bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the impact of the recommendations of the Chief Nursing Officer’s (England) Review of Mental Health Nursing in Mental Health Trusts and Universities in England: findings from stage one, an e‐survey
Authors: Baker John , Playle John , Nelson Pauline , Lovell Karina
Published: June 2010

Objectives.  To establish a national picture of the implementation of these recommendations in both trusts and higher education institutions.

Background.  The Chief Nursing Officer for England Review of Mental Health Nursing made 17 key recommendations to improve mental health nursing. Subsequent publications aimed to help implement these recommendations.

Design.  An e‐survey.

Methods.  The survey was based on the Chief Nursing Officer review recommendations and guidance. Participants: all relevant trusts who deliver mental health services (n = 68) and higher education institutions who deliver pre‐registration mental health nursing education (n = 50) in England.

Results.  A total of 42 trusts (63·6%) and 40 higher education institutions (80%) completed the survey. The survey indicates that the Chief Nursing Officer review has stimulated some activity in all organisations who responded. Eleven of the recommendations were ranked similarly by trusts and higher education institutions. There were statistically significant differences between trusts and higher education institution priorities in four areas, inpatient care, evidence‐based interventions, multidisciplinary team working and recruitment and retention.

Conclusions.  The findings of the survey demonstrate that all organisations have made some progress in the implementation of the Chief Nursing Officer recommendations. Trusts and higher education institutions broadly agree on the importance of each of the Chief Nursing Officer recommendations, with the exception of four items. A range of factors was identified by respondents that were perceived as facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the Chief Nursing Officer review.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This article contains findings that are highly relevant for current and future clinical practice in mental health. Despite some progress, clear differences between higher education institutions and trusts are apparent. It is important that these differing perspectives are acknowledged and resolved to improve healthcare provision. Both trusts and higher education institutions reported difficulty with engaging service users and carers. A range of factors are identified that act as facilitators and barriers to the implementation of healthcare policy.
Describing dialogue between persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and direct support staff using the scale for dialogical meaning making
Authors: Hostyn I. , Daelman M. , Janssen M. J. , Maes B.
Published: June 2010

Background  The dialogical approach of meaning making forms a rich and renewing theoretical perspective to study communication between presymbolic communicators and their interaction partners. The aim of this study is to investigate whether an observation scale based on the dialogical theory, the Scale for Dialogical Meaning Making (S‐DMM), has potential to describe these communicative interactions.

Methods  Eighteen videotaped observations of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and their support staff were coded using the S‐DMM and a consensus‐rating procedure.

Results  Sufficient inter‐rater agreement and an acceptable range in scores confirm the usefulness of the S‐DMM. Strong sub‐scale intercorrelations were identified. The quantitative scores and the qualitative arguments supporting the ratings, demonstrate how the S‐DMM aids to significantly describe staff–client dialogue.

Conclusions  Using the S‐DMM to describe dialogue with persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities appears to be promising. The value of the S‐DMM and its consensus‐rating procedure are reflected upon and discussed with regard to implications for research and practice.
Pathophysiology of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the frail elderly
Authors: Rofes L. , Arreola V. , Romea M. , Palomera E. , Almirall J. , Cabré M. , Serra‐prat M. , Clavé P.
Published: June 2010

Background  Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a major complaint among the elderly. Our aim was to assess the pathophysiology of oropharyngeal dysphagia in frail elderly patients (FEP).

Methods  A total of 45 FEP (81.5 ± 1.1 years) with oropharyngeal dysphagia and 12 healthy volunteers (HV, 40 ± 2.4 years) were studied using videofluoroscopy. Each subject’s clinical records, signs of safety and efficacy of swallow, timing of swallow response, hyoid motion and tongue bolus propulsion forces were assessed.

Key Results  Healthy volunteers presented a safe and efficacious swallow, faster laryngeal closure (0.157 ± 0.013 s) upper esophageal sphincter opening (0.200 ± 0.011 s), and maximal vertical hyoid motion (0.310 ± 0.048 s), and stronger tongue propulsion forces (22.16 ± 2.54 mN) than FEP. By contrast, 63.63% of FEP presented oropharyngeal residue, 57.10%, laryngeal penetration and 17.14%, tracheobronchial aspiration. Frail elderly patients with impaired swallow safety showed delayed laryngeal vestibule (LV) closure (0.476 ± 0.047 s), similar bolus propulsion forces, poor functional capacity and higher 1‐year mortality rates (51.7%vs 13.3%, P = 0.021) than FEP with safe swallow. Frail elderly patients with oropharyngeal residue showed impaired tongue propulsion (9.00 ± 0.10 mN), delayed maximal vertical hyoid motion (0.612 ± 0.071 s) and higher (56.0%vs 15.8%, P = 0.012) 1‐year mortality rates than those with efficient swallow.

Conclusion & Inferences  Frail elderly patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia presented poor outcome and high mortality rates. Impaired safety of deglutition and aspirations are mainly caused by delayed LV closure. Impaired efficacy and residue are mainly related to weak tongue bolus propulsion forces and slow hyoid motion. Treatment of dysphagia in FEP should be targeted to improve these critical events.
Genetic structure of Mycosphaerella graminicola populations in Iran
Authors: Abrinbana M. , Mozafari J. , Shams‐bakhsh M. , Mehrabi R.
Published: June 2010

To provide insight into the genetic structure of Mycosphaerella graminicola populations in Iran, a total of 221 isolates were collected from naturally infected wheat fields of five major wheat‐growing provinces and analysed using AFLP markers and mating‐type loci. All populations showed intermediate to high genotypic diversity. In the Golestan and Ardabil populations two mating types were found at near‐equal frequencies, whilst all populations were in gametic disequilibrium. Moreover, clonal haplotypes were identified in different sampling sites within a field in both the Khuzestan and Fars provinces, demonstrating that pycnidia are probably the primary source of inoculum. All five populations had low levels of gene diversity and had private bands. Low levels of gene flow and high genetic differentiation were observed among populations and different clustering methods revealed five genetically distinct groups in accordance with the sampling areas. The Golestan and East Azarbaijan populations were more genetically differentiated than the others. Random genetic drift, selection and geographic barriers may account for the differentiation of the populations. The results of this study indicate a population structure of M. graminicola in Iran contrasting to that of most other countries studied.
Induced variability for fatty acid profile and molecular characterization of high oleate mutant in cultivated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Mondal S. , Badigannavar A. M. , D’Souza S. F.
Published: June 2010

With 3 figures and 2 tables

Groundnut is an important oilseed crop grown extensively in tropical and subtropical regions in nearly 100 different countries. Monounsaturated fatty acid like oleic acid is known to have beneficial health effects. Hence, recent research efforts are directed towards an improvement of oleic acid in groundnut genotype, TFDRG 5. In the present study, 47 true breeding mutants with various morphological traits were isolated at M3 through gamma rays and/or sodium azide mutagenesis. These mutants were characterized for oil and fatty acid compositions at M8 and M9 generations. Of them, TGM 192M had nearly 27.3% improvement in oleic acid content which in turn increased the oleic/linoleic acid (O/L) ratio to 5.5 from 2.0 in parent. Sequencing of mutated ahFAD2A gene detected several point mutations in the coding region. Restriction digestion with Hpy99I and in silico translation of the mutated sequence further confirmed the G to A transition is responsible for high oleate trait in this mutant seed.
Follicular Dynamics and Oestrous Detection in Thai Postpartum Swamp Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Yindee M , Techakumphu M , Lohachit C , Sirivaidyapong S , Na‐Chiangmai A , Rodriguez‐Martinez H , van der Weyden GC , Colenbrander B
Published: June 2010

Contents

This study characterized follicular activity and oestrous behaviour from 5 to 9 days post‐calving up to the 4th ovulation postpartum (pp) in 16 multiparous (range 2–7 parities) Thai swamp buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis), aged 4–12 years and weighing from 432 to 676 kg. Ovarian follicular activity was examined by transrectal ultrasonography (TUS) every morning. Oestrous detection was performed twice daily by direct personal observation of behaviour and for presence of clear cervical mucus discharge and indirectly by video camera recording during 21 h/day. A follicular wave‐like pattern was present before the 1st ovulation leading to short oestrous cycles. Growth rates and maximum diameters of the ovulatory follicles did not differ between the 1st and 4th ovulations. However, growth rate for non‐ovulatory dominant follicles (DF) before the 1st ovulation was lower than for the ovulatory follicle (p < 0.05). In addition, the diameter of all ovulatory follicles (14.3 ± 0.46 mm, n = 39) was significantly larger (p < 0.01) than those of the preceding last but one non‐ovulatory DF (10.8 ± 0.20 mm, n = 5), but similar to the last preceding non‐ovulatory DF diameter (12.92 ± 0.96 mm, n = 14). Short oestrous cycles were most common between the 1st and 2nd ovulations (93.75%, 15/16 cows, 10.2 ± 0.38 days) decreasing in prevalence thereafter (50%, 3/6 buffaloes, 12.0 ± 1.53 days). Oestrous signs were relatively vague around the 1st ovulation pp to become more easily detectable thereafter. This study suggests that properly fed swamp buffaloes could be mated successfully within 2 months pp, at their 2nd spontaneous ovulation, provided oestrous detection is at least performed daily at 06:00–08:00 hour.
Comparative Genomics Approach to Identify Candidate Genetic Loci for Male Fertility
Authors: Ogorevc J , Dovc P , Kunej T
Published: June 2010

Contents

The article presents multi‐species, genome‐wide, comparative approach to review male fertility‐associated loci to contribute to the development of new genetic markers that could be of interest for functional studies and have the potential to be implemented in farm animal breeding programmes. We reviewed 835 male fertility‐associated candidate loci from seven species and presented them as bovine orthologues where possible. The candidate loci were identified exploiting seven different research approaches: (i) data from animal models: mouse transgenics and knock‐outs (569 genes) and random chemical mutagenesis of mouse genome (31); (ii) animal QTL (69); (iii) genes differentially expressed between fertile and subfertile phenotype in humans and mouse (95); (iv) DNA sequence variations that show specific allele‐phenotype interactions (43 in human and 13 in farm animals); (v) germ line‐specific small non‐coding RNAs (47); (vi) testes expressed genes controlling complex differentiation process of mammalian spermatogenesis (6); and (vii) epigenetically regulated genes (4). According to the number of different research approaches reporting effects of individual genes, we selected 33 most promising candidate genes, which were further in silico analysed for expression levels in testes, genetic variability and top biological functions in functional networks. The aim of this study was to review systematically male fertility‐associated candidate loci using integrated information from different study approaches and species, which will further facilitate development of novel genetic markers for selection towards improved fertility in domestic animals.
Developmental evaluation at age 4: Validity of an Italian parental questionnaire
Authors: Dall'Oglio Anna Maria , Rossiello Barbara , Coletti Maria Franca , Caselli Maria Cristina , Ravà Lucilla , Di Ciommo Vincenzo , Orzalesi Marcello , Giannantoni Patrizia , Pasqualetti Patrizio
Published: June 2010

Aim:  To validate an Italian parental questionnaire designed to evaluate the neuropsychological and behavioural developmental status of 4‐year‐olds and identify children in need of further evaluation.

Methods:  The questionnaire (Questionario per la valutazione dello Sviluppo di bambini a 4 anni – Genitori (QS4‐G) ) consisted of 93 questions divided into 10 areas: language, visual‐motor abilities, memory/attention, fine and gross motor and self‐help abilities, lateralisation, social skills, stress, sleep, alimentation and evacuation. It was distributed to 263 parents of 4‐year‐olds: 94 healthy preterm (gestational age <33 weeks and/or <1500 g, without major neurosensory damage); 44 children with developmental disorders and 125 children with typical development. Cognitive and neuropsychological evaluations were performed using standardised tests.

Results:  The internal consistency of the areas was adequate (Cronbach's alpha: 0.69–0.79). The correlation coefficients (r=|0.30|–|0.68|) with standardised tests (Griffiths, Vineland and neuropsychological tests) indicated a good concurrent validity. The receiver operating characteristic curve, for predicting a Griffiths Quotient less than 81, showed an area under the curve of 0.90 and a high diagnostic and discriminatory capacity (sensitivity of 0.88 and specificity of 0.84) for the optimal cut‐off (value 48.4).

Conclusion:  The QS4‐G seems to be a valid tool for identifying 4‐year‐old children at risk for low or borderline cognitive development and/or problematic behaviour who need a complete assessment. It can describe individual neuropsychological profiles. QS4‐G is not a diagnostic tool. It is useful for outcome studies in preterm children and in other pathologies. It could also be useful for preschooler prevention programmes.
Modern and traditional diets for Noongar infants
Authors: Eades Sandra J , Read Anne W , McAullay Daniel , McNamara Bridgette , O'Dea Kerin , Stanley Fiona J
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Describe breast‐ and bottle‐feeding patterns and the introduction of solid feeds and sugar containing drinks to the dietary intake of a cohort of urban Aboriginal infants in the first year of life.

Methods:  Two hundred and seventy‐four infants were recruited to a cohort study and information about infant nutrition was collected from their mothers during face to face interviews when the infants were aged 6–12 weeks, 7–8 months and 12 months old.

Results:  88.3% of mothers initiated breast‐feeding, but only 43.8% of infants were exclusively breast‐fed at 6–12 weeks. By 12 months of age 69.8% of babies had received fruit juice in their bottles, 59.8% received cordial. 64.5% of infants were given water in their bottles. The majority of infants had received ‘fast foods’ by 12 months of age with 56.2% had been given coca cola, 68% lemonade and 78% fried chips.

Conclusions:  This study highlights areas in which nutrition health promotion can be targeted to prevent common childhood health problems including promoting and supporting mothers to sustain breast‐feeding and opportunities to reduce the sugar and fat intake among infants.
Brain metastasis from uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Park Sae Hyun , Ro Duck Yeong , Park Byung Joon , Kim Yong Wook , Kim Tae Eung , Jung Jae Keun , Lee Jung Whee , Kim Ji Yoon , Han Chi Wha
Published: June 2010

Uterine cervical cancer usually spreads by local extension and through the rich lymphatic network to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. However, brain metastasis from primary cervical cancer is extremely rare. They are usually seen late in the clinical course and have poor prognosis. We present a 48‐year‐old woman with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix who developed multiple brain metastases after 30‐month treatment of the primary disease. The patient received whole brain radiation therapy and steroids, and she is alive without any neurologic symptoms and signs at the 6‐month follow‐up after treatment of the recurrence.
Comparison of the efficacy between paclitaxel/carboplatin and doxorubicin/cisplatin for concurrent chemoradiation in intermediate‐ or high‐risk endometrioid endometrial cancer: A single institution experience
Authors: Kim Hee Seung , Kim Jae Weon , Wu Hong Gyun , Chung Hyun Hoon , Park Noh Hyun , Song Yong Sang , Kang Soon Beom , Lee Hyo Pyo
Published: June 2010

Aim:  We sought to compare survival and toxicity between paclitaxel/carboplatin (TC) and doxorubicin/cisplatin (AP) for concurrent chemoradiation (CCR) in intermediate‐ or high‐risk endometrioid endometrial cancer.

Methods:  The clinical data of 40 patients with intermediate‐ (FIGO stage IC‐IIB, n = 12) or high‐risk endometrioid endometrial cancer (FIGO stage IIIA‐IVA, n = 28) were reviewed retrospectively between March 2000 and December 2007, who were treated with TC (n = 23, group 1) or AP (n = 17, group 2) for CCR after surgery.

Results:  Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not different between groups 1 and 2 (median PFS and OS; 35 vs 24 and 76 vs 39 months, respectively, P > 0.05). However, ≥6 cycles of chemotherapy improved PFS compared with 3–5 cycles of chemotherapy (51 vs 21 months, P = 0.04), suggesting that ≥6 cycles of chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor improving PFS (adjusted HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.91; P = 0.04). Grade 3 or 4 hematological and non‐hematological, especially, gastrointestinal, toxicities related with chemotherapy during CCR were more common in group 2 than in group 1, whereas there was no difference in grade 3 or 4 late complication by CCR between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that TC may have comparable efficacy to AP for CCR with lesser toxicity, and ≥6 cycles of chemotherapy may be more beneficial than 3–5 cycles of chemotherapy in intermediate‐ or high‐risk endometrioid endometrial cancer. However, large‐scale randomized controlled trials are needed to support these results.
Pregnancy and Takayasu arteritis: A single centre experience from North India
Authors: Suri Vanita , Aggarwal Neelam , Keepanasseril Anish , Chopra Seema , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Jain Sanjay
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Takayasu's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory arteriopathy of unknown origin which primarily affects women of reproductive age. We report the course and outcome of 37 pregnancies in 15 women with Takayasu arteritis during the period 1999–2008.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 9 years was carried out in a tertiary hospital in Northern India. The effect of disease on the course of pregnancy, complications during pregnancy and perinatal outcome were analyzed.

Results:  Hypertension was the most common presenting feature (27%). In the majority of the patients, vessels involved were the subclavian artery and arch of the aorta. Superimposed preeclampsia complicated 62% of pregnancies while 16% of pregnancies had intrauterine growth retardation. Six patients had preterm delivery and one had preeclampsia and placental abruption. The mean gestational age at delivery was 36 ± 3 weeks. The majority of the patients had a vaginal delivery. There was one maternal death due to accelerated hypertension and its complications.

Conclusion:  Adequate control of blood pressure during pregnancy, planning the timing and mode of the delivery and vigilant monitoring during intrapartum period with special reference to management of blood pressure and its complications is essential for an optimum outcome.
Sublingual versus vaginal misoprostol for the management of missed abortion
Authors: Tanha Fateme Davari , Feizi Mohadeseh , Shariat Mamak
Published: June 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy of two routes of misoprostol administration (sublingual and vaginal) for the treatment of missed abortion.

Methods:  Two hundred and twenty women with confirmed missed abortion who received 400 µg/6 h misoprostol either sublingually or vaginally, were included in this randomized control trial. All women were admitted to hospital for follow‐up care for 2 days. If the pregnancy was not completely evacuated during this time, the patient underwent immediate surgical completion. Efficacy was defined as the percentage of women discharged from the study without the need for surgical intervention.

Results:  The effectiveness was high in the sublingual group and statistically different (sublingual 84.5%, vaginal 46.4% P = 0.000 RR = 0.54 95%CI = 0.442–0.681). The groups differed in terms of complications like bleeding (88.2% vs 65.5%), pain (85.5% vs 56.4%), diarrhea (69.1% vs 36.4%) and fever (23.6% vs 13.3%) in the sublingual group versus the vaginal group, but the mean time to expulsion was shorter (9.68 h SD = 5.51 95%CI = 8.61–10.57) in the sublingual group than the vaginal group (16.64 h SD = 14.01 95%CI = 13.8–19.48), P = 0.000. Women in the sublingual group were highly satisfied with the method.

Conclusion:  Sublingual misoprostol for the medical management of missed abortion is more effective and more acceptable than the vaginal route. However, it showed more adverse effects.
Primary strumal carcinoid tumor of the ovary with multiple bone and breast metastases
Authors: Kurabayashi Takumi , Minamikawa Takahiro , Nishijima Shota , Tsuneki Ikunosuke , Tamura Masaki , Yanase Toru , Hashidate Hideki , Shibuya Hiroyuki , Motoyama Teiichi
Published: June 2010

Although primary carcinoid tumor of the ovary is an extremely rare neoplasm, survival is excellent if the disease is confined to one ovary. Herein, we present a case of primary strumal carcinoid tumor of the ovary, stage IA, borderline malignancy, in a 34‐year‐old woman. Histological findings of the right ovary indicated higher atypical nuclei, higher mitotic rate and focal necrosis of tumorous cells in some areas, findings that are compatible with atypical carcinoid of the lung. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for synaptophysin, neuron‐specific enolase, chromogranin A, Ki‐67, topoisomerase IIα, peptide YY, and thyroglobulin. Three and a half years postoperatively, multiple bone and breast metastases were found and anticancer chemotherapy was ineffective. The results in the present case indicate that an ovarian carcinoid tumor found to be ‘atypical carcinoid’ according to pulmonary carcinoid criteria or immunohistochemical staining (i.e. highly positive for topoisomerase IIα and Ki‐67) may have a poor prognosis.
Comparison of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists and antagonists in assisted reproduction cycles of polycystic ovarian syndrome patients
Authors: Hosseini Marzieh Agha , Aleyasin Ashraf , Saeedi Hojjatollah , Mahdavi Atossa
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists have reduced the incidence of severe ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) and rate of hospitalization due to severe OHSS, especially in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist protocols for assisted reproduction cycles.

Methods:  The present clinical trial compared GnRH antagonist (cetrorelix) and GnRH agonist (buserelin) protocols during COH of 112 infertile PCOS patients entering assisted reproduction cycles. The primary outcome measure was pregnancy occurrence. Basal characteristics of the participants, stimulation cycle responses, pregnancy outcomes, incidence of OHSS and types of OHSS were considered in both groups.

Results:  Regarding chemical and clinical pregnancy rates, the number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher and OHSS was significantly lower in the antagonist group. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, number of follicles, number of follicles >18 mm, relative frequency of mature oocytes, number and days of gonadotropin injections, day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration, estradiol level and abortion were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion:  GnRH antagonists are more effective, safe and a well tolerated alternative to agonists for assisted reproduction cycles in PCOS patients. GnRH antagonists are associated with a reduction in the incidence of OHSS in these patients.
Low‐cycle fatigue life behaviour of BS 460B and BS B500B steel reinforcing bars
Authors: HAWILEH R. A. , ABDALLA J. A. , OUDAH F. , ABDELRAHMAN K.
Published: June 2010

This paper investigates the low‐cycle fatigue resistance of BS 460B and BS B500B steel reinforcing bars and proposes models for predicting their fatigue life based on plastic‐strain (ɛap) and total‐strain (ɛa) amplitudes. Constant‐amplitude, strain‐controlled low‐cycle fatigue tests were carried out on these bars under cyclic load with a frequency of 0.05 Hz. The maximum applied axial strain amplitude (ɛs,max) ranges from 3 to 10% with zero and non‐zero mean strains. The strain ratios (R = ɛs,min/ɛs,max) used are R =−1, −0.5 and 0. Hysteresis loops were recorded and plastic and total strain amplitudes were related to the number of reversals (2Nf) to fatigue failure and models for predicting the number of reversals to fatigue failure were proposed. It is concluded that the predicted fatigue life of these bars is very accurate when compared with the measured experimental fatigue life results for wide range of values of strain ratios. It is also observed that based on plastic‐strain amplitude, BS B500B consistently has a longer life (higher number of cycles to failure) than those of BS 460B for all R values; however, at low plastic‐strain amplitudes they tend to behave similarly, irrespective of R value. Other observations and conclusions were also drawn.
Anaerobic adaptation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: definition of the Anr and Dnr regulons
Authors: Trunk Katharina , Benkert Beatrice , Quäck Nicole , Münch Richard , Scheer Maurice , Garbe Julia , Jänsch Lothar , Trost Matthias , Wehland Jürgen , Buer Jan , Jahn Martina , Schobert Max , Jahn Dieter
Published: June 2010

The anaerobic metabolism of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is important for growth and biofilm formation during persistent infections. The two Fnr‐type transcription factors Anr and Dnr regulate different parts of the underlying network in response to oxygen tension and NO. Little is known about all members of the Anr and Dnr regulons and the mediated immediate response to oxygen depletion. Comprehensive transcriptome and bioinformatics analyses in combination with a limited proteome analyses were used for the investigation of the P. aeruginosa response to an immediate oxygen depletion and for definition of the corresponding Anr and Dnr regulons. We observed at first the activation of fermentative pathways for immediate energy generation followed by induction of alternative respiratory chains. A solid position weight matrix model was deduced from the experimentally identified Anr boxes and used for identification of 170 putative Anr boxes in potential P. aeruginosa promoter regions. The combination with the experimental data unambiguously identified 130 new members for the Anr and Dnr regulons. The basis for the understanding of two regulons of P. aeruginosa central to biofilm formation and infection is now defined.
How Pseudomonas aeruginosa adapts to various environments: a metabolomic approach
Authors: Frimmersdorf Eliane , Horatzek Sonja , Pelnikevich Anya , Wiehlmann Lutz , Schomburg Dietmar
Published: June 2010

In addition to transcriptome and proteome studies, metabolome analysis represents a third complementary approach to identify metabolic pathways and adaptation processes. In order to elucidate basic principles of metabolic versatility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we investigated the metabolome profiles of two genetically and morphologically divergent strains, the reference strain PAO1 and the mucoid clinical isolate TBCF10839 in exponential growth and stationary phase in six different carbon sources (cadaverine, casamino acids, citrate, glucose, succinate and tryptone). Both strains exhibited strong similarities in mode of growth; the metabolite patterns were mainly defined by the growth condition. Besides this adaptive response, a basic core metabolism shapes the P. aeruginosa metabolome, independent of growth phase, carbon source and genetic background. This core metabolism includes pathways related to the central energy and amino acid metabolism. These consistently utilized metabolic pathways are closely related to glutamate which represents a dominant metabolite in all conditions analysed. In nutrient‐depleted media of stationary phase cultures, P. aeruginosa maintains a specific repertoire of metabolic pathways that are related to the carbon source formerly available. This specified adaptation strategy combined with the invariant basic core metabolism may represent a fundamental requirement for the metabolic versatility of this organism.
Interference of quorum sensing in Pseudomonas syringae by bacterial epiphytes that limit iron availability
Authors: Dulla Glenn F. J. , Krasileva Ksenia V. , Lindow Steven E.
Published: June 2010

Leaf surfaces harbour bacterial epiphytes that are capable of influencing the quorum sensing (QS) system, density determination through detection of diffusible signal molecules, of the plant‐pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) which controls expression of extracellular polysaccharide production, motility and other factors contributing to virulence to plants. Approximately 11% of the bacterial epiphytes recovered from a variety of plants produced a diffusible factor capable of inhibiting the QS system of Pss as indicated by suppression of ahlI. Blockage of QS by these interfering strains correlated strongly with their ability to limit iron availability to Pss. A direct relationship between the ability of isogenic Escherichia coli strains to sequester iron via their production of different siderophores and their ability to suppress QS in Pss was also observed. Quorum sensing induction was inversely related to iron availability in culture media supplemented with iron chelators or with FeCl3. Co‐inoculation of interfering strains with Pss onto leaves increased the number of resultant disease lesions over twofold compared with that on plants inoculated with Pss alone. Transposon‐generated mutants of interfering strains in which QS inhibition was blocked did not increase disease when co‐inoculated with Pss. Increased disease incidence was also not observed when a non‐motile mutant of Pss was co‐inoculated onto plants with QS interfering bacteria suggesting that these strains enhanced the motility of Pss in an iron‐dependent manner, leading to an apparent increase in virulence of this pathogen. Considerable cross‐talk mediated by iron scavenging apparently occurs on plants, thereby altering the behaviour of bacteria such as Pss that exhibit important QS‐dependent traits in this habitat.
Distinct oligomeric forms of thePseudomonas aeruginosaRetS sensor domain modulate accessibility to the ligand binding site
Authors: Vincent Florence , Round Adam , Reynaud Aline , Bordi Christophe , Filloux Alain , Bourne Yves
Published: June 2010

Bacterial two‐component regulatory systems (TCSs) sense environmental stimuli to adapt the lifestyle of microbial populations. For many TCSs the stimulus is a ligand of unknown chemical nature.Pseudomonas aeruginosautilizes the closely related RetS and LadS sensor kinases to switch between acute and chronic infections. These sensor proteins antagonistically mediate biofilm formation through communication with a central TCS, GacA/GacS. Recently, it was shown that RetS modulates the GacS sensor activity by forming RetS/GacS heterodimers. LadS and RetS are hybrid sensors with a signalling domain consisting of a 7‐transmembrane (7TMR) region and a periplasmic sensor domain (diverse intracellular signalling module extracellular 2, DISMED2). The 2.65 Å resolution crystal structure of RetS DISMED2, called RetSp, reveals three distinct oligomeric states capable of domain swapping. The RetSp structure also displays two putative ligand binding sites. One is equivalent to the analogous site in the structurally‐related carbohydrate binding module (CBM) but the second site is located at a dimer interface. These observations highlight the modular architecture and assembly of the RetSp fold and give clues on how homodimerization of RetS could be modulated upon ligand binding to control formation of a RetS/GacS heterodimer. Modelling the DISMED2 of LadS reveals conservation of only one ligand binding site, suggesting a distinct mechanism underlying the activity of this sensor kinase.
Protein oxidation and aggregation in UVA‐irradiated Escherichia coli cells as signs of accelerated cellular senescence
Authors: Bosshard Franziska , Riedel Kathrin , Schneider Thomas , Geiser Carina , Bucheli Margarete , Egli Thomas
Published: June 2010

Solar disinfection (SODIS) is a simple drinking water treatment method that improves microbiological water quality where other means are unavailable. It makes use of the deleterious effect of solar irradiation on pathogenic microbes and viruses. A positive impact on health has been documented in several epidemiological studies. However, the molecular mechanisms damaging cells during this simple treatment are not yet fully understood. Here we show that protein damage is crucial in the process of inactivation by sunlight. Protein damages in UVA‐irradiated Escherichia coli cells have been evaluated by an immunoblot method for carbonylated proteins and an aggregation assay based on semi‐quantitative proteomics. A wide spectrum of structural and enzymatic proteins within the cell is affected by carbonylation and aggregation. Vital cellular functions like the transcription and translation apparatus, transport systems, amino acid synthesis and degradation, respiration, ATP synthesis, glycolysis, the TCA cycle, chaperone functions and catalase are targeted by UVA irradiation. The protein damage pattern caused by SODIS strongly resembles the pattern caused by reactive oxygen stress. Hence, sunlight probably accelerates cellular senescence and leads to the inactivation and finally death of UVA‐irradiated cells.
Comparison of the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Japanese patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ohta M. , Babazono T. , Uchigata Y. , Iwamoto Y.
Published: June 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1017–1023 (2010)

Aims  The relationship between type of diabetes and risk of chronic kidney disease has not been studied in detail. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Japanese adults with diabetes, with a particular emphasis on the comparison of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  We studied 3,575 Japanese patients with diabetes, 504 with Type 1 (mean ± SD age 38 ± 13 years; 350 women and 154 men) and 3071 with Type 2 diabetes (60 ± 13 years; 1187 women and 1884 men). Prevalence rates of albuminuria [urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (≥ 30 mg/g], decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and chronic kidney disease (defined as albuminuria and/or decreased eGFR) were compared between the two diabetic groups.

Results  The prevalence of albuminuria was higher in Type 2 than Type 1 diabetic patients by both Fisher’s exact test (36.1 vs. 15.9%, P < 0.001) and multivariate logistic regression analysis [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.482, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.050–2.091, P = 0.025]. The prevalence of decreased eGFR was also higher in Type 2 diabetic patients (25.2 vs. 7.9%, P < 0.001); however, the statistical significance disappeared after adjusting for covariates, including age (OR = 0.656, 95% CI = 0.395–1.088, P = 0.102). The prevalence of chronic kidney disease was also higher in Type 2 diabetic patients (46.0 vs. 19.1%, P < 0.001); however, the statistical significance disappeared in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions  Type 2 diabetic patients are more than twice as likely as Type 1 diabetic patients to have chronic kidney disease due to an age‐independent higher prevalence of albuminuria and age‐dependent decreased eGFR.
Speed of processing, anticipation, inhibition and working memory in bilinguals
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Giombini Lucia , Bellocchi Stéphanie , Contento Silvana
Published: June 2010

Literature on the so‐called bilingual advantage is directed towards the investigation of whether the mastering of two languages fosters cognitive skills in the non‐verbal domain. The present study aimed to evaluate whether the bilingual advantage in non‐verbal skills could be best defined as domain‐general or domain‐specific, and, in the latter case, at identifying the basic cognitive skills involved. Bilingual and monolingual participants were divided into two different age groups (children, youths) and were tested on a battery of elementary cognitive tasks which included a choice reaction time task, a go/no‐go task, two working memory tasks (numbers and symbols) and an anticipation task. Bilingual and monolingual children did not differ from each other except for the anticipation task, where bilinguals were found to be faster and more accurate than monolinguals. These findings suggest that anticipation, which has received little attention to date, is an important cognitive domain which needs to be evaluated to a greater extent both in bilingual and monolingual participants.
Space matters: The impact of formal learning environments on student learning
Authors: Brooks D. Christopher
Published: June 2010

The objective of this research is to identify the relationship between formal learning spaces and student learning outcomes. Using a quasi‐experimental design, researchers partnered with an instructor who taught identical sections of the same course in two radically different formal learning environments to isolate the impact of the physical environment on student learning. The results of the study reveal that, holding all factors excepting the learning spaces constant, students taking the course in a technologically enhanced environment conducive to active learning techniques outperformed their peers who were taking the same course in a more traditional classroom setting. The evidence suggests strongly that technologically enhanced learning environments, independent of all other factors, have a significant and positive impact on student learning.
“LONG LIVE THE WEEDS AND THE WILDERNESS YET”: REFLECTIONS ON A SECULAR AGE
Authors: HAUERWAS STANLEY , COLES ROMAND
Published: June 2010

While we are deeply appreciative of Taylor's A Secular Age, we nonetheless worry that his use of the immanent/transcendent duality may introduce a certain kind of Christian Constantinianism that he wants to disavow. In particular, we worry that the immanent/transcendent duality is far too formal in its character. In order to develop this concern, we draw on Talal Asad's account of the secular to suggest how liturgy may provide an alternative way of understanding as well as challenging Taylor's worries about “the immanent frame.”
THE RESPONSE OF A THEOLOGIAN TO CHARLES TAYLOR'S A SECULAR AGE
Authors: BAUM GREGORY
Published: June 2010

The author of this article confirms Charles Taylor's thesis that despite the growing spread of unbelief in modern society, i) religion remains an independent variable, ii) a creative “back and forth” continues to occur between secular wisdom and religious faith, and iii) the difference between these two does not necessarily produce opposition between them. The author also agrees with the importance Taylor attaches to the emergence of immanent humanism. Yet the author disagrees with Taylor's account of contemporary culture and religion as expressions of people's quest of identity; the article demonstrates instead that religion participates in all contemporary social movements.
Craniocervical dystonia: clinical and pathophysiological features
Authors: Colosimo C. , Suppa A. , Fabbrini G. , Bologna M. , Berardelli A.
Published: June 2010

Blepharospasm, oromandibular, lingual, laryngeal and cervical dystonia are common forms of adult‐onset dystonia. Each condition may appear in isolation or manifest along with other forms of craniocervical dystonia. Although the various craniocervical dystonias typically present with involuntary muscle spasms causing abnormal postures, they differ for some clinical features. Neurophysiologic and neuroimaging studies have shown a number of motor and sensory abnormalities at cortical and subcortical levels, probably reflecting a dysfunction in the basal ganglia–thalamo‐cortical circuits. The best treatment for craniocervical dystonia is botulinum toxin injected into the overactive muscles.
On muscle spindles, dystonia and botulinum toxin
Authors: Rosales R. L. , Dressler D.
Published: June 2010

Dystonia may produce co‐contractions and constant strain in numerous muscle fibers, including those of the muscle spindles. As proprioceptors, muscle spindles detect dynamic or static changes in muscle length and their afferent projections to the spinal cord play a central role in control of antagonistic muscles. Their parallel arrangement with extrafusal muscle fibers and association with the earlier recruited oxidative motor units allow them to conveniently sample the activity of all motor units and effectively modulate movement. At the same time, fusimotor muscle spindle innervation contracts the striated polar portions of the intrafusal muscle fibers and prevents their slackening during extrafusal muscle contractions. Botulinum toxin remains the most efficient therapy of dystonia. Its muscular mechanism of action is hinged on cholinergic blockade not only of extrafusal, but also of intrafusal muscle fibers. Besides being a targeted muscular therapy, the alteration of the corresponding sensory input following an effect of botulinum toxin on the intrafusal muscle fibers is pivotal in modulating loss of pre‐synaptic inhibition in dystonia, including suppression of the tonic vibration reflex. Whether or not trans‐synaptic botulinum toxin migration occurs, a modification of the central motor programming is bound to happen in dystonia, with botulinum toxin acting either as another ‘sensory trick’ or as a form of ‘short‐term plasticity’. Knowledge of the muscle spindle anatomy and function is key to unify our understanding of abnormal movements and of effects of botulinum toxin therapy. Thus, in dystonia, overactivity of muscles and increased spindle sensitivity are germane to botulinum toxin targets of action.
Botulinum toxin for treatment of dystonia
Authors: Dressler D.
Published: June 2010

Botulinum toxin (BT) is used in various medical specialties. However, dystonia is still one of the most important indications for BT therapy. BT drugs consist of botulinum neurotoxin, complexing proteins and excipients. Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin® are BT type A drugs and produce similar therapeutic and adverse effects (AE). Neurobloc®/MyoBloc® is based upon BT type B. Its use is limited by substantial systemic anticholinergic AE. The potency of BT drugs may be compared as follows: Botox®:Xeomin®:Dysport®:Neuobloc®/MyoBloc® = 1:1:3:40. BT selectively blocks the cholinergic innervation of striate and smooth muscles and exocrine glands. It can produce obligate, local and systemic AE. However, its overall AE profile including long‐term safety is excellent. BT can be blocked by antibodies. Risk factors include single doses, interinjection intervals and the immunological quality of the BT drug applied. Planning of BT therapy is based upon target muscle identification and estimation of their dystonic involvement. For planning of BT therapy and BT placement, electromyography and imaging techniques may be used additionally. So far, total Xeomin® and Botox® doses of up to 840 MU have been used without clinically detectable systemic AE. BT can be used to treat focal dystonias including cranial, pharyngolaryngeal, cervical and limb dystonias. In segmental and generalized dystonias, BT therapy has to be focussed on the most relevant target muscles. Combinations with all other treatment options including deep brain stimulation are possible. Recent safety data and availability of immunologically improved BT drugs are now allowing higher BT doses thus expanding the use of BT into more widespread dystonias.
Deep brain stimulation for dystonia: patient selection and outcomes
Authors: Speelman J. D. , Contarino M. F. , Schuurman P. R. , Tijssen M. A. J. , De Bie R. M. A.
Published: June 2010

In a literature survey, 341 patients with primary and 109 with secondary dystonias treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) were identified. In general, the outcomes for primary dystonias were more favourable compared to the secondary forms. For some secondary dystonias – like tardive dystonia, myoclonus‐dystonia (M‐D), NBIA (PANK2), the outcome was very good. Only for the primary generalized dystonias, the efficacy of GPi‐DBS has been confirmed in randomised controlled trials. Predictors of outcome are the experience and dedication of the stereotactic team, the selection of patients – the diagnosis and pre‐operative screening – and the quality of the post‐operative care. Predictors of negative outcome are long duration of the disease – with contractures or scoliosis – and concomitant symptoms like spasticity and cerebellar dysfunction. More studies are required to establish the role of GPi‐DBS in the treatment of secondary dystonias.
Physiotherapy of focal dystonia: a physiotherapist’s personal experience
Authors: Bleton J.‐P.
Published: June 2010

The approach of the physiotherapist to each form of dystonia is individual and has to be specific. There is not one single method but several strategies related to the different clinical forms. Although there is no standard programme applicable to all forms of cervical dystonia, we can distinguish a number of guidelines for the different clinical forms. In the myoclonic form, emphasis is placed on seeking to immobilize the head, and for the tonic form, on rehabilitating corrector muscles. Physiotherapy and botulinum toxin injections mutually interact in order to reduce the symptoms. Recent studies have shown the clinical benefits of physiotherapy. The physiotherapy of writer’s cramp is designed as a re‐learning process. The first step is to perform exercises to improve independence and precision of fingers and wrist movements. Then, the muscles involved in the correction of dystonic postures are trained by drawing loops, curves and arabesques. The aim of rehabilitation is not to enable patients with writer’s cramp to write as they used to, but to help their dysgraphia evolve towards a fast, fluid and effortless handwriting. A reshaping of the sensory cortical hand representation appears to be associated with clinical improvement in patients with dystonia after rehabilitation.