bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airway smooth muscle chemokine receptor expression and function in asthma
Authors: Saunders R. , Sutcliffe A. , Kaur D. , Siddiqui S. , Hollins F. , Wardlaw A. , Bradding P. , Brightling C.
Published: September 2009

Background
Chemokine receptors play an important role in cell migration and wound repair. In asthma, CCR3 and 7 are expressed by airway smooth muscle (ASM) and CCR7 has been implicated in the development of ASM hyperplasia. The expression profile of other chemokine receptors by ASM and their function needs to be further explored.

Objective
We sought to investigate ASM chemokine receptor expression and function in asthma.

Methods
ASM cells were derived from 17 subjects with asthma and 36 non‐asthmatic controls. ASM chemokine receptor expression was assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The function of chemokine receptors expressed by more than 10% of ASM cells was investigated by intracellular calcium measurements, chemotaxis, wound healing, proliferation and survival assays.

Results
In addition to CCR3 and 7, CXCR1, 3 and 4 were highly expressed by ASM. These CXC chemokine receptors were functional with an increase in intracellular calcium following ligand activation and promotion of wound healing [CXCL10 (100 ng/mL) 34 ± 2 cells/high‐powered field (hpf) vs. control 29 ± 1; P=0.03; n=8]. Spontaneous wound healing was inhibited by CXCR3 neutralizing antibody (mean difference 7 ± 3 cells/hpf; P=0.03; n=3). CXC chemokine receptor activation did not modulate ASM chemotaxis, proliferation or survival. No differences in chemokine receptor expression or function were observed between ASM cells derived from asthmatic or non‐asthmatic donors.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the chemokine receptors CXCR1, 3 and 4 modulate some aspects of ASM function but their importance in asthma is uncertain.
Self‐care among persons using advanced medical technology at home
Authors: Fex Angelika , Ek Anna‐Christina , Söderhamn Olle
Published: September 2009

Aim.  This study aimed to describe lived experiences of self‐care among persons using advanced medical technology at home.

Background.  An increased number of people are performing self‐care while using different sorts of advanced medical technology at home. Knowledge of different patient groups’ lived experiences of this situation may be useful for nurses and other caregivers in educating and supporting these patients.

Design.  A qualitative design was used.

Methods.  Suitable patients in western Sweden were informed by their nurses and invited to participate. Ten people, who performed self‐care at home, either while using long‐term oxygen therapy from a ventilator or oxygen cylinder, or while performing peritoneal or haemodialysis, were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using a descriptive phenomenological methodology.

Results.  Prerequisites for self‐care when using advanced medical technology at home were: support from professional caregivers and significant others; cognitive capacity; and a positive attitude to life. This type of self‐care contains steps for living healthy, for planning and for adjusting technology. It involves a process of learning and feelings both of being tied up and of feeling free. Additionally, it has influences on the home environment.

Conclusion.  Self‐care in this context can be described on a generic level. Self‐care is more than mastering the technology; it also means dealing with daily life activities for healthy living, planning for the use of the equipment and activities, having knowledge about bodily signs of good and ill‐health, and adjusting treatment according to the circumstances.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Self‐care in this context involves a learning process with education and continuing access to support from professional caregivers. With knowledge and support, patients are able to assume substantial responsibility for self‐care. Needs for design improvements of medical technology for use at home are raised.
A review of the literature on the impact of renal cancer therapy on quality of life
Authors: Bird Joanne , Hayter Mark
Published: September 2009

Aim.  To explore the impact of renal cancer treatment on patients’ quality of life.

Background.  Renal cancer accounts for 95,000 deaths worldwide and its incidence rate is rising. At present there are several therapeutic approaches to the treatment of renal cancer, ranging through surgery, immunological therapies and vaccine treatment. Each of these therapies may have a substantial effect upon patients’ quality of life. However, a systematic appraisal of the empirical evidence about treatment impact is lacking.

Design.  Literature review.

Methods.  A structured review of the empirical literature on the impact of renal cancer treatment upon quality of life was undertaken. Literature was appraised and themed according to the treatment modalities included in the study.

Results.  From 873 papers initially identified 52 were retrieved for detailed scrutiny resulting in a final 16 papers being included in the review.

Conclusions.  This review discusses the complex effect of renal cancer upon a patient’s quality of life as treatment modalities change. The need for nursing education and awareness of these issues is therefore highlighted to maximise patient care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding the impact of treatment for renal cancer enables nurses to empathise more significantly with patients and also act as mediators in regard to treatment choice and treatment cessation. It also enables nurses to inform and educate renal cancer patients prior to making treatment choices.
Bertha Harmer’s 1922 textbook – The Principles and Practice of Nursing: clinical nursing from an historical perspective
Authors: Boschma Geertje , Davidson Lisa , Bonifacio Nerrisa
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  This study analyses the origins of a widely used textbook of nursing, commonly utilised in North American Schools of Nursing since 1922, and eventually worldwide. A biography of its first author, Bertha Harmer, is also included.

Background.  Tracing central ideas of nursing throughout the various editions, the book provides a commentary on the cultural–historical context of nursing and reveals how nursing leaders conceptualised the day‐to‐day knowledge base nurses would need for their practice.

Design and methods.  Historical analysis.

Results.  The core nursing concept of ‘human needs’ was central to Harmer’s work and thinking.

Conclusions.  Its continuous development by her and her later co‐author, Virginia Henderson, reflected broader changes in nursing that were central to the construction of nursing as hospital‐based care during the twentieth century.

Relevance to clinical practice and conclusion.  Renewal of nursing practice exists by the virtue of nurses’ collective ability to question continuously and critically, the foundations of their practice. Historical analysis of core nursing concepts is one approach to further such critique.
Counting nurses: the power of historical census data
Authors: D’Antonio Patricia , Whelan Jean C.
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  This study used census data to construct a demographic profile of early 20th century nurses in the United States.

Background.  Census data are recognised as a rich source of quantitative information on long‐term changes. However, difficulties in retrieving census data dissuade researchers from exploiting this source. Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, a standardised and digitialised version of census data, enables greater ease in retrieving and analysing data.

Design and methods.  A sample of respondents identifying as ‘professional nurses’ for the years 1900–1950 was extracted from Integrated Public Use Microdata Series categorised by the variables of race, sex and marital status. The resulting data were analysed for simple frequency statistics using SPSS software.

Results.  Results revealed a tremendous increase in the number of nurses over the five decades under study. Nurses were increasingly young, female, single and white until 1930. After 1930, white and African‐American women nurses began to reflect trends towards more diversity.

Conclusions.  This study is the first systematic attempt to trace the demographic trajectory of professional nurses in the United States in the early 20th century. It also demonstrates the possibilities of using digital technologies to restructure the asking and answering of historical questions. The use of quantitative methods of social history has trans‐national applications which can facilitate global investigations into the demographic composition of the nursing occupation.

Relevance to policy.  This way of using digitalisation of census data provides a way to examine historical trans‐national workforce trends. Such trends provide a firmer base upon which to construct workforce and practice strategies for a future global workforce.
Elevated substitution rate estimates from ancient DNA: model violation and bias of Bayesian methods
Authors: NAVASCUÉS MIGUEL , EMERSON BRENT C.
Published: September 2009

The increasing ability to extract and sequence DNA from noncontemporaneous tissue offers biologists the opportunity to analyse ancient DNA (aDNA) together with modern DNA (mDNA) to address the taxonomy of extinct species, evolutionary origins, historical phylogeography and biogeography. Perhaps more exciting are recent developments in coalescence‐based Bayesian inference that offer the potential to use temporal information from aDNA and mDNA for the estimation of substitution rates and divergence dates as an alternative to fossil and geological calibration. This comes at a time of growing interest in the possibility of time dependency for molecular rate estimates. In this study, we provide a critical assessment of Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis for the estimation of substitution rate using simulated samples of aDNA and mDNA. We conclude that the current models and priors employed in Bayesian MCMC analysis of heterochronous mtDNA are susceptible to an upward bias in the estimation of substitution rates because of model misspecification when the data come from populations with less than simple demographic histories, including sudden short‐lived population bottlenecks or pronounced population structure. However, when model misspecification is only mild, then the 95% highest posterior density intervals provide adequate frequentist coverage of the true rates.
Weed vegetation in the north‐western Balkans: diversity and species composition
Authors: ŠILC U , VRBNIČANIN S , BOŽIĆ D , ČARNI A , STEVANOVIĆ Z DAJIĆ
Published: September 2009

Surveys of weed vegetation of the western Balkan peninsula (1939–2006) were used to study changes in species composition. A large data set of arable weed vegetation was compiled and analysed with direct and indirect ordination, regression and beta (β) diversity analysis. Five environmental variables (altitude, season, year, crop, phytogeographical region) were used to determine broad‐scale changes in weed species composition. The most important parameter was phytogeography and the second was crop. Altitude and season were found to be less important, although significant, which contrasts with results from Central and Northern Europe. β‐diversity was higher in cereals and in summer, while decline along the altitudinal gradient previously demonstrated in Central Europe, was not observed. In southern parts of the studied area, thermophilous species have shifted to higher altitudes. The results and ranking of importance of environmental and spatial variables are discussed in relation to similar studies in Northern and Central Europe.
Variable selection patterns on the labellum shape of Geoblasta pennicillata, a sexually deceptive orchid
Authors: BENITEZ‐VIEYRA S. , MEDINA A. M. , COCUCCI A. A.
Published: September 2009

By mimicking shape and female mating pheromones, flowers of sexually deceptive orchids attract sexually excited males which pollinate them while trying to copulate. Although many studies have demonstrated the crucial importance of odour signals in these systems, most flowers pollinated by pseudocopulation resemble, at least superficially, an insect body and these visual cues may be important to cheat pollinators. In this 2‐year study, we show that the shape of the labellum of Geoblasta pennicillata is a target of pollinator‐mediated natural selection. Contrary to our expectations, plants with a labellum shape more similar to female wasps were not favoured. The strength and pattern of phenotypic selection varied between study years and sexual functions. Although selection through female success was probably associated to the fine‐tuning of the mechanical fit between flower form and male wasp, shape was the target of natural selection through male success in both study years indicating that male wasps use this trait when choosing flowers. The imperfect mimicry and patterns of selection observed indicated that an exact imitation is not needed to attract and deceive the pollinators and they suggested a receiver perceptual bias towards uncommon phenotypes.
Efficacy of Ovsynch Protocol with Antiprolactin Treatment for Timed Artificial Insemination During Non‐breeding Seasons in Yaks (Poephagus grunniens L.)
Authors: Sarkar M , Dutta Borah BK , Prakash BS
Published: September 2009

Contents

An attempt was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of Ovsynch protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI) with or without Norprolac (antiprolactin) treatment during non‐breeding season (winter months) in yaks (n = 25). During non‐breeding season, plasma prolactin profile has been reported high due to cold and nutritional stress. The Norprolac dose of i.m. administration was standardized for prolactin suppression. Three different doses viz. 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg were attempted and the dose of 7.5 mg Norprolac i.m. per animal was found to be suitable for suppression of prolactin levels up to 30 h. Ovsynch treatment with Norprolac induced more number of oestrous symptoms per animal (4.8 vs 2.1), higher LH peak concentration (24.01 vs 16.16 ng/ml), longer duration of LH surge (6.8 vs 5.2 h) and higher conception rate (70 vs 30%) in Ovsynch plus Norprolac treated animals compared with animals treated with Ovsynch alone. Therefore, this study clearly indicates the opportunity for practical application of the Ovsynch plus Norprolac protocol for TAI in yaks during non‐breeding seasons.
Towards understanding the nature of conflict of interest and its application to the discipline of nursing
Authors: Crigger Nancy J.
Published: September 2009

Most incidences of dishonesty in research, financial investments that promote personal financial gain, and kickback scandals begin as conflicts of interest (COI). Research indicates that healthcare professionals who maintain COI relationships make less optimal and more expensive patient care choices. The discovery of COI relationships also negatively impact patient and public trust. Many disciplines are addressing this professional issue, but little work has been done towards understanding and applying this moral category within a nursing context. Do COIs occur in nursing and are they problematic? What are the morally appropriate responses to COI for our discipline and for individual practicing nurses? In this paper I examine the nature of ‘conflict of interest’ as a general ethical category, its characteristics and its application to our discipline. Conflict of interest is an odd moral category that may actually or potentially result in immoral decisions. The moral justification for COI is grounded prime facie by the moral value of respect for persons and principle of fidelity from which trust is developed and maintained. In review of the historical development, there appears to be consensus on some qualities of COI that are presented. I conclude that making judgements about COI are challenging and often difficult to determine from a nursing perspective. Improving nurses' and professional organizations' awareness of COI and sharpening our ability to respond appropriately when COI arise can reduce potential harm and promote trust in those whom we serve.
Why nursing has not embraced the clinician–scientist role
Authors: Mackay Martha
Published: September 2009

Reasons for the limited uptake of the clinician–scientist role within nursing are examined, specifically: the lack of consensus about the nature of nursing science; the varying approaches to epistemology; and the influence of post‐modern thought on knowledge development in nursing. It is suggested that under‐development of this role may be remedied by achieving agreement that science is a necessary, worthy pursuit for nursing, and that rigorous science conducted from a clinical perspective serves nursing well. Straddling practice and research is a powerful strategy for ensuring relevant research while forging strong links with practice. The clinician–scientist role, typically requiring a 75:25 ratio between research and clinical activities, is well established in medicine. Nursing, however, has been slow to institute the role; it is rare within North America, Australia, and western European countries, and almost non‐existent outside those areas. Beyond structural obstacles, philosophical issues may explain nursing's reluctance to implement the role. Following a survey of clinician–scientist roles throughout the world, the nature of nursing science and epistemology, and the influence of post‐modern thought on nursing attitudes to research are examined with respect to their influence on this role. The nurse clinician–scientist role holds promise for making strides in clinically relevant research, and for accelerating the knowledge cycle from clinical problem to research question to change in clinical practice.
MIGRANT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND NEW URBAN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES: IDENTIFICATION OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS BY MEANS OF QUALITATIVE PATTERN RECOGNITION ANALYSIS
Authors: NIJKAMP PETER , SAHIN MEDIHA , BAYCAN‐LEVENT TÜZIN
Published: September 2009

In recent years, entrepreneurship among migrant minorities has increased significantly in the Netherlands. This paper addresses the key factors determining the economic position of migrant entrepreneurs in the urban economy in the Netherlands, with an application to Amsterdam. So far, little information on success conditions for migrant entrepreneurship is available, while quantitative knowledge on critical success factors (CSFs) is lagging far behind the rapid growth of migrant entrepreneurs in big cities like Amsterdam. The present study serves to fill this knowledge gap, by paying attention to the entrepreneurial behaviour of migrants, the role of their social networks, and the innovative potential of new growth markets in a modern city. In order to provide a solid assessment of CSFs for migrant entrepreneurs, and to understand business performance in a competitive urban environment, this study will investigate the entrepreneurial behaviour of migrants in Dutch cities from a micro‐economic perspective. Due insight into individual entrepreneurial behaviour of migrants is needed to develop an urban business culture in which migrants are no longer a source of problems but of great socio‐economic opportunities, both for the migrant groups concerned and the vitality of cities. Our research employs a comparative statistical analysis of empirical findings in the city of Amsterdam in order to map out opportunities, success conditions and bottlenecks for migrant entrepreneurs. Given our largely categorical (i.e. qualitative or soft) database, we will employ a qualitative causal pattern recognition technique, namely, rough set analysis, to systematically assess the conditions for successful entrepreneurship of migrants.
Prevalence of migraine headache in a rural area of northern Tanzania: A community-based door-to-door survey
Authors: Winkler AS , Dent W , Stelzhammer B , Kerschbaumsteiner K , Meindl M , Kaaya J , Matuja WBP , Schmutzhard E
Published: September 2009

Our aim was to assess the 1-year prevalence of migraine headache in a rural population within the catchment area of the Haydom Lutheran Hospital in northern Tanzania. From December 2003 until June 2004 a community-based door-to-door survey was carried out, using a questionnaire based on the criteria of the International Headache Society, including 1192 households with 7412 individuals selected by multistage cluster-random sampling. The overall 1-year prevalence of migraine headache was found to be 4.3% [316/7412, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.8, 4.7] with an age-adjusted rate of 6.0% and a male : female ratio of 1:2.94 ( P < 0.001). Of these individuals, 132 did not fulfil all criteria for migraine headache, hence, these patients had to be classified as migrainous disorders with a crude prevalence rate of 1.8% (132/7412. 95% CI 1.5, 2.1). The remaining 184 patients met all criteria for migraine resulting in a 1-year prevalence of 2.5% (184/7412, 95% CI 2.1, 2.9) and a male : female ratio of 1:2.51 ( P < 0.001). The present survey shows that migraine headache is not uncommon in northern Tanzania. The recorded prevalence of migraine headache is located within the median of previous African prevalence surveys, which confirms the trend of lower migraine frequencies in rural Africa compared with western countries.
Late Quaternary glaciation in the Tianshan and implications for palaeoclimatic change: a review
Authors: XU XIANGKE , KLEIDON AXEL , MILLER LEE , WANG SHIQIN , WANG LIQIANG , DONG GUOCHENG
Published: September 2009

Xu, X., Kleidon, A., Miller, L., Wang, S., Wang, L. & Dong, G. 2009: Late Quaternary glaciation in the Tianshan and implications for palaeoclimatic change: a review. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00118.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

The Tianshan mountain range has been extensively and repeatedly glaciated during the late Quaternary. Multiple moraines in this region record the extent and timing of late Quaternary glacier fluctuations. The moraines and their ages are described in three sub‐regions: eastern, central and western Tianshan. Notable glacial advances occurred during marine oxygen isotope stages (MIS) 6, 4, 3, 2, the Neoglacial and the Little Ice Age (LIA) in these sub‐regions. Glaciers in western Tianshan advanced significantly also during MIS 5, but not in eastern and central Tianshan. The local last glacial maximum (llgm) of the three sub‐regions pre‐dated the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and occurred during MIS 4 in eastern and central Tianshan, but during MIS 3 in western Tianshan. The spatial and temporal distribution of the glaciers suggests that precipitation (as snow at high altitude) is the main factor controlling glacial advance in the Tianshan. The late Quaternary climate in the Tianshan has been generally cold–dry during glacial times and warm–humid during interglacial times. Between neighbouring glacial times, the climate has had a more arid tendency in eastern and central Tianshan. These palaeoclimatic conditions inferred from glacial landforms indicate important relationships between the mid‐latitude westerly, the Siberian High and the Asian monsoon.
Pressure‐induced incipient amorphization of α‐quartz and transition to coesite in an eclogite from Antarctica: a first record and some consequences
Authors: PALMERI R. , FREZZOTTI M. L. , GODARD G. , DAVIES R. J.
Published: September 2009

Monocrystalline quartz inclusions in garnet and omphacite from various eclogite samples from the Lanterman Range (Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica) have been investigated by cathodoluminescence (CL), Raman spectroscopy and imaging, and in situ X‐ray (XR) microdiffraction using the synchrotron. A few inclusions, with a clear‐to‐opalescent lustre, show ‘anomalous’ Raman spectra characterized by weak α‐quartz modes, the broadening of the main α‐quartz peak at 465 cm−1, and additional vibrations at 480–485, 520–523 and 608 cm−1. CL and Raman imaging indicate that this ‘anomalous’α‐quartz occurs as relicts within ordinary α‐quartz, and that it was preserved in the internal parts of small quartz inclusions. XR diffraction circular patterns display irregular and broad α‐quartz spots, some of which show an anomalous d‐spacing tightening of ∼2%. They also show some very weak, hazy clouds that have d‐spacing compatible with coesite but not with α‐quartz. Raman spectrometry and XR microdiffraction characterize the anomalies with respect to α‐quartz as (i) a pressure‐induced disordering and incipient amorphization, mainly revealed by the 480–485 and 608‐cm−1 Raman bands, together with (ii) a lattice densification, evidenced by d‐spacing tightening; (iii) the cryptic development of coesite, 520–523 cm−1 being the main Raman peak of coesite and (iv) Brazil micro‐twinning. This ‘anomalous’α‐quartz represents the first example of pressure‐induced incipient amorphization of a metastable phase in a crustal rock. This issue is really surprising because pressure‐induced amorphization of metastable α‐quartz, observed in impactites and known to occur between 15 and 32 GPa during ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) experiments at room temperature, is in principle irrelevant under normal geological P–T conditions. A shock (due to a seism?) or a local overpressure at the inclusion scale (due to expansion mismatch between quartz and its host mineral) seem the only geological mechanisms that can produce such incipient amorphization in crustal rocks. This discovery throws new light on the modality of the quartz‐coesite transition and on the pressure regimes (non‐lithostatic v. lithostatic) during high‐pressure/UHP metamorphism. In particular, incipient amorphization of quartz could favour the quartz‐coesite transition, or allow the growth of metastable coesite, as already experimentally observed.
Evolution of Distorted Pellicle Patterns in Rigid Photosynthetic Euglenids (Phacus Dujardin)
Authors: ESSON HEATHER J. , LEANDER BRIAN S.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT. Members of the euglenid genus Phacus are morphologically differentiated from other photosynthetic species by the presence of a rigid cytoskeleton (pellicle) and predominantly dorsoventrally flattened, leaf‐shaped cells. In order to better understand the evolutionary history of this lineage, we used scanning electron microscopy to examine patterns of pellicle strips in Phacus acuminatus, Phacus longicauda var. tortus, Phacus triqueter, Phacus segretii, Phacus pleuronectes, Phacus similis, Phacus pusillus, Phacus orbicularis, Phacus warszewiczii, and Discoplastis spathirhyncha, a putative close relative of Phacus and Lepocinclis. Our observations showed that while the earliest diverging species in our analyses, namely P. warszewiczii, has three whorls of exponential reduction, most members of Phacus have clustered patterns of posterior strip reduction that are bilaterally symmetrical distortions of the radially symmetrical “whorled” patterns found in other photosynthetic euglenids. Comparative morphology, interpreted within the context of molecular phylogenetic analyses of combined nuclear small subunit rDNA and partial nuclear large subunit rDNA sequences, demonstrates that clustered patterns of posterior strip reduction arose after the divergence of Phacus from other photosynthetic euglenids and are the result of developmental processes that govern individual strip length. Clustered patterns of pellicle strips in Phacus do not appear to be adaptively significant themselves; they evolved in association with the origin of cell flattening and cell rigidity, which may be adaptations to a planktonic lifestyle.
Strain‐dependent activation of the mouse immune response is correlated with Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced experimental periodontitis
Authors: Wilensky Asaf , Polak David , Awawdi Suhair , Halabi Amal , Shapira Lior , Houri‐Haddad Yael
Published: September 2009

Aims: To evaluate the effect of oral infection with three Porphyromonas gingivalis strains on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and its correlation with the mouse immune response.

Materials and Methods: Mice were orally infected with P. gingivalis strains 381, 33277 and 53977. After 42 days, maxillae were analysed for ABL using micro‐computed tomography and the serum for anti‐P.gingivalis IgG1 and IgG2a levels. The cytokine response to P. gingivalis was tested using the subcutaneous chamber model.

Results: The P. gingivalis 53977‐infected group showed the highest ABL, which was significantly different from all other groups (p<0.001). In addition, the humoral response to P. gingivalis 53977 was significantly lower than the response to P. gingivalis 381 and 33277 (p0.01). The IgG2a/IgG1 ratio was higher in the P. gingivalis 33277‐infected group (1.6) compared with the P. gingivalis 381‐infected group (0.51). Four days post‐infection, interleukin (IL)‐1β levels remained significantly higher in the P. gingivalis 53977‐infected group only (1198.2±260.0, p<0.05), while IL‐4 levels remained significantly higher in the P. gingivalis 381‐infected group (265.8±131.6, p<0.05).

Conclusions: The high levels of ABL induced by P. gingivalis 53977 were inversely correlated with the humoral response to this bacterium. In addition, ABL was correlated with an elevated pro‐inflammatory response.
Surface‐conditioned dental implants: an animal study on bone formation
Authors: Stadlinger Bernd , Lode Anna Theresa , Eckelt Uwe , Range Ursula , Schlottig Falko , Hefti Thomas , Mai Ronald
Published: September 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether bone formation around surface‐conditioned implants is enhanced compared with non‐surface‐conditioned sandblasted acid‐etched titanium implants.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty‐four implants were placed in the mandible of 18 minipigs. Before placement, implants were either surface conditioned in a solution containing hydroxide ions (conSF) or assigned to controls. Animals were euthanized after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of submerged healing, the 8‐week group receiving polyfluorochrome labelling at week 2, 4, 6 and 8. One jaw quadrant per animal was selected for histological and histomorphometrical evaluation of mineralized bone–implant contact (mBIC), osteoid–implant contact (OIC) and bone volume (BV) analysis.

Results: Polyfluorochrome labelling showed no general differences in bone dynamics. mBIC showed the most pronounced differences after 2 weeks, reaching 65.5% for conSF compared with 48.1% for controls, p=0.270. Differences levelled out after 4 weeks (67.4% control, 65.7% conSF) and 8 weeks (64.0% control, 70.2% conSF). OIC levels were initially comparable, showing a slower decline for conSF after 4 weeks. BV was higher for conSF at all times. No significant differences could be found.

Conclusion: A tendency towards increased mBIC was shown for surface‐conditioned implants after short‐term healing.
Individualized developmental care for a large sample of very preterm infants: health, neurobehaviour and neurophysiology
Authors: McAnulty G , Duffy FH , Butler S , Parad R , Ringer S , Zurakowski D , Als H
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To assess medical and neurodevelopmental effects of Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) for a large sample of very early‐born infants.

Methods:  One hundred and seven singleton inborn preterm infants, <29 weeks gestational age (GA), <1250 g birth weight, enrolled in three consecutive phases, were randomized within phase to NIDCAP (treatment, E) or standard care (C). Treatment extended from admission to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit to 2 weeks corrected age (wCA). Outcome included medical, neurobehavioural and neurophysiological status at 2 wCA, and growth and neurobehavioural status at 9 months (m) CA.

Results:  The C‐ and E‐group within each of the three consecutive phases and across the three phases were comparable in terms of all background measures; they therefore were treated as one sample. The results indicated for the E‐group significant reduction in major medical morbidities of prematurity as well as significantly improved neurodevelopmental (behaviour and electrophysiology) functioning at 2 wCA; significantly better neurobehavioural functioning was also found at 9 mCA.

Conclusion:  The NIDCAP is an effective treatment for very early‐born infants. It reduces health morbidities and enhances neurodevelopment, functional competence and life quality for preterm infants at 2 w and 9 mCA.
A new cost‐distance model for human accessibility and an evaluation of accessibility bias in permanent vegetation plots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Authors: Jobe R. Todd , White Peter S.
Published: September 2009

Question: Can a new cost‐distance model help us to evaluate the potential for accessibility bias in ecological observations? How much accessibility bias is present in the vegetation monitoring plots accumulated over the last three decades in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee, USA.

Methods: Distance, slope, stream crossings, and vegetation density were incorporated into a least‐cost model of energetic expenditure for human access to locations.

Results: Estimated round‐trip energy costs for the park ranged from 0  to 1.62 × 105 J kg−1. The estimated round‐trip energetic expenditure for the surveys ranged from 53 to 1.51 × 105 J kg−1. Their distribution was more accessible than the random expectation. Ten (17%) of the vegetation types in the park are significantly under‐sampled relative to their area, and 16 (29%) are over‐sampled. Plots in 18 of the 40 vegetation types exhibited a significant positive correlation with accessibility.

Conclusions: The least‐cost model is an improvement over previous attempts to quantify accessibility. The bias in plot locations suggests using a least‐cost model to test for bias in cases in which human accessibility is confounded with other sources of ecosystem variation.
Transformative Knowledge Transfer Through Empowering and Paying Community Researchers
Authors: Garnett Stephen T. , Crowley Gabriel M. , Hunter‐Xenie Hmalan , Kozanayi Witness , Sithole Bevlyne , Palmer Carol , Southgate Richard , Zander Kerstin K.
Published: September 2009

Environmental research is often conducted independently of the community in which the environment is situated, with transfer of results into policy and on‐ground action occurring independently of the community's interests or aspirations. Increasingly the need for greater community involvement in the research process has been recognized. For community members, however, such engagement usually involves trade‐offs. While it is often assumed that community members should participate voluntarily because they will gain from the research, any benefits from knowledge, understanding and a capacity to influence the research have to be offset against time and potential loss of unremunerated intellectual property. We argue, using case studies from tropical Australia and Africa, that a more effective means of engagement and knowledge transfer is training and remuneration of community members as coresearchers. This engagement is much more than payment for labor—it is investment in local intellectual property and requires researcher humility, power‐sharing and recognition that access to research funding provides no moral or intellectual authority. Further, we argue that, for effective adoption of research results, community members need to be part of negotiated agreements on the initial nature of the research to ensure it answers questions of genuine local relevance and that local researchers have the capacity to place locally conducted research into a wider context. We argue that immediate rewards for involvement not only secure engagement but, where appropriate, are likely to lead to effective implementation of research results, enhanced local capacity and greater equity in intellectual power‐sharing.
Sex differences in vasoconstrictor reserve during 70 deg head‐up tilt
Authors: Jarvis S. S. , Florian J. P. , Curren M. J. , Pawelczyk J. A.
Published: September 2009

Women are generally recognized to be less orthostatically tolerant than men. We hypothesized that during head‐up tilt (HUT), women would demonstrate less splanchnic vasoconstriction, leading to splanchnic pooling, lower blood pressure and lower orthostatic tolerance. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (, assessed by C2H2rebreathing), stroke volume, splanchnic blood flow (SpBF, assessed by Indocyanine Green clearance) and vascular conductance (systemic,; splanchnic, SpVC = SpBF/MAP; non‐splanchnic, non‐SpVC = SVC – SpVC) were measured during supine baseline conditions, 70 deg HUT and recovery in 14 healthy women (23 ± 6 years old; mean ±s.d.) and 16 men (23 ± 5 years old). The proportion of sexes surviving 45 min of HUT trended towards significance (χ2= 2.92,P= 0.09). The MAP was lower in women than in men (supine, 77 ± 5versus86 ± 9 mmHg,P< 0.01; tilt, 72 ± 8versus83 ± 10 mmHg,P< 0.01), while HR and cardiac index(/body surface area)were not different between the sexes (heart rate supine, 66 ± 6versus64 ± 8 beats min−1; heart rate tilt, 96 ± 13versus94 ± 10 beats min−1; cardiac index supine, 3.8 ± 0.9versus3.7 ± 0.7 l min−1m−2; cardiac index tilt, 2.7 ± 0.8versus2.3 ± 0.5 l min−1m−2). The SpBF and SpVC were lower in women at rest but not during tilt (SpBF supine, 1174 ± 243versus1670 ± 391 ml min−1,P< 0.01; SpVC supine, 14.83 ± 3.61versus19.59 ± 4.95 ml min−1mmHg−1,P< 0.01; SpBF tilt, 884 ± 300versus1094 ± 271 ml min−1; SpVC tilt, 13.14 ± 4.28versus14.82 ± 4.16 ml min−1mmHg−1). However, in the women the SpVC did not decrease from baseline to tilt (ΔSpVC, in women, −1.70 ± 3.19 ml min−1mmHg−1, n.s.; in men, −4.81 ± 3.44 ml min−1mmHg−1,P< 0.01), suggesting a blunted vasoconstrictor response. In conclusion, women tended to have lower tilt‐table tolerance associated with a smaller splanchnic vasoconstrictor reserve than men.
Thermotolerant Coliforms Are Not a Good Surrogate for
Campylobacter
spp. in Environmental Water
Authors: St-Pierre Karen , Lévesque Simon , Frost Eric , Carrier Nathalie , Arbeit Robert D. , Michaud Sophie
Published: September 2009

This study aimed to assess the importance of quantitatively detecting
Campylobacter
spp. in environmental surface water. The prevalence and the quantity of
Campylobacter
spp., thermotolerant coliforms, and
Escherichia coli
in 2,471 samples collected weekly, over a 2-year period, from 13 rivers and 12 streams in the Eastern Townships, Québec, Canada, were determined. Overall, 1,071 (43%), 1,481 (60%), and 1,463 (59%) samples were positive for
Campylobacter
spp., thermotolerant coliforms, and
E. coli
, respectively. There were weak correlations between the weekly distributions of
Campylobacter
spp. and thermotolerant coliforms (Spearman's ρ coefficient = 0.27;
P
= 0.008) and between the quantitative levels of the two classes of organisms (Kendall tau-b correlation coefficient = 0.233;
P
< 0.0001). Well water samples from the Eastern Townships were also tested. Five (10%) of 53 samples from private surface wells were positive for
Campylobacter jejuni
, of which only 2 were positive for thermotolerant coliforms. These findings suggest that microbial monitoring of raw water by using only fecal indicator organisms is not sufficient for assessing the occurrence or the load of thermophilic
Campylobacter
spp. Insights into the role of environmental water as sources for sporadic
Campylobacter
infection will require genus-specific monitoring techniques.
Analysis of the Clonal Relationship of Serotype O26:H11 Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
Isolates from Cattle
Authors: Geue Lutz , Klare Sabrina , Schnick Christina , Mintel Birgit , Meyer Katharina , Conraths Franz J.
Published: September 2009

Twelve cluster groups of
Escherichia coli
O26 isolates found in three cattle farms were monitored in space and time. Cluster analysis suggests that only some O26:H11 strains had the potential for long-term persistence in hosts and farms. As judged by their virulence markers, bovine enterohemorrhagic O26:H11 isolates may represent a considerable risk for human infection.
Metabolic Engineering of
Escherichia coli
for Efficient Conversion of Glycerol to Ethanol
Authors: Trinh Cong T. , Srienc Friedrich
Published: September 2009

Based on elementary mode analysis, an
Escherichia coli
strain was designed for efficient conversion of glycerol to ethanol. By using nine gene knockout mutations, the functional space of the central metabolism of
E. coli
was reduced from over 15,000 possible pathways to a total of 28 glycerol-utilizing pathways that support cell function. Among these pathways are eight aerobic and eight anaerobic pathways that do not support cell growth but convert glycerol into ethanol with a theoretical yield of 0.50 g ethanol/g glycerol. The remaining 12 pathways aerobically coproduce biomass and ethanol from glycerol. The optimal ethanol production depends on the oxygen availability that regulates the two competing pathways for biomass and ethanol production. The coupling between cell growth and ethanol production enabled metabolic evolution of the designed strain through serial dilution that resulted in strains with improved ethanol yields and productivities. In defined medium, the evolved strain can convert 40 g/liter of glycerol to ethanol in 48 h with 90% of the theoretical ethanol yield. The performance of the designed strain is predicted by the property space of remaining elementary modes.
Negative Roles of a Novel Nitrogen Metabolite Repression-Related Gene,
TAR1
, in Laccase Production and Nitrate Utilization by the Basidiomycete
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Jiang Nan , Xiao Dongguang , Zhang Defa , Sun Naiyu , Yan Bing , Zhu Xudong
Published: September 2009

The multicopper oxidase laccase is widespread in fungi and has great industrial importance. One puzzle regarding laccase production in the basidiomycetous yeast
Cryptococcus neoformans
is that it is inhibited by high temperature (e.g., 37°C). In this paper, we report identification of a nitrogen metabolite repression-related gene,
TAR1
, which is responsible for laccase repression. Disruption of
TAR1
results in a significant increase in the level of
LAC1
mRNA at 37°C. The putative protein Tar1 shares a moderate level of similarity with the nitrogen metabolite repressors Nmr1 and NmrA from
Neurospora crassa
and
Aspergillus nidulans
, respectively. Likewise, Tar1 has a negative role in the utilization of nitrate. Furthermore, the structure of Tar1 is unique. Tar1 lacks the long C-terminal region of Nmr1 and NmrA. It contains the canonical Rossmann fold motif, GlyXXGlyXXGly, whereas Nmr1 and NmrA have variable residues at the Gly positions. Interestingly, the promoter region of
TAR1
contains three TTC/GAA repeats which are likely the heat shock factor (Hsf) binding sites, implying that Hsf has a role in laccase inhibition.
TAR1
mediation of temperature-associated repression of
LAC1
suggests a novel mechanism of laccase regulation and a new function for Nmr proteins. Our work may be helpful for industry in terms of promotion of laccase activity.
Mutations That Disrupt Either thepqqor thegdhGene ofRahnella aquatilisAbolish the Production of an Antibacterial Substance and Result in Reduced Biological Control of Grapevine Crown Gall
Authors: Guo Yan Bin , Li Jinyun , Li Lei , Chen Fan , Wu Wenliang , Wang Jianhui , Wang Huimin
Published: September 2009

Rahnella aquatilisHX2, a biocontrol agent for grapevine crown gall caused byAgrobacterium vitis, produces an antibacterial substance that inhibits the growth ofA. vitisin vitro. In this study, we show that MH15 and MH16, two Tn5-induced mutants of HX2, have lost their abilities to inhibitA. vitisand have reduced biocontrol activities; they grow in logarithmic phase at a rate similar to that of the wild type and have single Tn5insertions. They are also impaired in producing pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) or glucose dehydrogenase (GDH). Complementation of MH15 and MH16 with cosmid clones of CP465 and CP104 from an HX2 DNA library restored the antibiosis, biocontrol, and PQQ or GDH production phenotypes. A 6.7-kb BamHI fragment from CP465 that fully restored the MH15-affected phenotypes was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of the mutated DNA region resulted in the identification of seven open reading frames (ORFs), six of which share significant homology with PQQ-synthesizing genes in other bacteria, designatedpqqAthroughpqqF. Meanwhile, A 5.5-kb PstI fragment from CP104 fully complemented the MH16 mutant and contained a single ORF highly similar to that of genes coding for GDHs. An in-framegdhdeletion mutant has the same phenotypes as the Tn5mutant of MH16. Complementation of both deletion and Tn5 gdhmutants restored the affected phenotypes to wild-type levels. Our results suggest that an antibacterial substance plays a role in biocontrol ofA. vitisby HX2.
The Complete Genome of
Comamonas testosteroni
Reveals Its Genetic Adaptations to Changing Environments
Authors: Ma Ying-Fei , Zhang Yun , Zhang Jia-Yue , Chen Dong-Wei , Zhu Yongqian , Zheng Huajun , Wang Sheng-Yue , Jiang Cheng-Ying , Zhao Guo-Ping , Liu Shuang-Jiang
Published: September 2009

Members of the gram-negative, strictly aerobic genus
Comamonas
occur in various environments. Here we report the complete genome of
Comamonas testosteroni
strain CNB-2. Strain CNB-2 has a circular chromosome that is 5,373,643 bp long and has a G+C content of 61.4%. A total of 4,803 open reading frames (ORFs) were identified; 3,514 of these ORFs are functionally assigned to energy production, cell growth, signal transduction, or transportation, while 866 ORFs encode hypothetical proteins and 423 ORFs encode purely hypothetical proteins. The CNB-2 genome has many genes for transportation (22%) and signal transduction (6%), which allows the cells to respond and adapt to changing environments. Strain CNB-2 does not assimilate carbohydrates due to the lack of genes encoding proteins involved in glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways, and it contains many genes encoding proteins involved in degradation of aromatic compounds. We identified 66 Tct and nine TRAP-T systems and a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle, which may allow CNB-2 to take up and metabolize a range of carboxylic acids. This nutritional bias for carboxylic acids and aromatic compounds enables strain CNB-2 to occupy unique niches in environments. Four different sets of terminal oxidases for the respiratory system were identified, and they putatively functioned at different oxygen concentrations. This study conclusively revealed at the genomic level that the genetic versatility of
C. testosteroni
is vital for competition with other bacteria in its special niches.