bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with family reunification for children in foster care
Authors: López Mónica , del Valle Jorge F. , Montserrat Carme , Bravo Amaia
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we analyse reunification processes from family foster care, both kinship and non‐kinship, and the variables associated with them in a Spanish sample. Data collection was carried out after a review of child protection and foster care files, and those responsible for the cases were also consulted. The cases studied were closed, which made it possible to assess the final outcome of the fostering. We found that only one‐fifth of the children return to their birth family after the fostering, and that those in non‐kinship are less likely to do so. Seven factors were associated with family reunification processes: age of the child, kinship care with family co‐operation, drug dependence in parents, neglect due to alcoholism, foster care under voluntary arrangement with visits, short‐term fostering with family co‐operation and parental impossibility due to imprisonment. The contribution of these data takes on particular importance given that the Spanish child protection system keeps no official statistics on the development or outcome of its interventions and records even less information on the factors associated with such outcomes.
Practitioner accounts of responding to parent abuse – a case study in ad hoc delivery, perverse outcomes and a policy silence
Authors: Holt Amanda , Retford Simon
Published: May 2012

Parent abuse is becoming recognized as a serious problem in some families. It can have a damaging impact on physical and mental health, family relationships and employment and has been found to be implicated in other past, current and future forms of family abuse and violence. For this reason, many frontline practitioners who work with troubled families frequently find incidents of parent abuse in their caseloads, but we know little of how they respond to it. This study used in‐depth interviews with nine practitioners who work in a range of agencies in one large county in England and explored how they each identify, conceptualize, explain and respond to parent abuse. In a context where there is no national guidance regarding how agencies should respond to this problem, this study finds that practitioners must ‘make do’ without appropriate resources or policy guidance to help them. The study concludes with suggestions for change for the benefit of families who seek support but who currently find little effective response.
Supporting families living with parental substance misuse: the M‐PACT (Moving Parents and Children Together) programme
Authors: Templeton Lorna
Published: May 2012

The Moving Parents and Children Together (M‐PACT) programme is one of the growing number of interventions tailored to meet the multiple and complex needs of children and families affected by parental substance misuse. This paper pulls together the qualitative findings from 13 evaluated M‐PACT programmes in England. Sixty‐four families attended an M‐PACT programme, including 82 children and 75 adults. Qualitative data were collected from 37 children, 36 adults and over 30 group facilitators. Six themes are discussed: engaging with M‐PACT, shared experiences, understanding addiction, changes in communication, healthier and united families, and ending M‐PACT. The majority of families benefitted in a range of ways from the programme: meeting others who were experiencing similar problems, greater understanding about addiction and its impact on children and families improving communication within the family. In many families there was more openness and honesty, stronger relationships and more time as families, and a reduction in arguments and conflict. The key findings are discussed in terms of the potential for interventions of this kind to reduce family‐related harm from parental substance misuse.
Attachment and adaptive skills in children of international adoption
Authors: Barcons Natàlia , Abrines Neus , Brun Carme , Sartini Claudio , Fumadó Victoria , Marre Diana
Published: May 2012

The attachment pattern of a sample of 168 internationally adopted children was explored in this study using the semi‐structured Friends and Family Interview. The pattern was analysed in relation to the development of adaptive skills as an expression of the children's resilience.

The secure attachment pattern rates were slightly lower and the insecure attachment patterns were considerably higher than those of normative samples from the previous studies. The children from Eastern Europe demonstrated a more insecure attachment pattern (odds ratio [OR]= 2.46; confidence interval [CI]= 1.23–3.94), and their scores on the adaptive skills scales were lower than the scores of children from other countries (OR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.02–6.72). These results help to identify the groups at risk of failing to develop secure attachment patterns and appropriate adaptive skills, and should provide valuable information for designing effective interventions.
Is interferon-gamma the right marker for bacille Calmette–Guérin-induced immune protection? The missing link in our understanding of tuberculosis immunology
Authors: Abebe F
Published: May 2012

Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG), developed a century ago, is the only licensed tuberculosis (TB) vaccine in use to date. The protective efficacy of BCG against TB varies with no apparent protection in some population, and mechanisms of its immune protection is poorly known, and yet BCG is the most widely used vaccine, with more than 4 billion BCG-vaccinated children globally. BCG is probably the only licensed vaccine currently in use believed to mediate immune protection through the production of interferon (IFN)-γ by CD4 T cells, which in turn activates macrophages to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Currently, a number of new TB candidate vaccines are in different phases of clinical trial. The majority of these new vaccines are either recombinant forms of BCG or prime boosters of BCG (rBCG) and their immunogenicity is tested using BCG as a benchmark by measuring specific IFN-γ produced by CD4+ T cells as a protective immune marker. However, some recent studies that examined mechanisms of immune protection of BCG in animals and humans have reported a lack of correlation between IFN-γ production by CD4 cells and BCG-induced immune protection. These studies point to the fact that there is a missing link in our understanding of TB immunology. Conversely, there is emerging evidence that other T cell subsets (gammadelta, γδ), CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells may play a vital role in immune protection against Mtb infection and BCG-induced immune protection. γδ T cells and NK cells, which were considered to be part of the innate immunity in the past, have been shown to develop immunological memory upon re-encounter with the same pathogen. In this paper, the controversy over the role of IFN-γ as a marker for protective immunity against TB, and emerging data on the role of γδ T cells, CD8+ and NK cells in TB immunology, will be presented.
Rapid cardiovascular effects of growth hormone treatment in short prepubertal children: impact of treatment duration
Authors: Nygren Anders , Sunnegårdh Jan , Teien Dag , Jonzon Anders , Björkhem Gudrun , Lindell Sven , Albertsson‐Wikland Kerstin , Kriström Berit
Published: May 2012

Objective

Previous studies show that growth hormone (GH) treatment increases cardiac dimensions in short children with GH deficiency (GHD) and has diverse cardiac effects in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). This study was performed to assess the effect of GH on the cardiovascular system in short children with a broad range of GH secretion and GH sensitivity/responsiveness.

Design and patients

In this prospective, multicentre study, short prepubertal children diagnosed with isolated GHD (89) or ISS (38) were followed during 2 years of GH treatment. They were randomized to receive either a standard (43 μg/kg/day) or an individualized GH dose (range 17–100 μg/kg/day) based on GH responsiveness estimated by a prediction model and distance to target height. Echocardiography, blood pressure and electrocardiography were performed at baseline, 3, 12 and 24 months.

Results

Left ventricular mass (LVM) indexed to body surface area increased significantly during 2 years of GH treatment in both GHD and ISS irrespective of randomized dose. This change was already apparent at 3 months, when standard deviation scores (SDS) of wall thickness and diameter were increased. At 24 months, left ventricular diameter SDS remained increased, whereas myocardial thickness SDS returned to baseline values. There was no impairment of systolic or diastolic function. There was no correlation with treatment dose and LVM SDS at 24 months.

Conclusions

Irrespective of GH status, there was a rapid increase in LVM during GH treatment in short children. At 3 months, wall thickness and diameter were increased, whereas only diameter remained increased at 24 months.
Prognostic significance of adipocytokines in systolic heart failure patients
Authors: Wu Xue‐Ming , Lin Yen‐Hung , Chen Aaron , Hsu Tse‐Pin , Wu Yen‐Wen , Lin Hung‐Ju , Hsu Ron‐Bin , Lee Chi‐Ming , Wang Shoei‐Shen , Lo Men‐Tzung , Ho Yi‐Lwun , Chen Ming‐Fong
Published: May 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (10): 1079–1086

Objectives  The goal of this study was designed to assess prognostic values of simultaneous measurement of adipocytokines in systolic heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods  Patients with HF manifestations and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50% were selected in this study. Gender, age, medications and serum biochemical data were recorded upon admissions. Adipocytokines including adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin and retinol binding protein‐4 were measured.

Results  A total of 108 (83 males and 25 females) patients were enroled. The age was 62 ± 15 years and mean LVEF was 35%. Twenty patients died during 776 ± 323 days follow‐up. In univariate analysis, mortality was found to be associated with the log‐transformed values of serum resistin (β = 5·616, P = 0·04), log‐transformed values of serum adiponectin (β = 4·377, P = 0·038), age (β = 1·071, P < 0·001), NTHA functional status (β = 3·752, P = 0·001) and body mass index (β = 0·858, P = 0·012). Patients with higher level of serum resistin were associated with higher mortality (P = 0·012). In multivariate analysis, mortality is associated with log‐transformed values of serum resistin (β = 3·666, P = 0·045), age (β = 1·044, P = 0·017) and NTHA functional status (β = 2·541, P = 0·025).

Conclusions  Serum resistin level was associated with higher mortality in systolic HF patients even after adjusting clinical parameters. Resistin may be an informative risk marker for systolic HF patients.
Climate uncertainty on leaf surfaces: the biophysics of leaf microclimates and their consequences for leaf‐dwelling organisms
Authors: Pincebourde Sylvain , Woods H. Arthur
Published: May 2012

1. Significant deviations between macro‐ and microclimates are quite common in different ecosystems. Such deviations have also been observed between leaf and air temperatures. The surface of leaves hosts a huge diversity of organisms. Here, we point out the crucial role of leaf microclimates in the fate of leaf‐dwelling organisms in a changing climate.

2. Leaf microclimate, which includes temperature and humidity at the leaf surface, results from the biophysical filtering of local macroclimates by the plants themselves through complex and nonlinear processes. However, because the processes contributing to leaf microclimate are poorly understood, we lack a strong basis for predicting the impacts of global warming on plants and their denizens.

3. We describe two mechanisms that generate climate uncertainty at the leaf surfaces. First, stomatal responses to the environment generate great complexity in the dynamics of leaf temperatures. Secondly, herbivores, by feeding on leaf tissues, modify their leaf microclimates. Little is known about how these modifications affect the ecophysiology of organisms at the leaf surface, an effect called physical feedback of herbivory.

4. Recent findings report a latitudinal gradient in the temperatures of tree leaves, which can be linked to gradients in plant structural traits. We propose two competing hypotheses to describe how the leaf microclimate will change with global warming across latitudes. These hypotheses predict opposite patterns of change in the leaf microclimate.

5. How can we reduce our uncertainty about what will happen at leaf surfaces? Recent advances in stomatal biology give cues regarding the direction and the speed at which plant stomata will influence the evolution of leaf microclimates. In addition, local heterogeneity in microclimatic conditions might help leaf‐dwelling organisms to find suitable microhabitats, as long as they can migrate over short distances.

6. The challenges now are to understand whether leaf microclimates will buffer or magnify the amplitude of warming, and to determine how much the outcome will affect ecological processes within new microclimates. Leaf microclimates can provide suitable microhabitats in an unfavourable climate, and conversely, they can bring a species to local extinction in what would seem to be an otherwise favourable climate.
Ligand‐dependent nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, PPARα and PPARγ
Authors: Umemoto Tomoe , Fujiki Yukio
Published: May 2012

Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs) play important roles in diverse biological processes including metabolisms of sugars and lipids and differentiation of cells such as adipocytes. PPARs are transcription factors belonging to the ligand‐dependent hormone receptor group. To function as transcription factors, PPARs translocate into nucleus where they associate with transcription apparatus. However, mechanisms underlying nuclear transport of PPARs remain enigmatic. We show here that PPARα and PPARγ dynamically shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm, although they constitutively and predominantly appear in nucleus. With a series of truncation mutants, we identify that PPAR nuclear transport is mediated by at least two nuclear localization signals (NLSs) in DNA‐binding domain (DBD)–hinge and activation function 1 (AF1) regions and their respective receptors including importinα/β, importin 7, and an unidentified receptor. PPARs also harbor two nuclear export signals in DBD and ligand‐binding domain regions that are recognized by distinct export receptors, calreticulin and CRM1. Moreover, we show that nuclear–cytoplasmic shuttling of PPARs is regulated by respective PPAR ligands and Ca2+ concentration. Taken together, we suggest that the multiple pathways for the nuclear–cytoplasmic transport of PPARs regulate the biological functions of PPARs in response to external signals.
Risk factors in the occurrence of molar–incisor hypomineralization amongst a group of Iraqi children
Authors: GHANIM AGHAREED , MANTON DAVID , BAILEY DENISE , MARIÑO RODRIGO , MORGAN MICHAEL
Published: May 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 197–206

Background.  Despite the worldwide increasing interest in the prevalence studies of molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH), there is still insufficient evidence to verify the aetiological factors of this condition.

Aims.  To investigate risk factors involved in the development of MIH in a group of school‐aged Iraqi children.

Design.  Seven‐ to nine‐year‐old school children (823 of 1000 eligible, response rate of 82.3%) had their first permanent molars and incisors evaluated using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry evaluation criteria for MIH. Mothers completed a medical history questionnaire‐based interview performed in the schools by a trained examiner.

Results.  For children with MIH, 6% reported no relevant medical history; the remaining 94% reported various medical conditions putatively associated with MIH compared with 70% for the non‐affected group. Post‐natal medical conditions (33.3%) were most frequently reported. When data were split into the possible risk effect groups, maternal psychological stress (OR, 3.24), frequent exposure to ultrasonic scans during the last gestational trimester (OR, 2.51) and birth order as a fourth sibling or later (OR, 3.17 and 5.73, respectively) were previously unreported significant risk factors and postulated as contributing to, or causing the defect.

Conclusions.  Children with MIH had experienced a greater number of medical conditions than their unaffected peers with no single health event identified as a risk factor.
The influence of country of origin on engagement in self‐care behaviours following heart surgery: a descriptive correlational study
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne
Published: May 2012

Aim.  The aim of this study was to determine whether an individual’s country of origin influenced performance of self‐care behaviours after heart surgery.

Background.  Patients are required to perform self‐care behaviours following cardiovascular surgery. Usual care encompasses a patient education initiative that addresses self‐care behaviour performance. Within Canada, current heart surgery patient education efforts have been designed and evaluated using homogenous samples that self‐identify their country of origin as England, Ireland or Scotland. However, approximately 42·6% of Canadian cardiovascular surgical patients self‐identify their country of origin as India or China. Thus, current cardiovascular surgery patient education initiatives may not be applicable to all patients undergoing heart surgery, which may result in decreased patient outcomes such as performance of self‐care behaviours.

Design.  This descriptive study.

Methods.  A convenience sample of 90 patients who underwent heart surgery at one of two university‐affiliated teaching hospitals, representing individuals of diverse backgrounds. Point‐biserial correlational analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between country of origin and performance of self‐care behaviours.

Results.  Findings indicate individuals who self‐identified their country of origin as England or Ireland were associated with a higher score on the number of self‐care behaviours performed (p < 0·05) than individuals who self‐identified other countries of origin. Self‐care behaviours were taught using patient education materials that were designed based on feedback obtained from individuals whose country of origin was England or Ireland.

Conclusion.  This study provides preliminary evidence to suggest country of origin influences the amount of self‐care behaviours individuals will perform.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Patient education initiatives should incorporate the values, beliefs, attitudes and customs reflective of an individual’s country of origin to enhance the likelihood of producing desired outcomes.
Risk factors for birth‐related perineal trauma: a cross‐sectional study in a birth centre
Authors: da Silva Flora MB , de Oliveira Sonia MJV , Bick Debra , Osava Ruth H , Tuesta Esteban F , Riesco Maria LG
Published: May 2012

Aim and objectives.  To identify maternal, newborn and obstetric factors associated with birth‐related perineal trauma in one independent birth centre.

Background.  Risk factors for birth‐related perineal trauma include episiotomy, maternal age, ethnicity, parity and interventions during labour including use of oxytocin, maternal position at time of birth and infant birth weight. Understanding more about these factors could support the management of vaginal birth to prevent spontaneous perineal trauma, in line with initiatives to reduce routine use of episiotomy.

Design.  Cross‐sectional study.

Methods.  Data were retrospectively collected from one independent birth centre in Brazil, during 2006–2009. The dependent variable (perineal trauma) was classified as: (1) intact perineum or first‐degree laceration, (2) second‐degree laceration and (3) episiotomy (right mediolateral or median).

Results.  There were 1079 births during the study period. Parity, use of oxytocin during labour, position at time of giving birth and infant birth weight were associated with second‐degree lacerations and episiotomies. After adjusting for parity, oxytocin, maternal position at the expulsive stage of labour and infant birth weight influenced perineal outcomes among primiparae only.

Conclusions.  Although the overall rate of episiotomies in this study was low compared with national data, it was observed that younger women were most vulnerable to this intervention. In this age group in particular, the use of oxytocin as well as semi‐upright positions at the time of birth was associated with second‐degree lacerations and episiotomies.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The use of upright alternative positions for birth and avoidance of use of oxytocin could reduce the risk of perineal trauma from lacerations and need to perform episiotomy.
Quantifying population structure on short timescales
Authors: RAEYMAEKERS JOOST A. M. , LENS LUC , VAN den BROECK FREDERIK , VAN DONGEN STEFAN , VOLCKAERT FILIP A. M.
Published: May 2012

Quantifying the contribution of the various processes that influence population genetic structure is important, but difficult. One of the reasons is that no single measure appropriately quantifies all aspects of genetic structure. An increasing number of studies is analysing population structure using the statistic D, which measures genetic differentiation, next to GST, which quantifies the standardized variance in allele frequencies among populations. Few studies have evaluated which statistic is most appropriate in particular situations. In this study, we evaluated which index is more suitable in quantifying postglacial divergence between three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) populations from Western Europe. Population structure on this short timescale (10 000 generations) is probably shaped by colonization history, followed by migration and drift. Using microsatellite markers and anticipating that D and GST might have different capacities to reveal these processes, we evaluated population structure at two levels: (i) between lowland and upland populations, aiming to infer historical processes; and (ii) among upland populations, aiming to quantify contemporary processes. In the first case, only D revealed clear clusters of populations, putatively indicative of population ancestry. In the second case, only GST was indicative for the balance between migration and drift. Simulations of colonization and subsequent divergence in a hierarchical stepping stone model confirmed this discrepancy, which becomes particularly strong for markers with moderate to high mutation rates. We conclude that on short timescales, and across strong clines in population size and connectivity, D is useful to infer colonization history, whereas GST is sensitive to more recent demographic events.
Transcriptome changes after genome‐wide admixture in invasive sculpins (Cottus)
Authors: CZYPIONKA TILL , CHENG JIE , POZHITKOV ALEXANDER , NOLTE ARNE W.
Published: May 2012

Models on hybrid speciation assume that hybridization generates increased phenotypic variance that is utilized to invade new adaptive peaks. We test to what extent this prediction can be traced using gene expression data in the fish species Cottus perifretum and Cottus rhenanus as well as a natural hybrid lineage referred to as invasive sculpins. In addition, interspecies crosses were used to explore evolutionary trajectories from initial stages to the hybrid lineage. EST (expressed sequence tag) libraries were sequenced to design an oligonucleotide microarray that was calibrated for probe‐specific differences in binding behaviour. Levels of gene expression divergence between species correlate with genetic divergence at neutral markers and, accordingly, invasive sculpins were intermediate between the parental species overall. However, the hybrid lineage is distinguished through unique patterns of gene expression that are enriched for biological functions which represent candidates for the fitness properties of invasive sculpins. We compare F2 crosses with natural invasive sculpins to show that the variance in gene expression decreases in invasives. Moreover, few of the transgressive patterns of gene expression that distinguish invasives can be directly observed in F2 crosses. This suggests that the invasive transcriptome was subject to secondary changes after admixture. The result is in line with an evolutionary process that reduces maladaptive variance and optimizes the phenotype of an emerging hybrid lineage.
Climate oscillation during the Quaternary associated with landscape heterogeneity promoted allopatric lineage divergence of a temperate treeKalopanax septemlobus(Araliaceae) in East Asia
Authors: SAKAGUCHI SHOTA , QIU YING‐XIONG , LIU YI‐HUI , QI XIN‐SHUAI , KIM SEA‐HYUN , HAN JINGYU , TAKEUCHI YAYOI , WORTH JAMES R. P. , YAMASAKI MICHIMASA , SAKURAI SHOGO , ISAGI YUJI
Published: May 2012

We investigated the biogeographic history ofKalopanax septemlobus, one of the most widespread temperate tree species in East Asia, using a combined phylogeographic and palaeodistribution modelling approach. Range‐wide genetic differentiation at nuclear microsatellites (G′ST = 0.709; 2205 samples genotyped at five loci) and chloroplast DNA (GST = 0.697; 576 samples sequenced for 2055 bp at three fragments) was high. A major phylogeographic break in Central China corresponded with those of other temperate species and the spatial delineation of the two temperate forest subkingdoms of East Asia, consistent with the forests having been isolated within both East and West China for multiple glacial–interglacial cycles. Evidence for multiple glacial refugia was found in most of its current range in China, South Japan and the southernmost part of the Korean Peninsula. In contrast, lineage admixture and absence of private alleles and haplotypes in Hokkaido and the northern Korean Peninsula support a postglacial origin of northernmost populations. Although palaeodistribution modelling predicted suitable climate across a land‐bridge extending from South Japan to East China during the Last Glacial Maximum, the genetic differentiation of regional populations indicated a limited role of the exposed sea floor as a dispersal corridor at that time. Overall, this study provides evidence that differential impacts of Quaternary climate oscillation associated with landscape heterogeneity have shaped the genetic structure of a wide‐ranging temperate tree in East Asia.
Pleistocene speciation with and without gene flow in Euphaea damselflies of subtropical and tropical East Asian islands
Authors: LEE YAT‐HUNG , LIN CHUNG‐PING
Published: May 2012

Climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene period could have had a profound impact on the origin of tropical species by the alternation of allopatric isolation and interpopulation gene flow cycles. However, whether tropical speciation involves strictly allopatric isolation, or proceeds in the face of homogenizing gene flow, is relatively unclear. Here, we investigated geographical modes of speciation in four closely related Euphaea damselfly species endemic to the subtropical and tropical East Asian islands using coalescent analyses of a multilocus data set. The reconstructed phylogenies demonstrated distinct species status for each of the four species and the existence of two sister species pairs, Euphaea formosa/E. yayeyamana and E. decorata/E. ornata. The species divergence time of the sibling Euphaea damselflies dates back to within the last one Mya of the Middle to Lower Pleistocene. The speciation between the populous E. formosa of Taiwan and the less numerous E. yayeyamana of the Yaeyama islands occurred despite significant bidirectional, asymmetric gene flow, which is strongly inconsistent with a strictly allopatric model. In contrast, speciation of the approximately equal‐sized populations of E. decorata of the southeast Asian mainland and E. ornata of Hainan is inferred to have involved allopatric divergence without gene flow. Our findings suggest that differential selection of natural or sexual environments is a prominent driver of species divergence in subtropical E. formosa and E. yayeyamana; whereas for tropical E. decorata and E. ornata at lower latitudes, allopatric isolation may well be a pivotal promoter of species formation.
Fusion of Na‐ASP‐2 with human immunoglobulin Fcγ abrogates histamine release from basophils sensitized with anti‐Na‐ASP‐2 IgE
Authors: ZHAN B. , SANTIAGO H. , KEEGAN B. , GILLESPIE P. , XUE J. , BETHONY J. , De OLIVEIRA L. M. , JIANG D. , DIEMERT D. , XIAO S.‐H. , JONES K. , FENG X. , HOTEZ P. J. , BOTTAZZI M. E.
Published: May 2012

Na‐ASP‐2 is a major protein secreted by infective third‐stage larvae (L3) of the human hookworm Necator americanus upon host entry. It was chosen as a lead vaccine candidate for its ability to elicit protective immune responses. However, clinical development of this antigen as a recombinant vaccine was halted because it caused allergic reactions among some of human volunteers previously infected with N. americanus. To prevent IgE‐mediated allergic reactions induced by Na‐ASP‐2 but keep its immunogenicity as a vaccine antigen, we designed and tested a genetically engineered fusion protein, Fcγ/Na‐ASP‐2, composed of full‐length Na‐ASP‐2 and truncated human IgG Fcγ1 that targets the negative signalling receptor FcγRIIb expressed on pro‐allergic cells. The chimeric recombinant Fcγ/Na‐ASP‐2 protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris and shared the similar antigenicity as native Na‐ASP‐2. Compared to Na‐ASP‐2, the chimeric fusion protein efficiently reduced the release of histamine in human basophils sensitized with anti‐Na‐ASP‐2 IgE obtained from individuals living in a hookworm‐endemic area. In dogs infected with canine hookworm, Fcγ/Na‐ASP‐2 resulted in significantly reduced immediate‐type skin reactivity when injected intradermally compared with Na‐ASP‐2. Hamsters vaccinated with Fcγ/Na‐ASP‐2 formulated with Alhydrogel® produced specific IgG that recognized Na‐ASP‐2 and elicited similar protection level against N. americanus L3 challenge as native Na‐ASP‐2.
The morphology, behaviour and molecular phylogeny of Phytophthora taxon Salixsoil and its redesignation as Phytophthora lacustris sp. nov.
Authors: Nechwatal J. , Bakonyi J. , Cacciola S. O. , Cooke D. E. L. , Jung T. , Nagy Z. Á. , Vannini A. , Vettraino A. M. , Brasier C. M.
Published: May 2012

Since its first isolation from Salix roots in 1972, isolates of a sexually sterile Phytophthora species have been obtained frequently from wet or riparian habitats worldwide and have also been isolated from roots of Alnus and Prunus spp. Although originally assigned to Phytophthora gonapodyides on morphological grounds, it was recognized that these isolates, informally named P. taxon Salixsoil, might represent a separate lineage within ITS Clade 6. Based on phylogenetic analyses and comparisons of morphology, growth‐temperature relationships and pathogenicity, this taxon is formally described here as Phytophthora lacustris sp. nov. Isolates of P. lacustris form a clearly resolved cluster in both ITS and mitochondrial cox1 phylogenies, basal to most other Clade 6 taxa. Phytophthora lacustris shares several unusual behavioural properties with other aquatic Clade 6 species, such as sexual sterility and tolerance of high temperatures, that have been suggested as adaptations to riparian conditions. It appears to be widespread in Europe and has also been detected in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. It was shown to be weakly or moderately aggressive on inoculation to Alnus, Prunus and Salix. The extent of P. lacustris’ activity as a saprotroph in plant debris in water and as an opportunistic pathogen in riparian habitats needs further investigation. Its pathogenic potential to cultivated fruit trees also deserves attention because P. lacustris has apparently been introduced into the nursery trade.
Views on traditional Chinese medicine amongst Chinese population: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies
Authors: Chung Vincent C. H. , Ma Polly H. X. , Lau Chun Hong , Wong Samuel Y. S. , Yeoh Eng Kiong , Griffiths Sian M.
Published: May 2012

Background

Health‐care professionals worldwide have started to appreciate patients' perspectives on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) particularly given its popularity. However, cultural perspectives may vary and it may not be possible to apply research findings on the use of CAM from the west to the east.

Objective

This systematic review aims to synthesize usage patterns of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) amongst Chinese populations in different parts of the world and explore potential geographical variations.

Search strategy

Six international and four Chinese databases were searched, and manual searches of relevant monographs and government publications were carried out.

Inclusion criteria

Quantitative, qualitative or mixed‐method research that aimed to investigate Chinese patients' perception of, and perspectives on, TCM was included.

Data extraction and synthesis

For each study included, texts under the headings of ‘results’ or ‘findings’ were extracted and subjected to analysis. A thematic synthesis approach was adopted for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative studies.

Main results

Amongst the 28 studies included, twenty were quantitative surveys, six were qualitative studies and two were mixed‐method studies. The overall methodological quality was mediocre. Data synthesis suggested that patients from all regions share a common cultural affinity to TCM and consider it to be an effective complement to western medicine (WM) for treating chronic or serious diseases. However, heterogeneous views on (i) disclosing TCM use to WM doctors and (ii) the potential harm of herbs emerged across different study locations.

Discussion and conclusions

Future research should explore how variation in health systems may influence patients' perception of CAM in different countries.
Intraventricular rituximab and systemic chemotherapy for treatment of central nervous system post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after kidney transplantation
Authors: Twombley Katherine , Pokala Hanumantha , Ardura Monica I. , Harker‐Murray Paul , Johnson‐Welch Sarah F. , Weinberg Arthur , Seikaly Mouin
Published: May 2012

Twombley K, Pokala H, Ardura MI, Harker‐Murray P, Johnson‐Welch SF, Weinberg A, Seikaly M. Intraventricular rituximab and systemic chemotherapy for treatment of central nervous system post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after kidney transplantation.

Abstract:  PTLD of the CNS is a rare complication of solid organ transplantation, and there are only case reports/series available in the literature. Current literature suggests that CNS PTLD carries a worse prognosis than PTLD outside the CNS, and most are of B‐cell lineage, predominately monomorphic, and are associated with EBV infection. Because this disorder is so rare, there is no standard chemotherapy for pediatric patients with CNS PTLD and reported therapies for EBV‐associated CNS PTLD are heterogeneous with mixed results. Since outcomes of CNS PTLD are historically poor, we attempted to develop a novel therapeutic treatment regimen. Based on a review of the literature and with the help of a multidisciplinary team, we created a regimen of chemotherapy that included dexamethasone and high‐dose methotrexate in addition to intravenous and intraventricular Rituximab in two pediatric patients. The intraventricular chemotherapy succeeded in shrinking the tumor in both of our patients; however, as shown in the second case, the clinical outcome depends on the location of the tumor. Systemic and intraventricular therapies hold promise in the management of EBV‐associated CNS PTLD; however the rarity of this entity prevents the development of well‐designed studies necessary for the establishment of an evidence‐based treatment standard.
Progression of female reproductive stages associated with bipolar illness exacerbation
Authors: Marsh Wendy K , Ketter Terence A , Crawford Sybil L , Johnson Julia V , Kroll‐Desrosiers Aimee R , Rothschild Anthony J
Published: May 2012

Marsh WK, Ketter TA, Crawford SL, Johnson JV, Kroll‐Desrosiers AR, Rothschild AJ. Progression of female reproductive stages associated with bipolar illness exacerbation. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 515–526. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Late perimenopause and early postmenopause confer an increased risk of depression in the population, yet bipolar disorder mood course during these times remains unclear.

Methods:  Clinic visits in 519 premenopausal, 116 perimenopausal (including 13 women transitioning from perimenopause to postmenopause), and 133 postmenopausal women with bipolar disorder who received naturalistic treatment in the multisite Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP‐BD) study over 19.8 ± 15.5 months were analyzed for mood state. History of postpartum and perimenstrual mood exacerbation and current hormone therapy were evaluated as potential mood predictors.

Results:  A progression in female reproductive stage (premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause) was significantly associated with percent of visits decreasing in euthymia (29.3%, 27.0%, 25.0%, respectively, p < 0.05), decreasing in syndromal mood elevation (5.3%, 4.1%, and 3.0%, respectively, p < 0.001), and increasing in subsyndromal symptoms (47.3%, 50.7%, and 52.7%, respectively, p = 0.05). Thirteen women transitioning from peri‐ to postmenopause had a significantly greater proportion of visits in syndromal depression (24.4%, p < 0.0005) compared to premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women, while depression in the latter three groups (18.1%, 18.1%, and 19.3%, respectively) did not differ. Perimenstrual and/or postpartum mood exacerbation, or hormone therapy did not significantly alter depression during perimenopause.

Conclusions:  A progression in female reproductive stages was associated with bipolar illness exacerbation. A small number of women transitioning from perimenopause to postmenopause had significantly greater depression than other female reproductive groups. Euthymia and mood elevation decreased with progressing female reproductive stage. Menstrual cycle or postpartum mood exacerbation, or current hormone therapy use, was not associated with perimenopausal depression. Future studies, which include hormonal assessments, are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Control of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in greenhouse tomato crops using the mating disruption technique
Authors: Cocco A. , Deliperi S. , Delrio G.
Published: May 2012

The effectiveness of mating disruption to control the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in greenhouse tomato crops was evaluated in four trials carried out in winter–spring and summer–winter growing seasons in Southwestern Sardinia (Italy). Pheromone dispensers loaded with 60 mg of the natural blend of the major and minor sex pheromone component (rate 90 : 10) were applied in disrupted greenhouses at a rate of 1000/ha (60 g of active ingredient/ha). Male captures in monitoring pheromone traps, percentage of tomato plants infested by T. absoluta and damage on leaves and fruits were monitored weekly and compared in disrupted and untreated (control) greenhouses. In greenhouses disrupted with 1000 dispensers/ha, a reduction of 93–97% in male trap captures was observed, compared with control. Leaf damage was significantly lower in greenhouses disrupted with 1000 dispensers/ha than in control ones, with a reduction of infestation throughout the growing season ranging from 57% to 85%. Pheromone dispensers applied at the density of 1000/ha significantly reduced the percentage of damaged fruits by 62–89%. In control greenhouses, the highest damage on leaves and fruits was generally observed in edge plants, while leaf and fruit infestation was uniformly distributed in pheromone‐treated greenhouses, indicating an even distribution of the pheromone cloud inside the greenhouse. Mating disruption showed to be an efficient strategy to control in greenhouse the tomato leafminer and can be included in the overall tomato integrated pest management programs.
Identification and Characterization of Pig Embryo MicroRNAs by Solexa Sequencing
Authors: Zhou Y , Tang X , Song Q , Ji Y , Wang H , Wang H , Jiao H , Ouyang H , Pang D
Published: May 2012

Contents

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non‐coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3′‐untranslated regions of target mRNAs. It is now clear that miRNAs are involved in many biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation and regulation of gene expression during early embryonic development. The miRBase 16.0 (2010) shows that there are 175, 673, 408 and 1048 annotated miRNAs for Caenorhabditis elegans, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus and Homo sapiens, respectively. However, there are only 211 miRNAs described for Sus scrofa. In particular, the full set of miRNAs and their expression patterns are still poorly understood in the embryo. Therefore, we combined Solexa sequencing with computational techniques to analyse the sequences and relative expression levels of S. scrofa miRNAs at embryonic day 33 (E33). Of the distinct miRNAs identified, 76 previously known miRNAs and 194 candidate miRNAs were identified in head, and 77 known miRNAs and 130 predicted candidate miRNAs were identified in organ region. Furthermore, we performed additional investigation for identifying the potential target mRNAs using PicTar and TargetScan. Concurrent function analysis suggested that highly expressed miRNAs are mostly involved in the development of nerves, cerebrum, muscle and organs. Our results provide useful information for the investigation into embryonic miRNAs of pig and provide a valuable resource for investigators interested in the regulation of embryonic development in pigs and other animals.
Interleukin‐37 reduces liver inflammatory injury via effects on hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cells
Authors: Sakai Nozomu , Van Sweringen Heather L , Belizaire Ritha M , Quillin Ralph Cutler , Schuster Rebecca , Blanchard John , Burns Justin M , Tevar Amit D , Edwards Michael J , Lentsch Alex B
Published: May 2012

Background and Aim:  The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of interleukin‐37 (IL‐37) on liver cells and on liver inflammation induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).

Methods:  Mice were subjected to I/R. Some mice received recombinant IL‐37 (IL‐37) at the time of reperfusion. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, and liver myeloperoxidase content were assessed. Serum and liver tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) and keratinocyte chemokine (KC) were also assessed. Hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed. For in vitro experiments, isolated hepatocytes and Kupffer cells were treated with IL‐37 and inflammatory stimulants. Cytokine and chemokine production by these cells were assessed. Primary hepatocytes underwent induced cell injury and were treated with IL‐37 concurrently. Hepatocyte cytotoxicity and Bcl‐2 expression were determined. Isolated neutrophils were treated with TNF‐α and IL‐37 and neutrophil activation and respiratory burst were assessed.

Results:  IL‐37 reduced hepatocyte injury and neutrophil accumulation in the liver after I/R. These effects were accompanied by reduced serum levels of TNF‐α and MIP‐2 and hepatic ROS levels. IL‐37 significantly reduced MIP‐2 and KC productions from lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. IL‐37 significantly reduced cell death and increased Bcl‐2 expression in hepatocytes. IL‐37 significantly suppressed TNF‐α‐induced neutrophil activation.

Conclusions:  IL‐37 is protective against hepatic I/R injury. These effects are related to the ability of IL‐37 to reduce proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production by hepatocytes and Kupffer cells as well as having a direct protective effect on hepatocytes. In addition, IL‐37 contributes to reduce liver injury through suppression of neutrophil activity.
Prospective model‐based comparison of different laryngoscopes for difficult intubation in infants
Authors: Kalbhenn Johannes , Boelke Anike K. , Steinmann Daniel
Published: May 2012

Background:  Difficult intubation in infants is uncommon but may be a challenge for the anesthesiologist. Many optical‐assisted techniques are available to ease endotracheal placement of tube but have not been systemically evaluated for pediatric practice.

Aim:  The study was performed to compare conventional pediatric Macintosh – with different optical laryngoscopes in difficult endotracheal intubation in infants. We hypothesized that inexperienced anesthetists would perform more successful with optical devices and that differences between the devices would be found.

Methods/Materials:  In this randomized controlled study, 30 anesthesia residents performed endotracheal intubation in an infant model of difficult airway presenting with airway obstruction and neck immobilization. Primary endpoints were intubation success rate and intubation time. Beyond that glottis view, dental trauma and difficulty of technique were evaluated and measured by a study observer. Macintosh, Airtraq®, Storz DCI®‐, and Gyrus Infant Bullard® laryngoscopes were used in random order. After standardized briefing every resident had three attempts of at most 120 s with every device to place a 3‐mm tube into the trachea. Glottis view and difficulty of technique were rated by the residents using classification of Cormack/Lehane and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 0 = easy to 10 = very difficult).

Results:  Success rate was 41% with conventional Macintosh, 43% with Airtraq®, 62% with Storz DCI®, and 100% with Bullard® laryngoscopes. Median time from passing the lips to first ventilation was 67 s (Storz DCI® laryngoscope), 54 s (Macintosh laryngoscope), 45 s (Airtraq® laryngoscope), and 21 s (Bullard® laryngoscope), respectively. Dental trauma did not occur with Bullard® laryngoscope and was frequent with Storz DCI® laryngoscope (39%) and Macintosh laryngoscope (42%). Glottis view was best with Bullard® laryngoscope (Grade 1 in 100%) and worst with Macintosh laryngoscope (Grade 1 in 2%). Difficulty of technique was rated with a VAS score of 2 (Bullard® laryngoscope), 4.5 (Storz DCI® laryngoscope) and 6 (Airtraq®‐ and Macintosh laryngoscopes).

Conclusions:  Inexperienced anesthetists have higher success rates and shorter intubation times with optical‐assisted laryngoscopes compared with conventional Macintosh laryngoscope. Gyrus Infant Bullard® laryngoscope significantly undertakes best success rate and shortest intubation time with mildest impact to maxillary dents and easiest technique. Our findings support the hypothesis that optical laryngoscopes can be used successfully by inexperienced anesthetists in simulated difficult pediatric airway conditions.