bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent abdominal pain in 200 children: somatic causes and diagnostic criteria
Authors: Gijsbers CFM , Kneepkens CMF , Schweizer JJ , Benninga MA , Büller HA
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To establish to what extent somatic causes can be found in children referred to secondary care with recurrent abdominal pain.

Methods:  For 2 years, all consecutive patients (age 4–16 years) fulfilling Apley criteria, referred to secondary care, were included. After a diagnostic work‐up, stepwise therapeutic interventions were performed. A diagnosis was considered to be the cause of the pain when the patient became pain free following therapeutic intervention and remained so for at least 6 months.

Results:  Two hundred and twenty children (128 F, 92 M; mean age 8.8 years) were enrolled, of which 20 were lost to follow‐up. Spontaneous recovery was seen in 54 patients, (occult) constipation in 92 patients (of whom 18 also had a somatic cause), gastrointestinal infections in 40, food allergy in five, miscellaneous disorders in seven and uncertain diagnosis in 13. In five patients, stress most likely caused the pain. A total of 198 patients became pain free and remained so during follow‐up (mean 18, range 6–60 months).

Conclusion:  In 200 children with recurrent abdominal pain, somatic causes were found in 26%. Laxative therapy was successful in 46%, resulting in nearly all patients with functional abdominal pain to become pain free. Eventually, 99% became pain free using a therapeutic intervention protocol.
Salivary cortisol and melatonin levels in children with frequent episodic tension‐type headache do not differ from healthy children
Authors: Rivas‐Martínez Inés , Ambite‐Quesada Silvia , Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César , Arroyo‐Morales Manuel , Fernández‐Mayoralas Daniel M , Linares‐García‐Valdecasas Rafael , Palomar‐Gallego Maria A
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To investigate the differences in cortisol and melatonin concentrations between children with frequent episodic tension‐type headache (FETTH) and healthy children.

Methods:  Forty‐four children, 12 boys/32 girls (age: 9 ± 2 years) with FETTH associated to peri‐cranial tenderness and 44 age‐ and sex‐ matched healthy children participated. Both salivary cortisol and melatonin concentrations were collected from non‐stimulated saliva following standardized guidelines. A headache diary for 4 weeks was used for collecting intensity, frequency and duration of headache.

Results:  No significant differences for cortisol (t = −0.431; p = 0.668), and melatonin (z = −1.564; p = 0.118) concentrations and salivary flow rate (z = −1.190; p = 0.234) were found between both groups. No significant effect of age or gender was found. In addition, no significant association between cortisol‐melatonin concentrations and between cortisol‐melatonin concentrations and headache clinical parameters were found.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that children with FETTH, at first instance, do not present deficits in the secretion of these cortisol and melatonin. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to further elucidate the direction of current findings, particularly the synchronism of cortisol and melatonin and the course of the headache.
Risk factors for behavioural problems in foetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Fagerlund Åse , Autti‐Rämö Ilona , Hoyme H Eugene , Mattson Sarah N , Korkman Marit
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To examine risk and protective factors associated with behavioural problems of children and adolescents following prenatal alcohol exposure.

Methods:  A total of 73 children and adolescents with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) were assessed for internalizing, externalizing and total behavioural problems using the Child Behavior Checklist. Linear regression models were used to determine the effects of diagnostic and environmental risk and protective factors on behaviour, while controlling for age, sex and IQ.

Results:  Length of time spent in residential care was the most pervasive risk factor associated with internalizing, externalizing and total behavioural problems. A low dysmorphology score was related to more internalizing and total problems.

Conclusions:  Children and adolescents prenatally exposed to alcohol faced greater risk of substantive behavioural problems (i) if they were less visibly alcohol affected and (ii) the longer time they had spent in residential care. The results underscore the clinical importance of appropriate services and care for less visibly affected children with FASD and highlight the need to attend to children with FASD being raised in institutions.
Haemorrhagic bullous lesions in a 3‐year‐old girl with Henoch–Schölein purpura
Authors: Park Sung Eun , Lee Jun Ho
Published: May 2011

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis in children and is characterized by cutaneous purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain and nephritis. We report a case involving a 3‐year‐old girl with HSP who displayed rapidly evolving haemorrhagic bullae from primary purpuric lesions during systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusion: The bullae disappeared within 7 days of systemic corticosteroid therapy, although some scarring of the skin occurred. Also, bullae should not be considered as a poor prognostic factor of renal outcome in HSP.
Effectiveness of multifunction paediatric short‐stay units: a French multicentre study
Authors: Najaf‐Zadeh A. , Hue V , Bonnel‐Mortuaire C , Dubos F , Pruvost I ,   the GFRUP study group, Martinot A
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To describe the characteristics of the activities of multifunction paediatric ‘short‐stay units’ (SSU) including observation unit (OU), medical assessment and planning unit (MAPU) and holding unit (HU), to evaluate their effectiveness and to explore predictors of inappropriate admissions for OU patients.

Methods:  Admissions to nine French paediatric SSUs were analysed. The main outcome measures were SSU length of stay with associated outcome for all patients and appropriate admission rate for OU patients.

Results:  Of 1084 patients included in the study, 66% were OU patients (n = 718), 21% MAPU patients (n = 225) and 13% HU patients (n = 141). The OU patients constituted the majority of the SSU admissions. The appropriate OU admission rates ranged from 52% to 86%. Head trauma and seizure were the conditions with the highest appropriate OU admission rates (82%). Age <1 year, and need for IV fluids or medications, CT‐Scan or MRI and cardiorespiratory monitoring were associated with an increased risk of inappropriate OU admission. Eighteen per cent of the MAPU patients and 5% of the HU patients were discharged home within 24 h.

Conclusion:  By providing extended and easily available facilities for diagnostics and early treatment for a wide range of sick children, the French paediatric SSU is an effective model for ‘observation medicine’ in emergency department‐managed units. The experience and principles may be applicable to similar units in other health care systems.
Deliberate self‐harm by Taiwanese adolescents
Authors: Tsai Mei Hua , Chen Yi Hua , Chen Chih Dao , Hsiao Chih Yin , Chien Chia Huei
Published: May 2011

Aim:  Prevalence rates for deliberate self‐harm (DSH) are unusually high among Taiwanese high school students. Several models have been advanced to explain the occurrence of DSH. One, the experiential avoidance model suggests that self‐mutilation helps the individual escape from unwanted emotional experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine the demographic, health and behavioral correlates of DSH in a population (Taiwanese adolescents) known to have a high rate of DSH.

Method:  A structured, self‐administered questionnaire survey was completed by a sample of 742 vocational high school students in Taiwan.

Results:  Eighty‐four students (11.3%) acknowledged DSH behavior. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female students were 3.47 times as likely as male students to be in the DSH group. Avoidance behaviors of running away from school [odds ratio (OR) = 3.45] and suicide attempt (OR = 13.05), a history of headache (OR = 8.96), a history of sexual abuse (OR = 4.26) and drinking (OR = 4.12) were also significantly associated with DSH.

Conclusions:  Gender and a history of headaches, a history of sexual abuse, drinking, running away from school, or suicidal attempts were factors associated with DSH among Taiwanese adolescents. School personnel should be aware of these to formulate appropriate and timely interventions.
Factors influencing vegetation cover change in Mediterranean Central Chile (1975–2008)
Authors: Schulz Jennifer J. , Cayuela Luis , Rey‐Benayas José M. , Schröder Boris
Published: May 2011

Questions: Which are the factors that influence forest and shrubland loss and regeneration and their underlying drivers?

Location: Central Chile, a world biodiversity hotspot.

Methods: Using land‐cover data from the years 1975, 1985, 1999 and 2008, we fitted classification trees and multiple logistic regression models to account for the relationship between different trajectories of vegetation change and a range of biophysical and socio‐economic factors.

Results: The variables that most consistently showed significant effects on vegetation change across all time‐intervals were slope and distance to primary roads. We found that forest and shrubland loss on one side and regeneration on the other often displayed opposite patterns in relation to the different explanatory variables. Deforestation was positively related to distance to primary roads and to distance within forest edges and was favoured by a low insolation and a low slope. In turn, forest regeneration was negatively related to the distance to primary roads and positively to the distance to the nearest forest patch, insolation and slope. Shrubland loss was positively influenced by slope and distance to cities and primary roads and negatively influenced by distance to rivers. Conversely, shrubland regeneration was negatively related to slope, distance to cities and distance to primary roads and positively related to distance from existing forest patches and distance to rivers.

Conclusions: This article reveals how biophysical and socioeconomic factors influence vegetation cover change and the underlying social, political and economical drivers. This assessment provides a basis for management decisions, considering the crucial role of perennial vegetation cover for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
An unusual plant triterpene synthase with predominant α‐amyrin‐producing activity identified by characterizing oxidosqualene cyclases from Malus × domestica
Authors: Brendolise Cyril , Yauk Yar‐Khing , Eberhard Ellen D. , Wang Mindy , Chagne David , Andre Christelle , Greenwood David R. , Beuning Lesley L.
Published: May 2011

The pentacyclic triterpenes, in particular ursolic acid and oleanolic acid and their derivatives, exist abundantly in the plant kingdom, where they are well known for their anti‐inflammatory, antitumour and antimicrobial properties. α‐Amyrin and β‐amyrin are the precursors of ursolic and oleanolic acids, respectively, formed by concerted cyclization of squalene epoxide by a complex synthase reaction. We identified three full‐length expressed sequence tag sequences in cDNA libraries constructed from apple (Malus ×domestica‘Royal Gala’) that were likely to encode triterpene synthases. Two of these expressed sequence tag sequences were essentially identical (> 99% amino acid similarity; MdOSC1 and MdOSC3). MdOSC1 and MdOSC2 were expressed by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and by expression in the yeast Pichia methanolica. The resulting products were analysed by GC and GC‐MS. MdOSC1 was shown to be a mixed amyrin synthase (a 5 : 1 ratio of α‐amyrin to β‐amyrin). MdOSC1 is the only triterpene synthase so far identified in which the level of α‐amyrin produced is > 80% of the total product and is, therefore, primarily an α‐amyrin synthase. No product was evident for MdOSC2 when expressed either transiently or in yeast, suggesting that this putative triterpene synthase is either encoded by a pseudogene or does not express well in these systems. Transcript expression analysis in Royal Gala indicated that the genes are mostly expressed in apple peel, and that the MdOSC2 expression level was much lower than that of MdOSC1 and MdOSC3 in all the tissues tested. Amyrin content analysis was undertaken by LC‐MS, and demonstrated that levels and ratios differ between tissues, but that the true consequence of synthase activity is reflected in the ursolic/oleanolic acid content and in further triterpenoids derived from them. Phylogenetic analysis placed the three triterpene synthase sequences with other triterpene synthases that encoded either α‐amyrin and/or β‐amyrin synthase. MdOSC1 and MdOSC3 clustered with the multifunctional triterpene synthases, whereas MdOSC2 was most similar to the β‐amyrin synthases.

Database
 The sequences reported in this article have been deposited in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank databases under the accession numbers FJ032006 (MdOSC1), FJ032007 (MdOSC2) and FJ032008 (MdOSC3)
Mitochondrial transcription factor A overexpression and base excision repair deficiency in the inner ear of rats with d‐galactose‐induced aging
Authors: Zhong Yi , Hu Yu‐Juan , Chen Bei , Peng Wei , Sun Yu , Yang Yang , Zhao Xue‐Yan , Fan Guo‐run , Huang Xiang , Kong Wei‐Jia
Published: May 2011

Oxidative damage to mtDNA is associated with excessive reactive oxygen species production. The mitochondrial common deletion (mtDNA 4977‐bp and 4834‐bp deletion in humans and rats, respectively) is the most typical and frequent form of mtDNA damage associated with aging and degenerative diseases. The accumulation of the mitochondrial common deletion has been proposed to play a crucial role in age‐related hearing loss (presbycusis). However, the mechanisms underlying the formation and accumulation of mtDNA deletions are still obscure. In the present study, a rat mimetic aging model induced by d‐Gal was used to explore the origin of deletion mutations and how mtDNA repair systems modulate this process in the inner ear during aging. We found that the mitochondrial common deletion was greatly increased and mitochondrial base excision repair capacity was significantly reduced in the inner ear in d‐Gal‐treated rats as compared with controls. The overexpression of mitochondrial transcription factor A induced by d‐Gal significantly stimulated mtDNA replication, resulting in an increase in mtDNA copy number. In addition, an age‐related loss of auditory sensory cells in the inner ear was observed in d‐Gal‐treated rats. Taken together, our data suggest that mitochondrial base excision repair capacity deficiency and an increase in mtDNA replication resulting from mitochondrial transcription factor A overexpression may contribute to the accumulation of mtDNA deletions in the inner ear during aging. This study also provides new insights into the development of presbycusis.
Characterization and regulation of a bacterial sugar phosphatase of the haloalkanoate dehalogenase superfamily, AraL, from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Godinho Lia M. , de Sá‐Nogueira Isabel
Published: May 2011

AraL from Bacillus subtilis is a member of the ubiquitous haloalkanoate dehalogenase superfamily. The araL gene has been cloned, over‐expressed in Escherichia coli and its product purified to homogeneity. The enzyme displays phosphatase activity, which is optimal at neutral pH (7.0) and 65 °C. Substrate screening and kinetic analysis showed AraL to have low specificity and catalytic activity towards several sugar phosphates, which are metabolic intermediates of the glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways. On the basis of substrate specificity and gene context within the arabinose metabolic operon, a putative physiological role of AraL in the detoxification of accidental accumulation of phosphorylated metabolites has been proposed. The ability of AraL to catabolize several related secondary metabolites requires regulation at the genetic level. In the present study, using site‐directed mutagenesis, we show that the production of AraL is regulated by a structure in the translation initiation region of the mRNA, which most probably blocks access to the ribosome‐binding site, preventing protein synthesis. Members of haloalkanoate dehalogenase subfamily IIA and IIB are characterized by a broad‐range and overlapping specificity anticipating the need for regulation at the genetic level. We provide evidence for the existence of a genetic regulatory mechanism controlling the production of AraL.
A mammalian monothiol glutaredoxin, Grx3, is critical for cell cycle progression during embryogenesis
Authors: Cheng Ning‐Hui , Zhang Wei , Chen Wei‐Qin , Jin Jianping , Cui Xiaojiang , Butte Nancy F. , Chan Lawrence , Hirschi Kendal D.
Published: May 2011

Glutaredoxins (Grxs) have been shown to be critical in maintaining redox homeostasis in living cells. Recently, an emerging subgroup of Grxs with one cysteine residue in the putative active motif (monothiol Grxs) has been identified. However, the biological and physiological functions of this group of proteins have not been well characterized. Here, we characterize a mammalian monothiol Grx (Grx3, also termed TXNL2/PICOT) with high similarity to yeast ScGrx3/ScGrx4. In yeast expression assays, mammalian Grx3s were localized to the nuclei and able to rescue growth defects of grx3grx4 cells. Furthermore, Grx3 inhibited iron accumulation in yeast grx3gxr4 cells and suppressed the sensitivity of mutant cells to exogenous oxidants. In mice, Grx3 mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in developing embryos, adult tissues and organs, and was induced during oxidative stress. Mouse embryos absent of Grx3 grew smaller with morphological defects and eventually died at 12.5 days of gestation. Analysis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts revealed that Grx3−/− cells had impaired growth and cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase, whereas the DNA replication during the S phase was not affected by Grx3 deletion. Furthermore, Grx3‐knockdown HeLa cells displayed a significant delay in mitotic exit and had a higher percentage of binucleated cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that the mammalian Grx3 has conserved functions in protecting cells against oxidative stress and deletion of Grx3 in mice causes early embryonic lethality which could be due to defective cell cycle progression during late mitosis.

Structured digital abstract

 MmGRX3 and ScGRX3 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
Glutamate racemization and catabolism inFusobacterium varium
Authors: Ramezani Mohammad , Resmer Kelly L. , White Robert L.
Published: May 2011

The pathways of glutamate catabolism in the anaerobic bacteriumFusobacterium varium, grown on complex, undefined medium and chemically defined, minimal medium, were investigated using specifically labelled13C‐glutamate. The metabolic end‐products acetate and butyrate were isolated from culture fluids and derivatized for analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. On complex medium, labels froml‐[1‐13C]glutamate andl‐[4‐13C]glutamate were incorporated into C1 of acetate and equally into C1/C3 of butyrate, while label derived froml‐[5‐13C]glutamate was not incorporated. The isotopic incorporation results and the detection of glutamate mutase and 3‐methylaspartate ammonia lyase in cell extracts are most consistent with the methylaspartate pathway, the best known route of glutamate catabolism inClostridiumspecies. WhenF. variumwas grown on defined medium, label froml‐[4‐13C]glutamate was incorporated mainly into C4 of butyrate, demonstrating a major role for the hydroxyglutarate pathway. Upon addition of coenzyme B12or cobalt ion to the defined medium in replicate experiments, isotope was located equally at C1/C3 of butyrate in accord with the methylaspartate pathway. Racemization ofd‐glutamate and subsequent degradation ofl‐glutamate via the methylaspartate pathway are supported by incorporation of label into C2 of acetate and equally into C2/C4 of butyrate fromd‐[3‐13C]glutamate and the detection of a cofactor‐independent glutamate racemase in cell extracts. Together the results demonstrate a major role for the methylaspartate pathway of glutamate catabolism inF. variumand substantial participation of the hydroxyglutarate pathway when coenzyme B12is not available.
TEMPERATURE MAPPING OF FRESH FISH SUPPLY CHAINS – AIR AND SEA TRANSPORT
Authors: MAI NGA THI TUYET , MARGEIRSSON BJÖRN , MARGEIRSSON SVEINN , BOGASON SIGURDUR GRÉTAR , SIGURGÍSLADÓTTIR SJÖFN , ARASON SIGURJÓN
Published: May 2011

Temperature history from three air and three sea freights of fresh cod loins and haddock fillets in expanded polystyrene boxes from Iceland to the U.K. and France were analyzed to find out the effect of different factors on the temperature profile and predicted remaining shelf life (RSL) of the product. It was also aimed to pinpoint hazardous steps in the supply chains. Significant difference (P < 0.001) was found in: the temperature at different locations inside a certain box; mean product temperature between boxes of a certain shipment; and the boxes' surface temperature at different positions on a pallet for the whole logistics period. The predicted RSL depends on the time and temperature history of the product, shortest for sea transportation and longest for an air shipment with precooled product. Several critical steps were found in air freighting: the flight itself, loading/unloading operations and holding storage at unchilled conditions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The paper strengthens fundamental understandings on logistics of fresh fish by air and sea in EPS boxes using ice or gel mats as coolants, with particular contribution of information related to mode of transportation, box–pallet arrangement and location, time–temperature and precooling effects. It is proposed to precool products before packing to better stabilize the temperature of product during abusive period(s). It is also suggested to group the products based on the time–temperature history and/or positions on the pallets for better management in further handling of the fish.
A New Screening Method for Methane in Soil Gas Using Existing Groundwater Monitoring Wells
Authors: Jewell Kenneth P. , Wilson John T.
Published: May 2011

Methane in soil gas may have undesirable consequences. The soil gas may be able to form a flammable mixture with air and present an explosion hazard. Aerobic biodegradation of the methane in soil gas may consume oxygen that would otherwise be available for biodegradation of gasoline hydrocarbons. The consumption of oxygen by methane may increase the chance of completing a vapor intrusion pathway for benzene. A protocol was developed to sample soil gas from conventional groundwater monitoring wells that had some portion of their screen in the vadose zone. This protocol was applied at 12 gasoline stations in Oklahoma. The soil gas as collected from the monitoring wells was not flammable, due to low concentrations of oxygen. However, soil gas at five of the 12 sites could form flammable mixtures in air. To allow a simple comparison of the possible effect of methane on vapor intrusion of benzene, characteristics of the sites were matched to computer simulations published by others. At three of 11 sites, the methane in the soil gas might cause unacceptable concentrations of benzene in a hypothetical receptor. Ethanol is readily fermented to methane. The increased use of ethanol in gasoline raises concerns about methane at gasoline spill sites. At five sites with high concentrations of methane, the concentration of 14C in methane was used to determine the source of the methane. At four sites, the majority of the methane was produced from anaerobic biodegradation of petroleum, and not from ethanol or another biofuel. At three sites, the maximum possible contribution of methane from ethanol or another biofuel was 5.1% of total methane. At a fourth site, the maximum contribution of ethanol or another biofuel to methane was 31% of the total methane. At the fifth site, the methane came from a leak of natural gas.
Bargaining Power in Multilateral Negotiations on Intellectual Property Rules: Paradox of Weakness
Authors: Karayanidi Milana
Published: May 2011

This article critically analyses the effects of differing bargaining powers between developed and developing countries during international negotiations on intellectual property (IP) rights. While developed countries with stronger bargaining power have the capacity to shape the international IP law in accordance with their interests, developing states are not powerless. Developing countries can gain some concessions by forming coalitions. Additionally, they can achieve their goals by means of a “paradox of weakness”, a concept derived from international conflict resolution. The article elaborates how the paradox is applied in the context of adoption and implementation of the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) 1994.
Politics, Piracy and Punishment: Copyright Protection in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Price David
Published: May 2011

In May of each year, two leading organizations monitoring the ongoing status of global standards of copyright protection issue their regular annual reports, namely the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the US‐founded international software watchdog/lobby organization, the Business Software Alliance (BSA). Both reports encompass the Middle East region and the Arabian Gulf states specifically. This article examines the performance of the Arabian Gulf states, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, in developing and establishing their copyright protection regimes, in light of the these two reports. It does so in the context of the challenges faced by the Gulf states in the context of their membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and their compliance with the WTO's Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The article discusses the USTR's, 2010 Special 301 Report and the BSA's Seventh Annual BSA/IDC Global Software Piracy Study for 2010 as two authoritative benchmarks of the Arab Gulf states' performance in regional copyright protection. It suggests that, notwithstanding the development and enforcement challenges, both reports deliver a positive report to the region and to most of the Gulf states.
Calculation of Singlet Oxygen Dose Using Explicit and Implicit Dose Metrics During Benzoporphyrin Derivative Monoacid Ring A (BPD‐MA)‐PDT In Vitro and Correlation with MLL Cell Survival
Authors: Weston Mark A. , Patterson Michael S.
Published: May 2011

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) oxygen consumption, clonogenic cell survival, fluorescence photobleaching and photoproduct formation were investigated during benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid (BPD‐MA)‐PDT of MAT‐LyLu cells in vitro. Cells were incubated with BPD‐MA concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 or 2.5 μg mL−1 for 2 h and then treated with 405 nm light under oxygenated and hypoxic conditions. Fluorescence spectra were acquired during treatment, and photobleaching and photoproduct generation were quantified using singular value decomposition of the spectra. Cell survival was measured at set times during the treatment using a colony‐forming assay. The amount of oxygen consumed by PDT per photon absorbed decreased with BPD‐MA intracellular concentration. Survival was correlated with the total amount of oxygen consumed by PDT per unit volume, which is assumed to be equivalent to the amount of singlet oxygen that reacted. A photobleaching‐based singlet oxygen dose metric was also found to predict survival independent of intracellular BPD‐MA concentration. The BPD‐MA photoproduct was bleached during the treatment. Two singlet oxygen dose metrics based on photoproduct kinetics could not be correlated with cell survival over the full range of intracellular BPD‐MA concentrations used.
Aminolevulinic Acid‐Photodynamic Therapy Combined with Topically Applied Vascular Disrupting Agent Vadimezan Leads to Enhanced Antitumor Responses
Authors: Marrero Allison , Becker Theresa , Sunar Ulas , Morgan Janet , Bellnier David
Published: May 2011

The tumor vascular‐disrupting agent (VDA) vadimezan (5,6‐dimethylxanthenone‐4‐acetic acid, DMXAA) has been shown to potentiate the antitumor activity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using systemically administered photosensitizers. Here, we characterized the response of subcutaneous syngeneic Colon26 murine colon adenocarcinoma tumors to PDT using the locally applied photosensitizer precursor aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in combination with a topical formulation of vadimezan. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), a noninvasive method for monitoring blood flow, was utilized to determine tumor vascular response to treatment. In addition, correlative CD31‐immunohistochemistry to visualize endothelial damage, ELISA to measure induction of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and tumor weight measurements were also examined in separate animals. In our previous work, DCS revealed a selective decrease in tumor blood flow over time following topical vadimezan. ALA‐PDT treatment also induced a decrease in tumor blood flow. The onset of blood flow reduction was rapid in tumors treated with both ALA‐PDT and vadimezan. CD31‐immunostaining of tumor sections confirmed vascular damage following topical application of vadimezan. Tumor weight measurements revealed enhanced tumor growth inhibition with combination treatment compared with ALA‐PDT or vadimezan treatment alone. In conclusion, vadimezan as a topical agent enhances treatment efficacy when combined with ALA‐PDT. This combination could be useful in clinical applications.
Production of male flowers does not decrease with plant size in insect‐pollinated Sagittaria trifolia, contrary to predictions of size‐dependent sex allocation
Authors: HAN Bing , WANG Xiao‐Fan , HUANG Shuang‐Quan
Published: May 2011

Abstract  It has been proposed that relative allocation to female function increases with plant size in animal‐pollinated species. Previous investigations in several monoecious Sagittaria species seem to run contrary to the prediction of size‐dependent sex allocation (SDS), throwing doubt on the generalization of SDS. Plant size, phenotypic gender, and flower production were measured in experimental populations of an aquatic, insect‐pollinated herb Sagittaria trifolia (Alismataceae) under highly different densities. The comparison of ramets produced clonally can reduce confounding effects from genetic and environmental factors. In the high‐density population, 48% of ramets were male without female flowers, but in the low‐density population all ramets were monoecious. We observed allometric growth in reproductive allocation with ramet size, as evident in biomass of reproductive structures and number of flowers. However, within both populations female and male flower production were isometric with ramet size, in contrast to an allometric growth in femaleness as predicted by SDS. Phenotypic gender was not related to ramet size in either population. The results indicated that large plants may increase both female and male function even in animal‐pollinated plants, pointing towards further studies to test the hypothesis of size‐dependent sex allocation using different allocation currencies.
Internal valves in populations of Meridion circulare from the A’er Mountain region of northeastern China: Implications for taxonomy and systematics
Authors: KOCIOLEK J.P. , LIU Yan , WANG Quanxi
Published: May 2011

Abstract  A population of Meridion circulare var. circulare (Greville) C.A. Agardh from Inner Mongolia was found to produce Innenschalen or internal spores. Examination of this population with light and scanning electron microscopy showed morphological differentiation between vegetative and spore morphologies. Vegetative valves typically bear costae and one rimoportula at the headpole. Spores lack costae and have two rimoportulae, one at the headpole and the other at the footpole. There is plasticity in the production of valve morphologies, and a variety of vegetative valve and spore combinations are evident. This population of M. circulare var. circulare has initial valves of over 90 μm in length, and all of the initial cells encountered are acostate and bear two rimoportulae. These observations suggest that either spores are the product of sexual reproduction, or that initial valves may be produced parthenogenetically in Meridion. Spores as products of the sexual process have not been reported in diatoms previously, and parthenogenesis in Meridion was reported previously but discounted in other published reports. The plasticity of valve morphologies expressed in M. circulare var. ciculare, between vegetative valves and spores (and back) across a short temporal period suggests that diatoms can alter their cell wall structure dramatically and quickly in response to external variables.
Friendship Factors and Suicidality: Common and Unique Patterns in Mexican American and European American Youth
Authors: Winterrowd Erin , Canetto Silvia Sara , Chavez Ernest L.
Published: May 2011

Research suggests a link between friendships and suicidality among U.S. youth, but this link has not been confirmed across ethnicities. The relationship between friendships and suicidality among Mexican American and European American adolescents was examined in this study. Specifically, the role of friendship problems (i.e., social isolation, poor quality friendships) and problematic friends (i.e., friends who were disconnected from school, delinquent friends) was explored. Participants were 648 community youth. Friends’ school disconnection was related to Mexican American girls’ suicidal ideation, while friends’ delinquency was associated with European American youth suicidal behavior. Friendship factors were no longer associated with suicidality after controlling for suicidality correlates such as depression. These findings indicate that the relationship between friendships and suicidality varies by gender and ethnicity. They also suggest a dominant role of depression.
Suicide, Schizophrenia, and Schizoid‐Type Psychosis: Role of Life Events and Childhood Factors
Authors: Tousignant Michel , Pouliot Louise , Routhier Danielle , Vrakas Georgia , McGirr Alexander , Turecki Gustavo
Published: May 2011

The first objective was to identify the provoking events of suicide in patients with schizophrenia or schizoid‐type disorder, and to assess the humiliation component of these events. The second objective was to verify if quality of care during childhood is a vulnerability factor for suicide in patients with schizophrenia or schizoid‐type psychosis. Thirty‐three cases of suicide with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoid‐type psychosis were compared with 34 living patients with a similar diagnosis. The psychological autopsy method was used. The assessments were made with the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Axis I mental disorders, the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule, and the Child Experiences and Child Abuse Interview. The suicide group (SG) experienced more often a recent severe event, usually of a humiliation nature, than the control group (CG). It also experienced more severe events associated with aggressive behavior or with psychiatric impairment. Contrary to expectations, the CG had worse scores than the SG for quality of care during childhood. In conclusion, suicide in schizophrenia is related both to environmental stress and to psychiatric impairment.
The Construction of Self‐Injury in the Clinical Literature: A Sociological Exploration
Authors: Chandler Amy , Myers Fiona , Platt Stephen
Published: May 2011

This article presents a sociologically informed critique of a range of academic literatures relating to self‐injury. It is noted how a lack of consensus on definitional issues, together with the inaccurate portrayal of the “typical self‐injurer” in the clinical literature, has impeded the development of a sound understanding of self‐injury. Some of the more problematic explanations for self‐injury are explored. The individualistic focus of existing research is found to be inadequate, since it fails to account for the social context in which self‐injury occurs. Social scientific approaches critically examine psychiatric and psychological constructions of self‐injury, explore wider social and cultural meanings of the behavior, and examine its distribution across different social groups. The inclusion of social scientific perspectives into current debates will greatly improve understanding of self‐injury.
A Closer Look at Self‐Reported Suicide Attempts: False Positives and False Negatives
Authors: Plöderl Martin , Kralovec Karl , Yazdi Kurosch , Fartacek Reinhold
Published: May 2011

The validity of self‐reported suicide attempt information is undermined by false positives (e.g., incidences without intent to die), or by unreported suicide attempts, referred to as false negatives. In a sample of 1,385 Austrian adults, we explored the occurrence of false positives and false negatives with detailed, probing questions. Removing false positives decreased the rate of suicide attempters from 4.3% to 2.7%. Probing questions also revealed 0.8% false negatives. We recommend using probing questions with both those who report a suicide attempt and those who do not report a suicide attempt to increase the validity of self‐reported suicide‐related information.
Connect: An Effective Community‐Based Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Authors: Bean Gretchen , Baber Kristine M.
Published: May 2011

Youth suicide prevention is an important public health issue. However, few prevention programs are theory driven or systematically evaluated. This study evaluated Connect, a community‐based youth suicide prevention program. Analysis of pre and posttraining questionnaires from 648 adults and 204 high school students revealed significant changes in knowledge and attitudes about suicide, increased belief in the usefulness of mental health care, and reduction of stigma associated with seeking help. Adults’ preparedness to help also increased significantly as did the likelihood that youth participants would seek adult assistance if they were concerned about a peer. Implications of findings are discussed.
Risk Factors of Attempted Suicide in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Cassidy Frederick
Published: May 2011

Suicide rates of bipolar patients are among the highest of any psychiatric disorder, and improved identification of risk factors for attempted and completed suicide translates into improved clinical outcome. Factors that may be predictive of suicidality in an exclusively bipolar population are examined. White race, family suicide history, and history of cocaine abuse were predictive of suicidal histories. Gender, nicotine use, medical comorbidity, and history of alcohol and other drug abuse were not, although a trend was noted for a history of benzodiazepine abuse. Attempts, although less common among African Americans, were equally as violent. Likewise, attempts were as violent among females as males, in distinction to general population studies.
Effects of Race and Precipitating Event on Suicide Versus Nonsuicide Death Classification in a College Sample
Authors: Walker Rheeda L. , Flowers Kelci C.
Published: May 2011

Race group differences in suicide death classification in a sample of 109 Black and White university students were examined. Participants were randomly assigned to read three vignettes for which the vignette subjects’ race (only) varied. The vignettes each described a circumstance (terminal illness, academic failure, or relationship difficulties) that preceded the vignette subject’s ambiguously premature death. Participants were asked to describe “what happened.” Black participants were significantly less likely than White participants to attribute a vignette target’s death to suicide and also less likely to report that suicide is acceptable. Implications for future research and prevention efforts are discussed.
Estimating the Population of Survivors of Suicide: Seeking an Evidence Base
Authors: Berman Alan L.
Published: May 2011

Shneidman (1973) derived an estimate of six survivors for every suicide that, in the ensuing years, has become an assumed fact underlying public health messaging campaigns in support of suicide prevention and postvention programs worldwide, in spite of it lacking either empirical testing or validation. This report offers a first test designed to derive estimates of suicide survivors and raises an array of empirical questions needing further study to reasonably address the impact of suicide on others.
Participation Bias among Suicidal Adults in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stirman Shannon Wiltsey , Brown Gregory K. , Ghahramanlou‐Holloway Marjan , Fox Allison J. , Chohan Mariam Zahid , Beck Aaron T.
Published: May 2011

Although individuals who attempt suicide have poor compliance rates with treatment recommendations, the nature and degree of participation bias in clinical treatment research among these individuals is virtually unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine participation bias by comparing the demographic and diagnostic characteristics of adult suicide attempters who participated in a randomized controlled trial to a sample of nonparticipants. Results indicated that males and individuals with a diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence were more likely to be participants in the randomized controlled trial. The implications of these findings for suicide intervention research are discussed.
Systemic Vulnerabilities to Suicide among Veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts: Review of Case Reports from a National Veterans Affairs Database
Authors: Mills Peter D. , Huber Samuel J. , Vince Watts Bradley , Bagian James P.
Published: May 2011

While suicide among recently returned veterans is of great concern, it is a relatively rare occurrence within individual hospitals and clinics. Root cause analysis (RCA) generates a detailed case report that can be used to identify system‐based vulnerabilities following an adverse event. Review of a national database of RCA reports may identify common vulnerabilities and assist in the development of more robust prevention strategies. Our objective was to identify and compare common themes among reports of suicide among veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) in the Veterans Affairs system. Common themes among root causes of suicide as identified in RCA reports were collected and compared as the primary outcome—systematic vulnerabilities. Actions recommended within the reports were coded as the secondary outcome—prevention strategies. Fifty‐one RCA reports of OIF/OEF suicides were identified by our search. Coding generated 16 common categories among 132 root causes, and 13 categories among 108 recommended actions. Assessment of suicidal risk, coordination of care, timely access to care, and communication among providers were the most common root causes. Actions identified by RCA teams to reduce suicide included improving referral processes, staff education in suicide assessment, and follow‐up with suicidal veterans. Review of multiple RCA reports can identify organizational vulnerabilities detected at the local level that may be applicable system wide. Attention to improving suicide assessment, coordination of care, and timely access may have the largest impact on reducing suicide among OIF/OEF veterans.
Race, Urban Context, and Russian Roulette: Findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2003–2006
Authors: Wasserman Ira , Stack Steven
Published: May 2011

Previous work on Russian roulette has focused on data from large cities. It is unclear if the epidemiological patterns based on large cities will replicate for the nation as a whole, and if the influence of minority status will be moderated by urban context. The present investigation fills these gaps by providing descriptive epidemiological data on Russian roulette for 17 states, and testing a hypothesis on urbanism as a moderator of the race‐Russian roulette relationship. Data were taken from the National Violent Death Reporting System (2003–2006). They refer to 71 Russian roulette cases and a matched control group of 284 males who committed suicide by a gunshot wound to the head. Russian roulette suicides were more apt to be of minority status, younger, had a lower incidence of mental health problems, and were more likely to be utilizing alcohol than the controls. Differentiating the sample into larger and smaller urban areas, it was found that the risk of Russian roulette for African Americans was higher in larger urban areas. Epidemiological patterns in previous research on large city samples are largely replicated. The moderating influence of urban context is related to differential opportunity structures for risk‐taking behavior.
Immigration, Suicidal Ideation and Deliberate Self‐Injury in the Boston Youth Survey 2006
Authors: Borges Guilherme , Azrael Deborah , Almeida Joanna , Johnson Renee M. , Molnar Beth E. , Hemenway David , Miller Matthew
Published: May 2011

The prevalence and immigration‐related correlates of deliberate self‐injury (DSI) and suicidal ideation (SI) were estimated in a sample of Boston public high school students in 2006. Compared with U.S.‐born youth, immigrant youth were not at increased risk for DSI or SI, even if they had experienced discrimination due to their ancestry. By contrast, U.S.‐born youth who reported having been discriminated against because of their ancestry had an increased risk of deliberate self‐injury (odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–5.9) and suicidal ideation (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2–3.8). The combination of being U.S.‐born and experiencing ancestry‐based discrimination identifies youth at increased risk for suicidal behavior.
Developmental Course of Impulsivity and Capability from Age 10 to Age 25 as Related to Trajectory of Suicide Attempt in a Community Cohort
Authors: Kasen Stephanie , Cohen Patricia , Chen Henian
Published: May 2011

Hierarchical linear models were used to examine trajectories of impulsivity and capability between ages 10 and 25 in relation to suicide attempt in 770 youths followed longitudinally: intercepts were set at age 17. The impulsivity measure assessed features of urgency (e.g., poor control, quick provocation, and disregard for external constraints); the capability measure assessed aspects of self‐esteem and mastery. Compared to nonattempters, attempters reported significantly higher impulsivity levels with less age‐related decline, and significantly lower capability levels with less age‐related increase. Independent of other risks, suicide attempt was related significantly to higher impulsivity between ages 10 and 25, especially during the younger years, and lower capability. Implications of those findings for further suicidal behavior and preventive/intervention efforts are discussed.
Revisiting the Association of Aggression and Suicidal Behavior in Schizophrenic Inpatients
Authors: Neuner Tanja , Hübner‐Liebermann Bettina , Hausner Helmut , Hajak Göran , Wolfersdorf Manfred , Spießl Hermann
Published: May 2011

Our study investigated the association of aggression and suicidal behavior in schizophrenic inpatients. Eight thousand nine hundred one admissions for schizophrenia (1998–2007) to a psychiatric university hospital were included. Schizophrenic suicides (n = 7)/suicide attempters (n = 40) were compared to suicides (n = 30)/suicide attempters (n = 186) with other diagnoses and to schizophrenic non‐attempters regarding aggression. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore risk factors for attempted suicide. Schizophrenic suicides/suicide attempters did not differ from other suicides/suicide attempters or from schizophrenic non‐attempters with regard to aggression. Risk of inpatient suicide attempt was increased for patients with attempted suicide at admission, high school graduation, and disorganized subtype. Aggression could not be found to be a predictor of attempted suicide. Aggression seems to have a minor role for suicidal behavior in schizophrenia.