bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of cytology and histology results in English cervical screening laboratories before and after liquid‐based cytology conversion: do the data provide evidence for a single category of high‐grade dyskaryosis?
Authors: Blanks R. G. , Kelly R. S.
Published: October 2010

R. G. Blanks and R. S. Kelly Comparison of cytology and histology results in English cervical screening laboratories before and after liquid‐based cytology conversion: do the data provide evidence for a single category of high‐grade dyskaryosis?

Objective:  To determine whether the difference between the positive predictive value (PPV) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) of referral from moderate dyskaryosis and from severe dyskaryosis was reduced after laboratories converted from conventional to liquid‐based cytology (LBC). Furthermore, to explore the cytology/histology agreement after LBC conversion, and to determine post‐LBC whether there was increased support for the use of one single category of high‐grade dyskaryosis (equivalent to high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion).

Methods:  The association between cytology and histology has been examined using annual Korner return data (KC61 returns) collected by laboratories from the English National Health Service cervical screening programme. The study compares return data before and after LBC conversion.

Results:  The study examined data from 102 laboratories that converted from conventional cytology to LBC. Before conversion the PPV for CIN2+ of severe dyskaryosis was 88% and after increased to 90% (P = 0.003). For moderate dyskaryosis the PPV for CIN2+ increased from 70% to 72% (P = 0.06). The absolute difference of 18% between severe and moderate dyskaryosis was therefore the same pre‐ and post‐LBC conversion. The PPV of mild dyskaryosis for CIN2+ before and after conversion reduced from 23% to 19% (P < 0.001). The agreement between cytology and histology measured using a weighted Kappa statistic increased from 0.52 to 0.60 after conversion to LBC because of small increases in the proportions of severe dyskaryosis or worse with CIN3+ outcomes and mild dyskaryosis with CIN1 or less outcomes.

Conclusions:  Following LBC conversion there was evidence of a modest increase in the agreement between cytology and histology but no evidence of a change in the absolute difference in PPV for CIN2+ between moderate and severe dyskaryosis. The data support the conclusion that women referred with moderate dyskaryosis will on average have a lower risk of progression to invasive cancer than women referred with severe dyskaryosis. If the data were considered to support the categories of high‐grade dyskaryosis (moderate) and high‐grade dyskaryosis (severe) before LBC conversion then it can be strongly argued that they also support these categories after conversion.
Neoangiogenesis in laryngeal carcinoma: angiogenin and CD105 expression is related to carcinoma recurrence rate and disease‐free survival
Authors: Marioni Gino , Marino Filippo , Blandamura Stella , D’Alessandro Emiliano , Giacomelli Luciano , Guzzardo Vincenza , Lionello Marco , De Filippis Cosimo , Staffieri Alberto
Published: October 2010

Marioni G, Marino F, Blandamura S, D’Alessandro E, Giacomelli L, Guzzardo V, Lionello M, de Filippis C & Staffieri A (2010) Histopathology57, 535–543 Neoangiogenesis in laryngeal carcinoma: angiogenin and CD105 expression is related to carcinoma recurrence rate and disease‐free survival

Aims:  Angiogenin regulates angiogenesis supporting primary and metastatic tumour growth. CD105 is a proliferation‐associated protein expressed in angiogenic endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time angiogenin expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and to evaluate the relationship between angiogenin and CD105 expression, clinicopathological and prognostic parameters.

Methods and results:  A total of 108 consecutive operable LSCCs were studied. Angiogenin expression was determined immunohistochemically in both carcinoma cells and intratumoral vessels. CD105 expression was evaluated in endothelial cells of LSCC and calculated by a computer‐based image analysis system. The percentage of the fields occupied by CD105‐assessed microvessels was determined. Angiogenin expression in carcinoma cells was higher in LSCC patients who experienced loco‐regional recurrence of disease (P = 0.032). Disease‐free survival (DFS) was shorter in cases with carcinoma cells showing angiogenin expression >21.0% (P = 0.035). Angiogenin expression in carcinoma cells was correlated strongly with the angiogenin score in endothelial cells of intratumoral vessels (P = 0.0000). Higher loco‐regional carcinoma recurrence rate and shorter DFS in patients with high CD105 expression were found (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0001).

Conclusions:  Angiogenin expression in laryngeal carcinoma cells and CD105 expression can be considered as potentially useful to detect LSCC patients with higher risk of disease recurrence who might benefit from more aggressive therapy.
Comparative evaluation of nm23 and p16 expression as biomarkers of high‐risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ lesions of the uterine cervix
Authors: Benevolo Maria , Terrenato Irene , Mottolese Marcella , Marandino Ferdinando , Muti Paola , Carosi Mariantonia , Rollo Francesca , Ronchetti Livia , Mariani Luciano , Vocaturo Giuseppe , Vocaturo Amina
Published: October 2010

Benevolo M, Terrenato I, Mottolese M, Marandino F, Muti P, Carosi M, Rollo F, Ronchetti L, Mariani L, Vocaturo G & Vocaturo A (2010) Histopathology57, 580–586 Comparative evaluation of nm23 and p16 expression as biomarkers of high‐risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ lesions of the uterine cervix

Aims:  To investigate the clinical role of nm23 expression in identifying both high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) and high‐grade cervical lesions or carcinomas [cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+)], and to compare it with p16 overexpression, as this latter biomarker has already been reported widely in HR‐HPV infected cervical lesions.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical evaluation of nm23 and p16 in 143 cervical biopsy specimens including negative, low‐ and high‐grade lesions and squamous carcinomas (SC). HR‐HPV testing by Digene hybrid capture 2 (HC2) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the cervico‐vaginal samples of the same patients. In detecting CIN2+, p16 was significantly more sensitive and specific than nm23 (96.3% versus 81.8% and 66% versus 36.4%, respectively, both P < 0.0001). Concerning HR‐HPV detection by HC2, p16 showed a significantly higher specificity than nm23 (82% versus 47%, P <0.0001), although the sensitivities were comparable (71% versus 76%). We found a significantly direct correlation between nm23 and HC2 findings. However, nm23 expression did not correlate with HPV16/18 infection. In contrast, we observed a significant association between p16 overexpression and HPV16/18 genotypes.

Conclusions:  We confirm the diagnostic value of p16 overexpression. Moreover, despite in vitro data regarding the interaction with the HPV‐E7 protein, nm23 does not appear to be a more useful biomarker than p16 in identifying CIN2+ or HR‐HPV infection.
Neuropeptide precursor gene discovery in the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Ons S. , Sterkel M. , Diambra L. , Urlaub H. , Rivera‐Pomar R.
Published: October 2010

We show a straightforward workflow combining homology search in Rhodnius prolixus genome sequence with cloning by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and mass spectrometry. We have identified 32 genes and their transcripts that encode a number of neuropeptide precursors leading to 194 putative peptides. We validated by mass spectrometry 82 of those predicted neuropeptides in the brain of R. prolixus to achieve the first comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic and neuropeptidomic analysis of an insect disease vector. Comparisons of available insect neuropeptide sequences revealed that the R. prolixus genome contains most of the conserved neuropeptides in insects, many of them displaying specific features at the sequence level. Some gene families reported here are identified for the first time in the order Hemiptera, a highly biodiverse group of insects that includes many human, animal and plant disease agents.
A survey of registered nurses’ perceptions of the code of professional conduct in Hong Kong
Authors: Chau Janita P‐C , Lam Lai‐Wah , Lui May H‐L , Ip Wan‐Yim , Chien Wai‐Tong , Lee Iris F‐K , Thompson David R
Published: October 2010

Aim.  To examine the perceptions of the code of professional conduct among practising registered nurses in Hong Kong.

Background.  A code of professional conduct is intended to guide nurses in their practice and to ensure congruence with nursing goals and objectives. Such a code for nurses in Hong Kong has been in effect for two decades but, to date, no study has examined the perceptions of it among practising nurses.

Design.  A survey of 320 practising registered nurses working in a hospital cluster in Hong Kong (mean postregistration experience = 11·8 years).

Methods.  A questionnaire developed to assess nurses’ perceptions of the Code of Professional Conduct devised by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong.

Results.  Providing safe and competent care, practising in accordance with the law and maintaining agreed standards were ranked in order as the three most important aspects. Safeguarding informed decision‐making for patients who were mentally incapacitated or unable to speak for themselves, participating in continuing nursing education and raising objections to practices that compromise safe and appropriate care were considered the most challenging aspects to achieve in professional nursing practice.

Conclusions.  To educate nurses to become more assertive in safeguarding patients’ rights and to encourage and support lifelong learning remains a major challenge in professional nursing practice. The profession and statutory bodies need to consider how best to enable practising nurses to address these issues.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Examining the perceptions of practising nurses about the professional code is necessary to ensure that the profession is prepared to meet the ever‐changing demands and expectations of the public whom it claims to serve.
Communication in nursing care for patients requesting euthanasia: a qualitative study
Authors: Denier Yvonne , Gastmans Chris , De Bal Nele , Dierckx de Casterlé Bernadette
Published: October 2010

Aim.  To describe the communication during the euthanasia care process for mentally competent, terminally ill patients in general hospitals in Flanders, as seen from the perspective of the nurse.

Background.  International literature shows that nurses are involved in the care process surrounding euthanasia, regardless of the legal status of euthanasia in the country being studied. In particular, research shows that communication is an important part of good euthanasia care. However, the actual way nurses’ communication contributes to the quality of the euthanasia care process remains unclear.

Design.  A Grounded Theory Design was used.

Methodology.  Analysis of 18 in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with nurses from nine different hospitals in Flanders (Belgium). The interviews took place during a 20‐month period in 2005–2006.

Results.  The euthanasia care process for mentally competent, terminally ill patients in general hospitals in Flanders is a complex and dynamic process, the connecting thread of which is nurses’ communication. During this process, nurses perceive that they communicate often and a lot, with various people, in different contexts, in different ways and with various purposes. This communicative process is intensified by the moral and psychological weight of the theme, and its impact on everyone involved, as well as by the relatively short period of time, during which it all takes place.

Conclusion.  This article adds to the growing body of literature on nursing care for patients requesting euthanasia. The findings suggest that for nurses, communication is a key instrument for realising good‐quality euthanasia care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Being the essence of nursing care for patients requesting euthanasia, nurses’ communication requires support and guidance on the level of nursing education, professional guidelines and hospital context.
Climate is a stronger driver of tree and forest growth rates than soil and disturbance
Authors: Toledo Marisol , Poorter Lourens , Peña‐Claros Marielos , Alarcón Alfredo , Balcázar Julio , Leaño Claudio , Licona Juan Carlos , Llanque Oscar , Vroomans Vincent , Zuidema Pieter , Bongers Frans
Published: October 2010

1. Essential resources such as water, nutrients and light vary over space and time and plant growth rates are expected to vary accordingly. We examined the effects of climate, soil and logging disturbances on diameter growth rates at the tree and stand level, using 165 1‐ha permanent sample plots distributed across Bolivian tropical lowland forests.

2. We predicted that growth rates would be higher in humid than in dry forests, higher in nutrient‐rich than nutrient‐poor forests and higher in logged than non‐logged forests.

3. Across the 165 plots we found positive basal area increases at the stand level, which agree with the generally reported biomass increases in tropical forests.

4. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that climate variables, in particular water availability, were the strongest drivers of tree growth. More rainfall, a shorter and less intense dry period and higher temperatures led to higher tree growth rates.

5. Tree growth increased modestly with soil fertility and basal area growth was greatest at intermediate soil fertility. Surprisingly, tree growth showed little or no relationship with total soil nitrogen or plant available soil phosphorus.

6. Growth rates increased in logged plots just after logging, but this effect disappeared after 6 years.

7. Synthesis. Climate is the strongest driver of spatial variation in tree growth, and climate change may therefore have large consequences for forest productivity and carbon sequestration. The negative impact of decreased rainfall and increased rainfall seasonality on tree growth might be partly offset by the positive impact of increased temperature in these forests.
Gradual speciation in a global hotspot of plant diversity
Authors: PETER LINDER H.
Published: October 2010

The speciation process that underlies recent, rapid radiations of plants is controversial, and suggested mechanisms range from pollinator or ecological niche differentiation to allopatry and nonadaptive divergence. Phylogenetic approaches to locating the most appropriate speciation models have been constrained by the low levels of molecular divergence between recently diverged species, which are typical of recent, rapid radiations. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Rymer et al. (2010) used coalescence analyses of sequence data and genome scans of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) loci to demonstrate that in a species complex in the irid genus Gladiolus, a member of the hyper diverse Cape flora of southern Africa, speciation is a gradual process. Older divergences are genetically more differentiated, and show a greater difference in flowering time and floral morphology, than taxa that diverged more recently. There is no evidence of any abrupt events. Gene flow is limited by shifts in flowering time and floral morphology; thus, by pre‐zygotic rather than by post‐zygotic mechanisms, these evolved together with the occupation of somewhat different habitats. This research gives the first critical insight into how the remarkable diversity in a diversity hotspot could have arisen. More importantly, it demonstrates that the speciation process in recent, rapid radiations is tractable and can be investigated with suitable genetic tools.
Refugial persistence and postglacial recolonization of North America by the cold‐tolerant herbaceous plant Orthilia secunda
Authors: BEATTY GEMMA E. , PROVAN JIM
Published: October 2010

Previous phylogeographical and palaeontological studies on the biota of northern North America have revealed a complex scenario of glacial survival in multiple refugia and differing patterns of postglacial recolonization. Many putative refugial regions have been proposed both north and south of the ice sheets for species during the Last Glacial Maximum, but the locations of many of these refugia remain a topic of great debate. In this study, we used a phylogeographical approach to elucidate the refugial and recolonization history of the herbaceous plant species Orthilia secunda in North America, which is found in disjunct areas in the west and east of the continent, most of which were either glaciated or lay close to the limits of the ice sheets. Analysis of 596 bp of the chloroplast trnS‐trnG intergenic spacer and five microsatellite loci in 84 populations spanning the species’ range in North America suggests that O. secunda persisted through the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in western refugia, even though palaeodistribution modelling indicated a suitable climate envelope across the entire south of the continent. The present distribution of the species has resulted from recolonization from refugia north and south of the ice sheets, most likely in Beringia or coastal regions of Alaska and British Columbia, the Washington/Oregon region in the northwest USA, and possibly from the region associated with the putative ‘ice‐free corridor’ between the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets. Our findings also highlight the importance of the Pacific Northwest as an important centre of intraspecific genetic diversity, owing to a combination of refugial persistence in the area and recolonization from other refugia.
Viewpoint: When the ‘non‐workable ideological best’ becomes the enemy of the ‘imperfect but workable good’
Authors: Agyepong Irène Akua , Orem Juliet Nabyonga , Hercot David
Published: October 2010

This brief paper addresses some of the difficulties inherent in international ideological approaches to solving the complex problems of health care financing and delivery in poor countries using Ghana as an example. It concludes with an appeal for problem solving approaches involving informed debate as to optimal ways forward to solve low income country health financing woes that are open minded about possible options rather than vested in particular positions.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 are powerful staging markers for human African trypanosomiasis
Authors: Hainard Alexandre , Tiberti Natalia , Robin Xavier , Ngoyi Dieudonné M. , Matovu Enock , Enyaru John C. K. , Müller Markus , Turck Natacha , Ndung’u Joseph M. , Lejon Veerle , Sanchez Jean‐Charles
Published: October 2010

Objectives  A critical step before treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is the correct staging of the disease. As late stage is established when trypanosomes cross the blood–brain barrier and invade the central nervous system, we hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinases and cell adhesion molecules could indicate, alone or in combination, the disease progression from the first to the second stage of HAT.

Methods  We measured the levels of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 63 Trypanosoma brucei gambiense‐infected patients (15 stage 1 and 48 stage 2). Staging was based on counting of white blood cells (WBC) and/or parasite detection in CSF. Concentrations were obtained either by ELISA or multiplex bead suspension assays, and results were compared with three known HAT staging markers (CXCL10, CXCL8 and H‐FABP).

Results  ICAM‐1 and MMP‐9 accurately discriminated between stage 1 and stage 2 patients with HAT with 95% sensitivity (SE) for 100% specificity (SP), which was better than CXCL10 (93% SE for 100% SP), one of the most promising known markers. Combination of ICAM‐1 and MMP‐9 with H‐FABP provided a panel that resulted in 100% of SE and SP for staging HAT.

Conclusions  ICAM‐1 and MMP‐9, alone or in combination, appeared as powerful CSF staging markers of HAT. Final validation of all newly discovered staging markers on a large multi‐centric cohort including both forms of the disease as well as patients with others infections should be performed.
Inheritance of the unpigmented plant trait in Orobanche cumana
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ‐OJEDA M I , VELASCO L , ALONSO L C , FERNÁNDEZ‐ESCOBAR J , PÉREZ‐VICH B
Published: October 2010

Rodríguez‐Ojeda MI, Velasco L, Alonso LC, Fernández‐Escobar J & Pérez‐Vich B (2011). Inheritance of the unpigmented plant trait in Orobanche cumana. Weed Research51, 151–156.

Unpigmented plants characterised by yellow stems and white flowers have been observed in several Orobanche spp. The objective of this research was to study the inheritance of the unpigmented plant trait in Orobanche cumana. Plants of the unpigmented line EK‐A1 that had been self‐pollinated for three generations (S3) were crossed with plants of the wild‐type line EK‐12 using hand emasculation and pollination. F1 plants showed an intermediate phenotype, characterised by a greenish stem compared with a yellow stem in EK‐A1 plants and bluish‐violet stem in EK‐12 plants. F2 plants segregated in a 1:2:1 (bluish‐violet: greenish: yellow) ratio, suggesting that plant pigmentation in O. cumana is controlled by a partially dominant allele at a single locus. Monogenic inheritance was confirmed in the F3 plant generation, which also revealed that the lack of pigmentation has no effect on O. cumana parasitism. This study demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of using hybridisation techniques for developing segregating populations in this species. Because of its simple mode of inheritance, the unpigmented plant trait may have a particular use as a morphological marker in basic and applied studies on O. cumana.
Standard protocol for assessment of colon cancer improves the quality of pathology
Authors: Buchwald P. , Olofsson F. , Lörinc E. , Syk I.
Published: October 2010

Aim  Tumour stage is the most important prognostic factor in colon cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the impact on the quality of pathology of the use of a standardized pathological and anatomical (PAD) protocol.

Method  A standardized PAD protocol for colorectal cancer was developed and all patients subjected to colon resection due to adenocarcinomas between 2004 and 2006 were analysed regarding lymph node status, circumferential resection margin (CRM), and intravascular and perineural growth. Moreover, usage of the PAD protocol and whether a pathologist or biomedicine analytical technician (BMA) performed the lymph node dissection was noted, and also whether the surgical procedure was elective or acute.

Results  During the study period 302 colon resections were carried out. The standard protocol was employed in 68% of the cases, varying from 0% to 100% between pathologists. The median number of investigated lymph nodes was 16 ± 11. When the lymph node dissection was performed by a BMA, significantly more lymph nodes were examined; 22 ± 15 and 14 ± 9, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between application of the standard protocol and the number of analysed lymph nodes (< 0.05). Comments on CRM, perineural growth and intravascular growth were also significantly more frequent when the protocol was used. Emergency surgery did not influence the handling of the specimens.

Conclusion  Minor changes in procedure in terms of a standard protocol for pathology and specimen dissection by BMAs, leading to an increased quality of the PAD‐report, may also improve the long‐term outcome for patients.
Aid Agencies: The Epistemic Question
Authors: HORTON KEITH
Published: October 2010

abstract

For several decades, there has been a debate in the philosophical literature concerning whether those of us who live in developed countries are morally required to give some of our money to aid agencies. Many contributors to this debate have apparently taken it that one may simply assume that the effects of the work such agencies do are overwhelmingly positive. If one turns to the literature on such agencies that has emerged in recent decades, however, one finds a number of concerns about such agencies and the work they do that put that assumption in serious doubt. This situation raises a number of pressing questions, many of which have received little or no attention from philosophers. After articulating a number of those questions, I focus mainly on what I call the ‘Epistemic Question (for potential contributors to aid agencies)’: How can those of us who are not experts in international aid arrive at an estimate concerning the effects of the work aid agencies do that we have at least some good reason to believe accurate?
Can we predict carbon stocks in tropical ecosystems from tree diversity? Comparing species and functional diversity in a plantation and a natural forest
Authors: Ruiz‐Jaen Maria C. , Potvin Catherine
Published: October 2010

Featured paper: See also the Editorial by Norby
ERP investigation of transient attentional selection of single and multiple locations within touch
Authors: Forster Bettina , Gillmeister Helge
Published: October 2010

Mechanisms underlying pure tactile attentional selection were investigated. Tactile imperative stimuli were preceded by symbolic tactile cues directing attention to the left or right (directional cues), or to both hands (non‐directional cues). Comparison of ERP waveforms on directional and non‐directional cue trials showed that attentional modulations at N140 and P200 components reflect mainly enhancement of stimuli at the attended, while longer latency modulations reflect mainly suppression of processing of stimuli at the unattended location. This pattern of results differs from analogous studies involving other modalities suggesting that different mechanisms underlie pure tactile attention. Furthermore, ERP waveforms on non‐directional cue trials were enhanced in comparison to directional cue trials at the P100 component and at longer latencies, indicating that tactile attentional mechanisms may differ when attending to one compared to multiple locations.
The relationship between sea surface temperature and population change of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo breeding near Disko Bay, Greenland
Authors: WHITE CRAIG R. , BOERTMANN DAVID , GRÉMILLET DAVID , BUTLER PATRICK J. , GREEN JONATHAN A. , MARTIN GRAHAM R.
Published: October 2010

Arctic seas have warmed and sea ice has retreated. This has resulted in range contraction and population declines in some species, but it could potentially be a boon for others. Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo have a partially wettable plumage and seem poorly suited to foraging in Arctic waters. We show that rates of population change of Cormorant colonies around Disko Bay, Greenland, are positively correlated with sea surface temperature, suggesting that they may benefit from a warming Arctic. However, although Cormorant populations may increase in response to Arctic warming, the extent of expansion of their winter range may ultimately be limited by other factors, such as sensory constraints on foraging behaviour during long Arctic nights.
The SK3/KCa2.3 potassium channel is a new cellular target for edelfosine
Authors: Potier M , Chantome A , Joulin V , Girault A , Roger S , Besson P , Jourdan M‐L , LeGuennec J‐Y , Bougnoux P , Vandier C
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 1‐O‐octadecyl‐2‐O‐methyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (edelfosine) is an ether‐linked phospholipid with promising anti‐cancer properties but some side effects that preclude its full clinical therapeutic exploitation. We hypothesized that this lipid could interact with plasma membrane ion channels and modulate their function.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using cell migration‐proliferation assays, patch clamp, spectrofluorimetry and 125I‐Apamin binding experiments, we studied the effects of edelfosine on the migration of breast cancer MDA‐MB‐435s cells, mediated by the small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel, SK3/KCa2.3.

KEY RESULTS Edelfosine (1 µM) caused plasma membrane depolarization by substantially inhibiting activity of SK3/KCa2.3 channels, which we had previously demonstrated to play an important role in cancer cell migration. Edelfosine did not inhibit 125I‐Apamin binding to this SKCa channel; rather, it reduced the calcium sensitivity of SK3/KCa2.3 channel and dramatically decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentration, probably by insertion in the plasma membrane, as suggested by proteinase K experiments. Edelfosine reduced cell migration to the same extent as known SKCa channel blockers. In contrast, K+ channel openers prevented edelfosine‐induced anti‐migratory effects. SK3 protein knockdown decreased cell migration and totally abolished the effect of edelfosine on MDA‐MB‐435s cell migration. In contrast, transient expression of SK3/KCa2.3 protein in a SK3/KCa2.3‐deficient cell line increased cell migration and made these cells responsive to edelfosine.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data clearly establish edelfosine as an inhibitor of cancer cell migration by acting on SK3/KCa2.3 channels and provide insights into the future development of a new class of migration‐targeted, anti‐cancer agents.
Off‐farm work, technical efficiency, and rice production risk in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hung‐Hao , Wen Fang‐I
Published: October 2010

This article investigates the differences in yield production, production efficiency, and yield risk for farmers both with and without off‐farm work. Using a nationwide survey of rice farmers in Taiwan, we estimate two stochastic production frontier models that accommodate technical inefficiency and production risk simultaneously for farmers both with and without off‐farm work. The stochastic dominance criterion is then applied to compare the differences in the distributions of the estimated technical efficiency and yield risk between groups. The empirical results indicate that these two groups of farmers use resources in different ways, and off‐farm work is not necessarily associated with lower technical efficiency. For farmers in the lower percentiles of the efficiency distribution, those with off‐farm work are more efficient than their counterparts without off‐farm work. In addition, farmers with off‐farm work face higher production risk and this result is robust for the entire distribution.
Repeat cerclage prolongs pregnancy in women with prolapsed membranes
Authors: SONG JI‐EUN , LEE KEUN‐YOUNG , JUN HYUN‐AH
Published: October 2010

We evaluated repeat cerclage in women with prolapsed membranes. Twenty‐two women with bulging membranes after primary cerclage were offered repeat cerclage; 11 chose a repeat cerclage and 11 chose bed rest. The median gestational age at delivery, birthweight and survival rates were significantly higher in the repeat cerclage group compared to the bed rest group (mean 26.8 weeks vs. 21.7 weeks, p= 0.04, mean birthweight 1180 g vs. 491 g, p= 0.01 odds ratio for survival 22.0, 95% CI, 2.1–236). Early repeat cerclage under antibiotic cover may be beneficial in women with bulging membranes after a prior failing cerclage attempt.
Surgical‐site infections and postoperative complications: agreement between the Danish Gynecological Cancer Database and a randomized clinical trial
Authors: ANTONSEN SOFIE L. , MEYHOFF CHRISTIAN S. , LUNDVALL LENE , HØGDALL CLAUS
Published: October 2010

Objective. Surgical‐site infections are serious complications and thorough follow‐up is important for accurate surveillance. We aimed to compare the frequency of complications recorded in a clinical quality database with those noted in a randomized clinical trial with follow‐up visits. Design. Evaluation study. Setting. Danish Gynecological Cancer Database (DGCD) and the Danish multicenter trial on perioperative oxygen and surgical‐site infections (PROXI). Sample. Paired data from 222 patients who participated in the PROXI trial taking place at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet between November 2006 and October 2008 and data from the DGCD. Methods. Outcomes within 30 days from the trial and the database were compared and levels of agreements were calculated with kappa‐statistics. Main Outcome Measures. Primary outcome was surgical‐site infection. Other outcomes included re‐operation, urinary tract infection, pneumonia and sepsis. Results. Surgical‐site infection was found in 21 of 222 patients (9.5%) in the PROXI trial versus 6 of 222 patients (2.7%) in the DGCD (p < 0.01, kappa 0.42). Twelve of 15 superficial and three of six deep or organ‐space surgical‐site infections were registered in the PROXI trial, but not in the DGCD. Agreements between secondary outcomes were very varying (kappa‐value 0.77 for re‐operation, 0.37 for urinary tract infections, 0.19 for sepsis and 0.18 for pneumonia). Conclusions. The randomized trial reported significantly more surgical‐site infections than the clinical database. The DGCD reported only 50% of the deep and organ‐space infections, and hence, the low‐overall agreement indicates a need for more careful database registration.
Eclampsia is more prevalent during the winter season in Sweden
Authors: RYLANDER ÅSA , LINDQVIST PELLE G.
Published: October 2010

Hypertensive pregnancy conditions have shown seasonal variations and have been related to low levels of vitamin D. In Sweden, the hours of sunlight per day are few in winter. We hypothesized that eclampsia would be more common in the winter season. We performed a population‐based cross‐sectional study of all singleton deliveries in Sweden during a 5‐year period (n= 482,759 women). All parturients with eclampsia were included as cases and those without formed control group. The incidence of eclampsia was nearly doubled during winter season (odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.6) as compared to other seasons. The incidence of eclampsia during the period studied (1990–1994) was four in 10,000 pregnancies. We found that eclampsia was twice as common in winter and we introduce the alternative hypothesis that lack of sunlight exposure increases women's susceptibility to eclampsia, possibly due to vitamin D insufficiency.
Factors related to elevated vaginal pH in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: ZODZIKA JANA , REZEBERGA DACE , JERMAKOVA IRINA , VASINA OLGA , VEDMEDOVSKA NATALIJA , DONDERS GILBERT
Published: October 2010

Objective. To assess different bacterial and epidemiological factors associations with increased vaginal pH in the pregnant women population during the first trimester. Design. A cross‐sectional, observational study. Setting. Three outpatient clinics in Riga. Population. From July 2009 until January 2010, 139 unselected consecutive pregnant women at the first prenatal visit. Methods. Pregnant women were submitted to an interview, vaginal examination and vaginal specimen collection for pH measurement and native microscopy. Main outcome measures. Vaginal pH ≥4.5 was considered as elevated. Abnormal bacterial microflora was classified according to Donders. Results. Elevated vaginal pH was significantly associated with bacterial vaginosis (p < 0.001), aerobic vaginitis (p < 0.001) and mixed aerobic vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis flora (p < 0.001) and presence of sperm cells in the smears (p= 0.024). Most cases with sperm were associated with abnormal vaginal flora. Normal lactobacillary morphotypes were more often found in the pH ≤4.4 group (p < 0.001), while leptosomic and short types were found more frequently with increased pH. Conclusions. Elevated vaginal pH is associated with different types of abnormal vaginal flora and the presence of sperm cells.
The severity of clinical manifestations in preeclampsia correlates with the amount of placental infarction
Authors: VINNARS MARIE‐THERESE , NASIELL JOSEFINE , GHAZI SAM , WESTGREN MAGNUS , PAPADOGIANNAKIS NIKOS
Published: October 2010

Objective. To correlate placental histopathology, in particular ischemic changes, with the clinical severity of preeclampsia. Design. A blinded retrospective study. Setting. One Swedish hospital. Sample. One hundred and fifty‐seven women with severe (n= 116) or mild (n= 41) preeclampsia and 157 normotensive women matched according to gestational‐age. Methods: One senior pathologist, blinded to clinical data and group, examined all histological slides. In the statistical analyses, adjustment for gestational week was done when appropriate. Main outcome measures. Placental histopathological findings. Results: Amount of infarction increased with the severity of preeclampsia (p < 0.001). Infarction involving ≥5% of the placental tissue was seen in 39.7% of severe preeclampsia, 17.1% of mild preeclampsia and 5.1% of non‐preeclampsia. When comparing placentas in severe preeclampsia, mild preeclampsia and non‐preeclampsia, there was an increase in the presence of any infarction (80.2%, 61.0%, vs. 20.4%). Also, there was a difference in the presence of decidual arteriopathy (35.3%, 22.0%, vs. 3.8%) and accelerated villous maturation (71.6%, 53.3%, vs. 12.6%). We found no difference in intervillous thrombosis, abruption placenta or placental weight in relation to gestational week. Conclusions. In pregnancies with mild or severe preeclampsia, a large proportion of the placentas had histological signs of pathology, in particular signs of ischemia. The pathology was similar, but more pronounced in severe compared to mild preeclampsia, suggesting mild and severe preeclampsia to have similar underlying etiology.
Prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies in early pregnancy in rural Bangladesh, the MINIMat trial
Authors: LINDSTRÖM EMMA , HOSSAIN MOHAMMAD B. , LÖNNERDAL BO , RAQIB RUBHANA , EL ARIFEEN SHAMS , EKSTRÖM EVA‐CHARLOTTE
Published: October 2010

Objective. To describe the prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies as well as their determinants in early pregnancy. Design. Baseline data from a population‐based randomized intervention trial. Setting. The study was conducted in Matlab, a sub‐district in rural Bangladesh from 1 January to 31 December 2002. Population. Pregnant women (n= 740) were enrolled in approximately week 14 in pregnancy. Methods. Data were collected using questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory analyses of blood samples for concentrations of hemoglobin, ferritin, zinc, folate and vitamin B‐12. Main Outcome Measures. Covariates associated with anemia and micronutrient deficiencies in bivariate analyses were evaluated in multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders. Results. Anemia was present in 28% of the women, 55% were zinc deficient, 46% were vitamin B‐12 deficient and 18% were folate deficient. Anemia was not associated with iron deficiency but rather with vitamin B‐12 deficiency. Infestation with Ascaris was highly prevalent (67%) and associated with both folate and vitamin B‐12 deficiency. Anemia and micronutrient deficiencies all varied significantly with season. Conclusions. The high prevalences of zinc and vitamin B‐12 deficiencies in early pregnancy are a concern, as it could lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased health risks for both mother and child. The prevalence of iron deficiency was low, but as this was during early pregnancy, the women might develop iron deficiency and consequently iron deficiency anemia as the pregnancy progresses.
Akt Phosphorylates Sec24: New Clues into the Regulation of ER‐to‐Golgi Trafficking
Authors: Sharpe Laura J. , Luu Winnie , Brown Andrew J.
Published: October 2010

Regulation of protein transport within the early secretory pathway is a relatively unexplored area. Here, we propose a new player in the control of protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi. Akt is an important signaling kinase whose functioning is perturbed in diseases such as cancer and diabetes. We discovered that Akt phosphorylates Sec24, an essential coat protein II (COPII) component involved in mediating cargo selection for ER‐to‐Golgi trafficking. We discuss how this finding may provide new insights into the regulation of protein transport.
A region within the C‐terminal domain of Ure2p is shown to interact with the molecular chaperone Ssa1p by the use of cross‐linkers and mass spectrometry
Authors: Redeker Virginie , Bonnefoy Jonathan , Le Caer Jean‐Pierre , Pemberton Samantha , Laprévote Olivier , Melki Ronald
Published: October 2010

The propagation of yeast prion phenotypes is highly dependent on molecular chaperones. We previously demonstrated that the molecular chaperone Ssa1p sequesters Ure2p in high molecular weight, assembly incompetent oligomeric species. We also determined the affinity of Ssa1p for Ure2p, and its globular domain. To map the Ure2p–Ssa1p interface, we have used chemical cross‐linkers and MS. We demonstrate that Ure2p and Ssa1p form a 1 : 1 complex. An analytical strategy combining in‐gel digestion of cross‐linked protein complexes, and both MS and MS/MS analysis of proteolytic peptides, allowed us to identify a number of peptides that were modified because they are exposed to the solvent. A difference in the exposure to the solvent of a single lysine residue, lysine 339 of Ure2p, was detected upon Ure2p–Ssa1p complex formation. These observations strongly suggest that lysine 339 and its flanking amino acid stretches are involved in the interaction between Ure2p and Ssa1p. They also reveal that the Ure2p amino‐acid stretch spanning residues 327–339 plays a central role in the assembly into fibrils.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐8044534: Ure2p (uniprotkb:Q8NJQ9) and Ure2p (uniprotkb:Q8NJQ9) bind (MI:0407) by cross‐linking study (MI:0030)

MINT‐8044522: Ssa1p (uniprotkb:C8Z3H3) and Ssa1p (uniprotkb:C8Z3H3) bind (MI:0407) by cross‐linking study (MI:0030)

MINT‐8043971, MINT‐8043985, MINT‐8044494, MINT‐8044548: Ure2p (uniprotkb:Q8NJQ9) and Ssa1p (uniprotkb:C8Z3H3) bind (MI:0407) by cross‐linking study (MI:0030)
Anti‐Inflammatory and Monocyte‐Suppressing Effects of Simvastatin in Patients with Impaired Fasting Glucose
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Gdula‐Dymek Anna , Ścieszka Joanna , Okopień Bogusław
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  The aim of our study was to compare the effect of simvastatin on systemic inflammation and monocyte secretory function between individuals with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and patients with isolated hypercholesterolaemia. The study included 25 patients with IFG and 23 patients with hypercholesterolaemia. The lipid profile, fasting and 2‐hr post‐glucose load plasma glucose levels, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) ratio, glycated haemoglobin, plasma high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) levels and monocyte release of TNF‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6 and MCP‐1 were assessed at baseline, and after 30 and 90 days of simvastatin treatment (20 mg/daily). Compared to monocytes of the control patients (22 age‐, sex‐ and weight‐matched patients without lipid and glucose metabolism abnormalities), monocytes of the patients with hypercholesterolaemia and patients with IFG released greater amounts of all studied cytokines and exhibited higher plasma levels of hsCRP, with no difference between the two groups of patients. Although in both the patients with hypercholesterolaemia and the patients with IFG simvastatin treatment improved lipid profile, it exhibited no effect on glucose metabolism markers. The drug markedly reduced plasma hsCRP and monocyte secretion of TNF‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6 and MCP‐1 in a lipid‐ and glucose‐independent manner. Our results indicate that low‐grade systemic inflammation and monocyte secretory function are disturbed to a similar degree in the patients with isolated hypercholesterolaemia and in the patients with IFG. They also show that simvastatin is an effective anti‐inflammatory drug in patients with isolated early glucose metabolism abnormalities.
Predicting the incidence of planet and debris discs as a function of stellar mass
Authors: Greaves J. S.
Published: October 2010

The mass of solids in a young circumstellar disc may be the key factor in its efficiency in building planetesimals and planetary cores, and dust observed around young T Tauri and Herbig Ae stars can be used as a proxy for this initial solid content. The dust-mass distributions are taken from recent millimetre-wavelength data and fitted using survival analysis to take into account upper limits, and threshold disc masses for building planets and belts of comets are estimated. Amongst A stars, 20 per cent gas giant and 55 per cent debris disc systems are predicted, in good agreement with observations. For M stars, the predicted and observed planet frequencies agree at ∼2–3 per cent, and this low incidence is explained by a lack of massive discs. However, debris is predicted around ≈14 per cent of M stars, while only ∼2 per cent such systems have so far been found. This suggests that deeper searches such as with Herschel and SCUBA-2 may find a cold disc population previously missed around these low-luminosity stars. Also, an estimate of the efficiency of building millimetre-detected dust into planetary cores suggests that about one-third of M stars could host an Earth-mass planet – but as the dust is spread over large disc areas, such planets may orbit far from the star.
Women's decision making during the menopausal transition
Authors: Theroux Rosemary
Published: October 2010

Purpose: To describe women's experiences during decision making about hormonal and nonhormonal therapies during the menopausal transition.

Data Sources: Transcripts from 21 semi‐structured audio taped interviews with seven peri‐ and postmenopausal women who had a recently visited a nurse practitioner (NP) and were making a decision about menopausal management.

Conclusions: Decision making was a nonlinear process in which women considered available options, weighed benefits and risks and likely outcomes. Reevaluation of the decision was ongoing. Both internal and external conditions influenced their decisions. Media reports of findings from the Women's Health Initiative study may have influenced some women's perceptions of the risk of using hormones for symptom relief.

Implications for Practice: Women described caring and empowering consultations with the NPs. They appreciated provision of information, adequate time spent at the visit, and decision support. NPs have a critical role to play in providing women with current research findings about hormone therapy and alternatives for symptom relief, and assisting women with understanding risks and benefits of each possible choice. Both individual and group approaches for decision support should be available to women. The approach of a collaborative partnership in decision making is a model that is congruent with nursing practice.
Emancipatory Actions Displayed by Multi‐Ethnic Women: “Regaining Control of My Health Care”
Authors: Alexander Ivy M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose: Despite the recognized importance of patient involvement in primary care interactions, little information describing women's needs and expectations for these interactions is available. This participatory action study was based in Critical Action Theory and designed to describe any emancipatory interests that surfaced when eight ethnically diverse women examined their interactions with primary care nurse practitioners (PCNPs) over the course of five successive focus group meetings.

Data Sources: Focus group meeting transcripts, field notes, interaction notations, seating maps, and first impression summaries.

Conclusions: Participants wanted to learn how to “stand up” for themselves in primary care interactions. They believed this could be accomplished by developing a positive sense of self‐esteem. Ultimately, they identified the right way to “talk back” to clinicians and created a method for regaining control of their own health care and maintaining equality in interactions with primary care clinicians.

Implications for Practice: Nurse practitioners working in the primary setting are especially well situated to support self‐management and foster patient participation by women as they live with chronic disease, engage in health promotion activities, and deal with common symptomatic problems for themselves and their families.