bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of hormone response elements (HREs) on ecdysteroid receptor concentration
Authors: Schauer S. , Azoitei A. , Braun S. , Spindler‐Barth M.
Published: September 2011

Transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors is the result of transactivation capability and receptor protein concentration. The concentration of ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) constitutively expressed in vertebrate cells varies depending on the isoforms. Besides ligand binding and heterodimerization with ultraspiracle (USP), which stabilizes receptor protein concentration, degradation is regulated by interaction of the receptor complex with different ecdysteroid response elements (EcREs). Coexpression of EcREs significantly reduces ecdysteroid receptor concentration depending on the type of EcRE. Transcriptional activity and interaction with hormone response elements (HREs) as determined by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) are often inversely related to receptor protein concentration. The complex regulation of receptor protein concentration offers an additional opportunity to regulate transcriptional activity in an isoform‐ and target cell‐specific manner and allows the temporal limitation of hormone action.
Accuracy of population‐specific Demirjian curves in the estimation of dental age of Saudi children
Authors: BAGHDADI ZIAD D. , PANI SHARAT C.
Published: September 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 125–131

Background.  The Demirjian eight‐stage method is one of the principal methods used to quantify the degree of maturity from age 3 to 17.

Aim.  The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of dental age of different population‐specific curves, derived using the Demirjian method, to the chronological age of Saudi children aged between 4 and 14.

Design.  Panoramic radiographic records of 176 children (91 boys and 85 girls), without any history of systemic disease, were assessed using the Demirjian method, and the dental age was calculated using curves designed for French‐Canadian, Belgian, Kuwaiti, and Saudi children. The difference from chronological age (DA–CA) for each curve was then statistically compared using ANOVA, and each of the curves was compared to the chronological age using multinomial regression modelling.

Results.  The results suggest that although population‐specific curves are more accurate in the prediction of age, a considerable variation within each population still exists.

Conclusions.  The Demirjian method offers great scope in fields that require the study of the pattern of growth rather than the accuracy of age estimation.
Forest composition in Mediterranean mountains is projected to shift along the entire elevational gradient under climate change
Authors: Ruiz‐Labourdette Diego , Nogués‐Bravo David , Ollero Helios Sáinz , Schmitz María F. , Pineda Francisco D.
Published: September 2011

Aim  Species distribution models have been used frequently to assess the effects of climate change on mountain biodiversity. However, the value and accuracy of these assessments have been hampered by the use of low‐resolution data for species distributions and climatic conditions. Herein we assess potential changes in the distribution and community composition of tree species in two mountainous regions of Spain under specific scenarios of climate change using data with a high spatial resolution. We also describe potential changes in species distributions and tree communities along the entire elevational gradient.

Location  Two mountain ranges in southern Europe: the Central Mountain Range (central west of the Iberian Peninsula), and the Iberian Mountain Range (central east).

Methods  We modelled current and future distributions of 15 tree species (Eurosiberian, sub‐Mediterranean and Mediterranean species) as functions of climate, lithology and availability of soil water using generalized linear models (logistic regression) and machine learning models (gradient boosting). Using multivariate ordination of a matrix of presence/absence of tree species obtained under two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios (A2 and B2) for two different periods in the future (2041–70 and 2071–2100), we assessed the predicted changes in the composition of tree communities.

Results  The models predicted an upward migration of communities of Mediterranean trees to higher elevations and an associated decline in communities of temperate or cold‐adapted trees during the 21st century. It was predicted that 80–99% of the area that shows a climate suitable for cold–wet‐optimum Eurosiberian coniferous and broad‐leaved species will be lost. The largest overall changes were predicted for Mediterranean species found currently at low elevations, such as Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster, Quercus ilex ssp. ballota and Juniperus oxycedrus, with sharp increases in their range of 350%.

Main conclusions  It is likely that areas with climatic conditions suitable for cold‐adapted species will decrease significantly under climate warming. Large changes in species ranges and forest communities might occur, not only at high elevations within Mediterranean mountains but also along the entire elevational gradient throughout this region, particularly at low and mid‐elevations. Mediterranean mountains might lose their key role as refugia for cold‐adapted species and thus an important part of their genetic heritage.
Pharmacokinetics of spinosad and milbemycin oxime administered in combination and separately per os to dogs
Authors: HOLMSTROM S. D. , TOTTEN M. L. , NEWHALL K. B. , QIAO M. , RIGGS K. L.
Published: September 2011

Holmstrom, S. D., Totten, M. L., Newhall, K. B., Qiao, M., Riggs, K. L. Pharmacokinetics of spinosad and milbemycin oxime administered in combination and separately per os to dogs. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap 35, 351–364.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were conducted to determine the potential PK interactions when spinosad and milbemycin oxime (MBO) are administered simultaneously. Investigations used commercial MBO tablets (C‐MBO; Interceptor® Flavor Tabs, active ingredient MBO, Novartis Animal Health, Greensboro, NC, USA), novel‐source (Elanco) MBO (E‐MBO) in a gelatin capsule, spinosad API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient using registered manufacturing process) in a gelatin capsule, spinosad tablets (Comfortis® chewable beef flavored tablets, active ingredient spinosad, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA), and the recently registered spinosad + E‐MBO combination tablets (Trifexis™ chewable beef flavored tablets, active ingredients E‐MBO and spinosad, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA). Regardless of the source of MBO, in the presence of spinosad, greater systemic exposure of MBO was obtained as compared to MBO administered alone. Target animal safety studies conducted with dose multiples of spinosad and MBO indicate the increased exposure of MBO does not have implications on adverse clinical reactions. Further research is required to determine whether the higher levels of MBO have any implications for improved effectiveness as compared to C‐MBO. Effectiveness studies conducted with 0.5 mg/kg of E‐MBO in combination tablets demonstrated noninterference against C‐MBO with both products achieving >99% effectiveness against the dose‐limiting nematode, Ancylostoma caninum. No statistical differences were detected in the PK of MBO when comparing animals receiving E‐MBO (without spinosad) and C‐MBO. Also, the PK of spinosad was unaltered when co‐administered with MBO.
Evolution of an incised valley coastal plain estuary under low sediment supply: a ‘give‐up’ estuary
Authors: COOPER J. ANDREW G. , GREEN ANDREW N. , WRIGHT C. IAN
Published: September 2011

The literature on incised river valley sedimentology is dominated by studies of sediment‐rich systems in which the valley has been filled during and/or shortly after drowning. In contrast, the Holocene evolution of the Kosi Lagoon, South Africa (an incised coastal plain river valley) took place under very low sedimentation rates which have produced a distinctive stratigraphy and contemporary sedimentary environments. The findings are based on a synthesis of the results of studies of seismic stratigraphy, sediment distribution, morphodynamics and geomorphology. Barrier migration was prevented by a high pre‐Holocene dune barrier against which Holocene coastal deposits accumulated in an aggradational sequence. Holocene evolution of the back barrier involved: (i) drowning of the incised valley; (ii) wave‐induced modification of the back‐barrier shoreline leading to segmentation during the highstand; and (iii) marine sedimentation adjacent to the tidal inlet. Segmentation has divided the estuary into a series of geochemically and sedimentologically distinctive basins connected by channels in the estuarine barriers. The seismic stratigraphy of the back barrier essentially lacks a transgressive systems tract, shoreline modification and deposition having been accomplished during the highstand. The lack of historical geomorphological change suggests that the system has achieved morphological equilibrium with ambient energy conditions and low sediment supply. This study presents a classification for estuarine incised valley fills based on the balance between sea‐level rise and sedimentation in which Kosi represents a ‘give‐up’ estuary where much of the relict incised channel form is drowned and preserved. It exhibits a fundamentally different set of evolutionary processes and stratigraphic sequences to those of the better known incised valley systems in which sedimentation either keeps pace with sea‐level (‘keep‐up’ estuaries) or occurs after initial drowning (‘catch‐up’ estuaries).
The link between grain‐size components and depositional processes in a modern clastic lake
Authors: XIAO JULE , CHANG ZHIGANG , FAN JIAWEI , ZHOU LANG , ZHAI DAYOU , WEN RUILIN , QIN XIAOGUANG
Published: September 2011

It is widely recognized that lake sediment grain‐size distributions tend to be polymodal and consist of two or more grain‐size components. However, for specific cases, the genesis of each component usually is poorly understood. In this study, the grain‐size components of the surface sediments of Hulun Lake, Inner Mongolia, were partitioned using the log‐normal distribution function method and the relationship between the identity of each grain‐size component and the hydraulic condition of the lake was investigated in order to relate the constituent components to specific depositional processes in the lake. The data indicate that the modern clastic sediments of Hulun Lake contain six distinct unimodal grain‐size distributions representing six grain‐size components. Each of the components retains its identity including modal size, manner of transportation and environment of deposition, although the relative percentage varies with the hydraulic conditions throughout the lake. These components are specified from fine to coarse modes as long‐term suspension clay, offshore‐suspension fine silt and medium to coarse silt, and nearshore‐suspension fine sand, saltation medium sand and traction coarse sand. The percentage contribution of several grain‐size components interpreted as being indicative of nearshore environments is shown to be correlated negatively with water depth across the modern lake bed; this suggests that the proportion of these components in core data might be useful as a proxy for water depth. This possibility was tested using a sediment core from Hulun Lake where high percentages of the nearshore grain‐size components were found to be correlated with low regional precipitation reconstructed from the pollen profile of the same core. The coincidence of two independent proxies does not only demonstrate the validity of log‐normal distribution function in partitioning polymodal sediments but reveals the potential of lake sediment grain‐size components for the research of lake‐level fluctuations during the geological past.
Establishment of diagnostic criteria for feline nonflea‐induced hypersensitivity dermatitis
Authors: Favrot Claude , Steffan Jean , Seewald Wolfgang , Hobi Stefan , Linek Monika , Marignac Geneviève , Olivry Thierry , Beco Luc , Nett Claudia , Fontaine Jacques , Roosje Petra , Bergvall Kerstin , Belova Svetlana , Koebrich Stefanie , Pin Didier , Kovalik Marcel , Meury Sabrina , Wilhelm Sylvia
Published: September 2011

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are commonly seen in cats, and they are usually caused by environmental, food and/or flea allergens. Affected cats normally present with one of the following clinical reaction patterns: head and neck excoriations, usually symmetrical self‐induced alopecia, eosinophilic skin lesions or miliary dermatitis. Importantly, none of these clinical presentations is considered to be pathognomonic for HD skin diseases, and the diagnosis of HD is usually based on the exclusion of other pruritic diseases and on a positive response to therapy. The objectives of this study were to propose sets of criteria for the diagnosis of nonflea‐induced HD (NFHD). We recruited 501 cats with pruritus and skin lesions and compared clinical parameters between cats with NFHD (encompassing those with nonflea, nonfood HD and those with food HD), flea HD and other pruritic conditions. Using simulated annealing techniques, we established two sets of proposed criteria for the following two different clinical situations: (i) the diagnosis of NFHD in a population of pruritic cats; and (ii) the diagnosis of NFHD after exclusion of cats with flea HD. These criteria sets were associated with good sensitivity and specificity and may be useful for homogeneity of enrolment in clinical trials and to evaluate the probability of diagnosis of NFHD in clinical practice. Finally, these criteria were not useful to differentiate cats with NFHD from those with food HD.
Differential expression of interleukin‐32 in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps
Authors: Keswani A. , Chustz R. T. , Suh L. , Carter R. , Peters A. T. , Tan B. K. , Chandra R. , Kim S.‐H. , Azam T. , Dinarello C. A. , Kern R. C. , Schleimer R. P. , Kato A.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Keswani A, Chustz RT, Suh L, Carter R, Peters AT, Tan BK, Chandra R, Kim S‐H, Azam T, Dinarello CA, Kern RC, Schleimer RP, Kato A. Differential expression of interleukin‐32 in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps. Allergy 2012; 67: 25–32.

Background:  Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by local inflammation of the upper airways and sinuses and is frequently divided into polypoid CRS (CRSwNP) and nonpolypoid CRS (CRSsNP). However, the mechanism of inflammation in CRS has still not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of interleukin‐32 (IL‐32), a recently discovered proinflammatory cytokine, in CRS.

Methods:  We collected nasal epithelial cells and nasal tissue from patients with CRS and control subjects. We assayed mRNA for IL‐32 by real‐time PCR and measured IL‐32 protein using ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.

Results:  The expression of mRNA for IL‐32 was elevated in epithelial cells from uncinate tissue from patients with CRSsNP compared with patients with CRSwNP (P < 0.05), control subjects (P = 0.06), and epithelial cells from nasal polyp (NP) tissue (P < 0.05). Production of IL‐32 was induced by IFN‐γ, TNF, and dsRNA in primary airway epithelial cells. In whole‐tissue extracts, the expression of IL‐32 protein was significantly elevated in patients with CRSwNP compared with patients with CRSsNP and control subjects. Immunohistochemistry data showed that IL‐32 was detected in mucosal epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. Levels of IL‐32 were correlated with the levels of CD3 and macrophage mannose receptor in NP tissue. Immunofluorescence data showed IL‐32 co‐localization with CD3‐positive T cells and CD68‐positive macrophages in NPs.

Conclusion:  Overproduction of IL‐32 may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRS, although the role of IL‐32 in the inflammation in CRSsNP and CRSwNP may be different.
Higher in vitro resistance to oxidative stress in extra‐pair offspring
Authors: LOSDAT S. , HELFENSTEIN F. , SALADIN V. , RICHNER H.
Published: September 2011

Oxidative stress is considered to act as a universal physiological constraint in life‐history evolution of animals. This should be of interest for extra‐pair paternity behaviour, and we tested here the prediction that offspring arising from extra‐pair matings of female great tits show higher resistance to oxidative stress than within‐pair offspring. Resistance to oxidative stress, measured as the whole blood resistance to a controlled free‐radical attack, was significantly higher for extra‐pair offspring as predicted although these were not heavier or in better body condition than within‐pair offspring. Since resistance to oxidative stress has been suggested to enhance survival and reproductive rates, extra‐pair offspring with superior resistance to oxidative stress, be it through maternal effects or paternal inheritance, may achieve higher fitness and thus provide significant indirect fitness benefits to their mothers. In addition, because oxidative stress affects colour signals and sperm traits, females may also gain fitness benefits by producing sons that are more attractive (sexy‐sons hypothesis) and have sperm of superior quality (sexy‐sperm hypothesis). Heritability of resistance to oxidative stress as well as maternal effects may both act as proximate mechanisms for the observed result. Disentangling these two mechanisms would require an experimental approach. Future long‐term studies should also aim at experimentally testing whether higher resistance to oxidative stress of EP nestlings indeed translates into fitness benefits to females.
Geographic Distance and Credit Market Access in Niger
Authors: Pedrosa Jose , Do Quy‐Toan
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Distances involved in accessing basic services can constitute a major barrier to development. This paper analyzes the relationship between the distance separating households from microfinance institutions’ offices in Niger, and the low levels of development and performance of the microfinance sector in the country. To cope with the effects of geographical distance, microfinance institutions adapt their policies through more restrictive loan conditions, higher interest rates and more intensive screening. This then leads us to discuss the tension between access and sustainability in the context of financial services for the poor.
Réactions du Marché d’Actions aux Chocs sur les Taux d’Intérêt de Court Terme, le Cas d’un Marché Emergent: la Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM)
Authors: Ndong Benjamin
Published: September 2011

Résumé:  La macroéconomie de façon générale et la politique du taux d’intérêt en particulier sont censées, du point de vue de la théorie, influencer les mouvements des cours sur le marché boursier. Cet article aborde cette problématique dans le cas du marché boursier ouest africain, en analysant les réactions du marché d’actions de la BRVM à des chocs sur le taux d’intérêt. C’est ainsi que les résultats de notre analyse, basée sur la modélisation VAR, montrent que le marché d’actions de la BRVM ne réagit pas instantanément aux chocs sur les taux d’intérêt de court terme. Cependant, les réactions décalées les plus importantes du marché boursier interviennent dans des délais très proches: au plus tôt à la 2ième période et au plus tard à la 6ième période suivant les modèles VAR utilisés. Les effets de long terme sur les rendements boursiers consécutifs aux chocs sur les taux d’intérêt de court terme varient aussi suivant les modèles, le type de taux d’intérêt et la fréquence d’observation des données. Par exemple, une hausse du taux de pension de 2% entraîne dans le long terme une baisse du rendement boursier (BRVM composite) de 1,5% (5ième modèle) ou de 2,3% (6ième modèle). Alors qu’une hausse de 13% du taux interbancaire a pour conséquence une augmentation du rendement boursier de 0,58% (7ième modèle) et de 0,72% (8ième modèle). L’effet de long terme sur le rendement boursier du choc sur le taux de pension est donc relativement plus important que celui consécutif au choc sur le taux interbancaire. Par contre, son effet retardé intervient plus tard que celui du taux interbancaire. La situation précédente du marché est cependant la déterminante principale de la variation des cours boursiers devant les autres variables. Par ailleurs, les résultats montrent que les cours boursiers et les taux d’intérêt de court terme ont une réaction similaire à des chocs sur le taux change et le taux d’inflation.
Business Environment and Growth Potential of Micro and Small Manufacturing Enterprises in Uganda
Authors: Ishengoma Esther K. , Kappel Robert
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Since the 1990s, studies utilizing descriptive statistics have documented factors in the business environment, which hinder the performance of Ugandan micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Based on secondary data, this paper assesses the trend of critical factors since 1994 to 2010. The paper also utilizes the primary data from MSEs to examine the effects of these factors on the growth potential of MSEs, while controlling for the owner's and the firm's attributes. Results from the trend analysis reveal that the business environment has been deteriorating over time. Results from the regression analyses reveal that MSEs’ growth potential is negatively associated with limited access to productive resources, high taxes and lack of market access.
Politics, welfare regimes, and population health: controversies and evidence
Authors: Muntaner Carles , Borrell Carme , Ng Edwin , Chung Haejoo , Espelt Albert , Rodriguez‐Sanz Maica , Benach Joan , O’Campo Patricia
Published: September 2011

In recent years, a research area has emerged within social determinants of health that examines the role of politics, expressed as political traditions/parties and welfare state characteristics, on population health. To better understand and synthesise this growing body of evidence, the present literature review, informed by a political economy of health and welfare regimes framework, located 73 empirical and comparative studies on politics and health, meeting our inclusion criteria in three databases: PubMed (1948‐), Sociological Abstracts (1953‐), and ISI Web of Science (1900‐). We identified two major research programmes, welfare regimes and democracy, and two emerging programmes, political tradition and globalisation. Primary findings include: (1) left and egalitarian political traditions on population health are the most salutary, consistent, and substantial; (2) the health impacts of advanced and liberal democracies are also positive and large; (3) welfare regime studies, primarily conducted among wealthy countries, find that social democratic regimes tend to fare best with absolute health outcomes yet consistently in terms of relative health inequalities; and (4) globalisation defined as dependency indicators such as trade, foreign investment, and national debt is negatively associated with population health. We end by discussing epistemological, theoretical, and methodological issues for consideration for future research.
A retrospective cohort study of dermatological problems observed in paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Prashanth G.P. , Pai V.V.
Published: September 2011

Background  Dermatological manifestations are often encountered in paediatric intensive care units (PICU). Spectrum of dermatological problems that may arise in critically ill children in intensive care unit remains unknown.

Objectives  The aim of this study was to find out the burden of dermatological problems and to describe the proportional distribution of paediatric dermatoses in ICU set‐up.

Methods  In a retrospective cohort study, we analysed all types of paediatric dermatological conditions manifesting in children admitted to a tertiary level ICU in South India.

Results  During the study period of 25 months, 1180 new cases were admitted to PICU. A total of 318 children with 361 skin manifestations were observed. Majority of the skin lesions were minor and were secondary to systemic disease. Infection was the leading cause of dermatoses in ICU. Dengue infection was detected in 64% of total cases included in the study. Stevens–Johnson syndrome was the only primary dermatological condition leading to PICU admission in the present cohort.

Conclusions  The spectrum and proportional distribution of skin conditions in children differ from adult ICU‐data. Further large‐scale investigations are needed to define the characteristics and distribution of infections along with other disease conditions leading to ICU‐admissions and mortality among critically ill paediatric patients.
Rational choice and the political bases of changing Israeli counterinsurgency strategy1
Authors: Brym Robert J. , Andersen Robert
Published: September 2011

Israeli counterinsurgency doctrine holds that the persistent use of credible threat and disproportionate military force results in repeated victories that eventually teach the enemy the futility of aggression. The doctrine thus endorses classical rational choice theory's claim that narrow cost‐benefit calculations shape fixed action rationales. This paper assesses whether Israel's strategic practice reflects its counterinsurgency doctrine by exploring the historical record and the association between Israeli and Palestinian deaths due to low‐intensity warfare. In contrast to the expectations of classical rational choice theory, the evidence suggests that institutional, cultural and historical forces routinely override simple cost‐benefit calculations. Changing domestic and international circumstances periodically cause revisions in counterinsurgency strategy. Credible threat and disproportionate military force lack the predicted long‐term effect.
Tightening the focus: moral panic, moral regulation and liberal government1
Authors: Hier Sean P.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this article is to tighten the focus of moral panic studies by clarifying and elaborating on an analytical framework that conceptualizes moral panic as a form of moral regulation. The first part of the article explains why moral panic should be conceptualized as a form of moral regulation. The second part presents a rejoinder to Critcher's (2009) critique of the widening focus of moral panic studies. The third part elaborates on the conceptual relationship between the sociologies of moral panic and moral regulation by offering fresh insights into the sociological and political importance of moral panic as a technique of liberal government.
The stress regime of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin
Authors: BELL J. S. , GRASBY S. E.
Published: September 2011

All available information relevant to in situ stress orientations and magnitudes in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) were examined to provide a better understanding of how regional stress fields may affect geothermal development. The smallest principal stress is horizontal over most of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, and it varies in magnitude across the region. Horizontal stress trajectories show that SHmax axes are generally aligned SW–NE. A total of 1643 measurements of microfracture and minifracture closure pressures, leak‐off pressures and fracture breakdown pressures have been harnessed to map SHmin gradients across the basin at depths of 156–500, 500–1000, 1000–4185 and 2000–4185 m. Vertical stress magnitudes, calculated in 91 wells, showed that at constant depth, SV increases towards the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Resultant regional stress maps show consistent trends in orientation of stress axes. As a result, predictions can be made that propagation axes of subsurface hydraulic fractures will be dominantly SW–NE, except over the Peace River Arch area, where they will trend more towards SSW–NNE. Engineered geothermal systems in the WCSB can be optimised by drilling horizontal wells parallel to SHmin.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Public Health Implications
Authors: Goh Khean‐Lee , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Shiota Seiji , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: September 2011

This review summarizes studies on the epidemiology and public health implications of Helicobacter pylori published in peer‐reviewed journals from April 2010 through March 2011. Prevalence rates vary widely between different geographical regions and ethnic groups. An interesting study from the USA identified the degree of African ancestry as an independent predictor of H. pylori infection. Two studies have demonstrated early childhood as the period of transmission of infection and identified an infected sibling as an important risk factor. An oral–oral route of spread has been substantiated with several studies showing the presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity. Studies have shown the presence of H. pylori in drinking water and the role of poor living conditions and sanitation in H. pylori infection, supporting an oral–fecal route of spread. Screening for H. pylori as a gastric cancer pre‐screening strategy has been described in Japan, and the importance of H. pylori eradication as a gastric cancer–prevention strategy has now been further emphasized in Japanese guidelines. Two studies have shown a decrease in the burden of dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease with H. pylori eradication.
Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Backert Steffen , Clyne Marguerite
Published: September 2011

Helicobacter pylori infections and clinical outcome are dependent on sophisticated interactions between the bacteria and its host. Crucial bacterial factors associated with pathogenicity comprise a type IV secretion system encoded by the cag pathogenicity island, the effector protein CagA, the vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA), peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), protease HtrA, and the adhesins BabA, SabA, and others. The high number of these factors and allelic variation of the involved genes generates a highly complex scenario and reveals the difficulties in testing the contribution of each individual factor. Much effort has been put into identifying the molecular mechanisms associated with H. pylori‐associated pathogenesis using human primary tissues, Mongolian gerbils, transgenic, knockout, and other mice as well as in vitro cell model systems. Interactions between bacterial factors and host signal transduction pathways seem to be critical for mediating the induction of pathogenic downstream processes and disease development. In this review article, we discuss the most recent progress in this research field.
Gastric Cancer: Basic Aspects
Authors: Resende Carlos , Thiel Alexandra , Machado José C. , Ristimäki Ari
Published: September 2011

Gastric cancer (GC) is a world health burden, ranging as the second cause of cancer death worldwide. Etiologically, GC arises not only from the combined effects of environmental factors and susceptible genetic variants but also from the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. In the last years, molecular oncobiology studies brought to light a number of genes that are implicated in gastric carcinogenesis. This review is intended to focus on the recently described basic aspects that play key roles in the process of gastric carcinogenesis. Genetic variants of the genes IL‐10, IL‐17, MUC1, MUC6, DNMT3B, SMAD4, and SERPINE1 have been reported to modify the risk of developing GC. Several genes have been newly associated with gastric carcinogenesis, both through oncogenic activation (GSK3β, CD133, DSC2, P‐Cadherin, CDH17, CD168, CD44, metalloproteinases MMP7 and MMP11, and a subset of miRNAs) and through tumor suppressor gene inactivation mechanisms (TFF1, PDX1, BCL2L10, XRCC, psiTPTE‐HERV, HAI‐2, GRIK2, and RUNX3). It also addressed the role of the inflammatory mediator cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in the process of gastric carcinogenesis and its importance as a potential molecular target for therapy.
Extragastric Manifestations of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Suzuki Hidekazu , Franceschi Francesco , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: September 2011

In the previous year, some extragastric diseases, possibly linked to Helicobacter pylori infection, have been largely investigated. There are, in fact, several studies concerning cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, hematologic diseases, eye and skin diseases, hepatobiliary diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurological disorders. Among them, the relationship between bacterial CagA positivity and coronary heart disease is reportedly emphasized. Concerning normal tension glaucoma, new interesting data are playing in favor of the association with H. pylori infection. For other diseases, there are many interesting results, although more studies are needed to clarify the reality of the proposed association.
The Other Helicobacters
Authors: Smet Annemieke , Flahou Bram , Mukhopadhya Indrani , Ducatelle Richard , Pasmans Frank , Haesebrouck Freddy , Hold Georgina L.
Published: September 2011

The last year has seen an interesting and important collection of evidence presented in the field of the “other” than Helicobacter pylori Helicobacters. Associations with adult ulcerative colitis and biliary/hepatic disease have been described. New insights into the immune response and subsequent pathogenesis associated with infection have also been published. Genomic advances include description of new and unique species and the complete genome description for both Helicobacter felis and Helicobacter suis. Molecular studies have also elucidated the mechanism of action of some functional components of these organisms.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor‐Transfected Skeletal Myoblasts to Limit the Development of Postinfarction Heart Failure
Authors: Poppe Annika , Golsong Peter , Blumenthal Britta , von Wattenwyl Robert , Blanke Philipp , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Schlensak Christian , Siepe Matthias
Published: September 2011

Stem cells transplanted to an injured heart affect the host myocardium indirectly. The cytokine hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) may play a key role in this paracrine activity. We hypothesized that HGF‐overexpressing stem cells would restore cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI). Because there is a high rate of cell death when injecting the cells intramyocardially, we used scaffold‐based cell transfer. Skeletal myoblasts (SkMs) were isolated and expanded from newborn Lewis rats. Cells were transfected with pcDNA3‐huHGF and seeded on polyurethane (PU) scaffolds or diluted in medium for cell injection. The seeded scaffolds were transplanted in rats two weeks after MI (group: PU‐HGF‐SkM) or the infection solution was intramyocardially injected (group: Inj‐HGF‐SkM). Two groups (Inj‐SkM and PU‐SkM) have been prepared with untransfected cells and sham group without any cell therapy served as control (n = 10 each group). At the beginning of treatment (baseline) and six weeks later, hemodynamic parameters were assessed. At the end of the study, histological analysis was employed. In sham animals we detected a decrease in systolic and diastolic function during the observation time. Treatment with untransfected myoblasts did not lead to any significant changes in hemodynamic parameters between the intervention and six weeks later. In group PU‐HGF‐SkM, systolic parameters like dP/dt(max), dP/dt(min) and isovolumic contraction improved significantly from baseline to study end. Some diastolic parameters were inferior as compared to baseline (SB‐Ked, pressure half time [PHT], Tau). In group Inj‐HGF‐SkM, only PHT was impaired as compared to preinterventional values. Histological analysis showed significantly more capillaries in the infarction border zone in groups PU‐HGF‐SkM than in sham and Inj‐SkM group. The infarction size was not affected by the therapy. Transplanting HGF‐transfected myoblasts after MI can limit the development of ventricular dysfunction. Scaffold‐based therapy in combination with gene therapy accelerates this capacity. This hemodynamic amelioration is accompanied by neovascularization, but not by smaller infarction sizes.
Abdominal Hernia Repair With a Decellularized Dermal Scaffold Seeded With Autologous Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhao Yilin , Zhang Zhigang , Wang Jinling , Yin Ping , Zhou Jianyin , Zhen Maochuan , Cui Wugeng , Xu Gang , Yang Donghai , Liu Zhongchen
Published: September 2011

Surgeons usually use synthetic polymer meshes for abdominal wall hernia repair. However, synthetic polymer meshes exhibit a lack of growth and related complications. In this study, we produced a tissue‐engineered patch for abdominal hernia repair. Autologous bone–marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated and proliferated in vitro; decellularized dermal scaffolds (DSs) were prepared using enzymatic process; and then BMSCs were seeded onto the DSs for the construction of tissue‐engineered patches. Under general anesthesia, rabbits underwent creation of abdominal wall defects and which were repaired with BMSC‐seeded DSs, acellular DSs, and skin sutures only, respectively. Animals were sacrificed after 2 months for assessing the histological and gross examination. Abdominal hernias were absent in animals repaired with cell‐seeded group, and abdominal hernias or bulges appeared in all animals repaired with acellular group. All the animals that were not repaired died within 10 days. The cell‐seeded implants were thicker and indicated good angiogenesis compared with that of the acellular implants, both in histological and gross examination. The tissue‐engineered patches prepared with BMSCs seeding on DSs can be used for abdominal wall hernia repair.
Standards for epidemiologic studies and surveillance of epilepsy
Authors: Thurman David J. , Beghi Ettore , Begley Charles E. , Berg Anne T. , Buchhalter Jeffrey R. , Ding Ding , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Hauser W. Allen , Kazis Lewis , Kobau Rosemarie , Kroner Barbara , Labiner David , Liow Kore , Logroscino Giancarlo , Medina Marco T. , Newton Charles R. , Parko Karen , Paschal Angelia , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Sander Josemir W. , Selassie Anbesaw , Theodore William , Tomson Torbjörn , Wiebe Samuel ,   for the ILAE Commission on Epidemiology
Published: September 2011

Worldwide, about 65 million people are estimated to have epilepsy. Epidemiologic studies are necessary to define the full public health burden of epilepsy; to set public health and health care priorities; to provide information needed for prevention, early detection, and treatment; to identify education and service needs; and to promote effective health care and support programs for people with epilepsy. However, different definitions and epidemiologic methods complicate the tasks of these studies and their interpretations and comparisons. The purpose of this document is to promote consistency in definitions and methods in an effort to enhance future population‐based epidemiologic studies, facilitate comparison between populations, and encourage the collection of data useful for the promotion of public health. We discuss: (1) conceptual and operational definitions of epilepsy, (2) data resources and recommended data elements, and (3) methods and analyses appropriate for epidemiologic studies or the surveillance of epilepsy. Variations in these are considered, taking into account differing resource availability and needs among countries and differing purposes among studies.
Lower Extremity Nerve Function, Calf Skeletal Muscle Characteristics, and Functional Performance in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Garg Parveen K. , Liu Kiang , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M. , Criqui Michael H. , Tian Lu , Sufit Robert , Nishida Takashi , Tao Huimin , Liao Yihua , McDermott Mary M.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To determine whether poor lower extremity nerve function is associated with less‐favorable calf muscle characteristics and greater functional impairment in people with and without peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Three Chicago‐area medical centers.

Participants

Four hundred thirteen participants with PAD (ankle‐brachial index (ABI) < 0.90) and 255 without.

Measurements

Electrodiagnostic testing of the peroneal nerve was performed. Calf muscle cross‐sectional area and percentage fat were measured using computed tomography at 66.7% of the distance between the distal and proximal tibia. Six‐minute walk performance was measured.

Results

Adjusting for age, sex, race, ABI, leg symptoms, smoking, physical activity, comorbidities, and other covariates, lower peroneal nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was associated with lower calf muscle area (first quartile 4,770.3 mm2, fourth quartile 5,571 mm2, P < .001) and poorer 6‐minute walk distance (first quartile 989.2 feet, fourth quartile 1,210.8 feet, P < .001) in participants without diabetes mellitus with PAD. Lower peroneal NCV was associated with lower calf muscle area (first quartile 5,166.0 mm2, fourth quartile 6,003.8 mm2, P = .01) and poorer 6‐minute walk distance (first quartile 866.4 feet, fourth quartile 1,082.5 feet, P = .01) in participants with diabetes mellitus and PAD as well. In participants without PAD, lower peroneal NCV was not associated with lower calf muscle area but was associated with poorer 6‐minute walk distance only in participants without diabetes mellitus (first quartile 1,317.0 feet, fourth quartile 1,570.4 feet, P‐trend < .001).

Conclusion

Lower peroneal nerve function is associated with smaller calf muscle area and greater functional impairment in individuals with PAD. Future study is needed to determine whether improving peroneal NCV prevents loss of calf muscle and functional decline in people with PAD.
Radial Artery Pseudoaneurysm in aMaineCoon Cat
Authors: Hall Jon L. , Lee Karla C. L. , Priestnall Simon , Lamb Christopher R.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To report the diagnosis and treatment of a radial artery pseudoaneurysm in a cat.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animal

MaineCoon cat (8‐year‐old neutered male).

Methods

Ultrasonographic and angiographic examination of a fluctuant, nonpainful, 3 cm × 1.5 cm subcutaneous swelling on the craniomedial distal aspect of the right radius that occurred 40 days after suspected cat bite trauma was consistent with a radial artery pseudoaneurysm. After ligation of the radial artery proximal to the lesion, the pseudoaneurysm was surgically excised.

Results

The excised tissue had hemorrhage and fibrin surrounded by a thick fibrous granulating capsule of variably mature fibroblasts and focal areas of inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages) consistent with a pseudoaneurysm. Surgical excision resulted in resolution of clinical signs.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography enabled prompt, noninvasive diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm. Angiography or computed tomography may be useful to aid diagnosis and assess the collateral blood supply to the manus before surgical treatment.
Total Hip Replacement with Dorsal Acetabular Rim Augmentation Using the SOPTMImplant and Polymethylmethacrylate Cement in Seven Dogs with Dorsal Acetabular Rim Deficiency
Authors: Fitzpatrick Noel , Bielecki Malgorzata , Yeadon Russell , Hamilton Michael
Published: September 2011

Objective

To describe a surgical technique for reinforced augmentation of the dorsal acetabular rim (DAR) using a string‐of‐pearls (SOP™) locking plate and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, and to report clinical outcome in 7 dogs.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Dogs (n=7).

Methods

Medical records (November 2009–April 2010) of 7 dogs with large DAR deficits, that had total hip replacement (THR) with reinforced augmentation of the DAR using a SOP™ plate and PMMA were evaluated retrospectively. Reinforced augmentation of the DAR involved anchorage of a precontoured 2.0 or 2.7 mm SOP™ plate dorsal to the acetabulum followed by application of PMMA cement to cover the reamed acetabulum and plate. Cemented acetabular components were used. Implant associated complications were recorded and ≥6‐month follow‐up obtained.

Results

In all dogs, lameness improved at medium‐term reassessment (median, 8 months; range, 6–11 months). Complications included transient sciatic neurapraxia in 2 dogs, which resolved by 3 months.

Conclusions

Reinforced augmentation of the DAR using a SOP™ plate and PMMA cement may facilitate placement of acetabular THR component implantation in dogs with severe DAR insufficiency.
Social Capital and Human Mortality: Explaining the Rural Paradox with County‐Level Mortality Data
Authors: Yang Tse‐Chuan , Jensen Leif , Haran Murali
Published: September 2011

Abstract

The “rural paradox” refers to standardized mortality rates in rural areas that are unexpectedly low in view of well‐known economic and infrastructural disadvantages there. We explore this paradox by incorporating social capital, a promising explanatory factor that has seldom been incorporated into residential mortality research. We do so while being attentive to spatial dependence, a statistical problem often ignored in mortality research. Analyzing data for counties in the contiguous United States, we find that: (1) the rural paradox is confirmed with both metro‐nonmetro and rural‐urban continuum codes, (2) social capital significantly reduces the impacts of residence on mortality after controlling for race and ethnicity and socioeconomic covariates, (3) this attenuation is greater when a spatial perspective is imposed on the analysis, (4) social capital is negatively associated with mortality at the county level, and (5) spatial dependence is strongly in evidence. A spatial approach is necessary in county‐level analyses such as ours to yield unbiased estimates and optimal model fit.
Free Sterol Composition of Species in the Dinoflagellate GenusPyrocystis: A Spectrum of Sterol Diversity
Authors: DAHMEN JEREMY L. , LEBLOND JEFFREY D.
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT.The dinoflagellate genusPyrocystisincludes a small number of marine species, which spend the majority of their life cycles as nonmotile cells within a carbohydrate sheath, and which are found ubiquitously throughout the world's oceans. The biochemistry of this model dinoflagellate genus has been widely studied due to its ability to bioluminesce. However,Pyrocystishas been comparatively understudied with respect to its lipid biochemistry, in particular that of sterols. To date, examination of the sterols ofPyrocystishas focused primarily uponPyrocystis lunula, which produces cholesterol and 4,24‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholestan‐3β‐ol as its predominant sterols, while it lacks the common dinoflagellate sterol, dinosterol. We have examined the sterol composition of the two other commercially available species ofPyrocystis, Pyrocystis fusiformisandPyrocystis noctiluca. Pyrocystis noctilucapossesses dinosterol as its most abundant sterol, whileP. fusiformispossesses dinosterol and 4,24‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholestan‐3β‐ol as the predominant sterols, placing it at an intermediate position betweenP. lunulaandP. noctiluca, as based on sterol composition. The potential limitations of the dinoflagellate sterol biomarker dinosterol are also explored in this study due to its notable absence inP. lunula.
Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Pseudotrichonympha hertwigi and Pseudotrichonympha paulistana (Trichonymphea, Parabasalia) from Neotropical Rhinotermitids
Authors: SALDARRIAGA JUAN F. , GILE GILLIAN H. , JAMES ERICK R. , HORÁK ALES , SCHEFFRAHN RUDOLF H. , KEELING PATRICK J.
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT.
Pseudotrichonympha is a large hypermastigote parabasalian found in the hindgut of several species of rhinotermitid termites. The genus was discovered more than 100 years ago, and although over a dozen species have since been described, this represents only a small fraction of its likely diversity: the termite genera from which Pseudotrichonympha is known are all species rich, and in most cases their hindgut symbionts have not been examined. Even formally described species are mostly lacking in detailed microscopic data and/or sequence data. Using small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences and light and scanning electron microscopy we describe here the morphology and molecular phylogenetic position of two Pseudotrichonympha species: the type species for the genus, Pseudotrichonympha hertwigi from Coptotermes testaceus (described previously in line drawing only), and Pseudotrichonympha paulistana from Heterotermes tenuis (described previously based on light microscopy only).