bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A composite computational model of liver glucose homeostasis. I. Building the composite model
Authors: Hetherington J. , Sumner T. , Seymour R. M. , Li L. , Rey M. Varela , Yamaji S. , Saffrey P. , Margoninski O. , Bogle I. D. L. , Finkelstein A. , Warner A.
Published: June 2011

A computational model of the glucagon/insulin-driven liver glucohomeostasis function, focusing on the buffering of glucose into glycogen, has been developed. The model exemplifies an ‘engineering’ approach to modelling in systems biology, and was produced by linking together seven component models of separate aspects of the physiology. The component models use a variety of modelling paradigms and degrees of simplification. Model parameters were determined by an iterative hybrid of fitting to high-scale physiological data, and determination from small-scale
in vitro
experiments or molecular biological techniques. The component models were not originally designed for inclusion within such a composite model, but were integrated, with modification, using our published modelling software and computational frameworks. This approach facilitates the development of large and complex composite models, although, inevitably, some compromises must be made when composing the individual models. Composite models of this form have not previously been demonstrated.
Analytical solution of the Poisson–Nernst–Planck–Stokes equations in a cylindrical channel
Authors: Berg Peter , Findlay Justin
Published: June 2011

We present a complete analytical solution for electro-kinetic flow of an acidic solution in an infinite, circular, cylindrical channel. The flow of protons and water is described by Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations, coupled to Stokes flow, while negative charges, situated along the walls, maintain electro-neutrality. Several system characteristics are computed in closed form such as the velocity profile, mass flux, current and water drag. The two latter quantities allow for a comparison of analytical results with experimental data of systems such as polymer electrolyte membranes.
Revealing competitive behaviours in music by means of the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis: application to Bach's Sinfonias
Authors: Telesca Luciano , Lovallo Michele
Published: June 2011

The one-, two- and three-dimensional multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) was applied to Bach's Sinfonias, which are characterized by the superposition of three different voices. Each voice, represented as a time series, can be considered as a component of a one-, two- or three-dimensional vector. The one-dimensional MF-DFA was applied to any single voice, while the two- and three-dimensional MF-DFA was applied to the couples of voices and to the triple, respectively. Each voice is characterized by a multifractal degree (MD), indicated by the range of the generalized Hurst exponents; the higher the MD, the larger the amount of heterogeneity and irregularity. Competitive scaling multifractal behaviours in Bach's Sinfonias were revealed; although one (or two) voices showed a relatively high MD, the other two voices, or voice, are characterized by a low MD. Nevertheless, the overall effect of the Sinfonia, measured by the MD of the triple, tends towards homogeneity, or at least to an average between the different competitive scaling behaviour shown by the different voices.
Effects of finite chain extensibility on the stress fields near the tip of a mode III crack
Authors: Long Rong , Hui Chung-Yuen
Published: June 2011

We carried out a detailed analysis of the asymptotic stress and deformation fields at the tip of a mode III crack in a hyperelastic solid described by Gent's model. This model accounts for finite chain extensibility so that the deformation everywhere in the solid, including the crack tip, is bounded. We also present an exact solution for the ‘small-scale yielding’ problem where the region of large deformation is small compared with specimen dimensions. Our result shows that the crack tip stress field is non-separable. In addition, an
infinite
number of parameters are needed to completely specify the angular variation of crack tip stress field.
A stem-deuterostome origin of the vertebrate pharyngeal transcriptional network
Authors: Gillis J. Andrew , Fritzenwanker Jens H. , Lowe Christopher J.
Published: June 2011

Hemichordate worms possess ciliated gills on their trunk, and the homology of these structures with the pharyngeal gill slits of chordates has long been a topic of debate in the fields of evolutionary biology and comparative anatomy. Here, we show conservation of transcription factor expression between the developing pharyngeal gill pores of the hemichordateSaccoglossus kowalevskiiand the pharyngeal gill slit precursors (i.e. pharyngeal endodermal outpockets) of vertebrates. Transcription factors that are expressed in the pharyngeal endoderm, ectoderm and mesenchyme of vertebrates are expressed exclusively in the pharyngeal endoderm ofS. kowalevskii. The pharyngeal arches and tongue bars ofS. kowalevskiilackTbx1-expressing mesoderm, and are supported solely by an acellular collagenous endoskeleton and by compartments of the trunk coelom. Our findings suggest that hemichordate and vertebrate gills are homologous as simple endodermal outpockets from the foregut, and that much vertebrate pharyngeal complexity arose coincident with the incorporation of cranial paraxial mesoderm and neural crest-derived mesenchyme within pharyngeal arches along the chordate and vertebrate stems, respectively.
Evolution of a mimicry supergene from a multilocus architecture
Authors: Jones Robert T. , Salazar Patricio A. , ffrench-Constant Richard H. , Jiggins Chris D. , Joron Mathieu
Published: June 2011

The origin and evolution of supergenes have long fascinated evolutionary biologists. In the polymorphic butterflyHeliconius numata, a supergene controls the switch between multiple different forms, and results in near-perfect mimicry of model species. Here, we use a morphometric analysis to quantify the variation in wing pattern observed in two broods ofH. numatawith different alleles at the supergene locus, ‘P’. Further, we genotype the broods to associate the variation we capture with genetic differences. This allows us to begin mapping the quantitative trait loci that have minor effects on wing pattern. In addition to finding loci on novel chromosomes, our data, to our knowledge, suggest for the first time that ancestral colour-pattern loci, known to have major effects in closely related species, may contribute to the wing patterns displayed byH. numata, despite the large transfer of effects to the supergene.
The role of developmental plasticity in evolutionary innovation
Authors: Moczek Armin P. , Sultan Sonia , Foster Susan , Ledón-Rettig Cris , Dworkin Ian , Nijhout H. Fred , Abouheif Ehab , Pfennig David W.
Published: June 2011

Explaining the origins of novel traits is central to evolutionary biology. Longstanding theory suggests that developmental plasticity, the ability of an individual to modify its development in response to environmental conditions, might facilitate the evolution of novel traits. Yet whether and how such developmental flexibility promotes innovations that persist over evolutionary time remains unclear. Here, we examine three distinct ways by which developmental plasticity can promote evolutionary innovation. First, we show how the process of genetic accommodation provides a feasible and possibly common avenue by which environmentally induced phenotypes can become subject to heritable modification. Second, we posit that the developmental underpinnings of plasticity increase the degrees of freedom by which environmental and genetic factors influence ontogeny, thereby diversifying targets for evolutionary processes to act on and increasing opportunities for the construction of novel, functional and potentially adaptive phenotypes. Finally, we examine the developmental genetic architectures of environment-dependent trait expression, and highlight their specific implications for the evolutionary origin of novel traits. We critically review the empirical evidence supporting each of these processes, and propose future experiments and tests that would further illuminate the interplay between environmental factors, condition-dependent development, and the initiation and elaboration of novel phenotypes.
Alterations in TCF7L2 expression define its role as a key regulator of glucose metabolism
Authors: Savic Daniel , Ye Honggang , Aneas Ivy , Park Soo-Young , Bell Graeme I. , Nobrega Marcelo A.
Published: June 2011

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have consistently implicated noncoding variation within the TCF7L2 locus with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. While this locus represents the strongest genetic determinant for T2D risk in humans, it remains unclear how these noncoding variants affect disease etiology. To test the hypothesis that the T2D-associated interval harbors cis-regulatory elements controlling TCF7L2 expression, we conducted in vivo transgenic reporter assays to characterize the TCF7L2 regulatory landscape. We found that the 92-kb genomic interval associated with T2D harbors long-range enhancers regulating various aspects of the spatial–temporal expression patterns of TCF7L2, including expression in tissues involved in the control of glucose homeostasis. By selectively deleting this interval, we establish a critical role for these enhancers in robust TCF7L2 expression. To further determine whether variation in Tcf7l2 expression may lead to diabetes, we developed a Tcf7l2 copy-number allelic series in mice. We show that a null Tcf7l2 allele leads, in a dose-dependent manner, to lower glycemic profiles. Tcf7l2 null mice also display enhanced glucose tolerance coupled to significantly lowered insulin levels, suggesting that these mice are protected against T2D. Confirming these observations, transgenic mice harboring multiple Tcf7l2 copies and overexpressing this gene display reciprocal phenotypes, including glucose intolerance. These results directly demonstrate that Tcf7l2 plays a role in regulating glucose tolerance, suggesting that overexpression of this gene is associated with increased risk of T2D. These data highlight the role of enhancer elements as mediators of T2D risk in humans, strengthening the evidence that variation in cis-regulatory elements may be a paradigm for genetic predispositions to common disease.
The MYB80 Transcription Factor Is Required for Pollen Development and the Regulation of Tapetal Programmed Cell Death inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Phan Huy Anh , Iacuone Sylvana , Li Song F. , Parish Roger W.
Published: June 2011

Arabidopsis thaliana MYB80 (formerly MYB103) is expressed in the tapetum and microspores between anther developmental stages 6 and 10. MYB80 encodes a MYB transcription factor that is essential for tapetal and pollen development. Using microarray analysis of anther mRNA, we identified 404 genes differentially expressed in the myb80 mutant. Employing the glucocorticoid receptor system, the expression of 79 genes was changed when MYB80 function was restored in the myb80 mutant following induction by dexamethasone. Thirty-two genes were analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation, and three were identified as direct targets of MYB80. The genes encode a glyoxal oxidase (GLOX1), a pectin methylesterase (VANGUARD1), and an A1 aspartic protease (UNDEAD). All three genes are expressed in the tapetum and microspores. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that MYB80 binds to all three target promoters, with the preferential binding site containing the CCAACC motif. TUNEL assays showed that when UNDEAD expression was silenced using small interfering RNA, premature tapetal and pollen programmed cell death occurred, resembling the myb80 mutant phenotype. UNDEAD possesses a mitochondrial targeting signal and may hydrolyze an apoptosis-inducing protein(s) in mitochondria. The timing of tapetal programmed cell death is critical for pollen development, and the MYB80/UNDEAD system may regulate that timing.
Analysis of Arabidopsis JAZ gene expression during Pseudomonas syringae pathogenesis
Authors: DEMIANSKI AGNES J. , CHUNG KWI MI , KUNKEL BARBARA N.
Published: June 2011

The jasmonates (JAs) comprise a family of plant hormones that regulate several developmental processes and mediate responses to various abiotic and biotic stresses, including pathogens. JA signalling is manipulated by several strains of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, including P. syringae strain DC3000, using the virulence factor coronatine (COR) as a mimic of jasmonyl‐l‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile). To better understand the JA‐Ile‐mediated processes contributing to P. syringae disease susceptibility, it is important to investigate the regulation of JA signalling during infection. In Arabidopsis thaliana, JASMONATE ZIM‐DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins are negative regulators of JA signalling. The transcription factor JASMONATE INSENSITIVE1 (JIN1/ATMYC2) has been implicated in the regulation of JAZ gene expression. To investigate the regulation of JAZ genes during P. syringae pathogenesis, we examined JAZ gene expression during infection of Arabidopsis by DC3000. We found that eight of the 12 JAZ genes are induced during infection in a COR‐dependent manner. Unexpectedly, the induction of the majority of JAZ genes during infection was not dependent on JIN1, indicating that JIN1 is not the only transcription factor regulating JAZ genes. A T‐DNA insertion mutant and an RNA interference line disrupted for the expression of JAZ10, one of the few JAZ genes regulated by JIN1 during infection, exhibited enhanced JA sensitivity and increased susceptibility to DC3000, with the primary effect being increased disease symptom severity. Thus, JAZ10 is a negative regulator of both JA signalling and disease symptom development.
The role of lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan, two glycosylated bacterial microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), in plant innate immunity
Authors: ERBS GITTE , NEWMAN MARI‐ANNE
Published: June 2011

In an environment that is rich in potentially pathogenic microorganisms, the survival of higher eukaryotic organisms depends on efficient pathogen sensing and rapidly mounted defence responses. Such protective mechanisms are found in all multicellular organisms, and are collectively referred to as ‘innate immunity’. Innate immunity is the first line of defence against invading microorganisms in vertebrates and the only line of defence in invertebrates and plants. Bacterial glycoconjugates, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria and peptidoglycan (PGN) from the cell walls of both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, have been found to act as elicitors of plant innate immunity. These conserved, indispensable, microbe‐specific molecules are also referred to as ‘microbe‐associated molecular patterns’ (MAMPs). MAMPs are recognized by the plant innate immune system through the action of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). A greater insight into the mechanisms of MAMP recognition and the description of PRRs for different microbial glycoconjugates will have considerable impact on the improvement of plant health and disease resistance. Here, the current knowledge about LPS and PGN as MAMPs is reviewed.
Mesalazine (5‐aminosalicylic acid) alters faecal bacterial profiles, but not mucosal proteolytic activity in diarrhoea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Andrews C. N. , Griffiths T. A. , Kaufman J. , Vergnolle N. , Surette M. G. , Rioux K. P.
Published: June 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 374–383

Background  Imbalances in gut luminal bacteria may contribute to the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aim  To explore select bacteriological and anti‐inflammatory effects of mesalazine (mesalamine; 5‐aminosalicylic acid or 5ASA) and their relation to potential therapeutic effects in IBS.

Methods  Prospective pilot study of 12 women with diarrhoea‐predominant IBS. Patients received oral mesalazine (1.5 g b.d.) for 4 weeks followed by a 4‐week washout phase. Molecular profiling of stool bacterial communities and IBS symptoms were assessed before, during and after mesalazine treatment. Colonic mucosal biopsies were assessed for proteolytic activity. Qualitative and quantitative effects of mesalazine on stool microbiota, mucosal proteolytic activity and IBS symptoms were assessed.

Results  Faecal bacteria decreased by 46% on mesalazine treatment (P = 0.014), but returned to baseline during washout. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes represented 95% of identified phylotypes, with a trend towards an increase in the proportion of Firmicutes at week 4 in symptomatic responders [median (IQR) 14% (49) increase] compared with nonresponders [median 5% (11) decrease, P = 0.088]. Rectosigmoid mucosal proteolytic activity did not change between baseline and treatment [median 23.2 (17.9) vs. 19.5 (46.7) mU activity/mg tissue, P = 0.433]. Eight of 12 (67%) patients responded favourably to mesalazine based on a global relief questionnaire, with significant decreases in days with discomfort and increases in bowel movement satisfaction.

Conclusions  Mesalazine treatment is associated with a decrease in faecal bacteria abundance and rebalancing of the major constituents of the microbiota. Further study of the bacteriological and anti‐inflammatory properties of mesalazine in IBS is warranted.
Predictors of relapse in chronic hepatitis B after discontinuation of anti‐viral therapy
Authors: Liang Y. , Jiang J. , Su M. , Liu Z. , Guo W. , Huang X. , Xie R. , Ge S. , Hu J. , Jiang Z. , Zhu M. , Wong V. W.‐S. , Chan H. L.‐Y.
Published: June 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 344–352

Background  Optimal duration of anti‐viral therapy in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unclear.

Aim  To investigate factors that could predict relapse after stopping anti‐viral agents.

Methods  Chronic hepatitis B patients who were treated with anti‐viral agents (lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir) and have stopped the treatment were recruited. Anti‐viral agents were stopped according to the recommendations of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver. Virological relapse was defined as an increase in serum HBV DNA to >1000 copies/mL after discontinuation of treatment.

Results  Eighty‐four (69 treatment naïve and 15 lamivudine resistant) patients were eligible for this study. Thirty‐seven patients developed virological relapse at 4.3 ± 2.9 (range 1–11) months after discontinuation of therapy. The 1‐year cumulative probability of virological relapse was 42% and 47% in HBeAg (hepatitis B e antigen)‐positive (n = 41) and HBeAg (hepatitis B e antigen)‐negative (n = 43) patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazard model, pre‐existing lamivudine resistance, delayed suppression of HBV DNA to undetectable level during anti‐viral therapy and to a higher HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) level at the end of treatment were associated with virological relapse. Twelve of the 15 (80%) lamivudine resistant patients developed virological relapse. Among the 11 treatment naïve patients who had HBsAg ≤2 log IU/mL at the end of treatment, 1 (9%) of them had virological relapse.

Conclusions  Treatment cessation among lamivudine resistant patients is associated with high risk of virological relapse. Serum HBsAg level at the end of treatment and rate of HBV DNA suppression can provide supplementary information to guide the timing of stopping anti‐viral drugs.
Quality of life in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis: what is important to patients?
Authors: Franciosi J. P. , Hommel K. A. , DeBrosse C. W. , Greenberg A. B. , Greenler A. J. , Abonia J. P. , Rothenberg M. E. , Varni J. W.
Published: June 2011

Background and aims  Current research outcomes in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) are directed towards histological improvement with no attention to health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The primary objective of this study was to identify key patient‐reported and parent proxy outcome elements of EoE disease‐specific HRQOL.

Methods  The research team comprised clinical allergists and gastroenterologists with expertise in paediatric EoE as well as two PhD psychologists with extensive experience in qualitative research. Focused interview techniques were adapted from the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0™ methodology and the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. A semi‐structured interview guide of open‐ended questions was developed, and extensive review of audio‐taped transcripts was performed.

Results  A total of 42 focus interviews were conducted. Child self‐reports were obtained for patients in the 5–7, 8–12 and 13–18 years of age groups, and parent proxy reports were obtained in the 2–4, 5–7, 8–12 and 13–18 years of age groups. We discovered that patients and parents often had different concerns, illustrating unique aspects of EoE‐specific HRQOL that were not captured in generic HRQOL instruments. Specific themes that emerged from these interviews included, but are not limited to: feelings of being different than family and peers, diet and medication adherence, difficulties with eating food and worry about symptoms and illness.

Conclusion  Paediatric EoE patient and parent proxy interviews revealed many EoE‐specific aspects of HRQOL that are not captured in generic HRQOL instruments. Outcome measures that reflect patient‐ and parent proxy‐reported HRQOL are a critical need in paediatric EoE.
Parent proxy‐reported quality of life for children with cerebral palsy: is it related to parental psychosocial distress?
Authors: Davis E. , Mackinnon A. , Waters E.
Published: June 2011

Background  Parent‐proxy reports of quality of life (QOL) are often used to guide decisions about children with cerebral palsy (CP), although little is known about the factors that influence parent‐proxy reports. The aim of this study was to examine (i) the relationship between parental psychosocial distress and parent proxy‐reported QOL; and (ii) whether parental psychosocial distress mediates the relationship between child impairment and proxy‐reported QOL.

Methods  A sample of 201 primary caregivers of children aged 4–12 years with CP completed the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children, a condition‐specific QOL instrument, and a measure of psychosocial distress, the Kessler 10. The children, evenly distributed by gender (56% male) were sampled across Gross Motor Function Classification System levels (Level I = 18%, II = 28%, III = 14%, IV = 11%, V = 27%).

Results  Consistent with the hypotheses, parental distress was negatively correlated with all domains of parent proxy‐reported QOL (r=−0.18 to r=−0.55). The relationship between impairment and proxy‐reported QOL was mediated by parental distress for five of the seven domains of QOL (social well‐being and acceptance, feelings about functioning, participation and physical health, emotional well‐being and self‐esteem, and pain and impact of disability). Child impairment did not predict access to services or family health.

Conclusion  This is the first study that assesses the relationship between parental distress and proxy‐reported QOL for children with CP. Although the cross‐sectional nature of the available data precludes any statements of causality, the results suggest that, when using parent proxy, the parents' psychological state should also be measured. This is particularly important when, as is often the case for child disability research, proxy‐reported QOL are the only available data.
The role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the immunopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Jariwala S. P. , Abrams E. , Benson A. , Fodeman J. , Zheng T.
Published: June 2011

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a skin disease characterized by pruritus and chronic inflammation, results from a complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an IL‐7‐like cytokine, is believed to propagate AD lesions through T helper 2 (Th2) polarization. This paper describes the immunologic mechanisms involving TSLP in the generation of allergic disease. Specifically in AD, TSLP has been shown to be an inducer of myeloid dendritic cells, Th2 responses, mast cells, and natural killer T cells, thereby leading to cytokine secretion and the development of AD. We hope that further understanding of the TSLP pathway and its role in the pathogenesis of AD will lead to improved clinical management of AD in the future.

Cite this as: S. P. Jariwala, E. Abrams, A. Benson, J. Fodeman and T. Zheng, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1515–1520.
Foreign brown trout in protected landscapes as a consequence of connectivity
Authors: HORREO J. L. , GARCIA‐VAZQUEZ E.
Published: June 2011

Abstract  To preserve the local genetic patrimony of wild aquatic species, population enhancement should be limited to supportive breeding of native lineages and controlled releases in target areas with depleted population size. This is the case of brown trout, Salmo trutta L., in northern Iberia, a species of high economic and cultural value in the region. Employing a combination of conserved and hypervariable genetic markers, illegal stocking of domestic brown trout in protected areas (National Park, Natural Reserve) within the Cantabric chain was detected. The most likely origin of the domestic individuals was determined by assignment tests to hatchery stocks as a result of past releases conducted downstream and out of the protected areas. Where connectivity exists along a water course, the entire drainage should be considered as a single management unit to preserve the native genetic diversity of upstream protected areas.
The influence of skin contact during alcoholic fermentation on the aroma composition of Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia Istriana Vitis vinifera (L.) grape wines
Authors: Bavčar Dejan , Baša Česnik Helena , Čuš Franc , Košmerl Tatjana
Published: June 2011

Grapes from the Vitis vinifera (L.) varieties Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia Istriana were subjected to two skin contact procedures: pomace maceration and whole berry maceration during alcoholic fermentation. Wine free volatile compounds were determined using two extraction techniques coupled to GC; odour activity values were calculated and compared to control wines without skin contact. The highest concentrations of esters and relative fruity impacts were determined in the control wines for both varieties. Pomace maceration was found to be an effective procedure for the extraction of varietal aroma compounds like terpenes, but only in the Malvasia Istriana was their higher impact on floral odour determined. Pomace maceration resulted in higher total phenol and methanol content. Whole berry maceration was less efficient in terpene extraction, and its impact on general wine composition was not so radical. Control wines were chosen as preferred wines for odour and overall impression.
Patients' and health care professionals' attitudes towards the PINK patient safety video
Authors: Davis Rachel E. , Pinto Anna , Sevdalis Nick , Vincent Charles , Massey Rachel , Darzi Ara
Published: June 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  Patients can play an important role in reducing health care harm. Finding strategies to encourage patients to take on an active role in issues related to the quality and safety of their care is therefore essential. The aim of this study was to examine patients' and health care professionals' attitudes towards a video aimed at promoting patient involvement in safety‐related behaviours.

Method  A within‐subjects design was used where participants were required to complete a questionnaire pre and post screening of a patient safety video. Participants are 201 patients aged 19–103 years (mean 52) and 95 health care professionals aged 23–48 years (mean 32). Main outcome measures include (i) patients' willingness to participate and perceived importance in participating in safety‐related behaviours; and (ii) health care professionals' willingness to support patient involvement.

Results  After watching the video patients elicited more positive attitudes towards asking doctors and nurses if they had washed their hands and notifying them about issues to do with personal hygiene. No significant effects were observed in relation to patients notifying staff if they have not received their medication or if they were in pain or feeling unwell. In relation to health care professionals, doctors and nurses were more willing to support patient involvement in asking about hand hygiene after they had watched the video.

Conclusion  Video may be effective at changing patients' and health care professionals' attitudes towards patient involvement in some, but not all safety‐related behaviours. Our findings suggest video may be most effective at encouraging involvement in behaviours patients are less inclined to participate in and health care professionals are less willing to support.
Mediating haptic exploratory strategies in children who have visual impairment and intellectual disabilities
Authors: McLinden M.
Published: June 2011

This article provides a synthesis of literature pertaining to the development of haptic exploratory strategies in children who have visual impairment and intellectual disabilities. The information received through such strategies assumes particular significance for these children, given the restricted information available through their visual modality, often in combination with additional sensory and/or physical impairments. The literature reviewed from early child development highlights the importance of independent activity in the development of exploratory strategies, as well as the pivotal role of vision in ‘mediating’ information received through the haptic modality. In translating these findings to children who have visual impairment and intellectual disabilities, the role of the child's learning partner assumes greater significance in ensuring that haptic information is appropriately ‘mediated’ to meet the child's individual needs. The implications for developing appropriate developmentally paced intervention approaches are considered. A framework is outlined that seeks to account for the role of the child's adult partner in mediating haptic learning experiences to ensure they are appropriately structured and progressive.
Does Individual Placement and Support really ‘reflect client goals’?
Authors: ESSEN C.
Published: June 2011

Accessible summary

Some people and organizations in the UK claim that most unemployed mental health service users want to work and that working will improve their mental health. They use an estimate of up to 90% of service users wanting to work in justifying vocational support services which solely support clients with finding and keeping a regular paid job. This kind of approach is called Individual Placement and Support, or IPS.

Research shows that just because someone says they want to work it does not follow that their goal is a regular paid job. Only about 15% of people who use community mental health services provided by the National Health Service actually seem to want help finding this sort of work.

Saying that up to 90% of service users want work is possibly a useful way to persuade people that IPS is the best way forward. But there are questions about whether this is applicable evidence, when so few people start out believing a paid job is for them.

Claiming that working improves mental health could also be confusing as a result of ‘mental health’ sometimes being used now to mean well‐being apart from medically diagnosed mental illness.

A paid job might largely help service users feel better because they are entering what society judges to be a ‘normal’ life. But the opposite effect is that other people could feel guilty or worse if the standard for ‘normal’ work in society is too difficult for them to manage.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is considered the only evidence‐based practice available for providing vocational support within secondary mental health services. Clients are supported into and during competitive employment, with proponents claiming IPS ‘reflects client goals’ because most service users want to work. The idea that work improves mental health is also involved in promoting IPS in the UK. This paper examines the evidential basis for these claims in policy documents and cited research. It additionally draws upon qualitative research in representing the value, meaning and challenges of working described by service users, while briefly considering the UK socio‐economic context for IPS implementation. Statistical claims that most unemployed service users want to work are found misleadingly applied to IPS because only a minority say they want competitive employment. Discussion centres on the power interests such statistics serve and their role in underpinning the relevance of IPS randomized control trials. Assertions that work improves mental health are found confusing as a result of use of a dual continua model of mental illness and mental health. The internalized moral basis for work acting as a seemingly healthy ‘normalization’ experience is suggested as paradoxically feeding self‐stigma in those who feel they cannot work.
Chronic partial sleep deprivation reduces brain sensitivity to glutamate N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor‐mediated neurotoxicity
Authors: NOVATI ARIANNA , HULSHOF HENRIËTTE J. , GRANIC IVICA , MEERLO PETER
Published: June 2011

It has been hypothesized that insufficient sleep may compromise neuronal function and contribute to neurodegenerative processes. While sleep loss by itself may not lead to cell death directly, it may affect the sensitivity to a subsequent neurodegenerative insult. Here we examined the effects of chronic sleep restriction (SR) on the vulnerability of the brain to N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced excitotoxicity. Animals were kept awake 20 h per day and were only allowed to rest during the first 4 h of the light phase, i.e. their normal circadian resting phase. After 30 days of SR all rats received a unilateral injection with a neurotoxic dose of NMDA into the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM). Brains were collected for assessment of damage. In the intact non‐injected hemisphere, the number of cholinergic cells in the NBM and the density of their projections in the cortex were not affected by SR. In the injected hemisphere, NMDA caused a significant loss of cholinergic NBM cells and cortical fibres in all animals. However, the loss of cholinergic cells was attenuated in the SR group as compared with the controls. These data suggest that, if anything, SR reduces the sensitivity to a subsequent excitotoxic insult. Chronic SR may constitute a mild threat to the brain that does not lead to neurodegeneration by itself but prepares the brain for subsequent neurotoxic challenges. These results do not support the hypothesis that sleep loss increases the sensitivity to neurodegenerative processes.
The use of phenylbutazone in the horse
Authors: SOMA L. R. , UBOH C. E. , MAYLIN G. M.
Published: June 2011

Soma, L. R., Uboh, C. E., Maylin G. M. The use of phenylbutazone in the horse.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 1–12.

This review presents a brief historical prospective of the genesis of regulated medication in the US racing industry of which the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) phenylbutazone (PBZ) is the focus. It presents some historical guideposts in the development of the current rules on the use of PBZ by racing jurisdictions in the US. Based on its prevalent use, PBZ remains a focus of attention. The review examines the information presented in a number of different models used to determine the effects and duration of PBZ in the horse. They include naturally occurring lameness and reversible‐induced lameness models that directly examine the effects and duration of the administration of various doses of PBZ. The review also examines indirect plasma and tissue models studying the suppression of the release of arachidonic acid‐derived mediators of inflammation. The majority of studies suggest an effect of PBZ at 24 h at 4.4 mg/kg. This reflects and substantiates the opinion of many clinical veterinarians, many of whom will not perform a prepurchase lameness examination unless the horse is free of NSAID. This remains the opinion of many regulatory veterinarians responsible for the prerace examination of race horses that they wish to examine a horse without the possibility of an NSAID interfering with the examination and masking possible musculoskeletal conditions. Based on scientific studies, residual effects of PBZ remain at 24 h. The impact of sustained effect on the health and welfare of the horse and its contribution to injuries during competition remains problematic.
Realignment and multiple imputation of longitudinal data: an application to menstrual cycle data
Authors: Mumford Sunni L. , Schisterman Enrique F. , Gaskins Audrey J. , Pollack Anna Z. , Perkins Neil J. , Whitcomb Brian W. , Ye Aijun , Wactawski‐Wende Jean
Published: June 2011

Mumford SL, Schisterman EF, Gaskins AJ, Pollack AZ, Perkins NJ, Whitcomb BW, Ye A, Wactawski‐Wende J. Realignment and multiple imputation of longitudinal data: an application to menstrual cycle data. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 448–459.

Reproductive hormone levels are highly variable among premenopausal women during the menstrual cycle. Accurate timing of hormone measurement is essential, especially when investigating day‐ or phase‐specific effects. The BioCycle Study used daily urine home fertility monitors to help detect the luteinising hormone (LH) surge in order to schedule visits with biologically relevant windows of hormonal variability. However, as the LH surge is brief and cycles vary in length, relevant hormonal changes may not align with scheduled visits even when fertility monitors are used. Using monitor data, measurements were reclassified according to biological phase of the menstrual cycle to more accurate cycle phase categories. Longitudinal multiple imputation methods were applied after reclassification if no visit occurred during a given menstrual cycle phase. Reclassified cycles had more clearly defined hormonal profiles, with higher mean peak hormones (up to 141%) and reduced variability (up to 71%). We demonstrate the importance of realigning visits to biologically relevant windows when assessing phase‐ or day‐specific effects and the feasibility of applying longitudinal multiple imputation methods. Our method has applications in settings where missing data may occur over time, where daily blood sampling for hormonal measurements is not feasible, and in other areas where timing is essential.
Distribution of invasive plants in China in relation to geographical origin and life cycle
Authors: HUANG Q‐Q , WANG G‐X , HOU Y‐P , PENG S‐L
Published: June 2011

Huang Q‐Q, Wang G‐X, Hou Y‐P & Peng S‐L (2011). Distribution of invasive plants in China in relation to geographical origin and life cycle. Weed Research51, 534–542.

At a continental scale, research on which areas are more likely to be invaded has often found that human socio‐economic factors and biogeographic factors are important. This general pattern also holds for China, where invasive plant species richness at a provincial scale has often been found to be significantly correlated with both socio‐economic (e.g. human population size and total GDP) and biogeographic factors (e.g. latitude and native plant species richness). However, these patterns are based on studies that considered invasive plants collectively rather than examining patterns within major subgroups. Here, we examine the potential role of species differences in mediating these distribution patterns in Chinese provinces. We show that distribution of invaders from Central and South America, especially perennials, is mainly determined by biogeographic factors, whereas distribution of invaders from North America and Eurasia, especially annuals, is mainly determined by socio‐economic factors. The predictive power of biogeographic factors for invaders from Central and South America is stronger than socio‐economic factors for invaders from North America and Eurasia. The role of socio‐economic and biogeographic factors is not entangled; instead, their relative importance is dependent on species characters, such as their geographical origin and life cycle. Management and prevention policies at a national scale should consider the interactions between species characters and socio‐economic and biogeographic conditions of the environment. Our results indicate that by examining the role of species differences, we may get a more realistic understanding of the cause of distribution patterns of biological invaders.
A test of concordance between patient and psychiatrist valuations of multiple treatment goals for schizophrenia
Authors: Bridges John F. P. , Slawik Lara , Schmeding Annette , Reimer Jens , Naber Dieter , Kuhnigk Olaf
Published: June 2011

Background  While much discussion has been placed on the problem of poor compliance in the treatment of schizophrenia, there has been little discussion on the concordance between patients and psychiatrists, an important contributing factor to patient‐centred care.

Objective  To estimate the concordance between patients’ and psychiatrists’ (ordinal and cardinal) valuations of multiple goals for schizophrenia treatment and to illustrate the utility of the self‐explicated method in valuing a large number of treatment goals.

Design  Twenty treatment goals were identified during focus groups and literature review and were presented to patients and psychiatrists during structured interviews. Respondents were asked to rank the multiple treatment goals and rate them on a 5‐point Likert scale. Three scores were calculated based on the ranking (1–20), rating (Likert scale) (1–5) and a self‐explicated method estimated as the product of rating and ranking score (1–100). Concordance was tested using Spearman’s rho for overall ordinal rankings and via anova and F‐test for the cardinal values assigned to a specific treatment goal.

Participants  A total of 105 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 160 psychiatrists in Germany.

Results  Patient and psychiatrist values were concordant when the ordinal properties of their valuations were assessed by rating (ρ = 0.63; P = 0.002), ranking (ρ = 0.51; P = 0.02) and self‐explicated methods (ρ = 0.54; P = 0.01). Significant discordances were found when comparing the cardinal value placed on any given treatment goal using all three approaches, but the self‐explicated method produced a more discerning statistic. Relative to patients, psychiatrists significantly (P < 0.05) overvalued reduced lack of emotion, improved sexual pleasure and improved communication while undervaluing reuptake of activities of daily living, improved satisfaction and recovered capacity for work.

Conclusions  While there is an overall concordance between patients’ and psychiatrists’ valuation, significantly different valuations on specific goals can be identified. Here, psychiatrists tend to focus on ‘textbook’ outcomes, while patients are more concerned with functioning and living a normal life. This study also demonstrates the importance of comparing the concordance in treatment goals and the importance of preference‐based methods, such as the self‐explicated method, in the study of concordance.
Manipulation of VOC emissions with methyl jasmonate and carrageenan in the evergreen conifer Pinus sylvestris and evergreen broadleaf Quercus ilex
Authors: Semiz G. , Blande J. D. , Heijari J. , Işık K. , Niinemets Ü. , Holopainen J. K.
Published: June 2011

Plant defence can be induced by exposing plants to the plant hormone jasmonic acid (JA) or its volatile ester, methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Carrageenans (Carr) – sulphated d‐galactans extracted from red algae – can also induce plant defences. In this study, the effects of exogenous MeJA and Carr application (concentration 300 and 12.7 μmol, respectively) on volatile emissions from two widespread evergreen woody species, Pinus sylvestris (nine Turkish and one Finnish provenance) and Quercus ilex (Italian provenance) were investigated. We collected headspace samples from seedlings and analysed the quality and quantity of volatile compounds emitted by treated and control plants. In total, 19 monoterpenes, 10 sesquiterpenes, 10 green leaf volatiles (GLVs) and two aromatic compounds were emitted by P. sylvestris from all the provenances studied. Foliar MeJA application clearly affected the volatile profiles of trees from all the provenances. Effects of Carr were genotype specific. In Q. ilex, emissions of sesquiterpenes, GLVs and the homoterpene (E)‐DMNT were all induced by MeJA application. However, emissions of most constitutively emitted monoterpenes were significantly reduced. Carr application also led to a significant reduction in monoterpene emissions, but without corresponding increases in other emissions. Our results indicate that exogenously applied MeJA and Carr can both significantly modify the volatile profiles of P. sylvestris and Q. ilex, but also that there are important provenance‐ and species‐specific differences in the overall degree of elicitation and compositions of elicited compounds.
Phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate is associated to extracellular lipoproteic fractions and is detected in tomato apoplastic fluids
Authors: Gonorazky G. , Laxalt A. M. , Dekker H. L. , Rep M. , Munnik T. , Testerink C. , de la Canal L.
Published: June 2011

We have recently detected phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate (PI4P) in the extracellular medium of tomato cell suspensions. Extracellular PI4P was shown to trigger the activation of defence responses induced by the fungal elicitor xylanase. In this study, by applying a differential centrifugation technique, we found that extracellular PI4P is associated with fractions composed of diverse phospholipids and proteins, which were pelleted from the extracellular medium of tomato cell suspensions grown under basal conditions. Using mass spectrometry, we identified the proteins present in these pelleted fractions. Most of these proteins have previously been characterised as having a role in defence responses. Next, we evaluated whether PI4P could also be detected in an entire plant system. For this, apoplastic fluids of tomato plants grown under basal conditions were analysed using a lipid overlay assay. Interestingly, PI4P could be detected in intercellular fluids obtained from tomato leaflets and xylem sap of tomato plants. By employing electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS), other phospholipids were also found in intercellular fluids of tomato plants. These had a markedly different profile from the phospholipid pattern identified in entire leaflets. Based on these results, the potential role of extracellular phospholipids in plant intercellular communication is discussed.
Photodynamic therapy for pathogenic fungi
Authors: Lyon Juliana Pereira , Moreira Leonardo Marmo , de Moraes Pedro Claudio Guaranho , dos Santos Fábio Vieira , de Resende Maria Aparecida
Published: June 2011

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive approach, in which a photosensitiser compound is activated by exposure to visible light. The activation of the sensitiser drug results in several chemical reactions, such as the production of oxygen reactive species and other reactive molecules, whose presence in the biological site leads to the damage of target cells. Although PDT has been primarily developed to combat cancerous lesions, this therapy can be employed for the treatment of several conditions, including infectious diseases. A wide range of microorganisms, including Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi have demonstrated susceptibility to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. This treatment might consist of an alternative to the management of fungal infections. Antifungal photodynamic therapy has been successfully employed against Candida albicans and other Candida species and also against dermatophytes. The strain‐dependent antifungal effect and the influence of the biological medium are important issues to be considered. Besides, the choice of photosensitiser to be employed in PDT should consider the characteristics of the fungi and the medium to be treated, as well as the depth of penetration of light into the skin. In the present review, the state‐of‐the‐art of antifungal PDT is discussed and the photosensitiser characteristics are analysed.