing effects of nicotine and precipitates relapse to nicotine‐seeking behaviour in abstinent subjects. Thus, modulating CB1‐receptor signalling might have therapeutic value for treating nicotine dependence.
Bifeprunox: a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin1A receptors, influences nicotine‐seeking behaviour in response to drug‐associated stimuli in rats
Authors: Di Clemente Angelo , Franchi Carlotta , Orrù Alessandro , Arnt Jorn , Cervo Luigi
Published: April 2011

Environmental stimuli repeatedly associated with the self‐administered drugs may acquire motivational importance. Because dopamine (DA) D2/D3 partial agonists and D3 antagonists interfere with the ability of drug‐associated cues to induce drug‐seeking behaviour, the present study investigated whether bifeprunox, 7‐[4‐([1,1′biphenyl]‐3‐ylmethyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]‐2(3H)‐benzoxazolone mesylate), a high‐affinity partial agonist of the D2 subfamily of DA receptors and of serotonin1A receptors, influences reinstatement of drug‐associated cue‐induced nicotine‐seeking behaviour. The study also explored whether bifeprunox reduced motivated behaviour by evaluating its effects on reinstatement induced by stimuli conditioned to sucrose. To verify whether bifeprunox interferes with the primary reinforcing properties of either drug or sucrose, we compared its effects on nicotine self‐administration and on sucrose‐reinforced behaviour. Different groups of experimentally naïve, food‐restricted Wistar rats were trained to associate a discriminative stimulus with response‐contingent availability of nicotine or sucrose and tested for reinstatement after extinction of nicotine or sucrose‐reinforced behaviour. Bifeprunox (4–16 µg/kg, s.c.) dose‐dependently attenuated the response‐reinstating effects of nicotine‐associated cues. Higher doses (64–250 µg/kg, s.c.) reduced spontaneous locomotor activity and suppressed operant responding induced by sucrose‐associated cues and by the primary reinforcing properties of nicotine or sucrose. Provided they can be extrapolated to abstinent human addicts, these results suggest the potential therapeutic use of partial DA D2 receptor agonist to prevent cue‐controlled nicotine‐seeking and relapse. The profile of action of high doses of bifeprunox remains to be examined for potential sedation or anhedonia effects.
The German multi‐centre study on smoking‐related behavior—description of a population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Lindenberg Annette , Brinkmeyer Jürgen , Dahmen Norbert , Gallinat Jürgen , de Millas Walter , Mobascher Arian , Wagner Michael , Schulze‐Rauschenbach Svenja , Gründer Gerhard , Spreckelmeyer Katja N. , Clepce Marion , Thürauf Norbert , von der Goltz Christoph , Kiefer Falk , Steffens Michael , Holler Daniela , Díaz‐Lacava Amalia , Wienker Thomas , Winterer Georg
Published: April 2011

Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for most of the diseases leading in mortality. Nicotine dependence (ND), which sustains regular smoking, is now acknowledged to be under substantial genetic control with some environmental contribution. At present, however, genetic studies on ND are mostly conducted in populations that have been poorly characterized with regard to ND‐related phenotypes for the simple reason that the respective populations were not primarily collected to study ND. The German multi‐centre study ‘Genetics of Nicotine Dependence and Neurobiological Phenotypes’, which is funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) as part of the Priority Program (Schwerpunktprogramm) SPP1226: ‘Nicotine—Molecular and Physiological Effects in CNS’, was intended to overcome some of these inherent problems of current genetic studies of ND. The multi‐centre study is a population‐based case‐control study of smokers and never‐smokers (n = 2396). The study was unique worldwide because it was the first large‐scale genetic study specifically addressing ND with the collection of a wide range of environmental, psychosocial and neurobiological phenotypes. Study design and major population characteristics with emphasis on risk prediction of smoking status were presented in this paper.
Behavioral profiling of multiple pairs of rats selectively bred for high and low alcohol intake using the MCSF test
Authors: Roman Erika , Stewart Robert B. , Bertholomey Megan L. , Jensen Meredith L. , Colombo Giancarlo , Hyytiä Petri , Badia‐Elder Nancy E. , Grahame Nicholas J. , Li Ting‐Kai , Lumeng Lawrence
Published: April 2011

Genetic aspects of alcoholism have been modeled using rats selectively bred for extremes of alcohol preference and voluntary alcohol intake. These lines show similar alcohol drinking phenotypes but have different genetic and environmental backgrounds and may therefore display diverse behavioral traits as seen in human alcoholics. The multivariate concentric square field™ (MCSF) test is designed to provoke exploration and behaviors associated with risk assessment, risk taking and shelter seeking in a novel environment. The aim was to use the MCSF to characterize behavioral profiles in rat lines from selective breeding programs in the United States (P/NP, HAD1/LAD1, HAD2/LAD2), Italy (sP/sNP) and Finland (AA/ANA). The open field and elevated plus maze tests were used as reference tests. There were substantial differences within some of the pairs of selectively bred rat lines as well as between all alcohol‐preferring rats. The most pronounced differences within the pairs of lines were between AA and ANA rats and between sP and sNP rats followed by intermediate differences between P and NP rats and minor differences comparing HAD and LAD rats. Among all preferring lines, P, HAD1 and HAD2 rats shared similar behavioral profiles, while AA and sP rats were quite different from each other and the others. No single trait appeared to form a common ‘pathway’ associated with a high alcohol drinking phenotype among all of the alcohol‐preferring lines of rats. The marked behavioral differences found in the different alcohol‐preferring lines may mimic the heterogeneity observed among human alcoholic subtypes.
N‐Acetylcysteine reduces early‐ and late‐stage cocaine seeking without affecting cocaine taking in rats
Authors: Murray Jennifer E. , Everitt Barry J. , Belin David
Published: April 2011

N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) has been suggested to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of drug addiction through its effects on brain glutamate homeostasis. Here we show that NAC treatment resulted in dose‐dependent reductions in cocaine seeking at both early and late stages of acquisition and maintenance of cocaine‐seeking behavior, while confirming it had no effect on cocaine reinforcement. The results indicate that NAC is able to significantly diminish the propensity to seek cocaine early and late in the development of addiction and, taken together with previous work, indicates significant potential in relapse prevention.
Risk factors of survival after liver transplantation for HCC: a multivariate single‐center analysis
Authors: Hoffmann Katrin , Hinz Ulf , Hillebrand Norbert , Radeleff Boris A. , Ganten Tom M. , Schirmacher Peter , Schmidt Jan , Büchler Markus W. , Schemmer Peter
Published: April 2011

Hoffmann K, Hinz U, Hillebrand N, Radeleff BA, Ganten TM, Schirmacher P, Schmidt J, Büchler MW, Schemmer P. Risk factors of survival after liver transplantation for HCC: a multivariate single‐center analysis. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E541–E551. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  The selection criteria for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) are well defined. Increasing evidence suggests that the effectiveness of pre‐transplant bridging influences the individual course after LT significantly. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine its impact on tumor progression during waiting time and identify patient subgroups with favorable oncological long‐term outcome.

Methods:  Prospectively collected data of 78 consecutive patients undergoing LT for HCC between 2001 and 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. Survival rates were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier estimate. Clinicopathologic prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression analysis.

Results:  After 48.9 months of median follow‐up, the five‐yr overall survival rate is 57% with a five‐yr recurrence‐free survival rate of 74%. Progressive disease (PD) during bridging was developed in 32% of patients, and a trend toward impaired overall survival in patients with PD before LT was detected in multivariate analysis (p = 0.073). HCC ≥3 cm was associated with a three times increased risk of recurrent disease. Neither fulfillment of MILAN criteria nor bridging with transarterial chemoembolization had an impact on the outcome.

Conclusion:  PD during waiting time influences the oncological course after LT. However, even with an increasing organ shortage, further studies are warranted to define clear selection criteria based on the biological tumor behavior and allow a more personalized treatment.
Anatomy of the right liver lobe: a surgical analysis in 124 consecutive living donors
Authors: Bageacu S. , Abdelaal A. , Ficarelli S. , ElMeteini M. , Boillot O.
Published: April 2011

Bageacu S, Abdelaal A, Ficarelli S, ElMeteini M, Boillot O. Anatomy of the right liver lobe: a surgical analysis in 124 consecutive living donors. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E447–E454. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Understanding anatomic variations of the right lobe is fundamental in adult to adult living donor liver transplantation.

Methods:  We analysed anatomy in 124 right liver (RL) donors.

Results:  Portal vein: normal anatomy was found in 85.5% donors. In 14.5% the main right portal vein (PV) was absent. Hepatic artery: single arterial inflow of the RL was identified in 96% of donors. In 4% two arterial stumps were found. Bile duct: classic anatomy was identified in 50.8% of donors; 9.7% had a trifurcation of the common bile duct; in 7.2% the right anterior and in 15.3% the right posterior bile duct opened into the left bile duct; one segmental bile duct opened directly into the common bile duct in 12.1% and two segmental bile ducts in 4.8%. Hepatic veins (HV): in 74.3% the right HV was the single outflow; in 24.2% significant accessory HV (>5 mm) were preserved, in 2.4% the middle HV was harvested. We found that patients with PV variations had high incidence of multiple bile ducts (88.9%) while patients with single right PV had lower incidence (42.4%) (p = 0.00026).

Conclusion:  While anatomic variations in the RL donor were common, no contraindication to RL harvesting was noted in this study.
Doppler tissue imaging in children following cardiac transplantation: A comparison to catheter derived hemodynamics
Authors: Goldberg David J. , Quartermain Michael D. , Glatz Andrew C. , Hall E. Kevin , Davis Erin , Kren Stephanie A. , Hanna Brian D. , Cohen Meryl S.
Published: April 2011

Goldberg DJ, Quartermain MD, Glatz AC, Hall EK, Davis E, Kren SA, Hanna BD, Cohen MS. DTI in children following cardiac transplantation: A comparison to catheter derived hemodynamics.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 488–494. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between E:Ea and ventricular filling pressure in adults after heart transplantation. We sought to determine if E:Ea correlates with filling pressure after heart transplantation in children. A prospective analysis of children who have undergone heart transplantation was performed. Inflow and myocardial velocities were recorded and compared to catheter‐derived filling pressures and rejection status. We performed 61 studies in 49 subjects. No correlation was found between septal E:Ea and PCWP (r = 0.14, p = 0.28); or between lateral tricuspid E:Ea and mean RAp (r = 0.04, p = 0.79). However, the mean PCWP was higher among subjects with elevated septal E:Ea (>12) compared to normal E:Ea (12.3 ± 2.8 mmHg vs. 10.1 ± 2.9 mmHg, p = 0.02). Similarly, mean RAp was higher among subjects with an elevated lateral tricuspid E:Ea (>10) compared to normal lateral tricuspid E:Ea (7.7 ± 2.1 mmHg vs. 6.0 ± 2.4 mmHg, p = 0.04). Elevated septal E:Ea was also associated with high‐grade cellular rejection (OR = 17.3 [95% CI 1.4–221], p = 0.028). In children following heart transplant, E:Ea does not correlate well with the range of filling pressures seen after pediatric heart transplantation. However, a septal E:Ea > 12 is associated with elevated PCWP and high grade cellular rejection and a lateral tricuspid E:Ea > 10 is associated with elevated mean RAp.
Mobilized allogeneic peripheral stem/progenitor cell apheresis with Spectra Optia v.5·0, a novel, automatic interface‐controlled apheresis system: results from the first feasibility trial
Authors: Brauninger S. , Bialleck H. , Thorausch K. , Seifried E. , Bonig H.
Published: April 2011

Background and Objectives  G‐CSF mobilized peripheral blood stem/progenitor cells are frequently used for allogeneic transplantation. Available manual apheresis systems generate stem cell products of consistently high quality. Short‐comings include need for continuous interface monitoring/adjustment, interface instability in donors with inconsistent blood flow, high collection variability, high platelet loss, and failure to electronically document apheresis parameters.

Material and Methods  A fundamentally different, novel apheresis system, Spectra Optia v.5·0, featuring optical sensors, which provide real‐time automatic interface and product collect line control, and newly developed tubing sets, was designed to address these short‐comings. In a prospective validation study, 30 healthy volunteer stem cell donors were subjected to apheresis with Spectra Optia to test feasibility and effectiveness. Results were compared to 608 historic first‐day allogeneic aphereses with COBE Spectra MNC.

Results  Usability and function of automatic interface control of Spectra Optia were good. Most collection parameters, including collection efficiency and product size, were similar. Cells were viable and provided timely engraftment. Platelet loss with Spectra Optia was 25% less than with COBE Spectra MNC. Products contained fewer erythrocytes, but more granulocytes.

Conclusion  The automatic apheresis system Spectra Optia is functional and user‐friendly. Thus Spectra Optia aphereses are associated with similar, and equally variable, collection efficiencies as COBE Spectra MNC.
Motivations for donating blood and reasons why people lapse or never donate in Leeds, England: a 2001 questionnaire‐based survey
Authors: Kuruvatti J. , Prasad V. , Williams R. , Harrison M. A. , Jones R. P. O.
Published: April 2011

Blood donors’ motivations and reasons for lapsing and never donating were determined from a questionnaire completed by 489 adults (89 regular donors, 105 lapsed donors, 295 never donors) in Leeds, UK. The free text responses were classified according to themes that arose. Altruistic motivations including reciprocation and kinship towards family, friends, and unknowns were most numerous. Other motivations related to the NHS or National Blood Service, obligation, occupation, self‐interest, convenience, peer‐influence, health benefits, a rare blood group, donations being useful, a TV programme, or ethnicity. Reasons for non‐donation were personal, medical, donation centre‐ or procedure‐related, exclusions, and age‐related. Suggestions are offered to increase the blood supply.
Detection of mRNA by reverse‐transcription PCR as an indicator of viability in Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Chimento A. , Cacciola S. O. , Garbelotto M.
Published: April 2011

In the last few decades, the use of molecular tools has greatly improved the efficiency of plant disease diagnosis. However, one of the major setbacks of most molecular diagnostic approaches is their inability to differentiate between dead and viable pathogens. We propose a new strategy for the detection of plant pathogens, based on the use of mRNA as a viability marker, on the basis that mRNA degradation in dead cells is significantly more rapid than that of DNA. A real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) assay targeting the mRNA of the subunit I of the cytochrome oxidase gene was designed for Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death and ramorum blight. In controlled laboratory tests, the developed RT‐PCR assay did not detect the target mRNA a week after the pathogen had been killed by rapid lyophilization, while DNA of the pathogen could still be detected 3 months after the pathogen had died. The RT‐PCR assay was then compared with a traditional culturing approach using PARP selective medium and two nested real‐time PCR techniques on symptomatic California bay laurel leaves. Samples were either collected in three different sites in July, or in the same site but in three different seasons. Overall, RT‐PCR results showed less positive samples than DNA‐based nested PCR techniques (p < 0.0001), but more than culturing (p = 0.017). Nested PCR‐positive but RT‐PCR‐negative samples may not be viable. On the other hand, RT‐PCR‐positive but culture‐negative samples may be viable but dormant. A comparative analysis of the results indicated that RT‐PCR and culturing provide comparable results when climatic conditions are optimal for the pathogen, but RT‐PCR may be the most accurate approach to determine pathogen viability when climatic conditions are less than optimal for the pathogen.
Root lesions in large loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) following inoculation with four root‐inhabiting ophiostomatoid fungi
Authors: Matusick G. , Somers G. L. , Eckhardt L. G.
Published: April 2011

Loblolly pine decline, characterized by deteriorating root systems leading to shortening and thinning of foliage, has been observed throughout portions of the south‐eastern United States. Several root‐inhabiting ophiostomatoid fungi, including Leptographium procerum, Leptographium terebrantis, Leptographium serpens, and Grosmannia huntii are associated with lateral root damage on declining loblolly pine. Trees of various ages were inoculated in primary lateral roots during fall (2006 and 2007) and spring (2007 and 2008). All fungi caused a darkened, resin‐filled lesion on the surface of the phloem, extending into the xylem that was larger than that of controls. Only lesions associated with G. huntii infection were significantly larger in the spring season, compared with the fall. Grosmannia huntii was found to be the most virulent fungus, causing lesions that were longer, deeper and larger than all other fungal species during the spring and larger than L. terebrantis and L. procerum in the fall. Leptographium serpens was the second most virulent fungal species, causing lesions larger than L. procerum and L. terebrantis (with the exception of lesion depth) during both seasons. These tests indicate that G. huntii and L. serpens are significant root pathogens, capable of causing considerable damage, while L. terebrantis and L. procerum may be less virulent. Depending on the actions of their vectors, G. huntii and L. serpens may be responsible for significant root deterioration and tree disease.
Controlling ‘bois noir’ disease on grapevine: does the timing of herbicide application affect vector emergence?
Authors: Kehrli P. , Delabays N.
Published: April 2011

Bois noir is an important grapevine yellows disease that can cause serious economical losses in European grapevine production. Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret (Hemiptera, Cixiidae) is the principal vector of bois noir in Switzerland and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is its favourite host plant species in vineyards. As bois noir disease can hardly be cured and direct control measures against H. obsoletus are ineffective, viticultural control practices target stinging nettle, the actual reservoir and source of both the pathogen and its vector. Currently, it is recommended to apply herbicides against stinging nettle at the end of the season to kill developing H. obsoletus nymphs. To verify if this late period of herbicide application is justified, stinging nettle patches were treated with glyphosate in the autumn, in the spring or were left untreated as a control. Herbicide applications at both dates controlled the growth of stinging nettle very well in the subsequent summer, although the autumnal treatment was slightly more efficient. To study glyphosate’s direct impact on the development of H. obsoletus nymphs, emergence traps were placed directly in the centre of treated and untreated stinging nettle patches. There was no significant difference among the three treatments in the total number of adults emerging. Thus, an aerial application of glyphosate in either spring or autumn did not inhibit the nymphs’ development on the roots of stinging nettle in the soil. Our results challenge current recommendations of applying herbicides against stinging nettle at the end of the season and suggest that stinging nettle could also be controlled in spring, alike other viticultural weeds.
Unusual clinical presentation and neuropathology in two subjects with fused‐in sarcoma (FUS) positive inclusions
Authors: Hartikainen Päivi H. , Pikkarainen Maria , Hänninen Tuomo , Soininen Hilkka , Alafuzoff Irina
Published: April 2011

We report two unusual autopsy cases with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) that were hyperphosphorylated‐tau‐ and TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP‐43)‐ negative. The behavioral symptoms in both cases were compatible with frontotemporal dementia, but they exhibited more prominent speech and language related symptoms than previously reported. Moreover, they displayed a short duration of the disease; the male case had a disease onset age of 45 years, and duration of 5 years, and the female case suffered even shorter disease duration and a later onset of the symptoms, at the age of 67 years. Moreover, the motor functions had deteriorated in different ways in these cases. The male patient showed progressive motor symptoms, weakness of extremities and bulbar muscles suggesting motor neuron disease with a muscle biopsy supporting neurogenic deficits, whereas the female patient exhibited dyskinesias and tremor with progressive swallowing disorders. The father of the male case displayed dementia of similar type at the age of 68 years. In both cases, neuropathological examination showed fused‐in sarcoma (FUS)‐positive pathology. The male patient had intensely FUS‐positive cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions that resembled the characteristics previously reported in FTLD FUS, whereas the female patient did not exhibit any cytoplasmic inclusions but had roundish, dense FUS‐positive intranuclear inclusions. She also displayed a plethora of other pathologies including α‐synuclein, hyperphosphorylated‐tau, β‐amyloid aggregation and some neuronal polyglutamine aggregation (1C2) but no well‐demarcated inclusions were observed. We conclude that clinical phenotypes of FUS pathologies also include elderly patients and are more variable with motor and speech disorders than previously reported.
Klotho protein diminishes endothelial apoptosis and senescence via a mitogen‐activated kinase pathway
Authors: Maekawa Yoshihiro , Ohishi Mitsuru , Ikushima Masashi , Yamamoto Koichi , Yasuda Osamu , Oguro Ryosuke , Yamamoto‐Hanasaki Hiroko , Tatara Yuji , Takeya Yasushi , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Mice that carry the Klotho mutation (KL‐/‐) manifest diverse age‐related disorders similar to those observed in humans. Thus, the Klotho protein might function as an anti‐aging hormone in mammals. Recently, we reported that Klotho recombinant protein attenuated apoptosis and cellular senescence in endothelial cells, but the mechanism remained unclear. Here, we designed an in vitro study to test whether inhibitors of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and mitogen‐activated kinase kinase could affect Klotho regulation of apoptosis and cellular senescence.

Methods:  Cellular senescence was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with or without Klotho recombinant protein, and with or without inhibitors of mitogen‐activated kinases. Senescence was quantified by staining with senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase and by evaluating western blots probed for phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated kinases. Apoptosis was assayed on western probed for p53, p21, and caspase‐3 and ‐9.

Results:  The Klotho recombinant protein induced transient phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated kinases within a few minutes. Application of inhibitors of mitogen‐activated kinases attenuated the ability of Klotho to interfere with apoptosis and senescence in endothelial cells.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated that Klotho attenuated cellular apoptosis and senescence in vascular cells via mitogen‐activated kinase kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathways. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 510–516.
Synchronous breast invasive ductal carcinoma and endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma: Case report
Authors: Yeh Chang‐Ching , Wang Peng‐Hui , Lai Chiung‐Ru , Yen Min‐Shyen , Chao Kuan‐Chong
Published: April 2011

Diagnosis of synchronous primary cancers in one patient is a relatively rare event. The well‐known synchronous primary cancers of women are combined ovarian and endometrial cancers, especially when both are the endometrioid cell type. Although breast cancer and endometrial cancer are two common female malignancies, they often occur during the postmenopausal period. Therefore, the possibility of concomitant breast cancer and endometrial cancer in a younger woman (premenopausal) is often neglected. The reported case is an example of this situation. A 37‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with synchronous breast invasive ductal carcinoma and endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Since this condition is rarely reported, the correlated risk factors are worthy of our attention and the strategy for prevention is highlighted.
No increase in hemorrhagic complications with thromboprophylaxis using low‐molecular‐weight heparin soon after cesarean section
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Matsubara Shigeki , Usui Rie , Izumi Akio , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Data from Japanese women have been lacking regarding hemorrhagic complications due to low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) as thromboprophylaxis. Thus, targeting Japanese women, we made an effort to determine: (i) whether the administration of LMWH soon after cesarean section increases the risk of hemorrhagic complications compared to that of unfractionated heparin; and (ii) how it elongates the activated partial thromboplastin time.

Materials and Methods:  We administered unfractionated heparin in the first half of the study period, and LMWH in the latter half. We examined: (i) the incidence rate of hemorrhagic complications; and (ii) preoperative and postoperative activated partial thromboplastin time, and we compared these in cases using unfractionated heparin and LMWH.

Results:  No clinically discernable thromboembolism occurred in either group. Hemorrhagic complications occurred in two of 140 women in the unfractionated heparin group and one of 131 women in the LMWH group. LMWH prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time from 29.8 ± 2.6 to 34.8 ± 4.0 s. This prolongation was significantly shorter than that with unfractionated heparin (from 30.2 ± 2.6 to 36.5 ± 6.2 s).

Conclusions:  Compared with thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated heparin, thromboprophylaxis with early administration of LMWH after cesarean section did not increase the incidence of hemorrhagic complications and caused less prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time in Japanese women.
Interstitial pregnancy treated by transcervical aspiration of the gestational sac combined with systemic and local administration of methotrexate
Authors: Kato Sousuke , Tanaka Tomohito , Terai Yoshito , Yamashita Yoshiki , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: April 2011

Interstitial pregnancy, which is a rare form of tubal ectopic pregnancy, can grow larger than those within the fallopian tube because the surrounding myometrium is more expandable than the tube; many cases are advanced and treated with surgical resection or a large amount of methotrexate (MTX). This report presents a case of an advanced interstitial pregnancy treated with systemic MTX and laparoscopic local MTX injection combined with transcervical aspiration of the gestational sac. A 27‐year‐old nulliparous female presented with an interstitial pregnancy. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level was 90 000 IU/L. MTX was given systemically (50 mg/m2 i.m.) and the gestational sac was aspirated transcervically under laparoscopic guidance followed by local injection of 25 mg MTX. The patient received a total of only 95 mg MTX. The gestational sac disappeared and serum hCG became undetectable. The patient became pregnant spontaneously six months later, and delivered a live 2482‐g infant in good condition by planned cesarean section at 36 weeks and 3 days of gestation. No defect of the myometrium was seen during the surgery. This therapy may be effective for interstitial pregnancy and can be performed safely with laparoscopy.
Bacterial monocultures, propionate, butyrate and H2O2 modulate the expression, secretion and structure of the fasting‐induced adipose factor in gut epithelial cell lines
Authors: Grootaert Charlotte , Van de Wiele Tom , Van Roosbroeck Ilse , Possemiers Sam , Vercoutter‐Edouart Anne‐Sophie , Verstraete Willy , Bracke Marc , Vanhoecke Barbara
Published: April 2011

Previous research showed that an intestinal microbial community represses the fasting‐induced adipose factor (FIAF) in the gut epithelium, thereby increasing fat storage in the host. This study was designed to investigate the overall effect of different bacterial species and metabolites on FIAF in intestinal (Caco‐2, HT‐29 and HCT‐116) and hepatic (HepG2) cancer cell lines. First, we showed that FIAF was present in different isoforms, and secreted as N‐glycosylated proteins, exclusively at the basal side of the cell monolayer. Second, co‐incubation of cell lines with bacterial monocultures and metabolites altered both FIAF production and isoform appearance. Propionate and/or butyrate treatment increased FIAF expression and cleavage in all tested cell lines. In contrast, different bacteria induced cell line‐specific FIAF modulation. Clostridium perfringens induced FIAF isoform changes in Caco‐2 cells. Enterococcus faecalis and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron treatment resulted in cell line‐specific FIAF increases, whereas Escherichia coli significantly decreased FIAF expression in HCT‐116 cells. Treatment with H2O2 and peroxide‐producing E. faecalis strains induced FIAF isoform changes in Caco‐2 cells. Since bacteria and bacterial metabolites alter both FIAF production and isoform appearance, further investigation may reveal an important role for bacteria in FIAF‐regulated physiological processes, such as cell differentiation and fat metabolism.
Proteome changes in the initial bacterial colonist during ecological succession in an acid mine drainage biofilm community
Authors: Mueller Ryan S. , Dill Brian D. , Pan Chongle , Belnap Christopher P. , Thomas Brian C. , VerBerkmoes Nathan C. , Hettich Robert L. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: April 2011

Proteomes of acid mine drainage biofilms at different stages of ecological succession were examined to understand microbial responses to changing community membership. We evaluated the degree of reproducibility of the community proteomes between samples of the same growth stage and found stable and predictable protein abundance patterns across time and sampling space, allowing for a set of 50 classifier proteins to be identified for use in predicting growth stages of undefined communities. Additionally, physiological changes in the dominant species, Leptospirillum Group II, were analysed as biofilms mature. During early growth stages, this population responds to abiotic stresses related to growth on the acid mine drainage solution. Enzymes involved in protein synthesis, cell division and utilization of 1‐ and 2‐carbon compounds were more abundant in early growth stages, suggesting rapid growth and a reorganization of metabolism during biofilm initiation. As biofilms thicken and diversify, external stresses arise from competition for dwindling resources, which may inhibit cell division of Leptospirillum Group II through the SOS response. This population also represses translation and synthesizes more complex carbohydrates and amino acids in mature biofilms. These findings provide unprecedented insight into the physiological changes that may result from competitive interactions within communities in natural environments.
Favourable effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on the late step of the cell division in a piezophilic bacterium, Shewanella violacea DSS12, at high‐hydrostatic pressures
Authors: Kawamoto Jun , Sato Takako , Nakasone Kaoru , Kato Chiaki , Mihara Hisaaki , Esaki Nobuyoshi , Kurihara Tatsuo
Published: April 2011

Shewanella violacea DSS12, a deep‐sea bacterium, produces eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as a component of membrane phospholipids. Although various isolates from the deep sea, such as Photobacterium profundum SS9, Colwellia psychrerythraea 34H and various Shewanella strains, produce EPA‐ or docosahexaenoic acid‐containing phospholipids, the physiological role of these polyunsaturated fatty acids remains unclear. In this article, we illustrate the physiological importance of EPA for high‐pressure adaptation in strain DSS12 with the help of an EPA‐deficient mutant (DSS12pfaA). DSS12pfaA showed significant growth retardation at 30 MPa, but not at 0.1 MPa. We also found that DSS12pfaA grown at 30 MPa forms filamentous cells. When an EPA‐containing phospholipid (sn‐1‐oleoly‐sn‐2‐eicosapentaenoyl phosphatidylethanolamine) was supplemented, the growth retardation and the morphological defect of DSS12pfaA were suppressed, indicating that the externally added EPA‐containing phospholipid compensated for the loss of endogenous EPA. In contrast, the addition of an oleic acid‐containing phospholipid (sn‐1,2‐dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine) did not affect the growth and the morphology of the cells. Immunofluorescent microscopic analysis with anti‐FtsZ antibody revealed a number of Z‐rings and separated nucleoids in DSS12pfaA grown at 30 MPa. These results demonstrate the physiological importance of EPA for the later step of Z‐ring formation of S. violacea DSS12 under high‐pressure conditions.
Effect of short‐term diphenhydramine administration on aqueous tear production in normal dogs
Authors: Montgomery Keith W. , Ledbetter Eric C. , Mohammed Hussni O.
Published: April 2011

Objective  To perform a randomized, placebo‐controlled, masked clinical trial using a cross‐over design to determine the effect of oral diphenhydramine on aqueous tear production in normal dogs.

Animals studied  Seventeen dogs with normal ophthalmic examinations.

Procedures  Baseline tear production was established for each dog by performing Schirmer tear test I (STT I). Dogs received 20‐day treatment courses of both oral diphenhydramine and placebo solutions with a 10‐day washout period between treatment periods. Each dog was randomly assigned to receive diphenhydramine or placebo at the outset of the study. Measurements of STT I values were measured at regular intervals during the study and were conducted at the same time of day throughout the study to control for diurnal variations in tear production. The significance of the impact of diphenhydramine treatment on the quantity of aqueous tear production, as determine by STT results over time, was evaluated using regression analysis with appropriate transformation.

Results  Statistical comparisons at each measurement time, including baseline measurements between control and treatment groups, revealed no significant differences. Mean STT I levels also did not differ significantly at any measurement time compared to baseline for treatment or control groups.

Conclusions  Short‐term administration of oral diphenhydramine does not result in a significant decrease in aqueous tear production in normal dogs.
Outcomes of pharmacological management of nocturia with non‐antidiuretic agents: does statistically significant equal clinically significant?
Authors: Smith Ariana L. , Wein Alan J.
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

• To evaluate the statistical and clinical efficacy of the pharmacological treatments of nocturia using non‐antidiuretic agents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• A literature review of treatments of nocturia specifically addressing the impact of alpha blockers, 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARI) and antimuscarinics on reduction in nocturnal voids.

RESULTS

• Despite commonly reported statistically significant results, nocturia has shown a poor clinical response to traditional therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia including alpha blockers and 5ARI.

• Similarly, nocturia has shown a poor clinical response to traditional therapies for overactive bladder including antimuscarinics.

CONCLUSIONS

• Statistical success has been achieved in some groups with a variety of alpha blockers and antimuscarinic agents, but the clinical significance of these changes is doubtful.

• It is likely that other types of therapy will need to be employed in order to achieve a clinically significant reduction in nocturia.
BLADDER TUMOURS: TIME FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT?
Authors: Malmström Per‐Uno
Published: April 2011

The results for many types of cancers have improved during later decades but not so for bladder cancer. Most patients with muscle‐invasive tumors will still succumb to the disease and a high recurrence rate characterises non‐muscle invasive tumors.The objective is to critically review the present model of bladder cancer based on newly acquired biological data. The definition of bladder cancer has extended with the introduction of the WHO classification. The corresponding loss of distinction between benign tumor and cancer has not been rewarding and should be reintroduced to facilitate exploration of new molecular findings. The common endpoints recurrence and progression should be redefined or replaced by more appropriate endpoints. The concept of surgery only for locally advanced cancers has proven unsuccessful and has to be complemented with early administered systemic treatment.
GENDER MATCHING AND COMPETITIVENESS: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE
Authors: DATTA GUPTA NABANITA , POULSEN ANDERS , VILLEVAL MARIE CLAIRE
Published: April 2011

This paper experimentally investigates if and how people's competitiveness depends on their own gender and on the gender of people with whom they interact. Participants are given information about the gender of the co‐participant they are matched with, they then choose between a tournament or a piece rate payment scheme, and finally perform a real task. As already observed in the literature, we find that significantly more men than women choose the tournament. The gender of the co‐participant directly influences men's choices (men compete less against other men than against women), but only when the gender information is made sufficiently salient. A higher predicted competitiveness of women induces more competition. Giving stronger tournament incentives, or allowing the participants to choose the gender of their co‐participant, increases women's willingness to compete, but does not close the gender gap in competitiveness. (JEL C70, C91, J16, J24, J31, M52)
THE ECONOMICS OF FAKING ECSTASY
Authors: MIALON HUGO M.
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we develop a signaling model of rational lovemaking. In the act of lovemaking, a man and a woman send each other possibly deceptive signals about their true state of ecstasy. For example, if one of the partners is not in ecstasy, then he or she may decide to fake it. The model predicts that (1) a higher cost of faking lowers the probability of faking; (2) middle‐aged and old men are more likely to fake than young men; (3) young and old women are more likely to fake than middle‐aged women; and (4) love, formally defined as a mixture of altruism and demand for togetherness, increases the likelihood of faking. The predictions are tested with data from the 2000 Orgasm Survey. Besides supporting the model's predictions, the data also reveal an interesting positive relationship between education and the tendency to fake in both men and women. (JEL D82, J16)
TOXIC NEIGHBORS: FORECLOSURES AND SHORT‐SALES SPILLOVER EFFECTS FROM THE CURRENT HOUSING‐MARKET CRASH
Authors: DANESHVARY NASSER , CLAURETIE TERRENCE M.
Published: April 2011

Do home foreclosures and short sales equally affect neighbors? On average, no‐default homes sell anytime up to 6 months after sales of foreclosed neighbors suffer a cumulative spillover effect of about 10%. Including the market trend, the total effect increases to 40%. Controlling for foreclosure effects, short sales do not produce additional spillover effects. We apply a modified hedonic model to estimate spillover effects on neighbors, using January 2008 to June 2009 home transactions from one of the most impacted housing markets. Our findings apply to severely “thin” markets and may not be true for stable markets. We show that accurate estimates of spillover effects require correcting for the market trend, two types of time and spatial price interdependence, and the endogenous neighborhood price. (JEL R21, R22, R31, K2)