bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Production of Channel Catfish and Channel × Blue Hybrid Catfish Subjected to Two Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
Authors: Green Bartholomew W , Rawles Steven D
Published: August 2012

The effect of daily minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on the growth and yield of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and channel catfish hybrids (female channel catfish × male blue catfish I. furcatus) sharing the Jubilee strain of channel catfish as the maternal parent was evaluated in a 234-d study in sixteen 0.1-ha earthen ponds (15,113 fish/ha). Ponds were managed to maintain a minimum DO concentration of 25% or 50% of saturation. The total consumption of 32%-protein feed at the high and low DO concentrations was 12,973 and 10,262 kg/ha, respectively, for channel catfish and 12,805 and 11,592 kg/ha, respectively, for hybrid catfish. The net yield of hybrid catfish (8,069 kg/ha) did not differ from that of channel catfish (8,037 kg/ha), but the mean individual weight of hybrid catfish was significantly greater. Net yield (8,740 kg/ha), individual weight (0.75 kg/fish), and feed consumption (12,889 kg/ha) were higher for fish in the high DO than in the low DO concentration treatment (7,366 kg/ha, 0.65 kg/fish, and 10,927 kg/ha, respectively). Net yield, individual weight, and feed consumption for channel catfish were 22, 23, and 21% lower, respectively, for the low-DO treatment than for the high-DO treatment, whereas the respective differences for the hybrid catfish were 10, 4, and 10%. Growth did not differ between fish genetic groups but was faster in the high-DO treatment. Channel catfish grew faster in the high-DO treatment, whereas the growth of hybrid catfish did not differ with respect to DO concentration.
Preliminary Tests of Responses of New Zealand Mudsnails Potamopyrgus antipodarum to Copper-Based Substrates
Authors: Myrick Christopher A , Conlin Sarah K
Published: August 2012

New Zealand mudsnails (NZMSs) Potamopyrgus antipodarum can enter aquaculture facilities by crawling upstream through effluent discharges. Controlling or preventing this movement would aid the growing number of facilities that discharge into waters containing NZMSs. We quantified the distance traveled and residence time of NZMSs on four copper-based substrates and evaluated their potential for use as barriers or deterrents. Polyvinyl chloride test surfaces were left untreated (control) or were coated with copper sheet, copper mesh, an ablative marine antifouling paint containing cuprous thiocyanate, or a nonablative marine antifouling paint containing cuprous oxide. The mean distance traveled on treated surfaces was 6–16% of the distance traveled on control surfaces. When an untreated refuge area was available to NZMSs, the most effective substrate for reducing NZMS movements was copper sheet. When NZMSs had no access to a refuge area, however, the substrate treated with ablative marine antifouling paint was more effective. Copper-based substrates could potentially be used to deter the upstream movement of NZMSs.
Performance and Macronutrient Composition of Age-0 Burbot Fed Four Diet Treatments
Authors: Jensen Nathan R , Anders Paul J , Hoffman Carol A , Porter Lucas S , Ireland Susan C , Cain Kenneth D
Published: August 2012

As there are few larval-diet rearing methods for burbot Lota lota, it is important to develop these methods for ongoing conservation and future commercial aquaculture efforts. The performance and macronutrient composition of age-0 burbot were compared after fish were fed four different diets for 8 weeks. Diets included three commercial larval-rearing diets and Daphnia magna. Performance metrics involved mean length and weight, survival, and cannibalism. The macronutrient composition (dry matter) of fish and diets was measured as the percentages of moisture, lipid, protein, and ash, along with energy content. Significant differences in mean length and weight occurred, although survival and cannibalism were not different among treatments at the end of the experiment. Mean weight and length were significantly higher with diets 1 and 2. Fish fed diet 2 had the greatest mean survival (32%), followed by those fed the D. magna diet (30%), diet 3 (27%), and diet 1 (25%). Fish fed diet 1 experienced the greatest amount of cannibalism (48%), followed by those fed the D. magna diet (43%), diet 3 (43%), and diet 2 (26%). The macronutrient compositions of whole-body burbot were 81.83–86.91% for moisture, 4.42–20.49% for lipid, 63.53–75.65% for protein, and 8.41–14.25% for ash, and energy content was 4,818–5,915 kcal/g. Diets 1 and 2 provided the best performance among the all diets and may be used in ongoing and future burbot aquaculture efforts. This study demonstrates that burbot can be reared with multiple commercial larval diets and provides the first reported macronutrient compositions and relative cannibalism of age-0 burbot. This study will help advance the ongoing Kootenai Tribal burbot conservation aquaculture program and may have important applications in other conservation and future commercial production efforts.
Isometamidium Chloride Reduces Mortality of Adult Chinook Salmon due to Cryptobia salmositica
Authors: Chen Martin F , Cheng Yuk W , Popochock Denis , Russell Brian , Kerwin John , Bertolini James , Gleckler Jan , Snekvik Kevin , Han Sushan
Published: August 2012

The hemoflagellate protozoan parasite Cryptobia salmositica causes severe mortality during the 2–4-month sexual maturation period of adult spring Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha at the Solduc State Fish Hatchery, Washington. A single injection of isometamidium chloride hydrochloride in sterile deionized water at 2 mg/kg of body weight significantly reduced broodstock mortality. The progeny of injected adults showed better survival than those of controls (injected with only sterile deionized water) at the eyed-embryo and first-feeding stages. No developmental abnormalities were observed in progeny of treated adults at 78 d after first feeding.
Barry Thompson: The delicate choreography in growing epithelia
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: August 2012

Thompson is studying how epithelial polarity informs tissue growth and form.
Hsp70 targets Hsp100 chaperones to substrates for protein disaggregation and prion fragmentation
Authors: Winkler Juliane , Tyedmers Jens , Bukau Bernd , Mogk Axel
Published: August 2012

Hsp100 and Hsp70 chaperones in bacteria, yeast, and plants cooperate to reactivate aggregated proteins. Disaggregation relies on Hsp70 function and on ATP-dependent threading of aggregated polypeptides through the pore of the Hsp100 AAA+ hexamer. In yeast, both chaperones also promote propagation of prions by fibril fragmentation, but their functional interplay is controversial. Here, we demonstrate that Hsp70 chaperones were essential for species-specific targeting of their Hsp100 partner chaperones ClpB and Hsp104, respectively, to heat-induced protein aggregates in vivo. Hsp70 inactivation in yeast also abrogated Hsp104 targeting to almost all prions tested and reduced fibril mobility, which indicates that fibril fragmentation by Hsp104 requires Hsp70. The Sup35 prion was unique in allowing Hsp70-independent association of Hsp104 via its N-terminal domain, which, however, was nonproductive. Hsp104 overproduction even outcompeted Hsp70 for Sup35 prion binding, which explains why this condition prevented Sup35 fragmentation and caused prion curing. Our findings indicate a conserved mechanism of Hsp70–Hsp100 cooperation at the surface of protein aggregates and prion fibrils.
ADP ribosylation adapts an ER chaperone response to short-term fluctuations in unfolded protein load
Authors: Chambers Joseph E. , Petrova Kseniya , Tomba Giulia , Vendruscolo Michele , Ron David
Published: August 2012

Gene expression programs that regulate the abundance of the chaperone BiP adapt the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to unfolded protein load. However, such programs are slow compared with physiological fluctuations in secreted protein synthesis. While searching for mechanisms that fill this temporal gap in coping with ER stress, we found elevated levels of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)–ribosylated BiP in the inactive pancreas of fasted mice and a rapid decline in this modification in the active fed state. ADP ribosylation mapped to Arg470 and Arg492 in the substrate-binding domain of hamster BiP. Mutations that mimic the negative charge of ADP-ribose destabilized substrate binding and interfered with interdomain allosteric coupling, marking ADP ribosylation as a rapid posttranslational mechanism for reversible inactivation of BiP. A kinetic model showed that buffering fluctuations in unfolded protein load with a recruitable pool of inactive chaperone is an efficient strategy to minimize both aggregation and costly degradation of unfolded proteins.
Successful Implementation of a Window for Routine Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Shorter than That of the World Health Organization Standard
Authors: Misteli Heidi , Widmer Andreas F. , Weber Walter P. , Bucher Evelyne , Dangel Marc , Reck Stefan , Oertli Daniel , Marti Walter R. , Rosenthal Rachel
Published: August 2012

Objective.

To evaluate the feasibility of implementation of the refined window for routine antimicrobial prophylaxis (RAP) of 30-74 minutes before skin incision compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 0-60 minutes.

Design.

Prospective study on timing of routine antimicrobial prophylaxis in 2 different time periods.

Setting.

Tertiary referral university hospital with 30,000 surgical procedures per year.

Methods.

In all consecutive vascular, visceral, and trauma procedures, the timing was prospectively recorded during a first time period of 2 years (A; baseline) and a second period of 1 year (B; after intervention). An intensive intervention program was initiated after baseline. The primary outcome parameter was timing; the secondary outcome parameter was surgical site infection (SSI) rate in the subgroup of patients undergoing cholecystectomy/colon resection.

Results.

During baseline time period A (3,836 procedures), RAP was administered 30–74 minutes before skin incision in 1,750 (41.0%) procedures; during time period B (1,537 procedures), it was administered in 914 (56.0%; P < .001). The subgroup analysis did not reveal a significant difference in SSI rate.

Conclusions.

This bundle of interventions resulted in a statistically significant improvement of timing of RAP even at a shortened window compared to the WHO standard.
A Qualitative Assessment of a Performance Measure for Reporting Influenza Vaccination Rates among Healthcare Personnel
Authors: MacCannell Taranisia , Shugart Alicia , Schneider Amy K. , Lindley Megan C. , Lorick Suchita A. , Rao Agam , Woods LaDora O. , Ahmed Faruque , Sinkowitz-Cochran Ronda L.
Published: August 2012

To understand the feasibility of implementing a standardized performance measure for collecting and reporting influenza vaccination rates among healthcare personnel, qualitative, semistructured interviews were conducted with key informants in 32 healthcare facilities. Despite practical and logistical challenges to implementing the measure, respondents perceived clear benefits to its use.
Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection Surveillance outside the Intensive Care Unit: A Multicenter Survey
Authors: Son Crystal H. , Daniels Titus L. , Eagan Janet A. , Edmond Michael B. , Fishman Neil O. , Fraser Thomas G. , Kamboj Mini , Maragakis Lisa L. , Mehta Sapna A. , Perl Trish M. , Phillips Michael S. , Price Connie S. , Talbot Thomas R. , Wilson Stephen J. , Sepkowitz Kent A.
Published: August 2012

Objective.

The success of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention programs in intensive care units (ICUs) has led to the expansion of surveillance at many hospitals. We sought to compare non-ICU CLABSI (nCLABSI) rates with national reports and describe methods of surveillance at several participating US institutions.

Design and Setting.

An electronic survey of several medical centers about infection surveillance practices and rate data for non-ICU Patients.

Participants.

Ten tertiary care hospitals.

Methods.

In March 2011, a survey was sent to 10 medical centers. The survey consisted of 12 questions regarding demographics and CLABSI surveillance methodology for non-ICU patients at each center. Participants were also asked to provide available rate and device utilization data.

Results.

Hospitals ranged in size from 238 to 1,400 total beds (median, 815). All hospitals reported using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definitions. Denominators were collected by different means: counting patients with central lines every day (5 hospitals), indirectly estimating on the basis of electronic orders (n = 4), or another automated method (n = 1). Rates of nCLABSI ranged from 0.2 to 4.2 infections per 1,000 catheter-days (median, 2.5). The national rate reported by the CDC using 2009 data from the National Healthcare Surveillance Network was 1.14 infections per 1,000 catheter-days.

Conclusions.

Only 2 hospitals were below the pooled CLABSI rate for inpatient wards; all others exceeded this rate. Possible explanations include differences in average central line utilization or hospital size in the impact of certain clinical risk factors notably absent from the definition and in interpretation and reporting practices. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether the national benchmarks are low or whether the hospitals surveyed here represent a selection of outliers.
Decreasing Operating Room Environmental Pathogen Contamination through Improved Cleaning Practice
Authors: Munoz-Price L. Silvia , Birnbach David J. , Lubarsky David A. , Arheart Kristopher L. , Fajardo-Aquino Yovanit , Rosalsky Mara , Cleary Timothy , DePascale Dennise , Coro Gabriel , Namias Nicholas , Carling Philip
Published: August 2012

Objective.

Potential transmission of organisms from the environment to patients is a concern, especially in enclosed settings, such as operating rooms, in which there are multiple and frequent contacts between patients, provider's hands, and environmental surfaces. Therefore, adequate disinfection of operating rooms is essential. We aimed to determine the change in both the thoroughness of environmental cleaning and the proportion of environmental surfaces within operating rooms from which pathogenic organisms were recovered.

Design.

Prospective environmental study using feedback with UV markers and environmental cultures.

Setting.

A 1,500-bed county teaching hospital.

Participants.

Environmental service personnel, hospital administration, and medical and nursing leadership

Results.

The proportion of UV markers removed (cleaned) increased from 0.47 (284 of 600 markers; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.53) at baseline to 0.82 (634 of 777 markers; 95% CI, 0.77-0.85) during the last month of observations (P < .0001). Nevertheless, the percentage of samples from which pathogenic organisms (gram-negative bacilli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus species) were recovered did not change throughout our study. Pathogens were identified on 16.6% of surfaces at baseline and 12.5% of surfaces during the follow-up period (P = .998). However, the percentage of surfaces from which gram-negative bacilli were recovered decreased from 10.7% at baseline to 2.3% during the follow-up period (P = .015).

Conclusions.

Feedback using Gram staining of environmental cultures and UV markers was successful at improving the degree of cleaning in our operating rooms.
Evaluation of Potential Environmental Contamination Sources for the Presence of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Linked to Wound Infections in Combat Casualties
Authors: Keen Edward F. , Mende Katrin , Yun Heather C. , Aldous Wade K. , Wallum Timothy E. , Guymon Charles H. , Cole David W. , Crouch Helen K. , Griffith Matthew E. , Thompson Bernadette L. , Rose Joel T. , Murray Clinton K.
Published: August 2012

Objective.

To determine whether multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative organisms are present in Afghanistan or Iraq soil samples, contaminate standard deployed hospital or modular operating rooms (ORs), or aerosolize during surgical procedures.

Design.

Active surveillance.

Setting.

US military hospitals in the United States, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Methods.

Soil samples were collected from sites throughout Afghanistan and Iraq and analyzed for presence of MDR bacteria. Environmental sampling of selected newly established modular and deployed OR high-touch surfaces and equipment was performed to determine the presence of bacterial contamination. Gram-negative bacteria aerosolization during OR surgical procedures was determined by microbiological analysis of settle plate growth.

Results.

Subsurface soil sample isolates recovered in Afghanistan and Iraq included various pansusceptible members of Enterobacteriaceae,Vibriospecies,Pseudomonasspecies,Acinetobacter Iwojfii, and coagulase-negativeStaphylococcus(CNS). OR contamination studies in Afghanistan revealed 1 surface with aMicrococcus luteus. Newly established US-based modular ORs and the colocated fixed-facility ORs revealed no gram-negative bacterial contamination prior to the opening of the modular OR and 5 weeks later. Bacterial aerosolization during surgery in a deployed fixed hospital revealed a mean gram-negative bacteria colony count of 12.8 colony-forming units (CFU)/dm2/h (standard deviation [SD], 17.0) during surgeries and 6.5 CFU/dm2/h (SD, 7.5;P= .14) when the OR was not in use.

Conclusion.

This study demonstrates no significant gram-negative bacilli colonization of modular and fixed-facility ORs or dirt and no significant aerosolization of these bacilli during surgical procedures. These results lend additional support to the role of nosocomial transmission of MDR pathogens or the colonization of the patient themselves prior to injury.
Graphene/silicon carbide-based scaffolds
Authors: Mynbaeva M G , Sitnikova A A , Kirilenko D A , Kotousova I S
Published: August 2012

3D-SiC/2D-C structures were fabricated from SiC wafers by first producing a micro-porous material by anodization, and then using a two-step annealing process to modify the porous matrix and initiate the formation of a 2D-carbon coating through a self-organized process. Topological features of the obtained structures extend from the macro- down to the nano-scale. It is expected that such a topology, in combination with the high corrosion resistance and bio-compatibility of both SiC and nano-carbon, will make the 3D-SiC/2D-C structures suitable for applications in bio-engineering.
Lifting options for stratospheric aerosol geoengineering: advantages of tethered balloon systems
Authors: Davidson Peter , Burgoyne Chris , Hunt Hugh , Causier Matt
Published: August 2012

The Royal Society report ‘Geoengineering the Climate’ identified solar radiation management using albedo-enhancing aerosols injected into the stratosphere as the most affordable and effective option for geoengineering, but did not consider in any detail the options for delivery. This paper provides outline engineering analyses of the options, both for batch-delivery processes, following up on previous work for artillery shells, missiles, aircraft and free-flying balloons, as well as a more lengthy analysis of continuous-delivery systems that require a pipe connected to the ground and supported at a height of 20 km, either by a tower or by a tethered balloon. Towers are shown not to be practical, but a tethered balloon delivery system, with high-pressure pumping, appears to have much lower operating and capital costs than all other delivery options. Instead of transporting sulphuric acid mist precursors, such a system could also be used to transport slurries of high refractive index particles such as coated titanium dioxide. The use of such particles would allow useful experiments on opacity, coagulation and atmospheric chemistry at modest rates so as not to perturb regional or global climatic conditions, thus reducing scale-up risks. Criteria for particle choice are discussed, including the need to minimize or prevent ozone destruction. The paper estimates the time scales and relatively modest costs required if a tethered balloon system were to be introduced in a measured way with testing and development work proceeding over three decades, rather than in an emergency. The manufacture of a tether capable of sustaining the high tensions and internal pressures needed, as well as strong winds, is a significant challenge, as is the development of the necessary pumping and dispersion technologies. The greatest challenge may be the manufacture and launch of very large balloons, but means have been identified to significantly reduce the size of such balloons or aerostats.
The runaway greenhouse: implications for future climate change, geoengineering and planetary atmospheres
Authors: Goldblatt Colin , Watson Andrew J.
Published: August 2012

The ultimate climate emergency is a ‘runaway greenhouse’: a hot and water-vapour-rich atmosphere limits the emission of thermal radiation to space, causing runaway warming. Warming ceases only after the surface reaches approximately 1400 K and emits radiation in the near-infrared, where water is not a good greenhouse gas. This would evaporate the entire ocean and exterminate all planetary life. Venus experienced a runaway greenhouse in the past, and we expect that the Earth will in around 2 billion years as solar luminosity increases. But could we bring on such a catastrophe prematurely, by our current climate-altering activities? Here, we review what is known about the runaway greenhouse to answer this question, describing the various limits on outgoing radiation and how climate will evolve between these. The good news is that almost all lines of evidence lead us to believe that is unlikely to be possible, even in principle, to trigger full a runaway greenhouse by addition of non-condensible greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. However, our understanding of the dynamics, thermodynamics, radiative transfer and cloud physics of hot and steamy atmospheres is weak. We cannot therefore completely rule out the possibility that human actions might cause a transition, if not to full runaway, then at least to a much warmer climate state than the present one. High climate sensitivity might provide a warning. If we, or more likely our remote descendants, are threatened with a runaway greenhouse, then geoengineering to reflect sunlight might be life's only hope. Injecting reflective aerosols into the stratosphere would be too short-lived, and even sunshades in space might require excessive maintenance. In the distant future, modifying Earth's orbit might provide a sustainable solution. The runaway greenhouse also remains relevant in planetary sciences and astrobiology: as extrasolar planets smaller and nearer to their stars are detected, some will be in a runaway greenhouse state.
Aspects of the biology of Galaxias maculatus
Authors: Laurenson L. J. B. , French R. P. , Jones P. , Ierodiaconou D. , Gray S. , Versace V. L. , Rattray A. , Brown S. , Monk J.
Published: August 2012

The biology of three landlocked and a riverine population of Galaxias maculatus were examined in western Victoria, Australia. All systems supported reproducing populations of these fish, including Lake Corangamite which had salinities that on occasion reached 82. Spawning sites in Lake Corangamite were located in adjacent tributaries and not in the main lake as was the case for other populations. The smallest fish were found in the fresh water Lake Purrumbete and the largest in the hypersaline Lake Corangamite. The size at which 50% of the population attained sexual maturity varied across sites, with fish maturing at a smaller size in Lake Purrumbete, followed by the Merri River, Lake Bullen Merri and Lake Corangamite. Condition was higher in the freshwater Lake Purrumbete and there was no relationship between condition and temperature, conductivity, turbidity and pH; but there was a positive relationship between condition and dissolved oxygen. Length frequency analysis suggested that the majority of fishes live for a year.
Hypoxia induces gefitinib resistance in non‐small‐cell lung cancer with both mutant and wild‐type epidermal growth factor receptors
Authors: Minakata Kunihiko , Takahashi Fumiyuki , Nara Takeshi , Hashimoto Muneaki , Tajima Ken , Murakami Akiko , Nurwidya Fariz , Yae Suzu , Koizumi Fumiaki , Moriyama Hiroyuki , Seyama Kuniaki , Nishio Kazuto , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: August 2012

Somatic mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, such as exon 19 deletion mutations, are important factors in determining therapeutic responses to gefitinib in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, some patients have activating mutations in EGFR and show poor responses to gefitinib. In this study, we examined three NSCLC cell lines, HCC827, PC9, and HCC2935, that expressed an EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation. All cells expressed mutant EGFR, but the PC9 and HCC2935 cells also expressed wild‐type EGFR. The HCC827 cells were highly sensitive to gefitinib under both normoxia and hypoxia. However, the PC9 and HCC2935 cells were more resistant to gefitinib under hypoxic conditions compared to normoxia. Phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK was suppressed with gefitinib treatment to a lesser extent under hypoxia. The expression of transforming growth factor‐α (TGFα) was dramatically upregulated under hypoxia, and the knockdown of TGFα or hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF1α) reversed the resistance to gefitinib in hypoxic PC9 and HCC2935 cells. Finally, introduction of the wild‐type EGFR gene into the HCC827 cells caused resistance to gefitinib under hypoxia. This phenomenon was also reversed by the knockdown of TGFα or HIF1α. Our results indicate that hypoxia causes gefitinib resistance in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC through the activation of wild‐type EGFR mediated by the upregulation of TGFα. The presence of wild‐type and mutant EGFR along with tumor hypoxia are important factors that should be considered when treating NSCLC patients with gefitinib.
Comparative characteristics of the home care nursing services used by community‐dwelling older people from urban and rural environments
Authors: Borowiak Ewa , Kostka Tomasz
Published: August 2012

Aim

To compare home care nursing services use by community‐dwelling older people from urban and rural environments in Poland.

Background

In the current literature, there is a lack of data based on multidimensional geriatric assessment concerning the provision of care delivered by nurses for older people from urban and rural environments.

Design

Cross‐sectional random survey.

Method

Between 2006–2010, a random sample of 935 older people (over 65 years of age) from an urban environment and 812 from a neighbouring rural environment were interviewed in a cross‐sectional survey.

Findings

The rural dwellers (82·8%) nominated their family members as care providers more often than the city inhabitants (51·2%). Home nursing care was provided to 4·1% of people in the city and 6·5% in the county. Poststroke condition, poor nutritional status, and low physical activity level, as well as low scores for activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and Mini‐Mental State Examination values, were all determinants of nursing care, both in urban and rural areas. In the urban environment, additional predictors of nursing care use were age, presence of ischaemic heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disorders, number of medications taken, and a high depression score.

Conclusions

Poor functional status is the most important determinant of nursing care use in both environments. In the urban environment, a considerable proportion of community‐dwelling elders live alone. In the rural environment, older people usually have someone available for potential care services. The main problem seems to be seeking nursing care only in advanced deterioration of functional status.
The end of growth? Analysing NHS nurse staffing
Authors: Buchan James , Seccombe Ian
Published: August 2012

Aim

To present an overview of UK National Health Service nurse staffing changes across the last 10 years.

Background

National Health Service funding is now being constrained as part of the overall measures to reduce UK public expenditure. This has implications for future staffing levels and deployment. Government and professional associations are disagreeing about the current extent of actual and likely National Health Service nurse staffing decline.

Design

The paper reviews ‘official’ data and evidence on National Health Service staffing to assess actual National Health Service nurse staffing trends in recent years, highlights the results of scenario modeling of future National Health Service nursing numbers and relates this to national policies on staffing.

Discussion

The available evidence now points to nurse staffing growth having tailed off and a likely pattern of overall decline in National Health Service nurse staffing is emerging. This is a policy concern in the UK, but also in many other countries.

Implications for nursing

Whilst there has been a ‘recession benefit’ to the UK nursing labour market, this supply side boost cannot continue indefinitely. Any continued trend towards reduced intakes to training and reduced staffing levels will intensify the debate about the appropriate staffing levels and skills mix.

Conclusions

We have seen significant National Health Service nurse staffing growth in the last 10 years, which is likely now to reverse. The real measure of the effectiveness of local and national National Health Service nursing workforce policy is not how many nurses are employed, it is that sufficient are deployed to provide safe care.
The small regulatory RNA FasX controls pilus expression and adherence in the human bacterial pathogen group A Streptococcus
Authors: Liu Zhuyun , Treviño Jeanette , Ramirez‐Peña Esmeralda , Sumby Paul
Published: August 2012

Bacterial pathogens use cell surface‐associated adhesion molecules to promote host attachment and colonization, and the ability to modulate adhesion expression is critical to pathogen success. Here, we show that the human‐specific pathogen the group A Streptococcus (GAS) uses a small regulatory RNA (sRNA) to regulate the expression of adhesive pili. The fibronectin/fibrinogen‐binding/haemolytic‐activity/streptokinase‐regulator‐X (FasX) sRNA, previously shown to positively regulate expression of the secreted virulence factor streptokinase (SKA), negatively regulates the production of pili on the GAS cell surface. FasX base pairs to the extreme 5′ end of mRNA from the pilus biosynthesis operon, and this RNA:RNA interaction reduces the stability of the mRNA, while also inhibiting translation of at least the first gene in the pilus biosynthesis operon (cpa, which encodes a minor pilin protein). The negative regulation of pilus expression by FasX reduces the ability of GAS to adhere to human keratinocytes. Our findings cement FasX sRNA as an important regulator of virulence factor production in GAS and identify that FasX uses at least three distinct mechanisms, positive (ska mRNA) and negative (pilus operon mRNA) regulation of mRNA stability, and negative regulation of mRNA translation (cpa mRNA), to post‐transcriptionally regulate target mRNAs during infection.
Achieving yield gains in wheat
Authors: REYNOLDS MATTHEW , FOULKES JOHN , FURBANK ROBERT , GRIFFITHS SIMON , KING JULIE , MURCHIE ERIK , PARRY MARTIN , SLAFER GUSTAVO
Published: August 2012

Wheat provides 20% of calories and protein consumed by humans. Recent genetic gains are <1% per annum (p.a.), insufficient to meet future demand. The Wheat Yield Consortium brings expertise in photosynthesis, crop adaptation and genetics to a common breeding platform. Theory suggest radiation use efficiency (RUE) of wheat could be increased ∼50%; strategies include modifying specificity, catalytic rate and regulation of Rubisco, up‐regulating Calvin cycle enzymes, introducing chloroplast CO2 concentrating mechanisms, optimizing light and N distribution of canopies while minimizing photoinhibition, and increasing spike photosynthesis. Maximum yield expression will also require dynamic optimization of source: sink so that dry matter partitioning to reproductive structures is not at the cost of the roots, stems and leaves needed to maintain physiological and structural integrity. Crop development should favour spike fertility to maximize harvest index so phenology must be tailored to different photoperiods, and sensitivity to unpredictable weather must be modulated to reduce conservative responses that reduce harvest index. Strategic crossing of complementary physiological traits will be augmented with wide crossing, while genome‐wide selection and high throughput phenotyping and genotyping will increase efficiency of progeny screening. To ensure investment in breeding achieves agronomic impact, sustainable crop management must also be promoted through crop improvement networks.
Incidence, risk factors and causes of death in an HIV care programme with a large proportion of injecting drug users
Authors: Spillane Heidi , Nicholas Sarala , Tang Zhirong , Szumilin Elisabeth , Balkan Suna , Pujades‐Rodriguez Mar
Published: August 2012

Objectives  To identify factors influencing mortality in an HIV programme providing care to large numbers of injecting drug users (IDUs) and patients co‐infected with hepatitis C (HCV).

Methods  A longitudinal analysis of monitoring data from HIV‐infected adults who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2003 and 2009 was performed. Mortality and programme attrition rates within 2 years of ART initiation were estimated. Associations with individual‐level factors were assessed with multivariable Cox and piece‐wise Cox regression.

Results  A total of 1671 person‐years of follow‐up from 1014 individuals was analysed. Thirty‐four percent of patients were women and 33% were current or ex‐IDUs. 36.2% of patients (90.8% of IDUs) were co‐infected with HCV. Two‐year all‐cause mortality rate was 5.4 per 100 person‐years (95% CI, 4.4–6.7). Most HIV‐related deaths occurred within 6 months of ART start (36, 67.9%), but only 5 (25.0%) non‐HIV‐related deaths were recorded during this period. Mortality was higher in older patients (HR = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.42–4.40 for ≥40 compared to 15–29 years), and in those with initial BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (HR = 3.38; 95% CI, 1.82–5.32), poor adherence to treatment (HR = 5.13; 95% CI, 2.47–10.65 during the second year of therapy), or low initial CD4 cell count (HR = 4.55; 95% CI, 1.54–13.41 for <100 compared to ≥100 cells/μl). Risk of death was not associated with IDU status (P = 0.38).

Conclusion  Increased mortality was associated with late presentation of patients. In this programme, death rates were similar regardless of injection drug exposure, supporting the notion that satisfactory treatment outcomes can be achieved when comprehensive care is provided to these patients.
Association of fluoride in water for consumption and chronic pain of body parts in residents of San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Namkaew Montakarn , Wiwatanadate Phongtape
Published: August 2012

Objective  To assess the dose response of fluoride exposure from water and chronic pain.

Methods  Using a retrospective cohort design, the study was conducted in two sub‐districts of San Kamphaeng district, Poo‐kha and On‐tai. Five hundred and thirty‐four residents aged ≥50 years of age were interviewed about their sources of drinking water and assessed for chronic pain. Each water source was sampled for fluoride measurement, from which the average daily fluoride dose was estimated. Binary logistic regression with forward stepwise (likelihood ratio) model selection technique was used to examine the association between the average daily fluoride dose and chronic pain.

Results  We found associations between the average daily fluoride dose and lower back pain [odds ratio (OR) = 5.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.59–16.98], and between the high fluoride area vs. the low fluoride area (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.10–2.28; relative risk = 1.22 with 95% CI, 1.14–1.31) to lower back pain. Other risk factors, such as family history of body pain and a history of injury of the lower body, were also associated with lower back pain. However, there were no relationships between the average daily fluoride dose and leg and knee pains.

Conclusion  To prevent further lower back pain, we recommend that the water in this area be treated to reduce its fluoride content.
Painful gains: missense mutations in SCN9A and idiopathic small nerve fibre neuropathy
Authors: Pouladi MA
Published: August 2012

Gain of function Nav1.7 mutations in idiopathic small fibre neuropathy

Faber et al. (2012)

Annals of Neurology 71: 26–39.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Study for Pore Formation of the Greater Omentum of Cats
Authors: Owaki M. , Oono H. , Nakajima N. , Ohta G. , Okano S. , Kakizaki T. , Yoshioka K.
Published: August 2012

The greater omentum of the cats is said to have a lace‐like structure. However, there are only a few descriptions on whether pores exist, and there are not many morphological studies on this meshwork. In this study, the greater omentum of the cats was observed at each age of development using a scanning electron microscope. The greater omentum of the cats immediately after birth was found to be continuous, and no pores were observed. Also, development of microvilli was observed in the mesothelial cells on the surface of the greater omentum. In young cats at 3 months of age, small pores were sporadically observed, and at the ages of 6–12 months, there were more and larger pores. It was estimated that the pores on the greater omentum are formed in the process of moving from the movement of organs, such as the stomach, intestines and diaphragm, and the presence of these pores enables the passage of ascites between the omental bursa, the greater omentum and the serosal cavity of the wall without flowing through the omental foramen.
Determination of Rust Resistance Gene Complex Lr34/Yr18 in Spring Wheat and its Effect on Components of Partial Resistance
Authors: Qamar Maqsood , Gardezi Dilnawaz Ahmed , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: August 2012

The non‐durable nature of hypersensitive (race‐specific) resistance has stimulated scientists to search for other options such as race‐non‐specific resistance to provide long‐lasting protection against plant diseases. Adult plant resistance gene complex Lr34/Yr18 confers a dual race‐non‐specific type of resistance to wheat against stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) and leaf rust (P. triticina Eriks). This study was conducted to evaluate 59 spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for the presence of the Lr34/Yr18‐linked csLV34 allele using STS marker csLV34 and to determine the effect of this gene complex on the components of partial resistance in wheat to leaf/stripe rust. Lr34/Yr18‐linked csLV34 allele was detected only in 12 genotypes, namely Iqbal 2000, NR‐281, NR 354, NR 363, NR 364, NR 366, NR 367, NR 370, NR 376, 4thEBWYT 509, 4thEBWYT 510 and 4thEBWYT 518. Eleven genotypes showing the amplified Lr34/Yr18‐linked allele were further studied for the assessment of the effect of Lr34/Yr18 on components of partial resistance along with nine genotypes lacking this gene complex. Both stripe and leaf rusts were studied separately. The components of partial resistance including latency period (LP) and infection frequency (IF) were studied on primary leaf (seedling stage), fourth leaf and fully expanded young flag leaf (adult plant stage). Both the stripe and leaf rust fungi showed a prolonged LP and reduced IF on genotypes carrying Lr34/Yr18 gene complex. Generally, a longer LP was associated with a reduced IF at all growth stages. Although significant effect of Lr34/Yr18 gene complex on LP and IF was observed almost at all three growth stages, the effect was more pronounced at flag leaf. This suggested that Lr34/Yr18 gene complex is more effective at later stages of plant growth.
Atypical neuropathological sCJD‐MM phenotype with abundant white matter Kuru‐type plaques sparing the cerebellar cortex
Authors: Gelpi Ellen , Soler Insa Josep Ma , Parchi Piero , Saverioni Daniela , Yagüe Jordi , Nos Carlos , Martínez‐ Saez Elena , Ribalta Teresa , Ferrer Isidre , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel
Published: August 2012

We describe an atypical neuropatholgical phenotype of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) in a 64‐year‐old man presenting with a 5‐month history of rapidly progressive dementia, comprising behavioral disturbances, memory complaints, disorientation and language alterations. MRI showed diffuse atrophy and hyperintensities in parietal, occipital, temporal and frontal cortices and left caudate nucleus on T2‐weighted and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images. No typical EEG alterations were observed. Repeated 14‐3‐3 assay was positive after a first negative test. Neuropathology showed classical CJD changes with small cortical foci of large confluent vacuoles and relatively well‐preserved cerebellar cortex. The most striking feature was the presence of abundant Kuru‐type plaques in both cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Sparse Kuru‐type plaques were also seen in cerebellum, although only in white matter. Immunohistochemistry showed, in addition to unicentric plaques, diffuse synaptic and patchy perivacuolar, as well as plaque‐like and periaxonal pathological prion protein deposits (PrPres). Western blot studies demonstrated the co‐occurrence of PrPres types 1 and 2 in frontal cortex and a relatively weak type 2 signal in cerebellum. PRNP genotyping revealed methionine homozygosity at codon 129 and excluded mutations. This case shows a previously undescribed combination of histopathological features which preclude its classification according to the current phenotypic and molecular sCJD classification. The observation demonstrates that Kuru‐type amyloid plaques mainly involving the cerebral white matter may also occur in sCJD cases with short clinical course and the co‐existence of PrPres types 1 and 2. This case further highlights the complexity of the correlations between histopathological phenotype and PrPres isotype in prion diseases.
Impact of hyponatremia on survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with molecular targeted therapy
Authors: Kawashima Atsunari , Tsujimura Akira , Takayama Hitoshi , Arai Yasuyuki , Nin Mikio , Tanigawa Go , Uemura Motohide , Nakai Yasutomo , Nishimura Kazuo , Nonomura Norio ,   The Osaka Renal Cell Carcinoma Clinical Study Collaboration
Published: August 2012

Objectives:  Hyponatremia is reported to be associated with poor survival in localized renal cell carcinoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with immunotherapy. However, there are no reports on the relationship between hyponatremia and prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with molecular targeted therapy. We evaluated the prognostic significance of hyponatremia in metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with molecular targeted therapy as first‐line therapy.

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed a database comprising 87 patients treated from April 2008 to July 2011 with sorafenib or sunitinib as first‐line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients were divided into three groups according to serum sodium level: severe hyponatremia (≤134 mEq/L), mild hyponatremia (135–137 mEq/L) and normal natremia (≥138 mEq/L).

Results:  Median cancer‐specific survival time was 8.8 months in the patients with severe and mild hyponatremia, and 32.6 months in the patients with normal natremia (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed severe and mild hyponatremia to be significantly associated with cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 6.228; 95% confidence interval 2.161–17.947, P = 0.001; hazard ratio 3.374; 95% confidence interval 1.294–8.798, P = 0.013), respectively. Neutrophilia and high C‐reactive protein level (C‐reactive protein ≥1.0 mg/dL) were significant prognostic factors to predict inferior cancer‐specific survival. In Harrell's concordance index calculation, hyponatremia could significantly improve the predictive accuracy for estimation of survival probability (P = 0.028).

Conclusions:  Hyponatremia (<138 mEq/L), neutrophilia and high C‐reactive protein levels seem to represent significant predictive factors for cancer‐specific survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with molecular targeted therapy as first line therapy. Furthermore, hyponatremia might be significantly associated with chronic inflammation and tumor aggressiveness.
Using the Short Physical Performance Battery to screen for frailty in young‐old adults with distinct socioeconomic conditions
Authors: da Câmara Saionara Maria Aires , Alvarado Beatriz Eugenia , Guralnik Jack M , Guerra Ricardo Oliveira , Maciel Álvaro Campos Cavalcanti
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To analyze the Short Physical Performance Battery's (SPPB) ability in screening for frailty in community‐dwelling young elderly from cities with distinct socioeconomic conditions.

Methods:  Elderly (65–74 years‐of‐age) from Canada (Saint Bruno; n = 60) and Brazil (Santa Cruz; n = 64) were evaluated with the SPPB to assess physical performance. Frailty was defined as the presence of ≥3 of the following criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, mobility limitation and low physical activity. Linear regression and receiver operating characteristics analyses were carried out.

Results:  The SPPB correlated with frailty (R2 = 0.33), with better results for Saint Bruno. A cut‐off of 9 in the SPPB had good sensitivity (92%) and specificity (80%) in discriminating frail from non‐frail in Saint Bruno (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.81), but showed fair results in Santa Cruz (AUC = 0.61, sensitivity = 81% and specificity = 52%).

Conclusions:  The SPPB better discriminated frailty in elderly with higher socioeconomic conditions (Saint Bruno). Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 421–428.
Landscape‐scale effects of herbivores on treefall in African savannas
Authors: Asner Gregory P. , Levick Shaun R.
Published: August 2012

Herbivores cause treefalls in African savannas, but rates are unknown at large scales required to forecast changes in biodiversity and ecosystem processes. We combined landscape‐scale herbivore exclosures with repeat airborne Light Detection and Ranging of 58 429 trees in Kruger National Park, South Africa, to assess sources of savanna treefall across nested gradients of climate, topography, and soil fertility. Elephants were revealed as the primary agent of treefall across widely varying savanna conditions, and a large‐scale ‘elephant trap’ predominantly removes maturing savanna trees in the 5–9 m height range. Treefall rates averaged 6 times higher in areas accessible to elephants, but proportionally more treefall occurred on high‐nutrient basalts and in lowland catena areas. These patterns were superimposed on a climate‐mediated regime of increasing treefall with precipitation in the absence of herbivores. These landscape‐scale patterns reveal environmental controls underpinning herbivore‐mediated tree turnover, highlighting the need for context‐dependent science and management.