bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive variables of Urotrygon rogersi (Batoidea: Urotrygonidae): a species with a triannual reproductive cycle in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Mejía‐Falla P. A. , Navia A. F. , Cortés E.
Published: March 2012

Reproductive aspects of the round ray Urotrygon rogersi were studied based on 2005 specimens obtained in the artisanal shrimp fishery operating on the Colombian Pacific coast. Females reached greater maximum total length (LT), disc width (WD) and mass (M) (38·0 cm, 19·9 cm and 348 g) than males (32·5 cm, 17·0 cm and 165 g). Sex ratio of juveniles and adults was 1:1. Clasper length increased rapidly between 10·0 and 12·5 cm WD. The smallest mature male measured 10·5 cm WD and the largest immature individual 13·7 cm WD. Male first maturity was reached at 61·8% of maximum WD, and estimated WD50 was between 11·5 and 11·8 cm. The smallest mature female measured 10·5 cm WD; the size at first maturity was 52·8% of maximum WD, and estimated WD50 was between 11·8 and 12·3 cm. Embryos were found in females ≥10·5 cm WD and maximum fecundity was three embryos per female (mode = 1) and varied with maternal size. Embryos were found in all months, but three birthing peaks per year were identified and a gestation period of 4–5 months estimated. Based on ovulation time, embryonic growth and parturition dates, a triannual reproductive cycle was inferred for this species, with overlapping ovarian and uterine cycles. These results suggest that U. rogersi has a reproductive strategy based on low fecundity, a rapid reproductive cycle (short ovulation and gestation time), three birth peaks per year and large embryos. This strategy probably allows U. rogersi to withstand the fishing pressure they are subject to on the Colombian Pacific coast. The results also suggest that the study area is an important nursery and reproductive area for this species.
Diet and scavenging habits of the smooth skate Dipturus innominatus
Authors: Forman J. S. , Dunn M. R.
Published: March 2012

The diet of smooth skate Dipturus innominatus was determined from examination of stomach contents of 321 specimens of 29·3–152·0 cm pelvic length, sampled from research and commercial trawlers at depths of 231–789 m on Chatham Rise, New Zealand. The diet was dominated by the benthic decapods Metanephrops challengeri and Munida gracilis, the natant decapod Campylonotus rathbunae and fishes from 17 families, of which hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae, sea perch Helicolenus barathri, various Macrouridae and a variety of discarded fishes were the most important. Multivariate analyses indicated the best predictors of diet variability were D. innominatus length and a spatial model. The diet of small D. innominatus was predominantly small crustaceans, with larger crustaceans, fishes and then scavenged discarded fishes increasing in importance as D. innominatus got larger. Scavenged discards were obvious as fish heads or tails only, or skeletal remains after filleting, often from pelagic species. Demersal fish prey were most frequent on the south and west Chatham Rise, in areas where commercial fishing was most active. Dipturus innominatus are highly vulnerable to overfishing, but discarding practices by commercial fishing vessels may provide a positive feedback to populations through improved scavenging opportunities.
Review article: intestinal lymphoid nodular hyperplasia in children – the relationship to food hypersensitivity
Authors: Mansueto P. , Iacono G. , Seidita A. , D'Alcamo A. , Sprini D. , Carroccio A.
Published: March 2012

Background

Lymphoid aggregates are normally found throughout the small and large intestine. Known as lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH), these aggregates are observed especially in young children and are not associated with clinical symptoms being considered ‘physiological’. In children presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms the number and size of the lymphoid follicles are increased. Patients suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. recurrent abdominal pain) should systematically undergo gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. With these indications LNH, especially of the upper but also of the lower gastrointestinal tract has been diagnosed, and in some children it may reflect a food hypersensitivity (FH) condition.

Aim

To review the literature about the relationship between LNH and FH, particularly focusing on the diagnostic work‐up for LNH related to FH.

Methods

We reviewed literature using Pubmed and Medline, with the search terms ‘lymphoid nodular hyperplasia’, ‘food hypersensitivity’, ‘food allergy’ and ‘food intolerance’. We overall examined 10 studies in detail, selecting articles about the prevalence of LNH in FH patients and of FH in LNH patients.

Results

Collected data showed a median of 49% (range 32–67%) LNH in FH patients and a median of 66% (range 42–90%) FH in LNH patients. Literature review pointed out that the most important symptom connected with LNH and/or FH was recurrent abdominal pain, followed by diarrhoea and growth retardation. Both LNH and FH are associated with an increase in lamina propria γ/δ+ T cells, but the mechanisms by which enhanced local immune responses causing gastrointestinal symptoms still remain obscure.

Conclusions

When assessing FH, we rely on clinical evaluation, including elimination diet and challenge tests, and endoscopic and immunohistochemical findings. Considering the possible co‐existence of duodenal and ileo‐colonic LNH, upper endoscopy can be recommended in children with suspected FH, especially in those presenting with additional upper abdominal symptoms (i.e. vomiting). Likewise, lower endoscopy might be additionally performed in patients with suspected FH and LNH of the duodenal bulb, also presenting with lower abdominal symptoms (i.e. recurrent abdominal pain).
Randomised clinical trial: the effect of baclofen in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux ‐ a randomised prospective study
Authors: Cossentino M. J. , Mann K. , Armbruster S. P. , Lake J. M. , Maydonovitch C. , Wong R. K. H.
Published: March 2012

Background

Baclofen, a GABAB agonist, has been shown to reduce transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), a major cause of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Aim

To examine the effect and tolerability of baclofen in GERD patients over a 2‐week period.

Methods

Forty‐three GERD patients with abnormal 24‐h pH tests were prospectively randomised to receive baclofen or placebo in a double‐blind fashion for 2 weeks. Oesophageal manometry, 24‐h pH monitoring, and a standard questionnaire was administered, before and after treatment.

Results

Thirty‐four patients completed the study. In the baclofen group there were significant decreases in 24‐h pH score (P = 0.020), percent of upright reflux episodes (P = 0.016), percent total time pH <4 (P = 0.003), number of reflux episodes (P = 0.018), number of reflux episodes longer than 5 min (P = 0.016), number of postprandial reflux episodes (P = 0.045), and percentage of time pH <4 (P = 0.003). No significant changes in reflux parameters were noted in the placebo group. Patients receiving baclofen had significantly less belching (P = 0.038), regurgitation (P = 0.036) and overall symptom score (P = 0.004) whereas placebo patients had less heartburn (P = 0.001), chest pain (P = 0.002), regurgitation (P = 0.017) and overall symptom score (P = 0.000). However, there were no significant differences in changes of reflux parameters or symptoms when comparing the two groups. Drowsiness did not limit baclofen use.

Conclusions

Baclofen was associated with a significant decrease in percent upright reflux by 24‐h pH monitoring and a significant improvement in belching, regurgitation and overall symptom score. Baclofen may be more effective in patients with predominantly upright reflux and belching.
Hypoxia induces apoptosis and autophagic cell death in human periodontal ligament cells through HIF‐1α pathway
Authors: Song Z.‐C. , Zhou W. , Shu R. , Ni J.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Oxygen deficiency caused by occlusal trauma and smoking can be present in patients with periodontitis. However, biochemical events important in periodontal tissues during hypoxia remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of hypoxia on apoptosis and autophagy of human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) in vitro.

Materials and methods

Human PDLCs were obtained and cultured in vitro. Cell viability, apoptosis, autophagy and gene and protein expression were measured in presence and absence of cobalt chloride (CoCl2).

Results

CoCl2 induced cytotoxicity of human PDLCs in a concentration‐dependent manner dependent on macromolecular synthesis, and resulted in apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. CoCl2 also induced redistribution of autophagy marker LC3, increased ratio of LC3‐IIto LC3‐Iand function of lysosomes. Furthermore, CoCl2 promoted expression of HIF‐1α following upregulation of expressions of Bnip3. Significant increases in expression of IL‐1β and MMP‐8 were also observed. All these results were reversed by pre‐treatment with antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine.

Conclusions

Our data showed that CoCl2 could induce cytotoxicity through mitochondria‐ apoptotic and autophagic pathways involved in HIF‐1α. CoCl2‐treated PDLCs may serve as an in vitro model for studies of molecular mechanisms in periodontitis.
Caspase‐mediated programmed cell death pathways as potential therapeutic targets in cancer
Authors: Wen X. , Lin Z.‐Q. , Liu B. , Wei Y.‐Q.
Published: March 2012

The caspase family is well characterized as playing a crucial role in modulation of programmed cell death (PCD), which is a genetically regulated, evolutionarily conserved process with numerous links to many human diseases, most notably cancer. In this review, we focus on summarizing the intricate relationships between some members of the caspase family and their key apoptotic mediators, involving tumour necrosis factor receptors, the Bcl‐2 family, cytochrome c, Apaf‐1 and IAPs in cancer initiation and progression. We elucidate new emerging types of cross‐talk between several caspases and autophagy‐related genes (Atgs) in cancer. Moreover, we focus on presenting several PCD‐modulating agents that may target caspases‐3, ‐8 and ‐9, and their substrates PARP‐1 and Beclin‐1, which may help us harness caspase‐modulated PCD pathways for future drug discovery.
Thermal sensitivity does not determine acclimation capacity for a tropical reef fish
Authors: Donelson Jennifer M. , Munday Philip L.
Published: March 2012

1. Short‐term measures of metabolic responses to warmer environments are expected to indicate the sensitivity of species to regional warming. However, given time, species may be able to acclimate to increasing temperature. Thus, it is useful to determine if short‐term responses provide a good predictor for long‐term acclimation ability.

2. The tropical reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus was used to test whether the ability for developmental thermal acclimation of two populations was indicated by their short‐term metabolic response to temperature.

3. While both populations exhibited similar short‐term responses of resting metabolic rate (RMR) to temperature, fish from the higher‐latitude population were able to fully acclimate RMR, while the lower‐latitude population could only partially compensate RMR at the warmest temperature. These differences in acclimation ability are most likely due to genetic differences between the populations rather than differences in thermal regimes.

4. This research indicates that acclimation ability may vary greatly between populations and that understanding such variation will be critical for predicting the impacts of warming environmental temperatures. Moreover, the thermal metabolic reaction norm does not appear to be a good predictor of long‐term acclimation ability.
Alleviating human–wildlife conflicts: identifying the causes and mapping the risk of illegal poisoning of wild fauna
Authors: Mateo‐Tomás Patricia , Olea Pedro P. , Sánchez‐Barbudo Inés S. , Mateo Rafael
Published: March 2012

1. Illegal human behaviour such as those affecting natural resource use or resulting from human–wildlife conflicts threaten the sustainable management of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity worldwide. However, the frequently scarce and incomplete data owing to the sensitive nature of illegal activities pose a challenge to developing tools to properly understand and prevent those activities.

2. We used species distribution models to identify factors related to a prominent illegal activity, wildlife poisoning, and to produce detailed, spatially explicit maps of the risk of occurrence in NW Spain. We alleviated the constraints of imperfect information and occurrence of absences by using presence‐only methods, that is, maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt). To our knowledge, this is the first time that this method has been used in the context of illegal activities affecting wildlife.

3. A total of 112 poisoning events involving 228 individuals of 25 different species were reported in the study area from 2000 to 2010. Most of the reported deaths (90·8%) were birds of prey (52·6%) and mammalian carnivores (38·2%), of which 95·2% were scavengers. Illegal poisoning affected eleven species classified as endangered at national and/or global level.

4. Our models highlighted the perceived risk of livestock predation by wolves Canis lupus, although not by bears Ursus arctos, as a major motivation for poisoning. The existence of protected areas was positively correlated to this illegal practice, while socioeconomic factors had less influence on predicting its occurrence. Over 56% of the study area was predicted to be under risk of illegal poisoning.

5. Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate a new use for presence‐only models, illustrated using MaxEnt, to assist conservation managers dealing with illegal activities. This approach allows the main causes of an illegal practice to be identified and generates spatially explicit risk maps. Managers can take advantage of this modelling approach to allocate the scarce resources available in conservation to key sectors and locations. In our study system, actions against illegal poisoning should aim to resolve the potential conflict existing between cattle‐farming and wolves, especially in protected areas.
Predator reduction results in compensatory shifts in losses of avian ground nests
Authors: Ellis‐Felege Susan N. , Conroy Michael J. , Palmer William E. , Carroll John P.
Published: March 2012

1. Nesting birds can be vulnerable to predation. Wildlife managers sometimes manipulate predator communities to enhance avian productivity and abundance. Managers need to know the predation risk from different predator species responsible for nest failures to maximize success. This issue is especially important when considering reductions in only a part of the predator community in complex ecosystems.

2. We conducted a 7‐year crossover experiment at four study sites to examine the effect of mesomammalian predator control on nest success of northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus in the southeastern USA. Nests were monitored using 24‐h near‐infrared video. We hypothesized that nest failures caused by different predator guilds may not be independent and may lead to compensation by other predators as one predator guild was reduced.

3. We compared levels of bobwhite nest predation by mesomammals, snakes and other predators in years with and without mesomammal control.

4. Control of mesomammal predators reduced the levels of mesomammal nest predation, but predation levels by snakes and other predators increased such that total nest mortality was not reduced. Nest mortality among predator groups was best described as compensatory, and total nest mortality differed among sites.

5. Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that reductions in predation risk from one predator guild can be compensated by an increased risk from other predators in complex ecosystems. Predator removal within one group may not translate to additive increases in overall nest success, but rather results in shifts in the identity of predators responsible for nest failures. Management efforts focused on manipulating predator communities to enhance avian reproduction are encouraged to examine cause‐specific nest fates to determine the effectiveness of predator reduction programmes.
The effect of postfire salvage logging on bird communities in Mediterranean pine forests: the benefits for declining species
Authors: Rost Josep , Clavero Miguel , Brotons Lluís , Pons Pere
Published: March 2012

1. Postfire salvage logging is the most commonly applied forestry practice in burned forests world‐wide, mainly for economic reasons. However, it strongly affects bird communities and is generally considered to be detrimental for bird conservation. In Europe, many open‐habitat species are currently declining owing to land use changes. Wildfires, which are common disturbances in the Mediterranean Basin, can create suitable habitat for these species but the effect of postfire salvage logging on bird communities is unknown.

2. We surveyed breeding birds in two burned secondary pine forests from the western Mediterranean Basin and analysed the effect of salvage logging and vegetation regeneration as determinants of individual species and community parameters. We used a pseudoexperimental before‐after‐control‐impact approach to study the changes in the bird community during the first three springs after fire.

3. Most bird species were affected by salvage logging (measured by snag density), a relationship that was positive for forest birds and negative for open‐habitat species. Species linked to shrub and edge habitats were positively affected by vegetation regrowth. Bird communities in logged areas held more species of conservation concern than those in unlogged areas. Species richness and overall density tended to decrease from the first to the second year after fire and to increase from the second to the third.

4. Salvage logging benefits a number of open‐habitat species, although its effect on bird conservation depends strongly on the specific threats that birds face in each region or ecosystem.

5. Synthesis and applications. In the Mediterranean Basin, some postfire salvage logging of pine forests can be compatible with bird conservation. We recommend that managers retain some standing dead trees during logging operations and that logged forest is interspersed with unlogged stands. This will provide suitable habitat for the widest range of species.
Mitogenomic sequences better resolve stock structure of southern Greater Caribbean green turtle rookeries
Authors: SHAMBLIN BRIAN M. , BJORNDAL KAREN A. , BOLTEN ALAN B. , HILLIS‐STARR ZANDY M. , LUNDGREN IAN , NARO‐MACIEL EUGENIA , NAIRN CAMPBELL J.
Published: March 2012

Analyses of mitochondrial control region polymorphisms have supported the presence of several demographically independent green turtle (Chelonia mydas) rookeries in the Greater Caribbean region. However, extensive sharing of common haplotypes based on 490‐bp control region sequences confounds assessment of the scale of natal homing and population structure among regional rookeries. We screened the majority of the mitochondrial genomes of 20 green turtles carrying the common haplotype CM‐A5 and representing the rookeries of Buck Island, St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands (USVI); Aves Island, Venezuela; Galibi, Suriname; and Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified that subdivided CM‐A5 among regions. Mitogenomic pairwise φST values of eastern Caribbean rookery comparisons were markedly lower than the respective pairwise FST values. This discrepancy results from the presence of haplotypes representing two divergent lineages in each rookery, highlighting the importance of choosing the appropriate test statistic for addressing the study question. Haplotype frequency differentiation supports demographic independence of Aves Island and Suriname, emphasizing the need to recognize the smaller Aves rookery as a distinct management unit. Aves Island and Buck Island rookeries shared mitogenomic haplotypes; however, frequency divergence suggests that the Buck Island rookery is sufficiently demographically isolated to warrant management unit status for the USVI rookeries. Given that haplotype sharing among rookeries is common in marine turtles with cosmopolitan distributions, mitogenomic sequencing may enhance inferences of population structure and phylogeography, as well as improve the resolution of mixed stock analyses aimed at estimating natal origins of foraging turtles.
Selection and microevolution of coat pattern are cryptic in a wild population of sheep
Authors: GRATTEN J. , PILKINGTON J. G. , BROWN E. A. , CLUTTON‐BROCK T. H. , PEMBERTON J. M. , SLATE J.
Published: March 2012

Understanding the maintenance of genetic variation in natural populations is a core aim of evolutionary genetics. Insight can be gained by quantifying selection at the level of the genotype, as opposed to the phenotype. Here, we show that in a natural population of Soay sheep which is polymorphic for coat pattern, recessive genetic variants at the causal gene, agouti signalling protein (ASIP) are associated with reduced lifetime fitness. This was due primarily to a reduction in juvenile survival of uniformly coloured (self‐type) sheep, which are homozygous recessive, and occurs despite significantly higher reproductive success in surviving self‐type adults. Consistent with their relatively low fitness, we show that the frequency of self‐type individuals has declined from 1985 to 2008. Remarkably though, the frequency of the underlying self‐allele has increased, because the frequency of heterozygous individuals (who harbour the majority of all self‐alleles) has increased. Indeed, the ratio of observed/expected heterozygous individuals has increased during the study, such that there is now a significant excess of heterozygotyes. By employing gene‐dropping simulations, we show that microevolutionary trends in the frequency and excess of ASIP heterozygotes are too pronounced to be caused by genetic drift. Studying this polymorphism at the level of phenotype rather than underlying genotype would have failed to detect cryptic fitness differences. We would also have been unable to rule out genetic drift as an evolutionary force driving genetic change. This highlights the importance of resolving the underlying genetic basis of phenotypic variation in explaining evolutionary dynamics.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐2, ‐9, ‐12, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 gene polymorphisms and cutaneous expressions in patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Park K. S. , Min Y. , Park S. R. , Kim E. H. , Lee D. J. , Bang D. , Lee E.‐S.
Published: March 2012

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) induce leukocyte migration into inflammation sites that lead to either promotion or repression of inflammation by activating or inactivating cytokines. An increased level of MMP‐9 and a decreased level of MMP‐2 have been observed in Behçet's disease (BD). This study was performed to analyze the relationship between MMP‐2, ‐9, ‐12 and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2) promoter polymorphisms in developing BD. The expression of MMP‐2 and ‐9 was also evaluated in the skin of BD. The MMPs and TIMP‐2 polymorphisms were confirmed by using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism in 251 BD and 312 controls. Cutaneous expression of MMP‐2 and ‐9 in 17 BD patients with erythema nodosum (EN) or EN‐like lesion was compared with 14 patients with idiopathic EN by immunohistochemical stains. The frequency of MMP‐2‐1575*G/*G and MMP‐2‐735*C/*C genotypes was shown to be lower in BD, whereas MMP‐9‐1562*C/*C was significantly higher in BD compared with the controls. The frequency of common haplotype MMP‐2‐1575*G ‐735*C was significantly lower in BD patients than in controls (P = 0.0046, permutation P = 0.009). No significant differences were observed between BD and controls in the allele and genotype frequencies of MMP‐12‐82A>G or TIMP‐2‐418G>C polymorphisms. The tissue expression of MMP‐2, shown by immunohistochemistry, was significantly lower in BD compared with the controls. However, the expression of MMP‐9 was significantly higher in BD. These results suggest that MMP‐2 and ‐9 could each modulate the development of BD in opposite directions. Major genotypes of the MMP‐2‐1575*G/*G and MMP‐2‐735*C/*C and the common MMP‐2‐1575*G ‐735*C haplotype may provide some protection against development of BD, while MMP‐9‐1562*C/*C may promote the disease. The reciprocal expression of MMP‐2 and ‐9 in the skin tissue of BD was also confirmed.
Overexpression of galectin‐1 is associated with poor prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma following resection
Authors: Wu Han , Chen Pei , Liao Rui , Li Yi‐Wei , Yi Yong , Wang Jia‐Xing , Sun Tai‐Wei , Zhou Jian , Shi Ying‐Hong , Yang Xin‐Rong , Jin Jian‐Jun , Cheng Yun‐Feng , Fan Jia , Qiu Shuang‐Jian
Published: March 2012

Background and Aim:  The high expression of the galectin‐1 predicts poor patient outcome in several tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate its prognostic value in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection.

Methods:  Galectin‐1 and tumor‐infiltrating FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were validated by tissue microarrays from HCC patients (n = 386) and statistically assessed for correlations with the clinical profiles and the prognosis of the patients.

Results:  We found that galectin‐1, which was prevalently upregulated in HCC, was significantly associated with tumor invasive characteristics (such as vascular invasion, incomplete encapsulation, poor differentiation, multiple number, and large tumor size). Patients with high galectin‐1 expression had a significantly poorer tumor recurrence (P = 0.025) and overall survival (P = 0.021) than those with low galectin‐1 expression. Even in early‐stage disease, high galectin‐1 expression was also independently associated with shortened survival (P < 0.001) and increased tumor recurrence (P = 0.005). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that galectin‐1 was an independent marker for predicting the poor prognosis of HCC. The galectin‐1 level was positively related to the number of tumor‐infiltrating FoxP3+ Tregs (r = 0.416, P < 0.001), and their combination served as a better prognosticator. The postoperative tumor recurrence and survival of HCC patients with galectin‐1high and FoxP3high were significantly poorer than the other groups (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Galectin‐1 might be a new prognostic factor for HCC after resection and could potentially be a high‐priority therapeutic target.
Liver collagen proportionate area predicts decompensation in patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus cirrhosis after liver transplantation
Authors: Calvaruso Vincenza , Dhillon Amar Paul , Tsochatzis Emanuel , Manousou Pinelopi , Grillo Federica , Germani Giacomo , Patch David , O'Beirne James , Burroughs Andrew Kenneth
Published: March 2012

Background and Aims:  Current histological scoring systems do not subclassify cirrhosis. Computer‐assisted digital image analysis (DIA) of Sirius Red‐stained sections measures fibrosis morphologically producing a fibrosis ratio (collagen proportionate area [CPA]). CPA could have prognostic value within a disease stage, such as cirrhosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate CPA in patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) allograft cirrhosis and assess its relationship with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG).

Methods:  In 121 consecutively‐transplanted HCV patients with HVPG, measured contemporaneously with transjugular liver biopsies, 65 had Ishak stage 5 or 6 disease (43 with HVPG measurement). Biopsies were stained with Sirius Red for DIA, and the collagen content was expressed as a CPA. In three cases, a tissue for Sirius Red staining was not obtained, and the patients were excluded.

Results:  Sixty‐two patients were analyzed. The median HVPG was 8 mmHg (interquartile range [IQR]: 5–10). Portal hypertension (HVPG ≥ 6 < 10 mmHg) was present in 30 (69.8%), and HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg in 13 (30.2%). The median CPA was 16% (IQR 10.75–23.25). Median Child–Pugh score and HVPG were not significantly different between Ishak fibrosis stage 5 or 6, whereas CPA was statistically different: 13% in stage 5 (IQR 8.3–12.4) versus 23% in stage 6 (IQR 17–33.7, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, CPA was the only variable significantly associated with clinically‐significant portal hypertension (HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg, odds ratio: 1.085, confidence interval: 1.004–1.172, P = 0.040). A CPA of 14% was the best cut‐off value for clinically‐significant portal hypertension (CSPH) and liver decompensation, which occurred in 24 patients. Event‐free survival was significantly shorter in patients with CSPH or with a CPA value ≥ 14%, or with a combination of both.

Conclusion:  In Ishak stages 5 and 6, CPA correlated with HVPG, but had a wider range of values, suggesting a greater sensitivity for distinguishing “early” from “late” severe fibrosis/cirrhosis. CPA was a unique, independent predictor of HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg. CPA can be used to subclassify cirrhosis and for prognostic stratification.
Tertiary paediatric refugee health clinic in Western Australia: Analysis of the first 1026 children
Authors: Mutch Raewyn C , Cherian Sarah , Nemba Kuria , Geddes Janet S , Rutherford David M , Chaney Gervase M , Burgner David P
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Children account for approximately half of the humanitarian refugees currently resettled in Australia. A multidisciplinary refugee health clinic (RHC) was established at the tertiary paediatric hospital in Western Australia to address burgeoning referrals of refugee children following voluntary post‐resettlement health assessment. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of common conditions in resettled paediatric refugees attending a tertiary multidisciplinary RHC.

Methods:  Standardised clinical and demographic data were routinely collected during first visit clinical assessment at the RHC. Descriptive analyses of the first 1026 children are presented.

Results:  One thousand twenty‐six refugee children from 475 families and over 30 different ethnicities were described. Nine hundred twenty‐seven (90.4%) children were referred following post‐resettlement health assessment. Median age was 7.8 years. Common reasons for referral were: vitamin D deficiency (400, 39%), iron deficiency (226, 22%), positive Helicobacter pylori serology (206, 21%), poor appetite (175, 17.1%), and schistosomiasis (170, 16.6%). Comorbidities identified by the RHC included tinea capitis and corporis (297, 28.9%), and dental disease (228, 22.2%). Two‐thirds of children (680, 66.3%) had at least one abnormal finding on clinical examination that identified pathologies that were not evident from the history. Three hundred eighty children (37%) were referred to sub‐specialty services.

Conclusions:  A multidisciplinary paediatric RHC facilitated and strengthened the management of refugee children with multiple and complex health needs. Evidenced–based culturally appropriate methods to identify developmental delay, psychological morbidity and quantify social needs of this vulnerable population remain uncertain. These findings are relevant to the continuing evolution of paediatric refugee health care in Australia and other high income countries.
Random and cyclical deletion of large DNA segments in the genome of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Leprince Audrey , de Lorenzo Víctor , Völler Petra , van Passel Mark W. J. , Martins dos Santos Vitor A. P.
Published: March 2012

Cumulative site‐directed mutagenesis is of limited suitability for the global analysis of the gene functions in the microbe's cellular network. In order to simplify and stabilize the genome of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida, we developed a recyclable three‐step excision method based on the combination of customized mini‐transposons and the FLP‐FRT site‐specific recombination system. To demonstrate the powerful potential of these tools, we first established insertion mutant libraries that allow users to study gene functions with respect either to phenotypic characteristics (single insertions) or to their involvement in predicted networks (double insertions). Based on these libraries, we generated as a proof‐of‐principle, single‐deletion mutants lacking ∼ 4.1% of the genome (∼ 3.7% of the gene repertoire). A cyclical application of the method generated four double‐deletion mutants of which a maximum of ∼ 7.4% of the chromosome (∼ 6.9% of the gene count) was excised. This procedure demonstrates a new strategy for rapid genome streamlining and gain of new insights into the molecular interactions and regulations.
Context and Action in the Transformation of the Firm: A Reprise
Authors: Pettigrew Andrew M.
Published: March 2012

abstract

This article returns to address the strengths and limitations of Pettigrew 1985 and 1987. It then responds to two of the main deficiencies of those publications. These are the failure to link context to process to outcome in those studies and in process scholarship more generally and the limited treatment of the method of process analysis offered by Pettigrew in 1985 and 1987. The article then compares and contrasts the methods of five additional process scholars – Mintzberg, Burgelman, Langley, Van de Ven, and Eisenhardt – to highlight developments in the conduct of process research since the mid and late 1980s, and to identify a set of pointers for the conduct of future process research.
Dyadic Parent‐Child Interaction During Early Childhood: Contributions of Parental and Child Personality Traits
Authors: Wilson Sylia , Durbin C. Emily
Published: March 2012

Individual differences in personality play a major role for functioning in a multitude of important life domains, including one's interpersonal relationships. The present study examined the effects of parental personality and child temperament traits on dyadic parent‐child interaction during early childhood. Participants were a community sample of 145 mothers, 145 fathers, and their 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children. Child traits were assessed using standardized laboratory paradigms, parents reported on their own traits, and parent‐child interaction was assessed observationally. Parental positive emotionality, negative emotionality, and constraint subtraits were related to parental responsiveness; the number and type of parental bids and the quality of parental responsiveness were also a function of child positive emotionality and effortful control subtraits and, for mothers, child negative emotionality subtraits. Child traits were related to their own interaction behaviors; children higher on positive emotionality subtraits made more social bids, and children higher on effortful control subtraits made more influence attempts and fewer negative bids; child positive emotionality and effortful control subtraits were associated with higher quality child responsiveness. Findings speak to coherence in personality constructs across the life span, with comparable traits measured in adults and early childhood–aged children demonstrating remarkably consistent effects on dyadic interaction behavior.
The Status‐Signaling Property of Self‐Esteem: The Role of Self‐Reported Self‐Esteem and Perceived Self‐Esteem in Personality Judgments
Authors: Zeigler‐Hill Virgil , Besser Avi , Myers Erin M. , Southard Ashton C. , Malkin Mallory L.
Published: March 2012

Objective

The provision of information appears to be an important feature of self‐esteem. The present studies examined whether self‐esteem possesses a status‐signaling property such that an individual's level of self‐esteem is associated with how the individual is perceived by others.

Method

In Study 1, trained judges watched brief videos of 157 participants and rated targets as having higher levels of self‐esteem when the targets were believed to possess more positive personality characteristics. Study 2 found that participants (357 targets) were rated as having higher levels of self‐esteem when they were given more positive personality evaluations by their friends and family members (1,615 perceivers).

Results

Consistent with the proposed status‐signaling model, high levels of self‐esteem were generally associated with the perception of positive personality characteristics.

Conclusions

These findings are discussed in the context of an extended informational model of self‐esteem consisting of both the status‐tracking and status‐signaling properties of self‐esteem.
THE IMPACT OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS’ USE OF ACADEMIC WORKERS ON THEIR PRODUCTIVITY LEVEL
Authors: Børing Pål
Published: March 2012

We examine how firms’ productivity level, measured by the total factor productivity (TFP), is affected by their use of academic workers. A panel dataset of Norwegian manufacturing firms is used. Firms’ production level is shown to be negatively affected by their share of academic workers, but we find no clear relationship between this share and the TFP. If we account for the fact that there is an interaction between the share of academic workers and the capital stock, we find that this share has a non‐significant effect on the production level.
WHY DO LARGE FIRMS TEND TO INTEGRATE VERTICALLY?
Authors: Matsushima Noriaki , Mizuno Tomomichi
Published: March 2012

We provide a theoretical framework to discuss the relation between firm size and vertical structures. The framework is based on a Hotelling model with three downstream and three upstream firms. We show that vertical integration enhances the degree of product differentiation and show the strategic complementarity of product positioning. We also show that the downstream firm that has the largest market share is more likely to integrate vertically. Enhancing the degree of product differentiation is more beneficial for the large firm than for the rest of the downstream firms because the large firm supplies a large amount of product.
SYMPOSIUM OVERVIEW: CONCEPTUALIZING NEW GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
Authors: TOLLEFSON CHRIS , ZITO ANTHONY R. , GALE FRED
Published: March 2012

This symposium, ‘Conceptualizing New Governance Arrangements', takes up the challenge of refining governance theory to better integrate work in several disciplines, most notably politics, public administration and law. To this end, we argue for a theoretical framework that profiles three key dimensions of governance: institutional, political and regulatory. This framework, in our view, offers new insights into the nature and operation of various governance arrangements, and offers the potential to assess and measure change within such arrangements over time. After describing our methodology for selecting and analysing the case studies profiled in the symposium, we introduce each of the articles that apply our three‐dimensional governance framework. These articles employ the framework to consider a variety of contemporary governance scenarios that vary widely by sector (environmental, climate change, forestry and education policy) and level of analysis (sub‐national, national, and bi‐national).
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF AFRICA'S NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ‘GREAT FINANCIAL CRISIS’
Authors: BÜSCHER BRAM
Published: March 2012

Over the last decade, Africa's natural resources have seen another rapid rise in political‐economic importance. The continent's abundant biodiversity underpins the fast‐growing (eco)tourism industry, while its rich energy resources have seen renewed attention from global powers. Obviously, these boom‐and‐bust cycles of interest in African natural resources have signified the continent's place in the capitalist world order for a long time. Yet, and despite the intense ambiguities and manifold negative consequences of this history, the conservation of Africa's biodiversity riches and the exploitation of its energy resources continue to be promoted in win‐win terms: beneficial to the continent and outsiders ‘consuming’ the resources. The paper reviews this ‘boom‐and bust’ cycle of interest in Africa's resources in the light of the recent ‘Great Financial Crisis’. It argues that an initial review of mainstream responses to the crisis shows a global ‘reflex’ that falls back on and so reinstates Africa's ‘natural place’ in the global order.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a web‐based intervention to promote mental wellbeing in women and partners following miscarriage, using a modified patient preference trial design: an external pilot
Authors: Klein S , Cumming GP , Lee AJ , Alexander DA , Bolsover D
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Klein S, Cumming G, Lee A, Alexander D, Bolsover D. Evaluating the effectiveness of a web‐based intervention to promote mental wellbeing in women and partners following miscarriage, using a modified patient preference trial design: an external pilot. BJOG 2012;119:762–767.

This article describes an external pilot study of a modified ‘partially randomised patient preference’ trial comparing a web‐based intervention (designed to promote mental wellbeing) with standard care post‐miscarriage. Assessment comprised an online administration of baseline measures with follow‐up at 3 months following registration. Baseline data were obtained from 60 women (and seven partners) post‐discharge from one of two Early Pregnancy Assessment Units. ‘Intention to treat’ versus a ‘per protocol’ sensitivity analysis showed the effects of introducing a ‘preference’ option post‐randomisation, and highlights the benefits compared with a randomised controlled trial design to enable a robust evaluation of the website in promoting mental wellbeing after miscarriage.
Mechanisms mediating the ability of caffeine to influence MDMA (‘Ecstasy’)‐induced hyperthermia in rats
Authors: Vanattou‐Saïfoudine N , McNamara R , Harkin A
Published: March 2012

Background and purpose:  Caffeine exacerbates the hyperthermia associated with an acute exposure to 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’) in rats. The present study investigated the mechanisms mediating this interaction.

Experimental approach:  Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated with caffeine (10 mg·kg−1; i.p.) and MDMA (15 mg·kg−1; i.p.) alone and in combination. Core body temperatures were monitored before and after drug administration.

Key results:  Central catecholamine depletion blocked MDMA‐induced hyperthermia and its exacerbation by caffeine. Caffeine provoked a hyperthermic response when the catecholamine releaser d‐amphetamine (1 mg·kg−1) was combined with the 5‐HT releaser d‐fenfluramine (5 mg·kg−1) or the non‐selective dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine (1 mg·kg−1) was combined with the 5‐HT2 receptor agonist DOI (2 mg·kg−1) but not following either agents alone. Pretreatment with the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist Schering (SCH) 23390 (1 mg·kg−1), the 5‐HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (5 mg·kg−1) or α1‐adreno‐ receptor antagonist prazosin (0.2 mg·kg−1) blocked MDMA‐induced hyperthermia and its exacerbation by caffeine. Co‐administration of a combination of MDMA with the PDE‐4 inhibitor rolipram (0.025 mg·kg−1) and the adenosine A1/2 receptor antagonist 9‐chloro‐2‐(2‐furanyl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐C]quinazolin‐5‐amine 15943 (10 mg·kg−1) or the A2A receptor antagonist SCH 58261 (2 mg·kg−1) but not the A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX (10 mg·kg−1) exacerbated MDMA‐induced hyperthermia.

Conclusions and implications:  A mechanism comprising 5‐HT and catecholamines is proposed to mediate MDMA‐induced hyperthermia. A combination of adenosine A2A receptor antagonism and PDE inhibition can account for the exacerbation of MDMA‐induced hyperthermia by caffeine.
A systematic review on prognostic indicators of acute on chronic liver failure and their predictive value for mortality
Authors: Wlodzimirow Kama A. , Eslami Saeid , Abu‐Hanna Ameen , Nieuwoudt Martin , Chamuleau Robert A. F. M.
Published: March 2012

Background

An early and proper diagnosis of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), together with the identification of indicators associated with disease severity is critical for outcome prediction and therapy.

Objective

To systematically identify and summarize prognostic indicators for patients with ACLF and to evaluate the predictive value of these indicators.

Methods

Embase and Ovid‐Medline were searched for English‐language articles. The search criteria focused on identifying clinical trials and observational studies reporting on indicators used for prediction of mortality in patients with ACLF.

Results

Of 2382 studies identified, 19 were included for detailed analysis. Thirteen different definitions of ACLF were found. The main differences were related to acute deterioration in liver function, coagulopathy and hyperbilirubinaemia/jaundice. Seventy three prognostic indicators and their association with mortality were extracted and categorized into seven categories: general markers (n = 13), viral markers (n = 6), bio‐markers (n = 22), hemodynamics (n = 1), morphology/histology (n = 17), scoring systems (n = 10) and treatments (n = 4).

Conclusions

The ambiguity and variability in the definition of ACLF and in its predictive indicators hampers comparability among studies. There is a need for a single uniform definition of ACLF. Also absence of a gold standard is an obstacle to render one indicator superior to another. The age, hepatic encephalopathy, model for end‐stage liver disease score, total bilirubin and International normalized ratio (prothrombin time) appeared to be promising candidates for evaluation in future studies. The result of this review may be useful as a starting point in developing a standard list of indicators for clinical outcome that concur with the clinicians' subjective views on prognosis in ACLF.
MicroRNA profiling of hepatocarcinogenesis identifies C19MC cluster as a novel prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Augello Claudia , Vaira Valentina , Caruso Luca , Destro Annarita , Maggioni Marco , Park Young Nyun , Montorsi Marco , Santambrogio Roberto , Roncalli Massimo , Bosari Silvano
Published: March 2012

Background and aims

Progressive hepatocarcinogenesis is a stepwise process that drives liver transformation. However, the molecular mechanisms of early liver transformation are far from clear. A role for microRNAs (miRNA) as diagnostic and prognostic factors in human tumours, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is promising. We aimed to identify novel miRNA as biomarkers for differential diagnosis and predictors of disease progression.

Methods

We used a low‐density array platform to profile the expression of 664 mature miRNA in a cohort of 60 hepatitis C virus‐positive liver lesions representative of all stages of progressive hepatocarcinogenesis. We validated selected miRNA in two independent patient series by qPCR and we characterized the genomic status of the miRNA cluster C19MC by fluorescent in situ hybridization and copy‐number variation analyses.

Results

A 18‐miRNA signature distinguished cirrhosis, dysplastic nodules and HCC lesions. Four miRNAs overexpressed in HCCs belonged to chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC). Significant overexpression of C19MC in early HCC compared to dysplastic nodules could be confirmed in a second series of hepatitis B virus‐related liver lesions (n = 30). In a third series of 61 HCCs, C19MC cluster was overexpressed in HCCs compared to matched cirrhotic parenchyma and regardless of the type of viral infection. High C19MC miRNA levels were correlated with poor clinico‐pathological features, increased risk of tumour recurrence and shorter overall survival time. HCCs overexpressing the C19MC cluster showed genetic amplification of the corresponding locus.

Conclusions

C19MC cluster is a novel molecular alteration characteristic of liver cancer and predictor of poor prognosis. C19MC is an attractive candidate for novel HCC therapies.