bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mtmr8 is essential for vasculature development in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Mei Jie , Liu Sha , Li Zhi , Gui Jian-Fang
Published: September 2010

Background

Embryonic morphogenesis of vascular and muscular systems is tightly coordinated, and a functional cooperation of Mtmr8 with PI3K in actin filament modeling and muscle development has been revealed in zebrafish. Here, we attempt to explore the function of Mtmr8 in vasculature development parallel to its function in muscle development.

Results

During early stage of somitogenesis, mtmr8 expression was detected in both somitic mesodem and ventral mesoderm. Knockdown of mtmr8 by morpholino impairs arterial endothelial marker expression, and results in endothelial cell reduction and vasculogenesis defects, such as retardation in intersegmental vessel development and interruption of trunk dorsal aorta. Moreover, mtmr8 morphants show loss of arterial endothelial cell identity in dorsal aorta, which is effectively rescued by low concentration of PI3K inhibitor, and by over-expression of dnPKA mRNA or vegf mRNA. Interestingly, mtmr8 expression is up-regulated when zebrafish embryos are treated with specific inhibitor of Hedgehog pathway that abolishes arterial marker expression.

Conclusion

These data indicate that Mtmr8 is essential for vasculature development in zebrafish embryos, and may play a role in arterial specification through repressing PI3K activity. It is suggested that Mtmr8 should represent a novel element of the Hedgehog/PI3K/VEGF signaling cascade that controls arterial specification.
Identification and analysis of candidate fungal tRNA 3'-end processing endonucleases tRNase Zs, homologs of the putative prostate cancer susceptibility protein ELAC2
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yu Haiyan , Li Shuzhen , Huang Ying
Published: September 2010

Background

tRNase Z is the endonuclease that is responsible for the 3'-end processing of tRNA precursors, a process essential for tRNA 3'-CCA addition and subsequent tRNA aminoacylation. Based on their sizes, tRNase Zs can be divided into the long (tRNase ZL) and short (tRNase ZS) forms. tRNase ZLis thought to have arisen from a tandem gene duplication of tRNase ZSwith further sequence divergence. The species distribution of tRNase Z is complex. Fungi represent an evolutionarily diverse group of eukaryotes. The recent proliferation of fungal genome sequences provides an opportunity to explore the structural and functional diversity of eukaryotic tRNase Zs.

Results

We report a survey and analysis of candidate tRNase Zs in 84 completed fungal genomes, spanning a broad diversity of fungi. We find that tRNase ZLis present in all fungi we have examined, whereas tRNase ZSexists only in the fungal phyla Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota and Zygomycota. Furthermore, we find that unlike the Pezizomycotina and Saccharomycotina, which contain a single tRNase ZL,Schizosaccharomycesfission yeasts (Taphrinomycotina) contain two tRNase ZLs encoded by two different tRNase ZLgenes. These two tRNase ZLs are most likely localized to the nucleus and mitochondria, respectively, suggesting partitioning of tRNase Z function between two different tRNase ZLs in fission yeasts. The fungal tRNase Z phylogeny suggests that tRNase ZSs are ancestral to tRNase ZLs. Additionally, the evolutionary relationship of fungal tRNase ZLs is generally consistent with known phylogenetic relationships among the fungal species and supports tRNase ZLgene duplication in certain fungal taxa, includingSchizosaccharomycesfission yeasts. Analysis of tRNase Z protein sequences reveals putative atypical substrate binding domains in most fungal tRNase ZSs and in a subset of fungal tRNase ZLs. Finally, we demonstrate the presence of pseudo-substrate recognition and catalytic motifs at the N-terminal halves of tRNase ZLs.

Conclusions

This study describes the first comprehensive identification and sequence analysis of candidate fungal tRNase Zs. Our results support the proposal that tRNase ZLhas evolved as a result of duplication and diversification of the tRNase ZSgene.
Beneficial effect of agmatine on brain apoptosis, astrogliosis, and edema after rat transient cerebral ischemia
Authors: Wang Che-Chuan , Chio Chung-Ching , Chang Ching-Hong , Kuo Jinn-Rung , Chang Ching-Ping
Published: September 2010

Background

Although agmatine therapy in a mouse model of transient focal cerebral ischemia is highly protective against neurological injury, the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of agmatine are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of agmatine on brain apoptosis, astrogliosis and edema in the rats with transient cerebral ischemia.

Methods

Following surgical induction of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min, agmatine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected 5 min after beginning of reperfusion and again once daily for the next 3 post-operative days. Four days after reperfusion, both motor and proprioception functions were assessed and then all rats were sacrificed for determination of brain infarct volume (2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining), apoptosis (TUNEL staining), edema (both cerebral water content and amounts of aquaporin-4 positive cells), gliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]-positive cells), and neurotoxicity (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS] expression).

Results

The results showed that agmatine treatment was found to accelerate recovery of motor (from 55 degrees to 62 degrees) and proprioception (from 54% maximal possible effect to 10% maximal possible effect) deficits and to prevent brain infarction (from 370 mm3 to 50 mm3), gliosis (from 80 GFAP-positive cells to 30 GFAP-positive cells), edema (cerebral water contents decreased from 82.5% to 79.4%; AQP4 positive cells decreased from 140 to 84 per section), apoptosis (neuronal apoptotic cells decreased from 100 to 20 per section), and neurotoxicity (iNOS expression cells decreased from 64 to 7 per section) during MCAO ischemic injury in rats.

Conclusions

The data suggest that agmatine may improve outcomes of transient cerebral ischemia in rats by reducing brain apoptosis, astrogliosis and edema.
ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent pressure overload-induced ventricular dilation and decrease in mitochondrial enzymes despite no change in adiponectin
Authors: O'Shea Karen M , Chess David J , Khairallah Ramzi J , Hecker Peter A , Lei Biao , Walsh Kenneth , Des Rosiers Christine , Stanley William C
Published: September 2010

Background

Pathological left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy frequently progresses to dilated heart failure with suppressed mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Dietary marine ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) up-regulate adiponectin and prevent LV dilation in rats subjected to pressure overload. This study 1) assessed the effects of ω-3 PUFA on LV dilation and down-regulation of mitochondrial enzymes in response to pressure overload; and 2) evaluated the role of adiponectin in mediating the effects of ω-3 PUFA in heart.

Methods

Wild type (WT) and adiponectin-/- mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and were fed standard chow ± ω-3 PUFA for 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, echocardiography was performed to assess LV function, mice were terminated, and mitochondrial enzyme activities were evaluated.

Results

TAC induced similar pathological LV hypertrophy compared to sham mice in both strains on both diets. In WT mice TAC increased LV systolic and diastolic volumes and reduced mitochondrial enzyme activities, which were attenuated by ω-3 PUFA without increasing adiponectin. In contrast, adiponectin-/- mice displayed no increase in LV end diastolic and systolic volumes or decrease in mitochondrial enzymes with TAC, and did not respond to ω-3 PUFA.

Conclusion

These findings suggest ω-3 PUFA attenuates cardiac pathology in response to pressure overload independent of an elevation in adiponectin.
Upregulation of a novel eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) in dengue 2 virus-infected mosquito cells
Authors: Shih Yu-Tzu , Yang Chao-Fu , Chen Wei-June
Published: September 2010

Background

Dengue virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is the etiological agent of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. It generally induces apoptosis in mammalian cells, but frequently results in persistent infection in mosquito cells. That mechanism remains to be explored. In turn, a genomic survey through subtractive hybridization (PCR-select cDNA subtraction) was conducted in order to find gene(s) that may play a role in interactions between the virus and its host cells.

Results

Through this technique, we identified a novel eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) which is upregulated in Aedes albopictus-derived C6/36 cells infected by the type 2 dengue (Den-2) virus. The full-length of the identified eIF5A gene consisted of 1498 bp of nucleotides with a 41.39% G+C content, and it possessed a higher similarity and shorter evolutionary distance with insects than with other organisms. Upregulation of eIF5A in response to Den-2 virus infection was validated at both the RNA and protein levels. This phenomenon was also observed by confocal microscopy. In addition, cell death obviously occurred when eIF5A activity was inhibited in C6/36 cells even when they were infected by the virus. However, viral multiplication was not obviously affected in infected C6/36 cells when eIF5A activity was reduced.

Conclusions

Taken together, we postulated that eIF5A plays a role in preventing mosquito cells from death in response to Den-2 viral infection, thus facilitating continued viral growth and potential persistent infection in mosquito cells. It would be worthwhile to further investigate how its downstream factors or cofactors contribute to this phenomenon of dengue infection.
Expression of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase in mature granule cells of the adult mouse dentate gyrus
Authors: Ohira, Koji , Hagihara, Hideo , Toyama, Keiko , Takao Keizo , Kanai Masaaki , Funakoshi Hiroshi , Nakamura Toshikazu , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2010

New granule cells are continuously generated in the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus. During granule cell maturation, the mechanisms that differentiate new cells not only describe the degree of cell differentiation, but also crucially regulate the progression of cell differentiation. Here, we describe a gene, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), whose expression distinguishes stem cells from more differentiated cells among the granule cells of the adult mouse dentate gyrus. The use of markers for proliferation, neural progenitors, and immature and mature granule cells indicated that TDO was expressed in mature cells and in some immature cells. In mice heterozygous for the alpha-isoform of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, in which dentate gyrus granule cells fail to mature normally, TDO immunoreactivity was substantially downregulated in the dentate gyrus granule cells. Moreover, a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling experiment revealed that new neurons began to express TDO between 2 and 4 wk after the neurons were generated, when the axons and dendrites of the granule cells developed and synaptogenesis occurred. These findings indicate that TDO might be required at a late-stage of granule cell development, such as during axonal and dendritic growth, synaptogenesis and its maturation.
Association between HIV replication and serum leptin levels: an observational study of a cohort of HIV‐1‐infected South African women
Authors: Azzoni Livio , Crowther Nigel J , Firnhaber Cynthia , Foulkes Andrea S , Yin Xiangfan , Glencross Deborah , Gross Robert , Kaplan Mitch D , Papasavvas Emmanouil , Schulze Doreen , Stevens Wendy , van der Merwe Tessa , Waisberg Rita , Sanne Ian , Montaner Luis J
Published: September 2010

Background

Advanced HIV infection can result in lipoatrophy and wasting, even in the absence of ongoing opportunistic infections, suggesting that HIV may directly affect adipose tissue amount and distribution.

Methods

We assessed the relationship of fat (measured using anthropometry, DEXA, MRI scans) or markers related to glucose and lipid metabolism with viral load in a cross‐sectional sample of 83 antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐1‐infected South African women. A multivariable linear model was fitted to log10VL to assess the combined effect of these variables.

Results

In addition to higher T cell activation, women with viral load greater than the population median had lower waist circumference, body mass index and subcutaneous abdominal fat, as well as lower serum leptin. We demonstrate that leptin serum levels are inversely associated with viral replication, independent of the amount of adipose tissue. This association is maintained after adjusting for multiple variables associated with disease progression (i.e., cellular activation and innate immunity effector levels).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that serum leptin levels are inversely associated with viral replication, independent of disease progression: we postulate that leptin may affect viral replication.
Validation of extravascular lung water measurement by single transpulmonary thermodilution: human autopsy study
Authors: Tagami Takashi , Kushimoto Shigeki , Yamamoto Yasuhiro , Atsumi Takahiro , Tosa Ryoichi , Matsuda Kiyoshi , Oyama Renpei , Kawaguchi Takanori , Masuno Tomohiko , Hirama Hisao , Yokota Hiroyuki
Published: September 2010

Introduction

Gravimetric validation of single-indicator extravascular lung water (EVLW) and normal EVLW values has not been well studied in humans thus far. The aims of this study were (1) to validate the accuracy of EVLW measurement by single transpulmonary thermodilution with postmortem lung weight measurement in humans and (2) to define the statistically normal EVLW values.

Methods

We evaluated the correlation between pre-mortem EVLW value by single transpulmonary thermodilution and post-mortem lung weight from 30 consecutive autopsies completed within 48 hours following the final thermodilution measurement. A linear regression equation for the correlation was calculated. In order to clarify the normal lung weight value by statistical analysis, we conducted a literature search and obtained the normal reference ranges for post-mortem lung weight. These values were substituted into the equation for the correlation between EVLW and lung weight to estimate the normal EVLW values.

Results

EVLW determined using transpulmonary single thermodilution correlated closely with post-mortem lung weight (r= 0.904,P< 0.001). A linear regression equation was calculated: EVLW (mL) = 0.56 × lung weight (g) - 58.0. The normal EVLW values indexed by predicted body weight were approximately 7.4 ± 3.3 mL/kg (7.5 ± 3.3 mL/kg for males and 7.3 ± 3.3 mL/kg for females).

Conclusions

A definite correlation exists between EVLW measured by the single-indicator transpulmonary thermodilution technique and post-mortem lung weight in humans. The normal EVLW value is approximately 7.4 ± 3.3 mL/kg.

Trial registration

UMIN000002780.
Well-to-seismic tie method in complex imaging areas: Examples in the deep offshore subsalt Angola domain
Authors: Martin Victor , Neto Deodato , Cheyron Christian , Thore Pierre , Paré Antoine
Published: September 2010

Recently, imaging capabilities have allowed a major step forward in subsalt exploration. In particular, new PSDM algorithms have appeared on the market that account for complex wave propagation through salt canopies to produce better images. These improvements have allowed the drilling of numerous subsalt exploration wells, but at the time of appraisal and development, questions arise on the reliability of these seismic cubes to accurately predict geometries. This issue is crucial in the offshore deepwater blocks of Angola, where reflectors often have high dips and subsalt seismic visibility is not optimal. Furthermore, velocity models used for subsalt imaging are seldom as accurate as one could want, and significant discrepancies can often be observed between seismic and well depth of geological markers. These discrepancies can have several origins, such as neglecting to account for anisotropy, as discussed by Shumaker et al. (2007). The lack of accuracy of velocity models can also be due to the limitations of velocity estimation techniques in the subsalt domain given the available data. This results in a difference between the depth of markers observed in the well (true depth) and on seismic images (seismic depth). It is to be noted that the seismic depth is dependent on the PSDM velocity model to the first order, but also on the migration algorithm because of different ways to model the wave propagation (ray tracing or wavefield extrapolation).
The horizon cube: A step change in seismic interpretation!
Authors: de Groot Paul , Huck Arnaud , de Bruin Geert , Hemstra Nanne , Bedford Jonathan
Published: September 2010

Conventional interpretation workflows require a limited number of key horizons to be mapped. These are used to construct a generalized geologic model on the basis of which economic decisions are made. In the process, gigabytes of data are reduced to just a few kilobytes of interpreted data, during which potentially valuable information is often lost.
Geometric attributes for seismic stratigraphic interpretation
Authors: van Hoek Tomas , Gesbert Stephane , Pickens Jim
Published: September 2010

The application of sequence stratigraphy to seismic interpretation has proven to be fundamentally important in basin analysis. It provides a framework for understanding strat-igraphic evolution and is a key element in predicting the spatial distribution of reservoir, seal, and source rocks. Traditional methods of seismic se-quence stratigraphy make use of observations such as stacking patterns, seismic character of facies, and their distribution to develop subsurface models. We present a set of seismically derived geometric attributes that enhance and characterize these observations, allowing a sequence stratigraphic framework to be developed in the earliest stages of interpretation.
Tracking regional seals: A novel sub-basin-scale seismic attribute
Authors: Guerra Gabriel , Poupon Manuel
Published: September 2010

This paper illustrates the strengths and limitations of a novel “sub-basin-scale” seismic attribute (van Hoek et al. in this special section). It focuses on the use of the unconformity attribute within exploration and appraisal work flows as a “regional-seal indicator” and its applications in de-risking prospects in deepwater clastics depositional environments. Integration of this new attribute with traditional data and interpretation techniques is discussed in three case studies (Figure 1):
Acoustic impedance as a sequence stratigraphic tool in structurally complex deepwater settings
Authors: Contreras Arturo J. , Latimer Rebecca B.
Published: September 2010

Many deepwater areas of the world are structurally complex and challenging for hydrocarbon exploration; the lack of well control coupled with difficult seismic ties between sub-basins make the gener-ation of a consistent stratigraphic framework challenging. The develop-ment of the framework is critical before any attempt of multibasinal depositional systems analysis can be performed.
Generation of sea-level curves from depositional pattern as seen through seismic attributes-seismic geomorphology analysis of an MTC-rich shallow sediment column, northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Sarkar Supratik , Marfurt Kurt J. , Slatt Roger M.
Published: September 2010

Detailed interpretation of seismic attributes along horizon slices or stratal slices reveals changes in depositional pattern and seismic geomorphology within a sediment column that are controlled by eustatic and local changes in sea level. In this study, we analyze seismic geomorphologic features of a shallow sedimentary column within a salt minibasin in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and attempt to predict the relative sea-level curves. We then calibrate these predictions against biostratigraphic markers and compare with existing eustatic cycles and events. Systematic analysis of amplitude and attribute data within a seismic geomorphologic framework reveals high-resolution sequence stratigraphic patterns that might otherwise be overlooked.
P- and S-wave delineation of the Horseshoe Atoll, Diamond-M Field, Texas, USA
Authors: Russian Carlos , Perez Roderick , Marfurt Kurt , Davogustto Oswaldo , Alzahrani Hani , Small Alison
Published: September 2010

This paper presents an applied workflow for displaying seismic multi-attributes and integrating the results into the interpretation of a carbonate reservoir. This analysis compares the processed volume of the conventional P-wave data (PP) with the S-wave data (SH-SH) over the same extended area to improve understanding of the morphology of the reef “build-up” structure within the Canyon Reef Formation. The final goal is to identify bypassed compartments in the reservoir.
Quantitative estimate of fracture density variations in the Nordegg with azimuthal AVO and curvature: A case study
Authors: Hunt Lee , Reynolds Scott , Brown Tyson , Hadley Scott , Downton Jon , Chopra Satinder
Published: September 2010

We investigated the accuracy of surface seismic attributes in predicting fracture density variations within the Nordegg Formation in west central Alberta. We know from core, drill samples, well-log, and drilling data that the Nordegg zone is fractured to some degree. These fractures are of interest because the reservoir has very low permeability, and therefore natural fractures may materially affect well performance. 3D surface seismic techniques such as amplitude variation with azimuth or azimuthal AVO (AVAz), variation of velocity with azimuth (VVAz), curvature, and coherence techniques are all tools that have been used to predict fractures in a qualitative fashion. In this study, we wanted to understand how well these attributes predicted the reservoir quality in a quantitative fashion. Previous quantitative studies have used image log orientation data or estimated ultimate recoveries (EUR) in vertical wells as validation data. The conclusiveness of these studies has been subject to several problems: firstly, the limited sample statistics provided by vertical wells applied to the validation of lateral variations, and secondly by the potential nonuniqueness of the EUR to fracture density relationship.
Clonal analysis reveals common lineage relationships between head muscles and second heart field derivatives in the mouse embryo
Authors: Lescroart Fabienne , Kelly Robert G. , Le Garrec Jean-François , Nicolas Jean-François , Meilhac Sigolène M. , Buckingham Margaret
Published: September 2010

Head muscle progenitors in pharyngeal mesoderm are present in close proximity to cells of the second heart field and show overlapping patterns of gene expression. However, it is not clear whether a single progenitor cell gives rise to both heart and head muscles. We now show that this is the case, using a retrospective clonal analysis in which an nlaacZ sequence, converted to functional nlacZ after a rare intragenic recombination event, is targeted to the αc-actin gene, expressed in all developing skeletal and cardiac muscle. We distinguish two branchiomeric head muscle lineages, which segregate early, both of which also contribute to myocardium. The first gives rise to the temporalis and masseter muscles, which derive from the first branchial arch, and also to the extraocular muscles, thus demonstrating a contribution from paraxial as well as prechordal mesoderm to this anterior muscle group. Unexpectedly, this first lineage also contributes to myocardium of the right ventricle. The second lineage gives rise to muscles of facial expression, which derive from mesoderm of the second branchial arch. It also contributes to outflow tract myocardium at the base of the arteries. Further sublineages distinguish myocardium at the base of the aorta or pulmonary trunk, with a clonal relationship to right or left head muscles, respectively. We thus establish a lineage tree, which we correlate with genetic regulation, and demonstrate a clonal relationship linking groups of head muscles to different parts of the heart, reflecting the posterior movement of the arterial pole during pharyngeal morphogenesis.
Storylines of Self-Management: Narratives of People with Diabetes from a Multiethnic Inner City Population
Authors: Greenhalgh Trisha , Collard Anna , Campbell-Richards Desirée , Vijayaraghavan Shanti , Malik Farida , Morris Joanne , Claydon Anne
Published: September 2010

Objectives

To analyse the narratives of people with diabetes to inform the design of culturally congruent self-management education programmes.

Methods

The study was based on quasi-naturalistic story-gathering; i.e. making real-time field notes of stories shared spontaneously in diabetes self-management education groups in a socioeconomically deprived London borough. Eighty-two adults aged 25-86, from six minority ethnic groups who were in the intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial of story-sharing, participated. Stories were translated in real time by the facilitator or group members. Ethnographic field notes were transcribed, and analysed thematically (to identify self-management domains raised by participants) and interpretively for over-arching storylines (i.e. considering how self-management domains were contextualized and made meaningful in personal narratives). Analysis was informed by both biomedical and sociological theories of self-management.

Results

People with diabetes identified seven self-management domains: knowledge; diet; exercise; medication; foot care; self-monitoring; and attending check-ups. Interpretive analysis revealed eight illness storylines within which these practical issues acquired social meaning and moral worth: becoming sick; rebuilding spoiled identity; becoming a practitioner of self-management; living a disciplined and balanced life; mobilizing a care network; navigating and negotiating in the health care system; managing the micro-morality of self-management ‘choices’; and taking collective action.

Conclusion

Living with diabetes involves both medically recommended behaviours and complex biographical work to make sense of and cope with illness. Self-management education programmes should take closer account of over-arching storylines that pattern experience of chronic illness and recognize that some elements of self-management knowledge cannot be pre-specified in a structured curriculum.
Gender differences in the relationships between bullying at school and unhealthy eating and shape‐related attitudes and behaviours
Authors: Farrow Claire V. , Fox Claire L.
Published: September 2010

Background. Previous research has found links between being a victim of bullying and reporting more unhealthy eating behaviours and cognitions, particularly in girls. However, little is known about the factors that might mediate these relationships.

Aim. The present study compared the relationships between bullying, emotional adjustment, restrained eating, and body dissatisfaction in adolescent boys and girls.

Sample/method. Self‐report data were collected from a sample of 11‐ to 14‐year‐olds (N= 376) on experiences of bullying, emotional symptoms, and unhealthy eating and shape‐related attitudes and behaviours.

Results. Bullying, emotional symptoms, restrained eating, and body dissatisfaction were all correlated. Emotional symptoms were found to significantly mediate the relationships between verbal bullying with body dissatisfaction in girls but not in boys.

Conclusions. Findings suggest that the experience of being verbally bullied places adolescent girls at risk of developing emotional problems which can then lead to body dissatisfaction. Longitudinal research is necessary to disentangle these pathways in more detail to facilitate the development of informed interventions to support children who are being bullied.
The Single‐Parent Family and the Family Therapist: About Invitations and Positioning
Authors: Rober Peter
Published: September 2010

Single parent families sometimes represent specific challenges to family therapists. In this article a dialogical frame with important concepts such as voice and positioning is proposed to reflect on family therapy practice. This frame is used to reflect on a common invitation in family therapy with single‐parent families: the invitation to take the place of the absent parent. A case of family therapy with a single‐parent family is presented in order to illustrate the importance of flexibility in the therapist's positioning and the way the therapist's experiencing can be used as an empathic bridge to create a dialogical space in which the important issues at stake can be addressed.
Frameworks for Practice in the Systemic Field: Part 1 — Continuities and Transitions in Family Therapy Knowledge
Authors: Flaskas Carmel
Published: September 2010

This is the first of two articles to map the landscape of practice theory in systemic family therapy. In this first article, the representation of knowledge for practice is explored, and an argument is made that while frameworks remain important, the relationship to them is now more conditional and pragmatic. A particular chronology is offered of the development of family therapy practice theory frameworks, beginning with the frameworks that emerged in the 1960s to the 1970s. An analysis is given of the important transitions in the 1980s and three sets of influences in this decade — ecosystemic epistemology, the feminist challenge and postmodernism — are identified. This reading emphasises hidden continuities in the transition, despite the seemingly discontinuous shifts in practice theory from the beginning of the 1980s to the beginning of the 1990s. Context and relationship are identified as the enduring parameters of systemic family therapy knowledge, though understandings of context and relationship have been recast in the contemporary (post‐1990s) practice theory. The second article will explore the four contemporary influential approaches in Australian family therapy — the Milan‐systemic, narrative and solution‐focused frameworks, and the dialogical perspective — and point to intersections in practice ideas and integrative movements.
Domestic Violence Within Refugee Families: Intersecting Patriarchal Culture and the Refugee Experience
Authors: James Kerrie
Published: September 2010

This article examines the stages of the refugee journey and the intersections of domestic violence with culture, trauma, resettlement and masculinity. Arguing that therapists must challenge aspects of culture that promote violations of women's human rights while understanding the unique situation of refugee families, the article concludes by identifying principles for therapeutic and community based interventions.
A Family Therapist's Look Into Interpersonal Neurobiology and the Adolescent Brain: An Interview With Dr Daniel Siegel
Authors: Codrington Rebecca
Published: September 2010

Advances in brain research are increasingly having an impact on clinical interventions in all fields of psychotherapy. For adolescent family therapists it is important not only to understand the developing adolescent brain, but also how brain research can influence interventions aimed at interrupting problematic familial interactions. Interpersonal neurobiology and the ideas of Dr Daniel Siegel synthesise the interpersonal with the scientific, offering practical clinical methods of incorporating the research into everyday practice. This article incorporates a verbatim interview with Dr Siegel about the adolescent brain, interpersonal neurobiology and attachment with an outline of key concepts from interpersonal neurobiology including the hand model of the brain, nine functions of the prefrontal cortex, the triangle of wellbeing and eight domains of integration. Clinical applications are suggested using a common presenting problem of escalating conflict between teenagers and their parents.
Reviews
Authors: Lane Nada , Wilson Ivan
Published: September 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Relationship Counselling For Children, Young People and Families Geldard, K. Geldard, D.

MENDS Counsellor Manual: A Structured Approach to Assisting Men in Relationship Crisis: Pershouse, Owen C.
Konjugationstypen im Belarussischen und Mischungsrede
Authors: Ramza Taccjana
Published: September 2010

The verb classification of modern Belarusian Studies is mainly tailored to academic problems. Its usability for the practical learning of the Belarusian Language is insufficient. A “text book oriented” verb typology should be based on certain verb conjugation regularities that allows for distinguishing of special forms (i.e. types) of verb paradigms.

This approach makes it possible to demonstrate the differences between Russian and Belarusian verb forms. Thus, their mingling whilst speaking can be avoided. Depending on the verb stem and the ending, the I. “Russian” conjugation (е-conjugation) corresponds to three Belarusian “orthographical” variants: the е-conjugation, the а-conjugation and the э-conjugation; the II. “Russian” conjugation (и-conjugation) corresponds to the і- and ы-conjugations. Within each of these variants, regular types can be identified that alternate vocals, consonants or stress when conjugated. The mingling of endings when speaking Belarusian is caused by the domination of the Russian language (or rather the Belarusian “natiolect”) in the everyday communication of the Belarusian population and the influence of dialectal speech.
Evaluation of the Standardized Assessment of Concussion in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Grubenhoff Joseph A. , Kirkwood Michael , Gao Dexiang , Deakyne Sara , Wathen Joe
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) is a validated tool for identifying the effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Previous research focused on sport-related sideline evaluation of adolescents and adults. Our goal was to evaluate performance of the SAC among subjects with and without head injury in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

METHODS:

This was an observational study of children 6 to 18 years of age who presented to an ED with blunt head injury (case-patients) or minor extremity injury (controls). SAC and graded-symptom-checklist scores were compared. American Academy of Neurology concussion grades, presence of loss of consciousness and posttraumatic amnesia were also compared with SAC and graded-symptom-checklist scores among case-patients.

RESULTS:

Three hundred forty-eight children were enrolled. SAC scores trended lower (greater cognitive deficits) for case-patients compared with controls but did not reach significance. Graded-symptom-checklist scores were significantly higher among case-patients. Presence of altered mental status magnified this effect. There was no correlation between SAC scores and other indicators of mTBI. There was a positive correlation between graded-symptom-checklist scores and posttraumatic amnesia and American Academy of Neurology concussion grade.

CONCLUSIONS:

The graded symptom checklist reliably identified mTBI symptoms for all children aged 6 years and older. SAC scores tended to be lower for case-patients compared with controls but did not reach significance. Patients with altered mental status at the time of injury manifest an increased number and severity of symptoms. Additional research into strategies to identify cognitive deficits related to mTBI and classify mTBI severity in children is needed.
Impact of Rapid Leukodepletion on the Outcome of Severe Clinical Pertussis in Young Infants
Authors: Rowlands Helen E. , Goldman Allan P. , Harrington Karen , Karimova Ann , Brierley Joe , Cross Nigel , Skellett Sophie , Peters Mark J.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Bordetella pertussis is a common, underrecognized, and vaccine-preventable cause of critical illness with a high mortality in infants worldwide. Patients with severe cases present with extreme leukocytosis and develop refractory hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension that is unresponsive to maximal intensive care. This may reflect a hyperviscosity syndrome from the raised white blood cell (WBC) count. Case reports suggest improved outcomes with exchange transfusion to reduce the WBC count. Our objective was to quantify possible benefits of aggressive leukodepletion.

METHODS:

We, as a regional PICU and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation referral center, adopted a strategy of aggressive leukodepletion in January 2005. The impact of this strategy on crude and case mix–adjusted survival of all infants who were critically ill with B pertussis were compared with control subjects from January 2001 to December 2004 and Extracorporeal Life Support Organisation registry data.

RESULTS:

Nineteen infants (7 [37%] boys) received intensive care for B pertussis from 2001 to 2009. Admission WBC counts were equivalent in 2 time periods: 2001–2004 (mean: 52 000/μL) and 2005–2009 (mean: 75 000/μL). In 2001–2004, 5 (55%) of 9 patients survived the ICU. Between 2005 and 2009, 9 (90%) of 10 patients survived. When case-mix adjustment for age, WBC count, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation referral were considered, the 2001–2004 predicted survival (4.4 [49%] of 9.0) was equivalent to the observed mortality (4.0 [44%] of 9.0). Between 2005 and 2009, observed mortality (1.0 [10%] of 10.0) was significantly better than predicted (4.7 [47%] of 10.0).

CONCLUSIONS:

Leukodepletion should be considered in critically ill infants with B pertussis and leukocytosis.
CHIT1 Mutations: Genetic Risk Factor for Severe Asthma With Fungal Sensitization?
Authors: Vicencio Alfin G. , Chupp Geoffrey L. , Tsirilakis Kalliope , He Xiaoxuan , Kessel Aaron , Nandalike Kiran , Veler Haviva , Kipperman Stacy , Young Michael C. , Goldman David L.
Published: September 2010

Fungi can exacerbate symptoms in patients with asthma. To our knowledge, genetic risk factors for fungal-associated asthma have not been described. We present here the cases of 6 children who carried the diagnosis of severe asthma with fungal sensitization, 3 of whom were treated with and responded clinically to itraconazole therapy. All 6 patients were heterozygous for a 24-base pair duplication in the CHIT1 gene, which has been associated with decreased levels of circulating chitotriosidase and susceptibility to fungal infection.
Physicians' Roles in Coordinating Care of Hospitalized Children
Authors: Lye Patricia S. ,   The Committee on Hospital Care and Section on Hospital Medicine
Published: September 2010

The care of hospitalized children and adolescents has become increasingly complex and often involves multiple physicians beyond the traditional primary care pediatrician. Hospitalists, medical subspecialists, surgical specialists, and hospital attending physicians may all participate in the care of hospitalized children and youth. This report summarizes the responsibilities of the pediatrician and other involved physicians in ensuring that children receive coordinated and comprehensive medical care delivered within the context of their medical homes as inpatients, and that care is appropriately continued on an outpatient basis.
On Women as Teachers in Early Buddhism: Dhammadinn? and Khem?
Authors: Krey Gisela
Published: September 2010

The present article investigates two prominent bhikkhun?s, Dhammadinn? and Khem?, who were renowned for their preaching abilities in the time of the Buddha. It focuses on two texts of the Sutta-pi?aka, the C??avedalla-sutta and the Khem?ther?-sutta, and demonstrates how and why these texts were among the most authoritative in providing a measure for spiritual leadership among bhikkhun?s in early Buddhism. Among women who taught the Dhamma, Dhammadinn? and Khem? attract attention because the texts show them even teaching male listeners of high status. The examples of female leadership presented here challenge any view that throws doubt on the spiritual capability of women and may be used as models by contemporary Buddhist nuns.
Fifth Century Chinese Nuns: An Exemplary Case
Authors: Heirman Ann
Published: September 2010

According to tradition, the first Buddhist nun, Mah?praj?pat?, accepted eight fundamental rules as a condition for her ordination. One of these rules says that a full ordination ceremony, for a nun, must be carried out in both orders: first in the nuns’ order, and then in the monks’ order. Both orders need to be represented by a quorum of legal witnesses. It implies that in the absence of such a quorum, an ordination cannot be legally held, in vinaya terms. This was a major problem in fifth century China, when, as a result of a wave of vinaya translations, monastics became aware of many detailed legal issues, including the rule on a dual ordination for nuns. Since the first Buddhist nuns in China were ordained in the presence of monks only, doubt was raised on the validity of the Chinese nuns’ lineage. The discussion came to an end, however, when in ca. 433 a so-called ‘second ordination ceremony’ could be held, now in the presence of a sufficient number of Sinhalese nun witnesses. Today, a similar issue is raised again, since in two of the three active Buddhist ordination traditions, nuns arguably cannot be legally ordained due to the absence of a nuns’ order of that particular tradition to provide a legal quorum of witnesses. In the present-day debates on the possible (re-)introduction of a nuns’ lineage in both these traditions, the historic case of the fifth century Chinese nuns is often referred to. The present article examines firstly in which ways technical issues discussed fifteen centuries ago lingered on among the most prominent Chinese vinaya masters, and secondly how these same issues still fuel and influence present-day discussions.
Jaw Bite Force Measurement Device
Authors: Flanagan Dennis , Ilies Horea , O'Brien Brendan , McManus Anne , Larrow Beau
Published: September 2010

We describe a cost-effective device that uses an off-the-shelf force transducer to measure patient bite force as a diagnostic aid in determining dental implant size, number of implants, and prosthetic design for restoring partial edentulism. The main advantages of the device are its accuracy, simplicity, modularity, ease of manufacturing, and low cost.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Orofacial Clefts: Association with Maternal Satisfaction, Team Care, and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Robbins James M. , Damiano Peter , Druschel Charlotte M. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Romitti Paul A. , Austin April A. , Tyler Margaret , Reading J. Alex , Burnett Whitney
Published: September 2010

Objective

Prenatal diagnosis of an orofacial cleft is thought to allow mothers greater opportunity to become prepared for the special needs of an infant with a cleft and plan for the care of their child. Using a population-based sample, we determined which children were more likely to be diagnosed prenatally, and whether early diagnosis was associated with maternal satisfaction and treatment outcomes.

Design

Interviews were completed with 235 (49% of eligible) mothers of children ages 2 to 7 with orofacial clefts initially enrolled in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study from the Arkansas, Iowa, and New York sites. Maternal satisfaction with information, support, and treatment outcomes was compared between women who received a prenatal diagnosis and those who did not.

Results

Of 235 infants with clefts, 46 (19.6%) were identified prenatally. One third of mothers were somewhat or not satisfied with information provided by medical staff. Satisfaction did not vary by timing of the diagnosis. Infants diagnosed prenatally were no more likely to have received care provided by a recognized multidisciplinary cleft team (76%) than were infants diagnosed at birth (78%). Speech problems and facial appearance as rated by the mother did not vary by timing of the diagnosis.

Conclusions

Timing of the cleft diagnosis did not alter maternal satisfaction with information, whether care was provided by a designated cleft team, or maternal perception of facial appearance or speech. Further research should determine whether prenatal diagnoses alter maternal anxiety or influence postnatal morbidity.
Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome, Pro136His TWIST Mutation, Hearing Loss, and External and Middle Ear Structural Anomalies: Report on a Brazilian Family
Authors: Lamônica Dionísia A.C. , Maximino Luciana P. , Feniman Mariza Ribeiro , Silva Greyce K. , Zanchetta Sthella , Abramides Dagma V.M. , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita , Rocha Kátia , Richieri-Costa Antonio
Published: September 2010

Objective

To describe the clinical, speech, hearing, and imaging findings in three members of a Brazilian family with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS) who presented some unusual characteristics within the spectrum of the syndrome.

Design

Clinical evaluation was performed by a multidisciplinary team. Direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction–amplified coding region of the TWIST1 gene, routine and electrophysiological hearing evaluation, speech evaluation, and imaging studies through computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed.

Results

TWIST1 gene analysis revealed a Pro136His mutation in all patients. Hearing evaluation showed peripherial and mixed hearing loss in two of the patients, one of them with severe unilateral microtia. Computed tomography scan showed structural middle ear anomalies, and MRI showed distortion of the skull contour as well as some of the brain structures.

Conclusions

We report a previously undescribed TWIST1 gene mutation in patients with SCS. There is evidence that indicates hearing loss (conductive and mixed) can be related both with middle ear (microtia, high jugular bulb, and enlarged vestibules) as well as with brain stem anomalies. Here we discuss the relationship between the gene mutation and the clinical, imaging, speech, and hearing findings.
Adaptive changes in size and age at metamorphosis can qualitatively vary with predator type and available defenses
Authors: Higginson A. D. , Ruxton G. D.
Published: September 2010

In many taxa the timing of metamorphosis is plastic in response to predation risk during the pre‐metamorphic stage, and trends in both age and body size at metamorphosis have been the subject of much study. The responses to cues of predators are predominantly to be larger or equal‐sized at the same age or older at metamorphosis. These observations are in direct contrast with existing theoretical treatments of this plasticity, which mostly predict earlier and smaller metamorphosis and never later and larger metamorphosis without invoking indirect effects on growth rate. Here we resolve the discrepancy between theory and observation using a dynamic state‐dependent model that incorporates morphological and behavioral responses to predation risk. We allow prey to choose the optimal activity level and/or investment in defense over the growth period. We show that under certain conditions, metamorphosis at a larger size and later time is likely to be optimal. Our analysis allows us to make testable predictions about the changes in activity level of prey as they grow and how the effect of providing refuges will vary with predator type. Several of these predictions are supported by a meta‐analysis of metamorphic responses to caged predators by larval amphibians and insects. Our predictions lead to insights about the feedback effects of antipredator responses on growth and subsequent implications for life history.