bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dicke model in quantum optics: Dicke model revisited
Authors: Garraway Barry M.
Published: February 2011

A short review of recent developments of the Dicke model in quantum optics is presented. The focus is on the model in a cavity at zero temperature and in the rotating wave approximation. Topics discussed include spectroscopic structures, the giant quantum oscillator, entanglement and phase transitions.
General patterns of niche construction and the management of ‘wild’ plant and animal resources by small-scale pre-industrial societies
Authors: Smith Bruce D.
Published: February 2011

Niche construction efforts by small-scale human societies that involve ‘wild’ species of plants and animals are organized into a set of six general categories based on the shared characteristics of the target species and similar patterns of human management and manipulation: (i) general modification of vegetation communities, (ii) broadcast sowing of wild annuals, (iii) transplantation of perennial fruit-bearing species, (iv) in-place encouragement of economically important perennials, (v) transplantation and in-place encouragement of perennial root crops, and (vi) landscape modification to increase prey abundance in specific locations. Case study examples, mostly drawn from North America, are presented for each of the six general categories of human niche construction. These empirically documented categories of ecosystem engineering form the basis for a predictive model that outlines potential general principles and commonalities in how small-scale human societies worldwide have modified and manipulated their ‘natural’ landscapes throughout the Holocene.
Repeatedly reactivated memories become more resistant to hippocampal damage
Authors: Lehmann Hugo , McNamara Kathryn C.
Published: February 2011

We examined whether repeated reactivations of a context memory would prevent the typical amnesic effects of post-training damage to the hippocampus (HPC). Rats were given a single contextual fear-conditioning session followed by 10 reactivations, involving a brief return to the conditioning context (no shock). Subsequently, the rats received sham or complete lesions of the HPC. When tested for retention, the HPC rats that experienced the reactivations froze significantly more than nonreactivation HPC rats and did not significantly differ from their respective control group. These findings suggest that memory reactivations contribute to long-term memories becoming independent of the HPC.
Comorbid psychiatric disorders and nicotine dependence in adolescence
Authors: Griesler Pamela C. , Hu Mei‐Chen , Schaffran Christine , Kandel Denise B.
Published: February 2011

Aims  To examine bidirectional influences of onset of psychiatric disorders and nicotine dependence among adolescent smokers.

Design  A prospective longitudinal cohort of adolescents and mothers drawn from a large city school system. Adolescents were interviewed five times and mothers three times over 2 years.

Setting  Chicago, Illinois.

Participants  Subsample of adolescent smokers (n = 814).

Measurements  Selected DSM‐IV psychiatric disorders, nicotine dependence and selected risk factors were ascertained.

Findings  Among lifetime smokers, 53.7% experienced at least one nicotine dependence criterion; 26.1% full dependence; 14.1% experienced an anxiety disorder, 18.8% a mood disorder and 29.5% a disruptive disorder. Nicotine dependence and psychiatric disorders were comorbid: nicotine‐dependent youths had higher rates of individual and multiple disorders than those not dependent. Controlling for other covariates, mood disorder and nicotine dependence did not predict each other; anxiety disorder predicted nicotine dependence. Bidirectional influences were observed for disruptive disorder and nicotine dependence. Predictors of onset of full nicotine dependence included earlier onset age of tobacco use, high initial pleasant sensitivity to tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use, abuse and dependence and parental nicotine dependence. Predictors of psychiatric disorder onset included gender, race/ethnicity, other psychiatric disorders, illicit drug abuse or dependence and parental depression and delinquency.

Conclusions  Initial pleasant experiences of smoking are predictive of later development of nicotine dependence. There may be reciprocal influences between disruptive disorder and development of nicotine dependence in adolescence, and intergenerational transmission of parental nicotine dependence and psychopathology.
Incidence of unintentional intraneural injection and postoperative neurological complications with ultrasound‐guided interscalene and supraclavicular nerve blocks*
Authors: Liu S. S. , YaDeau J. T. , Shaw P. M. , Wilfred S. , Shetty T. , Gordon M.
Published: February 2011

It is proposed that ultrasound guidance decreases the risk of intraneural injection and associated postoperative neurological complications. However, the incidence of unintentional intraneural injection with ultrasound is unknown. Two hundred and fifty‐seven patients were enrolled in a prospective, single‐blind observational study. All patients underwent a pre‐operative neurological examination before ambulatory shoulder arthroscopy with sedation and ultrasound‐guided interscalene or supraclavicular block. Patients were followed up at 1 week and at 4–6 weeks postoperatively. Two blinded anaesthesiologists viewed the same video of the ultrasound image during the block offline to determine intraneural trespass. Intraneural injection occurred in 42 patients (17%; 95% CI 12–22%). No patient suffered from postoperative neurological complications (0%; 95% CI 0–1.6%) at follow‐up.
The use of cone beam computed tomography in the management of dens invaginatus affecting a strategic tooth in a patient affected by hypodontia: a case report
Authors: Durack C. , Patel S.
Published: February 2011

Durack C, Patel S. The use of cone beam computed tomography in the management of dens invaginatus affecting a strategic tooth in a patient affected by hypodontia: a case report. International Endodontic Journal, 44, 474–483, 2011.

Aim  To report on the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis and management of dens invaginatus.

Summary  Chronic apical periodontitis of an invaginated maxillary lateral incisor was diagnosed in a patient suffering from hypodontia and awaiting active orthodontic therapy. Loss of the tooth would have complicated orthodontic treatment. Conventional periapical radiographs provided insufficient information about the nature of the invagination and its relation to the root canal to formulate an appropriate plan for treating the tooth. A small volume CBCT scan of the tooth revealed that the invagination and the root canal were completely separate, non‐communicating spaces and that the wall of the invagination acted as an obstruction to the effective chemomechanical debridement of the infected root canal. An innovative method of accessing the infected root canal, based on information from the CBCT images, was adapted to permit its instrumentation, disinfection and filling.

Key learning points 

 Teeth with dens invaginatus requiring endodontic treatment present diagnostic and technical challenges.

 CBCT can provide essential information in the management of dens invaginatus.
Determination of expressions for the thermal diffusivity of canned foodstuffs by the inverse method and numerical simulations of heat penetration
Authors: da Silva Wilton P. , e Silva Cleide M.D.P.S. , Lins Marcos A.A.
Published: February 2011

This paper deals with the determination of expressions to estimate the thermal diffusivity of foodstuffs placed in cans during their pasteurisation. To this end, experimental data of the temperature in the geometric centre of the can were compared with data obtained by simulations of heat penetration. For these simulations, the diffusion equation was numerically solved by using the finite volume method, with fully implicit formulation. The numerical solution was coupled to an optimiser based on the inverse method, in order to fit this solution to the experimental data obtained during the pasteurisation of tomato puree and custard cream placed within sealed cans. In the literature, the assumption of constant thermal diffusivity during the pasteurisation is common but for the analysed cases such hypothesis resulted in biased fits. Better results were obtained supposing an increasing expression for the thermal diffusivity, as function of the local temperature. In this case, the errors of the experimental data about of the numerical solution can be considered randomly distributed.
Evaluation of chemically characterised essential oils of Coleus aromaticus, Hyptis suaveolens and Ageratum conyzoides against storage fungi and aflatoxin contamination of food commodities
Authors: Jaya  , Prakash Bhanu , Dubey Nawal K.
Published: February 2011

The result of the present investigation explores the efficacy of chemically characterised essential oils (EOs) of Coleus aromaticus, Hyptis suaveolens and Ageratum conyzoides as antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic agent against some storage fungi and the toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus (Saktiman 3NSt). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of these EOs were also determined against the toxigenic strain of A. flavus (Saktiman 3NSt). The EO from C. aromaticus was found to be most effective exhibiting MIC and MFC at 0.1μL mL−1. The EOs also completely checked aflatoxin B1 synthesis in concentration‐dependent manner. In addition, fumigation of stored wheat samples with EOs exhibited remarkable protection (>80%) from fungal infestation showing their efficacy during in vivo storage conditions. Based on the results of the present investigation, the EOs of C. aromaticus, H. suaveolens and A. conyzoides may be recommended as novel plant‐based antifungal and aflatoxin B1 suppressor over the synthetic preservatives.
Effects of rosemary and sage tea extract on biogenic amines formation of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) fillets
Authors: Özogul Fatih , Kuley Esmeray , Kenar Mehmet
Published: February 2011

Natural antimicrobials and antioxidants from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and sage tea (Salvia officinalis) were produced using solvent extraction method. The effect of two extracts on ammonia (AMN) and biogenic amines (BAs) formation in vacuum packed sardine (Sardina pilchardus) fillets stored at 3 ± 1 °C was investigated for 20 days. Although the effect of extracts was dependent on specific amine and storage time, phenolic compounds from rosemary and sage tea generally resulted in lower AMN and BAs accumulation in sardine muscle. Putrescine (PUT) and cadaverine (CAD) were the most abundant amines, while histamine (HIS) concentration ranged from 2.05 to 28.77 mg 100g−1. Rosemary and sage tea extracts significantly reduced HIS, PUT, CAD and trimethylamine accumulation in the fish muscle (P < 0.05) while stimulating effect of extracts was observed on serotonin and agmatine formation. At the end of the storage period, PUT and CAD contents of control were 100‐fold higher than those of treated groups.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms among emergency nurses: their perspective and a ‘tailor‐made’ solution
Authors: Lavoie Stéphan , Talbot Lise R. , Mathieu Luc
Published: February 2011

lavoie s., talbot l.r. & mathieu l. (2011) Post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms among emergency nurses: their perspective and a ‘tailor‐made’ solution. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(7), 1514–1522.

Aim.  The goal of this study was to identify support activities for emergency room nurses who have been exposed to traumatic events, in order to prevent post‐traumatic stress disorder.

Background.  Emergency room nurses experience stress during traumatic events, for which they need support. It turns out that such support is insufficient, ineffective or non‐existent.

Methods.  This qualitative study was carried out among twelve emergency room nurses from January to May 2007. Semi‐structured interviews and a focus group were conducted. Content analysis fulfilled the objectives of our research.

Results.  The frequency of traumatic events leading to contextual exposure and exposure as a witness increases with years of experience (r = 0·67 and r = 0·57). The frequency of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms decreases with age (r = −0·83). The data demonstrate the importance of having a supportive social network and being able to talk things over with colleagues. The support activities considered include all types of prevention. They consist primarily of a peer support system, psycho‐education and emergency room simulations.

Conclusion.  A three‐level complex of support activities represents a promising solution to prevent and treat post‐traumatic stress disorder among emergency room nurses. A further study to test its effectiveness is currently underway.
Clarifying responsibility for self‐management of diabetes in adolescents using insulin pumps – a qualitative study
Authors: Olinder Anna Lindholm , Nyhlin Kerstin Ternulf , Smide Bibbi
Published: February 2011

olinder a.l., nyhlin k.t. & smide b. (2011) Clarifying responsibility for self‐management of diabetes in adolescents using insulin pumps – a qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(7), 1547–1557.

Aim.  To gain insight into and generate theoretical knowledge about the processes involved when insulin pump‐treated adolescents take or miss taking their bolus doses.

Background.  Insulin pump treatment is considered the most physiological way to imitate the healthy body’s insulin profile in adolescents with diabetes. Despite insulin pump treatment, it is hard to maintain near‐normal glucose control in adolescents; one reason for this is missed bolus doses with meals.

Method.  In this qualitative interview study, the grounded theory method was chosen as a model for the collection and analysis of data. Twelve adolescents (five boys and seven girls, mean age: 14·4 years, range: 12–19 years) from different Swedish paediatric diabetes clinics, four parents and one paediatric diabetes nurse were interviewed during 2008 and 2009. Two adolescents and two parents were re‐interviewed after approximately 10 months. Data from clinical visits and diabetes camps were used to verify emerging categories.

Findings.  Responsibility in the context of taking or missing bolus doses emerged as the core category. It is elaborated and explained through three subcategories: distribution of responsibility, transfer of responsibility and clarification of responsibility. The findings describe the need to clarify the responsibility for diabetes self‐management in continuous negotiations between adolescents and parents to avoid missed doses.

Conclusion.  Negotiations to clarify the responsibility for diabetes self‐management must be a continuous process between adolescents and parents. Diabetes care teams can facilitate and encourage these negotiations.
On statistical methods for estimating heritability in wild populations
Authors: SILLANPÄÄ MIKKO J.
Published: February 2011

Here we take a look at molecular marker‐based heritability estimation suitable for non‐model organisms. We address several theoretical issues involved and discuss similarities and differences between our two main approaches: the animal model approach and the shrinkage‐estimation based multilocus association approach. Also computational issues and hypothetical example applications for ecologists are considered.
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)‐1 participates in Schistosoma mansoni inflammatory responses
Authors: CHENG P.‐C. , LIN C.‐N. , CHEN Y.‐J. , CHANG F.‐S. , TSAIHONG J. C. , LEE K.‐M.
Published: February 2011

Inflammatory responses to microbial products are amplified by a pathway mediated by triggering a receptor expressed on the myeloid cells (TREM)‐1. Relatively a few studies have been performed to investigate the role of TREM‐1 in macrophage activation in response to parasitic infection. In this study, we delineate the role of the innate immunoreceptor TREM‐1 in the parasite Schistosoma mansoni infection model from early to late (chronic) phases of infection. Flow cytometry analysis revealed gradual increase in the production of TREM‐1 protein on CD11b+ myeloid cells, with maximum production at 5 weeks p.i. Similar results in the pattern of TREM‐1 mRNA expressions in splenic CD11b+ cells from infected mice were obtained by real‐time PCR. However, unlike in spleen, the TREM‐1 mRNA expression in liver tissue showed no significant increase throughout the infection, including periods of maximum production of parasite eggs. Administration of schistosoma egg homogenate antigen to stimulate J774A.1 cells inhibited TREM‐1 expression on the surface, indicating that some substances of the Schistosma eggs may inhibit the expression of TREM‐1 on macrophages, lowering the macrophage‐mediated inflammatory response of infected hosts.
Assessment of Newcastle Disease–Specific T Cell Proliferation in Different Inbred MHC Chicken Lines
Authors: Norup L. R. , Dalgaard T. S. , Pedersen A. R. , Juul‐Madsen H. R.
Published: February 2011

In this study, we have described the establishment of an antigen‐specific T cell proliferation assay based on recall stimulation with Newcastle disease (ND) antigen; further, we have described the results obtained after recall stimulation of animals containing different major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes, vaccinated against ND. First optimization of the assay was performed to lower unspecific proliferation and to enhance antigen‐specific T cell proliferation. These two issues were achieved using ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid as stabilizing agent in blood samples and autologous immune serum in culture medium. The optimized assay was used to screen chickens with different MHC haplotypes for their ability to perform T cell proliferation. Results showed that the antigen‐specific response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from B12 chickens was generally low, whereas B13, B130 and B201 chickens were medium in CD4+ or CD8+ T cell responses. High responses were seen only in few animals of each haplotype and not in general. A polymorphism in the chicken CD8α gene was found in our experimental chicken lines, resulting in incapability to detect CD8α+ T cells using antibodies from the CT8 clone. Screening chickens with alternative antibodies showed that antibodies from the 2‐398 clone were able to discriminate all CD8α+ cells from CD8α− cells, and consequently this antibody was used in a second vaccination experiment performed with chickens of the haplotypes B13 and B130. This experiment showed a significant difference in antigen‐specific proliferation of CD4+ T cells between the two lines, but not in CD8α+ T cell proliferation.
First HPSE2 missense mutation in urofacial syndrome
Authors: Mahmood S , Beetz C , Tahir MM , Imran M , Mumtaz R , Bassmann I , Jahic A , Malik M , Nürnberg G , Hassan SAA , Rana S , Nürnberg P , Hübner CA
Published: February 2011

Mahmood S, Beetz C, Tahir MM, Imran M, Mumtaz R, Bassmann I, Jahic A, Malik M, Nürnberg G, Hassan SAA, Rana S, Nürnberg P, Hübner CA. First HPSE2 missense mutation in urofacial syndrome.

Urofacial syndrome (UFS) describes the combination of urological problems and an inverted facial expression upon attempts to smile. Seventeen independent familial cases from different ethnicities have been described so far. Some of these have been linked to chromosome 10q. Very recently, homozygous loss‐of‐function mutations affecting the gene HPSE2 were identified in nine cases. Here, we describe a consanguineous UFS family from Pakistan with three of six siblings affected. We establish linkage to the chromosome 10q critical region and identify two non‐synonymous HPSE2 variants. In silico analysis and screening of controls defines c.631T>C (p.Y211H) as a novel benign SNP and c.1628A>T (p.N543I) as the disease‐causing mutation. Our study exemplifies the challenges in proper clinical diagnosis of UFS and, thereby, supports the hypothesis of the disease being under diagnosed. By identifying the first HPSE2 missense mutation it also provides a starting point for studies aimed at functionally understanding the unusual combination of symptoms as characterizing UFS.
Photosynthetic acclimation in relation to nitrogen allocation in cucumber leaves in response to changes in irradiance
Authors: Trouwborst Govert , Hogewoning Sander W. , Harbinson Jeremy , van Ieperen Wim
Published: February 2011

Leaves deep in canopies can suddenly be exposed to increased irradiances following e.g. gap formation in forests or pruning in crops. Studies on the acclimation of photosynthesis to increased irradiance have mainly focused on the changes in photosynthetic capacity (Amax), although actual irradiance often remains below saturating level. We investigated the effect of changes in irradiance on the photosynthesis irradiance response and on nitrogen allocation in fully grown leaves of Cucumis sativus. Leaves that fully developed under low (50 µmol m−2 s−1) or moderate (200 µmol m−2 s−1) irradiance were subsequently exposed to, respectively, moderate (LM‐leaves) or low (ML‐leaves) irradiance or kept at constant irradiance level (LL‐ and MM‐leaves). Acclimation of photosynthesis occurred within 7 days with final Amax highest in MM‐leaves, lowest in LL‐leaves and intermediate in ML‐ and LM‐leaves, whereas full acclimation of thylakoid processes underlying photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and non‐photochemical quenching occurred in ML‐ and LM‐leaves. Dark respiration correlated with irradiance level, but not with Amax. Light‐limited quantum efficiency was similar in all leaves. The increase in photosynthesis at moderate irradiance in LM‐leaves was primarily driven by nitrogen import, and nitrogen remained allocated in a similar ratio to Rubisco and bioenergetics, while allocation to light harvesting relatively decreased. A contrary response of nitrogen was associated with the decrease in photosynthesis in ML‐leaves. Net assimilation of LM‐leaves under moderate irradiance remained lower than in MM‐leaves, revealing the importance of photosynthetic acclimation during the leaf developmental phase for crop productivity in scenarios with realistic, moderate fluctuations in irradiance that leaves can be exposed to.
Heritabilität und Merkmalskorrelationen von Verhaltensmerkmalen bei vier österreichischen Brackenrassen
Authors: Kreiner Von M. , Stur I. , Mayrhofer G. , Müller S.
Published: February 2011

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden die Prüfungszeugnisse von Anlagen‐ und Gebrauchsprüfungen der Rassen Dachs‐, Tiroler‐, Brandl‐ und Steirisch‐Rauhhaarige Hochgebirgsbracke der Jahre 1974–1987 mittels EDV erfaßt.

Durch Regression der Nachkommen‐ auf Elternleistungen wird die Heritabilität für die einzelnen Prüfungsfächer geschätzt und phänotypische Korrelationen zwischen Prüfungsfächern berechnet.

Die niedrigen, meist nicht signifikanten h2‐Werte und die große Variabilität der wenigen, signifikanten h2‐Werte zwischen den einzelnen Rassen lassen den Schluß zu, daß eine Aussage über die tatsächliche genetische Varianz der Prüfungsleistungen im vorliegenden Material nur bedingt möglich ist. Die Gründe dafür dürften in der zu wenig standardisierten und objektivierten Durchführung der Leistungsprüfungen sowie in der unzureichenden Erfassung der phänotypischen Variabilität der Einzelleistungen durch eine zu wenig differenzierte Notenvergabe liegen.

Es werden Empfehlungen für eine änderung der Prüfungsordnung und Prüfungspraxis gegeben mit dem Ziel, in Zukunft aussagekräftige Heritabilitätswerte in einzelnen Fächern in Hinblick auf eine effizientere Selektion berechnen zu können.

Heritability and phenotypic correlations of behaviour traits of four Austrian Bracken breeds

The study is based on reports of examinations in the breeds Tiroler‐, Steirisch‐Rauhhaarige‐, Brandl‐ and Dachsbracke during the years 1974–1987 evaluated by EDP.

The heritability of the different traits was estimated by calculation of the regression of the offspring's performance on the performance of the parents. Moreover the phenotypic correlations between the different parameters were calculated.

Based on the low calculated heritability values and the great variance of the few significant heritability values between the four breeds it was concluded that no statement about the real genetic variance of the performance is possible in the present material. This can be explained by the inadequate arrangement of the examinations concerning standardisation and objectivity. A further explanation is based on the inadequate registration of phenotypic variability of the individual performances by giving too little differentiated marks.

Recommendations are given to change the regulations and arrangement of the examinations. The effects of these recommendations should provide more informative heritability values of the different parameters and therefore ensure more efficient selection.
Effect of isoenergetic substitution of dietary fat (beef tallow) for carbohydrates (wheat starch) on the calcium absorption in the dog
Authors: Hallebeek J. M. , Hazewinkel H. A. W.
Published: February 2011

The influence of a high‐fat diet on the calcium absorption by growing dogs was determined in a crossover study with five 6‐month‐old beagles fed two diets with different fat contents. The dogs were fed a pelleted control diet (11 g fat/100 g diet) and a high‐fat diet (33 g fat/100 g diet) according to the energy requirement for growing dogs. The high‐fat diet was formulated by isoenergetic replacement of wheat starch by beef tallow. The apparent calcium absorption was determined using calcium metabolic studies. Studies with orally administered 45Ca were used to determine the daily amount of true calcium absorption and the intestinal absorption coefficient (α). High fat intake coincided with higher calcium intake and faecal loss, but neither decreased the apparent or true calcium absorption, nor influenced α. Apparent fat absorption was 97% during both diet regimens. The total faecal excretion of fatty acids increased in proportion to fat intake, with a significant difference in the excretion of fatty acids after acidification of the faeces for the high‐fat diet. Assuming that only calcium soaps were formed, the calcium content involved in the formation of calcium soaps is calculated to be no more than 1.8% of the calcium intake on the high‐fat diet. It was concluded that the formation of calcium soaps is negligible in relation to the calcium intake in this study.

Der Einfluß eines isoenergetischen Ersatzes von Kohlenhydraten (Weizenstärke) durch Fett (Rindertalg) auf die Calciumahsorption bei Hunden

Es wurde der Einfluß von zwei Rationen mit unterschiedlichen Fettgehalten mit fünf sechs Monate alten Beagle auf die Calciumabsorption in einem cross over Versuch untersucht. Die Hunde erhielten eine Ration mit 11 g Fett pro 100 g Futter oder eine Ration mit 33 g Fett pro 100 g Futter. Dabei wurde Weizenstärke isoenergetisch durch Rindertalg ersetzt. Die scheinbare Calciumabsorption wurde mit Hilfe von oral verabreichtem 45Ca ermittelt und zwar wahre Calciumabsorption und als intestinaler Absorptionskoeffizient (α). Eine hohe Fettaufnahme war verbunden mit einer höheren Ca‐Aufnahme und einer höheren Ca‐Ausscheidung über den Kot. Sie beeinflußte aber nicht die scheinbare oder wahre Ca‐Absorption sowie den Koeffizienten α. Die scheinbare Verdaulichkeit beim Fett betrug 97% bei beiden Rationen. Die gesamte Fettausscheidung stieg mit steigender Fettzufuhr an mit signifikanten Unterschieden bei der Ausscheidung von Fettsäuren nach der Ansäuerung des Kotes bei der fettreichen Ration. Geht man davon aus, daß lediglich Ca‐Seifen gebildet werden, beträgt der Ca‐Anteil für die Bildung von Ca‐Seifen 1,8% der Ca‐Aufnahme bei der fettreichen Diät. Daraus wird geschlossen, daß die Bildung von Ca‐Seifen in Relation zur Ca‐Aufnahme zu vernachlässigen ist.
Tanshinone IIA suppresses lung injury and apoptosis, and modulates protein kinase B and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase pathways in rats challenged with seawater exposure
Authors: Li Jia‐Huan , Xu Min , Xie Xiao‐Yan , Fan Qi‐Xin , Mu De‐Guang , Zhang Yong , Cao Fa‐Le , Wang Yan‐Xia , Zhao Peng‐Tao , Zhang Bo , Jin Fa‐Guang , Li Zhi‐Chao
Published: February 2011

1. Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) is one of the main active components of the Chinese herb, Danshen. In the present study, we investigated the role of apoptosis in seawater exposure‐induced acute lung injury (ALI), and explored the effects of TIIA on lung injury, apoptosis, and protein kinase B (Akt) and etracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathways in seawater‐challenged rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: (i) naive group, no drug was given; (ii) TIIA control group, TIIA (50 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally; (iii) seawater (SW) group, seawater (4 mL/kg) was given; and (iv) TIIA/SW group, TIIA (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 10 min after seawater instillation.

2. The results showed that TIIA treatment significantly improved seawater exposure‐induced lung histopathological changes, alleviated the decrease in PaO2, and reduced lung oedema, vascular leakage and cell infiltration. As shown by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay, seawater exposure induced apoptosis in lung tissue cells. Furthermore, seawater exposure also changed apoptosis‐related factors Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3, and caused a reduction in the activation of Akt and ERK1/2 pathways. Furthermore, TIIA treatment decreased the number of apoptotic cells, reversed changes in Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3, and upregulated the activation of Akt and ERK1/2 in seawater‐challenged rats.

3. In conclusion, the data suggest that apoptosis might play an important role in seawater exposure‐induced lung injury and that TIIA could significantly attenuate the severity of ALI and apoptosis in seawater‐challenged rats, which is possibly through modulation of Akt and ERK1/2 pathways.
Genetic basis of chronic pancreatitis in Asia Pacific region
Authors: Reddy D Nageshwar , Prasad S Siva
Published: February 2011

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a disease characterized by irreversible destruction and fibrosis of the parenchyma, leading to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. In developed countries, the etiology for 60% to 70% of CP amongst male patients is alcohol and 25% are classified as idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP). The genetic predisposition to CP could be an inappropriate activation of trypsinogen in the pancreas. Two common haplotypes, c.101A > G (p.N34S) and c.−215G > A, and four intronic alterations of the serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene have been found to increase the risk for CP in the Asia Pacific region. Hence, SPINK1 is thought to be a candidate gene for pancreatitis. A loss‐of‐function alteration in chymotrypsinogen C (CTRC) gene has been shown to be associated with tropical calcific pancreatitis (TCP). Cathepsin B (CTSB) is also found to be associated with TCP. However mutations in cationic and anionic trypsinogen gene do not play an important role in causing CP in Asia Pacific region.
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: Diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Domínguez‐Muñoz J Enrique
Published: February 2011

Pancreatic insufficiency is a major consequence of pancreatic diseases leading to a loss of pancreatic parenchyma, obstruction of the main pancreatic duct, decreased pancreatic stimulation, or acid‐mediated inactivation of pancreatic enzymes. In addition, gastrointestinal and pancreatic surgical resections are frequent causes. Clinical manifestations include abdominal cramps, steatorrhea and malnutrition. Malnutrition, the main contributing factor of weight loss, has been related to a high morbidity and mortality secondary to an increased risk of malnutrition‐related complications and cardiovascular events.

Assessments of exocrine pancreatic function, such as fecal fat quantification and 13C‐triglyceride breath test, are the method of choice for diagnosis. In clinical practice, high‐risk patient populations include those with severe necrotizing pancreatitis, gastrointestinal and pancreatic surgery, cancer of pancreas head, and those with pancreatic calcifications.

Apart from relief of maldigestion‐related symptoms, the main goal of pancreatic enzyme substitution therapy is to ensure a normal nutritional status. Therapy of pancreatic insufficiency is based on the oral administration of exogenous pancreatic enzymes. Restriction of fat intake, though traditionally important in conventional treatment, should be reconsidered.

Enzyme substitution therapy should ideally mimic the physiological pattern of pancreatic exocrine secretion, and pancreatic enzymes in the form of enteric‐coated minimicrospheres are considered as the most elaborated commercially available enzyme preparations. In general, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients after surgery may be managed similarly to patients with chronic pancreatitis. This review focuses on current perspectives in diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and practical suggestions on its clinical management.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia at Alice Springs Hospital, Central Australia, 2003–2006
Authors: Hewagama S. , Spelman T. , Einsiedel L. J.
Published: February 2011

Background:  Infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death at Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) and Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) is the second most common bloodstream infection. Non‐multidrug‐resistant, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (nmMRSA) is endemic to the region.

Aims:  To determine whether differences exist between racial groups and resistance phenotypes in the clinical manifestations and outcomes of SAB at ASH.

Methods:  A retrospective review of medical and pathology records for inpatients with SAB between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2006.

Results:  A total of 125 patients (indigenous, 111; non‐indigenous, 14) presented with SAB during the study period. Among indigenous patients, there were 95 adults and 16 children. No non‐indigenous child was admitted with SAB. The mean annual incidence rate was 160.7/100 000 indigenous population and 8.1/100 000 non‐indigenous population (incidence rate ratio 19.9) (P = 0.010). Isolates were predominantly methicillin‐susceptible S. aureus (indigenous, 85; non‐indigenous, 13). Twenty of 27 MRSA isolates were non‐multidrug‐resistant. Indigenous adults were more likely to present with an infective focus (indigenous, 75; non‐indigenous, 6) (P = 0.004). These were most often skin infections (skin abscesses, 31; scabies, 4). Twenty‐seven indigenous adults self‐discharged after receiving a median of only 5 days (inter‐quartile range (IQR), 3–9) of antibiotic therapy. Ninety‐day mortality rates for indigenous and non‐indigenous adults were 14.7% and 14.3% respectively. The median age of death for indigenous adults was 50 years (IQR, 37–68).

Conclusions:  Indigenous Australians have the highest reported incidence rate of SAB worldwide. This reflects the socioeconomic disadvantage experienced by indigenous Australians whose living conditions predispose to pathogen transmission and limits opportunities to maintain adequate skin hygiene.
Urinary cytology has a poor performance for predicting invasive or high‐grade upper‐tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Messer Jamie , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Brien James C. , Herman Michael P. , Ng Casey K. , Scherr Douglas S. , Scoll Benjamin , Uzzo Robert G. , Wille Mark , Eggener Scott E. , Steinberg Gary , Terrell John D. , Lucas Steven M. , Lotan Yair , Boorjian Stephen A. , Raman Jay D.
Published: February 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Accurate preoperative staging for upper‐tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) lesions is presently limited. Urinary cytology has shown promise for characterizing pathological features of bladder cancer. The role of cytology for UTUC is at present poorly defined.

In this large multi‐institutional cohort of patients, urinary cytology was limited in its ability to accurately predict the grade and stage of upper‐tract lesions. Selective ureteral sampling improved the diagnostic accuracy of cytology when compared to bladder specimens. Improved preoperative surrogate markers for staging UTUC remain necessary.

OBJECTIVE

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of urine cytology for detecting aggressive disease in a multi‐institutional cohort of patients undergoing extirpative surgery for upper‐tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

• We reviewed the records of 326 patients with urinary cytology data who underwent a radical nephroureterectomy or distal ureterectomy without concurrent or previous bladder cancer.

• We assessed the association of cytology (positive, negative and atypical) with final pathology. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of a positive (± atypical) cytology for high‐grade and muscle‐invasive UTUC was calculated.

RESULTS

• On final pathology, 53% of patients had non‐muscle invasive disease (pTa, pTis, pT1) and 47% had invasive disease (≥pT2). Low‐grade and high‐grade cancers were present in 33% and 67% of patients, respectively.

• Positive, atypical and negative urine cytology was noted in 40%, 40% and 20% of cases. Positive urinary cytology had sensitivity and PPV of 56% and 54% for high‐grade and 62% and 44% for muscle‐invasive UTUC.

• Inclusion of atypical cytology with positive cytology improved the sensitivity and PPV for high‐grade (74% and 63%) and muscle‐invasive (77% and 45%) UTUC. Restricting analysis to patients with selective ureteral cytologies further improved the diagnostic accuracy when compared with bladder specimens (PPV > 85% for high‐grade and muscle‐invasive UTUC).

CONCLUSIONS

• In this cohort of patients with UTUC treated with radical surgery, urine cytology in isolation lacked performance characteristics to accurately predict muscle‐invasive or high‐grade disease.

• Improved surrogate markers for pathological grade and stage are necessary, particularly when considering endoscopic modalities for UTUC.
DECEPTIVE LOVE: Kierkegaard on Mystification and Deceiving into the Truth
Authors: McCreary Mark L.
Published: February 2011

This article explains and assesses a particular method of loving others that is espoused by Søren Kierkegaard. In his later works, Kierkegaard advocates a kind of deceptive love whereby one mystifies or deceives another person for that other person's own good. The theological underpinning of this mode of love is found in the imitation of Christ. In other words, just as Jesus adopted an incognito, so also Christians should, at times, appear different or lowlier in order to help others by meeting them where they are. After explaining this form of love, I argue that there are considerable reasons not to follow Kierkegaard in his support of outright deception within personal relationships. I conclude with some brief reflections on whether the deceptive structure of Kierkegaard's own authorship is thereby condemned or whether it can be exonerated.
Green consumer values: how do personal values influence environmentally responsible water consumption?
Authors: Pinto Diego Costa , Nique Walter Meucci , Añaña Edar da Silva , Herter Márcia Maurer
Published: February 2011

The present research analyses how personal values influence environmentally responsible water consumption in Brazil. This research reports a four‐part study that is focused on both the influence of demographics (1a and 1b) and the influence of personal values (2 and 3). In general, environmental awareness has an effect on wasteful habits. Regarding demographics, we found that green consumers tend to be older and have lower levels of education. Our results also suggest that personal values influence responsible water consumption. Responsible consumers usually attach more importance to personal values such as conformity and personal virtues. Socially oriented values were seen to increase responsible consumption. Finally, the study demonstrates that environmental awareness and personal values could predict wasteful habits, enabling a broader comprehension of green consumers.
Significance of environmental sustainability issues in consumers' choice of major household appliances in South Africa
Authors: Sonnenberg Nadine C. , Erasmus Alet C. , Donoghue Suné
Published: February 2011

Although not regarded as the major culprits in terms of the degradation of the world's resources, consumers in developing countries such as South Africa should be encouraged to realize their potential contribution to save our planet. This research investigated consumers' prioritization of product choice criteria in a prominent product category, i.e. major household appliances, to determine and describe how consumers could be encouraged to accept the principles of pro‐environmental product choice and consumption behaviour. The survey that was conducted in Tshwane, a major urban area in South Africa, in 2010 involved a structured questionnaire that was distributed by means of a convenient snowball method. Findings (n = 446) indicated that the majority of respondents always/mostly considered desirable functions rather than aesthetic attributes or price as important choice criteria, and that consumers would like to obtain information about the ‘greenness’ as well as the ‘functionality’ of appliances before purchasing. Consumers strongly agreed that the durability of appliances (service life) as well as running costs, i.e. electricity and water consumption, should be considered. Consumers seemed undecided about issues concerning recycling and recycling centres, the benefits of modern appliances and whether locally manufactured appliances are better than imported brands. Although different sources of information could be influential during consumers' pre‐purchase evaluation of major household appliances, consumers' reliance on personal acquaintances (friends and family) surpassed their trust in salespeople as information source by far. The majority of respondents indicated that they used printed information sources such as promotional material and brochures as information sources. Retail and industry should supply comprehensive information about pro‐environmental properties of their products. The results of this special investigation may be transferred to similar target groups in developing countries but are not typical for consumer behaviour elsewhere, whereas the methods are generally applicable.
Social influence and sustainability in households
Authors: Goldsmith Elizabeth B. , Goldsmith Ronald E.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of social influence regarding sustainability in households. Several research studies show that individual and family recycling and e‐consumption behaviours are more affected by people that the individual/family know than by outside influences such as government or advertising campaigns. Social influence theory, although prevalent in such diverse fields as communication, marketing, sociology including medical and rural sociology, management information science and education, has not been used as extensively in human sciences, home economics and human ecology, specifically in applications to household green behaviour. The origins of social influence are found in the ground‐breaking work in opinion leadership by Lazarsfeld in sociology and in E.M. Rogers's diffusion of innovation theory. The present article makes a case for using social influence theory as a framework for future studies and academic work in environmentalism, and for those trying to increase or promote pro‐environmental behaviour at the individual, family or household level.
Attitudes of Cypriot consumers on the ownership of household appliances: the case of the city of Limassol
Authors: Abeliotis Konstadinos , Nikolaou Niki , Sardianou Eleni
Published: February 2011

The aim of this paper is to analyse the factors affecting consumers' preferences towards the ownership of household appliances. The study is based on 186 survey responses from Cypriot households, and they are analysed econometrically using regression techniques. The analysis is based on a theoretical framework, which takes into account both demographic and economic factors behind households' preference to energy‐efficient appliances. The results show that consumers that buy energy‐efficient appliances are highly educated and women. Household income is not a statistically significant variable of the probability to choose an appliance based on its energy efficiency characteristics. On the contrary, income and number of persons per household affect the number of appliances that consumers own.
Assessment of European energy and carbon profiles of manual and automatic dishwashing
Authors: Vivian Sally , Haslam Kristelle , Soldner Mike , Sangster Malcolm
Published: February 2011

Domestic energy use generates a significant proportion of anthropogenic global carbon emissions. To date, many reduction programmes in the domestic sector have focused on increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption in the home. Consumer goods manufacturers also have a role to play in raising consumer awareness and encouraging behavioural change.

The first step in identifying opportunities for decreasing carbon emissions is to understand emission sources and quantify their relative importance. This study investigates energy and associated carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions from dishwashing. Specifically, it assesses the relative CO2e profiles of washing dishes by hand (manual dishwashing) and using a machine (automatic dishwashing) and included consumer behaviours. This study also specifically considers the relative efficiencies of appliances used to heat water.

The study followed recognized international protocols for life cycle assessment and carbon footprinting. On this basis, the same assessment boundary was applied to both processes. Output comparisons were based on:

1 the sources of energy uses (e.g. electricity, gas, etc.);

2 the associated CO2e emissions; and

3 the cost of energy used.

Various data sources have been used and are referenced. Calculations of appliance energy use for manual dishwashing considered country‐specific data for water heaters including fuel types and efficiencies. Automatic dishwashing appliance energy use was calculated from machine manufacturers' electricity use data.

The conclusions show that, for each of the six European countries assessed and based on the study assumptions, the automatic dishwashing process uses less life cycle energy than manual dishwashing and consequently results in lower CO2e emissions. Differences in country‐specific energy generation mixes, consumer behaviour and boiler efficiencies show variations in the outcomes; overall, however, there appears to be a clear benefit in switching from manual to automatic dishwashing both in terms of CO2e emissions and in terms of annualized costs.
NOX1, 2, 4, 5: counting out oxidative stress
Authors: Wingler K , Hermans JJR , Schiffers P , Moens AL , Paul M , Schmidt HHHW
Published: February 2011

For decades, oxidative stress has been discussed as a key mechanism of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. However, attempts to validate and exploit this hypothesis clinically by supplementing antioxidants have failed. Nevertheless, this does not disprove the oxidative stress hypothesis. As a certain degree of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation appears to be physiological and beneficial. To reduce oxidative stress therapeutically, two alternative approaches are being developed. One is the repair of key signalling components that are compromised by oxidative stress. These include uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and oxidized/heme‐free NO receptor soluble guanylate cyclase. A second approach is to identify and effectively inhibit the relevant source(s) of ROS in a given disease condition. A highly likely target in this context is the family of NADPH oxidases. Animal models, including NOX knockout mice and new pharmacological inhibitors of NADPH oxidases have opened up a new era of oxidative stress research and have paved the way for new cardiovascular therapies.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Vascular Endothelium in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐3