bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical habitat and social conditions across a coral reef shape spatial patterns of intraspecific behavioral variation in a demersal fish
Authors: Schrandt Meagan N. , Hardy Kristin M. , Johnson Kaitlin M. , Lema Sean C.
Published: July 2011

As coral reef ecosystems decline in health worldwide, reef‐associated fishes are being impacted by changes to their coral reef habitats. While previous studies have shown coral reef structure to affect the demography of reef fishes, changes in reef conditions may also impact the behavior of reef fishes as they cope with altered habitats. In this study, we examined spatial patterns of intraspecific behavioral variation in the bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus) across the fringing reefs of Curaçao (Caribbean Sea), and explored how this behavioral variation associated with physical and social conditions on the reef. Principal components analysis (PCA) condensed physical parameters of the reef into principal component 1 (PC1), comprising depth, coral cover (%), rugosity, and average hole size (cm2), and principal component 2 (PC2), which represented the number of holes. PC1, but not PC2, increased spatially across the reef as the habitat transitioned from coral rubble in the shallows to live coral on the reef slope. This transition in reef structure was paralleled by changes in social conditions including decreases in bicolor damselfish density in habitats with higher PC1 values. The behavior of bicolor damselfish also varied spatially with greater aggression and more frequent shelter use in habitats with lower PC1 values. Path analysis revealed robust associations between this behavioral variation and physical habitat conditions of the reef, indicating that physical – rather than social – habitat variation is the primary determinant of these spatial patterns of intraspecific behavioral variation. Taken as a whole, this coupling between physical reef structure and behavior suggests that reef fish may show altered behaviors on coral reefs degraded by anthropogenic impacts.
Identification and molecular mapping of PmHNK54: a novel powdery mildew resistance gene in common wheat
Authors: Xu Weigang , Li Chunxin , Hu Lin , Wang Huiwei , Dong Haibin , Zhang Jianzhou , Zan Xiangcun
Published: July 2011

With 5 figures and 2 tables

Powdery mildew of wheat is caused by Blumeria graminis (DC.) Speer f. sp. tritici (Bgt). Wheat line Zheng 9754 is resistant in Henan Province. In seedling tests with seven Bgt isolates, Zheng 9754 had a different reaction pattern from those of lines Khapli with Pm4a, Armada with Pm4b, 81‐7241 with Pm4c and Lankao 906 with PmLK906. F1 hybrids, 516 F2 plants and 327 F2:3 lines derived from Zheng 9754/Chinese Spring (CS) were used for resistance gene tagging and linkage analysis. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to test the two parents and resistant and susceptible bulks. Subsequently, three polymorphic markers were used for genotyping the F2 and F2:3 populations. Powdery mildew resistance in Zheng 9754 was conferred by a single dominant gene, tentatively designated PmHNK54, flanked by SSR markers Xgwm312, Xgwm372 and Xbarc5 on chromosome 2AL. The resistance gene was closely linked to Xbarc5 and Xgwm312, with genetic distances of 5.0 and 6.0 cM, respectively, and located on the chromosome bin 2AL‐1‐0.85 in the test with a set of deletion lines. The results suggested that PmHNK54 in Zheng 9754 is a new powdery mildew resistance gene in common wheat.
Further characterization of the scab resistance of ‘Frontana’ spring wheat and the relationships between resistance mechanisms
Authors: Yabwalo Dalitso N. , Mergoum Mohamed , Berzonsky William A.
Published: July 2011

With 2 figures and 2 tables

‘Frontana’ spring wheat exhibits resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB), but it is not clear which genes confer resistance to initial infection or spread. This study assessed the FHB resistance of reciprocal backcross monosomic (RBCM) lines previously developed using Frontana and ‘Chris’. Six RBCM lines differing for Frontana and Chris disomic chromosomes 3A, 6A and 4D were evaluated to determine which chromosome prevents disease establishment or spread after either spray or single floret inoculation (SFI). Data were collected for FHB incidence, severity and spread. The RBCM line with Frontana chromosome 3A expressed the lowest FHB severity and incidence after spray inoculation and the lowest disease spread after SFI. This confirms a major role of Frontana chromosome 3A in resistance to FHB establishment and spread. Frontana chromosomes 6A and 4D also influence resistance but have less of an impact compared with 3A. Significant correlations between disease incidence and severity and between severity and visually Fusarium damaged kernels (VFDK) suggest that type I and type II resistant mechanisms do not function independently in Frontana. Therefore, the metrics used to quantify resistance are interrelated.
Book Reviews
Authors: Boyle Moira
Published: July 2011

Book reviewed in this article:

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Winnie Dunn (Editor)

Occupational Therapy: Overcoming Human Performance Deficits Charles Christiansen & Carolyn Baum (Editors)

Computers for Children with an Intellectual Disability: A Parents' Guide Tracy Fay & Gwynnyth Llewellyn

Therapeutic Communication: A Guide to Effective Interpersonal Skills for Health Care Professionals Tova Navarra, Myron Lipkowitz & John Navarra
Low positive predictive value of the ABCD2 score in emergency department transient ischaemic attack diagnoses: the South Western Sydney Transient Ischaemic Attack Study
Authors: Ghia D. , Thomas P. , Cordato D. , Epstein D. , Beran R. G. , Cappelen‐Smith C. , Griffith N. , Hanna I. , McDougall A. , Hodgkinson S. J. , Worthington J. M.
Published: July 2011

Background:  The ABCD2 stroke risk score is recommended in national guidelines for stratifying care in transient ischaemic attack (TIA) patients, based on its prediction of early stroke risk. We had become concerned about the score accuracy and its clinical value in modern TIA cohorts.

Methods:  We identified emergency department‐diagnosed TIA at two hospitals over 3 years (2004–2006). Cases were followed for stroke occurrence and ABCD2 scores were determined from expert record review. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values (PPV) of moderate–high ABCD2 scores were determined.

Results:  There were 827 indexed TIA diagnoses and record review was possible in 95.4%. Admitted patients had lower 30‐day stroke risk (n= 0) than discharged patients (n= 7; 3.1%) (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in proportion of strokes between those with a low or moderate–high ABCD2 score at 30 (1.2 vs 0.8%), 90 (2.0 vs 1.9%) and 365 days (2.4 vs 2.4%) respectively. At 30 days the sensitivity, specificity and PPV of a moderate–high score were 57% (95% confidence interval (CI) 25.0–84.2), 32.2% (95% CI 29.1–35.6) and 0.75% (95% CI 0.29–1.91) respectively.

Conclusions:  Early stroke risk was low after an emergency diagnosis of TIA and significantly lower in admitted patients. Moderate–high ABCD2 scores did not predict early stroke risk. We suggest local validation of ABCD2 before its clinical use and a review of its place in national guidelines.
Can we predict sputum eosinophilia from clinical assessment in patients referred to an adult asthma clinic?
Authors: Yap E. , Chua W. M. , Jayaram L. , Zeng I. , Vandal A. C. , Garrett J.
Published: July 2011

Background

There is overwhelming evidence that asthma guidelines aimed at reducing airway inflammation are superior to those based on clinical symptoms alone. This involves targeting eosinophilic inflammation with inhaled corticosteroids.

Aim

Because induced sputum is not readily available, our study set out to investigate whether the collective or singular use of routine asthma investigations can predict sputum eosinophilia.

Methods

Eighty patients underwent skin prick testing, blood tests (IgE, full blood count), spirometry, exhaled fraction nitric oxide (FeNO), PD15 to hypertonic saline, and induced sputum testing at first assessment. A predictive model for sputum eosinophilia (defined as ≥3% eosinophils) was sought using routinely available tests.

Results

Fifty‐four subjects underwent both induced sputum and FeNO testing. Seventeen (30%) revealed eosinophilic inflammation, nine (16%) neutrophilic, four (7%) mixed granulocytic and 26 (46%) paucigranulocytic. Positive predictors for sputum eosinophilia included low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% predicted, raised serum eosinophil, positive smoking history, Polynesian ethnicity and negative asthma family history. There was a non‐statistically significant trend for FeNO predicting sputum eosinophilia. The best combination of predictors was low FEV1% predicted, raised serum eosinophil, positive smoking history and negative family history of asthma.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the serum eosinophil count and FEV1 combined with aspects of a clinical history may provide a simple and practical alternative to assessment of airway (sputum) eosinophilia in the clinical setting. A full blood count can be performed at a substantially lesser cost and with greater accessibility than induced sputum. We feel the time has come for the clinical utility of the serum eosinophil count to be revisited.
Anaemia is highly prevalent among unselected internal medicine inpatients and is associated with increased mortality, earlier readmission and more prolonged hospital stay: an observational retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nathavitharana R. L. , Murray J. A. , D'Sousa N. , Sheehan T. , Frampton C. M. , Baker B. W.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Anaemia is associated with adverse outcomes in elderly community‐dwelling individuals, but this problem is less well characterised in the inpatient setting.

Aims:  To determine the prevalence of anaemia and its associations in a well‐defined cohort of internal medicine inpatients.

Methods:  A retrospective cohort study of non‐elective admissions under internal medicine at Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand, was conducted for 4 months of 2008 with outcome analysis on 1 March 2010.

Results:  At admission, 497 of 1491 (33.3%) patients were anaemic by World Health Organization criteria (haemoglobin <130 g/L for males; <120 g/L for females). Anaemia was more prevalent in males (38.1%) than females (28.2%), P < 0.001, in patients aged 65 years or older (41%) than in those under 65 (21.3%), P < 0.001, in New Zealand Europeans (34.3%) than in Māori and people from the Pacific Islands (26.4%), P= 0.04, and in patients admitted primarily because of malignancy, endocrine/metabolic disease, infection, and acute coronary syndrome/congestive heart failure (P < 0.001). Anaemia was independently associated with increased length of hospital stay (7.3 days vs 5.1 days in non‐anaemic patients; P < 0.001), with mortality (P < 0.001) and unplanned hospital readmission (P < 0.001) during the follow‐up period. Anaemia was infrequently acknowledged or investigated. Secondary analysis using a haemoglobin threshold of 110 g/L showed similar results.

Conclusions:  Anaemia is highly prevalent among medical inpatients with variation because of gender, age, race and reason for admission. Anaemia independently predicts for prolonged hospital stay, increased mortality and shorter time to readmission, but is usually not documented or investigated in this setting.
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy: Three case reports
Authors: Tada Shin , Yasue Akira , Nishizawa Haruki , Sekiya Takao , Hirota Yutaka , Udagawa Yasuhiro
Published: July 2011

We present three extremely rare cases of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma occurring in pregnancy. The patients developed progressive paralysis of the upper and lower limbs and the diagnoses were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Urgent decompression is required to prevent neurological sequelae. The pregnancy may either be continued or delivered depending on the gestational age and severity of the disorder. Pregnancy‐induced structural changes of the vascular walls and hemodynamic changes may play a role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.
Predictive value of HbA1c for incident diabetes among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance—analysis of the Indian Diabetes Prevention Programmes
Authors: Ramachandran A. , Snehalatha C. , Samith Shetty A. , Nanditha A.
Published: July 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 94–98 (2012)

Aims  The objectives of the study were to assess the predictive value of baseline HbA1c for incident diabetes among the participants with impaired glucose tolerance in the Indian Diabetes Prevention Programmes 1 and 2.

Methods  Data at baseline and at 3‐year follow‐up were analysed in combined cohorts of the Indian Diabetes Prevention Programmes 1 and 2. Within the 3 years, 324 of the 845 participants developed diabetes (World Health Organization criteria). The predictive value of baseline HbA1c for incident diabetes was determined by logistic regression analysis.

Results  Baseline HbA1c values had heterogenous distribution. The distribution was similar in isolated impaired glucose tolerance or in impaired glucose tolerance in combination with impaired fasting glucose. A progressive increase in diabetes occurred with increasing HbA1c. HbA1c showed the strongest association with incident diabetes in the multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 3.548, P < 0.0001). The cut‐off HbA1c of 43 mmol/mol (6.05%) had 67% sensitivity and 60% specificity to predict future diabetes. The diagnostic sensitivity of HbA1c of ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥ 6.5%) was only 51%, with a specificity of 87%, when compared with the oral glucose tolerance glucose values.

Conclusions  Baseline HbA1c was highly predictive of future diabetes in Asian Indian subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and nearly 60% of the incidence occurred with values ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0). Diagnostic sensitivity of HbA1c≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥ 6.5%) for new diabetes was only 51% using the oral glucose tolerance test as the standard for comparison.
Examining the Black–White Achievement Gap Among Low‐Income Children Using the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development
Authors: Burchinal Margaret , McCartney Kathleen , Steinberg Laurence , Crosnoe Robert , Friedman Sarah L. , McLoyd Vonnie , Pianta Robert ,   NICHD Early Child Care Research Network
Published: July 2011

The Black–White achievement gap in children’s reading and mathematics school performance from 4½ years of age through fifth grade was examined in a sample of 314 lower income American youth followed from birth. Differences in family, child care, and schooling experiences largely explained Black–White differences in achievement, and instructional quality was a stronger predictor for Black than White children. In addition, the achievement gap was detected as young as 3 years of age. Taken together, the findings suggest that reducing the Black–White achievement gap may require early intervention to reduce race gaps in home and school experiences during the infant and toddler years as well as during the preschool and school years.
Randomized, double‐blind, split‐side comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone vs. 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis
Authors: Wananukul S. , Chatproedprai S. , Charutragulchai W.
Published: July 2011

Abstracts

Background  Infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (ISD) is a common skin lesion in infants. There may be differences in recommendation for treatment of ISD.

Objective  To compare the efficacy of moisturizer containing licochalcone vs. 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment of ISD.

Methods  This was a randomized, prospective, split‐side, double‐blind study that was conducted in 75 infants between the age of 2 weeks and 1 year. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of ISD were treated twice daily, simultaneously with either moisturizer containing 0.025% licochalcone or 1% hydrocortisone on opposite sides of the lesion. The scoring system was used to assess the severity of the rash by the presence of erythema, scale and crusts. The lesions on each side were evaluated on day 0, 3–4, 6–7 and 14.

Results  A total of 72 patients completed the study. The moisturizer containing licochalcone group had a higher clearing rate (42%) compared to 1% hydrocortisone group (32%) (P = 0.03) on day 3–4. Both products were equally effective in the treatment at day 6–7 and 14 (P = 0.45 and 1, respectively). By the end of the second week, the cure rate of the moisturizer containing 0.025% licochalcone and 1% hydrocortisone group was 90% and 92%, respectively.

Limitations  The small sample size was a study limitation.

Conclusion  Moisturizer containing 0.025% licochalcone had higher cure rate compared to 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment of ISD at day 3–4. However, by the end of the first week, this difference was no longer significant.
Dermoscopy of scalp tumours: a multi‐centre study conducted by the international dermoscopy society
Authors: Stanganelli I. , Argenziano G. , Sera F. , Blum A. , Ozdemir F. , Karaarslan I.K. , Piccolo D. , Peris K. , Kirchesch H. , Bono R. , Pizzichetta M.A. , Gasparini S. , Braun R.P. , Correia O. , Thomas L. , Zaballos P. , Puig S. , Malvehy J. , Scalvenzi M. , Rabinovitz H. , Bergamo A. , Pellacani G. , Longo C. , Pavlovic M. , Rosendahl C. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R. , Cabo H. , Marghoob A.A. , Langford D. , Astorino S. , Manganoni A.M. , Gourhant J.‐Y. , Keir J. , Grichnik J.M. , Fumo G. , Dong H. , Sortino Rachou A.M. , Ferrara G. , Zalaudek I.
Published: July 2011

Background  Little is known about the dermoscopic features of scalp tumours.

Objective  To determine the dermoscopic features of scalp tumours.

Methods  Retrospective analysis of dermoscopic images of histopathologically diagnosed scalp tumours from International Dermoscopy Society members.

Results  A total of 323 tumours of the scalp from 315 patients (mean age: 52 years; range 3–88 years) were analysed. Scalp nevi were significantly associated with young age (<30 years) and exhibited a globular or network pattern with central or perifollicular hypopigmentation. Melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer were associated with male gender, androgenetic alopecia, age >65 years and sun damage. Atypical network and regression were predictive for thin (≤1 mm) melanomas, whereas advanced melanomas (tumour thickness > 1 mm) revealed blue white veil, unspecific patterns and irregular black blotches or dots.

Conclusions  The data collected provide a new knowledge regarding the clinical and dermoscopy features of pigmented scalp tumours.
A psychodynamic interpretation of staff accounts of working with people who have learning disabilities and complex needs
Authors: Storey Judith , Collis Mary‐Ann , Clegg Jennifer
Published: July 2011

Accessible summary

 We asked eight members of staff who were working with people who had a learning disability, and also, complex mental health needs to tell us how they felt about their work.

 These workers told us that not having enough staff and having a wide range of patients with different needs to look after made their job difficult. We felt they tried to put a ‘brave face’ on but we felt they worried greatly about working with patients who had complex mental health needs.

 We did not feel these workers were given enough opportunity to think and talk about their feelings about their work. Staff tried to cope with these difficult thoughts and feelings about their work by trying to forget them or by thinking about other things.

 Staff need to be given time to think and talk about their work and their feelings towards their patients. This may help them to feel less stressed and more able to cope with their patients and their work.

Experiences of eight staff working with people who have a learning disability and complex mental health needs were explored by interviews and analysed using the free association narrative interview approach (Hollway & Jefferson 2000). Participants reported that organisational factors such as not having enough permanent staff and having to manage a complex patient mix impacted upon their work. Participants’ unconscious communications were interpreted as evidence that they were experiencing projected anxiety from their patients. Participants did not appear to be given opportunities in work to reflect upon their emotions and often coped by repressing painful experiences or displacing these onto the organisation. Staff would benefit from exploring their conscious and unconscious reactions to their patients.
Melatonin synthesis in retina: cAMP‐dependent transcriptional regulation of chicken arylalkylamineN‐acetyltransferase by a CRE‐like sequence and a TTATT repeat motif in the proximal promoter
Authors: Haque Rashidul , Chong Nelson W. , Ali Fatima , Chaurasia Shyam S. , Sengupta Trisha , Chun Eugene , Howell Jennifer C. , Klein David C. , Iuvone P. Michael
Published: July 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)119, 6–17.

ArylalkylamineN‐acetyltransferase (AANAT) is the key regulatory enzyme controlling the daily rhythm of melatonin biosynthesis. In chicken retinal photoreceptor cells,Aanattranscription and AANAT activity are regulated in part by cAMP‐dependent mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to identify regulatory elements within the chickenAanatpromoter responsible for cAMP‐dependent induction. Photoreceptor‐enriched retinal cell cultures were transfected with a luciferase reporter construct containing up to 4 kb of 5′‐flanking region and the first exon ofAanat. Forskolin treatment stimulated luciferase activity driven by the ∼4 kb promoter construct and by all 5′‐deletion constructs except the smallest,Aanat(−217 to +120)luc. Maximal basal and forskolin‐stimulated expression levels were generated by theAanat(−484 to +120)luc construct. This construct lacks a canonical cyclic AMP‐response element (CRE), but contains two other potentially important elements in its sequence: an eight times TTATT repeat (TTATT8) and a CRE‐like sequence. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and siRNA experiments provide evidence that these elements bind c‐Fos, JunD, and CREB to enhance basal and forskolin‐stimulatedAanattranscription. We propose that the CRE‐like sequence and TTATT8elements in the 484 bp proximal promoter interact to mediate cAMP‐dependent transcriptional regulation ofAanat.
Assessment of a Novel Hybrid Delphi and Nominal Groups Technique to Evaluate Quality Indicators
Authors: Davies Sheryl , Romano Patrick S. , Schmidt Eric M. , Schultz Ellen , Geppert Jeffrey J. , McDonald Kathryn M.
Published: July 2011

Objective. To test the implementation of a novel structured panel process in the evaluation of quality indicators.

Data Source. National panel of 64 clinicians rating usefulness of indicator applications in 2008–2009.

Study Design. Hybrid panel combined Delphi Group and Nominal Group (NG) techniques to evaluate 81 indicator applications.

Principal Findings. The Delphi Group and NG rated 56 percent of indicator applications similarly. Group assignment (Delphi versus Nominal) was not significantly associated with mean ratings, but specialty and research interests of panelists, and indicator factors such as denominator level and proposed use were. Rating distributions narrowed significantly in 20.8 percent of applications between review rounds.

Conclusions. The hybrid panel process facilitated information exchange and tightened rating distributions. Future assessments of this method might include a control panel.
The intestinal anti‐inflammatory effect of dersalazine sodium is related to a down‐regulation in IL‐17 production in experimental models of rodent colitis
Authors: Camuesco D , Rodríguez‐Cabezas ME , Garrido‐Mesa N , Cueto‐Sola M , Bailón E , Comalada M , Arribas B , Merlos M , Balsa D , Zarzuelo A , Janer G , Xaus J , Román J , Gálvez J
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Dersalazine sodium (DS) is a new chemical entity formed by combining, through an azo bond, a potent platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist (UR‐12715) with 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA). DS has been demonstrated to have anti‐inflammatory effects on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis in rats and recently in UC patients in phase II PoC. There is Increasing evidence that Th17 cells have an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to further characterize the anti‐inflammatory effects of DS.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effect of DS (10 or 30 mg·kg−1 b.i.d.) on TNBS‐induced colitis in rats was studied after 2 and 7 days with special focus on inflammatory mediators. Additionally, its anti‐inflammatory properties were analysed in two different models of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced colitis, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, the latter being dependent on IL‐17.

KEY RESULTS DS, when administered for 7 days, showed intestinal anti‐inflammatory effects in TNBS‐induced colitis; these effects were observed both macroscopically and through the profile of inflammatory mediators (TNF, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐17). Although the 2 day treatment with DS did not induce intestinal anti‐inflammatory effects, it was sufficient to reduce the enhanced IL‐17 expression. DS showed beneficial effects on DSS‐induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice and reduced colonic pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐17. In contrast, it did not exert intestinal anti‐inflammatory effects on DSS‐induced colitis in BALB/c mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS DS exerts intestinal anti‐inflammatory activity in different rodent models of colitis through down‐regulation of IL‐17 expression.
Urticaria Multiforme—A Case Report
Authors: Starnes Lesley , Patel Tejesh , Skinner Robert B.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  The term “urticaria multiforme” has recently been proposed to replace acute annular urticaria and refers to a benign cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction characterized by the acute onset of large, polycyclic, and annular wheals with ecchymotic centers. It is associated with acral and facial angioedema, dermatographism, favorable response to antihistamines, and a self‐limited course. It is most often mistaken for erythema multiforme and occasionally for serum sickness‐like reaction. We report a case of urticaria multiforme in a 4‐month‐old infant, followed by a review of the literature.
Frequency and Severity of Diaper Dermatitis with Use of Traditional Chinese Cloth Diapers: Observations in 3‐ to 9‐Month‐Old Children
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Xuemin , Odio Mauricio
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Chinese cloth diapers differ from disposable diapers in several respects that are central to our understanding of the etiology of diaper dermatitis (DD), yet there are no published reports on the dermatological correlates of this manner of infant care, which is prevalent among the world’s second‐largest pediatric population. The objective was to determine the prevalence and severity of DD in exclusive users of Chinese cloth diapers. This observational study was conducted during a single home visit to 694 Chinese children who were exclusive users of cloth diapers in five inland cities of China. During each home visit, study nurses documented the presence and severity of DD using a visual dermatological scale and conducted transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pH measurements. Diaper dermatitis was rare in the buttocks and genital area of the children (<20%) but was common in the perianal and intertriginous regions (50–70%). TEWL and pH were mildly higher in babies with DD than in those without DD in the genital and buttocks area. Diaper dermatitis is common in children who use traditional Chinese cloth diapers, especially in the perianal and intertriginous regions.
A Novel Method for Calculating the Volume of Hemangiomas
Authors: Berk David R. , Berk Elliot J. , Bruckner Anna L.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Accurately measuring the size of infantile hemangiomas is critical for objectively quantifying their growth, involution, and treatment response. Volumetric measurements are particularly appropriate because hemangiomas tend to mark out their territory early on and then grow and involute volumetrically. To our knowledge, only two publications have proposed bedside methods for measuring hemangioma volume. In these two publications, the authors modeled hemangiomas as perfect spheres or half‐spheres, but many hemangiomas more closely approximate ellipsoids, with each of their axes in three dimensions having different, rather than equal, lengths. We present an alternative bedside method for calculating hemangioma volume, using a formula derived with calculus requiring only three bedside measurements using a disposable paper tape measure.
A Novel Strategy to Engineer Small‐Diameter Vascular Grafts From Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhao Jie , Liu Liangqi , Wei Jing , Ma Dongyang , Geng Wenxin , Yan Xingrong , Zhu Jun , Du Huicong , Liu Ying , Li Liwen , Chen Fulin
Published: July 2011

Tissue‐engineered blood vessels have mainly relied on endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and biocompatible materials. However, long‐term results have revealed several material‐related failures, such as stenosis, thromboembolization, and the risk of infection. Furthermore, SMCs from elderly persons have reduced capacity in proliferation and collagen production. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lineages, including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, ECs, and SMCs. In the current experiment, rabbit MSCs were cultured to form a cell sheet. A tissue‐engineered vascular graft (TEVG) was fabricated by rolling the MSC sheet around a mandrel. The TEVG was implanted into a defect of the common carotid artery after it was examined macroscopically and microscopically. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that cell sheet was composed of five to seven layers of cells with the thickness of 40–50 µm. Results from the adhesion assay revealed that MSCs had similar antiplatelet adhesion property to ECs. Histological analysis of TEVGs showed that the layers of the cell sheet had fully fused in vitro. After implantation, TEVGs had excellent patency and integrated well with the native vessel. The structure of the TEVGs was similar to that of the native artery 4 weeks after implantation. Electron microscopy showed that the implanted TEVGs endothelialized. These results indicated that a completely biological TEVG could be assembled with autologous MSCs. These TEVGs are useful for revascularization in humans, which would reduce the occurrence of complications caused by foreign materials.
Post‐Project Appraisals of River Restoration in Advanced University Instruction
Authors: Kondolf G. M. , Anderson Shannah D. , Storesund Rune , Tompkins Mark , Atwood Paul
Published: July 2011

Post‐project appraisals (PPAs) are systematic assessments of built restoration projects, which provide feedback on performance of restoration approaches to improve future restoration efforts. Unfortunately, most restoration projects are not subject to systematic assessment because of lack of institutional arrangements to sustain long‐term evaluation and the orientation of most funding agencies towards project implementation rather than “studies.” As semester‐long courses on river restoration increasingly appear in university curricula at the graduate and advanced undergraduate level, independent student research projects for such courses can provide a mechanism for building a database of PPAs (and components thereof) and providing the students with a powerful learning experience. In two UC Berkeley courses, we require independent student projects involving original field research, peer review of first drafts, instructor (and often outside) review of second drafts, and presentation of results to a public symposium. Since 1995, the revised, final papers have been added to the University of California library, where they constitute one of the largest collections of restoration‐related studies currently available for any region: over 300 restoration‐related studies, of which 80 are PPAs or components thereof. Since 2003, the papers have been posted on‐line, with 40,000 full text downloads through 2010. Some term projects have directly influenced river restoration programs, inducing changes in salmon habitat enhancement project design, documenting failure of projects based on inappropriate restoration approaches, and contributing to systematic assessments of step‐pool and compound channel designs in urban areas. Student evaluations cite the term projects as valuable learning experiences.
Artificial Bird Perches for the Regeneration of Degraded Tropical Peat Swamp Forest: A Restoration Tool with Limited Potential
Authors: Graham Laura L. B. , Page Susan E.
Published: July 2011

Forest rehabilitation activities have been initiated on degraded peatland at several sites in Southeast Asia. In order to achieve rehabilitation efficiently and on the largest possible scale, cost‐effective, transferable methods need to be established. One potential method, which has previously proven successful in both temperate and neotropical forest ecosystems, is the construction of artificial bird perches outside the forest edge. These provide resting perches for frugivorous birds, encouraging them to fly out of the forest, thus increasing seed dispersal and subsequent seedling recruitment into the degraded area. This method was trialled for the first time in degraded tropical peat swamp forest in Indonesia. The results show that the perches were used by frugivorous birds, leading to a significant increase in seed dispersal; however, seedling recruitment was not increased. The frugivorous birds using the perches were degraded zone species and dispersed mainly tree species from the degraded area. Furthermore, while some seeds of forest‐area tree species were dispersed, largely only the degraded area tree species survived to seedling stage. Neither seasonality nor distance from forest edge proved to be significant factors influencing seed dispersal or seedling recruitment, the latter highlighting that seeds were principally being dispersed from within the degraded area rather than from the forest. Although artificial perches did increase seed dispersal, their use as an actual restoration tool in the process of forest regeneration on degraded tropical peatland is limited. Furthermore, when the cost‐ and effort‐to‐area factors are considered, this method is shown to be inefficient.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Cerebellum and Eyeblink Conditioning in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Spottiswoode Bruce S. , Meintjes Ernesta M. , Anderson Adam W. , Molteno Christopher D. , Stanton Mark E. , Dodge Neil C. , Gore John C. , Peterson Bradley S. , Jacobson Joseph L. , Jacobson Sandra W.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Prenatal alcohol exposure is related to a wide range of neurocognitive effects. Eyeblink conditioning (EBC), which involves temporal pairing of a conditioned with an unconditioned stimulus, has been shown to be a potential biomarker of fetal alcohol exposure. A growing body of evidence suggests that white matter may be a specific target of alcohol teratogenesis, and the neural circuitry underlying EBC is known to involve the cerebellar peduncles. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that has proven useful for assessing central nervous system white matter integrity. This study used DTI to examine the degree to which the fetal alcohol‐related deficit in EBC may be mediated by structural impairment in the cerebellar peduncles.

Methods:  Thirteen children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and 12 matched controls were scanned using DTI and structural MRI sequences. The DTI data were processed using a voxelwise technique, and the structural data were used for volumetric analyses. Prenatal alcohol exposure group and EBC performance were examined in relation to brain volumes and outputs from the DTI analysis.

Results:  Fractional anisotropy (FA) and perpendicular diffusivity group differences between alcohol‐exposed and nonexposed children were identified in the left middle cerebellar peduncle. Alcohol exposure correlated with lower FA and greater perpendicular diffusivity in this region, and these correlations remained significant even after controlling for total brain and cerebellar volumes. Conversely, trace conditioning performance was related to higher FA and lower perpendicular diffusivity in the left middle peduncle. The effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on trace conditioning was partially mediated by lower FA in this region.

Conclusions:  This study extends recent findings that have used DTI to reveal microstructural deficits in white matter in children with FASD. This is the first DTI study to demonstrate mediation of a fetal alcohol‐related effect on neuropsychological function by deficits in white matter integrity.
Alcohol Induces Liver Neoplasia in a Novel Alcohol‐Preferring Rat Model
Authors: Yip‐Schneider Michele T. , Doyle Courtney J. , McKillop Iain H. , Wentz Sabrina C. , Brandon‐Warner Elizabeth , Matos Jesus M. , Sandrasegaran Kumaresan , Saxena Romil , Hennig Matthew E. , Wu Huangbing , Waters Joshua A. , Klein Patrick J. , Froehlich Janice C. , Max Schmidt C.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Alcohol is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, no rodent model has demonstrated the formation of hepatic neoplasia in the setting of chronic alcohol consumption alone.

Methods:  We investigated whether rats selectively bred for high alcohol preference (P rats), allowed free access to water, or water and 10% (v/v) alcohol, for 6, 12, or 18 months, develop hepatic neoplasia.

Results:  At necropsy, liver tumor incidence and multiplicity were significantly increased in 18‐month alcohol‐consuming versus water‐consuming P rats. These data were confirmed histologically by glutathione‐S‐transferase pi‐class (GSTp) staining. Phosphorylated mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (MAPK/ERK) staining was also increased in the sinusoidal lining cells within livers of alcohol‐consuming versus water only P rats. In addition, cytochrome p450IIE1 (CYP2E1) mRNA, protein expression/activity, and intrahepatic oxidative stress were significantly increased in alcohol‐consuming P rat livers versus water only. In contrast, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase expression decreased in alcohol‐consuming versus water only P rats. No significant difference in alcohol dehydrogenase expression was detected.

Conclusions:  These data demonstrate that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with hepatic neoplasia, MAPK/ERK activation, increased CYP2E1 activity, and intrahepatic oxidative stress in P rats. As these rats are well characterized as a model of alcoholism, these findings identify a novel rodent model of alcohol or “alcoholism”‐induced liver neoplasia.
Histone Deacetylases (HDAC)‐Induced Histone Modifications in the Amygdala: A Role in Rapid Tolerance to the Anxiolytic Effects of Ethanol
Authors: Sakharkar Amul J. , Zhang Huaibo , Tang Lei , Shi Guangbin , Pandey Subhash C.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Rapid tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of ethanol appears to be an important factor in the development of alcoholism. Here, we investigated the involvement of amygdaloid histone deacetylases (HDAC)‐induced epigenetic changes in rapid ethanol tolerance (RET).

Methods:  RET in rats was induced by 2 ethanol injections administered 24 hours apart. Both ethanol‐tolerant and control rats were treated with the HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), and anxiety‐like behaviors were measured. HDAC activity, histone (H3 and H4) acetylation, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in the amygdala of these rats were also measured.

Results:  A single ethanol exposure was able to produce an anxiolytic response, inhibit amygdaloid HDAC activity, and increase both histone acetylation and NPY expression (mRNA and protein levels) in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) and medial nucleus of amygdala (MeA) of rats. In contrast, 2 exposures of the same dose of ethanol (24 hours apart) neither elicited a similar anxiolytic response nor modulated HDAC activity, histone acetylation, or NPY expression in the amygdala. However, exposure to a higher dose of ethanol on the second day was able to produce an anxiolytic response and also inhibit amygdaloid HDAC activity. TSA treatment caused the reversal of RET by inhibiting HDAC activity, thereby increasing histone acetylation and NPY expression in the CeA and MeA.

Conclusions:  Cellular tolerance to the initial acute ethanol‐induced inhibition of HDAC activity and the subsequent upregulation of histone acetylation and NPY expression in the amygdala may be involved in the mechanisms underlying rapid tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of ethanol.
Alcohol Disrupts Endoplasmic Reticulum Function and Protein Secretion in Hepatocytes
Authors: Howarth Deanna L. , Vacaru Ana M. , Tsedensodnom Orkhontuya , Mormone Elisabetta , Nieto Natalia , Costantini Lindsey M. , Snapp Erik L. , Sadler Kirsten C.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Many alcoholic patients have serum protein deficiency that contributes to their systemic problems. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is induced in response to disequilibrium in the protein folding capability of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is implicated in hepatocyte lipid accumulation and apoptosis, which are associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We investigated whether alcohol affects ER structure, function, and UPR activation in hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo.

Methods:  HepG2 cells expressing human cytochrome P450 2E1 and mouse alcohol dehydrogenase (VL‐17A) were treated for up to 48 hours with 50 and 100 mM ethanol. Zebrafish larvae at 4 days postfertilization were exposed to 350 mM ethanol for 32 hours. ER morphology was visualized by fluorescence in cells and transmission electron microscopy in zebrafish. UPR target gene activation was assessed using quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and Western blotting. Mobility of the major ER chaperone, BIP, was monitored in cells by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP).

Results:  VL‐17A cells metabolized alcohol yet only had slight activation of some UPR target genes following ethanol treatment. However, ER fragmentation, crowding, and accumulation of unfolded proteins as detected by immunofluorescence and FRAP demonstrate that alcohol induced some ER dysfunction despite the lack of UPR activation. Zebrafish treated with alcohol, however, showed modest ER dilation, and several UPR targets were significantly induced.

Conclusions:  Ethanol metabolism directly impairs ER structure and function in hepatocytes. Zebrafish are a novel in vivo system for studying ALD.
Inactivation of hepatitis A variants during heat treatment (pasteurization) of human serum albumin
Authors: Farcet Maria R. , Kindermann Johanna , Modrof Jens , Kreil Thomas R.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Pasteurization of human serum albumin (HSA) is detailed in the US and European Pharmacopoeial monographs and therefore a process that allows for little variation in physiochemical variables. Nevertheless, differences of up to 3.9 log in hepatitis A virus (HAV) inactivation by pasteurization have been reported. Here, the hypothesis that the choice of HAV variant used in the pasteurization might contribute to this inactivation variability is evaluated experimentally.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The identity of four widely used cytopathic variants of the original HAV HM175 strain was determined by partial sequencing. These variants were used in pasteurization studies conducted under the principles of good laboratory practice, for which HAV‐spiked HSA of 5 or 25% protein content was kept at 58 ± 1°C for 600 ± 10 minutes, and the virus inactivation was assessed. In addition, data from previous pasteurization studies were included in the analysis.

RESULTS: The four HAV variants could be divided into two subgroups, with significantly different (p ≤ 0.0001) virus inactivation by pasteurization (4.7 and 4.8 log vs. 2.3 and 2.6 log, respectively). Also, the protein concentration of the HSA solution used for pasteurization had a significant effect on the achieved HAV inactivation, with reduction factors obtained in 5% HSA significantly lower than in 25% HSA (p < 0.002).

CONCLUSION: HAV variant and protein concentration of the HSA solution affect the overall HAV inactivation that is achieved during pasteurization. As the HAV inactivation capacity should not be overestimated, an HAV variant more resistant to heat inactivation should be used for studies investigating the viral safety profiles of plasma derivatives.
Sentencing Rationales and Judicial Decision Making at the International Criminal Tribunals*
Authors: Meernik James
Published: July 2011

Objective. I develop a theory of judicial decision making at the international tribunals regarding the punishment of those who have committed violations of international law. Previous research has found and criticized inconsistent sentencing at the tribunals, but I argue that we can explain such sentences through a theoretical framework that outlines how judges utilize the traditional punishment rationales of retribution and deterrence.

Methods. Regression analysis is conducted using original data on the sentences passed on 132 individuals from the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), and the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL).

Results. I find significant support for the importance of each of the sentencing rationales.

Conclusions. Tribunal judges sentence in a consistent manner premised on domestic and international rationales.
Gender Jeopardy: What is the Impact of Gender Differences in Political Knowledge on Political Participation?*
Authors: Ondercin Heather L. , Jones‐White Daniel
Published: July 2011

Objective. We explore whether observed sex‐based differences in political knowledge have an impact on men's and women's participation in six different political activities.

Methods. Utilizing ANES data from the five presidential elections between 1984 and 2000, we employ logistic regression to estimate the likelihood of voting, influencing a vote, attending a political meeting, working on a political campaign, wearing a political button, and making a campaign donation.

Results. At lower levels of political knowledge, women's lower political knowledge depresses their participation in politics. The participation gap disappears at higher levels of political knowledge for three participatory acts: attempting to influence a vote, attending a political meeting, and donating to a political campaign. Furthermore, at higher levels of political knowledge, women are more likely than men to vote, wear a political button, or work for political campaigns.

Conclusion. Our analysis reveals that political knowledge differentially affects men's and women's political participation. These findings complement existing scholarship that finds women hold themselves to a higher standard before engaging in political activities such as running for elected office.