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A core value of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) is to be a nurturing organisation. As part of being a nurturing organisation, ANZAHPE enshrines the value of mentorship. In this paper, we explore the roles of mentors and coaches. We look at how these roles might adapt over the next 50 years to assist novices to understand their workplace culture in order to enable them to function, survive and thrive within this context. We further propose that the respective roles of mentors and coaches will become increasingly distinct from each other to optimise the support that is available for new health professionals, educators and researchers as they enter the workforce and prepare for lifelong learning and scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exclusion of special populations (older adults; pregnant women, children, and adolescents; individuals of lower socioeconomic status and/or who live in rural communities; people from racial and ethnic minority groups; individuals from sexual or gender minority groups; and individuals with disabilities) in research is a pervasive problem, despite efforts and policy changes by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. These populations are adversely impacted by social determinants of health (SDOH) that reduce access and ability to participate in biomedical research. In March 2020, the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute hosted the "Lifespan and Life Course Research: integrating strategies" "Un-Meeting" to discuss barriers and solutions to underrepresentation of special populations in biomedical research. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how exclusion of representative populations in research can increase health inequities. We applied findings of this meeting to perform a literature review of barriers and solutions to recruitment and retention of representative populations in research and to discuss how findings are important to research conducted during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight the role of SDOH, review barriers and solutions to underrepresentation, and discuss the importance of a structural competency framework to improve research participation and retention among special populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compiled a human metagenome assembled plasmid (MAP) database and interrogated differences across multiple studies that were originally designed to investigate the composition of the human microbiome across various lifestyles, life stages and events. This was performed as plasmids enable bacteria to rapidly expand their functional capacity through mobilisation, yet their contribution to human health and disease is poorly understood. We observed that inter-sample β-diversity differences of plasmid content (plasmidome) could distinguish cohorts across a multitude of conditions. We also show that reduced intra-sample plasmidome α-diversity is consistent amongst patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Clostridioides difficile infections. We also show that faecal microbiota transplants can restore plasmidome diversity. Overall plasmidome diversity, specific plasmids, and plasmid-encoded functions can all potentially act as biomarkers of IBD or its severity. The human plasmidome is an overlooked facet of the microbiome and should be integrated into investigations regarding the role of the microbiome in promoting health or disease. Including MAP databases in analyses will enable a greater understanding of the roles of plasmid-encoded functions within the gut microbiome and will inform future human metagenome analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paternal mental health is beginning to be recognized as an essential part of perinatal health. Historically, fathers were not recognized as being at risk for perinatal mental illnesses or relevant to maternal and infant health outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of paternal perinatal mental health, leading tools to assess paternal depression and anxiety, the impact of paternal mental health on mother and child health, and future directions for the field. An international team of paternal perinatal mental health experts summarized the key findings of the field. Fathers have an elevated risk of depression and anxiety disorders during the perinatal period that is associated with maternal depression and can impact their ability to support mothers. Paternal mental health is uniquely associated with child mental health and developmental outcomes starting from infancy and continuing through the child lifespan. Tailored screening approaches for paternal mental health are essential to support fathers early in the perinatal period, which would offset health risks for the family. Recommendations on paternal mental health are provided on four key areas to support father perinatal mental health: (1) intervention research, (2) clinical training, (3) national policy, and (4) the inclusion of fathers in the focus of the International Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been inconclusive in relating microbiota with distribution of inflammation. We report microbiota, host transcriptomics, epigenomics and genetics from matched inflamed and non-inflamed colonic mucosa [50 Crohn's disease (CD); 80 ulcerative colitis (UC); 31 controls]. Changes in community-wide and within-patient microbiota are linked with inflammation, but we find no evidence for a distinct microbial diagnostic signature, probably due to heterogeneous host-microbe interactions, and show only marginal microbiota associations with habitual diet. Epithelial DNA methylation improves disease classification and is associated with both inflammation and microbiota composition. Microbiota sub-groups are driven by dominant Enterbacteriaceae and Bacteroides species, representative strains of which are pro-inflammatory in vitro, are also associated with immune-related epigenetic markers. In conclusion, inflamed and non-inflamed colonic segments in both CD and UC differ in microbiota composition and epigenetic profiles. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been linked to host-microbiota interactions. Here, the authors investigate mucosa-associated microbiota using endoscopically-targeted biopsies from inflamed and non-inflamed colon in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, finding associations with inflammation and host epigenomic alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity indicators are essential for monitoring the impacts of pressures on the state of nature, determining the effectiveness of policy responses, and tracking progress towards biodiversity targets and sustainable development goals. Indicators based on trends in the abundance of birds are widely used for these purposes in Europe and have been identified as priorities for development elsewhere. To facilitate this we established bird population monitoring schemes in three African countries, based on citizen science approaches used in Europe, aiming to monitor population trends in common and widespread species. We recorded > 500 bird species from c. 450 2-km transects in Botswana, > 750 species from c. 120 transects in Uganda, and > 630 species from c. 90 transects in Kenya. Provisional Wild Bird Indices indicate a strong increase in bird populations in Botswana and a small decrease in Uganda. We also provide comparisons between trends of habitat generalists and specialists, of birds within and outside protected areas, and between Afro-Palearctic migrants and resident birds. Challenges encountered included recruiting, training and retaining volunteer surveyors, and securing long-term funding. However, we show that with technical support and modest investment (c. USD 30,000 per scheme per year), meaningful biodiversity indicators can be generated and used in African countries. Sustained resourcing for the existing schemes, and replication elsewhere, would be a cost-effective way to improve our understanding of biodiversity trends globally, and measure progress towards environmental goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that, at the nanoscale, the Casimir effect can be used to mechanically tune critical aspects of chemical reactions (e.g., energies, equilibrium constants, activation energies, transition states, reaction rates) by varying the spacing and composition of reaction vessel boundaries. This suggests new modalities for catalysts, nanoscale chemical manufacturing, chemical-mechanical engines, and biochemical processes in organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose the application of the contact potential from metal-metal junctions or the built-in potential of semiconductor p-n junctions to induce or catalyze chemical reactions. Free of external sources, this intrinsic potential across microscale and nanoscale vacuum gaps establishes electric fields in excess of 107 V/m. The electrostatic potential energy of these fields can be converted into useful chemical energy. As an example, we focus on the production of superthermal gas ions to drive reactions. Analysis indicates that this intrinsically biased electrocapacitive catalysis can achieve locally directed ion energies up to a few electron volts and local gas temperature boosts in excess of 104 K. Practical considerations for implementation and experimental tests are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression is a heterogeneous disorder in phenotype and etiology. Characterizing the longitudinal course of depressive symptoms over the first year after birth and identifying variables that predict distinct symptom trajectories will expedite efficient mental health treatment planning. The purpose was to determine 12-month trajectories of postpartum depressive symptoms, identify characteristics that predict the trajectories, and provide a computational algorithm that predicts trajectory membership.Methods: A prospective cohort of women delivering at an academic medical center (2006-2011) was recruited from an urban women's hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Women with a postpartum depressive disorder (n = 507) participated and completed symptom severity assessments at 4-8 weeks (intake), 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Women were predominantly Caucasian (71.8%), married (53.3%), and college educated (38.7%). Clinician interviews of depressive symptom severity, medical and psychiatric history, assessment of function, obstetric experience, and infant status were conducted.Results: Analyses resulted in identification of three distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms: (1) gradual remission (50.4%), (2) partial improvement (41.8%), and (3) chronic severe (7.8%). Key predictive characteristics of the chronic severe versus gradual remission and partial improvement trajectories included parity, education, and baseline global functioning and depression severity. We were able to predict trajectory membership with 72.8% accuracy from these characteristics.Conclusions: Four maternal characteristics predicted membership in the chronic severe versus gradual remission and partial improvement trajectories with 72.8% accuracy. The trajectory groups comprise clinically relevant subgroups with the potential for tailored treatments to reduce the disease burden of postpartum depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors comment on the potential of fathers as assets to support maternal mental health and as buffers between maternal mental health and child health outcomes. Topics covered include the need of an international perspective on the potential impact of father involvement that will examine cross-cultural similarities and differences to properly address global women's health, and two key areas that future perinatal mental health research must expand.

Thermodynamically isolated systems normally relax to equilibria characterized by single temperatures; however, in recent years several systems have been identified that challenge this presumption, demonstrating stationary temperature gradients at equilibrium. These temperature gradients, most pronounced in systems involving epicatalysis, can be explained via an underappreciated symmetry in the Van 't Hoff equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Eating Disorders is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Father’s mental health is an emerging area of interest that is beginning to be recognized in research, and to a lesser extent in clinical practice and society. Fathers are part of a parenting dyad with 2 partners who are responsible for their children’s emotional development. Similar to mothers, the risk for mental health problems increases once a male becomes a father, but there is limited research examining this issue. The purpose of this review is to present the available literature on father’s mental health and its effect on child emotional health through various mechanisms. In general, father’s mental health was found to be related to increased child internalizing and externalizing behaviors, but each disorder had different risk factors, and a unique effect on parenting behaviors and the child’s emotional health. The most developed paternal mental health literature is focused on depression. However, key conceptual and methodological problems exist that may limit our understanding of paternal depression. Additionally, the focus on paternal depression may not accurately represent the largest risk for paternal psychopathology and the resultant child mental health outcomes because men have an increased likelihood of displaying externalizing behaviors. Implications for research, clinical practice, and policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a new mode of gas-surface heterogeneous catalysis (epicatalysis) has been identified, having potential applications ranging from industrial and green chemistry to novel forms of power generation. This article describes an inexpensive, easily constructed, vacuum-compatible apparatus by which multiple candidate gas-surface combinations can be rapidly screened for epicatalytic activity. In exploratory experiments, candidate surfaces (teflon, kapton, glass, and gold) and gases (helium, argon, cyclohexane, water, methanol, formic acid, and acetic acid) were tested for epicatalytic activity. Kapton and teflon displayed small but reproducible differences in formic acid and methanol dimer desorption, thereby demonstrating the first examples of room-temperature epicatalysis. Other gas-surface combinations showed smaller or inconclusive evidence for epicatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Nurse--Family Partnership (NFP) is a home-visit program for young and first-time, socially and economically disadvantaged mothers. Evidence from three United States randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of this intervention at improving pregnancy outcomes, improving child health and development, and increasing maternal economic self-sufficiency is robust. However, the effectiveness of the NFP in Canada, with its different health and social care context, needs to be determined. The purpose of this article is to describe the complex process for moving the NFP from the research arena to full implementation in Canada. Methods: This process of evaluation in Canada includes (1) adapting the intervention; (2) piloting the intervention in small-scale feasibility and acceptability studies; and (3) conducting an RCT and process evaluation through a study called the British Columbia Healthy Connections Project (BCHCP). This large-scale evaluation also creates an opportunity to expand the NFP evidence base by conducting an additional study to examine potential biological mechanisms linking intervention and behavioural outcomes in children. Results: Adaptation of the NFP home-visit materials is a continuous process. A pilot project determined that it was feasible to enrol eligible women into the NFP. This pilot also determined that, in Canada, it was most appropriate for public health agencies to implement the NFP and for public health nurses to deliver the intervention. Finally, the pilot showed that this intensive home-visit program was acceptable to clients, their family members and health care providers. Through the BCHCP, the next steps--the RCT and process evaluation--are currently underway. The BCHCP will also set the foundation for long-term evaluation of key public health outcomes in a highly vulnerable population of families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteomic studies in general have demonstrated that the most effective and thorough analysis of biological samples requires subfractionation and/or enrichment prior to downstream processing. In the present study, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) liver samples were fractionated using activated thiol sepharose to isolate hepatic proteins containing free/reactive cysteines. This subset of proteins is of special interest when studying the physiological effects attributed to methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. Methylmercury is a persistent environmental contaminant that has a potent affinity toward thiol groups, and can directly bind proteins via available cysteine residues. Further, alterations in the cod thiol-proteome following MeHg exposure (2 mg/kg body weight) were explored with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with downstream mass spectrometry analyses for protein identifications. Thirty-five protein spots were found to respond to MeHg exposure, and 13 of these were identified when searching cod-specific databases with acquired mass spectrometry data. Among the identified thiol-containing proteins, some are known to respond to MeHg treatment, including constituents of the cytoskeleton, and proteins involved in oxidative stress responses, protein synthesis, protein folding, and energy metabolism. Methylmercury also appeared to affect cod heme metabolism/turnover, producing significantly altered levels of hemoglobin and hemopexin in liver following metal exposure. The latter finding suggests that MeHg may also affect the hematological system in Atlantic cod. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study was focused on the assessment of Catalase (CAT) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in Mediterranean clams ( Ruditapes decussatus) exposed to 50, 100 and 150 μg/L of Permethrin for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 days. In water, the measured concentrations of Permethrin in the treated aquariums were respectively 16.66, 38.24 and 55.61 μg/L. Results showed that CAT activity was increased after 5 days of exposure to high concentration reaching maximum value of 10.14 μmol/min/mg proteins after 25 days. However, no significant changes in AChE activity after 5 days of exposure were detected in all treated groups. AChE activity was significantly inhibited after 10 days with 100 and 150 μg/L and still depending on concentration and time. Maximum inhibition of AChE activity was reached after 25 days with the highest concentration of Permethrin. Our data indicated that exposure to Permethrin modifies biomarker profiles inducing oxidative stress and reducing AChE activity in Mediterranean clams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2000, a simple, foundational thermodynamic paradox was proposed: a sealed blackbody cavity contains a diatomic gas and a radiometer whose apposing vane surfaces dissociate and recombine the gas to different degrees (A $$_{2} \rightleftharpoons $$ 2A). As a result of differing desorption rates for A and A $$_{2}$$ , there arise between the vane faces permanent pressure and temperature differences, either of which can be harnessed to perform work, in apparent conflict with the second law of thermodynamics. Here we report on the first experimental realization of this paradox, involving the dissociation of low-pressure hydrogen gas on high-temperature refractory metals (tungsten and rhenium) under blackbody cavity conditions. The results, corroborated by other laboratory studies and supported by theory, confirm the paradoxical temperature difference and point to physics beyond the traditional understanding of the second law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals involved in fostering interprofessional collaborative practice in health are employed in the education, practice and political arenas. While the need to innovate and develop optimal training and practice is not new, the uniqueness of interprofessional collaborative practice is that it exists across professional backgrounds and transcends traditional hierarchies (entry-level to senior practitioners). As such, alternate models of support are required to assist champions to progress learning and innovation. One such model is a group of educators and practitioners networking across Australasia, resulting in the Australasian Community of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (ACoIPCP). ACoIPCP is a lively community of practice (CoP) group across Australia and New Zealand, which is abreast of current activity in the relevant arenas and provides members with an avenue to share information and, therefore, respond appropriately to changes in the environment. Membership includes like- minded individuals who work in the area of interprofessional collaboration from a broad range of perspectives in both health education and practice. This paper describes the development of ACoIPCP and its aims, activities and achievements. By developing a community of practice framework in a cross-organisational environment, ACoIPCP members have been able to support one another, share resources, seek feedback and learn with and from one another to foster interprofessional collaborative practice within educational, clinical and political settings. Information about the processes and outcomes of ACoIPCP may provide guidance to others interested in facilitating learning and innovation through a community of practice model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertebrates dominate many terrestrial ecosystems in terms of biomass, and they also structure ecosystems through their roles as pollinators, detritivores, primary consumers, predators and prey. Invasive rodents (rats and mice) are known to have detrimental effects on many island invertebrates, although these effects are seldom quantified or ecologically understood. Here we provide evidence of the effects of invasive rats ( Rattus spp.) on island invertebrate populations using a large-scale natural experiment. We investigated the effects of invasive rats on Falkland camel crickets ( Parudenus spp.) in the Falkland Islands (South Atlantic) by comparing an index of camel cricket relative abundance between 18 rat-infested islands, six rat-eradicated islands and 13 naturally rat-free islands (in total, 37 islands). Our study provided two key results. First, camel crickets were up to an order of magnitude more abundant on rat-free islands than on rat-infested or rat-eradicated islands. This difference was larger in native tussac grass Poa flabellata than in other vegetation types. Second, camel cricket populations recovered after rat eradication, because the relative abundance of camel crickets on rat-eradicated islands was intermediate between those of naturally rat-free and rat-infested islands, and among rat-eradicated islands relative abundance was lowest where rats had been cleared most recently. Our results demonstrate severe suppression of a superabundant and large-bodied island endemic invertebrate by invasive rodents, and its prompt recovery after rodent eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR) network has established the eBASIS (Bioactive Substances in Food Information System) online food composition and biological effects database for plant-derived bioactive compounds (phytochemicals). On the basis of submitted evidence, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) expert panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies assesses whether claims made under articles 13.1, 13.5 or 14 of the Regulation (EC) 1924/2006, which governs the use of nutrition and health claims on foods, are scientifically justified. This report evaluates the eBASIS biological effects database in the preparation and evaluation of health claims dossiers.Methods:The eBASIS biological effects database is a compilation of expert-evaluated data extracted from the literature, prioritising human intervention studies to investigate health effects of phytochemicals. Currently included are >750 records from 445 studies providing data on 56 validated biomarkers, mainly relating to cardio-metabolic and bone health outcomes. The data cover 144 bioactive compounds from 17 compound classes. Using the EFSA Register of Questions and the database of general function health claims, we identified claims relating to phytochemicals made under articles 13.1, 13.5 and 14 and compared them with the eBASIS database to identify overlap between them.Results:The EFSA online health claims database contains 4240 submissions under article 13.1, of which 2157 pertain to plants or plant-based bioactive compounds; 496 of these relate to plants or bioactive compounds included in the eBASIS biological effects database. Out of the 18 current 13.5 'new function' claims on EFSA's register of questions, 7 are for plants or plant-based bioactive compounds, of which 6 are included in eBASIS. Of the 222 defined article 14 claims, 21 pertain to plants or plant-based bioactive compounds, of which 19 are in eBASIS.Conclusions:There is extensive overlap between eBASIS and the submitted health claims that relate to plant-based bioactive compounds. EuroFIR eBASIS is a useful tool for regulators to independently check completeness of health claims applications relating to phytochemicals and is a potentially valuable resource to assist claimants in the compilation of dossiers on functional foods and health claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This purpose of this paper is to present a typology of common aggressive events that occur in the context of adolescent dating violence. The typology is based on 42 transcripts of interviews with young adults, ages 18 to 21, who described dating violence they had experienced when adolescents (ages 13–18). One-hundred and eighty-four text units that contained a description of an event involving aggression or violence between the participant and a dating partner were extracted from the transcripts. Cross-case analysis was used to create categories of events that shared similar characteristics. The analysis yielded eight types of aggressive events: (a) tumultuous, (b) explosive, (c) scuffling, (d) violating, (e) threatening, (f) controlling, (g) disparaging, and (h) rejecting, ignoring, or disrespecting. The typology can provide a foundation for further research on adolescent dating violence from a situational perspective and can be used as a tool to promote discussion of dating violence with victimized or at-risk youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced prostate cancer patients frequently deal with intractable prostatic bleeding which is a difficult problem to manage. Intraurethral high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy may palliate this condition. Advanced prostate cancer patients with intractable prostatic bleeding were offered brachytherapy with Iridium-192 using a Micro-selectron HDR machine. During a 5-year period, analysis was performed in 23 patients with a median age and Gleason score of 78 years and 9, respectively. Following brachytherapy, haematuria resolved in 19 of the 23 patients and was recurrence free at 6 months. Intraurethral HDR brachytherapy is a potentially effective modality for treating haematuria in patients with advanced prostate cancer.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2008) 11, 367–370; doi:10.1038/pcan.2008.12; published online 4 March 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two categories of life are currently recognized—chemosynthetic and photosynthetic—indicating their principal free energy resource as either chemicals or electromagnetic radiation. Building on recent developments in thermodynamics, we posit a third category of life— thermosynthetic life (TL)—which relies on environmental heat rather than traditional free energy sources. Since thermal energy is more abundant than chemicals or light in many settings, thermosynthesis offers compelling evolutionary possibilities for new life forms. Based on variants of standard cellular machinery, a physical model is proposed for the conversion of thermal energy into biochemical work. Conditions favorable to thermosynthetic life and prospects for its discovery are assessed. Terrestrially, deep-subsurface unicellular anaerobic superthermophiles are deduced to be likely TL candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 10–15 years the second law of thermodynamics has undergone unprecedented scrutiny, particularly with respect to its universal status. This brief article introduces the proceedings of a recent symposium devoted to this topic, The second law of thermodynamics: Foundations and Status, held at University of San Diego as part of the 87th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Division of the AAAS (June 19–22, 2006). The papers are introduced under three themes: ideal gases, quantum perspectives, and interpretation. Roughly half the papers support traditional interpretations of the second law while the rest challenge it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate activation of the immune system and effective targeting of tumour cells are the primary hurdles to be overcome for cancer immunotherapy to be successful and applicable to a wide range of tumour types. Our studies have examined the ability of bacterial-stimulated dendritic cells (DCs), loaded with tumour-associated antigens, to inhibit tumour growth in a murine model. Immature murine bone marrow-derived DCs were stimulated in vitro with the cytoplasmic fraction (CM) of Salmonella typhimurium in combination with heat shock proteins (hsps) from 4T1 tumours, isolated using heparin affinity chromatography. Activated DCs were administered subcutaneously. Tumours were generated by orthotopic inoculation of 4T1 cells in Balb/c mice. Primary tumour growth was measured using Vernier calipers, while lung metastases were measured using the clonogenic assay. S. typhimurium CM induced potent tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α responses from DCs accompanied by significant up-regulation of CD80 and CD86 expression. When injected into mice, bacterial-stimulated DCs loaded with 4T1 hsps inhibited the formation of new 4T1 tumours and reduced the growth rate of established tumours. In addition, the number of lung metastatic nodules was reduced significantly in the DC-treated mice (1·6 ± 0·6 versus 245·9 ± 55·6, P = 0·0015). DCs stimulated with CM alone, exposed to tumour hsps alone or exposed to tumour hsps from an unrelated tumour cell line did not induce a protective immune response. Dendritic cells primed with a proinflammatory bacterial stimulus and tumour-associated antigens induce a protective anti-tumour immune response in this murine model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can the language used and the patterns of communication differentiate a multidisciplinary team from an interprofessional team? This research question arose from an unexpected outcome of a study that investigated clinical reasoning of health professional team members in the elder care wards of two different hospitals. The issue at stake was the apparent disparity in the way in which the two teams communicated. To further explore this, the original transcribed interview data was analysed from a symbolic interactionist perspective in order that the language and communication patterns between the two teams could be identified and compared. Differences appeared to parallel the distinctions between multidisciplinary and interprofessional teams as reported in the literature. Our observations were that an interprofessional team was characterized by its use of inclusive language, continual sharing of information between team members and a collaborative working approach. In the multidisciplinary team, the members worked in parallel, drawing information from one another but did not have a common understanding of issues that could influence intervention. The implications of these communication differences for team members, team leaders and future research are then discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer (PRCA) is the most common cancer in males in the western world. In Finland PRCA has an age-adjusted incidence of 81.5 per 100,000. We previously reported that in Finland, the late-onset cases in families with “no-male-to-male” (NMM) transmission of PRCA accounted for most of the linkage to the HPCX region (Xq27-28). The aim of the present study was to test for linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype-sharing around marker DXS1205 between cases from hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) families and population controls. The initial allelic association was performed between 108 PRCA cases and 257 population controls genotyped for 23 markers in the Xq26-28 region. This resulted in a highly significant nominal one-sided Fisher’s exact P-value of 0.0003 for allele ″180″ of marker DXS1205. Subsequently, a similar level of significance was observed for the same allele for marker DXS1205 ( P=0.0002) when comparing 60 NMM cases and 257 controls. These results were still significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Fine mapping efforts included the genotyping of four additional markers D3S2390, bG82i1.9, bG82i1.1, bG82i1.0 and four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to augment the original markers around DXS1205. Results: Our major finding is that markers extending from ″D3S2390″ to ″bG82i1.0″ flank the critical locus, about 150 kb. Levin and Bertell’s LD measure (δ), a guide to localization of a possible variant, was 0.42 and 0.41 for alleles of markers bG82i1.9 and DXS1205, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, the most significant haplotype comprised the three tightly linked, contiguous markers: ″cen-bG82i1.9-SNP-Hap B-bG82i1.1-tel″ [″197-2-234″] among several possible haplotypes (nominal Fisher’s one-sided P=0.003). The two transcription units mapping within this interval are the LDOC1 and SPANXC genes. Positional cloning of the HPCX gene(s) is being facilitated by this exploration of the Xq26-28 region. This study represents the first report identifying a haplotype in the Xq27-28 region for an association between HPCX and X-linked prostate cancer with no-male-to-male transmission in the Finnish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report we show that mithramycin considerably increases the direct cytotoxic effect of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) on tumour cells in vitro. Sensitisation to TNF-induced apoptosis was prevented by the broad caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk, whereas overexpression of Bcl-2 had no effect. Mithramycin also potentiated cell death induced by Fas agonistic antibodies. In contrast, mithramycin reduced the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis due to factor withdrawal. TNF-induced activation of NF-kappaB (NF-kB)-dependent gene expression was not modulated by mithramycin treatment. Concomitantly with the increased sensitivity, the protein level of the short-spliced cFLIP variant was downregulated. These results indicate that mithramycin enhances TNF-induced cell death in an NF-kB-independent manner, and suggest that the Fas-associated death domain protein plays a crucial role in the TNF-sensitising effect of mithramycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of natural, synthetic and environmental chemicals are capable of disrupting the endocrine systems of experimental animals, wildlife and humans. These so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), some mimic the functions of the endogenous androgens, have become a concern to the public health. Androgens play an important role in many physiological processes, including the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. A common mechanism for androgen to produce both normal and adverse effects is binding to the androgen receptor (AR). In this study, we used Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA), a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) technique, to examine AR-ligand binding affinities. A CoMFA model with r 2 =0.902 and q 2 =0.571 was developed using a large training data set containing 146 structurally diverse natural, synthetic, and environmental chemicals with a 10 6 -fold range of relative binding affinity (RBA). By comparing the binding characteristics derived from the CoMFA contour map with these observed in a human AR crystal structure, we found that the steric and electrostatic properties encoded in this training data set are necessary and sufficient to describe the RBA of AR ligands. Finally, the CoMFA model was challenged with an external test data set; the predicted results were close to the actual values with average difference of 0.637 logRBA. This study demonstrates the utility of this CoMFA model for real-world use in predicting the AR binding affinities of structurally diverse chemicals over a wide RBA range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple system consisting of an asymmetric dimer cooperating with two baths is presented as a challenge to the second law of thermodynamics. This requires specific coupling of the dimer to the baths and a specific thermodynamic regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Toxins of staphylococcal species possess dual activity in that they can both lyse erythrocytes (by ‘hot-cold’ lysis) and catalyse hydrolysis of membrane-associated sphingomyelin. However, the precise relationship between these two activities has not been extensively studied. We have partially purified a β-like toxin from culture supernatants of Staphylococcus schleiferi N860375 which exhibits both ‘hot-cold’ lysis of erythrocytes and neutral sphingomyelinase activities. This toxin has a strong preference for sheep erythrocytes, the membranes of which are rich in sphingomyelin. Kinetic analysis suggests that haemolysis and sphingomyelinase activities are very closely associated obeying identical Michaelis–Menten kinetics. However, pre-treatment with antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus β-toxin, Ca2+, dithiothreitol and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride appear to inhibit sphingomyelinase activity significantly more strongly than haemolysis while Mg2+ activates sphingomyelinase activity more strongly than haemolysis. We attribute these effects to differences in binding properties in the two assays. Micropurification by both sphingosylphosphocholine-agarose affinity chromatography and preparative electrophoresis revealed that the 34-kDa toxin associates non-covalently with individual proteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Investigates the use of dust plasma crystals as filters of electromagnetic waves in the far-infrared or submillimeter wavelength regime. Formation of Coulomb lattices of dust grains in a plasma; Comparison between plasma and colloidal crystals; Descriptions of colloidal crystals.

A cross-sectional survey of postpartum women following discharge from five hospitals in Ontario, Canada, examined breastfeeding patterns and risk factors for early discontinuation. Consenting mothers completed self-administered questionnaires prior to discharge (n = 1250) and telephone interviews at 4 weeks postdischarge (n = 875). Breastfeeding initiation rates for women completing the interview varied from 82% to 96% across the sites. Continuation rates rapidly declined, with 13%a to 24%0 of women who had initiated breastfeeding switching to formula by 4 weeks postpartum. Perceived inadequate milk supply, difficulty with breastfeeding techniques, and sore nipples were the main reasons reported. Risk factors for breastfeeding cessation included not completing high school; intention to breastfeed less than 4 months; not anticipating the use of a 'mom's group' or 'drop-in center': one or more maternal visits to a family physician; length of postparturn stay greater than 48 hours; unmet need for care or help with breastfeeding; and received advice, information, or support about formula feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A relationship between bone turnover and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotype is reported in Australian subjects of UK-Irish descent. There is conflicting evidence of linkage between the VDR genotype and differences in bone mineral density. No such study has been carried out on a resident Irish population. This study examined the relationship between serum osteocalcin (a marker of bone turnover) and VDR genotype in Irish adults. One hundred and eighteen healthy Irish adults aged between 19 and 67 were recruited and had two fasting blood samples taken. One sample was analysed for osteocalcin by enzyme immunoassay. The other was used to isolate genomic DNA and determine VDR genotype. Tt was the most prevalent VDR genotype (53%) and tt (15%) the least prevalent in this group of healthy Irish adults. The tt VDR genotype was associated with significantly higher levels of serum osteocalcin (29% and 40%) than the Tt or TT VDR genotypes. These findings suggest that healthy Irish adults with the tt VDR genotype have higher rates of bone turnover than those with Tt or TT VDR genotypes. They may have a higher risk of low bone mineral density and osteoporosis in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new member of a growing class of unresolved second law paradoxes is examined.(1–7) In a sealed blackbody cavity, a spherical gravitator is suspended in a low density gas. Infalling gas suprathermally strikes the gravitator which is spherically asymmetric between its hemispheres with respect to surface trapping probability for the gas. In principle, this system can be made to perform steady-state work solely at the expense of heat from the heat bath, this in apparent violation of the second law of thermodynamics. Detailed three-dimensional test particle simulations of this system support this prediction. Standard resolutions to the paradox are discussed and found to be untenable. Experiments corroborating a central physical process of the paradox are discussed briefly. The paradox is discussed in the context of the Maxwell demon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apoptosis is a genetically programmed, physiological method of cell destruction. A variety of genes are now recognised as positive or negative regulators of this process. Expression of inducible heat shock proteins (hsp) is known to correlate with increased resistance to apoptosis induced by a range of diverse cytotoxic agents and has been implicated in chemotherapeutic resistance of tumours and carcinogenesis. Intensive research on apoptosis over the past number of years has provided significant insights into the mechanisms and molecular events that occur during this process. The modulatory effects of hsps on apoptosis are well documented, however, the mechanisms of hsp-mediated protection against apoptosis remain to be fully defined, although several hypotheses have been proposed. Elucidation of these mechanisms should reveal novel targets for manipulating the sensitivity of leukaemic cells to therapy. This review aims to explain the currently understood process of apoptosis and the effects of hsps on this process. Several proposed mechanisms for hsp protection against apoptosis and the therapeutic implications of hsps in leukaemia are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]