bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staff Knowledge of the Side Effects of Anti‐Psychotic Medication
Authors: Fretwell Christine , Felce David
Published: October 2007

Background  Anti‐psychotic medications are widely prescribed to people with intellectual disabilities and have a range of negative side effects. The aim was to identify the level of knowledge of anti‐psychotic medications and their side effects among key carers or home managers of adults with intellectual disabilities living in residential group homes who are prescribed such medication.

Method  The sample was 25 of the 30 adults on the caseloads of community nurses in one community learning disability team who lived in residential services and who were prescribed anti‐psychotic medication. Key carers (n = 22) or home managers (n = 3) were interviewed about their knowledge of these medications and their side effects, the source of their knowledge and their needs for training.

Results  Knowledge of potential side effects was somewhat limited. Only two were identified by the majority of respondents. Most respondents felt insufficiently informed and in need of further training.

Conclusions  There is a role for an informed professional, such as a community nurse, to ensure that carers receive good, verbal and written information about such medications and their side effects at the time of prescription.
Cost of Hospital Care for Older Adults with Heart Failure: Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Nursing Costs
Authors: Titler Marita G. , Jensen Gwenneth A. , Dochterman Joanne McCloskey , Xie Xian‐Jin , Kanak Mary , Reed David , Shever Leah L.
Published: October 2007

Objective. To determine the impact of patient characteristics, clinical conditions, hospital unit characteristics, and health care interventions on hospital cost of patients with heart failure.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Data for this study were part of a larger study that used electronic clinical data repositories from an 843‐bed, academic medical center in the Midwest.

Study Design. This retrospective, exploratory study used existing administrative and clinical data from 1,435 hospitalizations of 1,075 patients 60 years of age or older. A cost model was tested using generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Electronic databases used in this study were the medical record abstract, the financial data repository, the pharmacy repository; and the Nursing Information System repository. Data repositories were merged at the patient level into a relational database and housed on an SQL server.

Principal Findings. The model accounted for 88 percent of the variability in hospital costs for heart failure patients 60 years of age and older. The majority of variables that were associated with hospital cost were provider interventions. Each medical procedure increased cost by $623, each unique medication increased cost by $179, and the addition of each nursing intervention increased cost by $289. One medication and several nursing interventions were associated with lower cost. Nurse staffing below the average and residing on 2–4 units increased hospital cost.

Conclusions. The model and data analysis techniques used here provide an innovative and useful methodology to describe and quantify significant health care processes and their impact on cost per hospitalization. The findings indicate the importance of conducting research using existing clinical data in health care.
Parental Mental and Pain‐Related Health and Pediatric Ambulatory Care Sensitive Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations
Authors: Logan Joseph E. , Riley Anne W. , Barker Lawrence E.
Published: October 2007

Objective. To investigate the types of parental psychiatric and pain‐related (PR) conditions that are associated with inadequate management of children's health and medical needs.

Data Sources. The 1997–1998 Thomson/Medstat MarketScan® claims and administrative dataset.

Study Design. A cross‐sectional study that assessed the associations between parents' claims for psychiatric and PR conditions, and their children's well‐child care as well as emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for conditions that can be treated effectively in outpatient settings (ambulatory care sensitive [ACS] conditions).

Data Extraction Methods. Claims were extracted for 258,313 children of ages 0–17 years and their parents, who had insurance coverage for a full 2‐year period.

Principle Findings. Multiple parental psychiatric and PR diagnoses were associated with child ACS emergency services/hospitalizations. Maternal depression was negatively associated with a child having the recommended well‐child visits (odds ratio [OR]: 0.92, 95 percent confidence intervals [CI]: 0.84–0.99). The combined diagnoses of maternal depression and back pain was positively associated with a child having an ACS‐ED visit (OR: 1.64, 95 percent CI: 1.33–2.03) and a child having an ACS hospitalization (OR: 2.04, 95 percent CI: 1.34–3.09).

Conclusions. Pediatricians' ability to manage child health may be enhanced with coordinated management of parental psychopathology and PR health conditions.
Secondary pigmented macular pucker on optical coherence tomography
Authors: Meyer Carsten H. , Mennel Stefan , Schmidt Jörg C. , Kroll Peter
Published: October 2007

Purpose:  To describe the clinical features, retinal architecture and tomographic configuration of a pigmented epiretinal membrane on optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods:  A 52‐year‐old man presented during a routine examination with an asymptomatic, darkly pigmented, pre‐retinal epiretinal membrane in his right eye. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on Snellen charts was 20/25 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left. The patient complained of no visual symptoms or metamorphopsia.

Results:  In the fundus periphery there was a small, old, well pigmented retinal hole with pigmentation in its immediate vicinity, without signs of vitreal traction, which required no treatment. The foveal indentation was not apparent on OCT and a well demarcated hyperreflective band defined the pigmented epiretinal membranes (ERMs). Sequential fundus examination over a 2‐year period demonstrated no functional or anatomical deterioration attributable to the disease.

Conclusions:  Pigmented ERM may have different cellular origins depending on the underlying pathology. Patients with pigmented ERM and full VA should be followed by sequential OCT.
The validity of rating patch test reactions based on digital images
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Becker Detlef , Schnuch Axel , Gefeller Olaf , Frosch Peter J.
Published: October 2007

Background:  The proper reading of patch test (PT) reactions, based on morphological criteria, is of utmost importance. Digital images are increasingly used for medical training.

Objectives:  To assess the diagnostic validity of readings of 20 digital images of various PT reaction grades by congress attendants.

Methods:  122 volunteers took a PT quiz offered during the 8th ESCD meeting, September 2006, Berlin. No information on the respective allergen was given, nor the gold standard grading determined by an European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group (EECDRG) expert panel was disclosed while the quiz was open.

Results:  Overall, 63.5% of all ratings agreed ‘exactly’ with the gold standard, and 87.8% ‘grossly’, that is, with regard to the distinction between non‐positive [doubtful or irritant (IR)] and positive (+, ++, and +++) reactions. Most images prompted a fair proportion of correct classifications. The distinction between doubtful and + and between +++, and strong bullous IR reactions proved partly difficult, probably because of blinding of the test substance. The least experienced in particular tended to misclassify IR reactions.

Conclusions:  The rating of digital images of PT reactions represents just 1 particular, isolated aspect of PT evaluation. Results were largely valid. Thus, the method could be used for continuing medical education, and for standardization in multicentre networks.
Methacrylate and acrylate allergy in dental personnel
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Alanko Kristiina , Kuuliala Outi , Jolanki Riitta
Published: October 2007

Background:  Methacrylates are important allergens in dentistry.

Objective:  The study aimed to analyse patch test reactivity to 36 acrylic monomers in dental personnel in relation to exposure.

Methods:  We reviewed the test files at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health from 1994 to 2006 for allergic reactions to acrylic monomers in dental personnel and analysed the clinical records of the sensitized patients.

Results:  32 patients had allergic reactions to acrylic monomers: 15 dental nurses, 9 dentists, and 8 dental technicians. The dentists and dental nurses were most commonly exposed to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA), triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TREGDMA), and 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl]propane (bis‐GMA). 8 dentists and 12 dental nurses were allergic to 2‐HEMA. The remaining dentist was positive to bis‐GMA and other epoxy acrylates. The remaining 3 dental nurses reacted to diethyleneglycol diacrylate (DEGDA) or triethyleneglycol diacrylate (TREGDA), but not to monofunctional and multifunctional methacrylates. Our dental technicians were mainly exposed and sensitized to methyl methacrylate (MMA) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). 1 technician reacted only to 2‐HEMA, and another to ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and ethyl acrylate (EA).

Conclusions:  2‐HEMA was the most important allergen in dentists and dental nurses, and MMA and EGDMA in dental technicians. Reactions to bis‐GMA, DEGDA, TREGDA, EMA and EA were relevant in some patients.
Positron Emission Tomography‐Computerized Tomography in the Management of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Bolek Luke , Graham Michael M.
Published: October 2007

PET/CT plays an important role in the evaluation and follow up of patients with various head and neck neoplasms.

The role of PET/CT in the management of a wide variety of head and neck cancers varies based on the TNM tumour stage. Futhermore, because there is a large overlap between tumour and physiologic FDG uptake, interpretation of malignancies in the head and neck on PET/CT can be confusing/unclear.

Thus, it is essential to have knowledge of the patient's prior history, including relevant surgical procedures as well as prior chemo and radiation treatment for proper interpretation of head and neck malignancies.

This article examines how FDG PET/CT is utilized in squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharyax and larynx.
The Value of Imaging Methods with Emphasis on PET/CT in Head and Neck Tumours: a Comparison between a Novel Diagnostic Regime Using 18F‐FDG PET and Conventional Techniques – Own Results and Literature Review
Authors: Kresnik E. , Mikosch P. , Gallowitsch H. J. , Kohlfürst S. , Lind P.
Published: October 2007

Head and neck cancers are rising in incidence. In the diagnosis of malignant head and neck cancer, conventional morphological imaging methods, i.e. ultrasonography, radiography, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) play a routine role besides clinical investigation. Despite these diverse techniques, the primary tumour often cannot be found. Furthermore, for staging purposes as well as for the detection of tumour recurrence after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, morphological examination techniques such as CT and MR are of limited accuracy. Due to promising results in the literature, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography has been playing an increasing role in the assessment of malignant head and neck cancer. The authors present a literature review as well as their own data in comparison to conventional imaging methods.
B 221, a medical food containing antisecretory factor reduces child diarrhoea: a placebo controlled trial
Authors: Zaman Shakila , Mannan Javaria , Lange Stefan , Lönnroth Ivar , Hanson Lars‐Åke
Published: October 2007

Aim: We investigated whether egg yolk in the form of B221 (Salovum), a medical food containing antisecretory factor (AF) might be used for treatment of acute and prolonged diarrhoea.

Methods: 240 children 6–24 months of age, half with acute diarrhoea (<7 days) and half with prolonged diarrhoea (≥7 days) were randomly given 2 g of B221 or placebo every 5 h for 3 days, added to an oral rehydration salt solution.

Results: B221 reduced the number of stools in the acute diarrhoea group compared with placebo (day 3, p = 0.0054). Stools normalizing in consistency (day 3, p = 0.053) and recovery within 3 days was commoner in the B221 group (p < 0.001). A successful outcome was recorded in 82.8% in the B221 group, compared to 54.4% in the placebo group. In the group with prolonged diarrhoea the stool consistency normalized earlier in the patients receiving B221 than in the patients receiving placebo (p = 0.008). A successful outcome was obtained in 90.9% and 63.2%, (p = 0.0011) in the B221 and placebo‐treated groups respectively.

Conclusion: B221, which is a medical food, can be used to significantly improve the condition of children with acute, as well as prolonged diarrhoea caused by a broad range of undefined pathogens.
Body mass index reference values (mean and SD) for Japanese children
Authors: Inokuchi Mikako , Matsuo Nobutake , Anzo Makoto , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to derive the mean and ±1, 2 and 2.5 SD body mass index (BMI) reference ranges as a supplement to the BMI centile reference values published previously for the same group of Japanese children. It is based on 14 012 boys and 13 781 girls of 1.5–18.5 years of age as studied in 1978–1981. The LMS method was utilized for the study.

Conclusions: The BMI‐SD reference values and charts presented have appropriately reflected the age‐dependent skewed distribution of BMI values, and could be a useful tool in growth and nutritional evaluation of Japanese children.
Breastfeeding promotion in neonatal intensive care unit: impact of a new program toward a BFHI for high‐risk infants
Authors: Dall'Oglio Immacolata , Salvatori Guglielmo , Bonci Enea , Nantini Barbara , D'Agostino G. , Dotta A.
Published: October 2007

Aim: The study evaluates a breastfeeding promotion program in an Italian neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a period of time.

Methods: Clinical data of the newborns admitted in the NICU of the Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital in Rome in 2002 were gathered (78; program implemented) and were compared to similar data collected in 1998 (76; prior to the program) and in 2000 (50; program activated). Breastfeeding management during hospitalization and infant feeding after discharge were examined through maternal interviews.

Results: The general features of the newborns and their parents were comparable. In 2002, the rate of exclusively breastfeeding (at breast and/or expressed mother's milk) the first day at home was 51.2% and 64% in 2000 versus 21.2% in 1998 (p < 0.001). In the subset of newborns <1500 g (VLBWI), the exclusively breastfeeding rate improvement was even more striking after program activation: 55.5% (2002) and 64.3% (2000) versus 4.5% (1998; p < 0.001). The impact of several recognized risk factors (medical condition of the infants, length of hospitalization, distance from maternal residence, type of delivery) on exclusively breastfeeding rate was significantly reduced after the program was implemented, except for higher maternal age.

Conclusions: The implementation of a breastfeeding promotion program in NICU has a markedly positive effect on exclusive breastfeeding rate early after discharge. Further studies are necessary in order to adapt the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) approach to the NICU setting, taking into account the characteristics of such high‐risk infants.
Stomatal Density and Bio‐water Saving
Authors: Wang Yao , Chen Xi , Xiang Cheng‐Bin
Published: October 2007

Bio‐water saving is to increase water use efficiency of crops or crop yield per unit of water input. Plant water use efficiency is determined by photosynthesis and transpiration, for both of which stomata are crucial. Stomata are pores on leaf epidermis for both water and carbon dioxide fluxes that are controlled by two major factors: stomatal behavior and density. Stomatal behavior has been the focus of intensive research, while less attention has been paid to stomatal density. Recently, a number of genes controlling stomatal development have been identified. This review summarizes the recent progress on the genes regulating stomatal density, and discusses the role of stomatal density in plant water use efficiency and the possibility to increase plant water use efficiency, hence bio‐water saving by genetically manipulating stomatal density.
Much Improved Irrigation Use Efficiency in an Intensive Wheat‐Maize Double Cropping System in the North China Plain
Authors: Fang Quanxiao , Chen Yuhai , Yu Qiang , Ouyang Zhu , Li Quanqi , Yu Shunzhang
Published: October 2007

Crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in a wheat‐maize double cropping system are influenced by short and uneven rainfalls in the North China Plain (NCP). A 2‐year experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of irrigation on soil water balance, crop yield and WUE to improve irrigation use efficiency in the cropping system. Soil water depletion (ΔSWS) by crop generally decreased with the increase of irrigation and rainfall, while ΔSWS for the whole rotation was relatively stable among these irrigation treatments. High irrigations in wheat season increased initial soil moisture and ΔSWS for subsequent maize especially in the drought season. Initial soil water influenced mainly by the irrigation and rainfall in the previous crop season, is essential to high yield in such cropping systems. Grain yield decreased prior to evapotranspiration (ET) when ET reached about 300 mm for wheat, while maize showed various WUEs with similar seasonal ET. For whole rotation, WUE declined when ET exceeded about 650 mm. These results indicate great potential for improving irrigation use efficiency in such wheat‐maize cropping system in the NCP. Based on the present results, reasonable irrigation schedules according to different annual rainfall conditions are presented for such a cropping system.
Screening for Drought Resistance of Rice Recombinant Inbred Populations in the Field
Authors: Zou Gui‐Hua , Liu Hong‐Yan , Mei Han‐Wei , Liu Guo‐Lan , Yu Xin‐Qiao , Li Ming‐Sou , Wu Jing‐Hong , Chen Liang , Luo Li‐Jun
Published: October 2007

In a 2‐year experiment, 187 genotypes were grown under well‐watered and drought stress conditions, imposed at panicle initiation stage. The relationship of genotypic variation in yield under drought conditions to potential yield, heading date and flowering delay, reduction in plant height, and to a drought response index (DRI) was detected. Grain yield under drought stress conditions was associated with yield under well‐watered conditions (r = 0.47**, and r = 0.61** during 2 years of tests). The delay of heading date ranged from –1 (no delay) to 24 days, and was negatively associated with grain yield (r = –0.40*), spikelet fertility percentage (r = –0.40**), harvest index (r = –0.58**), but positively associated with yield reduction percentage (r = 0.60**). The reduction in plant height was negatively associated with grain yield (r = –0.24**, and r = –0.29**), spikelet fertility percentage (r = –0.23**, and r = –0.21*), harvest index (r = –0.37**, and r = –0.54**), and positively associated with yield reduction percentage (r = 0.58**, and r = 0.58**) in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The DRI of genotypes was strongly associated with grain yield (r = 0.87**, and r = 0.77**), fertility percentage (r = 0.66** and r = 0.54**), harvest index (r = 0.67** and r = 0.61**), and negatively associated with grain reduction percentage (r = –0.70**, and r = –0.73**) under drought stress. The results indicate that genotypes with drought resistance can be identified by measuring yield potential, delay in flowering, reduction in plant height, or DRI under test environments of well‐watered and drought stress.
Relationship between Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Grain Yield in Spring Wheat Cultivated under Different Water Regimes
Authors: Xu Xing , Yuan Hanming , Li Shuhua , Trethowan Richard , Monneveux Philippe
Published: October 2007

In C3 plants, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been proposed as an indirect selection criterion for grain yield. Reported correlations between Δ and grain yield however, differ highly according to the analyzed organ or tissue, the stage of sampling, and the environment and water regime. In a first experiment carried out in spring wheat during two consecutive seasons in the dry conditions of northwest Mexico (Ciudad Obregon, Sonora), different water treatments were applied, corresponding to the main water regimes available to spring wheat worldwide, and the relationships between Δ values of different organs and grain yield were examined. Under terminal (post‐anthesis) water stress, grain yield was positively associated with Δ in grain at maturity and in leaf at anthesis, confirming results previously obtained under Mediterranean environments. Under early (pre‐anthesis) water stress and residual moisture stress, the association between grain Δ and yield was weaker and highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing. No correlation was found between Δ and grain yield under optimal irrigation. The relationship between Δ and grain yield was also studied during two consecutive seasons in 20 bread wheat cultivars in the Ningxia region (Northern China), characterized by winter drought (pre‐anthesis water stress). Wheat was grown under rainfed conditions in two locations (Guyuan and Pengyang) and under irrigated conditions in another two (Yinchuan and Huinong). In Huinong, the crop was also exposed to salt stress. Highly significant positive associations were found between leaf and grain Δ and grain yields across the environments. The relationship between Δ and yield within environments highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing, the quantity and distribution of rainfall during the growth cycle, the presence of salt in the soil, and the occurrence of irrigation before anthesis. These two experiments confirmed the value of Δ as an indirect selection criterion for yield and a phenotyping tool under post‐anthesis water stress (including limited irrigation).
Optical‐fiber bundles
Authors: Gorris Hans H. , Blicharz Timothy M. , Walt David R.
Published: October 2007

Optical‐fiber bundles have been employed as a versatile substrate for the fabrication of high‐density microwell arrays. In this minireview, we discuss the application of optical‐fiber‐bundle arrays for a variety of biological problems. For genomics studies and microbial pathogen detection, individual beads have been functionalized with DNA probes and then loaded into the microwells. In addition, beads differentially responsive to vapors have been employed in an artificial olfaction system. Microwell arrays have also been loaded with living cells to monitor their individual response to biologically active compounds over long periods. Finally, the microwells have been sealed to enclose single enzyme molecules that can be used to measure individual molecule catalytic activity.
Piezoelectric sensors based on molecular imprinted polymers for detection of low molecular mass analytes
Authors: Uludağ Yildiz , Piletsky Sergey A. , Turner Anthony P. F. , Cooper Matthew A.
Published: October 2007

Biomimetic recognition elements employed for the detection of analytes are commonly based on proteinaceous affibodies, immunoglobulins, single‐chain and single‐domain antibody fragments or aptamers. The alternative supra‐molecular approach using a molecularly imprinted polymer now has proven utility in numerous applications ranging from liquid chromatography to bioassays. Despite inherent advantages compared with biochemical/biological recognition (which include robustness, storage endurance and lower costs) there are few contributions that describe quantitative analytical applications of molecularly imprinted polymers for relevant small molecular mass compounds in real‐world samples. There is, however, significant literature describing the use of low‐power, portable piezoelectric transducers to detect analytes in environmental monitoring and other application areas. Here we review the combination of molecularly imprinted polymers as recognition elements with piezoelectric biosensors for quantitative detection of small molecules. Analytes are classified by type and sample matrix presentation and various molecularly imprinted polymer synthetic fabrication strategies are also reviewed.
Mitochondrial targeting of human peroxiredoxin V protein and regulation of PRDX5 gene expression by nuclear transcription factors controlling biogenesis of mitochondria
Authors: Kropotov Andrey , Usmanova Nadezhda , Serikov Vladimir , Zhivotovsky Boris , Tomilin Nikolai
Published: October 2007

Peroxiredoxin V (PRDX5) is a member of the family of mammalian proteins that neutralize reactive oxygen species. The PRDX5 gene is constitutively expressed at a high level in many human tissues, but functional elements of its promoter responsible for a high basal activity in the absence of oxidative stress have still not been identified. Among predicted binding sites for transcription factors in the human PRDX5 promoter are binding sites for nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NFR‐1) and nuclear respiratory factor 2 (also called GABPA), which regulate the biogenesis of mitochondria. We constructed luciferase reporter gene plasmids containing stepwise deletions of the PRDX5 promoter and examined their activities in transient transfections. Our results suggest that basal PRDX5 promoter activity mostly depends on NFR‐1 and GABPA sites. The latter, in the PRDX5 promoter, were conserved in the six mammalian genomes analyzed (human, chimpanzee, cow, mouse, rat and dog) and a fraction of human PRDX5 associates with the mitochondrial matrix. We also found that the N‐terminal 50 amino acids of the full‐length human PRDX5 (24 kDa) translated from its first AUG codon targets this protein exclusively to mitochondria. However, the short form of PRDX5 (17 kDa), translated from its second AUG codon, has cytoplasmic and nuclear localization, which is also typical for endogenously expressed protein. Together, our results indicate that high basal expression of the PRDX5 gene is coordinated with the expression of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins and that the PRDX5 protein might play a major role in permanent defense against reactive oxygen species produced by mitochondria.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital: A local experience
Authors: KICHENADASSE Ganessan , ZAKARIA Jasiah , RODDA David J , HEWETT Peter J , RIEGER Nicholas A , STEPHENS Jacqueline H , PITTMAN Ken , PATTERSON Kevin , BORG Martin , PRICE Timothy J
Published: October 2007

Aim:  Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal. We describe our experience of treating such patients at our center.

Methods:  Patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma were treated with a uniform sphincter preserving protocol at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, South Australia. Standard radiotherapy along with 5‐fluorouracil (750 mg/m2 on days 1–5 and days 29–32) and mitomycin C (12 mg/m2 on day 1 only) was given to eligible patients.

Results:  Of the 34 patients included in this study, nearly 60% were women. Most (89.3%) had T1‐2 disease. One‐third had nodal involvement. Twenty‐seven had chemoradiotherapy, six had local excision alone and one had radiotherapy alone. Among those who had chemoradiation, 71.5% had a complete response and remained colostomy free until the last follow‐up. Most completed the treatment without major side‐effects. The 3 and 5‐year disease free survival rate was 62% and 53%, respectively. All patients who failed chemoradiation underwent salvage surgery with a median survival time of 32.5 months.

Conclusion:  Sphincter preservation is the goal for anal cancers. Chemoradiotherapy is an important modality to achieve this goal.
EFFECT OF HIGH‐INTENSITY PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS ON SURVIVAL OF ESCHERICHIA COLI K‐12 SUSPENDED IN MEAT INJECTION SOLUTIONS
Authors: ROJAS M.C. , MARTIN S.E. , WICKLUND R.A. , PAULSON D.D. , DESANTOS F.A. , BREWER M.S.
Published: October 2007

Survival of Escherichia coli K12 suspended in solutions used for enhancing meat products after high‐intensity pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments was examined. Solutions were prepared to provide 0.3% salt, 0.3% phosphate and/or 0, 1, 2 or 3% sodium lactate in a finished product enhanced to 110% of initial weight. Therefore, enhancement solutions contained water, 3% NaCl, 3% phosphate and/or 0, 10, 20 or 30% sodium lactate. Samples containing 0.1% NaCl were run as controls. Single PEF strengths used for PEF treatments were 12.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.0 and 3.5 kV/cm. For 12.5, 7.0 and 6.0 kV/cm, two levels of pulse controller resistance were used, ∝ and 200 ohm; for 5 and 3.5 kV/cm, only 200 ohm was tested. Above 7 kV/cm, arcing occurred which limited the application of this technology in these solutions. Electrical field strength at 7 kV/cm with a pulse controller resistance of 200 ohm resulted in a reduction of about 2 log cfu/mL when cells were suspended in the enhancement solution containing no lactate. Lower electrical field strengths (≥6 kV/cm) were generally ineffective.
AUTOINDUCER‐2‐MEDIATED QUORUM SENSING IS NOT INVOLVED IN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES' ADAPTIVE RESPONSES TO THE FOOD PRESERVATIVES LACTIC ACID AND NISIN
Authors: TUROVSKIY YEVGENIY , ROSENBERG LINDA , CHIKINDAS MICHAEL L.
Published: October 2007

Recent reports indicate the presence of autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2)‐like activity in foods such as milk and tofu; it is unclear what effect this molecule may have on virulence and survivability of foodborne pathogens. Quorum sensing has been implicated in stress responses of certain bacteria, and in this study we investigated AI‐2‐mediated quorum sensing as one of the mechanisms through which the general stress response in Listeria monocytogenes could be triggered. In particular, the ability of L. monocytogenes to acquire resistance to the food preservatives nisin and lactic acid was examined. The cells were pre‐exposed to extracellular AI‐2 and then challenged with the specific stresses so the level of adaptation caused by the pre‐exposure could be assessed. Our data suggested that the resistance to the studied antimicrobials was not mediated through AI‐2‐dependent quorum sensing pathways. No evidence was found suggesting that quorum sensing in general was involved in L. monocytogenes response to stress.
Coping with stress incontinence: women’s experiences of everyday inconveniences
Authors: Li Florence Ling Wai , Low Lisa Pau Le , Lee Diana Tze Fan
Published: October 2007

Stress incontinence (SI) is a growing health concern among women. However, sufferers would choose to accept and not report their condition until it becomes too much to bear. Scant research is available to examine women who begin coping with SI and later decide to seek active advice and treatment. This study examined community‐dwelling women’s experiences of coping with SI and coping strategies used to manage incontinent situations prior to seeking professional help. A qualitative study was conducted on nine women from an out‐patient nurse‐led continence clinic of a Hong Kong hospital. Participants diagnosed with genuine SI and who were first‐time visitors to the clinic were interviewed. Data were content analysed. Five categories emerged to encapsulate the participant’s unique experiences of coping. The essence of coping with SI was for sufferers to gain ‘personal’ understanding of how the physiological problem impacted on daily lives. Based on self‐assessment of the situation, sufferers reassured themselves that the problem was manageable and devised strategies to take control of everyday inconveniences, without needing to seek professional help. However, sufferers eventually succumbed to physical and psychosocial impacts of the condition. SI was difficult to conceal from others, and experiences were fearful and distressing. However, women were eager to share their coping experiences, particularly about fears and useful coping strategies. As it was women’s first visit to the continence clinic, findings will inform the development of interventions to support newly diagnosed women sufferers’ mixed emotions and unique disruptions of SI in daily living.
Prostate cancer treatment options (observation versus prostatectomy) – the available evidence
Authors: Hegarty Josephine , Walsh Ella
Published: October 2007

Advanced screening programmes have led to an increased incidence of prostate cancer worldwide. Prostate Cancer is currently the most common site of male cancers worldwide; accounting for 21% of all male cancers in Ireland. This article presents an in‐depth review of the available evidence (January 1997 to April 2007), which directly compares outcomes (in terms of urinary function, bowel function, sexual function, quality‐of‐life (QOL) outcomes and survival statistics) post radical prostatectomy versus a conservative watch‐and‐wait approach for the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. The aim of this paper is to equip health‐care professionals with the best available research evidence. Best research evidence is a component of evidence‐based practice, which is very much ‘in vogue’ in health care today. The authors recommend that practitioners utilize this, the available evidence in combination with their clinical expertise and their patients’ opinions in order to assist these patients’ to make wise and informed treatment decisions. As this paper will demonstrate, the treatment chosen can have important implications in terms of patient outcomes. Therefore, making an informed decision early on can prevent any regret at a later stage. Overall this review of the literature revealed significant disparity in terms of which treatment option is more favourable. Patients overall are faced with a difficult dilemma when making this treatment decision – to live longer at the expense of potential erectile dysfunction and possible urinary incontinence or to live for a potentially shorter time without these adverse consequences.
Maturation and Localization of Macrophages and Microglia During Infection with a Neurotropic Murine Coronavirus
Authors: Templeton Steven P. , Kim Taeg S. , O'Malley Katherine , Perlman Stanley
Published: October 2007

Macrophages and microglia are critical in the acute inflammatory response and act as final effector cells of demyelination during chronic infection with the neutrotropic MHV‐JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV‐JHM). Herein, we show that “immature” F4/80+Ly‐6Chi monocytes are the first cells, along with neutrophils, to enter the MHV‐JHM‐infected central nervous system (CNS). As the infection progresses, macrophages in the CNS down‐regulate expression of Ly‐6C and CD62L, consistent with maturation, and a higher frequency express CD11c, a marker for dendritic cells (DCs). Microglia also express CD11c during this phase of the infection. CD11c+ macrophages in the infected CNS exhibit variable properties of immature antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), with modestly increased CD40 and MHC expression, and equivalent potent antigen uptake when compared with CD11c‐ macrophages. Furthermore, CDllc+ and F4/80+ macrophages and microglia are localized to areas of demyelination, in some instances directly associated with damaged axons. These results suggest that chronic CNS infection results in the appearance of CD11c‐expressing macrophages from the blood that exhibit properties of immature APCs, are closely associated with areas of demyelination, and may act as final effectors of myelin destruction.
Inspiratory activation is not required for episodic hypoxia‐induced respiratory long‐term facilitation in postnatal rats
Authors: Tadjalli Arash , Duffin James , Li Yan Mei , Hong Hyunwook , Peever John
Published: October 2007

Episodic hypoxia causes repetitive inspiratory activation that induces a form of respiratory plasticity termed long‐term facilitation (LTF). While LTF is a function of the hypoxic exposures and inspiratory activation, their relative importance in evoking LTF is unknown. The aims of this study were to: (1) dissociate the relative roles played by episodic hypoxia and respiratory activation in LTF; and (2) determine whether the magnitude of LTF varies as a function of hypoxic intensity. We did this by examining the effects of episodic hypoxia in postnatal rats (15–25 days old), which unlike adult rats exhibit a prominent hypoxia‐induced respiratory depression. We quantified inspiratory phrenic nerve activity generated by the in situ working‐heart brainstem before, during and for 60 min after episodic hypoxia. We demonstrate that episodic hypoxia evokes LTF despite the fact that it potently suppresses inspiratory activity during individual hypoxic exposures (P < 0.05). Specifically, we show that after episodic hypoxia (three 5 min periods of 10% O2) respiratory frequency increased to 40 ± 3.3% above baseline values over the next 60 min (P < 0.001). Continuous hypoxia (15 min of 10% O2) had no lasting effects on respiratory frequency (P > 0.05). To determine if LTF magnitude was affected by hypoxic intensity, the episodic hypoxia protocol was repeated under three different O2 tensions. We demonstrate that the magnitude and time course of LTF depend on hypoxic severity, with more intense hypoxia inducing a more potent degree of LTF. We conclude that inspiratory activation is not required for LTF induction, and that hypoxia per se is the physiological stimulus for eliciting hypoxia‐induced respiratory LTF.
Central modulation of exercise‐induced muscle pain in humans
Authors: Ray Chester A. , Carter Jason R.
Published: October 2007

The purpose of the current study was to determine if exercise‐induced muscle pain is modulated by central neural mechanisms (i.e. higher brain systems). Ratings of muscle pain perception (MPP) and perceived exertion (RPE), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), arterial pressure, and heart rate were measured during fatiguing isometric handgrip (IHG) at 30% maximum voluntary contraction and postexercise muscle ischaemia (PEMI). The exercise trial was performed twice, before and after administration of naloxone (16 mg intravenous; n= 9) and codeine (60 mg oral; n= 7). All measured variables increased with exercise duration. During the control trial in all subjects (n= 16), MPP significantly increased during PEMI above ratings reported during IHG (6.6 ± 0.8 to 9.5 ± 1.0; P < 0.01). However, MSNA did not significantly change compared with IHG (7 ± 1 to 7 ± 1 bursts (15 s)−1), whereas mean arterial blood pressure was slightly reduced (104 ± 4 to 100 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.05) and heart rate returned to baseline values during PEMI (83 ± 3 to 67 ± 2 beats min−1; P < 0.01). These responses were not significantly altered by the administration of naloxone or codeine. There was no significant relation between arterial blood pressure and MSNA with MPP during either IHG or PEMI. A second study (n= 8) compared MPP during ischaemic IHG to MPP during PEMI. MPP was greater during PEMI as compared with ischaemic IHG. These findings suggest that central command modulates the perception of muscle pain during exercise. Furthermore, endogenous opioids, arterial blood pressure and MSNA do not appear to modulate acute exercise‐induced muscle pain.
Crossbridge properties during force enhancement by slow stretching in single intact frog muscle fibres
Authors: Colombini Barbara , Nocella Marta , Benelli Giulia , Cecchi Giovanni , Bagni Maria Angela
Published: October 2007

The mechanism of force enhancement during lengthening was investigated on single frog muscle fibres by using fast stretches to measure the rupture tension of the crossbridge ensemble. Fast stretches were applied to one end of the activated fibre and force responses were measured at the other. Sarcomere length was measured by a striation follower device. Fast stretching induced a linear increase of tension that reached a peak and fell before the end of the stretch indicating that a sudden increase of fibre compliance occurred due to forced crossbridge detachment induced by the fast loading. The peak tension (critical tension, Pc) and the sarcomere length needed to reach Pc (critical length, Lc) were measured at various tensions during the isometric tetanus rise and during force enhancement by slow lengthening. The data showed that Pc was proportional to the tension generated by the fibre under both isometric and slow lengthening conditions. However, for a given tension increase, Pc was 6.5 times greater during isometric than during lengthening conditions. Isometric critical length was 13.04 ± 0.17 nm per half‐sarcomere (nm hs−1) independently of tension. During slow lengthening critical length fell as the force enhancement increased. For 90% enhancement, Lc reduced to 8.19 ± 0.039 nm hs−1. Assuming that the rupture force of the individual crossbridge is constant, these data indicate that the increase of crossbridge number during lengthening accounts for only 15.4% of the total force enhancement. The remaining 84.6% is accounted for by the increased mean strain of the crossbridges.
Regulation of systolic [Ca2+]i and cellular Ca2+ flux balance in rat ventricular myocytes by SR Ca2+, L‐type Ca2+ current and diastolic [Ca2+]i
Authors: Dibb K. M. , Eisner D. A. , Trafford A. W.
Published: October 2007

The force–frequency response is an important physiological mechanism regulating cardiac output changes and is accompanied in vivo by β‐adrenergic stimulation. We sought to determine the role of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content and L‐type current (ICa‐L) in the frequency response of the systolic Ca2+ transient alone and during β‐adrenergic stimulation. Experiments (on single rat ventricular myocytes) were designed to be as physiological as possible. Under current clamp stimulation SR Ca2+ content increased in line with stimulation frequency (1–8 Hz) but the systolic Ca2+ transient was maximal at 6 Hz. Under voltage clamp, increasing frequency decreased both systolic Ca2+ transient and ICa‐L. Normalizing peak ICa‐L by altering the test potential decreased the Ca2+ transient amplitude less than an equivalent reduction achieved through changes in frequency. This suggests that, in addition to SR Ca2+ content and ICa‐L, another factor, possibly refractoriness of Ca2+ release from the SR contributes. Under current clamp, β‐adrenergic stimulation (isoprenaline, 30 nm) increased both the Ca2+ transient and the SR Ca2+ content and removed the dependence of both on frequency. In voltage clamp experiments, β‐adrenergic stimulation still increased SR Ca2+ content yet there was an inverse relation between frequency and Ca2+ transient amplitude and ICa‐L. Diastolic [Ca2+]i increased with stimulation frequency and this contributed substantially (69.3 ± 6% at 8 Hz) to the total Ca2+ efflux from the cell. We conclude that Ca2+ flux balance is maintained by the combination of increased efflux due to elevated diastolic [Ca2+]i and a decrease of influx on ICa‐L on each pulse.
Olfactory marker protein modulates the cAMP kinetics of the odour‐induced response in cilia of mouse olfactory receptor neurons
Authors: Reisert Johannes , Yau King‐Wai , Margolis Frank L.
Published: October 2007

Olfactory marker protein (OMP), a phylogenetically conserved protein, is highly, and almost exclusively, expressed in vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). Although OMP is widely used as a marker for ORNs, its function has remained largely elusive. Here we used suction‐pipette recordings from isolated ORNs of OMP−/− mice to investigate its role in olfactory transduction. Vertebrate olfactory transduction is initiated when odourants bind to receptor proteins to activate an adenylyl cyclase via a G protein‐coupled signalling pathway. This leads to an increase in cAMP and the opening of a cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG), non‐selective cation channel which depolarizes the cells. Ca2+ influx through the CNG channel in turn activates a Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel, causing a Cl− efflux and further depolarization. In the absence of OMP, the time‐to‐transient‐peak of the response, the latency to first spike, and the response termination were slowed 2‐ to 8‐fold, indicating its role in regulating olfactory response kinetics and termination. This phenotype persisted in OMP−/− ORNs even in low external Ca2+ solution chosen to prevent Cl− channel activation, suggesting OMP acts upstream of Cl− channel activation. Furthermore, the response kinetics in cilia are virtually indistinguishable between OMP−/− and wild‐type ORNs when intracellular cAMP level was elevated by the phospho‐diesterase inhibitor, IBMX, suggesting OMP acts upstream of cAMP production. Together, our results suggest a role for OMP in regulating the kinetics and termination of olfactory responses, implicating a novel mechanism for fast and robust response termination to ensure the temporal resolution of the odour stimulus. These observations also help explain the deficits in odour detection threshold and odour quality discrimination seen in the OMP−/− mice.
Depolarization of isolated horizontal cells of fish acidifies their immediate surrounding by activating V‐ATPase
Authors: Jouhou Hiroshi , Yamamoto Kazunori , Homma Akinori , Hara Masayuki , Kaneko Akimichi , Yamada Masahiro
Published: October 2007

In order to interpret the formation of receptive field surrounds in retinal neurons, a proton‐mediated mechanism was proposed to mediate feedback from horizontal cells (HCs) to cone photoreceptors. To verify the idea that depolarized HCs release protons, we measured, by a fluorescence ratiometric technique, the pH of the immediate external surface (pHs) of HCs isolated from the carp or goldfish retina. When HCs stained by 5‐hexadecanoylaminofluorescein, a pH‐sensitive lipophilic dye, were depolarized by bath‐application of kainate or high‐K+ medium, pHs was lowered. The amount of pHs change was monotonically dependent on the degree of depolarization, as much as 0.21 ± 0.05 pH units by 100 mV depolarization (induced by 100 mm K+). Acidification was suppressed by 400 nm bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar type H+ pump (V‐ATPase), suggesting that depolarization released protons from HCs via the voltage‐sensitive H+ pump. Immunocytochemical analysis, using an anti‐V‐ATPase antibody, revealed the existence of V‐ATPase in dissociated HCs. These results support the hypothesis that the feedback from HCs to cones could be proton mediated.
The development of synaptic plasticity induction rules and the requirement for postsynaptic spikes in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurones
Authors: Buchanan Katherine A. , Mellor Jack R.
Published: October 2007

Coincident pre‐ and postsynaptic activity induces synaptic plasticity at the Schaffer collateral synapse onto CA1 pyramidal neurones. The precise timing, frequency and number of coincident action potentials required to induce synaptic plasticity is currently unknown. In this study we show that the postsynaptic activity required for the induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) changes with development. In acute slices from adult rats, coincident pre‐ and postsynaptic theta burst stimulation (TBS) induced LTP and we show that multiple high‐frequency postsynaptic spikes are required. In contrast, in acute slices from juvenile (P14) rats, TBS failed to induce LTP unless the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were of sufficient magnitude to initiate action potentials. We also show that coincident individual pre‐ and postsynaptic action potentials are only capable of inducing LTP in the juvenile when given at a frequency greater than 5 Hz and that the timing of individual pre‐ and postsynaptic action potentials relative to one another is not important. Finally, we show that local tetrodotoxin (TTX) application to the soma blocked LTP in adults, but not juveniles. These data demonstrate that somatic spiking is more important for LTP induction in the adult as opposed to juvenile rats and we hypothesize that the basis for this is the ability of action potentials in the postsynaptic CA1 pyramidal neurone to back‐propagate into the dendrites. Therefore, the pre‐ and postsynaptic activity patterns required to induce LTP mature as the hippocampus develops.