bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emissions trading in China: lessons from Taiyuan SO2 emissions trading program
Authors: Lu Zhen
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions trading practice in China and discusses what it might reveal about the suitability of using emissions trading to achieve carbon reductions in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the Taiyuan SO2 emissions trading program case through interviews with key participants in the scheme. The interview questions are developed from the literature on emissions trading practice and theory.

Findings

The Taiyuan SO2 emissions trading program does not seem to be functioning anything like a theoretically ideal model and this brings into question proposals to introduce emissions trading in China. Limitations would seem to be the semi‐free market, the weakness of the legal system and the nature of business‐bureaucracy interactions.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is geographically limited, as are most emissions trading schemes in China and the number of interviewees is relatively small. There was also little historical quantitative data because of the limited records kept in the enterprises and so there is a high reliance on interviewees' recollection.

Practical implications

The evidence suggests that a national carbon trading scheme may not be suitable in China in the short run because the implementation of the program and emissions trading market are very important.

Originality/value

This is the first paper investigating the actual performance of SO2 emissions trading practice in China and also the first one discussing the suitability of using emissions trading to achieve carbon reductions in China based on the existing practice.
Reasons for sustainability reporting by New Zealand local governments
Authors: Bellringer Amber , Ball Amanda , Craig Russell
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This study aims to draw on the New Zealand context to provide extensions and comparative insights to prior research that has canvassed the reasons for sustainability reporting by local governments. A base is provided from which more extensive and theoretically grounded research can proceed.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured exploratory interviews were conducted in mid‐2009 in each of five local government councils in New Zealand with the person responsible for preparing the sustainability report.

Findings

Local governments in New Zealand were prompted to engage in sustainability reporting for reasons of leadership, accountability, and financial incentive; and by a need to bolster important internal stakeholders. Sustainability reporting by local governments in New Zealand does not appear to be motivated strongly by an idealistic desire to ensure a sustainable world, but more by pragmatism and economic rationalism.

Originality/value

New Zealand provides a unique setting in which to explore why local governments prepare sustainability reports. New Zealand has a statutory requirement for local governments to adopt a principles‐based approach to sustainable development. Additionally, public relations crisis management theory is drawn upon to provide some fresh perspective on reasons for sustainability reporting.
Co‐operative performance
Authors: Mayo Ed
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the historical basis of development of corporate social responsibility and the impact of this on co‐operative enterprises and member‐owned businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint identified by years of experience dealing with co‐operative organisations.

Findings

The paper finds that the basis of development of corporate social responsibility from the perspective of commercial corporations does not promote an adequate accounting framework for co‐operative enterprises and member‐owned businesses.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioners in different areas of business are trying to make sense of sustainability accounting and reporting in a commercial setting. This piece by one of these, draws on a topical initiative around co‐operative enterprises to raise questions around what is meant by performance in the context of member‐owned enterprises and whether the field of corporate social responsibility has overlooked the relevance of ownership in terms of organisational incentives for action.

Practical implications

The author proposes a series of definitions for co‐operative performance, which are designed to underpin metrics that relate to “member value”. This is offered in contrast to “shareholder value” for companies that, unlike co‐operatives, are owned by external shareholders.

Social implications

The field of corporate social responsibility is a major user and innovator of the tools and techniques for sustainability accounting and reporting. But it tends to be silent on ownership. However, if different models of ownership create different incentives for action on sustainable development, then rather than just accounting for “how” an enterprise operates, however it is owned and led, there may be value in tools to test “whether” an institution is fit for purpose in its fundamental design.

Originality/value

The paper develops a new perspective and future research opportunities in identifying performance measures for co‐operative enterprises.
The development of leaders able to respond to climate change and sustainability challenges
Authors: Adams Carol A. , Heijltjes Marielle G. , Jack Gavin , Marjoribanks Tim , Powell Michael
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the role of business academics and business schools in the development of leaders able to respond to climate change and sustainability challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper captures contributions made during a panel discussion at the First Academic Symposium on Leadership for Climate Change and Sustainability held at La Trobe University, Melbourne in February 2011. The Symposium preceded the 10th General Assembly of the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI) held in Melbourne and the authors are from GRLI partner organisations.

Findings

There is a pressing need for business schools to focus on the development of personal and leadership skills, to draw staff from outside the traditional business disciplines and to reflect the gender and race diversity of the population in which they are located. The change required in business education to develop leaders who can respond to climate change and sustainability challenges is as significant as the changes needed to the way businesses operate.

Practical implications

The paper identifies changes required in business leadership and outlines key elements of change needed in business education. It assists business school leaders in articulating the business case for business schools to address these issues and navigate potential barriers.

Originality/value

The paper brings together the views of five professors from a different disciplinary background (accounting, critical management, organisational behaviour, organisational design and sociology) with leadership positions in business schools and universities.
Serine/threonine kinase, Melk, regulates proliferation and glial differentiation of retinal progenitor cells
Authors: Saito Rika , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Watanabe Sumiko
Published: September 2011

Serine/threonine kinase, Melk, was initially cloned in oocytes, but it is expressed in normal tissues and especially in cancer cells. We had previously identified Melk as a gene that is highly expressed in immature mouse retinal progenitors. To analyze the function of Melk in embryogenesis, we cloned zebrafish Melk and reported that morpholino‐based downregulation of Melk in zebrafish resulted in severe anemia. Melk‐morpholino‐treated zebrafish also showed microphthalmia, suggesting the participation of Melk in retinal development. In Melk‐depleted retinas, differentiation of retinal neurons took place but was delayed, and the proliferative period of retinal progenitor cells was prolonged, suggesting that Melk might regulate the timing of the transition from proliferation to differentiation. For more detailed examination, we performed gain‐ and loss‐of‐function analyses of Melk in mouse retinas. Knockdown of Melk by shRNA in mouse embryonic retinal explant culture resulted in decreased proliferative activity of retinal progenitors, and accordingly, overexpression of Melk slightly enhanced proliferation. Differentiation of retinal progenitor into subtypes of retinal neurons was not significantly affected, but Müller glia differentiation was perturbed by the level of Melk. Furthermore, process extension of glial cells was enhanced in the absence of Melk, suggesting that Melk is involved in the morphological differentiation of retinal cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Melk is primarily required for proper proliferation, and might play multiple roles in retinal development in vertebrates. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 42–49)
Interleukin‐13 Induces T Helper Type 2 Immune Responses in OVA‐Immunized BALB/c Mice Bearing a T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Deepak P. , Acharya A.
Published: September 2011

T lymphocytes play a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses against the tumour cells. Tumour progression results in dysfunction and inhibition of T cells, which ultimately leads to impairment in the antitumour immune response. The impaired antitumour immune response in the host is represented by the decreased number of T cells and their incomplete and improper function. The immunosuppressive network in tumour‐bearing host mediated by tumour cells also leads to the inequities of T cell subsets and imbalance of Th1/Th2 dichotomy. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to investigate the role of tumour progression in the development of T cell phenotype and the involvement of interleukin‐13 thereof selecting Dalton’s lymphoma (DL) as a tumour model. It was observed that a significant increase in the number of CD4+ T cell population, whereas a significant decline in the CD8+ T cells among lymphoid cell population of OVA‐immunized DL‐bearing BALB/c mice occurs. Similar observation was found following the administration of IL‐13 to the normal healthy mice. It was further confirmed that expansion in Th2 type cells among CD4+ T cell population occurs following the progression of tumour and administration of IL‐13 to normal healthy mice by an yet to define mechanism. Therefore, it can be concluded that IL‐13 has immense role in polarizing the immune responses by inducing the differentiation of Th2 type of cells.
Human Leucocytes Response to Viable, Extended Freeze‐Drying or Heat‐Killed Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin
Authors: Moreira J. , Aragão‐Filho W. C. , Barillas S. G. , Barbosa S. M. , Pedroza L. A. , Condino‐Neto A.
Published: September 2011

We investigated the effects of viable, extended freeze‐drying (EFD) or heat‐killed (HK) Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) in respiratory burst activity, gene expression of CYBB and NCF1 encoding components of the human phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADPH) oxidase, TLR2 expression, and in IL‐10 and TNF‐α cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Viable BCG significantly inhibited TLR2 and CYBB gene expression, as well as superoxide release by human PBMC. All BCG stimuli augmented IL‐10 release, but only HK BCG or viable BCG increased TNF‐α release by PBMCs. Our studies show that viable BCG can impair the NADPH oxidase system activation and the TLR2 route in human PBMCs. As well, different BCG preparations can distinctly influence cytokine production by human PBMCs.
Expression of G protein αq Subunit is Decreased in Lymphocytes from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and is Correlated with Disease Activity
Authors: Wang Y. , Li Y. , He Y. , Sun Y. , Sun W. , Xie Q. , Yin G. , Du Y. , Wang L. , Shi G.
Published: September 2011

Gαq, the alpha subunit of Gq, a member of the Gq/11 sub‐family, was reported to inhibit phosphatidylinositol‐3‐Kinase (PI3K) activation and prevent the activation of Akt. Previous studies demonstrated that mice losing Gαq in their immune system could spontaneously develop inflammatory arthritis. In this study, we showed that the Gαq expressions at mRNA and protein levels in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were significantly decreased in comparison of which in healthy individuals. The expression levels of Gαq mRNA in PBLs from patients with RA were correlated with RA disease activity (DAS28), anti‐cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies, C‐reactive protein and rheumatoid factor. We also demonstrated that Gαq controlled the apoptosis of RA PBLs through regulating the activity of Mcl‐1 and caspase‐3. These data suggested that Gαq might be involved in the pathogenesis of RA by regulating PBLs apoptosis.
Antibodies Against Sporothrix schenckii Enhance TNF‐α Production and Killing by Macrophages
Authors: de Lima Franco D. , Nascimento R. C. , Ferreira K. S. , Almeida S. R.
Published: September 2011

Sporotrichosis is a chronic granulomatous mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The immunological mechanisms involved in the prevention and control of sporotrichosis suggest that cell‐mediated immunity plays an important role in protecting the host against S. schenckii. Nonetheless, recent data strongly support the existence of protective Abs against this pathogenic fungus. In a previous study, we showed that passive Ab therapy led to a significant reduction in the number of colony forming unit in the organs of mice when the MAb was injected before and during S. schenckii infection. The ability of opsonization to enhance macrophage damage to S. schenckii and subsequent cytokine production was investigated in this work. Here we show that the fungicidal characteristics of macrophages are increased when the fungus is phagocytosed in the presence of inactivated serum from mice infected with S. schenckii or mAb anti‐gp70. Additionally, we show an increase in the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α and IL‐1β. This study provides additional support for the importance of antibodies in protecting against S. schenckii and concludes that opsonization is an important process to increase TNF‐α production and fungus killing by macrophages in experimental sporotrichosis.
Isolation of the floral morph‐related genes in heterostylous flax (Linum grandiflorum): the genetic polymorphism and the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulations of the S locus
Authors: Ushijima Koichiro , Nakano Ryohei , Bando Mayu , Shigezane Yukari , Ikeda Kazuo , Namba Yuko , Kume Saori , Kitabata Toshiyuki , Mori Hitoshi , Kubo Yasutaka
Published: September 2011

Heterostylous species have two types of flowers, thrum and pin morphs, and these are controlled by a single diallelic locus designated the ‘S locus’; fertilization between these two types of flowers is successful. The S gene and the molecular mechanism by which it operates remain to be uncovered, although heterostyly has been studied since the time of Darwin. We compared transcripts and proteins of the thrum and pin flowers of heterostylous flax (Linum grandiflorum) to characterize the molecular differences between them and to elucidate the molecular machinery of heterostyly. Twelve floral morph‐related genes were eventually isolated by an integrated study of subtraction and 2D‐PAGE analyses, and four genes, TSS1, LgAP1, LgMYB21 and LgSKS1, were predicted to be related to heterostyly. TSS1, a thrum style‐specific gene, showed some features suitable for the S gene. Although its biological function is unclear, TSS1 was expressed only in the thrum style and is probably linked to the S locus. LgMYB21, another thrum style gene, would be involved in floral morphogenesis. LgMYB21 was highly expressed in the thrum style, which is shorter than the pin style, and its overexpression in Arabidopsis reduced pistil length. Furthermore, a comparison of transcript and protein accumulations showed no differences in the mRNA accumulation of some thrum‐specific proteins, including LgSKS1, suggesting that these are regulated by floral morph‐specific post‐transcriptional regulation. The Linum S locus regulates not only S specificity but also many floral phenotypes. Dynamic regulation of transcripts and proteins would be necessary for the pleiotropic function of the Linum S locus.
Association of the time course of pulmonary arterial hypertension with changes in oxidative stress in the left ventricle
Authors: Leichsenring‐Silva Fabiano , Tavares Angela Maria Vicente , Mosele Francisca , Berger Bruno , Llesuy Susana , Belló‐Klein Adriane
Published: September 2011

1. This study investigates the time course of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) due to monocrotaline (MCT) and its association with cardiac function and oxidative stress markers in the left ventricle (LV).

2. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: 7 days, 21 days, and 31 days for both control and MCT groups. Following echocardiographic analysis, the heart was removed. The LV was separated and homogenized to analyze oxidized‐to‐total glutathione ratio and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ascorbic acid levels.

3. There was significant (P < 0.01) cardiac and right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy and pulmonary congestion in the MCT 21 day and 31 day groups. Echocardiography showed a change in the flow wave of the pulmonary artery at 21 days after MCT treatment. There was an increase in the LV ejection time (P < 0.05) at 31 days after MCT. The LV H2O2 concentration was increased (P < 0.05) in the MCT 21 day and MCT 31 day groups compared with controls. There was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the LV ascorbic acid concentration and an increase (P < 0.05) in TrxR activity in the MCT 31 day rats.

4. Our findings showed RV changes due to pulmonary hypertension at 21 days after MCT injection. There was a correlation between the degree of dysfunction and the morphometry of the heart chambers, along with impairment of the antioxidant/pro‐oxidant balance in the LV 31 days after the beginning of the protocol. This study suggests that LV changes follow RV dysfunction subsequent to pulmonary hypertension.
Overexpression of cationic amino acid transporter‐1 increases nitric oxide production in hypoxic human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Cui Hongmei , Chen Bernadette , Chicoine Louis G , Nelin Leif D
Published: September 2011

1. The endogenous production of and/or the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) is decreased in pulmonary hypertensive diseases. l‐arginine (l‐arg) is the substrate for NO synthase (NOS). l‐arg is transported into cells via the cationic amino acid transporters (CAT), of which there are two isoforms in endothelial cells, CAT‐1 and CAT‐2.

2. To test the hypothesis that hypoxia will decrease CAT expression and l‐arg uptake resulting in decreased NO production in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (hPMVEC), cells were incubated in either normoxia (21% O2, 5% CO2, balance N2) or hypoxia (1% O2, 5% CO2, balance N2).

3. The hPMVEC incubated in hypoxia had 80% less NO production than cells incubated in normoxia (P < 0.01). The hPMVEC incubated in hypoxia had significantly lower CAT‐2 mRNA levels than normoxic hPMVEC (P < 0.005), and the transport of l‐arg was 40% lower in hypoxic than in normoxic hPMVEC (P < 0.01). In hypoxic cells, overexpression of CAT‐1 resulted in significantly greater l‐arg transport and NO production (P < 0.05).

4. These results demonstrate that in hPMVEC, hypoxia decreased CAT‐2 expression, l‐arg uptake and NO production. Furthermore, the hypoxia‐induced decrease in NO production in hPMVEC can be attenuated by overexpressing CAT in these cells. We speculate that the CAT may represent a novel therapeutic target for treating pulmonary hypertensive disorders.
Variations in tissue selectivity amongst insulin secretagogues: a systematic review
Authors: Abdelmoneim A. S. , Hasenbank S. E. , Seubert J. M. , Brocks D. R. , Light P. E. , Simpson S. H.
Published: September 2011

Aim: Insulin secretagogues promote insulin release by binding to sulfonylurea receptors on pancreatic β‐cells (SUR1). However, these drugs also bind to receptor isoforms on cardiac myocytes (SUR2A) and vascular smooth muscle (SUR2B). Binding to SUR2A/SUR2B may inhibit ischaemic preconditioning, an endogenous protective mechanism enabling cardiac tissue to survive periods of ischaemia. This study was designed to identify insulin secretagogues that selectively bind to SUR1 when given at therapeutic doses.

Methods: Using accepted systematic review methods, three electronic databases were searched from inception to 13 June 2011. Original studies measuring the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for an insulin secretagogue on KATP channels using standard electrophysiological techniques were included. Steady‐state concentrations (CSS) were estimated from the usual oral dose and clearance values for each drug.

Results: Data were extracted from 27 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. IC50 values for SUR1 were below those for SUR2A/SUR2B for all insulin secretagogues and addition of CSS values identified three distinct patterns. The CSS for gliclazide, glipizide, mitiglinide and nateglinide lie between IC50 values for SUR1 and SUR2A/SUR2B, suggesting that these drugs bind selectively to pancreatic receptors. The CSS for glimepiride and glyburide (glibenclamide) was above IC50 values for all three isoforms, suggesting these drugs are non‐selective. Tolbutamide and repaglinide may have partial pancreatic receptor selectivity because IC50 values for SUR1 and SUR2A/SUR2B overlapped somewhat, with the CSS in the midst of these values.

Conclusions: Insulin secretagogues display different tissue selectivity characteristics at therapeutic doses. This may translate into different levels of cardiovascular risk.
Study of surfactant–skin interactions by skin impedance measurements
Authors: Lu Guojin , Moore David J.
Published: September 2011

Synopsis

The stratum corneum (SC) plays a very critical physiological role as skin barrier in regulating water loss through the skin and protects the body from a wide range of physical and chemical exogenous insults. Surfactant‐containing formulations can induce skin damage and irritation owing to surfactant absorption and penetration. It is generally accepted that reduction in skin barrier properties occurs only after surfactants have penetrated/permeated into the skin barrier. To mitigate the harshness of surfactant‐based cleansing products, penetration/permeation of surfactants should be reduced. Skin impedance measurements have been taken in vitro on porcine skin using vertical Franz diffusion cells to investigate the impact of surfactants, temperature and pH on skin barrier integrity. These skin impedance results demonstrate excellent correlation with other published methods for assessing skin damage and irritation from different surfactant chemistry, concentration, pH, time of exposure and temperature. This study demonstrates that skin impedance can be utilized as a routine approach to screen surfactant‐containing formulations for their propensity to compromise the skin barrier and hence likely lead to skin irritation.
Identification of drugs and drug metabolites as substrates of multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) using triple‐transfected MDCK‐OATP1B1‐UGT1A1‐MRP2 cells
Authors: Fahrmayr C , König J , Auge D , Mieth M , Fromm MF
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The coordinate activity of hepatic uptake transporters [e.g. organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1)], drug‐metabolizing enzymes [e.g. UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)] and efflux pumps (e.g. MRP2) is a crucial determinant of drug disposition. However, limited data are available on transport of drugs (e.g. ezetimibe, etoposide) and their glucuronidated metabolites by human MRP2 in intact cell systems.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using monolayers of newly established triple‐transfected MDCK‐OATP1B1‐UGT1A1‐MRP2 cells as well as MDCK control cells, single‐ (OATP1B1) and double‐transfected (OATP1B1‐UGT1A1, OATP1B1‐MRP2) MDCK cells, we therefore studied intracellular concentrations and transcellular transport after administration of ezetimibe or etoposide to the basal compartment.

KEY RESULTS Intracellular accumulation of ezetimibe was significantly lower in MDCK‐OATP1B1‐UGT1A1‐MRP2 triple‐transfected cells compared with all other cell lines. Considerably higher amounts of ezetimibe glucuronide were found in the apical compartment of MDCK‐OATP1B1‐UGT1A1‐MRP2 monolayers compared with all other cell lines. Using HEK cells, etoposide was identified as a substrate of OATP1B1. Intracellular concentrations of etoposide equivalents (i.e. parent compound plus metabolites) were affected only to a minor extent by the absence or presence of OATP1B1/UGT1A1/MRP2. In contrast, apical accumulation of etoposide equivalents was significantly higher in monolayers of both cell lines expressing MRP2 (MDCK‐OATP1B1‐MRP2, MDCK‐OATP1B1‐UGT1A1‐MRP2) compared with the single‐transfected (OATP1B1) and the control cell line.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Ezetimibe glucuronide is a substrate of human MRP2. Moreover, etoposide and possibly also its glucuronide are substrates of MRP2. These data demonstrate the functional interplay between transporter‐mediated uptake, phase II metabolism and export by hepatic proteins involved in drug disposition.
Drosophila GGA Model: An Ultimate Gateway to GGA Analysis
Authors: Eissenberg Joel C. , Ilvarsonn Anne M. , Sly William S. , Waheed Abdul , Krzyzanek Vladislav , Pohlmann Regina , Waschkau Daniela , Kretzschmar Doris , Dennes André C.
Published: September 2011

Golgi‐localized, γ‐ear‐containing, ADP ribosylation factor‐binding (GGA) proteins are monomeric adaptors implicated in clathrin‐mediated vesicular transport between the trans Golgi network and endosomes, characterized mainly from cell culture analysis of lysosomal sorting. To provide the first demonstration of GGA's role in vivo, we used Drosophila which has a single GGA and a single lysosomal sorting receptor, lysosomal enzyme receptor protein (LERP). Using RNAi knockdowns, we show that the Drosophila GGA is required for lysosomal sorting. We further identified authentic components of the Drosophila lysosomal sorting system—the sorting receptor LERP, the sorting adaptor GGA and the lysosomal cargo cathepsins B1, D and L—to show that GGA depletion results in lysosomal dysfunction. Abnormal lysosomal morphology, missorting of lysosomal cathepsins and impaired lysosomal proteolysis show disturbed LERP trafficking after GGA depletion. GGA is highly expressed in the mushroom bodies and the pigment cells of the retina, and increasing or decreasing the levels of GGA in the eyes leads to retinal defects. Reduced GGA levels also enhance an eye defect caused by overexpression of the autophagy‐associated protein Blue cheese (Bchs), implicating GGA in autophagic processes. This shows that Drosophila provides an excellent whole‐animal model to gain new insights into the function of GGA in the physiological environment of a multicellular organism.
Using interviews to construct and disseminate knowledge of oral health policy
Authors: Clovis JB , Brillant MGS , Matthews DC , Cobban SJ , Romanow PR , Filiaggi MJ , McNally ME
Published: September 2011

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 91–97  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00520.x

Clovis JB, Brillant MGS, Matthews DC, Cobban SJ, Romanow PR, Filiaggi MJ, McNally ME. Using interviews to construct and disseminate knowledge of oral health policy.

Objectives: Policymakers worldwide are challenged by the problem of oral health inequities. The goal of an interprovincial partnership in Canada was to guide policy aimed at improving the oral health of vulnerable populations. Insights regarding barriers and enablers to developing such policy in one province (Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada) were required to enhance collaboration between decision makers and researchers and to contribute to the evidence informing policy development. Methods: Snowball technique identified fourteen key informants. Semistructured audio‐recorded interviews were conducted in person or by telephone. Two researchers independently conducted the analyses of the transcribed interviews, one using NVivo software and the second, manual coding. Triangulation of the analyses confirmed the findings. Results: Agreement between the two approaches showed that most key informants believed that oral health is an important policy issue; however, most felt it was not a high priority among the general public and most were unable to articulate the policy process. Barriers to oral health becoming a governmental priority were related to resource allocation and to poor communication among some groups including dentists and dental hygienists. Current government programmes and initiatives were praised but considered weak in health promotion strategies. Recommendations for enhancing oral health priority varied. Conclusions: Attention to the methodological considerations of qualitative research enhanced the credibility of the method and confidence in the findings. Leveraging of existing programmes and improving communication were recommended to contribute to raising the priority of oral health within the government, thereby increasing their commitment to address oral health care, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Skin cancer screening in Germany – perception by the public
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Stadler Rudolf , Reusch Michael , Schäfer Ines , Kornek Thomas , Luger Thomas
Published: September 2011

Background: In 2008, community skin cancer screening (cSCS) was introduced into routine care of the German statutory health insurances (SHI). In the meantime, more than 13 million individuals have been screened. To date, no data are available on the perception of cSCS by the general public.

Aim: Evaluation of public perception of cSCS in Germany.

Patients and methods: From 10 to 17th March 2011, a phone survey on a population‐based sample of n = 1 014 German adults with SHI status was conducted by the Forsa Institute, including 12 questions on the use, knowledge and attitude regarding cSCS.

Results: Of the interviewees 48 % were concerned about skin cancer, 29 % of all persons and 31 % of those eligible had already undergone cSCS. Of these, a major proportion (80 %) had been screened by dermatologists. Of the interviewees 75 % would (again) consult a dermatologist for the next cSCS, and less than 10 % would consult the general practitioner. Although about 93 % considered health screenings useful, only 44 % were informed about the legal right to undergo free cSCS after the age of 35.

Conclusions: In Germany cSCS is highly accepted in the community. Leading care providers are the dermatologists. Knowledge about the right to free cSCS needs better public propagation.
Topical therapy of hand eczema – analysis of the prescription profile from dermatologists in private practice
Authors: Soost Stephanie , Abdollahnia Mandana , Kostev Karel , Worm Margitta
Published: September 2011

Background: Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a common dermatological disease. Due to different etiologies, severity levels, and high therapy costs, it presents a challenge for dermatologists. Nowadays, it is recommended that treatment be adapted to the severity of the disease. According to the guidelines on the management of hand eczema, topical corticosteroids are the first‐line therapy for hand eczema.

Patients and methods: The present study investigated the prescription profile of topical treatments. Data sets from 13 191 patients with hand eczema were analyzed.

Results: The results indicate that topical corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for the treatment of hand eczema. Corticosteroid treatment (72.6 %) was most commonly prescribed by private practice physicians. Betamethasone was the most frequently prescribed, but other substances such as mometasone furoate, prednicarbate, clobetasol, and methylprednisolone aceponate were often prescribed as well.

Conclusions: The results show that the concept of the risk‐to‐benefit ratio is reflected by the prescription profile of topical corticosteroids (therapeutic index). However, even corticosteroids with a less favorable therapeutic index are sometimes prescribed, perhaps due to economic reasons.
Study of the relationship between the content of the rare earth element Eu in rice plants and in Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Yang Min , Wu Jin‐Cai , Gu Hai‐Nan
Published: September 2011

Abstract  The current study investigated changes in the content of the rare earth element Europium (Eu) in roots, shoots and leaves of rice plants and in Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) using an Eu marker and hydroponic culture. The results showed that N. lugens infestation significantly reduced Eu content in roots, shoots and leaves of two rice varieties, Shenyou 1 and Xieyou 963. The Eu content in roots, shoots and leaves of the susceptible variety, Shenyou 1, was significantly higher than that in the resistant variety, Xieyou 963. The Eu content of N. lugens fed on Shenyou 1 was significantly higher than of those fed on Xieyou 963. In addition, the Eu level was elevated at a higher density of N. lugens infestation. Eu content in the bodies of N. lugens was related to their weight and honeydew excretion, with a significant positive correlation. Thus, Eu content in the bodies of N. lugens can be considered an index of the amount of phloem sap taken in by N. lugens because the amount of honeydew excretion is proportional to the amount of phloem sap consumed. The ratios of Eu content in N. lugens to that in roots, shoots and leaves of rice plants were elevated at a higher N. lugens infestation density. That ratio was maximal in leaves, was intermediate in shoots and was minimal in roots. There was no significant difference in ratios between the two plant varieties. An Eu marker may be useful in the screening of resistant varieties and in the study of the mechanisms of resistance.
Amplification Methods Bias Metagenomic Libraries of Uncultured Single-Stranded and Double-Stranded DNA Viruses
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Ho , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: September 2011

Investigation of viruses in the environment often requires the amplification of viral DNA before sequencing of viral metagenomes. In this study, two of the most widely used amplification methods, the linker amplified shotgun library (LASL) and multiple displacement amplification (MDA) methods, were applied to a sample from the seawater surface. Viral DNA was extracted from viruses concentrated by tangential flow filtration and amplified by these two methods. 454 pyrosequencing was used to read the metagenomic sequences from different libraries. The resulting taxonomic classifications of the viruses, their functional assignments, and assembly patterns differed substantially depending on the amplification method. Only double-stranded DNA viruses were retrieved from the LASL, whereas most sequences in the MDA library were from single-stranded DNA viruses, and double-stranded DNA viral sequences were minorities. Thus, the two amplification methods reveal different aspects of viral diversity.
Low-Dissolved-Oxygen Nitrifying Systems Exploit Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria with Unusually High Yields
Authors: Bellucci Micol , Ofiţeru Irina D. , Graham David W. , Head Ian M. , Curtis Thomas P.
Published: September 2011

In wastewater treatment plants, nitrifying systems are usually operated with elevated levels of aeration to avoid nitrification failures. This approach contributes significantly to operational costs and the carbon footprint of nitrifying wastewater treatment processes. In this study, we tested the effect of aeration rate on nitrification by correlating ammonia oxidation rates with the structure of the ammonia-oxidizing bacterial (AOB) community and AOB abundance in four parallel continuous-flow reactors operated for 43 days. Two of the reactors were supplied with a constant airflow rate of 0.1 liter/min, while in the other two units the airflow rate was fixed at 4 liters/min. Complete nitrification was achieved in all configurations, though the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration was only 0.5 ± 0.3 mg/liter in the low-aeration units. The data suggest that efficient performance in the low-DO units resulted from elevated AOB levels in the reactors and/or putative development of a mixotrophic AOB community. Denaturing gel electrophoresis and cloning of AOB 16S rRNA gene fragments followed by sequencing revealed that the AOB community in the low-DO systems was a subset of the community in the high-DO systems. However, in both configurations the dominant species belonged to theNitrosomonas oligotrophalineage. Overall, the results demonstrated that complete nitrification can be achieved at low aeration in lab-scale reactors. If these findings could be extended to full-scale plants, it would be possible to minimize the operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions without risk of nitrification failure.
Ecology and Genetic Structure of a Northern Temperate Vibrio cholerae Population Related to Toxigenic Isolates
Authors: Schuster Brian M. , Tyzik Anna L. , Donner Rachel A. , Striplin Megan J. , Almagro-Moreno Salvador , Jones Stephen H. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Whistler Cheryl A.
Published: September 2011

Although
Vibrio cholerae
is an important human pathogen, little is known about its populations in regions where the organism is endemic but where cholera disease is rare. A total of 31 independent isolates confirmed as
V. cholerae
were collected from water, sediment, and oysters in 2008 and 2009 from the Great Bay Estuary (GBE) in New Hampshire, a location where the organism has never been detected. Environmental analyses suggested that abundance correlates most strongly with rainfall events, as determined from data averaged over several days prior to collection. Phenotyping, genotyping, and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) revealed a highly diverse endemic population, with clones recurring in both years. Certain isolates were closely related to toxigenic O1 strains, yet no virulence genes were detected. Multiple statistical tests revealed evidence of recombination among strains that contributed to allelic diversity equally as mutation. This relatively isolated population discovered on the northern limit of detection for
V. cholerae
can serve as a model of natural population dynamics that augments predictive models for disease emergence.
Confirmation and Elimination of Xylose Metabolism Bottlenecks in Glucose Phosphoenolpyruvate-Dependent Phosphotransferase System-Deficient Clostridium acetobutylicum for Simultaneous Utilization of Glucose, Xylose, and Arabinose
Authors: Xiao Han , Gu Yang , Ning Yuanyuan , Yang Yunliu , Mitchell Wilfrid J. , Jiang Weihong , Yang Sheng
Published: September 2011

Efficient cofermentation of
d
-glucose,
d
-xylose, and
l
-arabinose, three major sugars present in lignocellulose, is a fundamental requirement for cost-effective utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. The Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium
Clostridium acetobutylicum
, known for its excellent capability of producing ABE (acetone, butanol, and ethanol) solvent, is limited in using lignocellulose because of inefficient pentose consumption when fermenting sugar mixtures. To overcome this substrate utilization defect, a predicted
glcG
gene, encoding enzyme II of the
d
-glucose phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS), was first disrupted in the ABE-producing model strain
Clostridium acetobutylicum
ATCC 824, resulting in greatly improved
d
-xylose and
l
-arabinose consumption in the presence of
d
-glucose. Interestingly, despite the loss of GlcG, the resulting mutant strain 824glcG fermented
d
-glucose as efficiently as did the parent strain. This could be attributed to residual glucose PTS activity, although an increased activity of glucose kinase suggested that non-PTS glucose uptake might also be elevated as a result of
glcG
disruption. Furthermore, the inherent rate-limiting steps of the
d
-xylose metabolic pathway were observed prior to the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in strain ATCC 824 and then overcome by co-overexpression of the
d
-xylose proton-symporter (cac1345),
d
-xylose isomerase (cac2610), and xylulokinase (cac2612). As a result, an engineered strain (824glcG-TBA), obtained by integrating
glcG
disruption and genetic overexpression of the xylose pathway, was able to efficiently coferment mixtures of
d
-glucose,
d
-xylose, and
l
-arabinose, reaching a 24% higher ABE solvent titer (16.06 g/liter) and a 5% higher yield (0.28 g/g) compared to those of the wild-type strain. This strain will be a promising platform host toward commercial exploitation of lignocellulose to produce solvents and biofuels.
Effect of Elevated Salt Concentrations on the Aerobic Granular Sludge Process: Linking Microbial Activity with Microbial Community Structure
Authors: Bassin J. P. , Pronk M. , Muyzer G. , Kleerebezem R. , Dezotti M. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M.
Published: September 2011

The long- and short-term effects of salt on biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal processes were studied in an aerobic granular sludge reactor. The microbial community structure was investigated by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) on 16S rRNA andamoAgenes. PCR products obtained from genomic DNA and from rRNA after reverse transcription were compared to determine the presence of bacteria as well as the metabolically active fraction of bacteria. Fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) was used to validate the PCR-based results and to quantify the dominant bacterial populations. The results demonstrated that ammonium removal efficiency was not affected by salt concentrations up to 33 g/liter NaCl. Conversely, a high accumulation of nitrite was observed above 22 g/liter NaCl, which coincided with the disappearance ofNitrospirasp. Phosphorus removal was severely affected by gradual salt increase. No P release or uptake was observed at steady-state operation at 33 g/liter NaCl, exactly when the polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), “CandidatusAccumulibacter phosphatis” bacteria, were no longer detected by PCR-DGGE or FISH. Batch experiments confirmed that P removal still could occur at 30 g/liter NaCl, but the long exposure of the biomass to this salinity level was detrimental for PAOs, which were outcompeted by glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs) in the bioreactor. GAOs became the dominant microorganisms at increasing salt concentrations, especially at 33 g/liter NaCl. In the comparative analysis of the diversity (DNA-derived pattern) and the activity (cDNA-derived pattern) of the microbial population, the highly metabolically active microorganisms were observed to be those related to ammonia (Nitrosomonassp.) and phosphate removal (“CandidatusAccumulibacter”).
Engineering Escherichia coli for Biodiesel Production Utilizing a Bacterial Fatty Acid Methyltransferase
Authors: Nawabi Parwez , Bauer Stefan , Kyrpides Nikos , Lykidis Athanasios
Published: September 2011

The production of low-cost biofuels in engineered microorganisms is of great interest due to the continual increase in the world's energy demands. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can potentially be produced in microbes cost-effectively. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are a common component of biodiesel and can be synthesized from either triacylglycerol or free fatty acids (FFAs). Here we report the identification of a novel bacterial fatty acid methyltransferase (FAMT) that catalyzes the formation of FAMEs and 3-hydroxyl fatty acid methyl esters (3-OH-FAMEs) from the respective free acids and
S
-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet). FAMT exhibits a higher specificity toward 3-hydroxy free fatty acids (3-OH-FFAs) than FFAs, synthesizing 3-hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters (3-OH-FAMEs)
in vivo
. We have also identified bacterial members of the fatty acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (FAT) enzyme family with distinct acyl chain specificities. These bacterial FATs exhibit increased specificity toward 3-hydroxyacyl-ACP, generating 3-OH-FFAs, which can subsequently be utilized by FAMTs to produce 3-OH-FAMEs. PhaG (3-hydroxyacyl ACP:coenzyme A [CoA] transacylase) constitutes an alternative route to 3-OH-FFA synthesis; the coexpression of PhaG with FAMT led to the highest level of accumulation of 3-OH-FAMEs and FAMEs. The availability of AdoMet, the second substrate for FAMT, is an important factor regulating the amount of methyl esters produced by bacterial cells. Our results indicate that the deletion of the global methionine regulator
metJ
and the overexpression of methionine adenosyltransferase result in increased methyl ester synthesis.
Persistence of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki in Urban Environments following Spraying
Authors: Van Cuyk Sheila , Deshpande Alina , Hollander Attelia , Duval Nathan , Ticknor Lawrence , Layshock Julie , Gallegos-Graves LaVerne , Omberg Kristin M.
Published: September 2011

Bacillus thuringiensis
subsp.
kurstaki
is applied extensively in North America to control the gypsy moth,
Lymantria dispar
. Since
B. thuringiensis
subsp.
kurstaki
shares many physical and biological properties with
Bacillus anthracis
, it is a reasonable surrogate for biodefense studies. A key question in biodefense is how long a biothreat agent will persist in the environment. There is some information in the literature on the persistence of
Bacillus anthracis
in laboratories and historical testing areas and for
Bacillus thuringiensis
in agricultural settings, but there is no information on the persistence of
Bacillus
spp. in the type of environment that would be encountered in a city or on a military installation. Since it is not feasible to release
B. anthracis
in a developed area, the controlled release of
B. thuringiensis
subsp.
kurstaki
for pest control was used to gain insight into the potential persistence of
Bacillus
spp. in outdoor urban environments. Persistence was evaluated in two locations: Fairfax County, VA, and Seattle, WA. Environmental samples were collected from multiple matrices and evaluated for the presence of viable
B. thuringiensis
subsp.
kurstaki
at times ranging from less than 1 day to 4 years after spraying. Real-time PCR and culture were used for analysis.
B. thuringiensis
subsp.
kurstaki
was found to persist in urban environments for at least 4 years. It was most frequently detected in soils and less frequently detected in wipes, grass, foliage, and water. The collective results indicate that certain species of
Bacillus
may persist for years following their dispersal in urban environments.