bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in Fusarium avenaceum causing root rot on field pea
Authors: Feng J. , Hwang R. , Chang K. F. , Hwang S. F. , Strelkov S. E. , Gossen B. D. , Conner R. L. , Turnbull G. D.
Published: May 2010

Isolates of Fusarium spp. were recovered from the roots of field pea (Pisum sativum) collected from 15 commercial fields in Alberta, Canada. Most of the isolates (75 out of 96) were identified as F. avenaceum, based on morphology, phylogeny and species‐specific PCR amplification. Molecular differences in the F. avenaceum isolates were detected based on putative mating type, and on ITS and CPN60 sequences. MAT‐1 and MAT‐2 were equally distributed among the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and CPN60 sequences clustered most of the F. avenaceum isolates into a single group. In some cases, isolates with low aggressiveness clustered together in additional groups. There was no correlation between phylogenetic profile and either mating type or geographic origin. This population of F. avenaceum has a low level of genetic variation and consists of isolates derived from the two mating types. Isolates with low aggressiveness are also retained in the population.
Cutaneous periocularHabronemainfection in a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Myers Debbie A. , Smith Chris D. , Greiner Ellis C. , Wiedner Ellen , Abbott Jeffrey , Marsella Rosanna , Nunnery Catherine
Published: May 2010

A 6‐year‐old castrated dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) presented with a non‐healing, severely pruritic, ulcerative fibrotic plaque located at the medial canthus. Histological examination of surgical biopsies identified degenerating nematode larvae within eosinophilic granulomas. Treatment involved repeated debridement of the lesion, injectable ivermectin and anti‐inflammatory therapies, and injectable and topical antibiotics.A specially constructed mask with goggles to prevent the camel from continuing to self‐traumatize the eye and lesion was also placed. Full recovery occurred approximately 1 month after diagnosis. Because of the location of the lesion, time of year, the gross and microscopic characteristics of the lesion, the presence of a likely nematode larva and the response to treatment, a diagnosis of cutaneous habronemiasis was made.
STEREOCHEMICAL CRITERIA FOR POLYPEPTIDE AND PROTEIN CHAIN CONFORMATIONS.
Authors: Ramakrishnan C. , Balasubramanian R.
Published: May 2010

As a first step in the study of the effect of the distortions of the angle NCaC' (τ) at the α‐carbon atom and the planarity of the peptide unit (measured by parameter ω) on the steric map of two linked peptide units, these distortions have been analysed from known crystal structure data on amino acids, peptides and the globular proteins, myoglobin, lysozyme, α‐chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase‐A, and ribonuclease‐S. Corresponding to three different values each of τ and ω around the ideal values (of 110° and 180° respectively) the contact maps are drawn. Most of the observed conformations of non‐glycyl residues in the globular proteins are found to be within the allowed regions. The 3 → 1 type of N‐H. O = C hydrogen bond between adjacent units is considered and the possibility of the formation of this hydrogen bond around φ= +90° and φ = ‐90° (leading to a left‐handed helix, if continued) is explored in more detail. The conformations at some of the residues in α‐chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidase‐A are shown to form the right‐handed 3 → 1 type of hydrogen bonds.
N‐ACYLSUCCINIMIDES AS ACYLATING AGENTS FOR PROTEINS: SYNTHESIS, HYDROLYSIS AND AMINOLYSIS
Authors: Boyd Helen , Calder I. C. , Leach S. J. , Milligan B.
Published: May 2010

N‐Acylsuccinimides have been examined as potential acylating agents. Three different methods used to synthesize a number of these reagents are described. The rates of hydrolysis of N‐acetyl, N‐propionyl, N‐n‐butyryl, N‐i‐butyryl and N‐n‐valeryl succinimides and the rates at which they react with n‐butylamine in aqueous solution are reported. These N‐acylsuccinimides are soluble in water, relatively slow to hydrolyse and yet sufficiently reactive to acylate amines in aqueous solution, even in weak acid solutions.

The hydrolysis of N‐acetylsuccinimide follows two pathways, giving, as primary products, either N‐acetylsuccinamic acid or acetic acid and succinimide. The relative amounts of these hydrolysis products, which were determined by NMR spectroscopy, varies with the pH of hydrolysis.
THE SOLUTION CONFORMATION OF THE FERRICHROMES.
Authors: Llinás M. , Klein M.P. , Neilands J.B.
Published: May 2010

Ferrichrome, ferricrocin and ferrichrysin are ferric cyclohexapeptides whose general primary composition is represented by Res3‐Res2‐Gly1‐Orn3‐Orn2‐Orn1, where the Res2,3 sites are occupied by glycyl or l‐seryl residues and Orn1,2,3 stands for δ‐N‐acetyl‐δ‐N‐hydroxy‐l‐ornithyl. The 220 MHz proton magnetic resonance spectra of deferriferricrocin and deferriferrichrysin in aqueous and in deuterodimethyl sulfoxide solutions are reported and discussed in terms of the molecular conformations. In (CD3)2SO the chemical shift temperature dependences of the amide proton resonances suggest two‐fold symmetric structures containing two intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Such hydrogen‐bonding, and other features of the data, are consistent with antiparallel β‐pleated sheet structures, as in the Schwyzer model for cyclohexapeptides. In terms of sites paired by the hydrogen bonds, however, the β‐fold differs. In water a random conformation is suggested for these peptides.
DETECTION BY N.M.R. SPECTROSCOPY OF DEVIATIONS FROM RANDOM COIL BEHAVIOUR OF DENATURED PROTEINS
Authors: Bradbury J. H. , King N. L. R. , O'Shea J. M.
Published: May 2010

The acid denaturation of ribonuclease‐A and lysozyme in 8 M urea has been studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (N.M.R.) spectroscopy and gel chromatography and compared with previous ultraviolet difference spectroscopic and viscometric studies. The N.M. R. results show that lysozyme is completely unfolded below pH 3 and virtually native at pH > 3.5 whereas Sigma ribonuclease‐A is completely unfolded below pH 5 and about 60% native at pH 7. These results obtained at a protein concentration of 10% are consistent with the qualitative conclusions obtained by the other techniques in much more dilute solutions. The NMR method is an attractive procedure for rapid exploration of a range of solution conditions in order to find the best set of conditions for the separation of a mixture of proteins in the random coil form (I).
THE EFFECT OF POLYHYDRIC AND MONOHYDRIC ALCOHOLS ON THE HEAT‐INDUCED REVERSIBLE DENATURATION OF LYSOZYME AND RIBONUCLEASE
Authors: Gerlsma Sicco Y. , Stuur Elzo R.
Published: May 2010

The reversible thermal denaturation of lysozyme and ribonuclease was investigated in aqueous solutions of mono‐ and polyvalent alcohols.

The polyvalent alcohols show a stabilizing influence whereas the monovalent alcohols destabilize the native conformation. The concentration of the monovalent alcohol proportionally lowers the transition temperature Tm with concentration.

The increments of Tm of lysozyme and of ribonuclease, excerted by a polyvalent alcohol, are of the same magnitude. This was also found for chymotrypsinogen A (1). It is reasoned that these stabilizing effects may find their origin in the intensification of the intra‐hydrophobic interactions of the protein.

The effects of the monovalent alcohols on the Tm of lysozyme as well as on the Tm of ribonuclease are enhanced with the increase of the hydrophobic character of the alcohol. These increments of Tm for lysozyme are slightly larger than those obtained for ribonuclease at 50–60°C, as could be expected from their amino acid compositions.
Environmental variation, hybridization, and phenotypic diversification in Cuatro Ciénegas pupfishes
Authors: TOBLER M. , CARSON E. W.
Published: May 2010

Hybridization can generate novel phenotypes, and in combination with divergent selection along environmental gradients, can play a driving role in phenotypic diversification. This study examined the influence of introgressive hybridization and environmental variation on the phenotypic diversity of two pupfish species (Cyprinodon atrorus and Cyprinodon bifasciatus) endemic to the Cuatro Ciénegas basin, Mexico. These species occupy opposite environmental extremes and are comprised of multiple, intraspecifically isolated populations. However, interspecific hybridization occurs to various degrees within connecting, intermediate environments. Using geometric morphometric analysis, extensive variation of body shape was observed between and within species, and phenotypic variation was strongly correlated with environmental conditions. Furthermore, some introgressed populations exhibited unique phenotypes not found in either of the parents, and overall morphospace occupation was significantly higher in introgressed populations when compared to the parentals. Overall, we find environmental variation and transgressive segregation both appear to have been important in shaping phenotypic variation in this system.
Conspicuousness is correlated with toxicity in marine opisthobranchs
Authors: CORTESI F. , CHENEY K. L.
Published: May 2010

Aposematism is defined as the use of conspicuous colouration to warn predators that an individual is chemically or otherwise defended. Mechanisms that drive the evolution of aposematism are complex. Theoretical and empirical studies show that conspicuousness can be either positively or negatively correlated with toxicity as once aposematism is established, species can allocate resources into becoming more conspicuous and/or increase secondary defences. Here, we investigated the evolution of conspicuousness and toxicity in marine opisthobranchs. Conspicuousness of colour signals was assessed using spectral reflectance measurements and theoretical vision models from the perspective of two reef fish signal receivers. The relative toxicity of chemicals extracted from each opisthobranch species was then determined using toxicity assays. Using a phylogenetic comparative analysis, we found a significant correlation between conspicuousness and toxicity, indicating that conspicuousness acts as an honest signal when signifying level of defence and provides evidence for aposematism in opisthobranchs.
Altruistic self‐removal of health‐compromised honey bee workers from their hive
Authors: RUEPPELL O. , HAYWORTH M. K. , ROSS N. P.
Published: May 2010

Social insect colonies represent distinct units of selection. Most individuals evolve by kin selection and forgo individual reproduction. Instead, they display altruistic food sharing, nest maintenance and self‐sacrificial colony defence. Recently, altruistic self‐removal of diseased worker ants from their colony was described as another important kin‐selected behaviour. Here, we report corroborating experimental evidence from honey bee foragers and theoretical analyses. We challenged honey bee foragers with prolonged CO2 narcosis or by feeding with the cytostatic drug hydroxyurea. Both treatments resulted in increased mortality but also caused the surviving foragers to abandon their social function and remove themselves from their colony, resulting in altruistic suicide. A simple model suggests that altruistic self‐removal by sick social insect workers to prevent disease transmission is expected under most biologically plausible conditions. The combined theoretical and empirical support for altruistic self‐removal suggests that it may be another important kin‐selected behaviour and a potentially widespread mechanism of social immunity.
The usefulness of liver stiffness measurement using FibroScan in chronic hepatitis C in South Korea: A multicenter, prospective study
Authors: Kim Seung Up , Jang Hui Won , Cheong Jae Youn , Kim Ja Kyung , Lee Myung Hee , Kim Dong Joon , Yang Jin Mo , Cho Sung Won , Lee Kwan Sik , Choi Eun Hee , Park Young Nyun , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: May 2010

Aim:  We investigated the accuracy of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in a multicenter, prospective study in South Korea.

Methods:  Between June 2005 and July 2009, 91 CHC patients without a previous history of antiviral treatment, clinical evidences of cirrhosis, coinfection with other viruses, and heavy alcohol consumption and with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 5x upper limit of normal, total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL, sufficient liver biopsy quality (≥ 15 mm and more than six portal tracts), interquartile range to median liver stiffness (LS) value ratio ≤ 0.21, and more than 10 valid measurements, were recruited. The Batts and Ludwig scoring system was used for histologic assessment. Age–platelet index (API), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)–to–platelet ratio index (APRI), and age–spleen–platelet ratio index (ASPRI) were calculated. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the performance of LSM and other noninvasive models.

Results:  The mean age was 47.9 years, and the mean LS value was 7.7 kPa (44 men and 47 women). LS value was highly correlated to the fibrosis stages (r = 0.835, P < 0.001). The AUROCs of LSM were 0.909 for ≥ F2, 0.993 for ≥ F3, and 0.970 for F = 4 and were superior to those of API (0.72, 0.858, and 0.948, respectively), APRI (0.780, 0.887, and 0.904, respectively), and ASPRI (0.713, 0.862, and 0.957, respectively). The optimal cutoff LS values were 6.2 kPa for ≥ F2, 7.7 kPa for ≥ F3, and 11.0 kPa for F = 4.

Conclusions:  Our data suggest that LSM can accurately assess liver fibrosis in patients with CHC and be applied in South Korea.
Berberine inhibits angiogenic potential of Hep G2 cell line through VEGF down‐regulation in vitro
Authors: Jie Shenghua , Li Huiyu , Tian Yuan , Guo Dongmei , Zhu Jiang , Gao Shaoyang , Jiang Li
Published: May 2010

Background and Aim: Berberine, an herbal alkaloid, has been reported to have promotion potential of apoptosis and anticancer effect on a variety of human tumor cells. To obtain more specific understanding of those consequences of berberine on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the tumor microenvironment, we conductedin vitroexperiments to investigate the inhibitory effect of berberine on tumor‐induced angiogenesis using HCC cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cell growth was quantified with the CCK‐8 cell proliferation assay; cell migration was observed with a Boyden chamber (Transwell, Corning, Lowell, MA, USA), and angiogenesis was assessed by endothelial tube formation in Matrigelin vitro. In addition, VEGF level was determined by ELISA and VEGF mRNA expression by RT‐PCR.

Results: Berberine inhibited the capacity of HCC to stimulate HUVEC's proliferation, migration and endothelial tube formation, suggesting that berberine could influence the cross‐talk between the HCC cell and vascular endothelial cells. These results demonstrate berberine's antiangiogenesis property and its clinical potential as an inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis. Subsequently analyses reveal that berberine prevents secretion of VEGF from HCC and down‐regulates VEGF mRNA expression.

Conclusion: These findings strongly suggest that berberine is a potential antiangiogenic agent and a promising antitumor drug for HCC.
Individualisation of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Teoh Narci C , Farrell Geoffrey C , Chan Henry L‐Y
Published: May 2010

The combination of pegylated‐interferon (PEG‐IFN)/ribavirin is currently the standard of care antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but optimal results require an individual approach. Key issues are to deliver doses that confer optimal antiviral efficacy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) for a time sufficient to minimise relapse. Viral monitoring during therapy guides the subsequent treatment course, particularly HCV RNA results at 4 weeks (rapid viral response [RVR]) and 12 weeks (complete early viral response [cEVR]). There is strong evidence that for most patients with genotypes 2 or 3 HCV infection, RVR allows truncation of treatment to 16 weeks, provided ribavirin dose is weight‐based. However, those patients with cirrhosis, insulin resistance/diabetes or older than 50 years need 6–12 months treatment. For “difficult‐to‐treat” CHC (genotypes 1 and 4), RVR is infrequent (∼15% in European studies), but allows treatment to be truncated from 48 to 24 weeks. Without RVR, there is some evidence that longer treatment (72 weeks) improves sustained viral response (SVR). However, “induction dosing” first 12 weeks of PEG‐IFN clearly does not improve SVR. To prevent dose reductions and complete therapy, it is critical to detect and treat depression and other disabling side‐effects, including judicious use of growth factors for severe anemia or neutropenia and possibly, thrombocytopenia. Another potentially important aspect may be attempts to counter central obesity and insulin resistance, which confer suboptimal antiviral response with any HCV genotype. Treatment partnerships with specialist nurses, psychological therapists and other healthcare workers are also essential for optimal individual management of patients with CHC.
Economic evaluation in clinical nephrology: Part 2. Applying economic evaluations in clinical nephrology
Authors: WONG GERMAINE , HOWARD KIRSTEN , CRAIG JONATHAN C
Published: May 2010

Our previous article described the principles of conducting an economic evaluation for evidence‐based medical decision making. This article provides some tips for reading, critically appraising and applying the findings of an economic evaluation in clinical practice.
What nephrologists need to know about diagnostic test accuracy articles
Authors: WILLIAMS GABRIELLE J , CRAIG JONATHAN C
Published: May 2010

Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials are well‐recognized as the best evidence for an intervention and are also becoming more available for diagnostic test evaluation. In the absence of a well‐conducted and well‐reported systematic review clinicians must rely on primary studies to determine how best to interpret and understand diagnostic test information. Diagnostic test studies are abundant in the published literature; however, there are considerable limitations to the information provided in many of these papers and careful appraisal is required before the findings can be applied to individual patients. The current paper provides a framework for determining bias, clinical applicability and erroneous findings within a paper, allowing greater efficiency in selecting studies and deciding on the value of the information reported in them.
Nasal foreign bodies: the experience of the Buenos Aires pediatric otolaryngology clinic
Authors: Chinski Alberto , Foltran Francesca , Gregori Dario , Passali Desiderio , Bellussi Luisa
Published: May 2010

Objective:  The aim of the present paper is to present nasal foreign cases observed at the Children's Hospital Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina, over a 4‐year period and to compare the main findings with data from other case series.

Methods:  A prospective study was undertaken on children having inhaled/aspired a foreign body (FB), with regard to age and sex distribution, FB type, dimensions and consistency, FB location, clinical presentation, removal and occurrence of complications.

Results:  A total of 1559 cases of foreign body inhalation were observed. The mean age of the children was 3.48 years (SD 1.60). Injuries frequently occurred during recreational activities: in 1154 cases (74.1%) the child was playing, while in 52 cases the accident occurred during a party. In 1417 cases (90.9%) adults were present. Children frequently (1123 cases) insert small objects with a rigid consistency in their noses, like pearls or little metal objects. In the majority of cases nasal FB injuries are due to insertion of inorganic objects (72.7%).

Conclusion:  Injuries are frequently due to the incorrect manipulation of objects not conceived for children use, including pins, nails, screws and floats. Batteries and magnets deserve particular mention because they require immediate treatment, as they can cause septal necrosis and perforation within hours. Unfortunately, an adult being present does not seem to be sufficient to prevent injuries, and parents are frequently unaware of the danger. The dissemination of information regarding safe behaviors could be fundamental in preventing injuries and need to be promoted by family pediatricians and health practitioners.
Inborn errors of metabolism in a neonatology unit: Impact and long‐term results
Authors: Couce Ma Luz , Baña Ana , Bóveda Ma Dolores , Pérez‐Muñuzuri Alejandro , Fernández‐Lorenzo José Ramón , Fraga José Ma
Published: May 2010

Background:  Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) have greater repercussions in neonatology units. The goal of our study was to evaluate the impact of IEM in a neonatology unit and the outcome of these neonates.

Methods:  All patients with IEM admitted in our unit were evaluated during an 8‐year period for specific diagnosis, clinical features, therapy and long‐term neurodevelopment.

Results:  The study group was comprised of 31 infants, 18 of which required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (1.63% of income) due to severe symptoms. Twenty‐two of the 31 had an earlier diagnosis and treatment due to expanded newborn screening, made from the third day of life. The most frequent diagnosis in the NICU, representing 66.66% (12/18), was diseases that cause an endogenous intoxication. Despite the diagnosis by tandem mass spectrometry, many of these patients had severe clinical symptoms prior to the screening results. Aggressive support was often necessary (extracorporeal removal therapy, mechanical ventilation). Death occurred generally in the first year of life (5/6). The death rate in the NICU was 10.3%. The survivors presented higher scores on the Psychomotor Development Index if the diagnosis of the disease was either made or helped by screening. This also depends on the type of disease.

Conclusion:  Earlier diagnosis by expanded newborn screening and earlier treatment is essential in order to be able to prevent neurological sequelae.
Infratemporal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour with orbital extension
Authors: Chow Sing‐Pey , Nastri Alf , Hardy Thomas
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare distinctive neoplasm of intermediate biological potential with a predilection for the abdominopelvic region and lung of children and young adults. It is histologically composed of spindle cells (myofibroblasts) in a myxoid to collagenous stroma with a prominent inflammatory infiltrate composed primarily of plasma cells and lymphocytes. Its pathogenesis is controversial. Arising most commonly in the lungs, only two cases of histopathologically confirmed IMT originating from the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae have been documented in the literature. Neither had orbital involvement. We now report the first case of IMT originating from the infratemporal fossa with orbital extension in a previously well 31‐year‐old woman. The patient presented with a 5‐month history of intermittent right‐sided headaches, progressive trismus and right lower lid swelling. She then developed right proptosis, diplopia and paraesthesia in the ophthalmic and maxillary divisions of her trigeminal nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a soft tissue mass occupying most of the right infratemporal fossa with extension into pterygopalatine fossa and orbit. Provisional diagnosis from an open biopsy was nodular fasciitis. She underwent surgical debulking of the infratemporal fossa and lateral orbit through a coronal and trans‐oral approach with trans‐zygomatic access via total zygomatic osteotomy. Review of intraoperative specimens revised the diagnosis to IMT. Further management included systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant radiotherapy.
Double peel using triamcinolone acetonide and trypan blue in the management of myopic macular hole with retinal detachment: a case–control study
Authors: Li Kenneth KW , Tang Emily WH , Li Patrick SH , Wong David
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of double peel using triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and trypan blue (TB) in removing epiretinal tissues in vitrectomy for myopic macular hole with retinal detachment (MHRD).

Methods:  Prospective interventional case control study. Patients with myopic MHRD underwent vitrectomy with TA‐assisted adherent cortical vitreous (ACV) removal followed by TB‐assisted internal‐limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and gas tamponade. The results were compared with historical control group without the use of any vital dye or TA.

Results:  Ten eyes of 10 study cases were compared with nine eyes of nine control cases. Mean axial length was 28.3 ± 1.4 mm and 29.6 ± 2.4 mm and mean follow‐up period was 15 months and 42 months for the study group and the control group, respectively. Reattachment rate was 70% in the study group and 44% in the control group. Mean logMAR visual acuity improvement was 0.02 at 6 months and 0.01 at 12 months for the study group (P < 0.05). Transient intraocular pressure rise was observed in seven eyes in the study group and five eyes in the control group. No other complication was noted.

Conclusion:  Double peel using TA and TB appeared safe and effective in facilitating removal of ACV and ILM in MHRD. It has higher surgical success rate compared with conventional vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane peeling and gas tamponade.
Macular lesion resembling adult‐onset vitelliform macular dystrophy in Kearns–Sayre syndrome with multiple mtDNA deletions
Authors: Ascaso Francisco J , Lopez‐Gallardo Ester , Del Prado Eduardo , Ruiz‐Pesini Eduardo , Montoya Julio
Published: May 2010

Abstract

We present the case of a 48‐year‐old woman with a clinically and histopathologically confirmed Kearns–Sayre syndrome who developed a maculopathy resembling an adult‐onset vitelliform macular dystrophy in her right eye. DNA analysis identified the presence of multiple deletions in the mtDNA of the muscle sample, with the common deletion of 4977 bp the most abundant. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of such macular lesion occurring in association with Kearns–Sayre syndrome.
Cataract in indigenous Australians: the National Indigenous Eye Health Survey
Authors: Taylor Hugh R , Xie Jing , Arnold Anna‐Lena , Goujon Nicolas , Dunn Ross A , Fox Sarah , Keeffe Jill
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background:  To determine the prevalence of vision loss due to cataract in indigenous Australians.

Methods:  A national, stratified, random cluster sample was selected in 30 communities across Australia. Data collection was undertaken in 2008. Adults 40 years and older were examined using a standardized protocol that included a questionnaire. The presence of visually significant cataract was assessed.

Results:  Response rates were good and 1189 indigenous adults were examined and overall recruitment was 72%. Low vision (<6/12–6/60) due to cataract occurred in 2.52% (1.63–3.41%) and blindness (<6/60) in 0.59% (95% CI: 0.24–1.21%). The cataract coverage rate (proportion of those with visually significant cataract who had been operated on) was 65.3% (95% CI: 55.0–74.6%). Projections suggest that there are 3234 indigenous adults with vision loss from cataract.

Conclusions:  Cataract remains a major cause of vision loss in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There were no significant regional or state differences in the prevalence of cataract or of cataract surgical coverage, which suggests that increased cataract surgery services are required across the country to address cataract in indigenous Australians.
Closed‐form thermal stress intensity factors for an internal circumferential crack in a thick‐walled cylinder
Authors: GHAJAR R. , NABAVI S. M.
Published: May 2010

In this paper the method of weight functions is employed to calculate the stress intensity factors for an internal circumferential crack in a thick‐walled cylinder. The pressurized cylinder is also subjected to convection cooling on the inner surface. Finite element method is used to determine an accurate weight function for the crack and a closed‐form thermal stress intensity factor with the aid of the weight function method is extracted. The influence of crack parameter and the heat transfer coefficient on the stress intensity factors are determined. Comparison of the results in the special cases with those cited in the literature and the finite element data shows that the results are in very good agreement.
Predictors of responders to insulin therapy at 1 year among adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Owen V. , Seetho I. , Idris I.
Published: May 2010

Background: The effectiveness of insulin therapy to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) may depend on a variety of factors. This study aims to determine baseline parameters including body mass index (BMI) threshold that might predict responders to insulin therapy.

Methods: This was a retrospective UK population‐based study derived from 358 general practices electronic dataset. We included all patients with T2D, diagnosed at the age of >18 years old and who were initiated on insulin from January 2000 to December 2006. Insulin responders were defined as HbA1c <7.5% and/or HbA1c reduction by >1% at 12 months postinsulin initiation.

Results: Results are expressed in mean (s.d.). A total of 6032 patients were identified. Baseline age was 63 years (11.7). In all, 61% of patients (3696) responded to insulin. At 1‐year postinsulin initiation, HbA1c was significantly reduced (9.8 vs. 8.4%, p < 0.001) and weight increased (85.7 vs. 87.9 kg, p < 0.001). Using logistic regression model, older age (p < 0.001), lower BMI (p = 0.046), higher HbA1c (p < 0.001), basal‐bolus insulin therapy and premixed insulin compared to basal insulin alone at baseline were independent predictors of responders to insulin. Gender and social class were not significant predictors of insulin responders. A BMI of <35.3 was derived as a cut‐point for response to insulin (p = 0.038).

Conclusion: Overall, insulin therapy confers significant HbA1c reduction and weight increase in patients with T2D. The responsiveness to insulin therapy however appears to depend on baseline age, BMI, HbA1c and insulin regime. Clinicians should take these factors into consideration when making a decision to initiate insulin therapy in patients with T2D.
Management of elderly patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: guideline concordance and predictors of overall survival
Authors: Bolenz Christian , Ho Richard , Nuss Geoffrey R. , Ortiz Nicolas , Raj Ganesh V. , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Lotan Yair
Published: May 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To study guideline recommendation (GR)‐concordance rates of treatment in elderly patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) and to identify predictors of survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of 206 consecutive patients aged ≥75 years (median age 79 years; range 75–95) were reviewed. All patients underwent transurethral resection (TUR) or biopsy of UCB. The European Association of Urology and American Urological Association guidelines were used as reference when evaluating concordance with GRs and clinical outcome. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of survival.

RESULTS

The overall GR‐concordance rate of treatment was 88.8% (183 of 206 patients). Patients who were older (P= 0.017), who underwent prior treatment for UCB (P= 0.010), and had greater comorbidities (P= 0.001) were less likely to undergo treatment following GRs. With a median (mean; range) follow‐up of 14.7 (22.6; 0.3–111.5) months, 79 patients died (38.3%). More comorbidities (unadjusted Charlson comorbidity index; P= 0.007), a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score of ≤80 (P= 0.001) and more advanced initial pathological tumour stage (P= 0.019) independently predicted reduced overall survival (OS). In the subgroup of patients with indication for cystectomy (n= 99), there was a trend for longer OS in patients treated with curative intent (cystectomy or radio‐chemotherapy) compared with conservative treatment with TUR ± intravesical therapy only (P= 0.095).

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority of elderly patients with UCB received adequate treatment at our tertiary institution. The KPS score, more comorbidities and more advanced pathological tumour stage are predictors for reduced OS and should be considered to optimize patient care.
The establishment of an integrated skills training centre for undergraduate nursing education
Authors: Lee L.Y.K. , Lee J.K.L. , Wong K.F. , Tsang A.Y.K. , Li M.K.
Published: May 2010

LEE L.Y.K., LEE J.K.L., WONG K.F., TSANG A.Y.K. & LI M.K. (2010) The establishment of an integrated skills training centre for undergraduate nursing education. International Nursing Review57, 359–364

Aim:  This paper details the experience of establishing an integrated skills training centre for use in undergraduate nursing education in The Open University of Hong Kong.

Background:  Skills training is an essential element in undergraduate nursing education. Owing to the increasing complexity of the health‐care system and patient health needs, undergraduate nursing students should be well prepared for integrated skills competency, critical thinking and rapid decision‐making. To achieve this goal, the use of simulation as a skills training tool is being recommended.

Conclusion:  The Clinical Nursing Education Centre is established. It adopts simulation as a teaching and learning tool. It has four specific education units, namely: (1) clinical simulation education unit, (2) virtual reality education unit, (3) nursing skills education unit, and (4) Chinese medicinal education unit. These units are specifically designed for the teaching and learning of nursing skills related to general, mental and Chinese medicinal nursing from elementary to advanced level. Experiences pertaining to the conceptualization, exploration and actualization phases of the establishment are presented. Details of the structure and specific functions of the centre are also illustrated. Finally, there is discussion on the challenges encountered during the establishment process and how they were overcome.
Traditional practices used by infertile women in Turkey
Authors: Ayaz S. , Efe S. Yaman
Published: May 2010

AYAZ S. & YAMAN EFE S. (2010) Traditional practices used by infertile women in Turkey. International Nursing Review57, 383–387

Background:  Numerous traditional methods are used in the treatment of infertility around the world.

Aim:  To identify the traditional practices of infertile women using one clinic in Ankara, Turkey.

Design and Methods:  The population comprised all women (5700) who attended one infertility outpatient clinic in 2007. The sample was calculated using sample calculation formula and 410 women were included in the study. The survey method was used for data collection.

Findings:  Of the responding women, 27.3% had tried a traditional practice, and 67.8% who tried traditional practices used an herbal mixture. The reason for the women's use of a traditional practice was ‘hope’ (66.9%), and 15.2% of them had experienced an adverse effect related with traditional practice. Maternal education level, perceived economic status, duration of marriage all significantly affected the use of traditional practices (P < 0.05). The women who had received unsuccessful medical treatment for infertility and who had experienced side effects after medical treatment had a higher rate of use of traditional practice (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Almost one in three of the women who responded to the questionnaire had tried traditional methods, and some experienced adverse effects related to the practice. For couples with infertility problems, educational programmes and consultation services should be organized with respect to their traditional culture. Women should be informed about the hazards of traditional practices and avoidance of harmful practices, and continuous emotional support must be provided for infertile couples. In the future, nursing staff should play a much larger role in these supportive services.
Climate change, unpredictable cold waves and possible brakes on plant migration
Authors: Jalili Adel , Jamzad Ziba , Thompson Ken , Araghi M. K. , Ashrafi Sohaila , Hasaninejad Maryam , Panahi Parisa , Hooshang Neda , Azadi Rahman , Tavakol M. S. , Palizdar Maryam , Rahmanpour Afsoun , Farghadan Farhood , Mirhossaini S. G. , Parvaneh Kamyar
Published: May 2010

Aim  Increases in annual mean temperature in the course of current climate change are expected to facilitate mass species migration towards higher altitudes and latitudes. However, this migration may be slowed, or even temporarily reversed, by infrequent and unpredictable episodes of low winter temperatures. Iran experienced a severe cold wave in January and February 2008, giving an opportunity to observe the effects on a large number of woody plant species, many growing further north than their natural ranges.

Location  The study was carried out in the National Botanical Garden of Iran (35°44′20.06″ N; 51°10′25.66″ E).

Method  To estimate the damage caused to each individual woody plant in the garden, we adopted the following protocol; at the start of the growing season, at the end of March and beginning of April 2008, all woody species were inspected for damage. In the case of evergreens this took the form of obvious damage to foliage, usually manifested as severe browning. In the case of deciduous species, damage was recognized by the failure of all or part of the plant to produce new leaves; all affected individual plants were labelled. In July all labelled plants were rechecked and, based on whole or partial above‐ground die‐back, a final list of damaged individuals was produced.

Results  As expected, the majority of native and exotic species introduced from cold temperate habitats showed no freezing injuries. Many woody species in the garden were damaged or killed, despite their previous survival and growth, in many cases for up to 40 years. The majority of taxa (101 out of a total of 145) that suffered freezing‐induced damage were evergreens.

Main conclusions  The results indicate that despite an increase in mean annual temperature, unpredictable lethal cold waves may retard the expansion of plants towards higher altitudes and latitudes. Broadleaved evergreen species from warm climates were particularly badly affected, with many species suffering high rates of mortality.
Electrostatic Halftoning
Authors: Schmaltz Christian , Gwosdek Pascal , Bruhn Andrés , Weickert Joachim
Published: May 2010

We introduce a new global approach for image dithering, stippling, screening and sampling. It is inspired by the physical principles of electrostatics. Repelling forces between equally charged particles create a homogeneous distribution in flat areas, while attracting forces from the image brightness values ensure a high approximation quality. Our model is transparent and uses only two intuitive parameters: One steers the granularity of our halftoning approach, and the other its regularity. We evaluate two versions of our algorithm: A discrete version for dithering that ties points to grid positions, as well as a continuous one which does not have this restriction, and can thus be used for stippling or sampling density functions. Our methods create very few visual artefacts, reveal favourable blue‐noise behaviour in the frequency domain, and have a lower approximation error under Gaussian convolution than state‐of‐the‐art methods.
The impact of the initial condition on robust tests for a linear trend
Authors: Harvey David I. , Leybourne Stephen J. , Robert Taylor A. M.
Published: May 2010

This article examines the behaviour of some recently proposed ‘robust’ (to the order of integration of the data) tests for the presence of a deterministic linear trend in a univariate times series in situations where the magnitude of the initial condition of the series is non‐negligible. We demonstrate that the asymptotic size and/or local power properties of these tests are extremely sensitive to the initial condition. Straightforward modifications to the trend tests are suggested, based on the use of trimmed data, which are shown to help reduce this sensitivity.
Ruptured symptomatic internal carotid artery dorsal wall aneurysm with rapid configurational change. Clinical experience and management outcome: an original article
Authors: Lee C.‐C. , Hsieh T.‐C. , Wang Y.‐C. , Lo Y.‐L. , Lee S.‐T. , Yang T.‐C.
Published: May 2010

Background:  Aneurysms located at non‐branching sites, protruding from the dorsal wall of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) with rapid configurational changes, were retrospectively reviewed in effort to identify and characterize these high‐risk aneurysms.

Methods:  A total of 447 patients with 491 intracranial aneurysms were treated from March 2005 to August 2008, and of these, eight patients had ICA dorsal wall aneurysms. Four of them suffered subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and all had aneurysms undergoing rapid configuration changes during the treatment course. Digital subtraction cerebral angiography (DSA) performed soon after the SAH events. Data analyzed were patient age, sex, Hunt and Kosnik grade, time interval from first DSA to second DSA, aneurysm treatment, and modified Rankin scale score after treatment for 3 months. Success or failure of therapeutic management was examined among the patients.

Results:  Digital subtraction cerebral angiography showed only lesions with small bulges in the dorsal walls of the ICAs. However, the patients underwent DSA again for re‐bleeding or for post‐treatment follow‐up, confirming the SAH source. ICA dorsal wall aneurysms with rapid growth and configurational changes were found on subsequent DSA studies.

Conclusions:  Among the four patients, ICA dorsal wall aneurysms underwent rapid growth with configurational change from a blister type to a saccular type despite different management. ICA trapping including the lesion segment can be considered as the first treatment option if the balloon occlusion test (BOT) is successful. If a BOT is not tolerated by the patient, extracranial–intracranial bypass revascularization surgery with endovascular ICA occlusion is another treatment option.
EFNS guidelines for the molecular diagnosis of neurogenetic disorders: motoneuron, peripheral nerve and muscle disorders
Authors: Burgunder J.‐M. , Schöls L. , Baets J. , Andersen P. , Gasser T. , Szolnoki Z. , Fontaine B. , Van Broeckhoven C. , Di Donato S. , De Jonghe P. , Lynch T. , Mariotti C. , Spinazzola A. , Tabrizi S. J. , Tallaksen C. , Zeviani M. , Harbo H. F. , Finsterer J.
Published: May 2010

Objectives:  These EFNS guidelines on the molecular diagnosis of motoneuron disorders, neuropathies and myopathies are designed to summarize the possibilities and limitations of molecular genetic techniques and to provide diagnostic criteria for deciding when a molecular diagnostic work‐up is indicated.

Search strategy:  To collect data about planning, conditions and performance of molecular diagnosis of these disorders, a literature search in various electronic databases was carried out and original papers, meta‐analyses, review papers and guideline recommendations reviewed.

Results:  The best level of evidence for genetic testing recommendation (B) can be found for the disorders with specific presentations, including familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth 1A, myotonic dystrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. For a number of less common disorders, a precise description of the phenotype, including the use of immunologic methods in the case of myopathies, is considered as good clinical practice to guide molecular genetic testing.

Conclusion:  These guidelines are provisional and the future availability of molecular‐genetic epidemiological data about the neurogenetic disorders under discussion in this article will allow improved recommendation with an increased level of evidence.
Efficacy and safety of Cerebrolysin in moderate to moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease: results of a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial investigating three dosages of Cerebrolysin
Authors: Alvarez X. A. , Cacabelos R. , Sampedro C. , Aleixandre M. , Linares C. , Granizo E. , Doppler E. , Moessler H.
Published: May 2010

Background:  Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation mimicking the effects of neurotrophic factors. This subgroup analysis assessed safety and efficacy of Cerebrolysin in patients with moderate to moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (ITT data set: N = 133; MMSE: 14–20) included in a dose‐finding study (ITT data set: N = 251; MMSE: 14–25). Results of the mild AD subgroup (ITT data set: N = 118; MMSE: 21–25) are also presented.

Methods:  Patients with AD received 100 ml IV infusions of Cerebrolysin (10, 30 or 60 ml diluted in saline; N = 32, 34 and 35, respectively) or placebo (saline; N = 32) over twelve weeks (5 days per week for 4 weeks and 2 days per week for another 8 weeks). Primary efficacy criteria ADAS‐cog+ (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subpart Modified) and CIBIC+ (Clinical Interview‐based Impression of Change with Caregiver Input) were assessed 24 weeks after baseline.

Results:  At week 24, Cerebrolysin improved the global clinical function significantly with all three dosages and induced significant improvements in cognition, initiation of activities of daily living (ADL) and neuropsychiatric symptoms at 10‐, 30‐ and 60‐ml doses, respectively. Treatment effects on total ADL and other secondary parameters (MMSE, Trail‐making test) were not significant. Cerebrolysin was safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions:  These results demonstrate the efficacy of Cerebrolysin in moderate to moderately severe AD, showing dose‐specific effects similar to those reported for patients with mild to moderate AD. The benefits of Cerebrolysin in advanced AD need to be confirmed in larger trials.
T2 lesions and rate of progression of disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mostert J. P. , Koch M. W. , Steen C. , Heersema D. J. , De Groot J. C. , De Keyser J.
Published: May 2010

Background and purpose:  To assess the predictive value of T2 lesions on the rate of progression of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:  We reanalyzed T2 lesion number and load on brain MRI scans, performed before 1997, of 186 MS patients, who were clinically followed. There were 90 patients with progressive MS (35 secondary progressive and 55 primary progressive), and 96 with relapsing remitting MS. The rate of progression of disability was measured by time to sustained progression of disability (defined as an increase in ≥ 1 point when the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was 5.5 or less and an increase in EDSS of ≥ 0.5 point when the EDSS was 6.0 or higher), and by the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS).

Results:  During follow‐up (median 15 years, IQR 12–17 years), 94% of the patients with progressive MS and 50% of the patients with relapsing remitting MS had progression of disability. Higher T2 lesion number and load were modestly associated with a higher rate of disease progression on the MSSS and a shorter time to progression of disability in relapsing remitting MS, but not in progressive MS.

Conclusions:  Our findings indicate that the amount of T2 lesions has a small predictive value for progression of disability in relapsing remitting MS, but has no influence on the rate of progression in progressive MS.