bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic diversity and the conservation biogeography of African primates
Authors: McGoogan Keriann , Kivell Tracy , Hutchison Matthew , Young Hilary , Blanchard Sean , Keeth Margaret , Lehman Shawn M.
Published: July 2007

Aim Phylogenetics has an important role in conservation biogeography. However, there are few data on the phylogenetic diversity of African primates. The phylogenetic diversity (PD) of a species is a measure of its taxonomic distinctness and can be estimated by looking at the phylogenetic relationships among taxa. Species‐specific metrics on PD can then be used to determine conservation priorities at various biogeographical scales. We used PD metrics to rank 55 African primate species according to their conservation priorities at the country level and within six African biogeographical regions. We also addressed the following question: are there differences in conservation rankings between the IUCN Red List and our PD metrics?

Location Africa.

Methods We created a consensus phylogeny for all African primate clades based on genetic studies. Analyses of species distributions were determined using presence/absence scores at two levels: country and biogeographical region. A node‐based method that standardizes for widespread taxa and endemicity was used to calculate PD indices. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to convert one of the standardized, phylogenetic indices into three clusters that could be ranked and compared with the main IUCN conservation rankings of endangered, vulnerable, and lower risk.

Results At the country and region levels, the top‐priority species in terms of PD arePan paniscus,Macaca sylvanus,Arctocebus calabarensis,Gorilla beringei,Arctocebus aureus,Allenopithecus nigroviridis,Gorilla gorilla,Procolobus verus,Cercopithecus solatus,Cercocebus galeritus, Colobus angolensis,Theropithecus gelada,Galagoides zanzibaricus, Galagoides granti,andProcolobus (Piliocolobus) badius. Geographic rankings were highest for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (country level) and Central Africa (region level). Although there were no overall differences between IUCN conservation ranks and the PD rankings, there were significant differences between the two systems for vulnerable and endangered primate taxa.

Main conclusions There are few ecological and behavioural data on populations of some of the African primates that represent the highest levels of phylogenetic diversity. Studies of primate taxa with high PD rankings should focus on identifying sites suitable for intensive studies of population densities, feeding ecology, and reproductive behaviour. We suggest that PD metrics can serve as an important, complementary data set in the IUCN ranking system for primates.
Association of HLA‐DRB1*13 and TNF‐α gene polymorphisms with clearance of chronic hepatitis B infection and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Thai population
Authors: Kummee P. , Tangkijvanich P. , Poovorawan Y. , Hirankarn N.
Published: July 2007

Summary.  Considerable evidence suggests that host genetic factor play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in several ethic groups. Association study was performed included 150 chronic HBV patients, 100 resolved hepatitis B and 150 healthy individuals with similar ethic background. Interestingly, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR13 show a strong association with the clearance of HBV [odds ratio (OR) = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.00–0.26, corrected P‐value (Pc) = 0.0008] similar to reports from several ethic groups. TNF‐α promoter polymorphisms (−863, −308 and −238) were also analysed. Only −863 C allele was found to be significantly decreased in chronic HBV patients compared with healthy control (Pc = 0.03, OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.35–0.84 respectively). This −863C allele was not in linkage disequilibrium with HLA‐DR13 suggesting that other genetic markers linked with −863C might influence clearance of chronic HBV infection in Thai. When stratified chronic HBV patients into patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and with HCC, the −863 A allele was significantly increased in the HCC group compared to healthy control (Pc = 0.003, OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.49–4.60). Haplotype analysis (−863/−308/−238) revealed that the homozygosity of the haplotype (CGG/CGG) was a protective marker for HCC (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.17–0.79, Pc = 0.02). One can propose that carriers of −863A genotype are associated with increased levels of TNF‐α in the liver in response to HBV infection and induce hapatocyte damage that may finally lead to HCC development. Additional study is needed to validate these finding and to further explore the genetic pathogenesis of HBV infection.
Biochemical characterization of a Neisseria meningitidis polysialyltransferase reveals novel functional motifs in bacterial sialyltransferases
Authors: Freiberger Friedrich , Claus Heike , Günzel Almut , Oltmann‐Norden Imke , Vionnet Justine , Mühlenhoff Martina , Vogel Ulrich , Vann Willie F. , Gerardy‐Schahn Rita , Stummeyer Katharina
Published: July 2007

The extracellular polysaccharide capsule is an essential virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of severe bacterial meningitis and sepsis. Serogroup B strains, the primary disease causing isolates in Europe and America, are encapsulated in α‐2,8 polysialic acid (polySia). The capsular polymer is synthesized from activated sialic acid by action of a membrane‐associated polysialyltransferase (NmB‐polyST). Here we present a comprehensive characterization of NmB‐polyST. Different from earlier studies, we show that membrane association is not essential for enzyme functionality. Recombinant NmB‐polyST was expressed, purified and shown to synthesize long polySia chains in a non‐processive manner in vitro. Subsequent structure–function analyses of NmB‐polyST based on refined sequence alignments allowed the identification of two functional motifs in bacterial sialyltransferases. Both (D/E‐D/E‐G and HP motif) are highly conserved among different sialyltransferase families with otherwise little or no sequence identity. Their functional importance for enzyme catalysis and CMP‐Neu5Ac binding was demonstrated by mutational analysis of NmB‐polyST and is emphasized by structural data available for the Pasteurella multocida sialyltransferase PmST1. Together our data are the first description of conserved functional elements in the highly diverse families of bacterial (poly)sialyltransferases and thus provide an advanced basis for understanding structure–function relations and for phylogenetic sorting of these important enzymes.
Trypanosoma brucei Polo‐like kinase is essential for basal body duplication, kDNA segregation and cytokinesis
Authors: Hammarton Tansy C. , Kramer Susanne , Tetley Laurence , Boshart Michael , Mottram Jeremy C.
Published: July 2007

Polo‐like kinases (PLKs) are conserved eukaryotic cell cycle regulators, which play multiple roles, particularly during mitosis. The function of Trypanosoma brucei PLK was investigated in procyclic and bloodstream‐form parasites. In procyclic trypanosomes, RNA interference (RNAi) of PLK, or overexpression of TY1‐epitope‐tagged PLK (PLKty), but not overexpression of a kinase‐dead variant, resulted in the accumulation of cells that had divided their nucleus but not their kinetoplast (2N1K cells). Analysis of basal bodies and flagella in these cells suggested the defect in kinetoplast division arose because of an inhibition of basal body duplication, which occurred when PLK expression levels were altered. Additionally, a defect in kDNA replication was observed in the 2N1K cells. However, the 2N1K cells obtained by each approach were not equivalent. Following PLK depletion, the single kinetoplast was predominantly located between the two divided nuclei, while in cells overexpressing PLKty, the kinetoplast was mainly found at the posterior end of the cell, suggesting a role for PLK kinase activity in basal body and kinetoplast migration. PLK RNAi in bloodstream trypanosomes also delayed kinetoplast division, and was further observed to inhibit furrow ingression during cytokinesis. Notably, no additional roles were detected for trypanosome PLK in mitosis, setting this protein kinase apart from its counterparts in other eukaryotes.
The host‐ and microhabitat olfactory location by Fopius arisanus suggests a broad potential host range
Authors: ROUSSE P. , CHIROLEU F. , VESLOT J. , QUILICI S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract The identification of infochemicals for parasitoid females is a critical issue in applied and fundamental parasitoid research. The olfactory location of host and its microhabitat by Fopius arisanus (Sonan, 1932) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an egg‐pupal parasitoid of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), is investigated. Potential sources of volatiles are placed in opaque traps and tested in field cages, under seminatural conditions. Fopius arisanus females respond positively to synomones from mango leaves and from fruits belonging to many botanical families, including the nonhost plant strawberry. They prefer fruits infested by Tephritidae to uninfested ones but do not discriminate between fresh and old infestations. Fopius arisanus females are attracted by the odours of faeces of the tephritid fly Bactrocera zonata. They exhibit remote detection of a volatile kairomone coating the egg mass of all tested Tephritidae species but absent in the egg mass of the Muscidae Stomoxys calcitrans. All these infochemicals are volatile but only those emanating from fruit and from faeces are attractants perceived before landing. The relationships between this apparent generalist behaviour and the dietary specialization of F. arisanus are discussed, according to its ecology and behaviour in its natural environment.
The role of the main photophase on dark‐time measurement used for diapause determination in the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella
Authors: KIKUKAWA SHIGERU , OHDE KAORI
Published: July 2007

Abstract The Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) measures night length and enters diapause as a last‐instar larva. To examine the role of photophase on dark‐time measurement, the main LD 7 : 17 h photoperiod is disrupted by various lengths of darkness at 25 °C. When the light phase is not disrupted, the incidence of diapause is 76%. As the dark pulse disrupting a 7‐h photophase becomes longer, the incidence of diapause decreases. To detect the dynamic kinetics of the time‐measuring process, the main scotophase of 17 h is scanned by a 2‐h light pulse. When the dark pulse in a 7‐h photophase is fixed at 1 h after dawn and its duration is varied systematically from 1 to 3 h, or when the end of the dark pulse is fixed at 1 h before dusk, diapause is prevented completely by a 2‐h light pulse inserted in the middle of 17‐h darkness. These results are compared with those of a single night interruption of a 17‐h scotophase with a 2‐h light pulse but with an intact 7‐h photophase. The disruption of a 7‐h photophase by a dark pulse shifts the descending and ascending slopes of the response curve to some extent toward dawn and dusk, respectively, indicating that the dark pulse tends to shorten the critical length of dark time for diapause induction. When the main photophase (7 h) is interrupted by a 1‐h dark pulse at 3–4 h after dawn, the 2‐h scanning light pulse in the main scotophase (17 h) appears to act effectively as a dusk signal in the early scotophase. However, those in the mid‐ and late scotophase do not define the critical night length from dusk as sharply as for the critical night length from a 2‐h light pulse to dawn. The results indicate the importance of photophase in the dark‐time measurement.
Acclimation to low [CO2] by an inorganic carbon‐concentrating mechanism in Cyanophora paradoxa
Authors: BUREY S. C. , POROYKO V. , ERGEN Z. N. , FATHI‐NEJAD S. , SCHÜLLER C. , OHNISHI N. , FUKUZAWA H. , BOHNERT H. J. , LÖFFELHARDT W.
Published: July 2007

The glaucocystophyte Cyanophora paradoxa contains cyanelles, plastids with prokaroytic features such as a peptidoglycan wall and a central proteinaceous inclusion body. While this central body includes the majority of the enzyme ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxgenase Rubisco), the presence of a carbon‐concentrating mechanism (CCM) in C. paradoxa has only been hypothesized. Here, we present physiological data in support of a CCM: CO2 exchange activity as well as apparent affinity against inorganic carbon were found to increase under CO2‐limiting stress. Further, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of C. paradoxa were obtained from two cDNA libraries, one from cells grown in high [CO2] conditions and one from cells grown under low [CO2] conditions. A cDNA microarray platform assembled from 2378 cDNA sequences revealed that 142 genes significantly responded to a shift from high to low [CO2]. Trends in gene expression were comparable to those reported for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803, both possessing a CCM. Among genes regulated by [CO2], transcripts were identified encoding carbonic anhydrases (CAs), Rubisco activase and a putative bicarbonate transporter in C. paradoxa, likely functionally involved in the CCM. These results and the polyhedric appearance of the central body further support the hypothesis of a unique ‘eukaryotic carboxysome’ in Cyanophora.
Thermorheological model for the European Central Alps: brittle–ductile transition and lithospheric strength
Authors: Viganò Alfio , Martin Silvana
Published: July 2007

A two‐dimensional thermorheological model of the Central Alps along a north–south transect is presented. Thermophysical and rheological parameters of the various lithological units are chosen from seismic and gravity information. The inferred temperature distribution matches surface heat flow and results in Moho temperatures between 500 and 800 °C. Both European and Adriatic lithospheres have a ‘jelly‐sandwich’ structure, with a 15–20 km thick brittle upper crust overlying a ductile lower crust and a mantle lid whose uppermost part is brittle. The total strength of the lithosphere is of the order of 0.5–1.0 × 1013 N m−1 if the upper mantle is dry, or slightly less if the upper mantle is wet. In both cases, the higher values correspond to the Adriatic indenter.
Pattern of deformation around the central Aeolian Islands: evidence from multichannel seismics and GPS data
Authors: Argnani Andrea , Serpelloni Enrico , Bonazzi Claudia
Published: July 2007

The tectonics of the central Aeolian Islands, which are located within the Tyrrhenian backarc basin, has been investigated through a marine seismic reflection survey. We find that compressional structures dominate around the islands, whereas extensional faults occur only to the north of Salina and Filicudi, towards the Marsili basin. This pattern of deformation, although different from previously reported, is in agreement with the strain field and stress regime obtained from GPS measurements and seismological data. Age constraints suggest that contractional deformation was active since middle Pleistocene, being coeval with the building of the volcanic edifices of the Aeolian Islands, and is superimposed on pre‐existing extensional deformation. Compressional and extensional regimes, therefore, can coexist within a backarc setting. Seismic profiles show that the Tindari‐Letojanni fault, considered as a major tectonic element, does not extend to the north towards the island of Vulcano as a throughgoing fault; rather, deformation is accommodated in a broader belt displaying greater structural complexity.
Altered oscillator function affects clock resonance and is responsible for the reduced day‐length sensitivity of CKB4 overexpressing plants
Authors: Portolés Sergi , Más Paloma
Published: July 2007

Most organisms have evolved a timing mechanism or circadian clock that is able to generate 24 h rhythmic oscillations in multiple biological events. The environmental fluctuations in light and temperature synchronize the expression and activity of key oscillator components that ultimately define the period, phase and amplitude of output rhythms. In Arabidopsis, overexpression of the casein kinase 2 (CK2) regulatory subunits, CKB3 or CKB4, alters the function of the clock under free‐running conditions, and results in period‐shortening of genes peaking at different phase angles. Here, we examine the effects of CKB4 overexpression (CKB4‐ox) on a number of clock outputs that are modulated by day length or photoperiod. We have found a phase shift in gene expression, shortening of hypocotyl elongation and earlier than wild‐type initiation of flowering under short‐day conditions. Our study shows that the earlier expression phases of the floral induction genes GIGANTEA, FLAVIN‐BINDING KELCH REPEAT F‐BOX1 and CONSTANS correlate with higher abundance of the FLOWERING LOCUS T transcript under short‐day conditions. Matching the period of the external light/dark cycles relative to the endogenous short period of the CKB4‐ox oscillator restores the phase of gene expression and the flowering sensitivity to day length, indicating that a clock defect is responsible for the CKB4‐ox phenotypes. Our studies suggest a function for CKB4 very close to the oscillator, as expression of the core components TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1 and CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 is also altered in CKB4‐ox plants. Based on our results, we propose that oscillator dysfunction is responsible for the period defect of CKB4‐ox plants that leads to clock dissonance with the environment and reduced sensitivity to day length.
The C‐terminal kinase fragment of Arabidopsis phototropin 2 triggers constitutive phototropin responses
Authors: Kong Sam‐Geun , Kinoshita Toshinori , Shimazaki Ken‐ichiro , Mochizuki Nobuyoshi , Suzuki Tomomi , Nagatani Akira
Published: July 2007

Phototropins mediate various blue‐light responses such as phototropism, chloroplast relocation, stomatal opening and leaf flattening in plants. Phototropins are hydrophilic chromoproteins that are mainly bound to the plasma membrane. One of two phototropins in Arabidopsis thaliana, phot2, associates with the Golgi apparatus in a light‐dependent manner. In this study, we analyzed the biological activities of the N‐terminal photosensory and C‐terminal kinase domains of phot2. For this purpose, these domains were fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and ectopically expressed in the wild‐type and a phot1 phot2 double mutant of Arabidopsis. The kinase domain fused to GFP (P2CG) was localized to the plasma membrane and the Golgi apparatus, whereas the photosensory domain fused to GFP (P2NG) was uniformly localized in the cytosol. Hence, the kinase domain rather than the photosensory domain is responsible for the membrane association. Interestingly, the P2CG plants exhibited constitutive blue‐light responses even in dark conditions, i.e. stomata were open and chloroplasts were in the avoidance position. By contrast, P2CG with a mutation that abolishes the kinase activity (P2C[D720/N]G) failed to exhibit these responses. phot2 kinase is therefore suggested to be correctly localized to functional sites in the cell and to trigger light signal transduction through its kinase activity. In contrast to P2CG, P2NG did not affect the phot2 responses, except for partial inhibition of the phototropic response caused by the endogenous phototropins.
TECHNICAL ADVANCE: Functional immobilization of plant receptor‐like kinase onto microbeads towards receptor array construction and receptor‐based ligand fishing
Authors: Shinohara Hidefumi , Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu
Published: July 2007

Despite the large number of receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) in plants, few of their specific ligands are known. Ligand fishing is one of the most challenging post‐genomic technologies. Here, we report a strategy for functional immobilization of plant RLKs on microbeads via covalent linkage. Because of the high density of immobilized RLKs, ligand‐receptor interaction can be visualized at high sensitivity using fluorescent‐labeled ligands under the confocal laser scanning microscope. Moreover, using a receptor‐based affinity chromatography system with RLK microbeads, the ligand of the receptor was directly retrieved at high purity from complex natural samples. Our RLK microbeads and receptor‐based ligand fishing approach is a feasible alternative to conventional forward genetics and bioassay‐based biochemical purification for identification of novel ligand–receptor pairs in plants.
The importance of the fetal origins of adult disease for geneticists
Authors: Hall JG
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this paper is to summarize some of the newly recognized in utero factors that interact with gene expression to establish the structural and physiologic processes that will serve the individual long term. These may be common to all mammals and probably reflect evolutionary plasticity, which improves species survival. The concepts of programming, fetal‐maternal microchimerism, growth factors, and transgenerational nutritional affects are explored.
Endocardial cushion defect in a patient with Crouzon syndrome carrying a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)‐2 gene
Authors: Schulz C , Kreß W , Schömig A , Wessely R
Published: July 2007

Crouzon syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)‐2 gene. Recent findings from animal studies imply a critical role for FGFs in the regulation of cardiac development including cardiac cushion proliferation and valvulogenesis. We report on a 36‐year‐old woman, who required surgical closure for an atrial septal defect, a clinical feature that has not been previously reported in other patients with Crouzon syndrome. The findings suggest that cardiac investigations are warranted in patients with a diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome.
Quality of life and psychological well‐being during and after left ventricular assist device support
Authors: Wray Jo , Hallas Claire N , Banner Nicholas R
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly being used to treat patients in end‐stage heart failure to facilitate survival to cardiac transplant or as a bridge to myocardial recovery. The technical innovation of the LVAD has a significant benefit on the patients’ physical functioning. However, within the United Kingdom, there has been no systematic evaluation of the psychological adjustment and quality of life (QoL) of patients currently living with an LVAD, or of the differences in QoL for patients who are either explanted or transplanted.

Aim:  To assess the differences in QoL and psychological adjustment for current LVAD patients, patients who have been transplanted from an LVAD and patients in whom the device has been explanted.

Methods:  Twenty‐two patients involved in an LVAD programme were recruited (18 men and four women; age range 18–60). Eight patients had an LVAD in situ, six patients had the LVAD explanted and eight had undergone transplantation. QoL and psychological functioning were assessed using previously validated measures.

Results:  Although there were no significant differences between the three groups, there was a trend for the LVAD patients to have higher levels of anxiety and depression and a lower QoL compared with transplanted or explanted patients.

Conclusions:  For patients with an LVAD in situ, there was a trend for QoL and psychological functioning to be poorer than for transplanted and explanted patients. Larger studies will be needed to confirm these findings, but psychological assessment and interventions to reduce psychological morbidity and improve QoL will be important in these patients, particularly in view of the increasing numbers of LVADs being implanted and the possibility of their use for long‐term “destination” therapy.
Staphylococcus aureusskin colonization in atopic dermatitis children is associated with decreased IFN‐γproduction by peripheral blood CD4+and CD8+T cells
Authors: Machura Edyta , Mazur Bogdan , Golemiec Ewa , Pindel Mariola , Halkiewicz Franciszek
Published: July 2007

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, which is associated with an increased expression of Th2 cytokines with concomitant decrease in IFN‐γproduction by circulating CD4+and CD8+T cells. The skin of patients with AD is often colonized byStaphylococcus aureus, which may reflect in changes in immunological parameters. The aim of the study was flow cytometric measurement of some peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets expressing naive/memory marker (RA/RO) and activation marker (CD25) as well as intracellular production of IFN‐γby peripheral blood CD4+and CD8+T cells from varied severity AD children and determine the impact ofS. aureusskin colonization on cytokines profiles. There was a significant increase in the percentage of CD4+and CD8+T cells producing IL‐4 and IL‐13 and decrease in the percentage of CD4+and CD8+T cells producing IFN‐γuponin vitrostimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and ionomycin in children with AD compared to healthy ones. The absolute number of CD4+and CD8+T cells expressing memory marker CD45RO was elevated as compared with controls. The severity of AD was positively correlated with the percentage of lymphocyte subsets: CD45RO+, CD4+CD45RO+, and the percentage of CD3+and CD4+expressing CD25 as well as the number ofS. aureuson the skin. In conclusion, both CD4+and CD8+memory T cells are involved in the immunopathogenesis of AD.S. aureusskin colonization is related with disease severity and changes in expression of CD45RO and CD25 on T cells. A decrease in the percentage of CD4+and CD8+T cells producing IFN‐γin AD children may explain propensity for skin infection.
Two year follow‐up of immunological response in mite‐allergic children treated with sublingual immunotherapy. Comparison with subcutaneous administration
Authors: Antúnez Cristina , Mayorga Cristobalina , Corzo José Luis , Jurado Antonio , Torres María José
Published: July 2007

Although the efficacy of allergen‐specific sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is now accepted, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Such mechanisms are better documented in the case of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). In order to understand the T‐lymphocyte response in patients receiving SLIT, we compared children with respiratory disease monosensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus receiving SLIT or SCIT over a 2‐yr period. Peripheral blood was obtained before beginning immunotherapy, and after 3 months, 1 yr and 2 yr. Total IgE, specific IgE and IgG4 to D. pteronyssinus were determined in serum. T‐cell markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25) and intracellular cytokine production (TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐4 and IFN‐γ) were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by flow cytometry. No differences between SCIT and SLIT were detected in the clinical variables or in the subjective evaluation. Although an increase in specific IgE and IgG4 was only detected in SCIT, a significant decrease in the specific IgE/IgG4 ratio was found in both groups. SCIT and SLIT experienced an increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio over time, but an increase in the CD4+CD25+ and a decrease in the CD8+CD25+ subsets were only found with SCIT. A slight shift from a Th2 to a Th1 pattern, measured by the IFN‐γ/IL‐4 ratio, was only detected in the CD4 T cells with SCIT. A decrease in both groups was found in TNF‐α and IL‐2 production over time. Children with respiratory allergic diseases receiving SCIT or SLIT had a different immunologic response in peripheral blood during treatment, though the clinical improvement was similar. Whether SLIT induces a mucosal protective response should be studied.
Pilot study of two new injectable bulking agents for the treatment of faecal incontinence
Authors: Maeda Y. , Vaizey C. J. , Kamm M. A.
Published: July 2007

Objective  The use of injectable bulking agents for passive faecal incontinence appears to provide reasonable short‐term results. However experience with different agents is limited. We report on the outcome of injections with new bulking agents.

Method  Each patient received injections of either BulkamidTM (hydrogel cross‐linked with polyacrylamide) or PermacolTM (porcine dermal collagen). Assessment included clinical evaluation, anorectal physiological testing, endoanal ultrasonography and questionnaires including the St Mark's Incontinence Score, one week bowel diary card, the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale and the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) health survey. Follow up was at 6 weeks and 6 months, with a further telephone review at a median of 19 months (range 14–22).

Results  Ten patients (nine female), median age 68 years (range 45–79), were enrolled. St Mark's incontinence score (0 = best, 24 = worst) was 15 (range 11–24) at baseline, 12.5 (range 3–18) at 6 weeks and 14 (range 6–22) at 6 months. A 1‐week bowel diary and SF‐36 forms also showed temporary improvement but this was not sustained beyond 6 weeks.

Conclusion  BulkamidTM and PermacolTM injections did not have a major effect on faecal incontinence.
Predictive factors for successful sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of faecal incontinence: a 10‐year cohort analysis
Authors: Dudding T. C. , Parés D. , Vaizey C. J. , Kamm M. A.
Published: July 2007

Objective  Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established treatment for faecal incontinence. We aimed to identify specific factors that could predict the outcome of temporary and permanent stimulation.

Method  A cohort analysis was performed to identify potential predictive factors in 81 patients who underwent temporary SNS at a single institution over a 10‐year period (June 1996 to June 2006). Data were obtained from prospectively collected patient symptom diaries and quality of life questionnaires, operation reports, anorectal physiological studies, endoanal ultrasound images and radiology of lead placement.

Results  Clinical outcome of temporary screening was not affected by patient gender, age, body mass index, severity or length of symptoms. The need for a repeated temporary procedure was associated with subsequent failure during screening (P = 0.008). A low threshold to obtain a motor response during temporary lead insertion was associated with improved outcome (P = 0.048). Evidence of anal sphincter trauma was associated with a greater risk of failure (P = 0.040). However, there was no difference in medium‐term outcome between patients with external anal sphincter (EAS) defects and patients with intact anal sphincter muscles.

Conclusion  Variables have been identified that help to predict the outcome of SNS. The presence of an EAS defect should not preclude treatment.
Anterior anal fissures are associated with occult sphincter injury and abnormal sphincter function
Authors: Jenkins J. T. , Urie A. , Molloy R. G.
Published: July 2007

Objective  The pathogenesis of chronic anal fissure (CAF) remains incompletely understood but most are associated with a high resting anal pressure and reduced perfusion at the fissure site. To date, no major distinction has been made between anterior and posterior anal fissures and their aetiology and treatment. We compared anterior and posterior fissures in patients who have failed to respond to medical treatment with respect to their underlying aetiology, anal canal pressures and sphincter muscle integrity.

Method  Seventy consecutive patients (54 female:16 male) with a symptomatic CAF and 39 normal controls (19 female:20 male) without evidence of significant ano‐rectal pathology were prospectively assessed by manometry and anal endosonography.

Results  Anterior anal fissures were identified in a younger age group [33 years (IQR 26–37) vs 41 years (IQR 36–52)] and predominantly in women. Anterior fissure patients were significantly more likely to have underlying external anal sphincter defects compared with posterior fissures [OR 10.9 (95% CI 3.4–35.4)]. Maximum resting pressure was not significantly elevated for anterior fissures compared with controls (P = 0.316) but was significantly elevated in posterior fissures (P = 0.005). The maximum squeeze pressure was significantly lower in the anterior fissure group [167 cmH2O (IQR 126–196) vs 205 cmH2O (IQR 174–262), P = 0.004]. A history of obstetric trauma was significantly associated with anterior fissure location [OR 13.9 (95% CI 3.4–55.7)].

Conclusions  Anterior anal fissures are associated with occult external anal sphincter injury and impaired external anal sphincter function compared with posterior fissures. These findings have implications for treatment, especially if a definitive procedure, such as lateral internal sphincterotomy, is considered.
Social‐psychological Contributions to Peacemaking and Peacebuilding in the Middle East
Authors: Kelman Herbert C.
Published: July 2007

On présente ici un programme de recherche‐action consacréà la résolution des problèmes d'intéraction, ainsi que son application au conflit israélopalestinien. Dans cet article sont résumés les présupposés sociopsychologiques sous‐tendant cette approche: (1) le moment où, dans le processus d'intéraction sociale des conflits internationaux l'individu devient l'unité d'analyse pertinente; (2) la dimension intergroupe du conflit international et sa solution: (3) le conflit en tant que processus pourvu d'une dynamique croissante auto‐entretenue; (4) la nécessité de faire appel à un large éventail de processus d'influence dans les relations internationales conflictuelles; et (5) le conflit comme phénomène dynamique marqué par l'existence et la possibilité du changement. Dans la description de la méthode d'intervention, on met l'accent sur les ateliers de résolution de problèmes qui accueillaient des Israéliens et des Palestiniens politiquement influents. Puis on analyse les développements récents, la contribution des ateliers à la percée de septembre 1993 dans les négociations israélo‐palestinienne et enfin les contributions potentielles de ce travail à l'élaboration de la paix.

An action research programme devoted to the development of interactive problem solving–an unofficial third‐party approach to resolution of international and intercommunal conflicts–and its application to the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict are described. The article summarises the socialpsychological assumptions underlying the approach, referring to (1) the point in the societal and intersocietal process of international conflict at which the individual is the appropriate unit of analysis; (2) the intersocietal character of international conflict and its resolution; (3) conflict as an interactive process with an escalatory, self‐perpetuating dynamic; (4) the need to use a wide range of influence processes in international conflict relationships; and (5) conflict as a dynamic phenomenon, marked by the occurrence and possibility of change. Next, the intervention methodology is described, focusing on the problemsolving workshops with politically influential Israelis and Palestinians that the author and his colleagues have been organising. Recent developments in the work are then presented, including a continuing workshop that met from 1990–93, and a current joint working group on the final‐status political issues in the Israeli‐Palestinian negotiations. The article concludes with an analysis of the contributions that these and other unofficial efforts have made to the breakthrough in Israeli‐Palestinian negotiations of September 1993, and of the potential contributions of this work to the peacebuilding that must accompany and follow the peacemaking process.
Contributions of Behavioural Decision Theory to Research in Political Science
Authors: Lau Richard R. , Levy Jack S.
Published: July 2007

Cet article aborde la question de l'application de la Théorie de la Décision Comportementale (BDT) à deux domaines de la recherche en Sciences‐Politiques, le comportement électoral et les relations internationales. On commence par un bref survol de la BDT, puis on passe à ce qui n'est maintenant que l'amorce de l'exploitation de la BDT dans les Sciences‐Politiques. Dans le premier exemple, notre intérêt est focalisé sur les décisions prises par le public et dans le second sur celles prises par les élites politiques, mais la distinction masse‐élite peut se révéler secondaire par rapport aux situations dans lesquelles émergent les décisions électorales ou de politique étrangère. Dans la présentation de ces deux exemples, on tente de replacer l'investigation reposant sur les aperçus de la BDT dans le contexte plus vaste de la recherche dans ce secteur.

This paper discusses the application of behavioural decision theory (BDT) to two areas of political science research: voting behaviour and international relations. We begin with a brief overview of BDT, and then turn to what is now only the beginnings of the utilisation of BDT in political science. In the first instance we focus on decision making by the mass public, and in the second on decision making by political elites, but, as we shall see, the mass‐elite distinction may not be as important as the different situations or contexts in which voting and foreign policy decisions are typically made. In both instances, we will try to put research relying on the insights of behavioural decision theory into a broader context of research in the field.
A Psychological Perspective on Security
Authors: Bar‐Tal Daniel , Jacobson Dan
Published: July 2007

Dans cet article. on suggère que les problèmes de sècuritéà fondement politique devraient aussi être analysés d'un point de vue psychologique. Puisque les individus évaluent le niveau de sécuritéà travers des processus cognitifs, les résultats sont subjectifs. Les représentations concernant la sécurité sont construites à partir d'une menace perçue dans l'environement, menace que l'individu craint d'avoir du mal à affronter. Deux études poursuivies en Israèl. où le problème de la sécurité est aigu. montrent à quel point les individus vivent différemment I'insécurité et indiquent que plusieurs facteurs influencent les représentations relatives à la sécurité. Ces données indiquent que des évènements réels, militaires, politiques, ou économiques. doivent être perçus pour devenir un aspect de la réalité personnelle: les énènements extérieurs sont compris et interprété subjectivement. Notre approche accorde une importance particulière à la psychologie politique dans l'étude des problèmes de sécurité.

This paper suggests that politically rooted security problems should also be analysed from a psychological perspective. As individuals evaluate the level of security via cognitive processes, the outcomes are subjective. Security beliefs are formed on the basis of the perception of threat in the environment with which the individual perceives a difficulty in coping. Two studies performed in Israel. where the security problem is acute. illustrate how differently individuals experience insecurity, and how different factors influence beliefs about security. These results indicate that while military, political, or economic events are real, they have to be perceived in order to become part of the individual's reality: external events are subjectively interpreted and understood. This approach assigns special importance to political psychology in studying security problems.
The Stress of Organisational Change: A Dynamic Process Model
Authors: Mack David A. , Nelson Debra L. , Quick James Campbell
Published: July 2007

Plongées dans un marché mondial, les organisations ne cessent de subir de profonds changements. Encore que la plupart de ces changements soient nécessaires et souvent retardés, ils présentent comme inconvénient le risque de coûts élevés en terme d'accroissement des dépenses de santé, de pertes de productivité, de baisse de la satisfaction professionnelle et de chute du moral. Ces coûts peuvent être directement imputés à la détresse qui frappe les salariés d'une organisation confrontée à des changement permanents. Cet article propose un modèle dynamique permettant d'aborder les articulations complexes entre le changement organisationnel et le stress subi par les individus. A partir de ce modèle, des interventions prenant en compte tous les aspects du problème pourront être conçues pour aider les salariés à gérer le stress provoqué par les mutations des organisations.

Organisations in the global marketplace continue to experience tremendous change. Although most of these changes are necessary and long overdue, the downside includes the risk of huge costs in terms of increased health care expenses, lost productivity, lower levels of job satisfaction, and low morale. These costs may be directly attributed to the distress that is created when an organisation's employees encounter constant changes. This paper establishes a dynamic framework from which we can begin to understand the complex interplay between change at the organisational level and stress at the individual level. Using this framework, comprehensive interventions can ultimately be developed to help employees manage the stress of organisational transitions.
Procedural Justice as Modernism: Placing Industrial/Organisational Psychology in Context
Authors: Pearce Jone L. , Bigley Gregory A. , Branyiczki Imre
Published: July 2007

Une théorie particulièrement ethnocentrique–l‘équité de traitement–est placée dans un contexte théorique plus large tiré des théories des institutions comparées. Toutes les hypothèses ont été confirmées grâce au traitement d'un échantillon de 1604 ingénieurs et cadres d'entreprises lithuaniennes et américaines du secteur électronique: (a) Les salariés de l’écononomie politique “néo‐traditionnelle” conçoivent leur organisation comme significativement (et considérablement) moins méritocratique que leurs pairs de l‘écononomie politique “moderne”. (b) La relation entre l’économie politique et la perception par les salariés de l‘équité de traitement est médiatisée par l'usage que fait l'organisation des pratiques méritocratiques. (c) L’équité de traitement est liée à l'implication organisationnelle des salariés et à la confiance envers les collègues, même en tenant constante l‘économie politique. C'est en situant l’équité de traitement dans son contexte social que l'on a progressé dans la compréhension de son rôle dans le renforcement de la confiance faite aux collègues; on a également pu mettre en évidence son importance aux yeux des salariés, y compris dans les organisations où elle était inattendue.

A particularly ethnocentric theory–procedural justice–is placed within a larger theoretical context drawn from theories of comparative institutions. All of the hypotheses (tested in a sample of 1604 engineers and managers in Lithuanian and American electronics companies) were supported: (a) Employees in the “neo‐traditional” political economy perceived theirorganisations as significantly (and substantially) less meritocratic than did their peers in the “modern” political economy. (b) The relationship between political economy and employee perceptions of procedural justice was mediated by the organisation's use of meritocratic practices. (c) Procedural justice was associated with employee organisational commitment and coworker trust, even when controlling for political economy. By placing procedural justice into its societal context, insight was gained into its role in fostering peer trust and its value to employees even in those organisations where it is unexpected.
Transformational Leadership and Objective Performance in Banks
Authors: Geyery Alois L. J. , Steyrer Johannes M.
Published: July 2007

Dans cette recherche, on analyse les relations existant entre les leaderships de transaction et de transformation et des indices de performance de vingt banques, cela à partir d'un échantillon de quelques 1500 observations. Le comportement de leadership est mesuré grâce au Questionnaire Multifactoriel de Leadership (MLQ) qui est appliqué ici pour la première fois à des germanophones. La valeur psychométrique du MLQ allemand a été analysée et jugée pas satisfaisante. Nous avons mis au point et contre‐validé un MLQ modifiéà quatre facteurs. Il s'agit de la premiére etude empirique qui rapporte le leadership à des indices objectifs de performance, échappant à toute influence qualitative ou subjective. Les mesures objectives de performance prennent en considération les charactéristiques des clients et du marché local et indiquent si des objectifs raisonnables ne sont pas atteints ou au contraire dépassés. A partir des évaluations du modèle de Lisrel, nous confirmons l'hypothèse selon laquelle le leadership de transformation favorise davantage la performance que le leadership de transaction. La distinction entre performance à long terme et performance à court‐terme est une autre nouveauté de cette étude. II apparaît que les dimensions centrales du leadership de transformation sont plus fortement corrélées avec la performance à long terme. La considération portée à l'individue présente une corrélation positive avec la performance à court‐terme, mais est négativement corrélée avec la performance à long terme.

This investigation examines the relations between transformational/ transactional leadership and performance indicators of 20 different banks, using a sample of some 1500 observations. Leadership behaviour is measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), which is used for the first time in the German‐speaking area. The psychometric quality of the German MLQ is analysed and found to be inadequate. We therefore derive and cross‐validate a modified four‐factor MLQ. This is the first empirical study that relates leadership behaviour to objective performance indicators without any qualitative or subjective influence. Objective performance measures take into account customer features and local market conditions, and show whether reasonable targets are over‐ or underperformed. Based on LISREL model estimates we find support for the hypothesis that transformational leadership affects performance over and above transactional leadership. Another new aspect of this study is the distinction between long‐term and short‐term performance. We find that core dimensions of transformational leadership are more strongly related to long‐term than to short‐term performance. Individualised Consideration is positively related to short‐term but negatively related to long‐term performance.
Patterns of Emotional Responses and Behavioural Consequences of Dissatisfaction
Authors: Maute Mnfred F. , Dubés Laurette
Published: July 2007

Quels sont les modèles de réponses émotionnelles à une expérience de consommation insatisfaisante et quelle est la relation entre ces modèles et les réponses du consommateur suite à l'achat? Lors d' une simulation mentale, les sujets ont fait part de leurs réponses émotives et de leurs cognitions postérieures à l' achat, de leur satisfaction et de leurs intentions à la suite de la constatation d' une carence fondamentale. On a observé quatre modèles discriminables de réponses émotionnelles dans un espace tridimensionnel. Les cognitions traitant du problème, les jugements de satisfaction, la sortie, la plainte, de vive voix, et la perte de clientèle différaient entre les modèles émotionnels; en outre deux dimensions structurelles (acceptation/calme et colère/surprise) rendaient compte d' une grande partie de la variance des réponses comportementales du consommateur à l' insatisfaction.

Patterns of emotional responses to a dissatisfactory consumption experience and the relationship between these patterns and consumer post‐purchase responses are investigated. In a mental simulation, participants reported their emotional responses and post‐purchase cognitions, satisfaction, and behavioural intentions following a core service failure. Four discriminable patterns of emotional responses, positioned in a tridimensional space, were observed. Problem‐handling cognitions, satisfaction judgements, and exit, voice, word‐of‐mouth, and loyalty intentions were found to differ among emotional patterns, with two structural dimensions, acceptance/calmness and anger/surprise, accounting for most of the variation in consumer behavioural responses to dissatisfaction.