bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culling wildlife hosts to control disease: mountain hares, red grouse and louping ill virus
Authors: Harrison Annabel , Newey Scott , Gilbert Lucy , Haydon Daniel T , Thirgood Simon
Published: June 2010

1. Culling wildlife hosts is often implemented as a management technique to control pathogen transmission from wildlife to domestic or other economically important animals. However, culling may have unexpected consequences, can be expensive and may have wider implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

2. We assess the evidence that culling mountain hares Lepus timidus is an effective and practical way to control louping ill virus in red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus.

3. Evidence from the available literature is limited, restricting our ability to reliably assess the effectiveness of culling mountain hares to control ticks, louping ill virus, or increase red grouse densities. Furthermore, the information required to assess the cost‐benefit of this management strategy is lacking. The population response of mountain hares to culling is not well understood and the possible effects on their conservation status and the upland ecosystem remain unexplored.

4. We conclude that there is no compelling evidence base to suggest culling mountain hares might increase red grouse densities.

5. Synthesis and applications. Widespread culling of wildlife is not necessarily effective in reducing disease or improving economic returns. The use of wildlife culls for disease control should be proposed only when: (i) the pathogen transmission cycle is fully understood with all host‐vector interactions considered; (ii) the response of wildlife populations to culling is known; and (iii) cost‐benefit analysis shows that increased revenue from reduced disease prevalence exceeds the cost of culling.
Neuroimaging, Gut Peptides and Obesity: Novel Studies of the Neurobiology of Appetite
Authors: Gibson C. D. , Carnell S. , Ochner C. N. , Geliebter A.
Published: June 2010

Two major biological players in the regulation of body weight are the gut and the brain. Peptides released from the gut convey information about energy needs to areas of the brain involved in homeostatic control of food intake. There is emerging evidence that human food intake is also under the control of cortical and subcortical areas related to reward and cognition. The extent to which gut hormones influence these brain areas is not fully understood. Novel methods combining the study of neural activity and hormonal signalling promise to advance our understanding of gut–brain interactions. Here, we review a growing number of animal and human studies using neuroimaging methods (functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography) to measure brain activation in relation to nutrient loads and infusion of gut peptides. Implications for current and future pharmacological treatments for obesity are discussed.
Intracellular localization of membrane‐bound ATPases in the compartmentalized anammox bacterium ‘Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis’
Authors: Van Niftrik Laura , Van Helden Mary , Kirchen Silke , Van Donselaar Elly G. , Harhangi Harry R. , Webb Richard I. , Fuerst John A. , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Strous Marc
Published: June 2010

Anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) bacteria are divided into three compartments by bilayer membranes (from out‐ to inside): paryphoplasm, riboplasm and anammoxosome. It is proposed that the anammox reaction is performed by proteins located in the anammoxosome and on its membrane giving rise to a proton‐motive‐force and subsequent ATP synthesis by membrane‐bound ATPases. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the location of membrane‐bound ATPases in the anammox bacterium ‘Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis’. Four ATPase gene clusters were identified in the K. stuttgartiensis genome: one typical F‐ATPase, two atypical F‐ATPases and a prokaryotic V‐ATPase. K. stuttgartiensis transcriptomic and proteomic analysis and immunoblotting using antisera directed at catalytic subunits of the ATPase gene clusters indicated that only the typical F‐ATPase gene cluster most likely encoded a functional ATPase under these cultivation conditions. Immunogold localization showed that the typical F‐ATPase was predominantly located on both the outermost and anammoxosome membrane and to a lesser extent on the middle membrane. This is consistent with the anammox physiology model, and confirms the status of the outermost cell membrane as cytoplasmic membrane. The occurrence of ATPase in the anammoxosome membrane suggests that anammox bacteria have evolved a prokaryotic organelle; a membrane‐bounded compartment with a specific cellular function: energy metabolism.
Toxoplasma gondii transmembrane microneme proteins and their modular design
Authors: Sheiner Lilach , Santos Joana M. , Klages Natacha , Parussini Fabiola , Jemmely Noelle , Friedrich Nikolas , Ward Gary E. , Soldati‐Favre Dominique
Published: June 2010

Host cell invasion by the Apicomplexa critically relies on regulated secretion of transmembrane micronemal proteins (TM‐MICs). Toxoplasma gondii possesses functionally non‐redundant MIC complexes that participate in gliding motility, host cell attachment, moving junction formation, rhoptry secretion and invasion. The TM‐MICs are released onto the parasite's surface as complexes capable of interacting with host cell receptors. Additionally, TgMIC2 simultaneously connects to the actomyosin system via binding to aldolase. During invasion these adhesive complexes are shed from the surface notably via intramembrane cleavage of the TM‐MICs by a rhomboid protease. Some TM‐MICs act as escorters and assure trafficking of the complexes to the micronemes. We have investigated the properties of TgMIC6, TgMIC8, TgMIC8.2, TgAMA1 and the new micronemal protein TgMIC16 with respect to interaction with aldolase, susceptibility to rhomboid cleavage and presence of trafficking signals. We conclude that several TM‐MICs lack targeting information within their C‐terminal domains, indicating that trafficking depends on yet unidentified proteins interacting with their ectodomains. Most TM‐MICs serve as substrates for a rhomboid protease and some of them are able to bind to aldolase. We also show that the residues responsible for binding to aldolase are essential for TgAMA1 but dispensable for TgMIC6 function during invasion.
A new player in the regulatory cascade controlling heterocyst differentiation in cyanobacteria
Authors: Haselkorn Robert
Published: June 2010

Heterocysts are terminally differentiated cells that fix nitrogen in filaments of the cyanobacterium Anabaena PCC 7120. They differentiate from vegetative cells at regular intervals along each filament. The developmental process is initiated by an increase in the ratio of reduced carbon to reduced nitrogen. This cue triggers protein NtcA to activate transcription of nrrA, which leads to transcription of the hetR gene. HetR is a master transcription factor required for expression of many heterocyst‐specific genes. One such gene is hetP, shown by Higa and Callahan in this edition of Molecular Microbiology to be able to replace hetR for most of the downstream events required for a functional heterocyst. Ectopic production of HetP in a hetR mutant allows the differentiation of heterocysts. These heterocysts can fix nitrogen under anaerobic conditions but they are unable to provide wild‐type protection of nitrogenase from oxygen, so they cannot bypass all of the duties of HetR. Additionally, the 5′‐flanking region of the hetP gene provides the best‐characterized binding site for the HetR protein so far, a seven‐base pair inverted repeat.
Exploring the impact of training on the experience of Australian support group leaders: current practices and implications for research
Authors: Zordan Rachel D. , Juraskova Ilona , Butow Phyllis N , Jolan Afsaneh , Kirsten Laura , Chapman Julie , Sedgwick Christine , Charles Margaret , Sundquist Kendra
Published: June 2010

Background  Existing literature suggests that the effectiveness of a support group is linked to the qualifications, skills and experience of the group leader. Yet, little research has been conducted into the experiences of trained vs. untrained support group leaders of chronic‐illness support groups. The current study aimed to compare the experience of leaders, trained vs. untrained in group facilitation, in terms of challenges, rewards and psychological wellbeing.

Methods  A total of 358 Australian leaders of cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS) support groups, recruited through State Cancer Councils and the MS society (response rate of 66%), completed a mailed survey.

Results  Compared with untrained leaders, those with training were significantly younger, leading smaller groups and facilitating more groups, more frequently (all P < 0.05). Trained leaders were more likely to be female, educated beyond high school, paid to facilitate, a recipient of formal supervision and more experienced (in years) (all P < 0.01). Untrained leaders reported more challenges than trained leaders (P < 0.03), particularly struggling with being contacted outside of group meetings (52%) and a lack of leadership training (47%). Regardless of level of training, leaders identified a number of unmet support and training needs. Overwhelmingly, leaders found their facilitation role rewarding and the majority reported a high level of psychological wellbeing.

Conclusions  Group facilitator training has the potential to reduce the burden of support group leadership. Developing interventions to assist support group leaders will be particularly beneficial for leaders with minimal or no training group facilitation training.
Development of instruments to measure the quality of breast cancer treatment decisions
Authors: Lee Clara N. , Dominik Rosalie , Levin Carrie A. , Barry Michael J. , Cosenza Carol , O’Connor Annette M. , Mulley Jr Albert G. , Sepucha Karen R.
Published: June 2010

Background  Women with early‐stage breast cancer face a multitude of decisions. The quality of a decision can be measured by the extent to which the treatment reflects what is most important to an informed patient. Reliable and valid measures of patients’ knowledge and their goals and concerns related to breast cancer treatments are needed to assess the decision quality.

Objective  To identify a set of key facts and goals relevant to each of three breast cancer treatment decisions (surgery, reconstruction and adjuvant chemotherapy and hormone therapy) and to evaluate the validity of the methods used to identify them.

Methods  Candidate facts and goals were chosen based on evidence review and qualitative studies with breast cancer patients and providers. Cross‐sectional surveys of patients and providers were conducted for each decision. The accuracy, importance and completeness of the items were examined.

Results  Thirty‐eight facts (11–14 per decision) and 27 goals (8–10 per decision) were identified. An average of 17 patients and 21 providers responded to each survey. The sets of facts were accurate and complete for all three decisions. The sets of goals and concerns were important for surgery and reconstruction, but not chemotherapy/hormone therapy. Patients and providers disagreed about the relative importance of several key facts and goals.

Conclusions  Overall, breast cancer patients and providers found the sets of facts and goals accurate, important and complete for three treatment decisions. Because patients’ and providers’ perspectives are different, it is vital that instrument development should include items reflecting both views.
A study of patient expectations in a Norfolk general practice
Authors: Kenten Charlotte , Bowling Ann , Lambert Nigel , Howe Amanda , Rowe Gene
Published: June 2010

Objective  To use semi‐structured interviews to ascertain patterns in patients’ expectations of health care and the extent to which these expectations were met or not.

Background  In health policy it is important to evaluate health services from varying perspectives including consumers’. One concept of emerging importance in this regard is that of patient expectations. Whether expectations are met or not have been found to be related to general patient satisfaction with treatment and treatment compliance. However, there is conceptual and methodological uncertainty and little informing empirical work regarding what is an ‘expectation’ and how it should be measured.

Design  A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews to elicit 20 GP patients’ expectations prior to their consultation. A post consultation interview gauged the extent to which these expectations had been met.

Setting and participant  Twenty patients of a GP practice in Norfolk (UK).

Results  Results suggest several different expectations, concerned with the doctor‐patient interaction, the specific processes of the consultation, outcomes, and issues to do with time and space.

Conclusions  This research has used an innovative exploratory approach to address the expectations of GP patients and has implications for how doctors ought to manage their consultations. These results will be used to inform the development of a quantitative expectations questionnaire so as to develop a validated measure of expectations. Such an instrument has great potential to aid in health care research and practice.
Evaluation of Three Different Extenders for Use in Emergency Salvaging of Epididymal Spermatozoa from a Cantabric Brown Bear
Authors: Anel L , Alvarez M , Anel E , Martinez‐Pastor F , Martinez F , Chamorro C , de Paz P
Published: June 2010

Contents

The Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos) constitutes an endangered subpopulation of the European brown bear in the north of Spain. We have carried out a post‐mortem recovery of epididymal spermatozoa from a Cantabrian brown bear (7 years old, 170 kg; 30 min post‐mortem), cryopreserving those recovered from the cauda epididymis (929 × 106 spermatozoa, 54% motile, 82% cytoplasmic droplets). For freezing, three extenders based on Test‐Tris‐Fructose + 4% glycerol were used: (1) 325 mOsm/kg and 10% egg yolk; (2) 430 mOsm/kg and 15% egg yolk; (3) 300 mOsm/kg, Equex‐EDTA and 20% egg yolk. After thawing, we obtained higher motility for extender 3 (31%), but extender 2 yielded the highest viability (66.9%) and mitochondrial activity (67.1%). Caffeine stimulation showed that extender two rendered the highest recovery values of post‐thawing motility with respect to the fresh sample. In conclusion, epididymal spermatozoa of brown bear can be frozen applying an extender with osmolality similar to epididymal environment.
Transurethral resection in one piece (TURBO) is an accurate tool for pathological staging of bladder tumor
Authors: Ukai Rinzo , Hashimoto Kunihiro , Iwasa Tsuguo , Nakayama Hirofumi
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  To demonstrate the usefulness of transurethral resection in one piece (TURBO) as an accurate pathological staging tool for bladder tumor.

Methods:  Ninety‐seven patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer underwent TURBO that was performed either in an en bloc or in a divisional manner. The histological quality of the resection specimens was evaluated and the pathological stage was assigned on the basis of the depth of invasion, which was histologically determined.

Results:  Specimens obtained by TURBO were well oriented and their 3‐D architecture was maintained. This allowed a histological assessment of the entire specimen. Portions of muscularis propria were identified beneath the tumor base in the specimens of 80 (82%) patients. In only seven (7%) patients, the tumors had a deep resection margin positive for carcinoma and were ambiguously staged as “pT1 or higher” or “pT2 or higher”. Thus, definite pathological staging of TURBO specimens was possible in 90 (93%) patients (pTa, 30; pT1, 58; pT2, 2).

Conclusions:  An accurate pathological stage can be assigned to the TURBO specimen in most bladder cancer patients.
Bladder function of end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Tsunoyama Kuniko , Ishida Hideki , Omoto Kazuya , Shimizu Tomokazu , Shirakawa Hiroki , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  To evaluate the bladder function of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients by using video H2O cystometry (CM) before renal transplantation (RTx).

Methods:  A total of 92 patients (57 men and 35 women; mean age 45.4 years; mean period of renal replacement therapy (RRT) 60.2 months) were divided in two groups based on the presence of detrusor overactivity (DO). In each group the following parameters were recorded during CM: first sensation (FS), maximum cystometric capacity (MC) and compliance. The effect of the duration of RRT on the H2O cystometric results was also assessed.

Results:  There were 25 patients (27.2%) who had DO before their operation, this ratio being higher than the general Japanese population. Subjects with DO were observed independently for the duration of RRT and there was no difference in the prevalence of DO based on this variable. In contrast, 50 patients kept their bladder compliance in the normal range. The numerical value of FS, MC and compliance decreased proportionally for the duration of RRT.

Conclusions:  Patients undergoing RTx frequently present with bladder dysfunction in terms of low capacity, low compliance and also DO. This bladder dysfunction has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Thus, bladder function and its related symptoms require specific attention during the management of transplant patients.
Mechanisms underlying synapse‐specific clustering of GABAAreceptors
Authors: Thomson Alex M. , Jovanovic Jasmina N.
Published: June 2010

A principle that arises from a body of previous work is that each presynaptic terminal recognises its postsynaptic partner and that each postsynaptic site recognises the origin of the synaptic bouton innervating it. In response, the presynaptic terminal sequesters the proteins whose interactions result in the dynamic transmitter release pattern and chemical modulation appropriate for that connection. In parallel, the postsynaptic site sequesters, inserts or captures the receptors and postsynaptic density proteins appropriate for that type of synapse. The focus of this review is the selective clustering of GABAAreceptors (GABAAR) at synapses made by each class of inhibitory interneurone. This provides a system in which the mechanisms underlying transynaptic recognition can be explored. There are many synaptic proteins, often with several isoforms created by post‐translational modifications. Complex cascades of interactions between these proteins, on either side of the synaptic cleft, are essential for normal function, normal transmitter release and postsynaptic responsiveness. Interactions between presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins that have binding domains in the synaptic cleft are proposed here to result in a local cleft structure that captures and stabilises only the appropriate subtype of GABAARs, allowing others to drift away from that synapse, either to be captured by another synapse, or internalised.
Long‐range connectivity of mouse primary somatosensory barrel cortex
Authors: Aronoff Rachel , Matyas Ferenc , Mateo Celine , Ciron Carine , Schneider Bernard , Petersen Carl C.H.
Published: June 2010

The primary somatosensory barrel cortex processes tactile vibrissae information, allowing rodents to actively perceive spatial and textural features of their immediate surroundings. Each whisker on the snout is individually represented in the neocortex by an anatomically identifiable ‘barrel’ specified by the segregated termination zones of thalamocortical axons of the ventroposterior medial nucleus, which provide the primary sensory input to the neocortex. The sensory information is subsequently processed within local synaptically connected neocortical microcircuits, which have begun to be investigated in quantitative detail. In addition to these local synaptic microcircuits, the excitatory pyramidal neurons of the barrel cortex send and receive long‐range glutamatergic axonal projections to and from a wide variety of specific brain regions. Much less is known about these long‐range connections and their contribution to sensory processing. Here, we review current knowledge of the long‐range axonal input and output of the mouse primary somatosensory barrel cortex. Prominent reciprocal projections are found between primary somatosensory cortex and secondary somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, perirhinal cortex and thalamus. Primary somatosensory barrel cortex also projects strongly to striatum, thalamic reticular nucleus, zona incerta, anterior pretectal nucleus, superior colliculus, pons, red nucleus and spinal trigeminal brain stem nuclei. These long‐range connections of the barrel cortex with other specific cortical and subcortical brain regions are likely to play a crucial role in sensorimotor integration, sensory perception and associative learning.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of tramadol/acetaminophen combination therapy and gabapentin in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Ko S.‐H. , Kwon H.‐S. , Yu J.‐M. , Baik S.‐H. , Park I.‐B. , Lee J.‐H. , Ko K.‐S. , Noh J.‐H. , Kim D.‐S. , Kim C.‐H. , Mok J.‐O. , Park T.‐S. , Son H.‐S. , Cha B.‐Y.
Published: June 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1033–1040 (2010)

Aims This study compared the efficacy and safety of tramadol/acetaminophen (T/A) and gabapentin in the management of painful diabetic neuropathy.

Methods An open, randomized, comparative study was conducted. Subjects with painful symmetric neuropathy in the lower limbs and mean pain‐intensity score ≥ 4 on a numeric rating scale were eligible. Subjects were randomized to receive either tramadol (37.5 mg)/acetaminophen (325 mg) or gabapentin (300 mg) for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks of the titration period (1200 mg/day for gabapentin and three tablets/day for T/A), the doses were maintained if the pain was relieved. The primary efficacy outcome was a reduction in pain intensity. Secondary measures evaluated a pain relief scale, a Brief Pain Inventory, a 36‐item Short Form Health Survey, average pain intensity and sleep disturbance.

Results One hundred and sixty‐three subjects (T/A 79; gabapentin 84) were included. At the final visit, the mean doses were 1575 mg/day for gabapentin and 4.22 tablets/day for T/A. Both groups were similar in terms of baseline pain intensity (mean intensity: T/A 6.7 ± 1.6; gabapentin 6.3 ± 1.6,P = 0.168). At the final visit, the mean reductions in pain intensity were similar in both groups (T/A −3.1 ± 2.0; gabapentin −2.7 ± 2.1,P = 0.744). Both groups had similar improvements in every Short Form Health Survey category and Brief Pain Inventory subcategory, and in the mean pain relief scores.

Conclusion This study suggests that the T/A combination treatment is as effective as gabapentin in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
The effects of laparoscopic vs. open gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tian H. L , Tian J. H , Yang K. H , Yi K. , Li L.
Published: June 2010

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the effects of laparoscopic vs. open gastric bypass for morbid obesity. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to assess randomized controlled trials on laparoscopic and open gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Six randomized controlled trials involving a total of 422 patients were included. There were 214 patients in the laparoscopic group and 208 patients in the open group separately. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery for morbid obesity could significantly shorten hospital stays (WMD = −1.11 d, 95% confidence interval [CI][−1.65, −0.56]). However, laparoscopic surgery for morbid obesity showed higher re‐operation (RR = 4.82, 95% CI [1.29, 17.98]) and longer surgical time (WMD = 28.00 min, 95% CI [7.84, 48.16]). There were no statistical differences in complication (RR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.64, 1.10]) and weight loss (WMD = 1.00 kg m−2, 95% CI [−0.79, 2.79]). The effects of laparoscopic and open gastric bypass for morbid obesity were basically the same except that laparoscopic had a shorter hospital stay and open surgery had a rate of fewer re‐operations and shorter surgical time. Further high‐quality, long follow‐up period randomized controlled trials should be carried out to provide more reliable evidence.
Web 2.0 and competence‐oriented design of learning—Potentials and implications for higher education
Authors: Schneckenberg Dirk , Ehlers Ulf , Adelsberger Heimo
Published: June 2010

This paper discusses the potential of learning technologies to foster competence development of students. It aims to improve understanding of pedagogical conditions that have to be met to establish a competence orientation in e‐learning. We review the literature to summarise recent changes in e‐learning, identify attributes of web 2.0 technologies, revisit the concept of competence and specify implications for the competence‐oriented design of learning environments. By referring to Kolb's learning cycle, we illustrate this view with a case study on the use of Google Apps as collaborative learning environment and recommend how competence‐oriented e‐learning activities can be created. Our findings reinforce the position that web 2.0 tools enable a shift from a distributive to a more collaborative mode in e‐learning. In particular, the ease of use and intuition of web 2.0 technologies allow creating learning environments, which realise activity‐rich pedagogical models and facilitate competence development of students. The paper concludes that, despite the demand of firms for versatile graduates and the obvious potential of learning technologies to foster competence development of students, universities need to establish institutional strategies to make this pedagogical change happen.
Efficacy and safety of two different antifungal pastes in infants with diaper dermatitis: a randomized, controlled study
Authors: Hoeger PH , Stark S , Jost G
Published: June 2010

Background  Diaper dermatitis (DD) is the most common type of irritative dermatitis in infancy. It is frequently complicated by Candida superinfection.

Objective  Comparison of efficacy and safety of two antifungal pastes (Imazol® = 1% clotrimazole; Multilind® = 100 000 IU nystatin/g + 20% zinc oxide) in infants with DD.

Methods  A total of 96 infants were included in this multi‐centre, controlled, randomized, evaluator‐blinded phase IV trial and treated with pastes containing either clotrimazole (n = 45) or nystatin (n = 46) twice daily for 14 days. In all, 91 children (age 12.1 ± 5.3 months; 48 females) with DD were evaluable. Total symptom score after 7 days (TSS7) was assessed as primary parameter. Secondary efficacy parameters were TSS at 14 days (TSS14), clinical and microbiological cure rates and global assessment (GA) of clinical response.

Results  TSS improved markedly with both pastes. Decreases in symptom score were 4.5 ± 2.1 (day 7) and 6.1 ± 1.9 (day 14) with clotrimazole compared with 4.2 ± 2.3 and 5.4 ± 2.4 with nystatin (P < 0.0001). With respect to TSS14, clotrimazole was superior to nystatin (P = 0.0434). Clinical cure rate was higher with clotrimazole [36.2% (day 7) and 68.1% (day 14)] compared with 28.6% and 46.9% (nystatin). GA was very good in 26 (55.3%) clotrimazole‐treated children (nystatin: 16 [32.7%], P = 0.0257). Frequency of adverse events was comparable in both treatment groups.

Conclusion Clotrimazole was superior to nystatin with respect to reduction in symptom score and GA. Microbiological cure rate was 100% for both agents. Both treatments were safe and well‐tolerated.
Solitary epidermolytic acanthoma: a clinical and histopathological study
Authors: Abbas O , Wieland CN , Goldberg LJ
Published: June 2010

Background  Epidermolytic acanthoma (EA) is an uncommon cutaneous entity that typically presents as a solitary lesion, or, less commonly, as multiple or disseminated discrete lesions. It usually appears at or after middle‐age, and has been reported in various locations including the face, trunk, extremities and genitalia. Histopathologically, EA shows epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EHK) involving either the entire thickness of the epidermis or just the granular and upper spinous layers.

Objective and methods  To describe the clinical and microscopic features of EA, we retrospectively reviewed all cases diagnosed as EA at the Skin Pathology Laboratory at Boston University between 1999 and 2009.

Results  Solitary EA is more common in men (65%) and usually presents as a hyperkeratotic papule on the trunk (45%) or extremities (25%). Histopathologically, all cases of solitary EA showed the classical features of hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and EHK. Three architectural patterns were observed on scanning magnification: papillomatous (55%), cup‐shaped (40%) and acanthotic (15%). Additional common features encountered included focal parakeratosis (85%), and a sparse to mild superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate (90%).

Conclusion  This large case series of solitary EA reviews the clinical features of this entity and describes several new histological variants.
Decorative tattoos and reasons for their removal: a prospective study in 151 adults living in South of France
Authors: Latreille J , Levy J‐L , Guinot C
Published: June 2010

Background  Despite increasing demands for decorative tattooing in people of all ages, occupations and social classes, little is known regarding individuals’ characteristics and behaviour with respect to tattooing.

Objective  The objective was to describe a large sample of French people asking for tattoo laser removal, to investigate their reasons for being tattooed and for tattoo removal, and to identify groups of subjects sharing similar characteristics.

Methods  A prospective exploratory study was conducted on 151 consecutive subjects asking for tattoo removal.

Results  The study population was composed of 65 women and 86 men, aged between 18 and 60 years. The reasons mentioned for tattoo removal included aesthetic, social, employment, family or partner pressure, change of lifestyle or partner and incompatibility with present attitudes and values. Four profiles were identified. Types 1 and 3 correspond to subjects with amateur tattoos more frequently reporting social reasons for tattoo removal, whereas types 2 and 4 correspond to subjects with studio tattoos who more frequently report aesthetic reasons. Types 1 and 4 are mainly composed of men (aged over forty and under forty, respectively), type 2 of women under thirty and type 3 of subjects of either sex aged over forty.

Conclusions  These profiles could be used to target information campaigns about tattooing and tattoo removal techniques to avoid unwanted tattoos, and afterwards, possible disappointment after removal, as well as to target education programs on possible health risks. Furthermore, our findings open the way to focus further studies on more homogenous group of tattooed subjects.
Information Risk and Underwriter Switching in SEOs: Evidence from China
Authors: Luo Wei , Rao Pingui , Yue Heng
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  In this paper we examine whether information risk affects underwriter switching in a seasoned equity offering (SEO) process. Building on previous research, we hypothesize that SEO firms and underwriters associate with one another by mutual choice, and firms with a low degree of information risk tend to match up with prestigious underwriters. Using a sample of SEO firms in China and employing accruals quality as a proxy of information risk, we find evidence consistent with our hypothesis: the information risk and the initial public offering (IPO) underwriters’ reputation at the time of the SEO jointly determine the probability that the firms will switch their underwriters. A mismatch between information risk and underwriter reputation increases the probability of an underwriter switching. Furthermore, if the firms decide to switch underwriters, then a lower degree of information risk is associated with a greater likelihood of changing to a more reputable underwriter. We also find that the relationship between information risk and the choice of underwriter reputation primarily exists in non‐state‐controlled companies.
Estimating the risk of Amazonian forest dieback
Authors: Rammig Anja , Jupp Tim , Thonicke Kirsten , Tietjen Britta , Heinke Jens , Ostberg Sebastian , Lucht Wolfgang , Cramer Wolfgang , Cox Peter
Published: June 2010

Featured paper: See Editorial p553
A cognitive and affective pattern in posterior fossa strokes in children: a case series
Authors: KOSSOROTOFF MANOELLE , GONIN‐FLAMBOIS CORALIE , GITIAUX CYRIL , QUIJANO SUSANA , BODDAERT NATHALIE , BAHI‐BUISSON NADIA , BARNERIAS CHRISTINE , DULAC OLIVIER , BRUNELLE FRANCIS , DESGUERRE ISABELLE
Published: June 2010

Aim  Posterior fossa strokes account for about 10% of ischaemic strokes in children. Although motor and dysautonomic symptoms are common, to our knowledge cognitive and affective deficits have not been described in the paediatric literature. Our aim, therefore, was to describe these symptoms and deficits.

Method  In a retrospective study, we included all cases of posterior fossa strokes in children occurring at a single centre between 2005 and 2007, and investigated cognitive and affective deficits.

Results  Five males aged 3 to 14 years met the inclusion criteria. They all presented very early with mood disturbances: outbursts of laughter and/or crying and alternating agitation or prostration that disappeared spontaneously within a few days. Persistent cognitive deficits were also diagnosed in all five: initial mutism, then anomia, followed by comprehension deficiency and deficiencies of planning ability, visual–spatial organization, and attention. Despite early and intensive rehabilitation, recovery from these cognitive deficits was slow and sometimes incomplete, and on follow‐up they proved to be more disabling than the motor symptoms.

Interpretation  These findings are similar to the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome described in adults, and quite similar to the language and affective deficits observed in children after surgery for posterior fossa tumour. This is consistent with the role of the cerebellum and brainstem in affective and cognitive processes from early development.
Verbal and academic skills in children with early‐onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: HANNONEN RIITTA , KOMULAINEN JORMA , EKLUND KENNETH , TOLVANEN ASKO , RIIKONEN RAILI , AHONEN TIMO
Published: June 2010

Aim  Basic verbal and academic skills can be adversely affected by early‐onset diabetes, although these skills have been studied less than other cognitive functions. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of learning deficits in children with diabetes by assessing basic verbal and academic skills in children with early‐onset diabetes and in comparison children. In addition, the incidence of dyslexia (≤10th centile in reading speed or reading–spelling accuracy) was studied.

Method  The performance of 51 children with early‐onset diabetes (25 females, 26 males; mean age 9y 11mo, SD 4mo; range 9–10y) was compared with that of 92 children without diabetes (40 females, 52 males; mean age 9y 10mo, SD 3mo; range 9–10y) in the tasks of phonological processing, short‐term memory, rapid automatized naming, reading, spelling, and mathematics.

Results  The performance of children with diabetes was poorer than that of the comparison children in phonological processing (p=0.001), spelling accuracy (p<0.001), and mathematics (p=0.024). They learned to read later (p=0.013), but reading performance and the incidence of dyslexia in the third grade (aged 9–10y) were similar in the two groups.

Interpretation  Children with early‐onset diabetes are prone to minor learning difficulties in their early school years as a result of deficits in phonological processing.
Using World Café and drama to explore older people's experience of financial products and services
Authors: Ritch Elaine L. , Brennan Carol
Published: June 2010

This paper examines a novel strategy to get older people talking about their financial needs and equity release. A questionnaire was used to identify issues which were then written into a drama on equity release products and bank accounts. This dramatic representation of the issues preceded discussion among older people at a World Café event – a format that involves a series of circulating focus groups where concepts can be discussed in depth and recorded. The drama offered an initial stimulus of alternative and opposing opinions and facilitated conversation about financial products and services which are often considered uninteresting and private. The aim was to record ideas in the discussions that would benefit the production and design of innovative financial products that would meet the needs of people over 50 years. Further, as a technique, the combination of drama, used to stimulate discussion, and the World Café format, to obtain and record consumer opinions, arguably offers innovative options to researchers in other sectors of product or service consumption.
How do U.S. and Canadian consumers value credence attributes associated with beef labels after the North American BSE crisis of 2003?
Authors: Steiner Bodo E. , Yang Jun
Published: June 2010

A consumer survey conducted in 2006 (n = 419), and therefore after the first confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) cases in North America in 2003, employs attribute‐based choice experiments for a cross‐country comparison of consumers' valuation of credence attributes associated with beef steak labels; specifically a guarantee that beef was tested for BSE, a guarantee that the steaks were produced without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and a guarantee that beef steaks were produced without growth hormones and antibiotics. Considering consumers' socio‐economic characteristics, the results suggest that consumers in Montana (U.S.) and Alberta (Canada) are significantly heterogeneous in their valuation of the above attributes, although consumers' relative valuation of these process attributes does not appear to have changed since the 2003 BSE crisis in each region. Alberta consumers place a significant valuation on beef tested for BSE, which is striking because Canada's current legal environment does not permit testing and labelling of such beef by private industry participants. Montana consumers' valuation was found highest for a guarantee that the steaks were produced without GMO. Effective supply‐chain responses to consumers' valuation of credence attributes, for example, in the form of labelling, should therefore take consumers' heterogeneity into account.
Determinants of green electricity adoption among residential customers in Germany
Authors: Gerpott Torsten J. , Mahmudova Ilaha
Published: June 2010

The label ‘green electricity’ is commonly used to refer to power generated from various renewable natural sources (e.g. wind). The present article develops hypotheses on the effects of eight attitudinal and perceptual characteristics of residential electricity consumers on their propensity to adopt a green electricity supplier. The hypotheses are tested empirically with data generated by means of a standardized telephone survey of 267 household electricity customers of a German regional power supplier. Questionnaire answers are augmented with information derived from the supplier's billing system on a participant's actual annual electricity consumption. Measurement and structural relationship models are obtained via Partial Least Squares analysis. Regardless of a person's level of actual power consumption in the recent past, propensity to adopt green electricity is most strongly influenced by general consumer attitudes towards environmental protection issues and social endorsement of green power use by close social contacts. In the subsample of participants with low actual electricity consumption, the propensity to purchase green energy is significantly positively affected by the weight an individual attaches to electricity prices in supplier selection decisions and the person's belief that his current electricity supplier takes over social responsibility. In contrast, in the subsample of respondents with high actual electricity consumption consumer's willingness to adopt green electricity is significantly enhanced by the degree of perceived dissimilarity among power company offerings. The identification of factors influencing the adoption of green electricity offers both practical implications for marketers of utilities and contributes to the academic knowledge base of a service domain characterized by increasing societal importance.
Altered signalling from germline to intestine pushes daf‐2;pept‐1 Caenorhabditis elegans into extreme longevity
Authors: Spanier Britta , Rubio‐Aliaga Isabel , Hu Hao , Daniel Hannelore
Published: June 2010

The insulin‐like signalling pathway is a central regulator of development, metabolism, stress resistance and lifespan in eukaryotes. Caenorhabditis elegans daf‐2(e1370) animals with a loss‐of‐function mutation in the insulin‐like receptor live twice as long as wild‐type animals, and the additional knockout of the intestinal di‐ and tripeptide transporter pept‐1 further increases lifespan by 60%. In assessing the underlying molecular mechanisms for this phenomenon, microarray‐based transcriptome data sets of daf‐2(e1370) and daf‐2(e1370);pept‐1(lg601) animals were compared with a focus on genes that showed significantly higher changes in expression levels in daf‐2;pept‐1 than in daf‐2. We identified 187 genes with at least fourfold decreased transcript levels and 170 with more than a fourfold increase. A large fraction of the down‐regulated genes encode proteins involved in germline proliferation and reproduction. The DAF‐9/DAF‐12 signalling cascade was identified as a prime pathway that mediates the longevity of daf‐2;pept‐1 with a strict dependance on DAF‐16. Loss of DAF‐9/DAF‐12 or KRI‐1 reduces the lifespan of daf‐2;pept‐1 to that of the daf‐2 mutant. Amongst the DAF‐16 target genes, numerous enzymes involved in the defence of reactive oxygen species were with increased expression level in daf‐2;pept‐1. On a functional level, it was demonstrated that amongst those, a high de novo synthesis rate of glutathione is most important for the longevity phenotype of this strain. Taken together, a close interdependence of endocrine hormone signalling from germline to intestine was identified as an essential element in the control of the extreme longevity of C. elegans lacking a proper function of the insulin receptor and lacking the intestinal peptide transporter.
The calmodulin inhibitorN‐(6‐aminohexyl)‐5‐chloro‐1‐naphthalene sulphonamide directly blocks human etherà‐go‐go‐related gene potassium channels stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Jin Man‐Wen , Sun Hai‐Ying , Zhang Shetuan , Li Gui‐Rong
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEN‐(6‐aminohexyl)‐5‐chloro‐1‐naphthalene sulphonamide (W‐7) is a well‐known calmodulin inhibitor used to study calmodulin regulation of intracellular Ca2+signalling‐related process. Here, we have determined whether W‐7 would inhibit human ethergene (hERG or Kv11.1) potassium channels, hKv1.5 channels or hKIR2.1 channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe hERG channel current, hKv1.5 channel current or hKIR2.1 channel current was recorded with a whole‐cell patch clamp technique.

KEY RESULTSIt was found that the calmodulin inhibitor W‐7 blocked hERG, hKv1.5 and hKIR2.1 channels. W‐7 decreased the hERG current (IhERG) in a concentration‐dependent manner (IC50: 3.5 µM), and the inhibition was more significant at depolarization potentials between +10 and +60 mV. The hERG mutations in the S6 regionY652AandF656V, and in the pore helixS631A, had the IC50s of 5.5, 9.8 and 25.4 µM respectively. In addition, the compound inhibited hKv1.5 and hKIR2.1 channels with IC50s of 6.5 and 13.4 µM respectively.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSThese results indicate that the calmodulin inhibitor W‐7 exerts a direct channel‐blocking effect on hERG, hKv1.5 and hKIR2.1 channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. Caution should be taken in the interpretation of calmodulin regulation of ion channels with W‐7.
Onychomadesis Outbreak in Valencia, Spain Associated with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Caused by Enteroviruses
Authors: Davia Javier López , Bel Pablo Hernández , Ninet Violeta Zaragoza , Bracho María Alma , González‐Candelas Fernando , Salazar Antonio , Gobernado Miguel , Bosch Isabel Febrer
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  This report evaluates the June 2008 onychomadesis outbreak in Valencia, Spain. The study sample consisted of 221 onychomadesis cases and 77 nonaffected individuals who lived close to those affected. We collected data on dietary variables, hygiene products, and individual pathological histories. Feces and blood specimens were collected from 44 cases and 24 controls to evaluate exposure to infectious agents. Pathological background data revealed a high frequency (61%) of hand, foot, and mouth disease among the onychomadesis cases. Coxsackievirus A10 was the most commonly detected enterovirus in both case and control groups (49%). Other enteroviruses such as coxsackieviruses A5, A6, A16, B1, and B3; echoviruses 3, 4, and 9; and enterovirus 71 were present in low frequencies in the case and control groups (3–9%). The 2008 onychomadesis outbreak in the metropolitan area of Valencia was associated with an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease primarily caused by coxsackievirus A10.
In Vivo Biocompatibility Evaluation of a New Resilient, Hard‐Carbon, Thin‐Film Coating for Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Takaseya Tohru , Fumoto Hideyuki , Shiose Akira , Arakawa Yoko , Rao Santosh , Horvath David J. , Massiello Alex L. , Mielke Nicole , Chen Ji‐Feng , Zhou Qun , Dessoffy Raymond , Kramer Larry , Benefit Stephen , Golding Leonard A.R. , Fukamachi Kiyotaka
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo the biocompatibility of BioMedFlex (BMF), a new resilient, hard‐carbon, thin‐film coating, as a blood journal bearing material in Cleveland Heart's (Charlotte, NC, USA) continuous‐flow right and left ventricular assist devices (RVADs and LVADs). BMF was applied to RVAD rotating assemblies or both rotating and stator assemblies in three chronic bovine studies. In one case, an LVAD with a BMF‐coated stator was also implanted. Cases 1 and 3 were electively terminated at 18 and 29 days, respectively, with average measured pump flows of 4.9 L/min (RVAD) in Case 1 and 5.7 L/min (RVAD) plus 5.7 L/min (LVAD) in Case 3. Case 2 was terminated prematurely after 9 days because of sepsis. The sepsis, combined with running the pump at minimum speed (2000 rpm), presented a worst‐case biocompatibility challenge. Postexplant evaluation of the blood‐contacting journal bearing surfaces showed no biologic deposition in any of the four pumps. Thrombus inside the RVAD inlet cannula in Case 3 is believed to be the origin of a nonadherent thrombus wrapped around one of the primary impeller blades. In conclusion, we demonstrated that BMF coatings can provide good biocompatibility in the journal bearing for ventricular assist devices.
Corruption and Entrepreneurship: How Formal and Informal Institutions Shape Small Firm Behavior in Transition and Mature Market Economies
Authors: Tonoyan Vartuhí , Strohmeyer Robert , Habib Mohsin , Perlitz Manfred
Published: June 2010

This article explores the determinants of corruption in transition economies of the post–Soviet Union, Central–Eastern Europe, and Western industrialized states. We look in–depth at the East–West gap in corruption, and why entrepreneurs and small business owners become engaged in corrupt deals. Part of the answers lie in the country–specific formal and informal institutional make–up. The likelihood of engaging in corruption is influenced by the lower efficiency of financial and legal institutions and the lack of their enforcements. Also, viewing illegal business activities as a widespread business practice provides the rationale for entrepreneurs to justify their own corrupt activities. Moreover, closed social networks with family, friends, and national bureaucrats reduce the opportunism of the contracting party of the corrupt deal, thus providing breeding grounds for corruption.