bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Judicial Strength and Rule of Law on Portfolio Investment in the Developing World*
Authors: Staats Joseph L. , Biglaiser Glen
Published: July 2011

Objective. Applying existing theories relating to investment risk, this article examines the effects of judicial strength and adherence to the rule of law on portfolio investment in the developing world. We aim to demonstrate that countries with higher levels of judicial strength and rule of law are more able to attract portfolio investment because they provide greater protection of property rights and a better risk environment for investors.

Methods. Using time‐series data for 79 developing countries for the period 1996–2005, we employ panel‐corrected standard errors multivariate regressions to demonstrate that higher levels of judicial strength and rule of law are associated with higher levels of portfolio investment.

Results. We find that a one standard deviation increase in overall judicial strength and rule of law results in more than a 50 percent increase in portfolio investment. In separate analyses, we show that a one standard deviation increase in specific measures of judicial independence, impartial courts, and protection of property rights leads to increases in portfolio investment ranging from 27 percent to 184 percent.

Conclusion. Judicial strength and adherence to the rule of law are important determinants of portfolio investment in the developing world.
Partisan Cleavages in the Importance of Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities*
Authors: Coffé Hilde , Bolzendahl Catherine
Published: July 2011

Objective. Research indicates partisan polarization on a number of social and moral attitudes. However, it is unclear whether a similar polarization can be found regarding citizenship norms, a question we investigate.

Methods. Using 2004 GSS data, we examine regression results analyzing citizens' beliefs about a wide range of citizenship duties and rights based on their partisan identity.

Results. Democrats and Republicans differ little in regard to many key rights and duties, such as the importance of voting and the right to equal treatment by the government. However, compared to Republicans, Democrats attach more importance to social duties and rights for political participation and for minority groups. Independents are most distinctive, placing much less importance on political duties and social rights of equality and an adequate standard of living, particularly in comparison to Democrats.

Conclusion. The majority of Americans share a common set of citizenship norms. Yet, some differences occur along partisan lines, and Independents hold weaker citizenship norms compared to Republicans and Democrats.
Why Did Poverty Become Less Geographically Concentrated in the 1990s?*
Authors: Wagmiller, Jr. Robert L.
Published: July 2011

Objective. After increasing sharply in the 1970s and 1980s, the number of high‐poverty neighborhoods in the United States unexpectedly and dramatically declined in the 1990s. This article examines the roles that residential and income mobility played in this decline.

Methods. Using geocoded data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this study analyzes changes during the 1990s and early 2000s in: (1) patterns of residential mobility between high‐poverty and lower‐poverty neighborhoods; and (2) patterns of income mobility for residents who remained in high‐poverty neighborhoods.

Results. Both patterns of residential and income mobility changed in the 1990s and early 2000s. While patterns of residential migration to high‐poverty neighborhoods were largely unchanged over this period, patterns of residential migration from high‐poverty neighborhoods changed significantly, with poor individuals—especially poor blacks—becoming more likely to relocate from high‐poverty to lower‐poverty neighborhoods. Patterns of income mobility for residents who remained in high‐poverty neighborhoods also changed significantly, with nonpoor residents becoming less likely to become poor and poor residents becoming more likely to exit poverty.

Conclusion. Poverty rates in high‐poverty neighborhoods fell primarily because of the net upward income mobility of residents who remained in these neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood Contexts in Which Low‐Income Families Navigate Welfare Reform: Evidence from the Three‐City Study*
Authors: Bennett Pamela R. , Cherlin Andrew J.
Published: July 2011

Objectives.We investigate the neighborhood contexts in which low‐income families negotiate welfare reform.

Methods.Using data from the Three‐City Study and U.S. Census, we follow 1,059 low‐income women from 1999 to 2005 tracking their neighborhood quality, employment, and welfare use. We evaluate whether improvements in residential contexts facilitate transitions to economic self‐sufficiency, but also test the reverse possibility.

Results.Despite living in similar neighborhoods in 1999, women who left welfare experienced larger reductions in neighborhood disadvantage than women who remained on welfare. Likewise, women who left welfare with employment achieved larger increases in neighborhood quality than those who left welfare without work; the latter experiencing neighborhood change no different than those who stayed on welfare.

Conclusions.Neighborhood conditions are, at minimum, associated with welfare outcomes. Findings suggest that neighborhood quality increases after women leave welfare, though we cannot reject the possibility that better neighborhoods lead to better welfare outcomes.
Labor Market Outcomes for Legal Mexican Immigrants Under the New Regime of Immigration Enforcement*
Authors: Gentsch Kerstin , Massey Douglas S.
Published: July 2011

Objectives. This article documents the effects of increasingly restrictive immigration and border policies on Mexican migrant workers in the United States.

Methods. Drawing on data from the Mexican Migration Project, we create a data file that links age, education, English‐language ability, and cumulative U.S. experience in three legal categories (documented, undocumented, guest worker) to the occupational status and wage attained by migrant household heads on their most recent U.S. trip.

Results. We find that the wage and occupational returns to various forms of human capital generally declined after harsher policies were imposed and enforcement dramatically increased after 1996, especially for U.S. experience and English‐language ability.

Conclusion. These results indicate that the labor‐market status of legal immigrants has deteriorated significantly in recent years as larger shares of the migrant workforce came to lack labor rights, either because they were undocumented or because they held temporary visas that did not allow mobility or bargaining over wages and working conditions.
Improving the Point of Origin Determination in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Authors: de Bruin Karla G. , Stoel Reinoud D. , Limborgh Josita C. M.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  In bloodstain pattern analysis, it is important to know the point of origin (PO) of an impact pattern. This point can be estimated by means of the stringing method, the tangent method, or by commercially available computer programs. In this study, the accuracy of two computer programs was investigated under different conditions. Impact patterns were created by means of a modified mouse trap, and subsequently the PO was calculated. By examining the characteristics of single bloodstains, the influence on the deviation could be determined. To improve the estimation of the PO, it is important to select bloodstains that lie close to the presumable location of the blood source, that are large (width >1.5 mm) and that show an elliptical form. If possible, bloodstains from different walls should be taken into account. Our recommendations may improve the PO determination of impact patterns.
Development of Microwave‐Assisted Extraction Procedure for Organic Impurity Profiling of Seized 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)*,†
Authors: Giebink Patricia J. , Smith Ruth Waddell
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Organic impurity profiling of seized 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets aims to link tablets to common production sources. Conventionally, organic impurities are extracted from tablets using a liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) procedure prior to analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). In this research, the development of an alternative microwave‐assisted extraction/headspace solid‐phase microextraction (MAE/HS‐SPME) procedure is described. The optimal procedure used phosphate buffer (1 M, pH 8), with an HS‐SPME extraction temperature of 70°C for 40 min, using a divinylbenzene/Carboxen™/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fiber. Impurities were extracted from seized MDMA exhibits using the MAE/HS‐SPME procedure, as well as HS‐SPME alone, and a conventional LLE procedure. The HS‐SPME procedure was deemed to be the most practical because of the affordability and need for less analyst involvement. Although the LLE was limited in the number of impurities extracted, the procedure is still useful for the extraction of less volatile impurities that are not extracted by HS‐SPME.
Obstetric outcome for women who received individualized treatment for fear of childbirth during pregnancy
Authors: SYDSJÖ GUNILLA , SYDSJÖ ADAM , GUNNERVIK CHRISTINA , BLADH MARIE , JOSEFSSON ANN
Published: July 2011

Objective. To compare obstetric outcomes for women with fear of childbirth who received counseling during pregnancy with women without fear of childbirth. Design. Descriptive, retrospective case‐control study. Setting. University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden. Sample. 353 women who were referred to a unit for psychosocial obstetrics and gynecology because of fear of childbirth constituted the index group and 579 women without fear of childbirth formed a reference group. Methods. Data were collected from standardized antenatal and delivery records. Main outcome measures. Delivery data. Results. Elective cesarean sections (CS) were more frequent in the index group (p<0.001). Induction of delivery was also more common among the women with fear of childbirth (16.5 compared with 9.6%, p<0.001). Women with fear of childbirth who were scheduled for vaginal delivery were more often delivered by emergency CS (p=0.007). Elective CS was more common among the parous women with fear of childbirth and instrumental delivery was more common among nulliparous women with fear of childbirth. There were no differences in complications during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum between the two groups. Conclusion. Fear of childbirth is a predisposing factor for emergency and elective CS even after psychological counseling. Maximal effort is necessary to avoid traumatizing deliveries and negative experiences, especially for nulliparous women.
MCP‐1 and CCR2 gene variants in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bektas‐Kayhan K , Unur M , Boy‐Metin Z , Cakmakoglu B
Published: July 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 18, 55–59

Aim:  We aimed to investigate a possible association of the MCP‐1 and CCR2 polymorphisms with the risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods:  MCP‐1 A2518G and CCR2 V64I gene polymorphisms were performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism, in 129 patients with OSCC and 140 healthy control subjects.

Results:  Individuals who had G allele and GG genotype of MCP‐1, and 64I allele and wt/64I genotype of CCR2 had increased risk for OSCC (P < 0.05.) In contrast, individuals with CCR2 wt/wt genotype seem to be protected from OSCC (P < 0.01). Haplotype analysis revealed that MCP‐1G: CCR2 64I haplotype frequencies were significantly higher in patients than those of controls (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:  We can suggest that the G allele of MCP‐1 and 64I allele of CCR2 may be risk factors for OSCC.
Systemic activity of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate: a double‐blind comparison of volume spacers
Authors: Wolthers Ole D , Sergio Francesco
Published: July 2011

Background:  To which extent volume spacers may influence systemic activity of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) has not been evaluated.

Aim:  To assess whether the AeroChamber Plus™ spacer is equivalent to the Volumatic™ spacer for administration of inhaled hydroflouroalkane 134a propelled BDP in terms of lower leg growth rate (LLGR).

Patients and methods:  Prepubertal children with mild asthma (n = 26, aged 6–14 years) were included in a 3‐time periods of 2 weeks duration randomized double‐blind cross‐over study with a single‐blind placebo run‐in and two washout periods. LLGR was measured with the knemometer. Interventions were inhaled BDP hydroflouroalkane 134a pressurized metered dose inhaler 100 μg and 200 μg b.i.d. with the AeroChamber Plus and 200 μg b.i.d. with the Volumatic spacer.

Results:  Beclomethasone dipropionate 200 μg b.i.d. from the AeroChamber Plus was non‐inferior to BDP 200 b.i.d. from the Volumatic spacer as the lower margin of confidence interval of the difference between treatments (−0.18 to 0.13 mm/week) was greater than the prespecified lower limit for non‐inferiority (−0.20 mm/week). UFC/creatinine data showed no statistically significant variations.

Conclusion:  The systemic activity of BDP, via the Volumatic™, and AeroChamber Plus™ spacers is similar. The AeroChamber Plus spacer may be used in children without risk of increasing systemic activity of BDP.
Effects of growth rate on carcass and meat quality traits and their association with metabolism‐related gene expression in finishing pigs
Authors: YANG Yuxin , GUO Jia , KIM JinSoo , WANG MyeongHyeon , CHAE ByungJo
Published: July 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different growth rates on carcass characteristics and meat quality and their relationship with myogenesis and lipogenesis in finishing pigs. Pigs were slaughtered at the same age and were assigned to high (HGR) or low (LGR) growth rates with 120 kg or 110 kg final body weights at slaughter. The results indicated that pigs with HGR had heavier (P < 0.05) final body weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, backfat thickness, higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of fat in the muscle and higher (P < 0.05) total RNA concentration in muscle than pigs with LGR. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, and sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1 in fat were higher (P < 0.05) in pigs with HGR. Additionally, the mRNA expression of glycogen synthase in muscle was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs with HGR. These results indicate differences in postmortem myogenesis and lipogenesis traits of pigs with different growth rates; these differences in turn might have affected carcass characteristics and meat quality.
Cities, environmental stressors, ageing and chronic disease
Authors: Black Deborah , O'Loughlin Kate , Kendig Hal , Wilson Leigh
Published: July 2011

Aim:  This study attempts to identify any association between length of exposure to urban environmental risk and non‐infectious chronic disease in a group of Australian residents who lived in the same location for at least 20 years.

Methods:  Using Australian survey data, we selected 1256 participants who were 45 years and older and had lived in the same location for at least 20 years. We used logistic regression and survival analysis to identify factors associated with the presence of non‐infectious chronic disease at baseline and after 7 years.

Results:  Results show that increasing age, living in an urban area and living in an area with a lower socioeconomic status increase the odds of having a long‐term health condition.

Conclusion:  This study provides empirical evidence that older long‐term Australian urban residents are more likely to have a non‐infectious chronic disease, which may be associated with environmental exposure, than those living in rural locations.
Ways in which ‘community’ benefits frail older women's well‐being: ‘we are much happier when we feel we belong’
Authors: Learmonth Emily , Taket Ann , Hanna Lisa
Published: July 2011

Aim:  This paper aims to explore frail older women's lived experiences of ‘community’ and which aspects of ‘community’ they perceive as beneficial to their well‐being.

Method:  This qualitative project used a mixed methodological approach which integrated aspects of descriptive phenomenology and grounded theory. Ten frail, older women residing in South East Melbourne, Australia participated in in‐depth interviews.

Results:  This research obtained a rich and detailed account of the aspects of ‘community’ identified by participants as enhancing their well‐being. These included: social contact, community dynamics, feelings of support and positive orientation.

Conclusion:  This paper has increased our understanding of the factors supporting well‐being of frail older women. Service providers should actively consider how they can strengthen these factors to improve social connectedness for frail older women by the use of volunteers, developing social networks and increasing availability and quality of community‐based activities.
Importance of position 8 in μ‐conotoxin KIIIA for voltage‐gated sodium channel selectivity
Authors: Van Der Haegen Annelies , Peigneur Steve , Tytgat Jan
Published: July 2011

μ‐conotoxin KIIIA from Conus kinoshitai is a 16‐residue peptide that acts as a potent pore blocker of several voltage‐gated sodium channels (Nav). In order to obtain more selective blockers and to investigate the role of Trp at position 8, we substituted this residue with Arg, Gln and Glu. KIIIA and analogues were tested on a range of Nav expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The rank order of potency for KIIIA was: rNav1.4 ≥ rNav1.2 > mNav1.6 > rNav1.3, with IC50 values of 48 ± 6 nm, 61 ± 5 nm, 183 ± 31 nm and 3.6 ± 0.3 μm, respectively, whereas no effect was seen on hNav1.5 and hNav1.8 at a concentration of 10 μm. Replacement of Trp8 resulted in more selective blockers with a preference for neuronal sodium channels over the skeletal sodium channel. The activity on rNav1.4 was reduced about 40‐, 70‐ and 200‐fold for [W8R]KIIIA, [W8Q]KIIIA and [W8E]KIIIA, respectively. All analogues showed a completely reversible block of rNav1.2, as opposed to the partial reversibility of KIIIA. At saturating concentrations, complete block of rNav1.2 was never achieved. The residual current was lower than 10%, except for [W8E]KIIIA. KIIIA had no effect on the voltage dependence of activation of rNav1.2, whereas all analogues caused a depolarizing shift. Overall, this study shows that Trp8 is a key residue in the pharmacophore. Replacement of Trp8 enables more selective blockers to be obtained for neuronal sodium channels. Trp is a key determinant for the reversibility of block of rNav1.2.
Intramolecular electron transfer in laccases
Authors: Farver Ole , Wherland Scot , Koroleva Olga , Loginov Dmitry S. , Pecht Israel
Published: July 2011

Rate constants and activation parameters have been determined for the internal electron transfer from type 1 (T1) to type 3 (T3) copper ions in laccase from both the fungusTrametes hirsutaand the lacquer treeRhus vernicifera, using the pulse radiolysis method. The rate constant at 298 K and the enthalpy and entropy of activation were 25 ± 1 s−1, 39.7 ± 5.0 kJ·mol−1and −87 ± 9 J·mol−1·K−1for the fungal enzyme and 1.1 ± 0.1 s−1, 9.8 ± 0.2 kJ·mol−1and −211 ± 3 J·mol−1·K−1for the tree enzyme. The initial reduction of the T1 site by pulse radiolytically producedradicals was direct in the case ofT. hirsutalaccase, but occured indirectly via a disulfide radical inR. vernicifera. The equilibrium constant that characterizes the electron transfer from T1 to T3 copper ions was 0.4 forT. hirsutalaccase and 1.5 forR. verniciferalaccase, leading to full reduction of the T1 site occurring at 2.9 ± 0.2 electron equivalents forT. hirsutaand 4 electron equivalents forR. verniciferalaccase. These results were compared with each other and with those for the same process in other multicopper oxidases, ascorbate oxidase andStreptomyces coelicolorlaccase, using available structural information and electron transfer theory.

Database Protein structure data forTrametes hirsutalaccase are available in the wwPDB database under the accession number3FPX. Sequence references areQ94ID0forRhus verniciferalaccase andB2L9C1forTrametes hirsutalaccase
Plasmids containing NRSE/RE1 sites enhance neurite outgrowth of retinal ganglion cells via sequestration of REST independent of NRSE dsRNA expression
Authors: Koch Jan C. , Barski Elisabeth , Lingor Paul , Bähr Mathias , Michel Uwe
Published: July 2011

Repressor element‐1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a transcriptional repressor of neuron‐specific genes that binds to a conserved DNA element, the neuron restrictive silencer element (NRSE/RE1). Interestingly, increased REST activity is found in several neurological diseases like Huntington’s disease and cerebral ischemia. Recently, it was shown that NRSE dsRNA, a double‐stranded non‐coding RNA can bind to REST during a defined period of neuronal differentiation, and thereby changes REST from a transcriptional repressor to an activator of neuron‐specific genes. Here, we analyzed the effects of NRSE dsRNA expression in primary retinal ganglion cells. We found that NRSE dsRNA expression vectors significantly enhance neurite outgrowth even when axonal degeneration is induced by neurotrophin deprivation. Transfection of HEK cells with NRSE dsRNA‐expressing vectors altered their morphology leading to the formation of thin processes and induced the expression of neurofilament‐68. Surprisingly, control vectors containing REST‐binding sites, but not expressing NRSE dsRNA, resulted in the same effects, also in the retinal ganglion cell model. Reporter assays and retention of REST in the cytoplasm with a labeled NRSE/RE1‐containing plasmid incapable of entering the nucleus suggest that sequestration of REST in the cytoplasm is the reason for the observed effects. No evidence for a biological function of NRSE dsRNA could be found in these models. We conclude that sequestration of REST leads to enhanced neurite outgrowth in retinal ganglion cells and that an increased activity of REST, as it is found in several neurodegenerative diseases, can be effectively modulated by sequestration of REST with plasmids containing NRSE/RE1 sites.

Database
 The Nucleotide sequence data are available in the GenBank database under the accession numbers AY640629, HQ416701, AY640633, HQ416702, HQ416703, HQ416704, HQ416705, HQ416706, HQ416707, HQ416708 and HQ416709
Synthesis, Saccharide‐Binding and Anti‐cancer Cell Proliferation Properties of Arylboronic Acid Derivatives of Indoquinolines
Authors: Meng Junxiu , Yu Shaoqing , Wan Shengbiao , Ren Sumei , Jiang Tao
Published: July 2011

A facile synthesis of a series of saccharide‐binding arylboronic acid derivatives of indoloquinoline was described. The key synthetic steps were polyphosphoric acid‐mediated cyclization, chlorinative aromatization, and amidation. Mass spectrometry experiments revealed these synthetic arylboronic acid derivatives of indoquinolines could bind to biologically important carbohydrates (sialic acid, fucose, glucose, and galactose) by forming boronate di‐esters in alkaline aqueous solution. Most of the arylboronic acid derivatives of indoquinolines inhibited human breast cancer cell (MDA–231) proliferation at a concentration of 5 μm, whereas the compound 17 exhibited highest percentages (76.74%) of the cancer cell proliferation inhibition.
English Proficiency and Latino Participation in U.S. Elections
Authors: PARKIN MICHAEL , ZLOTNICK FRANCES
Published: July 2011

This article focuses on how the ability to speak and read English affects Latino citizens' participation in U.S. elections, and evaluates the extent to which this language barrier might be overcome by living in a community with a relatively large Latino population and having access to registration materials and ballots in Spanish. Using data primarily from the Pew Hispanic Center, we find that the inability to speak and read English hinders registration and turnout among Latino citizens. While the language barrier to turnout is mitigated by several factors, the barrier to registration is more intractable. These results have implications for researchers and practitioners interested in the political participation of this increasingly prominent group. In particular, understanding the role of English proficiency is a critical first step in thinking about policy prescriptions that will bring into the political process a growing number of Latino citizens, particularly those with limited English skills.

Este estudio se enfoca en cómo las habilidades de hablar y leer el ingles afectan la participación de ciudadanos latinos en las elecciones estadounidenses, y evalúa la medida en que esta barrera del idioma podría ser superada viviendo en una comunidad con una población latina relativamente grande y teniendo acceso a materiales de registro electoral y boletas en español. Usando datos principalmente del Pew Hispanic Center, encontramos que la baja habilidad para hablar y leer en inglés obstaculiza el registro y participación entre ciudadanos de origen latino. Mientras que la barrera del lenguaje para ejercer el derecho al voto es mitigada al vivir en una comunidad con una población latina relativamente grande y con acceso a boletas bilingües, la barrera para inscribirse en el registro de electores es más restrictiva. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones para investigadores, practicantes, y legisladores interesados en la participación política de este grupo cada vez más prominente de electores. Entender el papel del dominio de el inglés es, particularmente, un primer paso crítico para pensar recetas de políticas que incorporen en el proceso político un creciente número de ciudadanos latinos, especialmente aquellos con un limitado dominio del idioma inglés.
Membrane cycling after the excess retrieval mode of rapid endocytosis in mouse chromaffin cells
Authors: Perez Bay A. E. , Belingheri A. V. , Álvarez Y. D. , Marengo F. D.
Published: July 2011

Aim:  After exocytosis, neuroendocrine cells and neurones keep constant the plasma membrane and the releasable vesicle pools by performing endocytosis and vesicular cycling. Patch‐clamp capacitance measurements on chromaffin cells showed that strong Ca+2 entry activates excess retrieval: a rapid endocytosis process that retrieves more membrane than the one fused by preceding exocytosis. The main purpose of the present experiments was to study the recycling pathway that follows excess retrieval, which is unknown.

Methods:  Membrane recycling after exocytosis–endocytosis can be studied by fluorescence imaging assays with FM1‐43 (Perez Bay et al. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2007; 293, C1509). In this work, we used this assay in combination with fluorescent dextrans and specific organelle‐targeted antibodies to study the membrane recycling after excess retrieval in mouse chromaffin cells.

Results:  Excess retrieval was observed after the application of high‐K+ or cholinergic agonists during 15 or 30 s in the presence of FM1‐43. We found that the excess retrieval membrane pool (defined as endocytosis–exocytosis) was associated with the generation of a non‐releasable fraction of membrane (up to 30% of plasma membrane surface) colocalizing with the lysosomal compartment. The excess retrieval membrane pool followed a saturable cytosolic Ca2+ dependency, and it was suppressed by inhibitors of L‐type Ca2+ channels, endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release and PKC.

Conclusion:  Excess retrieval is not associated with the cycling of releasable vesicles, but it is related to the formation of non‐releasable endosomes. This process is activated by a concerted contribution of Ca2+ entry through L‐channels and Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum.
Molecular and physiological properties of bacteriophages from North America and Germany affecting the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Müller Ina , Lurz Rudi , Kube Michael , Quedenau Claudia , Jelkmann Wilhelm , Geider Klaus
Published: July 2011

For possible control of fire blight affecting apple and pear trees, we characterized Erwinia amylovora phages from North America and Germany. The genome size determined by electron microscopy (EM) was confirmed by sequence data and major coat proteins were identified from gel bands by mass spectroscopy. By their morphology from EM data, φEa1h and φEa100 were assigned to the Podoviridae and φEa104 and φEa116 to the Myoviridae. Host ranges were essentially confined to E. amylovora, strains of the species Erwinia pyrifoliae, E. billingiae and even Pantoea stewartii were partially sensitive. The phages φEa1h and φEa100 were dependent on the amylovoran capsule of E. amylovora, φEa104 and φEa116 were not. The Myoviridae efficiently lysed their hosts and protected apple flowers significantly better than the Podoviridae against E. amylovora and should be preferred in biocontrol experiments. We have also isolated and partially characterized E. amylovora phages from apple orchards in Germany. They belong to the Podoviridae or Myoviridae with a host range similar to the phages isolated in North America. In EM measurements, the genome sizes of the Podoviridae were smaller than the genomes of the Myoviridae from North America and from Germany, which differed from each other in corresponding nucleotide sequences.
Anthropogenic habitat alteration induces rapid morphological divergence in a native stream fish
Authors: Franssen Nathan R.
Published: July 2011

Anthropogenic habitat alteration creates novel environments that can alter selection pressures. Construction of reservoirs worldwide has disturbed riverine ecosystems by altering biotic and abiotic environments of impounded streams. Changes to fish communities in impoundments are well documented, but effects of those changes on native species persisting in reservoirs, which are presumably subjected to novel selective pressures, are largely unexplored. I assessed body shape variation of a native stream fish in reservoir habitats and streams from seven reservoir basins in the Central Plains of the USA. Body shape significantly and consistently diverged in reservoirs compared with stream habitats within reservoir basins; individuals from reservoir populations were deeper‐bodied and had smaller heads compared with stream populations. Individuals from reservoir habitats also exhibited lower overall shape variation compared with stream individuals. I assessed the contribution of genotypic divergence and predator‐induced phenotypic plasticity on body shape variation by rearing offspring from a reservoir and a stream population with or without a piscivorous fish. Significant population‐level differences in body shape persisted in offspring, and both populations demonstrated similar predator‐induced phenotypic plasticity. My results suggest that, although components of body shape are plastic, anthropogenic habitat modification may drive trait divergence in native fish populations in reservoir‐altered habitats.
Museum genomics: low‐cost and high‐accuracy genetic data from historical specimens
Authors: ROWE KEVIN C. , SINGHAL SONAL , MACMANES MATTHEW D. , AYROLES JULIEN F. , MORELLI TONI LYN , RUBIDGE EMILY M. , BI KE , MORITZ CRAIG C.
Published: July 2011

Natural history collections are unparalleled repositories of geographical and temporal variation in faunal conditions. Molecular studies offer an opportunity to uncover much of this variation; however, genetic studies of historical museum specimens typically rely on extracting highly degraded and chemically modified DNA samples from skins, skulls or other dried samples. Despite this limitation, obtaining short fragments of DNA sequences using traditional PCR amplification of DNA has been the primary method for genetic study of historical specimens. Few laboratories have succeeded in obtaining genome‐scale sequences from historical specimens and then only with considerable effort and cost. Here, we describe a low‐cost approach using high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing to obtain reliable genome‐scale sequence data from a traditionally preserved mammal skin and skull using a simple extraction protocol. We show that single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the genome sequences obtained independently from the skin and from the skull are highly repeatable compared to a reference genome.
Mid‐term outcomes of contoured plating for comminuted fractures of the olecranon
Authors: Wang You‐hua , Tao Ran , Xu Hua , Cao Yi , Zhou Zhen‐yu , Xu Shui‐zhu
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To evaluate the mid‐term outcomes of contoured plating for comminuted fractures of the olecranon.

Methods:  Twenty eight patients were available for analysis. Their mean age was 41 years (range, 25 to 61 years). Associated fractures were of the coronoid process in three, radial head in four, and both in three patients. A plate and screw system was used to stabilize comminuted fractures of the olecranon in all cases. Coronoid fractures were stabilized according to the fracture patterns. Displaced radial head fractures were treated with either mini‐screw fixation or radial head replacement. Because of the severity of their fractures, 12 patients underwent primary bone grafting.

Results:  Primary stability was achieved in 25 of 28 cases. There were no cases of non‐union. The mean time to union was 15 weeks (range, 12–22 weeks). The mean range of flexion of the elbow was from 14° to 125°, with 65° of pronation and 74° of supination. The end results were 6 excellent, 16 good, 4 fair and 2 poor, based on the Broberg and Morrey scale. The excellent plus good rate was 78.6%.

Conclusion:  Favorable mid‐term outcomes can be achieved by contoured plating of complex, comminuted fractures of the olecranon.
Short‐term clinical observation of the Dynesys neutralization system for the treatment of degenerative disease of the lumbar vertebrae
Authors: Hu Yong , Gu Yong‐jie , Xu Rong‐ming , Zhou Lei‐jie , Ma Wei‐hu
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To explore the safety and short‐term efficacy of the posterior approach of the Dynesys dynamic neutralization system for degenerative disease of the lumbar vertebrae.

Methods:  From March 2008 to March 2010, 32 cases of degenerative lumbar vertebral disease, 19 men and 13 women, (mean age 58 ± 5.2, range, 43–78 years), were treated with posterior laminectomy and Dynesys internal fixation. All patients had a history of over 3 months waist or leg pain that had not been relieved by conservative treatment. There were 10 cases of single lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, 14 of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, 5 of degenerative lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis, and 3 of recurrent lumbar disc protrusion after surgery. A visual analogue score (VAS) was used for pain assessment, and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) for functional evaluation of clinical outcomes.

Results:  All patients were followed up for 6–23 months (mean, 16.4 ± 5.5 months). Forty‐one segments in 32 patients were stabilized; 23 cases (71.9%) underwent single‐segmental stabilization, and 9 (28.1%) two‐segmental stabilization. VAS of leg pain, root and low back pain was significantly improved postoperatively. The ODI improved from preoperative 69% ± 12.6% to postoperative 28% ± 15.7% (P < 0.001). On the stabilized segment and adjacent segments above and below, the range of movement showed no statistical difference; no loosening of screws, cord and polyester spacer occurred.

Conclusion:  The Dynesys dynamic neutralization system combined with decompression can achieve satisfactory short‐term clinical results in lumbar degenerative disease. This procedure system not only reduces back and leg pain, but also preserves the mobility of fixed segments, minimizes tissue injury and avoids taking bone for spinal fusion.
Weight loss amelioration of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis linked to shifts in hepatic ceramide expression and serum ceramide levels
Authors: Promrat Kittichai , Longato Lisa , Wands Jack R. , de la Monte Suzanne M.
Published: July 2011

Aim:  Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with increased hepatic insulin resistance. Ceramides and other toxic sphingolipids promote inflammation, lipotoxicity and insulin resistance; however, the role of ceramides in the pathogenesis of NASH has not been determined. This study characterizes expression of ceramide‐related genes in human livers with NASH and examines the effects of weight loss on NASH and pro‐ceramide gene expression in liver.

Methods:  Liver biopsies were obtained to assess the histopathological status of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease/NASH prior to and following completion of a 1‐year course of implementing either lifestyle changes or a standard enrichment protocol designed to encourage weight loss. Liver biopsy samples were used to measure pro‐ceramide gene expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis (qRT–PCR), and serum was used to measure ceramide immunoreactivity.

Results:  At baseline, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPTLC)2 (P = 0.02) and ceramide synthase (CER)1 (P = 0.001) mRNA transcripts were less abundantly expressed in livers with NASH relative to normal controls. After weight loss (average 9.3%), SPTLC1 (P = 0.005) and uridine diphosphate glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) (P = 0.001) expression significantly declined while CER1 increased (P = 0.001) among subjects randomized to the lifestyle change subgroup. Reductions in calorie and fat consumption were significantly correlated with changes in ceramide‐related gene expression. Finally, both net and relative reductions in serum ceramide levels were significantly greater in the lifestyles compared with the standard enrichment (control) protocol group (both P < 0.005).

Conclusion:  NASH is associated with increased insulin resistance and altered ceramide gene expression in liver. Weight loss‐mediated reversal of NASH is associated with reduced pro‐ceramide gene expression in liver.
Meta‐analysis of alcohol consumption and risk of extrahepatic bile system cancer
Authors: Kan He‐Ping , Huang Yu‐Qi , Tan Yong‐Fa , Zhou Jie
Published: July 2011

Aim:  Alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver cancer. However, there is still controversy regarding alcohol consumption and the risk of extrahepatic bile system cancer (EBSC). We performed a meta‐analysis to provide an overview of the relevant studies and gain more robust estimates of the relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of EBSC.

Methods:  Relevant studies published between January 1966 and October 2010 were identified by searching Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies were selected using a priori defined criteria. The strength of the relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of EBSC was assessed by adjusted odds ratio (OR).

Results:  A total of 113 767 participants from 10 studies (nine case–control studies and one cohort study) were identified in this meta‐analysis. The studies provided adjusted overall OR estimates for drinkers versus non‐/low drinkers, leading to a pooled adjusted OR of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72–0.94, P for heterogeneity = 0.194, I2 = 27.2%). The overall adjusted OR of hospital‐based studies and population‐based studies were 0.80 (95% CI = 0.65–0.99, P = 0.260) and 0.79 (95% CI = 0.64–0.98, P = 0.119), respectively. For the heavy drinkers, the adjusted OR significance increased to 1.58 (95% CI = 0.97–2.57, P for heterogeneity = 0.055, I2 = 65.4%), but it had no statistical significance.

Conclusion:  There is evidence that moderate alcohol consumption lowers the risk of EBSC compared with non‐/low alcohol consumption, but not heavy alcohol consumption. Further multicenter and better controlled studies are required to confirm these findings.
Diagnostic value of hepatic intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expression in Egyptian infants with biliary atresia and other forms of neonatal cholestasis
Authors: Ghoneim Enas M. , Sira Mostafa M. , Abd Elaziz Azza M. , Khalil Fatma O. , Sultan Mervat M. , Mahmoud Ahmed B.
Published: July 2011

Aim:  The diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) is challenging as no single preoperative test is 100% accurate, especially for distinguishing it from other causes of neonatal cholestasis (NC). Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) elevation was reported in BA as a part of the immune‐mediated inflammatory process. The use of ICAM‐1 as a discriminative tool between BA and other causes of NC has never been addressed before. This study was to evaluate the diagnostic potentials of ICAM‐1 in BA versus other forms of NC.

Methods:  For this purpose, serum ICAM‐1 (sICAM‐1) and ICAM‐1 expression, in liver biopsy using immunohistochemistry, were estimated in 30 patients with BA and compared to that in 20 patients with other forms of NC. sICAM‐1 levels were compared to that in 20 healthy controls.

Results:  sICAM‐1 levels were significantly higher in BA (1055.9 ± 230.2 ng/mL) than that in cholestasis (604.8 ± 194.8 ng/mL) and the control groups (158.9 ± 78.7 ng/mL) (P < 0.0001). A cut‐off value of 793.8 ng/mL had 86.7% sensitivity and 95% specificity in discriminating the BA from the cholestasis group. The biliary expression score of ICAM‐1 at a cut‐off value of 110 could discriminate between BA and other causes of NC with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Neither serum levels nor liver expression of ICAM‐1 scores correlated with disease severity or with fibrosis stage.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that ICAM‐1 has a diagnostic value in patients with BA and would be a promising helpful tool when investigating patients with NC.
Babesia canis rossi infection in a Texas dog
Authors: Allison Robin W. , Yeagley Todd J. , Levis Kristina , Reichard Mason V.
Published: July 2011

Abstract: A 5‐month‐old intact male Boerboel dog, imported from South Africa 1 week previously, was presented to a Texas veterinarian for lethargy, anorexia, and labored breathing. The dog was febrile, anemic, leukopenic, thrombocytopenic, and slightly azotemic. Results of the IDEXX SNAP‐4Dx enzyme immunoassay were negative for Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. An EDTA blood sample analyzed at Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences revealed nonregenerative anemia, neutropenia, and large protozoal piroplasms in 0.7% of the RBCs. Piroplasms were 2–5 μm long and varied in shape from round to oval to piriform; extracellular merozoites were also observed. Nested PCR was performed on DNA extracted from blood using primers that amplify the 18s rRNA gene from all known Babesia species, and the product was sequenced. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis of the 437 base sequence revealed 99–100% similarity to Babesia canis rossi, 92–93% similarity to Babesia canis canis, and 92% similarity to Babesia canis vogeli. The dog responded well to treatment with imidocarb. PCR analysis of a second blood sample 2 weeks later was negative for Babesia spp. DNA. This case represents the first diagnosis of B. canis rossi infection in the United States.
Serum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Endothelin‐1 Concentrations as Diagnostic Biomarkers of Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Krafft E. , Heikkilä H.P. , Jespers P. , Peeters D. , Day M.J , Rajamäki M.M. , Mc Entee K. , Clercx C.
Published: July 2011

Background: Diagnosis of canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is challenging. Endothelin‐1 (ET1) is a biomarker of IPF in humans, but whether ET1 can detect and differentiate IPF from other canine respiratory diseases is unknown.

Objective: To evaluate whether measurement of the concentration of ET1 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) can be used to distinguish canine IPF from chronic bronchitis (CB) and eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP).

Animals: Twelve dogs with IPF, 10 dogs with CB, 6 dogs with EBP, 13 privately owned healthy West Highland White Terriers (WHWT), and 9 healthy Beagle dogs.

Methods: Prospective, case control study. ET1 concentration was determined by ELISA in serum and in BALF.

Results: No significant difference in serum ET1 concentration was detected between healthy Beagle dogs and WHWT. Serum ET1 concentration was higher in dogs with IPF (median interquartile range; 2.32 pg/mL, 2.05–3.38) than healthy Beagle dogs (1.28, 1.07–1.53; P < .001), healthy WHWT (1.56, 1.25–1.85; P < .001), dogs with EBP (0.94 0.68–1.01; P = .001), and dogs with CB (1.54 0.74–1.82; P = .005). BALF ET1 concentration was below the detection limit in healthy WHWT and in dogs with CB, whereas it was measurable in all dogs with IPF. A cut‐off serum concentration of 1.8 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 81.2% for detection of IPF, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.818.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum ET1 can differentiate dogs with IPF from dogs with EBP or CB. ET1 can be detected in BALF of dogs with IPF.
Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex Expression and Cell Size Independently Predict Survival in Canine B‐Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Rao S. , Lana S. , Eickhoff J. , Marcus E. , Avery P.R. , Morley P.S. , Avery A.C.
Published: July 2011

Background:Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an independent predictor of outcome in human B‐cell lymphoma. We assessed class II expression together with other markers for their impact on prognosis in canine B‐cell lymphoma.

Hypothesis:Low class II MHC expression, large cell size, and expression of CD34 will predict a poorer outcome in canine B‐cell lymphoma. Expression of CD5 and CD21 on tumor cells also may be associated with outcome.

Animals:One hundred and sixty dogs with cytologically confirmed lymphoma.

Methods:Patient signalment, treatment type, and flow cytometry characteristics were analyzed for their influence on outcome. A multivariable predictive model of survival was generated using 2/3 of the patients and validated on the remaining 1/3 of the dataset.

Results:Class II MHC expression had a negative association with mortality and relapse. Treatment type also influenced relapse and mortality, whereas cell size and patient age was only associated with mortality. CD34, CD21, and CD5 expression was not associated with disease outcome. The constructed model performed variably in predicting the validation group's outcome at the 6‐month time point.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Low levels of class II MHC expression on B‐cell lymphoma predict a poor outcome, as in human B‐cell lymphoma. This finding has implications for the use of dogs to model human lymphomas. Class II expression, cell size, treatment, and age can be combined to predict mortality with a high level of specificity.
Antimicrobial Activity of Gallium Nitrate againstMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisin Neonatal Calves
Authors: Fecteau M.‐E. , Whitlock R.H. , Fyock T.L. , McAdams S.C. , Boston R.C. , Sweeney R.W.
Published: July 2011

Background:Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP), the agent of Johne's disease in cattle, is a facultative intracellular bacterium that is dependent on ferric iron for its survival and replication. Gallium (Ga), a trivalent semimetal that shares many similarities with ferric iron and functions as an iron mimic has been shown to have in vitro antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms, including MAP.

Objectives:(1) To investigate the antimicrobial activity of Ga in calves experimentally infected with MAP; and (2) to monitor for potential adverse effects of Ga on calf health.

Animals:Twelve Holstein calves.

Methods:Randomized blind controlled experiment. Beginning at 10 days of age (study day 1), the experimental calves (n = 6) were treated with 20 mg/kg gallium nitrate daily for 45 days. On study days 4 and 5, all calves were challenged with a PO dose of a live field strain MAP. Treated calves were monitored daily for adverse effects. Calves were euthanized on study day 100, and 29 tissue samples and 1 fecal sample were collected from each calf. Samples were cultured for MAP by MGIT liquid culture system, Herrold's Egg Yolk Medium culture, or both.

Results:No adverse effects were observed in the treated calves. Treatment was associated with a significant reduction in MAP tissue burden when compared with control calves (P= .017).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Chemoprophylactic treatment of calves with Ga before and during the period of high susceptibility decreased MAP tissue colonization in experimentally infected neonatal calves.