bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How will Earth's surface temperature change in future decades?
Authors: Lean Judith L. , Rind David H.
Published: August 2009

Reliable forecasts of climate change in the immediate future are difficult, especially on regional scales, where natural climate variations may amplify or mitigate anthropogenic warming in ways that numerical models capture poorly. By decomposing recent observed surface temperatures into components associated with ENSO, volcanic and solar activity, and anthropogenic influences, we anticipate global and regional changes in the next two decades. From 2009 to 2014, projected rises in anthropogenic influences and solar irradiance will increase global surface temperature 0.15 ± 0.03°C, at a rate 50% greater than predicted by IPCC. But as a result of declining solar activity in the subsequent five years, average temperature in 2019 is only 0.03 ± 0.01°C warmer than in 2014. This lack of overall warming is analogous to the period from 2002 to 2008 when decreasing solar irradiance also countered much of the anthropogenic warming. We further illustrate how a major volcanic eruption and a super ENSO would modify our global and regional temperature projections.
Finite fault inversion of DInSAR coseismic displacement of the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake (central Italy)
Authors: Atzori Simone , Hunstad Ingrid , Chini Marco , Salvi Stefano , Tolomei Cristiano , Bignami Christian , Stramondo Salvatore , Trasatti Elisa , Antonioli Andrea , Boschi Enzo
Published: August 2009

We define the geometric and kinematic characteristics of the fault activated during the Mw = 6.3, 6 April 2009 L'Aquila earthquake, from the modeling of Envisat and COSMO‐SkyMed (the first ever X‐band interferogram inverted for a coseismic dislocation study) DInSAR interferograms. Our best‐fit solution for the main shock is represented by a normal fault ∼16 km long and ∼12 km wide, with a small right‐lateral component, dipping 47°SW with a maximum slip of ∼90 cm. Although the seismic dislocation probably ended at 1 km depth, the updip projection of the fault plane corresponds to the northern segment of the mapped Paganica–S. Demetrio fault, where alignment of surface breaks was observed in the field. The absence of this fault in existing seismic source catalogues suggests that an improved approach, involving detailed surface and subsurface geological and geophysical investigations, is needed for a better assessment of the seismic hazard at the local scale.
Pervasive transcription constitutes a new level of eukaryotic genome regulation
Authors: Berretta Julia , Morillon Antonin
Published: August 2009

During the past few years, it has become increasingly evident that the expression of eukaryotic genomes is far more complex than had been previously noted. The idea that the transcriptome is derived exclusively from protein‐coding genes and some specific non‐coding RNAs—such as snRNAs, snoRNAs, tRNAs or rRNAs—has been swept away by numerous studies indicating that RNA polymerase II can be found at almost any genomic location. Pervasive transcription is widespread and, far from being a futile process, has a crucial role in controlling gene expression and genomic plasticity. Here, we review recent findings that point to cryptic transcription as a fundamental component of the regulation of eukaryotic genomes.
Melanoma‐initiating cells: a compass needed
Authors: Refaeli Yosef , Bhoumik Anindita , Roop Dennis R , Ronai Ze'ev A
Published: August 2009

Most tumours contain a heterogeneous population of cancer cells, which harbour a range of genetic mutations and have probably undergone deregulated differentiation programmes that allow them to adapt to tumour microenvironments. Another explanation for tumour heterogeneity might be that the cells within a tumour are derived from tumour‐initiating cells through diverse differentiation programmes. Tumour‐initiating cells are thought to constitute one or more distinct subpopulations within a tumour and to drive tumour initiation, development and metastasis, as well as to be responsible for their recurrence after therapy. Recent studies have raised crucial questions about the nature, frequency and importance of melanoma‐initiating cells. Here, we discuss our current understanding of melanoma‐initiating cells and outline several approaches that the scientific community might consider to resolve the controversies surrounding these cells.
Indigenous ecological knowledge as social capital: How citizen science can help us replenish the bank
Authors: Kar Gupta Kaberi , Katti Madhusudan
Published: August 2009

*Background/Question/Methods*

In our increasingly urban world, indigenous knowledge of local ecology is declining rapidly, because survival in industrialized urban environments does not depend on knowing the details of local flora, fauna, or phenologies. While traditional ecological knowledge has been documented since 1980s, this is has been largely descriptive, e.g., ethnobotany of sacred groves, cultivation practices, or use of medicinal plants. Until recently, conservation biologists and managers of protected areas have followed western models of conservation that exclude local people and often abandon local ecological knowledge. However, many scientific studies of local ecosystems would not have been possible without the knowledge-base of indigenous people helping researchers. Yet, careful scientific analysis of such knowledge systems is scarce, except in some commercial applications such as forestry or fisheries. Further, even in rare instances when park managers have recruited knowledgeable locals as partners in PA management, the bureaucracy ended up dissipating ecological knowledge rather than sustaining it. The challenge therefore is to understand the epistemology of ecological knowledge, especially the costs and benefits to local people, to help create novel management regimes which provide new incentives for sustaining such knowledge even as traditional dependencies on natural resources are transformed for long-term sustainability of biodiversity.

*Results/Conclusions*

This paper reviews the literature on indigenous ecological knowledge in South Asia, to establish a baseline for systematic epistemological analyses. Examples include the Bihari bird-trappers assisting the Bombay Natural History Society's bird-ringing projects, Irulas helping snake research at Madras Crocodile Bank, Kanis supporting a variety of research projects, including our own, in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve over the past two decades, and the modern day settlers in Andaman Islands who have turned from over-harvesting and poaching to sustainable cultivation of Edible-nest Swiftlets. We argue that indigenous knowledge is useful not only for monitoring ecosystems or determining use of natural resources, but more importantly for generating fundamental scientific insights, and adding to the knowledge part of our collective social capital. Even as indigenous knowledge is being lost, volunteer-based Citizen Science projects are recruiting amateur naturalists, especially in urban areas, to monitor and study local biodiversity. Such approaches need to be extended into genuinely participatory research programs where indigenous people are engaged in generating and sustaining ecological knowledge, from traditional and modern scientific perspectives, to become well-informed stewards of the socio-ecological systems we inhabit from local to global scales. This is a crucial step towards slowing the loss of biodiversity by reversing our collective loss of knowledge of biodiversity.
Effects of Catechin Enriched Green Tea on Body Composition
Authors: Wang Hongqiang , Wen Yibo , Du Yaping , Yan Xiuyuan , Guo Hongwei , Rycroft Jane A. , Boon Niels , Kovacs Eva M.R. , Mela David J.
Published: August 2009

Obesity is a major health problem in the developed and developing world. Many “functional” foods and ingredients are advocated for their effects on body composition but few have consistent scientific support for their efficacy. However, an increasing amount of mechanistic and clinical evidence is building for green tea (GT). This experiment was therefore undertaken to study the effects of a high‐catechin GT on body composition in a moderately overweight Chinese population. In a randomized placebo‐controlled trial, 182 moderately overweight Chinese subjects, consumed either two servings of a control drink (C; 30 mg catechins, 10 mg caffeine/day), one serving of the control drink and one serving of an extra high‐catechin GT1 (458 mg catechins, 104 mg caffeine/day), two servings of a high‐catechin GT2 (468 mg catechins, 126 mg caffeine/day) or two servings of the extra high‐catechin GT3 (886 mg catechins, 198 mg caffeine/day) for 90 days. Data were collected at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days. We observed a decrease in estimated intra‐abdominal fat (IAF) area of 5.6 cm2 in the GT3 group. In addition, we found decreases of 1.9 cm in waist circumference and 1.2 kg body weight in the GT3 group vs. C (P < 0.05). We also observed reductions in total body fat (GT2, 0.7 kg, P < 0.05) and body fat % (GT1, 0.6%, P < 0.05). We conclude that consumption of two servings of an extra high‐catechin GT leads to improvements in body composition and reduces abdominal fatness in moderately overweight Chinese subjects.
Oxidation of methionine residues: the missing link between stress and signalling responses in plants
Authors: Emes Michael J.
Published: August 2009

In response to biotic and abiotic stresses, plants induce a complex array of pathways and protein phosphorylation cascades which generally lead to a response aimed at mitigating the particular insult. In many cases, H2O2 has been implicated as the signalling molecule, but, although progress has been made in assembling the downstream components of these signalling pathways, far less is known about the mechanism by which the signal is perceived. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Hardin et al. provide evidence for a plausible mechanism by which plants perceive H2O2. Evidence is presented for chemical oxidation of methionine residues by H2O2 at critical hydrophobic positions within the canonical motifs that define the phosphorylation sites of a number of enzymes, thus inhibiting binding of protein kinases. This process is reversible by MSR (methionine sulfoxide reductase) activity in vivo. Using synthetic peptides for a number of enzymes which are phosphorylated by families of protein kinases, including the CDPK (calcium-dependent protein kinase) and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) families, coupled with in vivo studies of assimilatory plant nitrate reductase, the authors demonstrate that this mechanism regulates the ability of kinases to bind the target protein, directly linking oxidative signals to changes in protein phosphorylation. These results may have widespread implications for the perception of redox signalling in plants and animals.
Cis-trans switchable metallosupramolecular polymers: Computer modeling
Authors: Wang Shihu , Dormidontova Elena E.
Published: August 2009

Using computer simulations we study linear oligomers end functionalized with ligands that can form trans- or cis-2:1 complexes with metal ions in a salt-screened good solvent. We show that trans-cis isomerization of ligand-metal complexes can significantly increase the average molecular weight as well as trigger formation of reversible metallosupramolecular network based on 3:1 ligand-metal complexes acting as cross-linkers. We predict the conditions under which the most dramatic changes in the properties of metallosupramolecular polymers, such as network formation or increase in elastic plateau modulus of the network, occur upon isomerization.
Photonic crystal membrane waveguides with low insertion losses
Authors: Tran Quynh Vy , Combrié Sylvain , Colman Pierre , De Rossi Alfredo
Published: August 2009

We demonstrate experimentally that the fiber to fiber total insertion loss into a single-mode waveguide in a suspended photonic crystal membrane can be reduced to less than 10 dB (input, output, and propagation) without introducing any supplementary processing step (e.g., polymer deposition and etching). This is achieved through a suitable design of the waveguide end-facets minimizing the impedance mismatch and thereby the residual reflectance at the waveguide ends.
Linear description of nonlinear electromagnetic cold plasma modes based on generalized vorticity
Authors: Verheest Frank
Published: August 2009

Based on a multispecies plasma description in terms of canonical vorticities, the search for exact harmonic wave profiles at arbitrary amplitudes, and the possible linear superposition of such nonlinear waves, has been discussed in terms of linearizing principles and their validity. Assuming first that the fluid velocities and wave canonical vorticities are parallel, with constant factors of proportionality, leads to incompressible plasmas that always remain charge neutral and to transverse, nondispersive waves with circular polarization. Contrary to claims in the literature, there are only as many wavenumber solutions as plasma species and these cannot serve as a basis for all solutions of the linearized equations describing the chosen plasma model. By simply dropping the nonlinear term in the species vorticity equations, dispersive waves obtain, for unidirectional propagation in incompressible plasmas. There being no wavenumber restrictions, these waves can serve as a full basis to express other solutions in. For pair plasmas the polarization is linear.
Convection in molten pool created by a concentrated energy flux on a solid metal target
Authors: Dikshit B. , Zende G. R. , Bhatia M. S. , Suri B. M.
Published: August 2009

During surface evaporation of metals by use of a concentrated energy flux such as electron beam or lasers, a liquid metal pool having a very high temperature gradient is formed around the hot zone created by the beam. Due to temperature dependence of surface tension, density, and depression of the evaporating surface caused by back pressure of the emitted vapor in this molten pool, a strong convective current sets in the molten pool. A proposition is made that this convection may pass through three different stages during increase in the electron beam power depending upon dominance of the various driving forces. To confirm this, convective heat transfer is quantified in terms of dimensionless Nusselt number and its evolution with power is studied in an experiment using aluminum, copper, and zirconium as targets. These experimentally determined values are also compared to the theoretical values predicted by earlier researchers to test the validity of their assumptions and to know about the type of flow in the melt pool. Thus, conclusion about the physical characteristics of flow in the molten pool of metals could be drawn by considering the roles of surface tension and curvature of the evaporating surface on the evolution of convective heat transfer.
Two Dinuclear CuII - Tetrazolate Complexes: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Song Wei-Chao , Li Jian-Rong , Carolina Sañudo E. , Liu Jia , Bu Xian-He
Published: August 2009

Two μ2-tetrazolyl bridged dinuclear CuII complexes, [Cu(L1)(N3)(phen)]2 1 (HL1 = 5-phenyltetrazole, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [Cu(L2)2(NH3)2]2 2 (HL2 = 5-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-tetrazole), were synthesized and characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction and IR spectroscopy. The two complexes are dinuclear CuII entities, in which the CuII centres are linked by tetrazolate bridging ligands. However, the CuII ions of the two complexes show different coordination geometries, square pyramidal for complex 1 and trigonal-bipyramidal for complex 2, which may lead to different magnetic properties. In complex 1, a weak ferromagnetic coupling was found to exist between CuII ions, but in complex 2, weak antiferromagnetic coupling was found to be present. A van Vleck equation for the CuII dimer was written using the Ĥ = –2J[Ŝ1Ŝ2] Hamiltonian, and it was used to fit the experimental data with fitting parameters J = 0.26 cm–1 and g = 2.17 for complex 1, J = –2.34 cm–1 and g = 2.17 for complex 2, respectively.
Over-Stabilization of Chemically Modified and Cross-Linked Candida antarctica Lipase B Using Various Epoxides and Diepoxides
Authors: Miletić Nemanja , Loos Katja
Published: August 2009

Candida antarctica lipase B, Cal-B, was (i) chemically modified with various epoxides, or (ii) cross-linked with various diepoxides in order to improve enzyme activity and thermal stability. Changed enzyme structure was confirmed by kinetic resolution of p-nitrophenol acetate with methanol and determination of the kinetic parameters. Thermal stability measurements were carried out for each Cal-B derivative, proving that Cal-B modified with 1,2-epoxypropane and 1,2-epoxypentane, and cross-linked with 1,2,7,8-diepoxyoctane and 1,2,9,10-diepoxydecane showed higher stability than soluble enzyme. The influence of the length of the epoxide arm in the modification process, as well as the length of the spacer arm in the cross-linking process, on the final enzyme preparation properties was investigated. The amount of epoxides and diepoxides used for structural rearrangement played an important role in the derivatives’ characteristics. The influence of the precipitant used and the presence of additives, such as surfactant or crown-ether, during modification and cross-linking processes was also revealed.
Stereoselective Nucleophilic Addition of Potassium Alkyltrifluoroborates to Cyclic N-Acyliminium Ions: a Simple and Mild Approach to Chiral 5-Alkyl-pyrrolidin-2-ones
Authors: Vieira Adriano S. , Ferreira Fernando P. , Guarezemini Alexandre S. , Stefani Helio A.
Published: August 2009

The stereoselective nucleophilic addition of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates to cyclic N-acyliminium ions derived from N-benzyl-3,4,5-triacetoxy-pyrrolidin-2-one, which affords 5-substituted-pyrrolidin-2-ones, is described. The products are obtained in moderate to good yields and are produced predominantly as the anti diastereomer.
Where are the End-Groups in a Hyperbranched Polymer?
Authors: Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: August 2009

The location of the end-groups in hyperbranched polymers is modelled by considering two synthetic strategies. The first synthesis is to make linear chains, and then link these chains. The second strategy is to sequentially add multifunctional monomers. The first strategy represents hyperbranched polymers synthesized by living radical methods, whereas the second represents polycondensations at low conversion. The high-conversion case is also considered. The present analysis suggests that sequential addition of monomers places more end-groups at the polymer’s surface than synthesis by linking chains. If the end-groups are catalysts, synthesis by the addition of monomers should give fewer inaccessible catalysts.
Mating system and genetic structure in the paper wasp (Polistes humilis)
Authors: Hoggard Stephen J. , Beattie Andrew J. , Gillings Michael R. , Stow Adam J.
Published: August 2009

We provide the first description of the mating system, genetic structuring and dispersal in the Australian paper wasp, Polistes humilis. Individuals were collected from 13 colonies that were within 700 m of each other at a location near Sydney, Australia. Analysis of genotypic data from four microsatellite loci provided no evidence of males siring offspring in their natal colony and heterozygote excesses within most colonies suggest that this form of outbreeding is typical in P. humilis. The same data show that queens are singly mated and that the number of queens and therefore groups of full siblings increase with colony size. Consequently, genetic variation also increases with colony size. The relationship between the number of queens and colony size in P. humilis may be indicative of a breakdown in dominance hierarchies in larger colonies or a defence against disease transmission.
Gliding performance and its relevance to gap crossing by the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis)
Authors: Goldingay Ross L. , Taylor Brendan D.
Published: August 2009

Gliding mammals occur worldwide and many are subject to increasing levels of habitat fragmentation. Knowledge of their ability to cross tree-gaps by gliding is quite poor. We describe aspects of the gliding performance of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) based on recorded parameters of 85 glides of 73 individuals. Animals launched from a horizontal position ~1.7 m below the top of a tree and 2.3 m out from the main trunk. All but one glide was to the trunk of a tree, landing 5.7 m above the ground. Animals glided a mean of 21.5 ± 0.9 m (range 9–47 m) in a horizontal plane, with no significant difference between the sexes. Horizontal glide distance appears to reflect tree spacing where individuals were released. The mean glide angle was 28.5 ± 0.8°, with no significant difference between the sexes. We predict that trees beside roads that create a tree-gap of 20 m (two-lane road) or 43 m (four-lane road) will need to be a least 13 m and 25 m tall, respectively, to enable animals to safely glide across a road. Where trees are absent, 12-m-high wooden poles could be installed, requiring some in the median strip of four-lane roads.
Proline antagonizes GABA-induced quenching of quorum-sensing in
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Haudecoeur E. , Planamente S. , Cirou A. , Tannières M. , Shelp B. J. , Moréra S. , Faure D.
Published: August 2009

Plants accumulate free L-proline (Pro) in response to abiotic stresses (drought and salinity) and presence of bacterial pathogens, including the tumor-inducing bacterium
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
. However, the function of Pro accumulation in host-pathogen interaction is still unclear. Here, we demonstrated that Pro antagonizes plant GABA-defense in the
A. tumefaciens
C58-induced tumor by interfering with the import of GABA and consequently the GABA-induced degradation of the bacterial quorum-sensing signal, 3-oxo-octanoylhomoserine lactone. We identified a bacterial receptor Atu2422, which is implicated in the uptake of GABA and Pro, suggesting that Pro acts as a natural antagonist of GABA-signaling. The Atu2422 amino acid sequence contains a Venus flytrap domain that is required for trapping GABA in human GABA
B
receptors. A constructed
atu2422
mutant was more virulent than the wild type bacterium; moreover, transgenic plants with a low level of Pro exhibited less severe tumor symptoms than did their wild-type parents, revealing a crucial role for Venus flytrap GABA-receptor and relative abundance of GABA and Pro in host-pathogen interaction.
The structure of dimethylallyl tryptophan synthase reveals a common architecture of aromatic prenyltransferases in fungi and bacteria
Authors: Metzger Ute , Schall Christoph , Zocher Georg , Unsöld Inge , Stec Edyta , Li Shu-Ming , Heide Lutz , Stehle Thilo
Published: August 2009

Ergot alkaloids are toxins and important pharmaceuticals that are produced biotechnologically on an industrial scale. The first committed step of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis is catalyzed by dimethylallyl tryptophan synthase (DMATS; EC 2.5.1.34). Orthologs of DMATS are found in many fungal genomes. We report here the x-ray structure of DMATS, determined at a resolution of 1.76 Å. A complex of DMATS from
Aspergillus fumigatus
with its aromatic substrate L-tryptophan and with an analogue of its isoprenoid substrate dimethylallyl diphosphate reveals the structural basis of this enzyme-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts reaction, which shows strict regiospecificity for position 4 of the indole nucleus of tryptophan as well as unusual independence of the presence of Mg
2+
ions. The 3D structure of DMATS belongs to a rare β/α barrel fold, called prenyltransferase barrel, that was recently discovered in a small group of bacterial enzymes with no sequence similarity to DMATS. These bacterial enzymes catalyze the prenylation of aromatic substrates in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (i.e., a reaction similar to that of DMATS).
Human myelin proteome and comparative analysis with mouse myelin
Authors: Ishii Akihiro , Dutta Ranjan , Wark Greg M. , Hwang Sun-Il , Han David K. , Trapp Bruce D. , Pfeiffer Steven E. , Bansal Rashmi
Published: August 2009

Myelin, formed by oligodendrocytes (OLs) in the CNS, is critical for axonal functions, and its damage leads to debilitating neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of myelination and the pathogenesis of human myelin disease has been limited partly by the relative lack of identification and functional characterization of the repertoire of human myelin proteins. Here, we present a large-scale analysis of the myelin proteome, using the shotgun approach of 1-dimensional PAGE and liquid chromatography/tandem MS. Three hundred eight proteins were commonly identified from human and mouse myelin fractions. Comparative microarray analysis of human white and gray matter showed that transcripts of several of these were elevated in OL-rich white matter compared with gray matter, providing confidence in their detection in myelin. Comparison with other databases showed that 111 of the identified proteins/transcripts also were expressed in OLs, rather than in astrocytes or neurons. Comparison with 4 previous myelin proteomes further confirmed more than 50% of the identified proteins and revealed the presence of 163 additional proteins. A select group of identified proteins also were verified by immunoblotting. We classified the identified proteins into biological subgroups and discussed their relevance in myelin biogenesis and maintenance. Taken together, the study provides insights into the complexity of this metabolically active membrane and creates a valuable resource for future in-depth study of specific proteins in myelin with relevance to human demyelinating diseases.
HIF2α inhibition promotes p53 pathway activity, tumor cell death, and radiation responses
Authors: Bertout Jessica A. , Majmundar Amar J. , Gordan John D. , Lam Jennifer C. , Ditsworth Dara , Keith Brian , Brown Eric J. , Nathanson Katherine L. , Simon M. Celeste
Published: August 2009

Approximately 50% of cancer patients receive radiation treatment, either alone or in combination with other therapies. Tumor hypoxia has long been associated with resistance to radiation therapy. Moreover, the expression of hypoxia inducible factors HIF1α and/or HIF2α correlates with poor prognosis in many tumors. Recent evidence indicates that HIF1α expression can enhance radiation-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. We demonstrate here that HIF2α inhibition promotes tumor cell death and, in contrast to HIF1α, enhances the response to radiation treatment. Specifically, inhibiting HIF2α expression augments p53 activity, increases apoptosis, and reduces clonogenic survival of irradiated and non-irradiated cells. Moreover, HIF2α inhibition promotes p53-mediated responses by disrupting cellular redox homeostasis, thereby permitting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and DNA damage. These results correlate with altered p53 phosphorylation and target gene expression in untreated human tumor samples and show that HIF2α likely contributes to tumor cell survival including during radiation therapy.
Obstetric outcome in Danish children with a validated diagnosis of kernicterus
Authors: MAIMBURG RIKKE DAMKJÆR , BECH BODIL HAMMER , BJERRE JESPER VANDBORG , OLSEN JØRN , MØLLER‐MADSEN BJARNE
Published: August 2009

Objective. To validate the use of the kernicterus diagnosis in a clinical register in Denmark and to describe occurrence and obstetric outcome in children with a validated kernicterus diagnosis. Design. Population‐based cohort study. Setting. Denmark. Population. All children born from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2003. Methods. We established a national population‐based cohort of children with a diagnosis of kernicterus based on data obtained from a mandatory national register and from a clinically established cohort. Information on obstetric outcome and child development was obtained from the registers and from the medical records. Main outcome measures. Validation of the kernicterus diagnosis and description of obstetric and long‐term outcomes in children with kernicterus. Results. We found 15 children with a diagnosis of kernicterus in the Danish National Hospital Register and eight children with a diagnosis of kernicterus in a clinically established cohort. A total of nine children had a validated diagnosis of kernicterus which leads to a cumulative incidence of kernicterus in Denmark of 1.3/100.000 newborns. Most of the nine children experienced suboptimal growth but otherwise normal pregnancy and delivery outcomes. All except one child developed severe neurological impairment in childhood. Conclusion. Kernicterus is still an existing disease in Denmark. The children with kernicterus experienced overall normal pregnancy and delivery outcomes but long‐term outcomes were affected. Validation of the kernicterus diagnosis in the hospital register was necessary.
Selective prophylactic transfusion in sickle cell disease
Authors: GROSSETTI ELIZABETH , CARLES GABRIEL , EL GUINDI WAEL , SEVE BEATRICE , MONTOYA YOHNI , CREVEUIL CHRISTIAN , DREYFUS MICHEL
Published: August 2009

Objective. To record feto‐maternal complications following the use of selective prophylactic transfusions in women with major sickle cell disease (SCD) and determine whether selective prophylactic transfusion reduces these complications, through a comparison with a population of women who received transfusions for complications only. Design. A retrospective cohort study. Setting. Public regional referral hospital in western French Guyana. Population. Between 1992 and 2004, in all 29 women, 55 pregnancies, and 56 neonates. Methods. Close obstetric follow‐up and selective prophylactic transfusions after 26 weeks. Main outcome measures. Adverse obstetric outcome (pre‐eclampsia, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), cesarean delivery, neonatal and maternal mortality) and end‐points for SCD outcome (vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC), acute chest syndrome, and infections). Results. Complications involved the different major SCD types to an equal extent. Comparison with the control group showed that women who had received prophylactic transfusions had lower rates of VOC (p = 0.002) and preterm deliveries (p = 0.036), but a significant increase in IUGR cases (p = 0.048). Conclusion. Selective prophylactic transfusion seems to reduce certain maternal and fetal complications in women with severe forms of SCD. These results can only be confirmed through a randomized prospective study.
Pregnant women are satisfied with the information they receive about prenatal diagnosis, but are their decisions well informed?
Authors: FERM WIDLUND KJERSTIN , GUNNARSSON CECILIA , NORDIN KARIN , HANSSON MATS G.
Published: August 2009

Objective. To survey the information about prenatal diagnosis that midwives give to pregnant women and to find out how the women experience the information. Furthermore, to evaluate the midwives’ opinion about their knowledge and personal need for education. Design. Descriptive cross‐sectional study. Setting. The southeast healthcare region of Sweden. Methods. One hundred and fifty‐seven midwives and 150 pregnant women were invited to reply to a confidential questionnaire in 2008. Results. The reply rate was 78% for the midwives and 53% for the women. Ninety‐six percentage of the midwives used ≤10 minutes to inform women about prenatal diagnosis. Seventy‐two percentage always informed about the advantages and 41% about the choice to continue or terminate the pregnancy if a serious abnormality was detected. In addition, 41% considered that they had sufficient knowledge to inform about prenatal diagnosis, while 84% wanted additional education. Seventy‐six percentage of the women took the decision to have prenatal diagnosis as soon as they found out that they were pregnant. A majority considered that they had been given enough time for questions and reflections. Conclusions. There was discrepancy between the amount of information, which midwives gave to pregnant women about prenatal diagnosis compared to what would be needed for a complete understanding of the relevant medical facts and the risks involved, but even so the women were satisfied with the information.
Risk of selected postpartum infections after cesarean section compared with vaginal birth: A five‐year cohort study of 32,468 women
Authors: LETH RITA ANDERSEN , MØLLER JENS KJØLSETH , THOMSEN REIMAR WERNICH , ULDBJERG NIELS , NØRGAARD METTE
Published: August 2009

Objectives. To compare the risk of postpartum infections within 30 days after vaginal birth, emergency, or elective cesarean section (CS). Design. Register‐based cohort study in Denmark. Participants. A total of 32,468 women giving birth in hospitals in the County of Aarhus, Denmark, during the period 2001–2005. Methods. Data from various hospital registries were combined and infections were identified by positive cultures, prescriptions for antibiotics and, re‐operative procedures. Risk of postpartum infection was estimated and adjustment for potentially confounders was performed. Results. Within 30 days postpartum, 7.6% of women who had underwent CS and 1.6% of women having a vaginal birth acquired an infection, yielding an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 4.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.08–5.43. The prevalence of postpartum urinary tract infection (UTI) was 2.8%, after CS and 1.5% after vaginal birth corresponding to an adjusted OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.38–2.03. The risk of UTI did not differ between emergency and elective CS. The prevalence of WI was 5.0% after CS and 0.08% after vaginal birth. Moreover, we found a nearly 50% higher risk of postpartum WI after emergency CS compared to elective CS (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13–1.97). More than 75% (697/907) of postpartum infections appeared after hospital discharge. Conclusions. The risk of postpartum infection seems to be nearly five‐fold increased after CS compared with vaginal birth. This may be of concern since the prevalence of CS is increasing.
Does fetal weight estimated by ultrasound really affect the success rate of external cephalic version?
Authors: BURGOS JORGE , MELCHOR JUAN CARLOS , COBOS PATRICIA , CENTENO MARIMAR , PIJOAN JOSE IGNACIO , FERNANDEZ‐LLEBREZ LUIS , MARTINEZ‐ASTORQUIZA TXANTON
Published: August 2009

Objective. To determine whether fetal weight estimated by ultrasound on the day the external cephalic version (ECV) is related to the procedure's success rate. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. University hospital. Population or sample. Two hundred women with a singleton pregnancy undergoing an ECV attempt between March 2002 and March 2006. Method. Projected birthweight at delivery was calculated. Logistic regression analysis, by grams and by weight intervals, and multiple correspondence analysis were performed to determine whether or not the weight was related to the procedure's success. Specific statistical analysis was undertaken to minimize measurement bias in fetal weight estimation. Main outcome measure. Success of ECV in relation to estimated fetal weight. Results. Measurement bias was ruled out because no statistically significant differences were identified with the Student's t‐test (p>0.05), Bland–Altman's agreement analysis, and the interclass correlation coefficient analysis (ICC = 0.829; CI95% 0.772–0.871; p<0.01). By logistic regression analysis, a variable relation between fetal weight estimated by ultrasound and ECV success was detected, while multiple correspondence analysis suggested that variations in fetal weight are weakly related to the procedure's success or failure. No relation was identified between ECV and birthweight (p = 0.38) when the delivery took place in the same week as the version. Conclusions. Estimated fetal weight before ECV seems not to be related to the outcome of ECV.
Corpus Callosum Size and Shape in Established Bipolar Affective Disorder
Authors: Walterfang Mark , Malhi Gin S. , Wood Amanda G. , Reutens David C. , Chen Jian , Barton Sarah , Yücel Murat , Velakoulis Dennis , Pantelis Christos
Published: August 2009

Objective: Callosal structural and functional alterations have been demonstrated in a range of neuropsychiatric illnesses, including bipolar disorder, but no study has examined regional callosal thickness in this phenotype. The aim of the present study was therefore to examine callosal size and shape in a well-defined group of bipolar affective disorder patients and controls.

Methods: The participants included 24 patients with DSM-IV bipolar I disorder and 24 matched healthy controls. The corpus callosum was extracted from mid-callosal images from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans on all participants, and callosal area, length, bending angle and regional callosal thickness measures were computed from these images.

Results: The callosum was thinner in the bipolar group overall, with a disproportionately reduced thickness in the splenium. Psychotic and non-psychotic patients did not differ, although patients without a family history of mood disorders had a thinner callosum.

Conclusion: Callosal reductions are present in established bipolar disorder, and affect posterior regions more than anterior regions. This may reflect a primary disturbance to myelination, or a secondary effect of grey matter changes.
Recall of News Stories About Mental Illness by Australian Youth: Associations with Help-Seeking Attitudes and Stigma
Authors: Morgan Amy J. , Jorm Anthony F.
Published: August 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate what news stories about mental illness are recalled by Australian youth and whether these are associated with stigma and help-seeking beliefs.

Method: A random sample of 3746 Australian youth aged 12–25 years were interviewed about mental health literacy in 2006. As part of the interview, they were asked whether they could recall any news stories about mental health problems during the past 12 months. Stigma was assessed, as well as willingness to seek help for a mental illness described in a vignette. Common news story themes were entered as predictors of stigma components and willingness to seek help in a series of logistic regressions.

Results: Only a minority of youth could recall a news story about mental illness. The most common stories recalled were those involving crime or violence; mental health system failures; or disclosures of mental illness by prominent individuals. Recall of a disclosure by a prominent individual was associated with beliefs that people with mental illness are sick rather than weak, while recall of a story involving crime or violence was associated with greater reluctance to tell anyone about a mental health problem. There were no types of stories that predicted willingness to seek help.

Conclusions: There is some evidence that recall of positive or negative news stories is associated with specific components of stigma. Overall, however, recall of news stories about mental illness added little explanatory power to differences in stigma or help-seeking intentions.
Sexual Side-Effects of Contemporary Antidepressants: Review
Authors: Schweitzer Isaac , Maguire Kay , Ng Chee
Published: August 2009

The aim of the present study was to review the sexual side-effects of contemporary antidepressants in Australia, comparing the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with venlafaxine, reboxetine, mirtazepine, duloxetine, bupropion, desvenlafaxine and agomelatine. Double-blind, randomized comparative studies of these antidepressants that included assessment of sexual dysfunction with validated rating scales in patients with major depressive disorder were identified from the literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO databases. Bupropion and duloxetine caused significantly less sexual dysfunction than the SSRIs in short-term studies and reboxetine significantly less in both short- and longer term studies. Bupropion and agomelatine caused significantly less sexual dysfunction than venlafaxine. The evidence for mirtazepine having an advantage over the SSRIs is lacking and there are currently insufficient data for desvenlafaxine. Well-designed comparative studies of contemporary antidepressants with direct assessment of sexual side-effects as the primary outcome measure are scarce. Future studies should be randomized, double-blind, active controlled trials in sexually active subjects with major depressive disorder. There should be direct assessment of sexual function and depression using reliable, validated rating scales before and during treatment. Studies should assess treatment-emergent effects in patients with normal function and resolution of baseline dysfunction over treatment, in both the short and long term. Further research should compare available instruments for measuring sexual function, and include separate analyses of both remitters/non-remitters and male/female subjects.
Serotonin Discontinuation Syndrome Following in Utero Exposure to Antidepressant Medication: Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Galbally Megan , Lewis Andrew J. , Lum Jarrad , Buist Anne
Published: August 2009

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine neonatal symptoms previously reported to be associated with exposure to antidepressant medication in late pregnancy in a group of infants exposed to antidepressants, using a prospective and controlled design.

Method: A prospective case–control study recruited 27 pregnant women taking antidepressant medication and 27 matched controls who were not taking antidepressant medication in pregnancy. Of the 27 women taking medication, 25 remained on medication in the third trimester and, of these, 23 women had complete data available. In pregnancy and after delivery women were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory-II and a purpose-designed questionnaire. After delivery mothers were asked a set of nine questions pertaining to symptoms of discontinuation in their newborn and questions about pregnancy and delivery complications.

Results: There was an increased risk of discontinuation symptoms in neonates exposed to antidepressant medication in late pregnancy and an association with higher dose medication. The study group were found to be significantly more likely to display behaviour such as crying, jitteriness, tremor, feeding, reflux and sneezing and sleep for <3 h after a feed. They also had significantly higher rates of jaundice and admissions to the special care nursery.

Conclusions: Exposure to antidepressants in late pregnancy is associated with a range of symptoms in the neonate that are consistent with the effects of exposure to antidepressants in late pregnancy. The clusters of symptoms most highly correlated are the gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms. These finding helps to identify the common symptoms associated with a neonatal serotonin discontinuation syndrome.
The Utility of the MMPI-2 Criminal Offender Infrequency (Fc) Scale in the Detection of Malingering in Criminal Defendants
Authors: Barber-Rioja Virginia , Zottoli TinaM. , Kucharski L.Thomas , Duncan Scott
Published: August 2009

Recognizing that nonmalingering criminal subjects often elevate both the Infrequency (F) and Infrequency Psychopathology (Fp) scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), Megargee (2004) developed the Criminal Offender Infrequency (Fc) scale, which includes items infrequently endorsed by criminal offenders. This study compared MMPI-2 F, F(p), Fb and Fc elevations of criminal defendants who classified as malingering or not malingering using the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS). Results of Logistic Regression Analyses suggested that the Fc scale performed better than F(p) and Fb, and at least as good as F in the detection of malingering in this forensic sample. Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive and Negative Predictive Validity Values for F, Fp and Fc are provided.
Risk Assessment: Are Current Methods Applicable to Women?
Authors: Garcia-Mansilla Alexandra , Rosenfeld Barry , Nicholls ToniaL.
Published: August 2009

Despite extensive research examining risk assessment in men, there is still relatively little research investigating the accuracy of current methods of violence risk assessment when applied to women. This manuscript reviews the published literature on violence risk assessment in women, summarizing methodological issues that complicate the evaluation of risk assessment measures and accuracy of decisions emanating from their use. A wide range of studies are reviewed that use different modes of violence risk assessment including unstructured clinical evaluations, structured professional judgment (SPJ) techniques, and actuarial methods. Studies utilized a range of female populations (i.e., offenders, civil psychiatric patients, forensic psychiatric patients). Results of this analysis suggest that although structured methods are more accurate at predicting future risk than unstructured methods, the research supporting the use of current risk assessment measures on women remains equivocal.
When detainees have a disability: Their rights and fundamental freedoms
Authors: Nowak Manfred , Zarraluqui Adriana
Published: August 2009

This article describes and clarifies the human rights of persons with disabilities in the context of detention in light of the recently adopted and already in force Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Convention). Focusing on the Convention, the article sheds light on the legality of certain forms of detention affecting persons with disabilities, the substantive and procedural requirements for their detention, and on their rights in relation to conditions of detention. This article also provides an account of the different treatments and practices inflicted on persons with disabilities in prisons and other institutions and assesses whether they constitute torture and ill treatment. The authors argue that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities represents a paradigm shift that requires States to modify and adopt laws, policies and practices that fully respect the right to
liberty of persons with disabilities, and their equal enjoyment of rights while in detention, including the right to be free from torture and ill treatment.
Mental health in prisons: A public health agenda
Authors: Fraser A.
Published: August 2009

Mental illness affects the majority of prisoners. Mental health issues are beginning to take a central position in the development of prison health services, reflecting this burden of disease. This change in focus is not before time. But prison mental health services cannot exist in isolation. Public health systems should lead provision of care for patients with acute and severe illness. A whole prison approach to health and, specifically, mental health will offer the greatest likelihood that offenders will thrive, benefit from imprisonment, and lead law‐abiding lives after release. Public awareness of the scale and commitment of prisons to mental health and illness, and understanding of prisons’ role in society, are necessary developments that would protect and enhance public mental health, as well as creating a healthier and safer society. This article draws on recent reviews, information and statements to set out a public health agenda for mental health in prisons.