bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of ICT on the activity patterns of children with physical disabilities outside school
Authors: Lidström H. , Ahlsten G. , Hemmingsson H.
Published: December 2010

Aim  To investigate the outside school activity patterns of children with physical disabilities, and specifically their information and communication technology (ICT) usage compared with that of non‐disabled children. In addition, the aim was to investigate the children's opinions on computer use and the associations between their use of the Internet and their interaction with peers.

Methods  Questionnaire on activities outside school, answered by 215 children and youths with physical disabilities, mean age 12 years 10 months, attending mainstream schools. For group comparisons with non‐disabled children, data from the survey ‘Kids and Media’ were used.

Results  In the analysis, two sets of activity patterns were identified, depending on whether the child was disabled or not and on the gender of the child. A higher proportion of children with physical disabilities were engaged in ICT activities, while non‐disabled children tended to be engaged in a broader range of activities outside school. The activity pattern was more uniform for boys and girls with disabilities than for their non‐disabled peers. Use of the Internet was positively associated with peer interaction.

Conclusion  Outside school, the activity patterns of children and youths with physical disabilities seem to be characterized by a focus on ICT activities, which enable children to compensate for their impairment because it suits all. In addition, digital skills developed outside school engage children with physical disabilities, giving them increased access to society and for educational purposes.
Persistent pro‐inflammatory cytokines following the initiation of pegylated IFN therapy in hepatitis C infection is associated with treatment‐induced depression
Authors: Krueger C. , Hawkins K. , Wong S. , Enns M. W. , Minuk G. , Rempel J. D.
Published: December 2010

Summary.  Pegylated interferon (IFN), the basis for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, causes depression in 30–40% of patients. The potential for cytokine mRNA patterns from baseline into early treatment to associate with the onset of treatment‐induced depression (TID) was examined. Depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12 of treatment (n = 38). At baseline and weeks 2 and 4, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PMBC, n = 28), isolated ex vivo, were examined for tumour neurosis factor (TNF)‐alpha, interleukin (IL)‐1beta and IL‐10 mRNA expression. In patients that developed treatment‐induced depression, pro‐inflammatory TNF‐alpha mRNA levels from baseline into week 4 of therapy remained constant (1.1‐fold increase); whereas IL‐1beta transcripts decreased 3.5 fold. However, corresponding TNF‐alpha (3‐fold, P < 0.05) and IL‐1beta (7.5‐fold) transcript expression diminished to a greater extent in the absence of TID. Changes in TNF‐alpha mRNA values correlated to the average change in BDI scores over the 12 weeks (r = 0.56, P < 0.05). Concomitantly, anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 transcript levels decreased in (TID), relative to increased expression in the absence of TID (P < 0.05). The potential influence of IL‐10 was observed upon calculation of individual pro‐ verses anti‐inflammatory mRNA ratios. Stable in the presence of depression, TNF‐alpha/IL‐10 and IL‐1beta/IL‐10 mRNA ratios declined significantly over time in its absence (P < 0.05). This study suggests that in chronic HCV infection, upon pegylated IFN administration persistent pro‐inflammatory cytokine MRNA expression associates with TID. In contrast, therapeutic activation of mechanisms that decrease pro‐inflammatory immunity may protect against depression during therapy.
Leptin levels in cord blood and anthropometric measures at birth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Karakosta Polyxeni , Chatzi Leda , Plana Estel , Margioris Andrew , Castanas Elias , Kogevinas Manolis
Published: December 2010

Karakosta P, Chatzi L, Plana E, Margioris A, Castanas E, Kogevinas M. Leptin levels in cord blood and anthropometric measures at birth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010.

The role of intrauterine environment in the development of obesity is increasingly recognised. Adipokines and specifically leptin have been examined as potential biomarkers predicting early development of obesity. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the epidemiological evidence for the association between leptin levels in cord blood and anthropometric measurements at birth in healthy mother‐newborn pairs. A PubMed search was performed between 1994 and 2009 and manual search of reference lists of retrieved articles. Forty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria set. All studies reported a positive correlation between leptin levels and birthweight. The combined correlation coefficient (r) was 0.46 [95%CI 0.43, 0.50]. Leptin levels explained 21% of variation in birthweight. Results were similar in males (r = 0.55; 0.40, 0.68) and females (r = 0.60; 0.50, 0.69), and between Caucasians (r = 0.45; 0.39, 0.51) and eastern Asian populations (r = 0.47; 0.37, 0.55). Statistically significant positive correlations were also found for birth length (r = 0.29; 0.23, 0.34) and ponderal index (r = 0.36; 0.31, 0.41). There was no indication of publication bias (Egger's test P‐value = 0.23). This meta‐analysis shows a clear but moderate correlation between leptin levels in cord blood and birthweight that is observed in different population groups.
Epidemiology and outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a 9‐year experience
Authors: Wright Joanna C. E. , Budd Judith L. S. , Field David J. , Draper Elizabeth S.
Published: December 2010

Wright JCE, Budd JLS, Field DJ, Draper ES. Epidemiology and outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a 9‐year experience. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010.

The aim of this study was to report the birth prevalence and short‐term outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in a large geographically defined population, and to assess the feasibility of performing a randomised control trial (RCT) in this population.

Data were collected on all cases of CDH reported to the East Midlands and South Yorkshire Congenital Anomalies Register between 1997 and 2005. A total of 194 cases of CDH were identified from 547 025 births; a birth prevalence of 3.5/10 000. Overall 1‐year survival was 42%. In total, 69% of cases resulted in a live birth, of these 61% survived to 1 year; 73% were diagnosed antenatally and 22% postnatally, with 1‐year survivals 30% and 71%, respectively. A total of 54% were isolated cases and 46% associated with another anomaly, with more live births (80% vs. 56%) and better 1‐year survival (62% vs. 19%) with isolated CDH. Overall, only 83 babies were born alive with an isolated CDH: the only group suitable for inclusion in a RCT.

In conclusion, given the small numbers of live isolated CDH cases it is impossible that any network alone would be able to perform a valid RCT of treatments, highlighting the need for collaborative international trials to address this complex condition.
Potential biological control of clubroot on canola and crucifer vegetable crops
Authors: Peng G. , McGregor L. , Lahlali R. , Gossen B. D. , Hwang S. F. , Adhikari K. K. , Strelkov S. E. , McDonald M. R.
Published: December 2010

Clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is an emerging threat to canola (Brassica napus) production in western Canada, and a serious disease on crucifer vegetable crops in eastern Canada. In this study, seven biological control agents and two fungicides were evaluated as soil drenches or seed treatments for control of clubroot. Under growth cabinet conditions, a soil‐drench application of formulated biocontrol agents Bacillus subtilis and Gliocladium catenulatum reduced clubroot severity by more than 80% relative to pathogen‐inoculated controls on a highly susceptible canola cultivar. This efficacy was similar to that of the fungicides fluazinam and cyazofamid. Under high disease pressure in greenhouse conditions, the biocontrol agents were less effective than the fungicides. Additionally, all of the treatments delivered as a seed coating were less effective than the soil drench. In field trials conducted in 2009, different treatments consisting of a commercial formulation of B. subtilis, G. catenulatum, fluazinam or cyazofamid were applied as an in‐furrow drench at 500 L ha−1 water volume to one susceptible and one resistant cultivar at two sites seeded to canola in Alberta and one site of Chinese cabbage in Ontario. There was no substantial impact on the susceptible canola cultivar, but all of the treatments reduced clubroot on the susceptible cultivar of Chinese cabbage, lowering disease severity by 54–84%. There was a period of 4 weeks without rain after the canola was seeded, which likely contributed to the low treatment efficacy on canola. Under growth cabinet conditions, fluazinam and B. subtilis products became substantially less effective after 2 weeks in a dry soil, but cyazofamid retained its efficacy for at least 4 weeks.
Molecular diagnosis of trichodorid species from Portugal
Authors: Duarte I. M. , Almeida M. T. M. , Duarte M. M. , Brown D. J. F. , Neilson R.
Published: December 2010

A PCR‐RFLP assay was developed for the identification of trichodorid nematodes belonging to Nanidorus, Paratrichodorus and Trichodorus genera. Using the variability of the 18S SSU rDNA gene, this method provides a new molecular diagnosis tool which allows identification within mixed samples of trichodorid and non‐trichodorid species, differentiation of juveniles, and represents an alternative to the difficult and time consuming phenotyping of similar species. Based on the alignment of previously obtained 18S rDNA nucleotide sequences of trichodorids from Portugal, a pair of selective primers was designed in conserved regions to allow the amplification of a variable region located at the 3′ end of the gene in all known Portuguese species. The 615 bp PCR product showed nucleotide variability enabling the generation of restriction fragment patterns which were consistent among populations of the same species but allowed discrimination of trichodorids at the species level. The proposed protocol was tested and proved effective with 12 trichodorid species from Portugal (N. minor, P. allius, P. anemones, P. divergens, P. hispanus, P. pachydermus, P. porosus, T. beirensis, T. lusitanicus, T. primitivus and two other Trichodorus species, A and B) and six non‐indigenous trichodorid populations (N. minor, P. allius, P. anemones, P. pachydermus, P. porosus and T. primitivus).
A RESTORER OF FERTILITY‐like PPR gene is required for 5′‐end processing of the nad4 mRNA in mitochondria of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hölzle Angela , Jonietz Christian , Törjek Ottó , Altmann Thomas , Binder Stefan , Forner Joachim
Published: December 2010

Processing of 5′‐ends is a frequently observed step during maturation of plant mitochondrial mRNAs. Up to now, very little is known about the biochemistry of this process and the proteins involved in the removal of 5′ leader sequences. Based on natural genetic variation we have used linkage mapping and complementation studies to identify a nuclear gene required for the efficient generation of a 5′‐end 228 nucleotides upstream of the mitochondrial nad4 gene encoding subunit 4 of the NADH dehydrogenase complex. This nuclear gene, At1g12700, that we designate RNA PROCESSING FACTOR 1 (RPF1), encodes a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein of the P‐class containing canonical PPR‐repeats. RPF1 belongs to a subgroup of PPR proteins, which includes the RESTORER OF FERTILITY (RF) gene products restoring cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in various plant species. CMS is a mitochondrially inherited trait caused by the expression of aberrant, chimeric genes, which has not been observed in the predominantly inbreeding species Arabidopsis thaliana. The here reported results are a further step towards the characterization of the plant mitochondrial RNA processing machinery and provide additional insights into the function of RF‐like PPR proteins.
DEHP‐plasticised PVC: relevance to blood services*
Authors: Sampson J. , de Korte D.
Published: December 2010

Phthalates are the most widely used plasticisers in the world and have been in medical use since 1955. Di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is present in many industrial and domestic products, and is a common plasticiser used in blood bags and tubing sets. Concerns have been raised by environmental groups that DEHP exposure may result in gender birth defects and the feminisation of boys although there were no studies performed of intravenous exposure to DEHP on higher mammals or humans which report similar effects.

This article reports on the toxicology of DEHP and considers concerns regarding its use in the context of transfusion medicine. The benefits of using DEHP are evaluated and the use of alternative plasticisers to DEHP is explored. The article reports on international and European regulatory recommendations for DEHP use in transfusion medicine and examines the impact of legislation on the medical devices and blood industries. The article also reviews labelling considerations for blood components and offers some guidance for blood establishments in respect of DEHP use.
Developmental outcomes in Malawian children with retinopathy‐positive cerebral malaria
Authors: Boivin Michael J. , Gladstone Melissa J. , Vokhiwa Maclean , Birbeck Gretchen L. , Magen Jed G. , Page Connie , Semrud‐Clikeman Margaret , Kauye Felix , Taylor Terrie E.
Published: December 2010

Objective  To assess children with retinopathy‐positive cerebral malaria (CM) for neurocognitive sequelae.

Methods  Participants were selected from an ongoing exposure–control study. Eighty‐three Malawian children averaging 4.4 years of age and diagnosed with retinopathy‐positive CM were compared to 95 controls. Each child was classified as delayed or not using age‐based norms for the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT) for developmental delay on the total scale and for the domains of gross motor, fine motor, language and social skills. Groups were also compared on the Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) (1.5–5 years).

Results  Children with retinopathy‐positive CM were delayed, relative to the comparison group, on MDAT total development (P = 0.028; odds ratio or OR = 2.13), with the greatest effects on language development (P = 0.003; OR = 4.93). The two groups did not differ significantly on the Achenbach CBCL internalizing and externalizing symptoms total scores. Stepwise regression demonstrated that coma duration, seizures while in hospital, platelet count and lactate level on admission were predictive of assessment outcomes for the children with retinopathy‐positive CM.

Conclusions  Children who suffer retinopathy‐positive CM at preschool age are at greater risk of developmental delay, particularly with respect to language development. This confirms previous retrospective study findings with school‐age children evaluated years after acute illness. The MDAT and the Achenbach CBCL proved sensitive to clinical indicators of severity of malarial illness.
Stratum corneum removal facilitates experimental sensitization to mite allergens in atopic dogs
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Wofford Jessica , Paps Judy S. , Dunston Stanley M.
Published: December 2010

In humans with atopic dermatitis and in mouse models of IgE‐mediated allergic diseases, evidence is mounting that the stratum corneum (SC) provides an important barrier against environmental allergens. At this time, it is not known whether the SC has a similar role in dogs, especially in those with atopic dermatitis. The objectives of this pilot study were to determine whether SC removal led to earlier and stronger sensitization of atopic dogs to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) house dust mites. Five Maltese‐beagle atopic (MBA) dogs were sensitized epicutaneously after the SC was removed with ten tape strips (TS group), while sensitization was done without tape strips in five other MBA dogs (nontape stripping; NTS group). During this 16 week study, sensitization was assessed with allergen‐specific IgE serology, intradermal testing with Df allergens and determination of stimulation indices of blood mononuclear cells cultured with Df and stained for CD4 and the activation markers CD25 or CD30. Compared with dogs from the NTS group, those of the TS group exhibited earlier rises in Df‐specific IgE serum levels, usually had higher allergen‐specific IgE titres, showed higher intradermal test reactivity and had earlier increases and higher percentages of CD25‐ or CD30‐positive activated allergen‐specific peripheral CD4‐positive T lymphocytes. These observations implicate a role of the SC as a barrier limiting sensitization to exogenous allergens in this experimental atopic dog model.
Root cap angle and gravitropic response rate are uncoupled in the Arabidopsis pgm‐1 mutant
Authors: Wolverton Chris , Paya Alex M. , Toska Jonida
Published: December 2010

The sedimentation of starch‐filled plastids is thought to be the primary mechanism by which gravity is perceived in roots. Following gravity perception, auxin redistribution toward the lower flank of roots, initiated in the root cap, is believed to play a role in regulation of the gravity response. Amyloplast sedimentation and auxin flux, however, have never been directly linked. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among plastid sedimentation, gravitropism and auxin flux. Our data show that pgm‐1 roots respond to gravity at one‐third the rate of wild‐type (WT) roots. Maintaining the root tip at a constant angle using image analysis coupled to a rotating stage resulted in a constant rate of response regardless of the angle of tip orientation in pgm‐1 mutants, in contrast to the responses of WT and pin3‐1 mutants, which showed increasing response rates as the tip was constrained at greater angles. To indirectly visualize auxin flux following reorientation, we generated a pgm‐1 mutant line expressing the DR5::GFPm reporter gene. In WT roots a GFP gradient was observed with a maximum along the lower flank, whereas pgm‐1 roots formed a GFP maximum in the central columella but lacked any observable gradient up to 6 h following reorientation. Our study suggests that the relationship between root cap angle and gravitropic response depends upon plastid sedimentation‐based gravity sensing and supports the idea that there are multiple, overlapping sensory response networks involved in gravitropism.
Prognostic factors of severe foetal megacystis
Authors: Lee Jaime , Kimber Christopher , Shekleton Paul , Cheng Wei
Published: December 2010

Background:  At antenatal ultrasound, severe megacystis implies high foetal mortality rate. Traditionally, many of these foetuses undergo termination of pregnancy. We undertook a study to investigate the prognostic factor(s) for megacystis foetuses.

Methods:  61 consecutive cases of antenatally diagnosed severe megacystis between 1988 to 2008 were reviewed from a statewide tertiary referral centre for major foetal abnormalities. The data included the ultrasonic measurements and post‐mortem pathologies.

Results:  Mean gestational age (GA) at diagnosis was 17.0 weeks (range 11 to 39). The average bladder diameters for GA 10 to 14 weeks, 15 to 26 weeks, and 27 to 39 weeks were 32.5 mm, 45.7 mm, and 57.2 mm respectively. In males the most common cause of megacystis was posterior urethral valves in 32.6% (n = 17). The most common cause in females was urethral stenosis in 33% (n = 3). We compared the relative bladder size (as a percentage of normal for that gestational age) between the survivor group (n = 14) and the foetal/neonatal death group (n = 17). All terminations (n = 20) were excluded. The bladder sizes of the two groups were almost identical (310.2 ± 108% vs. 309.8 ± 120%). We analysed various prognostic factors. Megacystis foetuses with oligohydramnios had an increased risk of death compared to those who had megacystis without oligohydramnios (OR = 6.0; 95% CI 1.26 − 28.5, Chi‐square: P = 0.019).

Conclusion:  Relative bladder size alone does not predict survival. The combination of severe megacystis and oligohydramnios implies complete obstruction of bladder outlet and is associated with high mortality rate. This provides clinicians with measurable evidence to predict survival. It also gives parents the option of avoiding unnecessary termination of pregnancy.
Preoperative factors prolonging the length of stay in elective colorectal surgery
Authors: Ngui Nicholas K. , Hitos Kerry , Ctercteko Grahame
Published: December 2010

Background:  In elective colorectal resections, the patient's preoperative social situation may play a significant role in delaying their discharge from hospital. The aim of this study was to identify which preoperative factors are associated with non‐medical reasons for a delay in discharge and prolonged length of stay (LOS) in hospital after elective colorectal resections.

Methods:  A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed on all the elective colorectal resections done at Westmead Hospital for over 2 years between 2007 and 2008. LOS, whether there was a delay in discharge because of non‐medical reasons, preoperative factors such as sex, age, marital status, country of birth, use of an interpreter, any children, type of residence, use of community services, American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score, and whether the patient lives on their own, is a sole carer or requires help with activities of daily living were recorded.

Results:  Overall median age was 66 years (58–75 years). Median post‐operative LOS for patients not delayed in discharge was 8 days and 15 days for patients with an identifiable non‐medical reason for delay (P < 0.0001). Preoperative factors significantly associated with a delay included advanced age (odds ratio (OR): 10.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.0–37.7; P < 0.0001), being widowed (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2–10.2; P= 0.02) and living in a retirement village (OR 15.4; 95% CI: 1.6–150.3; P= 0.019). Higher ASA scores strongly correlated with longer LOS.

Conclusion:  This study confirms that preoperative factors are important in contributing to non‐medical delays in discharge and longer post‐operative LOS after elective colorectal resections.
On Neighbourhood Matching for Texture‐by‐Numbers
Authors: Sivaks Eliyahu , Lischinski Dani
Published: December 2010

Texture‐by‐Numbers is an attractive texture synthesis framework, because it is able to cope with non‐homogeneous texture exemplars, and provides the user with intuitive creative control over the outcome of the synthesis process. Like many other exemplar‐based texture synthesis methods, its basic underlying mechanism is neighbourhood matching. In this paper we review a number of commonly used neighbourhood matching acceleration techniques, compare and analyse their performance in the specific context of Texture‐by‐Numbers (as opposed to ordinary unconstrained texture synthesis). Our study indicates that the standard approaches are not optimally suited for the Texture‐by‐Numbers framework, often producing visually inferior results compared to searching for the exact L2nearest neighbour. We then show that performing Texture‐by‐Number using the Texture Optimization framework in conjunction with an efficient FFT‐based search is able to produce good results in reasonable running times and with a minimal memory overhead.
Participation or exclusion? Perspectives of pupils with autistic spectrum disorders on their participation in leisure activities
Authors: Brewster Stephanie , Coleyshaw Liz
Published: December 2010

Accessible summary

 This article is about research which asked children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder what they like to do in their leisure time. We also asked what activities they would like to do but cannot. The children told us their views using whatever ways to communicate they preferred.

 Younger children liked to play with friends, go swimming, bowling and other activities with their parents. Older children liked to stay at home and use the Internet. Joining in with leisure activities seemed to be harder for these children than for those without autism.

 The children and young people told us what prevented them from joining in with leisure activities. Children wanted to feel safe and did not like people being unfriendly towards them. This put the older children off going outdoors.

 This research is important as children with ASD are often not asked what they think about things especially if the children have difficulties communicating in an ordinary way.

The importance of active participation in leisure activities for everybody is identified by Carr (2004) but issues around leisure in the lives of children with disabilities have received little recognition. The experience of children/young people (henceforth referred to simply as children, for brevity) with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in accessing and engaging in leisure pursuits is particularly lacking in the literature. This article describes a small‐scale investigation of the views of children and young people with ASD around their access to leisure activities. The distinctive range of impairments characteristic of ASD is discussed in terms of their impact on the child’s possibilities for accessing this area of life. Findings indicate the significant challenges these children face in achieving an active and varied life outside of school and home environments. The importance and also the challenge of consulting with children with disabilities are discussed.
Attachment insecurities and interpersonal processes in Spanish couples: A dyadic approach
Authors: MOLERO FERNANDO , SHAVER PHILLIP R. , FERRER EMILIO , CUADRADO ISABEL , ALONSO‐ARBIOL ITZIAR
Published: December 2010

Several attachment‐related phenomena in Spanish couples using dyadic‐level analyses were examined. A sample of 295 heterosexual couples completed measures of attachment‐related anxiety and avoidance, self‐esteem, social self‐efficacy, and relationship satisfaction. Results, analyzed from a dyadic perspective using the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM), indicate that (a) there are actor but no partner effects of attachment insecurities on intrapersonal variables such as self‐esteem and social self‐efficacy, (b) there are actor and partner effects of avoidant attachment on relationship satisfaction, and (c) actor anxiety is associated with partner avoidance, and actor avoidance is associated with partner anxiety. Overall, the results reveal the importance of a dyadic perspective on couple members' attachment insecurities and their associations with intrapersonal and interpersonal processes and relationship adjustment. They also show that attachment variables and correlates studied mainly in English‐speaking countries are useful in understanding Spanish couple dynamics.
Inoculation with a Native Soil Community Advances Succession in a Grassland Restoration
Authors: Middleton Elizabeth L. , Bever James D.
Published: December 2010

Restoration on post‐agricultural land may be hindered by the degradation of the soil community, which has been shown to contribute to structuring plant communities and driving succession. Our experiment tested the effect of inoculation with remnant grassland whole soil with or without nurse plants on the survival and growth of uninoculated early and late successional plant species. In 2007 and 2008, we planted uninoculated early, mid, and late successional plant species 0.25–2 m away from a central point of inoculated nurse plants. We found a negative response to inoculation on early successional plants and a positive response to inoculation on mid to late successional plants. This work suggests that the restoration of the soil community is critical to establishing a late successional plant community and that the benefit of inoculated plants can spread to neighbors.
Decline in Cognitive Function and Risk of Elder Self‐Neglect: Finding from the Chicago Health Aging Project
Authors: Dong XinQi , Simon Melissa A. , Wilson Robert S. , Mendes de Leon Carlos F. , Rajan K. Bharat , Evans Denis A.
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the longitudinal association between decline in cognitive function and risk of elder self‐neglect in a community‐dwelling population.

DESIGN: Prospective population‐based study.

SETTING: Geographically defined community in Chicago.

PARTICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling subjects reported to the social services agency from 1993 to 2005 for self‐neglect who also participated in the Chicago Health Aging Project (CHAP). Of the 5,519 participants in CHAP, 1,017 were reported to social services agency for suspected elder self‐neglect from 1993 to 2005.

MEASUREMENTS: Social services agency identified reported elder self‐neglect. The primary predictor was decline in cognitive function assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (Executive Function), and immediate and delayed recall of the East Boston Memory Test (Episodic Memory). An index of global cognitive function scores was derived by averaging z‐scores of all tests. Outcome of interest was elder self‐neglect. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess these longitudinal associations.

RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounding factors, decline in global cognitive function, MMSE score, and episodic memory were not independently associated with greater risk of reported and confirmed elder self‐neglect. Decline in executive function was associated with greater risk of reported and confirmed elder self‐neglect. Decline in global cognitive function was associated with greater risk of greater self‐neglect severity (parameter estimate=0.76, standard error=0.31, P=.01).

CONCLUSION: Decline in executive function was associated with risk of reported and confirmed elder self‐neglect. Decline in global cognitive function was associated with risk of greater self‐neglect severity.
Detection and Significance of Incidental Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in Patients Undergoing Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Joon‐Tae , Park Man‐Seok , Yoon Woong , Cho Ki‐Hyun
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

It is still controversial whether intravenous (IV) thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke increases the risk of aneurysmal bleeding. We sought to find the risk for aneurysmal bleeding after IV thrombolysis in ischemic stroke patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who had received IVT between August 2006 and November 2009. Immediately after IV‐tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy (.9 mg/kg), patients underwent CT angiography, MR angiography. After that, all patients underwent follow‐up angiography within 36 hours of the initiation of IV thrombolysis. Aneurysm‐related hemorrhage was defined as a hemorrhage that was related to the aneurysm site.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients were analyzed, and 8 (4.1%) had unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Of the 8 patients, 4 had aneurysms over 5 mm of the longest diameter. Three patients had intracerebral hemorrhage that developed at the site of infarction, which was unrelated to the aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that IV thrombolysis might not increase the risk of aneurysmal bleeding in acute stroke patients with unruptured aneurysm < 10 mm in diameter. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our result. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:197‐200
Unusual Anchor of a Motor Complex (MyoD–MLC2) to the Plasma Membrane of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Polonais Valérie , Javier Foth Bernardo , Chinthalapudi Krishna , Marq Jean‐Baptiste , Manstein Dietmar J. , Soldati‐Favre Dominique , Frénal Karine
Published: December 2010

Toxoplasma gondii possesses 11 rather atypical myosin heavy chains. The only myosin light chain described to date is MLC1, associated with myosin A, and contributing to gliding motility. In this study, we examined the repertoire of calmodulin‐like proteins in Apicomplexans, identified six putative myosin light chains and determined their subcellular localization in T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum. MLC2, only found in coccidians, is associated with myosin D via its calmodulin (CaM)‐like domain and anchored to the plasma membrane of T. gondii via its N‐terminal extension. Molecular modeling suggests that the MyoD–MLC2 complex is more compact than the reported structure of Plasmodium MyoA–myosin A tail‐interacting protein (MTIP) complex. Anchorage of this MLC2 to the plasma membrane is likely governed by palmitoylation.
The CO2 GAP Project – CO2 GAP as a prognostic tool in emergency departments
Authors: Shetty Amith L , Lai Kevin H , Byth Karen
Published: December 2010

Objective:  To determine whether CO2 GAP [(a‐ET) PCO2] value differs consistently in patients presenting with shortness of breath to the ED requiring ventilatory support. To determine a cut‐off value of CO2 GAP, which is consistently associated with measured outcome and to compare its performance against other derived variables.

Methods:  This prospective observational study was conducted in ED on a convenience sample of 412 from 759 patients who underwent concurrent arterial blood gas and ETCO2 (end‐tidal CO2) measurement. They were randomized to test sample of 312 patients and validation set of 100 patients. The primary outcome of interest was the need for ventilatory support and secondary outcomes were admission to high dependency unit or death during stay in ED. The randomly selected training set was used to select cut‐points for the possible predictors; that is, CO2 GAP, CO2 gradient, physiologic dead space and A‐a gradient. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of these predictors were validated in the test set of 100 patients.

Results:  Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curves revealed the CO2 GAP performed significantly better than the arterial‐alveolar gradient in patients requiring ventilator support (area under the curve 0.950 vs 0.726). A CO2 GAP ≥10 was associated with assisted ventilation outcomes when applied to the validation test set (100% sensitivity 70% specificity).

Conclusions:  The CO2 GAP [(a‐ET) PCO2] differs significantly in patients requiring assisted ventilation when presenting with shortness of breath to EDs and further research addressing the prognostic value of CO2 GAP in this specific aspect is required.
Assessment and feedback in emergency medicine training: Views of Australasian emergency trainees
Authors: Craig Simon , Braitberg George , Nicolas Caroline , White Geoff , Egerton‐Warburton Diana
Published: December 2010

The aim of the present study is to describe ACEM trainees' perspectives on assessment and feedback during their training. From May to July 2009, an anonymous Web‐based survey on training and supervision in emergency medicine was conducted, addressing trainees' perceptions of mandatory assessments (primary examination, fellowship examination and mandatory trainee research requirement) and feedback at work. Qualitative data were analysed using grounded theory methodology – themes were identified by close examination of full text responses. In total, 622 trainees responded to the survey (response rate of 37%). Trainees report that general clinical supervision is adequate; however, direct supervision at the bedside and feedback could be significantly improved. They perceive that the primary examination is necessary, although they feel it is irrelevant to their development as emergency trainees and are keen for more clinically applied knowledge to be tested. They dislike mandatory trainee research, feel inadequately supported and distracted from other aspects of their training. The fellowship examination was overall thought to be fair; however, there were concerns with the time pressures and restrictions to the written component of the examination. Additionally, the structured clinical examination was popular, whereas short cases and long cases were very unpopular. ACEM trainees' views of training may help inform curriculum development, and might assist those providing education to improve local training programs.
Six month outcomes of an innovative weekly intergenerational day program with older adults and school‐aged children in a Japanese urban community
Authors: KAMEI Tomoko , ITOI Waka , KAJII Fumiko , KAWAKAMI Chiharu , HASEGAWA Masumi , SUGIMOTO Tomoko
Published: December 2010

Aim:  To describe the nature of the progression of intergenerational interactions among and between older people and children in a weekly intergenerational day program (IDP) in an urban community and to evaluate the older people's health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and depressive symptoms, compared to the program volunteers, as well as the children's perspectives of older people, during the first 6 months of the program's implementation.

Methods:  This longitudinal study, with a convenience sample of older people (n = 14), program volunteers (n = 8), and school‐aged children (n = 7), used mixed methods to analyze the results. Participant observations and interviews were used to describe the interactions between the generations over the 6 months. An ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine the statistical effects over time (initially and at 3 months and 6 months) for HRQOL (Medical Outcomes Study 8‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey) and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS‐15). Semantic differential scales identified the children's perspectives of older people.

Results:  The intergenerational interactions were grouped into thirteen categories; for example, “The IDP provided a meaningful sense of place.” The quality of life in relation to the mental health of the older people's group improved significantly between the first involvement and after 6 months, while the GDS‐15 scores significantly decreased at the three time points in the more depressed older people's subgroup. The children's initial generally positive perspectives of older people showed no statistically significant change over time.

Conclusion:  The intergenerational interactions in the IDP yielded a meaningful place for both generations, improved the HRQOL of the older people's group, and decreased the depressive symptoms in the more depressed older people's subgroup.
Mode of synthesis of long‐chain fructan in timothy haplocorm
Authors: Yamamoto Shinro , Lüscher Marcel , Hochstrasse Urs , Boller Thomas , Wiemken Andres
Published: December 2010

The mode responsible for synthesis of long‐chain fructans was investigated using haplocorm of timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Homogenate of timothy haplocorm was incubated with 14C(U)‐sucrose at 15°C. A thin‐layer chromatography of the reaction mixture confirmed that labeled fructose was incorporated into high molecular weight fructans. A gel chromatogram of the reaction mixture revealed that incorporation of labeled fructose into fraction of high molecular weight fructan was much higher than that incorporated into low molecular weight fructan, implying that direct incorporation of fructose into high molecular weight fructan occurred. The mode of fructose incorporation was further explored by degrading the labeled high molecular weight fructan with exo‐hydrolase and measuring the release of labeled fructose. Ninety‐seven percent of the labeled fructose was released by cleavage of only about 2% of high molecular weight fructan, suggesting that the incorporation of fructose into a high molecular weight fructan was confined to the end of the chain. The results obtained indicate that polymerization to long‐chain fructan occurs by attachment of fructosyl residues to the end of fructan chains.
Morphological diversity of chromosomes bearing ribosomal DNA loci in Brachiaria species
Authors: Akiyama Yukio , Yamada‐Akiyama Hitomi , Ebina Masumi
Published: December 2010

The genus Brachiaria comprises approximately 100 species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The objective of the present study was to identify and characterize the homo(eo)logous chromosomes bearing rDNA in six Brachiaria accessions including three accessions of B. brizantha, Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato, B. humidicola and B. ruziziensis by application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 5S and 25S rDNA probes. Results showed that the numbers of 25S rDNA loci, but not 5S rDNA loci, correspond to ploidy levels in all Brachiaria species. The morphological shapes of rDNA chromosomes showed differences not only between species but also within a species. These results indicate co‐existence of different genomes in the species, that is, allopolyploidy. However, there are too many types of rDNA chromosomes in B. brizantha to be explained as solely a consequence of allopolyploidy. Although B. brizantha is known to be an aposporous plant that can produce maternal clone without fertilization, chromosomal rearrangements due to cross‐hybridization with other species were suggested.
Next‐generation sequencing for comparative transcriptomics of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) during cold acclimation
Authors: Tamura Ken‐ichi , Yonemaru Jun‐ichi
Published: December 2010

Perennial ryegrass (PR; Lolium perenne L.) and meadow fescue (MF; Festuca pratensis Huds.) are important grass species for forage production around the world. These species are genetically related but show different responses to biotic and abiotic stresses such as freezing: PR is severely damaged by cold stress, but MF is not. Recently, next‐generation sequencing technology (e.g. 454 sequencing) has been used to profile the genome‐wide transcriptomics of various plant species. To clarify the genetic differences behind the different cold responses of MF and PR, we developed an effective method for comparing transcriptome data during cold acclimation. The expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from cold‐acclimated MF and PR were obtained by means of minimum‐scale 454 sequencing runs. After trimming based on quality scores, these redundant ESTs were assembled into a total of 1527 contigs and singletons for MF and 1060 for PR. Subsequently, we clustered the contigs and singletons into 1082 (MF) and 661 (PR) clusters based on sequence similarity, and we used the EST numbers for the corresponding clusters to compare levels of gene expression. We observed four clusters (wheat germ agglutinin isolectin, γ‐thionin, jasmonate‐induced protein homolog and germin) with markedly different numbers of ESTs between MF and PR. The species‐specific expression of genes corresponding to these four clusters was confirmed by means of reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis.
A prospective study of systolic ejection murmurs and left ventricular outflow tract in boxers
Authors: Höglund K. , Häggström J. , Bussadori C. , Kvart C.
Published: December 2010

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and progression of murmurs and the development of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and flow velocities in the great arteries in boxer puppies through adolescence until three years of age.

Methods: Nineteen boxer puppies with or without a low‐intensity murmur, but without evidence of congenital heart disease, were studied prospectively. Examinations were carried out at 7 weeks, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 36 months of age by cardiac auscultation and Doppler echocardiography.

Results: Presence and intensity of heart murmurs varied in the same dog and between dogs, but flow velocities did not change. Estimated effective orifice diameter (EOD) and indexed EOD was significantly narrower than measured subvalvular and valvular diameters.

ClinicalSignificance: The variability in presence and intensity of low‐intensity ejection murmurs is high during growth in boxers.
Multiphoton Imaging of Actin Filament Formation and Mitochondrial Energetics of Human ACBT Gliomas
Authors: Hwang Yu‐Jer , Kolettis Nomiki , Yang Miso , Gillard Elizabeth R. , Sanchez Edgar , Sun Chung‐Ho , Tromberg Bruce J. , Krasieva Tatiana B. , Lyubovitsky Julia G.
Published: December 2010

We studied the three‐dimensional (3D) distribution of actin filaments and mitochondria in relation to ACBT glioblastoma cells migration. We embedded the cells in the spheroid form within collagen hydrogels and imaged them by in situ multiphoton microscopy (MPM). The static 3D overlay of the distribution of actin filaments and mitochondria provided a greater understanding of cell‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐substrate interactions and morphology. While imaging mitochondria to obtain ratiometric redox index based on cellular fluorescence from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and oxidized flavin adenine dinucleotide we observed differential sensitivity of the migrating ACBT glioblastoma cells to femtosecond laser irradiation employed in MPM. We imaged actin‐green fluorescent protein fluorescence in live ACBT glioma cells and for the first time observed dynamic modulation of the pools of actin during migration in 3D. The MPM imaging, which probes cells directly within the 3D cancer models, could potentially aid in working out a link between the functional performance of mitochondria, actin distribution and cancer invasiveness.
Brain Biochemical Effects of Methylphenidate Treatment Using Proton Magnetic Spectroscopy in Youth with Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Hammerness Paul , Biederman Joseph , Petty Carter , Henin Aude , Moore Constance M.
Published: December 2010

Introduction: This study conducted spectroscopic analyses using proton (1H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (at 4 Tesla) in a sample of adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), before and after treatment with extended release methylphenidate (OROS MPH), as compared to a sample of healthy comparators. Aims: The main aim of this study is to use 1H MRS to measure differences in brain biochemistry between adolescents with and without ADHD, and to assess changes in cerebral biochemistry, before and after stimulant treatment in ADHD youth. Results: Subjects with ADHD were medically healthy adolescents treated in an open label fashion with OROS MPH (mean dose: 54 mg/day; 0.90 mg/kg/day). Subjects with ADHD were scanned before and after OROS MPH treatment. Healthy comparators were scanned once. Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy studies were performed on a 4.0 T Varian Unity/Inova MR scanner; proton spectra were acquired from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC). Data were analyzed using MANOVA and repeated measurement ANOVA. Higher metabolite ratios (Glutamate/myo‐inositol, Glutamine/myo‐inositol, Glutamate + Glutamine/myo‐inositol) were observed in the ACC in untreated ADHD subjects as compared to controls, and to treated ADHD youth; these group differences did not reach the a priori threshold for statistical significance. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest the presence of glutamatergic abnormalities in adolescents with ADHD, which may normalize with MPH treatment. Larger sample, controlled studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.