bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different starches on rheological and microstructural properties of (I) model processed cheese
Authors: Trivedi Darshan , Bennett Rod J. , Hemar Yacine , Reid David C. W. , Lee Siew Kim , Illingworth David
Published: November 2008

A range of processed cheese spread samples containing starch were prepared on a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA). The starches used were waxy cornstarch, high‐amylose cornstarch, rice starch, potato starch, wheat starch and acid‐converted starch. Incorporation of the starches at different levels produced marked differences in the rheological, microstructural and functional properties of the processed cheese spreads. Rheological attributes such as complex modulus and viscosity increased; the extent of increase depended on the starch type and the starch level. Starch incorporation at reduced protein levels demonstrated the possibility of maintaining satisfactory rheological properties at lower ingredient cost.
The rheological behaviour of low fat soy‐based salad dressing
Authors: Zhang Chi , Quek Siew Young , Lam Gloria , Easteal Allan J.
Published: November 2008

Low fat soy‐based salad dressings were formulated with different oil levels (3%, 13% and 23%) and emulsifiers (whey protein concentrate, soy‐lecithin and sodium caseinate) using either blender or ultra‐turrax (UT) homogeniser. Results showed that the rheological behaviour of these samples were highly dependent on the oil content, emulsifiers and blending methods. The UT method produced samples with better viscosity and have droplet size of 2–100 μm. Samples containing higher oil level have higher viscosity, smaller droplet size, larger G′ and G″ values. All samples show a shear‐thinning effect and larger G′ than G″, indicating the elastic nature of the samples. A quantity Q(t)% was applied to estimate the elasticity and the values were found to be in the range 22.8–85.2%. G′ and G″ were found to decrease with increased temperature. However, tan δ increased slightly with temperature; the values ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 at 5 °C to 0.3–0.5 at 25 °C. Current results demonstrated that the formulated samples have good stability compared with commercial products.
Composition and bioavailability of oxalates in baked taro (Colocasia esculenta var. Schott) leaves eaten with cows milk and cows milk and coconut milk
Authors: Mårtensson Louise , Savage Geoffrey P.
Published: November 2008

Taro leaves are an important food in the Pacific Islands but the overall oxalate composition and its nutritional effect has not been investigated. The oxalate contents of taro leaves were determined using chemical and in vitro extraction methods. Maori‐type taro leaves contained 524.2 ± 21.3 mg total oxalates 100 g−1 fresh weight (FW) and 241.1 ± 20.9 mg soluble oxalates 100 g−1 FW while the Japanese‐type leaves contained 525.6 ± 19.9 mg total oxalates 100 g−1 FW and 330.4 ± 28.3 mg soluble oxalates 100 g−1 FW. Maori‐type taro leaves contained 416.4 ± 1.5 mg gastric soluble oxalates 100 g−1 FW and 212.4 ± 34.8 mg intestinal soluble oxalates 100 g−1 FW while the Japanese‐type leaves contained 433.3 ± 9.7 mg gastric soluble oxalates 100 g−1 FW and 224.2 ± 38.7 mg intestinal soluble oxalates 100 g−1 FW). Human feeding experiments were conducted to determine the availability of the oxalates in the baked leaves following additions of cows milk and coconut milk. The consumption of a test meal of baked taro leaves resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the output of urinary oxalate in the following 6 h when compared to the output of oxalate during a reference collection. When the leaves were baked with cows milk or cows milk and coconut milk combined and consumed there was a small non‐significant reduction in urinary oxalate output which suggests that less soluble oxalate was absorbed from these mixtures.
An evaluation of the reported sodium content of Australian food products
Authors: Grimes Carley A. , Nowson Caryl A. , Lawrence Mark
Published: November 2008

We assessed the sodium content of Australian food items, trends over time and compared this content with sodium targets established by the UK Food Standards Agency and that of similar food items in the UK. The sodium content indicated on food labels were collected from 2005 to 2007. Fifty‐three percent of food products had sodium levels above the targets. Food sub‐categories containing <20% of products meeting the targets were white bread, wholemeal bread, cream cheese, low fibre breakfast cereal, savoury snack biscuits, hot dogs, sausages, canned soup, canned beans and spaghetti and canned vegetables. There was an indication that Australia had a lower number of food products that met the sodium targets compared to the UK (46% vs. 56%) and over half remain above the recommended target. A reduction in the sodium content of bread, low fibre breakfast cereals, and a number of processed snack, meat and canned goods is needed to reduce the average salt intake to 6 g day−1.
Simulating human carbohydrate digestion in vitro: a review of methods and the need for standardisation
Authors: Woolnough James W. , Monro John A. , Brennan Charles S. , Bird Anthony R.
Published: November 2008

Numerous in vitro carbohydrate digestion methods exist for analysis of the likely glycaemic properties of foods. Generally these methods encompass simulations of oral, gastric and intestinal digestion processes, but the way in which physiological conditions are implemented across methods differs considerably. Some differences are in the mode of comminution, inclusion and duration of a gastric digestion, and choice of amylolytic enzyme. Incubation temperature, pH, duration and stirring mode also differ between methods. Such differences, particularly the method used to mimic chewing, can have a substantial influence on the relative estimate of glycaemic potency for a given food. To achieve estimates of high predictive power, and global relevance, a validated, standardised in vitro digestion method must be developed. This article provides a systematic review of commonly used and referred to in vitro carbohydrate digestion methods. Methodological discrepancies between protocols are identified thus defining the route a systematic standardisation investigation should take.
High‐throughput microbial bioassays to screen potential New Zealand functional food ingredients intended to manage the growth of probiotic and pathogenic gut bacteria
Authors: Rosendale Douglas I. , Maddox Ian S. , Miles Michelle C. , Rodier Maroussia , Skinner Margot , Sutherland Juliet
Published: November 2008

A spectrophotometric bioassay was used to screen selected food ingredients intended for development of functional foods designed to influence the growth of gut bacteria. Dose–response profiles displaying Δgrowth, the magnitude of deviation from growth of controls, were generated for probiotics Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis and pathogens Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. Ingredients were manuka honey UMF™20+(dose‐dependently increased probiotics and decreased pathogens); bee pollen (biphasic growth effects against all); Rosehips and BroccoSprouts® (increased all dose‐dependently); blackcurrant oil (little effect) and propolis (inhibited all strains). Ingredients were also bioassayed in pairs to assess desirable or undesirable synergistic interactions. Observed synergies included manuka honey (predominantly desirable); rosehips or BroccoSprouts® (desirable and undesirable); blackcurrant oil (desirable) and propolis (tended towards synergies reinforcing its antimicrobial effects), collectively revealing a complex web of interactions which varied by ingredient and bacterial strain. Manuka honey was particularly effective at influencing gut bacteria. The surprising frequency of undesirable synergistic interactions illustrates the importance of pre‐testing potential ingredient combinations intended for use in functional foods.
Effect of extraction techniques and conditions on the physicochemical properties of the water soluble polysaccharides from gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis)
Authors: Yuliarti Oni , Goh Kelvin , Matia‐Merino Lara , Mawson John , Drummond Lynley , Brennan Charles S.
Published: November 2008

The extraction of nonstarch polysaccharides from fruits and vegetables has received much attention recently in terms of their utilisation in functional food systems. In New Zealand kiwifruit production is one of the major fruit growing exploits. This paper explores the potential extraction techniques which may be employed to extract water soluble polysaccharides from kiwifruit material, in an attempt to utilise this commodity as an added value food ingredient. Crude water soluble polysaccharides of fresh gold kiwifruit were extracted under different extraction techniques (acid, hot water and enzyme) and conditions (time, temperature and concentration). The recovery of water soluble polysaccharide fraction (WSP), chemical composition, and their rheological behaviour were examined. The extraction technique had a significant effect on the WSP yield, galacturonic acid content, as well as the viscosity. Enzymatic extraction method yielded higher WSP and galacturonic acid than water and acid extraction, but this fraction exhibited lower viscosity. Acid extracted WSP yield decreased with increasing temperature and time. In contrast, water extracted WSP yield increased with increasing temperature and time. The selected extraction parameters for acid extraction were temperature 50 °C, extraction time 60 min, and 1:6 kiwifruit puree to acid solution ratio. The water extraction optimum parameters were 25 °C, 30 min and 1:4 puree to water ratio and 25 °C, 30 min with medium concentration for enzymatic extraction. The WSP viscosity and galacturonic acid content was maximum under these extraction conditions.
Effect of inclusion of soluble and insoluble fibres into extruded breakfast cereal products made with reverse screw configuration
Authors: Brennan Margaret A. , Monro John A. , Brennan Charles S.
Published: November 2008

Five dietary fibre rich ingredients were used at 5%, 10% and 15% replacement levels in a white flour cereal base to produce an extruded cereal product. The inclusion of the dietary fibres into the flour bases had no significant effect on the expansion ratio of the products. However, the bulk density of the extruded products increased with inulin addition. The pasting properties of the raw flour and fibre base as well as the extruded products were altered with the incorporation of dietary fibre, with guar gum enriched products showing elevated peak and final viscosity readings. This appeared to be related to moisture manipulation and hence the regulation of gelatinisation. In vitro starch hydrolysis of the raw bases and the extruded samples illustrated that the extrusion process significantly increased the availability of carbohydrates for digestion. Additionally, the inclusion of dietary fibres in the raw bases significantly reduced the rate and extent of carbohydrate hydrolysis of the extruded products. As such the addition of dietary fibres to extruded products reduced the amount of readily digestible starch components of breakfast products, and increased the amount of slowly digestible carbohydrates.
Item selection and content validity of the Critical‐Care Pain Observation Tool for non‐verbal adults
Authors: Gélinas Céline , Fillion Lise , Puntillo Kathleen A.
Published: November 2008

Title. Item selection and content validity of the Critical‐Care Pain Observation Tool for non‐verbal adults.

Aim. This paper is a report of the item selection process and evaluation of the content validity of the Critical‐Care Pain Observation Tool for non‐verbal critically ill adults.

Background. Critically ill patients experience moderate to severe pain in the intensive care unit. While critical care clinicians strive to obtain the patient’s self‐report of pain, many factors compromise the patient’s ability to communicate verbally. Pain assessment methods often need to match the communication capabilities of the patient. In non‐verbal patients, observable behavioural and physiological indicators become important indices for pain assessment.

Method. A mixed method study design was used for the development of the Critical‐Care Pain Observation Tool in 2002–2003. More specifically, a four‐step process was undertaken: (1) literature review, (2) review of 52 patients’ medical files, (3) focus groups with 48 critical care nurses, and interviews with 12 physicians, and (4) evaluation of content validity with 17 clinicians using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results. Item selection was derived from different sources of information which were convergent and complementary in their content. An initial version of the Critical‐Care Pain Observation Tool was developed including both behavioural and physiological indicators. Because physiological indicators received more criticism than support, only the four behaviours with content validity indices >0·80 were included in the Critical‐Care Pain Observation Tool: facial expression, body movements, muscle tension and compliance with the ventilator.

Conclusion. Item selection and expert opinions are relevant aspects of tool development. While further evaluation is planned, the Critical‐Care Pain Observation Tool appears as a useful instrument to assess pain in critically ill patients.
Nurse education: factors associated with attrition
Authors: Pryjmachuk Steven , Easton Katherine , Littlewood Anne
Published: November 2008

Title.  Nurse education: factors associated with attrition.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to identify the factors having an impact on student completion rates in a preregistration programme.

Background.  Nursing student attrition is an international issue causing concern in many parts of the developed world including Australia, the United States and Europe. In the United Kingdom, nursing student attrition has become a major issue, despite having one of the lowest general university dropout rates in the developed world.

Method.  A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 2007 using routinely‐collected demographic and completion data on four cohorts of nursing students (1259 in total) studying at a large English university.

Findings.  Students who were older on entry were more likely to complete the programme than younger students, and those who had only the minimum educational qualifications on entry were less likely to complete than those with higher‐level qualifications. There was some evidence of increased risk of resigning from the course in students taking the child branch, and increased risk of discontinuation (involuntary removal) from the course in both male and black/minority ethnic students. There was also some evidence that the healthcare organization responsible for a student’s placement could influence completion rates.

Conclusion.  To improve attrition rates on preregistration nursing programmes, higher education institutions should actively target recruitment at mature candidates; increase the level of qualification required to gain entry; examine course structures for flexibility and provide multi‐level student support.
Perceptions of illness and its development in patients with multiple sclerosis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lerdal Anners , Celius Elisabeth Gulowsen , Moum Torbjørn
Published: November 2008

Title.  Perceptions of illness and its development in patients with multiple sclerosis: a prospective cohort study.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine the degree to which socio‐demographic variables, clinical variables and health‐related quality of life are related to perceptions of disease severity and changes in disease severity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background.  Studies have shown that patients with multiple sclerosis report lower quality of life than the general population.

Method.  Questionnaires measuring health‐related quality of life and perceived multiple sclerosis severity were mailed twice, 1 year apart, in May/June of 2000 and 2001, (t1 and t2), to patients with confirmed multiple sclerosis in Oslo, Norway (n = 502). Clinical data about disease onset and course were retrieved from the Oslo City Multiple Sclerosis Registry.

Findings.  Among the 313 (62·4%) people who responded at both times, those with primary progressive disease course reported higher perceived multiple sclerosis severity (P < 0·001), more mental health problems (P = 0·004) and lower physical functioning (P < 0·001) than those with a relapsing remitting/secondary progressive disease course. Patients with primary progressive disease course reported higher mean scores for multiple sclerosis severity at t2 than at t1. Multivariate regression analysis showed that social functioning was the only factor with statistically significant relationships to perceived multiple sclerosis severity among all sub‐domains of health‐related quality of life or personal factors. However, physical impairment was also independently related to patients’ ratings of changes in multiple sclerosis severity during the year and illness severity 1 year later.

Conclusion.  In addition to patients’ physical impairment, healthcare workers should pay special attention to issues related to their social functioning.
The need for systems change: reflections on knowledge translation and organizational change
Authors: Kitson Alison L.
Published: November 2008

Title. The need for systems change: reflections on knowledge translation and organizational change.

Background. Despite over 40 years’ work on general systems theory, informed by critical social science, there is a mismatch between the theories used to explain and influence clinical practice in nursing and the way in which transferring new knowledge into practice is articulated.

Data sources. The analysis and emerging propositions were based on a critique of seminal texts published in English up to 2008 covering critical social science, action science, diffusion of innovations, practice development and the management of innovations.

Discussion. There is an implicit adherence to the world view that healthcare systems operate like machines, and much of the science generated around knowledge translation research tends to be logico‐deductive. This is in direct contrast to the prevailing arguments of general systems theorists, who view the system more as an organism. Five propositions are posited: knowledge translation is a necessary but not sufficient mechanism to transform systems; the ‘system‐as‐machine’ metaphor is profoundly unhelpful to knowledge translation; the healthcare system is best viewed as a complex entity; successful innovation is a function of the level of local autonomy experienced by individuals, teams and the unit involved; innovation is most effective when it involves key stakeholders.

Conclusion. The purposeful integration of systems theory with knowledge translation theories and models may enable the application of research and new knowledge to practice to be speeded up.
Ink dispersion by sequential contractions in isolated segments of guinea pig ileum and duodenum
Authors: Schulze K. S. , Clark E.
Published: November 2008

Abstract  Conventional preparations that record the effect of contractions on intestinal flow assess primarily net propulsion and not flow events that like mixing are essential for digestion and absorption. Here we recorded the flow of an ink bolus in response to peristaltic contractions of segments of guinea pig intestine. It took three to four contraction/relaxation cycles to disperse a tiny and compact ink bolus throughout the intestinal segment. This was achieved by stretching, propulsion and separation of the bolus into portions during the contraction phase, and return and confluence of the bolus portions during the relaxation phase. As the contraction advanced through the intestinal segment, it generated rapid retrograde flow through its narrow lumen; eddies (flow vortices) formed at upstream shoulder of the contracting segment and dispersed the ink radially. The contraction cleared much of the fluid from the intestinal segment; during the subsequent relaxation, fluid returned into the segment, and carried portions of the ink upstream into the segment where it coalesced with residual portions. The current video observations of luminal flow confirm earlier predictions on luminal flow derived from computations. These flow events are likely an important mechanism through which intestinal contractions promote digestion and absorption.
Localization and gestation‐dependent pattern of corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor subtypes in ovine fetal distal colon
Authors: Lakshmanan J. , Magee T. R. , Richard J. D. , Liu G. L. , Salido E. , Sugano S. K. , Ferrini M. , Ross M. G.
Published: November 2008

Abstract Meconium passage is frequently observed in association with feto‐maternal stress factors such as hypoxia and infection, but the triggering mechanism is unknown. We hypothesize that differential regulation of corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) receptors during gestation play an important role in determining the susceptibilities of the fetus to stress‐inducedin uteromeconium passage at term. We examined the innervation patterns of CRF‐receptor type 1 (CRF‐R1), a stimulator of gastrointestinal motility and CRF‐receptor type II (CRF‐R2), an inhibitor of gastrointestinal motility in ovine fetal distal colonic segments from very preterm to term gestation. Both CRF‐R1 and CRF‐R2 receptors were present in muscularis mucosa as well as in longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layers in fetal distal colonic segments at all gestational ages. Quantitative image analysis indicated a 42% increase in CRF‐R1 receptor immunoreactivity in muscularis mucosa and a 30% in longitudinal smooth muscle layers from very preterm to term. In contrast, CRF‐R2 receptor immunoreactivity in muscularis mucosa as well as in longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layers decreased by 38%, 55% and 51%, respectively, at term. The percentage of enteric ganglia and the number of enteric neurons expressing CRF‐R1 receptors were high at term. Western blot analysis identified 235 and 50 kDa molecular species of CRF‐R1 receptors and 37 and 28 kDa molecular species of CRF‐R2 receptors. In summary, we speculate that downregulation of CRF‐R2 receptor abundance with concurrent increases in CRF‐R1 receptor levels in myenteric‐smooth muscle unit with advancing gestation sensitizes the colonic motility responses to stressors.
American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society consensus statement on intraluminal measurement of gastrointestinal and colonic motility in clinical practice
Authors: Camilleri M. , Bharucha A. E. , Di Lorenzo C. , Hasler W. L. , Prather C. M. , Rao S. S. , Wald A.
Published: November 2008

Abstract Tests of gastric, small intestinal and colonic motor function provide relevant physiological information and are useful for diagnosing and guiding the management of dysmotilities. Intraluminal pressure measurements may include concurrent measurements of transit or intraluminal pH. A consensus statement was developed and based on reports in the literature, experience of the authors, and discussions conducted under the auspices of the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society in 2008. The article reviews the indications, methods, performance characteristics, and clinical utility of intraluminal measurements of pressure activity and tone in the stomach, small bowel and colon in humans. Gastric and small bowel motor function can be measured by intraluminal manometry, which may identify patterns suggestive of myopathy, neuropathy, or obstruction. Manometry may be most helpful when it is normal. Combined wireless pressure and pH capsules provide information on the amplitude of contractions as they traverse the stomach and small intestine. In the colon, manometry assesses colonic phasic pressure activity while a barostat assesses tone, compliance, and phasic pressure activity. The utility of colonic pressure measurements by a single sensor in wireless pressure/pH capsules is not established. In children with intractable constipation, colonic phasic pressure measurements can identify patterns suggestive of neuropathy and predict success of antegrade enemas via cecostomy. In adults, these assessments may be used to document severe motor dysfunction (colonic inertia) prior to colectomy. Thus, intraluminal pressure measurements may contribute to the management of patients with disorders of gastrointestinal and colonic motility.
NADP‐dehydrogenases from pepper fruits: effect of maturation
Authors: Mateos Rosa M. , Bonilla‐Valverde Daniel , Del Río Luis A. , Palma José M. , Corpas Francisco J.
Published: November 2008

NADPH is an important molecule in the redox balance of the cell. Pepper fruits are the second worldwide consumable vegetables and exhibit different phenotypes after maturation. In this paper, two pepper cultivars were studied: Vergasa whose fruits shift from green to red after maturation, and Biela that shifts to yellow. Using fresh fruits from the same plants of the two cultivars at distinct maturation stages, the activity and gene expression of the main NADPH‐generating dehydrogenases was studied. The activity analysis of the main NADP‐dehydrogenases, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH), NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP‐ICDH) and NADP‐malic enzyme (NADP‐ME), showed that, except for the G6PDH, all the activities were enhanced (54–100%) in the mature pepper fruits from both cultivars (red or yellow) with respect to green pepper fruits. The content of NADPH and NADP in the mature fruits of both cultivars showed a noteworthy increase with respect to green fruits. For the transcript analysis, a partial cDNA of each NADP‐dehydrogenase was obtained, and the NADP‐ME was the only NADP‐dehydrogenase that showed a significant induction. The increase in the content of NADPH in mature fruits because of the enhanced activity of NADP‐dehydrogenases suggests that these NADPH‐generating enzymes could be involved in the maturation of pepper fruits.
The factor structure of clinical symptoms in mixed and manic episodes prior to and after antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Harvey Philip D , Endicott Jean M , Loebel Antony D
Published: November 2008

Background:  While the factor structure of clinical symptoms in schizophrenia has been examined and provided crucial information about the illness, there is much less information available in bipolar disorder. This study examined the structure of symptoms of bipolar disorder at an unmedicated baseline assessment and after double‐blind treatment with ziprasidone, haloperidol, or placebo. We hypothesized, consistent with recent studies of schizophrenia, that the factor structure after treatment would be similar to the structure of untreated symptoms at study baseline.

Methods:  Hospitalized patients with manic (n = 363) or mixed (n = 71) bipolar episodes were rated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) and the Mania Rating Scale [(MRS); derived from the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia – Change Bipolar Scale]. After 21 days of double‐blind treatment, all patients were again rated with the MRS and HAM‐D.

Results:  Exploratory orthogonal factor analysis (varimax rotation) including both HAM‐D total scores and the MRS items found different five‐factor solutions for mixed and manic patients at the unmedicated baseline assessment. Confirmatory modeling indicated that these models, with some modifications, fit the data well. At the endpoint, however, a single‐factor solution was found for mixed and manic groups.

Implications:  Symptomatology in bipolar disorder is multifactorial in an acute and unmedicated state, with slightly different factor structures for mixed and manic episodes. Following treatment, a single severity dimension is detected. These results suggest that symptom dimensions in mania may be different from those seen in schizophrenia, where different elements of symptoms have been proven to have different functional correlates and treatment response.
Verapamil augmentation of lithium treatment improves outcome in mania unresponsive to lithium alone: preliminary findings and a discussion of therapeutic mechanisms
Authors: Mallinger Alan G , Thase Michael E , Haskett Roger , Buttenfield Joan , Luckenbaugh David A , Frank Ellen , Kupfer David J , Manji Husseini K
Published: November 2008

Objectives: Attenuation of protein kinase C (PKC) is a mechanism common to both established (lithium, valproate) and some novel (tamoxifen) antimanic agents. Verapamil, although primarily known as a calcium channel blocker, also has PKC inhibitory activity. Verapamil has shown antimanic activity in some but not all studies. Therefore, we investigated verapamil, used alone or as an adjunctive treatment, in manic patients who did not respond to an initial adequate trial of lithium.

Methods: Each study phase lasted three weeks. Subjects were treated openly with lithium in Phase 1 (n = 45). Those who failed to respond were randomly assigned to double‐blind treatment in Phase 2 with either verapamil (n = 10) or continued‐lithium (n = 8). Phase 2 nonresponders (n = 10) were assigned to combined verapamil/lithium in Phase 3.

Results: Response in Phase 2 did not differ significantly between verapamil and continued‐lithium. During Phase 3, response to combined treatment was significantly better than overall response to monotherapy in Phase 2 (Fisher’s Exact test, p = 0.043). Mania ratings improved during combined treatment in Phase 3 by 88.2% (linear mixed model analysis,F = 4.34, p = 0.013), compared with 10.5% improvement during Phase 2.

Conclusions: In this preliminary investigation, verapamil monotherapy did not demonstrate antimanic efficacy. By contrast, the combination of verapamil plus lithium was highly efficacious. Our findings thus suggest that verapamil may have potential utility as an adjunct to lithium. This effect may be mediated by additive actions on PKC inhibition, which may be an important mechanism for antimanic agents in general.
A functional MRI study of Theory of Mind in euthymic bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Lagopoulos Jim , Das Pritha , Moss Kirsteen , Berk Michael , Coulston Carissa M
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  To determine the neural responses invoked in Theory of Mind (ToM) in euthymic bipolar patients as compared with healthy subjects.

Methods:  This study examined 20 euthymic bipolar patients (11 males and 9 females) and 20 suitably matched healthy subjects using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while subjects were engaged in a ToM task. Within‐scanner eye movements were monitored to ensure task engagement. The activation paradigm involved observing ToM and random‐motion animated sequences in a block design. Both within group (ToM versus random motion) and random effects between group analyses were performed on fMRI data using the BrainVoyager software package. Demographic and clinical data, along with subject ratings of fMRI stimuli, were collated and analysed.

Results:  Patients were compromised in their ability to appropriately rate the ToM stimuli and assess them for intention as compared to healthy subjects. This was reflected in the fact that patients had few within‐group significant activations in response to ToM animated sequences, namely, the left anterior cingulate, and precuneus and cuneus bilaterally. In contrast, robust activations in response to ToM animated sequences in healthy subjects were widespread and involved regions recognized for mental state reasoning, in particular the insula, inferior frontal, supramarginal and angular gyri, and temporal cortex. The between‐group random effects analysis exclusively favoured the healthy subjects, with many activations occurring in regions overlapping with those found in the within‐group analyses.

Conclusions:  The findings of this novel neuroimaging study suggest that in a social context, euthymic bipolar patients, though seemingly well and capable of engaging aspects of ToM, are perhaps constrained in their ability to mentalize fully, and furthermore cannot reliably adopt an alternate cognitive perspective when appropriate. Impairment of this capacity, though subtle, may in effect compromise their ability to understand the emotions and intentions of others, and also may limit appreciation of their own illness and symptoms. Such a deficit in bipolar disorder perhaps impacts upon interpersonal relationships and adversely affects social cognition and clinical functioning. The potential implications of this putative mentalizing compromise in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder are substantial, both for the individual and for understanding the neural substrate of the illness, and therefore warrant further investigation.
Divergent selection and phenotypic plasticity during incipient speciation in Lake Victoria cichlid fish
Authors: MAGALHAES I. S. , MWAIKO S. , SCHNEIDER M. V. , SEEHAUSEN O.
Published: November 2008

Divergent selection acting on several different traits that cause multidimensional shifts are supposed to promote speciation, but the outcome of this process is highly dependent on the balance between the strength of selection vs. gene flow. Here, we studied a pair of sister species of Lake Victoria cichlids at a location where they hybridize and tested the hypothesis that divergent selection acting on several traits can maintain phenotypic differentiation despite gene flow. To explore the possible role of selection we tested for correlations between phenotypes and environment and compared phenotypic divergence (PST) with that based on neutral markers (FST). We found indications for disruptive selection acting on male breeding colour and divergent selection acting on several morphological traits. By performing common garden experiments we also separated the environmental and heritable components of divergence and found evidence for phenotypic plasticity in some morphological traits contributing to species differences.
Long‐Time Exposure of Mouse Embryos to the Sperm Produces High Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species in Culture Medium and Relates to Poor Embryo Development
Authors: Enkhmaa D , Kasai T , Hoshi K
Published: November 2008

Contents

Small amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolites of oxygen, are necessary for sperm‐fertilizing capability. However, in excessive levels, their role in infertility has been extensively studied. The conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) method employs a prolonged co‐incubation of gametes for 16–18 h to reach fertilization. However, it has been shown that this long period might create high levels of ROS. We aimed at finding out whether ROS increases in vitro during prolonged incubation with fertilized oocytes and whether high level of ROS relates to poor embryo development. To confirm if levels of ROS relate to length of time, we measured the ROS levels in fertilization medium (FM), which contained mouse embryos exposed to spermatozoa. To evaluate the contribution of sperm in production of ROS, we measured the ROS in the medium with only sperm. The measurements were performed by chemiluminescence assay using luminol as a probe after 4 and 18 h of incubation separately. The ROS levels were significantly increased after 18 h as compared with 4 h (p < 0.0001). Moreover, ROS in the medium with only sperm was also increased after 18 h (p < 0.0001), demonstrating that they were generated either by spermatozoa or as a result of possible reaction of sperm with medium during prolonged incubation. In addition, we compared embryo development after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 18 h of incubation. The number of degenerated embryos exposed to sperm for 12 and 18 h was significantly higher than those exposed for 4 or 6 h (p < 0.01). These results demonstrate that ROS concentrations appear to be related to the length of incubation time, and their excessive levels have a negative effect on embryo development. We suggest reducing incubation time to at least 4 h.
A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study of Frozen / Thawed Dog Sperm During In Vitro Gamete Interaction
Authors: Palomino J , De los Reyes M
Published: November 2008

Contents

The aim of this work was to study the effects of cryopreservation on the binding and penetration of dog spermatozoa to the zona pellucida (ZP) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sperm‐rich fraction of six ejaculates from five dogs was divided into two aliquots and washed by centrifugation. One aliquot was processed as fresh control sample and the other aliquot frozen in Tris‐fructose extender. Gamete interaction was assessed using in vitro matured bitch oocytes, which were co‐incubated for up to 3 h. At hourly intervals after the start of co‐incubation, in vitro fertilized (IVF) oocytes were processed by SEM. The results were analysed statistically using the anova test. Differences in binding and penetration of the spermatozoa to the ZP occurred; a lower proportion of oocytes with spermatozoa bound to ZP was observed using frozen sperm (p < 0.05) than with fresh sperm (61%, 57% and 53% vs 42%, 40% and 44% at 1, 2 and 3 h, respectively). The percentage of ZP penetration by fresh sperm was directly proportional to the time of co‐incubation (9%, 25% and 34%; p < 0.05); in contrast, no differences were observed in the penetration rate with frozen‐thawed sperm (21%, 17% and 21%). More acrosome reacted sperm were observed in frozen sperm than in fresh sperm on the surface of the ZP. The differences in the percentage of binding and penetration between fresh and frozen sperm during the co‐culture could indicate that the time course of penetration is faster in frozen‐thawed dog spermatozoa than in fresh sperm, but that fresh spermatozoa can penetrate more oocytes over a given period of time, which may be related to their reacted or non‐reacted initial status.
Night‐time frequency, sleep disturbance and general health‐related quality of life: Is there a relation?
Authors: Yoshimura Koji , Oka Yasunori , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Tsukamoto Taiji , Oshiro Kiyoshi , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Kinukawa Naoko , Ogawa Osamu
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  We conducted a community‐based study to determine the relationship among night‐time frequency, sleep disturbance and general health‐related quality of life (GHQL).

Methods:  A total of 2271 participants, men and women, aged 41–70 and randomly selected in three Japanese towns completed a postal questionnaire survey. This questionnaire included: the International Prostate Symptom Score, the overall incontinence score of the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form for lower urinary tract symptoms, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index for sleep problems, the Medical Outcome Study Short Form‐8 for GHQL, and medical history of disease, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption. A multiple regression model was used for statistical analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:  Although night‐time frequency by itself was closely associated with most aspects of GHQL, this association disappeared in four domains (general health perception, vitality, mental health and emotional role) and in the two summary scores of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form‐8 after inclusion of the influence of sleep problems represented by the total score on the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. However, three domains (physical function, physical role, and social function) remained significantly associated with night‐time frequency. Sleep problems were by far the worst risk factor for the deterioration of GHQL.

Conclusions:  Night‐time frequency appeared to be associated with GHQL mainly by affecting sleep conditions, a symptom that independently influenced some aspects of GHQL.
Intravesical alkalinized lidocaine (PSD597) offers sustained relief from symptoms of interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Nickel J. Curtis , Moldwin Robert , Lee Soledad , Davis Edward L. , Henry Richard A. , Wyllie Michael G.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To assess the immediate and sustained relief of the symptoms of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBlS) after a consecutive 5‐day course of treatment with intravesical alkalinized lidocaine (PSD597), and to characterize the pharmacokinetics of single and multiple doses of intravesical PSD597 in a subgroup of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 102 adult patients (99 women) with a clinical diagnosis of IC/PBlS were randomized from 19 centres in the USA and Canada to receive a daily intravesical instillation of PSD597 (200 mg lidocaine, alkalinized with a sequential instillation of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate solution, to a final volume of 10 mL) or placebo (double‐blind), for 5 consecutive days. Patients were followed at intervals up to 29 days after the first instillation. Efficacy was assessed by changes in the Global Response Assessment (GRA), Likert scales for bladder pain, urgency and frequency, and validated O’Leary‐Sant IC symptom and problem indices.

RESULTS

Significantly more patients treated with PSD597 rated their overall bladder symptoms as moderately or markedly improved on the GRA scale 3 days after completing the 5‐day course of treatment (30% and 9.6%, respectively, for patients treated with PSD597 and placebo;P = 0.012). The treatment effects were also maintained beyond the end of treatment and are further supported by the secondary endpoints, including symptom and problem indices. The peak serum lidocaine concentration during the study was <2 µg/mL, and well below the toxic level (>5 µg/mL).

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study showed that PSD597 was effective for providing sustained amelioration of symptoms of IC/PBlS beyond the acute treatment phase. The drug was safe, well tolerated and devoid of the systemic side‐effects often experienced with oral drug administration. Long‐term studies are needed to determine the optimum regimen to maintain this favourable treatment effect.
Evaluating and grading cystographic leakage: correlation with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing robotic prostatectomy
Authors: Patil Nilesh , Krane Louis , Javed Khurram , Williams Todd , Bhandari Mahendra , Menon Mani
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To classify cystographically detected urinary leaks in patients undergoing computer‐assisted (robotic) radical prostatectomy (RP) and to evaluate its effect on postoperative outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between October 2001 and October 2007, 3327 patients had a RP using a technique described previously. The data were entered prospectively into an approved database. Before catheter removal, all patients had a gravity cystogram taken 7 days after RP. All patients who had a detectable urinary leak on cystography were stratified into three groups by two independent radiologists using a previously described grading system. Patients were evaluated with a validated International Prostate Symptom Score at 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐month intervals after RP. The continence status was determined based on a patient‐reported questionnaire. Medical records in these patients were reviewed for the presence of complications requiring secondary interventions.

RESULTS

In all, 287 patients (8.6%) had a detectable leak on cystography, of which 179 (62.4%), 84 (29.3%) and 24 (8.4%) were grades I, II and III, respectively. Of the patients with a detectable leak 70% were continent within 3 months and 94% had no involuntary urinary leakage at 1 year. Eight of 287 (2.8%) patients required a secondary intervention to correct bladder neck contracture. All eight of these patients had a grade II or III leak on cystography.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a urinary leak might delay the time to continence, but has no adverse effect on long‐term urinary control. Quantifying the gradation of leakage according to the described classification might provide the clinician with prognostic information about patients at risk for future interventions.
Evidence for durable kidney stone prevention over several decades
Authors: Parks Joan H. , Coe Fredric L.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To analyse three outcomes of stone prevention strategies in one clinic devoted to that activity since 1969, i.e. stone recurrence rates, stone‐related procedures and 24‐h urinary stone risk factor, to assess whether such treatment can be maintained over long periods.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We selected 2509 patients with at least one laboratory follow‐up after initial clinical and laboratory evaluation. We divided them into five time cohorts of 5, 10, 15, 20 and >20 years of follow‐up. Rates of new stones and stone‐related procedures, and 24‐h urinary stone risk factors were compared between the cohorts using analysis of variance and general linear modelling.

RESULTS

Stone rates and rates of stone‐related procedures declined in all five cohorts, as did 24‐h urinary stone risk indices. We found no diminution of treatment effects for any of these three over time.

CONCLUSION

Those patients who remained under active care had significant reductions in stone recurrence and rates of stone‐related urological procedures for up to >20 years. However, only a small fraction of patients who entered the clinic remained for such long periods. Urine testing substantiates impressive and sustained reductions in supersaturation, the principle driving force for stone formation. Overall, for those patients willing to remain in continuous treatment for periods of up to three decades, medical stone prevention appears to be effective in maintaining low recurrence and procedure rates.
Quality Culture: understandings, boundaries and linkages
Authors: HARVEY LEE , STENSAKER BJØRN
Published: November 2008

As part of the process of enhancing quality, quality culture has become a taken‐for‐granted concept intended to support development and improvement processes in higher education. By taking a theoretical approach to examining quality culture, starting with a scholarly examination of the concept of culture, and exploring how it is related to quality, quality improvement and quality assurance, the aim of this paper is to create a better understanding of how one can make sense of quality culture, its boundaries but also its links to the fundamental processes of teaching and learning.
Higher Education Funding and Incentives: evidence from the Norwegian funding reform
Authors: FRØLICH NICOLINE , STRØM BJARNE
Published: November 2008

In this article we examine how the introduction of an output‐based funding scheme in Norwegian public higher education in 2003 affects pass requirement standards. Based on a survey of faculty at the institutions concerned, we find that the propensity to expect that the new funding model will affect the failing/non‐failing decision in exams is higher among faculty at the regional colleges than among traditional university faculty. This result is robust when we verify a range of individual characteristics of the respondents.
Commercializing Open Science: Deep Space Communications as the Lead Market for Shannon Theory, 1960–73
Authors: West Joel
Published: November 2008

abstract

Recent research on the commercialization of scientific discoveries has emphasized the use of formal intellectual property rights (notably patents) as a mechanism for aligning the academic and entrepreneurial incentives for commercialization. Without such explicit intellectual property rights and licensing, how is such open science commercialized? This paper examines the commercialization of Claude Shannon's theory of communications, developed at and freely disseminated by Bell Telephone Laboratories. It analyses the first 25 years of Shannon theory, the role of MIT in developing and extending that theory, and the importance of deep space communications as the initial market for commercialization. It contrasts the early paths of two MIT‐related spinoffs that pursued this opportunity, including key technical and business trajectories driven by information theory. Based on this evidence, the paper provides observations about commercializing open science, particularly for engineering‐related fields.