bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refugia within refugia: the case study of a canopy tree (Eurycorymbus cavaleriei) in subtropical China
Authors: Wang Jing , Gao Puxin , Kang Ming , Lowe Andrew J. , Huang Hongwen
Published: July 2009

Aim  Eurycorymbus cavaleriei (Lévl.) Rehd. et Hand.‐Mazz. (Sapindaceae) is a Tertiary relict tree endemic to subtropical China. This area is a centre for speciation and evolution within the East Asia biome and one of its most important refugial locations. In this study we aim to elucidate the phylogeographical patterning in E. cavaleriei, in order to identify the locations of the species’ main refugia and the predominant patterns of migration that have led to the contemporary spatial genetic structure of chloroplast variation.

Location  Subtropical China.

Methods  We sampled 18 populations of E. cavaleriei throughout its geographical range. Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequence data from two non‐coding regions ((trnS/trnG and pl20/5′‐rps12) were obtained from 170 individuals for phylogeographical analyses. Relationships among cpDNA haplotypes were determined using median‐joining networks. Genetic structure was examined by spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA). Population differentiation was estimated by GST and NST statistics.

Results  Ten distinct haplotypes were identified. The level of differentiation among populations was relatively high (GST = 0.817), and NST was significantly higher than GST (P < 0.05), indicating that strong phylogeographical structure is exhibited by this species. The SAMOVA revealed five diverging groups of related haplotypes, which coincide with major landscape features in this region.

Main conclusions  The high differentiation among populations of E. cavaleriei may be a combined effect of historical and contemporary processes, such as the low effective population size for the chloroplast genome of a dioecious species, long‐term range fragmentation and limited seed dispersal for the species. Clear‐cut geographical distributions of ancestral haplotypes of the species suggest multiple potential refugia across subtropical China. The identified refugial regions have long been recognized as centres of plant diversity and endemism for China and have also been suggested as glacial refugia for many other plant species. The combination of these factors means that these locations should be considered as the highest priority for inclusion in conservation policies and sustainable forest management strategies for subtropical China.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Coincya monensis (L.) Greuter & Burdet ssp. monensis (Rhyncosinapis monensis (L.) Dandy ex A.R. Clapham) and ssp. cheiranthos (Vill.) Aedo, Leadley & Muñoz Garm. (Rhyncosinapis cheiranthos (Vill.) Dandy)
Authors: Hipkin Charles R. , Facey Paul D.
Published: July 2009

1.
 This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Coincya monensis (L.) Greuter & Burdet that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.

2.
 Coincya monensis is represented in the British flora by two subspecies; ssp. monensis is a diploid, endemic taxon largely confined to open, coastal, sand dune habitats along the west coast of Britain; ssp. cheiranthos is a tetraploid neophyte (alien) of ruderal and coastal habitats.

3.  Both subspecies occur as short‐lived perennials in outbreeding, insect‐pollinated populations in open, early successional communities. Individuals may perennate as hemicryptophytes with buds in basal rosettes or as chamaephytes with buds in aerial shoot rosettes, but adequate seed production is essential for the long‐term maintenance of populations. Seed production by the much larger and more floriferous tetraploid alien populations is much greater than that of the native endemic populations.

4.
 Neither subspecies is able to compete effectively in late successional, grassland communities. Coincya monensis ssp. monensis benefits from moderate disturbance by trampling, which helps to maintain open, sandy, semi‐fixed dune communities, such as those dominated by Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria).

5.
 Coincya monensis ssp. monensis has been designated a scarce plant in the British flora and is a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The main threats to its conservation are loss of habitat through natural successional processes and urban development. Coincya monensis ssp. cheiranthos is well‐established in South Wales where it appears to be undergoing a range expansion. At present there are no known mixed populations of the two subspecies but this remains a possibility if the alien subspecies continues to expand its range. Competition and hybridisation between subspecies in mixed populations will present additional problems in the conservation of endemic biodiversity in the British Flora.
Effects of disturbance frequency, species traits and resprouting on directional succession in an individual‐based model of forest dynamics
Authors: Caplat Paul , Anand Madhur
Published: July 2009

1.  Succession theory focuses on the position of species along the shade tolerance gradient and their ability to colonize recently disturbed patches and has for decades overlooked resprouting as a key trait in community patterns.

2.  We study how different species traits interact with disturbance frequency to change species dominance in the canopy, focusing on the effects of resprouting ability.

3.
 We develop an individual‐based model that simulates the dynamics of three species paper birch Betula papyrifera Marsh, white pine Pinus strobus L. and sugar maple Acer saccharum Marsh., characterized by different successional strategies, as observed in northern Minnesota forests. We tested (i) how different disturbance frequencies, (ii) sugar maple resprouting and (iii) paper birch resprouting change successional patterns.

4.  We show that three disturbance frequency classes produce three different outcomes, each dominated by a different species, with lower disturbance frequency favouring later successional species.

5.  The importance of resprouting ability for success in the canopy depends on the species’ other life‐history traits. Sugar maple is able to dominate the community at all disturbance frequency classes with resprouting, whereas the inclusion of resprouting for paper birch does not change the successional patterns.

6.  White pine is indirectly favoured by sugar maple’s resprouting ability, excluding paper birch from the community at disturbance frequency classes that would see paper birch dominance in the absence of resprouting.

7.
 Synthesis. We model tree life histories in a disturbed environment and test how the inclusion of resprouting changes succession patterns. Our results confirm the recent interest of taking into account resprouting, as it can bend succession directionality, and thus change community composition in response to disturbance. This has wide consequences for predicting forest diversity patterns as well as invasion phenomena in a changing world.
Manual restraint of adult psychiatric inpatients: a literature review
Authors: STEWART D. , BOWERS L. , SIMPSON A. , RYAN C. , TZIGGILI M.
Published: July 2009

Accessible summary

Information about the use of manual restraint to manage violent or challenging behaviour in psychiatric hospitals is relatively scarce. This review includes 45 studies of manual restraint of adult psychiatric inpatients, mostly from the UK.

Overall, the research suggests that manual restraint is used up to five times per month on an average ward, lasts for about 10 min and tends to involve patients being restrained face down on the floor. Manually restrained patients are young, male and detained under mental health legislation.

We conclude that more and better‐quality research is needed to improve knowledge of how manual restraint is used in response to different types of incident and in different types of ward/hospital.

Relatively little is known about the prevalence of manual restraint to manage violent or challenging behaviour in hospital psychiatric services or the circumstances of its use. This review identified 45 empirical studies of manual restraint of adult psychiatric inpatients, mostly from the UK. On average, up to five episodes per month of manual restraint might be expected on an average 20‐bed ward. Episodes last around 10 min, with about half involving the restraint of patients on the floor, usually in the prone position. Manually restrained patients tend to be younger, male and detained under mental health legislation. Staff value restraint‐related training, but its impact on nursing practice has not been evaluated. Research has tended to focus on official reports of violent incidents rather than manual restraint per se. Larger and more complex studies are needed to examine how manual restraint is used in response to different types of incident and in different service settings.
Uncovering sexual abuse: evaluation of the effectiveness of The Victims of Violence and Abuse Prevention Programme
Authors: DONOHOE J.
Published: July 2009

Accessible summary

Discusses factors inhibiting open talk around a client's history of abuse including gender, age and diagnosis.

Evaluates the helpfulness of a training course designed to reduce and overcome these factors.

Aim of the evaluation is to help replicate the training nationally, following the positive impact found.

Despite the high prevalence of sexual abuse among users of mental health services, it appears that mental health professionals are frequently unaware of clients' abuse histories. In order to address this, a Mental Health Trusts Collaboration Project of nine trusts was formed, which piloted delivering the Department of Health's Victims of Violence & Abuse Prevention Programme one‐day education and training course regarding enquiring about histories of sexual abuse to various mental health practitioners. This hoped to educate practitioners in factors associated with victims and offenders, improve confidence and competence in asking about client's history of abuse and to increase awareness of the importance of asking. The purpose of this paper is to describe the impact of this course on mental health professionals' practice and attitudes in one of these nine trusts. It was found that since the delivery of the course, 44% (n= x) of professionals had been asking about abuse in 75–100% of cases. Gender, age and diagnosis of both the service users and the practitioners were all identified as factors potentially affecting practitioners' willingness to ask about abuse. Most importantly, 93% (n= x) of participants were found to feel they have the skills and knowledge to enquire about abuse and respond to disclosure in the appropriate way and 77% (n= x) of participants felt that this training had changed their clinical practice. The aim of this evaluation is to prove the effectiveness of the Department of Health's education and training course, which will help towards replicating the project nationally.
Elongator function depends on antagonistic regulation by casein kinase Hrr25 and protein phosphatase Sit4
Authors: Mehlgarten Constance , Jablonowski Daniel , Breunig Karin D. , Stark Michael J. R. , Schaffrath Raffael
Published: July 2009

In yeast, the role for the Elongator complex in tRNA anticodon modification is affected by phosphorylation of Elongator subunit Elp1. Thus, hyperphosphorylation of Elp1 due to inactivation of protein phosphatase Sit4 correlates with Elongator‐minus phenotypes including resistance towards zymocin, a tRNase cleaving anticodons of Elongator‐dependent tRNAs. Here we show that zymocin resistance of casein kinase hrr25 mutants associates with hypophosphorylation of Elp1 and that nonsense suppression by the Elongator‐dependent SUP4 tRNA is abolished in hrr25 or sit4 mutants. Thus changes that perturb the evenly balanced ratio between hyper‐ and hypophosphorylated Elp1 forms present in wild‐type cells lead to Elongator inactivation. Antagonistic roles for Hrr25 and Sit4 in Elongator function are further supported by our data that Sit4 inactivation is capable of restoring both zymocin sensitivity and normal ratios between the two Elp1 forms in hrr25 mutants. Hrr25 binds to Elongator in a fashion dependent on Elongator partner Kti12. Like sit4 mutants, overexpression of Kti12 triggers Elp1 hyperphosphorylation. Intriguingly, this effect of Kti12 is blocked by hrr25 mutations, which also show enhanced binding of Kti12 to Elongator. Collectively, our data suggest that rather than directly targeting Elp1, the Hrr25 kinase indirectly affects Elp1 phosphorylation states through control of Sit4‐dependent dephosphorylation of Elp1.
Nurturing scientific mutualism: A report from the ‘Young Microbiologists Mini‐Symposium on microbe signalling, organisation and pathogenesis’
Authors: Ryan Robert P. , Romeo Tony , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Coulthurst Sarah J.
Published: July 2009

In April 2009, over one hundred microbiologists, primarily early career scientists, from 17 different countries met to discuss their work, under the broad heading of ‘Microbe signalling, organization and pathogenesis’. The meeting took place at University College Cork, Ireland and was supported by the British Council, Society for General Microbiology, American Society for Microbiology, EMBO and others. The key and relatively unusual feature of this meeting was that it was specifically aimed to provide a platform for junior scientists to present their work to a broad audience. In this review, we have tried to summarize and highlight a number of particular areas covered during the meeting, including bacterial intracellular signalling and regulation; microbe–microbe communication; biogenesis; structure and transport of the bacterial cell envelope; and pathogenic versus probiotic microbe–host interactions. We draw attention to new findings, highlight unanswered questions and reveal the anticipated future directions of a variety of areas, as described in both oral and poster presentations. Overall, this meeting provided high‐quality science, with many intriguing findings being eloquently reported, in a setting that fostered interactions between diverse young and talented microbiologists.
Comparative study of genetic diversity of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis isolates from the Canary Islands by RAPD‐PCR, BOX‐PCR and AFLP
Authors: De León L. , Rodríguez A. , Llop P. , López M. M. , Siverio Felipe
Published: July 2009

Molecular characterization of seedborne pathogens is an important issue when discerning their origin and tracking the spread of a disease. In the Canary Islands (Spain), Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) was first detected in 2002, causing severe losses in many tomato‐growing areas. Fifty four strains of this bacterium isolated from 2002 to 2007 and 19 strains from different countries were characterized for genetic diversity. RAPD‐PCR, BOX‐PCR and AFLP provided differentiation among Cmm strains whereas no differences were observed with ERIC‐PCR, REP‐PCR and 16S‐23S ITS PCR‐RFLP. RAPD‐PCR and BOX‐PCR revealed high homogeneity among the Canary Island strains (>80 and >75% of similarity, respectively) which could not be grouped based on tomato cultivar, location or year of isolation. By contrast, strains of Cmm from other countries displayed high diversity, providing several clusters, most of which were composed of a single strain. Similarly, AFLP analysis of 29 selected strains of Cmm gave the same profile for the Canarian ones (>90% of similarity) whereas high polymorphism was obtained with strains from different countries. Moreover, two strains, one from the USA and another from Spain, were related to the Canarian strains, according to RAPD‐PCR (>60% of similarity), BOX‐PCR (>75%) and AFLP analysis (>90%), suggesting a common origin. The circumstances under which the Cmm outbreaks occurred in the Canary Islands and the high homogeneity observed among the Canarian strains would suggest that the bacterium was introduced into the region from only one origin.
Potential contribution of selected canopy traits to the tolerance of foliar disease by spring barley
Authors: Bingham I. J. , Topp C. F. E.
Published: July 2009

A model of canopy photosynthesis and above‐ground growth rate was used to investigate the potential impact of several canopy traits on tolerance of foliar disease by barley. Disease tolerance was defined as the reduction in predicted crop dry‐matter growth rate per unit of visible disease symptoms. The traits were canopy area (leaf area index, LAI), light extinction coefficient (k) and the ratio of virtual to visible lesion size (β). The effects of altering the area of the healthy flag leaf and its light‐saturated rate of photosynthesis (Pmax) in response to disease elsewhere on the plant were also investigated. The model was parameterized for spring barley and run with a solar radiation and temperature regime typical of north‐east Scotland. Predicted reductions in growth rate per unit increase in disease were greatest at high disease severity and when disease was distributed relatively uniformly through the canopy. Tolerance was increased by increasing LAI to >3 and k to >0·3, but the beneficial effects depended on the severity and, to a lesser extent, the distribution of disease. Tolerance was reduced by increasing β. A sensitivity analysis performed at a single disease severity and distribution showed that tolerance was most sensitive to variations in β and compensatory adjustments in area and Pmax of the flag leaf, and least sensitive to whole canopy LAI and k. Future research should quantify the genetic variation in these traits within barley germplasm to evaluate the scope for improving the disease tolerance of spring barley.
Patient choice and evidence based decisions: The case of complementary therapies
Authors: Wye Lesley , Shaw Alison , Sharp Debbie
Published: July 2009

Objective Current government policies simultaneously pursue the development of ‘patient‐led’ and ‘evidence‐based’ approaches to healthcare. The objective of this study was to explore how primary care clinicians and Primary Care Trust (PCT) managers balance these potentially competing tensions when considering popular, controversial treatments, like complementary therapies, in consultations (clinicians) or funding decisions (PCT managers).

Setting and participants We selected two case sites where complementary therapies were offered on NHS premises in England. We interviewed 18 PCT managers and clinicians, conducted an observation of a PCT meeting on complementary therapies and collected documentary data from referral databases and service funding bids. All interviews were taped, transcribed and analysed thematically. Interview, observation and documentary data were used to compare reported beliefs and behaviour to observed and documented behaviour.

Results The majority of clinicians and PCT managers claimed that research evidence guided their decisions; those who did not felt increasingly marginalized. However, discrepancies between reported and observed behaviour suggest that perceptions of research evidence, rather than fact based knowledge, predominated when considering complementary therapies.

Conclusion In the case of NHS complementary therapy service provision, patient preference may be largely insignificant in clinician and PCT managerial decisions, with decisions based mainly on ‘evidence rhetoric’ devised from collectively agreed, unchallenged, tacit perceptions of research literature. If a patient‐led NHS is to become a reality, NHS professionals need to cede the power that they wield with evidence rhetoric and acknowledge the legitimacy of patient preferences, views and alternative sources of evidence.
BRCA2 alteration is important in clear cell carcinoma of the ovary
Authors: Goodheart MJ , Rose SL , Hattermann‐Zogg M , Smith BJ , De Young BR , Buller RE
Published: July 2009

BRCA2 has been shown to play a significant role in hereditary ovarian carcinoma. Several cases of clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the ovary containing BRCA2 mutations have been identified. We hypothesize that sequence variants of the BRCA2 gene are common in CCC of the ovary. Multiple methods were utilized to detect BRCA2 genetic alterations in a cohort of 13 ovarian CCC. These included an LOH analysis for copy number, real‐time and methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to probe for BRCA2 promoter methylation, in addition to protein truncation testing (PTT) gel screening for nonsense BRCA2 mutations, and finally direct gene sequencing to either confirm the nonsense mutations or to detect candidate missense mutations in the remaining tumor samples. Whenever a sequence variation was detected in a tumor sample, the corresponding region was sequenced from a blood sample to determine germline status. Seven BRCA2 sequence variations were identified in 6 of the 13 CCC (46%); three tumors contained an alteration in BRCA2 copy number. Only one subject carried a germline sequence variation that might alter BRCA2 function despite the fact that a family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer was common in this population. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival probability for patients with a BRCA2 alteration is 87.5%, compared to only 40% for those patients without a BRCA2 alteration (p = 0.39).

Alterations in BRCA2 gene sequence, copy number, or expression are extremely common in CCC and may contribute to a paradoxical better clinical outcome.
Timing of sirolimus conversion influences recovery of renal function in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Rogers Christin C. , Johnson Scott R. , Mandelbrot Didier A. , Pavlakis Martha , Horwedel Timothy , Karp Seth J. , Egbuna Ogo , Rodrigue James R. , Chudzinski Robyn E. , Goldfarb‐Rumyantzev Alexander S. , Hanto Douglas W. , Curry Michael P.
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  The long‐term use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) leads to renal dysfunction in many liver transplant (LT) recipients. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate renal function in patients converted from CNI to sirolimus (SRL). From May 2002–November 2006, 137 LT were performed in 125 patients, 72 of which were converted to SRL. Evaluation of SRL conversion was stratified by early conversion (<90 d from LT) (EC) vs. late conversion (LC). Renal function was evaluated using the six‐point modification of diet in renal disease formula (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]). Forty‐two patients on SRL and 40 on CNI had at least three months of follow‐up and are included in the eGFR evaluation. At all time points after conversion, the EC group demonstrated a significantly higher mean eGFR than those in the LC group. A significant improvement in eGFR was seen within the EC group when comparing eGFR at time of conversion to eGFR at three, six, nine, and 12 months after conversion and last follow‐up. The only improvement in the LC group was from conversion to the three‐month time point. We conclude that EC to SRL results in a profound improvement in eGFR that begins at three months and is sustained beyond one yr.
Eavesdropping on the Neighbourhood: Collared Pika (Ochotona collaris) Responses to Playback Calls of Conspecifics and Heterospecifics
Authors: Trefry Sarah A. , Hik David S.
Published: July 2009

The acoustic environment, composed in part by the vocalizations of sympatric animals, is a major source of information and can be used to fine‐tune behavioural decisions. Active assessment of alarm calls within and between mammal species is not fully understood. We explored the behavioural responses of collared pikas to con‐ and heterospecific vocalizations, in order to determine whether they selectively attend to these calls. Pikas increased their vigilance after playback of alarm calls of heterospecific mammals (marmots and ground squirrels), but responded most strongly to conspecific calls. While responses to playback calls of their own, of neighbours and of a stranger did not differ, pikas did discriminate between individual callers in a habituation‐discrimination experiment. The ability to make use of information from different sources in their acoustic environment likely facilitates pikas’ behavioural decisions that affect foraging, predator avoidance and nepotism.
Striatal GPR88 expression is confined to the whole projection neuron population and is regulated by dopaminergic and glutamatergic afferents
Authors: Massart Renaud , Guilloux Jean‐Philippe , Mignon Virginie , Sokoloff Pierre , Diaz Jorge
Published: July 2009

GPR88, an orphan G protein‐coupled receptor, was designated Strg/GPR88 for striatum‐specific G protein‐coupled receptor (K. Mizushima et al. (2000)Genomics, 69, 314‐321). In this study, we focused on striatal GPR88 protein localization using a polyclonal antibody. We established that the distribution of immunoreactivity in rat brain matched that of GPR88 transcripts and provided evidence for its exclusive neuronal expression. GPR88 protein is abundant throughout the striatum of rat and primate, with expression limited to the two subsets of striatal projection medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing preprotachykinin‐substance P or preproenkephalin mRNAs. Ultrastructural immunolabelling revealed the GPR88 concentration at post‐synaptic sites along the somatodendritic compartments of MSNs, with pronounced preference for dendrites and dendritic spines. The GPR88‐rich expression, in both striatal output pathways, designates this receptor as a potential therapeutic target for diseases involving dysfunction of the basal ganglia, such as Parkinson’s disease. Hence, we investigated changes of GPR88 expression in a model of Parkinson’s disease (unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats) following repeated L‐DOPA treatment. In dopamine‐depleted striatum, GPR88 expression was differentially regulated, i.e. decreased in striatopallidal and increased in striatonigral MSNs. L‐DOPA treatment led to a normalization of GPR88 levels through dopamine D1 and D2 receptor‐mediated mechanisms in striatopallidal and striatonigral MSNs, respectively. Moreover, the removal of corticostriatal inputs, by ibotenate infusion, downregulated GPR88 in striatopallidal MSNs. These findings provide the first evidence that GPR88 is confined to striatal MSNs and indicate that L‐DOPA‐mediated behavioural effects in hemiparkinsonian rats may involve normalization of striatal GPR88 levels probably through dopamine receptor‐mediated mechanisms and modulations of corticostriatal pathway activity.
Orexin/hypocretin signaling at the orexin 1 receptor regulates cue‐elicited cocaine‐seeking
Authors: Smith Rachel J. , See Ronald E. , Aston‐Jones Gary
Published: July 2009

The orexin/hypocretin system has recently been implicated in reward‐processing and addiction. We examined the involvement of the orexin system in cue‐induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine‐seeking by administering the orexin 1 receptor antagonist SB‐334867 (SB) or the orexin 2 receptor antagonist 4‐pyridylmethyl (S)‐tert‐leucyl 6,7‐dimethoxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (4PT) prior to reinstatement testing. Male Sprague Dawley rats self‐administered cocaine in 2‐h sessions for 10 days, followed by extinction training. Reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking was elicited by presentation of tone + light cues previously paired with cocaine infusions. SB (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) dose‐dependently decreased cue‐induced reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking without significantly affecting responding during late extinction. 4PT (10 and 30 mg/kg) did not significantly alter cue‐induced reinstatement. In separate experiments, the highest doses of SB and 4PT had no significant effect on established cocaine self‐administration, and 4PT reduced spontaneous activity in a locomotor test to a greater extent than SB. Finally, SB (30 mg/kg) had no effect on the acquisition of cocaine‐paired cues during a Pavlovian cocaine‐stimulus conditioning session in the operant chamber. Pretreatment with SB prior to the Pavlovian acquisition session had no effect on subsequent cue‐induced reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking elicited by those cues. However, pretreatment with SB prior to a second reinstatement session in the same animals significantly attenuated the expression of cue‐induced reinstatement. These results show that orexin transmission at the orexin 1 receptor, but not the orexin 2 receptor, is necessary for the reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking elicited by drug‐paired cues and that orexin signaling is not critical for cocaine reinforcement or cocaine‐stimulus conditioning.
Chemical communication between regenerating motor axons and Schwann cells in the growth pathway
Authors: Vrbova Gerta , Mehra Neeraj , Shanmuganathan Harei , Tyreman Neil , Schachner Melitta , Gordon Tessa
Published: July 2009

There are receptors on denervated Schwann cells that may respond to the neurotransmitters that are released from growth cones of regenerating motor axons. In order to ascertain whether the interaction of the transmitters and their receptors plays a role during axon regeneration, we investigated whether pharmacological block of the interaction would reduce the number of motoneurons that regenerate their axons after nerve section and surgical repair. Peripheral nerves in the hindlimbs of rats and mice were cut and repaired, and various drugs were applied to the peripheral nerve stump either directly or via mini‐osmotic pumps over a 2–4‐week period to block the binding of acetylcholine to nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs: α‐bungarotoxin, tubocurarine, atropine and, gallamine) and binding of ATP to P2Y receptors (suramin). In rats, the nicotinic AChR antagonistic drugs and suramin reduced the number of motoneurons that regenerated their axons through the distal nerve stump. In mice, suramin significantly reduced the upregulation of the carbohydrate HNK‐1 on the Schwann cells in the distal nerve stump that normally occurs during motor axon regeneration. These data indicate that chemical communication between regenerating axons and Schwann cells during axon regeneration via released neurotransmitters and their receptors may play an important role in axon regeneration.
The determinants of corporate sustainability performance
Authors: Artiach Tracy , Lee Darren , Nelson David , Walker Julie
Published: July 2009

This paper investigates the factors that drive high levels of corporate sustainability performance (CSP), as proxied by membership of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Using a stakeholder framework, we examine the incentives for US firms to invest in sustainability principles and develop a number of hypotheses that relate CSP to firm‐specific characteristics. Our results indicate that leading CSP firms are significantly larger, have higher levels of growth and a higher return on equity than conventional firms. Contrary to our predictions, leading CSP firms do not have greater free cash flows or lower leverage than other firms.
Modelling Regime‐Specific Stock Price Volatility*
Authors: Alexander Carol , Lazar Emese
Published: July 2009

Single‐state generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) models identify only one mechanism governing the response of volatility to market shocks, and the conditional higher moments are constant, unless modelled explicitly. So they neither capture state‐dependent behaviour of volatility nor explain why the equity index skew persists into long‐dated options. Markov switching (MS) GARCH models specify several volatility states with endogenous conditional skewness and kurtosis; of these the simplest to estimate is normal mixture (NM) GARCH, which has constant state probabilities. We introduce a state‐dependent leverage effect to NM‐GARCH and thereby explain the observed characteristics of equity index returns and implied volatility skews, without resorting to time‐varying volatility risk premia. An empirical study on European equity indices identifies two‐state asymmetric NM‐GARCH as the best fit of the 15 models considered. During stable markets volatility behaviour is broadly similar across all indices, but the crash probability and the behaviour of returns and volatility during a crash depends on the index. The volatility mean‐reversion and leverage effects during crash markets are quite different from those in the stable regime.
A systematic review of environmental interventions to improve child language outcomes for children with or at risk of primary language impairment
Authors: Pickstone Caroline , Goldbart Juliet , Marshall Julie , Rees Angie , Roulstone Sue
Published: July 2009

Systematic reviews are important as a key source of information for commissioners and for developing practice in speech and language therapy (SLT) and early years. Interventions in this field are often complex and are delivered in community settings. This paper applies a systematic review of environmental interventions in early years for children with speech, language and communication needs. Interventions for primary language impairment may be divided into those which are child‐focused and those which are focused on the environment. In both cases, the aim is to effect changes in the child's language skills. The paper introduces the context of evidence‐based practice and commissioning of such interventions and argues that systematic reviews may be combined with other evidence to provide information which is fit for purpose for commissioners and for practitioners in the field.
Learning to talk: community support and views of parents from socially disadvantaged families
Authors: Lees Janet , Stackhouse Joy , Grant Gordon
Published: July 2009

Part of a multimethod ethnographic study that aimed to explore the knowledge of local parents concerning children learning to talk is described. The study was carried out with parents from several different ethnic and language groups in a socially disadvantaged part of Sheffield, a large city in the northeast of England.

In the phase of the study reported here, parents (either English, Urdu/Punjabi and Arabic speakers) took part in interviews, as well as contributing to the validation of the project. This study found that parents from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds living in this socially disadvantaged area, believed learning to talk to be very important and that family, community, including faith community, and professionals, have roles in promoting learning to talk. They indicated that local community groups, including faith communities, could play a positive role in supporting and developing their knowledge.

This paper will be of interest to those seeking innovative ways to support parents in socially excluded communities, particularly parents of children learning to talk, and so contribute to better outcomes for children, families and communities. It also contributes to our understanding of the development of parental knowledge about learning to talk in socially disadvantaged communities.
The role of the Connexions service in supporting the transition from school to post‐16 education, employment training and work for young people with a history of specific speech and language difficulties or learning difficulties
Authors: Cullen Mairi Ann , Lindsay Geoff , Dockrell Julie E.
Published: July 2009

The transition from school to the world of post‐compulsory education is a major landmark in the lives of young people with special educational needs (SEN). In England the Connexions service set up to support young people during transition was planned to provide both a universal service and one that provided special support to vulnerable young people, particularly those at risk of not being in education, employment or training (NEET). The present paper reports the findings of a study of 46 Connexions personal advisers (PAs) who were supporting young people with specific speech and language difficulties (SSLD) or general learning difficulties, as part of a longitudinal study of these young people's development. Interviews were held with the PAs to identify patterns of organisation, the nature of services delivered to these young people and the factors that influenced successful support. The findings highlight the diversity among Connexions services, the limited expertise with young people with SEN and the structural barriers that may limit effectiveness. In addition, the Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Review Framework was not consistently used. The Connexions service has the potential to provide important support to young people with SEN at this key transition point but our study indicates the need for modifications to its operation.
Soft X‐ray spectromicroscopy of nickel sorption in a natural river biofilm
Authors: HITCHCOCK A. P. , DYNES J. J. , LAWRENCE J. R. , OBST M. , SWERHONE G. D. W. , KORBER D. R. , LEPPARD G. G.
Published: July 2009

Scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) at the C 1s, O 1s, Ni 2p, Ca 2p, Mn 2p, Fe 2p, Mg 1s, Al 1s and Si 1s edges was used to study Ni sorption in a complex natural river biofilm. The 10‐week grown river biofilm was exposed to 10 mg L−1 Ni2+ (as NiCl2) for 24 h. The region of the biofilm examined was dominated by filamentous structures, which were interpreted as the discarded sheaths of filamentous bacteria, as well as a sparse distribution of rod‐shaped bacteria. The region also contained discrete particles with spectra similar to those of muscovite, SiO2 and CaCO3. The Ni(II) ions were selectively adsorbed by the sheaths of the filamentous bacteria. The sheaths were observed to be metal rich with significant amounts of Ca, Fe and Mn, along with the Ni. In addition, the sheaths had a large silicate content but little organic material. The metal content of the rod‐shaped bacterial cells was much lower. The Fe on the sheath was mainly in the Fe(III) oxidation state. Mn was found in II, III and IV oxidation states. The Ni was likely sorbed to Mn–Fe minerals on the sheath. These STXM results have probed nano‐scale biogeochemistry associated with bacterial species in a complex, natural biofilm community. They have implications for selective Ni contamination of the food chain and for developing bioremediation strategies.
Human internal thoracic arteries from diabetic patients are resistant to endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Grapow Martin T.R. , Reineke David C. , Kern Thomas , Müller‐Schweinitzer Else , Carrel Thierry , Eckstein Friedrich S.
Published: July 2009

The aim of this analysis was to compare vasoreactive properties of internal thoracic arteries (ITA) grafts from diabetic (DM) to those of non‐diabetic (ND) patients. Ring segments of ITA, taken from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, were suspended in organ bath chambers filled with modified Krebs‐Henseleit solution and contractile responses to potassium chloride (KCl), noradrenaline (NA), endothelin‐1 (ET‐l), and endothelium‐dependent relaxant responses to acetylcholine (ACH) were recorded isometrically. The receptor‐mediated agonists NA and ET‐1 stimulated ITA from both groups within similar concentration ranges while ITA from DM patients proved to be significantly more sensitive to KCl than ITA from ND. Furthermore, maximal contractile responses indicated that KCl (3.79 ± 0.30 g, n = 7 in DM and 2.50 ± 0.23 g, n = 29 in ND, P < 0.05) evoked significantly higher responses in ITA from DM as compared to the ND control group while both NA and ET‐l stimulated ITA from both groups with similar efficacies. Endothelium‐dependent relaxant responses to ACH proved to be similar in both groups when expressed as percentages of the pre‐existing tone. The present data support the contention that in comparison to ND controls arteries from DM patients are more sensitive to depolarization but endothelial dysfunction is less frequent in human ITA than expected from observations in systemic vascular beds.
Exploring mechanism of pioglitazone‐induced memory restorative effect in experimental dementia
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Singh Nirmal , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh
Published: July 2009

The present study was undertaken to investigate possible mechanism of pioglitazone‐induced beneficial effect in memory deficits associated with experimental dementia. Dementia was induced in Swiss albino mice by administration of streptozotocin (STZ; 3 mg/kg administered intracerebroventricularly on 1st & 3rd day). Morris Water‐Maze test was employed to assess learning and memory of the animals. Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured by Ell Mann’s method. Brain thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by Ohokawa’s and Beutler’s method respectively to assess total oxidative stress. Blood glucose level was also measured. Streptozotocin (STZ) produced a significant decrease in water‐maze performance of mice hence reflecting loss of learning and memory. Pioglitazone (20 mg/kg p.o. daily for 14 days) successfully attenuated STZ‐induced memory deficits, without any significant per se effect on blood glucose levels. Higher levels of brain AChE activity, TBARS and lower levels of GSH were observed in STZ treated animals, which were significantly attenuated by pioglitazone. Further, the noted beneficial effect of pioglitazone on STZ‐induced dementia was significantly abolished by pre‐treatment of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitorl‐NAME (3 mg/kg i.p.) manifested in the terms of decrease in water‐maze performance and increase in brain AChE activity as well as oxidative stress. It is concluded that anti‐dementic effect of pioglitazone may involve central cholinergic, oxidative and NO pathways.
Prescribing patterns and utilization of antimicrobial drugs in a tertiary care teaching hospital of a Caribbean developing country
Authors: Hariharan Seetharaman , Pillai Gopalakrishna , McIntosh Denero , Bhanji Zahra , Culmer Lendeisha , Harper‐McIntosh Keista
Published: July 2009

This study aimed to evaluate the prescribing practices and utilization of antimicrobials in a tertiary care teaching hospital of a Caribbean developing country. A prospective observational cohort study was undertaken for a period of 12 weeks in the general wards and the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital. Demographic data, diagnoses on admission, antimicrobials prescribed, dosage and duration, route of administration, leukocyte count and microbiological culture and sensitivity reports were recorded. Hospital length of stay and final outcome were recorded. The usage was determined in terms of prescribed daily dose and the total costs of antimicrobials were calculated. Of 889 patients admitted, 335 (37.7%) received 22 different antimicrobial drugs. Overall, 67% of the prescriptions adhered to the hospital protocol. Median length of stay in the hospital was 7 days. Skin and soft tissue infections were the most common diagnoses for which antimicrobials were prescribed. Amoxicillin‐clavulanate was the most common (32%) antimicrobial used. Eighty‐nine percent of the antimicrobials were given through the intravenous route. Sixty percent of the patients received two antimicrobials, 26% received three, and 14% of patients were prescribed four or more antimicrobials during their stay at the hospital. There was significantly higher inappropriate choice of antimicrobials in ICU when compared with general wards (Mantel‐Haenszel Odds Ratio 3.3; 95% Confidence Intervals 1.4, 7.7). Prescribing patterns did not strictly adhere to the hospital antimicrobial protocol. There is a need for monitoring and control of antimicrobial prescription.
Hepatoprotective activity of picroliv, curcumin and ellagic acid compared to silymarin on paracetamol induced liver toxicity in mice
Authors: Girish C. , Koner Bidhan Chandra , Jayanthi S. , Ramachandra Rao K. , Rajesh B , Pradhan Suresh Chandra
Published: July 2009

Oxidative stress is implicated as a common pathologic mechanism contributing to the initiation and progression of hepatic damage in a variety of liver disorders. Present study attempts to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of picroliv, curcumin and ellagic acid in comparison to silymarin using paracetamol (PCM) induced acute liver damage. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering a single oral dose of PCM (500 mg/kg) and was assessed by quantifying the serum enzyme activities, phenobarbitone induced sleeping time and histopathological analysis of liver tissues. The antioxidant parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase of the liver tissue were also assessed. The herbal drugs were administered for 7 days by oral route at 50 and 100 mg/kg. PCM induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase) in serum and MDA level in liver. There was also a significant decrease in activity of GSH and catalase levels. The histopathological examination on toxic models revealed centrizonal necrosis and fatty changes. Pretreatment of mice with picroliv, curcumin and ellagic acid reversed these altered parameters towards normal values, which were compared with silymarin. The normalization of phenobarbitone induced sleeping time suggests the restoration of liver cytochrome P450 enzymes. This study supports the use of these active phytochemicals against toxic liver injury, which may act by preventing the lipid peroxidation and augmenting the antioxidant defense system or regeneration of hepatocytes. These active phytochemicals may be developed as drugs for the treatment of liver diseases.
P‐glycoprotein is not involved in the differential oral potency of naloxone and naltrexone
Authors: Kanaan Mouna , Daali Youssef , Dayer Pierre , Desmeules Jules
Published: July 2009

The poor oral bioavailability of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (NA) when compared with naltrexone (NX) may be related to a greater interaction of naloxone with the efflux drug transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). We studied the involvement of P‐gp in the transepithelial transport of the two opioid receptor antagonists, using a validated human in vitro Caco‐2 cell monolayer model. The bidirectional transport of NA and NX (1, 50 and 100 μm) across the monolayers was investigated in the presence and absence of the specific P‐gp inhibitor GF120918 (4 μm). NA and NX showed equal transport rates between the apical‐to‐basolateral (A–B) and the basolateral‐to‐apical (B–A) directions and neither the influx nor the efflux transport was affected by the P‐gp inhibitor (P > 0.05). In conclusion, NA and NX are not P‐gp substrates. The differential oral bioavailability of the two opioid antagonists is P‐gp independent.
Citral inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Chaouki Wahid , Leger David Y. , Liagre Bertrand , Beneytout Jean‐Louis , Hmamouchi Mohamed
Published: July 2009

Many natural components of plants extract are studied for their beneficial effects on health and particularly on carcinogenesis chemoprevention. In this study, we investigated the effect of citral (3,7‐dimethyl‐2,6‐octadienal), a key component of essential oils extracted from several herbal plants, on the proliferation rate, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis of the human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7. The effects of this compound were also tested on cyclo‐oxygenase activity. Citral treatment caused inhibition of MCF‐7 cell growth (IC50‐48 h: 18 × 10−5 m), with a cycle arrest in G2/M phase and apoptosis induction. Moreover, we observed a decrease in prostaglandin E2 synthesis 48 h after citral treatment. These findings suggest that citral has a potential chemopreventive effect.