bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making the connection: a qualitative study of brokerage in Aboriginal health in a metropolitan area of Victoria and a regional area of New South Wales
Authors: Cheng Melanie S. , Clarke Angela , Moore Timothy D. , Lau Phyllis M.
Published: February 2011

Objective.
Health brokerage is one method being employed by government health agencies in an attempt to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s access to primary healthcare. This qualitative study explores key stakeholders’ understanding and acceptance of the health brokerage model, prior to the implementation of brokerage services.

Methods.
Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with key stakeholders. The resulting data was analysed using a grounded theory approach.

Results.
Qualitative analysis of the interviews and focus groups revealed five major themes. These were: (1) the perceived limitations of brokerage as a service delivery model; (2) the benefits of health brokerage such as increased flexibility; (3) issues relating to patient independence; (4) the necessity for broker independence; and (5) a mistrust of health brokerage and the authority handling the brokerage funds.

Conclusions.
Since this study was conducted in 2008, ongoing funding for urban brokerage services has been suspended. Although the reasons for this are unclear, our study suggests that barriers to the acceptance of brokerage services by the community may have existed even before such services were implemented, thus highlighting the need for transparency when launching new health initiatives that hope to engage the Aboriginal community.

What is known about the topic?
Brokerage models have previously been described in the areas of mental health and aged care. In these examples, brokerage agencies have provided patients with a key entry point into the healthcare system. Benefits of the brokerage model, such as flexibility, have been contrasted with its limitations, such as a heavy reliance upon existing services.

What does this paper add?
This paper provides insight into the acceptability of health brokerage, as a service delivery model, to the Aboriginal community. Although findings from the study reinforce many of the benefits and limitations already described in the literature, they also introduce the new and important themes of patient empowerment and mistrust.

What are the implications for practitioners?
This study provides vital information about community perceptions of health brokerage. It is important that policy makers take heed of such insights when planning attempts to close the gap in Aboriginal health.
Surgical handover in a tertiary hospital: a working model
Authors: Piscioneri Frank , Chong Guan C.
Published: February 2011

The trend, in the last few years, of shorter working hours for junior doctors has been driven by the need for safer working conditions. This has led to the loss of continuity of care and the introduction of shift work for residents and registrars, resulting in up to three handovers per 24-h period. Many sentinel events occurring in hospitals can be attributed to a breakdown in communication. Clinical handover is important because it not only facilitates continuity in the transfer of patient information between healthcare professionals but also helps identify potential problems that may occur in upcoming shifts. Methods of handover include verbal-only reports, verbal reports with note-taking and the use of printed handouts containing relevant patient information. This paper presents an exposition of a working model for morning surgical handovers in a tertiary teaching hospital that uses a printed handover sheet, is consultant-led and conference-based, and with an educational focus. A survey of resident staff confirmed the morning handover as important in both patient care and education. There was a marked improvement in tertiary trauma survey completion rates after the introduction of the morning handover. It is now an accepted and important part of the working day in the surgical unit of the hospital.
Interpersonal violence presentations to general practitioners in Western Australia: implications for rural and community health
Authors: Meuleners Lynn B. , Lee Andy H. , Xia Jianhong , Fraser Michelle , Hendrie Delia
Published: February 2011

Objective. To estimate the incidence of interpersonal violence presentations to general practitioners (GPs). Methods. A postal survey of all GPs in Western Australia (WA) was conducted in 2009 using a structured questionnaire. Results. Among the n = 476 respondents (response rate 28%), 379 GPs treated 9572 patients for a violent incident during the past year. The rate of violent presentations in rural WA was double that of metropolitan areas (incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.8–2.0), whereas the rate of violent episodes in remote GP practices was 7-fold higher (IRR 7.2, 95% CI 6.8–7.6). Halls Creek in remote northern WA was found to be a ‘hot spot’ with a high cluster of violence cases, whereas metropolitan suburbs surrounding Perth had relatively low concentrations of violence presentations. Conclusions. Further understanding of the size and nature of the problem is required in view of the low response rate. High-risk groups, such as women and those living in rural and remote areas, should be targeted for special attention. What is known about the topic? Previous studies of interpersonal violence have been based on victim surveys or crime databases, which are subjected to both under- and over-reporting. Hospital admission and mortality statistics represent severe injuries resulting from violence episodes. However, victims who sought treatment from GPs are not routinely recorded. What does this paper add? Rural and remote GP practices reported a higher incident of violent presentations than their metropolitan counterparts. The finding provides a basis to further investigate the level of GP services for treating interpersonal violence injuries. What are the implications for practitioners? Sentinel surveillance of GPs is recommended. High-risk groups such as women and those living in rural and remote areas should be targeted for attention.
Influence of student learning experience on academic performance: The mediator and moderator effects of self‐regulation and motivation
Authors: Ning Hoi Kwan , Downing Kevin
Published: February 2011

This study examined the mediator and moderator roles of self‐regulation and motivation constructs in the relationship between learning experience and academic success. Self‐reported measures of learning experience, self‐regulation and motivation were obtained from 384 undergraduate students from a university in Hong Kong. Structural equation modelling indicated that self‐regulation and motivation fully mediated the learning experience—academic performance relation. In addition, hierarchical regression analysis also showed that both self‐regulation and motivation had small moderating effects on the link between learning experience and academic performance. That is, the association between learning experience and cumulative GPA was stronger for students with lower levels of self‐regulation and motivation. The implications of fostering motivation and enhancing university learning experience are discussed.
Analyses for the U.S. 2010 Census Partnership Program
Authors: Mulry Mary H. , Olson Timothy P.
Published: February 2011

The U.S. Census Bureau conducted an integrated communications campaign to encourage the public to respond to the 2010 Census. Since the 2010 Census aimed to count everyone, the communications campaign had to reach a multicultural population with many race/Hispanic ethnicity groups, as well as target hard-to-count subpopulations. The communications campaign included paid advertising and promotions as well as partnerships with more than 256,000 local, regional, and national organizations to promote the 2010 Census. Our multivariate statistical analyses of survey data informed the word-of-mouth campaigns through the partnerships about barriers and motivators in the hard-to-count subpopulations. These analyses identify key characteristics correlated with the heterogeneity in attitudes within the race/Hispanic ethnicity groups. The article focuses on messages and media vehicles that are the most effective among populations that are typically targeted under partnerships. We designed specific approaches to use with the different hard-to-count groups. The results about trusted voices may be useful in other social marketing programs.
The Effectiveness of Social Marketing in Reduction of Teenage Pregnancies: A Review of Studies in Developed Countries
Authors: Wakhisi Anthony Simiyu , Allotey Pascale , Dhillon Namrata , Reidpath Daniel D.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a social marketing approach in reduction of unintended teenage pregnancies. We identified studies undertaken between 1990 and 2008 through electronic searches of databases, manual searches of bibliographies, and consultations with experts. Twelve studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected for further analysis. Results showed variation in intervention effects across specified outcomes (reduction in unintended pregnancies, delayed sexual initiation, contraceptive use at last intercourse, knowledge of contraception and reproductive health, and self-efficacy to refuse unwanted sex). Of the 12 studies, 9 reported significant effects on at least one of the outcomes. Long-term interventions were generally more effective than short-term ones for most outcomes. The impact on male participants' sexual behavior was minimal in most studies. Overall, social marketing appears to be an effective approach in reducing teenage pregnancies and influencing sexual behavior change, but the evidence is limited to particular outcomes and context. There is, therefore, need for more primary studies specifically designed around social marketing principles for more robust evaluations. The minimal impact on male participants' behavior also warrants further investigation.
Evaluating a County-Sponsored Social Marketing Campaign to Increase Mothers' Initiation of HPV Vaccine for Their Preteen Daughters in a Primarily Rural Area
Authors: Cates Joan R. , Shafer Autumn , Diehl Sandra J. , Deal Allison M.
Published: February 2011

Routine vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer, is recommended for 11–12-year-old girls, yet vaccine uptake is low. This study evaluates a social marketing campaign initiated by 13 North Carolina counties to raise awareness among parents and reduce barriers to accessing the vaccine in a primarily rural area. The 3-month campaign targeted mothers of girls ages 11–12 and health care practices serving preteen girls in 4 counties. Principles of social marketing were product (recommended vaccine against HPV), price (cost, perception of safety and efficacy, and access), promotion (posters, brochures, website, news releases, doctor's recommendation), and place (doctors' offices, retail outlets). We analyzed website traffic, hotline calls, and media placement; cross-sectional surveys of mothers and providers; and HPV immunization rates in intervention versus nonintervention counties. Of respondent mothers ( n =225), 82% heard or saw campaign messages or materials. Of respondent providers ( n = 35), 94% used campaign brochures regularly or occasionally in conversations with parents. HPV vaccination rates within 6 months of campaign launch were 2% higher for 9–13-year-old girls in 2 of the 4 intervention counties compared to 96 nonintervention counties. This evaluation supports campaign use in other primarily rural and underserved areas.
Investigating the Role of Response in Spatial Context Learning
Authors: Makovski Tal , Jiang Yuhong V.
Published: February 2011

Recent research has shown that simple motor actions, such as pointing or grasping, can modulate the way we perceive and attend to our visual environment. Here we examine the role of action in spatial context learning. Previous studies using keyboard responses have revealed that people are faster locating a target on repeated visual search displays (“contextual cueing”). However, this learning appears to depend on the task and response requirements. In Experiment 1, participants searched for a T-target among L-distractors and responded either by pressing a key or by touching the screen. Comparable contextual cueing was found in both response modes. Moreover, learning transferred between keyboard and touch screen responses. Experiment 2 showed that learning occurred even for repeated displays that required no response, and this learning was as strong as learning for displays that required a response. Learning on no-response trials cannot be accounted for by oculomotor responses, as learning was observed when eye movements were discouraged (Experiment 3). We suggest that spatial context learning is abstracted from motor actions.
SIR, You've Led Me Astray!
Authors: Birnbaum David , Zarate Roxie , Marfin Anthony
Published: February 2011

Background.

The standardized infection ratio (SIR) is an indirectly standardized morbidity ratio that has been used to compare the infection rate in a hospital with an expected number of infections from a national standard and is being increasingly promoted as a metric for the public reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Objective.

To identify potential discrepancies between SIR and other measures of risk.

Methods.

Hypothetical and real data were compared using relative risk, a directly standardized morbidity ratio, and SIR values across a range of varying hospital population compositions.

Results.

In real and hypothetical data, other summary statistics were consistent with each other and with underlying HAI incidence density rates. However, use of the SIR frequently led to conclusions inconsistent with these other inherently unbiased estimators.

Conclusion.

Because of a recognized type of distortion inherent in the calculation of indirectly standardized ratios, use of the SIR can lead to conclusions that differ from those reached when using other traditional measures of risk and to incorrect assessments of conclusions about the performance of hospitals or states. In addition, the tendency to inappropriately arrange SIR values in rank order for comparison makes SIR unsuitable as a statewide metric for monitoring HAIs.
Multihospital Outbreak ofClostridium difficileRibotype 027 Infection: Epidemiology and Analysis of Control Measures
Authors: Aldeyab Mamoon A. , Devine Michael J. , Flanagan Peter , Mannion Michael , Craig Avril , Scott Michael G. , Harbarth Stephan , Vernaz Nathalie , Davies Elizabeth , Brazier Jon S. , Smyth Brian , McElnay James C. , Gilmore Brendan F. , Conlon Geraldine , Magee Fidelma A. , Darwish Elhajji Feras W. , Small Shaunagh , Edwards Collette , Funston Chris , Kearney Mary P.
Published: February 2011

Objective.

To report a large outbreak ofClostridium difficileinfection (CDI; ribotype 027) between June 2007 and August 2008, describe infection control measures, and evaluate the impact of restricting the use of fluoroquinolones in controlling the outbreak.

Design.

Outbreak investigation in 3 acute care hospitals of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland.

Interventions.

Implementation of a series of CDI control measures that targeted high-risk antibiotic agents (ie, restriction of fluoroquinolones), infection control practices, and environmental hygiene.

Results.

A total of 318 cases of CDI were identified during the outbreak, which was the result of the interaction betweenC. difficileribotype 027 being introduced into the affected hospitals for the first time and other predisposing risk factors (ranging from host factors to suboptimal compliance with antibiotic guidelines and infection control policies). The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 24.5%; however, CDI was the attributable cause of death for only 2.5% of the infected patients. Time series analysis showed that restricting the use of fluoroquinolones was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of CDI (coefficient, —0.054; lag time, 4 months;P= .003).

Conclusion.

These findings provide additional evidence to support the value of antimicrobial stewardship as an essential element of multifaceted interventions to control CDI outbreaks. The present CDI outbreak was ended following the implementation of an action plan improving communication, antibiotic stewardship, infection control practices, environmental hygiene, and surveillance.
Comparison of Clinical Severity Score Indices for Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Fujitani Shigeki , George W. Lance , Murthy A. Rekha
Published: February 2011

Objective.

To compare 8 severity score indices for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).

Design.

Prospective observational study.

Methods.

This study was conducted from July through October 2006. All hospitalized patients in 3 university-affiliated hospitals with a positive fecal Clostridium difficile toxin assay result were evaluated. Infection was considered severe if patients had at least 1 of the following clinical events during their hospitalization: (1) death attributed to CDI within 30 days after diagnosis, (2) colectomy necessitated by CDI, or (3) intensive care unit admission for management of complications attributed to CDI. Severity was assessed on the basis of 8 severity score indices, using published criteria for severe CDI as the benchmark. The 8 severity score indices studied were Beth Israel, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center version 1, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center version 2, Hines VA, modified University of Illinois, University of Calgary version 1, University of Calgary version 2, and University of Temple.

Results.

Of 184 patients with CDI evaluated, 19 had severe cases and 165 had nonsevere cases, as assessed on the basis of the defined severe CDI criteria. Sensitivities of the 8 severity score indices studied ranged from 63.2% to 84.2%, and specificities ranged from 59.4% to 93.9%. The Hines VA index had the highest kappa score (0.69 [95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.83]), followed by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center version 1 index. Independent risk factors for severe CDI determined by multivariate analysis were abdominal distention (P = .007), fever (temperature, 38.0°C or above; P = .042), white blood cell count of at least 20,000 cells/mm3 (P = .035), and hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin level less than 3 mg/dL; P = .029).

Conclusion.

The Hines VA CDI severity score index appeared to display the strongest correlation for predicting more severe forms of CDI.
Role of Unit-Specific Combination Antibiograms for Improving the Selection of Appropriate Empiric Therapy for Gram-Negative Pneumonia
Authors: Pogue Jason M. , Alaniz Cesar , Carver Peggy L. , Pleva Melissa , Newton Duane , DePestel Daryl D.
Published: February 2011

In an effort to improve the selection of appropriate empiric gram-negative therapy for pneumonia, we examined intensive care unit-specific combination antibiograms. These antibiograms were able to predict appropriate empiric gram-negative therapy. Empiric combination therapy based on unit-specific combination antibiograms may aid in the selection of therapy for gram-negative pneumonia.
Countable random 𝑝-groups with prescribed Ulm-invariants
Authors: Droste Manfred , Göbel Rüdiger
Published: February 2011

In this paper we present a probabilistic construction of countable abelian

p
p

-groups with prescribed Ulm-sequence. This result provides a different proof for the existence theorem of abelian

p
p

-groups with any given countable Ulm-sequence due to Ulm, which is sometimes called Zippin’s theorem. The basic idea, applying probabilistic arguments, comes from a result by Erdős and Rényi. They gave an amazing probabilistic construction of countable graphs which, with probability

1
1

, produces the universal homogeneous graph, therefore also called the random graph. P. J. Cameron says about this in his book Oligomorphic Permutation Groups [Cambridge University Press, 1990]: In 1963, Erdős and Rényi proved the following paradoxical result. … It is my contention that mathematics is unique among academic pursuits in that such an apparently outrageous claim can be made completely convincing by a short argument. The algebraic tool in the present paper needs methods developed in the 1970s, the theory of valuated abelian

p
p

-groups. Valuated abelian

p
p

-groups are natural generalizations of abelian

p
p

-groups with the height valuation, investigated in detail by F. Richman and E. Walker, and others. We have to establish extensions of finite valuated abelian

p
p

-groups dominated by a given Ulm-sequence. Probabilistic results of a similar nature have been established by A. Blass and G. Braun, and by M. Droste and D. Kuske.
ℎ𝑝-Discontinuous Galerkin methods for the Helmholtz equation with large wave number
Authors: Feng Xiaobing , Wu Haijun
Published: February 2011

In this paper we develop and analyze some interior penalty

h
p

hp

-discontinuous Galerkin (

h
p

hp

-DG) methods for the Helmholtz equation with first order absorbing boundary condition in two and three dimensions. The proposed

h
p

hp

-DG methods are defined using a sesquilinear form which is not only mesh-dependent (or

h
h

-dependent) but also degree-dependent (or

p
p

-dependent). In addition, the sesquilinear form contains penalty terms which not only penalize the jumps of the function values across the element edges but also the jumps of the first order tangential derivatives as well as jumps of all normal derivatives up to order

p
p

. Furthermore, to ensure the stability, the penalty parameters are taken as complex numbers with positive imaginary parts, so essentially and practically no constraint is imposed on the penalty parameters. It is proved that the proposed

h
p

hp

-discontinuous Galerkin methods are stable (hence, well-posed) without any mesh constraint. For each fixed wave number

k
k

, sub-optimal order (with respect to

h
h

and

p
p

) error estimates in the broken

H
1

H^1

-norm and the

L
2

L^2

-norm are derived without any mesh constraint. The error estimates as well as the stability estimates are improved to optimal order under the mesh condition

k
3

h
2

p

−
2

≤

C
0

k^3h^2p^{-2}\le C_0

by utilizing these stability and error estimates and using a stability-error iterative procedure, where

C
0

C_0

is some constant independent of

k
k

,

h
h

,

p
p

, and the penalty parameters. To overcome the difficulty caused by strong indefiniteness (and non-Hermitian nature) of the Helmholtz problems in the stability analysis for numerical solutions, our main ideas for stability analysis are to make use of a local version of the Rellich identity (for the Laplacian) and to mimic the stability analysis for the PDE solutions given in [19, 20, 33], which enable us to derive stability estimates and error bounds with explicit dependence on the mesh size

h
h

, the polynomial degree

p
p

, the wave number

k
k

, as well as all the penalty parameters for the numerical solutions.
Why Do Rural Firms Live Longer?
Authors: Yu Li , Orazem Peter F. , Jolly Robert W.
Published: February 2011

For the first thirteen years after entry, the hazard rate for firm exits is persistently higher for urban than for rural firms. While differences in observed industry market, local market, and firm attributes explain some of the rural/urban gap in firm survival, rural firms retain a survival advantage 18% greater in Iowa and 58% greater in Kansas than observationally equivalent urban firms. Evidence is consistent with a lower salvage price for the capital assets of failed rural firms. Entrepreneurs will require a higher success probability to enter a rural market rather than an urban market to leave their expected profits equal.
Improved structure, function and compatibility for CellProfiler: modular high-throughput image analysis software
Authors: Kamentsky Lee , Jones Thouis R. , Fraser Adam , Bray Mark-Anthony , Logan David J. , Madden Katherine L. , Ljosa Vebjorn , Rueden Curtis , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Carpenter Anne E.
Published: February 2011

Summary: There is a strong and growing need in the biology research community for accurate, automated image analysis. Here, we describe CellProfiler 2.0, which has been engineered to meet the needs of its growing user base. It is more robust and user friendly, with new algorithms and features to facilitate high-throughput work. ImageJ plugins can now be run within a CellProfiler pipeline.

Availability and Implementation: CellProfiler 2.0 is free and open source, available at http://www.cellprofiler.org under the GPL v. 2 license. It is available as a packaged application for Macintosh OS X and Microsoft Windows and can be compiled for Linux.

Contact:  anne@broadinstitute.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The MEMPACK alpha-helical transmembrane protein structure prediction server
Authors: Nugent Timothy , Ward Sean , Jones David T.
Published: February 2011

Motivation: The experimental difficulties of alpha-helical transmembrane protein structure determination make this class of protein an important target for sequence-based structure prediction tools. The MEMPACK prediction server allows users to submit a transmembrane protein sequence and returns transmembrane topology, lipid exposure, residue contacts, helix–helix interactions and helical packing arrangement predictions in both plain text and graphical formats using a number of novel machine learning-based algorithms.

Availability: The server can be accessed as a new component of the PSIPRED portal by at http://bioinf.cs.ucl.ac.uk/psipred/.

Contact:  d.jones@cs.ucl.ac.uk; t.nugent@cs.ucl.ac.uk
Intraoperative Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Transfusion in Children Undergoing Craniosynostosis Surgery
Authors: Dadure Christophe , Sauter Magali , Bringuier Sophie , Bigorre Michelle , Raux Olivier , Rochette Alain , Canaud Nancy , Capdevila Xavier
Published: February 2011

Background

Surgical correction of craniosynostosis in children is associated with substantial intraoperative bleeding. Tranexamic acid (TXA) decreases intraoperative blood loss during cardiac or orthopedic surgery in children. We hypothesized that intraoperative TXA would reduce blood transfusion relative to placebo in patients pretreated with erythropoietin.

Methods

Forty consecutive children, American Society of Anesthesiologists status 1 or 2, scheduled to undergo surgical correction of craniosynostosis were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous TXA or saline, 0.9%, intraoperatively. All children received preoperative erythropoietin (600 U/kg once a week for 3 weeks before surgery). Perioperative blood loss, number and volume of transfusions, percentage of children who underwent transfusion, and side effects were noted after surgery and at the end of the study. Surgeon satisfaction and cost of treatment were also recorded.

Results

There was no significant difference between groups in demographic or surgical data. In the TXA group, the volume of packed erythrocytes transfused was significantly reduced by 85% (from 11 to 1.6 ml/kg) intraoperatively and by 57% (from 16.6 to 7.2 ml/kg) throughout the study period (P < 0.05). Compared with the placebo group, the percentage of children requiring blood transfusion was lower in the TXA group during surgery (9 [45%] of 20 vs. 2 [11%] of 19 children; P < 0.05) and during the whole study period (14 [70%] of 20 vs. 7 [37%] of 19; P < 0.05). Preoperative and postoperative hematologic parameters were comparable in both groups. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion

In children undergoing surgical correction of craniosynostosis and pretreated with erythropoietin, intraoperative TXA reduces the transfusion requirement.
The Aspergillus fumigatus toxin fumagillin suppresses the immune response of Galleria mellonella larvae by inhibiting the action of haemocytes
Authors: Fallon John P. , Reeves Emer P. , Kavanagh Kevin
Published: February 2011

Larvae of Galleria mellonella are widely used to evaluate microbial virulence and to assess the in vivo efficacy of antimicrobial agents. The aim of this work was to examine the ability of an Aspergillus fumigatus toxin, fumagillin, to suppress the immune response of larvae. Administration of fumagillin to larvae increased their susceptibility to subsequent infection with A. fumigatus conidia (P = 0.0052). It was demonstrated that a dose of 2 µg fumagillin ml−1 reduced the ability of insect immune cells (haemocytes) to kill opsonized cells of Candida albicans (P = 0.039) and to phagocytose A. fumigatus conidia (P = 0.016). Fumagillin reduced the oxygen uptake of haemocytes and decreased the translocation of a p47 protein which is homologous to p47phox, a protein essential for the formation of a functional NADPH oxidase complex required for superoxide production. In addition, toxin-treated haemocytes showed reduced levels of degranulation as measured by the release of a protein showing reactivity to an anti-myeloperoxidase antibody (P<0.049) that was subsequently identified by liquid chromatography-MS analysis as prophenoloxidase. This work demonstrates that fumagillin suppresses the immune response of G. mellonella larvae by inhibiting the action of haemocytes and thus renders the larvae susceptible to infection. During growth of the fungus in the larvae, this toxin, along with others, may facilitate growth by suppressing the cellular immune response.
Fermentation enzymes of Giardia intestinalis, pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase and hydrogenase, do not localize to its mitosomes
Authors: Emelyanov Victor V. , Goldberg Alina V.
Published: February 2011

It is becoming increasingly clear that the so-called remnant organelles of microaerophilic unicellular eukaryotes, hydrogenosomes and mitosomes, are significantly reduced versions of mitochondria. They normally lack most of the classic mitochondrial attributes, such as an electron transport chain and a genome. While hydrogenosomes generate energy by substrate-level phosphorylation along a hydrogen-producing fermentation pathway, involving iron–sulfur-cluster-containing enzymes pyruvate : ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO) and hydrogenase, whether mitosomes participate in ATP synthesis is currently unknown. Both enzymes were recently described in the mitosome-bearing diplomonad Giardia intestinalis, also shown to produce molecular hydrogen. As published data show that giardial PFO is a membrane-associated enzyme, it could be suspected that PFO and hydrogenase operate in the mitosome, in which case the latter would by definition be a hydrogenosome. Using antibodies against recombinant enzymes of G. intestinalis, it was shown by Western blot analysis of subcellular fractions and by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy of whole cells that neither PFO nor hydrogenase localize to the mitosome, but are mostly found in the cytosol. The giardial mitosome is known to play a role in iron–sulfur cluster assembly and to contain chaperones Cpn60 and mtHsp70, which assist, in particular, in protein import. In mitochondria, transmembrane potential is essential for this complex process. Using MitoTracker Red and organelle-specific antibodies, transmembrane potential could be detected in the Trichomonas vaginalis hydrogenosome, but not in the G. intestinalis mitosome. These results provide further evidence that the Giardia mitosome is one of the most highly reduced mitochondrial homologues.
Heterologous expression of Alteromonas macleodii and Thiocapsa roseopersicina [NiFe] hydrogenases in Escherichia coli
Authors: Weyman P. D. , Vargas W. A. , Chuang R.-Y. , Chang Y. , Smith H. O. , Xu Q.
Published: February 2011

HynSL fromAlteromonas macleodii‘deep ecotype’ (AltDE) is an oxygen-tolerant and thermostable [NiFe] hydrogenase. Its two structural genes (hynSL), encoding small and large hydrogenase subunits, are surrounded by eight genes (hynD,hupHandhypCABDFE) predicted to encode accessory proteins involved in maturation of the hydrogenase. A 13 kb fragment containing the ten structural and accessory genes along with three additional adjacent genes (orf2,cytandorf1) was cloned into an IPTG-inducible expression vector and transferred into anEscherichia colimutant strain lacking its native hydrogenases. Upon induction, HynSL from AltDE was expressed inE. coliand was active, as determined by anin vitrohydrogen evolution assay. Subsequent genetic analysis revealed thatorf2,cyt,orf1andhupHare not essential for assembling an active hydrogenase. However,hupHandorf2can enhance the activity of the heterologously expressed hydrogenase. We used this genetic system to compare maturation mechanisms between AltDE HynSL and itsThiocapsa roseopersicinahomologue. When the structural genes for theT. roseopersicinahydrogenase,hynSL, were expressed along with knownT. roseopersicinaaccessory genes (hynD, hupK, hypC1C2andhypDEF), no active hydrogenase was produced. Further, co-expression of AltDE accessory geneshypAandhypBwith the entire set of theT. roseopersicinagenes did not produce an active hydrogenase. However, co-expression of all AltDE accessory genes with theT. roseopersicinastructural genes generated an activeT. roseopersicinahydrogenase. This result demonstrates that the accessory genes from AltDE can complement their counterparts fromT. roseopersicinaand that the two hydrogenases share similar maturation mechanisms.
In vivo programmed cell death of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites in a hamster model of amoebic liver abscess
Authors: Villalba-Magdaleno José D’Artagnan , Pérez-Ishiwara Guillermo , Serrano-Luna Jesús , Tsutsumi Víctor , Shibayama Mineko
Published: February 2011

Entamoebahistolyticatrophozoites can induce host cell apoptosis, which correlates with the virulence of the parasite. This phenomenon has been seen during the resolution of an inflammatory response and the survival of the parasites. Other studies have shown thatE. histolyticatrophozoites undergo programmed cell death (PCD)in vitro, but how this process occurs within the mammalian host cell remains unclear. Here, we studied the PCD ofE. histolyticatrophozoites as part of anin vivoevent related to the inflammatory reaction and the host–parasite interaction. Morphological study of amoebic liver abscesses showed only a fewE. histolyticatrophozoites with peroxidase-positive nuclei identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase enzyme-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL). To better understand PCD following the interaction between amoebae and inflammatory cells, we designed a novelin vivomodel using a dialysis bag containingE. histolyticatrophozoites, which was surgically placed inside the peritoneal cavity of a hamster and left to interact with the host’s exudate components. Amoebae collected from bags were then examined by TUNEL assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and transmission electron microscopy. Nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation ofE. histolyticatrophozoites were observed after exposure to peritoneal exudates, which were mainly composed of neutrophils and macrophages. Our results suggest that production of nitric oxide by inflammatory cells could be involved in PCD of trophozoites. In this modifiedin vivosystem, PCD appears to play a prominent role in the host–parasite interaction and parasite cell death.
The predominant expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) in thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1)‐negative pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kunii Ryosuke , Jiang Shuying , Hasegawa Go , Yamamoto Takashi , Umezu Hajime , Watanabe Takehiro , Tsuchida Masanori , Hashimoto Takehisa , Hamakubo Takao , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Sasai Keisuke , Naito Makoto
Published: February 2011

Kunii R, Jiang S, Hasegawa G, Yamamoto T, Umezu H, Watanabe T, Tsuchida M, Hashimoto T, Hamakubo T, Kodama T, Sasai K & Naito M (2011) Histopathology58, 467–476 The predominant expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) in thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1)‐negative pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Aims:  To investigate TTF‐1‐negative pulmonary adenocarcinoma, focusing upon mucin production and the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4α (HNF4α).

Materials and methods:  Two hundred and sixty‐two cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma were examined histologically and immunohistochemically; TTF‐1 was expressed in 222 cases (84.7%), and 40 cases (15.3%) were negative. Among TTF‐1‐negative cases there were 31 mucinous‐type tumours, and HNF4α, MUC5AC and MUC2 were expressed in 34 cases (85%), 29 cases (72.5%) and four cases (10%), respectively. In contrast, their expression was rare in TTF‐1‐positive tumours. A statistically inverse correlation was confirmed between the expression of TTF‐1 and that of HNF4α and MUC5AC.

Conclusion:  Most TTF‐1‐negative pulmonary adenocarcinomas are mucinous lesions with the predominant expressionof HNF4α and MUC5AC.
Novel glucokinase mutations in patients with monogenic diabetes – clinical outline of GCK‐MD and potential for founder effect in Slavic population
Authors: Borowiec M , Antosik K , Fendler W , Deja G , Jarosz‐Chobot P , Mysliwiec M , Zmyslowska A , Malecki M , Szadkowska A , Mlynarski W
Published: February 2011

Borowiec M, Antosik K, Fendler W, Deja G, Jarosz‐Chobot P, Mysliwiec M, Zmyslowska A, Malecki M, Szadkowska A, Mlynarski W. Novel glucokinase mutations in patients with monogenic diabetes – clinical outline of GCK‐MD and potential for founder effect in Slavic population.

Glucokinase (GCK) gene mutations are the causative factor of GCK‐MD (monogenic diabetes) characterized by a mild clinical phenotype and potential for insulin withdrawal. This study presents the results of a nationwide genetic screening for GCK‐MD performed in Poland. A group of 194 patients with clinical suspicion of GCK‐MD and 17 patients with neonatal diabetes were subjected to GCK sequencing. Patients negative for GCK mutations were subjected to multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to detect deletions or insertions. A total of 44 GCK heterozygous mutations were found in 68 probands (35%). Among those, 20 mutations were novel ones: A282fs, D198V, E158X, G246V, G249R, I348N, L165V, L315Q, M115I, N254S, P284fs, Q338P, R377L, R43C, R46S, S212fs, S212P, T255N, V406A and Y214D. No abnormalities were detected in MLPA analysis. Homozygous D278E mutation was found in one patient with neonatal diabetes. The most frequently observed combinations of symptoms typical for GCK‐MD were mild diabetes and/or fasting hyperglycaemia (98.3%), positive C‐peptide at diagnosis (76%) and dominant mode of inheritance (59%). This study outlines numerous novel mutations of the GCK gene present in white Caucasians of Slavic origin. Thorough clinical assessment of known factors associated with GCK‐MD may facilitate patient selection.
Association between overweight/obesity and periodontitis in adults. A systematic review
Authors: Suvan Jean , D'Aiuto Francesco , Moles David R. , Petrie Aviva , Donos Nikos
Published: February 2011

Overweight and obesity have been suggested to be associated with periodontitis as published in studies and narrative summaries. This project presents results of a systematic review investigating the association between overweight or obesity (as defined by the World Health Organization) and periodontitis.

Search strategy included electronic and hand searching to December 2009. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and SIGLE were searched. RCTs, cohort, case–control and cross‐sectional study designs that included measures of periodontitis and body composition were eligible. Duplicate, independent screening and data abstraction were performed. Meta‐analyses were performed when appropriate.

A total of 526 titles and abstracts were screened, resulting in 61 full text articles and abstracts assessed for eligibility with 33 being included. Nineteen studies provided sufficient information for inclusion in meta‐analyses. Meta‐analyses indicated statistically significant associations between periodontitis and body mass index (BMI) category obese OR 1.81(1.42, 2.30), overweight OR 1.27(1.06, 1.51) and obese and overweight combined OR 2.13(1.40, 3.26).

In conclusion, these results support an association between BMI overweight and obesity and periodontitis although the magnitude is unclear. Additional prospective studies to further quantify, or understand the mechanisms, of this association are merited. There is insufficient evidence to provide guidelines to clinicians on the clinical management of periodontitis in overweight and obese individuals.
Assessment of abdominal adipose tissue and organ fat content by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hu H. H. , Nayak K. S. , Goran M. I.
Published: February 2011

As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, rapid and accurate tools for assessing abdominal body and organ fat quantity and distribution are critically needed to assist researchers investigating therapeutic and preventive measures against obesity and its comorbidities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most promising modality to address such need. It is non‐invasive, utilizes no ionizing radiation, provides unmatched 3‐D visualization, is repeatable, and is applicable to subject cohorts of all ages. This article is aimed to provide the reader with an overview of current and state‐of‐the‐art techniques in MRI and associated image analysis methods for fat quantification. The principles underlying traditional approaches such as T1‐weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as more modern chemical‐shift imaging techniques are discussed and compared. The benefits of contiguous 3‐D acquisitions over 2‐D multislice approaches are highlighted. Typical post‐processing procedures for extracting adipose tissue depot volumes and percent organ fat content from abdominal MRI data sets are explained. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of each MRI approach with respect to imaging parameters, spatial resolution, subject motion, scan time and appropriate fat quantitative endpoints are also provided. Practical considerations in implementing these methods are also presented.
Greenspace and obesity: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Lachowycz K. , Jones A. P.
Published: February 2011

Greenspace is theoretically a valuable resource for physical activity and hence has potential to contribute to reducing obesity and improving health. This paper reports on a systematic review of quantitative research examining the association between objectively measured access to greenspace and (i) Physical activity, (ii) Weight status and (iii) Health conditions related to elevated weight. Literature searches were conducted in SCOPUS, Medline, Embase and PYSCHINFO. Sixty studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for methodological quality and strength of the evidence. The majority (68%) of papers found a positive or weak association between greenspace and obesity‐related health indicators, but findings were inconsistent and mixed across studies. Several studies found the relationship varied by factors such as age, socioeconomic status and greenspace measure. Developing a theoretical framework which considers the correlates and interactions between different types of greenspace and health would help study design and interpretation of reported findings, as would improvement in quality and consistency of greenspace access measures. Key areas for future research include investigating if and how people actually use greenspace and improving understanding of the mechanisms through which greenspace can improve health and, in particular, if physical activity is one such mechanism.
Ethnic inequalities in obesity among children and adults in the UK: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: El‐Sayed A. M. , Scarborough P. , Galea S.
Published: February 2011

Ethnic minority groups are growing as a proportion of the British population. Although disparate, literature suggests inequalities in obesity risk within and among ethnic minority groups relative to Caucasians in the UK. We summarize and appraise the existing peer‐reviewed literature about the prevalence and determinants of obesity among ethnic minority groups relative to Caucasians among children and adults in the UK. There was no consensus about obesity prevalence relative to Caucasians among South Asian or Black children or among South Asian adults relative to Caucasians. Black adults generally had higher risk for obesity than Caucasians. Both Chinese children and adults had lower risk for obesity than Caucasians. Few studies have considered differences in the aetiology of obesity by ethnicity. The lack of consensus regarding obesity risk among large ethnic minority groups relative to Caucasians in the UK, and the paucity of studies concerned with differences in obesity aetiology by ethnicity warrant further research in this area. Certain obesity metrics may bias obesity prevalence among particular ethnic groups relative to Caucasians. We summarize key methodological limitations to the current literature and suggest avenues for future research.
Differences in overweight and obesity among children from migrant and native origin: a systematic review of the European literature
Authors: Labree L. J. W. , van de Mheen H. , Rutten F. F. H. , Foets M.
Published: February 2011

To review the prevalence regarding overweight and obesity among children and adolescents from migrant and native origin within Europe, a systematic review (1999–2009) was performed, using Embase, PubMed and citation snowballing. Literature research resulted in 19 manuscripts, reporting studies in six countries, mostly situated in Western and Central Europe.

From this review, it appears that, in most of the European countries for which data are available, especially non‐European migrant children are at higher risk for overweight and obesity than their native counterparts. The prevalence of overweight in migrant children ranged from 8.9% to 37.5% and from 8.8% to 27.3% in native children. The prevalence of obesity in migrant children ranged from 1.2% to 15.4% and from 0.6% to 11.6% in native children. Some limitations of the review are discussed, especially the problematic classification of migrant and native children.

Apparently, migrant children display an even more sedentary way of life or adverse dietary patterns, as compared with native children. To what degree these differences can be explained by socioeconomic and cultural factors remains to be investigated. As overweight and obese children are at risk for many chronic health problems, further research is urgently needed in order to develop preventive interventions.
Trafficking Properties of the D5 Dopamine Receptor
Authors: Thompson Dawn , Whistler Jennifer L.
Published: February 2011

Dopamine receptors are important for diverse biological functions and are important pharmacological targets in human medicine. Signal transduction from the dopamine receptors is controlled at many levels, including by the process of receptor trafficking. Little is known regarding the endocytic and postendocytic trafficking properties of the D5 dopamine receptor. Here, we show that endocytosis of the D5 receptor can be achieved both homologously, through direct receptor activation by agonist, and also heterologously, due to independent activation of protein kinase C (PKC). In contrast, the D1 receptor is endocytosed only in response to agonist but not PKC activation. We have identified the residue in the third intracellular loop of the D5 receptor that is both necessary for PKC‐mediated endocytosis of the D5 receptor and sufficient to induce PKC‐mediated endocytosis when introduced to the D1 receptor. In addition, we show that endocytosis of D5 through both pathways is dependent on clathrin and dynamin but that only agonist‐induced endocytosis engages β‐arrestin 2. Together, these data show that the D5 receptor shows a trafficking profile distinct from that of any of the other dopamine receptors.