bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The APC/C subunit 10 plays an essential role in cell proliferation during leaf development
Authors: Eloy Nubia B. , de Freitas Lima Marcelo , Van Damme Daniël , Vanhaeren Hannes , Gonzalez Nathalie , De Milde Liesbeth , Hemerly Adriana S. , Beemster Gerrit T. S. , Inzé Dirk , Ferreira Paulo C. G.
Published: June 2011

The largest E3 ubiquitin‐ligase complex, known as anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), regulates the proteolysis of cell cycle regulators such as CYCLIN B and SECURIN that are essential for sister‐chromatid separation and exit from mitosis. Despite its importance, the role of APC/C in plant cells and the regulation of its activity during cell division remain poorly understood. Here, the Arabidopsis thaliana APC/C subunit APC10 was characterized and shown to functionally complement an apc10 yeast mutant. The APC10 protein was located in specific nuclear bodies, most probably resulting from its association with the proteasome complex. An apc10 Arabidopsis knockout mutant strongly impaired female gametogenesis. Surprisingly, constitutive overexpression of APC10 enhanced leaf size. Through kinematic analysis, the increased leaf size was found to be due to enhanced rates of cell division during the early stages of leaf development and, at the molecular level, by increased APC/C activity as measured by an amplification of the proteolysis rate of the mitotic cyclin, CYCB1;1.
The pathway of triacylglycerol synthesis through phosphatidylcholine in Arabidopsis produces a bottleneck for the accumulation of unusual fatty acids in transgenic seeds
Authors: Bates Philip D. , Browse John
Published: June 2011

Engineering of oilseed plants to accumulate unusual fatty acids (FAs) in seed triacylglycerol (TAG) requires not only the biosynthetic enzymes for unusual FAs but also efficient utilization of the unusual FAs by the host‐plant TAG biosynthetic pathways. Competing pathways of diacylglycerol (DAG) and subsequent TAG synthesis ultimately affect TAG FA composition. The membrane lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the substrate for many FA‐modifying enzymes (desaturases, hydroxylases, etc.) and DAG can be derived from PC for TAG synthesis. The relative proportion of PC‐derived DAG versus de novo synthesized DAG utilized for TAG synthesis, and the ability of each pathway to utilize unusual FA substrates, are unknown for most oilseed plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana. Through metabolic labeling experiments we demonstrate that the relative flux of de novo DAG into the PC‐derived DAG pathway versus direct conversion to TAG is ∼14/1 in wild‐type Arabidopsis. Expression of the Ricinus communis FA hydroxylase reduced the flux of de novo DAG into PC by ∼70%. Synthesis of TAG directly from de novo DAG did not increase, resulting in lower total synthesis of labeled lipids. Hydroxy‐FA containing de novo DAG was rapidly synthesized, but it was not efficiently accumulated or converted to PC and TAG, and appeared to be in a futile cycle of synthesis and degradation. However, FA hydroxylation on PC and conversion to DAG allowed some hydroxy‐FA to accumulate in sn‐2 TAG. Therefore, the flux of DAG through PC represents a major bottleneck for the accumulation of unusual FAs in TAG of transgenic Arabidopsis seeds.
Red cell concentrate storage and transport temperature
Authors: Hancock V. , Cardigan R. , Thomas S.
Published: June 2011

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the current UK guidelines for storage and transport of red cell concentrates (RCC) in saline, adenine, glucose and mannitol (SAGM). The guidelines stipulate storage at 2–6 °C but allow exposure to between 1–10 °C core temperature in a single occurrence of less than 5 h and a surface temperature of 2–10 °C for no more than 12 h during transportation.

Methods and Materials: Twenty RCC units in SAGM were selected on the day of blood collection (day 0) and in vitro quality was tested pre‐ and post‐temperature deviation at 10 °C and up to day 42 of storage. Each group of 10 RCC units was incubated for either 12 h or for both 5 and 12 h.

Results: Haemolysis was below the 0·8% UK limit at day 42 in all units, although there was an unexpected trend towards lower haemolysis in packs incubated for 5 and 12 h rather than just 12 h alone. Supernatant potassium was significantly higher than reference data on day 35 (P < 0·05) with a maximum of 58 mmol L−1 and day 42 (P < 0·001). All units incubated at 10 °C had comparable levels of adenosine triphosphate and, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate to reference data from previous studies, throughout storage.

Conclusion: These results suggest that exposure to 10 °C for 12 h or for 5 and 12 h did not adversely affect in vitro red cell quality for the remainder of the components shelf life.
Applying lessons learnt from the ‘DOTS’ Tuberculosis Model to monitoring and evaluating persons with diabetes mellitus in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Allain Theresa J. , van Oosterhout Joep J. , Douglas Gerald P. , Joukes Sabine , Gadabu Oliver J. , Darts Christopher , Kapur Anil , Harries Anthony D.
Published: June 2011

The global burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) is immense and predicted to reach 438 million by 2030, with 80% of the cases being in the developing world. The management of chronic non‐communicable diseases like DM is poor in most resource‐limited settings, and the ‘directly observed therapy, short course’ (DOTS) framework for tuberculosis control has been proposed as a feasible way to improve this situation. In late 2009, aspects of the DOTS model were applied to the management of persons with DM in the diabetes clinic in Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, and a point‐of‐care electronic medical record system was set up to support and monitor patients in care. This is the first quarterly and cumulative report of persons with DM registered for care stratified by treatment outcomes, complications and medication history up to 31 December 2010. There were 170 new patients registered between October and December 2010, with 1864 ever registered by 31 December 2010. Most patients were alive and in care; 3 died, 53 defaulted and 3 transferred out. Of those on oral hypoglycaemic agents, metformin was most commonly used. Complications were common. The monitoring and evaluation will be further refined, and at the same time, the systems developed in Blantyre will be expanded to other parts of the country.
Viral acute respiratory infections among infants visited in a rural hospital of southern Mozambique
Authors: O’Callaghan‐Gordo Cristina , Díez‐Padrisa Núria , Abacassamo Fatima , Pérez‐Breña Pilar , Casas Inmaculada , Alonso Pedro L. , Roca Anna
Published: June 2011

Objectives  To determine the epidemiology and clinical presentation of virus‐associated acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Mozambican infants.

Methods  A systematic selection of nasopharyngeal aspirates (n = 333), collected from infants younger than 12 months who visited Manhiça District Hospital (southern Mozambique) with ARI during a 12 months respiratory syncitial virus surveillance, were tested for other common respiratory viruses. Four different polymerase chain reactions were used to diagnose rhinovirus (RV), influenza (Flu; A and B), adenovirus (ADV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), parainfluenza (PIV; 1, 2, 3 and 4AB) and enterovirus (EV).

Results  At least one study virus was identified in more than half of the samples tested (185/333). Overall, 231 viruses were detected among 185 infants, listed in the order of prevalence: RV (26%), Flu (15%), ADV (14%), hMPV (7%), PIV (5%) and EV (3%). Acute respiratory infections (ARI) cases and viral episodes were seasonal and concentrate during the warm and the rainy season. Clinical features were similar among all study children regardless of the detection of virus, with the exception of ear discharge, which was more frequent among viral cases [6% (11/183) vs. 1% (2/144); P = 0.034]. Children with multiple viral infections had higher odds of severity such as nasal flaring and indrawing (OR = 2.7, P = 0.028 and OR = 3.8, P = 0.007, respectively) and higher odds of hospitalisation (OR = 4.42, P = 0.001, adjusted by age and sex).

Conclusions  Viral ARI are frequent among infants visited in MHD. Strategies to prevent mild respiratory infections, and specially their complications, might alleviate health systems of source‐limited settings.
Phenotypic characterization of mononuclear blood cells from pregnant Gabonese and their newborns
Authors: Köhler Carsten , Adegnika Ayola A. , van der Linden Reinier , Luty Adrian J. F. , Kremsner Peter G.
Published: June 2011

Objectives  As many studies have analysed the immunological phenotype of either neonatal cord or maternal blood during pregnancy, but few have compared paired maternal and neonatal samples, we designed and conducted such a study in a Central African setting.

Methods  We used flow cytometric analyses with blood samples from pairs of Gabonese mothers and their newborns to determine the cellular composition of mononuclear cells as well as the activation status of T and B lymphocytes and antigen‐presenting cells.

Results  The results indicate higher activation levels of neonatal cells involved in the first‐line defence against pathogens such as natural killer cells, while the neonatal T‐ and B‐cell compartment as well as the neonatal monocyte subpopulations shows a less mature phenotype.

Conclusions  Our findings likely reflect a specific neonatal defence mechanism that compensates for otherwise poorly developed immune responses at birth, especially important in an area with a high burden of infectious agents such as Gabon. The data contribute to the establishment of reference values for the mother–neonate relationship in African regions that have similar environmental characteristics.
High prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy in antiretroviral‐treated and untreated people with HIV in Tanzania
Authors: Mullin S. , Temu A. , Kalluvya S. , Grant A. , Manji H.
Published: June 2011

Objectives  To describe the prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), a complication of both advanced HIV disease and of antiretroviral therapy (ART), amongst Tanzanians with HIV, on and off ART (including stavudine) with CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/μl.

Methods  We recruited participants attending ART clinic into four groups: >6 months ART exposure and (i) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or (ii) CD4 > 200 cells/μl (ART/CD4 < 200 and ART/CD4 > 200, respectively); ART‐naïve and (iii) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or iv)CD4 > 200 cells/μl (noART/CD4 < 200 and noART/CD4 > 200, respectively). Primary outcome was DSP, as defined by presence of at least one symptom and one sign.

Results  Of 326 evaluable participants, 81 (32 men, median age 38 years, median CD4 142 cells/μl) were enrolled in the ART/CD4 < 200 group, 78 (17 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 345 cells/μl) in ART/CD4 > 200, 81 (30 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 128 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 < 200 and 86 (22 men, median age 33 years, median CD4 446 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 > 200. Numbness was the most commonly reported symptom. DSP prevalence ranged from 43.2% in ART/CD4 < 200 to 20.9% in noART/CD4 > 200. DSP was more common among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.3) and older participants (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.2 for age 40 + vs. <30 years).

Conclusion  Distal sensory polyneuropathy is common amongst those attending this clinic, even those with no ART exposure and a CD4 count above 200 cells/μl. Stavudine and didanosine expose HIV‐infected patients to an additional avoidable risk of DSP. Access to non‐neurotoxic ART regimes as well as earlier HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART is needed.
Developing a ‘critical’ approach to patient and public involvement in patient safety in the NHS: learning lessons from other parts of the public sector?
Authors: Ocloo Josephine E. , Fulop Naomi J.
Published: June 2011

There has been considerable momentum within the NHS over the last 10 years to develop greater patient and public involvement (PPI). This commitment has been reflected in numerous policy initiatives. In patient safety, the drive to increase involvement has increasingly been seen as an important way of building a safety culture. Evidence suggests, however, that progress has been slow and even more variable than in health care generally. Given this context, the paper analyses some of the key underlying drivers for involvement in the wider context of health and social care and makes some suggestions on what lessons can be learned for developing the PPI agenda in patient safety. To develop PPI further, it is argued that a greater understanding is needed of the contested nature of involvement in patient safety and how this has similarities to the emergence of user involvement in other parts of the public services. This understanding has led to the development of a range of critical theories to guide involvement that also make more explicit the underlying factors that support and hinder involvement processes, often related to power inequities and control. Achieving greater PPI in patient safety is therefore seen to require a more critical framework for understanding processes of involvement that can also help guide and evaluate involvement practices.
Management of inherited thrombophilia: guide for genetics professionals
Authors: Varga EA , Kujovich JL
Published: June 2011

Varga EA, Kujovich JL. Management of inherited thrombophilia: guide for genetics professionals.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common source of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Heritable risk factors for VTE (thrombophilias) can be identified in 30–50% of affected patients. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210G>A, and deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C and protein S increase the risk of a first VTE. However, an individual's thrombotic risk is determined by a complex interplay of genetic, acquired and circumstantial risk factors. At least 50% of VTE events in thrombophilic individuals are provoked by predisposing factors such as immobility, surgery, trauma, cancer, hormonal therapy and pregnancy. Non‐modifiable risk factors such as advancing age and family history also increase thrombotic risk. An evidence‐based risk factor evaluation is an essential step in VTE prevention. This review will educate genetics professionals about inherited and acquired risk factors for VTE and discuss recommendations for management of asymptomatic individuals with thrombophilia.
Characterization of the genomic full‐length sequence of C*04:03 and C*04:06 in Chinese Han individuals
Authors: Xu Y. , Sun Y. , He L. , Deng Z.
Published: June 2011

The genomic full‐length sequences of C*04:03 and C*04:06 were first identified by cloning and sequencing.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*13:41 allele in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: He Y.‐M. , He J.‐J. , Zhu F.‐M. , Lv H.‐J. , Yan L.‐X.
Published: June 2011

Nucleotide sequence of HLA‐B*13:41 allele was different from that of B*13:02:01 at position 538 C>T and 539 T>G, resulting in an amino acid from Leu to Trp at codon 156.
Identification of a new HLA‐DRB1* 14 allele, DRB1*14:99, by HLA typing of an Asian individual
Authors: Todorova K. , Schulze H. , Lassahn A. , Galicki L. , Salama A. , Schoenemann C.
Published: June 2011

We report the new HLA‐DRB1*14:99 allele differing from DRB1*14:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 2.
Expression of Oestrogen Receptors in Foetal Lung Tissue of Mice
Authors: Carvalho O. , Gonçalves C.
Published: June 2011

With 2 figures and 1 table

Oestrogens are responsible for the sexual dimorphism in adult mice lung tissue, and this difference is most notable at sexual maturity. Oestrogen receptor‐alpha (ERα) and the oestrogen receptor‐beta (ERβ) are the two receptors that mediate oestrogen action, but adult mice lung tissue only expresses ERβ, and it is probably through this receptor that oestrogens exert their action. The goal of our study was to detect the expression of ERα and ERβ in mouse foetal lung tissues and identify possible gender differences. The foetal lung tissue was collected between developmental days E15–E19, processed for histology and the expression of oestrogen receptors was detected by immunohistochemistry. Over the 5 days of lung development that were evaluated ERα was not expressed in the foetal lung tissues of neither male nor female mice. In contrast, ERβ was detected in both sexes, although the immunoreactivity differed for each developmental day whilst the staining intensity observed for ERβ also indicated differences between male and female lung tissues. The results demonstrate the existence of a gender difference in the foetal expression of ERβ in lungs of mice.
Validation of alternative models in genetic evaluation of racing performance in North Swedish and Norwegian cold‐blooded trotters
Authors: Olsen H.F. , Klemetsdal G. , Ødegård J. , Árnason T.
Published: June 2011

There have been several approaches to the estimation of breeding values of performance in trotters, and the objective of this study was to validate different alternatives for genetic evaluation of racing performance in the North Swedish and Norwegian cold‐blooded trotters. The current bivariate approach with the traits racing status (RACE) and earnings (EARN) was compared with a threshold‐linear animal model and the univariate alternative with the performance trait only. The models were compared based on cross‐validation of standardized earnings, using mean‐squared errors of prediction (MSEP) and the correlation between the phenotype (Y) and the estimated breeding value (EBV). Despite possible effects of selection, a rather high estimate of heritability of EARN was found in our univariate analysis. The genetic trend estimate for EARN was clearly higher in the bivariate specification than in the univariate model, as a consequence of the considerable size of estimated heritability of RACE and its high correlation with EARN (approximately 0.8). RACE is highly influenced by ancestry rather than the on‐farm performance of the horse itself. Consequently, the use of RACE in the genetic analysis may inflate the genetic trend of EARN because of a double counting of pedigree information. Although, because of the higher predictive ability of the bivariate specification, the improved ranking of animals within a year‐class and the inability to discriminate between models for genetic trend, we propose to base prediction of breeding values on the current bivariate model.
Identification of QTL for agronomic traits and resistance to white mold in wild and landrace germplasm of common bean
Authors: Mkwaila Wezi , Terpstra Karolyn A. , Ender Marcio , Kelly James D.
Published: June 2011

With 1 figure and 5 tables

White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) De Bary, is a serious yield reducing fungal pathogen of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Our objective was to identify QTL for resistance to white mold from wild and landrace accessions of common bean using two inbred backcross line (IBL) populations derived from the recurrent black bean parent ‘Tacana’. Selective phenotyping failed to detect QTL for field disease resistance but other agronomic traits less sensitive to environmental conditions or population size were detected. Four novel QTLs for white mold resistance WM3.3TW, WM7.5TL, WM9.2TW, and WM11.1TL were identified in the greenhouse straw test on linkage groups B3, B7, B9, and B11, respectively, and two previously mapped QTL were also validated on B2 and B4. QTL, SY2.1TL that accounted for 19–37% of the variation for yield under white mold pressure over 3 years, was detected on B2 in the TL population. Enhanced resistance to white mold in common bean could be achieved by combining different QTL associated with physiological resistance with yield under disease pressure.
Correlations and QTL detection in maize family per se and testcross progenies for plant height and ear height
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Yongxiang , Wang Yang , Peng Bo , Liu Cheng , Liu Zhizhai , Tan Weiwei , Wang Di , Shi Yunsu , Sun Baocheng , Song Yanchun , Wang Tianyu , Li Yu
Published: June 2011

With 2 figures and 4 tables

The magnitude of genotypic correlations between family per se and testcross, r^g (per se, TC), is crucial for testing schemes in hybrid breeding as well as improvement of commercial hybrids. The objectives of this study were to identify the r^g (per se, TC), to examine the proportion of common QTL for both types of progenies and to determine the gene action of QTL identified for family per se and their value for the prediction of testcross progenies. Under multi‐environments, r^g (per se, TC) were significant and higher than r^p (per se, TC), the phenotypic correlations between family per se and testcross for plant height and ear height in two maize crosses. The final fit for QTL explained 21.6–70.3% phenotypic variance and 24.4–79.4% genotypic variance for family per se. However, in cross‐validation analysis (CV), the genotypic variance explained by all QTL was less than 60% for the two traits. Several common QTL (Chr. 1, Chr. 8 and Chr. 10) could be detected for both family per se and TC, which seems feasible to apply marker‐assisted selection in maize breeding programmes.
Post‐natal corticosteroids are associated with reduced expiratory flows in children born very preterm
Authors: Smith Lucia J , van Asperen Peter P , McKay Karen O , Selvadurai Hiran , Fitzgerald Dominic A
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Infants born very prematurely often received corticosteroids to minimise the risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) but their long term impact on lung function at school age is unclear.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of 105 children [mean gestation of 27 weeks] was undertaken. Lung function assessments were conducted at a mean age of 10 years according to standard criteria. Corticosteroid dose was obtained from the medical record.

Results:  Spirometry in the BPD group was not significantly different to the non‐BPD group, mean per‐cent predicted (95% confidence interval) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 83% (79, 87) versus 86% (83, 90), FEF25%−75% 67% (60, 73) versus 75% (69, 81). Antenatal steroid treatment alone did not adversely affect airflow FEV1, 88% (84.92) versus 90% (82.97), and forced expiratory flow (FEF)25%−75%, 75% (69.81) versus 87% (70.104). Children who received post‐natal corticosteroids had significantly lower flows than those who did not (FEV1 82% (78.85) vs. 88% (85.92), P = 0.006; FEF25%−75% 65% (59.71) vs. 78% (72.84), P = 0.003). Regression analysis revealed days on oxygen and days ventilated were statistically significant but weak predictors of airflow at 10 years of age.

Conclusions:  A diagnosis of BPD did not predict reduced spirometry in middle childhood. Children who received post‐natal corticosteroids as preterm infants had reduced expiratory flows compared with those who did not. While post‐natal corticosteroids may be a marker of severity of lung disease, the potential of post‐natal corticosteroids to influence lung development requires further investigation.
Speech concerns at 5 years and adult educational and mental health outcomes
Authors: Muir Colette , O'Callaghan Michael J , Bor William , Najman Jake M , Williams Gail M
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To determine if parent‐reported speech concerns at 5 years predict poorer educational and mental health outcomes at 21 years independent of social context and child's receptive language, behaviour and motor concerns at 5 years. To determine if these adult outcomes are mediated by school performance at 14 years.

Methods:  Information on speech concerns at 5‐ and 21‐year outcomes was available for 3193 participants from a birth cohort of 7223 infants. At 5, child behaviour was measured using a behavioural checklist, and at 21 years, it was measured by the Young Adult Self‐Report. Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test‐Revised at 5 years was not available for all children. Maternal mental health and social information at 5 years and educational outcomes at 14 years and 21 years were collected prospectively by questionnaire. Potential confounding and mediating factors were analysed using logistic regression.

Results:  Children with speech concerns were less likely to have completed secondary school (P < 0.01) or gained better overall position (OP) scores (P < 0.001). OP scores rank students in Queensland applying for tertiary entrance. There was no association with mental health outcomes. Findings were independent of maternal and social factors, and motor concerns, though attenuated by behaviour and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test‐Revised scores. In the model adjusted for these factors, any concerns predicted OP score 1–11 (odds ratio 0.58; 95% confidence interval 0.42, 0.79), though if academic functioning at 14 was included, no associations were significant.

Conclusion:  Maternal‐reported speech concerns at 5 years predict poorer educational though not adult mental health outcomes.
Morbidity burden of end‐stage kidney disease in Australia: Hospital separation rates among people receiving kidney replacement therapy
Authors: MCDONALD STEPHEN P , TONG BIN
Published: June 2011

Background:  Mortality associated with dialysis and transplantation is well characterized. Less well described are hospital separation rates for “non‐renal” diagnoses among people receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT = haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation). We examined these rates among Australians receiving KRT.

Methods:  Observational study based on Australian National Hospital Morbidity Database, incorporating Australian public and private hospitals. Separations from this dataset were examined for 2002–7, excluding day‐only haemodialysis. ICD (International Classification of Disease) codes were used to identify separations for people receiving chronic KRT. Separations categorized into “renal” and “non‐renal” by principal diagnosis. Separation rate, admission length and in‐hospital mortality were compared with the general population.

Results:  Overall hospital separation rate (adjusted for age and gender) was increased relative to the general population for all groups: for HD patients, relative rate (RR) was 4.49 [95% confidence interval 4.460–4.53]; for PD patients 5.52 [5.460–5.59]; for transplant recipients 4.83 [4.20–4.28] (all p < 0.001). When restricted to separations with a “non‐renal” principal diagnosis, the excess remained among KRT groups: HD adjusted RR 2.20 [2.170–2.22], PD 2.00 [1.950–2.04] and transplants 2.63 [2.600–2.66], all p < 0.001).

The length and in‐hospital mortality for separations in each KRT group was also increased. By ICD‐10 chapter, rates of separations with infectious and metabolic causes were increased in all KRT groups; separations with circulatory and respiratory causes were also increased.

Conclusion:  Among people receiving KRT in Australia, there is a substantial burden of morbidity in addition to that directly related to KRT. This is most marked for infective, endocrine and circulatory and respiratory hospitalisations.
Nephrotoxicity of vancomycin in patients with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia
Authors: SHEN WAN‐CHEN , CHIANG YI‐CHUN , CHEN HSIANG‐YIN , CHEN TSO‐HSIAO , YU FANG‐LAN , TANG CHAO‐HSIUN , SUE YUH‐MOU
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Vancomycin and teicoplanin are the two most used glycopeptides for the treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Vancomycin is suspected to have more nephrotoxicity but this has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to assess its nephrotoxicity by a consensus definition of acute kidney injury (AKI): the risk (R), injury (I), failure (F), loss and end‐stage renal disease (RIFLE) classification.

Methods:  Patients with MRSA bacteraemia who were prescribed either vancomycin or teicoplanin between 2003 and 2008 were classified. Patients who developed AKI were classified by RIFLE criteria. Variables such as comorbidities, laboratory data and medical cost information were also obtained from the database. Outcomes determined were: (i) the rate of nephrotoxicity and mortality; and (ii) the association of nephrotoxicity with the length of hospital stay and costs.

Results:  The study included 190 patients (vancomycin 33, teicoplanin 157). Fifteen patients on vancomycin and 27 patients on teicoplanin developed AKI (P = 0.0004). In the vancomycin group, four, eight and three patients were classified to RIFLE criteria R, I and F, respectively. In the teicoplanin group, 17, nine and one patient were classified to RIFLE criteria R, I and F, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant difference in time to nephrotoxicity for the vancomycin group compared to the teicoplanin group. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of total mortality, length of hospital stay and costs.

Conclusion:  The study data suggest that vancomycin is associated with a higher likelihood of nephrotoxicity using the RIFLE classification.
High prevalence of astigmatism in the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of Shahroud, Iran
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Yekta AbbasAli , Jafarzadehpur Ebrahim , Emamian Mohammad H , Shariati Mohammad , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  The prevalence of astigmatism, its axis and determinants were determined in the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of Shahroud, Iran.

Design:  Population‐based cross sectional study.

Participants:  Using random cluster sampling, 6311 subjects were invited for eye examinations. Of 5190 participants (response rate = 82.2%), data of 5020 were eligible for analysis.

Methods:  Participants received visual acuity measurement, manifest refraction and eye examinations.

Main Outcome Measures:  The prevalence of astigmatism based on cylinder powers of more than 0.5, 1 and 3 D were studied.

Results:  The prevalence (and 95% confidence interval) of astigmatism based on a cylinder power worse than 0.5, 1, and 3 D was 49.1% (47.6–50.5), 24.1% (22.9–25.3), and 3.4% (2.9–3.9), respectively. In a multiple logistic regression model, the prevalence of astigmatism was higher in men (odds ratio = 1.25) and increased with age (odds ratio for each 5 years = 1.21). Higher education was found to be inversely correlated to astigmatism (P < 0.001). The prevalence of with‐the‐rule, against‐the‐rule and oblique astigmatism was 12.6%, 25.9% and 10.6%, respectively. Oblique astigmatism was significantly higher in women and the older age groups (P < 0.001). Against‐the‐rule astigmatism increased with age from 19.9% in the age group of 40–44 to 37.0% in the age group of 60–64 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  In comparison with those studies conducted in Iran and other countries, the prevalence of astigmatism was higher in this study. Astigmatism was higher in men and age had an important role in astigmatism and its axis. The prevalence of against‐the‐rule and oblique astigmatism increased with age.
Diaton tonometry: an assessment of validity and preference against Goldmann tonometry
Authors: Doherty Mark D , Carrim Zia I , O'Neill Damian P
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  To assess agreement between the Diaton, a new transpalpebral tonometer, and Goldmann applanation tonometry, the accepted gold standard.

Design:  Comparative study of two devices in a hospital setting.

Participants:  Two hundred and fifty‐one patients attending the eye casualty and general ophthalmology clinics at St James' University Hospital, Leeds between February and December 2009.

Methods:  Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry and Diaton tonometry by one examining ophthalmologist. Patient preference for either technique was also recorded.

Main Outcome Measures:  Intraocular pressure measured by Diaton was compared with intraocular pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Limits of agreement were determined using the Bland‐Altman method.

Results:  Two hundred and fifty right eyes underwent both Goldmann applanation tonometry and Diaton tonometry. Mean intraocular pressure was 13.8 ± 3.6 mmHg using Goldmann applanation tonometry and 13.2 ± 4.3 mmHg using Diaton tonometry. Upper and lower limits of agreement were +8.4 mmHg and −9.6 mmHg, respectively. Order of intraocular pressure measurement and positioning did not influence limits of agreement in a clinically significant manner. Overall, more patients expressed preference for Diaton tonometry (40.2%) than Goldmann applanation tonometry (30.3%). Those aged 50 or less were more likely to prefer Diaton tonometry.

Conclusions:  The Diaton tonometer is portable, lightweight, user‐friendly and well tolerated by patients. However, it shows poor agreement with Goldmann applanation tonometry, thereby precluding it from being regarded as a substitute in routine clinical practice.
ReGAE 7: long‐term outcomes of augmented trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in African Caribbean patients
Authors: Shah Peter , Agrawal Pavi , Khaw Peng T , Shafi Fariha , Sii Freda
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  To evaluate long‐term outcomes and complication rates following trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in a case series of African Caribbean patients.

Design:  A prospective, observational and non‐comparative case series.

Participants:  Forty‐seven consecutive African Caribbean patients (47 eyes) with glaucoma.

Methods:  All patients underwent augmented trabeculectomy with mitomycin C for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP). Survival analysis was performed with a minimum of 12 months' follow up.

Main Outcome Measures:  Surgical success was based upon IOP reduction to ≤21 mmHg, ≤18 mmHg and ≤15 mmHg without glaucoma medication (complete); or IOP reduction to ≤21 mmHg, ≤18 mmHg and ≤15 mmHg with or without glaucoma medication (qualified).

Results:  The mean follow‐up period was 48.6 months. At 3 years post‐trabeculectomy 92.6% achieved a qualified success and 59.3% a complete success for an IOP ≤21 mmHg. At final follow up the mean IOP reduced from 33.7 mmHg to 13.1 mmHg (P < 0.0001). Survival rates were 96%, 90% and 86% at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively, with a mean survival time of 97.4 months (95% confidence interval, 86.0–108.8) for an IOP ≤21 mmHg. Early postoperative hypotony requiring surgical intervention occurred in four (8.5%) patients. There were no cases of blebitis, endophthalmitis, suprachoroidal haemorrhage, malignant glaucoma or hypotony maculopathy.

Conclusions:  Good long‐term stable IOP can be achieved with low complication rates and high success rates amongst African Caribbean patients following trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. A proactive postoperative management regime is needed to ensure trabeculectomy survival in high‐risk populations.
Safety and efficacy of extended‐release bupivacaine local anaesthetic in open hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hadj Afif , Hadj Andrew , Hadj Anthony , Rosenfeldt Frank , Nicholson Douglas , Moodie John , Turner Richard , Watts Richard , Fletcher Ian , Abrouk Nacer , Lissin Dmitri
Published: June 2011

Background:  Pain relief remains a major problem in hernia surgery. SABER‐Bupivacaine is an investigational extended‐release formulation of bupivacaine in a resorbable matrix, which may provide up to 72 h of local pain relief.

Methods:  A double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SABER‐Bupivacaine. Consented patients (n= 124) undergoing open inguinal hernia repair at five sites in Australia and New Zealand were randomized to receive either 2.5 (330 mg) or 5.0 mL (660 mg) of SABER‐Bupivacaine or SABER‐Placebo administered to the surgical wound at the end of the procedure. Analgesic efficacy and safety was evaluated.

Results:  SABER‐Bupivacaine appeared safe with no difference in the incidence of side effects compared with SABER‐Placebo. The 5.0 mL dose of SABER‐Bupivacaine reduced the mean area under the curve of pain intensity on movement compared with SABER‐Placebo (2.47 versus 3.60; P= 0.0033) and decreased the number of patients requiring supplemental opioids by 26% (although not statistically significant; P= 0.0909). Normal wound healing was reported throughout the trial and at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up in every treatment group.

Conclusion:  After open inguinal hernia repair, SABER‐Bupivacaine administered at the surgical site was safe and provided pain relief, reduced the need for supplemental (oral and parenteral) analgesia and did not impair wound healing.
The theory of critical distances and fatigue from notches in aluminium 6061
Authors: CLEGG R. E. , DUAN K. , MCLEOD A. J.
Published: June 2011

Fatigue failure of metal components containing notches, cracks and other defects has been an active research topic for many years because of its important practical and theoretical implications. Recently, Taylor and his colleagues have re‐visited this topic and proposed the theory of critical distance (TCD), which summarizes the early work by Neuber, Peterson and others in a unifying theory and predicts fatigue fracture with the use of a critical distance, Lo. In this paper, an experimental and numerical study of the fatigue of notched and un‐notched 6061 aluminium alloys is used to verify the TCD and some of the limitations of the TCD are discussed on this basis.
Connexin26 expression in brain parenchymal cells demonstrated by targeted connexin ablation in transgenic mice
Authors: Nagy J. I. , Lynn B. D. , Tress O. , Willecke K. , Rash J. E.
Published: June 2011

Astrocytes are known to express the gap junction forming proteins connexin30 (Cx30) and connexin43 (Cx43), but it has remained controversial whether these cells also express connexin26 (Cx26). To investigate this issue further, we examined immunofluorescence labelling of glial connexins in wild‐type vs. transgenic mice with targeted deletion of Cx26 in neuronal and glial cells (Cx26fl/fl:Nestin‐Cre mice). The Cx26 antibodies utilized specifically recognized Cx26 and lacked cross reaction with highly homologous Cx30, as demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence in Cx26‐transfected and Cx30‐transfected C6 glioma cells. Punctate immunolabelling of Cx26 with these antibodies was observed in leptomeninges and subcortical brain regions. This labelling was absent in subcortical areas of Cx26fl/fl:Nestin‐Cre mice, but persisted in leptomeningeal tissues of these mice, thereby distinguishing localization of Cx26 between parenchymal and non‐parenchymal tissue. In subcortical brain parenchyma, Cx26‐positive puncta were often co‐localized with astrocytic Cx43, and some were localized along astrocyte cell bodies and processes immunolabelled for glial fibrillary acidic protein. Cx26‐positive puncta were also co‐localized with punctate labelling of Cx47 around oligodendrocyte somata. Comparisons of Cx26 labelling in rodent species revealed a lower density of Cx26‐positive puncta and a more restricted distribution in subcortical regions of mouse compared with rat brain, perhaps partly explaining reported difficulties in detection of Cx26 in mouse brain parenchyma using antibodies or Cx26 gene reporters. These results support our earlier observations of Cx26 expression in astrocytes and its ultrastructural localization in individual gap junction plaques formed between astrocytes as well as in heterotypic gap junctions between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
Subcortical projections to the frontal pole in the marmoset monkey
Authors: Burman Kathleen J. , Reser David H. , Richardson Karyn E. , Gaulke Heidi , Worthy Katrina H. , Rosa Marcello G. P.
Published: June 2011

The subcortical projections to the marmoset frontal pole were mapped with the use of fluorescent tracer injections. The main thalamic projections, which originated in both the magnocellular and parvocellular subdivisions of the mediodorsal nucleus, were topographically organized. Our results suggest the existence of a third, caudal subdivision of this nucleus, which is likely to be homologous to the macaque’s pars densocellularis. A substantial, but not topographically organized, projection to Brodmann’s area 10 originated in the medial part of the ventral anterior nucleus. Minor thalamic projections originated in the medial pulvinar nucleus and in the midline/intralaminar nuclei. Finally, the posterior thalamic group (including the limitans and suprageniculate nuclei) sent a small projection to rostral area 10 that has not previously been documented in primates. The main extrathalamic projections stemmed from the claustrum, which contained as many as 50% of all subcortical labelled neurons. Minor connections originated in the hypothalamus (mainly in the lateral anterior and lateral tuberal regions), dorsal periaqueductal grey matter, basal forebrain (nucleus basalis of Meynert and horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca), and amygdala (basal, accessory basal and lateral nuclei). The present results, combined with recent data on the cortical projections to area 10, reveal the frontal pole as a region that integrates information from multiple neural processing systems, including high‐level sensory, limbic and working memory‐related structures. Although the pattern of subcortical projections is similar to that previously described in the macaque, suggesting a homologous organization, the present data also suggest functional distinctions between medial and lateral sectors of area 10.
Modulation of astroglial glutamine synthetase activity affects nociceptive behaviour and central sensitization of medullary dorsal horn nociceptive neurons in a rat model of chronic pulpitis
Authors: Tsuboi Y. , Iwata K. , Dostrovsky J. O. , Chiang C. Y. , Sessle B. J. , Hu J. W.
Published: June 2011

Previous studies indicate that the astroglial glutamate–glutamine shuttle may be involved in acute pulpal inflammatory pain by influencing central sensitization induced in nociceptive neurons in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis [the medullary dorsal horn (MDH)] by application of an inflammatory irritant to the rat tooth pulp. The aim of this study was to test if intrathecal application to the rat medulla of the astroglial glutamine synthetase inhibitor methionine sulfoximine (MSO) can influence the central sensitization of MDH nociceptive neurons and the animal’s associated behaviour that are manifested in a model of chronic pulpitis pain induced by exposure of a mandibular molar pulp. This model was found to be associated with nocifensive behaviour and enhanced reflex activity evoked by mechanical stimulation of the rat’s facial skin and with immunocytochemical evidence of astroglial activation in the MDH. These features were apparent for up to 28 days post‐operatively. During this post‐operative period, the nocifensive behaviour and enhanced reflex activity were significantly attenuated by intrathecal application of MSO (5 μL, 10 mM) but not by vehicle application. In electrophysiological recordings of nociceptive neuronal activity in the MDH, central sensitization was also evident in pulp‐exposed rats but not in intact rats and could be significantly attenuated by MSO application but not by vehicle application. These behavioural and neuronal findings suggest that the astroglial glutamate–glutamine shuttle is responsible for the maintenance of inflammation‐induced nocifensive behavioural changes and the accompanying central sensitization in MDH nociceptive neurons in this chronic pulpitis pain model.
Increased expression of 5‐HT6 receptors in dorsolateral striatum decreases habitual lever pressing, but does not affect learning acquisition of simple operant tasks in rats
Authors: Eskenazi Daniel , Neumaier John F.
Published: June 2011

Serotonin‐6 (5‐HT6) receptors are densely expressed in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), a brain region linked to habits. Medications acting on the serotonergic system, including 5‐HT6 receptors, can diminish habitual and repetitive behaviors associated with clinical syndromes such as obsessive‐compulsive disorder, and may have implications for addiction as well. To examine the role of 5‐HT6 receptors in the acquisition and persistence of habitual behavior, we manipulated 5‐HT6 receptor expression in the DLS with herpes simplex virus vectors in combination with different behavioral procedures; control rats received a vector expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein. In one set of experiments, rats were tested under conditions that favor the acquisition of either discrete action–outcome responding or repetitive responding; increased 5‐HT6 receptor expression in DLS did not alter learning in either paradigm. In the next experiment, rats were over‐trained on fixed‐ then variable‐interval schedules, resulting in an escalation of lever pressing over sessions far in excess of that necessary to receive sucrose pellets. After training, rats received viral vector infusion into the DLS. Subsequently, half of each group underwent an omission contingency training session in which they received reinforcement for refraining from pressing the lever, while the other half served as yoked controls. A probe session under extinction conditions was performed the following day. Only rats that received both the 5‐HT6 vector and omission contingency training showed reduced lever pressing during the probe session. These results suggest that increasing 5‐HT6 receptor signaling in the DLS facilitates behavioral flexibility in the face of changing contingencies.
A meta‐analysis of crop pest and natural enemy response to landscape complexity
Authors: Chaplin‐Kramer Rebecca , O’Rourke Megan E. , Blitzer Eleanor J. , Kremen Claire
Published: June 2011

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 922–932

Many studies in recent years have investigated the relationship between landscape complexity and pests, natural enemies and/or pest control. However, no quantitative synthesis of this literature beyond simple vote‐count methods yet exists. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 46 landscape‐level studies, and found that natural enemies have a strong positive response to landscape complexity. Generalist enemies show consistent positive responses to landscape complexity across all scales measured, while specialist enemies respond more strongly to landscape complexity at smaller scales. Generalist enemy response to natural habitat also tends to occur at larger spatial scales than for specialist enemies, suggesting that land management strategies to enhance natural pest control should differ depending on whether the dominant enemies are generalists or specialists. The positive response of natural enemies does not necessarily translate into pest control, since pest abundances show no significant response to landscape complexity. Very few landscape‐scale studies have estimated enemy impact on pest populations, however, limiting our understanding of the effects of landscape on pest control. We suggest focusing future research efforts on measuring population dynamics rather than static counts to better characterise the relationship between landscape complexity and pest control services from natural enemies.