bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older people with hip fracture: depression in the postoperative first year
Authors: Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus , Cheng Huey‐Shinn , Teng Huei‐Chin , Chen Min‐Chi , Wu Chi‐Chuan , Tsai Wen‐Che
Published: October 2009

Title.  Older people with hip fracture: depression in the postoperative first year.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe changes in risk of depressive symptoms and their predictors for older people with hip fracture during the first year following hospital discharge.

Background.  The prevalence of depression in older people with hip fracture has been reported as 9–47%. However, the longitudinal changes in prevalence rate following hip fracture have not been well‐studied, particularly in Asian countries.

Methods.  The study was conducted in Taiwan in 2001–2003. A sample of 147 older people with hip fracture was assessed for depressive symptoms before discharge, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge using the Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale. Longitudinal data were analysed by the generalized estimating equation approach.

Findings.  The majority of participants were at risk for depressive symptoms before discharge (n = 147, 57·8%) and 35·6% (n = 118) 12 months after discharge. These numbers decreased statistically significantly from before discharge to the 1st month after discharge (57·8% vs. 42·6%, P = 0·008), and from the 1st to the 6th month (42·6% vs. 31·3%, P = 0·03), and then remained stable until the 12th month after discharge. Lower emotional‐social support predicted persistent depressive symptoms after discharge (P < 0·01).

Conclusion.  Timely psychological interventions are suggested within the first 6 months after discharge, especially the first 3 months. Healthcare professionals need to pay attention to older patients with hip fracture who are female, with poorer prefracture functioning and particularly those with lower emotional‐social support.
‘Bridging worlds’: meeting the emotional needs of dying patients
Authors: Law Rollanda
Published: October 2009

Title.  ‘Bridging worlds’: meeting the emotional needs of dying patients.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to develop a grounded theory to explain how district nurses meet the emotional needs of dying patients in the community.

Background.  There has been a policy commitment internationally to improve community services and enable people with terminal illnesses to die in their own homes. This increasing trend towards home deaths in the United Kingdom (UK) makes more demand on district nurses to provide emotional support for dying patients.

Methods.  A ‘classic’ grounded theory study was conducted in the UK between 2002 and 2005. Unstructured observations and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of nine district nurses, nine patients and four family carers. A further theoretical sample of five books of authors’ accounts of their dying experiences and three district nurses who were advanced practitioners were selected.

Findings.  Five categories were identified in the data: ‘outside world’, ‘dying world’, ‘entering dying world’, ‘maintaining connections’ and the core category ‘bridging worlds’. The theory of ‘bridging worlds’ indicated that dying patients experienced ‘dying world’ and ‘outside world’. District nurses met dying patients’ emotional needs by acting as a bridge between their two worlds, encouraging them to maintain connections with the outside world so that they did not become isolated in their dying world.

Conclusion.  District nurses should ensure that they meet both the physical and emotional needs of dying patients. Nursing education and literature need to concentrate on raising awareness of nurses’ role in providing emotional support.
Raising issues about children’s overweight – maternal and child health nurses’ experiences
Authors: Edvardsson Kristina , Edvardsson David , Hörnsten Åsa
Published: October 2009

Title.  Raising issues about children’s overweight – maternal and child health nurses’ experiences.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study carried out to describe maternal and child health nurses’ experiences of communicating and raising issues with parents about children’s overweight.

Background.  Children's overweight and obesity are rapidly increasing in many countries around the world. Maternal and child health nurses are in a unique position to influence parents, but studies of their experiences in communicating with parents about overweight are lacking.

Method.  Ten maternal and child health nurses in culturally diverse rural and urban areas in Melbourne, Australia, were interviewed in 2007. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify key categories.

Findings.  During the analysis, eight categories were identified. In summary, nurses described it as difficult to raise weight issues, especially if parents were overweight themselves. The growth chart was felt to be an essential tool in discussions about weight and nurses often described themselves as holding ‘expert’ roles in conversations. Denial, defensiveness and excuses about children being overweight were common reactions among parents and were described as difficult to deal with. However, a strong nurse–parent relationship was experienced as facilitating conversations about weight.

Conclusion.  Raising issues about weight can be difficult, especially if parents are overweight themselves. Further research in communications is needed to understand and approach parents better – especially overweight parents – about their children’s weight. Interventions involving patient‐centred approaches in this context have potential, but the area is still relatively unexplored. Maternal and child health centres could be important contributors in such future interventions.
Psychological adjustments made by postburn injury patients: an integrative literature review
Authors: Klinge Kerry , Chamberlain Diane J. , Redden Maurine , King Lindy
Published: October 2009

Title.  Psychological adjustments made by postburn injury patients: an integrative literature review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a review examining the variables that predispose individuals to significant psychological maladjustment following burn injury.

Background.  The psychological sequelae of burn injury are well documented; however, the variables that influence individuals’ adjustment following burn injury lack consideration.

Data sources.  MEDLINE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, and Psychological Abstracts were searched using the keywords burn injury, psychological, psychosocial, rehabilitation, premorbid psychopathology, adjustment, reintegration, body image, post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression, coping. Other sources were found from a manual search of nursing, medical and psychological literature and references of identified and related papers. The search strategy was limited to English‐language research published between 1997 and 2008.

Review methods.  An integrative review of the studies was conducted over a 6‐month time period during 2007–2008.

Results.  Burn patients are a heterogeneous group and typically have comorbidities. While preburn personality and coping strategies can influence long‐term psychological adjustment, the relationship between postburn adjustment and burn size and severity, and gender are poorly understood. Much of the literature focuses on the prevalence of psychological maladjustment rather than on identifying variables that influence psychological adjustment.

Conclusion.  The diversity and complexity that characterize burn patients lead to unique adjustment difficulties. Recognizing these difficulties is the first step to offering appropriate intervention and treatment for this unique patient group.
Polymorphism at the avpr1a locus in male prairie voles correlated with genetic but not social monogamy in field populations
Authors: SOLOMON N. G. , RICHMOND A. R. , HARDING P. A. , FRIES A. , JACQUEMIN S. , SCHAEFER R. L. , LUCIA K. E. , KEANE B.
Published: October 2009

Integrative studies of genetics, neurobiology and behaviour indicate that polymorphism in specific genes contributes to variation observed in some complex social behaviours. The neuropeptide arginine vasopressin plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of social behaviours, including social attachment of males to females, through its action on the vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR). In socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), polymorphism in the length of microsatellite DNA within the regulatory region of the gene (avpr1a) encoding the V1aR predicts differences among males in neural expression of V1aRs and partner preference under laboratory conditions. However, understanding the extent to which V1aR mediates variation in prairie vole social and reproductive behaviour observed in nature requires investigating the consequences of avpr1a polymorphism and environmental influences under ecologically relevant conditions. We examined the relationship between avpr1a length polymorphism and monogamy among male prairie voles living in 0.1 ha enclosures during a time similar to their natural lifespan. We found no evidence that avpr1a genotype of males predicts variation in social monogamy measured in the field but some indices of social monogamy were affected by population density. Parentage data indicated that a male’s avpr1a genotype significantly influenced the number of females with which he sired offspring and the total number of offspring sired. Total brain concentrations of V1aR mRNA were not associated with either male behaviour or avpr1a genotype. These data show that melding ecological field studies with neurogenetics can substantially augment our understanding of the effects of genes and environment on social behaviours.
Chronic constipation: overview and challenges
Authors: Cook I. J. , Talley N. J. , Benninga M. A. , Rao S. S. , Scott S. M.
Published: October 2009

Abstract  Despite its high prevalence and cost implications, our understanding of the pathophysiology of constipation remains primitive, and available therapies have limited efficacy. The purpose of this supplement is to address critically the reasons for the current lack of understanding and to propose avenues of future research to address these deficiencies.
Neuroanatomy and physiology of colorectal function and defaecation: from basic science to human clinical studies
Authors: Brookes S. J. , Dinning P. G. , Gladman M. A.
Published: October 2009

Abstract  Colorectal physiology is complex and involves programmed, coordinated interaction between muscular and neuronal elements. Whilst a detailed understanding remains elusive, novel information has emerged from recent basic science and human clinical studies concerning normal sensorimotor mechanisms and the organization and function of the key elements involved in the control of motility. This chapter summarizes these observations to provide a contemporary review of the neuroanatomy and physiology of colorectal function and defaecation.
Pathophysiology of evacuation disorders
Authors: Lunniss P. J. , Gladman M. A. , Benninga M. A. , Rao S. S.
Published: October 2009

Abstract  This review details our contemporary knowledge of the mechanisms underlying evacuatory disorders. There is confusion concerning terminology and classification, which is based upon both an incomplete understanding of the multiple mechanisms involved in evacuation, and that current tests to investigate it are not physiological. Nevertheless, despite the need for more research, significant advances have been made and current assessments can direct therapy.
Pharmacological management of constipation
Authors: Emmanuel A. V. , Tack J. , Quigley E. M. , Talley N. J.
Published: October 2009

Abstract The approach of this review is to give a pragmatic approach to using laxatives, based on a combination of what is known about mechanism of action and the available literature on evidence.
Conservative and behavioural management of constipation
Authors: Whitehead W. E. , Di Lorenzo C. , Leroi A. M. , Porrett T. , Rao S. S.
Published: October 2009

Abstract  This article deals with psychological contributions, such as stool withholding or responses to abuse experiences, to the aetiology of evacuation disorders (with a focus on dyssynergic defecation), and with education and behavioural approaches to treatment.
Intersectoral coordination, community empowerment and dengue prevention: six years of controlled interventions in Playa Municipality, Havana, Cuba
Authors: Sanchez L. , Perez D. , Cruz G. , Castro M. , Kourí G. , Shkedy Z. , Vanlerberghe V. , Van der Stuyft P.
Published: October 2009

Objective  To document the process, outcome and effectiveness of a community‐based intervention for dengue control.

Methods  The primary intervention, focused on strengthening intersectoral coordination, was initiated by researchers in January 2000 in a pilot area in Playa municipality, Havana. In August 2002 health authorities extended the intervention to neighbouring areas, one of which was selected for evaluation. In August 2003 a complementary strategy, focused on community empowerment, was initiated in half of the pilot area. In our control area, routine dengue activities continued throughout the study period. Longitudinal process assessment was carried out using document analysis, interviews and group discussions. Random population surveys in 1999, 2002 and 2005 assessed levels of participation and behavioural changes. Entomological surveillance data from 1999 to 2005 were used to determine effectiveness.

Results  Mean scores for participation in the pilot area were 1.6, 3.4 and 4.4 at baseline, and 2 years after initiating intersectoral coordination and intersectoral coordination plus community empowerment interventions, respectively. While in the control area little behavioural change was observed over time, changes were considerable in the pilot and extension areas, with 80% of households involved in the community empowerment intervention showed adequate behavioural patterns. The pilot and extension areas attained comparable entomological effectiveness with significantly lower Breteau indices (BIs) than the control area. The pilot (sub‐) area with the community empowerment intervention reached BIs below 0.1 that continued to be significantly lower than the one in the control area until the end of the study.

Conclusion  The study showed a trend in the levels and quality of participation, behavioural change and effectiveness of Aedes control from the routine activities only over an intervention with intersectoral coordination to one that combined intersectoral coordination and community empowerment approach.
Effector and regulatory mechanisms in allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Vocanson M. , Hennino A. , Rozières A. , Poyet G. , Nicolas J.‐F.
Published: October 2009

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), one of the commonest occupational diseases, is a T‐cell‐mediated skin inflammation caused by repeated skin exposure to contact allergens, i.e. nonprotein chemicals called haptens. Allergic contact dermatitis, also referred to as contact hypersensitivity, is mediated by CD8+ T cells, which are primed in lymphoid organs during the sensitization phase and are recruited in the skin upon re‐exposure to the hapten. Subsets of CD4+ T cells endowed with suppressive activity are responsible for both the down‐regulation of eczema in allergic patients and the prevention of priming to haptens in nonallergic individuals. Therefore, ACD should be considered as a breakdown of the skin immune tolerance to haptens. Recent advances in the pathophysiology of ACD have demonstrated the important role of skin innate immunity in the sensitization process and have revisited the dogma that Langerhans cells are mandatory for CD8+ T‐cell priming. They have also introduced mast cells as a pivotal actor in the magnitude of the inflammatory reaction. Finally, the most recent studies address the nature, the mode and the site of action of the regulatory T cells that control the skin inflammation with the aim of developing new strategies of tolerance induction in allergic patients.
CRTH2 mediates the activation of human Th2 cells in response to PGD2 released from IgE/anti‐IgE treated nasal polyp tissue
Authors: Pérez‐Novo C. A. , Holtappels G. , Vinall S. L. , Xue L. , Zhang N. , Bachert C. , Pettipher R.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Pérez‐ Novo CA, Holtappels G, Vinall SL, Xue L, Zhang N, Bachert C, Pettipher R. CRTH2 mediates the activation of human Th2 cells in response to PGD2 released from IgE/anti‐IgE treated nasal polyp tissue. Allergy 2010; 65: 304–310.

Background:  Mast cells release mediators upon stimulation that contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic airway disease, including the recruitment and activation of Th2 lymphocytes. The objective was to determine the involvement of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and its receptors in the chemotaxis of Th2 cells, using nasal polyp tissue.

Methods:  Tissue explants from ten patients with nasal polyposis were incubated with RPMI alone or RPMI containing IgE/anti‐IgE for 30 min. Some samples were treated with diclofenac to inhibit the production of PGD2. Supernatants were assayed for PGD2 content and for their ability to promote human Th2 cell chemotaxis in the presence and absence of a CRTH2 antagonist. Transcript levels of D protanoid receptor type 1 (DP1), chemoattractant receptor‐homologous receptor expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) and PGD2 synthase were analysed by real time PCR.

Results:  Increased release of PGD2 by nasal polyp tissue treated with IgE/anti‐IgE was significantly inhibited by preincubation of the tissue with diclofenac. Transcript levels of PGD2 synthase, DP1 and CRTH2 receptors increased after stimulation with IgE/anti‐IgE. Supernatants from IgE/anti‐IgE‐stimulated nasal polyp tissue caused significantly increased chemotaxis of Th2 cells. The levels of PGD2 produced and the degree of Th2 cell chemotaxis were highly correlated. Diclofenac inhibited the production of Th2 cell chemotactic activity, and the chemotactic effect of the supernatant on Th2 cells was inhibited by the CRTH2 antagonist ramatroban.

Conclusion:  These data suggest that in immunologically activated nasal polyp tissue, PGD2 produced by mast cells promotes the migration of Th2 cells through a CRTH2 dependent mechanism.
Adulthood asthma after wheezing in infancy: a questionnaire study at 27 years of age
Authors: Ruotsalainen M. , Piippo‐Savolainen E. , Hyvärinen M. K. , Korppi M.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Ruotsalainen M, Piippo‐Savolainen E, Hyvärinen MK, Korppi M. Adulthood asthma after wheezing in infancy: a questionnaire study at 27 years of age. Allergy 2010; 65: 503–509.

Background:  Wheezing in early childhood is a heterogeneous condition, the long‐term prognosis varying from total recovery to chronic asthma. Though short‐term outcome has been actively studied, there is lack of data on long‐term outcome until adulthood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of asthma at 26–29 years of age after early‐life wheezing.

Methods:  At the median age of 27.3 years (range 26.3–28.6), a questionnaire was sent to 78 study subjects hospitalized for wheezing at <24 months of age, and 59 (76%) answered. Asthma, allergy and weight status were compared with selected controls followed up from birth and with non‐selected population controls recruited for this adulthood study.

Results:  Doctor‐diagnosed asthma was present in 20% of the former bronchiolitis patients, compared with 5% in the two control groups (OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.3–17.9 vs selected controls; OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.7–15.8 vs nonselected controls). The respective figures for current self‐reported asthma were 41% and 7–10% (OR 11.4, 95% CI 2.3–56.1 vs selected controls; OR 12.2, 95% CI 4.4–33.7 vs nonselected controls). Current allergic rhinitis and current smoking were significantly associated with asthma, but current overweight or obesity was not. In multivariate analyses, early‐life wheezing was an independent risk factor of adulthood asthma.

Conclusion:  An increased asthma risk in early‐life wheezers continues, even after many symptom‐free years at school age, at least until 27 years of age.
Distribution and hydrolytic enzyme characteristics of Candida albicans strains isolated from diabetic patients and their non‐diabetic consorts
Authors: Boriollo M. F. G. , Bassi R. C. , Dos Santos Nascimento C. M. G. , Feliciano L. M. , Francisco S. B. , Barros L. M. , Spolidório L. C. , Palomari Spolidório D. M.
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  The aim of this study was to investigate the oral colonization profile of Candida albicans strains isolated from diabetic patients and their non‐diabetic consorts. In addition hydrolytic enzyme activity of these isolates was analysed.

Methods:  The genetic diversity of C. albicans oral isolates from 52 couples was established using isoenzyme marker and cluster analysis. Hydrolytic enzyme characteristics, namely secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAPs) and phospholipases (PLs) were also analysed.

Results:  Simultaneous colonization by C. albicans was observed in the consorts of 12 couples (23.1%). Patterns of monoclonal and polyclonal oral colonization by C. albicans strains were identified and the coexistence of identical or highly related strains was observed in both members of eight couples. The genetic diversity observed in the total yeast population revealed four large, genetically distinct groups (A to D) and the coexistence of strains in couples or consorts conjugally unrelated. SAP and PL activity was observed in the majority of C. albicans isolates without any association to particular strain, strain clusters (highly related isolates), or clinical characteristics of the consorts (diabetic, non‐diabetic, and gender).

Conclusion:  Possible sources of transmission and oral propagation of groups (clusters) of strains of C. albicans can occur between diabetic and non‐diabetic consorts. A conjugal genotypic identity exists in most C. albicans‐positive couples, that is, both consorts share identical or highly related strains; however, this identity is not couple‐specific as seen by the coexistence of clusters in couples and unrelated consorts.
Characterization of bacterial flora in persistent apical periodontitis lesions
Authors: Fujii R. , Saito Y. , Tokura Y. , Nakagawa K.‐I. , Okuda K. , Ishihara K.
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Microorganisms are able to survive and induce persistent infection in periapical tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of the microflora of persistent apical periodontitis lesions.

Methods:  Twenty apical lesion samples were obtained from 20 patients with chronic apical periodontitis by root end surgery and processed using aerobic or anaerobic culture techniques. All isolated strains were identified by 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis.

Results:  Seventy‐four strains were isolated, belonging to 31 bacterial species obtained from the 20 apical lesions that were isolated. The majority of the strains were facultative anaerobes (51.6%). Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Fusobacterium nucleatum were isolated from 16.2, 9.5, 6.8 and 5.4% of the samples, respectively. Fifteen samples harboured more than one species. The predominant association was P. acnes, S. epidermidis and F. nucleatum.

Conclusion:  The microbiota of persistent apical periodontitis lesions is composed by diverse types of microorganisms with biofilm‐forming capacity, including P. acnes, S. epidermidis and F. nucleatum.
Automutanolysin disrupts clinical isolates of cariogenic streptococci in biofilms and planktonic cells
Authors: Thanyasrisung P. , Komatsuzawa H. , Yoshimura G. , Fujiwara T. , Yamada S. , Kozai K. , Eto K. , Izumi Y. , Sugai M.
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Dental caries remains one of the most common chronic infectious diseases throughout the world. The formation of dental plaque is one of the caries risk factors. As a consequence, the removal of plaque may reduce the incidence of caries development. We identified an autolysin produced by Streptococcus mutans named auto‐mutanolysin (Aml). Aml selectively lyses S. mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. The specificity towards these cariogenic bacteria suggests that Aml may be used to prevent dental caries. Here, with the aim towards therapeutic application, we investigated the lytic activity of Aml against clinical isolates of S. mutans and S. sobrinus using planktonic cells and biofilms.

Methods:  Planktonic cell suspensions and biofilms of clinically isolated streptococci were treated with Aml in the absence or the presence of Triton X‐100. The lytic activity of Aml was monitored as the change in turbidity. The disruption of biofilms was evaluated by detecting the released DNA by polymerase chain reaction and observing the alteration of optical density of treated biofilms.

Results:  Triton X‐100 enhances the lytic ability of Aml. Using planktonic cells, Aml had various lysis levels against clinical strains. Repeated Aml treatment showed disruption of the biofilm using the representative clinical strains.

Conclusion:  Our study demonstrates that Aml has an ability to lyse planktonic and biofilm cells of clinically isolated mutans streptococci in the presence of Triton X‐100. These results suggest the possibility of using Aml as an alternative or additional approach for caries prevention.
Scavenger receptor A is expressed by macrophages in response to Porphyromonas gingivalis, and participates in TNF‐α expression
Authors: Baer M. T. , Huang N. , Gibson III F. C.
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontopathic bacterium closely associated with generalized aggressive periodontal disease. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) participate in host response to this organism. It is likely that PRRs not previously recognized as part of the host response to P. gingivalis also participate in host response to this organism.

Methods and Results:  Employing qRT‐PCR, we observed increased msr1 gene expression at 2, 6, and 24 h of culture with P. gingivalis strain 381. Flow cytometry revealed increased surface expression of SR‐A protein by the 24 h time point. Macrophages cultured with an attachment impaired P. gingivalis fimA‐ mutant (DPG3) expressed intermediate levels of SR‐A expression. Heat‐killed P. gingivalis stimulated SR‐A expression similar to live bacteria, and purified P. gingivalis capsular polysaccharide stimulated macrophage SR‐A expression, indicating that live whole organisms are not necessary for SR‐A protein expression in macrophage response. As SR‐A is known to play a role in lipid uptake by macrophages, we tested the ability of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) to influence the SR‐A response of macrophages to P. gingivalis, and observed no effect of LDL on P. gingivalis‐elicited SR‐A expression. Lastly, we observed that SR‐A knockout (SR‐A−/−) mouse macrophages produced significantly more tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α than wild type mouse macrophages cultured with P. gingivalis.

Conclusion:  These data identify that SR‐A is expressed by macrophages in response to P. gingivalis, and support that this molecule plays a role in TNF‐α production by macrophages to this organism.
Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity is associated with gastroesophageal disease
Authors: Morales‐Espinosa R. , Fernandez‐Presas A. , Gonzalez‐Valencia G. , Flores‐Hernandez S. , Delgado‐Sapien G. , Mendez‐Sanchez J. L. , Sanchez‐Quezada E. , Muñoz‐Pérez L. , Leon‐Aguilar R. , Hernandez‐Guerrero J. , Cravioto A.
Published: October 2009

Background:  In Mexico, more than 80% of the population is infected with Helicobacter pylori. The frequency of H. pylori detection in the oral cavity is unknown, as its relationship with gastroesophageal pathology.

Aim:  To detect the presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity in Mexican population by PCR and to determine its association with gastroesophageal disease.

Methods:  Patients were divided into two groups with different clinic conditions from whom gastric biopsy, dental plaque, and saliva samples were taken and analyzed. The first group comprised of hospitalized patients, the majority of whom were diagnosed with gastroesophageal disease, while the second group was selected from a dental clinic (ambulatory population) the majority of whom appeared to be healthy subjects.

Results:  H. pylori was detected in gastric biopsy, dental plaque and saliva samples by PCR using a set of specific primers for the signal sequence of the vacuolating cytotoxin gene; detection of H. pylori in general was higher in gastric biopsy and dental plaque samples than in saliva samples. Detection of H. pylori in the oral cavity is significantly (P = 0.0001) associated with patients presenting gastroesophageal disease, while healthy subjects and those with other non‐gastric disease do not present with H. pylori in their oral cavity.

Conclusions:  H. pylori detection in the oral cavity is associated to gastroesophageal disease. In addition, it is suggested that all patients presenting gastric symptoms and H. pylori detection in the oral cavity would begin bacterial treatment immediately.
Influence of mouse prolactin‐inducible protein in saliva on the aggregation of oral bacteria
Authors: Nistor A. , Bowden G. , Blanchard A. , Myal Y.
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Mouse prolactin‐inducible protein (mPIP) is secreted in mouse saliva and has been found to bind oral bacteria, showing the highest affinity for streptococci. Comparisons between the oral flora of mPIP knockout mice and their wild‐type controls showed differences in the genera colonizing the two groups of mice. These findings suggested a role for mPIP in the colonization of the mouse oral cavity, possibly modulating the oral flora. In this in vitro study, we focused on the contribution of this protein to aggregation of oral bacteria, a process thought to promote the clearance of bacteria from the oral cavity, and one that could influence the composition of the oral bacterial community.

Methods:  The aggregation of selected human and mouse oral streptococci was measured spectrophotometrically. The aggregation of oral bacteria by saliva from mPIP knockout mice, which lack mPIP, was compared with that of saliva from wild‐type mice.

Results:  Both wild‐type saliva and mPIP knockout mouse saliva induced aggregation of human strain Streptococcus gordonii SK120 and mouse streptococci strains M105/6 and M106/2. Bacterial aggregation induced by the saliva of wild‐type mice was significantly higher than the aggregation induced by saliva from mPIP knockout mice for all the bacterial strains.

Conclusion:  In this study it was confirmed that mPIP plays a role in the aggregation of oral bacteria. The salivary components promoting aggregation of oral bacteria are considered to be part of the oral defense mechanisms so these findings provide insight into a possible function of mPIP in host defense by promoting aggregation of oral bacteria.
Differential virulence and innate immune interactions of type I and II fimbrial genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Wang M. , Liang S. , Hosur K. B. , Domon H. , Yoshimura F. , Amano A. , Hajishengallis G.
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  The fimA‐encoded fimbriae of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis display genetic diversity. Type I fimbriated P. gingivalis (Pg‐I) has been most widely studied at the molecular level, whereas Pg‐II is the most frequent isolate from severe periodontitis.

Methods:  To investigate virulence differences between Types I and II fimbriae, we examined strains 33277 (Pg‐I) and OMZ314 (Pg‐II), reciprocal swap mutants (i.e. expressing the heterologous fimbrial type), and their respective FimA‐deficient derivatives. These organisms were tested in a mouse periodontitis model and in interactions with mouse macrophages, a cell type that plays important roles in chronic infections.

Results:  Strain 33277 induced significantly more periodontal bone loss than OMZ314 and substitution of Type II fimbriae with Type I in OMZ314 resulted in a more virulent strain than the parent organism. However, the presence of Type II fimbriae was associated with increased proinflammatory and invasive activities in macrophages.

Conclusion:  The inverse relationship between proinflammatory potential and ability to cause experimental periodontitis may suggest that an aggressive phenotype could provoke a host response that would compromise the persistence of the pathogen.
Metal ion effects on hydraulic conductivity of bacterial cellulose–pectin composites used as plant cell wall analogs
Authors: McKenna Brigid A. , Kopittke Peter M. , Wehr J. Bernhard , Blamey F. Pax C. , Menzies Neal W.
Published: October 2009

Low concentrations of some trace metals markedly reduce root elongation rate and cause ruptures to root rhizodermal and outer cortical cells in the elongation zone. The interactions between the trace metals and plant components responsible for these effects are not well understood but may be linked to changes in water uptake, cell turgor and cell wall extensibility. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Al, La, Cu, Gd, Sc and Ru on the saturated hydraulic conductivity of bacterial cellulose (BC)–pectin composites, used as plant cell wall analogs. Hydraulic conductivity was reduced to ≈30% of the initial flow rate by 39 µM Al and 0.6 µM Cu, ≈40% by 4.6 µM La, 3 µM Sc and 4.4 µM Ru and ≈55% by 3.4 µM Gd. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed changes in the ultrastructure of the composites. The results suggest that trace metal binding decreases the hydraulic conductivity through changes in pectin porosity. The experiment illustrates the importance of metal interactions with pectin, and the implications of such an interaction in plant metal toxicity and in normal cell wall processes.
Influence of learning on range expansion and adaptation to novel habitats
Authors: SUTTER M. , KAWECKI T. J.
Published: October 2009

Learning has been postulated to ‘drive’ evolution, but its influence on adaptive evolution in heterogeneous environments has not been formally examined. We used a spatially explicit individual‐based model to study the effect of learning on the expansion and adaptation of a species to a novel habitat. Fitness was mediated by a behavioural trait (resource preference), which in turn was determined by both the genotype and learning. Our findings indicate that learning substantially increases the range of parameters under which the species expands and adapts to the novel habitat, particularly if the two habitats are separated by a sharp ecotone (rather than a gradient). However, for a broad range of parameters, learning reduces the degree of genetically‐based local adaptation following the expansion and facilitates maintenance of genetic variation within local populations. Thus, in heterogeneous environments learning may facilitate evolutionary range expansions and maintenance of the potential of local populations to respond to subsequent environmental changes.
The interaction of multiple environmental stressors affects adaptation to a novel habitat in the natterjack toad Bufo calamita
Authors: ROGELL B. , HOFMAN M. , EKLUND M. , LAURILA A. , HÖGLUND J.
Published: October 2009

The potential to adapt to novel environmental conditions is a key area of interest for evolutionary biology. However, the role of multiple selection pressures on adaptive responses has rarely been investigated in natural populations. In Sweden, the natterjack toad Bufo calamita inhabits two separate distribution areas, one in southernmost Sweden and one on the west coast. We characterized the larval habitat in terms of pond size and salinity in the two areas, and found that the western populations are more affected by both desiccation risk and pond salinity than the southern populations. In a common garden experiment manipulating salinity and temperature, we found that toads from the west coast populations were locally adapted to shorter pond duration as indicated by their higher development and growth rates. However, despite being subjected to higher salinity stress in nature, west coast toads had a poorer performance in saline treatments. We found that survival in the saline treatments in the west coast populations was positively affected by larger body mass and longer larval period. Furthermore, we found negative genetic correlations between body mass and growth rate and their plastic responses to salinity. These results implicate that the occurrence of multiple environmental stressors needs to be accounted for when assessing the adaptive potential of organisms and suggest that genetic correlations may play a role in constraining adaptation of natural populations.
Intergenomic epistasis causes asynchronous hatch times in whitefish hybrids, but only when parental ecotypes differ
Authors: WOODS P. J. , MÜLLER R. , SEEHAUSEN O.
Published: October 2009

Support for the theory of ecological speciation requires evidence for ecological divergence between species which directly or indirectly causes reproductive isolation. This study investigates effects of ecological vs. genetic disparity of parental species on the presence of endogenous selection (deformation and mortality rates) and potential sources of exogenous selection (growth rates and hatch timing) on hybrids. Hybrid embryonic development is analysed in a common‐garden full‐sib cross of three species belonging to two different ecotypes within theCoregonus lavaretusspecies flock in the central Alpine region of Europe. Although hatch timing was similar across the three species, embryonic growth rates and egg sizes differed between ecotypes. This led to a mismatch between embryonic growth rate and egg size in hybrid crosses that reveals epistasis between the maternal and embryonic genomes and transgressive hatch times that were asynchronous with control crosses. A strong constraint of egg size to embryo size at late development was also evident. We argue that this demonstrates potential for coadaptation of a maternal trait (egg size) with offspring growth rate to be an important source of selection against hybridization between ecotypes with different egg sizes. Implications for the measurement and quantification of early life‐history traits affected by this additive relationship, such as hatch day and larval size, are also discussed.
Inbreeding depression in an asexual population of Mimulus guttatus
Authors: MARRIAGE T. N. , KELLY J. K.
Published: October 2009

The reproductive mechanism, that is whether an organism outcrosses, selfs or asexually reproduces, has a substantial impact on the amount and pattern of genetic variation. In this study, we estimate genetic variation and genetic load for a predominately asexual population of Mimulus guttatus, and then compare our results to other studies of predominately sexually reproducing (outcrossing and selfing) populations of M. guttatus. The asexual population had low levels of heterozygosity (He = 0.03) and low (but significantly non‐zero) inbreeding load, especially when compared with other M. guttatus populations. This differs greatly from the sexual populations of Mimulus that display substantial inbreeding depression. We discuss a variety of reasons why we see such low load in this study and suggest future research projects to further explore the questions.
PEP‐Carboxylase Activity: A Comparison of its Role in a C4 and a C3 Species Under Salt Stress
Authors: Hatzig S. , Kumar A. , Neubert A. , Schubert S.
Published: October 2009

In our experiments, we found an increase of PEP‐carboxylase activity in young shoots of maize under salt stress. Within this study, several analyses were carried out to identify the function of this enhanced enzyme activity during salt stress. In our first experiment, we analysed plants of the salt‐resistant maize hybrid SR 03 (Zea mays L.), whereas in the second experiment, we compared maize and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Thasos), which were grown under two different light intensities for 20 days. In the saline treatments, NaCl was applied up to 100 mm, while control plants grew under non‐saline conditions (1 mm NaCl). Analyses of shoot fresh weight revealed a comparable reduction for both genotypes and suggested salt resistance at a similar level. Analyses of sugar concentrations showed an increase in the saline treatment for both genotypes independent of the light intensity. Results for sucrose concentrations led to the conclusion that an increase in PEP‐carboxylase activity was not required for sugar metabolism. Independent of light intensity, alkalinity and malate concentrations were decreased only in wheat. It can be concluded that an enhancement of PEP‐carboxylase activity in young shoots of maize supports organic acid metabolism under salt stress.
Relationship between Carbon Isotope Discrimination, Mineral Content and Gas Exchange Parameters in Vegetative Organs of Wheat Grown under Three Different Water Regimes
Authors: Zhu L. , Li S. H. , Liang Z. S. , Xu X. , Li Y.
Published: October 2009

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been proposed as an indirect selection criterion for transpiration efficiency and grain yield in wheat. However, because of high cost for Δ analysis, attempts have been made to identify alternative screening criteria. Ash content (ma) has been proposed as an alternative criterion for Δ in wheat and barley. A pot experiment was conducted to analyse the relationship between Δ, mineral content and gas exchange parameters in seedlings and leaves of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plants of 10 genotypes were cultivated under three different water regimes corresponding to moderate (T3), intermediate (T2) and severe drought (T1) stress obtained by maintaining soil humidity at 75 %, 55 % and 45 % of the humidity at field capacity respectively. Δ and ma in seedlings and leaves showed significant differences among the three water treatments. Significant positive correlations were found between Δ and ma in seedlings and leaves at elongation and anthesis stages in severe drought stress (T1). Δ was negatively associated with potassium (K) content in intermediate drought stress (T2) and positively with magnesium (Mg) content in T2 and T3 (moderate drought stress) in flag leaf at anthesis. There were negative correlations between Δ and single‐leaf intrinsic water‐use efficiency (WT) in T2 and T3 at anthesis stage. Stronger positive associations were noted between Δ and stomatal conductance (gs) in T1 and T2 than in T3 at anthesis. These results suggested that Δ is a good trait as an indirect selection criterion for genotypic improvement in transpiration efficiency, while ma is a possible alternative criterion of Δ in wheat vegetative organs, especially in stressed environments. Significant association was found between Δ and K, Mg and Ca contents that would merit being better investigated.
Influence of non‐crop plants on stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and natural enemy abundance in tomatoes
Authors: Pease C. G. , Zalom F. G.
Published: October 2009

We investigated the effects of weed hosts on stink bug density and damage (Euschistus conspersus Uhler and Thyanta pallidovirens Stal), and a nectar bearing plant on natural enemies of stink bugs in the Sacramento Valley of California. Stink bug density and fruit damage were evaluated in processing tomatoes adjacent to weedy and cultivated borders. The density of E. conspersus was significantly greater in tomatoes adjacent to weedy borders in July but not during August/September. Thyanta pallidovirens was less abundant overall (19%), but was found in significantly greater densities adjacent to cultivated borders in July but not in August/September. Mean percent fruit damage by stink bugs was greater adjacent to the weedy border than the cultivated border, but this difference was not significant. Stink bug egg parasitism and generalist predator density were evaluated in fresh market tomatoes adjacent to a sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.) border and an unplanted control border at three sites. Egg parasitism was significantly greater in the alyssum treatment for the 9–12 September sampling period. Jalysus wickhami VanDuzee (Hemiptera: Berytidae) density was significantly greater in the alyssum treatment in mid‐June. No other significant differences in predator populations were detected. Results of these two studies show that habitat manipulations have the potential to reduce densities of E. conspersus in tomato, the first step in developing a farmscape management plan for stink bug control.
Collision tumor of the stomach: Gastric adenocarcinoma intermixed with gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Bi Rui , Sheng Weiqi , Wang Jian
Published: October 2009

The synchronous occurrence of tumors of different histological types in the stomach is uncommon. This rare association is usually detected incidentally at gastroscopy, surgery or histopathology. It is still not known whether such association represents an incidental coexistence or indicates a similar pathogenesis in the simultaneous development of tumors of different histological types in the same organ. A 73‐year‐old woman complained of discomfort after eating a Chinese dumpling, and had tarry stools three times. Gastroscopy showed a tumor at the juncture of the gastric fundus and corpus. The tumor was composed of gastric adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor, in which the two components were intermixed with each other. To the authors' knowledge there are few reports of this extremely rare collision tumor association.
Asymptotic thermal and residual stress distributions due to transient thermal loads
Authors: FERRO P. , PETRONE N.
Published: October 2009

The paper deals with the development of thermal and residual stress distributions arising from the solidification of a fusion zone near a V‐notch tip. A set of numerical solutions of the problem was carried out under the hypothesis of generalized plane strain conditions by means of SYSWELD code. The intensity of the thermal and residual asymptotic stress fields at the sharp V‐notch tip was studied for a given V‐notch specimen geometry and a predefined fusion zone dimension after simulations on materials with different thermal, mechanical and phase transformation properties and after changing the clamping conditions at the specimen's boundary. The results were compared in terms of the elastic or elastic‐plastic notch stress intensity factors giving a contribution to the interpretation of the experimental behaviour of welded joint.
Fatigue crack growth, physical understanding and practical application
Authors: SCHIJVE J.
Published: October 2009

The paper presents a discussion on two problems associated with fatigue crack growth in aluminium alloys. First, the application of the similarity approach to crack growth prediction in specimens and structures of aluminium alloys is discussed. The significance of similarity conditions is emphasized and the K‐dominated zone is briefly addressed. Secondly, the significance of water vapour for fatigue crack growth in aluminium alloy is reported with a case history of subsurface crack initiation and crack growth in vacuum. Some comments are presented on physical understanding and practical applications.