bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Cool friends’: an evaluation of a community befriending programme for young people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: MacDonald Kath , Greggans Alison
Published: August 2010

Aim.  To evaluate the impact of a community youth befriending programme on a group of young people with chronic illness and their carers.

Background.  Befriending is said to be highly valued by those who are befriended, improving self‐esteem and offering opportunities for increasing skills and social activities.

Design.  A qualitative longitudinal pilot study of young people with cystic fibrosis, their carers, their befrienders and other personnel, closely involved with the families.

Methods.  Seventeen participants were interviewed over one‐year to explore their experiences of befriending. Ten of these were either befriendees (aged 8–18 years) or their parents. Half of these families were interviewed twice; once at the beginning of the befriending relationship and another at one year later. Seven other personnel, closely involved with the young people, were interviewed; two play therapists and two education liaison personnel. A focus group was also held with three befrienders. This range of data sought to reveal a wide perspective on the impact of befriending.

Results.  Befriending was seen as a good thing by all parties involved. It offered a distraction from illness, respite for carers and helped young people to raise issues of personal importance. Befriending was challenging for the befrienders given the diagnosis of this group of befriendees. Negative experiences could result if pairs are poorly matched or if befrienders are not committed to the process. Exit strategies were not addressed.

Conclusion.  Sustainable befriending relationships are dependent on commitment from both parties and transparency about the expected practices and processes from the beginning to the end of the relationship.

Relevance to practice.  The evidence that is available in support of befriending is mixed. To date this is the first study in relation to people with cystic fibrosis and will add to the body of knowledge of befriending in young people with a life‐threatening chronic illness.
Factors influencing the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among Hong Kong Chinese women: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Ku Ching‐Man , Chow Susan KY
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this article is to explore the relationships between breastfeeding knowledge, self‐efficacy and demographic factors on breastfeeding patterns among Hong Kong Chinese primiparous women.

Background.  There is substantial evidence showing that maternal education, social class, ethnic background and religion are related to the decision to initiate as well as continue breastfeeding. Nevertheless, not much is known about how the controllable factors are able to influence the practice with the Hong Kong Chinese population.

Design.  A cross‐sectional and correlational design.

Methods.  A convenience sample of 82 subjects who had normal vaginal delivery in the maternity unit of a regional hospital in Hong Kong was recruited.

Results.  Linear regression analysis showed that subjects who lived with their mothers‐in‐law, had higher household income and higher gravida would be associated with a higher score in the Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale. On the other hand, decisions to breastfeed made later in the pregnancy, father‐in‐law to ‘pei‐yue’ (the Chinese practice whereby the new mother is expected to stay at home and to avoid all household chores and social activities during the first month after giving birth) and older in age would be associated with a lower score. Pei‐yue is Chinese ritual of which the woman who has delivered should stay at home for one month and being taken care by others (this Chinese term is used throughout the article to indicate the time period described). Generalised estimating equations model revealed that women who had searched through the Internet for breastfeeding information, who had husbands to ‘pei yue’, lived in private housing, were married, had a domestic helper to ‘pei yue’ and who had attained higher education were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion.  The social support from the family and breastfeeding self‐efficacy have implications for continuing the practice of breastfeeding for primiparous women.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Future efforts aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding could include the modifiable factors into consideration to better tailor interventions for successful, exclusive breastfeeding.
Using VLAD scores to have a look insight ICU performance: towards a modelling of the errors
Authors: Foltran Francesca , Berchialla Paola , Giunta Francesco , Malacarne Paolo , Merletti Franco , Gregori Dario
Published: August 2010

Rationale, aims and objectives  Mortality prediction models using logistic regression analysis play a pivotal role in intensive care quality evaluation, allowing a hospital's performance to be compared with a standard. However, when a difference between predicted and observed mortality exists, that is, the numerator of the Variable Life Adjusted Display (VLAD) score, the investigation for a possible explanation could be arduous. In this article we tested the ability of Bayesian Network (BN) to identify factors determining the negative discrepancy between expected and actual outcomes recorded in four Italian intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods  A BN was implemented to predict the extent of the expected‐observed distance quantified by the VLAD score. BN performance was compared with those of a set of tools including Linear Model, Random Forest Regression Tree analysis, Artificial Neural Networks and Support Vector Machine.

Results  BN allows the identification of critical areas responsible for bad performance. Compared with other techniques, BN always explains a higher variance percentage and it shows similar or superior discrimination ability.

Conclusions  BN, being able to guide interpretation of covariates role by means of a graphic representation of relationships, confirms its utility particularly where many interactions between predictors exist and when a coherent set of theories regarding which variables are related and how is not available.
The use and reporting of multiple imputation in medical research – a review
Authors: Mackinnon A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.  Mackinnon A (Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia) The use and reporting of multiple imputation in medical research – a review. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 586–593.

Background.  Multiple imputation (MI) is an advanced, principled method of dealing with missing data in statistical analyses, a common problem in medical research. This paper sought to document the use of MI in general medical journals and to evaluate the information provided to readers about the application of the procedure in studies.

Methods.  Research articles using MI in analyses published in JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, BMJ and the Lancet were identified using full text searches from the earliest date each journal offered such searches until the end of 2008. Ninety‐nine articles were found. Studies were classified according to their design.

Results.  Multiple imputation was used in 49 RCTs and 50 other types of studies. A third of the articles (n = 33) reported no details of the procedure used. In a third of these (n = 11), it was not possible to infer the approach used from references cited or software used. The nature of the imputation model was rarely reported. MI was frequently used as a secondary analysis (n = 40) either to justify reporting a simpler approach or as a form of sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions.  Whilst still relatively uncommon, the use of MI has risen substantially, particularly in trials. MI is rarely adequately reported, leading to doubt about its appropriateness in some cases. This gives rise to uncertainty about conclusions reached and poses a barrier to attempts to replicate analyses. Guidelines for the reporting of MI should be developed.
Regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase expression in Pseudomonas putida results from its direct repression by NtrC under nitrogen‐limiting conditions
Authors: Hervás Ana B. , Canosa Inés , Santero Eduardo
Published: August 2010

Nitrogen‐regulated genes in enterobacteria are positively controlled by the transcriptional activator of σN‐dependent promoters NtrC, either directly or indirectly, through the dual regulator Nac. Similar to enterobacteria, gdhA encoding glutamate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas putida is one of the few genes that is induced by excess nitrogen. In P. putida, the binding of NtrC to the gdhA promoter region and in vitro transcription suggest that, unlike its enterobacterial homologue that is repressed by Nac, gdhA is directly repressed by NtrC. Footprinting analyses demonstrated that NtrC binds to four distinct sites in the gdhA promoter. NtrC dimers bind cooperatively, and those bound closer to the promoter interact with the dimers bound further upstream, thus producing a proposed repressor loop in the DNA. The formation of the higher‐order complex and the repressor loop appears to be important for repression but not absolutely essential. Both the phosphorylated and the non‐phosphorylated forms of NtrC efficiently repressed gdhA transcription in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, NtrC repression of gdhA under nitrogen‐limiting conditions does not depend on the phosphorylation of the regulator; rather, it relies on an increase in the repressor concentration under these conditions.
Cyclic Nucleotides Increase During Neuronally Induced Relaxation of Sphincteric and Nonsphincteric Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle
Authors: Joslyn A. F. , Barnette M. S. , Grous M. , Fudge M. , Price W. J. , Manning C. D. , Thompson W. E. , Barone F. C. , III H. S. Ormsbee
Published: August 2010

Neuronal stimulation of most isolated precontracted gastrointestinal smooth muscle results in relaxation. This study examined the changes in cyclic nucleotide content associated with neuronally induced relaxation in sphincteric and nonsphincteric smooth muscle of the gut. Electrical field stimulation produced a frequency‐dependent relaxation of the guinea pig proximal colon (EF50= 1.6 Hz) and taenia coli (EF50= 2.4 HZ), and the canine proximal colon (EF50= 3.1 Hz) and internal anal sphincter (EF50= 3.0 Hz). Changes in cyclic nucleotide content occurred during EFS‐induced relaxation. Cyclic AMP levels were significantly increased in the guinea pig poximal colon and taenia coli and in the canine proximal colon. No change in cyclic GMP occurred in these smooth muscles. Conversely, in the canine internal anal sphincter the cyclic GMP content increased significantly with no change in cyclic AMP. These effects in this sphincter are similar to those identified previously in the lower esophageal sphincter of opossum, dog, and man. Tetrodotoxin blocked the EFS‐induced relaxation and the associated accumulation of cyclic nucleotides of all tissues. Therefore, EFS‐induced relaxation is mediated by the activation of neurons and the release of inhibitory neurotransmitter(s). Also, EFS‐induced relaxation is closely associated with increases in smooth muscle cyclic nucleotide content. Most importantly, the change in cyclic nucleotide accumulation that occurs during EFS‐induced relaxation is different for sphincteric and nonsphincteric smooth muscle, (i.e., different cyclic nucleotides are generated in sphincteric and nonsphincteric smooth muscle in response to stimulation of nonadrenergic, nonchohnergic, inhibitory enteric neurons).
Small Bowel Motor Activity and Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Kellow J. E. , Gill R. C. , Wingate D. L. , Calam J. E.
Published: August 2010

A patient with chronic painless diarrhea is described in whom bacterial overgrowth was diagnosed. At presentation, no migrating motor complexes were found. The bacterial overgrowth was cleared, and the patient reported symptomatic improvement. Another motility study was undertaken, and this revealed highly abnormal migrating complexes. The study suggested that the bacterial overgrowth was due to an underlying motor disorder, and that the presence of the bacteria modified the motor activity of the small bowel. Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial overgrowth should be undertaken in patients with chronic, painless diarrhea when dysmotility is suspected.
Regional Comparison of Rat Colon Mechanics
Authors: Butt Warren G. , Wang Michael , Ryan James P. , Leiser Jonathan , Kaufman Steven T. , Cohen Sidney
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the force‐velocity characteristics of colonie muscle and to determine whether these factors contribute to regional specialization of the colon observed in adult Fischer rats. Four measurements were obtained from circular colon muscle strips: maximum shortening velocity, a reflection of crossbridge cycling rate; extension of the parallel elastic component, a measure of passive muscle properties of relaxed muscle; the series elastic component, a measure of passive muscle properties of contracted muscle; and peak isometric force, which is equal to the product of the number of activated crossbridges and the strength of individual crossbridges. Muscle length (L) was expressed in terms of the length of optimal tension development (Lo). Peak isometric force and maximum shortening velocity were 848.9 ± 114.7 g/cm2 and 0.082 ± 0.012 Lo/s for muscle strips from the proximal colon, and 948.0± 138.2 g/cm2 and 0.083 ± 0.014 Lo/s for muscle strips from the distal colon. Shortening velocity, isometric force, and load extension properties of the parallel elastic component and the series elastic component are similar in proximal and distal rat colon. This suggests that regional specialization is not determined at the myofibril level but is most likely determined by extrinsic regulatory factors at the neural or receptor level.
Stress and gastrointestinal motility in animals: a review of the literature
Authors: ENCK P. , HOLTMANN G.
Published: August 2010

In the last decade an increasing number of studies have been published dealing with the effects of experimental stress on gastrointestinal functions in animals and humans. Initial interest in gastrointestinal stress responses in the late 1940s and early 1950s1 was followed by continued interest only in experimental ulcer research.2 The recent ‘revival’ of interest in stress is due to some methodological progress: first, our understanding of gastrointestinal functions, specifically gastrointestinal motility has grown after new measurement techniques became widely available to enable gastrointestinal stress effects to be determined directly‐instead of its indirect outcome such as stool frequency or gastrointestinal symptoms. Second, interest has grown in functional abdominal disorders such as the irritable bowel syndrome or non‐ulcer dyspepsia, which are often believed to be, at least in part, stress related.3 Finally, stress has become a major paradigm by which to investigate brain‐gut interactions, specifically with respect to the yet unanswered question of the extent of autonomy or CNS control to regulate gastrointestinal functions.4

Our review is split into two parts. The first part focused on clinical aspects in human studies.1 This part will deal with animal studies and discusses their relevance with respect to basic research questions.
Involvement of peripheral and central motor and secretory components in the action of a prostaglandin E2analogue on colonic transit in rats
Authors: THEODOROU V. , FIORAMONTI J. , BUENO L.
Published: August 2010

The effects of central and peripheral administration of a prostaglandin E2analogue (enprostil) on colonic transit time, faecal dry matter and colonic myoelectrical activity, were examined in rats chronically fitted with a cannula in a lateral ventricle of the brain and a catheter inserted in the lumen of the proximal colon, or nichrome electrodes implanted on the proximal colon. In control studies, the mean retention time (MRT) of a marker ([51Cr] sodium chromate) administered into the proximal colon and determined in the faeces collected at hourly intervals was 7.3 ± 1.7 h, the frequency of colonic long spike bursts was 59.1 ± 9.1/h and faecal dry matter (DM) 65.4 ± 3.4%. Enprostil administered orally (350 μg/kg) decreased colonic MRT (4.9 ± 0.6 h) and faecal DM (50.1 ± 3.2%) and increased by 68% the colonic myoelectric index. Administered intracerebroventricularly enprostil (12 μg/kg) also accelerated colonic transit (MRT = 5.1 ± 1.6 h) and decreased faecal DM (48.7 ± 3.4%) but did not modify colonic spiking activity. Intraperitonal administration of the PG receptor antagonist SC‐19220 (1 mg/kg) did not affect the effects of enprostil administered centrally on MRT and DM but blocked the action of oral enprostil on colonic transit time, DM and colonic spiking activity. Centrally administered, SC‐19220 (100 μg/kg) antagonized the effects of oral enprostil on colonic transit and faecal DM but not on colonic spiking activity. It is concluded that in rats the enprostil‐induced acceleration of colonic transit involves a peripheral action on colonic motility and a secretory component which is centrally mediated. Moreover these results show that colonic hypersecretion, but not hypermotility, can alone accelerate colonic transit.
Characteristic motor patterns of phase II and behaviour of phase III in the fed state
Authors: EHRLEIN H. J. , SCHMID H. R. , FEINLE C.
Published: August 2010

The motor pattern of the phase II of the migration motor complex (MMC) is poorly characterized and it remains to be determined whether it differs from the fed motor‐pattern. Furthermore, discrepancy exists on the disruption of ongoing MMCs by feeding, and finally, the understanding of the behaviour of phase Ills during enteral nutrition is incomplete. Therefore, canine intestinal motility was studied after meal and during enteral infusion of nutrients (elemental diet, glucose, maltose, amino acids) or of hypertonic saline (300–1520 mosmol kg−1). Motility of the proximal, mid‐ and distal jejunum was recorded with strain‐gauge transducers. The motor patterns of the interdigestive phase II, after feeding and during enteral nutrition were analysed by a computer. Additionally, the disruption of the MMC by food and by enteral infusion of nutrients or hypertonic saline was investigated. The inter digestive phase II consisted of three different contractile patterns, clustered contractions, a mixed contractile pattern and non‐migrating bursts of propagated contractions (NBPCs). NBPCs differed significantly from the phase III activity in several motility parameters and by the lack of aboral migration. Only small differences existed between the motor patterns of phase II and of the fed state, whereas the motor pattern induced by enteral infusion of an elemental diet differed significantly from that of phase II. Ongoing MMCs of the proximal jejunum often continued to migrate to the mid‐ and distal jejunum. During enteral infusion of nutrients or of hypertonic saline, phase Ills recurred. The migration of ongoing phase Ills and the recurrence of subsequent phase Ills decreased with increasing caloric or osmotic loads. The following conclusions were reached, (a) The phase II of the MMC is a complex motor‐pattern. NBPCs represent a new contractile pattern, (b) The MMC is a characteristic feature of the empty gut. After meal and during enteral nutrition, phase Ills are usually suppressed but they can recur during the digestive period.
Effect of meal volume on gastric emptying
Authors: LIN H. C. , ELASHOFF J. D. , GU YO‐GUO , MEYER J. H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract While the volume of a liquid meal has been identified as the principal accelerator of gastric emptying of liquids, the relationship between meal volume and gastric emptying of solids has been controversial. With solid foods, the need to reduce solid foods into small particles (trituration) before passage might obscure the effect of meal volume on solid propulsion. To distinguish trituration from driving force as the rate‐limiting factor for emptying, 75 (1.6 mm) nylon spheres were fed along with different amounts of steak meals (150, 300 and 600 g), or alternatively, 50, 100 or 200 (1.6 mm) nylon spheres were fed to six dogs with 300 g steak meals. To examine the effect of meal volume on gastric emptying, we studied the effect of different meal volumes on the speed of gastric emptying of liquids (150, 300, 600 and 1200 ml of phosphate buffer) and solids (150, 300 and 600 g of cooked beef steak) in five dogs with duodenal fistulas. Intestinal inhibition was eliminated by diverting all chyme through the fistulas. In the absence of intestinal feedback, we found that gastric emptying of steak and spheres were different in that steak emptying was independent of meal volume (g min‐1 was constant across 150–600 g) while sphere emptying was affected by the number of spheres in the stomach and that liquid emptying was dependent on the meal volume (ml min‐1 increased across 150–1200 ml). Thus, meal volume accelerated gastric emptying provided the process is not rate‐limited by trituration.
Myoelectric pattern and effects on small bowel transit induced by the tachykinins neurokinin A, neurokinin B, substance P and neuropeptide K in the rat
Authors: LÖRDAL M. , JOHANSSON C. , HELLSTRÖM P. M.
Published: August 2010

Effects of neurokinin A, neurokinin B, substance P and neuropeptide K on myoelectric activity in the small intestine were related to intestinal transit of a radioactive marker in fasted conscious rats. Myoelectric activity was recorded using bipolar electrodes implanted at 5, 20 and 35 cm distal to pylorus. Intravenous infusions of neurokinin A, neurokinin B and neuropeptide K at doses of 50–200 pmol kg−1min−1and substance P at doses of 100–300pmol kg−1min−1, disrupted migrating myoelectric complexes and induced irregular spiking. These effects were not prevented by atropine, hexamethonium or mepyramine. However, the effect of neurokinin A was attenuated by spantide. The irregular spiking induced by the tachykinins was associated with increased transit of the marker in animals receiving neurokinin A and neurokinin B, but not substance P and neuropeptide K. We conclude that the tachykinins activate the smooth muscle layers of the small intestine in the rat by mechanisms involving neurokinin receptors, but not muscarinic, nicotinic or H1‐receptors. Our results suggest a role for tachykinins in regulation of motility by induction of irregular spiking, which may stimulate transit through the small intestine.
Evaluation of computerized analysis of the propagation of human duodenojejunal contractions
Authors: CASTILLO F.D. , BENSON M. J. , WINGATE D. L. , SAMARAS T. , SPYROU N. M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Detection of peristalsis in the human small intestine has been limited in the past by both the available measurement techniques and the complexity of this activity. Recent developments in ambulant recording have provided a means of monitoring the occurrence of intestinal contractions at multiple sites in the small bowel, but the problem of complexity remains. Using digital data recorded from an intra‐luminal strain‐gauge transducer in the proximal gut, an algorithm was implemented to identify and classify contractile events within the small bowel. By modelling propagated activity the effect of varying transducer spacing and the number of transducers used was assessed. The question of variability of apparent velocity of peristaltic contractions was examined using successive cross‐correlation calculations to extract underlying phase differences between samples of 512 minutes of manometric recording over 150 mm of human small bowel. The effective velocity was found to have a median value of 14 mm sec‐1 and an inter quartile range of 12–18 mm see‐1). It is proposed that, in dynamically tracking variations in phase difference between adjacent recording sites, cross‐correlation techniques should be used to control the parameters used for the recognition of propagated contractile events and thereby improve the specificity of this process.
Effects of wine on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and oesophageal pH*
Authors: PEHL C. , PFEIFFER A. , WENDL B. , SCHMIDT T. , KAESS H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Eleven volunteers received 300 ml white wine, an ethanol solution and tap water to compare the effects of these beverages on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and gastro‐oesophageal reflux. A continuous measurement of sphincter pressure and oesophageal pH was performed one hour before and after ingestion. A significant increase in fraction of time pH<4 (P < 0.01 vs ethanol, P < 0.001 vs water) coincident with a significant decrease in sphincter pressure (P < 0.01) was observed after the intake of wine, The duration of transient sphincter relaxations (P < 0.05) as well as the duration of reflux episodes (P < 0.001) were significantly prolonged, its frequencies were not significantly enhanced. Reflux occurred almost exclusively during complete sphincter relaxations after the intake of ethanol and water, whereas an increase in ‘stress reflux’ and the occurrence of ‘free reflux’ was observed after ingestion of wine (P < 0.001). It is concluded that this change in reflux pattern is related to the depressive effect of wine on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. Pure ethanol is not responsible for the effects of wine.
Excitatory and inhibitory junction potentials in canine antral circular muscle
Authors: KING B. F.
Published: August 2010

Abstract The possibility was investigated that canine antral circular muscle received a direct innervation from intrinsic motor nerves to initiate electrical slow waves. Thin slices of antral muscle were used for intra‐cellular recordings in vitro. Single electrical shocks evoked slow waves identical to spontaneous slow waves, at all sites across the entire thickness of the circular muscle. Excitation was mediated by non‐cholinergic (atropine‐resistant) excitatory junction potentials that gave rise either to attenuated or to full slow waves, depending on the refractory period of the smooth muscle cells. Short bursts of electrical shocks evoked non‐cholinergic (atropine‐resistant) inhibitory junction potentials which were followed by a rebound slow wave. Prolonged stimulation (at 1 Hz) evoked slow waves at a rate of 3–4 cycles per minute; stimulation at greater frequencies (2–10 Hz) evoked a hyperpolarization that gave way to breakthrough slow waves at a rate of 5–6 cycles per minute. Long periods of hyperpolarization were followed by an ‘off‐response’ involving a burst of slow waves that slowly decreased in frequency. In summary, canine antral circular muscle possesses a complex motor innervation involving excitatory and inhibitory neurostransmitters (of unknown type), similar to the motor innervation of the adjacent pyloric circular muscle and nearby duodenal circular muscle.
Regurgitant reflux, vs non‐regurgitant reflux, is preceded by rectus abdominis contraction in infants
Authors: ORENSTEIN S. R. , DENT J. , DENEAULT L. G. , LUTZ J. W. , WESSEL H. B. , KELSEY S. F. , SHALABY T. M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Infants commonly regurgitate during some, but not all, gastro‐oesophageal reflux episodes. As several different mechanisms for reflux episodes have been identified, it was hypothesized that the mechanisms for regurgitant and non‐regurgitant reflux differ. To test whether regurgitant episodes are associated with, and perhaps propelled by, rectus abdominis contraction, ten infants, aged 9–30 weeks (median 16.5 weeks), with regurgitant reflux and no other cause for their regurgitation, were studied with concurrent distal oesophageal pH probe monitoring and surface electromyography of the rectus abdominis muscles. Reflux episodes with material emanating from the mouth (regurgitant reflux) were distinguished from those without visible regurgitation, and were characterized as being, or not being, temporally associated with rectus abdominis activity.

During 80 h of monitoring of the ten infants, 279 reflux episodes were identified. Electromyographic activity was observed with 58% of 24 regurgitant reflux episodes compared to only 32% of 255 non‐regurgitant reflux episodes (Mantel Haenzel P = 0.006, common odds ratio = 4.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.5–11.3). Among the 95 reflux episodes that were positive for rectus abdominis activity (whether regurgitant or not), 25% of those in the first 42 min following feeding were regurgitant, whereas only 6% of those occurring beyond 42 min were regurgitant (Mantel Haenzel P = 0.03, common odds ratio = 4.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–17.6). It was concluded that rectus abdominis contraction is one of the propulsive mechanisms that contribute to regurgitant reflux. Further, rectus abdominis contraction is more likely to result in regurgitation in the early period after a meal, suggesting that intragastric volume is a factor which influences whether reflux will be regurgitant.
Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of canine zinc‐responsive dermatosis
Authors: Romanucci Mariarita , Bongiovanni Laura , Russo Anita , Capuccini Silvia , Mechelli Luca , Ordeix Laura , Della Salda Leonardo
Published: August 2010

Zinc deficiency causes skin diseases both in humans and in animals. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, but a growing body of evidence indicates a role for zinc in skin protection against free radical‐induced oxidative damage. The immunohistochemical expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs; Hsp27, Hsp72, Hsp73 and Hsp90), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), metallothionein (MT), Ki‐67 antigen and active caspase‐3 were evaluated in normal canine skin and in samples from eight dogs with zinc‐responsive dermatosis. All investigated HSPs showed intense cytoplasmic immunostaining in the affected epidermis. Focal nuclear positivity of Hsp72 was also detected in keratinocytes. Although Cu/Zn SOD expression was similar to that observed in normal skin, MT immunoreactivity occurred in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of basal cells in normal skin but was absent from the affected epidermis. Caspase‐3 activation was also absent in the involved epidermis, which revealed a high Ki‐67 index (a 3.5‐ to 9‐fold increase compared with normal skin). These results support the hypothesis that cellular response to stress, particularly oxidative stress, is involved in the pathogenesis of skin lesions in canine zinc‐responsive dermatosis. The lack of MT immunoreactivity in the affected epidermis may be indicative of low zinc levels, thus resulting in vulnerability to oxidative damage. In contrast, high expression levels of HSPs in skin during zinc deficiency may confer protection against a variety of dangerous stimuli, contributing to inhibition of apoptosis and to cell cycle regulation of proliferating keratinocytes.
Compliance with topical nasal medication – An evaluation in children with rhinitis
Authors: Wong Ivy Y. Z. , Soh S. E. , Chng Seo Y. , Shek Lynette P.‐C. , Goh Daniel Y. T. , Van Bever Hugo P. S. , Lee B. W.
Published: August 2010

Wong IYZ, Soh SE, Chng SY, Shek LP‐C, Goh DYT, Van Bever HPS, Lee BW. Compliance with topical nasal medication – An evaluation in children with rhinitis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 1146–1150. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

It is our impression that children with rhinitis often dislike or struggle with the administration of topical nasal sprays and drops. This study aims to investigate children’s acceptance of topical nasal sprays/drops, and to identify patient factors that may affect their acceptance. An interview (by WYZI) questionnaire survey was carried out on parents/guardians of children aged 1–15 with rhinitis, where information on the diagnosis and treatment, patients’ use and responses to these medications, and their preferred treatment routes were collected. Two hundred questionnaires were completed, of which 194 were valid for analysis. The mean age of patients was 7.54 yr; male to female ratio was 1:1.6, and Chinese made up the majority (62.4%). About one quarter (24.7%) of children disliked the use of topical nasal sprays/drops sufficiently to affect compliance with the medication. Furthermore, of those who could indicate their preferred route of drug administration (n = 75), 73% indicated a preference for oral medication, while only 11% preferred the nasal route. Topical nasal sprays/drops were more acceptable in older children (7–15 yr) compared to the younger ones (1–6 yr) (OR = 2.383, CI 1.223–4.644). The acceptance of nasal sprays/drops was not associated with gender, ethnic group, concurrent use by other family members, length and amount of usage, and the response to therapy. A substantial proportion of children prescribed topical nasal sprays/drops did not find it acceptable. Age played a significant factor to the acceptance of the use of topical nasal sprays/drops.
Assessing oxidative pathway genes as risk factors for bipolar disorder
Authors: Fullerton Janice M , Tiwari Yash , Agahi Giti , Heath Anna , Berk Michael , Mitchell Philip B , Schofield Peter R
Published: August 2010

Fullerton JM, Tiwari Y, Agahi G, Heath A, Berk M, Mitchell PB, Schofield PR. Assessing oxidative pathway genes as risk factors for bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 550–556. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  There is a growing body of evidence implicating oxidative stress and the glutathione system in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Here we investigate whether genes involved in oxidative stress regulation are associated with increased risk for bipolar disorder.

Methods:  Four candidate genes were selected a priori from two different steps in the oxidative stress pathway, specifically the synthesis of glutathione [catalytic subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLC) and regulatory subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLM)] and the removal of reactive oxygen species [superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3)]. Haplotype tagging and functional nucleotide polymorphisms were selected in each gene and tested for association with bipolar disorder under narrow (n = 240) and broad (n = 325) phenotypic models, compared to healthy controls (n = 392, comprising 166 psychiatrically assessed unaffected controls plus 226 healthy individuals).

Results:  Single marker association analysis did not reveal significant association with bipolar disorder; however, haplotypes in the SOD2 gene showed nominal association (global χ2 = 8.94, p = 0.03; broad model). Interaction analysis revealed a significant interaction between SOD2 and GPX3 haplotypes, which further increases risk for bipolar disorder (odds ratio = 2.247, χ2 = 9.526, p = 0.002, corrected p = 0.029).

Conclusions:  Further characterization of the SOD2 and GPX3 interaction using larger cohorts is required to determine the role of these oxidative pathway genes as risk factors for bipolar disorder.
Bipolar affective disorder in the postnatal period: investigating the role of sleep
Authors: Bilszta Justin L C , Meyer Denny , Buist Anne E
Published: August 2010

Bilszta JLC, Meyer D, Buist AE. Bipolar affective disorder in the postnatal period: investigating the role of sleep. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 568–578. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Psychotic disorders have a high rate of relapse in the postpartum period for reasons that are unclear, but may be related to changes in sleep patterns that occur during pregnancy and after birth. Understanding of the influence of sleep on postpartum psychosis presentation is limited. The aim of the current study was to investigate changes in sleep/wake activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period in women with a history of psychosis.

Methods:  Women with a history of bipolar disorder and/or postpartum psychosis (HxW) were recruited (n = 23) together with a control population (CtW) (n = 15). Data on demographic and psychosocial factors, mental health status, and sleep/wake activity were collected at seven timepoints—the last week of each trimester of pregnancy and four times during the postpartum (weeks 1, 4, and 8, and at month 6). Longitudinal data were analysed using an HLM version 6 repeated‐measures multilevel model.

Results:  No significant differences were noted in sleep/wake activity between HxW and CtW. None of the HxW who were taking a mood stabilizer during their pregnancy, including at delivery, relapsed during the study. Of those taking an antidepressant or antipsychotic, or no medication, 3 relapsed within the first six months and 2 within the first two months. HxW were more likely to report a poor partner relationship than CtW.

Conclusion:  Results suggest that during the perinatal period, there is no difference in sleep/wake activity in women with a history of a psychotic disorder. Use of mood stabilizer during pregnancy and at delivery appears important in preventing psychotic relapse in the postpartum.
Clinical course of children with a depressive spectrum disorder and transient manic symptoms
Authors: Nadkarni Radha B , Fristad Mary A
Published: August 2010

Nadkarni RB, Fristad MA. Clinical course of children with a depressive spectrum disorder and transient manic symptoms. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 494–503. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  To assess rates of conversion to bipolar spectrum disorder (BPSD) and risk factors associated with conversion in children with depressive spectrum disorders (DSD) and transient manic symptoms (TMS) over 18 months. TMS are manic‐like symptoms of insufficient duration or number to warrant a diagnosis of BPSD.

Methods:  Participants were 165 children (mean = 9.9 years, SD = 1.3) with mood disorders from the Multi‐Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy (MF‐PEP) treatment study: 37 with DSD+TMS, 13 with DSD, and 115 with BPSD. All were assessed with standardized instruments on four occasions over 18 months, with half receiving MF‐PEP after their baseline assessment and half receiving MF‐PEP after a one‐year wait‐list condition.

Results:  At baseline, the Children’s Global Assessment Scale scores did not differ significantly between the DSD+TMS, DSD, and BPSD groups. Conversion rates to BPSD were significantly higher for the DSD+TMS group (48.0%) compared to the DSD group (12.5%). Conversion was significantly more frequent for participants in the one‐year wait‐list control group (60%) compared to the immediate treatment group (16%). Clinical presentation, family environment, and family history did not differ significantly between the small subset of DSD+TMS participants who did convert to BPSD at follow‐up and those who did not convert. Baseline functional impairment was greater for the converted group than the non‐converted group.

Conclusions:  Transient manic symptoms are a risk factor for eventual conversion to BPSD; psychoeducational psychotherapy may be protective. As this exploratory study had a small sample size and did not correct for multiple comparisons, additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed.
Ketamine reduce left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with ischaemic heart disease
Authors: JAKOBSEN C.‐J. , TORP P. , VESTER A. E. , FOLKERSEN L. , THOUGAARD A. , SLOTH E.
Published: August 2010

Objective: Ketamine may be followed by a general increase in haemodynamics and oxygen consumption, which may be of concern in patients with ischaemic heart disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ketamine on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function by different modalities of echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging in patients with ischaemic heart disease.

Methods and Results: Prospective observational study of 11 patients acting as own control based on echocardiographic imaging before and after bolus ketamine 0.5 mg/kg. Simpson's 2 D‐volumetric method was used to quantify left ventricular volume and ejection fraction. General global LV deformation was assessed by Speckle tracking ultrasound, systolic LV longitudinal displacement was assessed by Tissue Tracking score index and the diastolic function was evaluated from changes in early‐(E') and atrial (A') peak velocities during diastole.

Average heart rate (34%) and blood pressure (35%) increased significantly after ketamine (P<0.0001). Mean tissue tracking score index decreased from 11.2±2.3 to 8.3±2.6 (P=0.005) and Global Speckle tracking 2D strain from 17.7±2.7 to 13.7±3.6 (P=0.0014) indicating a decrease in LV global systolic function. The E'/A' ratio decreased from 1.11±0.43 to 0.81±0.46 (P=0.044) indicating impaired relaxation.

Conclusion: Different modalities of echocardiography in combination with tissue Doppler indicate both diminished systolic and diastolic function after ketamine administration in patients with ischaemic heart disease.
Coma after spinal anaesthesia in a patient with an unknown intracerebral tumour
Authors: METTERLEIN T. , KUENZIG H. , BELE S. , BRAWANSKI A. , GRAF B.M.
Published: August 2010

Spinal anaesthesia is contraindicated in patients with elevated intracranial pressure or space‐occupying intracranial lesions. Drainage of the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can increase the pressure gradient between the spinal, supratentorial and infratentorial compartments. This can result in rapid herniation of the brain stem or occluding hydrocephalus. We present a case of a female patient with an occult brain tumour who received a spinal anaesthesia for an orthopaedic procedure. The primary course of anaesthesia was uneventful. Several hours after surgery, the patient became increasingly disoriented and agitated. The next day, she was found comatose. A computed tomogram of the head revealed herniation of the brain stem, resulting in an occluding hydrocephalus due to a prior not known infratentorial mass. By acute relieving of the intracranial pressure by external CSF drainage, the mass was removed 2 days later. The further post‐operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from the hospital without neurological deficit 3 weeks after the primary surgery.
Modelling polar auxin transport in developmental patterning
Authors: Santos F. , Teale W. , Fleck C. , Volpers M. , Ruperti B. , Palme K.
Published: August 2010

Auxin interacts with its own polar transport to influence cell polarity and tissue patterning. Research over the past decade has started to deliver new insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive and regulate polar auxin transport. The most prominent auxin efflux protein, PIN1, has subsequently become a crucial component of auxin transport models because it is now known to direct auxin flow and maintain local auxin gradients. Recent molecular and genetic experiments have allowed the formulation of conceptual models that are able to interpret the role of (i) auxin, (ii) its transport, and (iii) the dynamics of PIN1 in generating temporal and spatial patterns. Here we review the current mathematical models of patterning in two specific developmental contexts: lateral shoot and vein formation, focusing on how these models can help to untangle the details of auxin transport‐mediated patterning.
Expression of the AtSUC1 gene in the female gametophyte, and ecotype‐specific expression differences in male reproductive organs
Authors: Feuerstein A. , Niedermeier M. , Bauer K. , Engelmann S. , Hoth S. , Stadler R. , Sauer N.
Published: August 2010

Based on analyses in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype C24, the AtSUC1 protein was previously characterised as a male gametophyte‐specific H+/sucrose symporter. Later, expression analyses in ecotype Columbia‐0 (Col‐0) identified AtSUC1 expression also in trichomes (not detected in trichome‐less C24 plants) and roots, suggesting ecotype‐specific differences in AtSUC1 expression. Here, we present data on additional ecotype‐specific differences in AtSUC1 expression in other tissues. Using different AtSUC1 promoter–reporter gene lines, we performed comparative analyses of AtSUC1 expression in floral tissues of C24 and Col‐0 plants, and using an AtSUC1‐specific antiserum, we performed immunohistochemical analyses on tissue sections from C24, Col‐0, Landsberg erecta (Ler) and Wassilewskaija (Ws) ecotypes. We show that AtSUC1 expression occurs in the funicular epidermis of C24, Ler and Ws, but not in Col‐0. In contrast, we observed high levels of AtSUC1 protein in pollen grains of Col‐0, lower levels in pollen of C24 and Ler, and no AtSUC1 protein in Ws pollen. Moreover, our reporter gene analyses identified a previously undetected expression of AtSUC1 in the female gametophyte, and revealed that AtSUC1 expression in the funicular epidermis is absent from unpollinated siliques and is induced upon successful pollination. The impact of these findings on the potential physiological role of AtSUC1 is discussed.
Regional Distribution and Relative Frequency of Gastrointestinal Endocrine Cells in the ddN Mice: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Lee H. S. , Choi S. H. , Ku S. K.
Published: August 2010

With 6 figures and 2 tables

The distributions and frequencies of some endocrine cells in the eight portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract – fundus, pylorus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum of the ddN mouse, were studied with immunohistochemical method using seven types of antisera against chromogranin (Cg) A serotonin, somatostatin, glucagon, gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK)‐8 and human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP). In the GI tract of ddN mice, CgA, serotonin, somatostatin, glucagon, gastrin, CCK‐8 immunoreactive (IR) cells were identified with various frequencies, but hPP‐IR cells were not observed in this study. Most of IR cells in the intestinal portion were generally spherical or spindle in shape (open type cell) whereas cells showing round in shape (close type cell) were found in the intestinal gland and stomach regions occasionally. They showed the highest frequency in the pylorus or colon. CgA‐IR cells were observed from the pylorus to ileum. Serotonin‐IR cells were detected throughout the whole GI tract except for the fundus. Somatostatin‐IR cells were demonstrated throughout the whole GI tract except for the cecum and colon. Gastrin and CCK‐8‐IR cells were restricted to the pylorus and duodenum. In addition, a few glucagon‐IR cells were restricted to the fundus and rectum. In conclusion, the general distribution patterns and relative frequency of GI endocrine cells of the ddN mouse was similar to that of other strains of mice. However, some strain and/or species‐dependent unique distributions and frequencies of endocrine cells were also observed in the present study.
Development of a cytoplasmic male‐sterile line of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) with the cytoplasm of Solanum anguivi
Authors: Khan M. M. R. , Isshiki S.
Published: August 2010

With 4 figures and 3 tables

To develop a new cytoplasmic male‐sterile line of eggplant utilizing the Solanum anguivi cytoplasm, the interspecific hybrid (S. anguivi × eggplant ‘Senryo 2 gou’) was repeatedly backcrossed to eggplant ‘Uttara’ up to BC5 generation to achieve cytoplasm substitution. Chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA analyses confirmed that backcross progenies had the S. anguivi cytoplasm. In the backcross progenies, male‐sterile plants, whose anthers were completely devoid of pollen grains, appeared. All the backcross generations obtained from the male‐fertile seed parents segregated into male‐fertile and sterile types with a 3 : 1 ratio, whereas those obtained from the male‐sterile one were all male‐sterile. The selfed progeny from a male‐fertile BC5 plant (selfed progeny 1) and the selfed progeny from the male‐fertile selfed progeny 1 segregated at 15 : 1 and 3 : 1 ratios, respectively. These results indicated that two independent dominant fertility restorer (Rf) genes control pollen formation. A new male‐sterile line of eggplant could be developed by utilizing the cytoplasm of S. anguivi.