bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filaggrin mutations are strongly associated with contact sensitization in individuals with dermatitis
Authors: Thyssen Jacob P. , Linneberg Allan , Ross‐Hansen Katrine , Carlsen Berit C. , Meldgaard Michael , Szecsi Pal B. , Stender Steen , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: January 2013

Background. Although heterozygous filaggrin gene (FLG) mutation carriers seem to have an increased risk of atopic, irritant and allergic nickel dermatitis, it remains unclear whether the risk of contact sensitization to allergens other than nickel is also elevated in FLG mutation carriers.

Objectives. We hypothesized that heterozygous FLG mutation carriers who suffer from dermatitis will have strongly reduced or even absent filaggrin levels during episodes of inflammation, potentially increasing the penetration of contact allergens, and hence the risk of becoming sensitized.

Materials and methods. During 2006–2008, 3335 randomly invited 18–69‐year‐old adult Danes participated in a general health examination, filled out a questionnaire, and were genotyped for the R501X and 2282del4 mutations in FLG.

Results. A logistic regression analysis restricted to individuals who reported atopic dermatitis and frequent episodes of hand eczema showed a strong association between FLG mutations and contact sensitization to allergens other than nickel (odds ratio 5.71; 95% confidence interval 1.31–24.94). In participants without dermatitis, no association was found between contact sensitization and FLG mutations.

Conclusion.
FLG mutation carriers with self‐reported dermatitis have an increased risk of contact sensitization to substances other than nickel, whereas FLG mutations alone may not, or may only slightly, increase the risk of sensitization.
An update on airborne contact dermatitis: 2007–2011
Authors: Swinnen Inge , Goossens An
Published: January 2013

Background. Reviews on irritant and allergic airborne contact dermatitis have been previously reported in the literature.

Materials and methods. Here, we present an update based on recently published airborne‐induced skin reactions. For this survey, we screened the journals Contact Dermatitis, Dermatitis, and included relevant articles from other journals during the period January 2007 to December 2011. We also present the airborne cases observed in our department during the same time period.

Results. This survey provides an updated list of causal agents that have produced airborne allergic contact dermatitis, and briefly mentions some other types of skin reaction induced by airborne exposure. The sources of the reactions are multiple: drugs; plants, natural resins, and wood allergens; plastics, rubbers, and glues; preservatives and other chemicals; and metals.

Conclusions. Airborne contact dermatitis is frequent, and most of the airborne allergens (and irritants) identified are in occupational settings. Drugs and preservatives have recently become more important causes. Dermatologists and occupational physicians need to be aware of them.
Predicted effects of climate change on potential sources of non‐indigenous marine species
Authors: Floerl Oliver , Rickard Graham , Inglis Graeme , Roulston Helen
Published: January 2013

Aim

We compare the present‐day global ocean climate with future climatologies based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) models and examine whether changes in global ocean climate will affect the environmental similarity of New Zealand's (NZ) coastal environments to those of the rest of the world. Our underlying rationale is that environmental changes to source and recipient regions may result in changes to the risk of non‐indigenous species survival and establishment.

Location

Coastlines of global continents and islands.

Methods

We determined the environmental similarity (Euclidean distance) between global coastlines and north‐east NZ for 2005 and 2050 using data on coastal seawater surface temperature and salinity. Anticipated climate models from the SRES A1B scenario family were used to derive coastal climatologies for 2050.

Results

During the next decades, most global regions will experience an increase in coastal seawater surface temperatures and a decline or increase in salinity. This will result in changes in the similarity of other coastal environments to north‐east NZ's coastal areas. Global regions that presently have high environmental similarity to north‐east NZ will variously retain this level of similarity, become more similar or decrease in environmental similarity. Some regions that presently have a low level of similarity will become more similar to NZ. Our models predict a widespread decrease in the seasonal variation in environmental similarity to NZ.

Main conclusions

Anticipated changes in the global ocean climate have the potential to change the risk of survival and establishment of non‐indigenous marine species arriving to NZ from some global regions. Predicted changes to global human transport networks over the coming decades highlight the importance of incorporating climate change into conservation planning and modelling.
Briefly Trained Medical Students Can Effectively Identify Rheumatic Mitral Valve Injury Using a Hand‐Carried Ultrasound
Authors: Shmueli Hezzy , Burstein Yuval , Sagy Iftach , Perry Zvi H. , Ilia Ruben , Henkin Yaakov , Shafat Tali , Liel‐Cohen Noah , Kobal Sergio L.
Published: January 2013

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is common and remains a major cause of morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Its diagnosis relies on expertise‐dependent echocardiographic studies. We evaluated the accuracy of briefly trained examiners in identifying RHD utilizing a hand‐carried cardiac ultrasound (HCU) device.

Methods

Three medical students received 8 hours of training in cardiac ultrasound, focused on assessment of rheumatic valve injury and its complications, using a prototype of HCU device, OptiGo. The students, blinded to the patients' medical condition, performed an auscultation‐based physical examination and a focused HCU study on volunteers and patients with known RHD. A standard echocardiography study was used to validate the results.

Results

Each student performed a physical examination followed by an HCU study on 45 subjects (mean age 57 ± 14 years, 52% men), 14 of whom (31%) had rheumatic mitral valve injury. The students' averaged sensitivity for diagnosing RHD by HCU examination was 81%, while specificity was 95%. The interrater agreement (kappa) of the 3 students' HCU study and the standard echocardiography examination were between 0.55 and 0.88 (P < 0.01), and among the students themselves between 0.57 and 0.74 (P < 0.01), as students 1 and 2 had better results than student 3. Auscultation‐based physical examination rendered low sensitivity (16%) for diagnosing rheumatic valve complications, namely mitral regurgitation and stenosis; however, it improved by 26% when students based their diagnosis on an HCU study.

Conclusions

The ability to detect rheumatic valve injury using a portable ultrasound device by operators who only received brief echocardiographic training is remarkably high. However, the diagnosis of RHD complications is only modest. This result highlights the utility of portable cardiac ultrasound devices operated by basically trained personnel as a valuable diagnostic tool for RHD.
The effectiveness of school mental health literacy programs to address knowledge, attitudes and help seeking among youth
Authors: Wei Yifeng , Hayden Jill A. , Kutcher Stan , Zygmunt Austin , McGrath Patrick
Published: January 2013

Aim:

Conduct a systematic review for the effectiveness of school mental health literacy programs to enhance knowledge, reduce stigmatizing attitudes and improve help‐seeking behaviours among youth (12–25 years of age).

Methods:

Reviewers independently searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ERIC, grey literature and reference lists of included studies. They reached a consensus on the included studies, and rated the risk of bias of each study. Studies that reported three outcomes: knowledge acquisition, stigmatizing attitudes and help‐seeking behaviours; and were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, quasi‐experimental studies, and controlled‐before‐and‐after studies, were eligible.

Results:

This review resulted in 27 articles including 5 RCTs, 13 quasi‐experimental studies, and 9 controlled‐before‐and‐after studies. Whereas most included studies claimed school‐based mental health literacy programs improve knowledge, attitudes and help‐seeking behaviour, 17 studies met criteria for high risk of bias, 10 studies for moderate risk of bias, and no studies for low risk of bias. Common limitations included the lack of randomization, control for confounding factors, validated measures and report on attrition in most studies. The overall quality of the evidence for knowledge and help‐seeking behaviour outcomes was very low, and low for the attitude outcome.

Conclusions:

Research into school‐based mental health literacy is still in its infancy and there is insufficient evidence to claim for positive impact of school mental health literacy programs on knowledge improvement, attitudinal change or help‐seeking behaviour. Future research should focus on methods to appropriately determine the evidence of effectiveness on school‐based mental health literacy programs, considering the values of both RCTs and other research designs in this approach. Educators should consider the strengths and weaknesses of current mental health literacy programs to inform decisions regarding possible implementation.
Aspects of training in clinical medical sciences in dentistry (human disease): recent graduates' perspectives from a UK dental school
Authors: Greenwood M. , Beattie A. , Green R. , Durham J.
Published: January 2013

Teaching the management of medical emergencies is an important part of most courses in Clinical Medical Sciences in Dentistry (Human Disease). The aim of this study was to examine which medical emergencies graduates from the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University had experienced 1 year after qualification and their perceptions of their ability to assess a patient's fitness for treatment or to manage a medical emergency. The study instrument was a computer readable questionnaire. Very few emergencies had been experienced in general practice at this stage of their career, but all respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that their training had adequately equipped them to assess a patient's medical history and deal with medical emergencies. There were, however, aspects of the course that upon reflection that clearly needed to be addressed, including the use of different teachers for aspects of the medical emergency teaching.
Case report: Atenolol overdose successfully treated with hemodialysis
Authors: Huang Shih‐Han S. , Tirona Rommel G. , Ross Cameron , Suri Rita S.
Published: January 2013

Owing to the drug's favorable hydrophilic and pharmacokinetic characteristics, a number of case reports have demonstrated effective treatment of atenolol overdose with hemodialysis. However, the efficiency of atenolol clearance throughout hemodialysis treatments has not previously been examined. In this report, a patient with impaired renal function was successfully treated with two 5‐hour intermittent high‐flux high‐efficiency hemodialysis therapies after atenolol overdose. Serial atenolol levels were measured during his hemodialysis treatments. We observed an over 50% plasma atenolol concentration reduction after each 5‐hour hemodialysis therapy. Hemodialysis therapy is an effective treatment for atenolol overdose, especially in patients with impaired renal function.
The setting characteristics of MTA Plus in different environmental conditions
Authors: Camilleri J. , Formosa L. , Damidot D.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Characterization and assessment of the hydration reaction of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Plus exposed to different environmental conditions.

Methodology

The specific surface area, surface morphology and characterization of un‐hydrated MTA Plus (Avalon Biomed Inc. Bradenton, FL, USA) were investigated. The specific surface area was compared with that of ProRoot MTA (Dentsply International, Tulsa Dental Specialties, Johnson City, TN, USA). The reaction rate was determined using calorimetry, and the hydrated cement was assessed for setting time (determined using an indentation technique), and the set material was characterized using X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray energy‐dispersive analysis. Atomic ratio plots were drawn to establish the relationship of the hydration products. Three different environmental conditions namely dry or immersed in either water or Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) were used.

Results

Mineral trioxide aggregate Plus had a higher specific surface area than ProRoot MTA. The hydration reaction was exothermic. The setting time of MTA Plus was retarded when in contact with fluids (P < 0.001). The setting time was longer when MTA Plus was in contact with HBSS than when in contact with water (P < 0.001). Hydration of MTA Plus resulted in the formation of calcium silicate hydrate, calcium hydroxide, ettringite and monosulfate phases. Bismuth was incorporated in the calcium silicate hydrate structure. The hydration of the core material was not affected by contact with the different solutions but the periphery exhibited microcracking, leaching of calcium hydroxide, partial decalcification of calcium silicate hydrate, inhibition of hydration in contact with the physiological solution.

Conclusions

The novel MTA Plus was finer than ProRoot MTA but had a similar chemical composition. MTA Plus in direct contact with fluids exhibited partial decalcification of calcium silicate hydrate in contact with the solution, microcracking and leaching of calcium hydroxide. Interaction with a physiological solution resulted in inhibition of hydration.
Treatment of Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Sinnathurai P. , Schrieber L.
Published: January 2013

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease characterised by microvascular injury and excessive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Most patients with this condition experience Raynaud phenomenon, usually as the earliest manifestation of disease. In addition to pain and functional impairment, Raynaud phenomenon can produce tissue ischaemia resulting in digital ulceration and gangrene. Current treatments have been only moderately successful in reducing the frequency and severity of Raynaud phenomenon in patients with systemic sclerosis. This review will address treatments available for Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis.
Dating in the Craven Dales
Authors: Wilson Peter , Lord Tom C. , Telfer Matt W. , Barrows Timothy T. , Vincent Peter J.
Published: January 2013

The Craven Dales of North Yorkshire contain some of the finest examples of limestone geology and landscape in the UK. The extensive limestone pavements with their clints, grikes and other water‐worn features, are a key attraction for both scientists and recreational visitors. Likewise the cave systems attract attention with their remarkable sediment accumulations, some of which are in excess of 500 000 years old and others contain the bones of mammals that are either extinct or no longer present in the British Isles. The glacial erratic boulders at Norber and the loessic sediments that, in places, mask the limestone have also provided stimulus for investigation. Summarized below are the findings of several recent studies that focussed on establishing the age of various features. Whilst the reports answer some long‐standing questions, they also demonstrate that there is still much that can be learned about this seemingly familiar territory.
The assembly of tropical tree communities – the advances and shortcomings of phylogenetic and functional trait analyses
Authors: Swenson Nathan G.
Published: January 2013

Tropical tree communities present one of the most challenging systems for studying the processes underlying community assembly. Most community assembly hypotheses consider the relative importance of the ecological similarity of co‐occurring species. Quantifying this similarity is a daunting and potentially impossible task in species‐rich assemblages. During the past decade tropical tree ecologists have increasingly utilized phylogenetic trees and functional traits to estimate the ecological similarity of species in order to test mechanistic community assembly hypotheses. A large amount of work has resulted with many important advances having been made along the way. That said, there are still many outstanding challenges facing those utilizing phylogenetic and functional trait approaches to study community assembly. Here I review the conceptual background, major advances and major remaining challenges in phylogenetic‐ and trait‐based approaches to community ecology with a specific focus on tropical trees. I argue that both approaches tremendously improve our understanding of tropical tree community ecology, but neither approach has fully reached its potential thus far.
Relative influence of regional species richness vs local climate on local species richness in China's forests
Authors: Wang Xiangping , Tang Zhiyao , Shen Zehao , Zheng Chengyang , Luo Juchun , Fang Jingyun
Published: January 2013

Disentangling the relative effects of local and regional processes on local species richness (LSR) is critical for understanding the mechanisms underlying large‐scale biodiversity patterns. In this study we used 1098 forest plots from 41 mountains across China, together with regional flora data, to examine the relative influence of local climate vs regional species richness (RSR) on LSR patterns. Both RSR and LSR for woody species and all species combined decreased with increasing latitude, while richness of herbaceous species exhibited a hump‐shaped pattern. The major climatic orrelates of species richness differed across spatial scales. At the regional scale, winter coldness was the best predictor of RSR patterns for both woody and herbaceous species. At the local scale, however, productivity‐related climatic indices were the best predictors of LSR patterns. Local climate and RSR together explained 48, 54 and 23% of the variation in LSR, for overall, woody and herbaceous species, respectively. Both local climate and RSR independently influenced LSR in addition to their joint effects, suggesting that LSR patterns were shaped by local and regional processes together. Local climate and RSR affected LSR of woody species mainly through their joint effects, while there were few shared effects of climate and RSR on the LSR of herbaceous species. Our findings suggest that while geographic RSR patterns are mainly determined by winter coldness, the ecological processes driven by productivity may be critical to the filtering of regional flora into local communities. We also demonstrate that biogeographic region is not a good surrogate for regional richness, at least for our dataset. Consequently, whether biogeographic region can effectively reflect regional effects needs further examination.
Role analysis of the nurse/midwives in the health services in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Uys Leana , Chipps Jennifer , Kohi Thekla , Makoka Dickson , Libetwa Miriam
Published: January 2013

Aim

To describe the tasks and the roles of nurses and midwives in Sub‐Saharan African health services.

Background

The current roles of nurses and midwives in the African region of the World Health Organization have not been empirically established, with only studies from two countries found (South Africa and Mozambique). This makes it difficult to establish whether current nursing/midwifery education programmes and regulations adequately address the needs in the health services.

Design

A descriptive quantitative study.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was administered to ambulatory and hospital services. Data were collected between June–December 2010, with completed responses from 734 nurses from nine African countries (five Anglophone and four Francophone).

Results

The highest reported role functioning in both settings was for ‘General Care and Treatment’. The lowest role functioning reported in both settings was in the role ‘Maternal and Child Health’ and in ‘The Provision of Mental Health Care’. The reported role performance in Anglophone countries was significantly greater than in Francophone countries.

Conclusion

The development of competency in nursing/midwifery roles other than medical surgical roles (general assessment and care) should receive more attention in curricula. Special attention needs to be given to Francophone countries, where the professions of nursing and midwifery are poorly developed.
Prevalence and risk factors of actinic keratoses in Germany – analysis of multisource data
Authors: Schaefer I. , Augustin M. , Spehr C. , Reusch M. , Kornek T.
Published: January 2013

Background

In Europe, only few and inconsistent data on the prevalence and treatment of actinic keratoses (AK) are available.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of AK in Germany, to identify potential predictors and to estimate the number of AK cases treated in dermatological practices.

Methods

In a multiple‐source approach, prevalence was assessed from whole‐body examinations in a cohort of 90 800 employees and from nationwide statutory health insurance (SHI) data of 2008. The number of cases documented in dermatological offices was estimated from statistics of a SHI Physicians Association.

Results

Standardized prevalence of AK from dermatological examinations was 2.7%; the rate increased with age (11.5% in the group 60–70 years) and was higher for men (3.9%) than for women (1.5%). Significant associations were also identified for skin phototype I, sunburns in childhood and solar lentigines. Vitiligo and a history of melanoma were also, but not significantly, associated with AK. In the SHI data analysis, standardized AK prevalence was 1.8%. Age‐specific rates were below 1.5% up to 60 years and rose to 8.2% (13.2% in men) in the group 80–89 years. The prevalence from these large data sets – which is at the lower limit of studies from other countries – suggests about 1.7 million estimated AK cases in Germany.

In 2011, AK accounted for 8.3% of the hundred most frequently treated dermatological outpatient diagnoses. The proportion of AK cases has risen almost continuously over the last 10 years, compared to other dermatological conditions. Estimated annual number of AK cases documented by dermatologists in Germany is about 1.7 million.

Conclusions

Actinic keratosis is a frequent condition in higher age groups and more prevalent in men; a relevant need for health care is evident. Predictors and risk factors for AK are easy to identify in the population, which could also help to detect groups with special need for preventive measures.
Discovery of a Diverse Clade of Gregarine Apicomplexans (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinorida) from Pacific Eunicid and Onuphid Polychaetes, Including Descriptions of Paralecudina n. gen., Trichotokara japonica n. sp., and T. eunicae n. sp.
Authors: Rueckert Sonja , Wakeman Kevin C. , Leander Brian S.
Published: January 2013

Marine gregarines are poorly understood apicomplexan parasites with large trophozoites that inhabit the body cavities of marine invertebrates. Two novel species of gregarines were discovered in polychaete hosts collected in Canada and Japan. The trophozoites of Trichotokara japonica n. sp. were oval to rhomboidal shaped, and covered with longitudinal epicytic folds with a density of six to eight folds/micron. The nucleus was situated in the middle of the cell, and the mucron was elongated and covered with hair‐like projections; antler‐like projections also extended from the anterior tip of the mucron. The distinctively large trophozoites of Trichotokara eunicae n. sp. lacked an elongated mucron and had a tadpole‐like cell shape consisting of a bulbous anterior region and a tapered tail‐like posterior region. The cell surface was covered with longitudinal epicytic folds with a density of three to five folds/micron. Small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences of both species were very divergent and formed a strongly supported clade with the recently described species Trichotokara nothriae and an environmental sequence (AB275074). This phylogenetic context combined with the morphological features of T. eunicae n. sp. required us to amend the description for Trichotokara. The sister clade to the Trichotokara clade consisted of environmental sequences and Lecudina polymorpha, which also possesses densely packed epicyctic folds (3–5 folds/micron) and a prominently elongated mucron. This improved morphological and molecular phylogenetic context justified the establishment of Paralecudina (ex. Lecudina) polymorpha n. gen. et comb.
VERB™ Summer Scorecard: Increasing Tween Girls' Vigorous Physical Activity
Authors: Alfonso Moya L. , Thompson Zachary , McDermott Robert J. , Colquitt Gavin , Jones Jeffery A. , Bryant Carol A. , Courtney Anita H. , Davis Jenna L. , Zhu Yiliang
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

We assessed changes in the frequency of self‐reported physical activity (PA) among tween girls exposed and not exposed to the VERB™ Summer Scorecard (VSS) intervention in Lexington, Kentucky, during 2004, 2006, and 2007.

METHODS

Girls who reported 0‐1 day per week of PA were classified as having little or no PA. Girls who reported 2‐3 days of PA were classified as low PA performers; 4‐5 days of PA were labeled as moderate performers; and 6‐7 days of PA were identified as high performers. Logit regression analysis of survey data from girls identified trends in PA frequency across time.

RESULTS

In 2004, participant girls were more likely than girls unfamiliar with VSS (reference group girls) to report high frequency of PA (OR = 1.44, CI = 1.18, 1.70). In 2006, participants were statistically less likely than reference group girls to report low frequency of PA (OR = 1.75, CI = 1.33, 2.21). In 2007, VSS participants were consistently more likely to report moderate frequency (OR = 1.56, CI = 1.35, 1.77) and high frequency of PA (OR = 1.44, CI = 1.24, 1.64) than reference group girls.

CONCLUSION

An innovative, community‐driven intervention demonstrated promise for increasing PA among tween girls. VSS may have transportability to other communities to help reverse the secular trend of declining PA for this population segment.
Risk Factors Associated with Primary and Secondary Reduced Libido in Male Patients with Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Rastrelli Giulia , Ricca Valdo , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Vignozzi Linda , Monami Matteo , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Hypoactive sexual desire is defined as a persistent or recurrent deficient or absent sexual fantasies or desire for sexual activity that should not be comorbid with other medical conditions or with the use of psychoactive medications. Reduced libido is a symptom referring more to a reduction in sexual drive for sexual activity.

Aim

To investigate the risk factors of primary reduced libido (i.e., not associated with conditions causing loss of libido such as hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, psychopathology, and/or psychoactive medications) or secondary reduced libido (i.e., with aforementioned conditions) in male patients with sexual dysfunction.

Method

A consecutive series of 3,714 men (mean age 53.2 ± 12.5 years) was retrospectively studied.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient's reduced libido was evaluated using question #14 of structured interview for erectile dysfunction (SIEDY) (“Did you have more or less desire to make love in the last 3 months?”).

Results

Reduced libido was comorbid with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation in 38%, 28.2%, and 50%, respectively, whereas it was isolated in 5.1%. Reduced libido prevalence was substantially increased by hypogonadism, almost doubled by psychopathology and universally present in subjects with hyperprolactinemia (secondary reduced libido). Subjects with primary reduced libido are characterized by higher postschool qualification, more disturbances in domestic and dyadic relationships, and an overall healthy body (lower glycemia and triglyceride levels). Accordingly, in patients with primary reduced libido, the risk of major cardiovascular events as calculated with the Progetto Cuore algorithm was lower than in the rest of the sample. Features of hypogonadism- or psychopathology-associated reduced libido essentially reflect their underlying conditions. Comorbidity with other sexual dysfunctions did not affect the main characteristics of primary or secondary reduced libido.

Conclusions

Primary and secondary reduced libido have different risk factors and clinical characteristics. Recognizing primary or secondary reduced libido will help clinicians to identify comorbidities and to tailor appropriate treatments.
Genital Abnormalities in Early Childhood in Sexual Homicide Perpetrators
Authors: Rettenberger Martin , Hill Andreas , Dekker Arne , Berner Wolfgang , Briken Peer
Published: January 2013

Introduction

The present study investigates the relevance of genital abnormalities (GA) like cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and phimosis usually diagnosed in early childhood for the development of psychosexual problems and deficits in a sample of N = 163 convicted sexual homicide perpetrators.

Aims

The first aim was to investigate the prevalence of early childhood GA in a sample of sexual homicide perpetrators. The second was to explore differences in the psychosexual development of participants with GA in early childhood compared with those without GA. It was expected that offenders with GA show specific problems in their psychosexual development compared with offenders without GA.

Methods

The data for the present study were obtained by reanalyzing an existing database derived from a large-scale research project about sexual homicide. Using a predominantly exploratory design we, therefore, divided the total sample into two subgroups (with vs. without indicators of GA).

Main Outcome Measures

Main outcome measures were the number of sexual homicide perpetrators showing GA in early childhood and the differences of subjects with and without GA with regard to their psychosexual development (i.e., according to sexual deviant interests or sexual dysfunctions).

Results

The prevalence of GA is substantially higher in this sample than epidemiological studies indicated in the normal population. This result provided first support for the importance of GA in the population of sexual homicide perpetrators. Further analyses indicate significant differences between both subgroups: Offenders with GA in early childhood showed indicators for more sexual dysfunctions (e.g., erectile dysfunction) in adulthood and a distinct tendency of more masochistic sexual interests.

Conclusion

Even if the exploratory design of the present investigation allows no causal conclusions between GA and sexual homicide offenses, the result provided support for the relevance of early childhood sexual diseases in the assessment (and treatment) of offenders who have committed severe sexual violence.
Effects of Endopeptidase Inhibition on the Contraction–Relaxation Response of Isolated Human Vaginal Tissue
Authors: Rahardjo Harrina E. , Ückert Stefan , Taher Akmal , Sonnenberg Joachim E. , Kauffels Wolfgang , Rahardjo Djoko , Kuczyk Markus A.
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Vasoactive peptides, such as bradykinin, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and endothelin 1 (ET-1), are assumed to be involved in the control of female genital vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle. Tissue levels of said peptides are controlled by the activity of endopeptidase enzymes. Theoretically, in female genital tissues, inhibiting the degradation of bradykinin, CNP, and VIP, or the conversion of Big ET-1 into ET-1 should result in an enhancement in smooth muscle relaxation and, thus, an improvement in sexual response.

Aim

Elucidate the effects of the endopeptidase inhibitor KC 12615 on the contraction/relaxation response of isolated human vaginal smooth muscle to Big ET-1, bradykinin, CNP, or VIP.

Methods

Tissue bath experiments were carried out to ascertain the responses of human vaginal tissue challenged by ET-1 (0.1 μM) to increasing concentrations of bradykinin, CNP, and VIP (0.01 μM, 0.1 μM, and 1 μM, respectively). The effects were also evaluated following preexposure to KC 12615 (10 μM, for 20 minutes).

Main Outcome Measures

Measure the effects of KC 12615 on the relaxation of isolated human vaginal smooth muscle brought about by bradykinin, CNP, or VIP and the contraction mediated by Big ET-1.

Results

The tension induced by ET-1 was reversed by bradykinin, CNP, or VIP (−25 ± 6.6%, −13.3 ± 2.2%, and −17.6 ± 10%, respectively). Big ET-1 induced contraction of the vaginal tissue. Preexposure of the tissue to KC 12615 increased the relaxation exerted by bradykinin, CNP, or VIP (to −39.2 ± 5.8%, −40.7 ± 7.3%, and −44.6 ± 19%, respectively). The contraction induced by Big ET-1 was attenuated in the presence of KC 12615 (to approximately 25% of the initial response).

Conclusion

Inhibition of endopeptidase activity can antagonize the contraction of human vaginal tissue induced by Big ET-1 and increase the relaxation induced by vasoactive endogenous peptides.
Hydrogen sulfide: environmental factor or signalling molecule?
Authors: LISJAK MIROSLAV , TEKLIC TIHANA , WILSON IAN D. , WHITEMAN MATTHEW , HANCOCK JOHN T.
Published: January 2013

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has traditionally been thought of as a phytotoxin, having deleterious effects on the plant growth and survival. It is now recognized that plants have enzymes which generate H2S, cysteine desulfhydrase, and remove it, O‐acetylserine lyase. Therefore, it has been suggested that H2S is considered as a signalling molecule, alongside small reactive compounds such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO). Exposure of plants to low of H2S, for example from H2S donors, is revealing that many physiological effects are seen. H2S seems to have effects on stomatal apertures. Intracellular effects include increases in glutathione levels, alterations of enzyme activities and influences on NO and H2O2 metabolism. Work in animals has shown that H2S may have direct effects on thiol modifications of cysteine groups, work that will no doubt inform future studies in plants. It appears therefore, that instead of thinking of H2S as a phytotoxin, it needs to be considered as a signalling molecule that interacts with reactive oxygen species and NO metabolism, as well as having direct effects on the activity of proteins. The future may see H2S being used to modulate plant physiology in the field or to protect crops from postharvest spoilage.
Political Conservatism and Left–Right Orientation in 28 Eastern and Western European Countries
Authors: Aspelund Anna , Lindeman Marjaana , Verkasalo Markku
Published: January 2013

The relationship between political conservatism and left–right orientation was examined in 15 Western European and 13 former communist Central and Eastern European countries using the data from European Social Survey Round 3 (N = 46,103) and Round 4 (N = 50,601). Cross‐culturally validated values were used to measure the two potential aspects of conservatism: resistance to change and acceptance of inequality. Both of these aspects were positively related to right‐wing orientation in Western countries. In the former communist countries, the relationships were positive, negative, and nonexistent; they differed between the countries and varied between 2006 and 2008. The results indicate that conservatism can be related to left‐wing or right‐wing orientation depending on the cultural, political, and economic situation of the society in question. The results also show that despite the shared communist past, former communist Central and Eastern Europe is a diverse region that should be treated as such also in research.
Oxidative Stress During Pregnancy In The Sheep
Authors: Mutinati M , Piccinno M , Roncetti M , Campanile D , Rizzo A , Sciorsci RL
Published: January 2013

Contents

During physiological pregnancy, all tissues and, mostly, placenta and foetus require high amounts of oxygen. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated both by mother and foetus, are implicated in foetal growth because they promote replication, differentiation and maturation of cells and organs. Nevertheless, ROS excess, if not properly counterbalanced, may lead to an alteration in cell constituents, with harmful effects both on mother and foetus.ROS exert a biphasic effect because adequate ROS concentration is essential for embryo development, implant, foetal defence against uterine infections, steroidogenesis, pregnancy maintainance and partum. On the other hand, an uncontrolled ROS generation, beyond physiological antioxidant defences, may lead to embryo resorption, placental degeneration with subsequent alteration in maternal‐foetal exchanges, delay in foetal growth, pregnancy interruption, stillbirths. This review investigates the mechanisms underlying ROS generation and effects, throughout physiological and pathological pregnancy in sheep, with a look to antioxidants and their importance in such a critical phase of the reproductive cycle of the sheep.
Real‐time feedback on knee abduction moment does not improve frontal‐plane knee mechanics during jump landings
Authors: Beaulieu M. L. , Palmieri‐Smith R. M.
Published: January 2013

Excessive knee abduction loading is a contributing factor to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a double‐leg landing training program with real‐time visual feedback improves frontal‐plane mechanics during double‐ and single‐leg landings. Knee abduction angles and moments and vertical ground reaction forces (GRF) of 21 recreationally active women were quantified for double‐ and single‐leg landings before and after the training program. This program consisted of two sessions of double‐leg jump landings with real‐time visual feedback on knee abduction moments for the experimental group and without real‐time feedback for the control group. No significant differences were found between training groups. In comparison with pre‐training data, peak knee abduction moments decreased 12% post‐training for both double‐ and single‐leg landings; whereas peak vertical GRF decreased 8% post‐training for double‐leg landings only, irrespective of training group. Real‐time feedback on knee abduction moments, therefore, did not significantly improve frontal‐plane knee mechanics during landings. The effect of the training program on knee abduction moments, however, transferred from the double‐leg landings (simple task) to single‐leg landings (more complex task). Consequently, ACL injury prevention efforts may not need to focus on complex tasks during which injury occurs.
A ubiquitin carboxyl extension protein secreted from a plant‐parasitic nematode Globodera rostochiensis is cleaved in planta to promote plant parasitism
Authors: Chronis Demosthenis , Chen Shiyan , Lu Shunwen , Hewezi Tarek , Carpenter Sara C.D. , Loria Rosemary , Baum Thomas J. , Wang Xiaohong
Published: January 2013

Nematode effector proteins originating from esophageal gland cells play central roles in suppressing plant defenses and in formation of the plant feeding cells that are required for growth and development of cyst nematodes. A gene (GrUBCEP12) encoding a unique ubiquitin carboxyl extension protein (UBCEP) that consists of a signal peptide for secretion, a mono‐ubiquitin domain, and a 12 amino acid carboxyl extension protein (CEP12) domain was cloned from the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis. This GrUBCEP12 gene was expressed exclusively within the nematode's dorsal esophageal gland cell, and was up‐regulated in the parasitic second‐stage juvenile, correlating with the time when feeding cell formation is initiated. We showed that specific GrUBCEP12 knockdown via RNA interference reduced nematode parasitic success, and that over‐expression of the secreted GrΔSPUBCEP12 protein in potato resulted in increased nematode susceptibility, providing direct evidence that this secreted effector is involved in plant parasitism. Using transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana, we found that GrΔSPUBCEP12 is processed into free ubiquitin and a CEP12 peptide (GrCEP12) in planta, and that GrCEP12 suppresses resistance gene‐mediated cell death. A target search showed that expression of RPN2a, a gene encoding a subunit of the 26S proteasome, was dramatically suppressed in GrΔSPUBCEP12 but not GrCEP12 over‐expression plants when compared with control plants. Together, these results suggest that, when delivered into host plant cells, GrΔSPUBCEP12 becomes two functional units, one acting to suppress plant immunity and the other potentially affecting the host 26S proteasome, to promote feeding cell formation.
HNA‐1d: a new human neutrophil antigen located on Fcγ receptor IIIb associated with neonatal immune neutropenia
Authors: Reil Angelika , Sachs Ulrich J. , Siahanidou Tania , Flesch Brigitte K. , Bux Juergen
Published: January 2013

Background

Neonatal immune neutropenia (NIN) is a rare, but potentially life‐threatening, disorder caused by maternal alloantibodies recognizing paternal neutrophil antigens on fetal cells. Alloantibodies directed against the human neutrophil alloantigen system (HNA)‐1 located on Fcγ receptor IIIb (FcγRIIIb) are most frequently implicated in NIN. In this report, we describe two cases of NIN with alloantibodies against FcγRIIIb, which did not match one of the known HNA‐1a, ‐1b, or ‐1c specificities, but define a new antigen, HNA‐1d.

Study Design and Methods

Neutrophil‐reactive antibodies were detected by agglutination, microscopic immunofluorescence, and monoclonal antibody (MoAb)‐specific immobilization of neutrophil antigens (MAIGA) assay. For epitope mapping of FcγRIIIb‐reactive antibodies, recombinant chimeric variants of FcγRIIIb were used in the MAIGA assay. Genotyping of FCGR3B was performed by allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Both mothers were typed FCGR3B*01+, *02–, *03+. Antibody screening revealed the presence of alloantibodies reactive with FcγRIIIb encoded by FCGR3B*02, but not with FcγRIIIb encoded by FCGR3B*03. MAIGA with recombinant, partly chimeric FcγRIIIb variants demonstrated that the antigen recognized by maternal antibodies is characterized by two amino acids, Ala78 and Asp82. Among the FCGR3B alleles, the sequence Ala78‐‐‐Asn82 is exclusively encoded by FCGR3B *02.

Conclusion

A previously unrecognized second antigen, HNA‐1d, is present on FcγRIIIb encoded by FCGR3B*02. This antigen is characterized by the sequence Ala78‐‐‐Asn82. It appears that only individuals carrying the HNA‐1c phenotype can form anti‐HNA‐1d alloantibodies. The HNA‐1 system now consists of four antigens encoded by three alleles.
Microparticle formation in apheresis platelets is not affected by three leukoreduction filters
Authors: Nollet Kenneth E. , Saito Shunnichi , Ono Takako , Ngoma Alain , Ohto Hitoshi
Published: January 2013

Background

Microparticles in blood components might contribute to transfusion‐related immunomodulation or other side effects. To elucidate the role of leukofiltration, we compared three commercially available filters for their effect on platelet (PLT)‐derived (PDMP), leukocyte‐derived (LDMP), and red blood cell–derived (RDMP) microparticle formation in apheresis PLTs.

Study Design and Methods

Apheresis PLTs from pairs of ABO‐identical male donors were pooled and divided into four volumes. One volume was stored without filtration, whereas the other three were filtered with different devices. PDMPs, LDMPs, and RDMPs were measured by flow cytometry during 2 weeks of controlled‐temperature (22°C) agitated storage.

Results

On average, PDMPs doubled over 5 days of storage, followed by a much steeper increase by which PDMPs on Day 14 were nearly 20 times higher than on Day 0. LDMP and RDMP counts were relatively stable over 14 days. Significant differences among filtered and nonfiltered products did not emerge.

Conclusion

Although the conditions of this study showed no favorable or unfavorable effects of three different filters on microparticle formation, surveillance and investigation of unanticipated outcomes in other experimental and clinical circumstances should continue.
Synchronous X-ray and Radio Mode Switches: A Rapid Global Transformation of the Pulsar Magnetosphere
Authors: Hermsen W. , Hessels J. W. T. , Kuiper L. , van Leeuwen J. , Mitra D. , de Plaa J. , Rankin J. M. , Stappers B. W. , Wright G. A. E. , Basu R. , Alexov A. , Coenen T. , Grießmeier J.-M. , Hassall T. E. , Karastergiou A. , Keane E. , Kondratiev V. I. , Kramer M. , Kuniyoshi M. , Noutsos A. , Serylak M. , Pilia M. , Sobey C. , Weltevrede P. , Zagkouris K. , Asgekar A. , Avruch I. M. , Batejat F. , Bell M. E. , Bell M. R. , Bentum M. J. , Bernardi G. , Best P. , Bîrzan L. , Bonafede A. , Breitling F. , Broderick J. , Brüggen M. , Butcher H. R. , Ciardi B. , Duscha S. , Eislöffel J. , Falcke H. , Fender R. , Ferrari C. , Frieswijk W. , Garrett M. A. , de Gasperin F. , de Geus E. , Gunst A. W. , Heald G. , Hoeft M. , Horneffer A. , Iacobelli M. , Kuper G. , Maat P. , Macario G. , Markoff S. , McKean J. P. , Mevius M. , Miller-Jones J. C. A. , Morganti R. , Munk H. , Orrú E. , Paas H. , Pandey-Pommier M. , Pandey V. N. , Pizzo R. , Polatidis A. G. , Rawlings S. , Reich W. , Röttgering H. , Scaife A. M. M. , Schoenmakers A. , Shulevski A. , Sluman J. , Steinmetz M. , Tagger M. , Tang Y. , Tasse C. , ter Veen S. , Vermeulen R. , van de Brink R. H. , van Weeren R. J. , Wijers R. A. M. J. , Wise M. W. , Wucknitz O. , Yatawatta S. , Zarka P.
Published: January 2013

Pondering Pulsars

Pulsars are rapidly rotating, magnetized neutron stars that are powered by the loss of rotational energy. Because their emission is beamed, their light appears to pulse on and off at regular intervals. Changes in radio emission behavior have been observed for a number of pulsars, manifesting themselves as switches between ordered and disordered variations in intensity and pulse shapes, but these changes have not been seen at other wavelengths. Based on simultaneous radio and x-ray observations of pulsar PSR B0943+10,

Hermsen
et al.

(p.
436
) show that changes in emission state identified in radio measurements show counterpart fluctuations in the strength and temporal behavior of x-rays. Some of these changes were unexpected in their character and physical properties, challenging pulsar emission theories.
Sequence Conservation of the Region Targeted by the Abbott RealTime HBV Viral Load Assay in Clinical Specimens
Authors: Cloherty Gavin A. , Rhoads James , Young Thomas P. , Parkin Neil T. , Holzmayer Vera , Yuen Lilly , Mullen Carolyn
Published: January 2013

The Abbott RealTime HBV assay targets the N-terminal region of the S gene. Here we analyzed the sequence variability of the assay target region from >2,100 clinical specimens. Thermodynamic modeling of the percentage of bound primer/probe at the assay annealing temperature was performed to assess the potential effect of sequence variability.