bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N′-(3,5-Dichloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-(dimethylamino)benzohydrazide methanol monosolvate
Authors: Xu Huanzhi , Sun Jingya
Published: March 2012

The title compound, C16H15Cl2N3O2·CH3OH, a Schiff base molecule, is prepared by the reaction of 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde with 4-dimethylaminobenzohydrazide in methanol. The Schiff base molecule is approximately planar, with a mean deviation from the least-squares plane defined by the non-H atoms of 0.0452 (3) Å, and with a dihedral angle between the benzene rings of 4.2 (3)°. This planarity is assisted by the formation of an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, adjacent Schiff base molecules are linked by two methanol molecules through N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming dimers.
Essential role of macrophages in the initiation of allergic rhinitis in mice sensitized intranasally once with cedar pollen: regulation of class switching of immunoglobulin in B cells by controlling interleukin‐4 production in T cells of submandibular lymph nodes
Authors: Hirano Masayo , Ogita‐Nakanishi Hiromi , Miyachi Wakako , Hannya Natsuki , Yamamoto‐Kimoto Yumiko , Sakurai Kanji , Miyoshi‐Higashino Masako , Tashiro‐Yamaji Junko , Kato Ryuji , Ijiri Yoshio , Tanaka Kazuhiko , Kanazawa Atsuko , Terada Tetsuya , Kawata Ryo , Takenaka Hiroshi , Kubota Takahiro , Yoshida Ryotaro
Published: March 2012

The production of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies (Abs) in allergen‐sensitized patients or animals has a mutual relationship with the immunologic response leading to allergic rhinitis. We recently reported that, after an intranasal injection of cedar pollen into mice, an interleukin‐4 (IL‐4)‐dependent increase in serum nonspecific IgE Abs was a prerequisite for the production of serum allergen‐specific IgE Abs. Here, we explored which lymphoid organs were responsive to the intranasally injected allergen and how IL‐4 and IgE Abs were produced in the lymphocytes. Time‐dependent changes in the total cell numbers and in in vitro IgE Ab production in various lymphoid organs revealed that the submandibular lymph nodes were the main responsible organ. After treatment with allergen (for IgE production) or allergen and complete Freund's adjuvant (for IgG production), we separated submandibular lymph node cells into macrophage‐, lymphocyte‐, and granulocyte‐rich populations by discontinuous Percoll density‐gradient centrifugation. Unexpectedly, bulk cells, but not the lymphocyte‐ or macrophage‐rich populations, produced significant amounts of IL‐4, IgE, and IgG; whereas production was restored by addition of Mac‐1+ cells from the macrophage‐rich to the lymphocyte‐rich fraction. Furthermore, a combination of the lymphocyte‐rich population (for IgG [or IgE]) production) and the macrophage‐rich population (for IgE [or IgG]) production) produced a large amount of IgE (or IgG). These results indicate that, in the initiation of allergic rhinitis, macrophages in the submandibular lymph nodes are essential not only for IL‐4 or immunoglobulin production, but also for class switching of immunoglobulin in lymphocytes.
Raalin, a transcript enriched in the honey bee brain, is a remnant of genomic rearrangement in hymenoptera
Authors: Tirosh Y. , Morpurgo N. , Cohen M. , Linial M. , Bloch G.
Published: March 2012

We identified a predicted compact cysteine‐rich sequence in the honey bee genome that we called ‘Raalin’. Raalin transcripts are enriched in the brain of adult honey bee workers and drones, with only minimum expression in other tissues or in pre‐adult stages. Open‐reading frame (ORF) homologues of Raalin were identified in the transcriptomes of fruit flies, mosquitoes and moths. The Raalin‐like gene from Drosophila melanogaster encodes for a short secreted protein that is maximally expressed in the adult brain with negligible expression in other tissues or pre‐imaginal stages. Raalin‐like sequences have also been found in the recently sequenced genomes of six ant species, but not in the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis. As in the honey bee, the Raalin‐like sequences of ants do not have an ORF. A comparison of the genome region containing Raalin in the genomes of bees, ants and the wasp provides evolutionary support for an extensive genome rearrangement in this sequence. Our analyses identify a new family of ancient cysteine‐rich short sequences in insects in which insertions and genome rearrangements may have disrupted this locus in the branch leading to the Hymenoptera. The regulated expression of this transcript suggests that it has a brain‐specific function.
Functional interactions between members of the REPAT family of insect pathogen‐induced proteins
Authors: Navarro‐Cerrillo G. , Ferré J. , de Maagd R. A. , Herrero S.
Published: March 2012

Studies on the transcriptional response to pathogens in the insect larval gut have shown the regulation of several genes after the infection. Repat (REsponse to PAThogens) genes were first identified in Spodoptera exigua midgut as being up‐regulated in response to the exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins and baculovirus. Recently, new members of the REPAT family showed a constitutive up‐regulation in a B. thuringiensis‐resistant population. Based on a yeast two‐hybrid screening, we have detected the interaction of REPAT1 with other members of the REPAT family, leading to the discovery of a new member: REPAT8. The functional role of this interaction was shown by following the changes of the subcellular localization of REPAT1 in the presence of REPAT8. REPAT1 alone was localized exclusively in the cytoplasm, while the presence of REPAT8 led to the migration of REPAT1 to the nucleus. Finally, analysis of the expression pattern of eight REPAT members has shown that B. thuringiensis‐related treatments (Cry1Ca toxin, Xentari™ product and an acrystalliferous strain) induced a general up‐regulation of repat genes, especially of repat2. In contrast, no significant effect was detected after treatment with Escherichia coli or Enterococcus sp., or by the presence of microbiota in the midgut. The results suggest that the different repat genes play different roles in response to pathogens.
Decontamination efficacy of photon‐initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) of irrigants using low‐energy laser settings: an ex vivo study
Authors: Pedullà E. , Genovese C. , Campagna E. , Tempera G. , Rapisarda E.
Published: March 2012

Pedullà E, Genovese C, Campagna E, Tempera G, Rapisarda E. Decontamination efficacy of photon‐initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) of irrigants using low‐energy laser settings: an ex vivo study. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 865–870, 2012.

Aim  To assess ex vivo, the antibacterial effectiveness of photon‐initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) of irrigants using an Er:YAG laser equipped with a newly designed, stripped and tapered tip in extracted teeth with infected root canals.

Methodology  One hundred and forty‐eight single‐rooted extracted teeth were prepared to a size 25, 0.06 taper. The specimens were sterilized, and all teeth except ten (negative control group) were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated in a CO2 chamber at 37 °C for 15 days in Eppendorf tubes filled with trypticase soy broth medium changed every 2 days. Infected teeth were then randomly divided into four test groups (n = 32 for each): pulsed erbium/YAG laser at nonablative settings for 30 s with sterile bi‐distilled water (Group A) or 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (Group B); without laser‐activated sterile bi‐distilled water irrigation for 30 s (Group C) or 5% NaOCl irrigation for 30 s (Group D); the positive control group received no treatment in infected teeth (n = 10). Colony‐forming units (CFUs) were counted from bacteriologic samples taken before (S1) and after treatment (S2). Data were analysed by Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc Dunn’s multiple comparison tests.

Results  CFU counts were significantly lower in 5% NaOCl groups with or without laser activation than in sterile bi‐distilled water without laser activation group (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference between bi‐distilled water groups with or without laser activation (P < 0.001). Sodium hypochlorite with laser activation group had the greatest CFU reduction, which was significantly greater than that evident in bi‐distilled water groups with or without laser activation (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between 5% NaOCl groups with or without laser activation (P > 0.05). None of the four groups generated negative samples predictably.

Conclusions  Under the conditions of this ex vivo study, there were no significant differences in bacterial reduction between the laser and NaOCl or NaOCl alone groups.

[Correction added after online publication, 18th April 2012: The following statement has been deleted: ‘Thus, the use of a laser did not improve microbial killing over and above use of NaOCI alone.’]
Root canal debridement efficacy of different final irrigation protocols
Authors: Al‐Ali M. , Sathorn C. , Parashos P.
Published: March 2012

Al‐Ali M, Sathorn C, Parashos P. Root canal debridement efficacy of different final irrigation protocols. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 898–906, 2012.

Aim  To compare the smear layer and debris removal effectiveness of four root canal irrigation protocols as well as their effectiveness in removing remaining soft tissues in curved root canals.

Methodology  The mesiobuccal and mesial root canals of 107 extracted human maxillary and mandibular molars were instrumented using Mtwo rotary NiTi instruments then randomly divided into four groups according to a final rinse protocol: Group 1 (n = 28) – manual agitation of 1% NaOCl and 15% EDTA; Group 2 (n = 26) – CanalBrush agitation of 1% NaOCl and 15% EDTA; Group 3 (n = 26) – 3% H2O2 alternated with 1% NaOCl; Group 4 (n = 27) – passive ultrasonic agitation of 1% NaOCl and 15% EDTA. All irrigation protocols were performed in a closed system. Eleven roots per group were prepared and histologically stained (H&E) to assess percentage of remaining pulpal tissues in the apical thirds. The remaining specimens were split longitudinally and examined under scanning electron microscope at ×2000 magnification to assess smear layer and debris removal. Image Pro Plus 6.0 software was used to analyse smear layer and remaining pulp tissue. Debris presence was scored by two blinded investigators using a five‐point scale. Data were analysed using Univariate analysis of variance (GenStat 13, α = 0.05).

Results  CanalBrush and passive ultrasonic irrigation were equally effective with significantly less smear layer and debris than manual agitation and H2O2 alternated with NaOCl (P < 0.05). The H2O2 alternated with NaOCl protocol was significantly more effective in removing pulp tissue remnants in the apical level than manual agitation (P = 0.009) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (P = 0.01).

Conclusions  CanalBrush was as effective as passive ultrasonic irrigation in smear layer and debris removal. Alternating H2O2 with NaOCl was effective in removing soft tissues from root canal complexities. Further studies are required to evaluate effectiveness of this regimen taking into account irrigant volume differences and effect of root canal system configuration.
Turf transplants for restoration of alpine vegetation: does size matter?
Authors: Aradottir Asa L.
Published: March 2012

1. Turfs transplanted from native vegetation can be used to restore diverse plant communities on disturbed sites. There is, however, limited understanding of optimal turf size and the tolerance of different plant communities and species to transplanting.

2. The effects of turf size in restoration of alpine plant communities were studied in SW‐Iceland. Treatments tested in 2‐m2 plots were as follows: planting of sixteen 5 × 5 cm turfs, four 10 × 10 cm turfs, one 20 × 20 cm turf or one 30 × 30 cm turf; a 20 × 20 cm turf shredded and spread over the plot and controls without turfs. The 10‐cm thick turfs were extracted from nearby heath and grassland vegetation and planted in mineral soil and road verges at 260–410 m elevation. Species composition, cover and colonization were monitored for three growing seasons.

3. Grassland vegetation tolerated division into small turfs better than heath vegetation, but responses varied by functional groups. Cover of dwarf‐shrubs decreased with decreasing turf size; grass cover was highest in plots with 5 × 5 cm turfs and lowest in plots with shredded turfs, while moss cover increased most rapidly in plots with shredded turfs.

4. Synthesis and applications. Optimum turf size for the restoration of native species varied among functional groups of plants and decreased as follows: evergreen dwarf‐shrubs > deciduous dwarf‐shrubs > sedges > grasses > mosses. Turfs that are at least 20–30 cm in diameter may be needed for the transplantation of dwarf‐shrubs, while turfs as small as 5 cm in diameter can be used to establish many grass species. Even smaller units can be used to facilitate moss colonization. Turfs that are salvaged from development projects can be a valuable source of native species for use in restoration schemes. Turf size for transplanting should be selected with regard to donor vegetation, growth form and abundance of the target species.
Microbes and the gut‐brain axis
Authors: Bercik P. , Collins S. M. , Verdu E. F.
Published: March 2012

Background  The ‘gut‐brain’ or ‘brain‐gut axis’, depending on whether we emphasize bottom‐up or top‐bottom pathways, is a bi‐directional communication system, comprised of neural pathways, such as the enteric nervous system (ENS), vagus, sympathetic and spinal nerves, and humoral pathways, which include cytokines, hormones, and neuropeptides as signaling molecules. Recent evidence, mainly arising from animal models, supports a role of microbes as signaling components in the gut‐brain axis.

Aims  The purpose of this review is to summarize our current knowledge regarding the role of microbes, including commensals, probiotics and gastrointestinal pathogens, in bottom‐up pathways of communication in the gut‐brain axis. Although this has clear implications for psychiatric co‐morbidity in functional and inflammatory conditions of the gut, the focus of this review will be to discuss the current evidence for a role of bacteria (commensals, probiotics, and pathogens) as key modulators of gut‐brain communication.

Results & Conclusions  The strongest evidence for a role of microbes as signaling components in the gut‐brain axis currently arises from animal studies and indicate that mechanisms of communication are likely to be multiple. There is need for the concepts generated in animal models to be translated to the human in the future.
Parenthood in pediatric liver transplant patients
Authors: Ecevit Çiğdem , Ünal Fatih , Baran Maşallah , Aydoğdu Sema
Published: March 2012

Ecevit Ç, Ünal F, Baran M, Aydoğdu S. Parenthood in pediatric liver transplant patients.

Abstract:  Liver transplantation has become a universally accepted treatment for numerous congenital and acquired hepatic disorders that cause liver failure. Without liver transplantation, patients in their reproductive years are afflicted with oligospermia or azoospermia in men and amenorrhea in women, with infertility being a consequence in both sexes. The aim of this study is to describe our experiences concerning the parenthood of pediatric individuals who are successful recipients of liver transplantations coming into the reproductive years of life. We retrospectively analyzed data of 207 pediatric liver transplanted patients (96 women, 111 men). Among them, three women conceived and delivered four babies, and two men admitted to paternity of two children after they all had been recipients of liver transplants. All female transplant recipients had received tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression. Preterm delivery was the most clinically important complication among these patients. Only one of the female patients experienced hypercalcemia during the pregnancy. None had any other complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, cholestasis, or diabetes. There was no graft insufficiency, rejection, or birth defect. We concluded that maternity and paternity in liver transplant patients show normal outcomes even though this procedure occurs in childhood, and pregnancy did not seem to impair graft function in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs.
An unusual manifestation of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in the lip after pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Chen C. , Akanay‐Diesel S. , Schuster F. R. , Klee D. , Schmidt K. G. , Donner B. C.
Published: March 2012

Chen C, Akanay‐Diesel S, Schuster FR, Klee D, Schmidt KG, Donner BC. An unusual manifestation of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in the lip after pediatric heart transplantation.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  PTLD is a serious and frequently observed complication after solid organ transplantation. We present a six‐yr‐old girl with a rapidly growing, solid tumor of the lip four yr after orthotopic heart transplantation, which was classified as monomorphic PTLD with the characteristics of a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Treatment with reduction in immunosuppression, ganciclovir, and anti B‐cell monoclonal antibody (rituximab) resulted in full remission since 12 months. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first description of PTLD in the lip in a pediatric patient after heart transplantation in the English literature.
Light levels of anaesthesia after relaxation for tracheal intubation – comparison of succinylcholine and cis‐atracurium
Authors: LINSTEDT U. , HAECKER K. G. , PRENGEL A. W.
Published: March 2012

Background

Use of a single bolus of a hypnotic together with non‐depolarizing muscle relaxants for anaesthesia induction may cause inappropriate light levels of anaesthesia (ILLA). The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of ILLA during anaesthesia induction using either cis‐atracurium (CIS) or succinylcholine (SUC).

Methods

Patients (n = 65) received fentanyl and propofol. Relaxants were randomly chosen and were either CIS 0.15 mg/kg, or SUC 1 mg/kg. After achieving relaxation, ILLA were assessed double‐blinded by the isolated forearm technique and electroencephalogram ‐derived values.

Results

Time from induction to complete relaxation was 335 ± 55 s with CIS and 141 ± 26 s with SUC. Nine patients in the CIS group (26%), but no patient in the SUC group responded to commands before endotracheal intubation (P < 0.01). During the entire induction up to 1 min after intubation in the CIS group, 24 of 35 patients (68%) showed 31 episodes of ILLA, as defined as responsiveness to commands and spontaneous movements. With SUC, 8 of 30 patients (27%) showed 11 episodes of ILLA (P < 0.01). In patients with ILLA, state entropy (SE) and spectral edge frequency (SEF) were 68 ± 10 (mean ± standard deviation) and 17 ± 4 Hz, respectively, and in patients without ILLA, SE and SEF were 40 ± 14 and 12 ± 3 Hz, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The onset time of a muscle relaxant has substantial impact on the incidence of ILLA during induction of anaesthesia. Entropy and SEF may indicate the presence of ILLA.
Artificial selection on allometry: change in elevation but not slope
Authors: EGSET C. K. , HANSEN T. F. , LE ROUZIC A. , BOLSTAD G. H. , ROSENQVIST G. , PÉLABON C.
Published: March 2012

To what extent within‐species (static) allometries constitute a constraint on evolution is the subject of a long‐standing debate in evolutionary biology. A prerequisite for the constraint hypothesis is that static allometries are hard to change. Several studies have attempted to test this hypothesis with artificial‐selection experiments, but their results remain inconclusive due to various methodological issues. Here, we present results from an experiment in which we selected independently on the slope and the elevation of the allometric relationship between caudal‐fin size and body size in male guppies (Poecilia reticulata). After three episodes of selection, the allometric elevation (i.e. intercept at constant slope) had diverged markedly between the lines selected to increase or decrease it, and showed a realized heritability of 50%. In contrast, the allometric slope remained unaffected by selection. These results suggest that the allometric elevation is more evolvable than the allometric slope, this latter representing a potential constraint on adaptive trait evolution. To our knowledge, this study is the first artificial‐selection experiment that directly tests the evolvability of static allometric slopes.
Strategies for screening blood donors to source convalescent H1N1v plasma for intervention therapy
Authors: Parry R. P. , Tettmar K. I. , Hoschler K. , Brailsford S. R. , Samuel D. , Ashford M. , MacLennan S. , Williamson L. M. , Tedder R. S.
Published: March 2012

Background and Objectives  During the 1918, pandemic blood components were successfully used to treat severe influenza pneumonia. A Proof of Principle trial investigating the clinical benefit of convalescent plasma was proposed in the 2009 H1N1v epidemic with the aim of screening donors for high titre antibody in order to stockpile plasma packs to be used for treatment for severe pneumonia.

Materials and Methods  Serum samples were collected from donors. IgG antibody capture format enzyme‐linked immunoassays using recombinant proteins (GACELISAs) were compared with microneutralization (MN) and haemagglutination inhibition (HAI). The influence of age and history of influenza‐like illness (ILI) on the detection of high titre antibody was examined.

Results  1598 unselected donor sera collected in October and December 2009 were tested by HAI. The HAI and demographic data defined a possible strategy for selective donor screening. One of the GACELISAs was highly specific for recent infection but showed lower sensitivity than HAI.

Conclusions  During the 2009 pandemic screening 17‐ to 30‐year‐old donors by HAI delivered around 10% with high antibody levels. The ELISA using a short recombinant H1N1v HA detected fewer reactives but was more specific for high titre antibody (≥1:256). Screening strategies are proposed based on using HAI on serum or GACELISA on plasma.
Retina ganglion cell degeneration in glaucoma: an opportunity missed? A review
Authors: Morgan James E
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Retinal ganglion cell degeneration has been reported in a range of experimental models of glaucoma. Manifest as pruning of retinal ganglion cell dendrites, it is likely to influence both the function and viability of affected cells. Electrophysiological studies in primate glaucoma have shown that affected cells retain some function and could therefore form a neural substrate for the recovery of visual function in glaucoma. Clinical studies in which the intraocular pressure is reduced have suggested that some improvement in retinal function may be possible in hypotensive eyes. These experimental studies highlight the importance of establishing the extent to which retinal ganglion cell degeneration occurs in human glaucoma. If substantial numbers of degenerating retinal ganglion cells are present in glaucoma, they could present an ideal target for the recovery of vision.
Impacts of climate change and urban development on the spotted marsh frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis)
Authors: WILSON JOAB N. , BEKESSY SARAH , PARRIS KIRSTEN M. , GORDON ASCELIN , HEARD GEOFFREY W. , WINTLE BRENDAN A.
Published: March 2012

Climate change and urbanization are among the most serious threats to amphibians, although little is known about their combined effects. We used a predictive spatial habitat suitability model to explore the potential impacts of climate change and urban development on the spotted marsh frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) on the urban‐fringe of Melbourne, Australia. The CSIRO climate‐change predictions for the region indicate likely temperature increases of 3°C, and annual rainfall reductions of around 200 mm by the year 2070. Much of the study area overlaps a region that has been identified as one of the city's growth corridors. We used Bayesian logistic regression modelling to estimate current and future habitat suitability of pond sites in the Merri Creek catchment, exploring a range of best‐ to worst‐case scenarios through the use of hydrological and urbanization models. Our predictions for 2070, even under a moderate climate‐change scenario, suggest that the majority of ponds in the study area will be dry throughout much of the year. This has obvious implications for L. tasmaniensis, which is an aquatic breeding species. However, in the short term, urbanization is likely to have a more significant effect on the distribution of L. tasmaniensis in the Merri Creek catchment, particularly if development moves beyond the current urban growth boundary. The combined effects of climate change and urbanization could have a profound impact on the species, potentially causing it to disappear from within the study area. We provide recommendations for including such predictive models in urban planning and restoration activities to prepare for future conservation challenges.
Rodent handling of Araucaria araucana seeds
Authors: SHEPHERD JOHN D. , DITGEN REBECCA S.
Published: March 2012

In an intermast year of very low seed production, we studied seed handling in an Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) forest in Neuquén Province, Argentina. Rodents identified in 844 photographs from automatic cameras removed 589 seeds marked with small embedded magnets. Within 12 days of removal, 460 were recovered using a magnetic field locator; 79% of recoveries were from burrows and caches in litter or soil. Rodents exhibited a diversity of seed‐handling strategies and differed in their potential as dispersal agents. Seed removal was most likely between 15.00 hours and 21.00 hours, but diurnal and nocturnal visits were recorded for all species. Oligoryzomys longicaudatus (Cricetidae) was a seed predator that took 8% of marked seeds and left none whole. Chelemys macronyx (Cricetidae) and Rattus norvegicus (Muridae) removed 25% and 19% of marked seeds respectively. These two species deposited the majority of seeds in groups of 10 or more in burrow larders that were unfavourable seedling establishment sites far from daylight. Abrothrix longipilis (Cricetidae) removed 43% of seeds, scatter‐hoarded the largest percentage of whole seeds (37%), moved some seeds farther than 40 m, and left them in favourable seedling establishment sites near daylight. For all species, the number and proportion of seeds cached whole increased as more seeds were removed. Rodents, especially A. longipilis, may play an important role in regeneration of A. araucana. Seed‐handling strategies and potentially effective dispersal are discussed in terms of masting seed production.
Integrated metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses of an ANME‐1‐dominated community in marine cold seep sediments
Authors: Stokke Runar , Roalkvam Irene , Lanzen Anders , Haflidason Haflidi , Steen Ida H.
Published: March 2012

Sulfate‐reducing methanotrophy by anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) is a major biological sink of methane in anoxic methane‐enriched marine sediments. The physiology of a microbial community dominated by free‐living ANME‐1 at 14–16 cm below the seafloor in the G11 pockmark at Nyegga was investigated by integrated metagenomic and metaproteomic approaches. Total DNA was subjected to 454‐pyrosequencing (829 527 reads), and 16.6 Mbp of sequence information was assembled into 27352 contigs. Taxonomic analysis supported a high abundance of Euryarchaea (70%) with 66% of the assembled metagenome belonging to ANME‐1. Extracted sediment proteins were separated in two dimensions and subjected to mass spectrometry (LTQ‐Orbitrap XL). Of 356 identified proteins, 245 were expressed by ANME‐1. These included proteins for cold‐adaptation and production of gas vesicles, reflecting both the adaptation of the ANME‐1 community to a permanently cold environment and its potential for positioning in specific sediment depths respectively. In addition, key metabolic enzymes including the enzymes in the reverse methanogenesis pathway (except N5,N10‐methylene‐tetrahydromethanopterin reductase), heterodisulfide reductases and the F420H2:quinone oxidoreductase (Fqo) complex were identified. A complete dissimilatory sulfate reduction pathway was expressed by sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacteria. Interestingly, an APS‐reductase comprising Gram‐positive SRB and related sequences were identified in the proteome. Overall, the results demonstrated that our approach was effective in assessing in situ metabolic processes in cold seep sediments.
Under‐grading of <4 cm renal masses on renal biopsy
Authors: Harris Catherine R. , Whitson Jared M. , Meng Maxwell V.
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

It is well documented that biopsy of small renal masses is inaccurate and tends to under‐estimate tumour grade compared with surgical specimens. To our knowledge there has not been a study showing grading discrepancy between biopsy and surgical excision in a large population‐based cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether differences exist in tumour grade between patients who undergo partial nephrectomy (PN) and those who undergo ablation for renal tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data was obtained using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Patients with solitary renal tumours of <4 cm treated with ablation or PN and with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) histopathology were identified.

Tissue diagnosis in the ablation specimens was obtained from biopsy reports, whereas tissue from PN specimens was determined from surgical pathology.

Variables analysed included: year of diagnosis, age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, population density, education, poverty level, and tumour size.

Stacked bar graphs were created to compare the distributions of grade and histology between the groups. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with grade.

RESULTS

In all, 7704 (87.4%) patients underwent PN and 1114 (12.6%) underwent either radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation.

The PN patients were younger at diagnosis (59 vs 68 years, P < 0.001), more likely to be married (70% vs 64%, P < 0.001), and had smaller tumours (2.4 vs 2.6 cm, P < 0.001).

There were no differences in the distribution of histology between the PN and ablation groups.

Tumour grade was significantly lower in tumours treated with ablation.

Compared with grade 1 disease, those undergoing ablation were 30% less likely to have grade 2 (P < 0.001), 30% less likely to have grade 3 (P < 0.001), and 92% less likely to have grade 4 disease (P < 0.01) than those having PN.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a strong association between grade and treatment type in patients with small renal masses after controlling for baseline characteristics.

As grade is determined by different methods, we think that this shows systematic under‐grading in biopsy of small renal masses.
Tobacco expenditure, smoking‐induced deprivation and financial stress: Results from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four‐Country Survey
Authors: SIAHPUSH MOHAMMAD , BORLAND RON , YONG HUA‐HIE , CUMMINGS K. MICHAEL , FONG GEOFFREY T.
Published: March 2012

Introduction and Aims. While higher tobacco prices lead to a reduction in smoking prevalence, there is a concern that paying more for cigarettes can lead to excess financial burden. Our primary aim was to examine the association of daily cigarette expenditure with smoking‐induced deprivation (SID) and financial stress (FS).

Design and Methods. We used data from wave 7 (2008–2009) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four‐Country Survey which is a survey of smokers in Canada, the USA, the UK and Australia (n = 5887). Logistic regressions were used to assess the association of daily cigarette expenditure with SID and FS.

Results. In multivariate analyses, a one standard deviation increase in daily cigarette expenditure was associated with an increase of 24% (P = 0.004) in the probability of experiencing SID. While we found no association between daily cigarette expenditure and FS, we found that SID is a strong predictor of FS (odds ratio 6.25; P < 0.001). This suggests that cigarette expenditure indirectly affects FS through SID. Results showed no evidence of an interaction between cigarette expenditure and income or education in their effect on SID or FS.

Conclusions. Our results imply that spending more on tobacco may result in SID but surprisingly has no direct effect on FS. While most smokers may be adjusting their incomes and consumption to minimise FS, some fail to do so occasionally as indexed by the SID measure. Future studies need to prospectively examine the effect of increased tobacco expenditure on financial burden of smokers.[Siahpush M, Borland R, Yong H‐H, Cummings KM, Fong GT. Tobacco expenditure, smoking‐induced deprivation and financial stress: Results from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four‐Country Survey. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:664–671]
Questioning the use value of qualitative research findings
Authors: Lipscomb Martin
Published: March 2012

In this paper the use value of qualitative research findings to nurses in practice is questioned. More precisely it is argued that, insofar as action follows belief then, in all but the rarest of cases, the beliefs that nurses in practice can justifiably derive from or form on the basis of qualitative research findings do not sanction action in the world and the assumption, apparently widely held, that qualitative research can as evidence productively inform practice collapses. If qualitative research does not have a substantive action guiding potential then, in consequence, three conclusions are permitted. First, regarding the requirement that nurses ground actions on evidence, regulators should redraft methodologically neutral or permissive guidelines to specify the sorts of research evidence that can serve this function. Second, qualitative methodologies should receive less prominence in nurse education programmes. Third, qualitative researchers should make it clear that their work cannot inform practice. Alternatively, if this claim is advanced the process by which this is to be achieved should be explicitly stated.
Conflicting obligations, moral dilemmas and the development of judgement through business ethics education
Authors: Maclagan Patrick
Published: March 2012

Learning to address moral dilemmas is important for participants on courses in business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR). While modern, rule‐based ethical theory often provides the normative input here, this has faced criticism in its application. In response, post‐modern and Aristotelian perspectives have found favour. This paper follows a similar line, presenting an approach based initially on a critical interpretation of Ross's theory of prima facie duties, which emphasises moral judgement in actual situations. However, the retention of a modern element is suggested, with an invitation to hypothetically universalise detailed proposals for action, following Hare. This further step may reassure students/managers who seek additional closure in their decision‐making. Some pedagogical implications are also briefly raised regarding the use of case material and the need to recognise questions of social interaction and personal character as features of dilemma resolution in actual organisational contexts.
Going green: the evolution of micro‐business environmental practices
Authors: Parry Simon
Published: March 2012

This paper examines the process through which micro‐businesses ‘go green’. It builds upon previous studies that have identified the different drivers of this greening process. However, rather than a static focus on specific drivers, the study articulates the evolution of environmental practices over time. The paper uses comparative case studies of six micro‐businesses to build a composite sequence analysis that plots the greening process from its roots through to large‐scale and ambitious ecological projects. The study identifies three distinct stages that businesses pass through during this greening process. This has important implications for policy‐makers and advisors as it was found that the support needed by the businesses changed as they passed through these different stages. In particular, it was found that appropriate support is currently lacking at certain key points of the businesses' greening development. The paper therefore adds to current understanding of small business ecological responsibility by showing how activities and drivers change with the level of engagement. Pointers are provided as to how support can be improved.
Simultaneous improvement in development time, cost and quality: a practical framework for generic pharmaceuticals industry
Authors: Chaudhuri Atanu
Published: March 2012

Generic pharmaceutical companies strive to develop generic versions of drugs to obtain marketing rights after those drugs go off patent. Being a highly competitive industry, these companies have to work towards simultaneously reducing the development time and costs while meeting all the quality standards. While the literature has discussed the multiple trade‐offs in product development, there is limited research on how the companies can break these trade‐offs and simultaneously improve performance on multiple objectives and particularly in the context of the generic pharmaceutical industry. In this research, we try to bridge this gap and develop an improvement framework for simultaneously achieving the objectives in terms of development time, cost and quality. We apply the framework in a generic pharmaceutical company by redesigning its new product development process following Six Sigma methodologies and demonstrate the benefits through pilot projects with varying levels of complexity. The results show that a well‐designed process which facilitates process standardization, optimization and collaboration can help in simultaneously achieving improvements in development time, cost and quality.
The Annunciation and Nativity: Undoing the Sinful Act of Eve
Authors: WEINANDY THOMAS
Published: March 2012

Employing the writings of Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) and Bonaventure (1217–1274), I will first examine the theology of the Annunciation. I will examine the Annunciation through the specific hermeneutical lens employed by Bernard and Bonaventure themselves, that is, the mystery of the Annunciation can only be clearly perceived and properly understood when it is viewed as the undoing of the sinful work of Eve. Moreover, I want to argue that, since the Annunciation is the foundational Marian mystery, all other mysteries pertaining to Mary must equally be viewed through this same hermeneutical lens, that is, as the undoing of Eve's sinful act. With this principle in mind, I will conclude by attempting to advance the thought of Bernard and Bonaventure, in a manner that they did not, with regards to the Nativity, that is, that the Nativity must also be seen as the undoing of the sinful action of Eve.
Endothelin‐1 enhances the proliferation of normal human melanocytes in a paradoxical manner from the TNF‐α‐inhibited condition, but tacrolimus promotes exclusively the cellular migration without proliferation: a proposed action mechanism for combination therapy of phototherapy and topical tacrolimus in vitiligo treatment
Authors: Lee K.Y. , Jeon S.Y. , Hong J.W. , Choi K.W. , Lee C.Y. , Choi S.J. , Kim J.H. , Song K.H. , Kim K.H.
Published: March 2012

Background  Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder caused by the destruction of melanocytes. Two of the major theories regarding the pathogenesis of vitiligo are the autoimmune theory and autocytotoxicity theory, but, the precise pathogenetic mechanism is still not clarified.

Objectives  We investigated the effects of ET‐1, tacrolimus and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on proliferation and migration of cultured normal human melanocytes (NHMs). We also sought to clarify the theoretical rationale underlying the topical tacrolimus monotherapy or tacrolimus‐UV combination therapy as tools for vitiligo treatment.

Methods  The effects of ET‐1, tacrolimus and TNF‐α on proliferation/migration of cultured NHMs were investigated by MTT assay/Boyden chamber transwell migration assay. We also examined roles of CXC‐chemokine receptor II (CXCR II) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in such conditions.

Results  ET‐1 exerted a stimulatory effect on melanocyte proliferation and migration, but, tacrolimus exerted a stimulatory effect only on melanocyte migration higher than ET‐1. TNF‐α inhibited melanocyte proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. Paradoxically, TNF‐α‐pretreated NHMs exhibited an enhanced proliferative efficiency after being switched to ET‐1. We found CXCRII was highly expressed in TNF‐α‐incubated melanocytes than the agents‐free control, and ET‐1 treatment after TNF‐α preincubation showed the higher levels of CXCRII expression than the condition incubated with TNF‐α alone. Moreover, the greater activities of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 induced by tacrolimus than ET‐1, reflected tacrolimus would enhance migration stimulatory effect in cultured NHMs.

Conclusions  Topical tacrolimus can be used an effective agent for vitiligo treatment as monotherapy, maybe due to its migration stimulatory action or TNF‐α inhibitory property, and also as a component in combination therapy with UV treatment, considering the more upregulated MMPs activities are induced and the more effective migrations are feasible by itself than ET‐1.
Annual Research Review: Functional somatic symptoms and associated anxiety and depression – developmental psychopathology in pediatric practice
Authors: Campo John V.
Published: March 2012

Background:  Medically unexplained physical symptoms, commonly referred to as functional somatic symptoms (FSS), are common in pediatric medical settings and associated with suffering, impairment, and medical help seeking. The association of pediatric FSS with anxiety and depressive symptoms and disorders across the life span is reviewed.

Method:  Review and critique of controlled studies examining cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of FSS with anxiety and depressive symptoms and disorders in community‐based and clinical samples of children and adolescents.

Results:  FSS are consistently associated cross‐sectionally with anxiety and depressive symptoms and disorders in childhood and adolescence, and the likelihood of associated anxiety and depression increases with the number of reported FSS. The presence of one or more FSS early in life is associated with an increased likelihood of multiple FSS and anxiety and depressive symptoms and disorders later in life, and anxiety and depressive symptoms and disorders in childhood are associated with subsequent multiple FSS.

Conclusion:  Strong associations between FSS, anxiety, and depression across the life span suggest the need to reconsider existing nosology and reconceptualize symptomatic relationships. Large, population‐based longitudinal studies of FSS, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and disorders are needed to establish temporal relationships between the various symptoms and conditions.
Widespread fitness alignment in the legume–rhizobium symbiosis
Authors: Friesen Maren L.
Published: March 2012

See also the Commentary by De Mita
Acquisition and generalization of fear conditioning are not modulated by the BDNF‐val66met polymorphism in humans
Authors: Torrents‐Rodas David , Fullana Miquel A. , Arias Bárbara , Bonillo Albert , Caseras Xavier , Andión Oscar , Mitjans Marina , Fañanás Lourdes , Torrubia Rafael
Published: March 2012

Few studies have investigated the role of the BDNF‐val66met polymorphism in fear conditioning in humans, and previous results have been inconsistent. In the present study, we examined whether the BDNF‐val66met was associated with differences in the acquisition and generalization of fear during a differential conditioning paradigm in a large sample of participants (N = 141). Using three different indexes of fear learning (fear‐potentiated startle, skin conductance response, and online risk ratings) no effects of the BDNF‐val66met were found either on the acquisition or the generalization of conditioned fear. Taken together with previous data, our study suggests that the BDNF‐val66met polymorphism has no effect on the acquisition or generalization of fear.
Chiquitano and the Multiple Meanings of Being Indigenous in Bolivia
Authors: WEBER KATINKA
Published: March 2012

To be ‘indigenous’ in Bolivia is not only a rights‐ and resource‐bearing identity, but the national MAS party has recently actively promoted the ‘indigenous’ as an inclusive national political project. This article seeks to shed further light on the different meanings Bolivians attach to ‘indigeneity’ by focusing on the Chiquitano people of the Bolivian lowlands. This reveals that while Chiquitano employ the term to advance their political project, some nevertheless simultaneously reject its power to categorise and subordinate Chiquitano. This highlights some of the paradoxes faced by those employing an indigenous political strategy, be it at the local or ‘more inclusive’ national level.
Policies for Participation, Life in Association and Confidence, Implications in the Case of Chile
Authors: VALDIVIESO PATRICIO
Published: March 2012

In Chile, the structure of the state has become modernised and decentralised, and the municipalities play an important role in this development. As a result, there are expectations of policies for participation that direct the concerns of citizens with respect to public policies at a local level. Similar to other states in Latin America, Chile enjoys policies that could be perfected in an effort to achieve better integration and synergy among them, especially in the municipalities. This article presents arguments and evidence in the case of Chile in respect of mechanisms of participation, associative life and confidence in the municipalities, as well as proposing ways to perfect public policies for local participation.
Transnational mobilities for care: rethinking the dynamics of care in Asia
Authors: HUANG SHIRLENA , THANG LENG LENG , TOYOTA MIKA
Published: March 2012

This special issue on ‘Transnational mobilities for care: rethinking the dynamics of care in Asia’ examines the intersections between transnational mobilities for care and the practices of care through the lens of transnational migration for work and marriage. In this editorial introduction, we highlight three key themes explored by the articles that make up the collection – the transposability of care; the reciprocity of care; and the continued feminization of carework In discussing these themes, we consider how we can contribute to a rethinking of ‘care’ and the notion of the global care chain from a perspective beyond that of the Global North.
Reconstituting the affective labour of Filipinos as care workers in Japan
Authors: LOPEZ MARIO
Published: March 2012

As Japan has started to come to terms with the emergence of an ageing society with a low birth rate, it has also had to face a shortage of care labour. Both the state and individuals have mobilized new sources of care work, and in so doing have transformed relations between Asian countries. Within this context, there has been a change in that long‐term Filipina residents in Japan are now seen as an alternative source of care workers. Previous relations between Japan and the Philippines were structured through the experience of Filipina entertainers and hostesses. Yet, a shift to Filipina migrant care workers in response to labour market demands has been accompanied by a discursive transformation that affect long‐term Filipina residents in Japan. Based on ethnographic observation of a course run for caregivers, in this article I examine how foreign nationals' affective labour can be perceived. I further propose locating care within a broader transnational sphere, a ‘curo‐scape’ that is to say, a transnational sphere of administering and managing care at not just a transregional and global level but also at a local state one.