bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential sensitivity of Echinochloa muricata and Echinochloa crus‐galli to 4‐hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase‐ and acetolactate synthase‐inhibiting herbicides in maize
Authors: DE CAUWER B , ROMBAUT R , BULCKE R , REHEUL D
Published: August 2012

De Cauwer B, Rombaut R, Bulcke R & Reheul D (2012). Differential sensitivity of Echinochloa muricata and Echinochloa crus‐galli to 4‐hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase‐ and acetolactate synthase‐inhibiting herbicides in maize. Weed Research52, 500–509.

Echinochloa muricata var. microstachya (rough barnyard grass), an alien species native to North America, has gradually spread and is now locally naturalised and abundant in and around maize fields in Flanders (Belgium). One of the possible reasons for its expansion in maize fields might be a lower sensitivity to post‐emergence herbicides acting against panicoid grasses, in particular those inhibiting 4‐hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) and acetolactate synthase (ALS). Dose–response pot experiments were conducted in the glasshouse to evaluate the effectiveness of four foliar‐applied HPPD‐inhibiting herbicides (sulcotrione, mesotrione, topramezone and tembotrione) and the ALS‐inhibiting herbicide nicosulphuron for controlling Belgian populations of Echinochloa crus‐galli (barnyard grass) and E. muricata. Herbicides were applied at the four‐leaf stage (BBCH stage 14). Pre‐emergence bioassays were included to evaluate soil activity of the HPPD inhibitors topramezone, sulcotrione and mesotrione. In another dose–response pot experiment, the influence of growth stage at time of herbicide application on efficacy of topramezone for Echinochloa control was evaluated. Sensitivity to HPPD inhibitors topramezone and sulcotrione was significantly lower for E. muricata populations than for E. crus‐galli populations. However, no differential sensitivity to nicosulfuron and the triketones tembotrione and mesotrione was found. Compared with E. crus‐galli, satisfactory post‐emergence control of E. muricata required 5‐ to 14‐fold higher doses of topramezone and sulcotrione, as well as a more timely application. Compared with E. crus‐galli, sensitivity of E. muricata to topramezone was more dependent on growth stage. Owing to the intragenus variability in sensitivity to HPPD‐inhibitor herbicides, higher awareness of the presence of E. muricata plants in maize fields is required.
Reduction of the risk of transfusion‐transmitted viral infection by nucleic acid amplification testing in the Western Cape of South Africa: a 5‐year review
Authors: Cable R. , Lelie N. , Bird A.
Published: August 2012

Background and Objectives  In October 2005, individual donation nucleic acid amplification testing (ID‐NAT) for HIV, HBV and HCV was introduced in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. After 5 years, the impact on HIV, HBV and HCV transmission risk was assessed.

Materials and Methods  A total of 649 745 donations were tested by ID‐NAT using the Ultrio assay on the Tigris instrument (Novartis Diagnostics) and for anti‐HIV, HBsAg and anti‐HCV (Abbott Prism). Initial reactive samples were repeated in duplicate. Discrepant repeat reactive samples were subjected to confirmatory assays. ID‐NAT nonrepeat reactive donations were further screened for occult HBV infection (OBI) by anti‐HBc assay.

Results  ID‐NAT yielded 6 HIV‐RNA‐positive donations in the anti‐HIV‐negative window period (WP) but only 2 were p24 Ag nonreactive (1:325 000). Mathematical modelling estimated a similar HIV transmission risk for lapsed and repeat donations, in the order of 3 per million. The WP risk for HBV was 13 per million. Eight acute (1:81 000) and 13 chronic OBI yield cases (1:50 000) were interdicted. There were significantly more anti‐HBc‐positive donors in the Ultrio initial reactive/nonrepeat reactive group (12%) than in an Ultrio nonreactive control group (6%).

Conclusion  ID‐NAT in the Western Cape Province of South Africa has contributed significantly to enhancing blood safety, particularly for HBV transmission risk and to a lesser extent for HIV. Anti‐HBc testing of NAT nonrepeat reactive donations seems useful in identifying a subgroup of donors with OBI who may be at risk of transmitting HBV.
Involvement of extraneural tissues and upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase after experimental infection with rabies virus in BALB/c mice and LEW/SsN rats
Authors: Liao Pi‐Hung , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang , Yang Hui‐Hua , Wang Ming‐Hseng , Chen Li‐Kuang
Published: August 2012

Rabies virus can cause fatal encephalomyelitis, but the involvement of extraneural organs has not been well characterized. In this study, we investigated the histopathological changes and the distribution of viral antigens in extraneural organs after pathogenic rabies virus infection in mouse and rat models. In histopathological examination, classical viral encephalitis and rabies‐specific Negri body were observed in the brain. In addition to the central nervous system (CNS), inflammatory responses were found in other organs, such as the heart, kidney, liver, and lung. Similarly, immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of rabies virus in the CNS and extraneural tissues. Moreover, macrophages, especially in the lung and heart, were involved in the infection. Transcriptional analyses of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) demonstrated that rabies virus potentiated the gene expression of iNOS in the brain, lung, and heart. The immunoreactive iNOS‐positive macrophages were detected adjacent to the infection. These results suggest that macrophages are involved in the extraneural infection and the expression of iNOS in macrophages contributes to the formation of tissue inflammation. Our study indicates the involvement of extraneural organs following rabies virus infection, which may aggravate the progression of this deadly disease.
Hearing loss in Angolan children with sickle‐cell disease
Authors: Taipale Anni , Pelkonen Tuula , Bernardino Luis , Peltola Heikki , Pitkäranta Anne
Published: August 2012

Background

Hearing loss and pneumococcal infections occur in children with sickle‐cell disease (SCD). We assessed the prevalence of hearing loss and otological findings, especially otitis media, among children with SCD in Luanda, Angola.

Methods

We performed otorhinolaryngological examination, tympanometry and, at ages over 5 years, pure‐tone audiometry, in 61 outpatients of the SCD clinic and 61 healthy controls in the Paediatric Hospital of Luanda.

Results

Bilateral hearing loss exceeding 25 dB occurred in nine (36%; median age 7.8 years) SCD children versus three (11%; P = 0.047) control children. The hearing loss in the SCD group was predominantly mild (26–40 dB), involved low‐ and speech‐range frequencies, and was sex independent. Acute otitis media occurred in two (3%) children with SCD versus four (6%; P = 0.68) control children, chronic otitis in zero versus two (3%; P = 0.50), and middle‐ear effusion in one versus one (2%; P > 0.99). We found no significant differences in the otological profiles of the study groups.

Conclusions

In sub‐Saharan Africa, hearing screening of SCD children is a must at preschool age. The actual prevalence of otitis media and its role in the cause of hearing loss in children with SCD remain subjects for further research.
High‐dose calcium reduces early‐onset hyperkalemia in extremely preterm neonates
Authors: Enomoto Masahiro , Minami Hirotaka , Takano Tsutomu , Katayama Yoshinori , Lee Yong Kye
Published: August 2012

Background

Early‐onset hyperkalemia often occurs in extremely preterm infants during a few days after birth. While there are several treatments for hyperkalemia, calcium infusion to reduce plasma potassium concentrations remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a high dosage of calcium reduces early‐onset hyperkalemia.

Methods

Extremely low‐birthweight neonates born at 22–25 weeks' gestation were enrolled. We analyzed data using multivariate regression analysis and performed a retrospective cohort study with patients divided into two groups according to the dosage of calcium in their initial infusion.

Results

A total of 103 patients were eligible. Early‐onset hyperkalemia was observed in 27 patients. The dosage of calcium gluconate during 24 h after birth was the only independent factor affecting early‐onset hyperkalemia. The maximum plasma potassium concentration during 72 h after birth was negatively correlated with the dosage of calcium. High‐dose calcium reduced occurrences of hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia caused by insulin infusion given for treatment of hyperkalemia, without increasing the risk of any other complications.

Conclusions

Infusion of calcium gluconate may reduce early‐onset hyperkalemia in a dose‐dependent manner.
Unifying cornerstones of sexual selection: operational sex ratio, Bateman gradient and the scope for competitive investment
Authors: Kokko Hanna , Klug Hope , Jennions Michael D.
Published: August 2012

What explains variation in the strength of sexual selection across species, populations or differences between the sexes? Here, we show that unifying two well‐known lines of thinking provides the necessary conceptual framework to account for variation in sexual selection. The Bateman gradient and the operational sex ratio (OSR) are incomplete in complementary ways: the former describes the fitness gain per mating and the latter the potential difficulty of achieving it. We combine this insight with an analysis of the scope for sexually selected traits to spread despite naturally selected costs. We explain why the OSR sometimes does not affect the strength of sexual selection. An explanation of sexual selection becomes more logical when a long ‘dry time’ (‘time out’, recovery after mating due to e.g. parental care) is understood to reduce the expected time to the next mating when in the mating pool (i.e. available to mate again). This implies weaker selection to shorten the wait. An integrative view of sexual selection combines an understanding of the origin of OSR biases with how they are reflected in the Bateman gradient, and how this can produce selection for mate acquisition traits despite naturally selected costs.
The influence of predation and competition on the survival of commensal and pathogenic fecal bacteria in aquatic habitats
Authors: Wanjugi Pauline , Harwood Valerie J.
Published: August 2012

The role of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in water quality assessment is to provide a warning of the increased risk of pathogen presence. An effective surrogate for waterborne pathogens would have similar survival characteristics in aquatic environments. Although the effect of abiotic factors such as sunlight and salinity on the survival of FIB and pathogens are becoming better understood, the effect of the indigenous microbiota is not well characterized. The influence of biotic factors on the survival of non‐pathogenic Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and E. coli O157:H7 were compared in fresh (river) water and sediments over 5 days. Treatments were (i) disinfection (filtration of water and baking of sediments) to remove indigenous protozoa (predators) and bacteria (competitors), and (ii) kanamycin treatment to reduce competition from indigenous bacteria. The disinfection treatment significantly increased survival of E. coli, E. coli O157:H7 and Ent. faecalis in the water column. In sediments, survival of FIB but not that of E. coli O157:H7 increased in disinfected treatments, indicating that the pathogen's survival was unaffected by the natural microbiota. Location (water or sediment) influenced bacterial survival more than species/type in the disinfection experiment. In the competition experiments where only the natural bacterial flora was manipulated, the addition of kanamycin did not affect the survival of Ent. faecalis, but resulted in greater survival of E. coli in water and sediment. Species/type influenced survival more than the level of competition in this experiment. This study demonstrates the complexity of interactions of FIB and pathogens with indigenous microbiota and location in aquatic habitats, and argues against over‐generalizing conclusions derived from experiments restricted to a particular organism or habitat.
Autocrine regulation of insulin secretion
Authors: Braun M. , Ramracheya R. , Rorsman P.
Published: August 2012

Impaired insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells is a major factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The main regulator of insulin secretion is the plasma glucose concentration. Insulin secretion is modified by other nutrients, circulating hormones and the autonomic nervous system, as well as local paracrine and autocrine signals. Autocrine signalling involves diffusible molecules that bind to receptors on the same cell from which they have been released. The first transmitter to be implicated in the autocrine regulation of β‐cell function was insulin itself. The importance of autocrine insulin signalling is underscored by the finding that mice lacking insulin receptors in β‐cells are glucose intolerant. In addition to insulin, β‐cells secrete a variety of additional substances, including peptides (e.g. amylin, chromogranin A and B and their cleavage products), neurotransmitters (ATP and γ‐aminobutyric acid) and ions (e.g. zinc). Here we review the autocrine effects of substances secreted from β‐cells, with a focus on acute effects in stimulus–secretion coupling, present some novel data and discuss the general significance of autocrine signals for the regulation of insulin secretion.
Role of KATP channels in β‐cell resistance to oxidative stress
Authors: Drews G. , Düfer M.
Published: August 2012

The importance of KATP channels in stimulus‐secretion coupling of β‐cells is well established, although they are not indispensable for the maintenance of glycaemic control. This review article depicts a new role for KATP channels by showing that genetic or pharmacological ablation of these channels protects β‐cells against oxidative stress. Increased production of oxidants is a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM develops when β‐cells can no longer compensate for the high demand of insulin resulting from excess fuel intake. Instead β‐cells start to secrete less insulin and β‐cell mass is diminished by apoptosis. Both, reduction of insulin secretion and β‐cell mass induced by oxidative stress, are prevented by deletion or inhibition of KATP channels. These findings may open up new insights into the early treatment of T2DM.
Chromatin structure, epigenetic mechanisms and long‐range interactions in the human insulin locus
Authors: Xu Z. , Lefevre G. M. , Felsenfeld G.
Published: August 2012

Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes is largely dependent on variations in chromatin structure. More recently, it has become clear that this may involve not only local chromatin organization but also distant regulatory elements that participate in large‐scale chromatin architecture within the nucleus. We describe recent methods that make possible the detection of such structures and apply them to analysis of the human insulin (INS) locus in pancreatic islets. We show that the INS gene is part of an extended ‘open’ chromatin domain that includes adjacent genes as well. We also find that in islets, the INS promoter is in physical contact with distant sites on the same human chromosome and notably, with the SYT8 gene, located nearly 300 kb away. The strength of the contact between INS and SYT8 is increased by glucose, and this results in stimulation of SYT8 expression. Inhibition of INS transcription decreases SYT8 expression. Furthermore, downregulation of SYT8 results in decreased secretion of insulin. Our results thus establish the existence of a regulatory network between the INS gene and other distant genes through long‐range physical interactions, and suggest that such networks may have general importance for insulin biology and diabetes.
Modulation of β‐cell function: a translational journey from the bench to the bedside
Authors: Goldfine A. B. , Kulkarni R. N.
Published: August 2012

Both decreased insulin secretion and action contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans. The insulin receptor and insulin signalling proteins are present in the rodent and human β‐cell and modulate cell growth and function. Insulin receptors and insulin signalling proteins in β‐cells are critical for compensatory islet growth in response to insulin resistance. Rodents with tissue‐specific knockout of the insulin receptor in the β‐cell (βIRKO) show reduced first‐phase glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and with aging develop glucose intolerance and diabetes, phenotypically similar to the process seen in human T2D. Expression of multiple insulin signalling proteins is reduced in islets of patients with T2D. Insulin potentiates GSIS in isolated human β‐cells. Recent studies in humans in vivo show that pre‐exposure to insulin increases GSIS, and this effect is diminished in persons with insulin resistance or T2D. β‐Cell function correlates to whole‐body insulin sensitivity. Together, these findings suggest that pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction could be caused by a defect in insulin signalling within β‐cell, and β‐cell insulin resistance may lead to a loss of β‐cell function and/or mass, contributing to the pathophysiology of T2D.
Impairment of GLP1‐induced insulin secretion: role of genetic background, insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia
Authors: Herzberg‐Schäfer S. , Heni M. , Stefan N. , Häring H.‐U. , Fritsche A.
Published: August 2012

One major risk factor of type 2 diabetes is the impairment of glucose‐induced insulin secretion which is mediated by the individual genetic background and environmental factors. In addition to impairment of glucose‐induced insulin secretion, impaired glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)1‐induced insulin secretion has been identified to be present in subjects with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, but little is known about its fundamental mechanisms. The state of GLP1 resistance is probably an important mechanism explaining the reduced incretin effect observed in type 2 diabetes. In this review, we address methods that can be used for the measurement of insulin secretion in response to GLP1 in humans, and studies showing that specific diabetes risk genes are associated with resistance of the secretory function of the β‐cell in response to GLP1 administration. Furthermore, we discuss other factors that are associated with impaired GLP1‐induced insulin secretion, for example, insulin resistance. Finally, we provide evidence that hyperglycaemia per se, the genetic background and their interaction result in the development of GLP1 resistance of the β‐cell. We speculate that the response or the non‐response to therapy with GLP1 analogues and/or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐IV) inhibitors is critically dependent on GLP1 resistance.
Interactions between genetic background, insulin resistance and β‐cell function
Authors: Kahn S. E. , Suvag S. , Wright L. A. , Utzschneider K. M.
Published: August 2012

An interaction between genes and the environment is a critical component underlying the pathogenesis of the hyperglycaemia of type 2 diabetes. The development of more sophisticated techniques for studying gene variants and for analysing genetic data has led to the discovery of some 40 genes associated with type 2 diabetes. Most of these genes are related to changes in β‐cell function, with a few associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and obesity. Interestingly, using quantitative traits based on continuous measures rather than dichotomous ones, it has become evident that not all genes associated with changes in fasting or post‐prandial glucose are also associated with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Identification of these gene variants has provided novel insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of the β‐cell, including the identification of molecules involved in β‐cell function that were not previously recognized as playing a role in this critical cell.
Neurofunctional imaging of β‐cell dynamics
Authors: Harris P. E. , Leibel R. L.
Published: August 2012

Here, we outline how islet cells use autocrine and paracrine ‘circuits’ of classical neurotransmitters and their corresponding receptors and transporters to communicate with vicinal β‐cells to regulate glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Many of these same circuits operate in the central nervous system and can be visualized by molecular imaging. We discuss how these techniques might be applied to measuring the dynamics of β‐cell function in real time.
The diabetic β‐cell: hyperstimulated vs. hyperexcited
Authors: Nichols C. G. , Remedi M. S.
Published: August 2012

Hyperglycaemia has multiple effects on β‐cells, some clearly prosecretory, including hyperplasia and elevated insulin content, but eventually, a ‘glucotoxic’ effect which leads to pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction, reduced β‐cell mass and insulin deficiency, is an important part of diabetes pathophysiology. Myriad underlying cellular and molecular processes could lead to such dysfunction. High glucose will stimulate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, which will in turn increase β‐cell membrane excitability through KATP channel closure. Chronic hyperexcitability will then lead to persistently elevated [Ca2+]i, a key trigger to insulin secretion. Thus, at least a part of the consequence of ‘hyperstimulation’ by glucose has been suggested to be a result of ‘hyperexcitability’ and chronically elevated [Ca2+]i. This link is lost when the [glucose], KATP‐channel activity link is broken, either pharmacologically or genetically. In isolated islets, such studies reveal that hyperexcitability causes a largely reversible chronic loss of insulin content, but in vivo chronic hyperexcitability per se does not lead to β‐cell death or loss of insulin content. On the other hand, chronic inexcitability in vivo leads to systemic diabetes and consequential β‐cell death, even while [Ca2+]i remains low.
MicroRNAs in pancreas development
Authors: Dumortier O. , Van Obberghen E.
Published: August 2012

The development of the pancreas is a tightly regulated process involving extensive morphogenesis, proliferation and differentiation of the epithelium. The finely orchestrated control of gene expression plays a key role in this equilibrium by coordinating the expression of selected gene products at specific moments and in precise locations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that function in general as negative regulators of gene transcripts by interacting with the three prime untranslated regions (3′UTR) of target mRNAs. MiRNAs modulate the expression of numerous target genes that are involved in a variety of cellular systems. Hence the homeostatic control of miRNA biosynthesis and activity is important for the fine‐tuning of many physiological processes such as cell differentiation, cell proliferation and organ development. In the present review, we will focus on the implication of these miRNAs on the development of the pancreas and more specifically on β‐cells.
Short‐term intensified insulin treatment in type 2 diabetes: long‐term effects on β‐cell function
Authors: Retnakaran R. , Zinman B.
Published: August 2012

The natural history of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is characterized by progressive deterioration of pancreatic β‐cell function, leading to worsening glycemia over time. As current antidiabetic therapies have not yet been shown to profoundly alter this natural history, many patients ultimately will require exogenous insulin therapy to obtain adequate glycemic control. Interestingly, the temporary use of short‐term intensive insulin therapy early in the course of T2DM has recently emerged as a therapeutic option that may offer favourable long‐term effects on β‐cell function. Indeed, after receiving this treatment, many patients will experience sustained euglycemia without requiring any antidiabetic therapy. This apparent ‘remission’ of diabetes is likely secondary to improved β‐cell function and can last for more than a year, although it is not sustained and hyperglycemia eventually will return. Nevertheless, owing to its effects on β‐cell function, short‐term intensive insulin therapy holds promise as a means for modifying the natural history of T2DM and warrants further study in this context. In this report, we will review the rationale and evidence underlying this interesting therapeutic option, and its implications for both clinical research and the management of patients with T2DM.
Fifteen years in the trenches: Auditor–client negotiations exposed and explored
Authors: Salterio Steven E.
Published: August 2012

The study of auditor–client management (ACM) negotiations dates back 20 years with the publication of the first analytical model of negotiations in 1991. However, that article made next to no impact until Gibbins, Salterio and their later collaborators began a research programme on ACM negotiations in 1996. The purpose of this article is to review the 15 years of research on ACM negotiation including publishing, for the first time, the theoretical model that underlay their research programme. I then review the sequence of published articles focusing on Gibbins, Salterio and their co‐authors that led to the acceptance of the premise that the auditor co‐created the financial statements and related disclosures with client management. I call this ‘exposing the phenomena’ part of the article. I then examine the experimental research carried out over the last decade and relate it to both the underlying theoretical model and the descriptive model of ACM negotiating, identifying where research has been carried out and where important matters, both descriptively and theoretically, have received less research interest than their importance may warrant. Finally, I provide some thoughts as to how archival researchers may join into this research stream by suggesting the repurposing audit report delay construct as a measure of probability that ACM negotiations took place during the year‐end audit. Furthermore, I suggest how this delay measure might be improved using the newly popular text analysis comparison software that has recently come back in vogue in capital markets research. I call these sections ‘exploring the phenomena’. I conclude with a brief reminder about the practical significance of ACM negotiations, and I urge continued research on this important area, one that may threaten the future existence of audit firms more than any other.
The Political Economy of British Social Democracy after New Labour
Authors: Rogers Chris
Published: August 2012

This section examines the reasons why New Labour's political economy failed to insulate Britain from the recent economic crisis, and what the basis for building sustainable social democracy in the UK might be moving forward.
Labour after New Labour: Escaping the Debt
Authors: Coates David
Published: August 2012

Overcoming the limits of the New Labour project requires both a re-examination of its strengths and weaknesses relative to those of Old Labour, and a serious reflection on the content of the Miliband–Poulantzas debate that established the international reputation of the present leader's father. From both sources, it is clear that this generation of Labour leaders need to turn party policy deliberately leftwards again, and to engage in a progressive hegemonic campaign in support of that shift prior to the next election. For only if Labour returns to office with an electoral base mobilised to support a fundamental resetting of power can the party ever hope to escape the ‘dull logic of Labourism’ so criticised by Ralph Miliband and his academic followers. The thesis of this article is that now is the time for one generation of a famous Labour family to disprove the pessimistic thesis of its earlier generation.
Institutional Predictors of and Complements to Industry Self‐regulation with Regard to Labor Practices
Authors: Van Buren Harry J. , Patterson Karen D. W.
Published: August 2012

In recent years, there has been increasing managerial and academic attention given to a variety of mechanisms for companies to respond to stakeholder concerns about global business ethics. One area that merits further analysis is the role of industry‐level cooperation regarding issues in global business ethics such as labor practices. There are two main issues that we will address in this article: institutional pressures that predict when an industry will create a code of conduct and institutional complements for an industry‐level code of conduct to be “successful” with regard to responding to stakeholder concerns about international business operations. We offer a number of propositions—bringing together work from both the corporate social responsibility and (neo)institutional theory literatures—with regard to both predictors and complements of industry self‐regulation in reference to labor practices.
Freckles and solar lentigines have different risk factors in Caucasian women
Authors: Ezzedine K. , Mauger E. , Latreille J. , Jdid R. , Malvy D. , Gruber F. , Galan P. , Hercberg S. , Tschachler E. , Guinot C.
Published: August 2012

Background  To date, few epidemiological data on the relationships between solar lentigines, freckles and behavioural and constitutional risk factors in Caucasian populations exist.

Objectives  To investigate the potential impact of behavioural and phenotypic variables, as well as the MC1R genetic background, on the history of facial freckles and the severity of solar lentigines in Caucasian women.

Methods  The severity of solar lentigines was graded from facial digital images of 523 French middle‐aged women by a dermatologist and summarized by a score afterwards. The history of facial freckles was assessed and the sun‐exposure behaviour was characterized using a six‐category typology. Risk factors including MC1R polymorphism were evaluated using logistic regression models.

Results  Two constitutive host factors were found to be independently associated with a history of facial freckles: frequent sunburns and the presence of diminished function variants of the MC1R gene. In addition to age, five factors were independently associated with solar lentigines: constitutive host factors (dark skin colour and tanning capacity), a history of freckles, sun‐exposure behaviour and current intake of oral contraceptive or progestogen treatments.

Conclusion  These results strengthen the hypothesis that solar lentigines are markers of photoaging, whereas freckles are mainly determined by genetic factors. The finding that hormonal treatment is associated with a higher risk for solar lentigines merits further investigations.
Correlation of photographic images from the Leeds revised acne grading system with a six‐category global acne severity scale
Authors: Tan J.K.L. , Zhang X. , Jones E. , Bulger L.
Published: August 2012

Background  Few global acne grading systems include individualized assessments of chest and back as well as face. The Leeds revised acne grading system is based on photographic images while the Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale (CASS) is based on textual descriptions. There exists an unmet need for a global scale based on both text and photos.

Purpose  Our objective was to evaluate the correspondence of severity grades from descriptive text (CASS grades) for each Leeds image.

Methods  Twenty‐three dermatologists independently graded 56 photos of face, chest and back of varying acne severity using CASS. Photographs were randomly presented from the The Leeds revised acne grading system (n = 31) and from acne patients of the corresponding author (n = 25). For each Leeds photo, rater responses for CASS grades were transformed into median, coefficient of variation and percentiles.

Results  High rater agreement (≥75%) was observed for Leeds facial inflammatory 2 (CASS 3), 4 (CASS 4), 6 (CASS 4), 9–12 (all CASS 5); Leeds facial comedonal A (CASS 2); Leeds chest 7 and 8 (both CASS 5); and Leeds back 7 and 8 (both CASS 5). Lowest coefficients of variance were observed in Leeds facial inflammatory 4, 9, 10, 11; Leeds facial comedonal A; Leeds chest 7 and 8; and Leeds back 8.

Conclusions Leeds photos, by inadequately portraying facial acne grades 1 (almost clear) and 2 (mild) and back and chest grades 1–4 (almost clear to severe), cannot accurately represent the spectrum of severity in a six‐category global acne scale. Accordingly, there is a current need for images that correspond to a categorical acne scale.
Functional electrical stimulation in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: VAN DER LINDEN MARIETTA
Published: August 2012

This commentary is on the original article by Prosser et al. on pages 1044‐1049 of this issue.
Incidence and outcomes of pregnancy‐associated cancer in Australia, 1994–2008: a population‐based linkage study
Authors: Lee YY , Roberts CL , Dobbins T , Stavrou E , Black K , Morris J , Young J
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Lee Y, Roberts C, Dobbins T, Stavrou E, Black K, Morris J, Young J. Incidence and outcomes of pregnancy‐associated cancer in Australia, 1994–2008: a population‐based linkage study. BJOG 2012;119:1572–1582.

Objective  To determine trends in pregnancy‐associated cancer and associations between maternal cancer and pregnancy outcomes.

Design  Population‐based cohort study.

Setting  New South Wales, Australia, 1994–2008.

Population  A total of 781 907 women and their 1 309 501 maternities.

Methods  Cancer and maternal information were obtained from linked cancer registry, birth and hospital records for the entire population. Generalised estimating equations with a logit link were used to examine associations between cancer risk factors and pregnancy outcomes.

Main outcome measures  Incidence of pregnancy‐associated cancer (diagnosis during pregnancy or within 12 months of delivery), maternal morbidities, preterm birth, and small‐ and large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA).

Results  A total of 1798 new cancer diagnoses were identified, including 499 during pregnancy and 1299 postpartum. From 1994 to 2007, the crude incidence rate of pregnancy‐associated cancer increased from 112.3 to 191.5 per 100 000 maternities (P < 0.001), and only 14% of the increase was explained by increasing maternal age. Cancer diagnosis was more common than expected in women aged 15–44 years (observed‐to‐expected ratio 1.49; 95% CI 1.42–1.56). Cancers were predominantly melanoma (33.3%) and breast cancer (21.0%). Women with cancer diagnosed during pregnancy had high rates of labour induction (28.5%), caesarean section (40.0%) and planned preterm birth (19.7%). Novel findings included a cancer association with multiple pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.13–2.05) and LGA (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.14–1.89).

Conclusions  Pregnancy‐associated cancers have increased, and this increase is only partially explained by increasing maternal age. Pregnancy increases women’s interaction with health services and the possibility for diagnosis, but may also influence tumour growth.
Women’s perception of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and their help‐seeking behaviour: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Buurman Mirella Bouwina Rebecca , Lagro‐Janssen Antoinette Leonarda Maria
Published: August 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 406–413

Women’s perception of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and their help‐seeking behaviour: a qualitative interview study

Aims:  To explore women’s perception of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and their help‐seeking behaviour.

Methods:  We interviewed 26 patients from two family practitioners’ populations in the Netherlands 1 month to 1 year after their vaginal delivery. The semi‐structured interviews were independently encoded and analysed by three researchers according to a scoring list on determined topics. Three researchers independently coded themes discussed by the interviewees that matched main topics from the interview guide. In the case of encoding differences, the researchers deliberated on them until consensus was reached.

Findings:  All women suffered from pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary incontinence, pelvic floor pain, prolapse, haemorrhoids, anal fissure, constipation and dyspareunia. Midwives and gynaecologists did not prepare them for postpartum pelvic floor problems. The women did not expect the problems to be that severe. They hoped their problems would improve by themselves. The women talked to close initiates (female relatives and friends who had had deliveries themselves), who confirmed that the problems were an inevitable consequence of vaginal delivery and that there were no real treatment options. The women indicated they needed professional information about their pelvic floor problems but were ashamed to talk about them outside their inner circle.

Conclusions:  These women are uninformed about postpartum pelvic floor problems. They discuss their pelvic floor dysfunction with close initiates who feed their hope that the problems will resolve spontaneously. The women are not stimulated to seek professional help. However, the women do indicate they need professional information. They want to understand their problems and know how to deal with them. It is time for doctors and midwives to focus on the mother’s health after delivery so that mothers will suffer less from pelvic floor problems, have more awareness of what they can do about them and call in medical aid.
Anxiety and depression following pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: Bentsen Signe Berit , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Henriksen Anne Hildur , Rokne Berit , Wahl Astrid Klopstad
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate changes and predictive factors of anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) before and up to 3 months after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

Methods:  A single group longitudinal design of patients with COPD underwent a PR programme. The measurements took place at baseline (T1: N = 100), immediately before (T2: N = 66), immediately after (T3: N = 54) and 3 months after (T4: N = 43) the programme. The programme was a 6‐week outpatient programme, including education, psychosocial support and training sessions. Anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, self‐efficacy by the COPD self‐efficacy scale, lung function by spirometry and exercise capacity by incremental shuttle walking test. Mixed effect model analyses were used.

Results:  Results showed a tendency of less anxiety and depression immediately after (T3) compared with immediately before (T2) the PR programme, but the changes were not significant. Results also showed that female reported significantly more anxiety than male (p = 0.019), better exercise capacity predicted significantly less depression (p = 0.049), and higher self‐efficacy predicted both significantly less anxiety (p = 0.001) and less depression (p = 0.005).

Conclusions:  A tendency of less anxiety and depression during the PR programme was found, but the changes were not significant. Higher level of self‐efficacy and better exercise capacity are suggested to relieve anxiety and depression.
Evidence for iron‐mediated anaerobic methane oxidation in a crude oil‐contaminated aquifer
Authors: Amos R. T. , Bekins B. A. , Cozzarelli I. M. , Voytek M. A. , Kirshtein J. D. , Jones E. J. P. , Blowes D. W.
Published: August 2012

In a methanogenic crude oil contaminated aquifer near Bemidji, Minnesota, the decrease in dissolved CH4 concentrations along the groundwater flow path, along with the positive shift in δ13CCH4 and negative shift in δ13CDIC, is indicative of microbially mediated CH4 oxidation. Calculations of electron acceptor transport across the water table, through diffusion, recharge, and the entrapment and release of gas bubbles, suggest that these processes can account for at most 15% of the observed total reduced carbon oxidation, including CH4. In the anaerobic plume, the characteristic Fe(III)‐reducing genus Geobacter was the most abundant of the microbial groups tested, and depletion of labile sediment iron is observed over time, confirming that reduced carbon oxidation coupled to iron reduction is an important process. Electron mass balance calculations suggest that organic carbon sources in the aquifer, BTEX and non‐volatile dissolved organic carbon, are insufficient to account for the loss in sediment Fe(III), implying that CH4 oxidation may also be related to Fe(III) reduction. The results support a hypothesis of Fe(III)‐mediated CH4 oxidation in the contaminated aquifer.
CALCIUM ISOTOPES IN JUVENILE MILK‐CONSUMERS
Authors: REYNARD L. M. , PEARSON J. A. , HENDERSON G. M. , HEDGES R. E. M.
Published: August 2012

The calcium isotope ratios (δ44/42Ca) in milk‐consuming infants and juveniles are compared to adults at two archaeological sites to test whether milk consumption is detectable in the skeleton using calcium isotopes. At Aşıklı Höyük, δ44/42Ca is correlated with δ15N and differs significantly between juveniles and adults, suggesting that δ44/42Ca is responding to dietary milk input. However, at Christ Church, Spitalfields, no correlation between δ44/42Ca and δ15N or age is noted. At this site, δ44/42Ca of adult females is not related to the minimum number of births, and we conclude that the maternal skeleton is not sufficiently isotopically perturbed for this signal to remain throughout her lifetime. Growth may result in an increase in very young infants' δ44/42Ca, in contrast to an expected decrease due to milk consumption, complicating the interpretation of the data. We conclude that milk consumption does not always result in a change in skeletal δ44/42Ca, or is masked by other effects.
THE APPLICATION OF CLIFF DEGRADATION MODELS FOR ESTIMATION OF THE INITIAL HEIGHT OF RAMMED‐EARTH WALLS (POR‐BAJIN FORTRESS, SOUTHERN SIBERIA, RUSSIA)
Authors: ALFIMOV G. L. , NOSYREV G. V. , PANIN V. , ARZHANTSEVA A. , OLEAGA G.
Published: August 2012

The main objective of this study is to recover the initial geometry of earthen walls from the shape of wall remains. The original parameters of the walls have been estimated by fitting the field‐measured profiles with the theoretical shape predicted by the model. We estimate: (i) the initial wall height (between 2 and 3 m); (ii) their shape (vertical or nearly vertical); and (iii) the time for complete degradation (between 250 and 400 years, depending on wall orientation). We show that this approach yields the best results when the main degradation factor is the temperature gradient, as it is for south‐oriented wall faces.
The C5a receptor antagonist PMX205 ameliorates experimentally induced colitis associated with increased IL‐4 and IL‐10
Authors: Jain U , Woodruff TM , Stadnyk AW
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

Anti‐complement therapies have not been advanced for treating the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) despite a growing body of evidence that blocking C5a protects against induced colitis in rodents. The purpose of this study was to further build on this evidence by examining the efficacy, mechanism and specificity of a potent, non‐competitive and orally active C5a receptor (CD88) antagonist, PMX205, in the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) model of murine innate colitis.

Experimental Approach

Mice with DSS added to their drinking water were orally administered 100 or 200 μg day−1 PMX205 in prophylactic and therapeutic regimens. Clinical illness, colon histology and local generation of inflammatory mediators were measured to evaluate the impact of PMX205 on disease.

Key Results

PMX205 significantly prevented DSS‐induced colon inflammation in both regimens, associated with lower pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and nitrotyrosine staining in colon sections. Additionally, the levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10 were increased. PMX205 had no significant effect on C5a levels. The beneficial effect of PMX205 was seen in two strains of mice of differing sensitivities to DSS inflammation, but was inactive in mice lacking CD88.

Conclusions and Implications

Pharmacological inhibition of C5a activity by PMX205 is efficacious in preventing DSS‐induced colitis, providing further evidence that targeting CD88 in IBD patients could be a valuable therapeutic option.
Retrospective Analysis of Dental Implants Placed and Restored by Advanced Prosthodontic Residents
Authors: Barias Pamela A. , Lee Damian J. , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Sukotjo Cortino , Campbell Stephen D. , Knoernschild Kent L.
Published: August 2012

Purpose: The purposes of this retrospective clinical review were to: (1) describe the demographics of implant patients, types of implant treatment and implant‐supported prostheses in an Advanced Education in Prosthodontic Program, (2) evaluate the survival rate of dental implants placed by prosthodontic residents from 2006 to 2008, and (3) analyze the relationship between resident year of training and implant survival rate.

Material and Methods: All patients who received dental implants placed by prosthodontic residents from January 2006 to October of 2008 in the Advanced Prosthodontic Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry were selected for this study. Age, gender, implant diameter, length, implant locations, surgical and restorative detail, and year of prosthodontic residency training were collected and analyzed. Life‐table and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were performed based on implants overall, locations, year of training, and use of a computer‐generated surgical guide. A Logrank statistic was performed between implant survival and year of prosthodontic residency training, location, and use of computer‐generated surgical guide (α= 0.05).

Results: Three hundred and six implants were placed, and of these, seven failed. Life‐table and Kaplan–Meier analyses computed a cumulative survival rate (CSR) of 97% for overall implants and implants placed with a computer‐generated surgical guide. No statistical difference was found in implant survival rates as a function of year of training (P= 0.85).

Conclusion: Dental implants placed by prosthodontic residents had a CSR comparable to previously published studies by other specialties. The year of prosthodontic residency training and implant failure rate did not have any significant relationship.
On the Ideological Foundations of Supreme Court Legitimacy in the American Public
Authors: Bartels Brandon L. , Johnston Christopher D.
Published: August 2012

Conventional wisdom says that individuals’ ideological preferences do not influence Supreme Court legitimacy orientations. Most work is based on the assumption that the contemporary Court is objectively conservative in its policymaking, meaning that ideological disagreement should come from liberals and agreement from conservatives. Our nuanced look at the Court's policymaking suggests rational bases for perceiving the Court's contemporary policymaking as conservative, moderate, and even liberal. We argue that subjective ideological disagreement—incongruence between one's ideological preferences and one's perception of the Court's ideological tenor—must be accounted for when explaining legitimacy. Analysis of a national survey shows that subjective ideological disagreement exhibits a potent, deleterious impact on legitimacy. Ideology exhibits sensible connections to legitimacy depending on how people perceive the Court's ideological tenor. Results from a survey experiment support our posited mechanism. Our work has implications for the public's view of the Court as a “political” institution.