bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoactivated phytochromes interact with HEMERA and promote its accumulation to establish photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Galvão Rafaelo M. , Li Meina , Kothadia Sonya M. , Haskel Jonathan D. , Decker Peter V. , Van Buskirk Elise K. , Chen Meng
Published: August 2012

Plant development is profoundly regulated by ambient light cues through the red/far-red photoreceptors, the phytochromes. Early phytochrome signaling events include the translocation of phytochromes from the cytoplasm to subnuclear domains called photobodies and the degradation of antagonistically acting phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs). We recently identified a key phytochrome signaling component, HEMERA (HMR), that is essential for both phytochrome B (phyB) localization to photobodies and PIF degradation. However, the signaling mechanism linking phytochromes and HMR is unknown. Here we show that phytochromes directly interact with HMR to promote HMR protein accumulation in the light. HMR binds more strongly to the active form of phytochromes. This interaction is mediated by the photosensory domains of phytochromes and two phytochrome-interacting regions in HMR. Missense mutations in either HMR or phyB that alter the phytochrome/HMR interaction can also change HMR levels and photomorphogenetic responses. HMR accumulation in a constitutively active phyB mutant (YHB) is required for YHB-dependent PIF3 degradation in the dark. Our genetic and biochemical studies strongly support a novel phytochrome signaling mechanism in which photoactivated phytochromes directly interact with HMR and promote HMR accumulation, which in turn mediates the formation of photobodies and the degradation of PIFs to establish photomorphogenesis.
Intercepting noncoding messages between germline and soma: Figure 1.
Authors: Gao Shan , Liu Yifan
Published: August 2012

There is growing evidence to support the notion that small RNAs derived from noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are mobile carriers of epigenetic information in diverse eukaryotic systems. However, challenges remain in defining what messages are being sent and how. In the August 1, 2012, issue of Genes & Development, Schoeberl and colleagues (pp. 1729–1742) reported a detailed analysis of the turnover of small RNAs during the sexual reproduction of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena. The results revealed surprisingly complicated roles played by small RNAs in shaping the communication between the germline and the soma.
Seeing the forest for the trees: a wide perspective on RNA-directed DNA methylation: Figure 1.
Authors: Zhang Huiming , Zhu Jian-Kang
Published: August 2012

In this issue of Genes & Development, Wierzbicki and colleagues (pp. 1825–1836) examine the current model of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) by determining genome-wide distributions of RNA polymerase V (Pol V) occupancy, siRNAs, and DNA methylation. Their data support the key role of base-pairing between Pol V transcripts and siRNAs in targeting de novo DNA methylation. Importantly, the study also reveals unexpected complexity and provides a global view of the RdDM pathway.
HSPRO Controls Early Nicotiana attenuata Seedling Growth during Interaction with the Fungus Piriformospora indica
Authors: Schuck Stefan , Camehl Iris , Gilardoni Paola A. , Oelmueller Ralf , Baldwin Ian T. , Bonaventure Gustavo
Published: August 2012

In a previous study aimed at identifying regulators of Nicotiana attenuata responses against chewing insects, a 26-nucleotide tag matching the HSPRO (ORTHOLOG OF SUGAR BEET Hs1pro  -  1) gene was found to be strongly induced after simulated herbivory (Gilardoni et al., 2010). Here we characterized the function of HSPRO during biotic interactions in transgenic N. attenuata plants silenced in its expression (ir-hspro). In wild-type plants, HSPRO expression was not only induced during simulated herbivory but also when leaves were inoculated with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 and roots with the growth-promoting fungus Piriformospora indica. Reduced HSPRO expression did not affect the regulation of direct defenses against Manduca sexta herbivory or P. syringae pv tomato DC3000 infection rates. However, reduced HSPRO expression positively influenced early seedling growth during interaction with P. indica; fungus-colonized ir-hspro seedlings increased their fresh biomass by 30% compared with the wild type. Grafting experiments demonstrated that reduced HSPRO expression in roots was sufficient to induce differential growth promotion in both roots and shoots. This effect was accompanied by changes in the expression of 417 genes in colonized roots, most of which were metabolic genes. The lack of major differences in the metabolic profiles of ir-hspro and wild-type colonized roots (as analyzed by liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry) suggested that accelerated metabolic rates were involved. We conclude that HSPRO participates in a whole-plant change in growth physiology when seedlings interact with P. indica.
Trophoblastic Cell Lines ACH1P and AC‐1M32 React with a Distinctive Cytokine Pattern Toward Listeria Monocytogenes and Show Morphologic Differences
Authors: Santoso Laura , Friese Klaus , Jeschke Udo , Scholz Christoph
Published: August 2012

Problem

The differential reaction of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast towards infection with listeria monocytogenes (LM) is pivotal to its pathogenicity. In this study we tested the cytokine signature upon infection with listeria monocytogenes (LM) in an in vitro model.

Method of study

We compared two related trophoblastic cell lines (AC‐1M32 and ACH1P). The cell line ACH1P showed syncytium formation, whereas AC‐1M32 did not fuse, as demonstrated with immunfluorescence E‐Cadherin staining. In a Multi‐Analyte ELISArray we tested for concentrations of TNFα, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17A, IL‐8, MCP1, MIP‐1a, MIP‐1b, MDC, Eotaxin, IFNγ, G‐CSF, TGFβ1 after 8 and 24 hours.

Results

Compared to unstimulated cells, the syncytial cell line ACH1P showed a significant induction of Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), Monocyte Chemotactic Protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and transforming growth factor β‐1 (TGFβ1). Incubating AC‐1M32 with LM, however, showed significantly reduced IL‐6 levels and a massively increased (~300fold) TGFβ1 secretion compared to unstimulated controls.

Conclusions

A functional anti‐LM immune response was only induced by the syncytium‐forming cell line ACH1P. Using the two sister cell lines AC‐1M32 and ACH1P in an in vitro LM‐stimulation assay might facilitate research in the area of placental listeria infection.
Reproductive biology of the smooth butterfly ray Gymnura micrura
Authors: Yokota L. , Goitein R. , Gianeti M. D. , Lessa R. T. P.
Published: August 2012

This study provides the first detailed information on the reproductive biology of the smooth butterfly ray Gymnura micrura. A total of 905 individuals were sampled, 377 of which were used for the reproductive study. Juveniles accounted for 75% of the sample, but all life cycle stages were present in the study area. The disc width at which 50% were mature (WD50)was estimated at 269 and 405 mm for males and females, respectively. The WD50V(based on the onset of vitellogenesis) was estimated at 359 mm. Uterine fecundity (mean ±s.d. = 3·8 ± 1·3; range: 1–6) was positively correlated with female size. A 3564% gain in mean wet mass was observed from egg to full‐term embryo in utero. Size at birth ranged from 135 to 175 mm WD (19·5 to 55·0 g), with a mean of 165·1 mm WD (43·3 g). The embryo sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1. The ovaries of pregnant females were undergoing vitellogenesis during gestation, with females ready to ovulate soon after parturition. Gymnura micrura may have an asynchronous reproductive cycle, with females reproducing continuously throughout the year.
The phylogeny of aglaspidid arthropods and the internal relationships within Artiopoda
Authors: Ortega‐Hernández Javier , Legg David A. , Braddy Simon J.
Published: August 2012

The phylogenetic position of aglaspidids, a problematic group of Lower Palaeozoic arthropods of undetermined affinities, is re‐examined in the context of the major Cambrian and Ordovician lamellipedian arthropod groups. A cladistic analysis of ten genera of aglaspidids sensu stricto, six aglaspidid‐like arthropods and 42 Palaeozoic arthropod taxa indicates that Xenopoda, Cheloniellida, Aglaspidida sensu lato and Trilobitomorpha form a clade (Artiopoda Hou and Bergström, 1997) nested within the mandibulate stem‐lineage, thus discarding previous interpretations of these taxa as part 'of the chelicerate stem‐group (Arachnomorpha Heider, 1913). The results confirm an aglaspidid identity for several recently described arthropods, including Quasimodaspis brentsae, Tremaglaspis unite, Chlupacaris dubia, Australaglaspis stonyensis and an unnamed Ordovician Chinese arthropod. The problematic Bohemian arthropod Kodymirus vagans was recovered as sister taxon to Beckwithia typa, and both form a small clade that falls outside Aglaspidida sensu stricto, thus discarding eurypterid affinities for the former. The analysis does not support the phylogenetic position of Kwanyinaspis maotianshanensis at the base of Conciliterga as proposed in recent studies, but rather occupies a basal position within Aglaspidida sensu lato. The results indicate a close association of aglaspidid arthropods with xenopods (i.e. Emeraldella and Sidneyia) and cheloniellids (e.g. Cheloniellon, Duslia); the new clade “Vicissicaudata” is proposed to encompass these arthropods, which are characterized by a differentiated posterior region. The phylogenetic position of aglaspidid arthropods makes them good outgroup candidates for analysing the internal relationships within the groups that form Trilobitomorpha. This work provides a much clearer picture of the phylogenetic relationships among Lower Palaeozoic lamellipedians.
Reasons that prevent the inclusion of Alzheimer's disease patients in clinical trials
Authors: Rollin‐Sillaire Adeline , Breuilh Laetitia , Salleron Julia , Bombois Stéphanie , Cassagnaud Pascaline , Deramecourt Vincent , Mackowiak Marie‐Anne , Pasquier Florence
Published: August 2012

Aim

To assess reasons that prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients from being included in clinical trials.

Methods

In 2009, we reviewed the Lille Memory Clinic's case database to identify patients suitable for inclusion in four AD clinical trials. An initial selection was made on the basis of four criteria: (i) a diagnosis of AD (with or without white matter lesions [WML]), (ii) age, (iii) mini mental state examination (MMSE) score and (iv) symptomatic treatment of AD (cholinesterase inhibitors/memantine). Next, data on patients fulfilling these criteria were reviewed against all the inclusion/exclusion criteria for four clinical trials performed in 2009 at the Memory Clinic. Reasons for non‐inclusion were analyzed.

Results

Two hundred and five patients were selected according to the four initial criteria. Reasons for subsequently not including some of patients in clinical trials were abnormalities on MRI (56.9%, 88.9% of which were WML), unauthorized medication (37.3%), the lack of a study partner/informant (37.1%), the presence of a non‐authorized disease (24.4%), contraindication to MRI (9%), a change in diagnosis over time (3.9%), visual/auditory impairments (2.9%), alcohol abuse (2%) and an insufficient educational level (1%).

Conclusion

A high proportion of AD patients presented with vascular abnormalities on MRI. This was not unexpected, since the patients were selected from the database and, as shown in epidemiologic studies, cerebrovascular diseases are frequently associated with AD. The presence of a study partner is essential for enabling a patient to participate in clinical trials because of the need to record reliably primary and secondary outcomes.
Problem behaviours of middle school students in eastern China and its associated factors
Authors: Chang W‐W. , Su H. , Wang J. , Wang C‐C. , Shan X‐W. , Han Q.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To investigate the problem behaviours of middle school students and its associated factors in Anhui province of China, and to provide a theoretical basis for promoting early health education.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted and 4235 middle school students were measured by Prediction Test of Problem Children, Family Environment Scale – Chinese Version, Simple Coping Style Questionnaire, Psychological Sense of School Membership and general state questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of problem behaviours in our sample was 4.5%. Using binary logistic regression analysis, we found that family environment, school belonging, coping style, relationship with mother and classmate relationship were associated with problem behaviours of middle school students.

Conclusions

Poor family environment, poor sense of school belonging, passive acting style were significantly correlated with problem behaviours. There is an urgent need to improve problem behaviours through collaboration among families, schools and society.
The osteoclast, bone remodelling and treatment of metabolic bone disease
Authors: Boyce Brendan F. , Rosenberg Elizabeth , de Papp Anne E. , Duong Le T.
Published: August 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (12): 1332–1341

Background  Bone remodelling maintains skeletal integrity by osteoclasts removing foci of damaged bone and osteoblasts replacing them with new bone. Diseases associated with increased bone resorption have increased remodelling often with inadequate bone formation and increased risk of fracture. New therapies are needed for these diseases to reduce resorption and increase formation.

Design  The molecular mechanisms regulating osteoclast and osteoblast functions have become better understood in the past 20 years and have led to questioning of the long‐held notion that osteoblastic cells have the dominant regulatory role over osteoclastic cells in bone remodelling. Here, we review current knowledge of how osteoclast formation and functions are regulated and describe how enhanced understanding of these has led to development of new drugs for the management of common bone diseases characterized by increased bone resorption.

Results  Osteoclast formation and functions are regulated by cytokines, especially receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF). The differentiation, activity and lifecycle of osteoclasts are regulated in part by other cells that reside within the bone. These include osteoblasts, osteocytes and immune cells, which express these cytokines in response to most factors that promote bone resorption. RANKL and M‐CSF activate numerous signalling pathways, which are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Importantly, osteoclastic cells also function as positive and negative regulators of osteoblastic bone formation.

Conclusions  There are multiple targets within osteoclasts for pharmacologic intervention to prevent bone loss in osteoporosis and other resorptive bone diseases. However, novel therapies could also affect osteoblastic cell functions.
Graded Exercise Therapy (GET)/Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often counterproductive in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Authors: Twisk Frank N. M. , Arnoldus Rob J. W.
Published: August 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1255–1256
Predicting interactions between recolonising marine mammals and fisheries: defining precautionary management
Authors: Augé A. A. , Moore A. B. , Chilvers B. L.
Published: August 2012

Interactions between fisheries and marine mammals have created costly and unresolved issues throughout the world. This study examines the spatial and resource overlaps between recolonising New Zealand sea lions, Phocarctos hookeri (Grey) (using satellite tracking) and local fisheries (using spatio‐temporal catch database) on the Otago coast, New Zealand. Around Otago, spatial and resource overlaps existed year‐round and it is predicted that incidental deaths in fishing gear and resource competition may arise as the sea lion population increases. Preventive management methods (e.g. marine protected areas) and monitoring studies (e.g. fish stock assessments) are proposed. The use of precautionary management could ensure sustainable profitable fisheries and successful recolonisation by sea lions around Otago, and it could be used as a case study for other areas with recovering marine mammal populations that interact with fisheries.
Long‐term impacts of introduced flathead catfish on native ictalurids in a north Florida, USA, river
Authors: Dobbins D. A. , Cailteux R. L. , Midway S. R. , Leone E. H.
Published: August 2012

Introduction of flathead catfish, Pylodictis olivaris (Rafinesque), in waters of the USA has been widespread and often with negative impacts. Flathead catfish have been collected in Florida waters since the 1980s, and this study documents their impact on native fishes shortly after establishment. Four sites in the Choctawhatchee River, Florida, were sampled from 1997 to 2011, a time period spanning several years before and after the presence of flathead catfish at all sites. Flathead catfish expanded more than 91 river km in 2 years. The population increased rapidly and became the numerically dominant ictalurid at each site within 3 years of first detection at the site. Concurrent with the increases in flathead catfish was the precipitous decline of the native spotted bullhead, Ameiurus serracanthus (Yerger & Relyea). Electric fishing catch rates of flathead catfish significantly increased (P < 0.03) over time at all sites, while spotted bullhead catch rates significantly declined (P < 0.03) at three of four sites. Catch rates of flathead catfish and spotted bullhead were negatively correlated at all but the last site to be colonised by flathead catfish. This study provides evidence that introduced flathead catfish can quickly and significantly impact native ictalurids.
Sediment accumulation predicts the distribution of a unionid mussel (Elliptio complanata) in nearshore areas of a Canadian Shield lake
Authors: CYR HÉLÈNE , STORISTEANU DANIEL M. L. , RIDGWAY MARK S.
Published: August 2012

1. The importance of native freshwater mussels for ecosystem processes depends on their density, size distribution and activity. In lakes, many of the factors that affect mussels (fish hosts, habitat, food) could be directly or indirectly related to wind‐driven physical processes.

2. We tested whether the abundance and size of Elliptio complanata in the shallow, nearshore areas of a medium‐sized lake were related to site exposure, substratum type and fish distribution. To disentangle some of the correlated variables known to affect mussel distribution, we used paired exposed and sheltered sampling sites along the 7‐km fetch of the lake basin.

3. The distribution of sediment characteristics in nearshore areas was highly predictable. The mean depth of accumulated soft sediments decreased with increasing fetch at wind‐exposed sites, but increased with increasing fetch at sheltered sites. Sediments were deeper along the main shoreline than around islands. Deeper sediments tended to be finer and higher in silt content and organic fraction.

4. The density and proportion of juvenile mussels along the main shoreline varied in a unimodal way with sediment depth. These results suggest that wind‐driven physical forces affect the transport of young juveniles to sediment depositional areas and create sediment conditions that influence their growth and survival. In contrast, the proportion of juvenile mussels around islands was not related to sediment characteristics, but decreased with remoteness of the island, suggesting that the distribution of juvenile mussels may be limited by fish movements. These results are tentative since they do not include buried juvenile mussels.

5. We also found a unimodal relationship between total mussel density (juveniles and adults) and sediment depth but, in contrast to the relationship for juveniles only, it applied to all sites with soft sediments, including islands. We conclude that factors related to sediment depth affect the growth and survival of adult mussels around islands and that these factors are strong enough to modify the pattern of distribution established via dispersal during earlier life stages.

6. The mean shell length of adults at different sites within the lake basin ranged from 60 to 85 mm. Mussel shell length decreased with increasing fetch at sites exposed to the prevalent winds, but was relatively constant on the sheltered side of peninsulas and islands. The size of unionid mussels in different parts of the lake seems to be determined both by their exposure to physical forces and by sediments.

7. The local distribution of E. complanata is determined, directly and indirectly, by wind‐driven forces. These processes are likely to be important for other benthic organisms affected by similar habitat conditions (e.g. sediment characteristics, physical disturbance).
Spontaneous obturator internus muscle haematoma: a new unpublished cause of ilioipelvic pain in haemophilia
Authors: Aouba A. , Breton S. , Harroche A. , Sy‐Bah D. , Torchet M.‐F. , Frenzel L. , Lasne D. , Padovani J.‐P. , Odent T. , Rothschild C.
Published: August 2012

Obturator muscles haematoma are rarely reported. The most often reported cases are primary pyomyositis or posttraumatic haematomas occurring during pelvic fractures. We firstly report herein two cases of spontaneous obturator internus haematoma (OIH) in two haemophiliacs with inhibitor. Clinical data and imaging of two patients treated in our clinic are reported here according to previously defined criteria of OIH in posttraumatic situation. Both patients were children suffering from severe and moderate haemophilia A, respectively, with an inhibitor at the time of the event. The clinical feature was marked by an iliopelvic pain letting discussing hip haemarthrosis, appendicitis or iliopsoas haematoma. For both patients ultrasonography (US) failed to provide the diagnosis. Careful and repeated clinical examinations eventually lead to suspect obturator haematoma which was confirmed by abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Respectively, high dose of FVIII or rFVIIa regimen allowed a rapid control of the muscular bleeding in the low and high responder inhibitor patients. Spontaneous OIH may be added to the differential diagnosis of iliopelvic pain in severe forms of haemophilia. US still often performed at first in such case remains unhelpful; abdominopelvic CT or MRI should be performed to discriminate among different diagnoses, including OIH which stays probably undiagnosed.
Effectiveness of the ‘sleep enhancement’ nursing intervention in hospitalized mental health patients
Authors: Laguna‐Parras Juan Manuel , Jerez‐Rojas María Ramona , García‐Fernández Francisco Pedro , Carrasco‐Rodríguez Mª Dolores , Nogales‐Vargas‐Machuca Inmaculada
Published: August 2012

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of the ‘sleep enhancement’ nursing intervention (Nursing Interventions Classification) in patients hospitalized with mental illness and having a disturbed sleep pattern and to identify the possible effect of psycho‐active medications on this disturbed sleep pattern.

Design

A quasi‐experimental pretest‐posttest type study without control group.

Method

The study was conducted in all patients admitted to the mental health inpatient unit of University Hospital of Spain from 1 March 2007–31 May 2008. The effectiveness of the ‘sleep enhancement’ nursing intervention was measured using the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire score and Nursing Outcome Classification sleep scores at admission and discharge. Psycho‐active medication was considered an intervening variable and data were analysed by multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures.

Results

The study included 291 patients. Consumption of psycho‐active medications did not change between admission and discharge and was not statistically significantly different in the multivariate analysis of variance. Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire and Nursing Outcome Classification sleep scores at admission and discharge demonstrated significant sleep improvement after the nursing intervention.

Conclusion

This nursing intervention could be implemented in patients admitted to a mental health inpatient unit with disturbed sleep pattern, regardless of their consumption of psycho‐active medications.
Factors influencing nurses’ decisions to activate medical emergency teams
Authors: Pantazopoulos Ioannis , Tsoni Aikaterini , Kouskouni Evangelia , Papadimitriou Lila , Johnson Elizabeth O , Xanthos Theodoros
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate the relationship between nurse demographics and correct identification of clinical situations warranting specific nursing actions, including activation of the medical emergency team.

Background.  If abnormal physiology is left untreated, the patient may develop cardiac arrest. Nurses in general wards are those who perceive any clinical deterioration in patients.

Design.  A descriptive, quantitative design was selected.

Methods.  An anonymous survey with 13 multiple choice questions was distributed to 150 randomly selected nurses working in general medical and surgical wards of a large tertiary hospital in Athens, Greece. After explanation of the purposes of the study, 94 nurses (response ratio: 62%) agreed to respond to the questionnaire.

Results.  Categories with the greatest nursing concern were patients with heart rate < 40/minute, an atypical thoracic pain, foreign body airway obstruction and bronchial secretions, respiratory rate < 5/minute and heart rate = 100/minute. However, almost 50% of nurses were able to accurately identify the critical nursing action for patients with respiratory rate < 4/minute, 72% for patients with airway obstruction and 73% for patients with chest pain. Nurses who had graduated from a four‐year educational programme identified clinical situations that necessitated medical emergency team activation in a significantly higher rate and also scored significantly higher in questions concerning clinical evaluation than nurses who had graduated from a two‐year educational programme.

Conclusion.  Activation of the medical emergency team is influenced by factors such as level of education and cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses attendance.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Graduating from a four‐year educational programme helps nurses identify emergencies. However, irrespective of the educational programme they have followed, undertaking a basic life support or advanced life support provider course is critical as it helps them identify cardiac or respiratory emergencies.
Evaluation of changes in guidelines for medication management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lin Fang‐Ju , Lee Todd A. , Wong Pei Shieen , Pickard A. Simon
Published: August 2012

Rationale, aims and objectives

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines are well‐known international clinical practice guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this study was to examine how treatment recommendations and the quality of supporting evidence for pharmacologic management of stable COPD have evolved since the initial guidance issued in 2001.

Methods

Recommendations in the 2001 and 2011 GOLD guidelines, along with the evidence grades (i.e. A, B, C, D), were identified and abstracted. We determined the distribution and evolution of recommendations across levels of evidence and treatment categories over time.

Results

There were 35 and 54 recommendations identified in the 2001 and 2011 guidelines, respectively. Twenty‐six recommendations were common to the 2001 and 2011 guidelines, with eight having the same evidence grade in both versions and three having a grade change (one upgraded and two downgraded). Twenty‐eight new recommendations were added in 2011. Bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids, and phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitors are the classes of pharmacologic treatment with the most prominent changes regarding emerging evidence and the number of recommendations. Approximately 45% of the graded recommendations were supported by well‐designed randomized controlled trials, i.e. grade A.

Conclusions

The GOLD guideline recommendations have changed considerably over the past 11 years, which reflects a dynamic evidence base and perhaps a change in the way guideline developers view the evidence to inform recommendations. Given the large number of recommendations with lower grade levels, there continues to be substantial opportunity to inform gaps in the evidence base with high‐quality studies.
Development of expertise in mental health service provision for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities
Authors: Rutherford Kimberly , McIntyre John , Daley Andrea , Ross Lori E
Published: August 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 903–913

Objectives  There are significant health disparities according to sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly in mental health; however, very few mental health professionals specialise in caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. The purpose of this study was to explore how providers with LGBT‐focused practices have developed their capacity for working with these populations.

Methods  Eight semi‐structured interviews were conducted with practising mental health service providers with extensive experience serving LGBT individuals. Participants represented four professional disciplines: psychiatry (n = 2); social work (n = 3); psychotherapy (n = 2), and psychology (n = 1). The data were analysed for themes that were identified using a descriptive phenomenological approach.

Results  All providers self‐identified as members of LGBT communities; however, most agreed that this membership was not necessary to provide supportive, appropriate care for LGBT individuals. Providers described their self‐identity as members of LGBT communities, associated lived experiences and recognition of the need for mental health services that are sensitive to the unique needs of LGBT individuals as influential factors in their career decisions. The lack of training opportunities and resources specific to the provision of LGBT‐sensitive mental health services was highlighted. Provider recommendations included the introduction of mandatory LGBT health content in education curricula that addresses basic LGBT‐related terminology, appropriate interview questions to facilitate the disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity, information regarding the health impact of heterosexism and homophobia, and specific health care needs of sexual and gender identity minority people.

Conclusions  Data from this study suggest there are few opportunities for medical providers to access training and gain expertise in the provision of care to LGBT people. Additional research is needed to consider whether the lack of LGBT health content in medical and psychiatric training programme curricula indirectly contributes to the health disparities experienced by these populations.
Scylla or Charybdis? Can we navigate between objectification and judgement in assessment?
Authors: Eva Kevin W , Hodges Brian D
Published: August 2012

Discuss ideas arising from this article at ‘discuss’
What is happening under the surface? Power, conflict and the performance of medical teams
Authors: Janss Rozemarijn , Rispens Sonja , Segers Mien , Jehn Karen A
Published: August 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 838–849

Context  The effect of teamwork on team performance is broadly recognised in the medical field. This recognition is manifested in educational programmes in which attention to interpersonal behaviours during teamwork is growing. Conflict and power differences influence interpersonal behaviours and are marked topics in studies of group functioning in the social and organisational psychology literature. Insights from the domain of social sciences put the ongoing improvement of teamwork into broader perspective.

Objectives  This paper shows how knowledge from the domain of social and organisational psychology contributes to the understanding of teamwork in the medical environment. More specifically, this paper suggests that unfolding the underlying issues of power and conflict within medical teams can be of extra help in the development of educational interventions aimed at improving team performance.

Methods  We review the key social psychology and organisational behaviour literature concerning power and conflict, and relate the insights derived from this to the team process of ad hoc medical action teams.

Results  We present a theoretical framework in which insights into power and conflict are used to explain and predict team dynamics in ad hoc medical action teams.

Conclusions  Power and conflict strongly influence interpersonal behaviour. Characteristics of medical action teams give rise to all kinds of issues of disagreement and are accompanied by complex issues of intra‐team power distribution. We argue that how team members coordinate, cooperate and communicate is steered by members’ personal motivations, which, in turn, strongly depend on their perceptions of power and conflict. Given the importance of the performance of these teams, we suggest future directions for the development of training interventions building on knowledge and theories derived from social and organisational psychology.
Influences of past climatic changes on historical population structure and demography of a cosmopolitan marine predator, the common dolphin (genus Delphinus)
Authors: Amaral Ana R. , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Bilgmann Kerstin , Freitas Luís , Robertson Kelly M. , Sequeira Marina , Stockin Karen A. , Coelho M. M. , Möller Luciana M.
Published: August 2012

Climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene have greatly influenced the distribution and connectivity of many organisms, leading to extinctions but also generating biodiversity. While the effects of such changes have been extensively studied in the terrestrial environment, studies focusing on the marine realm are still scarce. Here we used sequence data from one mitochondrial and five nuclear loci to assess the potential influence of Pleistocene climatic changes on the phylogeography and demographic history of a cosmopolitan marine predator, the common dolphin (genus Delphinus). Population samples representing the three major morphotypes of Delphinus were obtained from 10 oceanic regions. Our results suggest that short‐beaked common dolphins are likely to have originated in the eastern Indo‐Pacific Ocean during the Pleistocene and expanded into the Atlantic Ocean through the Indian Ocean. On the other hand, long‐beaked common dolphins appear to have evolved more recently and independently in several oceans. Our results also suggest that short‐beaked common dolphins had recurrent demographic expansions concomitant with changes in sea surface temperature during the Pleistocene and its associated increases in resource availability, which differed between the North Atlantic and Pacific Ocean basins. By proposing how past environmental changes had an effect on the demography and speciation of a widely distributed marine mammal, we highlight the impacts that climate change may have on the distribution and abundance of marine predators and its ecological consequences for marine ecosystems.
Three‐dimensional flight tracking shows how a visual target alters tsetse fly responses to human breath in a wind tunnel
Authors: GURBA ALEXANDRE , HARRACA VINCENT , PERRET JEAN‐LUC , CASERA STEVE , DONNET STÉPHANE , GUERIN PATRICK M.
Published: August 2012

Tsetse flies Glossina spp. (Diptera; Glossinidae) are blood‐feeding vectors of disease that are attracted to vertebrate hosts by odours and visual cues. Studies on how tsetse flies approach visual devices are of fundamental interest because they can help in the development of more efficient control tools. The responses of a forest tsetse fly species Glossina brevipalpis (Newstead) to human breath are tested in a wind tunnel in the presence or absence of a blue sphere as a visual target. The flight responses are video recorded with two motion‐sensitive cameras and characterized in three dimensions. Although flies make meandering upwind flights predominantly in the horizontal plane in the plume of breath alone, upwind flights are highly directed at the visual target presented in the plume of breath. Flies responding to the visual target fly from take‐off within stricter flight limits at lower ground speeds and with a significantly lower variance in flight trajectories in the horizontal plane. Once at the target, flies fly in loops principally in the horizontal plane within 40 cm of the blue sphere before descending in spirals beneath it. Successful field traps designed for G. brevipalpis take into account the strong horizontal component in local search behaviour by this species at objects. The results suggest that trapping devices should also take into account the propensity of G. brevipalpis to descend to the lower parts of visual targets.
A novel protein kinase involved in Na+ exclusion revealed from positional cloning
Authors: ROY S. J. , HUANG W. , WANG X. J. , EVRARD A. , SCHMÖCKEL S. M. , ZAFAR Z. U. , TESTER M.
Published: August 2012

Salinity is a major abiotic stress which affects crop plants around the world, resulting in substantial loss of yield and millions of dollars of lost revenue. High levels of Na+ in shoot tissue have many adverse effects and, crucially, yield in cereals is commonly inversely proportional to the extent of shoot Na+ accumulation. We therefore need to identify genes, resistant plant cultivars and cellular processes that are involved in salinity tolerance, with the goal of introducing these factors into commercially available crops. Through the use of an Arabidopsis thaliana mapping population, we have identified a highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) linked to Na+ exclusion. Fine mapping of this QTL identified a protein kinase (AtCIPK16), related to AtSOS2, that was significantly up‐regulated under salt stress. Greater Na+ exclusion was associated with significantly higher root expression of AtCIPK16, which is due to differences in the gene's promoter. Constitutive overexpression of the gene in Arabidopsis leads to plants with significant reduction in shoot Na+ and greater salinity tolerance. amiRNA knock‐downs of AtCIPK16 in Arabidopsis show a negative correlation between the expression levels of the gene and the amount of shoot Na+. Transgenic barley lines overexpressing AtCIPK16 show increased salinity tolerance.
Stomatal encryption by epicuticular waxes as a plastic trait modifying gas exchange in a Mediterranean evergreen species (Quercus coccifera L.)
Authors: ROTH‐NEBELSICK ANITA , FERNÁNDEZ VICTORIA , PEGUERO‐PINA JOSÉ JAVIER , SANCHO‐KNAPIK DOMINGO , GIL‐PELEGRÍN EUSTAQUIO
Published: August 2012

The adaptive benefit of stomatal crypts remains a matter of controversy. This work studies the effect on gas exchange of cuticular rims that overarch the stomatal pore in the Mediterranean species Quercus coccifera L. growing under Mediterranean (lower relative humidities and high summer temperatures) or oceanic conditions (higher daily relative humidities and mild temperatures). After microscopic assessment of the leaf surfaces and stomatal architecture, the impact of the cuticular ‘cup’ on gas exchange was evaluated by employing three‐dimensional finite element models. Here, we provide evidence for a high plasticity of the Q. coccifera cuticular cup, with much larger vents under oceanic conditions compared to small vents under Mediterranean conditions. This structure adds a substantial fixed resistance thereby strongly decreasing gas exchange under Mediterranean conditions. The cuticular cup, which also increases leaf internal humidity, might buffer the rapid changes in vapour pressure deficit (VPD) often observed under Mediterranean conditions. Since water loss of guard and adjacent epidermal cells regulates stomatal aperture, we suggest that this structure allows an efficient regulation of stomatal conductance and optimum use of resources under high VPD. This study provides evidence that plasticity of stomatal architecture can be an important structural component of hydraulic adaptation to different climate conditions.
UVB radiation and 17‐hydroxygeranyllinalool diterpene glycosides provide durable resistance against mirid (Tupiocoris notatus) attack in field‐grown Nicotiana attenuata plants
Authors: ĐINH SƠN TRƯỜNG , GÁLIS IVAN , BALDWIN IAN T.
Published: August 2012

Depending on geographical location, plants are exposed to variable amounts of UVB radiation and herbivore attack. Because the role(s) of UVB in the priming and/or accumulation of plant defence metabolites against herbivores are not well understood, we used field‐grown Nicotiana attenuata plants to explore the effects of UVB on herbivore performance. Consistent with previous reports, UVB‐exposed plants accumulated higher levels of ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing compounds (rutin, chlorogenic acid, crypto‐chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylspermidine). Furthermore, UVB increased the accumulation of jasmonic acid, jasmonoyl‐L‐isoleucine and abscisic acid, all phytohormones which regulate plant defence against biotic and abiotic stress. In herbivore bioassays, N. attenuata plants experimentally protected from UVB were more infested by mirids in three consecutive field seasons. Among defence metabolites measured, 17‐hydroxygeranyllinalool diterpene glycosides (HGL‐DTGs) showed strongly altered accumulation patterns. While constitutive HGL‐DTGs levels were higher under UVB, N. attenuata plants exposed to mirid bugs (Tupiocoris notatus) had still more HGL‐DTGs under UVB, and mirids preferred to feed on HGL‐DTGs‐silenced plants when other UVB protecting factors were eliminated by UVB filters. We conclude that UVB exposure not only stimulates UV protective screens but also affects plant defence mechanisms, such as HGL‐DTGs accumulation, and modulates ecological interactions of N. attenuata with its herbivores in nature.
A novel allele HLA‐DPB1*136:01 identified in a German hematopoietic stem cell volunteer donor of Turkish descent
Authors: Abad M. L. , Balas A. , Schmidt A. H. , Rodríguez‐Calvo M. I. , Vicario J. L. , Eiras A.
Published: August 2012

The newly detected HLA‐DPB1*136:01 is distinguished from HLA‐DPB1*69:01 by a single‐nucleotide exchange at position 258, resulting in a coding change 57D‐‐>57E .
Variation between hospitals in rates of reported transfusion reactions: is a high reporting rate an indicator of safer transfusion?
Authors: Wiersum‐Osselton J. C. , van Tilborgh‐de Jong A. J. W. , Zijlker‐Jansen P. Y. , van de Watering L. M. G. , Brand A. , van der Bom J. G. , Schipperus M. R.
Published: August 2012

Background and objectives  It has been suggested that the rate of reported transfusion reactions is positively correlated with safety of the transfusion chain in a hospital. We evaluated this assumption in the Transfusion Reactions in Patients Dutch National Hemovigilance Office database taking reported incorrect blood component transfused as a proxy for unsafe transfusion.

Methods  Reports from 2006 to 2010 and annual numbers of transfused blood components from the 103 hospitals were analysed. The rate of transfusion reactions per 1000 blood components was calculated per hospital. Logistic regression analysis was performed between reporting of at least one incorrect blood component and tertile of transfusion reaction rate.

Results  Out of the 103 hospitals, 101 had complete data in some and 93 in all 5 years. In all, 72 had reported at least one incorrect blood component transfused; this was associated with blood use level and also with rate of reported transfusion reactions: odds ratio 4·2 (95% confidence interval, 1·3–13·7) in the highest vs. the lowest tertile after adjustment for blood use level.

Conclusion  Hospitals in the Netherlands which report more transfusion reactions per 1000 units are also more likely to have reported incorrect blood component transfused. The data do not support that hospitals with a higher rate of transfusion reaction reports are safer.
Relationship between social capital and test seeking among blood donors in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira C. D. L. , Goncalez T. , Wright D. , Rocha P. C. , Miranda C. , Capuani L. , Carneiro‐Proietti A. B. , Proietti F. A. , de Almeida‐Neto C. , Larsen N. M. , Sampaio D. , Custer B. ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II), International Component
Published: August 2012

Background and Objectives Higher risk of HIV infection could be associated with test seeking, which is one motivation for donating blood. Cognitive social capital is defined as the social support, trust and co‐operation that guide community behaviour. Structural social capital refers to an individual’s participation in institutions and organizations. The association between social capital and test seeking was assessed.

Materials and Methods A survey of over 7500 donors in three Brazilian blood centres was conducted. Test seeking was classified into four non‐overlapping categories (non‐test seeker, possible, presumed and self‐disclosed test seekers) using one direct and two indirect questions. Social capital was summarized into cognitive and structural categorizations. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results Compared with non‐test seekers (62% of survey respondents), cognitive social capital was higher for each category of test seeking (OR = 1.1, 7.4, 7.1,P < 0.05 respectively). Male gender, lower education and lower income were also significantly associated with test seeking.

Conclusion As test seekers appear to have strong social networks, blood banks may leverage this to convince them to seek testing at other locations.
Population Structure and Management of Podosphaera pannosaAssociated with Peach Powdery Mildew in Oman
Authors: Al‐Sadi Abdullah M. , Al‐Raisi Ibtihal J. , Al‐Azri Masood , Al‐Hasani Hamoud , Al‐Shukaili Mohammed S. , Al‐Shuraiqi Saif M. , Al‐Fahdi Khater O. , Deadman Mike L.
Published: August 2012

In 2004, severe powdery mildew infection on peach occurred in Al‐Jabal Al‐Akdhar, Oman, and resulted in substantial yield losses to growers. This study was conducted to investigate occurrence, causal agents, genetic diversity and efficacy of azoxystrobin in management of this disease. Powdery mildew was observed on all farms and peach trees in Al‐Jabal Al‐Akdhar. Disease symptoms were first observed on shoots in April, followed by appearance on fruits. Disease severity reached its peak between May and June. Morphological and molecular identification of 22 powdery mildew isolates indicated that all belong to Podosphaera pannosa. Podosphaera pannosa reproduced the same symptoms upon inoculation on peach leaves. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms analysis of 35 isolates of P. pannosa from five different villages using four primer pair combinations produced 688 polymorphic loci and 35 different genotypes. Populations of P. pannosa were found to have low levels of gene diversity (H = 0.1858), which suggests that P. pannosa has been recently introduced into Al‐Jabal Al‐Akdhar. Analysis of molecular variance showed low levels of genetic differentiation among populations from the different villages, implying the introduction of P. pannosa into the different villages via common sources as well as frequent movement of pathogen inoculum among the different villages. Evaluating the efficacy of azoxystrobin showed that azoxystrobin is as efficacious as thiophanate‐methyl in managing the disease, with sulphur being the least efficacious. The study is the first to report the presence of P. pannosa in Oman. Also reported are its genetic diversity and its management under commercial conditions.