bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early intracellular trafficking of Waddlia chondrophila in human macrophages
Authors: Croxatto Antony , Greub Gilbert
Published: November 2009

Waddlia chondrophilais an obligate intracellular bacterium considered as a potential agent of abortion in both humans and bovines. This member of the orderChlamydialesmultiplies rapidly within human macrophages and induces lysis of the infected cells. To understand how thisChlamydia-like micro-organism invades and proliferates within host cells, we investigated its trafficking within monocyte-derived human macrophages. Vacuoles containingW. chondrophilaacquired the early endosomal marker EEA1 during the first 30 min following uptake. However, the liveW. chondrophila-containing vacuoles never co-localized with late endosome and lysosome markers. Instead of interacting with the endosomal pathway,W. chondrophilaimmediately co-localized with mitochondria and, shortly after, with endoplasmic reticulum- (ER-) resident proteins such as calnexin and protein disulfide isomerase. The acquisition of mitochondria and ER markers corresponds to the beginning of bacterial replication. It is noteworthy that mitochondrion recruitment toW. chondrophilainclusions is prevented only by simultaneous treatment with the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton-disrupting agents nocodazole and cytochalasin D. In addition, brefeldin A inhibits the replication ofW. chondrophila, supporting a role for COPI-dependent trafficking in the biogenesis of the bacterial replicating vacuole.W. chondrophilaprobably survives within human macrophages by evading the endocytic pathway and by associating with mitochondria and the ER. The intracellular trafficking ofW. chondrophilain human macrophages represents a novel route that differs strongly from that used by other members of the orderChlamydiales.
Prelimbic cortex bdnf knock-down reduces instrumental responding in extinction
Authors: Gourley Shannon L. , Howell Jessica L. , Rios Maribel , DiLeone Ralph J. , Taylor Jane R.
Published: November 2009

Anatomically selective medial prefrontal cortical projections regulate the extinction of stimulus–reinforcement associations, but the mechanisms underlying extinction of an instrumental response for reward are less well-defined and may involve structures that regulate goal-directed action. We show brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) knock-down in the prelimbic, but not orbitofrontal, cortex accelerates the initial extinction of instrumental responding for food and reduces striatal BDNF protein. When knock-down mice were provided with alternative response options to readily obtain reinforcement, extinction of the previously reinforced response was unaffected, consistent with the hypothesis that the prelimbic cortex promotes instrumental action, particularly when reinforcement is uncertain or unavailable.
Sleep enhances category learning
Authors: Djonlagic Ina , Rosenfeld Andrew , Shohamy Daphna , Myers Catherine , Gluck Mark , Stickgold Robert
Published: November 2009

The ability to categorize objects and events in the world around us is a fundamental and critical aspect of human learning. We trained healthy adults on a probabilistic category-learning task in two different training modes. The aim of this study was to see whether either form of probabilistic category learning (feedback or observational) undergoes subsequent enhancement during sleep. Our results suggest that after training, a good night of sleep can lead to improved performance the following day on such tasks.
The 3′‐terminal sequence of Bamboo mosaic virus minus‐strand RNA interacts with RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase and initiates plus‐strand RNA synthesis
Authors: CHEN I‐HSUAN , LIN JEN‐WEN , CHEN YI‐JING , WANG ZI‐CHAO , LIANG LI‐FANG , MENG MENGHSIAO , HSU YAU‐HEIU , TSAI CHING‐HSIU
Published: November 2009

A 3′‐terminal, 77‐nucleotide sequence of Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) minus‐strand RNA (Ba‐77), comprising a 5′ stem‐loop, a spacer and a 3′‐CUUUU sequence, can be used to initiate plus‐strand RNA synthesis in vitro. To understand the mechanism of plus‐strand RNA synthesis, mutations were introduced in the 5′ untranslated region of BaMV RNA, resulting in changes at the 3′ end of minus‐strand RNA. The results showed that at least three uridylate residues in 3′‐CUUUU are required and the changes at the penultimate U are deleterious to viral accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana protoplasts. Results from UV‐crosslinking and in vitro RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase competition assays suggested that the replicase preferentially interacts with the stem structure of Ba‐77. Finally, CMV/83 + UUUUC, a heterologus RNA, which possesses about 80 nucleotides containing the 3′‐CUUUU pentamer terminus, and which folds into a secondary structure similar to that of Ba‐77, could be used as template for RNA production by the BaMV replicase complex in vitro.
Generation of dyspeptic symptoms by direct acid infusion into the stomach of healthy Japanese subjects
Authors: MIWA H. , NAKAJIMA K. , YAMAGUCHI K. , FUJIMOTO K. , VELDHUYZEN VAN ZANTEN S. J. O. , KINOSHITA Y. , ADACHI K. , KUSUNOKI H. , HARUMA K.
Published: November 2009

Objective The relationship between acid and dyspeptic symptoms has not been fully understood.

Aim To investigate the type and severity of dyspeptic symptoms induced by direct acid infusion into the stomach of Japanese healthy subjects.

Methods This was a multi‐centre, cross‐over, randomized, double‐blind study in 27 healthy subjects (mean age 27). Each fasted subject received two tests with 150 mL of 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid infusion (15 mL/min for 10 min) and the same volume of pure water infusion. The type and severity of symptoms were assessed by a 10 cm visual analogue scale administered every 2 min up to 30 min.

Results Various symptoms were reported after both acid and water infusions. Most of the symptoms were more severe after acid infusion compared with water infusion (acid vs. water: discomfort 1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 0.5 ± 0.1, pain 0.6 ± 0.3 vs. 0.1 ± 0.1, reflux 1.0 ± 0.3 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 and satiety 1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1). The area under curve for dysmotility like symptoms (heavy feeling in the stomach, bloating, nausea or feeling sick, and belching) was significantly higher in acid infusion, and symptoms continued after infusion of the acid.

Conclusion Acid induced into stomach induced dysmotility‐like predominant dyspeptic symptoms in Japanese healthy control subjects, demonstrating the possible importance of acid in symptom generation.
Review article: the prothrombin time test as a measure of bleeding risk and prognosis in liver disease
Authors: TRIPODI A. , CALDWELL S. H. , HOFFMAN M. , TROTTER J. F. , SANYAL A. J.
Published: November 2009

Background Prothrombin time (PT)‐derived international normalized ratio (INR) is used to assess bleeding risk and prognosis in cirrhosis, and to guide management of associated coagulation disturbances. Recent studies cast doubt on the validity of the assumptions that form the basis for these applications.

Aims To review and critique the use of the PT‐INR in cirrhosis.

Methods Search of the literature.

Results In cirrhosis, there is a decrease in both pro‐ and anti‐coagulants. The PT‐INR measures only the activity of procoagulants and fails to capture changes in anticoagulants. It is therefore not surprising that the PT does not predict the bleeding risk. The PT‐INR provides a robust measure of liver function but recent data showed INR inter‐laboratory variability in this setting. This is not surprising as the INR was validated to normalize results for patients on vitamin‐K antagonists, not for cirrhosis. This limitation was not appreciated, but the INR is used to construct the model for end‐stage liver disease score to prioritize patients for liver transplantation. Reports showed that model for end‐stage liver disease is modified by the thromboplastin used for testing.

Conclusions Alternate tests to predict bleeding risk should be developed. The potential for misuse of the PT‐INR should drive the development of alternate algorithms for organ allocation.
Lacustrine turbidite channels and fans in the Mesozoic Songliao Basin, China
Authors: Zhi‐qiang Feng , Shun Zhang , Cross Timothy A. , Zi‐hui Feng , Xi‐nong Xie , Bo Zhao , Xiu‐li Fu , Cheng‐shan Wang
Published: November 2009

The Songliao Basin is a large Mesozoic nonmarine petroliferous basin in northeastern China. Based on an analysis of high‐resolution three‐dimensional seismic data, a large‐scale lacustrine turbidite channel and fan system is identified within the lacustrine mudstone of the Nenjiang Formation in the central depression. The system was fed by a delta complex and extends to the south along the Daqing anticline. This system is composed of three trunk channels and four tributary channels, with a maximum length of about 71 km. Changes in channel patterns, specifically bifurcations and terminations into fans, are associated with gradient changes along the palaeoslope, which vary from 0.13 to 0.02°. Interpretation of geophysical well logs and core indicate that channel sand bodies are oil charged. The widest channel sandstone body is about 600 m with an average around 300 m, and the maximum thickness of sandstone is more than 6 m with an average of about 3 m. The sandstone bodies of the turbidite system, which are encased within organic‐rich source rocks, provide a new target for hydrocarbon exploration and development.
Immunocytochemical study of DNA topoisomerase IIα and tumour cell proliferation in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL)
Authors: Kandaraki ChR. , Rondoyanni D. , Deftereos ChR. , Apostolopoulou K. , Koutselini H.
Published: November 2009

Background DNA topoisomerase II alpha (topo IIα) is an enzyme that functions to separate intertwined chromosomes before mitosis. Topoisomerase IIα also is the molecular target for a variety of clinically useful anticancer drugs. Several of the agents are used to treat in most cases NHLs. To evaluate the potential association between topoisomerase IIα and cell proliferation, ki67 immunostaining was also assessed.

Methods Topoisomerase IIα (topo IIα) and the monoclonal antibody MIB1 (ki67) were investigated immunocytochemically on imprints smears obtained from 30 patients aged from 22 to 82 years (mean age 45.3) with NHLs. The study comprised 16 patients with high‐grade and 14 with low‐grade NHLs. The cytomorphological diagnoses were verified by histology and were classified according to Kiel classification. We use the avidin‐biotin streptavidin immunoperoxidase technique and the monoclonal antibodies topoisomerase IIα (Clone 3F6 YLEM dilution 1:20) and the MIB1 (ki67 YLEM ready to use).

Results The average topo IIα index of high‐grade NHLs was 50 with range from 15.2 to 78.5 whereas the average topo index of low‐grade NHL was 10 with a range from 0.8 to 15. The average of ki67 index of high‐grade was 50.1 with range 45–80 while the average of low‐grade NHl was 13.6 with a range from 2.5–78.9. Statistical analysis was employed by Mann–Whitey U‐test and the two values for high and low grades are statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions These results show that high‐grade NHLs have topo IIα and MIB1 indices that are significantly higher than low‐grade NHLs. The ratio of expression compatible with the grade of malignancy in NHLs possibly identifies the cases which are more or less sensitive to chemotherapy agents.
Phenotype and genotype in females with POU3F4 mutations
Authors: Marlin S , Moizard MP , David A , Chaissang N , Raynaud M , Jonard L , Feldmann D , Loundon N , Denoyelle F , Toutain A
Published: November 2009

X‐linked deafness is a rare cause of hereditary isolated hearing impairment estimated as at least 1% or 2% of the non‐syndromic hearing loss. To date, four loci for DFN have been identified and only one gene, POU3F4 responsible for DFN3, has been cloned. In males, DFN3 is characterized by a progressive deafness associated with perilymphatic gusher at stapes surgery and with a characteristic inner ear malformation. The phenotype of eight independent females carrying POU3F4 anomalies is defined, and a late‐onset hearing loss is found in three patients. Only one has an inner ear malformation. No genotype/phenotype correlation is identified.
A prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating early corticosteroid withdrawal with Thymoglobulin® in living‐donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Woodle E. Steve , Peddi V. Ram , Tomlanovich Stephen , Mulgaonkar Shamkant , Kuo Paul C. ,   for the TRIMS Study Investigators
Published: November 2009

Woodle ES, Peddi VR, Tomlanovich S, Mulgaonkar S, Kuo PC, for the TRIMS Study Investigators. A prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating early corticosteroid withdrawal with Thymoglobulin® in living‐donor kidney transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 73–83. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  This study compared the safety and efficacy of early corticosteroid withdrawal (ECSWD) with rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction to chronic corticosteroid therapy (CCST) without antibody induction in primary, living‐donor renal transplant recipients.

Methods:  Eligible subjects were randomized 2:1 to receive either an ECSWD (n = 103) or CCST (n = 48) regimen, with all subjects receiving tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Results:  Results are reported as ECSWD vs. CCST. No significant differences were observed in the primary composite endpoint of freedom from biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, and death at six months (85.4% vs. 85.4%) or 12 months (84.4% vs. 74.4%). At 12 months, no difference was observed in BPAR (13.9% vs. 19.4%); however, ECSWD was associated with lower total cholesterol (159.7 ± 39.2 vs. 196.5 ± 56.7 mg/dL, p = 0.012), and trends toward significance were noted in serum triglycerides (151.9 ± 92.0 vs. 181.4 ± 78.8 mg/dL, p = 0.073) and weight gain (+3.6 ± 9.4 vs. +6.4 ± 9.3 kg, p = 0.069). No differences were observed in serious adverse events or infectious complications, with the exception of a higher incidence of leukopenia with ECSWD.

Conclusions:  rATG with tacrolimus and MMF therapy may allow early elimination of corticosteroids, is associated with trends toward lower lipid levels, less weight gain, and a safety profile comparable to CCST therapy.
Secondary prevention of osteoporosis post minimal trauma fracture in an Australian regional and rural population
Authors: Barrack Cecily M. , McGirr Ellen E. , Fuller Jeffrey D. , Foster Nicola M. , Ewald Dan P.
Published: November 2009

Objective:  Minimal trauma fracture (MTF) is an indication of osteoporosis and risk of future fracture. Our objective was to describe osteoporosis risk identification and secondary prevention in a regional and rural population hospitalised for an MTF.

Design:  A retrospective inpatient file audit and follow‐up telephone interview.

Setting:  Patients aged 45 years and over admitted for MTF management to two regional hospitals in northern New South Wales between July 2006 and June 2007.

Main outcome measures:  Proportion of patients who received bone mineral densitometry (BMD) assessment and proportion commenced on osteoporosis medication post fracture.

Results:  There were 459 patients included in our inpatient file audit. During admission only 16% had osteoporosis risk documented, uptake of vitamin D assay or BMD were minimal and only 22% were discharged on preventive medication. Of 219 patients contacted post discharge, 36% reported discussing osteoporosis risk with their GPs, 22% reported post‐discharge BMD and 32% were taking a bisphosphonate. Men were less likely to have commenced preventive medication (OR 0.42, CI, 0.19–0.91) and patients informed of their osteoporosis risk during hospitalisation were more likely to have had BMD (OR 1.93, CI, 1.03–3.61). Neither age nor history of previous MTF was predictive of preventive treatment post discharge.

Conclusion:   Overall, fracture risk identification and initiation of secondary prevention in this regional and rural population was low and this is consistent with findings in recent metropolitan studies. Effective regional and rural strategies are required that ensure identification and effective communication of risk to patients and their GPs.
Simultaneous measurements of compressional wave and shear wave velocities, Poisson's ratio, and Vp/Vs under deep crustal pressure and temperature conditions: Example of silicified pelitic schist from Ryoke Belt, Southwest Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Yuki , Ishikawa Masahiro , Terabayashi Masaru , Arima Makoto
Published: November 2009

The ultrasonic technique for measuring travel times of compressional and shear waves using dual‐mode transducers was adapted to a piston cylinder apparatus, allowing simultaneous measurements of travel times of compressional and shear waves of island arc samples under the high pressure and temperature conditions of island arcs. This method enables us to determine elastic properties and their pressure and temperature derivatives simultaneously. Furthermore, Vp/Vs can be directly determined from travel times of compressional and shear waves independently of length change due to compression or thermal expansion of rock samples under deep crustal conditions, providing more accurate Vp/Vs values than those determined from individual measurements of travel times of both elastic wave types using single‐mode transducers. Experimental techniques and results are demonstrated using data on silicified pelitic schist from the Ryoke Belt to 0.6 GPa. The simultaneous measurement gives Vp = 5.60 km/s, ∂Vp/∂P = 0.090 (km/s)/GPa, Vs = 3.37 km/s, ∂Vs/∂P = 0.05 (km/s)/GPa, σ = 0.216, and Vp/Vs = 1.66 at ambient conditions. The temperature derivatives were constrained from fitting using linear functions of temperature, yielding ∂Vp/∂T = −0.518 × 10−3 (km/s)/K and ∂Vs/∂T = −0.182 × 10−3 (km/s)/K. Performing simultaneous measurements of travel times of compressional and shear waves using dual‐mode transducers, it is possible to accurately determine Vp/Vs and Poisson's ratio of crustal minerals and rocks at deep crustal conditions to study the composition of the crustal interior, e.g. rock types and fluids below the hypocentral region of earthquakes or around bright spots.
Gastric metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via a possible existing retrograde hematogenous pathway
Authors: Hu Ming‐Luen , Tai Wei‐Chen , Chuah Seng‐Kee , Chiu Yi‐Chun , Wu Keng‐Liang , Chou Yeh‐Pin , Kuo Chung‐Mou , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Chiu King‐Wah
Published: November 2009

Background and Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tends to metastasize to extrahepatic organs. Stomach involvement has been seldom reported and has always been considered as direct invasion. This study aims to propose a possible existing pathway for the hematogenous metastasis of HCC to the stomach.

Methods:  Only seven cases with stomach involvement were found from 8267 HCC patients registered at our hospital between 2000 and 2007. Their laboratory data, the findings of computed tomography and upper endoscopy, therapeutic procedures, such as esophageal variceal banding ligation (EVL), and transhepatic arterial embolization (TAE) were further studied.

Results:  All seven patients were male. Liver cirrhosis was found in six patients (6/7 = 85.7%), HCC with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in six patients (6/7 = 85.7%), splenomegaly in five patients (5/7 = 71.4%) and esophageal varices in five patients (5/7 = 71.4%). Six patients underwent TAE and one patient underwent EVL before the development of HCC in the stomach. Four patients had HCC at the cardia, one patient at the anterior wall of the high body and two patients at the greater curvature of the high body, far away from the original HCC. Six patients eventually developed distant metastasis. HCC with gastric metastasis developed 53–126 days after TAE in five patients and 74 days after EVL in one patient.

Conclusions:  When cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension have HCC with PVT, a hematogenous pathway can exist for gastric metastasis of tumor thrombi involving hepatofugal flow to the stomach after TAE or EVL apart from the major pathway of direct invasion.
Peripheral T‐cell lymphoma presenting as myelofibrosis with the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Kikukawa Masayuki , Umahara Takahiko , Kikawada Masayuki , Kanaya Kiyoshi , Sakurai Hirofumi , Shin Kouichi , Mori Mayumi , Iwamoto Toshihiko
Published: November 2009

Myelofibrosis is often observed in chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD), but non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma with diffuse myelofibrosis is rare. We describe an elderly case with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma‐unspecified (PTCL) presenting as diffuse myelofibrosis. Bone marrow biopsy revealed infiltration of atypical lymphocytes and diffuse myelofibrosis without any increase in megakaryocytes. To discuss the pathogenesis of fibrosis, we examined cytokines relative to fibrosis using immunostaining. The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was diffusely detected in the area of extracellular matrix of bone marrow. In addition, in situ hybridization revealed that infiltrating lymphoma cells expressed bFGF mRNA. Basic FGF, originally identified based on its mitogenicity for fibroblasts, has multiple potential, influencing neoangiogenesis, bone marrow fibrosis and the proliferation of tumor cells. Basic FGF might play an important role in the pathogenesis of myelofibrosis in the present case.
Effects of mechanical properties of concrete constituents including active mineral admixtures on fatigue behaviours of high performance concrete
Authors: GUO L.‐P. , CARPINTERI A. , SPAGNOLI A. , WEI S.
Published: November 2009

In order to explore the links between the macroscopic and microstructural characteristics of concrete with admixtures of active mineral additions, four series of concrete prisms, of mortar matrix prisms and mortar‐aggregate Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) are prepared and tested under monotonic and cyclic loads. Five static mechanical parameters (compressive and bending strength, fracture energy, elastic modulus, Poisson ratio) and bending fatigue performance (fatigue life, critical maximum displacement and strain, fatigue damage) of such materials are experimentally evaluated. The results show that degradation laws of concrete properties under both monotonic and cyclic loads vary with the different cohesive strength ratio and elastic modulus ratio of ITZ and mortar matrix. The single or double additions of ground slag and fly ash with optimized mass fractions remarkably enhance the static and bending fatigue properties as well as change the failure mechanisms of concrete.
The strength of anticipatory spatial biasing predicts target discrimination at attended locations: a high‐density EEG study
Authors: Kelly Simon P. , Gomez‐Ramirez Manuel , Foxe John J.
Published: November 2009

Cueing relevant spatial locations in advance of a visual target results in modulated processing of that target as a consequence of anticipatory attentional deployment, the neural signatures of which remain to be fully elucidated. A set of electrophysiological processes has been established as candidate markers of the invocation and maintenance of attentional bias in humans. These include spatially‐selective event‐related potential (ERP) components over the lateral parietal (around 200–300 ms post‐cue), frontal (300–500 ms) and ventral visual (> 500 ms) cortex, as well as oscillatory amplitude changes in the alpha band (8–14 Hz). Here, we interrogated the roles played by these anticipatory processes in attentional orienting by testing for links with subsequent behavioral performance. We found that both target discriminability (d’) and reaction times were significantly predicted on a trial‐by‐trial basis by lateralization of alpha‐band amplitude in the 500 ms preceding the target, with improved speed and accuracy resulting from a greater relative decrease in alpha over the contralateral visual cortex. Reaction time was also predicted by a late posterior contralateral positivity in the broad‐band ERP in the same time period, but this did not influence d’. In a further analysis we sought to identify the control signals involved in generating the anticipatory bias, by testing earlier broad‐band ERP amplitude for covariation with alpha lateralization. We found that stronger alpha biasing was associated with a greater bilateral frontal positivity at ∼390 ms but not with differential amplitude across hemispheres in any time period. Thus, during the establishment of an anticipatory spatial bias, while the expected target location is strongly encoded in lateralized activity in parietal and frontal areas, a distinct non‐spatial control process seems to regulate the strength of the bias.
Chronic kidney disease affects the stone‐free rate after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for proximal ureteric stones
Authors: Hung Shun‐Fa , Chung Shiu‐Dong , Wang Shuo‐Meng , Yu Hong‐Jeng , Huang Ho‐Shiang
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of renal function on the stone‐free rate (SFR) of proximal ureteric stones (PUS) after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), as urinary obstruction caused by PUS can impair renal function, and elevated serum creatinine levels are associated with decreased ureteric stone passage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2007, 1534 patients had ESWL for urolithiasis, 319 having ESWL in situ for PUS; they were reviewed retrospectively. Patients requiring simultaneous treatment of kidney stones, placement of a double pigtail stent, or percutaneous pigtail nephrostomy tube were excluded. We divided patients into groups by chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥60 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Stone‐free status was defined as no visible stone fragments on a plain abdominal film at 3 months after ESWL. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the possible significant factors that influenced the SFR of PUS after ESWL, and to develop a prediction model.

RESULTS

The overall SFR of PUS (276/319 patients) was 86.5%; the SFR was 93% in patients with an eGFR of ≥60 and 50% in those with an eGFR of <60 (P < 0.001). After univariate and multivariate analysis, the three significant factors affecting SFR were an eGFR of ≥60, stone width, and gender, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 19.54 (8.25–46.30) (P < 0.001), 0.67 (0.55–0.82) (P < 0.001) and 0.16 (0.05–0.50 (P = 0.002), respectively. A logistic regression model was developed to estimate the probability of SFR after ESWL, the equation being 1/(1 + exp [−(3.8137 − 0.3967 × (stone width) + 2.9724 × eGFR − 1.8120 × Male)]), where stone width is the observed value (mm), eGFR = 1 for eGFR ≥60 and 0 for <60, and male = 1 for male, 0 for female.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender, eGFR ≥60 and a stone width of >7 mm were significant predictors affecting the SFR after one session of ESWL for PUS.
Automated uro‐oncology data collection: the Cancer Research Uro‐Oncology Database
Authors: Charlesworth Philip J.S. , Kilbey Neviana , Taylor Marian , Leek Russell , Cranston David , Turner Gareth , Crew Jeremy , Harris Adrian , Protheroe Andrew
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE

To develop a relational database (Cancer Research Uro‐Oncology Database, CRUD©) to enable automatic data collection on all urological malignancies within our region, as there is increasing emphasis on good data collection for surgical patients with cancer, and numerous overlapping systems that are amassing data on the same patients.

METHODS

Links have been established between pathological databases, multidisciplinary team data‐collection systems and patient‐survival monitoring facilities, providing accurate pathology, treatment and survival data on all of uro‐oncology patients. We are also developing individual modules for the oncological surgeons within our unit that are compatible with the British Association of Urological Surgeons (Section of Oncology), and have plans to connect to the Medical and Clinical Oncology data systems in the future.

RESULTS

Pre‐existing protocols for fresh tissue, plasma and urine collection have been incorporated within CRUD via a tissue‐tracking system, to comply with the Human Tissue Act 2004, and link these samples to accurate clinical, pathological and survival data. Many research and audit projects have already used these data, including the construction of a 274‐case tissue microarray for renal cell carcinoma, microRNA hybridization arrays and analysis of 900 nephrectomy cases from the past three decades.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work over the past 3 years in Oxford has established numerous links with organizations collecting data on our uro‐oncological patients, and we are now able to collect this excellent combined data on all of these patients, in an automated manner.
High level protein expression in plants through the use of a novel autonomously replicating geminivirus shuttle vector
Authors: Regnard Guy L. , Halley‐Stott Richard P. , Tanzer Fiona L. , Hitzeroth Inga I. , Rybicki Edward P.
Published: November 2009

We constructed a novel autonomously replicating gene expression shuttle vector, with the aim of developing a system for transiently expressing proteins at levels useful for commercial production of vaccines and other proteins in plants. The vector, pRIC, is based on the mild strain of the geminivirus Bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV‐m) and is replicationally released into plant cells from a recombinant Agrobacterium tumefaciens Ti plasmid. pRIC differs from most other geminivirus‐based vectors in that the BeYDV replication‐associated elements were included in cis rather than from a co‐transfected plasmid, while the BeYDV capsid protein (CP) and movement protein (MP) genes were replaced by an antigen encoding transgene expression cassette derived from the non‐replicating A. tumefaciens vector, pTRAc. We tested vector efficacy in Nicotiana benthamiana by comparing transient cytoplasmic expression between pRIC and pTRAc constructs encoding either enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or the subunit vaccine antigens, human papillomavirus subtype 16 (HPV‐16) major CP L1 and human immunodeficiency virus subtype C p24 antigen. The pRIC constructs were amplified in planta by up to two orders of magnitude by replication, while 50% more HPV‐16 L1 and three‐ to seven‐fold more EGFP and HIV‐1 p24 were expressed from pRIC than from pTRAc. Vector replication was shown to be correlated with increased protein expression. We anticipate that this new high‐yielding plant expression vector will contribute towards the development of a viable plant production platform for vaccine candidates and other pharmaceuticals.
Immediate and Ultimate Functions of Physical Activity Play
Authors: McCune Lorraine
Published: November 2009

Play has been difficult to define because it occurs as an aspect of many activities rather than being limited to a specific kind of activity; thus it rarely occurs in isolation. Classic theorists such as Piaget and Vygotsky emphasize representational play as play in its purist form, but both the immediate and ultimate functions of play can be discerned in the simplest physical activity play.
Neonatal Responsiveness to the Odor of Amniotic and Lacteal Fluids: A Test of Perinatal Chemosensory Continuity
Authors: Marlier Luc , Schaal Benoist , Soussignan Robert
Published: November 2009

The head‐orientation response of 2‐ and 4‐day‐old breast‐feeding neonates was studied in paired‐choice odor tests. Three tests were conducted on day 2 (amniotic fluid [AF] versus Colostrum; AF versus Control; Colostrum versus Control) and on day 4 (AF versus Milk; AF versus Control; Milk versus Control). At 2 days, both AF and Colostrum elicited positive orientation when presented simultaneously with the control stimulus, indicating that both odors were detectable to the infants. However, no differential responses were noted when AF and colostrum were presented concurrently, suggesting that both of these substrates were treated as similar sensorily and/or hedonically. On day 4, the odors of AF and transitional milk elicited attraction responses when presented in competition with a control stimulus. When the odor of milk was presented simultaneously with the odor of AF, the former elicited longer head orientation. Thus, within the first 4 days of life olfactory selectivity changes from a null preference between cues carried in AF and in colostrum to a positive preference for cues carried in postamniotic odors, that is, breast milk. An additional experiment indicated that 3‐day‐old neonates orient longer toward the odor of their own AF than toward the odor of alien AF, showing that prenatal odors elicit selective responding for some time after birth. Altogether these results were interpreted as supporting the hypotheses that prenatal experience might influence the earliest odor preferences in the breast‐feeding human neonate and that these preferences rapidly evolve according to postnatal experience.
Infant Temperament and Cardiac Vagal Tone: Assessments at Twelve Weeks of Age
Authors: Huffman Lynne C. , Bryan Yvonne E. , del Carmen Rebecca , Pedersen Frank A. , Doussard‐Roosevelt Jane A. , Forges Stephen W.
Published: November 2009

Sixty 12‐week‐old infants participated in a laboratory study to explore the relations between temperament and cardiac vagal tone. Temperament was evaluated via laboratory observations and maternal ratings. Cardiac vagal tone, measured as the amplitude of respiratory sinus arrhythmia, was quantified from beat‐to‐beat heart period data collected during a resting baseline period and during the laboratory assessment of temperament. Specific hypotheses were investigated relating temperament to both basal cardiac vagal tone and changes in cardiac vagal tone during social/attention challenges. Infants with higher baseline cardiac vagal tone were rated in the laboratory as showing fewer negative behaviors and were less disrupted by the experimental procedure. Infants who decreased cardiac vagal tone during the laboratory assessment were rated on maternal report temperament scales as having longer attention spans, and being more easily soothed.
Eight‐and‐a‐Half‐Month‐Old Infants' Reasoning about Containment Events
Authors: Aguiar Andréa , Baillargeon Renée
Published: November 2009

The present research examined whether 8.5‐month‐old infants take into account the width and compressibility of an object when determining whether it can be inserted into a container. The infants in Experiment 1 saw 2 test events. At the start of each event, a tall container rested on the apparatus floor. Next, the container was hidden by a screen, and a large ball attached to the lower end of a rod was introduced into the apparatus and lowered behind the screen into the container. Finally, the screen was removed to reveal the ball's rod protruding above the container's rim. The only difference between the 2 test events had to do with the width of the containers', in 1 event (large‐container event), the container was slightly wider than the ball; in the other event (small‐container event), the container was only half as wide as the ball, so that it should have been impossible for the ball to be lowered into it. Infants in a control condition saw identical test events except that a small ball was used that could fit into either the large or the small container. The infants in the experimental condition looked reliably longer at the small‐ than at the large‐container event, whereas those in the control condition tended to look equally at the 2 events. These results suggested that, although the infants never saw the ball and the container simultaneously, they realized that the large ball could fit into the large but not the small container, whereas the small ball could fit into both containers. In Experiment 2, the large ball used in Experiment 1 was replaced with an equally large but compressible ball. The results were negative, suggesting that the infants understood that the large compressible ball could be inserted into either the small or the large container. Finally, Experiment 3 confirmed the results of the experimental condition in Experiment 1, with a slightly different procedure. Together, the present results indicate that, by 8.5 months of age, infants are already capable of sophisticated reasoning about containment events.
Child Development and Emergent Literacy
Authors: Whitehurst Graver J. , Lonigan Christopher J.
Published: November 2009

Emergent literacy consists of the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that are developmental precursors to reading and writing. This article offers a preliminary typology of children's emergent literacy skills, a review of the evidence that relates emergent literacy to reading, and a review of the evidence for linkage between children's emergent literacy environments and the development of emergent literacy skills. We propose that emergent literacy consists of at least two distinct domains: inside‐out skills (e.g., phonological awareness, letter knowledge) and outside‐in skills (e.g., language, conceptual knowledge). These different domains are not the product of the same experiences and appear to be influential at different points in time during reading acquisition. Whereas outside‐in skills are associated with those aspects of children's literacy environments typically measured, little is known about the origins of inside‐out skills. Evidence from interventions to enhance emergent literacy suggests that relatively intensive and multifaceted interventions are needed to improve reading achievement maximally. A number of successful preschool interventions for outside‐in skills exist, and computer‐based tasks designed to teach children inside‐out skills seem promising. Future research directions include more sophisticated multidimensional examination of emergent literacy skills and environments, better integration with reading research, and longer‐term evaluation of preschool interventions. Policy implications for emergent literacy intervention and reading education are discussed.
DIASPORA AND SOVEREIGNTY: THREE CASES OF PUBLIC ALARM IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: DIJKINK GERTJAN , VAN DER WELLE INGE
Published: November 2009

Studies in transnationalism raise the expectation that new forms of ‘flexible citizenship’ will attune the frozen world of territorial sovereignties and citizenship to the reality of global migration and borderless business. In the Netherlands, however, the focus of the integration debate has recently shifted to an affirmation of sovereignty. Three cases in which ethnic minorities in the Netherlands were exposed to (possible) action from their homelands (Turkey and Morocco) elicited political discussion in which dual citizenship and transnational political influence were rejected. We conclude that a changed policy of homeland governments (diaspora engagement) is not the most likely explanation of the public excitement. The new sovereignty discourse fits into a neo‐nationalist trend but may also be explained as a way to contain the unpredictable effects of the sustained multiculturalism underlying Dutch policy toward migrant communities.
THE NETHERLANDS: A RELUCTANT COUNTRY OF IMMIGRATION
Authors: RATH JAN
Published: November 2009

The Netherlands has de facto always been a country of immigration. Yet, it does not consider itself as such. One out of five inhabitants in the Netherland has an immigrant background or has been born in a family in which one of the parents is an immigrant. Yet, large numbers of indigenous Dutch find it hard to acknowledge this fact. Likewise, the reception of newcomers has been rather awkward and sometimes in contradiction with the widely celebrated image of the Netherlands as the heartland of tolerance and multiculturalism. Also, many complaints can be heard about the supposedly ‘tardy’ progress of immigrants' incorporation. This paper, providing an overview of immigration into the Netherlands, suggests that immigration is always a painful process, but also that immigrants eventually find their way into the mainstream.
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION OF YOGA CHAKRA EXPRESSION
Authors: Maxwell Richard W.
Published: November 2009

Chakras are a basic concept of yoga but typically are ignored by scientific research on yoga, probably because descriptions of chakras can appear like a fanciful mythology. Chakras are commonly considered to be centers of concentrated metaphysical energy. Although clear physiological effects exist for yoga practices, no explanation of how chakras influence physiological function has been broadly accepted either in the scientific community or among yoga scholars. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that yoga is based on subjective experience, and practitioners often shun objective descriptions. This essay builds on earlier work hypothesizing that intercellular gap junction connections provide a physiological mechanism underlying subtle energy systems described in yoga as well as other disciplines such as acupuncture. Three physical aspects of chakras are distinguished that are integrated through gap junction mechanisms and are proposed to have arisen during embryological development. Furthermore, electrical conductance associated with a high concentration of gap junctions could generate phenomena that, when subjectively experienced, have the radiant qualities attributed to chakras. This theory provides a scientific rationale for previously unexplained details of chakra theory and offers a new orientation to conceptualizing and studying such subjective phenomena.
Treatment of glabellar lines with botulinum toxin type A (Speywood Unit): a clinical overview
Authors: Rzany B , Ascher B , Monheit GD
Published: November 2009

Azzalure (Galderma) is a newly approved European botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT‐A) specifically designed for aesthetic usages. It is sourced from Dysport (Ipsen Ltd.), which has a 20‐year product consistency and has been used widely for various therapeutic and aesthetic applications. Azzalure and Dysport are collectively referred to as BoNT‐A (Speywood Unit; s.U) (or abobotulinumtoxinA in the U.S.) after their biological activity unit, which is unique and not interchangeable with units of other commercial BoNT‐A preparations. Azzalure is approved for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe glabellar lines, with a total dose of 50 s.U distributed evenly among 5 injection points. To ensure optimal treatment outcomes with BoNT‐A (s.U), it is crucial for injectors to adopt proper methods of reconstitution and injection, which can be acquired through training. We review here the method of reconstitution for BoNT‐A (s.U), as well as the injection dose, points and techniques for glabellar line treatment. We also review the efficacy and safety results of BoNT‐A (s.U) demonstrated in 11 clinical studies, most of which were randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled. The studies included assessments after single injections as well as after up to 6 repeated treatment sessions. We summarize the clinical efficacy results, which include the responder rate 1 month post‐injection, onset of response and duration of action, as well as safety results, which include incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events and specifically eyelid ptosis. The efficacy and safety profiles reported here are unique to BoNT‐A (s.U) and cannot be generalized to other BoNT‐A products.
The impact of obesity on skin disease and epidermal permeability barrier status
Authors: Guida B , Nino M , Perrino NR , Laccetti R , Trio R , Labella S , Balato N
Published: November 2009

Background  Obese subjects frequently show skin diseases. However, less attention has been paid to the impact of obesity on skin disorders until now.

Objective  The purposes of this study are: to highlight the incidence of some dermatoses in obese subjects and to study the water barrier function of the obese skin using transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Methods  Sixty obese subjects and 20 normal weight volunteers were recruited. Obese group was further divided into three body mass index (BMI) classes: class I (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2), class II (BMI 35–39.9 kg/m2) and class III (BMI 40 g/m2). All subjects attended dermatological examination for skin diseases. To assess barrier function, TEWL measurements were performed on the volar surface of the forearm using a tewameter.

Results  The results of this study showed that: (i) obese subjects show a higher incidence of some dermatoses compared with normal‐weight controls; in addition the dermatoses are more, frequent as BMI increases; (ii) the rate of TEWL is lower in obese subjects, than in the normal‐weight subjects, particularly in patients with intra‐abdominal obesity.

Conclusion  Specific dermatoses as skin tags, striae distensae and plantar hyperkeratosis, could be considered as a cutaneous stigma of severe obesity. The low permeability of the skin to evaporative water loss is observed in obese subjects compared with normal weight control. Although the physiological mechanisms are still unknown, this finding has not been previously described and we believe that this may constitute a new field in the research on obesity.
Skills for support: personal assistants and people with learning disabilities
Authors: Williams Val , Ponting Lisa , Ford Kerrie , Rudge Philippa ,   (Skills for Support Team)
Published: November 2009

Accessible summary

This paper is about how people get good support. This can happen when you have a direct payment, and you have your own personal assistant (PA). But you need to have a good PA, who knows how to communicate well.

Two people with learning disabilities worked in the research team on this project. The team made videos of people with learning disabilities working with their PAs.

It is important that the PA knows how to support you well. For instance, they should treat you with respect. This means that you can tell them what to do. They should talk to you like an adult, and listen to what you want. They should not rush you.

A good PA will remind you that you’ve got a choice. They will help you be in control of your choices, but they won’t force you to make a choice.

PAs sometimes have to give you advice. But that should be on your terms. It’s good to have a friendly relationship with your PA. It’s a bit like team work.

People with learning disabilities can help to train their own PAs. This project made a training pack, with a DVD.

For people with learning disabilities to have control over their lives, the quality of their support staff matters. This paper reports on an inclusive research study, which used video analysis to study the communication skills of personal assistants (PAs) who worked with people with learning disabilities. The findings reveal some of the fine detail in the strategies these PAs used, to show respect, support choices, and give advice. They were able to step back, to listen and observe the person with learning disabilities, and to use good, open body language. They also gave people time, built up a close relationship based on shared interests and activities, and they talked with people in a friendly, adult way. It is difficult to support people to manage their lives, and team work is important. People with learning disabilities also have to play their role in the relationship. This research produced training materials that will help people with learning disabilities to train and support their own PAs.
The gene balance hypothesis: implications for gene regulation, quantitative traits and evolution
Authors: Birchler James A. , Veitia Reiner A.
Published: November 2009

The gene balance hypothesis states that the stoichiometry of members of multisubunit complexes affects the function of the whole because of the kinetics and mode of assembly. Gene regulatory mechanisms also would be governed by these principles. Here, we review the impact of this concept with regard to the effects on the genetics of quantitative traits, the fate of duplication of genes following polyploidization events or segmental duplication, the basis of aneuploid syndromes, the constraints on cis and trans variation in gene regulation and the potential involvement in hybrid incompatibilities.