bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The immunoreceptor adapter protein DAP12 suppresses B lymphocyte–driven adaptive immune responses
Authors: Nakano-Yokomizo Takako , Tahara-Hanaoka Satoko , Nakahashi-Oda Chigusa , Nabekura Tsukasa , Tchao Nadia K. , Kadosaki Momoko , Totsuka Naoya , Kurita Naoki , Nakamagoe Kiyotaka , Tamaoka Akira , Takai Toshiyuki , Yasui Teruhito , Kikutani Hitoshi , Honda Shin-ichiro , Shibuya Kazuko , Lanier Lewis L. , Shibuya Akira
Published: July 2011

DAP12, an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif–bearing adapter protein, is involved in innate immunity mediated by natural killer cells and myeloid cells. We show that DAP12-deficient mouse B cells and B cells from a patient with Nasu-Hakola disease, a recessive genetic disorder resulting from loss of DAP12, showed enhanced proliferation after stimulation with anti-IgM or CpG. Myeloid-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor (MAIR) II (Cd300d) is a DAP12-associated immune receptor. Like DAP12-deficient B cells, MAIR-II–deficient B cells were hyperresponsive. Expression of a chimeric receptor composed of the MAIR-II extracellular domain directly coupled to DAP12 into the DAP12-deficient or MAIR-II–deficient B cells suppressed B cell receptor (BCR)–mediated proliferation. The chimeric MAIR-II–DAP12 receptor recruited the SH2 domain–containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) after BCR stimulation. DAP12-deficient mice showed elevated serum antibodies against self-antigens and enhanced humoral immune responses against T cell–dependent and T cell–independent antigens. Thus, DAP12-coupled MAIR-II negatively regulates B cell–mediated adaptive immune responses.
Simple Neurite Tracer: open source software for reconstruction, visualization and analysis of neuronal processes
Authors: Longair Mark H. , Baker Dean A. , Armstrong J. Douglas
Published: July 2011

Motivation: Advances in techniques to sparsely label neurons unlock the potential to reconstruct connectivity from 3D image stacks acquired by light microscopy. We present an application for semi-automated tracing of neurons to quickly annotate noisy datasets and construct complex neuronal topologies, which we call the Simple Neurite Tracer.

Availability: Simple Neurite Tracer is open source software, licensed under the GNU General Public Licence (GPL) and based on the public domain image processing software ImageJ. The software and further documentation are available via http://fiji.sc/Simple_Neurite_Tracer as part of the package Fiji, and can be used on Windows, Mac OS and Linux. Documentation and introductory screencasts are available at the same URL.

Contact:  longair@ini.phys.ethz.ch; longair@ini.phys.ethz.ch
StochKit2: software for discrete stochastic simulation of biochemical systems with events
Authors: Sanft Kevin R. , Wu Sheng , Roh Min , Fu Jin , Lim Rone Kwei , Petzold Linda R.
Published: July 2011

Summary: StochKit2 is the first major upgrade of the popular StochKit stochastic simulation software package. StochKit2 provides highly efficient implementations of several variants of Gillespie's stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA), and tau-leaping with automatic step size selection. StochKit2 features include automatic selection of the optimal SSA method based on model properties, event handling, and automatic parallelism on multicore architectures. The underlying structure of the code has been completely updated to provide a flexible framework for extending its functionality.

Availability: StochKit2 runs on Linux/Unix, Mac OS X and Windows. It is freely available under GPL version 3 and can be downloaded from http://sourceforge.net/projects/stochkit/.

Contact:  petzold@engineering.ucsb.edu
Self-agency in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Couchman Justin J.
Published: July 2011

Rhesus monkeys (
Macaca mulatta
) have shown the ability to monitor their own mental states, but fail the mirror self-recognition test. In humans, the sense of self-agency is closely related to self-awareness, and results from monitoring the relationship between intentional, sensorimotor and perceptual information. Humans and rhesus monkeys were trained to move a computer icon with a joystick while a distractor icon partially matched their movements. Both humans and monkeys were able to monitor and identify the icon they were controlling, suggesting they have some understanding of self-agency.
How selection forces dictate the variant surface antigens used by malaria parasites
Authors: Severins Maite , Klinkenberg Don , Heesterbeek Hans
Published: July 2011

Red blood cells infected by the malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumexpress variant surface antigens (VSAs) that evade host immunity and allow the parasites to persist in the human population. There exist many different VSAs and the differential expression of these VSAs is associated with the virulence (damage to the host) of the parasites. The aim of this study is to unravel the differences in the effect key selection forces have on parasites expressing different VSAs such that we can better understand how VSAs enable the parasites to adapt to changes in their environment (like control measures) and how this may impact the virulence of the circulating parasites. To this end, we have built an individual-based model that captures the main selective forces on malaria parasites, namely parasite competition, host immunity, host death and mosquito abundance at both the within- and between-host levels. VSAs are defined by the net growth rates they infer to the parasites and the model keeps track of the expression of, and antibody build-up against, each VSA in all hosts. Our results show an ordered acquisition of VSA-specific antibodies with host age, which causes a dichotomy between the more virulent VSAs that reach high parasitaemias but are restricted to young relatively non-immune hosts, and less virulent VSAs that do not reach such high parasitaemias but can infect a wider range of hosts. The outcome of a change in the parasite's environment in terms of parasite virulence depends on the exact balance between the selection forces, which sets the limiting factor for parasite survival. Parasites will evolve towards expressing more virulent VSAs when the limiting factor for parasite survival is the within-host parasite growth and the parasites are able to minimize this limitation by expressing more virulent VSAs.
Common mechanism underlies repeated evolution of extreme pollution tolerance
Authors: Whitehead Andrew , Pilcher Whitney , Champlin Denise , Nacci Diane
Published: July 2011

Human alterations to the environment can exert strong evolutionary pressures, yet contemporary adaptation to human-mediated stressors is rarely documented in wildlife populations. A common-garden experimental design was coupled with comparative transcriptomics to discover evolved mechanisms enabling three populations of killifish resident in urban estuaries to survive normally lethal pollution exposure during development, and to test whether mechanisms are unique or common across populations. We show that killifish populations from these polluted sites have independently converged on a common adaptive mechanism, despite variation in contaminant profiles among sites. These populations are united by a similarly profound desensitization of aryl-hydrocarbon receptor-mediated transcriptional activation, which is associated with extreme tolerance to the lethal effects of toxic dioxin-like pollutants. The rapid, repeated, heritable and convergent nature of evolved tolerance suggests that ancestral killifish populations harboured genotypes that enabled adaptation to twentieth-century industrial pollutants.
Male attractiveness regulates daughter fecundity non-genetically via maternal investment
Authors: Gilbert Lucy , Williamson Kathryn A. , Graves Jefferson A.
Published: July 2011

Mothers can non-genetically influence offspring phenotype in response to environmental conditions, including mate attractiveness. If such ‘maternal effects’ influence the offspring's reproduction and F2 generation, there is a mechanism for non-genetic trans-generational effects on phenotype, including epigenetic phenomena, with implications for evolution and population dynamics. We demonstrate in the zebra finchTaeniopygia guttatasuch non-genetic effects on offspring fecundity and the size of early stage F2 (eggs) in response to experimentally manipulated father's attractiveness. Our experimental design allowed us to deduce that the mechanism for this non-genetic paternal effect was via maternal investment in eggs. This affected female offspring size and, consequently, fecundity and F2 (egg) size. This demonstrates that female perception of mate attractiveness can have non-genetic, trans-generational fitness consequences and this may have important implications for the evolution of sexually selected traits and population dynamics.
Small Heat Shock Protein Hsp17.8 Functions as an AKR2A Cofactor in the Targeting of Chloroplast Outer Membrane Proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Dae Heon , Xu Zheng-Yi , Na Yun Jeong , Yoo Yun-Joo , Lee Junho , Sohn Eun-Ju , Hwang Inhwan
Published: July 2011

Plastid proteins that are encoded by the nuclear genome and synthesized in the cytosol undergo posttranslational targeting to plastids. Ankyrin repeat protein 2A (AKR2A) and AKR2B were recently shown to be involved in the targeting of proteins to the plastid outer envelope. However, it remains unknown whether other factors are involved in this process. In this study, we investigated a factor involved in AKR2A-mediated protein targeting to chloroplasts in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Hsp17.8, a member of the class I (CI) cytosolic small heat shock proteins (sHsps), was identified in interactions with AKR2A. The interaction between Hsp17.8 and AKR2A was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. The carboxyl-terminal ankyrin repeat domain of AKR2A was responsible for AKR2A binding to Hsp17.8. Other CI cytosolic sHsps also interact with AKR2A to varying degrees. Additionally, Hsp17.8 binds to chloroplasts in vitro and enhances AKR2A binding to chloroplasts. HSP17.8 was expressed under normal growth conditions, and its expression increased after heat shock. Hsp17.8 exists as a dimer under normal physiological conditions, and it is converted to high oligomeric complexes, ranging from 240 kD to greater than 480 kD, after heat shock. High levels of Hsp17.8 together with AKR2A resulted in increased plastid targeting of Outer Envelope Protein7 (OEP7), a plastid outer envelope protein expressed as a green fluorescent protein fusion protein. In contrast, artificial microRNA suppression of HSP17.8 and closely related CI cytosolic sHSPs in protoplasts resulted in a reduction of OEP7:green fluorescent protein targeting to plastids. Based on these data, we propose that Hsp17.8 functions as an AKR2A cofactor in targeting membrane proteins to plastid outer membranes under normal physiological conditions.
Analysis of polymorphism and transcription of the effector gene Avr1b in Phytophthora sojae isolates from China virulent to Rps1b
Authors: CUI LINKAI , YIN WEIXIAO , DONG SUOMENG , WANG YUANCHAO
Published: July 2011

The effector gene Avr1b‐1 of Phytophthora sojae determines the efficacy of the resistance gene Rps1b in soybean. The sequences of the Avr1b‐1 locus in 34 Chinese isolates of P. sojae were obtained and analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and inverse PCR. Four different alleles and a complete deletion mutation of the Avr1b‐1 gene were identified. Molecular analysis of the deletion breakpoints in the Avr1b‐1 locus revealed that an 8‐kb DNA sequence containing Avr1b‐1 was deleted and a 12.7‐kb DNA sequence was inserted at the same locus. A truncated transposase gene was found and five transposable elements were predicted in the inserted sequence, suggesting that the deletion of Avr1b‐1 might be attributed to transposon movement. The transcription of Avr1b‐1 was analysed in virulent isolates containing four alleles of Avr1b‐1 by real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR. In all virulent isolates, only those isolates containing the second allele transcripted Avr1b‐1.
Roles of the immune system in skin cancer
Authors: Rangwala S. , Tsai K.Y.
Published: July 2011

Over the past several decades, there has been increasing interest in understanding the roles of the immune system in the development and progression of cancer. The importance of the immune system in human skin cancer has been long recognized based primarily upon the increased incidence of skin cancers in organ transplant recipients and mechanisms of ultraviolet (UV) radiation-mediated immunomodulation. In this review, we integrate multiple lines of evidence highlighting the roles of the immune system in skin cancer. First, we discuss the concepts of cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting as they might relate to human skin cancers. We then describe the clinical and molecular mechanisms of skin cancer development and progression in the contexts of therapeutic immunosuppression in organ transplant recipients, viral oncogenesis, and UV radiation-induced immunomodulation with a primary focus on basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The clinical evidence supporting expanding roles for immunotherapy is also described. Finally, we discuss recent research examining the functions of particular immune cell subsets in skin cancer and how they might contribute to both antitumour and protumour effects. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms of cancer immunosurveillance holds the promise of enabling better therapies.
Teledermatology applied following patient selection by general practitioners in daily practice improves efficiency and quality of care at lower cost
Authors: van der Heijden J.P. , de Keizer N.F. , Bos J.D. , Spuls P.I. , Witkamp L.
Published: July 2011

Background Teledermatology, the application of telemedicine in the field of dermatology, has similar accuracy and reliability as physical dermatology. Teledermatology has been widely used in daily practice in the Netherlands since 2005 and is fully reimbursed.

Objectives This study prospectively investigated the effect of teledermatology on efficiency, quality and costs of care when integrated in daily practice and applied following patient selection by the general practitioner (GP).

Methods Teledermatology consultations between GP and regional dermatologist were performed in daily GP practice in the Netherlands. Efficiency of care was measured by the decrease in the number of physical referrals to the dermatologist. Quality of care was measured by the percentage of teleconsultations for second opinion, physical referrals resulting from these teleconsultations, the response time of the dermatologists and educational effect experienced by the GP. Costs of conventional healthcare without teledermatology were compared with costs with teledermatology.

Results One thousand, eight hundred and twenty GPs and 166 dermatologists performed teledermatology, and 37 207 teleconsultations performed from March 2007 to September 2010 were included. In the group of patients where the GP used teleconsultation to prevent a referral (n =26 596), 74% of physical referrals were prevented. In the group of patients where the GP used teleconsultation for a second opinion (n =10 611), 16% were physically referred after teleconsultation. The prevented referral rate in the total population was 68%. The mean response time of dermatologists was 4·6 h (median 2·0). GPs indicated that there was a beneficial educational effect in 85% of the teleconsultations. The estimated cost reduction was 18%.

Conclusions Teledermatology can lead to efficient care probably at lower cost. We are therefore of the opinion that teledermatology following GP selection should be considered as a possible pathway of referral to secondary care.
Brain-derived nerve factor and neurotrophins in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Panchaprateep R. , Korkij W. , Asawanonda P.
Published: July 2011

Background Several growth factors and cytokines have been shown to be involved in normal hair cycling as well as in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, the molecular cascades in AGA downstream from androgen receptor activation are far from being fully elucidated.

Objectives We sought to determine the difference in the protein expression of growth factors/cytokines in balding vs. nonbalding scalp specimens from the same individuals affected with AGA.

Methods Balding and nonbalding scalp specimens were collected from four men with pattern baldness. Dermal papilla (DP) cells were isolated and cultured. Quantifying the protein expression of growth factors and cytokines expressed by these cells was performed using Quantibody® Human Growth Factor Array-1 (RayBiotech, Inc., Norcross, GA, U.S.A.).

Results Brain-derived nerve factor (BDNF) protein expression was upregulated by approximately 12-fold in supernatants obtained from balding as compared with nonbalding DP cells (P <0·001). Expression of neurotrophin-3 and of β-nerve growth factor was also upregulated. On the other hand, protein expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 and its binding proteins as well as of the vascular endothelial growth factor family were significantly downregulated in the balding scalp.

Conclusions Neurotrophic factors, especially BDNF, may be important in mediating the effects of androgens on hair follicles, serving as a negative regulatory control signal. Further studies may lead to novel pharmacological interventions in AGA.
Patterns of bone mineral acquisition in children with epidermolysis bullosa: a longitudinal study
Authors: Fu T. , Lingala B. , Kent K. , Bachrach L.K. , Bruckner A.L.
Published: July 2011

Background Reduced bone mass and fractures are known complications of generalized forms of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). However, the aetiology – inadequate bone acquisition, premature bone loss, or a combination – is unclear.

Objectives To determine patterns of bone mineral acquisition in children with EB and to identify clinical and laboratory correlates of change in areal bone mineral density (aBMD).

Methods Seventeen subjects ≥ 6 years of age with generalized EB were studied at two visits at least 12 months apart with clinical and laboratory evaluations and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the lumbar spine. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to determine if changes from baseline to follow-up were significant. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare subjects with gains in aBMD Z-score with those who experienced no change or decreases to determine if baseline laboratory or clinical characteristics differed between the two groups.

Results Subjects gained height and weight at follow-up, but there was no significant improvement in mean Z-scores for height, weight or body mass index. Laboratory values did not change significantly. Mean bone mineral content and aBMD of the lumbar spine increased significantly at follow-up, but mean aBMD Z-scores remained static. No differences in clinical characteristics or laboratory values were seen between subjects with increased aBMD Z-scores vs. those whose scores decreased or did not change.

Conclusions Low bone mass in children with generalized EB is due primarily to inadequate gains in aBMD. Interventions to improve overall health and to help build bone mass in this patient population are warranted.
Effect modification of immunoglobulin E‐mediated atopy and rhinitis by glutathione S‐transferase genotypes in passive smokers
Authors: Gerbase M. W. , Keidel D. , Imboden M. , Gemperli A. , Bircher A. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Bridevaux P.‐O. , Berger W. , Schindler C. , Rochat T. , Probst‐Hensch N.
Published: July 2011

Background Experimental studies suggest that glutathione S‐transferase (GST) genotypes modify nasal allergen responses induced by secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure.

Objective We aimed to investigate whether GSTs affected systemic IgE and allergic rhinitis (AR) in SHS‐exposed individuals from a population‐based cohort.

Methods Analyses comprised 2309 never‐smokers from the Swiss study on air pollution and health in adults cohort, reporting SHS status at baseline and 11 years later. Outcomes were defined by total serum IgE⩾100 kU/L, specific serum IgE determined by Phadiatop® ⩾0.35 kU/L and self‐reported AR. GSTP1 Ile105Val, GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletion genotypes were identified at the follow‐up survey.

Results After adjustment for relevant covariates, the homozygous GSTP1 105‐Val genotype was negatively associated with high total IgE and high‐specific IgE by Phadiatop®, notably in subjects persistently exposed to SHS (OR: 0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.75; P=0.02, for high total IgE and OR: 0.29, 95% CI 0.10–0.89; P=0.03, for high specific IgE by Phadiatop®). Carrying at least one copy of the GSTM1 gene (non‐null) showed a similar association for high specific IgE by Phadiatop® (OR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.76; P=0.004). No significant associations were found between GSTs and rhinitis.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance In this large cohort, homozygosity for GSTP1 105‐Val or carrying the GSTM1 non‐null genotype decreased the risk of high total IgE or high specific IgE using Phadiatop® by nearly half in subjects exposed to SHS, as compared with subjects carrying opposite alleles. These findings underline the value of genetic susceptibility when evaluating the effects of environmental exposure on allergic illness. The potential long‐term effects of persistent SHS exposure in genetically vulnerable individuals may be of public health relevance.

Cite this as: M. W. Gerbase, D. Keidel, M. Imboden, A. Gemperli, A. Bircher, P. Schmid‐Grendelmeier, P.‐O. Bridevaux, W. Berger, C. Schindler, T. Rochat and N. Probst‐Hensch, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1579–1586.
Negative regulation of inflammatory responses by immunoglobulin A receptor (FcαRI) inhibits the development of Toll-like receptor-9 signalling-accelerated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Watanabe T , Kanamaru Y , Liu C , Suzuki Y , Tada N , Okumura K , Horikoshi S , Tomino Y
Published: July 2011

Myeloid FcαRI, a receptor for immunoglobulin (Ig)A, mediates cell activation or inhibition depending on the type of ligand interaction, which can be either multivalent or monovalent. Anti-inflammatory signalling is triggered by monomeric targeting using anti-FcαRI Fab or IgA ligand binding, which inhibits immune and non-immune-mediated renal inflammation. The participation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in kidney pathology in experimental models and various forms of human glomerular nephritis has been discussed. However, little is known about negative regulation of innate-immune activation. In the present study, we generated new transgenic mice that express FcαRIR209L/FcRγ chimeric protein and showed that the monovalent targeting of FcαRI exhibited inhibitory effects in an in vivo model of TLR-9 signalling-accelerated nephritis. Mouse monoclonal anti-FcαRI MIP8a Fab improved urinary protein levels and reduced the number of macrophages and immunoglobulin deposition in the glomeruli. Monovalent targeting using MIP8a Fab attenuates the TLR-9 signalling pathway and is associated with phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related protein kinases [extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), P38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)] and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. The inhibitory mechanism involves recruitment of tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to FcαRI. Furthermore, cell transfer studies with macrophages pretreated with MIP8a Fab showed that blockade of FcαRI signalling in macrophages prevents the development of TLR-9 signalling-accelerated nephritis. These results suggest a role of anti-FcαRI Fab as a negative regulator in controlling the magnitude of the innate immune response and a new type of anti-inflammatory drug for treatment of kidney disease.
The multi-hit hypothesis of primary biliary cirrhosis: polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and murine autoimmune cholangitis
Authors: Ambrosini Y M , Yang G-X , Zhang W , Tsuda M , Shu S , Tsuneyama K , Leung P S C , Ansari A A , Coppel R L , Gershwin M E
Published: July 2011

A void in understanding primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is the absence of appropriate animal models. Our laboratory has studied a murine model of autoimmune cholangitis induced following immunization with 2-octynoic acid (2OA), an antigen identified following extensive quantitative structural activity relationship (QSAR) analysis, using human autoantibodies and three-dimensional analysis of the mitochondrial autoantigen, the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC-E2). Mice immunized with 2OA coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) develop anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) of the identical specificity as humans with PBC, and in addition develop inflammatory portal cell infiltrates in liver. However, the natural history of disease is less severe than in humans and does not include fibrosis. Data from human and autoimmune murine models suggest that environmental and/or infectious agents can exacerbate autoimmune reactions, and a model of PBC has been described in which polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a viral RNA mimetic and Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3) agonist induces low-titre AMAs and in mild portal infiltrates. We took advantage of our established model to determine whether immunization with 2OA-BSA coupled with poly I:C alters the disease process. Indeed, the addition of poly I:C produces a profound exacerbation of autoimmune cholangitis, including a significant increase in CD8+ infiltrating T cells, as well as a marked increase of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, mice have evidence of fibrosis. These findings lend support to the concept that besides breakdown of self-tolerance, there is a requirement of a second ‘hit’ during the breakdown process that leads to disease which more faithfully mimics human PBC.
Role of increased CD8/CD28null T cells and alternative co-stimulatory molecules in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hodge G , Mukaro V , Reynolds P N , Hodge S
Published: July 2011

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease; it is a leading cause of death and existing treatments have no proven disease-modifying effect. The mechanisms underlying this resistance are largely unknown, but suggest the presence of some self-maintaining pathogenic process, possibly initiated by cigarette smoking, that prevents the normal resolution of inflammation. We have previously reported increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and granzyme b by CD8+ T cells in COPD; costimulatory receptor/ligand interactions required include CD80:86/CD28, B7-1/CTLA4, 4-1BB/1BBL and OX40/OX40L. We hypothesized that a dysregulated expression/function of these molecules may play a role in inflammatory/autoimmune components of COPD. We analysed T cell co-stimulatory molecules in blood from 34 controls, 15 smokers and 48 COPD subjects. We assessed the potential functional relevance of CD8/CD28null cells in COPD by measuring their production of proinflammatory cytokines, co-stimulatory molecules, granzyme and perforin. A smoke-exposed murine model was applied to investigate the relative expression of CD8/CD28null T cells in blood, lung tissue and airway. CD8/CD28null cells were increased in both current- and ex-smoker COPD groups; these cells expressed significantly more interferon (IFN)-γ, OX40, 4-1BB, CTLA4, granzyme and perforin when stimulated than CD8/CD28+ T cells. There were no changes in CD4/CD28null T cells. In mice exposed to cigarette smoke for 12 weeks, CD8/CD28null T cells were significantly increased in the airway with a trend for an increase in lung tissue and blood. Increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of alternative co-stimulatory molecules by CD8/CD28null T cells may play a role in inflammatory or autoimmune responses in COPD and identify therapeutic targets.
Cytological diagnosis of filarial infection in an endemic area where screening and prophylaxis is in place
Authors: Singh P. , Anshu  , Gangane N.
Published: July 2011

P. Singh, Anshu and N. Gangane

Cytological diagnosis of filarial infection in an endemic area where screening and prophylaxis is in place

Objective:  Filariasis has a worldwide distribution. However, the disease is often overlooked or misdiagnosed because of its unusual presentations and there may be false‐negative results in endemic areas. This study was carried out to assess the role of cytology in the demonstration of filarial parasites in an area where screening and prophylaxis are in place.

Methods:  This study was carried out in Wardha district in central India, which is endemic for filarial infection. A total of 9182 smears of cases undergoing cytological evaluation were routinely screened at the time of reporting for the presence of adult filarial worm, microfilarial larvae or their fertilized and unfertilized eggs, irrespective of their original clinical diagnosis.

Results:  Microfilariae were found incidentally in fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears of patients presenting with other clinical conditions. Smears of seven cases were found to be positive for microfilaria. Four cases presented with subcutaneous nodules in the upper arm, two cases were seen incidentally in axillary lymph node aspirates and microfilariae were found in the pleural fluid in one case. Another case was suspected to have breast cancer, but aspirates from the axillary area showed lymphatic obstruction considered to be due to filariasis.

Conclusion:  FNA cytology is an inexpensive, simple and easy procedure for detecting microfilariae. Detection of microfilariae may not be common even in endemic areas as screening and prophylaxis is routinely performed, and patients may show atypical presentations such as subcutaneous nodules. We believe that careful screening of FNAs, especially those from subcutaneous swellings, as well as serous fluids, is very important in a filariasis‐endemic zone.
Major changes in forest carbon and nitrogen cycling caused by declining sulphur deposition
Authors: Oulehle Filip , Evans Christopher D. , Hofmeister Jenyk , Krejci Radovan , Tahovska Karolina , Persson Tryggve , Cudlin Pavel , Hruska Jakub
Published: July 2011

Sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) deposition are important drivers of the terrestrial carbon (C) and N cycling. We analyzed changes in C and N pools in soil and tree biomass at a highly acidified spruce site in the Czech Republic during a 15 year period. Total S deposition decreased from 5 to 1.1 g m−2 yr−1 between 1995 and 2009, whereas bulk N deposition did not change. Over the same period, C and N pools in the Oa horizon declined by 116 g C and 4.2 g N m−2 yr−1, a total decrease of 47% and 42%, respectively. This loss of C and N probably originated from organic matter (OM) that had accumulated during the period of high acid deposition when litter decomposition was suppressed. The loss of OM from the Oa horizon coincided with a substantial leaching (1.3 g N m−2 yr−1 at 90 cm) in the 1990s to almost no leaching (<0.02 g N m−2 yr−1) since 2006. Forest floor net N mineralization also decreased. This had consequences for spruce needle N concentration (from 17.1 to 11.4 mg kg−1 in current needles), an increase in litterfall C/N ratio (from 51 to 63), and a significant increase in the Oi + Oe horizon C/N ratio (from 23.4 to 27.3) between 1994 and 2009/2010. Higher forest growth and lower canopy defoliation was observed in the 2000s compared to the 1990s. Our results demonstrate that reducing S deposition has had a profound impact on forest organic matter cycling, leading to a reversal of historic ecosystem N enrichment, cessation of nitrate leaching, and a major loss of accumulated organic soil C and N stocks. These results have major implications for our understanding of the controls on both N saturation and C sequestration in forests, and other ecosystems, subjected to current or historic S deposition.
Directional climate change and potential reversal of desertification in arid and semiarid ecosystems
Authors: Peters Debra P. C. , Yao Jin , Sala Osvaldo E. , Anderson John P.
Published: July 2011

Our objective was to determine if long‐term increases in precipitation can maintain grasslands susceptible to desertification, and initiate a reversal of historic regime shifts on desertified shrublands. Perennial grass production and species richness in a multi‐year wet period were hypothesized to be greater than expected based on precipitation in a sequence of dry years. These responses were expected to differ for grasslands and shrublands with different dominant species and topo‐edaphic properties. Long‐term trends in desertification were documented using vegetation maps beginning in 1858, 1915, 1928, and 1998). These trends were compared with herbaceous and woody species responses to a sequence of dry (1994–2003) and wet years (2004–2008) for two grassland (uplands, playas) and three desertified shrubland types (honey mesquite, creosotebush, tarbush) in the Chihuahuan Desert. Analyses showed that both types of grasslands decreased in spatial extent since 1858 whereas areas dominated by mesquite or creosotebush increased. Production of upland grasslands in the wet period was greater than expected based on responses during the dry period whereas the relationships between species richness and precipitation was the same for both periods. Precipitation was not important to responses in playa grasslands in either period. For all ecosystem types, the production response in wet years primarily was an increase in herbaceous plants, and the most pronounced responses occurred on sandy sites (upland grasslands, mesquite shrubland). Results suggest that multiple wet years are needed to initiate a sequence of grass establishment and survival processes that can maintain upland grasslands without management inputs and lead to a state change reversal in desertified shrublands. Restoration strategies need to take advantage of opportunities provided by future climates while recognizing the importance of ecosystem type.
Eating difficulties among patients 3 months after stroke in relation to the acute phase
Authors: Medin Jörgen , Windahl Jenny , von Arbin Magnus , Tham Kerstin , Wredling Regina
Published: July 2011

medin j., windahl j., von arbin m., tham k. & wredling r. (2012) Eating difficulties among patients 3 months after stroke in relation to the acute phase. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(3), 580–589.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study comparing eating difficulties among patients 3 months after stroke in relation to the acute phase.

Background.  There is limited knowledge of patients with eating problems early after stroke, hence the progress of eating abilities needs to be further explored.

Method.  From March 2007 to June 2008 36 stroke patients with 2–7 eating difficulties or problems with reduced alertness or swallowing in the acute phase were included. Eating difficulties were detected using a structured protocol of observation of meals. In addition, stroke severity (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale), functional status (Barthel Index), unilateral neglect (Line Bisection test and Letter Cancellation test), psychological well‐being (The Well‐being Questionnaire‐12), nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment) and oral status (Revised Oral Assessment Guide) were assessed.

Results.  There were 36 participants (58% female) with a median age of 74·5 years. The proportion of eating difficulties decreased significantly from the acute phase to the 3‐month follow‐up in ‘sitting position’, ‘managing food on the plate’ and ‘manipulating food in the mouth’ and increased regarding inadequate food consumption. Improvements were shown at 3 months in stroke severity, functional status, nutritional status and neglect. Oral status and psychological well‐being remained unchanged.

Conclusion.  The majority of eating problems persisted 3 months after stroke despite a marked improvement in most of the physical functions. The unchanged psychological well‐being and sustained problems with food consumption indicate that factors other than physical function should be taken into account regarding eating difficulties poststroke.
Observations on the flight paths of the day‐flying mothVirbia lamaeduring periods of mate location: do males have a strategy for contacting the pheromone plume?
Authors: Cardé Ring T. , Cardé Anja M. , Girling Robbie D.
Published: July 2011

1. To maximize the probability of rapid contact with a female’s pheromone plume, the trajectories of male foraging flights might be expected to be directed with respect to wind flow and also to be energetically efficient.

2. Flights directed either upwind, downwind, or crosswind have been proposed as optimal strategies for rapid and/or energetically efficient plume contact. Other possible strategies are random and Lévy walks, which have trajectories and turn frequencies that are not dictated by the direction of wind flow.

3. The planar flight paths of males of the day‐active mothVirbia lamaewere recorded during the customary time of its sexual activity.

4. We found no directional preference in these foraging flights with respect to the direction of contemporaneous wind flow, but, because crosswind encompasses twice the possible orientations of either upwind or downwind, a random orientation is in effect ade factocrosswind strategy.

5. A crosswind preference should be favoured when the plume extends farther downwind than crosswind, and this strategy is realized byV. lamaemales by a random orientation of their trajectories with respect to current wind direction.
Nursing research capacity building in a Spanish hospital: an intervention study
Authors: Corchon Silvia , Portillo Mari Carmen , Watson Roger , Saracíbar Maribel
Published: July 2011

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate a contextually framed intervention to increase nursing research capacity among clinical nurses in a Spanish hospital.

Background.  In Spain, there has been a paucity of nursing research and a lack of nursing research culture. Currently, with the European Convergence of educational programmes and qualifications, there is a growing interest in promoting nursing research in this country.

Design.  A quasi‐experimental design.

Methods.  Using a control (n = 81) and an intervention group (n = 89) of nurses, pre‐ and postintervention data were collected from both groups to evaluate the impact of the intervention at three times. The intervention, implemented over one year, consisted of the establishment of a mentors’ network and an educational programme with research courses and journal clubs. Data collection methods included questionnaires, objective tests and scales.

Results.  The nursing research capacity of the hospital developed moderately after the intervention, with an increase in participants’ research capability (knowledge, skills and attitudes) and a decrease in some of the inhibiting factors identified in the context.

Conclusions.  A new comprehensive and contextually framed intervention to develop nursing research capacity has been designed, implemented and evaluated in a hospital. It contributed to the development of the nursing research culture in the context.

Relevance to clinical practice.  An increase in nursing research activity could improve the quality of nursing care through the incorporation of research evidence in practice. This intervention could be used as a model in other hospitals, and it should be evaluated in other contexts.
Neighbour interactions strengthen with increased soil resources in a northern hardwood forest
Authors: Baribault Thomas W. , Kobe Richard K.
Published: July 2011

1. The relationship between soil resource availability and competitive interactions remains unclear in forest ecosystems. If competition shifts from below‐ground to above‐ground across soil resource gradients, then competitive interactions should constrain growth across soil fertility levels. Alternatively, competition may be less important under stressful conditions associated with low soil resources.

2. We developed individual‐based growth models as functions of local tree neighbourhood and measurements of soil resources for 10 common tree species from sites established across a soil resource gradient in north‐west Lower Michigan, USA. We hypothesized that tree growth should increase with soil resource availability (rarely measured at local scales), but decrease with the density, size and proximity of neighbouring trees.

3. Correlations of growth to neighbourhood effects were strongest for species occupying primarily high‐resource sites. Correlations of growth to soil resources were positive for species associated with high and intermediate fertility. In contrast, correlations of growth to soil water were negative for species associated with low fertility, suggesting that competitiveness of these species decreased with higher soil resources and concomitant decreases in irradiance.

4. Relationships between mean site‐level tree growth and soil resources were much stronger than individual growth–local resource relationships. Weaker species‐specific, individual‐level trends likely arose from limited species distributions across each soil resource domain.

5. Synthesis. Neighbourhood interactions were more prevalent in species associated with high soil fertility sites, where canopy transmission of irradiance was low. For species dominant at low fertility, where canopy transmission of irradiance was relatively high, neighbourhood interactions were absent or negligible. The growth of intermediate‐fertility species was negatively correlated with soil water, but decreasing site‐level canopy openness with soil water suggests that these species were out‐competed for irradiance as soil resources increased. Thus, irradiance likely mediated the stronger competitive interactions at higher‐fertility sites.
The relationship between challenging behaviour, burnout and cognitive variables in staff working with people who have intellectual disabilities
Authors: Mills S. , Rose J.
Published: July 2011

Background  There is evidence to suggest a relationship between the way in which staff perceive challenging behaviour and burnout in staff working with people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and challenging behaviour. However, the evidence of a direct link is equivocal and it is possible that a number of different variables mediate this relationship. The aim of the study is to confirm whether there is a relationship between challenging behaviour and staff burnout, and in addition, to test whether staff perceptions about challenging behaviour mediate this relationship.

Method  Seventy‐eight staff completed measures of burnout, challenging behaviour and perceptions about challenging behaviour. The perceptions explored included beliefs about the timeline of behaviour, staff's perception of whether they themselves have control over the behaviour, beliefs about clients' ability to control the behaviour and staff's negative emotional responses.

Results  Significant positive correlations were found between challenging behaviour and burnout, challenging behaviour and cognitive variables, and cognitive variables and burnout. Regression analyses demonstrated that negative emotions mediate the relationship between challenging behaviour and burnout.

Conclusions  The results show evidence that there is a relationship between challenging behaviour and burnout that is mediated by negative emotion, namely the fear of potential assault.
Utility of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) in psychiatric outpatients with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wieland J. , Wardenaar K. J. , Fontein E. , Zitman F. G.
Published: July 2011

Background  Diagnostics and care for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and psychiatric disorders need to be improved. This can be done by using assessment instruments to routinely measure the nature and severity of psychiatric symptoms. Up until now, in the Netherlands, assessment measures are seldom used in the psychiatric care for this population. The objective of the present paper is to evaluate the use of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), a widely used standardised questionnaire in general psychiatry, in a well‐defined sample of people with borderline intellectual functioning or mild ID diagnosed with one or more psychiatric disorders.

Methods  A total of 224 psychiatric outpatients with either borderline intellectual functioning or mild ID participated in this study. All participants were new patients of Kristal, Centre for Psychiatry and Intellectual Disability in the Netherlands, in the period between 1 April 2008 and 1 October 2009. All participants were assessed by a multidisciplinary team, including a certified psychiatrist. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV‐TR) criteria were applied. The mean total intelligence quotient was measured with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS‐III). The BSI was administered in an assisted fashion. Utility and psychometric properties of the BSI were investigated. Internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach's alphas) were computed. Bivariate correlations between the sub‐scales were computed to assess differentiation between the scales. Mean sub‐scale scores were compared between different DSM‐IV‐TR subgroups to investigate the discriminant abilities of the scales. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted.

Results  The results suggest that the BSI is practically useful. Internal consistencies ranged from 0.70 to 0.96 and thus are considered good to adequate. Sub‐scale inter‐correlations showed there is a degree of differentiation between the sub‐scales. Discriminant validity was shown for the sub‐scales depression, anxiety and phobic anxiety. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the underlying structure of the BSI could be described by the same nine‐factor model as reported in previous studies.

Conclusions  As a result of the psychometric properties illustrated, this study supports the use of the BSI as a screener for psychopathology and a general outcome measure in people with ID.
Duty of care and autonomy: how support workers managed the tension between protecting service users from risk and promoting their independence in a specialist group home
Authors: Hawkins R. , Redley M. , Holland A. J.
Published: July 2011

Background  In the UK those paid to support adults with intellectual disabilities must manage two potentially conflicting duties that are set out in policy documents as being vital to their role: protecting service users (their duty of care) and recognising service users' autonomy. This study focuses specifically on the support of people with the genetically determined condition, Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Due to the behaviours associated with PWS, the support of this group of people vividly illustrates the tension between respect for autonomy and duty of care. This article explores how support workers working in a residential group home managed their competing duties of managing risk and promoting independence in practice.

Methods  An ethnographic study, comprising of qualitative observations, semi‐structured interviews and documentary analysis, was undertaken to investigate the work of support workers in a UK residential group home specialising in the support of adults diagnosed with PWS. The study focused on how support workers attempted to reconcile the tension between protecting service users from the risks associated with the syndrome and acknowledging service users' autonomy by enabling independence.

Results  Findings demonstrate that risk was central to the structure of care delivery at the group home and support workers often adhered to standardised risk management procedures. The organisation also required support workers to promote service users' independence and many thought acknowledging service users' autonomy through the promotion of their independence was important. To manage tensions between their differing duties, some support workers deviated from standardised risk management procedures to allow service users a degree of independence.

Conclusions  There is a tension between the duty of care and the duty to recognise autonomy at the level of service delivery in residential homes. Support workers attempt to manage this tension; however, further work needs to be done by both residential services and policy makers to facilitate the reconciliation of the duty of care with the duty to recognise service users' autonomy in practice.