bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the CtrA regulon in development of stress resistance in obligatory intracellular pathogen Ehrlichia chaffeensis
Authors: Cheng Zhihui , Miura Koshiro , Popov Vsevolod L. , Kumagai Yumi , Rikihisa Yasuko
Published: October 2011

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis. Ehrlichiae have a biphasic developmental cycle consisting of dense‐cored cells (DCs) and reticulate cells (RCs). Isolated DCs are more stress resistant and infectious than RCs. Here, we report that a response regulator, CtrA was upregulated in human monocytes at the late growth stage when DCs develop. E. chaffeensis CtrA bound to the promoters of late‐stage transcribed genes: ctrA, ompA (peptidoglycan‐associated lipoprotein), bolA (stress‐induced morphogen) and surE (stationary‐phase survival protein), which contain CtrA‐binding motifs, and transactivated ompA, surE and bolA promoter–lacZ fusions in Escherichia coli. OmpA was predominantly expressed in DCs. E. chaffeensis binding to and subsequent infection of monocytes were inhibited by anti‐OmpA IgG. E. chaffeensis BolA bound to the promoters of genes encoding outer surface proteins TRP120 and ECH_1038, which were expressed in DCs, and transactivated trp120 and ECH_1038 promoter–lacZ fusions. E. chaffeensis bolA complemented a stress‐sensitive E. coli bolA mutant. E. coli expressing E. chaffeensis SurE exhibited increased resistance to osmotic stress. Our results suggest that E. chaffeensis CtrA plays a role in co‐ordinating development of the stress resistance for passage from the present to the next host cells through its regulon.
Fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase (class II) is the primary site of nickel toxicity in Escherichia coli
Authors: Macomber Lee , Elsey Scott P. , Hausinger Robert P.
Published: October 2011

Nickel is toxic to all forms of life, but the mechanisms of cell damage are unknown. Indeed, environmentally relevant nickel levels (8 µM) inhibit wild‐type Escherichia coli growth on glucose minimal medium. The same concentration of nickel also inhibits growth on fructose, but not succinate, lactate or glycerol; these results suggest that fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase (FbaA) is a target of nickel toxicity. Cells stressed by 8 µM Ni(II) for 20 min lost 75% of their FbaA activity, demonstrating that FbaA is inactivated during nickel stress. Furthermore, overexpression of fbaA restored growth of an rcnA mutant in glucose minimal medium supplemented with 4 µM Ni(II), thus confirming that FbaA is a primary target of nickel toxicity. This class II aldolase has an active site zinc and a non‐catalytic zinc nearby. Purified FbaA lost 80 % of its activity within 2 min when challenged with 8 µM Ni(II). Nickel‐challenged FbaA lost 0.8 zinc and gained 0.8 nickel per inactivated monomer. FbaA mutants (D144A and E174A) affecting the non‐catalytic zinc were resistant to nickel inhibition. These results define the primary site of nickel toxicity in E. coli as the class II aldolase FbaA through binding to the non‐catalytic zinc site.
Carbonyl sulfide (COS) as a tracer for canopy photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance: potential and limitations†
Authors: WOHLFAHRT GEORG , BRILLI FEDERICO , HÖRTNAGL LUKAS , XU XIAOBIN , BINGEMER HEINZ , HANSEL ARMIN , LORETO FRANCESCO
Published: October 2011

The theoretical basis for the link between the leaf exchange of carbonyl sulfide (COS), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour (H2O) and the assumptions that need to be made in order to use COS as a tracer for canopy net photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance, are reviewed. The ratios of COS to CO2 and H2O deposition velocities used to this end are shown to vary with the ratio of the internal to ambient CO2 and H2O mole fractions and the relative limitations by boundary layer, stomatal and internal conductance for COS. It is suggested that these deposition velocity ratios exhibit considerable variability, a finding that challenges current parameterizations, which treat these as vegetation‐specific constants. COS is shown to represent a better tracer for CO2 than H2O. Using COS as a tracer for stomatal conductance is hampered by our present poor understanding of the leaf internal conductance to COS. Estimating canopy level CO2 and H2O fluxes requires disentangling leaf COS exchange from other ecosystem sources/sinks of COS. We conclude that future priorities for COS research should be to improve the quantitative understanding of the variability in the ratios of COS to CO2 and H2O deposition velocities and the controlling factors, and to develop operational methods for disentangling ecosystem COS exchange into contributions by leaves and other sources/sinks. To this end, integrated studies, which concurrently quantify the ecosystem‐scale CO2, H2O and COS exchange and the corresponding component fluxes, are urgently needed.
A leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase gene is involved in the specification of outer cell layers in rice roots
Authors: Huang Chao‐Feng , Yamaji Naoki , Ono Kazuko , Ma Jian Feng
Published: October 2011

Root outer cell layers of Oryza sativa (rice), which comprise the epidermis, exodermis and sclerenchyma, play an important role in protecting the roots from various stresses in soil, but the molecular mechanisms for the specification of these cell layers are poorly understood. In this work, we report on defective in outer cell layer specification 1 (Docs1), which is involved in the specification of outer cell layers in rice roots. Docs1 was isolated by map‐based cloning using a mutant (c68) defective in the outer cell layers of primary roots. It encodes a leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase (LRR RLK). Docs1 mRNA was expressed in all tissues including roots, leaf blades and sheaths, and flowers. Immunostaining with an anti‐Docs1 antibody showed that Docs1 was localized at the epidermis and exodermis, depending on the root region. Furthermore, Docs1 showed polar localization at the distal side. Subcellular examination showed that Docs1 was localized to the plasma membrane. Comparison of genome‐wide transcriptional profiles between the wild‐type and the knock‐out mutant roots using microarray analysis showed that 61 and 41 genes were up‐ and downregulated in the mutant, including genes encoding putative transcription factors and genes potentially involved in cell wall metabolism. These results suggest that Docs1 might directly or indirectly regulate multiple genes involved in the proper development of root outer cell layers in rice.
The chloroplast division mutant caa33 of Arabidopsis thaliana reveals the crucial impact of chloroplast homeostasis on stress acclimation and retrograde plastid‐to‐nucleus signaling
Authors: Šimková Klára , Kim Chanhong , Gacek Katarzyna , Baruah Aiswarya , Laloi Christophe , Apel Klaus
Published: October 2011

Retrograde plastid‐to‐nucleus signaling tightly controls and coordinates the nuclear and plastid gene expression that is required for plastid biogenesis and chloroplast activity. As chloroplasts act as sensors of environmental changes, plastid‐derived signaling also modulates stress responses of plants by transferring stress‐related signals and altering nuclear gene expression. Various mutant screens have been undertaken to identify constituents of plastid signaling pathways. Almost all mutations identified in these screens target plastid‐specific but not extraplastidic functions. They have been suggested to define either genuine constituents of retrograde signaling pathways or components required for the synthesis of plastid signals. Here we report the characterization of the constitutive activator of AAA‐ATPase (caa33) mutant, which reveals another way of how mutations that affect plastid functions may modulate retrograde plastid signaling. caa33 disturbs a plastid‐specific function by impeding plastid division, and thereby perturbing plastid homeostasis. This results in preconditioning plants by activating the expression of stress genes, enhancing pathogen resistance and attenuating the capacity of the plant to respond to plastid signals. Our study reveals an intimate link between chloroplast activity and the susceptibility of the plant to stress, and emphasizes the need to consider the possible impact of preconditioning on retrograde plastid‐to‐nucleus signaling.
Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus disease in renal transplant recipients: a case series
Authors: de Andrade Luís G.M. , Rodrigues Maria A.M. , Romeiro Fernando G. , Carvalho Maria F.C.
Published: October 2011

de Andrade LGM, Rodrigues MAM, Romeiro FG, Carvalho MFC. Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus disease in renal transplant recipients: a case series.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01514.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The purpose of this article was to report a series of 23 renal transplant recipients with histologically proven and immunohistochemically confirmed cytomegalovirus (CMV) lesions in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and to assess the risk factors associated with severe disease/mortality. CMV patients (n = 23) were allocated into two groups: those who died (n = 6) and those considered cured (n = 17). Overall mortality rate was 26% (6/23). Initial symptoms suggestive of lower GIT involvement were observed in all death cases and in 35.3% of those cured (p = 0.01). Enterorrhagia was seen in 83.3% of the patients who died. Death risk increased twofold (RR 2 [1.13–3.52], p = 0.01) when symptoms of lower GIT involvement were initially observed and sixfold when enterrohagia was present (RR 6 [1.1–35.9], p = 0.001). Among death cases, mean time at diagnosis was significantly more distant (2002 ± 2.9 × 2008 ± 1.6, p = 0.04). The difference in mortality rates seen as service practices changed along the years demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis.
Sublingual immunotherapy not effective in house dust mite–allergic children in primary care
Authors: de Bot Cindy M. A. , Moed Heleen , Berger Marjolein Y. , Röder Esther , Hop Wim C. J. , de Groot Hans , de Jongste Johan C. , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Bindels Patrick J. E. , van der Wouden Johannes C.
Published: October 2011

To cite this article: de Bot CMA, Moed H, Berger MY, Röder E, Hop WCJ, de Groot H, de Jongste JC, van Wijk RG, Bindels PJE, van der Wouden JC. Sublingual immunotherapy not effective in house dust mite–allergic children in primary care. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; Doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01219.x

Background:  Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) as a therapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children might be acceptable as an alternative for subcutaneous immunotherapy. However, the efficacy of SLIT with house dust mite extract is not well established.

Objective:  To investigate whether SLIT in house dust mite–allergic children recruited in primary care is effective and safe.

Methods:  Children aged 6–18 years (n = 251) recruited in primary care with a house dust mite–induced allergic rhinitis received either SLIT or placebo for 2 years. Symptoms and medication use were assessed throughout the study. Primary outcome parameter was the mean total nose symptom score (scales 0–12) during the autumn of the second treatment year. Safety was assessed by recording any adverse event.

Results:  Overall, the mean nose symptom score ± s.d. after 2 years of treatment showed no significant effect of SLIT (symptom score intervention group 2.26 ± 1.84 vs. placebo group, 2.02 ± 1.67; p = 0.08). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes, nor in subgroup analyses. The number of patients reporting adverse events was comparable between both groups.

Conclusions:  Sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite allergen was not better than placebo in reducing rhinitis symptoms in house dust mite–allergic children in primary care. SLIT as administered in this study can be considered safe.
Practices in the prescription of adrenaline autoinjectors
Authors: Johnson Mark J. , Foote Keith D. , Moyses Helen E. , Roberts Graham
Published: October 2011

To cite this article: Johnson MJ, Foote KD, Moyses HE, Roberts G. Practices in the prescription of adrenaline autoinjectors. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; Doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01221.x

Background:  Anecdotally, the prescription of adrenaline autoinjectors seems to be very variable. We aimed to survey the practice in this area and look at the differences between paediatric allergists and general paediatricians, the factors influencing prescription and implementation of current guidelines.

Methods:  We developed an online survey containing 10 paediatric allergy cases and emailed a link to paediatricians. Respondents were asked to identify their prescribing decision in each case, the factors influencing their decisions and which guidelines they had read.

Results:  Responses were collated from 54 paediatric allergists and 27 general paediatricians. Almost all respondents had read at least one guideline. Prescribing decisions were very inconsistent, and significant influencing factors included peanut or tree nut allergy, trace reactions, remote facilities and parental anxiety.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that most paediatricians have read at least one anaphylaxis guideline. However, reading the guidelines does not seem to have influenced their daily practice. This suggests that there is a need for improved implementation of anaphylaxis guidelines amongst paediatricians.
Mobilization of seed protein reserves
Authors: Tan‐Wilson Anna L. , Wilson Karl A.
Published: October 2011

The mobilization of seed storage proteins upon seed imbibition and germination is a crucial process in the establishment of the seedling. Storage proteins fold compactly, presenting only a few vulnerable regions for initial proteolytic digestion. Evolutionarily related storage proteins have similar three‐dimensional structure, and thus tend to be initially cleaved at similar sites. The initial cleavage makes possible subsequent rapid and extensive breakdown catalyzed by endo‐ and exopeptidases. The proteolytic enzymes that degrade the storage proteins during mobilization identified so far are mostly cysteine proteases, but also include serine, aspartic and metalloproteases. Plants often ensure early initiation of storage protein mobilization by depositing active proteases during seed maturation, in the very compartments where storage proteins are sequestered. Various means are used in such cases to prevent proteolytic attack until after imbibition of the seed with water. This constraint, however, is not always enforced as the dry seeds of some plant species contain proteolytic intermediates as a result of limited proteolysis of some storage proteins. Besides addressing fundamental questions in plant protein metabolism, studies of the mobilization of storage proteins will point out proteolytic events to avoid in large‐scale production of cloned products in seeds. Conversely, proteolytic enzymes may be applied toward reduction of food allergens, many of which are seed storage proteins.
Facial emotion recognition and its relationship to subjective and functional outcomes in remitted patients with bipolar I disorder
Authors: Hoertnagl Christine M , Muehlbacher Moritz , Biedermann Falko , Yalcin Nursen , Baumgartner Susanne , Schwitzer Georg , Deisenhammer Eberhard A , Hausmann Armand , Kemmler Georg , Benecke Cord , Hofer Alex
Published: October 2011

Hoertnagl CM, Muehlbacher M, Biedermann F, Yalcin N, Baumgartner S, Schwitzer G, Deisenhammer EA, Hausmann A, Kemmler G, Benecke C, Hofer A. Facial emotion recognition and its relationship to subjective and functional outcomes in remitted patients with bipolar I disorder. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 537–544. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Outcome in bipolar disorder (BD) is multidimensional and consists of clinical and psychosocial domains. Difficulties in affect recognition and in emotional experience are a hallmark of BD, but there is little research investigating the consequences of this deficit on the psychosocial status of patients who are in remission.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study examined the relationship of facial affect recognition and treatment outcomes in terms of psychopathology, quality of life, and psychosocial functioning in remitted BD patients compared to healthy volunteers.

Results:  Altogether, 47 outpatients meeting diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder according to DSM‐IV and 45 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Patients were particularly impaired in the recognition of facial expressions depicting disgust and happiness. For patients, the most frequently observed misidentifications included disgusted faces misrecognized as angry expressions, fearful faces misrecognized as disgusted or surprised expressions, surprised faces misrecognized as fearful expressions, and sad faces misrecognized as fearful or angry expressions. Regarding emotional experience, shame, guilt, sadness, fear, lifelessness, loneliness, and existential fear were experienced more intensely by patients.

Conclusions:  These findings demonstrate deficits in experiencing and recognizing emotions in BD patients who are in remission and underscore the relevance of these deficits in the psychosocial context.
Cognitive manic symptoms associated with the P2RX7 gene in bipolar disorder
Authors: Backlund Lena , Nikamo Pernilla , Hukic Dzana Sudic , Ek Inger Römer , Träskman‐Bendz Lil , Landén Mikael , Edman Gunnar , Schalling Martin , Frisén Louise , Ösby Urban
Published: October 2011

Backlund L, Nikamo P, Sudic Hukic D, Römer EK I, Träskman‐Bendz L, Landén M, Edman G, Schalling M, Frisén L, Ösby U. Cognitive manic symptoms associated with the P2RX7 gene in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 500–508. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Several genetic loci have been suggested to be associated with bipolar disorder but results have been inconsistent. Studying associations between bipolar symptoms and candidate genes may better expose this relationship. Here we investigate the association between bipolar key symptoms and the P2RX7 gene.

Methods:  Key symptoms of mania were rated in two sets of medicated bipolar disorder patients (n = 171 and n = 475) at two specialized outpatient clinics for affective disorders and three regular psychiatric outpatient units in Sweden. The relationships between all manic symptoms according to DSM‐IV were entered in a principal component analysis. We used a case–case model to reduce the genetic heterogeneity and tested associations between four factors related to manic symptoms and their association to four single nucleotide polymorphisms in the P2RX7 gene.

Results:  The combination of the cognitive symptoms, distractibility, talkativeness, and thought disorder was significantly associated with rs1718119 in the P2RX7 gene in Set 1 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.78; p = 0.011]. The association was re‐tested in the second set (OR = 1.42; p = 0.009). In the total sample, the association was even stronger (OR = 1.49; p < 0.001). None of the other factors was associated with the P2RX7 gene. Within the first factor, the distractibility symptom accounted for a significant portion of the association to rs1718119 (p = 0.016).

Conclusion:  There is an association between specific symptoms of bipolar disorder and the P2RX7 gene. This finding may open up new approaches to elucidating the neurobiology behind bipolar symptoms.
Genetic correlations between males, females and castrates for residual feed intake, feed conversion ratio, growth rate and carcass composition traits in Large White growing pigs
Authors: Saintilan R. , Sellier P. , Billon Y. , Gilbert H.
Published: October 2011

Data were collected in the course of a divergent selection experiment for residual feed intake (RFI) of Large White growing pigs. This data set was used to estimate (i) heritability for RFI and genetic correlations of RFI with growth and carcass traits within the three sexes (male, castrate and female) and (ii) genetic correlations between sexes for these traits. Individual feed intake of animals raised in collective pens was measured by single‐place electronic feeders on 1121 males (candidates for selection), 508 females and 535 castrates (sibs of candidates). Variance components were estimated using the REML methodology applied to a multitrait animal model. Estimates of heritability for RFI were 0.16 ± 0.04, 0.16 ± 0.08 and 0.23 ± 0.10 for males, females and castrates, respectively. Estimates of genetic correlations between sexes for homologous traits were not significantly different from 1 (0.88 to 0.99 for RFI, 0.79 to 0.99 for growth traits and 0.65 to 0.99 for carcass composition traits). The relatively low genetic correlations between castrates and males or females for backfat thickness (0.65 and 0.69, respectively) suggest the presence of genotype by sex interactions for this trait.
Comparative Quality Assessment of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Semen Chilled (5°C) in Egg Yolk‐ and Soya Milk–Based Extenders
Authors: Singh AK , Singh VK , Narwade BM , Mohanty TK , Atreja SK
Published: October 2011

Contents

Egg yolk–Tris is most commonly used semen extender; however, its use involves hygienic risk, interference with fertility and poor microscopic examination. Therefore, replacement of egg yolk with a plant‐based component with protective effects on spermatozoa would be advantageous. In present study, we observed effect of soya milk–based extenders on dilution and liquid preservation of Murrah buffalo bull semen at 5°C up to 72 h in comparison with conventional egg yolk–Tris extender (Ext.1). In experiment one, a total of 32 buffalo semen ejaculates from four animals were extended and preserved at 5°C for 72 h in soya milk–based extender (Ext.2) with different percentages (10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) of soya milk for optimization of soya milk concentration. Semen quality was assessed for individual motility, viability, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h of liquid preservation. The results of experiment one indicated that 25% soya milk is an optimum concentration for buffalo bull semen extender preparation. A modified method was used to prepare another soya milk–based extender (Ext.3). In the second experiment, two soya extenders (Ext.2 and 3) with optimized concentration (25%) of soya milk were comparatively assessed with egg yolk–Tris extender (Ext.1) for semen quality parameters at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h of liquid preservation. The individual sperm motility at 0 and 24 h following dilution were found non‐significant among extenders. However, after 48 h of dilution, individual motility in Ext.3 was observed significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Ext.1. After 24, 48 and 72 h of dilution sperm membrane integrity in Ext.3 was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Ext.1. Overall, comparative evaluation of sperm parameters obtained revealed that Ext.3 containing 25% soya milk can be used as a substitute of egg yolk‐based extender for buffalo semen liquid preservation.
Rapid update on childhood immune thrombocytopenic purpure
Authors: Cole Catherine H
Published: October 2011

Most childhood immune thrombocytopenic purpure is benign, self‐limiting and requires no therapy. However, questions remain: (i) to treat or not; (ii) bone marrow examination or not; and (iii) admit to hospital or not. These questions have dominated the literature and we still need a prospective large multi‐centre study of these issues to determine a useful bleeding score, quality of life measure and a measure of parental anxiety.
Minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane with fentanyl for laryngeal mask airway removal in anesthetized children
Authors: Makkar Jeetinder K. , Ghai Babita , Bhardwaj Neerja , Wig Jyotsna
Published: October 2011

Background:  Desflurane provides rapid emergence from anesthesia. So, it can be used for the removal of a laryngeal mask airway in an anesthetized child. We conducted this study to determine the optimal endtidal concentrations of desflurane with fentanyl that would allow removal of a laryngeal mask airway without airway complication in children.

Methods:  Thirty‐six children of American Society of Anesthesiologist status I between 1 and 10 year of age undergoing ophthalmic surgery were recruited. General anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and oxygen given via mask and laryngeal mask airway inserted. Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane in 100% oxygen. At the end of the surgery, predetermined target concentration was maintained for 10 min and laryngeal mask airway removed. Each target concentration at the time of removal was predetermined by the Dixon up–down method (with 0.5% as a step size) starting at 5% endtidal concentration. A removal accomplished without coughing, teeth clenching, gross purposeful movement, breath holding, or laryngospasm, during or within 1 min after removal, was considered to be successful.

Results:  Endtidal concentration of desflurane required for successful laryngeal mask airway removal in 50% (ED50) was 3.56% desflurane (95% confidence limits, 3.22–3.87%) along with fentanyl.

Conclusion:  Removal of laryngeal mask airway can be safely accomplished without coughing, moving, or any other airway complications at 3.57% endtidal concentrations of desflurane with fentanyl in 50% of anesthetized children.
Are patterns of density dependence in the Global Population Dynamics Database driven by uncertainty about population abundance?
Authors: Knape Jonas , de Valpine Perry
Published: October 2011

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 17–23

Density dependence in population growth rates is of immense importance to ecological theory and application, but is difficult to estimate. The Global Population Dynamics Database (GPDD), one of the largest collections of population time series available, has been extensively used to study cross‐taxa patterns in density dependence. A major difficulty with assessing density dependence from time series is that uncertainty in population abundance estimates can cause strong bias in both tests and estimates of strength. We analyse 627 data sets in the GPDD using Gompertz population models and account for uncertainty via the Kalman filter. Results suggest that at least 45% of the time series display density dependence, but that it is weak and difficult to detect for a large fraction. When uncertainty is ignored, magnitude of and evidence for density dependence is strong, illustrating that uncertainty in abundance estimates qualitatively changes conclusions about density dependence drawn from the GPDD.
Risk of acute renal failure in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Girman C. J. , Kou T. D. , Brodovicz K. , Alexander C. M. , O’Neill E. A. , Engel S. , Williams‐Herman D. E. , Katz L.
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 614–621 (2012)

Aims  Progressive decline in renal function has been well described in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, but few studies have assessed the risk of acute renal failure in a large population of patients with Type 2 diabetes. This study quantified the risk of acute renal failure associated with Type 2 diabetes in the General Practice Research Database from the UK.

Methods  Patients with Type 2 diabetes (n = 119 966) and patients without diabetes (n = 1 794 516) were identified in the General Practice Research Database. Patients with end‐stage renal disease were excluded. Crude incidence and multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios of acute renal failure were estimated for patients with diabetes relative to those without diabetes. Cox regression models were adjusted for a variety of comorbidities. Increase of acute renal failure risk resulting from additive effects of specific co‐morbidities with Type 2 diabetes was also assessed.

Results  Between 2003 and 2007, acute renal failure incidence was 198 per 100 000 person‐years in patients with Type 2 diabetes compared with 27 per 100 000 patients‐years among patients without diabetes (crude hazard ratio 8.0, 95% CI 7.4–8.7). Risk of acute renal failure for patients with Type 2 diabetes remained significant, but was attenuated in multivariate analyses adjusting for various comorbidities (adjusted hazard ratio 2.5, 95% CI 2.2–2.7). Age and specific comorbidities (chronic kidney disease, hypertension and congestive heart failure) were also associated with increased risk of acute renal failure in Type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions  Patients with Type 2 diabetes have increased risk for acute renal failure compared with patients without diabetes, even after adjustment for known risk factors, particularly in the elderly and those with other comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure and hypertension.
Experiences and management of breast cancer‐related lymphoedema: a comparison between South Africa and the United States of America
Authors: Wanchai A. , Stewart B.R. , Armer J.M.
Published: October 2011

WANCHAI A., STEWART B.R. & ARMER J.M. (2011) Experiences and management of breast cancer‐related lymphoedema: a comparison between South Africa and the United States of America. International Nursing Review59, 117–124

Purpose:  Approximately one third of breast cancer survivors are estimated to develop lymphoedema. This study was conducted in the midwestern region of the USA and in Western Cape, South Africa. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast lymphoedema experiences and lymphoedema managements between breast cancer survivors from the two countries.

Methods:  Using a qualitative research design, data were collected from 29 women with a history of breast cancer‐related lymphoedema (18 women from the USA and 11 women from South Africa) who consented to semi‐structured interviews.

Findings:  Six themes regarding effects of lymphoedema emerged from the study including difficulties with daily activities, unmet lymphoedema preparations, facing public curiosity, time‐consuming wrapping, trouble with fitted clothes and a reminder of breast cancer. Four themes regarding lymphoedema management included compression garments, physical activities and faith, as well as other strategies such as compression pumps or antibiotics for infection.

Conclusion:  Experiences about lymphoedema and its management for breast cancer survivors from both countries were somewhat similar and somewhat different. Collaboration between healthcare providers from both countries should be planned to develop culturally appropriate lymphoedema symptom management interventions for each country.
Factors affecting peritoneal dialysis selection in Taiwanese patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Liang C.‐H. , Yang C.‐Y. , Lu K.‐C. , Chu P. , Chen C.‐H. , Chang Y.‐S. , O'Brien A.P. , Bloomer M. , Chou K.‐R.
Published: October 2011

LIANG C.‐H., YANG C.‐Y., LU K.‐C., CHU P., CHEN C.‐H., CHANG Y.‐S., O'BRIEN A.P., BLOOMER M. & CHOU K.‐R. (2011) Factors affecting peritoneal dialysis selection in Taiwanese patients with chronic kidney disease. International Nursing Review58, 463–469

Background:  Taiwan has the highest incidence and prevalence of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the world with 55 499 ESRD patients on long‐term dialysis. Nevertheless, 90.96% of these patients are managed on maintenance haemodialysis (HD), with only 9.03% enrolled in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) programme.

Aim:  The study aim was to identify the factors affecting Taiwanese patient's selection of PD in preference to HD for chronic kidney disease.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional research design was utilized with 130 chronic renal failure (CRF) patients purposively selected from outpatient nephrology clinics at four separate Taiwan hospitals. Logistic regression was used to identify the main factors affecting the patient's choice of dialysis type.

Results:  Single‐factor logistic regression found significant differences in opinion related to age, education level, occupation type, disease characteristics, lifestyle modifications, self‐care ability, know‐how of dialysis modality, security considerations and findings related to the decisions made by medical personnel (P < 0.05). Moreover, multinomial logistic regression after adjustment for interfering variables found that self‐care ability and dialysis modality know‐how were the two main factors affecting the person's selection of dialysis type.

Conclusions:  Self‐care ability and the person's knowledge of the different types of dialysis modality and how they function were the major determinants for selection of dialysis type in Taiwan based on the results from this study. The results indicate that the education of CRF patients about the types of dialysis available is essential to enable them to understand the benefits or limitations of both types of dialysis.
The implementation of pre‐lecture resources to reduce in‐class cognitive load: A case study for higher education chemistry
Authors: Seery Michael K. , Donnelly Roisin
Published: October 2011

This case study describes an effective method to ameliorate the cognitive load caused by new terminology and concepts in lectures. Ten online pre‐lecture resources whose design was underpinned by the principles of cognitive load theory were provided to a class of 49 first year university level chemistry students. Each resource introduced a number of key concepts to the forthcoming lecture and included a quiz for students to test understandings and identify misconceptions. The evaluation of the implementation of resources was measured by considering the difference in exam marks for in‐semester test and end of module exam. These showed that the marks for students who had no prior knowledge of chemistry before coming to college significantly improved to the point that there was no difference between students with and without prior knowledge. A key outcome of this work is that providing students with resources to prepare for lectures can help in reducing their cognitive load.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Prior knowledge (eg, from school level) is a strong predictor factor for future performance (eg, at college level).

Cognitive load theory describes how the working memory has a limited capacity to process new information.

E‐resources can be designed so as to minimise the difficulty of extracting new information from the resources.

What this paper adds

Designing e‐resources to introduce some core concepts for a lecture can help students identify these in a lecture with a lot of new terminology.

These e‐resources can be easily embedded into the virtual learning environment so that students can access resources, complete quiz and receive feedback and a grade with little extra work for the lecturer.

These e‐resources can provide a basis for in‐lecture discussion between students and between lecturer and students to further discuss content using core terminology.

Implications for practice/policy

Embedding of the resources into the module design is important to attribute them value. The lecture should build on the material introduced in the e‐resource.

Feedback should be as rich as possible, correcting wrong ideas for novices to the discipline and misconceptions for those with prior knowledge.

Identifying core concepts in a structured way before each lecture and providing feedback on students' understanding of these gives students an opportunity to take control of their own learning both before and after a lecture.
Understanding depression through a ‘coming out’ framework
Authors: Ridge Damien , Ziebland Sue
Published: October 2011

Recently, Scambler and others have broadened the research agenda on stigma to include the wider meanings of stigma within society, and especially the role of identity politicse.g. gay liberation. Recognising that the categories ‘homosexual’ and ‘depression’ were socially constructed and stigmatised from the 19thand 20thcenturies respectively, we draw on themes in conceptual models of coming out as gay or lesbian to sensitise our analysis to personal experiences of depression and the specific ways in which the condition is constructed. Thirty‐eight narrative interviews with people in the UK in various stages of recovery from depression were analysed comparing themes to a ‘coming out’ framework. The applicability of coming out themes to understanding the construction of depression was evident. Themes included childhood difference; confusion; the depression closet; challenging stigma via the biology vs. nurture debate; re‐casting depression as commonplace or even fashionable; contending with a shame‐pride narrative; coming out and, finally, integrating the depression experience. By comparing ‘coming out’ themes with depression experience in detail for the first time, we illuminate how people understand depression, cope with and resist stigma, thus providing insights into the contemporary situation in Western societies for those facing depression.
SAFETY IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Authors: LINDGREN THERESE , NILSEN MARIA R.
Published: October 2011

Safety in green spaces was examined within residential areas with multi‐family housing in Swedish towns. The focus was on a specific type of space in order to identify elements important for the feeling of safety in that realm. The method used was qualitative interviews with residents and housing company staff. Housing staff and residents emphasised good lighting and low vegetation as important elements for feeling safe. Another key element raised by residents was knowing and recognising people in the area and being able to place them in appropriate contexts. Low shrubs and lighting improved the view. Visibility had a close connection to viewing other people and distinguishing between desirable and undesirable people, a classification aided by knowledge about residents in the area. The three elements lighting, cut shrubs and knowledge about neighbours are all contextualised and given meaning here in a broader understanding of how safety is experienced.
LEADER+ TERRITORIAL GOVERNANCE IN POLAND: SUCCESSES AND FAILURES AS A RATIONAL CHOICE EFFECT
Authors: FURMANKIEWICZ MAREK
Published: October 2011

The paper analyses the processes of implementing territorial governance using the example of local action groups (LAGs) supported by the LEADER+ Pilot Programme (2005–2008) in Poland. It concludes that the partnership successes and dysfunctions observed resulted from the rationality on the part of bureaucrats and local stakeholders, which may be explained in terms of second‐generation rational choice theories. The main role in the partnerships was that played by local authorities, which often sought to retain control over resources and processes. Involvement of the private sector and local inhabitants was found to be limited. However, the partnership established did lay a sound foundation for the use of the European Union structural funds, even though they did not prove effective in launching a truly participative model of the territorial governance.
EU ACCESSION MIGRATION: NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER ALLOCATIONS AND THE GEOGRAPHIES OF POLISH LABOUR IMMIGRATION TO THE UK
Authors: HARRIS CATHERINE , MORAN DOMINIQUE , BRYSON JOHN R.
Published: October 2011

This paper addresses the challenge of measuring the extent of immigration to the UK following EU Accession in 2004, and argues that the most commonly used databases (UK Census, Labour Force Survey and Worker Registration Scheme) can be supplemented by the National Insurance Number (NINo) Allocations database, and demonstrates the utility of this data for future research by outlining the geography of immigration derived from NINo. The paper makes three important contributions through the thorough analysis of a data source currently underexploited in migration studies; first that the NINo, when used as a indicator of migration per se offers some interesting insights into migration in the UK, and secondly that as a tool for comprehensively measuring the registration of migrants working legally in the UK, it offers a means of constructing a internal geography of (legal) labour migration, as the paper demonstrates. Third, the analysis also identifies self‐employment as a potentially important missing driver behind EU Accession Migration.
IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN COPING WITH AND BENEFITING FROM NEW ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Authors: ERAYDIN AYDA , ARMATLI‐KÖROĞLU BILGE , UZUN NIL
Published: October 2011

The economic restructuring and the new economic conditions that arose out of the waves of globalisation has resulted in significant impacts on the labour markets, which in turn have led to social transformation. The characteristics of the new economic structure and the changes in demand for labour are important in the dispersal of the benefits of competitiveness among the different social groups. Several issues that shape the labour markets, such as education, gender, division of labour and the social organisation of work, are important in redefining the impacts of economic restructuring on the income and well‐being of the different social groups. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of social capital in the adaptation of individuals to the conditions imposed by the recent economic changes and restructuring while also revealing other impacts of this process on the people. In order to find out to what extent social capital contributes to the challenges posed by the ongoing economic transformation and the continuing economic crisis on the people and households, an empirical work based in Izmir (Turkey) is presented in this paper.
Taken out of context: differential processing in contextual and isolated word reading
Authors: Martin‐Chang Sandra , Levesque Kyle
Published: October 2011

Three experiments are reported that investigate the cognitive processes underlying contextual and isolated word reading. In Phase 1, undergraduate participants were exposed to 75 target words under three conditions. The participants generated 25 words from definitions, read 25 words in context and read 25 in isolation. In Phase 2, volunteers completed either an explicit recall task (Experiment 1), an implicit word stem completion task (Experiment 2) or both tasks (Experiment 3). Our findings provide converging evidence that contextual and isolated word reading elicit different patterns of cognitive processing. Specifically, Experiments 1–3 demonstrated that words read in context were remembered similarly to words generated from definitions: words from both conditions were recalled more frequently in the surprise memory task and selected less often to complete the word stems in the implicit memory task. The opposite pattern was noted for words read in isolation. Reading in context is discussed in terms of its greater reliance on semantic processing, whereas isolated word reading is discussed in relation to perceptually driven processes.
Bayesian shared frailty models for regional inference about wildlife survival
Authors: Halstead B. J. , Wylie G. D. , Coates P. S. , Valcarcel P. , Casazza M. L.
Published: October 2011

Read the Commentaries on this Feature Paper: Combining information in hierarchical models improves inferences in population ecology and demographic population analyses; Bayesian shared frailty models for regional inference about wildlife survival; ‘Each site has its own survival probability, but information is borrowed across sites to tell us about survival in each site’: random effects models as means of borrowing strength in survival studies of wild vertebrates

Response from the authors: ‘Exciting statistics’: the rapid development and promising future of hierarchical models for population ecology
Magnetic resonance volumetry and spectroscopy of hippocampus and insula in relation to severe exposure of traumatic stress
Authors: Eckart Cindy , Kaufmann Jörn , Kanowski Martin , Tempelmann Claus , Hinrichs Hermann , Elbert Thomas , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Kolassa Iris‐Tatjana
Published: October 2011

Severe and chronic stress affects the hippocampus, especially during development. However, studies concerning structural alterations of the hippocampus yielded a rather inconsistent picture. Moreover, further anxiety‐relevant brain regions, such as the insula, might be implicated in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We combined magnetic resonance (MR) volumetric and spectroscopic analyses of hippocampus and insula in highly traumatized refugees without a history of alcohol/substance abuse or other comorbid diseases. No PTSD‐related difference was apparent in the volumes or neurometabolite levels of bilateral hippocampus or insula. However, an association between left hippocampal N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA) and adverse childhood experiences indicated a potential detrimental effect of the early environment on hippocampal integrity. Our results add to increasing evidence that PTSD‐related, morphological alterations in the hippocampus are a consequence of early adversity or may result from other factors, such as extensive use of alcohol.
Functional connectivity and infant spatial working memory: A frequency band analysis
Authors: Cuevas Kimberly , Raj Vinaya , Bell Martha Ann
Published: October 2011

The limited research on the functional meaning of infant EEG frequency bands has used measures of EEG power. The purpose of this study was to examine task‐related changes in frontal EEG coherence measures for three infant EEG frequency bands (2–5 Hz, 6–9 Hz, 10–13 Hz) during a spatial working memory task. Eight‐month‐olds exhibited baseline‐to‐task changes in frontal EEG coherence for all infant frequency bands. Both the 2–5 Hz and the 10–13 Hz bands differentiated frontal functional connectivity during the distinct processing stages, but each band provided unique information. The 10–13 Hz band, however, was the only frequency band to distinguish frontal EEG coherence values during correct and incorrect responses. These data reveal valuable information concerning frontal functional connectivity and the functional meaning of three different infant EEG frequency bands during working memory processing.
Self‐sampling of vaginal fluid and high‐risk human papillomavirus testing in women aged 50 years or older not attending Papanicolaou smear screening
Authors: Lindell M , Sanner K , Wikström I , Wilander E
Published: October 2011

Please cite this paper as: Lindell M, Sanner K, Wikström I, Wilander E. Self‐sampling of vaginal fluid and high‐risk human papillomavirus testing in women aged 50 years or older not attending Papanicolaou smear screening. BJOG 2012;119:245–248.

Objectives  To study the value of self‐sampling of vaginal fluid at home in combination with high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in a cohort of older women not attending Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening.

Design  Women (n = 3618), aged 50–65 years, who had not attended screening for at least 6 years were offered self‐sampling of vaginal fluid at home (study cohort). The collected material was analysed for the presence of high‐risk HPV (using Hybrid capture 2; Hc2). Women with a positive HPV test were referred for colposcopy. These results were compared with the results of Pap smear screening in a corresponding age group of women (controls). The end point of the study was identification of a histological cervical intraepithelial neoplasia stage 2 (CIN2) and above (CIN2+).

Results  In all, 39.4% (n = 1426) women participated and 4.6% (n = 66) were high‐risk HPV positive. Of the HPV‐positive women 56 chose to attend a surgery (84.8%) after a mean time of 2.1 months and ten of these women (17.9%) showed CIN2+, corresponding to 0.70% of all participating women. In the controls, who participated in organised Pap smear screening, the prevalence of CIN2+ was 0.25% (15/6048). The odds ratio for identification of CIN2+ in women aged 50 years or older performing self‐sampling and HPV test in comparison with Pap smear was: 2.84 (95% CI 1.14–6.77, P = 0.0174). In older women primary high‐risk HPV testing (Hc2) and Pap smear screening showed equal specificity of around 96%.

Conclusions  Self‐sampling of vaginal fluid in combination with high‐risk HPV testing appears to be an attractive method to improve screening coverage and decrease the prevalence of cervical cancer in women aged 50 years or older.