bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A GAL4‐based targeted activation tagging system in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Waki Takamitsu , Miyashima Shunsuke , Nakanishi Miyako , Ikeda Yoichi , Hashimoto Takashi , Nakajima Keiji
Published: October 2012

Activation tagging is a powerful tool for discovering novel genes that are not easily identified by loss‐of‐function (lof) screening due to genetic redundancy or lethality. Although the current activation tagging system, which involves a viral enhancer sequence, has been used for a decade, alternative methods that allow organ‐ or tissue‐specific activation are required to identify genes whose strong activation leads to loss of fertility or viability. Here, we established a GAL4/UAS activation‐tagging system in Arabidopsis thaliana. Host plants that express a synthetic transcription activator GAL4:VP16 (GV) in an organ‐ or tissue‐specific manner were transformed with a T‐DNA harboring tandem copies of UAS, a GAL4‐binding sequence. Using a post‐embryonic and root‐specific GV‐expressing line as the host plant, we isolated several dominant mutants with abnormal root tissue patterns, designated as uas‐tagged root patterning (urp) mutants, and identified their causal genes. Notably, most URP genes encoded putative transcription factors, indicating that the GAL4/UAS activation tagging system effectively identifies genes with regulatory functions. lof phenotypes of most URP genes were either local patterning defects or visible only if homologous genes were disrupted simultaneously or independently. Systemic overexpression of some URP genes resulted in seedling lethality. These results indicate that GAL4/UAS activation tagging is a powerful method for identifying genes with biological functions that are not readily identified by conventional screening methods.
Critically separable rational maps in families
Authors: Petsche Clayton
Published: October 2012

Given a number field K, we consider families of critically separable rational maps of degree d over K possessing a certain fixed-point and multiplier structure. With suitable notions of isomorphism and good reduction between rational maps in these families, we prove a finiteness theorem which is analogous to Shafarevich’s theorem for elliptic curves. We also define the minimal critical discriminant, a global object which can be viewed as a measure of arithmetic complexity of a rational map. We formulate a conjectural bound on the minimal critical discriminant, which is analogous to Szpiro’s conjecture for elliptic curves, and we prove that a special case of our conjecture implies Szpiro’s conjecture in the semistable case.
Kontsevich’s noncommutative numerical motives
Authors: Marcolli Matilde , Tabuada Gonçalo
Published: October 2012

In this article we prove that Kontsevich’s category NCnum(k)F of noncommutative numerical motives is equivalent to the one constructed by the authors in [Marcolli and Tabuada, Noncommutative motives, numerical equivalence, and semisimplicity, Amer. J. Math., to appear, available at arXiv:1105.2950]. As a consequence, we conclude that NCnum(k)F is abelian semi-simple as conjectured by Kontsevich.
Imaging the healing murine myocardial infarct in vivo: ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence molecular tomography
Authors: Gray Gillian A. , White Christopher I. , Thomson Adrian , Kozak Agnieszka , Moran Carmel , Jansen Maurits A.
Published: October 2012

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This short review examines how advanced imaging can be used to assess remodelling of the heart non‐invasively following myocardial infarction in murine experimental models.

What advances does it highlight?

We review recent advances in the application of high‐resolution ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), as well as positron emission tomography (PET) and single‐photon excitation computed tomography (SPECT) for assessment of processes involved in infarct healing, e.g. inflammation, as well as global structural and functional analysis.

Improved understanding of the processes involved in infarct healing is required for identification of novel therapeutic targets to limit infarct expansion and consequent long‐term ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction. Infarct healing can be modelled effectively in murine models of coronary artery ligation. While imaging the murine heart is challenging due to its size and high rate of contraction, advances in preclinical imaging now permit accurate assessment of myocardial structure and function in vivo after myocardial infarction. Furthermore, rapid development of a range of molecular probes for use in a number of imaging modalities allows more detailed in vivo analysis of processes, including inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. Here we consider the practical application of in vivo imaging by magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and fluorescence molecular tomography for assessment of infarct healing in the mouse.
Understanding the physiology of heart failure through cellular and in vivo models‐towards targeting of complex mechanisms
Authors: Lehnart Stephan E.
Published: October 2012

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Heart failure is a progressive disease syndrome that, in the early stages, involves subtle tissue and cellullar changes. This review highlights novel imaging techniques that allow quantitative investigation of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in vivo.

What advances does it highlight?

High‐content voltage imaging of the left ventricle showed significant conduction slowing in the mdx mouse model of heart failure, corresponding to selective loss of Na+ channels and dystrophin in the lateral cardiac myocyte membrane. Super‐resolution STED imaging after myocardial infarction uncovered proliferative, differential remodelling of individual T‐tubules and network properties leading to intracellular Ca2+ release heterogeneity. These techniques reveal potential mechanisms of arrhythmia susceptibility, tissue degeneration and contractile dysfunction.

Heart failure (HF) is a complex disease syndrome, which affects physiology at all levels, from the molecule to the whole organism. Following a causative insult, a maladaptive response occurs, which sustains cardiac remodelling and leads to a final common pathway of debilitating HF symptoms. In terms of mechanisms, distinct defects of excitation–contraction coupling compartments and organelles have been identified in cardiac samples of patients and animal models, which include changes in Ca2+ transport proteins and T‐tubules. From a physiological standpoint, the source of regulatory intracellular Ca2+ is defined by ∼20,000 Ca2+ release units per cardiac myocyte, which jointly modulate contractile force production. We and others have characterized key changes in protein and membrane components of Ca2+ release units during HF in patient samples and transgenic models to gain insight into complex disease mechanisms. While earlier HF studies identified intracellular Ca2+ release as a major cause of contractile dysfunction, electrical dysfunction has gained attention as an important mechanism of HF mortality. In parallel, high‐resolution imaging techniques have become instrumental to understand HF mechanisms in the intact cell and tissue environment, supporting translation of novel diagnostic strategies. Indeed, the increased spatial and temporal resolution of different experimental imaging techniques addresses the vastly different scales of HF pathophysiology, to correlate experimental with clinical surrogate markers, and to extend mechanisms to early, often subtle changes in HF. This last goal, in particular, will be essential to translate novel pathophysiological insight back to the growing number of asymptomatic individuals at increased risk for HF development, who may benefit most from early therapeutic interventions.
The identification of genetic pathways involved in vascular adaptations after physical deconditioning versus exercise training in humans
Authors: Lammers Gerwen , van Duijnhoven Noortje T. L. , Hoenderop Joost G. , Horstman Astrid M. , de Haan Arnold , Janssen Thomas W. J. , de Graaf Mark J. J. , Pardoel Elisabeth M. , Verwiel Eugène T. P. , Thijssen Dick H. J. , Hopman Maria T. E.
Published: October 2012

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim of this study is to identify genes that are involved in vascular adaptations after physical deconditioning and exercise training in humans.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Using unique human in vivo models for local deconditioning and exercise training, we demonstrate that the vascular endothelial growth factor signalling pathway, regulation through transforming growth factor β1 and extracellular matrix‐related genes are likely to be involved in vascular adaptations after physical (in)activity.

Physical inactivity and exercise training result in opposite adaptations of vascular structure. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these adaptations are not completely understood. We used a unique study design to examine both vascular characteristics of the superficial femoral artery (using ultrasound) and gene expression levels (from a muscle biopsy) in human models for physical deconditioning and exercise training. Initially, we compared able‐bodied control subjects (n = 6) with spinal cord‐injured individuals (n = 8) to assess the effects of long‐term deconditioning. Subsequently, able‐bodied control subjects underwent short‐term lower limb deconditioning using 3 weeks of unilateral limb suspension. Spinal cord‐injured individuals were examined before and after 6 weeks of functional electrical stimulation exercise training. Baseline femoral artery diameter and hyperaemic flow were lower after short‐ and long‐term deconditioning and higher after exercise training, whilst intima–media thickness/lumen ratio was increased with short‐ and long‐term deconditioning and decreased with exercise training. Regarding gene expression levels of vasculature‐related genes, we found that groups of genes including the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway, transforming growth factor β1 and extracellular matrix proteins were strongly associated with vascular adaptations in humans. This approach resulted in the identification of important genes that may be involved in vascular adaptations after physical deconditioning and exercise.
Release layer-free acrylate resins with segregation auxiliary agents for ultraviolet nanoimprinting
Authors: Ito Shunya , Yun Cheol Min , Kobayashi Kei , Nakagawa Masaru
Published: October 2012

The authors prepared ultraviolet (UV)-cured resin films with glycerin 1,3-dimethacrylate (GDM), modified by the addition of reactive fluoroalkyl acrylates. The authors then measured the decrease in the surface free energy of these materials to investigate their potential for successful demolding in UV nanoimprinting with unmodified silica molds. The fluoroalkyl acrylates of CHF2-terminus hexadecafluoro-1,1,9-trihydrononyl acrylate (16F-AC) and octafluoro-1,1,5-trihydropentyl acrylate (8F-AC) and CF3-terminus heptafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyl acrylate (17F-AC) were used. The addition of 16F-AC, with its fluorinated long alkyl chain, to GDM effectively decreased the surface free energies, in comparison with 8F-AC. The solubility of 17F-AC in GDM improved in the presence of the 16F-AC and 8F-AC. As a result, the cured resin films made with the ternary monomers of GDM, 17F-AC, and 16F-AC or 8F-AC showed low surface free energies at small fluorine atomic percentages in comparison with the cured resin films made with the binary monomers of GDM and 17F-AC, 16F-AC, or 8F-AC. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the decrease in surface free energy in the ternary monomer system can be attributed to the effective surface segregation of the fluorinated alkyl moieties because of co-assembly of the fluoroalkyl acrylates. 16F-AC and 8F-AC function as surface segregation auxiliary agents for 17F-AC. Although it was difficult to perform repeated UV nanoimprinting in air, the ternary UV-curable resin with 17F-AC resulting in a low surface energy allowed step-and-repeat UV nanoimprinting using bare silica molds in a 1,1,1,3,3-petafluoropropane atmosphere.
Density measurement of pillar structure fabricated via nanoimprinting using a poly(dimethylsiloxane) mold
Authors: Kang Yuji , Nakai Yasuki , Haruyama Yuichi , Matsui Shinji
Published: October 2012

The authors report density measurements of a pillar structure that was fabricated via nanoimprinting using a poly(dimethylsiloxane) mold. The imprinted pillars were fabricated using two types of resin, SU-8 and hydrogen silsesquioxane, and were characterized by measuring the spring constant using a scanning probe microscopy cantilever, which was manipulated with a three-axis actuator. The spring constant determined Young's modulus of the imprinted pillars. The authors measured the resonant frequency using the alternating current electrostatic force. Using the results for Young's modulus and the resonant frequency, they determined the density of the pillar structure fabricated via nanoimprinting.
Low temperature deposition of Ga2O3 thin films using trimethylgallium and oxygen plasma
Authors: Donmez Inci , Ozgit-Akgun Cagla , Biyikli Necmi
Published: October 2012

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) thin films were deposited by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) using trimethylgallium as the gallium precursor and oxygen plasma as the oxidant. A wide ALD temperature window was observed from 100 to 400 °C, where deposition rate was constant at ∼0.53 Å/cycle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy survey scans indicated the presence of gallium, oxygen, and carbon elements with concentrations of ∼36, ∼51.8, and ∼12.2 at. %, respectively. As-deposited films were amorphous; upon annealing at 900 °C under N2 atmosphere for 30 min, polycrystalline β-Ga2O3 phase with a monoclinic crystal structure was obtained. Refractive index and root mean square roughness of the annealed Ga2O3 film were higher than those of the as-deposited due to crystallization.
Study of surface cleaning methods and pyrolysis temperatures on nanostructured carbon films using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Kerber Pranita , Porter Lisa M. , McCullough Lynne A. , Kowalewski Tomasz , Engelhard Mark , Baer Donald
Published: October 2012

Nanostructured carbon (ns-C) films fabricated by stabilization and pyrolysis of diblock copolymers are of interest for a variety of electrical/electronic applications due to their chemical inertness, high-temperature insensitivity, very high surface area, and tunable electrical resistivity over a wide range [Kulkarni et al., Synth. Met. 159, 177 (2009)]. Because of their high porosity and associated high specific surface area, controlled surface cleaning studies are important for fabricating electronic devices from these films. In this study, quantification of surface composition and surface cleaning studies on ns-C films synthesized by carbonization of diblock copolymers of polyacrylonitrile-b-poly(n-butyl acrylate) at two different temperatures were carried out. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for elemental analysis and to determine the efficacy of various surface cleaning methods for ns-C films and to examine the polymer residues in the films. The in-situ surface cleaning methods included HF vapor treatment, vacuum annealing, and exposure to UV-ozone. Quantitative analysis of high-resolution XPS scans showed 11 at. % nitrogen was present in the films pyrolyzed at 600 °C, suggesting incomplete denitrogenation of the copolymer films. The nitrogen atomic concentration decreased significantly for films pyrolyzed at 900 °C confirming extensive denitrogenation at that temperature. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of nitrogen subpeaks indicated higher loss of nitrogen atoms residing at the edge of graphitic clusters relative to that of nitrogen atoms within the graphitic clusters, suggesting higher graphitization with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Of the surface cleaning methods investigated, in-situ annealing of the films at 300 °C for 40 min was found to be the most efficacious in removing adventitious carbon and oxygen impurities from the surface.
Dosimetric investigation of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using CyberKnife
Authors: Xu Qianyi , Chen Yan , Grimm Jimm , Fan Jiajin , An Lili , Xue Jinyu , Pahlajani Niraj , LaCouture Tamara
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the dosimetric feasibility of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using CyberKnife.

Methods:

Fourteen previously treated patients with early‐stage breast cancer were selected for a retrospective study. Six of these patients had been treated to 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions in a phase III accelerated partial breast trial and the rest of the patients were treated to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. In this planning study, the guidelines in the protocol for the phase III partial breast trial were followed for organ delineation and CyberKnife planning. The achievable dosimetric parameters from all CyberKnife plans were compared to Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 3D‐CRT methods. The reproducibility of the dose delivery with and without respiratory motion was assessed through delivering a patient plan to a breast phantom. Different dose calculation algorithms were also compared between ray tracing and Monte Carlo.

Results:

For all the patients in the study, the dosimetric parameters met the guidelines from the NSABP B39/RTOG 0413 protocol strictly. The mean PTV volume covered by 100% of the prescription dose was 95.7 ± 0.7% (94.7%–97.1%). The mean maximal dose was 104 ± 2% of the prescription dose. The mean V50% and mean V100% to the ipsilateral normal breast were 23.1 ± 11.6% and 9.0 ± 5.8%, respectively. The conformity index of all plans was 1.14 ± 0.04. The maximum dose to the contralateral breast varied from 1.3 cGy to 111 cGy. The mean V5% and mean V30% to the contralateral and ipsilateral lungs were 1.0 ± 1.6% and 1.3 ± 1.2%, respectively. In our study, the mean V5% to the heart was 0.2 ± 0.5% for right‐sided tumors and 9.4 ± 10.1% for left‐sided tumors. Compared with IMRT and 3D‐CRT planning, the PTV coverage from CyberKnife planning was the highest, and the ratio of V20% to V100% of the breast from CyberKnife planning was the smallest. The heart and lung doses were similar in all the techniques except that the V5% for the lung and heart in CyberKnife planning was slightly higher.

Conclusions:

The dosimetric feasibility of APBI using CyberKnife was investigated in this retrospective study. All the dosimetric parameters strictly met the guidelines from the NSABP B39/RTOG 0413 protocol. With advanced real‐time tracking capability, CyberKnife should provide better target coverage and spare nearby critical organs for APBI treatment.
Dosimetric effect of intrafraction tumor motion in phase gated lung stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Zhao Bo , Yang Yong , Li Tianfang , Li Xiang , Heron Dwight E. , Huq M. Saiful
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

A major concern for lung intensity modulated radiation therapy delivery is the deviation of actually delivered dose distribution from the planned one due to simultaneous movements of multileaf collimator (MLC) leaves and tumor. For gated lung stereotactic body radiotherapy treatment (SBRT), the situation becomes even more complicated because of SBRTˈs characteristics such as fewer fractions, smaller target volume, higher dose rate, and extended fractional treatment time. The purpose of this work is to investigate the dosimetric effect of intrafraction tumor motion during gated lung SBRT delivery by reconstructing the delivered dose distribution with real‐time tumor motion considered.

Methods:

The tumor motion data were retrieved from six lung patients. Each of them received three fractions of stereotactic radiotherapy treatments with Cyberknife Synchrony (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA). Phase gating through an external surrogate was simulated with a gating window of 5 mm. The resulting residual tumor motion curves during gating (beam‐on) were retrieved. Planning target volume (PTV) was defined as physician‐contoured clinical target volume (CTV) surrounded by an isotropic 5 mm margin. Each patient was prescribed with 60 Gy/3 fractions. The authors developed an algorithm to reconstruct the delivered dose with tumor motion. The DMLC segments, mainly leaf position and segment weighting factor, were recalculated according to the probability density function of tumor motion curve. The new DMLC sequence file was imported back to treatment planning system to reconstruct the dose distribution.

Results:

Half of the patients in the study group experienced PTV D95% deviation up to 26% for fractional dose and 14% for total dose. CTV mean dose dropped by 1% with tumor motion. Although CTV is almost covered by prescribed dose with 5 mm margin, qualitative comparison on the dose distributions reveals that CTV is on the verge of underdose. The discrepancy happens due to tumor excursion outside of the gating window, which, for our study group, is mainly caused by baseline shift, i.e., the change in general trend of the motion curve during extended period of treatment time.

Conclusions:

The dose deviation in PTV and CTV due to target motion is not always negligible in gated SBRT. Although CTVs are covered sufficiently with prescribed dose in most cases, some are on the verge of underdose due to large tumor excursion caused by factors such as baseline shift.
Microbial Community Response during the Iron Fertilization Experiment LOHAFEX
Authors: Thiele Stefan , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Ramaiah Nagappa , Amann Rudolf
Published: October 2012

Iron fertilization experiments in high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll areas are known to induce phytoplankton blooms. However, little is known about the response of the microbial community upon iron fertilization. As part of the LOHAFEX experiment in the southern Atlantic Ocean,
Bacteria
and
Archaea
were monitored within and outside an induced bloom, dominated by
Phaeocystis
-like nanoplankton, during the 38 days of the experiment. The microbial production increased 1.6-fold (thymidine uptake) and 2.1-fold (leucine uptake), while total cell numbers increased only slightly over the course of the experiment. 454 tag pyrosequencing of partial 16S rRNA genes and catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence
in situ
hybridization (CARD FISH) showed that the composition and abundance of the bacterial and archaeal community in the iron-fertilized water body were remarkably constant without development of typical bloom-related succession patterns. Members of groups usually found in phytoplankton blooms, such as
Roseobacter
and
Gammaproteobacteria
, showed no response or only a minor response to the bloom. However, sequence numbers and total cell numbers of the SAR11 and SAR86 clades increased slightly but significantly toward the end of the experiment. It seems that although microbial productivity was enhanced within the fertilized area, a succession-like response of the microbial community upon the algal bloom was averted by highly effective grazing. Only small-celled members like the SAR11 and SAR86 clades could possibly escape the grazing pressure, explaining a net increase of those clades in numbers.
Genomic and Physiological Characterization of the Chromate-Reducing, Aquifer-Derived Firmicute Pelosinus sp. Strain HCF1
Authors: Beller Harry R. , Han Ruyang , Karaoz Ulas , Lim HsiaoChien , Brodie Eoin L.
Published: October 2012

Pelosinus
spp. are fermentative firmicutes that were recently reported to be prominent members of microbial communities at contaminated subsurface sites in multiple locations. Here we report metabolic characteristics and their putative genetic basis in
Pelosinus
sp. strain HCF1, an isolate that predominated anaerobic, Cr(VI)-reducing columns constructed with aquifer sediment. Strain HCF1 ferments lactate to propionate and acetate (the methylmalonyl-coenzyme A [CoA] pathway was identified in the genome), and its genome encodes two [NiFe]- and four [FeFe]-hydrogenases for H
2
cycling. The reduction of Cr(VI) and Fe(III) may be catalyzed by a flavoprotein with 42 to 51% sequence identity to both ChrR and FerB. This bacterium has unexpected capabilities and gene content associated with reduction of nitrogen oxides, including dissimilatory reduction of nitrate to ammonium (two copies of NrfH and NrfA were identified along with NarGHI) and a nitric oxide reductase (NorCB). In this strain, either H
2
or lactate can act as a sole electron donor for nitrate, Cr(VI), and Fe(III) reduction. Transcriptional studies demonstrated differential expression of hydrogenases and nitrate and nitrite reductases. Overall, the unexpected metabolic capabilities and gene content reported here broaden our perspective on what biogeochemical and ecological roles this species might play as a prominent member of microbial communities in subsurface environments.
Enzymatic Characterization of AMP Phosphorylase and Ribose-1,5-Bisphosphate Isomerase Functioning in an Archaeal AMP Metabolic Pathway
Authors: Aono Riku , Sato Takaaki , Yano Ayumu , Yoshida Shosuke , Nishitani Yuichi , Miki Kunio , Imanaka Tadayuki , Atomi Haruyuki
Published: October 2012

AMP phosphorylase (AMPpase), ribose-1,5-bisphosphate (R15P) isomerase, and type III ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) have been proposed to constitute a novel pathway involved in AMP metabolism in the
Archaea
. Here we performed a biochemical examination of AMPpase and R15P isomerase from
Thermococcus kodakarensis
. R15P isomerase was specific for the α-anomer of R15P and did not recognize other sugar compounds. We observed that activity was extremely low with the substrate R15P alone but was dramatically activated in the presence of AMP. Using AMP-activated R15P isomerase, we reevaluated the substrate specificity of AMPpase. AMPpase exhibited phosphorylase activity toward CMP and UMP in addition to AMP. The [S]-
v
plot (plot of velocity versus substrate concentration) of the enzyme toward AMP was sigmoidal, with an increase in activity observed at concentrations higher than approximately 3 mM. The behavior of the two enzymes toward AMP indicates that the pathway is intrinsically designed to prevent excess degradation of intracellular AMP. We further examined the formation of 3-phosphoglycerate from AMP, CMP, and UMP in
T. kodakarensis
cell extracts. 3-Phosphoglycerate generation was observed from AMP alone, and from CMP or UMP in the presence of dAMP, which also activates R15P isomerase. 3-Phosphoglycerate was not formed when 2-carboxyarabinitol 1,5-bisphosphate, a Rubisco inhibitor, was added. The results strongly suggest that these enzymes are actually involved in the conversion of nucleoside monophosphates to 3-phosphoglycerate in
T. kodakarensis
.
Jumper's knee paradox—jumping ability is a risk factor for developing jumper's knee: a 5-year prospective study
Authors: Visnes Håvard , Aandahl Hans Åge , Bahr Roald
Published: October 2012

Background

The ‘jumper's knee paradox’, where symptomatic athletes appear to perform better in a counter movement jump (CMJ) compared to asymptomatic controls in previous case–control studies is not fully understood.

Aim

The aim was to examine the relationship between jumping ability and change of jumping ability as potential risk factors for developing jumper's knee.

Methods

A 5-year prospective cohort study among elite volleyball players, aged 16–18. Jump tests were done on a portable force plate at the time of inclusion and semiannually. Jumper's knee was diagnosed based on a standardised clinical examination.

Results

All 150 students (68 males and 82 females) were included and 28 developed jumper's knee (22 males and 6 females). At the time of inclusion, male athletes who went on to develop jumper's knee had significantly better results in CMJ (38.0±5.8 cm) compared to asymptomatic males (34.6±5.5 cm, p=0.03), while no difference was detected in standing jump (SJ: jumper's knee: 30.3±7.4 cm, asymptomatic: 28.1±6.1 cm, p=0.23). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis corrected for gender and previous volleyball training, the OR was 2.09 (1.03–4.25) per cm difference in CMJ at the time of inclusion. Our results did not reveal any significant differences in the change in jumping ability between the groups, although both groups improved their jump performance.

Conclusions

Volleyball players with a natural ability for jumping high are at an increased risk for developing jumper's knee.
Comparative outcomes of manual small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification performed by ophthalmology trainees in a tertiary eye care hospital in India: a retrospective cohort design
Authors: Khanna Rohit C , Kaza Srivalli , Palamaner Subash Shantha Ghanshyam , Sangwan Virender S
Published: October 2012

Objective

To compare the outcomes of manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) and phacoemulsification performed by ophthalmology trainees.

Design

Retrospective cohort design.

Setting

Tertiary eye care centre.

Participants

A total of 1029 subjects underwent cataract surgeries with MSICS technique or phacoemulsification by trainees during one quarter (July–September 2007). Only 484 (47%) subjects were males. Surgeries which were primarily large incision extracapsular or intracapsular cataract extraction and performed on patients less than 20 years of age were excluded.

Outcome measures

The postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) along with the rates and types of complications were compared between both the groups.

Results

A total of 1029 surgeries were performed by 22 resident surgeons. In all, 522 (50.7%) were done using MSICS technique and 507 (49.2%) were done by phacoemulsification. Those in the MSICS group were significantly older (age >70 years; 5.7% vs 3.4%; p<0.001) and had worse preoperative visual acuity (visual acuity <6/60; 69.3% vs 40.4%; p<0.001). Postoperatively, the number of patients having BCVA≥6/12 was similar in both the groups (84.3% vs 88%; p=0.09). The complication rates were higher in MSICS group (15.1% vs 7.1%, p<0.001). Most common risk factor for poor outcome (postoperative BCVA<6/60) in both the groups was presence of associated ocular pathologies (OR 7.4 95% CI 3.4 to 16.4) and having a complications (OR 5.7 95% CI 3.0 to 10.8).

Conclusions

Although the complication rate was higher in the MSICS group, there was no difference in BCVA in both the groups.
Observational study on Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy: clinical features, diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up
Authors: Cacciotti Luca , Passaseo Ilaria , Marazzi Giuseppe , Camastra Giovanni , Campolongo Giuseppe , Beni Sergio , Lupparelli Fabrizio , Ansalone Gerardo
Published: October 2012

Objectives

The present study attempts to identify appropriate elements that may contribute to clarify the broad clinical features (diagnosis, care, complication and prognosis) of Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy for improving its management.

Design study

Observational study.

Setting

Primary level of care referred to the emergency department of Vannini Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Participants

The study population consisted of 75 patients, 72 of the them were women and 3 were men with a mean age of 71.9±9.6 years.

Methods

From February 2004 to November 2010, prospectively included 84 consecutive patients diagnosed for suspected Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy. To be eligible, patients had to meet all the Mayo clinic criteria in the absence of neurological trauma or intracranial haemorrhage. Moreover, those patients that at follow-up still presented alteration of acute phase at ECG and echocardiogram were excluded. Thus, 75 patients comprised the study population. To follow-up 19 patients were lost.

Results

None of 75 patients died in acute phase. All patients were promptly discharged (8.4±4.4 days), since they recovered their normal functional status without symptoms. Follow-up information was available for 56 patients. At a mean follow-up time of 2.2±2 years (range, 0.1–6.8 years) two octogenarian patients (2.6%) died because of sudden cardiac death and pulmonary embolism, respectively. The Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy recurred in one patient.

Conclusions

The results of this study support the previous reports about the good prognosis, also in critically ill patients, of Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy. Further assessment will be needed to determine a careful and sustained follow-up for choosing the best care and foreseeing the recurrences of this emerging condition.
Urban city transportation mode and respiratory health effect of air pollution: a cross-sectional study among transit and non-transit workers in Nigeria
Authors: Ekpenyong Chris E , Ettebong E O , Akpan E E , Samson T K , Daniel Nyebuk E
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To assess the respiratory health effect of city ambient air pollutants on transit and non-transit workers and compare such effects by transportation mode, occupational exposure and sociodemographic characteristics of participants.

Design

Cross-sectional, randomised survey.

Setting

A two primary healthcare centre survey in 2009/2010 in Uyo metropolis, South-South Nigeria.

Participants

Of the 245 male participants recruited, 168 (50 taxi drivers, 60 motorcyclists and 58 civil servants) met the inclusion criteria. These include age 18–35 years, a male transit worker or civil servant who had worked within Uyo metropolis for at least a year prior to the study, and had no history of respiratory disorders/impairment or any other debilitating illness.

Main outcome measure

The adjusted ORs for respiratory function impairment (force vital capacity (FVC) and/or FEV1<80% predicted or FEV1/FVC<70% predicted) using Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases (GOLD) and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) criteria were calculated. In order to investigate specific occupation-dependent respiratory function impairment, a comparison was made between the ORs for respiratory impairment in the three occupations. Adjustments were made for some demographic variables such as age, BMI, area of residence, etc.

Results

Exposure to ambient air pollution by occupation and transportation mode was independently associated with respiratory functions impairment and incident respiratory symptoms among participants. Motorcyclists had the highest effect, with adjusted OR 3.10, 95% CI 0.402 to 16.207 for FVC<80% predicted and OR 1.71, 95% CI 0.61 to 4.76 for FEV1/FVC<70% predicted using GOLD and NICE criteria. In addition, uneducated, currently smoking transit workers who had worked for more than 1 year, with three trips per day and more than 1 h transit time per trip were significantly associated with higher odds for respiratory function impairment at p<0.001, respectively.

Conclusions

Findings of this study lend weights to the existing literature on the adverse respiratory health effect of ambient air pollution on city transit workers globally. The role of other confounders acting synergistically to cause a more deleterious effect is obvious. In all, the effect depends on the mode and duration of exposure.
A multimethod research investigation of consumer involvement in Australian health service accreditation programmes: the ACCREDIT-SCI study protocol
Authors: Greenfield David , Hinchcliff Reece , Moldovan Max , Mumford Virginia , Pawsey Marjorie , Irene Westbrook Johanna , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Health service accreditation programmes are a regulatory mechanism adopted to drive improvements inpatient safety and quality. Research investigating the benefits or limitations, of consumer involvement in accreditation programmes is negligible. To develop our knowledge in this area the ACCREDIT collaboration (Accreditation Collaborative for the Conduct of Research, Evaluation and Designated Investigations through Teamwork) has developed a research plan, known as the ACCREDIT-SCI (Standards of Consumer Involvement) study protocol. Two complementary studies have been designed: one, to examine the effectiveness of a standard for consumer participation and two, to explore how patient experiences vary across a range of settings with differing accreditation results.

Methods and design

The research setting is the Australian healthcare system, and the two studies focus on three accreditation programmes in the primary, acute and aged care domains. The studies will use multimethods: document analysis; interviews and surveys. Participants will be stakeholders across the three domains including: policy officers; frontline healthcare professionals; accreditation agency personnel, including surveyors and healthcare consumers. Drawing on previous experience, the research team has developed purpose-designed tools. Data will be analysed using thematic, narrative and statistical (descriptive and inferential) procedures.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee has approved the two studies (HREC 10274). Findings will be disseminated through seminars, conference presentations, academic publications and research partner websites. The findings will be formulated to facilitate uptake by policy and accreditation agency professionals, researchers and academics, and consumers, nationally and internationally.
The age of uncertainty: retirement and the Equality Act
Authors: Openshaw Nicholas , Boyle Anne‐Marie
Published: October 2012

In this article, Nicholas Openshaw and Anne‐Marie Boyle unravel the changing landscape of retirement legislation, and how it can affect the decisions of all practice members. Covering recent changes to legislation, considerations for both partnerships and company practices, and the issues surrounding age discrimination, they offer strategies and tips for establishing a retirement policy in your practice.
Realigning business planning in challenging times
Authors: Moran Mark
Published: October 2012

Despite the recession, many businesses, including veterinary surgeries, are still thriving. Mark Moran describes how identifying different client groups, responding to their needs and redefining products and services can help strengthen a practice when working in a more competitive economic climate.
It matters what you measure: a systematic literature review examining whether young people in poorer socioeconomic circumstances are more at risk of chlamydia
Authors: Sheringham Jessica , Mann Sue , Simms Ian , Stafford Mai , Hart Graham J , Raine Rosalind
Published: October 2012

Background

England has invested in chlamydia screening interventions for young people. It is not known whether young people in poorer socioeconomic circumstances (SEC) are at greater risk of chlamydia and therefore in greater need of screening.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review examining socioeconomic variations in chlamydia prevalence or positivity in young people.

Data sources

Eight bibliographic databases using terms related to chlamydia and SEC, supplemented by website and reference searches.

Eligibility

Studies published 1999–2011 in North America, Western Europe, Australia or New Zealand, including populations aged 15–24 years, with chlamydia prevalence or positivity diagnosed by nucleic acid amplification testing.

Appraisal and synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened references, extracted data, appraised studies meeting inclusion criteria and rated studies as high, medium or low according to their quality and relevance. Socioeconomic variations in chlamydia were synthesised for medium/high-rated studies only.

Results

No high-rated studies were identified. Eight medium-rated studies reported variations in chlamydia prevalence by SEC. In 6/8 studies, prevalence was higher in people of poorer SEC. Associations were more often significant when measured by education than when using other indicators. All studies measuring positivity were rated low. Across all studies, methodological limitations in SEC measurement were identified.

Conclusions

The current literature is limited in its capacity to describe associations between SEC and chlamydia risk. The choice of SEC measure may explain why some studies find higher chlamydia prevalence in young people in disadvantaged circumstances while others do not. Studies using appropriate SEC indicators (eg, education) are needed to inform decisions about targeting chlamydia screening.
Incorporating spatial and seasonal dimensions in a stock reduction analysis for lower Fraser River white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
Authors: Whitlock Rebecca E. , McAllister Murdoch K.
Published: October 2012

We applied a spatially and seasonally structured stock reduction analysis (SRA) model to white sturgeon ( Acipenser transmontanus ) in the lower Fraser River, British Columbia, to estimate trends in abundance since the 1800s and evaluate the current status of the population. We used a sequential Bayesian state–space estimation approach to incorporate prior information from other analyses and evaluate the updating of prior knowledge within the SRA model. The estimated ratio of the abundance of spawning fish in 2004 to relative to unfished conditions was slightly higher than estimates from other studies; on average, 27% of the posterior probability was associated with a 2004 spawning stock abundance of 50% or less of the unfished abundance. Estimates of the current abundance of fish vulnerable to the lower Fraser River recreational fishery were higher than those obtained in other recent SRAs that ignored spatial structure. We also performed the analysis using a spatially aggregated version of the SRA model and obtained lower estimates of unfished biomass and depletion and higher estimates of fishing mortality rates compared with the spatially structured model. We evaluated two structural hypotheses about age-specific vulnerabilities in the historical commercial fishery; assumed vulnerabilities had a marked impact on estimated fishing mortality rates.
Human shoreline development and the nutrient stoichiometry of aquatic plant communities in Canadian Shield lakes
Authors: Frost Paul C. , Hicks Andrea L.
Published: October 2012

Human activities associated with residential development potentially alter ecological processes in lake littoral zones. We determined how the nutrient stoichiometry of aquatic plant communities relates to residential density around lakes of south-central Ontario. We calculated the elemental composition of entire plant communities from multiple sites in 12 lakes using measurements of individual plant C:N:P ratios and their areal biomass. We found considerable variability in the C:N:P ratios of whole aquatic plant communities among sites and lakes, which was not accounted for by intraspecific variability in the elemental composition of aquatic plants. Instead, differences in community-level C:N:P ratios primarily resulted from high interspecific variability in the elemental composition among dominant plant taxa and variable taxonomic composition of sampled plant communities. Plant community composition differed among lakes with and without shoreline residences, and we found lower C:N and C:P ratios in communities from littoral zones in human-developed lakes. Our results thus demonstrate a link between the elemental and taxonomic composition of aquatic plant communities, which may mediate biogeochemical responses of littoral zones to development of lake shorelines.
Comparison of growth physiology, morphology, and smolt indicators in juvenile Lake Superior brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) strains in reference to life history variation
Authors: Serfas Carla A.V. , Varian Anna , Holman Rachel , Watch Lindsey M. , Karner Jesse , Leonard Jill B.K.
Published: October 2012

Lake Superior supports fluvial, adfluvial, and lacustrine populations of brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ). Adfluvial and lacustrine populations (termed coasters) are known for their large size and are coveted by anglers; however, little is known about their migratory habits or physiology. This study examined physiology and morphology of age 1+ lacustrine, adfluvial, and fluvial strains of brook trout in a laboratory setting. All strains in the study grew; however, there were no differences in growth rate, condition, relative mass, morphology, white muscle metabolic enzymes, or gill Na+,K+-ATPase that clearly associated with putative life history strategy. Both thyroxine and triiodothyronine varied over the study period, and the fluvial (resident) strain consistently showed lower thyroid hormone levels than the three coaster strains. We conclude that the populations compared differed at the strain level, but do not show physiological or morphological variability that clearly associates with life history strategy; the exception was that populations demonstrating the coaster phenotype had increased concentrations of plasma thyroid hormones, which may be linked to growth potential or other coaster-related characteristics such as migration.
Predicting the risk of proliferation of the benthic cyanobacteriumLyngbya wolleiin the St. Lawrence River
Authors: Lévesque David , Cattaneo Antonella , Hudon Christiane , Gagnon Pierre
Published: October 2012

Lyngbya wollei is a toxin-producing cyanobacterium, forming mats of filaments that proliferate in rivers, lakes, and springs in North America. We determined its distribution over a 250 km stretch of the St. Lawrence River (SLR; Quebec, Canada) to elaborate predictive models of its presence and biomass based on chemical and physical characteristics. A 2008 survey revealed L. wollei was generally found downstream of the inflow of small tributaries draining farmlands. As enriched waters flowed slowly through dense submerged vegetation, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration dropped but dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) remained high, leading to a low DIN:TDP ratio. Models identified DOC (positive effect), TP (negative effect), and DIN:TDP (negative effect) as the most important variables explaining L. wollei distribution. The risk of L. wollei occurrence in the SLR was correctly forecasted in 72%–92% of all cases with an independent data set. Proliferation of L. wollei, a potentially heterotrophic, diazotrophic cyanobacterium, is favoured by organic enrichment and imbalance of DIN:TDP ratio. Its dominance coincided with low macrophyte biomass, yielding a simplified, less productive ecosystem.
Temporal genetic variation as revealed by a microsatellite analysis of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) archived samples
Authors: Ruggeri Paolo , Splendiani Andrea , Bonanomi Sara , Arneri Enrico , Cingolani Nando , Santojanni Alberto , Belardinelli Andrea , Giovannotti Massimo , Caputo Vincenzo
Published: October 2012

The Adriatic stock of European sardine ( Sardina pilchardus ) has experienced large interannual demographic fluctuations over the last 30 years, with a severe decline beginning in 1991 and continuing until 1997. In the present study, six microsatellite loci were used on a time series collection of otoliths and scales from sampling locations of northern (Chioggia) and southern (Vieste) Adriatic Sea, with the aim to investigate the genetic effects of these stock biomass fluctuations. The northern samples showed significant reduction in observed heterozygosity (HO) and mean number of alleles (Na) that explain the genetic diversity variation, while the same parameters turned out to be more stable in the southern samples. In addition, we detected the presence of a genetic bottleneck and low effective population size (Ne) values in several northern samples. Even if the northern and southern Adriatic sardine samples belong to the same genetic stock, the more pronounced decrease in genetic variability recorded in the northern sample led us to speculate that a more intensive fishing pressure and a more pronounced oceanographic isolation of this area could have accentuated the effects of the genetic bottleneck.