bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of dietary Microcystis aeruginosa and microcystin on the copepods of the upper San Francisco Estuary
Authors: GER KEMAL A. , TEH SWEE J. , BAXA DOLORES V. , LESMEISTER SARAH , GOLDMAN CHARLES R.
Published: February 2010

1. Increasing blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa have unknown impacts on the copepods Eurytemora affinis and Pseudodiaptomus forbesi, which are the dominant zooplankters and key prey species for endangered larval fish in the upper San Francisco Estuary.

2. Laboratory feeding experiments were designed to measure the effect of Microcystis on copepod survival and to distinguish the effects of toxicity and nutrition. In a series of survival tests, copepods were fed a mixed diet of algae plus one of two strains of Microcystis, either producing (MC+) or lacking microcystin (MC−).

3. Microcystis significantly reduced survival even when it was a small proportion of the diet, indicating that toxicity was the major cause of mortality. Contrary to expectation, however, the MC+ strain did not result in higher mortality, suggesting that non‐MC metabolites of Microcystis can be toxic to copepods.

4. Across treatments, survival of P. forbesi was greater than that of E. affinis, although the two copepods responded differently to both the ratio and the strain of Microcystis in their food. Survival of P. forbesi was greater on the MC+ strain and was inversely proportional to the ratio of dietary Microcystis (MC+ or MC−). In contrast, survival of E. affinis declined similarly across treatments and was not related to the proportion or strain of dietary Microcystis. Results indicate that the copepod P. forbesi can coexist with Microcystis while the other copepod E. affinis cannot.

5. Regardless of species, dietary Microcystis caused significant mortality to copepods, and it may cause adverse impacts to the potentially food‐limited zooplankton community of the San Francisco Estuary. These impacts may not be related to the cellular MC concentration because Microcystis contains other metabolites that negatively affect copepods.
Expression of a Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor, Ect2, in the Developing Mouse Pituitary
Authors: Islam M. S. , Tsuji T. , Higashida C. , Takahashi M. , Higashida H. , Koizumi K.
Published: February 2010

The pituitary gland is a highly mitotically active tissue after birth. Various cell types are known to undergo proliferation in the anterior pituitary. However, little is known about the mechanisms regulating mitotic activity in this tissue. When searching for genes specifically expressed in the pituitary gland among those that we previously screened in Drosophila, we found epithelial cell‐transforming gene 2 (Ect2). Ect2 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho GTPases, which is known to play an essential role in cytokinesis. Although there have been many cellular studies regarding the function of Ect2, the temporal and spatial expression patterns of Ect2 in vivo have not been determined. In the present study, we examined the postnatal developmental expression of Ect2 in the mouse pituitary. Enhanced Ect2 expression was detected in the mouse pituitary gland during the first 3 weeks after birth, which coincided well with the period of rapid pituitary expansion associated with increased growth rate. Immunostaining analysis showed that Ect2‐expressing cells were distributed in the anterior and intermediate lobes, but not the posterior lobe, of the pituitary. These Ect2‐expressing cells frequently incorporated the thymidine analogue, EdU (5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine), indicating that these cells were mitotically active. Taken together, the results demonstrate the functional role of Ect2 in postnatal proliferating cells in the two lobes of the pituitary, thereby suggesting roles in developmental growth of the mammalian pituitary.
Oxytocin Signal and Social Behaviour: Comparison among Adult and Infant Oxytocin, Oxytocin Receptor and CD38 Gene Knockout Mice
Authors: Higashida H. , Lopatina O. , Yoshihara T. , Pichugina Y. A. , Soumarokov A. A. , Munesue T. , Minabe Y. , Kikuchi M. , Ono Y. , Korshunova N. , Salmina A. B.
Published: February 2010

Oxytocin in the hypothalamus is the biological basis of social recognition, trust, love and bonding. Previously, we showed that CD38, a proliferation marker in leukaemia cells, plays an important role in the hypothalamus in the process of oxytocin release in adult mice. Disruption of Cd38 (Cd38 −/−) elicited impairment of maternal behaviour and male social recognition in adult mice, similar to the behaviour observed in Oxt and oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) gene knockout (Oxt −/− and Oxtr −/−, respectively) mice. Locomotor activity induced by separation from the dam was higher and the number of ultrasonic vocalisation calls was lower in Cd38 −/− than Cd38 +/+ pups. However, these behavioural changes were much milder than those observed in Oxt −/− and Oxtr −/− mice, indicating less impairment of social behaviour in Cd38 −/− pups. These phenotypes appeared to be caused by the high plasma oxytocin levels during development from the neonatal period to 3‐week‐old juvenile mice. ADP‐ribosyl cyclase activity was markedly lower in the knockout mice from birth, suggesting that weaning for mice is a critical time window of plasma oxytocin differentiation. Breastfeeding was an important exogenous source of plasma oxytocin regulation before weaning as a result of the presence of oxytocin in milk and the dam’s mammary glands. The dissimilarity between Cd38 −/− infant behaviour and those of Oxt −/− or Oxtr −/− mice can be explained partly by this exogenous source of oxytocin. These results suggest that secretion of oxytocin into the brain in a CD38‐dependent manner may play an important role in the development of social behaviour.
Seryl‐phosphorylated HPr regulates CcpA‐independent carbon catabolite repression in conjunction with PTS permeases in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zeng Lin , Burne Robert A.
Published: February 2010

Carbohydrate catabolite repression (CCR) in Streptococcus mutans can be independent of catabolite control protein A (CcpA) and requires specific components of phosphoenolpyruvate‐dependent sugar:phosphotransferase system (PTS) permeases. Here, the effects of various ptsH (HPr) and hprK (HPr kinase/phosphatase) mutations on growth and CCR were evaluated. An hprKV265F mutation, which enhanced Ser46 phosphorylation of HPr, inhibited growth on multiple PTS sugars. A ptsHS46A mutation reversed the effects of hprKV265F in most cases. A strain carrying a ptsHS46D mutation, which mimics HPr(Ser‐P), presented with more severe growth defects than the hprKV265F mutant. The hprKV265F mutant enhanced CCR of the fruA and levD operons, a phenotype reversible by the ptsHS46A mutation. The effects of the hprKV265F mutation on fruA and levD expression were independent of CcpA, but dependent on ManL (IIABMan) and, to a lesser extent, on FruI (IIABCFru), in a carbohydrate‐specific fashion. Expression of the Bacillus subtilis ptsG gene in the manL mutant did not restore CCR of the lev or fru operons. The hprKV265F mutation inhibited growth on cellobiose and lactose, but only the transcription of the cel operon was decreased. Thus, in S. mutans, serine‐phosphorylated HPr functions in concert with particular PTS permeases to prioritize carbohydrate utilization by modulating sugar transport and transcription of catabolic operons.
Expression and localization of insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins in normal and proteinuric kidney glomeruli
Authors: FUJINAKA HIDEHIKO , KATSUYAMA KOICHI , YAMAMOTO KEIKO , NAMETA MASAAKI , YOSHIDA YUTAKA , YAOITA EISHIN , TOMIZAWA SHUICHI , YAMAMOTO TADASHI
Published: February 2010

Aim:  Insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) acts on target cells in an endocrine and/or local manner through the IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR), and its actions are modulated by multiple IGF binding proteins (IGFBP). To elucidate the roles of local IGFBP in kidney glomeruli, the expression and localization of their genes were examined and compared with normal and proteinuric kidney glomeruli.

Methods:  A cDNA microarray database (MAd‐761) was constructed using human kidney glomeruli and cortices. The gene expression levels of IGF‐I, IGF‐1R and IGFBP (1–10) were examined in glomeruli and cortices by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH), and the expression levels of IGFBP that were abundantly found in the glomerulus were compared between normal and proteinuric kidneys in rats and humans.

Results:  IGFBP‐2, ‐7 and ‐8 were demonstrated to be abundantly and preferentially expressed in the glomerulus. In PCR, the expression levels of the IGFBP‐2, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐10 genes in glomeruli were shown to have more than doubled compared with their levels in the cortices. In ISH, the IGFBP‐2, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐10 genes were found to be localized in glomerular cells including podocytes, and their increased expression was observed in inflammatory glomeruli. IGF‐I gene expression was localized in glomerular podocytes, whereas the IGF‐IR gene was expressed in glomerular podocytes and cortical tubular cells. In nephrotic rats, the expression of the IGFBP‐10 gene was increased in glomerular podocytes; however, the expression levels of IGFBP‐2, ‐7 and ‐8 did not change.

Conclusion:  IGFBP‐2, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐10 are produced by normal and injured glomerular podocytes and may regulate local IGF‐I actions in podocytes and/or cortical tubular cells in the kidney.
Review: Differences in prescription between conventional and alternative haemodialysis
Authors: TOUSSAINT NIGEL D
Published: February 2010

There is growing interest worldwide in the beneficial effects of increasing the frequency and/or time of haemodialysis (HD) sessions. Alternative HD regimens to incorporate these changes, also called ‘quotidian’ HD schedules, likely offer advantages over conventional thrice‐weekly HD. Alternative regimens include short‐daily HD (typically performed 1.5–3 h, 5–7 days per week) and nocturnal HD (typically 6–8 h, 3–7 nights per week). Both regimens can be performed at home or in the hospital setting, although in Australia and New Zealand the predominant alternative regimen is nocturnal HD at home. Dialysis prescriptions for alternative schedules vary in many aspects when compared with conventional HD and this review describes differences in dialysate concentrations, blood and dialysate flow rates, ultrafiltration rates, vascular access issues and adequacy of HD between the different HD modalities. An international quotidian dialysis registry has also recently been created to capture observational data on patients receiving alternative HD regimens and provides further information on dialysis prescriptions for these therapies.
Using vertebral bone densitometry to determine aortic calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: TOUSSAINT NIGEL D , LAU KENNETH K , STRAUSS BOYD J , POLKINGHORNE KEVAN R , KERR PETER G
Published: February 2010

Background:  Vascular calcification (VC) is a major contributor to increased cardiovascular (CV) disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and an independent predictor of mortality. VC is inversely correlated with bone mineral density (BMD). Screening for VC may be useful to determine those at greater CV risk and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) may have a dual role in providing VC measurement as well as BMD.

Methods:  We report cross‐sectional data on 44 patients with CKD stages 3–4 and aim to determine and validate measurement of VC using DXA. Patients had computed tomography (CT) of abdominal aorta and DXA of lateral lumbar spine, to determine both aortic VC and BMD. Semi‐quantitative measurement of VC from DXA was determined (blinded) using previously validated 8‐ and 24‐point scales, and compared with VC from CT. BMD determination from L2 to L4 vertebrae on CT was compared with DXA‐reported BMD.

Results:  Patients 66% male, 57% diabetic, had mean age 63.4 years and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 31.4 ± 12 mL/min. Aortic VC was present in 95% on CT, mean 564.9 ± 304 Hounsfield units (HU). Aortic VC was seen in 68% on lateral DXA, mean scores 5.1 ± 5.9 and 1.9 ± 1.9 using 24‐ and 8‐point scales, respectively. Strong correlation of VC measurement was present between CT and DXA (r 0.52, P < 0.001). For DXA VC 24‐point score, intraclass correlations for intra‐rater and inter‐rater agreement were 0.91 and 0.64, respectively (8‐point scale, intraclass correlations 0.90 and 0.69). Vertebral BMD measured by CT (mean 469.3 HU L2–4) also significantly correlated with lateral DXA‐reported BMD (mean spine T‐score –0.67 ± 1.6) (r 0.56, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Despite limitations in CKD, DXA may be useful as lateral DXA images provide concurrent assessment of aortic calcification as well as lumbar spine BMD, both correlating significantly with CT measurements. Lateral DXA may provide VC screening to determine patients at greater CV risk although more studies are needed to evaluate their potential role.
Decrease in cell proliferation by an matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, doxycycline, in a model of immune‐complex nephritis
Authors: SAGLAM FUNDA , CELIK ALI , TAYFUR DEVRIM , CAVDAR ZAHIDE , YILMAZ OSMAN , SARIOGLU SULEN , KOLATAN EFSUN , OKTAY GULGUN , CAMSARI TANER
Published: February 2010

Aim:  Renal expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP) contribute to the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis characteristic of progressive forms of primary glomerulonephritis (GN).

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of MMP inhibitor, doxycycline, administration in an experimental rat model of immune‐complex nephritis (ICN).

Methods:  The induction of immune‐complex glomerulonephritis was carried out by the administration of an i.v. dose of 2 mg bovine serum albumin (BSA) daily for 28 days after 8 weeks of s.c. immunization with 1 mg of BSA in complete Freund's adjuvant. Doxycycline (30 mg/kg) was given daily (in groups 2 and 4) by gavage for 28 days.

Results:  Animals treated with doxycycline showed significant reduction in glomerular area and cell proliferation than non‐treated controls. Glomerular deposition of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and C3 was less intense in treated rats than non‐treated controls. Although not statistically significant, interstitial inflammation was less intense in treated rats than non‐treated controls. Glomerular expression of MMP‐9 by immunoflourescence was significantly inhibited in the treated group. In addition pro‐MMP‐2 on gelatin zymography was importantly suppressed by doxycycline in ICN.

Conclusion:  Doxycycline, in addition to its antibiotic property, may, following further investigation, provide a possible survival benefit in proliferative glomerulonephritis.
Predictors of poor renal outcome in patients with biopsy‐proven lupus nephritis
Authors: AYODELE OLUGBENGA EDWARD , OKPECHI IKECHI G , SWANEPOEL CHARLES R
Published: February 2010

Aim:  The development of lupus nephritis (LN) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In view of scarce data from South Africa on factors affecting renal outcome in LN, the authors' experience was reviewed to identify predictors of poor renal outcome.

Methods:  This is a retrospective review of 105 patients with biopsy‐proven LN under our care from January 1995 to December 2007.

Results:  Forty‐three (41.0%) patients reached the composite end‐point of persistent doubling of the serum creatinine over the baseline value, development of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) or death during a mean follow‐up period of 51.1 months (range 1–137 months). Baseline factors associated with the composite end‐point included presence of systemic hypertension (P = 0.016), mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.004), mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.001), mean serum creatinine (P = 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P = 0.003) and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (World Health Organization class IV) (P = 0.024). Interstitial inflammation (P = 0.049), failure of remission in the first year following therapy (P < 0.001), the mean SBP on follow up (P < 0.001) and mean DBP on follow up (P < 0.001) were also associated with composite end‐point. On multivariate analysis, baseline serum creatinine, non‐remission following therapy (P = 0.038) and mean SBP on follow up (P = 0.016) were predictors of poor renal outcome.

Conclusion:  Baseline serum creatinine, failure of remission in the first year and mean SBP were predictors of poor renal outcome.
Raloxifene decreases serum malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in postmenopausal women with end‐stage renal disease under chronic hemodialysis therapy
Authors: Ozbasar Demir , Toros Ummuhan , Ozkaya Okan , Sezik Mekin , Uzun Hafize , Genc Habibe , Kaya Hakan
Published: February 2010

Aim:  We prospectively aimed to investigate the relationship between raloxifene administration and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels in postmenopausal women undergoing hemodialysis treatment for chronic renal failure.

Methods:  Twenty‐four women scheduled for twice‐weekly hemodialysis treatment were given 60 mg/day raloxifene for 3 months. Serum MDA, estimated NO, HDL, and LDL measurements were assessed initially and at month 3. We used the Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests for comparisons. Five women discontinued the study.

Results:  After controlling for baseline characteristics, mean serum MDA and estimated NO levels decreased (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively) from 2.01 ± 0.40 µmol/L and 21.3 ± 17.9 µmol/L at baseline to 1.27 ± 0.23 µmol/L and 7.7 ± 7.5 µmol/L at month 3, respectively. Mean serum LDL level declined (P = 0.004) from 120.0 ± 24.3 mg/dL to 103.3 ± 12.1 mg/dL, and mean HDL level increased (P = 0.024) from 52.2 ± 7.8 mg/dL to 57.2 ± 5.7 mg/dL with raloxifene administration.

Conclusion:  Oral raloxifene administration (60 mg/day) for 3 months lowered serum MDA and NO levels with favorable effects on serum lipid parameters in postmenopausal women, who were undergoing long‐term hemodialysis treatment for chronic renal failure.
Paraaortic paraganglioma arising in an ovarian carcinoma patient mimicking lymph node metastasis
Authors: Chishima Fumihisa , Tamura Masaaki , Nakazawa Teine , Sugitani Masahiko , Hirano Daisaku , Yoshikawa Tetsuo , Fuchinoue Fumi , Nemoto Norimichi , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: February 2010

Paragangliomas are rare tumors arising from the chromaffin cells in the autonomic nervous system. While they both occur most frequently along the paraaortic chain, paraganglioma and ovarian carcinoma very rarely occur together. A 61‐year‐old, post‐menopausal woman visited our hospital, with complaints of abdominal pain and genital bleeding. Image analysis showed a 21 × 18 × 10 cm ovarian mass, and a 38 mm tumor at the paraaortic lesion. First, she underwent bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. Serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the left ovary was found, and so a second surgery was performed. The paraaortic tumor was completely eliminated in spite of fluctuating blood pressure intraoperatively. Microscopic examination revealed that the paraaortic tumor was paraganglioma. She was ultimately diagnosed as having ovarian carcinoma stage Ia (FIGO) with coincident paraganglioma. If blood pressure fluctuation is observed during dissection of the paraaortic lymph node, paraganglioma should be suspected and blood pressure must be carefully controlled.
Safe primary approach using a micro‐laparoscope via the posterior vaginal fornix for patients with previous upper laparotomy: A report of five cases
Authors: Kumakiri Jun , Takeuchi Hiroyuki , Kitade Mari , Kikuchi Iwaho , Kumakiri Yuko , Kuroda Keiji , Jinushi Makoto , Takeda Satoru
Published: February 2010

In order to reduce the risk of visceral injury for patients with upper abdominal adhesions, we devised an alternative to the umbilical approach. Five patients who had undergone a previous upper abdominal laparotomy and were scheduled for gynecologic laparoscopic surgeries at our hospital were evaluated. A micro‐trocar was inserted via the posterior vaginal fornix and the periumbilicus was observed using a micro‐laparoscope inserted in the micro‐trocar. A trocar for conventional laparoscopy was inserted into the umbilicus under micro‐laparoscopic observation in the cul‐de‐sac to avoid visceral organ adherent to the periumbilicus. Four cases had adhesions of the transverse colon, small bowel or omentum to the upper abdomen due to previous surgery; however, we were able to accomplish laparoscopic surgery without injury to adhesive organs in all patients. The micro‐laparoscopic primary approach via the posterior vaginal fornix is a safe primary approach for patients who have undergone a previous upper abdominal laparotomy.
Comparison of the efficacy between topotecan‐ and belotecan‐, a new camptothecin analog, based chemotherapies for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: A single institutional experience
Authors: Kim Hee Seung , Park Noh Hyun , Kang Sokbom , Seo Sang‐Soo , Chung Hyun Hoon , Kim Jae Weon , Song Yong Sang , Kang Soon‐Beom
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To compare the efficacy and toxicity between topotecan‐ and belotecan‐based chemotherapies in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods:  The clinical data of 80 patients treated with topotecan‐ (n = 45) or belotecan‐ (n = 35) based chemotherapy as at least a second‐line chemotherapy were reviewed retrospectively between July 2001 and December 2007. Response was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) and serum CA‐125 levels. Hematological toxicity was examined according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI‐CTC) version 2.0. Time to progressive disease (TTPD), chemotherapy‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) according to the 2 chemotherapies were evaluated by the Kaplan‐Meier analysis with the log‐rank test.

Results:  Overall response rate (ORR) was 24.4% in patients treated with topotecan‐based chemotherapy, while it was 45.7% in those treated with belotecan‐based chemotherapy (P = 0.046). Moreover, ORR was higher in platinum‐sensitive patients treated with belotecan‐based chemotherapy (58.8%) than those treated with topotecan‐based chemotherapy (22.2%) (P = 0.041) although it was not significantly different in platinum‐resistant patients (P = 0.471). Grade 3 or 4 anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia developed in 14.8% vs 3.6%, 43.1% vs 55.6%, and 20.0% vs 12.8% of cycles in topotecan‐ and belotecan‐based chemotherapies, respectively (P < 0.05). There were no significant difference in survival between the 2 chemotherapies.

Conclusions:  In our experience, belotecan‐based chemotherapy seemed to be efficient with acceptable toxicity, compared to topotecan‐based chemotherapy in recurrent EOC. However, randomized controlled trials are required for the comparison of the efficacy and toxicity between topotecan‐ and belotecan‐based chemotherapies in recurrent EOC.
A case of a huge placental lake; prenatal differential diagnosis and clinical management
Authors: Muramatsu Keiko , Itoh Hiroaki , Yamasaki Tomoko , Nakamura Yuki , Kobayashi Yukiko , Hirai Kyuya , Suzuki Kazunao , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Sugimura Motoi , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: February 2010

Placental lakes are sonolucent or hypoechoic areas in images of the placenta, usually considered a physiological dilation of intervillous space with a rather good obstetrical outcome. However, diagnostic criteria for and the clinical significance of placental lakes are yet to be completely established, because of a wide variety of ultrasound findings, especially on color Doppler examination. We experienced a case of a huge placental lake, larger than the total placental area, located in an entire retroplacental space, concomitant with several penetrations of artery type blood flow. The antenatal differential diagnosis and course of clinical management are reported.
Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Kustner Hauser syndrome complicated by either uterine leiomyoma or ovarian tumor
Authors: Fukuda Jun , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Fujimoto Toshio , Tanaka Toshinobu
Published: February 2010

A 50‐year‐old Japanese woman with Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Kustner‐Hauser syndrome and two pelvic tumors underwent laparotomy. Laparotomy revealed that no torsion of the right ovarian tumor had occurred, with uterine leiomyoma originating from the right side of a rudimentary uterus. Histopathological examination demonstrated leiomyoma of the rudimentary uterus with positive staining for estrogen and progesterone receptors, and mucinous cyst adenoma of the right ovary. Uterine leiomyoma is rare in this syndrome and the present report represents the first published case complicated by ovarian tumor.
Immunogenicity and safety of human papillomavirus‐16/18 AS04‐adjuvanted cervical cancer vaccine in healthy Indian women
Authors: Bhatla Neerja , Suri Vanita , Basu Partha , Shastri Surendra , Datta Sanjoy K. , Bi Dan , Descamps Dominique J. , Bock Hans L. ,   the Indian HPV Vaccine Study Group
Published: February 2010

Aim:  India has the highest number of annual incident cases and mortality rates for cervical cancer worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the immunogenicity and safety of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐16/18 AS04‐adjuvanted cervical cancer vaccine in healthy Indian women aged 18–35 years old.

Methods:  This double‐blind, randomized (1:1), controlled and multicenter trial with two parallel groups, the Vaccine and Placebo groups, included 354 subjects in four centers across India. Subjects were given GlaxoSmithKline's HPV‐16/18 AS04‐adjuvanted cervical cancer vaccine or aluminum hydroxide placebo according to a 0, 1 and 6 month schedule and followed up until month 7. Serum samples were drawn at pre‐vaccination and at month 7. Safety data were collected throughout the study.

Results:  A total of 330 subjects completed the study. One month post‐Dose 3, all initially seronegative subjects in the Vaccine group had seroconverted for HPV‐16 and HPV‐18 antibodies with anti‐HPV‐16 and anti‐HPV‐18 geometric mean titer levels of 10226.5 EL.U/ml (95% confidence interval: 8847.1–11821.0) and 3953.0 EL.U/ml (95% confidence interval: 3421.8–4566.8), respectively. Initially seropositive subjects also showed an increase to similar geometric mean titer levels. Six serious adverse events (two in the Vaccine group and four in the Placebo group), all unrelated to vaccination, were reported. Commonly reported solicited local (injection‐site pain) and general (fatigue, headache and fever) symptoms were similar in both groups. Compliance to the three‐dose vaccination course was >97%.

Conclusions:  The AS04‐adjuvanted HPV‐16/18 cervical cancer vaccine was highly immunogenic and generally well‐tolerated making it a potential tool for prevention and control of cervical cancer in India.
Mysteries of endometriosis pain: Chien‐Tien Hsu Memorial Lecture 2009
Authors: Fraser Ian S.
Published: February 2010

The more that one looks at the condition endometriosis, the more one realises that it is a unique and complex condition exhibiting a bizarre range of deviations from normal endometrial and myometrial physiology, and presenting with a challenging range of pain‐related symptoms. The changing nature of the pain is not well defined, and the molecular mechanisms leading to pain generation are far from clear. Recent research has begun to reveal some of these links between expression of unusual molecules in the eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions, microanatomical changes in the pelvic nervous sytem, neuronal dysfunction and the later development of neuropathic pain. A better understanding of these mechanisms will undoubtedly lead to improved use of current medical and surgical treatments, and to the development of novel treatments in the future.
Impaired dopaminergic neuron development and locomotor function in zebrafish with loss ofpink1function
Authors: Xi Yanwei , Ryan Joel , Noble Sandra , Yu Man , Yilbas Ayse E. , Ekker Marc
Published: February 2010

Mutations in the humanPTEN‐induced kinase 1(PINK1) gene are linked to recessive familial Parkinson’s disease. Animal models of altered PINK1 function vary greatly in their phenotypic characteristics.Drosophila pink1mutants exhibit mild dopaminergic neuron degeneration and locomotion defects. Such defects are not observed in mice with targeted null mutations inpink1, although these mice exhibit impaired dopamine release and synaptic plasticity. Here, we report that in zebrafish, morpholino‐mediated knockdown ofpink1function did not cause large alterations in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral diencephalon. However, the patterning of these neurons and their projections are perturbed. This is accompanied by locomotor dysfunction, notably impaired response to tactile stimuli and reduced swimming behaviour. All these defects can be rescued by expression of an exogenouspink1that is not a target of the morpholinos used. These results indicate that normal PINK1 function during development is necessary for the proper positioning of populations of dopaminergic neurons and for the establishment of neuronal circuits in which they are implicated.
Taiwanese nurses' cognition and attitudes towards the Magnet Hospitals Recognition Programme
Authors: Ma C‐C. , Hwang P‐W. , Alexander J.W.
Published: February 2010

MA C‐C., HWANG P‐W. & ALEXANDER J.W. (2010) Taiwanese nurses' cognition and attitudes towards the Magnet Hospitals Recognition Programme. International Nursing Review57, 78–84

Aims:  To explore the relevance and feasibility of using the Magnet Recognition Programme (MRP) at a Taiwanese hospital.

Background:  Since no hospitals in Taiwan have applied for American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition, and the American medical system and customs are different from those in Taiwan, this study explores whether or not the MRP is appropriate for Taiwanese hospitals.

Method:  This study used a cross‐sectional design with data collected from 905 nurses at a 1200‐bed Taiwanese military hospital. The authors created the structured questionnaire from a framework based on the 14 Forces of Magnetism. The study used descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to explain the nurses' cognitions and attitudes towards the MRP and to discover if variations in these concepts occurred across nurses' demographics and their job classification.

Findings:  The mean nurses' cognitive score on each item varies from 3.3 to 4.1, and the mean nurses' attitude score on each item varies from 3.0 to 4.0 (both with the highest possible score related to the 14 Forces of Magnetism being 5.0). Using regression analysis, overall cognitive score, working in the operating room, or the sub‐critical Neonatal Care Unit, and part‐time hours of work explained 42% of the variance in the total attitude score towards the MRP.

Conclusion:  The findings indicate that when nurses have a higher cognition towards MRP, the more positive are their attitudes towards seeking the MRP. Using these findings and information about the nurses, the authors suggest strategies that hospital executives and nursing supervisors can use to improve nurses' cognition and attitudes when preparing to seek recognition through the MRP.
Nurses' reported influence on the prescription and use of medication
Authors: Jutel A. , Menkes D.B.
Published: February 2010

JUTEL A. & MENKES D.B. (2010) Nurses' reported influence on the prescription and use of medication. International Nursing Review57, 92–97

Aim:  To identify the activities senior nurses report undertaking that may influence the prescription and use of medicines.

Background:  While much attention has focused on the role of nurse prescribing, little is known about the extent to which non‐prescribing nurses influence medication decision making. The pharmaceutical industry recognizes this influence in its marketing strategies, and courts nurses by provision of promotional material and sponsorship of nursing professional development.

Methods:  We undertook parallel web‐ and paper‐based surveys of 100 senior registered nurses employed by government‐funded health boards in two distinct New Zealand regions.

Findings:  Only 2/96 (2%) of nurses had prescribing rights, yet 74/94 (79%) reported recommending treatments to the prescribing doctor, 74/95 (79%) stated they provided advice to patients about over‐the‐counter medications and 71/92 (77%) participated in the development of guidelines or policies that include the use of medications. All nurses in this sample reported influencing the prescription of medicines in one way or another.

Discussion:  From actually writing prescriptions to providing feedback on treatment outcomes, there are many opportunities for nurses to influence the decision making of medical and other prescribers, which open nurses to exploitation from commercial forces. Policy and education regarding prescriber relationships with the pharmaceutical industry should also recognize the role of non‐prescribing nurses.
Nursing clinical trial of breast self‐examination education in China
Authors: Liu C.‐Y. , Xia H.‐O. , Isaman D.M. , Deng W. , Oakley D.
Published: February 2010

LIU C.‐Y., XIA H.‐O., ISAMAN D.M., DENG W. & OAKLEY D. (2010) Nursing clinical trial of breast self‐examination education in China. International Nursing Review57, 128–134

Aim:  The aim of this study was to test community‐based nursing education about breast self‐examination to see whether self‐examination frequency could be increased.

Background:  Breast cancer rates in China are rising rapidly, especially in cities. The majority of Chinese women does not know about breast self‐examination, and the Chinese health care system cannot provide mammograms for the millions of at‐risk women throughout China.

Method:  This study was a randomized clinical trial of nurse‐provided, community‐based teaching of breast self‐examination in the urban and rural areas of Tianjin and urban and suburban areas of Shanghai. Women (n = 1510) never diagnosed with breast cancer and 40 years and older were randomized by community and stratified by urban vs. other residences.

Results:  At baseline, 9% of the intervention and 6% of the control groups did breast self‐examination at least every other month. After 12 months, 34% of the intervention, but only 11% of the control, group did breast self‐examination that often (P < 0.001). There was a significant impact in urban, suburban and rural areas, and intervention effects were stronger than any of the other influences tested.

Conclusion:  The clinical trial showed a statistically significant increase in breast self‐examination after the nursing education intervention. As no other breast cancer screening method is available in most of China, this method is best suited for the masses of people currently at risk in China.
Voices of internationally educated nurses: policy recommendations for credentialing
Authors: Singh Mina D. , Sochan Anne
Published: February 2010

SINGH M.D. & SOCHAN A. (2010) Voices of internationally educated nurses: policy recommendations for credentialing. International Nursing Review57, 56–63

Background:  The authors advance general policy recommendations for credentialing Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who migrate to practice nursing in developed, high‐income countries. While examples are drawn primarily from a qualitative study exploring IEN experiences in Canada, the suggestions presented have broader application to any nursing, or midwifery, internationally educated professionals wanting, or needing, to practice outside their home country of education. Examples of credential processing are drawn from Australia, the European Union, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.

Methods:  This study was guided by a biographical narrative (qualitative) research methodology. A convenience sample of 12 IENs volunteered to participate.

Results:  The IENs offered recommendations based on their personal experiences, all of which have policy implications to make transparent, standardize and harmonize the credentialing processes both prior to, and upon arrival in their destination country. Suggestions are offered to make relevant the content of IEN integration programmes.

Conclusions:  The authors also suggested that national immigration agencies and nursing regulatory bodies could better coordinate their activities when processing potential IEN migrant applications.
Supporting Indian nurses migrating to New Zealand: a literature review
Authors: Woodbridge M. , Bland M.
Published: February 2010

WOODBRIDGE M. & BLAND M. (2010) Supporting Indian nurses migrating to New Zealand: a literature review. International Nursing Review57, 40–48

Background:  New Zealand, like many other Western countries, is struggling to cope with increasing demands for nursing services. Registered nurses are being actively recruited internationally and New Zealand has become a popular destination for nurses who wish to emigrate, including those from India. These nurses have unique cultural, professional and educational needs yet it is unclear how to best support them as they move to their destination countries.

Aims:  The issues around nursing migration and its effects have been discussed in many forums, but there is evidence of a gap in understanding the issues around acculturation and socialization. This selected literature review sought to identify the significant factors that impact on migrating nurses becoming competent and confident registered nurses in the New Zealand practice environment.

Methods:  A bibliographical database search was undertaken (Web of Knowledge, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline, Academic Search Elite, and Ebscohost EJS) along with national and international nursing websites for the period 2002–2009. Search terms included Indian nurse, international nurse, migration, experience, cultural safety, globalization, nurse migration, nurse recruitment, New Zealand and research. The search was limited to texts published in English, with preference given to peer‐reviewed research‐based articles.

Results:  A significant volume of literature was located. The key themes that arose were migration, education, language, nursing skills, competence, cultural safety and reflection on practice. Literature considered to best reflect these main themes, and of most relevance to New Zealand, was selected for this review, with preference given to research reports and official nursing publications.

Conclusion:  Strategies such as providing ongoing professional education, ensuring cultural safety and offering mentoring in practice environments will contribute to a safe passage for migrating nurses. Further research is required into the acculturation and socialization of Indian nurses, especially those moving to New Zealand.
Environmental and spatial predictors of species richness and abundance in coral reef fishes
Authors: Mellin C. , Bradshaw C. J. A. , Meekan M. G. , Caley M. J.
Published: February 2010

Aim  We developed predictive models of coral reef fish species richness and abundance that account for both broad‐scale environmental gradients and fine‐scale biotic processes, such as dispersal, and we compared the importance of absolute geographical location (i.e. geographical coordinates) versus relative geographical location (i.e. distance to domain boundaries).

Location  Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Methods  Four annual surveys of coral reef fishes were combined with a 0.01°‐resolution grid of environmental variables including depth, sea surface temperature, salinity and nutrient concentrations. A principal component‐based method was developed to select candidate predictors from a large number of correlated variables. Generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs) were used to gauge the respective importance of the different spatial and environmental predictors. An error covariance matrix was included in the models to account for spatial autocorrelation.

Results  (1) Relative geographical descriptors, represented by distances to the coast and to the barrier reef, provided the highest‐ranked single model of species richness and explained up to 36.8% of its deviance. (2) Accounting for spatial autocorrelation doubled the deviance in abundance explained to 71.9%. Sea surface temperature, salinity and nitrate concentrations were also important predictors of abundance. Spatially explicit predictions of species richness and abundance were robust to variation in the spatial scale considered during model calibration.

Main conclusions  This study demonstrates that distance‐to‐domain boundaries (i.e. relative geographical location) can offer an ecologically relevant alternative to geographical coordinates (i.e. absolute geographical location) when predicting biodiversity patterns, providing a proxy for multivariate and complex environmental processes that are often difficult or expensive to estimate.
Transformational Leadership Education and Agency Perspectives in Business School Pedagogy: A Marriage of Inconvenience?
Authors: Tourish Dennis , Craig Russell , Amernic Joel
Published: February 2010

We critique transformational leadership education in university business schools based on a literature review, a study of the websites of 21 leading business schools, and an analysis of two presentations to business school students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University by the former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch. Our critique draws attention to the unresolved tension between two motivating ideas that underpin much teaching in business schools: collective interest ideas that permeate transformational leadership education; and self‐interest ideas derived from agency theory. Transformational leadership tends to be depicted as a process by which leaders exert a ‘top‐down’ influence over the activities of others, while simultaneously asserting that their organizations have a common purpose and pursue a collective interest. We highlight the risk that business schools are producing graduates who will attempt to appeal to common needs (guided by precepts of transformational leadership) but who will simultaneously enact contradictory performance management systems (guided by agency theory). We encourage business school educators in leadership to adopt approaches which are more critical, relational and reflexive. We suggest some general directions for an alternative leadership prospectus, based on followership, the promotion of critical upward communication within organizations, and the recognition of leadership as a contested, discursive and co‐constructed phenomenon.
How the Timing and Quality of Early Experiences Influence the Development of Brain Architecture
Authors: Fox Sharon E. , Levitt Pat , Nelson III Charles A.
Published: February 2010

Early life events can exert a powerful influence on both the pattern of brain architecture and behavioral development. In this study a conceptual framework is provided for considering how the structure of early experience gets “under the skin.” The study begins with a description of the genetic framework that lays the foundation for brain development, and then proceeds to the ways experience interacts with and modifies the structures and functions of the developing brain. Much of the attention is focused on early experience and sensitive periods, although it is made clear that later experience also plays an important role in maintaining and elaborating this early wiring diagram, which is critical to establishing a solid footing for development beyond the early years.
Epigenetics and the Biological Definition of Gene × Environment Interactions
Authors: Meaney Michael J.
Published: February 2010

Variations in phenotype reflect the influence of environmental conditions during development on cellular functions, including that of the genome. The recent integration of epigenetics into developmental psychobiology illustrates the processes by which environmental conditions in early life structurally alter DNA, providing a physical basis for the influence of the perinatal environmental signals on phenotype over the life of the individual. This review focuses on the enduring effects of naturally occurring variations in maternal care on gene expression and phenotype to provide an example of environmentally driven plasticity at the level of the DNA, revealing the interdependence of gene and environmental in the regulation of phenotype.
Exploring the Relation Between Prenatal and Neonatal Complications and Later Autistic‐Like Features in a Representative Community Sample of Twins
Authors: Ronald Angelica , Happé Francesca , Dworzynski Katharina , Bolton Patrick , Plomin Robert
Published: February 2010

Prenatal and neonatal events were reported by parents of 13,690 eighteen‐month‐old twins enrolled in the Twins Early Development Study, a representative community sample born in England and Wales. At ages 7–8, parents and teachers completed questionnaires on social and nonsocial autistic‐like features and parents completed the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test. Correlations between prenatal and neonatal events and autistic‐like features were weak, both in the whole sample (r = .00–.07) and at the 5% quantitative extreme (phenotypic group correlations = .01–.11), after controlling for socioeconomic status and cognitive ability. Neonatal problems showed modest heritability (13%–14%) and significant shared and nonshared environmental influences (55%–59% and 28%–31%, respectively). Differences in identical twins’ neonatal problems correlated weakly with their difference scores on autistic‐like features (r = .01–.06).
Neurodevelopmental Effects of Early Deprivation in Postinstitutionalized Children
Authors: Pollak Seth D. , Nelson Charles A. , Schlaak Mary F. , Roeber Barbara J. , Wewerka Sandi S. , Wiik Kristen L. , Frenn Kristin A. , Loman Michelle M. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: February 2010

The neurodevelopmental sequelae of early deprivation were examined by testing (N = 132) 8‐ and 9‐year‐old children who had endured prolonged versus brief institutionalized rearing or rearing in the natal family. Behavioral tasks included measures that permit inferences about underlying neural circuitry. Children raised in institutionalized settings showed neuropsychological deficits on tests of visual memory and attention, as well as visually mediated learning and inhibitory control. Yet, these children performed at developmentally appropriate levels on similar tests where auditory processing was also involved and on tests assessing executive processes such as rule acquisition and planning. These findings suggest that specific aspects of brain‐behavioral circuitry may be particularly vulnerable to postnatal experience.
Early Educational Intervention, Early Cumulative Risk, and the Early Home Environment as Predictors of Young Adult Outcomes Within a High‐Risk Sample
Authors: Pungello Elizabeth P. , Kainz Kirsten , Burchinal Margaret , Wasik Barbara H. , Sparling Joseph J. , Ramey Craig T. , Campbell Frances A.
Published: February 2010

The extent to which early educational intervention, early cumulative risk, and the early home environment were associated with young adult outcomes was investigated in a sample of 139 young adults (age 21) from high‐risk families enrolled in randomized trials of early intervention. Positive effects of treatment were found for education attainment, attending college, and skilled employment; negative effects of risk were found for education attainment, graduating high school, being employed, and avoiding teen parenthood. The home mediated the effects of risk for graduating high school, but not being employed for teen parenthood. Evidence for moderated mediation was found for educational attainment; the home mediated the association between risk and educational attainment for the control group, but not the treated group.