bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fasting improves static apnea performance in elite divers without enhanced risk of syncope
Authors: Schagatay Erika , Lodin‐Sundström Angelica
Published: July 2012

In competitive apnea divers, the nutritional demands may be essentially different from those of, for example, endurance athletes, where energy resources need to be maximised for successful performance. In competitive apnea, the goal is instead to limit metabolism, as the length of the sustainable apneic period will depend to a great extent on minimising oxygen consumption. Many but not all elite divers fast before performing static apnea in competition. This may increase oxygen consumption as mainly lipid stores are metabolised but could also have beneficial effects on apneic duration. Our aim was to determine the effect of over‐night fasting on apnea performance. Six female and seven male divers performed a series of three apneas after eating and fasting, respectively. The series consisted of two 2‐min apneas spaced by 3 min rest and, after 5 min rest, one maximal effort apnea. Apneas were performed at supine rest and preceded by normal respiration and maximal inspiration. Mean (±SD) time since eating was 13 h (±2 h 43 min) for the fasting and 1 h 34 min (±33 min) for the eating condition (P < 0.001). Mean blood glucose was 5.1 (±0.4) mmol/L after fasting and 5.9 (±0.7) mmol/L after eating (P<0.01). Lung volumes were similar in both conditions (NS). For the 2‐min apneas, nadir SaO2 during fasting was 95 (±1)% and 92 (±2)% (P < 0.001) on eating and ETCO2 was lower in the fasting condition (P < 0.01) while heart rate (HR) during apnea was 74 (±10) bpm for fasting and 80 (±10) bpm for eating conditions (P < 0.01). Maximal apnea durations were 4 min 41 s (±43 s) during fasting and 3 min 51 s (±37 s) after eating (P < 0.001), and time without respiratory contractions was 31 s (25%) longer after fasting (P < 0.01). At maximal apnea termination, SaO2 and ETCO2 were similar in both conditions (NS) and apneic HR was 63 (±9) bpm for fasting and 70 (±10) bpm for eating (P < 0.01). The 22% longer apnea duration after fasting with analogous end apnea SaO2 levels suggests that fasting is beneficial for static apnea performance in elite divers, likely via metabolism‐limiting mechanisms. The oxygen‐conserving effect of the more pronounced diving response and possibly other metabolism‐limiting mechanisms related to fasting apparently outweigh the enhanced oxygen consumption caused by lipid metabolism.
Psychological vs. visionary sources of myth in film
Authors: Myers Steve
Published: July 2012

Some film analyses that claim to be Jungian tend to take a Campbellian approach - i.e., finding the same archetypes, images and themes in each film. In his analysis of art, Jung warned that such an approach can be misleading, acting as a psychological cloak that hides the real meaning of the work. Jung used the distinctions of psychological and visionary to find the new meaning that emerges from art. This paper illustrates how these distinctions can be applied to film analysis, using the examples of Star Wars IV and Star Trek V.
A specific role for TLR1 in protective TH17 immunity during mucosal infection
Authors: DePaolo R. William , Kamdar Karishma , Khakpour Samira , Sugiura Yui , Wang Wenxia , Jabri Bana
Published: July 2012

The balance between regulatory and inflammatory immune responses is critical to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Furthermore, the nature of the inflammatory response needs to be tailored to the tissue to provide proper protective immunity while preserving host integrity. TLR2 (Toll-like receptor 2) is a unique TLR in that it has been shown to promote regulatory and inflammatory T cell responses. Using Yersinia enterocolitica, we show that oral infection promotes TH17 immunity, whereas systemic infection promotes TH1 immunity. Furthermore, induction of TH17 immunity during oral infection is dependent on TLR1 and results from the combinatorial effect of TLR2/TLR1-induced IL-6 and IL-23 and the presence of TGF-β in the intestinal environment. Interestingly, TLR2/TLR1 was not involved in TH1 immune responses during systemic infection, whereas the TLR2/TLR6 receptor complex induced IL-10+ regulatory T cell responses during both systemic and oral infections. Our results reveal that the route of infection is central in determining which pathways provide protective immunity. Furthermore, they also demonstrate that TLR2 has dual immune functions in the gut and identify TLR1 as a critical innate receptor for protective intestinal TH17 immunity.
Separate control between geometrical and electrical asymmetry effects in capacitively coupled plasmas
Authors: Zhang Quan-Zhi , Zhao Shu-Xia , Jiang Wei , Wang You-Nian
Published: July 2012

Both geometrical and electrical asymmetry effects in capacitive argon discharges are investigated using a two-dimensional particle-in-cell coupled with Monte Carlo collision model. When changing the ratio of the top and bottom electrode surface areas and the phase shift between the two applied harmonics, the induced self-bias was found to develop separately. By adjusting the ratio between the high and low harmonic amplitudes, the electrical asymmetry effect at a fixed phase shift can be substantially optimized. However, the self-bias caused by the geometrical asymmetry hardly changed. Moreover, the separate control of these two asymmetry effects can also be demonstrated from their power absorption profiles. Both the axial and radial plasma density distributions can be modulated by the electrical asymmetry effect.
Relative Susceptibility Among Alternative Host Species Prevalent in the Great Plains to Wheat streak mosaic virus
Authors: Ito D. , Miller Z. , Menalled F. , Moffet M. , Burrows M.
Published: July 2012

Wild grasses, crops, and grassy weeds are known to host Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and its vector, the wheat curl mite (WCM). Their relative importance as a source of WSMV was evaluated. A survey of small-grain fields throughout Montana was conducted between 2008 and 2009. Cheatgrass was the most prevalent grassy weed and the most frequent viral host, with 6% infection by WSMV in 2008 (n = 125) and 15% in 2009 (n = 358). By mechanically inoculating plants with WSMV in the greenhouse, the highest susceptibility was found in rye brome (52.1%), jointed goatgrass (80.9%), and wild oat (53.9%. Quackgrass, not previously reported as a host, was susceptible to WSMV (12.7%). Mite transmission efficiency from susceptible grass species was lower than from wheat, and grass species must be a host for both WSMV and the WCM to serve as a virus source. WCM transmission was more efficient than mechanical transmission. Overall, results indicate that grass species can serve as a viral reservoir, regional variation in a weed species' susceptibility to WSMV cannot explain geographic variation in epidemic intensity, and crop species and closely related weeds (e.g., jointed goatgrass) remain the best reservoirs for both WSMV and the WCM.
Effects of Daily Temperature Highs on Development of Phakopsora pachyrhizi on Soybean
Authors: Bonde M. R. , Nester S. E. , Berner D. K.
Published: July 2012

Although considerable information exists regarding the importance of moisture in the development of soybean rust, little is known about the influence of temperature. The purpose of our study was to determine whether temperature might be a significant limiting factor in the development of soybean rust in the southeastern United States. Soybean plants infected with Phakopsora pachyrhizi were incubated in temperature-controlled growth chambers simulating day and night diurnal temperature patterns representative of the southeastern United States during the growing season. At 3-day intervals beginning 12 days after inoculation, urediniospores were collected from each plant and counted. The highest numbers of urediniospores were produced when day temperatures peaked at 21 or 25°C and night temperatures dipped to 8 or 12°C. When day temperatures peaked at 29, 33, or 37°C for a minimum of 1 h/day, urediniospore production was reduced to 36, 19, and 0%, respectively, compared with urediniospore production at the optimum diurnal temperature conditions. Essentially, no lesions developed when the daily temperature high was 37°C or above. Temperature data obtained from the National Climatic Data Center showed that temperature highs during July and August in several southeastern states were too high for significant urediniospore production on 55 to 77% of days. The inhibition of temperature highs on soybean rust development in southeastern states not only limits disease locally but also has implications pertaining to spread of soybean rust into and development of disease in the major soybean-producing regions of the Midwestern and northern states. We concluded from our results that temperature highs common to southeastern states are a factor in the delay or absence of soybean rust in much of the United States.
Role of the Pathotype-Specific ACRTS1 Gene Encoding a Hydroxylase Involved in the Biosynthesis of Host-Selective ACR-Toxin in the Rough Lemon Pathotype of Alternaria alternata
Authors: Izumi Yuriko , Kamei Eri , Miyamoto Yoko , Ohtani Kouhei , Masunaka Akira , Fukumoto Takeshi , Gomi Kenji , Tada Yasuomi , Ichimura Kazuya , Peever Tobin L. , Akimitsu Kazuya
Published: July 2012

The rough lemon pathotype of Alternaria alternata produces host-selective ACR-toxin and causes Alternaria leaf spot disease of the rootstock species rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri) and Rangpur lime (C. limonia). Genes controlling toxin production were localized to a 1.5-Mb chromosome carrying the ACR-toxin biosynthesis gene cluster (ACRT) in the genome of the rough lemon pathotype. A genomic BAC clone containing a portion of the ACRT cluster was sequenced which allowed identification of three open reading frames present only in the genomes of ACR-toxin producing isolates. We studied the functional role of one of these open reading frames, ACRTS1 encoding a putative hydroxylase, in ACR-toxin production by homologous recombination-mediated gene disruption. There are at least three copies of ACRTS1 gene in the genome and disruption of two copies of this gene significantly reduced ACR-toxin production as well as pathogenicity; however, transcription of ACRTS1 and production of ACR-toxin were not completely eliminated due to remaining functional copies of the gene. RNA-silencing was used to knock down the remaining ACRTS1 transcripts to levels undetectable by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The silenced transformants did not produce detectable ACR-toxin and were not pathogenic. These results indicate that ACRTS1 is an essential gene in ACR-toxin biosynthesis in the rough lemon pathotype of A. alternata and is required for full virulence of this fungus.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on Vibrio vulnificus and murine infection caused by it
Authors: Tamura Tetsuro , Iida Ken‐ichiro , Saito Mitsumasa , Shiota Susumu , Nakayama Hiroaki , Yoshida Shin‐ichi
Published: July 2012

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium known to cause fatal necrotizing soft tissue infection in humans. Here, a remarkable therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on V. vulnificus infection provoked by its injection into mouse footpads is described. HBO was shown to be bactericidal to this bacterium in vitro as well as in the infected tissue. The bactericidal activity of HBO was shown to be due to reactive oxygen species (ROS), the efficacy of HBO against V. vulnificus infection being accounted for by the high sensitivity of this bacterium to ROS. Besides being somewhat weak in ROS‐inactivating enzyme activities, this bacterium is also unusually sensitive to ultraviolet light and other DNA‐damaging agents. It seems likely that the sensitivity of V. vulnificus to HBO is mainly due to its poor ability to repair oxidative damage to DNA. These findings encourage clinical application of HBO against potentially fatal V. vulnificus infection in humans.
The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance
Authors: Nehlig Astrid
Published: July 2012

Cocoa powder and chocolate contain numerous substances among which there is a quite large percentage of antioxidant molecules, mainly flavonoids, most abundantly found in the form of epicatechin. These substances display several beneficial actions on the brain. They enter the brain and induce widespread stimulation of brain perfusion. They also provoke angiogenesis, neurogenesis and changes in neuron morphology, mainly in regions involved in learning and memory. Epicatechin improves various aspects of cognition in animals and humans. Chocolate also induces positive effects on mood and is often consumed under emotional stress. In addition, flavonoids preserve cognitive abilities during ageing in rats, lower the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease and decrease the risk of stroke in humans. In addition to their beneficial effects on the vascular system and on cerebral blood flow, flavonoids interact with signalization cascades involving protein and lipid kinases that lead to the inhibition of neuronal death by apoptosis induced by neurotoxicants such as oxygen radicals, and promote neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. The present review intends to review the data available on the effects of cocoa and chocolate on brain health and cognitive abilities.
Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated systemic vasculitis
Authors: Ohlsson S M , Pettersson Å , Ohlsson S , Selga D , Bengtsson A A , Segelmark M , Hellmark T
Published: July 2012

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of autoimmune diseases, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). It is not known why ANCA develop, but it has been shown that they participate in pathogenesis by activating polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). In this study we hypothesize that dysregulation of phagocytosis in AAV leads to the accumulation of apoptotic neutrophils seen in association with blood vessels in AAV. These cells progress into secondary necrosis, contributing to tissue damage and autoantibody formation. Peripheral blood cells were counted, and phagocytosis was investigated using monocyte-derived macrophages (MØ) and PMNs from healthy blood donors (HBD), AAV patients and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Furthermore, the effect of serum was assessed. Phagocytosis was measured using flow cytometry. The results showed no deviation in monocyte subpopulations for AAV patients compared to HBDs, although there was a decrease in lymphocyte and pDC (plasmacytoid dendritic cell) populations (4·2 × 106 cells/l versus 10·4 × 106 cells/l, P < 0·001). The number of neutrophils was increased (6·0 × 109 cells/l versus 3·8 × 109 cells/l, P < 0·001). There were no differences found in the ability of MØs to engulf apoptotic cells, nor when comparing apoptotic PMNs to become engulfed. However, serum from AAV donors tended to decrease the phagocytosis ability of MØs (36%) compared to serum from HBDs (43%). In conclusion, there is no intrinsic dysfunction in the MØs or in the PMNs that have an effect on phagocytic activity, but ANCA may play a role by decreasing phagocytic ability.
The role of stromal cells in the persistence of chronic inflammation
Authors: Naylor A J , Filer A , Buckley C D
Published: July 2012

Inflammation is an unstable state; it either resolves or persists. Inflammatory reactions often have a propensity for specific anatomical sites. Why inflammation persists with specific tissue tropism remains obscure. Increasing evidence suggests that stromal cells which define tissue architecture are the key cells involved, and therefore make attractive therapeutic targets. Research on stromal cells in general and fibroblasts in particular has so far been hampered by a lack of fibroblast-specific cell markers. This review highlights our increasing understanding of the role of fibroblasts in inflammation, and suggests that these cells provide the cellular basis for site specific chronic inflammation.
CD8 T cell autoreactivity to preproinsulin epitopes with very low human leucocyte antigen class I binding affinity
Authors: Abreu J R F , Martina S , Verrijn Stuart A A , Fillié Y E , Franken K L M C , Drijfhout J W , Roep B O
Published: July 2012

Beta cells presenting islet epitopes are recognized and destroyed by autoreactive CD8 T cells in type 1 diabetes. These islet-specific T cells are believed to react with epitopes binding with high affinity to human leucocyte antigen (HLA) expressed on beta cells. However, this assumption might be flawed in case of islet autoimmunity. We evaluated T cell recognition of the complete array of preproinsulin (PPI) peptides with regard to HLA binding affinity and T cell recognition. In a comprehensive approach, 203 overlapping 9–10mer PPI peptides were tested for HLA-A2 binding and subjected to binding algorithms. Subsequently, a high-throughput assay was employed to detect PPI-specific T cells in patient blood, in which conditional HLA ligands were destabilized by ultraviolet irradiation and HLA molecules refolded with arrays of PPI peptides, followed by quantum-dot labelling and T cell staining. Analysis of patient blood revealed high frequencies of CD8 T cells recognizing very low HLA binding peptides. Of 28 peptides binding to HLA-A2, a majority was predicted not to bind. Unpredicted peptides bound mainly with low affinities. HLA binding affinity and immunogenicity may not correlate in autoimmunity. Algorithms used to predict high-affinity HLA peptide binders discount the majority of low-affinity HLA binding epitopes. Appreciation that peptides binding HLA with very low affinity can act as targets of autoreactive T cells may help to understand loss of tolerance and disease pathogenesis and possibly point to tissue-specific immune intervention targets.
Non-genomic inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on activated peripheral blood basophils through suppression of lipid raft formation
Authors: Yamagata S , Tomita K , Sano H , Itoh Y , Fukai Y , Okimoto N , Watatani N , Inbe S , Miyajima H , Tsukamoto K , Santoh H , Ichihashi H , Sano A , Sato R , Tohda Y
Published: July 2012

We investigated the non-genomic effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) on inhibition of plasma membrane lipid raft formation in activated human basophils. Human basophils obtained from house dust mite (HDM)-sensitive volunteers were pretreated with hydrocortisone (CORT) or dexamethasone (Dex) for 30 min and then primed with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10 ng/ml) or HDM (10 µg/ml). The expression of CD63, a basophil activation marker, was assessed by flow cytometry. Membrane-bound GC receptors (mGCRs) were analysed by flow cytometry and confocal laser microscopy. Lipid rafts were assessed using a GM1 ganglioside probe and visualization by confocal laser microscopy. Pretreatment of basophils with CORT (10−4 M and 10−5 M) and Dex (10−7 M) significantly inhibited CD63 expression 20 min after addition of PMA or HDM. The inhibitory effects of GCs were not altered by the nuclear GC receptor (GCR) antagonist RU486 (10−5 M) or the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (10−4 M) (P < 0·05). CORT coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA-CORT) mimicked the rapid inhibitory effects of CORT, suggesting the involvement of mGCRs. mGCRs were detectable on the plasma membrane of resting basophils and formed nanoclusters following treatment with PMA or HDM. Pretreatment of cells with BSA-CORT inhibited the expression of mGCRs and nanoclustering of ganglioside GM1 in lipid rafts. The study provides evidence that non-genomic mechanisms are involved in the rapid inhibitory effect of GCs on the formation of lipid raft nanoclusters, through binding to mGCRs on the plasma membrane of activated basophils.
Evaluating female remating rates in light of spermatophore degradation in Heliconius butterflies: pupal‐mating monandry versus adult‐mating polyandry
Authors: WALTERS JAMES R. , CORBIN CHRIS , HARDCASTLE THOMAS J. , JIGGINS CHRIS D.
Published: July 2012

1. Butterflies are frequently used in comparative studies of sexual selection because of their diverse mating systems. In Heliconius, the two major clades in the genus are characterised by contrasting pupal‐mating and adult‐mating strategies. Adult‐mating females are considered to be promiscuous whereas pupal‐mating females are thought to be monandrous.

2. Counting spermatophores in female Lepidoptera is a common method for assessing patterns of female remating. However, in pupal‐mating Heliconius butterflies spermatophores can become completely degraded, potentially leading to underestimation of female remating rates.

3. We qualitatively characterised the different states of spermatophore degradation, and showed that complete degradation takes approximately 3 weeks in captive‐bred H. erato females.

4. We counted spermatophores and/or assayed spermatophore degradation in > 500 Heliconius females across 28 species sampled from natural populations. Among pupal‐maters these observations yielded a few rare observations of double mating by recently eclosed females, but generally indicated a lack of rematings. In contrast, approximately 25% of sampled adult‐mating females remated at least once.

5. Using a novel statistical analysis, we estimated remating rates from patterns of spermatophore degradation or from counts stratified by age, as indicated by wing‐wear. This analysis showed no statistically significant evidence for remating for the pupal‐mating H. erato whereas significant remating rates were detected for adult‐mating species.

6. The present results support the established view of Heliconius mating systems in which pupal‐maters are largely monandrous, whereas adult‐maters are polyandrous.
An ecological analysis of mating biology of Xylocopa virginica in southern Ontario
Authors: PRAGER SEAN M. , RICHARDSON JEAN M. L.
Published: July 2012

1. Xylocopa virginica virginica Linnaeus is a wide‐ranging species with plastic nesting behaviour that appears to represent an intermediary between solitary and social nesting species. Over 3 years, a natural population was studied with the objective of quantifying the relationship among population dynamics, climate, female nest provisioning behaviour, and male mating strategy.

2. Males in the population congregated around female‐occupied nesting sites before the beginning of nest provisioning by females; both resident and satellite male mating strategies were observed. Overall, the present results are consistent with female defence polygyny.

3. Male mating strategies were consistent across the three breeding seasons of our study, in spite of annual variation in population size, sex ratio, and weather. Male mating behaviour was also consistent with that seen in other populations with longer breeding seasons.

4. Adult non‐breeding females that never leave nests are observed in nests throughout the breeding season and we hypothesise that males continue to defend territories after breeding females have mated because of a small probability they can mate with one of these non‐breeding females.

5. These results are important to our understanding of the relationship between mating systems and the evolution of sociality, contributing data on the role of ecological factors to male mating behaviour. Collection of such data for a variety of species that differ in sociality is necessary for the comparative analysis that is required to fully elucidate coevolution of mating systems and sociality.
Endophytic fungi increase the processing rate of leaves by leaf‐cutting ants (Atta)
Authors: VAN BAEL SUNSHINE A. , SEID MARC A. , WCISLO WILLIAM T.
Published: July 2012

1. Fungal endophytes are microfungi that reside asymptomatically inside of leaf tissues, increasing in density and diversity through time after leaves flush. Previous studies have suggested that the presence of fungal endophytes in the harvest material of leaf‐cutting ants (Atta colombica, Guérin‐Méneville) may negatively affect the ants and their fungal cultivar.

2. In the present study, it was tested whether the presence and diversity of fungal endophytes affected the amount of time necessary for leaf‐cutter ants to cut, process, and plant leaf material in their fungal garden. It was found that ants took 30–43% longer to cut, carry, clean, and plant leaf tissue with high relative to low endophyte abundance, and that the ants responded similarly to leaf tissue with high or low endophyte diversity.

3. It was further investigated whether the fungal cultivars' colonisation rate was greater on leaf material without fungal endophytes. No difference in the ants' cultivar colonisation rate on leaf tissue with high or low endophyte abundance was observed.
Fast waveform inversion without source‐encoding
Authors: van Leeuwen Tristan , Herrmann Felix J.
Published: July 2012

Randomized source‐encoding has recently been proposed as a way to dramatically reduce the costs of full waveform inversion. The main idea is to replace all sequential sources by a small number of simultaneous sources. This introduces random cross‐talk in model updates and special stochastic optimization strategies are required to deal with this. Two problems arise with this approach: i) source‐encoding can only be applied to fixed‐spread acquisition setups and ii) stochastic optimization methods tend to converge very slowly, relying on averaging to suppress the cross‐talk. Although the slow convergence is partly off‐set by a low iteration cost, we show that conventional optimization strategies are bound to outperform stochastic methods in the long run. In this paper we argue that we do not need randomized source‐encoding to reap the benefits of stochastic optimization and we review an optimization strategy that combines the benefits of both conventional and stochastic optimization. The method uses a gradually increasing batch of sources. Thus, iterations are initially very cheap and this allows the method to make fast progress in the beginning. As the batch‐size grows, the method behaves like conventional optimization, allowing for fast convergence. Stylized numerical examples suggest that the stochastic and hybrid methods perform equally well with and without source‐encoding and that the hybrid method outperforms both conventional and stochastic optimization. The method does not rely on source‐encoding techniques and can thus be applied to marine data. We illustrate this on a realistic synthetic model.
In vitro rumen methane output of grasses and grass silages differing in fermentation characteristics using the gas‐production technique (GPT)
Authors: Navarro‐Villa A. , O'Brien M. , López S. , Boland T. M. , O'Kiely P.
Published: July 2012

The chemical composition of silage consumed by cattle can influence the subsequent rumen microbial fermentation patterns and methane (CH4) emissions. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the effect of ensilage on the in vitro rumen methane output of perennial ryegrass and (ii) relate the silage fermentation characteristics of grass silages with in vitro rumen methanogenesis. Three pre‐harvest herbage‐conditioning treatments and seven silage‐additive treatments were used in a laboratory‐scale silo experiment to produce a diversity of silage fermentation characteristics. Ensilage reduced (P < 0·01) the in vitro rumen CH4 output (mL CH4 g−1 dry matter (DM) disappeared). This reflected differences in the direction of rumen fermentation (lower acetic (P < 0·05) and higher propionic (P < 0·001) acid proportions in volatile fatty acids) rather than major changes in the extent of in vitro rumen fermentation (i.e. mmol VFA g−1 DM). The magnitude of the decrease in CH4 output (mL g−1 DM incubated) owing to ensilage increased as the extent of silage fermentation, and in particular the lactic acid concentration, increased. In contrast, among silages with relatively similar extents of silage fermentation (i.e. total fermentation products), an increase in the proportion of lactic acid in silage fermentation products led to a more extensive in vitro rumen fermentation and thus to a greater CH4 output (mL g−1 DM).
Hypovitaminosis D and osteopenia/osteoporosis in a haemophilia population: a study in HCV/HIV or HCV infected patients
Authors: Linari S. , Montorzi G. , Bartolozzi D. , Borderi M. , Melchiorre D. , Benelli M. , Morfini M.
Published: July 2012

Recent reports show a correlation between haemophilia and osteoporosis. HIV, HCV and their treatments are independently associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in bone mineralization. The aim of our study was to compare Vitamin D levels, bone metabolism markers and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with haemophilia with or without co‐infections. Seventy‐eight adult patients with severe or moderate haemophilia A or B were subdivided into three groups of 26 patients each (HIV‐HCV co‐infected, HCV mono‐infected and uninfected). The BMD was measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at both the femoral area (F) and lumbar spine (L). This was correlated to laboratory values and haemophilic arthropathy was assessed using validated clinical and radiological scores. The DXA showed a homogeneous F‐BMD reduction in all the three groups, whereas L‐BMD was significantly lower in co‐infected patients (P < 0.05). The clinical score was higher in co‐infected (P < 0.002) and mono‐infected (P < 0.006). The radiological score was higher in mono‐infected than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). Overall 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH Vit D) was reduced (87%). Bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (b‐ALP) and telopeptide were increased in co‐infected (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01) and mono‐infected (P < 0.001 and P < 0.02). The result of the homogeneous F‐BMD reduction in all groups could be explained by the pivotal role of arthropathy; the lower L‐BMD in co‐infected and the increase of b‐ALP and telopeptide in co‐infected and mono‐infected groups suggest faster bone metabolism in case of infections.
Identification and characterization of an adenine to guanine transition within intron 10 of the factor VIII gene as a causative mutation in a patient with mild haemophilia A
Authors: Inaba H. , Koyama T. , Shinozawa K. , Amano K. , Fukutake K.
Published: July 2012

Haemophilia A is caused by various genetic mutations in the factor VIII gene (F8). However, after conventional analysis, no candidate mutation could be identified in the F8 of about 2% of haemophilia A patients. The F8 of a patient with mild congenital haemophilia A, in whom no candidate mutation was found in the exons or their flanking regions, was analysed in detail to identify the patient's aetiological genetic abnormality. We also characterized anti‐FVIII antibody (inhibitor) development in this patient. Genomic DNA analysis revealed an adenine to guanine transition deep inside intron 10 (c.1478 + 325A>G) of F8 as a causative mutation. Analysis of the transcripts demonstrated that the majority of the patient's transcript was abnormal, with 226 bp of the intronic sequence inserted between exon 10 and 11. However, the analysis also indicated the existence of a small amount of normal transcript. Semi‐quantification of ectopic F8
mRNA showed that about one‐tenth of the normal mRNA level was present in the patient. After the use of a recombinant FVIII concentrate, the presence of an inhibitor was confirmed. The inhibitor was characterized as oligoclonal immunoglobulin IgG4 directed against both the A2 domain and light chain of the FVIII molecule with type I reaction kinetics of inhibition of FVIII activity. When no mutations are found by conventional analysis, deep intronic nucleotide substitutions may be responsible for mild haemophilia. The inhibitor development mechanism of the patient producing some normal FVIII was thought to be of interest.
Influence of clinical experience on the radiographic determination of endodontic working length
Authors: Alothmani O. S. , Friedlander L. T. , Monteith B. D. , Chandler N. P.
Published: July 2012

Aim

To determine the influence of clinical experience on the accuracy and consistency of estimation of radiographic working length (WL) for the root canal treatment of single‐rooted teeth.

Methodology

Forty conventional WL periapical radiographs that included variations in file length were selected. They were digitally scanned and arranged in PowerPoint presentations on CDs. These were distributed to three assessor groups; fourth‐year undergraduates at two stages of training (Groups 1 and 2) and endodontic postgraduates (Group 3). Participants were asked to determine the adjustment needed in millimetres to position the file tip at the correct WL for each image. A gold standard file position was provided by three experienced endodontists. For inter‐group comparison of scores, the Kruskal–Wallis, ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests were used. Evaluation of intra‐examiner consistency was with the Kappa test. To evaluate intra‐group consistency, the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the frequency of weighted correct scorings.

Results

File adjustments of Group 3 were significantly more accurate than those of Group 1 (P = 0.006). The scores of Group 3 were also better than those of Group 2, although the difference was not significant. When the scores of the undergraduate groups were compared, the difference was not statistically significant. The consistency of the groups was not affected by a 2‐week pause between assessments, and no definite pattern could be detected across any of the groups with the Kappa test.

Conclusion

Clinical experience after graduation influenced the accuracy of estimating the adjustments needed for correct radiographic WL of single‐rooted teeth. The most experienced group was significantly more accurate than the other groups.
Ex vivo evaluation of the effects of several root canal preparation techniques and irrigation regimens on a mixed microbial infection
Authors: Nakamura V. C. , Cai S. , Candeiro G. T. M. , Ferrari P. H. , Caldeira C. L. , Gavini G.
Published: July 2012

Aim

To assess the ex vivo effectiveness of the alternated use of 1% NaOCl and 15% citric acid in association with two instrumentation techniques for the disinfection of root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.

Methodology

Eighty human mandibular premolars with straight, oval root canals standardized to 15 mm in length were infected with a mixed culture of E. faecalis and C. albicans for 28 days. Five other teeth were used as controls and were neither contaminated nor instrumented. Specimens were divided into two groups (n = 40), according to whether the canal preparation technique used manual (K‐type) or rotary (Protaper Universal) instruments. These groups were further divided into four subgroups (n = 10) according to the irrigation solution used: saline, 1% NaOCl, 1% NaOCl with alternated use of 15% citric acid and 5.25% NaOCl. Root canals were prepared with a crown‐down technique until a size 50 K‐file or with rotary preparation until an F5 instrument. Microbiological sampling was performed before (S1) and after (S2) the chemomechanical preparation, using sterile paper points. The specimens were split, and 0.02 g of dentine chips was collected from the root thirds to verify the presence of microorganisms in root canal walls.

Results

Saline and 1% NaOCl were less effective in reducing microorganisms compared with 1% NaOCl with alternated use of 15% citric acid or 5.25% NaOCl alone (P < 0.05). Both manual and rotary preparations significantly reduced microorganisms regardless of the irrigation solution used (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the canal preparation techniques (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl and 1% NaOCl alternated with 15% citric acid reduced microorganisms in infected root canals significantly more than saline and 1% NaOCl.
Exploring conflict between caregiving and work for caregivers of elders with dementia: a cross‐sectional, correlational study
Authors: Wang Yu‐Nu , Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus , Tsai Wen‐Che , Yang Pei‐Shan , Yao Grace
Published: July 2012

Aim

To report the moderating effects of work‐related conditions and interactive family‐care‐giving variables, including mutuality and preparedness, on caregiver role strain and mental health for family caregivers of patients with dementia.

Background

Few studies have examined the interrelationships among caregivers' working conditions, care‐giving dynamics and caregiver well‐being.

Design

Cross‐sectional, correlational study.

Methods

Data were collected by self‐completed questionnaires from 176 primary family caregivers of patients with dementia in Taiwan from May 2005–January 2006. Caregiver role strain and mental health were analysed by multiple regressions using a hierarchical method to enter independent variables and two‐ and three‐way interaction terms after controlling for caregiver age and gender, employment status, and work flexibility and the simple effect of each independent variable.

Results

More preparedness was associated with less role strain for family caregivers with less work/care‐giving conflict. More care‐giving demand was associated with poorer mental health only for caregivers with low work/care‐giving conflict and with average and low preparedness, but not high preparedness. For family caregivers with less work/care‐giving conflict, more preparedness decreased role strain and maintained mental health even when care‐giving demand was high.

Conclusion

These results provide a knowledge base for understanding complex family caregiver phenomena and serve as a guide for developing interventions. Future studies with longitudinal follow‐ups are suggested to explore actual causal relationships.
General practitioners' views on perceived and actual gains, benefits and barriers associated with the implementation of an Australian health assessment for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Lennox N. G. , Brolan C. E. , Dean J. , Ware R. S. , Boyle F. M. , Taylor Gomez M. , van Dooren K. , Bain C.
Published: July 2012

Background  Health assessments for people with intellectual disability have been implemented in the UK, New Zealand and Australia, and have led to improved health outcomes. The Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) has been shown to improve the health of people with intellectual disability. Similar to other health assessments, it is designed to address healthcare needs, many of which are often overlooked in this population, through better communication between the general practitioner (GP), support worker and the person with intellectual disability. This study investigates GP views of the perceived and actual benefits, gains and barriers associated with its uptake and use in practice.

Method  As part of a larger randomised controlled trial of the CHAP, 46 GPs in Queensland, Australia, completed two telephone interviews that included open‐ended questions about their perceptions of the health assessment. The GPs were enrolled in the intervention arm of the trial. Interviews took place at commencement and conclusion of the trial to gain the views of GPs as they experienced using the CHAP. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns from the GP responses.

Results  Four themes were identified: better healthcare and uncertain benefits captured GP perceptions of the potential gains associated with use of the CHAP, while two further themes, organisational barriers in the general practice setting and engagement across the healthcare triad highlighted strengths and barriers related to implementation. Anticipated concerns about time raised by GPs at commencement of the trial were borne out in practice, but concerns about communication and cooperation of people with disabilities were not. Matters associated with support worker engagement emerged as an area of concern.

Conclusions  GPs perceive the CHAP as a structured and comprehensive approach to the detection of medical problems as well as an aid in overcoming communication barriers between the doctor and the person with disability. Our findings suggest that some GPs may find it difficult to predict the benefits of using health assessments such as the CHAP. Achieving optimal uptake is likely to require attention at policy and systems levels to address: GP time constraints in providing healthcare to this population; enhancement of support worker training and organisational structures to encourage comprehensive health assessment and follow‐up activities; and GP awareness of the improved health outcomes shown to derive from the use of comprehensive health assessments.
Psychometric properties of the ‘Spanish Burnout Inventory’ among employees working with people with intellectual disability
Authors: Gil‐Monte P. R. , Figueiredo‐Ferraz H.
Published: July 2012

Background  Burnout has been recognised as an important stress‐related problem for employees working with people with intellectual disability. Researchers have been troubled by some of the psychometric limitations of the questionnaires developed to evaluate burnout. This study was designed to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish Burnout Inventory.

Method  The sample consisted of 697 Spanish employees working in intellectual disability services. The instrument is composed of 20 items distributed in four dimensions: Enthusiasm towards the job, Psychological exhaustion, Indolence and Guilt. The psychometric properties were examined through the following analyses: confirmatory factor analysis and reliability. To assess the factorial validity of the Spanish Burnout Inventory, four alternative models were tested.

Results  The four‐factor model obtained an adequate data fit for the sample. The four sub‐scales exhibited high reliability, with Cronbach alphas exceeding the critical value of 0.70.

Conclusions  This study provides evidence showing the adequate psychometric properties of an alternative burnout measure that could facilitate the diagnosis of individuals with burnout. It recommends taking feelings of guilt into consideration in interventions designed to improve staff burnout.
A longitudinal study of the intra‐country variations in the provision of residential care for adult persons with an intellectual disability
Authors: McConkey R. , Kelly F. , Craig S. , Mannan H.
Published: July 2012

Background  Small‐scale community accommodation is the preferred alternative internationally to the institutional and congregated services that previously dominated residential care for persons with intellectual disability. The strategies required for changing to new service models are not well researched.

Method  The National Intellectual Disability Database in Ireland provided the data to explore the changes in provision that occurred over a 10‐year period and the extent of the intra‐country variation across eight administrative areas for health services. Data were extracted for 2 years, 1999 and 2009, for over 7000 adult persons resident in either congregated or community‐based accommodation. Comparative indicators were calculated for the eight areas as well as nationally. In addition, over 4000 persons living in congregated settings were tracked over the 10 years to ascertain relocations as well as gathering information on the numbers of people newly admitted to each type of accommodation.

Results  Marked variations across the eight areas were found in the overall numbers of people in residential accommodation, the proportion of persons living in congregated settings and the extent of changes in the numbers of people in each type of accommodation. Moreover, fewer than 15% of people had relocated nationally from congregated settings over the 10‐year period and the number of new admissions to this form of provision remained high in certain areas.

Conclusions  The implementation of new forms of provision was not uniform across Ireland and possible reasons are proposed. Among the wider lessons internationally is the need for robust systems to monitor service provision nationally and locally if equity of access is to be achieved.
The functional fitness capacity of adults with Down syndrome in South Africa
Authors: Terblanche E. , Boer P.‐H.
Published: July 2012

Background  It is well established that there is a relationship between physical inactivity and increased risk for diseases of lifestyle. Persons with Down syndrome (DS) are especially at risk because of physical and health impairments, as well as perceived and real barriers to participation in exercise. The purpose of the study was to establish the functional fitness capacity and predictors of performance of DS adults.

Methods  Data were collected at various intellectual disability centres and private homes in seven provinces of South Africa. Three hundred and seventy‐one DS individuals (199 men and 172 women) from 18 to 66 years were tested for balance, flexibility, coordination, muscular strength and endurance, aerobic capacity and functional ability. Data were categorised according to gender and age groups (18–25, 26–35, 36–45, and >45 years). Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the functional task and physical test items.

Results  Down syndrome men performed significantly better on all but two tests compared with the women (P < 0.05). DS women performed better on the sit‐and‐reach flexibility item and the chair stand test; however, differences were not statistically significant from the men. Significant differences across age groups were observed for nine of the 13 functional fitness tests (P < 0.05). Muscular strength items, especially leg strength, significantly predicted functional performance in DS men and women. Aerobic capacity only predicted functional performance in DS men and sit‐and‐reach flexibility and dynamic balance only in DS women.

Conclusions  Findings of this study provide important information on the functional capacity of DS adults and show which physical attributes contribute to functional performance. Consequently appropriate training programmes can be tailored for this population whom is known to have poor functional fitness.
Oxidative and nitrosative‐based signaling and associated post‐translational modifications orchestrate the acclimation of citrus plants to salinity stress
Authors: Tanou Georgia , Filippou Panagiota , Belghazi Maya , Job Dominique , Diamantidis Grigorios , Fotopoulos Vasileios , Molassiotis Athanassios
Published: July 2012

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are involved in a plethora of cellular responses in plants; however, our knowledge on the outcomes of oxidative and nitrosative signaling is still unclear. To better understand how oxidative and nitrosative signals are integrated to regulate cellular adjustments to external conditions, local and systemic responses were investigated in the roots and leaves of sour orange plants (Citrus aurantium L.) after root treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor), followed by NaCl stress for 8 days. Phenotypic and physiological data showed that pre‐exposure to these treatments induced an acclimation to subsequent salinity stress that was accompanied by both local and systemic H2O2 and nitric oxide (NO) accumulation. Combined histochemical and fluorescent probe approaches showed the existence of a vascular‐driven long‐distance reactive oxygen species and NO signaling pathway. Transcriptional analysis of genes diagnostic for H2O2 and NO signaling just after treatments or after 8 days of salt stress revealed tissue‐ and time‐specific mechanisms controlling internal H2O2 and NO homeostasis. Furthermore, evidence is presented showing that protein carbonylation, nitration and S‐nitrosylation are involved in acclimation to salinity stress. In addition, this work enabled characterization of potential carbonylated, nitrated and nitrosylated proteins with distinct or overlapping signatures. This work provides a framework to better understand the oxidative and nitrosative priming network in citrus plants subjected to salinity conditions.