bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rab5a overexpression promoting ovarian cancer cell proliferation may be associated with APPL1‐related epidermal growth factor signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Liu Xiang‐Fan , Wu Hua‐Cheng , Zou Shu‐Biao , Wang Jia‐Yi , Ni Pei‐Hua , Chen Xin‐Hua , Fan Qi‐Shi
Published: March 2010

Rab5a is a regulatory guanosine triphosphatase that is associated with the transport and fusion of endocytic vesicles, and participates in regulation of intracellular signaling pathways embraced by cells to adapt to the specific environment. Rab5a is also correlated with lung, stomach, and hepatocellular carcinomas. Here, we detected Rab5a in paraffin‐embedded samples of 20 ovarian cysts, 20 benign cystadenomas, and 39 ovarian cancers by immunohistochemistry, and observed that Rab5a expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer (P = 0.0001). By setting up stable HO‐8910 cell lines expressing Rab5a or dominant negative Rab5a (Rab5a:S34N), we found that Rab5a overexpression enhanced the cell growth by promoting G1 into S phase. In contrast, Rab5a:S34N inhibited this process. Additionally, APPL1 (adaptor protein containing PH domain, PTB domain, and Leucine zipper motif), a downstream effector of Rab5a, was also involved in promoting HO‐8910 cell cycle progress. But this function was blocked by Rab5a:S34N. Laser scanning confocal microscopy represented the colocalization of APPL1 and Rab5a in the plasmolemma, which changed with the time of epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. We also found APPL1 could transfer from the membranes into the nucleus where it interacted with NuRD/MeCP1 (the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase multiprotein complex). NuRD is reported to be involved in the deacetylation of histone H3 and H4 to regulate nuclear transcription. So Rab5a promoted proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, which may be associated with the APPL1‐related epidermal growth factor signaling pathway. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Decreased expression of PinX1 protein is correlated with tumor development and is a new independent poor prognostic factor in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Cai Mu‐Yan , Zhang Bin , He Wei‐Peng , Yang Guo‐Fen , Rao Hui‐Lan , Rao Zhi‐Yue , Wu Qiu‐Liang , Guan Xin‐Yuan , Kung Hsiang‐Fu , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Xie Dan
Published: March 2010

Human interacting protein X1 (PinX1) has been identified as a critical telomerase inhibitor and proposed to be a putative tumor suppressor gene. Loss of PinX1 has been found in a large variety of malignancies, but the expression status in epithelial ovarian tumors has not been investigated. In this study, immunohistochemistry for PinX1 protein was performed on a tissue microarray (TMA) of epithelial ovarian tumors (informatively containing 25 cystadenomas, 29 borderline tumors, and 157 invasive carcinomas) and 12 normal ovaries. Receiver–operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine cut‐off scores for tumor positivity and to evaluate patients’ survival status. The threshold for PinX1 positivity was determined to be above 60% (area under the curve = 0.856, P < 0.001) based on the area under the ROC. Positive expression of PinX1 was observed in 100% of normal ovarian tissues, in 84% of cystadenomas, in 75.9% borderline tumors, and 66.2% of ovarian carcinomas. Decreased expression of PinX1 was strongly related to patients with poor prognostic factors regarding presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.024), distant metastasis (P < 0.001), and late International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (P < 0.001). In univariate survival analysis, a highly significant correlation between loss of PinX1 and shortened patient survival (mean, 48.2 months vs 99.2 months, P < 0.001) was displayed. Multivariate analysis demonstrated PinX1 expression (P = 0.027) was evaluated as an independent parameter. Our findings suggest that loss of PinX1 is an adverse independent molecular marker for epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients. PinX1 may be a novel target for telomerase‐based anticancer therapy due to inhibiting telomerase activity. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluation (MATE): an instrument based on the World Health Organization family of international classifications
Authors: Schippers Gerard M. , Broekman Theo G. , Buchholz Angela , Koeter Maarten W.J. , Van Den Brink Wim
Published: March 2010

Aims  To present and evaluate a measurement tool for assessing characteristics of people with drug and/or alcohol problems for triage and evaluation in treatment. Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluation (MATE) is composed of 10 modules, selected on the basis of a detailed set of specifications. Conceptually, the MATE was constructed according to the ICD and International Classification of Functioning (ICF) in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system. Two of the ICF‐related modules were newly designed.

Design  Monitoring feasibility and field‐testing in a treatment‐seeking population with researcher and clinician‐administered test–retest interviews, construct validation with related instruments and evaluation of the dimensional structure of the ICF‐related modules.

Setting  The research was conducted in a large, regional substance abuse treatment centre in the Netherlands and at the Municipal Health Service of Amsterdam.

Participants  A total of 945 treatment‐seeking patients were recruited during routine intakes, 159 of whom were interviewed twice; 32 problem drug users were also recruited from the Amsterdam cohort studies among problem drug users.

Findings  Completion time was reasonably short, and there were relatively few missing data. The factor structure of the ICF‐related modules revealed a three‐factor model with an acceptable fit. Inter‐rater reliability ranged between 0.75 and 0.92 and was satisfactory, but interviewer reliability ranged between 0.34 and 0.73, indicating that some of subscales need to be improved. Concurrent validity was indicated by significant correlations (>0.50) between the ICF‐related modules and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II) and WHO Quality of Life brief version (WHOQOL‐BREF).

Conclusions  The MATE can be used to allocate patients to substance abuse treatment. Because it is a comprehensive but flexible measurement tool that is also practical to use, the MATE is well suited for use in a heterogeneous population.
Mindfulness‐based treatments for co‐occurring depression and substance use disorders: what can we learn from the brain?
Authors: Brewer Judson A. , Bowen Sarah , Smith Joseph T. , Marlatt G. Alan , Potenza Marc N.
Published: March 2010

Both depression and substance use disorders represent major global public health concerns and are often co‐occurring. Although there are ongoing discoveries regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of each condition, common mechanisms and effective treatments for co‐occurring depression and substance abuse remain elusive. Mindfulness training has been shown recently to benefit both depression and substance use disorders, suggesting that this approach may target common behavioral and neurobiological processes. However, it remains unclear whether these pathways constitute specific shared neurobiological mechanisms or more extensive components universal to the broader human experience of psychological distress or suffering. We offer a theoretical, clinical and neurobiological perspective of the overlaps between these disorders, highlight common neural pathways that play a role in depression and substance use disorders and discuss how these commonalities may frame our conceptualization and treatment of co‐occurring disorders. Finally, we discuss how advances in our understanding of potential mechanisms of mindfulness training may offer not only unique effects on depression and substance use, but also offer promise for treatment of co‐occurring disorders.
Response to first‐line antiretroviral treatment among human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients with and without a history of injecting drug use in Indonesia
Authors: Wisaksana Rudi , Indrati Agnes K. , Fibriani Azzania , Rogayah Ega , Sudjana Primal , Djajakusumah Tony S. , Sumantri Rachmat , Alisjahbana Bachti , Van Der Ven Andre , Van Crevel Reinout
Published: March 2010

Background There is a common belief that injecting drug use (IDU) is associated with lower uptake, retention and success of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients. We examined this in an Indonesian setting, where IDU is the main risk factor for HIV infection.

Methods Patient characteristics and response to ART were recorded for all patients diagnosed with HIV infection in the referral hospital for West Java (40 million people). Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox's regression were used to compare mortality, loss to follow‐up and virological failure between patients with and without a history of IDU.

Result A total of 773 adult HIV patients (81.9% IDUs) presented between January 1996 and April 2008. IDUs had a median CD4 cell count of 33 [interquartile ratio (IQR), 12–111] cells/mm3 compared to 84 (IQR, 28–224) cells/mm3 in non‐IDUs. Among patients with a history of IDU, 87.7% were coinfected with hepatitis C (HCV). Mortality was associated strongly with CD4 count; after 6 months of ART, 18.3, 20.3, 7.1 and 0.7% of patients with CD4 cell counts <25, 25–99, 100–199, respectively, ≥200/mm3 had died (P < 0.0001). Mortality [adjusted for CD4; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35–1.23], loss to follow‐up (HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.51–1.41) and virological failure (HR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.19–1.13) were not significantly different in IDUs and non‐IDUs.

Conclusion Intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Indonesia with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome tend to have more advanced disease but respond similarly to non‐IDUs to antiretroviral therapy.
University of Michigan Addiction Research Center (UMARC): development, evolution, and direction
Authors: Zucker Robert A.
Published: March 2010

A historical summary is provided of the evolution of the University of Michigan Addiction Research Center (UMARC) since its origins in 1988. Begun as an National Institutes of Health (NIH) research center within a Department of Psychiatry and focused solely upon alcohol and aging, early work emphasized treatment efficacy, differential outcome studies and characterization of the neurophysiological and behavioral manifestations of chronic alcoholism. Over the last 15 years, UMARC has extended its research focus along a number of dimensions: its developmental reach has been extended etiologically by studies of risk early in the life span, and by way of work on earlier screening and the development of early, brief treatment interventions. The addiction focus has expanded to include other drugs of abuse. Levels of analysis have also broadened, with work on the molecular genetics and brain neurophysiology underlying addictive processes, on one hand, and examination of the role of the social environment in long‐term course of disorder on the other hand. Activities have been facilitated by several research training programs and by collaborative relationships with other universities around the United States and in Poland. Since 2002, a program for research infrastructure development and collaboration has been ongoing, initially with Poland and more recently with Ukraine, Latvia and Slovakia. A blueprint for the future includes expanded characterization of the neurobiology and genetics of addictive processes, the developmental environment, as well as programmatic work to address the public health implications of our ability to identify risk for disorder very early in life.
Methadone maintenance therapy promotes initiation of antiretroviral therapy among injection drug users
Authors: Uhlmann Sasha , Milloy M.‐J. , Kerr Thomas , Zhang Ruth , Guillemi Silvia , Marsh David , Hogg Robert S. , Montaner Julio S. G. , Wood Evan
Published: March 2010

Aims  Despite proven benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART), many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected injection drug users (IDU) do not access treatment even in settings with free health care. We examined whether methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) increased initiation and adherence to ART among an IDU population with free health care.

Design  We examined prospectively a cohort of opioid‐using antiretroviral‐naive HIV‐infected IDU and investigated factors associated with initiation of antiretroviral therapy as well as subsequent adherence. Factors associated independently with time to first initiation of antiretroviral therapy were modelled using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Findings  Between May 1996 and April 2008, 231 antiretroviral‐naive HIV‐infected opioid‐using IDU were enrolled, among whom 152 (65.8%) initiated ART, for an incidence density of 30.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 25.9–35.6] per 100 person‐years. After adjustment for time‐updated clinical characteristics and other potential confounders, use of MMT was associated independently with more rapid uptake of antiretroviral therapy [relative hazard = 1.62 (95% CI: 1.15–2.28); P = 0.006]. Those prescribed methadone also had higher rates of ART adherence after first antiretroviral initiation [odds ratio = 1.49 (95% CI: 1.07–2.08); P = 0.019].

Conclusion  These results demonstrate that MMT contributes to more rapid initiation and subsequent adherence to ART among opioid‐using HIV‐infected IDU. Addressing international barriers to the use and availability of methadone may increase dramatically uptake of HIV treatment among this population.
Rumination as a predictor of drinking behaviour in alcohol abusers: a prospective study
Authors: Caselli Gabriele , Ferretti Claudio , Leoni Mauro , Rebecchi Daniela , Rovetto Francesco , Spada Marcantonio M.
Published: March 2010

Aims To investigate the role of depression and rumination in predicting drinking status (absence or presence of alcohol use) and level of alcohol use at 3, 6 and 12 months following a brief course of cognitive–behavioural therapy for alcohol abuse.

Methods A total of 80 out‐patients with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse completed measures of depression (Beck Depression Inventory), rumination (Ruminative Responses Scale) and alcohol use (Quantity–Frequency Scale).

Results These indicated that rumination predicted drinking status and level of alcohol use at 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. The contribution of rumination was independent of depression and initial level of alcohol use.

Conclusions The results confirm that rumination is an important prospective predictor of drinking status and level of alcohol use in alcohol abusers and highlight the potential relevance of targeting rumination in the treatment of alcohol abuse.
Seeing America—diary of a drug‐focused study tour made in 1967
Authors: Edwards Griffith
Published: March 2010

In 1965 the British government was forced to admit that the country had an escalating heroin problem, with the supply coming mainly from prescribing by private practitioners. Within the official responses to what was seen at that time as a very worrying public health situation was the decision to fund the setting‐up of the Addiction Research Unit (ARU) at the Institute of Psychiatry, London. The US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) generously sponsored a study tour for the nominated director of the ARU shortly before the opening of the British research centre. Extensive contemporaneous diary notes of a visit included contact with administrators, researchers, clinicians, parish priests, narcotic agents and addicts themselves. From a mass of often conflicting advice, some insights could be derived. In particular, these included the need for an awareness of any country's way of dealing with drug problems as a dynamic, multi‐factorial total system—a holistic ‘national response’. A further conclusion was to see policy itself as a complex subject for analysis: drug policy should be as much an issue for research as drug taking. Besides these broad conclusions, the experience provided many specific leads to development of a British addiction research programme, and fostered professional friendships of immeasurable worth.
Interaction of endothelial cell‐selective adhesion molecule and MAGI‐1 promotes mature cell–cell adhesion via activation of RhoA
Authors: Kimura Ritsuko , Ishida Tatsuro , Kuriyama Masamitsu , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Hayashi Yoshitake
Published: March 2010

Endothelial cell‐selective adhesion molecule (ESAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and mediates homophilic adhesion between endothelial cells. ESAM has been shown to bind to membrane‐associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) with inverted domain structure 1 (MAGI‐1), but the interaction between these molecules remains unknown. We investigated the role of ESAM in the subcellular localization of MAGI‐1 and cell adhesion by means of transfection experiments using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Overexpression of ESAM recruited MAGI‐1 to the cell–cell contact area. The intracellular domain of ESAM was necessary for the recruitment of MAGI‐1 to the cell contact area, but did not participate in the initial cell–cell adhesion. Cell dissociation assays revealed that colocalization of ESAM and MAGI‐1 promoted actin polymerization through the postsynaptic density 95/discs large/zonula occludens‐1 (PDZ) domain and resulted in firm cell–cell adhesion, which was inhibited by an actin polymerization inhibitor. When the cells attach to each other, colocalization of ESAM and MAGI‐1 can lead to the actin polymerization at intracellular contacts. Interaction of ESAM with MAGI‐1 activated RhoA, and ESAM‐mediated MAGI‐1 recruitment to the cell membrane and mature cell adhesion were inhibited by a RhoA inhibitor. These findings suggest that ESAM may regulate MAGI‐1 recruitment to the cell contacts, and subsequently promote actin polymerization and mature cell–cell adhesion through a RhoA‐dependent mechanism.
Mutations affecting disulphide bonds contribute to a fairly common prevalence of F13B gene defects: results of a genetic study in 14 families with factor XIII B deficiency
Authors: IVASKEVICIUS V. , BISWAS A. , LORETH R. , SCHROEDER V. , OHLENFORST S. , ROTT H. , KRAUSE M. , KOHLER H.‐P. , SCHARRER I. , OLDENBURG J.
Published: March 2010

Summary.  Severe factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive coagulation disorder affecting one in two million individuals. The aim of the present study was to screen for and analyse F13B gene defects in the German population. A total of 150 patients presenting with suspected FXIII deficiency and one patient with severe (homozygous) FXIII deficiency were screened for mutations in F13A and F13B genes. Twenty‐five individuals presented with detectable heterozygous mutations, 12 of them in the F13A gene and 13 of them in the F13B gene. We report on the genotype–phenotype correlations of the individuals showing defects in the F13B gene. Direct sequencing revealed 12 unique mutations including seven missense mutations (Cys5Arg, Ile81Asn, Leu116Phe, Val217Ile, Cys316Phe, Val401Glu, Pro428Ser), two splice site mutations (IVS2‐1G>C, IVS3‐1G>C), two insertions (c.1155_1158dupACTT, c.1959insT) and one in‐frame deletion (c.471–473delATT). Two of the missense mutations (Cys5Arg, Cys316Phe) eliminated disulphide bonds (Cys5‐Cys56, Cys316‐Cys358). Another three missense mutations, (Leu116Phe, Val401Glu, Pro428Ser) were located proximal to other cysteine disulphide bonds, therefore indicating that the region in and around these disulphide bonds is prone to functionally relevant mutations in the FXIII‐B subunit. The present study reports on a fairly common prevalence of F13B gene defects in the German population. The regions in and around the cysteine disulphide bonds in the FXIII‐B protein may be regions prone to frequent mutations.
Life with home mechanical ventilation for young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Dreyer Pia Sander , Steffensen Birgit F. , Pedersen Birthe D.
Published: March 2010

dreyer p.s., steffensen b.f. & pedersen b.d. (2010) Life with home mechanical ventilation for young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 753–762.

Title.  Life with home mechanical ventilation for young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study from a patient perspective of the life experiences with home mechanical ventilation among young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Background.  People with chronic respiratory failure due to neuromuscular diseases have been offered life‐long ventilator support at home for more than a decade. People having this treatment are positive about it and agree on having made the right choice about receiving it.

Method.  Nineteen people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and invasive home mechanical ventilation were interviewed in 2007. The interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed according to a method inspired by Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation, which consists of: a naive reading, a structural analysis, and a critical analysis and discussion.

Findings.  The participants described how the ventilators had saved their lives and were the best thing that had happened to them, but they had had difficulty making the decision of when to start invasive ventilation. Invasive ventilation was preferred to non‐invasive ventilation by those who had experienced both. The participants wanted individualized care tailored to their needs in the home setting. Problems were described as being due to both human and technical factors, and sometimes resulted in inadequate ventilation.

Conclusion.  Society needs to discuss if it is a basic human right to be able to breathe, and whether people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy therefore have the right to invasive home mechanical ventilation. Healthcare professionals need to guide ventilator‐users in decision‐making about when to receive invasive home mechanical ventilation.
Children and young people visiting an adult intensive care unit
Authors: Kean Susanne
Published: March 2010

kean s. (2010) Children and young people visiting an adult intensive care unit. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(4), 868–877.

Title.  Children and young people visiting an adult intensive care unit.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study into how children and young people constructed their experiences of visiting a critically ill family member in an intensive care unit.

Background.  Previous intensive care research has focused almost exclusively on adult family members, and so far children and young people have been excluded from family studies in this area. Consequently, very little is known about children’s and young people’s needs or their understanding when visiting an adult intensive care unit.

Method.  Between 2002 and 2005, nine family interviews (12 adults and 12 children) were conducted. A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed in gathering and analysing data.

Findings.  The way in which children and young people discussed their intensive care visiting experiences suggest two different levels of understanding. Children tended to speak about intensive care on a concrete level, focusing on the environment (intensive care unit as environment). Young people, in contrast, understood their visiting experiences on an abstract level, focusing on the function of intensive care (intensive care unit as function).

Conclusion.  A structured and age‐appropriate approach to support children visiting an adult intensive care unit still needs to be developed. It is time for nurses to reflect on current practice, challenge beliefs and attitudes towards child visitation. Crucially, nurses need education in listening skills and understanding children and young people’s needs when an adult family member is in an intensive care unit. Further research is needed to develop appropriate support interventions and to investigate the importance and effects of intensive care unit visiting on children and young people.
Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice: narrative review
Authors: Bancroft Elizabeth Kathryn
Published: March 2010

bancroft e.k. (2010) Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice: narrative review. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 710–737.

Title.  Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice:narrative review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a review of literature on the psychological and social implications of genetic testing for cancer predisposition and how recent developments in knowledge about genetics may affect clinical practice.

Background.  Knowledge about the genetics of disease has grown since the completion of the Human Genome Project. Many common genetic changes that predispose to cancer have been found. Identifying genetically ‘at risk’ individuals is going to become a feature of healthcare and nursing practice over the next decade. The psychological and social effects of this knowledge on patients and their families are important considerations.

Data sources.  A search of the British Nursing Index, CINAHL, EMBASE and PUBMED databases was conducted between June 2007 and December 2008 without date limits. Grey literature was sought using search engines and through searching relevant websites.

Review methods.  A narrative review of studies published in English was conducted. The studies were reviewed for relevance and inclusion criteria; their methodological quality was not evaluated.

Results.  Seventy‐eight papers met the inclusion criteria and fell into three thematic categories: social impact, psychological impact and interest in and uptake of genetic testing. To date, research has focussed on high‐risk cancer genes.

Conclusion.  Genetic testing raises social, ethical and psychological concerns. Further research is required to determine how healthcare professionals can support the integration of genetics into clinical practice. Nurses will become increasingly involved in genetic testing and will play a key role in providing information, support and follow‐up for individuals identified as being at higher risk.
Plant functional traits in Australian subtropical rain forest: partitioning within‐community from cross‐landscape variation
Authors: Kooyman Robert , Cornwell Will , Westoby Mark
Published: March 2010

1. Plant functional traits are dimensions of ecological strategy variation and provide insights into the assembly of plant communities. For woody rain forest vegetation of northern coastal New South Wales, Australia, we quantified four continuous traits (leaf size, seed size, wood density and maximum height) for 231 freestanding woody species and documented community composition for 216 plots. Using trait‐gradient analysis, we partitioned species trait values between alpha (within‐site) and beta (among‐site) components. This allowed us to identify both trait shifts along gradients and variation among co‐occurring species.

2. Alpha trait components consistently varied more widely than beta components, meaning that trait variation among species within plots was wider than variation in the mean trait values of plots where species typically grow.

3. Beta trait components covaried significantly among leaf area, seed size, wood density and maximum height. For example, species found in habitats with a large mean leaf size were consistently also found in plots with large mean seed size (r = 0.70). Beta correlations show that these leaf, wood and seed traits respond in parallel to the dominant abiotic gradients: soil types, topographic position, elevation and large‐patch disturbances such as those caused by cyclones–storms, landslips or fires.

4. In contrast, the alpha components of traits were largely uncorrelated among species. Alpha leaf area was not associated with alpha larger seeds, meaning that leaf area and seed size act as independent axes of differentiation among coexisting species.

5. Synthesis. The different correlation structures for alpha and beta components of traits reflect community assembly processes at different scales. Within sites, assembly processes have not created strong linkages among these traits. But across different sites in the landscape, abiotic drivers have created strong linkages.
Food energy content influences food portion size estimation by nutrition students
Authors: Japur C. C. , Diez‐Garcia R. W.
Published: March 2010

Background:  Food portion size estimation involves a complex mental process that may influence food consumption evaluation. Knowing the variables that influence this process can improve the accuracy of dietary assessment. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of nutrition students to estimate food portions in usual meals and relate food energy content with errors in food portion size estimation.

Methods:  Seventy‐eight nutrition students, who had already studied food energy content, participated in this cross‐sectional study on the estimation of food portions, organised into four meals. The participants estimated the quantity of each food, in grams or millilitres, with the food in view. Estimation errors were quantified, and their magnitude were evaluated. Estimated quantities (EQ) lower than 90% and higher than 110% of the weighed quantity (WQ) were considered to represent underestimation and overestimation, respectively. Correlation between food energy content and error on estimation was analysed by the Spearman correlation, and comparison between the mean EQ and WQ was accomplished by means of the Wilcoxon signed rank test (P < 0.05).

Results:  A low percentage of estimates (18.5%) were considered accurate (±10% of the actual weight). The most frequently underestimated food items were cauliflower, lettuce, apple and papaya; the most often overestimated items were milk, margarine and sugar. A significant positive correlation between food energy density and estimation was found (r = 0.8166; P = 0.0002).

Conclusions:  The results obtained in the present study revealed a low percentage of acceptable estimations of food portion size by nutrition students, with trends toward overestimation of high‐energy food items and underestimation of low‐energy items.
Catalytic domain of the diversified Pseudomonas syringae type III effector HopZ1 determines the allelic specificity in plant hosts
Authors: Morgan Robyn L. , Zhou Huanbin , Lehto Elizabeth , Nguyen Ngoc , Bains Ashvir , Wang Xiaoqiang , Ma Wenbo
Published: March 2010

The type III secretion systems (T3SS) and secreted effectors (T3SEs) are essential virulence factors in Gram‐negative bacteria. During the arms race, plants have evolved resistance (R) genes to detect specific T3SEs and activate defence responses. However, this immunity can be efficiently defeated by the pathogens through effector evolution. HopZ1 of the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae is a member of the widely distributed YopJ T3SE family. Three alleles are known to be present in P. syringae, with HopZ1a most resembling the ancestral allelic form. In this study, molecular mechanisms underlying the sequence diversification‐enabled HopZ1 allelic specificity is investigated. Using domain shuffling experiments, we present evidence showing that a central domain upstream of the conserved catalytic cysteine residue determines HopZ1 recognition specificity. Random and targeted mutagenesis identified three amino acids involved in HopZ1 allelic specificity. Particularly, the exchange of cysteine141 in HopZ1a with lysine137 at the corresponding position in HopZ1b abolished HopZ1a recognition in soybean. This position is under strong positive selection, suggesting that the cysteine/lysine mutation might be a key step driving the evolution of HopZ1. Our data support a model in which sequence diversification imposed by the plant R gene‐associated immunity has driven HopZ1 evolution by allowing allele‐specific substrate‐binding.
Functional characterization and manipulation of the apicidin biosynthetic pathway inFusarium semitectum
Authors: Jin Jian‐Ming , Lee Seunghoon , Lee Jungkwan , Baek Seung‐Ryul , Kim Jin‐Cheol , Yun Sung‐Hwan , Park Sook‐Young , Kang Seogchan , Lee Yin‐Won
Published: March 2010

Apicidin is a cyclic tetrapeptide produced by certain isolates ofFusarium semitectumand has been shown to inhibit Apicomplexan histone deacetylase. An apicidin‐producing strain (KCTC16676) of the filamentous fungus was mutated using anAgrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation, resulting in 24 apicidin‐deficient mutants. Three of the mutants had a T‐DNA insertion in a gene that encodes a non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). Results of sequence, expression, and gene deletion analyses defined an apicidin biosynthetic gene cluster, and the NRPS gene was named as apicidin synthetase gene 1 (APS1). A 63 kb region surroundingAPS1was sequenced and analysis revealed the presence of 19 genes. All of the genes includingAPS1were individually deleted to determine their roles in apicidin biosynthesis. Chemical analyses of the mutant strains showed that eight genes are required for apicidin production and were used to propose an apicidin biosynthetic pathway. The apicidin analogues apicidin E, apicidin D2and apicidin B were identified from chemical analysis of the mutants. The cluster geneAPS2, a putative transcription factor, was shown to regulate expression of the genes in the cluster and overexpression ofAPS2increased apicidin production. This study establishes the apicidin biosynthetic pathway and provides new opportunities to improve the production of apicidin and produce new analogues.
Light signal transduction: an infinite spectrum of possibilities
Authors: Chory Joanne
Published: March 2010

The past 30 years has seen a tremendous increase in our understanding of the light‐signaling networks of higher plants. This short review emphasizes the role that Arabidopsis genetics has played in deciphering this complex network. Importantly, it outlines how genetic studies led to the identification of photoreceptors and signaling components that are not only relevant in plants, but play key roles in mammals.
Linking genotype to phenotype using the Arabidopsis unimutant collection
Authors: O’Malley Ronan C. , Ecker Joseph R.
Published: March 2010

The large collections of Arabidopsis thaliana sequence‐indexed T‐DNA insertion mutants are among the most important resources to emerge from the sequencing of the genome. Several laboratories around the world have used the Arabidopsis reference genome sequence to map T‐DNA flanking sequence tags (FST) for over 325 000 T‐DNA insertion lines. Over the past decade, phenotypes identified with T‐DNA‐induced mutants have played a critical role in advancing both basic and applied plant research. These widely used mutants are an invaluable tool for direct interrogation of gene function. However, most lines are hemizygous for the insertion, necessitating a genotyping step to identify homozygous plants for the quantification of phenotypes. This situation has limited the application of these collections for genome‐wide screens. Isolating multiple homozygous insert lines for every gene in the genome would make it possible to systematically test the phenotypic consequence of gene loss under a wide variety of conditions. One major obstacle to achieving this goal is that 12% of genes have no insertion and 8% are only represented by a single allele. Generation of additional mutations to achieve full genome coverage has been slow and expensive since each insertion is sequenced one at a time. Recent advances in high‐throughput sequencing technology open up a potentially faster and cost‐effective means to create new, very large insertion mutant populations for plants or animals. With the combination of new tools for genome‐wide studies and emerging phenotyping platforms, these sequence‐indexed mutant collections are poised to have a larger impact on our understanding of gene function.
Research on plant abiotic stress responses in the post‐genome era: past, present and future
Authors: Hirayama Takashi , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: March 2010

Understanding abiotic stress responses in plants is an important and challenging topic in plant research. Physiological and molecular biological analyses have allowed us to draw a picture of abiotic stress responses in various plants, and determination of the Arabidopsis genome sequence has had a great impact on this research field. The availability of the complete genome sequence has facilitated access to essential information for all genes, e.g. gene products and their function, transcript levels, putative cis‐regulatory elements, and alternative splicing patterns. These data have been obtained from comprehensive transcriptome analyses and studies using full‐length cDNA collections and T‐DNA‐ or transposon‐tagged mutant lines, which were also enhanced by genome sequence information. Moreover, studies on novel regulatory mechanisms involving use of small RNA molecules, chromatin modulation and genomic DNA modification have enabled us to recognize that plants have evolved complicated and sophisticated systems in response to complex abiotic stresses. Integrated data obtained with various ‘omics’ approaches have provided a more comprehensive picture of abiotic stress responses. In addition, research on stress responses in various plant species other than Arabidopsis has increased our knowledge regarding the mechanisms of plant stress tolerance in nature. Based on this progress, improvements in crop stress tolerance have been attempted by means of gene transfer and marker‐assisted breeding. In this review, we summarize recent progress in abiotic stress studies, especially in the post‐genomic era, and offer new perspectives on research directions for the next decade.
Seasonal and developmental timing of flowering
Authors: Amasino Richard
Published: March 2010

The coordination of the timing of flowering with seasonal and development cues is a critical life‐history trait that has been shaped by evolution to maximize reproductive success. Decades of studying many plant species have revealed several of the fascinating systems that plants have evolved to control flowering time: such as the perception of day length in leaves, which leads to the production of a mobile signal, florigen, that promotes flowering at the shoot apical meristem; the vernalization process in which exposure to prolonged cold results in meristem competence to flower; and the juvenile to adult phase transition. Arabidopsis research has contributed greatly to understanding these systems at a molecular level.
Arabidopsis – a powerful model system for plant cell wall research
Authors: Liepman Aaron H. , Wightman Raymond , Geshi Naomi , Turner Simon R. , Scheller Henrik Vibe
Published: March 2010

Plant cell walls are composites of various carbohydrates, proteins and other compounds. Cell walls provide plants with strength and protection, and also represent the most abundant source of renewable biomass. Despite the importance of plant cell walls, comparatively little is known about the identities of genes and functions of proteins involved in their biosynthesis. The model plant Arabidopsis and the availability of its genome sequence have been invaluable for the identification and functional characterization of genes encoding enzymes involved in plant cell‐wall biosynthesis. This review covers recent progress in the identification and characterization of genes encoding proteins involved in the biosynthesis of Arabidopsis cell‐wall polysaccharides and arabinogalactan proteins. These studies have improved our understanding of both the mechanisms of cell‐wall biosynthesis and the functions of various cell‐wall polymers, and have highlighted areas where further research is needed.
Spread of ropivacaine by a weight‐based formula in a pediatric caudal block: a fluoroscopic examination
Authors: KOO B.‐N. , HONG J.‐Y. , KIL H. K.
Published: March 2010

Background: Caudal block is the most common regional technique to provide post‐operative analgesia in pediatric infra‐umbilical surgery. This study was designed to define how many spinal segments would be covered by the weight‐based dosage of caudally administered 0.2% ropivacaine in children using the fluoroscopic method.

Methods: After an approval from the institutional human research review board, in 83 ASA I boys undergoing day‐case urological surgery, the distribution of ropivacaine mixed with a radioactive dye in relation to the volume injected caudally was studied. Three groups were studied: for perineal surgery 0.5 ml/kg (group C0.5), for inguinal hernia repair 1 ml/kg (group C1.0), and for orchiopexy 1.25 ml/kg (group C1.25). The dose of 0.2% ropivacaine containing radiopaque dye at a ratio of 1 : 4 was injected at a rate of 1 ml 3 s−1. Fluoroscopic examination was performed immediately to define the level of the drug spread within the extradural space.

Results: The highest spinal levels [median with ranges] of spread were L2 [L4‐T12] in group C0.5, T12 [L1‐T8] in group C1.0, and T10 [L2‐T7] in group C1.25. Analysis by age distribution (infants: <12 months; toddlers: 12–36 months; and children: >36 months) revealed a larger spread in younger patients.

Conclusions: Based on the fluoroscopic findings, the weight‐based doses for caudally administered 0.2% bupivacaine suggested by Armitage are also useful for ropivacaine to block the spinal level required for the different types of surgeries studied.
The relative position of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves in different age groups of pediatric patients
Authors: HONG J.‐Y. , KIM W. O. , KOO B. N. , KIM Y. A. , JO Y. Y. , KIL H. K.
Published: March 2010

Background: Ilioinguinal nerve (IIN) and iliohypogastric nerve (IHN) blocks provide good perioperative pain relief for children undergoing inguinal procedures such as inguinal hernia repair, orchiopexy, and hydrocelectomy. The aim of this ultrasound imaging study is to compare the relative anatomical positions of IIN and IHN in different age groups of pediatrics.

Methods: Two‐hundred children (aged 1–82 months, ASA I or II) undergoing day‐case surgery were consecutively included in this study. Following the induction of general anesthesia, an ultrasonographic exam was performed using a high‐frequency linear probe that was placed on an imaginary line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the umbilicus.

Results: There were significant differences in ASIS–IIN (distance from ASIS to IIN), ASIS–IHN (distance from the ASIS to the IHN), and IIN–IHN (distance between IIN and IHN) between the age groups: <12 months (n=84), 12–36 months (n=80), and >37 months (n=36). However, IIN–Peritoneum (distances from IIN to peritoneum), skin–IIN, and skin–IHN (depth of IIN and IHN relative to skin) were similar in three groups. ASIS–IIN and ASIS–IHN showed significantly positive correlations with age.

Conclusions: Age should be considered when placing a needle in landmark techniques for pediatric II/IH nerve blocks. However, needle depth should be confirmed by the fascial click due to the lack of predictable physiologic factors.
Anti‐Predator Behaviour in a Nocturnal Primate, the Grey Mouse Lemur (Microcebus murinus)
Authors: Rahlfs Moritz , Fichtel Claudia
Published: March 2010

Although one‐third of all primates are nocturnal, their anti‐predator behaviour has rarely been studied. Because of their small body size, in combination with their solitary and nocturnal life style, it has been suggested that they mainly rely on crypsis to evade predators. However, recent studies revealed that nocturnal primates are not generally cryptic and that they exhibit predator‐specific escape strategies as well as alarm calls. In order to add to this new body of research, we studied anti‐predator strategies of nocturnal grey mouse lemurs experimentally. In order to elicit anti‐predator behaviour and alarm calls, we conducted experiments with a carnivore‐, snake‐ and raptor model. We also conducted playback experiments with mouse lemur alarm calls to characterize their function. In response to predator models, they exhibited a combination of anti‐predator strategies: in response to carnivore and snake models, mouse lemurs monitored the predator, probably to assess the potential risk that emanates from the predator. In response to raptor models they behaved cryptically and exhibited freezing behaviour. All mouse lemurs, except one individual, did not alarm call in response to predator models. In addition, during playback experiments with alarm calls, recorded during real predator encounters, mouse lemurs did not emit alarm calls nor did they show any escape behaviour. Thus, as in other nocturnal primates/mammals, mouse lemurs do not seem to rely on routinely warning of conspecifics against nearby predators.
Relation between infusion rate of indomethacin and cerebral blood flow velocity
Authors: Kondo Masatoshi , Kunikata Tetsuya , Okazaki Kaoru , Yasuda Saneyuki , Isobe Kenichi , Itoh Susumu
Published: March 2010

Background:  Indomethacin is a very effective drug for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Decrease of cerebral blood flow, however, is an adverse effect of this drug. Differences in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) with the different administration periods and the relation between CBFV and plasma drug level were investigated with the aim of establishing an administration protocol.

Methods:  The subjects were 14 neonates with PDA in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital who received indomethacin. They were divided into two groups: 10 min drug infusion (n= 8) and 120 min drug infusion (n= 6). CBFV and blood concentration of indomethacin were measured.

Results:  CBFV in the10 min group was decreased significantly at 15 min and remained low until 120 min, but no significant change was seen in the 120 min group. The highest plasma levels in the 10 min group and 120 min group were 1257 ± 360 ng/mL and 819 ± 146 ng/mL, respectively. A comparison showed that the plasma level was significantly higher in the 10 min group, which had significantly lower CBFV. Changes in the plasma levels in the beta phase in the two groups were found to be almost the same. Ductus closure was confirmed in 13 of 14 neonates given indomethacin (10 min group, 7/8; 120 min group, 6/6).

Conclusion:  Slow administration of indomethacin >2 h is thought to be safer from the perspective of CBFV even though the clinical effect was unchanged.
Following the chain to elusive anglers
Authors: Griffiths Shane P. , Pollock Kenneth H. , Lyle Jeremy M. , Pepperell Julian G. , Tonks Mark L. , Sawynok William
Published: March 2010

Obtaining reliable estimates of important parameters from recreational fisheries is problematic but critical for stock assessment and effective resource management. Sampling methodologies based on traditional design‐based sampling theory, is inadequate in obtaining representative catch and effort data, social or demographical characterization, or fisher behaviour from small hard‐to‐reach components within recreational fisheries (e.g. specialized sport fisheries) that may account for the majority of the catch for some species. A model‐based approach to sampling is necessary. Researchers in other disciplines including epidemiology and social sciences routinely survey rare or ‘hidden’ populations within the general community by penetration of social networks rather than by interception of individuals. We encourage fisheries researchers to rethink survey designs and consider the social elements of recreational fishing. Employing chain‐referral methods, such as respondent‐driven sampling (RDS), may be a statistically robust and cost‐effective option for sampling elusive sub‐elements within recreational fisheries. Chain‐referral sampling methodology is outlined and an example of a complemented ‘RDS‐recapture’ survey design is introduced as a cost‐effective application to estimating total catch in recreational fisheries.
665. SINOBAMBUSA TOOTSIK
Authors: Xanthos Martin
Published: March 2010

Sinobambusa tootsik (Makino) Makino ex Nakai, the Chinese Temple Bamboo, is described and illustrated from material flowering at Kew. Its distribution is given and suggestions for its cultivation are provided.
666. CRYPTOSTEPHANUS DENSIFLORUS
Authors: Duncan Graham
Published: March 2010

The history, taxonomy, distribution and cultivation requirements of the Angolan and Namibian geophyte Cryptostephanus densiflorus Welw. ex Baker (Amaryllidaceae) are discussed; a full botanical description, illustration, habitat photographs and key to the species are provided.