bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient targeted mutagenesis in the monarch butterfly using zinc-finger nucleases
Authors: Merlin Christine , Beaver Lauren E. , Taylor Orley R. , Wolfe Scot A. , Reppert Steven M.
Published: September 2012

The development of reverse-genetic tools in “nonmodel” insect species with distinct biology is critical to establish them as viable model systems. The eastern North American monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), whose genome is sequenced, has emerged as a model to study animal clocks, navigational mechanisms, and the genetic basis of long-distance migration. Here, we developed a highly efficient gene-targeting approach in the monarch using zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), engineered nucleases that generate mutations at targeted genomic sequences. We focused our ZFN approach on targeting the type 2 vertebrate-like cryptochrome gene of the monarch (designated cry2), which encodes a putative transcriptional repressor of the monarch circadian clockwork. Co-injections of mRNAs encoding ZFNs targeting the second exon of monarch cry2 into “one nucleus” stage embryos led to high-frequency nonhomologous end-joining-mediated, mutagenic lesions in the germline (up to 50%). Heritable ZFN-induced lesions in two independent lines produced truncated, nonfunctional CRY2 proteins, resulting in the in vivo disruption of circadian behavior and the molecular clock mechanism. Our work genetically defines CRY2 as an essential transcriptional repressor of the monarch circadian clock and provides a proof of concept for the use of ZFNs for manipulating genes in the monarch butterfly genome. Importantly, this approach could be used in other lepidopterans and “nonmodel” insects, thus opening new avenues to decipher the molecular underpinnings of a variety of biological processes.
A Systems Biology View of Responses to Lignin Biosynthesis Perturbations inArabidopsis
Authors: Vanholme Ruben , Storme Véronique , Vanholme Bartel , Sundin Lisa , Christensen Jørgen Holst , Goeminne Geert , Halpin Claire , Rohde Antje , Morreel Kris , Boerjan Wout
Published: September 2012

Lignin engineering is an attractive strategy to improve lignocellulosic biomass quality for processing to biofuels and other bio-based products. However, lignin engineering also results in profound metabolic consequences in the plant. We used a systems biology approach to study the plant's response to lignin perturbations. To this end, inflorescence stems of 20 Arabidopsis thaliana mutants, each mutated in a single gene of the lignin biosynthetic pathway (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase1 [PAL1], PAL2, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase [C4H], 4-coumarate:CoA ligase1 [4CL1], 4CL2, caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase1 [CCoAOMT1], cinnamoyl-CoA reductase1 [CCR1], ferulate 5-hydroxylase [F5H1], caffeic acid O-methyltransferase [COMT], and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase6 [CAD6], two mutant alleles each), were analyzed by transcriptomics and metabolomics. A total of 566 compounds were detected, of which 187 could be tentatively identified based on mass spectrometry fragmentation and many were new for Arabidopsis. Up to 675 genes were differentially expressed in mutants that did not have any obvious visible phenotypes. Comparing the responses of all mutants indicated that c4h, 4cl1, ccoaomt1, and ccr1, mutants that produced less lignin, upregulated the shikimate, methyl-donor, and phenylpropanoid pathways (i.e., the pathways supplying the monolignols). By contrast, f5h1 and comt, mutants that provoked lignin compositional shifts, downregulated the very same pathways. Reductions in the flux to lignin were associated with the accumulation of various classes of 4-O- and 9-O-hexosylated phenylpropanoids. By combining metabolomic and transcriptomic data in a correlation network, system-wide consequences of the perturbations were revealed and genes with a putative role in phenolic metabolism were identified. Together, our data provide insight into lignin biosynthesis and the metabolic network it is embedded in and provide a systems view of the plant's response to pathway perturbations.
YSL16 Is a Phloem-Localized Transporter of the Copper-Nicotianamine Complex That Is Responsible for Copper Distribution in Rice
Authors: Zheng Luqing , Yamaji Naoki , Yokosho Kengo , Ma Jian Feng
Published: September 2012

Cu is an essential element for plant growth, but the molecular mechanisms of its distribution and redistribution within the plants are unknown. Here, we report that Yellow stripe-like16 (YSL16) is involved in Cu distribution and redistribution in rice (Oryza sativa). Rice YSL16 was expressed in the roots, leaves, and unelongated nodes at the vegetative growth stage and highly expressed in the upper nodes at the reproductive stage. YSL16 was expressed at the phloem of nodes and vascular tissues of leaves. Knockout of this gene resulted in a higher Cu concentration in the older leaves but a lower concentration in the younger leaves at the vegetative stage. At the reproductive stage, a higher Cu concentration was found in the flag leaf and husk, but less Cu was present in the brown rice, resulting in a significant reduction in fertility in the knockout line. Isotope labeling experiments with 65Cu showed that the mutant lost the ability to transport Cu-nicotianamine from older to younger leaves and from the flag leaf to the panicle. Rice YSL16 transported the Cu-nicotianamine complex in yeast. Taken together, our results indicate that Os-YSL16 is a Cu-nicotianamine transporter that is required for delivering Cu to the developing young tissues and seeds through phloem transport.
Markers for severity of illness associated with decreased snoring in toddlers born ELGA
Authors: Wang Katherine , DiFiore Juliann M , Martin Richard J , Rosen Carol L , Hibbs Anna Maria
Published: September 2012

Aim

To describe the prevalence of paediatric sleep disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms in extremely low gestational age infants and identify neonatal risk factors, including early exposure to hypoxia and hyperoxia.

Methods

Patients <28 weeks gestation were monitored with high‐resolution pulse oximetry. Hypoxia/hyperoxia variables were defined as percentage time of first 4 weeks of life that SaO2 < 80% or SaO2 > 98%, respectively. Parents completed part of the OSA‐18 questionnaire for symptoms of SDB at 18–22 months. Logistic regression was used to test the association between risk factors and sleep symptoms.

Results

Of 182 patients recruited, 138 (76%) completed the questionnaire. The mean gestation was 26 weeks, and mean birth weight 887 grams. Loud snoring (21%) and restless sleep (24%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Female sex was associated with an increased risk of loud snoring (OR, 2.7; CI, 1.13–6.5). Prolonged mechanical ventilation, necrotizing enterocolitis and prolonged caffeine use, however, were inversely correlated with loud snoring. Neither neonatal hypoxia nor hyperoxia were associated with sleep symptoms.

Conclusions

While the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing symptoms is similar to reported rates, we found a sex difference not previously reported. Interestingly, markers for severity of illness show a pattern of being protective against loud snoring.
Causes of death in infants admitted to Australian neonatal intensive care units between 1995 and 2006
Authors: Feng Yvonne , Abdel‐Latif Mohamed E , Bajuk Barbara , Lui Kei , Oei Ju Lee
Published: September 2012

Aim

To compare causes and rates of mortality among infants admitted to 10 Australian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) between 1995 and 2006.

Methods

De‐identified perinatal data from the Neonatal Intensive Care Units' (NICUS) Data Collection for 24 131 infants were examined for causes and rates of death. The study period was divided into two epochs: I (1995–2000, n = 11 185 infants) and II (2001–2006, n = 12 946 infants).

Results

A total of 2224 (9.2%) infants died in hospital. Mortality decreased from 10.3% (1152/11 185) in epoch I to 8.3% (1072/12 946) in epoch II (p < 0.001) due to improved survival in term infants. Extreme prematurity also decreased as a primary cause of death (118 (10.2%) vs 76 (7.1%), p = 0.008). No infant >42‐week gestation was admitted in epoch II. Congenital abnormalities were the most common cause of death (>20%) in both epochs, mostly in term rather than preterm infants (40.7% vs 13.9%, p < 0.001). Age of death was unchanged between the two epochs (median 4, 1st, 3rd quartiles: 1,16 days).

Conclusion

Mortality rates have continued to decrease but improvement is predominantly due to improved survival of term infants and prevention of postdate deliveries. Congenital abnormalities continue to be the most common cause of death.
Factors influencing quality of life in asthmatics – a case–control study
Authors: Al‐kalemji Abir , Petersen Karin Dam , Sørensen Jan , Sherson David , Thilsing Trine , Schlünssen Vivi , Omland Øyvind , Thomsen Gert , Bælum Jesper
Published: September 2012

Introduction

The quality of life (QOL) in persons with asthma is reduced and different factors such as demography, asthma severity and psychiatric comorbidity play an influential role. However, little is known about the interplay of these factors.

Objective

To describe QOL in relation to asthma and analyse for the relative impact of asthma severity, psychiatric comorbidity, lifestyle (smoking and obesity) and demographic determinants on QOL in persons with asthma.

Methods

One thousand one hundred sixty‐one subjects from an earlier cohort with and without asthma were sent an asthma screening questionnaire and a generic QOL measuring instrument (15D).

Results

Seven hundred seventy‐eight valid responses (67%). QOL was significantly reduced in persons with asthma compared with controls (P = 0.001), almost on all domains of 15D. In the adjusted regression model, asthma severity, depression, female gender and smoking were associated with reduced QOL, suggesting that these factors play an independent role on lowering QOL. Depression did not inflate the relationship between asthma severity and worse QOL, suggesting that asthma severity plays an independent role on everyday life regardless of psychological state.

Conclusion

Asthma severity, psychiatric comorbidity, female gender and smoking were identified in this study to be major contributors to decreased QOL in asthmatics. Health professionals should be aware of this complex picture and take these factors into consideration when choosing the proper treatment of asthma patients. Asthma, asthma severity, epidemiology, psychiatric comorbidity, QOL.
Testing a model to track fish migrations in polar regions using pop‐up satellite archival tags
Authors: CHITTENDEN CEDAR M. , ÅDLANDSVIK BJØRN , PEDERSEN OLE‐PETTER , RIGHTON DAVID , RIKARDSEN AUDUN H.
Published: September 2012

The use of pop‐up archival satellite tags (PSATs) to geolocate marine fishes in polar regions is challenging due to the brevity of periods during which there is a defined sunrise and sunset. Models using other environmental parameters are thus required to supplement geolocation data in the estimation of marine migratory routes. The objective of this work was to create a simple method that would estimate the migratory pathways of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in polar regions using temperature and depth recordings. Validated geolocations from PSATs were used to test and constrict the model. The model’s predicted migratory routes were within 100 km of the light‐based geolocations calculated by the tags. By constraining the trajectories through the geolocations, bias was reduced. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that slight alterations of the location and timing of the start and end points did not affect the mean migratory route estimates. This method is a management tool that can determine the primary habitat areas for any surface‐ or bottom‐dwelling marine species – especially in polar regions, where other methods may be impossible.
Intestinal anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies in potential coeliac disease
Authors: Tosco A , Aitoro R , Auricchio R , Ponticelli D , Miele E , Paparo F , Greco L , Troncone R , Maglio M
Published: September 2012

Anti-tissue transglutaminase 2 (anti-TG2) antibodies are present in the serum of the great majority of untreated coeliac disease (CD) patients. They are produced and deposited in the small intestinal mucosa. Potential CD patients present serum anti-TG2 antibodies higher than cut-off, but a normal duodenal mucosa where mucosal deposits of anti-TG2 are not always detectable. The aim of our work was to investigate the presence of anti-TG2 intestinal antibodies in patients with potential CD, and identify the most sensitive test to detect them. Twelve active CD patients, 28 potential CD patients and 39 non-CD controls were enrolled. Biopsy fragments from all patients were analysed by double immunofluorescence to detect mucosal deposits of anti-TG2 antibodies. Fragments from the same subjects were also cultured for 24 h with medium in the presence or absence of gliadin peptides. Anti-TG2 autoantibodies secreted into supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All active CD, 68% of potential CD patients and 20% of non-CD controls showed mucosal deposits of immunoglobulin (Ig)A anti-TG2; at the same time 100, 96 and 8% of active CD, potential CD and non-CD control patients secreted these antibodies in culture supernatants, respectively. Our data showed that, to detect intestinal anti-TG2 antibodies, the measurement of antibodies secreted into culture supernatants has higher sensitivity and specificity (97·5 and 92·3%, respectively) than the detection of mucosal deposits (77·5 and 80·0%, respectively). The measurement of intestinal anti-TG2 antibodies may prove useful in clinical practice to predict evolution towards mucosal atrophy in potential coeliac patients and identify patients with gluten sensitivity.
Screening for insulinoma antigen 2 and zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies: a cost-effective and age-independent strategy to identify rapid progressors to clinical onset among relatives of type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Gorus F K , Balti E V , Vermeulen I , Demeester S , Van Dalem A , Costa O , Dorchy H , Tenoutasse S , Mouraux T , De Block C , Gillard P , Decochez K , Wenzlau J M , Hutton J C , Pipeleers D G , Weets I ,   Belgian Diabetes Registry
Published: September 2012

In first-degree relatives of type 1 diabetic patients, we investigated whether diabetes risk assessment solely based on insulinoma antigen 2 (IA-2) and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) antibody status (IA-2A, respectively, ZnT8A) is as effective as screening for three or four autoantibodies [antibodies against insulin (IAA), glutamate decarboxylase 65 kDa (GAD) glutamate decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA) and IA-2A with or without ZnT8A] in identifying children, adolescents and adults who progress rapidly to diabetes (within 5 years). Antibodies were determined by radiobinding assays during follow-up of 6444 siblings and offspring aged 0–39 years at inclusion and recruited consecutively by the Belgian Diabetes Registry. We identified 394 persistently IAA+, GADA+, IA-2A+ and/or ZnT8A+ relatives (6·1%). After a median follow-up time of 52 months, 132 relatives developed type 1 diabetes. In each age category tested (0–9, 10–19 and 20–39 years) progression to diabetes was significantly quicker in the presence of IA-2A and/or ZnT8A than in their joint absence (P < 0·001). Progression rate was age-independent in IA-2A+ and/or ZnT8A+ relatives but decreased with age if only GADA and/or IAA were present (P = 0·008). In the age group mainly considered for immune interventions until now (10–39 years), screening for IA-2A and ZnT8A alone identified 78% of the rapid progressors (versus 75% if positive for ≥ 2 antibodies among IAA, GADA, IA-2A and ZnT8A or versus 62% without testing for ZnT8A). Screening for IA-2A and ZnT8A alone allows identification of the majority of rapidly progressing prediabetic siblings and offspring regardless of age and is more cost-effective to select participants for intervention trials than conventional screening.
A simple method for determining the spatial resolution of a general inverse problem
Authors: An Meijian
Published: September 2012

The resolution matrix of an inverse problem defines a linear relationship in which each solution parameter is derived from the weighted averages of nearby true-model parameters, and the resolution matrix elements are the weights. Resolution matrices are not only widely used to measure the solution obtainability or the inversion perfectness from the data based on the degree to which the matrix approximates the identity matrix, but also to extract spatial-resolution or resolution-length information. Resolution matrices presented in previous spatial-resolution analysis studies can be divided into three classes: direct resolution matrix, regularized/stabilized resolution matrix and hybrid resolution matrix. The direct resolution matrix can yield resolution-length information only for ill-posed inverse problems. The regularized resolution matrix cannot give any spatial-resolution information. The hybrid resolution matrix can provide resolution-length information; however, this depends on the regularization contribution to the inversion. The computation of the matrices needs matrix operation, however, this is often a difficult problem for very large inverse problems. Here, a new class of resolution matrices, generated using a Gaussian approximation (called the statistical resolution matrices), is proposed whereby the direct determination of the matrix is accomplished via a simple one-parameter non-linear inversion performed based on limited pairs of random synthetic models and their inverse solutions. Tests showed that a statistical resolution matrix could not only measure the resolution obtainable from the data, but also provided reasonable spatial/temporal resolution or resolution-length information. The estimates were restricted to forward/inversion processes and were independent of the degree of inverse skill used in the solution inversion; therefore, the original inversion codes did not need to be modified. The absence of a requirement for matrix operations during the estimation process indicated that this approach is particularly suitable for very large linear/linearized inverse problems. The estimation of statistical resolution matrices is useful for both direction-dependent and direction-independent resolution estimations. Interestingly, even a random synthetic input model without specific checkers provided an inverse output solution that yielded a checkerboard pattern that gave not only indicative resolution-length information but also information on the direction dependence of the resolution.
Azimuthal anisotropy analysis of walkaround vertical seismic profiling vertical seismic profiling: a case study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Dulaijan Khaled , Owusu John C. , Weber Douglass C.
Published: September 2012

Understanding fracture orientations is important for optimal field development of fractured reservoirs because fractures can act as conduits for fluid flow. This is especially true for unconventional reservoirs (e.g., tight gas sands and shale gas). Using walkaround Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) technology presents a unique opportunity to identify seismic azimuthal anisotropy for use in mapping potential fracture zones and their orientation around a borehole. Saudi Aramco recently completed the acquisition, processing and analysis of a walkaround VSP survey through an unconventional tight gas sand reservoir to help characterize fractures.

In this paper, we present the results of the seismic azimuthal anisotropy analysis using seismic traveltime, shear‐wave splitting and amplitude attenuation. The azimuthal anisotropy results are compared to the fracture orientations derived from dipole sonic and image logs. The image log interpretation suggests that an orthorhombic fracture system is present. VSP data show that the P‐wave traveltime anisotropy direction is NE to SW. This is consistent with the cemented fractures from the image log interpretation. The seismic amplitude attenuation anisotropy direction is NW to SE. This is consistent with one of the two orientations obtained using transverse to radial amplitude ratio analysis, with the dipole sonic and with open fracture directions interpreted from image log data.
Multiple regulation of Arabidopsis AtGST11 gene expression by four transcription factors under abiotic stresses
Authors: Kouno Takafumi , Ezaki Bunichi
Published: September 2012

The Arabidopsis thaliana glutathione S‐transferase (GST; E.C. 2.5.1.18) gene, AtGST11, is regulated by a number of environmental stresses, including metal toxicities, oxidative stress and extremes of temperature. To clarify the mechanisms of this regulation, two transcription factors [(TFs), P1‐1 and P1‐3] were isolated by yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H) analysis and characterized. These TFs encoded a putative bZIP TF (AtbZIP30) and ethylene‐response element‐binding factor 2 (AtERF2), respectively. Y1H and electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that both proteins bound to the 5′‐upstream region of the AtGST11 gene. Promoter activity assays indicated that both TFs upregulate AtGST11. In addition, another two previously isolated TFs (#13 and #43), encoding C3HC4‐type RING finger (DAL1) and Homeobox protein 6 (AtHB6), respectively, were found to downregulate. Expression of the AtGST11 gene in a wild‐type line (Col‐0) was increased by Cd, Cu and Al, but decreased by cold, heat and diamide treatment. To determine how each TF relates to the environmental regulation of the AtGST11 gene, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed using RNA samples derived from two disrupted mutant lines (ΔDAL1 and ΔAtHB6) or an over‐expression line (oxAtERF2) under various stresses. The results indicated that DAL1 and AtHB6 downregulated the expression of AtGST11 under, most of the stresses tested as, repressors and AtERF2 upregulated the expression under heat stress as inducer.
Short hospital stays and new demands for nurse competencies
Authors: Hamström Niina , Kankkunen Päivi , Suominen Tarja , Meretoja Riitta
Published: September 2012

Short hospital length of stays present new challenges for nurse competencies. The purpose of this study was to describe Finnish nurses’ self‐assessed level of competencies and their actual use in the ambulatory surgery setting. A cross‐sectional descriptive design was used, and the data were collected electronically using the Nurse Competence Scale. Statistical methods were used for analyses. The nurses self‐assessed level of competence items ranged from moderate to excellent along with the increased frequency of using competencies. Statistically significant relationship between the level competence and age, work experience, work rotation and permanent position were found. The findings indicate that patient‐centred education and ensuring of patients’ well‐being and safety are the most essential competencies in this setting. Managerial intervention can be focused to increase nursing competencies in these areas.
Symptom burden: A forgotten area of measurement in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Farrell Dawn , Savage Eileen
Published: September 2012

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) collectively known as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. Periods of active and inactive disease are common along the trajectory of this illness. A range of symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhoea and abdominal pain are experienced and are often very debilitating in nature resulting in significance interference in daily life. Despite this, to date, research in the area of symptoms remains an underexplored topic. This paper aims to discuss current approaches to symptom assessment in IBD and the potential to measure symptom burden in further research, in order to gain a greater understanding into the experiences of individuals with IBD.
Loss of clinical nursing expertise: A discussion paper
Authors: Cioffi Jane Marie
Published: September 2012

There is evidence to suggest that there is a general decline in clinical expertise in nursing as a result of experienced clinicians leaving the profession. The expertise of clinical nursing practice is an important resource and needs to be captured and made available to others as loss of this knowledge and expertise has implications for clinical outcomes. This paper aims to discuss the current nursing workforce, loss of clinical expertise, the nature of expertise and the way it can be captured. Clarification and articulation of clinical knowledge of nursing experts provides the means for knowledge to be transferred to a less experienced workforce and be available in an accessible form in the workplace. Leverage of nursing expertise in this manner has the potential to benefit less experienced staff, hold clinical nursing expertise in the workplace and improve clinical outcomes and satisfaction with performance.
Self‐neglect consultation rates and comorbidities in primary care
Authors: Lauder William , Roxburgh Michelle
Published: September 2012

The aims of this study were, through secondary data analysis, to establish consultation rates for self‐neglect by 100 000 of the Scottish population and by deprivation and to identify the main comorbidities associated with self‐neglect. Data from a national dataset recording consultations in general practices where a self‐neglect diagnoses was made were analysed. Rates of self‐neglect in patients who consulted a Practice Nurse or General Medical Practitioners vary over time. Self‐neglect is more common in the 75 years and over group but is found across the age spectrum. It is more common in males and is linked to higher levels of deprivation. Self‐neglect is recorded as a diagnosis relatively infrequently in general practice. A wide range of comorbid conditions are found coexisting with self‐neglect. Nurse interventions generally focus on comorbidities and not self‐neglect. Self‐neglect does present in primary care. Nurses need to be aware of its varied presentations. Practice Nurse interventions suggest we need to develop self‐management interventions rather than respond to associated comorbid conditions.
Sports injuries among adolescents: Incidence, causes and consequences
Authors: Schneider Sven , Yamamoto Shelby , Weidmann Christian , Brühmann Boris
Published: September 2012

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 1‐year incidence, location, type, mechanism and severity of sports injuries for adolescents in Germany.

Methods:  Data were from the ‘German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents’, a nationwide study of n = 17 641 children and adolescents. Analyses were based on a weighted total sample size of nw = 7451 adolescents between 11 and 17 years of age, 51% of them boys.

Results:  A total of 577 adolescents (8%) reported having experienced a sports injury during the past year. Collisions and falls were reported as being the most important causes. The most frequent diagnoses were contusions, dislocations, strains and sprains (60%), followed by fractures (26%). Most injuries (88%) were treated on an outpatient basis with only 12% resulting in hospitalisation. Gender‐specific analyses showed that 9% of the boys and 7% of the girls suffered from a sports injury during the past year. After adjusting for the level of physical activity, these gender differences disappeared (ORgirls 0.94; 95% confidence intervals: 0.74–1.18). Excluding injuries incurred from falls while horse riding, there were no gender differences in the mechanism of injury. Among boys, 30% of all injuries were fractures, among girls 20% (P < 0.05). Apart from fractures, no further differences between the sexes in the range of diagnoses were identified.

Conclusions:  Although these results suggest that the risk of sports injuries does not differ significantly based on adolescents' gender, the incidence rate of adolescent sports injuries within Germany is relatively high.
An adolescent patient with post‐thrombotic syndrome achieves excellence in sport
Authors: Jones Sophie , Monagle Paul , Newall Fiona
Published: September 2012

The reported incidence of post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) following deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in children has increased. Diagnosis of PTS is reliant on assessment of clinical signs and self‐report of physical symptoms. We present the case of an 11‐year‐old young man, diagnosed with a spontaneous lower‐limb DVT, who developed significant clinical signs of severe PTS with no apparent physical symptoms. In adolescence, the patient participated in high‐level competitive sport with no reported functional limitations. This case highlights that reliance on the severity of only clinical signs without an understanding of a child's physical abilities limits the assessment of PTS.
Mineral nutrition of the hyperparasitic mistletoe Viscum articulatum Burm. f. (Viscaceae) in tropical Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Tennakoon Kushan U. , Chak Wang H. , Lim Linda B. L. , Bolin Jay F.
Published: September 2012

A plant parasite parasitizing another plant parasite is known as a hyperparasite. Information is scarce regarding the ecophysiology of hyperparasites and their hosts despite their potential to illuminate processes of host–parasite solute flux. Here we present mineral profiles and stable isotopic data for two associations of the hyperparasite Viscum articulatum and its primary mistletoe and tree hosts. Acting as the terminal sink, the hyperparasite had consistently higher contents of all major and minor elements evaluated compared to the primary parasite and the proximal portion of the tree host branch. The primary parasite had lower contents of Cu, Mg, Mn, N, and Z relative to the proximal portion of the tree host branch, suggesting nutritional stress applied by the hyperparasite. Interestingly Fe and Cu showed no consistent pattern between host and primary parasite, while the osmotically active elements P and K increased from tree host, to primary mistletoe, and finally the hyperparasitic mistletoe. The δ13C partitioning patterns for hyperparasites, primary parasites, and hosts were non‐linear in contrast to linear patterns reported from the literature for autoparasitic mistletoe associations, demonstrating fundamental differences between nutrition in hyperparasites and autoparasites.
Pollen limitation, fruit abortion, and autonomous selfing in three populations of the perennial herbRuellia nudiflora
Authors: Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Marrufo‐Zapata Denis , Arceo‐Gómez Gerardo , Parra‐Tabla Victor
Published: September 2012

Multiple factors determine plant reproductive success and their influence may vary spatially. This study addresses several factors influencing female reproductive success in three populations ofRuellia nudiflora, specifically we: (i) determine if fruit set is pollen‐limited and if pollinator visitation rates are related to this condition; (ii) estimate fruit set via autonomous self‐pollination (AS) and relate it to the magnitude of herkogamy; and (iii) evaluate if fruit abortion is a post‐pollination mechanism that determines the magnitude of pollen limitation. At each site we marked 35 plants, grouped as: unmanipulated control (C) plants subjected to open pollination, plants manually cross‐pollinated (MP), and plants excluded from pollinators and only able to self‐pollinate autonomously (AS). Fruit set was greater forMPrelative toCplants providing evidence for pollen limitation, while a tendency was observed for lower fruit abortion ofMPrelative toCplants suggesting that fruit set is influenced not only by pollen deliveryper se, but also by subsequent abortion. In addition, although pollinator visits varied significantly among populations, the magnitude of pollen limitation did not, suggesting that pollinator activity was not relevant in determining pollen limitation. Finally, fruit set tended to decrease with the degree of herkogamy forASplants, but this result was inconclusive. These findings have contributed to identify which factors influence reproductive success in populations ofR. nudiflora, with potentially relevant implications for population genetic structure and mating system evolution of this species.
Talking science and wishing for miracles: Understanding cultures of mental health practice
Authors: Lakeman Richard
Published: September 2012

Science can only offer a limited account of, and prescription for, mental health care. Yet the language of science and faith in the universal applicability of particular scientific methods to the craft of mental health care has come to permeate mental health practice communities. In this paper, the argument that many beliefs held by mental health professionals might be considered to be based on faith rather than science is presented, and the view that culture provides a useful lens for understanding mental health services and these paradoxes is proposed. Clearly there is a grand mental health narrative or colonizing influence of biological psychiatry that in various ways affects all mainstream mental health services. Local health services and professional communities might be considered subcultures. Understanding how mental health professions and practice are embedded in culture might be useful in considering how practice changes and why. Culture and caring practices are mutually embedded in localized subcultures. Therefore, a rich description of context and history is necessary in publication, presentation, or other communications to enable genuine understanding by a global audience. Viewing mental health practice in a cultural context highlights the importance of values and differences, and encourages humility in the face of ambiguity.
Effects of positive cognitions and resourcefulness on caregiver burden among caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Bekhet Abir K.
Published: September 2012

Currently, 5.4 million persons in the USA are diagnosed with dementia, and this number is projected to rise to 7.7 million by the year 2030. Family caregivers provide up to 80% of the care needed by persons with dementia and published work suggests that caring for persons with dementia can be very costly to caregivers' health. This study examined the mediating and the moderating effects of positive cognitions on the relationship between caregiver burden and resourcefulness in 80 caregivers of persons with dementia. A descriptive, correlational, and cross‐sectional design was used in this study. The researcher contacted the administrators at the Alzheimer's Association early stage programs in Southeastern Wisconsin and questionnaires were distributed to interested caregivers. Positive cognitions explained 31% of the variance in resourcefulness (F (1, 78) = 35.46, P < 0.001) and as positive cognitions increased, caregivers' resourcefulness increased. Positive cognitions were found to be a mediator as evidenced by a substantial drop in the beta weight of caregiver burden from B = −0.28 to B = −0.11 when positive cognitions were entered into the equation. Interventions to strengthen positive thinking among caregivers of persons with dementia are needed to help caregivers overcome their burden.
Police referrals to a psychiatric hospital: Experiences of nurses caring for police‐referred admissions
Authors: Maharaj Reshin , O'Brien Louise , Gillies Donna , Andrew Sharon
Published: September 2012

Police are a major source of referral to psychiatric hospitals in industrialized countries with mental health legislation. However, little attention has been paid to nurses' experience of caring for police‐referred patients to psychiatric hospitals. This study utilized a Heideggerian phenomenological framework to explore the experiences of nine nurses caring for patients referred by the police, through semistructured interviews. Two major themes emerged from the hermeneutic analyses of interviews conducted with nurse participants: (i) ‘expecting “the worst” ’; and (ii) ‘balancing therapeutic care and forced treatment’. Expecting ‘the worst’ related to the perceptions nurse participants had about patients referred by the police. This included two sub‐themes: (i) ‘we are here to care for whoever they bring in’; and (ii) ‘but who deserves care?’ The second theme balancing therapeutic care and forced treatment included the sub‐themes: (i) ‘taking control, taking care’; and (ii) ‘managing power’. The study raises ethical and skill challenges for nursing including struggling with the notion of who deserves care, and balancing the imperatives of legislation with the need to work within a therapeutic framework.
Simulating the role of visual selective attention during the development of perceptual completion
Authors: Schlesinger Matthew , Amso Dima , Johnson Scott P.
Published: September 2012

We recently proposed a multi‐channel, image‐filtering model for simulating the development of visual selective attention in young infants (Schlesinger, Amso & Johnson, 2007). The model not only captures the performance of 3‐month‐olds on a visual search task, but also implicates two cortical regions that may play a role in the development of visual selective attention. In the current simulation study, we used the same model to simulate 3‐month‐olds’ performance on a second measure, the perceptual unity task. Two parameters in the model – corresponding to areas in the occipital and parietal cortices – were systematically varied while the gaze patterns produced by the model were recorded and subsequently analyzed. Three key findings emerged from the simulation study. First, the model successfully replicated the performance of 3‐month‐olds on the unity perception task. Second, the model also helps to explain the improved performance of 2‐month‐olds when the size of the occluder in the unity perception task is reduced. Third, in contrast to our previous simulation results, variation in only one of the two cortical regions simulated (i.e. recurrent activity in posterior parietal cortex) resulted in a performance pattern that matched 3‐month‐olds. These findings provide additional support for our hypothesis that the development of perceptual completion in early infancy is promoted by progressive improvements in visual selective attention and oculomotor skill.
Stability of Maternal Autonomy Support between Infancy and Preschool Age
Authors: Matte‐Gagné Célia , Bernier Annie , Gagné Christine
Published: September 2012

The goals of this article were to examine (1) the relative and absolute stability of maternal autonomy support between infancy and preschool age, and (2) the moderating role of child gender, maternal attachment state of mind, and stressful life events. Sixty‐nine mother–child dyads participated in five visits when the child was 8, 15, and 18 months, as well as 2 and 3 years. The results suggested that maternal autonomy support is stable in relative terms, but that its mean level decreases over time. Moreover, there was significant relative stability only for mothers of girls, mothers who showed greater coherence of mind with respect to attachment, and mothers who experienced fewer stressful life events. These results speak to the relevance of investigating parent, child, and contextual factors when examining the conditions that promote or hinder stability in parenting behaviors.
Body work in assisted conception: exploring public and private settings
Authors: Kerr Anne
Published: September 2012

Body work has been foregrounded in recent sociological writings on health and social care, particularly the emotional labour of patient care. In this article I explore the social and emotional dimensions of body work in assisted conception in private and public National Health Service (NHS) clinics. Drawing on an ethnographic study, I explore how tensions around bodily attributes, treatment costs, clinic performance and the extent of consumer sovereignty were managed in decisions about who to treat and in what manner. In NHS settings, body work involved efforts to standardise and constrain bodies in line with an ethics of justice that included the co‐construction of protocols and performance measurement and a strong emphasis upon teamwork and influencing the behaviour of the sector as a whole. In contrast, body work in private settings was more overtly organised around an ethos of individual consumption that emphasised bespoke treatment together with an active critique of the regulator, based on a strong entrepreneurial ethos. Emotional labour in private settings was also more overt. I conclude by exploring the implications of my analysis for the study of assisted conception, the sociology of body work and the further marketisation and deregulation of medicine.
Food work and feeding assistance on hospital wards
Authors: Heaven Ben , Bamford Claire , May Carl , Moynihan Paula
Published: September 2012

Approximately 60 per cent of UK patients aged 65 years or older are at risk of malnutrition or their situation worsening while in hospital. We report the results of a qualitative study embedded in research to prevent malnutrition in older people in hospital (the mappmal study). Our aim was to understand and describe processes that promote or inhibit nutrition in hospital. Throughout 2009 we examined meal services at four UK hospital sites across two regional locations, focusing on older patients admitted with dementia, for stroke or for fractured neck of femur. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with National Health Service staff (n = 54), stakeholders (n = 6), and a focus group with former patients and carers (n = 5). We identified ward‐based food work as a technical and interpersonal challenge in narratives around malnutrition. Food work constituted two overlapping spheres of activity: interpersonal engagement through feeding assistance and reassurance and the arrangement of resources that facilitate meals such as the preparation of food trolleys. Our analysis is framed by the literature on emotional labour, dirty work and the professionalisation of nursing. We demonstrate how food work is overlooked by being conceptualised as common sense and as one of the most mundane and elementary tasks in hospitals.
Unemployment, gender and mental health: the role of the gender regime
Authors: Strandh Mattias , Hammarström Anne , Nilsson Karina , Nordenmark Mikael , Russel Helen
Published: September 2012

Existing research suggests that gender differences in the effect of unemployment on mental health are related to the different positions and roles that are available for men and women in society and the family; roles that are connected with their different psychosocial and economic need for employment. The aim of this article is to analyse the role of gender in the relationship between unemployment and mental wellbeing in Sweden, representing a gender regime with a similar need for employment among women and men, and Ireland, representing a gender regime in which the need for employment differs between women and men. The results, based on longitudinal data from the two countries, show that unemployment was more negatively related to mental health among men than among women in Ireland, while men and women were equally affected by unemployment in Sweden. Factors related to the family and economic situation, as well as gendered selection into the unemployment population, explains the difference in mental health between unemployed men and women in Ireland. The overall conclusion is that the context has a major influence on the relationship between unemployment, gender and mental health.
The discourse of powerlessness and repression: Identity construction in domestic helper narratives1
Authors: Ladegaard Hans J.
Published: September 2012

This article analyses domestic helper narratives focusing on identity construction in diaspora. It reports on an ongoing research project in a church shelter in Hong Kong where foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) seek help when they have been abused. Many of the stories told by FDHs are trauma narratives about physical assault, starvation, underpayment, and exploitation, and the article explores how narratives may be used as a means for identity construction, but also as a site for empowering FDHs to re‐author their stories and become agents in their own lives. The analyses show how linguistic resources are used to index different identities. They also show that FDHs have to accept forced identities and fight for their right to re‐author their own life stories. Finally, the article provides examples of private and public discourses about FDHs in Hong Kong and suggests that ideologies of moral exclusion, or the local codes of argument, serve to legitimise their dehumanisation.

本文分析散居香港的外籍家庭傭工有關身份建構的敘事話語。本文資料取自一個尚在進行中的研究項目。該項目的受訪者為棲身教會收容所尋求幫助的受虐外傭。項目所收集的訪問內容許多為創傷敘事，涉及身體傷害、飢餓、薪酬不足和剝削。除了探討創傷敘事如何用作身份建構的手段，本文還將探討這些敘事如何賦與受虐外傭話語權，讓她們重敘故事，主宰自己的生活。本文的分析將展現 語言資源如何成為標示不同身份的工具，並將說明：外傭被迫接受強加的身份，並為獲得重敘自己故事的權利而鬥爭。文章提供了關涉香港外傭的個人和公眾話語實例，並認為，道德排外的意識形態或本地輿論準則，對外傭所受非人道待遇的合理化發生了作用。[Chinese]
Effects of juvenile court exposure on crime in young adulthood
Authors: Petitclerc Amélie , Gatti Uberto , Vitaro Frank , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: September 2012

Background: The juvenile justice system’s interventions are expected to help reduce recidivism. However, previous studies suggest that official processing in juvenile court fails to reduce adolescents’ criminal behavior in the following year. Longer term effects have not yet been investigated with a rigorous method. This study used propensity score matching to assess the impact of juvenile court processing into young adulthood.

Method: Participants were part of a prospective longitudinal study of 1,037 boys from low‐ socioeconomic areas of Montreal, followed from ages 6–25 years. During their adolescence, 176 participants were processed in juvenile court, whereas 225 were arrested, but not sent to court. Propensity score matching was used to balance the group of participants exposed to juvenile court and the unexposed comparison group on 14 preadolescent child, family and peer characteristics. The two groups were compared on their official adult criminal outcomes.

Results: The risk of conviction for an adult offence was 50.0% for court‐processed participants compared with 24.3% for their matched counterparts, OR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.80–5.44. Court‐processed participants committed an average of 0.39 violent crimes, compared with 0.15 for their matched counterparts; Poisson model IRR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.39–4.87. They also committed an average of 2.38 nonviolent crimes, compared to 1.30 for their matched counterparts, IRR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.19–2.93.

Conclusions: Rather than decreasing recidivism, juvenile court intervention increased both violent and nonviolent future crimes. Along with previous studies, this study highlights a pressing need for more research and knowledge transfer about effective interventions to reduce recidivism among youths who commit crime.
Intraspecific variation in mitochondrial genome sequence, structure, and gene content in Silene vulgaris, an angiosperm with pervasive cytoplasmic male sterility
Authors: Sloan Daniel B. , Müller Karel , McCauley David E. , Taylor Douglas R. , Štorchová Helena
Published: September 2012

In angiosperms, mitochondrial‐encoded genes can cause cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), resulting in the coexistence of female and hermaphroditic individuals (gynodioecy).

We compared four complete mitochondrial genomes from the gynodioecious species Silene vulgaris and found unprecedented amounts of intraspecific diversity for plant mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Remarkably, only about half of overall sequence content is shared between any pair of genomes. The four mtDNAs range in size from 361 to 429 kb and differ in gene complement, with rpl5 and rps13 being intact in some genomes but absent or pseudogenized in others. The genomes exhibit essentially no conservation of synteny and are highly repetitive, with evidence of reciprocal recombination occurring even across short repeats (< 250 bp). Some mitochondrial genes exhibit atypically high degrees of nucleotide polymorphism, while others are invariant. The genomes also contain a variable number of small autonomously mapping chromosomes, which have only recently been identified in angiosperm mtDNA. Southern blot analysis of one of these chromosomes indicated a complex in vivo structure consisting of both monomeric circles and multimeric forms.

We conclude that S. vulgaris harbors an unusually large degree of variation in mtDNA sequence and structure and discuss the extent to which this variation might be related to CMS.