bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant properties of garden strawberry leaf extract and its effect on fish oil oxidation
Authors: Raudoniūtė Ieva , Rovira Jordi , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas , Damašius Jonas , Rivero‐Pérez María Dolores , González‐SanJosé María Luisa
Published: March 2011

The present study characterises garden strawberry leaf extract and reports its effect on shelf life and quality characteristics of fish oil. Radical scavenging capacity of the extract in DPPH• and ABTS•+ assays was equivalent to 1207 and 1579 μmol g−1 of trolox equivalents, respectively, total phenolic content was 257 mg g−1 of gallic acid equivalents. Phenolic and volatile constituents were analysed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The extract was added to fish oil and its oxidation was followed during 42 days: peroxide, p‐anisidine values and hexanal concentration were lower in the samples with extract, particularly at the end of storage. The effect of extract on fatty acid composition was not significant, however the changes in the percentages of some individual acids were observed. Fish oil containing 5% of extract had lower levels of lipid oxidation in comparison to other samples. The results indicate that strawberry leaves could be a potential source of natural antioxidants.
Factors determining the motivation of primary health care professionals to implement and continue the ‘Beweegkuur’ lifestyle intervention programme
Authors: Helmink Judith H. M. , Kremers Stef P. J. , van Boekel Leonieke C. , van Brussel‐Visser Femke N. , de Vries Nanne K.
Published: March 2011

Aim  To examine factors explaining motivation among health care professionals to implement and continue a multidisciplinary primary care‐based lifestyle intervention, called BeweegKuur, to support prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods  Questionnaire research with two measurements among Dutch general practitioners, practice nurses and physiotherapists participating in a pilot study. At baseline, professionals were generally preparing to start the implementation. At second measurement, all practices were implementing BeweegKuur.

Results  The results reveal a positive motivation among professionals to implement and continue the intervention. The motivation of practice nurses to continue implementation was lower compared with other professionals. Social support by colleagues, compatibility and perceived relative advantage of the intervention for the professionals were associates of the baseline motivation to implement it. High‐baseline self‐efficacy and profession (i.e. not being practice nurse) positively predicted the motivation to continue the intervention at second measurement.

Conclusions  Professionals in our study can be characterized as innovators or early adopters, and inclusion of BeweegKuur in the basic health insurance package may persuade other adoption categories to implement the intervention. An intensified focus on skills building (e.g. motivational interviewing skills, general lifestyle counselling skills) is expected to contribute to sustained high‐quality implementation of the intervention.
Effects of video‐feedback interaction training for professional caregivers of children and adults with visual and intellectual disabilities
Authors: Damen S. , Kef S. , Worm M. , Janssen M. J. , Schuengel C.
Published: March 2011

Background  Individuals in group homes may experience poor quality of social interaction with their professional caregivers, limiting their quality of life. The video‐based Contact programme may help caregivers to improve their interaction with clients.

Method  Seventy‐two caregivers of 12 individuals with visual and intellectual disabilities received a training programme and four individual video‐feedback sessions. Quality of interaction was independently measured in an AB‐design across subjects with two baseline and three intervention observations, using a time sampling coding system for interactive behaviour as well as a rating for affective mutuality.

Results  From baseline to intervention, significant increases were found for the frequency with which caregivers confirmed the signals of clients, for the proportion of initiatives taken by clients that were responded to by the caregivers, and the affective mutuality as a quality of the interaction. No significant increase in client responsiveness was observed. Caregivers evaluated the intervention as useful and feasible.

Conclusions  The start of the Contact programme coincided with improved quality of interaction between professional caregivers and clients with visual and intellectual disabilities in group homes. Further research is necessary regarding the generalisability, long‐term effects and effects on quality of life.
MecA dampens transitions to spore, biofilm exopolysaccharide and competence expression by two different mechanisms
Authors: Prepiak Peter , Defrancesco Melissa , Spadavecchia Sophia , Mirouze Nicolas , Albano Mark , Persuh Marjan , Fujita Masaya , Dubnau D.
Published: March 2011

The adapter protein MecA targets the transcription factor ComK for degradation by the ClpC/ClpP proteolytic complex, thereby negatively regulating competence in Bacillus subtilis. Here we show that MecA also decreases the frequency of transitions to the sporulation pathway as well as the expression of eps, which encodes synthesis of the biofilm matrix exopolysaccharide. We present genetic and biophysical evidence that MecA downregulates eps expression and spore formation by directly interacting with Spo0A. MecA does not target Spo0A for degradation, and apparently does not prevent the phosphorylation of Spo0A. We propose that it inhibits the transcriptional activity of Spo0A∼P by direct binding. Thus, in its interaction with Spo0A, MecA differs from its role in the regulation of competence where it targets ComK for degradation. MecA acts as a general buffering protein for development, acting by two distinct mechanisms to regulate inappropriate transitions to energy‐intensive pathways.
Ancestral sporulation initiation
Authors: Dürre Peter
Published: March 2011

Members of the classes Bacilli and Clostridia are able to form endospores, with clostridia representing the ancestral phylogenetic line. In contrast to Bacillus subtilis, the process of sporulation initiation at the molecular level is less well understood in Clostridium acetobutylicum, the model organism of the clostridia. Especially the question of how the master regulator of sporulation, Spo0A, becomes phosphorylated, remained unsolved so far. Steiner et al. now provide compelling genetic and biochemical evidence for two different pathways of direct phosphorylation of Spo0A in C. acetobutylicum by three orphan sensor kinases. Cac0903 and Cac3319 act together, while the other pathway is only dependent on Cac0323. Abortion of sporulation initiation can be achieved by a kinase‐like protein, Cac0437.
Rgg proteins associated with internalized small hydrophobic peptides: a new quorum‐sensing mechanism in streptococci
Authors: Fleuchot B. , Gitton C. , Guillot A. , Vidic J. , Nicolas P. , Besset C. , Fontaine L. , Hols P. , Leblond‐Bourget N. , Monnet V. , Gardan R.
Published: March 2011

We identified a genetic context encoding a transcriptional regulator of the Rgg family and a small hydrophobic peptide (SHP) in nearly all streptococci and suggested that it may be involved in a new quorum‐sensing mechanism, with SHP playing the role of a pheromone. Here, we provide further support for this hypothesis by constructing a phylogenetic tree of the Rgg and Rgg‐like proteins from Gram‐positive bacteria and by studying the shp/rgg1358 locus of Streptococcus thermophilus LMD‐9. We identified the shp1358 gene as a target of Rgg1358, and used it to confirm the existence of the steps of a quorum‐sensing mechanism including secretion, maturation and reimportation of the pheromone into the cell. We used surface plasmon resonance to demonstrate interaction between the pheromone and the regulatory protein and performed electrophoretic mobility shift assays to assess binding of the transcriptional regulator to the promoter regions of its target genes. The active form of the pheromone was identified by mass spectrometry. Our findings demonstrate that the shp/rgg1358 locus encodes two components of a novel quorum‐sensing mechanism involving a transcriptional regulator of the Rgg family and a SHP pheromone that is detected and reimported into the cell by the Ami oligopeptide transporter.
Interaction of the Salmonella Typhimurium effector protein SopB with host cell Cdc42 is involved in intracellular replication
Authors: Rodríguez‐Escudero Isabel , Ferrer Nadia L. , Rotger Rafael , Cid Víctor J. , Molina María
Published: March 2011

The phosphoinositide phosphatase SopB/SigD is a type III secretion system effector that plays multiple roles in Salmonella internalization and intracellular survival. We previously reported that SopB complexed with and inhibited the small GTPase Cdc42 when expressed in a yeast model system, independently of its phosphatase activity. Here we show that human Cdc42, but not Rac1, interacts with catalytically inactive SopB when coexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This interaction occurs with both constitutively active and non‐activatable Cdc42, suggesting that SopB binds Cdc42 independently of its activation state. By mutational analysis we have narrowed the Cdc42‐interacting region of SopB to the first 142 amino acids, and isolated a collection of point mutations in this region, mainly affecting leucine residues conserved in the related Shigella IpgD protein. Such mutations yielded SopB unable to interact with Cdc42 but maintained phosphatase activity. SopB mutant proteins defective for binding Cdc42 were ubiquitinated upon translocation in mammalian cells, but their localization to the Salmonella‐containing vacuole was reduced compared with wild‐type SopB. Whereas invasion of mammalian cells by Salmonella bearing these sopB mutations was not affected, intracellular replication was less efficient, suggesting that SopB–Cdc42 interaction contributes to the adaptation of Salmonella to the intracellular environment.
The Escherichia coli replication inhibitor CspD is subject to growth‐regulated degradation by the Lon protease
Authors: Langklotz Sina , Narberhaus Franz
Published: March 2011

Post‐translational proteolysis‐dependent regulation of critical cellular processes is a common feature in bacteria. The Escherichia coli Lon protease is involved in the control of the SOS response, acid tolerance and nutritional deprivation. Moreover, Lon plays a role in the regulation of toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems and thereby is linked to persister cell induction. Persister cells represent a small subpopulation that has reversibly switched to a dormant and non‐dividing state without genomic alterations. Formation of persister cells permits viability upon nutritional depletion and severe environmental stresses. CspD is a replication inhibitor, which is induced in stationary phase or upon carbon starvation and increases the production of persister cells. It has remained unknown how CspD activity is counteracted when growth is resumed. Here we report that CspD is subject to proteolysis by the Lon protease both in vivo and in vitro. Turnover of CspD by Lon is strictly adjusted to the growth rate and growth phase of E. coli, reflecting the necessity to control CspD levels according to the physiological conditions.
Relative importance of different types of inoculum to the establishment of Mycosphaerella graminicola in wheat crops in north‐west Europe
Authors: Suffert F. , Sache I.
Published: March 2011

The contribution of wheat debris to the early stages of septoria leaf blotch epidemics was assessed in a 3‐year field experiment. First lesions were detected very early (December) in the case of an early sowing (mid‐October), showing that the first contamination could occur as soon as the seedlings emerge. The tested debris management options (chopped debris, removal of debris followed by tillage, or tillage in absence of debris) had a strong effect, although transient, on the epidemic dynamic: the more debris present on the soil surface, the more severe initial disease was. The magnitude of differences between treatments differed substantially between years. The relative production of pycnidiospores and ascospores was measured on the chopped debris. Peaks in pycnidiospore and ascospore production coincided in October–November. Both types of spores can be involved as primary inoculum in north‐west European conditions. The local amount of pycnidiospores available on debris in the field, estimated per square metre, was 1000‐fold the local ascospore production. Moreover, inoculum production was quantified on debris exposed to different environmental conditions. Autumnal conditions, characterized by moderate temperature with alternating wet and dry periods, were favourable for the production of both pycnidiospores and ascospores, as shown by the high inoculum production on debris exposed to field or outdoor conditions. By late autumn, the canopy became the most important source of pycnidiospores, and this period, characterized by the decreasing role of debris as a local source of inoculum compared to distant potential sources, can be considered as the end of the early epidemic stages.
Pandemic Influenza Vaccination Elicits Influenza‐Specific CD4+ Th1‐cell Responses in Hypogammaglobulinaemic Patients: Four case reports
Authors: Pedersen G. , Halstensen A. , Sjursen H. , Næss A. , Kristoffersen E. K. , Cox R. J.
Published: March 2011

In these case reports, we investigated pandemic influenza 2009 vaccination of primary hypogammaglobulinaemic patients. Three combined variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and one X‐linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) patient were vaccinated with the pandemic vaccine A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)‐like split virus (X179a) adjuvanted with the oil‐in‐water emulsion AS03. Subsequently, serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were sampled and used to measure the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and antibody‐secreting cell (ASC) responses. In addition, the IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and TNF‐α producing CD4+ Th1‐cell response was determined as these cytokines are important indicators of cell‐mediated immunity. Two of the CVID patients responded to vaccination as determined by a >4‐fold rise in HI antibodies. These subjects also had influenza‐specific ASC numbers, which, albeit low, were higher than prevaccination levels. In addition, vaccination induced CD4+ Th1‐cell responses in both the XLA patient and the CVID patients, although the frequency of influenza‐responsive cells varied amongst the patients. These results suggest that hypogammaglobulinaemia patients can mount a CD4+ Th1 cell‐mediated response to influenza vaccination and, additionally, that influenza vaccination of some hypogammaglobulinaemia patients can produce an influenza‐specific humoral immune response. The findings should be confirmed in larger clinical studies.
Responses of the photosynthetic electron transport system to excess light energy caused by water deficit in wild watermelon
Authors: Sanda Satoko , Yoshida Kazuo , Kuwano Masayoshi , Kawamura Tadayuki , Munekage Yuri Nakajima , Akashi Kinya , Yokota Akiho
Published: March 2011

In plants, drought stress coupled with high levels of illumination causes not only dehydration of tissues, but also oxidative damage resulting from excess absorbed light energy. In this study, we analyzed the regulation of electron transport under drought/high‐light stress conditions in wild watermelon, a xerophyte that shows strong resistance to this type of stress. Under drought/high‐light conditions that completely suppressed CO2 fixation, the linear electron flow was diminished between photosystem (PS) II and PS I, there was no photoinhibitory damage to PS II and PS I and no decrease in the abundance of the two PSs. Proteome analyses revealed changes in the abundance of protein spots representing the Rieske‐type iron–sulfur protein (ISP) and I and K subunits of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase in response to drought stress. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses revealed new ISP protein spots with more acidic isoelectric points in plants under drought stress. Our findings suggest that the modified ISPs depress the linear electron transport activity under stress conditions to protect PS I from photoinhibition. The qualitative changes in photosynthetic proteins may switch the photosynthetic electron transport from normal photosynthesis mode to stress‐tolerance mode.
The trophic effect of cholecystokinin on the pancreas declines in rats on total parenteral nutrition
Authors: Wu X‐M. , Liao Y‐W. , Ji K‐Q. , Li G‐F. , Zang B.
Published: March 2011

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) results in atrophy of the pancreas, while cholecystokinin (CCK) can significantly stimulate the exocrine pancreas in rodents. This study was designed to examine whether CCK may improve the atrophy of the pancreas in rats on TPN treatment. Forty‐eight Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into orally fed and TPN groups and were infused with CCK at a dose of 5 μg/kg/h or the CCK‐receptor antagonist devazepide at a dose of 200 μg/kg/h for 10 days. Infusion of CCK caused hypercholecystokininemia (hyperCCKemia) and decreased the atrophy of the pancreas resulting from TPN. The hyperplastic response to CCK in orally fed rats was decreased in the rats given TPN. Devazepide did not influence the pancreatic variables. This study further confirmed that CCK stimulates the exocrine pancreas and decreases the atrophy of the exocrine pancreas resulting from TPN. Our present findings suggest that the trophic effect of CCK on the exocrine pancreas declines in TPN.
Rural adolescents' help‐seeking intentions for emotional problems: The influence of perceived benefits and stoicism
Authors: Rughani Janaki , Deane Frank P. , Wilson Coralie J.
Published: March 2011

Objective:  This study explores the factors that influence adolescents' help‐seeking intentions. Specifically, the study investigates the extent to which perceived benefits of help seeking, stoicism, gender and symptoms of psychological distress are associated with intentions to seek professional help for emotional problems.

Design and setting:  A cross sectional self‐report questionnaire was administered to adolescents recruited from seven high schools in rural towns in the Riverina region of New South Wales.

Participants:  A total of 778 adolescents were recruited. The sample included 373 male and 404 female participants between 13 and 18 years of age.

Main outcome measure(s):  Participants completed an anonymous self‐report questionnaire designed to measure help‐seeking intentions in the advent that they were to experience emotional problems, psychological distress symptoms, perceived benefits of help seeking and stoicism.

Results:  In all, 17% of male participants and 29% of female participants reported they would be likely to seek help from doctors if they were to experience emotional problems. In total, 15% of male participants and 23% of female participants reported they would be likely to seek help from other health care professionals. Multiple regression analysis suggested that adolescents are more likely to seek help from professionals if they perceive help seeking as beneficial (t = 12.91; P < 0.001). Female particpants reported that they were more likely to seek help than male participants (t = 2.69; P = 0.01).

Conclusions:  Findings suggest that adolescents are reluctant to seek professional help if experiencing emotional problems, because they do not believe professional help seeking is beneficial. Improving adolescents' beliefs about the benefits of professional help seeking might be a key strategy for increasing their use of professional health services to address mental health problems.
Cultural barriers to health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Mount Isa
Authors: McBain‐Rigg Kristin E. , Veitch Craig
Published: March 2011

Objective:  Access barriers to health care for minority populations has been a feature of medical, health and social science literature for over a decade. Considerations of cultural barriers have featured in this literature, but definitions of what constitutes a cultural barrier have varied. In this paper, data from recent interviews with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Aboriginal Health Workers and other non‐Indigenous health professionals in north‐west Queensland assist to refine the meaning of this term and uncovered other issues disguised as ‘cultural’ difference.

Design:  Semistructured interviews with community and health professionals.

Setting:  Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia.

Participants:  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Aboriginal Health Workers and other health professionals in Mount Isa between 2007 and 2009.

Results:  Cultural barriers were considered differently by Aboriginal patients and health practitioners. While Aboriginal patients focused heavily on social relationships and issues of respect and trust, most practitioners seemed more focused on making Aboriginal people feel comfortable with changes to physical environments and systems, with less emphasis on creating strong interpersonal relationships.

Conclusions:  For Aboriginal patients the focus on interpersonal relationships between themselves and health practitioners is paramount. Creating comforting physical environments and systems that are easier to navigate do assist in overcoming cultural barriers, but are often seen as little more than token gestures if trusting interpersonal relationships are not formed between patient and practitioner.
The initial 18 months of the first multi‐disciplinary regional Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Clinic in Australia
Authors: Bagga Hanish , Chia Karen S.W. , Freeman Diane , Hales Lyn , Henderson David S. , Kotlyar Eugene , Law David , Mudholkar Pradeen , Tulk Cheryl , Waites Jon H. , Wong Peter K.K.
Published: March 2011

Objective:  To report the initial 18 months experience of the first multi‐disciplinary regional Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Clinic in Australia.

Design:  Prospective cohort study.

Setting:  Community setting on the mid‐north coast of New South Wales.

Participants:  A total of 47 patients (mean age ± standard error of the mean: 71.8 ± 1.8 years; male/female ratio 13/34).

Main outcome measures:  Diagnosis of PAH, exclusion of other causes of pulmonary hypertension, commencement of PAH‐specific pharmacotherapy.

Results:  Twenty‐three (49%) patients were discharged back to their GP with pulmonary hypertension from a combination of ischaemic heart and/or lung disease. Three (6%) patients died from connective tissue disease (CTD)‐related PAH with one death (2%) from ischaemic heart disease. Five (11%) patients remain on treatment (n = 2, Bosentan for congenital heart disease‐related PAH; n = 1 Bosentan for CTD‐related PAH; and n = 1 Bosentan and n = 1 Sildenafil for primary PAH). Fifteen (32%) patients have ongoing review for PAH related to CTD (n = 11), carcinoid (n = 1) and uncertain cause (n = 3).

Conclusion:  Patients with CTD‐related PAH have a poor prognosis. PAH should be considered in anyone with dyspnoea without obvious features of cardiac or pulmonary disease, especially in the setting of a CTD. Regional population centres are under‐resourced with PAH specialty medical services. We have sought to address this by establishment of the first regional multi‐disciplinary PAH Clinic in Australia.
Insights into asthmatic airway remodelling through murine models
Authors: AL HEIALY SABA , MCGOVERN TOBY K. , MARTIN JAMES G.
Published: March 2011

Asthma is a chronic disorder of the airways associated in many instances with structural changes of the airways, termed airway remodelling. Irritant and allergen‐induced murine models have been used to further understand the mechanisms of airway remodelling. The infiltration of the airways by inflammatory cells, such as T lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils and macrophages after repeated allergen challenges may be important effectors in the initiation and perpetuation of airway remodelling through the release of inflammatory mediators and growth factors. Interleukins‐4 and ‐13 have been widely studied in experimental models, and have been shown to play a significant role in airway remodelling. Recently, a role for Th17 cells has been established. Other mediators involved in this process are ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor, matrix metalloproteases and cysteinyl leukotrienes. A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to airway remodelling in allergic diseases may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic strategies but validation in human subjects is required for potential targets.
A probabilistic approach for thermal shock fatigue life of glass
Authors: OGI K. , ITO K.
Published: March 2011

This paper presents a probabilistic approach for predicting fatigue life of glass subjected to near‐ΔTC(critical temperature difference) thermal shock which exhibits little subcritical crack extension. First, thermal shock fatigue life Nf was derived as a function of temperature difference ΔT, fracture probability F and Biot's modulus β from the slow crack growth concept in conjunction with the Weibull distribution model. Next, thermal shock fatigue tests as well as flexural tests were performed for borosilicate glass to measure ΔTC and Nf versus ΔT. The parameters associated with slow crack growth were then determined from the experimental results while the heat transfer coefficient h or β was obtained with the aid of finite element analysis. Thirdly, the thermal shock fatigue diagram (ΔT−Nf curves) was depicted for various values of β. Finally, crack length was simulated on the basis of the present approach.
Fifteen‐year trend in the use of male reproductive surgery: analysis of the healthcare cost and utilization project data
Authors: Ketefian Aline , Hu Jianfang , Bartolucci Alfred A. , Schlegel Peter N. , Azziz Ricardo ,   for the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, Inc
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Utilization analysis (cost of care)Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Prior to this work, there were no systematic studies determining the national trends in the utilization of reproductive surgery in males. The role of reproductive surgery as it pertains to the treatment of infertility has become less clear given the increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The current study showed that the number of male reproductive surgeries has declined during the period between 1988 and 2002.

OBJECTIVE

• To determine trends in male reproductive surgeries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• A database analysis was performed using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases from 1988, 1992 and 1998–2002. SAS statistical software was used to estimate the total numbers of reproductive surgeries and their variances for each year.

RESULTS

• The number of male reproductive surgeries has declined during the period of study, both in the inpatient and outpatient arenas. The number of procedures with a diagnosis of infertility has also declined.

CONCLUSION

• The number of male reproductive surgeries has declined from 1988 to 2002.
Prevalence and the associated trigger factors of urinary incontinence among 5000 black women in sub‐Saharan Africa: findings from a community survey
Authors: Ojengbede Oladosu A. , Morhason‐Bello Imran O. , Adedokun Babatunde O. , Okonkwo Ngozi S. , Kolade Charles O.
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort)

Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

• To determine the prevalence and describe possible trigger factors of urinary incontinence (UI) among adult women in a Nigerian community.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• The present study comprised a household community survey conducted among 5001 women aged ≥18 years. Cluster multistage sampling was used to select eligible respondents. Information was obtained by an interviewer who administered a structured questionnaire on sociodemographics, obstetric and gynaecological characteristics, leakage of urine and trigger factors.

RESULTS

• The mean ± SD age of the women was 33.2 ± 14.7 years. The proportion of women currently experiencing leakage was 2.8% (95% CI, 2.6–3.0). The types of incontinence reported by women currently leaking included stress incontinence (2.3%), urge incontinence (1%) and mixed (0.6%).

• Severe incontinence was reported in 0.5% of women, 0.1% had moderate incontinence, whereas 2.2% had mild incontinence.

• Women with history of vaginal delivery only were approximately two‐fold more likely (95% CI OR, 1.11–3.02), and those who delivered by other modes over four‐fold more likely (95% CI OR, 1.96–9.27), than nulliparous women to report currently leaking urine.

CONCLUSIONS

• The present study shows a prevalence of UI comparable to other settings, and the commonest type is stress is found to be UI.

• The mode of delivery is a significant correlate of UI amongst Nigerian women.
Does sodium bicarbonate reduce painful voiding after flexible cystoscopy? A prospective, randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Wong Lih‐Ming , Huang James G. , Yong Tuck L. , Robertson Iain , Brough Stephen J.S.
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)

Level of Evidence 1b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Post‐cystoscopy dysuria occurs in 30–54% of patients but the exact mechanism of cause is unknown. The evidence for using sodium bicarbonate to alkalinize urine and alleviate post‐cystoscopy dysuria is at best circumstantial, taken from work with women with cystitis‐type symptoms.

In a double‐blinded randomized design, this study documents a post‐cystoscopy dysuria rate of 28% with a mean pain score at 48 hours of 1.3 (scale 1–10). The effect of sodium bicarbonate compared to placebo did not show a significant reduction in incidence or level of post‐cystoscopy dysuria.

Objective

• To determine if sodium bicarbonate (Ural®) reduces painful voiding after flexible cystoscopy.

Patients and Methods

• 300 patients over 18 years old undergoing elective flexible cystoscopy were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial. Patients with active urinary tract infections, indwelling urinary catheters and/or requiring additional procedures such as biopsy and dilatation were excluded.

• Painful voiding was quantified using a pain analogue scale from 0 to 10. Pre‐existing painful voiding, previous experience with Ural® and flexible cystoscopy were recorded.

• Flexible cystoscopy was performed to a standard protocol. Patients were randomised after recruitment to receive Ural® or placebo (glucose) powder four times a day for two days after the procedure. Trial outcome was assessed by estimating the change in pain incidence and severity from before to two days after by post‐procedural questionnaire.

Results

• Painful voiding was present in 84 of the 300 patients post flexible cystoscopy (45 of 160 patients receiving Ural®; 39 of 140 receiving placebo), but overall mean pain scores were low (1.25; standard deviation 2.4; on a 0–10 scale).

• Treatment with Ural® compared to placebo was associated with a non‐significant reduction in frequency of pain (28.9% vs 31.3%; incidence rate ratio 0.66; 95% CI 0.29–1.46; P = 0.30) and severity of pain (odds ratio 0.72; 95% CI 0.30–1.74; P = 0.47).

Conclusion

• In the replicable context of low post‐cystoscopy pain levels, we believe Ural® does not reduce painful voiding after flexible cystoscopy.
Transgenic Pm3b wheat lines show resistance to powdery mildew in the field
Authors: Brunner Susanne , Hurni Severine , Herren Gerhard , Kalinina Olena , von Burg Simone , Zeller Simon L. , Schmid Bernhard , Winzeler Michael , Keller Beat
Published: March 2011

Plant resistance (R) genes are highly effective in protecting plants against diseases, but pathogens can overcome such genes relatively easily by adaptation. Consequently, in many cases R genes do not confer durable resistance in agricultural environments. One possible strategy to make the use of R genes more sustainable depends on the modification of R genes followed by transformation. To test a possible transgenic use of R genes, we overexpressed in wheat the Pm3b resistance gene against powdery mildew under control of the maize ubiquitin promoter. Four independent transgenic lines were tested in the greenhouse and the field during 3 years. The four lines showed a five‐ to 600‐fold transgene overexpression compared with the expression of the endogenous Pm3b gene in the landrace ‘Chul’. Powdery mildew resistance was significantly improved in all lines in the greenhouse and the field, both with naturally occurring infection or after artificial inoculation. Under controlled environmental conditions, the line with the strongest overexpression of the Pm3b gene showed a dramatic increase in resistance to powdery mildew isolates that are virulent on the endogenous Pm3b. Under a variety of field conditions, but never in the greenhouse, three of the four transgenic lines showed pleiotropic effects on spike and leaf morphology. The highest overexpressing line had the strongest side effects, suggesting a correlation between expression level and phenotypic changes. These results demonstrate that the successful transgenic use of R genes critically depends on achieving an optimal level of their expression, possibly in a tissue‐specific way.
RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR DEATH: A PARTING OF THE WAYS
Authors: TONTI‐FILIPPINI NICHOLAS
Published: March 2011

Most organized religions have indicated a level of support for organ donation including the diagnosis of death by the brain criterion. Organ donation is seen as a gift of love and fits within a communitarian ethos that most religions embrace. The acceptance of the determination of death by the brain criterion, where it has been explained, is reconciled with religious views of soul and body by using a notion of integration. Because the soul may be seen as that which integrates the human body, in the absence of any other signs of human functioning, loss of integration is considered to be an indication that soul and body have separated. To some extent this view would seem to be informed by an Aristotelian notion of the soul, but it fits well enough with religious notions of the person continuing after death.

There have been several developments internationally that indicate that the acceptance of so‐called ‘brain death’ by organized religions has been challenged by new developments including the acceptance of a lesser standard than loss of all brain function and a rejection by the US President's Council on Bioethics of the notion of loss of integration as an explanation of death by the brain criterion.
THE OPTIMAL MINIMUM WAGE FOR POVERTY MINIMIZATION
Authors: Goto Hideaki
Published: March 2011

This paper characterizes the poverty minimizing minimum wage, and shows how it varies as productivity, inequality and market competitiveness change. We show that the optimal minimum wage is equal to the competitive wage only in special cases. In general, the former is higher than the latter. Thus, poverty minimization does not coincide with employment maximization. We also show that the optimal minimum wage always rises with productivity and, under certain conditions, falls with competitiveness and inequality. Furthermore, the higher the competitiveness and inequality, the more the optimal wage rises with productivity.
EXACT RELATIONS BETWEEN FOUR DEFINITIONS OF PRODUCTIVITY INDICES AND INDICATORS
Authors: Briec Walter , Kerstens Kristiaan , Peypoch Nicolas
Published: March 2011

Generalizing earlier approximation results, we establish exact relations between the Luenberger productivity indicator and the Malmquist productivity index under rather mild assumptions. Furthermore, we show that similar exact relations can be established between the Luenberger–Hicks–Moorsteen indicator and the Hicks–Moorsteen index.
INCOME INEQUALITY AND POLITICAL POLARIZATION AND FRACTURALIZATION:AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Akdede Sacit Hadi
Published: March 2011

This paper investigates the relationship between economic inequality and the distribution of votes among political parties, namely political polarization and fracturalization. Economic inequality is captured by the Gini index, whereas new measures of political polarization and fracturalization are offered. This is the first paper to calculate political polarization and fracturalization indices by a methodology previously used for ethnic, religious and linguistic polarization and fracturalization. Empirical analysis uses data for 17 European countries and for three decades, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. It is shown that increased income inequality increases political party polarization and reduces fracturalization and that political party polarization decreases with increased GDP per capita.
Person × Context Effects on Anticipated Moral Emotions Following Aggression
Authors: Roos Sanna , Salmivalli Christina , Hodges Ernest V. E.
Published: March 2011

We investigated person (sex, aggression level), context (witness type, victim reactions), and person × context effects on children's anticipated moral emotions following hypothetical acts of aggression against a peer. Children (N = 378, mean age = 11.3 years) were presented a series of hypothetical vignettes in which the presence of witnesses (no witnesses/most liked classmates/all of the class) and victim's reactions (neutral/ sad/ angry) were manipulated. The results indicated several person effects (e.g., girls anticipated more guilt and shame but less pride than boys; aggressiveness was related to less guilt and shame), as well as context effects (e.g., anticipated shame depended on who witnessed the situation and the emotional reactions of the victim). However, person × context effects predominated. The overall pattern of results indicated that girls and low‐aggressive children were more sensitive to contextual cues than boys and high‐aggressive children. The findings support the importance of a person × context approach to understanding the emotional reactions of different children in different situations.
Cyber Aggression: The Relation between Online Offenders and Offline Social Competence
Authors: Schoffstall Corrie L. , Cohen Robert
Published: March 2011

Children are increasingly using computer technologies to engage in acts of aggression against peers, often termed ‘cyber aggression’. Media reports have sensationalized instances of cyber aggression, and social scientists have begun to examine its characteristics and consequences. Using a younger sample of children than most previous research (192 third‐ through sixth‐grade children), the present research evaluated grade and gender effects on cyber aggression and, most importantly, evaluated the classroom peer social consequences of engaging in cyber aggression, after controlling for traditional, face‐to‐face aggression. Children reported engaging in cyber aggression at comparable rates across grades and between males and females. Engaging in cyber aggression was related to higher rates of loneliness and lower rates of global self‐worth, peer optimism, number of mutual friendships, social acceptability, and popularity. In short, after controlling for effects attributable to traditional aggression, cyber aggression was related to significant negative peer relations outcomes.
Supporting activity modelling from activity traces
Authors: Georgeon Olivier L. , Mille Alain , Bellet Thierry , Mathern Benoit , Ritter Frank E.
Published: March 2011

We present a new method and tool for activity modelling through qualitative sequential data analysis. In particular, we address the question of constructing a symbolic abstract representation of an activity from an activity trace. We use knowledge engineering techniques to help the analyst build an ontology of the activity, that is, a set of symbols and hierarchical semantics that supports the construction of activity models. The ontology construction is pragmatic, evolutionist and driven by the analyst in accordance with their modelling goals and their research questions. Our tool helps the analyst define transformation rules to process the raw trace into abstract traces based on the ontology. The analyst visualizes the abstract traces and iteratively tests the ontology, the transformation rules and the visualization format to confirm the models of activity. With this tool and this method, we found innovative ways to represent a car‐driving activity at different levels of abstraction from activity traces collected from an instrumented vehicle. As examples, we report two new strategies of lane changing on motorways that we have found and modelled with this approach.
An exciting mix of education, science, and European culture: the activities of the EAYNT in 2011
Authors: Varga E. T. , Róna‐Vörös K. , Holler N. , Sztriha L. K. , Sellner J.
Published: March 2011

The European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees (EAYNT) is an independent organization representing junior European neurologists. Our major aim is to advocate the interests of young neurologists in major bodies in Europe and worldwide. In addition, we promote European training exchange, and endeavor to improve European national core curricula by studying the differences in medical specialization, the disparities in working conditions, and the level of neurological education throughout Europe. We organize regular meetings at congresses and disseminate information relevant to young neurologists (e.g. bursaries and fellowships). We also promote and co‐organize teaching courses and summer schools. EAYNT offers travel grants for its members. This summary is to provide information on the activities of EAYNT in 2011.
Increased levels of circulating SDF‐1α and CD34+ CXCR4+ cells in patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Ni G. , Liu W. , Huang X. , Zhu S. , Yue X. , Chen Z. , Chen M. , Liu X. , Xu G.
Published: March 2011

Background and Purpose:  Recent studies reported that peripheral blood CD34+ cells and endothelial progenitor cells contributed to angiogenesis in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD), and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) modulated angiogenesis by interacting with corresponding CXCR4 receptors. We investigated in this study whether SDF‐1α/CXCR4 axis involved in neovascularization in patients with MMD.

Methods:  Eighteen patients with MMD and twelve healthy individuals were enrolled. Patients with MMD detected by cerebral angiography were retrieved from the Nanjing Stroke Registry Program. Peripheral whole blood cells were double stained with anti‐CD34 and anti‐CXCR4 (CD184). Numbers of CD34+ CXCR4+ cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Plasma concentration of SDF‐1α was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  In consecutive patients with MMD, the number of CD34+ CXCR4+ cells was greater than healthy individuals (54.1 ± 28.6/μl peripheral blood (PB) versus 24.6 ± 25.6/μl PB; P = 0.015). Plasma SDF‐1α level was significantly higher in patients with MMD compared with healthy controls (1676.76 ± 198.65 pg/ml versus 1508.26 ± 137.27 pg/ml; P = 0.016). No significant correlation between number of CD34+ CXCR4+ cells and plasma SDF‐1α level in the patients with MMD was observed (r = 0.185; P = 0.46).

Conclusion:  This study indicated that increased levels of circulating SDF‐1α and CD34+ CXCR4+ cells in patients with MMD, which may play an important role in the vasculogenesis in MMD.
Eyelid skin tightening: a novel ‘Niche’ for fractional CO2 rejuvenation
Authors: Bonan P. , Campolmi P. , Cannarozzo G. , Bruscino N. , Bassi A. , Betti S. , Lotti T.
Published: March 2011

Background  The periorbital area is a barometer of chronologic and environmental age for which patients usually seek rejuvenation; fractional CO2 laser plays a key role among the variety of available dermatologic treatments.

Objectives  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Fractional CO2 laser in eyelid tightening and periorbital wrinkles.

Methods  Forty‐five patients received a range of 2–3 treatments in the upper, lower eyelids and periorbital area with a fractional laser device. Photographs were taken before and after each treatment and 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the final treatment. The results were judged by three dermatologists who had not taken part in the treatments.

Results  One year after the last laser session, all patients showed global improvements in eyelid skin tightening: five patients (11.1%) achieved excellent improvement, 11 patients (24.5%) marked improvement, 15 patients (33.3%) moderate improvement and 14 subjects (31.1%) slight improvement. At the 1‐year follow‐up, the percentage of subjects with a lift in their eyebrows and consequently a widened palpebral fissure was 82.2 (37 patients), whereas 17.8% (eight patients) showed no eyebrow elevation.

Conclusions  Fractional CO2 laser treatments allow dermatologists to achieve notable improvements in eyelid skin tightening, and eyebrow elevation safely and without significant side‐effects.
Thyroid autoimmunity associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Ozdemir I.Y. , Calka O. , Karadag A.S. , Akdeniz N. , Ozturk M.
Published: March 2011

Background  Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the periodic appearance of aphthous lesions on the oral mucosa. TH1 cytokines plays a key role in the aetiopathogenesis. Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) is the most common autoimmune disease and is frequently accompanied by various other autoimmune diseases.

Objective  To investigate the frequency of ATD which has not been studied in the patients with RAS.

Methods  Ninety patients and 30 healthy volunteers were included into the study. The serum samples were assayed for thyroid stimulant hormone (TSH), free and total triiodothyronine (fT3, TT3), free and total thyroxine (fT4, TT4), thyroglobuline, anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti‐TPO) and anti‐thyroglobuline antibody (anti‐TG) levels. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed as well.

Results  In RAS patients, the fT3, TT3 levels were higher; whereas the fT4 levels were lower that the control group (P < 0.05). The anti‐thyroid antibody was positive in 31.11% of the patients with RAS, and in only 10% of the individuals in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean anti‐TG level was also higher in the RAS group. Ultrasonography revealed nodules in 28.8% of the patients with RAS and in 16.7% of the individuals in the control group (P < 0.05). The sT4 levels were lower and the TSH, anti‐TPO and anti‐TG levels were significantly higher in the RAS patients with thyroid nodules than the RAS patients without nodules (P < 0.05).

Discussion  These results may be related to either the advance age of the patients or the increased duration of the autoimmune activation which may affect the thyroid.

Conclusions  The frequency of thyroid autoimmune‐related problems was higher in patients with RAS. It would be worthy of searching autoimmune thyroid disorders in patients with RAS.