bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐lethal sampling of walleye for stable isotope analysis: a comparison of three tissues
Authors: FINCEL M.J. , VanDeHEY J.A. , CHIPPS S.R.
Published: October 2011

Abstract  Stable isotope analysis of fishes is often performed using muscle or organ tissues that require sacrificing animals. Non‐lethal sampling provides an alternative for evaluating isotopic composition for species of concern or individuals of exceptional value. Stable isotope values of white muscle (lethal) were compared with those from fins and scales (non‐lethal) in walleye, Sander vitreus (Mitchill), from multiple systems, size classes and across a range of isotopic values. Isotopic variability was also compared among populations to determine the potential of non‐lethal tissues for diet‐variability analyses. Muscle‐derived isotope values were enriched compared with fins and depleted relative to scales. A split‐sample validation technique and linear regression found that isotopic composition of walleye fins and scales was significantly related to that in muscle tissue for both δ13C and δ15N (r2 = 0.79–0.93). However, isotopic variability was significantly different between tissue types in two of six populations for δ15N and three of six populations for δ13C. Although species and population specific, these findings indicate that isotopic measures obtained from non‐lethal tissues are indicative of those obtained from muscle.
Managing risk and conflict behaviours in acute psychiatry: the dual role of constant special observation
Authors: Stewart Duncan , Bowers Len , Ross Jamie
Published: October 2011

stewart d., bowers l. & ross j. (2012) Managing risk and conflict behaviours in acute psychiatry: the dual role of constant special observation. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1340–1348.

Aims.  This is a report of a study of events before and after the use of constant special observation on acute psychiatric wards, and the characteristics of patients who received it.

Background.  Constant special observation is a method of preventing acutely disturbed inpatients from harming themselves or others. It has been characterized as impersonal, intrusive and non‐therapeutic. The circumstances of its use and place in broader intervention strategies are not well understood.

Methods.  A sample of 522 patients were recruited from 84 acute psychiatric wards in 31 hospital locations in London and surrounding areas during 2009–2010. Data were collected for the first 2 weeks of admission from patients’ case notes.

Results.  Sixteen per cent of patients received constant special observation during the first 2 weeks in hospital (7% at the point of admission and 11% after admission), but with variation between hospitals. Absconding, violence and self‐harm were the most common events to precede constant special observation during a shift. Other methods of containment, especially intermittent special observation, were frequently tried first. Episodes of constant special observation often involved de‐escalation and extra medication. Aggression was more prominent during than before constant special observation. Attempted suicides were limited to postadmission episodes.

Conclusion.  Constant special observation is usually used in combination with other forms of containment, irrespective of when it is initiated. Placing patients considered at risk of suicide under constant special observation on admission may have a protective effect.
Rodent middens reveal episodic, long‐distance plant colonizations across the hyperarid Atacama Desert over the last 34,000 years
Authors: Díaz Francisca P. , Latorre Claudio , Maldonado Antonio , Quade Jay , Betancourt Julio L.
Published: October 2011

Aim  To document the impact of late Quaternary pluvial events on plant movements between the coast and the Andes across the Atacama Desert, northern Chile.

Location  Sites are located along the lower and upper fringes of absolute desert (1100–2800 m a.s.l.), between the western slope of the Andes and the Coastal Ranges of northern Chile (24–26° S).

Methods  We collected and individually radiocarbon dated 21 rodent middens. Plant macrofossils (fruits, seeds, flowers and leaves) were identified and pollen content analysed. Midden assemblages afford brief snapshots of local plant communities that existed within the rodents’ limited foraging range during the several years to decades that it took the midden to accumulate. These assemblages were then compared with modern floras to determine the presence of extralocal species and species provenance.

Results  Five middens span the last glacial period (34–21 ka) and three middens are from the last glacial–interglacial transition (19–11 ka). The remaining 13 middens span the last 7000 years. Coastal hyperarid sites exhibit low taxonomic richness in middens at 19.3, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.5 ka and a modern sample. Middens are also dominated by the same plants that occur today. In contrast, middens dated to 28.1, 21.3, 17.3, 3.7 and 0.5 ka contain more species, including Andean extralocals. Precordillera middens (c. 2700 m) show a prominent increase in plant macrofossil richness, along with the appearance of Andean extralocals and sedges at 34.5 and 18.9 ka. Six younger middens dated to 6.1–0.1 ka are similar to the modern local vegetation.

Main conclusions  Increased species richness and Andean extralocal plants occurred along the current lower fringes of absolute desert during the last glacial–interglacial transition and late Holocene. The absence of soil carbonates indicates the persistence of absolute desert throughout the Quaternary. Colonization by Andean plants could have been accomplished through long‐distance seed dispersal either by animals or floods that originated in the Andes. We postulate that dispersal would have been most frequent during regional pluvial events and associated increases in groundwater levels, forming local wetlands in the absolute desert, and generating large floods capable of crossing the Central Depression.
Primary healthcare nurses’ experiences with motivational interviewing in health promotion practice
Authors: Brobeck Elisabeth , Bergh Håkan , Odencrants Sigrid , Hildingh Cathrine
Published: October 2011

Aim.  The aim of the study was to describe primary healthcare nurses’ experiences with motivational interviewing as a method for health promotion practice.

Background.  A person’s lifestyle has a major effect on his or her health. Motivational interviewing is one way of working with lifestyle changes in health promotion practice. The basic plan of motivational interviewing is to help people understand their lifestyle problems and make positive lifestyle changes. Motivational interviewing has been proven to be more effective than conventional methods in increasing patient motivation.

Design.  This study has a descriptive design and uses a qualitative method.

Methods.  Twenty nurses who worked in primary health care and actively used motivational interviewing in their work were interviewed. Qualitative content analysis was used to process the data.

Results.  The primary healthcare nurses’ experiences with motivational interviewing as a method of health promotion practice demonstrate that motivational interviewing is a demanding, enriching and useful method that promotes awareness and guidance in the care relationship. The results also show that motivational interviewing is a valuable tool for primary healthcare nurses’ health promotion practice.

Conclusion.  This study shows that motivational interviewing places several different demands on nurses who use this method. Those who work with motivational interviewing must make an effort to incorporate this new method to avoid falling back into the former practice of simply giving advice. Maintaining an open mind while implementing motivational interviewing in real healthcare settings is crucial for nurses to increase this method’s effectiveness.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The nurses in the study had a positive experience with motivational interviewing, which can contribute to the increased use, adaption and development of motivational interviewing among primary healthcare professionals. Increased motivational interviewing knowledge and skills would also contribute to promotion of health lifestyle practices.
Litter sex ratio affects lifetime reproductive success of free‐living female Alpine marmots Marmota marmota†
Authors: HACKLÄNDER Klaus , ARNOLD Walter
Published: October 2011

In litter‐bearing mammals, adult phenotype is influenced during prenatal life by the sex of neighbouring foetuses. This phenomenon, found so far only in laboratory studies, may have ecological importance in nature. We present the first evidence that litter sex ratio has consequences for lifetime reproductive success in mammals. Female Alpine marmots born in a male‐biased litter, i.e. more likely to be located in utero next to male foetuses, are more likely to be dominant later in life – a prerequisite for reproduction in this species. We found no evidence for lower reproductive output of these females, a common cost of prenatal masculinization.
Separate inputs modulate phosphorylation‐dependent and ‐independent type VI secretion activation
Authors: Silverman Julie M. , Austin Laura S. , Hsu FoSheng , Hicks Kevin G. , Hood Rachel D. , Mougous Joseph D.
Published: October 2011

Productive intercellular delivery of cargo by secretory systems requires exquisite temporal and spatial choreography. Our laboratory has demonstrated that the haemolysin co‐regulated secretion island I (HSI‐I)‐encoded type VI secretion system (H1‐T6SS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa transfers effector proteins to other bacterial cells. The activity of these effectors requires cell contact‐dependent delivery by the secretion apparatus, and thus their export is highly repressed under planktonic growth conditions. Here we define regulatory pathways that orchestrate efficient secretion by this system. We identified a T6S‐associated protein, TagF, as a posttranslational repressor of the H1‐T6SS. Strains activated by TagF derepression or stimulated through a previously identified threonine phosphorylation pathway (TPP) share the property of secretory ATPase recruitment to the T6S apparatus, yet display different effector output levels and genetic requirements for their export. We also found that these two pathways respond to distinct stimuli; we identified surface growth as a physiological cue that activates the H1‐T6SS exclusively through the TPP. Coordination of posttranslational triggering with cell contact‐promoting growth conditions provides a mechanism for the T6SS to avoid wasteful release of effectors.
Immunohistochemical localization of aggresomal proteins in glial cytoplasmic inclusions in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Chiba Y. , Takei S. , Kawamura N. , Kawaguchi Y. , Sasaki K. , Hasegawa‐Ishii S. , Furukawa A. , Hosokawa M. , Shimada A.
Published: October 2011

Y. Chiba, S. Takei, N. Kawamura, Y. Kawaguchi, K. Sasaki, S. Hasegawa‐Ishii, A. Furukawa, M. Hosokawa and A. Shimada (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 559–571

Immunohistochemical localization of aggresomal proteins in glial cytoplasmic inclusions in multiple system atrophy

Aims: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is pathologically characterized by the formation of α‐synuclein‐containing glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) in oligodendrocytes. However, the mechanisms of GCI formation are not fully understood. Cellular machinery for the formation of aggresomes has been linked to the biogenesis of the Lewy body, a characteristic α‐synuclein‐containing inclusion of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Here, we examined whether GCIs contain the components of aggresomes by immunohistochemistry. Methods: Sections from five patients with MSA were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against aggresome‐related proteins and analysed in comparison with sections from five patients with no neurological disease. We evaluated the presence or absence of aggresome‐related proteins in GCIs by double immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. Results: GCIs were clearly immunolabelled with antibodies against aggresome‐related proteins, such as γ‐tubulin, histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) and 20S proteasome subunits. Neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) were also immunopositive for these aggresome‐related proteins. Double immunofluorescence staining and quantitative analysis demonstrated that the majority of GCIs contained these proteins, as well as other aggresome‐related proteins, such as Hsp70, Hsp90 and 62‐kDa protein/sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1). Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated immunoreactivities for γ‐tubulin and HDAC6 along the fibrils comprising GCIs. Conclusions: Our results indicate that GCIs, and probably NCIs, share at least some characteristics with aggresomes in terms of their protein components. Therefore, GCIs and NCIs may be another manifestation of aggresome‐related inclusion bodies observed in neurodegenerative diseases.
The use of two complementary DNA assays, AFLP and MLSA, for epidemic and phylogenetic studies of pectolytic enterobacterial strains with focus on the heterogeneous speciesPectobacterium carotovorum
Authors: Nabhan S. , Wydra K. , Linde M. , Debener T.
Published: October 2011

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) were used to analyse 63 bacterial strains, including 30 soft‐rot‐causing bacterial strains collected from Syrian potato fields and 33 reference strains. For the MLSA, additional sequences of 41 strains ofPectobacteriumandDickeya, available from the NCBI GenBank, were included to produce a single alignment of the 104 taxa for the seven concatenated genes (acnA,gapA,proA,icd,mtlD,mdhandpgi). The results indicate the need for a revision of the previously classified strains, as some potato‐derivedPectobacterium carotovorumstrains were re‐identified asP. wasabiae. The strains that were classified asP. carotovorumduring the analyses demonstrated high heterogeneity and grouped into fiveP. carotovorumhighly supported clusters (PcI to PcV). The strains represented a wide range of host plants including potatoes, cabbage, avocados, arum lilies, sugar cane and more. Host specificity was detected in PcV, in which four of the six strains were isolated from monocotyledonous plants. The PcV strains formed a clearly distinct group in all the constructed phylogenetic trees. The number of strains phylogenetically classified as subspecies ‘P. c. subsp. brasiliensis’ in PcIV dramatically increased in size as a result of the characterization of new isolates or re‐identification of previousP. carotovorumandP. atrosepticumstrains. TheP. carotovorumstrains from Syria were grouped into PcI, PcII and PcIV. This grouping indicates a lack of correlation between the geographical origin and classification of these pathogens.
Characterization of an alcohol addiction‐prone phenotype in mice
Authors: Radwanska Kasia , Kaczmarek Leszek
Published: October 2011

Human studies indicate that high impulsivity, novelty seeking and anxiety predispose individuals to alcohol abuse. Unclear, however, is whether the same phenotypes can be observed in laboratory animals prone to uncontrolled alcohol drinking. To characterize a novelty‐seeking trait, anxiety, impulsivity, compulsivity and the motivation for natural rewards in mice, numerous tests were performed in the automated IntelliCage learning system. The same mice then had extended access to alcohol for 70 days, followed by the evaluation of addiction‐like behaviors, including (1) the motivation for alcohol in a progressive‐ratio schedule of reinforcement; (2) persistent and compulsive alcohol seeking and taking during signaled ‘no alcohol’ periods and (3) when subjected to punishment; and (4) the intensity of relapse after alcohol withdrawal. Our data suggest that high levels of anxiety‐related traits (i.e. low novelty seeking, low resistance to punishment and a high level of compulsive behaviors) and high impulsivity predict addiction‐like alcohol drinking in mice. Future studies are, however, warranted to create a valid model of alcohol addiction in mice in the IntelliCage system.
Pregabalin and topiramate regulate behavioural and brain gene transcription changes induced by spontaneous cannabinoid withdrawal in mice
Authors: Aracil‐Fernández Auxiliadora , Almela Pilar , Manzanares Jorge
Published: October 2011

This study examined the actions of pregabalin and topiramate on behavioural and gene transcription alterations induced by spontaneous cannabinoid withdrawal in mice.

Tolerance was induced in mice by administration of CP‐55,940 (0.5 mg/kg/12 hours; i.p.; 7 days). Behavioural assessment of spontaneous cannabinoid withdrawal was performed by measuring motor activity, somatic signs and anxiety‐like behaviour on days 1 and 3 after cessation of treatment with CP‐55,940. On days 1–3 of cannabinoid withdrawal, mice received pregabalin (40 mg/kg/12 hours; p.o.) or topiramate (50 mg/kg/12 hours; p.o.) and their actions on signs of withdrawal and anxiety‐like behaviour were evaluated.

The administration of CP‐55,940 decreased rectal temperature and motor activity on day 1. On day 1 after interruption of cannabinoid administration, motor activity and the number of rearings increased compared with control group. Anxiety‐like behaviour induced by cessation of cannabinoid treatment increased significantly on days 1 and 3 of withdrawal. The administration of pregabalin or topiramate blocked the motor signs and reduced significantly anxiety‐like behaviour. Cannabinoid withdrawal decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression in the ventral tegmental area and µ‐opioid receptor gene expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and increased CB1 receptor gene expression in the NAcc. Treatment with topiramate or pregabalin blocked the decrease of TH and the increase of CB1 gene expressions induced by cannabinoid withdrawal. Both drugs failed to alter µ‐opioid receptor gene expression.

These results suggest that pregabalin and topiramate may result useful for the treatment of anxiety‐like behaviour and motor symptoms associated with spontaneous cannabinoid withdrawal.
Secondary soy allergy in children with birch pollen allergy may cause both chronic and acute symptoms
Authors: De Swert Liliane F. A. , Gadisseur Romy , Sjölander Sigrid , Raes Marc , Leus Jasmine , Van Hoeyveld Erna
Published: October 2011

To cite this article: De Swert LFA, Gadisseur R, Sjölander S, Raes M, Leus J, Van Hoeyveld E. Secondary soy allergy in children with birch pollen allergy may cause both chronic and acute symptoms. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; Doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01218.x

Background:  Secondary soy allergy occurring in tree pollen allergic patients may cause acute symptoms.

Methods:  We selected children with birch pollen allergy suspected of also being soy allergic (SA). Soy allergy was proven based on one of the following: (i) a clear‐cut clinical history; (ii) a positive provocation test; and (iii) elimination and reintroduction of soy. Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed with a commercial soy extract and with soy flour. Specific IgE to Gly m 4, Gly m 5, and Gly m 6 was determined by means of ImmunoCAP and ISAC. Eight soy‐tolerant atopic children being CAP rGly m 4‐negative served as a control group for skin testing.

Results:  Of 15 subjects with birch pollen allergy and being suspected of soy allergy, eight of them proved to be SA; 7/15 subjects proved to be soy tolerant (ST). Besides acute symptoms in 8/8 SA subjects, 3/8 subjects also had been suffering from severe chronic complaints because of soy allergy. SPT with commercial soy extract was negative in all SA and ST subjects tested. SPT with soy flour was positive in 8/8 SA and in 5/6 ST subjects, but negative in all 8 controls (p < 0.0001); the median weal diameter was 7.7 mm in SA subjects, compared to 3 mm in ST subjects (p < 0.01). The median IgE level to rGly m 4 using CAP and ISAC was, respectively, 32.4 kU/l and 4.0 ISU in SA subjects, compared to 6.2 kU/l and 0.4 ISU in ST subjects (p < 0.05). Analysis of IgE to nGly m 5 and nGly m 6, using CAP or ISAC, showed no significant differences between SA and ST subjects.

Conclusions:  Secondary soy allergy may cause severe chronic besides acute symptoms. SPT with soy flour is a sensitive and specific tool in detecting soy sensitization. SPT with soy flour, CAP rGly m 4, and ISAC rGLY m 4 are valuable tools in the diagnosis of birch‐pollen‐associated secondary soy allergy.
Alpha‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and tobacco smoke exposure: Effects on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children
Authors: Torjussen Tale M. , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. , Munthe‐Kaas Monica C. , Mowinckel Petter , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Helms Peter J. , Gerritsen Jorrit , Whyte Moira K. , Lenney Warren , Undlien Dag E. , Shianna Kevin V. , Zhu Guohua , Pillai Sreekumar G.
Published: October 2011

To cite this article: Torjussen TM, Lødrup Carlsen KC, Munthe‐Kaas MC, Mowinckel P, Carlsen K‐H, Helms PJ, Gerritsen J, Whyte MK, Lenney W, Undlien DE, Shianna KV, Zhu G, Pillai SG. Alpha‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and tobacco smoke exposure: Effects on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 40–49.

Background:  The CHRNA 3 and 5 genes on chromosome 15 encode the alpha subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, mediating airway cholinergic activity. Polymorphisms are associated with cigarette smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

Aims:  To determine possible associations between CHRNA 3/5 SNP rs8034191 and asthma or lung function in children in one local and one replicate multinational population, and assess if tobacco smoke modified the associations.

Materials and methods:  The rs8034191 SNP genotyped in 551 children from the environment and childhood asthma (ECA) birth cohort study in Oslo, Norway, and in 516 families from six European centers [the Genetics of Asthma International Network (GAIN) study] was tested for genotypic or allelic associations to current or history of asthma, allergic sensitization (≥ one positive skin prick tests), bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and lung function (FEV1% of predicted and FEV1/FVC ratio over/ below the 5th percentile).

Results:  Although the TT and CT genotypes at SNP rs 8034191 were overall significantly associated with BHR (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.5–10.0, p = 0.005), stratified analyses according to exposure to maternal smoking in‐utero or indoor smoking at 10 yrs of age showed significant association (OR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.5–12.6, p = 0.006 and OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.7–18.5, p = 0.004, respectively) only in the non‐exposed and not in exposed children. The SNP–BHR association was replicated in the non‐tobacco‐smoke‐exposed subjects in one of the GAIN centers (BHR associated with the T allele (p = 0.034)), but not in the collated GAIN populations. Asthma, allergic sensitization, and lung function were not associated with the rs8034191 alleles.

Conclusion:  An interaction between tobacco smoke exposure and a CHRNA3/5 polymorphism was found for BHR in children, but CHRNA3/5 was not associated with asthma or lung function.
Chickenpox in childhood is associated with decreased atopic disorders, IgE, allergic sensitization, and leukocyte subsets
Authors: Silverberg Jonathan I. , Kleiman Edward , Silverberg Nanette B. , Durkin Helen G. , Joks Rauno , Smith‐Norowitz Tamar A.
Published: October 2011

To cite this article: Silverberg JI, Kleiman E, Silverberg NB, Durkin HG, Joks R, Smith‐Norowitz TA. Chickenpox in childhood is associated with decreased atopic disorders, IgE, allergic sensitization, and leukocyte subsets. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 50–58.

Background:  Wild‐type varicella zoster infection (WTVZV) up to 8 yr of age has been shown to protect against atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. We sought to determine whether WTVZV in childhood protects against atopic disorders, allergic sensitization or decreases serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective, practice‐based study of outpatient pediatric practices in NY. One hundred children with WTVZV up to 8 yr of age and 323 children who received varicella vaccine (VV) were randomly selected.

Results:  WTVZV up to 8 yr of age is associated with decreased odds of subsequent asthma (exact logistic regression; OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03–0.57, p = 0.003), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05–0.49, p = 0.0003), and AD (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33–0.96, p = 0.02), but not food allergies (p = 0.78); decreased total serum IgE levels [mixed linear model, LSM (95% CI): 129.09 (33.22–501.63) vs. 334.21 (102.38–1091.04) IU/ml; p = 0.02] remained significant at all time intervals after WTVZV (<5, 5–10, and >10) compared with VV (p = 0.003–0.03). WTVZV was associated with decreased allergic sensitization (logistic regression, OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.03–0.38, p = 0.0004). WTVZV is also associated with persistently decreased numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes (p < 0.0001) for up to 12 yr (p = 0.0003–0.047), monocytes (p = 0.002) for up to 16 yr (p < 0.001) and basophils at ages 4–6, 10–12, and 14–16 (p < 0.03).

Conclusion:  WTVZV up to 8 yr of age protects against atopic disorders, which is likely mediated by suppression of IgE production and allergic sensitization, as well as altered leukocyte distributions.
Development of guidelines for caregivers of people with bipolar disorder: a Delphi expert consensus study
Authors: Berk Lesley , Jorm Anthony F , Kelly Claire M , Dodd Seetal , Berk Michael
Published: October 2011

Berk L, Jorm AF, Kelly CM, Dodd S, Berk M. Development of guidelines for caregivers of people with bipolar disorder: a Delphi expert consensus study. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 556–570. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Close family and friends are often a primary source of support for a person with bipolar disorder. However, there is a lack of information for caregivers about ways to provide helpful support and take care of themselves. Rates of caregiver burden are high and increase the risk of caregiver depression and health problems. This study aimed to develop guidelines to assist caregivers of adults with bipolar disorder to be informed about bipolar disorder and to support the person without neglecting their own wellbeing.

Methods:  The Delphi method was used to assess consensus between international expert panels of 45 caregivers, 47 consumers, and 51 clinicians about what information to include in the caregiver guidelines. Initial online survey items were based on the existing literature. Subsequent surveys included new or reworded items suggested by panel members and items that needed re‐rating. Items endorsed by at least 80% of all three panels formed the content of the guidelines.

Results:  Nearly 86% of the 626 survey items were endorsed. The items covered information on the illness, treatment, and suggestions on ways caregivers can provide support and take care of themselves in the different phases of illness and wellness, and information on dealing with specific real‐life challenges. Although consensus rates were high, meaningful areas of difference between panels were found (e.g., collaboration issues).

Conclusions:  The guidelines provide comprehensive introductory information, suggestions, and resources for caregivers. Access to relevant information may help caregivers to cope constructively with the person’s bipolar disorder and their caregiving situation. The content of the guidelines could be used to help formulate a stepped‐care approach to supporting caregivers, ranging from basic information and pamphlets to brief training courses and specialized family or caregiver interventions based on need and accessibility.
The co‐occurrence of cigarette smoking and bipolar disorder: phenomenology and treatment considerations
Authors: Heffner Jaimee L , Strawn Jeffrey R , DelBello Melissa P , Strakowski Stephen M , Anthenelli Robert M
Published: October 2011

Heffner JL, Strawn JR, DelBello MP, Strakowski SM, Anthenelli RM. The co‐occurrence of cigarette smoking and bipolar disorder: phenomenology and treatment considerations.  Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 439–453. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Despite recent advances in understanding the causes and treatment of nicotine dependence among individuals with psychiatric disorders, smoking among individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) has received little attention. The goal of this review is to synthesize the literature on the epidemiology, consequences, and treatment of smoking and nicotine dependence among individuals with BD and to delineate a future research agenda.

Methods:  We conducted a PubMed search of English‐language articles using the search terms bipolar disorder, mania, tobacco, nicotine, and smoking, followed by a manual search of the literature cited in the identified articles. Articles were chosen by the authors on the basis of their relevance to the topic areas covered in this selective review.

Results:  Adults with BD are two to three times more likely to have started smoking and, on the basis of epidemiological data, may be less likely to initiate and/or maintain smoking abstinence than individuals without psychiatric disorders. Smoking cessation is achievable for individuals with BD, but challenges such as chronic mood dysregulation, high prevalence of alcohol and drug use, more severe nicotine dependence, and limited social support can make quitting more difficult. Effective treatments for tobacco cessation are available, but no controlled trials in smokers with BD have been conducted.

Conclusions:  Cigarette smoking is a prevalent and devastating addiction among individuals with BD and should be addressed by mental health providers. Additional research on the mechanisms of, and optimal treatment for, smoking and nicotine dependence in this population is desperately needed.
An online survey of tobacco use, intentions to quit, and cessation strategies among people living with bipolar disorder
Authors: Prochaska Judith J , Reyes Reason S , Schroeder Steven A , Daniels Allen S , Doederlein Allen , Bergeson Brenda
Published: October 2011

Prochaska JJ, Reyes RS, Schroeder SA, Daniels AS, Doederlein A, Bergeson B. An online survey of tobacco use, intentions to quit, and cessation strategies among people living with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 466–473. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Tobacco use is prevalent among people living with bipolar disorder. We examined tobacco use, attempts to quit, and tobacco‐related attitudes and intentions among 685 individuals with bipolar disorder who smoked ≥ 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.

Methods:  Data were collected online through the website of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, a mood disorder peer‐support network.

Results:  The sample was 67% female, 67% aged 26 to 50, and 89% Caucasian; 87% were current smokers; 92% of current smokers smoked daily, averaging 19 cigarettes/day (SD = 11). The sample began smoking at a mean age of 17 years (SD = 6) and smoked a median of 7 years prior to bipolar disorder diagnosis. Among current smokers, 74% expressed a desire to quit; intent to quit smoking was unrelated to current mental health symptoms [χ2(3) = 5.50, p = 0.139]. Only 33% were advised to quit smoking by a mental health provider, 48% reported smoking to treat their mental illness, and 96% believed being mentally healthy was important for quitting. Ex‐smokers (13% of sample) had not smoked for a median of 2.7 years; 48% quit ‘cold turkey.’ Most ex‐smokers (64%) were in poor or fair mental health when they quit smoking. At the time of the survey, however, more ex‐smokers described their mental health as in recovery than current smokers [57% versus 40%; χ2(3) = 11.12, p = 0.011].

Conclusions:  Most smokers living with bipolar disorder are interested in quitting. The Internet may be a useful cessation tool for recruiting and potentially treating smokers with bipolar disorder who face special challenges when trying to quit and rarely receive cessation treatment from their mental health providers.
Structural brain abnormalities in first‐episode psychosis: differences between affective psychoses and schizophrenia and relationship to clinical outcome
Authors: de Castro‐Manglano Pilar , Mechelli Andrea , Soutullo Cesar , Landecho Ignacio , Gimenez‐Amaya Jose Manuel , Ortuño Felipe , McGuire Philip
Published: October 2011

de Castro‐Manglano P, Mechelli A, Soutullo C, Landecho I, Gimenez‐Amaya JM, Ortuño F, McGuire P. Structural brain abnormalities in first‐episode psychosis: differences between affective psychoses and schizophrenia and relationship to clinical outcome. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 545–555. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Several studies have described volumetric brain abnormalities in first‐episode psychosis. The extent to which these differ in patients with schizophrenia and affective psychoses, or are related to subsequent clinical outcome, is unclear. We examined volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in young patients with a first episode of psychosis, and compared these volumetric abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia versus affective psychosis. We then assessed whether baseline MRI abnormalities in the entire sample predicted subsequent clinical outcome.

Methods:  A total of 28 adolescent patients with first‐episode psychosis and 20 age‐matched healthy volunteers were scanned using a 1.5 T scanner. MRI data were processed and analysed using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM). We assessed clinical outcome three years after the initial scan.

Results:  Patients had smaller grey matter (GM) volumes than controls in frontal, insular, parietal, and cerebellar cortex. Patients with an affective psychosis had greater GM volume in the right posterior cingulate than both controls and patients with schizophrenia, but less GM volume in the left cerebellum and insula. In the sample as a whole, smaller right hippocampus GM volume was associated with poor clinical outcome at three‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions:  Volumetric brain abnormalities are evident in young adults presenting with a first episode of both affective psychoses and schizophrenia, but there are also significant differences between these two patient groups. Clinical outcome after the first episode may be related to the severity of volumetric abnormalities at presentation.
Testicular torsion: Potential pitfalls in its diagnosis and management
Authors: Lopez Robert N , Beasley Spencer W
Published: October 2011

Torsion of the testis is a surgical emergency. Within the paediatric population, peaks in incidence occur in the perinatal and adolescent age groups. There exist traps that can make torsion of the testis a difficult diagnosis to make and once made a tricky condition to manage, in some instances. It is becoming clear that perinatal torsion should serve as an umbrella term for what is increasingly being regarded as two separate entities: prenatal and post‐natal torsion. Evidence suggests that the management for each of these may be different. While management of testicular torsion in the adolescent is universally agreed upon, the diagnosis can sometimes be difficult to make. This notwithstanding, early diagnosis is imperative for ensuring the best possible outcome.
Basic and advanced paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation – Guidelines of the Australian and New Zealand Resuscitation Councils 2010
Authors: Tibballs James , Aickin Richard , Nuthall Gabrielle ,   On behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Resuscitation Councils
Published: October 2011

Guidelines for basic and advanced paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have been revised by Australian and New Zealand Resuscitation Councils. Changes encourage CPR out‐of‐hospital and aim to improve the quality of CPR in‐hospital. Features of basic CPR include: omission of abdominal thrusts for foreign body airway obstruction; commencement with chest compression followed by ventilation in a ratio of 30:2 or compression‐only CPR if the rescuer is unwilling/unable to give expired‐air breathing when the victim is ‘unresponsive and not breathing normally’. Use of automated external defibrillators is encouraged. Features of advanced CPR include: prevention of cardiac arrest by rapid response systems; restriction of pulse palpation to 10 s to diagnosis cardiac arrest; affirmation of 15:2 compression–ventilation ratio for children and for infants other than newly born; initial bag‐mask ventilation before tracheal intubation; a single direct current shock of 4 J/kg for ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia followed by immediate resumption of CPR for 2 min without analysis of cardiac rhythm and avoidance of unnecessary interruption of continuous external cardiac compressions. Monitoring of exhaled carbon dioxide is recommended to detect non‐tracheal intubation, assess quality of CPR, and to help match ventilation to reduced cardiac output. The intraosseous route is recommended if immediate intravenous access is impossible. Amiodarone is strongly favoured over lignocaine for refractory VF and adrenaline over atropine for severe bradycardia, asystole and pulseless electrical activity. Family presence at resuscitation is encouraged. Therapeutic hypothermia is acceptable after resuscitation to improve neurological outcome. Extracorporeal circulatory support for in‐hospital cardiac arrest may be used in equipped centres.
Autopsy findings of co‐sleeping‐associated sudden unexpected deaths in infancy: Relationship between pathological features and asphyxial mode of death
Authors: Weber Martin A , Risdon R Anthony , Ashworth Michael T , Malone Marian , Sebire Neil J
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Co‐sleeping is associated with increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)/sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The aim of this study is to examine autopsy findings from a single UK specialist centre to determine the relationship between co‐sleeping and cause of death.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of >1500 paediatric autopsies carried out by paediatric pathologists over a 10‐year period. SUDI was defined as sudden unexpected death of an infant aged 7–365 days; deaths were categorised into explained SUDI (cause of death was determined) and unexplained SUDI (equivalent to SIDS).

Results:  There were 546 SUDI; sleeping arrangements were specifically recorded in 314; of these, 174 (55%) were co‐sleeping‐associated deaths. Almost two thirds (59%) of unexplained SUDI were co‐sleeping compared to 44% explained SUDI (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–27.2%, P= 0.03); however, this difference remained statistically significant only for the first 5 months of life (95% CI 3.5–33.2%, P= 0.01). In unexplained SUDI aged < 6 months, there were no significant differences between co‐sleeping and non‐co‐sleeping deaths with respect to ante‐mortem symptoms, intrathoracic petechiae, macroscopic lung appearances, pulmonary haemosiderin‐laden macrophages, and isolation of specific bacterial pathogens; however, fresh intra‐alveolar haemorrhage was reported more commonly in co‐sleeping (54%) than in those that were not (38%; 95% CI 1.4–30.5%, P= 0.03).

Conclusions:  Co‐sleeping is associated with unexplained SUDI/SIDS in infants aged < 6 months, suggesting that co‐sleeping is related to the pathogenesis of death in younger infants. The finding that intra‐alveolar haemorrhage is more common in co‐sleeping suggests that a minority of co‐sleeping‐associated deaths may be related to an asphyxial process.
Attuned understanding and psychotic suffering: A qualitative study of health‐care professionals' experiences in communicating and interacting with patients
Authors: Lorem Geir Fagerjord , Hem Marit Helene
Published: October 2011

This study was initiated to examine how experiences with mental illness are perceived by health‐care workers, and how insight affects assessment of their perspective and involvement. Lack of insight gives rise to problems concerning communication: if we expect what the person says and does not to have any meaning, how then can we establish a relationship based on understanding? This study was based on in‐depth interviews with 11 mental health‐care workers. Participants were recruited from a variety of institutions and professional backgrounds. The following topics were discussed with the participants: lack of insight, awareness of illness, and coping strategies, as well as how these factors affected treatment, cooperation, and participation. The participants describe attuned understanding as an other‐oriented process, involving sensitivity to many aspects of the person's situation. Understanding is sought and is established through emotional, human contact, and practical interaction, and ends with new articulated understanding. The results suggest that the process described here can be viewed as other‐oriented understanding, and not merely sympathy. It is an interdependent process of imagining oneself in the other's place, and depends on awareness of the nature of this process and on sensitivity to the person's expressions.
Beyond beliefs: risk assessment technologies shaping patients’ experiences of heart disease prevention
Authors: Saukko Paula M. , Farrimond Hannah , Evans Philip H. , Qureshi Nadeem
Published: October 2011

Social science research on lifestyle‐related diseases typically focuses on patients’ understandings and beliefs and takes the clinical risk for granted. We interviewed 30 healthy UK patients at high risk of heart disease, recruited from a family history trial at 2 weeks and 6 months after a discussion with a clinician about their risk, lifestyle and medications. The participants took four different paths: (i) pharmaceutical (most common, risk reduction with cholesterol lowering statins), (ii) mixed (statins and behaviour change), (iii) behavioural (behaviour change, focus on wellbeing) and (iv) ‘lost’ (no prevention, difficult social/personal circumstances). Drawing on Berg we argue that coronary heart disease (CHD) risk assessment technologies are formal tools that generate, rather than represent, high risk in a way that patients often experience lifestyle change as futile, because it rarely reduces their cholesterol to targets defined by the tools. We suggest social scientists studying incipient or ‘proto‐diseases’, such as CHD risk, should not only focus on understandings but also investigate the technologies (and the associated guidelines, policies, clinical practice and pharmaceutical industry operations) that generate incipient diseases and patients’ experiences of them. However, technologies do not determine experience and we also discuss elements that direct patients down other than the pharmaceutical path.
Age‐dependent changes in eumelanin composition in hairs of various ethnic origins
Authors: Commo S. , Wakamatsu K. , Lozano I. , Panhard S. , Loussouarn G. , Bernard B.A. , Ito S.
Published: October 2011

Synopsis

Hair pigmentation is one of the most conspicuous phenotypes of humans. From a chemical point of view, however, data remain scarce regarding human hair pigmentation characteristics. To determine melanin content and composition in human eumelanic hair from individuals of different ethnic origins and at different ages, we collected hair from 56 subjects with eumelanic hair from each group of African‐American, East Asian, and Caucasian origin. The 56 subjects consist of 14, seven each of males and females, each from four age classes of younger than 11, between 12 and 19, between 20 and 45, and older than 46. We analysed hair colour scale, total melanin value, and contents of pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) and pyrrole‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid (PDCA). We measured age‐dependent increases in the relative quantity of eumelanin in pigmented human hairs in the three ethnic groups. Regarding melanin composition, we observed an increase in the PDCA/PTCA ratio with age in African‐American and Caucasian hairs until approaching the quite constant level of the ratio in East Asian hairs in the elderly individuals. Our results evidence differences in the content and composition of eumelanin in human hair among African‐American, Caucasian and East Asian individuals. Furthermore, we show evidence of age‐dependent changes in the quantity and quality of eumelanin in pigmented human hairs. In particular, the age‐dependent modification of the PDCA/PTCA ratio, a marker for 5,6‐dihydroxyindole units in eumelanin, suggests a chronological evolution of hair follicle melanocyte phenotype (e.g. decrease in dopachrome tautomerase expression).
mtDNA Lineages Reveal Coronary Artery Disease‐Associated Structures in the Lebanese Population
Authors: Haber Marc , Youhanna Sonia C. , Balanovsky Oleg , Saade Stephanie , Martínez‐Cruz Begoña , Ghassibe‐Sabbagh Michella , Shasha Nabil , Osman Raed , el Bayeh Hamid , Koshel Sergey , Zaporozhchenko Valery , Balanovska Elena , Soria‐Hernanz David F. , Platt Daniel E. , Zalloua Pierre A.
Published: October 2011

Population origins and ancestry have previously been found to be important determinants of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigates associations of Lebanese mitochondrial DNA lineages with CAD and studies their correlation with other populations, exploring population structures that may infer mitochondria functional associations and reveal population movements and origins. Sequencing the mitochondrial hypervariable sequence 1 (HVS‐1) of 363 controls and 448 cases revealed that haplogroup W was more frequent (P= 0.013) in cases compared to controls, and was associated with increased risk of CAD (OR = 5.50, 95% CI = 1.50–35.30, P= 0.026) among Lebanese samples. Haplogroup A was only found in controls (P= 0.029). We have detected stronger geographic correlation between haplogroup W and CAD (Pearson's r= 0.316, P < 0.001) than between haplogroup A and CAD (r= 0.149, P < 0.001). HVS‐1 phylogenetic network of haplogroup W shows controls are restricted to European clusters while cases belong mostly to Middle Eastern natives. The network of haplogroup A shows that the controls belong to a cluster dominated by Central Asians. Our results show evidence of a gene flow into Lebanon, creating CAD‐associated population structures that are similar to those in the source populations, maintained by limited admixture, and probably encompassing variations on the nuclear and/or the mitochondrial genome that are correlated with the disease.
The biodiversity and evolution of lactic flora during ripening of the Iranian semisoft Lighvan cheese
Authors: EDALATIAN MOHAMMAD R , HABIBI NAJAFI MOHAMMAD B , MORTAZAVI ALI , MAYO BALTASAR
Published: October 2011

Ninety‐five isolated strains of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were identified from Lighvan cheese. The LAB evolution showed the dominance of lactococci and lactobacilli in the first stage and substitution of these genera by enterococci at the end of ripening. The most predominant strains were Enterococcus faecium (22.44%), Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis (20.4%), Lactobacillus plantarum (18.36%) and E. faecalis (14.28%), respectively. Eleven and 51 different carbohydrate fermentation profiles were observed according to API 20 STREP and API 50 CH, respectively. API 20 STREP dendogram showed identical fermentation profiles of some E. faecalis and E. faecium strains, indicating that these strains might be well adapted to the whole cheese manufacture.