bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co‐ordination and fine‐tuning of nitrogen fixation in Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Dos Santos Patricia C. , Dean Dennis R.
Published: January 2011

Nitrogen fixation by the free‐living organism Azotobacter vinelandii can occur through the activity of three different systems that are genetically distinct but mechanistically related. A combination of bioinformatic and biochemical‐genetic studies has revealed that at least 82 different genes are likely to be associated with the formation and regulation of these systems. Studies performed over many years have established that cross‐talk occurs between the various nitrogen fixation systems, and that expression and fine‐tuning of their activities are integrated with overall cellular physiology. Martinez‐Noel and co‐workers now report another newly discovered aspect of the process. Evidence is presented to suggest that a nitrogen fixation‐specific paralogue of ClpX is used to control the accumulation of proteins involved in formation of a metal–sulphur cluster that provides a nitrogenase active site. The intriguing aspect of this work is that it indicates that the nitrogen fixation‐associated ClpX must recruit ClpP, for which a paralogue is not duplicated within any of the nitrogen fixation regions of the genome, to achieve its function related to nitrogen fixation. Inspection of the A. vinelandii genome indicates that such recruitment of cellular housekeeping components is a common feature used to integrate nitrogen fixation with global cellular physiology.
Multiple light inputs to a simple clock circuit allow complex biological rhythms
Authors: Troein Carl , Corellou Florence , Dixon Laura E. , van Ooijen Gerben , O’Neill John S. , Bouget François‐Yves , Millar Andrew J.
Published: January 2011

Circadian clocks are biological timekeepers that allow living cells to time their activity in anticipation of predictable environmental changes. Detailed understanding of the circadian network of higher plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, is hampered by the high number of partially redundant genes. However, the picoeukaryotic alga Ostreococcus tauri, which was recently shown to possess a small number of non‐redundant clock genes, presents an attractive alternative target for detailed modelling of circadian clocks in the green lineage. Based on extensive time‐series data from in vivo reporter gene assays, we developed a model of the Ostreococcus clock as a feedback loop between the genes TOC1 and CCA1. The model reproduces the dynamics of the transcriptional and translational reporters over a range of photoperiods. Surprisingly, the model is also able to predict the transient behaviour of the clock when the light conditions are altered. Despite the apparent simplicity of the clock circuit, it displays considerable complexity in its response to changing light conditions. Systematic screening of the effects of altered day length revealed a complex relationship between phase and photoperiod, which is also captured by the model. The complex light response is shown to stem from circadian gating of light‐dependent mechanisms. This study provides insights into the contributions of light inputs to the Ostreococcus clock. The model suggests that a high number of light‐dependent reactions are important for flexible timing in a circadian clock with only one feedback loop.
Rootless with undetectable meristem 1 encodes a monocot‐specific AUX/IAA protein that controls embryonic seminal and post‐embryonic lateral root initiation in maize
Authors: von Behrens Inga , Komatsu Mai , Zhang Yanxiang , Berendzen Kenneth W. , Niu Xiaomu , Sakai Hajime , Taramino Graziana , Hochholdinger Frank
Published: January 2011

The maize (Zea mays L.) rum1‐R (rootless with undetectable meristems 1‐Reference) mutant does not initiate embryonic seminal roots and post‐embryonic lateral roots at the primary root. Map‐based cloning revealed that Rum1 encodes a 269 amino acid (aa) monocot‐specific Aux/IAA protein. The rum1‐R protein lacks 26 amino acids including the GWPPV degron sequence in domain II and part of the bipartite NLS (nuclear localization sequence). Significantly reduced lateral root density (approximately 35%) in heterozygous plants suggests that the rum1‐R is a semi‐dominant mutant. Overexpression of rum1‐R under the control of the maize MSY (Methionine SYnthase) promoter supports this notion by displaying a reduced number of lateral roots (31–37%). Functional characterization suggests that Rum1 is auxin‐inducible and encodes a protein that localizes to the nucleus. Moreover, RUM1 is unstable with a half life time of approximately 22 min while the mutant rum1‐R protein is very stable. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated an interaction of RUM1 with ZmARF25 and ZmARF34 (Z. mays AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 25 and 34). In summary, the presented data suggest that Rum1 encodes a canonical Aux/IAA protein that is required for the initiation of embryonic seminal and post‐embryonic lateral root initiation in primary roots of maize.
Costs of cervical cancer screening and treatment using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy in Ghana: the importance of scale
Authors: Quentin Wilm , Adu‐Sarkodie Yaw , Terris‐Prestholt Fern , Legood Rosa , Opoku Baafuor K. , Mayaud Philippe
Published: January 2011

Objectives To estimate the incremental costs of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy at cervical cancer screening facilities in Ghana; to explore determinants of costs through modelling; and to estimate national scale‐up and annual programme costs.

Methods Resource‐use data were collected at four out of six active VIA screening centres, and unit costs were ascertained to estimate the costs per woman of VIA and cryotherapy. Modelling and sensitivity analysis were used to explore the influence of observed differences between screening facilities on estimated costs and to calculate national costs.

Results Incremental economic costs per woman screened with VIA ranged from 4.93 US$ to 14.75 US$, and costs of cryotherapy were between 47.26 US$ and 84.48 US$ at surveyed facilities. Under base case assumptions, our model estimated the costs of VIA to be 6.12 US$ per woman and those of cryotherapy to be 27.96 US$. Sensitivity analysis showed that the number of women screened per provider and treated per facility was the most important determinants of costs. National annual programme costs were estimated to be between 0.6 and 4.0 million US$ depending on assumed coverage and adopted screening strategy.

Conclusion When choosing between different cervical cancer prevention strategies, the feasibility of increasing uptake to achieve economies of scale should be a major concern.
Clinical phenotype variability in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5 associated with CYP7B1 mutations
Authors: Arnoldi A , Crimella C , Tenderini E , Martinuzzi A , D'Angelo MG , Musumeci O , Toscano A , Scarlato M , Fantin M , Bresolin N , Bassi MT
Published: January 2011

Arnoldi A, Crimella C, Tenderini E, Martinuzzi A, D’Angelo MG, Musumeci O, Toscano A, Scarlato M, Fantin M, Bresolin N, Bassi MT. Clinical phenotype variability in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5 associated with CYP7B1 mutations.

Spastic paraplegia type 5 (SPG5) is caused by mutations in CYP7B1, a gene encoding the cytochrome P‐450 oxysterol 7‐α‐hydroxylase, CYP7B1, an enzyme implicated in the cholesterol metabolism. Mutations in CYP7B1 were found in both pure and complicated forms of the disease with a mutation frequency of 7.7% in pure recessive cases. The mutation frequency in complex forms, approximately 6.6%, is more controversial and needs to be refined. We studied in more detail the SPG5‐related spectrum of complex phenotypes by screening CYPB1 for mutations in a large cohort of 105 Italian hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) index patients including 50 patients with a complicated HSP (cHSP) phenotype overlapping the SPG11‐ and the SPG15‐related forms except for the lack of thin corpus callosum and 55 pure patients. Five CYP7B1 mutations, three of which are novel, were identified in four patients, two with a complex form of the disease and two with a pure phenotype. The CYP7B1 mutation frequencies obtained in both complicated and pure familial cases are comparable to the known ones. These results obtained extend the range of SPG5‐related phenotypes and reveal variability in clinical presentation, disease course and functional profile in the SPG5‐related patients while providing with some clues for molecular diagnosis in cHSP.
Reappraisal of nitrogen use efficiency in rice overexpressing glutamine synthetase1
Authors: Brauer Elizabeth K. , Rochon Amanda , Bi Yong‐Mei , Bozzo Gale G. , Rothstein Steven J. , Shelp Barry J.
Published: January 2011

Cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1) is responsible for the primary assimilation of ammonia, and a role in nitrogen (N) remobilization is implicated from its vascular localization and enhanced expression during senescence. This paper tested the hypothesis that overexpression (OX) of GS1 in rice improves utilization N use efficiency (UtE = spikelet yield/shoot N content). Three GS1 OX lines were identified using activity assays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Physiological analysis of the OX lines, as well as azygous and wild‐type (Wt) controls, was conducted with mature plants after growth under varying nitrate conditions (non‐limiting N, limiting N, transfer from non‐limiting N to limiting N at panicle emergence) and growth environments (growth chamber vs greenhouse). Overall, OX lines did not differ from azygous controls in vegetative yield or shoot N content. In two of the three growth trials (i.e. the growth chamber trials) harvest index, N harvest index (spikelet N content/shoot N content) and UtE were generally enhanced in the OX lines relative to their azygous controls. These characteristics were highly correlated with percent spikelets filled and spikelet number. Thus, N partitioning in rice during grain filling could be altered by GS1 OX, resulting in improved UtE. Unfortunately, GS OX did not result in more efficient use of N under limiting N than under non‐limiting N, and is therefore unlikely to result in the use of less N under field conditions. Transformation effects significantly hindered the productivity of the OX lines, but backcrossing to the Wt should overcome this.
Plant hormone interactions: how complex are they?
Authors: Ross John J. , Weston Diana E. , Davidson Sandra E. , Reid James B.
Published: January 2011

Models describing plant hormone interactions are often complex and web‐like. Here we assess several suggested interactions within one experimental system, elongating pea internodes. Results from this system indicate that at least some suggested interactions between auxin, gibberellins (GAs), brassinosteroids (BRs), abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene do not occur in this system or occur in the reverse direction to that suggested. Furthermore, some of the interactions are relatively weak and may be of little physiological relevance. This is especially true if plant hormones are assumed to show a log‐linear response curve as many empirical results suggest. Although there is strong evidence to support some interactions between hormones (e.g. auxin stimulating ethylene and bioactive GA levels), at least some of the web‐like complexities do not appear to be justified or are overstated. Simpler and more targeted models may be developed by dissecting out key interactions with major physiological effects.
Survey on Victorian driver assessors’ experience of critical incidents
Authors: Ng Krystle C. , Lovell Robin
Published: January 2011

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of critical incidents among driver assessors, identify the type and frequency of critical incidents experienced and the strategies used to cope following these incidents.

Method:  Mail survey of 70 Victorian occupational therapy driver assessors. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Results:  Almost 60% of driver assessors had experienced one or more critical incidents. Most frequently occurring incidents were near collisions and aggressive/threatening clients. Support was most often obtained from the driving instructor involved in the assessment. Older people with cognitive impairment were the client group most commonly involved.

Conclusion:  Greater acknowledgement and awareness of critical incidents and the importance of strategies to assist in the prevention and management of critical incidents are essential.
Evaluation of current treatment recommendations for chronic hepatitis B: A 2011 update
Authors: Tong Myron John , Hsu Leeyen , Chang Patrick W , Blatt Lawrence Mitchell
Published: January 2011

Background and Aim:  Guidelines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B have been recently updated in the 2009 European Association for the Study of the Liver consensus statement, the 2008 US Panel, the 2008 Asian–Pacific consensus statement, and the 2009 American Association for the Study of Liver Disease practice guidelines. We sought to determine whether these guidelines identified patients who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or who died of non‐HCC liver‐related deaths for antiviral therapy.

Methods:  The criteria described in the new treatment guidelines were matched to the database of 369 hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive patients, in whom 30 developed HCC and 37 died of non‐HCC liver‐related deaths during a mean follow up of 84 months.

Results:  Using criteria for antiviral therapy as stated by the four current guidelines, 19–30% of patients who died of non‐HCC liver‐related complications, and 23–53% of patients who developed HCC, would have been excluded for antiviral therapy. If baseline serum albumin levels of ≤ 3.5 g/dL or platelet counts of ≤ 130 000 mm3 were included into the treatment criteria, then 85–94% of patients who developed liver‐related complications would have been recommended for antiviral therapy. Also, the addition of precore A1896 mutants and basal core promoter T1762/A1764 mutants would have identified 98.5–100% of these patients.

Conclusion:  The updated treatment guidelines for hepatitis B still excluded patients who developed serious liver‐related complications. The inclusion of baseline serum albumin and platelet counts to current criteria would have identified a majority of these patients for antiviral therapy. These tests should be included into hepatitis B treatment strategies.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: Impact on quality of life and psychological status
Authors: Bryant Robert V. , van Langenberg Daniel R. , Holtmann Gerald J. , Andrews Jane M.
Published: January 2011

Background and Aim:  In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms consistent with coexistent functional GI disorders (FGID) might occur. It is uncertain what effect these symptoms have on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological comorbidity. The aim of the present study was to identify interrelationships among IBD, symptoms consistent with FGID, HRQoL, and psychological comorbidity.

Methods:  A total of 256 consecutive IBD patients had diagnoses and disease activity verified at case‐note review. Patients completed a contemporaneous survey assessing HRQoL, anxiety/depression, and GI symptoms (classified by Rome III criteria).

Results:  Of 162 respondents (response rate: 63%), 95 (58.6%) had Crohn's disease and 63 (38.8%) had ulcerative colitis. By Rome III criteria, 66% met criteria for at least one FGID. Those with significant (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ≥ 8) anxiety and/or depression were more likely to meet criteria for coexistent FGID (78% vs 22% and 89% vs 11%, respectively; each P < 0.001). A “load effect” was noted, such that the number of symptoms consistent with FGID in each patient correlated positively with anxiety and depression and negatively with HRQoL. Symptoms of any coexistent FGID were highly prevalent, even in those with currently‐inactive IBD (57%).

Conclusions:  Symptoms consistent with FGID are highly prevalent in IBD and correlate with greater psychological comorbidity and poorer HRQoL in a “load‐dependent” fashion. Therapy directed either at symptom load or psychological comorbidity might independently improve HRQoL in IBD.
How to talk to doctors – a guide for effective communication
Authors: Curtis K. , Tzannes A. , Rudge T.
Published: January 2011

Curtis K., Tzannes A. & Rudge T. (2011) How to talk to doctors – a guide for effective communication.International Nursing Review58, 13–20

Background: Nurses and doctors undertake segregated and distinct preparation for clinical practice, yet are expected to communicate effectively with each other in the workplace. Most healthcare facilities have policies relating to written communication, but guidelines for verbal communication, which is used most in times of uncertainty and urgency, are generally less regulated. Poor communication and communication overload are shown to have a direct correlation with patient outcomes, adverse events and stressors among healthcare professionals. We suggest a guide for more effective verbal communication between nurses and doctors.

Methods: We perform an integrated review of the extensive literature that identifies specific problems that contribute to ineffective communication between a doctor and nurse. We discuss these in five themes in the modern clinical context including intensification of workload, workforce mobility, differing perceptions, language use and heuristics. To combat these, we provide a four point practical guide to arm the nurse clinician with effective tools to ensure a satisfactory exchange of information in the context of patient advocacy.

Conclusions: The guide assists in overcoming the discussed barriers by creating a premise for fostering communication, understanding each clinician's information needs in a mutually respectful manner, especially in the context of uncertainty. We recommend that a shared mental model regarding communication in health be adopted at tertiary institutions offering pre‐registration nursing and medical training and techniques and be woven into respective curriculum design.
Confidence in competence: legislation and nursing in New Zealand
Authors: Vernon R. , Chiarella M. , Papps E.
Published: January 2011

Vernon R., Chiarella M. & Papps E. (2011) Confidence in competence: legislation and nursing in New Zealand. International Nursing Review58, 103–108

Aim:  This article aims to identify and discuss a variety of interpretations, myths and tensions that surround the requirements for demonstrating continuing competence under a new national regulatory regime, which is designed to promote confidence in professional nursing practice in New Zealand (NZ).

Background:  The enactment of the Health Practitioners' Competence Assurance Act (HPCA) 2003 in NZ requires regulatory authorities to implement, administer and monitor systems to ensure that health practitioners registered in a specific scope of practice are competent. The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) is the regulatory authority for nurses in NZ. While the onus for demonstrating and maintaining competence is clearly the responsibility of the individual nurse, since the enactment of the HPCA Act, the assessment and monitoring of that competence is the responsibility of the Nursing Council. Demonstration of competence to practise nursing begins during undergraduate nursing education. However, demonstration of continuing competence is a new legislative requirement for nurses in NZ. As a result of this new legislation the NCNZ implemented a mandatory process for the monitoring of the continuing competence of nurses.

Conclusion:  Definitions of continuing competence within legislation and health professional regulation across developed nations have strong similarities. The need for continuing competence frameworks is generally agreed by regulatory authorities to be necessary to protect the safety of the public. However, regulatory processes that monitor the maintenance, assessment and development of continuing competence in nursing practice need to be overt, structured and well communicated in order to engage nurses, promote confidence in professional practice and protect the health and safety of members of the public.
An Evolutionary Account of Suicide Attacks: The Kamikaze Case
Authors: Orbell John , Morikawa Tomonori
Published: January 2011

Explanations for suicide attacks abound. Yet the literature remains conceptually fragmented, with different authors focusing on different attitudes, incentive structures, values, psychological processes, strategic imperatives, and cultural, historical, and personal circumstances. Curiously, however, there have been few efforts to cast suicide bombing within the extensive evolutionary literature on human altruism—in which it clearly belongs. Neither have there been more than occasional efforts to mobilize the distinction between “proximate” and “ultimate” explanations, with most proposed explanations being proximate. Here we draw on content analyses from materials written by Japanese Kamikaze pilots to propose an evolvable cognitive algorithm—by hypothesis, species typical—that (1) specifies environmental circumstances under which such “heroic” behavior is likely; (2) is consistent at the proximate level with the Japanese data; and (3) that is not inconsistent with many of the diverse proximate attitudes, values, and psychological mechanisms that dominate discussions of contemporary suicide campaigns. The evolutionary perspective is not an alternative to most of the proximate explanations offered in discussions of contemporary cases but is, rather, a paradigm around which diverse proximate explanations can be organized.
Institutional Layering: A Review of the Use of the Concept
Authors: van der Heijden Jeroen
Published: January 2011

Over the years layering has gained increasing attention in studies of institutional change. Notably, the concept has been subject to the exact mechanism it tries to explain: incremental change. This article reviews the use of the concept over a 60-year time span in order to elucidate its value for studying institutional change. The article especially looks at the use of the concept by one of the leading authors in the field: Kathleen Thelen. It concludes that layering provides a bridge between – seemingly conflicting – ideas on incremental change and punctuated equilibrium.
Increasing Turnout Using Compulsory Voting
Authors: Hill Lisa
Published: January 2011

In a recent issue of Politics Ben Saunders argued that the use of compulsory voting to increase turnout is misguided: lower turnout – even if unequal across social groups – is not necessarily undemocratic and may even serve democratic values. While accepting Saunders' normative premises that democratic decisions should be made by those affected by them and that distortions should be eliminated from the electoral process, I show that when implementing such ideals against empirical trends in voter behaviour and government responsiveness, compulsory voting is vindicated rather than invalidated.
Compulsory Voting and Inclusion: A Response to Saunders
Authors: Fischer Clara
Published: January 2011

This article examines some of the arguments proffered in objection to the introduction of compulsory voting. In particular, it addresses the notion that abstention from voting is tied to political affect, and that inequality in votes is justified. Rather than presenting the debate on the enforcement of voting as a matter of pro or contra, however, it argues that insights from both sides of the discussion can be adopted to allow for an approach that manages to integrate politically alienated citizens, taking Iris Marion Young's model of inclusive democracy as a guide.
Does Compulsion Cure Alienation? A Reply to Fischer
Authors: Saunders Ben
Published: January 2011

In an earlier article, I questioned the motivation for compulsory voting by arguing that low turnout is not necessarily bad for democracy. Clara Fischer in 2011 responds that low turnout is bad because it is linked to socio-economic disadvantage and that compulsory voting can be part of a package of policies designed to deal with exclusion and disadvantage. In this reply I argue that, while socio-economic disadvantage may be a problem, it is distinct from low turnout, which need not be a problem, and that it is far from clear that compulsory voting would do anything to rectify such disadvantage.
Long Nonlinear Surface Waves in the Presence of a Variable Current
Authors: Feys Jan , Maslowe Sherwin A.
Published: January 2011

We investigate the eigenvalue problem governing the propagation of long nonlinear surface waves when there is a current  beneath the surface, y being the vertical coordinate. The amplitude of such waves evolves according to the KdV equation and it was proved by Burns [1] that their speed of propagation c is such that there is no critical layer (i.e., c lies outside the range of ). If, however, the critical layer is nonlinear, the result of Burns does not necessarily apply because the phase change of linear theory then vanishes.

In this paper, we consider specific velocity profiles and determine c as a function of Froude number for modes with nonlinear critical layers. Such modes do not always exist, the case of the asymptotic suction profile  being a notable example. We find, however, that singular modes can be obtained for boundary layer profiles of the Falkner–Skan similarity type, including the Blasius case. These and other examples are treated and we examine singular solutions of the Rayleigh equation to gain insight about the long wave limit of such solutions.
Using Real Life Examples to Teach Abstract Statistical Concepts
Authors: Mvududu Nyaradzo , Kanyongo Gibbs Y.
Published: January 2011

This article provides real life examples that can be used to explain statistical concepts. It does not attempt to be exhaustive, but rather, provide a few examples for selected concepts based on what students should know after taking a statistics course.
An Introduction to Distributions Using Weighted Dice
Authors: Holland Bart K.
Published: January 2011

This article describes a lively classroom demonstration that may be used to help develop students' understanding of the concept of a distribution, and to provide a foundation for the intuitive link between distributions and hypothesis testing.
Distance Learning for Teacher Professional Development in Statistics Education
Authors: Meletiou‐Mavrotheris Maria , Mavrotheris Efstathios , Paparistodemou Efi
Published: January 2011

We provide an overview of EarlyStatistics, an online professional development course in statistics education targeting European elementary and middle school teachers. The course facilitates intercultural collaboration of teachers using contemporary technological and educational tools. An online information base offers access to all of the course content and resources.
Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in patients with psoriasis previously treated with anti‐tumour necrosis factor agents: subanalysis of BELIEVE
Authors: Ortonne J.‐P. , Chimenti S. , Reich K. , Gniadecki R. , Sprøgel P. , Unnebrink K. , Kupper H. , Goldblum O. , Thaçi D.
Published: January 2011

Background  Few large clinical studies have evaluated whether switching tumour necrosis factor antagonists (anti‐TNFs) is likely to improve psoriasis in patients with prior anti‐TNF treatment.

Objective  The aim of this subanalysis of the BELIEVE study was to assess the efficacy and safety of adalimumab for psoriasis in patients with and without previous anti‐TNF treatment.

Methods  The BELIEVE study enrolled patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and prior failure, intolerance or contraindication to ≥2 systemic therapies. In this 16‐week, double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial, patients received adalimumab (80 mg, week 0; 40 mg every other week, weeks 1–15) with either topical vehicle or topical calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (C/B) applied once daily for 4 weeks, then as needed. The primary endpoint was ≥75% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75) at week 16. This post hoc subanalysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of adalimumab, with and without topical therapy, in BELIEVE patients who had prior exposure to anti‐TNFs.

Results  Of 730 patients enrolled, 282 (38.6%) had prior anti‐TNFs and 448 (61.4%) were anti‐TNF‐naïve. Combining topical vehicle and topical C/B study populations, 61.7% of patients with prior anti‐TNFs achieved PASI 75 at week 16, compared with 71.7% of anti‐TNF‐naïve patients (P = 0.095). Adalimumab resulted in clinically meaningful improvement regardless of which prior anti‐TNF agent had been used, the number of prior anti‐TNFs tried, or reasons for discontinuation of prior anti‐TNF therapy. Adverse event incidences were similar between patients with and without prior anti‐TNF therapy.

Conclusion  Adalimumab was effective and well‐tolerated in patients with psoriasis previously treated with anti‐TNF therapy.
Non‐cultured melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo: a clinical trial in an Iranian population
Authors: Toossi P. , Shahidi‐Dadras M. , Mahmoudi Rad M. , Fesharaki R.J.
Published: January 2011

Background  Non‐cultured cellular grafting as a surgical procedure is indicated to treat stable vitiligo, refractory to medical treatment, and is gaining wider acceptance among dermatologists.

Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of non‐cultured melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation (MKT) for the treatment of generalized vitiligo in Iranian patients.

Methods  In this clinical trial, a total of 14 vitiligo patches in eight patients were treated; eight patches with non‐cultured MKT and six patches dermabraded alone without application of keratinocyte‐melanocyte suspension. Repigmentation was compared at about 4 months post‐transplantation.

Results  Of the eight lesions treated with non‐cultured MKT, four lesions showed 96–100% repigmentation, one lesion 65–95% and three lesions 0–25%. Of the patients who showed excellent results, only one showed a post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation in recipient and control areas. Of the six control lesions, five showed failed repigmentation and one showed post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion  Non‐cultured MKT is an effective method to treat stable vitiligo. Studies on larger series of vitiligo patients are required to confirm its efficacy.
Sunbed use and campaign initiatives in the Danish population, 2007–2009: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Køster B. , Thorgaard C. , Philip A. , Clemmensen I.H.
Published: January 2011

Background  Denmark has experienced an increase in melanoma incidence since the 1960s. In 2007, a skin cancer prevention campaign was launched, one of the targets being the widespread use of sunbeds in Denmark. The antisunbed campaign comprised public affairs initiatives and campaign activities, which included the social media, with young people as the main target.

Objective  The aim of this study was to describe the development in sunbed use after the start of the campaign in the period 2007–2009.

Methods  A population‐based sample of 14 514 respondents aged 15–59 years completed four questionnaires in 2007–2009 on artificial exposure to ultraviolet radiation. We examined the relations between sunbed use, time and demographic factors using logistic regression analysis.

Results  The odds ratio (OR) for being a sunbed user in 2009 when compared with 2007 was 0.61 (0.54–0.69); in the age group of 15–19 years, the OR was 0.42 (0.30–0.69). In 2009, however, 23% of Danes (33% of 15–19‐year‐olds) still reported sunbed use within the past 12 months, and more than 50% had experienced sunburn caused by a sunbed. In 2009, the majority of the population, including the age group of 15–19 years, was in favour of restricting admission to sunbed parlours for children under 18 years.

Conclusions  Sunbed use in Denmark decreased concurrently with the campaign activities, with the largest change in the youngest age group, which was a prioritized target of the campaign. Results suggest that a legislative solution should be found to avoid exposure of a large proportion of children to ultraviolet radiation and to reduce future melanoma incidence.
Constructing a shared public identity in ethno nationally divided societies: comparing consociational and transformationist perspectives
Authors: NAGLE JOHN , CLANCY MARY‐ALICE C.
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT. In order to bolster sustainable peace building in violently divided societies, a normative suggestion is that efforts should be made to construct a shared public identity that overarches ethnic divisions. A number of different centripetal/transformationist processes are identified as engineering a shared identity in comparison to consociational arrangements, which are accused of institutionalising ethnic differences and perpetuating conflict. These transformationist approaches essentially rest on the premise that because ethnicity is constructed it can be reconstructed into new, shared forms. Looking at Northern Ireland, we argue that there are limits to the extent that ethnicity can be reconstructed into shared identities. By analysing consociational and centripetalist/transformationist approaches to division, we conclude that although consociationalism will probably not deliver a common identity, it does provide a robust form of conflict regulation.
Functional analysis and treatment of aggressive behavior following resection of a craniopharyngioma
Authors: HAMMOND JENNIFER L , HALL SCOTT S
Published: January 2011

Craniopharyngioma is a relatively rare, benign tumor that most often affects pre‐adolescent children. Surgical resection is a common form of treatment, which may result in adverse physical, neurological, and behavioral effects, most notably, aggressive behavior. In this case study we describe a typically developing 6 year old female who had resection of a craniopharyngioma and subsequently developed severe aggressive behavior that interfered significantly with her recovery and functioning. Results of a functional analysis indicated that her aggression was maintained by contingent escape from task demands and access to preferred food items. A highly structured behavioral intervention, consisting of differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors, together with extinction targeted to each function of the behavior, was effective in reducing her aggression to below 88% of baseline levels. Her adaptive behaviors also increased significantly. These results suggest that assessment and treatment utilizing principles of applied behavior analysis can ameliorate the occurrence of problem behavior following craniopharyngioma resection.
Proteinase‐activated receptors, nucleotide P2Y receptors, and μ‐opioid receptor‐1B are under the control of the type I transmembrane proteins p23 and p24A in post‐Golgi trafficking
Authors: Luo Weibo , Wang Yingfei , Reiser Georg
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)117, 71–81.

We recently characterized the proteinase‐activated receptor (PAR)‐2, a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), as the first cargo protein recognized by p24A. Here, we demonstrate that p24A binds to several other GPCRs, including PAR‐1, the nucleotide receptors P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, and P2Y11, as well as the μ‐opioid receptor 1B. The acidic amino acid residues Glu and Asp at the second extracellular loop of GPCRs are essential for interaction with p24A. p23, another member of the p24 family, also interacts with GPCRs, similar to p24A. However, p23 shows a delayed dissociation from PAR‐2 after activation of PAR‐2, compared to the dissociation between PAR‐2 and p24A. p24A and p23 arrest both P2Y4receptor and μ‐opioid receptor 1B at the intracellular compartments, as observed for PAR‐2. A comparable result was obtained when we studied primary rat astrocytes in culture. Over‐expression of the N‐terminal p24A fragment impairs PAR‐2 resensitization in astrocytes that extends our findings to a native system. In summary, we demonstrate that p24A and p23 are specific cargo receptors of GPCRs and differentially control GPCR trafficking in the biosynthetic pathway, and thereby, p24A and p23 regulate GPCR signaling in astrocytes.
Intracellular trafficking and secretion of cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor in neurosecretory cells
Authors: Sun Zong‐Peng , Gong Lei , Huang Shu‐Hong , Geng Zhao , Cheng Lei , Chen Zhe‐Yu
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 121–132.

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a novel evolutionary conserved protein which can protect and restore the function of dopaminergic neurons in the rat model of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that CDNF might be beneficial for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. CDNF is widely expressed in neurons in several brain regions including cerebral cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra, striatum and cerebellum. Human CDNF is glycosylated and secreted from transiently transfected cells; however, the mechanism underlying CDNF secretion is currently unclear. In this study, we found that CDNF could be secreted primarily via the regulated secretion pathway in PC12 cells. The glycosylation of CDNF is not required for its secretion. Moreover, we identified two key subdomains in CDNF which are important for its intracellular localization and secretion. Disrupting helix‐1 of CDNF significantly reduces its constitutive and regulated secretion and the helix‐1 mutant is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Although helix‐7 mutation only decreases CDNF regulated secretion and has no effect on its constitutive secretion, which is further supported by the reduction in co‐localization of helix‐7 mutant with secretory granules. In all, these findings will advance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of CDNF trafficking and secretion.
Prophylactic, prandial rofecoxib treatment lacks efficacy against acute PTZ‐induced seizure generation and kindling acquisition
Authors: Claycomb Robert J. , Hewett Sandra J. , Hewett James A.
Published: January 2011

Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine whether prophylactic prandial administration of rofecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor, could alter seizure generation, kindling acquisition, and/or kindling maintenance in the mouse pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) epilepsy model.

Methods: Male CD‐1 mice were fed ad libitum with control chow or chow formulated to deliver 30 mg/kg/day rofecoxib. After 5 days, mice were treated with a single dose of 40 or 55 mg/kg PTZ (acute paradigm) or 40 mg/kg PTZ delivered daily (kindling paradigm). Seizure severity was scored on a four‐point behavioral scale and COX‐2 expression was assessed in brain slices from a subset of mice 3 h or 72 h after acute PTZ or following establishment of kindling.

Key Findings: Hippocampal COX‐2 expression was transiently upregulated 3 h after an acute PTZ‐induced convulsion and returned to baseline levels within 72 h, whereas it remained elevated for at least 72 h after the final seizure in the kindling paradigm. Despite this increase, chronic rofecoxib treatment did not attenuate the severity of acute PTZ‐induced seizures and failed to alter kindling development or maintenance.

Significance: The present study demonstrates that prophylactic, prandial rofecoxib treatment lacks efficacy against acute PTZ‐induced seizure generation and kindling acquisition, and does not reverse the kindled state once established.
An Integrative Review of Comprehensive Sex Education for Adolescent Girls in Kenya
Authors: Agbemenu Kafuli , Schlenk Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2011

Purpose: The purposes of this article are to identify and review comprehensive sex education programs (CSEPs) available to adolescent females in Kenya, East Africa, to discuss barriers to implementing CSEPs in Kenya, and to highlight the role of nurses in improving and institutionalizing available CSEPs in Kenya.

Design: Integrative review.

Methods: A systematic search of six databases and other Internet sources was conducted to identify CSEPs currently available to adolescent girls in Kenya. Five CSEPs were identified. The CSEPs were evaluated using established criteria.

Findings: All of the CSEPs were well designed and almost all were implemented with fidelity. Four of the five CSEPs met all of the criteria for well‐designed CSEPs with only one showing lack of sustainability. Tuko Pamoja (We Are One) shows promise for wider implementation.

Conclusions: CSEPs are a valid intervention leading to the reduction of teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections. The reach of the identified CSEPs varies, and sustainability is challenging due to lack of government and community support, lack of funding, and unsustainable teaching modalities.

Clinical Relevance: Nurses can serve as liaisons between adolescents, the community, and the Kenyan government in promoting CSEPs. Nurses should be more readily utilized in educating community members and policy makers about the need for CSEPs in all Kenyan high schools. Nursing students can also be utilized in their community health role to teach curricula of CSEPs. Nurses should advocate for all adolescents to access reproductive health services and for all healthcare providers to provide comprehensive reproductive health care to them.
Self‐Hardening Microspheres of Calcium Phosphate Cement with Collagen for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering in Bone Repair
Authors: Park Jeong‐Hui , Lee Gil‐Su , Shin Ueon Sang , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: January 2011

Self‐hardening microspheres were developed as a 3‐dimensional (3D) matrix for bone regeneration. α‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP)‐based calcium phosphate cement (CPC) was mixed with collagen and emulsified to produce spherical microparticulates, during which the spheres could be hardened within minutes. The immersion of the microspheres in a fluid allowed the transformation of the α‐TCP into bone mineral‐like hydroxyapatite. Biological protein could be easily encapsulated within the microspheres and was released in a sustained manner over a month. Bone cells were shown to adhere and grow actively upon the CPC‐collagen microspheres. The newly developed CPC‐collagen microspheres with self‐hardening property may be potentially useful as a 3D matrix for bone regeneration.
A Foaming Esterification Sol–Gel Route for the Synthesis of Magnesia–Yttria Nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Chun‐Hu , Garofano Jacquelynn K. M. , Muoto Chigozie K. , Mercado Andrew L. , Suib Steven L. , Aindow Mark , Gell Maurice , Jordan Eric H.
Published: January 2011

Nanocomposites of MgO with Y2O3 have been produced from the respective nitrates by an esterification reaction with ethylene glycol and citric acid. The evolution of nitrous oxides during the reaction causes the product to foam, and the calcination of this foam gives nanocomposite powders with extremely fine, uniform grains, and phase domains. These microstructures are remarkably stable both under postcalcination heat treatment and during consolidation by hot pressing. These stable microstructures arise as a result of the decomposition sequence: this involves the formation of a metastable amorphous/vitreous intermediate followed by concurrent crystallization and phase separation on the nanoscale.
Farmland cash rents and the dollar
Authors: Nag Sharmistha , Reimer Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2011

We explore whether the U.S. exchange rate could have an influence on cash rental rates for farmland in five U.S. cornbelt states. We find that farmland cash rents have a fairly strong, positive correlation with the U.S. dollar, in terms of its real value relative to major agricultural trading partners. One explanation for the correlation is that a strong dollar lowers the price of key inputs and thus has purchasing power effects. A strong dollar may therefore be associated with higher net returns, and the payment of higher cash rents by farmers. We find support for this hypothesis through a series of econometric models.
Long‐term effect of combined interpersonal psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in a randomized trial of depressed patients
Authors: Zobel I. , Kech S. , van Calker D. , Dykierek P. , Berger M. , Schneibel R. , Schramm E.
Published: January 2011

Zobel I, Kech S, van Calker D, Dykierek P, Berger M, Schneibel R, Schramm E. Long‐term effect of combined interpersonal psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in a randomized trial of depressed patients.

Objective:  Evaluation of the long‐term benefits of combined pharmacological and psychotherapeutic depression treatment and the differential impact of early childhood trauma.

Method:  A randomized trial was conducted in 124 in‐patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder comparing 5 weeks of interpersonal psychotherapy plus pharmacotherapy (IPT) with medication plus clinical management (CM). The study included a prospective, naturalistic follow‐up 3, 12 and 75 months after in‐patient treatment. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) served as the primary outcome measure.

Results:  Patients in both treatments reduced their depressive symptoms between baseline and 5‐year follow‐up significantly with a faster decrease early in the follow‐up phase. The time rate of change and acceleration on the HRSD was higher for patients in the combination therapy group. The contrast between the conditions at year 5 was non‐significant. However, 28% of the IPT patients showed a sustained remission compared with 11% of the CM patients (P = 0.032). Early adversity was found to be a moderator of the relationship between treatment and outcome.

Conclusion:  In the long‐term, a combination of psycho‐ and pharmacotherapy was superior in terms of sustained remission rates to standard psychiatric treatment. Early trauma should be assessed routinely in depressed patients.
Early maternal anxiety predicts cognitive and behavioural outcomes of VLBW children at 24 months corrected age
Authors: Zelkowitz Phyllis , Na Sumin , Wang Tongtong , Bardin Claudette , Papageorgiou Apostolos
Published: January 2011

Aim:  The present study examined the effects of maternal anxiety during infant hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the child’s cognitive and behavioural development at 24 months corrected age. Parental anxiety following the birth of a very low birthweight (VLBW, <1500 g) infant may impede their capacity to be sensitive to the infant’s cues and adversely affect infant developmental outcomes.

Methods:  A sample of 88 mothers and their VLBW infants were recruited in the NICU; 57 were followed at 24 months corrected age. During the infant’s hospitalization, mothers completed a self‐report measure of trait anxiety. When the infants were 24 months corrected age, mother–child interaction was videotaped during free play at home. These videotaped observations were coded using Emotional Availability Scales. Child cognitive and behavioural outcomes were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (II) and the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1.5–5.

Results:  Maternal anxiety in the NICU was found to be a significant and independent predictor of child cognitive development and internalizing behaviour problems, controlling for maternal education and neonatal morbidity.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that early intervention programmes targeting anxious mothers of VLBW infants are indicated, to promote optimal developmental outcomes.
Can ‘high‐risk’ human papillomaviruses (HPVs) be detected in human breast milk?
Authors: Mammas Ioannis N , Zaravinos Apostolos , Sourvinos George , Myriokefalitakis Nikolaos , Theodoridou Maria , Spandidos Demetrios A
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission via nonsexual modes in childhood has been proposed by several researchers. The aim of our study was to determine the presence of ‘high‐risk’ HPV DNA in human breast milk.

Methods:  Using polymerase chain reaction techniques, we evaluated the presence of HPV infection in human breast milk collected from 21 HPV‐positive and 11 HPV‐negative mothers.

Results:  Of the 32 studied human milk specimens, no ‘high‐risk’ HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 or 58 DNA was detected.

Conclusion:  This preliminary case–control study indicates the absence of mucosal ‘high‐risk’ HPV types in human breast milk.