Overexpression of METAL TOLERANCE PROTEIN8 reveals new aspects of metal transport in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds.

METAL TOLERANCE PROTEIN8 (MTP8) of Arabidopsis thaliana is a member of the CATION DIFFUSION FACILITATOR (CDF) family of proteins that transports primarily manganese (Mn), but also iron (Fe). MTP8 mediates Mn allocation to specific cell types in the developing embryo, and Fe re-allocation as well as Mn tolerance during imbibition. We analysed if an overexpression of MTP8 driven by the CaMV 35S promoter has an effect on Mn tolerance during imbibition and on Mn and Fe storage in seeds, which would render it a biofortification target. Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations in MTP8-overexpressing lines in wild type and vit1-1 backgrounds were analysed by ICP-MS. Distribution of metals in intact seeds was determined by synchrotron µXRF tomography. MTP8 overexpression led to a strongly increased Mn tolerance of seeds during imbibition, supporting its effectiveness in loading excess Mn into the vacuole. In mature seeds, MTP8 overexpression did not cause a consistent increase in Mn and Fe accumulation, and it did not change the allocation pattern of these metals. Zn concentrations were consistently increased in bulk samples. The results demonstrate that Mn and Fe allocation is not determined primarily by the MTP8 expression pattern, suggesting either a cell type-specific provision of metals for vacuolar sequestration by upstream transport processes, or the determination of MTP8 activity by post-translational regulation.

Development of a grinding-specific performance test set-up.

The aim of this study was to develop a performance test set-up for America's Cup grinders. The test set-up had to mimic the on-boat grinding activity and be capable of collecting data for analysis and evaluation of grinding performance. This study included a literature-based analysis of grinding demands and a test protocol developed to accommodate the necessary physiological loads. This study resulted in a test protocol consisting of 10 intervals of 20 revolutions each interspersed with active resting periods of 50 s. The 20 revolutions are a combination of both forward and backward grinding and an exponentially rising resistance. A custom-made grinding ergometer was developed with computer-controlled resistance and capable of collecting data during the test. The data collected can be used to find measures of grinding performance such as peak power, time to complete and the decline in repeated grinding performance.

Anti-interleukin-10R1 monoclonal antibody in combination with bacillus Calmette--Guérin is protective against bladder cancer metastasis in a murine orthotopic tumour model and demonstrates systemic specific anti-tumour immunity.

Effective treatment of bladder cancer with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) depends on the induction of a T helper type (Th) 1 immune response. Interleukin (IL)-10 down-regulates the Th1 response and is associated with BCG failure. In this study, we investigated whether blocking IL-10 signalling could enhance the BCG-induced Th1 response and anti-tumour immunity in a murine orthotopic tumour model. Treatment with BCG and anti-IL-10 receptor 1 monoclonal antibody (anti-IL-10R1 mAb) increased the interferon (IFN)-γ to IL-10 ratio in both splenocyte cultures and urine. Mice bearing luciferase-expressing MB49 (MB49-Luc) tumours were treated and followed for tumour growth by bioluminescent imaging, bladder weight and histology. Mice treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (group 1), BCG plus control immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 (group 2) or BCG plus anti-IL-10R1 mAb (group 3) showed 0, 6 and 22% tumour regression, respectively. The mean bladder weight of group 3 mice was substantially lower than those of groups 1 and 2 mice. Remarkably, 36% of group 1 and 53% of group 2 mice but no group 3 mice developed lung metastasis (P = 0·02). To investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of combination therapy, splenocytes were stimulated with S12 peptide (serine mutation at codon 12 of the K-ras oncogene) known to be expressed in MB49-Luc cells. Induction of ras mutation-specific IFN-γ and cytotoxicity was observed in mice treated with combination therapy. These observations indicate that BCG, in combination with anti-IL-10R1 mAb, induces enhanced anti-tumour immunity that is protective against lung metastasis. Anti-IL-10R1 mAb demonstrates systemic effects and may prove useful in clinical practice for treating bladder cancer in high-risk patients.

All-fiber spectral compression of picosecond pulses at telecommunication wavelength enhanced by amplitude shaping.

We demonstrate efficient spectral compression of picosecond pulses in an all-fiber configuration at telecommunication wavelengths. A spectral compression by a factor of 12 is achieved. Performing temporal shaping with a parabolic pulse significantly improves the spectral compression with much lower substructures and an enhanced Strehl ratio.

Examining modifiable health behaviors, body weight, and use of preventive health services among caregivers and non-caregivers aged 65 years and older in Hawaii, Kansas, and Washington using 2007 BRFSS.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations among health behaviors, healthy body weight, and use of preventive services of adults 65 years and older using the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) as a function of caregiving status. METHODS: Participants (N=6,138) residing in the states of Hawaii, Kansas, and Washington completed questions about caregiving. We examined if there were any associations among body weight--having a healthy weight (body mass index 18.5-24.9 kg/m2); modifiable health behaviors--not smoking, consuming < or = 1 alcoholic beverage per day, consuming at least five fruits or vegetables daily, participating in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the average week; and using preventive services--receiving an annual influenza immunization, and ever receiving a pneumococcal immunization. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ significantly on the modifiable health behaviors of fruit and vegetable consumption, smoking status, or alcohol consumption, or having a healthy weight. Caregivers were significantly more likely to meet physical activity recommendations than non-caregivers (54.1%, 42.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between caregivers and non-caregivers on receiving influenza and pneumococcal immunization. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults who are caregivers are more likely than other older adults to meet government recommendations for physical activity; however, they have similar patterns of engaging in other health behaviors, including health eating and use of preventive services.

Bacterial contamination and over-dilution of commercial infant formula prepared by HIV-infected mothers in a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programme, South Africa.

To examine the safety of formula feeds used by mothers participating in a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, contents of 94 feeding bottles collected at a PMTCT-clinic were analysed. An additional 17 samples were taken from already prepared feeds during home visits, as well as 21 samples from bottles prepared under observation. Living conditions and educational levels were overall good and mothers had been counselled on safe formula preparation. Samples were analysed for faecal bacteria, using Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp. as indicators. Protein concentration was used as an indicator of concentration of the formula. Out of 94, 63 (67%) of samples obtained at the clinic and 13/16 (81%) of available home samples were contaminated with faecal bacteria, compared to 8/21 (38%) of those prepared under observation. Out of 94, 58 (62%) of the clinic samples containing E. coli and 23/94 (24%) of those containing Enterococcus sp. were contaminated with more than the US government recommended limit of 10 CFU/ml. Out of 94, 26 (28%) of samples obtained at the clinic, 8/17 (47%) of home samples and 3/21 (14%) of those prepared under observation were over-diluted, compared to standards. Many mothers did not follow recommended practices in preparing and feeding the bottles.

Retest reliability of surveillance questions on health related quality of life.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important surveillance measure for monitoring the health of populations, as proposed in the American public health plan, Healthy People 2010. The authors investigated the retest reliability of four HRQoL questions from the US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). DESIGN: Randomly sampled BRFSS respondents from the state of Missouri were re-contacted for a retest of the HRQoL questions. Reliability was estimated by kappa statistics for categorical questions and intraclass correlation coefficients for continuous questions. SETTING: Missouri, United States. PARTICIPANTS: 868 respondents were re-interviewed by telephone about two weeks after the initial interview (mean 13.5 days). Participants represented the adult, non-institutionalised population of Missouri: 59.1% women; mean age 49.5 years; 93.2% white race. MAIN RESULTS: Retest reliability was excellent (0.75 or higher) for Self-Reported Health and Healthy Days measures, and moderate (0.58 to 0.71) for other measures. Reliability was lower for older adults. Other demographic subgroups (for example, gender) showed no regular pattern of differing reliability and there was very little change in reliability by the time interval between the first and second interview. CONCLUSIONS: Retest reliability of the HRQoL Core is moderate to excellent. Scaling options will require future attention, as will research into appropriate metrics for what constitutes important population group differences and change in HRQoL.

The behavioral spectrum of tic disorders: a community-based study.

BACKGROUND: Tourette syndrome (TS) and related tic disorders are commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has been argued, however, that any observed association between TS and these and other psychopathologies may be due to ascertainment bias in that individuals with multiple problems are more likely to be referred for medical evaluation. METHODS: In order to overcome the potential confounding by ascertainment bias, the authors conducted a community-based study of school children using direct interviews to determine the prevalence of tic disorders and any comorbid psychopathology. A standard psychiatric interview and standardized rating scales were utilized to diagnose childhood behavioral disorders. RESULTS: Of the 1,596 children interviewed, 339 were identified as having tics. The following psychopathologies were found more commonly (p < 0.05) in the children with tics: OCD, ADHD, separation anxiety, overanxious disorder, simple phobia, social phobia, agoraphobia, mania, major depression, and oppositional defiant behavior. CONCLUSION: The behavioral spectrum of tic disorders includes OCD, other anxiety disorders, a mood disorder, and attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders.

Prevalence of tics in schoolchildren and association with placement in special education.

BACKGROUND: Based on the knowledge that Tourette's syndrome (TS) is associated with several clinical features that can impair school function and growing evidence that the disorder is much more common than previously thought, the authors hypothesized that TS and related tic disorders would be associated with school problems in the childhood population at large. METHODS: Direct, blinded (to educational placement) interviews of 1,596 schoolchildren in Monroe County, Rochester, NY, were conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-seven percent of 341 students classified as receiving special education (SpEd) had tics compared with 19.7% (p = 0.008) of 1,255 students in regular classroom programs (RegEd). The weighted prevalence estimates for tics were 23.4% in SpEd and 18.5% in RegEd. A higher percentage of students in SpEd (7.0%) met diagnostic criteria for TS than students in RegEd (3.8%; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although possibly influenced by selection bias, our results indicate that tic disorders are common in children and are highly associated with school dysfunction. Tics may represent an identifiable sign of an underlying brain developmental disorder that contributes to academic difficulties.

Proxy reliability: health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures for people with disability.

OBJECTIVES: Research and surveillance activities sometimes require that proxy respondents provide key exposure or outcome information, especially for studies of people with disability (PWD). In this study, we compared the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) responses of index PWD to proxies. METHODS: Subjects were selected from nursing home, other assisted living residences, and from several clinic samples of PWD. Each index identified one or more proxy respondents. Computer-assisted interviews used a random order of measures. Proxy reliability was measured by intraclass correlation (ICC) and kappa statistics. HRQoL measures tested included the surveillance questions of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs and IADLs), medical outcomes study short-form 36 and 12 (SF-36 and SF-12). RESULTS: A total of 131 index-proxy sets were completed. In general, agreement and reliability of proxy responses to the PWD tended to be best for relatives, with friends lower, and health care proxies lowest. For example, the ICC for the physical functioning scale of the SF-36 was 0.68 for relatives, 0.51 for friends, and 0.40 for healthcare proxies. There was a tendency for proxies to overestimate impairment and underestimate HRQoL. This pattern was reversed for measures of pain, which proxies consistently underestimated. The pattern among instruments, proxy types, and HRQoL domains was complex, and individual measures vary from these general results. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest caution when using proxy respondents for HRQoL, especially those measuring more subjective domains.

Disability outcomes research: why this supplement, on this topic, at this time?

The objective of this supplement is to define disability outcomes research and to describe the issues facing this new discipline. Drawing on the scientific, English-language literature, this group of articles reviews and comments on the current methods and measures of disability outcomes research, with an eye on providing insights into future directions for disability outcomes research. The future includes expansion of the framework that defined disability and evolution of the methods for the research itself.

Criteria for assessing the tools of disability outcomes research.

To recommend instrument assessment criteria, deriving from psychometric textbooks and articles and disability and research experts, for reviewing and assessing surveys and questionnaires for disability outcomes research. Traditional criteria are recommended, including psychometric properties of validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change, as are newer statistical methods for assessing scaling properties, such as Rasch analysis. Special consideration is needed for generic instruments that may be poorly scaled for disability research. Pragmatic aspects of data collection, including acceptability and disability accommodation, also are recommended.

Health-related quality of life outcomes measures.

OBJECTIVE: To review critically the features of measures of generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for disability outcomes research. DATA SOURCES: A search of electronic databases, summary reviews, books, and government documents was performed. Comment and experiences from participants of a conference on outcomes research were also incorporated. STUDY SELECTION: English language literature from scientists from a broad range of disciplines and research settings, including medicine, nursing, social science, and public health, and health services research and practice. DATA EXTRACTION: A critical review of measures that have been or might be used to measure disability outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: Commonly used generic measures of HRQOL can be applied to disability outcomes research with some caveats. Three common tools are the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), and Quality of Well-Being (QWB) scale. The SF-36 and SIP have been used with some success in research with people with disability. The QWB scale has been used less frequently. CONCLUSION: Most studies using generic HRQOL tools are of groups with specific impairments rather than heterogeneous groups of people with disability. None of the tools appears to measure HRQOL without some potential biases (eg, inappropriate wording) for people with disability, but more specific testing of these problems is needed. Also needed are studies to determine whether these tools can measure meaningful longitudinal changes.

Enabling our instruments: accommodation, universal design, and access to participation in research.

The objective of this article is to discuss problems related to full participation of people with disabilities in health services and health outcomes research. To show the problems and to suggest solutions, we offer examples from personal research experiences (ours and colleagues'), as well as from published literature, requirements of research agencies, web and news sources, and research participants' feedback. A combination of formal and informal processes can be used to enable future instruments and methods. There are ethical, legal, and methodologic imperatives for research participation enablement.

Depression measures in outcomes research.

OBJECTIVE: To review critically the measures used to screen for depression for disability outcomes research and to recommend measures and needed research. DATA SOURCES: Review of literature pertaining to the development, testing, and use of depression measures for outcomes research. STUDY SELECTION: English language literature from scientists from a broad range of disciplines and research settings, focusing mainly on the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Center for Epidemiology Study-Depression scale. DATA EXTRACTION: A literature review was completed through MEDLINE. Based on the review, instruments were selected according to their use among people with disability and the reliability and validity of the instrument. Two instruments were selected for a complete review, and 5 instruments were selected for a brief review. DATA SYNTHESIS: A critical review of measures that have been and may be used to measure depressive symptomatology among people with disability. CONCLUSIONS: Screening measures of depression are easy to administer and score. Almost all have low respondent burden and good face validity, thereby contributing to a high participation rate for most studies. Some problems exist with the application of these instruments to people with disability (ie, overlap of symptoms of depression and indicators of physical impairment).

A model of outcomes research: spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To use spinal cord injury (SCI) care and research as a paradigm to illustrate how the principles and practices of outcomes research have been and can be applied to the sequelae of a specific disability. DATA SOURCES: Review of data sources and literature pertaining to outcomes of SCI. STUDY SELECTION: English language literature, health status and health services research agencies, academic and governmental research, and surveillance settings. DATA EXTRACTION: A critical review of measures that have been and may be used to measure the outcomes of SCI. Special attention was paid to data sources; the need for methodologic accommodations: the research balance between generic and condition-specific methods; and the measurement outcomes that are highly relevant to people with SCIs. DATA SYNTHESIS: There is a substantial research record related to the natural history, rehabilitation, survival, and long-term social reintegration of people with SCI, but relatively less addressing widely used generic health outcomes. CONCLUSION: Contemporary outcomes research is relevant to people with SCI and those who provide treatment. One area of special attention is the occurrence of secondary conditions. To a large extent, SCI outcomes research can use conventional methods and generic instruments. There also is a need to modify research methods and to refine and apply some measures specific to people with SCI.

Reliability and validity of disability questions for US Census 2000.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the validity and proxy reliability of 7 new disability questions from the 2000 US census ("Census 2000"). METHODS: A total of 131 people with disabilities and their proxies from St Louis, Mo, and Massachusetts were interviewed, and responses were compared for concordance. Responses also were compared with responses to questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) instrument. RESULTS: Overall, proxies reported more impairment than did people with disabilities, and agreement was low (kappa = 0.24-0.55). Concordance was moderate between the census questions and their BRFSS and ADL counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The Census 2000 questions may not provide an accurate profile of disability in America.

Disability and health status: ethnic differences among women in the United States.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: There are few data describing disability and health status for ethnic groups. The disablement process involves social influences, which may include minority status. Cross sectional data were examined to investigate the relation of ethnicity to disability. DESIGN: A stratified random digit dialled sample of women aged 40 and older. Disability and health status were measured as functional and activity limitations, work disability, and days of poor physical and mental health. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: Women interviewed by telephone included 774 white, 749 African-American, 660 Hispanic, and 739 Native American women. MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of disability was higher among minority women when classified by general health status, and the need for personal care assistance. There was a striking excess of work disability: 3.5% of white women compared with 7.1% to 10.3% for minority women. The differences were reduced when adjusted for other risk factors and socioeconomic status. White and minority women reported more similar disability when it was defined by poor mental and physical health days. CONCLUSIONS: Disability is correlated with social and demographic characteristics as well as medical diagnoses. Ethnicity also is associated with disability and may be part of a social context for disablement. Future research should concentrate on the temporal sequence of disability. Consistent definitions of disability will facilitate this research.

Office prenatal formula advertising and its effect on breast-feeding patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of formula company-produced materials about infant feeding to breast-feeding promotion materials without formula advertising on breast-feeding initiation and duration. METHODS: Five hundred forty-seven pregnant women were randomized to receive either formula company (commercial; n = 277) or specially designed (research; n = 270) educational packs about infant feeding at their first prenatal visit. Feeding method was determined at delivery. Breast-feeding duration of the 294 women who chose to breast-feed was ascertained at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Survival analyses were used to evaluate continuous outcomes, and chi2 and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate discrete outcomes. RESULTS: Breast-feeding initiation (relative risk [RR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61, 1.43) and duration after 2 weeks (hazard ratio 1.19, 95% CI 0.86, 1.64) were not affected. Women in the commercial group were more likely to cease breast-feeding before hospital discharge (RR 5.80, 95% CI 1.25, 54.01) and before 2 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% CI 1.02, 3.55). In subgroup analyses, women with uncertain goals for breast-feeding or goals of 12 weeks or less experienced shortened exclusive (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% CI 1.06, 2.21), full (hazard ratio 1.70, 95% CI 1.18, 2.48), and overall (hazard ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.16, 2.64) breast-feeding duration when exposed to the commercial intervention. CONCLUSION: Although breast-feeding initiation and long-term duration were not affected, exposure to formula promotion materials increased significantly breast-feeding cessation in the first 2 weeks. Additionally, among women with uncertain goals or breast-feeding goals of 12 weeks or less, exclusive, full, and overall breast-feeding duration were shortened. Educational materials about infant feeding should support unequivocally breast-feeding as optimal nutrition for infants; formula promotion products should be eliminated from prenatal settings.