bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The brain weights body‐based cues higher than vision when estimating walked distances
Authors: Campos Jennifer L. , Byrne Patrick , Sun Hong‐Jin
Published: May 2010

Optic flow is the stream of retinal information generated when an observer’s body, head or eyes move relative to their environment, and it plays a defining role in many influential theories of active perception. Traditionally, studies of optic flow have used artificially generated flow in the absence of the body‐based cues typically coincident with self‐motion (e.g. proprioceptive, efference copy, and vestibular). While optic flow alone can be used to judge the direction, speed and magnitude of self‐motion, little is known about the precise extent to which it is used during natural locomotor behaviours such as walking. In this study, walked distances were estimated in an open outdoor environment. This study employed two novel complementary techniques to dissociate the contributions of optic flow from body‐based cues when estimating distance travelled in a flat, open, outdoor environment void of distinct proximal visual landmarks. First, lenses were used to magnify or minify the visual environment. Second, two walked distances were presented in succession and were either the same or different in magnitude; vision was either present or absent in each. A computational model was developed based on the results of both experiments. Highly convergent cue‐weighting values were observed, indicating that the brain consistently weighted body‐based cues about twice as high as optic flow, the combination of the two cues being additive. The current experiments represent some of the first to isolate and quantify the contributions of optic flow during natural human locomotor behaviour.
Tactile remapping beyond space
Authors: Azañón Elena , Camacho Karla , Soto‐Faraco Salvador
Published: May 2010

Reacting to a touch on the skin often requires the remapping of the initial somatotopicaly‐based representation of the stimulus into an external frame of reference that incorporates information about current body posture. A growing number of studies support the view that tactile encoding in external coordinates occurs automatically. However, it remains unclear whether or not spatial task demands are required to trigger this remapping process, casting some doubt on the automaticity hypothesis. We designed three experiments in which space was progressively removed, and tactile remapping across different body postures was gauged through the modulation of visual performance. We used speeded two‐alternative forced‐choice colour judgements (i.e., a nonspatial selection feature) about visual targets presented laterally following a spatially noninformative (congruent or incongruent) tactile cue on one hand. In experiment 1, using footpedal responses, visual performance was modulated according to the external location of the tactile cue, regardless of hand posture (either crossed or uncrossed). In experiment 2, using verbal responses, external cueing was also observed (albeit in an attenuated fashion) despite the removal of space from response set. In experiment 3 we removed spatial uncertainty about cue and target locations by presenting tactile cues and visual targets from fixed positions, yet spatial congruency still exerted some modulation on visual performance, again independent of hand posture. These results demonstrate that engaging in spatial tasks is not a prerequisite for triggering tactile remapping, and are thus in agreement with previous accounts suggesting that touch is automatically remapped.
PUTTING THE CIVIL SOCIETY SECTOR ON THE ECONOMIC MAP OF THE WORLD
Authors: Salamon Lester M.
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT**:  The past twenty‐five years have witnessed a spectacular expansion of philanthropy, volunteering, and civil society organizations throughout the world. Indeed, we seem to be in the midst of a ‘global associational revolution,’ a worldwide upsurge of organized private voluntary activity. Despite the promise that this development holds, however, the nonprofit or civil society sector remains the invisible subcontinent on the social landscape of most countries, poorly understood by policymakers and the public at large, often encumbered by legal limitations, and inadequately utilized as a mechanism for addressing public problems. One reason for this is the lack of basic information on its scope, structure, financing, and contributions in most parts of the world. This lack of information is due in part to the fact that significant components of the nonprofit sector fall within the non‐observed, or informal, economy, and in part to the way even the observed parts of this sector have historically been treated in the prevailing System of National Accounts (SNA).

This paper provides an overview of a series of steps that have been taken over the past 20 years by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University in cooperation with colleagues around the world and, more recently, with officials in the United Nations Statistics Division and the International Labour Organization to remedy this situation, culminating in the issuance and initial implementation of a new United Nations Handbook on Nonprofit Institutions in the System of National Accounts and the forthcoming publication of a new International Labour Organization Manual on the Measurement of Volunteer Work. Taken together, these efforts point the way toward putting the civil society sector on the economic map of the world for the first time in a systematically comparative way.
MUTUAL VERSUS PROPRIETARY OWNERSHIP: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY FROM THE UK UNIT TRUST INDUSTRY WITH A COMPANY‐PRODUCT MEASURE
Authors: Shinozawa Yoshikatsu
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT**:  In the debate of the relative merits of differing ownership forms, most empirical studies examine either corporate performance or the product characteristics of the financial products that are available in the financial services industry. Based on the UK unit trust industry, this paper assesses which ownership form, mutual or proprietary is more efficient in managing unit trust operations and providing high return generating unit trusts. Using a combined corporate performance and product range performance metric, this study reveals no significant differences between the two ownership forms in terms of the corporate‐product performance score. The results indicate that the owner‐customer fused role in the mutual organization must be considered in the mutual versus proprietary ownership debate.
Outcome expectations and use of smokeless tobacco (snus): A cross‐sectional study among young Norwegian snus users
Authors: WIIUM NORA , AARØ LEIF E.
Published: May 2010

Wiium, N. & Aarø, L.E. (2011). Outcome expectations and use of smokeless tobacco (snus): A cross‐sectional study among young Norwegian snus users. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 64–70.

In this study, measures of outcome expectancies related to use of snus (wet snuff) were used to predict reported frequency of snus use. Data stem from a nation‐wide survey in Norway among 16‐ to 20‐year‐olds. Only users of snus were included in the statistical analyses (n = 589). The main outcome measure, frequency of snus use, was measured as a categorical variable – occasional, weekly and daily use. Four dimensions of outcome expectancies (mood regulation, smoking control, weight control and negative health outcomes) were measured and confirmed in a confirmatory factor analysis. Informants tended to believe that snus use is harmful to health, but still they supported the idea of snus as a way to control own cigarette smoking. In a SEM model, two of the four dimensions of outcome expectancies turned out to be particularly significant predictors of frequency of snus use – mood regulation and smoking control. No significant interactions with gender were found. Males scored higher than females on “mood regulation”, and “smoking control”, while females scored higher than males on “negative health outcomes”. If more smokers were convinced that snus use is a less harmful alternative, more of them might start using snus, not only because there is some association between health outcome expectancies and snus use, but also because snus use by many is perceived as a remedy to stop smoking and as a way to gain some of the mood regulation benefits which are usually associated with smoking.
Mass Media and Rural Out‐Migration in the Context of Social Change: Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Piotrowski Martin
Published: May 2010

This work examines the influence of mass media on rural out‐migration using historical and contemporary data from a setting experiencing massive social and economic development in the last half‐century. Data come from the Chitwan Valley Family Study, an ongoing study of an agrarian region in rural Nepal. Media are hypothesized to affect migration by inducing attitudinal and behavioural changes similar to those of other determinants of migration. As their influence differs from other determinants in important ways, media represent a unique form of influence that should be taken into account. I find that movie and television exposure are significant determinants of out‐migration in historical contexts, although television exposure was important in more contemporary contexts. Differences in these effects probably indicate the timing of the spread of each type of media and changing preferences among media consumers.
Has the US Bond Market Lost its Edge to the Eurobond Market?*
Authors: PERISTIANI STAVROS , SANTOS JOÃO A. C.
Published: May 2010

The growth of the European financial markets, together with the new, stricter regulations on the US financial markets, has spurred a debate over the competitiveness of the US financial markets. In this paper, we contribute to this debate by investigating the relative competitiveness of the US bond market over the last 10 years. In the early 1990s, the gross spread in the US bond market were significantly lower than in the Eurobond market. While this spread continued to decline in the US bond market, it declined at an even faster rate in the Eurobond market, to the point of eliminating the wide cost differential that existed between the two markets in the early 1990s. These findings are robust and suggest that the relative costs of bond underwriting declined in the Eurobond market. We also find that US firms are increasingly opting to issue their bonds in the Eurobond market, and that this relocation is partly driven by the decline in the relative gross spreads in the Eurobond market. This finding adds support to our conclusion that the cost of bond underwriting declined faster in the Eurobond market, reinforcing the view that the US bond market is facing a greater challenge from the Eurobond market.
Hypoxic preconditioning suppresses group III secreted phospholipase A2‐induced apoptosis via JAK2‐STAT3 activation in cortical neurons
Authors: Wang Guansong , Zhou Deshan , Wang Changzheng , Gao Yuqi , Zhou Qiquan , Qian Guisheng , DeCoster Mark A.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1039–1048.

Our previous studies show that group III secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s III) induces extensive neuronal apoptosis in brain cortical cultures. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying sPLA2 III‐induced neuronal injury/death are still unknown. Also it is not clear whether hypoxic pre‐conditioning (HPC) is able to protect neurons from the sPLA2 III insult. In this report, we demonstrate that sPLA2 III significantly decreased production of Bcl‐xl and the ratio of Bcl‐xl/Bax, and increased expression of Bax, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved α‐Fodrin in primary neuronal culture. HPC prevented the sPLA2 III‐induced decreases in production of Bcl‐xl and the ratio of Bcl‐xl/Bax, and increases in expression of Bax, cleaved caspase 3, and α‐Fodrin. However, the HPC‐produced neuronal protection was eliminated or attenuated by AG490, rapamycin, and STAT3 shRNA. Our results suggest that sPLA2 III‐induced neuronal apoptosis is likely because of its alterations in expression and activity of Bcl‐xl, Bax, caspase 3, and its target gene fodrin; and that HPC‐produced neuroprotection against the sPLA2 III toxicity is mediated via JAK‐STAT signal pathways that regulate the expression of Bcl‐xl, Bax, and cleaved caspase 3 in cultured cortical neurons.
Physiological roles of ion channels in adult neural stem cells and their progeny
Authors: Yasuda Takahiro , Adams David J.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 946–959.

Elucidation of the machinery of adult neurogenesis is indispensable for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by therapeutic drugs and/or by neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation. It is well known that membrane ion channels play a critical role in cell function, including proliferation, apoptosis and migration in a wide range of cells. In NSC research, interdisciplinary collaboration between cell biologists and membrane physiologists has been pursued principally to monitor ion channel and synaptic currents as a hallmark of neuronal differentiation and maturation of NSC progeny. Nevertheless, less attention had been paid to a functional role of ion channels in NSCs or their immature progeny. Recently, however, evidence regarding their functional relevance has started to accumulate. In focusing on the early stages of the neurogenic process during which NSCs give rise to neuroblasts, this review highlights the latent ability of ion channels to act as functional regulators of adult neurogenesis.
Physical and functional interaction between CB1cannabinoid receptors and β2‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Hudson Brian D , Hébert Terence E , Kelly Melanie EM
Published: May 2010

Background and purpose: The CB1cannabinoid receptor and the β2‐adrenoceptor are G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) co‐expressed in many tissues. The present study examined physical and functional interactions between these receptors in a heterologous expression system and in primary human ocular cells.

Experimental approach: Physical interactions between CB1receptors and β2‐adrenoceptors were assessed using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Functional interactions between these receptors were evaluated by examining receptor trafficking, as well as extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) signalling.

Key results: Physical interactions between CB1receptors and β2‐adrenoceptors were demonstrated using BRET. In human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293H cells, co‐expression of β2‐adrenoceptors tempered the constitutive activity and increased cell surface expression of CB1receptors. Co‐expression altered the signalling properties of CB1receptors, resulting in increased Gαi‐dependent ERK phosphorylation, but decreased non‐Gαi‐mediated CREB phosphorylation. The CB1receptor inverse agonist AM251 (N‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)‐5‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide) attenuated β2‐adrenoceptor‐pERK signalling in cells expressing both receptors, while the CB1receptor neutral antagonist O‐2050 ((6aR,10aR)‐3‐(1‐methanesulfonylamino‐4‐hexyn‐6‐yl)‐6a,7,10,10a‐tetrahydro‐6,6,9‐trimethyl‐6H‐dibenzo[b,d]pyran) did not. The actions of AM251 and O‐2050 were further examined in primary human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells, which are ocular cells endogenously co‐expressing CB1receptors and β2‐adrenoceptors. In HTM cells, as in HEK 293H cells, AM251 but not O‐2050, altered the β2‐adrenoceptor–pERK response.

Conclusion and implications: A complex interaction was demonstrated between CB1receptors and β2‐adrenoceptors in HEK 293H cells. As similar functional interactions were also observed in HTM cells, such interactions may affect the pharmacology of these receptors in tissues where they are endogenously co‐expressed.

This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
Ciprofloxacin inhibits advanced glycation end products‐induced adhesion molecule expression on human monocytes
Authors: Mori S , Takahashi HK , Liu K , Wake H , Zhang J , Liu R , Yoshino T , Nishibori M
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAdvanced glycation end products (AGEs) subtypes, proteins or lipids that become glycated after exposure to sugars, can induce complications in diabetes. Among the various AGE subtypes, glyceraldehyde‐derived AGE (AGE‐2) and glycolaldehyde‐derived AGE (AGE‐3) are involved in inflammation in diabetic patients; monocytes are activated by these AGEs. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a fluorinated 4‐quinolone, is often used clinically to treat infections associated with diabetis due to its antibacterial properties. It also modulates immune responses in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) therefore we investigated the involvement of AGEs in these effects.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHExpression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1, B7.1, B7.2 and CD40 was examined by flow cytometry. The production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐γ, prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and cAMP were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 expression was determined by Western blot analysis. Lymphocyte proliferation was determined by [3H]‐thymidine uptake.

KEY RESULTSCIP induced PGE2production in monocytes, irrespective of the presence of AGE‐2 and AGE‐3, by enhancing COX‐2 expression; this led to an elevation of intracellular cAMP in monocytes. Non‐selective and selective COX‐2 inhibitors, indomethacin and NS398, inhibited CIP‐induced PGE2and cAMP production. In addition, CIP inhibited AGE‐2‐ and AGE‐3‐induced expressions of ICAM‐1, B7.1, B7.2 and CD40 in monocytes, the production of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ and lymphocyte proliferation in PBMC. Indomethacin, NS398 and a protein kinase A inhibitor, H89, inhibited the actions of CIP.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSCIP exerts immunomodulatory activity via PGE2, implying therapeutic potential of CIP for the treatment of AGE‐2‐ and AGE‐3‐induced inflammatory responses.
Selective inhibition of persistent sodium current by F 15845 prevents ischaemia‐induced arrhythmias
Authors: Pignier C , Rougier J‐S , Vié B , Culié C , Verscheure Y , Vacher B , Abriel H , Le Grand B
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Myocardial ischaemia is associated with perturbations of electrophysiological profile of cardiac myocytes. The persistent sodium current (INap) is one of the major contributors to ischaemic arrhythmias and appears as an attractive therapeutic target. We investigated the effects of F 15845, a new anti‐anginal drug on INap and in integrative models of INap‐induced arrhythmias.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Sodium current was investigated using patch clamp technique on wild‐type and ΔKPQ‐mutated hNav1.5 channels transfected in HEK293 cells. Effects of F 15845 on action potentials (APs) were studied by the glass microelectrode technique and its anti‐arrhythmic activities were investigated in ischaemia‐ and aconitine‐induced arrhythmias in the rat.

KEY RESULTS We demonstrated that F 15845 is a potent blocker of INap acting from the extracellular side of the channel. Blockade of INap was voltage dependent and characterized by an almost pure tonic block. F 15845 shortened AP from rabbit Purkinje fibres, confirming its lack of pro‐arrhythmic activity, and prevented AP lengthening induced by the INap activator veratridine. F 15845 did not affect APs from rabbit atria and guinea pig papillary muscle where INap is not functional, confirming its inability to affect other cardiac ionic currents. F 15845 was effective at preventing fatal ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia during coronary ligation without modifying heart rate and blood pressure, and dose dependently increased the dose threshold of aconitine required to induce ventricular arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS F 15845, a novel anti‐anginal drug targeting INap, demonstrates new anti‐arrhythmic properties which may be of therapeutic benefit against ischaemia‐induced arrhythmias
Inverse agonism of cannabinoid CB1 receptors potentiates LiCl‐induced nausea in the conditioned gaping model in rats
Authors: Limebeer CL , Vemuri VK , Bedard H , Lang ST , Ossenkopp KP , Makriyannis A , Parker LA
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists, potentiate toxin‐induced nausea and vomiting in animal models. Here, we sought to determine if this potentiated nausea was mediated by inverse agonism or neutral antagonism of the CB1 receptor, and if the potentiated nausea would be produced by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of an inverse agonist.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The conditioned gaping model of nausea in rats was used to compare the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251, and the CB1 receptor neutral antagonists, AM6527 (centrally and peripherally active) and AM6545 (peripherally active), in potentiating conditioned gaping produced by lithium chloride (LiCl) solution. The effect of icv (lateral ventricle and 4th ventricle) administration of AM251 on LiCl‐induced gaping in this model was also evaluated.

KEY RESULTS At a dose that did not produce conditioned gaping on its own, systemically administered AM251 (1.25 mg·kg−1) potentiated LiCl‐induced conditioned gaping and reduced sucrose palatability; however, even doses as high as 8 mg·kg−1 of AM6545 and AM6527 neither potentiated LiCl‐induced conditioned gaping nor reduced sucrose palatability. Infusions of AM251 into the lateral ventricles (1.25, 12.5 and 125 µg) or the 4th ventricle (2.5, 12.5 and 125 µg) did not potentiate LiCl‐induced conditioned gaping reactions, but all doses attenuated saccharin palatability during the subsequent test.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Inverse agonism, but not neutral antagonism, of CB1 receptors potentiated toxin‐induced nausea. This effect may be peripherally mediated or may be mediated centrally by action on CB1 receptors, located distal to the cerebral ventricles.
A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the performance and safety of platelets treated with MIRASOL pathogen reduction technology
Authors: Cazenave J‐P. , Folléa G. , Bardiaux L. , Boiron J.‐M. , Lafeuillade B. , Debost M. , Lioure B. , Harousseau J‐L. , Tabrizi R. , Cahn J.‐Y. , Michallet M. , Ambruso D. , Schots R. , Tissot J.‐D. , Sensebé L. , Kondo T. , McCullough J. , Rebulla Paolo , Escolar Gines , Mintz P. , Heddle N.M. , Goodrich R.P. , Bruhwyler J. , Le C. , Cook R.J. , Stouch B. ,   for members of the The Mirasol Clinical Evaluation Study Group
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Pathogen reduction of platelets (PRT‐PLTs) using riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment has undergone Phase 1 and 2 studies examining efficacy and safety. This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) assessed the efficacy and safety of PRT‐PLTs using the 1‐hour corrected count increment (CCI1hour) as the primary outcome.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A noninferiority RCT was performed where patients with chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia (six centers) were randomly allocated to receive PRT‐PLTs (Mirasol PRT, CaridianBCT Biotechnologies) or reference platelet (PLT) products. The treatment period was 28 days followed by a 28‐day follow‐up (safety) period. The primary outcome was the CCI1hour determined using up to the first eight on‐protocol PLT transfusions given during the treatment period.

RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were randomly assigned (60 to PRT‐PLTs; 58 to reference). Four patients per group did not require PLT transfusions leaving 110 patients in the analysis (56 PRT‐PLTs; 54 reference). A total of 541 on‐protocol PLT transfusions were given (303 PRT‐PLTs; 238 reference). The least square mean CCI was 11,725 (standard error [SE], 1.140) for PRT‐PLTs and 16,939 (SE, 1.149) for the reference group (difference, −5214; 95% confidence interval, −7542 to −2887; p < 0.0001 for a test of the null hypothesis of no difference between the two groups).

CONCLUSION: The study failed to show noninferiority of PRT‐PLTs based on predefined CCI criteria. PLT and red blood cell utilization in the two groups was not significantly different suggesting that the slightly lower CCIs (PRT‐PLTs) did not increase blood product utilization. Safety data showed similar findings in the two groups. Further studies are required to determine if the lower CCI observed with PRT‐PLTs translates into an increased risk of bleeding.
ABO hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: an iatrogenic complication of heterologous assisted reproductive technology‐induced pregnancy
Authors: Zuppa Antonio Alberto , Cardiello Valentina , Lai Marco , Cataldi Luigi , D'Andrea Vito , Romagnoli Costantino
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: ABO hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (ABO HDFN) may manifest itself in cases of mothers belonging to blood group O and newborns of groups A or B and more frequently in group A and less so in group B.

CASE STUDY: The case subjects are twin‐birth newborns with ABO HDFN, of group AB born to a mother of group O. These cases of ABO HDFN prove inconsistent with Mendel's law of segregation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This case study finds its explanation in new methods of assisted reproduction, particularly heterologous in vitro fertilization with ovodonation.
The Relationship Among Motivation, Interaction, and the Development of Second Language Oral Proficiency in a Study‐Abroad Context
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ TODD A.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the role of integrative motivation, instrumental motivation, and interaction with a second language (L2) culture in shaping students’ speaking performance before and after participation in a 1‐semester study‐abroad program in Spain. A 2‐part questionnaire (Student Background Information and Motivation Index), a language contact profile, and a pretest and posttest simulated oral proficiency interview were administered to 20 study‐abroad participants. The results highlight 3 major points. First, students can indeed improve their L2 speaking proficiency during a 1‐semester study‐abroad program. Second, there is a positive relationship between students’ integrative motivation and their interaction with the L2 culture. Third, student contact with the Spanish language has a significant effect on their speaking improvement. The data confirm the importance of focusing on learning activities that enhance students’ integrative motivation and interaction with the L2 culture in both the formal classroom (“at home”) and in the study‐abroad program.
Differences in the job satisfaction of high‐paid and low‐paid workers across Europe
Authors: POULIAKAS Konstantinos , THEODOSSIOU Ioannis
Published: May 2010

Data from six waves of the European Community Household Panel (1996–2001) in 11 countries suggest that low‐paid employees are significantly less satisfied with their job than the high‐paid in southern Europe, but not in the northern countries. Proxying job satisfaction for job quality, the authors show that while low‐paid employment does not necessarily mean low‐quality employment, workers in some countries suffer the double penalty of low pay and low job quality. Such dualism across European labour markets, they argue, reflects different country‐level approaches to the trade‐off between flexibility and security, calling for a policy focus on the latter to enhance job quality.
Emergence of fluoroquinolone‐resistant clonal group A: clonal analysis of Norwegian and Russian E. coli isolates
Authors: STRAND LINDA , JENKINS ANDREW , GRUDE NILS , ALLUM ANNE‐GRY , MYKLAND HILDE‐CHRISTINE , NOWROUZIAN FOUROUGH L. , KRISTIANSEN BJøRN‐ERIK
Published: May 2010

Strand L, Jenkins A, Grude N, Allum A‐G, Mykland H‐C, Nowrouzian FL, Kristiansen B‐E. Emergence of fluoroquinolone‐resistant clonal group A: clonal analysis of Norwegian and Russian E. coli isolates. APMIS 2010; 118: 571–77.

We describe a study of urinary tract and intestinal isolates of Escherichia coli from Norway and Russia using automated ribotyping, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis for clonal group A (CgA) supplemented with phylogrouping, virulence gene profiling and resistance profiling. CgA comprised 19% of the Norwegian UTI isolates from 2001. Two highly multiresistant fluoroquinolone‐resistant CgA isolates were found. Ribotypes clustered into four major and six minor groups (ribogroups). Fluoroquinolone‐resistant isolates and phylogroups A and B1 were associated with ribogroup RA. Ribogroup RB predominated among Russian UTI isolates and was predominantly phylogroup A and depleted in P‐fimbriae. Ribogroup RC predominated among Norwegian UTI isolates and was rich in virulence factors (S‐fimbriae, haemagglutinin and haemolysin) and predominantly phylogroup B2 and D. Ribogroup RG was associated with CgA and predominantly phylogroup D. Ribogroups RD, RE and RF had too few members for statistical analysis. The correlation between ribotype and phylogenetic group was not as strong as reported in other studies.
Relative age effect in youth soccer: analysis of the FIFA U17 World Cup competition
Authors: Williams J. H.
Published: May 2010

This investigation sought to determine if a relative age effect exists in the FIFA U17 World Cup competition. Birthdates of players competing in the most recent six competitions, from 1997 to 2007 were examined. For all competitions, the distributions of birth months were significantly different than expected with more players born in the early months of the year compared with the later months. For the entire cohort of players, 40% were born in the first quarter of the year while only 16% were born in the last 3 months. A small portion of this effect seems to be due to physical stature of the players. This relative age effect held for all FIFA‐designated geographical zones except for Africa. The African region displayed a reverse relative age effect with a relatively large portion of players born in the later part of the year, particularly in December of the age appropriate year. The results of this investigation show that at the highest level of youth soccer, there is a strong bias toward inclusion of players born early in the selection year.
The upper extremity of the professional tennis player: muscle volumes, fiber‐type distribution and muscle strength
Authors: Sanchis‐Moysi J. , Idoate F. , Olmedillas H. , Guadalupe‐Grau A. , Alayón S. , Carreras A. , Dorado C. , Calbet J. A. L.
Published: May 2010

The effects of professional tennis participation on dominant and non‐dominant upper extremity muscle volumes, and on fiber types of triceps brachii (lateral head) and vastus lateralis muscles were assessed in 15 professional tennis players. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, n=8) examination and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA, n=7) were used to assess muscle volumes and lean body mass. Muscle fiber‐type distribution assessed by biopsy sampling was similar in both triceps brachii (2/3 were type 2 and 1/3 type 1 fibers). The VL was composed of 1/3 of type 2 and 2/3 of type 1 fibers. The dominant had 12–15% higher lean mass (DXA/MRI) than the non‐dominant (P<0.05). Type 1, 2a and 2x muscle fibers of the dominant were hypertrophied compared with the non‐dominant by 20%, 22% and 34% (all P<0.01), respectively. The deltoid, triceps brachii, arm flexors and forearm superficial flexor muscles of the dominant were hypertrophied (MRI) compared with the non‐dominant by 11–15%. These muscles represented a similar fraction of the whole muscle volume in both upper extremities. Dominant muscle volume was correlated with 1RM on the one‐arm cable triceps pushdown exercise (r=0.84, P<0.05). Peak power during vertical jump correlated with VL muscle fibers's cross‐sectional area (r=0.82–0.95, P<0.05).
Intrinsic risk factors for acute ankle injuries among male soccer players: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Engebretsen A. H. , Myklebust G. , Holme I. , Engebretsen L. , Bahr R.
Published: May 2010

This prospective cohort study was conducted to identify risk factors for acute ankle injuries among male soccer players. A total of 508 players representing 31 amateur teams were tested during the 2004 pre‐season through a questionnaire on previous injury and function score (foot and ankle outcome score; FAOS), functional tests (balance tests on the floor and a balance mat) and a clinical examination of the ankle. Generalized estimating equations were used in univariate analyses to identify candidate risk factors, and factors with aP‐value <0.10 were then examined in a multivariate model. During the season, 56 acute ankle injuries, affecting 46 legs (43 players), were registered. Univariate analyses identified a history of previous acute ankle injuries [odds ratio (OR) per previous injury: 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.43] and the FAOS sub‐score “Pain” (OR for a 10‐point difference in score: 0.81, 95% CI 0.62–1.04) as candidate risk factors. In a multivariate analysis, only the number of previous acute ankle injuries proved to be a significant (adjusted OR per previous injury: 1.23; 95% CI 1.06–1.41,P=0.005) predictor of new injuries. Function scores, functional tests and clinical examination could not independently identify players at an increased risk in this study.
Presence of both parents during consent process in non‐therapeutic neonatal research increases positive response
Authors: Korotchikova Irina , Boylan Geraldine B , Dempsey Eugene M , Ryan C Anthony
Published: May 2010

Aim:  To investigate factors that influenced parental consent/non‐consent in a non‐therapeutic electroencephalogram (EEG) study in healthy newborns.

Methods:  Parents of healthy newborns were approached to participate in a neonatal EEG study within 36 h of birth. The rationale and risks/benefits of the study were explained. Any concerns were discussed, and detailed information about the EEG study was provided in the consent form. In the case of refusing/withdrawing consent, an informal interview was used to investigate the reasons, which were subsequently analysed and grouped according to the four principles of the consent process.

Results:  A total of 123 parents were included in the study. Parental consent was obtained in 72/123 (59%) cases, 10/123 (8%) parents subsequently withdrew their consent and 41/123 (33%) parents refused to participate in the study. Consent was more likely if both parents were present (p < 0.0001). When the mothers were approached alone, obtaining consent was significantly more difficult within the first 6 hours of delivery, compared to a later approach (37% vs. 67% respectively; p = 0.009).

Refusals were classified into issues of voluntariness (7%), informed choice (10%), understanding (54%) and competence (29%).

Conclusion:  Parents of healthy newborns demonstrated a positive attitude towards non‐therapeutic neonatal research with maximal consent occurring when both parents were present. Parental perception of harm was the main reason for declining consent.
School, Family, Neighbourhood: Which is Most Important to a Child's Education?
Authors: Leckie George , Pillinger Rebecca , Jenkins Jennifer , Rasbash Jon
Published: May 2010

The school, the family, and the neighbourhood they grow up in are all important to how children perform academically. But which has most influence? Does a supportive family outweigh deprived surroundings or the school you attend? Or is the most important factor the child itself?George Leckie, Rebecca Pillinger, Jennifer Jenkins and Jon Rasbash disentangle this complex web of influences.
Molecular metamorphosis in polcalcin allergens by EF‐hand rearrangements and domain swapping
Authors: Magler Iris , Nüss Dorota , Hauser Michael , Ferreira Fatima , Brandstetter Hans
Published: May 2010

Polcalcins such as Bet v 4 and Phl p 7 are pollen allergens that are constructed from EF‐hand motifs, which are very common and well characterized helix–loop–helix motifs with calcium‐binding functions, as elementary building blocks. Being members of an exceptionally well‐characterized protein superfamily, these allergens highlight the fundamental challenge in explaining what features distinguish allergens from nonallergenic proteins. We found that Bet v 4 and Phl p 7 undergo oligomerization transitions with characteristics that are markedly different from those typically found in proteins: transitions from monomers to dimers and to distinct higher oligomers can be induced by increasing temperature; similarly, low concentrations of destabilizing agents, e.g. SDS, induce oligomerization transitions of Bet v 4. The changes in the quaternary structure, termed molecular metamorphosis, are induced and controlled by a combination of EF‐hand rearrangements and domain swapping rather than by the classical law of mass action. Using an EF‐hand‐pairing model, we provide a two‐step model that consistently explains and substantiates the observed metamorphosis. Moreover, the unusual oligomerization behavior suggests a straightforward explanation of how allergens can accomplish the crosslinking of IgE on mast cells, a hallmark of allergens.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7718612: Bet v 4 (uniprotkb:Q39419) and Bet v 4 (uniprotkb:Q39419) bind (MI:0407) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)

MINT‐7718648: Phl p 7 (uniprotkb:O82040) and Phl p 7 (uniprotkb:O82040) bind (MI:0407) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)
The Management of Peyronie’s Disease: Evidence-based 2010 Guidelines
Authors: Ralph David , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor , Mirone Vincenzo , Perovic Sava , Sohn Michael , Usta Mustafa , Levine Laurence
Published: May 2010

Introduction

The field of Peyronie’s disease is evolving and there is need for a state-of-the-art information in this area.

Aim

To develop an evidence-based state-of-the-art consensus report on the management of Peyronie’s disease.

Methods

To provide state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the prevalence, etiology, medical and surgical management of Peyronie’s Disease, representing the opinion of leading experts developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period.

Main Outcome Measures

Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.

Conclusions

The real etiology of Peyronie’s disease and the mechanisms of formation of the plaque still remain obscure. Although conservative management is obtaining a progressively larger consensus among the experts, surgical correction still remains the mainstay treatment for this condition.
Diversity and seasonal fluctuations in dung beetle (Coleoptera) community in Kurukshetra, India
Authors: KAKKAR Nidhi , GUPTA Sanjeev K.
Published: May 2010

Five pitfall traps baited with 150–200 g of fresh cattle dung were installed for 24 h at weekly intervals. A total of 991 dung beetles from 11 genera, 31 species and three subfamilies was obtained. The community was dominated by Oniticellus spinipes individuals by 32.3%. Ten species appeared only once during the collection period and species composition and dominance changed throughout the period. The overall pattern we detected in the organization of the dung beetle community is that the species richness, abundance and diversity rise in September and the 2nd week of October. The dung beetle community was found to be affected by season.
Past Successes and New Challenges: China's Foreign Trade at a Turning Point
Authors: Lemoine Françoise
Published: May 2010

Since 1979, China has recorded a remarkable trade performance, which has been driven by international processing and the offshoring strategies of foreign firms. The diversification of Chinese exports and their technological upgrading have been phenomenal. However, there is also inertia, illustrated by the persistent dualism of the trade sector, the unrelenting specialization in downmarket products and the deteriorating terms of trade. These weaknesses have helped its partners to adjust to the rise of this new trade power. In the past decade, China's economy has faced the adverse effects of an export‐led growth and the global crisis has revealed its vulnerability. China is now forced to rebalance its economy. This will imply major changes in foreign trade, in favor of ordinary trade and away from processing. In the foreseeable future, China is unlikely to become the driver of international demand but will remain the engine of Asian economic integration.
Strong correlation between cross‐amplification success and genetic distance across all members of ‘True Salamanders’ (Amphibia: Salamandridae) revealed by Salamandra salamandra‐specific microsatellite loci
Authors: HENDRIX RALF , SUSANNE HAUSWALDT J. , VEITH MICHAEL , STEINFARTZ SEBASTIAN
Published: May 2010

The unpredictable and low cross‐amplification success of microsatellite loci tested for congeneric amphibian species has mainly been explained by the size and complexity of amphibian genomes, but also by taxonomy that is inconsistent with phylogenetic relationships among taxa. Here, we tested whether the cross‐amplification success of nine new and 11 published microsatellite loci cloned for an amphibian source species, the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), correlated with the genetic distance across all members of True Salamanders (genera Chioglossa, Lyciasalamandra, Mertensiella and Salamandra that form a monophyletic clade within the family of Salamandridae) serving as target species. Cross‐amplification success varied strongly among the species and showed a highly significant negative relationship with genetic distance and amplification success. Even though lineages of S. salamandra and Lyciasalamndra have separated more than 30 Ma, a within genus amplification success rate of 65% was achieved for species of Lyciasalamandra thus demonstrating that an efficient cross‐species amplification of microsatellite loci in amphibians is feasible even across large evolutionary distances. A decrease in genome size, on the other hand, paralleled also a decrease in amplified loci and therefore contradicted previous results and expectations that amplification success should increase with a decrease in genome size. However, in line with other studies, our comprehensive dataset clearly shows that cross‐amplification success of microsatellite loci is well explained by phylogenetic divergence between species. As taxonomic classifications on the species and genus level do not necessarily mirror phylogenetic divergence between species, the pure belonging of species to the same taxonomic units (i.e. species or genus) might be less useful to predict cross‐amplification success of microsatellite loci between such species.
ONE UNIT'S EXPERIENCES WHEN ESTABLISHING BUTTONHOLE TECHNIQUE, ANALYSIS OF REASONS FOR FAILURE OF PROCEDURE: A REPORT
Authors: Galante Nelson Zocoler , Rabelo Lúcia Lima , Yamamoto Atsuko , Bonato Rozana Aparecida , Azevedo Luiz Sergio
Published: May 2010

The buttonhole technique of access of needle insertion into a single selected site in the arteriovenous fistula has proved to be a reliable alternative to older methods due to its overall low complication rates. Although the use of blunt needles improves the technique, the success rate of cannulation with these needles is difficult to predict. We analysed the short‐term outcome of 16 patients receiving in‐centre haemodialysis and compared clinical relevant parameters between patients with and without buttonhole technique failure. Our dialysis unit treats about 180 patients and is located in a tertiary hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The variables as discussed in the paper were the same for both groups. The incidence of technique failure was 43.7%. Patients enrolled later in the study had a better buttonhole failure‐free survival rates than patients enrolled at the beginning (p < 0.05). Patients’ clinical characteristics did not predict the success rate of buttonhole tunnel tracks cannulation with blunt needles. This paper also reports on our successes and failures in buttonhole technique and gives some reasons and reflections for both.
ANAEMIA MANAGEMENT IN CARDIO RENAL DISEASE
Authors: Silverberg Donald S. , Wexler Dov , Iaina Adrian , Schwartz Doron
Published: May 2010

Anaemia is common in congestive heart failure (CHF) and is associated with increased mortality, morbidity and progressive renal failure. The common causes of the anaemia are the associated renal failure and excessive cytokine production, both of which can cause depression of the erythropoietin (EPO) production in the kidney and depression of EPO response in bone marrow. The cytokines can also induce iron deficiency by increasing hepcidin production from the liver, which both reduces gastrointestinal iron absorption and reduces iron release from iron stores located in the macrophages and hepatocytes. Attempts to control this anaemia will have to consider the use of both erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) as well as oral and, probably more importantly, intravenous (IV) iron. Studies of anaemia in CHF with ESA and oral or IV iron and even with IV iron alone have shown a positive effect on hospitalisation, fatigue and shortness of breath, cardiac and renal function, quality‐of‐life, exercise capacity and reduced beta natriuretic peptide and have not demonstrated an increase in cardiovascular damage related to therapy. Although some studies and meta‐analyses have revealed improvement in these parameters others have not. Adequately powered long‐term placebo‐controlled studies of ESA and of IV iron in CHF are needed and are currently being carried out.
CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Foley Robert N.
Published: May 2010

The public health importance of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has only come to be appreciated in the last decade. While glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin creatinine levels are highly predictive of mortality, thresholds that may be useful for screening may be much closer to ‘normal’ than generally recognised. When optimising the balance between true negative and true positive mortality prediction, GFR from creatinine and GFR from cystatin C and albumin creatinine ratios all seem to perform similarly. Among the older population, mortality rates with creatinine‐based GFR are lowest for those with levels between 60 and 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, unlike with GFR from cystatin C, where mortality rates climb monotonically with declining GFR. Thus, the validity of creatinine‐based GFR in older community‐dwelling individuals is questionable. Nationally, representative data suggest management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in adults with CKD is far from optimal. This paper explores the possibility that robust associations between declining kidney function and cardiovascular outcomes could be caused by an unknown, confounding, shared‐risk factors and extrapolates findings from renal transplant donor populations to support this hypothesis.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS CONTRIBUTING TO RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN CHRONIC HEART FAILURE
Authors: Damman Kevin , Kalra Paul R. , Hillege Hans
Published: May 2010

Renal dysfunction is extremely common in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Although the pathogenesis of reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may differ between patients and even over time within an individual, the result is the same: reduced GFR is strongly related to increased mortality and morbidity. Potential explanations for the renal impairment include shared aetiological risk factors, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Furthermore, a complex series of pathophysiological interactions exists between these two organ systems; an abnormality in one system will in general adversely impact on the other, resulting in a vicious cycle of disease progression. Improved understanding of the aetiology of reduced GFR in patients with CHF is fundamental to identifying appropriate therapies. Whilst reduced cardiac output and thereby renal perfusion is undoubtedly important, other factors, such as increased central venous pressure and anaemia may be amenable to therapeutic intervention.