bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preso regulation of dendritic outgrowth through PI(4,5)P2‐dependent PDZ interaction with βPix
Authors: Mo Jiwon , Lee Dongmin , Hong Soontaek , Han Seungrie , Yeo Hyojin , Sun Woong , Choi Sukwoo , Kim Hyun , Lee Hyun Woo
Published: May 2012

In neuronal development, dendritic outgrowth and arborization are important for the establishment of neural circuit formation. A previous study reported that PSD‐95‐interacting regulator of spine morphogenesis (Preso) formed a complex with PAK‐interacting exchange factor‐beta (βPix) via PSD‐95/Dlg/ZO‐1 (PDZ) interaction. Here, we report that Preso and its binding protein, βPix, are localized in dendritic growth cones. Knockdown and dominant‐negative inhibition of Preso in cultured neurons markedly reduced the dendritic outgrowth but not branching, and led to a decrease in the intensity of βPix and F‐actin in neuronal dendritic tips. Moreover, phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) induced a conformational change in Preso toward the open PDZ domain and enhanced the interaction with βPix. In addition, the Preso band 4.1 protein, ezrin, radixin and moesin (FERM) domain mutant is unable to interact with PIP2 and it did not rescue the Preso‐knockdown effect. These results indicate that PIP2 is a key signalling molecule that regulates dendritic outgrowth through activation of small GTPase signalling via interaction between Preso and βPix.
Dissociation of BOLD responses to reward prediction errors and reward receipt by a model comparison
Authors: Rohe Tim , Weber Bernd , Fliessbach Klaus
Published: May 2012

The representation of reward anticipation and reward prediction errors is the basis for reward‐associated learning. The representation of whether or not a reward occurred (reward receipt) is important for decision making. Recent studies suggest that, while reward anticipation and reward prediction errors are encoded in the midbrain and the ventral striatum, reward receipts are encoded in the medial orbitofrontal cortex. In order to substantiate this functional specialization we analyzed data from an fMRI study in which 59 subjects completed two simple monetary reward paradigms. Because reward receipts and reward prediction errors were correlated, a statistical model comparison was applied separating the effects of the two. Reward prediction error fitted BOLD responses significantly better than reward receipt in the midbrain and the ventral striatum. Conversely, reward receipt fitted BOLD responses better in the orbitofrontal cortex. Activation related to reward anticipation was found in the orbitofrontal cortex. The results confirm a functional specialization of behaviorally important aspects of reward processing within the mesolimbic dopaminergic system.
Robot‐assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP): does it make sense?
Authors: Matei Deliu V. , Brescia Antonio , Mazzoleni Federica , Spinelli Matteo , Musi Gennaro , Melegari Sara , Galasso Giacomo , Detti Serena , de Cobelli Ottavio
Published: May 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

The open simple prostatectomy (OSP) is the ‘gold standard’ for high‐volume prostate adenomas. It shows very good functional results despite its invasiveness. Minimally invasive approaches, e.g. laparoscopy or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, have been ‘tested’ but none have proved a substitute for the OSP.

The robot‐assisted approach provides optimal functional results and is easy to perform for experienced robotic surgeons. Extending the indication of robotics to low‐incidence pathologies can take advantage of the opportunity to ‘see the procedure’ using available information technology, e.g. Youtube™ that presents as an unexpectedly useful tool.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome, feasibility and reproducibility of a robot‐assisted (RA) approach for simple prostatectomy (SP) in cases of high‐volume symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (HVS‐BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 35 consecutive patients underwent RASP for HVS‐BPH using a previously described technique.

The mean prostate volume on preoperative transrectal ultrasonography was 106.6 mL.

All but two patients (with bladder calculi) had an adenoma volume of >65 mL and 27 (77.1%) >80 mL. Nine patients (25.7%) had an indwelling catheter.

The mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 28.

RESULTS

The median operative duration was 180 min and the mean hospital stay was 3.17 days.

The mean catheter duration was 7.4 days and discontinuous or continuous catheter irrigation was required in two and seven patients, respectively (25.1%).

In all, 10 patients (28.6%) had practically no blood loss. No patients had a transfusion.

The mean postoperative peak urinary flow was 18.9 mL/s (P < 0.001), while the mean IPSS was 7 (P < 0.001).

For costs, while superficially RASP appeared more expensive than open SP (OSP), when considering the higher costs of hospitalisation for OSP, RASP was cheaper. Also, bipolar‐TURP costs in patients with large‐volume prostates had rather similar costs to RASP.

CONCLUSIONS

RASP is a feasible and reproducible procedure with outcome advantages when compared with the open or with other minimally invasive techniques (laser or laparoscopy). As a result, a RA approach is worth considering in cases of high‐volume prostate adenomas.

Extending the indication of the RA approach, to the SP, requires firstly that the surgeon be proficient in RA surgery and secondly that as the incidence rate of HVS‐BPH is low, the surgeon has had the opportunity to ‘see the procedure’.
Teaching Global and Social Justice as Transgressive Spaces of Possibility
Authors: Motta Sara C.
Published: May 2012

Abstract: In this article I reflect on introducing critical pedagogy into social justice teaching in an elite UK university as part of the Nottingham Critical Pedagogy Project. I de‐essentialise Freire's conceptualisation of the human subject and her desire for transcendence with the introduction of Deleuze and Guattari's politics of desire. This enables an adaption of critical pedagogy from its original context of popular politics to the individualised elite setting of our project. Our pedagogical objectives become the opening of spaces of possibility which decentre the dominant regime of truth of the neoliberal university and enable imagining and becoming “other”. This involves disrupting normal patterns of classroom performativity in terms of student as consumer and lecturer as producer of commodities, transgressing dualisms between mind/body, intellectual/emotional and teacher/student. Our pedagogical praxis is therefore inherently political as by radically disturbing commodified subjectivities we foster processes that lead to unanticipated, maybe even unspeakable, transgressions.
Legislating Morality: Scoring the Hart‐Devlin Debate after Fifty Years
Authors: BASSHAM GREGORY
Published: May 2012

It has now been more than 50 years since H. L. A Hart and Lord Patrick Devlin first squared off in perhaps the most celebrated jurisprudential debate of the twentieth‐century (1959–1967). The central issue in that dispute—whether the state may criminalize immoral behavior as such—continues to be debated today, but in a vastly changed legal landscape. In this article I take a fresh look at the Hart‐Devlin debate in the light of five decades of social and legal changes.
Autocovariance structures for radial averages in small‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments
Authors: Jay Breidt F. , Erciulescu Andreea , Woerd Mark van der
Published: May 2012

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) is a technique for obtaining low‐resolution structural information about biological macromolecules, by exposing a dilute solution to a high‐intensity X‐ray beam and capturing the resulting scattering pattern on a two‐dimensional detector. The two‐dimensional pattern is reduced to a one‐dimensional curve through radial averaging, that is, by averaging across annuli on the detector plane. Subsequent analysis of structure relies on these one‐dimensional data. This article reviews the technique of SAXS and investigates autocorrelation structure in the detector plane and in the radial averages. Across a range of experimental conditions and molecular types, spatial autocorrelation in the detector plane is present and is well‐described by a stationary kernel convolution model. The corresponding autocorrelation structure for the radial averages is non‐stationary. Implications of the autocorrelation structure for inference about macromolecular structure are discussed.
A new Bayesian approach to quantile autoregressive time series model estimation and forecasting
Authors: Cai Yuzhi , Stander Julian , Davies Neville
Published: May 2012

This paper proposes a Bayesian approach to quantile autoregressive (QAR) time series model estimation and forecasting. We establish that the joint posterior distribution of the model parameters and future values is well defined. The associated Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for parameter estimation and forecasting converges to the posterior distribution quickly. We also present a combining forecasts technique to produce more accurate out‐of‐sample forecasts by using a weighted sequence of fitted QAR models. A moving window method to check the quality of the estimated conditional quantiles is developed. We verify our methodology using simulation studies and then apply it to currency exchange rate data. The results obtained show that an unequally weighted combining method performs better than other forecasting methodology.
A note on moving‐average models with feedback
Authors: Li Dong
Published: May 2012

This note generalizes the results in Li et al. (2012) to threshold moving‐average (TMA) models with more than two regimes. Under some mild conditions, it is shown that multiple‐regime TMA models are always strictly stationary and ergodic without any restriction on the coefficients. This is very different from threshold AR models. An explicit/closed form of the solution to the multiple‐regime TMA model is derived as well. A three‐regime TMA model is illustrated with an application to monthly data of the exchange rate of the Japanese yen against the USA dollar from January 1971 to December 2000.
Asset Bubbles: an Application to Residential Real Estate
Authors: Scherbina Anna , Schlusche Bernd
Published: May 2012

Behavioural models offer new insights into why bubbles are ubiquitous in residential real estate markets. These markets are dominated by unsophisticated households who often develop optimistic views by extrapolating from past returns. Rational investors cannot easily trade against an overvaluation of housing assets because of high transaction costs and a binding short sale constraint. Circumventing the effect of the latter, the supply of housing frequently increases in response to rising prices. This helps to mitigate bubbles but often leads to overbuilding, which slows down the recovery after a bubble bursts. Models that incorporate the effects of perverse incentives and limits to arbitrage are especially helpful in explaining the bubble that developed in mortgage‐backed securities and helped fuel the recent real estate bubble by relaxing home buyers’ borrowing constraints. The literature is ambiguous about whether governments should intervene to burst bubbles, as a better response may lie in improving incentives of key market players.
Urban Poverty, Spatial Representation and Mobility: Touring a Slum in Mexico
Authors: DÜRR EVELINE
Published: May 2012

This article draws attention to a controversial activity in poor urban neighborhoods. Slum tourism is a growing business worldwide and simultaneously it is a new form of encounter between the global South and the global North. Following the new mobilities paradigm, I investigate a particular form of slum tourism, which intertwines urban poverty and charity, representation and powerful imaginaries, tourist mobility and transnational lifestyles. This is the case in Mazatlán, Mexico, where a multidenominational church offers regular tours to the city's garbage dump. I scrutinize the various modes of (im)mobilities and their implications for peoples and places, interconnecting spheres which are conceived of as separate. In conclusion, I outline the ambiguous effects when marginalized spaces become integral parts of the urban representation.

Cet article attire l’attention sur une activité discutable qui se déroule dans les quartiers urbains pauvres. Un tourisme de la misère se développe dans tous les pays et, parallèlement, constitue un type original de confrontation Nord‐Sud. Le nouveau modèle de la mobilité permet d’étudier une forme particulière de ‘tourisme des bidonvilles’, qui mêle étroitement pauvreté urbaine et charité, représentation et imaginaires profonds, mobilité des touristes et styles de vie transnationaux. C’est le cas à Mazatlán, au Mexique, où une Église multiconfessionnelle propose régulièrement des excursions à la décharge municipale. Les divers modes de mobilités et d’immobilités, ainsi que leurs implications pour les populations et les lieux, sont étudiés en interconnectant des sphères qui sont censées être séparées. La conclusion expose brièvement les effets ambigus lorsque des espaces marginalisés deviennent des parties intégrantes de la représentation urbaine.
Novel Mutation in Potassium Channel related Gene KCTD7 and Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy
Authors: Krabichler Birgit , Rostasy Kevin , Baumann Matthias , Karall Daniela , Scholl‐Bürgi Sabine , Schwarzer Christoph , Gautsch Kurt , Spreiz Ana , Kotzot Dieter , Zschocke Johannes , Fauth Christine , Haberlandt Edda
Published: May 2012

Progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME) is a heterogeneous group of epilepsies characterized by myoclonus, seizures and progressive neurological symptoms.

The index patient was a 6‐year old boy showing early‐onset therapy resistant PME and severe developmental delay. Genome‐wide linkage analysis identified several candidate regions. The potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 7 gene (KCTD7) in the 7q11.21 linkage region emerged as a suitable candidate. Sequence analysis revealed a novel homozygous missense mutation (p.R94W) in a highly conserved segment of exon 2.

This is the second family with PME caused by KCTD7 mutations, hence KCTD7 mutations might be a recurrent cause of PME.
Tropical forest carbon balance in a warmer world: a critical review spanning microbial‐ to ecosystem‐scale processes
Authors: Wood Tana E. , Cavaleri Molly A. , Reed Sasha C.
Published: May 2012

Tropical forests play a major role in regulating global carbon (C) fluxes and stocks, and even small changes to C cycling in this productive biome could dramatically affect atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Temperature is expected to increase over all land surfaces in the future, yet we have a surprisingly poor understanding of how tropical forests will respond to this significant climatic change. Here we present a contemporary synthesis of the existing data and what they suggest about how tropical forests will respond to increasing temperatures. Our goals were to: (i) determine whether there is enough evidence to support the conclusion that increased temperature will affect tropical forest C balance; (ii) if there is sufficient evidence, determine what direction this effect will take; and, (iii) establish what steps should to be taken to resolve the uncertainties surrounding tropical forest responses to increasing temperatures. We approach these questions from a mass‐balance perspective and therefore focus primarily on the effects of temperature on inputs and outputs of C, spanning microbial‐ to ecosystem‐scale responses. We found that, while there is the strong potential for temperature to affect processes related to C cycling and storage in tropical forests, a notable lack of data combined with the physical, biological and chemical diversity of the forests themselves make it difficult to resolve this issue with certainty. We suggest a variety of experimental approaches that could help elucidate how tropical forests will respond to warming, including large‐scale in situ manipulation experiments, longer term field experiments, the incorporation of a range of scales in the investigation of warming effects (both spatial and temporal), as well as the inclusion of a diversity of tropical forest sites. Finally, we highlight areas of tropical forest research where notably few data are available, including temperature effects on: nutrient cycling, heterotrophic versus autotrophic respiration, thermal acclimation versus substrate limitation of plant and microbial communities, below‐ground C allocation, species composition (plant and microbial), and the hydraulic architecture of roots. Whether or not tropical forests will become a source or a sink of C in a warmer world remains highly uncertain. Given the importance of these ecosystems to the global C budget, resolving this uncertainty is a primary research priority.
Consumers' anger and coping strategies following appraisals of appliance failure
Authors: Donoghue Suné , de Klerk Helena M.
Published: May 2012

With the disconfirmation paradigm, Day and Landon's taxonomy of complaint behaviour, and the cognitive appraisal theory developed by Lazarus and colleagues as theoretical approach, this study explored and described consumers' anger and coping strategies following appraisals of appliance failure. In addition, consumers' reasons for engaging in particular complaint behavioural responses were investigated in terms of the cognitive and emotional types of reasoning underlying the different coping behaviours. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among consumers who were dissatisfied with the performance of a major household appliance item and who resided in a major metropolitan area in South Africa. A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed by means of convenience sampling, which generated 216 usable responses. The results emphasize the importance of understanding consumers' reasoning behind their choice of a specific coping strategy. Respondents who took formal complaint action engaged in problem‐focused coping and those who took private action engaged in emotion‐focused coping and avoidance coping. Those who took no action experienced lower levels of anger.
The prognostic profile of subfertile couples and treatment outcome after expectant management, intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilisation: a study protocol for the meta‐analysis of individual patient data
Authors: van den Boogaard NM , Hompes PGA , Barnhart K , Bhattacharya S , Custers IM , Coutifaris C , Goverde AJ , Guzick DS , Litvak PF , Steures PN , van der Veen F , Bossuyt P , Mol BWJ
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Boogaard N van den, Hompes P, Barnhart K, Bhattacharya S, Custers I, Coutifaris C, Goverde A, Guzick D, Litvak P, Steures P, Veen F van der, Bossuyt P, Mol B. The prognostic profile of subfertile couples and treatment outcome after expectant management, intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilisation: a study protocol for the meta‐analysis of individual patient data. BJOG 2012;119:953–957.

Objective  The current evidence concerning the best treatment option for couples with unexplained and male subfertility is inconclusive. Most studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of treatment options, such as expectant management (EM), intrauterine insemination (IUI), with or without controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), have not taken the couples’ prognosis into account. It is very likely that the individual prognosis of the couple influences the effect of treatment. Individual patient data analyses allow us to take these prognostic factors into account, and to evaluate their effect on treatment outcome. This study aims to use anonymised data from relevant published trials to perform an individual patient data meta‐analysis, evaluating the effect of couples’ prognosis on the effectiveness of EM, IUI, with or without COS, and IVF.

Methods  Based on earlier systematic reviews and an updated search, randomised controlled trials will be considered for inclusion. Untreated subfertile couples with unexplained or male subfertility included in trials comparing EM, IUI, with or without COS, and IVF are included. Authors of the included studies will be invited to share their original anonymised data. The data will be assessed on validity, quality and completeness. The prognosis of the individual couple will be calculated with existing prognostic models. The effect of the prognosis on treatment outcome will be analysed with marker‐by‐treatment predictiveness curves, illustrating the effect of prognosis on treatment outcome. This study is registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42011001832).

Conclusion  Ultimately, this study may help to select the appropriate fertility treatment, tailored to the needs of an individual couple.
Retrospective evaluation of presenting temperature of urethral obstructed male cats and the association with severity of azotemia and length of hospitalization: 243 cats (2006–2009)
Authors: Fults Mitchell , Herold Lee V.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To evaluate whether the presenting rectal temperature and level of azotemia predicts the length of hospitalization (LOH) in a population of obstructed male cats. To describe the relationships between physical examination parameters, blood electrolytes, and azotemia in a clinical population of obstructed male cats.

Design

Retrospective clinical study.

Setting

Emergency and referral specialty hospitals.

Animals

Two hundred and forty‐three male cats that presented with urethral obstruction between 2006 and 2009.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

No significant association between the hours of hospitalization and rectal temperature was detected (P= 0.39). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) concentrations were positively correlated with LOH (P< 0.01). BUN and CREA were significantly higher (P< 0.01) for the hypothermic group compared to the normothermic group. Potassium was negatively correlated to heart rate and rectal temperature but positively correlated to BUN and CREA.

Conclusion

No association with regard to rectal temperature and LOH could be demonstrated in this population of cats. However, the presence of azotemia in obstructed male cats appears to provide the clinician with additional information regarding the necessary LOH and eventual cost to the client.
Protective effects of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor agonists on human podocytes: proposed mechanisms of action
Authors: Miglio Gianluca , Rosa Arianna Carolina , Rattazzi Lorenza , Grange Cristina , Camussi Giovanni , Fantozzi Roberto
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) agonists exert anti‐albuminuric effects. However, the nephroprotective effects of these drugs remain to be fully understood. We have investigated whether gemfibrozil, GW0742 and pioglitazone protect human podocytes against nutrient deprivation (ND)‐induced cell death and the role of mitochondrial biogenesis as a cytoprotective process.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Immortalized human podocytes were pre‐treated with the PPAR agonists and exposed to ND (5 h) under normoxia, hypoxia or in the presence of pyruvate. Cell death was measured at the end of the ND and of the recovery phase (24 h). Mitochondrial mass, cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunits 1 and 4 were measured as markers of mitochondrial cell content, while membrane potential as an index of mitochondrial function. PGC‐1α, NRF1 and Tfam expression was studied, as crucial regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis.

KEY RESULTS Cell pre‐treatment with gemfibrozil, GW0742, or pioglitazone significantly decreased the ND‐induced cell loss, necrosis and apoptosis. These effects were attenuated by hypoxia and potentiated by pyruvate. Pre‐treatment with these drugs significantly increased mitochondrial cell content, while it did not affect mitochondrial function. In all these experiments pioglitazone exerted significantly larger effects than gemfibrozil or GW0742.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Gemfibrozil, GW0742 and pioglitazone may exert direct protective effects on human podocytes. Mitochondrial biogenesis is a cell response to the PPAR agonists related to their cytoprotective activity. These results provide a mechanistic support to the clinical evidence indicating PPAR agonists as disease‐modifying agents for glomerular diseases.
Anti‐angiogenic effects of the tubulysin precursor pretubulysin and of simplified pretubulysin derivatives
Authors: Rath S , Liebl J , Fürst R , Ullrich A , Burkhart JL , Kazmaier U , Herrmann J , Müller Rolf , Günther M , Schreiner L , Wagner E , Vollmar AM , Zahler S
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The use of tubulin‐binding compounds, which act in part by inhibiting tumour angiogenesis, has become an integral strategy of tumour therapy. Recently, tubulysins were identified as a novel class of natural compounds of myxobacterial origin, which inhibit tubulin polymerization. As these compounds are structurally highly complex, the search for simplified precursors [e.g. pretubulysin (Prt)] and their derivatives is mandatory to overcome supply problems hampering clinical development. We tested the anti‐angiogenic efficacy of Prt and seven of its derivatives in comparison to tubulysin A (TubA).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The compounds were tested in cellular angiogenesis assays (proliferation, cytotoxicity, cell cycle, migration, chemotaxis, tube formation) and in vitro (tubulin polymerization). The efficacy of Prt was also tested in vivo in a murine subcutaneous tumour model induced with HUH7 cells; tumour size and vascularization were measured.

KEY RESULTS The anti‐angiogenic potency of all the compounds tested ran parallel to their inhibition of tubulin polymerization in vitro. Prt showed nearly the same efficacy as TubA (EC50 in low nanomolar range in all cellular assays). Some modifications in the Prt molecule caused only a moderate drop in potency, while others resulted in a dramatic loss of action, providing initial insight into structure–activity relations. In vivo, Prt completely prevented tumour growth and reduced vascular density to 30%.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Prt, a chemically accessible precursor of some tubulysins is a highly attractive anti‐angiogenic compound both in vitro and in vivo. Even more simplified derivatives of this compound still retain high anti‐angiogenic efficacy.
Characteristics of ACh‐induced hyperpolarization and relaxation in rabbit jugular vein
Authors: Itoh Takeo , Maekawa Takashi , Shibayama Yasushi
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The roles played by endothelium‐derived NO and prostacyclin and by endothelial cell hyperpolarization in ACh‐induced relaxation have been well characterized in arteries. However, the mechanisms underlying ACh‐induced relaxation in veins remain to be fully clarified.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH ACh‐induced smooth muscle cell (SMC) hyperpolarization and relaxation were measured in endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded preparations of rabbit jugular vein.

KEY RESULTS In endothelium‐intact preparations, ACh (≤10−8 M) marginally increased the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in endothelial cells but did not alter the SMC membrane potential. However, ACh (10−10–10−8 M) induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation during the contraction induced by PGF2α and this relaxation was blocked by the NO synthase inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine. ACh (10−8–10−6 M) concentration‐dependently increased endothelial [Ca2+]i and induced SMC hyperpolarization and relaxation. These SMC responses were blocked in the combined presence of apamin [blocker of small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SKCa, KCa2.3) channel], TRAM 34 [blocker of intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (IKCa, KCa3.1) channel] and margatoxin [blocker of subfamily of voltage‐gated K+ (KV) channel, KV1].

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In rabbit jugular vein, NO plays a primary role in endothelium‐dependent relaxation at very low concentrations of ACh (10−10–10−8 M). At higher concentrations, ACh (10−8−3 × 10−6 M) induces SMC hyperpolarization through activation of endothelial IKCa, KV1 and (possibly) SKCa channels and produces relaxation. These results imply that ACh regulates rabbit jugular vein tonus through activation of two endothelium‐dependent regulatory mechanisms.
Modelling the Linkages between Cross‐Compliance and Agri‐Environmental Schemes Under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Bartolini Fabio , Gallerani Vittorio , Raggi Meri , Viaggi Davide
Published: May 2012

Agri‐environmental schemes (AESs) and cross‐compliance (CC) are the two main components of the common agricultural policy (CAP) that address environmental issues. Under regulation 1698/2005, agri‐environmental scheme design has been established in such a way as to use CC as the baseline against which prescriptions and payments are identified. In this framework, agri‐environmental payments to farmers are justified only for the component of public goods produced (if any) above the CC prescription level. This constraint has become a major determinant of the design of agri‐environmental schemes in all EU Member States in which both instruments are implemented. This paper investigates farmer participation, compliance choices and the socially optimal level of monitoring when CC and agri‐environmental schemes are jointly considered, and when information about compliance is asymmetrically distributed between farmers and the public regulator. The results show that the two policy instruments interact with each other, with agri‐environmental payments actually providing incentives for CC, when the CC monitoring and sanction system does not guarantee full compliance. However, the numerical example in Emilia‐Romagna (Italy) demonstrates that with the present combination of controls and sanctions, farmers have very little incentive to be compliant with both cross compliance and agri‐environmental schemes. Hence, the results highlight that monitoring in CC or in AES does not have the same effect on the farmers’ compliance. This underscores the need for further research in this field, particularly as provision of environmental goods becomes more important in the future CAP.
Changes in ant communities along an age gradient of cocoa cultivation in the Oumé region, central Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: KONE Mouhamadou , KONATE Souleymane , YEO Kolo , KOUASSI Philippe Kouassi , LINSENMAIR K. Eduard
Published: May 2012

We identified the extent to which ant diversity occurs despite conversion of forests into cocoa plantations by examining the communities across four age classes of plantations (classes I–IV with increasing age from 0–5 to 21–40 years) and in their original forests. An extensive sampling protocol consisting of pitfall trapping, leaf litter sampling, soil sampling and hand sampling was used to characterize ant species richness and composition in three replicates of each age class and in the remaining forest patches. A total of one hundred ant species was found in all habitats combined. While the forest was the richest habitat (73 species), species richness in the different plantation age classes varied as follows (sorted in descending order): class IV (69 species) > class III (57 species) > class I (52 species) > class II (43 species). Age gradient was thus significantly positively correlated with mean species richness and with the relative abundance of some subfamilies. The species composition differed greatly between some plantation age classes and the forest. The two youngest cocoa age classes (I and II) were most dissimilar to the forest. In contrast, forest ants were well represented in the old cocoa age classes (III and IV). Three functional guilds (generalist predators, specialist predators and territorially dominant arboreal species) were in their relative abundance significantly correlated to the age gradient. Overall, cocoa cultivations retaining a floristically diverse and structurally complex forest structure are a suitable management system for the conservation of ant species of the formerly forested habitats.
Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum Arising on the Scrotum
Authors: Dufrechou Lídice , Acosta Agustina , Beltramo Pilar , Pomies Valeria , Caruso Rosanna , Salmenton Gloria M. , Alvarez Mariela
Published: May 2012

Abstract: An 8‐year‐old boy presented to the pediatric dermatology service with an elevated, moist and vegetated pinkish mass, measuring 4 × 5 × 2 cm in diameter, located in the scrotum. The lesion has been gradually increasing in size showing a recent accelerated growth. Excisional biopsy demonstrated the histological picture of syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP). The interest of this report lies in the rarity of syringocystadenoma papilliferum, its unusual presentation in the scrotum not yet reported in pediatric literature, and the importance of differential diagnoses in this location.
Anxiety, Depression, and Pain in Burning Mouth Syndrome: First Chicken or Egg?
Authors: Schiavone Vittorio , Adamo Daniela , Ventrella Gianluca , Morlino Massimo , De Notaris Enrico Beniamino , Ravel Marco Giuseppe , Kusmann Federica , Piantadosi Marcello , Pollio Annamaria , Fortuna Giulio , Mignogna Michele Davide
Published: May 2012

Background.— Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an idiopathic and chronic pain condition for which patients may experience high levels of pain, anxiety, and depression. So far, it has not yet been well investigated whether specific psychiatric features (anxious traits, personality disorder, or somatization) may play a role in the BMS pathogenesis or whether some BMS symptoms, or BMS itself, may cause secondary psychiatric symptoms.

Objective.— The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pain, depression, and anxiety in BMS and healthy patients in order to hypothesize a possible underlying pathogenetic model.

Methods.— Fifty‐three patients with BMS and 51 healthy volunteers matched for sex and age were enrolled. All patients underwent a physical examination, laboratory screening tests, and psychiatric assessment with the following instruments: Visual Analog Scale, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y 1‐2 (STAI Y1‐Y2), and the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R).

Results.— BMS patients and healthy volunteers showed a statistically significant difference in psychiatric features: Regression analysis showed that pain is affected by depression (R = 0.373; R2 corrected = 0.123; F = 8.563; P < .005), and depression is affected by anxiety (R = 0.512; R2 corrected = 0.248; F = 18.519; P < .001). BMS patients have statistically significant higher scores of anxiety (STAI Y1, P = .026 and STAI Y2, P = .046) and depression (P < .001), and higher SCL‐90‐R scores on somatization (P = .036) and hostility dimensions (P = .028) than the control group.

Conclusions.— We may hypothesize that anxiety could determine a secondary demoralization in BMS patients (depression) and depressive symptoms could contribute to pain, accordingly. Therefore, pain could be a somatic feature of depression. Our findings provide an example of a possible pathogenetic model for BMS.
The importance of immunohistochemical analyses in evaluating the phenotype of Kv channel knockout mice
Authors: Menegola Milena , Clark Eliana , Trimmer James S.
Published: May 2012

To gain insights into the phenotype of voltage‐gated potassium (Kv)1.1 and Kv4.2 knockout mice, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of component principal or α subunits and auxiliary subunits of neuronal Kv channels in knockout mouse brains. Genetic ablation of the Kv1.1 α subunit did not result in compensatory changes in the expression levels or subcellular distribution of related ion channel subunits in hippocampal medial perforant path and mossy fiber nerve terminals, where high levels of Kv1.1 are normally expressed. Genetic ablation of the Kv4.2 α subunit did not result in altered neuronal cytoarchitecture of the hippocampus. Although Kv4.2 knockout mice did not exhibit compensatory changes in the expression levels or subcellular distribution of the related Kv4.3 α subunit, we found dramatic decreases in the cellular and subcellular expression of specific Kv channel interacting proteins (KChIPs) that reflected their degree of association and colocalization with Kv4.2 in wild‐type mouse and rat brains. These studies highlight the insights that can be gained by performing detailed immunohistochemical analyses of Kv channel knockout mouse brains.
Bone Resorption Markers and Dual‐EnergyX‐Ray Absorptiometry in Dogs with Avascular Necrosis, Degenerative Joint Disease, and Trauma of the Coxofemoral Joint
Authors: Youkhanna David , Griffon Dominique J. , Fredericks Page , Schaeffer David , Fan Timothy M. , Jasiuk Iwona M.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To compare the ability ofN‐terminal telopeptide (NTx) assays and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to detect bone resorption in dogs with nonneoplastic bone lysis and evaluate the correlation between these diagnostic tools.

Study Design

Prospective, cross‐sectional clinical study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 35; 39 femoral heads) that had femoral head and neck ostectomy and 6 cadaver specimens from healthy immature small dogs.

Methods

Small dogs with avascular necrosis (n = 12), a reference group of small dogs (7), large dogs with degenerative joint disease (DJD; 10), and large dogs with trauma (10) were studied in addition to 6 femoral heads harvested from 6 small immature and healthy dogs euthanatized for reasons unrelated to this study. Densitometric measurements of femoral heads, urineNTx excretion, and serumNTx concentration were compared between groups.

Results

Avascular necrosis resulted in a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) (0.18 ± 0.01 g/cm2;P< .01) of the femoral head and elevation of serumNTx (159.3 ± 59.4 nM;P = .03) compared to small dog controls (0.28 ± 0.02 g/cm2; 18.7 ± 1.83 nM, respectively), but did not seem to affect urineNTx.DJDin large dogs did not seem to affect any of the densitometric parameters evaluated.BMD(P = .03) and serumNTx (P = .04) were lower in small compared to large dogs. SerumNTx and densitometric measurements correlate inversely with each other (P = .001) but neither test correlated with urineNTx (P = .8–.9).

Conclusion

SerumNTx levels vary with dog size but seem to correlate better withBMDbetter than urineNTx excretion in dogs with nonneoplastic bone resorption.
Recognition and Management of Vulvar Dermatologic Conditions: Lichen Sclerosus, Lichen Planus, and Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Authors: Thorstensen Katrina Alef , Birenbaum Debra L.
Published: May 2012

Lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and lichen simplex chronicus are dermatologic conditions that can affect the vulva. Symptoms include vulvar itching, irritation, burning, and pain, which may be chronic or recurrent and can lead to significant physical discomfort and emotional distress that can affect mood and sexual relationships. With symptoms similar to common vaginal infections, women often seek care from gynecological providers and may be treated for vaginal infections without relief. Recognition and treatment of these vulvar conditions is important for symptom relief, sexual function, prevention of progressive vulvar scarring, and to provide surveillance for associated vulvar cancer. This article reviews these conditions including signs and symptoms, the process of evaluation, treatment, and follow‐up, with attention to education and guidelines for vulvar care and hygiene.
Midwives and Abortion Care: A Model for Achieving Competency
Authors: Levi Amy , Angel James Evelyn , Taylor Diana
Published: May 2012

Throughout history, the care of women's reproductive health needs has included termination of unwanted pregnancy. Unfortunately, access to safe first‐trimester abortion is restricted by a lack of skilled providers. In an effort to provide data‐based evidence and increase access to first‐trimester abortion care in California, the University of California, San Francisco, under the auspices of the Health Workforce Pilot Program, developed a competency‐based training model to increase the number of certified nurse‐midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who can provide uterine aspiration. This article describes the training program, which uses a curriculum comprising both self‐directed didactic material and supervised clinical experience with a minimum of 40 procedures. Successful completion of the program requires passing a written examination and satisfactory achievement of a competency‐based clinical assessment. Thirty‐eight trainees have completed the training to date, achieving competency following an average of 6 training days. Competency development in the clinical area is monitored by both the trainer and the trainee, using daily and final competency assessments in 4 domains: patient comfort, procedural completeness, speed, and ability to identify problems. Analysis of complications is used to identify concerns about clinician safety. The availability of a competency‐based training curriculum for uterine aspiration has the potential to increase the number of first‐trimester abortion providers by making training available to experienced clinicians, including nurse‐midwives, who would like to provide this care.
Vulvar Skin Atrophy Induced by Topical Glucocorticoids
Authors: Johnson Elisabeth , Groben Pamela , Eanes Alisa , Iyer Priya , Ugoeke Joseph , Zolnoun Denniz
Published: May 2012

Steroid‐induced skin atrophy is the most frequent and perhaps most important cutaneous side effect of topical glucocorticoid therapy. To date, it has not been described in vulvar skin. A patient presented with significant vulvar skin atrophy following prolonged steroid application to treat vulvar dermatitis. The extensive atrophy in the perineum resulted in secondary “webbing” and partial obstruction of the genital hiatus and superimposed dyspareunia. Prolonged use of topical steroids may result in atrophic changes in vulvar skin. Further research in clinical correlates of steroid‐induced atrophy in the vulvar region is warranted.
Microstructure of Face Centered Cubic (fcc) TiB Powder Synthesized by Boronizing of Ti Powder
Authors: Hu Jiandong , Dong Xianfeng , Tosto Sebastiano
Published: May 2012

High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to examine the crystal structure of TiB ceramic powder synthesized by a Ti‐Boronizing method. The HRTEM analysis revealed that the synthesized titanium boride has fcc crystal structure, with titanium and boron atoms alternatively arranged like Na and Cl ions in NaCl‐type lattice. The crystal structure of this boride phase, denoted as fcc‐TiB in the paper, was confirmed also by XRD analysis and agrees with the data reported in the card PDF # 06‐641. This card is present in the powder diffraction file (PDF) database, but seldom quoted in literature because the typical crystal structure of TiB that forms in situ as a phase is orthorhombic. The present work reports new experimental data on the crystal properties of pure fcc‐TiB not yet reported in the literature. The lattice parameter of fcc‐TiB, calculated from XRD analysis, is a0=4.245 Å.
Fabrication of Micro/Nano‐Structured Bi2Te3 Bulk Materials with Low Thermal Conductivity by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Chen Xiaozong , Li Fei , Dong Yuan , Liang Beibei , Wang Lianjun , Chen Lidong , Jiang Wan
Published: May 2012

Micro/nano‐structured Bi2Te3 bulk materials were prepared by cryogenic grinding followed by spark plasma sintering. The densification behavior, microstructure development, and thermal conductivity properties of as‐prepared Bi2Te3 samples were investigated. It was found that rapid densification with maximum compressive strain rate of 2.2×10−3 s−1 at ~310°C were observed under a uniaxial pressure of 60 MPa. The as‐prepared samples exhibit ultra thermal conductivity, which are attributed to strong phonon scattering by nano‐grain boundaries.
Double‐Barrel Stent‐Assisted Coiling of a Basilar Artery Fenestration Aneurysm
Authors: Kan Peter , Abla Adib A. , Dumont Travis M. , Snyder Kenneth V. , Hopkins L. Nelson , Levy Elad I. , Siddiqui Adnan H.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Basilar artery fenestration aneurysms are rare aneurysms, posing unique challenges for endovascular treatment. We report a case of successful treatment of a wide‐necked basilar artery fenestration aneurysm with a novel double‐barrel stent‐assisted coiling technique.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 50‐year‐old woman presented with headaches. Evaluation revealed an unruptured 7‐mm broad‐based basilar artery fenestration aneurysm that incorporated both limbs of the basilar fenestration and both distal vertebral arteries.

INTERVENTION

A 4.5 mm × 22 mm Enterprise stent (Codman Neurovascular, Raynham, MA, USA) was deployed from the right limb of the basilar fenestration into the right distal vertebral artery. Similarly, a 2.5 mm × 20 mm Neuroform EZ stent (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) was placed from the left limb of the basilar fenestration into the left distal vertebral artery. Following stent deployment, the aneurysm was treated with coil‐embolization through a jailed microcatheter.

CONCLUSION

In the case presented, a double‐barrel stent configuration enabled dense coil embolization of the aneurysm as well as preservation of both basilar fenestration limbs and both distal vertebral arteries.
Identification and Quantification of Phenobarbital in a Mummified Body 10 Years After Death
Authors: Giusiani Mario , Chericoni Silvio , Domenici Ranieri
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  This article reports the determination of phenobarbital in the mummified body of a 56‐year‐old man found completely mummified 10 years after his death. When alive, he was being treated for epilepsy with phenobarbital, and the recent analyses, performed with both immunochemical techniques and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), have revealed the presence of this substance in various tissues: the mean content of barbiturate in the mummified liver tissue was 93 μg/g, 216 μg/g in the heart, 17 μg/g in the lungs, 12 μg/g in muscles, and 31 μg/g in the skin. Preliminary screening tests with immunochemical techniques to evaluate the presence of other drugs were also performed. The sample resulted negative for all substances tested. Phenobarbital can be identified and quantified thanks to its excellent chemical stability and a hypothesis of what the concentrations in the fresh tissue could have been has also been reported.
Characterization of Rhodopseudomonas palustris strain 2C as a potential probiotic
Authors: Fang Li C. , Li Yan , Cheng Ping , Deng Jun , Jiang Li L. , Huang Hui , Zheng Jun S. , Wei Hong
Published: May 2012

Photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) are prokaryotes that first appeared on the earth 2 billion years ago. Being rich in nutrients and having unique biological transformational function, PSB have been used as medicinal ingredients and healthcare products. However, there is insufficient information about the probiotic properties of PSB. The aim of this study was to characterize the potential probiotic properties of Rhodopseudomonas palustris strain 2C. The tolerance of strain 2C to low pH, high bile salt and simulated gastrointestinal conditions was determined. The susceptibility of strain 2C to 11 antibiotics was screened. The in vitro antioxidative activity and acute toxicity of strain 2C were performed. The survival duration of strain 2C after it had been repeatedly ingested by Wistar rats was determined. Strain 2C was tolerant to low pH, high bile salt concentration, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Strain 2C was only resistant to two of the 11 tested antibiotics (penicillin and ampicillin), and it showed antioxidative activity in vitro. When ingested by rats, strain 2C did not cause any bacteria translocation or tissue damage. The survival duration of strain 2C depending on doses ingested by the rats, 3 days after the termination of intake, it could no longer be enriched from the feces. Taken together, these findings indicate that strain 2C may be a potential probiotic strain.