bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transesophageal Electrophysiologic Study to Determine the Inducibility After Successful Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children
Authors: ERDOĞAN İLKAY , ÖZER SEMA , KARAGÖZ TEVFIK , ÇELIKER ALPAY
Published: August 2009

Background: Radiofrequency ablation has become first‐line therapy for supraventricular tachycardia in all age groups, but there has been a concern regarding the long‐term effectiveness of the procedure in children. This study aimed to determine the inducibility after successful ablation of supraventricular tachycardia in children; assessment was performed using a transesophageal electrophysiologic study.

Results: A total of 63 patients who had been treated successfully for supraventricular tachycardia with radiofrequency ablation were included in the study. A transesophageal electrophysiologic study was performed 2 months after radiofrequency ablation. Tachycardia was induced in nine of 34 symptomatic and five of 29 asymptomatic patients by a transesophageal electrophysiologic study. Ten patients had recurrence of the same type of supraventricular tachycardia seen previously, and two had a new type of arrhythmia during a transesophageal electrophysiologic study. Tachycardia inducibility rate was 16% in all patients, 22.8% in patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia, and 8% in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective method to manage children with supraventricular tachycardia, but patients must be observed for recurrence and new arrhythmias. Sustained tachycardia may also be induced in asymptomatic patients. A transesophageal electrophysiologic study is effective and safe for follow‐up of radiofrequency ablation for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients.
The economic and poverty impacts of maize research in West and Central Africa
Authors: Alene Arega D. , Menkir Abebe , Ajala S. O. , Badu‐Apraku B. , Olanrewaju A. S. , Manyong V. M. , Ndiaye Abdou
Published: August 2009

This article assembles the results of three multicountry surveys on variety performance and adoption patterns to measure the impacts of maize research in West and Central Africa from 1981 to 2005, and uses cost data since 1971 to compute social rates of return on public investments in maize research in the region. Adoption of modern varieties increased from less than 5% of the maize area in the 1970s to about 60% in 2005, yielding an aggregate rate of return on research and development (R&D) investment of 43%. The estimated number of people moved out of poverty through adoption of new maize varieties rose gradually in the 1980s to more than one million people per year since the mid 1990s. Over half of these impacts can be attributed to international maize research at IITA and CIMMYT. The article concludes with a discussion of strategic options to enhance the impacts of maize research in the region.
Neuronal apoptosis by prolyl hydroxylation: implication in nervous system tumours and the Warburg conundrum
Authors: Schlisio Susanne
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Lessons from a rare disease

Specificity of function within the EglN prolyl hydroxylases

Failure of EglN3‐mediated apoptosis in the genesis of phaeochromocytoma

Understanding the mechanistic basis of EglN3 killing

Connecting EglN activity to the Warburg conundrum

Future directions

Oxygen‐sensing mechanisms are often dysfunctional in tumours. Oxygen sensing is mediated partlyviaprolyl hydroxylation. The EglN prolyl hydroxylases are well characterized in regulating the hypoxia inducible factor α (HIF‐α) hypoxic response, but also are implicated in HIF‐independent processes. EglN3 executes apoptosis in neural precursors during development and failure of EglN3 developmental apoptosis can lead to certain forms of sympathetic nervous system tumours. Mutations in metabolic/mitochondrial enzymes (SDH,FH,IDH) impair EglN activity and predisposes to certain cancers. This is because the EglNs not only require molecular oxygen to execute hydroxylation, but also equally require the electron donor α‐ketoglutarate, a metabolite from the Krebs cycle. Therefore EglN enzymes are considered oxygen, and also, metabolic sensors. α‐Ketoglutarate is crucial for EglN hydroxylation activity, whereas the metabolites succinate and fumarate are inhibitors of the EglN enzymes. Since EglN activity is dependent upon metabolites that take part in the Krebs cycle, these enzymes are directly tied into the cellular metabolic network. Cancer cells tend to convert most glucose to lactate regardless of whether oxygen is present (aerobic glycolysis), an observation that was first made by Otto Warburg in 1924. Despite the striking difference in ATP production, cancer cells might favour aerobic glycolysis to escape from EglN hydroxylation, resulting in the accumulation of oncogenic HIFα and/or resistance to EglN3‐mediated apoptosis.
Social anxiety disorder: what are we losing with the current diagnostic criteria?
Authors: Filho A. S. , Hetem L. A. B. , Ferrari M. C. F. , Trzesniak C. , Martín‐Santos R. , Borduqui T. , De Lima Osório F. , Loureiro S. R. , Busatto Filho G. , Zuardi A. W. , Crippa J. A. S.
Published: August 2009

Filho AS, Hetem LAB, Ferrari MCF, Trzesniak C, Martín‐Santos R, Borduqui T, de Lima Osório F, Loureiro SR, Busatto Filho G, Zuardi AW, Crippa JAS. Social anxiety disorder: what are we losing with the current diagnostic criteria?

Objective:  To assess the rate of comorbidities and the functional impairment associated with the social anxiety disorder (SAD), with an emphasis on the so‐called subthreshold clinical signs and symptoms.

Method:  Psychiatric comorbidities and psychosocial functioning were evaluated in 355 volunteers (college students) who had been diagnosed as SAD (n = 141), Subthreshold SAD (n = 92) or Controls (n = 122).

Results:  The rate of comorbidities was 71.6% in the SAD group and 50% in subjects with Subthreshold SAD, both significantly greater than Controls (28.7%). Concerning psychosocial functioning, the SAD group had higher impairment than the other two groups in all domains evaluated, and subjects with Subthreshold SAD presented intermediate values.

Conclusion:  The rates of psychiatric comorbidities and the impairment of psychosocial functioning increase progressively along the spectrum of social anxiety. The fact that Subthreshold SAD causes considerable disability and suffering in comparison with control subjects justifies a review of the validity of the diagnostic criteria.
Venlafaxine monotherapy in bipolar type II depressed patients unresponsive to prior lithium monotherapy
Authors: Amsterdam J. D. , Wang G. , Shults J.
Published: August 2009

Amsterdam JD, Wang G, Shults J. Venlafaxine monotherapy in bipolar type II depressed patients unresponsive to prior lithium monotherapy.

Objective:  We examine the safety and efficacy of venlafaxine monotherapy in bipolar type II (BP II) patients with major depressive episode (MDE) who were unresponsive to prior lithium monotherapy. We hypothesized that venlafaxine would be superior to lithium with a low hypomanic conversion rate.

Method:  Seventeen patients who were unresponsive to prior lithium monotherapy were crossed to venlafaxine monotherapy for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was within‐subject change in total Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM‐D) score over time. Secondary outcomes included the change in Young Mania Rating (YMRS) and clinical global impressions severity (CGI/S) and change (CGI/C) scores.

Results:  Venlafaxine produced significantly greater reductions in HAM‐D (P < 0.0005), CGI/S (P < 0.0005), and CGI/C (P < 0.0005) scores vs. prior lithium. There was no difference in mean YMRS scores between treatment conditions (P = 0.179).

Conclusion:  Venlafaxine monotherapy may be a safe and effective monotherapy of BP II MDE with a low hypomanic conversion rate in lithium non‐responders.
Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 South‐East Asia tsunami
Authors: Descilo T. , Vedamurtachar A. , Gerbarg P. L. , Nagaraja D. , Gangadhar B. N. , Damodaran B. , Adelson B. , Braslow L. H. , Marcus S. , Brown R. P.
Published: August 2009

Descilo T, Vedamurtachar A, Gerbarg PL, Nagaraja D, Gangadhar BN, Damodaran B, Adelson B, Braslow LH, Marcus S, Brown RP. Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for PTSD and depression in survivors of the 2004 South‐East Asia tsunami.

Objective:  This study evaluated the effect of a yoga breath program alone and followed by a trauma reduction exposure technique on post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 Asian tsunami.

Method:  In this non‐randomized study, 183 tsunami survivors who scored 50 or above on the Post‐traumatic Checklist‐17 (PCL‐17) were assigned by camps to one of three groups: yoga breath intervention, yoga breath intervention followed by 3–8 h of trauma reduction exposure technique or 6‐week wait list. Measures for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PCL‐17) and depression (BDI‐21) were performed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Data were analyzed using anova and mixed effects regression.

Results:  The effect of treatment vs. control was significant at 6 weeks (F2,178 = 279.616, P < 0.001): mean PCL‐17 declined by 42.5 ± 10.0 SD with yoga breath, 39.2 ± 17.2 with Yoga breath + exposure and 4.6 ± 13.2 in the control.

Conclusion:  Yoga breath‐based interventions may help relieve psychological distress following mass disasters.
Superficial leiomyosarcoma: a clinicopathologic review and update
Authors: Fauth Clarissa T. , Bruecks Andrea Kristin , Temple Walley , Arlette John P. , DiFrancesco Lisa Marie
Published: August 2009

Fauth CT, Bruecks AK, Temple W, Arlette JP, DiFrancesco LM. Superficial leiomyosarcoma: a clinicopathologic review and update.

Background: Superficial leiomyosarcomas (SLMSs) are rare soft tissue malignancies. A clinicopathologic review of 25 cases was undertaken.

Methods: Twenty‐five cases diagnosed between 1990 and 2007 were reviewed. Clinical information was obtained from patient charts. Histologic slides were reviewed, and immunohistochemical stains were performed.

Results: All patients presented with a nodule. Fourteen tumors were confined to the dermis and 11 involved subcutaneous tissue. Smooth muscle markers were positive in all cases. CD117 was consistently negative. Novel histological features included epidermal hyperplasia, sclerotic collagen bands and increasing tumor grade with the depth of the lesion. Poor outcome was associated with size > 2 cm, high grade and depth of the lesion.

Conclusions: SLMSs are rare but important smooth muscle tumors of the skin. The clinical presentation may be non‐specific. The histologic appearance is that of a smooth muscle lesion, but epidermal hyperplasia and thickened collagen bands are previously underrecognized features. Immunohistochemical stains are useful in confirming smooth muscle differentiation, but CD117 is of limited utility. SLMS can appear low grade or even benign on superficial biopsies, leading to undergrading or a delay in the correct diagnosis. Clinicians and pathologists alike should therefore be aware of these pitfalls and must approach these cases with caution.
Static species distribution models in dynamically changing systems: how good can predictions really be?
Authors: Zurell Damaris , Jeltsch Florian , Dormann Carsten F. , Schröder Boris
Published: August 2009

It is widely acknowledged that species respond to climate change by range shifts. Robust predictions of such changes in species’ distributions are pivotal for conservation planning and policy making, and are thus major challenges in ecological research. Statistical species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely applied in this context, though they remain subject to criticism as they implicitly assume equilibrium, and incorporate neither dispersal, demographic processes nor biotic interactions explicitly. In this study, the effects of transient dynamics and ecological properties and processes on the prediction accuracy of SDMs for climate change projections were tested. A spatially explicit multi‐species dynamic population model was built, incorporating species‐specific and interspecific ecological processes, environmental stochasticity and climate change. Species distributions were sampled in different scenarios, and SDMs were estimated by applying generalised linear models (GLMs) and boosted regression trees (BRTs). Resulting model performances were related to prevailing ecological processes and temporal dynamics.

SDM performance varied for different range dynamics. Prediction accuracies decreased when abrupt range shifts occurred as species were outpaced by the rate of climate change, and increased again when a new equilibrium situation was realised. When ranges contracted, prediction accuracies increased as the absences were predicted well. Far‐dispersing species were faster in tracking climate change, and were predicted more accurately by SDMs than short‐dispersing species. BRTs mostly outperformed GLMs. The presence of a predator, and the inclusion of its incidence as an environmental predictor, made BRTs and GLMs perform similarly.

Results are discussed in light of other studies dealing with effects of ecological traits and processes on SDM performance. Perspectives are given on further advancements of SDMs and for possible interfaces with more mechanistic approaches in order to improve predictions under environmental change.
Fossil pollen records forecast response of forests to hemlock woolly adelgid invasion
Authors: Heard Matthew J. , Valente Matthew J.
Published: August 2009

Forecasting the impact of invasive species can provide valuable insights to land managers and scientists. In this study we examined the threat posed to hemlock Tsuga canadensis forests by an invasive insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid Adelges tsugae (HWA). Our main objective was to determine if paleo‐ecological pollen records, showing the response of tree genera to a previous Tsuga decline, could predict contemporary responses to the HWA. To assess this, we matched fossil pollen sites from the Global Pollen Database to sites in the northeastern US that were invaded by the HWA approximately two decades ago. Our analyses showed that several of the same genera responded positively to Tsuga declines at both fossil pollen and contemporary sites. We then applied this methodology to an area currently threatened by the HWA, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), where invasions began just seven years ago. Our analysis suggests that the canopy genera mostly likely to respond positively to declining hemlock abundances in GSMNP are Acer, Betula, Fagus, and Quercus. Our findings provide land managers in GSMNP with the first predictions of likely shifts in canopy composition. We expect that this methodology will have application at other areas threatened by the HWA. Finally, we believe that studies on the impacts of contemporary invasions have underutilized relevant fossil data and that greater efforts should be extended to doing so in the future.
The denture hygiene, denture stomatitis and role of dental hygienist
Authors: Sadig W
Published: August 2009

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene 8, 2010; 227–231 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00413.x Sadig W. The denture hygiene, denture stomatitis and role of dental hygienist.

Abstract:  Objectives:  Denture induced stomatitis (DIS) affects a large number of denture wearer patients, particularly elderly people. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of DIS among a sample of denture wearers attending a teaching hospital, in relation to denture hygiene level and method, age, gender, objective and subjective severity of the lesion.

Materials and methods:  A total of 71 denture wearers were systemically interviewed and clinically examined by the same operator of their oral mucosal health and the denture hygiene practice. A questionnaire, including 20 questions was used in this study.

Results:  The results showed an incidence of DIS in both arches of 62% with no difference between the maxillary and mandibular arches. Denture hygiene within patients was good by 21.1%, of the sample, fair by 43.6% and poor by 35.2%. Another finding proved the incidence of DIS to be higher (Rev‐1 + Rev‐2) in elderly patients and a significant association was found between the presence of DIS and denture hygiene habits and sleeping with dentures (P < 0.05), with no differences related to gender.

Conclusions:  Results indicated that the predisposing factors to DIS are associated with the method of denture hygiene methods and use of denture while sleeping.

Clinical significance:  Dentists and dental hygienists should bear the responsibility by routinely providing post‐placement denture hygiene instructions to educate and motivate the patient.
Dual mitochondrial localization and different roles of the reversible reaction of mammalian ferrochelatase
Authors: Sakaino Masayoshi , Ishigaki Mutsumi , Ohgari Yoshiko , Kitajima Sakihito , Masaki Ryuichi , Yamamoto Akitsugu , Taketani Shigeru
Published: August 2009

Ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of ferrous ions into protoporphyrin IX to produce heme. Previously, it was found that this enzyme also participates in the reverse reaction of iron removal from heme. To clarify the role of the reverse reaction of ferrochelatase in cells, mouse liver mitochondria were fractionated to examine the localization of ferrochelatase, and it was found that the enzyme localizes not only to the inner membrane, but also to the outer membrane. Observations by immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the dual localization of ferrochelatase in ferrochelatase‐expressing human embryonic kidney cells and mouse liver mitochondria. The conventional (zinc‐insertion) activities of the enzyme in the inner and outer membranes were similar, whereas the iron‐removal activity was high in the outer membrane. 2D gel analysis revealed that two types of the enzyme with different isoelectric points were present in mitochondria, and the acidic form, which was enriched in the outer membrane, was found to be phosphorylated. Mutation of human ferrochelatase showed that serine residues at positions 130 and 303 were phosphorylated, and serine at position 130 may be involved in the balance of the reversible catalytic reaction. When mouse erythroleukemia cells were treated with 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol 13‐acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, or hemin, phospho‐ferrochelatase levels increased, with a concomitant decrease in zinc‐insertion activity and a slight increase in iron‐removal activity. These results suggest that ferrochelatase localizes to both the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes and that the change in the equilibrium position of the forward and reverse activities may be regulated by the phosphorylation of ferrochelatase.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7233234: Ferrochelatase (uniprotkb:P22315), Abcb7 (uniprotkb:Q61102) and b5 reductase (uniprotkb:Q9DCN2) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradients (MI:0029)

MINT‐7233207: b5 reductase (uniprotkb:Q9DCN2), COXIV (uniprotkb:P19783), Abcb7 (uniprotkb:Q61102) and Ferrochelatase (uniprotkb:P22315) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradients (MI:0029)

MINT‐7233195: ATP synthase (uniprotkb:Q50DL5) and Ferrochelatase (uniprotkb:P22315) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)
Review article: Inotrope and vasopressor use in the emergency department
Authors: Senz Ainslie , Nunnink Leo
Published: August 2009

Shock is a common presentation to the ED, with the incidence of septic shock increasing in Australasia over the last decade. The choice of inotropic agent is likely dependent on previous experience and local practices of the emergency and other critical care departments. The relatively short duration of stay in the ED before transfer leaves little room for evaluating the appropriateness of and response to the agent chosen. Delays in transfer to inpatient facilities means that patients receive advanced critical care within the ED for longer, requiring initiation and titration of vasoactive agents in the ED. This article discusses the general concepts of shock and the indicators for inotrope and vasopressor use, revises the various agents available and reviews the current evidence for their use.
Characterization of the proteases in the midgut of the xylophagous larvae of Oemona hirta (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Shaw Brian David , Christeller John Tane
Published: August 2009

Abstract  The protein digestive capability of the larvae of the longhorn beetle (Oemona hirta, Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Fabricius, 1775) was investigated. This species feeds only on wood where there is a high proportion of vascular tissue. The pH of the midgut, the major digestive organ, was alkaline and protein hydrolysis was maximal at alkaline pH. Use of specific synthetic peptide substrates showed that the major protease activities were the endopeptidases, trypsin and chymotrypsin‐like activity, and the exopeptidase, leucine aminopeptidase and the pH curves corresponded to that with protein substrate. Studies using a range of serine protease inhibitors as well as specific inhibitors of metalloproteases, cysteine proteases and aspartate proteases confirmed a serine protease‐based digestive system similar to earlier reports of sapwood‐feeding Cerambycids. Control of these insect pests using protease inhibitors is discussed.
Seasonality of insect succession on exposed rabbit carrion in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Shi Yan‐Wei , Liu Xiao‐Shan , Wang Hai‐Yang , Zhang Run‐Jie
Published: August 2009

Abstract Succession patterns for insect fauna, spanning four seasons, on rabbit carcasses were studied in Guangzhou China from 2006 to 2008. A total of 49 taxa belonging to three orders and 15 families were collected and identified. Four decomposition stages were recognized: fresh, bloated, decay and dry stage. Taxa diversity was higher in bloated and decay stages than fresh and dry stages. Internal and ambient temperatures were measured. Maximum internal temperature arrived earlier in warmer seasons. The sequence of insect succession in this study follows the same general patterns: the Diptera peaked initially, and the Coleoptera peaked later.Chrysomya megacephalawas the dominant species in four seasons. Its time point of different development stages on carrion could be the most important indicators for PMI (postmortem interval) estimation in Guangzhou. Yearly and seasonal differences in activities of insects were compared. Alpha diversity indices were calculated. There were no significant differences in Shannon‐Wiener index, evenness (J) and dominance (C) between seasons and years. From the Jaccard similarity index, the highest similarity was between winter and spring, while the lowest was between summer and winter. Some species occurring exclusively in one season may be important to characterize different seasons. A list of the insect taxa associated with above‐ground rabbit carrion during the four seasons was compiled, which can be used for estimating time since death in similar bio‐climate areas.
Synthesis and SAR Study of Opioid Receptor Ligands: Mono‐ and Bis‐Indolomorphinans
Authors: Li Fuying , Yin Chenlei , Chen Jie , Liu Jinggen , Xie Xin , Zhang Ao
Published: August 2009

Mono‐ and bis‐indolomorphinans were synthesized through a multi‐step synthetic approach from the alkaloid, thebaine, to further explore the C‐ring SAR (structure‐activity relationship) of morphinan scaffold. Both mono‐indoles displayed good binding affinity and selectivity for the δ receptor, with compound6bpossessed the highestKivalue of 1.45 nmat this receptor. Bisindolomorphinans 7a,b did not have appreciable affinity for both δ and κ receptors, but moderate binding at the μ receptor was observed. Functional assays indicated that the newly synthesized mono‐indole 6b was δ‐agonist, opposite to the δ‐antagonist profile of naltrindole. Bisindoles 7a,b were μ‐agonists. This work further confirms that the phenol component in opioids is essential for higher binding to the opioid receptors. The different binding ability, receptor selectivity, and the functional activity profiles of naltrindole 2, monoindole 6b, and bisindole 7b clearly indicated that they interact with the opioid receptors in different modes.
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Studies on 2‐Amino‐6‐arylsulfonylbenzonitriles as Human Immunodeficiency Viruses Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Using Descriptors Obtained from Substituents and Whole Molecular Structures
Authors: Hemmateenejad Bahram , Sabet Razieh , Fassihi Afshin
Published: August 2009

The human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 reverse transcriptase is a major target for drug development. Inhibition of this enzyme has been one of the primary therapeutic strategies in suppressing the replication of human immunodeficiency viruses type 1. A series of 2‐amino‐6‐arylsulfonylbenzonitrile derivatives was subjected to quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis. The newly proposed substituent electronic descriptors were investigated for quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling of the compounds and a comparison was made with the conventional molecular descriptors. Two chemometrics methods including multiple linear regressions and partial least squares combined with genetic algorithm for variable selection were employed to make connections between structural parameters and enzyme inhibition. The results revealed the significant roles of topological, geometrical and substituent electronic descriptor parameters on the human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity of the studied molecules. The selected substituent electronic descriptor parameters revealed that more electronegative and less polar substituents as meta position and more electrophile substituents as para positions are favorable for higher activity. It was found that electronic descriptors calculated for substituents (substituent electronic descriptor parameters) could explain 80% of variances in the biological activity data. The most significant quantitative structure–activity relationship model, obtained by partial least squares combined with genetic algorithm, could explain and predict 90% and 85% of variances in the pIC50 data, respectively.
Antiherpetic Properties of Acyclovir 5′‐Hydrogenphosphonate and the Mutation Analysis of Herpes Virus Resistant Strains
Authors: Gus’kova Anna A. , Skoblov Mikhail Yu. , Korovina Anna N. , Yasko Maxim V. , Karpenko Inna L. , Kukhanova Marina K. , Andronova Valeria L. , Galegov George A. , Skoblov Yuri S.
Published: August 2009

In this study, we continued to study antiherpetic properties of acyclovir 5′‐hydrogenphosphonate (Hp‐ACV) in cell cultures and animal models. Hp‐ACV was shown to inhibit the development of herpetic infection in mice induced by the HSV‐1/L2 strain. The compound suppressed replication of both ACV‐sensitive HSV‐1/L2 and ACV‐resistant HSV‐1/L2/R strains in Vero cell culture. Viral population resistant to Hp‐ACV (HSV‐1/L2/RHp‐ACV) was developed much slower than ACV‐resistant population. The analysis of Hp‐ACV‐resistant clones isolated from the HSV‐1/L2/RHp‐ACV population demonstrated their partial cross‐resistance to ACV. The mutations determining the resistance of HSV‐1 clones to Hp‐ACV were partly overlapped with mutations defining ACV resistance but did not always coincide. HSV‐1/L2/RHp‐ACV herpes virus thymidine kinase is shortened from the C‐terminus by 100 amino acid residues in length.
Antimalarial Activity of the Novel Quinoline/6‐Thiopurine Conjugate in Gallus gallus Linnaeus, Infected Experimentally by Plasmodium (Novyella) juxtanucleare
Authors: Vashist Usha , Carvalhaes Rafael , D’agosto Marta , Da Silva Adilson David
Published: August 2009

This study aimed to evaluate the 4‐(6′‐thiopurine)‐7‐chloroquinoline, a novel quinoline/6‐thiopurine conjugate, for the treatment of Gallus gallus experimentally infected with Plasmodium juxtanucleare, an avian malaria agent. The avian group treated with 4‐(6′‐thiopurine)‐7‐chloroquinoline showed a significative parasite clearance and maintained a low level of parasitaemia, when compared with the untreated control group and to the chloroquine treated avian group.
Identification and Functional Characterization of microRNAs Involved in the Malignant Progression of Gliomas
Authors: Malzkorn Bastian , Wolter Marietta , Liesenberg Franziska , Grzendowski Michael , Stühler Kai , Meyer Helmut E. , Reifenberger Guido
Published: August 2009

Diffuse astrocytoma of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II has an inherent tendency to spontaneously progress to anaplastic astrocytoma WHO grade III or secondary glioblastoma WHO grade IV. We explored the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in glioma progression by investigating the expression profiles of 157 miRNAs in four patients with primary WHO grade II gliomas that spontaneously progressed to WHO grade IV secondary glioblastomas. Thereby, we identified 12 miRNAs (miR‐9, miR‐15a, miR‐16, miR‐17, miR‐19a, miR‐20a, miR‐21, miR‐25, miR‐28, miR‐130b, miR‐140 and miR‐210) showing increased expression, and two miRNAs (miR‐184 and miR‐328) showing reduced expression upon progression. Validation experiments on independent series of primary low‐grade and secondary high‐grade astrocytomas confirmed miR‐17 and miR‐184 as promising candidates, which were selected for functional analyses. These studies revealed miRNA‐specific influences on the viability, proliferation, apoptosis and invasive growth properties of A172 and T98G glioma cells in vitro. Using mRNA and protein expression profiling, we identified distinct sets of transcripts and proteins that were differentially expressed after inhibition of miR‐17 or overexpression of miR‐184 in glioma cells. Taken together, our results support an important role of altered miRNA expression in gliomas, and suggest miR‐17 and miR‐184 as interesting candidates contributing to glioma progression.
Effects of Forest Composition and Spatial Patterns on Storm Flows of a Small Watershed1
Authors: Qi Shi , Wang Yunqi , Sun Ge , Xiao Yubao , Zhu Jinzhao , Yang Hailong , Hu Xiaojing , Wu Bin , Wang Yujie , McNulty Steve G.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  The PRMS_Storm model was built as a storm event, distributed hydrological model for studying the hydrological effects of forest composition and spatial distribution on storm‐flow volume and peakflow rates in the Xiangshuixi Watershed in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, in the Yangtze River Basin in southwestern China. We developed three simulation scenarios based on forest composition and their spatial arrangements across the watershed, including all mixed conifer‐evergreen broadleaf forests (Scenario 1), all mixed evergreen broadleaf forests (Scenario 2), and mixed conifer + evergreen broadleaf + shrub forests (Scenario 3). We examined 11 storm events observed during 2002‐2005. Compared with the existing forest covers, modeling results suggested that the amount of overland flow was reduced by 21, 23, and 22%, and the interflow increased by 16, 88, and 30%, for Scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. During the same time, peakflow rates were reduced by 20.8, 9.6, and 18.9%, respectively. The reduction of peakflow rates was most significant when rainfall intensity exceeded 0.8 mm/min and events with a short duration and effect was minor when rainfall intensity was below 0.5 mm/min. In general, we found that Scenarios 1 and 3 were preferred for reducing storm‐flow volume and peakflow rates due to their higher interception rates, large soil water holding capacity, and higher soil infiltration capacity. The modeled results suggested soil properties are important in affecting the flow processes and thus forest composition and forest spatial distributions will affect storm‐flow volume and peakflow rates at the watershed scale. To maximize flood reduction functions of a watershed, high priority should be given to those forest types (Scenarios 1 and 3) in reforestation practices in the study region. This study suggests both forest composition and spatial pattern are important reforestation designs for flood reduction in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.
Ensemble Streamflow Forecast: A GLUE‐Based Neural Network Approach1
Authors: Asefa Tirusew
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  While training a Neural Network to model a rainfall‐runoff process, generally two aspects are considered: its capability to be able to describe the complex nature of the processes being modeled and the ability to generalize so that novel samples could be mapped correctly. The general conclusion is that, the smallest size network capable of representing the sample distribution is the best choice, as far as generalization is concerned. Oftentimes input variables are selected a priori in what is called an explanatory data analysis stage and are not part of the actual network training and testing procedures. When they are, the final model will have only a “fixed” type of inputs, lag‐space, and/or network structure. If one of these constituents was to change, one would obtain another equally “optimal” Neural Network. Following Beven and others' generalized likelihood uncertainty estimate approach, a methodology is introduced here that accounts for uncertainties in network structures, types of inputs, and their lag‐space relationships by looking at a population of Neural Networks rather than target in getting a single “optimal” network. It is shown that there is a wide array of networks that provide “similar” results, as seen by a likelihood measure, for different types of inputs, lag‐space, and network size combinations. These equally optimal networks expose the range of uncertainty in streamflow predictions and their expected value results in a better performance than any of the single network predictions.
The treatment of faecal incontinence following ileostomy takedown after rectal surgery for cancer
Authors: Attene Federico , Scognamillo Fabrizio , Xidas Andreas , Pala Carlo , Serventi Fernando , Trignano Mario Piero
Published: August 2009

Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitative treatment of the pelvic floor on faecal incontinence after ileostomy take‐down.

Background. Several conditions can induce surgeons to fashion an excluding ileostomy. In our experience 40% of patients subjected to ileostomy takedown refer faecal incontinence which becomes a chronic condition if not treated.

Design. Between 2006 and 2008 we observed fourteen patients with faecal incontinence after ileostomy takedown. Previous manometric assessment of the pelvic floor functionality they underwent rehabilitative treatment by electrostimulation of the anal sphincter.

Methods. The rehabilitation program was organised in 10 sessions each of 15 minutes. In each session a double electrode probe was introduced through the anus which is able to conduct electric impulses at a frequency of 75 Hz with an intensity of 15–50 mA and duration of 150 μs.

Results. All patients showed important clinical and manometric improvement. Three patients needed a second rehabilitative treatment with subsequent clinical resolution of faecal incontinence.

Conclusions. Improvement in all patients was found although the data are not statistically significant. Consideration of social and psychological implications of treatments is important. Patients need to acquire full control of their body and its functions. Considering that faecal incontinence is a pathology with high social costs it appears necessary to establish an effective and repeatable method of treatment. Electric stimulation seems to be the most adequate tool for this purpose.

Relevance to clinical practice. The standardisation of parameters in the treatment protocol of incontinence could allow to extend this therapy to a lot of colo‐proctological units.
Exploring people’s perceptions of a pulmonary rehabilitation program and maintenance options
Authors: Sinnerton Janet , Gillen Patricia
Published: August 2009

Aim and objectives.  To explore patients’ experience of a pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance programme.

Background.  Pulmonary rehabilitation has established efficacy, but people often require follow‐up care or maintenance. There are few studies that explore the patients’ experience of pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance. In addition, there are no guidelines for health professionals as to what constitutes effective maintenance for patients who complete pulmonary rehabilitation.

Design.  An exploratory descriptive design.

Methods.  Focus group interviews were used to collect data from participants (n = 25) during 2006 who had completed a six‐week pulmonary rehabilitation programme within the previous year.

Results.  Participants described individual outcomes that confirm the physical and psychological benefits of completing pulmonary rehabilitation. Group motivation and peer support were viewed as essential dynamics for maintenance activities.

Conclusion.  There is a deficit in guidelines as to what constitutes effective maintenance and this presents a challenge for future research. Inclusion of the patient in service provision and delivery has the potential to influence future pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance programmes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients’ experience of outcomes and expectations has the potential to influence future services.
Improving end‐of‐life care for non‐cancer patients in hospitals: description of a continuous quality improvement initiative
Authors: Woo Jean , Lo Raymond SK , Lee Jenny , Cheng Joanna OY , Lum Christopher M , Hui Elsie , Wong Florens , Yeung Fai , Or Kevin KH
Published: August 2009

Aim and objectives.  To describe a continuous quality improvement initiative that aimed to improve the quality of end‐of‐life care for non‐cancer patients.

Background.  In spite of the importance given to improving end‐of‐life care for non‐cancer patients in the context of national health policies as well as guidelines of various professional bodies, there is a gap between articulation of the need for better care and the actual care patients receive. By analyzing this gap, a better understanding of potential barriers to improving care may contribute to planning of services.

Design.  A continuous quality improvement initiative was developed in 2008 to document barriers encountered to quality end‐of‐life care for people with non‐cancer conditions and measures to overcome them were implemented.

Method.  The continuous improvement initiative consisted of a culture change in a hospital setting and development of guidelines and care protocols, with continual feedback to plan the next step, constituting in a series of incremental changes.

Results.  There was a reluctance to talk to relatives and patients about death. Staff held perceptions that such communications are mainly concerned with psychological, spiritual or religious matters that are best left to ‘trained’ personnel and that it equated with terminal care. The need to create an opportunity for patients and relatives to express their wishes regarding end of life situations was not well understood.

Conclusion.  We have demonstrated that this approach of continuous improvement through incremental change with feedback and continuing education is feasible. To achieve improvement, a culture change is needed in addition to distributing pathways and guidelines.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This integrative approach may be the way forward for the organisation of end‐of‐life care for patients with non‐cancer chronic diseases, rather than the setting up of many specialised palliative care teams.
Twitter as a tool for delivering improved quality of life for people with chronic conditions
Authors: Pulman Andy
Published: August 2009

Aims and objectives.  This article discusses the changing nature of healthcare to a more transparent personalised delivery model and examines the rise in the use of blogging and microblogging by people with chronic conditions. It then explores how the use of the microblogging tool Twitter could be effective as a means of delivering improved Quality of Life for people with chronic conditions.

Background.  Global healthcare systems face increasing demands for better service and more information. Twitter is a free microblogging application providing users with the ability to communicate through the exchange of answers to the question: What are you doing? It has evolved beyond this base functionality to provide a variety of alternate uses, some of which are health related and which might offer opportunities in relation to improving health and quality of life.

Data sources.  A thorough literature review of relevant journals, Internet sources and Twitter itself was undertaken. This looked at the use of microblogging tools for health‐related subjects with a particular focus on chronic conditions. The review provided a comprehensive foundation for the paper; however, it is acknowledged that as this nascent technology is particularly fast moving, further advances and uses might have taken place since it was written.

Conclusion.  Twitter is an ideal candidate for delivering and constituting improved Quality of Life. It could cultivate and inspire private, focused group conversations between people with chronic conditions and offer an effective targeted information channel for practitioners.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Current definitions concerning the integration of health information and support with Web 2·0 technology are primarily concerned with approaches from a healthcare or medical perspective, which do not effectively consider how this might work from the viewpoint of the patient. There is a need to design a patient centered framework, encapsulating the use of Web 2·0 technology for people with long‐term conditions who might want to support, mitigate or improve their own quality of life. This leads to questions as to which technology working within this framework might impact on health‐related quality of life, how might it be satisfactorily measured and whether its use could be effectively translated into a noticeable improvement in the quality of life of individuals with long‐term conditions.
Health promoting contacts as encountered by individuals with head and neck cancer
Authors: Björklund Margereth , Sarvimäki Anneli , Berg Agneta
Published: August 2009

Aim.  To describe the characteristics of health promoting contacts with health professionals as encountered by individuals with head and neck cancer.

Background.  Head and neck cancer has a profound and chronic impact on the individual’s everyday life, e.g. physical problems that hinder speaking, breathing, eating and drinking. Furthermore, fear and uncertainty can lead to long‐term psychological and psychosocial problems. The National Institute of Public Health in Sweden advocates that all care contacts should improve the quality of the individual’s health.

Design.  A qualitative descriptive and explorative design was used. Eight participants were interviewed in the year 2005 and a qualitative thematic content analysis of the data was performed.

Findings.  Health promoting contacts were defined as contacts where health care professionals contribute positively to the well‐being of individual patients. Characteristics include being available, engaged, respectful and validating. Three themes were identified: being believed in one’s illness story; having a working relationship with health professionals and receiving individualised, tailored care.

Conclusions.  Health promoting contacts were experienced mainly during the treatment phase, when patients had daily contact with specific, qualified health professionals. Although the interview questions focused on health promoting contacts, nearly half of the contacts were experienced as not health promoting. Feelings of abandonment were particularly manifested before and after treatment. The starting point for achieving health promoting contact lies in understanding the patient’s lifeworld in relation to health, illness and suffering and focusing on the individual’s personal strengths and health resources.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings highlighted the importance of ensuring that patient interests and concerns are core considerations in health care. The participants viewed continuing individualised, tailored care and access to ear, nose and throat healthcare professionals as highly important.
Isolation and characterization of 64 novel microsatellite markers from a fosmid library of female half‐smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)
Authors: WANG XUBO , ZHANG QUANQI , SUN XIAOHUA , YIN GUOLIANG , QI JIE , WANG ZHIGANG , WANG XINGLIAN
Published: August 2009

Microsatellite markers were developed from a fosmid library of female half‐smooth tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis. Three hundred eighty‐four clones were randomly selected to sequence (double strand reading), and 168 sequences in 143 clones were found to contain microsatellites. Of the 101 primer pairs designed, 64 gave polymorphic polymerase chain reaction products. Based on characterization with 36 individuals, the number of alleles ranged from two to nine. The values of observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.06 to 1.00 and from 0.05 to 0.94, respectively. These markers have the potential as tools for population structure evaluation, ecological analyses and linkage map construction.
concatenator: sequence data matrices handling made easy
Authors: PINA‐MARTINS F. , PAULO O. S.
Published: August 2009

concatenator is a simple and user‐friendly software that implements two very useful functions for phylogenetics data analysis. It concatenates NEXUS files of several fragments in a single NEXUS file ready to be used in phylogenetics software, such as paup and mrbayes and it converts FASTA sequence data files to NEXUS and vice‐versa. Additionally, concatenated files can be prepared for partition tests in paup. It is freely available in http://cobig2.fc.ul.pt.
Development of microsatellite markers in the St Lucia anole, Anolis luciae
Authors: JOHANSSON HELENA , SURGET‐GROBA YANN , GOW JENNIFER L. , THORPE ROGER S.
Published: August 2009

Anolis lizards are important models in studies of ecology and evolution. Here we describe 13 polymorphic microsatellites for use in population screening in the St Lucia anole, Anolis luciae, that can be used as a natural replicate to Anolis roquet on Martinique to study processes involved in population differentiation and speciation. Genotyping of 32 individuals using M13 tails and FAM‐labelled universal M13 primers showed that all loci were polymorphic with high genetic diversity, averaging at 16.8 alleles per locus. Genotypic frequencies conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations, and there were no instances of linkage disequilibrium between loci.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis)
Authors: XU LAIXIANG , SONG MINGJING , ZHANG FEIFEI , XU YANCHAO , GAO QIAN , LI CHUANHAI , LU YUNQI
Published: August 2009

A total of 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from the striped hamster, Cricetulus barabensis, a widespread rodent pest in northern China. Two to six alleles per locus were detected in 90 individuals from three locations in Shandong Province, China. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.21 to 0.78 and from 0.30 to 0.80, respectively. These microsatellite markers provide new tools for investigating the population structure of this species.