bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotransformation of arsenic by a Yellowstone thermoacidophilic eukaryotic alga
Authors: Qin Jie , Lehr Corinne R. , Yuan Chungang , Le X. Chris , McDermott Timothy R. , Rosen Barry P.
Published: March 2009

Arsenic is the most common toxic substance in the environment, ranking first on the Superfund list of hazardous substances. It is introduced primarily from geochemical sources and is acted on biologically, creating an arsenic biogeocycle. Geothermal environments are known for their elevated arsenic content and thus provide an excellent setting in which to study microbial redox transformations of arsenic. To date, most studies of microbial communities in geothermal environments have focused on
Bacteria
and
Archaea
, with little attention to eukaryotic microorganisms. Here, we show the potential of an extremophilic eukaryotic alga of the order Cyanidiales to influence arsenic cycling at elevated temperatures.
Cyanidioschyzon
sp. isolate 5508 oxidized arsenite [As(III)] to arsenate [As(V)], reduced As(V) to As(III), and methylated As(III) to form trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO) and dimethylarsenate [DMAs(V)]. Two arsenic methyltransferase genes,
CmarsM7
and
CmarsM8
, were cloned from this organism and demonstrated to confer resistance to As(III) in an arsenite hypersensitive strain of
Escherichia coli
. The 2 recombinant CmArsMs were purified and shown to transform As(III) into monomethylarsenite, DMAs(V), TMAO, and trimethylarsine gas, with a
T
opt
of 60–70 °C. These studies illustrate the importance of eukaryotic microorganisms to the biogeochemical cycling of arsenic in geothermal systems, offer a molecular explanation for how these algae tolerate arsenic in their environment, and provide the characterization of algal methyltransferases.
PRATIQUE: a research project to enhance pest risk analysis techniques in the European Union
Authors: Baker R. H. A. , Battisti A. , Bremmer J. , Kenis M. , Mumford J. , Petter F. , Schrader G. , Bacher S. , De Barro P. , Hulme P. E. , Karadjova O. , Lansink A. O. , Pruvost O. , Pyšek P , Roques A. , Baranchikov Y. , Sun J.‐H.
Published: March 2009

PRATIQUE is an EC‐funded 7th Framework research project designed to address the major challenges for pest risk analysis (PRA) in Europe. It has three principal objectives: (a) to assemble the datasets required to construct PRAs valid for the whole of the EU, (b) to conduct multi‐disciplinary research that enhances the techniques used in PRA and (c) to provide a decision support scheme for PRA that is efficient and user‐friendly. The research will be undertaken by scientists from 13 institutes in the EU and one each from Australia and New Zealand with subcontractors from institutes in China and Russia. They will produce a structured inventory of PRA datasets for the EU and undertake targeted research to improve existing procedures and develop new methods for (a) the assessment of economic, environmental and social impacts, (b) summarising risk while taking account of uncertainty, (c) mapping endangered areas (d) pathway risk analysis and systems approaches and (e) guiding actions during emergencies caused by outbreaks of harmful organisms. The results will be tested and provided as protocols, decision support systems and computer programs with examples of best practice linked to a computerised European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) PRA scheme.
Mosaics and haemophilia
Authors: KASPER C. K. , BUZIN C. H.
Published: March 2009

Summary.  Some mosaic conditions may affect the haemophilia phenotype. Well‐known instances include chromosomal mosaicism because of aneuploidy and pseudo‐mosaicism because of varying patterns of X‐chromosome inactivation. Chromosomal mosaicism in a chimera is a potential source of phenotypic variation. Gene mosaicism is commonplace. Its pattern and effect depend on the stage of development at which a mutation occurs. Proven or possible genetic mosaicism is an important consideration when predicting the likelihood of transmission of haemophilia to a future generation. A mosaic is an individual who has two or more cell lines, genetically different with regard to chromosomes or genes. As techniques improve and studies accumulate, mosaics are being found to be more common than hitherto believed. Some mosaic conditions may affect the phenotype of haemophilia in males and of the carrier state in females. Cells may be mosaic with regard to chromosomes, as in some instances of aneuploidy, and in chimeras, and in females owing to the pattern of X‐chromosome inactivation. Cells may be mosaic with regard to new gene mutations. The pattern of mosaicism depends upon the stage in embryogenesis or in germ‐cell formation in which the mutation arose.
Use of snus and risk for cardiovascular disease: results from the Swedish Twin Registry
Authors: Hansson J. , Pedersen N. L. , Galanti M. R. , Andersson T. , Ahlbom A. , Hallqvist J. , Magnusson C.
Published: March 2009

Objective.  To study the association between snus use and the risk for cardiovascular disease, i.e. ischemic heart disease and stroke.

Design.  Cohort study.

Setting.  Sweden.

Subjects.  Sixteen thousand six hundred and forty‐two male Swedish twins participating in the Screening Across the Lifespan Twin Study, conducted in 1998–2002, were followed for incident cardiovascular disease. Participants were without a history of cardiovascular disease at baseline and incident cases were identified via the Swedish Cause of Death Register and Hospital Discharge Register.

Results.  Overall, there was no association between use of snus and risk for cardiovascular disease. Current snus users, without a smoking history, had a relative risk of 1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.69–1.46) for cardiovascular disease as compared to non users. Corresponding relative risks for ischemic heart disease and stroke were 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.51–1.41) and 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.67–2.08), respectively. In smoking adjusted models, risk estimates for ischemic heart disease in relation to snus use were all close to unity regardless of timing or intensity of snus use. However, current heavy snus users (consuming more than four cans week−1) had a relative risk for stroke of 1.75 (95% confidence interval 0.95–3.21).

Conclusion.  These data do not support any strong association between snus use and risk for cardiovascular disease.
Ectopic expression of miR396 suppresses GRF target gene expression and alters leaf growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Dongmei , Song Yu , Chen Zhixiang , Yu Diqiu
Published: March 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are comprised of approximately 21 nucleotide (nt) RNAs that play important regulatory roles in growth and development by targeting mRNAs for cleavage or translational repression. In Arabidopsis, more than one hundred miRNAs have been identified but the biological functions of only a limited number of them have been determined by molecular genetic analysis. miR396 is a miRNA conserved among the dicot and monocot plants. In Arabidopsis, miR396 has two loci (MIR396a and MIR396b) and targets six Growth‐Regulating Factor (GRF) genes encoding putative transcription factors with roles in plant leaf growth. Using a northern blot hybridizations approach, we have found that MIR396 is predominantly expressed in leaf and seedling. To further analyze the role of miR396 in the regulation of target genes and leaf growth, we have generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants that constitutively overexpress MIR396a or MIR396b. These transgenic plants have narrow‐leaf phenotypes due to reduction in cell number. Ectopic overexpression of MIR396 represses expression of not only six GRF genes but also GIF1 encoding a GRF‐interacting transcription coactivator with a role in cell proliferation in leaf. In addition, transgenic MIR396‐overexpressing plants have lower densities of stomata and are more tolerant to drought than wild‐type plants. These results strongly support the belief that miR396 plays an important role in plant leaf growth and development, most likely by repressing GRF gene expression.
Role of selection and inbreeding on the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Sinclair swine
Authors: Gomez‐Raya L. , Amoss M.S. , Da Y. , Beattie C.W. , Ash O. , Rauw W.M.
Published: March 2009

Summary This paper reports the quantitative analysis of the historical database of a herd of Sinclair swine affected by cutaneous malignant melanoma. The herd was under partial and non‐systematic selection for melanoma susceptibility (animals having at least one tumour during the first 6 weeks of life). Weighted selection differentials for the number of tumours at birth and the number of tumours at 6 weeks were generally positive and between −0.43 and 4.76 tumours for the number of tumours at 6 weeks. Estimates of the heritability for number of tumours at birth and at 6 weeks using 1934 animals were 0.27 (±0.03) and 0.25 (±0.03), respectively. The estimate of the genetic correlation between these two traits was 0.95 (±0.03). Genetic trends were positive for the number of tumours at birth and at 6 weeks. In spite of positive selection differentials and a moderate heritability, there was a negative phenotypic trend in the number of tumours. Natural selection might be acting in a direction opposite to artificial selection in the Sinclair herd. The slopes of the regression of the number of tumours at birth, at 6 weeks, and melanoma susceptibility on individual inbreeding coefficients were non‐significant, indicating no evidence of dominance. The number of live‐born pigs was lower in litters from parents susceptible to the disease (p < 0.01).
Estimation of genetic parameters and genome scan for 15 semen characteristics traits of Holstein bulls
Authors: Druet T. , Fritz S. , Sellem E. , Basso B. , Gérard O. , Salas‐Cortes L. , Humblot P. , Druart X. , Eggen A.
Published: March 2009

A QTL detection experiment was performed in French dairy cattle to search for QTL related to male fertility. Ten families, involving a total of 515 bulls, were phenotyped for ejaculated volume and sperm concentration, number of spermatozoa, motility, velocity, percentage of motile spermatozoa after thawing and abnormal spermatozoa. A set of 148 microsatellite markers were used to realize a genome scan. First, genetic parameters were estimated for all traits. Semen production traits were found to have moderate heritabilities (from 0.15 to 0.30) while some of the semen quality traits such as motility had high heritabilities (close to 0.60). Genetic correlations among traits showed negative relationships between volume and concentration and between volume and most quality traits such as motility or abnormal sperm while correlations between concentration and these traits were rather favourable. Percentages of abnormal sperm were negatively related to quality traits, especially with motility and velocity of spermatozoa. Three QTL related to abnormal sperm frequencies were significant at p < 0.01. In total, 11 QTL (p < 0.05) were detected. However, the number of QTL detected was within the range of expected false positives. Because of the lack of power to find QTL in this design further analyses are required to confirm these QTL.
Analysis of Cultural and Genetic Diversity in Alternaria helianthi and Determination of Pathogenic Variability Using Wild Helianthus Species
Authors: Santha Lakshmi Prasad Madamsetty , Sujatha Mulpuri , Chander Rao Sankaraneni
Published: March 2009

The study aims at assessment of morphological, molecular and pathogenic variability of Alternaria helianthi, incitant of leaf blight of sunflower. Morphological characteristics determined for 26 isolates of A. helianthi from India revealed variations in shape of culture, pigmentation, conidial measurements, number of septa and colony growth. The conidia of isolate Ah‐7 were long, while conidia of isolate Ah‐15 were short. Based on cultural characters, isolates were classified into four groups. Genetic variability of the isolates was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Good polymorphism was observed and cluster analysis indicated presence of six genetically distinct groups among the isolates. The isolates Ah‐1, Ah‐7 and Ah‐14 were genetically distinct. Resistant sources are not available in cultivated sunflower, while wild Helianthus species possess resistance to multiple stresses. We evaluated reaction of wild Helianthus species to isolates of A. helianthi. Among wild Helianthus species, H. tuberosus followed by H. occidentalis showed moderately to highly resistant reaction to all the isolates and recorded less disease incidence. The species H. argophyllus followed by H. laevigatus showed more disease incidence. The cultivated sunflower recorded susceptible reaction to most of the isolates and recorded high disease incidence. The isolates differed significantly for pathogenic reaction and were grouped into three pathogenicity groups; low, medium and high. Six isolates induced <20% disease incidence and were included in the low pathogenicity group. Majority of isolates were in the medium pathogenicity group. Six isolates i.e. Ah‐9, Ah‐10, Ah‐18, Ah‐20, Ah‐24 and Ah‐26 induced more than 50% disease incidence and were considered high pathogenicity group. Our results demonstrate the existence of considerable variation in resistance of Helianthus species to A. helianthi and also in morphological and genetic characters of A. helianthi isolates prevalent in India.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of CD9 cDNA from Sheep and Cashmere Goat
Authors: Xing WJ , Wang LQ , Wu Q , Ren SC , Bao XH , Bou S
Published: March 2009

Contents

CD9 is a glycoprotein of the transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) and is involved in various cellular processes. Some CD9 cDNA have been cloned in mammals and certain fish genera in recent years, but goat and sheep counterparts of cattle, human and mouse have not been identified. To facilitate the studies, we cloned the cDNA encoding for CD9 of cashmere goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries), and expressed sheep CD9 in Escherichia coli cells. Structural analysis indicated for both goat and sheep that a 1123 bp cDNA spanned an open reading frame of 681 bp which predicted a protein of 226 amino acids with a typical TM4SF structure, including four highly conserved transmembrane domains, two extracellular domains and a CCG motif, which is a hallmark of the TM4SF. The predicted amino acid sequences were highly homologous to those of cattle, mouse and human CD9. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on CD9 cDNA sequences indicated that goat and sheep CD9 were closely related to CD9 of cattle, which is in agreement with their morphological taxonomy.
Development and application of the human intestinal tract chip, a phylogenetic microarray: analysis of universally conserved phylotypes in the abundant microbiota of young and elderly adults
Authors: Rajilić‐Stojanović Mirjana , Heilig Hans G. H. J. , Molenaar Douwe , Kajander Kajsa , Surakka Anu , Smidt Hauke , De Vos Willem M.
Published: March 2009

In this paper we present the in silico assessment of the diversity of variable regions of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene based on an ecosystem‐specific curated database, describe a probe design procedure based on two hypervariable regions with minimal redundancy and test the potential of such probe design strategy for the design of a flexible microarray platform. This resulted in the development and application of a phylogenetic microarray for studying the human gastrointestinal microbiota – referred as the human intestinal tract chip (HITChip). Over 4800 dedicated tiling oligonucleotide probes were designed based on two hypervariable regions of the SSU rRNA gene of 1140 unique microbial phylotypes (< 98% identity) following analysis of over 16 000 human intestinal SSU rRNA sequences. These HITChip probes were hybridized to a diverse set of human intestinal samples and SSU rRNA clones to validate its fingerprinting and quantification potential. Excellent reproducibility (median Pearson's correlation of 0.99) was obtained following hybridization with T7 polymerase transcripts generated in vitro from SSU rRNA gene amplicons. A linear dose–response was observed with artificial mixtures of 40 different representative amplicons with relative abundances as low as 0.1% of total microbiota. Analysis of three consecutively collected faecal samples from ten individuals (five young and five elderly adults) revealed temporal dynamics and confirmed that the adult intestinal microbiota is an individual‐specific and relatively stable ecosystem. Further analysis of the stable part allowed for the identification of a universal microbiota core at the approximate genus level (90% sequence similarity). This core consists of members of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Used as a phylogenetic fingerprinting tool with the possibility for relative quantification, the HITChip has the potential to bridge the gaps in our knowledge in the quantitative and qualitative description of the human gastrointestinal microbiota composition.
Avoidable iatrogenic complications of urethral catheterization and inadequate intern training in a tertiary‐care teaching hospital
Authors: Thomas Arun Z. , Giri Subhasis K. , Meagher David , Creagh Tom
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To examine the magnitude of potentially avoidable iatrogenic complications of male urethral catheterization (UC) within a tertiary‐care supra‐regional teaching hospital, and to evaluate risk factors and subjective feeling of interns in our institution on the adequacy of training on UC.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Male UC‐related morbidities were retrospectively identified from our computerized inpatient urology consultation system over a 1‐year period from July 2006 to June 2007. Relevant medical records were also reviewed. An anonymous questionnaire was used for the subjective assessment of interns about their training on UC. The primary outcome measures were the prevalence of urethral trauma secondary to UC by a non‐urological team member in non‐urological departments, risk factors and intern‐perceived adequacy of practical and theoretical training on UC during their intern year, and finally the supervision of interns during first UC.

RESULTS

Of 864 urological consultations, 51 (6%) were related to complications arising from male UC during the 1‐year period. The most common indication for UC was monitoring urinary output for acute medical illness (34/51, 67%). The most common complication was urethral trauma (35/51, 67%). The balloon was accidentally inflated in the urethra in six patients (12%). Of the 51 cases of UC‐related morbidity, 38 (74%) resulted from interns performing UC, and of these 28 (73%) occurred during the first 6 months of internship. Overall, 76% of interns felt that their practical training was none or inadequate; 52% (26/50) did not receive any supervision during their first UC.

CONCLUSIONS

UC‐related iatrogenic morbidity is not uncommon even in a tertiary‐care teaching hospital. This study identified that interns receive inadequate training on UC. Finally, most of the complications are potentially avoidable and can be prevented by adopting a proper technique of catheterization. Adequate training and supervision of medical students and interns can achieve this.
Bargaining Power in the European Union: An Evaluation of Competing Game-Theoretic Models
Authors: Schneider Gerald , Finke Daniel , Bailer Stefanie
Published: March 2009

This article evaluates, by drawing on Barry's distinction between ‘power’ and ‘luck’, the predictive accuracy of competing bargaining models. We explore whether models that take various facets of political power into account predict legislative outcomes more precisely than purely preference-based models like the Nash Bargaining Solution (NBS). Our empirical examination compares how well different formal models predict the outcome of 66 legislative decisions made within the European Union (EU). A model that considers the saliency actors attach to a contested issue performs best among all the models under examination. Although resource-based models provide less accurate forecasts on average, they offer relatively precise point predictions. The analysis also shows that domestic constraints are not a particularly important bargaining resource in legislative decision making.
Addressing Obesity in the Workplace: The Role of Employers
Authors: HEINEN LUANN , DARLING HELEN
Published: March 2009

Context: Employers have pursued many strategies over the years to control health care costs and improve care. Disappointed by efforts to manage costs through the use of insurance‐related techniques (e.g., prior authorization, restricted provider networks), employers have also begun to try to manage health by addressing their employees' key lifestyle risks. Reducing obesity (along with tobacco use and inactivity) is a priority for employers seeking to lower the incidence and severity of chronic illness and the associated demand for health services.

Methods: This article describes the employer's perspective on the cost impact of obesity, discusses current practices in employer‐sponsored wellness and weight management programs, provides examples from U.S. companies illustrating key points of employers' leverage and opportunities, and suggests policy directions to support the expansion of employers' initiatives, especially for smaller employers.

Findings: Researchers and policymakers often overlook the extensive efforts and considerable impact of employer‐sponsored wellness and health improvement programs. Greater focus on opportunities in the workplace is merited, however, for the evidence base supporting the economic and health impacts of employer‐sponsored health promotion and wellness is growing, although not as quickly as the experience base of large employers.

Conclusions: Public and private employers can serve their own economic interests by addressing obesity. Health care organizations, particularly hospitals, as well as public employers can be important role models. Policy development is needed to accelerate change, especially for smaller employers (those with fewer than 500 employees), which represent the majority of U.S. employers and are far less likely to offer health promotion programs.
Factors associated with renal dysfunction within an urban HIV‐infected cohort in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Overton ET , Nurutdinova D , Freeman J , Seyfried W , Mondy KE
Published: March 2009

Background

Kidney disease remains a prevalent problem in HIV care. The contribution of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV disease factors and traditional factors needs further evaluation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of all patients seen at an HIV outpatient clinic during 2005 was performed. All data were collected from medical record review. Multivariate regression modelling was used to identify independent predictors of lower glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and chronic renal failure (CRF) from factors significant in univariate analysis. eGFR was calculated using the simplified modification of diet in renal disease equation. Results were compared with those for persons from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) matched for age, race and gender.

Results

Of 845 HIV‐infected persons, 64% were men and 34% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 39.8 years. Thirty per cent of the patients had proteinuria and 43% had eGFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Persons on HAART (63%) had a lower mean eGFR than those not on HAART (92.0 vs. 101.6). In multivariate analyses, significant predictors of eGFR decline were diagnoses of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, proteinuria, use of tenofovir or stavudine, and lower viral load. Compared with those in NHANES, HIV‐infected persons had a lower mean eGFR (94.9 vs. 104.2) and a higher prevalence of CRF (8%vs. 2%).

Conclusion

In this cohort, the prevalence of CRF is low, but remains higher than that of the general population. Clinicians should routinely screen for early asymptomatic kidney disease to address risk factors that can be treated.
Three dimensions of oppositionality in youth
Authors: Stringaris Argyris , Goodman Robert
Published: March 2009

Background:  Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in youth is a strong predictor of mental illness yet the wide range of associations with psychiatric disorders remains largely unexplained. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the identification of irritable, headstrong and hurtful dimensions within youth oppositionality would clarify the pattern of associations between oppositionality and a wide range of psychopathology in early and adult life.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional data from national mental health surveys including 18,415 subjects aged 5–16 in the United Kingdom. The main outcome measures were the associations between a priori hypothesised dimensions of oppositionality with psychiatric disorders and symptoms; parent and teacher‐derived information were used in multivariate regression analysis.

Results:  Our three a priori dimensions had very different associations with disorders and symptom scales. Irritability was the only predictor of emotional disorders (parent report: OR = 3.26 [CI 95% 2.79, 3.80]; teacher report: OR = 2.78 [2.39, 3.22]); the hurtful dimension was particularly strongly associated with seeming cold‐blooded or callous (parent report: β = .32 [.27, .37]; teacher report: .33 [.30, .36]); and the headstrong dimension was most strongly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; parent report: OR = 3.21 [2.43, 4.23]; teacher report : OR = 7.18 [5.25, 9.82]). All three dimensions were associated with conduct disorder, with the headstrong dimension being the main predictor of non‐aggressive symptoms (parent report: β = .31 [.27, .34]; teacher report: .43 [.40, .45]), and with the hurtful dimension being the main predictor of aggressive symptoms (parent report: β = .35 [.32, .39]; teacher report: .40 [.39, .42]).

Conclusions:  The three dimensions of oppositionality have distinctive external correlates, suggesting they may also be differential predictors of aetiology, prognosis and treatment responsiveness.
Apolipoprotein‐D expression is increased during development and maturation of the human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kim Woojin S. , Wong Jenny , Weickert Cynthia Shannon , Webster Maree J. , Bahn Sabine , Garner Brett
Published: March 2009

Apolipoprotein D (apoD) is a lipid binding protein expressed in the brain where its function is largely unknown. Based on changes in lipid metabolism and deposition that occur in the human brain during postnatal development, we investigated changes in apoD expression in the prefrontal cortex in 69 normal cases ranging in age from 40 days to 49 years utilizing gene microarray, quantitative PCR and western blotting methods. In contrast to the high expression of apolipoprotein E (APOE), low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 8 (LRP8) and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA reducatase (HMGCR) (genes that play a role in lipid‐related pathways in brain development) early in life, apoD expression was low in neonates and increased in expression throughout life resulting in six‐ to eight‐fold higher levels at the mRNA and protein levels in adults. Recent studies suggest that apoD has a novel antioxidant function in the brain and we found that the increased apoD expression throughout development and into adulthood was correlated with the expression of antioxidant genes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) as well as proteins that were modified by the lipid peroxidation end‐product 4‐hydroxynonenal. These studies reveal that apoD expression is increased throughout life in the human prefrontal cortex and that this is correlated with genetic and biochemical markers of oxidative stress.
Spatial distribution as a measure of conservation needs: an example with Asiatic black bears in south‐western China
Authors: Liu Fang , McShea William , Garshelis David , Zhu Xiaojian , Wang Dajun , Gong Ji’en , Chen Youping
Published: March 2009

Aim  To create a fine‐scale map of the distribution of Asiatic black bears, identify landscape variables affecting the spatial range of this species and assess population trends using presence–absence data and opinions of local villagers.

Location  Sichuan Province, south‐western China.

Methods  We divided the province into 15 × 15 km cells, stratified them by forest cover, elevation and road density and randomly selected 494 cells (21% of province) for surveys. In each cell, we interviewed villagers and ground‐verified their reports of bear presence. We ground‐truthed reports of bear absence by conducting transects for bear sign in the best available habitat. We used logistic regression to identify key variables affecting presence of bears and predict their occurrence in unsampled cells.

Results  We detected bears in 360 cells (73%). Models correctly predicted bear occurrence in 90.3% of cells where we detected bears and 84.5% of sampled cells where bears were absent. Models predicted 42.7% of Sichuan to be occupied by bears. Bear occurrence was strongly related to forest cover throughout the province. Roads had a negative effect in western region of province. Agricultural lands had a negative effect only when they were distant from forests. Villagers were accurate in their knowledge of bear presence or absence. Interviewed villagers (n = 1816) thought that bears were increasing in 32%, stable in 10%, and decreasing in 58% of cells with bears. Where bear populations were perceived to be declining, villagers identified poaching as the most common cause.

Main conclusions  Our fine‐scale distribution map can be used for future monitoring and the key landscape factors related to occupancy by bears can be used in management plans for this species. Interviewing local villagers is an efficient and reliable means of assessing distribution, and changes therein, for animals such as bears that often interact with people and leave obvious signs.
Becoming a lecturer in nurse education: the work‐place learning of clinical experts as newcomers
Authors: Boyd Pete , Lawley Liz
Published: March 2009

This project investigates the experiences of nurses who have been recently appointed as lecturers in higher education. Successful nurses and clinical experts suddenly find themselves to be ‘newcomers’ in many aspects of their role when they are appointed to a lecturer post in higher education. The project uses a work‐place learning theoretical framework and builds on previous work on becoming an academic. The continuing professional development and contribution of this group of staff have significant impact on the effectiveness of nursing education. The key data source for this small‐scale qualitative enquiry is semi‐structured interviews with nine nurse lecturers within their first four years of appointment to a case study higher education institution. Additional data on the work‐place context are provided by interviews with three line managers and analysis of institutional documents related to the appointment, induction and continuing professional development of academic staff.

The new nurse lecturers generally find their transition to higher education challenging and confusing because of the tensions in their subject, their department and their original practitioner profession, over what a lecturer should be. Their work‐place includes a complexity of overlapping communities of practice including subject groups, teaching teams, and clinical placement networks. The different communities require them to emphasize different elements of their identity. The experiences of the new nurse lecturers tend to encourage them to hold on to existing identities as clinical practitioners rather than embrace new identities as academics.

The study has implications for all of those concerned with enhancing the academic work‐place as a learning environment for lecturers in professional education fields such as nursing. These include the need to recognize and respond to tensions within the work‐place and to nurture non‐formal collaborative learning.
Impact of Quadruple Regimen of Clarithromycin Added to Metronidazole‐Containing Triple Therapy AgainstHelicobacter pyloriInfection Following Clarithromycin‐Containing Triple‐Therapy Failure
Authors: Ueki Nobue , Miyake Kazumasa , Kusunoki Masafumi , Shindo Tomotaka , Kawagoe Tetsuro , Futagami Seiji , Tsukui Taku , Inagaki Hirofumi , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: March 2009

Background:The establishment of an optimal second‐line regimen forHelicobacter pyloriinfection is required. Although quadruple therapy should overcome resistance to either clarithromycin or metronidazole, the effects of a quadruple regimen in second‐line therapy are unknown. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of triple therapy composed of proton pump inhibitor/amoxicillin plus metronidazole with the combined additive effects of clarithromycin as a second‐line quadruple therapy againstH. pyloriinfection.

Materials and Methods:Participants were 104 patients in whom first‐line therapy containing proton pump inhibitor‐amoxicillin‐clarithromycin failed. Before starting second‐line therapy, patients underwent endoscopy to obtainH. pyloristrain for antibiotic susceptibility tests. Patients were randomized to receive rabeprazole (10 mg), amoxicillin (750 mg), and metronidazole (250 mg), either with clarithromycin (200 mg; RAMC group) or without (RAM group); all treatments were administered twice daily for 7 days.H. pylorieradication was confirmed by13C‐urea breath tests performed 2 to 3 months post‐therapy.

Results:As shown by intention‐to‐treat/per‐protocol analyses, the cure rates forH. pyloriinfection were 88.5%/93.9% and 82.7%/84.3% for the RAMC and RAM groups. Although the study probably had an insufficient power to show a significant difference between the cure rates of the two regimens, the eradication rates showed a clear trend in favor of the RAMC group. There were no severe side‐effects in any group.

Conclusions:In Japan, the RAMC regimen is thought to be a promising alternative strategy for second‐line eradication ofH. pyloriinfection.
A Randomized Clinical Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Regimens Containing Clarithromycin, Metronidazole, and Amoxicillin Among Histologic Subgroups for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in a Developing Country
Authors: Fischbach Lori Ann , Bravo Luis Eduardo , Zarama Guillermo Rosero , Bravo Juan Carlos , Ojha Priyadarshi Rohit , Priest Elisa Lynne , Collazos Tito , Casabon Lucy Alba , Guerrero Lorena Zambrano , Singh P. Karan , Correa Pelayo
Published: March 2009

Background: Most treatments deemed effective for Helicobacter pylori eradication in developed countries are less effective in developing countries. Regimens containing clarithromycin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin seem efficacious despite antibiotic resistance, and may be a viable option in developing countries.

Materials and Methods:  We evaluated the efficacy of a 14‐day regimen with 500 mg clarithromycin b.i.d., 500 mg metronidazole t.i.d., and 500 mg amoxicillin t.i.d. (with and without a proton pump inhibitor), and a 10‐day regimen containing 500 mg clarithromycin b.i.d., 1 g amoxicillin b.i.d., and 20 mg omeprazole b.i.d. in Pasto, Colombia, using a randomized, single‐blind design stratified by presence of atrophic gastritis.

Results: H. pylori was eradicated in 86.8% and 85.3% of the participants randomized to a clarithromycin‐metronidazole‐amoxicillin and clarithromycin‐amoxicillin‐omeprazole regimens, respectively (p = .79). Per‐protocol analyses indicated greater efficacy for the clarithromycin‐metronidazole‐amoxicillin regimen (97%) versus the clarithromycin‐amoxicillin‐omeprazole regimen (86%) (p = .04), particularly for participants with atrophic gastritis (clarithromycin‐metronidazole‐amoxicillin = 100%, clarithromycin‐amoxicillin‐omeprazole = 81%; p = .02). Adverse events were mild, but adverse event‐related non‐compliance was reported more often for regimens containing clarithromycin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that an eradication rate of > 85% can be achieved with 14‐day clarithromycin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin and 10‐day clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole regimens in Pasto, Colombia. The regimens containing clarithromycin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin appear to be superior to the clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole regimen for compliant participants and those with atrophic gastritis. Our findings provide treatment options for a population in a developing country with a high prevalence of H. pylori infections and antibiotic resistance.
Premenarchal Vulvar Ulceration: Is Chronic Irritation a Causative Factor?
Authors: Cebesoy Fatma Bahar , Balat Ozcan , Inaloz Serhat
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Objective:  To study the common features of the young girls with vulvar ulcerations, and to help guide physicians caring for girls with this unusual condition.

Methods:  In this retrospective study, ten patients who developed vulvar ulcerations and denied any kind of sexual contact or sexual abuse were identified. Patient information was collated from detailed history, physical, and laboratory examinations including age, menarchal status, type of clothing worn, whether history of oral aphthosis or previous vulvar ulcers had occurred, symptoms at the time of presentation, description of ulcer, laboratory studies including serologies, blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, and biopsy results.

Results:  Despite multiple evaluations, no patient had a specific medical cause identified to account for their vulvar ulcerations. None were diagnosed with Behcet’s syndrome. Seven had bilateral vulvar ulcerations, which we attribute to the practice of wearing tightly fitted pants or polyester underwear frequently. No recurrences were documented in 6 months follow‐up.

Conclusion:  Girls with vulvar ulcerations who have deny being sexually active should be thoroughly evaluated for infections, Behcet’s disease, and other health problems, but, in addition, should be questioned about use of tight‐fitting clothing in the perineal area. We hypothesize that chronic irritation because of tight clothing may play a role in causing vulvar ulcerations in this setting.
The clinical concept of epilepsy
Authors: Reynolds Edward H. , Rodin Ernst
Published: March 2009

This article reviews the history of clinical concepts of epilepsy and its classification, especially in the last 100 years. Throughout its recorded history of 3 to 4 millennia, epilepsy has always been defined by its most dramatic symptoms, for example, falling, motor activity or loss of consciousness, but separation from other causes of the same paroxysmal symptoms has always proved challenging. For over a century there has been some semantic confusion whether to call the various paroxysms fits, convulsions, seizures, or epilepsies. Since the middle of the 19th century a great unresolved debate has continued about whether recurrent seizures or epilepsy should be viewed as a separable symptom of underlying brain disease or as one or more idiopathic diseases or syndromes, with an inherent age‐related natural history; or indeed viewed as both a symptom and a disease. A major advance in the 20th century is that vascular theories of epilepsy, which reached their peak with Turner in 1907, have been replaced by electromagnetic discharges, based especially on the work of Todd, Jackson, Berger, Lennox, and the Gibbs, culminating eventually in new ILAE classifications of seizures (1981) and epilepsy syndromes (1989). However 21st century uncertainties about symptomatic versus idiopathic or cross‐sectional (seizures) versus longitudinal (epilepsy) approaches to the problem very much reflect similar divergences of view a century ago. More attention is now being directed at interseizure events and processes which may lead either to remission or intractability with associated cognitive and psychosocial consequences. The search for the elusive essence, diathesis or predisposition to epilepsy, including seizure threshold, continues.
Clinical neuropathology of the epilepsies in the 100 years of the ILAE (1909–2009)
Authors: Meencke Heinz‐Joachim
Published: March 2009

The paper describes the history of the clinical neuropathology of the epilepsies in the last hundred years from microscopy to molecular neuropathology. The main focus is on the concepts of hippocampal sclerosis and its discussion of causative lesion or consequence of seizures, and the concept of developmental disturbances in respect to general epileptogenicity. Clinical neuropathology remains an important discipline in the future of epileptology and brain research especially in the area of molecular genetics. Neuropathology will help to understand the stages of epileptogenesis and the factors responsible for the progressive nature of the disease.
Epilepsy, psychiatry, and neurology
Authors: Reynolds Edward H. , Trimble Michael R.
Published: March 2009

This article reviews the relationship between the psychiatry and neurology of epilepsy, especially in the last 100 years. Throughout most of its recorded history of 3 to 4 millennia epilepsy has been viewed as a supernatural or mental disorder. Although first suggested by Hippocrates in the 5th century B.C., the concept of epilepsy as a brain disorder only began to take root in the 17th and 18th centuries. The discipline of neurology emerged from “nervous disorders” or neuropsychiatry in the late 19th century, when vascular theories of epilepsy predominated. By the turn of the 19th century psychiatry and neurology were diverging and epilepsy remained to some extent in both disciplines. It was only in the middle of the 20th century with the development of electromagnetic theories of epilepsy that the concept of epilepsy per se as a neurological disorder was finally adopted in international classifications of disease. This was associated with a refined definition of the ictal, pre‐, post‐, and interictal psychological disorders of epilepsy, which have contributed to a renaissance of neuropsychiatry. At the beginning of the 21st century and the centenary of the ILAE psychiatry and neurology have been converging again, led in some respects by epilepsy, which has provided several useful models of mental illness and a bridge between the two disciplines.
Chronic and High Alcohol Consumption Has a Negative Impact on Sleep and Sleep‐Associated Consolidation of Declarative Memory
Authors: Junghanns Klaus , Horbach Regine , Ehrenthal Dieter , Blank Sebastian , Backhaus Jutta
Published: March 2009

Background.  The importance of sleep for memory consolidation has become a major focus of research. While it is known that abstaining alcohol‐dependent patients often have sleep disorders and that there is some cognitive impairment during early abstention a possible interaction of disturbed sleep with overnight memory consolidation has not been addressed in a study as yet.

Methods.  Twenty‐four alcohol‐dependent patients with a short abstention period (mean 21.9 ± 7.6 days) were compared with 12 patients with an abstention period of several months (115.7 ± 43.8 days). Groups did not differ with respect to daily alcohol consumption before treatment, duration of alcohol dependence, and age. Before sleep all patients learned a list of semantically associated word pairs and a face name association task to a fixed criterion (at least 60% of correct recall) and they performed a mirror tracing task. After a polysomnographically registered night the patients were tested for retention of the learned declarative material by cued recall and had to perform the mirror tracing task again.

Results.  The groups did not differ with respect to sleep parameters or sleep‐associated memory consolidation. Across both groups the duration of alcohol dependence correlated negatively with the amount of non‐REM sleep and recall in the face name association task correlated negatively with daily alcohol consumption before abstention. Among the longer‐term abstainers the duration of abstention correlated with the amount of slow wave sleep.

Conclusions.  Our data support the hypothesis that chronic and high alcohol consumption negatively affects sleep and declarative memory consolidation during the first months of abstention. Between an abstention period of a few weeks and of several months no change in sleep parameters and nightly memory consolidation could be demonstrated, however.
The Persistence of Home Bias for Important R&D in Wireless Telecom and Automobiles
Authors: Cohen Stephen S. , Di Minin Alberto , Motoyama Yasuyuki , Palmberg Christopher
Published: March 2009

We argue that in this age of globalization, important R&D—in automobiles and wireless telecommunication—exhibits a decisive home bias. This contrasts with findings on the rate and extent of globalization of the aggregate of activities classified as R&D. Sorting out R&D was deemed important at the outset by the firm, and comparing that to “regular” R&D by the same firms enables the argument. We take our findings on location a step further by examining, for this category of R&D, the reasons for nonglobalization.
Next Steps for a Public Anthropology of Race
Authors: Jones Joseph L , Moses Yolanda T , Goodman Alan H
Published: March 2009

Joseph Jones is contributing editor for the AAA's RACE Project column in Anthropology News.
Anatomical characteristics of the mandibular lingual foramina observed on limited cone‐beam CT images
Authors: Katakami Kaori , Mishima Akira , Kuribayashi Ami , Shimoda Shinji , Hamada Yoshiki , Kobayashi Kaoru
Published: March 2009

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the regional frequency and anatomical properties of mandibular lingual foramina.

Material and methods: The regional frequency of the lingual foramina was investigated using limited cone‐beam computed tomographic images of mandibles obtained from 190 examinations of 181 patients. The mesio‐distal position of the lingual foramina was classified into 17 areas of the midline area and each tooth area. The vertical position was assessed from the positional relationship between the lingual foramina and mandibular canals. Additionally, anastomoses of the lingual canals from the lingual foramina to mandibular canals were observed on the images.

Results: One hundred and fifty‐four lingual foramina were observed. The highest regional frequency was recognized in the midline area followed by second premolar and canine area. Plural lingual foramina were observed only in the midline areas. No lingual foramina were observed in the superior area of the mandibular canals. Thirty‐one lingual foramina showed anastomoses between the lingual canals and mandibular canals.

Conclusion: Information on the high regional frequency of lingual foramina in the second premolar area would be clinically significant to avoid life‐threatening incidents because of the possible presence of an artery. It is therefore important to confirm the location of lingual foramina.