bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1-(2-Bromophenyl)-3-(4-chlorobutanoyl)thiourea
Authors: Yusof Mohd Sukeri Mohd , Embong Nur Farhana , Arshad Suhana , Razak Ibrahim Abdul
Published: March 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C11H12BrClN2OS, consists of two crystallographically independent molecules. In each molecule, the butanoylthiourea unit is nearly planar, with maximum deviations of 0.1292 (19) and 0.3352 (18) Å from the mean plane defined by nine non-H atoms, and is twisted relative to the terminal benzene ring with dihedral angles of 69.26 (7) and 82.41 (7)°. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond generates anS(6) ring motif in each butanoylthiourea unit. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the two independent molecules together, forming anR22(12) ring motif. The molecules are further connected into a tape along thecaxisviaN—H...S and C—H...S hydrogen bonds.
(2-Bromophenyl)(4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxo-2H-1,2-benzothiazin-3-yl)methanone
Authors: Sattar Nazia , Siddiqui Hamid Latif , Siddiqui Waseeq Ahmad , Akram Muhammad , Parvez Masood
Published: March 2012

In the title molecule, C15H10BrNO4S, the heterocyclic thiazine ring adopts a half-chair conformation, with the S and N atoms displaced by 0.554 (7) and 0.198 (8) Å, respectively, on opposite sides of the mean plane formed by the remaining ring atoms. The molecular structure is consolidated by intramolecular O—H...O interactions and the crystal packing features N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
7′-Phenyl-1′,3′,5′,6′,7′,7a'-hexahydrodipiro[acenaphthylene-1,5′-pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazole-6′,2′′-indane]-2,1′′(1H)-dione
Authors: Wei Ang Chee , Ali Mohamed Ashraf , Choon Tan Soo , Arshad Suhana , Razak Ibrahim Abdul
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C31H23NO2S, the pyrrolidine ring adopts an envelope conformation (with the spiro C atom as the flap), while the thiazolidine ring and the two cyclopentane rings adopt twisted conformations. The mean plane through the hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazole ring [r.m.s deviation = 0.400 (1) Å] forms dihedral angles of 76.83 (4), 80.70 (5) and 79.00 (4)° with the benzene ring and the mean planes of the dihydroacenaphthylene and the dihydroindene rings, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds into sheets lying parallel to thebcplane. One of the ketone O atoms accepts three such bonds. Weak C—H...π interactions are also observed.
Methyl 2-(2-bromobenzylidene)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-1,3-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate
Authors: Nagarajaiah H. , Fathima Nikhath , Begum Noor Shahina
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C22H17BrN2O4S, the central dihydropyrimidine ring, with a chiral C atom, is significantly puckered and adopts a half-chair conformation with the chiral C atom displaced from the mean plane of the remaining ring atoms by 0.305 (6) Å. The hydroxy-phenyl ring is positioned axially to the pyrimidine ring and almost bisects it, the dihedral angle between the mean-planes of the two rings being 89.78 (12)°. The methoxycarbonyl group is disordered over two sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.568 (5):0.432 (5), resulting in a major and a minor conformer. In the crystal, O—H...N and C—H...S interactions result in sheets along thecaxis. The supramolecular assembly is stabilized by π–π stacking interactions between the 2-bromobenzylidene and thiazolopyrimidine rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.632 (1) Å]. In addition, C—H...π interactions are also observed in the crystal structure.
Distinguishing between erythema multiforme major and Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis immunopathologically
Authors: IWAI Shinsaku , SUEKI Hirohiko , WATANABE Hideaki , SASAKI Yosuke , SUZUKI Takao , IIJIMA Masafumi
Published: March 2012

The early clinical presentations of Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are similar to that of erythema multiforme major (EMM). Cytotoxic molecules, especially granulysin, are expressed in the skin lesions of SJS/TEN and cause extensive keratinocyte death. It is postulated that the function of regulatory T cells (Treg) in SJS/TEN is inadequate. This study examined whether an immunohistological examination of cytotoxic molecules and the immunophenotype of Treg is useful for discriminating SJS from EMM in the early period. Over the past 9 years, the lesional skin of 14 patients with SJS/TEN and 16 patients with EMM was biopsied. Double immunofluorescence labeling of CD8 and granulysin, perforin, or granzyme B was performed, and immunohistochemical analyses of granulysin, perforin, granzyme B, CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD68 and Foxp3 were conducted using a highly sensitive indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The number of cells positive for each antibody per five high‐power fields was counted. The proportions of granulysin+ cells/CD8+ cells (P = 0.012) and perforin+ cells/CD8+ cells (P = 0.037) in SJS/TEN were significantly higher than in EMM. The number of Foxp3+ cells/five high‐power fields in SJS/TEN was significantly lower than in EMM (P = 0.004). Similarly, the number of CD4+ cells/five high‐power fields in SJS/TEN was significantly lower than in EMM (P = 0.0017). These data suggest that these panels of antibodies for labeling cytotoxic molecules, CD4 and Treg are useful for discriminating early SJS/TEN and EMM with a skin biopsy.
Virus variants with differences in the P1 protein coexist in a Plum pox virus population and display particular host‐dependent pathogenicity features
Authors: MALIOGKA VARVARA I. , SALVADOR BEATRIZ , CARBONELL ALBERTO , SÁENZ PILAR , LEÓN DAVID SAN , OLIVEROS JUAN CARLOS , DELGADILLO MA OTILIA , GARCÍA JUAN ANTONIO , SIMÓN‐MATEO CARMEN
Published: March 2012

Subisolates segregated from an M‐type Plum pox virus (PPV) isolate, PPV‐PS, differ widely in pathogenicity despite their high degree of sequence similarity. A single amino acid substitution, K109E, in the helper component proteinase (HCPro) protein of PPV caused a significant enhancement of symptom severity in herbaceous hosts, and notably modified virus infectivity in peach seedlings. The presence of this substitution in certain subisolates that induced mild symptoms in herbaceous hosts and did not infect peach seedlings suggested the existence of uncharacterized attenuating factors in these subisolates. In this study, we show that two amino acid changes in the P1 protein are specifically associated with the mild pathogenicity exhibited by some PS subisolates. Site‐directed mutagenesis studies demonstrated that both substitutions, W29R and V139E, but especially W29R, resulted in lower levels of virus accumulation and symptom severity in a woody host, Prunus persica. Furthermore, when W29R and V139E mutations were expressed concomitantly, PPV infectivity was completely abolished in this host. In contrast, the V139E substitution, but not W29R, was found to be responsible for symptom attenuation in herbaceous hosts. Deep sequencing analysis demonstrated that the W29R and V139E heterogeneities already existed in the original PPV‐PS isolate before its segregation in different subisolates by local lesion cloning. These results highlight the potential complexity of potyviral populations and the relevance of the P1 protein of potyviruses in pathogenesis and viral adaptation to the host.
Consistent patterns in diatom assemblages and diversity measures across water‐depth gradients from eight Boreal lakes from north‐western Ontario (Canada)
Authors: KINGSBURY MELANIE V. , LAIRD KATHLEEN R. , CUMMING BRIAN F.
Published: March 2012

1. Until recently, the distribution of diatom species assemblages and their attributes (e.g. species richness and evenness) in relation to water depth have been identified but not quantified, especially across several lakes in a region. Here, we examined diatom assemblages in the surface sediment across a water‐depth gradient in eight small, boreal lakes in north‐western Ontario, minimally disturbed by human activities.

2. Surface‐sediment diatom assemblages were collected within each lake along a gentle slope from near‐shore to the centre deep basin of the lake, at a resolution of ∼1 m water depth. Analysis of sedimentary samples provided an integrated view of assemblages that were living in the lake over several years and enabled a high‐resolution analysis of many lakes. The study lakes ranged in water chemistry, morphology and size and are located along an east–west transect approximately 250 km long in north‐western Ontario (Canada).

3. The majority of diatom species were distributed along a continuum of depth, with those taxa having similar habitat requirements forming distinct, though overlapping, assemblages. Three major zones of diatom assemblages in each lake were consistently identified: (i) a near‐shore assemblage of Achnanthes (sensu lato), Nitzschia, Cymbella (sensu lato) and other benthic species; (ii) a mid‐depth assemblage of small Fragilaria (sensu lato)/small Aulacoseira and various Navicula taxa; and (iii) a deep‐water assemblage of planktonic origin (mainly Discotella spp.).

4. The depth of the transition between assemblage zones varied between the eight lakes. The boundary between the deep‐water planktonic zone and the mid‐depth benthic zone varied according to water chemistry and was probably related to light attenuation. The boundary was deeper in lakes with the lower dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus (TP) (i.e. less light attenuation) and vice versa.

5. Generally, species richness, species evenness and turnover rate of species as a function of depth were significantly lower in the planktonic assemblage zone in comparison with the two zones nearer the shore. Reproducibility of species and assemblage distributions across the depth gradient of the lakes illustrated that, despite potential for sediment transport, detailed ecological characterisation of diatom species can be gleaned from sedimentary data. Such data are often lacking, particularly for near‐shore benthic species.
False‐positive results in ELISA‐based anti FVIII antibody assay may occur with lupus anticoagulant and phospholipid antibodies
Authors: SAHUD M. , ZHUKOV O. , MO K. , POPOV J. , DLOTT J.
Published: March 2012

Summary.  The evaluation of a prolonged aPTT often includes Lupus Anticoagulant, Antiphospholipid Antibodies, and Factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors. We have noticed that patient samples positive for lupus antibody (LA) are frequently also positive for FVIII IgG antibodies in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indicating the need for follow‐up testing with a more labour‐intensive functional assay for FVIII inhibition. This study evaluates the potential for a FVIII IgG ELISA to yield false‐positive results in patient samples positive for LA or other antiphospholipid antibodies. A total of 289 residual de‐identified patient samples positive for LA (n = 143), anti‐cardiolipin IgG (n = 84), or beta2‐glycoprotein antibody (n = 62) were tested for FVIII IgG using a commercial ELISA. Samples with positive FVIII IgG ELISA results were further tested for FVIII activity using a clot‐based FVIII inhibitor assay. The FVIII IgG ELISA yielded positive results in 39 (13%) of the samples tested, including 13/143 (13%) LA‐positive, 15/85 (18%) aCL IgG‐positive and 6/62 (10%) β2‐glycoprotein IgG‐positive samples. The clot‐based FVIII inhibitor assay yielded negative results in all 39 FVIII IgG‐positive specimens tested, indicating discrepancy with the FVIII IgG ELISA results. Patient specimens positive for LA, aCL IgG, or β2‐glycoprotein IgG may yield false‐positive results for FVIII antibodies. Caution is warranted in interpreting FVIII antibody results in these cases.
Successful delivery in patients with FXIII deficiency receiving prophylaxis: report of 17 cases in Iran
Authors: NADERI M. , ESHGHI P. , COHAN N. , MIRI‐MOGHADDAM E. , YAGHMAEE M. , KARIMI M.
Published: March 2012

Summary.  To prevent pregnancy loss in women with severe FXIII deficiency, prophylactic replacement therapy with a source of FXIII throughout pregnancy is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bleeding score and rate of successful deliveries in FXIII‐deficient pregnant Iranian women receiving regular prophylaxis. Seventeen FXIII‐deficient women 18–35 years old (mean 24 years) were enrolled in the study. All patients except one had a history of at least one miscarriage. Patients received regular prophylaxis with 10 IU kg−1 FXIII concentrate every 4 weeks before pregnancy and every 2 weeks during pregnancy for a period of 24–62 months. All bleeding episodes were recorded, and the bleeding score was determined on a standard form before and after the start of prophylaxis. After starting prophylaxis, monochloroacetic acid tests and 5 m urea tests were normal in all patients, and the bleeding score significantly decreased from 11–16 (mean 12 ± 1.5) to 23 (mean 2.2 ± 0.4) (P < 0.001). Thirteen minor bleeding episodes occurred during prophylaxis. All patients successfully delivered at 36 weeks’ gestation and there were no significant coagulation complications during or after delivery. In this study, successful pregnancy maintenance and delivery were achieved in Iranian women with severe FXIII deficiency. Precise detection and diagnosis of this condition in women with coagulation disorders is essential to enable implementation of appropriate prophylaxis to prevent pregnancy loss.
Liminality as a framework for understanding the experience of cancer survivorship: a literature review
Authors: Blows Emma , Bird Lydia , Seymour Jane , Cox Karen
Published: March 2012

blows e., bird l., seymour j. & cox k. (2012) Liminality as a framework for understanding the experience of cancer survivorship: a literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(10), 2155–2164.

Aims.  To report a narrative review of literature that drew on the concept of liminality as a framework for understanding the cancer experience. In doing so, we explored the utility of liminality for guiding research on experiences of cancer survivorship.

Background.  The ‘rites of passage’ model uses the concept of liminality to explore transition. Taking cancer survivorship as a process, liminality may facilitate our understanding of this phenomenon.

Data sources.  Searches of Medline, PsycInfo, British Nursing Index, Cinahl, ASSIA, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and British Library databases were conducted, covering 1985–2011. Search terms were cancer and liminal* or rite* of passage.

Design.  A narrative review, using a textual narrative approach, was undertaken to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Review methods.  Studies were arranged into groups according to the stage of the cancer trajectory on which they focused. Findings from each study were presented to highlight facets of the liminal experience at each stage.

Results.  Ten studies were included for review. Liminality depicts the ambiguity and uncertainty often experienced by people affected by cancer. Although liminality appears useful for understanding experiences of cancer risk, diagnosis, treatment and the period following active treatment, little research has explored the concept with respect to long‐term survivorship.

Conclusion.  Gaps in current evidence highlight the need for additional research to ascertain the utility of liminality for understanding experiences of long‐term survivorship. Research exploring the personal and social implications of living a liminal life, at all stages of the cancer trajectory, is also warranted.
Reducing serious fall‐related injuries in acute hospitals: are low‐low beds a critical success factor?
Authors: Barker Anna , Kamar Jeannette , Tyndall Tamara , Hill Keith
Published: March 2012

Aim.  This article is a report of a study of associations between occurrence of serious fall‐related injuries and implementation of low‐low beds at The Northern Hospital, Victoria, Australia.

Background.  A 9‐year evaluation at The Northern Hospital found an important reduction in fall‐related injuries after the 6‐PACK falls prevention program was implemented. Low‐low beds are a key component of the 6‐PACK that aims to decrease fall‐related injuries.

Design.  A retrospective cohort study.

Methods.  Retrospective audit of The Northern Hospital inpatients admitted between 1999–2009. Changes in serious fall‐related injuries throughout the period and associations with available low‐low beds were analysed using Poisson regression.

Results.  During the observation of 356,158 inpatients, there were 3946 falls and 1005 fall‐related injuries of which 60 (5·9%) were serious (55 fractures and five subdural haematomas). Serious fall‐related injuries declined significantly throughout the period. When there was one low‐low bed to nine or more standard beds there was no statistically significant decrease in serious fall‐related injuries. An important reduction only occurred when there was one low‐low bed to three standard beds.

Conclusion.  The 6‐PACK program has been in place since 2002 at The Northern Hospital. Throughout this time serious fall‐related injuries have decreased. There appears to be an association between serious fall‐related injuries and the number of available low‐low beds. Threshold numbers of these beds may be required to achieve optimal usability and effectiveness. A randomized controlled trial is required to give additional evidence for use of low‐low beds for injury prevention in hospitals.
A review of the measurement properties of the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36) to determine its suitability for use in an alcohol‐dependent population
Authors: MCPHERSON A. , MARTIN C. R.
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

The findings from this study reveal that the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring quality of life in a variety of populations. This facilitates the decision making of nurses and other health professionals which in turn aids them to utilize the SF‐36 with added confidence and assurance.

The main finding was that the SF‐36 would probably be a reliable and valid screening tool in an alcohol‐dependent population. This finding is important to those practitioners using or about to embark to use the SF‐36 in this population in that it provides further evidence to enhance their practical and research experience.

A psychometric evaluation of the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36) was undertaken in contemporary studies to assess its suitability for use in an alcohol‐dependent population. Three criteria were used to try and determine this: factor analysis, internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability. Factor analysis revealed that it is mainly consistent with a bidimensional model, internal consistency reliability showed that it consistently provided scores above the recommended threshold and test–retest reliability of the SF‐36 highlights that it too provided higher than suggested scores. A conclusion was reached recommending the SF‐36 as a reliable screening tool in an alcohol‐dependent population, but this is given in caution as no studies were found analysing the instrument in this population.
First‐line treatment of chronic hepatitis B with entecavir or tenofovir in ‘real‐life’ settings: from clinical trials to clinical practice
Authors: Pol S. , Lampertico P.
Published: March 2012

Summary.  Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) are potent nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) recommended as first‐line monotherapies for chronic hepatitis B. In Phase III trials, ETV and TDF demonstrated superior efficacy, and comparable safety compared with other NUCs. In long‐term clinical studies, both drugs achieved virologic response rates of around 95%, with very low rates of resistance development and good safety profiles. Clinical trials are conducted under standardized conditions with strict enrolment criteria that limit the heterogeneity of study populations. ‘Real‐life’ populations tend to be composed of a wider range of patients, often older and with different morbidities, comorbidities that may impact treatment efficacy and co‐factors, such as smoking and alcohol intake, which can have a direct impact on disease progression. Real‐life studies provide better representations of everyday clinical practice and are important to confirm the results reported in clinical studies and to identify rare or late‐emerging adverse events. In five ‘real‐life’ studies of ETV in more than 1000 patients, up to 4 years of treatment resulted in virologic responses in 76–96% of patients. Two real‐life studies of TDF reported response rates of 71–92% after up to 21 months of treatment. Low incidences of drug resistance and favourable tolerabilities were reported for both drugs, thus confirming the results from registration trials.
Revision of the Eastern Asian genera Ambrostoma Motschulsky and Parambrostoma Chen (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae)
Authors: GE SI‐QIN , DACCORDI MAURO , GEORG BEUTEL ROLF , REN JING , CUI JUN‐ZHI , LI WEN‐ZHU , YANG XING‐KE
Published: March 2012

The leaf beetle genera AmbrostomaMotschulsky, 1860 and ParambrostomaChen, 1934 have been revised and now include 14 species. Two new species from Nepal are described, Parambrostoma kippenbergisp.n. and P. medvedevisp.n. Three new synonymies are established: Ambrostoma rugosopunctatum Chen = Ambrostoma (Parambrostoma) laosensis Kimoto & Gressitt, syn.n., Ambrostoma rugosopunctatum Chen = Ambrostoma daccordii Medvedev, syn.n.,Ambrostoma fortunei (Baly) = Ambrostoma quadriimpressum chusanica Gruev, syn.n. One species was transferred from Chrysomela Linnaeus to Ambrostoma Motschulsky: A. superbum (Thunberg), comb.n. All the species now included are described and illustrated. Microcomputer tomography was applied for the first time in a study on chrysomelid beetles. A cladistic analysis based on morphological characters of adults was conducted to reconstruct the intergeneric and interspecific phylogeny of Ambrostoma and Parambrostoma. The results show that the monophyly of both genera is well supported. Ambrostoma is widespread in East Asia, whereas Parambrostoma is restricted to the southern slope of the Himalayas, where a relatively recent and modest speciation took place.
Molecular phylogenies, morphological homologies and the evolution of moth ‘ears’
Authors: KRISTENSEN NIELS P.
Published: March 2012

The recent suggestion that complex hearing organs (‘ears’) may have been evolved just once in the stem lineage of a clade of ditrysian moths including the pyraloids and ‘Macroheterocera’ is discussed. It is argued that homology between ears situated in different segments and in different morphological territories (dorsal or ventral) of the same segment must be ruled out, and that therefore the number of independent origins of ears in the said clade is three at the very least. Mechanical protection of the ventral abdominal base by the backwards slanting metacoxae permits an attenuation of the body wall which would facilitate multiple independent origins of ears exactly in this region.
Description ofEuroleptochromusgen.n. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae) from Baltic amber, with discussion of biogeography and mouthpart evolution within Clidicini
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: March 2012

A new extinct species of the ant‐like stone beetle supertribe Mastigitae,Euroleptochromus sabathigen. & sp.n.is described from Eocene Baltic amber. A phylogenetic analysis of Clidicini, with representatives of Leptomastacini and Mastigini as out‐group taxa, provided strong support for a sister‐group relationship between the NeotropicalLeptochromusand the new genus. The monophyly of Clidicini is questioned because of an alternative placement of NearcticPapususas a sister taxon to Leptomastacini + [Clidicus+ (Palaeoleptochromus+ (Euroleptochromus+Leptochromus))]. A dispersal‐vicariance analysis provided three alternative scenarios for the evolution of Mastigitae; with Laurasia as the ancestral area of the supertribe, major branching events occurring within either Eurasia or Laurentia and two trans‐Beringia dispersals in Late Cretaceous and Eocene.Euroleptochromus,PalaeoleptochromusandLeptochromusshare highly derived structures on postgenae and maxillary palps, probably as part of a specialised feeding or prey capture mechanism. The formation of these modifications in Clidicini is demonstrated to involve a process (traced back to the Campanian, 79 Ma) of elongation and narrowing of maxillary palps and forming a cuticular setal projection from a broadened insertion site of sensory setae.
Founder and present maternal diversity in two endangered Spanish horse breeds assessed via pedigree and mitochondrial DNA information
Authors: Álvarez I. , Fernández I. , Lorenzo L. , Payeras L. , Cuervo M. , Goyache F.
Published: March 2012

Pedigree information and 179 mtDNA sequences from two endangered Spanish horse breeds, the Asturcón pony (143) and the Mallorquí horse (36), were analysed to asses: (i) the pedigree and molecular maternal genetic diversity of the two breeds; (ii) the concordance between the dam lines recorded in the corresponding studbooks and the mtDNA haplotypes identified; and (iii) to assess the losses of maternal genetic variability occurred from the foundation of the studbooks to present. Up to 50 Asturcón and 18 Mallorquí founder dam lines were identified in the studbooks analysed. Up to 315 Asturcón mares and 51 Mallorquí mares that foaled in the last 5 years of recording formed a reference population. Only 35 Asturcón and 13 Mallorquí founder dam lines were represented in their reference populations. Sequences from a total of 38 Asturcón and 12 Mallorquí dam lines could be obtained. The 179 sequences obtained gave 15 different haplotypes, 11 and 9 of them being identified, respectively, in the Asturcón pony and in the Mallorquí horse. Five different haplotypes (roughly two‐thirds of the sequences) were shared by the two horse breeds. Most dam lines analysed had a single mtDNA haplotype. However, more than one haplotype was detected within eight of the dam lines in Asturcón pony. The found inconsistencies are likely to result from deficiencies in genebank management. The maternal Ne (mNe) computed using the dam line information was higher in the Asturcón pony (20.5) than in the Mallorquí horse (15.9), while these figures were on the opposite direction for the haplotypic line information (6.4 and 9.4, respectively). The ratio of the computed mNe values to the actual number of founder dam lines were always higher in the Mallorquí horse probably due to a more balanced distribution of individuals kept for reproduction among studs. Consequences for the conservation programmes of the analysed breeds are discussed.
Identification of reciprocal adhesion genes in pathogenic and non‐pathogenic Pseudomonas
Authors: Duque Estrella , de la Torre Jesús , Bernal Patricia , Molina‐Henares M. Antonia , Alaminos Miguel , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel , Roca Amalia , Fernández Matilde , de Bentzmann Sophie , Ramos Juan‐Luis
Published: March 2012

We used a combination of in silico and large‐scale mutagenesis approaches to expand our current knowledge of the genetic determinants used by Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to attach to surfaces. We first identified in silico orthologues that have been annotated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa as potentially involved in attachment. In this search 67 paired‐related genes of P. putida KT2440 and P. aeruginosa were identified as associated to adhesion. To test the potential role of the corresponding gene products in adhesion, 37 knockout mutants of KT2440, available in the Pseudomonas Reference Culture Collection, were analysed with regard to their ability to form biofilms in polystyrene microtitre plates; of these, six mutants were deficient in adhesion. Since mutants in all potential adhesion genes were not available, we generated a genome‐wide collection of mutants made of 7684 independent mini‐Tn5 insertions and tested them for the formation of biofilm on polystyrene microtitre plates. Eighteen clones that exhibited a reduction of at least twofold in biofilm biomass formation were considered candidate mutants in adhesion determinants. DNA sequencing of the insertion site identified five other new genes involved in adhesion. Phenotypic characterization of the mutants showed that 11 of the inactivated proteins were required for attachment to biotic surfaces too. This combined approach allowed us to identify new proteins with a role in P. putida adhesion, including the global regulator RpoN and GacS, PstS that corresponds to one of the paired‐related genes for which a mutant was not available in the mutant collection, and a protein of unknown function (PP1633). The remaining mutants corresponded to functions known or predicted to participate in adhesion based on previous evidence, such as the large adhesion proteins LapA, LapF and flagellar proteins. In silico analysis showed this set of genes to be well conserved in all sequenced P. putida strains, and that at least eight reciprocal genes involved in attachment are shared by P. putida and P. aeruginosa.
Localized Competition, Heterogeneous Firms and Vertical Relations
Authors: Alderighi Marco , Piga Claudio A.
Published: March 2012

This paper investigates the link between firms' geographic configuration and market power in imperfect markets. We consider two related setups. The first illustrates the relevant characteristics of the pricing equilibrium. A main implication is that the equilibrium price vector changes in accordance with the firms' spatial configuration. The second, where firms operate as downstream retailers affiliated to rival upstream wholesalers, shows that upstream market power is strongly affected by an index of geographic concentration which reflects the spatial configuration of retailers. Finally, our analysis provides several insights for market delineation as well as merger evaluation and remedies.
Acne sans P. acnes
Authors: Shaheen B. , Gonzalez M.
Published: March 2012

Acne vulgaris is a common disease that carries an enormous financial and psychosocial impact. Androgens, excessive sebum production, ductal hypercornification, changes in the microbial flora, as well as inflammation and immunological host reactions are considered the major contributors to acne pathogenesis. Despite extensive research on acne pathogenesis, the exact sequence of events and their possible mechanisms leading to the development of a microcomedone and its transformation into an inflamed lesion has remained unclear.

There is a significant amount of in vitro evidence suggesting a possible pathogenetic role for Propionibacterium acnes in comedogenesis as well as inflammation in inflammatory acne. However, the microbiological data from non‐inflamed as well as inflamed acne lesions, cultured individually, do not entirely support the hypothesis that these micro‐organisms are actually responsible for their initiation. There appears to be comedones and inflamed lesions in which there is no clear evidence of Propionibacterium acnes involvement. Considering this microbiological data, alongside the in vitro evidence, we have tried to delineate the possible sequence of events and their mechanisms, leading to the development of a microcomedone and its transformation into an inflamed lesion. Based on the available literature we have analysed the evidence of both non‐inflamed as well as inflamed acne lesions occurring in the absence of Propionibacterium acnes from the pilosebaceous follicles. We propose that the development of an inflamed acne lesion depends on an imbalance between the pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory pathways rather than the incitement of inflammation by Propionibacterium acnes.
Influence of Some Psychosocial Factors on Mobbing and its Consequences Among Employees Working with People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Figueiredo‐Ferraz Hugo , Gil‐Monte Pedro R. , Grau‐Alberola Ester , Llorca‐Pellicer Marta , García‐Juesas Juan A.
Published: March 2012

Background  The problem of mobbing has attracted a great deal of attention over the past few years. This concern has increased the study of the phenomena, which has resulted in many scientific publications. Mobbing has been characterized as an emerging risk at work. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of some psychosocial factors at work – role clarity, interpersonal conflicts and social support – on mobbing and its consequences – that is, inclination towards absenteeism and psychosomatic disorders.

Materials and methods  The sample included 422 employees working with people with intellectual disabilities. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.

Results  The Hypothesized model showed an adequate fit to data, and all hypothesized relationships were significant.

Conclusions  The results of this study provide support for the mediator role of mobbing in the relationship between high role ambiguity, low social support and high interpersonal conflicts and psychosomatic disorders and inclination towards absenteeism.
The generation of vertebral segmental patterning in the chick embryo
Authors: Senthinathan Biruntha , Sousa Cátia , Tannahill David , Keynes Roger
Published: March 2012

We have carried out a series of experimental manipulations in the chick embryo to assess whether the notochord, neural tube and spinal nerves influence segmental patterning of the vertebral column. Using Pax1 expression in the somite‐derived sclerotomes as a marker for segmentation of the developing intervertebral disc, our results exclude such an influence. In contrast to certain teleost species, where the notochord has been shown to generate segmentation of the vertebral bodies (chordacentra), these experiments indicate that segmental patterning of the avian vertebral column arises autonomously in the somite mesoderm. We suggest that in amniotes, the subdivision of each sclerotome into non‐miscible anterior and posterior halves plays a critical role in establishing vertebral segmentation, and in maintaining left/right alignment of the developing vertebral elements at the body midline.
A computerized tomography study of the morphological interrelationship between the temporal bones and the craniofacial complex
Authors: Costa Helder Nunes , Slavicek Rudolf , Sato Sadao
Published: March 2012

The hypothesis that the temporal bones are at the center of the dynamics of the craniofacial complex, directly influencing facial morphology, has been put forward long ago. This study examines the role of the spatial positioning of temporal bones (frontal and sagittal inclination) in terms of influencing overall facial morphology. Several 3D linear, angular and orthogonal measurements obtained through computerized analysis of virtual models of 163 modern human skulls reconstructed from cone‐beam computed tomography images were analyzed and correlated. Additionally, the sample was divided into two subgroups based on the median value of temporal bone sagittal inclination [anterior rotation group (n = 82); posterior rotation group (n = 81)], and differences between groups evaluated. Correlation coefficients showed that sagittal inclination of the temporal bone was significantly (P < 0.01) related to midline flexion, transversal width and anterior–posterior length of the basicranium, to the anterior–posterior positioning of the mandible and maxilla, and posterior midfacial height. Frontal inclination of the temporal bone was significantly related (P < 0.01) to basicranium anterior–posterior and transversal dimensions, and to posterior midfacial height. In comparison with the posterior rotation group, the anterior rotation group presented a less flexed and anterior–posteriorly longer cranial base, a narrower skull, porion and the articular eminence located more superiorly and posteriorly, a shorter posterior midfacial height, the palatal plane rotated clockwise, a more retrognathic maxilla and mandible, and the upper posterior occlusal plane more inclined and posteriorly located. The results suggest that differences in craniofacial morphology are highly integrated with differences in the positional relationship of the temporal bones. The sagittal inclination of the temporal bone seems to have a greater impact on the 3D morphology of the craniofacial complex than frontal inclination.
Alterations in intermediate filaments expression in disc cells from the rat temporomandibular joint following exposure to continuous compressive force
Authors: Magara Jin , Nozawa‐Inoue Kayoko , Suzuki Akiko , Kawano Yoshiro , Ono Kazuhiro , Nomura Shuichi , Maeda Takeyasu
Published: March 2012

The articular disc in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that serves in load relief and stabilizing in jaw movements is a dense collagenous tissue consisting of extracellular matrices and disc cells. The various morphological configurations of the disc cells have given us diverse names, such as fibroblasts, chondrocyte‐like cells and fibrochondrocytes; however, the characteristics of these cells have remained to be elucidated in detail. The disc cells have been reported to exhibit heterogeneous immunoreaction patterns for intermediate filaments including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nestin and vimentin in the adult rat TMJ. Because these intermediate filaments accumulate in the disc cells as tooth eruption proceeds during postnatal development, it might be surmised that the expression of these intermediate filaments in the disc cells closely relates to mechanical stress. The present study was therefore undertaken to examine the effect of a continuous compressive force on the immunoexpression of these intermediate filaments and an additional intermediate filament – muscle‐specific desmin – in the disc cells of the TMJ disc using a rat experimental model. The rats wore an appliance that exerts a continuous compressive load on the TMJ. The experimental period with the appliance was 5 days as determined by previous studies, after which some experimental animals were allowed to survive another 5 days after removal of the appliance. Histological observations demonstrated that the compressive force provoked a remarkable acellular region and a decrease in the thickness of the condylar cartilage of the mandible, and a sparse collagen fiber distribution in the articular disc. The articular disc showed a significant increase in the number of desmin‐positive cells as compared with the controls. In contrast, immunopositive cells for GFAP, nestin and vimentin remained unchanged in number as well as intensity. At 5 days after removal of the appliance, both the disc and cartilage exhibited immunohistological and histological features in a recovery process. These findings indicate that the mature articular cells are capable of producing desmin instead of the other intermediate filaments against mechanical stress. The desmin‐positive disc cells lacked α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) in this study, even though desmin usually co‐exists with α‐SMA in the vascular smooth muscle cells or pericytes. Because the precursor of a pericyte has such an immunoexpression pattern during angiogenesis, there is a further possibility that the formation of new vessels commenced in response to the extraordinary compressive force.
Screening for autism in extremely preterm infants: problems in interpretation
Authors: MOORE TAMANNA , JOHNSON SAMANTHA , HENNESSY ENID , MARLOW NEIL
Published: March 2012

Aim  The aim of this article was to report the prevalence of, and risk factors for, positive autism screens using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT) in children born extremely preterm in England.

Method  All children born at not more than 26 weeks' gestational age in England during 2006 were recruited to the EPICure‐2 study. At 2 years of age, postal questionnaires incorporating the M‐CHAT and additional developmental questions were sent to the parents of each survivor (n=1031; 499 male, 532 female), of which 523 (266 male, 257 female; 51%) were returned completed.

Results  The prevalence of positive M‐CHAT screens in this extremely preterm population was 41% (216/523; 130 male; 86 female). Severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, administration of postnatal steroids, late‐onset bacteraemia, and being male were statistically significantly associated with a positive screen. Coexisting disabilities were present in 320 (62%) children. Of 200 children without disability, 16.5% screened positive. In contrast, 63 (95.5%) of those with severe motor impairment (odds ratio 42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.9–135) and 175 (55.9%) of those with cognitive impairment (odds ratio 5.3; CI 3.5–8) screened positive. All children with a significant vision or hearing impairment screened positive.

Interpretation  The prevalence of positive M‐CHAT screens in extremely preterm children is high, especially in children with neurodevelopmental impairment. Positive screens should be interpreted in the light of other neurodevelopmental sequelae in clinical practice to avoid false‐positive referrals.
Characteristics of children with cerebral palsy in the ORACLE children study
Authors: MARLOW NEIL , PIKE KATIE , BOWER EVA , BROCKLEHURST PETER , JONES DAVID , KENYON SARA , KURINCZUK JENNIFER J , TAYLOR DAVID , SALT ALISON
Published: March 2012

Aims  We have identified an excess of children with cerebral palsy (CP) born to women who received antibiotic treatment for spontaneous preterm labour (SPL). This nested study investigated the profile of impairment among children with CP in the ORACLE Children Study (OCS), and contrasted outcomes with those in 4Child, a population CP registry.

Method  The study group comprised 167 children aged from 7 to 10 years (100 males, 67 females) with CP from the OCS, who were subdivided into a preterm rupture of membranes (PROM) group (87 children) and an SPL group (80 children). The OCS sought follow‐up information regarding the health and behaviour of surviving children at 7 years of age in the UK using a parent‐report postal questionnaire. Families provided further information to define wider aspects of function and were offered a physiotherapy assessment.

Results  The prevalence of CP was higher among children in the OCS than among those in 4Child (standardized morbidity ratios: SPL group, 3.12 [95% confidence interval CI 2.47–3.87); PROM group: 1.56 (CI 1.24–1.92)]. The proportion of children with CP born after 32 weeks of gestation was higher in in the SPL group (73%) than in the PROM group (30%); the prevalence of CP was higher in the SPL group than in the PROM group or 4Child. Children with CP in the OCS tended to have similar distributions of neuroimpairment as children in 4Child, but motor impairment and associated vision and hearing problems were found to be less severe.

Interpretation  The pattern of CP in both the PROM and the SPL groups was similar, but functional outcomes were milder, compared with children with CP in the general population. However, in these groups the risk of CP was increased independently of gestational age. This is consistent with findings that ongoing inflammatory damage can cause CP.
One new and one newly recorded species of the genus Amraica Moore, 1888 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) from China, with diagnoses of the Chinese species
Authors: JIANG Nan , SATO Rikio , HAN Hongxiang
Published: March 2012

The genus AmraicaMoore, 1888 in China is reviewed. In addition to the four species and three subspecies already known, one new species, A. prolata sp. nov. is described and one newly recorded species, A. ferrolavata (Walker, 1863 (imprint 1862)) is redescribed. The generic characters, based on all species, are summarized. Illustrations of external features and genitalia are presented.
Demyelinating prenatal and infantile developmental neuropathies
Authors: Yiu Eppie M. , Ryan Monique M.
Published: March 2012

The prenatal and infantile neuropathies are an uncommon and complex group of conditions, most of which are genetic. Despite advances in diagnostic techniques, approximately half of children presenting in infancy remain without a specific diagnosis. This review focuses on inherited demyelinating neuropathies presenting in the first year of life. We clarify the nomenclature used in these disorders, review the clinical features of demyelinating forms of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease with early onset, and discuss the demyelinating infantile neuropathies associated with central nervous system involvement. Useful clinical, neurophysiologic, and neuropathologic features in the diagnostic work‐up of these conditions are also presented.
Presence of repeater F‐waves in the early stage of Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Geijo‐Barrientos Emilio , González Ofelia , Pastore‐Olmedo Carlos
Published: March 2012

The absence or a prolonged latency of late responses, like F‐waves, is a common neurophysiological finding with diagnostic utility in the early Guillain‐Barré syndrome. However, the presence and the number of repeater F‐waves have not been studied in this disease. In four patients, we report the transient presence of repeater F‐waves in nerves of the lower limbs shortly after the onset of the disease. In each patient, the initial (diagnostic) nerve conduction study showed a high incidence of repeater F‐waves in the tibial or in the peroneal nerves of one side, with normal distal motor latencies; in the other nerves explored the F‐waves were fully abolished and the motor potentials were abnormal. In a second study, done 2–6 weeks later, we observed the abolition of the F‐waves or a significant increase of its minimal latency in those nerves in which we had detected the repeaters. The presence of a high number of repeater F‐waves with normal latencies in some nerves may be a transient and initial electrophysiological sign useful in the early diagnosis of this disease.
Precursors of Running Away During Adolescence: Do Peers Matter?
Authors: Chen Xiaojin , Thrane Lisa , Adams Michele
Published: March 2012

Although peer influence is a salient predictor of delinquency, how it operates in the etiology of runaway behavior is not fully understood. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study demonstrates the importance of taking peers into account in understanding the etiology of running away. The findings suggest that peer deviance is strongly associated with adolescents’ decision to run away, independent of social network characteristics and their own deviant and conventional behavior, parental attachment, and school bonding. However, the causal process that links peer characteristics and running away remains unclear. More studies are needed to disentangle the underlying reciprocal and interactional relationships among peers, individual behavior, and social contexts such as family and school.
Are Confident Partisans Disloyal? The Role of Defensive Confidence in Party Defection
Authors: ALBARRACÍN JULIA , WANG WEI , ALBARRACIN DOLORES
Published: March 2012

People who feel comfortable defending their views—defensively confident—may also eventually change those views and corresponding behaviors. National Election Studies surveys showed that defensive confidence predicted defection in the 2006 U.S. House elections, above and beyond the impact of various demographic and political variables. Moreover, defensive confidence was also associated with political knowledge and attention to politics and government affairs, but not attention to the news. Finally, males, more educated citizens, ethnic minorities, and older respondents had higher reported defensive confidence than did females, less educated citizens, European Americans, and younger respondents. Defensive confidence may be a crucial factor for a deeper understanding of political behavior.