bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Masked affective stimuli moderate task difficulty effects on effort‐related cardiovascular response
Authors: Silvestrini Nicolas , Gendolla Guido H. E.
Published: April 2011

This experiment investigated the combined effect of masked affective stimuli and task difficulty on effort‐related cardiovascular response. Cardiovascular reactivity (ICG, blood pressure) was recorded during a baseline period and performance of an easy or difficult attention task in which participants were exposed to masked sad vs. happy facial expressions. As expected, participants in the sad‐faces/easy and happy‐faces/difficult conditions showed stronger sympathetic nervous system discharge to the heart and vasculature—shorter preejection period, higher systolic blood pressure—indicating more effort than participants in the sad‐faces/difficult and happy‐faces/easy conditions. Total peripheral resistance reacted similarly as preejection period and systolic blood pressure. The findings are compatible with the effects of consciously experienced affect on effort‐related cardiovascular response.
A comparison of soil and water properties in organic and conventional farming systems in England
Authors: Hathaway‐Jenkins L. J. , Sakrabani R. , Pearce B. , Whitmore A. P. , Godwin R. J.
Published: April 2011

Organic farming and improvements to agricultural sustainability are often seen as synonymous. However, an extensive European review demonstrated that in practice this is not always true. This study aims to compare the status of soil and water properties between separate fields managed in either an organic or a conventional manner. Soil samples were collected from 16 pairs of farms, throughout England, with both arable and grass fields within each pair on similar soil type. Chemical (nutrients, pesticides, herbicides) and physical (aggregate stability, field capacity, shear strength, soil organic matter, infiltration rates) soil properties were measured in four main soil texture classes in organic and conventional fields. The physical soil properties varied significantly between the different classes of texture and land use. The heavier textured soils have significantly higher soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate stability and shear strength. The coarse‐textured soils have significantly lower field capacity moisture contents. The grassland has a significantly higher level of SOC, field capacity moisture content, aggregate stability and soil shear strength. However, there were no significant differences between organic and conventional treatments for any of the soil physical properties measured. There were fewer traces of agrochemicals in the soil water from the organic fields compared with the conventionally managed fields. The conventional arable fields had higher levels of total inorganic nitrogen than the other land uses and treatments. There was evidence to show that infiltration rates were significantly higher on organically managed grassland soils (7.6 mm/h) than conventionally managed grassland (2.5 mm/h) with lower stocking rates. The results suggest that improved grassland management, whether organic or conventional, could reduce predicted runoff by 28%.
Role of TNF‐α in virus‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and neuronal M2 muscarinic receptor dysfunction
Authors: Nie Zhenying , Scott Gregory D , Weis Patrick D , Itakura Asako , Fryer Allison D , Jacoby David B
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Infections with respiratory viruses induce exacerbations of asthma, increase acetylcholine release and potentiate vagally mediated bronchoconstriction by blocking inhibitory M2 muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic neurons. Here we test whether virus‐induced M2 receptor dysfunction and airway hyperresponsiveness are tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) dependent.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Guinea pigs were pretreated with etanercept or phosphate‐buffered saline 24 h before intranasal infection with parainfluenza. Four days later, pulmonary inflation pressure, heart rate and blood pressure were measured. M2 receptor function was assessed by the potentiation by gallamine (an M2 receptor antagonist) of bronchoconstriction caused by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves and measured as increased pulmonary inflation pressure. Human airway epithelial cells were infected with influenza and TNF‐α concentration in supernatant was measured before supernatant was applied to human neuroblastoma cells. M2 receptor expression in these neuroblastoma cells was measured by qRT‐PCR.

KEY RESULTS Influenza‐infected animals were hyperresponsive to vagal stimulation but not to intravenous ACh. Gallamine did not potentiate vagally induced bronchoconstriction in virus‐infected animals, indicating M2 receptor dysfunction. Etanercept prevented virus‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and M2 receptor dysfunction, without changing lung viral titres. Etanercept caused a non‐significant decrease in total cells, macrophages and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage. Influenza infection significantly increased TNF‐α release from isolated epithelial cells, sufficient to decrease M2 receptors in neuroblastoma cells. This ability of supernatants from infected epithelial cells to inhibit M2 receptor expression was blocked by etanercept.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS TNF‐α is a key mediator of virus‐induced M2 muscarinic receptor dysfunction and airway hyperresponsiveness.
Hydrophobic anions potently and uncompetitively antagonize GABAA receptor function in the absence of a conventional binding site
Authors: Chisari M , Wu K , Zorumski CF , Mennerick S
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A ‘lock‐and‐key’ binding site typically accounts for the effect of receptor antagonists. However, sulphated neurosteroids are potent non‐competitive antagonists of GABAA receptors without a clear structure–activity relationship. To gain new insights, we tested two structurally unrelated hydrophobic anions with superficially similar properties to sulphated neurosteroids.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used voltage‐clamp techniques in Xenopus oocytes and hippocampal neurons to characterize dipicrylamine (DPA) and tetraphenylborate (TPB), compounds previously used to probe membrane structure and voltage‐gated ion channel function.

KEY RESULTS Both DPA and TPB potently antagonized GABAA receptors. DPA exhibited an IC50 near 60 nM at half‐maximal GABA concentration and antagonism with features indistinguishable from pregnenolone sulphate antagonism, including sensitivity to a point mutation in transmembrane domain 2 of the α1 subunit. Bovine serum albumin, which scavenges free membrane‐associated DPA, accelerated both capacitance offset and antagonism washout. Membrane interactions and antagonism were explored using the voltage‐dependent movement of DPA between membrane leaflets. Washout of DPA antagonism was strongly voltage‐dependent, paralleling DPA membrane loss, although steady‐state antagonism lacked voltage dependence. At antagonist concentrations, DPA failed to affect inhibitory post‐synaptic current (IPSC) amplitude or decay, but DPA accelerated pharmacologically prolonged IPSCs.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Neurosteroid‐like GABAA receptor antagonism appears to lacks a conventional binding site. These features highlight key roles of membrane interactions in antagonism. Because its membrane mobility can be controlled, DPA may be a useful probe of GABAA receptors, but its effects on excitability via GABAA receptors raise caveats for its use in monitoring neuronal activity.
Negative Impact of Episodic Migraine on a University Population: Quality of Life, Functional Impairment, and Comorbid Psychiatric Symptoms
Authors: Smitherman Todd A. , McDermott Michael J. , Buchanan Erin M.
Published: April 2011

(Headache 2011;51:581‐589)

Background.— Migraine is associated with significant negative impact, including reduced quality of life, impaired functioning, and comorbid psychiatric disorders. However, the impact of migraine on university students is understudied, despite their high prevalence of migraine and psychiatric disorders and their frequent use in research studies.

Objectives.— The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the impact of migraine among college students on quality of life, functional impairment, and comorbid psychiatric symptoms.

Methods.— Three hundred and ninety‐one students (76.73% female, mean age = 19.43 ± 2.80 years) completed well‐validated measures of migraine and migraine‐related disability, quality of life, and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. They also quantified impairment in school attendance and home functioning and reported the number of medical visits during the preceding 3 months.

Results.— One hundred and one (25.83%) met conservative screening criteria for episodic migraine; their mean score on the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire was 9.98 ± 12.10. Compared to those not screening positive for migraine, the migraine‐positive group reported reduced quality of life on 5 of 6 domains, as well as a higher frequency of missed school days (2.74 vs 1.36), impaired functioning at home (2.84 vs 1.21 days), and medical visits (1.86 vs 0.95). They also reported more symptoms of both depression and anxiety than controls, although differences in functional impairment remained after controlling for these comorbid psychiatric symptoms. These differences were highly statistically significant and corroborated by evidence of clinically significant impairment; the corresponding effect sizes were modest but non‐trivial.

Conclusions.— Episodic migraine is associated with negative impact in numerous domains among university students. These findings replicate and extend those of studies on other samples and have implications for future research studies with this population.
MAP0004, Orally Inhaled DHE: A Randomized, Controlled Study in the Acute Treatment of Migraine
Authors: Aurora Sheena K. , Silberstein Stephen D. , Kori Shashidhar H. , Tepper Stewart J. , Borland Scott W. , Wang Min , Dodick David W.
Published: April 2011

(Headache 2011;51:507‐517)

Objective.— To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of MAP0004 compared with placebo for a single migraine in adult migraineurs: The FREEDOM‐301 Study.

Background.— Acute treatment of migraine remains a clinical challenge despite the availability of triptans and other agents. Injectable dihydroergotamine, although effective, is considered invasive and inconvenient, and intranasal dihydroergotamine is associated with inconsistent systemic dosage delivery. MAP0004 is an orally inhaled formulation of dihydroergotamine delivered to the systemic circulation. In a phase 2 study, MAP0004 provided significant early onset of pain relief (10 minutes, P < .05) and sustained pain relief for up to 48 hours with a favorable adverse event profile.

Methods.— A phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, single‐attack, outpatient study of MAP0004, an inhaled dihydroergotamine was conducted at 102 sites in 903 adults with a history of episodic migraine. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive MAP0004 (0.63 mg emitted dose; 1.0 mg nominal dose) or placebo, administered after onset of a migraine headache with moderate to severe pain. The co‐primary endpoints were patient‐assessed pain relief and absence of photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea at 2 hours after treatment.

Results.— A total of 903 patients (450 active, 453 placebo) were randomized, and 792 (395 active, 397 placebo) experienced a qualifying migraine. MAP0004 was superior to placebo in all 4 co‐primary endpoints: pain relief (58.7% vs 34.5%, P < .0001), phonophobia free (52.9% vs 33.8%, P < .0001), photophobia free (46.6% vs 27.2%, P < .0001), and nausea free (67.1% vs 58.7%, P = .0210). Additionally, significantly more patients were pain‐free at 2 hours following treatment with MAP0004 than with placebo (28.4% vs 10.1%, P < .0001). MAP0004 was well tolerated; no drug‐related serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions.— In this study, MAP0004 was effective and well tolerated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura, providing statistically significant pain relief and freedom from photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea in adults with migraine compared with placebo.
New Daily Persistent Headache: Clinical Perspective
Authors: Rozen Todd D.
Published: April 2011

New daily persistent headache is a recognized form of primary chronic daily headache. It is unique in its presentation and course. The goal of this article is to discuss the clinical characteristics, triggering factors, possible underlying pathogenesis and treatment options for this unique headache disorder. At present prognosis for new daily persistent headache is considered poor with very few effective treatment options. A new treatment paradigm for new daily persistent headache based on triggering events will be suggested. The current International Classification of Headache Disorders 2 criteria for new daily persistent headache will also be discussed including its apparent inadequacies and revised criteria will be recommended.
New Daily Persistent Headache: A Syndrome Not a Discrete Disorder
Authors: Goadsby Peter J.
Published: April 2011

The term New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) has been used for nearly 25 years and yet the entity remains enigmatic. It can be argued the simplest, indeed most appropriate, approach is to use the term to mean simply what it says‐ i.e. as an umbrella description, rather like chronic daily headache. NDPH should be used as a diagnostic umbrella inviting better characterization, not be an achievement in itself. This would mean the term required no further elaboration‐ there would be no mimics‐ simply primary and secondary NDPH. A detailed examination of the literature reveals considerable heterogeneity in the phenotypic descriptions labelled as NDPH. The first effort in a patient with a NDPH presentation is to discern if secondary causes are present; some are obvious, such as subarachnoid bleeds and some can be more troublesome, such as syndromes of abnormal CSF pressure/volume, either high or low. A cohort of primary NDPH headaches can be seen in practice and in the literature and these should be sub‐divided into a migrainous type, with appropriate phenotypic manifestations and a featureless type. Patients with any one of the NDPH presentations are best managed according to the more detailed pathophysiology‐based diagnosis then lumped together into a single group, since a single disorder is unlikely to exist.
Postpartum Headache Due to Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection
Authors: Borelli Paolo , Baldacci Filippo , Nuti Angelo , Lucetti Claudio , Berti Caterina , Logi Chiara , Orlandi Giovanni , Bonuccelli Ubaldo
Published: April 2011

Postpartum headache is quite common and often related to potentially ominous cerebrovascular accidents. As illustrated in previously published reports, spontaneous cervical artery dissection is a rare but possible cause of headache in the postpartum. We provide 2 additional cases to the 19 described so far, including the first ever report of migraine with aura‐like symptoms. Additionally, we summarize the literature and we speculate about the possible etiopathological mechanism underlying this condition.
Genetics‐Genomics Competencies and Nursing Regulation
Authors: Kirk Maggie , Calzone Kathleen , Arimori Naoko , Tonkin Emma
Published: April 2011

Purpose: The aim of this article is to explore the interaction between the integration of genetics‐genomics competencies into nursing curricula and regulatory standards. By taking a global perspective of activity in this field, we aim to develop a framework that can inform strategic planning in relation to international genetics‐genomics and nursing education.

Methods: We focus our exploration around a small‐scale international survey on the progress, achievements, and critical success factors of 10 countries in relation to the integration of genetics‐genomics into nursing education, with exemplars from three of those countries.

Findings: Analysis of the data generated 10 themes, each with several subthemes that play a critical role in the development of genetics‐genomics in nursing education and practice. The themes were organized into three overarching themes: nursing in genetics, genetics in nursing, and recognition and support. Genetics‐genomics competence is not fully integrated into nursing education at an appropriate level in any country, nor was it reflected robustly in current standards for registration and licensure.

Conclusion: Strong leadership from the specialist genetics community plays a critical role in defining genetics‐genomics competence but the engagement of nursing professionals at senior levels in both government and regulatory institutions is essential if nurses are to be active participants in the innovations offered by genomic healthcare.

Clinical Relevance: Safe and effective nursing practice must incorporate the needs of those with, at risk for, or susceptible to genetic‐genomic conditions, as well as those who might benefit from the application of genomic technologies in the diagnosis and management of common conditions such as cancer and heart disease. The scope of such practice can be articulated though competence statements. Professional regulation defines the standard of competence that practicing nurses should demonstrate at initial registration and licensure.
Workplace Violence Against Nursing Students and Nurses: An Italian Experience
Authors: Magnavita Nicola , Heponiemi Tarja
Published: April 2011

Background: Nurses and nursing students are exposed to workplace violence.

Objectives: To compare the characteristics and effects of violence in nursing students and nurses in order to assess the phenomenon and take preventive action.

Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted in three Italian university schools of nursing. At the end of a lecture, 346 of 349 students agreed to fill out a questionnaire that included domains on violence, mental health, job stress, and organizational justice. This group was compared with 275 nurses from a general hospital (94.2% participation rate).

Results: The prevalence of subjects reporting at least one upsetting episode of physical or verbal violence during their lifetime activity in clinical settings was 43% in nurses and 34% in nursing students. Nurses reported more physical assaults (odds ratio [OR] 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–6.18), threats (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.39–5.79), and sexual harassment (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.15–5.54) during the previous 12 months than students. Nurses were mostly assaulted or harassed by patients or their relatives and friends (“external” violence), whereas students often reported verbal and also physical violence on the part of colleagues, staff, and others, including teachers, doctors, and supervisors (“internal” violence). Verbal violence was associated with high levels of psychological problems, as measured by the 12‐item version of the General Health Questionnaire, in both students and nurses. Verbal violence was also associated with high job strain, low social support, and low organizational justice, but only among nursing students.

Conclusions: Preventive action is urgently needed to control patient‐to‐worker and worker‐to‐worker violence in clinical settings.

Clinical Relevance: Not only nurses, but also nursing students, would benefit from multilevel programs of violence prevention.
Melt‐Derived Condensed Polymorphic Calcium Phosphate as Bone Substitute Material: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Balamurugan Anbalagan , Mabrouk Khalil El , Pina Sandra , Bousmina Mostapha M. , Ferreira Jose M. F.
Published: April 2011

The calcium phosphate family of biomaterials includes numerous compounds that might find applicability in orthopedics and dentistry as implant materials. However, only calcium phosphates of higher Ca:P ratio such as hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphates have been exposed to extensive investigations. Reports on the biomedical application of calcium phosphates with lower Ca:P ratios are sparse. The condensed calcium phosphates ([Ca(PO3)2]n‐Ca:P=0.5) represent such material. In the present work, calcium polyphosphate (CPP) with Ca:P=0.5 was synthesized and CPP scaffolds were fabricated. The synthesized polymorphic CPP powder was characterized for its chemical prosperities using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques and the fabricated scaffolds were tested in MC3T3 (murine osteoblast) cells for their biocompatibility. Cell viability test results indicate that CPP did not exert cytotoxicity effect on the cells after being cultured 21 days. CPP sintered at 1100°C showed better cell attachment and proliferation. The results obtained in the present work demonstrate the suitability of CPP as potential scaffold material for translocation of cells.
Photoluminescence Properties of Er3+‐Doped and Er3+/Yb3+ Codoped SnO–P2O5 Glasses
Authors: Shyu Jiin‐Jyh , Chiang Chih‐Chun
Published: April 2011

The effects of Er2O3 (0–8 mol%) doping and Er2O3 and Yb2O3 codoping (total 1–7 mol%) on the absorption cross‐section, PL, and upconversion intensities of the SnO–P2O5 glass have been investigated. Precipitation of ErPO4 and the (Yb, Er)PO4 crystalline phase in the SnO–P2O5 glass matrix when the total rare‐earth oxide content is >4 mol% plays an important role in determining the absorption cross‐section, PL, and upconversion intensities. For Er3+‐doped glass, the variation of the PL characteristic with the Er2O3 content is obviously different from that for general rare‐earth‐doped glasses. This result is explained in terms of the light‐scattering effect caused by the ErPO4 crystals and the constant Er–Er distance in ErPO4 crystals with increasing Er2O3 content. After codoping with Yb2O3, the PL intensity of the glass is enhanced by about 14.7 times at the optimum Yb2O3 content of 6 mol% (∼1.81 × 1021 ions/cm3). Further increase in the Yb2O3 content results in the reduction of PL intensity, which can be explained in terms of the APTE upconversion effect.
Searching for a Biomimetic Method of Fabricating Network Structures
Authors: Cox Brian
Published: April 2011

A recent theory has suggested that populations of migrating and proliferating cells can create network structures by responding to strain cues associated with the cell density variations that arise during network formation. Unlike prior theories of network formation, the strain‐cue mechanism leads to nonfractal networks, consisting of closed loops rather than tree‐like morphologies. In this paper, the possibility is suggested of developing a synthetic process for fabricating networks that mimic the mechanisms present in the theory. Such a biomimetic process should replicate three phenomena: (1) the extension of the existing network domain should be governed by the strain field that exists just outside the existing domain, rather than the strains within the domain; (2) the process should be stochastic; and (3) a relaxation mechanism must be present by which the strains that induce network extension at any location will fade with time. Simulations imply values for the key parameters of these mechanisms to achieve useful networks. Possible routes to realizing a biomimetic system are discussed.
Keratinocyte morphology of human skin evaluated by in vivo multiphoton laser tomography
Authors: Koehler M. J. , Zimmermann S. , Springer S. , Elsner P. , König K. , Kaatz M.
Published: April 2011

Background: Multiphoton tomography (MPT) is a novel non‐invasive imaging method in dermatology allowing the depiction of the epidermis with sub‐cellular resolution. Here, we present a descriptive characterization of unaffected human epidermis, morphometric data on human keratinocytes and some epidermal parameters in vivo and a morphological characterization of keratinocyte changes in actinic keratoses.

Methods: In a clinical setting, 57 volunteers of different age groups were examined using MPT.

Results: The morphological appearance of keratinocytes showed polygonal cells in the horny layer, a granular cytoplasm in the stratum granulosum, smaller prickle cells in the stratum spinosum and hyperpigmented small round basal cells. Actinic keratoses presented remarkable differences including widened inter‐cellular spaces, heterogeneity in cellular fluorescence and shape as well as an increased ratio of nuclear to cellular size. Finally, the thickness of the epidermis was significantly increased in actinic keratoses compared with the control.

Conclusion: In vivo MPT provides high‐resolution images allowing the identification and quantification of cellular morphometric parameters. First observations of morphology and morphometry of actinic keratoses are reported.
The right ventricular systolic to diastolic duration ratio: a simple prognostic marker in congenital diaphragmatic hernia?
Authors: Aggarwal Sanjeev , Stockman Paul T , Klein Michael D , Natarajan Girija
Published: April 2011

Aims:  (i) To compare the ratio of right ventricular systolic to diastolic duration (SD/DD) in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and normal controls and (ii) to examine its association, if any, with outcomes in CDH.

Methods:  Retrospective chart and echocardiographic review of consecutive neonates (<1 month old) with CDH and term controls without structural heart defects. Right ventricular SD/DD was calculated by a single reader.

Results:  Infants with CDH (n = 29) were comparable to controls (n = 27) in their mean (SD) age [2.2 (3.3) vs. 2 (4.0) days], birthweight [3 (0.67) vs. 3 (0.69) kg] and proportion of males (48.2% vs. 72.4%). The DD and SD/DD were significantly abnormal in the CDH group, compared to controls. Among infants with CDH, those who died (n = 15) and those who died or required ECMO (n = 17) had significantly shorter DD and higher SD/DD ratio. At a cut‐off of 1.3, SD/DD ratio had a sensitivity of 92.8 (95% CI 64–99%) and specificity of 61.5 (32–85%) for prediction of mortality. Significant independent associations with mortality were observed with antenatal diagnosis (p = 0.003) and higher SD/DD ratio (p = 0.04).

Conclusion:  The right ventricular SD/DD ratio is a sensitive objective prognostic marker in infants with CDH. Further studies incorporating SD/DD ratio as a guide to intervention are warranted.
Influence of artificial accelerated ageing on the colour stability of paints used for ocular prosthesis iris painting
Authors: Mundim Fabrício M. , Antunes Pedro L. , Sousa Ana Beatriz S. , Garcia Lucas F. R. , Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda C. P.
Published: April 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00473.x
 
Influence of artificial accelerated ageing on the colour stability of paints used for ocular prosthesis iris painting

Objectives:  To evaluate the colour stability of paints used for ocular prosthesis iris painting submitted for accelerated artificial ageing (AAA).

Materials and methods:  Forty specimens of acrylic resin for sclera (16 × 2 mm) were made and separated into eight groups (n = 10) according to the type of paint (gouache, GP; oil, OP; acrylic AP; and composite resin for characterisation, CR) and the colours used (blue/brown). After drying (72 h), a new layer of colourless acrylic resin was applied and the initial colour readout was performed (Spectrophotometer PCB 6807). New colour readouts were performed after AAA, and ΔE was calculated.

Results:  Statistical analysis (two‐way anova–Bonferroni, p < 0.05) demonstrated that the brown colour showed lower ΔE means in comparison with the blue colour, with statistically significant difference for AP only. Blue colour showed no statistically significant difference with regard to the type of paint used. Brown AP showed lower ΔE than the other groups, with significant difference for OP and GP. GP showed greater alteration in ΔE for the brown colour, being statistically similar only to OP.

Conclusions:  Only the AP group for brown pigment shows clinically acceptable values for colour stability after AAA.
Challenges and barriers to quality oral care as perceived by caregivers in long‐stay institutions in Brazil
Authors: Unfer Beatriz , Braun Katia O. , de Oliveira Ferreira Ana C. , Ruat Gabrielle R. , Batista Aline K.
Published: April 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00475.x
 
Challenges and barriers to quality oral care as perceived by caregivers in long‐stay institutions in Brazil

Objective:  To describe how caregivers perceive the oral health status in the elderly they care for; the routines for oral hygiene in nursing homes; caregivers perceived barriers for quality oral care; and the caregivers competence and need for training in this area.

Background:  The phenomena surrounding ageing has been the subject of worldwide interest, particularly concerning issues related to institutionalised elderly, where several studies have shown the precarious oral health status of such individuals.

Materials and methods:  A qualitative interview study was held in a city in southern Brazil. Study participants were 26 caregivers of elderly people, belonging to seven institutions. Statements were collected through interviews, whose results were interpreted by phenomenological analysis.

Results:  Caregivers of institutionalised elderly reveal contradictions in knowledge and practices of oral health. Although it could be expected that the perception and attitudes of caregivers of their own oral health could influence the care they offer to the elderly, barriers to the implementation of such activities appear to refer to situations outside of their responsibility, especially in the absence of time and staff.

Conclusions:  The oral care of older people in geriatric institutions requires multidisciplinary and interinstitutional actions capable of reversing the continuing framework of neglect, requiring interventions for health promotion and disease prevention that can and should be implemented in institutions.
Crystal structure of basic 7S globulin, a xyloglucan‐specific endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase inhibitor protein‐like protein from soybean lacking inhibitory activity against endo‐β‐glucanase
Authors: Yoshizawa Takuya , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Yamabe Mayuki , Taichi Misako , Nishiuchi Yuji , Shichijo Naoki , Unzai Satoru , Hirano Hisashi , Sato Mamoru , Hashimoto Hiroshi
Published: April 2011

β‐Linked glucans such as cellulose and xyloglucan are important components of the cell walls of most dicotyledonous plants. These β‐linked glucans are constantly exposed to degradation by various endo‐β‐glucanases from pathogenic bacteria and fungi. To protect the cell wall from degradation by such enzymes, plants secrete proteinaceous endo‐β‐glucanases inhibitors, such as xyloglucan‐specific endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase inhibitor protein (XEGIP) in tomato. XEGIPs typically inhibit xyloglucanase, a member of the glycoside hydrolase (GH)12 family. XEGIPs are also found in legumes, including soybean and lupin. To date, tomato XEGIP has been well studied, whereas XEGIPs from legumes are less well understood. Here, we determined the crystal structure of basic 7S globulin (Bg7S), a XEGIP from soybean, which represents the first three‐dimensional structure of XEGIP. Bg7S formed a tetramer with pseudo‐222 symmetry. Analytical centrifugation and size exclusion chromatography experiments revealed that the assembly of Bg7S in solution depended on pH. The structure of Bg7S was similar to that of a xylanase inhibitor protein from wheat (Tritinum aestivum xylanase inhibitor) that inhibits GH11 xylanase. Surprisingly, Bg7S lacked inhibitory activity against not only GH11 but also GH12 enzymes. In addition, we found that XEGIPs from azukibean, yardlongbean and mungbean also had no impact on the activity of either GH12 or GH11 enzymes, indicating that legume XEGIPs generally do not inhibit these enzymes. We reveal the structural basis of why legume XEGIPs lack this inhibitory activity. This study will provide significant clues for understanding the physiological role of Bg7S.

Database
 Coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank Japan (PDBj) (http://www.pdbj.org/) under the accession number 3AUP.

Structured digital abstract 

Bg7S
 binds to Bg7S by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)

Bg7S
 binds to Bg7S by cosedimentation in solution (View Interaction 1, 2)

Bg7S
 binds to Bg7S by molecular sieving (View Interaction 1, 2)
Erectile Dysfunction, Depression, and Ischemic Heart Disease: Does the Existence of One Component of This Triad Necessitate Inquiring the Other Two? (CME)
Authors: El-Sakka Ahmed I
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) depression and ischemic heart disease (IHD) had long been classified as independent medical conditions managed by unrelated medical services. Recent studies have revealed the intimate associations among the three conditions. However, when a patient presents with one component of this triad, whether the physicians should also screen for the other two components is still an important question to be answered.

Aim

The purpose of this Continuing Medical Education article is to review contemporary knowledge regarding the reinforcing associations between the three conditions and to highlight the importance of screening for the other two components when a patient presents with one component of this triad, thus enabling best-practice management.

Methods

An English-language MEDLINE review was performed from 1990 to present-day for the association between ED, depression and IHD.

Main Outcome Measure

Current state of information regarding associations among the three conditions.

Results

Recent studies have established a new paradigm for the intimate associations among the three conditions. Furthermore, various risk factors and medical co-morbidities such as age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and related medications have been demonstrated to be highly associated with psychological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and sexual dysfunctions.

Conclusions

The integrative view and holistic approach with full consideration of the property of each condition is the appropriate way for the diagnosis and management of patients with these conditions.
Review of cetacean biopsy techniques: Factors contributing to successful sample collection and physiological and behavioral impacts
Authors: Noren Dawn P. , Mocklin Julie A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Biopsy techniques have been developed to collect skin and blubber samples through non‐lethal methods. One sample can provide data on genetics, prey preferences, foraging ecology, contaminant loads, and physiological processes. The limited data available suggest that biopsy wounds heal quickly and that there are usually no discernable adverse health effects. Published accounts on factors contributing to the success of collecting biopsy samples and the behavioral impacts to cetaceans following biopsy sampling were standardized to permit statistical analysis. Several factors contribute to the success of acquiring samples; however, sampling rates do not differ significantly between delivery devices. Behavioral responses to biopsy sampling vary by species and other factors. The most predominant response for odontocetes is low, while low and moderate responses are equally prevalent for mysticetes. The use of retrieval lines may increase the occurrence of moderate and strong responses by mysticetes. These findings suggest that biopsy sampling is relatively benign, causing only minor and short‐lived responses. However, most researchers do not report sufficient data to assess short‐ and long‐term physiological and behavioral impacts. Finally, limited data suggest that biopsy sampling does not impact cetacean habitat use or distribution patterns. Yet these impacts are rarely investigated, so additional data are needed.
Partial Replacement of Fish Meal by Fermented Soybean Meal in Diets for Black Sea Bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii, Juveniles
Authors: Zhou Fan , Song Wenxin , Shao Qingjun , Peng Xiang , Xiao Jinxing , Hua Ying , Owari Bergo Ngandzali , Zhang Tingzhou , Ng Wing‐Keong
Published: April 2011

The effect of fish meal (FM) substitution with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in the diets of the carnivorous marine fish, black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii, was investigated. An 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted with black sea bream (11.82 ± 0.32 g; mean initial weight) in indoor flow‐through fiberglass tanks (25 fish per tank). Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated, in which FM was replaced by FSBM at 0% (control diet), 10% (FSBM10), 20% (FSBM20), 30% (FSBM30), 40% (FSBM40), or 50% (FSBM50), respectively. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish twice daily to apparent satiation. The results showed that there was no difference in survival of black sea bream during the feeding trial. Fish fed the FSBM10 or FSBM20 diet showed comparable growth performance compared with fish fed the control diet (P > 0.05), whereas more than 30% replacement of FM adversely affected weight gain and specific growth rate (P < 0.05). Feed intake was significantly lower for fish fed the FSBM50 diet compared with fish fed the control diet. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) tended to increase with increasing dietary FSBM with the poorest FCR observed for fish fed the FSBM50 diet. Protein efficiency ratio and protein productive values showed similar patterns. Apparent digestibility of nutrients significantly decreased with increasing dietary FSBM level. With the exception of protein content, no significant differences in whole body and dorsal muscle composition were observed in fish fed the various diets. Fish fed the FSBM50 diet had significantly lower intraperitoneal ratio than fish fed the control or FSBM10 diet. Hepatosomatic index and condition factor were unaffected by dietary treatments. This study showed that up to 20% of dietary FM protein could be replaced by FSBM protein in the diets of juvenile black sea bream.
Evaluation of a Low‐head Recirculating Aquaculture System Used for Rearing Florida Pompano to Market Size
Authors: Pfeiffer Timothy J. , Riche Marty A.
Published: April 2011

A low‐head recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for the production of Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, from juvenile to market size was evaluated. The 32.4‐m3 RAS consisted of three dual‐drain, 3‐m diameter culture tanks of 7.8‐m3 volume each, two 0.71‐m3 moving bed bioreactors filled with media (67% fill with K1 Kaldness media) for biofiltration, two degassing towers for CO2 removal and aeration, a drum filter with a 40‐µm screen for solids removal, and a 1‐hp low‐head propeller pump for water circulation. Supplemental oxygenation was provided in each tank by ultrafine ceramic diffusers and system salinity was maintained at 7.0 g/L. Juvenile pompano (0.043 kg mean weight) were stocked into each of the three tanks at an initial density of 1.7 kg/m3 (300 fish/tank). After 306 d of culture, the mean weight of the fish harvested from each tank ranged from 0.589 to 0.655 kg with survival ranging from 57.7 to 81.7%. During the culture period, the average water use per kilogram of fish was 3.26 or 1.82 m3 per fish harvested. Energy consumption per kilogram of fish was 47.2 or 22.4 kwh per fish harvested. The mean volumetric total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) removal rate of the bioreactors was 127.6 ± 58.3 g TAN removed/m3 media‐d with an average of 33.0% removal per pass. Results of this evaluation suggest that system modifications are warranted to enhance production to commercial levels (>60 kg/m3).
Potential for Production of Uni by Strongylocentrotus intermedius Using Dry Formulated Feeds
Authors: Lawrence John M. , Chang Yaqing , Cao Xuebin , Lawrence Addison L. , Watts Stephen A.
Published: April 2011

Strongylocentrotus intermedius is the most important species for production of uni in Japan and China. Demand has exceeded supply from fisheries as stocks have been depleted and field culture is limited in production. This had led to interest in on‐land aquaculture as a potential source to increase production of uni. Studies have shown culture on land is feasible and that formulated feeds support gonad production. This paper reports high gonad production (gonad indexes of 35) using dry formulated feeds that exceeds maximum indexes for S. intermedius in the field and equals that reported for raft culture. The availability of a dry formulated feed that is effective in production of uni increases the potential for land‐based aquaculture of S. intermedius.
Jurinea giviensis sp. nov. (Compositae) from Iran
Authors: Mirtadzadini Mansour , Reza Rahiminejad Mohammad , Vitek Ernst
Published: April 2011

Jurinea giviensis sp. nov. (sect. Corymbosae Benth.) is described from northwestern Iran. The new species is morphologically compared with the closely related species J. tzar‐ferdinandii Davidov and J. multiflora (L.) B. Fedtsch., and the sympatric J. heterophylla (Jaub. et Spach) Boiss. Relevant description, a diagnostic table and illustrations are provided.
Factors Associated with Adverse Outcomes during parenteral Nutrition Administration in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Queau Y. , Larsen J.A. , Kass P.H. , Glucksman G.S. , Fascetti A.J.
Published: April 2011

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is increasingly used to support hospitalized dogs and cats. Published assessments of outcome are limited.

Objective: Evaluate type and prevalence of complications and risk factors for death and complications in dogs and cats receiving PN.

Animals: Three hundred and nineteen dogs and 112 cats that received PN at a teaching hospital between 2000 and 2008.

Methods: Retrospective case review. Diagnosis, duration of PN administration, concurrent enteral feeding, death, and mechanical, septic, and metabolic complications were abstracted from medical records. Association of each parameter with complications and death was analyzed by binary logistic regression.

Results: Pancreatitis was the most common diagnosis (109/319 dogs, 34/112 cats), and 137/319 dogs and 51/112 cats died. Dogs and cats received 113 ± 40% and 103 ± 32% of resting energy requirement, respectively. Mechanical (81/319 dogs, 16/112 cats) and septic (20/319 dogs, 6/112 cats) complications were not associated with death (P > .05). Hyperglycemia was the most common metabolic complication (96/158 dogs, 31/37 cats). Hypercreatininemia in dogs (8/79) was the only complication associated with death (P < .01). Chronic kidney disease in dogs, hepatic lipidosis in cats, and longer duration of inadequate caloric intake before PN in both species were negatively associated with survival (P < .05). Factors positively associated with survival included longer duration of PN administration in both species, enteral feeding in cats with any disease, and enteral feeding in dogs with respiratory disease (P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: PN can be effectively used to provide the energy requirements of most critically ill dogs and cats. Most complications accompanying PN administration do not affect survival.
Characterization of antigen‐presenting cells induced by intragastric immunization with recombinant chimeric immunogens constructed from Streptococcus mutans AgI/II and type I or type II heat‐labile enterotoxins
Authors: Zhao W. , Zhao Z. , Russell M.W.
Published: April 2011

Intragastric (i.g.) immunization with recombinant chimeric proteins constructed from the saliva‐binding region (SBR) of Streptococcus mutans surface antigen AgI/II and the A2/B subunits of enterobacterial heat‐labile enterotoxins has been successfully used to induce salivary and circulating antibodies against S. mutans that have protective potential against dental caries. To investigate the mode of action of these vaccine constructs, mice were immunized i.g. with chimeric proteins constructed from SBR and cholera toxin (CT) or the type II enterotoxins of Escherichia coli, LT‐IIa and LT‐IIb. Antigen‐presenting cells (APC) in Peyer’s patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were characterized by flow cytometry. Compared with immunization with SBR alone, chimeric proteins SBR‐LTIIaA2/B and SBR‐LTIIbA2/B increased the number of B cells and macrophages in PP and diminished B cell numbers in MLN, whereas SBR‐CTA2/B diminished the numbers of B cells and macrophages in PP and MLN. Immunization with all three chimeric proteins led to upregulation of MHC class II molecules and co‐stimulatory receptors CD40, CD80, and CD86 especially on dendritic cells in PP and also on APC in MLN. The results provide a molecular basis for the enhanced immune responses induced by chimeric proteins compared with uncoupled antigen, and for differential responses to chimeric proteins based on CT or type II enterotoxins.
Social‐cognitive difficulties in former users of methamphetamine
Authors: Henry Julie D. , Mazur Magdalena , Rendell Peter G.
Published: April 2011

Objectives. Methamphetamine (MA) abuse is associated with neurocognitive impairment. We investigated whether important aspects of social‐cognitive function are similarly disrupted.

Method. A total of 12 adults with a history of MA dependence (average duration of use, 3.9 years), currently engaged in rehabilitation and abstinent for an average period of 6 months, and 12 MA naive participants completed measures of facial affect recognition, theory of mind, executive function and memory.

Results. MA users were impaired on the measures of facial affect recognition and theory of mind (ds=1.75 and 2.32, respectively), with the magnitude of these deficits comparable or larger to those observed on the cognitive measures.

Conclusions. Social‐cognitive difficulties are associated with MA use and have potentially important implications for rehabilitative practice.
Wikipedia Links and Viral Loops
Authors: Bremen Sara
Published: April 2011

Abstract  Exhibitions have social potential, beyond just the prospect of sharing the experience with a friend standing next to you. We can imagine ways in which the museum space can link art, objects, experiences, people, and technologies to provide a structure within which visitors feel comfortable participating. Their own contributions and the museum’s skillful use of social media can result in a more engaging exhibition, not a dumbing down of the content.
Risen Apes and Fallen Angels: The New Museology of Human Origins
Authors: Asma Stephen T.
Published: April 2011

Abstract  There has been a little explosion of “origin” exhibitions in the past few years. The recent bicentennial of Darwin’s birth, in 2009, ushered in a bevy of traveling exhibitions and events. Grand‐scale permanent exhibitions have recently opened at the American Museum of Natural History (the Spitzer Hall of Human Origins) in New York, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins) in Washington, D.C. A new museology is afoot, and some of the recent changes are worth tracking. And let’s not forget the recently opened Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky. Even in creationist thinking, where views seem eternally and stubbornly intransigent, there are new fads and museological fashions.
The Google Art Project: A New Generation of Museums on the Web?
Authors: Proctor Nancy
Published: April 2011

Abstract  On February 1, 2011, Google launched its much‐heralded Art Project in partnership with 17 museums from Europe and the U.S. Despite the limited content and a long wish‐list of enhancements, the Google Art Project offers a glimpse of innovative new ways for museums to use and be used on the Web, collaboratively.
Tangible Things: Harvard Collections in World History
Authors: Carrier David
Published: April 2011

Abstract  A multivenue exhibition, Tangible Things: Harvard Collections in World History, which involved a treasure hunt through six museums on the Harvard University campus, posed provocative questions about the apparently arbitrary classification systems in which artifacts find final resting places. Tangible Things is certain to inspire a great deal of productive reflection and controversy among museum scholars.