bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of donor type and ABO incompatibility on transfusion requirements after nonmyeloablative haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Wang Zejing , Sorror Mohamed L. , Leisenring Wendy , Schoch Gary , Maloney David G. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Storb Rainer
Published: January 2010

We retrospectively analyzed transfusion requirements within the first 100 d among allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients with haematological malignancies given either myeloablative (n = 1353) or nonmyeloablative conditioning (n = 503). We confirmed that myeloablative recipients required more platelet and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions than nonmyeloablative recipients (P < 0·0001 for both). Myeloablative patients given peripheral blood stem cells required less platelet transfusions (P < 0·0001) than those given marrow while RBC transfusion requirements did not differ significantly. Subsequent analyses were restricted to nonmyeloablative recipients. Platelet and RBC transfusions were less frequent among related compared to unrelated recipients (P < 0·0001 for both), with comparable median numbers of transfused units. Major/bidirectionally ABO‐mismatched recipients required more RBC transfusions than ABO‐matched recipients (P = 0·006). Rates of graft rejection/failure, grades II–IV acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host‐disease (GVHD), 2‐year relapse, 3‐year survivals and non‐relapse mortality were comparable among ABO‐matched, minor‐mismatched, and major/bidirectionally mismatched recipients (P = 0·93, 0·72, 0·57, 0·36, 0·17 and 0·79, respectively). Times to disappearance of anti‐donor IgG and IgM isohemagglutinins among major/bidirectionally ABO‐mismatched recipients were affected by magnitude of pre‐HCT titres (P < 0·001 for both) but not GVHD (P = 0·71 and 0·78, respectively). In conclusion, nonmyeloablative recipients required fewer platelet and RBC transfusions and among them, both unrelated and major/bidirectionally ABO‐mismatched recipients required more RBC transfusions. ABO incompatibility did not affect nonmyeloablative HCT outcomes.
Lost and found
Authors: Nikolaeva Svetlana , Morgan Nina
Published: January 2010

Consulting type specimens is a necessary element of taxonomic research in palaeontology. Every taxonomist from time to time has to examine the types to make sure that the identifications are correct. This can be a difficult proposition when the fossils in question were collected in the early nineteenth century. But just because a historical fossil collection is said to be ‘lost’, doesn't mean it cannot be found.
Moveout approximation for horizontal transversely isotropic and vertical transversely isotropic layered medium. Part II: effective model‡
Authors: Koren Zvi , Ravve Igor , Levy Ronit
Published: January 2010

We use residual moveouts measured along continuous full azimuth reflection angle gathers, in order to obtain effective horizontal transversely isotropic model parameters. The angle gathers are generated through a special angle domain imaging system, for a wide range of reflection angles and full range of phase velocity azimuths. The estimation of the effective model parameters is performed in two stages. First, the background horizontal transversely isotropic (HTI)/vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) layered model is used, along with the values of reflection angles, for converting the measured residual moveouts (or traveltime errors) into azimuthally dependent normal moveout (NMO) velocities. Then we apply a digital Fourier transform to convert the NMO velocities into azimuthal wavenumber domain, in order to obtain the effective HTI model parameters: vertical time, vertical compression velocity, Thomsen parameter delta and the azimuth of the medium axis of symmetry. The method also provides a reliability criterion of the HTI assumption. The criterion shows whether the medium possesses the HTI type of symmetry, or whether the azimuthal dependence of the residual traveltime indicates to a more complex azimuthal anisotropy. The effective model used in this approach is defined for a 1D structure with a set of HTI, VTI and isotropic layers (with at least one HTI layer). We describe and analyse the reduction of a multi‐layer structure into an equivalent effective HTI model. The equivalent model yields the same NMO velocity and the same offset azimuth on the Earth's surface as the original layered structure, for any azimuth of the phase velocity. The effective model approximates the kinematics of an HTI/VTI layered structure using only a few parameters. Under the hyperbolic approximation, the proposed effective model is exact.
Utility of the Haemophilia Joint Health Score in study of episodically treated boys with severe haemophilia A and B in Lithuania
Authors: SAULYTE TRAKYMIENE S. , INGERSLEV J. , RAGELIENE L.
Published: January 2010

Summary.  Musculoskeletal outcome remains the major hallmark of haemophilia. The purpose of the study was to assess joint status using a new musculoskeletal assessment tool in children with haemophilia and describe the development of haemophilic arthropathy during childhood and puberty focussing on the age of remarkable changes. The prospective study involved Lithuanian patients aged 4–17 years with severe haemophilia A and B, no signs of inhibitors and treatment on‐demand. Patients were subdivided into two groups according to actual age. Group I patients were 4–9 years and group II patients 10–17 years of age. The musculoskeletal status was measured using the Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS). We report on 20 patients with a mean age of 11.5 years (SD 4.3, range 4–17.2 years). The mean HJHS score was 24.5 (SD 14.5, range 5–50). The most affected joints were ankles, followed by knees and elbows. Mean HJHS score in age group I (n = 7) was 11.6 (SD 6.5); in group II (n = 13) the score was significantly higher – mean 31.5 (SD 12.8) (P = 0.0002). Ankles, knees and elbows were significantly more impaired based on the HJHS scores in older patients as compared with younger ones. The HJHS appears to be a useful tool in evaluating musculoskeletal outcome of patients receiving treatment on‐demand. Children ≥10 years of age had significantly higher HJHS scores as a sign of progressing haemophilic arthropathy. We conclude that the most aggravating development of haemophilic joint damage seems to occur from the age of 10 and onwards.
The practice of nurses working with older people in long term care: an Australian perspective
Authors: Hunter Sharyn , Levett‐Jones Tracy
Published: January 2010

Aims and objectives.  To provide a contemporary description of the practice of nurses caring for older people in long term care.

Background.  The increasing size and morbidity of the population of older persons is driving the requirement for nurses who work in long term care to have appropriate educational qualifications and expertise.

Design.  A mixed method research design was used in this study.

Method.  The perceptions from clinical registered nurses (n = 48) and nurse managers (n = 16), working in six long term aged care facilities were elicited. Data were collected via purposive questionnaires, document analysis and semi‐structured interviews.

Results.  There was considerable agreement among the data and from the two groups of nurses about registered nurses’ practice. The most frequently performed nursing activities revealed in the questionnaire were ‘Organising their own workload’ and ‘Devising an individualised plan of care’ whilst the lowest were ‘Developing policies in response to changes in legislation or clinical practice’ and ‘Introducing appropriate research findings into practice’. Categories from the interviews included, ‘It is a team effort’, ‘We manage’ and ‘Clinical skills and responsibilities’. Overall the data revealed a picture of nurses managing the care of older persons in a specialised context.

Conclusion.  The findings confirm that the practice of nurses working with older persons in long term care has expanded to the role of specialised care facilitator. Registered nurses’ practice in this study is consistent with current descriptions of gerontological nursing. However, some elements of practice require further development: person‐centred care and evidence‐based practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It remains a challenge for registered nurses working with older people to deliver person‐centred care and to engage with evidence and integrate evidence into policy and practice. Strategies are required for registered nurses to develop these elements of practice.
Improving glycaemic control self‐efficacy and glycaemic control behaviour in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shi Qifang , Ostwald Sharon K , Wang Shaopeng
Published: January 2010

Aims and objectives.  To examine the effect of a hospital‐based clinic intervention on glycaemic control self‐efficacy and glycaemic control behaviour of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Background.  Self‐efficacy expectations are related to self‐management of diabetes and, in conjunction with environmental support, are better predictors of behaviour than are knowledge and skills. Enhancing self‐efficacy in patients with DM has been shown to have a positive effect on behavioural change and positively influence long‐term glycaemic control.

Design.  A randomised controlled trial study consisting of two‐group pretest‐post‐test.

Methods.  One hundred and fifty‐seven patients with type 2 DM were randomly divided into two groups: (1) the experimental group (77 patients) receiving one‐month hospital‐based clinic intervention and (2) the control group (80 patients) receiving usual care. Data collection instruments used in this study were Diabetes Management Self‐Efficacy Scale and Summary of Diabetes Self‐Care Activities Measure. Outcomes were determined by changes in glycaemic control self‐efficacy and glycaemic control behaviour of patients with type 2 DM.

Results.  The findings revealed that the experimental group showed statistically significant improvement in glycaemic control self‐efficacy and glycaemic control behaviour immediately and four months after the intervention (F = 26·888, df = 1, 155, p < 0·05 and F = 18·619, df = 1, 155, p < 0·05, respectively).

Conclusions.  One‐month hospital‐based clinic intervention could be useful in improving glycaemic control self‐efficacy and glycaemic control behaviour.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can learn and use the sources of self‐efficacy to enhance patients’ self‐efficacy on their glycaemic control in clinical care. The health education is most important in nursing care and should be considered while organising the hospital‐based clinic intervention.
Clinical profile of patients enroled in a cell therapy trial for severe coronary artery disease
Authors: Brandão Sara MG , Schettert Isolmar T , César Luiz AM , Krieger José E , De Oliveira Sérgio A , Stolf Noedir AG , Gowdak Luís HW
Published: January 2010

Aims and objectives.  To compare the clinical profile of patients included in a clinical trial of autologous bone marrow cells as an adjunctive therapy to coronary artery bypass grafting with that of patients undergoing routine coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background.  The therapeutic potential of autologous bone marrow cells has been explored in the treatment of severe coronary artery disease. There are few data regarding the clinical and socio‐economic profile of patients included in clinical trials using bone marrow cell.

Design.  Case–control study.

Method.  Sixty‐seven patients (61 SD 9) years, 82% men) with multivessel coronary artery disease were divided into two groups: patients in the bone marrow cell group (n = 34) underwent incomplete coronary artery bypass grafting + intramyocardial injection of autologous bone marrow cells (lymphomonocytic fraction −2·0 (SD 0·2 × 108) cells/patient) in the ischaemic, non‐revascularised myocardium, whereas patients in the coronary artery bypass grafting group (n = 33) underwent routine bypass surgery. Demographics, socio‐economic status, clinical and echocardiographic data were collected. Statistical analysis included the Fisher’s exact test (categorical variables) and the Student’s t‐test (continuous variables).

Results.  There were no significant differences between groups regarding age, gender, BMI, heart rate, blood pressure and echo data. There was a greater prevalence of obesity (65 vs. 33%; OR = 3·7 [1·3–10·1]), of previous myocardial infarction (68 vs. 39%; OR = 3·2 [1·2–8·8]) and prior revascularisation procedures (59 vs. 24%; OR = 4·5 [1·6–12·7]) in the autologous bone marrow cells group and of smokers in the coronary artery bypass grafting group (51 vs. 23%; OR = 3·5 [1·2–10·4]).

Conclusions.  Patients included in this clinical trial of autologous bone marrow cells for severe coronary artery disease presented a greater prevalence of myocardial revascularisation procedures, indicating a more severe clinical presentation of the disease. Fewer smokers in this group could be attributable to life style changes after previous cardiovascular events and/or interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The knowledge of the clinical profile of patients included in cell therapy trials may help researchers in the identification of patients that may be enroled in future clinical trials of this new therapeutic strategy.
Prospective study of postpartum depression in eastern Turkey prevalence, socio‐demographic and obstetric correlates, prenatal anxiety and early awareness
Authors: Kirpinar İsmet , Gözüm Sebahat , Pasinlioğlu Türkan
Published: January 2010

Aims and objectives.  The study was undertaken to provide an estimate of the prevalence of postpartum depression and its correlates. Further, we sought to evaluate the predictive power of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale when administered at postpartum week one for symptoms of depression at postpartum week six.

Background.  Postpartum depression is a major health issue for women worldwide with well‐documented negative health consequences for the mother and family. It is therefore important to evaluate prenatal detection of women at risk for developing postpartum depression.

Design.  A prospective study.

Methods.  The study involved 479 pregnant women in Erzurum, Turkey who were evaluated during the third trimester of pregnancy and at one and six weeks postpartum by community midwives. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Anxiety/social support scales were used for baseline evaluation, and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was administered at one and six weeks postpartum.

Results.  The prevalence of depressive symptoms according to the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was 17·7% at first week and 14% at sixth week postpartum. The factors that were most predictive of postpartum depression were psychiatric history during pregnancy; prenatal anxiety; poor marital relationship in the first postpartum weeks; lack of health insurance and lack of contraceptive use. The correlation between symptoms of depression at one and six weeks in the postpartum period was significant.

Conclusions.  The prevalence of postpartum depression and its correlates were similar to the results of Western studies. Early identification of potential risk factors may aid in recognition of and treatment for postpartum depression. The Edinburgh scale is a simple yet useful tool to use during the early postpartum period for evaluation of depressive symptoms.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study highlights the utility of screening for risk of postpartum depression during pregnancy and also during the early postpartum period.
Effects of nurse‐delivered home visits combined with telephone calls on medication adherence and quality of life in HIV‐infected heroin users in Hunan of China
Authors: Wang Honghong , Zhou Jun , Huang Ling , Li Xianhong , Fennie Kristopher P , Williams Ann B
Published: January 2010

Aims and objectives.  This study aimed to examine the effects of nurse‐delivered home visits combined with telephone intervention on medication adherence, and quality of life in HIV‐infected heroin users.

Background.  Drug use is consistently reported as a risk factor for medication non‐adherence in HIV‐infected people.

Design.  An experimental, pretests and post‐tests, design was used: baseline and at eight months.

Methods.  A sample of 116 participants was recruited from three antiretroviral treatment sites, and 98 participants completed the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups: 58 in the experimental group and 58 in the control group. The experimental group received nurse‐delivered home visits combined with telephone intervention over eight months, while the control group only received routine care. The questionnaire of Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS (CPCRA) Antiretroviral Medication Self‐Report was used to assess levels of adherence, while quality of life and depression were evaluated using Chinese versions of World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument – Abbreviated version (WHOQOL‐BREF) and Self‐rating Depression Scale, respectively. Data were obtained at baseline and eight months.

Results.  At the end of eight months, participants in the experimental group were more likely to report taking 100% of pills (Fisher’s exact = 14·3, p = 0·0001) and taking pills on time (Fisher’s exact = 18·64, p = 0·0001) than those in the control group. There were significant effects of intervention in physical (F = 10·47, p = 0·002), psychological (F = 9·41, p = 0·003), social (F = 4·09, p = 0·046) and environmental (F = 4·80, p = 0·031) domains of WHOQOL and depression (F = 5·58, p = 0·02).

Conclusions.  Home visits and telephone calls are effective in promoting adherence to antiretroviral treatment and in improving the participants’ quality of life and depressive symptoms in HIV‐infected heroin users.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important for nurses to recognise the issues of non‐adherence to antiretroviral treatment in heroin users. Besides standard care, nurses should consider conducting home visits and telephone calls to ensure better health outcome of antiretroviral treatment in this population.
The effect of preoperative fasting on postoperative thirst, hunger and oral intake in paediatric ambulatory tonsillectomy
Authors: Klemetti Seija , Kinnunen Ilpo , Suominen Tarja , Antila Heikki , Vahlberg Tero , Grenman Reidar , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: January 2010

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this prospective study was to examine whether preoperative face‐to‐face counselling about a child’s fasting and active preoperative nutrition have an effect on thirst, hunger and postoperative oral intake in paediatric ambulatory tonsillectomy. Families, whose child was admitted for ambulatory tonsillectomy, participated in the study (n = 116; 58/58).

Background.  Children undergoing tonsillectomy have difficulties in postoperative recovery and nutrition. However, former studies have shown that shorter preoperative fasting seems to promote postoperative well‐being and promote the child’s postoperative oral intake.

Design.  A prospective, randomised intervention study.

Methods.  The study groups were randomly allocated. The intervention group received the instructions through face‐to‐face counselling about the child’s active preoperative nutrition, the control group received the instructions according to the current practice. The postoperative thirst and hunger were scored during the first postoperative hour and at two, four, eight and 24 hours postoperatively. The first scoring was performed by the nurse on a 0–10 scale. The rest of the estimations were made by the children using a visual analogue scale (VAS), by the parents using a 0–10 scale.

Results.  In the intervention group, the VAS scores in thirst and hunger were low during the first 24 postoperative hours, whereas in the control group, they increased towards the following morning when the children in the control group, according to the children and the parents, were thirstier (p = 0·051, 0·005, respectively) and significantly hungrier (p = 0·042, 0·005) than those in the intervention group.

Conclusions.  Children’s perioperative fluid fasting can be decreased with preoperative nutritional face‐to‐face counselling. Children’s perioperative thirst and hunger can be relieved by the limited preoperative fasting.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinical practice should take the child’s perioperative fasting into account in a more accurate way in preoperative counselling of the parents.
Establishment of the reliability and validity of the Stress Index for Children or Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome (SICATS)
Authors: Chao Kuo‐Yu , Wang Huei‐Shyong , Chang Hsueh‐Ling , Wang Yi‐Wen , See Lai‐Chu
Published: January 2010

Aims.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the stress index for 10–18‐years‐old children or adolescents with Tourette syndrome.

Background.  Tourette syndrome is a chronic tic disorder, which occurs in childhood. Children with Tourette syndrome exhibit sudden and unexpected voices or movements that may have influence on their daily activities and cause interaction barriers for children with Tourette syndrome. Therefore, a self‐report stress index is necessary for children with Tourette syndrome to quickly measure the stress they have.

Design and methods.  Eight experts rated appropriateness, comprehensiveness and relevance of the questionnaire to establish content validity. A total of 116 paediatric patients filled out the stress index for 10‐–18‐years‐old children or adolescents with Tourette syndrome to evaluate its construct validity using exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency. Data from 90 pairs of paediatric patients and their caregivers were used to evaluate the inter‐rater reliability.

Result.  The criterion validity index ranged from 80–98%. One item was deleted because of a small item‐to‐total correlation. Therefore, 26 items made up the final stress index for 10‐–18‐years‐old children or adolescents with Tourette syndrome. In exploratory factor analysis, four factors (unfairly treated, psychological, symptom control and future concern) were achieved and accounted for 52·3% of the total variance. Cronbach’s alphas of the stress index for 10‐–18‐years‐old children or adolescents with Tourette syndrome were 0·89. The inter‐rater reliability of stress Index for 10‐–18‐years‐old children or adolescents with Tourette syndrome (Pearson correlation coefficient between patients and their caregivers) was 0·56.

Conclusion.  The stress Index for 10‐–18‐years‐old children or adolescents with Tourette syndrome is a self‐administered tool to assess the stress of children or adolescents with Tourette syndrome. Validity (content and construct) and reliability (internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability) of our Stress Index for 10‐–18‐years‐old Children or Adolescents with Tourette syndrome was acceptable.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The Stress Index for Children or Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome appears to be an ideal instrument for evaluating the stress for children with Tourette syndrome in clinical setting and finding the direction in designing an appropriate intervention programme. We welcome other researchers to use stress index for 10–18‐years‐old children or adolescents with Tourette syndrome so that their findings can be compared using the same measurement.
Looking beyond learning: notes towards the critical study of educational technology
Authors: Selwyn N.
Published: January 2010

This paper makes a case for academic research and writing that looks beyond the learning potential of technology and, instead, seeks to develop social scientific accounts of the often compromised and constrained realities of education technology use ‘on the ground’. The paper discusses how this ‘critical’ approach differs from the ways that educational technology scholarship has tended to be pursued to date. These differences include viewing technology as being socially constructed and negotiated rather than imbued with pre‐determined characteristics; developing objective and realistic accounts of technology use in situ; and producing ‘context rich’ analyses of the social conflicts and politics that underpin the use of technology in educational settings. The paper concludes by encouraging academic researchers and writers to show greater interest in the issues of democracy and social justice that surround educational technology.
The second educational revolution: rethinking education in the age of technology
Authors: Collins A. , Halverson R.
Published: January 2010

This paper drew upon a recent book (Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology) to summarize a number of prospects and challenges arising from the appropriation of digital technology into learning and educational practice. Tensions between traditional models of schooling and the affordances of digital media were noted, while the promise of these technologies for shaping a new system of education was reviewed. It was argued that new technology brings radical opportunities but also significant challenges. The urgency of seeking a coherent model for the future of education in a technological age was stressed.
The evolution and redefining of ‘CAL’: a reflection on the interplay of theory and practice
Authors: Hartley R.
Published: January 2010

This article comments on how the core idea of the computer as an assistant to teaching and learning became reconfigured through changing technologies, pedagogies and educational cultures. Early influential researchers in computer assisted learning (CAL) made strong but differing links to theories and representations of learning, showing a relevance to pedagogy through innovative projects. Amid controversy, the educational potential of CAL became recognized and hardware–software developments stimulated the involvement of teachers in shaping applications and practices within contexts that favoured a constructivist student focus. Further advances in technology gave students greater autonomy in the style and management of learning, and enabled CAL to be redefined as a participative and collaborative enterprise. Institutions responded through supports and structures in ways that suited their wider educational policies. Technological developments (and controversies) continue to extend and reshape the applications of CAL, and this reflection points to the significance of the interplay between theory and practice in this evolving and redefining process.
What is Panthera palaeosinensis?
Authors: MAZÁK Ji H.
Published: January 2010

The pantherine cat Panthera palaeosinensis from putative Plio‐Pleistocene deposits in North China is one of the oldest known species of Panthera, but its relationship to other Pantherinae is still debated. I compare the holotype skull of P. palaeosinensis with 508 skulls of extant and extinct pantherine cats and show that, when controlling for size, the skull morphology of P. palaeosinensis is most similar to that of the lion Panthera leo or leopard Panthera pardus. Results support the hypothesis that P. palaeosinensis represents a form closely related either to the early lion or leopard clade or to the ancestor of the genus Panthera and suggest an Asian origin for Panthera.
Biogeography of common dolphins (genus Delphinus) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: TAVARES Maurício , MORENO Ignacio B. , SICILIANO Salvatore , RODRÍGUEZ Diego , De O. SANTOS Marcos C. , LAILSON‐BRITO Jr José , FABIÁN Marta E.
Published: January 2010

The common dolphins (genus Delphinus) have one of most problematic taxonomies and complex distribution patterns of all cetaceans. Although the taxonomy and the distribution seem to have been clarified somewhat in the eastern North Pacific and Indo‐Pacific Oceans, many questions remain in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWA). We review the biogeography of Delphinus in the SWA.

We reviewed data from strandings, incidental catches and sightings since 1922. Systematic surveys were conducted in five major areas. Twenty‐one natural history collections were examined, and 135 skulls were measured.

A total of 184 records of common dolphins were compiled. Delphinus apparently occurs in three stocks in the SWA: one located in northern Brazil and two from southeastern Brazil (∼22°S) to central Argentina (∼42°S). Two distinct patterns in habitat use were observed by depth: in southeastern Brazil, sightings were restricted to coastal waters with water depths ranging from 18m to 70m. On the other hand, in the area that extends from southern Brazil to Central Argentina (from 28°S to 42°S), sightings were recorded in deeper waters, ranging from 71m to 1435m, with the exception of occasional coastal sightings. The cranial analyses demonstrated that both short‐beaked common dolphins Delphinus delphis and long‐beaked common dolphins Dephinus capensis occur in the SWA.

In the SWA, Delphinus seems to occur near areas of high productivity. One stock is associated with the productive waters discharged by the Amazon River and possibily with the coastal upwelling system off the coast of Venezuela, while the other stocks are associated with the Cabo Frio upwelling system and the Subtropical Convergence. Our results indicate that the current taxonomy does not adequately reflect the amount of variation within the genus in the world.
Utilization of variably spaced promoter‐like elements by the bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme during early elongation
Authors: Devi Pukhrambam Grihanjali , Campbell Elizabeth A. , Darst Seth A. , Nickels Bryce E.
Published: January 2010

The bacterial RNA polymeras holoenzyme consists of a catalytic core enzyme in complex with a σ factor that is required for promoter‐specific transcription initiation. During initiation, members of the σ70 family of σ factors contact two conserved promoter elements, the −10 and −35 elements, which are separated by ∼17 base pairs (bp). σ70 family members contain four flexibly linked domains. Two of these domains, σ2 and σ4, contain determinants for interactions with the promoter −10 and −35 elements respectively. σ2 and σ4 also contain core‐binding determinants. When bound to core the inter‐domain distance between σ2 and σ4 matches the distance between promoter elements separated by ∼17 bp. Prior work indicates that during early elongation the nascent RNA‐assisted displacement of σ4 from core can enable the holoenzyme to adopt a configuration in which σ2 and σ4 are bound to ‘promoter‐like’ DNA elements separated by a single base pair. Here we demonstrate that holoenzyme can also adopt configurations in which σ2 and σ4 are bound to ‘promoter‐like’ DNA elements separated by 0, 2 or 3 bp. Thus, our findings suggest that displacement of σ4 from core enables the RNA polymerase holoenzyme to adopt a broad range of ‘elongation‐specific’ configurations.
Reprogramming of anaerobic metabolism by the FnrS small RNA
Authors: Durand Sylvain , Storz Gisela
Published: January 2010

Small RNAs (sRNAs) that act by base pairing with trans‐encoded mRNAs modulate metabolism in response to a variety of environmental stimuli. Here, we describe an Hfq‐binding sRNA (FnrS) whose expression is induced upon a shift from aerobic to anaerobic conditions and which acts to downregulate the levels of a variety of mRNAs encoding metabolic enzymes. Anaerobic induction in minimal medium depends strongly on FNR but is also affected by the ArcA and CRP transcription regulators. Whole genome expression analysis showed that the levels of at least 32 mRNAs are downregulated upon FnrS overexpression, 15 of which are predicted to base pair with FnrS by TargetRNA. The sRNA is highly conserved across its entire length in numerous Enterobacteria, and mutational analysis revealed that two separate regions of FnrS base pair with different sets of target mRNAs. The majority of the target genes were previously reported to be downregulated in an FNR‐dependent manner but lack recognizable FNR binding sites. We thus suggest that FnrS extends the FNR regulon and increases the efficiency of anaerobic metabolism by repressing the synthesis of enzymes that are not needed under these conditions.
Induction and regulation of a secreted peptidoglycan hydrolase by a membrane Ser/Thr kinase that detects muropeptides
Authors: Shah Ishita M. , Dworkin Jonathan
Published: January 2010

Here, we report that the model Gram‐positive organism, Bacillus subtilis, expresses and secretes a muralytic enzyme, YocH, in response to cell wall‐derived muropeptides derived from growing cells but not lysed cells. This induction is dependent on PrkC, a membrane Ser/Thr kinase that binds to peptidoglycan and that belongs to a broadly conserved family including the essential PknB kinase of M. tuberculosis. YocH stimulates its own expression in a PrkC‐dependent manner demonstrating the presence of an autoregulatory loop during growth. Cells lacking YocH display a survival defect in stationary phase but enzymes secreted by other cells in the culture rescue this defect. The essential translation factor EF‐G is an in vivo substrate of PrkC and this phosphorylation occurs in response to muropeptides. Therefore, we hypothesize that YocH is used by the bacterium to digest peptidoglycan released by other bacteria in the milieu and that the presence of these fragments is detected by a membrane kinase that modifies a key regulator of translation as well as to stimulate its own expression.
Differential colonization and defence responses of resistant and susceptible melon lines infected by Fusarium oxysporum race 1·2
Authors: Zvirin T. , Herman R. , Brotman Y. , Denisov Y. , Belausov E. , Freeman S. , Perl‐Treves R.
Published: January 2010

A green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing strain of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis race 1·2 (FOM 1·2‐GFP) was used to visualize infection of a susceptible melon cultivar, Ein Dor (ED). At 1–2 days post‐inoculation (d.p.i.), the fungus grew on the root epidermis and adhered to epidermal cell borders. By day 4, the mycelium crossed the cortex and endodermis through narrow pores in cell walls and reached xylem vessels, where it sporulated and produced secondary hyphae that grew upwards. Colonization dynamics of ED seedlings were compared with those of a genetically resistant line, BIZ. FOM 1·2‐GFP colonized the resistant plant’s vascular system, but the incidence of seedling infection was lower than in ED, suggesting stronger defence responses in BIZ expressed at the pre‐xylem stage of infection. Infection of the vascular system of BIZ was slower: at 11 d.p.i., FOM 1·2‐GFP only colonized the lower hypocotyl sections of BIZ, whilst the upper hypocotyls of ED were already infected, indicating that BIZ also restricted FOM 1·2 movement in the xylem. The expression patterns of three defence genes were compared between the resistant and susceptible genotypes using real‐time PCR. Transcript levels of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chitinase (CHI) and hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) were induced to a greater extent in BIZ than in ED. A constitutive two‐ to fourfold difference between BIZ and ED in the basal levels of all three transcripts was also apparent. Both the constitutive and inducible defence responses could contribute to reduced vascular colonization of the resistant genotype.
Genetics in Hollywood: from real to reel*
Authors: Grody Wayne W.
Published: January 2010

Grody WW. Genetics in Hollywood: from real to reel.
Reversal Learning and Risk‐Averse Foraging Behavior in the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Goodner Brad W. , Weiss Martha R.
Published: January 2010

Learning ability allows insects to respond to a variable environment, and to adjust their behaviors in response to positive or negative experiences. Pollinating insects readily learn to associate floral characteristics, such as color, shape, or pattern, with appetitive stimuli, such as the presence of a nectar reward. However, in nature pollinators may also encounter flowers that contain distasteful or toxic nectar, or offer highly variable nectar volumes, providing opportunities for aversive learning or risk‐averse foraging behavior. Whereas some bees learn to avoid flowers with unpalatable or unreliable nectar rewards, little is known about how Lepidoptera respond to such stimuli. We used a reversal learning paradigm to establish that monarch butterflies learn to discriminate against colored artificial flowers that contain salt solution, decreasing both number of probes and probing time on flowers of a preferred color and altogether avoiding artificial flowers of a non‐preferred color. In addition, when we offered butterflies artificial flowers of two different colors, both of which contained the same mean nectar volume but which differed in variance, the monarchs exhibited risk‐averse foraging: they probed the constant flowers significantly more than the variable ones, regardless of flower color or butterfly sex. Our results add to our understanding of butterfly foraging behavior, as they demonstrate that monarchs can respond to aversive as well as appetitive stimuli, and can also adjust their foraging behavior to avoid floral resources with high variance rewards.
Bayesian structural equation models for inferring relationships between phenotypes: a review of methodology, identifiability, and applications
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Lin , Heringstad Bjørg , Gianola Daniel
Published: January 2010

Structural equation models provide a general statistical modelling technique for estimating and testing relationships among variables. Such relationships are often not revealed by standard linear models, but are of importance for understanding mechanisms underlying e.g., production‐related diseases, such as mastitis. This paper gives a review of Bayesian structural equation models concerning methodology and identifiability, focused on animal breeding and genetics modelling. Applications of this type of methods in animal breeding are also reviewed critically, with discussion on advantages and disadvantages of these approaches.
Urethroplasty for urethral strictures: Quality assessment of an in‐home algorithm
Authors: Lumen Nicolaas , Hoebeke Piet , Oosterlinck Willem
Published: January 2010

Objectives:  To evaluate the outcome of different techniques of urethroplasty and to assess the quality of an in‐home algorithm.

Methods:  Two hundred fifty‐two male patients underwent urethroplasty. Mean patient's age was 48 years (range 1–85 years). Data were analyzed for the failure rate of the different techniques of urethroplasty. An additional analysis was done based on an in‐home algorithm.

Results:  Median follow up was 37 months (range: 6–92 months). Global failure rate was 14.9%, with an individual failure rate of 11.7%, 16.0%, 20.7% and 20.8% for anastomotic repair, free graft urethroplasty, pedicled flap urethroplasty and combined urethroplasty, respectively. In free graft urethroplasty, results were significantly worse when extrapreputial skin was used. Anastomotic repair was the principle technique for short strictures (83.3%), at the bulbar and posterior urethra (respectively 50.8 and 100%). Free graft urethroplasty was mainly used for 3–10 cm strictures (58.6%). Anastomotic repair and free graft urethroplasty were more used in case of no previous interventions or after urethrotomy/dilation. Pedicled flap urethroplasty was the main technique at the penile urethra (40.7%). Combined urethroplasty was necessary in 41 and 47.1% in the treatment of, respectively, >10 cm or panurethral/multifocal anterior urethral strictures and was the most important technique in these circumstances. Two‐stage urethroplasty or perineostomy were only used in 2% as first‐line treatment but were already used in 14.9% after failed urethroplasty.

Conclusion:  Urethroplasty has good results at intermediate follow up. Different types of techniques must be used for different types of strictures.
A randomized trial of propofol consumption and recovery profile with BIS‐guided anesthesia compared to standard practice in children
Authors: BHARDWAJ NEERJA , YADDANAPUDI SANDHYA
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the impact of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring on the consumption of propofol and recovery from anesthesia compared to the standard clinical practice in children.

Background:  Titrating propofol administration using BIS reduces its requirement and shortens the recovery from anesthesia in adults. However, there is still mixed evidence for utility of anesthesia depth monitors in reducing anesthesia requirement in children.

Methods/Materials:  A prospective randomized study was conducted in 50 ASA I children of 2–12 years, randomly assigned into standard practice (SP) or BIS group. After induction with propofol, anesthesia was maintained with 150 μg·kg−1·min−1 propofol infusion. The propofol infusion rate was altered by 20 μg·kg−1·min−1 to maintain the systolic blood pressure within 20% of the baseline (SP group) or BIS value between 45 and 60 (BIS group). The rate of propofol infusion was reduced by 50% about 15 min before the end of surgery. The amount of propofol used and the times from stopping the propofol infusion to eye opening, extubation, response to commands and attaining Steward score of 6 were recorded.

Results:  There was no evidence of a difference in the mean propofol consumption in the two groups (BIS 232.6 ± 136.7 mg, SP 250.8 ± 118.2 mg). The intraoperative hemodynamics and BIS values were similar in the two groups. There was no evidence for a difference between groups in the mean times from termination of anesthetic to eye opening, extubation, response to commands and to achieve a Steward Recovery score of 6.

Conclusions:  Our study showed no benefit of BIS‐guided propofol administration on anesthetic consumption or recovery compared to standard anesthetic practice.
Nurse‐controlled analgesia (NCA) following major surgery in 10 000 patients in a children’s hospital
Authors: HOWARD RICHARD F. , LLOYD‐THOMAS ADRIAN , THOMAS MARK , GLYN WILLIAMS D. , SAUL REBECCA , BRUCE ELIZABETH , PETERS JUDY
Published: January 2010

Background and Objectives:  Patients who received NCA with morphine following major surgery between 1996 and 2008 at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK, were prospectively studied in the postoperative period to determine effectiveness, morphine requirements, incidence of common side effects, and serious adverse events.

Methods:  The morphine NCA regimen and monitoring was according to standard hospital protocols. Data were collected prospectively and subsequently entered by trained personnel into a secure database. Patient demographics, effectiveness and satisfaction rates, morphine requirements, side effects, and serious complications were recorded.

Results:  10 079 patients were included. The average age was 4 years old (range 1 day to 20.5 years, median 2.3 years). There were 510 neonates. The average NCA duration was 43.7 h. 1.8% of morphine NCAs were replaced by other methods because analgesia was unsatisfactory. Satisfaction ratings were ‘good’ or ‘very good’ for 98% of the remainder. Average daily morphine requirement (mcg·kg−1·h−1) was related to age, surgical category, and postoperative time. Side effects included PONV (25%), itching (9.4%), depression of respiration, and sedation (4.5%); incidences varied with age, morphine dose, and type of surgery. Serious, potentially life‐threatening adverse effects (SAE) were 0.4%. There were no deaths. SAE were significantly greater in neonates (2.5%), relative risk 9.4, P < 0.001. Morphine dose in neonates who experienced SAE was not significantly different from other neonates.

Conclusion:  NCA with morphine is an acceptable, safe, and effective method of postoperative analgesia for a wide range of ages and types of surgery in our practice. Morphine requirements increase with age, but there was also considerable inter‐individual variation within age groups. PONV, itching, sedation, and respiratory depression are expected side effects. SAE are uncommon but the incidence is greatest in neonates.
Patterns of saproxylic beetle succession in loblolly pine
Authors: Ulyshen Michael D. , Hanula James L.
Published: January 2010

Patterns of insect succession in dead wood remain unclear, particularly beyond the first several years of decay. In the present study, saproxylic beetles were sampled from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) logs aged between 1 month and 9 years old using both emergence traps attached to logs in the field and rearing bags in the laboratory.

Species richness peaked within the first year as a result of a diverse assemblage of bark beetles, wood‐borers and predators associated with young logs. After the phloem phase, there were no significant differences in species richness among decay classes.

Beetle communities differed significantly among decay classes, with 25 and seven species being significantly associated with young and old logs, respectively.
Modified loose‐seton technique for the treatment of complex anal fistulas
Authors: M George Pinedo , M Gino Caselli , S Gonzalo Urrejola , L Sergio Niklitschek , P María Elena Molina , R Felipe Bellolio , D Álvaro Zúñiga
Published: January 2010

Aim  The aim of treatment of anal fistula is to remove the track avoiding while ensuring faecal continence. We report the results of a technique that preserves the external anal sphincter in patients with complex anal fistulas.

Method  Between 2006 and 2009, 18 patients underwent surgery for a complex anal fistula using this technique. It involved initial identification and partial laying open of the fistulous tract including the internal sphincter distal to the dentate line without transecting the external sphincter. A loose‐seton is placed around the external sphincter and is not removed until the internal orifice has migrated towards the perianal skin.

Results  Of the 18 patients [mean age 42 (31–65) years] 11 were female and the median follow‐up was 16 months. The mean time for removal of the seton, after discharge had ceased, was 4 (3–12) months. The preoperative faecal incontinence Wexner score was 0 (0–9) and postoperatively 0 (0–8).

Conclusion  The technique shows excellent results in the treatment of complex anal fistulas with conservation of fecal continence.
Anorectal function after long‐term transanal colonic irrigation
Authors: Faaborg P. M. , Christensen P. , Buntzen S. , Laurberg S. , Krogh K.
Published: January 2010

Aim  The increased use of transanal colonic irrigation (TAI) warrants study of its effects on anorectal function after long term use.

Method  Anorectal physiology tests were performed in 12 patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CC) and 10 with idiopathic faecal incontinence (FI) [median 55 years (range 21–70)] before and after a median 68 (range 32–113) months use of TAI.

Results  In CC median, urge rectal volume increased from 121 (70–264) to 268 ml (69–484) (P = 0.05) whereas rectal compliance, volume at first sensation, maximum tolerable rectal volume, anal sensory level, median anal resting and squeeze pressures were unaltered. In FI median, urge volume increased from 125 (range 50–221) to 158 ml (range 97–287) (P = 0.033) and maximum tolerable volume increased from 156 (80–321) to 253 ml (162–332) (P = 0.047). Median anal resting pressure decreased from 48 (29–100) to 32 cmH2O (12–79) (P = 0.011) and anal squeeze pressure decreased from 69 (30–107) to 38 cmH2O (30–70) (P = 0.017). Rectal compliance, volume at first sensation and anal sensory level were unaltered.

Conclusions  As rectal compliance was unaltered, it is likely that the increased rectal tolerable volume is explained by patients adapting to irrigation rather than by changes in the property of the mechanical rectal wall. As anal sphincter function was deteriorated only in FI, we suggest that this is because of the natural history of FI rather than any effect of long term TAI.